Archie of Outlandish

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Archie of Outlandish Page 5

by Lynnette Kraft


  As if their conversation had not just derailed, Gemma said, “I see you’re leaving, but if you wouldn’t mind connecting me with the family of magicians you spoke of?”

  Archie opened his umbrella, stood, picked up his book, and turned to leave. “Have a nice day, Ms. Perrelli.”

  As he walked away, Gemma stood and started to apologize but didn’t. Instead, she said to herself, “He sure showed me,” and then she smiled with satisfaction—not over her success, but over his and then said loud enough for him to hear, “Gosh, I love young people.”

  5

  Archie waited for Tallie at Flavors of the Earth. When she arrived he wasted no time in asking (for fear of losing courage), “Would you mind if we spent the evening at my house? I started to bring my writing here, but it was such an armful, I thought I might take you to it instead.”

  When they got outside, Archie offered his arm (and umbrella shaft) and said, “Shall we?”

  Tallie and Archie walked under the umbrella until they reached the Plumby residence where both of his parents were enjoying a quiet evening drinking tea and watching television.

  “Mother, Father, you’ve both met Tallie.”

  Annella was barefoot and wearing a sleeveless green linen dress. She walked over to greet Tallie by not quite kissing both cheeks, as the British tend to do.

  “It’s lovely to see you again, Tallie.”

  “You too, Mrs. Plumby. Wow, you look amazing in green.”

  Annella seemed flattered by her words. “Oh, thank you, dear. My mother always told me to wear green. She said it looked nice with my eyes. So of course I’ve worn green a lot through the years,” she said with a chuckle.

  Tallie examined the room around her.

  “Your house is gorgeous,” Tallie said. “All the white makes everything look so fresh and clean.”

  “I use the walls and floors like my canvas,” Annella said. “All the pieces of nature look so much nicer against it. Don’t you think?”

  “I do,” she said. “It’s so inviting.”

  “I’ve always loved bringing nature inside,” said Annella. “It soothes me.”

  Tallie glimpsed around the room and saw dried flowers and herbs hanging from a white beam, as well as hemp rugs, bamboo window coverings, a variety of baskets, and rugged pieces of pottery. Colorful bouquets of flowers sat on tables that were painted white and shells and rocks were scattered here and there.

  “It smells wonderful in here,” she said.

  Albert chuckled, “You’ve got that right. If it’s not the food it’s the flowers. Always something to take a good whiff of.”

  Archie stood and listened as his mother and Tallie discussed their love for nature . . . and food . . . and the beach. But then Albert said with a chuckle, “Nella, let them get on with their evening,” to which Annella replied, “Yes, you’re right, dear. Go on, you two.”

  Archie led Tallie up the stairs to his room. The first thing Tallie noticed was the doorknob sat very low on the door. She pointed to it.

  “Yes, I know it’s unusual,” he said, “and it only gets more so from here. When I open the door, you’ll have to duck down to go in.”

  “Duck down?”

  “Yes, quite low, too. There’s a dropped ceiling you’re certain to crash into if you don’t duck. You won’t be able to stand when you’re inside. We’ll have to sit, and . . . well, crawl. Sorry.”

  “Oh don’t be sorry. I’m beyond curious at this point.”

  He opened the door and then ducked in and dropped to his knees on the wooden floor. Tallie giggled as she followed him in the same manner. Once inside the room, Archie moved over to the bookshelf. Tallie followed.

  “Here they are,” he said pointing to his books.

  Tallie sat cross-legged and looked, not at the books, but at Archie’s room.

  “Archibald, this is fantastic!”

  Archie smiled.

  “Seriously, who thought of this?”

  “My parents did.”

  Pointing at the poles that framed his movable ceiling, Archie said, “Father used bamboo so it would be lightweight.”

  “Why does it need to be lightweight?” Tallie asked.

  “Because it was made to be adjustable, so as I grew, the ceiling could move up.” Pointing to the holes in the corners, he said, “Those holes are for the pegs that make the ceiling work like an adjustable shelf.”

  Putting both hands in the air as if filling the space in between Archie added, “Mother stretched the loose burlap across them so I could still have the light from the windows. Otherwise it would have been very gloomy in here since the windows are above the ceiling. I love having the natural light.”

  “It’s so innovative,” said Tallie.

  “Yes, Father’s always been good with stuff like that, and Mother has been very creative in helping me figure out how to manage.”

  “Why don’t you just use your umbrellas in here like you do everywhere else?”

  “Because I like having a place where I can move around freely while being able to use both hands at the same time.”

  “Oh, I didn’t think of that. That makes perfect sense. But that makes me wonder, how do you manage when you need two hands in the kitchen, or other places?

  “That’s where my ridiculous umbrella hat comes in. Please don’t ask to see it.”

  “Ha! Okay, I won’t. But it sounds pretty great.”

  Tallie continued to look around at the rest of Archie’s room. “I feel like a child hidden inside an elaborate fort. Oh my gosh, look at your bed!” She crawled over to it and pointed at it. “Do you mind if I . . . ?”

  “Not at all.”

  Tallie lay down on the bed and looked up at the canopy. “Seriously, Archibald. I’ve wanted a canopy over my bed for . . . my entire life! You’re so lucky.”

  When she tried to sit up to move off of the bed, her head hit the canopy, so instead she rolled off and landed on her knees. She then proceeded to crawl toward the bookshelf.

  Archie was amused. Tallie resumed her cross-legged position. “Those are nice red shoes.”

  Archie looked over to the three pairs of shoes that stood by his dresser. “I actually never wore them out of the house.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m ashamed to admit, I lacked the courage.”

  “Oh, did your mom buy them for you?”

  “No, I actually begged Mother for them when I was twelve, but I quickly realized red leather shoes weren’t a common choice for young boys, and I guess I chickened out.”

  “At least they make a nice bedroom decoration,” Tallie said.

  “True. I do still admire them, and I was so disappointed when I outgrew them. But I left them there to remind myself to heed opportunities rather than miss them.”

  Tallie shook her head. “What a mature thing to do at such a young age.”

  “Would you like to see my stories now?” he asked.

  “Yes. Show me.”

  Just as he lifted a book off of his shelf, Tallie touched an item and asked Archie, “What are these?”

  Archie picked up a piece of pink sea glass and handed it to her. “Mermaid tears,” he said seriously.

  “Mermaid tears?”

  Showing mock surprise at her disbelief, Archie said, “Mermaids have had many things to shed tears over. Just think of how many sailors and captains have perished at sea. You think that’s easy for a lady to witness?”

  Holding the sea glass underneath her eye, she said, “A sad mermaid. I don’t like thinking about it.”

  Archie chuckled. “Well, let me put your mind at ease. It’s actually just sea glass.”

  “Really?” asked Tallie.

  “Yes, and pink is a rare color. They say most of it comes from the depression era.”

  She put it closer to
her face and turned it over in her hand. “Interesting. Is all sea glass frosted like this?”

  Archie pulled down a jar that was full of various colors, sizes and shapes of sea glass. He handed it to Tallie. “Yes. It’s the salt in the sea. It erodes the glass, reshaping it as well as frosting it.”

  Tallie poured a few pieces out into her hand. “It’s pretty.”

  Taking a piece of the brown glass from Tallie’s hand he said, “Humans pollute the ocean with glass, and the ocean offers it back as art.”

  “I love that! It’s true with so many things in nature, isn’t it? Is there a lot of sea glass on this beach?” she asked.

  “There’s actually a beach farther north called Glass Beach. It’s full of it, but there is some here. Would you like to try to find some before you leave?”

  “I would love to.”

  “All right,” Archie said. “But the savvy collectors check tide charts and search when the tide is at its lowest. If you go after they’ve been, you won’t find much.”

  “Well, then let’s use the tide chart and search with the pros!” she said with excitement.

  Since Tallie seemed to enjoy the variety of pieces in his collection, Archie spent the next thirty minutes or so handing her this and that off of his shelf and telling her stories about when and how he’d discovered each subject (although not every item had an elaborate story).

  Archie reached to the top of his shelf and pulled down a large abalone shell. Handing it to Tallie, he said, “This is the last of my treasures. My personal favorite as well.”

  When he put it in Tallie’s hand, he heard her gasp softly. He watched her slide two fingers along the smooth iridescent interior. Archie noticed she had become very serious. “The colors are spectacular, aren’t they?” he asked.

  “Yes. I’ve always loved abalone. Did you find this on the beach?” she asked.

  Archie nodded. “I haven’t seen very many here. And this one is pretty big.”

  Tallie held the shell with care, outlining it with her fingertips. She then looked up at Archie with a forced smile. “My mom loved abalone.” Tallie lifted out a silver-framed, abalone pendant, which was hidden inside her shirt on a silver chain. “This was hers.”

  “Was hers?”

  “She died last year. She was only thirty-nine.”

  Archie put his hand on Tallie’s arm. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

  “Thanks. I really miss her.”

  “And your father?” asked Archie.

  “I’ve never known my dad. He left my mom before I was born.”

  “Brothers? Sisters?” Archie asked.

  Tallie shook her head. “That’s what makes it so hard. There’s nobody to talk to. Nobody loved her like I did. Do.”

  They both sat in silence until Tallie said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t plan to bring it up.”

  “How did she die?”

  “What does everyone seem to die of these days?”

  “Was it cancer?” he asked.

  Tallie nodded. “I am glad she isn’t suffering anymore. It was hard to see her so sick.”

  “I never would have guessed you’d experienced such a horrible loss,” Archie said. “You seem so happy.”

  Tallie remained silent.

  “I don’t mean to make light of your pain. I can’t imagine how horrible that would be.”

  “I know God has a plan for my life,” she said confidently. “That’s what keeps me moving forward. My mom would have wanted me to do that. It’s what she did when my dad left.”

  “It sounds like you had a wonderful mother.”

  “I did, Archibald. She tried to stay alive for me. She fought hard and did everything humanly possible. She wouldn’t talk about dying until I begged her to. And that was only a few days before she died. I really needed her to tell me what to do, but she was bound and determined to be here for me.”

  Archie felt a pang in his heart. He found himself thinking about his own mother and the thought of losing her made him so sad that he considered trying to change the subject. But he knew he needed to be sympathetic to Tallie’s situation, so he took in a deep breath and mustered up the courage to say, “Did your mother give you any advice before she died? Any last wishes?”

  Tallie pinched her throat like she might be working out a lump and let out a little, “Ugh.”

  “That was the wrong question, wasn’t it? I’m sorry. I really don’t know what to say. I lack experience . . .”

  “No, it’s okay,” Tallie said reassuredly. “I’m glad you don’t have that kind of experience. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

  “What was most important to her was that I not be alone. I guess because there was no other family, she worried about me. She told me to find someone that would be a good friend to me. Someone that would keep me busy and help me to move forward with my life.”

  “Have you found anyone?” Archie asked.

  “Not yet. That was one reason I was so excited when I connected with Ms. Perrelli, but so far our relationship is strictly business, so I don’t know.”

  “Anyway,” Tallie said shaking off her feelings. “My mom also wanted me to pursue photography. She thought I had an eye for it.”

  “Do you enjoy taking photographs?” Archie asked.

  “Yeah, I love it,” Tallie answered. “But there are so many photographers out there. I’m not sure how I’ll stand out. Actually, I’m not even sure I want the pressure of an actual photography job. I think I’d rather do it as a hobby. But unfortunately I can’t live off a hobby.”

  Archie smiled. “True. But wouldn’t it be great if we could?”

  “It would be,” she answered.

  “How did you meet Ms. Perrelli?” Archie asked.

  “You know,” said Tallie, “she actually pursued me.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah, it turns out we both live in Portland. She has her regular coffee place called Junipers, which my mom’s friend, Patrice, owns. I’m actually staying with Patrice. She’s been so good to me since my mom died. Anyway, Patrice covers her walls with my photographs. I’m sure only to be nice.”

  “Oh, I doubt that. Did Ms. Perrelli notice your photographs while having coffee?”

  Tallie smirked. “Yes, but I think she only wanted to help me improve.”

  “If she did, she still must have seen that special something your mother saw.”

  “Maybe you’re right,” answered Tallie. “Anyway, I’m grateful for her help and I do think God opened that door for me, but everyone is a photographer these days. I have no idea how I’ll ever get noticed.”

  “If Ms. Perrelli is as well-known as I understand her to be, maybe you’ve already been noticed.”

  Tallie smiled. “I guess I didn’t think of that. Speaking of Ms. Perrelli, what exactly did you two talk about?”

  “Would it be all right if we avoided that topic tonight?”

  Tallie looked pained.

  “Oh, I’m not bothered by her,” he said. “She and I just don’t see eye to eye.”

  “She does seem to know her mind, doesn’t she?”

  Archie shook his head. “Actually, I don’t think she does.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  Archie was silent for a moment. “I shouldn’t say. You are her protégé.”

  “Yes, but I can think for myself,” she added, lifting her chin.

  Archie nodded once. “Well, I think her success made her wander from what truly makes her happy and now she’s looking for fulfillment from other people’s successes. I don’t think she’ll ever find it there.”

  “You don’t think she loves photography?”

  “I think she had accidental success on her way to pursuing something else . . . something she wanted more.”

  “But don’t you think fate can look like an accident
?”

  “As in serendipitous events? Yes. I do believe that can happen, but I don’t think that is what happened to Ms. Perrelli. I believe it was, as I said before, accidental success that led her away from what she was meant to do. If it was fate, I would expect her to be happy.”

  “Why do you think she’s unhappy?”

  “Does she seem happy to you?” asked Archie.

  “I don’t know,” answered Tallie. “I guess I’ve never really thought about it. She definitely seems confident.”

  Archie looked a bit apologetic and said, “You know what? I shouldn’t have made assumptions about Ms. Perrelli. She did that with me and I didn’t appreciate it, so I . . . guess she wouldn’t, either.”

  “She told me she upset you,” Tallie said.

  “Did she?”

  Tallie nodded. “I think she means well. I hope.”

  Archie doubted that. “I guess. Now why don’t I show you my stories?”

  “Yes,” said Tallie. “Why don’t you?”

  6

  Sundays were for mingling in Outlandish. Most residents in the community met on the beach for a potluck brunch at 10:00 a.m., which lasted until around noon, at which time everyone went home for their afternoon naps. At 3:00 p.m., those who wished to (not nearly as many as attended the brunch) met in what was referred to as Central Circle, an actual circle in the center of Outlandish.

  The center of town was as vivid and beautiful as the rest of Outlandish. Brightly painted buildings covered in decorated signs surrounded the circle. Flowers overflowed and hung from every lamppost, but the real showstopper was the mosaic fountain that sat in the center of it all. While it was something to stop and stare at, it was only because it was enormous and the shape of it was unidentifiable. The water shot up out of the top of it, and it might have been at least somewhat pretty if the mosaic tiles had been placed in a particular design or pattern, but instead, members of the community placed the tiles in random fashion, so it was mostly just bizarre; however, it was exactly as the community planned it to be, which was a fountain constructed and displayed to communicate the acceptance of diversity. So, while unusual, it was not out of place in Outlandish, and the people were proud of it.

 

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