Oberon's Gift by Richard Dante
SEVEN
As a special treat, George had splurged on a chauffeured limousine to carry Lydia, little George, both sets of parents, Liza Cooper and himself to the wedding. At the time it seemed an impractical expense. However, the VW was not a practical alternative. Nonetheless, even with George’s father, Henry, sitting up front with the driver, the limo was crowded. Though it was obvious Lydia’s parents felt they deserved such treatment, they did not appreciate some of the company. During the short ride to the park, they sat as far away as possible from Liza Cooper and their illegitimate grandson. In spite of the obvious coldness of Lydia's parents, Liza maintained a cheerful attitude as she held George Two
What a hell of a wedding day this was going to be! thought George, looking around a the guests. Upon arrival, the limo party joined the others gathered under a huge oak tree awaiting the minister who was going to perform the ceremony.
Lydia’s parents were still glaring at him. Nothing new there. But they were dividing their animosity between George and his parents, who had just arrived that morning from Los Angeles. The Miles seemed to blame the Potters for bringing this monster into the world.
Mrs. Potter was embarrassed and would like to give her son a good talking to. She was disappointed in him and had mixed emotions about his new family. She’d taken to Lydia instantly and the baby was adorable. But she was confused about the relationships. Right now her grandson was a bastard, and their future daughter-in-law was sweet, but must have loose morals to have let this happen to her. Then there was the matter of her own son. He seemed to have turned out to be some sort of sex fiend. Surely things couldn’t be as bad as they seemed, she thought. She’d taken a Mydol to calm her nerves. Maybe she would view things differently after the wedding.
The only one who was taking it all in stride was George’s father, Henry Potter. The dock worker could see everyone was taking the whole thing too seriously. He tried to keep a straight face and hold back the laughter that welled up inside him. He really would like to take his son out for a beer and have a good laugh over this comedy he was witnessing.
Henry could read the Miles like a book. A couple of well-to-do throw backs to the turn of the century. Oh, that’s right, they’re small town midwesterners--same thing. Even his wife was a little shocked by the premature grandson. But then, she’d been a virgin when he married her. He’d been so anxious to get into her pants, he’d given up his wild bachelorhood for a roll in the hay. But their life hadn’t been so bad. She was a pretty good old girl. They had Georgie to show for it. He was proud of his intelligent son; proud of his new grandson and beautiful future daughter-in-law. He caught Lydia’s eye and gave her a wink. She smiled back bravely. So what if they weren’t married, that was all going to be fixed in a few minutes. Ah, here comes the preacher now.
A young man with a black jacket and a backward collar came up with apologies for being late. Jonathan Miles was glad to see the clergyman. Seemed to make things better. Maybe his daughter’s good name could be salvaged after all. The preacher did have rather long hair though, he decided.
Lydia smiled at the holy man. She was relieved to see him. She had thought all this might be a great joke on her parents, but they were taking it harder than she’d imagined. Her mother appeared to be in a state of perpetual hysteria, and was making everyone nervous. This was her wedding day and she wanted it to go smoothly. About twenty of their school friends were standing around shuffling their feet. They looked uncomfortable. They couldn’t care less about George and Lydia’s marital status, but were appalled at the fuss the older generation was making over the little menage-a-trios.
The Man was here, however, and now the ceremony could proceed. They gathered under the big tree. Birds sang and butterflies flitted among the flowers. It was a perfect day for a wedding. The bride and groom stood with the minister on a slight rise. The rest of the party stood behind them. The maid of honor was Lydia’s best friend and George had asked his father to be best man. It made the stevedore proud to stand there with his son against the rest of them. Lydia didn’t bother to ask her father to give her away. He was out of it as far as she was concerned.
The simple ceremony proceeded smoothly. The minister had a pleasant speaking voice and was able to give the old words new meaning. George glanced at Lydia. She wore a simple dress with flowers in her hair and held a small bouquet . Gosh she’s beautiful! he thought.
The young minister came to the part in the ceremony where he asked, if there was anyone who had any reason why these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony. George could imagine Mom and Dad Miles squirming behind him, but they kept silent.
At that moment, from far off, he heard someone calling his name: “George Potter? George Potter!”
He looked beyond the minister to the far edge of the park, where he could see a man running their way.
“Finish it!” George said to the minister through his teeth.
The minister apparently hadn’t yet heard the voice calling from behind him and went on to conclude the ceremony.
“...and I now pronounce you man and wife.”
George had been watching the approaching man and hardly heard the last words of the ceremony.
“George?...George?” he heard Lydia beside him
“Huh?” he asked, glancing at her.
“Aren’t you going to kiss me?” She had a puzzled look on her face. She hadn’t heard the man either, and he was hidden from her view by the minister.
George gave her a nice husbandly kiss just as the man came running up to them.
“George Potter?! Is there a George Potter here?” He panted.
“Yes, I’m George Potter,” volunteered the groom, a little perturbed the ceremony had been disrupted by this stranger.
“Mr. Potter, am I glad I found you! You couldn’t have heard yet. I’m from the San Francisco Examiner and I want to be the first to congratulate you!”
“I didn’t know the Examiner went in for flower-child weddings,” allowed George.
“No...no...Listen. I want to congratulate you. We just got it on the wire. It took some quick sleuthing, but I found you first!”
The guests had all gathered around and were gaping at the excited young reporter. He looked like a crazy man. He was panting and perspiring, but looked triumphant.
“What a scoop!” he bellowed.
Lydia could stand it no longer. “What are you talking about?!”
The reporter reached for George’s hand, and the groom extended it almost as a reflex action.
“Mr. George Potter, let me be the first to congratulate you. You have just won the Irish Sweepstakes!!!”
They all stared at him blankly. What’s that! The Irish what?!
“The Irish Sweepstakes.”
“That’s right...ONE MILLION SMACKOLAS!”
There was a short screech from somewhere, and out of the corner of his eyes, George saw Ginny Miles collapse. She aimed for her husband’s arms, but the old man just stood there dumfounded and Ginny missed him. She hit the ground with a thud, rolling a bit as she hit. Her legs went straight up in the air; exposing slip, panties, garter belt and all. Her legs hung for a moment then dropped to the turf. Ginny Miles was out cold.
No one paid any attention to the unconscious mother-in-law. they were all dancing and jumping and shouting and hugging George and Lydia. Lydia was crying and George was smiling so hard his mouth hurt. The guests formed a circle and began to dance around the couple. Finally Lydia dried her tears and looked up at George who was hugging her close.
The little man in green, George?” she whispered in disbelief.
“Or maybe I’m just damned lucky. I won you didn’t I?!” he grinned and gave her a more-than-husbandly kiss.
The crowd quieted and the reporter got his story and picture. He promised he wouldn’t tell anyone where they were and congratulated them again. They revived Mother
EIGHT
The Celebration on the way home in the limo was a riot. Even Lydia’s parents were smiling. They actually spoke to Liza Cooper and wanted to hold the baby. Finally George sobered a bit and asked for quiet.
“Listen. A million bucks may sound like a lot of money here in 1983, but it also means a lot of income tax.” He smiled sadly at his listeners. “Oh, we can probably get by on it, as long as we don’t try to live too high in the stratosphere. However, I think we can at least splurge on a case of good champagne. Driver stop at the next liquor store!”
When they finally pulled up at the house, most of the crowd had already arrived. Besides the parents, George and Lydia had invited their university friends, and a couple of professors . Lydia’s girlfriends were busy setting up the buffet and a couple of coolers full of ice and refreshments. There was lots of beer and wine plus George’s respectable champagne. There were paper plates, plastic utensils and disposable wine glasses. Hot dogs and burgers were grilling on the BBQ and someone was tossing a huge salad.
Normally it’s the responsibility of the bride’s father to provide the wedding feast, but on first meeting, the groom’s father, Henry Potter, had seen his daughter-in-laws parents were in no mood to encourage this marriage. Now, of course, with the promise of a rich son-in-law, they’d changed their tune...a bit late to provide anything. Though his son, George, had arranged for a bakery to deliver a fancy cake; it had been Henry, who’d stopped at a supermarket that morning to purchase the food and a big assortment of drinkables.
As afternoon wore on into evening, the crowd was enjoying itself and there were many toasts to the bride and groom: George’s father started it all off with a toast about how much he admired these brave young people who had defied convention. He wished them much happiness.
Suddenly a toast came from an unexpected quarter. Jonathan Miles made a half try at an apology and started to blubber. He could see now he had misjudged this fine young man. This new millionaire, George Potter.
Mother Miles stood next to Lydia. She’d apparently made a full recovery and was holding the baby and crooning a lullaby. When she finished she handed George Two back to Liza Cooper with her most tolerant smile. Taking a slug of beer she put an arm around Lydia. Then turned to look at George and said, “George Potter, I am so proud of you. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have for my Lydia.”
Lydia smiled at her new husband and gave a little shrug.
A couple of the George’s friends were talented musicians and were encouraged to entertain. They did so, and were so well received, George, who’d become a bit tiddly on champagne, also volunteered to sing. Lydia cringed as George fumbled with his old guitar. The rare times he’d tried to serenade her had been pretty painful. Finally tuned up as well as his tin ear would permit, George began to sing, and the listeners began to groan. He struggled through one dismal song and ended on a real clinker.
As he did so, he suddenly saw a familiar figure off in back of the crowd. A little green suited gentleman with a red beard. Oberon had his fingers over his ears, and grimaced as if in pain. There was a smattering of polite applause for George’s effort. After all, he was the groom, a millionaire, and their host. But after the token gesture, the crowd turned back to partying.
Obviously distressed, Oberon grabbed an embarrassed George by the elbow and steered him away from the crowd. “No, No, no, George!” growled the leprechaun, “This simply won’t do! We have important plans for your future and the committee back home is not pleased with this performance!”
The dazed young man glanced around nervously until Oberon assured him leprechauns could not be seen or heard by mortals unless permitted. Dragging him into the empty kitchen, the Good Fairy continues his harangue.
“Oh you can sing, George! You sing like a bird...I want to say a crow, but the voice itself is not that bad--a pleasant though flat little baritone. In any case, after much pleading on my part, the boys back home sent me over to offer the second gift. We can hear, deep down inside you there are some vague musical qualifications, and you do appreciate real music. It’s unfortunate, you haven’t the resources to create any.” Oberon paused for a moment and gave the young man a discouraged look “I lost a lot of game points during your caterwauling and though it’s almost too soon after the first wish, we’ve decided it’s high time for your second one. I think we must bless you with perfect pitch, and a true sense of musicianship. I’m afraid this time you have no choice in the matter. It’s our decision you take Musical Talent.”
Still unsure if all this magic stuff was true, or if this leprechaun was merely a champagne delusion, George hesitated. He loved music, but wasn’t sure his political future really required it. Still as Oberon had stated, He had no choice in the matter
Seeing the doubtful look on the young man’s face, the enchanter reassured him “George, You’ll love it. Look what we did for Brahms, Beethoven and the Beatles.?”
Maybe, just maybe, thought the leprechaun, with a bit of e effort f rom this young man, they could eventually add George Potter to their list of musical successes.
“Uh...Okay, I guess so” he acquiesced
Just then a giggly couple came out into the kitchen.
George looked around nervously.
Seeing the new bridegroom/father, they laughed, “Hey daddio!”
“Don’t worry, George...only you can see me.” Oberon reassured him again, as he waved his wand over the bridegroom. Sprinkles swirled around George’s head. He suddenly felt a sort of giddy euphoria and grinned.
To avoid a bout of overconfidence Oberon cautioned him, “We can’t do it all for you.” Oberon added “You must make an effort before talent takes over. A good music teacher and some poetry studies would certainly help. Goodbye for now. and good luck!”
With that, the leprechaun waved his wand at the ceiling and followed the sparkle cloud up and out into the night.
A bit bedazzled and befuddled George returned to the party. He sheepishly
apologized for his music as he walked unsteadily through the crowd. They all smiled and clapped him on the back. with their assurances.
“It’s Okay, Georgie! Just too much good champagne!” Raising their, glasses, they once again toasted the new bride and groom.
In Liza Cooper’s ample arms, George Two giggled and gurgled as his mom kissed his dad.
NINE
The sports coupe droned its way across the great bridge in the direction of the city. The driver looked east toward the the metropolis. It was a spectacular day. The blue of the sky and green of the bay were cut by the jagged white slash of tall buildings. The steel cables that supported the bridge gave a stroboscopic effect to the bright scene beyond. The flickering panorama lulled the driver, and he was only half aware of the traffic that moved beside him. George thought of many things. Today was the first anniversary of his marriage to Lydia. He thought back to how the incredible year had started. That day, had also been beautiful, but it hadn’t started out that way. The wedding itself had been a near disaster, yet he had to smile at the memory of how it turned out. Wealth had certainly given him a whole new image in the eyes of his in-laws. He had to admit he was glad to see them go home.
The year that followed had passed like a dream. However, after the euphoria of instant wealth had worn off, he and Lydia regained some of their perspective. Their win made them minor celebrities for a few days, but in a week or so, most of the world had forgotten about them. Not everyone, though. The get-rich-quick schemers still beat a pathway to their screen door. Even before they could get out of the West Oakland neighborhood, a pageant of unsavory characters paraded through their tiny living room; each with a wonderful idea of what the Potters should do with their money. Many were obvious con artists--both male and femal
George and Lydia were pulled this way and that, and the temptations were great.
Finally the million dollar cashier’s check arrived, and with it a man from the IRS with a reminder. The taxes would have to be paid--a substantial amount.
Uncle Sam couldn’t have reared his ugly head at a more perfect moment. His arrival sobered the young couple and they made plans to escape the money sharks who swam about them.
They moved into a high security apartment building and locked their doors. Liza Cooper was glad to rent her two houses and move in with them. As good friend, house keeper and George Two’s nanny, she became indispensable. She only allowed immediate family and good friends inside, and they were not encouraged to stay long. George and Lydia were planning their future.
Through his new banker, George investigated and retained a respected tax lawyer, and a reliable investment broker. The four of them sat down and mapped out their strategy.
Deferred tax payments would allow the young investors to use their big cash clout to make more money while paying off the government. The majority of the money was invested, but George held out a hundred thousand dollars or so just for fun. He sold the VW and bought a sports coupe and a nearly new Mercedes sedan. .
As the months passed, the Potter investments did astonishingly well; almost as if they were charmed. Their money doubled, tripled and continued to multiply.
The wealthy George and Lydia Potter were sensible young people who would normally avoid a show of wealth. But, now they were rich and could indulge themselves a little.
The apartment they had was nice, but they wanted something more permanent. A place in the country where George Two could have a dog and pony when he was old enough.