Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:00:40 -0400
From: Sequoyah Pendor <sequoyahs.place@gmail.com>
Subject: Saga of the Elizabethton Tarheels--Chapter Fifty-six

Saga of the Elizabethton Tarheels
Chapter Fifty-six
Warning: The usual admonitions apply.
Thanks to Scott and Jess, editors.
Contact Sequoyah at sequoyahs.place@gmail.com

Chapter Fifty-six

While Adam checked in with the warehouse to let them know we were on the
way back, I climbed into the driver's side of the truck and we started back
down the trail from Mr. Nixson's place. Feeling good, I was humming under
my breath while Adam talked on the phone. Mom and Clarisa had been singing,
harmonizing, when Justin and I had walked in a few weeks ago and neither
Justin nor I seemed to be able to get the tune out of our head. Justin or I
had started singing it a few times and when one did, we smiled at each
other and started singing away. The song was `More.' Every time I started
singing while Adam was around these days, he joined in. The two of us also
sang `I Only Have Eyes for You.' Seems Adam had come in from work one
evening and found his parents dancing in the sunroom to that song and liked
it. It was kinda Bobbie and Adam's special song as `More' was mine and
Justin's. Old, old, oldies, but goodies, I guess for us younger folks.

As soon as Adam closed his phone, he joined in and we were singing at the
top of our lungs. Suddenly he stopped and exclaimed, "Shit! There's that
son of a bitch!" pointing out the window. As I looked where he pointed, I
saw a blue jacked-up truck disappearing down a side road. "I know that's
the bastard who tried to run us into the swamp. I know it! Son of a bitch,"
he shouted, shaking his fist at the departing truck.

"So we were right. The truck's blue," I said in a somewhat calmer voice.

"Yeah, it's blue, a blue Ford F-350, couple-three years old, I think. I
even got a bit of the license number. It was pretty mud-smeared, but I know
it begins with NC. There's a space, then RD. I don't know what else."

"North Carolina Road? I don't know any North Carolina Road around here."

"Same here, but I bet it's one of those where you just say what you see --
nc rad, nc red, nc rid -- something like that. Wish we had the rest of
it. Maybe Sheriff Anderson knows how we can move from those four letters
and the fact that it's a Ford F-350 truck and after 2000 model, I'm at
least sure of that."

"Sure worth reporting to him."

"Right."

Sheriff Anderson wasn't in his office -- after all it was nearly seven when
I called. Had Ellen Mae still been in the office, she would have seen what
she could do with the information we gave her, but she had left promptly at
five. Anyway, I left a message with the dispatcher.

Justin was home before I was, for a change, and in the kitchen helping
Clarisa with supper. She was in a bit of a rush because she had a meeting
of some kind at eight and it was after seven already. As I gave Justin a
quick kiss, she said, "Wash up. Supper is practically on the table. Take
your shower later, if you don't mind."

"Yeah, take your shower later," Justin said, giving me his special,
raised-eyebrow look.

Sundays and Thursday evenings were our two red meat meals -- others were
rare, very rare. Usually Sunday was a bit fancy while Thursday supper was
for things like pot roast, meat loaf and my favorite -- country style steak
or, as it is known some places, steak and gravy. Gravy is held in high
esteem in our household and Clarisa is a master at making it. When we
asked, she taught me and Justin how and we were almost as good as she was.

We sat down to hot biscuits, mashed potatoes, green beans, fresh sliced
tomatoes and fried okra -- what Clarisa called our monthly, healthy food
disaster night -- which we all loved, but knew neither it nor the finish --
more hot biscuits with real butter and blackberry jelly -- was on any
approved diet.

After supper, Justin and I crawled upstairs, having eaten way too much, and
he joined me in the shower. We were in no rush and played in the shower for
at least forty-five minutes. Without discussing it, we brought each other
near the point of no return, then backed off several times. Finally, there
was no question -- we either got relief or we'd suffer. We did not suffer.

We were drying each other when our phone rang. Justin answered it and said,
"Thank you, Mrs. Crandall. We are both quite pleased to be finished with
high school. Let me put you on the speaker phone so Marc can hear as well."

"Marc, just congratulating Justin on the latest milestone in your young
lives."

"Thank you," I responded.

"Was wondering what you and your friends had planned for the immediate
future."

"Well, for the immediate, immediate future," I laughed, "we have PSSV --
post-secondary school visitation week -- and Mr. Sanford is giving all
three of us -- Justin, Adam, and myself -- the week off. After that, it's
back to work, I suppose."

"It's definitely back to work for me," Justin said. "I think Adam, Marc,
and I may do a session of summer school to get some Mickey Mouse courses
out of the way."

"How'd you like to spend the week at La Casa? Talked with Mr. Nixson, and
he and his partner Dakota Everest will be flying down for a show at a Key
West gallery -- the invitation came as a very welcome surprise for him --
and in our conversation, he said you and Adam had been to his place. His
partner is flying them in on a corporate jet and I asked about additional
passengers. He just called back and said they could bring your clan. They
will be staying in Key West and you could stay at La Casa."

"Sounds great to me," I said.

"Yeah, we need to let your garden know how things that started there turned
out," Justin laughed and pinched my bare ass. "Think you can arrange
moonlight?"

"See what I can do about that. Meanwhile, check with the others and call me
back," Mrs. Crandall said, "and I'll plan accordingly. Now, can you buzz
Ann Carter?"

"Sure," I replied, pressed the intercom and said, "Mom, Mrs. Crandall."

When Mom picked up, Justin got on the other line and started calling the
Clan. As soon as he had talked to Susan, I remembered the Clan had expanded
and asked, "What about Sandy and Michael?"

"Sandy's a junior and Michael a continuing senior," he reminded me. "Pity,
though."

"Michael could still get off as he has all senior classes," I said, "but
even if Sandy could, he shouldn't since he's still struggling to get his
grades up."

"You know, I'd like for Antwon to get a hold of Sissy. Wonder if Sissy'd be
interested -- and if the plane can take a couple extras."

Seems all the old Clan were at loose ends for PSSV and would call back
immediately if they could go. Our conversation took place around and
between calls to the Clan, and while Justin finished the calls, I grabbed a
pair of shorts, pulled them on and ran downstairs where Mom was still
talking with Mrs. Crandall. I made hand signals until she said into the
phone, "Could you hold a minute, Betsy? The baby is frantically waving at
me." She covered the mouthpiece and I asked her to check and see if a
couple more strays might tag along. Mom asked who and I answered Michael
and Sissy. I added that I'd like Sissy to spend some time with Antwon.

Mom explained my request to Mrs. Crandall and she said of course the house
could accommodate us all and she would check about the plane.

Back upstairs, I found Justin still on the phone. As soon as he had talked
to someone, they had to talk with their parents, but all were more or less
calling back at the same time now, and getting a lot of busy
signals. Finally, the intercom buzzed and Mom said Mrs. Crandall was
checking on the plane and would call back in the morning.

Susan and Bobbie had given almost immediate answers and were going –
"Even if it's without the boyfriend?" Justin had asked, and Susan said, "Of
course," and Bobbie asked, "Just what do you think?" which we took to be a
definite yes. John and Adam said they would have to have time to explain
all to their moms. Dads had, as I guess at lot of dads do, said, "Ask your
mother."

All the calls were made and John and Adam promised answers in the
morning. I dropped my shorts and Justin and I crawled into bed. We lay
facing each other, Justin playing with my hair as we exchanged a butterfly
kiss or two. "Just think," he said, "we are going back to where it began."

I was sure what he was talking about but, nonetheless, asked, "Where all
what began?"

"My real living, my life, our life."

"Yeah," I responded as we shared a deep kiss, then were soon asleep.

The phone woke me at 6:30 and when I picked it up, a bright-eyed and bushy
tailed someone said, "It's a go! When do we leave?"

"Have to let you know later," I said, still mostly asleep.

When I hung up the phone, Justin asked, "Who called this early?"

"Not sure," I replied, going back to sleep.

"What did he -- or she -- say?"

"It's a go."

"What's a go?"

"It's," I responded and re-entered slumberland.

Sometime later, Clarisa called on the intercom to say breakfast would be
ready in twenty minutes.

We had just finished breakfast when the phone rang. Mom picked it up, said,
"Hello," then "Good morning, Betsy." She listened awhile and said, "Great,
we'll let you know this afternoon." They chatted a bit about the weather
and when Mom came back for an after-breakfast coffee, said, "The plane is
actually more like a commuter than a private jet. Unless there's excess
luggage -- remember to be sure to emphasize that to the women -- it can
take twelve, so there's room for all. There'll be you all, Mr. Nixson and
Mr. Everest and Dr. Macon who is hitching a ride to visit his dad a few
days. It's scheduled to leave at 3:00 Sunday afternoon. Betsy said she'd to
happy to have the others."

"I really hope Sissy and Michael will be able to join us. I'll talk to them
after graduation practice," I said.

"Yeah," Justin agreed.

John called just before we left for school and said there might be a change
in plans. He was clear to go, but might not be able to leave until Monday
afternoon, something about his college trust fund that he needed to attend
to. "His dad said he could fly down Monday as soon after noon as he could
get a flight. Guess John's the one who called early," I said and grinned at
Justin.

We wondered if either Sissy or Michael would be interested. I knew Michael
would love to have Sandy with him and didn't know if he'd be interested in
going by himself. Guess we'd find out at school.

Things were very calm as we walked toward the school entrance. I guess with
the ringleaders under bond and with restraining orders not to approach,
speak to, or harass us, the K.J. hangers-on were left alone and didn't have
the courage to carry on very much.

Graduation rehearsal went quickly as students and sponsors were now
thoroughly sick of the whole mess. We finished before ten and the Clan had
all gathered in the courtyard. "Well, what's up for you next week?" I asked
Michael, hoping to get some hint as to whether to invite him or Sissy to La
Casa.

"Well, I'll hang around here since Sandy has exams next week. After he
finishes, we plan to go camping. Haven't decided where yet, maybe just
drive down the coast and camp for a week."

"When do you finish, Sandy?" Justin asked.

"Wednesday morning. Last exam is just before lunch."

"Can you leave after?"

"Haven't thought about it; don't know," he responded.

"Why don't you find out? Get an early start on your trip."

After Sandy left, Justin suggested the two of them join us at La
Casa. "It's a long drive, but you'll have the rest of the week to rest up,
then leisurely camp back up the coast."

"I'll check that out and let you know," Michael said before the group broke
up and went our separate ways.

Sissy was excited about going, but had to check with his parents, whom we
knew never denied him anything, and make arrangements for someone to take
his radio show. He made some calls on his cell and yelled at us as we
headed to work and told us he could go if his parents gave their approval.

Graduation was Saturday evening, so Justin and I had the day off. We took
advantage of a Saturday off and slept late. When we awoke, we got rid of
dragon breath and made love until noon, when we finally showered and got
dressed. When we went down, Clarisa asked if we were coming down for
breakfast or lunch, to which Justin said, "We'll have breakfast first," and
laughed.

After breakfast, we went upstairs and started packing for our trip. We laid
everything -- well, almost -- out on our bed for mom's inspection and she
insisted we needed some new things which she would pick up this afternoon,
but said we could go ahead with packing. We had finished about about 3:30
when Mom and Clarisa called and came up bearing packages. `A few things'
had been transmuted into many -- several new knit shirts, shorts, etc. --
which necessitated repacking which we finished around 4:30. We were then
told to shower and get dressed. The ceremony didn't start until 7:00, but
graduates were supposed to be at the school, suited up by 6:00 -- why we
were never told.

The ceremony finally got off the ground at 7:15, a bit late, but so were
some of the seniors who didn't show up until 6:50. The whole show seemed to
take forever as award after award was given. At one point Bobbie, who was
sitting beside me -- honors graduates sat together, the others sat in
alphabetical order -- leaned over and said, "I'm disappointed. I didn't get
the potty training award." It was almost that ridiculous. Seems no-one's
self-esteem could be damaged by being bypassed when the awards were
announced. Finally it was over and we were free at 9:45.

Families and friends had scheduled celebrations and Mom had asked about
reserving Sunset Lodge again, but someone beat her to the draw, which was
OK, because we'd be leaving Sunday afternoon. Of course we didn't know we'd
be leaving at the time, but Justin and I suggested a quiet dinner would be
great. Clarisa had a very different idea. As a result, we would be having a
festive dinner at home. Clarisa had invited the Clan and their
parents. When Mom found out, she was more than a bit upset since Clarisa
would be doing the work and she was family. Mom told her to call in some of
her friends or family, "After all, you'll be in on the party since you're
family," Mom added.

Michael's parents, whom we had met only a few times, showed up. I noticed
that they frowned a bit when asked about drinks and Michael didn't take a
glass of champagne when Mom announced that those who could handle it could
have a glass. Mr. Thurmond and Mr. Wilson tried to outdo each other in
proposing toasts. Finally we all sat down to dinner at tables throughout
the house.

Clarisa had said she wasn't sure of the protocol, but all the Clan sat
together. I guess in case his parents did put two and two together, Sandy
was sitting between Bobbie and Susan rather than beside Michael. The two
women were flirting outrageously with him and he was going along with
it. Of course, had Michael's parents been looking carefully, they would
have seen the two lovers giving each other very special looks from time to
time. In fact, as soon as Sandy had come in, it was obvious Michael was
more than a little excited, but when his mother asked about it, he just got
a bigger grin on his face.

While we were having dessert -- fresh strawberry shortcake with real
shortcake, not some sponge cake mess -- Mr. Thurmond stood and said, "If I
could have your attention, I have an announcement to make." When we were
all quiet, he continued, "I wanted all of you to know that Mrs. Thurmond
and I are very proud of all of you and, of course, especially proud of our
son John. What you may not know is that we are also proud of our younger
son Sandy. While he came to us only a short time ago, I learned today that
if he does well on his finals, he will have raised his grade in every class
at least a letter. Also, he learned today he has been accepted into a
summer arts program beginning in two weeks and lasting until a week before
school starts. We'll miss having him around this summer, but are delighted
he will be at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota." Sandy
blushed, but looked extremely proud as we all applauded his
accomplishments.

"What Sandy doesn't know is that he will be allowed to take Wednesday's
exams, if he thinks he's ready, Monday and Tuesday after school. If he does
well enough to raise his grades, as he can, our gift to him is a ticket to
Key West." Sandy was obviously stunned for a moment, but soon recovered,
jumped up and grabbed both parents in a bear hug.

As everyone was preparing to leave, Justin spoke up, "Attention all. We
have been reminded that luggage for our flight tomorrow must be kept to an
absolute minimum. Hope you all flying remember that and that parents check
to make sure, otherwise, we'll have to leave a few of your children
here. Swim suit, couple pair of shorts and shirts, a pair of long pants and
nice button shirt should be enough. Just the minimum in the way of
toiletries -- not a suitcase of make-up."

"Yeah, remember that Sissy," Susan laughed. Her laughter ended quickly when
she remembered Sissy told us he still hadn't gotten his parents' permission
to go. I guess to compensate, she cornered Sissy's parents as they were
leaving, but got no commitment from them.

After everyone had gone, I started helping Clarisa with the necessary
clearing and at first didn't notice Justin was missing. When I mentioned
it, Clarisa said, "I think you'll find him on the dock." Our house faced
the water and there was a small dock extending into it. Not large enough
for real boats, but we used it for small ones. As I walked toward it, I saw
Justin sitting on the end. When I approached, he turned his face toward me
and I saw moonlight shining off the tears streaming down his face.

I sat beside him, put my arm around his shoulders, pulled him close and
kissed the top of his head. He took my hand in his, still without speaking,
and we just sat in silence. I was pretty sure he was missing his mom.
Finally he spoke, "Lord of my Heart, sometimes I miss her so much. She
would have been so proud of me tonight. She wanted so much for me to do
well in school, and I have, but she's not here to see that." I supposed I
could have gone into the "She's looking down on you and knows," but I
didn't believe it and I knew Justin didn't so I said nothing.

Finally, he drew me to himself and kissed me, deeply, tenderly, and we
walked back to the house and upstairs to our place where we undressed and
climbed into bed. It had been a long day, but was not yet over as we made
very gentle love before falling asleep in each other's arms.