Doctor Gets a Visitor by E Walk

The Doctor Gets a Visitor
by: E Walk

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 8

The Punk Arrives

Jeff drove up to the entrance and I helped Mrs. Tillison get in front and then crawled into the back. When we arrived at her house, she asked us to come in so she and Jeff could plan the menu. We had just gotten seated when the phone began to ring.

Mrs. Tillison answered, "Well hi Cora... Of course, I'll get someone to drive me down and pick you up... Sure you can bring your grandnephew. How old is he now? Okay, we will be there in an hour."

She hung up and turned to me. "Jack, can you and Jeff take me to Omaha to pick up Cora?"

"Mrs. T., I really need to go the hospital and check on your newest great grandson and two other patients. Jeff could go with you. Maybe he could entertain Aunt Cora's grandnephew. Jeff, is that okay with you?"

"Dad, I'd be glad to go with Mrs. Tillison."

"Jack, stop and pick up some soft drinks and snacks a teenager might like."

I must have looked confused because Jeff immediately said, "Dad, just pick up a six pack of cola and a small bag of chips since we have no idea what the young man might like. How about also picking up a carton of lemonade and a package of string cheese?"

"Mrs. Tillison, why don't we take Dad home and he can take my car to the hospital and the store -- that is, if he doesn't scratch it?"

"Mr. Wilson, why don't we just let Jack take his own car so we all can save time? You can drive one of my cars," Mrs. T. said as she flipped him a set of keys.

"Mrs. T., I don't know the area. I have never driven in Omaha."

"Don't sweat it honey. I am an excellent navigator. I don't think we will get lost more than once. Now let's go so we won't be driving in the dark for too long."

Jeff and Mrs. T. went to the garage and Mrs. T. asked, "Jeff, which car would you like to take?"

"I am afraid to drive any of them. I might cause it to get dented."

"Well if you do, then we will have to go buy a new one. I think we should take the BMW. It won't draw as much attention as the Mercedes or the Austin Healey."

They walked to the BMW and Jeff helped Mrs. T. get in and opened the garage door. I watched as he drove cautiously down the street. As they got out of town onto the highway, Mrs. T. said, "Okay I want to go the speed limit plus two when you can. I have traveled this road so often and it is very boring. I want to be home by six at the latest. During the trip, I'll fill you in on what is happening."

Jeff did as he was told and Mrs. T. directed him right to the house. They had no more than stopped than the door of the house opened and Aunt Cora was standing there with her coat on. Jeff and Mrs. T. got out of the car and went to assist her to the car.

"Andrew honey, let's go. Please bring the suitcases." Aunt Cora requested.

"You can carry your own," he mumbled.

Jeff escorted the ladies to the car and helped both of them into the back seat. The young man came slouching down the walk with one suitcase and dropped it behind the trunk and climbed into the front seat.

Jeff went and got the other suitcase and put it in the trunk and got into the car and said, "Mr. Washington, would you please put your suitcase in the trunk?"

"I ain't no servant. You're the chauffeur you do it."

Jeff turned to the ladies, "Mrs. Tillison, I didn't know you were paying me."

"Why would I pay you?"

"You mean you are her gigolo? She's so old and she's wearing sneakers and looks like a bag lady," Andrew said.

Jeff got out, closed the trunk, got back in the car, and said, "I hope there wasn't anything in your suitcase you wanted because it is still sitting behind the car."

Jeff buckled his seatbelt and said, "Everyone, buckle up. We aren't moving until everyone is buckled in."

The two ladies buckled their seat beats, but Andrew didn't move. Jeff turned to him and said, "That means you too Mister. The ladies want to get moving."

Andrew realized Jeff wasn't kidding. He started to get out and glared, "Give me the stupid keys and I'll put my suitcase in the trunk."

Jeff reached down and pulled a lever beside the seat, "The trunk is open. Just make sure you don't slam the lid when you close it or you will do it until you can do it correctly." Andrew put his suitcase in the trunk and carefully closed it and climbed back in as Jeff started the car. Andrew still did not make any attempt to put his seatbelt on.

"Mr. Washington, would you like me to help you put your seatbelt on?" Jeff asked as he unsnapped his own belt and started to lean across Andrew to get his belt.

Andrew sat up quickly and muttered, "Um, I can do it."

They buckled up and Jeff turned around, "Ladies, make sure I am going the correct way. I think I remember how I got here but this is my first time in Omaha."

Jeff made it back to Fremont and Mrs. Tillison's house without any assistance. In the meantime Andrew stayed slumped in his seat. He did ask once, "I don't suppose you have any cigarettes?"

"Nope. I can't stand the smell." Jeff answered.

Andrew reached for the radio, "I'm gonna' find some rap music on the radio."

Jeff grabbed his hand, "I don't think so. The ladies are talking."

Andrew didn't say another word the remainder of the trip. When they pulled into the garage, Jeff had stopped, popped the trunk, opened the door to the house, and helped both ladies inside. He got Aunt Cora's bag out and took it into the house.

Andrew followed them into the living room and plopped into a chair and put his leg across and arm of the chair with his hat on. "What's to eat? I don't suppose you have any beer?"

"Oh didn't you have anything to eat today?" asked Jeff. "By the way beer is not an option until you are 21 in Nebraska."

Andrew looked at him and snarled, "I had a piece of dry bread and a glass of Kool Aid."

"Aunt Cora, how about you?" Jeff asked.

"I had a piece of stale bread and a cup of tea only because I had some tea bags in my pocketbook."

"I'll tell you what we're going to do. Andrew you take Aunt Cora's suitcase upstairs for her and get yours out of the car and bring it in while I see if I can find something for you to eat. Is that okay with you Mrs. T.?" Jeff asked.

"Of course."

"I ain't no slave. I'll just wait here until you find some grub," Andrew muttered.

Jeff looked at Andrew and walked over to him and said quietly, "Mr. Washington, get your butt out of that chair and follow me."

Andrew continued to just sit there ignoring Jeff. Jeff picked him up and said, "We need to talk and now." He started toward the garage carrying a cursing and kicking Andrew.

"Put me down you white prick." he yelled.

"I'll put you down punk when you can do what I asked." Mrs. T. and Aunt Cora just sat there with the strangest look on their faces. Jeff just kept walking carrying Andrew.

Andrew pleaded, "Please put me down and I'll go."

Jeff dropped Andrew and he slouched behind Jeff looking as if was trying to think of a way to get revenge. They disappeared into the garage.

As soon as the door closed, Jeff turned and grabbed Andrew roughly and shoved him against the wall and said, "You need some major attitude adjusting."

Andrew started to shake, "Are you going to rape me too?"

Jeff let go of Andrew and stepped back. He looked at Andrew and said, "I am sorry if that is what you thought. That is the furthest thing from my mind right now."

He put his arm around Andrew and pulled him close and said, "Drew I only want you to take advantage of what has been offered to you on a silver platter. You have been offered a place to live in this beautiful home. I am sorry I can't tell you much about the town or the people since I only arrived here three days ago myself."

Drew pulled back and looked at Jeff and asked, "Why did you call me Drew? Everyone has always called me Andrew or Andy?"

Jeff shrugged, "I have no idea why I called you Drew but it seems to fit. It could also mean that it is time for you to start a new life."

Jeff stopped and said, "Okay the new Drew is about to emerge. First, get rid of that stupid hat. Second, I want you to stand up tall like you own the world. Third, get your suitcase out of the trunk and finally, you are going to go into the house and apologize to the two ladies for being such a punk.

"You do all that and I would be proud to call you my friend. I want you to call me Jeff unless you are upset with me and then you can call me hey you. I also promise you I will never say another derogatory or not so nice word unless I am very upset because you are not trying your hardest. Now let's shake."

Drew came toward Jeff very timidly and took Jeff's hand but all of a sudden stopped and started to sob. Jeff quickly wrapped his arms around Drew and held him. Finally Drew said, "I am so confused and I don't know what I am doing here."

Jeff diffused the situation by saying, "Man you smell. When was the last time you took a bath or had a shower?"

Drew backed away and said, "It's been a while. I never had any privacy."

"Okay do you remember step number one?" Jeff asked.

Drew handed Jeff his hat. Jeff immediately threw it in the trash can.

"Now step two."

Drew stood up and walked to the trunk and got his suitcase and carefully closed the trunk.

"Good you remembered. Now step four which is probably the hardest." Jeff smiled.

They walked into the living room and Drew walked up to Aunt Cora and Mrs. T. and said, "I apologize for being such a punk." Then he realized I was sitting there.

"Jeff, you didn't tell me your brother was going to be here." he turned with a confused look.

Jeff laughed, "Drew that's my father. My brothers all have dark brown hair and brown eyes. Dad, stand up please. Now Drew, look carefully. This old man is flabby which I am going to start taking care of in the morning. Do you want to feel the difference?"

"No, I believe you."

I shook Drew's hand and said, "Nice to meet you young man."

Drew just smiled, "Thanks, you too."

"Dad, did you get the items we requested?"

"Yep, I put them on the counter in the kitchen."

"Okay Drew, we have work to do. Now ladies what would you like to drink while we are fixing something to eat?" asked Jeff.

"I'd like hot tea please." said Aunt Cora.

"Me too." answered Mrs. T.

"Me three." I said.

"Okay, coming right up." Jeff said as he and Drew walked toward the kitchen. As they were passing the bathroom Jeff said, "Why don't you go in there and wash your hands and freshen up?"

Drew did as he was told and Jeff made three cups of teas and fixed a bowl of snacks for us and delivered them. As he was leaving, he said, "If you need anything else, call us."

Jeff went into the kitchen and started to fix the meal. He had everything pulled out when Drew came into the kitchen looking much better. "Drew, go see if the older people need anything and ask them how hungry they are." Jeff said.

Jeff started fixing the meal and had everything on the stove or in the oven and was making a tossed salad when Drew returned. "Your Dad and Mrs. Tillison want something light and Aunt Cora said anything would be nice."

"How about you?" Jeff asked.

"I'm starved."

"Okay have a couple chips and get something to drink to hold you. While you're at it, could get me a glass of lemonade please?"

Jeff quickly set the table and placed silverware and water goblets and a wine glass at each place.

"Drew, please put a couple of ice cubes in the water goblets and fill them with water."

Drew went back and asked, "Which one is the water goblet?"

"That one," Jeff said as he nonchalantly pointed to the correct one.

Drew did as he was told and then sniffed, "Something smells good."

Jeff finished making three large salads and topped them with sliced turkey, grated cheese, and then added croutons. Then he made two smaller salads, which he topped with only cheese and croutons. "Now you can tell the adults that it is time to come to the table, please. Make sure you are seated close to Aunt Cora."

Drew escorted the ladies to the dining room and helped get them seated. "Everyone is seated Mr. Wilson." Drew announced as he went into the kitchen.

"Gracias, Senor. Take these bowls of soup to the two ladies and sit down."

Jeff came in carrying three bowls of soup. He put one in front of me and then put one in front of Drew and then at his own place and sat down. Drew went to start eating but Jeff held Drew's arm and asked, Mrs. T. would it be okay if I said a small blessing?"

"Of course."

Jeff simply said, "Please bless this food and help make only good things happen to our new friends and keep us all safe. Amen."

Drew looked at Jeff like he didn't know what to think. When he realized everyone was eating, he started to do likewise and didn't say one word.

"Jeff, where did this soup come from?" asked Mrs. Tillison.

"Out of a can but I added a few things," Jeff answered as if it was nothing.

When everyone was finished, Jeff got up and took his, Mrs. T.'s and my bowls and Drew took his and Aunt Cora's bowls.

"Drew, take these two large salads to Mrs. Tillison and my dad and then come back."

Drew went back and Jeff had handed him two plates with hot turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes and baked corn. Drew's eyes nearly popped out.

"Take one to Aunt Cora and then one to your place and sit down."

Jeff came in carrying some gravy and cranberry sauce which he set in front of Drew and Aunt Cora and then said, "Now everyone start eating and I'll be right back." He returned with his salad and some warm rolls. Before he sat down he took a bottle of white wine and said, "We have a little white wine if you would like some." We three adults each took a glass and the Jeff turned to Mrs. Tillison and said, "It's alright if Drew and I each have a half a glass isn't Mrs. Tillison?" She nodded yes. I don't think Drew realized what was happening.

Everyone was enjoying their meal especially Drew. He hardly said a word and was eating everything in sight. All of a sudden Mrs. Tillison got this funny look on her face and asked, "Where did this dressing on the salad come from? It certainly is not from a bottle."

"It just something I put together. It is a lot healthier than those bottled dressings," Jeff answered.

As everyone was finishing, Jeff asked, "Would anyone like anything else?"

Drew looked up sheepishly, "Might I have some more turkey and potatoes?"

"Coming right up. Anyone else?"

Mrs. T. and I shook our heads no. Aunt Cora said, "Honey if I have anything else, I probably won't be able to make it up the stairs."

Jeff took Drew's plate and came back with some more turkey and mashed potatoes. He put it down in front of Drew and then collected the others' plates and took them to the kitchen. As he was finishing, he said, "Dad, why don't you freshen Mrs. T.'s and Aunt Cora's wine. Drew, when you are finished, bring your plate into the kitchen please." Drew finished and did as he was asked.

Drew returned with a cup of tea for each of the ladies and then returned with a cup of tea for me and a glass of milk for him and then on the next trip he brought a glass of milk for Jeff and sat down. Jeff came in carrying a tray with three small pieces of pumpkin pie with real whipped cream and put one in front of Aunt Cora, Mrs. T. and me. He returned and put a large piece in front of Drew and then a small piece at his place.

When everyone finished, Jeff said, "Dad you take the ladies into the living room while Drew and I take care of the dishes."

I did as I was told. Aunt Cora was shaking her head. She finally said, "Thank goodness for Jeff. I think he is going to get Andrew straightened out." I thought she was going to cry.

Meanwhile the two teenagers were working like a well-oiled machine. "Drew you finish clearing the table and bring everything into the kitchen while I start putting things away and put the dishes into the dish washer." Jeff said.

It was very quiet and Mrs. T. went into the kitchen as the two guys were finishing the cleanup. She turned and called out, "Cora, Jack, come here please."

When we got there, I asked, "What wrong Mrs. Tillison?"

"That's just it. This kitchen looks like no one has been here."

"I think you just met your match Aggie." Cora laughed.

Jeff laughed and said, "Why don't you older people go back and relax. Drew and I are going to take the suitcases upstairs now."

What's going to happen upstairs?

To be continued...