Finding Will Hennie

by Joy Redmond

  Belle jumped out of the car and the two girls hugged and danced up and down.

  Sudie turned toward Will, “It’s Belle and Chief!”

  “I see them. Ya’ll come on in.”

  Belle ran up the stairs and hugged Will. “I’m so sorry about Rose. It sure is good to see this place again. I never thought I would.”

  Chief shook Will’s hand and patted him on the back. “Good to see you again. I just wish it was under better circumstances. I’m so sorry. Rose was one fantastic lady. We’re just glad we could make the trip. A friend of mine read about it in the paper and gave us a call. We got on the road as soon as possible.”

  “I sent you a letter,” Sudie said.

  “We must have left before the letter arrived,” Belle said. “Did we make it in time?”

  “We’re waiting for her urn to arrive. Come on in the house,” Will said.

  They all went inside and Sudie said, “Have a seat in the living room. I’ll get some iced tea and I’ll be right back. I’ve cooked enough for an army, so when you get hungry, we’ll eat.”

  Will didn’t want to be rude, so he took a seat and waited for Sudie to bring in the tea. Soon, the three of them were laughing and talking about old times.

  Chief was in the middle of a big tale when Will heard a soft knock on the door. “I’ll get it,” he said.

  Will opened the door and Prissy threw herself into his arms. “I’m so sorry. I left as soon as I got the letter.” She turned to the woman who was standing beside her. “Oh, this is Judy. She and I started working for Rose at the same time. She didn’t get a letter, but I called her and she wanted to come. So I just picked her up when I came through Arkansas. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Rose said she wanted all of her girls. You’re more than welcome, Judy. It’s nice to meet you. Come on in the living room. I think you’ll be happy to see who else showed up, Prissy.”

  Prissy walked into the living room. Before Will could say a word, the girls were all hugging and wiping tears of joy and sadness. Prissy introduced Judy.

  Will saw Chief tuck his head. One of your old girls, Chief? It really is a reunion. He wanted to laugh, but he managed to keep a straight face.

  Judy shook Chief’s hand and with a straight face said, “Nice to meet you.”

  Will left the room before he laughed out loud.

  For the rest of the day, the girls talked and laughed.

  Will stayed outside in the gazebo, so many memories running through his mind. He could hear Rose’s sweet voice telling him about her childhood. Then he remembered the last words Rose said after she told her story. “I was just another sin of Sandy Slough.”

  Will looked at Rose’s chair and he could see her beautiful face as if she were sitting in front of him. “My beautiful Rose. You weren’t a sin. You were a blessing to many people. And the best thing that ever happened to me. Miss Marylee took me in—she wiped away my childhood, and taught me to be a gentleman. You took me in—you washed away my innocence and taught me to be a man.” He wiped his eyes. He envisioned Gram, Miss Marylee, and Rose, floating on their clouds, sharing stories about him, each of them letting the other know how much they had loved Will Hennie.

  Will closed his eyes and he recalled Rose’s wise words when they were talking, right here in the gazebo. “Life is a bramble bush. Sometimes we pick the sweet berries. Sometimes, we just get tangled up in the vines and thorns. It all balances out.”

  Will smiled. “I didn’t pick the berries. I picked a beautiful Rose.”

  Sudie stuck her head out the backdoor. “Will, supper is on the table.”

  Will came back inside, washed his hands, then went into the kitchen. He pulled out the chair at the head of the table—Rose’s chair.

  Sudie poured glasses of iced tea. Will picked up his glass, held it in the air and said, “Here’s to Rose!”

  Everyone held up their glasses, clinked them together and in unison said, “To Rose!”

  After supper, the girls cleaned up the kitchen.

  Chief said he was turning in for the night, then headed upstairs.

  Will headed out to take a walk in the woods and talk to Red.

  The girls were in the living room when Will came back inside. Sudie said, “Will, Rose said all the household contents belonged to me. Does that include her jewelry?”

  “I don’t think I’ll be wearing it. So, yes, it’s included. Why would you even ask?”

  “Well, you don’t have to be so sharp. I was only asking in case you had any objections to me letting each of the girls pick out a piece of jewelry they admired when Rose was decked out in her finest.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to get sharp. And I think it’s a sweet thing to do. Rose would like that. And why don’t you let them take a bottle of her perfume. She’s got a dozen bottles. That way they can use it from time to time and when they smell it, they’ll feel as if Rose is with them.”

  “Excellent idea! But I’m keeping the bottle of Miss Sophie’s perfume. It was the last I put on Rose.” Sudie dropped her head and wiped a tear.

  “I know everything in the house belongs to you, Sudie, but is it okay if I take a few books from her library?”

  “You know you can, Will. Take what you want. Take them all if it makes you happy. We don’t have to split hairs.”

  “Thank you.” Will found several empty cardboard boxes and he wondered why Rose had kept them, but he was glad she did. He selected the books he wanted and placed them in a big box. He unlocked all the desk drawers. He took out the strongbox. He opened it and found cash and a stack of U.S. Savings Bonds. He placed them in the box. He searched through all the drawers and nothing else caught his interest until he saw a stack of papers that were held together by a paperclip.

  He pushed back in the desk chair and started flipping the pages. Though it was written in third person, Will recognized Rose’s life story. The story began with the day she was born and continued to the day she came home with Miss Sophie. At the bottom of the last page, Rose had written in bold letters, The End.

  He placed the manuscript in a smaller box. “Someday, I’ll finish the manuscript. I’ll write about our life together, including the minute when I held you in my arms as you took your last breath. That, dear Rose, will be, The End.

  The girls were still in Rose’s bedroom. Will could hear them laughing and telling stories about items. It was as if they were having a party. Will smiled. Rose would like that.

  He loaded the boxes into the back seat of his car. He went into the dance area and took a bottle of whiskey from the shelf. He was sitting in Rose’s lounge chair when the girls came up the hallway and into the parlor. “Anybody for a drink?” he asked, holding up the bottle.

  The girls were like vultures, each grabbing for the bottle.

  “There’s plenty more in the bar. Ask Sudie if you can have your own bottle.”

  “Will, you better knock it off with your shitty attitude,” Sudie said. “They’re my guests and they can help themselves.”

  Will tipped the bottle.

  When the household was asleep, Will went into Rose’s bedroom. He dragged down three suitcases from the top shelf. He packed all his clothes, leaving out his black suit, white shirt, and his wing-tip shoes. He took the suitcases out to the car. He came back in and walked to the back of the closet and picked up his burlap sack that contained his mementos. He slung the sack over his shoulder, took it to the car and placed it in the front seat. He locked the car and went back inside. He stretched out on Rose’s lounge chair, finished off the bottle of whiskey, and fell asleep.

  The next morning, he was awakened by a knock at the door. He rubbed his eyes, held his throbbing head and wondered who else had shown up. He opened the door. His eyes came to rest on a gold urn.

  “Will Hennie?”

  “Yes.”

  “I was asked to deliver Miss McGraw’s remains to you.”

  Will’s hands were shaking so badly, he wasn’t sure he would be able to get a
firm grip on the urn. He swallowed, hard. Then he reached for it. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate you bringing it.”

  “So sorry for your loss,” the man said.

  Will merely nodded. He stood for a few minutes, took several deep breaths, then he walked around the house and placed the urn in Rose’s chair in the gazebo. He squared his shoulders and went through the back door, down the hallway and stood at the bottom of the staircase. “Hey, rise and shine,” he yelled as loudly as he could. “Everybody out of bed and into the kitchen!”

  Within ten minutes, everybody was in the kitchen. The girls were wearing thin nightgowns and they were barefoot. “Just like old times,” Will said, as they entered the kitchen.

  “What’s going on?” Sudie asked, rubbing her eyes.

  “Rose just arrived. I’d like for everybody to eat breakfast, get dressed, then meet me at the gazebo.”

  Nobody said a word.

  Will went into Rose’s bathroom, shaved, splashed on Bay Rum aftershave, then dressed in the outfit he had laid across the bed. “I’ll put on a monkey suit, one more time. Just for you, my beautiful Rose.” He looked at himself in the mirror. “I’ll make you proud.”

  He went into the kitchen and found it empty. He figured that everybody had eaten and gone upstairs. He made a fresh pot of coffee, drank two cups, and forced down a piece of dry toast. He headed to the gazebo.

  When everybody came outside, they walked over to Will, who was sitting in Rose’s chair. Will stood and said. “Let’s get this over with. Rose requested that each of her girls tell their favorite story about her. So if any of you have anything thing you’d like to share, please do so.”

  Just as Prissy stepped forward, they heard a woman yelling, “Hey, hold up.” Ceil was running across the lawn, holding her hat on her head with one hand, and hiking up the hem of her dress with the other one. There was a man running beside her.

  The girls yelled, “Ceil! Jacko!”

  Sudie said, “Ceil, I didn’t think you would be allowed to come. And how did you find Jacko?”

  “I found him hitching about a mile up the road. I picked him up and we sure were hoping we’d make it in time.”

  All the girls hugged Jacko. Then they formed a circle in the gazebo.

  “Shall we proceed?” Will somberly asked.

  Prissy began with her story. Then all the other girls told a tale, which brought giggles.

  “Girls. It was Rose’s request that each of you who attended this gathering to put your hands on the urn and place it into the hole. I’m not a girl, so I’ll dismiss myself – as will Chief, and our gentleman guest, Jacko.”

  Will picked up the urn. Follow me. He led them around the gazebo and stood by the hole he carefully dug. “I’ll hold it up, you girls place your hands on it, I’ll let go, and you put it into the ground. After you put it in the hole, please push the loose dirt into the hole and smooth it on top.”

  The girls placed their hands around the urn. Will let go and took several steps back as he watched them gently lower it. When the hole was filled and the top was smoothed, the girls stood and dusted their palms.

  Will kindly said, “Now, would all of you make a circle, hold hands, and recite The Lord’s Prayer?”

  When they said, “Amen,” Sudie hit the ground. Her body shook and her sobs echoed through the trees.

  Everybody headed toward her, but Will waved his hand in the air, his signal for them to scatter. They hurried back inside.

  Will lifted Sudie off the ground. He pulled her head to his shoulder and stroked her hair. “There, there. Cry it out. It’s your time to break down, and my time to be your strength.”

  Will held her until she stopped crying.

  As Sudie wiped her eyes, Will said, “Do you see that, or am I imagining things from grief?”

  Sudie looked the way Will was pointing. “Is that? It can’t be!”

  Will waved his hand and said, “Hello, Wiggles.”

  The deer shook its head up and down, twice.

  “Once for hello. Once for goodbye,” Will softly said.

  “There’s no way that can be Wiggles after all these years.”

  Will and Sudie eyed each other, then quickly looked back at Wiggles. He was gone.

  “No way!” Sudie said.

  “It was either Wiggles or his spirit. Either way is fine with me,” Will said, and his body tingled.

  “Me too,” Sudie said. “But let’s keep this between us.”

  “I have all intention of doing so. I guess we need to get back inside and feed our guests.”

  Will and Sudie walked into the kitchen and saw the girls setting the table.

  “Have a seat, you two. We’ve got food coming out of the oven in a minute,” Prissy said.

  The meal was eaten in silence.

  Will waited for all to finish eating and place their napkins on the table. He stood and said, “I’d like to say my goodbyes to my sisters, as he eyed each of the girls. “You’ll always be my sisters in my heart. I’ll never forget any of you.”

  Each girl hugged Will and said, “We love you like our brother. We always will and you’ll never be forgotten.”

  Will shook Chief’s hand. “Good to see you. You take care of our Belle.”

  Will turned toward Jacko. “Nice to finally meet you. Thanks for coming. And thanks for leaving an outfit behind. I would have had to eat at the table naked one Sunday if you hadn’t.”

  Everybody laughed.

  Will walked over to Sudie, “I’d like to have a private moment with her, if you all will excuse us.” He took her hand.

  Will led Sudie to the front porch. “I packed and loaded everything I want. I’m off to St. Louis. I’ve got plenty of time to find a place to live and get myself enrolled before fall classes begin.”

  “You mean you’re leaving now?”

  “Yes. It’s all behind me. I’m off to start a new life. This time I’ll be doing it on my own. I won’t need anybody to find me and give me a home.”

  “But don’t you want to wait for Rose’s headstone to arrive. I know it’ll be beautiful.”

  “No, Sudie. I have no desire to see her headstone. You make sure they place it facing the gazebo. And you get this house full of life again. Rose taught you the ropes, so to speak, and you promised her you would. Oh, and I left my clothes that I had on yesterday. Wash them and keep them for the next bum who should need feeding, and maybe need a job.”

  “I’ll wash them and put them in my cedar chest. Nobody will ever wear your clothes. Well, I might sleep in your shirt.”

  Will laughed. “Do as you wish with them. Just get busy and get on with your life.”

  “I certainly will. I’m going to do a little redecorating and maybe some painting, then I’ll be open for business. This house will be full of music, dancing and fun. When will you be back?”

  Will held Sudie’s arms tightly. “Never. When I drive away, I’ll never look back.”

  “Will you at least keep in touch?”

  “No, sweet girl. I’m severing all ties. This is my past. I’m off to make my future.”

  “You mean this is it?” Sudie exclaimed.

  “This is it.” He gathered Sudie in his arms. “You’ll always have a special place in my heart. Now, don’t cry.” He pecked her on the lips.

  “Will you at least send me a post card to let me know you arrived safely?”

  “I’ll get there safe.” Will ran down the steps.

  Just as he opened the car door, Sudie yelled, “I love you, Will Hennie!”

  Will smiled, waved, and said, “I know.”

  He climbed into the car, started the engine, drove down the circular driveway and didn’t look back. It was over and behind him.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Ten Years Later

  Will pulled into the driveway. He stopped the car and gazed upon the house. It was still breathtaking. He pulled the car into low gear and began the steep climb. He parked at the top and stepped out. It was mid-October
, his favorite time of year. The leaves were changing colors and falling to the ground.

  He walked up the steps, his heart beating faster. Eww, I don’t like the blue porch and shutters. Just as he raised his hand to knock on the door, he saw a doorbell. He pushed the button three times. Nobody answered. He went back down the steps and walked around the house. The first thing he saw was a two car garage where the old shed had once been. He walked to the backdoor and looked for a doorbell. There wasn’t one. He rapped hard on the door, three times. Nobody answered.

  He turned and looked at the gazebo, so happy to see it was still there. He swallowed, hard, and forced himself to walk over to it. It had no furniture. Nothing but leaves covered the floor. He looked toward the woods. Then his eyes came to rest on a huge headstone. He slowly made his way out of the gazebo, and walked over to the headstone. He stood for a few minutes, admiring the two chiseled angels that were perched on each end.

  He knelt down and placed his hand over the etched name and dates.

  Jeka Rose McGraw

  1910-1955

  He always knew the ache in his heart would never completely go away, but he wasn’t expecting the sudden pain that filled him. He sat down on the ground and gazed upward. The sun hitting his face was warm and invigorating. It gave him the feeling that Gram was close. A gentle breeze was blowing. It gave him the feeling that Rose was whispering to him.

  “Hi, Rose. It’s been ten years. I still love you as much today as I did the day you left me. So much has happened. I could give you details, but it would be like reading Gone With The Wind. So, I’ll just give you the cliff notes.”

  Will felt something scratch his leg. He looked down. A small rabbit had put its front feet on his leg. It was looking at him as if it wanted to say something. “Well, hello, Cottontail.” He rubbed the rabbit’s ears.

  “Sorry, Rose. I was talking to the rabbit.” He swallowed, hard, and continued. “I left the day we had your graveside service. I headed to St. Louis, and drove it in record time. I found an efficiency apartment within walking distance of the university.” He laughed. “Yes, the university you picked out for me. I enrolled and started the fall semester. I quickly made male friends. I must say, I had no idea what I’d missed out on. I was used to swimming in estrogen. I don’t mind to admit, I like testosterone much better.”