Episode 320: FORWARD MARGE

5:10 PM! Stormsire Street, Nashville, Tennessee! The home of Carl and Margaret Manley.

Worn out by her first ever sexual encounter outside of the man she married, Margaret Becker-Manley had to recuperate. Stage 4 cancer was a beast, yet she forced herself not to look as weak as she truly was. On borrowed time she had no real idea how much of that temporal resonance she had left. Tick! Tock! Once the Surplus recruits finished their hired feat of placing a military grade rope upon their backyard oak branch, she and her caregiver, her husband’s adopted slave, had the most glorious sex with both men. They even did the honors of carrying her to bed afterwards. Such gentlemen!

That was almost four hours ago. She slept that entire time. Eyelids fluttering Marge stared at the ceiling of her bedroom and sighed. “So much to do. Please dear lord, give me the time to achieve it all before you take me from my loved ones.” That part scared her. There was truly no set time. Things would be a mess once she passed on if she did not fully prepare her family.

Sadly, she was lying to them over her condition. Her doctor was breaking the law by hiding her condition from them, yet she prepared the courts should Carl try and sue him. Video statements of conduct that proved without a doubt that this was solely on her. Her own father a four-star General in the Army was her only confidant outside her physician. Daddy saw to it that his daughter’s final requests were reasonable and would handle the fallout when that final day came. The doctor had his own video alongside Marge with a longwinded confession that this was unorthodox and that he did not abide by the decisions she was asking him to make. Daddy had his back! War was Hell!

“I need to make a call before Carl gets home.” Rolling out of bed she procured her cellphone from a bedside stand where it was charging. Searching for a phone number to a restaurant called River Rats, she dialed it. It took a few moments to be answered.

“River Rats Restaurant and Bar, this is Willow.”

“Yes, hello Willow! My name is Margaret Manley. Would you by chance know if a chef by the name of Owen Moss is working today? This is quite urgent.”

“Let me put you on hold and I’ll look into it.” Bar Manager Willow Underwood pleasantly suggested.

“Thank you so very much.”

“Not a problem. One minute!” Willow was slow at the bar so told her fellow waitress Connie that she was venturing into the back kitchen. It gave her an excuse to see her lover Brock Dundee, the restaurant’s main chef and owner. She herself was tense knowing that her other lover was back in town and was planning on dropping by the bar. She needed to see Brock to confirm her decision to break it off with her Football star boyfriend once and for all. Perfect timing! Entering the kitchen she really did not know Owen Moss; she was more in tune with the bar side of things. Sneaking up behind Brock she patted his ass to get his attention from mixing a dessert planned for this evening’s guests.

“What’s up Beautiful?” Brock turned to wink at his stunning ebony.

“Here for a quicky. I wish!” She batted her eyes. “I know you are busy, so this won’t take long. I have a woman by the name of Margaret Manley on the phone.”

“Carl Manley’s wife?” She looked shocked that Brock knew her. “Carl is the principal at Horton-Dexter where Roger teaches. He’s brought Margaret in a few times over the past year. Does she need to speak with me?”

“Actually, no! She’s asking to talk with an Owen Moss. She says it’s urgent. Point me in the right direction?”

“Sous?” He called out! Across the kitchen a man with peppered hair looked up from a platter of marinading steaks. Owen Moss stopped cold and ventured over.

“Yes, Chef?”

“You have an urgent phone call. Follow Willow here to my office for privacy.”

“Who is it? My fiancée?”

“No, it’s Margaret Manley.”

“I don’t know any Margaret Manley.”

“I know her myself she’s an awesome lady. Cancer has her down so just go find out why she’s needing you. Be as pleasant as you can under her condition.” Nodding Owen removed his apron and motioned Willow to lead on.

“I wonder what this is about?” Owen thought out loud, Willow shrugging as she took him behind the bar to Brock’s private office. Unlocking it she escorted Owen in and plucked up the landline on Brock’s desk. Clicking the extension Willow informed her caller that Owen was here beside her. A thank you she passed the receiver to Owen and pointed at the cozy leather seat behind the desk to sit in. Taking her leave she went back to the bar.

“This is Owen Moss. How can I help you?”

“Hello Owen. My name is Margaret Manley. I’m calling you about your niece Nadine.” That made him recline in the chair.

“Is she alright? In any trouble?”

“Oh, no! She is a blessing. My husband Carl hired Nadine to be my caregiver.”

“Ah! My boss said he knew you and your husband. Brock Dundee!”

“Oh, yes! Roger’s brother! Tell him I said hello. Such a nice man.”

“I can do that. So, what’s this about then?”

“Well, for one we know that she moved out on you short notice without telling you where she was going.”

“Yeah, that was kind of ... I don’t want to sound cold ... but a relief. Since her parents died, I’ve been her crutch. It was getting difficult to handle, her going from job to job. Supporting her when I was just starting here as the sous chef and my...”

“Including you getting engaged I hear. Congratulations by the way.”

“Thanks! I was as patient as I could be but two years under my roof was a long time. She needed to be out on her own. I’m glad you gave her a job. Where is she living?”

“In our basement. We have plenty of room and she’s an amazing young woman. We opted to let her live here as my 24/7 lifeline. I have stage 4 cancer.”

“So, Brock told me. I feel for you. Thank you for letting me know she is safe.”

“You are welcome to drop by and visit her. She does feel all alone in this world.”

“Vivian and I can do that. She left a few things at my house that she might want.”

“There is one thing she has mentioned that would certainly cheer her up if you can part with it.”

“I can guess what that might be. Artwork her mother painted. She knew I was attached to it because it was painted for my late brother. Family portrait as best as she could. Nadine’s mother had a good eye for detail.”

“I paint as well. As a matter of fact, she and I are going to paint together here on Monday. She has no idea what to paint. Might I suggest something?”

“Sure! I’m all ears.”

“Do you by chance have a photo of you and your brother? Photos of her mother even.”

“Around somewhere! I hid the good stuff in my attic. Nadine was traumatic for a while after their passing so I was afraid she might deface them. What are you proposing?”

“Perhaps you could either entrust me with a few or take cell pics of those you have in your possession. I want Nadine to paint from her soul. A true family portrait in her own hand might be the greatest therapy for her. She can use those as inspiration. Perhaps if Nadine does a good job of capturing her mother’s abilities, she can honor you with something valuable enough to trade.”

“I’m open to anything that helps my niece. She’s had it tough even before her parents died. Has she spoken of their lifestyle?”

“Yes! That was between them. We need not go into their past.”

“Nadine lived in that shadow Mrs. Manley. Her mother was made to do things I’m not proud to know about. My brother, I loved the man, but he was ... not so nice to his wife. Nadine witnessed way too much. Amish roots on the mother’s part shunned her so they had nowhere to turn.”

“I have heard. Nadine and I have bonded very well in such a short time. I count on her each and every breath I still have. Which encourages me to see her grow in the short time I might have left. It would be a very noble gesture on your part to give her something to look forward to. Here would be another idea, perhaps you could take a photo of you and Vivian. It might take up a lot of canvas, but a true family portrait is not out of the question. What say we see if she can paint you and Vivian alongside her parents in one painting. In trade if you like her work, give Nadine the painting her mother did.”

“Wow! I hate to admit it but this is kind of choking me up. Yes, let’s do this. I’m sold! When would you like me to bring the photos by? You mentioned starting on Monday.”

“The sooner the better. I know it’s supposed to rain tomorrow so that’s out. We would not want to ruin the painting. I’m not sure what Saturday holds concerning the weather. All I ask is that we not waste much time when my life depends on me being here for Nadine.”

“You know what? Thursdays are slow and we’re already ahead in our prep. Let me talk to Brock and I’ll see if I can cut out of here for a few hours then come back when dinner reservations kick in. I know exactly where the photo box is in my attic, so I’ll have Viv run up there and have it ready for me when I get home. I’ll wrap up that painting and drop it at your home.”

“Fabulous! My husband should be home shortly. I’ll warn him that you will be dropping by. Should I keep your visit secret from Nadine?”

“I’ll leave that up to you. She should know by now I love her. I think she might have taken a few of our discussions a bit out of context. Yes, my home was too small to accommodate three of us. Vivian moving in with me here soon had me stressed out. Maybe my visit will clarify things better.”

“You have our support, Mister Moss. Nadine has a place here even after ... I leave this world.” Her turn to choke up. “She has quickly made her impact on our family. Adopted most definitely!”

“Well, thank you for your concern. That means everything to me. Shoot me your address and I’ll go warn Brock I’m leaving. He did ask me to tell you hello.”

“Give him our best. Ready with a pen and paper?”

“Post-it-note in hand.”

Address and phone number shared Owen Moss ended their call. Settling back a moment before dealing with Brock he shed a tear. Times were tough! Brock told him to get the hell out of there on the spot. For the Manley’s anything! At least it saved him from seeing Brock feuding over Willow Underwood later in the evening. Yeesh!

Two hours ago!

Down in the basement nineteen-year-old Nadine Moss took a shower after making certain her Mistress Margaret was sleeping soundly. Finishing up her kitchen duties after their backyard sex with the Surplus hunks she felt the need to clean herself. A bath for Marge after her rest was important. However, in her condition after the sex depleted her energy, she simply wanted to close her eyes and bask in her achievement. Nadine totally understood. While yes, her mistress should have come first Marge released her to do her own thing in the meantime. That shower felt amazing!

Dried off and roaming the basement in the nude outside of her new master’s old military dog tags around her neck she found herself extremely bored. A pool table down there in the extra room she cleared it off and tried shooting pool. Beginners luck she was actually pretty decent, she just needed a challenger. Just for laughs she laid up on the green baize and used the butt of her pool cue up her cunt. She did not get herself off, she felt badly for defiling her master’s table so hopped off and cleaned the stick.

Once she tired of billiards she laid down in her concrete room and took a nap, her cellphone alarm set rather than reset her bugle alarm clock and wake up to that racket. No, that bugle was only for her morning jolt. Her thin cot mattress on the floor was comfy, curled up with a few of Carl’s old army t-shirts as blankets. The scent of him upon her was priority in her mind.

Waking up from her hour plus nap she overheard Margaret talking through her ceiling vent. Mumbles mostly but she knew her mistress was awake now and sounding in good spirits. “She must be talking to Sir Carl or Sir Jesse. It does not sound as if it is another woman like Mistress Diana. I suppose it could be her father the General.”

Opting to roll out of her bunk Nadine stretched her body out on the concrete floor and performed twenty pushups. From there she rolled over and did another twenty sit-ups. She was really getting into her workout regimen. Determined to make her master proud of her she was well on her way to building a better self-esteem. Ten pounds already lost in her diet and exercise program she was loving the new her.

The concrete was dusty even though she mopped it when setting up her cellblock. She got back up on her feet and went to the restroom to clean up again at the sink. There was no such thing as a clean concrete floor. Her t-shirt blankets placed in the washer she chose to hold off starting the load until there was more to add. She owned nothing and only used Carl’s shirts around the house or when running each morning, therefore she waited on the Manley’s clothes to add to them.

Prepared to head upstairs she heard the garage door opening through the walls. This prompted her to hurry. Told to stop wearing the shirts indoors this was her first real day of full-time nudity. She felt odd but at the same time liberated. She loved her skin. Hurrying into the kitchen she dropped to a kitchen rug by the entry door and respectfully bowed her head. The door opening, in stepped Carl Manley. Drinking all afternoon at the strip club known as Cashanova he was slightly off of his game. Pissed off at the world after an encounter with Officer Anson Potter and his fellow asshole Lonnie Coltrane over Mimi Alexander he nearly walked right over poor Nadine.

“Welcome home Sir.”

“I damn near knocked you on your ass. Get up!” She quickly stood and moved out of his way but maintained her lowered gaze. “Where’s Marge?”

“She was resting. She was overtaxed by the sex earlier. The Sir’s carried her to bed. She ordered me to let her rest, so I will need to give her a bath.”

“Too much on her?”

“She enjoyed herself Sir.”

“And you?”

“Yes! He was very good. Would you like me to make you dinner?”

“Any taco makings left?”

“No Sir! A grocery list might be required soon.”

“Make it out and pass it to Jesse, he’s, our shopper.”

“Even after he moves into his new house?”

“Why not? He needs me to help pay for it. That’s his career choice at the moment Door Dash and Grub Hub. Wal-Mart on occasion delivering groceries.” Let’s not forget Piggly Wiggly, he did cover a lot of territory for people. Case in point Piper Cherry as of today before joining his dad at Cashanova. “Just get with Marge and write up what we need. Let me go change again, kiss the wife and tell her that I’m home. I’ll call you when she needs her bath.”

“Yes, Sir! I will await dinner ideas.”

“Good girl!” He patted her atop the head then just that fast clutched her throat, squeezing her airflow. The sudden abduction had her trembling with excitement. Pinching her left nipple creating excruciating pain he leaned into her face and exhaled the pungent odor of beer. “Did you do your exercises?”

“Yes, Sir! 20 pushups, 20 sit-ups. I will never fail you.”

“That’s what I want to hear. Now drop and give me thirty each.” Releasing his grip, she stretched out on the kitchen floor at his feet and started her pushups. Staying with her until 10 he planted the sole of his shoe on the back of her head and pressed her features to the tile. “Start over!” Spoken with authority he stepped off of her then bent down to slap her ass cheek.

“May I do 50, Sir?” Now that was dedication.

“Affirmative!” Taking his shoes off he sat them on her lower back side-by-side before walking away. The caregiver wore them with well-balanced precision and completed her task. She then rolled over onto her lightly pink derriere and began her set of 50 sit-ups. His shoes now placed on her lower abdomen Nadine Moss could not stop smiling. A pinch of authority, a choke of ownership, and a slap of encouragement. Walked on like she was worthless; this day just could not get any better. She would shine his shoes before bedtime until she could see herself at his feet.

Water running in the ensuite Carl stepped inside his bedroom with a barley belch. Seven beers in one day were not normally his style so he was paying for it now. Sadly, it gave him gas too. He tried to hide that part.

Knowing that Marge seemed alright, obvious that she was washing herself up at the sink, he stripped out of his afternoon dress clothes. In replacement he went for cargo shorts in black and one of his Army t-shirts. Now this was a soldier’s casual. Needing to take a piss he moved in behind his long-term bride and kissed her cheek before lifting the toilet seat. Unzipping he whipped out his pecker and started his urinary routine.

“Have fun at the club?” She looked him over, glancing at his urinating penis then back into the mirror. No towel atop her head or a wig she pouted over her baldness.

“Until I had a run in with Anson Potter. He’s the officer who’s trying to control Mimi Alexander. He had some backup this time around. I handled it the best I could without getting arrested.”

“That poor girl.”

“Tell her that when I put Alexander through my boot camp like Moss.”

“So, Jesse backed you up?”

“He was too busy getting lap dances. I tried to keep him out of the line of fire.”

“Should I make a call to dad and see if he can put his foot down?”

“We will NOT involve your father. Covert or not he doesn’t need scandalous actions in the news. No, by backup I meant a familiar face that our son hid from his old man until today.”

“Who might that be?”

“Do you recall my old slave, Twyla Parris?” That name spawned a set of bulged eyes. “Yep! She’s from here in Nashville. She opted out of re-enlisting and now she dances at Cashanova. She still has her hellcat looks but holds her slave demeanor near and dear. Jesse ran into her at the Surplus, and she put the names together. She works there part-time too. Are you ready for some even more concerning news?”

“Yes!”

“Our son wants to own Parris and let her live under his roof in the new house. She asked for my permission. Mid-30’s, the woman is too old to be living with her mother. Sounds just like Mimi’s situation.” He polished off his urination and put his commanding officer away. Stepping next to his wife he leaned over and kissed her soft scalp before washing his hands. That bit of affection lured a smile.

“Jesse is striving to come into his own, isn’t he? Does Tawny know about Twyla?”

“I’m guessing yes. Jesse and I didn’t have much time to talk. I let him enjoy himself while I dealt with the cops and decided on any next moves. I did order Mimi that she was coming to dinner next week. She was stunned, I think. No more stunned than her actions caused me today. Can you believe Potter... “ He paused to rethink how much he should be revealing to her over what Watchtower was making him let go on at Horton-Dexter. In Margaret’s condition the stress would not help. “Anyway, I’m over it. You need Moss to bathe you?”

“No, I just took a whore’s bath. I really don’t feel like crawling into the tub tonight. I need to get dressed we have a visitor coming.”

“Visitor? Who?” He dried off with a hand towel.

“Nadine’s uncle. I tracked him down at his job at River Rats. He seems really nice. I felt the need to let him know that his niece was in good hands. He thanked me for giving her a job and a roof over her head.”

“So, he’s coming by to give his blessing.”

“Not just that. Nadine was telling me of a painting her mother did that Owen wanted to keep because it had his brother in it. A portrait of the family. I made him a deal that he shockingly accepted. The painting at the moment at least will be on loan. Nadine spotted my unfinished painting in the tool shed. I need to finish it before cold weather warps the canvas. She told me that she liked to paint as well so I challenged her to paint alongside me. I’m determined to finish my work so I can give it to Jesse as a housewarming gift. My encouragement will help resolve the Moss family history.”