~ Chapter Five ~

Madison rushed around the backyard, gathering every stick that fell from the trees. Last night’s storms had left a small path of destruction where the family planned to gather for the fish fry. The debris would create a negative impression. She stacked the loose limbs in a pile beside the firepit. They’d make great fire starters if her friends would like to stay afterward to chat or roast marshmallows.

With the last limb she gathered, she stopped to admire the meadow and the cattle that dotted the pasture. Someone ran across the field—a man. Who is he? As the stranger disappeared into the distance, she returned to the patio and dropped the limbs where she’d left the others.

The two picnic tables beneath the portico were the perfect place for a meal and a chat with friends and family. She snapped a yellow tablecloth in the air—it gently landed on top of the well-used table, and she smoothed it out. Too bad she didn’t have an orange tablecloth for the other one to create a more festive mood.

The bright lights streaming around the perimeter seemed too boring. If she had some of those lantern-type lights, it’d make the space happier. Going to the store and returning would be too time-consuming. She must work with what was available. Besides, after her father’s confession about the family’s funds, she wouldn’t strain them by purchasing lights that weren’t necessary.

Madison’s mother had walked over to her neighbor’s that morning and invited Taylor Sanderson to the fish fry. Each morning, since they planned the get-together, she’d pray that her neighbor would accept the invitation. To ensure they had enough seating, Madison counted the spaces and was glad there were two extra in case Taylor was uncomfortable sitting beside someone.

With all the condiments, paper plates, utensils, and napkins set up for the buffet-style meal, Madison smiled at how pretty everything turned out. Each spring, her mother hung baskets with colorful plants. This year, she was running behind with the decorations on their patio. Did her mysterious doctor’s appointment have something to do with it? Or the limited funds her dad spoke about when they were alone fishing? She shrugged off the troubling thoughts and went inside the house.

After taking several plants from inside, Madison placed them around the patio. She stepped back and tapped a finger on her chin as she perused the decor. Everything looked ready for the meal, and she hoped it’d be full of laughter, joy, and happiness. A smile grazed her lips. Ready when you guys are.

Madison went inside to help her mother with the sides and brew sweet tea. “The patio is ready. How about the sides? You need my help?”

Her mother turned from the sink. “I do. The coleslaw needs a little longer in the fridge. We’ll bring it out last. You can help me with the hushpuppies. We’ll probably need about three dozen. Your dad loves them. Any leftovers, we’ll send them home with Taylor.”

“Good idea, Mom. We’ll hold Dad back from devouring all of them. I hope Taylor comes. Be sure to invite her to church tomorrow. If she agrees to go, she can ride with me.”

“I planned on extending the invitation, but not to class. I’ll return afterward and drive her to the service. We don’t want to be pushy. Let the Holy Spirit do His job.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Madison dipped the scoop into the hushpuppy batter and dropped it in the oil. “Mom, do I need to drive over to get Taylor?”

“No. She’s walking. We’ll watch for her. I imagine she might be late, since she was a little timid in accepting our invitation.”

Madison’s smile widened. “Dad will bring her out of her shell. He’s good at that.”

Her mother’s lips pursed. “I asked your dad not to be so talkative. We need to be gentle with Taylor. Life hasn’t always been kind to that woman. She’s told me a little, but that little was a lot. She had a rough upbringing. Tell Jimmy John and Abbi to be on their best behavior.”

“All right, Mom. I’ll make sure both use their church manners.”

Her mother laughed. “We all should do that. Jesus is watching—all the time.”

“Yes, He is.” A tinge of guilt pricked Madison’s heart when she recalled how she berated another driver for almost causing a wreck when he pulled into her lane. But the other driver didn’t hear her since her window was up. I’m sorry, Father. Forgive me.

As Madison’s mom predicted, Taylor arrived late to the party. She swore the woman stopped in the middle of the road and looked back at her house. She’d turned, taken two steps, and changed her mind. Madison restrained herself from going to the road to welcome her, but she thought doing so might cause her to run all the way home.

When Jimmy John and Abbi arrived, Madison confided in them and made each swear to behave during Taylor’s visit. She understood Jimmy John’s kidding around with friends and family, but this was completely different. With only five during the fish fry, Taylor would be more comfortable.

Madison and Abbi helped her mom bring the food to the patio while her dad and Jimmy John used the turkey fryer for the fish. When the time came, would Taylor object to her dad saying grace? She hoped not, since her mother confided in her about the Bible on the woman’s porch.

Madison’s mother quietly introduced Taylor to the family and her friends. Each one welcomed her to the cookout. She admired how well her mother handled those who needed a gentle, loving touch. Her love for others showed in everything she did for them. She expected nothing in return—not even recognition.

Taylor filled a plastic cup with sweet tea and slipped away from the others to the backyard. Madison followed. “Taylor.”

She turned and faced her. “Yes.”

“I wanted to apologize for not being a good neighbor. I’m sorry. My only excuse is the house had been empty since I was a little kid, and I simply didn’t notice. When did you move in there?” Please say it’s only been a few weeks. If it’s months—I better be embarrassed.

Taylor leaned on her cane and stared at Madison. After a while, she finally nodded. “I moved in about six months ago.” She took a drink and peered over the rim at her.

The woman’s gaze set Madison on edge. She wanted to melt into the ground. How in the world had she not noticed anyone living in the house a few hundred yards from her place? “Oh. Taylor.” She lowered her head and stared at an ant, trying to carry away a crumb to its home.

A hand gently squeezed her shoulder, and Madison looked up and into the woman’s eyes. “It’s not your fault I’ve chosen to live a life of solitude. My disability checks are small, but I make do.” Taylor winked. “Sometimes the church helps me with utilities and groceries. I figured out they did that—since the services were still on and I hadn’t paid them. Your mother often leaves a bag of food on my front porch. I’m thankful for everything.” She sighed. “Your mother is such a good woman. I hope—”

Madison’s eyes widened. “What were you going to say?”

She shook her head. “I hope she’ll always be a light to those who need her. Just like she’s a light to me. I wish my mother had a similar heart. That’s water under the bridge, and it’s been too long ago to let something fester in my heart.”

“Is all of your family gone?”

“I was an only child, and so was Dad. When my grandmother passed away many years ago, Granddad moved to North Dakota to my father’s place. Granddad put the property in trust, and the taxes are paid through it, so at least I don’t have that to worry about each year. Dad died just before I came here.”

“Is your mother living?”

“No. Granddad and my mother died in a car accident years ago.” She tapped her cane against her leg. “That’s how I got this bum leg. I was about twenty when it happened. I won’t bore you with the details. Dad and I tried to live with the accident, but depression swamped our lives. After my dad’s burial, there wasn’t much left and no reason for me to stay in a place where I had so many sad memories. Granddad willed the property to me when I turned eighteen. Those two years afterward were the worst I’ve ever lived.” She pointed her cane at her property. “Even here, without electricity or water and with limited food, I’m better off than in North Dakota.”

Oh my. I shouldn’t pry or be nosy, but what could’ve happened to make it the worst she’d lived during that period? Maybe she’ll tell Mom. Or has she already talked to her? Lord, be with this woman. She sounds like she’s had a lifetime of heartache.

Jimmy John walked up behind Madison. “Have you told her?”

Abbi sprinted over and joined the group.

“Not yet. I was coming to that.” Madison leaned toward Taylor and whispered. “He’s a little impatient. Several of us will graduate in two months. We help the elderly and those who can’t care for their houses or yards. Jimmy John works at the building supply company in town, and we’d like to work on your house, so it’ll be more winterized. Also, to help keep it cool during our sweltering summer days.”

“I don’t have extra money to pay for labor or the supplies needed to complete the repairs. I’m sorry, but the answer is no.”

“Oh, you won’t be charged for a thing. We’ll even bring our own sweet tea when we come to work. Until graduation, we can only work on the weekends. But until we get the group together, we’ll come up with a plan. Jimmy John is great at that stuff. We’ll give you all the information, and then you can decide what can be done. To get an idea of what will be required to update the house, will it be all right if we walk the property and look inside today? What do you think?”

Tears streamed down Taylor’s cheeks. “I–I’m not sure what to say.” She cocked her head and stared at the three. “You’d go to all that trouble to help me? Me…who never got a break from the world. Me…who you don’t know. No one has ever wanted to be my friend or be neighborly. So why?”

“Because you’re one of God’s children. You’re our neighbor. We must look out for others who can’t or don’t have the means to care for their things. We’re not offering charity because we want you to contribute in any way you can. Does that help you understand?”

Taylor nodded, and she replied just above a whisper. “Thank you.”

Madison smiled. “I bet those fish are ready. Mom and I fried the hushpuppies this morning. Her special recipe...well, it’s actually Granny’s. Abbi, that’s where I got the recipe for the soup I brought you the other day. I hope you liked it. Oh, Taylor, she had a tummy issue.”

“I did. The leftovers were even better. Thanks.”

Jimmy John patted his tummy. “The fish is waiting.” He gestured toward the patio.

They formed a line and filled their plates. During Madison’s dad’s prayer, she lifted Taylor to the Lord and hoped she’d accept their kindness and friendship.