Once he stepped over the threshold there was a phone ring. Ted answered – his friend Jeffrey was calling.
«Hi, Ted! Hopefully, I didn’t wake you up. I kept calling you, but you weren’t available. Then I recollected that you were together with Alice».
«That’s right. I have just come in».
«Are you alone?» – Jeffrey asked meaningfully.
«Sure, I am. What did you think about?»
«Well, I thought you invited her for a cup of coffee».
«C’mon, Jeffrey! What coffee at night? Besides, this was our first date»
«I’m kidding, Ted, just kidding! How was it?»
«Terrific. We had supper in the restaurant «At the Three Magicians’" and talked much. And… Jeff, she seems to like me, too…»
«Why not, Ted? I can give the names of several girls from school who also like you».
«Can you? Why haven’t you given them before?»
«Well, you wouldn’t like them. Besides, you doted on Alice, bud. Did you agree to meet again?»
«Absolutely. Next Saturday at the practice».
«What kind of practice?»
«Ah, I haven’t updated you yet! This morning I signed up for the playoff match of the magician knights’ joust. There is a chance to practice».
«Oh, sounds great! What you need now is your own equipment. On top of all the other necessary things».
«Yes, I can rent for the practice, but at the playoff I must be totally equipped with my own garb and ammunition. Tomorrow I shall be at my parents’ though. I’m going to apply for their financial aid».
«As for me, I know where you can get hold of everything you’re in need for. Pretty cheap.»
«Really? Excellent! Will you come with me to the practice?»
«Wish I could. But the least I would like to do is to disturb your date with Alice».
«But you won’t disturb!»
«Fine. I shall tactfully get lost after the practice».
«Done».
On Sunday Ted moved to his parents. He had to share with them his impressions from his first day at work, to tell them about his current life, as well as ask for the financial assistance – to sponsor his participation in the joust. In addition, he felt homesick. East or west – home is best! Ted was only beginning to settle in his London flat and render it habitable – the flat he obtained from the Magistrate. But this apartment would never ever become his home. After all, as soon as he quits his employment with the Museum, he will be forced to return the flat. That is why, in the meantime, he was saving money for his own dwelling.
Only his Mom was at home. Ted, as he did every time, hugged her tenderly and gave her a kiss.
«Hello, Mom! How’re you? I’ve made a decision to spend my day-off at home. Sorry to have not warned you of my visit».
«Hi, dearest! Your father and I were talking about you yesterday and hoped you would come to see us».
«Did you?»
«Of course».
«I’d be most willing to visit you two every Sunday».
«Sounds attractive, why not? Have you had breakfast yet?»
«Not yet. Where are Dad and Lily?»
«Your father is at work. Lily is still sleeping. Why did you wake up so early?»
Ted shrugged his shoulders.
«Don’t know. It so happened».
«Sit down at table. I’ll make you a cup of coffee in the meantime».
«Thanks! Your coffee is the tastiest!»
Soon afterwards Mrs. Spencer put two cups of hot and fragrant coffee on the table. She also put some cookies which she had baked by herself. Ted made a sip and closed his eyes, enjoying the taste.
«I haven’t drunk this tasty coffee of yours for such a long time!»
«Would you weigh coming back home? You may transport yourself to work from here as well».
«Yes, I know. But it would be much more convenient for me to stay in the city. Besides, there is one more circumstance. I’ll tell you later once Dad comes home».
«What kind of circumstance?» – Mrs. Spencer got uptight.
«Oh, nothing bad! Don’t you worry, Mom,» – smiled Ted.
They heard stamping of feet on the staircase – it was Lily getting downstairs. Apparently, she had just woken up and neither washed nor combed herself yet. Seeing her brother she immediately rushed into his arms.
«Ted! Hi! I am so happy to see you!»
«So am I. Sleeping in?»
«That’s right. Holidays is the most wonderful time! Isn’t it?»
«Definitely,» – Ted sighed. «But for me this wonderful time has already finished. It has been replaced with the working life».
«You aren’t lucky, bro! But you may look at the bright side of it: you’ve already finished school, lead an independent life… Where’s Dad? Are we having breakfast soon?»
«Dad is at his patient’s. Once he’s back we all shall sit down to breakfast. Have you washed yourself yet?»
«Not yet».
Lily went to her room.Mr. Spencer returned half an hour later. He rejoiced seeing his son.
«Sonny! I’m glad your life in London didn’t infatuate you and that you didn’t forget us!» – Father and son embraced each other.
«What are you talking about, Daddy! Why should I forget you? I’ve told Mom already: I’d be most willing to spend every Sunday with you in here».
Lily got downstairs to the kitchen – already washed, dressed up and coiffed.
«Everyone’s here and I can serve your breakfast!»
While the whole family was relaxing in the living room afterwards Ted told his parents and sister about his new job. He also mentioned the joust playoffs.
«I need your help in purchasing the equipment. To tell you the truth, I haven’t clarified the prices yet,» – Ted summed his story up.
His parents exchanged looks. Mrs. Spencer’s eyes flashed concern.
«Isn’t it dangerous, Ted?»
«Why, Mom? I was the winner back at school».
«There’s a certain difference. At school your rivals were pupils, like yourself. But this coming tournament will be attended by adult and experienced magicians».
«There’s hardly any threat for me anyway. Nothing except defeat and frustration. However, I shall overcome that and try again next year».
Mr. Spencer smiled.
«If you want it so much I guess we’ll help you out».
«Will you?!» – Ted was gleeful. «Thanks a million! I promise that I’ll earn and return every coin».
«Stop it, Ted! After all, this is honor for us that our son is going to take part in such a contest! Who knows – one day you may become the world champion?»
«I am not even dreaming of such a title. The joust simply tickles me. I feel as though I were a medieval knight. I wish I could create a time machine with the help of a magic touch!»
«Who knows? Perhaps,