Lukie the Water Fairy

Once upon a time in a small town in Indiana, lived a young boy that went by the name Tomas.  Tomas never really like playing outside.  It was 1963, only the rich own a television set, so the poor read lots and lots of books.   Like Tomas, his face has always emerged in a book.  Nothing around him seem to matter when he found a book that was fascinating.

Tomas route was always the same, school, homework, and chores, then books, he read at least three books in one week.  His parents often worry.  Tomas never had friends.  They believed that kids that age should at least have one friend.  But for Thomas, that wasn't a problem at all.  His books were his friends.  

Then one morning, everything just seems to change.   "Good morning, mother, " said the young lad as he sat at the breakfast table.     "Good morning, Tomas, try to eat all your food, we have a long day today." replied his mother Fredda   "Why is that mother?" asked Tomas as he began to dig into his pancakes.   "You father has the flu.  The doctor has stopped by early.  He's on medication and resting.  So young man, all you father Saturday runs now belong to you until he gets well of course." explained his mother    "Why me?  I just a child, and I do need time to read." he complained.    

"Let me tell you something, it's either me or you.  I can't leave your father unattended.  That's why it has to be you.  Here, you must go to town and pick up all the items on this list.  Your father paid yesterday for these items, due to his sickness he wasn't able to carry them home.  The store owners will be waiting for you to pick the items up.  Now take the list and do not lose it." said Fredda as she handed him a small sheet of paper.    

Tomas looked at the note, "Mother, I have to go to four different places after I feed the pigs.  After I'm done with this list, it'll be time for dinner.  When will I have time to read?' he asked  "Well, you won't die, if you skip one day without reading." she replied   "Mother the book I'm reading is fascinating.  I have about ten more pages and I'm will be done." he explained   "Too bad, leave the book on the table and run and feed the pigs, and when you were done, get on top of the list." she said as she takes the book out of his hands, places it on the table, then pushes him out the back door.    "But mother, please, at least let me take the book with me," he said as he was shoved out the door.   "No can do, now get going.  Wait I almost forgot.  Here, I packed you an apple and a sandwich for lunch.  You be careful and be respectful and you don't go with anyone anywhere, even if you know them." she said then heads back into the house.

Tomas rolled his eyes as he walked away kicking things along the way.  He first fed the pigs, then grabbed his bike, which has a large basket on the front and back and went on his way.    He rode his bike quickly down the road, towards the item on the first on the list.   First was the bakery, where he must pick up the bread.  He parked his bike and went inside.

"Excuse me, I'm here to pick up." he muttered   "Hey Tomas, I haven't seen you in a couple of years.  Look how much you grew.  How old are you now?" asked the baker   "I'm eleven, my mother asked me to pick up something that was paid for yesterday by my father." he said  "Yes, I know.  You're not much for conversation, are you?  Your head still stuck in books, you are going to miss the wonders of your surroundings." she said as she handed him a bag of bread.

"Thank you, but there nothing around here to miss," he said as he walked out of the bakery a little upset for he was just reminded about the book he wasn't able to finish.  As he walked out and placed the bread on his bike.   "Hey bookworm!" said Thin the town's bully   He was named Thin by his parents for when he was born he was very skinny and long.  The boy was also elven but was already five two and still growing.   "Go away," said Tomas as he tried to get on his bike, Johnny, Thin's friend pulled the bike from under him, causing Tomas to fall on his ass.  

"Stop!  Leave me alone!" Tomas yelled as he picked up his bike off the ground.   The baker heard his scream and came out to see what was going on.   When Thin and Johnny saw her, they slowly walked away from Tomas, "Hey booger, you'll get yours later, for you were saved by the baker." whispered Thin as the two went on there way.  Tomas rolled his eyes, hopped on his bike and headed to the next name of his list.