Posted by hummingbird on 2/6/2014, 9:45 am VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Chapter Three
Nora read the instructions as she assembled the Pack and Play, a small playpen she had purchased for Matthew. She would much rather let him play on a blanket in the floor, but Matthew was becoming very mobile. He had learned to roll and would roll himself all over the room. She was ready for some painting and needed to keep him confined in an area clear of paint, tape, and supplies.
“Great! Why do I have one bolt left? Why does this always happen? I followed the instructions exactly…”
She looked at Matthew sitting in his baby swing. He flashed her a grin.
“You think it’s funny, Little Mister?” He kicked his feet happily. “If you were big enough, I’d make you help me!”
Suddenly she heard a voice from the porch, “Did I hear someone say they needed help?” She looked out the screen door to see Kyle standing there.
“Hey Kyle. Come in. It’s open.”
He stepped inside. “What are you working on?”
“Well,” Nora replied, “I’m trying to build this playpen and I ended up with one extra bolt. Just trying to figure out where it belongs.”
“Hmmm. Let me see.” He started to flip the pen over.
“Do you want to see the instructions?” Nora asked holding them toward him.
“Nah...I don’t need instructions. I can figure it out.”
“Uh huh...typical,” she muttered under her breath.
“What was that?” Kyle asked looking up.
“Oh...I was just commenting on you not needing instructions...must be a man thing.”
Kyle continued working but commented, “Hmmm. I don’t know how to take that. Does that mean there is a hidden man in your life?...or is that just a bitter statement against men in general?”
When Nora didn’t offer a response, he looked up from his work. “No answer?” he inquired.
“No. I guess I’m not ready to divulge information about my personal life. You have been a great help to me, Kyle, with getting settled in and getting my paint supplies, showing me around town…”
“I’m trying to be friendly and helpful,” he responded.
“Good. I need a friend but...I came here to get away from my past. I really don’t want to talk about it. So, can we avoid the personal questions?”
“Sure. If that’s the way you want it. There! The missing bolt is in place. All ready for Matthew.”
“Thank you! I had visions of him sitting in this thing sideways after one of the legs fell off.”
“And hanging onto the edge to keep from sliding?” he continued.
“Yes,” she said with round eyes, “and going to kindergarten with a gimp from sitting lopsided during his formative years!”
They laughed together.
Finally she said, “So, what brings you past my door today?”
“I made a repair at the Crescent, it’s the cottage closest to yours but down the beach a ways. Walking past and thought I’d see if you had started painting yet.”
“No. I plan to tape around the woodwork tonight. If I get all the taping done first, it will make the painting easier.”
“Right.” He looked around the room. “ Need some help? I’m pretty tall. I could tape the places you can’t reach so you don’t have to climb a ladder.” he suggested.
“Nooo. I’m sure you have much better things to do with your time,” she responded.
“I really don’t mind. Let me help. What’s the old saying, ‘many hands make light work’?...something like that…”
She hesitated. “Well...if you’re sure…”
“I’m positive. We’ll get everything taped, then you can paint when you’re ready. Come on. Let’s get started.”
With Kyle’s help, they had the taping done in a couple of hours. As thanks, Nora ordered a pizza which they shared for dinner. He had been a great help and was easy company. When Nora laid her tired body down that night, she was thankful for her new friend in town...her only friend so far.
Re: FF-Begin Again-Chapter 3
Posted by Mary Ann on 2/6/2014, 10:01 am, in reply to "FF-Begin Again-Chapter 3" VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
