“Oh sure, I need all the help I can get. What’s this red dip?” Ellen looked closely at the bowl. “It looks good. Is it made with ketchup? Trish, I bet you made this.” Ellen reached to try it.
Jenny moved on with the meeting. “Progress time. I wanted to let you know I spoke with Joe and he’s giving consideration to our request to make the first menstrual day for all of us a work free day.” Jenny stopped when she heard Ellen choke. “Problem,, Ellen?”
“No.” Ellen shook her head. “Joe’s actually considering that?”
“Yes as a special favor to the women who do special favors for the men. We deserve it.”
“Sure we do,” Ellen shrugged. “It’s just funny. You know, of course he was being sarcastic, but that was also a Frank . . .” She heard a soft rumble of moans. “. . . idea.” Her eyes shifted around. “Sorry.”
“Getting back. If Joe agrees, I know some of you said you’d rather have it be your second day. I’m sure he’ll be fine with that. We’ll have to register your menstrual cycles with Andrea for verification. Ladies, I’m going to discuss with Joe that even though it’s our day off, we don’t have to deal with any children if we have them. We still get nursery privileges.”
Ellen laughed loudly grabbing everyone’s attention. “Don’t get me wrong. I like this idea I do. I just can’t visualize my father sitting seriously with you and discussing menstrual cycles. You know one time I tried to talk to him and Frank . . .” She looked oddly at another humming of moans. “. . . about it and they shut me up. Like now. Sorry. I’ll eat my dip.”
Jenny continued to read down her notes. “Here’s what I have to bring to Joe’s attention during this upcoming week. I want to discuss when Beginnings makes shoes they need think of us more and give us at least one more style to choose from. Flats perhaps? Instead of those dime store sneaker things we are made.” She received a room full of applause. “I spoke to Ben from fabrics. He has designed a new pair of slacks for us, something that will flatter us fuller figure gals. He said he can make them right away and in a nice shade of blue as soon as Joe O.K.’s it. I’ll move Joe along on that.”
Ellen listened to Jenny ramble on about clothing items, ladies day at the social hall, and such. The whole time while she listened, Ellen couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Jenny discussing such trivial things with Joe. She knew Joe would hear about it from her the second she saw him.
“And finally before we move on to open forum and questions, I have picked the two who will bless our monthly dart game that will be tonight’s creative activity. I have to tell you, all of you gave good reasons, but the two men who will be the targets tonight will be…” Jenny walked to the dining room table and help up two large sheets of paper, “Cole from the fields.” She showed a sketch of Cole with a target on his face. “And Richard ‘the Dick’ Hartford from plastics.” She held up another sketch with a target on it. “Let’s remember to thank Forrest for our dart boards. He did a great job as always.”
This whole thing grabbed Ellen’s attention. “We throw darts at pictures of the men?”
“Yes, once a month. The men we throw darts at are chosen from entries I was given. You write down a reason and I chose the best two.”
“I like this,” Ellen smiled. “So let’s say next month I want us to throw darts at Frank . . .” A rumble of moans. “ . . . all I would have to do is write down why?”
“Yes,” Jenny stated, “easy enough. Now, before we begin open forum, Meredith, how was the helpful tips we gave you on dumping the extension partner you picked up?”
Meredith, a tall, big and brawny woman, held her hand up with a smile. “Wonderful. I followed the advice you gave. I was direct with him. I told him I was with him only to help him through that lonely period and he understood. He and Kevin are speaking again.”
“Good,” Jenny nodded. “Anyone else have anything they may need answers to that we can help? Yes, Ellen?”
Ellen raised her hand. “You said you’d let me ask questions. I have one now if I can ask.”
“Sure.” Jenny folded her arms.
“What is up with old men in this community? Why are the seven old guys all snatched up? And snatched up not as extension partners as you call them. They’re secondary relationships.”
Jenny lifted her shoulders. “Ellen, they’re taken right away. Maybe if you want an older gentleman you might want to let Joe know for the next survivor run. We told him to keep his eye out for some.”
“What?” Ellen was shocked. “No, I don’t want an older gentleman. I want to know why you women do.” There was a silence in the room. “Am I missing something?”
Melissa nodded slowly with a smile and closed eyes. “Obviously you are if you have to ask.”
Ellen giggled. “This is a joke right? You just feel sorry for them?”
Melissa shook her head. “No Ellen, not at all. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have secured an older gentleman do not feel sorry for them. We enjoy them.”
“Enjoy them?” Ellen looked around. “You mean like stimulating conversation?”
“Stimulating yes,” Melissa said. “Conversation, maybe.”
Ellen’s mouth dripped open. “Oh my God. You’re joking. You actually have sex with them?”
Melissa looked oddly at her. “Of course we do. That’s the only sex I find totally enjoyable and fulfilling.” She saw more shock coming from Ellen. “They are gentle partners. Something happened to the young men in this world. They became rough, but not the older men. They are gentle and caressing.”
Ellen could feel her top lip start to curl. “But . . . but . . . their bodies. Doesn’t that take away from it?”
Trish decided to answer that one. “Ellen.” She laid her hand on Ellen’s leg. “We all look the same when the lights go out.”
“No we do not!” Ellen exclaimed. “We definitely do not. You could put me in a black room with a naked Dean, Frank . . .” She slowed at the moans that erupted. “. . .I’d know their bodies to touch them. Touch them mind you. Those two do not feel the same. I’m a rear-end gal myself and let me tell you, I’ll bet my life that Hap's butt in the dark feels nothing like Frank’s . . .” The moans happened again. “Wait a second!” Ellen held up her hand. “Why do you women moan every single time I mention Frank’s . . .” Moans again, “name?”
Jenny crossed her arms as she answered. “Well to be blunt, none of us like Frank very much.”
“None of you like Frank? None of you?” Ellen looked around. “What is wrong with Frank?” She heard the moans. “Stop that.”
Andrea, who had been silent, spoke up. “You need to ask that? He’s rude, he’s rough, and he’s obnoxious. He isn’t nice to anyone. Like you can’t figure out what these women see in the older males, none of us can figure out what you see in Frank.”
“I love Frank. I’ve known him all my life. And . . . I like him.”
Andrea continued, “Would you still like him if you hadn’t know him all your life?”
“Yes!” Ellen began to get defensive. “Frank’s a great guy . . .” Moans that were louder rang out. “He is and I find him very attractive. He’s got the best body of all . . .” She cringed at the grumbling. “Not one of you women find him attractive?”
“Ellen,” Jenny said, “have you looked at Frank? He’s . . . he’s apocalyptically worn.”
Ellen gasped loudly. “I can’t believe you talk about him like that. Any of you. I feel bad. I feel really bad. He’s my best friend and none of you appreciate him when you should. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves, grumbling and moaning when his name is mentioned. What is wrong with you?” Ellen grew hyper, standing up as she spoke. “Every single one of you can lay your heads on your pillows at night and sleep at ease knowing the animals of the world are kept outside our walls. Wanna know why? Because Frank trained our men to protect us like he does. Frank runs security. Frank is security. In my book, the only thing that stops him from earning a big fuckin ‘S’ on his chest, i
s the fact that he can’t fly.” A pause. “Yet.” She stormed from the circle. “I’m going.” She moved to the door.
“Ellen.” Jenny stopped her. “Why are you leaving? Because we are talking about Frank?”
“Yes,” Ellen snapped. “I get very defensive about him and for good reason. I’ll admit that he’s not the nicest man in the community, and I’m not saying you have to like him. I’m saying he should at least have your respect for what he has done and does.”
“Ellen, we’ve always grumbled about Frank. But . . .” Jenny stopped her from leaving. “Frank has never had someone here to defend him. I defend John. Andrea has defended Joe. Melissa has defended Mark. No one thinks you’re wrong for speaking your mind and no one wants you to leave over it. That’s why this is an open forum. We enlighten each other and maybe you can enlighten us with some good Frank qualities so we can stop moaning about him all the time.”
“Well.” Ellen retracted her steps from the door. “I just spewed out most of his good qualities so we’re gonna have to rely on that list.”
Jenny smiled. “Come back to the meeting, Ellen.” She motioned her hand to the room. “What you did, we all have done. You brought up a valid point about Frank.” Jenny gave a silencing look to the room for the women not to moan. “I think you’re right. Frank does protect this community well and, I for one will thank him as soon as I see him tomorrow. Anyone else?” She looked to the women and saw a raise of hands. “Good.”
Ellen smiled. “I like that idea.” She walked back to the living room, sitting again between Trish and Susan reaching for more finger food. “Sorry for the outburst,” Ellen said, knowing she would have to make up for roaring like she did if she was to continue on her ‘be a Jenny friend’ plan.
“Quite all right.” Jenny held up her hand “We vent here and maybe the reason for this venting has something to do with your newest problem.”
Ellen had to stop eating. Newest problem? Did she have a problem she didn’t know about? “Yeah, that’s probably it.”
“It must have been a shock,” Jenny commented, “to think you were married and to find out you weren’t. What are you and Henry going to do?”
“Well.” Ellen dusted of her hands. “I don’t know. Henry wants to get married for real, have a wedding. But I ….”
Cindy’s enthusiasm cut off Ellen. “You mean like a wedding? Oh, I can make a wedding cake. It’s been forever since I got to do that.”
Andrea scooted closer into the conversation. “Ellen, you are going to have Joe give you away, aren’t you?”
“I didn’t consider it because . . .” Ellen couldn’t get a word out.
“A wedding,” Trish said excited. “A real wedding? Have we had a real wedding in Beginnings at all?”
“You mean with food and dancing and all?” Melissa asked. “I don’t think we have.”
Ellen held up her hand. “Actually, I told Henry that I wasn’t . . .”
Jenny snapped her finger. “You know we haven’t had a real wedding here. Nothing big and certainly nothing like we had in the old world. Ellen, you’ll need a dress. I could talk to Ben from fabrics. He’s so tasteful and talented. We’re very close.”
“Thanks but . . .” Again Ellen was interrupted.
“And if they’re taking time to plan,” Melissa said. “You should talk to Ben about a couple bridesmaids’ dresses. He could do that Jenny, couldn’t he?”
“Oh I think he’d love to.” Jenny looked down at Ellen. “How about that? There have never been bridesmaids in Beginnings.”
Ellen opened her mouth to talk and nothing had a chance to come out.
“Oh!” Trish bounced her pregnant self in the seat. “Cole is making a metals run in a couple weeks. How big of a deal would it be for him to stop by a good men’s store or tux shop? I could talk to him. He likes me you know.”
“Men’s store?” Ellen questioned. “Tux? What would . . .”
“Andrea could sing,” Melissa injected. “Andrea sings so well. You’ll sing won’t you, Andrea?”
“I’d be honored.” Andrea reached out and took Ellen’s hand. “Thank you for asking.”
Jenny clapped her hands together amidst the excited chattering that filled the room. “Ladies, I think we found our next group effort project. We’re planning Ellen’s wedding. This definitely beats the quilt we were going to work on.”
‘Oh boy.’ was the only thing that could come to Ellen’s mind. Figuring she had lost control somewhere, she choose another snack, sat back, and listened to the planning. The women in the room had a new project that outshone the sewing thing. Her head spun as they spoke around her about clothing, food, entertainment, and so forth, a real old fashion wedding equipped with polkas. Ellen pegged it typical behavior in Beginnings. They always did find any reason for a part and Ellen and Henry’s wedding seemed to be the next reason. Giving up, she let them plan. She’d figure a way out of it and, at the very least, she was gaining Jenny’s trust. That was her mission.
<><><><>
Frank watched Alexandra’s tiny little fingers run across the forehead of Nick while Frank held the baby in his arms, while he sat at the dining room table. He enjoyed watching her as she looked in such awe, staring at her new brother, her hair wet from her bath and dangling in her eyes.
“He’s pretty,” she said. “Can I hold him?”
“Sure.” Frank smiled and teasingly tried to bite her fingers as they came close to his chin. “Then bed, all right?”
“O.K.”
“On the couch. Go on.” Frank motioned his head toward the living room. “Now you don’t tell Billy or Joey. I’m letting you because you stayed here with me tonight.”
“I want to help.” Alexandra scooted herself on the couch. “I like helping.”
Holding the baby, Frank knelt before her. “Now hold your arms right.” He laid Nick in her arms and supported them. “There, watch his head.”
“He’s not heavy.”
“No. Remember when Brian was almost this small?”
“Yes.” She smiled as she held the baby.
“Now don’t move him around too much. He just ate.” Frank instructed then looked up when he heard the footsteps and saw Henry coming down the steps. “There you are. What took you so long?”
“I had to clean up the bathroom after her bath, Frank. Do you know she brings toys in the tub?”
“So do I, Henry.” Frank smiled then looked back at Alexandra. “Time for bed.” He kissed her. “Go on up, I’ll be up in a minute.” He slowly took the baby back.
“Night.” She slid from the couch and darted to Henry. “Night, Henry. Thanks for playing with me.” Quickly, her hair flipping about, she ran up the steps. Her bare feet made the tiniest of thumps as she did.
Frank stood up and looked at Henry who plopped so exhausted like in the chair. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I feel really tired.”
“Why?”
“You had me playing with children, Frank. I swear you told Alexandra to wear me out.”
“I told you, Henry, her or him. Now I have to deal with Alexandra and you have to deal with . . .” He held the baby to him.
“No, Frank. I deal with Alex.”
“Henry, this is your son. And to think I was about to have history make his name Kusakari. What the fuck? Hold him. I have to tuck Alex in.”
“You won’t be long, will you?” Henry stood up.
“Why are you so afraid of this child? I changed him. I fed him. You hold him for five minutes. All right?”
“All right.”
“I swear Henry, I’m keeping track of all this and when the kid is older, you’re doing make up time.” Frank took a step to Henry extending out the baby into Henry’s awaiting arms. “He doesn’t bite, Henry. Not yet.”
“He’s just too small, Frank. Too small.”
“But he’s cute.” Frank laid the baby in Henry’s arms. “There.” He watched Henry fiddle with the baby to hold him against his ch
est. “Good, you got it.”
“I do?” Henry smiled. “I like holding him like this better. I don’t feel like I’m going to drop him as much.”
“You won’t drop him” Frank moved to the steps and stopped. “Oh Henry?”
“Yeah Frank?”
“Remember how I was telling you about seeing a kid’s first, experiencing your kid’s first, and how there’s nothing like it?”
“I remember that.”
“Good.” Frank smiled. “Because you just experienced a first. You’re the first person Nick has thrown up on.”
Henry let out such a sound of disgust it made even Nick jump. “Uh Frank.” He held out the baby. “Hold him.” Henry’s eyes shifted down to his shirt and to the small amount of white substance on his chest. “Oh my God.” He sniffed. “Oh it smells.”
Frank laughed. “It does not.” He took the baby. “Get a towel. The baby has it on his face.”
“I can’t Frank.” Henry stepped back.
Shrugging, Frank took his two fingers, wiped the little bit of regurgitation from Nick’s chin, and then wiped those remnants on the leg of his pants. As he did that, Henry grunted even louder. “What?”
“That’s . . . that’s sick. Excuse me.” He barreled toward the steps.
“Man, Nick. Whatever you do, don’t you dare act like that when you get older.” Frank cuddled the baby again and sat with him on the couch.
Ellen? Dean picked up his pace down the street of center Beginnings when he saw her walk from the social hall. He watched Ellen stick her head back in and step back out. She stopped on the walk, bent down, and tied her shoe. Dean made it to her the moment she stood up. “Hey,” he spoke softly.
The Big Ten: The First Ten Books of the Beginnings Series Page 254