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 42
Some Saturday

I came down the stairs as everyone was finishing eating breakfast. How come no one woke me?” I asked.

“Jeff said we weren’t to disturb you. Now how would you like your eggs?”
Spencer asked.

“I’ll have one over easy, please, with some toast and coffee.” I answered. I looked around and asked, “I assume Tyler is at the Baxter house helping with Gigi, but where is Jeff?”

“He’s at the store. He said you were to sit and read the paper until he got back.” answered Sammy.

Spencer brought me a plate with two eggs, toast, sausage and hash browns. He said, “Eat all of this. You are going to need your strength.”

Jeff came back and said, “I need the car unloaded, please. Good morning Dad. I trust Spencer is taking good care of you. Dad, you are going to stay here and do the dishes and take the ground beef and make 75 hamburgers. Call Aunt Jane and then make a list of who will be coming to the dinner, so I know how much food to prepare. I’ll be back as soon as Mr. Snyder doesn’t need any more help.”

Jeff left and I did as I was told. When he came back, it was a little after ten; I had finished my assigned duties and handed him the list.

“Thanks Dad, now go get dressed. I have some errands for you to run.” Jeff said as he started to work.

I showered and came back downstairs, and he handed me a list of things he wanted me to pick up at the store. I looked at the list, “I guess I had better rent a U-Haul truck.”

Jeff ignored me and continued working. I did the shopping and as I was bringing them in he was separating them. When we finished he said, “These things all need to go to Gram’s house. She knows you are coming. On your way home, stop at a pizza place and then go to the Baxters' house and I’ll meet you there at 12:30.”

I did as I was told and when I got to the Baxter house, Jeff had everyone ready. Jeff opened the boxes and said, “Ladies first. What would you like Gigi?”

Jeff served her and the rest of the guys were like crocodiles and snapped up the pizza. When everyone finished, Jeff brought out a large tray of cookies and after he had passed it to Mrs. Baxter and she had taken a couple, the cookies vanished.

“Okay cookie monsters, back to work. Dad and I are going to check to see what you accomplished this morning. We walked around with Tyler and Kevin. When we finished, Jeff called everyone together. “You guys have made excellent progress. I am very proud of you. I think the construction crew will be able to finish all the major work in an hour. The moving crew needs to set up Gigi’s bed in the middle of the room for now.”

“The paint crew needs to paint Mrs. Baxter’s old bedroom and sewing room whatever color Kevin says he wants. Gigi, you decide what you want to wear tonight to the barbecue and to church in the morning. I hope everyone can finish by 3:30, because then I want this place cleaned up of all debris and then you all need to get ready to be at the Tillison house by 5:00 at the absolute latest and make sure you bring your musical instruments if you are supposed to. Does anyone we know play the drums or trombone?”

Kenny spoke up and said, “Bobby is a drummer in a dance group, and Kim sometimes plays the trombone with the group.

“Cool.” said Jeff. “We’ll be back at 3:30 to make sure you guys have it right. Bye.”

We left and went to the house. I was busy making trips to the Tillison house with load after load of food. At 3:00 Jeff said, “Dad, get dressed now, so we can go to the Tillison house to make the whiskey sour punch and lemonade fizz.”

I quickly got ready, came downstairs and we hurried to the Baxter house. After we walked around and checked everything, Jeff said, “You guys have done a fantastic job. I can’t believe it. You even got the two empty rooms upstairs painted, so now we can move Kevin’s things into Gigi’s old room and the other bedroom things into the sewing room for Tyler on Monday. Then you can paint the back two bedrooms before we get Spencer settled. Gigi, what do you think?”

“I am amazed that this many bodies could work together so smoothly.” she answered. I am so excited and happy that I will not have to rely on people to take me up and down the stairs anymore. I don’t even care if it is not completely finished.”

Okay guys. It's time to clean up any mess that is left, then I want to see you dressed and at the Tillison’s house at 5:00. Tyler, you help with Gigi. Any questions?”

We went back to the house and loaded both cars one last time. I left immediately for Mrs. Tillison’s house. Jeff took a quick shower and as soon as he arrived, he got busy organizing everything.

“What can we do to help?” asked Ben.

Jeff said, “I hate to ask you, but could you go to the store and pick up some very sturdy disposal dishes and utensils. I totally spaced them off. Seventy five of each should be plenty. You probably should get a few extra forks. I already have plenty of napkins and glassware.”

“Sure we can do that.” said Ben, smiling. They left and returned shortly.

Jeff started to set out the utensils, and told the three of us to get the bar ready. The guys started arriving and Jeff soon put them to work. “Spencer, Teddy and Toby, you three are the butlers. Make sure you greet everyone cordially, take their coats, and put them in the spare bedroom. Twit, you and Drew get the fires started and the rest of you pass the snacks around when the people get their drinks. I think that should cover it.”

The people started to arrive, and Jeff acted as the unofficial host. He greeted each person with a hug. When the Lincoln’s arrived, Spencer got really excited and asked, “Spike, what are you doing here? Did you bring your swim suit? Great, we’ll give those silly teenagers a run for there money, won't we?”

“Hey, there are Lynn and Lisa with their parents and look who is behind them; Melanie and Melody and their parents.” yelled Toby. “Come on 5th graders, let’s go have some fun!”

They all disappeared like a shot, except Spencer. However, that changed when the Ellison’s arrived with Jimmy. Spencer took him, and told Cindy and Steve to join the old folks and then he turned to Jeff and said, “I’ll send someone to take my place.”

Mickey and Georgia went to Jeff and said, “We have been told to take over as the substitute butlers.”

The Madisons arrived with the desserts, and Jeff went out and got the last of the load out of the van. He took them to the kitchen and when they came out Jeff said, “You are staying for dinner, right?”

“But we’re still in our work clothes.” said Mrs. Madison.

“And the problem with that is what? Now, just sit down and relax. Bartenders, the Madisons need a stiff drink.”

Just then Father and Mrs. Gilbert arrived and when Jeff realized that Bishop Lancaster and his wife were with them, he was stopped for a minute. “Hi, Bishop Lancaster. No one told me you and your lovely wife were coming, but I am delighted that you are here. How are you lovely ladies this evening?” He gave them both a kiss on the cheek and shook the gentlemen’s hands.

The next to arrive were Lash and Paul Murphy. They were accompanied by Tyler, Kevin and Mrs. Baxter, with Matt and Mark. Jeff looked at all of them and said, “Why are you so late? I was getting ready to call the state patrol to make sure you didn’t have an accident. I didn’t know any of you lived in Canada. Would someone please take Gigi to visit with the other adults, and then you six are going to help in the kitchen.”

Jeff took over the grills as he directed what he wanted everyone else to do. When he finished the hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs, and they were put on the table, he made sure the older people were helped by the young people. When everyone had been served, Jeff filled his plate and sat on the floor like the other young people.

When people were finishing, Jeff said I think it would be nice if everyone would introduce themselves, so everyone can put the names together with who you are. Aunt Cora, why don’t you begin, please?”

The introductions went rather quickly until it was Mark’s turn. He said, “I am Mark Bressler, and I teach fifth graders to behave. I was invited tonight to make sure these naughty young people don’t get in any trouble.”

Spencer said, “Mr. Monster Dog, sit down and be nice, or we are going to pay you back big time on Monday.” With that, the fifth graders were all high fiving.”

The next interruption came when Mr. Lincoln said, “I am George Lincoln, and I change light bulbs. Everyone laughed and Bobby said, “Dad your nose is going to be so long. Tell the truth. You don’t know how to change a light bulb. All you do is tell other people how to do it.” Everyone started to laugh again, and Bobby said, “I guess I had better be quiet. I think I have already been grounded for a month.

When it came to Spencer, who was sitting next to Jeff, he handed Jimmy to Jeff and stood up. “I am Spencer Knight. I am Doctor Dad Wilson’s god son, and I am so glad you all could come tonight.” He then proceeded around the room, shaking hands and hugging or kissing everyone.

Jeff was the last one and he just said, “I’m Jeff, and I’m the babysitter.”

Everyone started to laugh and Jeff said, “Jimmy, tell all those under thirty to the gather the plates and utensils and take everything to the kitchen. Dessert will be on the table shortly after choir practice.”

All the young people got up, even Steve and Cindy. Jeff looked around and said, “I forgot to qualify it with single people.”

Josh and Ben got up and Jeff held up his hands, “I’ve lost control.’’

Everyone worked together and finished the clean up in no time. They were finishing cleaning as Spencer and Bobby were talking to Jeff. The three of them took Jimmy and went into the bathroom. When they came out, Jeff told everyone to go the living room.

Bobby came in carrying two glasses of ice and Spencer was carefully carrying Jimmy in one arm and a gin bottle in the other. “Aunt Cindy, Jimmy says he’s thirsty. Can he have some of this? It must be good the bottle says 120% and Mr. Monster Dog never gives grades that high.”

Jane jumped up and said, “Jimmy doesn’t need anything like that. He is way too young.”

Spencer said, “Oh okay, Grandma Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, Bobby said it would be okay for him to have a glass. Is that okay with you?”

“Not unless he wants to be grounded for six months.” answered Bobby’s mother.

“Okay Jeff, I guess it’s just you and me.” He poured two glasses of the liquid over the ice. He handed one to Jeff and took one and said, “Bottoms up.”

“Spencer, you drink that and I’ll personally make sure you are going to be orbiting the moon for a month and when you return you still won’t be able to sit down.” Tyler threatened.

Jeff and Spencer clinked their glasses and drank the liquid. Teddy jumped and said, “Something’s fishy. Jeff can’t stand the smell of gin, let alone the taste.” He grabbed the bottle and took a very small sip. He took a bigger taste and announced, “This is water.”

“Spencer never said it was gin, did he?” asked Bobby.

Everyone started to laugh and applaud. Lash spoke up. “Doctor Wilson, I hope you have your blood pressure kit with you. Several people, especially Jane and Tyler look like they are going to have a stroke. You can charge the house call against Jane’s check next week.”

Jeff stopped any more frivolity and announced, “Rehearsal time.’

The young people all went to the basement and Jeff turned and said, “That includes you too, Tyler, Kevin, Matt, Mark, Lash and Paul. Now move it.”

They all left, and the rest of us visited. We couldn’t tell what was happening but could hear sounds coming from the basement. All of a sudden the house began to vibrate. We could hear a drum, trombone, trumpet, keyboard, banjo and voices, of course.

I started toward the basement and heard Jeff say, “That’s a wrap. Everyone will be wonderful tomorrow. You were great. Guys, you wear coats and ties. Ladies, you wear some nice clothes, but please, no short skirts or shorts. Now, ladies go change, while the guys set the desserts out. When that is all done, you can go get your suits on. Now, I need to go talk to some people.”

I hadn’t realized it, but Ben and Josh were right behind me. Jeff met us on the stairs and said, “Ah! Three of the people I need to talk to. I want to go to the Baxter house and check on something. Do you want to come along?"

“Yes.” we all answered.

“We’ll leave as soon as I talk to Mr. Lincoln.” Jeff walked to Mr. Lincoln and asked, “Mr. Lincoln, do you have any technicians on you crews who would want to earn some extra money at night or on a weekend?”

“Jeff, I’ll check with my guys and let you know Monday.” he answered.

“Mrs. Baxter, would it be okay if I go check some things at your house? I’m going to take Uncle Josh and Uncle Ben with me to show them what an excellent job the guys did. They might be moving here and would like to get some ideas.” Jeff said.

She handed Jeff the keys and said, “It’s rather a mess since I haven’t been permitted to put anything away yet.”

We left and when Josh and Ben saw what had been done, they checked everything very carefully. “This is very well done.” said Ben.

“Did you have enough money to do all these things? Do you need more?” asked Ben.

“I paid Mr. Snyder this morning, and I have a check in my pocket to pay Mr. Hendrix for the supplies, when we get back and I have enough money to pay all the people who worked this week.”

I still have enough money to pay for the overhead lights so Mrs. Baxter can work when it is dreary and enough to paint the bedrooms upstairs and get some decorative accessories to match everyone’s personalities.”

“If you find that you don’t have enough money, please let us know.” Josh said.

“Uncle Ben and Uncle Josh, could you go to Omaha with us tomorrow? Drew and Kenny each need to drive some more miles, and some of the other people will be going with us.” Jeff asked.

“We can do that.” answered Josh.

When we got back to the Tillison house, everyone was eating dessert and having coffee tea or milk. Toby asked, “Grams, can we swim tomorrow afternoon again?”

“Yes, absolutely, but only if there are qualified lifeguards here.” she answered.

“How many qualified lifeguards will be here tomorrow?” Toby asked.

Seven hands went up, not including Kenny or Jeff.

Jeff said, “Before everyone leaves, I have some checks to pass out for the work that was done at Gigi’s house this week. Mr. Hendrix, here is a check for the supplies that Tyler bought on your account, and a little extra for permitting us to put the waste materials in the dumpster.” Then he gave everyone who had worked an envelope except Kenny and Drew.

Everyone was getting ready to go when Spencer pulled two envelopes out of Jeff’s back pocket. “Jeff, boss man, what are these?” he asked.

“Oh, I forgot to give these out. Here you go Punk and Kid.” Jeff said, as he handed them the envelopes.

Kenny said, “You didn’t forget, you were going to pocket the money and get some more of that stuff in a gin bottle.” Kenny and Drew gave Jeff a big hug.

Spencer, Drew and Jeff helped everyone get ready to go. Jeff kissed all the women and shook hands with the men. Spencer and Drew just shook hands with everyone and thanked them for coming. When everyone was gone, Jeff made one last check to make sure that everything was in order.

“Grams, thanks very much for allowing us to have the party here, it has been so much fun. Aunt Cora, I can’t believe how you just seem to be getting younger and younger every day. You look absolutely wonderful. He hugged Ben and Josh, and Spencer, who was still with us, just kissed everybody including Drew.

Josh and Ben were standing there just shaking their heads as we left.

When we walked in the house, Jeff was accosted by his three brothers. They thanked him for the party and Mickey said, “You didn’t tell us we were working for pay.”

“Would it have made any difference on how hard you worked?” Jeff asked.

“No.” the three boys answered, grinning.

“Okay Teddy, you and Spencer get a quick shower in Dad’s bathroom. Mickey, you use your shower, and Sammy, can use Tyler’s, since he isn’t here yet.” Jeff ordered.

Everyone had left and Jeff and I were sitting at the table, talking about Sunday when Tyler came in. He took off his coat and just plopped down on a chair.

I looked at him and said, “Spill man, what’s bothering you?”

“I’m so confused. I think I am falling in love with Kenny and that’s so wrong.” Tyler mumbled.

“What makes it so wrong?” asked Jeff.

“Well, everyone keeps saying it is wrong for two people of the same sex to be in love, and that it is a sin and they will go to Hell.” he answered.

“So you think Jeff and I are going to Hell?” I asked.

That caught him completely by surprise, and he pulled back and finally said, “Of all the people I know, you and Jeff are two of the people very least likely to go to Hell. St. Peter is probably waiting for both of you with open arms.” He just lost it and the tears started.

Finally he calmed down said, “I guess I need to admit that I think I love Kevin, and want to be with him.”

“Before you decide anything, you need to talk to Kevin, and if you decide to move forward, you need to talk to Spencer and Gigi, and I would do it separately.” Jeff said.

“Okay men, we need to get to bed; I am nervous about tomorrow.” Jeff said.

We took our showers and Jeff just fell into bed and went out like the proverbial light.


To be continued...
 

Feedback always welcome:     

Editor's Note:

This is quite an interesting chapter. I notice that a lot has been accomplished here. Probably the most interesting thing is that Tyler is now beginning to realize that he is falling in love with Kevin. I guess the question that needs to be answered next is, how does Kevin feel about that?

All other issues can be worked out, but the most important issues have to be whether both boys love each other.
I guess we will just have to wait for the next chapter to find out, won't we?

Darryl
AKA The Radio Rancher


 

Posted: 05/11/07