Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 23:25:04 -0400
From: TgrPaw@gmail.com
Subject: can-you-spare-a-quarter - 7

========================
Can You Spare a Quarter?
========================

Dedicated to "D":

   We didn't meet this way, it probably wouldn't have been anything like
   this if we had met this way, but if we had, I hope it might have been
   something like this.   {{{{ hugs }}}}

Disclaimer:

   Names of people, places, companies, and so forth are completely
   fictional.  While this story draws inspiration from real events which
   involved real people, it is nonetheless a complete work of fiction.

Copyright:

   2002; All rights reserved.

Comments:

   Email can be sent to TgrPaw@gmail.com

   Flames, hate mail, and similar things will be ignored.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

7. A Visit to Paradise

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As the float plane swooped in for a landing in the bay at Elizabeth
Island, Dave felt that he could have done it in the dead of night just
by using the glow from Jamie's eyes.  Throughout the whole flight,
though remaining safely seated, Jamie had barely managing to contain
his excitement.

The regular passengers, for whom the trip had become rather routine,
despite the world-class scenery, found themselves enjoying the trip much
more than usual and were smiling at each other.  Like Graham, they were
discovering the infectious excitement that a young boy can bring to life.

There was a brief shudder as the plane's pontoons touched the water's
surface and then they were down and Dave began to guide the plane towards
the dock.  After pulling up next to the dock and safely checking that
everything was correctly secure, Dave got up and moved back towards the
door, and then opened it.  Jumping down onto the dock, he checked that
the plane had been correctly tied down by the ground assistant.

"OK, everyone, you can unbuckle now," Dave called into the open door.

As everyone began getting out of the plane, Dave moved to the cargo
doors at the rear of the plane and removed the suitcases, boxes, and
other items that had been stowed there for the passengers.  When Dave
had finished putting everything onto the dock, he noticed Jamie standing
patiently to one side.

Seeing that the pilot was finished unloading, Jamie came up to him and
said with enthusiasm, "Thanks a lot sir, that was the most awesome-est
thing I ever did!"

Dave smiled and put out his hand and shook Jamie's while saying, "You
can co-pilot with me anytime."

Jamie walked back to where everyone one else was standing, while Graham
came over to retrieved his suitcase, and quietly said to Dave, "That's
a big one I owe you."

"Hey, that's the most fun I've ever had on the run," replied Dave.
"Just one thing, you haven't seen your sister in years, have you?"

Graham looked at Dave and hesitated briefly before saying, "It's a
long story."

Dave smiled at Graham, and said, "I saw the bruises, Graham, and the
new clothes.  I just hope you know what you're getting into.  If I can
do anything at all, just let me know."

"I'm not sure what I'm getting into either," said Graham, "but I just
couldn't ignore him."

"You always were a soft touch weren't you," replied Dave with a gentle
smile.  Dave had known Graham for many years, and it wasn't the first time
that he'd known Graham to extend a helping hand to someone.  Many years
ago, it had been Dave that Graham had helped, when his business had
gotten into trouble.  It looked to Dave like Jamie was about to be the
next recipient of Graham's kindness.

As Graham walked back towards Jamie carrying the suitcase, a large white
dog began to run down the ramp leading to the dock while barking loudly.
The passengers walking up the ramp turned and quickly moved to one side
as the dog barreled past them, and as Jamie watched horrified, the dog
leaped into the air and landed almost on top of Graham.

Jamie tried to shout at Graham to look out, but it was too late.
Then a moment later he saw that the dog was licking Graham's face,
and that Graham had his arms around the dog hugging her.

"Cindy!  I've missed you girl," Graham said to the large white labrador
as she continued to kiss and jump on Graham.

Finally, Graham managed to calm the dog down, and she stood beside Graham
as he continued to hug and pet her.

Dave came up beside Jamie and said to him quietly, "Cindy used to belong
to someone on the island here who mistreated her badly.  Graham found
out about it, and got the SPCA and the police to intervene.  After that
he got them to let him have the dog.  She's been his faithful companion
ever since he nursed her back to health."

Dave walked away on up the ramp, and Jamie looked thoughtfully at Graham
and the dog who was still excitedly bouncing around next to him.

"Jamie," called Graham, "I want to introduce you to a special friend
of mine.  This is Cindy, she looks after my place when I'm away in the
city during the week."

Jamie walked towards Graham and the large white dog a bit hesitantly.
He'd seen how the dog had almost attacked Graham and Jamie was afraid
of her.  Jamie hadn't known any dogs up close and he tended to think
of them as being hostile especially if they were aggressive, as this
one seemed to be.  However, as Jamie approached, Cindy sat down next to
Graham and held up one paw as if to shake hands.

"Cindy, this is Jamie.  Jamie, this is Cindy," said Graham.

Jamie smiled and carefully reached out, and then shook Cindy's paw saying,
"Hello, Cindy."

Cindy barked once in reply, and then got up and sniffed around Jamie a
little, and then proceeded to rub up against his leg with her head.

"I think she likes you," said Graham.

"Maybe," said Jamie as he gingerly began to pat Cindy on the head.

Graham picked up the suitcase he'd dropped during all the excitement,
and then he, Jamie, and Cindy headed up the ramp away from the dock.
Cindy led the way towards a red Jeep Wrangler YJ and Jamie's eyes widened.
Graham opened the passenger door, and Cindy immediately jumped inside
and sat on the passenger seat.

Going around the other side and opening the driver's door, Graham saw
Cindy sitting in front and said with a smile, "Come on, we have a guest
today, you sit in the back."

Cindy obediently jumped into the rear jumpseat, making room for Jamie,
who then climbed in on the passenger side.

"This is yours?" asked Jamie.

"It sure is," replied Graham.  "Do you like it better than the
roller-skate?"

"This is a real nice upgrade," said Jamie with a smile.

"You need something like this on the island.  If it snows out here,
there are no slowploughs like they have in the city," said Graham.

When everyone was settled and the doors closed, Graham turned the key
in the ignition and they headed out onto the road.

Jamie looked around as they drove, and saw that Elizabeth Island was
almost completely forested.  There was only the odd access path or side
road leading away from the main road, and these usually led to houses
and cabins that were nestled amongst the woods.  Some of the places were
very small and run down, while others were large and clearly belonged to
people who were well off.  Still others couldn't be seen at all being
completely hidden by the thick forest.  The trees were large and tall,
and Jamie realized that this wasn't remotely the same as taking a walk
around the park back in town.  This was the forest primeval in all its
dense lush green glory.

The road the jeep followed was full of curves and twists as it wound its
way through the thick forest.  Jamie thought it looked so peaceful and
tranquil as compared to the hectic pace and concrete of the city they had
left behind.  Overhead Jamie though he could even see an eagle circling.
As they drove along, Cindy was licking at Jamie's ear and he moved around
trying to get away.

"I was right, you've got a new friend," said Graham with a smile as
he noticed.

"It tickles," giggled Jamie as Cindy continued to nuzzle and lick at him.

Graham presently turned off the main road onto one of the small side
access paths and Jamie wondered where they were going as the jeep
seemed to push right into the centre of a group of large evergreens.
The jeep pushed slowly through the dense foliage, and after traveling
a few hundred feet, they came out into a cleared area and onto a paved
driveway next to a rock wall covered in blue mountain creepers that
shone brilliantly in the December sun.

The driveway lead up to a carport that was attached to the side of a
log cabin-style house made from large cedar trees.  Graham guided the
jeep into the carport, and as he did, Jamie could see through to the
rear of the house.

The front of the house was very nice, but the back area of the house
clearly was where the major effort had been put.  The house was surrounded
by trees a few hundred feet away in a U-shape, with the house at the
base of the 'U'.

Sticking out from the rear of the house there was a glassed-in solarium
full of flowers from different places, and out beyond that, there were
flower beds.  The open part of the 'U' had landscaped terraces that
ran down a slight hill towards a sandy beach and the water.  Past the
water's edge was an amazing view out towards a sheltered bay.

In the centre area just behind the house there was a small pond
surrounded by lush green grass.  Leading away from the pond there were
small cobblestone paths going off in several directions into the trees.

The effect of the whole was breathtaking.  The house though clearly a work
of man, blended well into the natural surroundings.  The cedar logs of the
house and it's greenish roof seemed to be an extension of the surrounding
trees and the transition from forest to home was gentle and gradual.

Jamie couldn't contain his reactions any longer and exclaimed, "This
is fantastic!  You live here?"

"Welcome to my little piece of paradise," said Graham with a smile.

"Can I go out and look?" Jamie asked anxiously.

"Sure, why don't you and Cindy look around, while I get the suitcase out,"
replied Graham.

Jamie jumped out from the passenger side of the jeep and Cindy followed
right after.  Jamie ran to the top of the terraced area and looked off
into the distance and could see a couple of sailboats tacking against
the wind.  Cindy barked and Jamie followed her along one of the paths
that led into the forest and he could see little trails that wandered off
amongst the tall trees and ferns.  Coming back towards the house, Jamie
looked into the small pond and saw several carp swimming to and fro in the
water while a tiny water wheel circled and spilled water off on the side.

Jamie looked back towards the back of the house and saw Graham walk
towards a side door and simply turn the knob and walk in without
unlocking it.  This definitely wasn't the city, thought Jamie as he and
Cindy followed Graham into the house.

They entered a small tiled anteroom, where they took off their shoes and
then hung their coats up.  Jamie then followed Graham, as Cindy led the
way into the kitchen.

"Well, let me show you around inside," said Graham as he picked up the
suitcase again.  "This is the kitchen of course as you can see."

Graham led Jamie from the kitchen into the dining room which connected
onto the Solarium that Jamie had seen from the outside.  The view out
towards the water was framed by the flowers and green plants that were
hanging in pots and scattered about in planters.

"Here we have the dining room," continued Graham.  "And then in here is
the living room."

As they entered into the main living room, Jamie gasped at the high
ceiling that was held up by a single enormous cedar log and braced
at both ends by two others.  To one side there was a floor to ceiling
fireplace built out of stone, and across from it on the other side there
was a staircase that led upstairs.

"Off to the side there, there's a bedroom that I have fitted out as an
office, and that's a bathroom next to it," said Graham pointing to a
room that also faced out to the back.

With Cindy leading the way up the stairs and Jamie following, Graham came
along behind and said, "Then upstairs, there are a couple more bedrooms
and another bathroom."

Hearing Graham speak of bedrooms, put a partial damper on Jamie's awe for
the magnificent house, but it couldn't quash it completely.  It was big,
open, airy, and so completely different from anything Jamie had ever
seen before.

"This can be your room," announced Graham as they entered one of the
bedrooms.  "And you can get to the bathroom through that connecting door."

As Jamie looked into the bathroom, Graham placed the suitcase on the
bed, and after opening it, pulled out Jamie's things and placed them on
the bed.

"There's a dresser over there, you can use, and over here is a clothes
closet," added Graham.  "I'll let you wash up, and put your things away,
and I'm going to do the same."

As Graham left the room, Jamie looked out the window at the trees and felt
like he'd entered a strange new world.  It was so unlike anything he'd
seen before.  It was quiet, it was peaceful, and despite his wariness,
he felt calm.

Opening one of the drawers in the dresser, Jamie took his old clothes
and carefully placed them inside.  He spread them out a bit so that the
drawer would look filled, looked at them, and then moved them around a
bit more.  His old clothes looked so inadequate in these surroundings, and
the large dresser seemed to swallow them up whole.  Closing the dresser
drawer and opening the closet door, Jamie took his old running shoes was
about to put them on the floor inside, but then hesitated.  He went over
and opened the connecting door to the bathroom, and pulled some toilet
paper off the roll and brought it back and placed it on the varnished
hardwood floor inside the closet and then put his shoes on top of it.

Closing the closet door, Jamie once again stopped at the window and
looked out of it.  He wondered to himself what it would be like to live
in a place like this, away from the city, away from the things that he
had had to deal with almost every day.  Trees everywhere, fresh air,
no cars, and no police.  Jamie turned and looked down at Cindy who was
sitting next to him and watching closely, and wondered what it would be
like having a dog around, someone to play with.  What would it be like
to have someone to play with, let alone just play?

Jamie shook his head to clear his mind from his reverie.  It was foolish
to think like that he knew, it could only lead to disappointment.
Jamie knew this was all too good to be true.  He decided to just live
for now, there was no telling how long it would last.

"I hope we can be friends for a little while," Jamie said to Cindy.
"At least until I have to leave.  I wonder how long Graham will put up
with me?"

Cindy whimpered and rubbed her head against Jamie who suddenly knelt
and hugged her.  Cindy settled into Jamie's arms.

                               *** *** *** ***

Graham looked up from the sofa he was sitting on in the living room as
Jamie came down the stairs.

"Thanks a lot for letting me come here with you, Graham," said Jamie,
"this is a beautiful place."

"Now you can see why I live in such a tiny little cave in the city,"
replied Graham with a smile."

"I'd never want to leave if this was my place," said Jamie wistfully.

Graham explained, "Well, I've been saving up my money so I could have
a nice place to retire in.  I just got this about eight months ago and
I've been wondering when the right time would come to pull the plug and
stay permanently.  The place is pretty much all fixed up now and it's
just a matter of deciding when's the right time to make the change."

Jamie nodded with understanding and added, "I guess it's hard to make
a decision like that."

"So, are you hungry?" asked Graham.  "It's one o'clock and I could
definitely use something to eat."

"Yeah I'm hungry," said Jamie with enthusiasm, but then suddenly added
a bit quietly, "I'm hungry a lot I guess aren't I?"

"Hey, it's all part of growing up, you've got to eat," said Graham
cheerfully.

Graham got up and headed into the kitchen followed closely by Cindy
and Jamie.  Opening the varnished wood cupboards, Graham pulled out
plates and bowls and handed them to Jamie, who then took them and put
them on the table in the dining room.

"I'll do up something special for dinner, but how does soup and sandwiches
sound for now?" asked Graham.

"Great, I like soup," replied Jamie.

Graham, pulled out a packet of Knorr's dried Napoli-style soup, and
began to make it up.  Rather than just relying on the package itself
though, he added some finely diced up some celery and carrots, then some
additional spices, and finally some conchigliette (tiny pasta shells).
After putting the lid on the pot, and lowering the temperature so the
soup could simmer, Graham moved on to making sandwiches.  Pulling a big
loaf of pumpernickel from the refrigerator, he took several slices from
it and began to butter them.  Interrupting the sandwich making from
time to time, Graham gently stirred the soup and adjusted the spices.
The sandwiches gradually assembled themselves with Graham adding cured
ham, hand cut slices of aged cheddar cheese, some tomato, green leaf
lettuce, and finally mayonnaise before they were completed with a second
slice of bread.

After cutting the sandwiches into thirds with a knife, and putting
them onto plates, he handed them to Jamie who put them on the dining
room table.  Turning back to the soup, and tasting it, Graham decided
it was ready, and transferred it into two large bowls.  Jamie watched as
Graham pulled a small brick of beige-coloured cheese from the refrigerator
and grated fresh parmesan over the tops of the steaming bowls of soup.
Graham handed the bowls one at a time to Jamie, who took them into the
dining room.  Finally, Jamie took the silverware Graham had pulled from
a drawer and placed it on the table.  Filling two glasses with milk from
a box in the refrigerator, Graham also passed them to Jamie to add to
the collection of food on the table.

Lastly selecting a box of crackers from an overhead cupboard, Graham
sat down next to Jamie and said, "Well, let's see how this tastes."

Jamie picked up the sandwich and took a big bite, and his eyes sparkled.
Graham smiled back and took a bite of his own sandwich.

"MMMmmmmm," Jamie mumbled between swallows.  "You're a good cook,"
he finally managed to get out.

"Oh, this isn't cooking, wait until tonight," said Graham with a wink.

When they finished lunch, Graham picked up the plates and bowls and
took them into the kitchen.  Jamie helped by picking up the glasses
and silverware and put them on the counter next to where Graham had put
the dishes.

"That was wonderful, thank you very much," said Jamie.

"I'm glad you liked it," replied Graham.

"Milk tastes a lot better this way, than stealing it," added Jamie.

Graham's eyebrows rose, but he just nodded and smiled as he rinsed off
the dishes and placed them into the dishwasher.

As Graham was doing this, a glass door in the solarium that led to the
outside suddenly opened, and Cindy who had been laying quietly on a mat
during lunch, barked once.  Jamie, startled by the sudden noise quickly
jumped next to Graham almost clinging to him.

"Hi, Mr. H, everything ok here?" called out a young voice as a boy walked
through the dining room and on into the kitchen.

"It's OK, Jamie, it's just Jason," said Graham putting his arm around
Jamie for a brief moment.

Jamie looked on as a rather cute short slim dark haired boy came into
the kitchen.  Cindy came up to Jason and nuzzled him like an old friend
and the boy rubbed her along the top of her head.  After greeting Cindy,
Jason went into the anteroom adjoining the kitchen to put his shoes down
and then returned.

"Hi Jason, everything's just perfect as always" said Graham as he wiped
off his hands on a towel after finishing the rinsing of the dishes.
"I'd also like to introduce you to a friend of mine, this is Jamie."

"Hi, Jamie," said Jason with a big friendly smile.

"Hi," said Jamie rather quietly looking the dark eyed boy over with
suspicion.

"Jamie's family had to go away for a couple of days, so he's spending
the weekend with me," Graham said to Jason.

"Great.  Do you like video games?  I've got this really neat skateboarding
game that runs on my PS2.  Maybe you'd like to try it," suggested Jason
to Jamie.

"Um, maybe, I don't know," stammered Jamie unsure of the situation and
looking up at Graham while still standing almost glued to him.

"I'll be back in a sec, I gotta go to the bathroom," said Jason picking
up on a subtle nod sideways from Graham.

After Jason left the kitchen, Jamie looked at Graham confused, and said,
"Why do want me when you have him already?"

Graham didn't fully comprehend Jamie's concern for a second, but
then suddenly understood, and replied "Oh no, it's nothing like that.
Jason lives just down the road.  When I'm away from home, he takes care
of Cindy, and just before I come back on weekends, he makes sure I have
fresh things in the fridge.  Think of him like the paperboy, he helps
me out, and in return I pay him."

"You mean he's not your boy?" asked Jamie with a meaningful stress on
the word 'boy'.

"No, Jamie, he's not.  He's just a friend, and that's all," replied
Graham.

"So you and he aren't ...," Jamie hinted.

"No, we aren't.  Never have and never will." replied Graham evenly.

Jamie breathed an obvious sigh of relief, and at that moment, Jason came
back into the room.

"So, why don't you let Jason show you around a bit while I do a couple
of things here," suggested Graham.

"Uh, OK," said Jamie still a bit unsure about everything.

"You'd better get a coat or you'll get cold outside," reminded Graham.

After Jamie had left to collect his coat and shoes, Jason looked
at Graham with a questioning look and Graham said to Jason quietly,
"Remember Cindy?"

Jason's eyes grew wide and he nodded, "Oh no.  What are you planning
to do."

"I don't know yet.  You should have seen him ... hungry, cold.  I couldn't
just keep walking," replied Graham.

"Does he need clothes?" asked Jason in a serious tone.

"You noticed," said Graham with a smile.  "Probably though, I only got
him the one set.  I wasn't thinking too far ahead I guess.  Actually I
haven't thought ahead at all.  I'm going to have to think things out,
start making some decisions."

"We'll disappear for a bit, give you some time," said Jason.

"Thanks.  Thanks a lot Jason," replied Graham quietly as Jamie returned.

Graham noticed that Jamie didn't put on his shoes until he got to
the door.  Whatever else Jamie may have been Graham thought to himself,
thoughtful and considerate were definitely on the list.  Graham wondered
silently, how a boy like Jamie could ever have ended up the way he had.

"OK, so we're off Mr. H," said Jason.

"OK, you guys have fun then," replied Graham.

Walking up to Jamie, Graham looked him in the eyes, and said, "You'll
have a good time I promise.  And by the time you get back, I'll have
dinner cooking.  Sound OK?"

"Yeah, I guess," said Jamie, not entirely convinced.

The two boys headed out the door and as Graham closed it behind them,
Cindy walked up to Graham and rubbed herself against him.

"What have I gotten myself into girl?" Graham asked Cindy as he ran his
hand over her head and finally knelt down beside her and put his arms
around her.  Cindy snuggled into Graham's embrace and licked at the
single tear that began to run down Graham's face.

[to be continued]