A Holland Kiss

by Dawn Michelle

  Jay was walking into the police post, as I came out. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

  “When I stopped at the park, you were gone. I went by your house, I took a wild guess and came here. What are you doing here?”

  Still coming to terms with the fact that our town council president, a pillar in our fine, safe and quiet community, had been the source of all the trouble, that’s what I was doing.

  “Getting a pedicure. What do you think I’m doing? Sorry. I’m just in shock I guess.” Like the night of my broken window, would you like to hold me now too? Please?

  “Did they let you see Glen?” Holding the door open for me, Jay and I walked outside to the smell of fresh air.

  “Yeah. I can’t believe he did this though. How scary is that? Really? We’ve known Glen all our lives. How could he?” All my questions came out in a rush of mumbled words, but Jay understood my meaning.

  “Did he tell you why he did it?” Jay had his hand on the small of my back.

  “Money.” It was all about the money for Glen. How was money more valuable than Dutch and Tulip? More valuable than the trust of the people of Holland? Or, I know! More valuable than breaking the law?

  Jay wanted to know the details of my conversation with Glen. We sat in his truck, in the police station parking lot— how romantic—and I told him the tale.

  I cried sometimes, laughed others, but mostly I felt numb.

  It was really over.

  ~~~~~

  At church the next day, everyone was talking about Glen like we were in a bar not a church. But who could blame them? This was big news.

  Rumors were flying about the money Glen expected and the role Perry had played in the saga. I found myself feeling sorry for Glen’s family. Did they know what was happening or were they, too, innocent in all this?

  Glen had accused me of being selfish. Maybe he was right. I realize what he did was wrong, but maybe I was wrong too. Dutch and Tulip didn’t belong to me, yet I’d become so engrossed in their struggle that I’d let the world pass me by. That was wrong.

  I’d become so focused on my need to save them that I’d begun to suspect people I’d known my entire life. Good people. I wasn’t giving my students what they truly deserved. Principal Kyser should fire me. A dead-wood teacher described me best this last year. Doing the bare minimum, my classroom was a mess in every way possible.

  I’d neglected my parents and friends. Sure, I spent time with them, but only when it served my needs and purposes. And what did they do for me? Everything. All the people I loved had supported and helped in my efforts. Me. Me. Me. Glen was right about this much at least.

  Eight days until the restoration company would arrive and I could sleep in my own bed again. It was probably stupid of me to continue sleeping at the park, but I wouldn’t stop now. I still felt somehow responsible for all the upheaval of the last few months.

  I’d use these last night’s wisely. Lesson plan. Call Mom and Dad, talking about something other than Dutch and Tulip. What quilt Mom was working on and Dad? I have no idea what I’ll talk about with him, but I’ll give it a shot.

  Jonas and Kelly deserved my undivided attention as well. As it was I didn’t know what was going on in their lives and they are my closest friends.

  So that’s what I did. I slept at night, in the comfort of my car, so that I was better prepared for my students during the day. I used my planning period for its true purpose and stayed late after school each afternoon making up for lost time.

  Kelly and I had long conversations about nothing important, which to me was important. She wasn’t dating her doctor anymore, hadn’t been for weeks, yet I’d missed that. Jonas could have cared less about my new attention to his life. He’s a guy, so I wasted my time with that one, but I felt better for having tried. Ruth got her way and spent one night at the park with me. She kept me up all night.

  Molly called 13 times.

  And Jay. Something has to happen with him soon or I’m going to combust from the tension. He called and stopped by those last eight nights. Easily, too easily, if you ask me, forgave me for suspecting him.

  When he came to the park, Jay always had something for me. And Ruth. Snacks, magazines, a book on tape, which Ruth loved. One night he brought a portable TV/DVD player and we watched a movie. Action, of course.

  We talked for hours. About everything. Our hopes, our dreams. The future. A future I knew I had no part in, but felt lucky to call him a friend. Even though I was dying to know what happened with Britni, I never pushed him for answers. We were friends and his love life was none of my concern.

  Sure I wanted his love life to be mine as well, but…well, we all know I’ll always want him. I just need to find balance where he’s concerned. I’ll have to work on that one. Because right now my heart is still too heavy. Maybe time will lessen my burden, but I kind of doubt it.

  When the restoration company arrived, on schedule, I, once again, slept soundly in my own bed.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  “What’s going on?” Tulip didn’t like this. She couldn’t see around her. Someone had rudely covered both her and Dutch, concealing them from the world.

  “I think this is it, flower. They’re going to fix us up now.” Although Dutch was thrilled that his crack would soon be gone, he didn’t like all the men touching his Tulip. And they did so often. Playing with her braids and admiring her eyes.

  “I can’t see like I did before, Dutch. Maybe I need glasses? I can’t see you.” Something didn’t feel quite right to Tulip.

  “What do you mean ? I’m standing right here.” Those men! What had they done? Had they cast some spell on his love? Tulip was right, though. Something was different, but Dutch couldn’t put his finger on it.

  Not only were they covered, which Dutch had enjoyed. He liked having Tulip all to himself. It was very romantic and secret under the sheet. But Tulip’s face was hidden from him now. The workers had been touching up her face. But on the bright side, the birds hadn’t bothered him in days.

  Dutch watched in horror as a man touched his Tulip’s lips. “Stop!” Loud as he could, Dutch yelled at them, but the man ignored him and continued touching his girl. Meanwhile, another group of men were doing something behind his back. They were touching Tulip’s bouquet. What if they took it from him?

  He’d never get his kiss.

  ~~~~~

  There was an air of excitement in town. Everyone was thrilled to see progress finally being made on Dutch and Tulip. With the exception of the Moller’s.

  Glen was released from jail and, even though he couldn’t leave the area, he and his wife had left Holland. They were staying with her sister in Huntingburg. Ruth thought they’d probably move, which was fine by her. I kept my mouth shut, but I knew Holland would never forgive Glen or his wife. Linda was now guilty by association. Jay suggested I get a restraining order, but I couldn’t. I was trying to put Glen and his actions behind me.

  I wanted to sing, even badly, when scaffolding went up and some sort of sheeting, which looked like two parachutes had landed, covered both Dutch and Tulip, closing the main entrance to the park.

  The restoration work started slowly. In fact, it didn’t start at all. The April rains delayed any work from taking place. When the severe threats of weather came, I had nightmares about last year’s storm. But, by early May the conditions calmed down and we had several weeks of dry weather. Things seemed to be coming together. Finally!

  The celebration plans were in place. We had 12 couples who would renew their vows, with Brock and Molly getting their own separate ceremony. I tried again to get them to dress as Dutch and Tulip, but I basically suck at persuasion.

  The windmill got a new paint job and the brick pathway was laid. All the donors’ names were proudly displayed. It would be several more weeks before the landscaping and bricks around Dutch and Tulip would be complete.

  Tulips would be first since she required far less work. It was amazing how she looked compared to
Dutch. Where his overalls were faded by the sun’s harsh rays, hers were nearly perfect. The last 50 years had not worn on her. Like all classic beauties, Tulip had aged gracefully. I thought that was because Dutch chose to take the abuse rather than have his love hurt in any way. UV rays be damned.

  The committee, minus Glen, continued to meet and tie up any loose ends. For me, this meant more time with Jay. Gloria and Walt held a cookout for committee members and Jay and I were included, but everyone acted as if we were a couple. Jay didn’t tell them any different and my heart soared at the idea that people saw us as one. Even though we’re not.

  For the Fourth of July celebration, all the usual community groups would set up their stands, selling everything from walking tacos to turtle soup. Games for the kids and the fire department had a smoke house, used for training, which people could walk or crawl through. Ruth couldn’t wait.

  The Boy Scouts had donated a new American flag for the occasion. They were to accompany the Legion Color Guard in presenting the flags during the opening ceremonies and the Girl Scouts would sing the National Anthem.

  The Friday of the anniversary celebration would include the queen’s crowning, a talent show and the thing we’d worked so hard for. The newly restored Dutch and Tulip would be unveiled.

  Saturday was wedding day. The various food booths and bands would, in effect, provide the reception for the couples involved. Brock and Molly would marry at sunset, with fireworks when it was finally dark. The beer garden would stay open until people were too drunk to drink or sunup. Whichever came first.

  A 5K run was to take place in the morning. Kelly had worked hard in organizing it, but was disappointed when I refused to take part. The last thing I wanted to do was run a marathon. The last year had been enough of a race for me and I wasn’t to the finish line yet.

  There would be a nondenominational sunrise service on Sunday. I’m assuming most of the attendees will be hung-over or still up from the previous night. And a parade. Just like I’d imagined, all the floats would pass under Dutch and Tulip before the closing ceremonies.

  Ruth had been nominated as our grand marshal. Not really. I’d insisted and everyone had agreed. The original photos and sketches of Dutch and Tulip that she’d donated earned her the honor. The windmill, complete with working blades, was now home to the memorabilia and the quilt the ladies had worked so hard on. Holland’s own museum if you will.

  Jonas and I didn’t have the heart to tell Ruth no, so she would be riding with him on his motorcycle, instead of a convertible as she led the parade through the streets of Holland. I’d bought Ruth her very own helmet for the occasion. In big hot pink letters it said, “Grand Duchess.”

  School was out for the summer, for which I was grateful. Well, not really. Now that Dutch and Tulip were almost done, what would I do with my time?

  When I got asked to play softball, I respectfully declined. I don’t mean to whine, but my ankle still bothers me in the mornings. Kelly suggested several exercises, but like yoga and self-defense, I couldn’t find the time. Really I just didn’t want to do it. You’d think Kelly would know me better by now.

  I would not be leading Park and Rec this year. Dana and Kara had agreed to split the duties, but knowing me, I’d end up at the park anyway. I couldn’t stay away. Even though I was asked to stop coming.

  “What? You can’t be serious? Why?” I’d asked. Gloria and Faye were ganging up on me.

  “You’ve done so much, Lily. Let the unveiling be a surprise for you.” When I looked like I was going to argue, each gave me a stern look, “This is not a request, young lady. We mean it. You are no longer welcome at the park. Not yet at least.” They were smiling and I hated what that could mean.

  Now I was at a complete loss. I couldn’t even visit Dutch and Tulip. I thought about going back to my pro/con list, but instead I threw it away. Life isn’t about lists.

  I cleaned, and I mean really cleaned, my house. It was getting gross like the apartment I’d lived in my last year of college. I was pretty sure there was something living in my bathtub and I didn’t have time for another pet.

  Jay surprised me and stopped by on my first night in exile. And he came bearing gifts.

  “Heard you’ve been banned,” he said, smiling. “Thought you might be feeling lost. There’s a House Hunters marathon on tonight. You interested?”

  Nah. I have no desire to spend the evening with you Jay. “Yes, but only because you brought Gaslight pizza.”

  Are we dating? He calls and comes by, but he’s never actually said the words. What do you think?

  One week passed into the next. I rode my bike or walked by the park a minimum of three times a day, hoping to catch a glimpse, but my hopes were always dashed. Dutch and Tulip were still playing hide and seek under the parachutes. I could only imagine what was going on and how much Dutch loved the privacy it gave him with his love.

  Dutch was upright now and I breathed easier knowing that much was done at least. Tulip could breathe easier too. She had her Dutch back where he belonged.

  ~~~~~

  June 22nd. My birthday. Over a quarter of century now.

  Kelly had to work and since it was Thursday I knew Mom would skip quilting to be with her only child, but hated for her to do that. I lied and told her I had plans with Jonas. She and I would do something this weekend. That something probably involving me and a sewing machine, but whatever, it made her happy.

  Bill and Tootsie were on vacation and Ruth was quilting with Mom, so the neighborhood felt lonely. I wandered around my yard pulling weeds. When I was done with mine, I pulled Tootsie’s too.

  I adjusted my Dutch and Tulip so they were closer still. Dutch looked like he was about to push Tulip over, but it was cute, imagining them in a game of sorts. Sure they were safe now, I had the spare pair out for display as well. I placed the other set on the opposite side of the house for balance. I didn’t want to be tacky.

  Just having put the finishing touches on the Dutch costume, I was surprised when Jay called at 4:30PM, which is out of character for him. He usually waits until later to call. Which he does every night now. Even the nights he comes over. Which he does every night now.

  Again I ask. Do you think we’re dating? It sort of feels like we are. When he kisses me and he does a lot, I’m sure we are. But we never talk about it. So I’m trying really hard not to hyper-focus on that aspect. Instead, I enjoy focusing on all the kissing.

  “Something’s happened at the park.” Jay announced.

  Dammit all to hell! At what point did I become such a potty mouth, as my students would say. I know I’m not much for profanity, but gosh dang it! I’m sick and tired of phone calls that start this way.

  It never, never ends well for Dutch and Tulip. Or me. Somehow their bad luck had become mine and I think we’re due for some good.

  “What now?” I was already sending up prayers. Please, please God. Let them be okay. Keep them safe from harm. Or more harm. I amended.

  “You’ll see when you get here.” Jay didn’t sound happy and I wondered what could have happened.

  I didn’t know if I should be sad or mad, but by the time I got to the park, I was plenty of both. I’d worked myself into a tizzy when Jay met me at my car.

  “How bad is it?” I asked, dreading the answer.

  Opening the door, Jay took my hand and said, “Come on and I’ll show you.”

  Walking hand in hand, Jay led me toward Dutch. While Jay held the parachute aside, I entered what felt like a hidden world. It was bright outside, but under the sheet it was shadowy and suddenly romantic.

  There was a blanket laid neatly on the ground, next to Tulip’s newly painted clogs. A basket, balloons, candles and my Dutch and Tulip dolls were set out on top. Each doll was holding a single cupcake and Jay had placed them to appear as if they were holding hands.

  “Happy birthday,” Jay smiled, looking proud of himself.

  I was no longer sad or mad. I was in love. But, we already knew t
hat.

  Still holding hands, we walked around the couple I’d loved my whole life. They weren’t quite done yet, but Tulip appeared to be, so I ignored her with a quick glance. Dutch was only complete from the waist up and I sighed in relief noting the crack was gone.

  The restorers had done a fantastic job. You couldn’t see where the damage had been. Dutch’s ass looked perfectly rounded and crack-free. Whatever material they’d used was a greyish color and would soon be painted a nice shiny red. I looked up to their faces and froze.

  “Well? What do you think?” Jay asked, excited.

  Kissing. There was a whole lot of kissing going on.

  “How…I don’t understand?” I said, dumbfounded.

  “After Dutch was upright, the restorers realized they could move him where he should have been 50 years ago. Now Holland really does have the world’s largest kissing couple.”

  I never thought I’d live to see the day. Their lips were touching! They were kissing!

  I threw myself at Jay. Not very ladylike, but I was so happy. Jay responded by catching me. Then he kissed me.

  Kissed me under Dutch and Tulip.

  This was it! I’d gotten my Holland Kiss. My own Holland Kiss.

  “How long have you known about this?” I asked, still in awe of the fact that they were kissing.

  “They told me weeks ago, but we wanted to keep it a secret from everyone. Especially you, but since it’s your birthday, I thought you deserved a sneak peek. There’s something else.” Jay turned me away from him and toward Tulip.

  Nothing could be better than this. Dutch and Tulip lip-locked was the most amazing sight. Dutch was likely over the moon. He could kiss his girl whenever he wanted.

  “Notice something different about Tulip?” Jay urged.

  That did it! I cried, not even trying to stop the tears of joy as they ran down my face. My nose started running, ruining any further romance, but I didn’t care.

  Green eyes.

  Tulip’s eyes were no longer blue. They were green. Just like mine.

  “Remember when you said I looked like him?” Jay asked. I nodded, it’s all I could do for the tears. “Then I said you looked like her, but you got all huffy and told me your eyes weren’t blue.”

  “I did not get huffy,” I managed to speak. I don’t do huffy.