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The Nimmy Nimmy Dance

By Tom Geier

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Chapter 1


Penny strained against reality’s tug with every fiber of her being. But the carefree laughter in her head evaporated as she was defiantly dragged into wakefulness. She’d been drifting in and out of this dream all night, and like an addict clinging to a high, Penny desperately wanted to savor every moment. Murmuring in her sleep, she tugged on the bedcovers and tightly drew them into a warm cocoon around her shoulders.
Although already half awake, the moving pictures in her mind were still vivid. Best friends, at the energetic age of six, Penny and Henry were almost home from the last day of school. First grade in Mrs. Linden’s class hadn’t been all that bad. But the start of summer meant freedom. They raced through the grassy field that separated the edge of their quiet neighborhood from the school grounds. Soon, Penny and Henry reached an area where the bricklebutter bushes grew high and formed a small, haphazard maze. The sweet scent of the tiny, white flowers hit their nostrils, and they instinctively breathed in a satisfying gasp. As they slowed to a walk, Penny grabbed Henry’s hand and started singing their special song.
“Come on, Henry, dance with me,” she pleaded, singing louder as they gradually made their way through the overgrown bushes.
Penny knew he would, and before long, both were waving their hands and twirling around.
“If you love me, I’ll love you too,” they shrieked and squealed with laughter. “And do the Nimmy Nimmy dance.”
Sleep inevitably yielded and surrendered to the day. So did Penny’s dream. Desperate to dwell longer in the fun, contentedness, and unabashed happiness of a time long ago, Penny savored the memory. With a quick giggle, she reluctantly opened her eyes and released her mental grasp on the fading sights and sounds of two kids singing and dancing.
Although dawn, it was mostly dark in her bedroom. The only light was the reddish/orangish glow outlining her window as the sun’s rays intensified. Miniature prisms, the frost on the window captured the beams and spread them outward like tiny lasers. Stifled only by the heavy curtains that blocked the winter draft, the rays sneaked through the gaps between the drapes and the wall and danced defiantly at the darkness of the room.
Penny ventured an arm out from under the blankets and stretched for her cell phone on the nightstand. The room was still chilly. Her thermostat was set to switch from the brisk nighttime setting she enjoyed to the warmer daytime one at six a.m. She pressed a button on the phone. Twelve minutes to six. Her alarm was set for six thirty, so she had some time before needing to get ready for work.
Twisting again onto her back, she stared at the ceiling. Somewhat hypnotized by the slow-motion prancing of the light, Penny contemplated the dream. She knew it was triggered by the phone call with Kate the night before.
“Henry Taylor,” Penny muttered to the departing shadows as the room continued to lighten. She smiled, picturing her childhood best friend and fluffed her blanket. Then she remembered the wedding invitation.
Carefully clenching the covers, Penny sat up on the side of her bed, turned on the nightstand lamp, and glanced over at the dresser. Sighing heavily, she raced to it, shuffled through some papers, and grabbed an envelope. Shivering, she pulled it close and bolted back to her bed. She stacked her pillows together so she could prop herself up and pulled the blanket snugly around her.
Now warm again, Penny slipped the envelope from under the covers and studied it. Opening the flap, she emptied its contents onto her lap. Lifting an elegantly printed card, she scanned the formal wording. Two months from now, Kate Taylor would marry Robert Anderson, and Penny and a guest were invited. She had already mailed back the response card with the “Yes, I will attend box” checked. She had even handwritten, “I’m so excited,” next to it.
Penny lived in Frankfurt, Germany, and worked for a consulting firm that specialized in corporate transitions. Her company helped organizations navigate complex reorganizations and integrations. Located near an international airport, and central to the area, the city provided a convenient base for her assignments.
She had planned to leave for the wedding on a Friday afternoon, flying from Frankfurt back to her parent’s house in Atlanta, Georgia. That Saturday, her brother, Tim, was graduating from college. She’d spend a few days there, and then fly to Indiana for Kate’s wedding. The Tuesday after, Penny would be back in Frankfurt. She’d only miss eight days of work.
Unfortunately, all that had changed. Penny’s employer suddenly announced an accelerated schedule for the completion of a critical project. They canceled all vacations for the next three months. Although everyone involved would get a hefty bonus as compensation, it didn’t soothe Penny’s anger, then sadness, at not being able to get home.
After sliding the invitation card back into the envelope, Penny picked up the photos that Kate had included, most likely taken at her engagement announcement.
The first one was Kate and Robby. “They’re going to have beautiful babies,” Penny mumbled.
She then flipped through the others. Robby, Kate, and her parents. Robby, Kate, and Henry. Kate and Henry.
Kate and Henry were twins. Their similarly streaked blond hair and facial similarities gave this away. Personality wise, though, they couldn’t be more different. Kate was talkative, spontaneous, and personable, while Henry was quiet and sometimes aloof. Highly intelligent, Henry preferred facts and figures. “Likely the reason he’s still single,” Kate had teasingly informed Penny.
She picked up the last photo and stroked it affectionately with her thumb. Kate, Henry, Alex, and Sean, with their arms interlocked.
“Gosh, how long has it been since I’ve seen them in person?” she asked herself. “I was eleven when we moved, so 15 years,” she sighed.

Penny, Henry, Kate, and Alex had grown up on the same street within a few houses of each other. Their backyards faced an open field that seemed to shrink every year from the encroaching bricklebutter bushes. All four, or parts thereof, could inevitably be found together. School, sports, and other activities kept them busy. At some point, a new kid, Sean, moved into the neighborhood, and the four friends became five.
Penny pushed her head back into her pillow and closed her eyes. “Hmmm,” she pondered. “Why weren’t Kate, Alex, and Sean in my dream? We were always with each other.”
A sadness welled up inside as she remembered moving away from her friends. It was during middle school that Penny’s dad was transferred. A “for sale” sign popped up in front of their house, and the family prepared for the moving vans to arrive.
The day before Penny was set to leave, she asked her four friends to meet for one last time in the bricklebutter patch. Winding their way into the center, they sat down under a canopy that had grown higher over the years. Sean, the tallest, could reach up and touch the golden branches. The white flowers emitted their sweet scent.
They took turns asking questions about Penny’s new home and made her promise that they could come see her. They talked about going to a new school.
“Have you met any friends there yet?” asked Kate.
“Yes, I went with my mom to register at the school. The principal showed us around, and I met some classmates,” answered Penny.
Glancing around, Alex wondered, “Do they have bricklebutter bushes there?”
“Well, so far I haven’t seen any,” said Penny.
“So, you’re really leaving tomorrow?” asked Kate as she choked up a bit.
“Unfortunately, yes. This is my last time in the patch. I’ll miss it.”
Penny stood up and stretched her arms out to Henry. “Will you dance with me, Henry? One last time? Like we used to do when we were little?”
Mortified, Henry’s face turned red, and he looked at Alex and Sean. “No, I’m not doing that,” he said.
“We’re not either,” said Sean, speaking for Alex and himself.
“It’s a stupid song anyway,” said Alex.
“It is not!” protested Penny. Offended, she turned away.
“Just what is a nimmy?” asked Sean.
“Yeah, it’s not even a word,” Alex added.
“It’s my grandmother’s word. She made it up,” answered Penny, facing them again.
“You can’t just make up words,” proclaimed Alex.
“She did,” insisted Penny.
“Well, what is it then?” asked Alex.
“A nimmy is something that makes you so happy, you need to let it out.”
“Oh,” said Henry and Sean simultaneously.
“Then what’s a nimmy nimmy?” snorted Alex.
“A nimmy nimmy is even more intense,” explained Penny.
“Like a nimmy squared?” offered Henry.
“Why does everything have to be about math with you?” scolded Kate. “It means you’re so happy and excited you’re ready to burst. So, you dance.”
“I like Henry’s description better,” said Alex.
“Me too,” agreed Sean. “It makes more sense.”
“Besides, we’re not happy. Nobody wants to dance,” said Henry.
The boys’ deflection had almost worked when Kate looked up at Penny and then at Henry. “Well, maybe sometimes the dance makes you happy,” she mumbled.
Kate hopped up. “I’ll dance with you, Penny!” she exclaimed.
She grabbed Penny’s hands. They were soon singing and twirling around. Pausing for a second, both girls clasped one of Henry’s arms and pulled him into their circle. Anger quickly turned into a smile. He helped Penny and Kate drag both Alex and Sean onto their feet. Holding hands and singing, the five of them bounced and swayed in an awkward and ungraceful gyration.
After a few rotations, Alex’s foot caught Henry’s leg and the five of them plummeted to the ground. They were howling with laughter as they untangled themselves.
Standing up, Kate threw her arms around Penny. “I’ll miss you.”
Henry, Alex, and Sean just stood there frozen, not knowing what to do. Penny hugged Alex and Sean for a moment, which was all they would tolerate. She then turned to Henry.
“I’ll miss you, Henry,” said Penny.
Henry shyly met Penny’s eyes as a few tears trickled down her cheek. Henry’s stomach churned as an odd feeling rose inside him. He put his arms around her and squeezed. “Me, too.”

Promptly at 6:30, Penny’s alarm rang. Not sure which had jarred her more, the memory, or the alarm, Penny hastily opened the envelope and dropped in the photos. Her room had warmed considerably, and she threw off the blankets. “I’ve got to get going,” she mumbled to no one. “I’ve got a full day of meetings.” Resolutely, she hopped out of bed and began her morning routine. She had soon dressed, eaten, and was out the door.
That evening, Penny washed the few dishes from her dinner and settled onto her sofa. She briskly rubbed her feet for a few minutes. The throng waiting for the subway was larger than usual, so she had walked. She didn’t mind as she found she did her best thinking when trekking.
Not owning a car, Penny relied on public transportation, friends, and the infrequent car rental to get around. Fortunately, her apartment was downtown and close to work. She had sublet it from the person who had held her job before her and done her best to make it feel homey.
Although small by American standards, the rooms were cozy and comfortable. Besides, Penny’s goal was to spend as little time as possible in her apartment. There were enticing places she wanted to see and interesting people to meet. Furthermore, her job kept her busy. The travel demands of each project meant the flat was empty for weeks at a time.
Penny reached for her cell phone and checked the time. She’d been dreading this call all day. Her mother worked mornings for the county and would be home by now. She sighed and hit the button.
“Hi, Mom!” said Penny cheerfully.
“Penny! How are you?” asked her mother.
“I’m good. How are you and Dad?”
“We’re fine. Your father’s embroiled in the usual drama at work. He’s sorry he took that manager’s slot. Now he’s supervising his friends, which he isn’t fond of doing.”
“That’s a hard adjustment. I’ve got some information we use to help with those transitions. I’ll email it to him.”
“He’d appreciate any help at this point. He’s monopolizing our prayer time at church,” she chuckled.
Penny laughed with her. “I can see Dad doing that!”
The apartment grew darker as the sun’s intensity shifted farther away from Penny in Europe and closer to her mom in the U.S. The timer on the lamp next to Penny clicked loudly and filled the room with light.
“What was that noise?” asked her mom.
“Just my lamp turning on. It’s almost dark here.”
“Oh, yes, the time difference,” said Penny’s mom. “Is work going well?”
“That’s one reason I’m calling. I won’t be able to get home for Tim’s graduation,” said Penny gently.
Her mother gasped faintly, and Penny could hear her disappointment. “I was afraid of that.”
“Major crisis at work. They’ve canceled all vacations for the next three months. I can’t get away. I’m really sorry.”
“We were all hoping.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’ll call Tim at his dorm and talk to him. But I do have an idea. I’d like Tim to fly over and spend some time here. He’d love it. He could hang around with my friends and play tourist.”
“Well, I’m sure he’d jump at the chance. I’m not so sure I’d like that, though. He might meet someone over there, and then I’d have both of my children living away. My grandchildren, too.”
“Then you and Dad could move over here with us,” Penny suggested halfheartedly.
Her mother changed the subject.
“What about your plans for Kate Taylor’s wedding?”
“I can’t go to that either. I already called Kate and explained.”
“I’m sorry, Penny. I know that was hard.”
“Yes, it was. Kate was disappointed and a little upset at first. But she understood.”
“I know you were hoping for a reunion with your friends. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I’ll admit, though, I wasn’t very gracious to my boss when she told me. But everyone else needs to reschedule plans, too. The office isn’t the cheeriest place right now.”
“I’m sure there’ll be other opportunities,” consoled her mother. “Did Kate say anything about Henry?”
“Just that he’s working at a lab and very happy there.”
Her mother chuckled, “You kids were always running off to that bricklebutter patch. Remember that?”
One of Penny’s fondest memories was of Henry and her in the patch. They had both been lying on the soft ground. Looking skyward, Penny had wondered why Henry made her feel so special. She was soon lost in a fantasy. She and Henry, wandering through a magnificent castle, surrounded by vast mountains. They would live there together forever, doing whatever fun things they chose.
“Penny! Penny! Are you there?” her mom’s voice broke through her reverie.
“Oh, sorry. Got distracted.” Penny shook her head, snapping her mind back to the present. “Yes, I do remember that.”
“Your father and I wondered if the two of you would end up together one day.”
“Mom, I don’t see that happening. We’re friends. Plus, there’s an ocean between us. I have a life over here.” Penny’s voice rose along with her irritation.
“You’re right,” admitted her mother. “I’m being selfish. You do have a life over there.”
“Thanks for that. I miss all of you.”
“I know. We miss you too.”
Penny rearranged her legs on the sofa. She was getting hungry, but knew her mom needed to talk. Especially given the bad news.
“How was your visit with the Lindens?”
“Wonderful. It was so nice to spend time with them again. Ned and your dad went to two ball games. That gave Eileen and me plenty of time to catch up.”
“Is she still teaching first grade?” asked Penny.
“No, they move her around based on the student population. Last year she had third grade, and this next one, fourth grade. We laughed and laughed at her stories of you and your friends in her first-grade class.”
“I’m sure,” chuckled Penny. “Although I don’t think it’s fair to have a teacher who is best friends with your mother!”
“She loved having you in her class. Henry and Kate, too. Although Alex was a handful. Do you remember how he used to make fun of how I called you home for dinner?”
Penny reflected for a moment and laughed. “I do. He could be so annoying.”
Henry, Kate, Alex, and Penny would usually play outside after school until Penny’s mom, Mrs. Stevens, would open the back door and shout, “Penelopeeee, Penelopeeee.” That was the signal for them to stop whatever they were doing and head home.
Alex would sometimes mimic the call with his own high pitched “Penelopeeee,” with an emphasis on pee. Alex would start laughing at his pee joke so hard that he would hold his stomach and almost fall. The first time, Kate and Penny got angry and, together, pushed Alex over onto the ground. However, Alex insisted, in a way only kids would understand, that he was not making fun of his friend. Pee, poop, and farts were funny, weren’t they?
Laughing along with her, Penny’s mom agreed, “That he could! Eileen told me the story of how he fell out of his chair. I hadn’t heard that one.”
Penny tilted her head and frowned as she tried to remember the incident. She grew somber. “That wasn’t exactly the best of times.”
“I know what you’re thinking. Forget about that. I made it through, and I’ve had no problems since. But you’re right. That was a challenge for us. I’m sorry you had to experience that.”
Penny’s mother had been diagnosed with cancer. It was a scary and confusing time. Her mom and dad had assured both Penny and her brother that everything would be fine. However, because of complications, Mrs. Stevens took a turn for the worse.
As one of Mrs. Stevens’ best friends, other adults would frequently pop into Mrs. Linden’s classroom for an update. Anytime an adult would mention Mrs. Stevens’ name around the kids, they would get a pained look on their face and speak in hushed tones. You could tell they were worried and concerned. This was not lost on the children, as they, too, wondered about Penny’s mom.
The tension came to a head one week during class. Penny had fully rotated her upper body to explain something to both Alex and Kate, who sat behind her. Penny had not heard, or simply ignored, the three requests from Mrs. Linden to turn around and pay attention to the lesson. Mrs. Linden grew exasperated. Alex and Kate, too, were so engrossed in what Penny was explaining to them that they were oblivious to Mrs. Linden’s instructions. Only Henry, sitting next to Penny, could see the angry expression on the teacher’s face. Henry nudged Penny.
“I definitely need to separate the four of you,” Mrs. Linden grumbled out loud, and moved toward the children.
Henry nudged Penny again.
Annoyed at Henry for interrupting and poking her, Penny turned and faced forward again. But it was too late.
“Penelope Stevens!” said Mrs. Linden emphatically. “If you don’t stop that talking and start paying attention, I’m going to call your mother and . . .”
The class froze.
Mrs. Linden did, too. She saw the hurt expression on Penny’s face and mouthed some words, but nothing came out.
Paralyzed, no one moved.
Then Penny quickly slid out of her chair and ran up to Mrs. Linden and threw her arms around her. “Mom will be okay,” she assured her mom’s best friend.
Mrs. Linden regained her composure and hugged Penny back. “Yes, she will.”
Suddenly, Alex let out a loud holler, “Penelopeeeeee!” Again, emphasis on the pee.
This broke the spell, and the entire class giggled simultaneously. This only encouraged Alex, and he was soon doubled over, laughing as hard as he could at his joke.
Unfortunately, he fell out of his seat.
The class thought that was hysterical. So did Mrs. Linden.
It took a while for Mrs. Linden to stop her own laughing and regain control of the class.
Penny chuckled into the phone. “Now that I think back on it, that was pretty funny. I’m surprised Mrs. Linden remembered that.”
“Oh, Eileen remembers everything. She’s been a loyal friend to me.” Her mother paused. “Eileen’s oldest daughter is married now and has kids of her own. So, she spends lots of time with her grandkids. We’re fortunate they could visit.”
Penny braced herself, ready to defend, once again, her move to Germany. “I hope I get to see everyone back there sometime soon, too.”
“Well, you know my feelings about that. I wish you’d settle down and find someone special,” her mother said wistfully.
Penny rolled her eyes. “Mom, I will. I’m not just traipsing around Europe haphazardly. I have a job I love and friends who love me. I’m happy here.”
“Well, I wish you weren’t!”
“You don’t want me to be happy?”
“You know what I mean. Of course, I want you to be happy. But over here,” her mother said facetiously.
“Oh, I see,” Penny laughed. “By the way, I’m still dating Ethan.”
“Oh, that sounds promising,” her mom teased. “Tell me more about him.”
They talked for another half hour before Penny’s mom became concerned over the length of the call, and they hung up.

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