It was a warm spring day, in the year of 2012. The wind whispered a delicate song through the trees, and the birds sang sweet songs to their loved ones. Rose Bud Lane was bursting with color; the old oak and pine stood tall and strong. Wisteria hung daintily. Some people described Rose Bud Lane as wonderland, because of the charming, whimsical trees and flowers, but the Greens called it home.
Their house stood at the end of the street. The old, white house had a picket fence with a gate leading to the wide front door. Just one glance at the house and you could tell there was quite a bit of character to it. Living there was the Green family: Mr. Green, Mrs. Green, and Holly. They had another daughter, Evangeline, but she was moved out and married.
The house was very quiet, for Mr. and Mrs. Green both had jobs and were out of the house for most of the day. Holly had just finished her first year of college and was on her summer break. She sat quietly on the front porch, reading a book. Nothing made her happier than to sit and just breathe the fresh air. She liked to be reminded that she was alive, and that each day was a new day.
Holly had an interview at the Precious Petals flower shop up the road. She had applied just about a week before she got the interview. She had quite an interest in flowers. After spending some time in the fresh air, she thought to herself, “I should probably get ready to go. I have to be there in a half hour.” The shop wasn’t but ten minutes up the road, so she could walk. She walked back into the house and into the kitchen to grab a cup of water.
The steps squeaked as she walked up them. Holly’s room was tiny. The walls were filled with artwork she had done over the past years of her life. The dark wood floor laid perfectly. She had flower garland plunging down from each wall.
She grabbed her bag and headed down the stairs. She left a note stating, “I’m at my interview with Precious Petals flower shop. Will be home soon. Xoxo, Holly.” She quickly made her way to the garage and grabbed her bicycle and started off.
Arriving at the shop, she locked her bike to the light pole. “I really hope I can get this job,” she thought. Taking a deep breath, she walked in. “Hi, I’m here for an interview with Jane. Is she in?” Holly asked.
“Most certainly. I’m Catharine; I recently got a job here, too. Here’s her office,” Catharine said. Her hands had begun to sweat. And she was stumbling over her words.
“Hi. Holly, right?” said Jane.
“Yes, that would be me,” she smiled.
“Your application was quite impressive. And we would be delighted if you would work here. Can you start next Monday?” Jane said happily.
“Of course. I’ll be here Monday,” Holly said smiling.
“I’ll have a schedule emailed to you as soon as possible,” Jane said.
Holly walked out of the office and back into the store. “I got the job,” Holly said cheerfully to Catherine, the lady who was standing at the register. The store stood delightfully at the front of Cherry Blossom Lane.
She quickly biked home, hoping her mother would have arrived home from work. She made a sharp left turn down Rose Bud Lane and straight down to the large green mailbox. She knew her Mom was home, for her red 1966 Mini Cooper was parked in the garage. She put her bike away and ran inside. “I got the job, I got the job,” she chanted. But no reply came from Mrs. Green’s mouth. She sat stubbornly on the couch.
“Well, Mother, aren’t you going to congratulate me? You’re looking at Precious Petals newest employee.” Again, Mrs. Green sat there.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Holly asked.
“Darling, your grandfather has had a stroke. Grandmother Darcy and I just got off the phone,” Mrs. Green said with concern.
“My, word. When will we know anything more?” Holly asked.
“Anytime now. I’ve been trying to get ahold of your father, but he’s not answering,” Mrs. Green added.
“He must be in a meeting, I’m sure he’ll call soon after.” Holly said, trying to cheer up her mother.
Holly and Mrs. Green sat and waited for a phone call. An hour passed and Mr. Green finally returned their phone calls. Soon after Mrs. Green hung the phone up, she asked Holly to make dinner. Of course, Holly, being Holly, wouldn’t decline such a request especially when her mother was feeling so blue. She quickly stepped into the kitchen and started to rummage through the fridge. She found some lettuce and vegetables. “Will salad do, Mom?” Holly asked.
“Salad will do just fine. Just don’t put the cucumbers in the salad. Put them in a separate bowl,” Mrs. Green said.
“Yes, yes. Daddy doesn’t like cucumbers,” Holly said to herself. While Holly finished up the salad, she thought she’d make some muffins, she knew her Mother enjoyed a sweet snack after dinner, with blueberry muffins being one of her favorites.
Mrs. Green stepped out onto the front porch to speak with her mother. Holly went to check on her as she overheard her say, “well, maybe Holly could come stay with you with Dad.” She couldn’t help but be excited. Of course she wouldn’t dare bring it up unless Mama Green did. “Hmmm. Even though I just got a job at Precious Petals, I would be more than happy with helping Grandma Darcy out with Grandfather. Not to mention the fact that they live in Ireland. And I’ve always fancied the thought of taking a visit there. But the main point is, I would be totally willing to take care of Grandfather. Grandfather first; exploring second,” Holly thought to herself.
She was forced back into the kitchen by the call of the timer. It’s first batch of muffins were done; Mrs. Green slipped back into the house, the uplifting smell of fresh blueberry muffins wafting throughout the whole house.
“Holly,” Mrs. Green called.
“Yes,” she answered. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more excited that you got the job at the flower shop. I’m truly happy and excited for you, but Grandma Darcy and I were just talking. She wants to know if maybe you would consider visiting Ireland to help her take care of Grandfather? I would come soon after you arrived, but I have a huge press conference meeting and won’t be able to make it this week. I’m sure I could call Precious Petals and see if Jane could possibly hold your job just for a couple of days; just in case you’re not home before Monday.”
“Alright, well I’m absolutely okay with that,” Holly answered.
“We’ll talk more about when your father arrives home,” Mrs. Green replied. Holly continued on by filling twelve more muffin cups to the very top. She placed them in the oven and set the timer for fifteen minutes. She finished preparing dinner. Mr. Green arrived home and he walked down the hall and into the kitchen; there sat his lovely daughter. “Oh, hi Father,” Holly said.
“Hi, Holly. Did you end up getting the job?” he replied.
“Most certainly. And I couldn’t be more excited,” she said.
“Wonderful, darling. I’m excited for you.” He smiled. “Where’s your Mother?” he asked politely.
“Oh, she’s in the backyard pulling weeds,” Holly answered quickly. She wanted both her parents to talk about her going to visit her grandparents. But until then, she went on normal, not even thinking about it. She went around the house tiding things that were already tided. She wanted to make her Mom happy. The timer went off once again calling her into the kitchen.
Her parents pulled weeds and talked about what they were to do with Holly. “She just got that job at Precious Petals, but I have to agree with you that family is most important. Holly should leave first thing Wednesday morning,” Mr. Green said. Mrs. Green agreed.
“Yes, first thing. Check the airlines, and try to get a ticket,” Mrs. Green replied softly.
Holly walked into the backyard. “Dinner’s ready,” she shouted.
Holly, Mrs. Green and Mr. Green all gathered around the dinner table. they talked and laughed. “Holly, we bought your plane ticket. You’ll be flying out Wednesday morning at four thirty,” Mrs. Green said.
“Okay, so I have all day tomorrow to pack,” Holly said.
Holly agreed to clean up the kitchen and go straight to bed afterward.
She had a big day; she had to pack and clean her room. Before she knew it, it was already Wednesday. Holly’s alarm had begun to ring; it was two forty-five. She quickly hopped out of bed, gathered all her things, and rushed into the bathroom, where she got ready for the day ahead of her. She showered, got dressed, and applied her makeup.
Holly was a tall skinny girl, with long brown curly hair. She had a rather enjoyable sense of fashion, too. She grabbed her luggage and walked down the hall, down the steps, and to the kitchen. There, Mrs. Green stood behind the sink, rinsing out her bowl from breakfast. “There’s some fresh granola in the pantry,” said Mrs. Green.
Holly poured herself a rather hefty bowl, “I don’t want to be too hungry on the plane,” She thought.
“Holly, bring that to the car. Your plane leaves in forty-five minutes,” Mrs. Green said. Holly grabbed her luggage and cereal and walked to the car. The birds chirped a friendly goodbye.
“Mom, please be sure to call Jane, even though I’ll be back by Monday. Just let her know, just in case,” Holly said.
“I will call her, Holly,” answered Mrs. Green. Holly and Mrs. Green talked the whole way to the airport.
“Be sure to call me everyday, I know Grandmother Darcy will call me, but I would like you to call me as well,” Mrs. Green said.
“You have my word, Mom.” Holly replied. They arrived at the airport. Holly unloaded her luggage and she and Mrs. Green walked into the airport. Holly immediately dropped her bags off at the bag check. Holly arrived at the entrance to board the plane. “Well, this is goodbye. For now,” Holly struggled.
“I’ll see you in a couple days, darling. Be good for Grandmother Darcy; and do your best helping with Grandfather,” Mrs. Green said.
“I certainly will,” Holly smiled and hugged her mom.
Holly bordered her flight and got seated. “This will be a long flight,” she thought.
The hours passed and Holly finally arrived in Ireland. She peeked out the plane window and couldn’t believe it. “Wow, I’m actually here. Everything’s green. I love green,” she thought.
As the airplane was landing Holly’s excitement really kicked in; but she also got sad, “Poor Grandfather. It makes me sick to think that he might not make it. Utterly sick.”
She exited the airplane, and made her way to the luggage check. “Ahh, here are my bags are,” She said.
She quickly made her way to the front entrance of the airport. She took in the fresh Irish breeze. “I’m really here,” She thought again. She found a taxi and flagged him down. She hopped into one that came her way; “1589 Poppintree, Dublin, please,” she said politely. And they were off.
Holly looked out the window in a daze. She was in shock. “It’s exceptionally gorgeous here. Much more than I imagined it would be,” she said.
“I hear that a lot,” the cabman said.
Holly called her mom, but she didn’t answer. She left a message. “Mom, I’ve reached Ireland. You must be in a meeting, but I’m mostly positive you’ll call me after. Love you, bye.” She hung the phone up.
Holly called Grandmother Darcy and told her that she’d made it to Ireland and she was on her way, and that she would be there shortly. After she had hung the phone up, they arrived at 1589 Poppintree. She handed the cabdriver some cash, grabbed her luggage, and just stood on the driveway.
Taking in the beauty, she thought she should probably make her way to the porch. Grandmother Darcy and Grandfather lived in a little brick house with black shutters; ivy had overgrown some of the house, and their front windows sat in a bed of flowers.
She knocked on the door. She could hear the sound of footsteps and immediately got excited. Grandmother Darcy opened the door and held her arms out; Holly quickly went in for a nice big hug. “Oh, how I’ve missed your hugs, Grammy,” Holly said.
“And I’ve just missed you, sweet pea,” replied grandmother Darcy with a smile.
“Well, where’s Grandfather? I’d like to see him,” Holly asked.
“He’s sleeping right now,” Grandmother said. “I know, mother has told me. It’s our job to make the best of this. No matter the outcome. But I’m most certainly sure grandfather will make it through this,” Holly said with assurance.
Holly unpacked her things and got comfortable. Grandfather had woken up, and she went and talked with him for a couple hours. Grandmother could hear them laughing from the kitchen. His speech was a little hard to understand. She discovered.
Holly reached for her phone; and as she did, Mrs. Green was calling. “Hello,” answered Holly.
“Hey, baby, I’m leaving tomorrow and will be there tomorrow night. Dad’s coming too,” said Mrs. Green.
“Delightful, I’m so happy,” Holly replied.
“Yes dear, now please tell grandmother. I’m driving home from work right now, so I got to go, love you.” Mrs. Green hung up. Holly immediately told Grandmother Darcy. She was so happy to hear that they were all going to be together.
Grandmother asked Holly to help her make supper. “I’m making chicken noodle soup. Can you run to the garden and grab me some carrots, dear?” asked Grandmother Darcy. Holly went to the garden to grab the carrots, and was completely enchanted by all the lovely flowers growing. She picked a few flowers and brought them inside. “To make things a little more cheery,” Holly said putting the flowers at the table. “So lovely, Holly, thank you,” Grandmother Darcy said.
They finished up dinner and sat at the table. Holly brought her grandfather a bowl of soup and sat on a wooden chair next to him. They spoke of happy memories and time passed. Grandmother Darcy suggested Holly should get ready for bed, since she had a long day. Holly agreed and got ready for bed. She kissed Grandfather on the cheek and said her goodnights. She quickly got her pajamas on and hopped in bed.
Grandmother Darcy called her daughter, and they chatted for a good amount of time. Holly woke up to the sound of chirping birds. She decided she’d make breakfast for Grandmother Darcy and Grandfather. “I want her to have a break. Besides I’m here to help,” She thought.
She grabbed the oats and whipped together some baked oatmeal and threw it in the oven. She put the timer on for forty-five minutes.
She walked out on the front porch and sat on the steps, when all of a sudden she heard a loud cry. “Holly, Holly, where are you.” it was Grandmother Darcy, standing beside the couch. Grandfather Branson was not breathing. “Call the emergency line right now!” Grandmother Darcy said. Holly picked up the phone and dialed the number. “Yes, Hello, my grandfather has had a stroke and he isn’t breathing,” she said. “we’re sending an ambulance to you now.” The ambulance arrived, and they were quickly on their way to the ER.
“Call your mother, Holly” Grandmother said, trembling with fear. They reached the hospital and got Grandfather in. Holly and Grandmother waited and waited, when finally the doctor came.
He pulled Grandmother Darcy aside. She burst into tears, for the thing she feared most, had happened.
Holly called her mother and told her the tragic news. Mrs. Green cried and cried on the phone with Holly. And Holly cried too. They were all crying. Mr. and Mrs. Green had just boarded the plane and wouldn’t be at the hospital, till later that night. Holly and Grandmother Darcy got a cab home. Not a word came form either of their mouths. They made it home, and Grandmother Darcy just sat and starred at the wall. Hours passed. Holly tried to feed her lunch, but she wouldn’t eat. Mr. and Mrs. Green arrived. Mrs. Green went straight to her mother and cried. The funeral finally came around. Grandmother Darcy got up and talked about the wonderful years she and Branson shared, as did the rest of the Greens. The day proved to be very exhausting. After the funeral, they all went home and had supper together and Holly tried to lighten the mood by talking about her new job at Precious Petals. Grandmother Darcy was delighted to hear of her job. “Holly, I want you to know, you coming here and spending time Grandfather before his passing made him more than happy. I’m so delighted to have such a loving granddaughter,” Grandmother said.
Holly was brought to tears. “I love you, Grammy.” She replied by giving her a mighty hug.
Mrs. Green decided that instead of leaving the next day. that she would stay with her mother for a little more time. “You guys should get to bed; your flight leaves frightfully early tomorrow morning.” Holly and Mr. Green were soon to sleep. Mrs. Green and her mother stayed up, talking for hours. Discussing marvelous memories. “It’s hard to believe he’s gone. Just like that, a life can be taken,” Mrs. Green said. Grandmother Darcy began to tear up. “It surely is.”
Morning arrived; Grandmother Darcy and Mrs. Green had baked blueberry muffins for her them to take on their flight, and before Holly knew it, she was back on the plane to California.
“It’s amazing what can happen in one week’s time,” she thought. Holly and Mr. Green were soon back, standing in front of the white picket fence that would lead them home.