A Penny For Your Books

You’re trying to convince your friends that watching grass grow is the most interesting thing in the world.

“No, you don’t understand!” I spurted, the words coming out more reproachful than I intended. I brushed my fingers through my hair, taking a moment to soothe the shakiness in my hands.

My friends never agreed to participate in the activities I was interested in. We always did what Shayla wanted, and Gretta never had strong opinions of her own. Well, unless it came to my thoughts and opinions-then she turned into a stubborn ass you couldn’t budge. It was Gretta who now fought my ideas with such ferocity.

“Ivy that is simply the worst idea you have ever come up with,” she exclaimed with her head held indignantly high. The way she angled her head made her skin absorb the sunlight in a way that almost made it appear as though she was glowing. Unaware, she dropped her glower first towards the grass, then lifted her dark green eyes to mine. “I appreciate you but there has to be something you want that’s more interesting than this.”

Those eyes were the color of the grass I so adored. Perfectly green. Always steady. I could see the passion rise in them as she held my gaze. “Watching grass grow is quite possibly the last way I would wish to spend my time when there are so many other fun things to do.”

Taking in the words, I turned to my other friend. Shayla remained uncharacteristically quiet. She had been by my side since we were children, and being vulnerable around her came with the sense of ease not easily acquired later in life. She knew why this was something I felt so passionately about and recognized when she should let me hold my own. I gave her a grateful look which was returned with a sad, encouraging gaze.

Gretta did not notice the look of acknowledgement between Shayla and I, and I was glad for it. I reached down to the soft grass growing beneath where we sat and gently plucked the tip of a blade. Twirling it in my hands, I focused my attention once more to my beautiful, glowing friend.

“It’s not necessarily the growing part you’re supposed to enjoy,” I said. I straightened my arm and held the blade out directly in front of me, making it so the green of the grass was next to the same green of Gretta’s eye, both existing in my same line of sight. “You’re just supposed to appreciate the beauty.”

Gretta creased her brows, confusion evident in her face. After a moment, her eyes softened and she gave me the same sad look reflected in Shayla’s eyes.

We sat there for a moment, absorbed in the stillness of the stare between us.

This was it. This was the joy in watching grass grow. As Gretta rose and slowly started packing all our things, only Shayla marked the longing in my eyes.

“Come on,” Gretta said gently. “Let’s all go grab some coffee.”

We each grabbed our things and headed to the car. I decided I’d try again tomorrow to help her understand the real reason I enjoyed watching the grass grow.