Gerty XVII in gerty

Charlotte and Gerty spent the next few hours lounging by the pool with little conversation. Drinks were being sipped and the wait staff made sure both girls were provided food and drink. Gerty’s little exhibition with her uncle and father continued to weigh heavy in Charlotte’s thoughts. As intoxicating as Gerty persona could be, Charlotte knew she could be unpredictable and most important, dangerous.

Melvin rose from his lounger and started for the house. It was clear he had plenty to drink as seemed unsure on his feet. Gerty turned to Fritz who dutifully stood at his post by the doors. She spoke no words but Fritz walked over to Melvin and said,

“Sir, you seem a bit under the weather. Might be of some assistance to you?”

Melvin was a man who lived to be assisted, personally and financially.

“Nope, just heading home to shower up and dress for dinner.”

Fritz forced a smile and said,

“Mr. Bergstein please allow me to drive you home. Here I sit with little to do and the limo is just outside the door. I will be happy to wait and get you back at your convenience. The ladies are in good hands here and I would enjoy the diversion.”

Gerty rose from her lounger and walked over to join the conversation.

“Why yes Uncle Mel please let Fritzy give you lift. You brought in my luggage right Fritzy? Charlotte and I will be getting cleaned up and dressed for dinner so Fritz has nothing to do anyway.”

Melvin was happy for the charity and knew he should probably not be driving anyway.

“Well, thanks, sure if you don’t mind.”

With those words Melvin took a stutter step and Fritz lightly grabbed him by the elbow and ushered him toward the front doors.

Gerty stood staring at the doors long after they closed behind the men. She seemed entranced or deep in thought. Charlotte came from behind her and asked,

“You okay Gerty?”

Gerty continued to stare off into space. She finally whispered,

“Bounce the ball right down the hall.”

Charlotte did not respond to the familiar words. She knew they did not prophesize sunny days and wished she knew their origin.

“Hey Gerty, wanna go upstairs and get cleaned and dressed for dinner. I don’t know what you got in that luggage but I can fix you up. We dress formal for dinner.”

Gerty slowly turned towards Charlotte and seemed to be coming back to the world and said,

“Sure, yeah dinner, right. Get ready for dinner.”

                                                                    -

Fritz pulled the limo up to the much more modest home of Uncle Melvin. It was clear to Fritz Melvin kept this home as a crash pad. The lawn was mowed and flowers bloomed in landscaping but weeds intruded the gardens and were mowed as part of the lawn.

Fritz came around and opened the door for Melvin and offered a hand to provide balance to the inebriated man. Melvin fumbled for his keys as they walked up the steps and Fritz offered to key the locks and lead the way. The doors were opened and Fritz stepped aside to allow Melvin entrance to his home.

Melvin took a few steps into the foyer and immediately found himself thrown on the floor. Fritz came around into his view and gave him a grimaced smile and spoke,

“In the great wisdom of our beloved Gerty I quote,

“Bouncy bouncy bouncy ball,”

Melvin rose to his hands and knees and roared,

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Fritz came to a crouch to get close to Melvin’s face and replied,

“Why Mr. Bergstein I’m bouncing the ball right down the hall.”

Melvin could not make sense as to why this extremely polite and professional manservant was speaking nonsense. Fritz stood back up and took the heel of his boot and slammed it down on Melvin’s right hand grinding it back and forth as Melvin screamed in agony.

Fritz grabbed Melvin by the back of his shirt and dragged him across the room towards the stairs to the second floor. Melvin protested with “let me goes” and “where are you taking me” but Fritz seemed deaf to any of Melvin’s words.

Fritz started up the stairs making no attempt to allow Melvin to get to his feet. At the top of the landing Fritz stopped and looked to the ceiling.

“Now Mr. Bergstein, depending on which version of the poem applies I believe we have either bouncing you off the wall or down the stairs for you to fall. Sadly I cannot make the decision but I am sure we can prepare for either.”

Fritz grabbed Melvin by the throat, looked into his eyes and said,

“Nighty-night.”