Clara’s Secret

Tales of The Southern Conserve

Jun 27

Written By Don Holland

Chapter 13

Clara Wilder had been caught red handed, or should we say “red chined”?

It was by her daughter, Addison.

“Addison Clara Wilder, delete that photo, now!”

Addison just laughed. She had photographic evidence of her mother’s secret.

Now, the secret was not something terrible, but amusing.

Beautiful, stylish, educated, and charming, Clara was almost too perfect to be true. She and her siblings were raised in Ardsley Park on 44th Street. Clara’s parents were loving, kind, and had a keen sense of responsibility, both charitable and civic. They supported the arts and music. However, nothing compared to the love and support they bore their children. One of the neighbors quipped that her parents should had have the decency to raise one child that was not perfect!

Clara had always been an outstanding student and high school athlete at St. Vincent’s Academy. She graduated Valedictorian of her class and was accepted into every college in which she applied. Her final decision was the well renown speech pathology program at The University of Georgia. They also offered her a full scholarship.

Now, we go back to the secret.

There were tomato plants in every place Clara lived. On 44th Street as well as their family home on Maupas Avenue, they were incorporated into the flowerbeds. She even grew them on the balcony of the first apartment she and her husband shared.

Simply put, Clara loved tomatoes. She thought nothing of going to the backyard plant and picking one right off the vine to eat on the spot. The sweet red juice would run down her chin as she savored its summer sweetness. It was actually amusing to see.

Now, Addison was taunting her mother that the photo was about to go public.

Of course, she would not do it but was having a grand time teasing her about it. Both women laughed. Addison picked a tomato for herself and ate it just as her mother had. It was at this point, Addy understood.

Like Mother Like Daughter.