Ed and Chico were sweeping up after a long day of work when an odd looking fellow walked in the garage.

"Hello! My good men, my name is Miklos. I am a gypsy who can tell your fortune."

Ed continued to sweep. Chico stopped in disbelief. Chico walked over to Miklos and checked him out.

"Are you Ed Brown?" Miklos asked.

"Yes I am, what to you want?" Ed continued to sweep.

"Why Ed, I can predict your future," Miklos eagerly tried to get Ed's attention.

Chico nudged Ed. "Look out Ed, he looks crazy." Chico made a circular motion with his index finger at the side of his head.

Ed points his index finger on the side of his head.

"I predict Miklos that you are going to...Get outta my garage!" Ed pointed his other finger in the direction of the door.

Miklos, with eyes wide open, is shocked.

"My good man! Why, I can predict fame and fortune for you." Miklos waved his hands to fantasize the moment.

Chico looked curious.

"Hey, wait a minute Ed. He might have something. Come on Ed, give it a try. Um, Miklos? How much do you charge?" Chico asked.

"Twenty Dollars." Miklos cupped his hands and looked Chico straight in the eyes.

"Twenty Dollars?! Why that's ridiculous!" Ed said.

"No wonder you predict fame and fortune. You're the one who's making the fortune," Ed said as he grabbed a towel to wipe his hands.

"Ok, Ed, I'll give you the newcomer's special." Miklos got ready to do his thing,

"What's the newcomer's special?" Chico asked.

"Probably some cockamamie trick he has up his sleeve," Ed said grumpily.

"Let me give you a quick prediction ahead in your future from your past." Miklos looked directly into Ed's eyes.

"Ok, go on," Ed said.

"Ok Mr. Brown. A time of sweet romance with a special lady. Does that give you a clue?" Miklos spoke in an eerie tone.

Ed looks up and thinks it over while rubbing his eyes. He lowers his head.

"Margaret, our anniversary is coming up. But she has since passed away."

Chico comes closer to Ed.

Miklos pulls out a glass globe out of his pocket.

"Do you recognize the globe? " Miklos shakes the globe in front of Ed.

Ed takes hold of the globe and gets a closer look. Shakes it and find a switch on the bottom. Ed turns the switch.

"I recognize the trees and the Park bench in it. And the rest of the scenery," Ed said

The music played Ed put it closer to his ear.

This is where Margaret and I first met and proposed to her. I had an old transistor radio and they played our song," Ed said tearfully. "I remember dancing for hours with Margaret in the falling snow," Ed said.

Ed couldn't believe it he gave back the globe to Miklos and covered his face to hide his tears. "Oh Margaret how I've missed you."

Chico cuts in between them.

"Hey, I think we've had enough here. Can't you see Ed is hurting?"

" Ed, are you ok?" Chico put his arm around Ed's shoulder.

"Yes Chico. It's all so frightening. How could he know so much?" Ed wondered

"Do you think he has had contact with an old Army buddy?" Chico said.

"Army buddy? Hmmm..... Hey wait a minute did your father go to the army and somehow get saved by a soldier that dodged over him?" Ed said curiously

"You know, Mr. Brown, he did mention about an old army buddy saving his life over a friends dive. Is that, is that you? " Miklos asked.

"YES!" Ed said happily.

"Oh, I have found my fathers friend!" Miklos said.

"How is your father anyway?" Ed said.

"Ed, he's dead. He said if he died you could be my father," Miklos begged.

"Papa! " Miklos said as he ran to Ed and hugged him.

Chico couldn't believe what he saw.

"Wait a minute, WAIT A MINUTE!" Ed said as he jumped up and down. "I never actually said I would be your father!"

"Ed, you don't want to hurt Miklos feelings after all you promised his father." Chico tried to calm Ed down.

"I never said I was going to adopt him," Ed said as he headed for the office to hunt down a bottle.

"Mr. Brown, I so much want to learn a new trade. After all I can only do so much as a gypsy," Miklos said.

"I don't know. After all what can you do?" Ed said as he rubbed his mustache.

"Ah come on Ed, give him a chance," Chico said.

"Hmm, Chico..," Ed said.

"Hey we could use the extra help. I can have a play mate!" Chico jumped up and down smiling and clapping. "Look how crazy he is. Never a dull moment Ed. " Chico tried to convince Ed. "Ah please!"

"Still, Miklos, how does this musical globe have anything to do with this?" Ed questioned the gypsy.

"Ed, my good man, my father has told me many good things about you. When he passed away I wanted to track you down and know who this Ed Brown was," Miklos said.

"Well, you've found me, now get a move on!" Ed said.

"But sir! Please, I beg you to have me follow you in your footsteps. Just as I have done with my father," Miklos begged.

Ed gave in to Miklos' plea.

"Ok, Ok, but one screw up and your outta here!"

" Miklos," Chico nudged his arm.

"Yes Chico?" Miklos was ready to leave.

"Could you ... tell what lies ahead for me?" Chico eagerly waited for his answer.

"Sure Chico, please give your hand." Miklos took something out of his pocket.

Chico extended his hand to Miklos.

Miklos rubbed the palm of Chico's hand.

"Hmm, you seem to be expecting a visitor. A very well off one. Perhaps a relative. Someone you haven't seen in years. I see that you might have caused trouble in their past."

Miklos looked straight in Chico's eyes. Chico had a scared look in them.

"Wow, that's scary!" Chico said.

Ed and Chico looked at each other puzzled.

"What could all this mean?" Ed said. "Oh well Chico, let's forget about all this mumbo jumbo and get back to work," Ed said.

"I'm right behind ya, Ed," Chico said.

" Miklos, let's get going on these tires. Just try not to pop any more tires," Ed said.

"Ok Ed, I will do my best to make you happy," Miklos said.

Mable, the mail carrier, walked into the garage.

"Mail Call! Mail Call!" Mable yelled as she wheeled her cart.

"Hello Ed. Hello Chico," Mable said as she dug in her bag.

"Why hello pretty lady!" Miklos got up took off his hat and bowed to her.

"Hello, who are you?" Mable asked.

"Why, I'm Miklos. I'm a gypsy! Well I used to be. Now I'm a mechanic!" Miklos said as he tipped his hat.

"I'm a genuine Gypsy ma'am. I can read your fortune!" Miklos said with excitement.

"Ah please Miklos, I've heard it all," Mable said with her arms folded.

A car honked as it entered the garage. An elderly lady stepped out of the car.

"Excuse me young man, but could you fill it up and check the oil. Please?" the elderly lady said.

"Why sure thing ma'am. Although I do believe you need more then a oil check up."

Chico went to open the hood of the car. Smoke came billowing up, causing Chico to wave it around so he could see.

Ed was at the workbench when he turned around after hearing a familiar voice. Ed took a good look at her and headed in her direction.

"You're--you're Violet Baines! Why, I haven't seen you in years. You are or were a wonderful actress," Ed said with joy.

"What brings you to this neighborhood? And of all places my garage?" Ed couldn't believe it. "I can't believe it! Violet Baines in my garage! Chico! Chico! Come here. Miss Baines, I want you to meet my assistant Chico Rodriguez," Ed eagerly dragged Chico over to her.

Violet Baines came twirling over to Chico like she did in her silent movie days.

"Nice to meet you Miss Baines," Chico said as Ed grabbed Chico's hand to have him shake Violet's.

"Nice to meet you too Chico," Violet said as she bowed gracefully.

"Well Mr. Brown," Violet said.

"Please, please, call me Ed," Ed smiled with his hands gripped together under his chin while jumping up and down.

"Ok Ed, thank you.

"What brings you here Miss Baines?" Chico said.

"I, I, am looking for some work. A part time job," Violet shamefully asked.

"Oh, a small part in a movie?" Chico questioned.

"No, Chico, a part time job," Violet said.

Ed hurried over after he overheard them.

"You, why? Are you in any trouble?" Ed looked concerned.

"No Ed, just bored. Money is a little tight, and now with my car breaking down. Also there's no work for an old battleaxe like myself these days in the movie business," Violet said sadly.

"Ah Violet you’re still young and full of life" Ed escorted her to the workbench and offered her some coffee.

"Here Violet, just how you like it. Well at least that's what I've read in the papers," Ed said. "Hope it is ok." Ed handed her the coffee.

"Thank you Ed, you’re very kind," Violet said.

"What kind of work are you looking for?" Ed said.

"Anything really. Just something to keep me busy," Violet said.

Chico came by the workbench when the pay phone rang.

" Ed Browns garage" Chico said.

" Chico?" A voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Yes, can I help you?" Chico said.

"Chico... this is ... your father speaking."

Chico took the phone off his ear and stared at the receiver. Chico became silent debating whether to hang up or not.

"Chico? .... Are you there? Chico?" Chico’s father said.

"Yes, yes, I'm here."

"I'm sorry to call in such short notice Chico. I would like to get together and see you," Chico's father said.

"But what makes you think I want to see you? I haven't seen you in years. I ran away and never contacted you. Yet you track me down. Why?" Chico seemed distant.

Chico turned his head so he could face away from everyone. Chico didn't want no one could hear how angry he was.

"I have something very important to discuss with you. Please Chico, I'm sorry it has been so long since we have seen each other. I would like it if we could meet somewhere," Chico’s father said.

"May I meet with you tomorrow Chico?"

Chico paused for a moment.

"I'm sorry. It is all coming to fast for me. Yes, please come by the garage tomorrow," Chico said.

"Ok, Chico until then. Adios, Chico." His father hung up the phone.

Ed came by to Chico.

" Chico are you ok? You look like you've seen a ghost?" Ed said.

"More like hearing a ghost, Ed. That was my father. He's in town. He's coming over to meet me here," Chico said.

"My father is going to freak once he knows I'm gas jockey, Ed. He's always expected more from me!" Chico started to pace the ground. What am I going to do?" Chico said.

"Don't worry Chico, I'm sure it won’t be as bad as you think it will be," Ed tried to calm Chico down.

"Oh, but Ed? You don't know my father. Once he sees me in here working he'll probably disown me or something. It's bad enough that I left home and never said good bye. I'm just shocked he was able to find me."

Chico sat down by the bench wondering how father was going to feel once he saw him.

The following day came. Ed was in his office getting his usual morning shot of whiskey, when a horn sounded in the garage. Ed ran out to see who it was. A tall sophisticated man stepped out of his car.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for Chico Rodriguez. Do you happen to know where I can find him? My name is Gilberto, Gilberto Rodriguez."

Ed looked at Gilberto, then looked again.

" Chico is somewhere in the garage. Let me go find him for you." Ed took off after Chico.

" Chico!" Ed yelled.

"Here I am Ed!"

Chico ran out of the storage room, and stopped dead in his tracks when he spotted his father.

" Chico, my son! It has been a long time!" Gilberto went to hug Chico.

Chico was reluctant to hug Gilberto at first, but then Chico slightly hugged him.

"What are you doing here, sir?" Chico asked.

"Please Chico, please address me as your father," Gilberto pleaded.

"Alright, please realize though how hard it is for me, Father. I hope you understand why I left. You were never around. I needed a father figure so I split," Chico said.

" Chico, I was away on business all the time. I tried so hard to provide for my family all the wealth I could," Gilberto said.

"You were never around when I needed you, sir," Chico said.

Gilberto gave him a stern look

"Father, I spent most of my times on the streets. Ed was kind enough to take me in and give me a job," Chico said.

" Chico, I am so sorry!" Gilberto said as he tried to embrace Chico. Chico wouldn't respond.

He said, "Father, ‘I'm sorry’ isn't good enough. You just can't come back and make up all these years now!" Chico was furious.

"I'm late for a delivery father. I gotta go!" Chico took off.

Chico's father stayed a while longer. Gilberto checked out the garage from top to bottom.

Gilberto went to the van and opened the back doors. Then he went to the storage room that was turned to an apartment for Chico.

"Is this where my son sleeps?" Gilbert couldn't believe it.

Violet honked the horn from the car she received as a loaner. She pulled in the garage and got out of the car.

Gilberto left the apartment to see who it was.

Gilberto was happy to see her.

"Hello, Madam" Gilberto said.

"Hello, I'm looking for Chico," Violet said.

"I'm sorry, Chico just left," Gilberto said.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Gilberto happily said.

"Well I was going to take Chico out for lunch for letting me have a loaner. But I see he had other plans," Violet said. "I'm sorry, my name is Violet, Violet Baines. Chico fixed my car."

"My name is Gilberto, Gilberto Rodriguez. Why, I would be delighted to take you out to lunch Madam. It would be an honor to take such a pretty lady out to lunch," Gilberto said.

Violet blushed.

"I was looking for Ed too. I guess he's not here. Oh well, I'm sorry I missed him. I hope I catch him later," Violet said.

Gilberto escorted her to his car, then they left for a bite to eat.

Later Ed came in to the garage.

"Hmm, I wonder why Violet’s loaner is here. I don't recall her coming over. Maybe she just dropped it off and got a ride back. She didn't leave a note though. Hmm, she'll be back soon," Ed said as he stood by the car.

A few hours go by.

Ed and Chico are cleaning up the garage. Suddenly a fancy car pulls up and Gilberto and Violet get out of the car. Violet and Gilberto were smiling and laughing.

Ed and Chico stopped what they were doing.

"What is going on here!" Ed said

"What do you mean Ed?" Gilberto said.

"What are you doing with Violet?" Ed said.

"Why Ed we just had lunch," Gilberto said.

"Is it true Violet?" Ed said.

Chico tried to hold Ed back.

"Take it easy Ed. I don't like it either," Chico said.

"Adios, Violet, mi amore," Gilberto held her hand and kissed it gently.

Violet blushed and smiled.

"Adios Ed, adios Chico. Chico, I will see you later as planned," Gilberto said as he drove out of the garage.

"What's this all about Violet?" Ed questioned.

"What's what all about Ed?" Violet went to the office. Ed followed her.

"You and Chico's father Gilberto!" Ed said frantically.

"Chico's father? Gilberto is Chico's father? I had no idea," Violet said. "I'm sorry, I had no idea Ed."

"Listen Violet, ever since you drove into my garage, my life changed. The anniversary of my wife’s, God rest her soul..."

"Oh Ed, I’m so sorry I had no idea it was your anniversary? This must be hard for you," Violet said.

"Yes, it is a bit sad, but I have some comfort with you here. Please forgive me for my questioning you about Gilberto, Violet. I just wasn't expecting it," Ed said sadly.

"Thank you, Ed, you and Gilberto have been very kind to me since I've stopped by the garage," Violet said.

"Well, I must be going Ed. I will call you later. Thank you for understanding." Violet kissed Ed on the cheek and left the garage.

"Good bye Violet! I'll be patiently waiting for your call," Ed said as he waved goodbye to her.

Ed went to putt around in the office.

"Pile your Garbage nice and deep. "’Cause here comes Louie. King of the heap!" Louie shouted as he entered the garage.

"Hello Ed! How are you this fine day!" Louie said.

"Louie, can you keep a secret?" Ed said quietly.

"Sure Ed! You know I more about what's happening here in the neighborhood by all the trash I pick up. Why Ed what's up?" Louie leaned over closer to Ed.

"There's something I want to tell you but I'm afraid how you are going to react to this," Ed said quietly.

"Tell me Ed? What’s going on?" Louie couldn't keep the suspense any longer. Louie kept swaying back and forth.

"I am falling in love again Louie," Ed said fearing how Louie would react.

"Ah Ed, that's beautiful! Is she pretty Ed?" Louie smiled.

"Is She pretty?! Why, she is the sweetest thing I’ve seen since Margaret passed away," Ed said

"Well, that's great Ed, I'm sure Margaret would of wanted it to happen this way. With you being happy and all," Louie reassured Ed.

"Louie, I haven’t felt this way in years since, Margaret’s passing. There is a problem though Louie," Ed said.

"What's that Ed? Is she married or something?" Louie said.

"She will be if I don't hurry up and make a move on her," Ed said.

"I believe Chico's father has a thing for her too," Ed said.

"That's not good Ed. Does Chico know?" Louie said.

"I don't think so. He's having rough time with his father," Ed said.

As Ed and Louie were talking they heard a loud chant coming from the alley.

"What's all that racket out there? "Louie said. "I've been hearing that for quite a while?" Louie said.

"Let's go see Louie," Ed and Louie headed out of the garage.

"Gentleman, Let me look into your future and give you peace of mind! All for a mere $ 20 dollars," Miklos said.

"Miklos, are trying to scare my customers away? Why aren't you working in the garage?" Ed yelled.

"Why Ed, this is my day off. I wanted to do some fortune telling. I haven't done it in a while. I don't want to lose my touch you know?" Miklos said.

"Ok, ok, just don't drive any of our customers away," Ed said.

Meanwhile Gilberto and Chico met.

"Chico, I am happy that you showed up," Gilberto said.

"Well, that's more then I can say about you. How you never showed up at home," Chico said pacing the floor.

"Chico, let's talk about that. Please. I was very busy with my business I was running. You, however, were always getting in trouble with the law. I was very disappointed in you everytime I had to bail you out of jail Chico," Gilberto said.

"Well while you were out making a name for yourself I was busy stealing tape decks, and rolling drunks. I also hot wired cars and stole them for joy rides whenever I needed a ride. How does that make you feel Father? An accomplished car thief! That's all I was good for then. You were never around to guide me anywhere. How dare you tell me now how to live me life?"

Gilberto went right to Chico's face.

"How dare you talk to your father that way Chico," Gilberto slapped Chico’s face.

"You pobrecito, how much you have suffered," Gilberto said.

"How can you work for a such a poor employer Chico? I bet Ed goes out on the street and pleads poverty!" Gilberto said.

"Ed never pleaded poverty he proclaims it proudly," Chico said in a wise remark.

"Ed is more of a father to me then you'll ever be. At least he gave me the opportunity to be somebody. Whether it is a gas jockey or something else! Ed gave me the ability and support I always wanted from you but never received!"

Gilberto slapped Chico’s face.

Chico held his face from the pain of his fathers slap and spit on the ground near Gilberto’s feet.

With tears in his eyes Chico took off. Gilberto sat down on a chair his head slumped down.

"Where did I go wrong, my son," Gilberto cried.

Violet was heading towards Ed’s garage when she bumped into Miklos.

"Oh excuse me, I'm sorry!" Violet said.

"My mind was wandering," Violet said.

"May I interest you in a fortune telling Ma’am, my name is Miklos," Miklos said.

"I don't know Miklos, I'm in a bind right now, I don’t know if reading my palm will do any good," Violet said.

"Well how about I look into the crystal ball to see what I can find out what kind of bind you are in. Maybe I can help you? " Miklos said.

"Well, I don't know Miklos. It all seems so phony," Violet said.

"Phony Ma’am? I am a Genuine Gypsy! Please sit down, let me look in the crystal ball," Miklos said.

"Ok, ok, tell me what you see Miklos," Violet said.

Violet sat down and held Miklos hands

"Hmmm, I see a path of intertwined love. You love someone that has helped you a great deal," Miklos said.

Violet nodded her head yes.

"Wait, wait I see another man. Someone who is very wealthy. Someone you admire, yet is quite demanding!"

"Yes! It's true Miklos!" Violet said.

"Shhh, don't disturb the spirits!" Miklos said with bulging eyes.

"This man wants you to travel with him to another land," Miklos said.

"He wants me to move to Acapulco with him Miklos," Violet said.

"I don't know what to do? I love Gilberto yet he wants to move out of the country. Ed wants to get more involved with me too. He's so sweet and kind," Violet said.

" Ed? As in Ed Brown? The Ed Brown that owns that garage over there?" Miklos pointed to the direction of the garage.

"Yes Miklos, that Ed Brown. Do you know him?" Violet said.

" Ed? We go way back! Oh Papa!" Miklos said.

"What?" Violet said.

"Ah never mind ma’am, it's a long story," Miklos said.

"How about I make a deal with you?" Miklos said.

"What' s that?" Violet said.

"If you really and truly love Ed Brown, I will put a curse on that Gilberto fella for you," Miklos said as he rubbed his hands together.

"Your not gonna hurt him are you?" Violet said.

"No, just a minor curse of bad luck, just something to shake him up a bit," Miklos said.

"That sounds like a deal!" Violet said.

"Ok, now here's what were gonna do...

Chico returned from an errand after seeing his Father. Chico was still crying.

"Ed, I'm back!" Chico said as he wiped his eyes.

"Great, Chico. I'm sorry, looks like it didn't go well with your father," Ed barely said.

"Ed, Why are you so glum? I'm the one who should be glum especially after putting up with my father," Chico said as he wiped his eyes.

"Chico sit down here. I should let you in on something," Ed said as he motioned to Chico.

"Ed, are you ok? What's wrong? Has my father threatened you in any way?" Chico was very worried about Ed since he dealt with his father.

"No, no Chico, he hasn't done anything like that," Ed reassured Chico.

" Chico, you probably know I have been having feelings.... You know for Violet," Ed said.

"Yeah Ed, I've noticed a change in you since Violet showed up at the garage," Chico said.

"It's more then that Chico, I have fallen in love with her," Ed said as he lifted the mock box set of books to get his bourbon bottle.

"Ed? I had no idea?' Chico said.

"But what about Margaret? Isn't your anniversary coming up?" Chico put his hand on Ed's arm for comfort.

"Yes, Chico, that has been on my mind. I believe in my heart Margaret would have wanted it this way. That I have found happiness in Violet," Ed said.

"What are you going to do Ed? Are you going to propose to her?" Chico asked.

"I really have thought about it a lot Chico. I would, but there is one problem," Ed said.

"What Ed? Is she secretly married? What?" Chico said.

"It's your father Chico. He's after her too. I believe she has feelings for him also," Ed said.

"My father!" Chico heads for the cash register opens it up and pours what was in Ed's bottle into the shot glass.

"I don't believe it!" Chico drank the shot.

"He must know you have feelings for her. Is he doing this in spite of me?" Chico asked.

"Aack, that stuff is nasty, no wonder I don't drink!" Chico said as he made a face trying to swallow the drink down.

"What are we going to do?" Chico said. "You know what? I'm going to have a talk with him," Chico said.

"No wait Chico. Let's wait and see what happens first. I don't want to jump the gun," said Ed.

"Ok, ok Ed. Let me know if I can help out in any way, ok? " Chico said.

The phone rang in Ed's office.

"Ed's Garage" Chico said.

"Hello Chico," Gilberto said.

"Oh hello Father", said Chico.

Ed got up from the desk and started to head out of the office when Chico grabbed his arm.

"No Ed! Please stay here" Chico whispered.

"But Chico I don't want to intrude," Ed whispered.

Chico clasped his hands together and looked in Ed's eyes, silently begging.

"Ok, I'll stay here," Ed whispered.

" Chico," Gilberto said. "I am going back to Acapulco and I have decided to take you with me. I think you and I need to be together more. You need to know your father more, is what I'm trying to say," Gilberto said.

"What? You just want me to up and leave Ed so you can make up for lost time?" Chico said angrily as he paced back and forth.

"Oh no," Ed said quietly and covered his head.

"How can I live with someone who's bashed my job, my life, and my living quarters. I'm sorry father, but my answer is no," Chico said angrily.

"Chico, there's one other thing I have decided also. I am planning on asking Violet's hand in marriage," Gilberto said.

"No! I won't allow that to happen father. Ed loves her more then you'll ever know," Chico said.

Ed looked on. " Chico..." said Ed.

"Please Ed, let me finish," Chico said.

"If you ever make a move on her, Father, you'll never hear from me ever again," Chico said.

"Why Chico, this is insane, your telling me who I should and should not court with," Gilberto said.

" Violet's heart belongs to Ed. Leave it be," Chico said.

"You're never gonna give up Chico. If you let Ed and Violet's relationship continue, I'll have no choice but to disown you. Seeing your set on Ed's feelings than your own fathers," Gilberto said.

"Excuse me, must I remind you that Ed has been more of a father figure than you?" Chico said. "Ed was around when I was in trouble. He disciplined me more then you have in your whole life!"

Chico put his hand over his eyes and began to cry.

"I'm sorry, Father, my relationship with you is pretty much over. God, I'm so sorry to have disappointed you!" Chico hung up the phone.

"Chico? Chico? Damn he hung up on me!" Gilberto said.

Chico lifted his head up and cried.

"Oh God, I'm so sorry it had to end this way, Father." Chico was in tears.

"Chico, are you going to be alright?" Ed said.

"Yeah Ed." Chico wiped the tears out of his eyes.

"You know what, I'm going to see it that you and Violet get whatever you want," Chico said.

"I'm going to see what Miklos can do about this," Chico said.

"What can that crazy gypsy do?" Ed said.

"I'm sure he's got something up his sleeve," Chico said.

"As long as it doesn't involve any eggs I hope," Ed said.

Chico ran out to find Miklos.

"Knock, Knock." Chico banged on Miklos wagon.

"Hello Chico!" Miklos said.

" Miklos, can I ask a favor from you?" Chico asked.

"Sure Chico, anything?" Miklos said.

Chico looked around to see if anyone was coming over.

" Miklos, I need you to help me with a situation I'm having with my father," Chico said quietly.

"What situation, Chico?"

"He's after Violet which whom Ed loves," said Chico.

"I'd rather that Ed have her than my father. I know in my heart Ed would love and care for her for who she is and not for her money," Chico said.

"Hmm, I can turn him into a frog?" Miklos laughed as he waved his hands to fantasize the moment.

"Stop it Miklos, this is serious," Chico said.

"OK, ok Chico let me think...how about I put a curse on his business? Not in the sense that it go under. Just shake it up a bit. So then he'll have to leave," Miklos said.

"That's possible Miklos, but what if he returns?" Chico said.

"Ah Chico, with what I got planned, he won't be returning for quite a while," Miklos said.

"Really? That will be just fine. Just as long as you don't hurt him though. He may be stubborn, but he's still my father," said Chico.

"Ok, Chico this is what we're going to do. I'll put a curse on his business so he has to leave. Your Father will not only be in Acapulco, but once he's there he won't remember anything that happened here. It'll be like he never left. That way Ed and Violet can go on with their lives. Ok?" Miklos said.

"Do you think it will work?" Chico said.

"Sure Chico, it says so in the Gypsy handbook of popular curses," Miklos smiled.

Chico put his hand over his forehead. "Oh, man we're in trouble now," Chico thought.

"Well Miklos, I trust you to do what's best," Chico took off.

Miklos left to prepare for Gilberto's curse.

"Ah. Let's see what does the ole Gypsy handbook have for Gilberto," Miklos said as he thumbed through the pages. Hmm, Get rich quick...no, definitely don't want that! Let's see here. Rainy day miracle? No...down on your luck. DOWN ON YOUR LUCK! That's the one. Come to Miklos you! Hmm, I need a little this and a little that. Now I better lock the door so the spirits don't get disturbed."

"OK, here it goes!"

Miklos closed his eyes elevated his hands above the table and chanted the verse from the Gypsy handbook holding a banana.

"A time will come when the day is done for a fella named Gilberto."

"Let the spirits a rise and Gilberto will be surprised when the winds of life start to blow!"

"For this fruit I bear, I give the curse upon this banana I peel. That Gilberto will see the gloom of darkness upon a bad business deal!"

Miklos slowly opened one eye then the other. "Whew! That was close. Nothing exploded! Now I just have to wait and see what happens to dear ole Gilberto."

Miklos started to eat the banana. "Now that's a good banana!"

Gilberto was having lunch at a local restaurant when he read the news.

"Ah, let's see what the business world has to say about my transaction." Gilberto eagerly paged through the paper. Gilberto found the business section and was shocked after reading the headline.

GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ MAKES SOUR DEAL WITH LOCAL FRUIT BROKERS

Gilberto got up from his chair.

"What? This can't be true? It has to be a misprint!"

Gilberto flips through the paper frantically.

A waitress went to the TV and turned on the news.

"And now for the business news... This just in. Well-known businessman Gilberto Rodriguez has harvested a sour business deal. Rodriguez Produce stock has tumbled down dramatically. More at 11:00.

"I can't believe this! How can this be!" Gilberto paced the floor. He could hardly contain himself.

Gilberto ran to the nearest pay phone and quickly dialed.

"Hello? Hello? This is Gilberto!"

"Gilberto come quick. Your stock is dropping. The workers are throwing fits because there is hardly any money coming in," an associate said.

"This is insane! I will leave on the next plane back!" Gilberto said.

Later Gilberto wrote a note to Chico explaining his situation.

"Dear Chico,

There is a terrible trouble in my business all of a sudden.

I'm sorry to leave in such short notice in these circumstances.

I'm going to have to leave right away.

Signed,

Your father, Gilberto"

Gilberto grabbed his stuff, took the note and headed to the garage. Then left for Acapulco

"Hey Ed, there's a note on the door. Maybe from a girl? Hello!" Chico said as they arrived back.

"Oh, Ed, it's a note from my father." Chico continued to read the note.

"Well, he's gone. He took the next plane back to Acapulco." Chico was somewhat sad but relieved.

"Don't worry Chico, things happen for a reason. There are better days ahead," Ed said.

"Yeah, like you getting back with Violet," Chico said.

He looked to Chico. "Yeah!" Ed smiled.

Ed and Chico headed towards the office when the phone rang.

"Ah that must be Violet!" Ed ran to the phone.

" Ed Browns evening of Delight!" Ed said as he picked up the phone waiting for her response.

"Evening of delight?" Reverend Bemis said.

"Oh sorry Reverend Bemis, I thought you were Violet," Ed said blushing.

"Well Ed, I've been known to be a delightful but not that delightful. Say Ed how would you like to buy tickets to this years Church social function?" Reverend Bemis asked.

"What's happening at the social function?" Ed said.

"Ah Ed, a nice dinner and a wonderful band is going to perform," Reverend Bemis said.

"Why Rev, I'd be delighted," Ed said.

Reverend Bemis looked at the phone and thought is it really Ed Brown? He doesn't donate anything to the church like that.

"I'll buy two tickets Rev," said Ed.

"Two. You and Chico," Reverend Bemis said.

"No, Reverend Bemis, my date and I," Ed said. "You know what? Why don't we make it 4 tickets. I'll ask Chico to come along just in case I chicken out. Thanks Rev," Ed said as he hung up the phone.

Ed corners Chico.

"Chico, you and I are going out tonight. I am taking Violet to the Church Social. I would like you to come along and bring a date of course!" Ed said.

"That will be great Ed. I'm sure you and Violet will have a great time," said Chico.

"Chico, there's one other thing," Ed smiled.

"What Ed?" Chico looked at Ed.

"I'm going to propose to Violet tonight when we dance," Ed said.

"Really? That's beautiful Ed." Chico hugged Ed.

"Do you have a ring?" Chico asked.

"Ah, you know what Chico, that's one thing I haven't gotten! I've been so happy and with all the crap I had to deal with your father I just never got around to getting a ring Chico," Ed said frantically

"Well you gotta give her something? Do you want me to call Mando? " Chico said

"Mando, what for?" Ed said.

"The ring Ed? Wait a minute hold on." Chico took off and went to his apartment. A few minutes later he came back with a box.

"Here Ed I want you to have this. Just think of it as a wedding gift from me."

Chico handed Ed the box.

Ed opened the box.

"Chico, isn't this the ring you proposed to Marilyn with? "

"Yes Ed, it is. After she turned me down, I had no use for it. I guess it was meant to be for you to give to Violet," Chico said.

Ed was speechless.

"Please Ed, take it. I know she'll love it," Chico pleaded with Ed.

Ed leaned over to Chico and hugged him.

"Thank you son." Ed began to cry tears of joy.

Ed called Violet and made arrangements to meet at the garage.

Ed was upstairs trying to get dressed.

"Chico!" he yelled out the door of his bedroom. "Where is my good tie?"

"Relax Ed It's where you left it by the dresser. Here let me go help you get dressed."

Chico ran up stairs to help Ed out.

"Gee, Chico, I'm so nervous. What if she thinks I'm a lousy dancer? What if I mess up when I ask her to marry me?" Ed was a nervous wreck.

'Relax Ed I'll be right behind you when two dance. You know how Liz and I dance," Chico said.

"Yeah Chico that's what I'm afraid of Chico," Ed said nervously.

"I promise Ed, Liz and I will behave. You know that Liz appreciates you as much as I do," Chico reassured Ed.

"So are you all set? Do you have the ring?' Chico said.

Ed patted all over his coat pockets.

"It's here somewhere... ah, here it is!" Ed pulled it out of his pocket and showed it to Chico.

"Great Ed, now put it somewhere in your coat pocket where you won't lose it," Chico said.

"HELLO ED? CHICO?" Violet yelled from the garage area.

" Violet. We'll be right down," yelled Chico.

Soon after Ed went down the stairs and Chico followed.

"Ah, Violet you look... beautiful!" Ed said shyly.

Violet blushed.

"Thank you Ed. You look very handsome yourself.

Soon after Liz arrived.

"Hello Chico, honey."

"Hello mami! " Chico kissed Liz.

They all left for the Church social.

Reverend Bemis made the announcement and prayer for the start of the dinner and dance.

"Ah this is a lovely dance," Liz said.

"Yes, Liz, it will a night to remember for Ed and Violet," Chico said.

"Ed is going to propose to her tonight," Chico whispered in Liz's ear.

"Ah, Chico that is so sweet. When is he going to ask her?" Liz asked.

"Shhh, any minute now. Ed looks like he's getting ready!" Chico whispered in Liz's ear.

Ed and Violet were dancing ever so close when they heard a particular Frank Sinatra song.

"Ah Ed, I love this song! " Violet said.

Ed was singing the song in her ear.

"You are here, and so am I. Maybe millions of people go by. But they all disappear from view, and I only have eyes for you."

Ed and Violet swayed to the music.

"Violet? There's something I've been meaning to ask you," Ed said as he twirled Violet.

"Yes Ed? "

" Violet ever since I met you. I haven't been the same. I mean Violet, without you my life would be miserable." Ed tried so hard to express what he wanted to say.

"Listen Violet, what I'm trying to say is I really enjoy your company. I really like to spend with you more often."

" Violet... will you do me the honor..."

Ed grabbed the ring out of his pocket.

"Will you marry me?" Ed said nervously.

" Ed? Oh.... I don't know what to say," Violet said

"Well Violet how about a yes?" Ed said.

" Ed, I would love to marry you! You have always been a delight to be with," Violet said.

"Ah that's beautiful Violet. Thank you," Ed said.

"How about we go and tell Chico, Liz, and Reverend Bemis," Ed said.

Ed and Violet hunted down Chico, Liz, and Reverend Bemis.

"Well everyone we are officially engaged! " Ed said.

"That's great Ed!" Reverend Bemis said.

"I so happy for you two." Chico went to hug Violet and hugged Ed for a long time.

"Ed I know you and Violet will very happy together. Congratulations!"

Chico shook Ed's hand and gave Violet a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey be careful there Chico she's taken." They both laughed.

Early the following morning, Mando went into the garage looking for Chico. Mando walked over by the van and was about to knock on the back doors until he noticed the van started to rock back and forth.

"Hmm. Chico, must have a girl in there. Psst, Chico, can you come out? It's me Mando."

Mando waited a few minutes when all of the sudden Chico came around the corner.

" Chico? What are you doing here? I thought you were in the van?" Mando said.

Chico leaned over closer to the van. "Shhh, its Ed and Violet!" Chico said.

"No way they're too old for that stuff," Mando said.

"I wonder how it's going in there?" Chico said.

Chico and Mando leaned closer to the van to hear anything.

A few moments pass.

Suddenly the roof flap flies open and Ed and Violet stick their heads out.

"LOOKING GOOOD!" yelled Ed!

*********************

Ed and Violets wedding came closer as spring approached in the air.

Ed went into the office.

"Chico, I have a lot of paper work I have to fill out. Please don't bother me unless its important." Ed closed and locked the door behind him.

"Ok Ed."

Chico continued to work at the bench. An hour later Ed leaves the office.

"Ok, where did I put that?" Ed said.

"Put what?" said Chico.

"Medicine, ah... here it is" Ed said

Ed lifted a bottle that was stashed inside a stack of tires.

"Ah, a drink a day keeps the doctor away!" Ed said as he lifted the bottle in the air, took a swig and hid the bottle back in it's precious spot.

Chico headed for the office to look for an invoice.

"Hmm, I need to get the right number to that part for Louie's car," Chico said.

"Ok, its here somewhere. Where did Ed put it?" Chico said as he combed through the papers in the file cabinet.

Chico stumbled across it.

"Ah, you can't get a way from me that easily honey," Chico said as he eyed it all while taking it out of the file cabinet.

Ed slowly wandered into the office.

"Morning Chico," Ed said as he reached for a bottle of bourbon.

"Morning Ed," Chico said as he was filing the invoice away.

"I guess I should start getting this day over with Chico," Ed said.

"I'll be right there Ed."

Chico was about to close the filing cabinet, when Chico stumbled upon an important document.

"That's odd I don't remember seeing this in here before?" Chico thumbed through the document.

Chico read the document.

"If in the event that I, Ed Brown should retire or pass away, I hereby grant ownership to the garage to one Chico Rodrigues Y Sanchez"

"Cheese and Crackers!" Chico said quietly.

Chico went to chase after Ed.

" Ed? Ed can I see you for a minute please?" Chico cornered Ed.

"Sure Chico, what's up?" Ed said as he was pounding on a carburetor.

"That's what I was going to ask you Ed?" Chico showed him the document.

"I see you found my last will and testament Chico" Ed said.

"Are you ok? Your not gonna die on me are you?" Chico hugged Ed.

"No Chico," Ed said tiredly.

"Thank you Guadeloupe!" Chico looked up.

"I'd hate to have to see you go so soon Ed," Chico said.

"Chico, we've worked together for quite a while. I believe you can run the garage by yourself or with another partner," Ed said.

"Another partner? Why do you want to quit running the garage? Is there something your not telling me that I don't know about?" Chico began to pace the floor.

" Chico, I can't run this garage all my life. I feel like my old bones are getting older everyday," Ed said.

Ed grabbed a piece of paper and wrote something on it.

"Ed what are you doing?" Chico said.

"Just a minute Chico. Let me finish." Ed continued to write.

"Here Chico. I want you to have this," Ed said.

"What is it Ed?" Chico said.

Ed handed him the piece of paper.

Chico had a shocked look in his face.

" Ed, you can't be serious!" Chico held the written note in Ed 's face.

"You're handing me over the deed to the garage? Why?" Chico said.

"What are you trying to tell me?" Chico was confused.

Chico sat Ed on the chair and Chico sat on the desk.

"Does Violet know anything about this?" Chico asked.

"Chico, it was either that or sell the garage," Ed said.

"Besides Chico, I don't have enough money to give you. With the money I have in my insurance policy, it would have only given me enough money to be wrapped me up in aluminum foil and shoved under a porch!" Ed explained.

"You've earned it well enough to have me hand over the garage to you."

"Ed you've spent most of your life here. Why do you really want to give it up?" Chico said.

"Chico I want to spend more of my time with Violet," Ed said hoping Chico would buy it.

"Ed, you ought to know by now I'm not gonna buy that!" Chico said.

Ed made a disappointed face and snapped his fingers. "Drats!"

"You spend a lot of time with Violet. I've lost count how many times I caught you two in the van..." Chico said.

"Shhhh.... Chico! That's between me and Violet. Not the whole neighborhood!" Ed said.

"Ok, ok, I'll fess up. I haven't been myself lately. Because of it, I've decided to retire and let someone else run the garage. I want that someone to be you Chico," Ed said. "You've been like a son to me," Ed said.

Chico leaned over to hug Ed.

"Are you sure your ok Ed?" Chico held his arm.

"Can I take you to the hospital and have you checked out Ed? Please?" Chico was worried.

"I'll even make sure you get Liz to be your personal nurse," Chico said.

"Still Chico, I want you to have the garage," Ed said.

"Besides what if your father comes back? Think how proud he'll be that you own the garage," Ed said.

"Ed leave my father out of this!" Chico yelled.

Ed doubled over in pain.

"Oh... What the... " Ed said as he bent over.

" Ed. I'm calling the doctor and taking you to the hospital." Chico headed for the phone.

"Not over my dead body Chico!" Ed said leaning over holding his stomach.

"That's what going to happen if you don't see a doctor soon Ed!" Chico sat Ed down on the chair.

"Who are you calling now Chico? Please don't call Violet now. I don't want to have her worry over nothing," Ed barely said.

"Over nothing?! Look at you Ed. You can hardly stand up straight!" Chico said leaning over by Ed to keep from collapsing.

"I'm calling Liz up at the hospital. Maybe she can swing her way in being your private nurse."

Chico waited for the hospital operator after dialing the phone.

"Come on hurry up! Yes I'd like to speak to Nurse Garcia please. It's an emergency! This is Chico Rodriguez."

"Hello?" Liz said.

"Liz!" Chico said.

"Ah thank goodness you called. I was about to give an old man a sponge bath. " Liz said as she made an icky face.

"What's up Chico?" Liz said.

"Liz, it's Ed he's in a lot of pain. I'm taking him to the hospital," Chico said.

"Oh dear! I'll get his papers ready and contact Violet," Liz said.

"Ok catch you later." Chico hung up the phone.

"Ed, what brought on this pain?" Chico said.

"Probably that damn Mexican food you keep making me," Ed said.

"Oh yeah right Ed, like that never bothered you before. Is that why there's always an out of order sign on the men's room door after you get out of there after you eat?" Chico said.

Ed lifted his thumb up. "You got it Chico! ... Ouch!"

Moments later Ed and Chico arrived at the hospital.

"Hello Ed, Chico. How are you feeling Ed?" Liz asked.

"Ok, Chico cooked a wicked Mexican dinner," Ed said as Liz put him in a wheel chair.

"Oh really? I think it's more like pre-wedding jitters," Liz said as she wheeled him to his room.

Ed looked up at Liz and grasped his stomach. "Ooh."

"What do you have to worry about getting married Ed? It will like having another roommate. Of course not as cute as me!" Chico said as he played with his hair.

"Stop it Chico " Liz said as she whacked Chico in the arm.

Chico and Liz left the room to her Nurses Station.

A doctor entered the room.

"Hello Ed, Ed Brown? My name is Dr. Gomez," The doctor said as he flipped Ed's chart.

"You seem to be having stomach pains?" said Dr. Gomez.

"Yeah, Doc, I think it was something I ate," Ed said.

"Do you drink Mr. Brown?" said Dr. Gomez

"Ah you know Doc. A shot here, there, throughout the day," Ed said.

"Well Ed, I believe all your drinking and what Liz has told me about your pre-wedding jitters has caught up with you," Dr. Gomez said.

"Am I dying Doc?" Ed worried.

"No, no Ed. Although I do recommend that you stop drinking," Dr Gomez said.

"Stop drinking?!" Ed shouted.

"That's ridiculous!" Ed said.

"Why that's like telling Chico he can't chase any more girls!" Ed put his hands on his forehead.

"Well I'll be back to check on you in a little while Mr. Brown." Dr. Gomez left the room

Violet walked in the room.

"Ed honey are you ok?" Violet leaned over to hug Ed.

"Yes, Violet. I believe it was Chico's dinner. He had so much hot sauce in it. He could of filled up the gas tanks with it!" Ed said.

"Ed? Honey, are you having second thoughts?" Violet said.

"Second thoughts about what? " Ed said as he held his stomach.

"About us?" Violet said.

"Ah Violet, I could never have second thoughts about us," Ed said.

"You do love me Ed?" Violet said as she leaned on Ed.

"Why yes Violet. Very much so. " Ed smiled.

"Are you afraid if Gilberto were to ever come back and find out you married me, something bad would happen to you, I, or even worse Chico?" Violet said.

Ed held his stomach. "OWW!!"

"Violet, I have thought about that. I didn't want to mention that to Chico. That was one of the reasons I added Chico to my will to inherit the garage. Just incase if it ever came to that point," Ed said.

"Hopefully if Gilberto ever decides to make contact with Chico, he'll come back with a better understanding of how Chico has matured to a responsible adult. He will hopefully will be pleased with Chico's responsibilities as an owner of the garage."

"Are you sure it has nothing to do with the wedding? We don't need a big wedding. Just us, Chico, Liz, Louie, Miklos, and Reverend Bemis," Violet said.

"You don't want a big wedding?" Ed was surprised but relieved.

"No Ed, I had enough of the glamour and paparazzi. Just a nice small wedding will be wonderful," Violet smiled at the thought of it.

"Is it because I'm an old mechanic? Who's barely making a living?" Ed reached to her hands and held her.

"Ed, I'm surprised at you? How could you say something like that?" Violet was shocked.

"Ed, I love you for who are you. A kind gentle man. Very down to earth. When we first met, I knew you were special. I knew also that you liked me for who I was inside and not for my money. That's why I went to Miklos for help regarding you and Gilberto."

"You went to Miklos for help?" Ed said.

Chico walked in the room

"Hello Ed, hello Violet," Chico said.

"How are things in the garage Chico?" Ed said.

"Great Ed, everyone is asking when you are coming back," Chico said as he read the get-well cards on the table.

"What's this I hear about Miklos helping out?" Chico asked.

"Chico I asked Miklos to help me find away to do something about my situation regarding Ed and your father. Just something in the way of having your father not be a part of my relationship with Ed," Violet said as she walked further away from Chico.

"Aye, Yi, Yi!" You did?!" Chico put his hands over his head.

"Oh Cheese and Crackers!" Chico said.

"What Chico? " Ed said.

"Yes Chico, what's wrong?" Violet said.

"I went to Miklos myself about it too. I was trying anything possible so that Father wouldn't ruin your relationship," Chico said.

"I still think of him though. I hope he is ok" Chico said.

"Chico, I know your Father has high expectations for you. He should realize how well you've done on your own. Even knowing that you'll soon be the owner of this garage," Ed said.

"Well I hope he'll understand that if he comes back he can't come between you two," Chico said.

"You know Ed, I realize how much you mean to me .You keeping me out of trouble and everything. Maybe I should get in touch with him and make peace with him. After all he's blood. Seeing now that you've made me partial owner maybe he'll have more respect for me." Chico thought it over.

"Well Chico, If you do get in touch with Gilberto. How about waiting till after Violet and I get married. Violet and I are so close now. All we don't need is another interruption," Ed said.

"You got it!" Chico left to go find Miklos.

Violet left shortly after to the garage.

Chico pounded on Miklos's wagon

"Miklos are you in there?" Chico looked around the wagon.

"Hi Chico, what can I do for you?" Miklos leaned over the door.

"Come in, come in! Sit down." Miklos guided Chico to a seat near by.

"I understand that you had Violet come over regarding putting a spell on my father too?" Chico shuffled a bunch of pillows around him.

Miklos put his index finger on his chin and looked up.

"Yes, Chico that is correct."

"Now that my father is back home in Acapulco, he won't remember anything that happened here right?" Chico asked.

"Yes, Chico I do recall that saying in the Gypsy Handbook," Miklos grabbed the handbook.

"Yes, It says right here as soon as the victim that receives the curse enters their homeland that the curse will be removed and will remember nothing prior to their visit. " Miklos pointed his finger on the paragraph that stated the information.

"OK Miklos, well it turns out that I feel I should make peace with my father. I will get in touch with him then," Chico said then left the wagon.

Chico decided to write to his father telling of his new position as partial owner of Ed Brown's Garage located in East Las Angeles. He also stated that if his father wanted to see him to come at the end of the month. That way Ed and Violet will have already been married.

Meanwhile at the hospital . . .

"Hello Ed, I see here in your chart, that you will be returning home soon!" Liz said.

"Today?! " Ed said as he begged.

"No no, hopefully tomorrow " Liz said.

"That will be great..." Ed slumped his head back.

" Ed? ED!" Liz checked his pulse...

Liz pressed the emergency button and yelled for assistance.

"Emergency! Cardiac arrest!" Liz screamed in the intercom.

"OH MY GOD!" Liz got the equipment and followed procedure regarding cardiac arrest.

The emergency team rushed in and assisted Liz.

"Thanks Liz, we'll take it from there," the doctors said.

Liz fell back on the chair, shocked at what was happening to Ed.

"I can't believe it? He was fine then all of a sudden.... Ed please don't die!" Liz couldn't keep back her tears.

"Nurse Garcia. You better get in touch with Mr. Brown's family. It doesn't look good," Doctor Gomez said.

Liz in tears took off to the nurse's station.

Liz began to dial the garage. The phone rang.

"Come on please, someone be there..." Liz was too upset, could barely speak.

"Ed Browns Garage" Chico said.

Liz began to cry.

" Liz, what's wrong?" Chico asked.

"Chico...Ed is in cardiac arrest. Please hurry. It doesn't look good." Liz could barely speak.

"Ed? No! Dear God! I'll be there as soon as possible." Chico hung up the phone and headed for the hospital.

Liz dialed Reverend Bemis's number and told him to head for the hospital.

"Liz Garcia!" Doctor Gomez called her over.

"I'm coming!" Liz ran in to Ed 's room.

"Oh my God!" Liz held her head and cried.

Ed was barely hanging on.

"God please let Chico see him one last time before you take him away!" Liz cried as she leaned her head on the doorframe.

Chico ran over to Liz.

"Liz, what's going on!" Chico held Liz and they comforted each other.

"Chico, Ed fell into cardiac arrest. They seemed to have revived him. But he has been drifting in and out of consciousness.

Liz, shaking, wiped her eyes.

Chico went to Ed and saw how pale he was.

"Oh Ed." Chico was shocked at how lifeless Ed looked.

Chico began to cry as he paced around Ed's hospital bed.

Liz came over, put her arm around Chico and comforted him.

"Pleased Ed. You can't die now!" Chico couldn't stop from crying.

Chico moved a chair over to the bed and leaned over to it and began to pray over Ed.

"Dear God, Please I beg you! Please don't take Ed away from us now. I need him. We all need him. He has been a wonderful person, friend, and Father to all."

Chico broke down and cried as Chico held Ed's hand over his face. Tears falling from Chico's eyes landed on Ed's hand.

"You got such much more ahead of you now Ed. With your retirement and your wedding coming up."

" Ed, you've been a wonderful father to me. You've taught me so much, I want you to be around to learn more from you." Chico leaned over, buried his head on Ed's shoulder and wept.

Violet hurried in the room.

"Oh dear Lord!" Violet said. She hugged Ed and wouldn't let go. Chico rose up and comforted Violet.

"I came as soon as I heard" Violet said.

Doctor Gomez came in and checked on Ed.

"What happened?" Violet said.

"Ed has had a heart attack and has suffered a small stroke. Are you his wife?" Doctor Gomez said.

"I will be very soon. We are supposed to be getting married in a few weeks," Violet said.

"Well obviously that will have to be to wait till Ed comes out of it," Violet said.

"Is he going to...be ok?" Violet said.

"That's what I'd like to talk to you and Chico about."

As Ed lay in ICU Chico stayed with him.

"Chico, Violet, if Ed does regain consciousness....," Dr. Gomez said.

"If? He will wont he?" Chico cried.

"It is possible Chico. Still with Ed's age and frail condition, it is possible he won't recover," Dr. Gomez said

Chico got up in Dr. Gomez's face and grabbed his suit coat collar.

"Listen Doc, Ed is all the family I have. If I lose Ed....I lose everything." Chico was hysterical.

"Chico, we are all upset about this. Ed is in God's Hands," Violet said as she put her arm around Chico to calm him down.

"I'm sorry Doc. I know your doing the best you can," Chico apologized.

Reverend Bemis walked in the room and held Ed's hand.

"Oh Brother Ed. Dear God, I pray that you will give Ed strength to get through this," Reverend Bemis prayed.

"Chico can I see you for a minute," Reverend Bemis called Chico over.

"Chico, I just wanted to tell you the whole congregation is praying for Ed," Reverend Bemis said.

"Thank you Rev. I just don't know what I'd do if I lost him." Chico hugged Reverend Bemis.

Chico turned his head over to Ed. He heard a struggle.

"Hold on a minute Rev. Ed seems to be waking up!" Chico and Reverend Bemis hurried over to Ed.

"Ed? Ed? How are you?" Chico said.

Ed struggled to talk.

"Chico," Ed said quietly.

"Shhh Ed, please, you need to keep your strength." Chico hugged Ed.

"Ed, God has answered our prayers!" Reverend Bemis said.

"Ed, I thought you were a goner!" Chico said.

"Chico, if I die it will be with a wrench in one hand and a bottle in the other. Better yet! Make it two bottles. A wrench you can always get," Ed tried to humor Chico.

"Chico, Rev, I need to ask a favor of you?" Ed struggled to say.

"What is it Ed?" Reverend Bemis said.

"Anything name it." Chico held Ed's Hand.

"If they never let me outta here, I would like to get married here in the hospital with Violet if that's ok with her. I don't know how much time my old ticker has left anymore," Ed said.

"Oh Ed keep positive thoughts. You're too grumpy to die, Ed. "

"Chico will be my best man?" Ed said as he held Chico's arm

" Ed, I don't know what to say? I'd be honored Ed." Chico hugged Ed.

"Chico, I believe now that Ed is alert now. Why don't you go home and rest a bit? I will call you if anything changes," Liz said.

"I don't know Liz," Chico.

"Chico please go rest you look tired. You too need to have your strength," Liz said

"OK Liz, but if anything happens please call me right away." Chico hugged Liz.

"Thank you Liz." Chico headed to the garage.

Doctor Gomez and Liz entered the room.

"Ed Brown welcome back! How are you feeling?" Doctor Gomez said.

"Yes Ed. It is great to see you alert," Liz said

Ed struggled to talk. "Ok, I guess, I think God kicked me out of heaven and decided to have me suffer here with all the hospital staff!" Ed said grumpily.

"Ah that's the old Ed Brown I know!" Liz kissed Ed on the cheek.

"Welcome back Groucho!" Liz said as she brought flowers to the room.

"I wanna go home!" Ed said.

"No Ed, I must insist you stay a day or two longer to see how you are. We need to run tests on you. After all we almost lost you!" Dr. Gomez said.

"I agree with you Doctor," Liz said.

"Where's everyone?" Ed said.

"I come back from the dead and no ones here to greet me? Where's Chico?" Ed said as he looked around.

"Ed, after you regained consciousness. I sent everyone home to rest up and refresh themselves," Liz said.

"Chico was here all night. He was at your bedside praying for you. He cried all night Ed. He was really worried about you. He needed the rest. I made him go home," Liz said.

"Gee, I didn't realize Chico cared that much for me?" Ed thought.

"Liz, could you be a dear and pass the phone over to me?" Ed reached for the phone.

"Sure Ed, hold on." Liz passed the phone over.

Ed dialed the garage hoping that Chico would be there.

"Ed Browns Garage," Chico said tiredly.

"Ah listen Chico..." Ed said.

"Ed!?" Chico said.

"Ed, I'm so happy..." Chico said.

"Chico I just want to thank you. Liz told me you spent the night here at my bed side praying for me and all," Ed said tiredly.

"Ed, I am glad He answered my prayers!" Chico said happily.

"I just never thought that..." Ed said

Silence filled the air.

"That God listens to my people?" Chico said.

"Yes, Chico," Ed said shamefully.

"You know Ed, God is an all around kind of guy. If he can listen to me, I'm sure he'll listen to anybody," Chico said.

"Well I'm glad He did Chico" Ed said.

"Are you coming home soon?" Chico asked.

"Chico, I hope so. As soon as the Doctors check me over and give me the a - ok!" Ed said with happiness.

"Well Ed hurry back. Louie's back from vacation. He's worried sick about you. Louie's bugging me about things he wants to do around here at the garage," Chico said.

"Oh boy!" Ed said.

Ed's release from the hospital came.

Liz and Chico came early to help Ed get ready to go.

A knock came from Ed's room.

Ed looked up.

"Louie!" Ed said as Liz and Chico helped dress him.

"Ah Ed, I came as soon as I heard. How are you feeling Ed?" Louie asked as he hugged Ed.

"Louie I'm doing ok. A little slow right now. But I'll survive! Did you bring me a bottle?" Ed asked as he tried to smile.

"No Ed. Just a card. Sorry Ed," Louie said.

"Here Ed. Let me help you" Louie said.

"NO Louie!" Ed shouted.

Tears began to swell in Ed's eyes.

"Louie, I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap at you. Please forgive me," Ed said.

Louie gave Ed a hug.

"Ed we'll get through this together. " Louie helped Ed go down the aisle.

Chico and Liz left the room after deciding to have Louie drive Ed home.

"Louie, I have to ask you something? " Ed said.

"What is it Ed? Do you need a nurse or Doctor? Louie said.

"Louie, I feel if I go back to the garage, I will be a burden to Chico," Ed said.

"Ah, Ed, stop thinking like that. You know Chico doesn't think of you as a burden."

Louie helped Ed in the car and headed back in the garage.

Chico got there early enough to get Ed's room ready.

BEEP BEEP. Louie's car pulled in the garage.

Chico ran downstairs and helped Louie help Ed out of the car.

Ed, still disabled from the stroke, looks around at the garage.

Ed began to cry.

"Chico, I am no longer a mechanic. Look at me. I'm useless!" Ed tried to say.

"Ed, stop it! You're scaring me," Chico said.

"Ed, it is going to take some time to get yourself back in to the swing of things." Chico helped him sit down.

Ed was still partially paralyzed from the stroke.

"Chico. I don't want to be a mechanic anymore. From this day on, the garage is yours Chico," Ed said sadly.

"Damn it Ed. Stop this! Why are you feeling sorry for yourself!" Chico said.

"Violet isn't gonna love an old useless man like me. I don't want to be a burden to her or to you."

Chico broke down crying.

" Ed, you have know idea how much you mean to all of us," Chico said.

"I will not let you give up on yourself. You gave me a brand new start when I first came here. I will help you with your rehabilitation. So you will be your old grumpy self again. Trust me on this Ed. Please." Chico hugged Ed.

"Chico. I'm going up stairs to rest," Ed said.

"Here Ed, Let me help you" Chico tried to grab Ed's arm.

Ed pulled his arm away from Chico.

"Please leave me be. I don't want your sympathy!" Ed slowly walked upstairs.

Chico just stood there in tears.

"God, help me, help Ed get through this!" Chico stood and watched Ed close his door.

"Well, I guess I'll start working in the garage. God knows I need it." Chico headed down to the workbench.

Ring, Ring.

"Hello Ed Brown's Garage, Chico speaking. Yes bring it in. I'll see what I can do."

Chico was getting swamped with work now.

"Well I'll have to work throughout the night to at least keep up with orders," Chico said tiredly.

"Oh man! I better check the mail slot to see if there are any bills. I've been so busy I haven't even checked the mail lately."

Chico wiped the sweat off his forehead and grabbed the bundle of mail.

Chico thumbing through the mail noticed a telegram.

"What's this an important letter for me? God, I hope it's not a bill collector!"

Chico sat down on a stool by the entrance of the garage and turned over the envelope noticing a familiar return address.

"A letter from my Father! "

Chico stared at the envelope afraid to open it.

"Oh, what can it hurt!" Chico tore open the letter.

Chico,

I will be in the area at the end of the week.

"He would like to see me?! Geez with Ed ill, and all the jobs I have to do, there'll be no time," Chico thought.

Chico had an idea.

"But then, with him seeing me run the business by myself, he might be more pleased with me?"

Chico, worried yet excited, started to do a million things at once.

"I've got to finish this engine job, clean the garage, stock up the tire room, and check on Ed."

"Ed!"

"God, I haven't heard from him in a while I hope he is ok. I better see how he's doing."

Chico dropped everything and headed up stairs. Chico jiggled the doorknob.

"Damn, he locked it! Now I gotta go find that key!" Chico ran down stairs and into the office, opened up the cash register.

"Ah, there you are my pretty!" Chico grabbed the key and headed back up stairs.

Chico opened the door Ed was dead asleep.

"Ed? Ed! Wake up. You've been sleeping all day. You've got to try to get up and move around. Get that old blood of yours circulating you know," Chico nudged Ed.

"Chico" Ed blurred out.

"Leave me alone! "

Ed had a bottle hidden underneath his pillow.

"You've been drinking again haven't you!" Chico grabbed the bottle.

"So what! All I'm good for...is drinking!" Ed said.

"I'm calling Louie and Violet over. Maybe they can help me here," Chico said.

"No you don't!" Ed said.

"Stop it Ed, you can't stop me!" Chico grabbed the bottle out of Ed's hands and kicked the bottle so it went underneath the bed. Chico left the room in a hurry.

Chico ran into the office and locked the door.

Chico called violet and then Louie.

"Violet, I need your help. I'm having trouble trying to convince Ed to get his act together. All he does is lay around and mope." Chico sat on the desk burying his head in his hand.

"I know Chico, it worries me that Ed is slipping away," Violet said.

"Louie, I need you to help me get Ed out of bed," Chico said.

"I'll come by in the early morning and bang on some garbage cans, Chico, you know how much Ed doesn't like that," Louie said.

"Great Louie, I hope it works," Chico hung up the phone.

Next day arrived.

Chico continued to play catch up on all his scheduled work orders.

"Chico!" shouted Ed.

"Yes Ed?" Chico stood at the end of the stairs and shouted.

"Come here please!" Ed shouted.

"What does he want know?" Chico smacked the workbench.

"Ed, can you hold on one sec, I'm tied up at the moment," Chico wiped his hands.

"Chico!" Ed yelled.

"Ok, ok! I'll be right there!" Chico hurried up the stairs into Ed's room.

"What the...Ed! What happened? " Chico hurried over to Ed.

"Chico, I leaned over to reach the bottle you kicked underneath my bed. I rolled over, lost my balance and fell off the bed," Ed said all dazed.

"Are you ok Ed?" Chico picked Ed up and guided Ed to his bed.

"Yeah Chico, I think so" Ed said as he laid back in bed.

"Are you sure? I can call Doc Gomez?" Chico looked Ed over.

"No, no Chico I'll be fine," Ed said as he patted Chico on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry Ed if I ever doubted you." Chico hugged Ed and kept company with him for a while.

"Hello? Chico? Is anyone here?" a familiar voice came from the garage.

"Father?" Chico eased the door open a little and saw his father down in the garage.

Chico ran down stairs.

"Chico, it is so nice to see you!" Gilberto said.

"Thank you Father, it is so nice to see you too," Chico said as they embraced.

Gilberto looked at all of Chico's pile of work.

"Did I catch you during the busy season Son?" Gilberto asked.

"Well father, it's been kinda busy with Ed laid up and all." Chico moved something over so Gilberto could sit down.

"Ah yes Ed. How is he doing? Gilberto said as he got up to walk around the garage.

"He seems to be improving Father. Although a bit slowly." Chico seemed concerned.

"Chico, I'm very pleased by what you wrote in your letter, regarding you owning the garage now," Gilberto said.

"Yes Father, Ed has passed down the garage to me. But I still let him take charge every so often. After all Father, he built this garage. Started it on his own." Chico said.

Ed with his door propped open overheard what was being said.

Gilberto walked around the garage a few times.

"Son, Seeing how well you've run the garage by yourself. I'd like to make you a proposition." Gilberto put his arm around Chico.

"A proposition?" Chico asked. "What kind?"

"Chico, I would like to offer you a very good position in my company. A job I know you would do very well in." Gilberto held Chico's arm and looked in Chico's eyes.

Chico was speechless. "Father, I don't know what to say?"

"Chico, no. Don't go!" Ed whispered as he overheard the conversation.

"Please father. Let me think it over. If I may" Chico was mind boggled over what to do.

"Yes, Yes, Chico, please by all means. Think it over. We can discuss it later." Gilberto hugged him.

"Listen Chico, I must get back to my hotel. I will talk to you later ok?" Gilberto headed out of the garage.

"Now. I have to make a hefty decision. Staying here with Ed or working with my father."

Chico sat at the workbench and twisted a screwdriver into the workbench debating on what to do.

Suddenly the door up stairs creaked open.

Chico looked up and saw Ed struggle to go down stairs.

" Ed? Ed! What are you doing?" Chico yelled.

" Chico, I need to talk to you." Ed struggled to get down stairs.

"Here Ed. Please let me help you down" Chico grabbed Ed's arm and gradually they both went downstairs.

"Chico, I must confess, I over heard you and your father talking. Are you planning on leaving to Acapulco?" Ed looked at Chico.

"Ed, you know how much you mean to me and all..." Chico said.

"Chico, don't say anymore I can read it in your eyes," Ed said.

"When are you leaving?" Ed said with his head down.

"Ed..... I don't want to leave. As much as I love my father, I could never leave what I have here!" Chico hugged Ed.

"What are you saying Chico?" Ed teary eyed.

"Ed, you and I are a team. You've started this business, but I helped build this business of yours up. I could never leave something that I'm not finished doing? Ed....I love you!" Chico wiped the tears off Ed's eyes. We have been through so much together. With you now up and around, I'm sure a wedding is still in the future. Am I right Ed?" Chico smiled.

"Ah yeah, a wedding! That is something to look forward too," Ed smiled.

"Gee, I hope Violet still loves me after what I put her through," Ed wondered.

"Ah Ed nothing could change her mind!" Chico said. "Father never even mentioned a word about her. So you must be in the clear!" Chico looked up with hope.

Spring came in with the wedding in the air.

Ed rose out of bed.

"Ah fine spring day!" Ed seemed more at ease now that Chico took over the garage.

"Ed!" Chico yelled from the downstairs.

"There's a package for you!" Chico waved the package.

"Ok. Ok Chico, I'll be right down." Ed's recovery went smoothly although Ed still had a slow step in his walk.

"What is it Chico?" Ed said as he continued to come to Chico.

"Looks like a gift Ed," Chico said.

"Open it up! Chico!" Ed said.

"Who's it from Ed? Chico hurried Ed up.

Ed opened the card. His eyes wide open.

"Chico it's a gift from your father Gilberto." Ed put the box by his ear and shook it.

"My father? Gee seems more like a Kodak moment Ed," Chico said.

"That's a surprise!" Ed said.

Ed opened the box and smelled the aroma of fine cigars.

"Here Chico, have one on me!" Ed handed Chico a cigar.

"Thanks Ed!" Chico sniffed the cigar.

"Ah look Ed fine linens for Violet. She'll enjoy this dearly," Chico said.

"So Ed, are you nervous?" Chico hugged him.

"Nervous about what?" Ed fidgeted with his coat.

"Me nervous? Chico, it will be better the second time around. Remember I've done this before Chico! Yes I'm extremely nervous!" Ed said.

Ed, all full of thumbs, tried to straighten his tie.

"Here Ed, let me fix your tie for you." Chico fumbled with Ed's tie.

"Ah that's better," Chico smiled.

Ed looked in the mirror.

Chico was behind him.

As they did some last minute adjustments, Ed and Chico stopped to reflected upon their friendship together.

"Chico, I wouldn't know what I've done without you. Thank you for being a part of my life," Ed said as he looked at the mirror.

"No Ed, thank you Ed. If it wasn't for you, God only knows what would happened to me. Thank you!" Chico hugged Ed.

"Now let's go get hitched Ed!" Chico extended his arm for Ed to take hold.

"You got it! " Ed and Chico left for the hospital Chapel.

Violet had arrived at the hospital Chapel early. Liz offered to help Violet get ready.

"I am so happy Liz. Everything is perfect. The weather is nice, Ed is feeling much better. His therapy has done wonders." Violet fixed her hair, and waited for Reverend Bemis to stop by.

"Ah Violet what a joy to have such a blessed event!" Reverend Bemis smiled.

"Yes, Reverend it sure is. Have you seen Ed yet?" Violet fidgeted with her outfit.

"They arrived a few minutes ago Violet. I'll go check on them." Reverend Bemis left to find Ed and Chico.

As the time of the wedding drew near, everyone went to their proper place for their cue.

"Well, Ed this it! Are you ready?" Chico checked Ed's tie.

"As ready as I'll ever be!" Ed said nervously.

"Well then. Let's boogie! " Chico and Ed stood by the altar patiently waiting.

The music of the Wedding March began to play.

Liz walked down the aisle and arrived at her spot.

"Hey mami!" Chico winked at Liz.

Violet soon followed.

Ed looked at Liz .His eyes began to tear.

"Ah Violet you look beautiful," Ed said as he reached for her hand.

A silent whimper sounded at the pew.

"I always cry at weddings," Louie said

"Psst, Louie!" Ed threw Louie a hanky.

"Thank you Ed!" Louie said.

Reverend Bemis walked over to Ed and Violet.

"We gather here together to unite Ed and Violet in the presence of the Lord."

Ed and Violet faced each other.

"Do you Ed take Violet to be your lawfully wedded wife? If so respond with I do."

Ed looked at Violet and said, "I do "

Ed turned to Chico and Chico gave him the a-ok hand signal as Chico winked his eye.

"Violet, do you take Ed to be your lawful wedded husband?" Reverend Bemis raised his hands.

"I do!" Violet said as smiled.

"By the power invested in me by the city of East Las Angeles, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may embrace."

Ed held Violets hand.

"I love you Violet." Ed kissed Violet and hugged her.

Chico shook Ed's hand. "Looking good Ed!"

"Ah Violet honey welcome to the family! " Chico hugged Violet.

Ed and Violet took off to the garage. Chico, Liz and Louie followed.

Later everyone arrived back at the garage.

"A toast to the Bride and Groom!" Chico said as he lifted his Dixie cup full of champagne!

"To a wonderful couple!" Louie said. "That's so sweet!"

"Where are you going on your honeymoon Ed?" Louie asked.

"We are going camping in the morning!" Ed smiled as he had his arm around Violet.

"The woods are nice this time of year," Violet said as she hugged Ed.

Everyone stayed till late at night to celebrate the marriage of Ed and Violet.

Early the next morning Chico got up and started to get to work. Mando stopped over and visited Chico.

"So Chico the old man did it huh," Mando said with a grin.

"Yes, everything went with out a hitch," Chico said.

"I haven't heard that old man crabbing, are they gone?" Mando looked around.

"Never mind Chico, I see there starting there honeymoon already," Mando pointed to the van.

"That's odd, they told me that they wanted an early start." Chico went closer to the van.

Chico leaned against the van. The van started to sway back and forth.

Mando, with a weird look in his face pointed to the van, making body motions about what was happening.

"Stop it Mando you're making me sick!" Chico threw a rag at Mando.

"I thought they were going camping?" Chico said.

"Looks like they decided to set camp up here!" Mando said.

Suddenly the roof flap flew open and Ed and Violet rose up.

"Looking good!" Violet and Ed each gave Chico and Mando the a-ok hand signal.