The Douglas Farm

To Oliver's surprise, Mr. Haney pulled up in front of their house early in the afternoon just like he promised. Oliver walked into the house to get Lisa.

"Lisa! Mr. Haney's here!" Oliver yelled towards the bedroom.

"Coming, dahling!" Lisa responded.

Oliver walked back outside to talk to Mr. Haney. He found him sitting in his car, waiting for Oliver to hand him the keys.

"Is you're wife ready to go? Mr. Haney asked.

"Yes, she'll be right out. But before you go, I want to talk to you. It concerns my wife."

"All right, shoot." Mr. Haney replied.

"I want you to keep an eye on my wife. She still isn't feeling well and I don't want her fainting or hurting herself. I need you to make sure she doesn't strain herself. Make sure she doesn't lift anything heavy, make sure she doesn't stand up or walk around for long periods of times, and make sure she is not out in the heat too long."

"Sure thing, Mr. Douglas. It will be my pleasure to keep an eye on your lovely wife at all times." Mr. Haney said.

"I'm serious, Mr. Haney. Please take good care of her while she's over there, and try to bring her back as soon as possible."

Mr. Haney looked into Oliver's eyes and realized he wasn't joking. "You don't have to worry about a thing. Your wife is in good hands."

"Good, now I'll go see what's holding up my wife." Oliver turned around and went back into the house.

"Lisa! What's taking you so long?" Oliver called out.

Lisa came running out of the bedroom. "I'm sorry, dahling. I'm ready now."

"Good. Mr. Haney's waiting for you."

"Olivah, vhy can't you take me again?" Lisa asked Oliver sadly.

"I told you Lisa, I would have loved to take you, but Eb and I still need to do a lot of work and then afterwards I have to walk over to Drucker's and take care of the rest of the details for the ball."

"Couldn't you just have Eb and Mr. Drucker take care of all that?" Lisa asked hopefully.

"I wish I could, but I need to help. I need to make sure that this ball is a perfect night for everyone. Especially for you." Oliver said as he smiled, hoping that will convince her.

"Vell, all right, dahling, I understand."

"Good. Now let's get you to that civic center. And remember what I told you about not overdoing it." Oliver warned.

"Yes dahling." Lisa replied as they walked out the door. Oliver held open the car door as Lisa got in and closed it once she was settled. Oliver then leaned over and kissed her goodbye.

"Goodbye, Honey. And good luck. I love you." Oliver told her sweetly. Every since Lisa got back from the hospital, Oliver tried to make it a point to tell her that he loved her every time they were about to be apart.

"I love you too, dahling" Lisa said, smiling. Oliver handed Mr. Haney his eyes and stepped back. The car started up and took off down the road. Oliver watched it drive away and then returned to his work.

The New Hooterville Civic Center

As Lisa first walked into the new civic center, she wasn't too impressed. It was just a bunch of offices and such. But she realized that there was a two staircases partitioned off by a red velvet rope to the left and right of her that led to the floor below the main level. She walked past the velvet rope and amazed at the sight before her.

The two staircases curved and met in the middle, making another grand staircase that led to the floor. The floor was made to be somewhat of a giant dance floor and even had a stage at the far end of it. The decorations were scattered about in a careless matter, but could be fixed shortly. Lisa couldn't believe her eyes. No vonder they decided to have a ball to celebrate the opening, Lisa thought, this place is beautiful.

Lisa stepped onto the dance floor excitedly and began imagining what it would look like after all the decorations she ordered were put up correctly. Suddenly, she heard voices behind her. She turned around to find half the men of Hooterville and Ralph standing behind her.

"Wow. This place sure is beautiful!" Ralph said.

"Well, it was 'til you showed up!" Alf replied nastily.

"Alf, don't make me belt you!" Ralph yelled.

"Hello dere!" Lisa greeted, trying to break up the argument.

"Hello, Mrs. Douglas." Mr. Kiley said. "We're all here and ready to work.

"Vonderful! Then let's get started right away. The longer I am avay, the more vorried my husband will get."

At that, everyone began walking around and unpacking things from boxes. Lisa was about to kneel down and unpack a box when Ralph came up to her.

"Mrs. Douglas, can I ask you for a favor?" Ralph asked shyly.

"Of course Ralph, dahling. Vhat is it?" Lisa asked.

"Well, you see, I was planning on coming to the ball and wearing something beautiful to try and make Hankie notice me, but I don't have a thing to wear. I was wondering if I could borrow a dress from you."

"Of course, Ralph. I'll be glad to lend you a dress. Vhy don't you come by tomorrow and we'll see what we can find." Lisa said kindly.

"Oh thank you Mrs. Douglas!" Ralph said excitedly while hugging her.

"My pleasure!" Lisa replied. "Now, vhy don't ve see vhat ve can do vith these decorations!" Ralph nodded and together they began helping the men prepare for Friday's ball.

The Douglas Farm

Lisa returned to the farm later that evening pleased with all that they had accomplished today. All the decorations were put up and now all they needed were the band and the hourderves, which were arriving the day of the ball. Lisa walked into the house, smiling.

Oliver walked out of the bedroom. "Lisa, you're home!" he said happily.

"Hello dere!" Lisa said and then kissed him hello.

"How did it go?" Oliver asked.

"Vonderful dahling! The civic center looks beautiful! How did your day go?"

"Oh fine. The farm is coming along beautifully. The advertisements are done and are being distributed as we speak and the band is setting up their instrument and rehearsing tomorrow. Lisa it looks like this ball is going to be the best social event Hooterville has ever seen!"

"I'm glad it's going so vell." Lisa said happily.

Oliver looked at her and smiled. "Oh, I just remembered, while I was at Drucker's, he gave me a package that arrived for you this morning." Oliver walked to the bedroom to get it.

"Really! From who?" Lisa asked excitedly.

"My mother." Oliver yelled to her from the bedroom. He found the package, returned to Lisa's side and handed her the package. Lisa took it excitedly and sat down to read the card attached.

"Dahling," she began reading, "I am so glad to hear that you are all right. I hope to see you very soon, but for now I send you this gift. I heard that wretched little town my son dragged you to is having a ball," Lisa paused to smile at Oliver, who had an exasperated look on his face. She continued reading, "so I had my dress maker make you this especially for the occasion. I know you will look breathtaking in it. All my love, Mother. P.S. Tell Oliver I said hello."

Lisa giggled as Oliver shook his head in exasperation. She then put the package in her lap and began opening it. She took off the lid to reveal a light blue satin ball gown.

"Oh, Olivah, isn't this a beautiful gown!" Lisa asked excitedly. She stood up and held it up to her.

"It sure is." Oliver responded and smiled. "I'm sure you will look beautiful in it."

Lisa looked up and smiled. "I think I'll go try it on right now. But you mustn't peek. I vant to surprise you on the night of the ball."

"All right, I promise I won't peek." Oliver replied. At that, Lisa ran into the bedroom and closed the door.

Oliver smiled at Lisa's excitement and imagined himself gliding around the dance floor as he went into the kitchen to make himself a sandwich. It won't be long now, Oliver thought excitedly, not long at all.