HELLO?

Many Years from Now

Line chosen - Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four?

The small convoy of vehicles crawled to a halt on the road in front of the sprawling ranch style bungalow. From out of the house, an elderly couple paused partway down the walkway as the occupants all clumped together, hugging and shaking hands before acknowledging their hosts.

Inside, hats and coats were removed to the bedroom and the guests all settled in the comfortable living room. Helen Dandridge moved her walker beside her chair and sat with a soft grunt, smiling apologetically at her husband Malcolm.

"You okay, Hon?" He sat beside her and took her hand.

"Fine. Really. Just tired legs from the drive."

"Hey you two, no private conversations today, this is all for one, one for all time." Major General Hank Ashton, retired, commanded from his nest on the sofa, a liver spotted finger pointing authoritatively.

"This will loosen up those stiff joints, Helen." David Ortega moved through the room with a tray, delivering glasses of champagne.

When everyone was served, David held up a hand and called for attention. Lily came from the kitchen and stood beside him, accepting his arm about her waist.

"My good friends," he began, "to celebrate Lily's milestone birthday with all who were there at the beginning of our relationship means the world to me." He raised his glass, "To Lily Ortega, my wife, my love, my best friend."

A cheer went up as champagne was consumed, and Lily was officially accepted into her fiftieth year.

"Where's your daughter, Lily? She should be here." Victoria asked.

"We had a family celebration. This one was strictly for this group." David spoke for her.

"Yes," Lily smiled, hugging David, "he already promised to need me, and promised to feed me until I'm at least sixty-four."

"Is that some kind of deadline?" Hank growled.

"That's when his pension kicks in," she teased. "There won't be enough for two after that."

"Okay, okay." David grinned. "This isn't about me. This is about all of you and our long association, and the fact that we all met Lily at the same time. And seeing you all here . . . still taking up space . . ." There was a moment of faux grumbles and soft laughter, "and a few, amazingly, still upright--"

"Now hold on there," Gordon Weller grinned. "That strand of hair you artistically swirl about your shiny dome doesn't scream flaming youth." Victoria Staines slapped his leg, and blushed prettily.

The laughter broke up the room, and compliments and teasing insults were passed around with good humour.

"Okay, let's just say we've all changed a bit," He lifted his glass, "I was intending to say, to all of you, thank you for giving us the opportunity to enjoy this moment, and hopefully many more." A chorus of agreement was followed by the chinking of glasses.

"And on that note," Lily bubbled, "dinner is ready, so if you will all repair to the dining room and find your little place cards."

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Tall and short tales regaled the diners, all contributing outrageously exaggerated memories of days and years gone past. The dinner was toasted several times, and the proof was visible in the cleaned plates. At the end, the table was cleared and coffee was served to sighs, and compliments to the hosts. Victoria and Esther helped Lily in the kitchen, while the others tidied up the dining room and got comfortable again in the living room.