Friendsgiving 9.0 - The Power of Friends
“Gleeps!” exclaimed Trixie to her husband, Tad. “I thought that guy was going to run all the way down the field and score a touchdown.”
Tad and Trixie Belden Webster were seated in the cozy living room of the modest house they had bought, after an agonizingly long search, the year before. Then they had spent many weekends and evenings, with the help of all the Bobwhites, transforming the house into their own peaceful oasis. The house, an older, comfortable cape cod style, consisted of three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs while the main floor had a living room, dining room, kitchen and an extra bedroom that Tad and Trixie used as a small den. The Belden-Websters had spent the last several days getting their house ready for the day's event: cleaning water spots off wine glasses, placing pumpkins, leaf garlands and fairy lights in strategic spots, and setting up one small Christmas tree, decorated with bobwhite birds, to help the group usher in the spirit of the season. Now the two were watching a college football game while waiting for their guests to arrive for their annual Friendsgiving Feast.
“Good thing we got everything ready. ”Tad glanced over at his wife. “Now all we have to do is relax and enjoy the game. And, by the way, I think your idea for lasagne was genius. While it bakes, we have fun. No stress. No mess.”
Trixie nodded proudly. “I agree. It was a genius idea. And by making it weeks ago and freezing it…” She stopped abruptly.
“What?” asked Tad, a trace of panic in his voice.
“Gleeps! I forgot to take it out of the freezer.”
Trixie jumped up and ran down to the basement where the young couple had an old refrigerator that they used for extra food. A few minutes later, she returned to the couch where she propped her feet upon the old chest that sat in front of it.
“Are we okay?” queried Tad. “Cuz if we’re not, we’ll never hear the end of it from Mart.”
Trixie waved her hand nonchalantly through the air. “We’re fine. I’ll just have to cook the lasagne a bit longer but nobody will mind. At least this year we’ll have an uneventful Friendsgiving…”
Tad quickly clamped his hand over Trixie’s mouth. “Don’t say another word or you’ll jinx it.”
“Ha! Ha! I’m not going to jinx anything. What could go wrong? I made a salad this morning, although it's not great, the oven is preheating for the lasagne and the bread is waiting to join it. Honey’s bringing Italian green beans that will also go into the oven, although why she is bringing green beans is a mystery to me. And Di is bringing dessert. Dan is bringing an appetizer which will probably be a six pack of beer and microwave popcorn, but even that won’t be a problem. Now all we need are the guests.”
Before Trixie could take another breath, the front doorbell rang.
“And here they are, right on time.” She jumped up and hurried to the door.
Mart and his wife Diana stood ready to enter. Diana held a large, covered casserole dish while Mart carried a half-eaten bag of pretzels.
“Here,” her brother said as he thrust the crumpled bag toward her “My contribution to today’s culinary festivities.”
“I see you went all out,” commented Trixie. “How thoughtful.”
“Hey!” Mart exclaimed, suddenly defensive. “I was diligently occupied at the garden retail establishment this weekend. I think every single citizen in Sleepyside purchased their tannenbaum and, at this potent moment, is stringing lights and other baubles across the fragrant boughs.”
Diana slipped out of her coat and handed it to Trixie. “He’s in a delightful mood. I almost pushed him out of the car on our way over.” She shook her head. “He always gets so cranky when the garden store is busy. I think it’s low blood sugar,” she whispered then proceeded into the kitchen where she placed her dessert in the refrigerator.
“What is it?” asked Trixie, who had followed behind.
Diana, her long dark hair gleaming in the late afternoon sunbeam that filtered through the kitchen window, wagged a beautifully manicured finger at her friend. “No. No. No. You’ll have to wait until after dinner.”
“Fine,” replied Trixie. “But it better be worth the wait.”
Diana offered her friend a mysterious smile. “Oh, it always is.”
The doorbell rang again and Trixie hurried to answer it, greeting her brother Brian and her friend Honey. Brian headed into the living room while Trixie steered Honey, who was holding her vegetable entree, toward the kitchen. After relieving Honey of the dish, Trixie and her two friends poured some wine then headed into the small den.
“Ohh, I love your bobwhite tree,” said Diana. “It totally makes everything in the room pop. You know, the red in the rug and the throw pillows and then the birds and red berries on the tree.”
“Of course it does. You helped me put the whole thing together,” grinned Trixie. She closed the door slightly. “Now we can talk in here without interruptions from the game.”
“So,” asked Diana. “What should we talk about?”
“I don’t know.” Trixie looked at Honey. “Any ideas?”
“I don’t have anything to discuss,” answered Honey as she tossed her light brown hair that gently grazed the shoulders of a hunter green turtleneck sweater.
“Really?” asked Trixie. “Are you sure?”
Honey blushed. “Absolutely, positively, certainly sure.”
“Really?” Trixie pursed her lips. “Hmm…How about if I suggest something?”
Honey straightened her shoulders. “Go ahead.”
“Okay,” Trixie looked her friend in the eye. “Explain today.”
Honey shrugged. “It’s chilly and I thought this turtleneck would be warm and comfortable.”
Trixie and Diana glared at their friend.
“That’s not what we’re talking about,” said Diana. “But now that you mention it, that turtleneck does look amazing on you. The color is perfectly perfect.”
“Enough!” exploded Trixie. “We want to know what is going on with you and Brian. Are you two finally getting back together?”
“Oh, that.” Honey twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. “No, we’re not back together.” Her slim fingers made graceful air quotes. “We’re just dating a bit.”
Diana and Trixie looked at each other. “What does that mean?” asked Diana.
“Just as it sounds, dating a bit. Nothing serious.” Honey took a sip of her wine.
Trixie started to ask another question, but the doorbell chimes interrupted her. Running to answer the door, Trixie found Dan and his girlfriend Chelsey on the front step.
“Come in.” Trixie opened the door wider.
“I brought snacks,” said Dan as he handed Trixie the expected box of microwave popcorn and a six pack of beer.
“Thanks, Dan,” said Trixie. “You always bring the most amazing appetizer.”
Dan lightly chucked Trixie on her chin. “Nothing but the best for my nearest and dearest friends.”
From the living room came the sounds of yelling and arguing. “Ah, the game is on.” He smiled at Chelsey apologetically. “I gotta go or those guys might kill each other. You understand, right?”
Chelsey rolled her eyes. “Like I didn’t know this would happen.”
Dan scurried into the living room while Trixie and Chelsey headed towards the kitchen where Trixie paused long enough to pop the lasagne into the oven and pour Chelsey a glass of wine. Then the two returned to the den. But before Trixie could resume her friendly interrogation of Honey, the doorbell rang again.
Trixie jogged back and opened the door to a smiling Jim. “I’m here,” he said, grinning broadly. “But I felt weird not contributing to the meal so I brought a bag of Hershey kisses. And look! They’re all dressed up for the season.”
“So they are.” Taking Jim's coat, Trixie nodded her head toward the living room. “You know where the guys are. And don’t worry, everything’s under control. Dinner’s in the oven but now it sounds like the guys are not happy with whatever play just occurred.”
“Trixie!” yelled Mart. “I’m experiencing an episode of starvation. Is there anything this poor mover and shaker of the small burg of Sleepyside can nosh on?”
“That’s my cue.” Dan stood up. “I should have known you couldn’t last ten minutes without eating something.”
“Hey!” Mart fired back. “I had an incredibly hectic yet productive day and I need my nutritious substance or at least something akin to it.”
Rolling his eyes Dan stepped over Mart’s outstretched legs and went into the kitchen to make several batches of popcorn while Trixie retreated to the den.
“Now,” she said as she plopped down in an easy chair. “Where were we?”
“Nowhere,” answered Honey.
“But, Honey…” Trixie’s question faltered as the house suddenly went dark. The humming of the furnace ceased, the racquet from the television stopped, and the tiny lights that graced the small Christsmas tree blinked out.
“Hey!” yelled Mart. “We’re watching the game in here. If you think that was funny, I can personally avow that it was not.”
“Tad,” hollered Trixie from her chair in the den. “Go down and check the fuse box.”
Tad quickly jogged down the basement stairs only to return a minute later, a puzzled look on his face. “It’s not the fuse box. Everything looked fine down there.”
“Are you sure?” asked Jim. “Because sometimes those fuse boxes can be difficult to read.”
Tad motioned to Jim. “Come on, I’ll show you. Maybe I missed something.”
Jim and Tad went to the basement while Mart sat and repeatedly clicked the remote control off and on. “Please return to me, game,” he begged. “Don’t I deserve a little kindness after my extreme travails?”
Jim and Tad quietly slipped back into the room. “See,” said Tad. “I told you guys. It’s not the fuse box.”
“Then what is it?” demanded Trixie, who had followed them into the room. “Oh, never mind. Just go turn on the generator.”
By now, the women had joined the men in the murky living room, which was growing darker by the minute as the weak November sun sank lower in the sky.
“Uh, Trixie,” stammered Tad. “We don’t have a generator.”
“Yes we do,” argued Trixie. “It’s in the backyard.”
Tad shook his head. “No, we don’t. Why do you think we do?”
“Because I saw it out there. It’s back in the corner, behind those big lilac bushes.”
Tad shook his head. “Trixie, that’s the compost bin.”
“The compost bin?” Trixie sighed loudly. “So we don’t have a generator?”
“No.”
Just then Dan, who had been standing in the doorway, came into the room holding his box of popcorn. “Okay, guys. I give up. You ask me to make popcorn, which I try to do, but then the power goes out. Is this supposed to be funny?”
Mart jumped up. “You!” he pointed an accusing finger at Dan. “You made the power go out.”
Dan rubbed his forehead. “Really, Mart. And just how did I do that?”
“I don’t know but I will eventually formulate a hypothesis.” Mart rubbed his hands together. “All I know is there are no provisions and no game. I’m not endorsing this type of entertainment.”
Honey glanced out the big front window and gasped. “Guys, look! The whole street is dark.”
Tripping over each other, they all rushed to survey the street that was lined with similar family houses, some already gaily decorated for the upcoming Christmas season. But now, those houses were as dark and vacant looking as Trixie and Tad’s.
“That’s amazing,” remarked Brian. “It looks like the whole street is out. I bet there are a lot of angry calls being made to the electric company.”
Mart scowled at Dan. “Couldn’t you have popped the popcorn at your own house. Just look at the results of your shenanigans.”
Dan shook his head. “No, pretty sure this one isn’t on me.”
As the group stared out the window, their eyes traveling up and down the street, they were interrupted by a ferocious growling from Mart’s stomach.
“See,” said Mart. “I told you I was in dire need of some sustenance. At least Trixie made dinner in advance. I suggest we light candles and enjoy some nice hot lasagne with Italian green beans and garlic bread. Who’s with me?”
Several hands shot up, but not Trixie’s. “Uh, yea, about that lasagne. See, I forgot to get it out of the freezer earlier so it was still frozen when I put it into the oven about 15 minutes ago. I don’t even think the oven had fully heated. So my guess is it is still a big lump of frozen noodles, cheese and tomato sauce.”
“And,” added Honey. “I hadn’t put my green beans in the oven so they’re still cold.”
“We do have a tossed salad,” offered Trixie weakly. “But, I didn’t have as much dressing as I thought so it’s a little bare.”
Mart collapsed on the couch. “This is a complete and total calamity of horrendous proportion. No dietary fodder, no game and no game-time cuisine. But rabbit food…that we have.”
Jim grabbed his bag of candy. “I can offer you a kiss, Mart.”
“No thank you, Jim,” said Mart frostily as he stared at the floor. “If I want a kiss, I go to Diana.”
“I meant the candy,” said Jim. He held out the bag.
Mart grabbed it. “At least they’re not frozen.” He unwrapped one and popped it into his mouth.
Finding seats, the group settled quietly, staring at each other, the fireplace, or the dead television screen. The fall decorations that Trixie and Tad had so diligently worked at were now obscured in the darkening corners of the room.
Honey heaved a sigh. “What do you guys think we should do now?”
“Hey! “ said Trixie brightly. “Why don’t we light a fire? Maybe we can cook the lasagne over the flames. And I know our fireplace is ready because we had it cleaned. Right, Tad?” She looked at her husband expectantly.
“Uh, Trixie.” Tad cleared his throat. “Remember the day the company was supposed to come clean our chimney?”
Trixie nodded, her eyes narrowing a bit as she watched her husband.
“Well,” Tad continued. “It was a really nice day and I had the afternoon off and so did Spider so I canceled the chimney sweep and instead went golfing with my brother. I thought I told you to schedule another appointment.” He drummed his fingers anxiously on his thigh.
“You did not,” answered Trixie hotly.
Tad exhaled loudly. “Sorry, babe. I guess we got our wires crossed.” He elbowed Dan, who was sitting next to him. “Get it. We got our wires crossed. You know, electricity and all that jazz.”
Dan grinned. “I got it. I would have just assumed that you gave Trixie a mixed signal.”
Tad high-fived Dan. “Another good one!”
“Uh-hem.” Trixie cleared her throat loudly. “So now what are we going to do?”
“Hey, maybe we can watch the game on the Ipad or the computer,” suggested Tad. He jumped up and ran off in search of the devices.
“Don’t bother,” yelled Trixie. “The Ipad is all out of juice and I forgot to recharge it. As for the computer, will it work without the internet?”
Tad came back, slumped on the couch and dropped his forehead into the palm of his hand. “No, of course not. Oh, for the days of a good old transistor radio. They never needed charging and didn’t require the internet.”
“But they did require batteries,” Honey pointed out. “And as I recall, they were always losing energy.” she grinned at Dan.
“Nice, Honey.” Dan pulled out his phone. “Nope. I have some juice but not enough to get us through the whole game.” He scrolled through the phone, then studied the screen for a moment. “Never mind, the current score would shock you.”
“What is it?” demanded Mart.
“Let’s just say that the team we’re rooting for is also experiencing a power outage.”
“How bad?” asked Mart weakly.
Trixie glanced over Dan’s shoulder. “Gleeps! Bad enough that you might require the paddles to revive you if you saw the score.”
Mart flopped back against the couch. “I’m hungry,” he whined. “Isn’t there anything to eat?”
"Let's see,” Trixie tapped her index finger against her lips. “I mentioned the salad and we do have other stuff but most of it is frozen or requires heat. Oh, yeah, We do have an unopened box of Count Chocula that Tad demanded we buy.” She sighed. “Although, to be honest, I don’t know why he likes it so much.”
“Becuase it is totally delicious. And shouldn’t that be Count Shocula?” grinned Tad. “They always give me a jolt of energy. Perhaps you’d like some.” He looked at Mart. “I’m sure it could recharge your battery.”
“Do I look so desperate that I would eat a children’s cereal?” asked Mart. “But if I don’t have food within the next 30 seconds, I may be required to indulge in the aforementioned children’s fare.”
“How long do you think the power will be out?” asked Honey, shivering slightly.
“I don’t know but I wouldn’t think it’d be out too long,” answered Jim.
“Trixie,” said Honey as she pulled her sweater sleeves over her hands. “Maybe while there is still some light, you should gather up candles and flashlights.”
“Good idea,” said Jim. “Candles might even provide some warmth.”
“Okay.” Trixie stood up and left the room and went into the dining room where several ivory tapers stood ready and waiting on the set table. She went through a drawer, scoring a bag of tea lights and additional tapers. Finally, she grabbed a couple of flashlights and a battery powered lantern. Turning on the lantern, the room was suddenly brighter and the mood shifted. Spirits rose and the familiar camaraderie resurfaced.
“Hey!” said Dan. “i’ve got a question for you guys. Why did the power outage go to school?”
“What?” puzzled Trixie. “Are you serious, Dan?”
Dan ran his hand through his hair. “Trixie, it’s a joke. Play along, would you please?”
“Okay. Hmm…”
“I don’t know,” said Honey. “Why did the power outage go to school?”
“Because he wanted to become a bright spark!” Dan chuckled at his own joke.
“Okay. I can top that,” said Tad. “Why did the power outage break up with his partner?”
"Let's see,” said Trixie. “Oh, I know. It’s because they could no longer see each other?”
Tad snapped his fingers and pointed to his wife. “That’s a pretty good answer. But the correct answer is because there was no spark left.”
The group laughed together, except Mart, who just glowered at them.
“So,” grumped Mart. “Are we now going to toss out lame jokes? I’m hungry and I don’t find these jokes very filling.”
“Oh wait,” said Honey as she waved her hands through the air. “I’ve got one. Why don’t power outages make good detectives?”
“Ooh, that is good,” said Jim. “Let’s see. Is it because they don’t have a spark?”
Honey shook her head. “No. The answer to this riddle doesn’t involve a spark.”
Tixie began bouncing up and down in her seat. “I know. I know. It’s because they always leave you in the dark.”
“Bingo!” smiled Honey.
“Okay,” said Dan as he scooched to the edge of his seat. “What is the power outage’s favorite movie?”
“Dark Victory?” suggested Brian. “No, wait. A Shot in the Dark. Hmmm. Oh, I know. The Dark Knight.”
“And our resident doctor scores,” said Dan as he scooted back in his seat.
“This is so much fun,” exclaimed Diana. “Don’t you think so, Mart?” She poked her husband.
“Not really,” muttered Mart.
“Whatever,” sighed Diana. “Okay, I have one. Why did the power outage get arrested?”
“Oh, that’s a tough one,” said Chelsey.
“Give up?” asked Diana as she watched the stumped group in front of her.
“Wait!” cried Trixie. “I’m not done thinking.”
“Does that mean there are times when you are done thinking?” demanded Mart. “Like maybe when you didn’t put the lasagne in the oven on time?”
Trixie stuck out her tongue at her brother. “No. I just want more time with this joke. Okay, I give up. What’s the answer, Di?”
“The power outage was accused of stealing the spotlight."
“I love that one,” exclaimed Honey as she clapped her hands. “Anybody else got a joke?”
“I’ve got another one,” said Diana. “Why did the power outage join the theater?”
Looking at each other, the group all shook their heads. “What’s the answer?”
“Because it loved it when the lights went down!”
Everybody laughed at Diana’s joke, even Mart broke a slight smile.
“Who’s next?" asked Jim.
“You mean there’s more to this farcical situation?” asked Mart. “I thought maybe we could traverse to Wimpy’s or order a pizza. I mean, guys, I’m pretty much expiring right here on the divan.”
Diana frowned. “Come on, Mart. You’re being rather dramatic, don’t you think?” She poked at his side. “Look, I’m zapping you into a better mood.”
Mart frowned at his wife. “I suppose you think that was funny?”
Diana shrugged. “Yes. And I’m really having a good time, despite all the dark vibes coming from a certain person who shall remain nameless.”
Mart sat silent, his arms folded defiantly across his chest.
“C’mon, Mart. Diana’s right,” said Jim. “You know, show that familiar spark that we’re all used to.”
“Really, Jim.” Mart grimaced at his friend. “Of all the people in this room, I would have thought that you would be above all these gruesome puns or jokes or whatever they purport to be.”
Jim smiled. “Au contraire, Mart. I’m just getting warmed up.”
“So we’re really not calling it quits,” groaned Mart.
“No,” answered Diana firmly.
The group settled in closer while Trixie got up and lit a few more candles, placing one near the front door and another two in the downstairs bathroom. The room took on a soft glow, while the last rays slipped below the horizon. Trixie opened the old trunk and pulled out several blankets and passed them around. “These should help keep the chill off.”
The group draped the blankets across their laps so they all could share in the warmth. Trixie went to the kitchen and returned with several bottles of wine, extra glasses. and small plates of salad. After distributing the glasses, she filled them, topping off the wine the ladies had shared in the den. The small salads were passed and the room became quiet as the guests munched on the crunchy lettuce and carrots.
Brian pulled out his phone, tapped at the screen a few times, then fell silent. “Hmm,” he tugged at his bottom lip while he studied his phone. “It appears a lot of Sleepyside is out, including Wimpy’s and the pizzeria. Sorry, Bro, but it looks like our situation is static.”
“Nooo!” wailed Mart. “Now my own brother is tormenting me.”
“And,” continued Brian. “I haven’t even told you the worst part of this nightmare. According to reports, the power outage was caused by a food truck that hit a tree. Consequently, the tree fell down and hit a bunch of lines and a transformer.”
“A food truck?” gasped Mart as he clutched at his chest. “The ultimate in betrayals..” He covered his face with his hands. “How can I affect this disastrous turn of events? This is the worst Friendsgiving ever and it’s all Trixie’s fault.”
“My fault?” gasped Trixie. “And what did I do?”
“You didn’t put the lasagne in the oven soon enough. Duh!”
Trixie rolled her eyes. “Mart, if I had known this was going to happen I suppose I could have put it in the oven this morning but by now, it would be cold.”
“Yes,” replied Mart. “But we could have consumed cold lasagne, at least I could have. Now all I have is this lame salad with a minute, and let me stress the word minute, amount of dressing. I should just go toss it into your compost bin.”
“There’s still the Count Schocula,” grinned Tad. “Although, I’m thinking of getting myself a bowlful of that delicious cereal.”
“Stop.” Mart stood up and held out his hand toward Diana. “Maybe we should just go.”
Diana removed her hand from his. “But Mart, wouldn’t you rather stay and have Sex in a Pan?”
Mart dropped back onto the couch, his jaw hanging open and his eyes wide. “What?”
“I asked if you would rather have Sex in a Pan.” Diana flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I know how much you like that?”
Mart looked around the room. “Diana,” he whispered hoarsely. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, Mart,” sighed Diana wearily. “It’s that chocolate dessert I make. You love it.”
“But what about the sex part?” Mart whispered.
“It’s the name of the dish. Don’t you ever listen to me when I tell you what I cook. Honestly, it’s like you’re on another grid or something.”
Mart held up his hands in defeat. “Okay, you all win. We’ll tell obtuse jokes and eat dessert. But as I stated, this feast is another failure for Trixie.”
“Oh, really.” Trixie folded her arms across her chest. “And knowing that the outage was caused by a food truck still makes it all my fault?”
Mart pinched the bridge of his nose. “I do not have an appropriate response but, given some time for some serious cogitation, I’m sure I could ideate a theory or two as to why this is ultimately your fault.”
“Come on, Trixie.” Diana stood up and held out her hand to Trixie. “Let’s go into the kitchen and dish out the Sex.”
“Gladly,” replied Trixie. “But what should we serve with it?”
Dan raised his hand. “I can answer that: a nice glass of wine and some flickering, drippy candles, which, obviously, we already have.”
Trixie glanced over her shoulder. “And thank you, Dan, for that contribution.”
Dan gave a mock bow then tucked the blanket tighter around him and Chelsey.
Diana sighed then whispered to Trixie. “Don’t worry about how we’re going to serve it. Instead worry about how shocked Mart is going to be when we tell him that next year he has to host the Friendsgiving Feast due to his intolerably rude behavior this year.”
Trixie rubbed her hands together. “That might be even better than the Sex in a Pan.”
“Oh, Trixie,” gushed Diana. “Clearly you’ve never had Sex in a Pan. You’re in for a real treat.”
The two disappeared into the kitchen and returned several minutes later with a tray full of the plated dessert. After passing out the chocolate concoction, Trixie and Diana sat down. The room became silent while the Bobwhites ate the delicious dessert.
“This is the best,” exclaimed Dan. “Sex in a Pan. I’ll have to remember that.” He winked at Chelsey.
“At least it’s not those horribly inedible eels you presented to us a few years ago,” complained Mart.
“The eels again!” Dan shook his head. “Can’t you just leave them alone?”
“No,” answered Mart. “They were horrible and that’s quite a statement coming from me.”
“You know, Mart,” said Jim as he set down his plate. “Some eels do have electrical charges. They use them to stun their prey.”
“What are you saying?” demanded Mart. “That if we had those eels here now we could use them to generate electricity so that maybe once, just once, we could have a decent Friendsgiving feast?”
Grinning, Jim shook his head. “Not at all. But it did quiet you down for a minute.”
Mart licked his fork, then his plate. “Can I have some more?” he begged.
Diana shook her head. “I dished it all out.”
Mart sighed loudly and flopped back against the couch. “I need more. I need more.”
Jim leaned over. “I could always give you a kiss.”
Mart held out his hand and Jim poured several chocolate kisses into it. Trixie collected the plates and returned them to the kitchen while the group adjusted the blankets they had across their laps and snuggled closer together. As the room became dark, the light from the flickering candles could no longer reach the corners. The conversation grew soft as the Bobwhites began planning their next get-together.
“How about a progressive dinner?” suggested Honey. “We don’t do those very often.”
“Nope,” answered Mart. “I just want to be able to sit down and indulge my passion for a scrumptious meal and not have to venture out in the cold to get the next course.”
“A potluck?” Trixie looked around at the group.
“Nope.” Mart pulled his blanket closer to his chest.
“Then what?” demanded Tad.
“I suggest a simple exposition of merrymaking with the delectable repast of pizza. We can exchange tokens of the season and toast our advantageous pursuits.”
“Whatever that means.” Trixie raised her hand in the air. “But I vote for it if only to keep Mart from trying to explain another idea of his. Do I hear a second for that motion?”
In unison, the group responded. “I second that.”
“And,” added Diana. “In recognition and celebration of Mart’s delightful mood, I nominate that we host next year, with Mart doing all the preparation. Who’s with me?”
A quick show of hands showed support for Diana’s idea.
“That’s a distinct possibility,” said Mart, patting his stomach. “You know, Sex in a Pan really does elevate one’s low spirits. And, I could acknowledge that I have been less than stellar today. And if that is an exemplification, then I have just one more thing to say.” He paused dramatically. “What is the power outage’s favorite dessert?”
“Black forest cake?” shouted Dan.
“Hmm. That sounds delicious, but not what I’m thinking of, although definitely a decent and adequate answer.”
“Dark chocolate kiss?” suggested Jim as he passed his bag of candy around.
“Another good answer,” agreed Mart. “But not the one I’m thinking of.”
“I don’t know. What?” asked Diana.
“Dark chocolate mousse,” grinned Mart.
“That does sound yummy,” said Diana.
“But not as delicious as Sex in a Pan,” said Mart as he leaned over and kissed Diana. “And I accept being the host next year. I guess I was kind of a pain today.”
“Kind of?” questioned Dan, his eyebrows raised.
“You guess?” added Brian.
“Fine. Definitively. Are you all happy now?” challenged Mart.
“Yea,” grinned Dan. “Pretty much.”
After sharing another round of jokes, Trixie went and found a deck of cards and a handful of spoons and soon the friends were all laughing and shouting their way through a raucous game of Spoons.
Author notes: Thank you to all who read my stories. I hope you enjoy them. A special thank you to my sister, Judith, for her editing and my daughter, Katie, for her suggestions. Also, a big thank you to Mary N. for her technical support. And of course, these stories would not be possible without the original publishing of the Trixie Belden mysteries.
Hershey kisses-chocolate candy with a distinctive conical shape that first appeared in 1907.
Count Chocula-a chocolatey monster cereal from General Mills.
Dark Victory-a 1939 American melodrama film.
The Dark Knight-a 2008 superhero film based on Batman.
A Shot in the Dark-a 1964 comedy film.
Sex in a Pan-a layered dessert with chocolate and vanilla puddings, whipped cream and more in a pecan cookie crust.
Spoons-fast-paced card game and one of my faves!
Jokes are courtesy of the internet.
Previous Friendsgiving stories can be found at Shaded Paths-A New Direction
Word count- 5055
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