Adventures in Odyssey

Connie Kendall: Eugene, I'm sorry I'm late. Good grief, this place is a wreck!

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, Miss Kendall, thank goodness you're finally here.

Connie Kendall: Eugene, you look terrible. What happened?

Eugene Meltsner: It was awful, just awful.

Connie Kendall: Okay, it's alright. Take a deep breath. Tell me what happened.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, when I arrived this afternoon, Whit's End was closed and youngsters of all sizes and shapes were lined up outside, three and four deep, waiting to get in.

Connie Kendall: Again? That's the fourth time this week.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed. There was a small sign on the door from Mr. Riley stating that I would be there shortly to open up. But I was delayed by more than an hour at the college. And when I got here, the youngsters had worked themselves into a near frenzy.

Tom Riley: Eugene, Eugene! I— oh, no.

Connie Kendall: Tom, where were you?

Tom Riley: I had an emergency at the farm. I had to close the place until Eugene got here. Boy, it looks like the kids had a field day.

Connie Kendall: How many?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, they nearly mobbed him.

Tom Riley: Well, I got back as fast as I could. Eugene, I'm sorry. Are you okay?

Eugene Meltsner: Apart from my shredded nerves, I believe I have not suffered any lasting ill effects. Although, I have the feeling I'm forgetting something.

Connie Kendall: How about you, Tom? You look really tired.

Tom Riley: I thought when Whit left me in charge, it would be no big deal. It'd just be until Jason got here and the place would almost run itself. But between my farm and my work with the City Council, I'm just bushed. And you two keep busy.

Connie Kendall: I have school and my church stuff.

Eugene Meltsner: And I have my responsibilities at the college.

Tom Riley: Well, it just never occurred to me that Whit had something none of the rest of us had: time to be here.

Connie Kendall: Yeah, well, guess we'd better start cleaning up. You feel up to it, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: I believe so. Although, I still have the nagging feeling I've forgotten something, which is very disconcerting for a man of my intellect.

Tom Riley: Well, maybe it'll come back to you while we're straightening the place.

Eugene Meltsner: Perhaps. I just wish I could remember what it—

Jack Allen: Hi, Connie.

Connie Kendall: Mr. Allen!

Eugene Meltsner: That's it!

Connie Kendall: What's it?

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Allen.

Connie Kendall: You mean Jack?

Jack Allen: I'm sorry, Connie. I didn't mean to scare you.

Connie Kendall: Why were you hiding in that booth?

Jack Allen: I wasn't.

Connie Kendall: You were!

Jack Allen: No, I wasn't.

Connie Kendall: Then what were you doing there?

Jack Allen: I was just waiting here. Maybe I should go.

Eugene Meltsner: Don't go. That's what I forgot! Mr. Allen came in during the rush and ordered a sundae. But in the hurried madness of the afternoon, I completely forgot about it. I am so sorry.

Jack Allen: No, I'm sorry. It was thoughtless of me to order a sundae when you were so busy. And now I think I scared poor Connie half to death.

Connie Kendall: You mean you've been sitting here all afternoon and didn't say anything?

Eugene Meltsner: Please allow me to make your sundae for you right now, gratis.

Tom Riley: And on the house, too.

Jack Allen: Well, that's very kind, but I really need to go.

Eugene Meltsner: Are you certain? It won't take but a nanosecond.

Jack Allen: Maybe tomorrow. I'm really sorry about this, Jack.

Tom Riley: It's just been so hectic since Whit left.

Jack Allen: I understand. Considering our conflicting schedules, perhaps it would be best if we closed shop until young Mr. Whittaker arrives.

Connie Kendall: But we're not sure when that will be. Meanwhile, what will the kids do? Where will they go?

Tom Riley: Well, I sure don't like that idea either, but what else are we going to do? We either get some help or we are just going to have to shut down.

Jack Allen: I'm sure everything will work out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I shouldn't be intruding on your business. I'll see you around.

Tom Riley: Farewell for now.

Connie Kendall: Bye.

Tom Riley: Curious. He's a quiet fellow, that's for sure.

Connie Kendall: Maybe a little too quiet. I don't know how to read him.

Tom Riley: Well, come on. Let's get the place cleaned up before more kids come in.

Connie Kendall: Okay. If anybody else is hiding in a booth, they'd better let me know right now.

Eugene Meltsner: Boo!

Connie Kendall: Very funny.

Focus on the Family: Are you looking for stories that inspire, entertain, and ignite your imagination? Check out Adventures in Odyssey from Focus on the Family. Along the way, you'll meet our friends John Avery Whittaker, Connie Kendall, Eugene Meltsner, and Wooton Bassett.

In a world where faith, fun, and family are exciting pieces of every adventure, whether you're solving mysteries, learning life lessons, or just having a great laugh, Adventures in Odyssey brings biblical values to every episode.

Connie Kendall: There. That takes care of the counter.

Scrub: Hi, Connie.

Connie Kendall: Hi, Scrub. Uh-oh, sounds like somebody's not happy. What's the problem?

Scrub: Oh, I got a loose tooth.

Connie Kendall: Really?

Scrub: Yeah, it's just a baby one, but my mom says I'm going to lose it.

Connie Kendall: Well, that's not so bad.

Scrub: But I don't want to lose my tooth. I like my teeth just the way they are.

Connie Kendall: Think a soft ice cream cone would make you feel better?

Scrub: Well, it couldn't hurt.

Connie Kendall: Okay, it's coming right up.

Scrub: Connie, what's going to happen to Whit's End now?

Connie Kendall: You mean because Whit left?

Scrub: Uh-huh.

Connie Kendall: Well, we'll have to see. You know that his son Jason's supposed to come.

Scrub: Does that mean it's going to be called Jason's End?

Connie Kendall: No! It'll be Whit's End. It'll always be Whit's End, I guess. There you go.

Scrub: Oh, thanks.

Connie Kendall: What's the matter now?

Scrub: Nothing. It's just that Mr. Whittaker used to put a fancy curl on the top.

Connie Kendall: Oh, I'm sorry, Scrub, but the curly cue nozzle on the dispenser's messed up and Whit never taught me how to do one without it.

Scrub: I sure do miss Mr. Whittaker.

Connie Kendall: I do too.

Scrub: Why did he have to go away?

Connie Kendall: Well, he felt that the missionary work was something he just couldn't pass up and I guess it was time for him to go.

Scrub: When will he come back?

Connie Kendall: I don't know, Scrub.

Scrub: He is coming back, isn't he?

Connie Kendall: I don't know.

Scrub: But if he doesn't come back, who will be Mr. Whittaker?

Connie Kendall: What do you mean?

Scrub: If Mr. Whittaker doesn't come back, who will take his place?

Connie Kendall: No one will take his place. Whit will always be Whit. He's just in a different place, that's all.

Scrub: But I need Mr. Whittaker right here.

Connie Kendall: I know, Scrub. So do I.

Tom Riley: Oh, hi, Jack. Come on in.

Jack Allen: Hello, Tom. I didn't startle you, did I?

Tom Riley: Oh, no. That's a relief. I haven't seen you around for a couple of days. Finally come in for your sundae?

Jack Allen: Oh, I'd forgotten all about it. Yes, if it's not too much trouble.

Tom Riley: Oh, it's no trouble at all. Just don't expect any curly cues on the ends of your ice cream. I cannot figure out how to make this nozzle thing work. Keeps making curly squares and curly rectangles. I even had a curly triangle.

Jack Allen: That's unusual. You know, Whit never used this thing. He knew how to make perfect curly cues by hand. That's a piece of information he never passed on to us, though.

Tom Riley: Yeah. Kids really miss them. You wouldn't happen to know anything about curly cue nozzles, would you?

Jack Allen: No, no. I've always made curly cues without one.

Tom Riley: Oh, I see. You mean you know how to do it by hand, too?

Jack Allen: Who do you think taught Whit?

Tom Riley: Say, Jack, I just had an idea. Well, seeing as how you're friends with Whit and everything, would you mind watching the shop until Connie gets here? She's coming right after school, so it'd only be for a couple of hours.

Jack Allen: I wouldn't mind at all, Tom.

Tom Riley: Really? Hey, now, that's great! That is just great. Well, the aprons are there under the counter. You already know how to make the ice cream cone, so the rest should be easy.

If any of the machines break down, just put a 'keep off' sign on them and Eugene will fix them when he gets here. My phone number's right there on the board in case you have any questions.

Jack Allen: Okay.

Tom Riley: Well, then I'll see you in a little while then.

Jack Allen: Right.

Tom Riley: Good. Listen, I need to know something. Now, I don't know you very well and I may be wrong, but I got the feeling the other day that you wanted to offer to help but didn't. Why not?

Jack Allen: Because you didn't ask.

Tom Riley: You mean you've just been waiting to be asked?

Jack Allen: My wife used to say that I was painfully polite. I don't like to interfere or offer my help unless I'm asked.

Tom Riley: I understand. Well, you won't be impolite if you dish out ice cream when the kids ask.

Jack Allen: No, I guess not.

Tom Riley: Good, good. Well, listen now, don't you worry about a thing. Connie will be here before you know it and, well, just have fun.

Jack Allen: Okay.

Connie Kendall: I can't believe this. Late again. Late classes, flat tire. Oh, I wouldn't be surprised if something fell out of one of these trees—

Harlo Doyle: Hello, Connie.

Connie Kendall: Hello, Doyle. Are you alright?

Harlo Doyle: If you don't mind, it's Detective Doyle. I'm on a case.

Connie Kendall: Sorry, Detective Doyle.

Harlo Doyle: Please call me Harlo, and I'll be fine as soon as my lungs inflate.

Connie Kendall: Why did you do that?

Harlo Doyle: Do what?

Connie Kendall: Fall out of a tree that way.

Harlo Doyle: Do you know another way to fall out of a tree?

Connie Kendall: No, I mean, what were you doing up there?

Harlo Doyle: Oh, I told you. I'm on a case. I've been waiting for the last hour for a woman to walk past here. Pretty embarrassing, falling out of the tree right when she arrives. My blushing?

Connie Kendall: You were hiding in that tree waiting for me? Why?

Harlo Doyle: Because you would have seen me if I had been anywhere else. Boy, what a silly question.

Connie Kendall: But why are you hiding and waiting for me?

Harlo Doyle: How else am I supposed to follow you?

Connie Kendall: Follow me? No, thanks, I already am. I don't have time for this. I have to get to Whit's End.

Harlo Doyle: Right, so I'll just keep following you.

Connie Kendall: Why are you following me?

Harlo Doyle: Because you're on my list of suspects.

Connie Kendall: Suspects for what?

Harlo Doyle: For the kidnapping of John Everett Whittaker, that's what.

Connie Kendall: That's John Avery Whittaker.

Harlo Doyle: You mean he used an alias?

Connie Kendall: Never mind.

Harlo Doyle: You were one of the last people to see him before he disappeared, you know. Hey, I'm getting tired. What's the rush?

Connie Kendall: Tom had to leave early again today.

Harlo Doyle: What? So I missed him! He was next on the list, you know.

Connie Kendall: I need to get to Whit's End to open it up or the kids will be lined up three and four deep again waiting to get in.

Harlo Doyle: Connie, there appears to be no one here.

Connie Kendall: That's weird. Oh, wait. Oh, they're all inside. I can see them through the window.

Harlo Doyle: Leaping Lollapalooza! A mass break-in! This is even bigger than Whit's disappearance. It's time to investigate!

Scrub: Hi, Connie. Hi, Mr. Doyle.

Connie Kendall: Scrub, how did all of you get in here?

Scrub: Through the door.

Connie Kendall: Is Mr. Riley here?

Scrub: No.

Harlo Doyle: Then who gave you the ice cream?

Jack Allen: Oh, I did.

Connie Kendall: Mr. Allen?

Harlo Doyle: Who?

Jack Allen: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Jack Allen, a friend of Whit's.

Harlo Doyle: Harlo Doyle, private eye. Another suspect.

Scrub: Connie, can I go play now?

Connie Kendall: Oh, sure, Scrub.

Scrub: See ya. Thanks for the great ice cream, Mr. Allen. Look, Connie, he even put a curly cue on top.

Connie Kendall: A curly cue?

Jack Allen: He's quite a character.

Connie Kendall: Yeah, he is. So, what are you doing here?

Jack Allen: Well, Tom had to leave, so he asked me to stay until you got here.

Connie Kendall: He did?

Jack Allen: Yes.

Connie Kendall: Well, good. Thanks.

Jack Allen: You're welcome.

Connie Kendall: You're wearing Whit's apron.

Jack Allen: I am? Oh, yes I am. Well, it was the only clean one left. We need more toppings for the sundaes. Could you tell me where they're kept?

Connie Kendall: Uh, yeah, in the storage closet next to the walk-in freezer. Top shelf.

Jack Allen: Thanks. Pleased to meet you.

Harlo Doyle: Well, seemed like a very nice man.

Connie Kendall: Yeah, nice.

Harlo Doyle: Pretty suspicious, his being here when Tom isn't.

Connie Kendall: Yeah, it is kind of strange.

Harlo Doyle: Well, if anybody knows about strange, it's me. What do you know about this guy? He may be the key to Whit's disappearance.

Connie Kendall: Harlo, Whit didn't disappear. He left. We had a party for him, remember? We all said goodbye to him. Eugene even followed him to the airport and saw him on the plane.

Harlo Doyle: Yeah, you're right. That can only mean one thing.

Connie Kendall: Right, that Whit wasn't kidnapped.

Harlo Doyle: No! That Eugene was the last person to see Whit, which means that Eugene is now the number one suspect! Harlo Doyle, private eye, is on the job!

Connie Kendall: Harlo! On the other hand, I still don't know why Mr. Allen's here.

Jack Allen: Okay, we have chocolate, strawberry, and marshmallow, and assorted nuts, sprinkles, and cookie chips.

Connie Kendall: You can put them on the counter. I'll take care of them.

Jack Allen: I don't mind.

Connie Kendall: I said I'll take care of them, okay?

Jack Allen: Oh, okay. Well, I'll just clean the bathrooms.

Connie Kendall: You don't have to do that either.

Jack Allen: Connie, I'd like to—

Connie Kendall: Listen, I want to thank you for filling in for me, but you must be tired. And I really don't need you to stick around. I have everything under control.

Jack Allen: I see. Are you sure?

Connie Kendall: I'm very sure.

Jack Allen: All right. Well, I guess I'll see you later then. Goodbye.

Connie Kendall: Bye. I don't like this. I don't like it one bit.

Tom Riley: Oh, hi there, Jack. Come on in.

Jack Allen: Did you want to talk to me, Tom?

Tom Riley: Well, yeah, I just want to say thanks for all your help during the past week. It was nice of you to keep coming in, especially on such short notice. We haven't had to close once and things have been running real smooth.

Jack Allen: Well, I've enjoyed it a lot.

Tom Riley: Good, good. I'm glad to hear it. Eugene said he's really glad to have your help, too. And the kids just think you're great. How about Connie?

Jack Allen: Connie? Well, she hasn't really said anything. Come to think of it, she hasn't said much at all, which is unusual for Connie.

Tom Riley: Are you having a problem with her?

Jack Allen: I don't really know. We just don't seem to be hitting it off very well. It's like she doesn't want me here at all.

Tom Riley: Well, sometimes Connie has a hard time adjusting to things. And she does have a stubborn streak. But she'll come around.

Jack Allen: I hope so. Well, she'll have to, considering what I'm about to do.

Tom Riley: What do you mean? Have a seat, Jack. We need to talk.

Connie Kendall: Yeah, this just might work out. I can get Eugene to come in early here... Oh, good. Eugene, come here!

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, yes, of course. What is it, Miss Kendall?

Connie Kendall: I need to talk to you about something.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, certainly. By all means, yes. Is something wrong?

Connie Kendall: Well, I'm not entirely sure, but I believe I'm being followed by Harlo Doyle.

Harlo Doyle: No, you're not!

Connie Kendall: You see? Well, just ignore him, maybe he'll go away.

Harlo Doyle: I won't!

Connie Kendall: Well, I have something important here that I need your help with.

Eugene Meltsner: It wouldn't be grammar, would it? You ended your sentence with a preposition.

Connie Kendall: No. Good. I need to know what your schedule is.

Eugene Meltsner: My schedule?

Connie Kendall: Yeah, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When do you get out of school?

Eugene Meltsner: My last class of both those days ends at 3:30 p.m.

Connie Kendall: Is that true?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, yes.

Connie Kendall: Well, I'm trying to work it out so that Jack Allen doesn't have to come in anymore.

Tom Riley: Connie, Eugene!

Connie Kendall: Hey, Tom, listen. I've come up with a new schedule for us so that Mr. Allen won't have to work, and we won't have to close down at all. See, look, all we have—

Tom Riley: Connie, I appreciate all the work you put into this, but you don't have to.

Connie Kendall: I don't? Why not?

Tom Riley: Well, I just got off the phone with Jason Whittaker and after a long talk, we all agreed that until he gets here, the best thing for us to do is turn the shop over to Jack.

Connie Kendall: What?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, congratulations, Mr. Allen.

Connie Kendall: What do you mean, congratulations? We don't have to turn over the shop to him!

Tom Riley: Now, Connie, I know this is kind of sudden, but we've got to be realistic. I can't run both Whit's and my farm. You and Eugene have school and other commitments. The one thing Jack has that none of us has is time. This is simply the most sensible thing to do, and he's glad to do it.

Connie Kendall: I'm sure he is! Why not? He just shows up from nowhere, claims to be an old friend of Whit's, and we hand him the keys to the store. You may have everyone else fooled, Mr. Allen, but not me.

Jack Allen: Maybe I should step outside.

Tom Riley: No, wait, Jack. What's this all about, Connie?

Connie Kendall: Well, how do we know what he's up to? We don't know anything about him!

Tom Riley: For one thing, Jason Whittaker was thrilled that Jack was here. He thinks the world of him.

Connie Kendall: Yeah? Well, why should I?

Tom Riley: Now, Connie.

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Allen, allow me to apologize profusely on behalf of Miss Kendall, who is obviously delirious and doesn't—

Connie Kendall: Don't apologize for me, Eugene! I see what's happening. You're trying to replace Whit!

Eugene Meltsner: What? Miss Kendall, you're making a complete fool out of yourself.

Jack Allen: Connie, I assure you, I'm not trying to replace—

Connie Kendall: Oh, sure, sure. I get it. Whit goes out and Jack comes in. One big happy family! But it's not that easy, okay? You guys are all chums, but I don't like it. There's only one Whit, and Mr. Jack Whoever-He-Is isn't him! He isn't!

Eugene Meltsner: Miss Kendall!

Jack Allen: I'm sorry, Jack. I guess I'd better go have a talk with— No, please don't. The last thing I want to do is cause a conflict. If she doesn't want me here, then maybe I shouldn't be here.

Tom Riley: But, Jack, we want you here. Besides, if you go, we're back to square one and we will have to close the place down.

Jack Allen: Well, then, if anybody's going to talk to her, it should be me.

Connie Kendall: I can't believe it. I just can't believe it.

Scrub: Connie, Connie!

Connie Kendall: Scrub, what is it? What's the matter?

Scrub: My tooth's coming out! My tooth's coming out!

Connie Kendall: It's okay, Scrub.

Scrub: No, it's not! No, it's not!

Connie Kendall: Does it hurt that much?

Scrub: It will! It will! What am I going to do?

Connie Kendall: Scrub, don't get yourself all worked up. It won't be that bad, honest. Scrub!

Scrub: Mr. Allen! Mr. Allen!

Jack Allen: Hi, Scrub. What's wrong?

Scrub: My tooth's coming out! My tooth's coming out!

Connie Kendall: I can't get him to calm down.

Scrub: What am I going to do?

Jack Allen: Here now. Scrub, Scrub, Scrub, Scrub. Shh. Now, sit here for a minute. Just think about it. There we go. Now, there's no need to carry on like this. This is an exciting moment for you.

Scrub: Exciting?

Jack Allen: Sure. You're going to experience one of life's nice little changes, one that shows you're going from being a young boy to a grownup.

Scrub: But it's going to hurt.

Jack Allen: Maybe it'll hurt a little bit. Maybe it won't. But usually, you can't have change without feeling something, even hurt. That's part of growing up. You want to grow up, don't you?

Scrub: Yeah.

Jack Allen: Then you need to be brave because this particular change is going to happen whether you like it or not.

Scrub: Oh.

Jack Allen: Besides, if you don't lose that baby tooth, there'll be no room for the big, bright new adult tooth underneath to come in.

Scrub: There's another tooth down there?

Jack Allen: Of course! And it's even better than the one you lost. But you'd never see that better tooth if you didn't go through a change. See, Scrub, sometimes change is God's way of preparing us for something better. Understand?

Scrub: Yeah. Can I keep my old tooth when it falls out?

Jack Allen: Well, that's something to ask your parents about. In fact, you should get home so they can be with you for the big moment.

Scrub: Okay. Thanks, Mr. Allen. Bye, Connie. Bye.

Connie Kendall: I guess that was as much for my benefit as his, huh?

Jack Allen: Well, no, actually, I was just trying to help Scrub. But now that you mention it... Connie, I know Whit's leaving has been very hard for you.

Probably as hard as it was when Whit left me all those years ago. That was one of the hardest things I ever had to go through.

Connie Kendall: Why?

Jack Allen: Well, that's another story for another time. The point is there's nothing worse than being asked to pretend like it doesn't hurt or that you have to like the way things are.

Connie Kendall: Well, thanks.

Jack Allen: I'm not trying to take over Whit's End or replace Whit. I couldn't because I'm not him. I just wanted to help out an old friend and some of the folks he seemed to consider his family in Odyssey. That's all. Well, I've taken enough of your time. See you.

Connie Kendall: Wait, Mr. Allen. Okay, I feel like a heel now.

Jack Allen: Oh, I wasn't trying to make you feel—

Connie Kendall: No, it's all right. I owe you an apology. I was way out of line. You're right. I just miss Whit. And as usual, I'm just taking all those feelings out on the wrong people.

Jack Allen: I don't mind.

Connie Kendall: Do you think we can be friends?

Jack Allen: We can certainly try.

Connie Kendall: Thank you. Just don't wear his apron, okay?

Jack Allen: I'll find one of my own.

Connie Kendall: Thanks. Oh, great. Now maybe things will get back to normal around here.

Harlo Doyle: Alright, you scofflaw! Stand still! You are not going to escape!

Eugene Meltsner: Now, Harlo, wait just a minute!

Connie Kendall: Tom, what's going on?

Tom Riley: Oh, Harlo's made a citizen's arrest on Eugene for kidnapping Whit.

Connie Kendall: What?

Tom Riley: Oh, I got to stop him before he takes him all the way down to the police station. Harlo, will you wait?

Connie Kendall: Yep, they're back to normal alright.

Jack Allen: This is normal?

Connie Kendall: Yeah. Come on! Harlo, wait!

Jack Allen: What have I gotten myself into? Hey, Harlo, wait!

Focus on the Family: Be strong and of good courage. Do not fear nor be afraid, for the Lord your God, he is the one who goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

We don't know what God has in store for Whit, but we do know that whatever happens, we don't have to be afraid because God will always be with him and with us.

How do you feel about Whit's leaving? We'd surely love to know. Write to us and tell us all about it, okay? Just send your card or letter to: Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995, or in Canada write to: Box 9800, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 4G3.

And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called ". . . But Not Forgotten". Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. ". . . But Not Forgotten" was written and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Dave Arnold, and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte.

And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.