The Apple Of My Eye

by Christine McGreggor

  “I can drop off the carpeting for the master bedroom on Friday, if you are sure you want to go ahead and order it Michelle,” Tom said, after finishing a slice of pepperoni. “I can help you with the install Saturday morning. Just be sure the painting is finished and has had a chance to dry before then.”

  “That shouldn’t be a problem Uncle Tom. Thanks for everything.” Michelle fished a check out of her purse and wrote out the total payable to Tom’s contracting company.

  Tom pocketed the check and stepped away from the table. “Well, I’m off. I have to finish the Killian remodel tomorrow, which means getting up early. Michelle, there’s one last thing. Stay away from the Olson property. Ed is mean as a snake, and he won’t hesitate to try to take advantage of you. Your grandfather and I have both had plenty of trouble from him over the years. I would strongly suggest putting up a privacy fence and getting a dog; preferably something large and loud.”

  Laura shook her head at her brother. “Honestly Tom, there’s no need to scare her. It's true Ed isn’t the nicest man that was ever put on this earth. Still, I don’t think he is about to do anything that would harm her.”

  Tom shook his head frowning. “You haven’t had to deal with him, Laura.” He turned back to his niece and gave her a hug goodbye. “Just remember what I said Sweetie. I’ll see you on Friday.”

  Michelle’s parents and Aunt were quick to follow Tom’s example. The girls were soon left to their own devices.

  “Well, that was fun,” Kara said, stretching in her chair. “I think Tom’s idea of getting a dog was a good one. You have plenty of room, and you are living by yourself out here. Galoshes may not like it at first, but he will adjust.” She scooped the black cat up from where he sat at her feet. Galoshes knew Kara was always good for a handout.

  Michelle shook her head. “You too, Kara? From the way you and Uncle Tom talk, you’d think I had gang members living behind me, not a grumpy old man.”

  “I just don’t like the way he was looking at the yard. Plus a dog can help dissuade people from trying to break in. Come on, it’d be fun!”

  Michelle sighed. “Fine, I will think about getting a dog. I don’t have money for a fence right now though. That’s going to have to wait. Satisfied?”

  Kara’s grin split her face from ear to ear. “Yep! Now back to the bathroom to unpack toiletries!” Michelle laughed as she followed her friend to the back of the house. Only Kara would get excited over unpacking toiletries. The two spent the rest of the evening cleaning and unpacking. They set up Gran’s spare bed downstairs in the library for Kara. Exhausted, the two finally fell asleep well after ten.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  A knock on the door woke Michelle up the next morning. For a moment, she looked around the room, feeling disoriented to not find herself in her old apartment. The persistent knocking downstairs quickly cleared her head. Throwing on her robe, Michelle quickly ran downstairs. She knew there was no way Kara would get up in time to answer the door. She could sleep through a tornado.

  “I’m coming! Hold on a minute.” She called loudly, to whoever was standing outside. Sliding to a stop in front of the door, she took a peek out of the glass pane. A man wearing a bright orange safety vest and holding a clipboard stood on the front porch. Behind him on the road, a large truck emblazoned with Greenville city lettering was parked. The truck was jammed full of construction equipment. Michelle frowned to herself and then swung the door open. “Hi. Can I help you?”

  “Good morning, Miss. I’m sorry if I woke you. My name is Steve Wizener. I’m one of the Greenville city inspectors.” The man pointed to a city badge that hung prominently on his safety vest. “First off, am I speaking with the home owner?” The inspector looked down at his clipboard and then back up at Michelle.

  “Yes, I’m Michelle Perry. I’m not sure if the ownership information has been corrected on the city records yet, though. My lawyer just finished filing the title change two weeks ago.” She smiled apologetically at the man, who seemed annoyed at the news.

  The inspector frowned down at his clipboard and then back up at her. “Hmm. Well, Miss Perry, I’m sorry to inform you that one of your neighbors has filed a nuisance claim against your property. It was my understanding that the property was currently vacant.” He frowned again, looking past her into the hallway filled with moving boxes. He shook his head slightly, and then snapped an envelope free from the metal clip of his board. “Since you are now in possession of the property, I am hereby notifying you that the apple tree adjoining the southern border of the property is currently in violation of property maintenance ordinance 158.” The man handed Michelle the envelope. “You have ten days to resolve the violation. If the violation is not resolved in that time we will be forced to remove the tree. You will be charged for both the cost of removal and the fine for the violation.”

  “What?” Michelle sputtered at the inspector. “You want to tear down my Grandmother’s apple tree?” The obvious horror in her voice must have communicated itself to the man. He winced as she continued. “I inherited this home from my Grandmother. She passed away over the winter. You can’t just tear down her apple tree!” Michelle’s voice caught on the edge of a sob, and she clapped her hand over mouth. She looked away from the inspector, trying not to start crying.

  The inspector shuffled the papers on his clipboard, clearly disconcerted. “The details of the violation are laid out on the complaint, which you have a copy of in the envelope. You may be able to file an appeal with the city. Unfortunately the tree’s overgrowth into the alley is a clear violation of city code. It impedes snow removal, as well as traffic access. I had planned to…” He stopped and sighed. “I’m sorry to hear about your loss Miss Perry. It’s obvious the tree has some sentimental value to you. If it were me, I’d try getting in touch with an arborist.” Steve pulled out his wallet and flipped through it, clearly looking for something. Soon he had pulled out a slightly crumpled white card. “This is who we use, Hayes has never steered us wrong.”

  Her hand trembling slightly, Michelle took the business card from the inspector. “I will mark down that you are filing an appeal; that should buy you some time. However, as things stand now, I’m not sure anything short of a full removal of the tree will resolve the situation. You have a nice day now Miss, and welcome to Greenville.” With a nod of his head, the inspector turned and walked back to his truck. Stunned, Michelle watched as he climbed in and drove away. A familiar singsong voice broke the moment.

  “Good morning, dearie! Now what was that all about?” Mrs. Turner, wearing a bright pink velour jogging suit, came walking up to the house from farther down the street. Sandy wagged her golden tail enthusiastically as the two approached the front porch. “Sandy and I were out for our morning constitutional, and we saw the truck. Have they been bothering you already? You just started moving in yesterday for heaven’s sake!”

  “Good morning, Mrs. Turner.” Michelle smiled a bit, in spite of herself. “The city inspector was just by. Someone filed a nuisance report, and the city wants to tear up Gran’s McIntosh tree in the back yard.” Michelle could feel her eyes tearing up just talking about it.

  “Tear up one of Violet’s trees?” The old woman’s eye’s looked ready to pop out of her head. “Why the nerve, how dare they!” Betsy was practically shaking with indignation. “It was Ed Olson, you mark my words. He could care less about anyone but himself. Oh, I could just give him a piece of my mind. Violet loved those two trees, especially the McIntosh. I remember her standing out in the yard, oh about this time every year. Adam would get his clippers out, and they'd bicker back and forth about which branches to prune.”

  Michelle smiled sadly at the recollection. Gran would have been crushed if she knew someone wanted to tear down her favorite tree. Sensing Michelle’s grief, Sandy whined and butted her hand for a pet.

  For the first time, the older woman seemed to realize Michelle was still in her robe. “Oh my dear, you shouldn’t be out here half dressed. Have
you even eaten yet?” Michelle shook her head. “You go inside, have some breakfast. I will talk to Gerry and see what we can do to help.” Betsy took her hand, and patted it comfortingly. “Everything will look better after some food. You’ll see.” Giving her a warm smile, Mrs. Turner shooed her back inside. “Go on now. I will be by later on with some apple pie. I saved a few in the freezer, after last year’s harvest. They may not be as good as your Gran’s pie, but then she never would give me her recipe.”

  “Thanks very much, Mrs. Turner. I will see you later then.” Michelle waved as her neighbor walked back to her own home next door, clearly on a mission. Closing the door behind her, Michelle headed to the kitchen, stopping to put the envelope and business card on the table. She made a pot of coffee. Then she began to fix herself and Kara breakfast. The comforting aroma of brewing coffee began to permeate the kitchen, and when it was ready, Michelle poured herself a cup. She sighed as she sipped and sat down to eat.

  A few moments later a warm furry body jumped onto her lap. “Hey Galoshes. Have you forgiven me for moving you or have you just forgotten where I put your food bowl?” The black and white cat purred as Michelle stroked his fur with her left hand and drank the coffee with her right. The feline head peeked up from her lap above the table. Galoshes looked around for a tidbit of food to steal. Spying the paper, he reached out a white paw and attempted to drag the business card closer. “Oh no you don’t, trouble maker. No chewing on that card, I may need that later.” She gently moved the cat off of her lap and onto the floor.

  With an unhappy sigh Michele reached over and opened the envelope, unfolded the bright yellow slip and carefully read over the city violation notice.

  NOTICE OF PROPERTY MAINTENANCE VIOLATION

  Pursuant to the provisions of Section 158 of the City of Greenville Property Code, notice is hereby given that the property whose legal description is set forth below (and/or buildings or structures located hereon) has been determined to be in violation of Section(s) 158 of said Code.

  The owner, Violet Henderson, has been notified of said violations(s) in accordance with

  Subsection 7.

  Address of property: 1318 Pine Street North

  Description of violation(s): Hazardous Tree or Shrub. The apple tree located on the southern property line has overgrown into the back alley. Tree limbs are blocking access to the alley, as well as neighboring property. Unpicked, fallen fruit attracts insects and vermin.

  Pursuant to Section 102A, any person who desires to have recorded a notice rescinding the notice of violation may present evidence of compliance to the Building Official. If the Building Official determines that the violation has been satisfactorily cured, the Building Official shall record a notice rescinding the prior notice of violation. Detailed information may be obtained by contacting Steven G. Wizener, property code enforcement.

  Michelle snorted indignantly and threw the notice back on the table.

  “Well, what did that paper do to you? You look ready to tear the thing into little pieces.” Kara stood leaning on the dining room door frame. Her tattered bunny slippers stared mournfully up at Michelle.

  “By all means, see for yourself.” Angrily, Michelle grabbed the notice and held it out to her friend. Yawning Kara ambled over to the table and picked up the slip. Her sleepy expression turned into a frown as she read the violation.

  “They want to tear down your Gran’s apple tree? They can’t do that.” Kara sounded horrified.

  “They can, and it sounds like they will if I can’t figure out what to do about it.” Grabbing her toast, Michelle headed back into the kitchen and looked out the back window at the apple tree in question.

  The old McIntosh dominated the south eastern corner of the yard, the branches stretching in every direction. The family had always been careful to pick and use all of the fruit from both of the apple trees every year. Except perhaps last autumn, when Gran had been so ill. They had all been so busy trying to see to her care, there had barely been time to manage the harvest. She always remembered the apple tree being well pruned. Her Grandfather had been religious with his tree care, always pruning in the late winter, then spraying in the spring. Michelle nibbled on the toast and studied the tree. She couldn’t deny that the big McIntosh looked wild. The limbs had definitely grown well into the alleyway. Michelle couldn’t be certain that the tree had been trimmed since Grandpa Henderson had died five years ago.

  “Well, it does look a bit overgrown.” Kara stared over her friend’s shoulder at the tree in question. “I did have to be careful not to hit some of the limbs as I drove in yesterday. Still there’s no way we can let them cut it down, right?”

  Michelle frowned unhappily and turned to look at her friend. She had planned to spend the rest of her week off unpacking, painting and trying to get a list together of areas that needed repair or updating. She had even managed to put a little money away to help pay for the home improvements she knew would be needed. Michelle had no idea how much an arborist’s services might cost. If the McIntosh in the back yard hadn’t been trimmed in five years, odds were that the Fireside tree in the side yard would need pruning as well. Michelle winced. She hoped this wouldn’t drain her small savings too heavily. She wasn’t about to give up Gran’s apple tree without a fight.

  “No, I’m not going to just let them cut that tree down.”

  Michelle returned to the table to find that Galoshes had made off with her bacon. Looking around the dining room, she saw no sign of him. She sighed and gave up the meat as a lost cause. The cat would have found a secure hiding spot in which to devour his prize by now. She turned her attention to the white business card the city inspector had given her. “Oak Forest Arborists. Metro Tree Care Specialists since 2005”. A picture of an oak tree grove dominated the center of the card, with the business name curving over the limbs of the trees. In the right hand corner was a name and phone number. “Hayes Marshall, ISA Certified Master Arborist”.

  “You have some breakfast, there’s bacon in the microwave. The inspector left me the number of an arborist. I’m going to call while you eat. Keep an eye out for Galoshes. He already stole my bacon, so he doesn’t need anymore.” Michelle headed into the living room and pulled her cell phone out of her purse. She called the number listed on the card. After a few rings, a warm, sexy sounding masculine voice answered. “Good morning, Oak Forest Arborists. Hayes Marshall speaking, how can I help you?”

  Michelle was surprised by the flush of heat that suddenly was burning her cheeks. Was there something familiar about the voice on the other end of the line? “Hi, umm… good morning.” She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Wonderful” she thought, “I’m already making an idiot out of myself”. She took a deep breath and started again. “My name is Michelle Perry. I need some help with an apple tree on my property. I was wondering how much a consultation would cost?”

  “I’d be happy to help. Consultations are free, unless you are located more than twenty miles from Greenville, in which case we do charge a small mileage fee. Can I ask the nature of the problem and where you are located?”

  “I’m up on Pine Street, here in Greenville.” Michelle tried unsuccessfully to keep the emotion out of her voice as she explained the situation. “I just inherited the home from my Grandmother. One of her apple trees has overgrown into the back alley. Apparently it is violating a property safety code, and now the city wants to tear it down…” Michelle had to stop and clear her throat, before continuing on. “Excuse me. I was hoping perhaps you can help me figure out a way to keep the tree from having to be torn down?”

  “Uh… Pine Street?” The man’s voice sounded startled. He cleared his throat. “When did you receive the violation notice?”

  “The inspector dropped it off earlier this morning. He was the one who recommended I call you.”

  The voice on the line was quiet for a few seconds, although, Michelle could hear some scribbling sounds. “Ok, Ms. Perry. It sounds like we might hav
e a little time to work with. I have an opening late this afternoon. Would three pm work for you?”

  “Oh yes, I will be here. Thanks so much for coming out right away.”

  “Of course, it’s my pleasure. Can I get your address?”

  Michelle gave the arborist her address information and hung up. She gave a sigh of relief. At least she wouldn’t have to pay for the consultation, and he was willing to meet with her today. There would be plenty of time to get dressed and unpack more of her boxes before the arborist arrived.

  “Well, what’s the news?” Kara asked as she poked her head into the living room while nibbling on a piece of bacon.

  “The arborist is going to come out this afternoon around three. That should give us plenty of time to unpack a few more rooms. I just hope…” Michelle stopped in mid sentence.

  “Hey, don’t worry. I’m sure we will figure out something.” Kara hugged her friend. “I know that those apple trees mean a lot to you.”

  Michelle sighed. She had grown up around those two trees. They had been planted when she was very small. She could still remember the first autumn she had picked a McIntosh from the overhanging branches. The crisp tart taste had exploded in her mouth, still warm from the September sun. She loved to watch her grandmother making pies from the autumn harvest. “Always use apples from two different varieties, my Lovey,” Gran would tell her as she peeled the apples. “Use one tart variety and one sweet. It gives your pie a depth of flavor others can’t match.” That had proven to be true. Gran’s apple pies had become nearly legendary, winning her a stream of blue ribbons at the county and state fair.