We weren't too sure of them to begin with but they have turned out to be really nice couple, and they have two lovely young children as well. As this area is mainly people over 50 we didn't think they would fit in very well, seeing as they were in there early 30's. But they are well mannered, have done a lot of work on their home in the last 6 months and always have a ready smile for you and a chat if your so inclined
Today was what they called, their official moving in day. All the building was done, the garden had been planted and all the new furnishing delivered.
"You have made it look beautiful. Haven't they Mike?" Mary said.
I agreed adding, "I know that Bill and Hetty hadn't done anything in all the years they lived here. It was a bit of an eyesore to be honest and we were quite glad when they decided to move to France."
Jerry laughed, "Well shall we say it was a bit dated." He took Helens hand and raised his glass, "Here's to our new home and to our new friends who have made us feel so welcome in there community."
We drank the toast and wondered around for a while looking at the changes they had made. Most of the inside had been knocked down to make it all open plan but the biggest feature had to be the huge conservatory they had built on the back. With a south facing view it would get the sun all day. Of course it had the modern gadgets automatic windows and an opening roof.
When I commented on the roof Helen said, "I love to sunbathe when I can and if the sun isn't out I can keep my all over tan with the sun bed." Which was very conveniently folded away in a cupboard in the wall.
"I wondered how you kept your tan in march." I said
"She is always under that sun bed, or out in the garden sunbathing whenever she can." Jerry said
We chatted for a while longer but Mary was getting tired as she did so easily these days so we had a last drink and left them to enjoy there new home. For the next couple of months life went on as usual. We got friendlier and friendlier with them both. Even babysitting sometimes when they went out. To be honest I think it was more me that did the babysitting and played with the little ones than Mary.
Mary and I had been together for 30 years, and I loved her dearly. We had one child, a son who died after complications with the birth, leaving Mary unable to have any more children. We had long accepted the fact and were more than happy with our lives, but the introduction of a little 2 and 3 year old was a nice change and I enjoyed the time I spent with them. I also enjoyed handing them back to mum and dad. They could be very tiring. Jerry and Helen said "It was nice for children to have surrogate grand parents as both there parents had emigrated to Canada and New Zealand some years before." In fact Jerry's parents hadn't even been able to get to the wedding.
One night as I lay in bed reading, as Mary and I always did before we went to sleep, we heard this noise from next door. Mary looked at me and I looked back and smiled. "What?" she asked, "Have they got burglars?"
"I don't think so dear, ignore it." I said grinning.
The noise was getting louder and louder, banging on the wall now. A rhythmic banging with raised voices. As the voices turned in to frenetic screams of sexual pleasure Mary said, "Oh! Oh yes right, I see hmm goodnight." And switched her light off, and I suppose she went to sleep.
I smiled to myself and once the noise had gone I settled myself to sleep, but I couldn't help think about what I had heard and wondering, When was the last time Mary and I had sex. And was it ever like that?
As a retired businessman I spent a lot of time either on the golf course or at home. Mary on the other hand spent a lot of time doing voluntary work. In fact 5 days a week and even 6 at times. She said it allowed her to meet people and keep occupied. Well it gave us space that was for sure
The following morning I got up and saw Mary off to work then settled in the garden with a cup of coffee, thinking of nothing in particular.
"Hi Mike."
It was Helen wondering around her garden which they had made quite secluded with trees, so secluded that the only gap was a gate they had put between our gardens for when they brought the children round. It was at this point that Helen stood. I wondered over to her making some silly comment about the spring weather while all the time my mind was on the noises I had heard the previous night.
"Forgive me for asking Helen but we heard some strange noises late last night and wondered if you had gone out at all. I didn't think you had so didn't knock but I wasn't sure."
Helen flushed and put her hand to her mouth, "Oh I'm sorry Mike. I didn't realise the walls were that thin. Jerry and I have moved into the large room now so it was probably....us....you heard." She hunched her shoulder a little, "Sorry."
"Oh that's fine." I said without any embarrassment, "It's nice to hear you enjoying yourself. Err no! That's not what I meant."
"Don't worry Mike I know what you mean." she laughed, "We, or should I say I, will try and keep the noise down in future."
"No please you just enjoy yourself don't worry about us. Brought back memories of when I was younger, Mary was a bit like you. Ohh sorry getting a bit personal. I think I better quit while I can."
"No Mike. Come round and have a cup of coffee with me." she said with a smile "You never really talk about yourselves and I would really like to if that's ok? Your such nice people really. Really rare these days to find genuine people."
"How could I say no?" I laughed, "But all this flattery isn't necessary."
"Shut up and come through."
I followed her to the house and as we entered the conservatory she said, "Take a seat. I will bring out a tray."
No matter how I tried I couldn't get the noises of the previous night out of my head and as I watched her walk away I imagined that nice rounded bum thrashing around in a sexual melee. Helen returned with a tray and poured out two mugs of coffee.
"So how did you and Mary meet then?" she asked