Pink Flamingoed Page 6

  The smile froze on Jill’s face as she watched Brad sign the two books. Her trance-like state continued even after Brad had finished signing the books and had attempted to hand them back to her. Kenny snapped his fingers in front of Jill’s face in order to bring her back to reality, or at least as far back as was possible at that moment.

  “Oh, uh, I’m sorry. Thanks,” Jill muttered.

  “No, thank you. Thank you, mademoiselle, for taking time to read my books.”

  “The pleasure was all mine,” Jill said, as the trance-like smile returned to her face.

  “Oh, brother! Gag! I have to get out of here,” Kenny said, unable to take any more of his sister’s crush-like actions.

  With her brother having left and her sister somewhat out of it, Mallory seized her chance to talk.

  “You haven’t by any chance written any books for smaller children, have you?”

  “Sorry,” Brad responded. “I haven’t written any of them yet.”

  “Just thought I’d check,” Mallory replied. “See, I talk bigger than I can read.”

  +++

  “Scott! Children! Come on! Dinner’s ready!” Nancy hollered, as she tried to summon her troops.

  Within a couple of minutes the chairs around the table began to fill, as her husband and children wandered in from different directions.

  “Has everyone washed his or her hands?” Nancy asked.

  “Jill only washed one of hers,” Kenny replied, causing his sister to give him a dirty look.

  “What are you talking about, Kenny?” his mother asked.

  “Well, Jill used her right hand to shake hands with Brad Forrester, so she vows never to wash it again.”

  “What’s that you’ve brought to the table with you, Jill?” her father asked, knowing that his children knew better than to bring things to the table when they ate dinner.

  “Oh, dad! I’m sorry. These are his books.”

  “His who? You mean Brad Forrester?”

  “Who else, dad?”

  Scott smiled and shook his head.

  “Nancy,” he said, “one of our children is growing up.”

  Jill turned and smiled triumphantly at her brother.

  +++

  Brad walked Amy home from church, then stopped by his house for a minute before heading to Frank and Cora’s. Living on Aylesford Place might offer a plus he never envisioned. Maybe he would never have to cook, if someone would invite him over every day.

  Amy waited until Brad had gone into his house and then tiptoed down her steps and over to Frank and Cora’s. A couple of minutes later, the doorbell rang and Cora sent Frank to answer it.

  “Hi, Frank. I hope I’m not too late,” Brad said when Frank opened the door.

  “Not at all. Do come in, Brad.”

  Brad stepped in and his mouth flew open as he spotted Amy.

  “You!”

  Amy laughed and slapped both of her thighs with her hands.

  “You didn’t tell me you were going to be here,” Brad said.

  “Oh, and did you tell me that you were coming?” Amy asked.

  “No, because I didn’t know that you were coming,” Brad replied.

  “Well, I didn’t know that you were coming, either. The last I heard you were going to give violin lessons to an elderly couple.”

  “Elderly! Did you call us elderly, Brad? After I slaved over a hot stove fixing a scrumptious dinner for you?”

  The combatants could no longer hold back their laughter. Frank looked at the three of them and shook his head.

  “Come on over and sit down. Dinner’s ready. But because you called me old, Brad, you have to be the one to pray.”

  “Whatever you say, Cora, but when you say, pray, do you mean e-y or a-y?”

  “Both.”

  Brad said grace, and Frank started passing the food. As the foursome sat around the table enjoying their meal and talking, Cora popped the question.

  “So, Brad, how did you enjoy our church?”

  “I loved it, but there were more people than I expected. I assume that some of the people who attend do not live on Aylesford Place.”

  “You’re right. While most of the people are from the neighborhood, several of them live on other streets.”

  “I noticed that there aren’t a lot of kids.”

  “No, Brad. The people on the other streets are pretty much like we are. But things are looking up. Not too many years ago the only ones on our street who were younger than we were were Jim and Kathy Mitchell. With all you young people moving in, maybe someday we will have people getting married and having children.”

  When Cora mentioned “married” and “children,” Brad turned to Amy, who smiled and blushed.

  A half hour later all of them were stuffed. Cora suggested that they retire to the living room and let their dinner settle so they would have room for dessert.

  “So, do you have any plans for Christmas, Brad?” Cora asked.

  “Sure do. I’ll be heading home to spend a few days with my family.”

  “Well, be sure to tell your mother that I’m glad her side is doing better.”

  “Oh, I will, Cora. You can bet I’ll tell my parents and everyone else all about you and the rest of the people on this street.”

  “Does that include Cousin Amy?”

  Brad and Cora enjoyed a good laugh, while Frank and Amy tried to figure out what was going on. Finally, Amy could stand it no longer.

  “All right, you two. Why don’t you let Frank and me in on your joke?”

  Brad and Cora tried their best to fill in the other two on their conversation from Friday night.

  “I assume that the two of you will be staying home for the holidays,” Brad said to Frank and Cora.

  “Yeah, this street is much like any other. The older folks stay home for the holidays, while the younger ones leave.”

  “Does that mean you’ll be leaving, Amy?” Brad asked.

  “I’m afraid so. I’ll be going to see my folks for a few days.”

  The foursome continued to talk for a while and then Cora went to the kitchen and cut a piece of blueberry pie for everyone.

  A Lot Like Christmas

  Amy and Brad came up with excuses to visit each other every day. Cora smiled as she anticipated each visit, while secretly wishing she could install some type of device to alert her each time either of them left his or her nest. Frank listened to Cora say, “if only I could be a fly on the wall,” many times that week. While Cora wanted to install a detector, Melanie, on the other hand, wanted to install traps to keep the lovebirds apart.

  Neither Amy nor Brad worked hard in December, but their time together was somewhat limited because Brad agreed to be part of a three man team who installed Christmas decorations. Brad, Scott, and Frank assisted any neighbor who wanted outside lights and decorations but could not do the work themselves. Amy helped some, but was relegated to ground work, as was Kenny. The chauvinists prohibited Amy from climbing ladders, so she spent a great deal of time with Cora. That was fine with Cora. Cora pumped Amy for information about her budding relationship with her new neighbor. Another thing that made spending time inside with Cora easier on Amy was that she could not stand to see Brad dangling from high up on a ladder.

  +++

  On December 10, the second Sunday of the month, the Aylesford Place community made a pledge to make a difference at Christmas. Pastor Scott reminded them that making a difference began with a loving heart, and offered to open the church for community prayer at 9:00 o’clock each morning. He was pleased at the large turnout the next day.

  He reminded his neighbors of the people who might have to do without at Christmas, and told them of an organization that vowed to feed, clothe, and give gifts to needy families. He could not believe the response he received. Frank and Cora, Amy, Brad, and Allison each agreed to take one family each. So did Kathy, speaking for herself and Jim, who was once again on the road calling on customers. Even Harry, without any prodding from Eth
el, surprised everyone by taking a family, even though he knew it was a commitment of several hundred dollars. Both Melanie and Lady Catherine asked if they could go in with another family, so Pastor Scott agreed to take a family with them. When Doc Ramsey heard what they were doing, he asked if he could give money and have someone buy his gifts for him. He would like to have purchased them himself, but he still had his daily practice. Pastor Scott asked if they would like to go together as a group after prayer time on Wednesday morning, and everyone agreed. Not only did the group agree to shop for those in need before they shopped for their own family, but all of them agreed that they would not use credit cards for any Christmas shopping. Everyone wanted January to be as pleasant as December.

  When Cora and Frank returned home from Monday’s time of prayer, planning, and fellowship, she asked Frank if it was okay with him if she invited a different neighbor to lunch each day. Many years of marriage told her what Frank’s response would be. They agree to invite the first neighbor for Thursday.

  After getting a hospitality commitment from Frank, Cora made a phone call. Ray and Doris Orthmyer were willing to sponsor a family, as well. Doris would put a check in the mail.

  +++

  When the group arrived for prayer time on Wednesday morning, the buzz could be heard outside the church. Everyone was excited about doing something for someone he or she did not know. They would not hurry through their prayer time, but they would rush out soon afterward. They could give up the time of fellowship at church. They had all day to fellowship with one another.

  The group arrived at the mall and located the booth that contained names and descriptions of needy families. Two volunteers stood behind a table, pleading looks on their faces. Neither had a clue about who or what they were about to encounter.

  “Excuse me, but are you the ones with the names and descriptions of some needy families?” Pastor Scott asked.

  “We sure are. If you can buy for an entire family that would be great, but if you can only buy for one person, we understand. We accept anything people are willing to give. We only ask that you buy new items that would mean something to the people on the list. We even have some suggestions for each person. You don’t need to buy everything listed, just what you can.”

  “We understand,” Amy interrupted. “But we want to buy for each family member. We want each one to experience the joy of Christmas.”

  “We appreciate people like you, young lady. Are all of you together?”

  “We sure are,” Cora interjected.

  “So would you be willing to take a large family, so each of you can buy for one family member?”

  “No,” Scott said, and the volunteer did her best not to show her disappointment. When Scott continued, Amy was sorry that she did not bring her camera so that she could have gotten a picture of the looks on those two women’s faces.

  “You want how many families?”

  “Well, these two ladies and my wife and kids are with me, and we’d like a large family, maybe one with several children. And then let’s see. In addition to that, I think the rest of these people will take a total of nine more families, so that will be ten in all.”

  “Please tell me you’re not kidding.”

  “We’re not kidding,” everyone shouted in unison, then burst out in laughter.

  The two volunteers could no longer control themselves. They took part in a small group hug and then high-fived to see what it was like. They giggled and shrieked, too.

  “Listen, I’ll step aside and let each person tell you what they are looking for,” Scott said, trying to calm the ladies just a bit.

  Each person shared in the excitement, not only in receiving the names and descriptions of his or her “own” family, but each of their neighbor’s families, too. Once each person received the name and description of each of his or her family members, the group agreed to disperse and meet for lunch at 1:00. Of course in the small community of Hopemont, there was not much disbursement for shopping. Besides, everyone wanted to see money leave Harry’s hand. Other than what he put in the church collection plate each week, no one could remember seeing Harry part with any money voluntarily.

  +++

  Amy stepped into The Printed Page. It was not a large bookstore, but there were many books and a number of gift items. She took a quick look around, then approached the clerk behind the counter.

  “Excuse me, but do you have any books by Brad Forrester?”

  “No, I’m sorry. We had a woman stop in yesterday and she bought our last two Forrester books. What is it with this guy? We’ve been selling his books all along, but now everybody wants them. You’re the third person to come in today and ask if we carry his books.”

  “Oh, haven’t you heard? Mr. Forrester recently moved to Hopemont.”

  “Really?” replied the woman. “I must order extra copies. Have you met him?”

  “Yes, we’re fast becoming friends,” Amy responded triumphantly.

  “Well, could you ask him to stop in and see me sometime. I’m Ada Fernwick, the owner. I’d love for him to do a book signing sometime.”

  “I’ll be happy to tell him. By the way, do you expect any more of his books before Christmas?”

  “I might get some in before then, but I can’t promise you anything.”

  “Thanks. I might check back.”

  “I’ll be glad to take your name and number and call you if any come in.”

  “That would be great!”

  Amy gave Mrs. Fernwick her name and phone number and left the bookstore, a little disappointed that she was not able to locate any of Brad’s books, but glad she was able to promote them.

  +++

  The neighborhood remained devoted to their daily time of prayer together. The second week brought a new member to the group. Kathy happily announced that Jim did not have to work any more until early January. Jim had learned a long time ago, that unless a businessman had a problem, he did not want to look at a salesman so close to Christmas. Jim happily obliged.

  +++

  A week or so before Christmas the Conklin’s phone rang.

  “I’ll get it,” Harry said. “Hello.”

  “Dad.”

  “Rachel! Hey, Ethel, get on the extension! It’s Rachel!”

  “Hi, honey,” Ethel said, as she picked up the phone.

  “Hi, Mom. I love you two.”

  “We love you, too,” Harry and Ethel said in unison.

  “I just have a minute, but let me tell you the reason I called. As you know, I’m sorry that I won’t be able to come home for Christmas again this year, but I’ll only have a couple of days off from work and that’s just not enough time to come and see you.”

  “We understand, honey.”

  “I promise you that I’ll get home sometime next summer, although I imagine it’ll be late summer before I can get there. But when I do come, I’ll be able to stay a week or two, so it’ll give us a chance to make up for lost time.”

  “That would be wonderful, dear.”

  “In the meantime, I promise I’ll do a better job of keeping in touch. To help us stay in touch, there should be three packages arriving tomorrow. They’re your Christmas presents. I’ll call you back in a day or two and explain. I need to run now, but I promise I’ll call you back in a day or two and we’ll talk longer. I love you!”

  “We love you, too.”

  Harry and Ethel hung up the phones and Ethel came into the den where Harry was sitting. Both were happy to hear from their daughter, but both were sad that, once again, they would not be able to spend Christmas with her.

  “What do you suppose she’s sending us?” Harry asked.

  “Oh, I don’t know, Harry, but pretty soon we’ll know, and we’ll get to talk to Rachel again.”

  “That’s the good part, honey,” Harry said, as he stood up and hugged his wife.

  +++

  The next day, the UPS man delivered three boxes to Harry and Ethel. He sat them just inside the door, right by
the living room window, where Harry would be sure to see them anytime he looked in that direction. A note taped to the top said, “Please read before opening any box.”

  Eager to find out what the note said, Harry got some scissors, cut away the tape, opened the envelope, and sighed.

  “What does it say?” Ethel asked.

  “It says, ‘Please do not open any present until I call,’ and it is signed ‘Love, Rachel.’”

  “Well, I guess we have to wait for Rachel’s phone call.”

  +++

  It was late morning when the UPS man delivered the three boxes. When Rachel had not called by dinnertime, Harry, impatient to know what their daughter had sent them, said, “What if she doesn’t call tonight?”

  “Then, I guess we have to wait until she does,” Ethel responded.

  “What if she gets hit by a bus?” Harry asked.

  “Harry! How dare you think like that!”

  “I’m sorry,” Harry said dejectedly. “Wonder which one of us gets two presents? None of the boxes say whose present it is.”

  Ethel shook her head and said, “We’ll find out soon enough, Harry. Just be patient.”

  Dinner came and dinner went. Harry even lowered the sound on the TV when Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy came on. He did not want to miss Rachel’s phone call. As soon as Jeopardy ended, Harry turned and studied the boxes, to no avail. Just as Harry was about to give up hope and go to bed, the phone rang.

  “Maybe it’s Rachel!” Harry said, lunging for the phone like a teenage girl infatuated with some boy.

  “Hello, Rachel!”

  “How did you know it was me, Dad?”

  “Well, you said you’d call. Ethel, it’s her!”

  Ethel picked up the extension.

  “Hi, dear. How are you doing?”

  “Busy, but pretty good. How are both of you?”

  “Well, your dad is the same old dad, but we’re both doing okay.”