Beautiful Niece Kaylee Ch.10

Chapter 10


It was a beautiful, sunny, springtime, Friday afternoon. I was waiting outside the high school to pick up my niece. She had her own car, but still liked for me to pick her up on Fridays. “I’m going to be with you all weekend anyway. So I really don’t need my Jeep.” She would say.

Kaylee was a month or so past her 16th birthday. All last summer, she had worked, and saved, so that she could buy a 10 year old Jeep Wrangler from my best friend, and lead carpenter, Brian. I had secretly gone to him with one thousand dollars to cut the price of the Jeep for her, but he just laughed.

“Sorry Bro! Kaylee said you would try something like this. She made me sign a contract that said I would only sell the Jeep to her, and at the agreed upon price. It says I am forbidden to take any money from you.” He laughed and grabbed my shoulder. “That is one squared away little niece you have! Tell Patty she should be proud!”

Suddenly, I was pretty damn proud too.

She started working for me, but surprised me 3 weeks in, by saying she had a better job offer. Installing hard wood floors with one of my frequent contractors. When I called him to ask, he readily admitted it. “Hell Ben! The girl works harder than half my guys, and has a better eye than most. Not my fault you weren’t paying her enough!”

So five, sometimes even six days a week, all summer long she worked hard, and saved her money. The week before she was going to buy the Jeep, we planned a surprise. I picked it up from Brian, and got it a new paint job. My parents paid for new wheels and tires, and my sister got a new soft top for it. When I brought her by, they were all waiting in the garage. “Surprise!”

Kaylee screamed! She laughed. She even cried. “It looks brand new!” She came and hugged each one of us. Her mother took a picture of her handing Brian the check, and video of her getting in for the first time. She took each of us out for a drive around the block. It was still months until she could get her license, so she had to have an adult in the car to drive, and she would pester us every chance she got, to go for a drive.

Now that she can drive, she keeps that jeep shining like a brand new penny. I’m still not sure who is more proud. Her, of her first car? Or me, that she did it all on her own.

Students started to pour out of the buildings. Next week, school was closed for spring break, and there was even more excitement than the average Friday. I finally spotted Kaylee and instantly broke into a smile. She looked as beautiful as ever.

My niece and I have been “Going Out” for almost two years now. I am head over heals in love, and falling farther everyday. As she came closer to the truck, my heart beat faster and my smile grew wider.

“Hey Baby!” She greeted me as she jumped in the truck. She knew we couldn’t kiss in public, but she playfully squeezed my thigh. “Missed you!”

I gave her a wink. “I missed you too!” I pulled away from the school. “So something interesting happened today.” I said. “I got a phone call this morning.”

“Ooooh! That is interesting!” Kaylee replied sarcastically. “You lead such an exotic life!”

“Alright smart ass!” I laughed. “Do you want to hear my news or not?”

She batted her eyes and sighed. “I’m hanging on your every word, Baby!”

I turned and stuck my tongue out at her.

She just giggled. “Is that a promise, or a threat?”

We both started laughing. “Are you going to let me finish?”

Kaylee just nodded, so I continued. “Your cousin Max called. His friend is driving through this way, so he’s catching a ride. He’ll be spending spring break down here with us.”

“Oh! I haven’t seen Max since Christmas!” Kaylee squealed excitedly.

Max was my older sister Betty’s, youngest son. He was 17, just shy of his 18th birthday. “Max” is not his given name, but after his first little league coach started calling him that, because he did everything “to the max”, the name sort of fit. Now everyone uses it. Even my sister Patty, who insists on calling everyone by their proper name, calls him Max most of the time.

“Yeah, he wants to do some fishing, and said there is something he wanted to talk to me about.”

“When does he get here?”

“Well, he said they were leaving right after school. So depending on traffic… Maybe six. We are supposed to meet them at the truck stop by the interstate.”

“I should put some clean sheets on the spare bed for him.” She replied. Her and Max had always been close growing up. He was always her protector, and kept her out of trouble. She was always his cheerleader, and biggest fan. “And a fresh towel in the guest bathroom.”

“Um. Sweetheart???” Sometimes, Kaylee doesn’t think things all the way through. “You will be the one sleeping in the spare bed. Max can have the couch.”

“But I have…” She trailed off, finally getting it. Her smile faded a bit. “It’s not fair! Sometimes I hate keeping this huge secret.”

She must have seen my own smile fade as she hastily added. “Baby, No!” She reached over and held my hand. “I love you! If keeping it a secret is what it takes, then fine. I just wish that we didn’t have to, that’s all.” She squeezed my hand. “I can always slip into our bedroom after he’s asleep.”

“Kaylee. You can’t! You know I would love that, but it’s too dangerous. As long as Max is here, You spend the night in your bed, Me, in mine.”

Looking a lot less excited than a moment ago, she said. “OK. But for the record, it’s OUR bed!”
Smiling again, I agreed. “I stand corrected.”

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Max’s friend pulled up into the parking lot, a little after six o’clock, Max jumped out, pulled his bag from the back seat, and said a few words to his buddy. He walked towards my truck, and was met by a flying, blonde, projectile. “MAX!!!” Kaylee screamed as she launched into his arms.

Max is just a hair under six feet, and built like a tank. He has the muscular build of a guy who obviously spends time in the gym. He was a star at both baseball and football. However, two years ago he found his passion in martial arts. With the same dedication he applied to everything, he studied Krav Maga, Judo, Muay Thai, and a little Tae Kwon Do. I’m not ashamed to admit, my 17 year old nephew could probably kick my ass without breaking a sweat.

He dropped his bag and swung Kaylee around. Then setting her down he walked up to me and gave me a firm handshake. “Hey Uncle Benny! Good to see you!”

“You too! How’s your Mom and Dad?” We exchanged family news as we loaded his bag in the truck and headed home. Even though they only live 150 miles away, I don’t get to see my sisters family enough. Patty, and my parents, are both within an hours drive, and I see them every week. It is always a pleasure to catch up, whenever Betty or her family comes for a visit.

“So I got all the fishing gear out, and we can go whenever you like.” I figured, knowing him, the answer would be right away.

He didn’t disappoint me. “Well, I’m up for going at first light tomorrow.” This boy just loved to fish. “You make the call… lake, or river?”

Kaylee gave a small elbow to my ribs. “You guys could go to that pond I liked so much!”

I coughed in my hand to cover my chuckle. Max asked. “Kaylee you fish now?”

“Yuck! God no!” Innocently, she stated. “There is just a nice pond that Uncle Benny took me to once. It was really great.”

We talked the rest of the drive home. Max is a little funny. He has a very laid back attitude, and a slow, quiet speaking voice. His relaxed manner, and longish hair, lead many to pass him off as a stoner. I admit, he looks the part. However, drugs are not something he’s into. He says they never seemed worth the trouble to him.

I also know, that many pass him off as not so bright. In areas of interest to him, he is quite intelligent. He can quote sports stats like a radio announcer. Tell you what types of fish can be found in different areas of the country, and what bait, weather, or water conditions they prefer.