An Earned Holiday Break

An Earned Holiday Break

Remember leaving school at the end of June? What a great feeling! No more classes. No more tests or homework. You’re confident you’ve aced your diploma exams. Time is all your own. You can pursue any hobby you desire. Life can’t get much better.

In my novel, Baggage burdens., that’s the joy Jill experiences as she suntans on the upper balcony of her grandmother’s house. She has excelled in the summer school course and is now free to pour her energy into an area of her passion, drama. Living in her grandmother’s two-story house makes her feel safe and cared for until––

By early August Jill is thankful for Josey. Her rescuing deeds far exceed Jill’s wildest hopes. Jill had worked hard on her English course, which her grandmother had arranged by enrolling her in a summer course in Brampton. Exams are finished. She aced that course. In celebration she claims the upper veranda deck at her grandmother’s red brick house in Brampton for her private sun-tanning haven. Singing wind chimes that hang from the soffit at the end of the deck sooth her spirit.

As her grandmother’s Santorini mobile souvenir comes into focus, she sees a light blue boat with white sails gliding in the late morning breeze. Half a dozen glistening glass dolphins suspended from the bottom of the boat held by an almost invisible tackle line, dart about as if they’re playing in the sea. Eight silver pencil-thin metal pipes dance around ringing out their laughter like children on a summer beach.

“Ah-h-h, heaven! I could stay here forever,” revels Jill reminiscing about her summer. Hearing her words, urges Jill to praise her grandmother next time she visits.

‘Gram, you’re so wonderful.’ The review of her last two months leads Jill to appreciate her grandmother’s ability of being able to do anything she sets her mind to. Neither her mother nor her father demonstrated that talent. ‘If I could only be like Gram. Someday, maybe.’

Returning to her holiday spirit, Jill sinks her head into the soft lounger cushion. Eyes close. She absorbs the sun’s rays, deepening the tan on her legs, arms and stomach. ‘Enjoy this, while I can.’ At two o’clock she plans to leave for the Brick Theatre, home of the Creative Arts Society of Brampton.

‘I moved here at just the right time. What a blessing!’ Had Jill known of their need earlier, she’d have volunteered. Working in a theatre was a dream she gave up on when she ran away from home. ‘Now I have spending money too.’ The part time job required she work four hours a day, four days a week.

The people at the theatre had enthusiastically welcomed Jill. They even drafted her to play a small part in the production. Besides sewing costumes and painting scenes, the set designers eagerly accepted her input on stage settings. Hearing how sound effects enriched the performance amazed Jill. 

‘In September I’m definitely going to join the society. Then I can take their fall play production course. No charge.’

Jill rolls over so she doesn’t burn. ‘Unbelievable! What a wonderful summer this has been!’ Soaking in the do-nothing atmosphere becomes first priority again. The sun’s heat coaxes Jill to close her eyes.

Rolling on to her back Jill knocks the album off her lounger. It’s bang tugs Jill out of her nap in time to hear the phone ring.

 ‘Don’t answer it.’ Vaguely she senses disturbing news. She cringes as if a frosty puff of cold air slides over her body.

It’s Josey. “Jill, I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to make it to see the Brick Theatre’s performance Saturday. Don’t worry. I’ll be down Labor Day Monday,” adds Josey sounding a little excited. “I have a surprise for you. An old friend, a special friend, wants to come down and see you.” 

Robin momentarily flashes to Jill’s mind.

“He said he had to work on Saturday so we agreed to come down on Monday.”

“Dave,” gasps Jill in disbelief. “How did he find me?”

The perfect time to accent hell is on the doorstep is during a character’s joyful mood. For Jill living at her grandmother’s house is like heaven (Ah-h-h, heaven!).

Then, into this sanctuary a serpent message is delivered by the one she trusts the most, her grandmother–– (He said he had to work on Saturday so we agreed to come down on Monday.). Her mood plummets like she fell from a thirty-story building.

haiku capsule:        

             classes are over!        

                               balcony sun tanning time     

                               holiday crashes.

Next blog: The Straw that Broke the Camel’s Back