Friday evening was the photo shoot. Munch, Lolly, Mitzi, Puccini, Grandma Toady and Mama were squashed inside the little red Volkswagen. Fortunately Max’s dad was dropping him and Kevin off at the Thibodaux’s. There simply wasn’t any room for them. When they pulled into the Thibodaux drive, Munch stared at the two story Tudor house. What did Mr. Thibodaux do, to afford a house like that? Mr. Thibodaux answered the door. He was so tall. it hurt Munch’s neck just to look up at him. He smiled at Munch and said, “Nice to meet you.” When he offered his hand, Munch was surprised. He did his best to give a good handshake. It was honestly the first time he had ever shaken a black man’s hand. A sense of awe and reverence stole over him.

Inside the house there were framed photos on the walls. The light captured in them was so specific and the faces of the people could break your heart or make you smile. Mrs. Thibodaux was definitely a good photographer. She stepped out of her studio. She was wearing a deep coral swing dress with matching sandals. When she smiled at Munch, he felt like he was going to melt. She too extended her hand to him and said, “It is nice to finally meet you in person Munch. Grace has told me a lot about you.”

Grace talked about him? Really? “It is nice to meet you too Ma’am. Thanks for doing this for me.”

“You’re welcome.”

The doorbell rang and Mr. Thibodaux answered it. Max and Kevin walked inside. Max’s eyes were large and frightened. His bruises from the fight had mostly faded. Mitzi went flying into her brother’s arms. Stunned, he hugged her tight. Mitzi said, “Me and Puccini are so happy to see you. We miss you!”

Max mumbled, “I miss ya’ll too.” The poor kid looked miserable. He cast a wary glance around the room. Tina was no where to be seen.

Once everyone arrived, Mrs. Thibodaux began the photo shoot. Munch realized at once what a deal he was getting. The studio was completely professional, lights, camera’s, back drops and props. Grace helped her mom move stuff around. She was enjoying the process. Her mom even let her take a few shots. It was interesting to see Grace in her home environment. She helped her mom with the sets and straightened the models clothes or brushed their hair. Jake was there, of course, drinking in every moment. Grace totally ignored him, while, Lisa looked at Jake with sad eyes. No, the girl was not over him yet. And then there was Kevin, all smiles. The only thing he needed in his little universe was Lolly. He was so happy he looked like he was about to burst and sprinkle glitter everywhere. Trevor and Lolly seemed close to okay, but they still weren’t there.

After the shoot, there was a barbecue in the back yard. Tina didn’t come out until the food was served. She did not look at Max at all. After she grabbed a plate, she went back inside. Visibly Max began to wilt. He could have called his dad to come get him, but he didn’t. Apparently he was in it until the bitter end. Was he hoping he would see her again? Most likely.

While Mr. Thibodaux flipped burgers, Munch caught himself staring at him. Over the course of his life, Munch had been around very few black men. Grace’s dad made him wonder about his own dad. Where was he? What was he doing? Did he ever think of Mama?

Mrs. Thibodaux brought a portable record player outside and put on some music. The next thing Munch knew, James Brown was singing, Get up offa that Thing. It was so catchy, Munch’s feet began to move. Mitzi grabbed his hand and they started to boogie. The little girl could dance. She was smiling and keeping perfect time. Grace and Mrs. Thibodaux started dancing too. They were smooth. Soon everyone was on their feet. Mr. Thibodaux had this cool slide step. He reached for Mrs. Thibodaux and spun her around. By the way they danced it was obvious they still loved each other very much. It must be a nice feeling to spend so many years with some one and come to love them more. Munch’s thoughts traveled from this noisy backyard to the quiet garden where Thahn Ho might be sitting with her beloved cat.

Stolen novel; please report.

*

The sun was up and it had arrived. It was March 21st. It was Sunday. They were going to late Mass. Sixteen years ago today, he had been born in Dayton Texas, delivered by a doctor named, Dr. Richter. The attending nurse had been Mabel Ritchie. Munch often wondered what those two white people thought when a a little brown baby popped out of his fair skinned, freckled Mama. Had it been a shock? Had they known? Mama in her situation, could have given him up for adoption, only she didn’t. Even though her parents had disowned her, Mama kept him. He was so thankful she did. Though Grandma and Grandpa had eventually come around, he had never felt particularly wanted or welcome in their presence. At least he had Grandma Toady. She loved him no matter what.

Munch crawled out of bed and went to the window. His eyes strayed to Aunt Jessie’s trailer. Max wasn’t there. He was still with his dad. Mitzi had been going around like a listless puppy dog. Her usual spark and spunk were gone. Aunt Jessie was even worse off. It must be awful hard to grasp that your kid might not ever live with you again. Aunt Jessie’s car wasn’t in the drive. She was pulling a double shift.

The smell of breakfast wafted into the bedroom. Suddenly hungry, Munch went into the kitchen. At the counter, Mama was making waffles in the waffle maker. It was one of the foods she made well. At the table were Mitzi, Puccini and Grandma Toady. Mitzi said, “Happy Birthday OLD MAN. Sit by me please.” The little imp smiled at him. It was good to see her smile. He sat down and noticed the scroll tied with a red ribbon next to her plate. Across from him was Grandma Toady. Next to her plate was a small box with a blue ribbon. Both these gifts were for him. Mitzi’s was probably a drawing, but what had Grandma Toady gotten him? The back door burst open and Lolly entered. “Sorry I’m late.”

Mama gave her a smile, “That’s okay. Take a seat.”

Lolly took the chair on the other side of Munch. She slid her gift onto the table. It was a shirt box. Oh, no. Lolly did not have the greatest taste in clothes. She smiled at him. He smiled back, and prayed he could managed a good reaction when he opened the box.

Mama sat down at the head of the table and served the waffles with maple syrup. Mitzi cast a suspicious glance at the waffles, she started to open her mouth, but Grandma Toady shot her a look. For a tense moment, Mama and Munch waited for Mitzi to balk, but she didn’t. She said, “One please.” Relieved, Mama put a waffle on her plate and gave Grandma Toady two waffles and did the same for Munch, Lolly and herself.

The tradition stood that Munch’s waffles would have a birthday candle in them.Mama lit the candle and they all sang Happy Birthday to him. Mitzi’s sweet piping voice was a good way to start the day. He dug into his waffles. They were so delicious! Better than birthday cake.

As soon as Munch put his fork down, Mitzi began bouncing up and down in her seat. She said, “Open mine first please.”

Munch picked up the scroll, undid the ribbon and unrolled picture. It was a portrait of him with Mitzi and Puccini. He knew what an honor it was to be included in a portrait of Puccini. It was so cute and so good. Mitzi had the gift. He told her, “This is beautiful. I am going to frame it and put it on my wall.”

Mitzi turned pink with pleasure. “You really like it?”

He leaned over and gave her a hug. “I do!”

She smiled up at him and said, “I’m so glad!”

He let go of Mitzi and reached for Lolly’s present.

Mitzi announced, “Don’t worry. I helped her pick it out.”

Lolly grinned at Munch and said, “She did.”

Feeling a little bit better about what might be in the box, he unwrapped it and pulled out a white dress shirt with tiny pink stripes. It was gorgeous and it would go so well with his black suit. He looked up at Lolly and said, “I love it.”

Pleased, Lolly smiled. Mitzi said to her, “See, I told you he’d like it.”

“You did.”

Grandma Toady slid her gift across the table. When Munch opened it, he was surprised. It was a brand new turquoise Bulova Super Six Mini Transistor Radio. It was BEAUTIFUL! He got up from the table and hugged Grandma Toady.

She said, “It’s supposed to get really good reception.” There was a twinkle in her eyes. It was so bright, Munch suspected Ong noi was the root cause of that spark Though neither of them had spoken about her Sunday date, in that moment, Munch got the feeling that Grandma Toady had added a new happiness to her life.