A Rusty and Janie St. Patrick's Day
(A fictionalized short story inspired by actual events.)
A Short Story
By
Rosemary
(The initial version of this story, along with the original
title, were registered by the author at the U.S. Copyright
Office in 2023.)
As March began to near, Rusty thought she would
broach the subject of St. Patrick's Day.
“Hey Mom, what are we going to do this year for
St. Paddy's Day?” the teenager inquired.
“Well, I thought we could just enjoy a quiet holiday
this year,” their mother answered.
“What about that place downtown?” their father inquired.
“I don’t want to travel. Although we had a wonderful time,
as I recall, the traffic was terrible. I was hoping we could
avoid all of that commotion and just enjoy a nice holiday at home,”
their mom replied.
“It’s alright with me if everyone else is okay with staying
around here this year,” their dad answered.
“Sound good, this way Janie and I could spend more time
around here, either watching TV, or hanging out with some
of our friends at that new indoor shopping mall,” Rusty
mentioned with enthusiasm.
“Oh, that’s right, you two will have some time off around
the holiday for school vacation,” their mom mentioned.
As the days passed their mother began going through
the items she would need to prepare the feast on the
special day.
“We’re home,” shouted Janie, as she and her sibling
entered their suburban dwelling.
“Hi kids, I am upstairs just going through some stuff, and
throwing out things we no longer need,” she described,
as she relayed her greeting from the upper floor.
“Come on Janie, let’s go to the kitchen and get a snack,”
Rusty suggested, as she and her sister placed their belongings
on the nearest flat surface, and headed towards the
refrigerator.
As they were walking towards the family room, on top of
one of the garbage containers were three small figurines
which were barely recognizable.
Rusty scooped them up into her hands, and began to
scrutinize each of the items which vaguely started to
bring back certain memories.
They consisted of little Irish boy and girl figurines,
along with a miniature pot of gold.
All three decorations were chipped, and nearly stripped
of all of the original paint.
"Hey Janie, why did Mom throw all of these things out?’
Rusty questioned.
“Well just look at them, they are obviously older
decorations which can barely be recognized,” Janie
commented realistically.
She then added, “Rusty just put them back, and let’s
go watch some T.V.” her twin suggested.
“Hey, what about the other ones in the glass cabinet?”
Rusty asked.
“They are still in great condition, because they are much
newer,” Janie explained, as she pointed towards the
shelf, in which they were still displayed.
“Are you going to watch television with me or not,”
Janie asked annoyingly.
“Sure, I will be right down in a few minutes,” Rusty assured,
as she placed her newest finds aside, before heading towards
the family room.
During the time heading towards the big day, Rusty,
and Janie helped their mother organize everything
for the upcoming at-home event.
“I am happy that we are not going to a restaurant this year.
If we go to an eatery, we only get one meal. This way, we
can buy much more food and store it in the refrigerator
and freezer. We will be able to enjoy the leftovers that we
can heat up for several days,” Janie stated logically.
“Yeah, and we can heat everything up with that new mini -
oven that just came onto the market, you can prepare the
food within a few minutes,” Rusty added.
“I know, I was really surprised when daddy came home
with one,” Janie stated.
“Well, he got a really good price on it from the man who
owns the appliance store because he gave him a nice discount
on his printing order,” Rusty replied.
As the preparations were in full motion, their mother awoke
earlier on that special morning, to begin getting things ready
for their upcoming celebration.
She had already placed the large, corned beef into the oven,
and began to work on the other foods she was intending to
serve.
The menu included two pies, which she had completed earlier
in the week and stored in the freezer. She had also previously
prepared her potatoes dishes, soda breads, and other cuisines.
The aroma of what was to come, pleasantly clouded
the air as a reminder to everyone in the house.
Rusty, and Janie, arose earlier that morning to indulge in their
preferred activity which was to view all of their favorite programs
on television.
“You know Rusty, I am beginning to feel a bit guilty that we
are sitting here watching television, when Mom is working so
hard in the kitchen,” Janie confessed.
"But Janie, we always watch these programs,” Rusty rationalized.
“I know but we are not little kids anymore. Maybe this was okay
when we were younger, but I don’t feel good about it now,”
Janie confessed.
She then stood up to continue her thoughts.
“Rusty, you can do what you want, but I think I will see if
Mother could use any help,” she announced.
“Fine, I guess I can too,” Rusty agreed reluctantly, as
she clicked off the television set.
The twins walked into the kitchen to see if they could
be of any assistance.
“Hey Mom, there was nothing good to watch, so we thought
maybe you could use some help,” Janie offered.
"I certainly could,” she revealed, as she wiped her hands
on her apron before continuing.
“I will take care of the things at the stove, and oven. Why
don’t you girls wipe the table in the dining room, and after
it is dry, you can use this light green tablecloth with the
shamrocks,” she suggested.
“Hey, after we cover the table with this cloth, could we decorate
it our way?” Rusty asked enthusiastically.
“You surely can. Just make certain that you use our good plates,
cups, and utensils. Then, the two of you can decorate it anyway
you desire,” their mother confirmed assuredly.
“If it is only the four of us, then why aren’t we eating in the
kitchen tonight, like we always do?” Rusty asked with
puzzlement.
“Because it is still a special day, and I thought we could
enjoy this particular meal in the dining room,” their
mother explained with a respectful tone.
“Where is Daddy now,” Janie questioned.
“Oh, he is still sleeping. So, let’s do our best to avoid making
a lot of noise until he wakes up,” their mother requested.
The two teenagers immediately got started. They quickly
took a damp sponge and gently wiped the large wooden table in
the center of the small baby blue dining room. This area was
usually off-limits to everyone, and only utilized for holidays,
or special occasions. Once the top surface appeared to be dry,
they took the freshly laundered, and ironed, ornamental fabric,
and carefully spread it out evenly.
Next, they found the delicate-looking white plates with the light
green shamrocks and flowers decorated on them which were
complimented by a gold trim around the edges. They also located
the embroidered ivory-colored linen napkins, along with the fancy
silver utensils and began to set the table.
“Oh, I forgot,” Rusty suddenly remembered, as she promptly
darted out of the room, and returned with her masterpieces
tightly placed in her arms.
“Here they are,” she boasted.
“Where did you buy those?” Janie inquired with puzzlement.
“I will explain later,” Rusty assured confidently, as she placed
them in the middle of the table.
When everything was completed, they walked quietly towards
their mother.
“Mom, we finished everything in the dining room, but I have
a surprise and don’t want anyone to see it until later this
afternoon,” Rusty requested.
“I promise,” their mother pledged, as she continued to work
diligently on the culinary preparations.
Their father finally awakened, and dragged his feet to the
kitchen for some breakfast, and coffee.
“Good morning, I hope the twins have been helping you with
this endeavor,” he jested.
“Yes, they have cleaned and set the table in the dining room.
However, we are forbidden from entering that area because they
have something special in there they do not want us to see until
tonight,” their mother happily reiterated.
“I understand. What are they doing now?” their father asked, as
he grabbed some milk out of the refrigerator.
“They are probably just relaxing and viewing all of the
programs on the tube,” their mother assumed.
Later that afternoon their father decided to tell his daughters
to start getting ready.
“Girls, the meal will be ready soon,” their father
announced through the door.
“Okay Dad,” Janie yelled.
Both sisters started to get ready for the big dinner. They each
selected their own St. Patrick’s Day outfit to wear with their fancy
corduroys, which had become very popular at the time. Both outfits
were fashioned in similar colors but sported in different styles.
Each girl wore their stylish shiny black dress shoes.
They jolted towards the kitchen to help their mother.
She too, was wearing a dressy pants outfit, and fancy footwear.
They noticed that she was also sporting her favorite brooch which
had belonged to their grandmother. Her earrings were the small diamond
ones their father had given to her on their wedding anniversary the year
before.
Like the twins, she also had curly hair but hers was more of a deep
auburn. The lengths of her tresses were much shorter than her
offspring and styled more appropriately for a grown woman. She
had one side of her hair pulled back with a decorative comb barrette.
This complimented her overall appearance.
Their father’s attire was also dressier than the usual clothes he wore
around the house. He was dressed in his black business slacks, as well
as an emerald, green colored sweater worn over one of his dressier
shirts. His dark shoes were gleaming.
Once their dad was present in the food area, they all began carrying
items to the table. The giant corned beef was carried into the next room
by their dad, in its original black pan and placed in the center on the
buffet server.
Their father also carried the large square pans which contained two
different types of potatoes dishes, cooked cabbage, along with the
other selections.
Their mother made a special effort to prepare the little boiled red
potatoes, because she knew the twins liked them.
Both parents brought the vegetables, tossed salad, and soda bread
to the long square buffet server located alongside the table. The
twins brought in some of the other items such as the relish tray.
The siblings had already placed the special metal coasters on the
food counter, in order to accommodate the hot dishes.
“Everything looks great honey,” their father complimented
their mother.
“Thanks, I had some assistance form my two helpers,” she
graciously acknowledged, as she glanced at Rusty, and Janie.
“Good job girls,” their dad praised.
He then inquired about his oldest daughter.
"By the way, I have not seen Irene all day. Why isn't she here
now to celebrate this holiday with us?" he asked.
Remember, as I mentioned to you last week, she was busy all
day taking that practice prep test for college. Today was the
only time they offered it. Since the school is currently on Spring
vacation, I guess they assumed they would not have any interruptions.
She will not be getting home until later," his wife repeated.
Yes, now I recall. However, it would be nice if Irene and
Danny were celebrating this special day with us," Al expressed.
"I know, but it could not be helped. Danny is still at college and could
not get away, and this was the only day that was available for Irene
to take that practice test," Margaret reiterated softly.
Their mother then immediately noticed new decorations in the
center of the table.
“Who bought these beautiful decorations?” their mom asked with
delight.
“Yes, I thought there was something different this year,” their father
noticed.
“Actually, these are not new. They are the ones I found on top of the
garbage can. I decided to wash them and fix them up,” Rusty boasted.
“Wow, they look completely different,” I never would have
recognized them,” Janie admitted with amazement.
“They look fantastic, and I am certainly glad you thought of such
a clever idea. I searched the stores and simply could not find a smaller
set which would match the other decorations. Now we have a complete one,”
their mother gratefully recognized.
“Your artwork is adorable. I especially like the way the little girl one
suddenly has curly carrot-colored hair and freckles,” their father stated
with a chuckle.
“Yes, the ones you refurbished are simply darling. I especially
like the way you colored their outfits with a soft mint green, and
I really like the way you shellacked them which adds a shine to them,”
their mother complimented.
She then paused for a moment before continuing with her
observations.
"The different shades of shimmering greens and sparkling golden
colors add a special magic to them, especially when the daylight
shines in on them from the window which highlights the quality of
the colors. Where did you get all of those pretty glossy paints?"
their mother asked in astonishment
"At the drug store uptown. They had a bunch of older bottles of nail
polishes in their sales bin, I even glazed them with some of the clear
enamel they sold," Rusty explained proudly.
"Well, they certainly are gorgeous to look at, and that glaze you
added only make them look better," their mom praised
“Yeah, the clear finish will probably make the colors last longer
without fading. Also, it would have been a shame if they remained
in the garbage,” Janie pointed out.
“I know, they have a certain charm from the past,” their mother
acknowledged.
“Let’s have a moment of thanks,” their father suggested as they
were all silent for a few minutes.
Afterwards, their father spoke again.
“Okay everyone let’s dig in and eat this wonderful-looking feast,”
he cheerfully suggested.
After they finished their special meal, their mother made an
announcement.
"There are some treats in the freezer Irene bought for us
that she wanted us all to enjoy in her absence today," she explained.
"What?" Janie inquired in a childlike tone.
"Your sister bought those green milkshakes at the fast food
place inside that nearby mall, she felt very badly
she was going to have to miss celebrating this holiday
with us, so she wanted to contribute in some way," Their mom
mentioned.
"That was very sweet of her," their father graciously acknowledged.
He then added, "Let's make sure we all thank Irene when she gets
home tonight."
"Since today is Friday, and it will be Saint Patrick’s Day
weekend, I am going to save mine, for when we all watch the
parades on television tomorrow with Irene," Rusty decided aloud.
"Yeah, me too," Janie added.
"You know honey, that's not a bad idea, why don't we all wait
until Irene can join us tomorrow to drink the shakes, However,
we can still enjoy one of those wonderful chocolate mint pies
you made," Their dad suggested.
"That's okay with me. The milkshakes and pies individually
make wonderful desserts. However, it may be too much to enjoy
both treats at the same time," their mother warned, before continuing
to mention her culinary plans.
"In the meantime, I stored the food in the refrigerator
for Irene, so she can enjoy everything when she comes home
later. I also wrapped up, and placed one of the pies in the freezer,
we can all enjoy together when Danny comes home after he
takes his final exams," his wife added.
"I guess in a way, Irene will be joining us after all," Rusty joked,
as they all continued to participate in their celebratory gathering.
Author’s note:
This fictionalized story, which was inspired by actual events,
is dedicated in loving memory of the author’s parents and
big sister, (named Irene for the story).
