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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Family & Friends
- Subject: Comedy / Humor
- Published: 06/25/2020
Fireworks on the 4th
Born 1944, F, from Melbourne, FL, United StatesFireworks on the 4th
by
Valerie Allen
“Your essay assignment this weekend is, 'Happy 4th of July! Happy Birthday, USA!',” Ms. Shaw announces. My name is Gillium, but they call me Gilly, and Ms. Shaw is my third-grade summer school teacher.
I start to groan inside my head 'cause I hate to write essays and Ms. Shaw assigns one every Friday! I think she just wants to get my weekend off to a bad start. I have to turn the essay in first thing Monday morning.
She knows I can't write an essay. That's why I'm in summer school—'cause I don't know how to write essays! I also can't read too good and my mom says my spelling is a disaster.
“Okay, boys and girls, I want you to use new vocabulary words and as many detailed descriptors as you can. This will make your essay interesting and exciting.” She looks at each of us and smiles. No one else in the class smiles.
Ms. Shaw has been talking about using 'new vocabulary words' and 'detailed descriptors' all week. She'd give us a sentence and we have to add something called 'adjectives' to make the sentence more 'interesting' and 'exciting'. I guess 'detailed descriptors' are fancy words for 'adjectives.'
Usually, essays are hard for me to write, but this one might be easier. You see, we're having lots of company at our house for a big 4th of July cookout. I know I'll have lots of 'detailed descriptors' because things always get 'interesting' and 'exciting' when we have friends and family come to our house—especially when my Uncle Dwayne comes to visit.
My dad loves to have everyone over for the cookout. He likes to 'fire up the grill' and 'kick back with the boys.' The problem is every time we have a cookout my mom and dad start to fight. Well, I don't mean they really fight, it's more like they argue. “We're just having words,” is what my mother calls it.
After they have their 'words' they seem okay, you know, like back to normal. I can't always figure out what they are mad about because sometimes it sounds like they're talking in some kind of secret code.
It sorta goes like this. My mom tells my dad he has to get things cleaned up 'cause people are coming. My dad says it's just family and we don't need to do anything special for them.
My mom says she's not living in a pig's sty and my dad better pick up his shoes, his socks, and all of his other stuff.
My dad asks, “What stuff?”
My mom rolls her eyes and puts both hands on her hips.
When Mom does this it's never a good sign. That's when Dad gets some kind of secret message from her. He uses a funny voice and says, Yes, Dear. This is good because this makes my mom laugh and then my dad gives her a hug and their 'words' are over— for a while.
Then Dad says he's going outside to get the grill ready. Mom says, “Okay, but don't set the house on fire.”
Dad says, “Have I ever set the house on fire?”
Mom says, “No and I don't want you to start now!” She gives him a funny kinda look.
Dad says, “I don't want you to burn the house down while getting the fixings ready.”
Mom turns around and walks away.
Anyways, back to my Uncle Dwayne. He's my father's brother and every time he comes to visit, my parents have 'words'. Sometimes they have lots of 'words' about him.
I love my Uncle Dwayne and I think my dad does too. Mom not so much.
Dad says Mom is absolutely right about what she says about Uncle Dwayne. Dad agrees with everything and then he says, “But Dwayne's my little brother.”
Then Mom says, “Your little brother is a fully grown man and you know how he is.”
“I do know how he is,” Dad says and nods. “I also know how your sister and her little rug rats are. I've got to keep an eye on them all the time 'cause they're always running wild.”
I don't think this is such a good thing for him to say. Besides, I love running wild with my cousins.
Mom's eyes open wide. “They're just rambunctious kids,” she says.
There's another one of those big words I don't know but I think it must have something to do with running wild. If that's what 'rambunctious' is then I guess I'm rambunctious too and I like it! Hmm, maybe I could use 'rambunctious' in my essay to make it 'interesting' and 'exciting'.
Mom says, “Don't you even start to pick on my family. At least none of them show up bleary-eyed like Dwayne.”
This is confusing to me. I never saw anyone with bleary eyes. Everyone I know has brown eyes or blue eyes. Not sure about the color of bleary-eyes. I'll get my twin sister, WandaLu, to keep Uncle Dwayne busy while I stare at his eyes to see what color they are.
WandaLu and I are girl-boy twins and WandaLu is in the fourth grade. She didn't have to go to summer school. If I do good in summer school—writin' all those 'interesting' and 'exciting' essays—I'll get to be in fourth grade too. I'll be promoted! Now there's another big word, 'promoted', I might be able to use in my essay.
Meanwhile, Dad looks at my mom and they don't say anything for a few minutes. Finally, Dad says, “Truce.” This makes them both laugh.
Mom says, “Okay, I'll try my best with Dwayne but remember it's your job to take him aside for some guy talk if there's a problem.”
This is another one of those secret codes my parents use. I'm not sure what 'guy talk' is but I'm going to ask Dad if I can go with him and Uncle Dwayne when they have it.
Mom wags her finger at Dad. “And another thing,” she says. She's not yelling but her voice is kinda loud. “I don't want him coming here three-sheets-to-the wind.”
Dad raises his eyebrows and says, “Not to worry, I'll keep an eye on the brew.”
Now, I'm really confused about this. If my Uncle Dwayne wants to bring his sheets and hang them in the wind, I don't think it should be a big deal. We have a clothes dryer my mom uses but sometimes she hangs things on the clothesline outside—big things like blankets and winter jackets and sheets. She says they need a 'good breeze'. I'm not sure why Mom gets upset if Uncle Dwayne wants to hang his sheets out in the wind but it's something that really gets her worked up.
Things settle down for a while and Dad goes outside to 'fire up the grill' and Mom starts to get the 'fixings' ready. When Dad comes back in they start to have more 'words' about Uncle Dwayne. Sometimes their 'words' get really loud.
This is when Mom uses the secret code, but this one I understand. She tells me and WandaLu to go outside and clean up the yard so it will be nice when the company comes. What she really means is she and my dad are going to have more 'words' about Uncle Dwayne and they don't want me and WandaLu to hear what they're sayin'.
WandaLu and I go outside and lean against the kitchen window where we can peak in and listen to what 'words' are being said about Uncle Dwayne.
Mom says, “That brother of yours better not show up with 10-Cent Gloria either. He better just leave her on the street corner where he found her. I won't allow that trash in my house!”
Dad puts his hand on his forehead and then drags it down his face. He looks at Mom and lets out a big sigh. “I'll have a talk with him, man-to-man. We'll get down to brass tacks.”
My mom says, “You better, or this could turn into a 4th of July we'll long remember.”
* * *
“Uncle Dwayne,” I yell when I see his car pull into the driveway. I run out of the house and Dad is right behind me. When Uncle Dwayne gets out of the car, Dad gives him a big hug.
Uncle Dwayne puts his hand on my head and says “Hiya, Gilly! I have a surprise for you.” He opens the car trunk and I see a lot of boxes. “Don't just stand there,” he says. “Those boxes aren't going to walk themselves into the house.”
The three of us carry the boxes inside. My Mom smiles and says hello to Uncle Dwayne, real polite like. She glares at my dad but they don't say anything to each other. This is another time they use their secret code. They don't talk but it's like they can read each other's mind.
My Uncle Dwayne looks from Mom to Dad but he doesn't say anything either. I wonder if he's catching on to their secret code.
Mom takes my hand and says she needs me and WandaLu to help her in the kitchen. This secret code means WandaLu and I have to leave the room because I think this is when Dad is supposed to have that 'man-to-man' talk with Uncle Dwayne and Mom doesn't want us to hear it.
When we come back into the living room, I want to open the boxes. Dad says they're full of fireworks and we have to take them outside. I'm really glad Uncle Dwayne didn't have his sheets in those boxes, especially not three sheets!
WandaLu and I sit at the picnic table waiting for Dad to bring the hot dogs and for Mom to get all the fixings. I sit across from Uncle Dwayne so I can get a good look at his eyes. They weren't bleary, whatever that color is. His eyes were brown just like my Dad's.
Uncle Dwayne asks me why I'm staring at him. I tell him Mom said he comes here bleary-eyed and I want to see if he is bleary-eyed today. He looks at Dad and starts to laugh. “Nope. You can tell your mom I didn't bring my 'bleary-eyes' today. I want to see everyone as clear as I can.”
More of our friends and relatives come for the cookout. My grandma asks my aunt if her 'ne'er-do-well' friend plans to come. Grandma said my Grandpa would be upset if my aunt's 'freeloading' friend shows up. There are more good words to use in my essay, 'ne'er-do-well' and 'freeloading.'
I'm not sure who these friends are but it makes me wonder about my Uncle Dwayne's friend, 10-Cent Gloria, so I ask him if she plans to come to the cookout.
My dad snatches me by the arm and says he needs me to help him with the grill. My mom starts to cough when she sees this and she and Dad do that secret code thing. Mom nods at Dad. “Good idea to have Gilly with you to help with the grill,” she says in a kinda high pitched voice.
Later, WandaLu and I get 'rambunctious' with our cousins. We start to run around the yard trying to knock each other down. My aunt says this isn't a good idea and we should behave ourselves. I tell her we're just having fun with her rug rats.
When everyone leaves, I help Dad clean the grill, and then Mom says I have to take a shower. She says, “Remember to work on your essay in the morning.”
I tell her I think Ms. Shaw will give me an 'A' on my essay because I learned a lot of 'new vocabulary words' today and I'm goin' to use 'detailed descriptors' that will make my essay 'interesting' and 'exciting.'
When I'm in bed, Dad comes in to say goodnight. “Did you and Uncle Dwayne get down to 'brass tacks' today?” I ask.
Dad squints his eyes and a funny look comes across his face. “What do you know about that?”
“Nothin',” I say, “but will we have a man-to-man talk when I grow up?”
Dad ruffles my hair and laughs. “Yes,” he says. “Yes, we will.” He shakes his head and lowers his voice. “I only hope I do a better job with you than I did with your Uncle Dwayne.”
# # #
Thank you for taking the time to read
Fireworks on the 4th
If you enjoyed it,
please consider telling your friends
and posting a review on
Amazon.com and other online sites.
Word-of-mouth referrals are
an author's best friend
and much appreciated.
~ ~ ~
Fireworks on the 4th
by
Valerie Allen
Copyright by Valerie Allen 2020
Amazon.com/dp/B084NV9DFG
All rights reserved
For More Information, please contact:
Valerie Allen
VAllenWriter@gmail.com
ValerieAllenWriter.com
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
Short Stories
by
Valerie Allen
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
A License to Practice
A Marriage of Convenience
A Mother's Love
A Tooth for a Tooth
A True Miracle
Ad Hoc Committee
Best Wishes
Brotherly Love
Conditional Love
Doggie Tales
Father's Day
Fire Engine Red
Fireworks on the 4th
First Love
Fit for Life
Future Plans
Holiday Traditions
Home for the Holidays
I Remember Momma
Just Be Cos
Ladies in Waiting
Leisureville
Love is in the Air
Match-maker
Mother Knows Best
Potty Talk
Puppy Love
No Goin' Home
Queen for a Day
Second Chance
Small Steps
Split Second Timing
Thank You! Mr. Jackson
The Big Winner!
The Garden of Love
The Lonely Life of Amanda Miller
The Penalty Box
Valentine's Day
Visiting Day
Words of Wisdom
~ ~ ~
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
Fireworks on the 4th(Valerie Allen)
Fireworks on the 4th
by
Valerie Allen
“Your essay assignment this weekend is, 'Happy 4th of July! Happy Birthday, USA!',” Ms. Shaw announces. My name is Gillium, but they call me Gilly, and Ms. Shaw is my third-grade summer school teacher.
I start to groan inside my head 'cause I hate to write essays and Ms. Shaw assigns one every Friday! I think she just wants to get my weekend off to a bad start. I have to turn the essay in first thing Monday morning.
She knows I can't write an essay. That's why I'm in summer school—'cause I don't know how to write essays! I also can't read too good and my mom says my spelling is a disaster.
“Okay, boys and girls, I want you to use new vocabulary words and as many detailed descriptors as you can. This will make your essay interesting and exciting.” She looks at each of us and smiles. No one else in the class smiles.
Ms. Shaw has been talking about using 'new vocabulary words' and 'detailed descriptors' all week. She'd give us a sentence and we have to add something called 'adjectives' to make the sentence more 'interesting' and 'exciting'. I guess 'detailed descriptors' are fancy words for 'adjectives.'
Usually, essays are hard for me to write, but this one might be easier. You see, we're having lots of company at our house for a big 4th of July cookout. I know I'll have lots of 'detailed descriptors' because things always get 'interesting' and 'exciting' when we have friends and family come to our house—especially when my Uncle Dwayne comes to visit.
My dad loves to have everyone over for the cookout. He likes to 'fire up the grill' and 'kick back with the boys.' The problem is every time we have a cookout my mom and dad start to fight. Well, I don't mean they really fight, it's more like they argue. “We're just having words,” is what my mother calls it.
After they have their 'words' they seem okay, you know, like back to normal. I can't always figure out what they are mad about because sometimes it sounds like they're talking in some kind of secret code.
It sorta goes like this. My mom tells my dad he has to get things cleaned up 'cause people are coming. My dad says it's just family and we don't need to do anything special for them.
My mom says she's not living in a pig's sty and my dad better pick up his shoes, his socks, and all of his other stuff.
My dad asks, “What stuff?”
My mom rolls her eyes and puts both hands on her hips.
When Mom does this it's never a good sign. That's when Dad gets some kind of secret message from her. He uses a funny voice and says, Yes, Dear. This is good because this makes my mom laugh and then my dad gives her a hug and their 'words' are over— for a while.
Then Dad says he's going outside to get the grill ready. Mom says, “Okay, but don't set the house on fire.”
Dad says, “Have I ever set the house on fire?”
Mom says, “No and I don't want you to start now!” She gives him a funny kinda look.
Dad says, “I don't want you to burn the house down while getting the fixings ready.”
Mom turns around and walks away.
Anyways, back to my Uncle Dwayne. He's my father's brother and every time he comes to visit, my parents have 'words'. Sometimes they have lots of 'words' about him.
I love my Uncle Dwayne and I think my dad does too. Mom not so much.
Dad says Mom is absolutely right about what she says about Uncle Dwayne. Dad agrees with everything and then he says, “But Dwayne's my little brother.”
Then Mom says, “Your little brother is a fully grown man and you know how he is.”
“I do know how he is,” Dad says and nods. “I also know how your sister and her little rug rats are. I've got to keep an eye on them all the time 'cause they're always running wild.”
I don't think this is such a good thing for him to say. Besides, I love running wild with my cousins.
Mom's eyes open wide. “They're just rambunctious kids,” she says.
There's another one of those big words I don't know but I think it must have something to do with running wild. If that's what 'rambunctious' is then I guess I'm rambunctious too and I like it! Hmm, maybe I could use 'rambunctious' in my essay to make it 'interesting' and 'exciting'.
Mom says, “Don't you even start to pick on my family. At least none of them show up bleary-eyed like Dwayne.”
This is confusing to me. I never saw anyone with bleary eyes. Everyone I know has brown eyes or blue eyes. Not sure about the color of bleary-eyes. I'll get my twin sister, WandaLu, to keep Uncle Dwayne busy while I stare at his eyes to see what color they are.
WandaLu and I are girl-boy twins and WandaLu is in the fourth grade. She didn't have to go to summer school. If I do good in summer school—writin' all those 'interesting' and 'exciting' essays—I'll get to be in fourth grade too. I'll be promoted! Now there's another big word, 'promoted', I might be able to use in my essay.
Meanwhile, Dad looks at my mom and they don't say anything for a few minutes. Finally, Dad says, “Truce.” This makes them both laugh.
Mom says, “Okay, I'll try my best with Dwayne but remember it's your job to take him aside for some guy talk if there's a problem.”
This is another one of those secret codes my parents use. I'm not sure what 'guy talk' is but I'm going to ask Dad if I can go with him and Uncle Dwayne when they have it.
Mom wags her finger at Dad. “And another thing,” she says. She's not yelling but her voice is kinda loud. “I don't want him coming here three-sheets-to-the wind.”
Dad raises his eyebrows and says, “Not to worry, I'll keep an eye on the brew.”
Now, I'm really confused about this. If my Uncle Dwayne wants to bring his sheets and hang them in the wind, I don't think it should be a big deal. We have a clothes dryer my mom uses but sometimes she hangs things on the clothesline outside—big things like blankets and winter jackets and sheets. She says they need a 'good breeze'. I'm not sure why Mom gets upset if Uncle Dwayne wants to hang his sheets out in the wind but it's something that really gets her worked up.
Things settle down for a while and Dad goes outside to 'fire up the grill' and Mom starts to get the 'fixings' ready. When Dad comes back in they start to have more 'words' about Uncle Dwayne. Sometimes their 'words' get really loud.
This is when Mom uses the secret code, but this one I understand. She tells me and WandaLu to go outside and clean up the yard so it will be nice when the company comes. What she really means is she and my dad are going to have more 'words' about Uncle Dwayne and they don't want me and WandaLu to hear what they're sayin'.
WandaLu and I go outside and lean against the kitchen window where we can peak in and listen to what 'words' are being said about Uncle Dwayne.
Mom says, “That brother of yours better not show up with 10-Cent Gloria either. He better just leave her on the street corner where he found her. I won't allow that trash in my house!”
Dad puts his hand on his forehead and then drags it down his face. He looks at Mom and lets out a big sigh. “I'll have a talk with him, man-to-man. We'll get down to brass tacks.”
My mom says, “You better, or this could turn into a 4th of July we'll long remember.”
* * *
“Uncle Dwayne,” I yell when I see his car pull into the driveway. I run out of the house and Dad is right behind me. When Uncle Dwayne gets out of the car, Dad gives him a big hug.
Uncle Dwayne puts his hand on my head and says “Hiya, Gilly! I have a surprise for you.” He opens the car trunk and I see a lot of boxes. “Don't just stand there,” he says. “Those boxes aren't going to walk themselves into the house.”
The three of us carry the boxes inside. My Mom smiles and says hello to Uncle Dwayne, real polite like. She glares at my dad but they don't say anything to each other. This is another time they use their secret code. They don't talk but it's like they can read each other's mind.
My Uncle Dwayne looks from Mom to Dad but he doesn't say anything either. I wonder if he's catching on to their secret code.
Mom takes my hand and says she needs me and WandaLu to help her in the kitchen. This secret code means WandaLu and I have to leave the room because I think this is when Dad is supposed to have that 'man-to-man' talk with Uncle Dwayne and Mom doesn't want us to hear it.
When we come back into the living room, I want to open the boxes. Dad says they're full of fireworks and we have to take them outside. I'm really glad Uncle Dwayne didn't have his sheets in those boxes, especially not three sheets!
WandaLu and I sit at the picnic table waiting for Dad to bring the hot dogs and for Mom to get all the fixings. I sit across from Uncle Dwayne so I can get a good look at his eyes. They weren't bleary, whatever that color is. His eyes were brown just like my Dad's.
Uncle Dwayne asks me why I'm staring at him. I tell him Mom said he comes here bleary-eyed and I want to see if he is bleary-eyed today. He looks at Dad and starts to laugh. “Nope. You can tell your mom I didn't bring my 'bleary-eyes' today. I want to see everyone as clear as I can.”
More of our friends and relatives come for the cookout. My grandma asks my aunt if her 'ne'er-do-well' friend plans to come. Grandma said my Grandpa would be upset if my aunt's 'freeloading' friend shows up. There are more good words to use in my essay, 'ne'er-do-well' and 'freeloading.'
I'm not sure who these friends are but it makes me wonder about my Uncle Dwayne's friend, 10-Cent Gloria, so I ask him if she plans to come to the cookout.
My dad snatches me by the arm and says he needs me to help him with the grill. My mom starts to cough when she sees this and she and Dad do that secret code thing. Mom nods at Dad. “Good idea to have Gilly with you to help with the grill,” she says in a kinda high pitched voice.
Later, WandaLu and I get 'rambunctious' with our cousins. We start to run around the yard trying to knock each other down. My aunt says this isn't a good idea and we should behave ourselves. I tell her we're just having fun with her rug rats.
When everyone leaves, I help Dad clean the grill, and then Mom says I have to take a shower. She says, “Remember to work on your essay in the morning.”
I tell her I think Ms. Shaw will give me an 'A' on my essay because I learned a lot of 'new vocabulary words' today and I'm goin' to use 'detailed descriptors' that will make my essay 'interesting' and 'exciting.'
When I'm in bed, Dad comes in to say goodnight. “Did you and Uncle Dwayne get down to 'brass tacks' today?” I ask.
Dad squints his eyes and a funny look comes across his face. “What do you know about that?”
“Nothin',” I say, “but will we have a man-to-man talk when I grow up?”
Dad ruffles my hair and laughs. “Yes,” he says. “Yes, we will.” He shakes his head and lowers his voice. “I only hope I do a better job with you than I did with your Uncle Dwayne.”
# # #
Thank you for taking the time to read
Fireworks on the 4th
If you enjoyed it,
please consider telling your friends
and posting a review on
Amazon.com and other online sites.
Word-of-mouth referrals are
an author's best friend
and much appreciated.
~ ~ ~
Fireworks on the 4th
by
Valerie Allen
Copyright by Valerie Allen 2020
Amazon.com/dp/B084NV9DFG
All rights reserved
For More Information, please contact:
Valerie Allen
VAllenWriter@gmail.com
ValerieAllenWriter.com
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
Short Stories
by
Valerie Allen
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
A License to Practice
A Marriage of Convenience
A Mother's Love
A Tooth for a Tooth
A True Miracle
Ad Hoc Committee
Best Wishes
Brotherly Love
Conditional Love
Doggie Tales
Father's Day
Fire Engine Red
Fireworks on the 4th
First Love
Fit for Life
Future Plans
Holiday Traditions
Home for the Holidays
I Remember Momma
Just Be Cos
Ladies in Waiting
Leisureville
Love is in the Air
Match-maker
Mother Knows Best
Potty Talk
Puppy Love
No Goin' Home
Queen for a Day
Second Chance
Small Steps
Split Second Timing
Thank You! Mr. Jackson
The Big Winner!
The Garden of Love
The Lonely Life of Amanda Miller
The Penalty Box
Valentine's Day
Visiting Day
Words of Wisdom
~ ~ ~
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
- Share this story on
- 14
Cheryl Ryan
07/05/2024I like this story. It feels like a conversation and thus very engaging and packed with relatable experiences around family gatherings.
Thank you for sharing!
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Valerie Allen
07/05/2024Thanks for reading and commenting on my short story. I am from a big family and our gatherings were always an exciting event - in more ways than one! Glad you could relate to this story ~
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Joel Kiula
07/05/2024Enjoyed the read. A very good story to read on this wonderful Friday night.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shirley Smothers
07/05/2024A fun story. As kids we often don't know what the Adults are talking about. My parents also had secret looks and words. Enjoyed reading this. Congratulations on Short Story Star of the Day.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Gerald R Gioglio
07/05/2024A great little piece, Valerie. I enjoyed it very much. Happy Story Star day.
Reply
COMMENTS (5)