Fight Like A Mitchell

by Jennifer Foor

  “Quit panicking. Dad will call.”

  Mom, looking completely depressed over the whole situation, tries to reach out to the rest of our family while we rush home. Once we’ve arrived, I notice the kitchen is in the same disarray as when we left earlier. No sign of Dad anywhere.

  “I’ll take care of the mess. Go on and sit in the living room.”

  As much as she wants to help, she knows she can’t.

  The cleaner is located in the laundry room in a high cabinet away from small hands reach. I gather what I need and start on the counter. I can hear my mother on the phone with one of my sisters. She’s upset about my dad. She thinks something has happened to him. For the life of me I can’t figure out what’s going on with her. She’s been overprotective of the children, and everything Dad does and says seems to rub her the wrong way. I think they’re so used to one another that they take each other for granted. Maybe they don’t even notice.

  Before getting down on the floor to scrub the corner, I pull out my phone and go on the porch. I hate bothering Uncle Ty, but he knows exactly where Wes and Dad have gone.

  He answers the phone on the third ring. “Tyler Mitchell, the Man of Steel, can’t come to the phone right now. He’s busy relaxing in the hot tub with his wife. Leave a message and he’ll return your call on Monday.” I already know it’s not a recording, but smile anyway because he thinks he’s slick. “Excuse me, Man of Steel. I was looking for my uncle. Mom cut herself and had to get stitches and we haven’t heard from Dad or Wes since they left to pick up the pony.”

  He clears his voice. “What do you mean? It was in the next county. He should have been two hours at most.”

  “That’s why I’m calling you. She’s freaking out.”

  I can hear him shuffling around and either my Aunt Miranda or Van saying something in the background. Whatever is going on there is loud. Uncle Colt’s voice fills the receiver even though I know he’s not holding the phone. “Hang on. Let me walk outside. You’re breaking up.”

  “Everything okay there?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Uncle Colt and Aunt Van are having a disagreement over something. They’re fine. How’s your mom? How bad was the injury?”

  “Sixteen stitches and nerve damage. She’s pretty broken up about it.”

  “I’m walking to the truck. I’ve got the address of that guy in my glove compartment.”

  While I wait, I hear someone asking if he’s told me about Colt. I can tell it’s Aunt Miranda by the way she questions him. “No. I told you I wouldn’t say anything.”

  She’s still on him. “If other people find out Colt will flip.”

  “So what’s going on with Uncle Colt?” I’m curious now.

  “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it. He’s fine. It’s just his pride that’s let down.”

  “His pride? Like his dick?”

  My uncle laughs. “Why does everyone in this family read minds?”

  “What, did it stop working?”

  “I’m not at liberty to say. I’m getting the death stare from the porch. I’m sure it’s temporary.”

  “Let’s hope. I’d hate to be in his shoes.”

  “I told your aunt she’d have to lock me up. If they ask, you don’t know shit. You ready for the number?”

  I take the information down and end the call with Uncle Ty. My main concern can’t be the problems of a middle aged man. Right now I’m beginning to wonder what’s keeping my father.

  According to the farmer, Dad and Wes left hours ago. It makes no sense at all, but because Mom is a mess with worry, I take it upon myself to exhaust all possibilities, including calling local hospitals.

  I no sooner pick up the phone to start dialing when I hear a vehicle come up the driveway. Sure enough, after looking out the window I spot dad’s farm truck pulling a trailer. He and Wes climb out as I head from the back door. They’re laughing and carrying on as if nothing has happened. “Hey. Where you been all day?”

  “Went to pick up a pony. I told you that this morning.”

  “Mom’s been trying to call. She cut herself in the kitchen. I had to take her to get stitches. They said she has nerve damage.”

  Dad stops what he’s doing and starts heading for the front of the house. When I turn around I see Mom standing on the porch. Dad grabs her wrapped hand and looks to her for an explanation, while I saunter over to Wes to figure out what the hell took them so long.”

  “We’ve tried to reach you all day.”

  “I left my phone at the house. Conner dropped his in a ditch when we stopped to change the trailer tire. Then we got hungry and decided to eat at that new Steak house outside of town. What’s up with Mom?”

  “She cut her hand pretty bad. You need to call your wife. I’m sure she’s worried sick.”

  “Man, the one time we don’t have phones and the shit hits the fan.”

  I pat my best friend on the shoulder. “It’s all good. Give Cam a call. I need to head home.”

  “Hey hold up,” Wes calls out. “I need to ask you something.”

  “What?”

  Out of the corner of my eye I spot Dad comforting Mom. I can tell from her body language that’s she’s relieved he’s okay. I don’t know what she’d do if something ever happened to him. They’re like the old couple that can’t live without the other. God help us when the time comes to say goodbye, because I fear they’ll be lost and inconsolable. Dad especially. All I can hope is that Tamsyn and I will have that same connection when we’re their age.

  “Your Dad wants to surprise your mom with a new addition.”

  “Like a kid?”

  Wes shakes his head. “Hell no. We’ve got that covered. He wanted to adopt this dog we saw today.”

  “Why are you telling me? What’s one more pet going to do? Mom won’t even notice.”

  “This dog is sick. He’s got cancer. He’s like six or seven years old, but your Dad insisted on us taking him off this man’s hands. The guy wants to put him down, but your Dad said he’s not ready to go. I’m not saying it’s wrong, but he thinks he’s a dog whisperer or some shit. I mean, you should have seen the dog. He was spunky and full of life, but the old man can’t afford to treat him. He said it was cheaper to shoot him and stop the suffering.”

  “Damn. You know Dad is a sucker when it comes to animals in general. This one time we went to kill one of the cows for meat, he tried to talk us out of it.”

  “So, I kind of might have told him to turn around. That’s another reason we were late. We were with Rusty.”

  “So how’s the dog?”

  “Rusty had to euthanize him. We saw the images. He was riddled with cancer. It has spread throughout his body. He said he had to have been suffering for a while.”

  “That sucks. Poor guy is better off now. It’s the humane way.”

  “Anyway, I’m telling you this because I don’t think the cancer benefit should just go to human research. I think we should put some of the money aside for our pets. Rusty said there’s a good foundation, and your dad already wants to have a petting zoo. Will you help us? I think your dad has his mind made up.”

  “Yeah. I don’t really have a choice. Once Tamsyn finds out there will be animals, she’ll want to help too.”

  “Awesome. I figured as much. Maybe the kids could help, at the least the older ones. It will give them all something to do.”

  He’s right. It’s a family affair and now we have more incentive than ever to make a real difference. “Count us in.”

  Chapter 8

  Empathy is contagious

  Wes

  I’ve had hours to think about how the day unfolded. When we woke we were celebrating a new life. By lunch time, Amy, my mother-in-law, was being rushed to the hospital. During those hours, Conner, my father-in-law decided to stop the suffering of a sick animal.

  Life is short. It's a real shame that we're battling time. Every day we're alive is a blessing. None of us know when our last days will be, and those who are sick kn
ow it's inevitable.

  As my family continues to grow the reality of it all hits home. My mom remarried and moved to California. My sister put this town and the people in it behind her. She made mistakes that cost her years of freedom. The first thing she did when she got out of the facility was hightail it out of North Carolina. All I have left of my blood relatives is my grandfather and every night I pray I don't get the call that he's gone.

  Insisting on living alone, it's only a matter of time before he has an accident of some sorts. Cam and I have begged him to move in with us. We've even offered to move the kids into the mansion. God knows there's enough room. He refuses to give up his freedom. I get it. I really do, but I also feel like he's my responsibility.

  The drive home makes me think about a lot of things. After making sure my mother-in-law didn't need anything, I said my goodbyes and called my wife to let her know we were fine and I'd be home soon.

  The moment I walked through the door I was greeted with the normal chaos I’m used to.

  First I heard the youngest screaming at the top of his lungs. Upon walking through the living room, following the smell of food, I stepped into a disaster in the kitchen. A naked two year old was red-faced and inconsolable. My oldest son, age six, was on a chair, it tilted like it was about to fall, while his hands were covered in bubbling dishes.

  Cam dashed into the room behind me dressed like she was about to run out the door. I knew she was on call, but didn't expect it to be immediate. "Do you have them? I need to get going. Apparently the ER is slammed."

  I should be used to this by now, but as I glanced from person to person, I felt overwhelmed. I'd gotten up early when our youngest peed the bed. Not even an hour after that, the dog threw up and shit all down the hall. I actually woke to the sounds of it. As I got up to help Cam clean it, she threw up from the smell. By the time I got back in bed the sun was starting to come up. Cam let me sleep a little while longer, but we'd promised to go to her parents for breakfast.

  With the long tiring day getting the best of me, I put a smile on my face and pulled her into my arms. "I've got this, babe. I'll clean the mess and do a load of laundry before going to bed. Everything will be in order when you get home."

  “Don’t forget Madison is spending the night with friends. Little girls from her soccer team.” She put her hand on my cheek. "What would I do without you?"

  "Eat off soapy dishes and wear week old underwear for starters," I tease.

  “Seriously, I appreciate you so much. You had me worried today. I should have known it would be something stupid, but after the things I’ve seen, I can’t help but worry.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. We’re going to grow old together. We’ll be wrinkly and feeble and our kids will have to wipe our asses.”

  “Sounds amazing when you put it that way.”

  Since she’s in such a good mood, I explain our plans to raise money for the animals during the big event. With her instant approval I know I’m all in. It’s the start of something special. When our family works together nothing can stop us from achieving greatness.

  We kiss. It’s not like a kiss goodbye. It’s more involved. It’s filled with meaning and hope. She’ll never be able to understand the magnitude of my devotion to her. I waited, she was the prize. I have everything I’ve ever wanted, but I’m not too proud to know life is precious. It’s up to me to cherish every moment. I don’t want to be the next patient my wife has to treat, or the last. It can’t ever be that way for us.

  “I have to get going. I’ll leave the animal saving to you and Dad, while I focus on the human race.”

  We’re walking toward the foyer, leaving the kids in the other room for just a couple stolen moments of quiet. “My wife the superhero.”

  She grabs her bags and starts to walk out the door. “I’ll wake you when I’m back.”

  Grabbing her by the arm, I pull her back into my embrace. “Don’t go yet. I missed you today. We never finished what we started in the shower.”

  “I know. The kids have radar. They get some itch as soon as we touch each other.”

  “Well, we need to lock the door so we aren’t interrupted next time.” My hand travels down into the starchy fabric of her scrub pants. I don’t stop until I’m cupping her pussy, drawing my finger up the slit until her mouth opens for me to kiss. She lets out a desperate cry as I flick her clit, knowing we’re running out of time. We may live a couple miles from the hospital, but she can’t exactly take her time. “Five more minutes. That’s all I need. Just come for me.”

  “Wes,” my name is said with a heavy breath.

  “That’s it, babe. Just let it happen.” I’m rubbing harder now, determined to get my wife off before she walks out the door. I want her panting, constantly reminded of what she gets to come home to. “Come for me. Tell me how good your pussy feels.”

  “It does,” she manages. “Don’t stop.”

  She’s leaning against the door, her legs weakening with every one of my strokes. Her pussy tightens and relaxes as one finger does all of the work. Then I watch her face scrunch as she crumbles. Covering her mouth with my own, we kiss with heated passion. I’m rock hard, but know it will have to wait until later. “Wake me when you get home.”

  “You know I will.”

  She’s trembling, and it makes me feel accomplished.

  I remove my hand and suck on my finger. “Love the way you taste.”

  I can tell I’m making her want to stick around. It’s difficult watching her leave, but she manages with a simple wave and a steady pace.

  With a heavy sigh I walk back into the kitchen and glance around the room. My son has most of his body hunched over this sink now. In fact, he’s not even putting weight on the chair. Lifting him, I sit the child down on the floor and toss him a dish towel. “Dry off your hands and take your brother in the living room.”

  “But Daddy, Mommy said I could help.”

  “You are helping. I’m going to finish the big stuff and then we’ll make a snack.”

  “I want peanut butter crackers,” he announces.

  “Ok. Go do what I said. I’ll be in to fold the clothes on the couch in a minute.”

  “Mommy already folded my stuff. She put it away earlier. Then she threw up.”

  “She threw up because she’s having another baby, remember?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You’ll always be the oldest boy.”

  “What if she loves the new baby more than us?”

  “That’s not possible. Mommies love all of their children the same.”

  “Will the baby be her favorite? Will I have to share my room?”

  “No silly. We have extra rooms in this house. The baby will have their own room.”

  “I’ll give the baby my old stuff. I don’t play with those kinds of toys anymore.”

  I snicker. “That’s sweet.”

  “Love you, Daddy.”

  “Love you kiddo,” I call out as he runs from the room leaving his little brother standing there staring at me. I reach down and squeeze his chubby cheeks. “Love you, buddy. Go help your brother, okay?”

  And just like that he disappears.

  A knock at the door catches my attention. With soaked hands, I make my way to the foyer to see who could be visiting. My sister-in-law Callie stands in the entryway with her arms crossed over her chest. “Let me in, Wes.”

  Opening the door will be a mistake. I know it, but I can’t just walk away. It’s another thing I’m used to by now. Her uninvited visits.

  She no sooner gets inside when she starts going off about her husband Cob. “I can’t believe it. He swore to me it wouldn’t happen again. He promised. Now what am I supposed to do? I’m not ready to make a decision like this. It’s too much. Now I hear Mom had an accident today. Where’s Cam? I need to talk to her.” She starts looking around calling her. “Cammie!”

  “She’s on call. She left a bit ago.”

  She gives me a once over and raises her up
per lip like I’m not good enough to discuss her problems with her. It wasn’t so long ago that Callie hated both me and her sister. Apparently she thought the two of us should be together and it really caused problems. Now we seem to be her best friends. I get it. I just can’t sympathize with the way she handles things. Like whatever her current issue is. Most likely it’s something stupid that she’s blown out of proportion. She always overreacts. If I were Cob, I probably would have left her by now.

  “Damn. When will she be back?”

  “I have no idea. We sort of crosses paths today. When she gets home it’ll be late. I’m trying to get the house straight and the kids bathed before she gets back so she doesn’t have to do it.”

  “I’ll just come back tomorrow.”

  “Callie, do you need to talk?”

  “Not to you, Wes. You’re just another guy. Men suck.”

  I watch Callie kiss the kids before leaving. To be honest, I’m not sad she didn’t stick around. I love my wife’s family, but she still makes me a little uncomfortable. It’s like she questions every little thing I do to find faults. I’m no where near perfect, but enough is enough. She’s a bitch.

  Just to be a dick, I give Cob a call once I have the kids tucked into bed. Sitting on the couch with stacks of folded clothes around me, I wait for him to pick up.

  “Hey man, have you seen Callie?”

  “You know I have. What’s up her ass this time?”

  “I got a call today. A headhunter contacted me about a job. It’s a dream job, man. I thought she’d be happy for me. I mean, I enjoy working alongside the family, but this is what I went to school for. I’d be a fool to pass on it.”

  “Where is it located?” Cob has worked all over the place. He used to have a position where he acquired land for the government to build highways. He was hated, and in turn disliked the job so much he was eager to quit. With his skills and qualifications, there’s no telling where this job could be located.

  “That’s the problem. It’s in Costa Rica. It’s a contractual position that will last three years. I’d get a million per year.”

  Owning a bank, I’m familiar with how much money that is, and the difference it is from working on the ranch. It doesn’t compare. He’d be a fool not to take it. “Man, I can only guess how the conversation went over.”