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.
"And I think there's enough Yoo-hoo in the Mailbox Grille to celebrate this event with Norman and Rita." Shane added with a smile.
Oliver smiled then entered, followed by Shane. He walked a few yards but was surprised to see the restaurant had changed, with lots of decorations, including a pennant garland with the words: Happy 16th anniversary at the postal service, Oliver.
"Surprise ! Happy Birthday Oliver !" Everyone exclaimed.
"Wow, my Godness. I really didn't expect this... This is... I don't know what to say. And to think that I have you all ran into each other all the week and I didn't notice anything." Oliver exclaimed.
Everyone laughed.
"Oliver,we were so happy to organize this party for you. You wouldn't want to make a little speech ." Eleanor suggested.
The postal detective took a deep breath.
"First of all, thank you all for your presence and this lovely surprise. I have been fortunate to work at the Denver Post Office for sixteen years now. I always knew that I wanted to work in the post office one day, not of obligation, but out of vocation and the family values that I have been passed on to me. Who hasn't dreamed of holding a real letter in their hands and delivering it? I have spent so many wonderful years here and I have met wonderful colleagues. I know that I still bother the human resources department because I still haven't taken vacations. [laughs of everyone.]
But I will take them, one day, maybe.
Working at the DLO is a joy and an honor every day, especially with such wonderful colleagues and friends; the POstables. I have always wanted to find what has been lost. No postal worker stands taller than when he stoops to deliver to the least of these.
That's what Chester Stanley O'Toole used to say. I followed that. We all are working in this beautiful place. Know that no matter who you are, no matter what position you hold, every person is unique and exceptional. And I am convinced that the DLO, like all other services, have many more years to continue to be part of postal excellence. Thank you to all of you." Oliver declared.
Everyone applauded.
"Oliver is the best for speeches." Rita remarked with a smile as Shane wiped away a tear.
That's when everyone came to congratulate Oliver. And then, Oliver walked towards Joe.
"It was a beautiful speech, son. You managed to make me shed a tear. It's a nice party and you deserve it. Your grandfather would be so proud of you. My greatest joy is to be your father." Joe said with a smile.
"Dad, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And my greates joy is to be your son" Oliver said with a smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please, it is my pleasure to introduce this anniversary party. This is the first music with a return to the 80's". Ramon Rodriguez exclaimed into a microphone while turning on the DJ turntables.
"It's, Never gonna give you up from Rick Astley. I love this song. Come on, Norman, let's dance !" Rita exclaimed as she took Norman's hand.
"Rita, let me remind you that we don't how to dance." Norman declared.
"It's okay, we don't care." Rita said under Joe's amused laughter.
It was then that Papa Joe looked at Oliver.
"I hope you're going to invite her to dance? Come on, O'Toole, have fun." Joe said, laughing.
"But that's what I'm going to do. Earlier a friend told me to smile and dance." Oliver said smiling.
The postal detective took a deep breath, put down his yoo-hoo drink, and walked towards Shane.
"Miss McInerney." Oliver said, holding out his right hand.
" Mr. O'Toole, I was wondering if you were going to ask me to dance." Shane remarked with a smile.
"I couldn't think of anyone but you for a first dance." The postal detective declared, as they began to dance.
"Wow, Rita's totally crazy to this song. Although Lester and Hazel are pretty good too."Shane laughed
"I totally agree. I have to say I wasn't expecting a surprise birthday party like this. I really appreciate it." Oliver admitted.
"Everyone appreciates you, Oliver. Without you, the Denver Post Office wouldn't be what it is today." Shane remarked at the end of the dance.
"Thank you very much, that's very nice of you." The postal detective replied.
"Oliver, there's something I've been meaning to tell you and..." Shane began.
"Oliver! There's someone here to see you . " A postal worker said as he arrived.
The postal detective apologized and followed the employee.
"Hi Oliver! Happy Birthday. Sorry I'm late. I got here as fast as I could." A female voice exclaimed .
"Dale! Thank you so much for coming. It's good to see you." Oliver exclaimed.
Shane a little uncomfortable, looked at them as they walked away to discuss and then she smiled. She realized who were the friends from the church that Eleanor was invited. She went to sit in a chair next to Rita, Eleanor, Norman and Joe.
"So how does it feel to be celebrating your 16 years in the post office? It's a real record." Dale remarked with a smile.
"It's true, but I'm still going to be the person I am. "To thine own self be true. And it must follow... as the night, the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." Hamlet. " Oliver added with a smile.
"Oliver, Dale! Here, have a piece of cake. Shane made a special order at Montaldo's. On the cake it was written, "Trust the timing. See you later." Rita said as she arrived to give each of them a plate of cake.
"Trust the timing. It is a very original message for a anniversary cake." Dale remarked as she took a mouthful of cake.
"Absolutely." The postal detective said, as he was looking for Shane with his eyes in the room but he was interrupted by an old but familiar voice.
"Well, in 16 years, you haven't changed, you are still a loyal gouvernment official, Oliver ." A voice exclaimed.
"My goodness! What a surprise, Mr. Gilson."He exclaimed.
" Please, call me Alan. You have a great father. He's the one who called me and invited me. Happy birthday, my boy, congratulations."Gilson exclaimed, reaching out his hand.
"Thank you so much. I'm so glad to see you, after all this time." Oliver, said, shaking his hand.
"So am I. I would be happy to meet your little team and curious to know what this divine delivery theory is that makes your service so famous." Gilson said, smiling.
The party continued with stories, anecdotes, laughter, smiles and dancing. Then the guests started to leave and only Joe, Oliver, Shane, Rita and Norman were left in the room.
" Now, it's presents! Let's start with me... Here you go, Oliver... It is a collection of stamps... No, I wasn't supposed to tell... But, you'll never guess ... It's on the Pony Express!" Norman exclaimed.
"Norman!" Rita exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, I'm not good at keeping secrets." Norman said.
"It's all right, Norman. It's a very nice gift. Know that your friendship every day is worth all the gifts in the world. Thank you very much, my dear friend." Oliver added.
"Now, it's my turn. Oliver, I hope you still have room in your library at home." Rita declared, handing him a package.
"Wow... This book is really beautiful. I can't wait to start reading it tonight. Thank you Rita." Oliver thanked her.
Norman and Rita came out of the Mailbox Grille.
"And now it's Dad's turn. Here is a letter written by the entire O'Toole family. You know how important letters and words are for our family. Everyone loves you, Oliver. They congratulate you and and say that you are the best O'Toole to represent the postal service. And, there is inside a very nice check for the O'Toole Foundation." Joe says with a smile.
Oliver, touched, took his father in his arms.
"I love you dad." He whispered.
"I love you too, son... You know, you should turn around because there's a lovely youg lady who wants to say something to you." Joe smiled after releasing him from his embrace.
As Oliver turned around and smiled, Joe walked out of the Mailbox Grille and found Norman and Rita looking out the door glass.
"Are you still there?" Joe asked.
"Well we wanted to see what Shane was going to give Oliver, are you staying with us?" Rita asked.
"I can't wait to find out, too. Cool, that way I'll take you all out to dinner." Joe replied.
Oliver rubbed his hands for a moment and then walked towards Shane.
"Uh, Miss McInerney... I'm sorry. I'm not used to having so many people around me ...".
"Oliver, it was a beautiful anniversary party." Shane says with a smile.
"Thank you very much. Did you want to tell me anything else?" Oliver asked.
Shane then took out of her handbag a small box wrapped in gift wrap.
"This is a little gift for you... I did my best. And I have to admit that sewing is not my strong point." Shane remarked.
"So Sleeping Beauty really pricked her finger with a needle." Oliver remarked with a smile.
"Yes, and I don't think I would have had any trouble finding a Prince Charming to break the spell. But, please, open it." She said.
The postal detective opened the box and was surprised to discover what was inside.
It was a handkerchief embroidered with his first name and two postal service logos on either side.
"The logo is..."
"It's perfect! I have never received such a beautiful gift. Handerchiefs are so important to me. You don't know how much your gift means to me." Oliver exclaimed.
"I'm so glad you like this gift. Joe told me about the handkerchiefs. Sometimes it's the simple things in life that are most important, a swing, a rose, a letter, a message or a handkerchief." Shane declared with a smile.
" That is true." Oliver said, smiling tenderly.
"Wait a little while, if you don't mind," Shane asked, taking the handkerchief.
She folded it gently and put it in the pocket square of his suit.
"How do I look?" Oliver asked.
"It's very elegant." Shane replied with a long smile
Then Oliver and Shane came out of the Mailbox Grille.
"Dad!" Oliver, exclaimed, surprised.
"Norman, Rita, what are you doing?" Shane, asked very surprised.
"Well, we're waiting for you. Joe wanted to invite us all to dinner."Rita answered.
"Come on, kids, I'm inviting you all to barbecue !" Joe says, leading the way.
"It's great, thanks a lot, Mr. O'Toole. I hope there will be chicken skewers." Norman added.
"Norman!" Shane and Rita exclaimed.
"Well, it's not my fault I'm always hungry."
Everybody laughed.
Oliver laughed and then smiled as he watched them walk away, delighted to be surrounded by such wonderful people.
Suddenly he saw an envelope with his name on the floor. He thought it was a greeting card that someone had dropped. He picked up the envelope and opened it to read the letter.
Dear Oliver,
All my best wishes for your 16 years of service at the Denver Post Office.
So many difficult years have passed in your life but remember that happy endings are not only found in movies.
A long and beautiful road is wainting for you in the future.
Have faith in your dreams and trust the timing.
Sincerely.
Jordan Marley.
Oliver smiled, put the envelope in his suit jacket pocket and continued on his way. Shane, Joe, Rita and Norman were waiting for him down the hall.
"So, Oliver, did you find another lost letter for your 16th birthday at the post office ?" Shane asked.
"Not exactly, but a letter full of hope for the future." Oliver replied with a smile.
The end.
Author's note: Thank you all for reading this story. Have you all a peaceful and wonderful weekend. :)