RhondaAnn
Thank you. I think that this time around you were referring to Mac’s Aunt – well, when Mac cut her off, it wasn’t because she thought that her aunt would disclose that she is a female. That’s the furthest thing from Mac’s mind. What she was trying to do was keep her from making her look weak. Mac wants every one to know that she is able to take care of herself when she is on the road. She’s thinking that Michael is this gorgeous guy and she doesn’t want to look helpless in his eyes especially since she is already ill.
Everyone else, well, they just sort of interact with her the way that they do through force of habit. I hope that you enjoy this next episode.
Fehr’sBehr
Hey Fehr’s. Maria really doesn’t know that Michael thinks she is a guy. She’s not on top of her game because she is sick and Michael is confused because he is feeling something that contradicts what he ‘sees’. Right now he is more a protector because he knows how ill Mac is so he wants to help ‘him’ make his destination.
LittleRoswell
Hey Beth! Thank you for checking this out and of course I am ecstatic that you like it. Yeah, Mac is really sick so she doesn’t feel like getting pretty. She will get sicker before it’s over and don’t worry about Michael. He is kinda slow right now but he will catch up!
Redrumm
Hey. Maria doesn’t know that Michael thinks she’s a guy and Michael doesn’t know that Maria likes him because he thinks she’s a guy. All that he knows is that he is feeling one thing and seeing something completely different. Thanks for your support and I hope that you enjoy the next epi.
Grace
Hey Grace. Thank you for taking the time to drop me a line. I am getting similar feed-back from everyone and I hope that they don’t seem stupid. I am trying to write this as realistically as possible without dragging it out too long that it does seem impossible. All will be revealed soon.
Ps: Gotta love the CANDY!
:*:*:
Chapter Seven;
Every family has a Black sheep…
Maria
The house was quiet when we arrived home excluding the ever diligent Delilah. She is so wonderful. She’s been with my Uncle and the family for so long that she is a permanent fixture in the house. I’ve loved her like a mother since my Aunt Catherine died. I remember that when I was little I couldn’t say Delilah so I made up my own term of endearment for her and I still sometimes call her Dee lee to this day.
She sent me up to shower and told me to come back down for some specially prepared food for delicate throats.
I looked in on Michael on my way to my room. He was sleeping so soundly that he didn’t stir when I opened the door and came to stand beside the bed. He looked absolutely youthful by the light of the fireplace.
I knew that he would ask what the doctor said about my throat. I didn’t want to have to tell him that I wasn’t seen because they were so busy. They weren’t taking any walk-ins unless the need was dire which meant that I had to be bleeding all over the floor or unconscious. I would have to schedule an appointment. I couldn’t do that because Michael and I would be on the road again late the next night. I honestly couldn’t afford to stick around for a weekend office visit.
The thought that he would be disappointed wasn’t sitting well with me. I didn’t understand why either. I walked over to stoke the fire. It was very warm and inviting – almost too warm standing so close. I took off my hat and scarf and my hair fell in soft waves over my shoulders and down my back.
I stood there for a few moments enjoying the warmth. I made haste when I heard Michael stir. I wasn’t trying to disturb him so I slipped out as quickly and quietly as I had come in.
I hurried to my room and hit the shower. After dressing in flannel and one of my dads old robes, I went down to the kitchen with Delilah. My hair was still damp so after making me sit she brushed it free of tangles then pulled it back into a pony tail.
I sat feasting on creamed chicken and broccoli soup. Delilah was so skilled that the soup was void any lumps and it was so creamy that it went down with no problems. The topper was a thick caramel shake.
‘How did Michael make out today?’
‘Wonderfully. He and Scooter fixed the fence in the north pasture and he is pretty deft on a horse. Did you know that?’
‘No, I didn’t.’
‘He was quite busy today. He branded some steer and helped to birth a colt.’
‘He was busy.’
‘Yes indeed, but I think the biggest surprise is this.’
Delilah drew Mac’s attention to the computer screen on the kitchen counter. One of the photographers was a family friend and he’d downloaded the digital photos that they’d taken for Delilah.
There was one of Michael up close and personal, all decked out in cowboy gear and completely oblivious to the camera. He was holding a branding iron.
‘Oh my goodness, is that really Michael?’
‘In all his cowboy goodness.’
‘Is yummy an accurate description for him? Damn, he is all man, isn’t he?’
Delilah is laughing softly.
‘I haven’t seen you this excited about anything that didn’t have to do with that truck. You really like him, don’t you?’
‘More and more the more time that I spend with him and it doesn’t hurt that he’s so gorgeous.’
‘Does he feel the same?’
‘I don’t know Dee lee. He is genuinely nice so he’d probably feel like he was taking advantage if he tried to hit on me, but it doesn’t matter. This – whatever it is that we are doing – it feels good. We are getting to know each other without emotional baggage. It’s only been a few days but I feel like we are friends. Real friends.’
‘That’s always the best place to start. Look at the rest of these. I’m pretty sure that Michael’s pictures will be used in the spread.’
‘What spread?’
‘The yearly spread. This year it’s for Texas Wrangler Magazine. He had to sign a waiver like the rest of the guys in case his pictures are showcased. Judging by these I’d say that it’s a definite possibility.’
‘Wouldn’t it be a hoot if Michael was featured as the new face for De Luca Beef or Dairy?’
‘That would be hoot, definitely De Luca Beef. So my darling, are you going to tell Michael that you’re enamored of him?’
‘I’m am not. I want to wait to see if he’s enamored of me. Besides that, I wouldn’t want to speak prematurely. I’d be devastated if he laughed in my face.’
‘The thing is Mickie, I don’t think that he would but you know him best. He is really nice, well mannered and as we saw today, a hard working young man. He had the look. You either like farm life or you don’t and he jumped in with both feet.’
‘He did look really at ease in the photographs.’
‘He was. When he and scooter came in he was still excited. He told me how fulfilling it was to be out working with his hands, even though he was cold and tired. He felt as if he’d accomplished something. He promised Scooter that he’d meet him on the trail in the morning.’
‘So he’s really enjoying himself. That’s wonderful.’
‘You’d better head on up to bed. Oh yes one more thing, be forewarned.’
‘I’m not gonna like this, am I?’
‘Knowing that you brought a handsome gentleman to visit, probably not.’
‘That could only mean one thing.’
‘Yep, Sophie is coming. She’ll be here first thing in the morning.’
‘Well, that settles it. Even if Michael had luke-warm feelings for me, it’s all blown to hell when he sees her and when she sees him she’ll definitely throw herself at him.’
‘You’re not going to give him the benefit of the doubt?’
‘He’s a man Dee lee. Sophie is beautiful…
‘You are just as beautiful if not more. Sophie has a terrible attitude. Any man who would choose her over you doesn’t deserve you. Don’t you ever get down on yourself. You have so much to offer your significant other whether it’s Michael or someone else. You are a good person Mickie. You have morals and you know how to treat people.
Sophie, as much as I love her, is a very vain and manipulative person so she will never keep a man of substance. It’s impossible. He will have to be a person who is just as vain and manipulative as she or they won’t be able stand each other. I will admit that the first glance of Sophie, a man might think that he has a diamond, but then she opens her mouth…
‘And he discovers that she is a lump of coal.’
She and Delilah giggled.
‘Thank you Dee lee. I needed that.’
‘Anytime sweetheart. Now off to bed with you and Mickie don’t let Sophie make you feel less than what you are. She is a big brat and two years your senior. She should be setting an example for you.’
They shared a loving hug.
‘I love you Dee lee.’
‘I love you too Mickie. Good night.’
I actually went to bed that night with a heavy heart. I knew that Delilah was right about my cousin Sophie, but always being on the receiving end of rejection whenever she was around my guy friends I could only expect more of the same when she laid eyes on Michael. That was that. He’d slipped through my fingers before I had the chance to tell him that I was diggin’ him. He probably had a girlfriend anyway. I don’t see why he wouldn’t considering how gorgeous he is, but I’d never asked and he didn’t speak too much of his personal life.
I didn’t have it in me to fight – not that I would anyway because it was a waste of time. On top of that I was feeling awful so I really didn’t feel like doing anything including getting pretty. I was starting to worry that I wouldn’t make my destination because I wanted to push our departure back another day. I didn’t want to be at the family estate with Sophie a moment longer than I had to, but I felt that I needed a full day and a night to rest before I got back on the road.
If Michael was going out with Scooter that was an automatic 5:30 call. He would need a good nights sleep after a whole day of ranch life. I would make the ultimate decision the next day. Right then, I was tired and in pain. I needed to reach my destination so I could check myself in to a clinic. I had the feeling that I wasn’t healing the way that I should be and I really messed up when I left my antibiotic in Mineral Wells.
I had taken two pain pills before chatting with Dee lee so I was feeling really woozy. As soon as I thought of her she magically appeared to stoke the fire in the fireplace to a nice blaze so I would sleep comfortably.
She was right as usual. I slept wonderfully. Delilah woke me at 8:00 a.m. with a special soft breakfast and a vitamin and protein enriched shake. She made me promise to have one every morning and night until I could check myself into the hospital. She provided me with the ingredients so it could be done anywhere that Michael and I stopped.
He and Scooter had already hit the trail so I wouldn’t see him until lunch. I spent the morning curled up on the bed with my dad watching Super Bowl XL – The Pittsburgh Steelers vs The Seattle Seahawks on Ford Field in Detroit featuring my all time favorite players, Jerome ‘The Bus’ Bettis and ‘Big Ben’ Roethlisberger. My dad had captured it forever for me on disc because I was on the road when it aired. Now I could watch it over and over again. Yea Steelers!
The guys decided to have chow in the ranch hands quarters so Dee lee and I - against her wishes, dressed for the weather then went down on golf carts to set up the buffet style lunch. Most were on a cattle drive so that left ten ranch hands including Michael and Scooter.
They were in for a treat. Delilah and cook had prepared steaks and home potatoes with rolls, corn on the cob and a huge salad. There was a large vat of coffee and lots of home made lemon-lime aid. There was a decadent chocolate cake for desert and of course Tabasco.
We’d just finished setting up when the boys came in and started washing up.
‘You seem to really be enjoying yourself Michael.’
‘I am. I feel like I’m contributing to a worthy cause. You and your family have been so great to me that I feel like I have to give something back.’
‘You don’t have to do anything…
‘I want to. Keeping busy is good for me. Now tell me, how are you?’
‘About the same. I wasn’t able to see a doctor because everyone was so busy that it was appointment only. The first available is two days from now.’
‘Did you schedule it?’
‘We don’t have the time. If we don’t leave before day in the morning we’ll get too far behind schedule to make my deadline. Hey, go ahead and eat. We’ll talk later.’
‘Ok.’
I clapped Michael lightly on the shoulder and he placed his hand over mine so I wouldn’t walk away. It was brief, but effective.
‘I know that you are on a deadline but is there any way that you could push the delivery date forward? Don’t answer now, just think about it.’
Michael took his place in the line with the guys. My hand was tingling from the contact and I felt flushed. I hoped that I wasn’t blushing. I grabbed a glass of lemon-lime aid and said hey to the other guys.
‘Hey guys.’
They reciprocated –
‘Hey Mac!’
They were all taking their place around the table. On the way out with Delilah I paused briefly to speak with Scooter.
‘Hey Scootie.’
‘Hey squirt. What cha’ doin’ outside with that throat of yours?’
‘Helpin’ Dee lee. Don’t worry. I’m on my way inside.’
‘Is the wicked one here yet?’
‘It wasn’t when me and Dee left the house, but it’s probably there now to cause me grief.’
‘Listen squirt, you’ve got to stop letting her get to you. You have to knock her down a peg or two or she’ll continue to torment you and play on your insecurities and you know that you have nothing to feel insecure about. Come here.’
He gave me a hug. He always knew how to make me feel better when it came to his crazy sister.
‘Now go on, git. Get out of the cold and into the warm house. Do you realize that I haven’t seen you without all this garb around your head and throat since you and Michael arrived?’
‘Just taking precautions. Thank you cousin.’
‘Any time.’
On my way out something struck me strange. I noticed Scotty partaking in the dousing of his food with Tabasco. Weird. I’d never paid that any attention before, but I did remember that we always had it on hand.
Delilah had driven ahead so by the time I made it to the house she had already shed her snow clothes and was hard at work over the stove.
‘Dee lee, you’re cooking more food?’
‘Yeah sweetie. It seems that your cousin discovered that she detests red meat.’
‘Well, I’m going to get warm. I’ll see you later.’
I kissed Delilah on the cheek and she pulled me close for a hug.
‘I don’t want to rehash our conversation from last night, but please remember what I said…
Sophie – ‘You warning poor Mac about mean ole’ ogre Sophie Delilah?’
D – ‘Sophie…
‘It’s ok Dee lee. Hello Sophie, how are you?’
‘A might better than you. You look and sound horrible. What did you do to yourself?’
D – ‘What an awful thing to say to your cousin who just had surgery.’
S – ‘Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Are you ok?’
‘I’m fine.’
S – I wondered what brought you back to the ranch. How long ya’ stayin’?’
‘This is my last day here so don’t worry. I know that this estate isn’t big enough for the two of us. Dee lee, I’ll be in the study. I need to read up on some things.’
I left Sophie standing in the kitchen before she could counter with some evil retort. I hoped that hunger would keep her in the kitchen and that it would over power her need to always belittle me.
I went into the study and cracked open some medical journals to read up on the symptoms of infections. I wanted to be sure that I could make the trip to Nevada. I got comfortable on the overstuffed chaise lounge and cuddled under the couch throw.
The chaise faces the fireplace. I got so comfortable so quickly that I didn’t have the time to take the scarf from my neck or the one on my head that had been beneath the skull cap.
I’m not sure how long I’d been sleeping but I woke when I heard voices. It didn’t take long to realize that it was Scott and Sophie. I wasn’t trying to hide but since I couldn’t be seen I stayed where I was because Sophie would have surely started spitting venom if she’d seen me.
‘Hey Scooter. You got a hug for your sister?’
‘Sure Soph.’
‘That was luke-warm at best.’
‘What do you expect?’
‘A little love for your sister?’
‘Give a little and you’ll get a little.’
‘Of course, what else would this be about but Mac?’
‘Not completely, but that’s part of it. You’ve been home for less than an hour and you’ve already started. Sophie, for once leave her be. Please. You take things too far and it’s not funny. I honestly don’t understand how you take pleasure from someone else’s pain but I promise you that if you kick her while she is down, you never have to worry about me speaking to you ever again. I will completely disown you.’
‘That’s the story of my life. Everyone in it has disowned me, including our parents.’
‘What the hell are you talking about?’
‘You know very well what I’m talking about.’
‘You can be a real witch. You hurt mom so much that she had a mild stroke. Oh, you actually have the decency to look shocked. You would have known about her condition if you hadn’t turned tail and used part of your trust fund to fly to Paris… yeah, I know exactly where you went. When was the last time that you spoke to mom or pop? That long, huh?
You’ve got to stop Sophie before you push everyone away who loves you. There is only so much that people will tolerate from you and I think that everyone is at their limit. You need to figure out what the hell it is that makes you so damned angry and do something about it because it’s consuming you.
It’s easy for you to target Mac because she’ll never have a negative word for you. Be mad at me, hate me if you want but I’m telling you this because I love you. I want my sister back. I know that you are still in there somewhere. Please Sophie. I just want my sister back.’
‘How do you do it?’
‘How do I do what?’
‘How do you look into the faces of those ‘people’ knowing what we know?’
‘What I know is ‘those people’ loved us enough to take us out of a bad situation and bring us into a home where we’ve felt nothing but love and support. You are a walking hypocrite. You act as if you hate this family so much, but you have no problem reaping the benefits and taking advantage of every advantage offered to you until you get bored.
We were adopted Sophie. So what? To me, that is the best thing that could have happened to us. You need to accept it and get over it. My God Iz, life is too damned short for you to be so angry all the time. You are almost 28…
‘You called me Iz. You haven’t called me Iz since we were little.’
‘Those were happy times. You can’t have forgotten no matter what we remembered or forgot or blocked out. It just doesn’t matter anymore. Maybe you should direct your anger at the people who abandoned us in the first place and hope that the other was as fortunate as we are.’
‘The other…
‘I’ve been thinking about him lately. It makes me sad not knowing what happened to him that’s why I have nothing but love for mom and dad. They chose us Iz. They didn’t have to, but they did and I’ve thanked them for that every day of my life. We’ve always felt safe here. We’ve never known fear or hunger here. The De Luca’s give so freely.
What have you ever had to ask for? Certainly not love. They love you, in fact they asked about you this morning.’
‘Is Theresa… is mom ok?’
‘She’s doing ok but I think she’d be better if you’d go to see her. Take the first step Iz. She’ll meet you half way.’
‘I never meant to hurt her… I didn’t know… if I’d known that she was sick…, it’s killing me to think that you think I’m so cruel and heartless Max.’
‘Then show me different.’
‘There is a lot going on with me Scott and I don’t know what to do to make things better.’
‘I think you do. When Iz is back, you know where to find me.’
…
I was stunned silent because I’d heard an entire private conversation that was not meant for me.
Scooter was definitely emotional and Sophie crying when he preceded her from the room. Sophie never cries. Who the hell was this ‘other’? I’d figured out long ago that they were adopted but that never mattered to me because they were and are family… and there was another? Whatever this was, it was huge and… Sophie never cries. I wasn’t at all sure what to make of it.
Scooter was in the house so that meant that Michael was too. I got up and left the study to search him out so we could chat about the itinerary.
*=*
Chapter eight A;
The plot thickens…
Michael
Scooter joined me at the table after hugging poor Mac who looked distraught. I’d heard their whole conversation, not meaning to eavesdrop – but something about their exchange was bothering me so I had to know what was going on.
‘Scott, is Mac ok? Who is Sophie?’
‘Sophie is my venom spitting sister who always gives the squirt a hard time.’
‘Why?’
‘Why does the sun shine? Who knows really? I can tell you that she can be a jealous hearted bitch. Don’t get me wrong, I love my sister but she can be vicious when she wants something which is usually something that Mac has. My sister can sometimes be a really pathetic individual and she has no reason to be because she grew up like all of us.
We had access to anything that we could want or need but at the same time we were taught that we had to work for what we wanted to make it worth something. Michael, be forewarned. You are a friend of Mac’s. Anything that Mac has – no matter what – Sophie wants. I don’t mean to make you sound like an object or property but that’s the way my sister operates. In spite of it all, the squirt is always good to her. I want Mickie to knock her down a peg or two.’
‘Mickie?’
‘Delilah’s pet name for Mac and Mac calls her Dee lee.’
‘That’s cute. Mac isn’t well…
‘I know. It wouldn’t make a difference anyway because Mac will never have a negative word for Sophie or anyone else. I take that back. I’ve seen our Mac get mad to the point of rage once and it wasn’t pretty.’
‘Mac? Enraged? I can’t see it.’
‘Yeah. Mac is a very mild mannered, humble person with the kindest heart. I wish…
‘What?’
‘My greatest wish is that my cousin will find someone to… I’m sorry Michael. I’m sure that you don’t want to hear all this.’
‘On the contrary, please continue.’
‘My greatest wish is for Mac to be loved. Unconditionally. Not because of the De Luca legacy. Not because Mac drives that damned rig like it’s a ten speed. My cousin needs love unconditional because that’s what my cousin gives in every kind word, in every thoughtful gesture. Only a genuine person can achieve that.
My sister caused Mac’s worst break-up and I will never forgive her for that. I won’t go into detail because the squirt would kill me but Mac forgave Sophie Michael. I think driving all those miles is a way to cope with negative stuff. It breaks my heart. When you’re alone on the road no one can see you cry.’
There were things that I wanted to say to Scott but I chose to remain silent. This Sophie character sounded like a real pill and more and more I was feeling the need to shelter and protect the one hundred pound weakling who’d gotten under my skin.
Scott left me to my solitude. I took a leisurely stroll around the ranch while I contemplated current events. I was out for about thirty-five minutes before deciding to turn and head back to talk to Mac.
I ran into Delilah in the kitchen and she told me that she’d seen Mac in the study. I headed that way hoping to find him in an ok mood. The study seemed eerily quiet when I stepped inside calling Mac’s name softly in case he may have been in there sleeping but the room was empty.
I turned to walk out and came face to face with a woman almost my height. She was looking at me and smiling.
‘Well well, who might you be?’
‘I might be Michael, but that would depend on who’s asking. Might you have seen Mac?’
‘So you’re Mac’s friend. I am very pleasantly surprised, well not really. This isn’t the first time that our Mac has brought home such a nice lookin’ friend.’
‘Have you seen Mac, ahm...
‘Sophie. I’m Cousin Sophie and no, I can’t say that I have. Not in the last little while which is lucky for us.’
‘Yeah? How so?’
‘Well… we can take a little time to get to know each other.’
‘You’re kidding, right?’
‘Honey I never kid.’
‘I don’t understand. What’s the point of us getting to know each other?’
‘The ‘point’ is…
She is running her hand across my chest and standing very close to me which is making me very uncomfortable.
…we are two very attractive people and…
‘Sophie was it? Let me save some time and cut to the chase. You’re not my type and I don’t play this kind of game with anyone. I am a guest in this home and your family is very good to me. I’d like to keep it that way so back off and we won’t have any problems.’
‘I suppose that you are more in tune with someone meek and fragile like Mac which is funny Michael, because I wouldn’t peg you for having a type.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because someone, you know – meek and fragile like Mac, wouldn’t know how to handle a man like you. So, out of curiosity what is your type?’
This Sophie was really starting to annoy me and I sure as hell wasn’t going to stand around playing twenty questions with her.
‘What’s yours? Any man with a penis who will pay you some attention?’
Backlash was inevitable but not quite what I expected. She slapped me. Hard.
‘You don’t know me well enough to speak to me that way.’
‘You don’t know me well enough to come on to me and assume that I will appreciate it, but you are correct. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way. I apologize for the act but not the intent. Now if you don’t know where I can find Mac we have nothing more to say to each other, negative or otherwise. Excuse me.’
That encounter had not been pleasant. I gave up on looking for Mac because I didn’t want or need any more trouble. I started to go and search out this Sophie demon and apologize again, but instead I went to my temporary shelter. I was pacing the floor when I heard a soft knock. Thinking that it was the Demon back for more, I treaded cautiously. I actually peeped out before opening the door. I was relieved to see that it was Mac.
‘Hey Mac, come on in.’
‘You ok Michael?’
‘Not really. I have to be honest and tell you that I had a run in with your cousin Sophie…
‘I know.’
‘What?’
‘I’m sorry. Dee lee… Delilah and I heard the whole thing. We weren’t eaves dropping, I swear. In fact we were looking for you. We were walking across the foyer when we heard… everything. I chose to stay out of sight because it would have gotten a lot worse had she seen me.’
‘Mac, why does Sophie hate you? I’m sorry. That’s none of my business. Please let me apologize for the way that I acted.’
‘Are you kidding? You did nothing wrong.’
‘I don’t want to offend anyone.’
‘Do I look offended? Dee lee wasn’t offended. You’re fine. Everything is fine.’
‘So you were looking for me?’
‘Yes. I want to speak to you about our departure time.’
‘Ok.’
‘I’d like to leave before day. We have roughly 553.6 miles to cover, but knowing all the short cuts and back roads I figure that I can cut it down to about 437, a normal nine hour and thirty minute drive. Factoring in the weather, well… maybe we’d better play it by ear.’
‘So midnight, one o’clock, something like that?’
‘Yeah, one or two. We are crossing a time zone so I hope to make it to Albuquerque by noon at least.’
‘We don’t have to drop my bike.’
‘It’s really no problem. We are going through Albuquerque anyway and it’s on the route. We won’t even have to back track.’
‘If you’re sure that it’s no imposition.’
‘I wouldn’t suggest it if it was. Dee lee is preparing an early dinner for us so we can have an early night. Is there anything special that you’d like? Between she and cook, they can prepare just about anything.’
‘So far I’ve loved everything that has been prepared.’
‘She’ll be ecstatic to hear that. Hey, in case I haven’t said it, I really appreciate you helping me.’
‘We are helping each other so a thanks isn’t necessary.’
The conversation that I’d had with Sophie was really plaguing me. I suppose that Mac picked up on my expression because he asked…
‘What is it Michael?’
‘About your cousin…
‘Michael, Sophie is a grown woman. She brought that on herself; however, I will be honest and tell you that I was surprised that you didn’t fall for her. I don’t think that she’s ever been turned down before.’
‘Really? Not ever?’
‘Not ever.’
‘Well, she really is not my type. If I had thought about it before I spoke, I’m sure that I wouldn’t have been so blunt. I know that I shouldn’t feel bad, but I don’t know what came over me. Normally I would just walk away but she really pushed my buttons. If I need to apologize to your Uncle or Father or Delilah, even Scott, I will do it without hesitation.’
‘None sense. You don’t owe anyone an apology but yourself for feeling bad about this.’
‘Ok. I’ll let it go. Hey, do you think that there are books in your study on the mechanical workings of a classic Harley?’
‘Everything else is down there, so I’m sure that you can find what you seek. Have at it. I’m going to my room to lounge and watch a movie. I’ll see you at dinner because Dee lee wants us to eat downstairs tonight.’
‘Ok.’
I went down to the study to look for books on motorcycles. I found what I was looking for right away because everything – all the volumes were stored in sections. I was walking over to place two on the table when family photos drew my attention. There was a grand display of everyone that I’d seen and a few that I had not.
Mac was so easy to spot, always having on a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey and ball cap. There was one of Mac and a female standing side by side. The females face was so like Mac’s that if they weren’t standing side by side I’d think it was Mac. It was odd that there was only one photo of them together and it was pretty recent.
In the younger photos, it was one or the other - Mac, Scott, Sophie and their two male cousins or the female, Scott, Sophie and the two male cousins. I wondered if she could be Mac’s twin. She was beautiful in a dress and high heels with blond tresses tumbling over her shoulders. They were Mac’s unexplainable girly features. There were other photos of this female but not many. One thing was certain; hers was the face that I’d been dreaming about.
Before I could contemplate more I heard a voice behind me.
‘I thought I was alone.’
‘I’m sorry Mr. De Luca, did I disturb you?’
‘No. I was going to read but I think I need to lay down. Would you help me to my chair?’
‘Sure, no problem.’
‘I hate feeling helpless and what makes it worse is this medication is very strong. Since you are here, I want to take this opportunity to thank you. I am always concerned when Mac is on the road alone, even knowing that all the shortcuts and back streets are committed to memory because of my training. I am a die hard trucker so it’s in Mac’s blood.
I made sure that my child is well known by someone in every town on the map because I knew that I wouldn’t be able to do this forever. After seeing that Mac has the fever I took precautions to insure that all journeys would be safely driven.
I’m going to share something with you because you and Mac seem to have gotten pretty close and I feel that I can trust you for several reasons that I won’t go into at this moment. I will however share one. I was concerned when I learned that Mac was riding shotgun with a Jack. Hearing that my child stopped and picked someone up from the side of the road scared the hell out of me and Uncle Pete.
After meeting you I understand why the decision was made to help. You are one of a select few Michael. A lot of people use kindheartedness to their advantage. The thought of someone hurting our Mac almost sent me into a second stroke.’
‘I’m sorry Mr. De Luca. I didn’t mean to upset anyone. I was completely stranded and Mac offered assistance out of kindness. I accepted out of gratitude. After learning that I could assist in driving I felt better because I could actually help especially since Mac isn’t feeling well.’
‘I understand Michael.’
‘I hope that you all know that I would never hurt Mac.’
He reached for my hand and shook it firmly.
‘I feel that in my heart Michael. I found out that I may not fully recover from my stroke. If I don’t I will have to retire early even though I don’t want to. I feel safest when I am riding shotgun with Mac but since I cannot be… I’m not so naïve to think that you’ll be able to ride shotgun with Mac all the time. I just want your word that Mac will make it safely to Nevada and that you will personally see to it that there is a check in into a hospital. I know my child Michael. Mac is not well.’
I had helped Mac Senior into his wheeled chair and I actually pushed him to the elevator and accompanied him to his room where I helped him to bed. The photo of Mac and the female was on his bedside table. I watched with interest as he looked at it fondly. He was starting to nod when I promised him that I would personally see to a hospital visit.
I meant it. Mac would be seen by a doctor if I had to drag him to the hospital with his frail body slung over my shoulder. His dad’s eyes had closed and I was walking as quietly as I could to the door so I could ease out without disturbing him when he said something that struck me strange…
(Softly) ‘Please Michael… take care of my Maria…
I dismissed it as a poor sick and confused man after thinking again about the photo. I was sure that Mac probably had a female sibling that died and his dad was so torn up about it that he was thinking of his beautiful Maria because he was worrying about poor sick Mac. That was the only explanation that made any sense. I wanted to ask Mac about it but I didn’t want to upset him so I decided to let it go.
After finishing my reading on Motorcycles, I put the books back. Scott found me sitting in the study enjoying the fire. We had an hour and a half before Delilah’s early dinner so he asked if I wanted to ride out with him to pick up an order of feed. I was more than enjoying farming/cowboy life so I jumped at the chance after grabbing my coat and hat.
We took Scott’s F150 to the feed store for one thousand pounds of feed. Twenty fifty pound bags that we loaded ourselves. We worked up a nice sweat.
Delilah was holding dinner for us when we returned. We were informed that Sophie had left earlier that evening for Mineral Wells to see her parents. That made me happy. I didn’t fancy her glaring at me during dinner or worse – tormenting Mac.
Mac’s Uncle Pete had caught a flight to Austin for a convention. Mac’s dad didn’t feel like coming down so he was dining in his room. Mac took the tray up to him then came back down to join Delilah, Scott and me at the table. I felt so close to everyone that they could have been my family.
Scott and I shared a kinship. He was really like a brother immediately after we met. He loved Ranch life like me so we had that in common but there was something that he liked even more. Medicine. He really wanted to be a doctor. He studied on line and took classes off season.
Delilah was mother hen. She looked out for everyone, especially Mac. She even mothered me and I really appreciated that never having one of my own. The Uncles and Mac’s father welcomed me with open arms but Mac was the favorite of them all.
What was not to like about the one hundred pound weakling who had shown me so much kindness? I was dreading leaving his families Ranch estate that I loved so much. The work was hard but I really enjoyed it. I was feeling bad for having to leave before Scott and I could finish projects that we’d started. My part of the jobs was unfinished so I was unsatisfied.
Scott invited me back. The invitation was open ended from Mac and Delilah as well. After dinner Scott and I did the dishes for Delilah while she made Mac a protein shake and accompanied him to his room to look at his throat.
When Delilah came down an hour later Scott and I were finishing the game of chess that we’d started the day after Mac and I arrived. Mac was sleeping and Delilah was preparing to do our laundry. I had just hollered check mate.
Scott excused himself and Delilah told me that she’d wait for my clothes before starting the wash. She told me that she’d looked at Mac’s throat and made me promise that the first place we stopped after delivering the packages was a hospital. That was an easy promise to make.
Delilah hugged me.
‘I know that you are a man of your word. I can feel it. Mac is lucky to have met you. You are a good man Michael Guerin and I want you to come back and visit us soon. Oh, one more thing, I know what happened with Sophie. You gave her a big dose of just what she needed. Thank you.’
‘I probably shouldn’t have…
‘Nonsense, think nothing else of it.’
She really looked at me and it seemed as if she was studying my face, actually cupping it gently in one hand and turning it side to side.
‘You know, it’s the strangest thing, but you and Sophie… your coloring and your height… you two sort of favor… in a sibling sort of way.
She waved her hand as if to clear a thought.
‘I’m sorry Michael, don’t mind me. I get these ideas in my head sometimes and… never mind.’
She hugged me again then hurried away from my side. That was strange. I don’t know what she saw but I didn’t think Sophie and I looked anything alike. I didn’t think she was from the same stratosphere – generally speaking. I went up to my room and stripped down. After wrapping in a towel, I opened the door to find the laundry basket waiting. I dropped my dirty laundry inside; took a long hot shower then settled down for my last night in grand comfort.
The De Luca Ranch estate was magical. It gave me a renewed sense of wanting a family. Living with my father had hardened me to the point that I made a promise to myself to remain alone and lonely.
Alone and lonely is overrated – especially after getting a dose of the De Luca clan.
I wanted what Mac had with his family. I realized that I was envious but not in a negative way. Yes, I wanted what Mac had with his family and I wanted a loving woman to share it with. A woman with Mac’s qualities came to mind. I had been having strange thoughts like that for days. I pulled out an old sketch pad from my duffle and started flipping through the pages. I had sketched some horses at the paddock on the ranch and a few other things that I’d seen since I started the adventure.
There was an incomplete picture of the woman that I’d been dreaming about with the face like Mac’s. I finished it and one of Delilah that I decided to leave for her for being so good to me. I hoped that she liked it. I really studied the picture of girl Mac before I fell asleep. The whole situation was very strange.
I was once again dreaming of kissing girl Mac when Delilah woke me at 1:00 a.m. She wanted me to eat a hearty breakfast because Mac had decided to let me have the wheel. When I saw him, I knew why.
He was physically weaker and I was really concerned. Delilah had prepared a special thick and creamy soup and one of her infamous protein shakes. Mac had her blend in his pain medication so he could sleep while I drove us to my place in Albuquerque. We planned to drop my bike at my house then stay at a hotel long enough for me to sleep eight to ten hours, and then I would drive us in to Las Vegas.
Scott was up with us. He fueled us up and warmed up the rig while Mac spent some time with his father. Mac came down to inform me that Mr. De Luca wanted to see me. I felt honored that he thought enough of me to want to say a personal goodbye. I promised once more to personally take Mac to the hospital.
After breakfast we said our goodbyes to Delilah and Scott and Mac actually climbed into the sleeper compartment. That was good because I was able to control the pavement in front of me, melting ice and snow and clearing the rain slicked roads so I could make the trip in about five and a half hours as opposed to the seven and thirty that Mac estimated.
`*`
I am going to post this now because I won’t be able to up-date for two weeks. As always, I hope that you enjoy…
Chapter eight B;
All is revealed in time…
When we pulled outside my rented home, I woke Mac so that he could go to the bathroom if need be. After locking the broken bike in my shed, I went inside to find Mac lounging on the sofa flipping through one of the many sketch pads that lay open on my table.
‘You are very talented. Have you had formal training?’
‘Self taught, and thanks. You ready to get going?’
‘Yeah. The hotel is only about fifteen minutes away. While you eat, I’ll have the chef prepare one of Dee lee’s shakes and blend in my meds. I want to sleep until our last lap. Do you mind taking it?’
‘Of course not. Let’s head out. The sooner we sleep the sooner we can make our destination.’
We checked into a Hyatt. Mac didn’t have any appetite but he tried to eat anyway. The chef prepared a thick and creamy soup using Delilah’s recipe. He took it and a shake to his room. We both showered and turned in. I couldn’t sleep so after about an hour, I went in to check on Mac who was again wrapped all up from the head down. He was sleeping so I hoped that it was a good thing. It was funny that I’d never seen his head and neck without a cover.
I checked in with Delilah because I knew that she’d appreciate it being that she was so worried, and then I settled down myself.
Sleeping brought more of the same, dreams of girl Mac and me in compromising positions that were becoming more… sensory. The dreams so plagued me that I was still tired when I woke. Not sleepy, just tired. The ritual was the same. We ate, Mac got a shake to go then we hit the road. Mac took his former position in the sleeper.
Again, I was able to concentrate on the road in front of me while thoughts of Mac agitated me to no end. I drove the distance in seven hours and fifteen minutes. The first stop was to drop off the merchandise in back.
Mac had made it with time to spare.
We checked into Circus Circus and Mac went to have a shower before going to the hospital. That was fine as long as he didn’t try to back out and make me drag him out of the hotel.
I was in my room pacing. I was distracted and stressed because the only way to explain what was going on was I had feelings for Mac. That was freaking me out more than anything else. Mac was sick but I had to know if this was a mutual madness and he was feeling the same way. Something wasn’t right with us and I had to get to the bottom of it before I went completely insane. I didn’t know what the hell I would do if he had feelings for me too.
I walked over to the door and raised my hand to knock. I decided against knocking at the last minute and just barged in. I was puzzled because Mac was still standing in the same spot that I’d left him when I went to my room. He hadn’t showered and I hoped that he hadn’t changed his mind about the hospital because I would literally drag his scrawny ass out kicking and fighting. The hospital took precedence over all else. His weak voice brought me back to the situation at hand.
‘What is it Michael?’
‘You aren’t showered.’
‘I know. I got kind of light headed for a minute and I was waiting for it to pass. I’m sure that isn’t the reason that you look overwhelmed. What’s going on?’
‘You’re right it’s not, but I’m hoping that you can tell me.’
‘Tell you what?’
‘Can you tell me what the hell is happening to me?’
He looked absolutely shocked and sicker if that were possible.
‘What do you mean Michael?’
‘I mean, I am feeling something for you that I shouldn’t be feeling and it goes way beyond appreciation.’
He looked really hurt and I felt guilty.
‘What are you saying? Is there something wrong with me?’
‘Of course not…
I was thinking that something is wrong with me.
‘Well make me understand. Am I not likeable?’
‘No, that’s not it. You are very likeable…
‘Am I so hideously ugly that you can’t stomach being seen in public with me?’
This was clearly getting out of hand.
‘Mac…
‘I feel something for you too…
Oh shit!
… and I can’t explain it, but I’m not shying away from it…
Oh no. Is Mac gay?
… I want to pursue it to see where it leads but you are standing there expecting me to believe that you don’t feel it too, or is it that you don’t want to? I’ve seen the way that you look at me sometimes when you don’t think that I’m looking, even though you are always very discreet.’
He is serious.
‘But that’s the problem Mac…
‘Why damnit?’
He is really going to make me say it.
‘Because I’m not gay.’
‘No shit, nor am I. What the hell is wrong with you?’
He turned his back on me and all logic flew out the window. I grabbed his arm – turning him to me, scaring the hell out of him. There was sadness in his eyes. That hurt me. I said his name and my voice mirrored my pain.
‘Mac…
Then I did it. I lost my mind and kissed him. I was starting to enjoy it until I remembered that it wasn’t normal and pulled away like he’d burned me. Mac looked as confused as I felt.
‘What the hell is wrong with me? I’m… I’m so sorry.’
‘For what? Don’t you know how long I’ve waited for you to do that? Now I suppose you’ll tell me that you didn’t enjoy it as much as I did.’
This was quickly becoming an out of control situation.
‘What? I am at my whit’s end. What the hell am I going to do…
At this point I’m still pacing the floor and running my hands roughly through my hair.
… this is not normal for me. Am I going to have to reevaluate my sexual orientation?’
Yes, I was seriously having this conversation with myself out loud and Mac was looking at me like I was crazy and I would soon know why.
‘What? (Long pause) Michael?’
‘What is it Mac?’
I couldn’t look him in the eyes. I just stood there shaking my head.
‘Michael, look at me…
I turned to look at him, reluctantly.
…you don’t have to reevaluate your sexual orientation or for that matter, question your man hood.’
Ok, he’s just as crazy as I am, but I had to hear this.
‘No?’
‘No you damned fool…
‘Now I’m a fool?’
‘Yes Michael, you are a fool and so am I for not realizing this sooner.’
‘Realizing what Mac?’
‘Michael, this is normal because I’m a girl.’
I didn’t know what I was expecting Mac to say but it sure as hell wasn’t that.
‘I may not look or sound like it right now, but I am one hundred percent female. You are the only one in this room with a penis.’
I didn’t believe him.
‘Don’t play with me Mac.’
‘I assure you that this is no joke. My given name is Maria McKinzie De Luca. Mac Jr. is my trucking name.’
I vaguely remembered hearing the name Maria but it didn’t register at that moment because Mac started taking off layers of clothing. I stood there dumbfounded when the cap came off and long blond tresses tumbled down and hung freely around the always too feminine face.
Mac took off his jersey. I couldn’t breathe. I was looking at the indication of a pair of perfectly pert breasts underneath a tee shirt. I remembered that I wasn’t breathing when the tee hit the floor.
Mac Jr. was this slender beautiful woman and I was a stupid, stupid man. I stood unblinking until SHE asked,
‘Is this enough to convince you, or should I take off my bra too?’
That got me moving. Before uttering the last phrase, Mac was in my arms and I was kissing her soundly. I don’t remember falling onto the bed. All that I could think about was the fact that I had a beautiful woman in my arms. I didn’t understand how I could have been so wrong about this enchanting creature laying flush with my body – who seemed to enjoy kissing me as much as I was enjoying kissing her.
I spoke to her in hushed tones between kisses…
‘So what’s the verdict?’
‘The verdict?’
‘Yeah. Are my kisses spicy?’
‘Oh yeah, in the best way.’
‘I thought I was loosing my mind. I always knew that you were too pretty to be a boy and it didn’t help that I was feeling this crazy unexplainable attraction to you. Then you go and take off that damned hat and you are beautiful. Maria.’
‘Yes?’
‘I’m just trying your name. I like it.’
‘I like you.’
‘I like you too.’
‘Now that you know I’m a girl?’
‘I think on a subconscious level, my body and heart knew. I just couldn’t wrap my mind around it and chose instead to believe what I saw, which incidentally was contradicting. I’ve been dreaming about you. There was always something innately feminine about you and it had nothing to do with physical attributes because you’ve literally been covered as long as I’ve known you. I almost died when I saw all this beautiful hair and your luscious curves. Are you blushing?’
‘No.’
‘Maria, are you ok? You feel really warm.’
‘I’m ok.’
She was definitely not ok.
‘No, I don’t think so. We are going now. We have to get you to the hospital. We’ve waited too long. I think you have a fever.’
I was running my hands gently over her body and panic was setting in because I was feeling involuntary tremors.
‘I’m fine Michael. I’m warm because you finally kissed me and it was all that I thought it would be and more. It warmed me from the inside out. Now I’m a little sleepy. I think I’ll have a little nap before we go to the hospital.’
She was curling into me. It felt wonderful but I knew that I had to get her some help. She’d stopped talking and closed her eyes.
‘Maria, listen to me…
I was shaking her gently.
‘Maria? Baby I think this is serious. Maria?’
I tapped her face lightly with my fingertips.
‘Mac! Damnit don’t do this to me!’
I quickly pulled her jersey over her head while cradling the phone between my ear and shoulder while half shouting to the front desk assistant to get me a cab. I wasn’t sure if Mac carried a wallet in her bag or if it was in her rig so I grabbed her backpack then picked her up after wrapping her in the hotel blanket.
To say that I was scared was an understatement. I didn’t dare wait for an ambulance. The vacationers in the lobby granted me wide birth and held the door. Thank goodness that the cab was waiting. We got a driver who – incredibly – didn’t know Mac but he made haste and got us to the hospital very quickly.
She was admitted right away and after being poked, prodded and given an IV line, she still hadn’t totally regained consciousness.
I was beside myself. She looked so small and helpless. I felt helpless as I started to blame myself for kissing her when I should have been on my job and gotten her to the hospital sooner.
I’d watched her for so many hours that I had memorized every curve, slant and freckle on her beautiful face. She’d been in and out of consciousness for ninety six hours, four long and strenuous days. I wanted her to feel my presence so I held her fragile hand in mine after I pulled the room chair over to the bedside. I lay my head beside hers. This was my position since she was admitted.
I woke to the feel of her delicate fingers in my hair. I looked up into eyes that had lost their luster from sickness. I sighed then kissed her lightly but lovingly on her pale lips.
‘You can’t possibly know how much you scared me.’
‘I…
‘No, no talking. You have an infection. We have to get you well... I can’t loose you when I’ve just found you.’
‘I’ll be fine in a couple of days… uuunh… throat hurts.’
‘I said no talking and you have to know that you’ll be here for a while. The doctors won’t spring you until you are better and they don’t know how long that will be because you haven’t really been able to eat anything of substance and you haven’t been taking your antibiotic. Don’t even think of signing yourself out ‘cause it aint gonna happen, not on my watch.’
‘Yes sir…
‘No talking.’
She had to write notes to me from then on. She tried sending me back to the hotel to rest. I wouldn’t be able to think about anything but her until she was out of that hospital so that was definitely out.
The only thing that I could promise was while she was sleeping; I’d conduct my bank business and take a hot shower. Ok, I sort of also promised that I would have a little fun and not spend all my time there beside her bed. I know that she could tell by the look on my face that it was highly unlikely.
As long as I was there Maria wouldn’t sleep so I sort of helped her along so I could talk to the doctors then go to the bank to carry out my foster father’s last wish. I was at the entrance when I heard Maria’s doctor friend Andy call to me…
‘Hey Michael, you got a sec?’
‘Sure Andy. I wanted to talk to you anyway. Please be honest with me. She doesn’t look or feel any better. Is she going to be ok?’
Andy led me to a conference room and after pouring us both a cup of coffee, he motioned for me to sit.
‘This is hard for me because Maria is one of my dearest friends. She is not well Michael and it pains me to say this but I honestly don’t know if she’ll make it. We were hoping that she’d get a little stronger. That was the reason that we’ve waited as long as we have, but she needs another surgery. We can’t wait any longer.’
‘But…
‘I know. I led her to believe otherwise but she’s so ill that I can’t add more stress to a dire situation. I can’t have her worrying when she needs to be fighting.’
‘This is so not the news that I wanted to hear.’
‘Michael, it’s not the news that I wanted to tell you but you had to know the truth.’
‘What can we do? There has to be something.’
‘Every thing that can be done is being done.’
:*:*:*:
TBC…
Dee
98°
Fehrenheit
. You know, it reminds me of a classic novel of the french litterature, "Le chevalier de Maupin", where this soldier, in the 18th century, was traveling with a young guy and he was very attracted to him, which was disturing to him.
