Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 17:05:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: E Walk <cane_lane_candy@yahoo.com>
Subject: Tip and Ty Chapter 10

Tip and Ty
Chapter 10 -- Beau Versus Zack
By E Walker
(Copyrighted by the author)
Edited by Radio Rancher

This is Mark reporting from Fremont.

I was amazed at the poise Zack was displaying.  I was beginning to wonder
what I had gotten myself into by going to work for his family.

We walked through the buffet line, which had an extensive assortment of
food.  We looked around and went to sit down with Grandpa and Grandma
Leavitt and Uncle David and Uncle Boris.

We had just gotten seated when we were joined by my parents and my
Grandmother McDowell.

When I explained my new job, I thought my parents were going to go
ballistic, until they heard how much money I was being paid.  When I
explained who Zack's brothers were, everything seemed to be fine.

We were visiting when Beau blew the whistle and announced, "Swim time for
anyone over the age of 21."

Bless his heart, Uncle David challenged, "Let's go cool off."

As Uncle David, Uncle Boris, Zack and I were walking to the pool, Uncle
David whispered, "Zack, you are doing a great job.  Don't let these people
get under your skin.  I am positive that you already have some admirers
here."

The four of us dove into the pool and it became apparent that Zack wasn't
your average swimmer.  He moved through the water like he was gliding.

I wasn't the only person who noticed.  Beau blew his whistle three times.
He announced in his own inevitable style, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are
about to have the race of the century.  Swimming in lane one is Dr. Jeff
Wilson, in lane two will be Doctor Kenny Hendrix.  I will be in lane
three."

Beau continued, "In lane four is the person who dared to tell my
Grandmother no, Zack Jackson.  Spencer Knight will be swimming in lane five
and in lane six is our newest Fremont swimming star, Mr. Chip Weaver."

Beau looked around, "In case you hadn't noticed, we are lined up by age.
If I were a betting man, I would put my money on the two young men in lanes
five and six.  Now we need six lane judges on each end of the pool to make
sure that no one cheats."

Beau turned to the swimmers, "Do you have any questions?"

Zack spoke up, "I have a big question.  You never told us what we were
supposed to do.  I would suggest that we swim a lap of each stroke starting
in alphabetical order.  In case you don't know how to alphabetize, that
would be back, breast, butterfly and freestyle."

Beau was almost at a loss for words, but he regained his composure. You all
heard what the alien suggested; let's clean his pool with his body.  Grams,
would you please be the starter."

The six guys jumped into the pool.  When Mrs. Tillison fired the gun, the
six guys made a clean start and Zack and Spencer began to pull away.  When
they started to swim the breast stroke lap, Chip started to gain
ground. When it came to the butterfly lap, it became apparent that Zack was
the best conditioned swimmer.

When Zack climbed out of the pool after the free style lap, He was a half
of a lap in front of Spencer and Chip.  Beau, Kenny and Jeff were not
accustomed to this type of defeat.

When everyone was out of the pool, Spencer spoke up, "I just realized who
you are Zack.  If I am not mistaken, I have swum against you two or three
times.  You were swimming for the University of Kansas.  You were known as
Z. T. Jackson."

Zack was unfazed, "Yep, and I must say you gave me a battle, especially in
the free style events."

Mrs. Tillison was standing there listening as Spencer continued to push,
"Well why you didn't take the Olympic Team Committee's offer to join the
team for the Beijing Olympics?"  "Spencer, I couldn't justify giving up two
years of my life to swim in the Olympics.  I like who I am and I don't need
my profile and my family history spread across the media."

Zack came over to me and whispered please, "Mark, let's go, I have already
made a fool of myself and I am so embarrassed."

I reluctantly stood and Zack and I started toward the gate.  We stopped to
say goodbye to the bride and groom.  Beau was on the phone.  Zack said,
"Dr. Becca Benson, thank you very much for a very interesting afternoon.  I
must say that this was a very unique experience.  We need to be going."

Beau hung up, "And where do you think you are going?  You haven't been
excused yet."

Zack immediately responded, "Dr. Beau Benson, you are not our master and we
are not your servants?"

"Zack and Mark, I'm sorry.  Would you please stay?  I have some people I
would like you to meet.  I am expecting an important phone call.  I really
would appreciate it if you would at least stay until I get it."

Beau ushered us to a group of people who were visiting at a table.  Beau
announced, "These people are very special to me.  First, this good looking
gentleman with blue eyes and is my banker, Mr. Randy Carmichael, and next
to him is Uncle Billy Bob Archer from San Francisco.  They alternate taking
trips between here and San Francisco."

We shook hands with them and Beau moved to another couple who were a little
older.  This is Darryl, The Radio Rancher, and his long time partner
Tom. Radio Rancher is the person that helps E Walk make us look so good.

Zack and I shook hands with them and Zack turned to Beau, "Beau, I don't
think Mark and I should be called a couple.  We have known each all of
about 20 hours.  Mark is going to be working for my Uncle and I am just
Mark's chauffer."

Beau's phone rang and he excused himself, "Why don't you gentlemen visit
while I take this call.  Hi Mr. Everett ^Å What did you find out? ^Å Oh
really ^Å Very interesting ^Å And what ^Å So you think he would be a great
asset in our new business when he gets his degree in May?  ^Å Thanks
Mr. Everett, just send me the charges ^Å Your people have done a fantastic
job as always."

Zack leaned over to me, "What was that all about?"

I'm turning this over to Zack.  He got us into this mess,

Yeah thanks Mark.

When Beau got off the phone, he pointed his finger at me, "Okay,
Mr. Zachary Theodore Jackson, I would appreciate it if you would meet with
Becca and me before you and Mark head back to Kansas City tomorrow.  You
are going to be a busy person tomorrow, since you will be singing at two
church services and loading up Mark's belongings."

I hadn't realized it, but Mark told me later that most of the attendees at
the reception were watching Beau and me.

I put up my hand, "First Dr. Benson, your Grandmother only mandated that I
sing at the 8:30 service, which I still have not agreed to do.  If it is
any of your business, I only came to Fremont to help Mark get the remainder
of his belongings so he can go to work for my foster brother and his
family.  Now is there anything else you don't understand?"

Beau put up the peace sign, "Zack, let's start over again.  I would really
like for us to be friends.  I think it might be in our best interest to do
so."

Beau turned to Clay, who was standing there listening, "Clay, would you
please go get Grams?"

Clay returned with Mr. Tillison.  Beau helped her into a chair, "Grams, I
have some interesting information you might like to hear.  I am going to
play the Yes ^Ö No Game with Zack.  Zack, all you are requested to do is
answer the questions honestly.  Any questions you choose not to answer will
be counted against you."

I looked at Mark; he shrugged his shoulders to indicate that he didn't know
what was happening.

Beau took a microphone and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like
to introduce Mr. Zachary Theodore Jackson.  So Zack, I take it that perhaps
you were named after three presidents?"

I couldn't believe this question, "I guess so Beau, my ancestors worked on
President Andrew Jackson's estate, The Hermitage.  Later, one of my great
grandfathers served under President Zackary Taylor when they were in the
army; another grandfather served under President Theodore Roosevelt in the
Rough Riders.  What does this have to do with anything anyway?"

Beau laughed, "Nothing really, but it was a good history lesson.  Oh by the
way, that certainly wasn't a yes or no answer.  Now question number two: I
have information that says you were raised by your Grandmother and two
foster brothers since you were seven years old.  Is that correct?"

I shook my head but answered, "Yes, but why should you care?"

"Remember Zack, all you have to say is yes and no and remember I'm the one
who is asking the questions.  Now question three: Your foster brother,
Tipton Washington attended Creighton University and played basketball until
he hurt his knee.  He is now an obstetrician in the Kansas City area; am I
correct?"

I was beginning to get really agitated, but Mark put his hand on my back.
I calmly answered, "Yes."

Beau wasn't finished, "Your other foster brother, Tyler Jefferson, attended
the University of Lincoln at Nebraska and played football.  He went on to
become one of the premier players in the National Football League; and he
just suddenly resigned and got a divorce.  New he is living at Tip's
condominium with you and his four children.  Is that correct?"

"Dr. Benson, I do not understand what your questions have to do with me.
But if it is any of your business, Uncle Ty and his four beautiful children
have moved in with Dad Tip and me and that's why I am even here.  Mark has
been hired to be the children's Nano and I came along as his chauffeur.  We
thought we might get the remainder of Mark's belonging back to Kansas City
in one trip if I borrowed Dad Tip's van."

Beau was laughing, "Mr. Jackson, this was supposed to be a simple yes or no
game.  Now I have a several final questions and please do not interrupt."

"My information tells me that you are going to be graduating from the
University of Kansas with a Master's Degree in Business Management.  The
report also says that you are taking two courses that will count to your
doctorate degree and teaching two undergraduate courses under the guise of
being a teaching assistant.  Is that information correct?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Yes."

Beau wasn't finished.  "I'm glad that you are finally following the rules."
He looked at Becca and winked, "Okay Mr. Jackson, I heard you had a double
major as an undergraduate student and maintained a perfect grade point
average.  I understand that you majored in Accounting and Best Business
Practices and still found time to swim competitively.  I think that is a
rather an amazing accomplishment."

I looked at Beau, "At least that wasn't a question.  Beau, everything you
said is true, but why are we discussing my personal life in front of all
these people?  This is supposed to be a celebration of your beautiful
wife's and your marriage?"

Beau didn't even blink, "Zack, you are making this celebration even more
special.  Now I have some questions and information."

I so wanted to escape.  I felt like I was being questioned by a Gestapo
tribunal of one.

Beau didn't quit, "Zack, my information tells me that your masters'
dissertation was on `Ethical Practices in Today's Business Environment' and
it has been sent to several notable university publishing houses.  I am
pleased to inform you that your dissertation is being published by the
University of Chicago Press.  The notification arrived on Friday when you
were gone.  It is waiting for you when you get back to school."

I must have looked like a complete fool, but I just collapsed into a heap.
When I revived, this Lash person was attending to me.  There was a young
stud standing there with a stethoscope.  He smiled at me, "I think you will
survive, but I'm not sure about Mark.  Lash, please go get Mark before we
have another casualty."

I looked at the Doctor, "Thank you Doctor, but Beau threw a lot of
information at me, some of which even I did not know.  I really would like
to know how he could find so much out about me so fast."

The young man sat down beside me, "Zack, I am one of Beau's foster
brothers.  Beau is a very strong willed individual, but he is also
extremely intelligent and reads people extremely well.  I don't know why,
but it is obvious that he has developed a deep respect for you."

"I was listening to the dialog that was going on between you and him; you
were holding your own until he told what was happening with your
dissertation.  That's the way Beau is; he always has a surprise in his bag
of tricks.  Now I have a question for you.  You and your grandmother
attended almost all of the Creighton home basketball games when your foster
brother/Dad was playing, right?"

I threw up my hands, "Is this part two of the inquisition or what?"

"Zack, please believe me, I have no idea what Beau has on his mind.  The
reason I asked was that during my freshman year, when Tip was still playing
basketball, I watched you and your Grandmother visiting with everyone
around you at the games.  Quite frankly, I was jealous."

"Doctor Wilson, why in the world would you be jealous of my Grandmother and
me?  I was just a high school student and my Grandmother was an older
lady."

"Zack, I think it was because you both seemed so full of love and I felt so
alone.  You always had people around you and I was sitting by myself.  I
would listen to you and Grandma Maggie telling the referees that they were
full of garbage."

I sat up and hugged Tommy, "Thanks Doctor Wilson.  I'll be fine.  You know
you could have come and joined us and we would have been delighted to be
your friends."

Before I could release Tommy from my arms, Lash arrived with Mark.  Lash
started to laugh, "I leave for two minutes and you two are making love.
Wait until I tell T.J.  Mr. Mark, would you please hold the patient still
while I grab some of his blood?  Make sure he doesn't pass out again."

The blood sample was drawn and I was drinking some orange juice that had
miraculously appeared.  Mark was sitting beside me on the sofa when Beau
and Becca arrived.

Becca didn't waste any time, "Guys, I'm in charge.  My husband was out of
control.  Why don't you two guys go get some rest and we'll meet for
breakfast after the first church service and we'll explain what Beau was
working toward.  Zack, just be the same person that you have always been
and you will be fine."

I looked at Beau, "Beau, how in the world did you find out all of the
information about me and my family, especially some things that I didn't
even know?"

"Easy, my dear Watson, Mr. Everett and his investigators found out all of
that information between the times I was speaking on the phone the first
time and when I received the second phone call.  Obviously you and your
family have not tried to hide anything." Beau laughed.

Becca interrupted, "We need to get back to our guests.  You guys can duck
out the front and we'll tell everyone that Zack is fine and went to get
some rest since it has been a long day already."

Lash laughed, "Yeah, did you hear the key word that Becca said? Rest."

Mark looked at me and started to laugh, "Come on boss's brother, let's bust
out of this joint."

Mark and I exited by the front door and went to his Grandparents' house.
Mark grabbed two beers and we were sitting on the floor in the family room
watching television when we were joined by Mark's younger brothers, Luke
and John.

Luke went to the bar and retrieved two beers.  When he handed one to John,
I thought Mark was going to jump up and grab it.  John looked at Mark,
"Chill Mark, I'm permitted to have a beer or two, as long as I'm not
driving.  After all I am 19."

Luke and John sat on the floor so their bodies were touching.  Mark looked
at them, "Isn't that being a little intimate, guys?"

John looked up, "Do you have a problem with us loving each other?  It
appears that you finally found someone that you can love and who will take
care of you.  So pull in your horns, Luke and I have been having sex since
I turned sixteen.  I guess we are both bisexual, because we both enjoy
having sex with the opposite sex too."

I almost dropped my beer.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing, "Guys, I
have one question for you.  Do you have protected sex when you are with
someone else?"

Luke answered, "Of course, but it's not the same."

Mark looked really upset but any further conversation was interrupted by
the arrival of the four senior Leavitts, Mrs. Dowell, Matt and his wife and
Uncle David and Uncle Boris.

Grandmother Leavitt asked, "What would you gentlemen like for the evening
meal?"

I shook my head, "Ma'am, there was enough food at the reception to feed an
army.  I suggest we just have some soup and sandwiches.  Come on Mark and
the Bobbsey twins let's make the evening repast.

I followed Mark, Luke and John into the kitchen, John turned to me, "Okay
Mr. Magic Chef, what is it that we are going to fix?"

I looked in the refrigerator, "Mark, please check to see what kinds of soup
your grandparents might have in the storage area?  John, please set the
table and Luke, perhaps you could check to see what the others might like
to drink."

Mark and I started to work and things began to pull together.  It was like
we instinctively knew what the other person was thinking so there was
little or no conversation.

When everything was ready, I sent John to get the others and we all sat at
the table.  Mr. Leavitt said, "I would like to say a small prayer, `Our
heavenly father, thank you for all of the blessings that you have bestowed
on this family and their friends.  Please look after and protect us all.
Amen'"

Mark and I served bowls of cream of mushroom soup with crackers on the
side.

When everyone finished, John and Luke cleared the table and Mark put two
trays of fresh melons on the table.  The four of us delivered the club
sandwiches that Mark and I had made.  When I sat down, I said, "I figured
this house couldn't be too kosher since there was both ham and bacon in the
refrigerator, so enjoy."

Grandma McDowell said, "Just wait until you are here for Hanukkah.  You
will be having latkes and playing the dreidel game."

Grandmother Leavitt spoke up, "Okay people, here is what's happening
tomorrow.  Since Zack is singing at the 8:30 service, and then he and Mark
are having breakfast with Beau and Becca.  We thought we should go to the
club for lunch before the guys head back to Kansas City.  Is that okay with
everyone?"

I threw up my right arm, "Ever since Mark and I arrived, everyone has been
telling us what to do.  At least you asked if it was okay.  We would be
delighted to join you all for brunch, but we will need some help getting
Mark's belongings into Dad's van.  I really do need to get back to Kansas
City so I can be ready for my classes on Monday."

Matt stood, "Guys; Luke, John and I will help you load the van.  Now we are
going to take the parents and Grandmother McDowell home.  It has been a
very long day."

They started to get ready to leave but Grandmother McDowell came over to me
and whispered, "Zack, please be gentle with Mark.  He is a very special
person as I think you might well be.  If you and he fall in love, let it
happen but don't press."

I hugged her, "Grandmother McDowell, I am as petrified by what is happening
as is Mark.  I agree that Mark is a very loving and beautiful person, and
I'll try very hard to never let him be hurt."

She pulled me close and kissed me, "I don't care what Beau says.  I like
you, just continue to be your own person and take care of my grandson."

The others had left and then Grandpa and Grandma Leavitt excused themselves
saying, "We want to be ready for the excitement tomorrow."

I thought to myself, 'what excitement?  What else can possibly happen
today?'

If you want to read more of this story and other interesting stories, you
might want to vist www.tickiestories.us.


Editor's Notes:

I am so happy to have the chance to read and edit this chapter. It really
is getting interesting. I can hardly wait for the next one.

It looks like Mark and Zack are becoming very close.  That really is cool,
because both of them are very special and they deserve to have happiness.

It is really wonderful to get to see Beau all grown up and married. I am so
pleased to be reunited with all the wonderful people from Fremont. Thank
you E Walk for letting me be your editor and it was a lot of fun being at
the wedding. Tom and I had a wonderful time. We would love to spend a lot
more time in Fremont. Feel free to invite us anytime you like, and we will
be more than glad to show up and visit. Hell, given half the chance, we
might just pick up and Move there.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher