And things aren't always what they appear to be either.
A young man, Evan, thought there were too many contrary influences on campus. A friend of his who was attending his second year at college, recommended some affordable housing just off campus.
Evan decided to take the advice, and was happy with his decision. It was spring break and most everyone seemed to be going to Florida to hit the beaches, but Evan thought that wild parties may be one of the main attractions of the southern trek ...and he decided to stay back.
Evan had one Grandma and one Grandpa who had reached a considerable age ...yet, they were not married, one being dad's mom and the other mom's dad. Suddenly, a phone call announces the passing of Grandma. Evan was very close to Grandma ...and had just received a letter from her expressing how she was looking forward to seeing him this summer.
Evan was not aware that anyone was around as he packed his car ...to go North for the funeral. But, he heard the voice, "Changed your mind? You decided to join the others in Florida after all?"
Evan turns around, a bit startled ...but, his tears bring no words.
She notices his tears, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it ...I mean, sometimes I speak without thinking about it, I didn't know, I mean, I don't know why I ...well, sorry, I've seen you around and was just trying to be friendly. I guess I caught you at a bad time ...sorry!"
Evan takes a deep breath, "No, it's not your fault for being friendly ...I appreciate it, and no, I don't think you are prying if you ask why I'm crying."
She doesn't say anything ...she just stands there.
Evan takes another deep breath, "You don't even have to ask ...because I'll tell you. I'm not going South, I'll be traveling North ...I just heard that Grandma died. And I'll also tell you my name if you tell me yours ...my name is Evan."
"I'm so sorry about your Grandma ...I know she must have been real special to you. And oh, my name is Merrie. I know you must be eager to be on your way ...I pray you have a safe trip, and maybe I'll, well, take care of yourself, Evan."
Evan returns for spring term, after the break ...and he brings back a plant with him, from the funeral. He is surprised he had not seen Merrie around before, except that one time ...but, this time he makes a point to.
Evan quickly steps outside his apartment when he sees Merrie coming down the walk, "Merrie, I have something for you!"
Merrie sees that Evan has both hands behind his back, and as he approaches ...he extends a hand forward, offering her the plant.
Merrie is surprised, "Is that from the funeral?"
Evan smiles, "Yes, it was Grandma's favorite plant ...she had a real green thumb."
Merrie stutters, "I, I ...can't take that ...I'm sure Grandma would want you to have it."
Evan insists, "Oh, no, she wanted you to have it."
Merrie can barely speak, "You hadn't even met me ...until after she passed."
Evan smiles, "Grandma had told me she wanted me to have the plant ...to give to a special girl, and she said she'd keep it for me until then. She said I'd know when I met the girl I'd want to give it to."
Merrie is still finding it hard to find words, "That is very flattering ...but, I don't have a green thumb. I don't think Grandma would be happy if her plant got sick."
Evan laughs, "Here, let's see if you are good enough to take care of it." He hands her the plant, "Okay, I'm letting go of it now ...make sure you don't drop it. There ...see, you are doing fine. If you can carry it to your place, you can take care of it."
Merrie half smiles, "I'm serious ...I don't know anything about plants."
Evan smiles, "It likes the sun ...and all you have to do is water it!"
Merrie is still hesitant, "I don't know how often to water it ...and with all my studies, I can be a bit forgetful."
Evan smiles, "You won't forget, just water it when you think of me. But, speaking of studies, thanks for the reminder ...I have to run, I'm running late for my class. Good seeing you again, Merrie."
The next day, as Merrie returns from her early class, she sees Evan packing his car again, and with another tear in his eye.
Evan looks up as she approaches, "I don't want to make this another awkward moment for both of us ...and I'm finding it real difficult, but last evening Grandpa passed away ...and I'm heading up North again."
Merrie hesitates, finding it hard to believe herself, "I'm sorry, you've really been having a rough go of it."
And another week goes by ...before Merrie sees Evan again.
Evan is the one to approach her as she returns from class, and again, he has his hands behind his back. As they meet, Evan extends his hand, "I thought I'd bring you another plant to keep the first one company ...seeing as you have such a heavy class schedule."
Merrie looks into his eyes, "I'm sorry, but the first plant died."
Evan smiles, "That's okay ...I know why."
Merrie looks perplexed, "How do you know why?"
Evan looks into her eyes, "Because you drowned it. I asked you to water it when you thought of me."
Merrie smiles, "You do know! And Grandma was right about you knowing too."
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