Now that my cousin's funeral is over, I remembered hearing from Howard that they are still in Stoneybrook and I can still come out at the last minute for the sleepover. He did mention that hasn't yet happened. I decided it was worth giving it a shot instead of going straight to Milwaukee. I will surprise Mary Anne, Dawn, Kayla, and Kaylee after saying no. Family comes first.

So I talked with Howard about coming out.

"We'll send someone to pick you up, Al," Howard told me.

"Thanks. Howard. You can tell everyone I said hello. I'll get on a flight tomorrow and then call you."

"Sounds like a good plan to me. Talk to you then," Howard said.

After finished the phone conversation with him, I was starting to feel a bit better, which was a good thing. It's easy talking with people like Howard. I was happy that I had another ticket going out there. I've really never been to the East Coast, so this will be my first time.

The ticket told me I leave at ten – thirty, so there was still some time left to spend with Dale.

"Dale?" I said.

"Yes, Al?" he asked.

"Remember my friends I mentioned?" I asked.

"The Cunninghams or whatever their name was?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered.

"What about them?" he asked me.

"Howard mention I can still go since that party hasn't arrived yet. I'm going tomorrow if you're not having any plans."

"I'm open, Al. I have next week off because of this funeral," Dale told me.

"I wish I had the chance to say good – bye if I knew about it earlier."

"That's all right. What time is your flight tomorrow?" he asked.

"The ticket says ten – thirty," I answered.

"Perfect. Next time you and I get together, Al, I'd like to have the chance to meet those friends you've been talking about," Dale told me.

"They'd love that idea, Dale. I'll say something about it to them," I said.

"Now that this funeral is over, we need to get back on our feet," he told me.

"I guess you're right. We can take our time to recover," I replied.

Dale agreed.

"Do you have any pictures of these friends with you?" he asked.

"No, I don't. I could probably find a few at home that I can send," I told him.

"That works. If you don't mind, Al, I'm going to lie down for a while."

"Are you feeling all right?" I asked my brother.

"Yes. I only need a nap if you don't mind," he answered.

"Not at all. Maybe I'll watch some television while you do that," I said.

"Sounds like a good plan. I shall see you in a few hours," Dale replied.

"Have a nice nap," I told my brother.

"Thank you, Al. Have a nice afternoon," he said and went upstairs.

I watched as Dale disappeared from the stairs.

Once Dale was gone, I immediately turned the TV on. I don't plan to watch the news while I am here with him. I try not to read or watch the news while on vacation, no matter where I am. And it works for me.

While Dale had his nap, I watched television for a bit, even if it means nothing is on. After turning the TV off a second time, I went to the guest room I was staying in.

That would give me plenty of time to wash the clothes and do a little packing before heading out to Stoneybrook. I always do the best I can to stay busy.

After starting the washing machine, I looked around see what I could while waiting for my clothes to be ready, but there was nothing.

Later on, I heard the telephone ring. I decided to answer the phone. I hoped the phone didn't disturb my brother's nap. I recognized Howard's voice.

"Hi, Howard," I said.

"Hello, Al. Everyone's looking forward to seeing you. We didn't want to share with Kayla, Kaylee, Dawn and Mary Anne, so we were able to say it when those girls weren't around. They're excited that you changed your mind coming to see those girls graduate."

"I almost forgot about Mallory and Jessi's graduation, Howard. Thanks for the reminder," I said.

"You're welcome," Howard told me.

"We all need reminders," I agreed.

"What have you been doing?" he asked me.

"At the moment, I am washing my clothes. Dale told me the next time he and I get together, he wants to meet my friends," I replied.

"I like that idea," Howard said.

"So do I. He was asking to see pictures, but I left them at home. There really isn't any reason to bring pictures of my friends. I can do that another time," I said.

"Sounds like a good idea," he replied.

"Who do I need to meet and recognize the person who will be picking me up tomorrow?" I asked, changing the subject.

Howard gave me a description of Kristy's stepfather's car. He said no limo while he picks me up. I reminded myself Watson was his name. I decided to keep that one in mind for tomorrow. I thanked Howard once more and ended the conversation. At least it gave me something to do while waiting for the laundry. Before I knew it, the day finally arrived for the graduation.

We talked about having Watson driving me to the graduation as a surprise. My luggage could wait until after the graduation. I was comfortable with that. It looked like my plan arrived just in time. I decided to head over to the baggage claim. I found that it was already taken care of.

"Are you Al?" Watson asked.

"Yes, and you must be Watson," I replied.

"Exactly correct. Let's head straight over to the middle school," he told me as we put my luggage in the trunk.

"Thank you for picking me up. I appreciate you making time to pick me up," I told Watson.

"Of course. There really isn't much going on at home," he said.

"I heard you own a mansion," I said.

"Yes, I do. I've had it for a while," he replied.

"Is it old?" I asked.

"Probably is, but I'm not sure the exact age," he said.

"I don't need to know," I said.

We got to spend the rest of the way talking just to know each other better. At least it gives us a better idea on who we really are. Watson and I saw there were tons of cars parked, but there were a few spaces left.

So we got out of the car and he locked the doors.

After getting out of the car, we really didn't say anything, which was fine with me.

I thought he was nice for an introduction, and I guess he thought the same thing I did.

We were able to find our friends. They saved us a few seats.

"Has it started yet?" Watson asked.

He and I were going to sit next to each other since the other seats were taken, and I didn't mind.

"Just wait until the girls see you after the graduation," Kristy said, giving me a hug as I returned it.

"I can't wait," I replied.

I hugged my other friends as well.

Then I sat down. The graduation went really well. I haven't been to these in a long time. I never had children of my own.

After the graduation was over, Mallory and Jessi rejoined us as we congratulated them and hugging at the same time. That's when Mallory and Jessi saw me.

"Hi, Al. Glad you were able to come. I thought you still had your cousin's funeral," Jessi said.

"I did, but I was planning to go back to Milwaukee, but Howard wanted me to come home with them in the next couple of days. I don't mind coming home with them," I added.

So we decided to go to the mansion I heard so much about. Since we were a big group, it made sense to have it at Kristy's place.

Once we got there, I was surprised to see the mansion.

"Let's go inside. We can show you were your room is first, Al," Kristy said.

"Sounds good. That makes sense," I replied.

So we did just that.

The party lasted a few hours. We had cake and ice cream to go with the party. It looked like the cake was from the grocery store. I heard it was Mallory's mother that picked up the cake and surprise us after we came back. I guess she picked it up before going to the school and watch Mallory and Jessi graduate.

We socialized the entire party. I decided I would unpack later since my friends were important to me right now.

Once everyone was able to leave after the party, we hugged and congratulated them a second time.

"Thank you for changing your mind about the party," Mary Anne told me on their way out of the door.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world like I thought I would, Mary Anne," I told her.

"That's a good thing. We talked about you," she said.

That's when they left.