The Daylily Hill

By Elaine Whitman

Madeline Tyler and her two best friends, Ellie Jo Johnson and Olivia Chaplin, have just graduated from high school in Griffin, Georgia, in the spring of 1961. In search of a better life than rural Georgia offers, the girls set off in the pursuit of their dreams--but it isnt long before life steps in and derails their plans.

Madelines dreams of attending college are cut short by the deteriorating health of her father, and she finds herself returning home to help out with her familys needs. Ellie and Olivia both enroll in beauty school, making a start only to see tragedy strike, ending the dreams of one in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, Madeline meets Bart Richmond, a charismatic used-car dealer and wannabe NASCAR driver who likes fast women and faster cars--and he has his sights set on her. To complicate matters further, Nick Elliott, Barts married friend and owner of Griffins cotton mills, cant get Ellie out of his mind after watching her win the local Miss Iris contest. Only time will tell how the two men will impact the friends lives.

Set in the South in the 1960s, this saga tells stories of love lost and found for three young women whose lives are forever changed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Jan 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781480822306

Elaine Whitman

Elaine Taylor Whitman has worked in the family business, Whitman Auto Sales, Inc., for more than thirty-five years. She is also the author of A Kentucky Boy, sharing the life and times of her father growing up in Kentucky, as well as a number of children’s books and poetry collections. She currently lives in Corydon, Indiana.

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Copyright © 2016 Elaine Whitman.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This novel is a work of fiction.  Any references to historical events; to real people living or dead; or to real locales are intended only to give the fiction a setting in historical reality.  Other names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and their resemblance, if any, to real-life counterparts is entirely coincidental.

Archway Publishing

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.archwaypublishing.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4808-2229-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-2230-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015951708

Archway Publishing rev. date: 01/05/2016

CONTENTS

Prologue

Part One

The Early Years

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Part Two

Bart Richmond

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Part Three

Back to the Farm

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Part Four

A Younger Bart Richmond

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Part Five

Starting Over

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Part Six

A True Car Man, If There Ever Was One

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Part Seven

Madeline in Savannah

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Part Eight

What Breaks in a Moment May Take Years to Mend

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Part Nine

Mother Nature Has Music For Those Who Care to Listen

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Part Ten

A Robin Cries as the Leaves Of Fall Begin to Die

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

Daylily Hill was inspired by a love of the South, NASCAR racing, and above all else, family. With that said, Daylily Hill is dedicated to that one missing link in our family, Mikayla.

Love ya, Mam

A Special Thanks to David & Yvonne Fields without these two people Daylily Hill would never have been completed

PROLOGUE

S itting on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia lays the sleepy little southern town of Griffin. Griffin was a prime location back in the days of the Civil War, even though no battles were fought there. While they did provide aid to the sick and wounded of the War Between the States, they were probably remembered most for the money they printed for the Confederacy. Taking advantage of the South’s most lucrative cash crop, cotton, Griffin would become home to numerous cotton mills. In time textile mills would replace the outdated cotton mills until they were finally done away with entirely and the work was outsourced to Guatemala. Scenes of the movie Driving Miss Daisy were filmed on the streets of Griffin, while the ever popular Atlanta Speedway sits in their backyard. As the popularity of NASCAR blossomed, people from all around the United States flocked into the little town of Griffin to attend the races.

But very few people know that Griffin was also home to one of the most knowledgeable used-car men in the state of Georgia. Bart Richmond, owner of Richmond Sales and Service, on Experiment Street was a street smart man. He had worked hard to measure up from his pitiful upbringing by a drunken father, and make something of himself. Bart knew all about cars. They were his passion. He was fixated on them from the time he was a small lad sitting along the curb near his childhood home watching, as the many different cars would pass him by. Cars took him away from his miserable life at home, and gave him reason to go on. Car magazines quickly replaced his school books. By the time Bart was sixteen he knew all there was to know on the history of cars, especially the ones that played a role in the origin of stock car racing. So when Bart accidentally fell into ownership of a small hole in the wall used-car lot in the 50’s, he was more than prepared to take it on. Starting out in the wash room, he worked his way up from detail man, to salesman, to buyer, and then miracle of miracles, to owner. From four door luxury sedans, to two door souped-up sports cars, they all could be found sitting on the paved lot of Richmond Sales and Service. Not only did Bart love to sell cars, he loved to race cars as well, and could be found at any one of the surrounding dirt tracks on Friday and Saturday nights. Besides racing, the world of poker often beckoned, and he was known to out play many an opponent who dared sit down at a poker table with him. His high profile status in the area quickly attracted the women. Young, as well as not so young, women would appear at the shop door, often in the guise of needing a car, but actually seeking out his company. Rarely did he disappoint them in either area.

Quite content with his role in life, it wasn’t until he met a curly headed, book smart, country bumpkin in search of the good life that his life would suddenly turn on a dime. Eventually, the two would join forces, and Richmond Sales and Service would become one of the first car stores in the South that actually financed cars on the lot. Madeline Richmond was the brains behind the car financing, while Bart’s expertise lay with the buying of the cars that would appeal to the varied clientele they catered too.

But, unfortunately, as successful as their business would become, it could not be said of their marriage. Even though the two shared the same goals, the fact they came from two different worlds would impede their quest for the good life, and in the process almost destroy both their dreams.

It has been fifty years since the two opposites met and married. Now at the age of seventy we find Madeline Richmond sitting on the back veranda of their refurbished antebellum home, Daylily Hill, rocking in a ladder back, hickory rocker made by her father. The years have been kind to Madeline. Her high cheek bones, compliments of her Cherokee heritage, add strength to a face still as unlined as it was as a young girl. While the freckles on her hands, compliments of Madeline’s love of the sun, gave credence to her true age. Her hair is now silver, and falls just below her ears in a curly maze that it is reminiscent of a younger Madeline. Her mind is still yet razor sharp, but it’s her heart that concerns her the most. Actually, it’s preforming just as smoothly as the cars they’d sold over the years, that is, if she would leave her drink of choice alone, and we’re talking iced tea, not alcohol. Instead, her heart is troubled and still hurting by recent events that have played out in her life. Her husband of more than fifty years was laid to rest back in the spring, leaving Madeline torn. It wasn’t so much that she’d lost a husband, as he was never much in that department. Their years spent together had been tumultuous at best, much like that other famous couple of the South, Scarlet and Rhett, of Gone with the Wind fame. But she would sorely miss the camaraderie they shared, the meeting of two altogether different minds that had brought about a dream team. A damn good, dream team, that had taken the car business from the ways of yesteryear, and built it into a modern day success story.

With the passing of Bart, we now find Madeline looking back over their fifty years of marriage asking herself if she had sold her very soul in her quest for the good life. Even going so far as to consider if she had a second chance, would she do it all over again, or would she have taken another path?

Then there were the troubling events the day of Bart’s funeral. A day that should have been filled with quiet mourning, and paying respect to one of Griffin’s finest businessmen, was instead focused on a woman dressed in black, her face hidden behind a veil, that had slowly glided down the center isle of the funeral home in a wheelchair. Eyes had focused, and whispers abound, as the mysterious lady and her wheelchair finally came to rest beside Bart Richmond’s coffin.

As the doors swing open on the antebellum mansion of Daylily Hill, in Griffin, Georgia, you are invited in to join Madeline as she looks back over the last fifty years of life and living with Bart Richmond. With each creak of her old rocker you will be transported back to the fifties where we find Madeline, along with her two girlfriends, Ellie Jo Johnson, and Olivia Chaplin, about to begin their trek on the road of life. Will Madeline find the answers to the many questions that now plague her following the death of her husband, Bart Richmond? Let us now join Madeline too see…………….

PART ONE

THE EARLY YEARS

CHAPTER ONE

W ithout a doubt some of the happiest years of Madeline’s life were spent growing up on a small farm located on the outskirts of Griffin, Georgia. Life on the farm wasn’t always easy, and after her father had injured his back while working at a local furniture factory, there never seemed to be enough money. In an attempt to make ends meet Madeline’s mother had taken a job at Carter’s, a local sewing factory, but it barely stretched from one week to the next. Madeline was sixteen at the time and with love of family foremost in her thoughts she was determined to help out. Rising up early in the morning she would herd the cows in from the pasture for her mother to milk, and gather eggs while the chickens were busy chasing the corn she had strewn about their pen. All this before most children had awakened for the day.

They were not the only family living under those conditions. It was the 50’s and many rural fathers and mothers were children of the dark Depression that had swept through the country following the fall of the stock market in the twenties. Thankfully, most families were accustomed to hard work, and finding it difficult to make ends meet in those days, which made the hard times simply a fact of life.

But no matter how hard the times were for Madeline’s family they always managed a summer vacation. She would never forget her first look at the Atlantic Ocean. Standing there on the sandy shoreline, with her toes melting into the warmth of the sand, Madeline had watched as the sunlight danced across a large ocean-going ship in the distance. Madeline could only imagine how nice it would be to travel one day, and see all the grand cities and countries that she encountered in the many books that she read. Knowing it was going to take a good education to afford that kind of lifestyle Madeline often studied late up into the night in quest of her goal. It was not uncommon for her mother to holler up the stairs of their farm home to remind her that tomorrow was another day and she needed her rest.

In her quest for knowledge Madeline seldom spared time for boys. Ellie Jo Johnson and Olivia Chaplin, her two best friends, were always telling her she studied far too much. They thought she needed to get out and enjoy life more. But as much as she loved their company she still spent the better part of her day with her books.

So it was on a warm spring day in late May of 1961 that the three girls were to gather at Griffin High for their high school commencement. Madeline arrived long before Ellie and Olivia, still finding it hard to believe that their high school days were drawing to an end. She had already completed her application for Georgia State College in Athens and hoped that all her hard work had earned her a scholarship. Unfortunately, Madeline knew that it was going to take more than a scholarship to pay her way through college, and that she would probably need a part-time job as well. She also knew that as much as her parents wanted her to continue her education all they had to offer was their love and encouragement. There was no way her parents would be able to help with the cost of her education and Madeline more than understood. Poppa had battled the wood working company in Griffin for months for compensation once he found he was unable to return to work, but to no avail. More than discouraged he had finally applied for government disability in hopes of being able to care for his family once again.

Where on earth were Ellie and Olivia, wondered Madeline as she made her way down the main hallway of Griffin High? She soon found her other classmates in a vacant classroom where they were busy donning their caps and gowns. It was then Madeline spotted Olivia talking to some of their fellow students, and worked her way through the throng of soon to be graduates to join her.

Olivia…there you are. Where on earth is, Ellie? asked Madeline.

She’s outside talking to that Nick Elliott and his friend, Bart Richmond. They’re sitting out there in this little red, T-bird convertible just causing all kinds of commotion. All the guys are beside themselves drooling over the car, while the girls I’m sure are more than jealous of Ellie.

I thought Ellie told him to stop coming around.

Oh, Maddie, don’t you mean Ellie’s mother told him to stop coming around? After she found out that he was married, she was quick to send him packing. Then she told Ellie that if she ever caught her talking to him again she would ground her for life.

Madeline smiled as she tried to imagine Ellie Jo Johnson, who definitely had a mind of her own, listening to anyone. But…with Ellie’s long, dark hair, and movie star looks, Madeline could easily understand Nick Elliott chasing after her. After her appearance in the Miss Iris Pageant he called her home constantly, sent her flowers, and at every possible opportunity he would ask her out. With his good looks, and the fact he owned several cotton mills in the Griffin area that had made him quite wealthy; it did indeed make him very tempting. But…the fact remained he was a married man, and since Ellie yearned for the good life too, seeing Nick would definitely complicate her plans.

Ellie’s mother had always stressed the importance of having a career. She should know as Ellie’s father had deserted them when Ellie was just a small baby claiming he was not the fatherly type. This turn of events forced Ellie and her mother to return to her grandparent’s farm to live. Located up the road from Madeline’s family farm their home was a lovely, two-story, frame home with dormers peeping out from the attic area, and a front porch that stretched across the entire front of the home. The two girls soon became fast friends in grade school, and from that time forward were almost inseparable.

Olivia, a tall, overly slim girl, came into their lives sometime during their freshman year of high school. Along with her mother, Dottie, and grandmother, they had lived in New York City. Olivia’s father was killed just as World War II was winding down, and with relatives living in the Griffin area they had decided to make their home near them. With her regal airs and fancy clothes, there were few students if any at Griffin High ready to accept Olivia as a friend. Madeline and Ellie, always ready to take in a stray puppy, adopted Olivia immediately, and before long it was as if they had been friends forever.

The girls could often be found at Olivia’s home at the end of the day experimenting with makeup and doing their hair. They’d spend so much time getting ready to go to a movie that when they were done it would be far too late to go out. Olivia’s grandmother was very strict, and there was a curfew to follow, so when their makeup sessions ran over they would just hang out at Olivia’s and watch television. That in itself was quite a treat in those days as very few families had a television. Grandmother always went out of her way to make the girls feel welcome in their home, and from time to time she would even ask the girls to share an evening meal with them. Now Grandmother did not prepare the traditional southern foods that Madeline and Ellie were accustomed to, so they were never sure what to expect on the dinner table. But with Grandmother’s quick wit and good food, the girls soon came to adore her even with her strict rules and unusual dishes.

Maddie and Olivia were busy donning their caps and gowns when Ellie burst into the room. Sorry I’m late, girl’s. I just couldn’t get away from Nick. Maddie, busy trying to arrange her cap on top of the mass of curls that adorned her head, muttered, Ellie Jo Johnson, you know that if your mother catches you talking to him again your mother will never let you out of the house again!

Oh, come on Maddie it won’t hurt just to talk to him. replied Ellie, as she hurried to pull her gown on.

Maddie, who was still trying to position her cap over her hair, quickly retorted, You can bet on one thing, Ellie, he doesn’t just have talking on his mind. Now come here, and help me with this cap. It won’t stay down over all these curls!

Why on earth did your mother have to give you one of those box permanents right here before graduation, Maddie? They make you look like a little girl. Turning the cap first one way, and then another, Ellie finally pulled it down firmly on Maddie’s head, and giggling said, That’s the best I can do, Girl, short of shearing off some of those curls. With that said all three girls suddenly burst out in peals of laughter.

With their gowns billowing out all around them the three girls hurriedly made their way down the long hallway to join the other students lining up at the entrance to the gymnasium. It was then that Maddie turned to steal one last look down the long, empty, hallway behind them. The halls were all so oddly quiet now without the usual hustle and bustle of the students coming and going, laughing, and cutting up with one another. Their lockers were now empty, the many notes and stickers that had lined their wall’s, history, and they now stood as if soldiers at attention waiting to be reassigned to yet another group of students come another year.

Looking back on her high school years, Madeline sighed. They had been good years, and there were so many fond memories that she would be hard put to recount them all.

Come on Maddie, shouted Ellie. Now who’s going to miss their own graduation?

Smiling sadly, Maddie hurried to catch up with her friends just in time to hear the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance drifting out through the gymnasium doors. Through tear-filled eyes the girls hugged one another before taking their places in line. Feeling happy, sad, and excited all at the same time they marched into the gymnasium for the very last time. This was it, they would no longer be three, carefree, girls attending high school, doing homework together, helping out around the house, and taking in long, lazy days in the summer sun. The first chapter of the young girl’s lives had drawn to a blissful close leaving them ready to become serious, career minded, young women, who were ready to be groomed to take their places in the adult world.

CHAPTER TWO

I t was a crisp, cloudy, November day when some of Madeline’s college friends let her out of their car at the family farm. This was her first break from college, and she had been fortunate enough to catch a ride home with some of her fellow students. Stepping out from the car and pulling her sweater tighter around her, Maddie could only think that home had never looked so good. The first few months of college had been more stressful than Madeline could ever have imagined. The classes were great and she had excelled, but the off-campus living arrangements that the college had arranged for her along with another young student by the name of Carol Carsten’s had ended abruptly. The girls had been staying with the Dupre’ family who lived within walking distance of the college. In return the girls worked in their downtown restaurant waiting tables. The restaurant work was fun and Madeline enjoyed the work immensely, and happily found her co-workers to be very accepting of two young college girls new to town. Sadly, it would end as quickly as it had begun when Carol overheard some of the waitresses at the restaurant whispering about Mr. Dupre’ keeping company with one of the young girls that worked there.

Apprehensive, Carol immediately reported the information to the girl’s school counselor, Mrs. Grable. The girls were immediately removed from the Dupre’ home, and much to Madeline’s chagrin were placed in the school dormitory. Madeline had more than enjoyed working in the Dupree’s restaurant. Mr. Dupre’ had always been a gentleman, and quite frankly, Madeline would never have imagined him posing a problem to Carol or herself. Besides it was expensive living in the school dormitory, and Madeline worried where the money would be coming from. Thankfully, Ms. Grable was quick to assure Madeline that she was not to worry that the college would place her in another job. For the moment it was very important that the girls be removed from the Dupre’ home.

Just as Madeline was gathering her bags together to go on into the house, she saw Poppa coming out from his workshop door. In its earlier days the workshop had been a smokehouse where meats were cured to be stored away for the long winter months. Located at the back of the home Poppa had converted it over to a woodworking shop after the doctors had finally declared him disabled. Poppa was average in build, and his once coal black hair was now marbled with gray. His back injury left him stooped over, and he now required a cane to help him get around. He had always had a way with wood, and had built the very house they lived in as well as the surrounding buildings in the barnyard. Now that he needed something to fill his time woodworking seemed to be the perfect choice. With his every movement painful he had found he could sit in the shop and work on his carving without a great deal of suffering. Unfortunately, he was yet to receive any disability compensation, but at least he now felt useful and worthwhile.

Greeting Madeline with a big hug, he was quick to say, Well now, how is my little girl? Came back to see the old folks for a bit, eh?

Oh Poppa, you know we get a break before another term begins. It was the perfect time to come home for a visit. Now tell me just what have you been up to?

Well, why don’t you come see for yourself before you get settled in? I’ve been conjuring up some real interesting characters in my workshop while you were away.

Smiling, Madeline followed her father into the workshop where she was greeted with the smell of fresh sawdust and varnish. Looking about she could see that Poppa had indeed been very busy. The shop walls were lined with shelves that were overflowing with hand carved objects of all shapes and sizes. The carved birds were unusually pretty, and along with their own houses they were all painted in bright and cheerful colors that were far too pretty to be placed outdoors. Then there were Poppa’s prized canes, all hand carved, each with their own unique design. It was easy to see that Poppa had put his heart and soul into these canes. Now, after many coats of varnish, they were hanging from a rack of his design, drying.

Proudly, Poppa told of how he was selling his carvings in town. "Once word got around down at the Barber Shop that I had a way with wood people started coming out to the farm to see for themselves. Soon I had more orders than I could fill, Maddie. Some wanted a cane, another person wanted a bird, and before long they would ask if I could make other things. It wasn’t long before my hobby, turned therapy, had suddenly developed into a small business. Trish helps me out with the painting and staining, or I would never be able to get everything done.

As Poppa chatted on Maddie examined each and every one of his carvings finding his attention to detail astounding. He had certainly devoted his heart to these carvings.

Sometimes I’m busier than I care to be Maddie, but I needed something to make myself feel useful again. I doubt I’ll ever adjust to the fact that your mother is out earning a living for the family. Why that’s the very thing that I should be doing. It’s the man’s place, it’s his responsibility, and I feel like such a failure.

Oh, Poppa, I understand how you feel, truly I do, sympathized Maddie, as she gave him a quick hug. But sometimes things happen that are totally out of our control. It wasn’t your fault your back gave out. Besides, we all know what a strong woman Mother is and if she wasn’t up to working in the factory, trust me, she would let you know.

I realize that, Maddie, said Poppa, with concern written all across his face, but it still doesn’t make me feel any better."

Oh, Poppa, when did you make this? asked Maddie, spying a large, ladder back, rocker sitting off to one side of the shop. No other word than sturdy could possibly be used to describe it.

Try it out, Maddie; it’s made of solid hickory. I doubt it will ever wear out.

Before sitting down, Maddie gently tugged the chair out from the wall. As she rocked back and forth on the creaking, smokehouse floor she was quick to say, My goodness, Poppa, how nice it rocks. Whatever are you going to do with it?

Well, since it’s so solid, I thought it might make a good porch rocker.

I can just see a big fight brewing right now over who’s going to sit in that rocker first, laughed Madeline. You know how Trish loves rocking chairs.

Shaking his head, and smiling at his pretty, young daughter’s prediction, Poppa could only say, You’re probably right, Maddie girl, but what do you say, let’s go on up to the house so you can greet Mother and the girls. They’ve probably got dinner ready to go on the table, besides it’s getting pretty chilly out here.

CHAPTER THREE

A s Madeline made her way through the kitchen door of the farmhouse she could see her mother at the stove stirring something in a large pot that smelled heavenly. Her two younger sisters, Trish and Mary Beth, were busy setting the table, but when they saw their older sister had arrived they let out a squeal that could be heard in town. Trish was now fifteen with a pretty oval face framed with naturally curly, dark brown hair, and spirited green eyes that spelled trouble for the boys. Mary Beth was the youngest of the girls. She was ten, the blonde in the family with a pony tail that hung down most of her back. She was a wide eyed, happy go lucky, little girl that took great delight in tormenting her middle sister.

Looking around, Madeline quickly realized how good it was to be back in their old familiar kitchen.

It sure smells good in here, Mother. Looks like I couldn’t have arrived home at a better time.

Trish had gone back to setting the table, but couldn’t resist saying, Looks to me like you’ve put on a few pounds, Maddie.

Smiling, Maddie retorted, Now, Trish I didn’t come home to talk about my weight. That cafeteria food was so horrible that if I never lay eyes on macaroni and cheese again it will be fine with me. Now please…I want to hear what you two scamps have been up to!

Not much, Mother won’t let us, the girls chimed together.

Trish gets in more trouble than I do, don’t you Trish?

Oh sure, Mary Beth. You’ve got your nose stuck in a book too much to get in trouble, retorted Trish.

About that time the family collie, Mitzie, nuzzled Madeline’s arm wanting some attention for herself.

Maddie, Trish has a new boyfriend. Tell her all about him, Trish.

Mary Beth, did you know that your best talent is talking too much? retorted Trish, as she threw a dishtowel at her younger sister.

Their mother had gone back to her stove, but it didn’t take her long to quiet the girls down by saying That’s enough girls. Mary Beth, take Mitzie back outside so we can have dinner without her begging. Maddie, tell Poppa to wash up, it’s time to come to the table, and then all in one breath, How was your ride back to Griffin?"

Just fine, Mother. I didn’t realize how homesick I was till I saw this old farm again. If our car had broken down along the way I do believe I would have run the rest of the way home.

Might not have been a bad idea, said Trish, earning a stern look from her mother.

Now that’s enough, girls. Let’s all get seated. Mary Beth, you can say grace tonight. But just as Mary Beth began the phone on the hallway desk began ringing. My goodness can’t we even sit down to have a bite to eat without that telephone ringing? fussed Mother. Mary Beth, would you please answer that phone, and tell whoever is calling that we’ve just sit down to dinner.

Jumping up, Mary Beth hurried to grab the phone before it rang again. Hey, Maddie, it’s Ellie. She says she needs to talk to you right now.

Mother paused serving her vegetable soup just long enough to tell Madeline not to be on the phone too long. You girls can talk all you want after dinner.

But Maddie was already up and hurrying to the phone, I’ll just be a minute, Mother, I promise.

Oh, Ellie, it’s so good to hear your voice again. How are you?

I’m fine, Maddie. It’s great to hear your voice too. How about I come by later and we’ll pick Olivia up and cruise around town?

Oh, Ellie, you have a car now?

Well, sort of, Mom got a new car, so I thought we might try it out now that I can drive.

Is it safe to ride with you? asked Maddie, finding it hard to believe that Ellie was already driving a car.

Well, I haven’t had an accident yet if that’s what you’re asking. I was waiting for you to come home, chided Ellie.

Give me an hour, Ellie; I’ll be ready by then. Oh, and Ellie, I can’t tell you how good it is to be back home.

Maddie, is something wrong? Are you all right?

Oh sure, I’m fine, Ellie. It just wasn’t easy trying to work and study too. Then there was the problem with Mr. Dupre’ and all, but I’ll tell you all about it when I see you later.

Well, if you’re sure…I’ll be there shortly. Oh, and Maddie, I’m really glad you’re back home too.

As she replaced the receiver back on the telephone Maddie suddenly felt a sense of relief. Just hearing her best friend’s voice gave her renewed faith in her dreams, and put a smile on her face as she returned to the dinner table. But her smile soon faded that first evening home when she noticed how tired her mother looked. She knew it wasn’t easy with Poppa unable to work. The worry and the added responsibility were now etched across her face in the guise of fine lines. That along with the many strands of gray that were now woven throughout her mother’s dark hair gave credence to the added worry and responsibility that she now carried on her shoulders. Thankfully nothing was said at the dinner table about any problems, and Maddie was more than grateful. She just wanted to enjoy being home, and not have to worry about any concerns, those of her own, or her families. The girls chatted like magpies and asked numerous questions about college life. Poppa looked a bit sad, but content, especially after her mother served up one of her hot apple pies straight from the oven.

Tell us more about college, Maddie.

Well, hedged Maddie, Between being scared but excited at the same time, I guess you could say it was real nice. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that silly roommate I had, Carol Carstens. She was so sure Mr. Dupre’ would molest us in our sleep. There were times that I wondered if she just made it all up so that we would be moved to the college dormitory. Carol was never really content in the Dupre’s home, and the last thing she wanted to do was wait on tables in their restaurant. After she was pledged to a Sorority, all she wanted to do was live on campus near her new friends. Then after we were moved to the dorm I seldom saw her at all and that was fine with me.

Do you like the dorm? asked Mary Beth, excitedly.

It’s real nice, Mary Beth, but between classes and work I’m seldom there. Mrs. Grable, the girl’s counselor, found work for me at the public library in downtown Athens, filing books. It’s late when I get back to the dorm and by the time I study and take my shower I fall in bed exhausted. But everyone in the dorm is very friendly and fun loving. Several are majoring in how to find a rich husband rather than to learn so they play cards until all hours of the night. Me, I’m just glad to be there even if I’m on a shoe string budget. The girls giggled as Maddie spoke of her adventures, while her parents were proud that their eldest daughter was learning how it was out in the world on your own.

Maddie had so much catching up to do with the family that before she knew it Ellie was at the kitchen door, knocking, ready for an evening out. As the girls hurried out the kitchen door, Maddie could feel excitement building about seeing the little town of Griffin that was so full of her yesterdays. But when she spotted this sleek, black, automobile that looked as long as a city block sitting in her driveway she quickly asked, Ellie, are you sure you can drive this thing? It’s as long as a hearse. Ellie wrinkled up her face in a heaven forbid grimace, and simply said, Just jump in, and watch me, Madeline Tyler?"

Madeline had barely settled down on rich leather seats, the color of fresh cream, when Ellie’s foot came down hard on the accelerator sending the sleek black car speeding on down the driveway. Spraying gravel in every direction, it fell like rain, scaring the family collie off to Poppa’s workshop door yelping to be let in. Ellie flew around curves with abandon, trying desperately to dodge the potholes that were as numerous as spots on a dog’s back. Doing the best her meager driving abilities would allow, the large car thankfully cushioned the impact as all four wheels took turns exploring the potholes on a ride that Madeline thought was surely take several years off her life.

Just who taught you how to drive, Ellie? ventured Maddie, holding on for all she was worth.

I taught myself.

You taught yourself!

Yeah, in Grandpa’s ‘ole truck.

Ellie, isn’t it a straight shift?

It sure is! So after a lot of bucking and jumping around all over the place I finally figured out how to get around in it. Funny thing about it though…Grandpa couldn’t figure out why the clutch was always going out of his old truck.

Mist howls of laughter the girls were soon pulling up in front of Olivia’s house. Olivia let out a big squeal of delight when she saw Maddie and Ellie standing at her door. She was so happy to see Madeline that she grabbed her and hugging her tight, exclaimed, We’ve missed you so much, haven’t we Ellie? It just didn’t seem right without you around, Girlfriend.

Hugging Olivia back, even tighter, Maddie quickly realized that Olivia’s normally thin body seemed even thinner. But surely it was only her imagination.

You don’t know how good it is to be back…even if it is for a short visit. But, let’s not talk about me; I want to hear all about Beauty School.

Go on, Olivia, tell Maddie what you do when you’ve done with someone’s hair, and you think it doesn’t look quite right, prodded Ellie.

Well, replied Olivia, with a quirky little grin on her face, Now mind you only if they have time. It’s really quite simple, I just brush their hair back out and start all over again.

We thought one of the customer’s was going to pass on to wherever it is old ladies with blue hair go by the time Olivia had redone her hair the third time, laughed Ellie.

Now, Ellie, it wasn’t that bad. pouted Olivia.

No, it wasn’t that…bad, Olivia. Actually Maddie, the old lady didn’t have much hair anyway, and by the time Olivia got through with it we were all wondering if she was going to have any left.

With that said the girls practically rolled on the floor with their laughter filing the air, and tears streaming down their cheeks. It was just like old times as the girls talked on and on catching up on each other’s activities.

Tell Maddie who you’ve been seeing, Ellie.

Now, Olivia, just you keep quiet.

Don’t tell me you’ve been seeing that Nick Elliott again?

Oh…well…I just can’t help myself, Maddie. He just keeps on calling me, and even sending me flowers. Then he began stopping by after Beauty School asking me out over and over again until I finally gave in and said yes.

Oh, Ellie, you did what? Now, let me guess, he brought the wife and kids along too? chided Maddie.

Oh, Maddie, don’t be silly. Anyway, for your information he only has one child, for Pete’s sake…a little girl. Besides, we had such fun. He drove us on over to Atlanta where we had a real nice dinner, and then we went dancing at one of those little out of the way clubs.

Ellie, you’ve got to be kidding! You know all the guy wants is a roll in the hay. He’s never going to leave his wife and child. Besides, you’re too pretty and too smart to settle for what little he can offer you.

But, Maddie, there’s just something about him that just keeps calling out to me.

It’s probably that southern…drawl, said Olivia, rolling her eyes all about. His words are so syrupy that they literally drip from his mouth."

It was easy to see that Ellie had fallen for the guy, and Maddie could only wonder what would become of it all when suddenly Ellie burst out, That’s enough, Olivia! You’ve made up your mind that you don’t like him, so I shouldn’t either.

What’s there to like, Ellie? The guy’s married. You deserve better!

Maddie could see the conversation was becoming way too heated between her two best friends, and trying hard to think of something that would quickly diffuse the situation could only think of one thing. Come on, you two. Let’s get in that big, black tank, that Ellie calls a car, and drive over to the Dog N’ Suds for a hamburger. I haven’t had a good hamburger since I left Griffin.

It was then, with a sly look in her eyes, that Olivia suddenly asked, Maddie, haven’t you put on a few pounds?

I didn’t think it was that noticeable. replied Maddie looking at both girls with question marks in her eyes. Suddenly, both Olivia and Ellie broke out in laughter, quickly diffusing the tension surrounding Nick Elliott seeing Ellie.

All right you two come on, a few extra pounds or not, I want one of those hamburgers, stated Maddie, thinking that perhaps a little weight gain had been good for something, even if it was for calming down her two best friends. It was then the girls grabbed up their coats, and with their little disagreement already forgotten, set out for the Dog N’ Suds.

All right, Maddie, now it’s your turn…we want to know all about college, and what went on with that naughty old Mr. Dupre said Olivia, as she climbed into the back seat of Ellie’s car. You just have to fill us in.

CHAPTER FOUR

T he Dog N’ Suds was long-gone now having been replaced by a modern-day McDonald’s complete with those big yellow arches marking its spot. The hamburgers were not as good as the ones the Dog N’ Suds had served, but the doctor had long since banned hamburger from Madeline’s diet, anyhow. He claimed it had too much cholesterol whatever that stuff was. Madeline sighed, thinking that the Dog N’ Suds was only one of many things that had disappeared from her life as the years had gone by. But those memories were more than she could contend with this pretty morning. Instead she focused her attention on the deer that had wondered out from the woods once again, and were munching on the lush, green grass that covered the back of Daylily Hill. They looked so content that Maddie envied them. Just then two large, black crows settled down on the ground. Strutting around in search of a snack, they were soon frightened away by the younger deer that were now playfully chasing after one another. Annoyed, the crows cawed out their dismay as they rose back into the air only to settle down in the tall branches of the sour gum tree that had been planted shortly after Daylily Hill was built. Then suddenly something startled the deer as well, and Madeline watched as they disappeared into the safety of the woods with only the white of their tails showing.

From time to time, Daisy, their elderly housekeeper, would hobble out from the kitchen to check on Ms. Madeline, as she preferred to call her. A small, African American lady, Daisy barely stood five feet tall, with white, curly hair that framed her face much like a halo, while the rest was pulled back in a tight bun at the nape of her neck. Madeline had met Daisy shortly after she married Bart, and they were living on College Street in Griffin. Several black families had made their home in a neat, well-tended cul-de-sac at the lower end of College Street. In time Daisy had come to Daylily Hill to live as a nanny for the children, and then stayed on as a housekeeper when the children were older. With the kitchen her command center Daisy ran the household as efficiently as a piece of well-oiled machinery. To Madeline she was more than a nanny or a housekeeper; she was a mother figure as well as dear friend and companion that Madeline shared all of her concerns with. To the children she was a second mom, a teacher, a playmate, and they loved her dearly. It would not have been Daylily Hill had not Daisy been there.

Daisy was now standing at the screened door that opened out onto the back veranda of Daylily Hill, watching as the old wooden rocker creaked back and forth. It sure was a good thing her daddy had built that old chair as sturdy as he had, because it hadn’t slowed all morning, thought Daisy to herself. It looked like Ms. Madeline was trying to wear it out.

Madeline rocked on, her foot gently tapping the floor with each rocking motion of the chair. She smiled to herself as she remembered fighting with Trish and Mary Beth over whose turn it was to sit in the rocker while all three of the girls were still living at home. Madeline never understood why Poppa only made the one rocker, but figured it was because he enjoyed making smaller pieces more. When both her parents had passed away unexpectedly, all Madeline had wanted from their estate was the rocking chair. To her the old chair represented the peace and calm that was so often lacking in her married life. About that time Madeline heard the squeaking of the screen door, and looked up to see Daisy standing in the doorway.

Ms. Madeline, I hate to bother you, but Miss Ellie is on the telephone. Says she wants to know if you’ll go out to lunch with her today?

Oh Daisy, tell Ellie I’m just not up to going out just yet. Tell her…tell her…maybe another time.

Returning to the phone, Daisy repeated Ms. Madeline’s message. Miss Ellie, she says maybe another time.

Is she doing all right, Daisy?

I’m not too sure, Miss Ellie. She just sits out back all day in that old rocker her daddy made years ago…rocking away… while staring out over that big field she calls a yard.

You wouldn’t think she’d miss someone that barely qualified to be called a husband, Daisy.

Miss Ellie, I’m not sure she knows herself. I think she misses him in her own way. Some days she’s glad he’s gone, and then there’s days she’s not so glad he’s gone. That is if any of that makes sense to you.

I know one thing Daisy; living with Bart wasn’t always easy. As tough as I am I doubt that I could have lived with that impossible man. Why, the only two good things that ever came out of that marriage were those two children, Lacie Anne and Tyler. You know how she dotes on those kids, Daisy. Oh, by the way she’s not nipping on the liquor by any chance is she?

Well, laughed Daisy, she’s been hitting the iced tea pretty hard, if it counts?

Laughing out loud, Ellie quickly replied Now you call me if you need anything Daisy. You hear?

Yes’ um, Miss Ellie, I hear.

Shaking her head, Daisy hung up the phone. She so loved Miss Ellie almost as much as she loved Ms. Madeline, although she sure couldn’t understand why she threw her life away on that married boyfriend like she did. But…those two had been together a long time…so guess they must think something of one another.

Once again, Daisy made her way back to the screened door only to find Madeline still rocking away. Let her rock it all out thought Daisy, turning, and heading back to the kitchen that she had held down for years at Daylily Hill. I’ll make up some of those big ‘ole baking powder biscuits she loves. muttered Daisy to herself. Surely, she won’t turn one of them down.

It was almost as if Madeline could see the dogwood buds bursting open that spring, forming a ribbon of white all about the edge of her property. Nestled under the oaks and maples their blooms were a sure sign that everything was waking from its long winter’s sleep. But looking back, Madeline could recall that after returning to school in Athens following Thanksgiving break, spring looked to be a long time off. The weather had unexpectedly turned cooler than usual for the South, and as eager as Madeline was to return to school she hated leaving the girls behind, especially Olivia.

Sadly, as the girls were preparing to go out for the evening Olivia, while putting her makeup on, had found an unusual bump behind one ear. Dr. Kreps, their old family doctor in Griffin, wanting to be absolutely sure it was not something serious decided to send Olivia to a doctor in Atlanta.

Dr. Kreps recommendation frightened the girls, and an unexplained sadness filled the air when the three gathered at Olivia’s the evening before Maddie was to return to college. Even Grandmother was unusually quiet, and after offering the girls some of her excellent iced tea had retired for the night. So no one was surprised when Maddie announced she better get home to spend time with her family. As the girls parted company that evening their hugs of goodbye seemed to hold an even deeper meaning. Little did they know they were about to face the first major hurdle of their young lives.

CHAPTER FIVE

U pon her return to college, Maddie was far too busy studying, as well as working, so the worry over Olivia quickly faded away in her hectic schedule. Classes were going well, and she had even made a new friend, a young woman by the name of Katie Judd. Katie was an older student, Maddie guessed in her late twenties, with long, bright red hair, that glowed like a setting sun. Married at a young age, the marriage had somehow disintegrated, and Katie had returned to school. The two girls quickly became fast friends, and would often meet at Katie’s apartment to study. Thankfully this new friendship helped fill the void in Maddie’s life that not having her two best friends around had created.

When the two were not busy studying or working they could be found at the local college hangout known as The Indian. No one seemed to know why it was called that, as the South had more than its share of rebels but few if any Indians. Nevertheless, sitting at the entrance was this large wooden Indian.

It was a popular place and soon became the girl’s favorite place to hang out after classes. Diverse music of the fifty’s and sixty’s played round-the-clock, and the food rivaled Maddie’s favorite hamburger and french-fries found at her hometown, Dog N’ Suds. Katie’s looks quickly won her several admirers and it often lead to the girl’s double-dating a few times, but the dates were all in fun. After all, both girls had goals in life that had brought them to college and both knew school came first.

Maddie’s schedule was so hectic that before she knew it Christmas vacation was drawing near. She looked forward to seeing her family again, as well as Ellie and Olivia, and was marking the days off on her calendar one by one. She had saved money aside from the small salary she earned working evenings at the local public library for gifts for everyone. Then just as Christmas break was drawing near, the head librarian, a very stern, commanding woman called her into her office. Maddie listened in dismay, as Mrs. Mason explained that public libraries are for the public, therefore they close only the day of the holiday. Furthermore, just because the college closes down for a Christmas break does not mean the library would close as well. Maddie tried in vain to explain to Mrs. Mason how important it was that she return home for the holiday, for after all, she had never spent a Christmas away from her family before. But Mrs. Mason was firm, and short of losing her job, which she couldn’t afford to do, Maddie would be spending Christmas in Athens. When it suddenly dawned on Maddie that she would have no place to stay, she prayed that this was the much-needed reprieve, and asked Mrs. Mason what should she do?

We have it all arranged Madeline. Judy Emerson, another employee here at the library, has been kind enough to take you in over the Christmas holiday. explained the stern Mrs. Mason. You can spend Christmas with Judy and her family.

Crestfallen, Madeline caught the bus back to the dormitory after the library closed that evening. She was the only passenger on the bus that evening, leaving her to feel about as lonely as a person could that had just heard they wouldn’t be spending Christmas with their family that year. Then to further complicate matters she would be spending Christmas with a family she didn’t even know. When she met up with Katie the next day at The Indian, she tearfully explained her dilemma.

Maddie, there is no way you are going to spend Christmas vacation with a perfect stranger. You’re welcome to come to my apartment and stay with me.

Are you sure you don’t mind, Katie?

Maddie, why would I mind? I’d love your company. You can even have Christmas dinner with my family and me. Mom cooks up all these great dishes, and you’ll just love how they decorate the house. My dad will probably bore you silly with tales about my brother and me growing up, but he enjoys the stories so much we don’t have the heart to quiet him down.

Katie’s invitation was a gift in itself, and it certainly improved Maddie’s mood over the holidays. But Maddie knew down deep in her heart that this was one Christmas she would not forget for some time to come. So that night she sat down and wrote a long letter home to her parents explaining the situation, and ended it by wishing them a Merry Christmas.

Katie even drove Maddie back and forth to work each evening in her very own red Volkswagen convertible. Very few students owned a car, especially a sporty red convertible with a black top. It was really quite an eye-catcher. Wherever the two girls would go, the car, along with the pretty redhead that just happened to be sitting behind the wheel always drew their share of attention.

In a flurry of activity Christmas had soon come and gone. Then in late February Maddie received a letter from her mother stating that since she wasn’t able to come home on Christmas break the family would be coming to visit her the first Sunday in March. She was more than ecstatic.

Thankfully, it was sunny and pleasant that first Sunday in March, as Maddie stood at the top of the dormitory stairs anxiously awaiting their arrival. She had not seen her family since Thanksgiving vacation the past November, and she could hardly wait. When she finally saw their old family car slowly pulling up the street she hurried down the stairs, waving madly, ready to greet everyone. She didn’t know which one to hug first, so she rushed to Poppa who was making his way from the car along with the help of one of his beautifully carved canes. Her sisters were so excited to be visiting the college that they were chattering like magpies when suddenly Mary Beth announced she was starving.

Everyone was quick to agree, and decided to drive over to a roadside park on the edge of town to have the picnic lunch that Mother had packed. While her mother set the food out the girls brought Maddie up to speed on all the happenings in Griffin.

How’s Ellie and Olivia? asked Maddie, as she dipped into some of her mother’s potato salad. It suddenly became painfully quiet all around the picnic table. That is until Mary Beth blurted out, Olivia’s got some kind of a disease.

A disease? exclaimed Maddie, looking at her mother. What kind of disease?

Now, Mary Beth, fussed Poppa, let your mother tell Maddie,

What is it, Mother? What’s wrong with Olivia? pleaded Maddie, Tell me!

Well, you recall the bump Olivia found behind her ear?

Well, yes, I do, but Dr. Kreps thought it wasn’t anything serious?

Well…dear…unfortunately the doctors in Atlanta thought otherwise. Olivia was diagnosed as having Hodgkin’s disease, a form of leukemia.

How on earth do you get that? questioned Maddie, and then all in the same breath pleaded, Oh Mother, please tell me she’s going to be all right…don’t tell me she’s going to die?

Madeline we know so little, only what Ellie can tell us from time to time. We do know they’re taking her to an Atlanta hospital for treatments each week.

Why on earth didn’t you write me? wailed Maddie. I can’t believe that you would keep this from me. Why…I would have called her or wrote her. What on earth is Olivia going to think of me? Mother, she is my best friend. I needed to know!

It was her wish, Madeline. Olivia didn’t want her illness to affect your studies. Then we were going to tell you over Christmas break, but when you were unable to come home we decided it would be best to come and tell you in person. If it’s any consolation Ellie assures us they’re doing all they can for her. Now all we can do is pray that it will all turn out for the best.

CHAPTER SIX

T he old hickory rocker had become Madeline’s sanctuary. You could find her there early in the morning rocking back and forth with her head resting against the aging wood of the rocker, watching as the sun rose on a new day. Spring was now in its height of glory. Velvety purple iris, brilliant red tulips, and yellow trumpet daffodils were growing everywhere with their blooms lighting up the landscape like fireworks on a dark 4 th of July night. Madeline’s beloved daylilies were just now peeping through the ground, ready to emerge from their long winter’s rest. Here and there perky little violas with their blue and yellow faces smiling skyward sparkled in the early morning sun. More than anything Madeline wished their beloved gardener, Abraham, Daisy’s husband, was still around to see how