Jumping Hose
by RosalindB
July 2011
Chapter 4
Last time: Chet received a letter from his older brother. CJ discovers Chet's talent for laundry.
The next few weeks were as close to normal as CJ and Chet could get. CJ traveled to Las Vegas for a photo shoot so she was away for a few days. Chet worked his shifts, but missed CJ especially her cooking attempts. One day, he decided to visit the local travel agency and gather some ideas for their honeymoon. He returned to the studio with an armful of brochures. After fixing some lunch, Chet settled down on the porch to look through the stash.
Mexico - Cozumel looks fun. Nice beach. This resort is a steal. That water is really clear. Snorkeling, fishing, horseback riding...hmm.
He set the Cozumel information aside.
Florida - Hmmm...not very exciting. Golf, beach, Miami looks like a cool party town. Key West has fishing, sailing.
He tossed the Florida information to the opposite side of the Mexico.
Paris - Wow! Museums, art stuff, Eiffel Tower-whoa that's cool. Shopping-CJ'll love that. And we could stop over in London for a few days, then New York City.
He set Paris next to Cozumel.
Hawaii - Beautiful..quiet beaches, holy Toledo that's black sand! Fire dancer shows, couple's spa treatments, hiking, biking..hmmm I'm liking this one.
Chet put Hawaii on top of Mexico.
Satisfied over his choices for their honeymoon, Chet moved on to their other pending project-finding a home. He picked up the real estate section, then a pencil. Just as he opened the pages, the phone interrupted.
"Jenkins' residence. This is Chet Kelly."
"Chet? Chesta B Kelly?" Chet stifled a laugh at the southern accent.
"Yes ma'am."
"Oooooh! You must be Cynthia's fee-yan-ce. I'm Rasheeda Thompson-Cynthia's aunt."
"Oh hello Mrs. Thompson. Nice to speak with you."
Rasheeda laughed. "Oh chile, don't be so formal, just call me Rasheeda. We're almost family. Listen hon, my sister Ramona and I are finally makin' it to Californiya. We'll be in ya'll's neck of the woods in two weeks. Can't wait to hear about all the weddin' plans!"
Chet took a breath.
"Well Cynthia is on assignment this week, so we haven't planned much," he said.
"What? No dress yet? Caterin' hall? Chach?"
Chet was stumped by the last word. "Um, chach?"
"Yeah chile, chach-the place ya pray in."
Church! Oh boy..
"Um we haven't chosen any of that. Today I'm looking at honeymoon places-"came the reply.
"Well that's the groom's job anyhow. We want to get dress details when we arrive. We're so excited! I gotta go, customer's here. Ya'll take care!"
Click. Dial tone.
Chet returned to the porch shaking his head.
The phone rang again.
"Jenkins' residence, this is-"
"Chester dahhhling! Yes I know it's you. No other man would answer Cynthia's phone. How are you?"
"I'm fine Elmira, and yourself?"
"Just fine my good fellow. I'm checking in on the bride to be. Has she chosen a dress yet? Shoes? Though I'm sure LaFrance will provide those. What about catering?"
"Well Cynthia's on assignment, so we haven't decided on anything yet. I'm working on the honeymoon-"
Crazy Elmira interrupted, "What? No dress? No catering yet? Honeymoon's a no brainer. Our travel person can set something up-what's your budget?"
Chet had a budget in mind, but didn't want to divulge it.
"Don't go to any trouble, I have that under control Elmira," he offered.
"Well-if you say so Chester. Once Cynthia returns we have to sit down and start planning. Wedding season is just around the corner. It will be hard to book the country club. Oh, Michael's back from the doctor-must dash-toodles!"
Click. Dial tone.
Chet attempted to return to the porch shaking his head. What is it with women and weddings?
Brrrring!
Chet took a breath before answering.
"Jenkins' residence, Chet-"
"Hey bro. It's Tim."
Chet breathed a sigh of relief.
"How's it going kiddo? How's college?"
"Almost done, one more year. Maddie told me about your fiance. I saw her book in Walston's. Great photos, and she's hot."
Chet laughed. He enjoyed his younger brother's enthusiasm.
"How did you find this number kid?"
"I called information. Left a message at your place, but I figured you might be-ya know shacked up," Tim laughed. Chet laughed along.
"Well my project for today is to look for a place for us together."
"So no big wedding, right?" Tim asked.
"Well that's our hope, but it seems all the relatives want a big to-do. Rather do the honeymoon and the house," Chet sighed.
"That's the other reason I called this number," Tim became somber. "Maddie and I want to come out and see you guys. Unfortunately Carl and Rene want to bust your chops. Maddie thought they would have mellowed with age so she mentioned it. No dice. They're still pissed you left."
"They're pissed I left 'cause they didn't have a punching bag any more. Screw them. I'll call Maddie two weeks before. If you guys can come, cool."Bad memories began to bubble at the back of Chet's mind.
"That's the other problem," Tim continued, "I'm doing an internship next month with the Peace Corps. They might send me overseas. If they do, I don't know if I can make any wedding. Maddie and I want to at least see you and meet Cynthia before I go. Maddie got us tickets to be out there in two weeks."
Chet got quiet.
"Oh shit. Cynthia's two aunts are coming in two weeks also. And Elmira's on the prowl to meet and plan stuff too."
"Hey, if it's too crazy-"Tim began.
"No. Come. You and Maddie-I want to see you guys. But Carl and Rene, if they show up I'm not guaranteeing what happens."
"Cool bro. It'll be good to see you. I'll tell Maddie to keep her trap shut." Tim laughed. "Talk to you soon."
"You got it,"Chet replied.
Click. Dial tone.
One more time, Chet attempted to make his way to the porch.
Brrring!
Oh sweet mother Jane! Can't a man get a break?
"Jenkins' residence, Chet Kelly-"
"Hey Chet!"
"Gage? What's up?"
"Nothin'. Figured you might be bored with CJ away. Mike and I were going to grab some dinner and catch the UCLA game on tv. Wanna join us? Marco may come over too."
"Sounds good to me. Might be my last chance for sanity for a while."
"Huh?" Johnny said. "Explain that when you get here. Figure around 6 o'clock."
"Cool."
Click. Dial tone.
Chet decided to stand by the phone for a minute before attempting once more to sit on the porch.
Brrring!
"Jenkins' residence."
"Hi sweetie! I love you!"
"Oh man, this is the best phone call of the day." CJ could hear Chet smile.
"How many phone calls were there?" she asked.
"Doll, we're about to be invaded."
"Huh?"
"Your Aunt Rasheeda called. She and Ramona are coming in two weeks to meet me. My sister Maddie and brother Tim are also coming into town. Tim's about to do an internship with the Peace Corps, so this is his only chance to see us before he goes. Elmira's chompin' at the bit again so who knows when she'll drop in. And there is a chance the bastard Carl and bitch Rene might show. They're trying to find out when Tim and Maddie are due here. I'm having dinner with Gage and Stoker tonight-we're gonna catch the UCLA game."
CJ took in everything Chet said. My god it is an invasion.
"Have fun with the boys. I'm coming home tomorrow.."