Chapter 3
The next morning, Andy woke up beside Esmeralda, kissing her lips. They both kissed, as they held one another in their embrace. "You look beautiful, darlin". Andy said, romantically. "You look wonderful as well, babe". Esmeralda said, romantically. They both gazed into one another's eyes, staring. They embraced, kissing one another's lips again. The kissing grew prominent as they kept their lips pressed against one another. They kissed as Andy squeezed Esmeralda's breasts. She gasped for air, as Andy pressed his reproductive organ against Esmeralda's organ. They both felt it. They both felt the feeling, the essence of their sex yet again. The lavish, the taste of one another, the taste of the kiss, the touch of their skin, the whispers they exchanged, as the feeling, the tingly feeling, the fuzzy feeling spread over Esmeralda's naked body. She shivered, feeling a fetish for it. "Oh yes". She whispered. "Ohhhhhh, yes". She whispered, receiving. She wasn't obnoxious, or made noise in receiving, but she did feel the edge. She did feel the essence.
She did feel the love within her. She felt the essence of joy as she received. She felt the essence of freedom, and the stronghold of her commitment as she indulged in the luscious stronghold that was their sex.
"Will you be so kind as to join me?". Esmeralda said, with an airy quality to her voice. "Certainly". Andy said, going into the shower with her, as they both turned on the water, feeling it douse them in a mystical essence, and a different kind of joy that mystified them in it's own special way. Andy held Esmeralda close, as she put her hand on the curtain almost. They both kissed with nice repose, as they drew their bodies nearer to one another. Andy pressed his reproductive organ into Esmeralda's vagina, as they both sought out the tingly feeling. It was a short burst, but it still felt fine. It still felt exact to what they were doing.
They both kissed as the hot water doused them in its clarity, in its essence of finite protection, and mist. The hot water doused them in a spectacular wave of airlines that correlated to them in its specificity. It was, and would always be their very own. It was their own kind of clarity that shone on them, as the water continued to douse.
As the water continued to bathe.
They both kissed, enjoying their love, and enjoying their romance.
They got out of the shower, putting on their best clothes for the day. They got ready for their day.
"I'm sure it would be best to get the boys up, and ready". Andy said, putting on his police officer uniform. "Perhaps". Esmeralda said, gently. "I think it would be nice to see if they're interested".
They got ready in their room, as Opie came into Andy's bedroom. "I have something for ma's grave". Opie said, showing Andy a teddy bear. "Me and Billy bought it at the store".
"That's very sweet, Opie". Andy said, gently. "Essy has some flowers she'd like to put on there, it's a nice little old set". He smiled a gentle smile. "I put my binki on there". Billy said. "Well, sweetie, why don't we find a toy, or a baseball mitt you don't need, and put it on Gail's grave". Esmeralda said, gently. "Yeah!". Billy said.
"Here's your old baseball toy Ms. Duringer got you". Esmeralda said, gently. "I no want dat". Billy said. "Alright, sweetie, well we'll give it to Opie's mommy". "Before mommy". Esmeralda said, gently.
"I think I've figured it out pretty well". Esmeralda said to Andy. "You sure did". Andy said. They both chuckled, as they piled in the car. They drove over to "Mary: Queen of Heaven" cemetery and went by the grave of Gail Taylor. Formerly, Gail McGinnis before she met Andy.
They stood in front of the grave, holding flowers, holding other things in their hands. "Well, this is it". Andy said, standing in front. Opie stood in front as well, as Esmeralda picked up Billy, holding him. "You were the best wife and mother anyone could ever have". "You truly know, and knew how to make us laugh". "We miss you". Andy said, sniffling a bit. Opie began sniffling a bit as well when he thought of his mother. She truly was a wonderful woman, and even though they all had Esmeralda now, they would always miss Gail, and the bubbly personality she had coupled with her ability to make people laugh. Gail was amazing.
Esmeralda felt bad for Andy and Opie. She knew Andy loved his late wife, and they had a magnificent relationship. She didn't want them to feel as if she was replacing the most important woman in their life. Yet, Esmeralda and Andy both called their relationship, their marriage, a friendship based on mutual feelings of respect and care. It was based on mutual feelings of care, and companionship rather than trying to get someone to fill the role of mother, and wife.
Andy sniffled a bit as a single tear streamed down his cheek. He sniffled, knowing Gail's death was a tragedy. She was sick, and she had lost her battle with brain cancer. Andy knew it was bad for a man to cry, but he still couldn't stop the tears from coming. Gail was right there beside Addie. A little balloon marked Addie's grave, as a teddy bear sat on her grave spot. Andy fell quiet, as he sniffled.
Even Opie had tears coming down his eyes. While he no longer had nightmares, or thoughts of death, he hadn't forgotten about his mother. He sniffled a bit as well.
Billy stood by, playing with his sippy cup. Esmeralda put a hand on Andy's shoulder, gently rubbing it. "I'm alright". Andy said with a bit of shakiness in his voice.
"I haven't felt much better really than I do now". Andy said, with shakiness.
"Well, Opie, would you like to say anything?". Andy asked, gently. "Ma, I love you, Addie I love you, and we'll see each other soon". Opie said, with shakiness in his voice as well. Opie put down the teddy bear he and Billy got.
"You've been so good to him". Esmeralda said, gently to Gail. Or the gravestone of her. "Thank you for making him, and his son, happy". "You are not forgotten". She put down some flowers.
The wind blew, as a heavenly light shone down. The spirit of Gail was there, and she was happy with the presence of her original family, and Andy's new wife, and child there. It was a magical afternoon, as everyone made their peace with Gail. Everyone was happy. Everyone was with the divine.
Everyone was doing well. "What do you say we grab some breakfast, huh?". Andy said, gently. "Yes, good idea". Everyone said, they got back into the car, going to their favorite breakfast place, the coffee place on Hammecher Street. It was a good day, for now.
Andy came home from the precinct that night, feeling weird. He felt as if his heart was beating out of his chest. He just stood, feeling a bit odd. His chest hurt, but he didn't feel nervous or anything. He stumbled into the living room, seeing Opie playing. He then screamed in pain. Opie ran over to him. "Daddy!". "Daddy!". "Are you ok?!".
"I don't think so!". Andy said. "Oh my!". "Oh Lord!". He fell down. Opie ran to the phone, dialing 0 for emergency operator. He used this on a turn dial phone. "We don't have much time!". Opie exclaimed. Outside right away, there was an ambulance that drove down the street parking in their driveway. Andy screamed loudly. "It'll be ok, pa!". Opie said.
"What's going on, bud?". Esmeralda asked. "My pa just had an emergency!". Opie said, with alertness. Opie kept calm, although there were tears in his eyes. There was a wet spot in the corner of Opie's eyes. Opie began screaming as well.
"It's ok, sweetie". Esmeralda said, gently. "The doctors are going to come in, and help daddy feel better". "Everything will be alright".
"I hope so". Opie said. "Talk to the doctors, I need to make sure Billy is okay". He went in the other room, picking up Billy, putting him back in his bed. "Ok". Esmeralda said, looking on. She admired Opie and his sense of leadership, his sense of right and wrong. She loved how Opie went into a situation, and handled it.
"Hmm". She sighed, admiringly as Opie tried to decide between helping his father, and keeping his little brother from seeing what happened.
Opie began crying as he stood, shaking nervously. "Sweetie, its ok". "I'll talk to the doctors". Esmeralda said, gently. "It's ok, baby". "Why don't you go see Billy, and I'll take care of daddy, ok, baby?".
"Ok". Opie said. Esmeralda kissed Opie's cheek.
The paramedics came in, holding out a stretcher. "He was screaming, and clutching his chest". Esmeralda said, calmly. "My stepson, my husband's son, Opie called you".
"Yes, he did". The paramedic said. "He seemed very calm, although I could tell he was very stressed".
"He was a bit". Esmeralda said, gently. "But he is so brilliant, and has such leadership". "He handled the situation very well". "He was very patient". "I am so impressed". She smiled a bit in admiration for Opie.
"We'll have him checked out and see if he's ok". The paramedic said. "He will be ok, don't worry".
"He will, but, could we ride with him in the vehicle just to be sure?". Esmeralda asked. "Sure". The paramedic said. The boys and Esmeralda rode with the paramedics to the hospital to make sure Andy was ok.
"Oh my". "Oh my". Andy said, waking up after the heart incident.
"What...what happened?". Andy asked. "Sweetie, you just had a minor heart thing". Esmeralda said, gently. "You had an ischemia, which is just a minor heart palpitation problem". "But you'll be just fine". "I hope". Andy said. "I don't know why it happened".
"I'm not sure either, but, maybe you have problems with your family, and their health". Esmeralda said. "Well, your family had heart problems".
"They probably do". Andy said. "But I'm not too concerned".
"Well, we'll get it figured out at some point". Esmeralda said, gently. "Let's just get you home, and get you into bed". She was gentle, and soft with her husband. "Oh, alright". Andy said, standing up, sniffling.
He began crying a bit, as a single tear streamed down his cheek. Esmeralda knew he was in pain. Andy had a wet spot in the corner of his eye. "It'll be ok, babe". Esmeralda said, gently. She kissed his lips. "I know". Andy said with shakiness to his voice. "I just don't feel so well". "I feel terrible, and I feel like I want to lay down".
Andy had emotion behind his voice. In essentiality he was a pained little boy who had dealt with severe grief over losing the love of his life, and his child. Now, he was having health problems.
"I feel terrible". Andy said, crying now. "I know, baby". Esmeralda said, gently. "We'll get you situated with some medicine, the doctor gave us some, and we'll get you into bed". "I know, honey". "It will be ok". She kissed his lips. Andy sniffled. "Thank you". He said, keeping the tears from coming down.
"I know it was hard, baby". Esmeralda said, gently. "Oh, well, thank you". Andy said, with gentleness. Esmeralda helped Andy into his wheelchair, as the nurse wheeled him out of the recovery room.
They went out to the car, as Esmeralda helped Andy in the passenger's side. Opie sat in the back seat with Billy. "Is everyone alright?". Esmeralda asked, gently. "We're a-ok". Opie said, as Billy repeated what he had said, playing with Opie. "Got your nose". Opie said to Billy, as Billy laughed.
"You know, Opie, what you did today was very brave". Andy said, gently. "I'm very proud of you".
"Thank you". Opie said, looking up at Andy. "You know son, you saved my life". Andy said, gently. "You called for help, and got everything worked out right away". "You're not just an amazing son, you're my hero".
"Thank you, pa". Opie said, looking up at Andy. There was a special father son connection that Opie had with Andy. They held not only a special connection, they held a friendship that lasted them for many years. They held a deep friendship.
"I love you, pa". Opie said, looking up at Andy. "I love you too, son". Andy said, gently. They both looked at one another, feeling their friendship deepen now that Opie was Andy's hero. Before, it had been the other way around.
There was a love that existed between them, a love that deepened with time. Andy idolized Opie, and Opie idolized Andy. They both held a friendship that kept them together.
"You're our hero, baby". Esmeralda said, gently. She smiled at Opie. "We love you tremendously, and we will always be there to make things easier for you". She had a gentle smile.
Opie sat, playing with his toy Tonka truck. He played with Billy also. "Opie, sweetie". Esmeralda said, gently. "Let's give daddy some rest, and we'll play when we go home, ok?".
"Ok". Opie said. He and Billy sat quietly. "I know, but I just don't want daddy to feel overwhelmed with everything". Esmeralda said, gently. "It can be hard when someone isn't feeling well, sometimes it's better if they don't have any background noise or anything to get them startled". "That's just it".
"I love when you both play, but we have a friend that's feeling a bit under the weather".
"That's ok". Opie said. "I wouldn't want daddy to be overwhelmed either".
"Thank you for understanding, baby". Esmeralda said, gently. "Ok". Opie said. Opie and Billy sat quietly. Everyone sat quietly until the car pulled into the driveway. They got out, as Opie helped Andy walk in.
"Here, let's get you into bed". Esmeralda said, gently. She helped Andy into their bed. "I made a sandwich with ham, cheese, and a bit of that mustard you like". Esmeralda said, gently. "Oh, delightful, darling". Andy said, gently. He kissed Esmeralda's lips. "Let's see, ham, mustard, cheese, oh, there's something peculiar in here". He looked at the sandwich seeing a blue capsule in it.
"That's your heart medicine". Esmeralda said, kindly. "I thought since maybe you wouldn't want to take it by water, it'd be better to put it in".
"I don't know about this". Andy said, a bit hesitant. "I don't think drugging my food is such a good idea".
"You'll like it, I promise". "Do it, for me?". Esmeralda said, gently. "Oh, I will". Andy said, chuckling. "Only because you're cute". "You are cute as well, doodlebug". Esmeralda said, kissing Andy's lips. "I love ya, darlin". Andy said, romantically. They both kissed again. They both felt in love, and infatuated with one another, even after they got married, and had a son.
"I'll get the boys dinner, then I'll come back in, we'll cuddle". Esmeralda said, suggestively. "Oh, honey, you know how to get my motor running". Andy said, romantically. Esmeralda kissed his lips, then tucked a pillow under his head, going into the kitchen.
Esmeralda went into the kitchen, seeing Billy and Opie. "Now, I know daddy wants healthy food, but I got us something even more delicious". Esmeralda said, gently. She took out a burger and fries from McDonald's. "Here you are, besties". She smiled a gentle smile.
"Happy meal!". Billy said, laughing and giggling. "That's it". Esmeralda said, gently. "Opie, I have a burger and fries here with your name on it".
"Gee thanks, ma". Opie said. Esmeralda laughed a bit. "Of course, dear". Esmeralda said, kindly.
"Now, how's everything been going so far?". Esmeralda asked, gently. "My teacher says I'm the best reader in the school". Opie said. "That's lovely". Esmeralda said, gently. "I know your teacher had you reading 460 words a minute, that's quick".
"My teacher is nice". Opie said. "She is really tall".
"I'm sure she is, baby". Esmeralda said, gently. "Well, I was thinking perhaps tomorrow, I'll do some basketweaving". "I know it's a lost cause, but I'm sure I'll return it".
"I'd like to know how to basket weave". Opie said. "Lovely, honey". Esmeralda said, gently. "It'll be our tendering". She kissed Opie on the cheek. Opie was excited for basket weaving. But something inside was bothering him. Something wasn't right. He just kept it inside for now.
Opie went into the sitting parlor the next day where Esmeralda was waiting with some baskets. "Ma". Opie said, coming in. "Hello, sweetie". Esmeralda said, gently. "I decided not to get started right away, as I just waited for you to come". She chuckled, smiling. "Oh, this looks fun". Opie said. "It is very relaxing when you start it". Esmeralda said, kindly.
Opie sat down beside Esmeralda. "So, what goes on?". Opie asked. "Well, what I like to do is put two strands of this basket material through one another, over, under, then pull them through". Esmeralda said, gently. "I think I can get the hang of it". Opie said. "Let's try it". Esmeralda encouraged. "Ok". Opie said. He weaved under, over, and pull. Under, over, and pull. He was beginning to weave.
"How am I doing?". Opie asked. "You're doing a wonderful job". Esmeralda said, gently. "I'm so impressed". "You are so good at everything". She chuckled.
"Thank you". Opie said. "Just between us, you're the smartest person I've ever met". Esmeralda said, secretive, winking. "Oh, well thank you". Opie said.
"What about my pa?". Opie asked. "He is pretty up there, but, I don't think anyone can read the way you do, or solve problems, take charge when things happen". "You are so skilled, always". Esmeralda said, gently.
"Besides, your pa has his moments".
Opie laughed a bit. "Marriage has its quirks, but I am lucky to be married to daddy". Esmeralda said, gently. "He is such a wonderful man". "He is everything I could ever need, and want".
"That's good". Opie said. Opie turned his head a bit, feeling a bit somber. He felt uneasy for some reason. He just stayed quiet.
"Are you ok, baby?". "You seem kind of quiet today". Esmeralda said, gently.
"No, I'm fine". Opie said, quickly. "It's just the usual, everything else that's kind of whatever it is".
He turned down to his basket weaving, not saying another word. He began sniffling a bit.
"Ok, sweetie". "If you need anything, I'm always here to talk". Esmeralda said, gently, kindly.
Opie didn't talk the rest of the time. Esmeralda wondered what was wrong. He usually wasn't like this. If he felt bad, they talked for hours about what was wrong. She felt a bit concerned. This was kind of weird.
"How was your day with Opie, doing the basket weaving?". Andy asked, as they both got into their bed. "It was fine". Esmeralda said, pulling down the sheets, as they both got in. "But, I could tell something was bothering him". "He usually tells me when something's wrong, or something concerns him". Esmeralda said softly, with a warmth to her voice. "I don't understand". "I thought we had a deep friendship, a special connection, where he'd share his feelings". The bed creaked a little bit, as she moved.
"Well, Opie sometimes gets like that". Andy said, with gentleness. "He'll tell you his feelings when it's something minor, but when it's something major, he'll hide it". "He's been like that ever since my wife, and daughter died".
"Oh, well, there might be something there now, but hopefully his concern will pass". Esmeralda said, gently. "I love Opie, and I hope he is ok". She brushed the sheets a bit.
"He's ok". Andy said, gently. They both went to sleep, knowing they both had a perfect life. They both had two beautiful children, and a nice house, even if it wasn't the richest thing out there. They had a strong marriage, and were still attracted to one another. They both felt love, and this weekend, they would go somewhere new, where luxury waited for them.