Adventurous Spirit 22

The wonderful freezers were in place. Zeus and Omega had three large fish prepared and vacuum packed for their own consumption and just in case they were putting together an instant food source for housebound elderly. There we not many but once in a while family or friends would come to Nick and ask for help.

The wonderful freezers were in place. Zeus and Omega had three large fish prepared and vacuum packed for their own consumption and just in case they were putting together an instant food source for homebound elderly. There we not many but once in a while family or friends would come to Nick and ask for help.

Since they were not selling the church said if it was inspected by an official and stamped it could be given away. These two relished in their new found job as well as their new friendship. Life goes on.

Mrs Papadopoulos Essie and Maria went through the clothes sorting in piles. Delitha said the clothing had been washed but not mended. That was sorted to repairing and button replacements. The shoes were sorted, polished and heels or soles repaired or replaced.

After two days everything was boxed and labeled. Ready to take to the church to be distributed to those in need.

Ari busy with business Essie spent her time in the garden. She also set up a chart for watering.

Sitting at the picnic table having a coffee break Nick and Essie spoke.

“Nick I know your papa and Omega will keep this garden in tip top condition but I am a person that sort of follows charts or plans. Lately I have been off chart and doing things a bit haywire.”

“Oh, my friend, I suspect very much you have been mesmerized by the notorious AM team. They both tend to disrupt your lives with excitement and passion.”

“AM team?”

“Ari and Maria. These two have been terrorizing me since we were all children.”

”Essie don't believe a word he says. He was the one that got Sissie and me into trouble our whole lives.”

“Yes, Essie that's true. Nick was the culprit that left us in the middle of a winery for four hours. We were cold, wet, hungry and lost in the blistering hot vineyard fields.”

“Maria your false tongue is curling like a grape vine!”

Essie's face was frozen,mouth slightly opened and eyes open wide in amazement.

“Nick! Stop! Look what you did to Essie.” pouted Maria.

Ari put his arm around Essie saying “ My Zouzouni now don't you fret.”

Maria laughed saying you are also my little bug. They all sat down for more coffee. Ari told Nick about the plan to go on his cousins yacht for a week vacation.

“Wish I could go but I'll be here with Papa and Omega. We probably will deliver some of the frozen fish to the church for distribution to the needy. I do not know if I have permission to take Omega to the church one hundred miles from city. Sophia and Rasmussen watch over Omega quite a bit. I know they trust Essie and Ari's driving but for some reason they seem to think I am a reckless driver?”

“I'll talk to them Nick. I have a feeling it is because of Sissy escapades with you.”

“Essie my sister does not drive well. She gets a bit crazy and doesn't even have a drivers license!”

“Maria if you wish I will teach you when we return. It is not that hard but you must control your emotions while in a vehicle.

For instance the other day you were squealing when we passed the baby goat stuck in the fence. It was alive and it's Mama came running to help her kid. We all thought you were stung or been hit by a rock. You must be serious if you want to be on the road.”

Ari's heart beat a few more beats. He thought of a poem:......... by Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks

To be in love

Is to touch with a lighter hand.

In yourself you stretch, you are well.

You look at things

Through his eyes.

A cardinal is red.

A sky is blue.

Suddenly you know he knows too.

He is not there but

You know you are tasting together

The winter, or a light spring weather.

His hand to take your hand is overmuch.

Too much to bear.

You cannot look in his eyes

Because your pulse must not say

What must not be said.

When he

Shuts a door-

Is not there_

Your arms are water.

And you are free

With a ghastly freedom.

You are the beautiful half

Of a golden hurt.

You remember and covet his mouth

To touch, to whisper on.

Oh when to declare

Is certain Death!

Oh when to apprize

Is to mesmerize,

To see fall down, the Column of Gold,

Into the commonest ash.

He knew he was falling in love but was she real? Only time would tell.

© Julia A Knaake