Looking a bit surprised but not hesitating for a moment Kelsey responded, “Anything I can do to help is just fine with me.” James and Camilla nodded in agreement. James handed Gareth the address list as a reminder, and then he sent the two off. Gareth checked to make sure the rack that he set up in the back of the vehicle was secure. This would prevent the dinner trays from spilling over when they made turns. He also counted six paper bags that had a few packaged canned goods that helped the residents eek by until their next meal delivery or pension check, whatever happened first. Then Gareth hopped in on the driver’s side and gave Kelsey the game plan, “We have six dinners to deliver along with the bags with food that each resident will get. Four of them are on the outskirts of town, so we will go there first and work our way back in.”
“Six doesn’t seem like a lot people; surely we could do more?” Kelsey responded.
Gareth loved that she wanted to serve more and smiled. “Oh it will be, trust me on that. You have to keep in mind many times these individuals are looking forward to not only the food, but also a visitor.” As he put the vehicle in drive, he filled her in on all of the individuals she was about to meet. “I don’t always do the deliveries when I work at the shelter, but I’ve done so many times. In the past year, I’ve come to know all of these people just like my father had. He would carry his toolbox with him to fix a leaky pipe or sticking window. There was always something that needed tending to.” Kelsey listened on. “He volunteered with the Peace Corp for a year while in College before coming home and meeting my mum. He became very handy with a set of tools. Once he knew they were settled and enjoying their meals he would move about their house on a mission to fix odds and ends that could make or break their quality of life. He knew because of their limited income and most of them having no family to check on them, he could address these issues for them free of charge.”
Before she could ask him if he had any favorites residents he liked to visit, Gareth blurted out, “I cannot wait for you to meet Hyacinth Collins. She’ll be our last stop as she’ll want us to stay around a little longer and visit. She loves to garden and is a painter, so I’m sure you’ll both have much to talk about.”
Kelsey smiled back. “I cannot wait to meet her as well.” After listening to him, Kelsey knew that they were in for quite an evening. As they made their rounds, it struck her how at ease Gareth was with each of the elderly they visited. She didn’t expect that from him. She was sure he was no different from the affluent families back home who only volunteered at the homeless shelter so that they could brag about it in their yearly nauseating newsletters they sent out. No, Gareth loved taking the time to connect with them, just like his father had. And, also just like his father, Gareth hated that so many had more or less been forgotten. He wanted them all to know that he truly cared for them. He wanted to show them the dignity they deserved, just as his father had faithfully displayed for all those years. She sensed that Duncan’s death had so altered Gareth that he now felt it was his mission in life to carry on his father’s kindness.
He introduced her to all the residents who welcomed her and of course offered her a cup of tea. Some of the residents watched football, some preferred cricket, and others rugby. He knew which teams to engage them in conversation about as he helped them settle into their favorite chair with the tray of food. For the ladies, it was a conversation usually involving their houseplants needing a bit of water and what their favorite characters on the soap Coronation Street were up to. He was always kind, never rushed through the visit, and looked them all in the eye with a kindness that Kelsey recognized. When they arrived to the home of their final delivery it was almost seven thirty in the evening. The poor woman is probably starving at this point, Kelsey thought to herself as they pulled up.
“All right then: let’s introduce you to Hyacinth,” Gareth said with a smile as he got out of the Defender. As they walked to her door and rang the bell, they stood there for what seemed several long moments as Kelsey noticed that the small front porch was covered with flowerpots of all shapes and sizes. Hyacinth even had a purple vine of what looked to be wisteria climbing a make-shift arbor around the large picture window that looked out over her tiny front yard. In the pots were purple and white flowers, many varieties that Kelsey had never seen before.
As they waited at the door, Kelsey asked in a soft voice, “If she’s this good with the gardening I can’t imagine what her paintings are like.” He gave Kelsey a quick wink, but before she could even think about blushing, the door opened and revealed a woman in her mid seventies with long, silver hair. She wore a lengthy, floral, purple skirt, with a long white flowing top layered with a purple vest and finished with a long, glass-beaded necklace with matching earrings. She wasn’t up to the latest fashion in her second-hand or perhaps vintage attire, but it was the perfect look for her down to her purple and white striped socks peaking out from her well-worn Birkenstocks that steadied her walk.
“Hello, Hyacinth.”
“Oh, Gareth, it’s so lovely to hear your voice! You haven’t been on the delivery route in a while.” Reaching out, she pulled him in for a hug. “Bring a guest, did you?” Since she was holding Hyacinth’s dinner, Kelsey had to balance it in one arm so she could reach out her hand for a welcoming shake.
“Hello, I’m Kelsey Chapman.” It was at that moment Kelsey realized that Hyacinth was blind. Smiling back, Hyacinth reached out her hand to make contact. She asked, “You’re American?”
“Yes ma’am. I’m staying with the Blythes for the summer term as an exchange student for the art program.”
“Oh, that is lovely. Well please come in, and we can talk over a cup of tea.” Hyacinth slowly turned her upper body; reaching her arms out, she used the wall as her guide. “Please excuse the mess; I’d planned on cleaning up before you arrived, but I really wanted to finish this piece before the sun was completely gone.” As they gradually walked down the small hallway, Hyacinth and Gareth chatted while Kelsey took in the beautiful pictures hanging on the walls. Kelsey interrupted their conversation. “When...how...did you do all of these?” Kelsey immediately heard how loud and rude she sounded and covered her mouth. “I am sorry. Where are my manners?” Gareth and Hyacinth both laughed while Kelsey turned many shades of red.
“Kelsey, come with me to my tiny studio, and I will show you my work while Gareth prepares my tea.” She handed a smiling Gareth the tray and followed Hyacinth into what certainly was a tiny studio with the large glass window that looked out over the little front yard. There were medium canvases all around covered in multiple shades of purple and white depicting gardens that were lush and captivating. There would be the occasional red or orange for a splash of color, but most everything was purple and white. “I don’t know what to say,” Kelsey admitted quietly.
“Well if you don’t like them, you don’t have to say anything!” Hyacinth said with a laugh.
“Oh my, no! That’s not it at all! I think I’m in just a state of shock.”
“Would it be because you’re trying to figure out how an old blind woman is able to put paint to canvas?” Kelsey got very still and quiet. Hyacinth raised her hand and placed it on Kelsey's arm. “My dear, it’s okay to ask me that question.” Kelsey paused and smiled and appreciated Hyacinth’s effort to make her feel less awkward. “Let’s go into the kitchen and have a seat, and we can get to know each other a little better.” With a deep breath Kelsey gave an “okay” as they made their way in the tiny townhouse.
In the kitchen, they found Gareth putting away the produce, preparing the tea, and rewarming her tray of food since she had been the final delivery. As they got to the kitchen table, they each took a place as Hyacinth did not waste time with her questions. “Where are you from in the states my dear?” “The east coast, Virginia.” “How long have you been painting?” “How did you know I painted?” Kelsey asked with raised eyebrow and shock in her voice. “Oh my dear, one always knows when she is in the presence of another artist.”
Gareth started to laugh as he poured the hot water into the teapot. Kelsey looked over at him with the look of really? and quickly realized he needed to focus at the task at hand. “My mom enrolled us in a week-long summer camp when I was ten. It was a ranch where you rode horses, swam, and could take art classes. My main intent was to ride horses all week, but I decided to take an art class. The teacher made it so much fun and made painting come to life. I also happen to have a knack for it, and one thing lead to another. When I showed my parents my work they both agreed to enroll me in classes. As I grew and took additional classes, my art teacher had shared her stories of spending her summers here in York at the art school. She really encouraged me give the summer exchange program a go before stepping foot into a college art classroom back at home. She said I’d be much more prepared to take risks with my work and my teaching techniques. I really wanted to go to Italy or France to study, but it was all I could do to convince my parents to help me get here.”
Hyacinth laughed. “York is small and is certainly not Italy, but the University does have a wonderful art department. Do you like to paint anything in particular?”
Kelsey thought about it for a few seconds. “I do find myself painting a lot of outdoor scenes. I think that’s what caught my eye with your paintings. You’re able to capture so much detail on the canvas without it looking overwhelming.” Kelsey paused for a moment unsure how to phrase her next question. Hyacinth reached across the table for her hand. Kelsey obliged.
“I was diagnosed ten years ago with Macular Degeneration. I have, for the most part, lost my eyesight, but if it’s a decent sunny day outside, I can see a small bit of detail and shadows. When I received my diagnosis, I knew that if I wanted to continue to paint I needed to start committing my techniques to memory. I would even blindfold myself and practice. I knew by doing so I was making deposits into my memory bank that I would need to withdraw from when my sight was completely gone. I also had to promise myself to not let my heart forget why it loved to paint.” Hyacinth pulled Kelsey’s hand across the table and placed it over her heart. “All your work and inspiration must always come from here, no matter what the circumstances are. Never forget that, young Kelsey. Do you understand?”
Kelsey could feel her eyes filling and nodded yes before remembering that she needed to verbally respond. “Yes, I understand.”
“Good. Now, I’m starving. Gareth, where is my food?”
“Coming right up, Ms. Collins.”
“May I ask you another question, Ms. Collins?”
“Yes, of course, and you can call me Hyacinth. Gareth, you know you can as well,” she responded while releasing Kelsey’s hand.
“Why do you only paint with purples and white and why do you use only medium canvases and why don’t you sell them?”
“I believe that was three questions,” Hyacinth laughed as she pulled her tea cup to her mouth.
“Oh, yes, I guess that was,” Kelsey said with a sheepish grin.
Gareth placed Hyacinth’s dinner in front of her. He was enjoying the interaction immensely and was equally interested in Hyacinth’s answers.
“I’m on a fixed pension. I mean good Lord, I have to rely on the good people of York and their generosity to feed me three times a week. It all comes down to cost, and the only way I can justify spending the money on paint supplies is to save on colors and canvas sizes. Purple and white happen to be my favorite colors to use. As far as selling, I’d have to travel to different counties and find local galleries that would even consider having me. No one wants to lug a seventy-year-old blind woman around so she can peddle her artwork. I truly appreciate your kindness, Kelsey, but I’m okay living my quiet life, with my paintings and flowers to keep me company—and of course an occasional visit from Mr. Blythe.” Kelsey loved watching Gareth blush across the table as Hyacinth was now cutting and eating her meal with a smile on her face.
After dinner and another cup of tea, they said their goodbyes and headed back to the Blythe residence. Kelsey was quiet for much of the trip home. Looking over he saw her looking out the window, biting her lower lip with her brow furrowed. She looked adorable and slightly perplexed which finally led Gareth to ask if she was okay.
“Yeah, just that Hyacinth’s work and experience need to be shared. It seems like such waste of talent.”
“Well, you heard her say that she was content.”
“I know, but I can’t help but think that if she got to experience the classroom for a day and was given an opportunity to show her work to the department and some of the students, then maybe it would change her mind. I mean, she’s going blind and is still painting these beautiful works of art. If that’s not inspirational, I don’t know what is. Sometimes in life we think we’re content until we experience something or someone that makes us realize that maybe we aren’t.”
Gareth was astounded at the gravity of the statement she’d just made. He found it hard to reply as he tried to reconcile why his heart had been so affected by her statement. Before he could reply, Kelsey spared him by talking again. “Thank you for letting me go with you today, Gareth. It was striking to me when these people shared their stories that they’re so similar to so many of the homeless people I work with back home. Need and hunger know no age and have no borders.” Gareth responded with a small smile as he felt that blasted tug on his heart.
“Right you are, Kelsey; right you are.”
* * *
That Saturday
Gareth came in the front door a sweaty mess. As he walked into the kitchen looking in the fridge for some electrolytes, his mother came in. “Hello, love, just home from the football match?”
Filling his glass to the very top with orange juice he replied, “Yeah, I needed a quick drink before jumping in the shower. Have you seen Kelsey?”
“I believe she is upstairs working. I swear, Gareth, of all the exchange students we’ve had over the years, she has to be most intense when it comes to her studies. Are you going to take her out tonight to the Gray Horse?”
Gareth gulped down the last of the juice using his sleeved arm to wipe his mouth and giving a breathless “that was the plan.”
“Great, you might want to knock on her door and let her know you’re home so you can confirm a time.”
Giving his mum a look he muttered, “I think I can handle this.”
“I never said you couldn’t; I’m just making a friendly suggestion.” He leaned in and kissed the top of her head before he took off up the stairs. Stopping at his door, he decided that maybe his mother was right, that touching base with Kelsey to confirm a time was a good idea. He walked over to her door that was partially cracked and noticed she was lying across her bed with what had to be twenty books scattered around her along with her portable CD player. She’d fallen asleep. Gareth saw that she had her headphones on. He poked his head in the door and quietly called her name, “Kelsey.” Nothing, not a budge. He took three steps; standing right next to her bed he loudly whispered, “KEL-SEY!”
She started to stir, and Gareth was immediately aware of her pouty lips and long brown hair as it swept across her pillow. The overwhelming ache came over him to press his lips down on hers. Just as he turned to step out of the room, a sleepy and slightly confused voice stopped him, “Gareth why…why are you in my room?”
He turned to see her pushing herself up on her bed with her elbows and taking the headphones off. “I wasn't trying to intrude, Kelsey. I swear. I was about to jump in the shower and get ready to take you to the pub. I thought I’d confirm we were still on and found that you were asleep. I was just trying to wake you.”
She rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Okay, well, when do you want to leave?”
Relief flooded Gareth. “Can you give me thirty minutes?”
“Of course, take longer if you like,” Kelsey said as she stretched from her nap.
Gareth walked to his bedroom and planned on taking a cold shower to remind him that she and her sleepy pouty lips were o
ff limits. Thirty minutes later, Gareth, in a khaki pair of shorts and Ralph Lauren polo and zip up hoodie, found Kelsey sitting at the dining room table having a cup of tea with his mom. Kelsey had her dark brown hair pulled back and up in a pony tail and was wearing a simple and, in Gareth's opinion, sexy as hell form-fitting red dress with cap sleeves and thin black belt. She wore black sandals that matched her belt and simple silver hoop earrings. Gareth once again found himself looking for his next breath and wondered if he would even survive the night. Picking up her sweater Kelsey beamed, “Are we ready then?” “Yes, indeed,” Gareth replied, and with that they headed out the front door to experience a bit of old fashioned British pub culture.
He loved listening to Kelsey talk on the way, but he could sense she was sad. The Gray Horse was hopping with people gathered around the bar watching the big match on television, summer students from the University, and local townspeople escaping reality for just a little while. Gareth found a small cozy table in the corner that allowed them both to sit facing out toward the bar to people watch and let Kelsey take in the sights and sounds. Kelsey loved every minute of it. She only wished that Jason, Courtney, and Jasper could be there to enjoy it with her. She couldn't wait to tell them about it.
Just as she was getting her bearings, a blonde waitress with Jennifer Aniston hair, dressed in a plaid skirt and white t-shirt that stopped midriff, approached their table. “Well hallo, Gareth. Where have you been about?” Kelsey watched their banter as Gareth struggled to look at ease when he was anything but. Gareth began the introductions, “Heidi, this is Kelsey. She’s here from the states for the summer exchange program at the University.”
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