Date: Sun, 13 Dec 2015 13:49:47 -0500
From: Jesse McMillan <writingafewstories@gmail.com>
Subject: Giving Us A Chance-Chapter 7

"The Old McPherson place" was anything but what its name described. Sitting
in the midst of one of the naturally occurring "balds" that dot the
southern Blue Ridge Highlands, construction on the massive log A-frame had
only begun on the land Dr McPherson had purchased some five years ago. It
had been his intended retirement retreat from the busy city practice he'd
spent most of his life building. Yet sadly Dr McPherson had not lived to
see his dream project through. There had been countless prospective buyers
who'd taken Mrs McPherson's tour of the rustic sanctuary with it's
commanding view of the Appalachians from well over 4,000 feet. Yet somehow
no one ever "worked out" to suit Mrs McPherson's idea of just who needed to
live in the house.

Lydia McPherson knew what most of the folks in the town below said about
her. She knew they thought she was crazy! And perhaps living by herself on
the mountain, having just turned 70, did make her a bit insane. But she
didn't care. This had been her Arthur's dream. All his hopes for his and
her retirement years were bound up in the timber that surrounded her. She
wasn't about to let just anyone move into her Arthur's sanctuary! She
supposed that was what had so intrigued her when she'd heard Betty Jo
McManus' story at the Red Hat Society luncheon the other day. Betty'd been
arguing with some other woman about her son and his, if Lydia'd overheard
correctly, new boyfriend.

Betty Jo hadn't specifically referred to her son as having a boyfriend. But
the other lady had been more than a bit disgruntled when she'd set eyes on
Betty Jo, accusing her son of "being a pervert who couldn't make his mind
up if he wanted her daughter," a Meagan she thought, "or if he wanted
another man." And Lydia had specifically heard Betty Jo, quite more calmly
than she felt she could've done herself had someone insulted her children,
explain that Betty's son and this other person, a Mason, were merely giving
things a chance, to see where they went. Still to this very moment she
couldn't explain what had taken hold of her senses. A homosexual couple
certainly wasn't what she'd "planned on" while waiting for who she felt
were the rightful next occupants of her Arthur's dream. Yet something had
seemed to tug at her heart as she'd sat listening to the chatter and
laughter that had filled the meeting that day. Something had just felt
right, insomuch that as soon as the meeting was over she'd gone strait to
Betty Jo McManus and made her an offer.

"You tell your son that, if he's interested, he's welcome to bring his
significant other up the mountain and tour the house!"

==============================================================================================================================================

Aidan drummed his fingers anxiously as he steered the Mustang along the
paved road. Though the road that led to the McPherson house was
well-maintained, owing to it's being the closest way across the mountains
into the next state, Aidan worried about Mason's reaction to the isolation
of living atop the mountain. Neither he nor Mason were terribly keen on the
idea of moving so far away from town. They'd purposely chosen to keep both
their apartments, in case things didn't work out between them. But his
mother had been adamant in her opinion that they needed somewhere that was
neither his nor his, but theirs. ("You need to make a fresh start, get away
from the memories of the apartments and focus on seeing if you can make new
memories together.")

He supposed his mother was right in her reasoning. He had to admit that
these few weeks had been, at times, awkward, knowing they were sleeping in
the same bed he and Meagan had slept in several times before. They'd chosen
to alternate between the two apartments, but much of Aidan's sports
equipment and workout gear was too cumbersome to lug from apartment to
apartment. On most of these nights when he'd finished lifting he'd simply
ask Mason if they couldn't "crash where they were." Mason, being Mason,
would all-too-easily give in and be content to spend the evening smelling
the foul stench of a week's worth of laundry as it waited its turn to be
dumped into the machine.

There was still no spark between Aidan and Mason, no sudden urge to simply
take Mason's small form into his arms and ravish him, but still Aidan
couldn't help but feel proud of himself. Though he knew Mason hoped and
dreamed for more in the future, Aidan could truly say he was giving his all
to their "prospective" relationship. But this was proving not to be without
its difficulties and worries. Though Mason never objected or complained,
Aidan feared there was a fine unspoken line between being respectful and
caring in the type of relationship he and Mason were trying out and simply
treating Mason like any other woman he might've dated.

He'd watched carefully for Mason's reactions in those earliest days of
their trying things out. Holding the door and helping lug groceries hadn't
wrought any unpleasant reactions, but the day he'd teased Mason about
"fixing the man of the house a sandwich" had brought an unmistakable flinch
and several moments of uncomfortable silence before Aidan had
apologized. Yet trial-and-error as their relationship may have still been,
Aidan and Mason had settled into a comfortable routine.

They had breakfast together each morning before going to their respective
jobs, Mason at the local recording studio and Aidan having only recently
been hired as a welder at the rail yard. They called and chatted for the
majority of their lunch breaks. They worked together most nights to cook a
decent dinner together before bed. Things had even progressed to a night
where Mason had, without thinking, snuggled into Aidan's side while they
watched television. He'd unwittingly gotten into the habit of doing so
every night after, and the crazy thing was that Aidan didn't mind.

It wasn't such a bad thing having Mason for a "try-out boyfriend." Having
known each other for such a long time before, Mason seemed to instinctively
know the boundaries of comfort between them. He was always willing for more
contact or interaction between them, yet sensed immediately when Aidan
became uncomfortable. He knew how to joke to lighten Aidan's mood after he
came home with aching back and muscles. He knew how to calm Aidan's anger
after the still-daily calls from Meagan or her family. Mason knew Aidan,
knew what made him happy and pleased him. Aidan chuckled at the thought
that shot through his mind as he chanced a sideways glance at Mason. "Now
if we could only get past the sex thing we'd be perfect!" But the thought
had no more ran through his mind than he regretted it. That was out of the
question! He'd promised himself from the beginning he wasn't going there!

It wasn't that the idea repulsed him. And it certainly wasn't some issue
with Mason. He'd cracked countless jokes throughout the years at Masons
"girly pretty looks." And he was; guy or not, Mason was lovely! But though
the thought set Aidan more than a little on edge (he had no clue how to
"do" anything with a guy) it wasn't the actual thought of sex that bothered
him. No, it was much more than that.

Aidan knew how much Mason loved him. He'd known for years Mason held
feelings for him. But the longer they spent together the more Aidan
realized the truth. It was more than just feelings for Mason; he loved
Aidan! Aidan could see it in his eyes, see it in the way he looked at
him. He ground his teeth as these thoughts echoed round his brain. He'd be
damned if he'd treat Mason like some cheap hookup! If and when they ever
"did anything" it would be special, and he, Aidan, would show Mason just
how special he was! That was exactly why they were driving up this mountain
to begin with!

His mom had promised him she wasn't playing some kind of crazy joke when
she'd said old Mrs McPherson was interested in talking to them about their
living in that big house she had on the mountain. Everyone knew about that
place; it was huge. And all those "snowbird" tourists who came from Florida
to spend the summer months would pay out the ass for the view that Mrs
McPherson woke to every morning! Mason deserved something like that. He
deserved Aidan giving him something special. And if Aidan had anything to
say about it, he would!

==============================================================================================================================================

Mason sat humming contentedly to himself as they made the drive up the
mountain road. He wasn't sure exactly where it was that Aidan had in
mind. The only thing he could remember that sat this far along the state
road was the old McPherson House. Aidan hadn't given any hints as to what
their destination was, merely smiling slyly and asking if he might do the
driving in Mason's truck. Mason didn't mind this. He didn't want to be
treated like some small infantile weakling. But Aidan had been so wonderful
about the whole thing. He'd gone out of his way to make sure he didn't
demean Mason into feeling like "the subservient" in their relationship. He
smiled a bit as he glanced at Aidan. He was trying so hard!

To Mason's great surprise Aidan did indeed direct the Mustang along the
drive that left the state road and made its way toward the McPherson
house. And to his even greater surprise Mrs McPherson stood waiving to them
from the expansive porch that wrapped round the front of the imposing
A-frame. Aidan chanced a small smile toward Mason as he brought the Mustang
to a halt within feet of the house. "Well, here we are." "What do you mean?
What's going on?"

Neither Mason nor Aidan had ever spoken at great length with Lydia
McPherson, but she proved to be a gracious, welcoming hostess. "Good
morning! I'm so glad you were able to make it up to visit! Now, if you'll
just follow me I'll take you on a tour!"

==============================================================================================================================================

Though the house's eastern front was indeed built in a traditional A-frame
construction, complete with floor to ceiling windows that were sure to
capture every bit of morning sunlight, the massive timbered house was
anything but the minuscule one-floor home with loft many imagine when
hearing the description "A-frame." Indeed, the "A-frame" was merely what
Mrs McPherson described as "the great room," a splendid room with towering
beam ceilings and decor that gave the ambience of having stepped into one
of the great western mountain lodge retreats of days gone by.

Mason allowed his eyes to roam the buffalo prints and plaids that lay
strewn across the leather furniture and varnished wooden surfaces. But it
was the massive natural stone fireplace which, with the exception of two
great beam archways that lead into other parts of the house, occupied the
entire western wall that his eyes were most drawn too. He dreamily wondered
what the house would look like bedecked for the Holidays. How splendid
would the house feel with a towering Christmas tree and wonderful evergreen
bows along the fireplace mantle?!

 Worn saddles, horseshoes, and all sorts of what Mrs McPherson jokingly
waived away as "her husbands cowboy obsession" hung along the walls and
from the ceiling. A giant chandelier made from three great tree limbs that
had been stripped and varnished gave a soft glow to the center of the
room. A beautiful grand piano sat in one of the corners where the towering
windows poured light upon the music upon its stand. Wrought iron
candelabras, complete with drippy wax, stood in each corner. Mason felt as
though he'd stepped into a dream. But why were he and Aidan here?

The rest of the house proved to be every bit as stunning as the wonderful
great room. The two archways led from the great room into a beautiful
towering hall with staircases on either side that led to the second
floor. Through another archway beyond the stairs lay a kitchen that
would've been the envy of any chef, with more expansive windows that viewed
what appeared to be a lovely evening sitting area, complete with stone fire
pit and grill. But it was the master bedroom that truly astounded Aidan and
Mason both.

The master bedroom sat just atop the stairs. Though there were no less that
six bedrooms in the house, a massive set of doors, framed by intricate wood
carvings of buffalo, turkeys, and deer, left no question where the master
of the house was intended to sleep. The suite was surprisingly
elegant. Though still dawned in the dark greens and plaids so often
associated with the western hunting lodges, towering windows along the
western wall allowed wonderful light to fill the room. The massive bed,
complete with sumptuous heavy drapes that enclose round it, sat upon a
stone platform that was intended to elevate the occupants so that they
could have an unobstructed view of the surrounding natural beauty, even
while in bed.

Had he not been growing more puzzled by the minute as to what the hell
Aidan and he were doing at the massive house, the onsuite bathroom would've
taken Mason's breath away. He couldn't help but wonder if his entire
apartment wouldn't have fit into the bathroom alone! The largest tub he'd
ever set eyes upon sat in a corner of the room, providing a wonderful view
of the "bald" fields beyond the house, yet still far enough from the
windows to provide privacy. Yet more intricately carved woodwork adorned
the massive vanity cabinets, topped with a beautiful granite slab that had
been carved only enough to adjoin the smooth surface of the wall. A
wonderful open shower, created from the natural stone of the surrounding
mountains stood invitingly opposite the tub. But though the house was
magnificent one question plagued Mason. Why were they here?

==============================================================================================================================================

Their tour complete Mrs McPherson led the boys back down to the massive
great room. "Well, how about a little refreshment? These cooler fall
temperatures are putting me in the mood for some hot tea!" They sat for
some time, drinking tea and chatting of the goings-on in the town below
them. Mrs McPherson proved to be an excellent host. She'd soon fed them so
many finger sandwiches and cookies that neither felt as though they could
breath properly. But finally Mason's curiosity could be held back no
longer. "Mrs McPherson may I ask something that will, perhaps, sound rather
rude?" "Why certainly. What's on your mind?" "Well.....why are we here?"

To Mason's great surprise both Mrs McPherson and Aidan chuckled at his
question. It was Aidan who turned to him to respond first. "I'm sorry
Mason. I guess I should've told you before now. I wanted it to be a
surprise. We're here to discuss renting from Mrs McPherson." "Surprised"
was an understatement as to how Mason felt. The house was grand, but the
thought of renting one of those bedrooms upstairs while a little old lady
tottered round in the house wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind when
they'd discussed moving! "But, and please forgive me Mrs McPherson, where
will Mrs McPherson live? I mean, I don't quite understand. Will we be
living here together?" This time it was Mrs McPherson who smiled and
replied.

"Why don't I just tell you the whole story? You see, I overheard Betty Jo
discussing your two's situation a few days ago at one of our society
meetings. I was immediately intrigued by your predicament; two young men
attempting to find somewhere to spend time alone to build a relationship."
She bemusedly waived a hand toward their surroundings. "I don't think
you'll find anywhere much more `alone' than here! But you see, I've been
hoping for sometime to find someone to move into the house. I'm returning
to Connecticut soon, and I can't bare to think of my Arthur's dream being
neglected."

She stared round, a sad smile forming on her lips. "I would never have told
my Arthur this, but I wasn't quite as keen on moving here as he was. I've
taken great pains to finish and preserve what he dreamt of here......but
for his sake only. The house is simply too large for one old woman! It
wasn't meant for an old lady to putter round in; it was meant to house
life, to house love! My children have wanted me to move closer to them for
some time now. I've simply been waiting on what, or rather who, felt right
for the house."

Mrs McPherson sat silently for time, her eyes misty as she reminisced on a
life that had never been fated to happen within the house with her own
husband. Eventually, however, she recovered, wiped her eyes delicately, and
pulled a large brown envelope from beneath her purse that had been on the
coffee table since before their arrival. "I hope you boys don't mind; I
took the liberty of asking Betty Jo for both your full names." She pulled
several papers from within the envelope and began rifling through them. "I
believe everything's in order. I had my lawyer review everything
yesterday." With one swift movement she jerked a pen from her purse, signed
a swift signature across the bottom of one paper she held, and shoved the
envelope's contents toward Aidan and Mason. "If you would be kind enough to
allow me a week to pack all my own belongings, I will be out, and you will
be able to move in!"

==============================================================================================================================================

Aidan's smile faded as he took the stack of documents from Mrs
McPherson. Something was off. This wasn't the agreement for rent they'd
discussed over the telephone; this was a deed, a deed with his and Mason's
name stated as the new owners! "Mrs McPherson this doesn't look right. We
discussed renting. This........this looks as though you've given us the
deed. I'm afraid there's been a mistake."

Two small hands reached across the table to take his own. "No, my dear boy,
I'm not mistaken. I told you; I've been waiting for a long time for who
felt like the right people to take my Arthur's house." She chuckled
softly. "I certainly wasn't expecting a couple such as yourselves. But the
more I listened to your mothers story the more I was sure of it! Two young
people with a great deal against them, attempting to take the chance
anyway; it sounded like just the idea of hope in love I'd been waiting on!
I want my Arthur's dream to go to two people who will bring love to the
house, not to just any old touristy outsider! I've dwelt on this since I
spoke with your mother.......I want you to have the house! Now, as to
price...........$200 a month too steep?"

Aidan and Mason sat stunned. "But Mrs McPherson we'd not even considered a
mortgage. We'll have to send in applications and......."

Lydia McPherson waived her hand dismissively. "Oh fiddle! You're not gonna
bother with some foolish loan! I'll send you my new address when I get to
Connecticut, and you can send check or cash directly to me." She suddenly
gave each of them a stern look of determination. " I will not argue this
subject. I've already spoken with my children about this, and they know my
decision. I trust you both to be men of your word and do what's right in
regard to payment. My children have been instructed to send you
correspondence as to when I pass myself. You can consider the house paid in
full at that time, however far or near that may be. Just promise me
something that will put my heart at much great ease than any amount of
money..........just make sure the home is filled with love!"