The Fremont Saga
by: E Walk
(© 2009 by the Author)
 

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Chapter 12 

Sure, Let Me Hang By Myself

When I arrived in the kitchen, everyone else was eating, and after I fixed my food, Morgan looked at me, “Since you were the last to arrive, you can take care of the cleanup.”

I had had it, “Whatever you say, Miss Witch.  I wouldn’t want you to get your hands dirty, since you need to make your sandwich to take to school for lunch today.”

Tanner was driving Grandmother’s Corolla when we left for school.  I asked, “Did you choose this car over the van?”

“No, I never dreamed that I would own a vehicle of any kind.  I gave Lauren first choice and she chose the Caravan, because she could get more of her friends in it.”

Tanner wasn’t at lunch again, and Ron came and sat down beside me, “Brian, is Tanner avoiding me?”

I started to laugh, “Nothing could be further from the truth.  He’s probably at the courthouse, getting a car registered in his name.  I’ll have him call you tonight and explain. Things have been crazy at our house.”

Fortunately the rest of the day went fine and Tanner was back in school in time to attend football practice.  When we went to get in his car there was a citation for him parking in a student slot without a proper parking tag.  I accompanied him back into the school and we went to the office.  I slammed down the citation.  We’d like to talk to the person responsible for writing this citation.”

The principal came out of his office, “Brian, what’s the problem?”

“I want to know why Tanner was issued a citation.  He was parked at the back of the lot where there were a number of other empty parking spaces, and he gets a citation for not having a student parking tag for a car he just received today.  Are you saying that it is more important that he register his car than attend classes?  I think I need to call this problem to the attention of the school board.”

The principal was obviously rattled, “The school board set the policies for the student parking fees to help defray the costs of the athletic programs.  How were the security people to know that the car that Mr. Tailor was driving was a recently acquired vehicle.”

I stood my ground, “Sir, after what happened to your predecessor, you should realize that your job is to worry about our education, rather than making sure the cars in the parking lots have student tags.” 

I plopped down a five dollar bill. “Here, give Tanner a parking tag for his car.”

The principal handed Tanner a tag.  As we were leaving, I turned to the principal, “I’ll inform the School Board President of what happened here today.  If they authorized this action, I would be very surprised.”

When Tanner and I arrived at the house, Timmy came running, “Brian and Tanner, Mother’s crying.”

When we walked into the house, Mother looked at us.  “Morgan totally flipped out at school today an started screaming that she was the forgotten child of the family.  She’s now in Psychiatric Ward at Mercy Hospital.  Your Dad is at the hospital.  Tanner and Timmy, please take this food to Grandmother Gleason and make sure she eats.”

After the two guys departed, I looked at Mother, “Mother, should we cancel our trip this weekend?”

“No.  Morgan is going to be in the hospital for at least four days and your Dad and I are the only people who will be authorized to see her.  In fact, the staff has asked us not to come visit until Sunday, so they can evaluate how she performs without any outside influences around.”

“Mother, I really feel as if we’re deserting you.  It’s going to be difficult to concentrate on what’s happening.  You not only have to worry about Morgan, but Grandmother as well.”

When Dad arrived, he looked extremely tired.  I went to him, “Dad, do you want us to cancel our trip this weekend.”

“No, Brian, it’s important that we go.  There are some things that you, Tanner and Timmy need to take care of.  There is nothing here that your Mother can’t handle.  She has a much better grip on what’s happening than I have.

When we were eating dinner, there was very little conversation and it was apparent that everyone was feeling the tension of what was happening.  Fortunately Ron arrived and whisked Tanner away and John called to see if Timmy could come play with Jeremy and Jason.

While the guys were gone, I opened up the computer and took care of the messages.  Jamie and Shamus would be arriving at five o’clock and Mr. Johnson and Kelly were going to meet us at Reggie’s place.

There was a note from Mr. Johnson that rather upset me, “Brian, we have advertised that you would be in the gallery from nine until two on Saturday since I understand that you are going to be meeting with your business associates in Paris.  Mr. Cox and Mr. Peters are flying back from their holiday so that Tanner can be inducted into the Society on Sunday evening.”

I hit the computer desk, ‘Why is everyone telling me what to do, if I’m the Chief Wizard?’

‘Because I’m making things happen.  Shut up and listen.  I know that you and your family are under a great deal of stress because of your sister’s behavior.  Give the doctors a chance to work out the right medication strategies and she’ll be fine. You need to be positive and not let Timmy know how upset you are.’

When Timmy and Tanner arrived, I had already had my shower and was laying in bed reading, I looked up, “I hope the two are happy now that I packed your luggage and things for the trip tomorrow.  Would you two stop procrastinating and get your shower?  I’m exhausted.”

Timmy and Tanner came out of the bathroom laughing which was a good sign.  Timmy put on his briefs and climbed into bed, “Tanner, doesn’t believe me that we own three houses.  He thinks I'm making up stories.”

“Timmy, you shouldn’t tell anyone about us owning houses.”

“But, Grandpa Nappy said Tanner was one of us, so why can’t he know?  If he’s going to be your right hand man, then he needs to know everything.”

“Timmy, Tanner is going to find out this weekend what’s happening, so let’s go to sleep.  We have three very long days ahead of us.”

When we woke the next morning, we couldn’t go running because it was raining.  We fixed breakfast and Timmy commented as we were eating, “It seems funny to not hear Morgan complaining.”

I held my breath.  Mother answered, “Hopefully when she comes home, she will realize how good she has had it.  She has never had to worry about things like you and Tanner have.  Brian doesn’t realize what a spoiled brat he is.”

Timmy asked, “Mommy, do you really think Brian’s a spoiled brat?”

Mother acquiesced, “Maybe not a spoiled brat,  But he and his brother and sisters have been pampered all their lives.”

After Lauren had departed for swim team practice, we went to get our suitcases and my paintings and put them by the back door so they would be ready when Jamie and Shamus arrived.  Dad told us that he would bring his things down as soon as he finished packing.

When Tanner and I arrived at the house, it was nearly four thirty and no one else was there.  I had a horrible sinking spell.  I frowned, “Tanner, I’m afraid something’s wrong.”

We had just entered the house when Dad arrived, “Your Mother and Timmy will be here shortly.  When I left Grandmother’s condo, Timmy was making her promise she would eat while we were away.  I had taken her to talk to David Burns as she requested.”

Timmy came skipping in, “Guess what, guys?  Grandmother was wearing her pin today, and the stone really was really sparkling.  She thanked us again for her birthday present.”

I looked at the parents, “Any word on Morgan’s condition?”

Mother nodded, “The psychiatrist called and said that she was being cooperative but she was avoiding talking to the other patients.  She is to meet with a therapist in the morning.  They put her on a medication that is causing her to be lethargic, so they’re going to try a different medicine.  She had a complete physical and the results of her blood tests hadn’t all been received as of when he called.  He said a physician would be calling to share the results of the physical sometime tomorrow.”

Dad spoke up, “I’m taking my laptop with me, so your Mother can keep us advised as to what’s happening.”

At precisely five o’clock, the carriage landed and Jamie and Shamus helped us load our things.  I introduced them to Tanner and they shook his hand.  Shamus chuckled, “Welcome aboard the flying coach transport line.”

Tanner was totally unprepared for what he was about to experience.  I should probably have forewarned him, but he probably wouldn’t have believed me anyway.  We had no more than lifted into the sky than we arrived at the clump of trees near Uncle Hank and Uncle Rod’s house.  Rafael was waiting for our arrival with the limousine.

With Shamus and Jamie’s help, the things were loaded into the limo, and we were whisked away to Uncle Reggie's flat above Maxim’s.  When we arrived at the flat, Reggie was sitting with Mr. Johnson and Kelly, who started in on me. as soon as the introductions were completed since Tanner was the only person everyone hadn’t met.

Kelly sighed, “What kind of crap have you brought us this time Benson?  I suppose you want them matted and framed by tomorrow.”

When I showed the assembled group the paintings I had brought, anyone who had never met Kelly would have thought the world was going to end.  I could tell by the way he and Mr. Johnson looked that they were pleased.

Mr. Johnson had some questions. “I recognize Tanner in several of these pictures and I feel as if I’ve met the other young man in the pictures.  I'm rather sure it isn’t Chris.”

I grinned, “You met the young man in the pictures where he and Tanner are acting like lazy bums and where the are experimenting with their first kiss.  He and his mother and brother visited the gallery several weekends ago and you sent an envelope to me via him.  His name is Ron Woodruff.”

Shamus, Jamie and Rafael helped, Mr. Johnson and Kelly take the paintings to the galleries’ van.  Kelly hugged me as he was leaving, “Brian, you truly amaze me.”

After the visitors had departed, Reggie made a call, “We’re ready for dinner to be served.  Our visitors from the states haven’t eaten since lunch.”

A voice answered, “The food is on the way, Monsieur Stewart.  How many of you will be partaking of the wine?”

“Just two, Henri,  the three young men would probably prefer milk or perhaps some sparkling grape juice.”

Tanner’s eyes had been getting bigger and bigger as the evening progressed.  When we walked into the dining room, three handsome waiters were waiting to take care of our epicurean needs.  We had a fabulous meal and Timmy didn’t voice a single complaint and ate everything that he was offered.

After we finished Reggie suggested, “Why don’t we move to the sitting room so I can explain the schedule for the rest of the weekend.”

When we were seated, he started “I’ve had my people make up four rooms so each of you could have your own bedroom.”

Tim shook his head no, “Brian, Tanner and me can sleep in the same room we did last time.  I’m afraid that they’ll get scared if they’re in a room by themselves.”

Reggie grinned, “You guys can decide how you’re going to sleep.  I’ve made a schedule for your weekend, since it’s going to be so hectic.”

I asked, “Uncle Reggie, I can’t see how we can possibly get everything that needs to be done in two days.  We can’t be away any longer than that because of some things that are happening back home.”

“Brian, trust me; it can be done, but you’re right.  It’s going to be an exhausting two days.  For starters, I have asked Shamus and Jamie to pick you up at six thirty, per Minister Smyth’s request.  He says Rupert needs the exercise since his grandson is away at school.  Breakfast is scheduled to eight and Brian is scheduled to be at the gallery from nine until two o’clock.  We scheduled you for a lunch with Lady Vicky and her friends at two thirty here at the restaurant.”

I stood, “Uncle Reggie, why don’t we see if we can get that all finished before we go any further.  I think we need to go to bed, because Timmy is almost asleep.”

Timmy snapped awake, “I’m fine, but I am tired.”

I took a shower with Timmy and he fell asleep almost as soon as he was in bed.  When Tanner came out of the shower, he was shaking his head, “Brian, I don’t understand what I’m doing here.  I don’t belong in these surroundings.  Is this one of the houses that you and Timmy own?”

“Nope, this building belongs to Uncle Reggie.  We don’t own anything in the British Isles,  Grandpa Nappy, left all of those holdings to Uncle Reggie.  Tanner, Timmy and I have only seen one of the properties we own.  Please be patient and let’s see what happens.  Let’s get some sleep.”

I was awakened in the middle of the night, ‘Brian, be very patient tomorrow.  Some things might happen this weekend that will upset you, but I will not let anything happen to you and your two brothers.  Your sister and grandmother are fine.’

I sat up wondering what was going to happen that would upset me.  I climbed out of bed and went to get my charcoals and the drawing pad that I brought with me and started to make sketches.  I had nothing in mind and it was as if my hand was being told to do whatever it was doing because I wasn’t visualizing anything.  I guess I had done four sketches before Timmy woke up.

He looked at me, “Whatcha doing, Daddy Brian, couldn’t you sleep?  Is it time to go running already?  Who is Rupert?”

“Timmy, something woke me, and it is almost time to go running. Rupert is a dog.  Wake your brother and tell him to get his lazy butt out of bed, so we can be ready when Jamie and Shamus come for us.”

Tanner grabbed Timmy, “Tell your Daddy that I need to get some sleep which is not possible around here with the two of you yakking all the time.  The last one to bathroom has to clean the toilet.”

I pulled on some running shorts and stepped on the balcony and decide that we might indeed need to wear sweatshirts to go running, since there was a nip in the air.”

When the guys saw me, Timmy asked, “Daddy Brian, are you telling us it’s cold outside?”

I nodded, “Yep, I think you might want to wear a sweatshirt.  I didn’t think to pack any sweat pants.”

Timmy had a perfect answer, “I guess we’ll have to run faster so we won’t get cold.”

The guys had just finished getting dressed when the buzzer rang indicating that someone was at the door to the stairs.  I figured it had to be Shamus and Jamie and it was.  Only Rafael was with them, and we were on our way to the park where we were met by Minister Smyth and Rupert.

As soon as Rupert saw me or smelled me, he raced toward me and jumped up and put his front paws on shoulders and started to lick my face.  It was a good thing that I had worn a sweat shirt otherwise I might be bleeding.  Timmy was really concerned, “Brian, why is that dog attacking you?”

“Sir Rupert isn’t attacking me.  He’s just telling me that he’s glad to see me again.  Timmy and Tanner, come meet Sir Rupert.”

After I made the introductions and we started to run, it became very apparent that Rupert was going to be very protective of Timmy. Timmy and Rupert started to run and the rest of us were following.  When we arrived back at the bench where  Minister Smyth had been sitting, Timmy asked, “Do we have time to run some more?”

Before I could answer, Shamus, Jamie and Rafael yelled, “NO!”

When we were getting out of the limo at Reggie’s flat, Rafael smirked, “We’ll be back to pick you up at eight forty five if we can find the strength.  There is no way that an eight year old boy can maintain the pace that he set this morning.”

Tanner started to laugh, “Don’t tell him that.  He’s been doing it nearly every morning since I went to live with my new family.”

Breakfast was a real treat, we had eggs Benedictine with fresh fruit.  Timmy asked, “What kind of eggs are these?  I’ve never seen eggs cooked like this,”

Dad answered, “Timmy, they’re sort of like a dippy egg except they’re served with ham and on an English muffin.  The eggs were cooked in water so there is very little fat.  They’re better for you than fried eggs.”

“Then why don’t we have them at home?”

Reggie answered, “It takes more than one person to make a meal like this.  Maybe, if you, Brian and Tanner worked together as a team, you could make them.”

As we were finishing breakfast. Reggie announced, “I’ve laid out the clothes for you to wear today.  Tanner and Timmy, I don’t know how long you’re planning to stay at the gallery.  You can always come back here and change and do some fun things while Brian is meeting his public.  I won’t be going to the gallery, since I have some other things I need to do, but either Shamus or Jamie will be there to take care of your needs.”

I thought to myself, ‘Sure, leave me to hang by myself.’

To be continued...

 Editor's Notes: What is going to happen that Brian won't like?

I hope it won't be long before we find out what will happen.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 02/26/10