"Fluent" -Sunday Scribblings

An Abby and Across Eldamar Story

Abby’s hand hesitated over the metal “hospital-style” pulled down handle. It wasn’t that she hated visiting her great-grandmother. As a child the visits had been mix of joy and boredom. She had liked getting dressed up in pretty pink “twirly” skirts and wearing white lady-like gloves. She always knew there would be special treats on the plate just for her. But it was hard to sit still, to be “lady-like,” and not swing her legs. It was hard to listen to the confusing chatter of foreign languages. Great-Grandmother only speaks German even though she has lived in Canada more than fifty years. In those early days Oma, Abby’s grandmother would interact with the elderly lady and try to translate for the rest of the family. But since Oma had died there was no one in the family to talk to or with Great-Grandmother and visits had become awkward. With a sigh she tried fortified herself for the hour long visit. That would be enough time to be polite and her mother and brother Nathan should be here soon to ease the awkward silence.

The tiny, floral-printed, nursing home room was dark and stuffy from heavy curtains drawn shut. Only a small shaft of natural light and a small table lamp illuminated the space that smelt of peppermints and Vic’s vapor rub. Abby smiled and waved at the tiny woman sitting on the bed in her pink floral blouse and long tan skirt. Great-Grandmother returned the greeting with a smile and extended two frail shaking hands indicating she wanted a hug. Abby leaned down and loosely hugged the ancient woman who smelt like rose-scented shampoo and age.

After their embrace, Great-Grandmother reached for a small table calendar on the night stand. She held it for Abby to see; her birthday was circle in red ink, June 21 the Summer Solace. Then she reached for the nightstand drawer. Abby tried to help wanting to help the fragile woman but was shooed off. Out came a small silver wrapped package with a shimmering gold ribbon. Great-Grandmother handed the gift to Abby humming bars of “Happy Birthday.” There wasn’t much talking; it was how the family tried to manage the language differences. Once and awhile Great-Grandmother would get excited and seemed to forget that no one understood her. She would animatedly ramble on oblivious to the confusion on everyone else’s face.

As Abby held the beautiful package the room door opened and the rest of her family joined them. Once Nathan and her mother were seated she ripped into the silver paper revealing a jewelry box. Inside was the most delicate of family heirlooms, a gold oval amulet on a thin gold chain. The boarder was a twisting Celtic knot with displaying six gems a ruby, sapphire, emerald, onyx, amethyst, and diamond. The center was a unicorn’s side profile. Nathan helped her put on the necklace.

“What do you think Dear One?”

Abby stared in disbelief at her great grandmother. She couldn’t believe hear ears. Had her German immigrant matriarch learned English after decades of living in Canada? It was beyond strange. But there was listening to Great Grandmother talk and Abby was comprehending what was being said. It was the only logical conclusion.

Then she caught her Mother’s and Nathan’s look, it was the normal dazed and vaccaint look that gave Great Grandmother while she rambled on in German as while they all pretend to care and understand. This was strange. What was going on? Abby looked back at Great Grandmother.

“Stop looking at me like that like that child,” there it was again in clear English. “Try not to look like you understand when those two can’t.”

“Pardon?” Abby said.

“We didn’t say anything Dear, and you know Great-Gran only speaks German? Are you taking German at school?” her mother replied. What did this mean, she could understand German but no one else did. She thought up a quick lie.

“Yes Mum, only basics. Great Grandmother talks to much, but I thought I she said “Happy Birthday” I was hoping the classes would help us communicated.”

“That’s sweet of you”

Then Great Grandmother cut in, again in German but Abby understood, “Good lie, Child, not good to lie but it will help cover the magic. You must keep it a secret.” Abby was really shocked. First, Great Grandmother could understand her English and second, the woman was crazy and talking about magic.

“I’m not crazy Dear One. And don’t try to pretend that’s not what you’re thinking. I can read your face. I’ve waited years to pass on this Elven amulet to you. It is your birthright and destiny. You are no mere human girl. You have elf-blood running in your veins and your birthday sets you apart even more. You will find that that amulet does more than just cause you to be fluent in any language. Truly Child, the real adventure is just beginning. “

The End

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