Something Beautiful

Marcy sat out on the porch of her old house. The rain poured down relentlessly and the wind howled like a wolf. Ever so slowly the sun rose overtop the trees. Marcy checked her watch, she would have plenty of time to watch the sun before leaving for school. The cool morning air made her breath visible, and the sounds of birds chirping filled her ears. The floor creaked behind her and Marcy quickly turned around.

"It's alright Marcy, it's only me." Said her Grandmother as she settled down in the rocking chair next to Marcy.

Marcy's grand mother had long gray hair that reached the waist of her frail body. Although she was old she moved with grace and precision. Round thin wire glasses circled her blue-gray eyes.

She and Marcy had the same stormy eyes.

"Your Grandfather used to come out and paint the crisp mornings. I believe you have inherited his love of rain." Grandmother said softly.

"Grandmother?" Marcy whispered.

"Yes child?" Grandmother said as she stared out to the blue mountains.

"When will granddad leave the hospital?"

Grandmother sighed with sadness.

"I don't know Marcy, I don't know." Grandmother paused before asking, "When are you going to leave for highschool?"

The sun had almost completed its rise from the tree tops sending gorgeous colors across the sky while the rain poured down. Marcy glanced down to her watch.

"Now, if I want to be on time." Marcy opened her clear umbrella and set of down the road. She enjoyed the gentle sound of the rain as it hit her umbrella.

The day passed like a breeze. None of Marcy's classes challenged her. She was always too quiet for the teachers to take much notice of her. Finally her favorite part of the school day came. Art class. The class was led by the organized Mrs. Holly who always had her neat blonde hair in bun and all her clothes freshly ironed. Her powerful gaze kept even the rudest student in line.

" Today you will be painting something beautiful. Beauty surrounds us all wherever we go. Find your inspiration quickly though, we are on a schedule. You know where the supplies are. You have one week to finish." Mrs. Holly spoke sharply and harshly.

Marcy thought of her granddad. She wanted to paint something for him. Something beautiful. Marcy sketched out several ideas, but none felt right. Something beautiful she thought over and over. The bell surprised Marcy. She had nothing to show for her hour of work. Several other students had already started with the paint. Disappointed Marcy walked home.

Grandmother was in the kitchen when she walked in. The smell of home baked chocolate chip cookies filled the air. Marcy inhaled deeply, the aroma filling her with warmth. Chocolate chip cookies...granddad's favorite. Marcy walked into the small kitchen her school bag still slung over her shoulder.

" Grandmother, could we visit granddad today?" Marcy asked. Grandmother wiped her hands onto her apron.

" I was going to ask you the same thing, here go put away your things and I'll clean up the kitchen. Then we'll go."

Marcy climbed up the old wooden steps to the second floor. Her bedroom was small, white walls, blue sheets. She hung her bag on a hook. Marcy's favorite spot was the window seat. Two gray cushions made sitting there comfortable and the book shelf in easy reach made it the perfect reading nook. Marcy glanced out the window. The rain had stopped but she knew it would be back. They were in the rainy months.

Grandmother should be done cleaning by now. Marcy walked back downstairs and out the door. Grandmother was waiting in the car. Marcy got in and together they drove to the hospital. Granddad was waiting for them when they reached the his room. He was sitting up in his bed of clean white sheets. When Marcy asked how he knew that they were coming, all he replied was that, " The angels told him"