Chapter 9 #2
“Perhaps I can offer some assistance.” Gerald sank to his knees and reached across the boat, holding the pieces of wood steady.
Teddy stuck his tongue out in concentration as he smeared the glue along the wood, although he wasn’t entirely neat about it and some glue got on Gerald’s jacket.
Gerald looked at the dripping, sticky liquid sitting on his sleeve and winced a little, but he didn’t say anything as he didn’t want Teddy to feel bad. After all, he hadn’t meant it.
The boys pushed the pieces of wood together and then drew the rope around them, offering even greater security. Gerald leaned against the ground to help them, and his sticky sleeves attracted the dirt, coating them. However, the boat was built.
“That’s a fine craft,” Gerald said, nodding firmly.
“Do you really think so?” Teddy asked, wide-eyed.
Gerald studied the boat. Some of the planks of wood were uneven.
The mast was a little crooked. Glue had spilled on the surface and glistened, but all in all it was indeed quaint, and made all the better by the fact that it had been built by their own hands.
“I think you boys can be very proud of what you’ve achieved.
A little hard work can go a long way, and now this boat will be able to serve you for many years to come.
However, there are two things that are yet to be done.
First, we must name the vessel, and then we must see if it can sail. Do you have any ideas for names?”
Both boys furrowed their brows. Gerald and Clara exchanged an amused stare.
“What do people usually name their boats?” Oliver asked.
“Some people name them after animals, some after impressive words, and some after people that are dear to them, mostly women.”
“Oh, in that case we should name it Clara,” Teddy said. Oliver was nodding.
“I’m not sure that’s what Gerald meant,” Clara said, but her words were weak. It was clear from the expression on the boys’ faces that they had settled on this name. Gerald grinned and clapped his hands together.
“I couldn’t think of a more suitable name for such a fine vessel,” he said, directing his words to Clara.
Clara folded her arms across her chest and pouted a little, perhaps not taking it as the compliment he intended.
Then again, the boat did have something of a crooked quality about it.
“You’ll have to paint the name on the boat somewhere, once you’ve learned if it’s seaworthy.
Let’s hope that the name is not ill-fated,” he leaned towards Clara, who rolled her eyes.
Teddy and Oliver worked together to pull their boat towards the edge of the pond. Gerald stood behind them, ready to help them give it the final push.
“Are you ready, boys?” he asked.
“Yes,” they cried out.
“Then here we go, push!” Gerald roared. All three of them pushed at the same time, and the boat ventured out onto the water.
It bobbed a little and for a moment it seemed as though it was going to teeter.
Water sloshed across the deck and the port side disappeared beneath the water.
Gerald cringed. It would be a great shame if the boys’ efforts would end in failure.
He assumed that Clara would have some wise words about learning more from failure than success.
She might even be right, but Gerald wanted to see the boys smile.
As he looked over at her, he noticed that she had her hands clasped together and a hopeful look adorned her face. The boys had their fingers crossed.
“Stay afloat!” Teddy said, as though the power of his wish would be enough to keep the boat steady.
Thankfully, the water ebbed back, and the port side popped up, steadying itself. It was hardly the most secure voyage, and the boat looked as though it might submerge at any moment, but it drifted across the pond valiantly. There was something quite majestic about it, Gerald thought.
“There she goes, what a fine vessel. Hurrah, Clara!” Gerald cheered, directing his words to the boat rather than the woman.
“Hurrah!” the boys chirped.
“We should run around to the other side of the pond so we’re ready to meet it when it reaches the other side,” Gerald said, and the boys broke out into a run.
“I don’t know how you planted that idea in their head, but I am not impressed,” Clara said.
“They came up with that all by themselves. Besides, aren’t you honored that they wanted to name their boat after you? And what a fine boat it is.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, if nothing else,” she replied, then glanced at his sleeves. “And your help. There was no need to go to those lengths. I hope you are not too upset that your coat has been ruined.”
Gerald glanced at his sleeves.
“Perhaps it shall become the new fashion.”
This elicited a giggle from Clara, and he decided that he liked this sound very much.
“A ruined coat is a small price to pay to see you smile like that,” he said. Clara turned her head away slightly, and a rosy blush appeared on her cheeks.
“You do well at playing the devoted suitor, but you do not need to pay me such compliments. There is nobody else around.”