<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <HTML> <HEAD> <META HTTP-EQUIV="CONTENT-TYPE" CONTENT="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <TITLE></TITLE> <META NAME="GENERATOR" CONTENT="OpenOffice.org 3.2 (Unix)"> <META NAME="AUTHOR" CONTENT="Nicole Pietrantoni"> <META NAME="CREATED" CONTENT="20101221;13401800"> <META NAME="CHANGEDBY" CONTENT="Nicole Pietrantoni"> <META NAME="CHANGED" CONTENT="20101221;23500800"> <STYLE TYPE="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } A:link { so-language: zxx } --> </STYLE> </HEAD> <BODY LANG="en-US" DIR="LTR"> <P ALIGN=CENTER STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3><B>No Place Like Home</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><BR> </P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> The yellow Taxi cab halted in front of the apartment building.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Seventy-five cents,  the driver growled, holding out his hand in a demanding fashion.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Lenny Kosnowski paid the fee and stepped out onto the snow-covered road. Walking around the back of the cab, he opened the door for his wife and grabbed a suitcase out of the trunk.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne Kosnowski stepped out of the cab, and the driver hastily sped away.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Do ya promise we'll only be here a minute?  Lenny asked, losing his balance on the icy sidewalk. The show starts at eight. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne steadied his fall. I promise. I just wanna drop a present off to my grandma. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Okay,  Lenny agreed.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne rang the buzzer, and her grandmother let the couple into the building. After ascending a few flights of stairs, the Kosnowskis arrived at the apartment. Before they could even knock, Grandma DeFazio opened the door.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne!  she exclaimed with outstretched arms.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Hi, Grandma,  Laverne said less enthusiastically, giving her grandmother a hug.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> And this is the husband, no?  Grandma DeFazio asked, motioning to Lenny, who was standing behind Laverne. Let's have a look. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Lenny stepped closer to her. He's a handsome one, isn't he?  she said, nodding with approval. Come in! I made a nice dinner. You'll stay, yes? </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne shook her head. Actually, Grandma, we had tickets... </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Nonsense!  her grandmother interrupted. Stay and eat! You're too skinny, anyways. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Lenny looked at his watch. I think we could, Laverne. We've got an hour 'til we hafta be there.  </FONT> </P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Thanks, Len,  Laverne replied with relief. My grandma just don't understand. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> They wandered into the apartment. The living room was decorated with a few tinsel decorations, and a small Christmas tree lay in the corner. Lenny set the suitcase in the foyer. Laverne unzipped the suitcase and took out a gift that was wrapped in shiny red wrapping paper.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Here ya go, Grandma,  she said, giving her the gift. It's a present from Len and me. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Oh, grazie! Set it under the tree. Now, we eat!  her grandmother exclaimed in a thick Italian accent.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne and Lenny sat down at the table to eat. Laverne's grandmother had cooked a feast, but being that they had already eaten before stopping by, they were not hungry. Noticing that something was wrong, Grandma DeFazio interrupted the strangely quiet dinner.</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> You're not eating!  she yelled accusingly. I cook all day, and you don't eat! You don't like it? </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> It's not that, Grandma,  Laverne responded, setting down her fork. We ate a little while ago at a restaurant down the road. It's very good, but we have get goin' now. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Her grandmother ignored the last statement. Where you staying? </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> At a hotel off of...  </FONT> </P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> I won't hear of it!  Grandma DeFazio snapped. You'll stay here. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> We really can't,  Laverne said patiently. But it's been nice seein' ya. We'll come back another night. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> I won't take no for an answer! You take the guest room, yes? It's settled. Now, let's open presents.  She got up from the table and started to bring plates into the kitchen. </FONT> </P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne looked at Lenny helplessly and mouthed I'm sorry. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><FONT SIZE=3> Lenny sighed. So much for a romantic evening. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in"><BR> </P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne awakened to the sound of her husband's voice.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne!  Lenny shook her shoulder. Laverne! </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> What, Len?  she grumbled, not fully awake.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne, let's get outta here!  Lenny said, packing the rest of their belongings into the suitcase. Maybe we can scram before your grandma wakes up. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Good idea,  Laverne agreed, getting up from the bed. Let's go. She shouldn't be up for another hour. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne threw a coat over her pajamas and put on her shoes. Lenny stared at her in disbelief.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> You're goin' outside like that? </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> I'll get ready at the hotel,  she replied, still exhausted.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne wrote a note to explain to her grandmother that they had left, and they dodged out the door before Grandma DeFazio knew they were gone.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> After hailing a Taxi cab, Lenny and Laverne piled into the back seat and headed off to the hotel. When they arrived at the hotel, Laverne got ready, and then the couple went to tour the city.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Where do ya wanna go, Laverne?  Lenny asked as they got back into the cab.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> I dunno,  she answered, gazing out the window at the crowds of Christmas shoppers. I've never really seen much of the city before. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Didn't ya used to live here? </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Yeah.  Laverne sighed. But I never got to see the sights. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Lenny nodded. I gotcha. Do ya wanna see the Empire State Building? That's the one King Kong held that girl on. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Sounds good to me, Len,  Laverne said with a smile.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> The lobby of the Empire State Building was completely adorned with Christmas decorations. Walking through the doors, Laverne headed straight for the elevator. Lenny slowed down and stopped in the middle of the lobby. Noticing that her husband was no longer by her side, Laverne turned around and walked back to him.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> What's wrong, Len?  she asked, patting him on the shoulder.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> I hate elevators,  he stuttered. Can't we take the stairs? </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Len, it's eighty-six flights!  Laverne groaned. It'll take forever! </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Please, Vernie?  Lenny asked sweetly.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Okay,  Laverne said, slightly rolling her eyes. But if I get tired, you'll have to carry me. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Climbing the stairs took an eternity, but as Lenny and Laverne gazed at the view from the top of the Empire State Building, they decided that the struggle was worth it.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Wow, it's beautiful, huh?  Laverne observed, peering over the side of the building.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Yeah, beautiful,  Lenny repeated. He leaned over and kissed Laverne awkwardly. But you're more beautiful. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Aww, Len,  Laverne said, kissing him back.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> They went back down the stairs and out of the building. Deciding to go shopping, they wandered through the districts of Lower Manhattan. Later, they went to a small cafe in front of Central Park for dinner before going to a game at Yankee Stadium.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> It's even better than it looks on TV,  Lenny exclaimed, looking around the huge stadium in wonder.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> The two found their seats on the bleachers and sat down to watch the game. After the game was over, they began to walk back to the hotel. </FONT> </P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> That was some game, huh, Len?  said Laverne, wrapping a scarf around her neck.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Yeah. It was good,  Lenny began, But nothing beats the Packers games. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne laughed. You got that right.  She paused. I can't believe it, but I miss Milwaukee already. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Me, too. And we've only been away a few days. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> They heard a nearby church clock strike twelve. </FONT> </P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> It's midnight?  Laverne exclaimed. Merry Christmas Eve, Len,  she told him as they passed a brightly lit Christmas tree.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Merry Christmas Eve, Laverne. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><BR> </P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> The next morning, Lenny and Laverne awoke and went to Central Park. They took a carriage ride through the park, and then visited the Central Park Zoo. Realizing that this would be their last day in New York, they wanted to see as many of the city's landmarks as they could. They took the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Lastly, the couple visited Rockefeller Center.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Wanna go ice skating, Len?  Laverne asked as they watched the countless ice skaters glide across the frozen pond.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Nah, Vernie,  Lenny responded with a laugh. I'm no good at skating. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Come on, Len! I wanna go. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne dragged Lenny over to skating rink. After a few less-than-graceful moments, Lenny was finally able to keep his balance on the ice.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Aren't ya glad ya tried?  said Laverne as she took Lenny's hand and guided him along.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Yeah, it's easy!  Lenny replied. Building up confidence, Lenny broke away from Laverne and skated solo.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Len, watch out for that... </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> It was too late. Lenny collided with a group of young girls, knocking them to the ground.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne hurried to his side. Len! Are ya okay? </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> I'm okay, Laverne,  he said, picking himself up from the ice. But I should stop skatin' before I hurt someone else. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> They left the skating rink and went back to the hotel to collect their suitcase before going to the airport. On the way to the airport, Laverne insisted that they stop by her grandmother's apartment to say goodbye. Boarding the plane, they said goodbye to New York City and departed for Milwaukee.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Arriving at their house in Milwaukee, they turned on the lights and took comfort in the fact that they were finally home. Laverne grabbed a package from underneath the Christmas tree and gave it to Lenny. </FONT> </P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Merry Christmas, Len.  </FONT> </P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Thanks, Laverne!  He eagerly opened the present. To his surprise, inside the box was an old friend.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Jeffrey?! Ya got Jeffrey back for me, Laverne? </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Yeah. I begged Squiggy to send him to me from Burbank. I had to pay him two-hundred bucks, but it was worth it. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Vernie, you're the best!  Lenny exclaimed as he gave her a kiss. Taking a small box from his coat pocket, he said, Open your present. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne opened the box. Lenny had given her a silver, L-shaped necklace.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Aww, Len. I love it! </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> I figured now ya won't hafta spend so much time sewing all the L's on your shirts. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Laverne smiled. Will ya help me put the necklace on? </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Sure. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Lenny helped Laverne put the necklace on. It's good to be home, ain't it, Laverne? </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> I guess it's true what they say. There really is no place like home. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> Ya can say that again. </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> The couple curled up on the couch together next to the lights of the tree. They were happy to have peace, quiet, and a moment just for the two of them.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN=LEFT STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3> </FONT></P> <P ALIGN=CENTER STYLE="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal"><FONT SIZE=3>THE END</FONT></P> </BODY> </HTML>