Picket Fences! Part 23



As soon as Joy went into the house, she heard the telephone ringing.

"Hello", she said.

"I just called to remind you about Julie's birthday party Sunday afternoon", said Mary Lou.

"We'll be there", said Joy.



"Joy, I hope it won't be a problem, but Peter invited Rhys to stay for the party when he brings Ryan", she said.

"No, it won't. It's over between us", said Joy.


Over at Mary Lou and Peter's house Sunday afternoon . . .



Their only child Julie came to her birthday cake.


She made a wish and blew out the candles.


Then she started growing up in front of some disinterested party guests.

(LtoR: Laura Evans (Mary Lou's mom, Nancy Martin, Rhys Sawyer, Arlene Anderson and Emily Martin}

Julie grew up into a cute teenager.



Some of the other party guests included Judy Jones . . .


Judy's younger brother Mike, their mother Betty . . .


Emily and Sam Martin's childern Nathan, Nancy and Jimmy . . .


And Ryan Sawyer and Kevin Anderson.


A little later Rhys was playing Red Hands with his son Ryan . . .


When Arlene came over and started tickling her brother Kevin.


Arlene asked Rhys to play Punch Me-Punch U with her.

"No, I might hurt you", he said.


"What, you think you'll that strong?", she teased, tickling him.


Then her knees went weak and she almost fainted when he turned on that smile just for her.


Then not realizing what an effect his actions had on a love-sick teenage girl, Rhys lounged on the picnic bench.


Mary Lou and Joy were sitting together on the back porch . . .

"I've decided to tell Larry the truth. He has the day off tomorrow and the childern will be in school. It's the perfect oppotunity to tell him everything", said Joy.

"What will you do if he gets mad and moves out?", said Mary Lou.

"I'll have to accept whatever happens. Anything will be better than the way it is now", said Joy.


The next morning at Joy's house, after Arlene and Kevin had left for school . . .


Larry was sitting in the livingroom on the couch when Joy finally got enough courage to say . . .

"Larry, there's something I've been putting off for a long time, but I need to "get it off my chest"", she said.

"Come sit down, it can't be as bad as all that", he said.


"This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my whole life", she said, "Larry, I cheated on you seven years ago with Rhys Sawyer."

"Are you still involved with him?", he asked.


"I did woo hoo with him one time. I swear that was the first and only time I've ever cheated on you", she said.

"Were you so disatisfied with our marriage that you went looking elsewhere for fulfillment?", he asked.

"No, it wasn't that. I've never stopped loving you. I don't even understand now, why I did it", she said.

"Joy, Rhys Sawyer is extremely handsome and has a charismatic personality. That's a deadly combination in any man. I can well understand why you were mesmerized by him ", said Larry.



"I don't understand. You're not mad at me for cheating and you're making excuses as to why I did it?", she asked.



"Joy, there was gossip around town about you having an affair at the time. I didn't want to believe it, but I finally accepted it. I love you Joy. I already forgave you once you didn't leave me for him", explained Larry. .



"Larry, the cheating is only part of it. Rhys is Kevin's father", she said.

"I've always suspected, but didn't want to admit it to myself. It doesn't matter whose blood is running through his veins. Kevin is MY child, just as much as Arlene", he said.

"Larry, it's not that simple. Rhys knows the truth and he wants to see Kevin and be friends with him", she said.


"I'm not surprised he feels that way. I probably would too, if it was the other way around", he said, "Perhaps we can come to some arangement that will be agreeable to all of us."

"I think Rhys will go along with whatever you think will cause the less problems. He has his son Ryan to think of, too", said Joy.



"I'm going over there and talk to him. I hope we can be adult about this and not lose our tempers", said Larry.



Larry went across the street to Rhys' place.



When Rhys answered the door, Larry said . . .
"There's a very important matter we need to discuss."

"Sure, come on in", said Rhys.


"Have a seat on the sofa, so we can talk", said Rhys.
"I want us to be able to discuss this matter without losing our tempers. Agreed?", said Larry.
"Sure, whatever you say", said Rhys.



"Joy told me she cheated on me with you", he said, "There was some gossip around town about that time seven years ago, so it didn't come as a surprise when she told me."



"Sure, I flirted with her and then eventually things happened", said Rhys.

"Were you in love with her when things happened?", asked Larry.

"Sure, I guess", said Rhys.

"Well, that really doesn't matter now. I was just curious as to what modivates someone like you", said Larry.



"What do you mean by 'someone like me?'", asked Rhys.

"I meant, it's just you're a man who can probably have any woman he wants", said Larry.
"Oh that", said Rhys, "Yeah, you're right."


"I also know you're Kevin's natural father. I'm sure you'll agree that what's best for him is the most important thing right now", said Larry.

"Yeah, I want what's best for him and for my other son, too", said Rhys.

"Joy told me you wanted to be able to see him and be friends with him", said Larry.


"Yeah, that's all I want. You're the one he thinks is his father. I don't want to do nothing that'll change that", said Rhys.

"Good, I was hoping that's how you felt. I thought maybe for the time being, you could get your son . . . Ryan to invite Kevin over every other Saturday to play. That way you can spend time together with both boys", said Larry.

"Sure, that'll be great!", said Rhys.

"Good, it's settled then", said Larry.



"Tell Ryan to call Kevin Saturday morning and invite him over. As long as he's home by 7 PM., it shouldn't be any problems", said Larry.

"Sure, thanks Larry", said Rhys.


Then Larry left to go back home.


He told Joy about the arrangement he made with Rhys . . .


"Kevin and Ryan are already friends, so nobody will think there's anything odd about Kevin going over there to visit. It might just work", said Joy.

"Sweetheart, you always worry about things that might happen before they happen", said Larry.

To be continued . . .