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“Volunteering.” I tuck my hands into my pockets—my go-to move for when I’m feeling uncomfortable. I don’t feel thisway frequently, but it doesn’t escape my notice that it seems to happen around Carlee fairly often.
“What are you doing here?” I pose the question back to her.
“Volunteering.”
I crack a smile.
Her lips curve in response, and it makes my smile grow. We’ve barely spoken for weeks. When we have, it’s been tense. This interaction is nice. I enjoy not being on the outs. However brief it may be.
Jose looks between us. “Do you two know each other?”
“We grew up together,” I answer. I seem to be explaining that to a lot of people lately.
“You don’t say? Talk about a small world.” Wisdom gleams in his aged eyes. “I’m sorry to say you two will need to save the catching up for later. The doors are about to open.” Sure enough, Erika and another volunteer are on their way to the cafeteria doors.
Carlee nods and moves to the front of the serving line. Jose motions for me to go to the end. After a brief pause, I heed his silent order and post myself in front of the green beans and peach cobbler. Jose positions himself in the middle with the mashed potatoes.
The doors open and people enter the cafeteria in an orderly fashion. Erika directs them to where they pick up a tray and a large plate before they move down the line for food.
I watch the first couple of people. Everyone starts in front of Carlee where they pick the meat main course or the vegetarian option. She greets each person with a kind smile. She seems to know a few, more evidence that this isn’t her first time volunteering here. Then again, Carlee has never known a stranger. It used to drive me crazy.
The world is an evil place where evil people thrive. I was convinced someone would take advantage of the trusting youngwoman, but the world hasn’t chewed her up or spit her out. Instead, I’d say she’s thrived.
Honestly, I’m in awe of her.
Carlee’s achieved her dream job at a young age, and her success isn’t due to some lucky athletic ability, but rather hard work and determination. Not that I didn’t bust my ass to get where I am. I had to prove myself for years in high school and college. But Carlee… I don’t know. I guess I’ve just always been impressed by her.
“Green beans and cobbler?” With each person who stops in front of me, I brace myself to be recognized, but hardly anyone looks up from the appetizing food.
As the minutes pass without someone alerting the room to my identity, I begin to relax. The chatter filling the room and clanking of silverware against dishes is soothing. I’ve always enjoyed this volunteer job. I make a mental note to come do it more often.
I have to walk away from the line to replace the green beans. I’m returning with a fresh chafing dish and see a little girl waiting. She can’t be much older than Carter’s twins.
I switch out the dishes quickly and pick up the slotted spoon. “Green beans?” I ask her.
She nods and holds her tray closer, making it easier for me to scoop. Stuffing is falling out of the holes in her jacket’s sleeves. “Can I have extra, please?”
“Sure.” I scoop two piles of the vegetable onto her dish. “Are green beans your favorite vegetable?”
She nods again. “Yes.”
“Mine too.”
“Is that why you’re so tall?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re really tall,” she states, looking me up and down in a clinical way that makes me want to laugh. “Is it because you eat alot of green beans?” The line is building behind the girl, but none of the adults seem to mind. Not that I bother to look their way to see if they’re irritated. There’s something about the little girl that captures and holds my attention. It doesn’t take long to realize it’s the fact she’s looking me in the eye.
“Hm.” I tilt my head to the side. “It’s possible. I never really thought about why I’m so tall.”
“It’s probably the vegetables,” she tells me. “My mom says vegetables make you tall.”
“Then it must be the vegetables,” I say. “Do you want to be tall one day?”
“Yes. I want to be able to reach the top shelves in our kitchen. I don’t like using our step stool. It’s wobbly, and I’m afraid to fall.”
It’s such a practical answer, I can’t help but smile. “Well, I’m sure you’ll be tall enough to reach the shelves one day. But just to be sure, how about another scoop of green beans?”
