This is a 6-part story that provides plenty of fun. The story builds as the main character grows as a person. Initially, the main character is hard to like, but he grows on you, have faith. This chapter is light on sex, but it gets better over the story.
Everyone having sex is at least 18. This story is a work of fiction. I made it all up. Check reality at the door and enjoy it for what it is, a fun story. Special thanks to rancher46 and RF-Fast for editing my story.
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Chapter 10 -- Christmas Day
Hal's point of view:
It's funny. I slept with my hands in front of me for eight weeks, not wanting any pressure on them. Now it is a habit I can't stop. My arms are straight in front of me rather than hugging a pillow like I used to do. For some reason, I find this funny.
It's easy to take off my boxers. I can pee on my own for the first time in forever. Some of the things my sisters did, they were not fans of. Helping me pee in the morning amused them to no end.
I took my own shower, combed my hair, brushed my teeth, and used deodorant. All these things people do all over the world. Yet, right now, it feels special. It's a right that I have earned again. I'm not about to wear jeans. I throw on a pair of shorts as I'm not going outside. The zipper needs strength, and the button would be challenging as well.
My fingers are clumsy and slow to react. OK, not slow, just not as dexterous. I don't feel like I have that natural subconscious control that I had before. I must use my brain step by step to make my hands work. Typically, it's automatic.
I go downstairs to check up on everyone. I want to see if I'm wanted. I hear showers going as I go down the stairs quietly. I investigate the kitchen and find Andrea getting pans and a griddle for breakfast. It looks like sausage, Denver omelets, hash browns, and pancakes rather than toast for breakfast.
I see whisky and a bottle of Champagne on the counter. That means the eggnog will be spiked with the whiskey, and we're also having Mimosas.
Andrea isn't looking at me, but I can see a smile spreading on her face. I try to hide, playing cat and mouse with her.
Without looking at me, "OK, Hal, get over here and sit down."
Still half-hidden, I ask, "Are you sure you want me here? I ..."
She turns to me with a knife in hand, "Stop it. Get over here. We need to discuss yesterday. You want some coffee?"
I walk into the kitchen and sit down at the island across from Andrea.
She reaches for a mug but puts it back and selects a taller thermal cup instead. She pours me a coffee and then slides it over to me. I wrap both palms and fingers around it, so I can taste the beverage of life.
Andrea states, "You didn't show up for dinner last night."
I ask, "When did you notice?"
Her shoulders slump in distress, "During dessert. We ..."
I finish her thought, "You've had enough of me. I get it."
Andrea's temper is back, "Hey! It's not like that. We're worn out from doing our things, all your things, and then watching after you. You have to admit, you were high maintenance for eight weeks."
I answer with a sad voice, "I felt bad for all you had to do, all you had to put up with. Worst of all, it's all my fault."
Gail comes from behind me, "NO. It was four assholes at fault."
I continue, "Had I not played guitar at the festival, Kate doesn't kiss me, and they don't try to blackmail us. I didn't have to call Becky, and I didn't have to save Kate. It's my fault."
Now Becky comes around the corner, "NO, get that out of your head NOW. Anyone who wants to do something illegal around you, I better get a call. If someone ever asks you for help from evil, how can you not help? I know you like Kate but forget it's Kate. It's still the decent thing to do. You did right; it just ended badly."
Now I feel miserable, "And now because of my actions, I may never play guitar again. I sure got the shaft on this one for being the 'good guy.' What's the lyric, 'Only the good die young?'"
Emma adds, "Kate's a great teacher, and you will play again. You followed orders, and it's your destiny. You know, it's like all those movies you watch. The hero does great stuff, but then the villain beats him down. The hero comes back stronger and kicks the villain's ass."
I point out the obvious, "This isn't a movie, I'm no superhero, and just as soon as something good happens, it's taken from me. That pretty much sums up my life."
I remember the message from Kate, "y the way. While I was in the hospital, Kate sent me a message. She moved back home to hide from the shame of the whole incident. I've ruined her life as well. She will never teach again."
Becky snaps at me, "You don't know that. She did nothing wrong. If she didn't leave, she would still have a job."
How little she knows, "No matter where she goes, a student will Google her name and find out what happened. It's with her forever. Any school board that looks at her background won't touch her. Officially, she's not blackballed, but effectively, she will be."
Casey comments, "I'm going to need salespeople ... once I get interest. I bet that girl can sell. With a voice and body like she has. Oh yes, she will be able to sell ice to an Eskimo."
Faith dreamily thinks out loud, "You knowwwwwww. You mentioned Kate's voice. I've heard a few women on the radio with a deep, husky voice. I wonder if she can sing."
I smile, "Can't hurt to ask. It will be a while; I have a lot of work to do before needing a vocalist."
Donna is now with us, and she asks, "Can you write songs? I mean, it's one thing to be able to play. It's another thing to write a song."
I try to answer her question, "I'm not sure. I have solos and riffs in my head, but everything is scattered. I don't have anything to connect the dots. Last night, I wrote some lyrics, but I've never married words to music before. I think there is software to do it, but I'm clueless."
Gail's excited, "Woah, woah, woah. You wrote lyrics last night? You've never done that."
Donna is livid, "You're not supposed to be writing!"
I put up my hands like a stop sign, "I'm using Casey's old laptop, and Andrea put voice recognition software on it. Doing papers and songs are a whole lot different. I improved a lot last night."