The Doctor Gets a Visitor II
by: E Walk

(Copyright 2007 by the Author)
 

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

 

Chapter 31
The Second Party

The guys put their bags with their coats and Jeff said, “Okay, let’s go down to the basement and make sure it looks as good as it was when we arrived.”  The teenagers, except Sammy, were helping take the food upstairs and folding the chairs.  The chairs disappeared and the guys set them up in the living room.

Some of the towels had been placed in the washing machine.  “Come on you people, let’s go.  I want to be home by five.”  The place was back in shape, except the towels, and there was a whistle from the top of the stairs.

“I think that means we’re to go upstairs.” announced Jeff. 

As the guys came into the room, everyone started to sing Happy Birthday.  The guys stopped, and it looked like Spencer was going to go down. Jeff moved behind him and held him.

Jeff led the five guys to seats of honor he had made.  Beau stood and said, “I have the privilege of going first.  He got a big bag and handed a crown to Chip.  Chip looked inside and put it on Bobby’s head. Beau handed him the other three crowns, and then he pulled out another one and put it on Chip.

Chip said, “I didn’t make this one.”

Beau laughed and said, “May I please introduce, Commander Chip Weaver, Lt. Spencer Knight, Lt. Bobby Lincoln, Lt. Teddy Smith and Lt. Toby Thompson.”  There was a round of applause.  Beau turned to Jeff and said, “I think it would be fun to have everyone briefly introduce themselves, so everyone knows who is who.”

“Aunt Cora, you start,” Jeff said, and with about 100 people it was nearly 6:00 when everyone had finished. 

Mrs. Tillison went to the dining room and came back and said, “Dinner is ready.” She pushed back the doors.  “Everyone has to help themselves.”

Drew got Aunt Cora and helped her through the line, as Spencer was helping Gigi on the other side.  The rest of the ladies were followed by the older men, and everyone started to go through the line.  Jeff and I were talking to everyone as they came through the line.

When Jeff and I finally went through the line, Jeff said.  “Mitchell, you and your crew grab a plate of grub, and come eat with us.  You are all college students and know a lot of the other people here.”

I was surprised, but the five young people seemed to be excited about joining us.  The young guys started taking their dishes to the kitchen and were visiting with the rest of the people.  I noticed Kyle and Joe especially got a lot of hits.

Jeff was watching and when he felt it was appropriate, he said, “Time to take everyone’s dishes to the kitchen.”  He went and talked to Mickey, Chris and Georgia.

They conferred, and Georgia said, “Since Granddad Hank is videotaping the proceedings, we can watch and see Beau and Denny give them the boards.”

Jeff was looking around and got everyone’s attention.  “Everyone under the age of 25, help the crew clear the dishes and food.  Dad, would you please deliver Georgia and Chris to their sitting jobs.”

Davey spoke up, “Mommy and Daddy, I don’t want to leave, please.”

The Montgomery’s conferred and Colin asked, “May I use the phone please?”  He made the call, came back and told Davey, “We don’t have to leave until 8:45.”

When I returned from delivering Georgia and Chris, the dining room was back to normal, and people were loading the club van.  Mrs. T. handed the four others servers an envelope and said, “Mitch, you are staying aren’t you?”

“I would like to, very much.”  He flipped the keys to the other young man and said, “Please punch me out when you get back.”

Everyone reassembled in the living room and Jeff had the birthday boys reassume their seats of honor.  Jeff left, and came in with an empty ice cream cone like it was a microphone and announced, "The first presenters tonight are Mrs. Jill and Mr. Reg Weaver." 

They handed the guys each a pair of safety goggles.  The guys looked very confused.

“Now we have Mr. Mark Bressler and Mr. Matt Baldwin.”   They handed the guys elbow and knee pads.

It didn’t get any easier for the guys, as the gifts kept coming.  Spencer finally spoke up and said, “There are two very different things going on here.  These gifts all have to do with safety, but for different reasons.”

“Now Dana, Candy, David and Sammy have gifts.”  They handed the guys helmets with their names on the inside.

“Up now are General Beauregard Benson, Dennis the Menace Johnson and the Mighty Mickey Smith, who will also be presenting on behalf of Georgia Thompson and Christopher Columbus Bressler.

The guys handed the guys skateboards with their names engraved on them.

“Here comes Dina Lincoln, Lori Johnson, Kenny Hendrix and Drew Washington.”

They handed the older guys roller blades, and roller skates for Chip.  By now, the guys were all looking a little overwhelmed.  Jeff glanced at me, and then at Spencer and I knew what he wanted.  I went and sat down behind Spencer, and whispered, “Just relax, Son.”  I sat on the floor behind him and put my hands on his sides.

“Now, we have Mrs. Grams Tillison and Ms. Cora Washington.” Mrs. T. left with Drew, Kenny, David and Sammy.  The four guys came in riding motorized scooters, which they parked in front of the 11 year olds.  Mrs. Tillison came riding a regular scooter that she parked in front of Chip.

The guys were wide eyed.

Next up are Mr. Frankie Lincoln, and Mr. Kent Freeman.  They handed each of the guys a remote car.  When Spencer realized what they were, he bolted from the room. 

Jeff, Beau, Josh and I went after him.  We found him in the kitchen sobbing, “Please make everyone take all these things back.  I don’t deserve all of these things.”

We were interrupted by Mrs. Baxter.  “Spencer, stand up.” She said, in an authoritative voice.

He looked at who it was, and responded immediately.  She said, “Spencer, you, of all people, certainly do deserve this night.  Now, you get yourself squared away, and get your butt back in the room and tell the people that you had to make an emergency call to the bathroom.”

She had walked to the kitchen without her walker, so Jeff supported her back to the living room.  Jeff said, “Now that intermission is over, the next presenters are Grandmother and Granddad Robinson,

Mrs. Robinson handed the guys each a little box.  They opened the boxes and they each had a wrist watch.  Mr. Robinson handed the guys a game, and said, “These are for the homeless children.”

The guys put the games on the table and Jeff said, “Dr. Bill Potts, and staff members from the college have some gifts.  They came forward and handed the guys a CD player and two CD’s each.

I guess that about does it guys, but I think Uncle Ben and Uncle Josh have something for you.  Ben, Josh, Drew, Kenny and Mickey left and came back with bicycles for the guys. “Happy Birthday, men.” as they parked them in front of the guys.  Spencer went out like a light and fell back against me. I massaged him and he started to revive, but he was shaking.

I leaned forward and said, “Pull up your britches, farm boy.”

He turned to me and said, “Okay, but I don’t deserve this.”

“It’s Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln’s turn.”

Mrs. Lincoln handed each of the guys two beige sport shirts with five stars on the back and the words Lawn Care.

“Mother and Pop, your turn.”

Linda handed the guys each a beige sweat shirt with the same motif.

Now we have Mrs. Baxter.”  Jeff said, as he went and got her bag and handed each of the guys a dark brown hat with 5 stars on the back.

Dr. and Mrs. Thompson, I believe you have something for the guys.”  Jeff said.

Anita went forward and handed the guys each two boxes of personalized business cards, with their individual names and telephone numbers.  Spencer read the cards to Chip.

Jeff motioned for me, Mickey, Beau and Jason to follow him.  We went into the garage and came back with Jason pulling a little red wagon filled with all kinds of yard tools.

Beau came in, carrying two lawn edgers; Mickey was pushing a lawn cart with some more tools, and I had two rakes and a gasoline container in a wheel barrow and Jeff had a power lawn mower.

The guys didn’t know what to think, and all of a sudden Spencer spoke up and said, “Guys, I think we have just been told to get off our duffs and go to work.”

Jeff said, “Yep, and I made a sample flyer for you two guys to review, and then you can pass them out and advertise your business.  The last presentation will be made by Mr. Hank and Mrs. Jane Thompson.”

Jane came forward and handed each of the guys a big box of personalized stationary and a sheet of stamps.  Spencer again spoke up and said, “Guys, I think we have just been told that we need to write a lot of thank you notes.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes this portion of the program.”

“Not so fast, Jeff.” Ben interrupted, and he left with Denny and Davey.  When they came back they had two more bicycles with helmets on the handle bars.  Denny said, “We found these in the garage, and don’t know who they belong to.”

“Look inside the helmets and see if there is a name.” said Josh.

Davey read the name on the helmet on the smaller bike.  “Property of Jason Powers,” Jason started to cry, and Davey sat down and started to console him.

Denny read the name in the other helmet.  “Property of Beau Benson.”

Beau stood and looked inside, and went white.  He started to go down but Denny grabbed him.  Jeff went to him and told him to breathe deep, and said, “If you don’t get a smile on that fat face of yours, I’ll start kissing you in front of these people.”  Beau stood and said, “You just stay away from me salami breath.”  Beau put his arm around Ben and said, “Thank you.” And then did the same to Josh.

Spencer stood and said, “On behalf of Chip, Teddy, Toby, Bobby and myself, I want to thank you all for coming and for your lavish generosity.  Personally, I am just overwhelmed by all of these gifts.  But thank you very much.  This has to be the birthday party to end all birthday parties.  Dr. Potts, I have a question, Is this an example of conspicuous consumption?”

“Spencer, I don’t think this could be conspicuous consumption, none of you guys did anything.  I think you nailed it when you used the term “lavish generosity”.  I am sure though, that the economy of Fremont received a big boost from the party.”

Everyone laughed and Spencer said, “Thank you Dr. Potts, and now we all want to say Thank You,” which the guys did in unison.

Spencer sat down and everyone applauded.

Beau stood up and said, “Jeff, your part in this party is over.  I specifically heard Grams say all you were to worry about for this party was the gifts.  That’s done now, so sit down like a good little boy.  Now, ladies and gentlemen, you are in for a treat.  My technical assistant, Sammy Smith, and I have prepared a little presentation for you.” 

He pushed a button and a screen came down from behind a valance. “Now, if you will arrange your seats so you can see the screen, we will begin our show.  Now watch, as Mademoiselle Tillisony and Monsieur Wilsony entertain you.”

Sammy started the show.  It showed Beau introducing Jeff and Mrs. T. and starting the music.  All of a sudden, Beau said, “Sammy, stop the tape please. I want everyone to look at how elegantly the couple is dressed.  Does anyone see anything wrong?”

No one said anything, so Beau said, “I want you to look at Mademoiselle Tillisony’s feet.  What do you see?”

Toby spoke up, “She’s wearing sneakers like she always does.”

“Precisely Toby, the problem is that sneakers didn’t even exist until after the Second World War.  Okay, roll it Sammy.”  The next segment showed Jeff’s wartime presentations, followed by Dr. Potts’ and Anne Campbell’s presentations.  “Now, I want you to watch and see the clothes that Jeff teaches in.” and the tape quickly ran through all the changes that Jeff had appeared in.

Beau stopped the tape and said, “Here is the grand finale, with Jeff singing one of Mr. Aaron Copeland’s most famous works.”

The tape started to play again, as Jeff was singing I Bought Me a Bird.  The song ended, and everyone was laughing.  Beau announced, “That concludes the entertainment.”

Everyone applauded except Dr. Armstrong, who said, “Beau, you left out the best part of yesterday’s class.”

“What did I leave out?” Beau asked, puzzled.

“The part where you sang Do Re Me.” she answered.

The tape started again, and Beau was singing and leading the class, as Anne flipped through her slides.  The tape stopped and Beau pushed a button and the screen disappeared and he brought up the lights.  Beau turned, and said, “Sammy, you’re fired and Dr. A. you have been a bad girl.  Now go stand in the corner.  Grams, I lost control, now it’s your turn.”  Everyone applauded again as Beau went and hugged Dr. Armstrong, then went back to Sammy and hugged him and then high fived him.

Greg spoke up, “Beau, you must be wrong.  Aaron Copland never wrote any music like that.”

Aunt Cora interrupted, “Greg, honey, you are wrong.  I attended a concert in Carnegie Hall in New York City in the early 50’s when Aaron Copeland played that song on the piano, as Paul Warfield sang the lyrics.  Mr. Copeland explained that he had written it as a diversion from his other works.”

Mrs. T. got up and said, “There is cake, ice cream coffee, tea, or milk.  Now my servers need to get busy.”

Colin said, “We really need to go, now.  This has been so much fun.  Come on Davey.”

“Daddy, can Jason spend the night with me?  We promise to be good.”  Davey said.

“Check with Mickey and Dr. Wilson.” Colin shrugged.

Mickey said, “Fine with me.”

Davey came to me and I said, “He can go, but remember the rules, and he has to be home 10:00 in the morning to go to church.”

Anne spoke up, “Jeff, which reminds me.  I need you to play the organ for me tomorrow.  We need to go to Lincoln, for a funeral service.”

“Thanks for the warning.  That means I have to be at the church by 6:30 in the morning.  I’m moving to another town.” said Jeff.

“Thanks Jeff.” Anne laughed.

 Beau came in with five big pieces of cake for the Montgomery’s.  “This should put the guys to sleep, Mickey.  I filled their two pieces with sleeping powder.”

The Montgomery’s left and the 16 year olds came in with three carts with cake, ice cream and the drinks. Jeff had taken the five and eleven year olds to the kitchen, where he served them.  Jeff didn’t take any dessert, but rather walked around visiting with everyone.

Spencer came in and said, “I hate to say this, but guys are getting tired and maybe they should be going home.  Again, I want to thank everyone for coming and you were all too generous.”

The parents collected the five year olds, and Beau and Denny had their coats ready for them.  People started to leave as Mrs. T., Jeff and the birthday boys said good night to everyone.  Kyle and Joe came to me and said, “This is like something out of the movies.  I can't believe that these people could pull it off.  I wish we could have been here for the first party, too.”

I hugged them and said, “Don’t blame me.”

I noticed that Mrs. T. gave the two of them big hugs as did Jeff and the four birthday boys that were still there. After everyone had left, there were nine guys, and all the teenagers left with Spencer.  They put everything back in order, and loaded the chairs and took them to the church.  Beau was making sure that everything was perfect, and Spencer ran the vacuum in the living room and the dining room, while Denny was polishing the furniture.  Beau was rearranging the furniture to put it where it belonged.

Drew came to Mrs. T. and said, “Ready for inspection, Grams.”

Mrs. Tillison walked through the downstairs and said, “Perfect, now take all of these people, and go and get some pizza.”

The only people left besides, Mrs. T., Aunt Cora, the Robinson’s, Ben and Josh were me, Jeff, Beau and Denny.  I looked at Denny and asked, “Where are your parents?  Do you want us to drop you off?”

“Nope, I’m spending the night at your house.  My parents and Jeff agreed that it would be okay.”

Jeff stood and kissed and hugged everyone and said, “We’re going, now.  I’ll see everyone tomorrow.”  The four of us left after the proper good byes.

When we walked in, Linda looked at Jeff and said, “Those were two parties that the guys and everyone else will never forget.  I can’t get over how smoothly everything went, and Beau, your entertainment was outstanding.’

We sat and visited, and at 10:45 Sammy came in and Beau went and hugged him and said, “Thanks again for your help today, Sammy.  Now we need you to help us find some porn sites on the net.”

Beau looked at Jeff and said, “Come on Denny, we’d better go to bed, before I get into anymore trouble.”

The two guys took off and Sammy excused himself and said, “Some parties, Jeff.”

Linda and Eric left and Jeff and I just sat beside each other and talked, until Mickey came in at 12:15.”  Mickey looked at us and said, “You really don’t have to wait up for me, you know.  I can lock up for the night when I come in.”

Jeff and I locked up, Jeff took a quick shower, and then looked in on the two guys and they were both sound asleep.  We weren’t far behind.

To be continued...

Feedback always welcome:     

Editor's Notes:

Well another party successfully completed.  How do that do that so easily?

When I plan a party, nothing ever works right. The food never comes on time, and the sound system always does something really yucky. Oh well, at least in fiction, you can make things work perfectly. Hey that's it! Next time I plan a party I will do it in a story.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 07/13/07