The Doctor Gets a Visitor
by: E Walk

(Copyright 2007 by the Author)
Editor: Radio Rancher
 

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

 

Chapter 17

A Quiet Day at Last?

Wednesday started off like Tuesday, only this time, Jeff whispered, “Dad you need a shower before I get back with Kenny and Drew. You have this strange crusty stuff on you.” He just laughed and blew in my ear and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

I felt my chest and Jeff’s semen from last night started to flake off. I crawled out of bed and did a quick rinse in the shower before I dressed in an exercise outfit. When the three guys arrived, I had almost finished my first cup of coffee and almost felt human.

Jeff took us to the workout area and handed Kenny a slip of paper and announced, “I worked out before I woke Dad. I made myself do twice as much as you guys are going to do. Now, start doing your stretching/warm up exercises. Kenny, make sure they try their hardest to complete everything on the list.”

I couldn’t believe it; Kenny was even more demanding than Jeff. Drew and I both scowled when we had finished running in place for eight minutes. Drew and I dragged ourselves upstairs to the kitchen. Drew said, “Don’t ever put that ogre in charge again. He is even worse than you are.”

Jeff handed me a fresh cup of coffee and said, “Get ready for work.” I left. Jeff was cooking breakfast as Drew and Kenny were setting the table. When I came down, Jeff handed the two guys their clean work clothes and pointed. They quickly exited. Then he turned to me and asked, “Are you okay, Dad?”

I nodded yes. He said, “Pour orange juice for everyone.” The door bell rang and he ushered the six guys in, seated them and took their orders for beverage. The five older gentlemen asked for coffee, but Tyler asked if he might have a glass of milk. Drew and Kenny came rushing in, said hi to everyone and went to help Jeff.

The guys served the drinks and put a large tray of sticky cinnamon rolls on the table. Then they served everyone a plate with three pancakes and three links of sausage.

It was like the construction workers annihilated the food. Tyler said, “That was wonderful. I can hardly wait for the steaks at lunch.”

Mr. Hendrix said, “Tyler, knock it off. That’s probably the first real breakfast you have had in three months. Now guys, time to get busy, but first, take your plates and silverware to the sink.” They did as they were told and left, leaving me standing with Jeff.

Jeff looked at me and asked, “Can we go out to dinner and then go shopping for some things we might need when my family gets here? We can just talk quietly about the things we need and want to do. I’m afraid if we stay home, we will have people calling or dropping in.”

I pulled him close and held him and I said, “Don’t go into melt down. You need some rest. You keep deciding to take on so much responsibility on your own. Let some other people help you. I love you and I'm beginning to not be able to imagine life without you around.”

Jeff looked at me and smiled and said, “I’ll be okay. I’ll see you at 11:45 for lunch.” He turned and started the cleanup, which didn’t take very long because the guys had already rinsed their dishes. He started the dishwasher and put a load of towels in the washing machine. He was busy until 10:00 when he went to Mr. Hendrix and announced, “Coffee break time, in the kitchen.”

Mr. Hendrix sent Kenny to round everyone up. When everyone had assembled in the kitchen, Jeff announced, “Okay people, the coffee is on the counter and the soft drinks, lemonade and milk are in the refrigerator. There is pie on the counter. Help yourselves to a piece and no smoking in the house.”

Tyler looked at Jeff and asked, “Are you sure you haven’t been smoking something other than cigarettes? No one is this organized and thoughtful.”

“Yeah Jeff, you keep this up and my parents are going to be expecting me to do the cooking and be so good.” said Kenny.

Mr. Hendrix said, “Okay men, time to go back to work; rinse your dishes and put them in the dishwasher. It’s the least we can do.”

Jeff just watched as everyone thoroughly rinsed their dishes and put them in the dish washer. They all started back to their assigned work areas. Tyler stopped and asked, “Jeff, if you have an extra piece of pie, could I have it so I can take it to my brother? He needs something special. I hope you don’t mind me giving you a hard time. It helps me forget my problems and I think you are spectacular.”

Tyler started to leave with tears in his eyes. Jeff hugged him and said, “Tyler, we’ll talk more later.”

Jeff started to fix lunch but was interrupted by the phone. “This is the Wilson residence.”

“Hi, Mrs. Thompson. … 1:00 would be fine. … See you and Toby then.” Jeff said.

He had no sooner hung up than the phone rang again. “Hi Mrs. Tillison. … The work is going great. … After lunch, Mrs. Thompson and Toby are bringing some things for me to check. … Sure, I’ll be glad to take Drew for his learner’s permit. I need to get a Nebraska driver’s license anyway. … Mr. Hendrix is right here. Let me get him for you.”

Jeff got Mr. Hendrix. “Good morning, Aggie. …. Yes ma’am, I understand. … I guess probably that is a good idea. … I will, Aggie. … Okay, talk to you later.” He hung up and said, “Jeff, Mrs. Tillison wants you to drop Drew off at her house after he gets his learner’s permit. Could you also drop Kenny off after he gets his permit?”

“Yes sir, I can do all of the above. You have 45 minutes until lunch, and make sure the guys all wash their hands before they come to the table.”

At just before noon, the guys had all assembled, as I walked in. Jeff said, “Everyone grab a plate and help yourselves to the Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and green beans. The rolls and cinnamon apples are already on the table.”

He turned to Tyler and said, “Tyler, your lunch is already on the table.” He started to clean some of the utensils.

Everyone looked at the table, and there sat a plate with a very small piece of red meat, one green bean and a postage stamp size of mashed potatoes. There was a small sliver of apple on the plate. Tyler didn’t say anything. He just went and sat down and picked up the green bean and ate it.

Jeff went over to him and said, “Gotcha! Now get in line.” He whispered and asked, “Will you stay and talk after the rest of the guys leave?”

Tyler got up with tears in his eyes and nodded yes. After he and Jeff sat down and everyone finished their meal, Jeff brought a huge plate of chocolate chip cookies and said, “Okay guys, the rest of these cookies will be on the counter in a container. You can help yourselves to a snack at break time this afternoon.”

Mr. Hendrix interrupted, “Jeff, we should be finished by 3:00 so we won’t need any snacks. Jack; Tyler, Kenny and I will be back early in the morning to finish all three areas. The other four guys are going to Ralph’s parent’s house to do a small project so that his mother can get around easier in her wheel chair.”

With that, everyone took their dishes to the counter. Kenny and Drew carefully cleaned them and put them in the dishwasher while Jeff put the leftovers in containers and stored the perishables in the refrigerator.

After everyone left, I went over to Jeff and asked, “Jeff, what’s bothering you?”

“Dad, what do you know about Tyler? I think he has a big problem.”

“Jeff, I never saw Tyler before yesterday.” I answered. “Why don’t you go talk to Mr. Hendrix? I have to get back to the office. I understand that you are taking Drew and Kenny to get their learner’s permits.”

Jeff looked at me, “Can’t I do anything without you knowing before I do?”

“Not if Mrs. Tillison is involved. I really need to go.”

He sat down and said, “See you at 5:00 Dad.”

I saw Anita and Toby driving up as I was leaving.

Toby came up to the door and just walked in and yelled, “Mom needs help bringing things in.”

Jeff put on his coat and said, “Let’s go brother and help her.” The two guys unloaded the car and deposited everything in the hallway. When Anita showed Jeff what she had for the living room and our bedroom, he was really excited. He said, “This is so exciting. It is really going to make those areas come alive.”

Anita said, “I have a window treatment person coming tomorrow at 8:30. I think you will like him. Grams said the movers should be here at 10:30 with the furniture. Now could I see what Mr. Hendrix and his men have done?’

Jeff led Anita and Toby to the three areas and she said, “This is going to be perfect. It will make everything so much more open. I think your Dad will be able to get his money back double for these improvements.” She added, “I haven’t done anything about the basement level.”

Jeff assured her, “There will be plenty of time for that later. Until then, everyone can just be comfortable up here. You have already done much more than should be expected in such a short time.”

Anita looked at her watch, and announced, “We need to go. Toby has basketball practice.”

Jeff hugged Toby and said, “Remember to try your hardest, Little Brother.”

Toby hugged Jeff and said, “I will, Big Brother.”

“I’ll be here tomorrow at 8:30 to work with the window treatment person and again later in the afternoon to start putting the rooms together after the movers have everything in place.”

Jeff had just shown them out when Mr. Hendrix came up to him and said, “Jeff, we are finished for the day. All that needs to be done tomorrow is some minor finishing work and you should be set. Kenny, Tyler and I will be here first thing in the morning to do those before the movers get here. Kenny can touch up any marks the movers make after they leave.”

“Mr. Hendrix, what do you know about Tyler? I have a strange feeling that there is something very wrong.” Jeff asked.

“Jeff, I honestly do not know too much about him. He only started to work for me three months ago. He is turning out to be one of my most reliable men. He is willing to learn and does an excellent job. I think I heard him talk more to you than he has said in all the time he has worked with me. He almost never participates in a conversation unless he is asked a question.”

The other gentlemen came into the room and thanked Jeff for the great meals. Mr. Carpenter, who was the oldest of the five, said, “Jeff, let us know if you need anymore work done. I’m sure the guys would jump at the chance. We aren’t usually treated so well.” He turned to Mr. Hendrix and asked, “Bill, you are going to hire young Drew to work, when he has free time, aren’t you? He has worked his butt off and never complained. He sure made it easier for us to finish ahead of schedule.”

Jeff told me later that when he looked at Drew, he seemed to be standing taller. Mr. Hendrix answered, “I agree Leroy, but I don’t know if he would be interested. I’ll talk to him about it.”

With that, the guys prepared to leave. Jeff asked, “Tyler, could you stay? I have some questions for you.”

Tyler looked upset. He answered, “I have to go to the shop to pick up my truck and sign out.”

“I’ll tell you what. I’ll take you to the shop after we visit. I have to go out anyway. I am taking Kenny and Drew to get their driver’s learner’s permits. The shop is right on the way to the court house."

“Is that okay Mr. Hendrix?” Tyler asked.

“Fine Tyler. Just make sure you are here in the morning.”

“I’ll have breakfast ready at 7:30 for you guys.” Jeff announced. Mr. Hendrix just shook his head and laughed.

“I am afraid if I worked here much longer, I would be walking around a hundred pounds heavier. Bye guys. See you in the morning, Tyler.” He turned to Kenny and said, “I guess you will be home sometime, won’t you Kenny? Just let your mother know if you won’t be home for dinner.”

“Okay guys, to the kitchen for a snack before we head to the court house.” Jeff said. When they sat down, he handed them each cookies and a glass of milk.

As they all settled down, Jeff asked Tyler, “Why did you put some of your food into your coat pocket the last two days?”

Drew and Kenny looked at Jeff as if he had flipped out. Tyler looked like he was going to cry, but he answered, “I didn’t eat all my food so I could share some with Spencer.”

“So who is Spencer, and where is he now?” Jeff asked.

Tyler sighed, “Spencer is my 10 year old brother, and he is in our room at the old Livingstone Hotel building.”

Kenny spoke up, “That place is a dump.”

“I know; but that is all I can afford, and it has been tough making ends meet over the holidays, because the hours have been cut. I understand that Mr. Hendrix and the rest of the crew want to spend time with their families, but it has made it very difficult for Spencer and me.” Tyler looked downcast.

“Okay Tyler, let’s get going to get your truck. Then you are going to go pick up Spencer and bring him directly back here and give him some milk and cookies. Here is the key to the front door. If you aren’t here when we get back, I am going to send the police to pick you up. Now let’s roll.” Jeff barked.

Drew said, “Believe him. He’ll do it, so you'd better not waste any time.”

They piled into the Camry and dropped Tyler off at the shop, and Jeff said, “Move it Mister.”

Tyler turned and saluted and went into the office to sign out. The other guys left for the Court House.

Now what has Jeff gotten himself into?


Editor's Note:

It looks to me as if Jeff has found another young guy to help. I really love Jeff. He has a wonderful sense of responsibility. He doesn't do anything half way. I can hardly wait for the next chapter to find out what will happen with Spencer. Please hurry with the next chapter.

Darryl
AKA The Radio Rancher