Take Me Away

Chapter 2

  By the time grandma returned, I had packed and already moved on to cleaning the house.  After a year, of course there was a colony of dust bunnies living under every piece of furniture, and they were multiplying! 

   "Storeen, what are you doing?"

  I smiled at grandma's childhood nickname for me.  It means 'little treasure.'  "Just sweeping up the bunnies grandma.  They'll take over the whole house pretty soon.  You know how quick rabbits multiply, don't you?"

  She gave me a knowing smile.  "Carry on, graih villish.  I'm going to put away these groceries and then I'll come join you.  How about we go out for dinner?  Just to catch up with everyone."

  "Sounds good!"  She meandered off into the kitchen and I returned my focus back to my work.  Two chairs, a loveseat, coffee table, and a beautiful armoire later I have finished conquering the shadow vermin.  Hmm, what shall I do next?  Looking around the room I decided that rather than be stuck inside a moment longer, I was going to go outside and check out the garden.

  Last year I put in a ten foot garden on the east side of the house.  There's something about being outside that just makes my spirit soar.  My garden is complete with Speedwell, Fuschia, Field Poppies, Elderflower, Red Valerian, Tormentil, and Bergenia.  I've seen a few of these flowers back home, but not many.

  One of my grandma's friends must keep up with the weeding while were gone.  Only a few need to even be pulled.  I'll have to think of something to re-pay them for all the hard work they put in to keeping my garden nice all year. 

  "Storeen?"

  "I'm in the garden!"

  I looked up as grandma came around the side of the house.  "How did I know I'd find you out here?" She said with a laugh.

  "What can I say?  I like getting dirty!  OUCH!!!"  I quickly pulled my hand up to my chest. 

  "What happened, Agra?"  Grandma took my hand in hers, peering at it with concerned eyes.

  "It felt like something stung me."

  "I don't see anything.  Maybe you grabbed a thorn by accident?"

  Hmm I suppose I could have....none of my flowers have thorns though.  Weird.

  "Why don't you take a break from the garden for a little while?  Let's take a walk down to Mr. Brewer's.  He'll be happy to see you."

  Still clutching my stinging hand I sighed, "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.  I could use a break."  I stood up, brushing the dirt from my knees, and followed her down the little winding path into the forest next to our house. 
 
  Patrick Brewer has been a long time friend of my grandparents for as long as I can remember.  You know those cute little old men that walk around town saying 'Hi' to everyone, whether they know them or not?  That's Mr. Brewer.  He is probably the sweetest most caring man I've ever met.

  If we walk, it's about a 15 minute walk to Mr. Brewer's house.  By car just a hop, jump, and a skip.  I prefer the walk though: the trees are green, flowering are blooming, and woodland creatures are skittering through the underbrush.  Makes me almost regret having to go back home to the city.  It definitely isn't as quiet or peaceful as it is here, and you're more likely to be hit by a car than attacked by a wild animal.  I don't know about you, but I'll take my chances.

  "Every year I think I miss this place more and more."

  Grandma is quiet for a moment before speaking.  "There's something about this land that pulls people in.  No matter how long you're away, you always get pulled back to it.  As much as I love our house back in the United States, this will always be my home.  Along with you, my ghraih veen."  She smiles fondly, taking my hand in hers as we walk.

  Before long we break away from the trees and come upon a quaint little house set back into the grassy hillside, complete with sheep.  With as often as we've seen them, you'd think they would recognize us by now, but they wearily watched us from the safety of their hills. 

  Mr. Brewer was out to meet us and giving us hugs before we could even reach the house.  Everything about him was the same as it had been last year.  He was as warm and welcoming as ever. 

  "Come, come, you must come inside for tea!"  To the common tourist his words would be hard to understand because of his accent, but I'm used to it.  We all but ran inside, being ushered by this hobit of a man, his mouth moving a mile a minute.  I have to give her props, my grandmother handled this with grace.  With so many questions being asked I didn't have time to think about anything else.

  Soon enough it was time to go, the sun had long set below the horizon.  Mr. Brewer waved goodbye, bidding us farewell and to come back again soon.  I promised to bring him something to appease his sweet tooth since he was my secret garden buddy. 

  We set out once again down the path through the woods...and off to grandma's house we went.  Most people would be nervous or anxious in the dark but I felt fine.  When the smaller animals go quiet, that's when you need to be worried.  Slowly we walked, taking our time.  Once or twice I thought I could feel myself being watched, but I quickly dismissed the feeling.  Nothing had ever happened to me in the woods, why would it now?

  We made it home without incident and headed in our separate directions, grandma to her bed and me to mine.  Today had been a long day, usually is when we first arrive.  By the second day things are easier and more relaxed.  We can start enjoying our vacation.