From the baby save Arlene became known by the regular's and staff at the coffee shop. The Manger told her, coffees are free for the year. He still wanted to promote it, Arlene liked the idea, however not wanting her whereabouts known turned him down.

A few weeks later I was starting to have seniors stopping me while out shopping. They would refer to me as Arlene's husband in some manner. Caught off guard figured they knew her form work or the coffee shop. I would oddly reply things like; She won't marry me - I'm not good enough for her - she can do better. The old guys responses made me laugh even when they said they'd be better. The ladies almost believed me.

Later I would inform Arlene. She knew every person I met, had to retell me their names. I was enamored by what a social butterfly she's become in just a few months. Having been hit on and flirted with she knew about my senior competition too. Arlene's assurance to me, "Oh I'm not ready to drop you. You're like that fuzzy sweater found on the discount rack. Cheap and comfortable." We both laughed, little did I know they were already calling me that. One of the old guys was asking what I was doing with her. His deaf sister misheard the conversation but thought to add to it, "Sometimes you find the best things in the discount racks." Arlene went with it.

***

Nearing the end of June our future was looking promising as a couple with saved funds. Arlene only drank with the girls from work two Friday-nights a month. Smoking one or two joints in the evenings kept her from seeking out anything else. There were days neither of us even bothered, too tired from the day or just wanted to take solace in each others arms instead. Nicotine was the only substance she struggled with, the nights drinking she would smoke a few cigarettes, disappointing herself the next day.

From the seniors at the coffee shop Arlene was offered a small cheap vehicle. Thinking about it she felt it would take away from our savings. Hearing they only wanted $500 for a twelve year old car, that was taken care of, I told her to go for it. She said no for now.

Being nice weather and wanting to save money she rode the bicycle into town on a day off. She struggled due to wind but thought it was doable and faster than walking. The first few days getting back seemed to be the hard part. As her legs strengthened she could zip to town or back in fifteen minutes, usually twenty-five.

On the last ride back of the week Arlene was feeling comfortable riding the distance. Just leaving town she reaches Bevel Line road to the Point. Stopping she sees a driver waiting to turn left off that road. Noticing his head is down appearing to be looking for something Arlene proceeds across the road. The driver was making sure he was to turn left and proceeds too, not realizing Arlene is riding in front of him. Arlene gasps and tries to turn left out of the way but too far and crashes the bike. Stretching her hand out in time to take the brunt of the damage, road-rashing the palm. The driver turned harder left too while slamming on the brakes.

Getting out the driver runs over to help Arlene up. Arlene had a few choice words and thoughts for the man refusing his help. Asking what he should do for her, she replies, "get you're sorry blind-ass outta of my sight! And learn to pay better attention!"

Not a confrontational person the man gets back into his car apologizing. Arlene picks up the bike and carries on. Calming down she begins to shake realizing how close she came to a serious injury.

Explaining what happened later I asked if that car was still for sale. She was told it'll need a thousand dollars to get it on the road and in her name, so wanted to keep cycling. She asked what I had for protective gear. With nothing bicycle related she insisted on getting properly padded. Monday morning Arlene headed off to work full on safety, even had me put a signal light kit on it for her.

The girls at work gave her a hard time at first but by the end of July they could see her physically changing. I thought she was looking younger.

Having Pelee Island mentioned to Arlene as a great place to cycle asked if I'd be interested. Haven't been yet so I agree. Content Arlene was told prior Mary-Lee had a bike we could borrow. Of course Arlene came home with a new bicycle helmet for me. Stating she doesn't want anything to happen to me. Inspecting the helmet notice a hairline crack on the side of the helmet. I'm then informed it was a return they couldn't return but knew I was a little cracked too.

Both of us having nothing to do that Monday, left Sheena at home, and rode to town. The hot day being cloudy was good for me, not having to squint. Arlene wanted it cooler but for July around here it was a tolerable heat.

We arrived at the ferry with just a few minutes to spare. Not many were making the trek, all were couples like us, just differing ages and backgrounds, all keeping close to our respective partners. Arlene so enjoyed that she kept humming the love boat theme, until I belted out a couple lines making her laugh.

Reaching the island we waited to see where the other couples go. They split into two main directions. We took the direction the least amount did, to begin our tour. The Island is peaceful making for a pleasant ride.

At the furthest point from the dock it begins to sprinkle on us. Being a warm rain we didn't mind and when happening upon a quiet spot stopped to enjoy the moment more. To Arlene this was her most romantic moment ever. Agreeing I did picture us sharing better moments in the future.

Arriving back at the shack that evening I was worn out. Arlene was still in great mood, the next day she told the ladies the Pelee trek was so romantic it was like magic. They received a detailed version of the day. If I told anyone it was, Arlene and rode around Pelee Island.

***

Riding home Arlene is passed by Mario heading into town. She glimpses him and is thankful he's going the other way. Mario spots Arlene as well he stares too much at her body in passing veering slightly onto the dirt shoulder of the road. Having just come from the shack he knows I wasn't home and Sheena was lying under the truck, chained. As Arlene disappears from his rear-view mirror sight he decides to turn around and follow her.

Entering the shack Arlene lets Sheena in for water and a snack. Peeling off the shoes and socks Arlene was headed to the washroom when the front room door opened. Sheena growled stopping Mario from going any further, he thought she was still under the truck.

Thinking it was just me Arlene turned to see Mario standing in the thresh-hold. Becoming angry Arlene furled brows while pointing to Mario, "get the Fuck out! Right the fuck now!"

That front room door slammed shut knocking Mario backwards. In awe Arlene hesitated wondering if she did that herself. Figuring it's the shack spirit she utters, "thanks, but I got this!" as she storms to the door.

Mario lands badly falling back down the three steps to the concrete. His ass hits concrete and the small of his back finds the outer-door threshold. His head knocks into the closed outer-door.

Hurt and unsure what just happened Mario scrambles to get up and outside. Opening the front room door Arlene comes out cursing. Still not fully upright Mario is leaning forward opening the main door.

Laying her foot squarely to his ass Arlene boots Mario outside and on his face. Coming out growling Sheena encourages Mario to scurry to his vehicle while hearing a flurry of Arlene's versus of voiced curses. From the safety of his car Mario apologizes. Arlene says she'll only accept the apology if he doesn't show for next Saturday's rent. Mario complied there.

Half way from Kingsville to Harrow he said to himself, "I'll be out for the rent and get a piece of that girl's ass." His engine immediately stalled and wouldn't restart. Later the mechanics wouldn't find a thing wrong with the car and tell him it was just a loose power connection.

The door slamming being a favorite part of the events Arlene had mixed feelings; which we got into deeply when I got home. Content the ladies were safe I hoped Mario finally learned. Switching her concerns for getting out of there. If the spirit was in fact helping we both figured it has to be a better being than our landlord. He never did come by for the rent.

***

August, with things going well, asked if she'd like to use some of our savings to take a trip somewhere. Nope, she may have become okay with the shack and its oddities but home ownership is a desired goal.

Feeling comfortable with how life is going right now Arlene does want to visit loved ones. A simple trip to London was taken on a Saturday. Still hesitant to tell anyone where she was living asked me not to say either.

Visiting her father he vaguely recalled me but getting a moment alone, pulled a heavy; At first thinking I was keeping her hidden away. I tried to show some kinship to relieve the man giving him a clue, telling him she doesn't want anyone to know we live in the tomato capital of Canada, yet. That was enough to let him know she wasn't far away. Watching us after he could see she was still free to be herself. When we left he gave me an extra firm and extended handshake that came with a wink and thank-you.

On the ride home I asked Arlene if she was considering inviting her father down.

She wasn't ready yet and knew he wouldn't care for their shack saying, "definitely, when we get our own place."

***

When my birthday arrived Arlene of course wanted to do something with me. Rarely caring about the day mentioned missing her birthday in March so its only fair to forget mine. It turned into an odd discussion she become insistent that we should do something, I almost got mad.

Just about to tell her to drop it, I recalled the things she would like to do on her next birthday and choose that way, "Arlene, you know what I would luv. Dinner out with you, just you and a romantic stroll on East beach - with just you."

Of course her next question what restaurant, I could only laugh. Again recalling her suggestions, I name the one she points out the most in town.

"Oh good, I keep saying we should try that one." Then it sinks in I'm pandering to her, "Robert!"

Caught I chuckle, "hey you said we should do something that makes me happy - it's my day. I like seeing you happy. So - If I have to celebrate my birthday to make you happy - so be it."

Arlene's willing to take that as a compromise I get a kiss on the forehead and thank-you. I knew not to say another word while she looks up the restaurant to make sure we can get in.

Dialing the number she gives me grin, "I'll get you to smile."

I did and gave her several that evening.