The Bird Lady Complete Collection: Bird Lady

By Judy Lunsford

The Bird Lady Collection includes two new (very short) stories that were only available in the 10th anniversary edition. Also included is A very Birthday Christmas, plus added in here to make things complete, is the long-awaited sequel, Seeds of Today. 

So, sit back, enjoy visiting with the characters you've come to know and love, and meet them again for the first time.

This is the complete Bird Lady collection, all in one volume.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Judy Lunsford
• Release date: Apr 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201835057

Judy Lunsford

Born and raised in California, Judy now lives in Arizona with her husband and Giant Schnoodle. Judy writes with dyslexia and a chronic illness & is a breast cancer survivor. She writes mostly fantasy, but delves into suspense, horror, romance, and poetry. She has written books and short stories for all ages. You can find her books and short stories at your favorite online retailers.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Roni was out watering her front garden. She glanced over at Mabel’s house and thought that she hadn’t seen Mabel all morning.

Usually Mabel, who lived on the north side of Roni’s place, came out to get her newspaper and waved at Roni as she did her early morning watering. Roni looked at her friend’s driveway and saw that the newspaper was still sitting on the ground, sticking out of the flowers planted at the bottom of the mailbox. She put down the hose, went to the spigot and turned off the water. She walked over to Mabel’s yard and picked up the newspaper and shook the dampness from the flowers off of it. She headed up the front walk and knocked on the door.

Mabel? Are you up yet? she yelled through the door.

Roni listened but didn’t hear anything from inside. She knocked again.

Mabel? I have your newspaper.

She still heard nothing. She set the newspaper on the front step and jogged back to her own house. Roni went inside and headed straight for the telephone and dialed Mabel’s number. She listened for a moment and hung up after hearing a busy signal.

Mabel was a private woman in her sixties who was not given to much chitchat. But she and Roni were close friends and had known each other since Roni moved in five years ago.

Roni went into the kitchen and grabbed her spare keys from the drawer next to the pantry. She riffled through them as she ran out the front door and back out to the sidewalk.

Rose, Roni’s neighbor to the south and a widow in her seventies, had come outside and was on her way to turn up Roni’s front walk. Rose had also known Roni since she moved in and the three were almost inseparable. The two women almost crashed into each other as Roni scurried down the walkway.

Where are you going in such a rush?

Mabel hasn’t come out for her paper yet and there’s no answer when I knock. I tried to call but there was only a busy signal.

We’d better check on her, Rose said with a worried look on her face.

Roni dangled the keys in front of Rose’s face and the two rushed over to Mabel’s house. The newspaper was still where she left it. She pushed the key into the lock and turned it and stepped inside.

Mabel? she called out.

Mabel, honey, it’s us. Are you all right, dear? Rose called, as she stepped into the living room.

Roni went quickly down the hallway to Mabel’s room. Rose started to follow her when Roni called out in a panic.

Rose! Quick! Call 911!

Rose came in the room as Roni handed her a phone. On the floor, next to where the phone had been, Mabel lay face down, still in her pajamas.

Rose quickly dialed the phone as Roni bent over her friend.

Mabel? Can you hear me? Roni said loudly.

Mabel lifted her head slightly, Yes, you don’t have to yell.

Roni almost smiled, Are you all right? What happened?

Rose peeked into the room while she talked to the 911 operator.

I don’t know, Mabel stammered.

Did you fall? Roni asked.

I fell reaching for the phone.

How long ago? Roni asked, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn’t stand the thought of her friend lying helplessly on the floor by herself for any period of time.

I don’t know, Mabel mumbled.

Rose rushed into the room. The ambulance is on its way. She pushed past the chair blocking the way to the bed and came to Mabel’s side. For goodness sakes, roll her over.

Don’t you touch me, Mabel commanded. I could be broken.

Do you hurt anywhere else? Roni asked.

I feel numb, Mabel said.

Oh dear, oh dear, Rose started to rub her hands together.

Well, if you’re just going to sit there and panic why don’t you make yourself useful and wait outside for the ambulance? Mabel said from her muffled position on the floor.

Yes, maybe I’ll do that, in case they can’t find the house. Rose started to get up and Roni stood to help her to her feet. Rose rushed out of the room and down the hall.

Roni sat back on the floor near Mabel’s head and placed her hand on her friend’s shoulder. Is there anything I can do for you while we wait?

No, you shouldn’t move me, Mabel said. Why did you come looking for me?

You hadn’t picked up your newspaper yet.

Thank God for creatures of habit, Mabel mumbled into the carpet. Roni?

Yes, Mabel?

Thank you for worrying about me.

That’s what friends are for, she said, gently patting her friend’s hand.

A fire truck and an ambulance arrived. Rose stayed in the living room while the paramedics went into Mabel’s room. The men lifted Mabel onto the gurney as if she weighed nothing. Roni thought she looked so small as these large men hoisted her around and hooked her up to various tubes.

Roni and Rose followed the men out of the house and locked the door behind them. The men pushed the gurney into the back of the ambulance and turned to the two women.

You go, Roni said. I’ll follow in my car so we have a way home.

The paramedics helped Rose into the back of the ambulance and shut the doors. Roni rushed in through her front door to grab her car keys and purse. She jumped into her car and sped down the street after the ambulance, which already had a fair head start.

When she got to the hospital, she parked her car and ran in through the entrance marked Emergency. She found Rose in the waiting room talking to a nurse behind the front desk. Roni rushed up and put her hand on Rose’s back, leaning over the counter toward the nurse.

Can you fill out this paperwork? the nurse asked.

I don’t know any of Mabel’s medical insurance information, Rose said.

Mabel’s doctor is Al Galloway, Roni said to the nurse. His office will have all of her information.

The nurse turned and picked up a sheet of paper. She glanced at it and nodded. He’s on our list, I’ll call his office.

Thanks, Roni said. She grabbed Rose by her shoulders and led her to a chair.

How’re you doing, Rose?

Rose looked at Roni with tears in her eyes, Is she going to be all right?

Roni looked at her, and for the first time, her dear friend looked old and frail. Roni, almost young enough to be Rose’s granddaughter at 35, shook the image out of her mind and took Rose’s hand. She’s going to be fine. You know Mabel, she’s tough. She’s a fighter. She’s probably got the doctor in a headlock right now.

Rose laughed slightly. Or a full nelson.

Roni laughed out loud. Maybe she’s got him in a leg-lock!

She’ll have that poor man tapping out until someone pulls her off of him! Rose laughed and wiped tears from her eyes.

Roni glanced around the room at all of the people now staring at them like they were crazy. This caused the two women to laugh even harder, tears streamed down their cheeks.

Maybe, Roni said through her laughter, We watch too much wrestling on TV.

Not possible, Rose gasped.

CHAPTER 2

A few hours later, Rose and Roni were still in the waiting room. They took turns going to the bathroom, in case a nurse came out with information about Mabel. Roni also called in to work and grabbed them some cold coffee and stale Danish from the hospital cafeteria. Neither woman ate their Danish, but they both drank the coffee.

Worst coffee ever, Rose said, her nose scrunched up as she looked at the dregs in the bottom of the cup.

I think the coffee we had at that breakfast bar was worse, Roni winked at her.

It’s a toss-up, Rose said, still staring at the bottom of her cup. She’s been in there a long time.

Let me see what I can find out, Roni said. She got up and walked over to the desk.

Roni asked the woman behind the desk how Mabel was doing.

Are you family?

No, well, yes, sort of, Roni frowned.

Well, which is it, no or yes? the nurse stared at her over her glasses.

We’re like family, Roni said.

Sorry, we can only give out information to actual family.

Roni grimaced at the nurse and went back over to sit down. I guess we’ll have to wait until Mabel asks for us or something.

As soon as the words had come out of Roni’s mouth, a nurse came out from behind the double doors, Is there a Roni Watson and a Rose Adams here?

That’s us, Roni said. She stood up and helped Rose to her feet.

Mrs. Xanthis is asking for you, the nurse held the door open for them.

Ask and ye shall receive, Rose whispered to Roni as she took the younger woman’s arm.

They walked down the hall together and followed the nurse around several corners. She stopped at a line of rooms and gestured towards the first door on the right. She’s in there. But only a few minutes please, she needs her rest.

Roni nodded at the nurse as Rose opened the door.

Mabel was lying in a bed hooked up to several machines. She turned her head at the sound of the door opening. Rose, Roni. Is that you?

Yes, Mabel, Rose said, and rushed over to grab her friend’s hand. It’s us.

Roni slowly approached the bed and was overwhelmed by the beeping sounds of the machines. Old memories came back, and tears started to run down her cheeks.

Roni? Where are you? Mabel said.

Roni went around to the far side of the bed and stood next to one of the beeping machines and took Mabel’s hand.

How are you feeling? Rose asked.

I feel fine, but they insist on having all these tubes in me, Mabel said, sounding slightly irritated.

Do they know what happened? Roni asked, wiping her tears away with her sleeve.

They said I had a cerebrovascular accident.

Rose and Roni looked at each other for a moment.

That’s their fancy name for a stroke, Mabel said. Isn’t that the dumbest thing you’ve ever heard? A cerebrovascular accident, it sounds like my brain is leaking.

We’ve known that for years, dear, Rose said, patting Mabel’s hand.

Ha ha, very funny, Mabel replied. Can you ask one of these people when I can go home. They won’t tell me a thing.

Well, honey, if you had a stroke, I would think they would at least want to keep you overnight, Rose said.

Roni couldn’t help but notice that Mabel wasn’t moving her whole mouth when she talked and that her words came out slightly slurred.

I don’t need to stay overnight, I’m fine. Just turn on the lights and help me find my clothes.

Roni and Rose looked at one another, startled.

Mabel, Roni said softly. The lights are on.

Mabel was quiet for a moment. They are?

Yes, Mabel, Rose said. They’ve been on the whole time.

Roni stared at Mabel’s face while this news sank in. She lay there for a few moments and then squeezed her friends’ hands. A single tear ran down Mabel’s cheek. They said it was minor. They said that any damage that it caused might not be permanent.

Roni choked back her tears, Yeah, people recover from minor strokes all the time with no permanent damage.

Rose looked at Roni with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Oh, yes, Rose caught on. I’ve heard of lots of people who have recovered like it never happened.

Name one, Mabel said.

Rose paused, looking at Roni for help. Roni shook her head.

Rose squeezed Mabel’s hand, We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Amen, Mabel whispered.

CHAPTER 3

A few days later, Roni drove Mabel home from the hospital. The doctor recommended the use of a walker, but Mabel wouldn’t hear of it. Roni ran around to the passenger side to give a Mabel a hand out of the car. The two walked slowly up the front walk and into Mabel’s house.

When they got inside, the house smelled wonderful. The aroma of avga kayiana, a Greek egg dish, wafted through the living room. It was Mabel’s favorite; one she had made for her Greek husband many times during their marriage.

I know it won’t be as good as yours, Rose said, running out of the kitchen, But I figured after all of that awful hospital food, you wouldn’t care if it was made by an old Irish woman.

It smells wonderful, Rose, Mabel said.

Roni led her through the small living room and helped her sit down at the dining table.

Rose gave her friend a kiss on the cheek and then pulled Roni into the kitchen. The two women served up the avga kayiana on toasted bread and brought it out to the dining room.

A beautiful Greek salad was already on the table, and the three friends sat down to a delicious lunch.

Very good, Rose, Mabel complimented.

Mmmhmmm, Roni agreed with her mouth full.

Roni kept a close eye on Mabel as she struggled slightly to eat her food. She still couldn’t see more than shadows and her mouth didn’t quite work correctly. It pained Roni to see her dear friend struggling with something as simple as eating.

So, Mabel, Rose said suddenly, How are you planning on managing here all by yourself?

I’ll be just fine, Mabel said simply. Don’t you go worrying about me.

You know you can call me anytime you need anything, Roni offered.

I know, sweetie, Mabel said. Roni put her hand under Mabel’s outstretched hand. But that won’t be necessary.

But Mabel, you’re going to at least need some help getting-, Rose paused, Situated.

I said I will be fine, and there will be no more discussion on the matter.

Roni looked at Rose with her eyebrows raised.

Roni helped Mabel to her room while Rose took care of the dishes. Roni propped up the pillows and helped Mabel up on to the bed.

Now, I am just going to rest here for a while. I’m tired, Mabel said. You and Rose can show yourselves out. Tell Rose thank you for the wonderful lunch.

Roni said an awkward goodbye and told Mabel the phone was right next to the bed should she need anything and went out to the kitchen to where Rose was finishing filling the dishwasher.

I think we’re being kicked out, Roni said.

She’s just being stubborn, Rose said. Let’s go ahead and let her rest and we’ll come back later to check on her.

Roni helped clean up the last of the mess in the kitchen and then snuck down the hall to check on Mabel. She was sound asleep propped up in her bed. Roni quietly slipped back down the hall and followed Rose out of the house and down the front walk.

Let’s give her an hour or so and we’ll peek back in on her, Rose said.

Roni nodded in agreement as the two headed back to their own houses.

CHAPTER 4

About a half an hour later, there was a loud roaring sound out front. Roni looked up from her book and out the window to see what was making all the racket.

The sound was coming from in front of Mabel’s house.

Roni got up angrily and stomped out her front door. On the street in front of Mabel’s was a man about Roni’s age with long black hair and three-day stubble sitting on a Harley Davidson, revving his engine.

Turn that off! Roni yelled as she ran across the yard to the sidewalk.

What? he said over the roar of the engine. What did you say? he said, smiling as he turned off the engine. I couldn’t hear you.

I said to turn that off, Roni said, feeling stupid that the engine was now off.

Your wish is my command, he said, smiling even broader. He sat on the motorcycle while he removed his helmet and gloves.

Who are you? Roni asked.

I’m Bennett Xanthis, he said as he dismounted the motorcycle.

Xanthis? Roni asked, astounded.

Yes, I came to take care of my mother. He took off his backpack and dropped it on the ground next to the bike and strode towards her holding out his hand. And you must be Roni. I’ve heard a lot about you.

You’ve come to what?

My mom, she called and said she was in the hospital. I came to stay with her for a while.

But I thought you... Roni stammered.

Were in jail? he finished for her. I was. I got out. About two years ago.

Bennett was still holding out his hand to her. Roni looked at his hand a moment and then tentatively shook it.

So, were you going in to check on my mom? he asked.

Uhm, yeah.

Good, then you can let me in. He went back over to his bike and picked up his backpack. He tucked his helmet under his arm and gestured towards the front door. After you.

Roni numbly went up the front walk with Bennett close behind her. She unlocked the door, and he followed her in. Mabel was already feeling her way down the hall and Roni ran up and grabbed her by the arm to help her into the living room.

I thought I heard a motorcycle, she said. Is my Bennett here?

Right here, Mom, he said. He dropped his backpack and helmet on the floor next to the couch and hugged his mother.

Roni stepped out of the way and watched them embrace. Bennett was a full head taller than his mother, but there was definitely a resemblance.

I see you’ve already met Roni.

Yes, she couldn’t wait to meet me. Practically ran me down in the street. He looked over at Roni and winked at her.

Roni started to protest when Rose came in the front door.

Mabel, what’s that motorcycle doing in front of your house?

That’s my son’s motorcycle, Mabel said. You remember Bennett, don’t you?

Rose stared at Bennett for a moment and then remembered her manners. Of course, she reached her hand out to him.

Rose, you look more ravishing every year, he kissed her hand.

Rose pulled her hand away quickly as Mabel patted Bennett’s arm. Isn’t he a sweetheart? He always had a way with the ladies.

What brings you here? Rose asked bluntly.

I called him, Mabel said. I can’t expect you two to take care of me twenty-four seven. That’s what family is for.

Yeah, Mom called me and told me about her stroke. Of course, I rushed right down and said I’d stay with her as long as she needs me. Bennett smiled at Roni and put his arm around his mother’s shoulders.

Roni and Rose exchanged disgusted looks.

Why don’t you girls run along and maybe come back for dinner? Mabel suggested. That will give me and Bennett some time to catch up.

Sure, Rose said.

But I don’t think- Roni started.

Sure, Mabel, Rose cut Roni off and grabbed her by the arm. We’ll be back in a few hours to help with dinner.

But, Roni said again.

Rose pulled Roni towards the door.

We’ll see you two in a little bit. Rose said over Roni.

The two staggered out the door and Rose shut it behind them.

You’re not seriously thinking about leaving her alone with that convict, are you? Roni protested.

He’s her son, Rose walked Roni forcefully back to her house.

But he was in jail.

Mabel called him to be with her, Rose reminded her.

But he won’t take care of her the way she needs to be taken care of, Roni wailed.

He’s her son, Roni. She’s a grown woman, we can’t tell her how to run her life.

But he’s a deadbeat.

Rose sighed. Look at it this way. She won’t let us dote over her day and night. This way, we can check in on her periodically and if anything serious happens when we’re not there, he’ll panic and call us for help anyway.

Do you think he will?

She’s his mother. I don’t think he’ll let anything bad happen to her.

You almost believe that, don’t you? Roni asked.

Rose looked over at Mabel’s house with concern. Not really.

CHAPTER 5

What was he in jail for? Roni sipped her tea.

Aggravated assault, Rose answered as she put more sugar into her cup.

Isn’t that a violent crime?

Yes, he was in a fight. He and some of his biker friends were at a bar and had to prove they were tougher than some other bikers there.

What, they just jumped them for no reason?

No. Mabel said it was the other group that started it, Rose stirred her tea. I guess Bennett and his friends walked into the other group’s turf. They started pushing each other around and got into a fight.

Did anyone get seriously hurt? Roni asked.

One of Bennett’s friends died in the hospital. He was stabbed by one of the guys from the other group. Bennett was caught holding a broken bottle in his hand when the police came and broke it all up.

Did they all go to jail?

Some of them. Bennett got one of the shorter sentences. He served 2 years. Rose added more sugar to her cup.

And he was released two years ago?

Yes. He’s been bumming around with some friends up in San Francisco. My guess is he ran out of money.

Roni was quiet for a moment. How is it I didn’t know any of this?

You knew he was in jail.

But Mabel never told me the rest.

I guess it’s something she was a little ashamed of, Rose sighed. You know Mabel, she’s not a big talker anyway.

But she told you.

Rose reached over the table and patted Roni’s hand. Don’t take it personally, dear. It was the sort of talk that two mothers have. She didn’t mean anything by not giving you the details. She loves you like a daughter, you know that.

So why didn’t she tell me?

Because that’s not the type of conversation you burden a daughter with, Rose said.

Roni sat and quietly sipped her tea. She felt excluded all of a sudden, thinking about the fact that Rose and Mabel shared secrets that she wasn’t in on.

Don’t look so sad, Rose said, adding more sugar to her tea. You know we don’t keep secrets from you intentionally. Mabel just doesn’t like to talk about her son’s indiscretions.

Roni smiled weakly and stared into her teacup. I know.

Really, sweetie, Rose said, We weren’t excluding you. It just never came up when you were around. She doesn’t like to be reminded of it.

And now we’ve left her alone with him.

Roni, Mabel loves that boy, Rose said. If anything, he’ll protect her like he protected his friends in that bar. That was the only reason he got involved in it at all. He was usually the one to break up fights when he was younger.

How can you be so calm about leaving her alone in there with a violent criminal?

He has that stigma of having been in jail for a violent crime. But now all I can think about is how he was growing up. He was never violent. Not unless he was protecting a friend. Otherwise, he was very gentle. I had him watch my dogs for me on more than one occasion and they always liked him.

Roni glanced down at Stella, Rose’s Bassett hound, lying on the floor at their feet. Stella rolled over and stuck her legs up in the air like rigor mortis, and then relaxed back into her afternoon nap.

Did he ever meet Stella? Roni asked.

Maybe, when she was a puppy, when he’d come to visit Mabel.

It’s weird to think you’ve known him for so long, but I’ve never met him.

Well, he moved away long before you bought your house.

Can we trust him?

I don’t know, Rose took a sip of her tea. But like I said, I don’t think he’d hurt her. So, we’ll just make a point of dropping in a lot.

Definitely.

Rose set her teacup down and pushed it away from her.

What’s wrong? Roni asked.

Too sweet.

CHAPTER 6

Rose and Roni spent the afternoon talking and making a casserole, garlic bread, and some salad. Just before five o’clock, they went over to Mabel’s and knocked on the door.

Bennett answered and smiled at Roni as he opened the door for the ladies.

I was just about to make some dinner, he said.

Don’t bother, Rose pushed past him. We’ve got dinner right here.

Bennett took a deep breath as Roni walked past with the salad and basket of bread. Smells great.

Roni followed Rose into the kitchen as Bennett closed the door behind them.

I’ll go get Mom, he said. She’s been resting most of the afternoon.

Roni got out silverware and plates and set the table. She glanced across the room and saw Bennett walking Mabel gently down the hall. Roni raised her eyebrows at Rose as she came into the room with salad dressing and a serving spoon.

Bennett walked Mabel into the dining room and helped her to sit down at the table.

Oh, it smells absolutely wonderful, Mabel exclaimed.

We made your favorite casserole, Rose said.

You girls are spoiling me, Mabel laughed as she felt for her silverware in front of her.

Well, you deserve it after choking down all that horrible hospital food, Roni said.

You ladies need any help? Bennett asked.

No, you just have a seat and we’ll take care of it all, Rose said, pushing him into a chair next to his mother. You’ve had a long trip to get here.

Rose and Roni finished putting everything out on the table. Bennett showed his mother where her glass was in front of her plate. Rose quickly took the seat on the other side of Mabel, which was where Roni had been hoping to sit. This left the seat between Bennett and Rose vacant. Roni glared at Rose, who gave her a smile and a wink, and Roni sat down.

Rose took Roni and Mabel’s hands and nodded at Bennett. We pray before we eat.

Bennett took his mother’s hand and put his hand out on the table for Roni to take.

Roni paused for a moment and then took his hand.

Rose prayed and when she was finished, she served the food.

So, Roni, what do you do? Bennett asked.

I run a bookstore.

That’s cool, Bennett said. Like a Borders?

No, it’s a used bookstore. It’s called Thoreau the Pages.

So, you read a lot?

Roni rolled her eyes at Rose. Yes. I do, she said.

I like to read too.

Really? Roni said, not hiding her disbelief.

Yeah. Road and Track is my favorite magazine.

Roni glanced at Rose again, who smiled and nodded and urged her on.

Do you read books? Roni asked.

She felt a slight kick from Rose under the table. Roni flinched.

No. Not much anyway. I never know what to choose, he said through a mouthful of casserole.

Well, I’m sure Roni could recommend something, Rose offered.

Yeah, sure. What do you recommend, Roni? he asked.

How about Anna Karenina?

Rose kicked her again.

Or maybe Moby Dick?

Another kick from Rose.

Those sound a little bit heavy for me, Bennett said.

Curious George? Roni said disdainfully.

Already read it, he winked at her.

Mabel dropped her head into her hand to hide her giggling while Rose kicked Roni yet again.

Everyone exchanged looks around the table and burst out laughing.

You’re going to fit right in here, Bennett, Rose said, still giggling.

CHAPTER 7

The next morning, Roni was out early tending to Mabel’s backyard garden. Roni struggled with a hose attached to the fountain that was in the corner of the yard. Somehow the water had stopped running over the last few days and Roni was trying to figure out what was stopping up the works. Bennett came out of the garage from the door on the side of the house and walked up behind Roni.

Do you need some help? he asked.

Roni jumped and screamed, startled by the sudden presence behind her.

Do you always sneak up on women unexpectedly?

Sorry, Bennett said, looking down at the lawn, I guess I didn’t make any noise walking on the grass. I didn’t mean to scare you.

No, Roni said, suddenly embarrassed. It’s fine, I was just startled, that’s all.

Do you need some help? he asked again.

She stood for a moment, looking at the end of the black hose in her hand. The system seems to be stopped up somewhere, but I’m not sure where yet.

Bennett stepped forward and took the hose from Roni. She stepped back as he inspected the hose and pump.

Your pump’s motor is burned out, he said.

What? Roni leaned down to get a better look.

Bennett showed her the pump.

Darn it, she said under her breath.

All you have to do is get a new motor, he said.

No, it’s all one piece. I have to get a whole new pump, Roni ran her hands through her hair.

I could probably fix it for you, Bennett said, looking at the pump some more.

You can? How?

Let me tinker with it for a little while. I’ll see what I can do.

Don’t you need tools?

Oh yeah, he said looking at the pump in his hands. I won’t have my tools for another few days when my friend Greg gets here with my stuff.

Roni paused for a moment before offering, I have some tools you can use.

Really? Bennett said.

Roni pinched her lips together in thought, Yeah, why not? Follow me.

She led Bennett across Mabel’s yard and into her own yard. They walked down the side of her house and through the side door into her garage. Roni flicked on the light and gestured towards a large red Craftsman toolbox and a workbench that was set up beside it.

Go ahead, use what you need. Just make sure you put everything back when you’re done.

Bennett was already going through all the drawers of tools.

Wow! he exclaimed. This is great. Your husband has quite the collection of tools!

They’re my tools, Roni said, slightly defensively. I’m not married.

Oh, sorry, Bennett blushed. What do you need all these tools for?

What? Roni said, annoyance showing in her tone as she put her hands on her hips. Why is it normal for a man to have a lot of tools but you can’t seem to figure out what a woman would do with them?

Bennett froze in place for a moment. Is there any answer I can give that won’t make you madder than you already are?

Hi there! Rose practically skipped into the garage through the door behind Roni. What are you two doing all alone in here? She winked at Roni.

I’m being educated as to the fact that women can not only own tools, but use them, Bennett smiled hopefully.

Oh, Roni here is great with tools. She works on mine and your mother’s cars all the time.

Really? Bennett said, trying not to sound too surprised.

Yes, Rose said putting her arm around Roni. She also rebuilt her own car.

Really? Bennett said, this time not being able to mask his surprise at all. What kind of car?

A Karmann Ghia coupe, type 14, Roni said.

Seriously? he said. Where is it?

It’s in the carport out front, Rose took Bennett by the hand and led him outside.

Roni followed as Rose practically dragged Bennett around the house to the carport on the other side of Roni’s house.

Wow! It’s pink! he exclaimed.

Yes, she loved that movie, what was it dear? she turned to Roni. Pretty in Pink, with that Molly Ringwald. Rose turned back to Bennett without letting Roni talk. She loved the car in that movie and so she rebuilt one of the same year and painted it pink like in the movie. Didn’t she do a great job?

Bennett looked impressed. I’ve never seen a car rebuild that seemed so...feminine.

Something wrong with that? Roni crossed her arms.

No, he said, still looking impressed. Does it run?

I beg your pardon? Roni raised her eyebrows.

Wrong question, Rose whispered to Bennett, still holding his arm.

I mean, how does it run? he corrected himself. Rose patted his arm.

It runs just fine with the 3.6 liter 995 six-cylinder Porsche engine that I dropped into it, Roni got in the driver seat and turned the ignition.

The car purred beautifully. Bennett’s jaw dropped as she got out and popped the deck lid.

Shut your mouth, dear, Rose whispered to Bennett.

He closed his mouth and went over to look at the engine. Man! You did that?

Yes, I did. Roni said simply, Of course, no AC or heat, but we are in southern California.

He stood up and looked at her. Now I know what the tools are for, he nodded.

Roni shook her head. I have to go to work. You can use whatever you need. If you can’t fix the pump, I’ll just get a new one tomorrow.

Rose followed Roni as she headed into her house, leaving Bennett to stare at the car.

CHAPTER 8

Roni was out weeding in Mabel’s garden again the next morning. She wanted to make sure that the yard stayed in its best condition so that Mabel could at least hear the birds outside her window.

Bennett saw her outside and went to see if he could be of some help.

You’re up early, he said from the side of the house as he came out.

Roni looked back over her shoulder, I need to get this done before I go to work. I’ll be too tired this evening.

What are you doing? he peered over her shoulder.

I’m pulling weeds, she said.

He could see her gloved hands pulling at small green sprouts coming up between larger plants.

Do you want some help? he offered.

Roni raised her eyebrows at him, Sure, if you want to.

Bennett got down in the dirt and looked at the plants in front of him. He grabbed a small one that looked similar to the one Roni had just pulled and grabbed hold of it.

Ouch! he exclaimed, examining his hand.

Yeah, those have thorns, she said casually, trying not to smile.

Apparently so, he pulled a thorn from his thumb.

There’s an extra pair of gloves in the basket over there, she gestured towards the patio behind them. They might fit you.

Bennett got up and went over to the basket. He found the gloves and pulled them on. They were a little tight, but anything was better than another thorn in the thumb.

He walked back over and continued pulling the thorny weeds. As he moved closer to where Roni was weeding, the plants seemed to change.

How do you tell a good plant from a weed? Bennett asked as he grabbed what he thought looked like it could be a weed and pulled.

If it seems to be clamped into the ground by iron teeth, it’s a weed, Roni said.

What if it comes out really easily? Bennett asked, as the plant’s roots dripped soil back to the ground.

Then it’s a plant, Roni smiled as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

Bennett looked at the sad little plant that dangled from his hand. He dug a small hole with his fingers where he had pulled the plant from and gently placed it back into the ground. Then he packed the loose soil gently around the base of it. When he looked up, Roni was bent over him, looking at his work.

You have a gentle touch with the plants, she said. That’s good.

Bennett looked over at her as she went back to her own patch of soil.

Why do you do this? he asked.

Do what? she asked.

This, he gestured around the garden. I take it you do Rose’s garden too?

Yes.

Why?

Because your mother and Rose need help with their gardens, she said.

No, he said. Not like this. You have created an entire ecosystem here, over the span of three houses. Why do you do that?

Because I like birds and I like gardening. Mabel and Rose both like birds and the gardens, so they let me take care of theirs.

But why do you do this?

Roni sat back on her heels and appeared to be lost in thought.

I guess it reminds me of home, she said.

There’s got to be more to it than that, he pulled another weed.

It was just something my family did together. My mom and I gardened, and my dad and I birded.

Birded?

"Yes, we birded. My father