“Hello! Welcome. I’m Tessa Simmons.”
Honey pulled herself upright and smiled back. Standing next to Mrs. Simmons’s bright floral dress, my grandmother looked old and faded in her tan pants and Turtle Patrol T-shirt.
“I’m Helen Potter. I live a few houses away from you. In the Bird’s Nest. I’m a bit late, but I came to bring you this blueberry pie and formally welcome you to Dewees Island.”
“How kind of you. Did you bake it yourself?”
“Oh, heavens no. I can’t bake worth a lick. I ordered it from town. The ferry brought it over.”
I sighed in relief for Mrs. Simmons. I didn’t want her getting sick from Honey’s food.
She handed the box to Mrs. Simmons, then turned and gave me the stink eye. She said in that voice that told me I was in big trouble, “I’m sorry, but I didn’t know my grandson was here. I thought the children were at the Nature Center.”
Mrs. Simmons smiled and accepted the gift. “The children are welcome here anytime. We were worried our Macon would be bored on the island all alone, so we’re very happy he’s made friends.”
Honey turned to Mrs. Simmons. “I’m sorry to be rude. I’m just as pleased as you are that the children found each other. Summer’s all the sweeter shared with friends. It’s just that I must bring Jake home now. You see, I don’t allow video games.”
She put up her hand at Mrs. Simmons’s surprised expression. “Not that I mean all houses should have the same rules. But that’s mine.” She gave me a stern look. “And Jake disrespected it. He’s meant to be outdoors.” She looked back at me and pointed at the remnants of my sandwich. “I didn’t mean for him to eat you out of house and home either.”
“It’s too hot outside,” I said. “And too buggy! It was just this one time. We were getting ready to go back out.”
“Excuses!” Honey waved her hand for me to come along.
I didn’t budge. “I’m bored!”
Honey’s eyes flashed and she stepped closer to me. “Good!” she said. “Boredom is the fuel of your imagination. I will not allow you to sit indoors, rotting your brain away playing video games. Now come along. You can finish lunch at home.”
“No!”
Honey’s eyes bulged and her mouth slipped open. “Jake, come home,” she said. “I’ll make you something to eat.”
“Your food is bad!”
Honey’s face went still. “What did you say?”
A part of me knew I should just stop and apologize, but I felt like a dam of water bursting open.
“The food in your fridge is moldy. Even the cheese. I don’t even know what that stuff is in all those containers. And there are bugs in the cereal. It’s not that I don’t want to eat your food,” I cried. “I can’t!”
I felt my eyes flood but didn’t wipe them. I held my hands in fists at my thighs, trying hard not to cry. “I don’t want to go back to your house. It’s dirty. And it smells. And you’re always in your room. I want to stay here.”
The room went silent. I stood, stunned that I had just yelled at my grandmother. In front of people! From the corner of my eye I saw Macon’s mouth slip open and Lovie shrink into the sofa. When I could look back at my grandmother, I saw that tears had filled her eyes.
Mrs. Simmons cleared her throat and stepped closer to Honey. She spoke in a soft voice. At least, it sounded soft compared to my shouting.
“I think you’re absolutely right, Helen. These children should be outdoors. Why don’t you and I cut ourselves a nice piece of this pie and discuss it?”
Honey could only offer a watery-eyed smile and nod her head.
Mrs. Simmons gave the three of us a stern look, and though her voice was calm, we all knew she meant business.
“Kids, please turn off the games, clean up this room, and sit outside on the porch while Mrs. Potter and I talk. In private.”
Lovie rose from the sofa, her face pale. “Jake, you disappointed me,” she said.
I felt crushed. This wouldn’t have happened if I had just listened to Lovie earlier.
“Boys, your pie is ready!” Mrs. Simmons called from the kitchen.
Macon and I slunk into the kitchen to collect our plates. I couldn’t look at my grandmother. Then we moved out to the porch and nervously shoveled blueberry pie into our mouths. I couldn’t taste it.
We didn’t talk. Instead we tried to hear the women’s voices through the sliding glass door. But the sound of buzzing cicadas in the tall pines drowned out most of the conversation. I could only catch a few words: “internet,” “cell phones,” “island.” When laughter erupted, both Macon and I sighed with relief.
I don’t know how long they talked, but when they ushered us back inside, I could tell Honey was feeling better.
“How was the pie?” Mrs. Simmons asked kindly.
I mumbled a polite response as we stood in front of them. I felt like a criminal in court about to find out his sentence.
“Helen and I had a lovely chat,” Mrs. Simmons began. “We both agree that being on the island is a special time for you children. A time to play outdoors, be creative. And”—she paused and looked at Macon—“turn off all electronics.”
“What!” Macon shrieked. “Why are you punishing me? I didn’t do anything.”
“It’s not a punishment,” Mrs. Simmons replied gently. “It’s an opportunity.”
Macon scowled. “Just because Jake’s grandmother doesn’t like video games doesn’t mean I can’t play them. She’s not my grandmother.”
I saw from Mrs. Simmons’s face that Macon had gone too far.
“Well, I’m your mother. And I’m telling you, no video games, TV, or electronics. And no phone.”
Macon stiffened and worry replaced his anger. “But what if you need me for something? I’m supposed to look out for you. Dad said so.”
Mrs. Simmons sighed, then nodded in agreement. “You may keep your phone. But only for communication, hear? I forbid videos or games. If I find out you’re doing that, you lose the phone. No matter what your father said. Understood?”
“Yes’m.”
Macon shot me an angry glance, then walked off to his room without saying a word. I stood there, embarrassed I caused this to happen.
Honey stepped closer to me and put her hand on my shoulder. Her voice was soft and almost contrite.
“Come along, Jake. Let’s go home. We have a lot to talk about.”
* * *
I spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on the porch at the Bird’s Nest. I felt I’d just ruined my life. Macon probably hated me. Maybe Lovie, too. I embarrassed myself in front of everyone. And my grandmother was mad, for sure.
Her words, You disappointed me, played on a loop in my head. I let her down. And ultimately Mom and Dad, too, because that was my one job. Take care of Honey. I put my head in my hands. What could I do to make up for what I did?
An idea flashed to mind.
For the rest of the afternoon I swept the garage area and walkway. Then I cut back the shrubs and branches away from her driveway. The branches scratched my arms and sweat poured down my back, but I didn’t stop until the sun started to lower. I’d finished raking up the pinecones, needles, and twigs that littered the front path too. The western sky looked like it was on fire with bright colors of red, orange, and gold as the sun lowered. I was so tired, sweaty, and covered with bug bites. I looked up at the windows, not sure I wanted to go back in. But I couldn’t stay outside forever. I had to go up and face Honey. And apologize.
I was putting away the tools when Honey called out from the front porch above me.
“Dinner!”
I sighed. I vowed I would eat whatever Honey put on my plate.
Inside the house the scent of warm garlicky bread filled my nose. And sweet tomato sauce. Honey was at the sink straining a steaming pot of noodles.
“Perfect timing,” she crooned. “I made spaghetti and I just pulled bread out of the oven. Wash up! Dinner’s ready in just a minute.”
After I washed the dirt off my hands, arms, and face in the bathroom, I took a seat at the wood table. The books were gone and instead there were place mats and tableware. I sat straight in the chair, aware that something important had changed.
Honey carried two plates of hot, delicious-smelling pasta to the table and took a seat beside me. She was dressed in the same pants and T-shirt, but her hair was brushed. I looked at the food with suspicion.
Honey noticed. “I had a delivery today from town. And,” she added with a knowing smile, “the garlic bread is from Tessa Simmons.”
Relief flooded through me.
Honey held out her hand with a small smile. “Let’s give thanks.”
I tried to smile back and placed my hand in hers. It felt bony but warm and smooth. She bowed her head in prayer. I did the same.
“For the food before us, the people beside us, and the love between us, we give thanks. And we ask for your blessings for Eric. Amen.”
“Amen.”
I picked up my fork and took a tiny taste. My eyes widened and I couldn’t stop the smile. It was delicious! My plate was empty before either one of us talked.
“This was great,” I said, still chewing my last bite.
“I’m glad you liked it, Jake.” Honey dabbed her mouth with her napkin and placed it beside her plate before folding her hands together. “We need to talk… about today’s… situation.”
“I’m sorry I yelled at you,” I said in a rush. It felt good to get the words out.
“Thank you,” Honey replied. “And I’m sorry that I haven’t taken proper care of you.”
“You did…,” I interrupted.
Honey held up her hand to silence me. “Tessa and I had a good talk today. Our conversation was… eye-opening. I realize I’ve been neglecting not just you, but a lot of things.” She patted my hand. “When I returned home this afternoon, I took a good look around and saw what I’ve become. A crabby old woman stuck in my shell.”
“You’re not crabby,” I said.
“Sometimes,” she replied with a crooked smile.
“More sad,” I countered.
Honey’s face softened, and then she nodded.
“But why?”
“Oh, Jake… it’s hard to explain. I haven’t felt like myself since your grandfather died. At first, I missed him something fierce. We’d been together for fifty years. When he passed, I felt a part of me died with him. I lost my purpose. I didn’t go out much. I didn’t see the point of cleaning or cooking just for myself. I stayed home. I reckon I lost myself in books.”
I eyed the stacks of books all over the room.
Honey continued, “I stopped taking the ferry most days, which meant I hardly went into town to shop. Plus, in an odd way that’s hard to explain, seeing a full fridge made me feel safe. Like I had all I need.” She laughed, but it sounded sad. “Even if the food wasn’t good.”
Suddenly I saw my grandmother differently. She wasn’t lazy or forgetful. She was depressed.
“So you’ve been lonely?” I asked softly.
She nodded. “It’s not a good thing for a person to be alone too long. Then, when I got the news about your daddy being hurt, well…” Honey sighed and shook her head. “It was all too much. That’s when I really let things go.”
I thought about my mom’s words, Take care of Honey. She needs you. I understood a lot more now.
“I let you down.” She placed her hand on mine. “I’m sorry.”
“I let you down too. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I embarrassed you in front of Mrs. Simmons. I’m sorry, Honey.”
She smiled then as her eyes combed my face.
“Jake, dear boy, I know you’re having a hard time with the news about your dad and the amputation. We both are. Honestly, I’m still trying to process everything in my own heart too.” She took a small sip of water.
“I’m not saying everything will be shipshape in a day. It’s going to take some time. And I may need some help. Both for cleaning the house and for my health. I talked to Tessa Simmons about that. I know I’ve got a lot to do. But if we both remember that Eric’s going to be okay, and we both keep trying to be cheerful for him and for each other, I know we’ll get through this.”
“I’ll try, Honey,” I said.
“We both will.”
“Just tell me what I can do.”
Her smile softened her face. “You are already such a help. Just being here. I’m not lonely anymore. You do your chores without fail. I don’t thank you enough for that. And I did notice you washed the golf cart all shiny. And today you swept and cleared the driveway. You’re doing your part.” She straightened in her chair. “Now I’m going to do mine.”
“Honey, I have to tell you something.”
“What’s that, dear?”
“I didn’t eat some of that food in the fridge. I threw it away. And the milk.”
“Did you, now?” She laughed. “Good decision. Why don’t you help me finish the task? We’ll clean the fridge and cabinets from port to starboard.”
I beamed. “Aye aye, captain.”
We rose from the table, each feeling better after our talk. I helped clear the table and dried the dishes she washed. We talked about all sorts of things. I told her what I’d like her to cook for me. She told me what things I might try to do on the island.
“Did you ever see the cannonball in the Nature Center?”
“Nope.” Then more politely, “I don’t recall it.”
“You might want to check it out. Your father and Rand found it, back when they were about your age.”
I stopped drying the dish. “A real cannonball?”
“Yes, sir.”
When I put away the last dish, Honey dried her hands on a towel and stood before me. She was eyeing my face, then reached out to lift my chin.
Honey asked, “Is something else bothering you I should know about?”
If she’d asked me this yesterday, I would have shaken my head and said no. But today, after all that happened, I wanted to ask for her help.
“It’s just… Honey, is my dad going to be the same now?”
Her brow creased, and when she looked at me, it felt like her eyes were searchlights scoping my heart. “Of course he will. He’s still your dad.”
“But… I can’t picture him without a leg,” I blurted out.
Honey swiftly reached out to pull me close against her. She smelled of flour and something sweet.
“I know,” she said, and her voice was shaky. “I have a hard time trying to picture that myself. Your daddy is still my baby, don’t forget.” She stepped back and tried to smile and held me by my shoulders.
“Jake, a leg is just a limb. Eric is still the same man he was. He’s the same in his mind and in his heart.”
I could only nod my head. I didn’t know if I could believe her. My throat was too tight to talk.
“It’s not going to be easy. But your dad has your mom to help him through this too. And we”—she squeezed my shoulders—“we have each other.”
CHAPTER 11
The Explorers
Life can be an adventure.
I WOKE UP TO THE sound of dishes clattering in the kitchen. I climbed down the loft ladder to discover Honey standing on a step stool clearing out the kitchen cupboards. A big box sat on the counter, half filled with food, boxes, and containers.
“Good morning, Honey!”
“Oh! You startled me.” She stepped off the stool. “Good morning, dear boy. I’m just getting started. Time to purge.”
“Need help?”
Honey squinted at the side of a can. “Sure, bring your young eyes over here. What’s the expiration on this thing?”
I leaned in. “It says 2014. Time for the trash can.”
“Goodness, I don’t know. They say canned goods keep forever.”
“No one says that, Honey.”
She laughed and to
ssed the can into the box. “When I’m done with the cupboards, I’ll attack the fridge. Tessa is sending over someone to help me clean today.” She paused and looked at the now-full box. She said in a quiet voice, “I’m trying, Jake.”
“Me too, Honey. I’m going to see if Macon and Lovie will explore the island today. No video games. Promise!”
Her eyes gleamed. “Good boy. By the way, I’m going to the market today to restock the shelves. Any requests?”
“Frozen pizza?”
“You got it.”
“And peanut butter, please. And jelly. And crackers. Some ice cream, too. Chocolate. And—” Honey cut me off.
“I’m not buying all junk! And I do have to be able to carry this home,” she said with a chuckle.
“Can I come with you?”
She shook her head. “Next time we’ll make a day of it. Who knows what we’ll find?”
“Great.” I beamed, looking forward to it.
“Oh, child, you’re medicine to my soul. You are showing me that even at my age, life can be an adventure.”
* * *
My first stop was to the island dump. Actually, I had so much trash, it took two trips. When I finished, I drove to Macon’s house, hoping we were still friends. I pulled into his driveway to find him unplugging his cart. I was glad I caught him in time.
“Want to hang out?” I asked.
He cast me a shaded glance, then shrugged. “I guess.”
“Hey, man, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to lose your phone.”
“And my Wi-Fi.”
I cringed. “Yeah,” I said with a groan.
“Hey, it’s okay,” he said, giving me a sidelong glance.
“Really?”
“Yeah. I thought I was gonna be stuck on this island alone. Then I’d have nothing to do but play video games.”
I smirked. “So you’re saying I’m better than video games?”
He guffawed. “Hardly. But yeah. You’re okay.”
I was relieved. “Let’s go get Lovie. If she’ll talk to us. Your cart or mine?”
Macon sauntered to my cart. “There’s nothing to do around here, so yeah, fine. Let’s go.”
The Islanders Page 7