Hooterville Volunteer Fire Department Station
The next day, Oliver and Lisa made their way to the meeting at the fire station to find that they were the last ones to arrive. After greetings were exchanged everyone began taking a seat and Oliver took his place at the podium.
"You can sit next to me, Hankie," Oliver heard Ralph say as he was preparing his notes.
Mr. Kimball looked around uncomfortably. "Uh…I would but, uh, I think that seat is already taken." Ralph looked down to see Arnold hop up onto the chair, turn himself around and sit down while grunting.
"Sorry Arnold, but that seat is taken." Ralph said. Ralph made an attempt to shoo him off of the chair, but Arnold began to squeal.
"Arnold says he has to sit there or else he won't be able to hear Mr. Douglas talk." Mr. Ziffel said.
"What does he need to hear anyway? He's a pig!" Oliver said, helping Ralph unintentionally. At that comment Arnold began to squeal harder.
"Now look vat you did, Olivah! You made him cry!" Lisa said, scolding Oliver.
"Now, everyone, let's just settle down and begin this meeting! The sooner we begin, the sooner we can all go home!" Mr. Druker said.
"Mr. Druker's right. Let's get started." Oliver agreed. Glad to be in the clear, Mr. Kimball took a seat next to Lisa.
"Now, I spent a lot time thinking about which job would be best for which person, and have come up with the following committees." Oliver began. "On the food committee will be Alf and Ralph Monroe. On the music and advertisement committees will be Sam Druker and Newt Kiley. The delivery committee will be lead by Eustace Haney, and finally the decorating committee will be lead by my wife. Okay, any questions?" Oliver asked.
"Mr. Douglas, why do I have to be the delivery committee?" Mr. Haney asked in his distinctive tones.
"Because you have the largest truck in the valley." Oliver replied.
"Why are Mr. Druker and me in charge of two committees?" Mr. Kiley asked.
"Because you and Mr. Druker can work together to book a band and because Mr. Druker can print out the advertisements and you can pass them out." Oliver said.
"What do you want the rest of us to do?" Mr. Ziffel asked.
"Oh, I forgot to mention that! The rest of you will be helping my wife decorate the civic center." Oliver said.
"Mr. Douglas, what kind of food do you want me and Ralph to get?" Alf asked.
"What kind of things do I have to deliver?" Mr. Haney asked.
"Who's in charge of getting those decorations?" Mr. Ziffel asked.
"What do you want those advertisements to say?" Mr. Druker asked.
"How much are you going to pay me?" Mr. Haney threw in.
Oliver couldn't pick one question from another in the din. He put his pinkies in his mouth and blew a loud, high-pitched whistle. Everyone quickly quieted down. "Please ladies and gentlemen, please!" Oliver yelled. "I can answer all of your..."
"Hey!" Ralph said, interrupting. "How come now you say ladies?"
"Because there's actually a lady in the room now!" Alf replied, referring to Lisa.
"Alf, don't make me sock you!" Ralph yelled, raising her fist to his face.
"Please, let's not fight!" Lisa interfered. "My husband has something very important to say that can answer all of your questions."
"Thank you, Lisa." Oliver said. "Now, as I was saying, all of your questions can be answered very simply. I have made a personalized assignment sheet for each and every one of you, detailing what you need to do to make this ball a success. I will hand them out to you and the end of the meeting."
"Well, it seems like you have taken care of everything thing!" Mr. Druker said approvingly. "And we promise we will work hard to make this event the best Hooterville has ever seen!"
"In that case," Mr. Douglas said, "this meeting is adjourned!"
After he handed out everyone's assignment sheet, Oliver took his wife by the hand and led her out the door to the car. As he was starting up the car, Oliver couldn't help but feel proud of himself. He was sure this ball was going to be a success. It has to be, he thought. For Hooterville and for Lisa.
Hello dere! Hope your enjoying the story so far. I know it's still going a little slow, but believe me, it's necessary for the development of the story. And don't worry, it gets very dramatic later! Keep reading and please review!