Rick walked back into the house in a state of stunned amazement. What are the odds? Nappy! He couldn't believe it! They hadn't seen each other since Rick's graduation from High School. He thought back to that night...He still felt a tinge of guilt every time he remembered the way they all treated Nappy...but he really asked for it. He was so...so...well....Rick knew now that Nappy was only trying to fit in. He dealt with students just like him everyday...low self-esteem, broken homes, etc...But, at the time, he had to think about his reputation. If he defended Nappy, how would he look? He felt sad about it now, but, after all these years...surely Nappy had changed and he probably never even thought about it. And besides, he wasn't likely to see much of him even though he lived next door now. Rick was extremely jealous of his time and space and would definitely not welcome any interruptions.

Rick's thoughts jolted back to the scene of the disaster. His precious Himalayan Butterfly. His heart sank whenever he pictured his beautiful flower...all broken and smashed. And the look on Nappy's face! He had no idea the amount of damage that had been done. What had he called it? A tulip? Rick was proud that he had been able to remain in control...but he really felt like decking that...that...

Oh well, enough of that - Rick had lots to do. First on his list was the bookstore. Immediately after his "reunion" with Nappy, Rick had gone online to find out if there was anything he could do to save his Himalayan Butterfly. One of his botanist friends from Oxford University recommended a new book by a relatively unknown author. Since the plant was so rare, he was doubtful that Rick would find anything helpful but it was worth a try.

Rick showered and dressed quickly and headed out the door. He was almost in his car when he saw Nappy in his way over. His first instinct was to run, but he reasoned that Nappy was probably needing to beg his forgiveness one more time. Maybe he could get this conversation over with in a hurry and be on his way...and maybe Nappy would refrain from any "destructive" behavior this time...Rick decided not to get too close just in case.

As it turned out, Nappy couldn't find his breaker box and needed help getting his power on. Rick tried to tell him that he was in a big hurry, but Nappy looked so helpless and slightly desparate. Rick reluctantly helped with the simple task all the while trying not to step on Nappy's minidog. Afterword, he left without giving Nappy a chance to ask him for anything else. He had a feeling that there was more. Why did everyone have to be so needy?

Rick sped down the interstate and decided to stop by the Lexus dealership to have his Sport Utility washed and waxed - a weekly ritual. While his car was being taken care of, he chatted with Mary Lou, one of his former students who worked at the dealership. Rick enjoyed their weekly conversations, especially discussing Mary Lou's latest screenplay. He had always thought she had a lot of creative talent and good taste...she liked Neil Diamond, didn't she?

Rick was baCk on the road in no time. He entered the unusually crowded bookstore at around 11:00 am. Hopefully, he could find what he wanted and be on his way soon. Just as he was turning the corner into the Gardening/Plants aisle, he ran smack into a young girl who was carrying a stack of books higher than her line of vision. Both of them nearly landed on the floor along with the stack of books. Rick resisted the urge to tell her in "colorful" language just what he thought. Her name tag said Lucy...she clamoured off with her stack of books muttering something of an apology for being so clumsy.

Rick brushed himself off and scanned the shelves for The History of Herbs in the Middle Ages by Midnight Raine McScott - what kind of name was that? Just when he thought he would have to resort to the library, he noticed the reason for the crowd. In the center of the store, was a young lady dressed in black sitting behind a table signing books. Rick hardly believed his luck when he saw the book title...it was just what he was looking for. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to stand in line with the rest of the "New Agers" in order to get a copy.

When he finally got to the front of the line, he found Ms. McScott to be very pleasant and more than willing to share her knowledge of plants with him. In sincere sympathy, she made some suggestions and pointed out the section in her book that addressed the Himalayan Butterfly. For some unexplanable reason, Rick was enthralled by her. For the first time in his life, he stuttered when he invited her next door to the cafe of coffee and further discussion.

While he waited for her break, he tried to figure out why he would even take the time to talk to this girl. She was definitely unlike anyone he had ever met. He hated to admit it, but something about her reminded him of Meredith. He couldn't put his finger on what, but one thing he knew, he wanted to get to know her better. Something about her eyes...they looked right through him.

RICK NAP MARY LOU LUCY RAINE
WHEN ART HAPPENS