My 9th Birthday

My Father told me a story the other day which amused and disturbed me. It concerned my 9th birthday. My Dad wanted it to be special. He wanted to throw a party. He got in touch with my Mother and they decided, as a treat, to get me a clown.

He knew a man that knew a man that knew OF a man that knew a clown.

Dad got the Bozo's number and arranged to meet the man that would be headlining his eldest son's birthday party.

Dad met the clown. They were getting on well--

--Until--

CLOWN

--Yeah, I do balloon animals, magic tricks, song and dances--all that.

DAD

Excellent. Christopher likes animals. He has a thing for sheep. Can you do sheep?

CLOWN

I can do sheep, sharks, Lions, Tigers. You name it.

DAD

Great. That's brilliant. Are you free the 14th?

CLOWN

Yes.

DAD

So, I'll give you a call with regards to the exact time.

CLOWN

Okay.

DAD

I've got your number. What was your name again?

CLOWN

Molesto.

DAD

Sorry?

CLOWN

Molesto.

DAD

Molesto the clown?

CLOWN

Yes. You look a little taken aback. Is it the name? Because it is just a name.

DAD

........Right.

CLOWN

Are you okay?

DAD

Molesto?

CLOWN

My name is Matthew Molesto. It's a family name. It's just a family name. My father was the Great Molesto. I don't actually--

DAD

You can see my apprehension. The name is a bit of a put-off.

CLOWN

But I'm a very good clown. The best in the borough. You won't find a better clown than me. I'm twice the entertainer Rogers The Clown is.

DAD

I'll give you a call.

CLOWN

No you won't. You're just saying that.

DAD

No, I will.

My Dad didn't call Molesto. He got a magician instead. He had so many wicked tricks.