Our Reunion

Part 12

   As we got to the car, I was feeling better since I didn't see anything crawling around. I took a look in the back seat and was glad to see "The Broom". I opened the door and picked it up.  I put it across both my hands and handed it to Marie. As she was accepting it, her eyes seemed to light up. Her whole face seemed to completely smile. You'd of thought I was handing her a mink coat or something. She slowly took it in her hand and looked at it from top to bottom. Running her hand down the stick and then the straw. I'd never seen anyone admire a broom like that before. It was just a broom, wasn't it?

  After she had inspected it, she reached out and put her arm around my neck and hugged me so tight that she was choking me. I pulled my hands up to signify time out and she finally let go. I told her "If you're going to choke me, I could try to take it back". She laughed and said "Sorry. I didn't expect such a fine gift". I cocked my head to the side and said "A broom? Hey, I have an extra vacuum. Would that be better?" "No." She says as she pulls the broom to her.

  "Ok" I said and then I walked her to her car. She got in. We said our goodbyes and she left. As I'm walking back to my car all I can think is, 'Now that was strange.' I drove home feeling like something was backwards here somehow. To rich for me. I need a hobby. Maybe? No it's not safer picking up unexploded rounds for the military. Or training alligators to eat out of my hand. Ha.

     I had parked and started inside. I could hear the phone ringing. I hurry in and answer it. "Hello, Fuller Brush Man here. No need to cuss. We have the brush. May I sweep one to you?" Marie was on the other end and said "Cal, that's not funny." "I'm sorry Marie. I didn't know it was you. What’s up?" She said, "I was just calling to say 'Thank You' for the broom. I didn't mean to, but I forgot to say Thank You when you gave it to me. So, Thank you very much for my broom. I do appreciate it."

   I felt humbled by her thankfulness.  Especially since Zia was the one that had really given it to her. "Marie, I thank you for the compliment but we do have to let Zia know that her gift was what you really appreciated. I wish I'd done it all myself. But for some reason I just don't think I'd have picked that gift for you. So when we get a chance, we'll thank Zia, deal?" Marie said, "Definitely Cal. The first chance we get we’ll do that."

  We talked about ten more minutes and then we said our goodbyes. I hung up and was actually feeling pretty good for having talked to her.

   I've got to figure what it is about that woman that has such a hold on me? Maybe it's just her honest friendship that I adore so much. I don't know. I'll figure it out somehow.

  It's now Sunday and I feel so at peace with myself. Strange. I feel like I want to do some of my undone chores. Well okay. I'll go get my list.

   C.J.Beige

    27 Jan 09