Going Away

The Contessa throws surprise going away party/baby shower for Libby. My job is to get her to a fictitious Curriculum Review meeting for which the Dean's secretary sent out an equally fictitous email noting. Libby very excited in her preparations for the meeting and is busy for hours with the coyping, binder clipping, the application of sticky arrows, and the placing of documents in binders. Do not have the heart to tell her that all her preparations will be to naught. It is not until walking down stairs that Libby suddenly stops, narrows eyes and says, We'd better not be going to a surprise party. Acting abilities perhaps not what they should be. Say, No! in high, artificial voice that would fool somebody far less suspicious than Libby. But as we enter, Libby screams, flings papers in the air and gives all indication of actually being very surprised--which I'm sure she is--as I am--feel it was absolutely unnecessary for the Contessa to hide under the table and leap out, blowing party horn. After scare, Libby actually appears to enjoy self, even going so far as to request medium-sized glass of apple juice. Vice-boss is there as well as the New man, new people from the development office, and various other people who only see at events like this--luckly election provides fruitful topic of conversation. The dean makes a surprise appearance at the end of the party. He is in good spirits, nudges Libby in the ribs and says, Drinking for two, eh? Libby is called upon to speak. She actually chokes up, and then looks around room for purchase, of which there is none, as all the rest of us have also inexplicably gotten teary. The Contessa, whose hostess skills have never before been in evidence (rather the contrary) stands up and says, We are all very sorry to see you leave too--at which everyone claps.