New Beginnings

Corrina and Manny got off the plane and headed back to reality of their new life in California.

The honeymoon had been wonderful, and their time together seemed to fly by. She was so in love with Manny. She felt that she was the luckiest woman in the world. He was more than she had ever dreamed of having for a husband. She smiled to herself as she thought about the past week. She had to admit that he had opened her closed mind and she was becoming more comfortable with him sexually. After all, he was her husband and what happened between them was between them.

She had to admit to herself that she enjoyed her husband in a way that she had never enjoyed a man before. Manny encouraged her to do whatever she felt comfortable with. Even though she hadn't been a virgin, she had to admit that she almost felt like one. She had never opened up to a man the way she did with Manny. She had explored his body as he lay back on the bed, giving her free reign. She had never seen a man's penis up close and in broad daylight, so she had taken the time to give his close scrutiny. She marveled at the veins that were raised along his shaft, the little bumps that circled the head and the pre cum that seeped out of his slit when he was aroused. She had licked his smooth mushroom shaped head to taste it and his moan of approval had made her wet.

Most of all she loved the smell of him when he became excited. She had buried her face at the base of his penis and licked his shaft and even his hairy balls before capturing him in her mouth, sucking hard. The way he called her name when she had done that, had almost made her cum.

Now the honeymoon was over and they had to return to reality. They left the airport and headed to Sid's house. She missed Molly and she knew that Manny did too. Manny had called Sid from the airport and had told him that they were on their way to his house.

They pulled up into Sid's driveway thirty minutes later, and the door opened before Manny could park. Molly came running out as he shut off the engine.

"Daddy!" Molly shrieked happily. She flung herself into his arms and he picked her up and swung her around.

"Did you miss me pumpkin?" he asked grinning, kissing her.

"Yeah!" Molly exclaimed. "What you bring me?"Corrina laughed and Molly looked over at her and wiggled out of her father's grasp. "Corrina! Did you like Hawaii? Did you my me gifts?"

"Yes young lady to all of your questions." Corrina replied.

Sid and Shirl stood in the doorway watching the exchange.

"Welcome home, old man" he said walking over to Manny. "How was the honeymoon?"

"Wonderful" Manny replied.

"You're glowing, both of you!" Shirl said snickering.

"Yeah, love will do that to you." Manny said glancing at Corrina.

They went into the house and were surprised at the spread waiting for them. Shirl had a nice meal of baked ziti with a salad and garlic bread waiting for them.

"I figured you'd be hungry" she said eying them. "We were sure that you hadn't eaten anything and it's getting late."

"I'm starved" Corrina agreed sitting down.

The baked ziti was delicious! Manny had two helpings before pushing back his chair.

"I really appreciate all you've done Sid" Manny said. "You're a good friend."

Sid grinned. "Think nothing of it, old man. We've enjoyed Molly. Makes us want one of our own."

Manny was surprised. Sid and Shirl had been married for over ten years and there had been no babies.

"What? Are you and Shirl-"

"No." Shirl replied looking away. "I found out long ago that I can't have kids...we were talking about being foster parents…or even adopting."

"That's wonderful" Corrina said. "I hope my family didn't tear your house up."

"Not at all" Sid replied leaning back in his chair. "Percy and I ran things since we were the men in the house."

Manny chuckled. "I can just imagine what that was like."

They finished their dinner and left Sid's house and headed home. By now it was almost nine o'clock and Manny was glad that the next day was Sunday and they could sleep in late. He said as much and Molly looked at him concerned.

He called his mother after they had settled in. Manny was going to go over and check on her, but she insisted that she was fine and that they could come over tomorrow. Manny promised that he would do that. He hung up and stretched and Molly came over and jumped into his lap.

"Daddy, we have to go to church tomorrow." She insisted. "I have to sing in the choir. I have to do a solo. You can't sleep too late."

Manny was surprised. "A solo? When did this happen?"

"I went to rehearsal before you and Corrina came home" Molly replied.

"Well then I guess you'd better get ready for bed then." Manny said.

Corrina got her ready for bed and Manny read her a bedtime story.

Corrina prepared for bed for the first time in Manny's house. She was glad that they got back late so that they wouldn't have to deal with any of the neighbors. She would be glad when they moved out of this house and into their new home.

Manny came and stood in the doorway. "Welcome home, Mrs. Singer"

"Thank you, Mr. Singer" she replied grinning. She watched as he shut the bedroom door and began to undress. She had unpacked their things while he was with Molly and had laid his pajamas on the bed. Now that they were home, she didn't want Molly coming into their bedroom and catching her father naked.

Just then the phone rang and she quickly answered it. It was Jevina.

"Just wanted to check and see if you were back" her sister said.

"Yeah, we're back" Corrina replied as Manny walked over to her naked. She tried not to stare at him and concentrate on what Jevina was saying.

"You know Molly has a solo tomorrow."

"Yeah, she told us" Corrina said as Manny kneeled in front of her and began kissing her ankles, working his way up her leg. She was trying to concentrate, but he was making it difficult.

"You have to be at church by ten" Jevina stressed.

Manny pushed her back on the bed while she was holding the phone, and he then yanked down her panties.

"Yeah, I know" Corrina said trying to control her breathing as he licked her thighs..

"I want you guys to come over for dinner after church" Jevina was saying.

By now he was spreading her with his fingers and the touch of his tongue to her clit made her breath catch.

"Are you alright, Corrina?" Jevina was saying. "You sound out of breath."

"Yeah" Corrina replied trying not to moan as Manny was licking her. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, Jevina."

She quickly hung up the phone and Manny grabbed her by the hips and pulled her closer.

Just then there was a knock on the bedroom door. "Daddy?" Molly's voice rang out.

Corrina quickly pulled down her gown and Manny jumped off of the bed. She got under the covers and he tried to shift his erection which had tented his pajama pants.

"What is it Molly?" he asked through the door.

"Daddy, the phone was ringing." Molly said. "Can I come in?"

"Molly you should be in bed" he said trying to keep his voice level.

"Can I say goodnight to Corrina?" she asked meekly.

Corrina got out of the bed and walked over to the door and opened it.

"Goodnight Molly" she said. "I'll walk you back to your room."

Molly looked up at Manny who was standing behind Corrina.

"Daddy, you told me that we're not supposed to eat in bed." She said accusingly.

"What?" Manny asked surprised.

"You've been eating something" Molly said. "Your mouth looks greasy."

Corrina tried to keep a straight face as she herded Molly back to her room. She ushered the child into bed and kissed her on the forehead. "Goodnight Molly."

"Goodnight Corinna" she said grinning. Corrina cut out the light and the night light came on giving the room a warm glow. She left Molly and returned to her bedroom.

Corrina tried to keep a straight face as she shut their bedroom door. "Been eating something greasy?" she asked trying not to laugh.

Manny beckoned to her. "Yeah, and I'm not finished yet"

((***))

Manny and Corrina received handshakes, hugs and congratulations from the members of the church when they arrived.

Reverend Davis smiled at them as they sat in the pew. Manny took Corrina's hand in his as the service began. The morning had started off a little rocky. They had exited the house which had been egged overnight. Manny had been furious, but they both knew that this was mild considering what could have happened. He had quickly called Oliver and had asked him to speed up the process of finding them a new home.

Manny sat back in the pew as the children came out and filed in behind the pulpit into the choir loft. Molly was easy to pick out being that she was the only white child in the choir. She seemed so happy and carefree as she whispered to Corrina's niece. Why couldn't the whole world be like this, he wondered. Maybe one day it wouldn't be so strange to the world to see interracial couples. He doubted if it would be in his lifetime though.

Molly walked up to the mic and Manny watched as the deacon adjusted the mic for her.

"Dear Jesus, I love you" Molly sang. "You're a friend of mine…"

Manny listened as she faltered a little and cleared her throat.

"You supply my every need…My hungry soul you feed…"

Manny watched as she nervously pulled on her skirt.

"I'm aware you are my source…from which all blessings flow…"

Manny listened as her voice rose and she was slightly off key, but she was adorable and he heard the "ahs" from the congregation.

"And with this thought in mind…I …I know…just where to go…"

Molly stepped back, and Manny smiled at the obvious relief on her face. The choir continued the song, repeating what Molly had started. Another child stepped up to the mic and began to sing. Manny had never heard the song before and couldn't explain the warm feeling that was overtaking him nor could he explain why his eyes were watering. He glanced over at Corrina, who was watching him.

"You alright?" she asked.

He cleared his throat. "Yeah" he croaked. "It's just warm in here."

Corrina smiled and turned her attention back to the choir.

The service continued and Manny felt so proud of his daughter. He hadn't realized that she had such a nice voice. When Reverend Davis had finished preaching, he was shocked when he asked if anyone was going to give their lives to Christ and Molly walked out of the choir stand and began talking to Reverend Davis. Manny watched as the Reverend talked to his daughter and she gave him an affirmative nod to whatever he was asking her.

"What's she doing?" he asked Corrina trying not to panic.

"I think she just walked up to the pastor to be baptized" Corrina replied. Manny quickly exited the pew and went down front to meet his daughter. This was something they needed to discuss. He wasn't ready to join church just yet.

Reverend Davis looked at him. "Molly has decided to give her life to Christ"

"Molly this is something we need to talk about" he whispered looking from her to Reverend Davis. "You can't just join the church!"

"Why not?" Molly asked.

Manny was stumped and looked around. Everyone was looking at them. Reverend Davis put his hand on Manny's shoulder.

"You may not be ready Manny, but your daughter is. However she is a minor and we cannot baptize her without your permission. However, she has accepted Christ as her savior and that's her choice."

Manny stared at a grinning Molly unsure of what to do. Reverend Davis quickly rescued him. He looked at the congregation.

"Molly has accepted Christ as her savior." The church began to clap. "She and her family will receive the proper counseling to be sure that she understands what it is she's doing." The church clapped again in approval. Reverend Davis looked at Manny. "We'll talk." He reassured him. "We won't rush into anything."

"Thank you." Manny replied.

Jevina hugged Molly. "Congratulations baby."

She looked at Manny and Corrina. "Well how's the lovebirds doing?"

"We're fine" Corrina replied as they walked outside. Molly was chatting with her new cousins and Manny was talking to Frank.

"So…are you alright?" Jevina whispered. "I was worried about…you know…HIM"

She jerked her head towards Manny.

"We're fine" Corrina replied. "He's a wonderful husband, Jevina. You have nothing to worry about."

Jevina breathed an obvious sigh of relief. "Good. I was worried there for a minute. You ready to go. I have to get dinner ready."

Corrina nodded and watched as her sister walked over to Manny and Frank who were standing by Frank's car. She opened the door of Manny's car and got in on the passenger side. If only Jevina knew how alright things were between her and Manny, she'd faint dead right there on the spot! She snickered to herself.

She watched as Manny came over to the car alone as Molly got in Frank's station wagon with the rest of the kids.

"I think Molly's dropped us" Manny replied as he started the engine. He pulled into traffic.

"I had an interesting conversation with Frank." Manny was saying. "It seems your sister was worried about you while we were on our honeymoon and expressed her fears to her husband."

Corrina clucked her mouth, irritated. "My sister needs to get a grip."

"Well, I calmed his fears" Manny chuckled. "I even gave him a few pointers.." he let his voice trail off.

"You didn't!" Corrina gasped.

"I did" Manny admitted grinning.

"What was his response" Corrina asked.

"Well after his mouth dropped open, he closed it and he got over the shock, he seemed receptive." Manny replied.

Corrina shook her head. "I'm not so sure if that was such a good idea."

"Your sister will thank me for it." Manny replied grinning.

((***))

The dinner went well with Percy acting out as usual. Corrina noticed that Frank was quieter as he ate his dinner.

"You feeling alright?" Jevina inquired of her husband.

"Yeah" Frank replied staring at his plate.

Manny coughed and Corrina kicked him under the table.

The kids quickly changed into play clothes after their meal and ran outside. Manny called his mother and told her that they would be over in a little while. Manny and Frank sat in the living room while Corrina and Jevina cleaned up the kitchen.

"Well, I can see that you want to ask me something." Manny whispered to Frank.

Frank glanced at him. "Man, what if she smacks my face. I can't take that chance" Frank whispered looking around making sure that his wife was out of earshot.

"You want to do it don't you?" Manny asked clearing his throat.

"Maybe" Frank replied. "I don't want her to lose respect for me, man"

"Why should she?" Manny inquired. "Tell her that you love her so much and you really wanted to express your love. She'll melt in your hands…or your mouth" he snickered.

"Can I get you anything?" Jevina asked approaching them.

"No, I'm fine" Manny replied grinning.

Manny and Corrina left Frank and Jevina's and went to see his mother. She was happy to see Molly and they four of them sat in the dining room. Molly stretched out on the floor looking at television.

"How was the honeymoon?" Mrs. Singer asked.

"Wonderful" Corrina replied.

Ava smiled at her son. "You did good, no?"

Manny turned red. "I guess, Ma."

"He did good" Corrina agreed.

Ava patted his hand. "Now Molly won't be alone much longer. There will be a baby coming for sure."

Manny rolled his eyes. "Can we enjoy our marriage for a while before we make babies?"

"Ah, well we'll see won't we?" Ava snickered.

They sat around and talked some more with Manny trying to convince his mother to move in with them when they got their new house. Ava, of course, refused.

They left and headed home.

"I'll have to get someone to clean the egg off of the house so that we can show it." Manny replied. "Oliver is supposed to call us. We've looked at a couple and I'm ready to move."

"Me too" Corrina agreed.

((***))

Manny returned to work the next day and it wasn't long before he fell back into his usual routine. Molly was back in school and Corrina was still insisting on cleaning houses even though he had told her that she didn't have to work. She felt that since they were moving that she wanted to contribute to the cost and he didn't want to argue with her.

Oliver came and showed them several houses and they decided on a brick rancher that was in a multicultural neighborhood. School was almost over and they decided that they would make the decision over the summer whether or not to let Molly transfer.

Corrina breathed a sigh of relief at the move. They had several potential buyers for Manny's house and she was glad that everything seemed to be falling into place. Manny earned a good salary and she was surprised that even with purchasing the new house, he still had a little nest egg. She didn't want to take that for granted, so she still continued to work for Mrs. Singleton as well as a few other people.

Manny had told her that she could quit working, but she was used to working and wanted to continue for a while in case she really did get pregnant as his mother was hoping. Shirl had called and offered to help with the move and Corrina was grateful for her help. Jevina was working and would only be able to help her on Saturday.

Corrina had taken off an entire week and assured Manny that she could handle things since he had to go back to work. He had, however taken off that Friday. Corrina had made arrangements for them to move on that Thursday.

"You know our girl Jenny is still mad about me defecting" Shirl said as she helped Corrina unpack. "She's very selfish and self absorbed. I never realized that before."

Corrina looked at Shirl and knew that she was hurt by Jenny's behavior. "She turned all the girls in the bridge club against me" Shirl sniffed. "I'm an outcast."

"I'm sorry" Corrina said sincerely.

"No need" Shirl said firmly. "They are a bunch of narrow-minded windbags. Molly is my goddaughter and you and Manny are my friends. They can't choose for Sid and I."

"I'm glad you feel that way" Corrina said hugging her.

"You'd think they'd be more forward thinking here in California" Shirl replied.

((***))

Three weeks later, Manny, Sid and Frank sat in Manny's full basement that he had turned into his own personal space. They had a pool table as well as a large black and white television. The girls were at Frank's house preparing things for Percy's birthday party that was later that afternoon. They were putting together his bike which was a surprise.

"How many men does it take to put together a bike?" Sid asked holding up a wrench in one hand and his beer in the other.

"Three when we drink beer" Manny replied and Frank nodded in agreement. They had the parts of the bike spread across the basement floor.

"You know we have to be back over my house by four or Jevina will have my head." Frank stressed as he pieced the bike together.

"So how are things?" Manny asked wiggling his eyebrows at Frank as the put the bike together.

Frank snickered. "Man, after that night. She fixed me the best breakfast….pancakes, sausage, eggs and served it to me with a smile. She was smiling all day long!"

Sid raised an eyebrow. "What are you two talking about?"

"About giving our wives a tongue lashing to keep them in line." Manny replied with a straight face as he tightened the wheel onto the frame.

"What?" Sid asked shocked holding up the bike.. "Shirl doesn't speak to me for a week after we argue.

"Whose talking about arguing?" Manny asked looking at Sid innocently. He rolled the bike around the room to test it out.

Sid stared at Manny dumbfounded and then looked at Frank. "What's he talking about?"

Frank looked at Manny and they both burst out laughing. After a moment Sid broke out in a grin. "You guys need to concentrate on putting this bike together and keep your minds out of the gutter."

Manny snickered. "Yes sir. Maybe you need to do Shirl after one of your arguments."

Frank snickered at Manny's comment.

Sid looked at his watch. "We only have thirty more minutes! Come on now."

They loaded the bike into Frank's truck and they each got in their respective vehicles.

Manny sighed as he pulled into traffic. He didn't know what was in store for him and Corrina, but he had friends and a loving family with a new home, and he was sure that everything would work out just fine. He was happier now than he had been in a very long time.