A quote: “I think a good friend, to me, is all about trust and loyalty. You don’t ever want to second-guess whether you can tell your friend something.” ~~ Lauren Conrad

I’ll start with a story …

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Miss Marion lived in the blue house at the end of the cul-de-sac and Ma was fierce in ignoring her.

So when Ma said not to play in front of Miss Marion’s house or ride my bike across her lawn I knew better than to ask “why.” Especially that time I started to open my mouth and Pa, behind her, tipped his head towards me.

Now Janey from across the street is most curious about this and likes to tell me what she overhears what her own mama says. Last time we were riding bikes she could barely wait until we hit Emerson Elementary’s parking lot to talk about it.

“Strawberries!” she said, trying to catch her breath.

“What? How do you figure something like fruit would make for years of hatred between ‘em?”

Janey shook her head, “Just an excuse. Miss Marion’s been growing them for years. So many she needs help getting them in about late spring.”

“Ok. So?”

Janey’s voice dropped, “I heard mom tell Mrs. Murphy that Miss Marion doesn’t grow ‘em for the berries but the boys.”

I must’ve looked like the biggest dummy around as I couldn’t figure out what she was sayin. Until she laughed in my face and I did. Me, 11 years old and knowing things of the world.

I blushed, “What’s that got to do with my Ma?”

Janey leaned in “Years and years ago, it was your Uncle Jeff. Even after your Ma warned her.”

We saw Uncle Jeff every other Christmas and my Aunt Doris and cousins on the other ones. I never asked but I sure felt sorry we couldn’t all spend time together.

Uncle Jeff and Miss Marion? Really?

Almost enough to put me off strawberries.

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Now, it’s your turn.
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. featured image, cropped, Adobe Stock standard license