An ordinary man makes it through his whole life with a little help from his friends.

HELP EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

by Joe Reister © 2024

“Look at that gorgeous smile.”  John really didn’t remember as he looked for his mother and saw two nurses instead.  “We are so blessed.”

“Yes, you are, ma’am, but…”

“Wait a minute,” John heard, smiling more as his mother came into view, and stretched out his hand until it fell back on him.  “That’s gas, isn’t it?  He just farted?”

“Yes.  Yes, he did, ma’am.”  The first nurse grabbed John’s finger, testing his strength, and made John frown.  “It’s not something they tell you about in the baby books, but farts, poop and boogers cause a lot of the smiles and crying until their personalities start to kick in at around six months or so.”

“It’s still beautiful,” John’s father said with his own smile.

“Infants are actually a lot more fun than Chris makes them out to be, sir.”  The second nurse held out a stack of forms for John’s father.  “And little John here will be out of his shell before you know it?”

“And you’ll be about done with all that paperwork by the time he emerges, sir,” Chris said.  “Isn’t that right, Riley?”

“Not quite, Chris,” the second nurse said with a look to the first and then smiled at John’s father.  “But it is a near thing, sir.”

“I don’t mind.”  John’s father took in a deep breath and shrugged at the packet and the pen.  “My wife’s done all of the work so far.”

“I like the sound of that, sir.”  Chris changed John’s diaper without looking.  “Not everyone’s so accommodating with life’s bureaucratic hurdles, right, Riley?”

“I’m sorry to say it’s just part of the process, sir.”  Riley pulled out the first form.  “And everyone has to do it.”

“You did that so quickly.”  John’s mother stared open mouthed and with a finger raised at Chris’s diapering.  “How…?”

“You’ll get it down, ma’am.”  Chris re-swaddled John with a bigger smile and a shrug.  “Babies are tougher than they look, and practice makes perfect.”

John’s father blinked at his son, sharing a look with John’s mother, and then turned back to the paperwork.

“These forms mostly just confirm what we already know, sir.”  Riley pointed out where to start signing.  “It makes John official, confirms you’re his parents and gets him a social security card.”

“So, he can get a passport, pay taxes and take that first international vacation every couple plan for their newborn.”  Chris laughed, with a shake of the head and threw a look at the other nurse.  “Helps him get that secret bank account in Switzerland, right, Riley?”

“Yes.  Chris.  That’s.  Right.  Switzerland.”  Riley gave a look back.  “I read that half of all newborns are setting up secret accounts on their way to becoming super villains.”

“Do you want to say that in front of the parents, Riley?”  Chris threw up a hand.  “I mean…”

“The paperwork’s not a big deal,” John’s father said, waving a hand at the two of them, and picked up the first form.  “I’m an accountant and it’s just what has to be done.”

“Thank you, sir.”  Riley made a face at Chris.

“I didn’t even get a social security number until I needed a job.”  Chris readjusted little John in his bassinet and grabbed his finger again.  “And I think I turned out all right.”

“I don’t think that the standards weren’t quite the same back then, Chris.”

“You’re only three years younger than me, Riley.”

“Yes, but I got a social security card when I was a baby.”  Riley chuckled and gave another look.  “What happened with you?”

Chris sighed, picking up little John, and handed him to his mother.  “He’s looking great, ma’am, but could probably stand a little breakfast.”

“Sounds like a deal.”  John’s mother lowered her blouse.

“Just another part of life.”  Riley noted John’s father signing the first form.  “And thanks again, sir.”

“You bet.”  John’s father leaned into the pile, nodding, and flashed a grin.  “Piece of cake.”

“Just like that new doctor, Riley.”  Chris looked past John’s occupied parents, nodding out into the hallway, and smiled.  “Alex, something?  Did you notice...?”

“Everyone noticed, Chris.  It was hard to miss.”

“Well, I hope you’re throwing your hat in,” Chris said.  “It’s been a while, right?”

“I had dinner with Jamie last week,” Riley said as both John’s mother and father looked up at both of them.  “And…”

“And I think John’s at it again.”  Chris noticed John’s parents’ looks and pointed to another smile on his face.

The same smile John had five years later as he and his parents waited in an empty but bright and shiny kindergarten classroom.

“You all right there, buddy?”  John’s father nudged him in the shoulder and gave him a smile.  “Feeling a little nervous on the first day?”

“Like you did when you were a kid, right, Dad?”  John put on a smile but breathed hard and looked right at his father.

“That’s right, buddy.”  John’s dad noticed the narrowed eyed look, stepping closer, and gave him half a hug.

“But we’re also happy to be here, right, John?”  John’s mother stood ever closer on the other side and grabbed his hand to squeeze it for a second.  “Starting a great, new adventure.”

John nodded, turning to his mom, and smiled more.

“And yes, I’m happy Alex smiled at me,” they all heard suddenly from the other side of the door and turned as one.  “That’s kind of the whole point, isn’t it?”

“But you smiled first,” another person said as John’s parents shared a look.  “That’s just sad.”

“I think it was tie,” the first voice said, swinging open the door.  “So, shut up.”

Everybody froze and John’s eyes got wide.

“Oh kay,” the other voice said as they then both blinked at John’s big eyes and his parents’ open mouths.  

“You must be John’s kindergarten teachers?” John’s father said into the silence and squeezed John again.  “I see you weren’t expecting us.”

“No.  No, we weren’t,” the first voice said, nodding very slowly at John’s father and then mother.  “We’re team teaching, Mr...?”

“Lee.”  John’s father nodded.

“Of course,” the second voice said and nodded back.

“I’m Riley and this is Chris, and we didn’t know students and parents had been let into the classrooms yet, Mr. Lee,” the first voice said, nodding too, and then waved.  “It is quite a surprise to see you.”

“We’re friends with Mrs. Catera,” John’s mother said, waving to Riley and then the room around them before pointing out to the hallway and the school’s main office.  “She’s a neighbor.”

“Of course, you know the principal,” Riley said, chuckling, and put on a smile.  “And I am so sorry we took you by surprise.”

“So.  Sorry.”  Chris nodded big and put on a smile. 

John’s father’s face tightened staring back at them.

“I’m sorry we took you by surprise too.”  John’s mother smiled as John’s father shook his head.  “I’m a physical therapist and you never know when a patient is going to sneak up on you like we just did.”

John’s father gave her a look, but Chris and Riley kept smiling half smiles and then looked down at John. 

“You must be the John Lee we’ve heard so much about.”  Riley took a knee and shook John’s hand.  “You’re just what we were expecting.”

“Even better.”  Chris kneeled too, getting closer, and gave him a nudge in the arm.  “That’s a beautiful smile.”

John smiled wider.

“People usually assume he’s Asian or plays the guitar with that name,” John’s father said, turning to the teachers, but not getting their attention as they focused on John.  “But it’s neither.  He’s just a kid.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.”  Riley nodded, turning up from John, and gave John’s father a look with an even tighter smile.

“Nobody ever does.”  John’s mother shook her head at John’s father. 

“And now we all know something about each other,” Chris said with a wink at John’s mother and a nod at John’s father before turning back to the growing rumble in the hallway.  “Which is more than we can say for the rest of your classmates, John.”

“The other students?” John said, turned to the hallway as he and his parents lost half their smiles.

“That’s right, but don’t worry.”  Chris looked at John with a bigger smile as Riley nodded to the parents.  “Everybody’s super nervous their first day of school, John, and that is A O K.  Riley and I are going to show you how everything works: the ins, the outs and all abouts and everything in between.  We’ll explain the bathrooms, recess, lunch and how to make it to first grade.”

“That’s a lot of information on the first day,” John’s father said with a look.

“Well, we don’t do it all at once, Mr. Lee.”  Riley ignored the look and squeezed John’s arm.  “And I know John here can listen, learn and try hard just by the fact that he’s the first student here today, and we’re going to take care of him like he’s one of our own.” 

John’s mother and father took in a breath. 

“Does that sound all right, Mr. and Mrs. Lee?”  Chris looked at them.

John swallowed with his parents, but then his mother and father found half their smiles again.

“And you’re going to find out that school is a pretty great place to be, John.”  Chris gave a very big nod.  “Yes, there’s a new challenge around every corner, but it gets better every day, and pretty soon you’ll be teaching Riley and me all kinds of stuff too.  Deal?”

“Deal,” John said and smiled wide again.

“Sounds like we’re set then.”  Riley stood up and saw John’s mother and father brighten all the way up again too.  “I think Mr. John Lee here’s going to be fine, Mom and Dad.  I’ve got an eye for this kind of thing, and he’s looking ready and raring to go.”

“I can see that.”  John’s mother rubbed John’s shoulders one last time as he stepped away from his parents.

“There’s that first giant step, John.”  Chris stood up too.  “You’re going to be great.”

“We’ll get him back to you safe and sound at the end of the day, Mr. and Mrs. Lee,” Riley said.  “And he might even return home with an even bigger smile.”

They looked down at John again.

He looked up, giving them each a smile, and then nodded big.  “I’ll see you after school, Mom and Dad.”

John’s mother and father kept their eyes on him, but stepped back one step at a time, and his father wiped away a tear. 

And John turned back to Chris and Riley, smiling as the rest of the students came into the class.

“That went pretty fast.”  John still smiled twelve years later as he stepped to the front of the line with brighter eyes and a hint of dark stubble.  “And not at all what I expected.”

“Life can move pretty quick,” the Driver and Vehicle Services’ clerk said behind the counter without even looking up.  “Although I wouldn’t recommend that for the driver’s test, young man.”

“Yes, ma’a…” John started to say, but stopped, his eyes narrowing on the clerk’s nametag, and he straightened up.  “I mean, yes, Chris, and my parents have always stressed safety first.”

“Of course, they have, young man.”  They’re your parents and no doubt very smart people.”  Chris looked up, glancing at the nametag, and then took in John with an emerging grin.  “I certainly hope you keep listening to them as you get older too.”

“I will.”  John fidgeted, looking away, and just kept up his smile.  “Yes.”

“Good.”  Chris noticed, getting back his attention, and smiled too.  “So, what can I do for you?  You’re not just standing there looking pretty, are you?”

“No, of course not.”  John refocused, fumbling with a slip of paper in his hand and then held it out.  “Sorry.  I…  I passed the written test.”

“Nothing to apologize for.”  Chris looked down at the test, giving John another look, and then noticed a second clerk stepping up to the next station.  “Late night, Riley?”

“The line’s fine, Chris.”  Riley made a face sat down at the next desk without looking back.  “And no, I got home early, not that it’s any of your business.”

“That much fun?”  Chris turned to face Riley head on and suppressed a laugh. 

“I’m not complaining.” Riley said in a quiet voice and shrugged.  “I just woke up late this morning is all.”

“Reeeaaally?” Chris said as John looked pointedly away from the clerks.  “Meaning?”

“Meaning, I overslept.”  Riley threw a hand in the air and turned on the desktop computer.  “Not that it’s anybody’s business, most particularly yours.”

“I did introduce the two of you.”  Chris threw up a hand back.

Riley ignored it.  “No, you didn’t, and we didn’t even kiss, okay?”

“I didn’t ask.”  Chris stared.

“Yes, you did.  You just didn’t say it.”  Riley looked right back at Chris.  “We just had some expresso and peach pie, okay?”

“Is that what the youth are calling it these days?”  Chris let out a laugh.

John laughed too until both the clerks turned to him, and he stopped.  “Sorry.”  He pulled out his phone out of his pocket, flashing it at them, and lost all of his smile.  “Something on the internet.”

Riley gave him a look and then turned it on Chris.

“My bad.”  Chris looked down at John’s test results, double checking them, and found a smile.  “It does look like you passed the written test, Mr. Lee.  Very good.”

“Um, okay.”  John felt the phone in his hand, noting that it was only 9:32 am, and looked back up.  “It’s that fast?”

“We aim to please, Mr. Lee.”  Riley waved forward the next person in line.  “After all we don’t want you here any longer than you have to be too.” 

“Um.”  John stared for a second at Riley and then Chris.  “Okay.”

“Plus, we’re fully staffed, it’s a slow day and we mean business.”  Chris handed John his new driver’s permit.  “I’m glad we could help.”

“Um.”  John took his still warm permit and turned to look back at the very long line.  “Sounds good.”

“Return when you can eavesdrop better and learn to drive.”  Chris waved over the next person in line and gave a look.  “It’s all part of the growing up process, young man.”  The clerk nodded.  “Okay?”

“Okay,” John said then, and again two and a half years later.  “Okay?”

“That’s right.  It’s okay, kid.  So, smile.  You should be happy.”  John stared at the person sitting at the large desk nodding in front of him and tried to smile back.  “You just beat out 25,000 people waiting to get into the second most competitive public university in the United States.”

“Um, yes.”  John nodded and found the smile.  “Thank you, and I am… Riley?”

“It’s Chris, John.  Chris.  I’m admission.”  The person nodded and pointed to another desk.  “Riley’s over there and is academic advisement.  I’m the better looking one.”

Riley waved to John with a shake of the head and mouthed a ‘no.’

“I know it’s a lot to take in, John, but you’re going to meet a lot of new people in the next few weeks, and some of them, like Riley, are actually important.”  Chris raised a hand and got back his attention.  “So, try to keep up, okay?”

“Okay.”  John turned and just stared.

“Thanks for that lovely introduction, Chris, and don’t worry, John, I know that there’s a lot to take in, and you’re doing fine.”  Riley made a face at Chris and pointed John to a free chair and leaned forward as he sat down.  “I understand Chris has got you situated in Cleveland Hall.  That’s a great dorm, and you’ll be happy to know I have a class schedule for you too.”

“Thank you.  Again.”  John nodded, trying to catch his breath, and let it out.  “I appreciate everything the school’s doing at this late date.”

“You’re welcome.”  Riley handed John a class schedule fresh off a nearby printer.  “Unfortunately, you’ve already missed your first Calculus and English classes, and the overall schedule is much earlier in the day than I like to give brand new students, but I think you’ll like the mix of classes based on your major and what you wrote on your application.”

“I’m sure it’ll be great.”  John nodded to Riley and then Chris.  “You don’t mind if I take a quick minute with it, do you?”  He glanced at the schedule with big eyes.  “Like you said, it’s a lot to take in.”

“Of course,” Riley said and shared a raised eyebrow and nod with Chris.  “I wouldn’t expect otherwise.”

John nodded, taking the printout, and turned his full attention to the schedule.

“Huh.”  Chris waved to and failed to get John’s attention.  “I might have accepted him without the waitlist if I saw that intensity in his application.”

“The first day of school has an amazing way of focusing students.”  Riley noted John’s concentration too.  “Particularly when admission accepts you on the first day of class, Chris.”

“We accepted him yesterday, the day before classes start.”  Chris turned to Riley.  “And isn’t this an even bigger night for you and Alex?”

“Shut up.”  Riley frowned and turned back to John. 

“The third date is a milestone, Riley.”  Chris snapped two fingers over the head of a still oblivious John.  “You have something big planned, right?”

“Nothing in particular.”  Riley watched John and shrugged.  “We’re having dinner at my place, and then whatever happens happens, and is nobody’s business, most particularly yours.”

“Subtle.”  Chris laughed and turned right to Riley.  “And you know I practically introduced you two.”

“I’m not expecting anything.”  Riley made a face.  “And no, you didn’t.”

“You should.”  Chris made a face back and nodded big.  “And yes, I did.”

“You know we’re at work, right?”  Riley turned from John to Chris.  “And I actually like my job.”

“That doesn’t mean you have to be dull, Riley.”  Chris nodded to John.  “Plus, this kid’s going to have plenty of college fun once he gets acclimated.  There’s no reason you shouldn’t too.”

Riley frowned and then laughed.  “Thanks for the permission.”

“You’re welcome.”  Chris laughed too and stepped back as John looked up suddenly.

“Looks good,” John said.  “Thanks, Riley.  That History of Philosophy class looks interesting.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that, John,” Riley said.

“That’s what we aim to do.”  Chris watched them.

“Good, but I do have one question,” John said and raised a finger.

“Let’s hear it,” Riley said and leaned forward.

“How did I get a schedule when classes have already started?”  John held up the printout.

“That is unusual,” Riley said and sighed.  “But…”

“That’s part of college, John.”  Chris smiled tightly, patting him on the shoulder, and gave a big nod.  “You’ve got to take the pitches that come to you and get the hits where you can.”

“Excuse me?”  John turned to Riley.

“Remember Chris works in admission, John,” Riley said with an eyeroll.  “They aren’t used to dealing with actual students.”

“Thanks, and that’s not true,” Chris said with a side eye at Riley and turned to John again.  “You don’t play baseball?”

“Hockey.”  John made a face.  “I’m from Minnesota.”

“Really?”  Chris’s eyes went wide.  “Minnesota?”

“It was on my application.”  John smiled.

“That sounds about right,” Riley said with closed eyes.

“Thanks.”  Chris ignored Riley and gave John another look.  “Still, it is the national past time.”

“For now, and, yes, I’ll take a swing because I really like this schedule.”  John nodded to Chris and turned to Riley with a smile.  “Thanks again.” 

“You’re welcome, John, and it’s just the beginning.”  Riley smiled back.  “You want to get everything you can out of college.  Learn a new language, meet different people, try a new hobby and study abroad before you graduate and start your professional life, okay?”

“Really?”  Chris stared and threw up a hand at Riley.  “You don’t think that’s a little much on his first day?”

Riley stayed focused on John and gave him a wink.  “I told you there’s more to college than admission, Chris.”

“Okay.”  John smiled more.  “Sounds like a deal.”

“Sounds like we made the right choice.”  Chris nodded. 

“Yes.”  Riley smiled too.  “I think you’re going to be just fine.”

“That’s good to hear,” John said, still smiling four years later as he heard two people approach the large conference room with the giant windows overlooking the city.

“Time to meet the parents, Riley,” one person said, stopping short of the open door a few feet away from John.  “It’s been six months.”

“Thanks, Chris, and I’m so glad you’re making a big deal out it when even Alex’s parents aren’t.”  Riley stopped short too.  “So, can we do an interview for once without the drama?”

“It’s not just dinner,” Chris said, loudly.  “It’s part of the process.”

“You know we have a job to do?”  Riley said, softly, and enunciated each word.  “Right?”

“I know you’re not thinking straight,” Chris said more calmly.  “Meeting the parents is like the job interview for the rest of your life.”

“Well, I’m glad I do this for a living then.”  Riley sighed.  “And I’m thrilled you’re taking this so seriously.”

“Well, I don’t want you to mess it up by you being you, Riley.”  Chris sighed too.  “And you need to wear something nice, so you don’t embarrass yourself, okay?”

“Right.” Riley let out a laugh.  “And then I have to do that every time I see Alex’s parents.”

“That’s right.  It’s called being an adult.”  Chris sighed.  “You do understand that you’re growing up, right?”

“Shut up,” Riley said in a lower tone.

“Yes, and try not to say that to Alex’s parents.”  Chris said and laughed too.

“Look, I’m ditching the usual weekend Chucks and jeans for something nicer.”  Riley kept up the one.  “Happy?”

“A little, but I was hoping for more,” Chris said.  “I like you guys, you know?”

“I’m so glad I talk to you about my love life.”  Riley chuckled.

“I know,” Chris said.  “It’s because we’re best friends.”

“Whatever,” Riley said and sighed again.  “Can we do our job now?”

“That’s why we’re here.”  Chris led Riley into the conference room as they straightened up, stood tall, and waved to John.  “And I imagine we have an excellent candidate here in John Lee, right?”

“I hope so since you prepped him on how to turn his internship into a full time job,” Riley said and smiled a ‘hi’ to John.  “Right, John?”

“Don’t listen to Riley, John.  That’s what we both want.”  Chris stopped in front of John, noting his new charcoal grey suit, as he stood up and they all shook hands.  “You’ve done great work with the internship.”

“Yes.”  Riley gestured with a thumb to the hallway beyond the door.  “And I’m assuming you weren’t eavesdropping on us.” 

“I was just focusing on the interview, Riley,” John said, waiting for the others to sit down before he joined them at the conference room table.  “Just like Chris recommended.”

“I see John’s learned from the best.”  Chris nudged Riley.

“And yet he still needs to get through the interview,” Riley said with a look at Chris before turning to John and threw up a hand.  “Even though we know you, we like you and you’ve gone above and beyond for the company.”

“I’m very glad to hear that, Riley.”  John noted the gesture and nodded big.  “I enjoy working here.  I’ve learned a lot, know I have a lot more to learn and hope I can make a real difference if I’m ever lucky enough to move past my internship.”

“Where you survived the naked Bert incident?” Chris said.

“That was a day,” John said, not missing a beat, and leaned forward with a bigger nod.  “But I feel I learned a lot from it.”

“Like what?” Riley said.

“Like nobody wants to see you naked.”  John shook his head.  “No matter how much you work out.

“Too true.”  Chris laughed and glanced over at Riley.  “I think John might have a place here.”

“Perhaps.”  Riley ignored the glance and looked right at John.  “But what would you say is your biggest weakness, Mr. Lee.”

“A classic question.”  Chris turned to look right at John too.

He nodded.  “I would say that I’m still very young and have a lot to learn.  So, I try to listen to those around me as much as possible, and only offer my opinion if I think it will be truly useful.”

“Very nice,” Chris said, but Riley nodded for more.

“Also, if I ever am lucky enough to work here in a salaried position, I hope I would be respectful, patient and as honest with my possible future colleagues as I try to be with myself.”  John turned to look right at Riley.  “And even then, I’m not sure I wouldn’t flub it up.”

“Subtle, John.”  Riley half nodded and then turned to Chris.  “Real subtle.”

“I liked it.”  Chris nudged Riley again.  “It was appropriate, just cocky enough for someone who’s interned here for a year and yet still solid advice for this and all other kinds of situations.”

“Shut up.”  Riley sighed yet again.

“I hope that’s a good sign.”  John held his breath.

“Yes.”  Riley turned back to him with half a smile.  “You’ll fit right in, despite Chris’s help.” 

“Great.”  John breathed again.  “Because I’m really sick of waiting tables.”

“Me too, John,” Chris said.  “You’re a terrible waiter.”

Riley nodded.

“Thank you.”  John smiled.  “And sorry about that spilled soup.”

“It’s all good,” John heard, nodding five years later, and took a deep breath.  “Your work and credit history are very impressive, Mr. Lee.”

“Thank you, and please call me John.”  He put on a smile.

“Only if you call me Chris, and this is Riley, the real estate lawyer.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”  John stared at the two of them for a long second, blinking, and then shook their hands.  “I didn’t…”

“The paperwork is all in order for the condo,” Riley said and tapped a large folder.  “But you’re welcome to look it over yourself?”

“Thank you.”  John nodded to the folder on the side of the small conference table between them. “My father said I should double check the details about the homeowners’ insurance.”

“I’m glad to see someone take this seriously.”  Riley side eyed Chris and handed John the folder.  “The insurance information is on pages three and four of the first section, John.”

“Thanks.”  He nodded, opening the folder, and began to leaf through the pages.  “And it’s a big investment, at least for me, and I want to make sure everything’s in order.”

“Very good,” Riley said and pointed a finger.  “And I don’t think you’ll see any problems with the insurance information, John.”

“I imagine so, Riley,” John said and nodded big.  “But like I said, it’s a big investment and something my dad recommended.”  He looked at the folder.  “He’s an accountant.”

“Of course.”  Riley smiled with a knuckle rap on the small conference table between them.  “Take your time.”

“Thank you.”  John’s eyes narrowed on the third page.

“Happy to get paid hourly, huh?” Chris said to Riley, noticing John’s focus on the paperwork, and suppressed a laugh. 

“I’m not complaining.”  Riley shrugged without looking back.  “Not that a few minutes make any difference.”

“Aren’t you glad I recommended real estate law all those years ago?”  Chris leaned into whisper.

Riley leaned back.  “When you actually gave me a good piece of advice?”

“I give you good advice all the time, Riley.”  Chris leaned in even closer.  “That’s why I’m asking when you and Alex are going to make it official.”

“Official?” Riley said, talking quietly as John turned the page, and gave a look. 

“People want to know.”  Chris nodded with big eyes.  “Including your parents.”

“Alex and I’ve lived together for the last three years, Chris.”  Riley frowned.  “What do you want from us?”

“Are the two of you thinking of diamonds?”  Chris sat back with a laugh.  “Because I understand they’re kind of controversial nowadays.”

“You just heard that?”  Riley raised a hand between them.  “You?”

Chris ignored the hand and put on a big smile.  “Sapphire is apparently a popular substitute.”

“Alex and I are more traditional.”  Riley half frowned. 

“And apparently unethical?” Chris nodded more.

“Shut up.”  Riley double checked to see that John was still going over the contract and looked right at Chris.  “You wouldn’t be looking forward to a second marriage if you listened to your partner the first time.”

“That was youthful exuberance, although we did get some good travel in.” Chris shrugged and then half nodded.  “Did you know they invented agriculture in Turkey?”

“You’ve mentioned it.”  Riley’s eyes rolled.  “Along with what a good friend you are, about a thousand times.”

“I am.”  Chris smiled and nodded all the way.  “It’s why we’re selling real estate and living large together.”

“I guess some things never go out of style,” Riley said as John looked up.  “Like diligence, right, John?”

He nodded.  “Yes, everything looks in order.”

“I’m glad we got everything right.”  Chris smiled big and patted Riley on the shoulder.  “It’s what we do.”

“Right.”  Riley nearly flinched and stifled a frown.  “That’s what we do.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”  John smiled too, pulling out a pen, and turned to Riley.  “So, where do I sign?”

“Only in about a million places, John.”  Riley spread out the contract.

“Congratulations,” Chris said and reached out to shake John’s hands.  “You just made the best decision in your life.”

John thought the same thing as he smiled and kissed his glowing bride a year later.  “I did just make the best decision in my life, Laura.”

“You too?”  She kissed him back before noticing their guests.  “But maybe we could continue this a little later, huh, hon.  Like alone.  In private.”

“Right,” he said, looking up, and did a double take at Chris and Riley.  “Um, didn’t I buy my condo from you?”

“Yes, and we’re sorry.  We know your mother in law, John,” Chris said, giving him a wink, and pointing to the numerous faceless guests filing into the ballroom.  “She’s in real estate too, and you know, it’s a small world, and she said you’d be able to help Riley.”

“Um,” John said as Laura took his hand.

“Don’t worry,” Chris said, smiling, and Riley nodded.  “We both got you something very nice on your registry.”

“Oh kay,” John said, his mouth dropping as Laura smiled.  “We...”

“Riley just wants to know how you chose your honeymoon destination and is too shy to ask,” Chris said and gave Riley a nudge.  “Alex wants Disneyworld and I’m telling them that might not be the best idea, and again, Laura’s mother said you wouldn’t mind.”

“Um…  Okay…”  John’s face tightened and he looked past them.  “Yes.  I’d say…”

“You can’t be romantic with the mouse looking over your shoulder, Riley.”  Laura squeezed John’s hand, stepping forward, and smiled big at them.  “Kids and romance don’t go together, at all, at least not for newlyweds.”

Riley turned right to her.

“We’re going to Belize.”  John half shrugged next to her.  “Sun, wildlife and the best scuba diving in the hemisphere.  It’s also beautiful and extremely romantic, very much what a honeymoon should be.”

“That’s right.”  Laura turned to him with a nudge and a bigger smile.  “And they speak English.”

“You seem very happy.”  Riley turned from them to look at the rest of the faceless guests.  “But it must have taken you forever to plan this.”

“It’s mostly just a big party, Riley.”  Laura nodded.  “If you’ve ever had a party, you can have a wedding.”

“That’s what I said.”  Chris poked Riley with a chuckle.  “But Riley and Alex are overwhelmed and won’t ask for help.”

“So, Chris thinks asking for us is charming.”  Riley pulled Chris away.  “My apologies.”

Laura looked back at John, and then leaned in very close to Riley before the two got far. “It’s just four events: that’s it; the rehearsal, the wedding, the reception and a brunch the next day, and only if you really feel like it,” she said and leaned in even closer.  “And the best part is you can hire somebody to do most of the planning and work, making it that much easier.”

“Huh,” Riley said, in a quiet voice and made a face.  “Alex mentioned that yesterday.”

“And I told you about that last week,” Chris said in a loud voice and gave Riley a look.  “Practically word for word.

“And there are a lot of books on weddings, Riley.”  Laura ignored Chris.  “Just buy one and you and your partner can figure it out.”  She shrugged.  “That’s how we did it.  Right, John?”

“Right.”  John pulled Laura away from them.  “And I bet Chris here would be more than happy to help, Riley.”  He gave them a look.  “Particularly with that 6% commission he got me on last year.  Right, Chris?”

Riley laughed.

“Right,” Chris said with reddening cheeks.  “But it was buyer’s market then, John.”

“You’ll be fine,” John said, smiling as Laura told him the same thing three years later, and a nurse handed him a tiny, scrunched up newborn.  “She’s all yours, Dad.”

“Right.”  John nestled the baby into his chest and lost his breath.  “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Laura.”  He turned to her.  “We’re parents.”

“Yep, that’s what pregnancy’s all about, you idiot,” she said, smiling and crying at the same time.

He laughed.  “That makes sense.”  He matched Laura’s glow and handed her the baby.

“There’s your next twenty years, John,” one nurse said as another made sure Laura had a good grip on the baby.  “Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Chris, and…”

“Riley,” the second nurse said, ignoring John, and kept an eye on the baby and Laura.

“Of course.”  John laughed with a raised eyebrow before turning back to the baby.  “And thanks for all the help.  I don’t think we could have done this alone.”

“We couldn’t have.”  Laura looked into the baby’s eyes and shook her head.  “Not in a million years.  No matter what my husband thinks.”

“It took us a while to get it down too, Laura,” Chris said and nodded to Riley.  “But this was textbook compared to the first time, right?”

Riley ignored Chris and wiped off the sweat from Laura’s forehead.

“You weren’t here 30 years ago, were you?”  John turned and squinted right at Chris.  “You seem familiar.”

“I hope I don’t look that old, John.”  Chris smiled and turned to the other nurse.  “Although, maybe Riley.”

“Shut up, Chris.”  Riley looked up.  “And come on, John, I told you I’m getting married soon.  How old do you think I am?”

“Right.”  John blushed, shaking his head, and threw up a hand.  “I’m sorry.  It’s been a crazy week.”

“And not just for you.”  Chris laughed.  “Riley’s getting married this weekend.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks.  My parents just flew in.”  Riley coaxed the baby away from Laura.  “But I tell myself it’s just a big party with a minister.”

“Um.  Yes.  Congratulations,” Laura said with her own now raised eyebrow at the nurses, and then gave John a look.

“You get used to it, hon.”  John shared the look with Laura and then turned to Riley, holding out his arms for the baby.  “You must be very excited, Riley.”

“More than you know.”  Chris took John’s arm and steered him to the door.  “I feel like it’s taken forever.”

“What?”  John watched the baby as Chris led him away from his newborn.  “I can’t hold her again.”

“You will, hon, for like twenty years, but first they have to clean her and me up.”  Laura waved to him.  “We’re still kind of messy.”

“But I like it here,” John said, his face turning down.  “And…”

“Your wife’s right.”  Riley shooed him away.  “Doctor’s instructions, okay?”

“The doctor didn’t mention that.”  John turned to Chris.

“It’s in the fine print.”  Riley played with the baby’s fingers.  “We’re going to run a bunch of standard tests, but everything’s looking good.  You’re going to be all right.””

“Good,” Laura said, turning back to John, and raised a finger.  “Now go call my parents, then yours, and all our friends and relatives, and tell them all the good news, okay?”

“Do I have enough time for that?”  John looked at Riley.

“You do, John.”  Chris nodded to the door.  “Then you’ll see your darling daughter in the nursery and about 60 minutes after that you can meet your wife in her room.  Okay?  She just needs to recover a bit from making a human being.”

“Right.”  John blinked hard and noticed the baby’s smile.  He laughed.

“That’s just…”

“Gas, I know.”  John turned right to Chris and Riley with half a smile and nodded big.  “I remember.”

“What?” they both looked at him.

“Honey?”  Laura gave John a look too.

“Don’t worry,” John said then, and fifteen years later, looked up and smiled.  “I’m just taking it all in.”

“We’re sorry for your loss, Mr. Lee,” the first of the two lawyers said.

John’s face straightened out.  “Thank you.”

“We can only imagine what you’re going through, sir,” the second lawyer said.

“I didn’t expect her to die so soon, but…” John said and stopped, rereading the end of the note.  Thanks for making my life worth living, John.  You made me proud.  Now keep doing the same for you and your family, and look after your dad.  He’ll need it.  I love you.  Mom.  He looked up and smiled again.  “She had a good life, and always understood that stuff happens: that we all die; even her.”

Laura squeezed his hand next to him.

“We’re glad to hear you say that, sir,” the first lawyer said.  “Your father wasn’t as happy with your mother’s last wishes.”

“You mentioned that she had some unusual requests,” Laura said, taking in a breath, and almost made a face.  “We’re not talking about anything shocking here, are we?”

“No, ma’am,” the second lawyer said, flashing them a tablet.  “You know your mother enjoyed life, right, Mr. Lee.”

“Yes, and it’s John.”

“Good, and I’m Chris and this is Riley.”

Laura did a double take.

“I told you.  You get used to it, hon.”  John shrugged, turning to the lawyers, and gestured for more details.  “What did my Mom have in mind, Chris?”

“A big party.”

“Of course.”  John nodded and then shared a look with Laura.  “And?”

“And that was a big surprise to your father, Mr. Lee.  I mean, John,” Riley said.  “She, your mother, also wants you and your father to use the obituary she wrote for herself, and then she wants you, your wife and your father to make several toasts that she’s also written.  She has some specific things she wants you to say to certain people.”

“Of course.”  John shook his head, laughing, and then nodded.  “That sounds about right.”

“I assume they’re mostly ridiculous requests, Riley?” Laura said.

“You knew your mother-in-law fairly well, Laura?”

“She was kind of an open book, Chris.”

“That was my impression too,” Riley said.

“Dad always thought she’d change.”  John shook his head and laughed again.  “Not that he wanted her any different.”

“She also left you and your father a fairly substantial amount of money,” Riley said.  “Family money.”

“Right.”  John shrugged.  “Okay.”

“Here’s where people usually smile, John,” Chris said.

“I suppose so.”  John glanced at Laura and then turned to both of the lawyers.  “I already knew about that money, though, Chris, and I’m happy to take it, but I’m also lucky enough that I already live a comfortable life with pretty much everything I ever wanted.”

“Kids, house, travel and a job you like.”  Laura squeezed John’s hand again.  “Your mom was proud of what you’d accomplished and where we were going.”

John looked at her, still smiling, but swallowed.  “I’ll miss her.”

“I know.”  Laura smiled back.  “She was full of life.”

“She was.”

“It’s nice to see you had such nice thoughts about your mother, John, and she you,” Riley said.  “My partner and I are about to have our first child, and I can only hope she feels that way about us in forty years.”

John nodded again but didn’t say anything.

“Your mother also mentioned a granddaughter.”  Chris gave Riley a look.

“The will’s old, Chris.  We also have a son.”  John smiled again.  “Eight and five.”

“Good combination,” Chris said and gave Riley a look that was ignored.

“They’re a pain in the butt,” John said, but smiled more.  “They take up all our time and have prevented us from having a third for the last five years.”

Laura smiled too.

“Sounds like fun.”  Chris nudged Riley, who swallowed hard.

“Don’t worry,” John said with a big nod.  “It’s all good.”

“You don’t hear that from a lot of people in your position, John.”

“You already said that, Chris,” John said and still smiled 51 years later.  “So, where’s Riley?”

“Um.”  Chris turned to John with a look.  “Riley will be here in a few minutes, John, after finalizing the treatment schedules I mentioned.”

“Of course.”  John tried to pick up the glass of water in front of him.

“I’m impressed with your attitude, John.”  Chris steadied his shaky hands and helped him take a sip.  “Not a lot of people would say, ‘It’s all good,’ when they have only 24 hours left.”

“I’ve had a good life, Chris.”  John put down the glass and gave him a shrug.  “What more do I need?”

Chris nodded, not saying anything.

“You could continue the kidney treatments, Mr. Lee,” Riley said, coming into the room.  “I’ve scheduled one for you in 45 minutes if you change your mind.”

“I appreciate that, but I know it’s my time and I’ve got a plan.”  John waved off Riley.  “My family’s coming to wish me happy birthday today, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life with them.”  He smiled, almost swallowing, and then nodded to himself.  “You can’t beat that.”

“I guess not, Mr. Lee.”  Riley grabbed the box of tissues.

“It’s John, Riley.  Like it’s always been.”

Chris stared at him.  “You should forgive Riley here, John.  Their second baby is a handful.”

John laughed.  “I thought it was easier the second time around,” he said and smiled more.  “And congratulations.  I didn’t know you had a second.”

“Thank you.”  Riley raised an eyebrow.  “And that’s what I’ve heard about the second too, but it’s been three months and we’re still not there yet.”

“You will be,” John said.  “My wife and I didn’t get it together with both until our son was six months old.”

“Told you,” Chris said with a look.

“You don’t even have kids.”  Riley looked back.

“We’re thinking about it.”  Chris adjusted John’s IV even though nothing was wrong with it. 

“Please,” Riley said.  “You just started dating Tracy.”

“Then you’ve got a way to go, Chris.”  John laughed.  “Might not want to say too much yet.”

“That’s Chris’s life story, John: always talking.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad.”  John nodded to both of them.  “I’ve always appreciated the talkers, Riley.”

“That’s because you only just met Chris,” Riley said.

“Feels like I’ve known you a little longer.”  John flashed a smile, taking Chris’s hand, and gave it a squeeze.  “Not that I’m complaining.”

“I guess I’m not either.”  Riley smiled too.

“Life has been pretty good, even with the cancer and now kidney failure.”

“Yes, sir.”  Riley nodded.

“I’m glad to hear that, John,” Chris said.

“I’ve been lucky.” John looked past them as the smiled almost faded away.  “I’ve made lots of mistakes, of course, but most of them were my own choice and none of them were too stupid.  I even accepted that at least some of them were my own fault.  And I was just smart enough to work hard, marry a smarter woman and take the time to enjoy my family.”  He smiled again.  “We made a nice home, traveled some and figured out how to raise our kids without killing each other.”  He breathed in deep.  “I think, or at least hope, that I’ve done more good than bad and left the world a better place.”

Riley and Chris both nodded.

John turned back to them still smiling.  “Thank you for everything, both of you.  I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Chris and Riley both gave him another look.

“You’re welcome,” Riley said finally, swallowing hard and tapping Chris on the shoulder.

“We were happy to help, John.”  Chris noticed, swallowing too, and followed Riley out the door as Laura and the rest of John’s family came in.

John smiled the biggest smile he could manage as Laura sat down next to him and the rest of the family smiled back.

“You know.”  He looked at them.  “It’s been a beautiful life.”