After reassuring Aunt Hetty that the problem was solved, and promising to return tomorrow to clean up the stuff scattered throughout the basement, Tyler sat behind the wheel of his mother’s car. He needed to think; to plan.
His offer to clean up the basement gave him an excuse to bring the charger and keep the phone working so the goblin wouldn’t start tearing things up again. It also had the added plus of making him look like A Helpful And Mature Young Man. So that solved one problem and provided a personal benefit with the older generations.
But he was now without a phone. He’d need to come up with a reason why he needed not just a new device, but a new phone number. That was going to be tricky, but he had a day to concoct a reason that would seem plausible. Maybe something about his phone getting lost … No! Hacked! Then it wouldn’t be his carelessness that caused it. He thought he could make that work. He could sleep on it, anyway, he told himself. He didn’t like being deceptive, but the unusual circumstances seemed to call for it.
Besides, he told himself, what’s more believable, getting my phone hacked or placating a goblin in my aunt's basement?
He started the car and began backing out of the driveway when another idea struck him. He hesitated a moment, then decided it wasn’t that big a chance to take. It was right around the corner, and he knew exactly what he wanted.
Tyler’s mother smiled at him as he came through the door.
“How did it go?” she asked.
“Yeah, good,” Tyler responded vaguely.
“Does Aunt Hetty understand her phone now?”
He nodded. “She caught on pretty okay for an old lady.”
“What was in her basement?”
“It was already gone by the time I went down and looked.” Tyler lied with the ease of a practiced con artist. “But I found an open window down there and made sure to shut it so whatever it was doesn’t get back in.”
“Thanks for helping her out,” his mother said. “You’re turning into a fine young man,” she added. “I’m really proud of you.”
Tyler raised a hand in a deprecating gesture and smiled coyly. Phase 1 - Basement Victory: Complete. Time for Phase 2 - The Excuse to Return With the Power Cord.
“I promised her I’d go back tomorrow,” he said. “Some stuff was knocked on the floor, and I want to clean it up. She shouldn’t have to do a chore like that by herself.”
His mother’s proud look turned almost worshipful. She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed his cheek. “I’m so proud of you,” she repeated, her voice choking with emotion.
“It’s no big deal,” Tyler insisted. “I don’t mind helping her out. She promised to bake me some cookies.”
His mother beamed with nostalgic sentiment. “That’s so sweet of her,” she cooed.
Tyler shrugged. “Yeah,” he said. “Oatmeal raisin. But that’s okay,” he added quickly. “It’s nice of her to do that.”
“It’s very nice of her,” his mother insisted. “You be sure to thank her.”
“Oh, for sure,” Tyler promised. “Here are your keys.” He sank down on the sofa and opened a book. “I’m just going to read for a while.”
His mother tilted her head to read the cover. “Treasure Island,” she said. “Where did you get that?”
“Oh, I know you didn’t want me making any side trips,” Tyler explained, “but I decided to swing by the library on the way home. I didn’t think you’d mind,” he added, knowing full well she wouldn’t mind.
His mother looked confused. “Well, no, of course I don’t mind,” she said. “But I thought you and Jayson were going to play some more of your game when you got back.”
“Oh, uh, something came up and Jayson had to bail,” Tyler said. “And I just want to unwind a little. I’ve been thinking I should read this. I mean, I like the way the Muppets did it and all, but I wanted to see what the original is like.”
“Good for you.” His mother picked up her purse and headed for the front door. “I really appreciate you helping Aunt Hetty this afternoon,” she continued. “It’s important that we do everything we can for her. We’re the only family she has left, and she’s all alone over there.”
Tyler turned to Chapter One. “Not completely,” he said under his breath as the door closed.
