Title: Jellybean
Warnings: none
Summary: Eloise is unhappy, and Tina wants to fix that.
Length: ~ 2,500 words
Notes: Third person point of view, past tense. Genre is "other."
Jellybean
Eloise Mapel was, in her own words, a “crotchety old woman.” She yelled at the kids playing across the street. She hated cold weather because it made her bones ache. She snapped at her maid, Tina, if she forgot to close the curtains at night or didn’t butter Eloise’s toast just so.
Eloise hadn’t always been this way. She’d had a family once, people who loved her and whom she loved. But now, her parents were long gone, her husband was dead, and her son was off at war. She only had Tina, and as hard as she tried, Tina wasn’t enough to keep Eloise from becoming a “crotchety old woman.”
So when the Christmas season rolled around that year, no one was very surprised when Eloise didn’t put out any decorations. They were unsurprised, yes, but also disappointed.
“You’d think Mrs. Mapel could at least put out a light-up reindeer, or set up a Christmas tree, or even hang a star in her window,” Tina’s sister, Mary, complained as she strung up the Christmas lights around Tina and Mary’s house.
Tina was working on detangling another line of Christmas lights, but she paused as she thought over Mary’s comment.
“I think you’re forgetting that she’s nearly eighty,” Tina replied eventually. “She’s quite active for her age, but setting up Christmas lights is still a lot to ask.”
“I guess,” Mary sighed. “But I think we all know that Mrs. Mapel just doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas. She’s a Scrooge, no doubt about it.”
Tina handed Mary the next string of lights. “I wish there was something I could do to make her happier. Maybe I could give her a present. She can be awful, but she’s employed our family faithfully for years, and I hate to see anyone unhappy.”
Mary shrugged. She worked at Barnes and Noble, and didn’t have much to do with Mrs. Mapel besides hearing Tina’s stories about her. She had never understood her sister’s devotion to the old lady. “Just buy her a book. We’re having sales on all the Christmas books right now – A Christmas Carol is one of them – that’d be a funny one to give her –”
“She can’t read too well anymore,” Tina interrupted, completely missing Mary’s attempt at humor. “Her eyesight isn’t the best. No, I want to get her something lasting, something that will brighten up her world…”
“It’d be brighter if she’d put up some Christmas lights.”
Tina just shook her head, not verbally responding to her sister’s remark. Her mind was hard at work, trying to come up with something that could bring joy to Eloise, and to the rest of the community. Something to make her happy again…
Tina let herself into Eloise’s house at eight the next morning. She and Mary had finished decorating their house for Christmas last night, and then Tina had tossed and turned in her bed, trying to come up with a perfect present for Eloise. Her mind had drawn a blank.
Eloise was already up and eating breakfast when Tina entered the kitchen. This must be one of her good days. In general, Eloise liked to do things by herself, but sometimes she needed Tina’s help if her arthritis was acting up or if she was just very tired. Tina was both Eloise’s maid and her caretaker, but most of the time she didn’t need a caretaker.
“Good morning, Mrs. Mapel,” Tina said cheerily. “How are you today?”
Eloise grunted and took a sip of her tea. Tina waited, but it soon became clear that Eloise was not going to give her an answer.
“I’m going to clean the living room first, so you can take your time in here,” Tina said. “Don’t let me get in your way.”
“Do go ahead,” Eloise said. “I detest that room, so you do not need to worry about me wishing to sit down there.”
Tina suspected Eloise was just saying she hated the living room to be disagreeable, because Tina had often seen Eloise read a book there in the fifteen years she’d worked for her. But Tina simply replied, “Okay, Mrs. Mapel, let me know if you need anything,” and headed toward the living room. She had to pick her battles, and this one wasn’t worth it.
Tina saved all her energy for the lunch battle. She made Eloise a ham and cheese sandwich and some tea and sat down to eat with her. Tina had earned this privilege (if one could call it that) early on in their employment, when Eloise would get lonely and wished to talk to her maid.
“So, it’s the holiday season again,” Tina said cautiously.
Eloise set her teacup down forcefully. “Idiotic carolers and busy streets,” she grumbled. “Everyone pretending to be charitable while really vying for the greatest gifts.”
“It’s not all bad,” Tina protested. “During the holiday season, acts of generosity rise by forty percent.”
Tina wasn’t sure if this was actually true. She made up statistics like this sometimes. It made her feel clever, it helped prove her point, and most importantly, Eloise had no way to disprove them. She didn’t have internet or a smartphone.
“How does one define ‘acts of generosity?’” Eloise questioned. “I would think that trampling shoppers to death in the haste to get a large television set is not very generous.”
Tina could tell that this was not going to go anywhere good, but she had to keep trying. “Those are rare occurrences. And the thing is, Mrs. Mapel… I was wondering if you would like some help hanging up Christmas decorations. We don’t have to do anything major. Just one string of lights, or a small tree in the window… it would just be nice to join the neighborhood festivities by decorating a little, don’t you think?”
“No, I don’t think,” Eloise said coldly. “I have no interest in partaking in a Christmas celebration. There is nothing to celebrate. I do not want to waste my time.”
“It might make you feel better. Being surrounded by Christmas cheer…”
“No, Tina. I know you are only trying to help, but I am a crotchety old lady and I only wish to be left in peace before I die. I didn’t put up Christmas decorations last year, and I am not going to this year.”
Tina restrained a sigh with difficulty. “Okay, Mrs. Mapel. I understand.”
“Thank you. Now, make me another cup of tea – this one has gotten cold while you have been speaking nonsense.”
“I need to come up with something to make Mrs. Mapel believe that Christmas and the holiday spirit is worth it.”
Mary groaned. “Not this again! It isn’t worth it, Tee. At least, convincing Mrs. Mapel isn’t. Just give it up.”
Tina shook her head. “I can’t just give up on her. Everyone else has. Without me, she’d have no one. She can be a kind person beneath her grumpiness. I just need to find something to bring it out again.”
“Well, it’s not going to be holiday spirit,” Mary said. “But regardless, if you give her a Christmas present, I still say get her A Christmas Carol.”
Tina gave her sister a tired smile. “Maybe.”
A few weeks later, Tina was actually going to take her sister’s advice. She was fresh out of ideas, and any way she tried to liven up Eloise’s life, it didn’t work. Tina proposed taking Eloise on a walk in the park, but she preferred to stay at home, especially in the cold. Tina had brought in different foods, but Eloise had claimed that she hated all of them. Tina had worn a red and green apron and Eloise had scorned her.
Several people had suggested that Tina should drop it. Eloise clearly didn’t want to be happier. But if someone brought that up, Tina would simply reply, “It’s inertia. All people tend to resist change. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want it.” That usually shut them right up.
Nevertheless, it was a few days before Christmas and Tina couldn’t come up with anything else to do. So she “gave up” in the only way she knew how – by heading toward Barnes and Noble to take Mary’s advice. Maybe she wouldn’t buy A Christmas Carol, but she could get a nice book and read it to Eloise. That might brighten up a few hours of her life, at any rate.
Tina parked her old Toyota
KITTENS FOR SALE
Tina hesitated. What she was thinking was crazy. But it was right there, and it seemed like it was meant to be, and what better way to brighten up someone’s life than with a kitten? They were fun, cute, loving, and a lot of work for an old, unhappy woman. But Tina could help… and it had to be better than buying Eloise a book…
Oh, doggone it. She at least had to look. What harm could it do?
“He’s adorable,” Tina cooed, tentatively stroking the minuscule back of the sleeping black kitten. The sales clerk helping her nodded in agreement.
“He’s trouble, though, that one,” she said. “Thinks he rules the world, of course, and that everyone should always pay attention to him.”
Tina laughed. “That sounds like every cat.”
“True,” the clerk conceded. “But Jellybean manages to look so harmless while he’s rolling your toilet paper all over the floor.”
The kitten – Jellybean – slowly opened his eyes as if he knew they were talking about him. He had bright green eyes (perfect for Christmas, Tina couldn’t help but think). He yawned, his little pink tongue curling, showing sharp teeth.
Tina was falling in love with him already. But she needed to think reasonably about this. Did she really want to get the old lady she worked for a troublesome kitten? A book was cheaper and much less work. Tina knew that if she got Eloise a kitten, they’d both share taking care of it. She’d have to help pay for the food, the vet, the litter… and what if Eloise didn’t even want a kitten? Well, why should she? She hadn’t even wanted to go out to the park.
But then Tina thought about what a kitten could do for Eloise. Having that young, vibrant, purring life all around her. Having something to love and care for. Having someone to cuddle with at night. Having an innocent little creature remind you about all that’s good in life, what your son’s fighting for, what there is to live for. The potential for happiness that Tina could see in Jellybean was undeniable, and irresistible.
“I’ll adopt him,” Tina said.
Jellybean started purring.
“You bought Mrs. Mapel a kitten for Christmas?”
Tina winced as her sister’s voice reached a pitch that only bats should be able to hear. “Calm down. It’s actually a really good idea.”
“Yeah, well so was BUYING A BOOK, which I THOUGHT you were doing, but SILLY ME to think you’d actually TAKE MY ADVICE –”
“I was going to buy a book, Mary! But then I saw a sign, and it all kind of snowballed, and be quiet, you’re scaring Jellybean –”
Mary growled, but quieted down and turned to look at the cat carrier Tina was holding. Jellybean was huddled up in the back, green eyes wide. Tina watched with amusement as her sister’s face slowly softened.
“He is pretty cute,” Mary admitted.
Tina grinned. “If he can win you over, he ought to be able to do the same with Mrs. Mapel.”
“I can only hope. Otherwise, we might get stuck with him. Which wouldn’t be so bad, actually…”
Tina looked at Jellybean, and imagined him curled up with Eloise, purring. “Nah,” she said. “He belongs with Mrs. Mapel. I just hope she realizes that.”
“Merry Christmas!” Tina exclaimed to Eloise as she came in Christmas morning, keeping the cat carrier behind her back. Eloise sitting on the couch knitting, and glanced up in surprise as Tina entered.
“Tina! What are you doing here? If I am not mistaken, you don’t work on Christmas Day.”
“No, I don’t,” Tina said. “But there’s something I want to give you.”
“A gift? Tina, you really must stop trying to ‘cheer me up,’ as you put it. I am perfectly all right. I just detest Christmas, and New Years, and this room, and this scarf I have been working on for my son, who did not receive leave for the holidays…”
“You’ll like this present, Mrs. Mapel. And your son will too, when he comes home, which he will. Just wait and see. The war’s almost over.”
“I know that,” Eloise snapped. “I may be old, but I am not yet senile. I will have this scarf ready by the time he comes home.”
Tina glanced at the scarf. It was almost done. Eloise must’ve been expecting her son to be home this year. Luckily, she would now have some other company. Tina brought the cat carrier out (Jellybean had been surprisingly quiet) and walked over to Eloise. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Mapel.”
Eloise stared at the cat carrier with Jellybean inside it for an unnervingly long time. Eventually she said, her tone expressionless and face inscrutable, “You bought me a cat for Christmas?”
“A kitten. His name is Jellybean.”
Eloise still didn’t say anything. Oh no, she wasn’t allergic, was she? No, Tina would’ve known that.
She continued nervously, “I know a kitten can be a big responsibility. I’m perfectly willing to help with feeding him, cleaning his litter, bringing him to the vet, anything you need… um, I can buy him toys…”
She trailed off as Eloise lifted her hand to Jellybean. He padded forward and sniffed her from behind the wall of the carrier.
“Let him out,” Eloise said softly.
Tina hesitated for a moment, but then said, “Of course, Mrs. Mapel.”
She opened the door and set the carrier on the floor. Jellybean stepped out primly, looking around with his wide, vivid eyes. To Tina’s astonishment, Eloise crouched down next to Jellybean and began petting him. Almost immediately, he started to purr.
“My son loves cats,” Eloise said as Tina watched dumbly. “But my husband was allergic. But now… you’re right, Tina. He will love this gift. As do I. Thank you, Tina.”
Eloise gave Tina one of her rare smiles. Tina watched the pair of them – the small, purring kitten, and the old lady, seeming to gain comfort and strength as she pet Jellybean. They were an odd couple, all right, but they were good for each other – she could tell already.
Tina smiled. She had made the right choice.
“You’re welcome, Mrs. Mapel,” Tina said. “Merry Christmas.”
THE END! J
This was yet another incredible story! I love the characters, who seem so real. I love the humour and bantering. You do dialogue superbly! And I love the way you describe the eventual redemption, the kitten, and show that here may be more to Eloise than even she can see. Spectacular!
ReplyDeleteEloise Mapel was, in her own words, a “crotchety old woman.” – great character introduction. It tells you one thing to say “Eloise Mapel was a crotchety old woman”, but it says so much more when it’s Eloise’s words you use!
She yelled… She hated… She snapped… – great details to show her “crotchety”-ness. It’s good how you also introduce Tina through this.
her son was off at war – if she’s 80, maybe go with grandson. But I really liked how the son away at war defined her, later in the story. You throw this little detail here now, and use it very well near the end!
They were unsurprised, yes, but also disappointed. – good way to put in two details that show how she relates to the neighbourhood
“I think you’re forgetting that she’s nearly eighty,” Tina replied eventually. – you show how she defends her employer
completely missing Mary’s attempt at humor – great character addition
“It’d be brighter if she’d put up some Christmas lights.” – This dialogue is hilarious and very good!
Eloise grunted… was not going to give her an answer. – good introduction to her. You put it in a good place, next to the description of her as not wanting a caretaker, but sometimes needing one.
Eloise was just saying she hated the living room to be disagreeable – another good detail, and it’s nice to get Tina’s history with her so that we can understand how well they know each other.
Tina wasn’t sure if this was actually true. She made up statistics like this sometimes. – brilliant, one of the funniest moments! Also says a lot about the character.
I know you are only trying to help, but I am a crotchety old lady and I only wish to be left in peace before I die. – it’s nice to see that she at least recognises an offer for help.
Tee – the nickname is a small touch that really adds to the depth of relationship we get the sense of.
I still say get her A Christmas Carol. – good re-use, and I like Tina’s reactions to this.
Tina proposed… Eloise had scorned her. – love this listing of various attempts. It really gives the sense of trying a lot
That usually shut them right up. – love the way this is presented, and it is funny too.
ReplyDeleteshe “gave up” in the only way she knew how – like this, shows more of how she relates to Mary
What harm could it do? – now you know she’s in trouble!
Jellybean manages to look so harmless while he’s rolling your toilet paper all over the floor. – amazing little detail, so specific that it really brings life to the character.
But then Tina thought about what a kitten could do for Eloise… – great examples, and you use the son very well. Through Tina’s mind it also shows just how much she knows Eloise
“You bought Mrs. Mapel a kitten for Christmas?”
Tina winced as her sister’s voice reached a pitch that only bats should be able to hear. – incredible line, hilarious! I love the dialogue and the descriptions of it.
Yeah, well so was BUYING A BOOK, which I THOUGHT you were doing, but SILLY ME to think you’d actually TAKE MY ADVICE – you can really her the inflexion, and it really seems real!
and be quiet, you’re scaring Jellybean – another great line of dialogue! Love the snowballed because it shows how Tina can get and how Mary knows, and you do well interrupting it with this, so you see she is not too concerned or defending.
“A gift? Tina, you really must stop trying…” it’s sad how this is her reaction to getting present, but it is believablw.
“I know that,” Eloise snapped. – the son does well as a way to give her a sympathetic side.
her tone expressionless and face inscrutable – it’s a step up from crotchety.
She trailed off as Eloise lifted her hand to Jellybean. – a mazing moment!
“Let him out,” Eloise said softly. – here the dialogue and tags work so well, and against all the rest of her stuck-up, over affected speech
“My son loves cats,” Eloise said as Tina watched dumbly. “… Thank you, Tina.” – this dialogue is so much more genuine, and it shows that the rest was all put on, and that she really is good, inside.
Great story! I love how you present the characters. They are super realistic, complicated, and fun! One of your best, to join the ranks of Rebellion, Speaking Again, Redemption, and [Shadow Story], and the like! You have so many amazing stories – keep it up!
Only 5 more to go!!!
This is what a short story should be -- especially on Christmas! Your character portrayals are amazing: well-defined without being stereotypical, believable but not trite. You deliver the right depth and link strands wonderfully. Thanks for this holiday treat!
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