Changing Reflections

Part II

After her first two days, Trixie began going solo in the concession cart. She felt comfortable using the various paths and shortcuts and had begun to recognize a few of the regular golfers.  Driving  through the back part of the course,  Trixie had plenty of time for reflection, always recalling how upset and dismayed she was earlier in the year when she realized that Honey and Diana would be going away to college and she wouldn’t.  “I felt like the biggest loser in the world.  I didn’t even want to do anything with the Bobwhites because every time somebody mentioned college, I’d get all mopey.”  Trixie winced as she recalled how she dragged herself around at school and at home, too depressed to summon the energy to do much.  She hated the thought of staying home and attending the community college, but that was the only logical choice she had.  “At least now I have a chance to earn enough money to join Honey next year.”  

Trixie’s mind then drifted to her relationship with Jim and how it had turned out so differently than she had expected.  Initially, she and Jim had had a lot of fun together but then he began to give her direction and guidance instead of letting her figure things out on her own. As she became more melancholy about her college situation, Jim’s patience frayed and their arguments became more  frequent.   “I always thought  as long as I had Jim, everything would be so perfect.  I guess I wasn’t being very honest with myself or fair to Jim.”  Trixie couldn't help but roll her eyes when she remembered Jim’s dismay when she informed him of her new job. “That’s when I knew our relationship wasn't going to work,” she mumbled.  “I thought I was going to pull my hair out when he carried on and on about how busy I was going to be and how I wouldn’t have time for him.”

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Trixie veered right in the cart and headed toward the eighteenth hole, determined to check out in hoping to find an explanation for the strange goings-on. Since she’d starting working, a shot glass had appeared four more times “There’s got to be a reason for the shot glass, there’s just got to be and I’m going to find something.”.  This morning  she was determined to get out and look around, even crawl into the thick hedge if necessary in order to search for clues. “Today’s the day,” she vowed as she approached the hole.  “Or maybe not,” she muttered when she saw three golfers preparing to putt. With a half-hearted wave, she drove by, frustrated that her plans had been thwarted.

Driving back through the course, Trixie reflected on the new friendships she had made since starting her job.  She was excited and pleased when co-workers invited her to join them for various after-hours activities. Unfortunately,  in her eagerness, she made impulsive choices that led to problems between her and the Bobwhites. She recalled the unpleasant scene at the farm two nights ago.

 

“It’s about time you got here,” sneered Mart.  

“What?” demanded Trixie as she climbed out of her mother’s car.  

“Did you forget about the Bobwhite cookout?  Never mind, it’s apparent you did.  I assume you’re now the manager of the country club.  What else could explain your extension of required hours?”

Trixie bit her bottom lip.  “I guess I forgot about the cookout.”

“Forgot? But where have you been? It’s after nine o’clock and I suspect  it’s a little dark for the golfers to be out?”

“For your information, sometimes my help is needed in other areas.”  Trixie noticed Honey, Jim, Diana and Dan listening to her and Mart’s heated exchange.

“So what were you doing tonight?” Mart’s face loomed close to Trixie’s.

“None of your business!”

“Trixie,” admonished Moms.  “Don’t forget to grab your wet bathing suit from the car.”

“Bathing suit?”” demanded Mart, an angry expression spreading across his sunburnt face.

Trixie shoved past him and returned to the car where she retrieved the bag containing her swim gear.

“Wait a minute.  Were we waiting for you while you were indulging in a pleasant dip at the country club pool?”

Trixie slammed the car door.  “Shut up, Mart.”  She stomped by the quiet group in the back yard and hurried up to her room where heaved her bag into the corner and dropped onto her bed.  She felt tears threatening but willed them away.  “I just forgot,”she whispered.  “Is that a major crime?”

Trixie wanted to stay in her room until the group in the backyard left, but Moms demanded she finsh the chores she had neglected that morning.  So while the rest of the Bobwhites gathered around the picnic table, a tired Trixie folded several loads of laundry then put away the dinner dishes.  As she was stacking the last plate, the Bobwhites came into the kitchen, their boisterous voices echoing off the walls.

“Hi, Trixie.”  At Honey’s greeting, the room became quiet.

“Hi, Honey.” Trixie busied herself folding and refolding the dish towel, reluctant to meet her best friend’s gaze.

“Tomorrow’s going to be a scorcher,” Honey continued.  “So we were thinking that a late evening  swim in the lake would feel really good.”

Trixie nodded.

“Can you join us?”

Trixie’s head snapped up.  “Y..y..you want me to join you?”

“Sure.”

“Yes!” shouted Trixie, relief flooding through her. “And I’m really, really sorry about tonight.”

“It’s in the past,” said Honey.  “But don’t let it happen again, young lady.”  The twinkle in Honey’s eyes told Trixie she was forgiven.  

“Cross my heart.”  Trixie soberly made a mark across her chest then she, Honey and Diana shared a group hug.

“Sheesh!’ Mart rolled his eyes.  “Maybe I should miss a few Bobwhite events.”

“Gee, Mart, if you want a hug, I suppose I could give you one,” offered Dan.

“Forget it.” Mart held up his hands.  “Somehow I don’t think your hugs could ever compare to Diana’s.”

Caught up in the moment,  the three girls were excitedly chattering amongst themselves.

“Come on,” cried Diana.  “Let’s go build a fire in the firepit.” She led the trio to the backdoor.  

“Where do you think you’re going, Trixie?” Moms, entering the kitchen,  stopped the group.

“We’re going out to the firepit,” answered Trixie.

“No.  The others are going there. You still have unfinished chores to get done.”

“Please, Moms,” begged Trixie.

Moms shook her head.  “No.  I let you off earlier to go swimming.  It’s now pay-up time.”

Trixie looked at the others.  “Sorry.  I can’t make it tonight,” she said unhappily.

“Oh.” Diana opened the door.  “Well, I guess we’ll see you tomorrow then?”

“I promise.” Trixie loaded a stack of freshly folded towels into her arms and left the kitchen.  

The remaining Bobwhites went back outside but with Dan and Mart having to work early the next morning, they decided to call it a day.

After stowing the towels in the linen closet, Trixie went into her room.  Seeing her tote bag in the corner, she emptied it, putting her wet suit over a towel rack in the bathroom then she got ready for bed.  As she was sliding between her sheets, she looked bitterly at her computer. “Another day with no work on the mystery. Maybe I’ll have time tomorrow,” she sighed dispiritedly as she turned off her light.

 

With a shake of her head, Trixie opted to put the unpleasant memory out of her mind and instead  focus all her energies into her interactions with the golfers.  By the end of her shift, Trixie’s  efforts had garnered her several generous tips.  “At least I did this right,” she mumbled as she clocked out and went outside to wait for her mother.

********

When Trixie arrived for work a few days later, Phil met her at the door. “Where were you last night?”

“Huh?”  

“Last night.  Remember?  We were all going to go miniature golfing.  We waited around for you but finally gave up.”

“Oh, no.  I”m sorry.  I thought that was tonight.” Trixie slapped her forehead with her palm. “ How could I have been so stupid?”

“Well, you missed a great time.”  Phil disappeared back into the kitchen, letting the door slam behind him.

As Trixie loaded her supplies, she thought about the previous evening ride with Honey and Jim and how she hadn’t been able to get rid of the niggling feeling that she was forgetting something. “And I was!  Gleeps! When am I going to get it together?”  Firing up the golf cart, Trixie made a quick u-turn then angrily sped off along the shaded path, hoping she wouldn’t make any more careless slip-ups.

One Saturday, Trixie arrived at work and discovered there had been an error that scheduled her and Angela for the same shift.

“What do we do now?” asked Trixie as the two stared at the schedule that was posted on the wall.

“Do you want to work?” asked Angela.

“Sure.  Do you?”

Angela nodded her head, causing her ponytail to swish back and forth. “Tell you what.  We can play Rock, Paper, Scissors for the shift. Game?”

“You’re on.”

Both girls shook their fists three times then opened them.  

“Ha!  I win,” crowed Angela.

“The shift is yours, fair and square.  See ya later.”

Trixie placed a call to her Mother then went outside to wait.  Sitting on a bench,  she strategized potential plans for her suddenly free day. Deciding to spend some much-needed time with Honey, Trixie eagerly charged up the hill to the Manor House when she got home.  

“Hi, Miss Trask,” smiled Trixie when the Governess opened the front door of the Manor.

“Hi, Trixie.”  Miss Trask smiled warmly at the young woman.

“Is Honey here?”

Miss Trask looked confused. “No, she isn't it.  She went shopping with her mother.  Oh dear, did she forget she had plans with you?”

Trixie shook her head.  “No.  I unexpectedly got the day off work and thought I would spend it with her.”

“That would have been nice.  We miss seeing you around here, Trixie.  And I know Honey will  be sorry she missed you.”  

Trixie’s eyes traveled around the beautifully landscaped grounds as she stood, unsure of what to say next.

“Trixie?”

“Huh?  Oh, yeah, I guess I messed up again.”

“What do you mean?”  Miss Trask stepped out, closing the door behind her.  She sat down on the glider and motioned for Trixie to join her. “Tell me, Trixie.  What did you mess up?”

Trixie took her seat.  “It’s just...Oh, I don't know. Everything is so confusing.  You know I got a job at the Sleepyside Country Club and I really want  to make enough money so I can join Honey at college next year.”

Miss Trask nodded. “That’s an admirable goal.”

“Yes, but it seems to be irritating people.”

“Oh?”  

Trixie took a deep breath. “When I got my job, I thought I would be working part time. But it’s actually closer to full time.”

“That’s a lot.”  Miss Trask’s soothing voice provided encouragement to Trixie.

“So, I’m working plus I still have to do my chores at home.  Then the Bobwhites want me to do things with them.”

“Yes, I’ve heard them discussing their plans on occasions.”

“Then, there are my new friends at work who include me in their activities.   But I keep forgetting things that I’ve already committed to. In the end, I make people mad and wind up feeling frustrated and guilty. ” Trixie paused.  “Does any of this make sense to you?”

Miss Trask smiled knowingly.  “Oh, indeed it does.  I remember going through the same feelings when I was about your age.”

“Really?”  

“Yes.   When I got my first job, I  had some tough choices to make and a lot to figure out.”   Miss Trask shifted her body so she could look directly at Trixie. “Let me ask you something:  Were you nervous on your first day of work?”

“Yes!”

“Did you wish somebody was there with you?”

Trixie nodded. “I kept wanting Honey there.  She’s always so good with people and knows exactly what to say.”

“But she wasn’t there.  So you had to do it by yourself, right?”

Trixie nodded.

“And then, by the end of the day, you realized that you did it. How did that make you feel?”

Trixie thought for a moment.  “Strong.”

“Exactly.  Meeting challenges, making new friends and trying new things can be very exciting.”

Trixie nodded her head.

“And that excitement makes you want to try more.”

“Uh-huh.”

“And so you do.   But then you feel guilty because the Bobwhites have always been there for you and now you’re off having fun with a new group of people.”

“Gleeps, Miss Trask.  You do get it!”

“Trixie, you’re just growing up. Trying new things and meeting new people are a part of that. Tell me, when Jim and Brian left for college, did you think they’d spend all their time in their dorm rooms?”

“Of course not.”

“Why?”

“Because if they didn’t go out and do things, they would miss out on a lot.”

“That’s right.  Then Mart and Dan went to college and again, you assumed they were meeting new people and doing new things.  Right?”

Trixie nodded.

“And now it’s your turn.”

“But I’m not at college yet.  I’m still here.”

“That’s true.  However, I view this summer as a sort of pre-college for you so you’re experiencing these challenges a bit sooner than either Honey or Diana.  I’m sure, come fall, they’ll both be going through the exact same thing.”

Trixie stared across the lawn, shimmering with the afternoon heat.  “So, I’m not a bad person for having fun with other people?”

Miss Trask laughed lightly.  “Trixie, no matter how hard you try, you could never be a bad person.  No, you’re just experiencing your own growing pains.”

“How can I make it easier?”  Trixie looked up at MIss Trask, hoping the woman had an answer for her.

“I’m not sure you can.”

“Why?”

“Because your desires oppose one another. But as time goes on, things will settle down and you’ll be able to balance the different aspects.”

“I want to be able to do that now.”

“Trixie, I have complete faith in you.  You’ll figure it all out but there is a learning curve.  And some days will be harder than others. But  I sincerely believe you’ll come through it just fine.”

“But I don’t want the Bobwhites to be angry with me.”  Trixie slumped back against the cushions. “Do you think we’ll go back to the way we were?”  

“I think you can answer that yourself, Trixie. Remember when Brian and Jim left for college?”

Trixie remembered the older boy’s departure.  The remaining Bobwhites had complained, sometimes bitterly, that they never heard from the two.  Over time, the complaining stopped and they resumed their friendships.  Then when Mart and Dan entered the community college, Trixie, Honey and Diana grumbled about being ignored.  But within a few weeks, the grumbling stopped  and when the group had time to spend together, they found they actually relished each other’s company more.

“We did struggle,” answered Trixie with surprise.  “And then we went and did our own things.  But when we were together, it was as if nothing had changed.”

“Don’t you think that will happen again?”

“I guess so.”  Trixie fussed with the glider’s cushion.  “But I want that to happen now.”

“But it can’t because, despite it all, you’re growing up a lot this summer. However, there is one thing I am quite certain about.”

“What’s that?” Trixie’s eyes were wide and  questioning.

“Even though you’re doing things on your own, you hold the Bobwhites in your heart and always will.”

Trixie felt a blush rise through the roots of her blond hair.  “That’s true. Thanks, Miss Trask.”  

“Oh, and Trixie…”

“Yes?”

“You can always request a day off if there’s a Bobwhite event you want to attend.”

Trixie nodded then left the cool veranda and slowly walked down the hill to Crabapple Farm and to her room. Knowing Honey wanted to have a big Bobwhite celebration for the Fourth of July, she immediately phoned the country club and requested that day off.  Pleased with that action, she then opened her laptop computer and began searching for anything that might help her with the mystery of the 18th hole.

A few days later, Trixie, Mart, Honey, Jim, Diana and Dan were lounging in the Bobwhite clubhouse sipping cool drinks and munching  crunchy, salty tortilla chips.  The only Bobwhite missing was Brian.

“Let’s get this meeting started,”  said Trixie, pleased to be in attendance with the rest of the group.  “I have to work this afternoon.”

“What?” Honey looked at Trixie in surprise.  “I thought we were going for a ride after the meeting.”

“A ride?”  Trixie frantically tried to remember if she had made any plans with her friend.

“Trixie, for the past year we’ve always gone for a ride after a Bobwhite meeting so we can talk things over.”

“Oh.”  Trixie brushed her hair back from her forehead.  “I guess I never realized it was set in stone.”  She couldn’t meet Honey’s gaze.

“Of course it’s not.”  Honey said quickly.  “I understand if you have to work.”

“I do.” Trixie shifted uncomfortably in her chair, “Angela and I are doing an inventory of the paper products.”

“That shouldn’t take too long, should it?”

Trixie shook her loose curls. “But afterwards we’re going to go swimming,” she said quietly.

The clubhouse became silent.

“Hey,” said Trixie, “why don’t you come with me?”

Honey shook her head.  “No.  You go ahead.”

“Seriously, Honey.  I could text you when Angela and I are done and you could join us. Angela would love to meet you. Plus, you could meet some of the other employees too.  You know, put a name to the face.” Trixie tried to grin, but it felt forced so she stopped.

“Did you forget you’re supposed to weed the garden today,” added Mart.  “And don’t think you can get somebody else to do it for you.”

Trixie glared at her brother.  “Are you done?”

“Natch.  Never.”  Mart grabbed a handful of tortilla chips and sat back in his chair.

“Honey,” Trixie addressed her friend again, “I’ve told Angela all about you and all the mysteries we’ve solved and she’d love to meet you.  You really should join us.”

Honey shook her hair and opened her spiral notebook in preparation of her notetaking.  “You go ahead, Trixie. I need to help my mother with a few tasks anyway.”

“Trixie, maybe you should call the meeting to order,” suggested Dan, raising his dark eyebrows.

“Right.” She banged her fist on the table.  “I call this Bobwhite meeting to order.  Is there any old business?”  After a brief silence, broken only by the sound of crunching chips, Trixie continued. “Okay.  Then let’s move on to the Fourth of July.  Are there any ideas how we should celebrate?”  She looked around expectantly.

Honey raised her pencil in the air.  “I was thinking we could  have an old-fashioned cookout.”

“Good idea,” nodded Trixie, offering Honey a warm smile.

“I think a cookout will be the quintessential holiday experience.” Mart rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

“Where do we want to have it?” asked Trixie.

“Why don’t we have it at my house,” offered Diana.  “We can decorate the patio, have a pool party and then cook the food on the grill.  Afterwards, we can all go to the fireworks together, then come back and make s’mores.”

Mart kissed his fingers.  “Delicioso!”

“Ooh, Diana.  That sounds like so much fun,” commented Honey. “Jim, what do you think?” Honey turned to her brother, who had remained his silence during the meeting.

“Sounds good.  Is everybody able to make it?” He directed his questioning gaze toward Trixie.

“I’ve requested the day off,” promised Trixie,  receiving a thumbs-up from Dan.

“Now we need to decide who’s going to make what.”  Trixie looked at Honey.  “Are you ready?”

Honey turned to a fresh page in her notebook.  “Go.”

A cacaphonous conversation followed, with the Bobwhites talking over each other about menu choices and duty assignments.  When the discussion got too loud for the small clubhouse, Dan gave a shrill Bobwhite whistle.

“Enough talking.  We’re going to go around the room and we’ll all say what we are bringing.  Trixie’s not the only one with plans this afternoon.”

“What are you going to do?” Trixie looked at Dan curiously.

“Something with a lovely young lady that doesn’t include any of you,” grinned Dan.  “So, let’s get this done.”

Following Dan’s suggestion, order returned to the meeting and within a few minutes Honey had a complete list of food and supplies that each Bobwhite would be donating to the cookout.  

“By the way,” asked Honey.  “When’s Brian coming home?”

Trixie shrugged.  “Later this week, I guess.”

“Good,” smiled Honey.  “I’m so excited that we’ll all be together for the Fourth of July.  This celebration will be spectacular.”  She shook her index finger toward Trixie. “And you better get the day off.  You’ve missed enough Bobwhite get-togethers.”

“Fingers crossed.”  Trixie held up both her hands, showing her intertwined fingers.  When she received a genuine smile from Honey, Trixie knew her friend wasn’t upset with her.  “I just have to make sure I don’t forget anything else,” Trixie admonished herself while the rest of the group chatted around her. “I can’t believe I offered to help with the inventory the same day we had a Bobwhite meeting scheduled. What was I thinking?”

“So guys,” said Honey as the conversation dwindled, “this Fourth of July may be the last time we’ll all be together for a while.  So let’s make it count!”  Honey tapped her pencil on the table for emphasis. After making a few more notes, she suggested Trixie end the meeting.

After grabbing one last handful of chips,  Dan made a hasty exit while Mart and Diana leisurely strolled out the door and through the woods towards Diana’s house.  Trixie, Jim, and Honey tidied the clubhouse then locked it up.

“Are you sure you don’t want to join us?” asked Trixie. “It’ll be a blast.”

Honey shook her head.  “No.  Have fun and call me later.  Maybe we can do something after dinner.”

“Deal,” answered Trixie.  She watched as Honey and Jim started up the drive to the Manor then  turned and jogged down the hill to her own home, the earlier awkwardness already forgotten in her haste to give the garden a quick weeding before going to the Country Club.

***************

 

“Hey, Phil,” Trixie called out to the busboy when she entered the country club dining room the next day.  “How’s it going?

Without waiting for a response, Trixie loaded up the concession cart, grabbed the change bag and took off along the golf path.  It was a sunny, warm day and business was brisk.  Trixie chatted as she sold cold beers, lemonades and even some ice cream sandwiches.  Driving along,  she saw a small gap along the path and pulled off so she could  rearrange the contents of the coolers.   As she slammed down the lid, Trixie heard a rustling sound behind her.

“Excuse me,” said a male voice.

Trixie spun around.  “Can I help you?” she asked as she faced a tall young man with dark hair who was dusting his dirty hands against his well-worn jeans.

“I’m Ryan, member of the  grounds’ crew.”

“Hi, I’m Trixie.”  She pointed her thumb to the cart behind her. “Cart girl.”

Ryan, wiping the sweat from his brow,  walked around the low hedge that separated the two.    “I’ve seen you driving around, but I haven’t been able to stop you.”  He gestured toward the lush flower beds.  “What do you think?”

Trixie’s eyes took in the colorfully arranged impatiens, ivy and coleus that Ryan tended.  “They’re beautiful. You must have a really big, green thumb. Do you like working on the grounds here?”

Ryan nodded.  “Yep.  I love gardening and his place gives me the perfect opportunity to do just that.  Plus, I get a discount when I want to golf.”

“Are you a golfer?”

Ryan chuckled,  “If I could swing it, I would golf everyday.”

Trixie laughed,  immediately deciding she liked the young man.

Ryan grinned.  “So, have you heard about the shenanigans on the eighteenth hole?”

Trixie’s nodded excitedly.  “Angela told me all about it.”

“Nobody can figure out how the glass gets there.”

“What do you think the shot glass means?”  Trixie’s eyes sparkled anticipating a discussion of the mystery.

Ryan shrugged.  “I’m pretty sure it has something to do with the Indians that used to live in the area.”

“Indians?  What makes you say that?” Trixie’s wide eyes darted left and right.

“I think I read something about that somewhere. But then again, I could be wrong.”

“I thought maybe the shot of whiskey was some sort of golfer superstition.”

“Hmm, that’s an interesting idea.  I never thought of that.”

The two stood side by side and stared contemplatively toward the eighteenth hole.

“No matter what the reason, nobody can figure out how the shot of whiskey gets there,” declared Trixie as she tried to imagine different ways of accessing the area. “I’ve tried to check it out but it seems a thirsty golfer always interrupts me. Don’t they know we want to find out who’s doing this?” She pounded a fist on the palm of her other hand.  “Speaking of thirsty, would you like anything?”

“Yeh, a bottle of water would be great. I left my favorite water jug at home this morning.”

Trixie reached into the cooler and pulled out a frosty bottle and handed it to Ryan.  After accepting his money, she climbed behind the wheel.   “I’d love to talk more but I need to get moving.”

“Okay.  Look for me when you’re out and about.   It’s always nice to take a short break and chat with somebody besides the squirrels.” Ryan winked then waved Trixie off.

When Trixie looked back,  Ryan was down on his hands and knees, breaking up the dirt  around the bright, magenta colored impatiens.   Pleased that she’d made another acquaintance at work,  Trixie couldn’t help but smile as she zipped through the picturesque course.

As her day continued, Trixie thought about the glass of whiskey, what it meant, and how it got on the course. When her shift was over, she drove back to the clubhouse and emptied the coolers and turned in her paperwork and change. As she exited the side door, she made a quick decision.  “I’m going to grab a cart and take a quick drive up to the eighteenth hole and look around.”  But before she could put her plan into action,  a honk from the corner caught her attention.  Groaning inwardly, Trixie reluctantly ran to Jim’s car.

“Are you my ride today? ” she asked, working hard to tamp down her annoyance.

Jim nodded.  “Your carriage awaits you.”

With a wistful glance toward the line of available golf carts, Trixie slid into Jim’s car.  “Maybe tomorrow I’ll get to check things out,” she told herself as she clicked her seatbelt and settled in for the short ride home.

As Jim pulled out of his parking space, a golf cart whizzed by, carrying two men and their clubs.  Seeing Trixie in the car, they waved at the girl.  

“Thanks for the cold beer, honey,” one yelled out.  

Smiling, Trixie returned the wave.  “Any time!”

“See you tomorrow,” yelled the other as their cart disappeared behind the clubhouse.

“Who was that?” asked Jim, a slight edge in his voice.

“That’s Uncle Rico and Uncle Chico, Angela’s father and uncle.  They’re really sweet and a lot of fun.   I swear, they’re out on the course almost everyday.”

“Uncle Rico and Uncle Chico?  Is that what you call them? Sounds a bit too familiar to me.”

“That’s what everybody calls them, even the manager of the country club,” sighed Trixie.

“They look like pretty rowdy characters.”

Trixie laughed. “They are.  But I like them.”

As Jim drove her home, Trixie described some of the outlandish antics she had witnessed from Uncle Rico and Uncle Chico.

“Seems like you’re really enjoying your job,” noted  Jim.

“I am,” grinned Trixie.

“Still, I wish we could see more of you.”  Jims voice had a tinge of sadness to it..

“But I’m finally making some real money that might enable me to go away to college next year,” pointed out Trixie.

Jim shrugged but said nothing else.

 

When they arrived at Crabapple Farm, Trixie hopped out of the car and, with a quick wave, ran across the terrace to the back door. Finding the kitchen empty, she fixed herself some cheese and crackers, grabbed an iced tea,  then headed to the privacy of her room.  After she opened her laptop computer, she briefly played lightly over the keyboard before beginning to conduct  various searches about the history of Indian tribes who had lived in the region. Finding scads of information about the various tribal families and their activities in the valley, she was soon engrossed in her reading, pausing only to take a sip of her drink or to grab another cracker.  Her mother’s request that she come downstairs and set the table interrupted her research.  “Great.  Just when things were getting interesting!”  Frustrated,  she stripped off her work shirt and shorts and slid into a more comfortable pair of cutoffs and a well-worn t-shirt.  

*********************

The next morning Mart dropped Trixie off on his way to his own job.  After prepping the cart,  she started off on her rounds, looking forward to seeing many of the regular golfers as well her fellow employees.  As she came around a large flower bed, she saw Ryan refreshing the mulch around it.

“Hey, Ryan,” Trixie called out.

Ryan’s head popped up and a wide grin spread across his face.  “Hey, Trixie, I’m feeling a bit wild today, so how about an Arnold Palmer.” He strolled over to the concession cart, money in hand.

“Not  water? Are you sure you can handle it?” teased Trixie.

Ryan nodded and Trixie hopped out of the cart and dug through one of  the coolers until she found a particularly cold drink.  “And here’s a cup of ice for you. Enjoy!”

Trixie watched  Ryan greedily gulp down the sweet drink.  “So,” she began, “was there a suspicious occurrence  today”

Ryan nodded.  “Yep.  As soon we got to the hole, we could see the little shot glass there, full of whiskey.  And get this, the ground was still damp with dew, but there were no footprints or anything else.”

“No footprints?  Could somebody have put it there last night?”

Ryan shook his head.  “I don’t think so.  The glass itself didn’t have any moisture on it.”

“Then how did it get there?” puzzled Trixie, unable to keep her eyes from looking toward the eighteenth hole.

Ryan grinned. “I don’t know.  But it sure looks like a big waste of the whiskey.”

“Was there anything else?”

Ryan nodded.  “This time, the shot glass bore the logo of the Westchester Community College.”

“It did?”

“Uh-huh.”

“So maybe our culprit’s a student there and golfs here.  Or maybe it’s an employee.  That would explain how he’s accessing the golf course.”  Her brow furrowed.  “But it doesn’t explain why.”

Trixie would have liked to talk with Ryan longer, but an approaching group of golfers derailed that intent.   “Gleeps! It always happens this way.  Just when I think I can figure out a piece of the puzzle, I get interrupted.” Hopping back into her cart, she drove over to the golfers, leaving Ryan standing at the edge of the cart path finishing his cold tea.  

Later that day, as Trixie prepared to close out her shift, she ran into Angela.

“Hey, Trixie.  How’s it going?”  

“Great.  I’m having a lot of fun and now most of the golfers now.”

“I bet you do.  They just love a cute, friendly girl.”

Flustered by Angela’s remark, Trixie chose to ignore it and instead began counting the money in her change bag and checking her sales log.  Studying Trixie’s notations, Angela noticed Trixie had made a sale to Ryan.

“So, you’ve met Ryan.  He’s a pretty cool guy.”

“Yes, and today he indulged himself and bought an iced tea”  

“Oh no! I wish I’d been there to see that.”  Angela pretended to be shocked. “He’s such a stickler for water.”

“I got that impression when I met him.  But listen to this: he said there was a glass of whiskey  sitting the eighteenth hole this morning.  The glass had the emblem of the Westchester Community  College on it.”

“Really?”

“Uh-huh.”  Trixie’s mind whirled.. “Do a lot of college students work at the country club?”

“I’m not sure.  I only focus on my own responsibilities.”

“Hmmm…  If only we could look at employment records.”

“Trixie, you know you can’t do that, right?”

Trixie nodded.  “Yeh, I know.  Just wishful thinking on my part. Ryan’s puzzled by this mystery too.”

“I think everybody is.”

“I wish I could figure out at least one piece of this puzzle.”  Trixie’s eyes narrowed as her thoughts focused on the mystery..

“Has he shared his golf stories with you yet?” asked Angela, changing the subject.

“No.  But I take it he loves to garden.”

Angela laughed.  “That’s an understatement.  He once turned his entire backyard into a huge vegetable bed, then gave away all the produce to the homeless.”

“Wow, what a great thing to do!”  Trixie’s respect for her new friend grew. “He kinda sounds like a Bobwhite.”

“A what?”

“Never mind.” Trixie impatiently brushed a curl away from her cheek. “What else does he do?”

“Did you know he’s a grad student?”

“Really?”

“Yep.  I’d love to be in one of his classes.” Angela continued.  “I bet they’d be really interesting.” She continued to give Trixie a brief rundown of Ryan’s activities until she was interrupted by an approaching cart.

“Hi, girls,” called out Uncle Rico.

“Hi, Uncle Rico,” Trixie called out to Angela’s father.  “How was your game today?”

“I’ve done better, I’ve done worse,” Uncle Rico replied. Looking at Angela, he asked, “Are you going to be home for dinner?  I think your Mom is grilling steaks with an herbed butter sauce.”

Angela shook her head.  “Sorry, Dad, I’m on the late shift today.”

Uncle Chico rubbed his hands together.  “Ooh, more for me.”  He looked at his brother.  “I’m invited, right?”

Uncle Rico laughed.  “Of course. After all, you made this beautiful day possible.”

With a wink at the two girls, Uncle Rico floored the pedal and the golf cart took off.

Trixie watched as the cart disappeared behind the clubhouse.  “Is Uncle Chico a weatherman?”

“No, why?”

“Your Dad said your Uncle made this day possible.”

Angela laughed.  “No, Uncle Chico owns an electronics store.  You know, video games and computers.  But he probably paid the green fees and bought lunch today. He does that a lot.”

Before Trixie could ask another question, Phil poked his head out the door.  “Don’t forget about our volleyball game, Trixie.’

Trixie spun around to face the busboy.  “Volleyball game?”

“Yeh, don’t you remember?  The kitchen crew is versing the lifeguards tonight.  You agreed to be part of the team.”

“And that’s tonight?”  

“Yes.  We’re going to meet as soon as we’re done with the kitchen work.”

Trixie looked at her friends.  “I c..can’t make it.”

“What?  We’re counting on you,” exclaimed Phil.

“I’ve got plans tonight.  I’m sorry.”  Trixie swallowed hard, then stared at the ground, not wanting  to see the disappointment in her friends’ eyes.

Angela shrugged.  “That’s okay, Trixie.  We’ve got a strong team.  I’m sure we’ll win anyway.”

“I’m really sorry.”  Shaking her head in dismay, Trixie kicked at a pebble with the toe of her shoe.  “I can’t believe I forgot.’

“Seriously, Trixie, it’s okay.’” Angela patted Trixie’s arm.  “Now help me restock the cart so I can get going.”

Trixie followed Angela into the kitchen where the two loaded their arms with bottled drinks then deposited them into the cart’s coolers.   With a quick glance at the outdoor clock, she realized she had stayed longer than she meant to and that her mother was probably waiting for her. Exiting the clubhouse, Trixie heard the familiar beeping of her mother’s car horn.

“Hi, dear.  Did you have a good day? asked Moms as Trixie slid into the front seat.

“It was fine.”  Trixie’s voice lacked its usual enthusiasm.

“Everything okay?” Moms wound her way out of the country club complex.

Staring absentmindedly out the window, Trixie  nodded.  Suddenly, she sat up when she spied  Ryan wading into the shallow waters of a trap. She watched as he combed the rushes and lily pads, seemingly in search of something.   She noted  his usual grounds’ vehicle parked nearby and that all his equipment was still on it.  

“Hmmmm…”she murmured to herself. “That’s weird. What’s he doing?”

“Who?” Moms glanced quickly at Trixie.

“One of the grounds crew was wading into the water, like he was looking for something.”

“Maybe he was.”

“Why would he be wading in the water?  His job is to work the grounds and take care of the flowers and plants. It doesn’t include the water hazards.  Besides, nobody’s allowed go into the water. They emphasized that repeatedly at orientation.”

“I don’t know, Trixie.  All I know is that your brother has been a pistol all day.  Do you think you could take him to the hardware store? He insists he needs something for his bike.”

“Sure.”  Trixie slumped back in her seat. “I wonder what he was doing? I bet he’s still on the clock” she stewed anxiously.  “I hope he doesn’t get into trouble.”

Later that evening, the Bobwhites got together for a planned  ride through the Preserve.  Trixie,  tired from her long day at work, was still fretting about Ryan and the missed volleyball game so she contributed little to the reciprocal Bobwhite teasing and joking.  

“What’s wrong, Trix?” asked Jim, who sat astride Jupiter.

“Nothing.  Just a little tired.”  She re-positioned herself in the saddle.

“Maybe you’re working too much.”

Trixie shook her head.  “No.  I’m fine.”

“But we never get to see you.” Jim reached to touch Trixie’s arm.

“I’m with you now,” answered Trixie impatiently.

“But the group just isn’t the same without you,” pushed Jim. “And you missed movie night last Sunday.”

Trixie pulled up the reins of her horse.  “Thanks for reminding me, Jim. Look,  I need to earn money and was lucky enough to find a job that I actually like.  Why can’t you be happy for me?”

Jim stopped his horse beside Trixie’s. “Because I miss seeing you.  You’re not around much and when you are, you seem tired or distracted. I’m certain Honey misses you.  You know, we’re not going to be able to hang around together once school starts.”

“I know.”  Trixie’s eyes snapped. “But this is the only way I have any hope of joining Honey next year.  So excuse me for not always be able to join you guys.  I’m doing the best I can.”  She moved her horse ahead of Jim’s and joined the others in front of them, irritated with JIm, irritated with herself and, at that moment, irritated with her life.

***************

Trixie felt refreshed after a few days off and was happy to be back at work.  The brilliant sun made the leaves overhead shimmer as she drove her cart along the path. She could feel the humidity rising and knew it was going to be a hot, muggy day.  Stopping to pull her curls into a ponytail, she heard Ryan call to her.

“Hey, Trixie, just the person I’m looking for.”  

“Hi Ryan!”

“I could really use some juice today,”  he said.

“Sure.”  Trixie hopped out and opened one of the coolers and retrieved a bottle for him.  “I was hoping you had some news for me about the eighteenth hole.”

Shaking his head, Ryan unscrewed the cap from the bottle of his icy drink. “Sorry, no can do.”  He took several large gulps, then wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

“Darn. I was hoping for something to work with.”

“Work with?”  Ryan took another gulp of his drink.

“Yeah. The other day I was on my computer researching local Indian history, which, by the way,  was really interesting but I didn’t learn anything that would help with this mystery.”

“Guess you’ll have to keep digging.”

“When I can find the time.”  Trixie stared off in the distance.

“Something else on your mind?” asked Ryan.

Trixie shrugged.  “Maybe.”

“I’ve got a few minutes if you want to talk about it.”

Trixie hesitated, then turned to face Ryan.  “I love my job and the people I’ve met here.  But I also have a super group of friends that I hang with all the time, or at least I used to before I started working.  I guess I’m not doing a very good job of juggling everything.”

Ryan finished his juice, then tossed the bottle into his cart.  “And your old friends are unhappy with you, right?”

Trixie nodded, the sun reflecting off her unhappy face.  

Ryan ran his hand through his hair.  “Learning to keep several balls in the air is tough.”

Trixie frowned.  “Yea, that’s what a very wise person named Miss Trask told me.  She also said that it’s part of growing up.”  

“She’s right.  Trixie, are you going  to college this fall?”

 “Yes.   I’ll be spending the year at the Westchester Community College.”

“So, maybe it’s a good thing you’re learning how to meet new people and make your own  way.

Trixie looked up at Ryan in surprise. “Miss Trask said that too.  But my friends don’t see it that way.  They just see me as neglecting them.”

“I remember going through the same thing when I got out of high school.  I wanted to work but my friends wanted me to hang with them.”  Ryan shrugged.  “Some of the friendships survived and some didn’t.  But the ones that didn’t probably weren’t worth it anyway.  Besides, I like having multiple groups of friends.”

“But these friendships are worth it.  And I try really hard, but I just can’t fit everything I want in my schedule.”

“I bet you wish your friends would understand what you’re going through.”

“Yes, that would be nice.”

“And I bet you thought this summer was going to be fun and carefree.  Instead, you’re trying to juggle a lot of different expectations and end up frustrating yourself.

“You’re right!”

Ryan grinned. “Of course I’m right.”

Trixie gave Ryan a playful shove.  “Well, before your head gets too big to fit inside your cart, I guess we both better get back to work. Thanks, Ryan.”

“Any time, Trixie.”  Ryan climbed into his grounds’ cart.  “And for what it’s worth, I think you’ll figure it all out.”  He gave Trixie a salute then drove off.

Hearing the voices of nearby golfers shook Trixie from her own  woolgathering. Settling herself in her seat, she zipped off along the shaded path.  

*****

The next afternoon, the clubhouse was full of Bobwhites, all chattering about their activities,jobs and the upcoming  Fourth of July holiday.

“Trixie, you’re off?” Honey looked at Trixie.

“Yes, I am,” grinned Trixie,  pleased her request for the day off had been granted.  “And I have my red, white, and blue clothes all picked out.  After the parade, we’re all meeting at the Lynche’s for a swim and a cookout.  I’ve got it all written down in here.” She tapped the side of her head with her index finger.

“I hope you don’t fail at the retention of any of your information, seeing that’s it’s in such an insecure location,” teased Mart.

Trixie responded by sticking her tongue out at her brother.  

“I’m so glad you’re here, Brian, “said Honey, smiling at the dark haired Belden who had finally  gotten some time off from his summer internship.  “ It might be our last time together for a while.”

Brian, his feet propped up on a wooden crate, yawned and ran his fingers through his hair.  “Oh, I seriously doubt that but I’m glad to be here too. Now if someone could just get those two Belden kids to stop their squabbling…”

Honey cleared her voice. “Ahem, children,  can we please get on with the meeting?”  She read off the items each Bobwhite had volunteered to bring to the cookout.  “Are there any questions?” she asked, looking around.

A shaking of heads gave Honey her answer so she closed her notebook. “This is going to be so much fun.”  

“I second that,” responded Trixie. “I think the Sleepyside Fourth of July parade is one of my favorite events of the year.”

“Mine too.”  Honey and Trixie grinned at each other, happy to know that they would be spending the holiday not only with each other but also with the rest of the Bobwhites.

As the meeting broke up, Jim announced, “Anybody in the mood for a swim at the lake?”

“Me!” chorused the Bobwhites.

“Then meet down at the beach house in fifteen minutes.”

Immediately, the group scrambled to their homes where they hurriedly changed into their  swimsuits.  A short time later, they regrouped along the sunny, sandy shore where they piled their towels and flip-flops, then splashed and plowed into the cool water.  When the good-natured rough housing and dunking became tiresome,  Trixie, Honey and Diana swam out to the raft that was anchored in the middle of the lake and stretched out on the sun-baked  boards.

“How’s your job going, Trixie?” asked Diana.

“Great,” answered Trixie.

“My Dad says you’re a popular cart girl.”

Trixie sat up.  “I don’t know about that but I do enjoy my work.  And I love seeing your Dad there, Diana.  He’s always so jolly, just like Uncle Rico and Uncle Chico.”

“Who?” asked Honey and Diana in unison.

“Uncle Rico and Uncle Chico, Angela Barillo’s father and uncle.”  Trixie launched into several tales involving the antics of the popular golfers, making Honey and Diana laugh and giggle.

“Your job sounds like so much fun.” said Honey.  “I wish I had one.  It’s so boring around here without you.”

“Honey, aren’t you busy getting ready to go to college?  I thought your Mother had several shopping trips planned for the two of you,” said Trixie.

“She does.  But they don’t seem as fun as your job.”

“My job  is fun.  And I’m getting to know a lot of different people.  And  of course, Uncles Rico and Chico make me laugh every time I talk to them. But even though I’m having a good time, I still miss hanging out with you guys. Plus, it’s really hard to keep up with my chores at home.” Trixie dangled her feet into the clear, cold water and watched the ripples her movements created.

“I would love to meet the Uncles.  I think it’s scary meeting new people.  But with you, Trixie, everybody's your friend in just a few minutes.   What am I going to do at school without you?” fretted Honey.

“You’ll be fine.  You’re so sweet, how can anybody not love you? The question is: how I’m going to get along without you and the rest of the Bobwhites?”  Trixie sighed loudly.  “What’ll I do if I don’t understand my Math or English?”  And don’t tell me to get Mart to help me with an English assignment.  That’ll only make things worse.”

“And we thought all our problems would be solved once we graduated from high school.  Boy, were we wrong!” exclaimed Diana.

“Let’s see.” Trixie held up her hand to count off on her fingers.  “We have to do our math by ourselves, make new friends, learn our way around a new campus and stay in contact with our family back home. Anything else?”

Diana nodded.  “Honey and I will not only have to make new friends, but we’re going to have to live with a complete stranger while lucky you will be snuggled down in your own bed in your own room at Crabapple Farm.”

Trixie laid back down on the raft.   “I never thought of that.  I was only thinking how lonely I was going to be when you two were gone.”

“Lonely!” Honey rolled over  “Like that would happen. I bet you’ll hardly be at home.”

Trixie swatted at a particularly pesky fly.  “I better spend some time at home.  That’s where I sleep.”

“I wish I’d chosen to go to the community college” lamented Honey. “Instead of worrying about what color comforter to get, I could be working and meeting new people and…”  She paused to catch her breath.

“Ditto!” echoed Diana.

Hearing the splashing that announced the impending arrival of rest of the Bobwhites, the girls dove back into the water and headed to shore then to Trixie’s cozy room at the farm where they continued the much-needed bonding time in private.

**********

The next day was hot and muggy.  In anticipation of the golfers’ needs, Trixie filled the coolers with plenty of ice and water then started off, relishing the breeze generated by the movement of the cart .  Business was brisk that day and  she had to go back to the clubhouse to refill the coolers several times.  As she drove around the ninth hole, Trixie spotted Ryan in the distance.  Seeing his friendly wave, she stopped and  waited for him to come over.

“Hi, Trixie.  I sure hope you’ve got some water today,” he said with a broad smile, his dark hair clinging to his forehead.

“Yep.  I was looking for you because I figured you’d be thirsty.”  Trixie hopped out of her cart and opened a cooler, fishing around until she found a particularly cold bottle of water.  “Here you go,” she said, tossing it to him.

“Ahhh! Nectar of life!” Ryan unscrewed the cap and gulped the water.  “Hey,” he said, handing Trixie a couple of dollars.  “Do you have any ice cream in there?”

“Of course.”  Trixie showed Ryan her selection.

Ryan selected a creamy fudgesicle that he gobbled down in big greedy chunks.

“Do you have plans for the holiday tomorrow?” asked Trixie.

“Yep.  Me and my buddies are going to golf at a championship course.  It’s one I’ve been dying to get to for a while.”  Ryan bit off another piece.  “What about you?”

“I’m going to a pool party and cookout with friends and family.”  

“That sounds like a splashing event.”  Ryan grinned, licking the remaining chocolate from the stick.  

Trixie laughed.  “That’s right.  I’m celebrating in style, no dive for me!”

“Touche!”

“Anything new on the eighteenth hole?”

Ryan shook his head.  “Same thing.  A glass was sitting there this morning, but there were no footprints. And this time, the shot class bore the logo of a state college about 50 miles away.”

“I bet it’s a student,” said Trixie quickly.  “But why? I’ve been searching online, but haven’t been able to come up with anything.”

“What were you searching for?”

Trixie shrugged.  “I wasn’t sure so I searched through golfer’s superstitions.  But I didn’t find anything that applied to this situation.”

“Did you try researching odd occurrences on golf courses?”

“Odd occurrences?  You mean like UFO’s?” Trixie gave Ryan an incredulous look.

Ryan laughed. “Not like UFOs, just odd stuff. Maybe you should check out Youtube. You never know what might be on there.”

Trixie snapped her fingers. “Good idea.  Thanks.”

Ryan wiped his hands on his pants and then bought another bottle of water.  “Please don’t give up.  I want to see this mystery solved. But now I have to finish up the flower beds. Everything’s got to be perfect for the Fourth.  See you later.” He stepped away from Trixie’s cart, allowing her to slide into the driver’s seat.  With a jaunty wave,  she floored it and zoomed off along the  path, leaving Ryan to get back to his flower beds.  

When Trixie finally finished her shift that afternoon, she was hot and tired, but was pleased with the amount of money she had gotten in tips.  She unloaded her cart, completed her paperwork, then clocked out.  Exiting  the clubhouse, she saw Ryan driving by in his work cart.  Trixie raised her hand to wave, but stopped when she realized he was focused on the parking lot that was reserved for the employees.  Trixie watched as he drove up to a battered Sentra and pulled a large cardboard box off the back of his utility vehicle.   Opening the car’s trunk, he carefully placed the box in it, closed it,  then proceeded to the shed where the grounds crew supplies were kept. She wanted to follow him but the incessant honking from her brother’s car interrupted her intentions.

“Just once,” she groaned, “couldn’t my family be late in picking me up?” She dragged her feet  to Mart’s car and climbed in.  “What’s with all the honking?”

Mart pulled out of his parking space.  “Oh, scatterbrained sibling, the holiday eve is upon us and we don’t have to perform our employment duties tomorrow.  Why not get started as soon as possible?”

“Humph,” responded Trixie as she angrily clicked her seatbelt.   Sliding down in her seat,  she stared out the car window and fretted about her unsolved mystery, Ryan’s odd behavior, and her lack of available time to focus on either.

Word count - 8948

Author’s notes:  A big thank you to my DD Katie who has read various versions of this story for two years.  Her patience is impressive!  Another big thank you to my sister Judith for her keen editing.  Picture courtesy of Pixabay.

Youtube - an American video-sharing website.

Rock Paper Scissors - a hand game usually played between two people

Westchester Community College - a public two-year college sponsored by Westchester County and the State University of New YorkAuthor.