by Joy Redmond
“Oh, Nana!” I said. “That was a dirty trick.”
“Maybe, but it worked, didn’t it?” she replied. “Now go wash your hands. It’s time to eat. Then you can tell the story. It must be a good one.”
While we ate the vegetable soup, I told Nana and Pawpaw the story that Mama Deer had told me.
“My, that is a beautiful story,” Nana said.
Pawpaw said, “Amazing. Just amazing,” shaking his head.
I swallowed my last bite and said, “Nana, I’m out of school for the summer. Can I spend a few days with you and Pawpaw and can Caitlin come for a visit? I want her to meet Baby Deer. It’s been a long time since she came and spent the day with us.”
“Sure,” Nana replied. “You can stay as long as you want, and I’ll enjoy having my great-granddaughter for a visit, too. I’m going into town this afternoon, so give her a call and see if she can come. Tell her we’ll pick her up after I get my hair done.”
“Thank you, Nana,” I said, hurrying toward the phone. “Caitlin is in for the surprise of her life!”
That afternoon, I thought I’d die before Nana finally got out of the beauty shop. I slipped her cell phone out of her purse and texted my friends while she was getting a perm. I slipped it back when she went to the restroom. Finally she made next month’s appointment and was ready to go.
Caitlin was ready when we got to her apartment. I could hardly wait for Nana and Crystal to stop talking. “Come on, Nana,” I said, taking her hand and trying to pull her toward the door.
She laughed and finally followed Caitlin and me outside. We girls ran across the parking lot, jumped into the car, and buckled out seat belts by the time Nana made her way across the parking lot and slid behind the wheel.
“What are we going to do today?” Caitlin asked as Nana backed out of the parking space.
“Oh, I thought we’d go into the woods and play,” I said with a smile.
I looked up and saw that Nana was looking at me in the rearview mirror. She gave me a knowing smile and wink.
“If we’re lucky, we might see a deer,” Caitlin said.
“Well, you never know,” I said as nonchalantly as I could.
“But I’ve never played in the woods,” Caitlin said thoughtfully. “Maybe we shouldn’t.”
“Don’t be such a scaredy cat,” I said. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. I play in the woods all the time.”
“Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re the boss,” she said, crossing her arms across her chest.
“Hey, you’re the one that said we might find a deer. Where else do you find one unless you go to the woods, silly?” I said, crossing my arms.
In less than a minute we were laughing.
Nana pulled under the carport. I got out of the car, looked at Caitlin and said, “I’m going to the woods. If you want to be a scaredy cat you can stay home with Nana.”
“She’s not my nana, she’s my grandnan,” Caitlin said.
“Well, she’s my nana, not my grandnan,” I said. “So stay if you want, but I’m going.”
“OK. I’ll go,” she replied, taking my hand.
Nana said, “I want you girls back to the house in an hour. Julia, have you got your Princess watch on?”
“I got my Princess watch on,” Caitlin called back.
“But can you tell time?” I asked.
“I can tell time, you smarty,” she said, letting go of my hand. “I’m seven years old, you know. I’m also in the second grade, and I can tell time as good as you—so there!” She crossed her arms across her chest and turned away from me.
“You can’t ignore me and you know it,” I said, giggling.
Caitlin giggled.
I took her hand and picked up the pace. When we reached the bridge, Caitlin balked like a mule.
“Wait a minute,” she said. “I’m not sure—”
“Oh, come on,” I said, pulling her along. Although she balked, I finally managed to drag her across.
On the other side she said, “That was kind of scary. I’ve never walked across a little bridge like that, but it was kind of fun, too. Where are we going now?”
“Into the woods, silly,” I replied.
I took off running, and as I glanced over my shoulder, I expecting to see her still standing by the bridge, but to my surprise, she was right behind me.
When we came to the tree where Baby Deer had been hiding the day I met him, I called out, “Baby Deer!”
“Who are you talking to,” Caitlin asked, looking around.
“You’ll see,” I said.
A moment later, I heard Baby Deer say, “Here I am,” as he emerged from the underbrush and walked toward us.
“Did—did that deer just say something?” Caitlin said, her eyes as big as saucers.
“Yes, he did,” I said. “Isn’t it the coolest thing you’ve ever heard?”
As Baby Deer drew nearer, Caitlin stood motionless in amazement.
“Who is this, Julia?” he asked as he sniffed her.
“Baby Deer, this is my cousin, Caitlin,” I said. “Actually, she’s my second cousin, since she’s the daughter of my first cousin, Crystal. It’s kind of complicated. It even gives me a headache trying to get it straight.”
“Hi Caitlin,” Baby Deer said politely. “You’re very pretty.”
Caitlin stood in stunned silence.
“Can’t she talk?” asked Baby Deer, looking at me curiously.
“Oh, she can talk, alright,” I replied. “It’s just that she’s never seen a talking deer before.”
Caitlin’s sense finally began to return. She moved her arm in slow motion, touched Baby Deer’s head, and said, “I can talk. But how can you talk? You’re a deer.”
“I’ll tell you the story later,” I said. “We don’t have a lot of time to play.” I looked at Baby Deer and said, “Are you ready to bury each other in a pile of leaves?”
“You bet!” said Baby Deer.
“No! I’m scared,” Caitlin said. “I think I see a bear.” She ran toward the creek.
“Horse feathers,” I said, starting after her. Baby Deer ran beside me. We caught up with her before she got to the bridge.
Baby Deer said, “There’s nothing to be scared of. And if there were a bear in the woods, I’d be bear dinner by now. Don’t be silly, come on and play.”
Caitlin stood her ground. “I don’t care what you two say. I’m scared of the woods and I’m going back to Grandnan’s house,” she said, running again.
I did a head cock and said, “Oh, no she did’ent!” I placed my hands on my hips. “She’s being a brat and I’m not going to chase her. Let her go.”
Baby Deer said, “I have an idea. If you’ll wait a minute I’ll ask Mama if I can go with you to Nana’s house.” He quickly scampered away, and in less than a minute, he was back, happily saying, “It’s okay with my mama. Let’s go!”
“Come on we can catch Caitlin,” I said, and we sprinted across the pasture and across the bridge.
I caught up with Caitlin as she ran up the dirt lane.
Baby Deer past us and he was standing at the back door by the time Caitlin and I caught up with him.
Nana was outside and when she saw Baby Deer, she said, “Holy macaroni! Your hooves are muddy. Let me get a towel and then I’ll turn the hose on you.” As she went through the back door, she yelled over her shoulder, “You girls take off your dirty shoes and put them in the utility room. I’ve got to clean Baby Deer.”
Nana ushered Baby Deer inside when she had his hooves cleaned to her satisfaction. The three of us ran into the living room.
“No running in the house,” Nana said. “How many times do I have to tell you?”
I gave Caitlin a nasty look and said, “Are you happy now? We’re cooped up in the house. The woods are much more fun, you big scaredy cat!”
Caitlin crossed her arms and stared down at the floor. Then she pointed her finger and said, “His feet are crossways.”
I poked her in the side with my elbow, and said, “For one thing, he doesn’t have feet. He has hooves. And for another thing, don’t make fun of him. It embarrasses him.” I gave her a stern look.
Baby Deer tucked his head, and said, “I know I have goofy hooves.”
“Hey kids, are you ready for lunch?” Nana said, walking into the living room. “I fixed SpaghettiOs.”
She didn’t have to ask us twice. We hurried into the kitchen.
As I petted Baby Deer’s head, I asked, “Can you sit in a chair?” I pulled the wooden chair from the table.
Baby Deer politely sat in the chair on his haunches, placed his front legs on the table edge, and asked, “Is this good enough?”
“That’ll work,” Nana said. “You girls go wash your hands. I think I got Baby Deer clean enough with the hose.”
We washed our hands and by the time we returned to the kitchen, Nana had set three plates of SpaghettiOs on the table. Then she placed a spoon and napkin beside them.
“Wait a minute,” Nana said. “I think Baby Deer would do better with a bib instead of a napkin.” She pulled open a drawer and lifted one of my bibs I used to wear when I was a baby. Then she tied it around Baby Deer’s neck.
After I said the blessing, we reached for our spoons, but Baby Deer just stared at the strange utensil.
“Um,” he said thoughtfully. “How am I supposed to use this thing?”
“Good point,” I said. “Hold on. I have an idea.” I walked to his side, picked up his spoon, and wedged it into the crack of his right hoof. “Try it,” I said.
Baby Deer dipped his spoon into the SpaghettiOs and aimed for his mouth, but he dropped it, sending SpaghettiOs tumbling to the floor.
“Fiddle-sticks,” he said. Then he tried several more times and continued to drop every bite. “Sorry, Nana,” he said, looking embarrassed.
Nana said, “Mercy, Percy. You’re a deer and I guess deer just can’t use a spoon. What was I thinking? Julia had a good idea, but just go ahead and eat the way a deer would do it.”
“Thank you Nana,” he said. He dropped his head and lapped the bowl clean.
Caitlin and I looked at each other as if we could read the other’s mind. Then we lowered our heads into the bowl and ate our spaghettis deer-style.
Nana and Baby Deer howled with laughter.
“Hold on kids,” Nana said. “I need a picture of this.”
We had tomato sauce rings around our faces and some if the O’s were stuck on our cheeks and our chins.
“Smile,” Nana said. She snapped a picture.
We wiped our faces and then scampered off into the living room. I turned on the TV. SpongeBob was one of my favorites, and Baby Deer was fascinated with the strange box that showed weird creatures doing amusing things. Hearing a deer talk was heartwarming, but hearing Baby Deer laugh was the sweetest sound in the world to my ears. Sometimes he laughed so hard that we couldn’t hear the television.
THE POPCORN BLIZZARD
A short time later, Nana came into the living room and announced, “I’m going to take Mrs. Smith some chicken soup. She’s sick. You kids had better be good while I’m gone. Julia you’re in charge.”
“Grandnan, tell Julia she’s not my boss,” Caitlin said.
“Nobody is the boss,” Nana replied. “I said Julia was in charge because she’s the oldest. That means she’s the one that makes decisions if an emergency should arise. Oh never mind. Just behave.”
Baby Deer’s eyes widened as he looked at Caitlin and me. “Are you two going to fight?”
“No, silly, we don’t fight. Caitlin is my BFF,” I said.
Baby Deer cocked his head, and said, “BFF?”
“Best friends forever,” I explained. Then I hugged Caitlin to put his mind at ease.
“Best friends forever,” he repeated. “Am I your BFF, too?” he asked.
“You bet you are,” I said, giving him a hug, too.
Nana stroked his ears and said, “You’ll have to get used to those two. They fuss a lot but they don’t mean anything by it—it’s a kid thing,” she said, waving her hand in the air as if she were dismissing the subject. “Pay them no mind.”
I looked at Nana. “I’ve got it under control,” I said, giving her the thumbs-up. Then I added, “Oh, do you have your cell phone in case you have an accident? I don’t think you’ll get brain cancer if you call 911.” I snickered.
Caitlin held her hand over her mouth as she giggled, and Baby Deer giggled, too, but I don’t think he knew why we were laughing.
Nana checked her purse. “Where did I put it?”
“Look in the side pocket,” I said.
“Oh, here it is—and no, I won’t get brain cancer because I don’t have it hanging from my ear all day,” she said, then gave me a stern look and added, “Miss Smarty-Smarty had a party.” She laughed as she left the room.
As Nana walked out to her car, we hurried to the window and watched.
After she drove away, I said, “I’ve got an idea. It’ll be fun, and Nana isn’t here to tell us we can’t do it.”
I grabbed a bag of popcorn from the pantry, opened the microwave, and placed the bag on the turntable, making sure I followed directions ‘This side up’.
When the corn began to pop, Baby Deer jumped up and down. “This is so cool,” he said. “I love people world. People have a lot of fun things to use in a kitchen. And people food is the best!”
When the popcorn was done, I opened the bag carefully, so the steam wouldn’t burn me, dumped the popcorn into a bowl, and said, “Come on, we’ll eat popcorn and watch cartoons.”
It was almost time for Rugrats. Nana wouldn’t allow me to watch them when she was in the house because she said Angelica had a bad attitude, but I figured we had enough time to watch the show before Nana returned. Baby Deer could also sit on the sofa and wouldn’t get a scolding.
I stuck a piece of popcorn in Baby Deer’s mouth.
“Say this is nice,” he said. “Maybe you should get me a separate bowl, though, since deer don’t have hands.”
“I have a better idea. Go sit on the floor over there,” I said, pointing my finger.
Baby Deer climbed down from the sofa and walked to where I was pointing, sat on his haunches, and asked, “Now what?”
“Open your mouth. I’m going to throw some popcorn your way. See if you can catch it.”
I threw a kernel and Baby Deer caught it. Then Caitlin threw a kernel and he caught it. Soon we were throwing faster and faster, but he caught them all as if he had been doing it all his life.
“You’re good,” I said. “You’d make a good softball player—at least until it was your turn to bat.”
“This is fun,” said Baby Deer. “Throw some more.”
Caitlin and I pelted him with kernels as fast as we could until he couldn’t keep up. Then I had another idea.
“Caitlin, go sit by him and I’ll throw to both of you.”
I fired popcorn faster than a BB gun, and Caitlin didn’t catch any, but Baby Deer caught a few.
“Okay, it’s my turn,” I said. I sat by Baby Deer. “Caitlin you throw to both of us. I soon found out how hard it really was, and I didn’t catch a single kernel.
We took turns throwing and catching until the bowl was empty. Then I scanned the floor. There was popcorn everywhere.
“Oh man,” I said. “We better get this mess cleaned up before Nana gets back. I’ll get the vacuum.”
“Too late Missy,” I heard Nana say. “It looks like a popcorn blizzard hit this living room while I was gone. You can’t vacuum this stuff. It’ll stop up the hose. You’re going to have to pick up every kernel by hand—and you better not miss a one—and you better hope there aren’t any butter spots on my carpet.”
“Stand back, girls, I’ve got this covered,” Baby Deer said.
He put his head down and starting eating popcorn off the floor until it was all gone. Then he licked up all the greasy spots. As he licked his lips, he looked o
ver at Nana and said, “What do you think? Is that alright?”
“Clean as a whistle,” Nana said, shaking her head in disbelief. “Now, turn off Rugrats. You know I don’t allow that.”
We were having so much fun that I had forgotten all about the Rugrats. “Sorry, Nana,” I said as I turned off the TV. “I think it’s time to go back outside and have a race.”
Caitlin pointed to Baby Deer’s hooves. “Can you run with—?”
I poked her in the ribs and interrupted. “I told you not to say anything about his hooves!”
“I can run just fine with my goofy hooves,” said Baby Deer. “In fact, I bet I can outrun both of you girls, but I can’t run like the rest of the deer and they laugh at me.” He tucked his head.
I perched my hands on my hips and said, “Caitlin, like I told you not to say anything. Are you happy that you’ve hurt his feelings?”
Caitlin started crying. Then she managed to say, “I’m sorry, Baby Deer.”
Baby Deer licked her tears and said, “It’s okay. I’m sort of used to it. Do you want to play some people games?”
“You two go outside. I’ll be there in just a minute,” I said. After they ran out the door, I asked Nana, “Can we like have a talk?”
“Like, yes,” Nana answered, but I could tell by the look in her eyes a lecture was on the way. “How many times do I have to tell you to stop saying “like” with every sentence?” Nana softened her tone. “Okay, what do you want to talk about?” she said, stroking my hair.
“Do you remember telling me about a baby who was born with its feet turned in? You called them clubbed feet?”
“Sure, it was my best friend’s granddaughter. The poor little thing had to have surgery, but her feet are straight today.”
“Do you think a vet could operate on Baby Deer’s hooves and make them straight?”
“I don’t think veterinarians treat deer,” Nana said. “After all, deer are wild creatures.”
“Well, couldn’t we ask Dr. Tegethoff? He takes care of Maggie and Koda. It wouldn’t hurt to just ask. Please, Nana.”
“Honey, Vet’s are expensive,” Nana said, shaking her head.
“I’ll ask Mama and Daddy if they’ll help pay the bill,” I said, tears welling up in my eyes. “And I’ve got some money in my piggy bank.”