Images 2

Chapter 2
*See Chapter 1 for disclaimer.

Later that afternoon, when almost all of the attic had been pulled apart, and put back together again, Lee and the boys worked together clearing off the last shelf way in the back.

Man, come on, hurry up. I'm starving, Phillip complained.

Well, go down and tell you're mother we're almost done, Lee began, as Phillip headed for the door. Lee stopped him, knowing what was about to happen. On second thought, we'll tell her together when we head down, All three laughed.

Jamie, can you reach back on the bottom shelf, and pull out those boxes? Lee asked.

Yeah, no problem, Jamie sat down on the floor, and began unloading the shelf, box by box, stopping to look into each one. he said, as he handed the first box up to Lee. he said, as he handed the second box up to Lee.

Your mom sure does keep a lot of papers, Lee shook his head.

Oh, these are our old school papers, Jamie informed him. I think mom has every paper we ever got back since Kindergarten. I don't know why she bothered to keep Phillip's, they all have F's on them.

Shut up, Geek, Phillip squealed at him, as he whacked Jamie over the head with a paper.

Ouch, stop, Jamie returned, as he reached around to punch Phillip on the leg.

Guys stop it, we're almost done, don't start now, Lee warned, surprising himself that he was developing a fatherly tone to his voice.

Al right, here, Jamie replied. There's just a few more boxes here in the back, and something up against the wall, he reached over and pulled out the first box, but didn't hand it up to Lee and Phillip like he had the others.

Hey what are these? he questioned, looking up at Lee, as he pulled out one tiny round tin after another,

Phillip squatted down next to Jamie for a better look, There's tons of these things in here. He said, as he handed one up to Lee, and stared as Lee opened the tin to see what was inside.

Guys, I'll tell you what these are. These are film canisters. These are old 8mm film canisters, and look... there's film inside them. Lee held the tin down so that the boys could see, and knelt down next to them to see the contents of the box. Wow, I haven't seen one of these in a long time. What else is in there? Lee began to rummage through the box.

Look, there's writing on some of them, Phillip pointed out. What do they say? all three were now pouring through the box.

Well, the writing's a little faded, but this one says...1969, Lee announced, as he reached in to examine another canister.

Hey, this one says, Anniversary Party 1959, Jamie announced the words on the one he was holding.

Ahhh, guys, Phillip began, Look at this, he held it up for Lee and Jamie to see, as he read the words, This one is mom's graduation, he held up the can that read Amanda's Graduation.'

Jamie reached in the box for another tin, but put it back when he read the words that were written on the label.

Hey, what's that one say? Phillip questioned, as he reached in and retrieved the canister, read the words, and put it back in the box, just as his brother had done.

OK, what's up you two? What's it say? Lee questioned.

Uhhhh, nothing, Jamie began.

Phillip continued, the words were too blurry to read.

Uh-huh, sure, Lee said, as he reached into the box, and read the label. Oh, now I see. Thanks guys, but you don't have to hide this from me. You're mom and I don't have any secrets, including this, Lee gave them each a pat on the back, as he placed the film labeled Amanda's Wedding' back into the box. Besides, I bet your mom would like to see it again. He reassured the boys, as he carried the box over to the top of the steps.

How are we going to watch them? Phillip questioned.

Good question, Lee replied, as he stood in the attic thinking for a minute. Wait a minute. Jamie, did you say there were other things on that shelf in the back?

Yeah, why? Jamie asked.

Oh, just a thought, but I have a feeling... Lee bent down to be able to see the remaining contents of the bottom shelf. Uh-huh, I thought so, these things are usually kept together, he said, as he pulled out a large black box.

Cool, what is it? both boys asked.

This, guys, is an 8mm projector, the kind you use to watch 8mm films, Lee informed them.

Jamie said, eying the box that at first had looked like just another piece of junk in the attic.

Phillip chimed in, taking the box Lee handed to him to the steps, and setting it next to the box of films.

There's more, Lee added, But you have to help me. It's stuck behind the shelves, and this table, Lee gestured to the table next to the them, that was piled high with boxes and old toys. Do you guys think you can help me move this?

Sure, No problem, the boys answered simultaneously.

Lee and the boys shoved and pushed the heavy table out of the way, until there was just enough room for one of them to squeeze through to the other side.

Jamie, do you want to get that other thing you saw? Lee asked.

Jamie replied eagerly, and began to inch through the space next to the shelf. Uh, how am I supposed to get this thing out, it's big.

Try standing it up on its end first, and then handing it to us, Lee gave him directions.

Jamie shrugged his shoulders, and shook his head. He tried several times, and on the third attempt, he was able to stand the large round object up. Man, this is heavy, Jamie complained.

Phillip laughed, and caught a stern glance from Lee.

Yeah, well, you try doing this in this small space, at least I'm helping, and not standing there picking my nose, Jamie shot back at his brother.

Ok, enough already. Everybody's helping, Lee once again stopped the fighting. Now Jamie, Can you scoot that over here to me and Phillip? Phillip you grab the bottom, and I'll grab the top.

With just a little effort the large metallic, blue, metal case was free from behind the shelf, and being supported by Phillip and Lee, as Jamie squeezed out from behind the table.

What's that? Jamie asked. It looks like what I put my fishing poles in, only bigger.

I'll show you what it is, Lee responded to his young son's question. Jamie, see that metal handle over here?

Jamie said, looking over the case to see the other side.

Give a pull, Lee requested.

Jamie ducked under the object, and pulled the handle.

Oh, cool, Phillip gasped when he saw Jamie reveal a large, white, rectangular movie screen. I knew I'd seen one of these before. We have these at school.

Ok, guys, I think it's time to surprise your mom, Lee suggested. Jamie, you take the films. Phillip, you carry and camera, and I'll get this. Let's go.

The three of them bounded out of the attic, the rest of the cleaning forgotten. They couldn't wait to watch their discovery, and Lee couldn't wait to see the look on his wife's face.