The Rediscovery of the Really Great Whangdoodles

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, they belong to the fabulous and always inspirational Lady Julie Andrews Edwards, may she be blessed in her awesomeness.

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Part 1

An Evening with the Potters

The Potter family gathered around the dinner table, glasses raised and congratulations offered to Ben for his great accomplishment. Mr. Potter began the toast,

"Who would have thought that you spirited rascals would turn out so successful? Your mother and I are thoroughly pleased."

"Who all are you speaking to, Papa?" Tom interrupted jokingly.

"Well, the three of you, of course. What, with Ben and his master's degree, you and your articles in all the top papers, and Lindy with her gorgeous voice and all."

"Thank you, Papa, you needn't really. Let's all cheer to Ben's achievement," Lindy cleared her throat loudly, "and relief from studies." The tinkling of delicate champagne glasses rang throughout the elegant English dining room.

"Ha, as if Ben would ever relieve himself of studies." Tom teased with a light punch to Ben's shoulder.

They all laughed at Tom's joking yet accurate point then proceeded to glide into contented conversation. The lively evening continued with much gaiety and conversation amongst the family members who were so often unavailable to be all together at once. They were all reminded what a true blessing it was to have one's family in one place at one time. Lindy smiled and enjoyed the company she had missed so much, but she knew she would not be content until she had spoken to the boys alone. Even now in her happiness she could not forget her recent discontent that had grown for some time, perhaps years. After a wonderful home-cooked meal and a delightful desert, Lindy and the boys cleared off the table, insisting on doing the dishes since they had neglected to do so in their earlier times. Once the job was wrapping up, Lindy pulled her brothers aside into the backyard so as not to be heard by their parents.

"What's all this about, Lindy?" Tom asked.

"Is everything alright?" Ben wondered, his brow furrowed with his usual brotherly concern. He had always been such a sweet boy

"No, I'm quite alright in the usual sense. However, I have to admit…I am unhappy lately. Not with anything in particular, but I cannot ignore this pulling feeling that there is something so much more significant for me to be doing. Like there is a situation in need of my particular services. Maybe it is just that I am bothered by my indecisive path in life these days, but I am ready for something special and exceptional. I don't know, do I sound like a nut?"

The two boys, or rather men, were silent for a moment or two, considering their own thoughts. Predictably, Tom was the first to speak,

"Not at all, Lindy. I felt almost the same way when I graduated, it is a normal consequence of someone your age. But look at me, I found my way, and I couldn't be happier."

"That's all very well for you, Tom, but this has been going on gradually for a long time for me. I'm not talking about a simple vocation decision. I mean a true purpose."

Ben piped in, "Well, have you considered any sort of way to resolve your disarray or discover this purpose?"

Lindy took a deep breath in and out before attempting her answer, the one she had been trying to approach her brothers with all year long.

"I…I have thought of one particular idea that gives me hope rising above all others." She looked up at them with youthful eyes, still full of her constant mixture of cautiousness and childlike faith.

"Splendid," Tom replied, "what is it?"

"Don't give us that face. We will not berate you for it. Go on." Ben encouraged.

Nervously, Lindy closed her eyes and slowly said, "I want to go back to Whangdoodleland."

The silence was deafening. Not even the sounds of the happy crickets could soothe the obvious tension and anxiety in the air. By the looks on the boys' faces, this was not the reply they were expecting.

Lindy decided to break the silence again first, "I know that you both think we are too old, but I'm just positive that we still have the ability. Maybe we could even contact the professor, besides we haven't seen him in an awful long time. And seriously, we haven't been to Whangdoodleland in nearly eight years!" Lindy broke off suddenly, realizing she had finally been honest with them and let out her frustration a bit.

Ben came to his senses, "Lindy, I know you are confused right now, but how is a trip to an imaginary dimension going to help you find your purpose in life or even improve it? I've told you my opinion before. I think that our visits to Whangdoodleland were vital in the maturing process, but we no longer need the learning lessons of childhood morality. Our time has passed."

Lindy's impatient temper took a turn for the worse at such an ultimatum. "Benjamin, please stop treating me like one of your bloody psychology papers!"

"I'm not trying to, but I am worried about you, Lindy."

"Come on, haven't you two dreamed of going back, even for a visit? Tom, don't tell me you haven't wondered how the dear Whiffle Bird is doing?" Lindy looked to Tom with a pleading face.

"Well, I…" Tom looked down guiltily, "I guess I would like very much to see her."

Lindy's face lit up. "I knew you would!"

"However, Ben's right. It is time for us to grow up."

Lindy was indignant. "Have you two completely forgotten that the Professor was twice our present age when he first travelled to Whangdoodleland?"

"We didn't forget, Lindy, but that's different. He was accomplishing his life goal."

"Then maybe going there will help me find mine!" Lindy reasoned.

With that Lindy went inside, ran up the stairs, and stormed into her childhood bedroom. Not much had changed in there, except a bigger bed for guests. Lindy plopped herself down on the bed, releasing a huff of frustration and helplessness. Anger and disappointment mingled in her mind.

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