OZone : RINSE CHARMING

                      Chapter 15


"Did you see that kid getting sacked by those baseballs? What a wuss." ridiculed Tyler Coffey as he steered around a corner heading North. Beside him almost bursting with adrenalin just being with him was young Robin Bauer. Her ears were at a loss compared to her own thoughts of being noticed by the boy of her dreams. Head Quarterback every year running Tyler Coffey was beyond stud in her eyes. She was so absorbed that he wanted to spend even the amount of time it took to take her home that she had essentially blown off her best friend. Not to mention she had forgotten her clothes and towel at the pool's locker. She was sitting pretty as she pleased in a black and pink one piece bathing suit. Bursting with new found cleavage at that. She was hoping he would notice. Of course he had. He was Tyler Coffey.
"I've had my eye on you since last year. I hope you know that." He grinned quickly at her before returning his eyes to the road. She blushed and decided that speaking was too difficult to do being alone. She could only comprehend, "Really?" He chuckled, "Hey. Don't be shy now. That was some ballsy 'tude you had back there at the park. sqWheeler. Funny as hell. That's gonna be our nickname for him from now on." She giggled, "Glad I could help. I'm not always this shy. I guess it's because I never really thought you would notice homely ole Me." He stops his truck right in the middle of the road and glares over at her. "You are NOT homely." His eyes lower to her breasts, "Take a look at yourself. I'm not going to beat around the bush here, Bauer. Those things are..." He fidgets slightly trying to find the right words so as not to offend her. She grinned sheepishly and beat him to the punch, "Hot air balloons? Zeppelins? Floatation devices?" He chuckles and looks out his drivers side window almost blushing himself. Of course, he was faking it. "That's not what I mean. I shouldn't have even brought it up. All I'm doing is embarrassing you." She jumps up in her emotions reaching an arm out to grab his bicep, "You're not. I'm glad someone's finally noticing me. I hope they're done growing though. If not I'll need a whole new wardrobe soon. Not to mention my Dad might send me to a girls school to keep boys from looking at me."
His eyes return to her's, "God, I hope not. If he did I'd never be able to ask you out." Her eyes bulge, "You want to go on a date with me?" He glints with a cheesy grin, "I thought you would never ask me out, Bauer." She busts out laughing, "I didn't you dork. You have to ask me. Then, probably my Dad. At least my Mom. Unless..." She hesitates hating herself for thinking it. He awaits with fingers crossed for what he was hoping she might say. She smirks painfully, "Unless I can get Dani to cover for me. Maybe, she can get my Mom to think I'm staying with her overnight." He drops his jaw, "No way. Daniboy hates my guts. I can't blame her either. I can be one of the guys way too often. I treat her like crap. Even though I don't really mean it." He shuts his air conditioning off and rolls his window down. "Being quarterback makes a guy cocky. Arrogant even. I'm really not like that." He leans toward her slightly with a stern expression, "Don't tell anyone." She blushes at his eye contact then lifts her hand to her lips with a zipping motion. He suddenly grins, "Not good enough. Let's seal those the right way." He rushes her locking lips with a quick peck then pulls away feigning shyness. She was stunned. Yet, not once did her jaw drop. She maintained pressed lips. She takes a deep breath then taps his arm to point out her lips were still sealed. He admired that. "Awesome. That means a lot." She wags a finger in front of him then points to her lips. He surmises her meaning, "Ohhhhhh!" He grins then puts his truck into park and unfastened his seat belt to lean closer. He locks his lips on to hers. She was in Heaven. Still, her lips would not open. She was making a point. Not only was she keeping a secret but she was telling him she wasn't ready for open mouth kissing. He growled lightly. He wanted more.
There was a honk behind them which they both ignored. Then, a gunned engine from the drivers side which still went unnoticed. It took a splash of water to the back of Tyler's head to break them apart. He snaps a glare outside his window to see Damien Loomis ducking back inside Jason's car window laughing as they raced past. "Water balloon. They're telling us to get a room." He plucks latex off his shoulder realizing it was ribbed. He sighs, "Condom. Sorry." Robin beside him wiped water from her shoulder, "Good thing I'm wearing my swimsuit. At least they use protection." He chuckles, "That's true. Let's get you home. Then, i can go kick their asses." Robin was content. She had made her point that she was interested but hardly easy.
Acknowledging the lady in the car behind him he puts his truck into drive and progressed onward. Eight blocks further on the outskirts of town Robin guided him up to the front curb of her house. "This is it. I'd invite you in but my Mom's probably not dressed. Dad's in Mobile on business. Thanks for the lift." Tyler grins patting his crotch, "No. thank you." Robin caught herself glancing down at the bulge beneath his shorts and swiftly turned red. "I didn't do that." He chuckles, "You did. Don't let it ruin what we've began today. I'm a guy. Kissing does that to Me. Sorry if I scared you." She stares him in the eye, "You didn't scare me. You can go there. Just understand I'm not ready to. Newbie. I won't lie." He adjusts his crotch right in front of her, "There. I've told him to settle down. I think you're safe." She giggles, "So, are you asking me out on a date?" He grunts with a sigh, "Sure. Wanna go out next Friday?"
"I'll try to get Danielle to cover for me. No promises. How do I reach you considering school's not in for two more weeks?" He fidgets his lips then grabs a pen from his glove box taking her hand. Jotting his cell number on her knuckles then he kisses her hand, "Alas, Fair maiden. The stars they are aligning." She grimaces, "I like poetry. Who was that?" He shrugs, "Willy I guess. Call me by Wednesday or I'll make other plans." She nods chancing a quick glance back toward his crotch then jumps down from the opened door of his truck. She feels something fall tangled in her shoe. Looking down at the ground her eyes bulge then bends over to lift a skimpy thong up to show Tyler, "These must belong to the girl I saw you kiss at the park." He drops his jaw then chuckles, "Now I'm really embarrassed. Those are my sister's. I took her to do laundry the other day. Her washers broke down. They must have fallen out." Robin frowned, "I'll take your word on that. Tell Carrie hi." His eyes bulge wide, "You know Carrie Booth?"
Nodding Robin begins to shut the door, "She works for my Mom." Tyler swallows hard, "Your Mom's the Masseuse?" Robin continues to nod with a pucker, "Yeah. Maybe, we should wait on dating. I don't want to upset Carrie. I've never really talked to her but still." He inhales deeply, "I understand. I guess this makes me look bad, doesn't it? Look, Robin. I'm still in High School. Carrie's really too old for me. We're probably not going to last much longer. Just, don't give up on me, okay?" Robin balls the thong up and tosses it at him, "Ball's in your 50 yard line. I'll wait to call you when school starts. If you're not with Carrie then we can discuss a date. Deal?" Tyler smiles brightly as he sets the thong on the seat, "Deal. Thanks for not giving up on me." She grins shyly, "Don't give up on me then." He shakes his head, "I won't. See you in school. Two weeks."
Shutting the door he watches her wiggle across her yard whistling at her tight butt. Her cheeks were slipping out from beneath her swimsuit. At her front door she stops and waves at him giving him time to leave before going into the house. She didn't want him to see where the hidden front door key was located. Within seconds she was inside.
Down the street Tyler Coffey stopped at a stop sign and snatched up the thong from the passenger seat. Moving his hand upward he places it beneath his nose inhaling deeply. "Ahhhhhhh. Mandy. Bauer's not dumb. I'll give her that much. Still, she bought my sister story. Wow. Carrie works for her Mom. Who would have thought." Sudden inspiration hit him, "Her Mom is smokin'. This could prove interesting. I'll nail the daughter and the Mother." He feigns insidious laughter then squeals his tires in a puff of burning rubber. Tyler Coffey wanted the world.

Across town at the Immanuel Baptist Church.

"Why are you making me do this?" Connor Dhorne grumbled as his Father steered his truck into the parking lot of the Church. Oz scanned about ignoring his son's protest against anything that warranted leaving his room at the LeGend manor. In the distance he noted over a dozen young men and and an equal amount of teenage women doing what the Church Benefit was all about. Washing cars that were lined up and waiting for the cleanliness of God. "Don't start, Boy. This is important to yer Uncle Joe and Aunt Gina. They're raising money for a Nursing Home. Needin' new wheelchairs and a ramp." Connor rolls his eyes, "Why don't you just buy what they need? We're rich. Remember?"
Dhorne shuts his truck off and sits back placing a handkerchief over the rubber trim before resting his left elbow on the window ledge. He had rolled the window down to avoid the blood stains on the glass from earlier. "You ever recall the old saying, "G.O.D. helps those who help themselves?" Connor smirks, "Gee Dad. That's why I said that. Your initials spell God. Just write Uncle Joe a check and let's go home. I've had enough humiliation for one day." Oz grits his teeth lightly, "First off Baby Dhorne. That's not always how being rich works." In turn Connor adds, "Tax write off. It's charity."
Oz scratched beneath his nose before continuing, "You think you got it all figured out don'tcha. Give goes along with take. If I gave everyone something that would only make them want more. Bled dry in no time. Why do you think I never sent you an allowance. Yer gonna get out there and work right along side those kids. Yer not gonna bitch and moan. I'm sure some of that bunch still remember ya. Go on an rekindle. Get yer hands clean." Connor shakes his head and folds his arm, "I don't care if they remember me or not. They were never nice to me to begin with." Oz clears his throat, "You gonna embarrass Gina?" Again, Connor looks the other way. Dhorne puckers, "Ight! You sit here in the heat. Eventually, you'll realize that Hell ain't a better place." With a turned ignition he rolls up his power windows and removes the key. There were no rotating window handles to roll them down. Opening his door he steps down to the ground and removes his trench draping it delicately over the seat. "Later Hotshot."
Door shut Dhorne took a walk across the lot where he spotted Aunt Gina wearing a white t-shirt that said, "Onward Christian Sudsers". He had to chuckle at her sense of humor. "How's the bankroll comin', Ginalou?" Gina hears her nephew by marriage and looks up from a bucket and drops her sponge. She softly tells a young girl to make certain not to miss the wheels then walks over to him. "So far, so good. I'm glad you chose to join us. Where's Connor?" A thumb cast over his shoulder toward his truck informs her. "Why doesn't he get out? It must be 110 in that truck with the windows up." Oz smirks, "Naaa! 100 at the most. Only been four minutes since I rolled the windows up on him. He'll come out when he starts steamin'." Gina frowns, "Poor boy. He's just acting up in retaliation for being sent away. He will come out of his shell." Oz grins cheesily, "Emphasis on the HELL in sHELL."
Gina giggles ruffling her double chin, "Oh, dear. That is too cute. You have such a playfulness for words. Care to join Patricia and I? We can get you a T-shirt like ours?" Oz shakes his head, "I'll pass on the Sudser shirt. You might wanna steer clear of leanin' over any windshields. Business might rally against ya and think ya gotta wet t-shirt contest goin' on." She pats his belly, "Oh, posh. Nobody wants to see these old things anyway. Not even Joseph." Oz wrinkles his nose, "Where's Jojo, anyway?"
She points toward the church across the street from them, "Our rivals in the car wash. Joseph is visiting with Father Tim over at the "Saint Peter Catholic Church". They had no idea we were running a benefit car wash for the "Oldies but Goodies Nursing Home". Father Tim is holding his own benefit car wash to sponsor a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. A worthy cause indeed for it's youth." Oz nods with lips pressed as he looks at his watch, "110 now. Thinkin' he's needin' a goose don't you?" Gina raises an eyebrow when a young girl races up to hug her side, "Hi, Gina." Gina Grogan leers down at the girl then hugs her tightly, "Welcome Kelsey. Did you bring your parents?" Oz steps away roughly three feet and crosses his arms toward the truck in a visual showdown. He knew Connor was glaring back at him. He could see the sweat.
"No. Daddy's helping Grampa work on his old truck. Mom's probably still in bed." Gina notes an elderly woman approach and brightens up, "Marge! Hellooo! You couldn't drag Charley from his barn?" Marge Bauer rolls her eyes, "Why even try? He's obsessed with that blasted old pickup truck. I however know a worthy mission. Kelsey? Hop in there and help Patricia while Gina and I talk." Kelsey smiles like a Cheshire cat and hops away to splash Patricia with a hand full of suds to the girls chin. A chase pursued around the car. "Aren't they cute?" says Gina hiding her chuckle behind her right hand. Marge agrees then tilts her head in closer to Gina, "Bingo at the VFW tonight. You in?" Gina huffs, "Gambling. A sin. What's the pot worth?" She and Gina share a burst of hidden giggles when Gina turns to Oz, "Marge? I'd like to introduce you to my Nephew. Garrison?" Oz unfolds his arms and holds a hand behind his back to inform her to hold on. Gina in turn leans toward Marge, "This should be good. He and my younger nephew are feuding. You recall Connor don't you?"
"Of course. Nora's son. This is Garrison? Oh, my. He's a giant. I bet Connor's grown." Oz leers back slightly, "Spell grown the other way. He's gonna in just a few." Marge raises an eyebrow toward Gina who hides her eyes, "I can't look." As Marge frowns she notes Oz lift his key chain up shoulder high. There he stood pointing toward the truck. Connor moves up in his seat with a grim look. Oz could hear Gina whisper, "They're having a duel. It is almost High Noon isn't it?" Marge looks at her watch, "11:58." Oz smiles hearing the time, "Right on the button. Yer watch is slow." Oz triggers his car alarm remote sending a signal to his truck. Suddenly, music began to blare. Music so loud that everyone in the lot paused from their duty to listen. Cranked high was the song, "The Devil went down to Georgia" by the "Charlie Daniels Band". A tormented Connor ducked down under the dash as Oz shook his head. Gina couldn't help but hide behind Marge. Her giggles were making her cheeks turn red.
Still Connor refused to leave the truck. "Tough crowd. Reckon ole Redwood wants to kick his heels." Gina lost her breath as Marge twisted to see her friend almost crying. "What on Earth?" Marge then heard the laughter of children forcing her to return her gaze toward Dhorne's truck as the hydraulics began to dance like a low rider. Connor was being bounced all around the cab. Marge placed her hand over her mouth with a gasp, "That's so barbaric. How could you put your son through such humiliation?" Oz turns toward her, "My boy. My problem. Thanks for askin'. He's just bein' stubborn. Don't go gettin' yer girdle twisted." Marge dropped her jaw, "GINA! How could you laugh at such cruelty? Not to mention exposing such a song to the ears of our youth? Turn that off this instant." Gina holds her friend's arm, "Calm yourself, Marge. Garrison might have unsavory ways of doing things, but he has a heart of gold." Oz took note flipping the music off but leaving the truck to dance. Under his breath Dhorne spoke to himself, "C'mon Boy. Stop ridin' the bull and fall off."
A door opens forcing Dhorne to shut the hydraulics down so as not to hurt Connor on his descent. As the truck came to a halt Connor jumped down and walked to the bushes of the Church hiding his face from the onlookers. "You done actin' up, Boy?" called Dhorne. Marge bolted past him, "That boy is terrified of you. How dare you treat him like that." Gina grabs Oz by the arm, "Let her go Dear. She will realize soon enough how harmless this was. I thought it was "AWESOMENESS"." She turns to the kids for confirmation, "Wasn't it kids?" They all cheered as Kelsey and Patricia raced to Dhorne's side, "Make it dance again." Oz chuckled then pushed another button on his remote forcing it to move up and down again. This time to the tune of "LOWRIDER" from the 70's band "WAR". Gina took the hands of the two young girls and danced in circles making a fool of herself. Oz merely watched Marge approach Connor.
"Are you okay, Connor? You might not remember me. My name's Margaret Bauer. Call me, Marge." He sniffled then fell into her arms, "He's so mean to me. I hate him." She holds him closely with his chin on her shoulder. Looking directly at his Dad he sticks his tongue out. He was feigning misery. "I'm so sorry, Connor. Is there anything I can do?" Connor sobs, "Take me home. I want to see my Grandma." She pats his back, "Of course, Dear. I'll call Barbara and tell her I'm bringing you home. A good thing actually. I was going to invite Trinity to play Bingo." Connor pulls away as his fake tears fall down his cheeks, "Thanks, Marge. Can I come live with you?" Marge frowns, "I don't believe your Father would allow such a thing. Nor your Grandparents. You are more than welcome to come visit the farm though." He wipes his eyes as the truck beside them shuts down. Peace at last. WAR then peace.
Dhorne walks over to Marge and clears his throat, "Don't let the boy fool ya. He's got his Momma's theatrics." She looks around at Dhorne with a distasteful glare, "Behave. Both of you. This is a house of God. Come along Connor. Help us wash some cars." Connor nods sniffling, "I wanted to all along. Dad said to stay in the truck." Oz winces his eyes and grumbled, "Good idea." Walking away Connor grinned when he heard the truck engine start and noted his Father pulling the vehicle up close to be washed. Hopping back out of his truck he dropped the tailgate. As Connor hugged Gina and said Hello to the girls at her feet he became distracted. Then, without warning Dhorne snatched his boy off his feet and over his shoulder. "Put me down."
Kicking and screaming Dhorne sat his boy on the tailgate and forced him toward the interior and slammed the gate shut. Turning to the kids he pulls his wallet out. "Three hundred bucks to wash my kids mouth out with soap and clean my truck." The kids all laugh then begin launching buckets of sud water directly at Connor. Followed by the spray of hoses. Connor darted back and forth from side to side trying to get out of the bed. Dhorne laughed and bolted from side to side keeping his boy from leaping out. Gina put her arm around Marge. "There. You see? Look at them laughing and having a ball. They love one another. They've just been apart for three years. They both need cooling off. " Marge wasn't quite convinced.
"WHAT IN GOD'S NAME IS GOING ON OVER HERE?" roared Pastor Joseph Grogan who had returned from his journey accompanied by a Priest dressed in black. Gina held her hand up, "Relax, Joseph. The boys were just having fun. Everyone was." Joseph frowned realizing that Garrison had arrived. The Priest stood shoulder to shoulder with Joseph folding his arms, "They do seem to be having fun, Joseph." The Pastor nodded, "Indeed. All for a good cause. Come Father Timothy. Allow me to introduce you to my Nephew's." The tall, thin, redheaded Man in black followed Joseph around the truck avoiding the mist from the hoses until they reached Garrison who stopped and pointed to Connor, "Stay right there in yer bed or you won't get no lunch." Connor growled turning the other way in an attempt to run. Only to find a face full of hose water. "Hey, Connor. Remember me?" Clearing his eyes Connor looks down at a plump teenager with dark hair, almost receding who wore thick rimmed glasses. "Oliver?"
"He remembers. Good to know Choirboy." Connor turned pale recalling his forced days in the Church choir at his Mother's behest. He hated it. Not only could his singing voice chase off a flock of crows, it managed to get his Aunt Gina to wear earplugs during recitals. "Hey, Ollie. Long time no see." Smiled Connor as he lowered his gaze to whisper, "As if I could miss you." The boy chuckles then hands a bucket of soap water and a sponge up to him, "Here. You can clean the roof of the cab." Connor claimed the bucket and sat it down on the bed floor. Oliver then took over a hose spraying the side of the truck. "So, where have you been, Connor? Haven't seen you in years. You've gotten tall." Connor could say the same of Oliver in unrelated proportions. "Military school. Against my wishes. Don't ask." Oliver didn't. He was nudged over by a cute blond with her hair pinned back, "Hey Stacy. Find your own mud flap." the blond grimaced at him, "You're not even getting the dirt off Ollie Oxen. Move aside there's customers in line." Oliver wrinkled his nose and sprayed the blond dead in the chest. The white t-shirt revealed just a little too much as her sports bra beneath became as transparent as her t-shirt. Oliver's eyes bulged at the sight, "Sorry Stacy." She looked down at herself realizing her nipples were shining brightly and swiftly covered her chest, "I can't believe you just did that. You pervert." Connor came to her defense spilling his bucket over Oliver's head then dropping the bucket over his field of vision. Oliver shrieked like a baby dropping the hose to pull the bucket off of his head. Immediately Connor yanked his dark shirt off and handed it down to her. Stacy smiled brightly snatching it up and pulling it over her other shirt. "Thanks. Connor, right?"
"Connor James. You can give me my shirt back later. Apologize Ollie." Stacy frowned, "He already did. I'm over it. My name's Stacy Kinner. I think I remember you vaguely. Your Mom was Nora LeGend. I loved her voice." Then, it occurred to her how badly Connor's voice was. Lowering her eyes she changes the subject. "Anyways. Welcome back. Let's get your truck washed before Gina starts cracking her bullwhip." Connor grins, "She won't whip us. I'll stop eating her Custard pie that she brings over once a week. That will make her beg for mercy." Stacy chuckles, "You too? She drops one by my house every two weeks. My Dad's the only one that likes it." Connor stops staring at Stacy long enough to look over his shoulder as his Dad shakes hands with the Priest.
"Pleasure's mine Father Time. Love the collar." The freckled Priest grins sheepishly at Dhorne's comment, "I have a fancy for it myself. But, I know of what you mean by it. In a sense we're all slaves to God. We do his bidding after all." Oz nods with a pucker, "Reckon so. So, dueling banjos I see. Y'all chose a mighty fine day to wash some chariots. Course the forecast for the next few days is possible showers. Reckon someone's cryin' over spilt "Cascade". Dottin' the eyes and crossin' the tease. They just might call y'all hot and cold runnin' Waiters and tell ya the glass is spotted." Father Tim nods with a chuckle, "Indeed they might. Joseph here tells me that you've moved back to Bartlett to stay. After three years. Why away so long, Mister Dhorne?" Oz tilts his head back and forth, "Business took me to a far off place called "Nunya". It's near Kenya." The Priest notes Dhorne's reluctance to discuss his past, "I see. On safari?"
"You lookin' for Ivory? Cuz I ain't up for smilin'. " Joseph clears his throat, "Garrison, please. Father Tim is only being sociable. Restrain your bite." Oz smirks, "I'll restrain when I'm ready, Jojo. So, Father? Why do I see deceit in yer eyes and manner?" The Priest narrows his eyes, "Forgive me? I know not what you are referring to." Dhorne points across the street, "Confessional's that way. Forgive yerself before God can." Father Tim hesitates then looks at Joseph, "I believe it's time to return to my children." Oz bites his lip, "You ever notice yer church has PETER and the word LIC in cathoLIC? Kinda sounds like an Omen more than an Amen. You like hearin' O's Father Time? Well I'm Oz. Same principle different syllable." Timothy turns beat red, "Are you insinuating I--" He lowers his voice, --defile Altar boys?"
Joseph drops his jaw and stands between them, "GARRISON! Enough. I apologize for my Nephew, Timothy. Perhaps you should go." Timothy eyes Dhorne then calms his brewing temper, "You are very wrong, Mister Dhorne. I will pray for you to see the truth. Good day Joseph. Good luck raising the money for your cause." Oz points behind Timothy, "Raised it already. These kids do good work." Joseph steps in front of Timothy with his mouth gaping, "Garrison? What have you done?" Oz slaps him on the shoulder followed by another hand on Timothy's deltoid against his better judgment. Coming up the street were twelve rolling wheelchairs with smiling elders at the helm. Care workers were pushing them along with umbrella's poised over their heads for shade. Each of the elderly people were wearing motorcycle helmets and leather vests that said, "Hells Agels". The chairs were detailed with racing flames on the chrome. "Good Heavens!" Joseph flared, "Garrison? Did you instigate this?" A cheesy grin leered toward Gina and Marge, "Y'all best break out the turtle wax, Ginalou. These here weary travelers need to shine up their Hogs." Gina stepped closer to hug Joseph from the side, "Look dear. A miracle." Joseph almost exposed a tear then pulled away from Dhorne to walk toward the oncoming chairs. He was speechless. Gina smiled back at Oz then followed her husband.
Father Timothy in his discomfort remained held firmly in place by Dhorne's grip, "That was very kind of you, Mister Dhorne." Oz puckered his lower lip, "Yup. Sure was. Now where were we? Oh, yea. Omen's. What's your last name, Father?" The Priest swallows, "Hennessy. Timothy Hennessy. Might I ask why you wish to know?" Oz chuckles, "Father Hen. Appropriate. For a Mother fucker." Timothy savagely pulls away from Dhorne's grasp, "How dare you. Who do you think you are calling me such a name?" Oz winks at him, "Read ya like a Good Book. I see somethin' in ya I don't like Daddio. I'm never wrong. If I was you I'd pray we don't set eyes on one another again. If I do? I'll drag you back to the Vatican kickin' and screamin'. The Pope can paddle yer ass and be on his Mary way. Go on back home there, Timbuk. Visit yer Holy Lands and keep the faith."
Timothy shakes his head in awe of Dhorne's brashness, "You have me mistaken, Mister Dhorne. For a Man with such vision you must have assuredly looked at your own last name. Dhorne! Place the D at the end your name becomes, "Horned." A devil indeed." Oz places his hands over his ears and uses his index fingers to manipulate the look of horns. A searing gaze forces Timothy to shiver. "Further harassment will require my Lawyer's involvement. Good day, Mister Horned. May God forgive you." Dhorne looks up at the blue sky, "Hot ain't it?" Timothy takes his leave in disgust. Dhorne knew he was right. It might not be sexual abuse but something was definitely up. He pats the hairs on his neck, "Calm down fellas. Y'all can stop crossin' hairs, he's in my sights."
Joseph and Gina guide the elderly forward to introduce Garrison who returned a warm smile to each of them. "For those of you who are unaware of your indispensable benefactor, this is our dashing nephew Garrison Dhorne. A shock to all of us I fear. My nephew here has gracious funded these lovely new vehicles to the Home. A round of applause if you please." Arthritic fingers clap the best they can as the elder women offer hugs from their seats. A sight of true beauty. Marge Bauer stood back in admiration. Perhaps she was wrong about this man. Her eyes move over to his son Connor standing with Stacy and Oliver with laughter as they finish cleaning the truck. Even her Granddaughter Kelsey was having the time of her life aiding Patricia and the other youngsters. A tear nearly fell from her cheek when her cellphone vibrated in her purse. The start made her jump. Swiftly, she opens her purse and answers her cell, "Hello? Why Gertrude, Good afternoon. How are you today? Tell "Hotwire" I said hello. Yes, the car wash is a resounding success. I believe I've just met the most remarkable man. He funded the new wheelchairs without Joseph even knowing. For all of his arrogance I do believe he has a wonderful soul. His name? Garrison Dhorne."
A scream forces the cell from Marge's ear, "Gertrude? Is everything okay? Gertrude? Why are you loading your shotgun? GERTRUDE?" The cell falls silent as Marge stands with eyes wide, "Oh, my Stars. What could have possibly gave Gert such a start?"

Back at the Bauer Household.

"It's a balmy 93 degrees out for all of you Lunchbreakers. Head on out to the swimming holes and cool yourselves off while you can. Midweek forecast will cool things down as an 80% chance of showers should quench those dusty ole crop beds." A crow from a rooster echoes behind the newscaster who pauses, "That's my cue Kiddies. Time for this ole Coot to head on back to the hen house and goose my Millie. There's an ice cold lemonade with my name inside a heart drawn into the condensation of that tall ole glass. Y'all have yourself a good rest of the day, Greater Bartlett and Central Alabambam. God bless and a Cockle doodle did. This is "Rooster Brewster" signing out." The radio goes silent in favor of dead air. Peace and quiet at last.
"Mom?"
Eyes that had refused to flutter peek open to blinding sunlight through lowered blinds casting heavily across the headboard. For the first time in weeks Jordan Bauer had been allowed to sleep in. Husband Doug was in Mobile, Alabama dealing with clients over his proposed Boxing Arena designs.With school out the girls were off with their friends or with her In-law's until later in the evening. So she thought. What the hell happened?
Her bedroom door creaks open followed by shuffling feet across the carpet. Jordan did her best to ignore this bad dream. Then, came the weight pushing downward at the foot of her mattress. "What's wrong now?" Jordy ushers through a dry, hoarse throat. Remaining lifeless she awaits a reply. Robin, her oldest daughter exhales loudly until her Mother groggily lifts her head from her pillow, wincing against the sun's rays. An eye brow is raised as she realizes her daughter was topless. "Mom, I need a new bra. My boobs are bursting. The old one's can barely contain them. Even worse my swimsuit. They want to fall out. Bad situation." Jordy drops her head back on to her pillow, "Is that all?"
"Get into my undie drawer. Try on some of mine." Robin in reaction frowns at the concept of sharing her Mother's under garments. With another deafening sigh she hops up and pulls open a top dresser drawer, sifting through various brassieres. Lifting each of them up to her chest to admire herself in the vanity. Her eyes grow wide at how she looked in black lace. "I like this one." Jordan peels her eyelids open again and ventures to turn her head enough to see her daughter twisting and turning from side to side examining her support. She couldn't help but smile, remembering how her own nurturing twin terrors had made her own Mother crazy. Three girls. Her sister's were all quite blessed. Her Mother took up drinking with each cup size.
Sitting up in bed she stretches dramatically as the spaghetti strings of her camisole dangled over her biceps. Adjusting them back to normal to keep from exposing her chest she throws the sheets off of her to climb out of bed. Standing behind Robin staring at her daughter in the mirror she smiles then reaches up to pull the hair from Robin's shoulders. Reaching around Robin, Jordy couples her hands over her daughters breasts creating a moment of tension. "Relax. Your Mom's not a Herflirt. I'm only helping you fit into it properly." Robin swallows with a sneer, "I know how to wear a bra." Jordy smirks, "A size 36 C at almost 16. My babies growing up." Robin chuckles heaving her tits upwardly as Jordy removes her own hands. "Growing up? Try blowing up."
Her Mother sighs, "I think a cup size lower would fit more proportionately. The supports there but it's a little loose." She tilts her head from side to side, "Maybe not. I'm going to let you have this bra on one condition." She points an index finger at Robin through her reflection. "Your Father doesn't find out you're wearing Frederick. You wear dark shirts over it. After all, it is more revealing than you're used to. Even more so than I wore at your age. Understood?" Robin grins with an active nod, "Gotcha. Did Daddy tell you about my low cut shirt I got from Dani's Mom? He made me change out of it."
With a fidgeting smirk Jordan squeezes her daughters shoulders, "What your Father doesn't see won't get us both grounded. Wear something over the shirt until you leave home. You can change once he's out of range. I know what it's like to want to flaunt what you have. I was your age once. Just be careful not to overdo it. School begins in two weeks. We can't have that nuisance Principal Gilespie making accusations that might reach your Father's attention. When school starts up I'm almost certain you won't be the only new and improved Sophomore at Bartlett High." Robin giggles turning around to face her as she clasps her bra. "I need all the help I can get. Thanks, Mom." Robin begins to walk away then pauses, "Mom?"
"Yes, my stunning younger self?" They share a strange look at one another. "When I was at the pool with Dani, I saw the funniest thing. Some new boy I've never seen before, my age I think, was in a batting cage. He was trying to hit the ball but I think the ball hit him more often than he hit the ball. It was sooooo cute. Picture Kelsey with a bat. That kinda cute. Anyway, He was swinging so wild he fell down twice and got nailed in the back. I could feel his pain. Tyler Coffey", she winks at her Mother, "Bartlett's quarterback four years running and some others were making fun of him. Poor guy.It was funny I guess. Hard not to laugh. The kids Dad was in the cage next to him. He was hitting every ball that came his way. I think he must have been a stuntman. He even used the bat like a pool stick and bunted the ball. He was amazing. I think his Dad was embarrassed by his son though. The boy ran off Tyler said. To his Dad's truck. They had some weird car alarm. It was hilarious. The boy locked himself inside his Dad's truck." A lengthy pause to catch her breath, "Oh, Tyler Coffey asked me on a date. Can I go?"
Jordan stands expressionless then hesitantly forms a thin smile, "Ask your Father. How old is this, Prince Charming?" Robin cringes with honesty, "He's a Senior this year. Eighteen i think. Please let me. He's gorgeous. I want to make all of the cheerleaders jealous. I sooooo want to be popular this year." Jordy shook her head negatively, "Grades before boys. Your Father and I meet this Tyler first then decide. Why don't you just try out for the Cheerleading squad? I know how agile you are. You love to dance. Turn their heads that way." Robin chokes with laughter, "You must be high. No way. Mallory and the others would humiliate me. Besides, I'm too reserved to cheer the racy chants they do." She wiggles around giggling then runs her hands between her legs, "Grrrrrrr. GO WILDCATS!" Jordan stared at her daughter in awe. "You're right. No cheering for you."
"Besides that Mom, there's two things I don't have. Black hair which I refuse to color mine darker. And, two my name doesn't begin with the letter "M". Mallory, Mandy, Maxine, Missy, Mona, Miranda, and Macey." Coach Goode would laugh me out of try-outs." Jordy giggles, "MMM MMM Goode." Robin narrows her eyes then realizes how ironic it was. "Oh, my God. i never even thought of that. That's hilarious. Way to go, Mom." As their giggling fades Robin lowers her eyes, "Mom?"
"Stop that. Just ask." Continuing to stare at the floor she gets the courage up to finish what she wanted to say. "Why does Dad seem to think you're shy? Is it because you dress like Principal Gilespie?" Jordy drops her jaw unamused, "I do NOT dress like Gilespie. I'm so not yesterday's Librarian with Nazi motif. Just for that I'm going to call your Grandma Marge and ask her to let you borrow her old brassieres." Robin's eyes bulge, "EWWWW! That's just gross. They would be like pup tents on me. And smelly." Jordy freezes her expression and makes her point. "My Mother merely instilled upon Me to be a lady. Not some hoochy. I occasionally dress up. Or is that down? Anyway. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Now give me a hug."
Robin swiftly darts into her Mothers embrace and stays there. "I love you, Mom." Jordan sighs on her daughters shoulder, "At least someone does. So, are you staying home?" Robin pulls away, "No. I'm going back to the pool. I left my clothes there. Dani's waiting on me." Jordan frowns with concern, "You left your clothing at the pool. You wore your bathing suit home?" Robin nods, "Can I buy a bikini?" Jordan inhales deeply when the door bell rings. Saved by the bell. "I'm not dressed. Go see who that is." Robins eyes bulge looking down at her chest, "As if I am." Jordy fidgets then snatches up her robe off of the hook on the bedroom door. Wrapping and tying it quickly she heads to the front door allowing Robin a chance to dash through the living room to her own bedroom. Once out of sight Jordan opens the door. "Dottie! Good morn--er--afternoon." Jordan rears back, "Robin? It's Dani's Mother."
"Sorry to bother you, Jordan. Dani called me and asked if I could swing by and pick Robin up. I'm heading over to the Church car wash and the pool is on my way. It's a shame I can't talk the girls into helping out. I suppose we lived in our own world at their age. Didn't we." smiled the medium built woman with large brown hair that almost styled as if she lived in the Fifties. Jordan nodded with a pucker of her lower lip, "We were just talking about that." Robin makes her appearance without haste saving her Mother a long boring conversation. "Hi, Mrs. Woodward. A ride would be awesome. Can I Mom?" Jordan frowned at the whole bikini idea. "We shall see. Go have fun. Be home by six o'clock. No earlier, no later."
A kiss to her Mother's cheek sends her bolting out the door past Dottie Woodward. Dottie pauses, "Want to join me on duty at the car wash? We can hold the signs up on the street announcing the benefit." Jordy smirks lowering her chin, "Maybe next time. Give Pastor Joseph and his wife my best."
Dottie hesitantly smiles in disappointment. Not everyone took such a vested interest in religion. Jordan believed in God but not in sitting on a pew for an hour of subjugation. She would make the effort to go again one of these days. God willing. After all, there's not that much to miss.
Right?

Back at the Church Car wash.

Garrison Dhorne sat in one of the new wheelchairs while Elderly "Eunice Taylor" was joining Gina for a glass of tea inside the Church. All of the chairs were lined up along the sidewalk. Freshly washed and shined up. Connor left Stacy who had given him back his shirt and casually walked over to his Father with his hands in his pockets. "Okay, I had fun. Are you happy now?" Oz puckers his lips and keeps silent. As Connor glares from side to side over the chairs he winces, "I thought you weren't going to just buy a bunch of wheelchairs. What happened to "Those who help themselves?"
Oz smiles faintly, "They do their best to help themselves get along every day. When I get their age I hope I'm as feisty as they are. I figgered they deserved it." He rolls the chair backwards and turns a circle to get the feel of it. Stopping cold he looks out toward the parking lot. "Race ya to the grass." Connor drops his jaw then looks at a vacant chair. A huge smile crossed his face as he hops into a chair and unlocks it. Rotating the wheels backwardly he manages to get in position beside his Dad. "Last one to the grass does a Chinese fire drill in their boxers." Connor didn't even take a breath to laugh as he turned the tires in a forward motion getting a head start. Dhorne couldn't help but chuckle, "Yer gonna lose Jeff Gordy."
The race was a dead heat within seconds as both of them poured their hearts into winning. At the very last second Oz felt a breeze latch onto his neck. He grins, "No fair, Noralou. Grabbin' my shirt collar and slowin' me down." Connor reached the grass and jumped out of the chair running about laughing. "LOOOOOOOSSSERRRRRRR!" Dhorne rolls up next to him and stops to scratch his head. Connor then points at his Father, "You lost Martial Farts. Drop your pants and start running." Oz chuckled and stood up, "You win." He drops his pants right there and yanks them down to his boots before hobbling in a circle around the wheelchairs. Almost tripping Dhorne was caught by his son. "Thanks, Dad. You just humiliated yourself in front of the entire Church. that makes us even." With a point of Connor's finger Oz glares back toward the Church to see everyone looking through the glass windows at him. Marge Bauer in particular met his eye. She stood there covering her Granddaughter's's eyes. Swiftly, he pulls his pants up and buckles his belt.
"You know they don't speak Chinese. Everyone there's squintin'." winked Dhorne
Connor had a very good day.