Picket Fences! Part 9


Joy didn't wake up from her nap until almost 3 PM. She hurried to get suppe ready before Larry and Arlene came home. She decided to fix macoroni and cheese. It was quick and it also happened to be Larry's favorite


"My teacher is taking the whole class to the zoo", said Arlene.

"You'll enjoy seeing all the animals and they have a huge whale", said Joy.



When the telephone started ringing Joy answered . . .

"Hello!"



"Joy it's Mary Lou. I called you this afternoon and you weren't home."

"I'm sorry, I was taking a nap and must not have heard the telephone ringing", explained Joy.

"Well I just wanted to remind you about Emily's baby shower tomorrow", she said.

"I'll be there", said Joy.



When Joy returned to the table Larry said, "I wish Mary Lou would stop calling at meal time. Don't they ever eat? I'm going to change before our shows come on."



"Mommy, Miss Edwards told us girls we could wear pants to the zoo. The principal gave his permission, but only for this one time, of course", Arlene said.


" Well I personally think it makes more sense for you to wear pants. I wish you could wear them every day", said Joy.

"I think she looks better in dresses. She's a girl not a boy", said Larry.

"It's bedtime and you can wear pajama pants to bed at least", said Joy.


Arlene went to bed and was soon asleep.


Larry stayed up to watch the news on television and by the time he came to bed Joy was asleep.


Joy was dreaming of Rhys and didn't awaken when Larry scooted up close behind her.


The next day was Saturday. Over at Mary Lou's house the guests had arrived for the baby shower.



Emily was in the last stage of pregnancy and was the picture of health. Since Emily's and her husband Sam's parents live in Veronaville, her mother and mother-in-law weren't able to come today.



Arlene sit on the sofa between her grandmother Joyce and Mary Lou.


Joyce Evans is a widow. Joy's father (Kevin) passed away a little over three years ago


Betty Jones was sitting next to Helen Stevens.


Helen is Mary Lou's mother.

Mary Lou's daughter Julie was chatting with Betty's daughter Judy . . .

"I don't think you'll do it. I dare you", said Judy.

"Alright, I'll ask her", said Julie.



Then Julie went over to Emily and asked THAT question.


"I think you should ask your mother about that", said Emily, "It's up to her to explain it to you when she thinks you're ready to know."


After all the guests had gone Emily thanked Mary Lou and hugged her goodbye.



A short while later Mary Lou's husband Peter came home from the movie theatre.

"Did you guys enjoy "Captain Kidd"?", asked Mary Lou.

"Yeah, I think Sam and I enjoyed it as much as Jimmy did", he said.

"Did you ladies enjoy yourselves and catch up on the latest gossip?", he asked.

"I think it went pretty well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves", said Mary Lou.


The next day . . .

Sunday services started at 11 AM over at Buford Falls Church.



The Reverend Joseph Woods conducted the hour-long sermon. Reverend Woods has been pastor for as long as most of his congragation can remember.


Arlene (Joy and Larry's daughter) was sitting with her best friend Julie (Mary Lou and Peter's daughter) in the front pew on this side of the church.



Larry and Joy Anderson were sitting together in the pew behind the girls.



Behind them were Peter and Mary Lou Edwards.



Mary Lou's parents John and Helen Stevens were sitting behind their daughter and son-in-law.



Jimmy (Emily and Sam's son) sit on the back pew.



Mike and Judy (Betty and Ben's son and daughter) sit together on the front pew on the other side of the church.


Betty and Ben Jones sit together on the pew behind their childern.



Miss Nora Martin (the high school teacher) and Miss Janice Edwards (the elementary school teacher) were seated together. Both ladies teach at Buford Falls School.



Mr. Edward Best (the principal of Buford Falls School) was sitting with Rhys Sawyer, Buford Falls' newest resident.



Nurse Jane was sitting with her husband Dr. Thomas Brian.



Emily and Sam were seated together.



Mike got really aggravated having to listen to the hour-long sermon.

"This is not my scene!" he cried.

"My heart bleeds for you" said Judy.

(1940's slang expressions)



Mike stepped up to the podium. He would talk, then belch loudy. His parents should have put a stop to it, but . . .


They were too busy gossiping about Joy to notice Mike misbehaving.



Nurse Jane walked over to Rhys and started up a conversation. (In the background, Doctor Brian was watching them. )

"Hello, hello", she said, "I'm Nurse Jane. I'll take care of you if you should ever become ill."



"Thank you, I'll do that!", said Rhys.

She started swooning over Rhys and getting all dreamy-eyed. Then she turned and walked off.



Doctor Brian came over and started arguing at Rhys . . .

"That was MY wife you were flirting with", he said, "You're not the first pretty face that's gotten her attention, so get lost!"


"SHE came over and started talking to ME! I don't want your wife! You tell HER that I said to get lost!", said Rhys.



"What did you say to that nice young man?", she asked.

"I just reminded him that you were a married woman and way out of his league", he said.





When Rhys went out to the cemetary beside the church . . .

The pastor came over and asked, "Is there someone in particular you're looking for?"

"My grandmother Grace Sawyer is buried here", said Rhys.

"Grace was a wonderful lady", he said.


"So you knew my grandmother pretty well then", said Rhys.

"Yes, she contributed a lot of her time and money to the church", he said.

"I never got to meet her. Her grave has only a plain headstone. Do you know where I can purchase a fancier one?", asked Rhys.

"I have a catalog from the monument company. Perhaps one with an angel on it. Grace loved angels", he said.
"That would be perfect. Can you order one and let me know how much I owe?", said Rhys.

"Yes, of course, I'll pick out one I think she would like", he said.



Then Rhys left to go home.



To be continued . . .