The Beginning by Tina Anne Read Free Book Online

George said to Frankie. George tried to take the bill from Adolf and give it back to Frankie but Adolf was gripping it too tightly.
    “Yes, I did. And all these people here are my witnesses,” Adolf said.
    Frankie held up his phone. “And I’m streaming it live as well as recording it,” he said smiling.
    Adolf pulled a notebook out of his briefcase. Then he announced, “everyone who would like to be a witness to this sale, please line up and sign here. “
                  “What’s your name?” he said turning to Frankie. Adolf waved at the camera.
    “Frank Summer Jr. Add the name Misty Summer too. She’s the co-owner.”
    “Frankie!” No, no, no, was all I could think.
    “It’s ok, Mom. Trust me.” He touched my hand and I felt a little better. He was smart, I should trust him. But, still…
    Adolf wrote a few lines on the top of the sheet of paper in the notebook. It said:
    I, Adolf Neuspech, herby sell Adventure Planet and all of its lands and assets to Frank Summer Junior and Misty Summer for the sum of one dollar on this date...
    Adolf signed it. Frankie signed it. I signed it. George refused to sign. He kept trying to protest and Adolf kept telling him to shut up. George looked surprised; I guess Adolf never talked back to him before.
    And then the line began. Every patron in that restaurant signed it. In fact it seemed to me that some people may have called their friends so they could come and sign it. After everyone signed, the restaurant manager made photocopies for us. Frankie photographed it and sent a copy to someone. Then he and Adolf shook hands and set up an appointment to meet at George’s office the following morning.
    I watched it all as if in a blur. What was Frankie thinking? What was I thinking? I was excited. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on that park. I must be losing my sanity. I’m supposed to go to Orlando. I’m supposed to work in a theme park, not own one.
    This isn’t what was supposed to happen, was all I could think all night. This isn’t what was supposed to happen.

Chapter 5: Deal Maker
     
    Morning took way, way too long to arrive. After dinner Frankie and I went to our separate rooms and I did not see or hear from him all night. I was excited; I liked the idea of fixing up Adventure Planet. It had been years since I’d had a major challenge. I really liked the idea of restoring the park to its former glory. It would never be up to the standards of the famous Florida theme parks, but it could still be a great family destination. And yet all I could think was; this wasn’t supposed to happen.
    I dreamed a lot that night. I dreamed of employees in their clean, neat uniforms putting happy families on safe, attractive rides. I saw blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and green grass. Children were running with balloons in their hands. Parents were laughing and running after them on their way to their next ride or show. There was a six-foot teddy bear walking around. The children loved him.
    Then there was the other half of the night. The half where the rides were falling apart and people were running away screaming. Where people were getting sick from food poisoning. Where the carousel horses were falling to pieces. Where the guests were pounding on my office door demanding their money back.
    Wait. Someone really was pounding on my door. I opened my eyes. Well, maybe it wasn’t pounding so much as knocking.
    “Mom, are you up yet? We gotta go soon. It’s a big day,” the pounder yelled through the door.
    Oh, it was just Frankie. And he wasn’t demanding his money back. I looked at my clock. Six am. Was he insane? There was no way we were meeting with the lawyer this early. I got up and let him in to check his sanity.
    “You could have used your key,” I said.
    “Yeah, but I didn’t know if you wore pajamas and I didn’t want to be embarrassed.”
    I just shook my head. “What do you mean we have to go, it’s only six?” I said.
    “Oh, didn’t I