Page 49 of Her Hidden Smile

There were three rows of peach trees, twenty-three trees each row. When they were in bloom, it was as if I was walking through a cathedral of blossoms. Now, I felt like I was surrounded by the bounty of life. Sometimes it felt like Mom and Dad were walking with me, because the ash from our burning house had floated into the orchard’s soil, and now they were creating life and sustenance.

By the time I got to the end of the first row, I had half my tote bag full of perfect peaches for cobblers and pies. I looked longingly over at the blackberry brambles that were growing wild next to the pond. It was a hundred yards away. I knew it for a fact, because I knew how far the pond was from the last peach tree. Trying to pick the blackberries was a stupid idea; I was already limping. My hip was beginning to ache and my thigh was downright hurting. But I’d found a great new recipe for a peach and blackberry cake. I’d thought of a couple little tweaks that could really up the pizazz level, and I wanted to try it out and have Little Grandma come over for a tasting. If they liked it, maybe she’d serve it at her restaurant.

I looked at the brambles again and made up my mind. I would not let my injuries get the best of me. I was doing my stretches and yoga religiously. I could do this!

I stalked over to the last peach tree in the row and slowly lowered myself against it. I stretched both my legs out and grabbed one of my peaches and took a big bite. I didn’t care that the peach juice was dribbling down my chin onto my tank top. Nobody was going to see. That first bite must be what ambrosia tasted like. Surely, the Greek gods couldn’t have wanted anything better. I grinned.

I took my time doing some stretches and massaging my thigh. By the time I was finished with my peach, I was feeling better. Not great, but better.

“Time for blackberries.”

I was singing a different tune when I got to the blackberry brambles. Now my hip was hurting, and my thigh felt like it was on fire.

“Suck it up, Millie Jane and eat a berry.”

It was good advice.

I started picking the succulent, plump berries, and for every four I placed on top of the peaches, one went into my mouth. I looked up and saw a cornucopia of even plumper berries just out of reach.

Maybe if I stood on my tip toes?

“Ahhhh!”

My scream seemed to go on forever and ever as my damaged leg collapsed under me and I hit the ground.

I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. Tears of frustration hit the back of my eyes. Shit, this was worse than it had been when Renzo had been with me. So much worse.

What’s that sound?

I realized it was me whimpering. I needed to stop.

I wiped at the tears that streaked down my cheeks. I hated this. First, I was a shut-in and then I couldn’t handle picking berries?

Looking around me, I saw the peaches had rolled around like balls in a pinball machine; they were everywhere, and I swear to God, most of the berries were underneath me. I looked like a purple mess.

I rolled over and gritted my teeth against the pain, but it was the only way I was going to get up. Once I was on my stomach, I pushed upwards and tried to get onto my knees, but my right leg quivered and gave out while my left leg stayed in place. That was a victory. I looked around for something I could grab onto to help me get into a standing position.

Anything.

The only thing that was even remotely close was the blackberry bushes, and sure as a bear shits in the woods, I would end up falling into them.

Or you could call someone for help.

I bit my lip.

My leg spasmed.

My laugh sounded like a wet sob. I hated the idea of anyone finding me in this vulnerable position.

“Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!”

I crawled as best I could over to my phone but didn’t make it before my leg screamed in pain and I dropped to the grass and bit back a wail of agony.

I managed to reach the phone with my fingertips and pull it to me. By then I was dripping with sweat.

Irv. I was going to call him first.

Please let him answer.