Rembrandt Street - Chapter 8

Problem in Resolution

Mr. And Mrs. Willobee had been home in the early afternoon when E’beth’s get-together in the rec-room had ended. Earlier they had gone grocery shopping with Megan on the University’s campus at the newly opened Mr. G’s. Margret had been picked up by Phil to spend a day at the library and Cathy was at the hospital volunteering with Sarah and her mother. Now, it was about 2 o’clock and Mr. Willobee was working at his desk. Mrs. Willobee was resting in her room and Megan was taking a nap.

E’beth came through the door quickly. She let it slam before calling out, "Mama?"

Mr. Willobee looked up from his work and said, "Shh, your mother is resting. I’m in my office. Can I help you E’beth?"

"Oh Daddy, something happened!’ rushed E’beth. It was terrible. We were in the basement and Alice went to the back part and Silver’s Grandfather came down and he scared poor Alice, and ..."

"Whoa, whoa E’beth, you’re talking too fast. Let me try and understand you! You were down in the basement with the girls, right?"

"Uhuh."

"And Alice, she’s the new girl. She went in back of the rec room?"

"Uhuh."

"And the Grandfather came down while you were all there?"

‘Yes."

"Ok, what did he do to scare poor Alice?"

"Well, he wanted his cigarettes back, and..."

"Hmm, hold on there. Did Alice have his cigarettes?"

"Oh that’s ok daddy, she just picked them up by mistake, she was returning them."

"Ok. Then what did the Johnston’s grandfather do that was upsetting?’

"Well, he was pretty scary because he seemed cranky, but Alice said before we got over there to rescue her ..."

"Hmm. Who went over to rescue Alice from what?"

"We did Daddy, Tammy and I heard her scream so we rushed over and that’s when Silver’s grandfather got cranky, but afterward, after he went up stairs, Alice said she saw his pants were unzipped and he was relieving himself in the floor drain..

"He was what?" Mr. Willobee asked sharply.

"He was going to the bathroom and ..."

"Ok, ok I’m sorry, I have the picture now. What happened next?"

"Well, he went up stairs and Alice made me promise not to tell the other girls. So I didn’t, but after the upset no one wanted to stay around, so I said goodbye to them and they left and now is now. I’m supposed to meet Caitlin in an hour over at her house for scouts. We’re going to plan our meals for the trip."

"So?" asked Mr. Willobee, What have you concluded about all of this?"

"I don’t know Daddy. I didn’t know what to think. I was glad when he went back upstairs, but kind of afraid because he might come back down again, and I didn’t know what to say to Alice. I don’t know her very well and I think she has now a terrible impression of me.

Mr. Willobee asked his daughter to pause. He said, "E’beth, it would be hard for anyone to know how to respond. Fortunately, this isn’t something that happens everyday. What happened shouldn’t have happened. I’m glad he went back upstairs and I certainly will talk to him, but you weren’t the one to make a bad impression on Alice, the Johnston’s grandfather did that on his own. You are not responsible for what he did. Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?"

"Well, sort of Daddy. I didn’t know he was going to do that, but now I know. How am I ever going to invite the girls back?"

"I don’t want you to worry about that right now, because I will make sure this doesn’t happen again, I do want to make sure you know this isn’t your fault!" At this point, E’beth started to cry. Her father pulled her into a hug and he held her while the tears fell onto his shoulder. He pulled out his clean handkerchief and handed it to E’beth. She blew her nose and wiped away the tears.

"But, do you think Alice will ever forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive E’beth, remember you have done nothing wrong. It would be like the kittens tipping over a plant. They don’t do it on purpose. It’s an accident."

"But something very wrong happened while she was at my house daddy."

"E’beth, you know I am going to talk with the Johnston’s. Why don’t we think about how we can help Alice?"

"Oh yes Daddy, I think that’s a good idea!"

"I understand that Alice’s father is a policeman."

"Yes he is Daddy. Her and her mother and father and her just moved here from Philadelphia."

"I see," said Mr. Willobee. I should talk to Alice’s father. What is his name?"

"Alice’s last name is "Snow," Daddy."

"Do you have her number on the Rolodex?"

"Yes, of course. I wrote it down the first day."

"Good girl! Then you have done your part. Do you trust me?"

E’beth laughed, "Of course I trust you Daddy."

"Well, then let me take care of this now. I don’t want you to worry any further."

"Daddy, what will happen if Alice doesn’t want her father to know about it?"

"E’beth something bad happened to Alice today. If it had happened to you, wouldn’t you want me to know? It was the wrong thing for the Johnston’s grandfather to have done and that has to be fixed. That’s what Daddy’s do.

E’beth wrapped her arms around her daddy and said, "Daddy you are the best Daddy anywhere!"

Mr. Willobee chuckled. "It’s getting pretty close to 3 pm. Do you need to wash up before the Scout meeting?"

"Oh my, I almost forgot!" I need to go Daddy. Before Mr. Willobee let her go, he gave her one more hug and kissed her on the top of the head.

Mr. Willobee decided to wait a few moments before knocking on the Johnston’s door. He wanted to wait until E’beth had left and he wanted to think of what he would say. He had felt inside a sharp pang of anger that one of his daughters and the daughter’s friend to have been exposed to this indecency. He knew as a resource he could call the building owner or the police, but he wanted to hear the grandfather out, and if the grandfather couldn’t be held responsible for his actions, Mr. Willobee wanted to presume that Mr. Johnston would be.

Mr. Willobee knew that under no circumstances could he allow the situation to continue. He was very protective of his daughters and had a strong moral sensibility. Regardless of the old man’s position, he shouldn’t have been in the vicinity of the girls. Especially, if he was unable to hold himself until he could utilize one of the three bathrooms on the first floor. Mr. Willobee also considered that the grandfather was drunk, hence unstable. He wouldn’t be able to make a general assessment of his mental character until he met the man in person, though he had doubts already. It was highly likely Mr. Willobee would be fair, but firm.

Mr. Willobee’s thoughts were interrupted by two very fluffy kittens romping into the living room area. First they were in front of Mr. Willobee’s desk, then under his desk. They knocked into his legs as they tumbled. They seemed to play fight often as they honed their skills and continued determination over who was to be the boss cat. Gus already was establishing himself as the dominant one, but Gertrude had a move that Gus hadn’t figured out. She would roll on her back. As he toppled over her, she had available then all four paws in which to attack. Gus could be seen eating longer than Gertrude, where she seemed to nibble the food delicately. He was a horse!

Mr. Willobee knew already that if the kitties were up ... Sure enough Megan was heard to be waking up. He could hear the shutting of the bathroom door. As well he could guess that Mrs. Willowbee would soon be up and making dinner. E’beth had slipped out the door with a simple, "Bye Daddy! I love you!"

Mr. Willobee centered his next thoughts on Megan and the kittens. Without his awareness over the night, the new sleeping rules had become established. Although he’d made a bed for them, Gus and Gertrude had proven able to crawl up the side of Megan’s bedspread and were found cuddled next to her. Gertrude had found a cozy place next to Megan’s chest half covered by the blanket and Gus tucked him on top of the blanket directly in back of Megan’s knee.

Mr. Willobee considered bringing the kittens out of the room, but one look at Megan’s cherub face had convinced him otherwise. He knew that they’d adopted each other at first sight and he wanted to encourage the relationship. He knew that Megan needed companionship and he understood that Megan had a direct need to "take care" in a mothering sense.

He had recognized the need in the other girls as well, but they had each had the "next sister" to help tend to. They Willobees knew that they had stopped having children, so, in this far fetched sense the kittens were to be the last of the Willobee legacy and would help allow Megan the sense of not always being the "baby."

Mr. Willobee was so lost in his thoughts, he was not conscious of his wife having entered the room until she could be felt gently messaging his shoulders. She then leaned down rubbing her cheek next to his and hugged his upper torso. Mr. Willobee’s demeaner smiled from within him. "Good morning dear," he teased lovingly. Often when the Willobees had been separated, they greeted each other as if they’d just woken up together.

They were a very playful couple. Both were each aware of their own abilities to live fulfilled lives and were in tune with the parenting skills and abilities, which allowed them the comfort ability to be best friends. Mrs. Willobee murmured softly into his ear, Mmm you smell good, then asked, "How are you? Did you miss me?"

Mr. Willobee said, "I’m fine, but E’beth had come in with a problem while she was with friends down in the basement." He said I will fill you in on all the details after Megan gets settled in, but in the meantime, I’m going to go downstairs and talk to the Johnston’s."

"Oh no, I hope it isn’t serious."

He said, "Alice had been exposed to the Johnston’s grandfather relieving himself. Mrs. Willobee pulled away from her husband in disbelief of what she’d just heard. Mr. Willobee turned in his chair and took Mrs Willobees hand in his. He said, I’ve talked to E’beth she is ok for now. In a few moments I’ll go downstairs, and then after that I will make a call to the Snow’s place.

Mrs. Willobee acknowledged that her husband, as usual, had things under control, but it didn’t prevent her from worrying. Mr. Willobee could read her mind and said, "Don’t worry dear, we’ll talk about it later. Right now I see we have a very groggy six year old to care for. He nodded his head to the right. Mrs. Willobee knew without looking that Megan had made her way to the office and was pulling up a chair in front of the desk. She opened one of the drawers at the front of the desk and withdrew a large coloring book and a cigar box of well-worn crayons. "Mommy" she said, I’m hungry.

"I know you are dear. Why don’t we go out to the kitchen and see what we can find."

"Oh yes, that would be a very good idea mama." She returned the coloring supplies to the desk drawer. Got up and walked around the desk taking her mother’s hand from her father’s. she looked at her father almost apologetically, but scolded, "Daddy, you had your turn! Now Mommy wants to take care of Me!"

Mr. Willobee laughed pulling his daughter into a bear hug. He squeezed her and said, "Maybe it is still my turn!"

"Daddy, daddy," she squealed in glee, "let me go, let me go!"

"Or what?" teased Mr. Willobee

"Or I will turn you into a dragon!"

"Oh no, you don’t" he said releasing her, "Please don’t turn me into a dragon!"

Megan shook her finger at her Daddy and said, "Now you be a good daddy and share mama!"

"Yes dear, and right away too!"

Megan smiled broadly and took her mom’s hand again. In her most angelic face she asked, "Do you suppose there are any cookies left?"

Mrs. Willobee laughed saying, "Yes dear we’ll check."

Mr. Willobee went downstairs and returned without having talked to one of the Johnston’s. He knew he would return in a couple of hours. There would be a better chance of someone being home around dinner, and in the meantime he decided he should call over to the Snow’s home. He retrieved the number from the Rolodex that was by the dining room phone and sat down to call when he could hear the sound of Cathy running up the steps. Mr. Willobee laughed to himself thinking, when hadn’t that child run up those steps. He decided to wait a few more minutes before calling.

"Daddy, Mommy, I’m home, I’m home! Is anyone here?" she shouted as she burst through the door.

"We’re both here dear, Mama’s out in the kitchen." Cathy turned toward her father’s office. She had on the red and white striped dress and cap. It was required that all candy striper volunteers dress the same when they worked. Cathy was very proud of her dress and she was excited to have won the argument to wear grown-up nylons with her uniform. Mr. Willobee smiled when he saw her. Her bright cheerfulness was infectious. He opened his arms to give her a big hug and teased, "Did you perform surgery today?"

"Oh no Daddy! You know what I do!"

He said, "But not today. What did you do today pumpkin? Did you have a good time?"

She said, "Oh yes! There was so much, but do you think Mama has cookies because I’m starved!"

Mr. Willobee pretended to pout. How come I’m losing all my women to cookies?"

"Well Daddy, because I can’t eat you!" Cathy exclaimed. As Cathy left him, he found himself nodding his head thinking, this is true, this is true.

With everyone out in the kitchen, Mr. Willobee decided to try calling Mr. Snow one more time. He dialed the number and waited as it rung several times. On the fourth ring a strong male voice answered.

"Lieutenant Snow here!"

"Yes. This is Robert Willobee. Yourdaughter Alice and my daughter E’beth are friends.

"Oh yes, I’m aware of that. How are you?"

I’m good thank you, but there was an incident today while she was over and I wanted to know if I could come over to talk. "Yes, yes. That would be fine. Anything serious?"

"Well, yes actually, but it would be better if we talk in person."

"I’m available now. Do you have the address?"

Just down the block at 5314 second floor?

That’s right. Come ahead, I’ll be waiting for you.’

"Thanks," said Mr. Willowbee. He hung up the phone and walked to the kitchen. Dear I’m going to talk to Mr. Snow. I’ll be back soon!"

"Yes dear. Good idea."

Mr. Willobee grabbed his coat from the mud room and left the building.

This will be a Do-it-yourself Christmas

  

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

 

Rembrandt Street - Chapter 7

Silver's Home

The Johnston’s apartment was immediately below the Willobee’s apartment. The two-flat shared the same structure and design, but contained two very different families. Where the Willobee’s were a happy coherent family, the Johnston’s were cold and with lack of tolerance.

When Mr. Willobee knocked on the Johnston’s front door, no one had answered. The truth was that Mrs. Johnston and her mother were out playing bingo and mindless of the activities of the others. Mr. Johnston worked a half shift on Saturdays and the grandfather was in his bed sound asleep after having drunk all morning and part of the afternoon.

Although Silver was only 7, she was responsible to see that her baby sister, Emily, was taken care of and to make sure grandfather didn’t become irritated. Silver had heard the door, but she’d been instructed not to open the door for anyone or talk to strangers. While she was listening to the sound, she stood motionless on the other side almost afraid to breathe. Finally the person knocking left and the apartment grew again quiet and cold.

Silver was glad that her little sister slept as much as she did because it seemed safer for her, but sometimes she worried over the sister because she cried so little. When she was first brought home, she cried more, but she had been told by the older women that babies were expected not to cry. From the early days, they would let the baby cry herself to sleep. Now it seemed to Silver as if the baby had lost the will to be up.

When everyone was gone except her napping grandfather and sister, Silver would wonder from one cold dark room to another as if trying to find a place comfortable to stay or at least a place of rest that would not frighten her.

The Grandmother ran the household. She was the one to place the temperature very low on the thermostat and see that no extra electricity was wasted by leaving lights on. She and her husband had spent their first few married years living through the depression.

Now, she often kept her retired husband confined to the living room, basement, or outside garage. He was treated as if he werean animal, in that she complained he was a no good and a a drainage of her patience. The daughter, Mrs. Johnston, never stepped between the relationship of her folks and often mirrored the relationship in her own marriage.

The men folk appeared to be quieter and more sulky. They were fed well and appreciated for doing the male designated household tasks, but was afforded very little affection from their wives.

In addition to managing the money Mr. & Mrs. Johnston brought home from the bakery and clock factory, the grandmother kept up the house, made the meals and took in seamstress type work,watched over the grandchildren and could talk a mean streak. She had opinions of how things were going whether it be society, neighbors or family matters.

The Grandmother wasn’t often grateful. She was of the old fashioned belief that life was tough and you best earn your place in it. She didn’t think Silver’s parents had done a good enough job at providing for the family. She seemed angry that her daughter or son-in-law hadn’t been able to afford for her a small place in Florida and that it was she who had to raise the grandchildren. The grandchildren irritated her sense of order and were not appreciative of her. She didn’t understand why Silver shied from her or why her daughter and son-in-law seemed to resent her after she’d "helped" them out so much. Often she was heard saying, "I have to do everything myself to get it done right!"

Eventually, Silver found her way back to her bedroom where she spent most of her time and where she could see her little sister. Often when Emily was up, they played quietly together, or Silver would read to her. Silver was advanced in reading and was already in need of glasses possibly due to the eyestrain of reading and poor light, or perhaps due to poor genetics.

Silver knew that when her grandfather woke, he would yell for her and expect that she take care of him. Silver did not tell her mother or grandmother of these extra chores nor would she tell any other soul she might know. She knew better than to upset the others. She spent most of her time pretending to be invisible and avoid arguments.

Silver could hear her sister breathing peacefully. Emily always smiled when she slept. Silver like to think of her dreaming as if playing with angels. Silver’s bed laid in the opposite corner of the crib. Both the mattress and box spring lay directly on the floor and it was often drafty. She was surrounded on both walls by various stuffed animals her father had found for her.  He also protected them from being thrown away by her grandmother. Silver knew how to wash them in the bathtub and fix their broken button noses and eyes.

Silver now moved the tiger, lassie dog, and sock monkey onto her lap so she could sit along the row of her animals and tell them a story. She said, "Once upon a time, there was a big baby bear who lived in the forest and he had a friend who was named turtle, because he was a turtle!" Silver could see that all of her animals were laughing with her. She continued, "Well, one day they were walking and they came to a place on the lake covered tree branches and bark. Baby Bear wondered if Mr. & Mrs Beaver were home, because he wanted to go fishing with his friends.

Turtle said, "I’ll knock on their door." He swam out to the underground door and knocked with his short little paw. Mr. & Mrs Beaver are you home, he yelled as only turtles can with their small beak noses. Mr. Beaver came out of the house and they both floated to the top of the water so they could breath.

Baby bear said, "If you’re not busy we can get something to eat upstream!"

Mr. Beaver said, "I like that idea let me get Mrs. Beaver."

While Turtle and Bear were waiting sly fox came by and said, "Mmm, I think I will eat turtle stew today!" He hid behind the big tree so nobody could see him. After the Beavers joined Baby bear and turtle they swam 20 feet upstream. Turtle went over to the side and waited for his friends who were looking under the water and the sly fox grabbed turtle and held him tight and he raced along the path until he could jump down his hole ..."

Silver stopped her story. Tears started falling down her cheeks. She laid down and fell asleep uncovered and tired on her bed.

Sooner than later, she picked up her head hearing the familiar keys in the back door. She quickly wiped at the dry tears near her eyes and straightened up the animals as if her own private toy soldiers now on duty.

Her Grandmother and mother entered the door holding packages in white paper wrapping. She knew they must have stopped at the butchers. Silver didn’t like to eat meat because her grandfather had told her she was eating cows. Silver’s grandmother looked crossly at her and asked, "What have you been doing all afternoon?"

"Just reading grandmother. Grandpa and Emily are still sleeping."

"What a bunch of no-goods in this family," complained the grandmother. Silver’s mother just nodded in agreement.

"I’ll go check on Emily while you start dinner Mama."

Silver slid into a chair next to the kitchen table. She had been taught not to speak unless spoken too and children are to be seen and not heard. Silver’s Grandmother put on her apron and washed her hands. She appeared to be in a good mood. Silver discovered that Grandmother had won a new hat. When Silver’s mother returned the two women talked about how nice it was to have won the fine gift and how important it was to play the game, since it was a charity for the poor.

As they readied the stew meat and raw vegetables, Silver heard the word stew and cringed thinking of turtle. But she knew her place and didn’t say anything.

There was another startling knock on the front door. Silver’s grandmother quizzed her daughter’s face. "Now who would that be?"

"I don’t know mama, I’ll get it." When Mrs. Johnston got to the door, she looked out and recognized Mr. Willobee from upstairs. She said very courteously, "Why hello Mr. Willowbee. How may I help you?"

"I need to speak to your husband, is he home?"

"Why no, he doesn’t get home until 8 tonight. How can I help you?"

Mr. Willowbee looked stern, but asked politely, "Could you ask him to come up and see me when he gets home?"

"Of course," said Mrs. Johnston. "I hope it isn’t serious."

"Well actually it is serious, but I would rather not bother you with this. Please have him come up." Mr. Willobee then concluded, "I wish you good night Mrs. Johnston." Then he turned around and walked up the front steps to the Willobee apartment.

Mrs. Johnston returned to the kitchen where her mother had been adding water to the seasoned stew meat.

"Who was that Alison?"

"Mother, it was Mr. Willobee from upstairs."

"What did he want?"

"I don’t know, he wouldn’t say. He wanted to speak to Bill. He seemed to think it was serious." Mrs. Johnston looked directly at Silver. She asked demandingly, "Do you know anything about this?" Silver quickly and fearfully shook her head, no. Mrs. Johnston looked meanly into Silver’s eyes and said more sternly, "If this has anything to do with your behavior I will beat your fanny personally!"

Silver forced her eyes not to cry by staring down at the table. Again she was asked and denied knowing why Mr. Willobee would be knocking at the door. She was too afraid to mention that someone had knocked on the door earlier. She now thought it must have been Mr. Willobee. Silver felt guilty thinking maybe he had been upset the previous night when she had been so loud on the piano. Silver didn’t want to think about the previous night. She didn’t want to think at all. Her head blurred and her stomach felt ill.

Rembrandt Street - Ch 6

The Basement

The five girls climbing out of the 1955 Scarlet-colored Plymouth were E’beth and her four friends. Caitlin’s 17 year old brother, Pete, had driven. They had been at the roller skating rink and were being dropped off at the front of E’beth’s house.

Pete was proud to have purchased the car on his own. He was excited to say the ‘55, his car, had a PowerFlite 2 Speed Automatic Tranny, 260 Poly-Head V8 engine and a 120 mph speedometer. Although the car was ten years old, Pete bragged it was a year when horsepower and styling had become major reasons to buy a car.

During that time, the Plymouth styling was called, "Metal In Motion." The Plymouth included sporty cathedral styled front fenders that were draped back to the slightly raised fins that hung over the recessed lights. At that time, the industry had called these standards the "Forward Look." The car balanced looks and performance.

Despite how obviously great Pete thought his car and chauffeuring abilities, he took heat from his mother. Mrs. Morgan had heard the safety concerns of the older modeled Plymouth. In case of an accident, the steering wheel would thrust toward the driver’s head. The seat would lurch forward and there was no locking mechanism to keep the doors shut. The dash was all metal providing no cushion and the car had no seat belts installed.

Pete had argued there were other safety factors on the car. There was safety glass and it wrapped around the front for better viewing. There was a catch latch on the hood to keep it from flying open and he had already retrofitted the doors to be safer. The girls were happy just to have transportation. Caitlin was the only one who had heard Mrs. Morgan’s complaints. She was not attuned to this level of concern.

E'beth was different in this respect from Caitlin.  In fact each of the five girls had discussed their similarities and differences. They were all 14 years old. They went to the same public school and had each teased the other about hair color and what it meant. E’beth and Margot were the two brunettes. Caitlin and Tammy had matched up as the blondes and now that Alice hadarrived, there was a red head.

Their attributes seemed to grow stronger with each round of birthdays and a good source of gabbyness during the many private pajama parties. E’beth was known for her intelligence, athleticism, being creative, organized, but cautious. Caitlin was beautiful, outgoing, very savvy, smart, but a little pudgy. Margot was known for being the most intelligent, supportive, a natural writer, oldest of a demanding large family, but almost introverted. Tammy was sure she wasn’t as smart as the others, but she was good-hearted, playful, curious and also athletic. Alice’s addition to the group was being a gifted musician, outgoing, smart, daring, but the girls teased, too thin!

As they toppled through the basement door leading to E’beth’s rec room the substance and style of Pete’s car was far from their minds, although Tammy did claim to maintain a steady crush on Pete and E’beth had hung back to specially thank Pete for the ride. Caitlin went automatically toward the small record player sitting between the two old L-shaped couches. The couches weren’t matched and they’d long since lost their beauty. They framed in the ping pong table.

Tammy and Margot picked up paddles from the table and found a ball on the floor close to the table. They began an easy volley.

Alice was quickly joined by E’beth. "C’mon Alice, I’ll show you where we keep the cokes!" Alice had paused to give the room a once over. It was a large open room that seemed to allow access to several other rooms behind closed doors. She noted that the masonry walls were painted white and the cement floors were painted brick red. It seemed clean and spider free for a basement.

Alice said, "This is pretty nice! It looks huge!

E’beth said, "Yes, we spend a good amount of time here, especially during the winter." She explained the rec-room had given living at this apartment an extra advantage. She continued, fact fully. "The carpet and old roll-top desk belong to us. Those two doors go toward private locked storage rooms for us and the other tenants. The third door is for the people who own the apartment. They store lawn equipment and paint and ladders. It used to be the coal room."

Alice appeared interested as E’beth relayed common attributes of her basement. "There is another very large room in back of this. It holds the clotheslines and a few old tables, chairs and an old single bed. There was also an old wood tool bench and off of that room there is a laundry room and an old wringer. There is a huge boiler room and one more small room for mama’s canning."

E’beth was looking more forward to the ping pong game than diagraming the basement, but she was naturally patient.  Alice was directed to where the cokes were waiting in the old fridge under the front stairs. Delightedly, she exclaimed, "Oh yes, we made some popcorn balls too!"

"Oh no, I couldn’t eat another thing. Those hot dogs at the rink were terrible," complained Alice.

"Sorry Alice, we should have warned you. The hamburgers and chips are much safer." E’beth watched Alice as Alice continued to familiarize self with the frozen labeled packages in the fridge. She sure is investigative, E’beth thought. Though the light was poor (just light bulbs extending from ceiling cords), E’beth noted how fast Alice had accustomed herself. She then easily reached into the fridge for four pops. Her fingers were long and confident.

By this time, the upbeat music began to take over the rec-room. It was loud enough to wake the dead! Caitlin yelled, "Hey guys! Where’s the pop?"

"Comin!" yelled E’beth. E’beth and Alice found Caitlin dancing. Margot’s and Tammy’s game had sped up considerably.

"Hey, popcorn balls!" exclaimed Caitlin.

Alice handed Caitlin her coke and placed Margot’s and Tammy’s on the old roll top desk. She was told by Caitlin, "the bottle opener is right here in the drawer."

"Thanks," said Alice. Alice sat down on the couch that contained a box of records. "You have a lot of my favorites E’beth"

"No, not me," said E’beth. The record player is mine, but all the 45's are Caitlin’s. Caitlin’s basement is a mess and Pete’s taken it over with his friends. E’beth sat down on the couch outliningthe long side ofthe table. "I’ve got winner!"

"Be with you in a few minutes," laughed Tammy. Tammy grinned as she spelled out for Margot, "14-4 Margot! When are you going to start playing?"

Margot complained, "What about my handicap?"

Tammy shouted, "Oh yeah, game is 16-14 your lead!

"I’m not that bad!" defended poor Margot.

"Depends who you ask Margot!" teased Tammy.

"Sure wouldn’t ask you Tammy. Its obvious you’ve no heart!"

Tammy slammed down another long spike and laughed, "How about I close my eyes?"

"Close your eyes and I throw the paddle at you!" warned Margot as she leaned over to pick up the ball.

Tammy chuckled. She stated, "The day Margot goes violent I’m outta here!" All the girls laughed except Margot who blushed.

About an hour went by with much talking, laughter and gaiety. The girls practiced their sillier behavior. There was an intimate release of tension after having roller skated with the larger crowd. As much fun as they had, there was fear of falling on your face or otherwise embarrassing yourself. They teased who should be with which boy, because after all, there were so many to choose from. Attention had also gone to which of the other girls had managed to hook-up with a guy or who was wearing their skirt too short.

Alice had wandered away from the group and was just now coming back from the rear of the basement. "Hey where were you?" asked Tammy.

"Just looking around." claimed Alice. "Look at what I found!" Alice had in her outstretched hand a new package of camel cigarettes.

"Ugh!" claimed Margot. "What are you doing with those filthy things?"

"Did you find them back there?" questioned E’beth though apparently a bit startled.

"Yeah," said Alice. "Who smokes?"

E’beth didn’t knowanyone who smoked. She was already worrying. Who could have left them laying around? She noted that Alice had matches in her other hand.

Alice’s quick hands tapped out a cigarette from the pack, "Who wants one?"

E’beth’s face looked stunned and it dropped as she exclaimed, "What do you mean? You’re not going to smoke one of them are you? What are you thinking?" Alice had challenged E’beth’s thinking.

"It’s not a big thing," stated Alice, "My Dad smokes, I’ve had some of his before!"

E’beth felt unexpected frustration bursting in her chest, "Why? It’s just wrong!"

Caitlin interrupted, "I don’t know E’beth. It is not the same as if we stole them or went to the store and bought them. They’re unclaimed!

E’beth became quickly infuriated with her best friend. "This is not going to happen in my basement! Give them here Alice. I’ll return them myself. Where did you pick them up?"

"Never mind E’beth." Alice volunteered. "I’ll do it. I didn’t think it was going to be such a big deal. She turned quickly and disappeared around the corner.

Alice might have seen how red E’beths face had become. No one had ever challenged E’beth over something so obviously wrong. She was unsure how to handle it and didn’t know herself how strongly her feelings were.  She was definitely provoked. Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud quick shout!

E’beth didn’t think. She lunged forward yelling, "Alice!" Tammy was directly on her heals. Margot and Caitlin looked at each other, but neither moved.

E’beth had no sooner turned the corner before she came to a quick stop. Tammy stumbled over E'beth which pushed E’beth forward. Still ahead, Alice stood alone facing the old man who lived in the apartment under the Willobee’s. Cathy’s first thought was that he must have come down by the back stairs. She then guessed that Alice must have been terrified. She appeared frozen to her spot with the cigarettes still clenched in her fist.

The older man was slightly hunched over. He was almost bald, but had a fringe of short white hair. He had a pronounced stomach and wore for a shirt only his armless t-shirt which was tucked into green pants. The looked dark and dirty such as a gardener might wear. His boots were large and black.

He limped forward. E’beth hustled to Alice’s side and unclenched Alice’s hand from the package of cigarettes. "Here! I think these belong to you!" The old man reached out for the pack. He lifted his heavy knobby finger and pointed to the table.

"Nobody should have bothered them," he growled. E’beth and Tammy turned their heads toward the direction he was pointing. They saw a rickety old card table and two folding chairs. On the table was an outdoor ashtray. It was red plaid and had a heavy sand bottom. It’s surface was black with tar.

"I’m sorry, we didn’t mean to bother you," apologized E’beth. We didn’t expect to find them here. I’m sorry."

The old man had a grumpy voice and grunted, "Hmpf!" He turned around and the girls watched him walk up the old wooded steps. His limp was more pronounced than before. It seemed to take him effort to climb the steps. He finally disappeared from sight.

E’beth said, "C’mon guys. Let’s go back to the other side."

Tammy took a deep breath, "Wait until I tell Margot and Caitlin.  They missed it!"

Before E’beth had taken a step, Alice grabbed at her shirt sleeve and hissed, "Wait!" E’beth’s eyebrows raised and she looked at Alice’s slim fingers grasping her shirt by the elbow.

"What?" E’beth asked, "What’s the matter?"

Alice’s face looked white. She stuttered, "You didn’t see the whole, the whole thing!"

"What do you mean?" asked E’beth.

Alice looked like she was going to faint. E’beth reached out trying to steady Alice by her firmer grip. Alice wavered and waned. In a voice that had sounded terribly shaken, she said, "Something’s wrong! That man ...that old man. When I came in his pants were open and he was relieving himself in the floor drain!"

Little Intermission

Evening ... Just us. We’re taking a little break in the writing here. I know it isn’t usual for us to be writing in the evening, but we’re trying to calm ourselves down a bit. We’ve gotten our thoughts all tangled up and in need of sorting. Nothing tremendously good or bad, so you can all sit back in your chairs.

We’re trying something new for us. We’re making meat. Hehe I think this is what is called, "cooking." It occurred to me about 45 minutes ago, I should have probably added some kind of seasoning to the meat. But, I didn’t know what to add. The meat is roast. I haven’t made a roast for about 15 years. We put it with a few vegetable in the crock pot and added water ... like stew. I wonder if I should have cut said meat up? Eh. We’ll see. It’s a food experiment. Yep folks, this is the scary stuff that details my brain. *Sigh*

We’re pretty much on our own today. We’ve had contact with the outside world through a few friends. One of them, it seems, we’d done our best to alienate. You heard it ... fight, fight! You see, he wanted to come over and make us breakfast. But, the original date had been set for Friday and postponed ‘til Saturday. But, now we were talking Sunday. By this time we were upset. Instead of saying we’re mad, or you are making us cry again, we got mean. I should have seen it coming. The 1rst nasty comment, our friend said, that’s one. He must have known our style, because he was counting. A couple of sentences float by and then I say the 2nd stupid thing. This is an IM remember. You can really go back and see when the conversation starts to fall apart. My friend says that’s #2. He adds, Why? I am a nice guy. Here is where we throw all caution to the wind. We said the 3rd stupid thing. Three quiet minutes float by. By now our face is hot and the tears slide quickly down our face. We start to beg out. We acknowledge that we are being nasty and need to retreat. We needed to get a handle on ourselves. By this time writing two or three sentences he conveys there was no reason to hurt him just because I was hurt. Then he left to fold socks.

It kind of hung over our morning like a bad flu. We took a long nap. Woke up feeling guilty as hell. We wrote an email apologizing. Later he read the note and wrote another saying he’d be over in the morning. We sent another note saying we would be happy to see him. It’s over now ... the fight. ‘Cept there will be a few moment of uncomfortableness tomorrow morning. Maybe I should be waiting at the door naked. That would alter events.  Not sure ... maybe he will have thought to have just brought sweet donuts. Neither of us like to fight. *Sigh*

I wonder how long it takes roast to get roasted?

We don’t want to talk about work. It’s like happening, but I’d rather be thinking only 3 days left before vacation. YAYYYYY! We’re still bringing work home, but that’s the breaks. There’s a big project on the table with the Qnotes and I want to bring it to its knees. That’s it ... enough work talk.

We’ve had a couple of Dr. M. meetings go past without written notes. Not sure how much is still with me memory wise. I think mostly we’ve been talking about writing "the book." We’re still having a hard time believing this is what we’re actually doing. Cuz. I never done it before. I aked Dr. M. where is this coming from? We’ve never ever written a story before not a real one ... well maybe there were a few, but this was different. We’re making ourselves an outline and everything. I’ve never used outlines before. Now they seem like the handiest things on Earth. Thank you Microsoft! Your system is smooth! Dr. M. just smiled. He said the ability to write has been there all along. We just never tried. I thought, "Wow!" Blows us away...

There have been a lot of parts out talking about the writing process. If I were to pick out a general theme in our thoughts, I’d have to say there are quite a few caught up in the fact that we’re lying. We’ve not lived nearly the life we’re writing about. Dr. M. tried to explain to Casey her level of turmoil. He asked her what was her favorite story. She said, Charlotte’s Web. He said, ok ... in real life the author probably had owned or known a real pig. She said, Uh huh. Then he said, but she probably never had a real pig who talked. But, its not really lying.  It was like, Oh. That’s about as far as she got. Kind of blew her away I’m afraid. She’s still in the figurin stage. Fiction is tough, especially because as we’re writing little bits of our real life slip in. Dr. M. is telling us that all writer’s do that. Then we go back to thinking, hmm. I’m writing? Is it for real? Does it sound like a book?

Oh man! We did it, we really did it! We made roast! Best roast we ever ate actually! Maybe could still be improved by adding some kind of spice. Have to figure that part out next. Pretty sure our friend will know that part. Handy thing he’s coming over tomorrow. We had putthe meat with small potatoes, carrots, and onion slices into the crock pot with about 2/3rds water. Not sure if that’s the proper way, but man ... very impressed!

We’ve got our mind planned out. We’re going to relax in a little bit and step away from the computer. There’s a PBS Holiday special with songs coming up and we’d like to open one of those new books we’ve got. Yep, yep ... we’re practicing being on vacation. I can’t say I concentrated too much on that football game that was on. But, we’re in the zone.

Like to work out a few details of the next chapter before we settle back. We’ve got the scene and the characters, but we’re still working on the general how things move around part. I know the general reason the next chapter is getting written just have to do some more figuring. After a day of not doing too much writing, you can bet we’re going to want to spend time on it come the early hours we love so much. Can’t tell you how much fun we’re having. It’s like inheriting a whole family or two! And, I’m being very, very happily surprised that you all are reading ... just doesn’t get any better than this! Thank you!!!

Rembrandt Street - Chapter 5(A)

After Dinner

After dinner the Willobee's spread out in their various rooms. Margret and E'beth had dishes to wash. Mr. Willobee had mail to look through in his study. Mrs. Willobee and Cathy were in the living room with their projects. And, Megan stayed behind in the kitchen to play with the new kitties.

Margret and E'beth didn't mind the task of washing dishes. It gave them a chance to talk about school, family, family events, and boys. E'beth hadn’t had her first serious steady boyfriend. She had her regular group of girlfriends that busied her life. Her best friend was Caitlin; the boys she knew were part of her larger crowd and had been fun and easy to be with. The larger crowd would be meeting the next morning with E'beth's close girl friends at the roller skating rink.

E'beth enjoyed talking about the people and events in her life with Margret. E'beth and Caitlin had been together as best friends since before kindergarten. Their families had moved onto Rembrandt Street the same year, which was the year before E'beth was born. Their mothers had been best friends. The mothers shared an interest in reading and they often did their shopping together. During the day, when there were a few open moments, Mrs. Willobee and Mrs. Morgan would often keep in touch over the telephone.

Mrs. Morgan, Caitlin's mother, was a special person in E’beth’s and Caitlin's life. She included them in her adult conversations and as a teacher, took particular interest in their work. Mrs. Morgan was also the scout leader for the girls their age. She'd been the leader of the same group of girls since the third grade. They were now in the 8th grade. The troop was planning a trip the next year to the big gathering of girl scouts in Wyoming. There was going to be a meeting Saturday afternoon to talk about food preparation for the trip. E'beth was also in charge of the travel arrangements. E'beth was a patrol leader and Caitlin was her assistant.

Now speaking with Margret, E'beth had a chance to think through a few problems she'd been worrying about involving Caitlin. Caitlin was very beautiful where E'beth had been a plain girl. E'beth had long since been comfortable about this difference, but now, this year in school, there were changes in the relationship in that boys were being more attracted to Caitlin and seemed to be pushing E'beth away from her best friend. It seemed as if Caitlin liked this special attention. This made E'beth feel lonely for the friend she used to know.

Margret asked E'beth, "Are you jealous of Caitlin?"

"No I don't think so. I've always known Caitlin to be prettier than me. It's just that I'm feeling like I'm not as important to her as I used to be. As if she could get along without me. Like when we were in school yesterday, I was late for lunch and when I got there, she hadn't waited for me. She was already eating with some of the group and didn't remember to save a place."

Margret listened as her sister went on. "You know Margret, I am starting to think even the big trip to Wyoming isn't important to her. She never talks about it anymore and is not interested fund raising or anything. She also is starting to spend more time with Alice."

"Who's Alice?" Margret asked.

"She's a new girl in the group. She's pretty smart. She plays flute for the school band. She is supposed to be the best in the band. I think Caitlin said she's first chair."

"Is she going skating tomorrow too?"

"Yes. I think so. I don't really trust her. She thinks the scouts are kids stuff. She doesn't understand how much we do with the scouts," stated E'beth.

Margret said, "Yes, I know what you mean. When I was in scouting, some of the kids used to tease about it, but those weren't the kids I used to spend time with, so it was ok."

"Gosh Margret, I don't know what I'd do without scouting. It is a big part of who I am. You know though ... now that I'm down at Daddy's office, I'm starting to get a feeling that this is who I am too."

"What do you mean E'beth?" asked Margret.

"Well, it's just that when I'm down there, people treat me real nice because I'm Daddy's daughter.  I feel as nice as they treat me."

"E’beth, maybe they treat you nice just because you are already nice!" Margret exclaimed.

E'beth said laughingly, "Well maybe, but I think some of the students treat me special because I'm Daddy's daughter like people treat Caitlin different because she's so beautiful."

"Hmm. I never thought of it like that. Have you talked to Daddy about it yet?"

"Yes, I did. He said it's very common and that I should watch out for myself because sometimes people will use you to get ahead.  They’ll make themselves bigger than they really are." Laughing again, "Daddy said they don't know that messing around with theProf's daughter isn't going to get them ahead!

Margret laughed, "No I don't suppose so. Daddy is so smart!"

The dishes had long since been done and the girls were both sitting at the kitchen table. When the conversation paused, Margret again took notice of Megan. Megan had been with the kitties since the conversation started. She had watched them romp from one side of the room to another and do somersaults over one another. Now one kitten was lying in her lap and the other kitten was laying next to her watching Megan trace a circle on the floor with the string of one of the bibs she pulled from the drawer.

"How are you doing Megan?" asked Margret.

They're just wonderful!" exclaimed Megan. Do you think Daddy and Mommy would let them sleep with me?

"No, I don’t think so. They are pretty tiny and might need to be able to reach their litter box during the night. Margret responded.

"I could keep the door open?"

“Well Megan” said Margret. How do you think they’d be able to get up and down in the middle of the night?"

"I’d lift them!"

"Yes, but when you’re sleeping you couldn’t help them. Why don’t we wait a little longer until they are able to get up and down off the bed on their own and than ask Daddy and Mommy?

"Yes, I guess so. That’s a pretty good idea. They sure are beautiful though aren’t they?"

"Sure are sweetie, they love the pieces out of you!"

Megan smiled peacefully. “Yes,I think you’re right. They sure do like me, don't they?”

Margret and E’beth laugh. E’beth said, “Megan when you are a kitten or a six years old girl, you just can’t help but to love!”

The girls didn’t say anything for a few minutes because they all seemed to be in their own warm thoughts. “Say, I have a great idea.” said Margret. Why don’t we make some popcorn balls, then E’beth’s friends can come over for something to eat after the roller skating. How does that sound E’beth?”

"It would be great Margret! Maybe only a few of the girls though. I’d like to invite Caitlin, Margot and Tammy."

"What about Alice?" asked Margret.

"Hmm, do you think so?" asked E'beth.

"Sure be a great chance to know her. Maybe she’ll turn out to be a real neat person." Margret suggested.

"Oh, I would hope for that. Great idea let’s ask Mom!"

(Please continue below, after revision entry was over 25,000 characters. Sorry)

Rembrandt Street - Chapter 5 (B)

Mrs. Willobee was sitting on the couch when the three girls scurried in. "Mama, mama ... Would it be alright if we made popcorn balls?"

"Girls … girls!  Slow down. It would be fine as long as you clean up the mess. What is the special occasion?" asked Mrs. Willobee.

"Well, said Margret, since E’beth is going roller skating..."

“We thought,” Interrupted E’beth “that we might invite a few of the girls over and spend some time down in the Rec-room before the Scout meeting and the popcorn balls would be a great treat!"

"That sounds very good, but who will do the driving?"

"That’s an easy one Mama. Caitlin’s brother is going too, so he said he would drive all of us."

"Who is all of you E’beth?" asked Mrs. Willobee.

"Well, just a few of the girls Mama. It would be Caitlin, Margot, Tammy and Alice.

"Do I know Alice dear?"

"No, I don’t think so. Not yet. She just moved to Chicago over the summer. She is now part of our group. Her Dad is a policeman." reported E'beth.

"Oh? That’s very interesting. I’ll say yes, but I will want you in tonight. You’ve got a very busy schedule and haven’t talked about homework yet."

"Yes Mama, I know. I will do all that on Sunday."

Megan was getting anxious. She asked, "Can I help make popcorn balls too?”

“Sure sweetie! We will let you be our official mixer!  exclaimed Margret.

“Yeah!” cried Megan “Let’s start!”

While the three girls trotted off to the kitchen, Cathy asked her mother, “Do you mind if I stay and we talked a little bit. I’ll be back just after a moment."

“Yes dear, I would be delighted!”

Mr. Willobee interrupted. He had been in the study next to the living room paying bills and listening to a radio story that had just ended. He liked to listen to the channel that read stories of fine literature, but the story had just come to an end for the night. He had been listening to Deabler's, "James and the Animals." Mr. Willobee said that he would be going toward bed and that he had some new text reading to do for the next semester.

“That’s fine dear." said Mrs. Willobee, "I’ll be in a little bit. Don’t read too late. You need your sleep and tomorrow is going to be here bright and early."

“Yes dear.” He said with a chuckle. Mrs. Willobee was in the habit of saying this to him every night.  He reached over to give his wife and daughter kisses on the top of their head. "I’ll just check in on our happy cooks first, and make sure the kittens are tucked in proper. I'm going to cut down one side of their box for their bed."

“Night dear” said Mrs. Willobee.

“Night Daddy,” said Cathy. Cathy left the room.

Mrs. Willobee paused a few moments before picking up her cross stitch project. She’d been working on a small project for church. The church was making baskets to give to some of the poorer folks in town. Mrs. Willobee’s project was a sketch of an older man and woman relaxing after dinner on a porch swing.

She looked around the empty living room and smiled thinking that the apartment sure had filled over the years. When the living room was full, it could accommodate fourteen people comfortably if the office space was utilized too. They had had some marvelous parties here over the years.

There were two couch’s one small and one large in the center of the room. They each sat on green oriental print rugs that matched the couches.  There was a coffee table between the couches.  Toward the front window in front of the couches was Mr. Willobee’s recliner. Mrs. Willobee often took the couch space directly next to him. There was a small table next to the couch which had a good sewing light. She kept her sewing basket under the table. On the inside wall at the other end of the room was a fireplace that used to burn coal. Directly in front of the fireplace there was in the shape of a U a loveseat and two wing chairs. On the wall across from the fire place setting was a piano and bench. Each of the walls contained pictures. Most of them were floral scenes, except above the fireplace there were several pictures of the family and one large Christmas portrait.

Cathy returned with a large glass of ice water and placed it on the coffee table. She picked up the project that she’d been working on so that she could sit down on the smaller couch. It was just a small cross stitch pattern of a snowman that would fit on top of a small jar with Christmas candy. She was making the project for her teacher.

"Mama?" Cathy asked.

"Yes dear?" Mrs. Willobee responded.

"Can I talk to you about the project Sarah and I are supposed to do for school?"

"Well, of course dear."

"You see, we’re supposed to write an article for the school newspaper. Well, at least the top three teams’ articles will be getting printed. Sarah and I had an idea about what our article would be. Mrs. Bently says it should be a holiday article and we need to interview someone. It should be about 250 words and it will be due next Friday. Sarah and I want to do a very good job."

"How can I help Cathy?" asked Mrs. Willobee.

"We were thinking we would like to interview you mama."

"Why would you interview me dear?"

"You do such important volunteer work Mama we thought you would know some very good stories of either the nursing home or with the people with mental retarda ..."

Cathy’s thought was suddenly interrupted. There was a loud discordant sound that made her jump from her chair. Cathy looked at her mother who also looked concerned.

"What on Earth?" asked Mrs. Willobee? “The noise sounds like it is coming from the Johnston's apartment.”  Mrs. Willobee recognized the sound of a piano. As if someone was hitting the cords very hard and as if they were very angry. Then Mother and daughter heard the introduction of a familiar song. It was Beethoven’s, "Moonlight Sonata," but it was only the opening bars that were being played over andover again loud and forceful. It struck her as if the pianist was playing it deliberately harsh. Both Cathy and she then heard a loud sharp scream "NO!"

It was immediately recognized as Silver the little girl from downstairs. Then there was silence which seemed more frightening than the noises. Neither Cathy nor her mother talked for five minutes. Each of them locked in their own thoughts and straining to hear another clue as to what was happening. But there were no more loud sounds coming from the downstairs apartment.  Only silence.

Rembrandt Street - Chapter 4

The Surprise

Mrs. Willobee finished cleaning up and walked to the private study through the living room. She and Mr. Willobee had a private bath in their room. Their bedroom was at the front of the house off the living room. Cathy and Megan shared the middle room across from the bathroom and as previously mentioned the rear bedroom off the kitchen was shared by Margret and E’beth.

The private study may once have been used as a small nursery. It was now primarily used by Mr. Willobee. Mrs. Willobee would enter this room many times looking lovingly at her husband's things as if he were part of them.  The study contained an open archway joining it to the front of the living room. On three of the walls fit shelves of books from floor to ceiling. The bookcase was cherry wood and had been Mr. Willobee’s pride and joy. It had in its center a large executive mahogany desk and chair. On the front of the desk was a ledge with four thin hidden drawers and room for two chairs to be tucked under.

On the top of the desk were a flexible extended-arm florescent light, a black boxed telephone, a rosy colored porcelain tray which held the days mail, a matching jar to hold pencils and pens, and a yellow legal pad with a pen across its top. The desk drawer to the left contained a spring loaded shelve which would fold under the desk and on it was a beautiful black typewriter that would extend to the proper writing position when released to do so. On the left side of the room was a large wide lateral file tucked between the books for University papers and for household papers. On the right side of the room was a narrow door also tucked between the books. It was originally called a water closet and contained a simple toilet and sink.

Mrs. Willobee picked up the mail and was sorting through the envelopes when she heard the sounds on the steps and talking. She put down the mail and greeted at the door Mr. Willobee and E’beth. They were all met by Cathy and Megan. It was always a joyous occasion when Mr. Willobee came home. He put down a medium size package and gave his wife a kiss and a hug. Then in turn gave each of his daughters the same. The girls squealed in delight as he teased them with whisker burns. He was a tall handsome man with black glasses who carried a brown leather brief case.

E’beth hugged her mother and laughed with her sisters. She was a pretty girl who was 14 years old with a bobbed haircut, simple clothing and an infectious smile. She worked after school as her father’s aid answering phones, filing papers, greeting guests, correcting some of the keyed papers and doing errands.

The package that was laid down didn’t go without notice. Megan wanted to know, "Is this the surprise Daddy?"

Cathy added, "Can we open it?"

E’beth was pleading "Please, let them see it Daddy?" Mr. Willobee knew he had a full audience which made him chuckle and act playfully.

He said, "Maybe we should take our coats off first. My what’s that terrific smell coming from the kitchen?"

Mrs. Willobee said, "Robert, Theresa’s made a fine roast that is now warming in the oven. Let me take your coat for you. E’beth, can I take your coat too?"

Mr. Willobee said, "Fine, thank you dear. Maybe we should all go toward the kitchen."

The girls squealed, "Will you bring the package?"

They pulled on his arms until Mr. Willobee said, "I might need these arms to carry the package. It is fragile."

Cathy guessed, "Is it china?"

"No, it’s not that!" exclaimed E’beth. "Just wait and see! It will make you so happy!" Mr. Willobee picked up the package and allowed the women to escort him to the kitchen.Mrs. Willobee had gone in front of them with the coats. They found Theresa putting on her coat toleave.

Cathy said, "Oh Theresa, you’ve just got to stay. We’re going to open the package."

Theresa rested her purse on the counter and said, "Just for a moment. I’ve got to be on my way."

Theresa knew what was in the package, but was eager to see the girl’s expressions.

Mr. Willobee turned the head chair away from the table and sat down. He placed the box on the floor. The girls gathered around the box and Megan pleaded, "Open it daddy, please?"

Mr. Williams untied the ribbon which decoratively enwrapped it with gift spirit. He teased, "Now I want you to be careful ..." The three girls eyes were steadily trained on the box. The box was opened and the girls shrieked in excitement.

"Oh Daddy, they’re beautiful!" Cathy exclaimed

"Are they for me?" asked Megan

"We have to share!" announced E’beth

Mr. Willobee reached into the box and brought out with his two hands two tiny black kittens who had been lying curled together, in the box on a rumpled blanket. They had had the most adorable faces and enough charm to melt butter.

"Oh Daddy, do you think? Are they ours? Can we keep them?" cried Cathy in glee more outstanding than normal.

"Can we? Can we? Can we?" added her little sister.

"They’re ours, they really are!" answered E’beth for her father.

"Ohhhh!" the other two girls said in unison.

Megan began to cry. Mr. Willobee placed the two matching black kitties on the floor. Scooped up Megan and asked, "Oh no Princess, "Why are you crying?"

Megan wrapped her arms around her Daddy’s neck and with tears falling down her cheek said, "Oh Daddy! I’ve never been happier in my whole entire life! I love you!"

Mr. Willobee hugged his daughter and carefully placed her back on the floor. The kitties blinked their tiny eyes with sleepiness. One of them started to preen himself with his tiny pink tongue and the other tip-toed to where Megan’s feet were and sniffed her shoes. "Look Daddy! The kitty likes me! Mama do you see?"

The kitties had each a bow attached to their neck. One was blue and the other was pink. E’beth assured her sisters that the blue was the boy kitty and the pink was the girl kitty. She said that the kitties were brother and sister and they were six weeks old.

Mr. Willobee stood up and stretched he gave Mrs. Willobee a hug then excused himself. He returned with a couple of small packages he’d left in the hall. He shut the revolving kitchen door and he took out a large plastic tray and filled it with sand. Mr. Willobee placed the sand box in the mud room and he filled another small dish for water. And, he filled a small dish with small pellets of kitty food which he softened with a little milk. He placed these dishes in back of the counter, on the floor out of regular foot traffic. Lastly, he encouraged the girls to lead the kitties to where the dishes were. The kitties were much too excited to eat the food, but they sniffed it appreciatively.

Theresa said how happy she was to see these two extra bundles of joy in the house. She then reminded the family to have a wonderful weekend and she said her goodbyes. Each of the three girls stood up to give their goodbye hugs. Mrs. Willobee followed Theresato the front door. She paid Theresa for the week and wished that she also had a lovely weekend. She gave Theresa a hug and said good night and thank you.

Mrs. Willobee rejoined her family in the kitchen and reminded everyone it was time to eat and hands should be washed. Mr. Willobee said that the kitties should have a chance to get used to the kitchen on their own. It took a few moments before everyone was able to leave the kitties’ view and wash their hands. After everyone had been seated Mrs. Willobee served the hot dinner. Cathy poured the milk and E’beth made and toasted the bread. Megan had to be reminded not to be sitting upside down in her chair still trying to watch the kitties. After all the plates were filled and Megan's meat cut for her, Mrs. Willobee asked if the kitties had been named yet.

Mr. Willobee had started to speak, but E’beth was much quicker. "Daddy said that they were given at birth the names of Gus and Gertrude"

Cathy laughed, "Those are funny old names."

Mr. Willobee said, "He had gotten the kitties from one of his student’s family who had taken great care of the kitties and had named them after their grandparents whom they loved.

"They’re not funny old names Cathy!" exclaimed Megan. She then giggled, "Look, Gertrude is eating! Gus must not be as hungry."

"Maybe they’re taking turns." said Cathy.

Mrs. Willobee said, "All right, then it is settled their names are Gus and Gertrude. Those are fine names for two very lovely matching kitties."

For the rest of the conversation, the family talked about their day. Cathy announced that she and Sarah would be writing an entry for the school’s newsletter. Megan reported that Priscilla and Dolly had a fight, but they were better now. E’beth stated, That she’d met someone new at the office,a student who had made her laugh. Mr. Willobee told his family that he was being considered for the new department head for the Universities Psychology Department.

Mrs. Willobee said, "Oh Robert! That is wonderful news!" Cathy and E’beth cheered for their father.

Meganwondered why her daddy would need a new head and stated, "But Daddy, I like your head the way it is!"

Mrs. Willobee got up to fill the potato bowl and stopped to hug Megan. "No, no dear. That’s just a figure of speech.”

E’beth added quickly, "The school is thinking of making Daddy one of the big bosses!"

Mr. Willobee laughed, "Well, now that’s almost right, but not such a BIG boss!  Mr. Willobee asked, "Kathryn, how did your day go at the Center?"

Mrs. Willobee said, "It was wonderful. A new patient had come in and had to be reassured that it was going to be ok. So I sat with her."

"Mommy?" asked Cathy "Does the new one talk?"

"Some" said Mrs. Willobee, but then added. "It is more like the new patient makes sounds and points to things that she wants or wants to show us."

"Neat" said Cathy "And she’s just in time for the holiday celebrations!"

There was a sound of the front door opening. The Willobee’s oldest daughter had arrived home.  She made a quick assent to the kitchen and upon opening the door asked, "Why is the kitchen door shut?"

She was surprised when her sister’s yelled out, "Look, look Margret! We have two kitties!" She was quickly filled in on many of the details. Then she paused to laugh, "My, they sure are small!" She looked then at her mother with warm and loving eyes. I’m so sorry I’m late Mama, Phil brought me home.

Margret was 18 and had started her first year in the University where her father taught. She had been excited because there had been an evening lecture given for her English class. She had also been excited because the love of her life had gone with her and had driven her home. She claimed to have the most interesting time and began to share with her family the story of the author she’d just met and about the book the author had written of a girl who met with some obstacles. She said she didn’t want to mention them at the table.

Mrs. Willobee stood up to retrieve Margret’s plate warming in the oven. She said, "This sounds wonderful dear! I can tell you are really excited!" Then she asked, "Will you be staying over for dinner Phil?"

Phil was a handsome young man with an ear turned toward business management. Although, he was a senior at the same University as Margret, they had met three years prior through church.  He now wore a college letter coat and prided himself on manners. "No ma’am. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure Margret got home safely." Margret couldn’t help from reaching out to touch his arm. Phil swooped her up in a hug and asked, "I’ll pick you up at 10 am for the library?"

Margret laughed and giggled and said, "Sure Phil, Right on time!" Phil said his goodbyes to the family giving Mrs. Willobee a kiss on the cheek and tweaking the nose of Megan. Megan giggled and warned, "But don’t step on Gus or Gertrude!"

Rembrandt Street - Chapter 3

Coming Together

Cathy bounced down the stairs knowing that Sarah would have waited for her. Sarah was pretty, wore her hair cropped short and was timid with strangers. Cathy met Sarah the year before when they were 3rd graders and through scouting. They became inseparable and were often referred to as the Bobsey Twins. They cared for each other a great deal and most often thought alike. Sarah spent most of her at home life avoiding her brother, doing homework, making up stories, and wishing she was again with Cathy. Cathy and Sarah shared their time talking about school, home, scouts, and secret girl stuff.

Cathy saw Sarah through the big thick oval window with the beveled glass. She opened the heavy door and embraced Sarah. Sarah was immediately concerned that Megan was alright. She was eager to hear the details and awed at the right moments. The girls shared a common interest in taking care of others. For one of their girl scout badges they took a babysitting class. They learned first aid, how to care for younger kids, and how to be safe when you are in charge. The girls often discussed how Megan was "coming along." Through scouting the girls also volunteered to work as candy stripers at the local hospital. They split up where Cathy would help at one of the nurses stations and Sarah would help in the soda shop. Sarah’s mother was an adult volunteer on Saturdays along side the girls. She would work at the information desk and eat lunch with the girls at the soda shop.

Sarah was ready to see Cathy when she came out the door. She had said goodby to their common friends and was watching over Cathy’s jump rope and Megan’s Dolly and carriage. She also was ready to report that she’d seen the new girl, Silver looking out the window at her and that a couple of the other girls had seen Silver say something to Megan. She said that the other girls and her had discussed Silver and they hadn’t made up their mind to like her. She seemed to be a trouble-maker and she always looked crabby. Sarah had told them that they had to be more fair and help to figure out what was making her so crabby.

Cathy listened carefully to all the news. She had on her mind how upset Megan had become. She didn’t know for sure yet that Silver had affected her sister directly, but she usually sided with whatever Sarah had decided. She agreed that the other girls were hasty and that something may be affecting Silver. She thought that she and Sarah could come up with a plan to make Silver feel more comfortable, introduce her more positively to the other girls, and help Megan get to know her better since they were almost the same age.

Just then a car pulled up and Cathy’s mom got out of the car. "Hello, hello!" she said to the two girls sitting on the steps. "Come on and help!" There was two bags of groceries in the rear seat of the car. The girls each picked up a bag and said hello to the driver, Mrs. Morgan from across the street. They asked what Mrs. Willobee had brought home for groceries. And, they asked Cathy’s mother if she had had a good day. Mrs. Willobee was very happy to be home. She referred all questions to after they’d gotten upstairs and thought to comment on how busy the two girls had looked with their heads together.

Mrs. Willobee was an exuberant woman. She was fairly short, but very beautiful. The girls liked to say she was beautiful "inside and out!" She moved tirelessly and efficiently and was a person looked up to in the community as a leader. She spent most of her daytime volunteering at various organizations in town. Her woman’s church group was interested in helping people who had a hard time helping themselves and in supporting the schools. She was on the elementary school PTO, she spent time at the nursing home and with people who were mentally retarded. She also helped out at the library collecting used books. Mrs. Willobee was thought to be one of the best mothers and friends on the block. She was known for having the greatest girl slumber parties, would often volunteer to make baked goods for school and church events, and was someone that quite a few women had come to trust when talking over family problems

Mrs. Willobee noticed that Megan’s carriage and Dolly were still outside yet and it would soon be dinner time and that Megan wasn’t with the girls. She picked up the buggy and put it in the back corner next to the inside stairs. She retrieved Dolly from the carriage and joined the two girls at the top of the stairs. Opening the door caused a great amount of bustle. The air was filled with electricity. The bags were crackling in the girls arms. They were giggling because they’d raced up the steps and were in general happy. Megan could be heard crossing the room saying, "Mommy, mommy, mommy!"  She wrapped around her mother like a shell to a snail or a turtle.

The girls mother shouted, "Hurray, I’m home! How’s my girls?" As soon as Mrs. Willobee had finished snuggling Megan, Megan noticed that she was holding Dolly. She exclaimed, "I missed you Dolly. Are you ok?" She took the doll in her arms and squeezed her tight. "I love you baby girl!" Megan was the last to join the group in the kitchen.

Theresa had made a roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions. It was smelling delicious. The places were set at the table for six people. Mrs. Willobee exclaimed how wonderful it was to come home to Theresa’s cooking. She asked if there was anything she should hear about. Theresa took the grocery bags and said that the girls had been busy playing outside, Megan had gotten hurt feelings, Mr. Willobee and E’beth were due home any moment and Margret called to say she would be a few moments late.

Mrs. Willobee rested her purse on the table, hung her coat in the mud room and sat down to gather her daughter Megan. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, "What has happened to my love bug?" Megan’s face displayed sudden sadness and she reported that Silver wasn’t very nice to her. Cathy and Sarah also sat down at the table. At once they both tried to explain the jump rope game and that Megan had sat down at the steps and that Silver had come out and might have said something mean to her. Theresa stood still at the counter ready to say something, but she was waiting for Megan to tell her story.

Megan said, "Mommy, Theresa and me talked and we decided that we were going to give Silver another chance. The girl’s mother said, "Oh? This sounds like a good idea!" "I want her to be my best friend Mama!" That might take a lot of hard work. "I know, but she’s gotta be nice, I just know it! Cathy announced that she and Sarah we’re making plans to make sure Silver would be included when outside again and that they would supervise the games and invite her to play. Megan looked very happy. The girls watched her face as they needed to remind her that they would have to wait until Monday. Tomorrow would be their candy striper day and the following day was a church day. Megan was sitting in her mothers lap and resting her head on her shoulder. She smiled and said it would be a super plan!

Mrs. Willobee reminded Sarah that it was time to be going home. Both girls sighed loudly as they did every night. They stood up together and embraced each other in a tight hug. Proclamations of love and adoration were given before Sarah slid out the door with Cathy and Megan waving to her by the window. Cathy rejoined her mother and collapsed in her arms.

Mrs. Willobee encouraged Cathy with a another tight squeeze and reminded her to hang up her coat and get washed up for dinner. She asked Megan to pour the water for dinner and stated she would wash up herself, because sure as not ... E’beth and Daddy were going to need the washrooms in a few moments. Megan exclaimed, "Yay, a surprise!"