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The Gifts of Faith – Bouquets and Rainbows (Ch. III)
20 Years Later
The fragrant scent of Lily of the Valley always takes Faith back to that day 20 years ago when she met the soul of her sister Hope. Thinking back, she knew the day would be memorable when she witnessed a rainbow arcing its way to the earth mere yards from where she stood in her favorite meadow. The events of that day would forever change her life, although she was unaware of it at the time.
Today, Faith Montgomery runs a small flower shop in town. It seemed natural to surround herself with the rainbow of colors, delicate textures and the array of fragrances that had her entranced as a young girl. Faith named her shop Bouquets and Rainbows in commemoration of the day that changed her life so many years ago.
She remembers it as if it were yesterday.
Flowers for Mama
After picking the bouquet of Mama’s favorite flower, Lily of the Valley, Faith and Kitty took their time strolling home. Faith was absorbing what had just transpired in the meadow. Meeting her sister had been magical. No one would believe her, of course, so she relished the memory knowing she would have to keep the experience to herself. She couldn’t even tell Mama and Daddy. They were aware of her ability to see souls, but telling them she’d met Hope would probably bring them sadness. Her parents had been through so much; the last thing she wanted to do was cause them to relive losing their daughter before she had a chance to come into the world.
“Mama, I brought you a present!” Silence echoed Faith’s joyous words.
“Mama? Daddy?” Daddy must be in the barn working on the rocking chair he’s making for the O’Malleys. Mama’s been tired lately. I’ll just put these flowers in a vase and see if she’s napping.
Faith placed the vase in the center of the kitchen table. Immediately, the modest home was filled with the sweet fragrance of Lily of the Valley. While making her way to her parents’ bedroom, Faith’s tummy began to flutter with butterflies. Earlier today, the butterflies brought a miracle into her young life. This time, she was filled with trepidation.
As she entered the room, the floral fragrance from the kitchen became overpowering. Mama looked so peaceful resting on the canopy bed with its white eyelet bedspread. But something was wrong. It took a few minutes for Faith to figure it out. Then she saw it – or didn’t see it. She could no longer see Mama’s soul! No! she screamed inwardly. Moving toward the head of the bed, Faith noticed a faint rainbow shimmering through the window, taking a stance above Mama’s pillows.
Mama was gone from this world. Faith paused to reflect on the moment in the meadow when Hope appeared to her. It was now clear why she chose this day to come into Faith’s life. Hope was the angel chosen to bring Mama to God, whom she so loved.
Faith remembered Hope’s words: As you know, my name is Hope. What you don’t know is I was the child that Mom and Dad never knew. I was stillborn; however, a part of my soul lingered in the womb. Mom and Dad grieved, but God has a special assignment for me.
As Faith leaned over to kiss her mother’s cheek, the rainbow brightened and remained hovered over Mama, as if to say, It’s ok. I’ll stay here. You go find Daddy.
Faith could barely make her way to the barn as tears flooded her eyes and stung her cheeks. The butterflies had ceased, only to be replaced by a vice wrenching her heart.
Her grief was too heavy to allow another step. Faith stood in the doorway of the barn sobbing. “Oh, Da-a-a-d-dy! M-m-m-mama’s g-g-gone!”
The Town in Which This Fictional Family Lives
Faith's town has about 5,600 residents
The Next Few Years
Life without Mama was hard for both of them. Daddy kept himself busy with his hand-crafted woodwork. Hal Montgomery was known throughout the state of Georgia for his handiwork; he always had plenty to keep his mind off his broken heart. And then there was Faith. She was only 6 when she lost her mother. Faith spent as much time as she could with Daddy, but the meadows and fields were where she felt the most comfortable. She and Kitty spent most of their days identifying flowers, listening to the birds sing their songs of joy and marveling at God’s rays streaking through the heaven-reaching boughs of the trees. Her heart was calm when she was with God and Mother Nature.
Faith made it through school without any friends until the Barnes’ moved to town. Sarah was new to the school and wasn’t readily accepted. Most of the residents had been in Flowery Branch all their lives. People were born there; they didn’t move there. Sarah and Faith were both outcasts and soon became best friends. They told each other their deepest secrets. Having a real friend was something neither had ever had before; Sarah because her family moved a lot and Faith because – well, Faith could see souls and that scared the bejeezus out of the townsfolk. But it didn’t scare Sarah. In fact, she thought it was downright cool!
Sarah and Faith shared their dreams and together, they set a plan. Faith knew she wanted to open a flower shop when she grew up. Her mom had loved flowers so, and Faith embraced that passion. Sarah was always willing to lend a helping hand and shared in Faith's love of Mother Nature and all She has to offer.
When they were sophomores in high school they started a garden on the Montgomery property. Granted, the house was small and there was the barn to consider, but the Montgomery property encompassed 20 acres. Plenty of space to create gardens of all varieties! The gardens and the future became the girls’ focus.
The pair worked hard every day after school and on weekends planting bulbs, propagating seeds, talking cheerily and singing to their rows of beauty. They began selling their beautiful flowers at local farmers’ markets, church sales and school benefits. All of their profits went into a savings account they called “The Dream Machine”. They had a vision and they were determined to make it happen.
The Dawning Light
One day, as Faith and Sarah were pulling weeds from the gardens, Faith said, “You know, Sarah, I haven’t seen a single soul since I met you. In fact, now that I think about it, I hadn’t seen a soul since Mama died. That is, until I met you. But I haven’t seen one since.”
“Hmmm. I wonder why that is?”
“I don’t know. Maybe we’re spending so much time with our gardens that I have separated myself from Mankind. And I don’t mean to be funny. I know there’s a reason for it. I just don’t know what it is just yet.”
“Maybe that’s exactly what it is, Faith. We’re on a mission and it’s not yet come to fruition. Our focus is on your dream. Maybe not seeing souls is a sign that your talents are needed elsewhere or maybe you haven’t yet discovered the purpose of your gift.”
“Yeah, I think you may be right on both counts.”
The Gift Returns
The bell above the door of Bouquets and Rainbows tinkled, jarring Faith out of her daydreaming, bringing her back to today. As the patron came through the door, Faith saw the first soul she’d seen in years. And it wasn’t pretty.
Shauna L Bowling
Refining, Defining or Rhyming
Interesting Conversation With Stephen King Regarding Short Stories
If You're New to This Story, Here's How You Can Catch up
The ache in her joints was enough to foretell the impending weather. As if to validate her premonition, the smell of rich earth was emanating from the air. Rain was soon to come - and with a vengeance. Faith always seemed to prepare but never knew what to expect. She didn’t know why, but her ‘feelings’ never proved to be misgivings.
The Gifts of Faith - The Rainbow (Ch. II)
As the colors became more brilliant, the yellow hues seemed to separate from the rainbow, reaching to the earth in a gentle golden rain. Even Kitty stopped chasing butterflies as the earth-bound rainbow shower changed from gold to white then gold again before settling in the meadow just ahead.
© 2013 Shauna L Bowling
Comments
What a heartbreak for that little girl to have to endure. I was glad that in this chapter Faith found what she probably needed the most. Love the name of the town and her chosen profession. You're really on a roll now with the events unfolding in this child's life. Onward to Chapter 4.
Sha, you know I've come late to the party but oh what a lovely party it is. Faith and now Sarah! Faith's background with its sadness and joy have brought us to this moment. A moment of surprise, perhaps apprehension? Getting to Chapter IV will certainly tell me.
Voted all but funny.
Another beautifully written instalment to this amazing story Sha. Voted up.
This is such a beautiful story, it gets better with each installment. Wondering whose soul she will see next? A flower shop is perfect for her. Her mother's death was sad to read. See you next time. You asked me to be honest, i love your story!
Sha....You were right to stay so devoted to your dream of becoming a WRITER....all the hopes and dreams and hard work.....your dedication to your passion is blossoming before us!
Like I have said to you before Shauna, you are a true natural at this. It just flows from you and with such elegance and detail. I love the theme of each title and how you explore it through your characters and storyline. Yes sublime is the word of today - hubbravo from the Epi-man
Aha! Zee villain makes zee appearance!
Or...maybe not a villain but a project....
Either way, nice cliffhanger. I'm hoping for villain, but then, I would. Projects are cool, too.
I'm blathering, 'cause in my mind I've already turned the page, and....
This is such an amazing story. You are a natural for fiction Shauna. I am so captivated by this hope filled and faith filled story. (Get it?) I just love everything about it. You are bringing in symbols, imagery to life. On to the next chapter.
Oh, a bad soul? Now will this cause Faith a whole lot of trouble or is this it help from Faith that this soul needs. Time to read on!
This is such a good story, and its getting better! Can't wait for the next installment! love it!
okay, I'm hooked--you got me wanting more for sure!! I LOVE this story and how you are crafting it. Your passion and talents are alive and glowing, and I'm hearing you loud and clear, my friend. More Please ;) Pearl
Voted Way Up++++
Voted up and awesome. Really enjoyed this story. Looking forward to more. Thanks for this incredible journey. Passing this on.
Sha, I love the story. It is flowing beautifully and the characters are real to the reader; that is not an easy thing to make happen.
Perhaps it's just because it is late and I'm tired, but I don't know what you were referring to in the email from earlier today. :) Just call me clueless and leave it at that. LOL
love,
bill
This is wonderful and glad that you are keeping this going. Awesome!
A wonderfully beautiful hub Shauna; voted up and here's wishing you a great day.
Eddy.
Awesome story... Well written.
So well done!! Spine tingling. I only hope that since Faith has gone through so much loneliness in her young life that the "bad" one appearing at the flower shop is someone needing her to right some wrongs and clear the air for her. Had she abandoned her mission of "seeing" in her searching for her own happiness in the flower growing? There are so many ifs going on in my mind. Must she only use her God given talent to "see" for others and not for herself? You have a big assignment to bring solace to those of us reading your story before we can close the book. I'm scared.
Really wonderful story, Sha! It is not easy to write transitioning from one time period to another, and you did it seemingly without effort. Very dramatic death scene and equally dramatic ending, which is really a start to something new ... keeps us wanting more.
Up and more and sharing
Blessings, Faith Reaper
Congratulations, I think you may have found your first fictional novel. You switched beautifully through the different time eras. I really loved the twist at the end! I look forward to the next instalment and finding out how the dark soul fits in to the story. Don't keep us waiting too long :)
What a lovely story! Looking forward to the next instalment.
Beautiful. I'm really enjoying your writing and can't wait for the next chapter!
Perfect! I look so forward to read the next chapter :)
Poignant telling of these girls' lives. You are coming into your own as a writer of fiction here. Keep up your momentum!
I am hooked reading this Sha!! this is really great.
Oh, Sha, wonderful, really wonderful!
I was so hoping that her handsome prince would be the one walking through that door. I did not see it coming when she saw a bad soul.
You are writing more beautifully with each installment on this story.
I am so happy for you!
Can't wait until the next segment.
Love,
DJ.
Oh Sha,
You are thriving in your passion...I hear your voice loud and clear and it is beautiful.
This is a meaty installment that leaves me wanting to know more...and soon! I am still misty eyed from the scene of Momma's death...poignant and memorable style.
Voted UP and UABI. Hugs, Maria
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