had cakes and candles and presents all over it I’m staying home said Teddy The party was at three o’clock Let’s just take the present over to Bryan’s house said Mommy You don’t have to stay I’ll stay home and you can take it over answered Teddy We’ll go together said Mommy taking Teddy’s jacket out of the closet I’m staying home protested Teddy as his mother zipped his jacket on him Teddy had never been to Bryan’s house before The invitation said he lived four blocks away in an apartment building twice the size of Teddy’s building At the entrance a doorman greeted them He took one look at Teddy holding
the wrapped gift and smiled Ah you’re going to the party Yes said Mommy She smiled back Teddy said nothing but he knew that he was not going to the party It’s in apartment fifteen K said the doorman The elevator is on your left Mommy and Teddy entered the build ing and walked toward the elevator Teddy Mommy said we’ll just give Bryan his present and you can stay for a little while Teddy didn’t answer but he was determined not to stay On the fifteenth floor they had no trouble finding the apartment Balloons were taped around the door and there was a lot of noise coming from inside
Mommy rang the bell and the door was opened by a tall man Happy birthday said Mommy You must be the father of the birthday child Yes I am Come in the man said Mommy entered the apartment pulling Teddy in with her There were so many children that the room looked like a school How many children are here Mommy asked in amazement The parties for Nora and Teddy were usually limited to four or five friends I think Ethel said thirty-five the man answered It feels like a hundred Well Teddy said Mommy giving him a little push go and give your present to the birthday child Teddy didn’t budge
Don’t be shy Go and play with your friends she encouraged him No said Teddy standing his ground I don’t know any of them They are not my friends Oh Teddy said Mommy of course you do Go look for Bryan Suddenly a girl about the age and size of Nora came up to Teddy Who are you she asked Teddy whispered Teddy What’s in the package Dominoes Teddy whispered I already have three sets she said walking off in disgust Tiffany said the man who had opened the door for Mommy and Teddy Be polite We can return the duplicate gifts next week Now greet your friend nicely
