The Shell Collector

by Nancy Naigle

  “No movies. I’ll just fall asleep. Music would be nice. Although none of that loud stuff.”

  Amanda fiddled with the radio, finally landing on an oldies station. “This will be fun. I love the oldies.” Amanda thought James was worried something was wrong with the car because he kept rolling down the windows as if he were listening for something, but then she realized he might be trying to drown out their bad singing. Not that she cared.

  When James stopped for fuel, the two women sat quietly for a while, until Amanda spoke up.

  “Maeve, can I ask you something?”

  “Anything, dear.”

  “I wanted to ask you if you had anything to do with the message in the shell for Kimmy. The one Becky found.”

  Maeve inhaled deeply, as if she were getting ready to go underwater. “I didn’t even know she’d stumbled upon it until someone mentioned it in the diner. But no, I didn’t write that for Kimmy.” She sat there staring at Amanda for a long moment. “However, I did write the message in that shell.” She looked away, then back at her hands folded in her lap. “I have no idea how that same shell showed back up again.”

  “But you did write the message?”

  “Yes, I did. Twenty-five years ago.”

  Amanda thought she’d heard wrong at first. “Twenty-five years ago?”

  Maeve nodded. “After Jarvis died. That shell was special to me. I still remember so vividly every moment from the day I found it. Jarvis had taken me over to Sand Dollar Cove to collect sand dollars. There’s not a dock there, so Jarvis anchored out in the water. The water isn’t deep there when the tide is out, so we walked to shore. It never got up to our hips.”

  She went on to tell her she’d collected several flawless sand dollars. “Jarvis didn’t care about that stuff, but he knew it was a perfect day for me. Excited with my bounty, I waded back to the boat but stepped on the sharp edge of that shell.”

  She removed her shoe, showing Amanda the scar in the middle of her foot. “It bled like a shark had bitten me, blood pooling in the water around my calves.”

  “That sounds so painful.”

  “It was. Jarvis picked me up and carried me to the boat. He took off his shirt and wrapped my foot to slow the bleeding. Then he grabbed a roll of silver duct tape and slapped it on the gash to hold it together until he got me to the hospital.”

  “Oh. My. Gosh.”

  “I bet you’re wondering if I dropped my sand dollars.”

  Amanda laughed. “Actually, knowing you, I’d be surprised if you did.”

  “You’d be right. I didn’t drop any, but a few ended up with bloodstains that I never could get out. They’re in the window in my special room.”

  “That’s a story.”

  “Jarvis was so sweet, sitting with me for hours in the emergency room, holding my hand and getting me cups of water. He was good about things like that. That shell was a symbol of how much he loved me. How he’d take care of me. I knew if I fell ill, I’d be in excellent hands with him. Never had crossed my mind that he’d be the first to go, or that it would be with no notice.”

  Amanda waited while Maeve seemed to gather her thoughts.

  “I hate that we didn’t get to say proper goodbyes, but I know it was better for him that way. I hope for the same for myself—to just not wake up one morning.”

  “I can see why that shell was so special to you. But what made you write that message, and how did Becky end up with it?”

  “Do you remember I told you about taking out the boat in the rain? After Jarvis died?” She cast a questioning glance at Amanda. “Out of the thin air that night—the night I couldn’t go on—I took action. I took that shell down from the mantel, where it had been since the weekend we found it. I sat at the table on our sunporch under the light of a single bulb and carefully wrote a note to Jarvis.”

  “That’s so sweet.”

  “I can still feel the marker in my hand that night. My skin was so dehydrated from having laid in bed, trying to die—no food or water—that my skin sort of hung to the marker. That’s when I wrote, ‘I can’t wait to be with you, but until then know I’m gathering treasures and stories to share.’ ”

  “So how did Becky get that shell?” Amanda leaned in.

  “I honestly can’t say. I dropped it in the water. I watched it sink. But that one—for Jarvis and the first shell I ever deposited—like so many of them, came back. Not directly to me, but it was a sign of some sort. Maybe that all of our lives are intertwined.”

  “Maeve, my life intertwining with yours has been a gift.”

  “And you and Hailey and Jesse are gifts to me.”

  Amanda let the story soak in. She held her hand to her heart. She ached for Maeve, and for her own loss. It is her. It’s always been Maeve. “The other shells? Were you behind them all?”

  Maeve smiled gently and nodded. “Even the ones that you found. On the dune and by your mailbox.”

  Amanda recalled the words from the shell that had been by the mailbox: “Interrupt worry with gratitude.”

  “But, Amanda, not every shell I wrote landed where I thought it would. I did find that shell the day I made the decision to go to Judy’s; however, I didn’t write that one for me. I don’t really remember who I’d written it for or where I’d left it, but I think it was my handwriting. And I needed that message at that time.”

  “Your advice has helped so many.”

  Maeve shook her head. “No, Amanda, I wasn’t the messenger. I was just the shell collector. I found the treasures and shared them when I thought someone needed to be reminded of hope, but when and where those shells were found was out of my hands.”

  “Those shells were your gift. It is truly amazing, Maeve. The note in Becky’s shell was so perfect for you to Jarvis—and Kimmy and her new twins. Does that make you wonder if it may have even had another stop somewhere along the way?”

  “I’d never thought of that, but perhaps.” Maeve seemed intrigued by the possibility.

  “The Havelock Ellis quote. The one in the shell we found. It’s become my favorite.”

  Maeve nodded. “A lot of the shells have been specific to a situation. Something I wanted to say without being a busybody old lady, and never just my opinion. I used quotes and scriptures or a simple word or two. ‘Believe.’ ‘Have faith.’ ‘Hope.’ Just something to make people pause for that split second it takes to get back to the reality of a situation and find hope. It’s all about hope.” Maeve looked at her. “I did leave those shells for you.”

  “I’m so glad you did.”

  “I only hand delivered a few compared to the probably thousands I’ve cast into the ocean or left in flowerpots or along the dunes. And somehow they seem to land in the hands of people who need the message.”

  “Did you ever hope that’s what would happen?”

  “I never really thought about it until it started becoming a thing. Honestly, the ones I didn’t plant seemed to help as much as the ones I did. Like the one that Becky found.”

  Amanda pressed her hand to Maeve’s arm. “Your wonderful gifts to so many. It’s going to be sad to think no one might ever find another.”

  “Unless they keep recirculating. They could keep popping up for years. I kind of hope they do.” Maeve looked out the window with a smile on her face, rather quiet for the rest of the ride.

  James must’ve been ready to be back in Macon, because it took less than four hours to get there.

  “I think James may have sped.” Maeve flashed her a knowing look.

  For some reason, that struck Amanda’s funny bone. “Are you planning to wage a citizen’s arrest on our driver?”

  “That would be a first for me.” She giggled with a wicked look in her eye that made Amanda wonder if she might actually do it.

  When they got to Judy’s neighborhood, Amanda wor
ried about Maeve living in a subdivision like this. Not that it wasn’t nice. It was. Huge houses on big sloped lots. Old-timey lampposts lining the walking paths dotted by professionally landscaped beds, but it was nothing like Whelk’s Island.

  “I guess this ride was a warm-up for the style in which you’re about to get accustomed to,” Amanda teased.

  “I’ve never even seen a picture of her house. It’s more grand than I’d imagined, but that doesn’t impress me.”

  “Maeve, call me every day if you want. Or not at all. Please call if you need me or want to talk to the kids. Anytime day or night. And if you want us here, we will be here. I promise.”

  “Oh, Amanda, you are so special. I will remember that, and thank you for this trip. It’s meant the world to me. There’s not one thing that I want for now.”

  Maeve held Amanda’s hand the rest of the ride.

  They turned into a long driveway lined with crape myrtle. The road curved, making a large circle in front of the house. In the middle of that circle, a large fountain sprayed water into the air.

  “Very pretty.” Amanda noticed Maeve’s lips tightening. “Are you okay? You can come back home with me. Whatever makes you happy.”

  “I’ll be fine. It won’t be for very long. It’s the right thing to do, and I’m at peace with this.”

  Amanda nodded, unable to respond, else she might start crying and never stop.

  “Amanda, some people only come into our lives for a season. I’m glad our paths crossed. I needed you in this phase of my life, and I pray that my experience has somehow brought you some peace with your recent past and possibly given you a nudge toward a happy forever after with Paul. This summer has been so eye opening for me. I’m definitely going out on a high note. Don’t you mourn for me. I want you to celebrate. Hang colorful lights across the yard and throw a wonderful party. Be brave and enjoy everything you deserve in this lifetime. Do not waste a single day.”

  “Yes ma’am. I promise I am listening to your every word. I will make you proud.”

  “Oh, Amanda. I already am.”

  James opened the door and helped Maeve out of the car. Amanda also got out, feeling protective of her new friend as Judy and her husband made their way toward them.

  Amanda hung back, not wanting to interfere with Judy and Maeve’s reunion. There were hugs and introductions, and it was all a blur to Amanda. She was thankful when James interrupted the chatter to offer to take her to the airport if she wanted him to since they made such good time.

  Judy didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. Amanda, thank you for getting my sister to me safe and sound. You are a good friend.”

  “It was my pleasure. Can you hang on one second?” Amanda dipped into the back seat of the limo and pulled out a small bag. She reached in and grabbed a card, which she handed to Judy. Then she presented a photo album to Maeve. “The kids and I made this for you. It’s just pictures from home.”

  “Thank you.” Maeve hugged her, holding her a long time. “I love you, Amanda. Kiss my little angels in the palm of their hands for me. Tell them I’ll always watch over them. And you—you are going to be fine. Go ahead and get moved into the house. You don’t have to wait until the papers come, but they are on the way. Reinvest in your new reality. Live. Love. Laugh. And keep that sand under your feet.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  They both cried, not even bothering to sweep the tears to the side. Amanda choked back a sob as she slid back into the limo.

  At the airport, Amanda bought a paperback novel and settled in at her gate. She resisted the urge to call Paul. If things were going well, she sure didn’t need to disturb them or make the kids antsy for her return.

  When she did the calculation, she could’ve driven by the time she added the wait at the airport and the flight time. But at least it gave her time to be alone with her feelings.

  When she got off the plane, her hands were sweating. She was ready to get home. She went straight to baggage claim and retrieved her suitcase. When she turned around to go outside and get a taxi, she spotted Paul, Hailey, and Jesse all holding signs. Hailey and Jesse each had eighteen-inch poster boards with Mom colored on them. Paul held a big yellow cardboard with The Most Beautiful Girl I Know written across it in big black balloon letters. Underneath in red were the words “We missed you.”

  She ran over to them, throwing her arms out, wanting to hug them all at the same time. “I love you all.”

  She knelt down and Jesse clung to her while Hailey draped herself across her back, kissing her ear. “We love you, Mommy.”

  Paul hovered above them.

  “Things went well?” She looked at her two children. Good as new, like nothing had happened. Their big smiles cheered her heart.

  “It was so much fun. We did a lot of stuff. We even slept in the backyard. Like camping.”

  “Wow, that is very cool!” Amanda stood, reaching for Paul’s hands.

  He took her hands in his. “Welcome home.”

  “I’m so happy to be back. Thank you. Please tell me the kids behaved for you.”

  “They were great. I was horrible. Hailey had to put me in time-out.”

  Hailey laughed hysterically. “He was good. Plus, he made us the best pancakes in the whole world.”

  The thought of Paul, in her apron, cooking for Hailey and Jesse filled her heart. He never looked happier. “You really had fun with them, didn’t you?”

  “I did, but I’ve been counting the minutes until I’d see you again.”

  “Oh my gosh. I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”

  “I hope you feel that way every day.” Paul took the handle of her suitcase. “We’re parked just across the way. Line up, kids.” He took Jesse’s hand, and Jesse took Amanda’s. Hailey ran to Paul’s other side, holding his hand that was on the suitcase. “We’ve got a system.”

  “Very nice.”

  When they got to the parking garage, they all piled into Paul’s truck. Amanda loved that he had moved the car seats to his truck. “Wait. Did you buy new car seats?”

  “Yeah. We should both be ready to transport whenever necessary, don’t you think?”

  “Sure, I guess so.” She hadn’t meant for it to sound so hesitant.

  “Is it okay? Did I overstep?”

  “No. No, you didn’t. Thank you, Paul.”

  “Mine has a cupholder,” Jesse said.

  “I bet you like that.” Amanda looked over her shoulder at her two sweet children. We’re all going to be fine.

  Paul started his truck and set the navigation system for home. He took his eyes off the road for a quick second and smiled in her direction.

  Her mood, which had been reflective just a little while ago, seemed lighter now.

  “I almost forgot. I told Kimmy and Nate that I’d watch the twins for a couple hours tomorrow morning,” Paul said. “They are going on a surfing date. Do you want to come along? I mean, no pressure. If you can’t, I understand.”

  “I’d love to help.”

  “And those meetings that you saw on my calendar—”

  “I know you’re busy.” She dreaded his being gone so much, afraid that she’d find herself filled with fear that he might not return, as silly as it sounded even in her own head.

  He reached for her hand. “It’s not as busy as it was. I’ve delegated some duties. My focus is still on achieving the goals I set for Paws Town Square, but I’ve promoted a few people to take on more responsibility. I should’ve done it a long time ago, but it was all I had to focus on.” He looked into her eyes. “That’s no longer the case. I have more in my life now: you.” He glanced in the rearview mirror. “And them. I’ll be here for all three of you. No matter what.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Amanda stared at him. Thank you didn’t begin to explain the feelings of being loved and protected
. Grateful for that, she said, “We’ll find a balance together. What you’re doing is very important. I want to be part of that too.”

  “Then you will.” He grinned, his arms flexing as he gripped the steering wheel. “You have no idea how happy I am.”

  “I feel it too.”

  30

  Over the course of two weeks, Amanda had packed a few boxes each day to move to Maeve’s. She’d decided how she would set up her little bungalow for her business. Even dreamed of a pretty sign out front by the gate. No one would ever see it but the mailman and her, but it would give it even more of a cottagey feel.

  She was finally going to start her herbal-salts business after all. But with so many things changing, she’d decided to still teach this year and take the time to make a strong business plan. Plus, she still wanted to refine her product line and processes.

  They spent most days at Maeve’s already, and there was joy when she and the kids spoke of her. It was therapeutic to be among her things and strive to live like she had: joyful, hopeful, and in balance with the ocean. The air-conditioning was a great relief, and the kids loved running up and down the stairs. It was just the motivation she needed to hurry up and finish moving out of the cottage.

  Paul came in the back door as she was packing up all her herbal salts. She already had a few boxes filled. It was as if the stuff in the cabinet was never ending.

  “Good morning,” Paul said. “Starting in here now, huh?”

  “Yep.”

  “What’s all this?” He looked inside the top of the full box, then lifted out one of the containers. “Inventory?”

  “Sure is.”

  He opened the jar and inhaled. “This smells great. I’m so happy that you’re able to chase this dream. Without any help.”

  “Well, technically Maeve helped, but I do feel more independent about it. I’m sorry. I hope you appreciate why I can’t let you give me a space.”

  He returned the jar to the box and raised his hands. “Not another word. I like you being strong enough to do your own things. I completely understand.”

  She was so much busier these days, but she didn’t mind one bit. “I am, but I need to also keep my priorities straight.”