My Siobhan

Chapter 12

Tuesday morning came all too soon, both women were looking forward to seeing Owen, Coral had gotten up at the crack of dawn to start preparations on lunch wanting everything to be perfect. Shivey couldn't see why she was so frantic about it. It was only lunch, but she guessed Coral wanted to impress and food was her genre.

Poor Shivey was pretty much pushed out of the kitchen as soon as she'd finished her breakfast and Coral had given her a mug and a flask of coffee to keep her going so she wouldn't come inside interrupting her. Shivey took it in stride. Shook her head, but took it in stride. Food was to Coral like plants were to her. So, she understood.

Seth arrived at eight thirty and brought the wheel barrow outside into an area under one of the trees so the plants would get some filtered sunlight. After reading one of the books Shivey gave him, he'd figured out what filtered sunlight was. He then gave them a gentle spray of water, just enough to wet the potting mix and give them the moisture they need.

Shivey came over to him, "Good job Seth, you gave them just enough water." She wiped her hands on a cloth she was holding "Direct sunlight might just kill them at the moment. They're still a little fragile from being transplanted and put into potting mix. The shock should wear off in a few days and they take to their new home and grow stronger."

Shivey looked Seth in the eye. "This is the most important time when you are potting plants, whether you're moving them into a pot or from the ground to a pot then to someone's yard because we don't know what plant will live and what will survive."

"So we take care of them like they're our babies huh?"

"Yeah, I guess. In a way they are and now you're their father, Seth." Shivey laughed at the look on his face, but it was all good because if he was the father then she was the mother.

"Umm, I've heard about people talking to their plants and to trees and stuff... umm do you ever?"

Shivey laughed. "Yep! Plants are alive Seth, they have feelings. I think they enjoy having someone talk to them from time to time."

"Okay." Replied Seth, "Just don't expect me to start having conversations with trees any time soon."

Owen arrived around nine thirty and Coral was thankfully organised in the kitchen by then. He made his way over to where Shivey and Seth were working before heading inside. "Good morning Shivey, Seth, I'll just go in and let Coral know I've arrived."

They followed him in and were surprised to find that Coral was ready for Owen, even had a fresh pot of coffee and a freshly cooked date and walnut loaf on the dining room table ready to be eaten.

Seth thinking only of his stomach moved towards the kitchen, "I'll get a knife for the cake!" he called over his shoulder. "And some mugs for the coffee."

Coral opened her mouth, but Shivey shook her head, "he'll realise it in a minute."

Sure enough, Seth came back minus the mugs. "Umm, I figured it'd be best to leave the mugs where the coffee is." He laughed. "Want me to cut up the cake?"

"I hope you washed your hands..." Seth was nodding his head vigorously. "Okay then you can slice the cake." Coral couldn't help but smile. Seth was very quickly becoming part of the family. Then she had a strange thought, Seth just might end up being part of my family. Holy cow! He just might end up being my little brother! Bloody hell!

Taking several calming breaths Coral made her way to the kitchen to organised coffee for everyone. When she returned with a tray of coffee mugs she found that Seth had done just fine with the cake, not only slicing, but dishing it out onto plates as well. She nudged him with her elbow, "Good job." Making him feel like he'd actually done a good job.