Chase: A Special Person & The Discovery of Teddy Downing

by Matt Shea

Teddy entered the barber shop to meet the Heyden twins. The room was empty except for a woman that was visiting with Sam. “Hello, Teddy!” exclaimed Sam. “Do you want a haircut today?”

  “No,” said Teddy. “I just dropped by to visit. Walt told me that you have a twin and that you wanted to share a story with me. Is your brother here?”

  “I don't have a brother,” said the barber.

  “But Walt told me that you have a twin,” stated the puzzled boy.

  “I do,” said Sam with a smile, “and she's right here!” Sam pointed at the woman. “This is my twin sister, Samantha.” Teddy had a confused look on his face.

  “I thought that you would have a twin brother,” he said.

  “Don't women count?” asked Samantha.

  Sam spoke. “A boy can have something sacred like a twin, but it doesn't mean that your twin can't be a sister.”

  “Or a brother,” added Samantha.

  “You see, Teddy,” explained Sam. “Everyone, and everything is different; and that's not always a bad thing. I do have a twin, and she's the best sister I could ever have.”

  Samantha reciprocated, “And my twin is the best brother I could ever have.”

  The twins with matching sweaters looked at each other with respect. They were always family and proud of it, just like Teddy and his grandmother. Teddy felt warm inside.

  It was getting close to dinner time and Teddy needed to start walking home. “It was great to meet you, Samantha,” said Teddy.

  “It was nice to meet you,” she said. “I've have always heard wonderful things about you.” Teddy blushed.

  “It's nice to see you too, Sam,” said Teddy. I have to go home now.

  “Thank you for seeing us Teddy,” said Sam. “Don't be a stranger.”

  Teddy walked towards his aunt and uncle's apartment and saw the old doughnut shop. He noticed a familiar car parked out in front of it. It was a small station wagon with 'Choy's Bakery' on the door. It was his friend's father, Benard!

  He ran down the street as he saw Benard getting into his car, “Mr. Choy!” he yelled. Benard heard Teddy and turned around.

  “Teddy, is that you?” he answered back. Teddy waved his arms and got his attention. “What are you doing all the way out here?” he asked.

  Teddy caught up with Benard and caught his breath. He explained who his aunt and uncle were and that he was visiting for the week. He also pointed out that the doughnut shop was theirs.

  “I didn't know that,” said Benard. “I saw an ad in the paper about a doughnut shop being for sale in this town. I called the number and agreed to meet your uncle here to see if I wanted to buy any of his baking utensils. He even gave me this box of old things that he wanted to get rid of.” Benard looked at the young boy staring down into the box. “Why don't you take a few items as memorabilia?” suggested Benard. “They will always remind you of your aunt and uncle.” Teddy nodded his head up and down and took their old aprons, kitchen gloves, a rolling pin and a tarnished set of keys.

  Teddy realized that Benard was a good man that always gave good advice. He asked if he could share a problem with him.

  “Why sure you can, Teddy,” said the compassionate soul. “You can always talk to me about anything.” There was a picnic bench in front of the vacant shop. Benard pointed at it and said, “Let's sit over here.”

  Teddy sat with Benard and looked down as he gathered his thoughts. He then explained the pain he felt not knowing his real parents. He went further and questioned if he should consider himself a part of anybody's life.

  Benard understood the feeling and had something to say. “Much of my family lives in Korea, including my mother. When I finally got to return home to visit her, it was as if we never had a gap in our lives. Our phone calls, emails, letters along with our memories kept the closeness alive.”

  Benard had more to say. “When I arrived, it didn't even seem that far away; even though it was on the other side of the world. I realized that it didn't matter how much time had passed since I last saw her. It doesn't matter if there is a mountain range, or even an ocean that creates distance from any loved one. That love keeps you close for life, as if you were seeing them every day.”

  Teddy was taken by this discovery. He did have a different type of upbringing, just like Benard, and others. He was starting to feel pretty good about himself.

  Benard then said something that broke Teddy out of his depression. “The same holds true with all people. You don't have to be related to anyone if you want to be family with them.”

  That statement served as the last antidote needed to cure his identity crisis. It occurred to him that he was just like everyone else in this world; and it felt wonderful! Now it was time to shed the light for his aunt and uncle.

  “I have to go home, now,” said Teddy.

  “Okay,” said Benard. “It certainly was a pleasant surprise to run into you, Teddy; and Merry Christmas!”

  They said their good-byes and parted opposite directions. Teddy no longer thought about his complex; it didn't exist anymore. He could only think about his aunt and uncle, and the happiness they deserved.

  Teddy realized what was missing in their life. It was loved ones. They didn't however, need children of their own; everyone in that community was family! It was now his turn to spice up the holidays, and he knew what to do...

  ***

  The nephew returned to the apartment hiding the artifacts under his coat. He knew that the Christmas wrapping paper, bows and ribbons were in the closet of his room. His desk also held tape and scissors in the drawers. He would wrap them up immediately and secretively slide them under the back of the tree.

  He was greeted by his aunt and uncle. “Did you have a good walk through town?” asked Mary.

  “Yes I did,” said a reinvigorated Teddy.

  “I bet you ran into old friends,” remarked Harold.

  “I did!” exclaimed Teddy. “This town is as nice as ours is back home.”

  “We have another surprise for you,” said his aunt. “Tonight we are having spaghetti and meatballs!”

  “Yummy!” said Teddy. The youth ran into his bedroom and closed the door. He took off his coat and placed the gifts on the floor. He got out the wrapping paper, bows and ribbons along with the scissors and tape. He quickly wrapped the presents and opened his door slightly to see where his aunt and uncle were. They weren't in view, but the Christmas tree in the living room was. Like a cat he quietly entered the living room, got on his knees and slid the gifts towards the back of the tree. Next he raced to the bathroom and washed up for dinner.

  “Dinner will be ready in five minutes,” called out Mary.

  The dining room table was set for a feast. Spaghetti and meatballs was served with salad and garlic bread. Once again, it was Teddy's presence that added life to their evening. The married couple started to communicate openly with laughter. It was obvious that they felt empty when left alone for too long.

  Teddy learned a lot that day from his older friends. The nephew conjured up a strategy that would direct their life to the happiness they once knew. After dinner Teddy made his move. “I have an idea,” he said.

  Harold's eyes lit up as he asked, “What is it?”

  “I think that we can invent a tradition that will last forever,” said Teddy.

  The adults sat back and wondered what he was thinking. “What's your idea?” asked Mary.

  “We can bake Christmas cookies shaped like Christmas trees and sprinkle colorful sugar on them,” said Teddy.

  Harold thought and said, “That idea has been done everywhere for years.”

  “But we will have a rule attached,” said Teddy. “These cookies can't be eaten by the person we give them to; they can only be eaten by who they give it to.”

  The elders sat back and digested the idea. It was brilliant! It emphasized the concept of giving during the holidays. It would start a tradition, right there in that very town.

  “That's a wonderful idea!” excl
aimed Mary.

  “I have to agree!” said Harold.

  “We can start baking right away since we know so many people in this apartment,” said Mary.

  “I have another idea,” suggested Teddy.

  “What is it?” asked Harold.

  “I'd like you and Auntie Mary to open up a few gifts I got you. It didn't cost me anything and I'd like you to have it now.”

  The request intrigued the elders further, bringing excitement.

  “That sounds fun!” said the aunt.

  Teddy got out of his chair and ran to the living room. His aunt and uncle followed. The excited boy got on his hands and knees and crawled under the tree to retrieve the presents. He pulled out two small gifts that were beautifully wrapped in blue paper with silver ribbons and bows. He handed them to his aunt and uncle. “Go ahead and open it up,” exclaimed Teddy.

  Like excited children on Christmas morning they opened their first gift. “Ohhh!” came the response. They each held up their gift to display it to the other. They were holding the aprons from the doughnut shop that they wore for the past forty years.

  The couple then looked at one another holding the heirlooms and kissed.

  “How about another gift?” asked the nephew.

  “Well, alright,” said Harold. Teddy crawled under the tree and fetched two more gifts wrapped the same.

  “Here,” said Teddy as he handed the gifts out.

  The intrigued couple looked at each other and began to open the gifts.

  “Ohhh!” came the response. Mary was holding a rolling pin from their bakery, and Harold was holding two pairs of used kitchen gloves.

  “We need to start baking Christmas cookies,” said Mary. “There are so many people in this apartment complex to make them for. This will keep us up all night.”

  “I know where a much bigger kitchen is that would serve a lot more people you know,” said the nephew. “And it would make everyone happy!”

  He presented another gift that was in a small box. It was wrapped in white paper and had red ribbons with a matching bow. “I want both of you to open this together,” instructed Teddy.

  The aunt and uncle sat together and opened the small gift. It was the original keys to the doughnut shop.

  Teddy made a comment. “I saw you two this morning watching everyone pass by the shop. They all seemed sad.” Teddy's wisdom continued. “It's as if they lost the mother to this entire community,” he injected.

  Mary's face slowly grew into a warm smile; she was that mother. It also occurred to her that she had left her post.

  “Let's go there first thing in the morning and bake Christmas cookies!” said Mary.

  “That sounds good!” agreed her husband. They embraced realizing what they always had.

  Teddy remained quiet as he gleamed at his aunt and uncle. They were cured!

  “We need to get to some sleep,” said Mary. “We are going to have a busy day tomorrow.”

  They each changed into their night time clothes and prepared for bed.

  The next morning everyone got up before their alarm clock went off. Mary made a quick breakfast and within twenty minutes the trio left for the doughnut shop.

  The short distance allowed them to arrive at the back of the shop moments later. Harold unlocked the back door and they entered the small building. He turned on the kitchen light with everyone knowing their stations.

  Harold immediately turned on the industrial sized oven. Mary spread cooking sheets on the counter as Teddy started to grease them.

  Dough was being rolled in flour with Christmas tree cookie cut-outs brought out to commemorate the holidays.

  At the bus stop, life carried on with a pall. On occasion, a head would turn to look at the empty doughnut shop. Tim Rollins, a fifth grader took an extra hard look at the empty shop. Its dark windows seemed to make the streets colder with familiar faces becoming strangers. “There's no use looking over there,” said John Hightower. “The Bartons have closed up shop and gone away. All good things come to an end,” he said with sadness. The child felt disowned as he looked up to the tall man in despair.

  “Do you smell that?” asked Jay Turner.

  “These streets will always have that wonderful scent that the doughnut shop left here,” said John. “It will remind us of how wonderful the Bartons treated everyone.”

  “But it smells as if something is baking in there,” insisted Jay.

  “That's all in your mind,” said John. “We will all smell that faint smell that was here every morning for the rest of our lives. Everyone would love to have a warm doughnut, cookie and that hot cider they always gave us. More important, it would be great just to say, “Hello,” to Mr. and Mrs. Barton.”

  The red neon sign started to flicker with a low buzzing sound. All at once the landmark glowed to life as its light pierced through the early morning fog. It served as a beacon for those who felt abandoned. The streets started to fill with the unmistakable sweet aroma that only their ovens could produce. Brisk faces with cold hands felt a renewed spirit as the West Hill Doughnut Shop opened its doors again. Like a peace march, the spirited masses walked in unity towards the corner of Main Street and Forty Second.

  The soul of that corner had returned with the smell of fresh baked cookies carrying for blocks. Noses were awakened by the sweet smell as ice-cold faces broke into smiles. It was five o'clock in the morning and the West Hill Doughnut Shop was open for business.

  Mary had made thermoses of hot cider as the kitchen timer dinged. Teddy operated his portion of the assembly line by sprinkling red and green sugar on the hot cookies. The first batch of Holiday Cookies was complete with additional trays being placed in the oven.

  Harold made a grunting sound to get Mary's attention. She looked and saw him pointing to their shop window. Small porthole like patterns covered all across the moist glass with happy faces peering through. The trio kept baking cookies until the counter was full of hot cookie sheets. It was now time to introduce the Holiday Cookies to the community and the custom that would go with it.

  The bakers donned their coats and prepared for the masses. Harold rolled a small table on wheels and placed five thermoses of hot cider on top along with many Styrofoam cups and napkins. Mary placed the many cookies in a large wicker basket that was outlined by a large white cloth that folded over the baked goods. She would carry them when she marched out of the shop. Teddy was given the honor to unlock and open the front door. He would also introduce the sparkling shortbread cookies to the community and the new custom that went with it.

  Like Hollywood celebrities arriving for an awards ceremony, they were flocked by their fans. Teddy led the procession with Mary following and Harold rolling the table behind.

  Teddy took charge. “We have a new tradition that we want to share with everyone,” he announced.

  Everyone silenced with all eyes on Teddy. The proud boy reached into the basket of cookies and pulled one out. He raised it in the air and like the town crier continued. “These are our 'Holiday Cookies', but you can't eat it.”

  Everyone looked at one another with a puzzled expression. Again, they stared at Teddy. “The rule is that you have to give this cookie to someone else, and they get to eat it. When someone gives you one, then you can eat it.”

  The crowd shook their heads in understanding. The many smiles showed that they liked this new concept and cheered with approval. At once a line formed in front of Mary as she passed out cookies to her children. The spirit of giving took off like wildfire as those that received; immediately gave. Phrases like, “Thank you,” and “Oh, how sweet,” traveled around the community.

  The news spread quickly by word of mouth. Practically everyone in town made their pilgrimage to the famous West Hill Doughnut Shop that day. Harold baked continuously as Teddy roved back and forth helping his aunt and uncle. Mary was in her glory, serving the many that congregated around her. Regular customers, familiar faces and old friends paid a visit, thanking them for their ev
erlasting kindness.

  Teddy felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see his friend, Gregor handing a cookie to him. “This is for you, Teddy,” said Gregor. “Happy holidays, my friend!”

  Teddy had a cookie in his hand and reciprocated. “This is for you, Gregor,” he said. “Happy holidays to you too!” They each bit into their gift, savoring the warm sweetness.

  Teddy saw Sam and his twin sister, Samantha approach his aunt in matching hats and jackets. He saw each sibling accept a Holiday Cookie and hand it to the other. The brother and sister team looked at one another and took a bite at the exact same time. Teddy laughed to himself as he remembered what they told him about, “everyone and everything being different.”

  An amusing figure walked by Teddy. It was a man wearing a hat off to one side, exposing his lone brown eye. The malt shop owner winked at Teddy as he walked by. Minutes later he passed from another angle with his hat tilted to the other side. The man with the lone blue eye smiled as he held his Holiday Cookie up high in victory.