Tip & Ty
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 12
Sunday Continued

Good morning gentle readers; it’s me Tip here in Kansas City.

After we had eaten and gotten the children properly dressed, we went to a small church near the condo.  Zack and I had visited the church a number of times, and I knew that they had a children’s church during the second service.

When we arrived at the church, we signed the children up to attend the children’s church.  The six of us were ushered to a seat near the front.  Barbie sat on her Daddy’s lap while the other three children were working on the puzzles in the children’s bulletins.

When the service started, the children put down their crayons and papers.  The Father asked that the children come forward and Bobby led the four of them to the front.  After the children’s sermon, Bobby and the other three followed the other young people to the children’s church which was on the lower level of the building.

As we were leaving the sanctuary after the service, Ty punched me and pointed to our nemesis of the last couple of days.  She was talking to the Father. 

We gathered the children and decided to stop at the Village Inn, much to the children’s dismay.  They were holding out for McDonald’s.  However, they were perfect, as we shared three different skillet platters.

When we got home, Ty called the number in the ad, “This is Ty Jefferson; we would like to schedule an appointment to see your house. … This afternoon would be fine if we could do it about 3:30 after the children’s rest period.”

It looks like everything is moving along smoothly in Kansas City.  We had better get back to Fremont to check in on Mark and Zack.  I hope Zack is going to survive.

Greetings from Fremont.  This is Mark.  I would have thought Zack would not be nervous after the first service, but he was very much so.  However, when he went forward to sing his solo, he seemed so calm that no one would have guessed how nervous he was.

When it was time for the service to end, Bishop Lancaster came forward, “It is wonderful to have so many old friends present today.  I would request that Miss Dina Lincoln, who has just returned from her debut at the La Scala Opera House, join Mr. Jackson.  I would also request that Doctor Drew Washington come forward as well as the new bride and groom, Dr. Beau and Dr. Becca Benson.  It will be a real treat to hear the five of you sing The Lord’s Prayer together.”

With Jeff at the organ, it was something else.  It was like the skies opened and angels were singing.  You would have thought that the five of them had been singing together for years.

After the service, the singers were besieged by well wishers.  Finally I went to Zack, “Zack, we have a luncheon engagement at the club.  We are to meet my family there.”

Zack looked at me with a funny smirk, “There’s no hurry; they are standing over there visiting with people.”

All of a sudden, I started to laugh, “Zack, this is probably the only time in your life when you will see my entire family at the same church service.  Just think about it, here are good Catholic people, Jewish people and Greek Orthodox people at a protestant church service.  I guess they must all be here to see if you screwed up.”

We were interrupted by John who was accompanied by Luke, “Come on guys, we’re getting hungry.  Let’s move.  If you don’t mind we’ll ride with you.  We would like to talk to you in private.”

Everyone started to leave and Jeff came over and hugged Zack, “Welcome to the family Zack, you fit in nicely.”

It’s me Zack.

I feel like I have been through the wringer of an old time washing machine.  First I sing a solo; then I am offered a vice president's position in a new company and the next thing I know, I'm singing with an opera star and some other very talented people.  I feel so out of place here.

I had Mark drive to the club.  Almost before we got underway, John started, “Zack and Mark, we apologize if we offended you last night; but sometimes our hormones, especially mine, are out of control.”

I looked around, “Guys, I was not offended.  I found it difficult to believe that you would be so open in your grandparents' living room.  There is a time and a place for such activity and it is not in front of other people.  What you two do is your business and not Mark’s or mine.  I have a question for you; do your parents and grandparents know what is happening?”

Luke spoke up, “Zack, I’m guessing that our parents have some inclination about what is happening, since we usually sleep in the same bed when we are home.  I’m sure that Uncle David and Uncle Boris have given Grandpa and Grandma Leavitt a heads up as to what is going on.”

John asked, “Have you two had sex yet?”

Mark looked at me and winked, “No, sex fiend, when and if we do have sex, it is none of anyone’s business.  Zack has made it very clear, what happens in the bedroom should stay there.  I’m sure that you will be able to determine the signs if and when something does happen between us, though.”

Any further discussion was interrupted because we pulled into the parking lot of the club.  As we entered the dining room, we were met by a good looking gentleman whom we had met at the wedding yesterday.  He had also been at the first church service with his family.  Mark shook hands, “Hey Mitch, are my parents and grandparents here yet?”

Mitch stuck out his hand, “Zack, it is a real pleasure to have you here.   You are one of the few people to ever tell Beau to back off.  It was fun to see him at a loss for words for a change.  Now if you will follow me, your party is waiting in a small room overlooking the eighteenth green.”

This is Marilyn Leavitt, Mark’s Jewish grandmother for those of you having trouble keeping up with all of the characters.  How do you think I feel?  Here I am at the age of 67 and I can hardly remember my own name.  Our lunch was going fine.  Zack was charming everyone with tales about his family.  I could see Mark’s eyes glowing with pride.

We had just finished with our meal when Mrs. Tillison entered the room and announced, “Some of our visitors from out of town would like to say goodbye.  Would you please join us?”

We followed Mrs. Tillison to a large banquet room.  All of us knew someone, and started to visit.  Zack and Mark were approached by Mr. Carmichael and Mr. Archer.  They were accompanied by another couple, whom I did not know, but was to find out it was Mr. Roberts and his partner Tom.

I was watching and Mr. Roberts seemed to be doing the majority of the talking along with Mr. Archer.

I heard Zack announce, “Okay, Uncle Darryl and Uncle Tom, you will be at my graduation as will you Uncle Randy and Uncle Billy Bob.  That may be your only chance to meet the illusive Poppa Ed in person.”

Mark interrupted, “Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure meeting you, but we still need to pack my belongings and head back to Kansas City.  Zack has some school work that he needs to take care of, before tomorrow.”

That announcement broke up the gathering and David, Boris, Matt, Zack, Mark, Luke and John left to get Mark’s belongings.  They made short work of the task because Mark knew exactly what he wanted and miraculously everything fit in the van, with room to spare.

The guys came back to our house to get the few things that they had brought with them.   As they hugged us goodbye, Zack spoke, “Thank you for permitting me to stay in your house.  I felt extremely comfortable here.  I would like for you to all to come visit with us in Kansas City when you can.  I’m sure that you will enjoy meeting the people that Mark will be working with.  I’ll leave a card for each of you since our Nano has not had time to get cards printed yet.”

Zack hugged me and Mrs. McDowell and shook hands with everyone else.”

Mark and Zack left but they must have made an impression on a lot of people because Boris commented, “Ladies and gentlemen, you have just witnessed two young men who have their act together.  I don’t know what they will be doing, but I would be willing to bet that they will make you very proud.”

Gee whiz, that is the strongest statement that I have ever heard from Boris in all of the years that I have known him.  I guess that I am only his mother-in-law, so I haven’t been in the loop.

It’s me, Mark, again.

Zack has me driving because he says he is too emotionally drained.  I’m sure he will recover, but he had a lot of things thrown at him unexpectedly this weekend.  We were nearing the half way point on the trip and approaching the place where we stopped on the way north.  I looked at Zack, “Should we stop to see if there have been any changes in the Watson’s lives?”

Zack laughed, “Why not?  If the old buzzard is there we can terrorize him.”

As soon as we walked into the restaurant, we saw a banner that said, ‘Hank Watkins for mayor.’

Hank came and greeted us and took us to a booth in a private area and we were joined by a lovely lady.  Hank proudly announced, “This is my lovely wife Angela.  She practically did summersaults when I told here what you two young men suggested.  Yesterday, we placed tabs in front of each of Granddad’s cronies for the coffee they had been consuming.  It was like the cronies almost went to the bathroom in their pants”

Mrs. Watkins announced, “Yesterday, when Hank announced that he was running for mayor on a local radio show, it was like the phone started jumping off the stand.  Ninety nine percent of the calls were very favorable.”

“We have been so busy all day, and Granddad hasn’t been here to badger our patrons.”  Angela looked at us, “How about I fix us each a half of a club sandwich and a small dish of fresh fruit?”

Zack answered, “That sounds great.  It seemed like all we have done the last two days eat.”

I looked around the restaurant and it appeared to be fairly busy, “Mr. and Mr. Watkins, it appears that some of your old customers are back.”

Mr. Watkins laughed, “Word gets around fast in a small town.  Most of these people will be assisting in my campaign against the old crony regime.  If I get elected, I plan to make public any transgressions that have taken place, and I would not be surprised if there aren’t some people who wind up serving time.”

We had finished the sandwich and fruit and Mrs. Watkins brought us each a piece of homemade coconut cream pie.  We thanked the Watkins and went to pay the tab and were told that there would be no charge.

Zack put down $20.00, “Just add this to your campaign fund.  The next time we drive through, we expect to see a sign that says ‘Hank Watkins, Mayor.’”

After shaking hands, we departed with Zack driving.  As we talked, I found that I was becoming fonder and fonder of him.

We need to break away from Zack and Mark, and see what has been happening in Kansas City.  Tip will be reporting about the house hunting experience.

Ty and I got the children ready to go look at the house.  We arrived at 3:30 and were greeted by a familiar face.  Ty stuck out his hand, “I’m Tyler Jefferson, I want to thank you for permitting us to come and visit on a Sunday afternoon.  Now that you have seen us again, I guess you wouldn’t still be interested in showing us the property?”

“Why, whatever do you mean, Mr. Jefferson?  When I got home from the theatre yesterday, I called my lawyer.  He informed me that your brother had every right to say what he did when he said I should be charged with slander.  Not only that, I called my son and told him what happened and he scolded me for not recognizing you.  I’m not a sports fan, so how was I to know?  When my grandson found out what I did, he chewed me up one side and down the other.  It seems you are his idol.  So get your bottoms in here.”

The six of us entered and took our shoes off and put them against the wall.  Mrs. Quinn looked confused, “Why did you do that?”

Bobby looked at Mrs. Quinn, “We do this at home, so we don’t get our carpet and floors dirty.  Besides it is more fun to walk around in our socks.”

“Okay gentlemen and children, if you will follow me, I will show you to the playroom and I’ll make a call and maybe you children won’t be too bored while your Daddy and Uncle look at the rest of the house.”  Mrs. Quinn led us to a large room on the lower level that had all sorts of things for the children to do. 

The children were exploring as Mrs. Quinn made a phone call. “Hi, it’s me … Are Kevin and Kelley available? … Great, would you please ask them to come over?  I need their help. … Just tell them we are in the playroom.”

Mrs. Quinn turned to us, “The twins will be here shortly, and they can stay with the children while we are looking at the rest of the house.  They can get the children a snack if they would like one.”

We were joined by two very good looking teenagers.  Mrs. Quinn said, “These are my grandchildren, Kevin and Kelley.”

Kevin looked at Ty, “You’re Tyler Jefferson aren’t you?  Can I have your autograph?”

Ty laughed, “I’ll tell you what Kevin, I’ll bring you an autographed football.”

Mrs. Quinn said, “Kelley and Kevin, we would like you to watch Mr. Jefferson’s children while we look at the rest of the house.  There are some fresh cookies and juice in the kitchen if they get hungry.  Mr. Jefferson, would you introduce the children please?”

Ty did and then he turned to me and introduced me, “This is brother, Doctor Tip Washington.”

I shook Kelley and Kevin’s hands. 

Mrs. Quinn said,  “Kelley, why don’t you call your parents and the Longs and ask them to come over in about 45 minutes.  We should be finished looking at the house by then.”

We started upstairs with the master suite.  Mrs. Quinn described the room in detail, “This is where my husband and I would come when we wanted to get away from the children as they became self sufficient.  It has two walk-in closets and a Jacuzzi bathtub with a separate shower.  There is a small office area here, off to the side, where I sit at night and pay my bills and keep my computer.”

Both Ty and I were wowed by the suite.  The next room she showed us was the guest suite.  It was as nice as most master suites.  The other four bedrooms were also nice sizes.  Two bedrooms shared a bathroom.  The clinching factor was the nice neat apartment over the garage.  It was would be perfect for Nano Mark and Zack.  There were two good sized bedrooms connected by large bathroom, a nice sized living area and a small kitchenette.

We went downstairs and the first floor was just as impressive.  By the time we had seen the basement area, I could tell that Ty was ready to buy the house.  I was also, but was somewhat nervous at how much it might cost. We went back upstairs and looked at the deck.  There was a large spacious yard with beautiful landscaping.

When we returned to the living room, there were two couples there with two young children.  Before Mrs. Quinn could make any introductions, the Longs looked surprised, and Mrs. Long said, “Doctor Washington, it’s a surprise to see you here.”

I laughed, “I'll go anywhere to make sure that the children that I bring into the world are being cared for properly.  Actually, my brother and I are thinking about buying Mrs. Quinn’s house.”  I introduced myself to the other couple who turned out to be Mrs. Quinn’s son and his wife, Paul and Rachael.

When I introduced Ty, I thought Mr. Long and Mr. Quinn were going to hyperventilate.  Paul asked, “Does Kevin know you are here, Mr. Jefferson?”

Mrs. Quinn was giggling, “Heck yes, and he was promised an autographed football.  He and Kelley are watching Mr. Jefferson’s four beautiful children in the game room.  Paula let’s take your two young children down to them and then we can have a drink.  Perhaps everyone would stay for dinner.  We can get some chicken and things that the children would like.”

I went with Mrs. Quinn and Paula Long to the playroom, and the young people were busy doing different things.  Billy looked up at me, “Uncle Tip, do we have to leave?  This house is really fun.”

“No my young man, Mrs. Quinn has invited us to dinner, we thought we'd have some chicken.  What would you like?” 

Becky looked up, “Could we have some chicken fingers and some nuggets?”

We went back to the other adults and announced what they wanted.  Ty spoke up, “Let me get Kevin, and we’ll go fetch some food that everyone might like.  I know a restaurant that has good carryout food.  Does anyone have any special requests?”

Ty got Kevin and they left.

I was to find out later that they went to the restaurant and ordered the food, and then went to get some footballs from the basement of my condo.  When they returned Kevin was all smiles.  They deposited the food in the dining room, which the ladies had prepared for the meal. 

Ty and Kevin had out done themselves.  They had something for everyone’s taste.  After the meal, Ty’s children took their utensils to the kitchen and the other adults were a little amazed to say the least.  Kevin and Kelley went to help them and Bobby and Becky came and collected the rest of the things on the table.  Mrs. Quinn asked, “Why are you children doing that?” 

Bobby looked at her with a questioning look, “Ma’am we had a good meal, so why shouldn’t we help to take care of the clean up.  We help at home all the time.”

The children left for the game room.  Ty asked, “Mrs. Quinn, I would like to have an independent appraiser come and make an evaluation of the house?  We are definitely interested, if you still want to sell.”

Mrs. Quinn’s son said, “She definitely wants to sell the house.  She will be coming to live with us.  She is getting too old to live by herself in a mausoleum like this, now that that the five of us children have flown the coop.”

As we were standing to leave, I asked, “Mrs. Quinn, may I ask why you even came to investigate the possibility of being the children’s Nanny?”

She sighed, “I was looking for some reason to feel needed again.   I don’t know why I reacted like I did when I was at your house.  Speaking of which, where is the other good looking gentleman who was there on Friday?”

“If you are talking about our foster brother Zack, he took the children’s new Nano to Fremont, Nebraska to get the rest of his belongings.  That is why this house is so perfect for us.  Nano Mark can use the apartment over the garage to have some private time.”  Ty answered.

Mrs. Quinn had a funny look on her face, “So what is this Nano Mark like?  He must be pretty special to make you decide to hire him?”

Tyler explained about Mark and his qualifications.  He was interrupted by Paula Long, “Gee whiz, he sounds like someone we have been looking for.  Did the children participate in the interview?”

I answered, “All seven us, were involved in the interview, and Mark received a unanimous vote confirming that he should be the new Nano.”  I also explained why he was referred to as Nano which caused everyone to laugh.

Ty went to get the children.  Barbie hugged Mrs. Quinn, “Thanks Grandma Quinn.”

That brought tears to Mrs. Quinn’s eyes.  She looked at the children, “Thank you for coming.  You are beautiful young people.”

As we were leaving, Ty looked at Kevin, “Kevin, give your grandmother and the Longs one of the autographed footballs.  Thanks for everything; it was a pleasure to meet you all.”

We arrived back at the condo as Zack and Mark were pulling in.  The children were excited to see them.

I had the funniest feeling that tonight was going to be a big night in at least one bedroom and maybe two, I hope. 

To be continued... 
 

Feedback always welcome:     

Editor's Notes:

My goodness, this chapter was really full. I had a wonderful time. I certainly am looking forward to meeting Uncle Ed.

It seems that Zack has really made a good impression on the people in Fremont.  I knew he would. He is truly a beautiful person. I can hardly wait to see what happens next. Like all of Uncle Ed's stories, this one continues to be fresh and exciting.

Let me take the opportunity to remind you to check out all the other stories from Uncle Ed. If you haven't read them, I know that once you do, you will be glad you did.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 10/05/07