"What? Can you expound that more? Kind of didn't get the idea at all." Clarence frowned not knowing how to paraphrase those words so that he could understand.

"Oh my, I'm pestered as well with this request by Grandpa. I wish he'll be the one to explain things to you but he's now in a meeting and left us with a note that we're capable to do it." She breathed deep to clear her minds. "He specifically said an atmosphere fun for kids but also suitable for adults. That's all, he didn't explain more. Oh please, Clarence and dear girl. . . what's your name? Sorry, Clarence didn't introduce as well."

"Oh, sorry, this is Beauty and that's Ronald. This is Lorraine, Leonard's wife." Clarence was feeling ashamed for neglecting this important matter.

"Hi, Lorraine," said Beauty.

"Nice to meet you, Ma'am Lorraine." Ronald extended his hand but was ignored.

"Don't call me Ma'am, it makes me feel like a teacher and you're my student," grunted Lorraine at Ronald. The latter was embarra.s.sed. This had been a habit formed as a newspaper writer when he approached married women to gather facts.

"Hmm, I think your grandfather wants a party resembling a kids world where adults can get involve as well." Beauty started to engage her fantasies in connection to what the old man said. "Maybe he wants to feel young in this party without neglecting the presence of the adults. Like a fairyland or under the sea party at the poolside."

"All guests will wear an attire fit for 'under the sea' theme. There will be rocks or cus.h.i.+ons or stools that would portray seats under the sea for the guests. Of course, the oldies and special guests can sit in a proper chair provided for them. The tables will be covered to resemble big corals. Can we do that?" Beauty looked at Lorraine then she continued.

"An orchestra or band wearing outfits of the merman, mermaids and other sea creatures will be playing in the background. There will be a program and games related to the theme."

"Children can play in a mini seabed at the playground with chocolate and cheese fondue fountains near it. Cookies, meat patties, chicken nuggets and pastries which look like sea creatures will be served. Most of all, the food will be kinds of seafood and some special delicacies unseen before. . . Clarence, remember what we made in Camotes?"

Beauty's excitement was reflected all over her body. She looked dazzling and spirited as she explained while waving her hands here and there, and walking back and forth. The listeners were caught up in her fantasy world as well.

"What do you think?" In the end, Beauty asked if the couple and others agree.

"I think that won't be hard to do. We can send the invitations specifying the theme and their outfit. My friend's band can be invited anytime. There's a big wet market near here where we can buy most we need. There's also a hypermarket just an hour drive from here. For the chairs and other logistics, dear husband Leonard, can I leave that to you?"

"Rest a.s.sured, I know what to do," Leonard replied with excitement as well.

Clarence was grinning ear to ear to see all of them being charmed with Beauty's enthusiasm.

"I'm really proud of you, Beauty," Clarence whispered softly near Beauty's ear causing her to be shy for a moment but pleased deep inside.

"Beauty Sis, I'll be in your command, just tell me what to do." Ronald did not want to be left behind from the rest directly offered his services.

"Of course, you'll be at your job is called for, our food taster and critique. You also need to do some odd jobs as well as our a.s.sistant." The girl understood well the temperament of this guy so he gave him such job. Most of all, he was the second person she trusted who could grasp what she wanted to project with her food.

"So let's get into the business." Lorraine being influenced by Beauty was enthusiastic to make the whole thing successful.

. . . . .

Leonard started his project outright. He brought his brand new Pathfinder Pick up truck to use. Purchasing all kinds of cus.h.i.+ons and objects that can be transformed in connection to the theme. He even went to an open beach nearby and let his men get some sea rocks that he placed near the pool.

Clarence was the head chef. He planned the dishes and desserts and made the shopping list. On the other hand, Beauty was in charge of the food presentation coinciding with the dishes to be served. Thus, the two ladies were busy buying amenities to project her ideas into full display. They also pa.s.sed by a store having an inventory sale for their offseason holiday decorations.

They were all busy for the incoming special birthday celebration. In the middle of their enthusiasm, they missed a very crucial factor that could turn their plans into shambles, the weather.

The night before the special day, monsoon winds made an unexpected turn and hit their place. They had a sleepless night trying to salvage the decors at the poolside and playground area. By 5:00 am, sunrise came, the desolation was now totally seen and broke their hearts.

"This is bad. Two days of effort were blown away. At least, we were able to cover the whole pool last night. However, cleaning the whole place still needs time." Leonard grieved after surveying the party area.

"The trees are bare as if a clumsy barber who had a bad day made a bad haircut balding them instead." This remark from Ronald made them all laugh in spite of the devastation in front of them.

"Nice description there, Ronald. You're really a good critic," added Beauty making them laugh all the more.

"The playground is full of shredded leaves and the flowers are all gone. Somehow, for a seabed, those flowers were not necessary though." Clarence spoke trying to see the good side out from the situation.

Upon hearing his last statement, an idea sprung to Beauty's mind as if receiving a stimulus.