Two weeks after Jess’ surgery, we planned a small party for her recovery. All my new friends, Jess’ lifelong friends, were invited as well. The weekend was going to be a busy one to say the least. The festivities began early in the afternoon, the guests were invited to start showing up at one o’clock. Being mid January, we held the party in Pap’s heated shop. Tom and Amber were the first to arrive shortly before one o’clock. The rest arrived shortly thereafter, along with a few more friends from Jess’ school. She asked me not to make a scene in front of the ones I did not know. She was merely classmates with them and unsure of their possible reaction. I agreed and we acted like normal family while they were present.
The party went just as any family oriented party would go. We had a meal with loads of sweets and a large bowl of un-spiked punch. I hung close to Jess and her friends, but at times, I must admit, I felt a little out of place. Most of the conversations centered around the goings on at school. I didn’t know any of the people they talked about.
Thankfully, most of the party-goers left in a couple hours. The only ones left were the members of our circle, and family members, of course. With a huge sigh of relief, I embraced Jess, gave her a massive kiss, and said, “Oh, Baby. I have missed you.”
She laughed as she kissed me back. “Now the real fun can begin.” She chuckled. “What are we able to do, though. It is freezing outside.”
Without hesitation, Tom ran to his car and brought back his guitar and amp. “I know you all may not be interested but I just had to show it off,” he said excitedly. He pulled the instrument out of the case and plugged it in. After making sure it was in tune he played a few rudimentary tunes. “I am not that good yet, but this is just the beginning.” I watched in awe as he played around showing the chords he had learned and some of the fingering he was practicing.
Within an hour, Kendall, David, James and I were convinced we needed to have guitars as well. I had already started working Dad to let me get one. He took me to the side, “You told me last week you would really like to get one of these things.”
“Yes,” I answered.
“Are you into it for the long haul? If you are just going to give it up in a couple months, we can forget it all.”
“No, Dad,” I said in all earnest. “I mean, yes. I am into it for the long haul.”
“Okay then,” He said after a moment of thought. “You will be using your own money for the instrument and lessons. You have enough, right?”
“I am sure I have plenty,” I answered. “How much, Tommy?”
“Depends on what you want. I paid nine hundred for my Fender. Three hundred for the amp.”
“We’ll have to go on-line and see what is available.”
“How ’bout we just go to Guitar Center?” suggested Jess.
“Great idea, Baby!” I yelled. We all piled into a couple cars and headed for the nearby Guitar Center.
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