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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Teens
- Theme: Family & Friends
- Subject: Childhood / Youth
- Published: 11/26/2015
THE SMIDGIES.
Dr. James F. Smidigon founded the Smidigon foster care home in 1950. It’s a beautifully large, well kept building set in the middle of four acres and surrounded by smaller buildings. It is a place for children who have no parents that can love and raise them. It doesn’t matter if the kids are rich or poor, or what color or race they may be. The people at Smidigon love them all equally.
Somewhere, through the years, the people around the area grew tired of stumbling over the strange name of Smidigon Foster Care Home. As time went on, the name in their conversations about the wonderful work being done there, slowly but surely changed. Smidigon became Smidgie. Now, instead of people saying Smidigon foster care home, everyone just calls it Smidgie Hall. Even the kids got a new name. Instead of being called ‘Foster Kids’, they were known as Smidgies.
Five of the twenty-two ‘Smidgies’ who live there have formed an especially tight bond to each other. Whenever you see one of them doing something you can be sure the others are close behind. The five kids in the ‘pack’ all have special names for each other.
Roger is twelve and he is the oldest. His pack name is ‘Hot-dog’. He comes from one of the southern states. He spent so much time alone outdoors in the countryside he learned to do extra tough things that most kids would never do.
He could climb the tallest trees and then jump from one tree to another. It was one of those times doing dangerous tricks that became the reason for Roger to be in Smidgie Hall. He was jumping from one large boulder to another when his foot slipped. He lost his balance and rolled down the hill.
He was found laying in a ditch. A passing sheriff’s car found him and took him to the town hospital. When they found that Roger had no family, he was cared for until his injuries were healed and sent off to Smidigon Hall. At first no one knew where Roger had lived or where his parents were. It was believed that he ran away from home. It was some time later that they found out.
He likes to do daring things. Sometimes he sits around for hours trying to think up new stunts he can do to impress his friends at the Hall.
Peter is eleven and he let’s everyone know that pretty soon he will be twelve, “just like my friend, Roger.” They call Peter, ‘Shadow’, because wherever Roger is, Peter is there too.
Peter came to Smidgie Hall before Roger did. He wasn’t afraid to be there. He just couldn’t understand why he was there. He remembered the car accident. He remembered seeing his mother and father being taken care of by the ambulance people. He remembered standing there, seeing them being driven away. What he did not know then, was that both of his parents did not make it to the hospital alive.
When the people of the welfare office brought him to Smidgie Hall, they told him that his parents were gone. Peter knew he was suppose to cry, but he stood up like a grown up and said, “I am sorry that my family is gone, but why am I here? I know I have an Aunt Tilly. Why can’t she take care of me?” The welfare people told him that they would look for his Aunt Tilly, but he needed to stay at the Hall for now. That was a year before Roger showed up. Peter knew that he would be at Smidgie Hall for a long time.
Jo-Anne is eleven also. She likes the name Jo-Jo. She is very happy and proud at being so good baking cakes that the Hall’s cook often asks her to help out in the kitchen.
Phillip is also eleven. He is Jo-Jo’s twin brother. He thinks it’s fun to work in the kitchen with Jo-Jo and often asks permission to help. The cook always smiles and tells Phillip, “One of these days you’ll be a great chef.” That’s how Phillip got his pack name of ‘Cooky’.
Jo-Jo and Cooky came to Smidgie Hall eight years earlier from the flat lands of the mid-west. No one told them much about which state they came from. When Jo-Jo would ask about their parents she always got the same answer. “They had to leave for Europe. They will be back soon.” The people they stayed with kept telling them that story about Europe, but hoped that the twins would stop asking questions. When they saw that Jo-Jo and her brother were not going to stop asking those questions they made arrangements for them at Smidgie Hall.
Franklin is the fifth member of the pack. He’s the youngest one. He likes to use the office computer whenever he has a chance. The four other pack members gave him the name ‘Hacker’. He likes the name. He says, “Hey, I may only be nine years old, but I’m smart.”
He learned to use computers when he was only for years old. His dad was a computer technician who worked for the Government. When his mom and dad went to Africa to check out his dad’s new job, their car was hit by a large truck that ran a red light.
Because Franklin’s parents had relatives in Africa, they were buried in a family plot there. When asked if wanted to go and live with his relatives in Africa, Franklin said no. “I know I am black, but I am an American. I want to live here.”
The government people tried to explain that if he stayed here he would have to live in an orphanage or foster home. Franklin didn’t care about that. He felt his life was here. When working on the computer, he read the stories about all of the problems in Africa, and did not want any part of it. Now, after adjusting to life without his parents and an occasional night crying, Franklin likes Smidgie Hall. He likes his new friends.
Smidgie Hall has almost all of the things kids need to help them learn to grow up and be smart and decent adults. The one thing they do not have is a school. They attend the public school right down the street from Smidgie Hall. Every school-day Miss Carson walks the children to school and then comes back to pick them up at school’s end. Miss Carson is the assistant to Smidgie Hall’s Director. She does all of the day-to-day jobs needed to help the kids feel that they have a home.
Smidgie Hall’s Director is James F. Smidigon. He was named after his grandfather. He promised his grandfather that he would always be a good director, just like he was. Grandfather Smidigon smiled and told his grandson that he knew young James would do well. The only thing he did not like, that his grandson did, was to let the kids call him ‘Mr. Jim.’ Grandfather Smidigon finally gave up one day and said to young James, “I guess you are right. These kids need to know that you are their friend, not just their guardian.” Young James just smiled and said, “Thank you, Grandfather.”
Counting Mr. Jim and Miss Carson, there are nine adults at Smidgie Hall. Some are cooks and some take care of the kids if they are sick. Then there’s Mr. Bob. He is the janitor/all around handyman. He takes care of the land and the buildings. He knows that all of the Smidgies, not just the pack like him and he likes all of them too.
Mr. Bob has no family of his own living locally, so he calls the Smidgies, ‘My Kids’. Every boy and girl who lives there knows that when they have to talk to someone, they can talk to Mr. Bob. Some of the kids wonder if their grandfathers would have been like Mr. Bob. They may never know, but they do that know Mr. Bob is there for them.
One Saturday morning Roger and Peter decided to go fishing at the small pond at the edge of the land Smidgie Hall is on. They would have to ask Mr. Bob for the poles and gear. Roger and Peter just call the fishing gear ‘the stuff’. They have to ask for it because it is always locked up when not being used. Mr. Bob said that it is the best thing to do because someone may take everything away some night when no one was looking. Or maybe even worse, some of the younger kids who don’t know how to use the fishing stuff may get hurt with it.
When the boys came close to the tool shed where Mr. Bob usually was early in the mornings they heard voices. New voices. They sounded like grown-ups. They sounded like they didn’t like Mr. Bob because they kept raising their voices to him whenever he tried to say something.
The two Smidgies knew something was not right. Mr. Bob is too nice a person to have people mad at him. They decided to go closer to the tool shed, hoping they could hear what was being said in case they needed to help Mr. Bob.
“Look here, Bob, we need the money real soon, so don’t take too long. You know what could happen if you take too long, right?”
Mr. Bob sounded strange to the Smidgies. His voice was not the same soft understanding voice they knew. He seemed troubled.
“Yes. I understand. I will do what you say, but I need time. I have to make sure that I don’t hurt the people here at Smidigon Hall. Especially the kids. I love them all.” Mr. Bob said, in a soft voice.
“We know, but we have to do it anyway.” One man said. It is the only way to not hurt anyone. We will be back next Saturday, to pick up the money. Remember, Saturday with the money or else…”
Suddenly a loud shout came from the main building. The boys ran away from the tool shed to see what happened at the Hall.
Rushing past the two men, Mr. Bob ran out of the tool shed and looked around trying to see where the shout came from. He forgot all about the men in the tool shed. He had to answer what sounded like a cry for help from Miss Carson. As he looked to the main Hall he saw two of the Smidgies running from his area to the Hall. Not thinking anymore about it, he raced to the Hall to see what troubled Miss Carson.
He got there right after Roger and Peter did. Just as he was about to ask what had happened, Roger ran across the porch, passed Miss Carson, and quickly picked up a snake.
When Miss Carson looked to see where Roger was running to she saw him grab the snake. She screamed again.
”It’s alright, Miss Carson.” Mr. Bob said in a gentle voice. It’s only a garter snake. It won’t hurt you. Its more afraid of you than you are of it.”
As she watched Roger take the snake down to the garden area she smiled a little and said, “Oh, I feel so silly. I did not see the snake until I almost stepped on it. When it saw me it moved so fast that I got scared. I thought that maybe it would bite me. That’s when I screamed. I’m sorry for bothering the three of you.”
”Its OK, Miss Carson.” Peter said. “As long as you are alright. That is what’s important.”
“You are right, young Peter.” Mr. Bob said. “You boys were very brave to come running to help Miss Carson. I am really proud of you both.”
“I am too!” Miss Carson said quickly.
Roger came up the porch stairs in time to hear Mr. Bob and Miss Carson. He felt proud of himself and Peter. Even though he grabbed the snake, he knew Peter would have done it too if he had seen it first.
“Boy, you sure were fast, Hot-dog. You got there before I even got to the top step.” Peter said.
“No big thing, Shadow. You would do the same thing.” Roger was quick to tell his friend he knew he was brave too.
“Well now, I think this calls for a reward. What do you think Mr. Bob?” asked Miss Carson.
Mr. Bob smiled and said, “I think you are right.” Then he turned to the boys. “How would you two like to join me for a milkshake in town?”
”Wow!” Peter said out loud. “That would be neat, but can’t Miss Carson come too?”
“Yeah. How about it, Miss Carson?” Roger asked.
Miss Carson had a surprised and embarrassed look on her face. She looked at the boys and then at Mr. Bob and said, “ I-I don’t know. I mean to say that it would be nice to go, but I…”
“I wish you would come with us, Miss Carson. The boys and I think it’s a great idea.” Mr. Bob said as he smiled again at her.
“Good. It’s settled then.” Roger said to everyone. Let’s go.” Shadow was quick to agree.
“Well? It is my day off. Let me go upstairs to my room and get my purse and I’ll be happy to join you guys.” Miss Carson said with a big smile.
“We’ll wait over here,” said Mr. Bob, pointing to the car in the driveway.
The three of them watched as Miss Carson went back inside. Each one thinking of how nice it is to have Miss Carson there.
Mr. Bob was thinking how she reminded him of his daughter, Alice. She lived far away with her own family. She has two little girls and a police officer husband. He sees them sometimes when he travels on business visiting suppliers to the Hall.
Whenever Mr. Bob thinks back to Miss Carson’s first day at Smidigon Hall, he laughs to himself. He felt sorry for the young lady trying so hard on her first day at work. After almost coming to tears more than one time, the school’s president, Mr. Jim called Miss Carson into his office and tried to reassure her that everyone has a ‘problem day’ their first few days there. She felt that he was just trying to be nice about not firing her on her first day. Then he opened another door across the room from his desk.
Mr. Bob and the other adults that work at the Hall all came in the room calling out to Miss Carson, “Happy day to you, happy day to you. Welcome to Smidgie Hall. Welcome to our family.” Miss Carson cried happy tears.
Hot-dog thinks of Miss Carson as his big sister. He sometimes remembers how his sister was before the accident that took her and his parents to heaven.
Hot-Dog’s family were on vacation and heading for a camp-site when a big truck accidentally crossed the road and hit them. They are gone now. It has been two years since he lost his family, but everybody at the Hall has helped him grow away from the bad memories.
Shadow thinks Miss Carson is like an angel. She always seems to be there just when you need a friend the most.
He especially remembers when she came to the school because the principal called the Hall and said that Peter was being sent home for hitting another boy.
Miss Carson went to the school and talked to the boy who said Peter hit him. After a few minutes of talking to the boy, Miss Carson said to the principal, “I think if you go in and ask that boy again what happened, you will see that he was not telling the truth the first time. Peter and I will wait out here. The principal went in the room where the boy was and came out almost as fast.
“I am sorry, Miss Carson. You too, Peter, I am sorry also for not listening to you better than I did. I am glad that Miss Carson did what she did. Now that I know you caught him cheating on a test and he said what he did to stop you from telling on him… well, again thank you Miss Carson and you, Peter, I hope you’ll forgive me.” They left the school together, but Peter never did find out how Miss Carson got the boy to finally tell the truth.
Meanwhile, the rest of the pack is left trying to think of something to do for the day. Franklin was first to have an idea:
“Hey! I got it! Why don’t we ask Mr. Jim if we can use one of the lab computers to play some on-line games?”
Jo-Jo answered him right away with; “It figures, o’ brainy-one, that you would want to be with the computer. I think we should find something for all of us to do.”
“That’s what I think too!” Phillip said, while snacking on one of the muffins he had made earlier in the morning.
“Well then, how about if we practice our music for the big party next month?” Franklin asked. He was proud of himself that he didn’t say anymore about doing computer stuff.
“Now, that’s a great idea!” Phillip said with a big smile on his face.
“Yeah! That is a great idea!” Jo-Jo agreed. “Let’s see, aren’t the instruments locked up? I think Miss Carson has the keys. Oh, well, it was a great idea, anyway.”
Franklin stared at the other two and then offered, “Wait a minute, Mr. Jim has a key.” Remember, he owns the Hall. I’m sure Miss Carson trusts him enough to give him a key to the music room.”
Jo-Jo and Phillip couldn’t believe what they just heard from Franklin. They weren’t sure how to answer to what he said.
“Hey! Lighten-up, you two. I was joking. Of course Miss Carson trusts Mr. Jim. Boy-o-boy, talk about being serious all the time, I mean…”
“OK, OK, we got it.” Phillip said, waving his hand at Franklin like a crossing guard. “Stop already with your so-called funny sense of humor.”
Jo-Jo said over her shoulder as she walked out of the room. “Now that we have all that settled, let’s go see Mr. Jim.”
“Hey wait up, miss bossy.” Phillip called out as he and Franklin ran after her.
All the time the three pack members were discussing what to do, Miss Seal was dusting the large room they were sitting in. They were so busy trying to out think each other that they didn’t see when Miss Seal came to do the dusting. They left the same way, not ever realizing that she was there.
She watched as they left the room and then said to herself, ‘Those silly kids. They never even knew I was in here. Oh, well, I could have let them into the music room. After all I have a key, to clean up in there. I hope they find Mr. Jim.’
Hot-dog and Shadow was enjoying their time with Miss Carson and Mr. Bob. One of the great things about Smidgie Hall is that the adults go out of their way to make the kids feel good about themselves. If an adult ever says that they don’t have time for one of the kids at that moment, then the kids know something very important is going on. They never feel hurt if Mr. Bob or Miss Seal, or any of the adults there would say, ‘not right now, please.’
All the kids know that if there is something real important or an emergency, all they have to do is say CODE ONE! Whoever the adult is will stop to hear the problem and take on the responsibility to warn the others or fix the problem.
When the weather permits and there is no school it is not unusual for an adult to ask if any of the kids want to go swimming at the lake. Sometimes a couple of adults will put together a softball game amongst the kids.
The kids at Smidgie Hall are taught how to get along with each other, and how to think and be responsible for their own actions.
Franklin, also known as Hacker, was only seven years old when he came to the Hall. He came from a very abusive family. It was hard for Hacker to feel wanted at first. He cried at night. After a couple of nights of quietly crying and sobbing, Peter went over to try and help. After that night Hacker slowly learned to trust everybody.
There is no plaque or fancy sign on any wall at Smidigon Hall that proclaims the creed of the people there. They don’t need a sign to remind them that: ‘A Child Is To Be Loved, Not Loathed’.
Roger sat at the table listening to Mr. Bob brag about his two granddaughters to Miss Carson while Peter was trying really hard to get the last of the ice cream out of the tall glass.
“Peter?” Roger softly called him. When that didn’t work, he kicked Peter’s foot under the table.
“Huh? What happened?” Peter cried out. He was so intense on retrieving the ice cream that he never heard Roger calling him.
Roger quickly looked at the two adults to see if they noticed anything. They were so busy talking about their families that they didn’t noticed anything at all. ‘That was close.’ He thought to himself. Now that he has Shadow’s attention, he motioned him to join him by the video game. He needed to talk to Peter in private. “Excuse me, Mr. Bob? Sorry to break in, but Peter and I were thinking about playing the video game while you and Miss Carson talk. Is that alright?”
Mr. Bob looked surprised. He didn’t realize how much time had past since they arrived at the ice cream store. He looked at Miss Carson and saw she had no objections so he told the boys it was alright. Then he added that it could only be for a short time. They needed to get back to the Hall.
When Roger and Peter were alone, Roger asked Peter, “Should we say something to Mr. Bob about what we heard this morning? Or should we act like we were never there?”
“Gee, Rog, I don’t know. I mean, we’re just kids. We don’t have a right to know Mr. Bob’s private life. Unless he talks about it.” Peter answered.
“Come on, Pete. What if Mr. Bob…” Roger wanted to say more but decided to let Peter think it over for a minute.
Peter looked at Roger and nodded his head as he said, “Yeah, you’re right. Mr. Bob is a good person and we should help him if he needs it.
“But how do we talk to him? Right now, Miss Carson is with us. When we get back to the Hall the rest of the pack and a lot of the other kids will be running around. I’m sure they’ll hear us talking.” Peter thought that he was making a good point about privacy with Mr. Bob.
“We’ll just walk back to the tool shed with him. The other kids will think we’re getting the fishing stuff. It’ll work. Trust me.” Roger smiled a really big smile.
Peter shook his head and said, “Well, if you think it’ll work… let’s do it.”
The boys went back to the table just as the adults were getting up.
“Time to go back?” Roger asked.
“It sure is,” Mr. Bob said, with an embarrassed look on his face.” I was enjoying myself so much that I didn’t realize how the time flew by. I am sorry Miss Carson if I have kept you from doing things you may have planned.”
“Oh, please, Mr. Bob, don’t worry about it. She was smiling when she finished with, “I really enjoyed coming here with you and the boys. It is well worth the time. But, you’re right, it is time to head back to the Hall.”
It was still early in the day. The boys knew their fishing stuff excuse would work. They talked about different things going back to the Hall. They made sure not to say anything about the tool shed thing earlier in the morning.
CHAPTER FIVE
EVERYTHING IS FINE
As Mr. Bob pulled into the driveway they were very surprised to see the Smidigon Hall Band practicing on the front lawn.
“Holy cow!” Peter cried out. “Look at that!”
“What gives, I wonder?” Roger said, looking at the band having a good time.
“Let’s go find out.” Mr. Bob suggested as he held open the door for Miss Carson. “Whatever the reason they are out here, they sure look like they’re having fun.”
They walked over and stood quietly listening to the music.
Shadow leaned over and whispered to Hot-dog, “when are we going to ask him about what happened this morning? If we stay here much longer it will be to late too go fishing, and that means we can’t use that excuse for going to the tool shed with him.”
Roger turned to Peter and whispered back to him, “You’re right about that. I think we might just ask him here and now.”
Peter wasn’t sure if that was a good idea. He almost answered Roger out loud, but caught himself, and whispered back, “what if someone hears us? Or maybe Mr. Bob might get upset that we heard him arguing with those men? If he says anything out loud he may embarrass himself.”
“Only one way to find out.” Roger said and turned to Mr. Bob before Peter could say any more. “Mr. Bob? Can Peter and I talk to you? Maybe away from everybody else? The music is kind of loud and we might start talking too loud over it.”
“Sure guys.” Mr. Bob looked a little puzzled, but walked closer to Hot-dog and Shadow. “What’s up, fellas?”
Peter quickly looked around to see if anybody was close enough to hear them talking. Satisfied that no one could over-hear what they were saying, Peter started with, “I hope you understand that we didn’t mean to hear you talking with those two men this morning. We just wanted to ask for the fishing gear. But we heard part of the argument you were having in the tool shed with those men.”
Although Mr. Bob was surprised at what Peter said, he didn’t show it. He laughed a little instead. Before he could explain why he was laughing, Roger broke in with: “I don’t get it. Why are you laughing instead of being mad at us for being there?”
“Because, my little friend, you didn’t plan on overhearing anything and secondly, there was nothing bad to hear.” Mr. Bob explained.
Peter quickly said, “But we could hear yelling and threats being made and…”
Mr. Bob cut him off by waving his hand to stop.
“Look, Shadow, and you, Hot-dog, you kids are terrific. What you two heard this morning is not what you might think it is. Even if it was serious, you guys were ready to help me and that makes me even prouder of you. Don’t worry though. Everything is fine. I was trying to keep this a secret, but I guess I can tell you. Only because you were concerned enough to talk to me about what you thought was a bad time for me.” He looked around and noticed that some people were getting to close to them so he suggested that they walk over to the big oak tree and sit there and talk.
Once they sat down, Mr. Bob explained to the boys about the tool shed conversation.
“You see, fellas, I have been here at the Hall for almost thirty years now. I feel that this is my home. My dear wife passed away a few years before you boys got here. Then about ten years ago my daughter got married and now she has her own family. I still see her and the family, but it’s not the same as here. Here, I feel like I’m home. Everyone here is part of my family.” He paused to see if the boys were really interested or as most boys their age, they were getting bored listening.
When Mr. Bob paused, Roger was quick to ask, ”Is something wrong? Why did you stop?”
Mr. Bob smiled and said, “Just taking a breath. I’m not used to talking this much. But, it seems like I’ve been yappin’ all day. OK, as I was saying because I enjoy being here, I decided to help make our big party next month a party to remember. Those two men you heard this morning are contractors. Now, remember until they begin working around here and people can guess what they are doing, I expect you guys to keep the secret.”
“That’s nice Mr. Bob.” Roger said with a big grin. “The only thing is, you haven’t told us yet what you are having them build.”
Mr. Bob grinned back at Roger and said, “you’re right. I was about to tell you, but now I just might keep it to myself.” He laughed to himself. He enjoyed playing these games with the kids. They never knew what he was going to say or do next. The kids liked it too.
“OK, I give up!” Peter said. “What is it?”
“You got me too!” Roger admitted.
“All right, I’ll tell you, but remember… mums the word. How nice would it be to have our own swimming pool here at the Hall?” Mr. Bob sat back and waited for the reaction from Hot-dog and Shadow.
“A POOL!!” They both yelled out almost loud enough to be heard through the music.
“Shush!” Mr. Bob said with his finger on his lips. Then he laughed at the sight of their faces.
“But, how can you buy something so expensive? We heard those men demanding money. Roger said. “They raised their voices and said or else. And that you didn’t want to hurt anyone. Didn’t they say…?”
“Wait a minute, Roger.” Peter cut in. “Let the man finish what he was saying.”
Mr. Bob took his time, he wanted to make sure that both boys understood what he was saying and doing for the Hall.
“Again, fellas, I thank you for caring, but I can explain everything. As far as voice being raised; well that’s because I was filing a shovel blade and they wouldn’t wait for me to finish. Nobody was mad at anyone.”
“But, Peter and I both heard one man say ‘you don’t want to hurt anyone.’ What did he mean?”
“The man knew that I wanted the pool to be as much as a surprise as possible. For me to get the money I need I have to cash in some old bonds that I have. They were concerned that the bank would take too long before they cashed them. They needed half of the money now to get supplies and permits. Without the money they couldn’t start in time to finish the pool for the big party.
“When Miss Carson screamed we all ran to help her and the two men left. On Monday I will call the bank and tell them to expedite the cashing of my bonds. Then I will call the two contractors and tell them when to start.
“Now, with this all explained to you, can you both keep this secret?” Mr. Bob asked, even though he knew the answer was yes.
“Of course!” Hot-dog and Shadow both said.
“Good! Let’s join the others and listen to the music.”
THE END (For now.)
THE SMIDGIES(Louis M. Serra)
THE SMIDGIES.
Dr. James F. Smidigon founded the Smidigon foster care home in 1950. It’s a beautifully large, well kept building set in the middle of four acres and surrounded by smaller buildings. It is a place for children who have no parents that can love and raise them. It doesn’t matter if the kids are rich or poor, or what color or race they may be. The people at Smidigon love them all equally.
Somewhere, through the years, the people around the area grew tired of stumbling over the strange name of Smidigon Foster Care Home. As time went on, the name in their conversations about the wonderful work being done there, slowly but surely changed. Smidigon became Smidgie. Now, instead of people saying Smidigon foster care home, everyone just calls it Smidgie Hall. Even the kids got a new name. Instead of being called ‘Foster Kids’, they were known as Smidgies.
Five of the twenty-two ‘Smidgies’ who live there have formed an especially tight bond to each other. Whenever you see one of them doing something you can be sure the others are close behind. The five kids in the ‘pack’ all have special names for each other.
Roger is twelve and he is the oldest. His pack name is ‘Hot-dog’. He comes from one of the southern states. He spent so much time alone outdoors in the countryside he learned to do extra tough things that most kids would never do.
He could climb the tallest trees and then jump from one tree to another. It was one of those times doing dangerous tricks that became the reason for Roger to be in Smidgie Hall. He was jumping from one large boulder to another when his foot slipped. He lost his balance and rolled down the hill.
He was found laying in a ditch. A passing sheriff’s car found him and took him to the town hospital. When they found that Roger had no family, he was cared for until his injuries were healed and sent off to Smidigon Hall. At first no one knew where Roger had lived or where his parents were. It was believed that he ran away from home. It was some time later that they found out.
He likes to do daring things. Sometimes he sits around for hours trying to think up new stunts he can do to impress his friends at the Hall.
Peter is eleven and he let’s everyone know that pretty soon he will be twelve, “just like my friend, Roger.” They call Peter, ‘Shadow’, because wherever Roger is, Peter is there too.
Peter came to Smidgie Hall before Roger did. He wasn’t afraid to be there. He just couldn’t understand why he was there. He remembered the car accident. He remembered seeing his mother and father being taken care of by the ambulance people. He remembered standing there, seeing them being driven away. What he did not know then, was that both of his parents did not make it to the hospital alive.
When the people of the welfare office brought him to Smidgie Hall, they told him that his parents were gone. Peter knew he was suppose to cry, but he stood up like a grown up and said, “I am sorry that my family is gone, but why am I here? I know I have an Aunt Tilly. Why can’t she take care of me?” The welfare people told him that they would look for his Aunt Tilly, but he needed to stay at the Hall for now. That was a year before Roger showed up. Peter knew that he would be at Smidgie Hall for a long time.
Jo-Anne is eleven also. She likes the name Jo-Jo. She is very happy and proud at being so good baking cakes that the Hall’s cook often asks her to help out in the kitchen.
Phillip is also eleven. He is Jo-Jo’s twin brother. He thinks it’s fun to work in the kitchen with Jo-Jo and often asks permission to help. The cook always smiles and tells Phillip, “One of these days you’ll be a great chef.” That’s how Phillip got his pack name of ‘Cooky’.
Jo-Jo and Cooky came to Smidgie Hall eight years earlier from the flat lands of the mid-west. No one told them much about which state they came from. When Jo-Jo would ask about their parents she always got the same answer. “They had to leave for Europe. They will be back soon.” The people they stayed with kept telling them that story about Europe, but hoped that the twins would stop asking questions. When they saw that Jo-Jo and her brother were not going to stop asking those questions they made arrangements for them at Smidgie Hall.
Franklin is the fifth member of the pack. He’s the youngest one. He likes to use the office computer whenever he has a chance. The four other pack members gave him the name ‘Hacker’. He likes the name. He says, “Hey, I may only be nine years old, but I’m smart.”
He learned to use computers when he was only for years old. His dad was a computer technician who worked for the Government. When his mom and dad went to Africa to check out his dad’s new job, their car was hit by a large truck that ran a red light.
Because Franklin’s parents had relatives in Africa, they were buried in a family plot there. When asked if wanted to go and live with his relatives in Africa, Franklin said no. “I know I am black, but I am an American. I want to live here.”
The government people tried to explain that if he stayed here he would have to live in an orphanage or foster home. Franklin didn’t care about that. He felt his life was here. When working on the computer, he read the stories about all of the problems in Africa, and did not want any part of it. Now, after adjusting to life without his parents and an occasional night crying, Franklin likes Smidgie Hall. He likes his new friends.
Smidgie Hall has almost all of the things kids need to help them learn to grow up and be smart and decent adults. The one thing they do not have is a school. They attend the public school right down the street from Smidgie Hall. Every school-day Miss Carson walks the children to school and then comes back to pick them up at school’s end. Miss Carson is the assistant to Smidgie Hall’s Director. She does all of the day-to-day jobs needed to help the kids feel that they have a home.
Smidgie Hall’s Director is James F. Smidigon. He was named after his grandfather. He promised his grandfather that he would always be a good director, just like he was. Grandfather Smidigon smiled and told his grandson that he knew young James would do well. The only thing he did not like, that his grandson did, was to let the kids call him ‘Mr. Jim.’ Grandfather Smidigon finally gave up one day and said to young James, “I guess you are right. These kids need to know that you are their friend, not just their guardian.” Young James just smiled and said, “Thank you, Grandfather.”
Counting Mr. Jim and Miss Carson, there are nine adults at Smidgie Hall. Some are cooks and some take care of the kids if they are sick. Then there’s Mr. Bob. He is the janitor/all around handyman. He takes care of the land and the buildings. He knows that all of the Smidgies, not just the pack like him and he likes all of them too.
Mr. Bob has no family of his own living locally, so he calls the Smidgies, ‘My Kids’. Every boy and girl who lives there knows that when they have to talk to someone, they can talk to Mr. Bob. Some of the kids wonder if their grandfathers would have been like Mr. Bob. They may never know, but they do that know Mr. Bob is there for them.
One Saturday morning Roger and Peter decided to go fishing at the small pond at the edge of the land Smidgie Hall is on. They would have to ask Mr. Bob for the poles and gear. Roger and Peter just call the fishing gear ‘the stuff’. They have to ask for it because it is always locked up when not being used. Mr. Bob said that it is the best thing to do because someone may take everything away some night when no one was looking. Or maybe even worse, some of the younger kids who don’t know how to use the fishing stuff may get hurt with it.
When the boys came close to the tool shed where Mr. Bob usually was early in the mornings they heard voices. New voices. They sounded like grown-ups. They sounded like they didn’t like Mr. Bob because they kept raising their voices to him whenever he tried to say something.
The two Smidgies knew something was not right. Mr. Bob is too nice a person to have people mad at him. They decided to go closer to the tool shed, hoping they could hear what was being said in case they needed to help Mr. Bob.
“Look here, Bob, we need the money real soon, so don’t take too long. You know what could happen if you take too long, right?”
Mr. Bob sounded strange to the Smidgies. His voice was not the same soft understanding voice they knew. He seemed troubled.
“Yes. I understand. I will do what you say, but I need time. I have to make sure that I don’t hurt the people here at Smidigon Hall. Especially the kids. I love them all.” Mr. Bob said, in a soft voice.
“We know, but we have to do it anyway.” One man said. It is the only way to not hurt anyone. We will be back next Saturday, to pick up the money. Remember, Saturday with the money or else…”
Suddenly a loud shout came from the main building. The boys ran away from the tool shed to see what happened at the Hall.
Rushing past the two men, Mr. Bob ran out of the tool shed and looked around trying to see where the shout came from. He forgot all about the men in the tool shed. He had to answer what sounded like a cry for help from Miss Carson. As he looked to the main Hall he saw two of the Smidgies running from his area to the Hall. Not thinking anymore about it, he raced to the Hall to see what troubled Miss Carson.
He got there right after Roger and Peter did. Just as he was about to ask what had happened, Roger ran across the porch, passed Miss Carson, and quickly picked up a snake.
When Miss Carson looked to see where Roger was running to she saw him grab the snake. She screamed again.
”It’s alright, Miss Carson.” Mr. Bob said in a gentle voice. It’s only a garter snake. It won’t hurt you. Its more afraid of you than you are of it.”
As she watched Roger take the snake down to the garden area she smiled a little and said, “Oh, I feel so silly. I did not see the snake until I almost stepped on it. When it saw me it moved so fast that I got scared. I thought that maybe it would bite me. That’s when I screamed. I’m sorry for bothering the three of you.”
”Its OK, Miss Carson.” Peter said. “As long as you are alright. That is what’s important.”
“You are right, young Peter.” Mr. Bob said. “You boys were very brave to come running to help Miss Carson. I am really proud of you both.”
“I am too!” Miss Carson said quickly.
Roger came up the porch stairs in time to hear Mr. Bob and Miss Carson. He felt proud of himself and Peter. Even though he grabbed the snake, he knew Peter would have done it too if he had seen it first.
“Boy, you sure were fast, Hot-dog. You got there before I even got to the top step.” Peter said.
“No big thing, Shadow. You would do the same thing.” Roger was quick to tell his friend he knew he was brave too.
“Well now, I think this calls for a reward. What do you think Mr. Bob?” asked Miss Carson.
Mr. Bob smiled and said, “I think you are right.” Then he turned to the boys. “How would you two like to join me for a milkshake in town?”
”Wow!” Peter said out loud. “That would be neat, but can’t Miss Carson come too?”
“Yeah. How about it, Miss Carson?” Roger asked.
Miss Carson had a surprised and embarrassed look on her face. She looked at the boys and then at Mr. Bob and said, “ I-I don’t know. I mean to say that it would be nice to go, but I…”
“I wish you would come with us, Miss Carson. The boys and I think it’s a great idea.” Mr. Bob said as he smiled again at her.
“Good. It’s settled then.” Roger said to everyone. Let’s go.” Shadow was quick to agree.
“Well? It is my day off. Let me go upstairs to my room and get my purse and I’ll be happy to join you guys.” Miss Carson said with a big smile.
“We’ll wait over here,” said Mr. Bob, pointing to the car in the driveway.
The three of them watched as Miss Carson went back inside. Each one thinking of how nice it is to have Miss Carson there.
Mr. Bob was thinking how she reminded him of his daughter, Alice. She lived far away with her own family. She has two little girls and a police officer husband. He sees them sometimes when he travels on business visiting suppliers to the Hall.
Whenever Mr. Bob thinks back to Miss Carson’s first day at Smidigon Hall, he laughs to himself. He felt sorry for the young lady trying so hard on her first day at work. After almost coming to tears more than one time, the school’s president, Mr. Jim called Miss Carson into his office and tried to reassure her that everyone has a ‘problem day’ their first few days there. She felt that he was just trying to be nice about not firing her on her first day. Then he opened another door across the room from his desk.
Mr. Bob and the other adults that work at the Hall all came in the room calling out to Miss Carson, “Happy day to you, happy day to you. Welcome to Smidgie Hall. Welcome to our family.” Miss Carson cried happy tears.
Hot-dog thinks of Miss Carson as his big sister. He sometimes remembers how his sister was before the accident that took her and his parents to heaven.
Hot-Dog’s family were on vacation and heading for a camp-site when a big truck accidentally crossed the road and hit them. They are gone now. It has been two years since he lost his family, but everybody at the Hall has helped him grow away from the bad memories.
Shadow thinks Miss Carson is like an angel. She always seems to be there just when you need a friend the most.
He especially remembers when she came to the school because the principal called the Hall and said that Peter was being sent home for hitting another boy.
Miss Carson went to the school and talked to the boy who said Peter hit him. After a few minutes of talking to the boy, Miss Carson said to the principal, “I think if you go in and ask that boy again what happened, you will see that he was not telling the truth the first time. Peter and I will wait out here. The principal went in the room where the boy was and came out almost as fast.
“I am sorry, Miss Carson. You too, Peter, I am sorry also for not listening to you better than I did. I am glad that Miss Carson did what she did. Now that I know you caught him cheating on a test and he said what he did to stop you from telling on him… well, again thank you Miss Carson and you, Peter, I hope you’ll forgive me.” They left the school together, but Peter never did find out how Miss Carson got the boy to finally tell the truth.
Meanwhile, the rest of the pack is left trying to think of something to do for the day. Franklin was first to have an idea:
“Hey! I got it! Why don’t we ask Mr. Jim if we can use one of the lab computers to play some on-line games?”
Jo-Jo answered him right away with; “It figures, o’ brainy-one, that you would want to be with the computer. I think we should find something for all of us to do.”
“That’s what I think too!” Phillip said, while snacking on one of the muffins he had made earlier in the morning.
“Well then, how about if we practice our music for the big party next month?” Franklin asked. He was proud of himself that he didn’t say anymore about doing computer stuff.
“Now, that’s a great idea!” Phillip said with a big smile on his face.
“Yeah! That is a great idea!” Jo-Jo agreed. “Let’s see, aren’t the instruments locked up? I think Miss Carson has the keys. Oh, well, it was a great idea, anyway.”
Franklin stared at the other two and then offered, “Wait a minute, Mr. Jim has a key.” Remember, he owns the Hall. I’m sure Miss Carson trusts him enough to give him a key to the music room.”
Jo-Jo and Phillip couldn’t believe what they just heard from Franklin. They weren’t sure how to answer to what he said.
“Hey! Lighten-up, you two. I was joking. Of course Miss Carson trusts Mr. Jim. Boy-o-boy, talk about being serious all the time, I mean…”
“OK, OK, we got it.” Phillip said, waving his hand at Franklin like a crossing guard. “Stop already with your so-called funny sense of humor.”
Jo-Jo said over her shoulder as she walked out of the room. “Now that we have all that settled, let’s go see Mr. Jim.”
“Hey wait up, miss bossy.” Phillip called out as he and Franklin ran after her.
All the time the three pack members were discussing what to do, Miss Seal was dusting the large room they were sitting in. They were so busy trying to out think each other that they didn’t see when Miss Seal came to do the dusting. They left the same way, not ever realizing that she was there.
She watched as they left the room and then said to herself, ‘Those silly kids. They never even knew I was in here. Oh, well, I could have let them into the music room. After all I have a key, to clean up in there. I hope they find Mr. Jim.’
Hot-dog and Shadow was enjoying their time with Miss Carson and Mr. Bob. One of the great things about Smidgie Hall is that the adults go out of their way to make the kids feel good about themselves. If an adult ever says that they don’t have time for one of the kids at that moment, then the kids know something very important is going on. They never feel hurt if Mr. Bob or Miss Seal, or any of the adults there would say, ‘not right now, please.’
All the kids know that if there is something real important or an emergency, all they have to do is say CODE ONE! Whoever the adult is will stop to hear the problem and take on the responsibility to warn the others or fix the problem.
When the weather permits and there is no school it is not unusual for an adult to ask if any of the kids want to go swimming at the lake. Sometimes a couple of adults will put together a softball game amongst the kids.
The kids at Smidgie Hall are taught how to get along with each other, and how to think and be responsible for their own actions.
Franklin, also known as Hacker, was only seven years old when he came to the Hall. He came from a very abusive family. It was hard for Hacker to feel wanted at first. He cried at night. After a couple of nights of quietly crying and sobbing, Peter went over to try and help. After that night Hacker slowly learned to trust everybody.
There is no plaque or fancy sign on any wall at Smidigon Hall that proclaims the creed of the people there. They don’t need a sign to remind them that: ‘A Child Is To Be Loved, Not Loathed’.
Roger sat at the table listening to Mr. Bob brag about his two granddaughters to Miss Carson while Peter was trying really hard to get the last of the ice cream out of the tall glass.
“Peter?” Roger softly called him. When that didn’t work, he kicked Peter’s foot under the table.
“Huh? What happened?” Peter cried out. He was so intense on retrieving the ice cream that he never heard Roger calling him.
Roger quickly looked at the two adults to see if they noticed anything. They were so busy talking about their families that they didn’t noticed anything at all. ‘That was close.’ He thought to himself. Now that he has Shadow’s attention, he motioned him to join him by the video game. He needed to talk to Peter in private. “Excuse me, Mr. Bob? Sorry to break in, but Peter and I were thinking about playing the video game while you and Miss Carson talk. Is that alright?”
Mr. Bob looked surprised. He didn’t realize how much time had past since they arrived at the ice cream store. He looked at Miss Carson and saw she had no objections so he told the boys it was alright. Then he added that it could only be for a short time. They needed to get back to the Hall.
When Roger and Peter were alone, Roger asked Peter, “Should we say something to Mr. Bob about what we heard this morning? Or should we act like we were never there?”
“Gee, Rog, I don’t know. I mean, we’re just kids. We don’t have a right to know Mr. Bob’s private life. Unless he talks about it.” Peter answered.
“Come on, Pete. What if Mr. Bob…” Roger wanted to say more but decided to let Peter think it over for a minute.
Peter looked at Roger and nodded his head as he said, “Yeah, you’re right. Mr. Bob is a good person and we should help him if he needs it.
“But how do we talk to him? Right now, Miss Carson is with us. When we get back to the Hall the rest of the pack and a lot of the other kids will be running around. I’m sure they’ll hear us talking.” Peter thought that he was making a good point about privacy with Mr. Bob.
“We’ll just walk back to the tool shed with him. The other kids will think we’re getting the fishing stuff. It’ll work. Trust me.” Roger smiled a really big smile.
Peter shook his head and said, “Well, if you think it’ll work… let’s do it.”
The boys went back to the table just as the adults were getting up.
“Time to go back?” Roger asked.
“It sure is,” Mr. Bob said, with an embarrassed look on his face.” I was enjoying myself so much that I didn’t realize how the time flew by. I am sorry Miss Carson if I have kept you from doing things you may have planned.”
“Oh, please, Mr. Bob, don’t worry about it. She was smiling when she finished with, “I really enjoyed coming here with you and the boys. It is well worth the time. But, you’re right, it is time to head back to the Hall.”
It was still early in the day. The boys knew their fishing stuff excuse would work. They talked about different things going back to the Hall. They made sure not to say anything about the tool shed thing earlier in the morning.
CHAPTER FIVE
EVERYTHING IS FINE
As Mr. Bob pulled into the driveway they were very surprised to see the Smidigon Hall Band practicing on the front lawn.
“Holy cow!” Peter cried out. “Look at that!”
“What gives, I wonder?” Roger said, looking at the band having a good time.
“Let’s go find out.” Mr. Bob suggested as he held open the door for Miss Carson. “Whatever the reason they are out here, they sure look like they’re having fun.”
They walked over and stood quietly listening to the music.
Shadow leaned over and whispered to Hot-dog, “when are we going to ask him about what happened this morning? If we stay here much longer it will be to late too go fishing, and that means we can’t use that excuse for going to the tool shed with him.”
Roger turned to Peter and whispered back to him, “You’re right about that. I think we might just ask him here and now.”
Peter wasn’t sure if that was a good idea. He almost answered Roger out loud, but caught himself, and whispered back, “what if someone hears us? Or maybe Mr. Bob might get upset that we heard him arguing with those men? If he says anything out loud he may embarrass himself.”
“Only one way to find out.” Roger said and turned to Mr. Bob before Peter could say any more. “Mr. Bob? Can Peter and I talk to you? Maybe away from everybody else? The music is kind of loud and we might start talking too loud over it.”
“Sure guys.” Mr. Bob looked a little puzzled, but walked closer to Hot-dog and Shadow. “What’s up, fellas?”
Peter quickly looked around to see if anybody was close enough to hear them talking. Satisfied that no one could over-hear what they were saying, Peter started with, “I hope you understand that we didn’t mean to hear you talking with those two men this morning. We just wanted to ask for the fishing gear. But we heard part of the argument you were having in the tool shed with those men.”
Although Mr. Bob was surprised at what Peter said, he didn’t show it. He laughed a little instead. Before he could explain why he was laughing, Roger broke in with: “I don’t get it. Why are you laughing instead of being mad at us for being there?”
“Because, my little friend, you didn’t plan on overhearing anything and secondly, there was nothing bad to hear.” Mr. Bob explained.
Peter quickly said, “But we could hear yelling and threats being made and…”
Mr. Bob cut him off by waving his hand to stop.
“Look, Shadow, and you, Hot-dog, you kids are terrific. What you two heard this morning is not what you might think it is. Even if it was serious, you guys were ready to help me and that makes me even prouder of you. Don’t worry though. Everything is fine. I was trying to keep this a secret, but I guess I can tell you. Only because you were concerned enough to talk to me about what you thought was a bad time for me.” He looked around and noticed that some people were getting to close to them so he suggested that they walk over to the big oak tree and sit there and talk.
Once they sat down, Mr. Bob explained to the boys about the tool shed conversation.
“You see, fellas, I have been here at the Hall for almost thirty years now. I feel that this is my home. My dear wife passed away a few years before you boys got here. Then about ten years ago my daughter got married and now she has her own family. I still see her and the family, but it’s not the same as here. Here, I feel like I’m home. Everyone here is part of my family.” He paused to see if the boys were really interested or as most boys their age, they were getting bored listening.
When Mr. Bob paused, Roger was quick to ask, ”Is something wrong? Why did you stop?”
Mr. Bob smiled and said, “Just taking a breath. I’m not used to talking this much. But, it seems like I’ve been yappin’ all day. OK, as I was saying because I enjoy being here, I decided to help make our big party next month a party to remember. Those two men you heard this morning are contractors. Now, remember until they begin working around here and people can guess what they are doing, I expect you guys to keep the secret.”
“That’s nice Mr. Bob.” Roger said with a big grin. “The only thing is, you haven’t told us yet what you are having them build.”
Mr. Bob grinned back at Roger and said, “you’re right. I was about to tell you, but now I just might keep it to myself.” He laughed to himself. He enjoyed playing these games with the kids. They never knew what he was going to say or do next. The kids liked it too.
“OK, I give up!” Peter said. “What is it?”
“You got me too!” Roger admitted.
“All right, I’ll tell you, but remember… mums the word. How nice would it be to have our own swimming pool here at the Hall?” Mr. Bob sat back and waited for the reaction from Hot-dog and Shadow.
“A POOL!!” They both yelled out almost loud enough to be heard through the music.
“Shush!” Mr. Bob said with his finger on his lips. Then he laughed at the sight of their faces.
“But, how can you buy something so expensive? We heard those men demanding money. Roger said. “They raised their voices and said or else. And that you didn’t want to hurt anyone. Didn’t they say…?”
“Wait a minute, Roger.” Peter cut in. “Let the man finish what he was saying.”
Mr. Bob took his time, he wanted to make sure that both boys understood what he was saying and doing for the Hall.
“Again, fellas, I thank you for caring, but I can explain everything. As far as voice being raised; well that’s because I was filing a shovel blade and they wouldn’t wait for me to finish. Nobody was mad at anyone.”
“But, Peter and I both heard one man say ‘you don’t want to hurt anyone.’ What did he mean?”
“The man knew that I wanted the pool to be as much as a surprise as possible. For me to get the money I need I have to cash in some old bonds that I have. They were concerned that the bank would take too long before they cashed them. They needed half of the money now to get supplies and permits. Without the money they couldn’t start in time to finish the pool for the big party.
“When Miss Carson screamed we all ran to help her and the two men left. On Monday I will call the bank and tell them to expedite the cashing of my bonds. Then I will call the two contractors and tell them when to start.
“Now, with this all explained to you, can you both keep this secret?” Mr. Bob asked, even though he knew the answer was yes.
“Of course!” Hot-dog and Shadow both said.
“Good! Let’s join the others and listen to the music.”
THE END (For now.)
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