The little boy was very excited. Finally it was Saturday! He leaped out of his bed and went to the worn and battered dresser next to his bed to look again at the simple invitation carefully placed on top.
You are cordially invited to attend a party at Freddie Henschels house, Saturday November 10 at 3:00 p.m.
He still couldnt believe his good luck! After all Freddie regularly beat him up after school.
Maybe this is his way of making up, he thought to himself, Freddie is kind of quick tempered. And its probably my fault for irritating him. I guess I should act more normal if I want the guys to like me.
Still, it was strange the invitation did not have his name on it. It didnt even have a stamp. Doubts began to rise. Perhaps it was a mistake. Perhaps it was meant for someone else. Perhaps he wasnt invited.
The boy shook his head. No. I wont think about that now.
The little boy did want to ask his mother how the tiny invitation arrived. When she gave it to him he had been so excited that he hadn't thought to ask her about it then. But that would have to wait until this evening. She was always easier to be around in the evening. But no point in thinking about that now, he thought to himself, he had to pick out what he was going to wear.
The boy checked himself carefully in the dingy mirror above his dresser. Hair, neatly combed. Teeth, properly scrubbed. But those jeans! He worriedly checked them again.
The knee patch doesnt look too bad, he said mournfully, if only it was the same color.
Well, it would have to do. At least this pair was mended. Okay. All set. He grabbed a small package with a crooked bow on top and quietly made his way out to the front room. As he reached the front door, he heard a rasping sound from behind.
Momma?
The boy turned and walked over to the dirty sofa and gently laid his hand on his mothers cheek as she lay softly snoring.
Momma? he asked again softly, Are you awake?
He waited a little while before he reached and pick up an old patchwork quilt and gently wrapped his mother up. He looked over at the faded and chipped coffee table and counted two sets of glasses with two empty bottles. He picked up a third bottle and sniffed.
Ewww! Yuck. he snorted, How can they drink this stuff?
The boy shook his head. He would have to ask his mother about it sometime. But not now. He quietly crept over to the front door, and slipped out into the bright sunshine.
Fortunately Freddie only lived a few miles away, so it should only take a couple of hours to walk over. He thought of running, that would cut his time down by at least half, but he decided against it. He didnt want to risk damaging the gift.
The little boy smiled inwardly at his own cleverness about his choice of presents for Freddie. Matching miniature Convertibles. One red, the other black and both with a gold eagle on the hood. He had to use the last of his Christmas money to buy them, but it would be worth it when he saw Freddies face. When Freddie opened the gift, and saw how valuable it was, it would surely change Freddies attitude toward him. The little boy would have a friend at last.
The boy thought of the kids who would be at Freddies birthday party, the games they would all play together and how he could finally be a part of their fun. He felt a warm glow in anticipation. It would be the best day of his short life. At that thought he walked even faster.
When he arrived at Freddies house, the front door was open, so he stuck his small head inside and carefully peered around. No one was in sight. He quietly walked in. He stopped suddenly and his eyes widened in awe. What he had found was more than he had ever imagined.
Wow. he breathed in wonder, Look at the size of that cake.
He reached out to some of the nearby brightly colored decorations and streamers, as if by simply touching them their beauty would envelope him and erase all his shortcomings. The little boy felt joyful, as if joy were a warm blanket surrounding him and protecting him. Somewhere deep inside, he knew he belonged here among the love and warmth of this house and all its delights. He had given his best to Freddie and he knew it would be enough. Freddie would smile at the boy with a simple nod of approval and they would be friends forever. It was all the little boy ever hoped for.
The little boys thoughts were interrupted when a chubby boy with chocolate smeared around his mouth marched up to him.
Hey! What are you doing here? he bellowed. Youre not invited!
Before the boy could answer, Freddie grabbed the gift out of his small hands.
Whats this? he demanded as he tore apart the grubby gift wrapping, Oh racy cars, huh. Big deal. Ive got tons of them and theyre better than this piece of crap. he said dropping the precious cars on to the floor. Hey, watch this.
With that Freddie leaped up and landed on the fragile toys, crushing them.
Car wreck! he squealed, as parts flew in every direction, I love it when that happens. Well, I guess they dont make em like they used to.
He turned to look at the little boy.
Okay. You can go now.
Wait a minute. You invited me. said the little boy hurriedly. He quickly dug in his pocket and pulled out the tiny invitation. See? I have an invitation and everything.
I dont care what you have. snarled Freddie as he grabbed the invitation, Besides it doesnt even have your name on it. That shows you arent invited. Youre nothing but a troublemaker. You just want to ruin my party!
Freddie began pushing the smaller boy toward the front door.
Now get out and go away or Ill beat you to a pulp!
Freddie gave the little boy one last hard shove, causing him to trip over the welcome mat and fall hard on to the wet grass outside. Freddie slammed the door shut.
The little boy lay still, too stunned to cry and too shocked to move. His invitation; the gift; the party. All of it gone.
Something precious, deep inside, shriveled.
No. I cant think about what happened right now. he thought to himself, Ill ask Momma when I get home. Shell tell what I did wrong.
He shook himself and crept over behind the bushes in front of Freddies house and huddled down.
Freddie may be able to keep me from going inside, but I can still enjoy myself right here. I can listen to whats going on inside. he whispered. Then the little boy brightened. If I stay here long enough, maybe Freddie will realize what a mistake he made. Yeah. Then hell come and get me and I can go inside with everyone else.
Yes. Thats it. All he had to do was wait here just a little while longer, he reasoned, and then then everything will be okay. Besides it wasnt that bad sitting in the dirt by the side of the house.
Theyll be sure to come and get me. I know it. The little boy sighed contentedly and leaned back with his ear against the frame of the house. Just a few more minutes and Ill be in there too.
The boy awoke with a start. It was dark. His legs ached from being curled up for so many hours.
Where am I? he thought. Then memory and realization hit him.
Freddie.
The gift.
The party. Gone.
He shivered slightly as he stood and walked to the sidewalk. It was colder out tonight than last night. He stood there and looked carefully at all the neat houses arranged him. He saw the warm glow of lights in each one. He thought of all the families and wondered what it must be like to live inside one of those houses.
It doesnt make any sense. he barely spoke above a whisper, Why?
The boy slowly shook his head. He knew he must have done something wrong, but what? He wished again that he was smarter. Then it would all make sense. He would have to ask his mother sometime. She could tell him.
Then he stopped.
Wait a minute., he said quickly, Teds birthday is next week. Hes sure to invite me. Teds different from Freddie. Hes never beat me up and he was really nice to me after he copied my homework yesterday. If thats not being friendly, what is?
Yeah. Thats it. This time would be different.
With that, the little boy raced off into the thousand year night.
(edited big tex 12:37 a.m.)
Edited by - Big Tex on 16 November 2002 1:37:39