Sunrise on the Edge of the High Desert
by John of Colorado
clrdjhn@yahoo.com
Chapter 6
If you are here illegally, then it is time for you to leave. This story contains man/man sex. If this bothers you, then it is time for you to leave also. This story is fiction but some of it is based on real situations. The names and places have been changed.
The buggy and organ were loaded into the truck first. They were covered with protective covering from the moving company. Everyone worked for the rest of the afternoon, carrying boxes and securing then in the u-haul truck. Care was taken that nothing could shift or move in transit. Ropes and straps tied every thing down. Nothing could be broken and destroyed. Finally, the moving van was loaded and ready to go.
Sam was to take the workers back to their cars at the local Grange Hall. (For all you city boys look up Grange organization on the internet.) Beth had pulled me aside and told me that members of the community were planning a big going away party for Grandpa and Jack. They were having a covered dish potluck. She wanted me to get Jack and Grandpa there. The workers had parked their cars at the Grange for a reason.
"Hey, everyone, listen up" Adam said with authority. "We have all worked hard today. I think that we need to give Beth and Bill some time off. They have worked just as hard as we have. Here is my plan. I am taking everyone and I mean everyone out for a steak dinner. My treat. I have already had Beth call and reserve the banquet hall at the Outback. I understand that all you men brought clean clothes with you. We have 3 baths and if we double up and no hanky-panky we should be ready in about 45 minutes. You are wasting time sitting here on your fannies. Get up and move it!!!!" commanded Adam.
"Adam, you really know how to lie and make it sound so believable. Thank you. I don't think Grandpa and Jack will catch on until we drive into the parking lot. I think everyone in the county will be there!" said Beth.
Everyone looked very good. "I think I am a luck guy to be in such good looking company. Shall we get this little show under way? Last one in the cars, will have to do the dishes!" shouted Adam and we were off.
Luckily Bill had a large van and Grandpa had one. We were able to get everyone in the two vans. A little cozy but we made. We were ready to pull into the parking lot, When Grandpa said, "Hey wait a minute. What is going on? Adam do you know something that we don't?"
"What makes you say that?" asked Adam. "Why don't you wait and see!" I reach over and blew the horn. Beth had told me this was the pre-arranged signal. People started filing out of the building and were waving and shouting.
"Adam, you knew about this all along and you kept such a straight face." Jack and Grandpa said with a surprised and shocked look.
"Sure did. Why don't you get out and go meet your friends. You are the¡guests- of- honor' Adam said with pride. As soon as the wheelchair lift was down, the crowd stated cheering loudly. As if planned, the crowd split and Jack was able to push Grandpa down between them. All of us followed. The crowd closed behind us and we all went into the Grange Hall. All we could see were tables lined with food. I am sure Grandpa's diet was shot again tonight.
Beth was going to be the M.C. for the evening. She picked up the microphone and asked everyone to be remain where they were for the blessing of the food. "Adam, would you do us the honor." He shook his head yes. "Ladies and Gents, I would like to introduce our new friend, Adam."
Adam made his way, to the podium. "I would like to sing a song in honor of Grandpa and Jack. As you know, they are leaving here and are going to see a small part of this land." With that he sang ¡God Bless America' and offered the blessing.
Beth came to the mic again, "Thanks Adam. I am positive that everyone will be please to hear that Adam will be part of the program later." She was interrupted with a burst of applause. "Adam, If you would join the other guests of honor, we will form two lines, one for each side of the table, we will now start the festivities. The best of which is filling our plates and from the looks of things, I don't think anyone will go away hungry. So Hop to it."
"It is time to start the program. As I told you earlier, that Adam would sing again. He has informed me that we are in for a special treat. He has asked Jack and Sam to join him and they have agreed. You didn't know that Sam and Jack were also singers, now did you? I heard them for the first time the other night. I must say they are nothing but good. So ladies and gentlemen, I give you-Adam, Sam and Jack." announced Beth.
Adam had already given the pianist the sheet music for 4 songs. She started to play the first introduction, the guys came in on cue. After the song was finished, the audience went wild. They finished the 2nd, the 3rd, and the 4th song all with the same results.
Again Beth was the mic, "Hey I told you they were good!" Again there was a thunderous applause. "Grandpa, do you have a few words for us?" handing the mic to him.
"You just saw what kind of abuse, I will be forced to listen to but I think that I wall be able to take it without to much pain. Don't you think so?" laughed Grandpa and the audience joined him. "This will probably be one my last nights here. I think that we will be leaving in a couple of days. I want each and every one to know , that this has always been my home. I feel like every one of you is family. I am going to fulfil some of my life long desires and dreams. I love all you and you will always be with me in my heart. I do hope that each of you have signed the quest book and with your address. I will be truthful with you. I am not going to write anyone. I will leave that up to Sam and Jack. Adam may get his arm twisted a little, also. May God bless and kept each of you. I am not going to say good-by and I know I will see you again at the pearly Gates! Thank you for being my friends.." Grandpa said with tears rolling down his face.
Sam and I were the first on our feet giving Grandpa an ovation. Everyone joined. We started leaving as we came in between two long lines of friends. Grandpa was shaking every hand and getting hugs. It was plain to see that he had the respect of the whole community.
Jack took me in his arms. "Adam, I can't go on. I can't breath. I have to sit down."
"Jack be brave and happy for your Grandfather. He will need every ounce of our strength to get him home. He and you are leaving a lifetime of memories and friendships behind. Sam and I will make sure that both of you will make it in flying colors." cried Adam.
"Love you man. Thanks! You are my rock and my support." said Jack as he once again started moving toward the door. Bill was pushing Grandpa's wheelchair. Sam was walking along with one hand on Grandpa's shoulder. With his other hand, he had Grandpa's hands. Grandpa had clinched Sam's hand to his heart.
We got into the van. Sam was driving and we were met by two police cars with their lights flashing. We were getting a police escort home! One was leading the parade and one would follow. Jack looked back and told Grandpa to look behind him. The people had gotten in their cars were following. Each driver started blowing their horns. We notice the streets were lined with people. Our escort took us up the circular drive, stopped and told us to get out of the van and stand by the curb. We did and each car drove around the circle and back out. We waved at each passing car, which had windows down and the occupants were shouting "Goodbye". This is what I call a royal send off.
We went into the house. Everyone was completely exhausted and emotionally drained. "I think that I am going straight to bed and go to sleep. I have had it for one day." announced Jack.
"I am on my way, also." Grandpa acknowledged.
"Adam, after we get these two tucked into bed, would you like to join me in the hot tub.? Asked Sam.
"Sure thing, meet you out there!" responded Adam.