Smiley Tie - 9

To start at the beginning of this story, click here

.

------------------

In a few minutes they were on their way. Joseph and Herman continued to chatter on about things that required only a nod or a grin in response, and pretty soon Anton was lost in his own thoughts, his own world. Things were changing on a level that scared him and excited him all at once. But above all that there was Pauline and her courage. He still couldn't believe that given his ten years head-start, he'd never had the courage and grace to stand toe-to-toe with him as she had. It was impressive. She shouldn't be off crying somewhere; she should be standing tall and proud.

"There." Joseph had pulled on his suit coat to stop him, and was pointing to a little figure huddled by the side of the pond under a huge willow tree. The ducks were starting to congregate around her.

"Do the birds always do that?"

"Oh, yes. She's the duck-girl. She never comes here without something to feed them. Sometimes she swims with
them."

"I see. Well. Are you two going to keep a safe distance, or provide backup?"

"We'll provide backup from a safe distance," said Herman after a brief silence. "She'll come around on her own, you know."

"Well, it doesn't seem right. She stuck her neck out for me, and I at least owe her a thank-you. Which is what should have come before that "deal" comment I made."

Sure enough the two boys let him proceed on his own. Why he should feel this nervous about approaching a ten-year-old was beyond him.

He didn't say anything as he approached, but the ducks scattered, which made her scowl. Pauline didn't look at him. She continued to stare across the water. So Anton lowered himself onto the grass beside her and stretched out his legs.

For awhile he said nothing. He half expected her to get up and leave, but she didn't.

"I'm sorry, Pauline."

Silence.

"I was only worried about your parent's work here at the estate. Dad can be a bit vindictive at times."

"Who are you telling?"

"That's the only reason I asked you not to jump in. But in the end, I'm glad you did. You were terribly brave."

"Then why did you say what you did?"

"Because I'm stupid. I was still reeling from the entire incident. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it."

"Well, you shouldn't have worried. My parents are leaving the estate anyway. That's why I wanted to come see the party tonight."

"Leaving?"

"Yes. Dad is going to open his own landscape business and Mom is going back to school to finish her teaching degree."

"Will you be going far away?" For some strange reason, Anton felt his heart sink with this news.

"Oh, no. Just to the other side of town. I'm sure my dad will be back over here tending the lawn, same as he used to. But he doesn't like working for your dad much. I can understand why. My dad is strict, but he's never mean. Not like that. No wonder you say stupid things."

The ducks were beginning to congregate again. She picked up the plastic bag beside her and started tossing bread at them again.

"I can't believe I got you thrown out of your house."

"Oh, Pauline. Don't ever for a minute think that was your doing. That was the culmination of years of clashing between the two of us. It would have come eventually whether or not you spilled cake on his dance floor. Please believe me."

"I just can't imagine what I'd do if my dad told me never to come home."

"Trust me, Pauline, it may be a blessing. We might get along better if we're not under the same roof. It's time for me to start pulling my weight, making my own mark. You may have done me a favor tonight."

"Really?"

"In fact, I know you've done me a favor tonight. You've shown me the grace of courage and conviction. I want to grow up to be just like you. I've never had anyone stand up for me like that. I hope I can do it for someone else someday."

She looked at him then and grinned.

"That's much better. Can I tell the guys it's safe to come over now. Did you know they are afraid of you?"

"Yeah. I have to hold my own with the two of them or they'd run right over me. I'm a girl. I'm not stupid or anything."

"That, my dear, is an understatement!" Anton turned and motioned the two boys over.

"So you're going to let us live up to our end of the bargain?" Pauline asked. Now her eyes were glowing with excitement.

"That was the deal," Anton responded.
----------------
Tune in tomorrow for the final episode of Smiley Tie.

Previous Stories