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A Pleasant Story - Chapter Twenty Nine - The Rose Whispers of Passion
Back to: A Pleasant Story - Chapter Twenty Eight - The Body Next: A Pleasant Story - Chapter Thirty - Expensive Peace



A Pleasant Story

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The Rose Whispers of Passion


Cyd Roseland came home from his job in the education career and played a game of fetch with his dog, Porthos, but as usual, his mind was on Mary-Sue Pleasant. He'd been enchanted with her since the day he'd met her at the mall, and thought of her often. Since they worked in the same career track he saw her quite a bit, but she never seemed more than simply friendly.






He went inside to make his dinner, and she continued to intrude on his thoughts. Maybe he could just call and ask her out? The worst she could say was "No," right?






He thought about it more as he ate, and finally decided he would take the risk. But not to take her out to eat—to something fun and casual.

He dialed the phone and when she answered asked her if she'd like to go bowling with him.

To his delight and amazement, she said yes!








Cyd changed and gussied up, then picked up Mary-Sue and escorted her to Sugar Cube Bowling lanes downtown. He was nervous, not least because he wasn't sure if Mary-Sue realized this was meant to be a real date, and not just friends hanging out. But she also seemed to be watching him carefully, almost judging him.







They laughed and chatted casually as they played, and Cyd felt a little worried that Mary-Sue only saw him as a bowling partner. Or as an amusing klutz.








He wanted to say something to indicate his interest in her, but he worried about coming off as too eager.

Oh well, she seemed to be having fun, anyway.






After they finished their game, Mary-Sue turned to Cyd and said, "So there is something I've been wanting to tell you. I wasn't sure how much you knew about my past, but it was kind of difficult to bring up. It's a little complicated."

Cyd smiled at her encouragingly. "I'm happy to hear anything you'd like to tell me. I want to get to know you."

Mary-Sue said hesitantly, "So you know my husband and I divorced because he was unfaithful."







Cyd nodded.

"What I hadn't told you--and this is why I never invited you home to visit after work--is that my husband got our maid pregnant, and she and her son from my husband now live with me."

Cyd stared at her. "You mean to tell me that you took in your husband's mistress and his and her child?" His voice was a little sharp.








Mary-Sue was immediately defensive. "What was I supposed to do? She was a young kid and pregnant and had nowhere to . . . "

Cyd interrupted her, "Oh, no, I wasn't questioning or judging you! I was just surprised. I think that's a really nice thing of you to do!"

Mary-Sue stepped back and fanned herself a bit. "I'm glad you feel that way. I was really nervous about telling you. I wasn't sure if you'd judge me, or think it was too much drama to get involved with. I'm glad it doesn't bother you."







"Not at all!" Cyd said. "In fact, it makes me like you even more. You did know I like you, right?" He looked at her hopefully as he waited for her reply.

Mary-Sue suddenly felt about 16 years old--an uncertain teenager. She nodded at him shyly and smiled. "Me too," she said.

"Then how about a dance?" Cyd asked her.

"Here? At a bowling alley?" Mary-Sue chuckled.

"What better place," Cyd said. "We can rock to the beat of the falling pins."

Mary-Sue laughed as she moved into his arms. Cyd was happy.





When Cyd got home, Porthos greeted him at the door and sat up as if to say, "So how did it go?"

"Just fine, buddy," Cyd told him as he stroked his head.









"How about we go out for a walk?" Cyd asked him.

Porthos wiggled and stretched and indicated his approval with a happy bark. “Let's go!" he said, in doggie language, “But first, a belly rub!”







Over the next few days, Cyd took Mary-Sue out to all the fun places he could think of. They went dancing, and roller skating, and for a walk in the park. Mary-Sue introduced him to Kaylynn and Mitch, and enjoyed watching him interact with the busy toddler.






He truly seemed to be a kind man who loved kids.







After a date playing poker, Cyd asked her tentatively if she might like to come back to his place, and Mary-Sue agreed.

As they relaxed on his bed, Mary-Sue said, "There is one thing I haven't told you. You know I have two girls in college, right?"

Cyd agreed, "Yes, Angela and Lilith."

"Right," Mary-Sue said, then continued, "So you know I must be pretty old to have daughters that age and well, I know you are pretty young and . . . "

"That doesn't matter to me," Cyd interrupted, "I don't really think about age like that. I'm more concerned about who a person is on the inside."







"I'm glad to hear that," Mary-Sue said as she snuggled up to him, "But how would you feel about it if I had two daughters in college AND I was younger than you are?"

Cyd laughed and said, "I'm not sure how you'd manage that, but sounds fun!"

Mary-Sue explained to him about the potion that Cassandra had given her and how it had made her much younger than when she started.

Cyd responded, "Well, how about we find out how well it worked? A young body with all that experience sounds . . . intriguing."








Based on his enthusiastic reaction, Mary-Sue figured Cyd thought her young body and old brain worked just fine.





As she left to go home, Mary-Sue reflected that she couldn't have found a better cure to help her get over the many years of heartbreak she'd suffered as Daniel's wife.







When he got home from work the next day, Cyd found his friends Herb and Faith Goodie waiting for him. He had boarded with them briefly when he'd first moved to Pleasantview and they often dropped by just to catch up. This time though, they seemed concerned about something, so he invited them in to talk.

After they were settled at the table Cyd said, "So what's wrong? You two seem worried."





Faith asked him, "Have you met your new neighbors, Cyd?"

Cyd shook his head. "I thought I noticed a family moving in, but I haven't gone over to meet them yet. I've been busy lately."

Faith continued, "It's a family, but a family of orphans. They are six kids who lost their parents. The two oldest are just teenagers, and they are trying to take care of their younger brothers and sisters all by themselves!"

Herb said, "We were coming over to visit you yesterday and we noticed some of them in the yard, so we introduced ourselves. The house is a mess, the older two have to keep skipping school to take care of the toddlers, and I'm afraid social services may take them all away if they don't get some help."







Cyd said immediately, "Well I want to help. Will you take me over and introduce me?"







Faith said she'd walk him over and Herb said he'd stay behind and play with Porthos. As they walked the few steps over to the house next door, Faith told him, "Their name is Newson. All the kids have names starting with 'G.' The older two want to try and keep their family together, but they are so tired."

Cyd noticed that were lots of holes in the front yard and Faith said, “Oh, dear. I’ll bet they’ve been trying to dig for treasure to earn money.”







“It looks like a really nice house though,” Cyd said. “Why do you think they need money?”

Faith explained, "I know they had an inheritance from their parents, but they’re kids. Maybe they didn’t budget well.”








Faith rang the bell, and a girl's voice called, "Come in!" and they entered. The large main room seemed to be full of kids, and toys, and laundry, and was messy, but Cyd observed that the kids all seemed happy and clean. Two toddlers and an older boy were playing with toys on the floor, while a teenage girl and her sister were playing chess.





A teenage boy was trying to do his homework in a very bare kitchen.








Faith swooped in, calling out greetings, and introduced Cyd to the children. She picked up the little boy, Garrett, and invited Cyd to pick up the other toddler, Georgia. The teenagers Ginger and Gavin came over to meet Cyd, and then he met the middle children, Gabriella and Gallagher.

"I guess your parents really loved names that started with 'G'!" Cyd laughed.

The kids chuckled politely; this was a joke they'd heard before.








Cyd and Faith told the oldest ones that they'd look after the littles so they could get their homework done, so Gavin and Ginger sat down in the mess and got to work. It took them a long time; they hadn't had anyone available to teach them how to study.





Faith worked on cleaning the kitchen while Cyd began on the living room.





When they'd finished, Cyd sat down to play a little chess with Ginger and talk to her about their situation.

"I'd really like to focus on my studies," she told him, "But it's hard with all the kids to take care of. This house we got was maybe too expensive, but Gavin and I thought a nice safe place to live was important."

Cyd nodded. "And what would you like to do when you grow up? Do you have career plans?"








"I LOVE gaming," Ginger told him, but I am not sure if I'll ever be able to get started. I need to see all the younger kids off to college. But that’s why I practice my chess all the time—so I can get a gaming scholarship."

"Maybe we can come up with something to make it easier for you," Cyd told her.








"Let me help you right now," he said. "I think Georgia is ready for the potty!"

Ginger was happy to let Cyd take care of it, and continued practicing her skills.







Then he got a bottle for Garrett, and was tickled by how cutely the baby bounced when he saw his dinner coming.





Cyd then put Garrett to bed while Ginger washed up and went to bed herself. Before she climbed in, she thanked Cyd and Faith for helping out.







"It's nice to go to bed without worrying about the little ones for once," she said through a huge yawn.

Cyd looked around the upstairs, and thought there would be plenty of room for another bed in there. He didn't think he wanted to leave these poor kids alone to struggle.


He spoke to Faith about possibly moving in to take care of the kids for a while. Faith said, "I can come over and help with cooking sometimes, and Herb can help with gardening and fixing things. But I think it's wonderful for you to offer to stay with them, Cyd. Herb and I thought about doing that, but keeping up with six kids would be a bit much at our ages."





He then proposed his idea to Gavin.

"It seems to be really hard for you guys," Cyd said, "And I was thinking I could maybe move in with you for a while to help out. Until the little ones are older, at least."

Gavin seemed thrilled with the idea. "That would be great! Ginger and I are exhausted half the time, and our grades suck. I'll have to ask her about it, though."





Cyd told him that would be fine, but that he'd plan to stay there for the night at least, and watch the toddlers tomorrow so Ginger and Gavin wouldn't have to skip school.

He and Faith said goodbye, and Cyd told them he'd be back once he had locked up his house.

Back home, he found Herb and Porthos practicing “play dead.”





He and Faith filled Herb in on the plan but Cyd started up suddenly. "What about Porthos? I don't think it's a good idea to bring him there--there's too much chaos right now."






Herb spoke immediately, "He can stay with us. He and I are good friends and it will be nice to have a dog around again."

Herb and Faith said goodnight, and Porthos trotted along with them happily. He liked everybody.




Cyd then picked up the phone to call Mary-Sue and let her know about his new possible living situation.

"I just couldn't leave them all there alone. I hope you understand," he told her.

"Of course," she said. "I know a little about taking care of people in trouble."






Cyd packed a bag and headed next door. His first step was to finish cleaning up the living room.








Then he took care of the toddlers during the night so Ginger and Gavin could sleep, and when the middle kids woke up, he helped them learn how to do their homework.






When Ginger woke, refreshed for the first time in months, she was delighted to agree to the plan to have Cyd stay with them. Gabriella asked if Cyd would swing her around before the school bus arrived and they went out in the yard.










The kids went off to school after the bus arrived and and Cyd called off from work so he could stay with the toddlers.







He was surprised at how easy he found it to care for the children while cleaning and organizing the house. He called Faith over to direct the new decor they needed, and she and Herb were happy to contribute some furniture. Faith got a bit carried away in the kitchen and completely redecorated it.

When Gavin and Ginger got home from high school, Cyd ran out excitedly to greet them.


First he showed Gavin the garden plots he'd installed; Ginger had told him that Gavin loved nature and Cyd wanted him to be able to enjoy his hobby. Gavin immediately started composting the plots.










Then he showed Ginger how Faith had gotten new seating for her chess table, as well as a comfy couch and chairs for a study area.






He'd also organized the art supplies near the easel, and the whole area now looked tidy and welcoming.







"And now," Cyd said to them, "Time to learn how to study so your homework won't take so long anymore!"





Gavin went first while Ginger played with her chess set, then after a brief break to potty-train the toddlers, it was her turn.






Gabriella and Gallagher got home then, and introduced Cyd to their friend Anthony, who really loved space.







Faith and Herb came over that evening, and Faith offered to make dinner for the family. Cyd happily accepted, as his cooking skills were not yet beyond much more than mac and cheese.

She asked Cyd how everything was going and he shrugged, "I really can't believe how easy it is. I thought six kids would run me ragged, but they are so smart and so fun--and so helpful, it doesn't really seem like work. Georgia's a bit grumpy, so she's less cooperative with her potty training, but overall everything is fine."


Faith made turkey for everyone, and they all sat down at the new dining table to enjoy it together.

Herb told stories about being trapped in a Turkish prison when he was young while the children pretended to find it fascinating.

Cyd was so impressed that these kids could be so fun-loving after losing their parents.





The next day, Cyd nearly wore out his hands clapping because ALL the kids came home with A+ report cards.

First Gavin,






then Ginger,






then Gallagher,






and finally Gabriella.








He clapped for them all as they danced and cheered in front of Cyd.


Then it was time for the birthdays of the little twins.


Ginger held Georgia in front of her cake as they all cheered for her to become a child.






Then it was Garrett’s turn and Georgia joined in the cheering for him.








Cyd then asked the two of them what they’d like for birthday presents.

"I like music, so maybe a piano?" Georgia told him.


Then it was Garrett's turn, and he chose a telescope. Cyd bought the less-expensive model; in addition to the cost, he didn't want to take the risk that any of the kids would go visiting aliens!

Garrett didn't care; he was thrilled!








Georgia went to change because she didn’t like her outfit while the rest sat down to enjoy a piece of birthday cake. Gallagher told a story about a rat named Ben that he’d met in the back yard.






Cyd listened to the kids chattering and laughing happily and thought this was the best thing he'd ever done in his life. Then Gallagher said, "When I grow up, I'd like to get married and have kids, but I'd have to be engaged first."

Ginger told him, "You don't have to be engaged first. Cyd has six kids and he's not!" Then she laughed as if it was a joke.

Cyd smiled and laughed. "Maybe that's something I should change?"









Cyd was able to go back to work the next day as he could send all the children to school together during his work hours. That evening, Ginger and Gavin offered to watch their siblings so Cyd could have a date with Mary-Sue. He told them his plan, and they wished him luck!

They met at FM, a fun karaoke bar and restaurant, and Cyd greeted her as though he hadn't seen her in years.









When they went to sing together, Mary-Sue had trouble keeping her mind on the notes. Because of her love of music, she could sing very well; Cyd not so much. But it was fun, and he knew he was off-key, and they laughed together at his ineptitude.






Mary-Sue asked him how it was going with the kids, and he filled her in on all the details.

"I feel like this is the best thing I've ever done," he told her. "And it makes me realize I'm definitely a family man."








Mary-Sue took his hands and kissed him. "That's one of the things I like about you," she told him. "But you're also a hunk," she said as she moved closer to his body. "How about we have a little woo-hoo before dinner?"

"I don't think we have time to get home and back before our reservation," Cyd said.

Mary-Sue took his hand and led him to the nearby photo booth. "Oh, I think this will do," she said as she sat on the seat.

Cyd didn't need any more persuading.

They heard some cheering from outside the booth as they were getting busy, but then discovered that they had apparently aroused the attention of the Countess!







Mary-Sue didn't want to get in trouble with THAT one, so she made an effort to charm her a bit so as not to incite the ire of the undead.

The Countess seemed placated, but Cyd was a little concerned, so he said, "Um, we need to leave for our dinner reservation, Mary-Sue."







They went to Bernard’s Botanical Dining and when they were seated, he said to her, "Well THAT was a surprise. I must admit I wasn't expecting a public romp!"

Mary-Sue chuckled. "Don't be a square," she told him, and laughed at his shocked expression.







"I didn't think I was a square," he bantered back at her. "I just didn't think YOU were an exhibitionist!"

"But you know what," he continued, "I love that about you. You are fun to be with and you keep me on my toes, and we laugh together, and we both like kids and well," he reached into his pocket and placed a small box on the table in front of her.

"Will you marry me?"







Mary-Sue admired the ring and gushed, "Oh Cyd, of course. I can't think of anything I'd like more. But what about the Newson kids? And Kaylynn and Mitch? Where would we live?"

Cyd reassured her, "We can work it out however you want. We can wait for some of the Newson kids to go off to college, and there'd be room for all of us, or we can live part time wherever. Whatever works for you, and for us."







Mary-Sue turned to him and said, "Then yes. Of course. I'd love to marry you."

Cyd stood and hugged her.

"This will be perfect," Mary-Sue told him.






Mary-Sue called a ride to go home then, and Cyd whistled happily to himself as he left to walk home. He passed the matchmaker as he left the club, and said to her, "No thanks! I won't need you!"

When Mary-Sue got home, she immediately told Kaylynn her good news.

"That's so wonderful!" Kaylynn squealed. "He seems really nice!"






"And I want you to know," Mary-Sue said, "That we both want to organize the living arrangements slowly, and you won't have to . . . "

She stopped suddenly, and gulped.

Kaylynn looked at her in concern, "Are you okay?"

Mary-Sue suddenly covered her mouth and ran for the toilet. She was in such a rush she couldn't even wait for the door to close before she threw up.






Mary-Sue flushed the toilet and wiped her face as she stood up. She stepped out of the bathroom and looked at Kaylynn.

"I know what that means!" Kaylynn said, "Congratulations!"


Click Next: A Pleasant Story - Chapter Thirty - Expensive Peace to continue...

 
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