Life with Aunt Jess Pt. 01

"Yes," Grammi answered. "Is she going to be alright?"

"She needs immediate surgery. She has a rather large tumor in her uterus. It is about the size of a tennis ball."

"Why is it just bothering her now?" Mom asked.

"Yes, why wouldn't it have cause problems before?" I added.

The doctor paused, with a concerned look on his face. "Well, The tumor is rooted in the muscle. With her age, we don't want to do a full hysterectomy. We are going to go in through a small incision just above her pubic bone and open the uterus, then scrape the tumor away from the lining and muscle. We will try to do as little damage as possible. That being said, the chances of her being able to conceive let alone carry a baby are slim and maybe even dangerous."

"Dangerous? How?" asked mom.

"If she becomes pregnant, she and/or the baby may die. It is my professional opinion that we should perform a tubal ligation to prevent any chance for pregnancy. That is entirely up to you and Miss Bailey."

"If I had any say in it.." I started. The doctor glared at me as if I had no place speaking my mind. I chose not to continue.

Grammi looked at me with her warm eyes and said, "You do have some say, Honey. And I will say that I would go forward with the tubal ligation. I may be selfish, but I do not want to lose my baby."

"I agree," said Mom. "But, I think it is ultimately Jess' decision."

"She chooses to go ahead with the procedure." The doctor looked at me and finally asked me, "What is your opinion, young man? Miss Bailey seems to think you are as part of this decision as she is."

"Tie her tubes," I said. "She is far too important to lose. And there is always adoption."

"Very well," the doctor said.

"Thank you doctor," Grammi said. "When will you be doing the surgery?"

"As soon as we get the paperwork done and her prepped. Time is of the essence."

"Show me where to sign," Grammi said with a sense of urgency.

"The paperwork will be waiting for you at the admissions desk. I will send a nurse to help you find the desk, if you need it."

"No," said Mom. " We are familiar with this hospital."

"Very well. I will keep you informed." With that, he turned and walked away. We all went to the admissions office and got the papers filed. We were then showed to the family waiting room, where we stayed for the three hours that Jess was in surgery. It seemed to be an eternity till a nurse came in and told us Jess was in recovery and doing well. We could go to her room and see her soon after she woke.

It was more than an hour later when a nurse came and escorted us to Jess' room. We came in just as they were getting her transferred to the bed . "Hi baby, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"I have a little pain, but it is nothing near what I was feeling this morning. They tell me they got it just in time before the tumor started poisoning my system."

A nurse interrupted, "The doctor will be in shortly to give you more details. Now, Jessica, if you need anything, you call push this call button. I will be back shortly with the menu for your evening meal."

"Thank you, but I don't feel much like eating right now," Jess said.

"You need to eat something, you need to keep your strength up. It will be only liquid tonight. Broth, juice, maybe Jello. If you need to pee, you can call me and I will help you with the bedpan. This is only for tonight. We will be getting you up and around tomorrow. I will be back in awhile to check your vitals and whatnot."

"Thank you," we all said.

We visited with Jess for awhile, the usual conversation for somebody in a hospital. Soon, the doctor came in. "How are we doing, Jessica?" he asked.

"Please, Jess," she said. "I am doing... better. I have a little pain. But nothing like earlier."

"Have an upset stomach? Headache? Vomiting? These are all normal after a surgery, but if they get to bad we will need to know so we can give you something for it."

"No, thanks. I am fine."

"Okay. Now young lady, what we did is rather invasive, but not nearly as bad as it was years ago. We went in and took the tumor. I am sure we got it all. We did the tubal while we we were in there. I do ask that you refrain from sex for at least a month. I will need to do a pelvic exam, before I can recommend resuming and sexual activities. Stay away from swimming pools for at least a month. We don't need you getting any unnecessary infections."

"What about masturbation?" Jess asked with a little twinkle in her eyes.

"If you can, I would ask you refrain from that as well, for at least a month, but you will have to be the judge on that. Stay away from vibrators and dildos until I give you the go-ahead, please. You will not have periods as you remember them. You may spot occasionally and maybe even have full period, once in awhile. Every case is different."

"How bad was it in there?" she asked.

"The tumor was rooted in the muscle very well, but we were able to separate them. Most of the lining... the part that makes conception possible, was sacrificed. This is why I feel your periods will not be what you have come to know."

"Will I be normal?"

"Normal, is a loose term, but, for the most part, you should be."

"Thank you, Doc."

"Well, you get some rest, young lady. I will come in and see you in the morning." He was met the food server at the door as he was leaving. He studied the contents of the tray, rolled his eyes and went on about his business.

The woman set up the tray for Jess, said "Enjoy." and left.

Jess looked it over and rolled her eyes, like the doctor did. She had a cup of chicken broth, a small cup of apple juice and a dish of lime Jello. "Mmm, Lime Jello. My favorite," Jess said sarcastically.

"Eat up, Honey," Grammi ordered. "You need to keep you strength up."

"With this?" Jess argued.

"Yes," I said looking her in the eyes, trying to look stern. "Don't you think they want you to have the best nutrition and the best flavor?"

"Flavor? With this? Get me a pizza Baby... Please."

"I can't do that. As much as I would love to." I apologized.

"I know." Jess picked up her spoon and ate her Jello. She sipped her broth, curled her nose at it and set it a side. She then drank all her apple juice in a few gulps. When she finished she continued, "That was completely awful."

"Finish your broth, Honey," Grammi suggested.

"No, it sucks. You know what I really want right now?"

"What would that be?" asked Mom.

"A kiss," looking right at me. I was not one to let her down. I stepped up beside her, carefully leaned over her, and kissed her softly. She put her hand on the back of my head, pulling me back for another longer kiss. "I love you Charles Edward Tuttle." Her eyes seemed larger and warmer than they had in a long time.

"You have been feeling less than one hundred percent for awhile, haven't you?" She looked at me with a puzzled gaze. "I haven't seen your eyes look that clear for some time. It is back." She put both her hands on either side of my face and pulled me in for a surprisingly passionate kiss. It embarrassed me a little, but didn't seem to bother Jess any. Mom and Grammi didn't seem to be against any of the action.

"Kissing is probably okay, kids. But you need to be careful," Grammi insisted.

"Yes, I got a little carried away," Jess agreed.

We stayed as long as the hospital would allow us. When visiting hours was over, we kissed Jess goodbye and left her. We were relieved she wasn't worse off than she was. We knew her youth was on her side. I slept easier that night despite the fact that I was sleeping in Jess' bed and she wasn't there with me.

We went to the hospital early the next day to spend as much time with Jess as possible. When we came into her room, she was gone. Her name was still in the slot on the door, so I was a little confused and just a little worried, until she, with the help of a nurse, came back into the room. "I needed a shower," Jess said as she was being helped back into bed.

"She insisted it be a real shower," the nurse said.

"And if she keeps going like this we will have to ask her to leave before the end of the week. And give the bed to somebody who really needs it," the doctor added as he walked into the room. "We got a report back from pathology. The tumor was benign , although it would have caused problems later if it had gotten bigger. We are going to keep her here for three more days and keep up with the antibiotics to stave off any infections that may occur. And as far as meal times, you can go ambulatory, and eat in the commissary."

After lunch that day, Jess got a visit from some of her friends at school. I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy, Misty, Amber, Tom, David, Kendall and James. They all seemed genuinely concerned for Jess' well being. They were also curious about me and our relationship. "This is my nephew, Charles. He prefers to be called Chet," Jess told her friends. The next thing she she said set the entire room to silence, at least for a moment. "He is also the man I am in love with." She said it with such pride, but I blushed with embarrassment, not knowing how her friends would react.

After a few tense seconds, Misty chuckled sweetly, and said, "So this is the one that has you so head over heels. I see what you like. He's hot."

Tom shook my hand and said, "Balls, dawg. I have had feelings for my Aunt and never had the nerve to tell her." I felt the tension in the room drop, like instantly.

"Now I know I am not alone in my perversions," Kendall admitted. "Maybe this isn't as unique as we have been taught." From that moment on, we all shared a kindred bond. As I found out later, Misty and David are cousins and have been together nearly as long as Jess and I. What shocked me the most was that the entire town knew and accepted them as a genuine couple.

Jess was released from the hospital after the forth day. She was back to better than recent normal. Other than a small amount of pain, she had no other affects from the surgery. Mom and I stayed with she, Pap and Grammi until the weekend. I would have to be going back to school on Monday, and so would Jess, I assumed. I did enjoy the week with Jess, though, I couldn't have her. I was just happy to be with her and for her to be feeling better.

Tom and I had become the best of friends over the week. I learned he was learning to play the guitar. Listening to him talk about it, aroused the interest in my as well. Once back home, I begged Dad to allow me to buy a good electric guitar and amp. Of course I would need lessons as well. Dad agreed to the instrument easier than I thought possible. Tom and I spent almost as much time talking on the phone as Jess and I. She accused him of "backdooring" me. Jokingly, of course.

Two weeks after Jess' surgery, we planned a small party for her recovery. All my new friends, Jess' lifelong friends, were invited as well. The weekend was going to be a busy one to say the least. The festivities began early in the afternoon, the guests were invited to start showing up at one o'clock. Being mid January, we held the party in Pap's heated shop. Tom and Amber were the first to arrive shortly before one o'clock. The rest arrived shortly thereafter, along with a few more friends from Jess' school. She asked me not to make a scene in front of the ones I did not know. She was merely classmates with them and unsure of their possible reaction. I agreed and we acted like normal family while they were present.

The party went just as any family oriented party would go. We had a meal with loads of sweets and a large bowl of un-spiked punch. I hung close to Jess and her friends, but at times, I must admit, I felt a little out of place. Most of the conversations centered around the goings on at school. I didn't know any of the people they talked about.

Thankfully, most of the party-goers left in a couple hours. The only ones left were the members of our circle, and family members, of course. With a huge sigh of relief, I embraced Jess, gave her a massive kiss, and said, "Oh, Baby. I have missed you."

She laughed as she kissed me back. "Now the real fun can begin." She chuckled. "What are we able to do, though. It is freezing outside."

Without hesitation, Tom ran to his car and brought back his guitar and amp. "I know you all may not be interested but I just had to show it off," he said excitedly. He pulled the instrument out of the case and plugged it in. After making sure it was in tune he played a few rudimentary tunes. "I am not that good yet, but this is just the beginning." I watched in awe as he played around showing the chords he had learned and some of the fingering he was practicing.

Within an hour, Kendall, David, James and I were convinced we needed to have guitars as well. I had already started working Dad to let me get one. He took me to the side, "You told me last week you would really like to get one of these things."

"Yes," I answered.

"Are you into it for the long haul? If you are just going to give it up in a couple months, we can forget it all."

"No, Dad," I said in all earnest. "I mean, yes. I am into it for the long haul."

"Okay then," He said after a moment of thought. "You will be using your own money for the instrument and lessons. You have enough, right?"

"I am sure I have plenty," I answered. "How much, Tommy?"

"Depends on what you want. I paid nine hundred for my Fender. Three hundred for the amp."

"We'll have to go on-line and see what is available."

"How 'bout we just go to Guitar Center?" suggested Jess.

"Great idea, Baby!" I yelled. We all piled into a couple cars and headed for the nearby Guitar Center.

When we got there, a young salesman told us we could take the guitar of our choice down, plug it in, and play it. "We don't know how to play," I informed the salesman. "Can you recommend a good starter package?" He showed us several options and explained the differences between each. After looking over the selection and deciding which we wanted, we promised the salesman we would be back soon to purchase them,and went back to the house.

"Did you find what you wanted?" asked Dad.

"Yes," I said. "I am getting a Gibson Les Paul Studio and Carvin amp. I will get the money out of my account on Monday. I just hope the store up there has the one I want in stock."

"I am sure they will. Or you will be able to order it," Mom added. "Are you interested in getting an electric piano, Jess? I know you have taken lessons for years. I have never heard you play, though, I am sorry to say."

"Nobody, but Mom and Dad, have heard me play. I am not good enough for an audience," replied.

"That is only your opinion. I think you are a great pianist," Grammi stated.

"All this time I have been following you like a lost puppy and you have never played for me, either," I threw into the conversation. "And I thought I knew you."

"I told you, I am not good enough to play for an audience. Not even family. I am sorry. I don't want to embarrass myself." Jess looked like she had been backed into a corner. All eyes were on her. She looked at around at everybody, then with large tears in her eyes, ran out of the house. I followed her and caught up to her as she approached the corral on the far side of the driveway. "I am so embarrassed," she said through her sobs.

"Are you feeling alright?" I asked as I put my arms around her. She resisted a little at first then slowly melted into my embrace. "Look," I said after a short pause. "I cannot say I am not a little disappointed that you never told me about the piano lessons. I mean, I didn't think we had any secrets. And, how did it not come up with us talking everyday?"

"I told you, I am embarrassed."

"Would it be closer to assume that you are just shy about having people watch you and maybe judge your talent?"

"Yes," she agreed. "Maybe I am shy about that."

"Well, don't think about that. We are family and friends. We all love you. Nothing will change that. And I will bet everything I have that you are a wonderful pianist."

"Do you see a piano in the house? I have to play at school or in the church. You know how uncomfortable I am in the church. One day they will know about us and they will pass their fake judgment on us."

"We can fix that," I said. "Come to my place next weekend and we will go into the music shop up there and look for a good electronic piano for you."

"Would you do that for me?"

"Dammit, Jess. You know how much I love you. You know I would do anything within my means for you."

"Yes, Chet. I do know. But, how can you afford to spoil me? Am I worth it?"

"I have told you. I work for Grandma Tuttle. And she pays very well. I have saved nearly every penny she has given me, to date. Trust me, what I have in my account will more than cover our instruments. And, yes, you are worth it. To me, you are worth a hundred times... a thousand times what I have in my account."

"Chet... Marry me," she said. She put her arms around my neck and hugged me tight. "Ow. Maybe a little too soon for such a tight hug."

"Be careful, baby."

"It's okay. I only hurts a little. Besides, to be able to hold you is worth it."

"Maybe not so tight. Just the same amount of love," I smiled into her eyes and they sparkled in approval. "And as far as marrying you. I say, YES. But we will have to wait a couple years. Till we are both out of school. "

"Can I tell my friends I am engaged?"

"Sure. Now, do you think we should get back to our guests?" She nodded and we went back to the house. Just as we did for nearly everywhere else we went, we walked hand in hand. I stopped at the door. Before we went in, I turned to face her. "I love you, Jess... With all my heart."

"And I love you with all my heart," answered Jess. We opened the door and walked into a house full of concerned family and friends. They felt much better once we explained why Jess ran out, and how we were going to remedy the situation.

The next evening, a Sunday evening, we had just arrived back home from our weekend visit with the Bailey side of the family. Dad and I were sitting in the living room discussing the money I was going to be spending on mine and Jess' music instruments. "How much money do you have in your account?" he asked.

"The last time I checked, I had a hundred and thirty two thousand dollars and some change," I said.

Dad looked shocked, "I didn't know Grandma was paying you that much. I knew she was giving you a lot, but never realized it was so much. And you haven't really spent much of it. I am shocked, but more than that, I am pleased. It would take a great amount of self control to not be begging to spend more of that money."

"I had a few clear goals in mind. I always knew I would want to buy nice things for Jess, and some of these things will be expensive. I also would like to buy a car. You know my nineteenth birthday is just a little over a month away."

"Yes, I am very aware of that fact. And I suppose you think you have to have brand new car."

"No. Actually, I have an old one in mind. I have been looking at this classic car website and found a car I would really like to have."

"More.." dad said with a bewildered look.

"I found a 1960 Chevy Impala two door that is ninety percent restored. He wants twenty thousand for it, and all it needs, according to the ad, is paint."

"Let's have a look," Dad suggested. We went to his study to look it up on his computer. Within minutes, we found the listing. In the picture was a 1960 Impala two door in primer. The listing said it had an LS3 crate engine coupled to a custom power glide transmission, leading to an independent rear suspension from a corvette. The body was completely stock with the exception of the rear wheel tubs set wide enough for thirteen inch wide tires. "Looks like a pretty good deal. I don't see anything about the interior, though. Do you have any idea how much it will cost to finish this? Are you going to do the work, or have somebody else do it?"