Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2019 18:04:58 +0000
From: Max Dowling <maxieplus@hotmail.com>
Subject: Ayden's eyes 94

Chapter 94

All donations to Nifty are greatly appreciated.

When Susan left with her pies and cakes I had a word with Rita.

"You don't think she will affect your business do you baby?"

"No Den, not at all, and it will be good to have her here. I

think the bar will be a good earner and you know how I like to dance, maybe
she will have an old time dancing night." She smiled, she had no problems
with Susan and Patrick moving here, I think they have become the best of
friends over the course of time. Spud joined us with his milkshake as he
overheard our conversation and wanted to know what was going on, so Rita
brought him up to scratch.

 "That's a great idea, we can go there on a Saturday night and maybe do
some hip hop or head banging." God help us, he and Ali would bring the
house down with their dreadful music.

I think Rita told them if they wanted to listen to their music they can go
to their house and do it. I sometimes hear rap coming from there and I
don't think the other guys were playing it.

Tim arrived around three, he looked tired and he was carrying Horse's
painting.

"Shit that was quick Tim, I hope you weren't up all night doing it."

"No and yes Den, when I looked at it again all it needed was some tape and
a good stretch to get it framed again, simple stuff for me, but you will
have some touching up to do." He smiled and I melted into his eyes. No, no,
no! Don't do that Den.

 "Where is everyone, down the beach?"

"Yes mate but Ayden is over at Blue's place playing with Andy and the rest
are coming now for late lunches, I can hear the shower going. How much do I
owe you?"

"Nothing, do you want another coffee, I might eat too while I'm here."

"Before you go, how did your big night with Nuts end up?"

"Okay Den, we caught up on a lot of family gossip, he was interested and
wants to mend fences soon. I will gently help him with that."

"Good, as long as he instigates it then I don't see a problem."

"There won't be Den, the family are dying to see him again but I told them
not to talk about his wife and baby too much, he doesn't want to hear it,
he's moved on and has his own memories."

"Did he stay the night?" Me and my big mouth.

"Yes, he was too drunk to drive so he stayed the night."

He started walking off to the kitchen but turned to add,

 "In the spare room." Then I heard him giggle. It's a shack full of
giggling Gerties today, when are people going to take me seriously?

The kiss on the neck brought me back to reality, I had been watching Tim's
ass move under his shorts but now Evan is here I would rather watch him.

 "We have to talk bubs; I am a bit concerned about all the secrets you are
hiding from me." I looked him in the eyes and yes, he started giggling. I
bloody give up so threw my hands in the air and took the painting off the
easel replacing it with Horse's one. I looked it over and saw where the
problem was, Tim had done a sterling job on it but the line where it was
cut needed my attention. It won't take me long to fix it, but for now I'm
hungry.

When Tim arrived back he took one look at the new painting and almost
screamed.

 "That's my fairy elf in that one and look he's turned into Evan there,
nice buns by the way Evan." Why didn't I see it, all I saw was Tim not
Evan, but he can see the difference, I looked sideways at my man and he was
holding his laughter inside with all his human strength.

 "We will talk later," was all I had to say then he let fly with a great
belly laugh, Tim stared and shook his head.

 "Did I miss something Den?"

"No and yes, you are spot on with your comment and you missed having an
awesome foursome." I laughed now.

"What's the joke?" Nuts asked as he came out of the shop.

"Nothing much Nuts, if you are ordering lunch I'll have a big steak
sandwich please." That got Evan going again. Horse honed straight in on his
painting and when he followed Nuts out he thanked Tim more than once, I'm
sure if Tim had asked he would have kissed his feet too.

 "Wow, it's back to new Den, can I take it now?" he asked.

"Not yet my friend, I still have some work to do on it, it won't take
long."

"Can you do it now?" He was so eager to get it back into his house.

"After I eat, won't be long, chill out."

 My son came running past and up the stairs.

"Gone sleeps dah."

"Good, babies need lots of sleep, are you hungry?" He turned around and
looked at the cafe, I could see him counting on his fingers.

"Not yet dah, nanny get mad."

"Oh okay, so you're not hungry then?"

"No dah, not hungry at moment please, maybe later." He threw his arms over
my legs and climbed up onto my knees. Backing up to me he started talking
to Evan about today's surf.

 The boys began eating their lunch and I was stroking Ayden's head as he
prattled on, eventually he quietened down and was having a nap. He's so
light, a bit like a feather and I wondered if he would always feel that
way.

 Evan followed me to the bathroom, I had to go to the toilet so I had
passed Ayden to Horse to cuddle for a minute.

 "Do you want to talk about it now?"

"About what bub?"

"My secrets."

"Thank you for reminding me, what's with Susan and Patrick moving down
here?"

"They asked me if they had enough money to buy that old bank building and
to start up a tapas bar or something. I went with Patrick the other day to
look at the building and it's in good solid condition, and a bargain. I
told them they could more than afford it, and when they sell the tea rooms
they will get a bomb for it in its present state. Their books make it look
like a gold mine."

"And is it a gold mine bub?"

"Yes Den, a good buy for someone, I think Harry and his mates are thinking
of buying the freehold. Abs tells me Arras will see to that for them."

 I wasn't very happy because Evan had given me more information than I got
out of Susan. Maybe I'm just being silly.

"Sorry bub, I was just wondering how many other secrets you are keeping?"

"Well I can't think of any at the moment, but it's really not a secret. I
am happy for them but it slipped my mind to tell you, that was the day you
talked me into having sex when I got back so I forgot, that's all."

"I see now, your trying to put the blame on me?"

"No Den, remember you got on your knees and gave me an awesome seeing to?"

"Oh yes." He had pushed his shorts down and was pushing my shoulders so I
had to get on my knees. I guess we can have a more adult conversation later
on.

 Later I grabbed a blank canvas because I wanted to paint the image I had
in my head, it was bugging me. A baby in red shorts sitting on a deck chair
with Spud and Ali serving colourful cocktails to him.

I didn't know why but this painting will have a significant meaning to it
when I finish. Maybe Spud is about to become a father, but I don't know
where they would get such an adorable baby from? Maybe Hildy the child
services lady that delivered Andy to Blue took me seriously and is looking
for one for them? It was bugging me so I at least had to draw it.

 "Another triumph Den, are you going to paint this one or keep it a
secret?" Cyn was sitting behind me having a sandwich, I think she guessed
its meaning.

"No it's not a secret Cyn, I'm not like Evan, keeping secrets seems to be
his thing."

"What do you mean Den?" I told her about Susan moving to town and she
didn't know about it either, so I figured I would believe his flimsy
explanation.

 "Well it's going to be awesome Den." Then she faltered as she looked
closer at the drawing.

"He's going to have bright green eyes, how is that possible?"

"What's that Cyn? Oh yeah, very bright green eyes and he's something to do
with Ali and Spud." Her hands went to her face and I noticed a few tears.

 "What's up Cyn?" She was shaking.

"It's not possible, Abs has dark green eyes, mine are blue."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Den, please promise me you won't tell anyone just yet, can we have a
secret for once, just us. Please, please don't tell anyone, especially Abs,
he doesn't know yet."

"Of course Cyn, what's the matter?"

"I'm pregnant and I think you just drew our beautiful little son."

 That floored me, I knew they were trying but I wasn't ready for this bit
of fantastic news.

"Oh Cyn that's wonderful, I'm so happy for you and Abs." A tear dropped
down my cheek, another little boy. My butterflies went wild inside my
tummy.

 "It's not confirmed yet Den, please don't say anything I have to tell Abs
first, but I missed my period this month and I feel a bit odd."

"Good god Cyn that's great, he will be prouder than Arras I think, is this
his first one?" Oops.

She stared at me then said,

 "Of course it is Den, what did you think, he's got dozens of kids all over
the Emirate states?"

"No Cyn, I'm sorry I just got over excited for you both that's all."

"Can you finish the painting on the quiet Den, for me. I will pay you for
it."

"No need Cyn, it's my present to you for trusting me with your secret."

 She smiled and dried her eyes, I know all about emotions in pregnant
women, Carol was weeping right from the get go with Ayden.

I walked over and gave her a big hug and a rub on the back, this always
helps a new mother, I think.

"This is great, I am going to love having a new baby around again, it's so
awesome baby."

"Well by the looks of the painting so are Spud and Ali, they will be his
uncles you know." Something clicked open in my head.

 "Of course that's it, Ali is Abs' nephew, now I get it, they will be so
happy for you, look at their faces, they are grinning from ear to ear."

"That baby is beautiful Den, I guess with our eyes he could end up with any
colour, but I must admit that green is awesome, they're a bit like Tim's."
They were too, much the same colour as Tim's. I sat next to her and we both
stared at the painting, just drinking it in. I know I need to add fairy
folk and background, but it will be awesome. Then it hit me full force
again.

 I knew those eyes from somewhere, they aren't Tim's either, they are
brighter on the rims and a paler colour in the middle, Tim's are bright
green all over. I will have to think on that for a while, but I do know
those eyes from somewhere.

 "When do you get confirmation?"

"I have to go see Doctor Tiny in an hour, so I have got to have a shower
soon then leave." She started packing up.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No Den, I think I want to do this on my own, you know, drink it all in,
and then I have to tell Abs tonight if the test is positive."

"You can get Rita and the boys to cook something special for dinner."

"No Den, they will be alerted that something's changing in our lives, best
you leave it up to me. And Den, please don't tell anyone."

"I promise I won't Cyn, and good luck. I kissed her cheeks and she slowly
drifted down to her house.

 I again looked at the drawing then took it up to the storeroom. I don't
want anyone to see it just yet, especially Ali and Spud. I grabbed Horse's
painting and started repairing the damage. It didn't take that long and as
I washed my brushes and waited for it to dry, my mind started drifting off
into the past.

 The past when Ali first came to the bay and he showed me a beautiful
painting of his David and how sad he had been after David's death. I felt
something, the avalanche of butterflies was coming alive again in my
stomach. I didn't go into a spin but rather I got up and walked towards Ali
and Spud's house. Apple let me in and I went straight up to their bedroom,
and there was my answer staring straight back at me.

 David's painting almost shouted out to me, I could feel the happiness
dripping from it, and those eyes, those beautiful bright green ones were
staring back. I sat on the bed staring into them, it was as if he was
talking to me about coming back to the bay, then I heard from somewhere a
voice that said,

"I'm coming home." It was an angel's voice I heard.

 I wept into my hands and everything I had experienced in the past that was
good, was in those tears as they flowed through my fingers onto my
t-shirt. I was feeling the excitement coming from the painting, my inner
butterflies instantly exploded and filled the room with deep comfort as
they flew everywhere. He's coming home where he belongs, and he's going to
bring that healing that Ali needs so much.

When my tears left I was still surrounded by Ayden's butterflies, they were
singing a beautiful song, their own song, and it was awesome. As they
disappeared into David's painting one by one I was left feeling so empty,
but so full of love it was unbelievable, almost unbearable.

 I thanked Apple after he inquired about my mood, then went home and
flopped on the bed and cried some more. Cyn and Abs were bringing David
back and I can never tell them about it, or Ali. I suspect bubs will be
doing some of Ali's healing with his smiles, just like my son did for
me. The bed shook as someone climbed up on it then snuggled into me.

"He come soons dah."

"I know son; it's going to be awesome when he gets here."

"I waits for him dah, he's my best friend."

"What about Andy?"

"I don't know yet dah, we friend but different kind."

"I know what you mean son, he will be your bestest friend."

"Yes dah, that's it, bestest friend." He kissed my nose and I returned the
favour then he ran off to see what his nanny had for him to eat.

 "Is she pregnant Den?" Evan was not far away.

"Yes." There goes my promise. He laid on the bed next to me and his big
arms pulled me into his chest and I smelt his love.

"How did you find out?"

"Abs baby, he said she was throwing up this morning and has been a bit
antsy for a few days. He thinks she's pregnant."

"Well I promised her I wouldn't say anything, she's at Tiny's getting
confirmation now." He kissed me then looked at my face.

"So why the tears?" He stroked my face. I shrugged then I thought I had
better tell him what I thought, you all know I can't keep a secret for
long. After I related my suspicions he kissed me again then slid down the
bed.

"Will this make you feel better, and Den?"

"Yes bubs?"

"I believe you, I feel he's been trying to get back for ages. I somehow
know that for certain." I lifted my hips while Evan slid my shorts down,
then he went down.

 Apart from the awesome feelings he was giving me inside, he was also
telling me I'm not nuts in the head, he believes everything I tell
him. It's as if he already knows what's going on around here and he is in
my head, we are at one.

I couldn't let him go on any longer, I had to strip his shorts off and roll
him on the bed, I whispered in his ear as I moved into him. He groaned then
a dreamy smile filled his face. That's better, my hips moved faster, and
they loved it immensely.

 Abs was sitting having a pie when we emerged and I did see a slight smile
on his face, but he was trying hard not to show his inner glee.

I wondered what they were going to call him, maybe not David but something
similar I would have thought. My mouth opened to say something but I
immediately snapped it shut, now is not the time to be smart.

 I saw a little lad riding up the street on his scooter and he was grinning
from ear to ear. He parked his ride then ran up to the porch, handing a
piece of paper to Abs while jumping up and down. I think the excitement was
getting to him, and I think he had already read the note. Abs shouted
something in Arabic so I couldn't understand it, then he picked Birdy up
and kissed him then he hurdled the railings, flying over my rose bushes and
shot off towards his house. We all looked at each other then Horse picked
up the note and read it out aloud.

 "I will see you soon daddy Abs."

 That was all that was needed for the party to get started and the beers
and champagne flowed. Rita of course was very happy because she had one
brandy, and Ali and Spud, Tush and Bubble danced to some kind of Arabian
tune. We left Cyn and Abs to come to terms with their news and Tony was
annoyed she had told me first.

 "I'm going over to give her a good piece of my mind," he snarled.

"I suppose you had better decide which piece Tony, a good piece, or the
never ending, nasty piece," Horse said to him. That shut him up.

I did think that it was a bit harsh, maybe there's trouble in their neck of
the woods?

 Birdy was very happy, he was going to be an uncle and happily sat on my
lap occasionally snuggling up, just to see if I was still awake. Bubby of
course danced until he couldn't do his moves anymore, he had exhausted
himself and now I think it's bed time. Arras rang Horse and they spoke for
a while, he didn't have any new information only that Aisha was doing fine
and they were missing the bay enormously. I suppose in the morning Cyn and
Abs will be receiving all the congratulations they deserve, but for now
it's time for our bed.

 "I'm off to bed bub, don't stay up too late." I kissed his cheek. I took
Ayden off and made sure he cleaned his teeth and washed up for bed. He was
happy to jump under the covers and happier when he received his cuddle and
kisses. I turned his night light on then stroked his forehead.

"Sleep well my awesome son." His eyes flickered then closed shut for the
night.

 Evan came in an hour later, he had disturbed my sleep but I turned over
and snuggled into him and his light breathing lolled me into a deep
sleep. I dreamt of excitement, green eyes and sunny days on the beach.

 The knocking on the window got me started for the day as Evan crept about
the bedroom.

"He does that deliberately Den; he can see I'm awake." He sort of giggled.

"I know he just wants to check out my big cock first thing." With that I
threw back the bedcovers and walked naked into the bathroom. There, that
will start your day nicely Horse, I hope you didn't miss the nudie show.

A deep kiss from Evan and he was out the back door to go throw his hips
around in the surf.

 Ayden was still asleep and he was smiling, all scrunched up in a ball. I
brushed his hair with my hands then kissed him and went to find some of
that coffee I could smell coming from the cafe. Rita asked me how I felt
and I told her I was feeling wonderful. She said she felt the same and
couldn't wait to have another baby in her kitchen. She almost dribbled when
she spoke of her joy. I took the coffee down the porch and waited for the
early morning risers. Abs was the first to arrive, he said they were so
excited they didn't sleep all night.

 We sat and listened to him rave on about the new family member and he
sounded just like Arras when he found out about his new daughter. I thought
I would let him go for another five minutes then put a stop to it. Ali and
Spud were next and they were talking in Arabic again which gave me the
chance to go see if my boy was up. There he was sitting on his potty, today
he waited for me to clean his bum, he likes me to do that sometimes. I took
him into the shower and placed him on his wooden seat then began to wash
him. I did his hair today and wondered if he would want Susan to cut it
again, or does he want to leave it long?

His answer was,

 "Long like Pa's."

"Okay, we don't get it cut then."

"Good, me no's like it short."

"But you look like uncle Blue with it shorter."

He thought about it for a minute like he was having an argument with
himself, then he replied,

"No, long like mys Pa's peese."

 I'm glad we got that out of the way before I attempt to brush the knots
out. His squealing brought Spud in to see if I was killing him or not.

"Oh let me do it Den; you have no idea how to brush long hair." He took the
brush off me and Ayden stopped his protests.

"Start at the bottom and work your way up Den, it's the way it's always
been done."

"Sure." I walked out and put a clean pair of shorts on, then went to make
up Ayden's bed. He looked good when he arrived, his hair was in a red tie
at the neck. Spud did good I think; I will get him to do it in the future.

 "All better baby?"

"Yes dah, all good."

"Thanks Spud, has Cynthia arrived yet?"

"Yes Den, she's sitting at the table crying, I had to come and find you
just to get away from it all." He laughed.

"And Tony is feeding it by patting her hand and giving her sorrowful
looks." He laughed again.

"God help us, I had better go out and put a stop to it."

"Let them go, they will soon get sick of it when everyone disappears. I'm
going around the back to have a shower and hopefully it will all be over by
the time I finish." He grinned.

"Want me to brush your hair Spud?"

I got a sour look as he scuttled off.

 I carried my boy all fresh and clean out to the porch, and sure enough it
was a real operatic tragedy type scene at the table.

"You will be all right Cyn, I'll look after you, just ring me when you need
something," Tony assured her.

"Where's Spudley Den?"

"Gone to shower Ali." He jumped up off his seat and ran down the porch, I
think to give Spud some loving and to maybe brush his hair.

 That left the four of us and I suggested she go down to the beach and get
some sun onto her bones. She thought that might be a good idea and she
could talk to the boys while she's at it. I did think to warn Evan not to
come into shore but oh hell, why not. If I have to put up with it so can
he.

 And then there were two, just Ayden and I sitting alone waiting for the
breakfast basket.

"He's happy dah."

"Who baby?"

"Dabid."

"He told you did he?"

"Yeps, he talks to me all the times, he can't waits."

"Is there going to be any trouble bub?"

"No dah, don'ts be silly, everyone happies now, even my kings."

"Good."

"Dah, summing going to happens soon." I thought, not more drama!

"What baby, tell dah's?"

"Look." He poked his chin out and opened his mouth wide. His tongue was
playing with an extremely loose tooth; this will be the first of many.

"Your losing your baby teeth, then you will get some big ones like Blue's
in your mouth. It will be easier for you to eat your burger."

"Oh?" He giggled, here we go again.

"When it falls out try and keep it, we can put it under your pillow and the
tooth fairy will leave a dollar for you and take your tooth away."

"Oh?" That stumped him.

 When Rita came down I told her and she made him open his mouth to show
her, she was so swift with her fingers I'm sure not even Ayden noticed.

"Magic baby." She held the tooth in her hand and showed him.

It didn't hurt, it was about to fall out anyway, I suppose she knows all
about that sort of thing. I started laughing at Ayden's surprised face and
could see his cheeks moving as his tongue felt around for the cavity.

 "Now nanny will wash this tooth and you can put it under your pillow
tonight, the tooth fairy will come by and collect it. Maybe she will leave
you some money too." She winked at me as Ayden said,

"Trues nanny?"

"True baby, I promise." He didn't trust what I had just told him.

 Rita placed the tooth in her purse then jingled her keys and said she was
going to the old pub to meet Susan; she was going to show her the
inside. The breakfast basket was ready and I got Tush to take it down,
Ayden had to go with him to get his burger and tell his pa about his tooth,
while I went with Rita.

 "Should I disinfect his mouth honey?"

"No Den, and the least fuss we make over it the better, he won't be in any
pain. That tooth was only just hanging on by a tiny thread."

 We pulled into a large car park and my first impression of the big
rectangle building was this place is awesome. There has to be a lot of work
done to the outside, the bluestone bricks needed re-cementing in places and
a vine had grown up one side and all over half the roof, that looked like
it was sagging in the centre. Inside we were greeted by dark wood panelling
and high ceilings, it still smelt like a bank. The big heavy safe was still
intact, the cellar was damp and mouldy but would make a wonderful wine
cellar. There were four guest bedrooms on the next level which you accessed
by a winding mahogany staircase that needed a good drink of oil and a
polish. In a nutshell the interior was wonderfully gorgeous.

 "These guest rooms have been added later, it would be easy to rip these
temporary walls down and restore this floor to what it used to be. It looks
like the bank manager's residence, three bedrooms, a lounge, bathroom and
kitchen. There's so much room up here I bet you could put extra bathrooms
with each bedroom."

Poor Susan groaned.

 I listened to her ideas and told her to get Tony involved before she
signed off on anything, he has a good eye for these things. She agreed and
showed us the one bathroom on that floor, I think a family of possums had
taken up residence a while ago because it stunk to high heaven.

 At the back there was a lady's and gent's toilet and a very large kitchen,
a leftover of the pub's glory days. I saw a big bread oven and noted that
they could sell all sorts of breads too.

It was solid and dry and the floorboards didn't squeak when we moved
around, they built these things to last in the old days and I didn't think
it would take much to bring this place into the twenty first century.

 "What do you think Den?"

"It's magnificent Sue, there's so much you can do with this place, stick a
big veranda across the back so people can dine out in the fresh air, that
would give you a huge dining room."

"Good idea, maybe we could have some sort of local goods in that part over
there, behind the teller's counter, like bread, pies, maybe some cakes,
jams, local fare."

"Well the only local fare I can come up with is Rita's home made stuff." I
smiled at her.

 "No. No more work for nanny Rita, I beg you. This is your gig and anyway
Pat is an excellent cook, he will be able to do those simple things."

"He can't make your wonderful pies Rita."

"He can if I give him my recipes." She grinned.

"But you will miss out on business."

"I don't care, I have enough to do, I'm going to be busy with the food
court at the new shopping centre anyway. Have you given more thought about
taking one of the shops Sue?"

 "We will come and talk to you about it, but at the moment it's a no from
us. We want to travel, not be tied down with businesses, Pat's father is a
good cook too and he was asking about the shops. I think he might just put
his hand up for one my love."

"What does he specialise in Susan?" I asked.

"He's a baker." She laughed.

"So he can do the shopping centre and supply the small shop here," I
suggested.

"Yes maybe, there's so much to work out at the moment. Let's just leave it
for awhile, they haven't even started on the shops yet and that will take a
year or two to do."

"Okay honey, I'll pencil Robert's name in and maybe one day he can come and
have a talk to me," Rita offered.

"Yes do that, we will have too much to do getting this old place in shape."