CHAPTER 10

Alan recuperated and enjoyed the rest of the weekend. Grandma fussed and kept after him about eating more and taking his medicine on time. He visited with

grandma and Kyrano telling them of his new friendship with Mr. Winters. How they met through a punishment, He gave grandma a sheepish smile, but now they were good friends. How Mr Winters too experimented with plants. That he was trying to develope stronger more durable plants. That he had been taking care of the school grounds for over thirty years.

"Your friend sounds very committed.''

"Oh he is and he really enjoys his work,... but he gets kinda frustratred with some of the kids and faculty as well; when, they show so little concern for the land

and people around them. I wish you could meet him. I bet you would really hit it off."

"Yes, I believe you are right. I should like a chance to do so." answered Kyrano.

Grandma smiled her agreement.

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All good things must come to an end. Unfortunatlly for Alan that also meant the 'delay' of the inevitable. He was packed and ready as Brains would be flying he and Fermat back and they would be leaving right after lunch. Lunch was almost over and Alan thought maybe his dad had decided to let it go as he had not said anything more.

"Alan I would like a word with you. Please be in my office in five minutes. Bring your bag there and Gordon will take it to the plane, while we talk."

Alan rolled his eyes as he thought, 'man no such luck, dad never forgets anything.'

"Sure thing dad." smirked Gordon.

Alan started to say something to Gordon, but was cut off by his father's, "Don't even start Alan."

Shrugging he went and retrieved his bag. Returning he dropped it on Gordon's foot. "Oh so s-o-r-r-y!"

Before Gordon could recipicate, he heard his fathers command from the office, "Alan now."

Gordon started to giggle as he pick up Alan's bag and headed for the jet. His dad could deal with Alan now and he would make plans for another time. Paybacks

were so much fun.

Alan stuck his tongue out at Gordon just before entering the office. As he sat in his fathers' office, Jeff made it perfectly clear that if Alan ever left the campus without permission again he would indeed hire a 'babysitter'. That he expected Alan to focus and start showing some maturity.

"You wouldn't know maturity if it bit you in the..."

Alan didn't finish the sentence as Grandma came in to let him know Brains had the plane ready to go. This was a good thing as she had probablly stopped yet another astronomical battle from ensueing.

"Do you understand Alan?"

"Yes sir."

"Then get to the plane now. You already have them behind schedual."

"That's not m-y fault!" Alan retorted as he headed for the door.

Alan walked past grandma. She put reassurring arms around him. As she gave Jeff the 'let it be' look. Jeff just sighed knowing better than to continue in a

battle he would never win.

"It will be okay Alan. Just remember the good weekend and try to do your best." Grandma encouraged.

"Okay grandma, and thank you. I'm not sure how you did it, but thank you. This weekend had meant a lot to me."

Grandma just gave him a hug and smile.

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Arriving in the hanger Alan was surprised to see Kyrano with a small bag about to board.

"You're coming too?"

"Yes Mr. Alan. I suggested to your father that since Mr Brains would be traveling alone and that he needed to stop by one of the warehouses too pick up

some things for the 'family business', I would accompany him and pick up a few supplies for Onaha. I also hoped that I might meet your friend Mr. Winters."

Alan broke out into a broad grin. "That would be fantastic!"

Kyrano smiled at Alans enthusiasm. He kissed his wife and daughter before entering the plane.

Alan gave hugs all around and put up with the hair ruffling. Then quickly boarded. He was so excited that Kyrano and Mr Winters would get to meet. He took

out his cell and called the garden center; where, he knew Mr Winters would be working. Mr Winters had no family, so his weekends were usually spent looking for ways to better certain plants. After several rings Mr Winters answered. Alan told him that Kyrano was accompaning him and was looking forward to meeting him. Mr Winters recipicated his excitement saying he would also like to meet a fellow horticulturist. Especially one who so obviously had such a profound impact on such a young man and helped him appreciate such work.

On arrival Brains rented a SUV and they all headed to the campus.

"Now Alan you m-must remember to f-finish the antibiotic s-so you do not h-have a s-set back."

"I'll remember."

The boys showed Kyrano their dorm room, then Alan took Kyrano over to meet Mr Winters. They would meet up with Brains and Fermat for supper before Brains and Kyrano would have to leave for New York City.

Kyrano bowed as Alan introduced him to his friend. He took a small Juniper Bonsai plant from his bag and presented it to Mr Winters.

"I and Alans' family appreciate your friendship to him. We know how much your friendship has ment to him."

"Well it means a lot to me as well. We didn't start off on very good terms, but his understanding of what I was doing and willingness to work soon changed

my attitude. Right Alan?"

"Right."

The three talked about several ideas and actually lost themselves in conversation until Brains and Fermat showed up reminding them they were to meet for supper and then Brains and Kyrano would have to leave.

"Would you do us the honor of joining us?"

"Yes p-pl-please do."

"Don't mind if I do," laughed Mr Winters.

"Great!" the smile on Alan's face said it all.

They headed for the rental Brains had secured at the airport then on to a well known steak house. Little did they know that they had been watched during their entire visit with Mr Winters.

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Alan, Fermat and Mr Winters had been dropped back off after a delicious meal and visit. As they waved goodby to Brains and Kyrano, Mr Winters again thanked

the boys for a grand meal and visit.

"It has been a long time since I have enjoyed myself so much. Thank you."

"Yeah it was a lot of fun. See you saturday, Mr Winters?"

"I'll be looking forward to your visit. Goodnight boys." Mr Winters headed toward his car.

"Night Mr Winters."

As Brains and Kyrano flew to New York, Brains said, "I th-think we have g-gotten our b-boys off to a g-good s-st-start this s-semester."

"Yes Mr. Brains, I believe our plan was successful."

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The following saturday morning Alan had plans to go over to the garden center after breakfast with Toby and Fermat.

"I don't see what you like about working over there. Sounds pretty boring to me," said Toby.

"Not at all. Mr Winters and I visit and talk about a good many things. It is people like him that may find a way to grow crops in otherwise desolute countries."

"A good many things? Whoa dude, what kind of language is that? Your brain's getting bizarre."

"Ha ha. Hey you'd be surprized what his generation can teach you. You should come with me some time."

"That's okay, think I'll just stick with with my own generation. Sides Fermat and I are going to study for that upcoming science test this week. If anything you

should be studing with us."

"Y-Yeah Alan, w-why don't you come with us this time?"

"May be I'll join you guys after lunch."

"O-Okay."

"Suit yourself. Fermat and I are gonna ace this test. Right Fermat?"

"R-Right."

"I only need to pass. Grades are just letters on paper. They don't always refect what someone really knows.''

Toby and Fermat just shrugged, "later man". The three touched fists and went their separate ways.

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Mr Winters was beside himself. He had come out to get in his car and head over to the campus for his usual experimenting and weekly visit with Alan. He had no children of his own. His wife had died of complications after what was suppose to be a simple surgery. He never really recovered from the lose of his beloved wife. They had not been blessed with children and in fact had talked about adopting, before her untimely death. Like Alan's father he became somewhat of a reccluse and lost himself in his work. Alan seemed to understand and more importantly he seemed to enjoy his company and he certainly enjoyed Alans. Now he found all four car tires flat. They very obviously had been sliced. He called the police and made out a report then had a tow truck come to get he and his car so new tires could be put on.

Mr Winters had no way of contacting Alan. This was one of the few times he wished he owned a cell phone, though for the most part he considered them a nuisance. He just hoped the boy would wait for him. Mr Winters had picked up from what Alan had said, that he and his father didn't get along most of the time and that his brothers teased him a lot. But there was no denying Alan loved his family whole heartedly. He found Alan to be an intelligent, caring, fun person to be around, he liked to think that if he and his wife had had the opportunity, their son or daughter would have been like Alan.

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Arriving at the garden shop Alan saw the side door ajar. While this seemed a bit unusual he figured Mr Winters must have been running a little late and just didn't get things opened up properly yet. The center was dark except for a few blue lights for the plants. It was not like Mr Winters to be late. "Mr Winters are you here?" Not receiving an answer Alan began to feel uneasy. He headed for the back room where he and his friend did most of his experimenting, while they visited. Mr Winters was elderly and Alan began to imagine all sorts of things that might have happened...He was ill, he had fallen, he...Alan stopped in his tracks when he walked into the back room and saw tables tipped over and plants thrown all over. Then he saw the plant Kyrano had given Mr Winters; when, he bent down to see if he could save it, he heard a noise. Looking up he called, "that you Mr Wint..." Alan didn't get to finish his sentance before he felt a horrible sharp pain to his head, causing him to fall to his knees. He glanced up to see two figures with ski masks, one holding a large board. Just before the second blow he heard one say, "that'll teach him to disrespect his betters."

He was almost certain he reconized that voice. Then there was nothing but blackness.