* * *
She stood right by as Ken picked up the office phone and dialed his
parents' number, incredibly proud of him for taking this simple but
profound step-hopefully the first small one on the road to
reconciliation. Much of course, depended upon Carl Lockheart; but
regardless of the outcome, Kenny could put his mind at ease knowing he
made a valiant attempt.
"Hello, Dad? It's Ken," he said brightly. "I just wanted to call and
wish you and Mom a happy New Year." Though not privy to the other
side of the conversation, judging from the smile on Ken's face, his call
must've been warmly received. And as Ken became further engrossed in
conversation, Maddy slipped away to afford him some privacy. A few
minutes later, he joined her on the couch.
"So how'd it go?" she asked as he placed an arm securely around her.
"Pretty well," he grinned. "I mean, we didn't solve all our problems
but at least it was cordial. Mom was out so I didn't get to talk to her."
"I'm so proud of you, Kenny," she remarked, settling into the crook
of his arm. "I know that wasn't easy."
"You're a good influence on me, sweetheart," he said, kissing her
temple. "You're good for me in so many ways."
* * *
"Kenny, let's go see Aladdin tonight!" Madeline bubbled over,
thinking of Robin Williams' hilarious performance as the blue genie; she
never tired of the Disney brand, whether in the form of movies, theme
parks or music. They'd just finished another wonderful family dinner after
which Ken contemplated calling the plant and begging them for extra
time off. His carefree hours with Maddy and her family were passing
much too quickly, and he wanted at least one more day with them.
"Sweetheart, haven't you already seen that?"
"Well yes, but not with you!" He cracked up; she was just like a cute
little kid at times.
"Oh, ok," he acquiesced.
"Do you mind if I ask Laura and Damian? They haven't really gone
anywhere today, and I know they'd both like it."
"Of course, sweetheart," Kenny replied. "Whoever wants to come
with us is more than welcome!"
"I'd love to go!" Laura enthusiastically accepted their sincere
invitation, despite her misgivings about "intruding" on their date. Maddy
and Ken both assured her the sentiment was genuine; besides, they'd find
plenty of alone time later.
"Well ok, but I don't think your brother will come with us," Laura
remarked. "He's sound asleep on the easy chair with Tommy on his chest.
But I sure would like to get out."
And so the trio made the twenty minute trek to the AMC Multiplex in
Painter's Crossing, where they spent a joyful two hours in a time and place
where there were only complete resolutions to life's most difficult
problems and happy endings for all of the good people involved.