Chapter 3
During the school year Phoebe’s and my chores were limited to weekends and evenings before sundown, with our parents making sure that we did our studies first.
I didn’t care much for school even though ol’ Phoebe did. I never liked to admit it, but she was the smart one, always bringing home good grades. She was a terrific artist too, and Mom would probably encourage her even more if only she would draw on something other than the walls.
But me, I barely made it through school with C’s and D’s spending most of my time daydreaming and not paying attention. I loved to be outside and when I was sitting in a boring class, I figured I was just wasting my valuable time.
One thing I was good at was getting into trouble. Now, if it wasn’t for that moron Billy Colquitt, I probably would have stayed out of trouble completely. I’m convinced that every school has a bully and mine was no exception. My parents would always tell us to ignore people like that but I couldn’t. Unfortunately, in my mind, a bully’s violent and nonsensical behavior was an injustice to everyone and I felt it was my duty to stand up to those morons. So all too often I came home with a fresh black eye after school.
Quite frankly, I never liked to fight. I was never too good at it for one thing. Second I was too short and had no reach, so I could never land a good punch. Lastly, I had a big mouth and that always just infuriated Billy even more. I was always coming up with clever ways to outwit him and put him down sarcastically. Of course, sarcasm never won too many fights. As a matter of fact, it was my mouth that got me into most of my beatings in the first place. Also, once I was punched, I was down, one punch being all I could take and all I really wanted to take. And, of course, Billy knew that and he frequently took advantage of it.
Each day at school I was always on the lookout for Billy. Most days I could avoid him and come home unscathed, but other times Billy would be in one of his moods and would come looking for me.
The next morning I was walking down the hallway of our small school with Phoebe in tow and my friend, Asa Phelps. Asa was a short, scrawny kid and an even bigger target for Billy than me. He tagged along with me because he knew I could stand up to Billy and be his own substitute punching bag. Without me, he was irresistible to bullies. Asa never combed his hair so it was always standing up and going in a million different directions. All Asa needed was some clown makeup and he would be set for the circus.
Phoebe punched my arm, “Two o’clock. Here he comes,” she said, pointing down the hallway. “Better find a locker to jump in and hide.”
“Oh please, he’s the one that should hide,” I said nervously.
Billy walked up, grinning like a jackal. Asa immediately stepped behind me as if I were a wall or something. “Hey girls. How you doin’ Phoebs?” he asked, acting innocent as ever. Phoebe smiled back at him. I gave her a funny look, as if to say, Don’t encourage the moron!
“Get lost, Colquitt,” I answered sternly. “We don’t want to buy any Girl Scout cookies.”
“What was that?” Billy asked, holding his hand up to his ear as if he were deaf or something. What a moron.
“You heard me. We ain’t interested. Why don’t you go flirt with the lunchroom ladies. I hear ol’ lady Pearson is available.” I had the sarcasm meter set to high.
“That’s funny,” Billy answered. “I heard she was looking for you. Hey Havens, I saw you yesterday climbing those trees like you was scared silly. What, did somebody’s poodle scare ya up there, huh?” He laughed at his own stupid joke.
“No,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I was working, you idiot. Do you know what that is?” Asa and Phoebe stood to the side, their eyes darting back and forth as if they were watching a tennis match.
Billy shoved me against the lockers. Boy, I was getting to him already. “What’d you call me, Havens?” Before he could do anything the bell rang for the first class. Billy looked disappointed as the hallway began to clear. “You’re lucky this time, Havens. We’ll finish this after school. You and me at three behind the building, you got it?”
I slipped out of his sweaty grip and headed to class. “I don’t think so. You’re not my type,” I said, getting in the last verbal jab.
“Good one, Nick,” Asa said, breaking his brave silence.
“Thanks, Asa. That helps a lot. Way to back me up there, pal,” I said, realizing that now I had to spend the rest of my day figuring out how I could avoid Billy after school.
Asa was small and he was definitely good for helping you get out of a jam. He played the pawn well, even when he had no idea he was being used as a pawn. I knew that it was stupid and childish to treat my buddy that way, but sometimes I had no alternative.
The last class of the day was always Ms. Glickson’s spelling class. Everybody usually brought all of their books with them so they didn’t have to stop at their locker on the way home. Most kids had a shoulder bag for their books but Asa just carried the whole lot of ‘em under his scrawny arms, making himself a perfect target.
That day was no exception. As usual, Asa lugged his books into ol’ Ms. Glickson’s class under his straining arms. I followed close behind him, nonchalantly carrying my few books. The teacher’s desk was at the far corner and our row was along the windows, so we had to walk in front her desk to get to ours.
Just as Asa reached Ms. Glickson’s desk, I whispered under my breath to him, “Time to take one for the team ol’ pal.”
Asa looked over his shoulder, “Huh?”
At that, I gave his load of books a good under-handed whack, sending them flying through the air, across Ms. Glickson’s desk and into the far wall. One book even bounced through an open window and onto the grassy field outside.
Asa whirled around looking as if he’d just missed the whole thing. A microsecond later he finally realized his books were all over the floor.
“Hey! What’s the big idea?” he stammered, giving me a slight shove as I chuckled at him. The rest of the class laughed as well.
Ms. Glickson was not amused. “Alright you two knock it off!” she said in a stern voice. “I saw that little stunt you pulled Mr. Havens. Now, both of you get in your seats!”
Asa scrambled to pick up his books and slowly slid into his desk, glaring at me like a madman. Soon he realized one book was missing.
“Ms. Glickson?” he said, raising his hand.
“Forget it, Mr. Phelps. I won’t have you disrupting my class one minute more!” she retorted.
“But, my spelling book is outside,” Asa continued to plead with her. The class erupted in laughter.
Ms. Glickson looked exasperated. “Go get it, Asa,” she said, sighing.
I began to panic. My ruse wasn’t getting the response I had hoped for.
Ms. Glickson sat her desk, trying to regain her sanity. Finally she said what I was hoping she would. “And you, Mr. Havens. No more rough-housing in my class. I want you clappin’ those erasers outside after school, you hear me?”
There we go! I thought to myself. My ticket out of another black eye. I sat in my desk and tried to look remorseful. “Yes Ms. Glickson,” I responded softly.
Ms. Glickson had the cleanest erasers in the whole school and I was all too happy to clap them on many occasions. I felt a little bad using ol’ Asa like that. Luckily he never stayed sore at me for too long.
After school let out, I stood outside clapping all the erasers as the other kids filed out the building laughing and carrying on. Phoebe and Asa waited a few feet away until I could join them to catch the bus home.
“In trouble again?” Phoebe asked, with little surprise. “Dad’s gonna throw you in the pen with old Gray when you get home!” I just ignored her. Soon, ol’ Billy came striding out. His face soured when he saw me doing my after school penance. Putting his hands on his hips he shook his head with a sneer.
“Why you little coward!” he said, predictably. “Duckin’ your way out again, eh Havens? You’re lucky this time,
pal.”
“Like I said, Ms. Colquitt, I ain’t your type,” I laughed.
He plodded his way home in disgust, trying to get in the last word as usual, yelling, “But, there’s always tomorrow, kid!”
“Go soak your head!” I yelled back.
The light finally went on in Asa’s head and he realized why I had knocked his books all over creation earlier. He smiled and slapped me on the shoulder. “Now I get it! Good one, Nick!”
“Thanks pal,” I said, grinning. I finished the erasers and put them back inside. The three of us laughed and walked together down to the corner to catch the bus home.
Autumn was one my favorite times of the year. Just before it became really cold, I liked to go camping at the swimming pond on Friday evenings.
Camping was one my favorite things to do. I didn’t go too much during the summer because it was so hot, even at night. But, the fall nights were perfect. Just before dark, I would head out with my trusty flashlight and sleeping bag. It was just me, Mosey, and the stars in the sky. I packed some snacks with me to have around the fire. Camping was the best way for me to have some quiet time and relax.
Luckily I managed to avoid Billy the rest of the week, so I was looking forward to another outing. It was a perfect evening too. The sun was just starting to set and the air was crisp. I gathered my gear and my few snacks and headed out the front door.
Dad and Grandpa sat in rocking chairs on the porch, enjoying the evening air too. Mosey came dancing around my feet excitedly. Seeing me come out with my sleeping bag it was clear he knew where I was going.
Dad called out to me from the porch, “You get back first thing in the morning now to get busy with your chores.”
“I will,” I said, scratching Mosey behind his ears. “You ready boy?” Mosey seemed about to jump out of his skin he was so excited.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Grandpa asked sternly. “You ain’t finished your chores yet.”
“It’s night time, Grandpa.”
“Smart guy, huh? Go get me a switch and I’ll learn ya!” he said with a whimsy. I knew he was just funning with me.
“See you tomorrow, Grandpa. Don’t shoot any squirrels until I get back.”
“Don’t tell me what to do,” he stammered, staring off into space. “Now get out of here.” He was such a hoot.
The cotton fields were bare, so Mosey and I cut across them and headed towards the swimming pond. The sunset streaked a magnificent, broad array of oranges and pinks across the sky. Wintertime wasn’t far away.
We reached the pond just before dark. I searched for the stack of fresh wood and kindling I’d saved several yards from the pond under a tree. Each camping trip, I stacked wood in a dry place under a tree just before I headed home, so I would have it the next time. Sure enough, the wood was right where I had left it.
I had a perfect spot for the fire pit just at the top of the slope that led down to the water. It had two large logs on either side of it to sit on. There were two so you could move around in case the smoke started blowing in your eyes.
I was never a boy scout, but I sure could light a campfire. All it took was the few pieces of old newspaper rolled up with my sleeping bag and some matches. That’s all I needed to get a good fire going. I could get a campfire lit in no time. Stacking the wood on top of some kindling inside the pit, I used one match and one piece of newspaper, and soon had the fire lit. The wood was nice and dry and crackled with life.
Mosey sniffed around the grounds and found a cool place in the dirt to lie down just a few yards away. He was good company to have on a campout. He never had a complaint and was just as content as I was to be out there. All he would do was pant and listen to me ramble, asking only for a snack or two and a good scratch behind the ears in return.
I had a good fire going by the time it was completely dark. I brought along some beef jerky and a bag of marshmallows in case I got hungry. I knew it wasn’t a very good combination, but it was for me and ol’ Mosey. He wasn’t much on marshmallows, but he did like beef jerky.
The sky was ablaze with stars. Aside from the campfire, there was no other light, allowing for perfect stargazing. I tell you, I could stare at those stars for hours. And, most of the time, that’s what I did on those campouts.
I was pretty lousy in science but, I was always fascinated staring at those stars covering the night sky. I would always read the section in our textbook that described the nine planets in the solar system. I knew how many moons each planet had, how big each planet was, and their order out from the Sun. My favorite graph was the one showing how small the Earth was compared to Jupiter. I always thought, Man, that sucker sure is big! A guy could do some prospecting on a chunk of land that size! That’s why I always did so lousy in science. I never paid attention to what the rest of the class was learning, just staring at the planets section in the textbook over and over.
I rested on my back near the fire, staring blankly into the sea of stars. Mosey was just a few feet away, likely hoping I’d throw some more jerky to him. Suddenly, I heard a noise coming from the wooded darkness near the other side of the pond. Mosey lifted his head and looked in that direction. I thought nothing of it and turned my attention toward the sky again, thought it seemed that Moseys curiosity got the best of him. He jumped to his feet and darted off towards the trees. I rolled my head over to see what had his attention. Mosey was always chasing after something, so I didn’t think much of it. He probably just ran after another darn opossum or a raccoon.
Soon I heard a faint bark and a growl coming from the trees. I propped myself up on my elbows and strained over the fire to see what was happening, though I couldn’t see a thing.
“What’d you find, Mosey?” I shouted into the darkness. “You gotcha a opossum or something?”
To my surprise, I heard someone yelp. “No, he got me!”
“What the heck?” I said, sitting straight up. “Who’s out there?”
“Evenin’, Mr. Nick,” I heard the voice say nervously.
“Mr. Malloy?” I guessed. Dusting myself off I walked towards the sound of Moseys muffled growl. “Is that you out there?” I shined my flashlight into the trees and revealed Mosey latched onto Sooter’s pant leg.
Sweat poured down Sooter’s face. “It’s just plain ol’ Sooter, now. No need to call me mister,” he said, trying not to make any sudden movements.
“Howdy, Sooter! What the heck you doin’ way out here this time a night?”
Mosey continued to tug on Sooter’s pant leg, staring at him intently. “Mr. Nick,” Sooter said impatiently, “If you wouldn’t mind callin’ off yo dog, I sho would appreciate it.”
“Oh! Sorry, Sooter,” I said clumsily. “Moe! Let him go! Come over here, boy.” Mosey instantly let loose Mr. Malloy’s pant leg and ran to me.
Sooter looked relieved. He took his cap off and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Thank you, Mr. Nick. I wasn’t sho I was gonna make it there for a minute. I don’t think that dog likes me too much.”
“Ah, he likes you alright,” I answered. “He’s just bein’ protective. Come on over to the fire and rest up a bit.” We walked over to the campfire and sat down. “He didn’t get ya, did he?”
Sooter sat on one of the logs, obviously relieved. “No, he sho didn’t. He just had a hold of my trouser leg!”
“How ‘bout a shot of water?” I asked, handing him my canteen. Mosey was still excited, pawing the dirt nearby.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Sooter said, taking a long drink.
“Easy, boy. He’s a good guy. He’s our buddy,” I said, trying to calm ol’ Mosey, who finally laid down on the ground, his job seemingly accomplished.
“He sho is one good watchdog,” Sooter said, shaking his head.
“Yeah, he’s one of a kind. Ain’t ya Mosey?” I said, rubbing the dog’s head.
“Thank you for the water, Mr. Nick,” Sooter said appreciatively. “I was out enjoyi
n’ the night air when I saw yo campfire way off in the distance. I had a feelin’ it might be you over here campin’ out. Thought I’d stop by for a while.”
“Well, me and ol’ Mosey don’t mind a little company, so long it isn’t my sister,” I laughed. “Glad you stopped by. Sorry ‘bout ol’ Mosey though.”
“He’s just doin’ his job,” Sooter said.
We both relaxed and I stirred the fire. Mosey laid his head down on his paws, looking tired. I handed Sooter some beef jerky.
“If you feed him, he’ll be your friend from here on out,” I said. Moseys eyes followed the jerky from my hand to Sooter’s.
“Is that right?” he said wryly. He smelled the piece of jerky and smiled. “Sho smells good.” Mosey lifted his head keeping his eyes glued on the food. “What do you say, Mosey? You hungry?” Sooter offered the piece of jerky to Mosey, who instantly jumped to his feet and took the food, chomping hungrily. Sooter smiled and Mosey let him pet him behind his ears. Sure enough, Sooter was on Moseys good side from then on.
I nodded unsurprised. “Told you. The secret to Mosey is food. Here, have some more, I’ve got plenty.” I handed him another piece of jerky as we both relaxed against the logs.
I went back to staring at the stars and Sooter stared up with me. There was nothing like looking at stars on a crisp night, sitting by a campfire.
“It sho is somethin’, ain’t it?” Sooter said calmly. “All them stars up there?
“Yep.”
“You could get lost up there.”
“Yeah,” I said, getting excited. “It sure would be something to go up there and see what they look like up close and all. And, the moon! Man, that sure would be something.”
Sooter brought me back to reality. “You did good out there in the grove, Mr. Nick. I was downright proud the way you worked out there.”
“Oh. Thanks.” I didn’t know what to say.
“Yo pa sho learned you how to work hard,” he said. “That’s always a good thing.”
“I liked working out there with you guys.” I meant it too. “To be honest, I wasn’t really looking forward to working at the grove, but it turned out alright.” I locked my hands behind my head and stared deeply into space. “I really felt like I was doing something.”
Sooter looked over at me as he could tell something was on my mind. “Well, that’s good, Mr. Nick. Good hard work is good for a man.”
“I admire you, Sooter. I wish I could work all the time like you do. Sure beats the heck out of goin’ to school.”
Sooter gave me a crazy look. “Now why would you wanna go and say somethin’ like that? What’s so bad about goin’ to school?”
“Ah, school is okay, I guess. I don’t get nothin’ out of it though. I don’t like none of those things they teach us. And, all I do is come home every day just about, with another busted lip. There ain’t no fun in that.”
“Well, some boys can be rough at times,” Sooter said, looking back at the stars.
“Yeah, but all the stinkin’ time? I guess school would be alright if it wasn’t for jerks like him.”
“Sounds to me you lettin’ one kid get you down on school altogether.”
I leaned over on one elbow and thought about it. “You think?” What would my day be like if that idiot Billy wasn’t there to bother me? I thought to myself. I shook my head, knowing that wouldn’t happen. He would always be there.
“You can’t let one kid change your mind,” Sooter said firmly. “I tell you what, if I had a chance to do it all again, I woulda kept in school.”
That got my attention. “You didn’t stay in school?” I asked. “What, you just quit?”
“My daddy was up and gone one day. Just like that,” Sooter said. “Somebody had to do the work.” He shook his head as if to stop the bad memories from flooding back into his mind. “It don’t matter,” he said, a look of contempt on his face. I guessed that if he had something to throw a punch at, he probably would have done just that.
“But, you Mr. Nick,” he said, staring at me. “What do you think yo pa would say if you just up and left school and said you wanted to come work with old man Sooter, shakin’ down pecan trees all the time? I tell you what he’d say. He’d say you got pecans rattlin’ around in your head! It may be rough with these boys that’s always fightin’ with ya. But, you gonna have folks from time to time fightin’ with ya long after you get done with school. Sometimes, that’s just the way it is. Now, gettin’ some good schoolin’, that’s what separates the men from the boys. So, don’t get no fool ideas, Mr. Nick. You gotta good head on you, I can see that. You stick it out and you’ll see I’m right.”
I truly didn’t know what to say to him. No one had ever put it to me that way before. All this time in grammar school, I’d go in day after day wondering whether or not I’d have my face pounded. I never had a chance to think about school as a good thing.
“But, I like working with you guys,” I tried to plead with him. “It felt really good to get out there and do some good hard work with nobody hasslin’ me. Just good honest work. Even Bouriette didn’t bother me. He was nothin’ compared to that darn Billy.”
“You gonna have lots of time to keep on workin’ with those men and me,” Sooter assured me. “But, you got your own work too with yo schoolin’. Life is not about hidin’ in a cotton field or a pecan grove. Life is about seein’ what’s out there in the world, whether or not it gives you a black eye a time or two.”
Sooter sure gave me a lot to chew on. I absolutely hated school but I knew he was right about not letting morons like Billy Colquitt get me down. Sooter was something that was for sure. I was curious to learn more about him.
I didn’t want to be quite so serious anymore, hoping to change the subject. “So, did you ever used to come out to this pond?” I said quickly.
He stared over at the pond, “Oh, sho did. I’ve been in there a time or two. Used to jump right off that branch over yonder,” he said, pointing at the rope swing. “Right down in the water. Sho did! It was always a good place to come and cool off.”
“Yeah,” I agreed. “Me and Phoebe come down here all the time in the summer.” Then, I remembered the other night. “Hey, I saw Mrs. Malloy walking down along the creek a few nights ago. You two sure like to walk around in the evenings.”
“Oh yeah,” he said, nodding. “Bea sho likes to do her walkin’.”
“I tried to say hello to her but she didn’t say much.”
“Well, she keeps to herself, mostly,” Sooter told me. “She’s always been on the quiet side.”
Suddenly he stood and dusted off his trousers. Mosey looked up, thinking he was going to get more treats. “Well, I best be gettin’ back, Mr. Nick. Or else Bea might think I done found me a girlfriend,” he said with a laugh.
I sat up, leaning my elbow on my knee. “You sure you can’t stay longer?” I asked, stirring the fire some more. I really enjoyed his company. I didn’t want him to leave just yet.
“No, I best be goin’ now,” he said. “We’ll do it again some other time.” He patted Mosey on the head. “You keep an eye on him, Mosey.”
“Well, okay,” I said, disappointed. “Thanks for stopping by though. It was good talkin’ with ya!” I meant it too.
“Evenin’, Mr. Nick,” he said, before disappearing behind the trees and into the darkness.
I slept all night out under the stars and awoke to see a light fog floating just above the pond. The fire had died out and the air was crisp. I pulled my jacket tightly around me.
I guessed that Mosey had gone back to the house. He must have become hungry and left before I awakened. I stretched my arms and stood to stretch my legs. There was no wind and the water on the pond was as still as glass. I tried to shake myself awake. It was so quiet and peaceful. These were the kind of mornings that I really missed most about that old farm.
A lone deer wandered out of the thick trees. I stood motionlessly, watching him walk down t
o the water to take a drink. He couldn’t have been more than ten feet away but he didn’t notice me. Finally, he finished his drink and looked up seeing me right away, but he didn’t scare. He was a young buck with horns just starting to form on his head.
“Mornin’,” I said to the deer. “I guess you were out here campin’ by yourself too.” The deer just stared at me. I remembered what old Sooter had said the night before. There are a lot of things in this world and you just have to be brave enough to go out and see them.
I nodded to the animal as it continued to look at me, “You’re gonna be alright.” As if it had understood what I said, the deer slowly started back into the woods, giving me one last look before he disappeared. It was the first and last time I ever saw that deer.
During the winter, there weren’t as many chores to do so I had more time to concentrate on school work as did Phoebe. My chores in the winter were limited to just feeding the chickens and old Gray and keeping the barn cleaned up.
In the evenings when all the homework was done and dinner was cleaned up, we all liked to sit together in the family room. On occasion we’d watch the television but it was never anyone’s favorite thing to do. Dad would watch the evening news and then he’d shut the set off after it was over. Phoebe and I played a lot of board games on the floor, especially when there was a fire going. Mom and Dad liked to read and talk and drink some wine or beer. Grandpa, if he didn’t have the radio on, would listen to old music on his phonograph. He didn’t like to read or play games, preferring to stare into oblivion and listen to his music while rocking in his chair.
Phoebe and I studied the checker board on the floor. I was playing the black and Phoebe played red, and as usual I had one piece on the board surrounded by red checkers. Rain was falling hard outside and we could hear claps of thunder rolling in the distance. It was one of those nights when you were glad you were inside.
“Time to give it up, kiddo,” she said smartly. I frowned at her as I usually did when I was losing to her.
“Yeah, give it up, kiddo,” Grandpa chimed in. “Matter of fact, get done playing that game and do your dance for me. Both of you.”
“Oh no,” I said, rolling my eyes. But I could tell Phoebe loved the idea. “I still think I can win this game.”
“Ha!” Phoebe exclaimed. “Come on, you’re finished. Let’s dance to Grandpa’s song.”
“Let’s not and say we did.”
“Come on. Don’t be wishy-washy,” Phoebe said.
“Tell him, Phoebe.” Grandpa said, perking up. “Let me get the record and I’ll put it on for you.”
“Awww!” I wailed in protest pushing the checker board aside and reluctantly standing up. I wasn’t in the mood, but I knew what Grandpa wanted us to do. He didn’t ask too often, but he liked us to entertain him, dancing to one of his favorite songs.
The song was by a tenor named Mario Lanza, called Drink, Drink, Drink. It was a happy drinking tune that moved slowly, but soon sped up. It was a good tune to stand around and drink to, but since Phoebs and me weren’t old enough to drink, we just danced to it. It was still kind of fun.
The song had only been released in the early 50’s, just before I was born. I found it funny that Grandpa didn’t pick some older tune from the 20’s or something, but for whatever reason, Grandpa just loved this song. To be honest, I liked it too, especially when I got to put my own spin on the dancing.
Phoebe and I made the family room our own little ballroom. Mom smiled as we bowed toward one another. Mom had taught us how to dance and was always delighted whenever we did. Of course, none of this information ever left those four walls until now, for school reasons that need not be explained.
Grandpa started the phonograph and the sound of the old record started to crackle through its small speaker.
Ein, zwei, drei, vier
Lift your stein and drink your beer
I mouthed along with the opening, pretending I was holding a stein of beer in my hands.
Ein, zwei, drei, vier
Lift your stein and drink your beer
Dad lifted his glass of beer as I lifted my fake one. The music began and Phoebe and I began dancing, trying to stay on step as Mom had taught us, but soon we fell into our own little routine, as if we were the highlight of the night at some fancy dance hall.
Grandpa was delighted. I never saw him smile so much as when that song played and we danced for him. He swayed in his chair, holding up his glass of tea and saluting to us as if it were the best beer he’d ever tasted. He hummed along as Mario belted out the catchy lyrics.
Drink! Drink! Drink!
To eyes that are bright as stars when they're shining on me!
Drink! Drink! Drink!
To lips that are red and sweet as the fruit on the tree!
Here's a hope that those bright eyes will shine
Lovingly, longingly soon into mine!
May those lips that are red and sweet,
Tonight with joy my own lips meet!
At the chorus, Grandpa nearly fell to the floor with excitement. He swayed excitedly in his chair, waving his drink in the air.
Drink! Drink!
Let the toast start!
May young hearts never part!
Drink! Drink! Drink!
Let every true lover salute his sweetheart!
Dad saluted towards Mom, lifting his glass in her honor. Mom nodded graciously to his toast.
Grandpa could contain himself no longer and leapt from his chair and joined us. The three of us swayed to the rhythm and melody of the happy tune.
It was a great time. Whenever the idea to dance came up, I was never too eager, but once the music started and I saw how much fun everyone was having, I couldn’t help but enjoy myself too. Grandpa never had to tell us, but I knew he appreciated our dancing. We could tell.
After the song ended, Phoebe and I were exhausted. Tired and happy, Grandpa collapsed in his chair. It was probably the only time that he wasn’t saying something whacko. But, I wasn’t ready to quit yet.
“Hey, let’s put on some Elvis now,” I suggested. “I’ll dazzle you with some of my Elvis moves.” I quickly threw on one of my Elvis albums, skipping the needle to the song called You’re So Square, Baby I Don’t Care.
“Oh no. Not Elvis!” Phoebe groaned. “I can’t stand him.”
“Bite your tongue, young lady,” I scolded. “Now watch me curl my lips and swing my hips.”
Mom laughed out loud and Grandpa grimaced in agony.
“Don’t play that racket! I don’t want to go completely loony!”
I just kept going. I put on my best Elvis impersonation and sang out loud in my best Elvis voice.
You don’t like crazy music
You don’t like rockin’ bands
You just wanta go to the movie show
And sit there holdin’ hands
You’re so square
Baby I don’t care
“Please make it stop!” Phoebe groaned loudly.
“Okay, Nick. That’s enough for tonight,” Mom said to my dismay. “Let’s not ruin everyone’s ears.”
Relieved, Grandpa switched off the phonograph. “I’ll take a switch to you but good!”
I stopped playing Elvis and let the rest of house in peace. “Sorry, Grandpa, I couldn’t help myself. But, you gotta admit, it sure was fun.”
Grandpa shook his head. “Yeah, until you went berserk.”
I collapsed on the floor alongside Phoebe. “Nobody appreciates the classics.”
Phoebe rolled her eyes at me and playfully jabbed at my arm. “You’re a nutcase, you know that?”
Shaking the Tree Page 3
