*NOTE: For the endless times that I have apologized, I am really embarassed to be asking patience from you. I really am sorry. I am slowly searching for the guts to edit this story of mine. I hope you continue to encourage me in this rough but meaningful journey. :)
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CHAPTER 11
SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS
Receiving the box of chocolates a week ago,Caddie still could not understand how she should view the gift. Her logical sense tells her that it was just a one time thing – an out of the blue surprise performed by someone who was bored of his (or her) life. She wondered about the intentions behind the gesture. “Do I look like a charity case?”, she mumbled to herself as she read the note for the fifth time that Sunday morning. Preventing herself from destroying on important piece of evidence, Caddie placed the note inside a plain magenta box - one of the smallest boxes among her collection.
Wanting to transform her uneasiness to productivity, Caddie decided to do her laundry. Though her body demanded that she go back to bed and spend most of the day sleeping, she ordered her body to cooperate with her.
Forty-five minutes later, Caddie hung the last piece of clothing, a grey cardigan, she hand-washed on the clothesline. She let out a sigh of relief, and went inside the house for a quick snack. Grabbing a tuna sandwich on the kitchen counter, Caddie headed out to sit on the front yard hammock. As she was about to sit on the hammock, she saw Mrs. Filla, the old widow who lives alone in a big house across the street.
“Good morning Mrs. Filla!” Caddie greeted lively as she waved her hand
Mrs. Filla, who was holding a broom and a dustpan, looked at Caddie’s direction and smiled. “Good morning to you too dear. Do you want to have tea with me?”
Caddie swallowed the last piece of her sandwich and rushed towards Mrs. Filla. “You know I would never turn down any of your invitations Ma’am.”, Caddie said as she carried the cleaning materials for Mrs. Filla.
Mrs. Filla gently patted Caddie’s shoulder. “But, am I not disturbing your schedule? Your parents may have errands for you to accomplish.”
Caddie shook her head. “They’re out early. Market. So, that leaves me with nothing to do. Well, except for sweeping your yard.”
Mrs. Filla laughed sweetly, “You really know how to make me smile. Okay then. I’ll prepare some snacks inside. You know where to find me.”
“Yes Ma’am!” Caddie replied enthusiastically. She waited for Mrs. Filla to enter the house, and proceeded to sweep the front yard.
What another productive way to keep my mind away from that stupid box of chocolates. Caddie mumbled as the broom touched the lawn.
After ten minutes of motivated sweeping, Caddie placed the broom and dustpan beside the garbage can in the backyard. She headed towards the dining area. Mrs. Filla was busy arranging cookies on the ceramic plate while humming Kenny Roger’s Through the Years.
Caddie smiled as she saw Mrs. Filla’s eyes flicker with excitement. This was the first time she saw those eyes light up like that again after Mr. George Filla passed away, three months ago.
“What am I to eat now, Granny?” Caddie asked with a childlike tone.
Mrs. Filla stopped humming and smiled, “You finished the sweeping too quickly. Are you sure you did it as I always do?”
“Of course ma’am! It would be embarrassing to sweep in a less than perfect manner.”
Mrs. Filla chuckled. “I was trying to be funny dear, but I guess I failed.” She placed the plate of cookies in front of Caddie, silently sending her a signal to get one.
“Are you a psychic ma’am?” Caddie asked, realizing the kind of cookies that lay in front of her.
“Why do you say so?”
“Because these are caramel filled chocolate cookies, is my favorite among your recipes! And you always seem to know when to bake them… they coincide with the time that I am here.”
Mrs. Filla smiled and took a cookie from the plate. “You seem too preoccupied these days, and I seldom see you comfortably seated on the hammock while reading a book.”
Caddie wiped her mouth with a napkin, “I guess I’m becoming more obvious huh?”
After swallowing the last bit of her cookie, Mrs. Filla nodded. “You know you can always talk to me about anything.”
With the pros and cons battling in her mind, Caddie breathed in deeply. “I received a random box of chocolates last week, and I don’t know if it came from…”
Mrs. Filla raised her eyebrows in anticipation. She placed the cookie she was holding in a saucer and spoke, “And you’re wondering if it came from a secret admirer?”
Taken aback by Mrs. Filla’s statement, Caddie choked. Mrs. Filla immediately filled a blue, floral cup with water. “Drink this dear.” She said, handing the cup to Caddie.
After a sip of cold water, Caddie cleared her throat and replied to Mrs. Filla’s guess. “How did you…?”
Mrs. Filla chuckled, “I was a teenager once Caddie. Those types of gifts will surely make anyone curious. And it’s added pressure when you know that you want it to come from a specific person.”
Caddie leaned closer to Mrs. Filla with interest, “Yes! Entirely true Granny.” She immediately leaned against the chair, and sighed. Entirely.
“Are you worried that you’re expecting too much dear?”
Caddie nodded.
Mrs. Filla placed her hands on top of Caddie’s. “It’s scary to expect Caddie, especially when you don’t have anything to support your expectations. Some things may fail you, but there are also those things that need time to be revealed. Are you willing to be patient dear?”
“Yes Gran. But I’m afraid that I am waiting for the wrong thing.”
Mrs. Filla shook her head. “Oh no dear. You have a long journey ahead of you. Some of your wishes may end up being invaluable. But there will surely be things that are meant for you. And no matter how long you wait, no matter the circumstances, if they are supposed to be in your life, they will eventually happen. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon or someday.”
Caddie gave Mrs. Filla a warm hug, letting a few tears roll from her eyes.
The one and a half hour long conversation seemed like minutes when Caddie heard the honk of their car.
“They’ve arrived Gran.”
Mrs. Filla, who was about to wash the ceramic plate, gave Caddie a warm hug. “You’ll be alright dear.”
Caddie nodded, “Make me some muffins next time Granny.”
A gentle chuckle filled the kitchen. “I will dear. What muffins shall I make for you?”, Mrs. Filla asked, letting go of Caddie.
“Strawberry muffins will be great!”
“Okay, I got it.” Mrs. Filla replied, sounding a little too effortful.
Caddie caught the uncertainty in Mrs. Filla’s voice, “You’re being a little more modern now with your replies Gran.”
Granny playfully patted Caddie’s shoulder. “Don’t tease me now dear. Go on. Your parents are waiting for you.”
After giving Mrs. Filla a peck on the cheek, Caddie headed out the Filla’s residence.
