Goldstein Johnson & Cole (2024 re-write) - 7. Getting To Know Joseph Part 1

After a lunch of chicken schnitzel followed by baklava, the lads returned to Isaac's home in the SUV driven by Jacob. They headed back through the crowded streets filled with aggressive, inconsiderate drivers. The journey was uneventful if you ignored the extra dent and scratch inflicted on the large SUV by an impatient driver in Jerusalem's traffic. The impatient and overly aggressive driver inside the car became meek-mannered when he stepped out of the vehicle to face Jacob. Kevin and Ian were amused by Jacob's heated discussion with the nervous, cowering driver responsible for the dent, as the driver offered cash as compensation for the damage. They correctly assumed that being a six-foot-seven-inch giant had advantages in an argument.

Arriving at the house on Derekh Brekhot ha-Ya'ar, they enjoyed the excellent relief provided by the air-conditioning that Isaac had installed when he purchased the home. The trip from the SUV to the house felt like a modern reenactment of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s walk through Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace.

Joseph welcomed them on their return and offered cold drinks that they gratefully accepted. Joseph's suggestion that they enjoy a rest from the heat in their room was equally well received. The house was quiet as Shamira and the twins also took afternoon naps in their rooms.

Later in the afternoon, while the twins played, Ian and Kevin sat down with Joseph and Shamira to tell them about the meeting. Shamira could see Joseph’s expectations rapidly rise and went to great lengths to explain to Joseph that things could still take a long time. She knew he needed to be patient if it took longer. There were no guarantees, and she wanted to spare him unnecessary hurt and anxiety. Shamira’s concern did not keep Joseph’s expectations at bay for long. Joseph now knew the plan was set and would be in motion. He felt his bond with the young men he now considered his brothers was strong. In his mind, they were his Ahkh, and he showed them how much they meant to him by hugging them tightly.

The following day, Jacob met them at the house to take them for a day of shopping in the Jerusalem shopping malls. Before they set off, Jacob surprised them by giving each a mobile phone. “You should each have these during your stay in Israel. Joseph, you should keep yours until you join Ian and Kevin in England.”

“Thank you, Jacob, but why do we need these?” Ian was holding the phone, which looked similar to a Nokia 6310 but older.

“You could still use your English phone here, but it is expensive, so it is best to keep that on in case you get any calls from England. These are on a local network, quicker and easier to use if you need to make local calls. They have some stored numbers you may find helpful. They are already programmed on speed dial. To call them, press the hash key first, follow that with the number of the person you need, and then the green button.

“1 is Isaac's home, 2 is Isaac's mobile, 3 is Shamira's mobile, and four is for when you need a car. If I cannot come, you will be given the name of the replacement driver, which you should check before getting into any car.”

“It all sounds a bit cloak and dagger to me. So why the phones, and what do we do if the driver's name doesn't match? And just as important, how much is this costing us?” Kevin quizzed. Neither Kevin nor Ian knew how close to the truth Kevin's first sentence was.

“This is not unusual for the company I work for. We are under contract and provide these phones for our customers. The phones are fitted with GPS, so we will know where you are, and there is no charge; it is all covered in the contract and is a normal part of the service for companies like ours. If the driver's name does not match, it is probably one of our competitors, which is not good. If the name does not match, then please call again and let them know. If you are ever separated from your driver or in trouble, press star hash, and someone will be with you quickly.”

“Okay, that answered my questions. Let's get going.” Kevin turned on his phone and put it in his pocket. “We have some serious shopping to do and want to find the best shops. Can you give us any ideas?”

“Tell me what you want, and I will take you where you will get the best quality and prices,” Jacob told them. He started the car and headed to Jerusalem.

Jacob was as good as his word, taking them to shops frequented by locals and avoiding the tourist areas. They had a great day. Jacob encouraged them to haggle hard for better prices, which they would never have done without his coaxing. They even began to have fun wheeling and dealing with the friendly locals.

By the end of the day, they sampled some delicious street food and had bags full of shopping. Ian and Kevin bought new lightweight clothes that were more suitable for the hot weather. Joseph now had clothes appropriate for a twelve-year-old growing boy who would be living in the UK soon. Swim shorts had to be included as Shamira wanted to take them and the twins to the outdoor swimming pool in Beit Zayit. They also bought gifts for Isaac, Shamira and the twins to show their appreciation for helping Joseph.

Ian, Kevin and Joseph felt that Jacob was more than a driver. To them, he had become a good friend, someone they could trust. Ian and Kevin asked Joseph to give Jacob the small pouch containing a gift for him. When Jacob tried to protest, Joseph was firm. “Sorry, Jacob, you cannot refuse. You have not just been good to us today. You have been a good friend. This is a token of our friendship.”

Not wanting to offend, Jacob removed the contents of the pouch and smiled. It contained a larger but identical version of the friendship bracelets that he could see on the three arms raised for him to see. The simple leather bracelet with a silver clasp was fastened on his wrist, and he wore it with pride. With happy hugs, they parted company for the night.

Over the next few days, the lads and Joseph visited some sights that Manny had told them about during his frequent calls to them. They saw the Israel Museum, the Museum of Natural History with its child-friendly exhibits, and the Bloomfield Science Museum, where Joseph enjoyed the interactive exhibits. The most moving stop was The Garden Tomb, which is set in well-maintained gardens. It is believed to be the last resting place and site of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each day, Jacob proved to be a good friend and invaluable guide. They arrived home most of the time too late to tell Asher and Aaron about their adventures but made sure to share them with the boys the following morning before heading out again.

When they visited the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, it was an all-day affair and included the Lehrer family. Jacob arranged for an extra SUV with a driver and guide. As each vehicle could carry four passengers, Isaac and his family were in one car, and the guide accompanied Ian, Kevin and Joseph.

Kevin was even impressed with the honesty of the locals when one young man ran up to him to hand over his wallet. He had apparently 'dropped' it when someone had bumped into him. He even refused point blank to accept a reward of any kind. Nobody noticed the quizzical look that Isaac gave to the innocent-looking drivers who were trailing behind. Unknown to them, Jacob had quickly gone into action when he spotted the sleight-of-hand as a young man had 'accidentally' bumped into Kevin.

Much quicker than anyone would imagine, Jacob moved as fast as a gazelle and soon caught the youths trying to run away. Jacob's sense of diplomacy and negotiation was very straightforward. Go and give back the wallet and walk away empty-handed, or Jacob would take back the wallet, breaking an arm or two in the process, and hand them over to security, who would call the police. Unsurprisingly, they chose the first option, and Jacob returned to the group with no one aware of the actual events.

The morning was spent leisurely walking around, checking out the array of exotic animals and birds of prey. Shamira provided a pre-packed light lunch which was eaten early afternoon in the shade of one of the carefully sited picnic areas, where they also had a well-deserved rest. Feeling rested and no longer hungry, they spent the rest of the day in the petting zoo. Aaron, Asher and Joseph were in their element and thought it was the best part of the day as they petted and fed the young farm animals. The volunteer zoo guides carefully answered their many questions.

Walking back to the cars, the twins complained of being tired. When they were scooped up and sat high up on their shoulders by their guide and driver, they thought it was great being taller than everyone else, even taller than the giant Jacob. Joseph jokingly complained and pouted that it was unfair as he was too big to join their fun. The shocked look of surprise on his face made everyone laugh as Jacob picked him up as though he was as light as a feather and placed him on his shoulders. Tears of joy were in his eyes as he whooped and laughed with delight, revelling in the fun and attention. Isaac reached for his camera. This had to be added to the day's collection of photos. It was their 'Kodak' moment to remember. They all wished there would be many more moments like this in the future.

When they arrived back at the house, Isaac saw the flashing light of the answering machine and went to his study to check his messages. Shamira served a buffet-style evening meal, insisting that Jacob and his colleagues join them.

After the men left in the SUVs, Isaac asked Ian and Kevin to join him in his study.

“While we have been out today, my secretary has left a message letting me know that she has collated all of the necessary documents and the forms that need to be completed before we proceed with the application for legal guardianship of Joseph. She has also pointed out some areas that need our attention before progressing, hopefully making it less troublesome. I will know more after checking the file tomorrow morning when I am in the office and I will keep you informed. Do you have any plans for tomorrow?”

“Nothing that can't be rearranged. Can you tell us anything?” Kevin was hopeful.

“Not until I get to the office. When I have read the documents and spoken to my secretary, I will give you a call. Now I think we have three boys out there falling asleep. I think it is time to get them and ourselves off to bed and keep our fingers crossed for a good day tomorrow.”

Entering the lounge, they saw all three boys curled up on the lounge rug and out for the count. Goodnights were said as Isaac and Shamira picked up the twins, and Ian picked up Joseph. Kevin led the way to open the bedroom doors.

“Kev, I've got an idea that might help get Joseph home with us, but only if you agree.”

“Ian, let's put Joseph to bed first, and then we can discuss your idea. I'm confident that if your idea is good and has the potential to be beneficial, I'll be fully supportive of it.”