"With Charlie." Micky said watching tv.
"Again?"
"Yep. Everyone's talking about how much Charlie has changed since, he became friends with Davy." Peter smiled. "He seems happy."
"He wasn't happy before?" Mike asked.
"No. His wife died five years ago. He took it really hard." Peter explained sadly.
"Poor Charlie." Micky sighed.
"Yeah. He hasn't had an easy life. His son died in a car accident. His only son I might add." Peter said.
"Hey fellas!" Davy called cheerfully as he entered the pad.
"Oh loverboy. Cindy called. She wants to know if you're free tonight?" Micky asked.
"Well Charlie wanted me to go back to the retirement center. We were going to work on his chess moves. I've been wanting to go out with Cindy for a few weeks now." Davy bit his bottom lip.
"Maybe you should ask Charlie if it's okay if you to take off early. I'm sure he won't mind." Mike smiled.
"I'll ask him."
"Okay kid. It's your turn." Charlie said. Davy seemed to stare into
space.
"Kid!" Charlie barked.
Davy jumped. "Sorry. Um...is it alright if I take off early? See, I uh I have a date."
"What's her name?" Charlie smiled.
Davy's face lit up. "Cindy."
"Sounds serious."
Davy smiled. "Maybe."
"No maybe to it. When you said her name your eyes lit up like a christmas tree. Davy, go on the date. Have fun."
Davy frowned. "Are you sure?"
"Let me put it this way. If you don't go on this date I will never let you hear the end of it. Now get out of here."
Davy smiled. "If you're sure. I'll stop by early tomorrow. I promise."
Charlie smiled. "I know you will kid. Have a good time."
Davy did have a good time with Cindy. They went to the movies, took
a stroll at the park. Then went to an ice cream shop.
"I had a lot of fun this evening." Cindy said smiling as she went on her front porch.
"Me too." Davy said. The two kissed briefly.
"Well good night." Cindy said.
Davy gave her a wink and headed home. He didn't even care that it had started to rain. He felt like dancing. He was on top of the world. The Monkees were getting quite a few gigs. He made a new friend, and was also dating the girl of his dreams. He entered the pad soaked to the skin.
"Where have you been? It's after midnight!" Mike exclaimed.
"I carried you in my womb for nine months! The least you could have done was pick up the phone and let us know you were going to be late! Is that too much to ask?!" Micky "sobbed."
"Did my mom just walk in here?" Mike asked.
Davy rolled his eyes. "Good night."
"Night Romeo." Micky laughed.
"Shut up." Davy said entering the room he shared with Peter.
As quietly as he could he changed into a pair of pajamas.
"Did you have a good time?" Peter asked.
"Did I wake you?"
"Yeah, but it's okay." Peter smiled.
"Sorry. I had a lot of fun. I know Charlie's going to demand details tomorrow." Davy laughed.
"Yeah, so will Micky." Peter added.
"Knowing him, he's listening outside the door now."
"No, you're safe. I heard him and Mike go upstairs." Peter laughed.
Davy sneezed.
"You feel okay?" Peter asked sounding concerned.
"I feel like I'm on top of the world." Davy smiled.
The next morning Mike awoke first. Followed a moment later by Micky
and Peter.
"Romeo still asleep?" Micky asked.
"Yeah. All I heard about last night was Cindy and Charlie." Peter chuckled.
Mike rolled his eyes. "Cindy this week. Next week Mary Ann."
"Mary Ann was last week." Micky joked.
"What's for breakfast big Pete?" Mike asked.
"Blueberry pancakes." Peter grinned.
The phone rang.
"I'll get it." Mike said racing to the phone.
"Probably Cindy." Micky chuckled.
"Hello? Yes he is, but he's still asleep."
"Told you." Micky laughed. He was about to start making kissing sounds but the look on Mike's now somber face stopped him.
"I'll tell him. Thanks." Mike sighed as he hung up the phone.
"What's wrong Mike?" Peter asked sounding worried.
"That was Mrs. Jackson, the head nurse at the retirement center. Mike again sighed.
"What's wrong?" Peter asked again.
"Something happened to Charlie."
"Is he okay?" Micky asked.
"He's dead."