The Great Surprise

Mid-twenties, I had moved from my first apartment on the hill, to a pink house on a quiet one-way street. It had an enclosed front porch, crown moldings and hardwood floors. I was in heaven…for about three months, until I realized I couldn’t actually afford this cute pink house on a quiet one-way street.

I remember calling my dad, and telling him how I thought I’d made a terrible mistake, moving to this house. I didn’t realize how much the oil heat would cost, and I wasn’t taking home as much as I thought I would, with the new job I’d just started.

“Don’t worry, honey.” He said reassuringly. “Why don’t you move back home. We won’t charge that much!” he laughed.

When I hung up the phone, I called my landlord. I explained that the rent and all the extras were more than I could afford. Luckily I was a tenant-at-will, and only needed to give 30-days notice. As it turns out, she decided to rent it to her daughter, so all I had to do was pack. I remember watching Casablanca on my little tv, with a sense of relief. All I had to do was pack!

Now, at the time, my mom had just left for Ft. Myers Beach, Florida to visit her folks. She’d be gone for a few weeks. Hmmm…perfect timing or what?

“Dad, what are ya doing right now?” I asked.

“I’ll be right over.” He said.

It was go time.

My dad and I packed up his car and mine, made a few trips, and by evening, I was fully ensconced in my old bedroom, sitting on my old bed – pictures hung and clothes put away. We’d left all of the furniture in the basement, to deal with later. But for now, I was back home.

That night my mom called. I answered the phone. “Hey, mom!”

“Ooooh good. You’re there! I didn’t want your father to be alone this whole time I’m with Ma & Dad.” She said, a sense of relief in her voice.

“I’m glad you’re happy I’m here.” I laughed. “I kinda live here now. Surprise!”

I handed the phone to my dad, and ran into the kitchen, plopping myself on the chair.

After a few minutes, my dad came over and sat down next to me at the kitchen table.

“Looks like we forgot to tell Mum that you’re back.”

“Looks like!” I laughed.

“So, you want me to make you a hot fudge sundae?” he asked.

“Of course!”

My dad made one for himself, and one for me – three different scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts and jimmies.

“This is gonna be fun!” he said. “I can have a hot fudge sundae buddy!”

We clinked our spoons together in solidarity.