by Matt Shea
The church picnic inaugurated the new season. The highlight would be the Flower Harvest and parade the following weekend. Teddy had six days to win-over Luke Picket.
The grandson returned home with his grandmother. They smiled at each other with the acknowledgment of another great day shared. Teddy was tired and wanted to go to bed early. He discussed the problems he had with Luke Picket and doubted if he could change his mind.
Teddy's grandmother did what she did best; she gave advice. “Teddy,” she asked, “What do you do when you have a problem?”
The boy thought for a moment and answered, “I pray to God.”
“Does it work?” asked the guardian.
Teddy smiled and said, “Every time!”
The grandmother said, “You know what to do, and everything will work out just fine.” She hugged Teddy, and together they said goodnight prayers. She tucked him in bed and kissed him saying, “Good night.”
“Good Night, grandma,” said Teddy. The grandmother turned off the lights and left the room.
Teddy prayed. He asked God to give him a friendship with Luke. He wanted Luke to trust the “right” people with his sister, mother, and himself. Most of all, he wanted Jody to join the other girls for the Spring Flower Harvest. Monday would be dedicated to diplomacy.
Teddy went to school on a mission. His first objective would be to accompany Luke at break time. He brought some homemade cookies to share as a peace offering. The nervous Teddy spotted Luke and invited himself to his table. The moment he sat down, Luke left. Lunch time had a different effect. Teddy again sat next to Luke. Luke stared at him and said, “I don't like you!”
“But I want to share some cookies with you,” said Teddy. He then offered him a cookie.
“I don't want anything from you!” exclaimed Luke, and he left.
***
Teddy didn’t know what to do. When he arrived home after school, Teddy shared the day’s frustrations with his grandmother.
“Our Lord has given you the tools and the time to accomplish what you need to do,” she said. “Keep praying, and keep trying!”
Teddy accepted her advice and vowed not to give up.
The next day turned for the worst. Teddy saw Jody Picket in the hallway and said, “Hello.”
Luke saw the friendly exchange and attacked Teddy. He confronted him saying, “Stay away from my sister!” He then pushed Teddy down on the floor. Students gathered around the ruckus as a teacher hurried to the scene.
“What's going on here?” asked a concerned Mr. Kemp.
“Nothing,” said Teddy. “I slipped and fell down.” Teddy's testimony was enough to dismiss foul play.
Mr. Kemp asked Teddy if he was hurt.
“No, I'm fine,” replied Teddy.
“I am glad to hear that,” said the teacher. He helped Teddy back on his feet saying, “You need to be more careful.”
Teddy received an answered prayer: Luke smiled at him with gratitude! Teddy realized that he was now inside his “barrier.” He would allow Luke to make the next move.
“How was school today?” asked the grandmother as Teddy entered the home.
The grandson told his grandmother about being pushed by Luke. He then explained that Luke was glad that he didn't get him in trouble. “That's what forgiveness does,” she pointed out. “If we all learn to forgive, then our problems go away!”
Teddy looked at her as he absorbed the lesson.
“I bet you two become great friends one day,” she continued.
Teddy hugged his grandmother over the thought of having a friendship with Luke. He couldn't wait for school.
It was Wednesday, with the Flower Harvest three days away. Teddy longed for Luke's presence, but it had to arrive on his terms. The lunchroom would be the most likely place for such a meeting. It happened!
The popular Teddy Downing found a small hidden corner in the cafeteria. Like his subject, he would eat alone. The natural surroundings drew Luke. The loner sat with Teddy and began to speak. “That was pretty cool how you handled Mr. Kemp. Thanks.”
“You're welcome,” said Teddy.
Luke left.
Teddy was relieved. Luke rarely spoke to any of his classmates, but he talked to him. He was getting progress in small portions, but would there be enough for Saturday?
Teddy shared the experience with his grandmother after school.
“Teddy, that was probably the best he could do,” she said. “Keep praying, and keep trying. God is working with both of you.”
Teddy had two days left to gain Luke’s trust. He would continue to try.
Thursday Luke was distant. He seemed to use a strategy that guaranteed isolation. Teddy, like the others couldn't get close to him. He was seldom seen outside of class. Friday yielded the same results. It would all come down to a show-down on Saturday. Jody needed to be a part of this year’s festival.
Friday night had a surprise waiting for Teddy. His grandmother made arrangements to have Pastor Mills over for dinner. This would be the cavalry. If there was ever a time where Teddy needed extra spiritual help, it was now. He realized that his grandmother was several steps ahead of him.
The pastor was to arrive within the hour with a wonderful dinner already prepared. Teddy raced to his bedroom to finish his homework.
Teddy anxiously completed his assignments as a knock was heard at the front door. He opened the door to find their honored guest.
“Hello, Teddy,” said Pastor Mills.
“Hello, pastor,” responded Teddy. The two embraced in a hug.
Emily Downing entered the living room and greeted Pastor Mills. “We are glad that you could join us this evening,” she said.
The pastor took off his coat and handed it to Emily’s open hands. She hung the jacket in the closet and led their guest to the dinner table.
Dinner was ready. Roast beef was accompanied with salad, mash potatoes, and gravy. A homemade cherry pie would be desert.
They sat down with pastor saying grace. Once finished, a conversation arose.
“Your grandmother has told me the efforts you have made towards Luke Picket,” said Pastor Mills. “We are all proud of you!”
Teddy sat up straight and grinned from the compliment.
The pastor continued to talk. “The teachers at school noticed that Luke seems to respect you. They say that you are the only one he will actually talk to. His sister, Jody, respects you as a good person; that makes Luke appreciate you.”
Teddy digested the pastor’s information as they ate.
Pastor Mills talked more. “Everyone wants to see Jody get involved with the Flower Harvest. We have no authority to force this. We feel that God selected you to bring her to us. Luke will only listen to you. Your grandmother tells me that this is attributed to you asking God for help. I couldn't agree with her more. Our Lord only works through us- if we reach out to him. Keep praying to God, and keep working on Luke.”
“I promise!” exclaimed Teddy. He would pray for more help. He knew that he needed one more opportunity to get close to Luke and save Jody.
Saturday arrived with the Flower Harvest hours away. Luck would have it that Luke and Jody Picket lived next to the park where the Flower Harvest was held. A dirt trail led to their back yard from the very pasture the flowers were to be picked. Teddy would be there as a volunteer to assist parade marshals.
He was out of time and had to confront Luke. This was the final moments to plead his case. Teddy took a reserve flower basket and walked up the path that led to the Picket residence. As he approached, he saw the brother and sister surveying the activity below. Luke gazed at Teddy Downing with a stern look. Teddy was now standing in front of Luke and laid the empty flower basket on the ground.
The girls were gathering in the meadow below with their flower baskets. The officials were organizing what groups would pick in what area. Like an Easter egg hunt, the gold was everywhere! The ritual would start in a few minutes and last for several hours. Jody watched in
anticipation as Teddy stared at her brother. Like an ambassador, Teddy began to debate.
“Can Jody join in?” asked Teddy.
“She has been out here long enough and needs to go home!” barked Luke.
“This is a tradition with the community that includes all girls. Jody deserves to be here,” exclaimed Teddy.
“She's my sister, and I will tell her what to do!” yelled Luke.
“You are not her dad; you are her brother,” said Teddy. “You are also the greatest brother anyone could ever have. I don't have a father either. All I have is my grandmother. You have your mother and a sister. When they need a man, you live up to it! I wish that I had a dad like you.”
Luke grinned at Teddy with the realization that someone actually knew his cause. He felt vindicated.
Teddy continued, “Everyone knows that you are a man. Nobody could be what you are for your mother and sister. Sometimes, a brother is needed too, especially when parents don't understand. Sometimes, they prevent their child from doing something good with other children; but a big brother would never let that happen. Jody needs her brother now!”
Luke stared at Teddy and buckled with the truth. He shook with emotions as tears ran out of his eyes. He looked at his little sister and saw a face full of hope. He bent over to pick her up and began to cry. He placed her back down. With enthusiasm he asked her, “Would you like to pick flowers with the other girls?”
Innocent brown eyes lit up with excitement as she nodded her head up and down. Jody hugged her brother and thanked him. She was free! The child grabbed the basket and ran down the trail to join the harvest.
The brother watched his sister run through the meadow and join the others. He stood tall realizing that she belonged. Luke turned and smiled at Teddy. With dignity he reached out to shake hands with his new friend.
THE WEST HILL DOUGHNUT SHOP
Harold and Mary Barton felt fortunate as they counted the days to their retirement. This milestone would be bittersweet due to the fact that they loved operating their famous doughnut shop. It was their wonderful customers that helped make it so special. Soon the retirees would start their golden years, with something missing...
A young nephew by the name of Teddy Downing traditionally spent part of his Christmas holiday with the elder couple. Teddy was consumed by an identity crisis. He was an adopted child who didn't know his parents. This made him feel outcast; as if he was never supposed to be born. What he was about to discover was that he did belong in this world. He would also unveil his aunt's secret pain and cure it. She was approaching old age and felt that she failed not having children of her own.
***
Mary Barton bent over to open the industrial size oven. Her padded kitchen gloves grabbed the first sheet of glazed doughnuts. She carefully removed the hot treats and placed them on the counter above.
Mrs. Barton looked up and saw a wool mitten wiping off frost from the shop's window. It moved in a circling motion until a smiling face with red cheeks could be seen peering through. Soon, many huddled in front of the small opening like a choir ready to sing.
The Bartons were the most loved, charitable people in West Hill. They seemed to be the town's “Ozzie and Harriet”. Each wore wire-rimmed glasses with short, lively gray hair. Reddish cheeks accompanied their patent smiles. Every morning their first tray of warm doughnuts was shared with those waiting at the bus stop. Hot chocolate and cider would also accompany this act of goodwill.
Their kindness didn't stop there. Often, their small dining room was opened for those that were too cold to wait outside. As always, a fresh warm doughnut and hot drink was provided, free of charge.
The kind old woman put on her coat and picked up a tray full of fresh doughnuts. Her husband donned his jacket as he took a thermos of hot cider along with Styrofoam cups, joining her. They opened the front door to their shop and went outside. It was time to serve their first customers of the day, with the news out on the street that they were about to retire. Eager hands in leather gloves and woolen mittens surrounded the happy couple.
“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Barton,” said an eleven-year-old girl. “I am sure going to miss you.” The child hugged Mary Barton around her waist.
“You are very welcome and we will miss you,” said Mrs. Barton. “I hope this keeps you warm.”
“Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Barton,” said John Hightower, a middle aged African American man. He gracefully accepted a warm doughnut and a steaming cup of cider. “We are sure going to miss you when you retire.”
“Why thank you, John,” said Mr. Barton. “We will miss you and everyone else very much.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Barton, I appreciate this very much,” said fourteen-year-old Jay Turner. “You two have been great to everyone ever since you opened your shop. We are all going to miss you two.”
“Thank you, Jay,” said Harold Barton.
Many hungry mouths were filled with the treats for the final time. This was always the best part of Harold and Mary's day. It was now time to return to the shop and focus on their last day in business.
Upon entering the shop Harold made a distracting sound by clearing his throat. This intentionally got Mary's attention. The husband pointed at the calendar on the wall. Using his index finger, he pointed at the following day. She nodded her head with an understanding. That was the day when they would start their golden years. There was also another treat they were looking forward to. That morning they were expecting a visit from Mary's sister, Elma and their nephew, Teddy. It was an annual tradition to have Teddy spend this week with his aunt and uncle.
The business partners started to roll dough and prepare pastries for the oven. The rhythm of their production was interrupted by a jingle sound.
The bell on top of the door signaled its opening. The aging couple looked over at the lobby to find a heavy set twelve-year-old boy bundled up in a wool coat with matching neck scarf. His short sandy brown hair was exposed despite wearing ear muffs. He was holding a vintage plaid suitcase and had an enormous smile. A gray haired woman in her sixties was dressed identical, standing beside him. Teddy and Elma had arrived.
Teddy placed his suitcase on the floor and yelled, “Hi, Aunt Mary and uncle Harold!” He ran behind the counter and hugged both of them at once. “Can I help you make doughnuts today?” asked the nephew.
“Why sure you can,” answered Mary.
Harold and Mary walked over to Elma and gave her a hug. “It's so good to see my sister again!” said Mary.
“I missed you too,” said Elma.
The guests took off their heavy coats, neck scarfs and earmuffs and placed them on a coat rack that occupied a corner of the lobby. The four sat at a booth in the dining room and visited until an oven timer sounded. “I have to get back to work,” said Harold. The sixty-five-year-old man got up and went to the kitchen.
“I need to get back there too,” said Mary. “Please have some doughnuts with something to drink,” she offered. The aunt got up and went behind the counter. Teddy's eyes were wide open as he rolled his tongue across his lips in anticipation. Mary arrived in a minute with a tray full of pastries and two cups of milk. The relatives thanked her and began to eat the warm treats.
Afterward the sisters visited for a half hour while Teddy assisted in the kitchen. Harold pulled double duty as he worked with his helper and served customers.
It was getting close to eight o'clock in the morning with Elma commenting that she had appointments that day. She said that she had to leave and would return by the end of the week to get her grandson. Elma hugged Mary and Harold and thanked them for having Teddy over that week. “He has so much fun when he's here with you two,” said Elma.
“We love to have him here!” said Harold.
The grandmother bent over and addressed Teddy. She hugged him saying, “I am going to miss you!” She kissed him on the cheek and said, “Have a wonderful time with your aunt and uncle.” Elma went to the coat rack and put her winter garments on.
“Good-bye,” she said as she waved her hand. The sixty-two-year-old woman open the door and left.
Teddy looked at his aunt and uncle saying, “Hey, we need to make doughnuts!”
They laughed at their nephew with Harold responding, “Your right, boss!” They went behind the counter and instructed Teddy what to do as a constant flow of customers were being served.
Throughout the day, Teddy heard customers express to his aunt and uncle how happy they had made them through the years and how much they would miss them. Everyone who entered the shop congratulated them on their well-earned retirement. At one point flowers were delivered that had a large balloon that read; Happy Retirement. They were signed 'from your happy customers'. Teddy saw his aunt and uncle get teary eyed as they marveled at the thoughtful display.