Chapter 4
Esmeralda prepared a snack for Andy and Opie. It was leftover Shrimp with cocktail sauce. Andy and Opie came in. "Hello, fine young men". Esmeralda smiled, winking. Andy and Opie chuckled. "I figured you both might be hungry, so I made some shrimp, chilled it, and put it out with this cocktail sauce". Esmeralda said, gently. "I hope you enjoy it". She smiled a gentle smile.
"Hello, baby boy". Esmeralda said, gently to Opie. She kissed Opie's forehead. "Hi, ma". Opie said, catching what he said. "Oh...oh...I'm sorry I…".
"No, it's quite alright". Esmeralda said, gently. "I feel honored by that, truly". "Never feel sorry for what you feel". She smiled a gentle smile. "You are like my ma". Opie said, looking up at Esmeralda. "Oh, I'm happy you feel that way". "I'm trying at being motherly". Esmeralda said, gently. "Thank you". "You're welcome". Opie said.
Opie and Andy ate their shrimp. Esmeralda snuck around, stealing a kiss from Andy. "hey, babe". Esmeralda said, romantically, kissing Andy on the lips. "Hey, babe". Andy said, romantically as well. "You mind if I sit with you?". Esmeralda asked, in a gentle whisper. "No, go right ahead". Andy said, smiling. He pulled his chair out, as Esmeralda sat on his lap, kissing him. She wrapped her arms around Andy, kissing him on the lips. They both kissed, feeling the love. Opie saw them, feeling gracious, feeling grateful for their love. Their love was like a healing power, it was like a battling, healing power against his fear, and sadness. Opie knew Esmeralda wasn't replacing his mom, yet he knew Esmeralda meant well. She was like a mother to him.
"Are you finished with your shrimp, honeydew?". Esmeralda asked, romantically, kissing Andy's nose. "I would say I am, although it is good, chilled". Andy said. "I have a surprise for you, someplace special". Esmeralda whispered. She kissed Andy's lips again. "Oh, my". Andy said, feeling giddy. Esmeralda took Andy's hand, leading him to their bedroom. They went in, closing the door, as they both kissed. "Wow, right to it, huh?". Andy said, as Esmeralda kissed his lips. "I just want to give my baby somethin sweet". Esmeralda said, kissing Andy's lips. "I'll bet". Andy said. They both kissed, passionately, as they embraced. Esmeralda unbuttoned Andy's shirt, graciously. She took off her clothes, revealing her naked self, as she smiled. They both kissed, drawing in closer, closer, closer to one another, as Andy was naked as well. They both kissed, taking their romance further in, until they were both in bed. They kissed with their own measure of fervency.
Esmeralda felt the tingling feeling, felt the fuzzy feeling again, as she and Andy joined reproductive organs. She gasped it seemed, for air. The air she gasped for, got closer, and closer as she felt Andy's 'nis in her vagina. They still kissed, feeling grateful for one another. Their bodies were one, and the measure they held, was one with them as well, in knowing. It was theirs, now and forever. Esmeralda felt the feeling come over her, as she felt Andy's organ press further, further, and further into her. Andy felt a bit selfish, having sex with someone else besides his late wife, but, he felt in love at this moment. Love healed him, and would guide him through everything else. Their love they shared, Andy and Esmeralda felt true to them. Soon, Andy would propose.
When the feeling could no longer be attained, Esmeralda just laid on Andy's chest. She brushed his chest with her thin, feminine hand. "Mm, do you ever think about it?". Esmeralda asked, looking up at Andy. "um...shrimp?". Andy asked, a bit dumbfounded. "Oh, well, that, and marriage?". Esmeralda asked, chuckling at the first part, smoothing over Andy's attractive chest. Andy doubled back inside thinking he'd been found out.
"It comes to mind every so often". Andy said. "mm, I'd love for us to get married someday". Esmeralda said, tickling Andy's chest, smiling. "We'll have it in a church, or outside on the vineyards of Italy". "We'll be married, we'll have our own big house, with a pool in the back, perhaps a big staircase, and dining room where we'll have fancy evenings". "We'll live there, just you and I, Opie". She kissed Andy's lips. "You'll have everything you could ever dream of, with us". Esmeralda whispered. "I would like that". Andy said, feeling Esmeralda's kiss. "Although, just one concern". Andy said. "I don't feel right about leaving the house my wife and I have, behind". "How will I move on?".
"We can stay if you like". Esmeralda whispered. "I just hope to be with you". She kissed Andy's lips. "I hope to be with you as well". Andy said, kissing Esmeralda's lips. Found out or not, he was going to take the next step in his relationship with Esmeralda. At this point, he was going to marry her. The proposal would be elegant, and the wedding would be even more special.
That night, Esmeralda laid on Andy's chest, feeling content. She felt content having a man she could spend the rest of her life with.
Today was it. Today was the big day in some aspects. Today was the day for Andy to finally ask that question. He had left the precinct early, and told Esmeralda to meet him in the park. Barney followed him to the park, with his camera. Thelma came with them. Even Opie got out of school early. Opie watched, as Andy waited for Esmeralda. There she came, wearing a nice dress. "Hello, babe". She said, looking at Andy. "what's all this?".
"Now, Esmeralda I know". Andy began to say. "Hold on, Andy". Esmeralda said. "I have something I'd like to say". "The moment I met you, I knew I had found someone special". "I knew I had found someone worthwhile that I could have and hold for the rest of my life". "I know you've been through a lot, but I can truly see us, I can see a life together we'll always live". "Together in us". "I've wanted that ever since I met you". "You've completed me in so many ways, and you've helped me discover who I truly am". Esmeralda got down on one knee. "Andy Griffith, will you marry me?". Esmeralda asked.
Everyone captured this moment. "Yes, but I was originally going to ask…". Andy got down on one knee, opening the ring box. "Esmeralda Sampson, will you marry me?". That was the part everyone caught on camera. "Yes, I will". Esmeralda said, gleefully. "And will you marry me?". "Yes, I will". Andy said, happily. They both stood up, embracing, as Barney caught it on camera. Even Opie was smiling, and laughing at this proposal. He was happy to see everyone in a good place. He was even happier to see his father so happy. He was beginning to feel happy as well. All his fears drifted by. Opie was the happiest he'd been in a long time. A wedding was about to take place. The love of both of them, would overtake the fear that had been there for some time.
A moment later, Esmeralda and Andy sat outside drinking wine, eating cheese. "I think it's lovely you proposed to me". Esmeralda said, stroking Andy's face. "We proposed to each other". Andy said, wrapping his hands around Esmeralda's waist. "Oh yes, we did". Esmeralda said. She chuckled. "But in the aspect, I love how you got down on one knee, treated me with a ring". "You are an amazing man I cannot wait to begin my life with". "I can't wait to begin my life with you, as well". Andy said. "You are the man I've always loved". Esmeralda said, brushing Andy's face.
"Now that we're getting married, where would you like the venue to be?". Andy asked. "Oh, well, I have some prominence in the Rosewood Vineyards". Esmeralda said, seductively. "We could marry in the gardens". "We could". Andy said. "I'm sure your family will be excited you're marrying". Esmeralda said, romantically. "Oh, well, my family is all gone". Andy said, quietly. "It's just Opie and I now". "My family all died of health troubles, and violence". He sniffled a bit.
"Oh, honey". Esmeralda said gently, sympathetically. "I'm so sorry". "Don't be worried, however". "We'll get through this". Esmeralda kissed Andy's lips. "Your family was wonderful I'm sure". Esmeralda turned Andy's cheek to face her, kissing him on the lips again. "Yes, they were amazing". Andy said. "I idolized my mother and father". "They were my whole world". "My brother and I were close". "My aunts and uncles were entertaining". "I just have so many memories of sitting on my father's lap while he told me stories, when I was a boy to even when Opie and Addie were young sleeping over their grandparent's".
"I just I'm trying to be strong, but I see Opie suffering, I get full of it, sometimes". "I have a hard time sleeping". Andy said. He sniffled a bit. "I do have some connections to professionals". "I could get you and Opie a family counselor". Esmeralda said, romantically, looking up at Andy. "A grief counselor?". Andy asked. "Yes, just a talk counselor to get you through it". Esmeralda whispered. "How do you feel?". "And be honest".
"I am full of fear sometimes that I will lose Opie, or that I will be taken away from this lifetime". Andy said, quietly. "I feel flustered all the time". "I'm much more tired at the end of the day". "My appetite has gotten worse to the point where I don't want to eat anymore". "I just feel terrible". "Opie isn't doing well, either". "He had a bit of trouble in school".
"Medication would help that". Esmeralda whispered, gently. "Or Marijuana". "I think Marijuana is illegal". Andy said. "It's been legalized in some states". Esmeralda said, gently. "We'll put you on that". She kissed Andy's lips. "I can't live without you". She whispered. "My love". She kept kissing his lips, stroking his face with comfort. Andy felt much more comforted, being stroked. Esmeralda kissed Andy, as Andy kissed Esmeralda. They both felt the squish of their lips. They both felt the pressing, and curling of their tongues as they kissed, gathering a sort of love that arose within them. Their love was fervent, as they felt their kiss, their love only grow. The healing made their love worthwhile.
They watched the sunset while eating some cheese, drinking some wine. Esmeralda sat in Andy's arms, kissing his lips, stroking his face.
Opie woke up later on, screaming, as he sat up in his bed. His palms felt sweaty, as his head ached. He had a massive headache. He cried loudly, holding his teddy bear close to him. Esmeralda heard him, coming into his room. She wore a skimpy silk, lace negligee that outlined her breasts.
"Opie, sweetie". Esmeralda said, gently. "Are you ok, love?". She sat on the side of his bed. "No, not really". Opie said, sniffling. "I..
I had a nightmare". Tears welled up in his eyes. "What was your nightmare about?". Esmeralda whispered, gently. Her voice was soft, silky, and maternal, much like her nighttime negligee. "My mommy". Opie said, sniffling. "I'm scared". "I...I...I". "What are you scared of?". Esmeralda whispered, gently. She massaged his face, wiping the tears away. In the darkness, in the very small amount of light there was, there was just her and Opie.
"I'm scared I'm gonna die". Opie said, sobbing. "I'm scared I'm gonna be taken away from my pa".
"Hmm, I know it's hard, sweetie". Esmeralda said, gently. "Sometimes, we just need to have the faith placed within us". "We gradually learn to accept our own brand of love". She stroked Opie's face. "How are you feeling?". Esmeralda asked in a whisper. "Um...I...I...I". Opie stammered. He looked up at Esmeralda. "Tell me the truth". Esmeralda whispered.
"I am sad, and scared". Opie said, sniffling. "My belly hurts, and I...I...I'm tired all the time". "My throat hurts when I eat". "When I swallow". He sniffled, trying to control his body from a convulsing sob.
"Do you feel hungry sometimes, or not so much?". Esmeralda whispered, gently. "Not so much". Opie said. "I feel like I want to throw up, and my tummy hurts". "My eyes hurt, too".
"Does your body feel sore sometimes?". Esmeralda asked in a gentle whisper. "Does it hurt when you try to walk?".
"Yes". Opie said. "I know your father had the same predicament". Esmeralda whispered, gently. "He was feeling a little bit troubled as well". She stroked Opie's face. "I think taking medicine for your pain would help". Esmeralda whispered. "Why do I need medicine?". Opie asked. "It'll just help you feel better". Esmeralda whispered. "Medicine will help your joints feel better, it will help you to have less nightmares". "I think you'd do well with medicine".
"We'll put you on medicine Marijuana, or green gummies". Esmeralda said, gently. "We'll get you a special friend to talk to if you need to, on weeknights". "For both you and your dad". She rubbed his cheeks with her thumbs. "What's a special friend for?". Opie asked. "Is it someone to play firetruck with?". "If you want to, you could". Esmeralda said, gently. "Your special friend will just talk with you, help you with any feelings you have". "Just someone to be with, and ask questions if you have any".
"You and your dad will talk to this special friend, and get help with any feelings you might have". Esmeralda said, gently. "Maybe tomorrow, we can get you a nice bowl of spaghetti". "That's for you to eat". She rubbed Opie's hands, noticing they felt clammy. She squeezed them, providing weight for Opie, and comfort for his little hands.
"How are you feeling now, love?". Esmeralda asked, gently. She rubbed Opie's hands. "Sad". Opie said, as tears welled up in his eyes. He sniffled, as his eyes, his brown eyes looked wide in fear.
"Lay your head right here, sweetie". Esmeralda whispered, gently. She cleared a spot on her lap for Opie. Opie laid his head down on Esmeralda's lap, as she stroked Opie's face. Opie sniffled, crying a bit. "Shh, it's alright, my sweet boy". Esmeralda whispered, soothingly. She tickled Opie's face, as he cried. Opie felt conflicted, felt trapped, as he felt the sickening pains spread throughout his body. Opie's little heart beat rapidly. Esmeralda felt Opie's chest, feeling his heart. "Sweetie, it'll be ok". Esmeralda whispered, sympathetically. "Remember when I last saw you laugh?". She whispered. She stroked Opie's cheek.
"Let's lay on our back". Esmeralda said, gently. Opie turned over. Esmeralda put two fingers on Opie's chest, feeling his heart beat through his chest. "Shh, I'm here now, my sweet boy". Esmeralda whispered. "I'm not a good singer, but I will try this much". "This will be our song".
"If this world makes you crazy, and you've taken all you can, then you call me up, because you know I'll be there". "And I see your true colors, shining through". "I see your true colors, and that's why I love you, so don't be afraid to let them show". "Your true colors, true colors are beautiful like a rainbow".
Esmeralda sang off key, no different than Gail used to. No one was a good singer. But she was soothing. She was loving. She was motherly.
Opie had tears streaming down his cheek. He sniffled. "Thank you". Opie said. "Of course my precious love". Esmeralda whispered. "Are you ok, sweetie?". "I'm still sad". Opie said. "I understand, sweetie". Esmeralda said, gently. "It just takes time, and a little bit of medicine". "That way we don't feel bad". She kissed Opie's cheek. Esmeralda massaged Opie's chest. Opie looked up, as he felt the comforting hand of a new mother. "It's ok, sweetie". Esmeralda said, gently. "I know". Opie said. Esmeralda kissed Opie's cheek. "Would you like to sit on the porch outside until you feel tired?". Esmeralda asked, kindly. "We'll get you some milk or orange juice to help you feel better". She stroked Opie's face.
"Ok". Opie said. Opie got up with Esmeralda walking with her to the kitchen. Esmeralda opened the fridge, taking out some orange juice, pouring it into a kid's glass for Opie.
"Here you are, beautiful boy". Esmeralda said, gently. "Thank you". Opie said. They went out to the porch, as Esmeralda poured herself a glass of expensive wine. Esmeralda laid, stretched out on the cushioned porch chair, she got for Andy to liven up the porch. Opie sat with her.
"It's dark out". Opie said. "It sure is, sweetie". Esmeralda said, gently. "It's a bit hot out as well". "We've been having a hot spell for quite some time". She brushed Opie's face. "Why does it get hot when it's dark out?". Opie asked. "Sometimes, that's the way the temperature is". Esmeralda said, gently. "Sometimes it gets hot during a cold time as that's the way the fronts are". "I don't know much about it, but that's the way it is".
"Yes, I believe so". Opie said. "Mm, so are you ok with taking green gummies?". Esmeralda asked, gently. "They'll help you feel better". "Yes". Opie said. "They won't hurt me, will they?". "They won't". Esmeralda said, gently. "They'll just relax you is all". "When you have green gummies, it's very comforting". She brushed Opie's face. "I've tried them at Woodstock, although not in gummy form". She said as an aside. She chuckled a bit.
"Medicine". Opie said. "Yes, medicine". Esmeralda said, gently. "It'll help you get through it". "I know it was hard when your mother, and sister passed".
"Yes". Opie said. "I...I...I remember my mommy, was there in her bed, and she closed her eyes". "She didn't open them". "She wasn't sleeping". He sniffled a bit. "What did you feel in that moment?". Esmeralda whispered, gently. "Scared". Opie said, quietly. "Your mother had cancer". Esmeralda said, gently. "Yes". Opie said. "I've never met your mother, but I'm sure she was a sweet lady". Esmeralda whispered.
"You know I would never try to replace your mother". Esmeralda said, gently. "Your mother was a wonderful woman, and I know it's hard". "You both had a special bond, and I would never get in the way of that". She brushed Opie's stomach under his car pajamas. "I love my mommy". Opie said. "I know you do". Esmeralda whispered. "Remember, your mother and sister are angels that are always looking down on you, and your father". "They are both loving of you, and will protect you". "They are always with you, keeping you safe".
"I talk to my mommy and my sister, Addie". Opie said. "That's wonderful, sweetie". Esmeralda said, gently. "Your love for them is strong, and do remember, they want you to stay on Earth". "They want you to keep being an inspiration to everyone you meet". "Because when I look at you, I see a wonderful boy with a strong, noble, honest heart, that will go on to change the world". "I see you, and I see someone that will change the world". "You were brought to this Earth, you were brought to this world to do something great, and touch the lives of everyone you meet". "You've touched my life, just by being my best friend".
"I'm your best friend". Opie said. "You are my best friend". Esmeralda said, gently. "God put us together, placed us in the same realm to change the world together". "You and I were meant to be". She tickled Opie's cheek. "If you were on the beach all alone and scared, I'd run out to get you, find you, and scoop you up in my arms". "Then I'd take you out to the water, and we'd swim, and find starfish".
"That's the way it was meant to be". Esmeralda said, gently. "I love you more than anyone". "We'll journey through this life together". She kissed Opie's cheek. "You are my everything". She tickled Opie's cheek. Opie laughed and played. "The tickle bug is coming". Esmeralda said, in a goofy playful manner. Opie still laughed. "I love you my beautiful boy". Esmeralda whispered, gently. "I love you, too". Opie said. "I miss Addie".
"Addie was your twin sister". Esmeralda said, gently. "Your father told me a lot about her". "You both were so close when she was alive". "Yes". Opie said. "Me and Addie used to play outside". "I'm sure you both did". Esmeralda whispered. "How do you feel when you think of her?". "Sad". Opie said. "I'm sure". Esmeralda whispered. "Addie was a wonderful sister". "Such a darling girl". She kissed Opie's cheek. "I am adopted". Opie said. "Me and Addie were adopted". "That is very special". "Very wonderful". Esmeralda said, kindly. "You are very special, a gift to your parents, as you were chosen". "You were picked to gift them with your own means of wonder". "I think you have special gifts that will reside with you for years and years to come". "You bless your father and I each and everyday we are near". Esmeralda kissed Opie's cheek.
"I'm happy I could". Opie said. Esmeralda kept kissing Opie's cheek, making massage circles on his cheek. Opie laughed and played. "Hugs and kisses". He said. "Yes, hugs and kisses for my Opie". Esmeralda said, kindly. She held Opie close, being thankful for him. Thankful for them. Opie was beginning to feel a little bit better. He began to feel halfway relieved, and content.
Opie sniffled a bit. A single tear streamed down his cheek. "I'd like to share a technique I've learned, with you". Esmeralda said, gently. "Let's close our eyes". Opie tried it, closing his eyes. "Very good, now let's make a fist with our hands". "Squeeze very hard, inhale the negative energy". Esmeralda guided gently.
"Now, blow out". "Breathe out, slowly". Esmeralda guided, kindly. Opie breathed in, making a fist, then breathed out, blowing. "Good, good". Esmeralda said, gently. "You're doing very well". She kissed Opie's cheek. Opie felt relaxed, comforted now, as his heart felt ok. He felt content, finally, and knew god had a reason for everything. Everything would be alright. Opie breathed, as some of Esmeralda's expensive perfume came over him. That was ok. He felt better. He sat, feeling the anxiety decrease. He felt exhausted now, as he sat, feeling his eyelids flutter. He yawned.
"Pumpkin". Esmeralda's soft, feminine, maternal voice said. Silk rustled as Opie heard this feminine voice. Opie opened his eyes, looking at Esmeralda. "Yeah?". He asked. "Are you falling asleep?". Esmeralda asked, gently. "Yes". Opie said. "You hardly drank any of your juice, baby". Esmeralda said, gently. "It's ok". Opie said. "I'm not that thirsty".
"Why don't we try some, honey". Esmeralda said, gently, stroking Opie's cheek. "I know it's been a lot since you had your nightmare". Opie drank his orange juice, yawning. He was a cute little boy, sitting, drinking his juice. A cute little Baby Boomer. Who surprisingly for someone of that generation, had kind parents. Or one parent, and a stepparent who were both traditionalists, and were supposed to be strict, and methodical. Yet, they were lenient, kind, and loving. That's because Andy had loving, and kind parents himself. Esmeralda on the other hand, had strict parents who believed in monetary aspects, and being driven without any emotional attachment.
Esmeralda always wanted to be a mother, albeit a stepmother. She always wanted kids, to raise and allow to have their own values and individual principles, while being an attached, loving involvement in their lives. She and Andy were loving parents.
The door opened, as Andy came outside. It was late and it was time for Opie to go to bed. "Hey, Opie". Andy said, gently. Opie drank his juice, looking up at Andy. "Hi, pa". Opie said. "I know you might not want to go right away, but it is time for bed". Andy said, gently. "Ok, pa". Opie said. "Let's say, goodnight". Andy said, gently. "Goodnight Ma". Opie said, hugging Esmeralda. "Goodnight, baby boy". Esmeralda said, kindly. "I love you, my best friend". "I love you, too". Opie said. He said goodnight to Esmeralda. He went inside to his room.
"Hey there, popcorn shrimp". Andy said, seductively. "Hello, honeydew". Esmeralda said, seductively. They both gazed at one another, kissing, as Opie looked up at Andy. "Goodnight, Pa". Opie said. "Goodnight Opie, son". Andy said, gently, hugging Opie tightly. Opie went into his room, getting into bed, holding the special bear his mother, Gail gave him when he and Addie first came home from the orphanage. He fell asleep with the teddy bear in his hand. A single tear dropped from his cheek, as he closed his eyes. He was beginning to feel the sadness again. He felt loved by Andy and Esmeralda. With his generational attributes, he could be strong, and happy just as well. It truly was a blessing.