Petals. Marti Eicholz

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      On Saturdays in the wonderland as Kenny and Miki used to call it, traffic came to a crawl, streets jammed with cars and the town parking lot full. Kenneth and Thelma shared the coveted walk he and Miki trod. They stopped for a special coffee and a light tender cinnamon scone to watch the hustle, the bustle of afternoon shoppers.

      Every Sunday morning Kenneth accompanied Thelma for coffee and donuts before an early church service.

      They never missed opening the day with a good morning. Not only did it include a smile, eyes locking but also a kiss and a hug. Each had a spring in their step and gladness in their heart to start the new day.

      These events proved they enjoyed each other and were comfortable doing easy and uncomplicated things in life. Their simple times continued taking lunch breaks with a bag lunch and a walk through the woods behind the factory.

      One lunch break as they were meandering through the woods, Thelma asked, “Have you had animals on your farm?”

      Getting solemn Kenneth responded, 'Yes, when Miki and I were little my father had a farm full of animals. We would cry.'

      My dad would say, “Why are you crying?”

      I was speechless. All Miki could say was, “I think the animals are suffering. They have thoughts and feelings just like me.”

      Miki convinced me that dad was using the animals more like digits in a bank balance. No one said another word. One day we came home from grade school and the animals were all gone. Thelma remained quiet while her insides were crying.

      For weeks after work Kenneth painted the old house. When he and his parents moved, the furniture lay still, so it needed a good cleaning or re-upholstering. A re-upholstered activity sounded like something he could do if he found the right fabric and Thelma could help with that. They would select something from the hundreds of choices in the warehouse. That would be a great team project.

      Kenneth hired a handyman to repair the windows and doors. The day he washed the windows the place opened. Sunshine entered and the new colors glowed. He felt the memory of his losses fading. He thought the pain is blowing right out of this old house a little at a time as I accomplish a task. The spirit of the place is coming alive. I can hear music and the laughter of children.

      The world excited Thelma. She saw opportunities. She saw a life of good fun and good health. Kenneth paused thinking I think that is why I love her so much. She has everything I want. I idolize her.

      Thelma’s junior year of high school her parents divorced and started new lives. When her mother was ready to leave town for her new family she said, “Thelma, you are a good artist. You will have a good life. I want you to have my car. When Ford brought out this Ford Taurus, it was groundbreaking for American cars. It is a good car and will serve you well. I have nothing else to give you.”

      At that moment Thelma wanted to burst into tears and screams of being tortured. She thought my mother is leaving and she can’t say, “I love you. I will miss you. We will keep in touch and see each other often.” There were no hugs.

      Thelma contained herself and looked only at the Ford Taurus that was not the usual chrome-bumper hard-edged, three-box sedan. Ford streamlined the Taurus and made it slick.

      When Thelma heard of the furniture manufacturing company coming to the area, she applied for a job. After the first interview, they granted her a position. Thelma quit school, pursued this job opportunity, got a two-room furnished apartment and enrolled in art classes. Thelma felt blessed. She had no desire to live with her dad and his new family. She had no interest in high school, except for her art class. For once she could breathe. She was free and on her own. Opportunities were just waiting for her to grab.

      Today Thelma and Kenneth walked the wonderland hand in hand. She felt so relaxed. She glanced at Kenny; he seemed relaxed. She thought we care for each other. We are comfortable being together. It is so natural.

      The spring sunshine reflected in their eyes and in their smiles, bathing the entire world in a warm glow.

      Feeling this special moment of togetherness, Kenneth turned to Thelma, “Let’s get married.”

      This did not surprise her, nor did it stun. She felt the moment and reacted quickly, “When?”

      As they hugged Kenneth whispered, “We’ll talk about it. Together we will make it happen soon.”

      There was an explosion in her brain, hundreds of ideas buzzed, and adventurous paths awaited their feet. Whatever was ahead could be a challenge, there could be tears, but it was an adventure she would take. So, she turned on the ignition of her car and smiled.

      At work in the rose garden Edith and Edward glanced up as Thelma approached in her Ford Taurus to drop off Kenneth. Everyone looked pleased to see each other.

      With excitement Edith introduced herself and Edward to Thelma, “We’re so happy to meet you. Kenneth told us he had a special friend.”

      Kenneth piped up, “I believe I smell apple pie.”

      “Come join us for a piece. It will give us a chance to chat.” So it was. The four of them shared apple pie topped with a glob of pecan ice cream with a cup of coffee. They not only shared treats, but each other with tons of smiles, laughter, and thankfulness.

      Left alone Edith turned to Edward, “This was a perfect day. Kenneth and Thelma make a perfect match.”

      Edward added, “Yes, they are a team. I now know why our son is restoring the old house. Everything will be all right.” After hugs they cleared the table.

      Kenneth had an extra bounce in his step. He walked faster, talked faster, and ate faster. He had an agenda.

      When Thelma opened her eyes, she rose and stretched voicing, “Every fiber of my being vibrates with anticipation of our union, Kenneth and me.”

      They sunbathed this special day in a warm glow. Kenneth and Thelma had a good feeling. Nothing that felt this right could go wrong. It just could not.

      This marriage was something beautiful, two hearts beating as one. She was everything he ever wanted. And he was everything she ever wished for. This day signified an opening rose with petals ready to unfold.

      Kenneth and Thelma dressed in casual clothing stood at the foot of the towering jewel of the apple orchard with their witness, Jack, the friend, driver, and survivor of the car crash. The Justice of the Peace performed a civil ceremony.

      Kenneth and Thelma eloped in the apple orchard. Scattered deep red rose petals, nature’s confetti lovingly decorated the entry of the restored old house. Kenneth placed rose buds waiting their opening strategically throughout the house as reminders of their lives unfolding. The house looked so luscious, happy, and festive.

      Kenneth lifted his bride and cradled her over the threshold, gently placing her on a welcoming bed.

      He surprised Thelma with a warm bubble bath laced with rose petals. Together they let their fingers touch the perfumed “scales” holding them briefly and taking in the aroma before letting them tumble from their hands back to the bubbles. What a way to express your deepest affection for that special someone. They were each other’s special someone.

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