Chapter 26
Jake was sitting at his desk thinking about his situation when Helen barged in. Hand on her hip, she stood majestically hyper-parental over him. Uh-oh, this could be trouble. Jake gazed calmly at her and that seemed to deflate some of her apparent anger.
"Jacob, I am so disappointed in you. I thought we talked about you being honest with me."
"Would you have let me get close to Vivian if I had asked?" he replied.
"Probably not," she conceded. "It was very dangerous; who knows what that woman has done or what she is capable of doing. Anyway, it will not happen again; we will just have to find another way if the detective didn't get enough tonight."
Jake was getting exasperated with this whole conversation; he stood up and looked down at her.
"I'm sorry, Helen, but, if necessary, it has to happen again. Sometimes you still think I'm a little boy -- but you really know better. Whatever happened to me when I lost my memory matured me beyond my years."
Then he played his trump card, "Who knows, maybe there is a lot more of your father, my grandfather, in me now. You said he knew how to handle himself; maybe he is somehow helping me now. All I really know is that I am doing the right thing and I'm going to continue doing what I feel is right. I want you to back me up on this; as a matter of fact, I would like it if you listened more to me about a lot of things."
Jake watched as the anger flashed, then slowly dissolved from her face. She hugged him fiercely then stepped back. "All right, Jacob, I'll try. I know you are not a little boy anymore and I've already told you that I do see more of Elliot Buckley in you every day. What you are doing with Vivian is exactly what he would have done. But that does not mean that I will stop worrying about you."
"Thank you," he said, "Now give me a kiss to make it official."
She did and departed without a further word.
Melissa came up to bed shortly after Helen left the room. She asked Jake if everything was all right; he told her yes. Then she quizzed him about his evening with Vivian. He told her as much of the truth as he thought was prudent and she seemed relieved when he told her that he and Vivian had not played sink-the-sausage. This night she snuggled up to his back and pressed into his body until she was half laying on him. They were both asleep almost instantly.
The next morning, Jake chuckled to himself about how much he and Melissa acted like they were already married. He was trying to shave and she was trying to dry her hair. He was standing behind her, bobbing and weaving, to get a look at his mug in the mirror, her towel covered ass rubbing against his dick as she moved the dryer around.
"We are going to have to get two sinks," he said.
"Oh no, we're not, I like it just like this," she countered with an extra wiggle of her butt.
Jake was beginning to realize that his cheerful mornings with Melissa were what got his days off to such a good start.
"January twenty-first, nineteen seventy-four," he said suddenly.
"What about it?"
"That's my eighteenth birthday; if we still feel the same way we do this morning, we could get married in Las Vegas," he said as he walked out the door.
Melissa stood there stunned. She rewound what he said in her mind. 'Yes!'
Jake had just dropped his towel and was bending over to put on his jockeys when one hundred twenty pounds of squealing, naked cheerleader landed on his back and knocked him onto the bed. Like a bull wrestler at the rodeo, Melissa rolled him on to his back. She straddled his midsection, grabbed his face between her hands, and spot-welded her lips to his. She let him up for air and he cautioned her to keep their marriage plan to herself so his parents would not freak out any more than they already were. She nodded her agreement then kissed him some more.
Jake and Melissa drove to school together, where they greeted all their friends they encountered in the parking lot or on the way to class. Mrs. Greer called Jake up to her desk so she could whisper that Diane Phillips had called her again and praised Jake to the moon. Vickie wanted to know what surprise Jake had for Diane; Jake only said he was working on it. He then asked Vickie to talk up Mr. McClelland to Ms. Phillips and Vickie said she would; slowly, a knowing smile grew on her lips. Jake continued to amaze her as she realized what at first glance seemed an odd pair might actually be perfect for one another. Vicki went on to tell Jake that she was having some mild morning sickness; but hubby Bill was being so sweet and helpful, it was not bad at all.
Erika picked him up at his locker before chemistry; as they walked to the classroom she asked him if they could go somewhere to talk instead of eating lunch. Jake agreed, as he pretty much knew from his discussions with Sven and Helga what was coming next. Mr. McClelland still sported his new look so Jake ambled up to his desk to find out how Mr. McClelland's big date had gone.
"Jake, it was most disenchanting," Mr. McClelland said. "We have nothing in common, no mutual interests. I'm afraid I made my initial judgment solely on appearances."
"That's too bad, Coach," (Mr. McClelland loved being called coach; the guys at MIT would be green with envy at homecoming), said Jake. "Speaking of appearances, what's gotten into Ms. Phillips? She looks like a movie star today. Oh well, see you at practice."
Jake went back to his seat smiling, while Carl McClelland cogitated on his comment about Diane Phillips. Now there was a woman with a first class mind, and, he had to admit, a first class body. Hmmm, maybe she would grace him with her company at lunch today.
After class, Erika and Jake walked out to the courtyard between the school and gym. They found an empty bench and sat down; Erika took his hand in hers and started talking.
"Jake, I know you had a talk with Daddy and he explained things to you. You know what I am going to try to do. You are Erik's friend; as long as you and I are together he's not going to do anything that would endanger that friendship. So I hope you understand that we can't be together any more, at least not until I help pry Erik out of his dilemma."
Just like that, their erotic relationship ended; they vowed to remain good friends and Jake said it would have no affect on his relationship with her family. Well, Jake sighed, he guessed he was now getting his chance to be noble.
Jake was able to concentrate on his afternoon classes; he was neither mooning over Erika nor was he begrudging Erik his coming good fortune. He knew he and Erika would stay friends and who knows what the future might bring. At study hall, Beth took his hand and told him she was sorry that Erika and he had broken up. Damn, the Internet was slow compared to the speed juicy news traveled in high school. Jake told her he was fine and it had been a mutual decision to split up. Beth said okay -- she was there for him if he wanted to talk. Jake thanked her and squeezed her hand. Beth was a genuinely nice person despite the hand she had been dealt. He decided that he would somehow ensure Beth Owens got into college with a free ride, regardless.
Rebecca Doane caught up with him in the stacks as he was browsing through a book on the elective process and the Electoral College.
"I missed you at lunch today," she said.
Jake explained where he had been and why. Rebecca's face took on a concerned frown. She asked if there was anything she could do to help. Jake told her no, they had both seen it coming so he had been prepared for it. They continued talking for a few minutes. When Rebecca asked him over for supper Wednesday, he said he was on restriction and probably would not be able to make it. She did not ask him why he was restricted; she just asked again if she could do anything to help. He thanked her and said he would work things out; he also told her he would try to call her and her sister Katie tonight.
He received more commiseration at football practice; even Erik pulled him aside and asked Jake if he wanted him to put in a good word for him with his sister. Jake said no, he was fine with it -- they had just grown apart. Thank god for Coach McClelland, who came up to Jake and prompted Erik to depart.
"Heard about your misfortune, my lad; but buck up, there are more fish in the sea," McClelland said.
Words from the master, Jake thought, "Thanks, Coach; did you check out Ms. Phillips?"
"Indeed I did. I have been a foolish man for not clearly seeing her internal and external beauty earlier. She, in fact, accelerated my heart rate and caused a diversionary redistribution of my red corpuscles to a most inappropriate region. Anyway, she and her children, whom I have yet to meet but I am sure are delightful daughters, are going to accompany me Friday to scout the Lake Wales football team. I theorize that careful observation of their pre-playoff performance will yield data that one could use to ascertain fatal fallacies in their scheme of maneuver."
"Gee that's great, Coach," Jake said as he beat a hasty retreat.
Carl had little inkling those 'children' might also be good red corpuscle diverters.
Carl McClelland was the kind of guy who, if you asked him what time it was, would tell you how to build a watch. Jake was happy for Carl and Diane; he bet that in two weeks Carl would be as laconic as Elmer Gantry, saving most of his mental and physical energies for romance. Jake was not looking forward to another episode of the same 'Coaches in Love' series he went through with Brian Nelson, but what could you do. After practice, Jake hit the gymnasium door wondering how he was going to get home sans Erika. His question was answered when he saw Melissa leaning against the door of her electric blue 'vette.
He walked up to her and she said, "I heard, my poor baby; get in, and let's go home".
When he got home, Jake felt as if he should be taking the breakup with Erika visibly harder than it actually was, judging by the sympathy he received. Everyone was solicitous and sweet to him, especially Helen. Jake continued acting normally and, soon enough, so was everyone else. At nine, Jake went up to study. He was scanning the catalogs Ms. Phillips had given him when Melissa also came in to study. They sat and listened to radio as they read. Rod Stewart was singing 'Maggie May' when Melissa got up and locked the door. Jake watched her as she sinuously slithered across the floor until she was standing in front of him. When she started disrobing, she did not make it a strip tease -- she just took off each item of clothes until she was standing simply and openly naked in front of him.
She cocked her hip to the side and said, "Take me to bed, cowboy; it is time for you to yodel in the canyon."
Jake woke up next morning to the sensation of Melissa's talented mouth working on his engorged shaft. When she saw he was awake, she pulled her mouth from his dick and, before he could protest, impaled herself on him. She was wet enough and his dick was spit coated enough for her to sink down on him until her bald little lips smacked his abdomen at the base of his cock. When she was fully seated, she clamped down on him with her inner muscles until she was as tight as Rebecca Doane.
"I was trying to hold out until our wedding night," Jake said.
"On our wedding night you are going to get me pregnant with Jake Jr.", she said. "This is practice."
"Speaking of pregnancy, shouldn't we be using something?" Jake asked.
"No, Baby, it's taken care of; but I do have some things to tell you. But, before I do, you have to promise me that what I tell you never leaves this room. After I say my piece, we will never talk about it again, whether we stay together or not, okay?"
"Ok, Mel; fire away," said an intrigued Jake.
"When my mother died, I had just turned fourteen. I had been curious about sex for a year and mother's death and dad's preoccupation with his business freed me to find out what it was all about. About three months after my mother died, I let one of Dad's business acquaintances seduce me. And, boy, did I ever like it. He took me home and introduced me to his wife for a three way. I liked that even better. My affair with them lasted for over a year before they moved. They taught me everything and we did everything. After they moved, I found another older guy, and after him another one. I never got a reputation in school because I didn't put out for boys. My lovers were discrete from necessity. All that changed the first time you kissed me in the gym parking lot.
"Baby, this is the last dick I ever want in me, unless you tell me and agree otherwise. I'm not going to hold you to the same deal though; you are young and you also deserve a chance to see what it is all about. I promise that you'll always have all the pussy you want right here but you can and should have other women. When we get married I expect things to change; any strange you get then better be with my permission and you had better be ready to share. Now, while you digest all that, sit back and enjoy the ride."
It took Melissa about two minutes to make Jake empty his balls in her. She did not let him go totally soft however as rode him to a few orgasms of her own. When Jake came a second time she gracefully but suddenly released his dick like Olga Korbut dismounting the uneven parallel bars. Melissa lay with her head on his chest as they basked in the afterglow.
"So, what are you thinking?" she asked.
"I'm thinking I love you and I'm a lucky guy. Your past doesn't interest me or bother me. My life started when I woke up on June second; so, for me, so did yours. Now then, tell me more about how much you love me and let's get in the shower or we'll be late for school."
Melissa whooped and kissed him. She told him she loved him as they scrambled to the bathroom.
The rest of the last week of October flew by. The school was abuzz about the football team and the Sadie Hawkins Dance coming up Friday night. Another school item that caught Jake's attention was the announcement that campaigning for the student council would start next Monday with the elections themselves four days later. Football practice was spent in tortuous conditioning drills and scrimmaging. With the conference title already in hand, the Panthers had one regular season game remaining before the play offs. Jake's social life was as good as ever; he and Erika got along fine so it was not uncomfortable at chemistry or lunch. The news that he and Melissa had become an item quickly made the rounds but, because of their differing schedules, they could see little of each other during the school day.
On Wednesday, Mrs. Greer sent him to the guidance office. Diane ushered him in immediately and flipped on the testing light. She gave him a nice kiss then sat him down in front of desk. She sat on the corner of her desk facing him.
"So, Jacob, it has been a busy week for you, changing girl friends and playing cupid. It is very interesting that the two smartest students in the school are now seriously dating each other. Stranger still, the two smartest students are a cheerleader and a star football player."
Jake asked her what she meant and she told him that Melissa was the top student in the senior class and would likely be class valedictorian. Melissa was taking all college prep courses and was probably destined for a prestigious college next fall. Then Ms. Phillips switched gears and told him he was set to take the SAT's next week. Jake thought that was excellent and told her he did not envision being in high school two more years. Diane said she agreed and was checking some early college options for him; she smiled when he said to make sure the options allowed Melissa to be included. Changing topic, Diane said that Carl McClelland was a sweet person and really interesting. She had wondered at his sudden interest in her and his Pygmalion like change until Carl told her that he thought Jake was somehow subtly nudging him. Before Jake could defend himself, she stood up.
"So anyway, Jacob, thank you. Now that we have settled all those issues, we still have forty-five minutes of your appointment left. Any ideas on how to fill them?"
He had some advanced placement ideas all right, and they tried a few of them that involved both red corpuscle relocations and bodily fluid exchanges.
Wednesday evening, Jake called Vivian; he told her he had indeed broken up with his girlfriend and that he and Melissa were going steady now. She was happy about that and told him that Chip would be home for the weekend -- maybe Jake could bring Melissa over to talk to him. Jake said he'd try and rang off. Jake told Melissa about the conversation and she called Chip at the frat house and talked to him for a while. She asked Chip to come to the Turners' home to talk before he went to Vivian's. Chip agreed and said he would be down Friday night.
Jake and Melissa went up to their room at eight. They had some reflecting and talking to do. Jake told Melissa about his counseling session with Ms. Phillips. Melissa said she did not advertise her smarts and kind of hid out in high school, but now that they were together, she was ready to bust out. She was intimately aware of the daily operations of Thornton Development, her dad had made sure of that, and now wanted to become more involved in the family business. They planned and plotted for over an hour. By nine-thirty they had outlined what they wanted to accomplish between now and Jake's eighteenth birthday. It was a bold and ambitious plan, but supremely doable. They went downstairs and asked Charles and Helen if they could all have a sit down tomorrow night with Maria present. The parents agreed and Charles went to call Maria to see if she could make it.
Jake noticed his parents were treating him differently now, especially Helen. Her voice was softer when she talked to him and she looked at him much the same way Helga did. All evening she had been almost diffident towards him. When he and Melissa went back upstairs, Melissa mentioned that she had noticed the change also. Jake said he would have a talk with Helen after the meeting tomorrow and find out what was going on.
Melissa disappeared into the guestroom- a room that now served mostly as her closet - and came out wearing a thigh length white silk and lace nightgown. It, of course, looked spectacular on her. She climbed under the covers; Jake turned off the lights, shed his clothes, and joined her. They talked quietly in bed for a while, as couples in love tend to do; they made more personal plans and Jake let her in on his long-term goals and ambitions. She did not laugh at his ambition to be president but told him that she was not going to be some Suzy Home-Maker first lady so he had better be ready for that. After they talked, they made love; it was sweet, loving, and so perfect that Melissa started crying. Jake held her and they drifted together into dreamland.
The next morning, Thursday to be precise, Jake told Melissa about his relationship with the Doane sisters as they drove to school. He also told her about Cindy Sorenson and Gail Martin; he told her because they were the women who had expectations for the future that included him. Melissa listened and told him that she understood and felt the only one who seemed to want a commitment was Cindy, who seemed preoccupied with girls right now. She reiterated that she did not care if Jake sowed some wild oats and even said, if they found someone mutually interesting, they could share.
The rest of the day whizzed by, and before Jake knew it, he was sitting at the nook table with Melissa patiently leading and explaining their scheme to three thunder-struck adults. Maria was furiously taking notes on a legal pad as Melissa said she was tired of the intrigue and was simply going to take over Thornton Development herself. When Chip came home Friday she was positive he would agree with her plan. Jake said it was time to confront Vivian; he, Melissa and Chip were going to do just that this weekend. Melissa told Maria that she wanted some kind of legal document filed to restrain Randal from attempting to interfere in her life or business. Melissa wanted Maria to also find out what it would take to buy out Vivian and Randal's shares for a fair but not generous amount. Finally, Jake asked Maria to draw up the paperwork for a joint venture called TnT Management. The new company would buy land, develop it, and build the buildings for Turner Furniture and Appliance Superstores. Charles would choose the locations, design the stores, and lease the buildings from TnT in ten-year, renewable increments.
When they finished talking, you could have heard a pin drop. Charles broke the silence by saying their plan was incredible but would work. He cautioned Randal was not the type of person to be so easily dismissed. He would bear considerable watching in the future. Then there was the matter of Russell's death. Jake told them that, although they were all convinced that Vivian and Randal were involved in Russell's murder, they did not have an iota of proof. Maria said that she went to law school with the county's States Attorney. She would put a bug in his ear to steer the investigation in Randal and Vivian's direction; maybe experts could find the suspected connection. Helen had not said a word the entire time. Jake took her hand and led her out to the pool while Maria, Charles, and Melissa were hammering out further details.
Once outside, Jake took her in his arms. "What's the matter, Helen?" he asked.
"Yesterday, you and Melissa were teenagers; tonight you are adults. How did that happen? And when did you become a team? Jacob, I am so sorry for the way I have acted and I want to make it up to you. From now on, I am going to stop mothering you to death. And, Jacob, I'm ready for our relationship to be whatever you want it to be."
"Thank you, Helen; but you don't need to apologize. You were doing what you did out of concern for me. As for our future relationship, I can be pretty demanding; actually, very demanding -- are you sure you want that?"
"Try me," she said. The Helen problem had become the Helen opportunity.
Friday night's game was a good tune-up for the Kennedy Panthers; Coach Nelson did not try to run up the score, but he needed to work his offense. He met with the Beach Side High coach before the game and explained his predicament. The other coach understood and could see some benefits for his team as well; the result was a 56 to 7 rout as both sides played to their abilities. After the game Jake's restriction was formally and permanently lifted so he went to the dance with Melissa. Since it was Sadie Hawkins day, a steady stream of girls asked Jake to dance. Melissa watched in amusement as her guy was put through his paces. Jake danced twice with Beth Owens -- for once she was in regular clothes, and she looked very fine. Of course, the evening was not complete until he danced with Vicki Greer, Sara, and Rebecca.
Erik and Erika were at the dance; Erik was with Angie and Erika was with a tall senior whose name escaped Jake. Scott and Nan were there; glued to each other for the evening, except for the times Melissa danced with Scott and Jake with Nan. Marisa and Debbie were double dating with Brad Stevens and his younger brother Chad, a sophomore, and the jv team's quarterback. After the dance, everyone headed for Ho Jo's for a late burger; all-in-all it was an exceptionally good night.
Chip's car had been in the drive when they arrived home so he had not run straight to Vivian when he hit town; that was a very good sign.
Jake and Melissa crawled into bed at one; Jake spooned against Melissa's silk covered back. He had to wonder why she slept naked until they were practically engaged, then started wearing a nightgown. Not that he was complaining, mind you, because his dick pressing into the silk covered crevice of her ass felt most excellent.
Jake woke up Saturday morning looking forward to resolving the Vivian issue. Melissa said she had it covered and wanted him along primarily for silent support. She wanted to go as soon as possible that morning so Jake was to call Vivian at nine and see if they could go over in the morning. But it was only seven-thirty now, and Melissa felt so good laying on him, he decided getting up could wait. He must have dozed off again because, when he opened his eye, Melissa was sitting on the bed beside him watching him intently.
"Good morning, Baby," she said, "I love watching you sleep; you look so innocent and sweet."
He reached for her and she was instantly on top of him. He flipped her over and pinned her to the mattress.
"And have I told you how much I love waking up with you in the morning?" he asked.
She giggled and reached for his morning hard-on.
"Looks like you are not the only one happy to see me this morning."
She had just put the head of his diamond dick against her slick slit when the commode flushed. Oh shit, they had forgotten about Chip.
Jake just had time to untangle himself when Chip rapped on the door. Melissa rearranged her nightie, made sure Jake was covered, and sang out 'come in'.
Chip opened the door and poked his head in. It was obvious he was taken aback seeing his sister in a negligee in bed with a man, especially Jake.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Buffy, but I heard voices so I figured you were awake. I was wondering what was going on today."
"We'll meet you in the kitchen in fifteen minutes and I'll fill you in," Melissa said.
He nodded and closed the door. As soon as Jake heard the other bathroom door close, he burst into a fit of laughter. 'Buffy', how totally Yankee country club was that?
Melissa looked at him strangely, "What are you laughing at?"
"Nothing, BUFFY," he said.
He was laughing hysterically as she pummeled him with a pillow.
It took them twenty minutes to shower and dress. When they made it downstairs Charles was sitting in the nook with Chip while Helen rustled up some chow. Melissa filled Chip in on what was going to happen. He looked at her in even more amazement than the parents and Maria had.
"Damn, Sis, you've grown up all of the sudden," Chip said.
She gave Chip a look, "I passed you by two years ago, Chip. Now, are you ready to back me on this and kick those two out of our business?"
Jake watched the by-play between brother and sister with interest. It took Chip less than thirty seconds to figure out where the brains and leadership were in their organization. Chip nodded his head up and down and Melissa took his hand. Using the same tone, language, and authority she had used with Jake, she told him not to worry about Vivian. Jake called Vivian who said to bring Melissa over for lunch. Melissa asked Helen to help her with her make-up and outfit after breakfast; Helen agreed. Jake and Chip went out on the pool deck to talk man-to-man.
"What's up with you and my sister?" Chip asked.
"It's best you ask her that question," Jake said. "I will tell you, though, that I would do anything for her; she is an extraordinary woman."
"A rich one too, Turner, that must add to her appeal. Besides you are only a kid; what can you do for her?"
Jake gazed at Chip steadily, "I understand you want to protect your sister; I'm the same way, as you recall. As far as my age is concerned -- don't draw any hasty conclusions; think about how mature your sister is. You really do need to talk to her about this. Listen, Chip, we have gotten off to a bad start; for your sister's sake, I want to call a truce."
Jake held out his hand and, after a few seconds, Chip shook it.
"Truce, Turner; but, if you hurt my sister, I'll find a way to whip your ass no matter how tough you are."
"Fair enough; now call me 'Jake' and we'll be all set."
"Don't get carried away, Turner; now, if you'll excuse me, I have something unpleasant to do."
Jake wondered what he was talking about but followed him into the house anyway. Chip walked into the kitchen and cleared his throat. Angie and Debbie were at the table eating breakfast and Charles was standing at the stove drinking coffee and flipping pancakes.
"Mr. Turner, Deborah, I want to apologize for all the terrible things I've done to hurt you and your family. I know I can't make everything all right with words but I am truly, truly sorry. I've been a jackass jerk for the last couple of years and everything that has happened to me lately was deserved."
Everyone just stared at him in amazement; his contrite sincerity was something they never expected to see from Russell Thornton the second. Chip walked up the back stairway without waiting for any reply. Jake also went up to track down his little 'Buffy'. She was cloistered in the master suite with Helen and told him to go away. He went back to his room and parked his ass at his desk. He was sitting there thinking about the incredible twists and turns his new life was taking when Helen walked in.
"Thinking about me, Jacob?" she asked.
"Always," he replied.
"Do you think Melissa can really pull this off today? I mean, two days ago she gave every appearance of being a typical teenager; now she acts twenty years older. It's eerie having two of you suddenly-mature people in the house."
"When you put it that way, it sure is; but hers is not the result of an accident. For some reason she has been hiding the fact that she is brilliant and mature beyond her years," Jake said.
He went on to explain to Helen what Ms. Phillips had said about Melissa. He did not divulge any of the personal information Melissa had given him the other evening, but when you added it all together you got exactly what Helen described, a mature adult in an eighteen-year-old body. The more he learned about her, the more Melissa appeared to be his soul mate. Helen went back to help Melissa while Jake dug out some confrontation clothes. Maria arrived at eleven carrying a small briefcase and went up to join Melissa and Helen.
At 11:45, Melissa, Chip, and Jake piled into the Falcon; Jake drove,
Melissa rode shotgun, and Chip was in the back seat. Melissa had on a
navy blue business suit with heels. Her hair was piled on top of her
head and her make up was perfect; now she looked as mature and
professional as Vivian ever did. The briefcase from Maria was at her
feet and she seemed serenely confident. They pulled up to the Thornton
house at noon sharp; instead of ringing the bell, Melissa took out a
key, unlocked the front door, and walked in.