Birch to Yew

Free preview Alder “Does she fancy me only because we share an interest in trees?” Adam reflected on their first outing (date?). He was beginning to experience new and, at times, unsettling emotions. Weird physical sensations flushed inside his tummy when in close proximity to certain girls in his class. Bee’s image, her voice and even her smell was a constant distraction to his otherwise sharp and logical mind. There was something about her that gave him an undeniably pleasant sensation, and, of course, she was the prettiest girl in his class. ‘Is this what it’s like having a girlfriend?’ He mused. The walk and picnic with Bee was Adam’s first true dating experience. Always the practical one, he prepared for every eventuality, even asking his dad if he could borrow a spare rubber the day before. When he had found the courage to ask the question, his father replied, laconicall:, “Sure, and no need to return it. And oh, take a brolly as there’s a chance of thunder tomorrow.” Early the next day he took almost an hour in the bathroom to get ready, spending considerable time in the mirror. He’d been having some zit issues recently. For some perplexing reason, he had a really hard time choosing which pair of undies to wear – plain or multi- coloured ones. After packing plenty of food and drink, including a large towel, spare socks, etc. he had a job lifting the rucksack. “It’s only a three mile walk,” he reasoned, ‘and we can stop and rest whenever we want.” At this point, all zits now expertly covered, he heard the doorbell. Looking at the clock which stood at exactly ten he confidently concluded that it must be Bee - she was incredibly punctual. After his mother called for him announcing Bee’s arrival, he shouted down the staircase, “I’m on my way!” When they met in the hallway Bee threw him a lovely warm smile. Adam’s butterflies vanished in an instant. He felt a bit embarrassed with his mother nearby, so wanted to leave the house right away. “Hi Bee, we’d better set off right now as some rain is possible later this afternoon. And - oh - this is my mother. I see you've met.” Just before closing the gate, leading to a well-trodden path, Adam’s mother cried out, “Make sure you guys are back for dinner!” “We will,” they replied, simultaneously. The river bank where Adam’s alder stood was about an hour’s walk away. It was a very special place for him and he hoped Bee wouldn’t be disappointed. Soon, they began chatting about their knowledge of trees. Bee knew a lot of the trees’ inner workings, not only biologically, but also socially; how the trees communicated and interacted with each other. Adam, on the other hand, knew a lot of the trees’ practical uses from which humans have benefited over years. As they were chatting, Adam spotted the perfect place for them to have a brief rest and a can of cola. It was a mossy patch beneath a mature oak. Keeping it company was a nearby, perfectly symmetrical holly; it’s long and tapered trunk, gracefully touching the lower branches of the oak. The warmth and humidity had increased and the air was pulsating with energy. ‘Shall we have a rest and a quick drink beneath that oak?’ Adam suggested, pointing to the spot. ‘Oh sure.’ Replied Bee, trying to hide the fact that she was pleased at his suggestion. As they both pivoted to sit down Adam’s right hand accidently touched Bee’s. For a split second, he wanted to believe it was no accident, so didn’t remove his hand instantly, waiting for what Bee might do next. ‘Oh, sorry, Bee almost half-shouted and quickly applied both hands to remove her back pack. Once seated, Adam then quickly asked, (to take their attention away from thinking about holding hands), ‘What’s your favourite tree?’ “I can’t decide between the oak and the rowan. What’s yours? “The alder” “It’s the best wood for building flood defences as it won’t rot in water, Also, it has this amazing ability to fertilise the soil. It’s meshy and complex root system is perfect for capturing nitrogen, as well as holding water to enrich the soil. It’s basically a fertility machine.” AS soon as he finished the sentence he realised that his statement might sound a bit odd…with the briefest glance he noticed the hint of pink flush upon Bee’s face. A distant rumble of thunder then sounded. Feeling thankful yet again to nature for getting him an opportunity he suggested a quick round of hide and seek. “When you sense a chill in the air, you know that rain is never far away,” he said. “Yes, but how do you know which way the storm is moving?” “A five second flash between light and sound is worth roughly one mile. If the interval is shorter, it’s time to seek shelter.” He knew of an abandoned cottage not far away. Should it rain, they could always shelter there. Then he had an idea. “Let’s have a quick round of hide and seek, it’ll give us to time to figure if that thunder means it’s coming our way or not. There’s an abandoned cottage not far from here. You can see the track just on the right. The alder, by the river, isn’t far away either.” “Sounds good”, replied Bee, “do you want to go first?” “Sure”, replied Adam eagerly. “Close your eyes and loudly count to twenty. I won’t be far away.” He was counting on Bee looking for him at the cottage he had mentioned earlier. Instead he quickly made his way along their path to the river; not far away now. When Bee shouted, ‘Twelve!’ another thunderclap sounded, now nearer than the previous one. Trying to shorten the wait so she could begin looking for Adam, she then skipped a few numbers and shouted, ‘seventeen!’