Roswell Fanatics

Start Date: November 2005
Title: Eighteen Wheels or The Two Faces of Mac
Genre: CC in an Alternate Universe featuring M&M
Author: D2Tymes, Dee67, Dee (Dee Dee)
Disclaimer: We didn’t want it to end but Roswell is gone, we have fabulous CANDY stories to help us carry on. Stories of love and lust and sex and fun – who owns the series? I ‘aint the one.
The characters of Roswell belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, The WB and UPN. I just borrowed them a while for my own lascivious means. (Insert maniacal laugh here)

Rated: E for everybody

Summary: Maria ‘Mac’ De Luca, a skilled truck driver stops on a lonely Oklahoma road to offer assistance to a stranded stranger.

This stranger – Michael Guerin – having problems with his motorcycle gladly accepted the offered ride from who he assumed to be a guy. This is the tale of - for lack of a better explanation ‘mistaken identity’. We all know that things aren’t always what they seem.

Note:
Keep an open mind. I know not one damned thing about trucking other than the fact that it fascinates me. Some of this is factual, some I made up. I love to read and I know how to surf the net. When in doubt, that’s what I do.

Hope you enjoy~



Chapter One;


I was born to be a Trucker…




I learned to drive when I was thirteen. I found it so fulfilling that I couldn’t stop. I wanted to learn how to drive everything on wheels so every year after I would progress. It started out with four and now I am up to an eighteen wheeled Semi-Truck, my absolute favorite thing in the world.

Practice was like a ritual. When he had to do an all-dayer or overnighter, my dad would have me put on a ball jersey (I love the Pittsburg Steelers to this day) and pull my hair up then he’d put a ball cap on my head and let me loose on the open road.

We started out slowly once I really learned to drive, maybe 40 or 50 miles at a time and as the months progressed so did the span. By the time I was sixteen, I was driving pretty much the whole distance. My dad was so comfortable and confident in my ability that he would sometimes sleep and let me take total control. Only his closest friends knew that I am female. He didn’t want people to tease me so he and the guys started calling me Mac Jr. No one would think it odd that a man was teaching his son to drive a Semi-Truck.

McCallaster Dean De Luca, named after my grandpa Cal. My dad was the greatest trucker on the road next to me. I am his namesake when I’m rollin’ down the highway so I strive to make him proud. My dad was like the proverbial ‘father figure’ to everyone that he came into contact with. He took anyone that would let him under his wing and showed them all the tricks of the trade. That is why he is so well known in most every city on the map and all the little towns in between. They all know me as well because it wasn’t often that he was seen without me by his side.

The great thing is they all took me in as if I were their own. We are a tight family. We had to be because we spent so much time on the road. We took care of each other. The guys had wives, lover’s mothers and some had little ones who depended on them. Dad and I had each other. We are so well known that in almost any town that we frequent there is a warm safe place for us to stay. Nothing beats extended family and friends.

I got ‘on the road training’ and it worked to my advantage because as soon as I turned eighteen I got my CDL license. It was a happy day because I could drive legally and not have to worry about the police harassing me for operating such heavy machinery especially since I am female. Besides my dad; my uncles’ Pete and Scott also own trucks so I always had one to utilize. That quickly got boring.

A few years after getting my license, I expressed the desire to own my own truck. As soon as I turned 21 I got my Class A! That one is the Holy Grail as far as I am concerned because being in possession of it meant that I could drive all across the country. There was no stopping me then. In addition, I could drive ANYTHING on wheels.

My three dads’ surprised me on my 25th birthday with my own Semi Truck. I’m sure that many would think that it is an extremely uncommon gift to give a woman but I don’t care. It was my grandest dream to possess my own and they decided to make it easy on me and not put me through the horrendous task of trying to save up because it would have taken years. My family has money, lots of it, but I didn’t want to borrow it from them because it’s not the same if you are trying to do something on your own. Now a gift is a completely different story!

My rig is a sight to behold, all shiny in chrome and purple. My cousin Scooter tricked out the dash so on top of the top of the line CB radio that I rarely use; there is also an in-dash DVD/CD player, mobile phone, MapStar navigational system, rearview camera system and a lap top computer. He wired speakers all around the front of the cab and over my head underneath the fabric so it is really surround sound. I can unlock my doors and let down my windows from a hand held remote. The whole package is very impressive and I own the only one of its kind.

The cab is completely custom in the darkest softest, plushest purple suede and the sleeper car is extended. I don’t need very much room, but I have plenty. I hadn’t tried it but I was sure that two could sleep together in perfect comfort… or not sleep. (Insert cheesy grin and raised eyebrow here) Ok, ok, back to the business at hand.

I am now 26 and I can out drive any man – on the road or off. I learned from the best so what else would I be but the best?

It saddens me to say that my dad got sick over the summer. He is out of commission for a while so I lost my long distance driving partner. I kind of get the feeling that he may be sicker than he is letting on but I’m trying to trust what he is telling me because he has never lied to me.

Singing is another thing that I love to do. I’m told that I do it well. I guess that I’m good enough that people ask me to sing at engagements and different functions and the up-side is, I get paid well. If I weren’t a trucker, singing would definitely be my craft.

I signed on for a drive to Las Vegas Nevada to deliver some slot machines. I committed to the job in advance so the timing kind of sucked because it corresponded with a surgery that I had to have.

I had been getting sore throats over time and it didn’t dawn on me to have it checked out until I had to cancel a singing engagement because of it. Anyway, the canceled engagement lost me a nice chunk of change. I wasn’t too happy about that and to make matters worse was the fact that the sore throat thing was happening too often. I finally decided to have someone look inside to try and figure out what was going on so I made an appointment.

I was more than shocked to learn that I had a growth on my vocal chords. Most people don’t know that we all have two sets of vocal folds if you will. The growth was on the false set and it was causing me to have some discomfort. A good friend of mine who is licensed in Otolaryngology had a culture biopsied. The growth was not cancerous thank goodness, but it had to be removed because it was his opinion that it would continue to grow and I would continue to have problems that over time would be impossible to correct if I didn’t do it right away.

I didn’t argue. I trusted Anderson because I’ve known him all of my adult life. If he said that I needed to have it done then I was getting it done. I didn’t need a second or third opinion. What bothered me is that I had time constraints. I needed to be on the road not long after the surgery so I really didn’t have the time that I needed to recuperate. In fact after the surgery, Andy wanted me to stay in the hospital in Memphis for three or four days, but against his wishes I checked myself out.

I figured that if I could drive through to Abilene, I could take some down time while spending it with my father who was recuperating at the family ranch. The hard part was driving the distance while I was feeling awful.

After picking up my prescription meds, I said an enormous thank you to Andy then set out on a mission to make Abilene Texas in the timeliest manner. I planned to drive through Arkansas into Oklahoma then drop down into Texas. It was a nice ride but knowing all the side streets and shorts cuts, I knew that I would make great time and I did.

I drove Arkansas mechanically. I knew every mile like the back of my hand. I stopped only long enough to sleep just outside of Oklahoma. My throat felt like it was on fire so I had some soup and after taking the antibiotic I actually took two pain pills. I slept twelve hours then took a hot shower before hitting the road again.

Arkansas was a distant memory when I hit Oklahoma City. I was driving down a pretty deserted road when I happened upon a man who was trying to fix a broken motorcycle. It isn’t common practice for me to pick up strangers on the side of the road, but it was snowing and cold and that played on my sense of decency, that and the fact that he was so damned gorgeous that I couldn’t in good conscience leave him to some lonely woman who might happen upon him if I’d left him there.

The strange thing was that I saw his backside first and I knew instinctually that any man with an ass like that had to have the face of Adonis. I was damned ecstatic to be right.

Anyway, I offered him a ride and he happily accepted which in turn made me happy because it gets really lonely on the road. I had a lot of miles ahead of me and company would make the time pass that much quicker.

He was cold and tired. He’d all but given up on the broken bike that we wrapped in a tarp and put in the back of my rig. I was looking forward to the change in plans because sometimes change is good.

This is where the journey began for me – Maria ‘Mac’ De Luca, and my riding companion, Michael Guerin.

“*”


Chapter Two;

Things aren’t always what they seem…



I hated my foster father until the day that he kicked the bucket. When I got the call that he’d passed, I didn’t feel happy or sad. I think I felt relief. I went to Oklahoma City for the funeral because it was the right thing to do. It didn’t even shock me to see that I was the only person in attendance besides the minister. He had no friends and he was the last of three brothers who had preceded him to the great beyond – I am totally giving him the benefit of the doubt ‘cause in the back of my mind I am thinking fire and brimstone.

All arrangements had been made prior to his passing so all I had to do was show up. My conscience wouldn’t let me stay away.

I got my second surprise when I was told that the bastard had actually left a will. It was the third that left me speechless and almost sent me into a mental meltdown.

The drunken bastard had money. When I was with him we lived like ditch pigs. Poverty was all I knew until I broke free and got a life of my own. I’m not rich by any means, but I am comfortable. I like working with my hands and on my own time. There is something very fulfilling about it. I believe that’s way I chose to dabble in architecture, construction and carpentry. I’ve actually designed and helped to build a few well known structures.

Regarding my foster, I wouldn’t have entertained the thought of accepting what he willed me if he hadn’t left a letter addressed to one Michael Guerin in his familiar drunken scrawl. What’s sad is he wrote the same whether he was drunk or sober. It seems that he couldn’t voice an apology, but he mustered the courage to write in a letter the fact that he knew how much he’d hurt me over the years. He actually expressed regret then he went on to say that he knew that money wouldn’t make up for it, but maybe it would help me to make a new start. A new start was exactly what I needed.

I was preparing to break ground in Arizona. My ultimate goal was to build my own house with my own hands and my fosters’ purse would get the materials that I needed sooner. The quirk was, I had to go to Las Vegas to get it from a safe deposit box at the Bank of Slots and Dollars. How cheesy is that? The BOS&D sounds like something that one would find on a Monopoly game board. The money was in the form of some stock, IRA’s, treasury bills and also some bonds that needed to be cashed in. That was the only information that the teller would give me. That was enough.

I restore old motorcycles in my free time. A friend of mine called to tell me about an old classic Harley that he would give me to restore. He said that if I could fix it enough to drive it home it was mine. I had to go to Oklahoma anyway so the trip would benefit me. The plan was to fly in to Oklahoma, ride the bike home then fly out to Nevada. Yeah, that was a grand mistake during the first snow.

Plans change quickly. The damned bike broke down on the highway. I always try to do things the human way even though I was blessed with Alien Genetics. Yeah, I am one of those Roswell Aliens that everyone has heard about, but aren’t sure that they believe in that sort of thing. I am living proof that it’s all true. It’s not a big deal to me, but I’m positive that people wouldn’t take too kindly to me if they knew.

Anyway, I started tinkering around with the bike and I was getting more frustrated by the minute. The cold was starting to set in so against my better judgment I was gearing up to use a little molecular magic to make it all better when I heard the gears and brakes of a truck stopping alongside me. Was it possible that someone had stopped to save me from a frigid death?

Yes.

I looked up at an impressive 18 wheeler. What shocked me was the person who got out. My rescuer was in the form of a 100 pound weakling named Mac Jr. Poor thing looked like a strong wind would blow him over. He’d had surgery and couldn’t speak above a whisper. It had something to do with his vocal cords so his neck was wrapped in a thick scarf and he had on a knit cap as well as a pull over hoodie.

The gesture was sincere. I appreciated Mac’s kindness. Not many people – man or woman would pull over on a near deserted road in the snow to help a guy stuck on the side of the street.

We put my broken bike on a tarp and put it in the back of Mac’s truck. And so our journey began.

The inside of the cabin was warm and impressive. Kinda girly – but impressive. There had to have been at least five thousand dollars worth of hardware in the dash alone. That’s not counting the obvious custom upholstery. The compartment smelled of patchouli and the seats were dark, purple suede and very comfortable. They were so comfortable that I went to sleep.

When Mac woke me, we were parked on a well lighted truck lot and a taxi cab was waiting. Mac says to me,

‘This is the plan. I have a friend who owns a restaurant and hotel. I’m going to eat and get a good nights sleep so I can drive straight through tomorrow. If you want to pay for your personals, that’s fine. If you can’t, I will take care of everything. If you are worried about money, don’t. I am doing this because I can and I want to for the company. The only other option is for you to bunk down in the rig which is really not a good idea because there is no food in here and you will need a bathroom. There’s that and the fact that I’m kind of territorial about my baby.’

I responded,

‘I don’t blame you for being territorial. I would be too if this was mine. I say, let’s go on one condition. Keep a tally of my tab. I have to go to Las Vegas to pick something up but if you give me your address I promise to pay back everything that I owe.’

Mac says,

‘I’ll do you one better. After I see my dad I’m driving to Las Vegas to deliver the stuff in back. I can take you all the way.’

I was shocked.

‘You’re kidding.’

‘No, I’m not. This is my itinerary.’

There it was in black and white. Las Vegas Nevada. It was fate. Talk about being in the wrong place at the right time. I grabbed my duffel and waited in the taxi until Mac was satisfied that his rig was locked up tight. With a click of the chirp, the alarm was set and we were on our way.

The cab driver started a conversation after recognizing Mac.

CD – ‘Mac is that you?’

‘Yeah. How are you Willie?’

‘Good. Everybody is good. What’s going on with your voice?’

‘I had vocal cord surgery.’

‘It won’t ruin that singing voice of yours will it?’

‘I don’t think so. I just need time to heal.’

‘Good. How is your father? It came down the wire that he’s not doin’ to good.’

‘He’s better. I’m driving down to see him tomorrow.’

‘Tell him that me and the boys send our best.’

‘Of course I will. Thank you and thank the guys. Oh Willie, I’m going to …

‘Don’t you think I know you by now? You’ve only been doing this for the past three years or so. Now sit back and relax that voice of yours. You have to sing for my wife when you come back.’

‘Deal. Oh I’m sorry, Willie, meet Michael.’

‘Nice to meet you Michael. I’m glad to see that our Mac has a traveling companion. These roads can get lonely and sometimes dangerous for a …

Before Willie could finish his statement, Mac placed his hand on his shoulder to stop him.

‘Willie, I can take care of myself and you know it so stop that. I know all the back roads and every nook and cranny in this town just as well as you do.’

‘You are right Mac but that doesn’t mean that I won’t worry.’

I spoke up to lighten the mood.

‘It’s nice to meet you too Willie and don’t worry, I’ll watch out for Mac.’

Willie dropped us at the Hotel. The restaurant was two levels down in the basement. It was very plush and cozy. I felt sorry for poor Mac. He was struggling with chicken noodle soup and was only able to drink the broth and some hot tea.

I felt bad being able to consume crispy fried chicken and fries with plenty of Tabasco, but Mac didn’t seem phased. He was so small that on a good day, he probably didn’t eat a lot anyway.

I was introduced to Mac’s friend who owns the Hotel. Jake is a really cool person. He escorted us personally to our adjoining rooms. I had a nice hot shower and by the time I’d come out maid services was knocking on the door for my dirty laundry.

Before I slept that night my thoughts were all over the place. There was something about Mac that I couldn’t wrap my mind around. From the time the rig stopped next to me on the side of the road, his generosity and sincerity hadn’t faltered. It was disquieting.

He would be considered petit if there were such a thing for a guy and he drives one of the most massive vehicles on the road with ease – no effort at all. That in itself is impressive. In my heart I knew that we were in for a grand adventure. If I only knew!

“*”
Tbc…

Dee




98° Fehrenheit

Very original concept, to begin with. So Michael will travel with someone he thinks is a guy ? What if he is attracted to "the guy" ? What a shock for him . 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.

RhondaAnn - Thank you for the feed-back. I like different and I hope different is good! I hope you like the next episode.


Xmag – It’s funny that you should mention the bit about ‘attraction and being disturbed’. That’s all that I can say right now, but I would love to read the novel of which you speak. It sounds intriguing. Thank you for the kind words and I hope you enjoy what’s coming next.



Redrumm – Is that like redrum/murder from The Shining? Just thought that I’d ask being that it’s one of my favorite movies. Anyway, thank you for the feedback.


Lurkers - I hope you like.



Chapter Three;

Welcome to my world…


(Maria) In the next room:

Mac is thinking out loud - ‘Maria McKinzie De Luca, where did your brain go?
I cannot believe that I picked up a man on the side of the road. Ok, I’ve been known to do impulsive things on occasion, it’s my nature but this is the one thing that my dad warned me never to do’.



Honestly in good conscience I couldn’t leave him on the side of that abandoned road. He seems harmless enough – if harmless comes in the form of a rugged, devastatingly handsome bad boy. He was visibly cold standing out there on that lonely stretch of road tinkering on that old motorbike. It was my civic duty to offer assistance.

There. My complete lapse in sanity was justified.

I hoped that he couldn’t tell how nervous I was with my croaky voice and bland appearance. I more than likely looked like a little boy to him. It was a real pain trying to stay warm. I am normally a little chilly because I have iron poor blood. The surgery seemed to enhance it, also if I wasn’t really careful I could have gotten an infection so I had to keep that damned bulky scarf around my neck.

I wasn’t supposed to be talking but I couldn’t help it. I found Michael so fascinating that I wanted to know everything about him and I wanted to tell him everything about me. There wasn’t much that I could tell because talking was so painful that I had no choice but to keep it general and to a minimum.

He made liking him so easy. He slid right into my world and the funny thing is he fit.

After dinner that first night we were shown to our adjoining rooms. My friend Jake liked Michael instantly. He told me when we were alone that it was fate that took me down that particular road at that particular time and that Michael was sent to watch over me. He is very spiritual so he really believes in stuff like that.

It sounded good to me. I’d let him watch me anytime and I’d gladly reciprocate because Michael was very nice to look at. I wondered what he was doing on the other side of the door. I wondered what it would be like to sleep in his arms as I showered away a day and a half of sweat and grime.

Spontaneous fantasies – so not good!

I dressed in a white thermal set with a fluffy warm robe and slippers courtesy of the hotel. I brushed the tangles from my hair then pulled it back into a loose ponytail. My throat was feeling a bit raw so I popped two lozenges and wrapped a thermal scarf around again. My hair was still damp so I pulled up the hood of the robe.

Before I lost my nerve I opened the sliding connecting door after tapping lightly to alert Michael to my presence. He looked up – surprised. He was half under the covers wearing a simple black tee and I could see the hint of a thigh clad BBB or, black boxer brief peeking out the side. He was reading a book. The cover was nice and worn. Ulysses.


‘Hey Mac, what’s up?’

‘My throat is giving me the blues so I’m sending down an order for tea. I came in to ask if you want something.’

‘Yeah, something sweet would be nice. I’m thinking a nice slice of chocolate cake and a cherry coke.’

‘Ok.’

‘Mac, you think that maybe you are doing yourself more harm than good?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, you’re ordering hot tea. When a person gets tonsils removed for instance, they have to eat things like ice cream and jello. I would assume that the same would apply to you.’

‘You may be right but the tea feels really good going down.’

‘Weren’t you given instruction after your surgery in Memphis?’

‘Ahm… yeah…

‘But?’

‘But, I kind of don’t know where I placed them. After I signed myself out…

‘You signed yourself out against the doctor’s wishes? Mac, do you have a death wish or something?’

‘No I don’t, really. I just… I want to get to Texas to check on my dad.’

‘I understand. You two must be really close.’

‘We are. I think I’ll try it your way. Would you…

I motioned towards the phone.

‘Sure, what would you like?’

‘A thick vanilla shake with caramel and a spoon.’

Michael had the television on mute but my attention was diverted when the local news started broadcasting a snowstorm heading our way. I propped myself on his bed and upped the volume a little. I hardly noticed when he got up to put on his robe, answer the door and accept our orders from the kitchen.

Hardly.

I was engrossed in the progress of the storm so Michael invited me to stay while he lounged in the recliner.

After eating most of the shake my throat was pleasantly numb and soon after I was dozing. I woke roughly four hours later in Michael’s bed and he was no where to be seen. I breathed in and his scent overwhelmed me. I was having an attack of the lusts. So not good!

I swallowed and everything previously numb had come back to life. My pain medication was in my room. I stumbled over to grab the pill bottle off the bedside table and saw that the object of my lust filled dreams was sound asleep in my bed.

He was curled up holding on to one of my pillows. I wanted to climb in behind him and hold him close after kissing him awake, then kissing him asleep after a mind blowing sexual encounter…

I had to remind myself to breathe. After grabbing my pills and bottled water I got the hell out of there as quickly as my feet would take me.

I curled up on his side of the bed and took two capsules. After thinking naughty things about Michael I was too wired to sleep. I channel surfed then gave up when I noticed Michael’s book on the bedside table. Ulysses. Not my idea of a late night read, but I’d give it a shot. I dove in for an intriguingly complex but gratifying read. I was pleasantly surprised.

Michael woke me the next morning with a question that made me smile.

‘How in hell do you sleep all bundled up like that?’

I was still fully outfitted in thermals, socks, belted robe and I still had on the hood and the scarf was still wrapped around my neck. I must have looked pretty impressive. I was propped up on pillows and Michael’s book lay open on my chest.

‘The medication is very strong. Once I start dozing I’m out. I started reading your book. I hope that you don’t mind.’

‘Of course I don’t.’

‘Let’s do breakfast so we can get going. I’m gonna check the weather then get dressed. I’ll be back in half an hour.’

I stood too quickly and almost hit the floor. Michael caught me deftly by the shoulders and helped to steady me.’

‘You alright?’

‘Yeah, thanks. It’s the meds. I feel hung over.’

‘You need to eat something.’

‘I agree but what to eat that won’t hurt?’

‘Maybe soft scrambled eggs or you could try something non-traditional like creamy mashed potatoes.’

‘Sounds delectable.’

I went back to my own room to have a quick hot shower. Jake had sent our laundry back up with some extras from his hotel boutique. Two extra pair of denim covered flannel and long sleeved flannel shirts with a card saying,

‘These are for the road. He seems like a great catch so try to hold on to him. Let him ‘drive your truck’, pun intended!

Come back and visit us soon – completely well and with Michael.’


I smiled as I showered quickly and thoroughly. It would be awhile until I could have another and I had to be confined with a hot guy so I wanted to smell my best since I didn’t have the option of looking my best.

I lotioned up and dressed quickly taking care to brush my hair back into a smooth ponytail so my cap would lay down. After wrapping my scarf I listened to the weather channel while I packed my items.

We’d gotten two feet overnight but the streets had been cleared and the ice didn’t stick. That was great. I expected to be able to drive straight through with little to no hassle.

Michael and I went down to the restaurant together. Soft scrambled eggs with light fluffy pancakes was my food of choice. I needed energy and I figured that if I chewed everything up real well before I swallowed I’d be ok.

Michael had a nice variety going on. Eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns that he doused with Tabasco sauce. That was ok. Weird was when he wanted something sweet. The slice of pie looked really yummy until he doused it too.

‘I know that it looks weird but I crave things extremely spicy, even sweets. I have for as long as I can remember.’

‘So last night with the chocolate cake…

‘Yeah. I always carry a stash of the sauce.’

‘That has to be the most interesting quirk that I have ever heard of. You must have a cast iron stomach. I bet… never mind.’ I smiled uncomfortably.

‘What?’

‘Nah, never mind. You’ll think that I’m weird.’

‘Probably, but say it anyway.’

He smiles, I melt.

‘I was going to say – and now I am thoroughly mortified – that I bet your kisses are spicy, now you don’t get to laugh at me because I didn’t want to say it.’

He laughed anyway, but not to humiliate me. It was warm and full of understanding. Then he responded,

‘I don’t know about that. I guess I’ll have to ask the next girl that I kiss.’

Of course I was thinking, kiss me, kiss me, but I wasn’t going to say it and humiliate myself further. We finished dining in silence then ordered coffee and soup in thermoses to go. I ordered a small shake to drink in the cab to try and get numb.

Jake came out to see us off. He gave Michael a genuine handshake and thanked him for ‘lookin’ out for our Mac’. He extended an invitation and told him that he was welcome anytime.

We caught a cab to the rig and a buddy of my dads met us there in a fuel truck to fill me up.

‘Uncle Jimmy!’

Imagine me trying to shout when I could only speak one decibel above a whisper. I jumped into his arms and gave him a warm hug.

‘Hey kid. Let me look at cha’. Still too skinny I see and where’d you leave your voice?’

‘I left it on an operating table in Memphis. I had surgery on my vocal cords to remove a cist.’

‘You’ll still be able to sing won’t cha’?’

‘I’m expected to make a full recovery.’

‘Good. Mae is gonna be sad that she missed you.’

‘I know and I’m sorry that I don’t have the time to stop by, but next time. I promise.’

‘She’s gonna hold you to that.’

‘I know and I’ll be here. Oh, Uncle Jimmy, this is Michael.’

‘Hello Michael. (Handshake) I can’t tell you how happy I am that our Mac will have some company on this trip. I tell you all the time that you need someone to look out for ya’ don’t I Mac?’

‘Yes you do Uncle Jimmy and now Michael will think that I can’t take care of myself.’

‘I know that you have been doing this for a long time but it gets lonely on the road Mac. None of us like to think of you being out there all alone.’

‘I know. I love you all for caring, but I know what I’m doing.’

‘We know that Mac and we love you too. It’s real nice to meet you Michael.’

‘You too sir…

‘There will be none of that. I’m Uncle Jimmy.’

‘Ok Uncle Jimmy.’

‘You two kids be careful out there. The weather will get worse before it gets better but you’re all fueled up so you won’t have to stop for a while unless you have to go to the bathroom.’

‘I’ll be in contact to let you know my progress.’

‘Ok and stay bundled up because I want you well when you come back here.’

‘Deal. Thanks again for fueling us up, it will save some time.’

‘No problem kiddo. Your Uncle Scott will meet you in Mineral Wells. You should be good until then but be careful.’

‘We will.’

Uncle Jimmy helped me up into the cab of the rig and I cranked up. He shook Michael’s hand and clapped him on the shoulder then asked,

‘Michael, have you learned to drive a rig?’

‘Actually I have. It’s been a while.’

‘Once you learn you don’t loose it. When you get on the open highway make Mac relinquish the wheel, otherwise…

‘Oh stop it Uncle Jimmy. The whole family sure does know how to embarrass me.’

‘Mac, you know that you’ll try to drive the whole way and that’s not good. You have to rest, especially now that you’ve had surgery. You’re not looking well little one. You can’t do it all alone all the time.’

Michael – ‘I’ll be happy to share the responsibility if Mac will let me.’

‘Mac will let you, won’t you Mac?’

My uncle stated with the most serious look on his face.

‘Yes I will Uncle Jimmy, as soon as I get tired. Now we’ve gotta go.’

‘I know. Take care and radio me when you get the chance.’

‘I will. Kiss Aunt Mae for me.’

“*”


Chapter four;

Confucius Say


Michael

We were on the road again. Just when I thought I’d learned everything that I could about Mac, I was pleasantly surprised again. After maneuvering through the city and being weighed at a weigh station we broke out on open road.

Mac put on a pair of dark shades and used the remote to turn on the CD player, apologizing in advance for cranking it up - saying that it was the only way to drive when there were a lot of miles to cover.

I was stunned silent when the sounds of Metallica came wafting from the speakers in surround sound. All quality sound in front of me, behind me, over my head and on the sides of me. It was crisp and clean.

I put on my shades, grateful for the sun peeking through the clouds. I leaned my head back to enjoy the ride and my favorite music while I contemplated.

There were things about Mac that didn’t make sense. Number one being that he was too pretty and soft looking to be a guy. Feminine, yes, feminine is the word that I’m looking for. The night before when he had fallen asleep in my bed, instead of waking a peaceful slumber I went into the adjoining room.

As soon as my head hit Mac’s pillow I breathed in the most luscious girly smell and it started me wondering. The whole area smelled so good that I had the best sleep that I’d had since my last quasi girlfriend. I remember that she smelled good, but not this good. It was Vanilla Crème good. It was Pistachio Sundae with Tabasco good.

After I’d been asleep for a while I felt a presence – like someone watching me, but it wasn’t weird. The only way to describe it is the giddy feeling that you get when the hot girl that you like is checking you out. I woke to an empty room but I did see the flash of a white robe and the distinct rattle of pills in a medicine bottle.

I figured that Mac had come in for meds after waking in my bed.

Sleep was easy. The easiest sleep that I’d had in a long while. I woke with the sun shining across my face. I got up, stretched then dropped down to the floor for a quick set of 100 push-ups before waking Mac who was propped up on pillows and wrapped like a mummy head to toe.

Weird.

We both took quick showers then went to breakfast. One thing that I can say is that Mac’s friends are very generous. We got a free hotel stay, free food and we were given warm clothes for the trip.

Now a days, you have to pay big bucks for that sort of kindness. It was nice to know that there were still people like that in the world. I felt odd though because none of his friends knew me but they treated me like one of them.

I promised Mac that I would pay back every dime and I meant it.

Mac had driven for about seven hours when we decided that it was time for a bathroom stop. To say that he knew all the best stops was an understatement. So once again we parked and went by yellow cab to a nice restaurant where everyone including the chef knew Mac.

He prepared something special for him. It was a thick and creamy soup that was hearty, but everything in it was soft. It smelled wonderful and Mac was able to eat without pain.

I settled for a nice ground steak burger with home cut fries, then a huge slice of apple pie with pistachio ice cream on the side. You can’t imagine how delicious it all was with plenty of Tabasco sauce.

We were able to freshen up in the chef’s private bathroom before getting a shake and thermos of soup to go for Mac and a thermos of coffee for me.

The next surprise was when we got back to the rig Mac had me take the wheel.


‘Ok Michael, let’s see what you can do.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yep, now let’s get going before I change my mind.’


The trip had been planned from start to finish. All I had to do was follow the planned course on the dash and every now and then, knowing the back roads and short-cuts, Mac would give me an alternate route to get us through quicker.

I finally knew that I was trusted when Mac allowed himself to relax and finally drop off to sleep. I was four hours in when it started raining. I had to pull back and slow down considerably because the rain got harder and with it came some hail, thunder and lightening. It was a thunder clap that woke Mac.

He was so startled that he jumped across the seat and landed in my lap.

When he realized what he’d done he started apologizing profusely and moving over as quickly as he could to the passenger side. I felt that strange sensation again after catching the distinct whiff of Vanilla Crème laced with Strawberry. I started feeling off balance.

I had to speak to break the monotony.

‘You don’t like storms Mac?’

‘Not particularly.’

‘I had to slow it down but I’m doing fine. Why don’t you get into the sleeper and try to relax?’

‘Nah, I’m fine and besides it seems to be getting harder so we’ll more than likely have to pull over at some point.’

‘If you think it’s best.’

‘We’ll see how bad it gets up ahead. How is it feeling to you – the road I mean?’

‘Ok so far. I haven’t hydroplaned. It’s been real slow going but steady.’

‘I really don’t want to stop unless it’s absolutely necessary.’

‘I’ll keep driving until I can’t anymore.’


I’d done a twelve hour stretch by the time we pulled into Mineral Wells. We were more than a few hours behind because of the decrease in speed and weather conditions. Initially the plan was to pull into town, go to a hotel and sleep a few hours before meeting Mac’s Uncle Scott but after radioing ahead he was waiting at the truck stop.

He fueled us up then took us over to the hotel where of course they all knew Mac. They wouldn’t let me think of sleeping until I’d eaten a hearty breakfast. After eating, I couldn’t sleep until I’d showered. I dried quickly with a little alien help, stepped into a pair of comfortable boxer briefs and I was sleeping about one minute after my head hit the pillow.

I dreamed during that restful slumber of a woman. There was nothing really special about the dream. It was just typical, a guys dream about a guy and a girl in various stages of seduction. It started out flirty – a little eye contact and shy grins and ended with a searing kiss. This woman who in my dream ended up underneath me on a warm and comfortable bed kissed me like she likes me.

I enjoyed that very much. It wasn’t until later that I actually saw this woman’s face. I turned over to come face to face with Mac’s face. Mac’s face and a warm very feminine and curvy body.

I woke after that very confused. I swear that I truly tasted Strawberry flavored balm on my lips. I actually reached up and touched them softly with my finger tips while wondering if hallucination could be part of a vivid dream. I would have believed that to be true if I hadn’t gently run my tongue across them to again taste the strawberry goodness.

It was hours later and there was no way that I would get back to sleep. I put it out of my mind because it was strange. I took another shower just to get refreshed then set myself up across the bed for a little movie watching.

I noticed that Mac had left me a note saying that he was going to his Uncle’s because his Aunt wanted to see him. He left his cell number for me.

I had slept about eight hours so I was well rested and watching TV when he returned with his Aunt and Uncle. Mac’s Aunt was a very pleasant woman. I stood to greet her and she expressed her concern about Mac making the trips alone. She went on to say that she’d heard nothing but good things about me.

We went to dinner together and before getting underway, Mac asked if I’d take the lap. I wanted to keep busy so I gladly accepted. Mac’s Aunt and Uncle drove us back to the rig. While he and his Uncle were engrossed in conversation about his father, his Aunt pulled me to the side with a special request…



Aunt T – ‘Michael, I’m concerned about Mac’s throat. I don’t think that it’s healing the way that it should. Will you be a dear and maybe suggest a hospital visit when you two arrive in Abilene? I don’t think that Mac will go voluntarily, but maybe coming from you…

‘I’ll see what I can do, I promise. I can see how much Mac means to you all. Everywhere that we stop, there is such admiration and I feel proud to be a part of it, if only for a little while.’

‘Yes, I have two of my own but I love Mac just the same. Family and extended friends just sort of adopted Mac.’

‘That’s wonderful.’

‘Only to a certain extent. It has to be tiring to be pulled in so many directions, but Mac takes it in stride and generously divides the time between us all.’

‘Well, try not to worry. Mac will be safe with me.’

‘Thank you. Somehow I know that Mac will be ok with you. When I look at you I see nothing but sincerity. It’s your aura… it’s calming. It’s the calm that I feel when I am with my son Scott.’

She embraced me like one of the family. The hug was real or in her own words to me – sincere. These thoughts and others were foremost in my mind as I drove the stretch. The concept of ‘family’, real family was amazing. The love that the family showed so openly towards one another was incredible and we’d only scratched the surface.

This is what I’d been missing all my life and it was kind of depressing because simple gestures like hugs and ‘I love you’ are so poignant. I was learning a lot, mostly that I’d turned out pretty ok considering the fact that I’d grown up emotionally deprived.

I’d never had it – unconditional love, but I wanted it so I was always open to it. Even now.

My greatest desire is a family of my own.

~*~*~


TBC...

Dee


98° Fehrenheit

Thank you all so much for the feed-back –

Redrumm – I am diehard Candy myself! It seems that us Candy lovers are the minority! I hope that you enjoy this next episode.

RhondaAnn – There is a lot going on consciously and subconsciously. He knows what he can see, but he also knows that he is feeling something strange and he doesn’t know why. When Michael is dreaming, he sees Mac as a woman.

FaithfulAngel – Thank you for the complement. Michael will finally ‘see’ her for what she is, just nor right now!

Fehr’sBear – I am happy that you found this! Thank you for the feed back and I hope that you enjoy this next epi.

Xmagg – Michael’s subconscious is kicking his butt. I think that you will have a little more clarity in this next episode. I hope that you like it.

Thank you for the lurking!





Chapter five;

I’m starting to fall…



Maria


Michael was great. He was smart, quirky, of course sexy as hell and he drove my baby like it belonged to him. What was not to admire about all of that? He’d driven a twelve hour stretch with no problems in spite of horrendous weather but he was a mask of concentration and not at all what I’d expected him to be.

He is fine as hell – the unique look of a roguish aristocrat but he is a completely normal down to earth guy. Being so handsome, one would expect him to be conceited and standoffish. He is anything but. Thick, wavy, sandy brown hair and eyes the color of molten caramel prior to cooling.

His lips are shaped to mate with mine… not that they had, but I could dream. Yeah, I could definitely dream of tall, broad shoulders, chiseled abs and a nice taught derrière. All the things that I loved in a man but was never lucky enough to find in just one.

I wanted to stay awake to keep him company but I was so comfortable with him behind the wheel that I kept dozing until my eyes closed completely. Sleeping was fine because it brought dreams of him.



We drove into a storm. A clap of thunder woke me and before I regained all my faculties I was literally on his lap. I cleared the whole space in one leap landing softly and accurately in an impossibly snug crevice. I was panicked and it was fleeting, but I swear that it felt like his lap was made for me. With the sounds of the storm all around I was all but trapped between the steering wheel and his solid chest.

I was flying blind but I landed so perfectly with my arms around him that it probably looked as if it were planned. I could feel the color rise in my cheeks from embarrassment. I felt the muscles in his legs constrict underneath me as he smoothly worked the pedals of the rig then he spoke so casually;

‘You don’t like storms Mac?’

Boy was that an understatement. Rain pelting the side of a house is a wonderful sound but the thunder and streaking bolts of lightening on an open road seemed a little too close for comfort. The sad thing is, I was used to this - being on the road so often with my dad and being on the road alone but it still freaked me out.

I couldn’t apologize enough as I reluctantly removed myself from the confined space. He seemed unfazed but it took a little while for me to get my breathing under control.

He drove us straight through but we were behind schedule. My Uncle Scott met us as promised at the truck stop. He fueled me up then drove us over to the hotel.

Michael was tired. Being awake in excess of twenty hours was catching up to him. I wanted to make sure that he ate before he went to sleep. My Uncle stuck around and had breakfast with us. He, like the others in my extended family liked Michel immediately.

I’m pretty sure that he was tired of hearing the same ole’ spiel – ‘I’m glad that someone is around to watch out for our Mac, yada, yada, yada. Michael just takes it in stride, smiles a gorgeous smile and nods.

We were shown to our adjoining rooms and Michael hit the shower right away. My Uncle and I sat at the table in my room to chat. My Aunt expressed that she wanted to see me and my Uncle had some important medical papers that he needed to send to my dad so I ended up leaving with him for a while.

My Uncle waited for me in the restaurant while I made a phone call to check in with my dad. We ended up speaking for about half an hour so while I was chatting I wrote Michael a note:

Michael,
My Aunt Theresa needs to see me so I’ve gone to their home with my Uncle Scott – just in case you wake before I return. I know that you are tired so I’m hoping that you get at least ten steady hours of sleep before we hit the road again.

I will more than likely sleep at my Uncles as I am sure that my Aunt won’t let me leave until I do. I sent all our dirty things down to laundry. I hope that you don’t mind. I picked up the clothes that you left on the floor beside the bed (after purging your pockets). Everything is on the bedside table.

If you need to speak with me call my cell 999-9939.
I would like to be on the road again by six if it’s at all possible. We should grab dinner at about five, ok?

I’ll see you later,

M


I took the note over to his side of the room. He was sleeping so soundly. One black boxer brief covered thigh was sticking out from under the covers, his chest bare and hair disheveled. His covers were bunched up at his waist but the room was warm so I didn’t cover him.

I had to flee because I wanted to place my lips on his then crawl into bed with him. I folded the note and propped it by the bedside lamp. I closed the blinds in his room and in a moment of weakness, I did it. I quickly and softly touched my lips to his rationalizing that it was a gesture of thanks, and then I got the hell out of there.

I heard him breathe in. I looked back in time to see him turn over on his side - clutching a pillow, but he kept sleeping. Thank goodness. I would have been mortified if he woke and looked at me, especially if the gesture was unwanted.

I thought about a lot of things while I was traveling to my Aunt and Uncles. I was sharing a close space with a manly man. If I hadn’t been feeling so damned bad I would have been flirting like crazy, but he hadn’t even looked my way.

I kind of got the impression that Michael may have been a little shy because he hadn’t tried to flirt with me at all. Then I thought that maybe he was just being a gentleman and taking the situation for what it was. I was helping him after all.

That sounded better than the alternative which was that he was just not attracted to me. I decided that it was for the better because I wasn’t at my best and I am sure that I looked as bad as I felt.


When I made it back to the hotel I was well rested. My Aunt knew just what I needed. She’d run me a bath with some of my favorite bath salts. I soaked away the fatigue of being on the road then got all snuggly in flannel before sliding into the middle of a queen sized four poster bed in the guest room. My favorite feature was the down comforter and pillows.

My Aunt brushed the tangles from my hair then braided it in one long strand. She snuggled with me until I could no longer hold my eyes open. She woke me at four. My clothes had been washed and were laying neatly at the foot of the bed.

She was concerned about my throat so just to appease her I took the medication for pain and the antibiotic.

Michael would have to drive because the pain meds made me woozy. To top it I’d taken it on an empty stomach.

I cleaned the unnecessary things out of my back pack. The contents were on the bed and in my haste I somehow over looked the antibiotic. Boy did I pay for that.

My Aunt accompanied us back so she could meet ‘my Michael’. She said that she had to meet the man whose name brought a smile to my lips. My Aunt was allowed to come on the condition that she would not badger Michael, especially since we weren’t a couple.

When we arrived back at the hotel, Michael looked well rested. He was dressed and propped up on pillows, watching some old black and white movie.

He looked up when we walked in after knocking softly.

‘Hey Michael, this is my Aunt Theresa.’

He stood to greet her, extending his hand.

‘Hello. It’s nice to meet you.’

‘You too Michael. I’ve heard good things about you and I’m going to say this before they shush me. Thank you for taking this road trip with our Mac. Normally this is a solo deal, and I’m always so concerned…

I interjected.

‘Ok, enough of that Auntie Tee. Michael, are you ready for dinner?’

‘Yeah, I could eat.’

‘Do you mind taking the first lap? I took pain medication on an empty stomach and it makes me lethargic after a while.’

‘It’s ok Mac. I don’t mind, really.’



My Aunt gave me some chloraseptic. I coated my throat with it and it was pleasantly numb. I couldn’t taste, but the baked chicken and mashed potatoes was filling. The topper was a tropical slushy.

We collected our things from the room then My Aunt and Uncle drove us back to the rig. We situated our things inside then said our goodbyes. My Aunt pulled a down blanket from the trunk of her car.



‘I know how much you love the down blanket on the guest bed. I had this cover dyed custom. You can use it in your sleeper.’

‘I love it. Thank you’

‘You’re welcome darlin’, now give me a hug. You know that I love ya’. You come back and see your old Auntie soon, you hear?’

‘Of course Auntie. I love you too, and you are anything but old.’

Aunt T – ‘You too Michael. You are part of the family now.’

Michael – ‘Thank you for your hospitality and please, don’t worry about Mac. I’ll make sure that the journey is made safely. You have my word.’

Uncle Scott – ‘Thank you son, we appreciate what you are doing very much. Com‘ere Mac…


He opened his arms to me and I stepped into his loving embrace.


‘I know Uncle Scottie, I love you too. Don’t worry. I can make this trip with my eyes closed, not that I would,’

‘You’d better not.’

While I was talking to my Uncle, My Aunt and Michael were holding their own conversation. I hoped that she wasn’t saying something that would embarrass me.

I hugged them both again and we were on our way.

We had to go through a weigh station then it was smooth sailing. Michael drove a twelve hour stretch. We got light snow and for a long while we had to roll behind the heavy machines clearing it all away, but all was well.

Michael was unusually quiet, but I figured that he had a lot on his mind. His voice broke me from my reverie.

‘Hey Mac, we are coming up on twelve. You want to keep straight through after a bathroom break?’

‘Yeah, but I think we should get some real food then head out. I’ll take this next stretch. It will put us at our first destination. We can check into a hotel or we can stay at my families Ranch Home. There is plenty of room. No pressure, ok? Whatever you decide is fine.’

‘That’s where your dad is, right?’

‘Yeah. He’s convalescing on a real two hundred plus acre dude ranch. It will be beautiful this time of year all covered in snow.’

‘You do know that it’s not necessary for you to stay at a hotel with me, don’t you?’

‘Yeah, but the thing is, I kind of feel responsible for you. I promised to see you to your destination and I plan to do that.’

‘You are truly unbelievable. I appreciate this more than I can say. I wouldn’t dare keep you from your family so if you’re sure that it’s no imposition, I don’t mind staying at the ranch.’

‘You’ll love it.’

~*~









Chapter six;

Contradictions…


Michael


For the first time we stopped at a regular truck stop and station for fuel, the bathroom and coffee. Of course there were a few people who knew Mac. I honestly don’t know why I was surprised.

We were shown to a private bathroom and when we were done our coffee, a shake and a bag of snacks was waiting for us. I offered before we pulled out to drive the stretch. Legally the limit is eleven hours driving then ten hours down time to sleep. I’d already done twelve with no sleep. Mac said that he’d never forgive himself if I fell asleep behind the wheel.

All I heard was sincerity. His concern was very touching. I wasn’t sure how to take it because that wasn’t a staple in my life. I wanted to give Mac a hug, and then I chastised myself because it was weird like a lot of other things that had been happening.

The only thing that I knew for sure is that something wasn’t quite right.

Everything about him was contradicting. Maybe he was openly caring because his extended family and friends were always like that with him and that was all that he knew. That wasn’t the first time that I’d had weird vibes. I didn’t want to admit it to myself so I sure as hell wasn’t going to admit it to Mac.

We were spending a lot of time together so I guess that would explain it. Not just in the confines of the cab of the rig, but also on Mac’s turf. Everywhere we went someone knew him and every one of them expressed concern for him being on the road alone – to later pull me aside to thank me personally for being a traveling companion.

What they seemed to be missing was how knowledgeable Mac is, and not just about the rig. His knowledge of the roads, towns, and short-cuts was pretty impressive. He was good to be so damned small. It was my guess that he could stop that rig on a dime. He knew the roads so well that he could probably literally drive them blind.

I came to realize that I was impressed by him. Driving a rig wasn’t my deal, but if I wanted to learn all the tricks of that trade Mac De Luca was the person that I would want to learn them from.

Knowing that he’d learned from his father made him proud. I got a little envious hearing such great things regarding his relationship with his father. The stories were of things that I’d always dreamed of having with the man that I had the misfortune of calling my father.

A series of unfortunate events is what I call it. I was chosen by the wrong person and placed in the wrong home that wasn’t a home at all.

The Tradewinds Trailer Park @ 1243 Tradewinds Way. Home of looser and drunken abuser Hank Guerin. He chose me. I felt for the longest time that he must have seen something of himself in me. Once I was old enough to know better, I realized that he just needed a live-in punching bag and the means to a monthly check.

I found out that when he came into money, he immediately had almost all of it converted into interest bearing stock. The rest was sitting in the bank. It was all in my name. The only thing that the bank would tell me is that I would have to come there because I had to show ID and that there was also something for me in a safe deposit box.

The knowledge of this kept my mind occupied when Mac wasn’t trying to speak to me through abrasive hoarseness. He kept spraying his throat down with chloraseptic. Maybe it was keeping his throat numb, but other than that, everything was the same. He was very pale, always cold and he stayed wrapped in the scarf and kept his ears and head covered.

Weird.

Further down the road Mac and I discussed switching and having me take us in after getting some more coffee. He wasn’t feeling too well so I readily agreed. His CB sounded and I listened intently while he spoke another language with his uncle.


Note; This is real CB lingo that I found on The World Wide Web!


‘Breaker, breaker, this is Abilene Pete. What’s yer 20 MJ? Come back.’

‘This is MJ Uncle Pete. I hope that you can hear me. I’m about 100 miles outside of Abilene, come back.’

‘How ya’ feelin’ LW? I can hardly hear ya’. Are ya’ sick? Come back.’

‘I had Vocal Cord Surgery about a week ago, but I’m ok. I’m heading straight for you to recuperate. Come back.’

‘Good. Mac Senior and I can’t wait to see ya’. Come back.’

‘Tell daddy that I’m fine and I’ll see him soon. Come back.’

‘Will do. Where’d ya’ have the surgery and why aren’t ‘cha still there? Come back.’

‘Because I had it in the Big M. I didn’t stay because I need to see dad. I’m making excellent time Uncle Pete, you’ll be proud. Come back.’

‘Give me stats. Come back.’

‘Ok, I started in the Big M and hauled it through Hog Country. I stopped to get horizontal for twelve in Henryetta O.K. I hit powder in Oklahoma City and picked up a Jack who was stranded with a busted Hog. Before you start lecturing, everything is fine, in fact he’s riding shot gun…

‘We will chat about that later LW. Come back.’

‘I know, I know. Where was I, oh yeah, we dropped down into Cow Town to get horizontal and I met up with Uncle Scott and Auntie Tee. Right now me and the Jack are about 100 miles outside of Abilene. Come back.’

‘You are making good time. How is the weather? Come back.’

‘Well it’s cold and damp and we just hit pop corn. Come back.’

‘You watch the pavement young one. When ya’ hit the big slab keep yer flaps down and watch out for black ice. I’ll have the boy scouts keep a watch for ya’. Once you hit Abilene, the City Kitty will let me know. Hit me on the LC when yer drivin’ the Magic Mile. Come back.’

‘Will do Uncle Pete. I’m going to sign off because the Jack and I are gonna switch after he gets some lead. Come back.’

‘All right darlin’. You keep the bugs off yer glass and the trouble off yer ass. Uncle Pete out.’

‘Mac Jr. out.’
…



Michael – ‘I won’t ask right now, but one day you have to tell me what you and your uncle said to each other.’

‘Deal. You want road side café coffee or Starbucks?’

‘Road side café coffee is fine. I don’t need a special trip for Starbucks.’

‘I know a place that has a Starbucks vestibule inside, so no special trip is necessary.’

‘Wherever you want to stop is fine with me. Maybe you should get yourself a shake or something. You are really raspy. I can only imagine how uncomfortable you must feel.’

‘It’s not too pleasant.’

‘After I get the coffee, you can grab your meds and try to relax.’



We got ‘leaded’ as Mac would say then got right back on the road with me behind the wheel.

We made the De Luca Ranch roughly one and a half hours later. There was a private road around the ranch for heavy trucks. Mac’s uncle had the set up of a prince. There were other trucks parked on a private lot. There was a self contained filling station and from what Mac told me, a fully operational repair shop. A family of truckers. How interesting was that?

Mac’s cousin Scooter who moonlights as a Ranch Hand drove us up to the house on a mini cart after helping collect our bags. Their uncle Pete met us at the door and after sharing warm hugs and sentiment, he embraced me as well. After being told that his father was sleeping, Mac showed me to my own private room and bath.

The room was grand but I hardly noticed because I was quickly making my way into the massively spacious bathroom for a hot soapy shower. I was happy to wash away miles and miles of fatigue from miles and miles of road. I dried and dressed for bed thinking that all I needed was a sandwich and something to drink to make my slumber perfect.

I stepped back into the bedroom and was pleasantly surprised to see that the bed had been turned down, all my things put away and a hot meal was waiting for me on the table in the corner of the room. Not a sandwich but a whole meal. I was standing there taking in the delicious smells when there was a soft tap on the door and Mac came in.


‘Hey Michael. You finding everything ok?’

‘Everything is perfect.’

‘Good. I figured that you’d want to eat something so I sent dinner up. It’s nothing fancy, just my uncles beef stew and cornbread muffins. When you are done just sit the tray outside the door with the basket of your dirty laundry. Everything will be taken care of…

‘But I can take my things down…

‘Everything.’

I nodded my understanding.

‘You want to join me?’

‘I would, but cook has prepared something special that I may actually be able to swallow. They eat breakfast at the crack of dawn around here but my uncle has left instructions for Delilah to wake you at ten if you haven’t shown your face in the kitchen by that time. Tell her what you want and she will prepare it or have it prepared for you by cook. You can eat here or in the dining room.’

‘Ok.’

‘I won’t be here when you wake. I’m accompanying my dad and uncle to my dad’s doctors appointment.’

‘Maybe you could let the doctor take a look at your throat, you know – to make sure that you are healing properly.’

‘That’s the plan.’

‘Good. I want to thank your uncle for his hospitality and you as well.’

‘There’s no need. Truly, it’s no imposition. He – we are happy to have you stay here at the family home. If anything, I owe you thanks.’

‘Thanks for what?’

‘Not only the company, but you are helping me drive. You are a tremendous help and its saving me so much time, which is a good thing since I’m not 100%. Normally I take my time to see the sites, see some friends, and do a little shopping. This time I want to get this done because I need down time.’


He’d placed his hand lightly on my back to guide me over to the table so I sat. He removed the cover from the tray and my mouth began to water.


‘I’m happy to assist; besides you’re helping me too. It’s incredible that we are actually headed to the same destination and the fact that I learned to drive a rig on a fluke…

‘A fluke?’

‘Yeah, it was a dare that turned into what would be a very lucrative bet.’

‘That fluke is coming in handy for me.’


I was staring down at a thick and hearty beef stew, cornbread muffins and butter, some herbed rice and a couple of pieces of baked chicken that Mac explained was left over from lunch. There was a glass of cherry coke, a huge slice of chocolate cake and a carafe of coffee and oh my goodness – the hugest bottle of Tabasco sauce that I have ever seen. I was in love.

Mac sat with me while I told him about my lucrative bet and started eating the delicious dinner. I realized that I was famished and I actually finished almost all of it. Mac was long gone before I sat the containers and basket of dirty laundry outside the door.

I was pleasantly full and feeling so good that I knew that sleep would come soon in spite of being in an unfamiliar place. There was a fire burning in the fireplace. After brushing my teeth I settled into warm, down comfort and watched the gorgeous fire until I couldn’t hold my eyes open anymore.

I slept well. The king sized down covered bed was the absolute epitome of comfort. It was after I got up to relieve myself at about 4:30 in the a.m. that things got dicey. Normally I can just fall immediately back to slumber but this time – even though I was comfortable as hell, it took a while.

I started to dream and the content freaked me out so much that I woke in a sweat.

It was 7:30 and Mac knocked lightly before walking in with the intention of leaving me a note. He caught me engaged in my morning ritual of pushups.

I’d dreamed that I kissed Mac and he’d kissed me back. Not just some thirteen year old clumsy first peck, but an all out engaging kiss in which we’d actually groped and explored each other.

Of course I woke completely freaked because he hadn’t felt at all male in the dream. There were very girly scents and soft womanly curves for me to hold on to. My body responded in kind and I woke quite painfully aroused. I practiced a little hybrid mojo to reverse the effects then hit the floor for a brisk work out.

Something was not right.

When Mac walked in I was twenty five down from two hundred. I was on a roll so I finished them quickly before getting up to address him and hit the shower.

‘Hey Mac.’



‘Hey Michael. You’re up early. I thought that I’d be able to slip in and leave this note without disturbing you.’

‘You’re not disturbing me. I see that you are dressed and ready to go. So you are on your way out then?’

‘Yes. It’s a forty-five minute drive to the hospital. I came in to leave you this. It lists my cell number, the extension to my room here and the kitchen. I’m not sure what time we’ll return, but you pretty much have the run of the place. You can take a tour of the property, or go horse-back riding, or take lessons if you don’t know how. If you don’t want to go out, you can lounge around in bed all day.’

He pushed a button on a remote that was beside the bed and the large armoire opened up to reveal a large screened TV, with DVD and stereo.

‘Selections for movies are endless. There are DVD’s, On Demand, twenty four hour sports stations. Take your pick. What do you want for breakfast?’

‘Whatever they’ve prepared is fine. I don’t want anyone to go to any extra trouble on my account.’

‘It’s no problem Michael, but I think you’ll enjoy what’s on the menu. I’ll have it sent right up and don’t worry, I won’t forget the Tabasco.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I’m gonna head out. They’ll set up while you shower. Try to have some fun today. I’ll see you later.’

‘Ok. Oh Mac, don’t forget to have someone check your throat.’


He looked as if he had something else to say to me but he refrained. He just smiled, nodded and clapped me lightly on the shoulder and left.

I hit the shower with a vengeance. I’ve been told that dreams are metaphorical, so what the hell did this one mean? I am in no way shape or form gay. I have never thought of having homosexual tendencies, not even as a joke with buddies. It’s just not my thing.

Poor Mac. It wasn’t his fault that I was kind of screwy in the head, and I didn’t want to start acting strange around him. We still had a lot of miles to cover together. Maybe it was my subconscious telling me that I’d been without a woman too long. I decided not to analyze it to death.

When I came out of the shower, breakfast was waiting as Mac promised. It was a king’s feast of homemade biscuits with butter and three different preserves, fried eggs and ham with a side of bacon and sausage, and a bowl of grits. Of course there was a carafe of coffee and orange juice and to top it all off was my beloved Tabasco.

I didn’t understand how people could eat like this everyday and stay so trim. It was as delicious as the previous night’s dinner, even the grits that I’d never had before that day. After eating I wanted to go back to bed but opted for the large leather lounger and ottoman instead. I kicked back and watched a few DVD’s and caught up on a couple of Hockey games.

Delilah came up to ask what I wanted for lunch but I was still too full from breakfast. She insisted that I have a little something and the fresh fruit salad was the lightest thing on the menu.

After lunch I took Mac’s advice and got out of the house. Scott also known as cousin Scooter took me on a tour of the Ranch then talked me into the saddle of a horse after he got me suited in the proper gear which included riding boots, chaps, gloves and a hat. I hadn’t been on a horse in a long while but once I got going it was second nature to me.

The guys out on the range wrangling told me that I looked like a real cowboy. I think they were trying to be nice because I felt out of place at first. Most were preparing for a cattle drive.

There was a couple of photographers and a crew on the grounds and I learned that De Luca Farms was one of the largest distributors of beef and dairy – not just in Abilene, but all across portions of the United States. It hadn’t dawned on me until that moment why the name De Luca was so familiar.

The photographers were taking pictures for an up-coming magazine article and photo spread. Scooter and I were just passing through, but we got caught in the crossfire. They snapped several photos of us and even though we identified ourselves as ranch hands, it was possible that they would still use us in the spread so we had to sign a release.

Scott (Scooter) was used to this, but he told me that he wasn’t into the yearly photo shoots. He said that he’d rather be out on the horses or working the land, leaving the pictures to the pretty boys who helped to sell their product. Yes, my day was quite eventful once I decided to leave the confines of the room.

I helped birth a colt then scooter and I fixed a fence in the north pasture. I even got to brand some steer. Once I thought that I’d made it to the outer edge of the Ranch only to learn that there was much more to be seen on the other side of the fence. The land just went on and on. It was incredible.

Living on the Ranch was hard work, but satisfying. After doing those meager things, I understood how the Ranch hands and everyone else in the household can eat the way that they do and stay so trim. By the time the day is done you are literally starving.

Scooter and I went back to the main house at about 7:45 and I can honestly say that I was tired as hell. Mac and company were still absent. I went up to shower and like clockwork Delilah had everything set up for me. The bed was turned down, a fire was lit and dinner was waiting on the table. Mac’s family sure did know how to make a person feel special.

Fried chicken, smothered potatoes, corn on the cob, dinner rolls with tomato and cucumber salad. Tabasco, ice cold cherry coke and to top it all off, a huge slice of apple pie.

I was able to eat a nice portion before I pushed the dishes away and sat them outside the door with my dirty laundry. I brushed my teeth then hit the bed. It doesn’t take much to get comfortable on a cloud. If I could take one thing away from my experience at the Ranch it would definitely be the bed and bedding that I was honored to use… ok two things. I would definitely need an occasional meal of De Luca caliber.

I was shrouded in darkness. The only light was the soft glow emanating from the fire place. I watched it until it lulled me into an essential stupor. Sleep should always be this way.

I dreamed of a mane of gloriously blond hair attached to the head and face of an Angel. There was an Angel in my room standing by the fire; an Angel with features so like Mac’s that I was disturbed. I lay there for a while not opening my eyes and when I did I was alone.

What the hell was going on?

Something weird was happening to me. Metaphorical my ass. I really needed to figure it out or risk missing much needed sleep if it didn’t drive me round the bend first. I dropped down to the floor and did a quick fifty then after going to relieve myself I conked back out.

:*:*:

TBC...


Dee


98° Fehrenheit

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

Thank you so much for the feed-back;
RhondaAnn
Redruum
Fehr’s Bear
Thankx lurkers

I am in an extreme rush but I wanted to say thanks and post the next chapter.
A lot of your questions will be answered here and as always, I hope that you all enjoy what I write.

Note:
I am sorry for the delay but I literally had to piece this chapter together. I don’t think that anyone in the universe has as many problems with computer equipment as I do.

I had EVERYTHING saved on USB and the damned thing burned out or something. This is not the only story that I am writing – it was a total of seven and they are all lost. All my notes, all the changes… everything.

I want to cry every time I think about it.

A computer tech has it right now. He is going to try and open it up so some power will go through it, but there is no guarantee.

I like to post this two epi’s at a time, but I am still trying to piece it all together. I had eleven chapters saved and now I am going through the arduous task of recreating from what I have written on paper.

Be patient. I’ll return as soon as I can,

Dee









Chapter nine;

Something to hope for…


Maria

A lot had gone on before my world came crashing down around me. Michael and I made my deadline with time to spare so that meant a bonus. I couldn’t get happy about it because I was feeling so bad at that point that all I wanted to do was sleep. Michael was wonderful as always. He’d driven us to Albuquerque then after a brief reprieve for some rest, he made my deadline. I owe him so much.

We checked into Circus Circus and Michael left me to shower before accompanying me to the hospital. I was trying not to show how much worse I’d gotten since leaving the Ranch but I knew that it was really bad. I didn’t want to seem like a weakling in Michael’s eyes. I know that it was silly, but I’d lost all rationality when I realized that I had such a big crush on him.

I was standing in the middle of the hotel room floor. I’d just had a dizzy spell and was trying to regain my equilibrium when Michael rushed into my room looking perplexed… kind of wild and untamed.

Damn he was hot. I wasn’t too sick to appreciate that. I said the first thing that came to mind after I chased the sexy fantasy out of my head…



‘What is it Michael?’


The question was so simple. We went through a myriad of emotions in that room. At first I felt that I’d been wrong about him, I mean – I was literally feeling like warmed over crap and my crush crushed me.

Then I had a dawning revelation. This highly agitated and confused man had me pegged for the wrong gender. It was so damned obvious that it was almost laughable.

I could have played it off because he was so cute thinking that he’d crossed over to the ass worshiping side, but I was feeling really bad and I wanted more than anything for him to kiss me again.

I watched him closely. Time seemed to slow as I took the scarf from around my neck then pulled off the cap and let my hair fall free around my face, over my shoulders and down my back.


He stood unmoving.


He looked as if he wasn’t breathing when I pulled the jersey over my head and let it drop to the floor. He was looking at me, I’m sure, to try and determine if what he was seeing was real.

I figured that I’d go for broke and took off my tee, dropping it to the floor with my jersey. I stood unabashedly before him in a pair of trucking doc’s, baggy jeans and a sheer, flesh colored bra showing my assets. He was in a trance. I had to snap him out of it.


‘Is this enough to convince you, or should I take off my bra too?’


He crossed the room and before I uttered the last word, he’d lifted me off the floor. I was in his arms, we were on the bed, and he was kissing me soundly.

His kiss was as I’d dreamed, but so much more. I could have kissed him forever, but I was so tired. His body was warm. We were speaking to each other but I vaguely remember what was said because I was curling into him so I could relax and close my eyes.

I must have passed out because when I woke I was in a hospital bed and Michael’s head was next to mine on the pillow. He held one of my hands in his and there was an IV line taped to the other. I reached across to smooth his tousled hair. He woke and sighed before kissing me lightly on the lips.

He wouldn’t let me speak so I was reduced to writing him notes. Just when I was getting everything that I wanted, I was near death and couldn’t enjoy it… well, I had no clue how sick I really was until I woke again and looked into Michael’s tired and much too worried face.

My throat felt like it was on fire after swallowing jagged pieces of shrapnel. That is how bad it hurt. I was even weaker and I felt nauseous having to swallow my own saliva. I opened my mouth to say something to Michael and nothing came out. He held my hand gently.


‘Please don’t try to speak, ok? Andy…


I mouthed the word ‘Andy’.


‘Yes. Andy is here and he will be in shortly to explain what’s going on.’

I pointed to him and mouthed the words, ‘you tell me, please?’

‘I’m not exactly sure if I understand it myself, but apparently bubbles of puss formed along the incisions from your first surgery. They had to be scraped off so Andy flew here to do it. He performed the surgery last night, but…


I grabbed on to his hand tighter.


‘You’ve got an infection in your blood. I believe that he called it Sepsis…


I tried to interrupt him.


‘Baby please, hold on for a second. I’m going to get Andy.’


I held on as tightly as I could to his hand quickly and mouthed the words, ‘I’m scared.’


He pulled me gently into his arms speaking softly,


‘Don’t be. I know that it’s a lot to ask, but let me do the worrying for the both of us. Maria, you’re going to be ok. There is no other option.’


He kissed me quickly then stepped outside the door. One hundred scenarios were running through my head. Most concerning was, had I done irreparable damage to myself?

Michael was soon back with Andy in tow who was holding my medical chart and seemed to be studying it.


Andy – ‘I know that look MJ and don’t worry; you’ll get the best possible care. I won’t allow anything less.


He and Michael were standing on either side of the bed each holding on to one of my hands.


A – ‘Now let me try to explain what’s happening. After you misplaced your antibiotic, you developed pustules along the incisions from the first surgery. Its just puss that congeals taking the shape of small boils and adheres to the walls of your throat but it’s not good. We had to go back in and scrape them away.

Recent blood tests show that your blood is infected. We call this Septicemia or Sepsis. Darlin’ you are going to be here for a while. We’ve started a regimen of some pretty strong antibiotics, supplements and pain medication. All your meds are intravenous right now so you can’t be out gallivanting around in that truck of yours.

I don’t want to scare you, but I’m not gonna lie to you. This can be serious, but I’m positive that we caught it in time. It’s just going to take some time to get you well. Your voice will more than likely come back in stages as the swelling goes down. Are you feeling discomfort right now?’


I nodded my head yes and Andy injected something into my IV and I could feel myself getting sleepy. I didn’t want to sleep. I wanted to talk to Michael.

When I woke next, it was several hours later because the sun had set and the whole floor was eerily quiet. I was in a tremendous amount of pain. My whole body was achy and I had chills. I knew that I was feverish. It hurt to open my eyes. Michael was right across from me on the other bed.

He must have heard me struggling because in a flash he was by my side.

He looked sad and for a moment I was afraid until he smiled at me.


‘You don’t have to tell me that you aren’t feeling well because I can see it and that really disturbs me. I know that you won’t understand this but it disturbs me because there is something that I can do to help you.

I’ve lain awake for countless hours debating this and compassion won out. I cannot in good conscience walk into this room every day and see pain on your beautiful face. Do you trust me Maria?’


I nodded yes because there was no doubt about it.


‘There are things that I haven’t shared about my past and once they’re revealed you’ll understand why I’m so closed mouthed about them. I think I’ve always been searching for the woman who will complete me. It’s just rotten damned luck that now that I’ve found you…


He shook his head as if he was clearing a thought. I wanted to know what he was going to say.


‘When it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes a person just knows. I’ve been slowly falling for you since we met. It all goes back to that unconscious thing. My eyes were telling me that you were a guy but my heart knew… I think that my heart always knew…


As he is talking to me, he’s moving closer. By the time he’s seated on my bed he has removed his shoes and long sleeved shirt. I want so much to be near him that I don’t think it’s strange that he’s gently moved me over and joined me on the bed.

He lay down beside me and cradled me in his arms – his main focus – telling me what was on his mind. His body was warm and he felt so good against me. I felt safe. I felt loved. I was almost afraid to think it but I felt loved.

Michael said it best. In matters of the heart sometimes a person just knows. Well, I knew. I fell for Michael the first time that I saw him. I fell again when he drove my baby like it was his. I fell completely when he chose me over Sophie. His voice brought me back.

‘I am so close to loving you completely, so close Maria. It’s there just beyond reach and I want to just grab on with both hands but I’m afraid.’


I wanted to ask why.


‘After today you and I will be inextricably intertwined. I wanted you to know all of me, but not quite this way. This should have been your choice but right now there is no other choice. My hope is that some part of you understands.’


Speaking was very difficult, but I tried anyway. It pushed out like a puff of wind.


‘Understands what Michael?’

‘That I do this because I care about you so much. All will be clear when you wake.’

‘But…


He placed his fingers gently over my lips then being mindful of my IV line; he pulled me flush against him. I remember him looking deeply into my eyes as he tangled his fingers in my hair. I didn’t understand what the hell he’d been talking about but he was so serious.

I’m sure that my body was trembling because I was so weak and I am also sure that it was because the anticipation of being thoroughly kissed by Michael was so great. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. An accelerated heartbeat is one of the conditions of Sepsis. I wasn’t sure if it was that or if it was Michael. It was probably a combination of both.

I thought briefly that my breath had to be sour from the sickness but for Michael that was clearly a non-issue as he ever so gently captured my lips with his own.

I surrendered.

His fingers were in my hair at the back of my head while his thumbs danced in slow gentle circles down my neck. He deepened the kiss and I felt white heat from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. It was hot but not unbearable, like being in a steam bath. After a few moments I knew. I was being purged of all the pain and tainted blood. It was unclear to me how I knew, but I did. Michael was making me better.

I remember distinctly the sensations of starting to feel normal for the first time in weeks.

I was thinking, ‘thank you, thank you’ as I wrapped my arms around him – never breaking the kiss because I wanted to give back everything that he was giving and more. What I was feeling was so beyond gratitude.

I fell again. I couldn’t imagine not kissing him. Emotions got the better of me and I remember that I moaned into his mouth. It caused a phenomenal reaction from Michael. I felt incredible waves of pulsing tingles running down my spine and into my belly. With those sensations came flashes in my mind of Michael’s life.

I couldn’t stop kissing him. The more passionate the kiss became, the faster the flashes. They were coming at me at such a fast pace that I’m not sue how I was able to process and decipher them. There was something erotic about it. He was bringing me to a sexual peak and he hadn’t even touched me in a sexual way.

It was inconceivable. I was seeing things that couldn’t be explained and amazingly I wasn’t afraid. I was intrigued, but more than that, I wanted to shed us of our clothing and let passion take us to the edge then let Michael carry us over.

I know that I would have done just that if I’d have been able to move anything but my mouth that was still attached to Michael’s. I had no control of my body. I was stuck in a state of suspended animation while the visions were playing like a movie in my head.

I saw huge portions of his incredible life in stages that brought me to that very moment on the bed in his arms. There were things that I needed to tell him, things that I knew with certainty. Suddenly we’d come to the end and with it came a potent orgasmic rush and I actually climaxed starting a chain reaction that caused Michael to orgasm as well.

I wanted to strip him and really make love to him, then talk about everything that had transpired after making love once more, but Michael kissed me again and I felt sleepy. The last thing that I remember is Michael’s voice…


‘I grabbed on Maria. I have fallen completely and now I don’t know what to do with myself. To think that you are afraid of me now is killing me inside. I’m leaving to give you time…

That’s it. The last thing I remember Michael saying is that he was leaving. I wanted to scream, ‘NO DAMN IT’, but I couldn’t.


When I woke again, Andy was standing over me with the look of confusion on his face.


‘MJ, what happened in this room?’

‘What do you mean?’


I hadn’t even realized that I’d actually spoken.


‘That. Do you hear yourself? You are speaking like there was nothing wrong with you less than four hours ago. Your color is normal, you have no fever and I am willing to wager that if I took a sample of your blood right now, there would be no sign of infection. How did your IV’s get undone…

‘Andy, where is Michael?’

‘I don’t know. He left the building roughly four hours ago. He said that you were sleeping and asked that the nurses not disturb your slumber.’

‘Can you get me some water?’

‘Sure.’


Andy left the room and I jumped up quickly to grab my clothes from the closet. I dressed and for the first time in weeks I didn’t have to put on that damned hat and scarf unless I wanted to. I couldn’t resist looking in the bathroom mirror. Andy was right. My color was great but most importantly, I was able to open my mouth and swallow without pain. Michael was my miracle worker and I was going to find him. When Andy returned I was putting on my shoes.


‘Where do you think you’re going?’

‘Outta here Andy. I’ve got to find Michael. Please don’t try to stop me.’

‘Maria, you just had surgery…

‘I’m fine Andy. Look at me. Look at my throat.’


He took a moment to look at my throat.


‘This is absolutely incredible. There is no antibiotic in the world that can cure an infection in one day. I have to draw some blood.’

‘My blood is fine Andy…

‘You will not leave this room until I do.’

‘Then draw it because I have to go.’

‘I know that it won’t do me any good to argue with you, but give me one minute to grab a syringe and release forms. I mean it Maria.’

‘Yeah, you are serious when you call me Maria. Ok Andy, I will be here but please hurry and have one of the nurses call me a cab.’


Andy came back and drew my blood. I signed myself out after kissing him and promising to call in an hour to check the results of my blood work that he would run himself. If all was free and clear he wouldn’t bother me, but if there were any sign of this Sepsis thing I had to come back. He knew that was an empty promise.

I caught a cab to the hotel. My Rig was out front where Michael told me he’d parked it. I went inside and was greeted by David the desk clerk. He said that he was happy to see me because Michael had expressed how bad I was feeling the day that we checked in. He then asked if Michael was ok because when he’d seen him last he looked kind of sick and upset. That was right before he checked out.

With a heavy heart I got on the elevator and went up to the room. I reluctantly let myself in with the card key. There was nothing inside that I wanted. Michael was gone and that hurt me more than the surgeries and all the pain that I’d gone through those last four weeks.

We’d shared something so completely incredible and special. Now that I knew of his origins, I could understand that he might be nervous because it’s not something that you can just tell a person and expect them to understand. I felt that this case was different.

Because of his intrinsic ability to heal, I was alive and so appreciative that I had to thank him personally. I wouldn’t feel right until I had because I owed him my life. I understood what he probably thought I wouldn’t and I had some very important news for him.

My backpack was on the bed. The keys to my rig and a letter were on the bedside table. I was very apprehensive about opening it. For some reason I got a strong feeling of foreboding and I was afraid that I’d never see him again. We were connected in ways that he knew about and in ways that he didn’t and I wanted to tell him everything after I told him that I love him for saving my life.

I reached for the phone. I was going to call down to room service and have them bring me something hot and rich. I was suddenly famished. I suppose not being able to eat real food for a while will do that to you.

I noticed the complementary writing pad beside the phone.

Flight 406 to Albuquerque @ 11:45

So he’d gone home. Well, that’s where I was going too. I started planning the route in my head. Approximately 572 miles. Knowing all the short cuts and back streets I could cut it down to about 480 and drive it in eight hours or less if the weather allowed. I didn’t know what would happen when I got there so I didn’t want to leave my rig. I was forgetting one important thing. I hadn’t read the letter.

I decided that I was going to stay the night in the hotel and leave before day that next early morning. I placed an order for chicken broccoli Alfredo over angel hair with a cherry coke. While I waited for my food, I made myself comfortable on Michael’s bed. I took a few deep breaths before breaking the seal on the envelope.

My Maria,

‘Well, that’s a good start.’

By the time you get this, I will more than likely be in Albuquerque. I apologize if the way that I left seems cowardly, but I must tell you honestly that I am afraid.

As you can probably guess, I’ve never shared like that – with anyone. I’d never wanted to until now. Andy told me how serious your condition was and I couldn’t loose you Maria, not that way.

Almost three weeks on the road with you is the happiest that I’ve been in my life. I suppose that I should thank you for that. I always have my guard up where people are concerned. I don’t mean to, it’s just reflexive of past experiences.

You, your friends, and your family – you were all good to me in different ways that all comes back to one thing; you are generous and caring people. In your backpack I left envelopes with thank you notes to all those who extended me a courtesy. I hope that the compensation amount is fair. It’s no problem for me to pay more if need be. When you consider that I was invited into homes, hotels, clothed and fed - well, I have to give back something.

‘I would say that one thousand dollars is plenty.’

What do I give you Maria? How do I repay your kindness?

‘Is he freaking kidding me? He saves my life and asks how he can repay me?’

There is no dollar amount that I could give. I left money in the tray in your rig for… whatever.

I want you to know that I miss you already. I also want you to know that I left because I figured that you’d need time to process what happened. I think I needed time to process what happened. Maria, if you are afraid of me…

‘Is he crazy? Yes, he is crazy!’

…I would rather not know. I will cherish our time always. You can’t possibly know how much I appreciate you. I can only guess that you came along at a time in my life when I needed you. I want to believe that it was mutual and we needed each other. That doesn’t negate the fact that I still do and if it’s at all possible, I want you in my life, even if it’s on your terms.

I am able to go on because I know that you are well.

‘Yeah I am well because of you – you wonderfully crazy man!’

I wouldn’t change one thing about our time together – well maybe I would change the fact that I thought you were inclined with a phallus.

That was my feeble attempt at humor, in case you didn’t notice.

Maybe if the timing were different…

Maybe if I hadn’t had to…

All that matters is that you are well and living the life that you were destined. I will always hold our time together near and dear.

Mac Jr. The smallest, baddest trucker on the road.

Maria. The most beautiful woman that I have ever encountered.

The two faces of Mac. You sure threw me for a loop.

I’ll never forget you,

Michael


I started pacing the floor.


‘I’ll never forget you? What the hell is that? He can’t seriously think that I’ll let him walk away from me because he thinks I may be afraid of him. Oh Michael Guerin! You don’t know me very well, do you? I think that you are more afraid than you think I am.

I’m gonna have to do something about that. Ok, first food, then a long hot shower then sleep. You will not get away from me that easily. You said it yourself. We are inextricably intertwined and it’s all your fault. It’s all your fault and I…

(Realization dawns on me)

I love you for it. I really love you… I’m in love with you… oh my goodness. I’m in love with you.’


I slowly sank down until my bottom hit the bed. I am in love with Michael Guerin. What will I do if he doesn’t reciprocate my feelings? What if he thinks that I love him because he healed me? Wait a minute, is it because he healed me?

Long pause.

No. Definitely not. He had to have felt something for me because why else would he have risked exposing himself for someone that he has lukewarm feelings for? I want to see him but now I’m nervous… stop this Maria or you will drive yourself crazy. You have to go to him because you have to know.

I had to go to him. I was never one to back down from something that I want. There was a knock at the door and the concierge was there with my food. I ate pain free for the first time in weeks and it was a wonderful feeling. I don’t think that I actually tasted it because I was pre-occupied, but my body needed the sustenance because I’d been deprived so long.

Since Michael had gone through what I assumed would be a horrendous task of making me well, I needed to do what ever I could to keep it that way. I couldn’t begin to understand what healing a person would entail or even how he was able to do it. I wanted to know everything there was to know about what he was, other than human. It was his sincere humanity that drew me to him among several other things that made Michael so damned special.

I wanted to understand everything that I’d seen in the flashes of his life. He needed to know that we had something in common besides a mutual like for one another. He needed to know that I knew of ‘the others’ like him and he’d be especially surprised to know that I not only knew of them, but that I knew who they were. The revelation would be incredible.

I ate until I was full then showered. I was probably in there for forty-five minutes because the water felt so good pounding against my flesh – washing away the fatigue and every trace of the hospital and the sickness that had plagued me for too long.

After I dried, I made the promised call to Andy. He told me that he was so baffled by my prognosis that he didn’t know what to tell the other doctors that were on the case. He then let me in on his secret. Not wanting to scare me more than I already was, he’d downplayed how sick I really was. He wasn’t sure that I’d make it at all. He was almost positive that my organs would start shutting down.


‘MJ, I honestly don’t understand how you made it as long as you did. If Michael hadn’t brought you in after you passed out I don’t think that you would have made it through the night.’

‘So Michael knew how sick I really was?’

‘Yes. I told him after we learned that the infection had poisoned your blood. Maria, you are a medical miracle. I can’t… I don’t know where to begin to try to explain it. I’m so happy that you are ok. You can’t know how hard it was for me to face you knowing that I thought I was loosing you, and Michael…

‘Michael? What about him?’

‘MJ, the only thing that I can say with certainty is that man loves you.’

‘Andy…

‘I am so completely serious Maria. He wouldn’t rest. He actually went down to the medical library to peruse the medical journals for information on your condition. He needed to know exactly what would happen from start to finish. Once he was satisfied he’d read it all, he made me one promise and looking into his eyes, I was convinced whether it happened or not.’

‘What did he promise Andy?’

‘He promised that you’d live. I started preparing to transfuse you if you’d gotten progressively weaker over night. Imagine my surprise when I walk into the room and actually see you preparing to escape.’

‘You said that you saw Michael when he left?’

‘Yes and now that I think about it, he didn’t look too good.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I mean, I don’t know what I mean. It was like he was getting sick.’

‘Sick how? Andy, this is important.’

‘Ahm, his coloring was a little off and he seemed a little weak. He looked a lot like you did before the surgery. He may have even grimaced a little…

‘Like he was in pain? He was in pain and you didn’t help him Andy?’

‘There was no time MJ. I asked if he was ok but he waved me off and quickened his pace. I did go to the door to look for him, but he’d already grabbed a cab.’

‘I’m sorry Andy. I know that you would have helped if you could.’

‘Yeah, I would have. Honestly, knowing that he’s in love with you, I chalked it up to sympathy pains.’

‘Hunh?’

‘Sympathy pains, you know, like when a woman is in labor and her partner feels the contractions? That was just an example.’

‘Oh. So you think he loves me?’

‘I know that he loves you. There is no doubt in my mind. What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?’

‘Nothing that will get me into trouble, I assure you. I am actually preparing to sleep,’

‘Good. You can never get too much of that. I’ve prescribed some supplemental vitamins for you…

‘Andy…

‘You’re too thin MJ. Don’t argue with me about this. I am having them filled right now. The hospital is on your way out of the city so you get your pretty ass in here and pick them up so you can give me a proper goodbye. Yeah, I know that you are going after him. Honestly, I would too.’

‘Ok, ok. I’ll see you no later than eight a.m., and Andy?’

‘Thank you for everything.’

‘My pleasure. Always.’


I couldn’t sleep after that. All sorts of things were going through my mind. I wondered if Michael had somehow taken my sickness into himself. I shuddered at the thought because if he had, would he be ok? That scared the hell out of me.

For a moment I thought of catching a flight and leaving my baby, and then I thought about leaving within the hour. Then I thought, stick to the original plan. Get a good night sleep and drive straight through.

Michael had scrawled his address and phone number across the back of a hotel menu. The need to hear his voice was overwhelming so I picked up the phone and dialed his number, poised to hang it up until I heard his message…

‘You know who you’ve reached and you know what to do.’ Beeeep

Clears throat,
Michael this is Mac… ahm Maria. Michael, are you ok? I spoke with Andy and he told me that you didn’t look too good when you left the hospital. I’m calling because I need to see you. Please don’t deny me this. I owe you so much and there are things that you need to know. I… I’ll see you very soon. I…’

The damned machine beeped. I was going to say it. Three scary little words that I felt he needed to hear. I needed to say them for my own piece of mind.

I pulled back the covers and tried to get comfortable. All I could see was Michael’s face and it didn’t help that he was all over the damned pillow. That actually kind of comforted me.

The pillow felt weird. I tried to fluff it up and reaching underneath, my hand landed on something familiar.

I pulled out Michael’s worn copy of Ulysses. That was my distraction. I picked up where I’d left off until I couldn’t hold my eyes open any longer.

TBC…




Coming as soon as I can get it re-typed is
Chapter 10;
Everything that can be done…



Another Note:

I always thought that manipulating and altering matter was the same concept as ‘healing’, so why in hell could they not ALL do it? Michael was able to ‘fix’ River Dog’s ankle enough that they could continue their trek through the woods and remember when Isabelle was literally dieing after being shot… yeah, I know that she said that she heard Michael calling to her, but I think that it was much more than that. I don’t buy for a minute that it was because Max was supposedly dead.

Didn’t make sense to me during the series so I fixed it.

I am going on the theory that whomever the podsters are mated to, they should be able to heal.

I haven’t given much thought to the fact that Scott/Max may very well be able to heal anyone at any given time. That may be possible, but this is M&M.

I think that being able to heal the person that you are mated to makes the act very personal and special.

Until next time,

Dee


98° Fehrenheit