And Along Came Jake

by Vaca, Christopher

  Edwin shrugged his shoulders and began to look around, mentally dividing it as instructed. From there, he went right to work, opening boxes and sorting things out.

  "Do a good job Edwin!" Jake said "You're gonna sign it when you're done."

  "W-W-What do you m-mean?" He said as he stopped, giving Jake a puzzled look.

  It was at that time when Mr. Sutton walked in the front door and heard Jake chuckling. "Umm, I guess that didn't come out right!" Jake said.

  "What didn't come out right?" Mr. Sutton asked as he smiled.

  "I was trying to tell Edwin that he has to sign his work, but I can't explain it like you did."

  Mr. Sutton, had a large brown paper bag in his hands, and went over to Little Edwin and extended his hand. "I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting young man. My name's Paul Sutton, but you can call me Big Paul."

  "It's a p-p-pleasure to m-meet you B-Big Paul!" Little Edwin said, confidently shaking his hand.

  Mr. Sutton went and set the brown paper bag on a stack of boxes. As he opened the bag, the smell of freshly baked doughnuts filled the air, and both boys instinctively followed their noses straight to the source.

  "Okay boys!" Big Paul said "Help yourself, there's enough doughnuts here to feed an army, but don't eat too much, there's still a lot of work to be done.

  Jake and Edwin tore into the bag, picking out their favorite ones, and Big Paul took the opportunity to explain to Edwin what Jake mentioned about putting his 'signature' on his work. After a few more doughnuts and some questions from both boys, Mr. Sutton retreated back to his office to finish up his work. He sat down as his desk, then yelled out to the boys. "Don't eat too much, or you'll get sick!"

  "Okay Big Paul, we won't!" They answered simultaneously, both their mouths full.

  After about ten minutes or so, Mr. Sutton grew concerned. He didn't hear the boys working or joking around, so he decided to see what was going on. As he walked out of his office, he could see a torn up, jelly smeared paper bag, near the two boys on the ground, groaning and rubbing their stomachs, each one holding a partially eaten doughnut in their hands.

  "What's the matter boys?" Mr. Sutton chuckled "There's still lots of work to be done."

  They looked at Big Paul and groaned, slowly sat up with their backs against the wall. "I think we ate too much." Jake said as he rubbed his stomach.

  "Be careful what you ask for boys" Mr. Sutton said, as he pulled a chair over. "It's not a bad thing you wanted doughnuts, but it was a bad decision to eat so many. You see, the very thing you thought would make you happy and bring you joy, has made you sick and feeling down. Life's full of choices, you'll both learn this very quickly as you grow up. Always remember this doughnut experience here, just because you want something so bad, doesn't mean it's always good for you." Big Paul stood up, and smiled. "Y'all take the rest of the day off; you'll get to feeling better soon—and Edwin, you're welcome here anytime."

  "Thanks for the lesson––I guess." Jake said, as the two boys stood up. "I don't think I'll ever eat another doughnut again."

  "Y-Y-Yeah, me t-too, I h-h-hate doughnuts n-n-now. I-If it's o-o-okay with you b-b-Big Paul, m-maybe I could s-stop buy tomorrow if you n-n-need some more h-help?" Little Edwin said.

  "Sounds good boys, I'll see you both tomorrow." Mr. Sutton chuckled and opening the door.

  As the two boys left the shop rubbing their stomachs, Mr. Sutton watched as they walked away. "Life has so many lessons" he thought to himself "and as old as I am. I still find myself learning them too. I just hope I can pass some of my wisdom on to them."

  <><><>

  As the boys walked down the street, their stomach pain began to subside, just as Big Paul said it would. As they passed the bakery and smelled the freshly made doughnuts, they looked at each other, made a sick face and continued walking. Many other kids in the neighborhood gathered around the doughnut shop, to get a whiff of the delicious aroma, but Jake and Edwin quickly walked right by.

  After the smell of perfectly baked doughnuts, were no longer terrorizing the two boys, they continued to walk and talk together. "I k-kinda like B-Big Paul, h-h-he knows a lot doesn't he?" Edwin asked.

  "He sure does!" Jake replied "I can't wait to go to work tomorrow, I just hope he doesn't bring any more doughnuts!"

  Both boys had a good laugh, then went their separate ways. Edwin went to meet his father at the hardware store, and Jake made his way back to the Brierly's.

  <><><>

  At the house, Jake saw Madison in the front yard with her easel. She was painting some of nature's beautiful landscapes. Jake walked over to inspect her work, and saw the object of inspiration. She was painting an empty white chair, shaded underneath a beautiful large oak tree.

  As Jake looked between the painting and the setting, he couldn't believe his eyes; the painting was absolutely flawless, looking perfectly like the object.

  "That's amazing Madison!" Jake said.

  "Thanks Jake!" she replied, as she began to blush. "But it's missing something."

  "Maddie" He began, giving her a funny look. "It ain't missin' nothin', it's perfect. I can't tell the difference between the two."

  "I know what it's missing." She said, tilting her head to the side.

  "What?" Jake asked.

  "Do me a favor, Jake." She asked, pointing to the chair. "Go over there please, something just isn't right."

  "Okay, now what?" he yelled, as he stood next to the chair.

  "Have a seat, I want to see something." She yelled back with a crooked smile.

  "Alright, what now?" He shrugged his shoulders and sat down.

  "Now cross your leg and fold your hands in your lap." She instructed.

  Jake began feeling a bit unsure, but never the less he crossed his leg and folded his hands on his lap. "Is this good?" He asked.

  "Yep" Madison said, "just one more thing..." She added.

  "What now?"

  "Tilt your head to the side a tad and smile."

  "I hope this is helping whatever you're trying to do" He said, reluctantly tilting his head and smiling, now talking through his teeth. "Can I get up now?"

  "Nope, stay just like that, I'm gonna put you in my painting!"

  Jake furrowed his brow, knowing he'd been tricked and was about to stand up. "No, no, no Jake!" She pleaded. "Stay right there, it won't take too long, okay?"

  When Jake heard her request in such a sweet voice, he couldn't refuse. He quietly sighed, and tried his hardest to sit motionless, while Madison painted him on the beautiful canvas.

  After about ten minutes, Mr. and Mrs. Brierly both walked outside curious of Madison's painting. What they found was Jake sitting, feeling embarrassed; his new audience now observing.

  "She made me do it sir! "Jake said in defense. "Honest, she made me!"

  Madison put a few last touches on the canvas and stepped away from her painting. "There," she said "All done Jake, you can get up now!"

  "I think my foot is asleep!" He said chuckling.

  His face reeled in pain after a few seconds, as the sensation of needle-like points seemed to be stabbing his foot as he slowly regained feeling. Jake stood and lightly stomped his foot on the ground, opened his mouth as if he were going to scream, but the only thing that came out was broken laughter. The Brierly's all laughed as they watched Jake attempt to walk, rubbing his leg and squeal in pain as the feeling came back to his leg.

  "So" Mr. Brierly said, as they walked in and sat down at the dinner table. "How was your first day working with Big Paul?"

  "It was great Mr. B.!" Jake said, as the pain was finally gone. "Well, great up until the time that me and Edwin stuffed ourselves with doughnuts—I don't think I'll look at another doughnut again!"

  "So all you did today was eat doughnuts?" He asked, shaking his head.

  "Oh no sir, we started to organize his shop––and, I'm gonna build a wall to separate the workspace from the selling space!"

  "Well that's good Jake" Mr. Brierly sa
id, pilling mashed potatoes on his plate. "I'm glad you found something you're interested in. You know Jake, I'd like to meet this Mr. Sutton, maybe you could invite him for dinner tomorrow?" Then he looked at his wife and continued. "If that's alright with you Abigail?"

  "Yes, I think that would be just fine." She answered shrugging her shoulders. "After all," she continued. "He's new to Blackwater, and he may not have many friends. I think I'll make my famous lasagna!"

  "Yummy! That's my favorite!" exclaimed Madison, as she clapped her hands together.

  "Okay." said Mr. Brierly wiping his mouth and placing the cloth on his plate. "It's settled. Do you think he would agree to come tomorrow Jake?"

  "I'm sure he will Mr. B, leave everything to me!" He smiled.

  After dinner, Jake and Madison cleaned the table, went on the porch and talked, then Jake went to the old barn, as he and the Brierly's got ready for bed.

  <><><>

  The next morning, Jake and the Brierly's took care of their chores, ate breakfast and went on with their day. As Jake arrived at Big Paul's store, he found him trying to organize paperwork in the office.

  "Hi Big Paul, how are you feeling today?" Jake asked.

  "Well hello there Jake, feeling just fine, thanks!" He answered putting down his paperwork and removing his reading glasses. He leaned closer to Jake and continued "But the question is, how are you feeling after all those doughnuts?"

  "Ahh, don't remind me." He said, making a sick face. "I don't think I'll ever eat another doughnut again!"

  "Well" Mr. Sutton said. "After you and Little Edwin, left I ordered lumber and other items so now we can build that wall."

  "That's great!" Jake said "I know just how I'm gonna do it—hey Big Paul, do you think Edwin could help? He ain't afraid to work, and he's pretty fast too!"

  "I think that'd be a great idea." Big Paul said placing a hand on Jake's shoulder. "And if you know anyone else who'd like to help—well that'd be just fine too!"

  "Thanks a bunch Big Paul, I'm gonna go and finish sorting things out, unless you need me for something else?"

  "I think I've got all the paperwork under control for now, but thanks for asking."

  While Jake was sorting boxes, trying to make the shop look half-way decent, Little Edwin came walking in. Jake grinned as he watched Edwin march towards him like a soldier, then gave him a salute.

  "P-P-Private Birch, r-reporting for d-d-duty, sir!" Edwin said. He quickly brought his hand to his side, smiled and continued, "hi J-J-Jake, I'm here to help!"

  "That's affirmative Private Birch!" Jake said as he returned the salute and pointed at a stack of boxes. "Organize those boxes over there, before the enemy has time to get a hold of it—this is a very important, mission Private Birch; don't mess it up!"

  "Y-You can c-c-count on me s-sir!" Private Birch said, giving Jake another solute.

  Then the two boys began organizing as they also pretended to fight the enemy. Not long into their imaginary battle, Jake noticed Madison cupping her hands around her eyes, pressing against the storefront glass; she was looking in on the two boys playing war, and reeling in laughter.

  Jake stood there looking at her in disbelief. Embarrassed, he slowly closed his eyes and shook his head, knowing she saw him acting like a child. However, Little Edwin continued emptying boxes, making rifle noises and jumping around. The boy was completely oblivious that he and Jake were entertaining an audience of one.

  "Psst, Edwin!" Jake hissed.

  Edwin was so busy winning the war, and throwing imaginary hand grenades, he didn't hear Jake at all. "Edwin stop!" Jake said, his tone a little louder. Still not hearing him, Edwin turned and yelled as loud as he could. "Look out—GRENADE!"

  After Edwin's warning to his fellow soldier, he noticed Madison outside, doubled over, now laughing uncontrollably. Edwin furrowed his brow, walked over to Jake and hit him hard on the arm.

  "D-Darn it Jake! Why d-d-didn't you t-tell me she w-w-was looking? How embarrassing!"

  Madison proceeded to open the door, and began pointing and making fun of the two boys. Then she put both of her hands over her heart, tilted her head to the side and batted her eyes.

  "My two heroes!" She playfully said. "You've saved my family and my farm. How can I ever thank you?"

  Hearing the commotion, Mr. Sutton walked out of his office, to put a face to the new voice he heard. "Well, hello there young lady. May I help you?" He asked.

  Madison immediately stopped laughing as she stood there, with her eyes and mouth wide open, her head tilted all the way back as she looked up at this mountain of a man. Although he had a kind face and a gentle voice, his size alone seemed to paralyze her.

  "You must be Madison Brierly?" He asked in a friendly voice.

  She didn't say a word, just continued looking up at Big Paul, and slowly nodded her head. "Well Madison," he said, trying to make her feel more at ease. "This shop sure could use a young lady's touch. What do you think can be done with these windows and walls?"

  Madison suddenly lifted her eyebrows, perked up, cracked a smile and started walking the store, pointing and making decorating suggestions. Mr. Sutton and the two boys looked at each other, then watched Madison, in awe, of how such a young lady could talk, move and think so fast. After a few moments, she walked back over and stood in front of Big Paul.

  "I have so many more ideas!" she added, as she smiled at Mr. Sutton.

  "By the way," Big Paul interjected, sticking out his hand for a handshake. "My name's Mr. Sutton, but you can call me Big Paul."

  Madison began to blushing in embarrassment for not greeting him properly. "It's a pleasure to meet you Big Paul. My name's Brierly, Madison Nicole Brierly; painter and decorator at your service!" she smiled, shaking his large hand.

  As they formally introduced themselves. her eagerness to know a certain answer got the best of her. "Did you ask him?" she looked to Jake, and gave him a sharp elbow to the ribs.

  "Oh yeah!" Jake remembered, while rubbed his side. "Mr. Brierly wanted me to ask if you'd like to join us for dinner tonight at their house—what do you say Big Paul, will you join us?"

  "Well, I've sure heard a lot about the Brierly's, and their excellent crops, I'd be delighted to go. What time should I be there?"

  Jake opened his mouth to answer, but was quickly interrupted. "Seven o'clock sharp!" Madison instructed. "Ma won't have anyone late for dinner; I'd suggest getting there a little early, we're having lasagna!"

  "Sounds great Madison." Big Paul replied "I'll see you around seven, or maybe even a little before!"

  The bell on the door rang, getting everyone's attention as Penny Birch storm into the shop. "Edwin Douglas Birch." his mother said, shaking her finger towards him. "Where on earth have you been?"

  "I-I-I've b-been here Ma, I t-t-t-told you th-this morning." he answered.

  Mrs. Birch, put her hands on her hips, and looked up at the ceiling. "Hmm, I guess I do remember you saying something about working with Big Paul today." she, walked towards Mr. Sutton and continued "So you're Big Paul, the one the whole town's been talking about? My boy seems very fond of you for some reason. If he ever gives you any trouble, you let me know…I'll straighten him out good!"

  "He's a good kid" Mr. Sutton said smiling, as he messed up Edwin's hair. "No trouble at all ma'am!"

  Mrs. Birch grabbed Edwin by the arm. "Time to go, your father needs some help back at the house. Say goodbye to your friends, you'll see them tomorrow."

  Being guided out of the shop, he did his best to wave goodbye, knowing he would see them tomorrow. Mr. Sutton and the children waved back and giggled.

  The kids continued to work, while listening to Big Paul's stories and wise advice, but now it was time to close up the shop. "Y'all should be getting home now." Big Paul said. "I've got a few things to wrap up before I make my way to dinner." He reached in his pocket. "Here's your wages for the day, young Patterson." Then he turned his attention to Madison and continued. "If you'd like to help decorate, I'll be
happy to pay you."

  "I'd love to, Big Paul!" She exclaimed.

  Jake and Madison left the shop and ran back to the house to alert Madison's parents for the night's dinner guest. When the kids were gone, Mr. Sutton took time and looked around the shop, noticing how Jake and Edwin made really good progress thus far.

  <><><>

  Suddenly, the bell on the door chimed, alerting Big Paul to the frail woman who had walked in. She appeared very nervous and possibly troubled. "Are you alright ma'am? How may I help you?" He asked.

  "Are you Big Paul?" She wondered as she began to wring her hands over and over.

  "Yes ma'am, I'm Big Paul" he nodded.

  "Where is he Big Paul? Is he here?" she asked, as she continued to wring her hands nervously, looking around the shop.

  "Is who here, ma'am?" he asked, confused over the situation.

  The woman then looked at the ground, and began to weep, covering her face with her hands. "Jake Patterson" She asked with a shaky voice. "He's my son, is he here?"

  Mr. Sutton recalled the story Jake told of his father's death, and how his mother seemed to spiral into deep depression. He brought a chair towards the troubled woman and motioned for her to sit.

  "Would you care for a hot cup of tea ma'am? I just made some." Paul asked.

  She didn't say a word, just nodded her head and sat on the chair. When Mr. Sutton returned with two cups of hot tea, he pulled another chair over and sat in front of her.

  Big Paul started "Your son was here earlier today; in fact you just missed him." He politely tried to change the subject by saying "How's your tea, do you need more sugar or anything?"

  "No sir, it's good like this" she said as she took a sip. "My name's Maggie by the way—Maggie Patterson. My son ran away from home about a year ago, we use to live in Round Rock about eight miles east of here––"

  She continued on and on for about an hour talking about her late husband, and the great times the three of them had. She told him how it caused her to lose her mind. She told Paul Sutton that her deepest regret was not only losing her husband, but losing her son as well.