Brian Ottomas Ch. 24 It's Raining Kids Pt. 2

Raine's home-schooled art lessons were coming along nicely. She longed to be able to do the kind of paintings her mother and Willow did, but knew that would take time.

When Heath and Willow were eating some leftovers as a snack the next day he said,

"Jamie was asking about you the last time I was over there."

He was referring to his girlfriend Maddie's twin brother.

Willow ignored his remark and asked,

"Want to jam after we eat?"

"Willow. He's a nice guy and I think he really likes you. He's just kind of quiet and a little shy."

"Why are you telling me this? He's a junior, I'm only a freshman. He's too old for me and Momma said I shouldn't think about dating until I'm 15. Besides, I don't want a shy boy."

"Oh, really? You prefer to hang out with your friend Angelo? You really need someone who's laid back and mature, not a kid who likes to sneak out at night and take you with him. Besides, once Jamie gets to know you he talks all the time," then he added in parental tones, "I worry about ya, kid, and he'd be a steadying influence. You'd be safe with Jamie."

"Oh, poo!," Willow huffed, "Angelo is a friend and that's all. You're just trying to sound like you're an adult or something and, anyway, I don't want to be 'steadied'. And I don't want to be 'safe'; I want to have fun. Things are never dull when I'm with Angelo"

"We could double-date," Heath coaxed, "Maddie and I would be there to kind of break the ice and if we did that I know Momma would let you go."

"Wow," Willow smirked, "Maddie must really be on you about this."

Heath frowned since that really was part of the reason he was urging Willow so hard.

"We-ell," she dragged out the word, looking off as if pondering hard. Then she said as though making a magnanimous gesture, "I'll...think about it."

"Oh, just let me know when you're done thinking," Heath said dryly.

"Okay," she said in a perky voice, pretending not to hear his intended sarcasm, "I'll get back to you on that."

Raine was the youngest in the family and Brian always said she was well-rounded she was not only a daddy's girl, but also a mommy's girl. She always came over to hug her daddy before he left to go to Club Dante which he still owned and operated and which had recently become a restaurant that featured karaoke instead of a country-rock bar.

The change to a full service restaurant was with the idea of expanding out, but it had been hard for Brian to make the decision to drop the idea of a live band and feature the karaoke instead. He was a long-time musician and even though he rarely played at his club any more, he sympathized with his house band. But they'd started with just a karaoke night and soon it was their busiest night.  Karaoke was popular and practically no expense compared to a band. Commercially and financially it was the best idea.

He'd found a good chef and they came up with a fairly large menu that emphasized casual dining for the smallish groups of people who usually showed up to do karaoke. Sandwiches and wraps, both hot and cold, enormous old-fashioned burgers, salads, both large and small and various side items like cheese fries, baked mac and cheese casserole, sweet potato fries, homemade barbeque beans, Old Bay fries and hand-battered onion rings were available. A couple of Brian's mothers best recipes were included; Mo Jo Chicken Sandwiches, Muffuletta To Die For and Pastrami Heaven on a Roll proved very popular.

The fare was not sophisticated but all the food was fresh and homemade; nothing frozen, nothing canned. Even though the bar served any kind of mixed drink, beer and wine, Brian had delicious non-alcoholic fresh fruit coolers available year round along with the usual soft drinks and tea. Peanut Butter cake and Peach Cobbler were the most popular desserts.

MoJo Chicken Sandwich:
Marinated pulled chicken, pineapple,  honey mustard, mayo, hot peppers, shredded lettuce and melted Swiss on grilled flatbread

Pastrami Heaven on a Roll:
Black peppercorn pastrami, turkey breast, cheddar cheese, tomato, sliced yellow onion, deli mustard and herb mayo on a toasted kaiser roll.

Muffuletta To Die For:
Served on a crusty top roll with layers of baked ham, provolone cheese, Genoa-style salami and Swiss cheese, topped with a zesty olive salad. Served with kettle chips.

Meadow now began to work with Brian as the restaurant hostess. Brian hired another woman to hostess on the weekends, though. He'd begun to take Saturdays off, leaving the restaurant in the hands of his assistant manager. Meadow had been begging him to take a little more time,

"The kids are growing up, Brian; Heath goes off to University this fall and Brook and Willow are right behind him, Rocky will be having his birthday. You don't want to miss these last moments of their childhood; we don't want to miss them. And the twins will be glad for any extra time you can give them."

"You're right, sweetheart," he had agreed.

"Besides," Meadow grinned, "it gets really crazy around here on the weekends with every kid in Pleasantview plus our own six monsters. I really need your support."

So Brian had moved in an assistant manager who'd been recommended by his older brother, Dylan, and who soon proved he was more than up to the job. In fact, after a while Brian thought it might be possible to take a day off during the week from time to time.

The three oldest babysat with the three youngest the evenings their parents worked. They actually liked each others company most of the time, besides when their parents were absent things were more relaxed than ever. Rocky thought it was cool that his older sisters and brother didn't really care if he jumped on the furniture, but they DID insist on choosing what would be on TV and on the kids finishing their homework first.

 Saturday morning Brook and Willow came outside to where their father was trimming the bushes--the job was never done--and asked if they could throw a party that afternoon.

Brian laughed,

"You mean all the kids who drop by and congregate here every weekend don't constitute a party?"

"Daddy. We're serious," Willow chided him, "We mean a real party where they all come at once because we invited them."

"How many?"

Brook looked at Willow and Willow nudged her.

"It's just people who have been over here other times...um...Maddie, of course, and her brother Jamie, Angelo, Karen and Kirstie Burb and Christopher Cooke. Only six. Plus Heath and us," Brook said.

Brian sighed and wiped the sweat starting to appear on his brow,

"Well, it's okay with me; but you'll have to convince your mother."

They rushed off to confront Meadow fully prepared to beg and grovel, but Meadow easily agreed saying,

"I'll grill the burgers, but you girls will have to set up cold drinks and snacks and clean up after the party."

"We will! We will!"

"There's another big bag of chips in the cupboard by the stove, Daddy just bought Coke and Sprite, I think it's still on the counter, and you know where the plastic cups and paper plates are."

Ecstatic, the girls rushed off to follow her orders and call their friends.

The three younger kids were fishing at the little pond out front so they wouldn't be a problem. As soon as their guests arrived Brook took Jamie Candeloro with her to the pool. Kirstie jumped in a moment later. Heath had asked Brook to try to get Jamie and Willow together but Willow stayed out on the front porch playing "Don't Wake the Llama" with Karen and Angelo. Heath and his girl, Maddie, played Mah Jong on the other end of the front porch.

It was getting really hot and, rather than fighting for room in the pool, Raine, Rocky and North turned on the water wiggler.

As evening fell Meadow served up cheeseburgers for everyone including Brian and "the littles" as Brook and Willow referred to Rocky, North and Raine.

 In the background L to R: Angelo, Heath, Karen Burb and Maddie

In the foreground L. to R.: Brook, Jamie, Christopher Cooke and Kirstie Burb

 L. to R.: Rocky, North and Raine

 Background: Brian and "The Littles"

Table on the right L to R: Kirstie, Jamie, Christopher and Brook

Table on the left L. to R: Karen, Maddie, Angelo and Heath

 Meadow, Brian and Willow

The party was a success and the girls gladly cleared the tables after saying goodbye to their guests. Heath took a garbage bag and policed up the yard where paper napkins and empty plastic cups had blown off the tables.

"We should have parties more often," Brook told Willow, "But we need to ask Momma way ahead next time."

"Yeah, maybe we could have some theme parties."

"But what kind of theme?"

"I dunno. Hmm, like maybe a 4th of July party and we could have sparklers and Daddy could get fireworks--" Brook contemplated.

"We're going to Grandma's for 4th of July, remember?" Brook sounded letdown.

Willow was not deterred in the least,

"Don't worry; I'll think of something. Maybe we'll have a labor day picnic or...fall is coming, maybe a harvest theme or there's always Halloween. The point is; we're good at this; we can be our own party planners."

Brook nodded, she knew Willow--and she WOULD think of something. Hopefully nothing that would get them in trouble....

Next update: The Brothers Everhart Ch. 21 Undead and Unhappy Part 1

Jenny Lomax-Hammond Ch. 12 He Ain't Heavy...

Lonnie had planned on calling Heath but had to run some errands in town first. While there he ran smack into the boy who acted polite but rather stiff,

"I know things haven't run so smoothly between us recently, Heath," Lonnie apologize, "And I know it's my fault, but I hope to rectify things. I'd like you to come to my house this weekend."

Heath looked almost stunned and Lonnie hurried on,

"I think it's well past time I had you over to meet your sisters."

Heath looked away a moment, quickly blinking back sudden and embarrassing tears.

"I already know Loni Faye, she just doesn't know I'm her half-brother."

"She does now. And both of them want you to come over."

Heath looked back and an eager look that nearly broke Lonnie's heart came over his face,

"Really?"

"You'll come then?"

"Well, if you think they want me to."

"I know they do and so do I."

With that they both became at ease and began to talk about other things, mostly Heath's school activities and plans for going to University next year. By the time they parted both of them were wearing big smiles.

Upon returning home Lonnie announced to the girls that they would meet Heath on Saturday. Jenny had already said she would not come down from her room. She could have gone shopping or across the street to her best friend Bobbi Jo's house. The truth was even though she did not want to see Heath, nor watch Lonnie with him; she couldn't bear not knowing what was happening. If she stayed up in her room and didn't play the TV she could probably hear how it went.

Saturday rolled around and when Heath arrived Lonnie was there to meet him on the walk. He seemed relaxed with his father; the way he used to be and Lonnie was relieved.

They came in the house and had just sat down when Liara came tearing into the room. It looked as though she was planning to take a header onto Heath's lap.

"Whoa, baby, take a breath," Lonnie warned and she stopped dead, her eyes riveted on Heath. He had never seen his youngest daughter so enthusiastic in front of a stranger, or almost a stranger. That was usually Loni Faye's department.

"Liara, right?" Heath grinned at her.

She nodded mutely and plopped down cross-legged on the floor, looking at him like she was afraid he would disappear in a puff of smoke.

 Lonnie Faye approached more slowly and cautiously. She rarely felt awkward in social situations, but she definitely did today. She knew who Heath was, of course, and he acted as friendly as he did at school, a confident easy smile on his face.

"Hey, Loni Faye, nice to see you."

She could not know, of course, but Heath felt equally off-balance, hoping the girls would accept him as a brother, but afraid to count on it. He told himself it didn't matter, but, of course, it did. Although he adored Brian, the man he considered his real father, he also desperately wanted to become close to his birth father. He wanted the approval of Loni Faye and Liara, but he was trying to act casual and yet to be himself just the same.

He decided to start with the subject of music, which both he and Loni Faye liked. As their conversation grew more relaxed Liara sat down right between them; assuring she would be closer to Heath and would miss nothing. She could hardly take her eyes off Heath; he looked so much like her daddy except his skin was even darker. In her opinion Lonnie was the most handsome father in the world and now she was pretty sure Heath might be the most handsome brother. Wasn't she lucky?

Loni Faye and Heath had been playing a video game when Liara couldn't stand it any more and told him,

"It's my birthday today, Heath. We're having cake and ice cream later, want to stay for supper?"

Heath looked from her to Lonnie,

"Well, I don't know..."

He hadn't asked about Jenny in any way, but Lonnie realized that Heath guessed it might be uncomfortable if he stayed.  Lonnie had told her she could either stay in her room or get over it and come down. Whether Heath stayed for supper or not shouldn't make much difference. Lonnie could whip up something for their meal without much trouble.

He nodded at him,

"We would love to have you stay."

Looking back at Liara Heath said,

"I don't have a card for you or anything."

"I don't care about that, please stay? Pretty please?"

Her sweet little face looked so earnest, how could he say no?

"Yeah, sure, I'll stay."

He remembered then that he had an extra ten dollar bill tucked away, maybe Lonnie Faye would get him an envelope. Then Liara could take the money to Wal-Mart or wherever and buy something she wanted. Ten bucks wasn't much, but there ought to be some sort of toy she could get.

When he agreed to remain for the celebration Liara started bouncing up on down on the sofa like a jumping bean. Lonnie looked at her, totally dumbfounded. It was hard to believe this was Liara, so quiet and usually so reserved with anyone outside her parents and Loni Faye. Yet he realized that from the moment she had learned she had a brother; she wanted him. Evidently not getting to meet and know Jenny's sons bothered her more than they realized. Besides, they were grown men while Heath was still in school and that made him more approachable in Liara's eyes.

Meanwhile Jenny sat up in her room mulling things over. Hearing Heath talk with her family filled her with sudden guilt. She began to realize she was being unkind to him and hurting her daughters as well.

Jenny loved kids and she just couldn't bear that she might upset any child, even one who was nearly an adult. In fact, especially one who belonged to Lonnie because, of course, she still was crazy about him. Really, it didn't matter what had happened so long ago; he was with her now, right?

So she made the decision to support Lonnie and befriend Heath.

To say Lonnie was surprised when she came downstairs was an understatement. In fact, both the girls' jaws dropped. She noticed the minute she came in Heath shot to his feet. He'd evidently been taught to be a gentleman in the old school way, she thought with admiration.

"Hi, Heath, I'm Jenny. I'm sorry I didn't come down sooner, but I had to finish paying some bills," she lied coolly as she shook his hand, "We're so glad to have you in our home."

"He's staying for my birthday, Momma!" Liara chortled, hopping from one foot to the other while Loni Faye looked at her in dismay.

"He is? That's wonderful--I hope you like chocolate cake with cream cheese icing, Heath," Jenny cooed.

"Oh, I like any kind of cake, ma'am. Thanks for having me."

She began to talk to Heath about his plans for college--he'd recently attended an orientation ceremony there with Brian, as had Loni Faye and Jenny. Lonnie Faye was actually nearly eight months older than Heath but since her birthday was in November the school system had held her back a year in school. It had worked to her benefit in her parents' opinion; she had always easily excelled scholastically and been a bit more mature than her classmates. This was how she came to be in the same class as Heath.

Lonnie was so happy at how Heath and his family was getting on he felt like singing. Then he looked over at Liara who was still agape, watching her mother and Heath, and said quietly,

"Liara."

She almost jumped and he patted up under his jaw indicating she should close her mouth. Snapping it shut, she blushed furiously. It wasn't the first time one of her parents had had to tell her that her mouth was hanging open.

"You look simple-minded when you do that, Li," Loni Faye had often warned her.

"I can't breathe if I don't leave it open! My nose holes are too small or something."

"Nostrils. And you can't just walk around like that."

"I'd like to see you live without breathing," Liara had grumbled.

But, never mind about that, her interest was caught again my Heath.

Scooping up the kitten Liara held her toward him and, interrupting his conversation with Jenny, she asked,

"Like my kitty?"

"I sure do."

"She's named Tangerina, but we call her Tangee. Do you have a cat?"

"No, we don't have a cat, but we have a big old dog named Elvis. He loves kids," Heath told her.

"He sounds nice, but no kitty? Well, you can share Tangee--you're family," Liara dimpled as Heath cuddled the kitten.

She was a cutie all right, Heath thought, no doubt about it. He had a feeling she'd get along perfectly with his kid sister, Raine. Maybe that would never happen but he couldn't help but wonder if there was a way.

"Well, I'm going to get started on dinner--I hope you like spaghetti and meatballs, Heath," Jenny smiled.

"Oh, yes, ma'am," he assured her.

Lonnie stood up, his eyes on hers,

"I'll help you."

He followed her into the kitchen. She'd made him very happy and he wanted her to know it.

Loni Faye didn't bring it up until her mother went in the other room, but then she began quietly asking questions about Heath's brothers and sisters. He didn't seem to mind at all and was happy to describe each one.

"We have three other brothers and a sister, but we've only met our sister. She's really nice and we go over there for the weekend sometimes," Liara blurted. She looked around then whispered hoarsely, "Momma was married before, but then she left and moved to this house. She was a diff...a diff...she was a difforcy, you know. then she married Daddy."

Loni Faye was mortified and said in a strangled voice,

"Liara Kaye! The word is divorcee--why don't you just get a microphone!"

Heath smiled at Liara who looked crushed and then said to Loni Faye,

"No biggie, lots of people are divorced and marry again. Kids are just blunt and they call'em as they see'em; at least I know my kid sister and brothers do.

Liara beamed at him, unconsciously batting her eyelashes, then turned furiously to her sister,

"You're not the boss, Loni Faye--DAD'S the boss. You're the not."

That cracked Heath up,

"Man, she's a trip!"

Perhaps Liara was more like Willow than Raine he chuckled to himself.

When supper was over, Lonnie brought out the cake they'd been hiding in his office and told Liara to make her wish.

His eyes were a bit misty as he watched his youngest daughter prepare to become a teenager. She looked at everyone and said quietly,

"I wish I would always be as happy as I am today!"

Everyone applauded as she blew out the candles, even Loni Faye, who said,

"That's a perfect wish, Li."

They all tucked into the cake amid talk of Liara going to high in two days.

Now when Loni Faye went on about people or events Liara would know what she was talking about. And she would get to see Heath and his sisters at school!

Lonnie looked at Jenny, a warm look in his eyes and she looked almost startled.

"Thanks, babe, you're the best," he told her.

Finally a soft smile appeared on her face. It would be all right.

Next blog update: Brian Ottomas Ch. 24 It's Raining Kids Part 1

Jenny Lomax-Hammond Ch. 10 Dropping the Bomb Pt. 2

Upstairs at the Hammond home Lonnie and Jennie were still arguing in their bedroom while their two daughters painted pictures downstairs in the studio.

"I want to bring Heath over here next weekend, just for supper. I'll cook the meal; you won't even have to worry--" Lonnie said.

"Meadow Thayer...Meadow Thayer," Jenny searched her memory and then snapped her fingers, "Oh, yes, she was that bleached blonde--the corporate executive. Bobbi Jo told me about her when Larry Max and I first moved here. But now I realize I saw her up at Goth's Apparel a couple years ago, I just didn't know it was her."

Then she sniggered a bit,

"She said the woman rode a Harley to her office and was one of those tree huggers; everything had to be natural and she believed in all that new age stuff. She retired with a ton of money while she was still in her early thirties, right?"

He couldn't help thinking that if Meadow was a bleached blonde then she must be bleaching her kids' hair, too.  Every one of them except Heath was nearly platinum blonde. Lonnie was an even-tempered man who was getting ticked off at Jenny's sneering. She did tend to have a mean mouth when she was mad.

"Ya know, I really don't remember discussing her life philosophy or the balance in her bank account. Frankly, I was only with her because I was terrified of fatherhood and marriage and trying to get over you."

"Oh, I'm sure you had much more on your mind than her political views, babe. How do you know for sure he's your child, anyway?"

"She volunteered to have a paternity test done, but the minute I saw his photograph and even more when I met him in person there was no way I could deny him. He looks just like me, Jenny."

Jenny flinched as if she'd been slapped and her eyes filled. She batted her eyelashes swiftly; forcing back the tears,

"Really, Lon? And all this time I thought the girls looked just like you."

Lonnie looked stricken; he didn't know what to say. Of course she was right; they had his black hair and his big brown eyes. They were really a blend of both he and Jenny, having her chin and nose. But Heath looked almost exactly like Lonnie and not at all like Meadow except his complexion was darker like hers. After a few awkward moments of silence Jenny asked in a tired voice,

"And just what is it you want me to do about all this?"

"Well, I didn't know if you'd want to be with me when I told the girls. You know; so we could present a united front."

"Hah! Not likely. You can tell them about your sordid affairs without me being there. Just keep in mind how young Liara still is."

"I'll keep it in mind, but she has to know. I want him to come here to the house--will you meet him?" he went back to feeling like a scumbag.

"No. I don't want any part of him. What do you expect of me, how much do you think I can take? Knowing you slept with that blonde biker chick--how many times? And gave her a son. Does Brian know the boy is not his?"

"Yes, she said he's known all along. He was just a friend until after Heath was born and then they got married when Heath was about six months old."

Jenny mulled that over,

"Well, I guess Brian must be more forgiving than I am. Of course, it didn't come as a surprise to him like it has to me."

"There was nothing to forgive--Meadow says they've been friends since high school. When he found out she was pregnant he began coming by her house to check on her and then she asked him to stay with her until the baby came. Which he did and which I'm glad he was there for Heath when I wasn't."

"So I suppose by then he'd fallen for her," Jenny said cynically, "Ain't love grand?"

Meadow and Brian...and Heath

"Look, you know now there is no big romance between Meadow and me, never WAS a big romance. If I hadn't already been in love with you way down deep, maybe there could have been something, it's true. As it was I was just fighting my feelings for you."

Jenny wanted to believe that, but her former confident ways had begun to disappear soon after meeting Lonnie. Her constant obsession about growing old had eaten away at her former self-assurance. She had never been a jealous or insecure woman until she fell in love with Lonnie.

She shrugged,

"Well, if you are determined to do this I can't stop you but I don't want to see him."

"Babe, I know this is a shock; I truly am sorry about that. And I understand why you're mad at me and maybe even at Meadow although she didn't know about you and me at the time. But why take it out on an innocent kid? He didn't do anything wrong, not any more than Loni Faye can be blamed for the dishonest way she was conceived. You tricked me. I love her and Liara more than anything or anyone but you. Still, you were sneaky about it. But I thought you had more compassion than this," he knew he was digging his own grave but couldn't seem to stop himself.

He wished he hadn't mentioned the last couple sentences, but he had pushed him to the limit. Her look of shock and then fury at his words made him ashamed for referring to the fact that Jenny had, indeed, deliberately gotten pregnant before they had broken up. She claimed it was so she'd have a child of his to remember him by but he knew her too well; she'd done it to hang on to him. Then she'd kept it a secret for awhile and that had always bothered him. He took a deep breath,

"I'm telling the girls now and then as soon as possible I'm inviting him over here, if he'll come. I've waited so long that I'm pretty sure I've hurt him. I would love you to meet him, but he's coming whether you will or you won't."

"I'm not going to meet him; I'm not going to talk to him. I can't believe you are dragging the girls through all your dirty laundry just to meet a boy who was a mistake and probably has the morals of his hippie mother." she couldn't seem to make up her mind whether Meadow was a biker chick, an executive with too much money, or a hippie.

"Jennifer!" Lonnie's voice was deep and uncharacteristically severe as his temper completely boiled over, "Don't you dare talk to me about mistakes, dirty laundry and morals. Both you and I romped around with half of the people in this town. The girls have half-brothers on your side that they haven't even met because they wouldn't talk to you for years after you cheated on their father."

"You were the one I cheated with!" she replied, stung.

"Yeah, me and how many other guys, babe? And not all of them were before you met me. Now I love you, Jenny, but if I ever hear you say something unkind to this boy or about this boy, I swear," he stopped himself with difficulty, but calmed his voice, "Before he gets here you can either go somewhere or stay upstairs. Do NOT come downstairs unless you can be civil."

"You're saying I'll be confined to my bedroom in my own house?" she laughed, "I don't think so."

"Don't push me any further, Jenny. If you don't want to stay upstairs, then act like an adult and be there when the girls meet him or go across the street for one of your endless gossip sessions with Bobbi Jo or take her out to lunch or just go shopping. I'm going to try to get him to come next weekend."

"But next Saturday is Liara's birthday!"

"I know that, but we won't have her cake and gifts until after supper; he'll be gone by then."

 

He'd thrown down the gauntlet.  It remained to be seen what Jenny would do. Meanwhile, Lonnie had to find the words to tell Loni Faye and Liara.

Jenny watched as he left their bedroom and headed downstairs to explain to their daughters why and how they  had another half-brother they'd never met.

She cried silently for a while and then swallowed a Xanax. Evidently Lonnie still resented things she'd done because she'd thought they were necessary. And it was all so long ago it didn't seem fair to her. She didn't realize that if she'd simply cried and told him her pain without the sarcasm and waspishness he would have been more understanding and supportive. She still never had learned she was usually her own worst enemy. Depression and denial hit and she undressed and got into bed even though it was early. She just wanted to sleep; she just wanted to escape.

Next blog update: Jenny Lomax-Hammond Ch. 11 Lonnie Tells the Girls