The Doctor Gets a Visitor V
by: E Walk

(© 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 5

The Wicked Witch and the Grinch

On Wednesday morning, I woke up and Jeff was gone.  I went downstairs to get some coffee. Uncle Lyle was there reading the paper in his shorts.  “I hope you don’t mind.  Tommy decided to go running with the guys, so I thought I would relax and have some coffee.”

I looked at Uncle Lyle and said, “You either exercise or walk.  There is no way that an eighty year old man can look as good as you.  I think I’ll make an appointment with Icky for you tomorrow, so he can determine what keeps you looking so fit.”

“Jack, thank you for noticing.  I do a light work out each day and try to walk a couple of miles, but I will not jog or run like the maniacs are doing.”

The guys finished their run and Matthew, Mark, Jeremy and Beau were lying on the ground when the five other guys showed up.  Matthew said, “We were just about ready to call 911 if you didn’t show.    Father W. can you drop us off at our house?”

Jeff and Tommy delivered Jonathan and Berto to their homes.  Beau went in and was told to get cleaned up for breakfast in 30 minutes.  Beau came down and everyone was waiting on him.

As they were getting ready to eat, the Leavitts arrived.  Judge Leavitt said, “Beau, you have unleashed a hornet.  The boys’ other grandmother is fit to be tied.  She called me earlier this morning and said she was going to sue you for ruining her grandsons.”

“Not to worry Judge, bring the woman on, after I get back from Peru tonight, and I’ll get her straightened out.  She sounds like a lady dictator, and I don’t like dictators.”  Beau said.

The Leavitts left and everyone finally ate.  Beau and Jason were doing the cleanup when Les arrived.  “Doctor Jameson, may I borrow your van for today?  It will be more comfortable for the six of us than my car.” They switched cars and he left with Aunt Evelyn and Beau.  They stopped and got Mrs. W. and the two boys and headed to Peru.

When they arrived, Mrs. Wanamaker and the two boys were checking things out and Les and Beau were plotting what should happen.  Shortly after they arrived, Kevin arrived with two trucks and six people.

The guys went to work packing things and Beau took the two younger guys outside and they started to play with a Frisbee that Beau had found.  All of a sudden, the lady across the street was out on her yard watching what was happening. 

Beau took the guys across the street and said, “Ma’am, I’d like to introduce you to the two grandsons you could have had.  This is Jeremy Dale Wanamaker, and this good looking guy is Roddy Crane Wanamaker.  Come on guys, we need to help your Grandmama.”

The guys waved as they went back across the street.  Just as they were going into the house, a real estate agent pulled up.  Beau sent the guys with Les to buy some snacks.

The agent looked around and said, “I think we should put this house on the market for $110,000.00.”

Beau said, “You’ve got to be kidding.  With a lot this size and with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, we want it listed for $172,500.00 and you commission is a flat $2000.00 and that includes taking care of all of the paperwork.  If you don’t want the listing, say so.”

Aunt Evelyn and Mrs. Wanamaker were so stunned that they just agreed.  The paperwork was signed after Beau looked it over.

They guys brought the snacks and Kevin and his crew didn’t even stop.  They kept working and took the snacks as they had time.  At lunchtime Beau and Les and came back with some humongous hamburgers and fried onion rings and some vegetable sticks and drinks.  The guys ate them and then started to load the trucks.  Beau had Jeremy and Les checking the items as they were loaded.  Beau took Les’s job at 2:00 and sent him to get some snacks.

Les came back and everyone took a break.  They were sitting on the porch when the real estate agent pulled up with a family that had four young boys.  Beau reacted immediately.

“Hi, I’m Beau Benson.  I hope you will excuse the clutter, but the movers are taking a deserved break.  Let me show you around.  I think this is a neat house and this is only the second time I have been here.  It’s perfect for a large family because it has a big beautiful lawn where the children can play.  We will be leaving the riding mover so you can take care of it in no time.”

“Now, let’s go upstairs and I’ll show you around.  The bathrooms have been updated.  There are three bathrooms up here.  The master bath isn’t the biggest, but it is adequate and the other bedrooms share a bath.”

“If some of your good looking sons would share a room then you could make the other room into a study.  Now let’s go downstairs.”  Beau led them downstairs.  He walked them through the first floor and said, “I’m not sure why, but Grandmama never quite got around to updating the kitchen.  You should probably think about new appliances and maybe a floor covering but what’s here is still serviceable.”

They walked outside and Beau said, “As you can see, the house has the latest in sidings and the windows are thermal panes and there are even storm windows for extra protection.  That’s a pain when they get dirty.  Now what do you think about this wrap around porch.  You could have a party for a hundred people and no one would get wet in inclement weather.”

“Let’s look at the yard.  Isn’t this great?  Mrs. Wanamaker had a lawn service.  Boy, if she saw a dandelion, she was out there immediately.  She didn’t want any yellow in her yard where it wasn’t supposed to be.  We’re going to let you discuss what you are thinking.  Why don’t you sit on the swing and I’ll get you a glass of lemonade and go check on the guys.”  Beau said, as he and the real estate agent left.

Beau gave the Hubbells a glass of lemonade and the agent said, “You probably just sold this house.  You were so smooth.  It’s like your tongue is glass.  If the house sells, it will be the quickest sale I ever have had, and all I had to do was bring them here.”

The couple came in and said, “We would like to know what the utilities run.”

Beau went and got Mrs. W. and the couple asked about the cost of utilities.

“To be honest with you, my utilities bills have been very low ever since I had the new furnace and air conditioner put in, and the house is now set by zones.  I am an early riser and go to bed early, so I used very little electricity for lighting during the day.  Watching your four good looking sons, I’m sure all of your utility bills will increase.  I can’t imagine what your water bill will be after having the four of them take a bath or shower every day.”

Beau said, “Hey just make them all take a shower at the same time and think of the money you will save.  You would probably save on soap and shampoo also.”

The couple said, “We’ll take the house.  Mr. Benson, are you a real estate agent?”

Beau looked at the couple and laughed, “I’m a thirteen year old nothing who hasn’t been to school for two years.  I’m here because Grandmama dictated that I come.  Otherwise I would be home in Fremont earning $10.00 an hour.”

Beau left and yelled out.  “Time out, get in here now.”  The six guys came in and Beau fixed them some drinks and vegetable snacks.

The papers were signed and the real estate agent asked, “Where do you want me to send the check?”

Beau said, “Send a certified check to Hilda Wanamaker, 713 Applewood Drive, Fremont Nebraska at zip 68447.”

The Hubbells asked, “You wouldn’t happen to know the Potts, would you?”

Beau said, “If you are talking about Billy and his lovely wife Jeanne.  They were at our house for a party on Memorial Day.  Dr. Jeanne Potts was my home school mentor until she fired herself.  They are wonderful people.”

“So I guess you might know the Campbells as well?”  Mr. Hubbell asked.

“Are you kidding?  President Campbell is Jeff’s, my step brother’s boss, and Jeff teaches with Dr. Anne Campbell.  Bobby T., their son, is one of our best life guards.”

Kevin came in just them and said, “Beau, we’re ready to roll.  Did we forget anything?”

The two guys and Mrs. W. walked through the house and looked around outside.  Beau asked, “Grandmama, is there anything else you want?”

“Thanks no, Beau.  Let’s head home.  Evelyn and I are both a little tired.” Mrs. W. answered.

The Hubbells and the real estate agent had left with the boys after the paperwork had been signed, and the sign was covered with a Sold sign.  The Fremont people were going to the van when the couple from across the street came over.  The man said, “You just can’t sell the house without checking with us.”

Beau asked, “So, was your name on the deed or something?  Why does she need your permission?  She is 72 years young, and she has every right to do what she chooses.”

“Mother, I think you are getting senile and letting that heathen ruin your life.”  the man said.

“Listen mister, Father Wanamaker is not a heathen.  If anyone is a heathen, it’s you and your wife.  As far as Grandmama being senile, my Dad is a psychologist and I’m sure he has seen no indications of that.  Doctor Crane here is a gerontologist.  I’m betting he hasn’t noticed any signs of Alzheimer’s.”

Mr. Wanamaker asked, “Where is the heathen anyway and why would gerontologist be toting two old ladies and three young boys around?  Are you a gigolo or something?”

Les stepped between Beau and the man and said, “If it’s any of your business, Dale is officiating at a funeral service.  Dale and his Grandmother and his two sons are living at my house.  My personal life is none of your business.  Aunt Evelyn is staying at Beau’s house.  She’s visiting from Peoria, Illinois for a couple of weeks, and Beau just sold this house for more that $172,000.00.”

Roddy said loud enough so the couple could hear, “Grandmama, I don’t want these people to be our grandparents.  She looks like the Wicked Witch of the North and he looks like the Grinch who stole Christmas.”

The man raised his hand and Beau said, “Don’t even think about it, creep.”

Jeremy said, “If you touch my brother, we’ll kick your behinds so hard that you’ll fall on your faces and hopefully break something that will cause the doctors to wire your mouth shut and the filth will stop pouring out.” 

“Come on Poppa.  Let’s get out of here.”  Roddy said, as he started to pull Les.

The six people climbed into the van and left the couple standing there.  As they pulled away, Aunt Evelyn started to laugh, “I guess you guys didn’t like that couple very much?”

“How about not at all?”  Jeremy said.

When they arrived back in Fremont, Dale had dinner ready for his group and Jason and Ginny had dinner waiting for Aunt Evelyn, Beau, Ben and Josh.  They had just finished eating when the doorbell rang.  It was the younger Mrs. Leavitt and an older lady.  Beau had answered the door.

“Beau, this is my Mother, Mrs. McDowell.  She wanted to meet the person responsible for her grandsons not attending religious training and turning them into workaholics.”  Mrs. Leavitt said.

Beau put on his best face and said, “Its a pleasure to meet you Mrs. McDowell.  You sure do have four wonderful grandsons.  They fit right in with the rest of our group.  Won’t you come in and meet the rest of my family?”

Beau said, “I’m going to introduce my brother first, so it will make the rest easier to put together but it is a little complicated.”  Beau introduced the people at the table and Jason started to clear the table. 

When Beau finished, Mrs. McDowell said, “I think you just told me some interesting things if I read what’s happening.  Doesn’t it bother you?”

Beau shrugged and said, “What other people do is none of anyone else’s business, as long as they are not hurting anyone or abusing children and no one gets hurt.” 

Jason came in and interrupted and asked, “Granddad, Dad, may I ask some of the guys over to swim if Beau will be the lifeguard?”

“Yes.” said Ben.

Beau asked, “May I get you all something to drink?”

Aunt Evelyn said, “I’d love a small glass of port to help me unwind.  It has been an exciting day.”

The rest of the ladies had a glass of chardonnay and Ben and Josh had beers.

Jason came back and said, “All of the Leavitt boys want to come, is that okay?”

Beau said, “Great, I’ll make some calls.  Dads, I guess it is a party everyday.  Enjoy your drinks.  Come on Jason, let’s get the pool uncovered and bring the phone.  Beau made some calls while he was changing and the people started to arrive.

Beau was watching the swimmers when Matthew and Denny arrived to help him.  We had stopped to get Berto and we joined them.  So Beau had three more life guards.  Beau saw some guys sitting on their deck watching what was going on.  Beau waved and shortly five more guys joined the group and Beau said, “You have to be the Cutter boys.”

The oldest boy said, “Yeah, how do you know?”

Beau put his had to his head and said, “I see all.  I know all and besides I know your Mother, Aunt and Cousin Aaron.”

“Wait a minute.  You have to be the Beau who sold them all the furniture.” the boy said.

“Yep, guilty as charged.”  Beau said, as he blew his whistle.  “Everyone listen up.  We have some new people joining us today.  They are going to tell you their names and their ages.”

The oldest boy said, “My name is Corky or Cork.  I just turned 14.”

Beau said, “Denny, you’re his host.  Introduce him to everyone.”

The next boy said, “I’m Cam.  I am 11 and will be starting middle school.”

“Spencer, come and get him.”  Beau ordered.

I am Casey and I am almost 10.”  the next guy said.

“Jason, front and center.”  Beau said.

The next little guy stood and said, “I am Carlie and I am almost 8.”

Beau pointed at Ethan. “Ethan, you are in charge.”

The littlest guy stood announced.  I’m Chaz and I am five.”

Beau motioned for Chip. “My man, get this cutie.”

Everyone went back to swimming and two or three of the guys were prowling the sides making sure that everyone was okay.  There were adults all over the place visiting when Mrs. Tillison arrived and asked, “So how was your trip today?”

Aunt Evelyn spoke up, “Oh it was a very boring day.  Beau had everyone working.  He told a realtor off and sold a house for $172,500.00, and then we met the Wicked Witch of the North and the Grinch who stole Christmas.  Jeremy threatened to kick some back sides so hard that they would fall and need facial surgery and wouldn’t be able to talk because they called his Dad a heathen and said their Grandmother was senile.  It was just your typical boring day.”

Mrs. McDowell said, “Evelyn, you’re making this up.  This couldn’t possibly happen in one day.”

Les said, “Mrs. McDowell, it all happened.   Mother W. and I can attest to it.  It just didn’t happen that fast.  Our two boys are not afraid to express their feelings, so don’t upset them.  Beau is a little more subtle, but probably more lethal.  I don’t usually let people get to me, but Dale’s parents really made me angry when they accused me of being a gigolo.”

Uncle Lyle was laughing, “I should have gone with you and had a video camera.  It sounds like fun.”

Beau blew his whistle three times and everyone got out of the pool.  Berto and Tommy covered the pool and Beau announced.  “I want everyone to listen.  If the gate is closed and the pool is covered there will be absolutely no swimming.  Anyone caught using the pool otherwise will be banned.  There must always be one qualified life guard and preferably two.  Does anyone have any questions?”

“Oh by the way, anyone who can work tomorrow needs to be at the Shoppe at 8:30.  Grandmama’s furniture will be arriving.  I assume you guys got the storage area cleaned.”

The young Mrs. Leavitt said, “They got it clean.  It was all over their clothes and in their hair.”

“Mother.” Matthew said.  “Beau, Denny is even worse than you.  If we missed any dirt, he made us do it again.  The rest of us were about to tie him and gag him.”

Denny said, “Listen, just be glad Beau was not there or you have been scrubbing the floor with a tooth brush.”

Corky asked, “Is there any chance I can work too?  It would be nice to get some money of my own.”

The 13/14/15 year olds answered in unison, “Yes.”

Beau said, “Be here in the morning at 8:15 and you can ride with me but you have to have a note, signed by your parents saying that you can work and we can’t work more than 20 hours a week.”

Mrs. McDowell was watching intently.  “I am just astounded at how well everyone behaved.  There was no back talking.  Maybe I have misjudged the young people of today.”

Jeff who was talking to Mrs. T. turned and said, “Ma’am, ninety percent of us are good people.  It is too bad that the other ten percent of the young people, and the unkind adults who try to take advantage of us and exploit us for their own purposes and give us a bad rap.”

Judge Leavitt and Mrs. Tillison both said, “Amen.”

Everyone finally left and Beau and Jason helped Aunt Evelyn and Ginny with their needs.  They hugged and kissed their Dads and disappeared.

At our house, Uncle Lyle said. “I am just amazed at everyone around here.  It’s like put it in high gear and go.  Come on Thomas, its bedtime.”

“Yeah Jeff, did you hear that?”  I said.

After we showered, we crawled into bed and this was night to satisfy each other orally.

To be continued...

Feedback always welcome:     

Editor's Notes:

Beau certainly has a way with people, doesn't he?

Let's see, Jeff and Jack satisfied each other orally. Does that mean they talked all night?

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher.

Posted: 01/11/08