Picket Fences! Part 20


Across the street at Joy's house the same night . . .


Arlene offered to put her little brother Kevin to bed. She figured it would be good practice for when she got married and had childern of her own.



Even though she and Jimmy Martin had been friends since they were toddlers, she suddenly found herself daydreaming about him being more than just a friend.


"Well, our little girl has grown up into quite a beautiful young lady", said Larry.
"Yes, she has", said Joy, "Doesn't it make us seem old being parents of a teenager."


"We're not THAT old. We just got started young. We weren't much more than teenagers ourselves when we got married", he said.
"I know, but I could hardly wait to be a wife and mother", she said.
"I hope you don't regret getting married so young. I know I never have", he said.
"No I don't regret it. You're the best husband anyone could want", she said.


Larry pulled her into his lap and gave her a romantic kiss.
"Let's go inside and relax on our bed, alright?", he said.
"Alright", she said.


"It's been a long time since we've done this", he said.
"I know. You've been very patient", she said.
"I realize the baby has taken a lot of your time and energy", he said.


He gave her a romantic kiss.


And when Larry asked to do woo hoo, Joy said yes!


Larry scooted up close behind her and . . .


They both soon fell asleep. Joy started dreaming about . . .


The time she and Rhys danced over at his place . . .


The time she agreed to meet him at the coffee shop . . .


The time they kissed in the hottub at the zoo . . .


The one time they did woo hoo in his bed and she got pregnant with his child . . .


The time they went on a picnic in the woods and . . .


The day Kevin was born and the look on Larry's face . .


And the last time she and Rhys met at the zoo and he was so angry!


Joy woke up and realized all that had happened wasn't a dream. How had she allowed her lust for Rhys to replace her love for Larry? She was a grown woman and had been acting like a silly schoolgirl.


Joy lay back down after she decided she would come to grips with the situation and handle it in a mature manner. She slept peacefully the rest of the night.


Over at Joyce's house . . .


When she arrived home from Rhys' place, she starting feeling really bad.


She felt several pains in her chest.


She called the hospital and talked to Dr. Brian.
"Doctor I'm having pains in my chest and I'm feeling really bad", she said.


"It's probably just a bad case of indigestion, but you better come on in tonight and let me take a look at you", he said.
"Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes", she said.


She sit back down.


She needed to go to the hospital right away, but she wasn't able to get up off the couch.



The next morning over at Rhys' place . . .


His maid Jasmyn Carlson came to work as usual. When she walked into the kitchen she got a surprise.


"Today is our son's birthday and he's been waiting for his mama to come so he can growup", said Rhys.


Rhys brought Ryan to his birthday cake . . .

He helped him blow out the candles and when he put him down . . .


Ryan grew up into a cute child who looked even more like his daddy.


"Thank youl", said Rhys, "That little boy is the best gift anyone has ever given me."

"You're welcome and believe me, it was my pleasure", she said, "Do you want me to stay and hang out after I finish my work?"

"No, not today. I got something to do", said Rhys.


The schoolbus came for Ryan at 8:30 AM. He was happy to go to school even if it was his birthday today.


Jasmyn finished her work and left soon after Ryan went to school.


Rhys called Joy . . .
"Joy, can I come over to see Kevin today?", he asked.


"I guess it'll be alright, but just for a little while. Come in the backdoor so the neighbors won't see you, alright?", she said.

"Sure, anything you say. I'll be there in a few minutes". said Rhys.



"Don't let Kevin know who you are because he's starting to repeat everything he hears", said Joy.
"Alright, I'll go by your rules. I just want to be able to see my son", said Rhys.


The telephone was ringing and Joy went to answer it.
"Hey Kevin", said Rhys.



"Hello!", said Joy.
"Joy, this is Dr. Brian, your mother was admitted to the hospital last night. She was pretty bad, but she's stable now, he said"


"What's wrong with her?", asked Joy.
"She suffered a mild heart attack", he said.


"Thank you doctor. I'll be right there", she said.



"He seems to like you and doesn't mind you holding him", said Joy, "Would you mind staying with him while I go to the hospital to see my mother?"
"Sure", said Rhys, "Is your mama going to be alright?"
"Yes, I think so. I just want to go see her for a little while", said Joy.


Joy hurried out of the house to go to the hospital.

To be continued . . .