Poems | Short Stories | Other Writings | Comments and Reviews

Copyright © 2001 Despite the age difference, it was an instant love affair. He clapped those amazing golden, sexy eyes on her the instant she walked up the front path and was determined to win her. His was a naturally passionate nature as on his mother's side he was of German and Irish descent. As to his dad? A grim lipped silence met any mention of his unknown sire. With his in-built sensitivity, Schad sensed she was diffident but not shy or awkward about her age because it was obvious she was quite a few years older than he was. A fact she had mentioned on the telephone to his Aunt Sarah. She had a nice name, Melanie. He soon realised there was intense competition from his brothers although his sisters were inclined to be more critical of her. One sister even hid, while two clung to their doting aunt. It began to look as if his brothers weren't the only ones he had to best; she'd brought her son, Brett, and his great mate of many years, Red, to see what they thought of the 'toy boy' syndrome. As a result, Schad rightly felt he was the sinecure of all eyes but if he wanted to be accepted by her and taken into her lifestyle, he simply had to also accept he too was under scrutiny. Brett was nice in a quiet way. Red was not. He was remote and gruff. As the trio were obviously good friends - Red seemed overly fond of Melanie and she of him - Schad decided the best thing to do was the best he knew; to be himself. Melanie studied the lovely face of the Buddha like Aunt Sarah as she spoke with pride of the German aristocratic grandmother and the gaiety of the Irish father on Schad's mother's side. Silence about dad and no wonder because he'd walked out on his family. Anyway Schad was rather divine and beginning to grow on her. It'd been quite a shock to walk in with all this youth eager to grab her attention, including the mother who was shy and rather sweet. Aunt Sarah was the force to be reckoned with and obviously in charge of the whole shebang. Brett obviously approved of Schad - but Red? He was older and set in his ways and comfortably settled into his comfort zone. Yes, she was the 'older woman' seeking the right companion and Schad was young. Still, if Red gave his approval it might work out. She was old enough and, she hoped, wise enough by now, to take the knock-back when it came. Indeed, if it came. Why be a pessimist and doom the relationship at this early stage when Shad was patently attracted to her? While the bloom of potential love was there, go for it. Two marriages and two divorces to the 'right' man had proved to Melanie nothing was assured in life. So off they went with Aunt Sarah looking even more Buddha-like. Schad could scarcely believe his new surroundings and bounced, unobserved, on the bed a few times. It was a great cot. In Schad's opinion, they had a luxurious night together. With his extra keen hearing, he heard her telling one of her friends "He's the best bloke I've ever slept with. He's much younger than I am, so strictly speaking the whole crazy affair is impossible but...I think I've fallen in love.' Schad's heart thumped so loudly at this declaration he was literally beside himself with excitement. Then she went on to talk about his ancestry and the fact "He's not handsome but he has a ton of personality and" he heard Melanie chuckle, "gorgeous long legs." Ecstatic, Schad confidently settled in over the weekend. And that nearly brought about his downfall. Saturday went all too well for Schad with Red who was dignified and disdainful about the whole thing. It was on the Sunday morning Schad had a close shave. Brett went off to his Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and Red was, in Schad's opinion, too close to Melanie. Schad, in no uncertain terms, declared his love and concern for Melanie. Red accepted this and took him for a stroll and introduced him to the local identities. When they came back, Red again sat down beside Melanie. Schad again ticked off Red and Brett, having returned, was most upset. Melanie, to calm things down, walked with Red to his favourite tree with Schad just behind them both. She explained to Red because of his role in the household and his advanced years, he came first, Schad would have to go home if he didn't settle down and overcome his jealousy. Shocked when he overheard this conversation, Schad settled back and came up with a plan. He had to woo Red. He recalled from the morning's tour that Red had generously presented him with a treasured gift he dug up just to give Schad. How would it be, Schad asked himself, if he laid it at Red's feet as a peace offering. He looked at Melanie, she was engrossed in a crossword puzzle and Brett was reading the Sunday papers. He strolled off, Red keeping a wary eye on him when he sat beside Melanie. This time, instead of objecting to Red, Schad dropped the priceless gift at the feet of Red. This delighted Melanie, Brett couldn't believe what he'd seen and Red softened his attitude as he sniffed the old bone he'd buried yonks back under the maple tree. Melanie now referred to Schad as Shadow, the cutest little mong pup of all time with hugs and kisses. Red, the famous bikie dog a red cattle, collie cross, then took Shadow in hand and taught him all about growing up. And if a shadow doesn't catch you, this is how you catch a Shadow. H. Benbow Return to Helen's Work

	Copyright © 2001 - 2003 http://www.helenbenbow.com.au
	Books | Other Work | The Author | Tarot & Numerology | Lectures & Talks | Blog | Home