A Past and A Future.
Oliver O'Toole celebrates his 16 years of service at the Denver Post Office. And for this occasion, everyone is preparing a nice surprise for him. The characters belong to the talented Martha Williamson.
Disclaimer: The Disney films and their characters as well as the music names mentioned in this story do not belong to me.
On Friday morning, Shane arrived at the DLO.
"Oh, hey Shane. How's Sleeping beauty?" Rita asked with a laugh.
"Very well, thank you Rita. I really pricked my finger with a needle." She laughed.
"Good morning everyone. Ah, you pricked you finger with a needle, Miss McInerney?" Oliver asked as he comes in.
" Shane watched Maleficent, last night !" Rita exclaimed
"I'm sorry, what, Maleficent ?" Oliver asked.
"This movie told the story of Sleeping Beauty not from the original point of view of Aurora but from that of Maleficent, a powerful fairy living in a magical forest. In this movie, one see too, Maleficent who curses the infant princess Aurora. On her 16th birthday, she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel spindle and fall into a permanent sleep. The curse can be broken by true love's kiss." She said as Oliver looked at her suspiciously... "Anyway, I really like watching Disney movies. And what about you?" Shane asked with a smile.
" Well, I..."
"Oliver O'Toole is expected at the department meeting. O'Toole at the department meeting." A voice exclaimed on the microphone.
"What a day. The department meeting was supposed to be held on Monday as usual. Well, we have to keep trying to find the address of the recipient of this mysterious package. I'm entrusting the case to you. We could meet at the Mailbox Grill around 13 p.m for lunch. See you later." Oliver declared before he goes out.
"It is perfect, the operation: Birthday surprise is on the way." Norman says while putting on his sunglasses.
"So Norman?" Rita asked as Norman examined the package with a magnifying glass.
"So we have a partial name. A lady or girl who must be named Lassie or maybe Leslie, or something like that. Oliver would have found something, he likes riddles and mystery." Norman said.
That's when Shane took a letter opener.
"Since we have very few clues, I suggest that we open this package." Shane exclaimed.
Norman gently opened the box, and Shane took the object that was wrapped in bubble wrap to open it and found a wall clock made with spoons.
"Wow! It's really beautiful. I would like have something like that in my kitchen." Shane remarked.
"My cousin Vernon plays music with spoons... Oh, there's a note, happy birthday grandma." Norman read.
" My Gosh... I know... Norman, Shane,Doesn't this remind you of something? A grandma, a windchime of spoons and also peanut butter and banana pancakes." Rita exclaimed.
"Vivian Lasseter !" The trio exclaimed at the same time.
"So we have a double birthday today." Norman remarked with a smile.
"Yes, we do, and it's lunchtime. Rita, you're coming with me to Montaldo's to pick up the cake." Shane said as she grabbed her car keys and purse.
"Yes, of course. See you later, Norman." Rita said.
" Oh, I forgot... Eleanor asked me to buy some pennant garlands..." Norman explained, frustrated.
"So, come with us." Shane added with a smile.
"And who's going to lunch with Oliver, we can ask Joe." Norman remarked.
"No, Oliver's going to suspect something. I think I'll call him " She said with a small smile.
"Shane, are you really going to call him?" Norman asked.
"Ovilear, my dear friend!" Ramon Rodriguez exclaimed.
"Ramon! It's unexpected to find you here. Please." Oliver, said, inviting him to sit at his table.
"Well, I'm at the dance studio this afternoon and it's not far from the Mailbox Grill. I'm giving a salsa dance class." Ramon replied.
"Oh, that's very interesting. Dancing is always a magic moment if you share it with someone you really appreciate." Oliver remarked, nostalgic.
"I think it's a shame that you and Shane had to quit dance classes. You were my best students." Ramon remarked.
"Well to tell you the truth... We had danced together for a few moments at that dinner at Montaldo's. And I really think we were a little...
"Ovilear! Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion." Ramon exclaimed.
"That's not a quote from you, is it?" Oliver asked.
"It's from Martha Graham. No matter. Love is like dancing, my friend. So smile and dance. And stop thinking, I see you, again."
The postal detective laughed.
" Angie!" Shane exclaimed softly.
"Oh, Shane, follow me into the kitchen." She said, addressing Norman, Rita and Shane.
They followed her into the kitchen and Shane handed her the box of cake.
"It's huge. Everything is already in the refrigerator. Tom, the cook also made some small pastries. We'll close the Mailbox around 3:30 pm to set everything up. Eleanor and other employees said they would come for the decoration as agreed." Angie, the barrista, explains.
"Perfect, I like surprises. We'll be back here around 5:00 p.m. Is Oliver still here?" Shane asked.
" Yes, sure. He is talking with Ramon. He is unsuspecting. I gotta run. We rest in contact. See ya !" She exclaimed before leaving the kitchen.
"Oh Ramon, how nice to see you again."Shane exclaimed as she arrived with Norman and Rita.
"It's always a pleasure to see too. If you'll excuse me, I have to go to my dance class and I also have some music arrangements to make. See you later." Ramon said before leaving with a small smile on his face to Shane, Rita and Norman.
"So, I guess you continued your research on this package. Did you find anything interesting ? " Oliver asked to his colleagues.
"Oliver, you will be surprised, but we already know the recipient who lives at 1647 Kearney Street, Denver, Colorado, 80207." Rita remarked.
"Really?" The postal detective asked surprised.
" It's Vivian Lasseter. She's having a birthday today." Norman added with a smile.
The POstables arrived at a house and rang the doorbell.
Suddenly, a boy rushed to open the door.
"Hi Casey! How are you okay?" Norman asked.
"Hello,... so you found it... Grandma, come one. Your present has arrived." Casey exclaimed
"Casey, what's going on?" ... Oh, my goodness. This is a nice surprise. Oliver, Shane, Norman and Rita. It's good to see you again !" Vivian exclaimed.
"Mrs. Lasseter, please accept our best wishes for your birthday. This is a package for you, that got lost and arrived at the DLO. Here it is, it's for you. Happy Birthday ." Oliver said as he handed her the package.
"And this is, an assortment of different pastries. We wanted to give it to you." Norman added.
"Thank you very much, you are really adorable all four of you... Won't you come in for a drink?" Vivian asked.
"That's really nice Mrs. Lasseter, but we have to get back to the office." Shane winked at her.
"I totally understand. Thanks again. It's a beautiful day for a birthday. See you soon." Vivian Lasseter said with a smile.
The POstables then arrived at the DLO.
"It's amazing to see Vivian two years in a row on her birthday." Shane remarked with a smile.
"I was absolutely delighted to see Mrs. Lasseter again. Miss McInerney, what counts is the satisfaction of those we serve." The postal detective declared.
"Uh, we'll take our table at the Mailbox Grille. See you later." Norman said as he walked out with Rita.
"Ah yes, last time, Rita suggested we go for a drink at the Mailbox Grille after work. Is that good with you?" Oliver asked to Shane.
"Yes, I'd love to." Shane replied.
They walked out and walked towards the post office restaurant, as they arrived at the front door, Oliver, a little uncomfortable, turned to Shane.
"Uh, Miss McInerney... I have to tell you that it's not just Mrs. Lasseter's birthday. In fact, ... I have to tell you that today is my 16th birthday at the Denver Post Office. I've always been very discreet and I don't like to be put under the spotlight. Norman, Rita and a few persons already know that. But I wanted you to know ." Oliver says with a smile.
TBC
Author's note: Thank you all for reading. The next chapter will be about the birthday's party and will be the last chapter of this story. Have a great weekend. :)