Chapter Six
December 22nd
"Jude?"
"Yeah?" Pushing my oversized sunglasses to rest on my head I peered out the window to see Tommy.
"Can you pump the gas while I pay?" Tommy frowned. His hair blowing slightly in the wind, "Seems the gas pumps don't take ATM out here."
Figures. I wish I knew where the heck we were. You live in a certain area for so long you think you would know all the small towns and hidden routes. One day we were on the highway, driving along, the next we were lost on some unknown planet. Miles and miles away from any civilized earthly being.
After being chased down a back alley by a man hairier than America's Big Foot, peeing next to a smelly garbage can, flashing a pack of horny teenage boys my cha-cha zone and getting my bare ass cheek pinched by the only guy I would want touching me there; I would have to say I'm somewhere between a nightmare and Patsy's apartment.
Not the apartment I once shared with Spied and the boys. I could only wish for something as miraculous as that. Patsy's apartment is a one-room-does-all kind of setup. Living, dinning, bath and bedrooms plus the kitchen are all in one area. The toilet and tub sit next to the dishwasher making it easy to multitask. The one time I did go to Patsy's place I understood just how freaky she really is. Instead of paying a professional to help with bug and rodent problems she decided to make the roaches and rats her pets. Jimmy One, Jimmy Two and Jimmy Three are the names of the rat family nesting near the bathtub and bedroom. Jamie was mortified when he learned she had named them in his honor. Now if that is not love I don't know what is.
Three weeks I had nightmares of that place. That apartment is as close to hell I wish to go.
Stifling a yawn I quickly pushed my sunglasses back into place before opening the passenger door. One bad thing about being locked in a car all night, it does nothing good for a persons back. Sore muscles are horrible when its cold outside, everything seems to stiffen even more so. Besides my back my legs are cramped and I believe somewhere between midnight and noon I swallowed some kind of a bug. Gross, nasty little creature! I'd say I'm in need of a good stretch and some cold fresh air on my face. Anything to wash away the nightmare I lived the night before.
As crazy as this trip has been I'm slowly starting to think this would make an exciting story to tell the kids one day. Every Christmas gather little Tommy Jr. and Jude Jr. around the fake Christmas tree (mom and dad had a real one…I found a way to kill it before a week passed---never again---) Sing Christmas carols, drink hot cocoa and snuggle around the fire telling the tale of when mommy and daddy took a holiday road trip to hell and back. Ahh, I can't wait!
Tommy tapped on the back window, pulling me away from my daydream. If only every fantasy could be interrupted by the dreamiest man alive. Man I'm one lucky chick.
"Jude? Pumpkin I need you to come pump the gas. Not only do they not take ATM, you have to hold the pump the entire time. When was the last time they upgraded anything here, 1950?"
I love it when he's frustrated. A frustrated Tommy is a cute-I-want-to-kiss-you Tommy. Pucker up baby I'm coming for a smooch.
A kiss in mind I bounded out of the car, a new bounce in my step.
"Can you see if they have any drinkable water in there? The last place you stopped," Making a shuddering motion at Tommy I continued, "The water looked like some kind of a science project gone horribly wrong."
"You tell me this now?!" Tommy questioned, "After I finished off the bottle you threw in the back seat?"
Uh-oh. Guess it slipped my mind when he drank it.
"Sorry?" Shrugging in fiend innocence I made my way over to the drivers side of the car where the fuel tank was.
Tommy smirked, "Trying to get rid of me girl?"
"Yep, that's it."
"Thought so."
It must be the noontime hour that is making Tommy's wind blown crazy hair sexy. It could also be the way his lips look even more kissable than they usually do. Ugh, maybe I'm just in need of a major Tommy make out session.
"Thinking of something naughty?"
I wasn't but now that you mention it…
"No nothing naughty."
"Too bad. I was hoping for a little alone time behind this gas pump."
If it wasn't for the snow on the ground I would think it was summer. Thankfully my cheeks are rosy from the cool air and not from constantly heating up like a light bulb every few seconds in Tommy's presence.
I-I-I- want some alone time too! Man oh man when Tommy gets horny I get hornier. I can't turn off the constant want of wanting to jump on him and devour every inch of my snuggle-boo.
Tommy smiled down at me before he started to walk away.
"Tommy?"
"Yeah?" Stopping he turned to face me once again.
"You forgot something," His eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I stepped closer to him.
"I did?" Yes, and you are adorable when you get puzzled.
Nodding in response I grabbed hold of his jacket pulling him in closer to me. For a split second I felt little butterflies fluttering about in my stomach. The kind you feel only for that one special person. Tommy is that one for me. The one who makes my life have meaning.
Tommy's slow even breathing whispered against my lips, causing my entire body to react. My breath hitched, my heart flipped in staccato rhythm as our faces neared---before our lips touched softly in a gentle kiss.
"You forgot that," I whispered when we broke apart.
"Must have slipped my mind," He whispered back. Pressing a quick kiss to my lips.
I have mentioned before that I love this man, right?
"O pumping gas, O pumping gas, you fuel my car so lovely. O pumping gas, O pumping gas, please get me out misery."
When I was six my dad started teaching me how to play his old acoustic guitar. For some reason ever since I was around two I always had an interest in music, mom says I started singing before I could even talk. Maybe it was the love of a tune, or the excitement of being in the mist of writing a song. Either way ever since I was a little girl my parents knew and encouraged my special keen to coming up with catchy tunes. Sadie took after mom more than I did but I always had dad sitting in the living room watching me sing along to the radio, or any song my little kid hands had written.
Christmas was special for me every year, dad would take any carol and add his own words to it, mostly silly things to make me and Sadie laugh. I took after him and soon every holiday time I took on one carol and would completely re-write it and perform it on Christmas Eve. This year after dropping the tradition years ago I've decided to re-write one. Inspiration comes in the best and oddest forms. Like a gas station.
"O pumping gas, O pumping gas, you fuel my car so lovely. O pumping gas, O pumping gas, please get me out misery--- what else to sing, I'm not so sure. I love to sing about snow and dirt. O pumping gas, O pumping gas, you fuel my car so lovely!" Singing quietly to myself I clutched on to the gas pump with my gloved hands.
If this town were to be cleaned up, the roads torn apart and re-done, some of the buildings painted I could see this as being a cute place to live. After the adventure I endured the night before I needed something to look good--- even if it had to come in the form of a small town falling apart. I hated history class in High School, but I love hearing history if it has meaning; especially family related.
When I write songs I use experiences I have lived through as well as inspiration from watching and listening to strangers. Sometimes just hearing about how an elderly couple met sixty years in the past and found a way to make their marriage last so long, and still love each other like the first day. That to me is amazing, if I could use some of that and blend it in with a modern day twist; I instantly have a hit on my hands.
This small little town is probably filled with stories and laughter I wish I had the time to learn about. I could easily write a song about this. Not about being chased by jolly giants with my pants off. Something beautiful, something that makes people know the real me. The girl who is silly as well as deep. Doesn't make since after just singing about a gas pump, but hey I thought it was worth a try trying to sound like I was some big hearted warm fuzzy little bunny. Heh.
"Mommy I want a candy bar!"
"You've had enough junk food already."
"Mommy I. Want. A. Candy. Bar. Now!"
Voices carried across the small station lot. I hate being one of those nosey bodies who listen in on other peoples conversations but after singing a song about putting gas in my car, anything possibly sane is welcoming. Even if it is some kid demanding a candy bar.
"Son do not talk to your mother that way."
"Daddy you promised I could get one the next time we stopped," A little boy about five years old spoke from the backseat of a white Ford Expedition. His father who was standing outside the drivers door peered into the car.
"You already had candy. Remember son? Your mother gave you a peanut butter cup an hour ago."
"But-but daaaad you promised," the little boy whined. Cute kid. If you went for the whole bratty pouting little children cuteness.
"Drew," A woman in the passenger seat called sternly. That has to be his mother, "You already had your share."
Drew wasn't having any of it. He stuck out his bottom lip in a full blown pout. His mom ignored it but his father. Yep, his father was the softy, he was caving I could see it. I have to give props to Drew, he knew how to work that pout, even I was willing to buy the kid some candy. With that adorable "My puppy just died," look.
"Teri, maybe something small," Turning my head away I grinned. I so knew the dad would give in.
"He already had enough candy. You give him more and he'll get sick and I highly doubt you'll be the one cleaning up vomit from the backseat," Vomit? Backseat? Gross. Teri had a point. No matter how cute the kid was, pass on the candy.
"Just a small, wittle tiny piece?" Drew pleaded.
"No, final answer," Teri replied with no room to argue in her voice.
Wow, she reminds me of my mom. How many times did I go running into a room with chocolate all over my face begging her for a cookie, because I hadn't had one yet. What mother in their right mind would fall for that one? I could have at least washed all the evidence away first.
"This isn't fair Mommy!"
This isn't fair mommy... I deserve a big, big candy bar. Just for being a brat. So I'm not known for being the nicest person out there. Sue me.
Pressing on the fuel dispenser lever to pump gas into the car faster I tried to drown out the family across from me. Finding it hard when Teri started an argument with her husband about always giving into Drew. Snorting in amusement and annoyance I shook my head. Wow that woman had a mouth like a sailor. Tilting my head up I stared openly at the feuding couple as the husband (name still unknown) ranted about his wife being too hard on their young son.
Give me a break! Come on!
He probably works all day long while she is home listening non stop to the bugger as he demands his commands about all the crap he wants through out the day.
"Justin, you have no idea. He ate candy earlier. If he eats more the motion from the car will make him sick," Teri defended. Little Drew sat in the backseat using his fingers to dig around in his ears. Gross! "The last trip we took Drew threw up all over the backseat. All over my brand new leather jacket. Then got diarrhea on top of it. If you want to deal with that then have it, I'll take a bus home!'
With that said Teri hopped out of the car and stormed into the stations mini convenient store. Feel the burn buddy.
"O pumping gas, O pumping gas, you fuel my car so lovely. O pumping gas, O pumping gas, please get me out misery."
"That's not the right words!"
Excuse me?
"What?" I asked staring over at the Expedition, currently empty besides ear picker Drew. Who was currently staring over at me.
"That's not the right words to that song," He said. His window rolled down enough to make out his upper half. What the hell was crusty on his shirt? Shuddering I shook my head to wave off the currents of gooey grossness slithering through my veins. "My daddy taught me the right words. My voice is more experimented than yours."
"Oh really? What are you two?"
Drew gasped. His mouth shaping a perfect O before he laughed mincingly at me. Oh no this kid is starting to work my nerves. No one, no one but Tommy can say something mean about my singing.
"I'm five!" To prove his point Drew held up one of his hands.
Oooh, I'm five I'm badass! Stupid brat!
Glaring down at the fuel pump I pressed it hard to get the gas to pump out faster. Faster dammit! "Five, big wow. Where did you get your vocal training from, clown school?"
"No you snobby want-ta-be. I know all there needs to be known. Even my friend Stevie has more skills than you."
Stevie? Skills? Shut up you butt nugget!
"Yeah, sure kid. Why don't you go back to picking your ears and leave me alone?"
"Want to see something cool?"
Ugh, this kid does not give up. I do not want to see anything but the gas finally being done. I would love to get out here. But no, life was against me this season. Just my luck… double ugh, that movie sucked. Lindsay could use her alcoholism positively and make a decent movie.
"No, I do not want to see something cool."
"Ah, come on! It's really, really awesome," Drew pleaded. His voice sounded so innocent I couldn't help but look up into his sweet big brown eyes. This must be what Justin feels every time his son pulls the puppy eyes. Maybe just one something cool, then I can go on with my day.
"Yeah, okay," Damn this kind heart. Kids are so cute sometimes.
So cute and sweet and---- oh my God. Oh my---oh that is disgusting! Drew pressed one of his fingers against his right nostril and out the other side was the biggest and most disgusting snot bubble known to man. It was slimy and green and…. There goes my stomach. I think I might gag. Swallowing the lump forming in my throat I quickly looked away from Drew. Hoping my stomach would calm down, the last thing I needed was to dry heave or worst yet, barf right here in the middle of the small gas station.
Child giggles erupted into the air.
Stupid brat!
"Told you it was really cool."
"Yeah ha-ha you sure did."
Did I say something earlier about wanting kids? Yeah that thought is gone, who needs them? They are cute and sweet for about five seconds then they show you their boogers and goobers and make funny noises and stink. No thanks. Fun to look at, fun to play with and fun to send home. I can't handle the whole diaper thing, if I can't there's no way in hell Tommy can. He'd take one sniff in the air and pass out from lack of oxygen due to the gagging he would be fighting. His precious hands couldn't get bothered to help bathe, and I seriously doubt he would live through any baby spit up on one of his designer shirts. I'd laugh hysterically but snuggle-boo, nope he would fall into serious depression.
I thank you Drew for showing me how real kids act.
"You are such a girl. A big wimpy sissy," Drew hollered through his window. Shut the fudge up booger boy. Where are his parents? I saw Teri take off but where the hell did Justin escape to? I wouldn't be surprised to find him around the corner smoking. Anything to calm the nerves from being trapped in car with his disgusting little Denis the Menace.
"Go suck your thumb," Click. FINALLY! The gas stopped pumping with a click of the latch, telling me the tank was full. Woo-hoo, now I can leave and get away from a punk ass little five year old.
"Go suck yours, sissy," Looking up I caught Drew sticking his tongue out at me with his fingers raised in the na-na-na-na-na way. Fire blazed in my eyes. I was half tempted to walk over there and toss him over my knee and spank his smart ass.
"Did it finish pumping?" Someone asked approaching me. Tearing my gaze away from Drew I looked over to see Tommy making his way over towards me.
"Hmm?"
"Did the gas finish?" Pointing to the pump which was still sitting in the fuel pipe, "The guy in there made me wait until it finished pumping before I could pay. I guess he was afraid we would rip him off or something."
"Oh. Yeah it did."
"Something wrong?"
Yeah, devil boy in the Expedition. Tommy didn't wait for my response. He closed the gap between us and quickly took the gas pump out and replaced it to its post. Staring dumbly at him I could still hear Drew calling me a sissy as Tommy twisted the gas cap into place before looking up at me. "What's wrong girl?"
"That little boy over there is being a brat."
Tommy's eyes lifted in curiosity, "That cute little boy over there smiling at us?" Turning my head to see if any other kids were over there I spotted Drew grinning at us like he was an angel. You brat!
"Babe, that kid is really cute," Tommy cooed. Stepping closer to me he wrapped his around my waist pulling me closer to him, "Doesn't it make you want to have one?"
When Tommy looked down at me Drew stuck his tongue out and mouthed more bratty words to me. He was about to blow another snot goober when I tugged on Tommy's hand pulling him towards the car doors, "Time to go."
No further children talk. EVER!
Six hours later…
"Are you sure we can just show up here?" I asked. Tugging on my sweater.
Tommy had told me about some ceremony this town has ever year to light up their Christmas tree. The gas station attendant invited him and hopefully me. I believe anyone and everyone was invited to come. I felt mildly uncomfortable just showing up out of the blue to celebrate with a bunch of townspeople I never met before.
"Yes Jude. He said to show up around six," His hand snaked around my waist possessively as we neared the small outdoor party, "Tree lighting, dancing and good fun. That's almost what he said, minus a few hundred words in between all of that."
Chuckling I pulled on my deep red sweater again. I opted to wear something Christmassy without having any kind of a reindeer or snowman patch sewn on the front. It v-necked and the sleeves narrowed around my wrists, elongating my arms and giving the impression I had a model like long neck.
"You look great Jude, stop fidgeting, you're making me nervous," Tommy whispered against my ear before kissing my cheek quickly.
When we stepped up to the party I eyed the surroundings in awe. It was spectacular for how crappy this town looked on the outside. A wood-paneled dance floor covered an abandoned parking lot, a small stage was set up on the other side. Drums, two guitars and a lone microphone filled the circumference. On the other side tables and chairs adorned with red and green table cloths held food and drinks. The stage was lit with a good amount of tiny white Christmas lights, candles flickered on each table. Townspeople gathered in small groups laughing and chatting. I smiled at the scene. It was really nice. In some way I felt like I was in one of those cute Christmas movies you see on Lifetime.
"Two more minutes before the tree lighting!" A man spoke into the microphone. The party's attention was drawn to him as he smiled kindly at all the people who had made time to show up, "We welcome everyone to our annual Cricket Corner tree lighting celebration. For eighty-two years this town has gathered right here in the same spot year after year lighting the tree. Marking the last three days before Christmas. This night was chosen in honor of our towns founder. His birthday is December twenty-second. His wife always wanted the tree to be lit on his day," He smiled when a few chuckles lifted into the chilly night around us.
"In just a moment we ask that everyone here gather near the tree on the far right side of the stage. My sister Mary-Beth will count down with us in song like she has been the past ten years," His affections smile made me feel like I was at home. I felt welcome here, no one was running around the corner threatening to kill me, no one was picking their noses and showing me what they had found. Everyone smiled as they walked past me and Tommy. I really liked it.
"Ready to party pumpkin?" Tommy's question drawing my attention away from the friendly folks.
"Yeah. I think I am snuggle-boo."
"Five---four----thee---two----one," The crowed counted down before Mary-Beth plugged in the tree. It was eight feet tall, wide and full of bright colored lights. I found myself clapping merrily with everyone else as they cheered in excitement. The tree was beautiful.
"Sing with me everyone," Mary-Beth shouted over the cheers. Her voice friendly as she grabbed for a microphone, "You all know how this one goes," Lifting the mic to her lips she started singing the words to a song I was re-writing earlier at the gas station. I chose to sing it the correct way this time.
"O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Thy leaves are so unchanging; O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Thy leaves are so unchanging; Not only green when summer's here, But also when 'tis cold and drear. O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Thy leaves are so unchanging!"
Twenty minutes later…
I laughed along with a couple around my age. They were newly engaged and expecting a baby. I always thought first comes love, then marriage before the baby in the carriage. But what they hey? It's okay to bend the rules here and there. They were new to this town. Eric and Kelly moved out here when his grandfather passed away, leaving his belongs to his grandson. Since they are expecting a baby and were in need of a new place they decided to move out here and take over his grandparents small market store down the street from the gas station.
I had mingled with many of the folks here. All of them warm and welcoming. I really was having a good time, surprising I know.
"Care for a dance malady?"
With a smile on my face I tilted my head up to see Tommy standing by my chair. His eyes lit with a grin, "I'd be honored."
Tommy's hand cupped mine as he gently pulled me up, "Excuse us guys. I need to test out my old dancing shoes with the prettiest lady here," Tommy spoke as he dragged me out on to the make shift dance floor.
"What's up with this Quince? You never want to dance," I am speechless. Tommy never dances. Being in Boyz Attack! ruined his ego so much he never wants to dance in public or alone. Opting always to watch instead.
He smiled shyly at me as our hands awkwardly closed into a proper slow dance position. To say we were both in need of a few dance lessons was an understatement. At least on my part. "Can't a guy want to dance with his girl without being asked questions?"
Pressing a smile into his chest as I listened to his heartbeat I whispered, "Are you saying I'm your girl?"
"Do you want to be?" Tommy reiterated. His hand cupping mine he raised it up. Softly he trailed kisses against my knuckles.
I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me. Please have snow. And mistletoe
And presents 'neath the tree…
The band started playing in the background as more couples joined us out on the dance floor. My eyes fell closed as Tommy's warmth enveloped me.
"What if I do?"
Christmas eve will find me. Where the love light gleams. I'll be home for Christmas. If only in my dreams…
"To me you already are," Tommy whispered against my ear, sending chills throughout my body.
Christmas eve will find me. Where the love light gleams. I'll be home for Christmas…
Lifting my head my eyes met with Tommy's. We were both smiling. I was his girl and he was my man. We are each others. That's how its always been, how it always will be.
If only in my dreams…
Tommy's head slowly moved closer to mine as both our eyes fell closed. My heart thumped against his chest as his heartbeat quickened. The heat from his body sent mine into triple digits on this cool evening… slowly our lips met in a soft passion filled kiss. The lights above twinkling, the candles about hissing as the flames jumped about, casting shadows against the candle holders.
If only in my dreams.
Two hours later…
Eggnog rocks! How is it I have never had this delicious wonderful drink before? Sure I have tried it but this is way better than anything I had as a kid. Tipping the glass up I chugged another glass down, slapping it against the table.
"More please," I cooed to anyone who may be taking orders.
"You've had enough Jude," Tommy mumbled from next to me. Or was it Tommy? Who knows, it looked like him, then again… um Tommy doesn't have a twin does he? Chuckling I wiped away my eggnog mustache.
Pouting my lips I eyed both Tommy's, "Pweeezzzzeeee? With a cherry on top?" Pulling out the puppy dog eyes I watched in awe as Tommy and his twin both shook their heads. Wow it looks like four of him. How freaking awesome. Four Tommy's. "When did your brothers get here?"
Tommy and his twin eyed me oddly.
What?
"Brothers?" Tommy one asked, his twin looked like he was still confused, "I don't have any brothers Jude."
"Sure you do!" I tried lifting my hand up but it felt heavier than a rock. Oh well. Trying my best to point out Tommy's brothers sitting next to him I grinned at one of them, "Right there! There's three of them! Wow when did they get here?"
"Maybe she doesn't know how to hold her bourbon," Some female suggested. Who is she? When did she get here? Ugh, why do I feel dizzy all of a sudden?
Ha ha ha ha ha, that's funny. Dizzy…dizzy, dizzy, dizzy.
"Or her brandy?" Someone other than Tommy eyed me with something that looked like a sad puppy. Aww. Poor puppy. I want a puppy. A cute little one who will sit on my lap all day and purr. Dogs are so cute when they purr and meow all day.
Tommy and his brothers shook their heads in my direction as I stared in awe of how many other brothers seemed to join in on the conversation. Is it possible for one person to have nine kids at once? Wow, how sad for their mom. She must have been really HUGE pregnant.
"Do I even need to ask about rum?" Strange female girl smirked as she too looked at me. She has a twin too!
"Wow when did everyone's brothers and sisters get here? Where's mine, I feel sad I have no one." My pout deepened.
"I think its time for us to go Jude."
"I want more eggnog, that stuff is great! Daddy never let me drink this kind growing up. Man I feel like I've been-been c-cheated all these y-years," Hiccupping loudly I felt something in my stomach turn.
Uh-oh.
"Tommy's?"
Tommy stood up and gathered me into his arms, gently lifting me over his shoulder. The view from here is nice. My fingers worked enough to pinch a hold on a nice jean clad rump.
"Someone works out!" I shouted as my stomach turned again.
"Um thanks. Next time you pinch my ass can you do it when we're alone and not in front of a whole town?"
Is someone talking to me? If so they need to repeat it.
My head hurts. My tummy hurts. I want more eggnog.
"Tommy?"
Bouncing up and down with the movement as he made his way wherever he was going I sobered enough to recognize there was only two Tommy's walking with us.
"Yes pumpkin?" They asked nicely once we reached a really cool looking old car.
When my body was placed on the ground I looked up to see them both eyeing me with humor and something else I couldn't place.
"Do you love me?" I blurted out on another hiccup.
They smiled down at me. Both moving their hands to caress my cheek.
"Always have. Always will."