A Good Year at Linwood High, Chapter 9
If Luis had felt his birthday was slighted because of being too close to Halloween, Raymo had even more reason to complain about his. November 20th is very near Thanksgiving.
Like Luis, he didn't want to invite a bunch of schoolmates. After being on his own all summer, he had matured a lot. High school didn't seem as important as it had in the past. He was eager to move on to college. In fact, some of his AP courses would give him credit toward his university degree.
For his celebration, Sabrina baked his favorite, a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. The same four people shared it and Raymo received gifts similar to what Luis had. Luis gave him a special treat at bedtime.
To celebrate Thanksgiving, Sabrina invited Luis's other surrogate family, Geraldo, Dolores, Angel, and Jose. Dolores insisted on contributing dessert. Her family wouldn't have gone hungry by any means because they had enough income to get by. And, the sheriff's department supplied food baskets with a frozen turkey and other items for people living barely above the poverty level. Not having to use those up immediately would help stretch their food budget.
The Nunez family was in awe of the large, gracious home in which the Chandler's lived. To them, it was the kind of place movie stars owned. The children, especially, were very shy, feeling overwhelmed by the luxury.
That didn't last long because Luis and Raymo got them into playing games in the basement recreation room. Gavin also entertained them. When he spoke to them in Spanish, it really broke the ice.
At first, talk between Sabrina and the parents was a bit stilted. However, when Sabrina brought up the push her lawyer friend was making to get Luis's parents back into the country, conversation began to flow easily.
"Through a local organization of Latinx people, I've become acquainted with Mr. Anton Navara who specializes in immigrant law in Iowa City. He was instrumental in getting a family back who had been deported to Mexico. In their case, the gentleman's mother had been a US citizen and they were able to prove it."
"We have heard of this Mr. Navara even up in Postville, Dolores exclaimed. "He has helped a lot of people in the eastern part of the state. But, what can he do in this case?"
"We're hoping that, with the papers you gave to Luis, we can prove his parents were eligible to be here too."
"Do you think it's possible?" Geraldo asked.
"It's impossible to say at this point. However, Luis's father says he submitted proof that he was brought here as a child as was Luis's mother. Somehow, that evidence was lost or destroyed."
"It would be wonderful for Luis if it works out. We tried our best, and now you're seeing to him, but I know he misses his parents."
"Family is important!" Sabrina agreed. "I think Luis and Raymond will form their own little family someday. Still, it's not the same as having his parents too."
"Even if his parents never return, Luis has someone who cares for him. I know Raymo will be a loving partner," Dolores nodded.
The day passed pleasantly for all concerned. Luis was grateful that Sabrina had included his "aunt" and "uncle." It gave him another reason to be thankful this season.
Sabrina served roast beef, mashed potatoes, a corn casserole, and two kinds of salad. She realized it wasn't exactly traditional, but her older teens were still a bit leery of poultry.
The Nunez family loved all of it!
Dolores had baked a beautiful Tres Leches Cake for the occasion. She waited to whip the cream for the top until she could use Sabrina's mixer because she wanted it to be just right. It was!
Obtaining custody of Griffin had been a piece of cake. Tiffany could hardly wait to be rid of him. She readily signed the necessary papers. Terry felt like his life was nearly complete now that he had his firstborn. However, he worried about how things would go in Nolan's case. Tiffany seemed intent on taking him away from his father if she could. She wasn't letting go of anything that belonged to her younger son despite the fact that he was currently living with his father.
Just as Terry was about to suck it up and purchase Nolan a bunch of winter clothes, He found several bags of things unceremoniously dumped on his front porch. Evidently, the social worker had put enough pressure on Tiffany to force her to give in to his requests. Tiffany was told that her spitefulness wasn't doing anything positive for her image. If she didn't soften her stance, she could very well lose her son entirely. Her treatment of him when she was intoxicated was already putting her position in jeopardy.
To take Nolan's mind off his problems and to mark the first the holiday in their new home, Terry planned to host the two families who had been very kind to his kids and him. He wanted to have everything perfect for the occasion. The house didn't require a lot of cleaning because it had recently been redecorated. The furniture in the downstairs had all been polished and there were new area rugs on the beautifully finished floors. There were still a few details to take care of.
Before having everyone over, Terry had solicited his sons to polish the silver. As they were working on it, they could understand why the guy who had inherited it didn't want to keep it. It was a LOT of work, but the efforts drew everyone closer together as they joked.
"I'm sure this violates the child-labor laws in the state of Iowa," Griffin teased.
"Be quiet and do your work or you won't get any gruel with your bread and water for supper," Terry replied.
"Papa, tell him to have mercy on us!" Nolan said to Joaquin.
"I'll sneak you some gruel later. How `bout I sit down and do some of it with you. My mother used to make me do this and I hated it! My dad used to sit down and help me. Those were fun times. I wish they could have lived long enough to have seen me as a family man. At least they got to come to our wedding."
With Joaquin's help, the job went a lot faster. He kept up a running banter with the boys while they labored. It made the time pass and the guys were proud of the results.
It was a combination of his family plus the Butler's and the Havel's who assembled on that Thursday. Kathryn was especially relieved not to have to host a big meal with her kitchen still torn up. It was due to be completed by the middle of December at the latest, so it would be fine by Christmas.
With all the leaves in it, the sturdy old oak dining table accommodated 12 people with room to spare. The china and sterling which had been left in the house also served that number.
Terry had found table pads and white linen tablecloths to fit. There were even enough napkin rings for every place. The results looked like a holiday setting from a magazine.
"This is just beautiful!" Coleen exclaimed as they were ushered into the dining room. It could be featured in a magazine article on how to entertain.
"It's as elegant as anything we have at Havel House," Kathryn agreed.
"The only thing that looks nicer than the table is the food!" Ashton grinned.
"I'll second that," Rhett nodded.
"In view of that, I'm not going to offer a lengthy blessing," Terry said. "I'm thankful for all of you. You turned an unhappy situation into one of joy. If that's not a blessing from God, I don't know what is.
"I propose a toast to all who practice loving their neighbors as themselves!"
Everyone raised their glasses and took a sip. The boys were surprised to find that their goblets contained the same white wine the adults were drinking. Terry had cleared it with the parents ahead of time. This was a great dinner!
For Griffin, the only downside about Thanksgiving was that Levi was away visiting his grandparents. Nolan missed Eli too, but he wasn't in love like his brother was. He went to Jason's for a sleepover on Friday night while they were still off from school.
Ashton and Rhett included Griff in their plans the same night. Brianna and Carson joined them in some games and practiced a little salsa dancing later in the evening. All had a good time.
Carson felt kinda bummed out that he couldn't spend the night with Brianna like his brother could with his boyfriend. However, he realized that the rules didn't apply universally. Gay kids might have more freedom in some ways, but society didn't give them a break in lots of others. Life wasn't fair.
Back at school on Monday, some of the kids were in concert band rehearsal. The marching band season had ended with the last home football game before Thanksgiving. Now, they were gearing up for the big winter concert which would take place close to Christmas.
Sports like basketball, swimming, and wrestling would be in full swing over the winter. Those didn't involve the band students other than playing in the pep squad at some of the basketball games.
Terry still had sole custody of Nolan, pending a hearing about his placement. It might have happened earlier, but the court schedule was packed, and since Nolan wasn't in imminent danger, other cases were heard ahead of his. In fact, the social worker had written to the court that she felt the boy would be better off away from his mother.
Finally, on the second Tuesday in December, Terry and Nolan were seated outside a small room in the Linn County Courthouse awaiting their turn in front of the judge.
Their lawyer, Barton Caruthers, was with them. He had high expectations that the ruling would go in their favor. He smiled when he saw that Tiffany was being represented by Roger Smith, whom he considered a bumbling idiot. The man's fees were quite low and this was one of those times that a person definitely got what they paid for.
When the hearing convened, Smith petitioned the court to have Nolan returned to his mother as his sole guardian. He made some aside about Terry's being unfit because of his orientation. That was his first error. Judge Blankenship, who had a gay nephew, was not amused.
Smith went on to say that his client was trying to prevent her younger son from becoming a homosexual like his older brother. She had been vigilant in keeping tabs on his associates and the sites he visited on his computer.
Mr. Caruthers said that he had evidence of Tiffany's abusive behavior backed up by police reports and videos shot from several angles. In addition, he brought up the emotional anguish that Nolan had suffered when she constantly went through his phone and computer without just cause.
In summation, he asked the court to let the boy choose whom he would rather live with.
Judge Blankenship asked the parties to give him 15 minutes to review the petitions in his chambers so he could review everything undistracted.
When he returned, he asked Nolan what his wishes were.
"Sir, I'd like to remain with Dad all the time. I haven't been allowed to see him very often since the divorce. Mom was ballistic when Griffin came out and she threw him out of the house! She wouldn't let me see him either. I'm not completely sure of my orientation, but I think I may be like my brother. Life was hell until Dad got temporary custody. Please, Sir, let me stay with him!"
"Nolan, what kind of visitation rights would you like your mother to have if I were to place you with your father?"
"None, Sir! She's changed a lot in the past couple of months and I'd be afraid to stay in the same house with her!"
"How old are you, young man?"
"I'll be 13 on Thursday. Isn't that the age of accountability in the bible?"
"Yes, it is. In the Jewish tradition, that was considered the beginning of manhood and marked by a bar mitzva. I think males develop even sooner these days than they did then.
"In view of your approaching age, I believe you're mature enough to make up your own mind. If, in the future, you should become dissatisfied with your choice, I will revisit this case. As of today, I'm granting your wishes. Happy Birthday, Son."
Nolan was so thrilled that he could have kissed the judge! Instead, he hugged his father and embraced their lawyer as well.
Tiffany left, muttering something about "end times."
With that taken care of, Terry no longer had to make any child-support payments. He would be money ahead because he knew that raising two boys wasn't as expensive as his ex-wife had claimed. The alimony he had to pay wasn't very much because they were both working fulltime when they'd divorced. The holidays would be brighter this year.
Nolan's birthday was very special this year. Besides becoming a teenager, he was free from his mother's clutches. To celebrate, the family went out for an excellent dinner at El Paraiso in Cedar Rapids which was his favorite place to eat.
Joaquin pronounced it to be the best Mexican food he'd eaten in Iowa. The restaurant hadn't been there when he was in cosmetology school. It was located only a few blocks from where he'd received his training and he was sure he'd have had lunch there at least three times a week if it had been.
The waitress brought Nolan dessert, on the house, when she found out it was his birthday. The rest ordered something similar and decided not to cut the birthday cake until the next night when his best buds would be with him.
So, Nolan essentially had two celebratory dinners. After making sure their guests, Jace, Eli, and Levi, were all beef-eaters, Terry had gone to Fareway and purchased bacon-wrapped sirloin filets to cook on the grill.
Served with British-style baked potatoes, grilled veggies, and a salad, it was a bountiful dinner. Nolan was so stuffed that he suggested they eat the cake later after playing some games.
From the energy Nolan exhibited, one might think he was high on something. In a way he was; he was high on life. He hadn't realized the stress he'd been living under until it dawned on him that he was totally free.
It was about 9:00 when Nolan blew out all the candles in one breath. He said he didn't make a wish because he'd already gotten everything he wanted.
Griffin and Levi excused themselves shortly after they'd eaten birthday cake and went up to take a shower and head for bed. No one believed they were that tired, but no one teased them.
The younger three stayed up longer. No one asked what they did when they all eventually piled into the same bed.
Another event was destined to make Terry's holiday season brighter. Ken Kurt had seen a small notice in an online sales listing. Tiffany was having a tag-sale at her house because she was moving. Ken was sure that Terry would find it of interest in more than one way.
If Tiffany were relocating to connect with a lover, even if they didn't marry, Terry wouldn't have to pay her alimony anymore. Also, some of the items that the boys didn't receive from the house might be up for grabs. Ken said that his partner, Evert, and he would be willing to scout it out. He could send pix on his phone of things Terry might want to purchase and Terry could reimburse him. Since Tiffany didn't know either of the men, she wouldn't be suspicious about their motives for being at her sale.
Terry was thrilled!
On the way up her sidewalk, Evert spied an old toboggan leaning against the garbage can by the garage. Figuring is was the one Terry had hoped to buy, Evert sent him a photo to confirm it.
Tiffany was cordial, almost smarmy, in greeting her potential customers. Her sale hadn't been well attended and she was ready to reduce all the prices.
The men took their time looking at things, even stuff they had no interest in. It was part of their strategy to get the best deal they could. Evert spied a piece of carnival glass with a price tag of $25. If Terry didn't want it, he did. He figured it would go for 10 times that amount in an antique shop. Seeing his interest, Tiffany reduced the price to $15. To her, it was a piece of junk her father had bought at an auction.
The men bought it and a number of other things including a box of assorted stuff that included some trophies and toys. She admitted that it contained things no one outside the family would care about, but it was an all-or-nothing deal. They would have to dispose of whatever they didn't want.
The old oak washstand that had belonged to Terry's grandmother was listed at $50. She indicated that an antique dealer was interested in it. Ken shrugged and turned away to look at other things, letting her assume they wouldn't pay her asking price.
Evert mentioned the toboggan and Tiffany perked up.
"I'll make you a deal. If you haul off that old sled, I'll give you the washstand for $40 and throw in the box of Christmas ornaments. You might find a gem in there. I don't want to be bothered with taking more to the Goodwill than I have to.
Ken acted reluctant about taking the deal but paid her in cash.
While they were loading up their treasures, Ken ask Tiffany if she was moving into a condo. She said that she was heading to Arizona to be with a man she'd met through a dating service. According to her, she had no living relatives in Iowa anymore and she would be starting a new life. Evert surreptitiously recorded it on his cell phone while pretending to photograph the toboggan.
Later, when they shared that news with Terry, he would find it ironic that he and his ex were exchanging places geographically.
Needless to say, Terry was delighted with the heirlooms the men had been able to obtain for him. The washstand and toboggan held a lot of memories. When he saw the Christmas decorations, he had tears in his eyes. Among them were three strings of the bubble candle lights from the 1950's his grandparents had loved. Amazingly, they still all lit and there were spare bulbs to boot.
He wanted to pay the men a commission for what they'd done. However, Evert insisted that he had his reward in the piece of carnival glass that Terry didn't want.
"Even at the price a dealer will give me, I can make over 10 times what I paid. Are you sure you don't want it?"
"If you can get money out of it, more power to you. I never liked it in the first place!"
Ken and Evert were about to leave when Griffin and Levi came in. Griffin was overjoyed to see the box of toys and awards. He'd figured he would never see them again. He was sure that Nolan would be just as happy to get back some of the favorite things he'd had as a little kid.
Author's notes: I accidentally erased the whole file of this story and am in the process of recovering it bit by bit. Ergo, I don't have the list of those who emailed me this past week. Sorry! Please know that I appreciate hearing from you. Currently, I'm getting my Internet connection via Panera Bread Company. It's not very reliable, so I may not be able to do much on it.
Thanks to David (Boxerdude) for editing this chapter.
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