Around the grand fountain was where the people met for church on Sundays, and the fashion in which they worshipped was not exactly bizarre but certainly not conventional, either. The people put their blankets out and placed their lawn chairs on the thick grass covering the ground around the fountain. It might have looked a little more like an outdoor concert. A variety of groups gathered (some large, some small), and there were always a few who, by choice, sat alone. Together the people studied their bibles, prayed, and chatted.
On this particular Sunday, the Plumbys sat alone on their oversized quilt. Elder Francis walked through the crowd of people as he wrapped up his short sermon to get ready for discussion time.
With his arms outstretched the elder spoke gently, “Romans 12 instructs us to be devoted to each other like a loving family and excel in showing respect for each other. Friends, do not be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. Be happy in your confidence, be patient in your trouble, and pray continually. Share what you have with God’s people who are in need and be hospitable.
“Brothers and sisters, may we begin these very practices in this very moment and may those around you, as well as those throughout our entire community, feel the love of Christ through your service to them as well as your kindness.”
When the elder walked away, Archie turned and said, “Father, is it wrong that I walked out on Ms. Perrelli yesterday? I don’t suppose it was a gesture of kindness.”
Albert put his hands on his knees and leaned forward. “Only you can answer that, son. If you were sparing her what was coming next, I would say it was definitely a gesture of kindness.”
“Oh, Albert!” Annella piped in. “You know Archie wouldn’t have done anything at all.”
Albert chuckled. “Well, now, you never know. If he’s anything like his father . . .”
“Albert!” Annella said shaking her head. “Did you not learn anything from the elder’s sermon today?”
Albert only laughed.
Archie hadn’t even noticed his parents’ amusing exchange; instead he was still considering the situation. “Mother, I was so bothered by Ms. Perrelli. I’ve never met a prouder person in all my life. It seems everything she does and says is either to boast or to gain something. How do you handle people like that?”
“Archie, I know you want to be at peace with the situation, but perhaps the problem lies with Ms. Perrelli. I doubt it has anything to do with you. I suggest you check your own heart and then let it go.”
“Yes. You’re right.”
Albert looked around Archie’s umbrella. “It looks like you’re going to have to figure it out—and pretty quickly.”
Archie felt instant dread. “Oh, brother,” he said under his breath.
But it wasn’t Gemma Perrelli’s voice he first heard. It was Tallie’s. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Plumby.” Tallie bent over and ducked her head down to meet with Archie’s and said a little shyly, “Hi, Archibald.”
Archie stood immediately and turned around to confirm Gemma was with Tallie. He nodded and tried to smile but then focused his attention only on Tallie.
“Good afternoon, Tallie,” he said, feeling his face grow warm.
Tallie scanned the area. “What is this?”
“We’re having church.”
“Church? Out here?”
“Yes. We meet here in Central Circle every Sunday at three.”
“I’ve never seen a church that looks like this one,” Tallie said.
Archie waited for a moment but eventually smiled and admitted, “Yes, this is probably a little different than what you’re used to.”
Tallie felt Gemma poke her shoulder blade and quickly said, “Oh! Ms. Perrelli wanted to find you, Archibald.”
Gemma walked forward and offered a half smile. “Hello again, Archie.”
Archie quickly made the decision to make peace with Gemma. “Ms. Perrelli, you’ve met my father.”
Gemma put her hand out and said, “Yes, it’s nice to see you again, Mr. Plumby.”
Archie continued, “And this is my mother, Chef Annella.”
Annella laughed and shook her head. “Just Annella is fine.”
Gemma reached her hand out to Archie’s mother and said, “Archie speaks very highly of you. I think I could learn a lot from you.”
Annella looked curiously at Archie. “Hmmm. I’m not sure about that.” Looking back to Ms. Perrelli she added, “It’s nice to meet you.”
Gemma turned her attention to Archie. “About yesterday . . . I think my words came out more bluntly than I intended. I guess it’s a good thing I tell stories with photographs, yeah?”
When she followed her apology with a piercing laugh, Archie was a little irritated; however, he knew he would be required to forgive her . . . for his own peace of mind. So he took a deep breath and said, “Of course I forgive you . . . if . . . that’s what . . . you’re looking for.”
Gemma evidently found his response a little amusing, for she smiled, but because his expression was sober, she said seriously, “Yes, Archie. I’m seeking your forgiveness.”
Turning his attention back to Tallie he said, “The elder is just about to conclude the service. Would you care to stay for the parting hymn?”
“Now hymns are familiar,” said Tallie.
Archie invited her to share his umbrella, and Gemma, feeling a little out of place at that point said, “I think I’ll head back, Tallie. I’ll see you at dinner?” When Gemma turned to leave, Archie remembered the elder’s words: “Show the love of Christ to others through service and through kindness.” He immediately felt bad for not inviting her to stay as well, so he turned and said, “Would you like to stay for the parting hymn, Ms. Perrelli?”
Gemma smiled but didn’t turn to show it to Archie. Instead, she just lifted her hand in acknowledgment and hollered back to him, “No, thank you!”
Archie nodded as he turned back around and felt better for offering the invitation.
Before the parting hymn, the elders always took a few minutes each week to share the community’s needs and upcoming events. Most often it was one of the retirees who was ill and in need of assistance and meals, but sometimes there would be a special event that needed service, a community cleanup day, or a party planned to welcome a newcomer. This week, Elder Francis said only, “Remember, next Saturday morning we are meeting to clean the fountain. The town will provide everything needed. Just have a good breakfast and come prepared to scrub. Oh . . . and just in case you need some added incentive, Pizza Garden will provide a meal for all who are still present at the lunch hour.”
Tallie whispered to Archie, “That must be a pretty special fountain.”
Archie laughed and said quietly, “Yes, I guess it is.”
“I’m assuming there’s a story there?”
“No, not really,” Archie answered.
“Well, I think I’ll photograph it before I leave.”
Archie looked surprised. “Why would you want to do that?”
“Because it’s the strangest looking fountain I’ve ever seen,” she said, stifling a laugh.
Archie looked at Tallie. “Outlandish and you seem to get along. Are you going to stay for a while?”
“Unfortunately, only until Tuesday morning,” she said a little sadly.
Archie felt a little gloomy at her news, but because he didn’t want to appear as vulnerable as he felt, he only smiled and said, “I see,” before turning his head back to the elder.
Tallie also carried her own bit of disappointment over having to leave so soon.
Elder Francis lifted his arms and said, “Let us sing together!”
Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our w
ay
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God, through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!
All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;
The Son and Him who reigns with them in highest Heaven;
The one eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
7
It was Monday afternoon at low tide when Archie and Tallie went to the beach together to collect sea glass. Tallie had forgotten to bring along a container, so Archie offered his shirt.
“Just drop them in here,” he said, holding out the bottom of his shirt.
“Are you sure?” Tallie asked. “I don’t want to ruin it.”
“Of course. It’ll only get dirty, not ruined.”
“My human bucket, huh?”
“I’ve been called worse things,” he said with a chuckle.
Archie followed Tallie as she walked with her head down and her back bent in search of her beach treasures. He was charmed by her uninhibited enthusiasm and hoped she wouldn’t soon find him boring for his steady and undemanding demeanor.
“What’s this?” she asked, walking toward him with something in her hand.
“It appears to be . . . a rock.”
She laughed. “Well, at least it’s a pretty one!”
“Do you want to keep it?” he asked.
“No, that’s okay,” she said taking one last look and throwing it in the waves.
Tallie turned and walked away to continue her search. Archie knew she saw something when she began to run. Turning toward Archie she shouted, “Archibald, I think it’s sea glass!”
Just as she was about to grab it up, an old man who was standing nearby picked it up, stuffed it in his pocket without even inspecting it, and turned to walk away. Tallie gasped, “Did you see that? He didn’t even look at me!”
“I’m sorry. Collectors can be pretty ruthless.”
“Sheesh. I guess.”
Archie gave her a sympathetic look. “Why don’t we go and look by the rocks?”
Tallie shrugged and seemed discouraged. “Look at all the people over there. I’ll bet they’ve already taken everything.”
“You never know until you look for yourself,” he said.
Archie and his umbrella leaned against a rock and waited as Tallie searched. He was entertained by the excitement she expressed over each little item found. When she seemed to be content with her finds, she finally walked up to Archie and waited for him to hold out his shirt.
Dropping the items in, she said, “Can we move a little closer to the water?”
“You go ahead,” he said. “I’ll wait here.”
“Are you sure? You’re not getting bored, are you?”
“Not at all,” he said.
“Okay. I’ll be right back!” she said before running off.
What he didn’t tell Tallie was that he’d stumbled over the rocks a few times and since both hands were occupied at present, he didn’t want to run the risk of creating a scene.
The wind was blowing lightly, as it often did, and Tallie seemed to be annoyed at the way her hair kept blowing into her face, but Archie was amused at the way she continually pushed it away and pulled it out of her mouth. In fact, he was so distracted by it that he failed to notice the wave coming in behind her, so without a warning, it crashed against her while she was still bent over. Archie jolted away from the rock, dropping everything that was in his shirt and ran toward her.
She laughed as she continued running away from the water. Archie moved toward her and grabbed her hand as soon as he could. Together they ran away from the water. When they were at a safe distance from the waves, they laughed together under Archie’s umbrella.
“Oh boy!” she said, looking down at her wet clothes.
“You don’t visit the beach much, do you?” he asked.
“How’d you guess?”
“May I give you a piece of advice?”
“I’m listening,” she said.
“Never turn your back to the water.”
“Lesson learned!” she said, laughing and squeezing the water from her hair. “But it was worth it! Look what I found!”
Tallie opened her hand and held out a little piece of pink sea glass.
“Didn’t you say pink is one of the hardest to find?”
“Yes, it is,” he said. “I’m surprised you held onto it when the wave hit.”
“Me, too!”
Tallie started to put her glass in his shirt. “Oh. Where . . . ?”
“Oh no. When I ran to rescue you, I must have dropped everything.”
“Rescue me?” she laughed.
He turned to look back where he was standing and saw the little pile he had dropped.
“It looks like everything is safe, though.”
Tallie ran over and sat in the sand to look at everything she’d gathered.
Archie knew immediately it was a bad decision. “You do realize you just sat a very wet you down in the dry sand?”
Tallie stood quickly and soon realized her mistake. “Oh, I didn’t think of that” she said with a sigh. “Is that rule number two?”
“Evidently,” he said. “Portland isn’t so far from the beach. Why haven’t you been more often?”
“I only moved to Portland when my mom was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. She was having treatment there. I’m originally from Kansas City. I don’t have much experience with coastal living.”
“Ah! It all makes sense now. Well, I was going to ask you to go for tea, but maybe you’ll want to change first?”
“Oh, that’s okay. I have to meet Gemma for dinner, so I don’t have much time. Why don’t we just hang out while I dry off, and then I’ll go and get ready for dinner? That is if you won’t be embarrassed being with me,” she said looking down at her wet clothes.
Archie shook his head. “Impossible. Why don’t we go to my place? We can have our tea on the porch and the sun can dry you.”
“That sounds perfect.”
While having tea, Archie and Tallie talked and laughed and spent those hours feeling like they’d known each other much longer than they had.
When it was time for Tallie to leave, Archie said, “I’d like to see you off tomorrow if you don’t mind. What time are you leaving?”
“Around nine, I think.”
“Would it be all right if I met you at The Lupine a little before nine?”
“Sure!” Putting her hand on Archie’s arm, Tallie said, “I had a lot of fun today, Archibald.”
He glanced down at her hand on his arm. “So did I, Tallie.”
“Well, I better run.” She turned to leave and hollered back, “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow!”
On Tuesday morning, Archie met Tallie at The Lupine. Holding up a brown bag he said, “I brought you some of my mother’s pastries.”
Looking inside the bag she squealed, “The orange cheesecake ones!”
“Indeed,” said Archie, chuckling. “I’d be more than happy to tell you what they’re really called.”
“I guess you’d better,” she said laughing.
“Are you ready for this?” asked Archie in a teasing voice.
Tallie opened her eyes widely and nodded exaggeratedly.
“Orange . . . Cheese . . . Pastries.”
Showing mock disappointment, Tallie said, “That’s it?”
“Yes. Direct and to the point though. Don’t you think?”
Tallie said, “If it were my job to give them a name, I would name th
em . . .” Looking up at the sky while she considered the perfect words she said slowly, “Luscious . . . Cheesy . . . Orange . . . Happiness!”
Archie laughed. “Very clever. I’ll let Mother know. She might be willing to change the name.”
Because they were laughing, they didn’t see Gemma Perrelli walk out the door of The Lupine.
“Oh, hi Archie,” Gemma said casually.
Archie and Tallie both startled, but then Archie said, “Good morning.”
Gemma set her suitcase down and asked, “Will you watch this for me, Tallie? I think I dropped my lens cap somewhere.”
When Gemma walked back inside, Archie said, rolling his eyes, “Well, that’s a relief.”
She slapped his arm playfully. “Archibald!”
“Well, it is.”
“You’re funny.”
“You think so?” he asked, truly curious.
“Well, you make me laugh.”
Only a few people had ever considered Archie funny (at least as far as he knew) and those were his mother, his father and his lifelong friend, Luke. He knew that was because those were the people he was most comfortable around and could be completely himself with.
He reached out and touched Tallie’s cheek with the back of his hand. “I’m so happy we met, Tallie.”
Feeling he might have been a little too forward, he quickly pulled his hand away. Tallie felt her neck and face grow warm, and wondered if she was getting splotchy, but she enjoyed Archie’s show of affection so decided not to worry about it.
“So am I, Archibald. I am sad about not getting any photos of you, though. The time went by too fast.”
Archie surprised himself by lifting his hand once again and placing it against her upper arm.
“Well then, you’ll just have to come back to get your pictures.”
“I will,” she answered.
“When?”
“I don’t know, but I promise I will.”
He lowered his hand from her arm. “Mind if I write to you?”
“I’d love it!” said Tallie. “Or you could call.”
Archie said, “I’m afraid I’m not much for talking on the phone.”
Archie of Outlandish Page 6