{ASST} Travel_Companion {Mr_Ed} (MFg, rom, almost vanilla)

Disclaimer:
This story is entirely fiction, and has no basis or 
purpose other than to entertain.  It should not be 
read by any minor, for it is not intended as an 
instructional manual in sex.  If the idea of underage 
sex bothers you, do not read any further.


Travel Companion

by:  Mr. Ed

Taxis in Jamaica have a lot of similarities to sardine 
cans, in they are both packed tight, especially in the 
back seat.  That is where Bruce first met a young girl 
of somewhere between nine and eleven, although he 
didn't give that a lot of thought.  The moment he 
glanced over at her, he felt so sorry for you 
youngster for she was squeezed between himself and 
another man, with yet another person on the other side 
of the car.

"Are you okay like that, miss, or would you prefer to 
sit up on my lap?" he asked.  "You are so squashed in 
back there!"

"If you wouldn't mind, I'd prefer your lap, Mister," 
she replied in a quiet little voice.

Getting her out from between them was a challenge in 
itself, and it took both himself and the other man to 
sit forward and sideways for her to squeeze out.  When 
she did sit down on his lap, everybody in the car was 
far more comfortable, including the girl.

The trip home for him was about a twenty minute ride, 
and about five minutes into the trip, he noticed the 
young girl's head nodding as if she was fighting off 
sleep, or about to drop off asleep.  As she had little 
support sitting upright on his lap, he gently guided 
her back, and let her lean against him.  It was only a 
few moments later, that her head came to rest on his 
shoulder, and she was fast asleep.

"Do you know where this girl lives, driver?" he asked.

"She's just a few chains past your place," replied the 
driver.  That meant he could let her sleep until he 
reached his home, and would wake her for him to come 
out, and leave her awake for her own stop.  He just 
left her to sleep, his arm around her waist for both a 
place to put it, and as a way of holding her in the 
event of a sudden stop.

A short distance before he reached his stop, he woke 
the girl, and told her she was almost home.  He then 
paid his fare, and climbed out when the car stopped at 
his driveway.  Before he had taken more than a few 
steps, the matter was forgotten.



The very next evening, he was once again looking for a 
taxi to carry him home, and was able to find one 
almost immediately.  Being lucky this evening, he 
managed to capture the front seat, the preferred place 
in the car, for nobody else would be packed in beside 
him.  As he waited for the driver to collect the other 
passengers to fill up the back seat, somebody put a 
hand on his arm.  When he looked it was the same young 
girl of last night.

"Is there any chance I could ride up on your lap 
again, Mister?" she asked.  "I've been waiting for you 
to come so I could ride up with you."

"You would have to lean back against me, darling," he 
cautioned her.  "Front seat passengers must wear seat 
belts."

"That's okay, Mister," she said.  Bruce opened the 
door to allow her entrance, and come to rest on is lap 
once more.  With the door closed, the seatbelt was 
stretched out to go around the two of them, and 
fastened in the clamp.  By that time the car was full, 
and they pulled away from the pick up point.

Even before the car was out of the city center, the 
girl's head was resting against his shoulder, and the 
side of his head.  Surprised at the comfort the girl 
seemed to feel, he looked as best he could to see if 
she was asleep, but so far wasn't.  "Are you okay, 
darling?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir!" she replied.  "Could I look for you again 
tomorrow so I could ride with you?"

"I'm afraid not, darling, for I will be using my own 
car tomorrow evening.  I'm getting it back from the 
shop."  This brought the youngster to a sitting 
position, so she could look back at him.

"If I gave you my taxi money, would you carry me up?  
I could walk the rest of the way from where you live 
to my place."

"I wouldn't mind if you wanted to come to where my 
office is, and wait for me," he told her.  "Your 
little money, I don't want it, and you could keep that 
for yourself."

"How would I find your office?" she asked.

"Let me make a deal with you," he suggested.  "You 
tell me your name, and then I'll give you a business 
card.  The address is on there, and it is easy to 
find."

"I'm Susan," she replied.  "Susan Grey, Sir!"

"It is a pleasure to have met you, Ms. Susan Grey," he 
said.  Reaching into his shirt pocket, he took out the 
little folder holding his business cards, and passed 
one to her.  She looked at it for nearly a minute 
before she got up the courage to speak.

"Are you really the owner of that station, Mr. Burns?" 
she asked.

"That very same one we are listening to on the radio 
right now," he confirmed.

"Everybody listens to it, Sir!" she declared.

"Is that true?" asked the driver.  "That's your 
station?"

"Guilty as charged, and thank you for listening to 
it," he replied.

"Everybody listens to it," he declared.  "You always 
play the greatest songs!"  Murmurs of agreement also 
came from the back seat.

"I didn't mean to trouble such a big man, Sir!" she 
stated.  "Would you rather I take a taxi?"

"That is entirely up to you, Susan," he told her.  "If 
you do come by, I'd be happy to have a little company 
on the way up, but might just put you to work, 
carrying some CD's or something.  My hands always seem 
to be so full!"

"Thanks, Mr. Burns," said Susan.  "I'd carry whatever 
you wanted."

"Tell me what kind of marks you get on your report 
card, Susan," instructed Bruce.

"I just got my report card today!" she declared.  
"Want to see it?"

"I'd love to, Susan," he confirmed.

The youngster struggled with her back pack, until he 
helped her, fished out her report card and handed it 
to him, leaning back against his shoulder.  Bruce 
opened the card, and read the report.

"Now this is a serious matter," he declared.  "Anybody 
that gets marks like these, deserves a stop at 
McDonald's tomorrow!  This is excellent, Susan!  
Congratulations!"  The blush on her face was obvious 
to him, but not to the passengers in the back seat.

"Wait now," he said.  "I wasn't thinking, Susan.  You 
are a little young for me to be taking to McDonald's 
so how about I pass you the money to go at lunchtime 
tomorrow?  That might work out better for you I think 
darling."

"No, Sir!" she exclaimed.  "I'd rather go with you, 
after you finish work.  I'd just end up buying stuff 
for all my friends at school if I went at lunch."

"Tell you what, then," he went on.  "You speak to your 
Mom tonight, and ask her permission.  A girl your age 
needs Mom's permission for stuff like that."

"I'm sure she will say it is okay, but I'll ask her 
just like you said, Sir," she declared.  "Thanks, Mr. 
Burns!  Thank you so much!"

Conversation was then with the driver and back seat 
passengers, all interested in his radio station, for 
he had managed to capture a large audience thanks to 
his music mix, and the information he was providing 
the general public.  The really good part about it was 
it made the trip home seem a lot shorter.



Returning to his office from picking up his car, he 
noticed the school girl sitting in the entrance lobby, 
something that was a little unusual.  Then he 
remembered, turned around, and realized it was Susan.

"Hi, Susan," he said.  "You are a little early, aren't 
you darling?"

"This is normally the time I get off from school, and 
came straight here.  Mommy said that I could go to 
McDonald's with you, Mr. Burns."

"Then McDonald's it will be on the way home," he 
assured her.  "Give me a few minutes to check on 
things that might have happened, and if there is time, 
I'll give you a look around the station."

"I don't want to be in your way, Sir!" she exclaimed.

"Trust me, darling, you will not be in my way.  I'll 
see you soon."

Bruce needed about five minutes to accomplish what he 
need to do, before he called the receptionist, and had 
Susan sent in to his office.  As she walked in, her 
eyes were wide, and she declared, "Everything is so 
beautiful!"

"Well, I'm glad you approve, for anybody that gets 
such good marks is certainly able to make such a 
judgement.  That was just so delightful to see, 
darling...straight 'A's.  I am still impressed!"

Susan had sat down in front of his desk, and was 
stroking the soft fabric of the chair, while staring 
at the shiny desk he was behind.  "Would you like to 
see the places where the sounds come from?"

"Yes, please, Sir!" she exclaimed enthusiastically.

Susan was taken around the various offices, saw the 
news people collecting data on stories that would be 
reported soon, saw the production studios, were things 
were recorded, and then to watch the announcer that 
was on the air at that time, speaking into the 
microphone as she heard him on the monitor speakers 
located throughout the station.  When the on air light 
went off, Bruce led her inside to meet the announcer, 
and watched silently when he went back on air again.

"We are delighted to have here today, a student of St. 
James High School, taking a tour of the station.  Our 
understanding is that she has just received a report 
card from her school, and it is filled with nothing 
but 'A's, so we are pleased to have Ms. Susan Grey 
with us.  Tell me Susan, how much time do you spend on 
your homework most nights?"

"About an hour, Sir!" she replied nervously.

"I've heard that the boss is going to be taking you to 
McDonalds as a reward.  Is that true?"

"Yes, Sir!" she replied.  "He is such a nice man!"

"Oh, we all agree with that one, Susan.  He makes 
working here extra special for all the staff and we 
often forget what a great man he is.  Thank you for 
the reminder.  Is there anybody you'd like to say 
hello to?"

"I'd like to say hello to my Mom, and I know she is 
listening, and to Mrs. Perrier for helping me so much 
at school.  I love them both!"

"We join Susan in sending out greetings to Ms. Grey, 
and Mrs. Perrier, and a big up for helping this 
particular young lady.  Now is when we need to be a 
television station for the sweetness of her face, and 
most of all her smile, you would understand what a 
delight it is to have her here.  Now, to Susan, her 
Mom and teacher, here is an appropriate song from 
Celine Dion, telling us 'I'm Alive'!"

As the 'On Air' sign turned off, the music started up, 
and she found herself dancing with Mr. Burns to the 
music, him leading the way.  Just before the song was 
done, Bruce guided her back outside the studio.  
Heading back towards his office, he heard the 
announcer saying, "Ladies and Gentlemen, you should 
have witnessed what I just saw.  Ms. Grey and Mr. 
Burns, our boss, were in here dancing up a storm to 
the music.  Congratulations, Susan, and keep up the 
good work."

"There is a call for you, Mr. Burns," said one of the 
staff.

"Give me a moment to get to my office, and then put it 
through, please, Sandra," he acknowledged.

When he picked up the receiver as he sat in his chair, 
he called his name, and then listened to the caller 
saying, "Mr. Burns, this is Candice Grey, Susan's 
mother.  I'd like to thank you for what you just did 
for her, and tell you how much I appreciate your 
treating her to McDonald's today."

"Ms. Grey, it is absolutely my pleasure, and I must 
extend my compliments to you as well.  No student gets 
straight 'A's without strong support from her home, 
and you have obviously done a very fine job with her."

"Now I really believe her when Susan tells me what a 
nice man you are, Mr. Burns," came the comment over 
the telephone.  "I don't want to take too much of your 
time, so thank you again, and I'll hear all about it 
when you carry her up to our area.  It's nice to have 
such nice neighbours."  Before Bruce could respond, 
she had hung up the phone.

"I intended to let you have a word with her, so she 
could know you were okay," he told Susan.

"She just heard me over the radio, and is a little 
afraid of you, Sir!" stated Susan.  "She just doesn't 
know how really nice you are!"

"Now you cut it out!" ordered Mr. Burns.  "I can't 
have you coming in here and stealing things just like 
that!"

"I never stole anything, Mr. Burns," she declared 
showing obvious upset.

"So what are you trying to do with my heart?" he 
asked.  "I don't see anyone else stealing it!"

"Oh, God!" she exclaimed.  "Don't scare me like that, 
Mr. Burns!  I'll keep your heart real safe for you, 
Sir!"

"Come on, I think I better get our news team to put 
out a warning about you!" he said getting up.

"Mr. Burns!  Please stop teasing me, because I'm going 
to start crying," she declared just before the tears 
started dropping.

"Now what's this, darling, he said crouching down 
beside her.  I was only teasing you, Susan."

"I know, but you make me so happy, Mr. Burns!  I guess 
I love you!"

"My dear, precious little sweetheart," he said.  
"There is no doubt in my mind that I love you too, 
darling, so you just take a deep breath, and then dry 
those pretty little eyes of yours, for we can't have 
you going to McDonald's all wet like that."  He stood 
up, got a couple of tissues from a supply he had in 
his office, and handed them to her.

"When you are done, I'm going to be a bad boy, and 
escape a few minutes early today," he told her.  "We 
can have a little extra time to enjoy our food that 
way."

"Mommy told me to take as long as I want with you, Mr. 
Burns," she declared.  "The only thing she said was I 
was to try and get home before dark, for she doesn't 
want me to walk on the road after that."

"Now that sounds like good advise, darling," he 
agreed.  "Come on, let's get out of his place."

There was a series of 'good night' wishes around the 
office, and then they went outside and to his car.  "I 
thought you wanted me to carry some things," she 
reminded him.

"I decided, due to a special event tonight, not to 
carry any work home with me, darling.  Perhaps the 
next time."

"There will be a next time?" she asked.

"Well, if you get out of school the same time every 
night, and I quit work at the same time every night, 
then why wouldn't I carry you home?  I'd be delighted 
with such good company!"

"You are the nicest man I've ever met, Mr. Burns!" she 
declared emphatically.

"And you are an award winner yourself, darling.  Here 
we are," he said, unlocking the door to his car.  In 
you get, and seatbelt, please."

Moments after he pulled out of his parking place, 
Susan began waving franticly at the taxi stand where 
they first met.  "One of your friends, darling?" he 
asked.

"That was my Mom!" she stated.

"What?" he shouted as the car pulled over to the side.  
"Go and get her, please," he said.  "I have to stay 
with the car because I'm not supposed to stop here."

"But we're going someplace special," she said.

"Go and get her, Susan!" he ordered.  This time, she 
complied.

When Susan and her mother came up to his car, a 
policeman on a motor cycle was sitting beside Bruce's 
car door, talking to him.  Susan was ushered into the 
front seat beside him, while Ms. Grey got into the 
back seat.  "Thank you for listening, and the 
understanding, officer," said Mr. Burns.  "Have 
yourself a safe and peaceful evening."  As the officer 
drove off, the car also was pulled out into traffic.

"Good evening, Ms. Grey," he greeted her.

"Good evening, Mr. Burns," she replied.  "Did we get 
you into any trouble with the police?"

"Not at all," he assured her.  "He was there to give 
me an excuse to stop there, and to say how much he 
likes the station.  I've come to know a lot of the 
area police, and they are most helpful.  Now, may I 
ask, are you rushing home to cook for the family?"

"No, Sir!" replied Ms. Grey.  "It is only Susan and 
myself, so there is no need to rush, but I don't want 
to interfere with your special outing with Susan."

"Oh, oh, this sounds like bad news for you, Susan," he 
stated.  "Somebody as beautiful as your Mom can't be 
going to McDonald's for supper.  Do you like Chinese 
cooking?"

"I don't know, Sir," she replied.

"Now see here, Mr. Burns," interjected Ms. Grey.  
"Going to McDonalds is a big deal for Susan, and it 
would be a nice treat for even me.  We can't afford 
such things, so it would be very special, but I'm not 
supposed to be a part of the deal."

"Who is this lady you brought into my car, Susan," he 
said.  "It can't be the mother that brought you up so 
fine, encouraged you to get such good grades, and 
worries about you being on the road at night.  
Somebody so deserving couldn't be giving me such 
trivial arguments."

"Let me look again," said Susan as she twisted around.  
"Yep!  That's my Mom alright!"

"Now see here, Ms. Grey," he said as he pulled into a 
parking lot of a very fine Chinese restaurant.  "You 
certainly do deserve recognition for the success you 
have with your daughter, so please don't argue about 
me spending a little change on the two of you."  He 
had now parked, and was able to look around at Susan's 
mother.  "Not only that, consider how nice it would be 
for me to have such lovely ladies at my side while I 
enjoy some fine eating.  We'll catch McDonalds at a 
different time, Susan.  I always keep my word."

"My name is Candice, and I thank you, Mr. Burns," she 
told him.  "You are a kind, and generous man, and I 
will accept the offer of eating with you!" 

"Thank goodness," he declared, "first names.  Mine is 
Bruce, and let's go and get some nice food, for that 
is what this place is famous for."  They all got out 
together, and then he locked the car with his remote 
control, and led them into the restaurant.

"Good evening, Mr. Burns," greeted a Chinese man 
coming from the back of the restaurant.  He went 
around in front of the reception desk, to bow before 
his guests.  "May I show you, and your beautiful 
ladies to your usual table?"

"Thank you, Mr. Chang," acknowledged Bruce.  "The 
usual place would be very fine indeed."  Bruce then 
stepped back to usher the ladies to follow Mr. Chang.  
They were seated at a round table, before Bruce came 
around and took the only remaining seat.

"Would you ladies care for anything to wet your 
appetites?" asked Mr. Chang.

"May we leave that up to Mr. Burns?" asked Candice.

"Do you drink alcohol?" he asked of Candice.

"Hardly never, but I am not opposed to it," she told 
him.

"Then may we have one martini for my lady, and one 
Shirley Temple for my young lady," he requested.

"Very good, Sir," replied Mr. Chang.  "Enjoy your meal 
and each other's company.  Let me know if there is 
anything I may do for you, Mr. Burns."

"Appreciated, Mr. Chang," replied Bruce.

"Aren't you going to have anything, Bruce?" asked 
Candice.

"Oh, we already know what Mr. Burns wants, Madam.  He 
is a regular guest here, and we will take good care of 
him."

"He definitely deserves that, Mr. Chang," she said.  
"Thank you."  With a bow upon retreat, he was gone.

It took a couple of minutes for their beverages to 
arrive, and during that time, Bruce had made some 
recommendations about the type of food they would 
order.  Between Candice and Susan it was decided they 
would let Mr. Burns order for they knew nothing of the 
choices on the menu.  When the beverages did come, a 
young oriental woman brought them, setting down the 
drink for Candice first, then Susan's and finally a 
glass of juice for him.  She accepted a list of items 
that Bruce ordered and then gracefully retreated to 
place the order with the kitchen.

"You're not having a drink other than juice, Bruce?" 
asked Candice.

"When I'm going to be driving, I don't drink any 
alcohol, my dear," he told her.  "Especially when I am 
going to be driving two beautiful ladies home.  They 
know me well here, and this is my normal thing."

"Do you see the way mine has an umbrella and 
everything, Mommy?" asked Susan.  "It looks so 
beautiful.  Will it make me drunk?"

"There is no alcohol in that, Susan," he told her.  
"Most younger people like the taste though, so give it 
a try.  Chinese food takes a little time to prepare, 
so you will have to be patient ladies.  It is all 
freshly cooked when it arrives at the table."

"We are in no hurry to go anywhere, so waiting with 
you is no problem, Bruce," stated Candice.

Susan then went into a description of her visit to the 
station, and how he had taken her into the studio to 
be put on the radio.  The different things she had 
seen were mentioned, as well as the people she had 
seen or met.  As it was said earlier, Candice had 
heard her daughter on the air waves, as had everyone 
else where she worked.  Her opinion on the furniture 
of his office was as if she was describing a piece of 
fine art, spoken of with reverence in her voice.

Finally, Bruce interjected with a statement, "Those 
fine things are just things, Susan.  What is real 
beauty is the young lady that comes home with a report 
card full of 'A's and can smile so sweetly."

"Please stop, Mr. Burns," asked Susan to her mother's 
great surprise.  "He says things that make me want to 
cry, Mommy," she explained.  "He always says such nice 
things."  With the understanding of what she meant, 
Candice had to smile.

"I see you managed to capture my daughter's heart, 
Bruce," she observed.

"You better check out who the thief is, Mommy," he 
said.  "She's the heart stealer, and is still trying 
to get away with mine!"

"If she gets away with it, I hope she brings it home 
to brighten up our place," commented Candice.

"What a nice compliment," he declared.  "Thank you, 
Candice."

"You're thanking me?" she asked.  "I think you've got 
that backwards, Bruce!"

"How about a more practical subject, Candice," he 
suggested.  "I leave my place about six forty-five 
each morning, Monday to Friday.  Usually I leave my 
office at five in the evening, so if it is practical 
for your daughter or yourself, you would be most 
welcome to link up and travel with me.  Is that at all 
practical for either of you?"

"We normally leave at seven, but if it wouldn't be 
imposing on you, we could easily leave a little 
earlier to have such wonderful company, and a ride in 
each morning," replied Candice.  "The evenings would 
be wonderful too.  That seems like a terrible 
imposition on you though, Bruce."

"If it ever becomes an imposition, or I have to change 
my plans any particular day, then I will let you know, 
Candice.  What it will mean though, is when Susan 
arrives at the station after school, she will be 
expected to do homework until I'm ready to leave.  We 
can't have those wonderful grades slipping, and 
something tells me we could find an extra computer 
someplace for her to work on."

"A computer?" asked Susan.  "A real computer?"

"They work much better than toys, darling," he told 
her.  "It might help make your work even neater than 
I'm sure it must be already.  That reminds me," he 
added, "is there any chance of my looking through your 
workbooks one day?"

"Sure, Mr. Burns," she agreed.  "I left them in the 
car, but you could see them anytime, Sir!"

"I would definitely like that, darling," he told her.  
"I guess I had better warn you, sometimes I say things 
to try and make things better."

"I'd be so happy for anything you could tell me, Mr. 
Burns," she said all excited.

Both her excitement and the subject needed to be 
curtailed due to the arrival of their meal.  
Everything was set down in dishes on burners right in 
the centre of the table.  As the girls looked at all 
the food with all the choices in front of them, their 
eyes were opened wide.

"Now what I would suggest is that you take a little of 
each of the different things on the table, taste it to 
see which you like the best, and then get some more of 
the things you prefer.  Mind you, if I don't see 
enough vegetables on your plate, Susan, I might just 
add some myself."

The meal for each of the girls was made up of a good 
mix of almost all the dishes on the table, and Susan 
did have an adequate amount of vegetables included so 
that Mr. Burns did not need to add any.  Not only 
that, but when he went back for a second serving, he 
was delighted to see they also returned for more, and 
he knew they enjoyed a good meal from his selection.

"Tell me now, Susan," he asked, "how does this meal 
compare to McDonald's?"

"Oh, Mr. Burns, this was so much nicer.  You don't 
need to take me to McDonald's again, Sir.  This was 
wonderful, and a great treat."

"Something tells me we will end up at McDonald's 
someday, and I still gave you my word, so will live up 
to it."

The remaining items were removed from the table by the 
waitress, and taken to the kitchen for repackaging, to 
be carry home.  Indeed, it was a good sized bag 
brought out to be set beside him, ready for when they 
were ready to go.  First however, everyone was having 
a cup of tea, sitting back, and relaxing.

"This has been a wonderful experience, Bruce," stated 
Candice.  "I don't know how we could ever repay you 
for your kindness, and keeping us in your company."

"Now that's an easy one," stated Bruce.  "You could 
agree to have another cup of tea with me when we get 
to my place.  I not so anxious to give up your 
pleasant company."

"Since I was trying to figure out how to make this 
last, that sounds perfect for us, Bruce," stated 
Candice.  "It has been such a wonderful day, thanks to 
a generous, kind big man that takes good care of our 
children.  Bless you, Sir!"

"You are sweet enough to justify changing your name 
from Candice to Candy," he told her.

"Either would work for me, Bruce," she agreed.  "Thank 
you."

When they went up to the counter to pay the bill, 
Susan was pushing up a little too close, and being a 
little too nosy.  Candice took her by her arm and 
guided her back, until Bruce took hold of her, and 
pulled her back to himself.  When he put his arm 
around her shoulder, Candice said, "It seems I've lost 
my daughter to your kindness, Bruce."

"Not at all," he declared.  "This is no big matter, 
and if she is curious I don't mind.  Probably never 
seen a bill paid with plastic before."

It was when the total was shown on the cash register 
that Susan looked up into his face, and said, "It's so 
much you spent on us!"

"That's nothing when I look at the wonderful company 
you shared with me, darling."  He had to remove his 
arm from around her to complete the entry into the 
machine to allow the bill to be paid from his account.  
Then they said goodbye to the owner and assembled 
staff, and left to return to the car, Susan slipping 
her little hand into his along the way.

Using his remote control, the car doors were unlocked, 
opened for them to climb in, with Susan being directed 
to the front seat by her mother.  Once they were 
closed, he went around to his side, and got in behind 
the wheel.

The majority of the evening rush had been finished 
already, so it took less time than usual to arrive at 
his home.  Expecting to use the car again, he didn't 
bother to go into the garage, and left it on the 
driveway, pointing out for ease of departure.  "I'd 
like to get your help in putting these things away, 
and then we can get a cup of tea.  Would you prefer 
tea or Milo, Susan?"

"If it isn't too much trouble, Milo please, Sir!" she 
replied.  "I don't want to be a nuisance, Sir."

"From what I've seen of you so far that would be 
difficult for you to be, darling."

A home in Jamaica that was not secure was like an 
invitation to be robbed, so his home was well secured.  
It took a couple of minutes to get the locks opened, 
and gain admission, but eventually the front door was 
opened and held ajar for them to enter.

"This way to the kitchen," he said after the door 
closed.  He led them towards the back of the house, as 
they looked at everything along the way, their eyes 
wide with wonder.  Upon entering the kitchen, they 
stopped and looked around.

"This is a palace!" declared Candy.  "You have 
everything, and it is all so clean and beautiful!"

"Designed for my dear wife," he told them.

"I knew you had to be married," stated Candy.  "No man 
like you could not be married."

"I lost my wife a few years ago, thanks to a drunk 
driver.  How about you pass me each of the containers, 
but be sure to keep them flat, for they like to leak."

Working together, it only took them a few moments to 
get everything stored away, and for him to direct them 
to sitting at the kitchen table.  He then proceeded to 
prepare the two cups of tea, and one Milo for Susan.

"Why don't we take these into the living room, and sit 
a little more comfortably," suggested Bruce when he 
delivered the prepared drinks to his guests.  They 
were on their feet immediately, prepared to follow his 
lead.

Indicating the available choices of seating, he stood 
before his own easy chair, waiting for the ladies to 
sit down.  As soon as he did sit, Susan got back up 
immediately, and came over to sit down on his lap 
without asking.

"I can see your wife was a very beautiful woman, 
Bruce," stated Candice as she identified a picture of 
her beside Bruce.

"There are no words to describe the special qualities 
she had about her.  It is a shame that the drunk that 
killed her, also died.  I can't even get the 
satisfaction of killing him myself!  She was eight and 
a half months pregnant at the time, and our daughter 
was also taken from us.  She would have been about 
Susan's age now."

"That is a long time to be lonely, Bruce," stated 
Candy.  "I'm sorry for you loss, and I can certainly 
understand how happy your wife must have been in her 
marriage, for I know she was a fine woman...you would 
only pick the best."

"I spend too much time thinking about it, so now that 
I have the opportunity to enjoy some company, why 
don't we find a different topic.  For example, where 
are your school books young lady?"

"I left them in the car, Mr. Burns," she said.  "I'm 
sorry!"

"Well that deserves a good tickle," he told her as his 
hands closed on her waist.  Suddenly, Susan was 
laughing and giggling as she squirmed about, but 
didn't try to get away.  The moment he stopped, she 
looked at his face, and wrapped herself around his 
neck, holding her front to his chest.

"I love you, Mr. Burns!" she declared.

"Susan!" exclaimed her mother.  "Would you please stop 
making me so jealous?  You're not being fair, even if 
you did see him first."

"I can't help it, Mommy," declared Susan.  He is so 
perfect, and makes me feel so good!"

"Besides that, Mommy," said Bruce, "this is a large 
chair, and if you really want to bless an old man, 
then there is enough room for you here beside me."

Bruce suddenly found himself moving over to make 
enough room for Candy to come and sit at his side, 
noticing how her one breast was pressed against the 
back of his arm.  Wrapping that arm around her 
shoulders, the breast now was against his side, and he 
decided that he was not going to be able to get away 
from that happening.

"Now this is a problem," he stated.  "How do I get to 
drink my tea?"

"The moment it is done, I'm coming back," stated 
Candice as she stood back up.  Returning to her former 
seat, she also took up her cup and drank a little of 
the refreshment.

"I wish I was you daughter, Mr. Burns," stated Susan.  
"Am I getting you mad at me?"

"While I can imagine being annoyed with you over 
something you did, I can't imagine getting mad at you, 
darling.  What you need to think about though, is how 
easily you came into a stranger's lap.  In the taxi 
was fine for it was practical to save you from getting 
squashed, but generally you shouldn't climb up on a 
strange man's lap."

"It might be I've only known you for a few days," 
stated Susan, "but I know you are one of the 
nicest...no!  The nicest man I've ever known, and trust 
you completely in every way!"

"Don't you worry," said Candy.  "Any time it is no 
trouble to Mr. Burns, you may sit on his lap, whether 
or not I am here."

"This is all well and good, and I hope that you would 
grace me with your company a different evening, but 
right now, it is getting closer to dark, I'd like to 
see your place, and know where you live.  How about I 
carry you home now, and plan to meet in the morning 
for the trip in.  In the evening we will also meet, 
and you will have leftover Chinese food for dinner 
with me.  I've got far too much packed up in my fridge 
for me alone; therefore will need some help eating it 
before it spoils."

"It will be embarrassing for you to see our home, but 
I understand you want to know where we live, Bruce," 
stated Candice.  "Thank you for the wonderful meal, 
the great company, and your hospitality to a pair of 
females you barely know."

"My only hope is you two will brighten my life from 
this day forward," responded Bruce.  "It has been my 
pleasure to have you share a meal and your time with 
me.  Come on, let's go see where you girls live."

The home for the girls was less than a half mile away, 
and took only moments to drive the distance.  Pulling 
into the path beside the house, Bruce noticed the 
condition of it, but said nothing.  It was clear even 
from the outside, that it would require some repair 
work.

"As you can see, Bruce," said Candy, "we are not well 
off.  My income is often not enough to stretch to 
cover all our expenses, and Susan often has to go 
without lunch.  We do the best we can, love each 
other, and try to stay positive."

"May I see the inside?" asked Bruce.  "I might have a 
few things around that you could use to make life a 
little better for my star pupil, and her sweet 
mother."

"We would not refuse your help, Bruce," said Candy, 
"and do appreciate your friendship."

Bruce was led into the one room board house, and was 
able to take it all in with a quick scan of the 
interior.  One bed was behind a screen made up of an 
old sheet, while the kitchen was over in the opposite 
corner.  There was a table with a couple of chairs, 
both in need of repair, a chesterfield with another 
sheet over it to hide the condition of it even through 
the cover.  A small television set was perched on the 
top of the obviously none working refrigerator, the 
wiring looking less than desirable for a refrigerator 
or television.

"There is a good chance that when you get to the 
station tomorrow, Susan, I may not be there.  You see 
the receptionist, and she will show you where to go to 
do your homework.  I will be back there to get you, 
and your mother by five, so just be patient and wait 
for me.  Okay, sweetheart?"

"Sure, Mr. Burns," agreed Susan.

"What about you, Candice?" he asked.  "Will you be 
coming by the station to link up with me?"

"How about I come by, and wait by your car," she 
suggested.  "I don't wish to be a problem to you in 
your business."

"If you do that, I would be very annoyed, Candice.  
Please come up, link up with your daughter and me at 
my station, and we will all travel together.  Do you 
know where it is?"

"Yes, Sir," she confirmed.  "Susan described it in 
detail, and showed me your business card.  It is one 
of her treasures, and won't let it out of her hands."

"Then let me give you another, just in case," he said 
as he got it out.  "The number marked private is a 
direct line number to my desk, and you are more than 
welcome to call it if needed."

It took Bruce several more minutes to reach his car, 
and for him to drive away from the girls' home, and 
head back to his own home.



When Bruce looked outside the next morning the girls 
were their waiting outside his gate even before it was 
time for him to leave.  Downing the last of his 
coffee, he headed out, collected them along the way, 
headed in towards the city and the events of the day.  
As was usual, the traffic had not yet become heavy and 
he was able to get about the city, drop off the girls 
near their destinations, and then head in to his 
office.  By nine, when the other business had opened, 
he was out on the road again, having a lot he wished 
to accomplish.

A few minutes before five that afternoon, Bruce 
returned to his office.  Both the girls had arrived 
some time before, and Susan was playing a game on the 
computer she had been allowed to use, her school 
homework already completed.  The moment she saw him, 
he was wrapped in her arms, as she jumped about 
excitedly over the results of her school work being 
printed.  Bruce had to take time to look over the 
results, and was indeed quite pleased with the quality 
of the work he examined.  Nearly ten minutes after 
five, he was able to usher them down to the car, and 
the return to their homes.

Driving straight past his place, Bruce headed further 
along the road towards the girls' home.  Susan was the 
first to ask, "I thought we were going to eat at your 
place, Mr. Burns?"

"Soon, darling," he said.  "I just need to give a few 
instructions before we go back for supper.  As they 
approached their yard, a truck could be seen 
protruding out onto the road.

Pulling up near the truck, Bruce got out, and 
apologized for keeping them waiting.  Then, he was 
busy giving them instructions about where to stack the 
different things that they were delivering.  Once the 
unloading was started, he turned back to the girls, 
and said, "Why don't you take advantage of being here, 
Susan, and change out of your school uniform.  You 
might enjoy something more comfortable."

"What is going on, Bruce?" asked Candice.  "What is 
all this for?"

"I'm going to use these things to fix up your home a 
little, and make things a little more comfortable, 
Candy," he told her.  "You might want to take a few 
moments to change into something more comfortable than 
your business clothes, if you wish, my dear."

"Why would you do that, Bruce?" she asked.  "You have 
not known us for more than a couple of days?"

"It will give me a good excuse to spend some time in 
your yard, with my two favourite neighbours over the 
weekend, and give me something worthwhile to be doing 
at the same time," he replied.

"This represents a huge amount of money, Bruce.  There 
is no way I could earn enough to buy all these 
things!"

"If you don't stop worrying about it, I will risk 
getting arrested by slapping your sexy bottom.  Now go 
and do what you need indoors, and hurry.  There are a 
couple of things to go inside, so get changed, if you 
are going to, so you can let the men carry the things 
inside."

"If you are to be arrested, it would be for being 
crazy, not because you slapped my bottom.  If you did 
that, all you would get is a kiss.  What am I supposed 
to do with you?"  Finally, she headed inside to join 
her daughter, and change from her daytime attire.

When the blocks, lumber, mall and other building 
materials were stacked according to Bruce's 
instructions, the girls had finished changing.  They 
held the door open for the men to go inside, collect 
the kitchen table and chairs, and remove them to the 
rear of the house.  The little television set went the 
same way as did the old refrigerator, and then they 
got the replacements off the truck.  Once inside, the 
television came with its own stand, so was put up in 
an available space nearby the fridge, and the kitchen 
table assembled where the old one had been.  A medium 
sized fridge was then carried in to be put in the 
place of the original, but not plugged into the 
existing wiring.

"Are you trying to keep us from having a reason to 
stop by your place, Bruce?" asked Candice.  "A brand 
new fridge, television and kitchen table?"

"If you stop coming to see me, I would be devastated, 
Candy," he told her.  "When you are here, I want to 
know you are as comfortable as I can make you."  
Turning immediately to the men, he settled the cost of 
the delivery and the truck men were soon on their way 
back down the road.

"What is this, Bruce?" asked Candice.  "Have we become 
your charity case to have things done for us that we 
can't afford on our own?"

"Have you ever witnessed your Mommy being given a 
spanking, Susan?" he asked of the youngster.  "If she 
doesn't stop that kind of nonsense, you just might get 
to see it happen!"

Turning to Candice, he said, "I was lucky enough to 
meet two very sweet young ladies living a short 
distance from me.  They have stolen my heart, and I 
want to spend as much time with them as I can manage 
to arrange.  What we have here is not so expensive 
that it bothers me, and it should be able to make your 
lives a little better.  That's all I want, to spend 
time with you, make things better for you, and see our 
little star pupil do well in school."

"Since Susan and I have been plotting on how we could 
get to spend more time with you, all this expense 
would not be necessary.  We are available to you 
anytime you want, Bruce," summarized Candy.

"Then as friends, it is not unreasonable for friends 
to help each other, and that is all I've been doing, 
helping two friends."

"You can have us as friends or slaves, Bruce," said 
Candice.  "We are yours already!"

"Don't you let me hear the term 'slave' again from 
your mouth, Ms. Grey!  I won't hear such nonsense from 
you."

"Please don't be annoyed, Mr. Burns," she replied with 
concern on her face.  "I only meant it to say you 
already have our love and devotion, and would do 
anything you asked of us.  You are our angel come down 
from heaven into our lives."

"Now that is a first," he declared.  "Wish I could see 
myself in that light, but just can't seem to manage.  
Do you think the things will be safe here while we go 
for supper?"

"Perfectly safe, Mr. Burns," said a man's voice as he 
approached them in the yard.  "I'll keep an eye on 
them, and bring my dogs over to watch over them.  I'm 
Fred Gordon, neighbour to Ms. Grey, and it is an 
honour to meet you, Sir!"

"It is a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Gordon," 
greeted Bruce, extending his hand for a handshake.  "I 
thank you for the offer to watch over the things.  
These ladies need a little of the food I've stashed 
away on them."

"They have already told me what you have done for 
them, and this exceeds all expectations.  I am so 
happy for them, glad they finally have something good 
happening to them, for they are so deserving.  When 
you are ready to go to work on the building, may I 
please offer my assistance?"

"Your assistance would be gratefully appreciated, but 
I'd like to impose one condition.  If we are to be 
working side by side, my name is Bruce."

"And mine is Fred, and it would be an honour to work 
at your side."

"The start is expected for tomorrow morning.  Would 
that be alright with you, Fred?"

"I am looking forward to it, Bruce.  Go and take care 
of your meal, and I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay ladies, we are under orders.  Into the car, and 
lets see what we can do to have another nice meal of 
the leftovers."



The girls were given the things necessary to set the 
table, while Bruce got out the various things to put 
together a nice mix of the different items they had 
carried home.  Surprisingly quickly, at least to the 
girls, they were sitting at the table, enjoying the 
food before them.  "This is even better than 
yesterday," stated Susan.

"That's because of the wonderful home we are in, 
darling," stated her mother.  "Just being with him 
makes everything better!"

"So that's why mine tastes better," said Bruce.  "It's 
because of the company I've got blessing me."

The balance of the meal went on in relative silence, 
other than a little conversation over Susan's school 
work.  Once the dishes were cleaned up and added to 
the dishwasher, they were guided into the living room.  
Bruce waited for the girls to sit down, but had Candy 
come over and push him back into his chair.  
Immediately after he was down, she was on his lap.  
"Susan is not getting to claim your lap this evening, 
for it is my turn," she declared.

"Two beauties competing for my lap.  Not bad for an 
old man!" he declared.

Candice sat looking at him for long moments, her eyes 
looking all over his face, and into his eyes before 
she leaned forward and placed a kiss gently, but 
firmly on his lips.  "I am healthy and willing if you 
want me Bruce," she stated straight out.

"I was just thinking about what chance I might have 
with you, Candy," he admitted.  "If you are willing, 
then I'm going to take full advantage of the offer."

"Do you have a place Susan could sleep?  I'd love to 
spend the night with you," stated Candy.

"She would be welcome to stay in one of the spare 
bedrooms," he told her.  "Are you sure about this, for 
I don't want it to be over the few things I bought 
you."

"It has little to do with that, other than you are one 
of the nicest men anyone could meet, and I've already 
fallen completely in love with you."

"Now that is suggesting a different problem," he 
stated.  "Since I have already fallen for you, what am 
I going to do with all the materials I just bought.  
You won't be needing the additions I planned if you 
are going to be living here."

"Don't say that if you don't mean it, Bruce," 
cautioned Candice, "for I will take you up on it.  
Would you really consider letting us come and live 
with you?"

"I was hoping for that sometime in the future, but 
didn't really expect it.  You are so much younger than 
I am, I don't know if I could be enough to satisfy 
you."

"Trust me, you are about the best I could ever hope 
for, and indeed are better than that.  I haven't had 
sex with any man for years, so would be very happy for 
anything we could have together."

"Are you guys really going to be together, just like a 
family?" asked Susan as she stood at his side.

Reaching around to rest his hand on her back he said, 
"No baby, not just Mommy and me, but we are all going 
to see what we can do about being a family.  You are 
an important part of the family, darling."

"So you want me to sleep in the same bed with you 
guys?" she asked.  "Is that what you mean?"

"No, Susan," he said.  "I meant we will all live 
together in the one house as a family, not that you 
will sleep in the same bed as we do."  Without 
realizing it, his hand was now resting on her bum.

"You can have her in the same bed if you want, Bruce," 
stated Candy.  "We are yours to do with as you wish 
since yesterday, and for as long as we are living."

"Susan is only eleven!  You're telling me I can have 
sex with her?" he questioned.

"She's willing and if that is what you want, then yes, 
you can teach her how to make love.  I was her age 
when I became pregnant with her, so I can't hold her 
back."

"And what do you have to say about such an idea, 
Susan?" he asked.

"I'm a little scared, 'cause Mommy says it will hurt 
the first time, but I'd do anything for you, Mr. 
Burns, anything!"

"Is that part of why you are dressed so sexy, with 
your little belly showing?" he asked.

"Yes sir," she acknowledged.  "Mommy and I thought you 
might like it to show, so we cut off the bottom of 
this just so you could see it."

"And cut it a little too high, for I can see your 
breasts with you standing this close," he disclosed.

"They're not much," she stated as she lifted her top 
up to expose them.  "I wish I had more to offer you, 
Sir."

"You like little girls, Bruce?" asked Candice.  "I 
don't mind if you do."

"Since I have two it seems, I guess I had better like 
little girls," he replied.  "Her Mommy is not so old 
yet either."

"Well you have a virgin, and a not so experienced one 
to choose from," stated Candice.

"Mommy gets first attention, my darling, so don't you 
fret," he cautioned.  "Think I'd be able to sneak in a 
little hand hold now?"

"I don't know what you are waiting for," stated 
Candice.  "I've already had my first climax since I 
sat here, so am ready for any more you might want to 
give me."

Bruce moved his hand from behind Susan towards her 
chest, only to have her pull up her blouse, reveal 
both of them, and yielded to his tender touch.  
Moments later, her breast was not only being fondled, 
but her lips were returning his opened mouth kisses.

"You are a beautiful young woman, Candy," he told her 
when they paused for air.  "For having born a child, 
your breasts are still so perky!"

"They are a little larger than Susan's but they are 
the best I have for you, Bruce.  I hope they please 
you, and give you as much as I am feeling at the 
moment."

"Quit doubting yourself, Candice," he instructed her.  
"You are very sensual and beautiful to me, and it is a 
privilege to have them to hold like this."

"If I could have found a short skirt like Susan's, I'd 
be wearing it right now," she said.  "Reach under her 
skirt and find out how we both feel about you, Bruce," 
suggested Candice.

When Bruce did slid his hand up her slender leg, he 
arrived all the way up to her waist without finding 
any panties.  Moving around to the back, all he found 
was her little bare bum.  "She took off her panties to 
be more available to you, Bruce, just as I have 
slipped mine off."

"Then it is time I carry my slightly older girl up to 
my bed, and make love with her," he said to Candy.  
"Susan, I don't know what you want to do, and will 
leave that up to you, darling."

"I promise to be quiet and stay out of the way if you 
will let me watch, Mr. Burns," she said.

"May she watch, Mommy?" he asked of Candy.  The nod 
was very clearly a yes reply.

Candy was picked up as if she was no weight at all, 
and carried up the stairs in his arms, while Susan 
tagged along behind.  When the door was opened to his 
bedroom, she looked in and said, "Wow!  If I'm going 
to get a man inside me, what better place than this 
palace.  Bruce, it is beautiful!"

"What is beauty is the girl in my arms, and the next 
one following behind.  These things, are just things, 
and mean little to me."

"Just as the man holding me is most important," she 
acknowledged.  "The idea of getting him into me in 
such a nice setting is rather nice though, you must 
understand."

"Since I like things to be nice, I guess I do 
understand, darling.  Now, let me get these clothes 
off you, and see what I've got."  As he spoke, he had 
set her down to sit on the side of the bed, and 
slipped up the top over her head.  Candice undid her 
skirt, and lifted up for him to slip it off down her 
legs.  As she had said, there were no panties to be 
removed.

"Come over here, please Susan," called out Bruce as he 
examined Candy with his eyes.  When Susan arrived, he 
looked at her and said, "If you are to be here, would 
you mind if I undressed you, just like your Mommy?"

"Sure you can, Mr. Burns," she said, pulling her own 
top up and off.  Bruce reached around, undid the 
fastenings of her skirt, and allowed it to drop around 
her ankles.

"Two very pretty and sexy young girls, both willing to 
let me enjoy their bodies," said Bruce.  "How 
wonderful; and how lucky I am!"

Bruce stepped back, and while he looked from one to 
the other, he began removing his own clothes.  A 
minute later he was as naked as the girls.  Going 
around to the other side of his bed, he climbed up on 
it, and stretched out on his back.  "Come on, Candy," 
he said to her.  "You do it at your speed."

Straddling herself over his groin, she took hold of 
the erect penis, and placed it at her vaginal opening, 
pressing down almost immediately.  He was fully and 
completely inside of her on her first down push.  When 
she pulled up, the view was fantastic, and the next 
push down was firm and just as deep.

"Come on, Susan," he called to her.  "I want you to 
get over me the same way Mommy is, and let me kiss 
your sweet little cunt."

Without hesitation, she straddled him stretching her 
crotch to the maximum, and as he licked her the first 
time, back to front, she grabbed onto the bed head to 
steady herself as she cried out from the feeling.  
"Oh, Mommy!" she cried out.  "Mr. Burns is licking me 
down there!"

"I can see that, darling," she was told.  "His 
beautiful big hard cock is going deep up inside me, 
just like it belongs in there."

Bruce reached up his two hands, one to take a breast 
of Candy, the other to take a hold of Susan's breast.  
Candice, at the same time, reached around in front of 
her daughter, and took a hold of her other breast.

"Mommy!  I want to stay like this forever!" exclaimed 
Susan.  "It feels so good and sexy!"

"Isn't it nice?" she suggested to her daughter. 
"Having the right man is so important, for this is a 
good as it gets!"

All three were happy with the experience, and their 
climaxes all arrived in close proximity to each other.  
Candice came first, followed by Bruce, and then Susan 
experienced the thrill of the feelings that go with 
sexual satisfaction.  It had been good, very 
satisfying for all of them, they all curled up with 
each other when it was through, and fell asleep where 
they were a very short time afterwards.



When morning arrived, Bruce was the first to wake.  
Sneaking out of bed so as to not disturb the girls, he 
satisfied his body's demand for attention, and 
urinated.  Returning to his room, he got dressed for 
the day, and slipped out, heading towards the kitchen.

The girls awoke to the smell of bacon and eggs cooking 
downstairs, and rushed though their needs to urinate 
and get dressed.  By the time they arrived in the 
kitchen, their places were set and the food was on the 
table.  Having heard them moving about upstairs, Bruce 
simply served their breakfasts so they would be able 
to sit down at the table immediately.

"Good morning ladies," he greeted them.  "Breakfast is 
served."

"Good morning, darling, but I'm the one that's 
supposed to get breakfast!" stated Candice.

"I'll give you my lawyer's number shortly, and you can 
sue me!" he countered.

"Good morning, Daddy," said Susan, the last word said 
very quietly.

"Would you come over here, please, Susan," he 
requested very sternly.  She approached cautiously, 
her head slightly bowed.

"That was so nice to hear, darling," he said as he 
wrapped her to himself, lifting her off the floor.  
"May I hear it again, please?"

"Good morning, Daddy," she repeated, this time a 
little louder.

Bruce put his hands under her armpits, and held her 
off the floor straight out in front of him.  "That is 
the greatest name ever given, and feels so nice to 
hear."  Pulling her back to himself, he kissed her 
firmly on her lips, and set her down, kneeling before 
her.  "Thank you, darling!"

"It's okay to call you that?" she asked.

"I guess we need to check with Mommy, but I hope so!" 
he declared, turning to Candy.

The tears dripping from her eyes along with the smile 
on her face was enough for them to know, from that 
point on, he was now 'Daddy' to Susan.  She got 
another hug, before being sent to the table for her 
breakfast.

As they ate, Bruce said to Candice, "We have a serious 
matter to discuss, darling.  Who owns your house?"

"Mr. Gordon," she stated.

"Do you pay him rent?" asked Bruce.

"Not what I'm supposed to, for he lets me pay less so 
I can afford my food and other bills."

"He has been a good friend to you, hasn't he?" he 
questioned.

"The very best!" she declared.  "I don't know how we 
could have survived with out his help."

"That's what I thought," stated Bruce.  "When we are 
finished eating, we are going up there to see him.  We 
have a little business to discuss."

"Are you really taking us in, and letting us live 
here?" asked Candice.

"Of course I am," he declared.  "That is what you want 
too, isn't it?"

"More than you would ever know," she declared.

"What about my princess?" he asked.  "Do you want to 
come and live here with me, Susan?"

"That's a silly question, Daddy," she said.  "Man it 
feels nice to call you, 'Daddy', and yes I want to 
come and live with my Daddy!"

"So be it!" he declared.  "What did I do with my 
coffee?"  

Bruce was not allowed to get up and get his coffee, 
for the two girls got up for him, took care of the 
preparation by adding sugar, and delivered it to him.

Following Bruce's second cup of coffee, they headed 
for the car, and travelled the short distance to their 
former home, and a visit with Mr. Fred Gordon.  He was 
already there, waiting for their arrival, and his tool 
kit was at his side.

"It would appear I have both good and bad news for you 
Fred," stated Bruce after they shook hands.  "There 
has been an unexpected change in plans."

"My guess is that it is more good news than bad," 
replied Fred.

"Candice and Susan are going to come and live with 
me," he told him.

"Yes!" exclaimed Fred with obvious enthusiasm.  "So 
what could be the bad side of that?"

"We won't get to work together on the modifications to 
the house!" responded Bruce.

"I didn't think of that, but that is true," he stated.  
"What on earth are you going to do with all the 
materials, and things you bought her?"

"The television we will take along with any personal 
items the girls will want or need, but the other 
things I planned to leave them for the use of a man 
and his family that has been so kind to my ladies for 
all the years they lived here.  Do you think you would 
have use for them?"

"Now hold on just a moment!" ordered Fred.  "That is 
not making any sense.  You can't be giving so much 
away!  You spent a fortune in getting all these 
things."

"And you have accepted short payment of rent for how 
many years now?" asked Bruce.  "Were you not the one 
to volunteer to help repair the house, and put an 
addition on it?  Would you not have any use for the 
items?"

"Of course I could use them, but that is far too much 
money to be giving away so easily.  I can't let that 
happen."

"Are you planning on fighting me over it?" asked Bruce 
as he took on a defensive posture.

"Don't joke with me, man," ordered Fred.  "This is too 
serious!"

"Then let me be serious," stated Bruce.  "You have 
obviously been a hard working, honest man, that cares 
about others that are in need.  I'm sure you have gone 
through many struggles to get where you are, and have 
won my respect and admiration.  Now that I have found 
these two ladies, I saw a need, and took steps to deal 
with their needs.  Since I subsequently found a better 
way to deal with their needs, I can also see the very 
special type of man you are.  You are either going to 
waste or use the materials to help you and your family 
improve your lives a little.  It is not a big expense 
to me, and I know they can be a help to a man that has 
helped my girls.  Enjoy the result, my friend, for you 
well deserve a break in life!"

"You, Mr. Bruce Burns, are the type of man I want to 
be!  God bless you, Sir and thank you!"

"Come on ladies, get what you want from the house, and 
lets see how many trucks I need to hire to move it 
all."  Realizing something important was happening 
with the two men, the girls went to follow his 
instructions.

Fred and Bruce remained outside for a few minutes, 
exchanging some thoughts on some local matter, before 
they went inside to carry out the television set to 
the car.  They returned to carry out a handful of 
clothes on hangers, and set them down into the car.  
Asking about the ironing board, they learned it was 
not required, and left it where it was.  Finally they 
each came to Bruce with a small plastic bag containing 
the other things of importance to them.  Bruce took 
them from the girls, found them to be light.  He 
proceeded towards the car, pretending they were 
heavier than he could manage, his legs shaking visibly 
as he walked.

"That's only a little of what he does to make us feel 
so great, Mr. Fred," stated Candice.  "He is so kind, 
and caring, and always makes us laugh."

"He is a very good man, Candice," said Fred.  "You 
make sure you do whatever you can to please him for he 
is your best chance in life."

"You have also been a great friend to have, Mr. Fred," 
stated Candice.  "For all the things you have done for 
us, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

"Make me proud, but should anything ever happen, you 
can always come back here.  I hope you know that you 
are like a daughter to me, and little Susan is like my 
own granddaughter.  Bless you both!"  Fred accepted 
the usual kiss from Candice on one cheek, while Susan 
planted hers on his other cheek.

"One thing I know for sure," said Bruce as he returned 
from the car, "we are going to have to work out some 
way to keep involved with each other.  I can't afford 
to have met such a good man, and not want to continue 
a friendship.  We will meet again, very soon, and work 
out something so we can get to know each other better, 
Fred."

"That, I will look forward to!" declared Fred as he 
once again shook Bruce's hand.