Family, Page 2

wall. After a while, Omar focuses on the cat.

  “Where have you been, Tiger? You’ve been with the ladies again, a’ight?” He laughs.

  He kisses the cat on its forehead. It purrs softly and seems to be listening to everything Omar is saying.

  “You better put your best foot forward when Miss Mya gets here, you know, big guy. I think, you know, I like her a lot. And it seems like she, you know, likes me a lot too. Crazy as she is. Women, Tiger,” he shakes his head.

  The cat sits up straight and stares at him.

  “Don’t be like that, big guy. You can’t have all the fun, you know.”

  He wants to pat the cat, but it knocks his hand away and scratches him lightly on the knee.

  “So, it’s like that, hu? We gonna have problems when Miss Mya gets here?”

  He stares at the cat and it seems to stare him right back.

  “Still disappointed in you for missin’, you know, our first date. Where were you Tiger, you know? I was really, you know, worried. When I saw that stray at the theatre, I went backstage and nearly got into, you know, trouble with that, you know, girl, young lady.”

  He strokes the cat gently. It sits back down and purrs softly, while licking Omar’s hand.

  “She’s really pretty, big guy. I think her name is Kimberly. Kimberly Amber-Jane, I think. That was really a special night, you know. Hell, I believe in miracles, after seein’ her dance. The girl doesn’t dance, she hovers lightly and this with such grace. One would swear she had an invisible partner. I still can’t get over, you know, the way she did those last few moves. Simply bravo, you know.” He kisses Tiger on the forehead and stares at the wall.

  “That’s it, big guy. You’re a genius, you know.” He hugs the cat, puts him gently back on the hammock, gets up, grabs a brush and heads back to the wall.

  باقة أزهار

  “John-Peter, you’re here.”

  Madison opens the door and lets Peter-John in.

  “Thank you for doing this JP, you really are godsend.”

  Peter-John smiles awkwardly and passes her as she closes the door behind him.

  “Don’t mention it. I’m glad I can be of service.” He lets his hoodie down; he was dressed in his usual cargo pants and white shirt.

  “And always so modest, sweet, sweet, John-Peter.” She smiles and gestures for him to follow her.

  They make their way to her studio.

  “I managed to wrap most of it. I just need to get it all into that crate over there.”

  He stares at her milky skin as she points to the crate near the large studio window.

  Can anyone have more beautiful skin?

  There was something different about Madison today though. Peter-John couldn’t quite put his finger on it. She was dressed in a white, knee-length halter dress with big pink and blue floral prints. She was wearing her sandals, as usual.

  What was different though?

  Her deep blue eyes were inviting, as always. He tried not to get lost in them, again. Ships could set sail in those eyes, he thought. Ships going places he had never seen before. Adventures he had yet to embark upon. He shakes his head and lowers his gaze. That was not why he was here.

  He removes his spectacles and cleans them with his shirt.

  Madison notices and stares at him.

  The frown lines between his eyes. He shaved, she notices.

  Wonder what he’s thinking.

  She shakes it off and makes her way to the uncovered piece on the table.

  “Come, have a look.”

  She seems suddenly more excited; her face radiant.

  “Wow!” Peter-John exclaims.

  He stands away from the natural light and admires Madison’s work.

  “Wow, Madison. This is really something else. The flowers look as if they are alive.”

  Madison smiles shyly.

  “I do try.” She tucks the loose strand of hair behind her ear.

  That was it.

  “You’ve changed your hair. It’s shorter!” The words leave Peter-John’s mouth and he immediately realizes what he said and goes stiff.

  Big mouth.

  “Yes, I didn’t think anyone would notice,” Madison shyer than before. She gives Peter-John a grateful smile and focuses on the piece again.

  “Ugh,” Peter-John starts, “why isn’t it wrapped? Aren’t you taking it to the gallery?”

  Madison turns and walks slowly to the opposite side of the table.

  She takes in Peter-John’s curious gaze; those wild eyes more intriguing behind those spectacles; she wished he would take them off.

  She sighs softly.

  Smiles.

  “No. I wanted you to see it first. I wasn’t sure… It’s for Drew.”

  Peter-John stares at her for a moment. A smile comes to his face.

  “For Drew?”

  “Yes. Do you think he’ll like it?”

  Peter-John stares at the pressed flowers.

  “Beautifully arranged and many of Drew’s favorite colors. He does like purple and blue, white too.”

  “Those there are…”

  “Forget-me-nots,” Peter-John interrupts her, “I know. They’re so small and lovely.”

  They were referring to the small blue, white and pink flowers intermingled with the others to the left and right of the pressed flower arrangement.

  “You are right, JP. I agree. They are lovely, especially the sky blue. My gran has them in her garden back on the farm. The soft pale blue color like a carpet of small puffs wafting underneath her bigger plants, they really are special.”

  Peter-John stares at the flowers and then at Madison. He liked it when she talked about her passion. She always radiated such enthusiasm and he could see that she was sincere when she did any of her pieces. There was always much thought given to it.

  “Hold on to the beautiful memories. Those special moments that makes life worth living. That’s the forget-me-nots to me. They’re hermaphrodites. They have both…”

  “Male and female organs, yes.” Peter-John nods with a smile.

  “These are perennial. Not as grand as the impressive show the biennial ones give, but hey, I have to work with what’s available. They are very delicate but easy to press, since they are so flat, you see.”

  Madison smiles shyly at Peter-John as he removes his spectacles and cleans them again. He rubs his eyes.

  “They have ophthalmic properties and are thus used as a remedy for many eye diseases.”

  Peter-John stares her and takes in every word she says. Her voice was soft and melodic. He really enjoyed listening to Madison. More than even he would admit. It didn’t hurt that she had flawless skin; must be the fact that she is a vegetarian. He smiles and listens.

  “They are used to make lotions as well. This is because they have astringent properties too; very good for the contraction of skin cells.”

  “Cool,” says Peter-John.

  Madison points to the purple and blue flowers more to the right.

  “Those are irises. The blue ones convey faith and hope. Some say the word means rainbow and that due to the fact that they come in so many beautiful colors.”

  “Isn’t the iris the flower of the messenger of love?” Peter-John asks bravely.

  “Correct. And for this reason, it is also considered the symbol of communication and messages.” Madison seems to relax more and takes a seat on the round stool by the table. Peter-John does the same.

  “They are herbaceous and perennial too, very tough flowers.”

  “Herbacasses?” Peter-John mumbles embarrassed.

  Madison laughs softly.

  “Herbaceous. It means they have soft, green stems. They don’t become woody and hard.”

  “Oh,” laughs Peter-John.

  “I do love the violet-like fragrance they have. Pity I can’t capture that scent when I press the flowers. It doesn’t last.”

  “Do they have any benefits for us? Medicinal benefits?” Peter-John runs his hand
over the glass.

  “Their roots have been used for the treatment of skin diseases and the juice of the flowers is sometimes used cosmetically for the removal of freckles.”

  “Wow, really?” Asks Peter-John amazed.

  Maybe it’s these plants that give her that flawless skin.

  “Iris flowers are used to purge the liver as well. Some praise its benefits for the treatment of dropsy. The fresh root of the Germanica especially. In the dry form it is used for the clearing of the lungs, coughs and hoarseness.” Madison was in her element.

  “Wow, and here I thought they were just pretty flowers.”

  Madison smiles encouragingly. She did enjoy Peter-John’s company. He really seemed interested in what she was saying and especially in what she was doing. She rarely came across a guy so mature, still her age though. The fact that he was handsome didn’t hurt either, even if he was scrawny. She liked that.

  “I like the way they look. Some have beards, others not. Those petals there,” she points to the blue iris in the right corner, “are known as the standards. There are usually only three. Those three outer petals are known as the falls.” Madison moves her fingers to the center of the arrangement.

  “Those are anemones. I specifically put them there for what you shared with me.”

  “I know these. Wind flowers, right? And what do you mean? What did I share with you?” Peter-John was confused, but intrigued. He really didn’t think that there was so much to this bouquet. He suddenly looked at Madison in a totally new light.

  “You’re right. Some refer to them as the wind flower, especially ‘cause the wind opens the petals.” She gives Peter-John a warm smile.

  “And I mean about the atmosphere in your flat, you know.” She gestures with her hand.

  Peter-John stares at her with a vague expression.

  Then, as if it suddenly dawns on him.

  “Oh, that.” He nods.

  “Yes, it is often used for protection against evil, the blue and purple especially. I included a few white ones, ‘cause they’re just so cute. They go well with the forget-me-knots.”

  “They do,” agrees Peter-John.

  “They are also used for cramps, ugh, menstrual problems and emotional distress.”

  Madison moves her finger more to the top of the arrangement.

  “I wasn’t sure how to break the strong blue and purple of the arrangement, so I thought to add some warm apricot and salmon colors. Those are Peruvian lilies, also known as the lily of the Incas.”

  Madison takes in Peter-John’s eyes hanging on her every word.

  She swallows and then coughs.

  “Drew has been a good friend to us all. This flower represents friendship. Some say devotion too.”

  “Hopelessly devoted to you,” Peter-John croons.

  Madison laughs. She admires Peter-John a bit and continues.

  “I especially like the striped ones. The twists in the flower distinguish it from others, really something unique. It apparently represents the trials and tribulations that come with good, lasting friendships.”

  “And haven’t we had our fair share of that these last few months.” Peter-John adds nonchalantly.

  He sighs as if in thought, then focuses on Madison more.

  “What else, I’m curious. This really is something else, very special. Drew is a lucky guy.”

  “Thank you, John-Peter. It means a lot to hear you say that. I rarely get to share the story I wish to convey with my art, but in this instance, I wanted someone else to share the story. Drew might not necessarily get it.”

  “Oh, not? You’ll be surprised. There is a lot to Drew that people don’t know about. He is just human, like the rest of us mere mortals. Sure he is in the spotlight a lot, but he is just a person, very sensitive and caring. Emotional like hell.” Peter-John smirks with a laugh.

  Madison admires him more.

  “That’s kind to share. I pictured him more a macho man. You know, that rugged look he has. James Dean.”

  “Yeah, people think that. Not true though.”

  “Anyway, Peruvian lilies are also known as miniature lilies. Some call them Astroemerias. They have no smell, but are very nutritious. Lots of palatable starch.” Madison nods, as if she could taste it.

  Peter-John swallows and continues to listen.

  “They are hermaphrodites too,” Madison says as she moves more to the bright golden flowers intermingled with the rest.

  “Copa de Oro,” says Peter-John before Madison could speak.

  “I’m impressed,” she says and adds, “yes, our state flower, California poppy. I just wanted to add some yellow-orange to the arrangement. It really does add a different dimension. Plus I think I secretly want to believe we have entered a new golden age and I wanted Drew to symbolically drink from the cup of gold.” Madison says embarrassed.

  “Like some elixir that enriches from within,” Peter-John encourages.

  “Something like that,” Madison smiles.

  “If I remember correctly, my ancestors used it as food and extracted oil from it. They even ground it for flour.”

  “You’re spot on, JP. The Native Californians did and still do to this day. The poppy oil is used for cooking. It is also employed in the making of soaps and varnishes.”

  “Illumination,” Peter-John adds matter-of-factly.

  Madison nods admiringly.

  She focusses on the last of the plants in the arrangement.

  “That brings us to this lone white lily. It is probably the most significant of the arrangement, very simple, but such a beautiful plant, especially considering.”

  “Considering?” Peter-John was excitedly curious.

  Madison gave him an appreciative smile and winks.

  “I got this from a swamp. The plant grows from this dirty, dark water, but looking at its pristine whiteness, one would never guess it. To me, it’s almost like the lily overcomes harsh conditions and emerges victoriously without blemishes, the delicate flower towering above the darkness to give off this virginal whiteness.”

  Peter-John stares at Madison and smiles.

  “Beautiful. So appropriate, especially considering,” he nods.

  “Considering,” Madison agrees.

  They stare at the flower in silence. After a bit, Madison adds.

  “Quite a story how it stays so white, the lily, I mean. Dew forms at the tip here and flows in a circular motion all along the petal to the bottom. That’s how it remains so white and beautiful. The dew cleans the flower to put it plainly,” Madison smiles.

  “Cool bananas! Nature is really awesome.”

  Madison agrees.

  “There is so much more to flowers than just their beauty and fragrant scent.” Her eyes gentle.

  Peter-John tries hard not to stare into them for too long.

  Madison tries not to stare too long into his too. She continues.

  “These are all affirmations of my faith in God, the Creator. It can’t all be some gigantic fluke. How people can accept that as such, blows my mind completely. Roses formed by accident? All these things I told you about the flowers, just accidently the way they are?”

  She smiles at Peter-John.

  He nods.

  “It’s a Big Bang conundrum,” Peter-John stares at the piece again.

  He shakes his head in admiration.

  “I’m sure Drew will be blown away. He’ll like the subtle touch of the green fennel and rosemary too, lovely fragrance. This is all really something special. You’re really thoughtful.”

  Madison shakes her head.

  “Dear, John-Peter. You are the thoughtful one. Drew is lucky to have you. Throwing this party for him. He is blessed to have you as a friend.”

  Peter-John smiles awkwardly.

  “It’s nothing. He’s been through so much these last few months alone. He deserves to be spoiled, to be surrounded by friends. We’re the only family he has.”

  “How is he since, you know?”

&nb
sp; Madison gestures for him to help her lift another wrapped piece into the crate.

  “I’m not sure. He looks fine. But that’s just Drew. He always looks as if he just stepped out of a magazine. And that million dollar smile is ready to charm anyone he wants whenever he wants. Literally. He could be annoyed one second, all frown, the next, pose for a picture frown gone, just that charming smile. It’s like…”

  “I know what you mean.” Madison laughs. “It’s effortless.”

  “Yes. But…”

  Peter-John trails off.

  “You’re worried? I can tell.”

  Peter-John shrugs.

  “It’s nothing. I’m sure he is fine.”

  Madison gestures to the last piece. She wants to ask Peter-John something as they lift it into the crate, but decides to let it slide.

  “That’s all of it. I’ll hoist it out of the window later. Let’s head to the kitchen. I have a new recipe I want you to try out. I hope you’ll like it.”

  Peter-John smiles excitedly.

  ‘Lead the way, Madison.”

  She blushes slightly and skips quickly out of the studio.

  Peter-John right behind her.

  It is He Who sendeth down rain from the skies: with it We produce vegetation of all kinds: from some We produce green crops, out of which We produce grain, heaped up at harvest; out of the date-palm and its sheaths come clusters of dates hanging low and near: and then there are gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each similar in kind yet different in variety: when they begin to bear fruit, feast your eyes with the fruit and the ripeness thereof. Behold! In these things there are signs for people who believe.

  Surah Al-An’am (The Cattle) 6:99

  جذور

  “I didn’t know who else to ask. You’re the only one that knows about this stuff,” Justin says nervously.

  Ben nods his head.

  Justin moves awkwardly past him to the edge of the garden. He stops where the picket fence meets the side of the shed and points to the very dull looking Buckeye situated next to the shed wall.

  “It’s way too early for it to start losin’ its leaves. I don’t know what’s wrong,” Justin starts biting his nails.

  “Don’t be so worried. I’m sure we’ll be able to determine why it’s dyin’,” Ben reassures Justin with a smile.

  He inspects the tree up close, tracing the small sculptural white branches all the way to the trunk and goes on his knees to inspect the soil.

  After a few minutes, Ben gives an enquiring look at Justin and starts.

  “Did you move this, Justin?”

  Ben gets up and approaches him. Justin swallows hard as he tries his best to relax. Things have been tense between the two of them since that Valentine’s Day.

  “Ugh, yes.” Justin says barely audibly.

  He walks to where the picket fence begins, closer to the main house.

  “It used to grow over there, but I was scared it would cause problems in the future, as the tree grows. I also really didn’t like it under the kitchen window. I have a better view of it now, where it is, but, you know, it is dyin’,” Justin says with a soft laugh that sounded more like a cough.

  He scratches his head and avoids eye contact.

  Ben nods his head and as if it all suddenly made sense, he starts with a smile.

  “Did you prune the tree after uprooting it?” Ben smiles.

  Justin looks up and for the first time, meets Ben’s eyes.

  “No, not with the uprooting, only when it was a bit younger; it already has the shape I like, so I didn’t want to cut it,” he says as he scratches his head.

  “Don’t look so embarrassed. Few people know that you need to prune the tree, to make up for the roots that are lost when you uprooted it.”

  He smiles more.

  ‘Oh, ugh, I didn’t know that.” Justin smiles