Bud's Christmas Wish Read online



  Bud’s Christmas Wish

  Copyright © 2013 by Ashley Nemer

  Cover & Book Design: Ashley Nemer

  All rights reserved.

   A product of the

  Art of Safkhet

  Published August 2013

  Part One

  Lucy sat in the plane looking out the window at the Atlantic Ocean. She couldn’t believe she was actually moving back to Ireland. Every year her grandparents had asked her to visit and she would put it off. Now she would be living there. She didn’t have much of a choice since her granddad had fallen ill, but it wasn’t like she had anyone back in New Orleans waiting on her. It had been two months since her parents had died, two long, trying, sad and painful months. She remembered the sound of the knock at her door when the officer came to inform her of the accident.

  Knock. Knock. Knock. Lucy had awoken up from her sleep and walked over and opened the door. She looked into the eyes of the officer who removed his hat before speaking.

  “Ms. O’Toole, may I come in?” His voice had been firm yet soft; she stepped aside as he entered the living room. He had taken a moment before telling her the news.

  “Your parents have been involved in an accident along Interstate 10. They were in a taxicab that was involved in a crash with another vehicle. They have both been rushed to the hospital.”

  Lucy couldn’t remember what he said after that, she’d started to zone out as shock sank in. She remembered he’d instructed her to gather her purse and an overnight bag. He escorted her to the hospital where she had been taken to a waiting room. She’d sat there for eternity an as they operated on her parents. Her father’s surgeon was the first to come out.

  “Ms. O’Toole, I’m so sorry we did everything we could. His lungs collapsed and there was nothing we could do to save him.”

  She remembered a nurse pulling her into her arms and holding her but recalled nothing the doctor said. She cried on that strangers shoulder as the second doctor walked up to her. This time she was informed her mother’s heart gave out in the middle of the operation, when they had to remove a piece of metal that was lodged in her chest.

  They were gone, both her beloved parents, dead. Someone called the Chaplin and before she knew what happened she had being whisked away into his office. No words had been exchanged as she held onto his hand and cried. The officer tracked them down inside of the Chaplin’s office and began to relay what happened to Lucy.

  “The person who hit the taxicab appears to be under the influence of alcohol. He is being arrested and processed as we speak. The assistant district attorney will be in touch with you to go over the trial and what will happen next. Do you have someone who can stay with you, any grandparents or aunts and uncles?”

  “No, my grandparents are in Ireland and are ill.”

  “Any friends?”

  “Yeah. I was supposed to pick my parents up from the theater tonight after I got off of work. I forgot and went out with my friend. This is all my fault.”

  “Lucy, this isn’t your fault, you cannot blame yourself.” The Chaplin said. The men tried to reassure her that in situations like this she was the victim and not to be blamed. She didn’t want to hear about that though. All she saw was the fact her parents were not around.

  “I’ll take you home Ms. O’Toole and if you need me to notify the officials in Ireland, I will take care of that so your grandparents can be informed.”

  Yes, Lucy remembered the day like it was yesterday. She elected to have her parents bodies cremated and the urns were wrapped securely in her luggage. This was going to be a long journey. Her granddad had been diagnosed with CHF, whatever that was. All she knew was they needed her and her life in the States had come to an end.

  Her plane left New Orleans airport at two forty-one in the afternoon. Of course there were no direct flights so she first had to switch planes in Chicago. The next stop after that was DC and once she landed there she had only an hour to switch to her final plane. That flight left at nine o’clock. Now she was bound for Ireland. She looked at her watch, it was one a.m. She had another eight hours left in the air. Lucy took out her blanket and pillow then propped her head against the window. Closing her eyes she let her mind take her away from thoughts as she fell asleep to the humming of the jets.

  * * * * *

  “Lucy me darling! You’re here!” Alastar wrapped his arms around his granddaughter; he loved the sight of her and missed the day she could easily be tossed in the air and placed on his shoulders.

  “I assume Bud took care of ye after the plane.”

  “Yes Granddad, he did. A complete gentleman.”

  “Aye he is, I have been tellin ya lass there are nothing but fine suitors in Ireland. Now ye will see what I’ve been saying.”

  Bud stood back watching the reunion as he brought her luggage in from his vehicle. She was exactly how Alastar had described her. Maybe this arrangement wouldn’t be so bad after all.

  Part Two

  Two Years Later

  This time of year was the worst for Lucy, everyone was jolly and celebrating. She never had a desire to participate in this kind of celebration anymore. Not after what happened with her parents. The past two Decembers she had to relive the accident and for once she just wanted to let sleeping dogs lie.

  Lucy used to love Kilkenny in the month of December when she was a child. She remembered riding in the sleighs with her granddad while he pulled it behind a cart, going up and down the hills, she would laugh with him all day when they went out on their sleigh rides. Growing up all she ever heard from him when she hadn’t visited in a while, “Come back ta Ireland, ye will love it. Tis the best scenery in all of the world and ye true love and soul mate are here, mark me words. Raise a right healthy family ye will.” That’s what her granddad always told her. He wanted to see her married off more than she wanted to put forth the effort. Men were not worth the hassle, they required too much attention and she wasn’t ready for that.

  Alas, that’s what her granddad ‘used’ to say. What she wouldn’t give to hear those words being hollered through the house one more time.

  “Grandmum, are you ready to go? I need to drop you at the McPherson’s before work.”

  “Coming Lucy, hold onto ye britches.”

  “I just don’t want to be late at the tavern; you know the crowds start pouring in this time of year. We could use the extra tips.”

  Lucy’s grandmum, Hannah, was a feisty woman; she was pushing eighty-five and never stopped to let time and old age catch up to her. She managed the local garden at the market and outran most of those young men when it came time to harvest their crop. The only problem with Hannah was she hated to drive. Lucy was stuck taking her everywhere. Not like their town was large by any measure of the land. At most it ran two square miles. On occasion Lucy had to take her into Dublin which was about a ninety minute drive. Again there were worse things in this world and at least Hannah was still here and alive, so she could spend time with her.

  “Come on Lucy, stop ya day dreaming, didn’t ye say we were late? Chop chop youngin.”

  “Yes Grandmum, sorry, come on.”

  Lucy helped Hannah into the car and backed out of their drive. She loved this city, it was much more peaceful than where her parents had raised her. Many stories are told of New Orleans and how wonderful its history was but nothing compared to Ireland.

  “What were ye dreaming about lass?”

  “Nothing, Grandmum.”

  “Aye, ya are fibbin, out with it.”

  “Just granddad and how much I hate this time of year. Nothing new. Promise.”

  Hannah watched Lucy as her focus stayed on the road. She was proud of her and everything she’d been able to accompli
sh since coming back to Ireland. Not everyone would give up what they knew to take care of a dying granddad. But that was their Lucy, always there for everyone even if it was at her own expense.

  “Okay Grandmum here you go. I’ll pick you up tonight after my shift. Don’t stay out too long in the cold I don’t want you sick.”

  “Lucy ye forget I’ve done this me whole life. Don’t ya worry.”

  Hannah kissed Lucy’s cheek then left the car and walked up to the McPherson’s door. Lucy waited till she saw her slip inside before driving off to the tavern. Lucy worried about her and wondered what she would do if anything happened to her. Hannah was all the family she had left in this world.

  * * * * *

  “Lucy, Lucy, Lucy, lucky loving Lucy.”

  “Bud, Bud, Bud, big burly Bud.” Lucy laughed as her favorite customer walked up and gave her a hug.

  “My lass ye are looking wonderful today.”

  “Thanks Bud, you want your usual?”

  Bud looked her over and smiled wide as she led him to his booth.

  “If me usual includes a date with ya, then aye!”

  “Bud, we have been over this, I don’t date the clientele.”

  “Then I’ll stop coming here, I’ll hit the pub in the next town over.”

  “Now we can’t have that, you’re my best tipper!”

  Bud wiggled his eyes at her grinning, “And why do ye think that is Miss Lucy?”

  “Oh Bud you’re awful; behave and I’ll get you your beer.”

  Bud watched as she went behind the counter and put the drinks on her tray. She moved in a smooth fluid motion, like she was dancing around the floor. She never believed him that he was serious about her but this week he was going to make her see. She was going to be his, one way or another.

  “Don’t stare too hard, Bud, you will burn a hole in my pants.”

  “Don’t ya tease me lass, I wish.”

  Lucy sat his beer down and gave one more smile before leaving to help with the other customers. Bud was a good looking man, tanned, tall and with dark hair. All the farmers around here were tanned, all year round. They didn’t stop working for the winter season, just found other ways to make a living.

  Bud had a reputation of being the town lush. At first she found that hard to believe because he was in charge of the city’s tow trucks but Bud did show up in the bar every day. She liked the attention he gave her, who wouldn’t? Everyone needed someone to show them a bit of attention and throw compliments their way, even maidens who worked in taverns.

  What’s wrong with you, just say yes. Lucy thought to herself. Back home she was carefree and fun but, since the accident, she didn’t have it in her to be carefree anymore. Sure she wanted to be a normal adult, one with a life and friends, but she couldn’t bear the thought of letting another family member down. Her grand mum needed her. Dating and going out with people her own age would take time away from Hannah. She hadn’t been able to spend a whole lot of time with her granddad before he passed and she regretted that. She knew her time would come but for now she had to focus her energy on her grand mum.

  Looking at her, Bud asked “Lucy, I’d like to take ya out tomorrow night. What do ya say, one chance tis all I’m asking?”

  “Bud, why are you so insistent on us going on a date?”

  “Aye, it is Christmas time Lucy, let someone take care of ya for once. One night that’s all I’m asking. Canna turn a guy down if it’s his Christmas wish can ye?”

  She let a sigh escape her lips, she didn’t want to turn him down, she wanted to have fun but Hannah was home and would be alone.

  “You know my grand mum is at home, what would I do with her?”

  “Ye can bring her, me cabin’s big enough for the lot of us.” Bud took her hand in his and stroked her fingers with his thumb. The skin on skin contact from him set her body ablaze with desire. Her lips parted for a smile.

  “That be an aye lass?” Bud asked hopeful.

  “Fine. Just one night. But we have to come home at the end no staying at your place!”

  “Aye, aye, aye, whatever ye say lass!” He leaned in, kissing her cheek. “Ye won’t be regretting this. I’ll show you and your grand mum a right good time. Picking ya up at seven lass, be ready.”

  * * * * *

  “Lucy, why am I going with you? I can stay here and be fine.”

  “I’ve already told you I’m not leaving you Grandmum. It will be fine, dinner maybe a movie. You won’t be in the way.”

  “Of course I’ll be in the way; the lad wants to see you, not us!”

  “Stop that! He knows you are important to me and he’s fine with it, I asked, nothing to worry about.”

  “Lucy I love ye but I am not going on a date with ya clainne. That’s final. Now go get ready. Ye need ta look ye best.”

  Hannah left Lucy’s room and went about her business. She couldn’t understand what Lucy had been thinking, insisting on a chaperone for the date. She was aware of the times and how customs had changed. She started pulling out pans and baking items to start a loaf of bread. She wanted the house to smell fresh and delightful when Bud came to pick her Lucy up. The quickest way to an Irishman’s heart is his stomach. Her mum taught her that and she was planning on proving to Lucy the importance of a strong young chap.

  As she finished making the dough she heard a knock at the front door. Looking at the clock Hannah saw it is exactly seven. She liked a man who showed up on time.

  “Lucy come downstairs, he is here” She called up the stairs. Turning to the door Hannah opened it to see at the tall man who displayed a welcoming smile to her.

  “Mrs. O’Toole, you look wonderful. I hope you are ready for a fun evening.”

  “Mr. Doran please come inside, Lucy will be down in a wee bit. I regret to inform ye that I am feeling a bit under the weather tonight and am gonna have ta pass on a lovely evening. But you and Lucy should still go and have a wonderful time.”

  “Am sorry to hear ye are ill Mrs. O’Toole. I don’t have to take Lucy out tonight.”

  “Stop right there, yes ye do. Ye two go along and have a great time, promise me ye will keep her out late.”

  Bud laughed at what she was saying. What did she think he was taking her to do?

  “Aye, will see what I can do ma’am.”

  “Grandmum I still think this is a bad idea. I don’t know what he is expecting from me” Hannah and Bud turn toward the stairs as Lucy walked down talking, oblivious to the fact he was in their foyer.

  “Lucy dear, Mr. Doran is here already didn’t ye hear me call up to ya dear?”

  Lucy stopped mid pace down the steps and she looked over and saw him standing there beaming. “Oh sorry.” She tried to play it off with a smile and felt her face flush in embarrassment.

  “Not to worry, ye look wonderful and I expect nothing.” He couldn’t stop smiling at her, the way her face was pink with color was intoxicatingly charming. “Your grandmum said she is feeling under the weather and won’t be joining us. I hope you are okay with this.”

  Lucy shot Hannah a concerned look which quickly turned to annoyance when she realized what was going on. “Are you sure you won’t come?”

  “Oh no dears, ye go on out the door. I’ll just head to bed. G’night ya two.”

  Hannah shoved them out of the door before Lucy was able to make any objections. On the stoop Lucy turned back looking at the house in a bit of a shock.

  “I’ve not known her to act like this before. I hope she is okay.”

  “I am sure she is fine. Shall we?” Bud extended his arm up to her as she grabbed it and they walked to his car. “Do ye like ta eat lamb? I have an exquisite rack simmering at me cottage. I hope it suits ye preferences.”

  “I do like that, I am sure it will be good. I’m sorry that my grandmum backed out. She was not sick a bit ago.”

  “I think she just wanted ye to spend some time alone with me. She made me promise to keep you out late. Right funny good woman she is.”
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  “Oh God, I’m so embarrassed. I can’t believe she said that!” Lucy started to bury her head in her hands while Bud let out a hearty laugh.

  “Oh lass don’t ya worry she’s a wily one. Ye donna be ashamed, ye grand mum loves ya. Come on lets go have dinner.”

  * * * * *

  “Aye Mary, he picked her up and left with her. He seems like a nice lad. I hope Lucy gives him a chance.”

  “Do you think she will ever loosen up to have some fun?”

  “Aye she needs to but how can we convince her that the accident isn’t her fault?”

  “Maybe Bud can help with that, who knows but she’s getting ta be too old ta not have a man. Good luck Hannah.”

  “Thanks Mary, I’ll fill ye in tomorrow on how it went.”

  Hannah hung up with Mary McPherson and went back to the kitchen. She wanted to make sure the bread was finished before she went to sleep. If things went according to plan she would go to bed and wake up to Lucy coming back home smiling and happy. Hannah diligently worked in the kitchen for an hour and once she was pleased with her work she went into the living room and started building the fire. The house was silent, nothing was making noise. In these moments she missed her husband and son the most. It always hit her when she was alone and that’s how she preferred it, grieving in peace.

  She stacked the logs of wood like Alastar had taught her to do, for the best fires. He wanted to make sure Hannah was able to survive long after he was gone. Alastar and Hannah both had accepted the realization that his heart had weakened and it was only a matter of time until he would be gone. Heart disease was the leading cause of death in Ireland but they never thought one of them would fall victim to it. “Alastar, I hope ye are guiding our Lucy tonight, the lass needs a good lad around.”

  Hannah lit the starter log and went back to get a cup of hot chocolate. The temperature was just below freezing and she needed the warmth in her bones. She was getting old and really hated coming to that reality. Like everyone she had wanted to stay young forever but then life set in, aches in joints, health issues, a whole laundry list of stuff. She knew the importance of companionship in the later years of life. It was almost as vital as food and shelter.

  She walked back into the living room and put in a tape of her son. She refrained from watching old home movies around Lucy but this was her favorite recording of him at Christmas time. Little Jonah just before he turned ten. He had still believed in Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy. Still thought of his parents as everything he ever needed. Alastar and Hannah missed their son when he took the job in the states working for an entertainment company that produced movies. They never made him feel guilty about only seeing them once maybe twice a year for the last fifteen years, they were proud of what he made of himself.