Page 56 of Keel

Chapter 33

Sitting in the bathroom with Keel during the storm had given her time to think. She felt things for him and wanted more with him. Could she trust him? She thought so.

After the storm pushed past, he pulled her up and led her out of the bathroom. He glanced around, taking in the space, and she did, too.

“It doesn’t seem like you suffered any damage.”

“I don’t think we did. I’m going to put on my shoes and see if any neighbors need help.”

She put her hand on his arm. “I want to go with you.”

“Sure.”

She grabbed a sweatshirt from his coat closet and pulled it on, rolling up the arms so they weren’t covering her hands. Once outside, she saw that a bunch of smaller limbs dotted the yards and the street. Ansley and Garnet were outside with Bean and Link picking up limbs.

“Hey, you two,” Link called out.

Keel waved. “I’m going to get a rake and some gloves.”

“Do you have gloves small enough for me?” Frankie asked.

“I have an extra pair,” Ansley called out. “They should fit you. They might be a little dirty, but it’s better than just using your hands.”

“Thank you.” Frankie wandered out into the street, stepping over a few of the larger limbs. “That was bad.”

“Yeah. Not the worst,” Ansley said as she gave her a hug and handed her a pair of gloves.

“I’m afraid of tornadoes.”

Garnet shivered. “They can be scary. I don’t like them.”

The door to Sonja’s house opened, and she stepped outside. “Hello, Frankie. That storm. Whew, it was awful.”

She waved. “Hi, Sonja, are you okay?”

“Yes, my back yard is a mess, though. It’s going to take hours to clean up.”

Keel waved to Sonja, then motioned to the guys. “Let’s go clean up her yard.”

The three men approached Sonja’s porch, and Frankie went, too, followed by Garnet and Ansley. They all introduced themselves, and Sonja seemed pleased by the attention.

“Is your gate unlocked?” Keel asked.

“Why yes, it is.”

“We’ll clean up the limbs,” Link said.

Sonja shook her head. “You don’t have to. I can take care of it.”

“Please let us,” Bean said.

Sonja finally nodded. “Okay. Thank you. I’m baking some bread. I’ll fix you a loaf you can share.”

“Thank you. That would be great,” Bean said.

All six of them headed around the corner of her house, raking together limbs and leaves along the way. It only took them about twenty minutes with all six of them working on cleaning up her yard. Sonja was shocked when she came outside.

“Wow, I’m impressed, that took you no time at all.”