The Ups and Downs of Parenting @Mini
Alo had made sure to not wake Mini as he slide out of bed at the arse crack of dawn. He was used to being up early and he was starting to get used to her staying over. He wanted her to move in but a part of him knew why she hadn’t. Because last time it ended in a fight over something petty and she took Gracie and moved out. At this moment her coming over whenever but returning to her flat and doing her own thing was working. So he wasn’t going to fuck it up. But nights without her and Gracie were hard.
He made breakfast for himself quietly, making sure it was big enough because he had a lot of work to do. But it was better than flipping burgers or stocking shelves. He remembered his summer before Morocco trying to get money and working a load of useless jobs. Grease traps and dumpsters full of rancid MaccyDs was so far in his past or so felt that way. Now it was cow shit and horse feed, and eggs loads of eggs. But the farm was turning a profit and his dead wasn’t collapsing on a daily basis. He could let his parents retire and also watch the baby.
Alo spent most of the morning shoveling paths so Mini or his parents could get to the main farm house, the barns and the cottage. The cows were fed, chickens and horses as well. Alo wipes sweat from his brow as he shoveled the barns. Most of the major jobs done he heard the crunch of footsteps. First it was one person walking slow. Then he heard smaller faster footsteps and knew who was coming to the barn. He looked at his mobile and it was early. Gracie probably ran in hopped on Mini asking for breakfast. Alo heard the creek of the barn door and he saw two figures.
“Mornin’ to my two favorite ladies,” he said and bent down as Gracie ran into his arms. “You wake momma up?”
Mini rolled over in the bed and noticed Alo was already had already gotten up. He was good at getting his stuff done on the farm. Mini just lied there in a moment and stared at the ceiling. She was taking full advantage of the silence. She didn’t know how long it would take Gracie to find her once she was up. Not a moment later, the door creaked open and in the doorway stood Gracie with a big grin on her face. She ran over to the bed and jumped up. “Morning kisses,” she giggled as Gracie placed a big, sloppy, wet kiss on Mini’s face. “You want some breakfast?” she asked as she sat up in the bed. Gracie nodded her head, Mini could use some breakfast too.
Mini carried Gracie down to the kitchen of the cottage, it wasn’t very often that Gracie wanted to be held and Mini had taken full advantage of it. Some days Mini missed the days when she was small and days before she could walk. But she is grateful to be able to see Gracie grow and learn as she gets older. It’s just apart of the ups and downs of parenting. “What do you want to eat?” she asked as she set Gracie down at the table. “Bacon!” she cheered. Mini got out a clean pan and set it on the stove to warm up. Once it had warmed, she opened the package of bacon. The bacon sizzled as it was laid out. While the bacon cooked, Mini toasted some bread and cooked the eggs. “After breakfast, we can find poppa. How does that sound?” she asked as she set the plate in front of Gracie. Her face lit up with the biggest grin as she took a bite of bacon.
Mini cleaned everything up after breakfast, including Gracie who had bacon crumbles and toast crumbs stuck to her face. Now they were ready, after they had gotten their jackets on of course. They closed the cottage door behind them and walked along the pathway to the barn that was nicely shoveled. Farm boy has been busy this morning, she thought to herself. Once they were close, Gracie took off running toward Alo’s voice and jumped into his arms.
“She sure did,” she said. “You’ve been busy this morning, haven’t you?” she looked around at the progress.
“Good cause mums a lazy bones and would sleep all day,” he said before kissing Gracie and lifting her so he could kiss Mini. “I’m well knackered and it’s not even noon.”
He still had a few little things but he was sure he could get one of the teens from across the way to do it for a couple tenners. He was a bit dirty and probably smelled of cow pies so he didn’t hug Mini. Gracie on the other hand didn’t care. She grew up around the farm like Alo so she was used to it. Mini was still a city slicker. He smiled and placed his daughter down. He handed her a stick and kissed her forehead.
“Find the old boy Rags, you may have to get him from Nan,” he said and she ran off. “Rags is getting old, it’s going to be hard when he passes.”
Alo stood up, he knew he would cry and he dreaded having to explain death to Gracie. He peeked out the bar to make sure everything was fine. His shaggy old dog still had a slight spring in his step as he chased the little ginger snap. Alo smiled and turned to Mini. Bundled up in winter gear while he was in a t-shirt and cardigan waist coat. His face was red from the shoveling and a bit of Jack Frost nipping his nose. He breathed a sigh of relief as his daughter and dog ran passed them she was giggling.
“Can I have her energy? Remember when I had energy? Yeah you remember,” he said and chuckled. “I need some coffee or a red bull whichever is faster.”
Alo waved to Dewi who would keep an eye on Grace and Rags, that was another reason he loved the farm. Gracie could run free and explore but there would always be eyes on her. Even though Dewi was old he was protective. Alo’s dad was also always walking the farm trying to help until Alo would run over and make him to something easy like mow or tend the fields. He heard the crunch of snow as Mini followed him to the cottage.
“So how’s working for Effy Stonem? I was chatting with her and she said you were a maid so I made sure we as peasants treat her majesty with respect,” he said and laughed. “I met her one day when I had Gracie, we had a bit of a chat too.”
Mini laughed as Gracie called out for Rags. She was becoming more and more apart of the farm. Mini on the other-hand was still adjusting. But she was willing. Better yet, she was trying. “Yeah, alright, you had energy.” she rolled her eyes before she leaned up and kissed his filthy cheek. She followed Alo on the path back to the cottage.
“She’s nice, seems to be in good spirits consider her circumstance.” she shrugged “I saw the ad JJ posted for some help around the house, I responded,” she tucked her hair nervously behind her ear. “I brought Gracie along with me the second time, she sure loves that puppy.” She had wondered if he knew about the lemonade mix-up.
Mini didn’t feel it appropriate to ever talk to Effy about such a sensitive subject. It’s not her place to say anything, especially since she hadn’t heard it from the direct source herself. She felt bad for the girl, she did and she hoped for the best for her.
Mini poured a cup of coffee beans into the top of the maker. “I’ll brew up a fresh pot for you, babe.” she smiled and gave him a kiss. “For all your hard work.” She couldn’t remember when she had gotten to this point where she had felt comfortable, it was starting to feel like home. She was beginning to enjoy being on the farm.
“Minerva is making me coffee?” he said and kissed her cheek. “I’m going to shower so I can actually touch you.”
Alo went to their room, he liked the sound of that. Theirs. Sharing the cottage with his love and child was wonderful. Things between him and Mini were better than ever and they were both working towards a happily ever after. He grabbed some socks and pants and tossed them to the bed. He was sure Gracie would be playing with Rags or the other animals all day. She would visit her grandparents as well. He looked for some good trousers, snatched and tossed them and then he had to find a shirt. He always took too long to gather his cloths and he turned to see Mini.
“Come here for the show?” he said and shook his hips.
Alo pulled his shirt off, swirled it above his head before throwing it at the hamper and it landing in. He continued to dance, pulling and dropping his belt. He was pulling faces as he pretended to be a stripper for his almost wife. He wasn’t sure if she would say yes so he never popped the question. They still had to rebuild after their last fight. As Alo danced out of his trousers he swirled them around and they soon landed in the hamper.
“If you want the real show, better get to the master bath,” he said as he went to the bathroom.
Alo took his phone, put on some music and dropped it into the cup near the sink to amplify the sound. He curled his finger to bring her into the bathroom and he would close the door. He turned the shower on, before they did anything he would need a proper cleaning. He never wanted her to ever have to deal with a dirty boyfriend. As he climbed in the hot water washed away the grim and he peeked his head out.
“You naked yet?”
Mini poured the coffee beans and water into the maker and hit the button to brew. Alo did so much for her, the least she could do was brew him a cup of coffee for all his hard work around the farm. She had just hope this so called happiness would last between the two of them. The last thing she wanted was to fuck up what they have. She always blamed herself for their arguments in the past even though they are usually both to blame.
“Nice one, farm boy.” she giggled as she peaked her head down the hall to see Alo dancing and waving his shirt above his head.
She walked back to the kitchen a moment to wash the remainder of the dishes from breakfast. Mini had gotten accustomed to the housework and for the most part she knew where everything belonged. She grabbed a damp rag to wipe down the counter and table top when she heard music coming from the master bath and Alo calling out for her. The coffee would take a few minutes to brew. She tossed the wet towel into the sink and peaked her head out the window to check on Gracie, who was busy chasing Rags around the farm. Dewi sure was getting his workout chasing both the dog and the toddler.
“Almost” she spoke as she turned the corner down the hall.
Mini unbuttoned her top and tossed it to the floor, followed by her knickers. Alo did a good job of setting the mood. He was always a hopeless romantic in her mind. It’s what she loved about him.
“Are you ready for me…” she said seductively as she stepped one foot into the shower.
Alo peeked his head from the shower to see her coming over, naked and even though he had seen her naked countless times it never got old for him. She was beyond beautiful and he helped her into the shower. He brought her in got a kiss as his hands caressed her body. The water started to bead on them as he kissed her neck. He grabbed her arse and pulled her close. He was on a mission to kiss her all over and he felt her kisses. Alo brushed her hair out of her face and his hand lingered on her cheek. He looked into her blue eyes before kissing her lips.
“I’m always ready,” he said.
Alo moved around as he kissed her, his hands continued to touch her and kiss her. He kissed her collarbone, after leaving a few love bites on her neck. He couldn’t help turning into a teenager when he was with her. He went to her chest, licking kissing and nibbling before he sucked on her breast. He made sure to not ignore the other breast. He sighed with relief as he kissed down her body. He lifted her leg up and hoped she wouldn’t fall.
“Take hold of something love,” he said before kissing her thigh.
Alo’s fingers traced her entrance as he kissed around. He had to make sure she was wet, he kisses around her clit. He continued to move his fingers up and down, his tongue began to trace around. His fingers slowly entered her, he moved them in a come hither motion. He kissed her clit before he suckled on it. He looked up to make sure he was doing a good job.
Mini didn’t know what it was, but whenever she was with Alo it felt right. She felt happy and loved. Although at times she felt like she didn’t deserve to be with him. They had a good thing going, let’s just hope they wouldn’t screw it up. They were good together, most of the time. Alo helped her into the warm shower, the mirror already beginning to fog up. Mini kissed his lips as she wrapped her arms around his lean body. Mini bit her lip as he left love bites around her neck. She was in the moment and she could feel the passion between them. Her breathing grew as he moved his fingers in just the right spot of her clit.
“Don’t stop,” she moaned.
Alo continued a while longer before she pulled him up closer. Mini wanted her chance to make sure Alo was enjoying himself as well. She didn’t want him to do the work all the time. He always did all the work as the man should, but Mini wanted to show off her skills too.
“My turn,” she pressed her lips against his.
Mini grabbed the length of his cock with one hand and got down on her knees on the wet shower floor. She began by gently massaging it with her hand, then with her tongue. She looked up to make sure she was doing a good job before she got back to business. She didn’t want to disappoint him. She wrapped her lips around the tip and moved them back and forth, gently at first.
Alo curled his fingers inside of her, adding pressure to her g-spot. Her moans indicated how well he was doing. He remembered how bad he was at this when they first started. She would hit him or call him an idiot. But they always came back to each other. After each time he learned more about her and now the way he made her squirm and moan, he felt leaps and bounds passed the boy he once was. He was feeding off her delight, it worked him up as he licked and enjoyed all of her. He felt her and he stood up to kiss her lips.
“I’m not stopping ya,” he said with a grin.
He felt her hand take hold and he knew she wasn’t going to mess around. He did enjoy teasing her with kisses. But she knew he was hard and ready. She got to her knees and he made sure her hair was out of her face. She took in as much of him as she could and their eyes locked. He kept thinking about their first time and how quickly they kissed and how quickly she went down on him. The more times they shagged it felt different, this wasn’t about lust anymore. He breathed out and held her hair but he didn’t force anything.
“Oh fuck, oh yeah babe,” he moaned.
He couldn’t keep his eyes open, his legs were starting to tremble. It was strange how such a little thing changed him. He would never say he was tough or a fighter but when she had him like this. He melted. His breathing picked up and his heart was racing. He groaned some more, his mind was too busy dealing out pleasure for him to form words. And he was sure she would know when he was about to cum. His body shivered as he groaned louder, he was getting close.
Mini knew exactly how to time it. She took his trembling as her doing a good job. She knew how he liked it. When you only have hooked up with one person the past three years, you learn their body. It just happens. She knew it wouldn’t take long for him to cum so she took her time. She brings her lips to the tip and back again. She took her tongue and licked around the edges. He was about to cum.
“How’s that babe?” she smirked and brought herself to her feet as the water washed it all down the drain.
She grabbed his face and began making out underneath the shower head. It was romantic and passionate at the same time. It had felt like the first time, although with more experience and maturity. She felt like a giddy school girl again over her first crush. She could feel her fingers and toes being to prune from the warm water. She lost track of time. It would be lunch time soon and she knew Gracie would be getting hungry, even though Dewi was more than capable of feeding her himself. Sooner or later Gracie would wonder where her parents went.
“Have you worked up an appetite?”
She could make a few sandwiches and they could have a picnic on the farm as a family. Mini enjoyed the family activities and she knew Alo did too, it made her feel like they were just a normal couple with a child. All she ever wants is to be normal.
She lifted herself up as he came, she began to kiss him before he was finished. He held her close and grabbed at her greedily. She spoke of food but his appetite for her wasn’t satiated. He shut the water off so they wouldn’t continue to [rune up and he turned her over. She could hold the shower walls as he slide into her. He held her hips as he pushed into her. He didn’t want their fun to end. That was the downside to having a child around, they couldn’t be horny teenagers, they had to be horny adults.
“I’m not done with you, love,” he grunted softly.
Alo grabbed her breasts and pulled her up. As he pumped into her he kissed and nibbled her neck. He was breathing heavily as he cupped her breasts. He massaged them, played with her nipples and kissed her lips when she turned her head. Their bodies still covered with beads of water and soon sweat. He moaned softly as he moved his hips. He wanted to cum with her, he felt selfish even though he had eaten her out. He wanted her to cum again.
“Oh fuck, oh fuck,” he grunted.
He continued to touch her like it was the first time. His hand quickly slide down her taut and wet body to her clit. He was breathing against her neck as he continued to pump in and out, as far as he could push himself into her. The movements were quick with how wet she had become. He moaned softly and hoped their daughter was too busy with animals to care about anything.
Mini got back in the moment and he pulled her back up. The water turned to sweat as their bodies moved together. Her breath increased as he nibbled her her neck. He knew how to pull her back in. She held on to the walls as he entered her. She reached for the back of his head and gripped her fingers in his ginger mop. Her breathing more heavy as he moved inside her. Alo’s goal was always to have them cum at the same time which is why she wasn’t surprised when he said he wasn’t done with her. He always knew how to make the moment just right.
“Right there, yes,” she moaned.
She arched her back slightly and tilted her head back. She could feel herself in the moment. She grabbed and kissed his jaw as she pulled herself in close.
Mini was confused about the whole relationship situation still. They weren’t a couple, they were just taking things slow, right? She was confused because taking it slow was the last thing it had felt like. They were just having sex. Passionate sex. Sex a normal couple with a baby would do, although they weren’t a normal couple.She did enjoy the sex but she wondered where this was headed. Mini was a stay-at-home mom and Alo had his weed business. She understood it was a way to pay the bills, but she still thought it was dangerous. She was scared for Alo. Her biggest fear was Gracie growing up without a father like she did. She was beginning to understand what the ups and downs of parenting really means.
Her moans drove him wild, and he felt like a wild animal. He was massaging her, kissing her like a hungry beats. He wasn’t sure what came over him, like they hadn’t shagged in ages. But he was thrusting deep and moaning loudly as he was getting closer. She was still moaning and her body was reacting naturally but she seemed distracted. He ignored it, he had to or it would ruin this small window of alone time that they had. He continued to caress her clit and he waited to hear the right noises.
“I love you,” he moaned. “I’ll always love you.”
Could it be the throws of passion? Maybe he was breaking their go slow rule. But he wanted her, needed her in his life. They had created life and they fought and were far from perfect. But he loved her more than ever. He knew they wouldn’t be a fairy tale. They would fight and disagree. But he would make it work. These thoughts slowed his climax.
“Are you close?” he asked breathlessly.
He kissed her shoulder as he continued and he was trying to stop thinking. Thinking slowed him down. They didn’t have much time and he wanted to be dressed when Gracie barged in. He was sure his parents were spoiling her anyway. Even at his mother’s meanest she still would do anything for his daughter. He closed his eyes as he tried to only think about Mini.
A day didn’t go by when Alo didn’t say I love you. She knew he meant it but for her, love was a loaded word. She loves him. She will always love them because they created a family together, another life. She would not trade Gracie for the world. She was distracted for a moment with thoughts bouncing her head. She hoped Alo wouldn’t notice although it’s possible he already knows. He always knows when something is on her mind which is why they can never hide anything from each other.
“I know..” she said breathlessly, “I love you too..”
She felt as Alo slowed his climax. He knew they weren’t perfect either. At this point in life it was unlikely that they would ever be perfect. Mini was adjusting to the idea that this would be her life and she better be happy about it. She’s in her early 20′s and considered a young adult with responsibilities. Her party days were behind her and it was all about motherhood. She shook the thoughts from her head and got back in the moment by thrusting her hips with his. She felt him massaging her clit in all the right spaces. Her breath increased and she closed her eyes as she felt in the moment.
“ah..yes.. almost there..” she moaned.
She did enjoy the sex and Alo’s company. She knew she was lucky to have such a great guy because she can’t deny Alo isn’t a gentlemen. He knows how to treat Mini and he is a great father. But these other thoughts often cloud her mind and she struggles to let them go.
Alo doubled down with kisses and massages, he wasn’t sure his message came through. They needed to talk and they both knew it. He felt her getting close and it made it easier to achieve the crescendo. They were both moaning and his keen fatherly ears heard no door open. So they would be safe for now. He gripped her hips and pulled her in he moaned louder. His whole body shivered as he came. He moaned once again and kissed her shoulder. He pulled out so he could turn her. Alo cupped her face and looked into her bright blue eyes.
“Mini, I adore you. You and Gracie are my world. I know I’m not perfect but I’d do anything for you.” Alo said and kissed her.
Unlike Christmas where they knew Gracie wouldn’t barge in, they had to hastily get dressed. Alo wanted to get out the grill and cook up some meats and corn on the cob. He felt like Mini needed a day off. She worked so hard as a house cleaner and mother that he wanted to spoil her. He hopped out of the shower and helped dry her off before he dried himself. He went to the bedroom to get close, holding Mini’s hand before getting dressed. He looked at her after he was clothed and smiled.
“Let’s give it another go, you move in yeah? We’ll be a proper couple and that,” he said. “I think we can do it this time.”
She loved the way he held her, the way he moved her, and the way he kissed her. It made her forget all their problems for a moment. He knew and she knew they were due for a talk soon. She knew how much he adored her and Gracie and how he would do anything for them. Mini closed her eyes as she was in the moment and kissed him back with her hand rested behind his neck.
“I know,” she said and kissed him “I love your for that.”
Mini dried off and followed Alo back to the bedroom where she grabbed her clothes scattered and put them on quickly. Gracie wouldn’t be occupied for much longer and would soon realize where her mum and pop went. Mini dried her hair a little more before she took a come though it to comb the knots.
Mini paused at Alo’s question. A proper couple would be nice. It would make things easier if she were to move in and it would be good for Gracie to have her family together under one roof. She questioned if it would really be different this time. How was this different than last time, she thought. It wasn’t like they were rushing into things, they have been on and off for the past 3+ years.
“That would be great, it really would but..” she hesitated “I think we need to talk about a few things first.” She didn’t say no.
As she thought it over while they walked into the kitchen the silence scared him. But instead of yelling she was calm. That scared him more. He was sure he knew Mini and this calmness lead to we need to talk. Which he was sure he knew what she was going to say. As he poured two cups of coffee for them he tried to play dumb. Because it was better than jumping on something else and getting yelled at for two things. He handed her the cup and chuckled nervously.
“Of course we can chat,” he said.
He had known she wouldn’t jump up and down saying yes. He didn’t have the besrt diamond ring and a proposal. He just wanted things to be normal for Grace. He also didn’t want another year of emotionless sex. He adored her but sometimes he did stupid things. But this was the time to not admit those things. He was close to her and if she started hitting him he would truly regret being this close. But his hand wasn’t in the cookie jar.
“You want to start? As of right now I have nothing besides I think you moving in would be best for Gracie.”
She was thinking what she was going to say and how she felt. They had their ups and downs, clearly, and they had to work through them one step at a time. This was just another step. She agreed that moving in was best for Grace. They could actually pass for a normal-ish couple, who lived on a pot farm. That was the only issue Mini had with it.
“Sure we can talk now..” she gripped her mug tight.
Mini didn’t know if she could trust him. She knew he was a good father, but she didn’t know what he did outside of that. She knows about his work on the farm and his pot business but not much else. It was hard for her to trust him. She does love him and she always will. He’s Grace’s dad and she will always have a relationship with him. She had just hoped this conversation would remain calm, but she knew it wouldn’t. It never does. It always ended in an argument, then makeup sex. That was the cycle and that’s how Alo sucked her back in. He did a good job because she always went back. She couldn’t take it anymore.
“It’s about your side business,” she said calmly “and the people you associate yourself with.” she took hold of her mug and sipped at her coffee. “I just want to hear the truth, about the weed, everything.”
Alo had a feeling this would come up but he had still been cautious because he could have easily fucked up at something else. He knew why she was irked but he also in his own mind had an explanation. He wanted the best for his daughter but knew as a farmer she wouldn’t get the best. So he was cheating the system. He was trying to build up a cache of funds for her. The farm money paid for any extra workers, food and other humane needs. The pot money was put into a CD or savings account, something that gained interest.
“Mins, it’s not like that,” he said.
Alo had the answers but he probably should hire a lawyer or someone smarter than he to explain. In his head it made sense. But he was also dealing with unsavory people. He wasn’t even sure how unsavory. But he knew one thing. The money was good. He wasn’t sure he could just toss it away. He also was sure if he tried the bloke that bought his pot would kill him. He wasn’t sure how he would get out of this.
“It’s easy money Mins, and I don’t spend it. It’s all for Gracie. So she can do uni and be better than me,” he said. He still knew it was bad but he tried to fight his case.
Mini held tight to her mug and waited for Alo to explain himself. She knew why he was doing what he was doing- It was for Gracie. That’s what it’s been about all along. They both agreed on that. But there was more too it.
“Oh yeah.. how is it then,” she asked in a stern manner.
Easy money. Sure. It was still illegal though and that is what Mini disapproved of most. She was scared Alo would get caught and be taken away or a deal gone bad and get killed. All were thoughts that raced through her head. She didn’t want Grace to grow up without a father. It made her angry to think those thoughts and she knew it was a matter of time before this turned into a screaming argument. Alo was trying so hard to defend his case in the only words he knew how to explain.
“You’re telling me that you’re okay with our daughter using the easy money from selling to go to Uni?” she asked furiously. “It’s not alright, Alo!”
She set her mug down on the table and stood up. She was heated. Although she knew Alo’s kept his weed business safe as possible, but things could change and people can turn. All Mini wanted was for her family to be safe.
