The Angelic Occurrence

by Henry K. Ripplinger

  “Dad and I have too. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.”

  “That’s so wonderful Chloe. There’s a lot of power in prayer.”

  “There sure is. Daddy is the biggest believer in that for certain!”

  “So how long are you staying and where are you staying? You could have stayed in my house, but I sold it late last fall.”

  “That’s fine, I’m staying at the Regina Inn downtown. It’s a nice hotel and the room is comfortable. Anyway, I thought I would stay for a week or two. We are on our semester break and since I’m so smart I can skip most classes!! Ha, ha. Actually I brought some of my studies with me. I’m sure I can manage and thought it would be good to visit in person as most of our talks are over the phone.”

  “Oh, Chloe, come here and give me another hug, it’s so good to have you here. I miss family, Mom, J.J. and his family, and…” tears surfaced in Jenny’s eyes.

  Chloe moved a chair over to Jenny and took her hand as she sat down.

  “Are things better yet between you and J.J.?”

  “No, I’m afraid not. He is so distant and cold towards me, Chloe. I don’t know how to break through that rigid barrier of his. He blames me for the demise of our marriage and won’t listen to my side of the story. He totally misinterpreted what he saw.”

  “That’s the kiss the book store owner gave you on the cheek when you said goodbye to him?”

  “Yes, as soon as I found out he was married I told him that we couldn’t see each other anymore and that I always considered our relationship only as a friendship. He however, considered it to be more, and just as I was about to leave he reached forward and kissed me on the cheek. Unfortunately, at that moment J.J. came into the store looking for me and saw it. He called me such an awful name at the time.”

  “Oh Auntie, do you want me to talk to him, perhaps he will listen to me?”

  “Yes, if you want, that might help. I would so much like to see him and make up before anything happens to me…”

  “I will call him from the hotel tonight. Have you got in touch with your daughter, Camilla, yet?” Chloe wanted to know.

  “Oh, Chloe, that is on hold too. I was all set to phone Mrs. Blake last September when she returned from holidays to help me make contact with Camilla rather than just pick up the phone and call her. I also wanted her advice on how to relate to Camilla so as not to interfere with Henry’s family…you still recall that Camilla is married to Henry’s son and that Henry and I were teenage sweethearts?”

  “Oh yes, Henry was your first boyfriend that you met here in Regina before moving to Ottawa. I recall you and Mom sharing that with me.”

  “Do you see what I’m up against? I would hate for Henry to still have feeling towards me like I do for him. I don’t know how best to relate to my daughter under the circumstances. And now with this disease coming along I just don’t know what to do. I abandoned her once and if I contact her and should the worst happen and I die, she might feel like I have abandoned her all over again. I would hate to break the news to her that her parents who she loved all her life were not hers and then I die and leave her hanging in limbo. I thought it best to just leave her have pleasant thoughts of her parents and not complicate her life.”

  “I understand what you’re saying Auntie, but I have counseled so many girls who were adopted and they have this uncanny feeling that they were even before they were told. Whether you tell Camilla or not she may already be going through an emotional struggle. I think it would be best to call Mrs. Blake and tell her your condition and get her advice on the matter. If I were Camilla, Auntie, I would want to know who my biological mother was. If the disease should overtake you Auntie, and we will pray night and day that it doesn’t, but even a day with your daughter would be so healing for the both of you.”

  “Yes, I suppose you’re right, Chloe. I never thought that Camilla might be having doubts of her origin. It is something that could plague her for the rest of her life. Yes, Chloe, before you leave, please help me call Mrs. Blake and get the ball rolling. Some days like today, I feel fine, but some are horrible. So the sooner we do this the better.”

  “I know Henry wasn’t the father, Auntie and I know you have forgiven the man who fathered Camilla, but have you ever found out who he was? Once again, girls who I have counseled want to know that just as much as they want to know who the mother was.”

  “See it was divine providence that you came Chloe. You are giving me such clarity on all this. I can totally understand that an adopted child would want to know both of their parents. And yes, I’m pretty sure I do know, Chloe. His name is Peter. He has become a pastor and lives in Calgary. I think I told you in one of our conversations that Matti came to Regina to attend her sister, Coreena’s wedding.”

  “Yes, and some priest was celebrating his anniversary at the same time.”

  “Yes, that’s right. Well, anyway, Coreena married a man named Eddy Zeigler. Unbelievably, and I haven’t told this to Matilda, it was he and his friends who attacked Henry and I when we were coming home from the show that summer. Eddy was dropped off at his home, but his other three friends came back and attacked us again. This time they took me to the park. One of the boys raped me and fathered Camilla.”

  Chloe’s eyes grew wide as the story unfolded, “Go on, Auntie.” Chloe moved closer to the edge of her seat. “How do you know which of the three boys it was?”

  “Well, when Matti was at the anniversary party for the priest whom all of them seemed to know, Matti met all three of the boys as they were invited to Eddy’s wedding as well. In fact, Peter was Eddy’s best man at the wedding. According to Matti, the three men were all gentlemen but the one she liked best was, Peter. It just so happened that when she and Peter and his wife were talking they were overtaken by the presence of a young blonde haired lady standing beside her husband no more than ten feet away. Henry and his wife were also standing next to them as well. Anyway, Matti said she instantly knew that the blonde lady was Camilla because she looked so much like me. In fact for a moment there Matti said, she thought it was me at the party!’

  “Oh, my God, Auntie.”

  “But what surprised Matti just as much was how intrigued Peter also was with Camilla. He couldn’t get her eyes off her and told Matti that he has dreams of a girl who looks just like her. Matti thought Peter was troubled by something which she couldn’t explain. She wanted to talk to him about it, but it was getting late and she wanted to come and see me for a visit as she was flying back to Ottawa the next day.”

  “That’s an amazing story, Auntie. But can you see how Peter is dreaming of Camilla? Can you understand how that other sense operates in one’s life that is unexplainable? It’s quite possible for Camilla to be going through the same feelings and struggle. It’s an uncanny thing, Auntie, but I have seen it so many times.”

  “Oh Chloe, I think you are so right, why didn’t I think of that before? Yes, yes, look in the top drawer and get my little phone book out. I have Mrs. Blake’s number in there.”

  Chloe opened the drawer and saw a tattered looking letter.

  It was from Henry…

  Later that evening as Jenny drifted in and out of sleep Chloe went to the window and gazed out. Since the lights were off, Chloe could easily see out into the night sky. She was thinking of the conversation they had had with Mrs. Blake. She too thought it was best that she call Camilla and explain the situation, and tell her that if she wanted to visit her mother she should do it soon as she was seriously ill. Mrs. Blake was going to call them back and let them know how it went.

  Just as Chloe was thinking on these things she was startled by her auntie’s voice.

  “Do you see the first star of the east, Chloe?”

  “Oh, you’re awake. Yes, I do see it, Auntie and it’s shining bright as ever. And, I know what you are thinking.”

  “Oh, so you’re clairv
oyant as well as being such an angel.”

  “When Mom was alive, she always invited me to say a prayer for you when we were sitting outside as the first star of the east appeared. She told me that the star of the east was your and Henry’s star and that you could feel each other’s love through the star’s shimmering rays coming to you. Mom shared the secret wish you held in your heart that it is your deepest desire to gaze into Henry’s eyes once more and kiss his tender lips. That is so romantic, Auntie.”

  Chloe turned to her auntie to see her tear filled eyes glisten in the dim moon lit room.

  “Oh, Auntie, I am going to say the prayer Mom and I said beside the guardian angel prayer whenever we thought of your wish:

  Star light, star bright

  First star I see tonight

  I wish I may, I wish I might

  Have the wish I wish tonight.

  “I so wish that the wish my dear Auntie Jen has held in her heart for so many years comes true. Bring her daughter Camilla and her first love back to her so they can gaze once more into each other’s eyes and feel their warm embrace and touch of their tender lips.”

  “Oh, Chloe, that is so beautiful. I made that wish upon a shooting star once. Tammy maintained that it would come true some day. Hers did.”

  “Yes, she shared that with me too, Auntie. She wished that she and dad would get married and they did. She said she saw a bunch of shooting stars which had reminded her of the wish and shortly after Robbie phoned her. The rest is history…

  Just then, Chloe turned her attention back out of the window as the sky seemed to light up with streaks of light. Miraculously, Chloe immediately knew what she was witnessing.

  “Oh look Auntie, the sky is ablaze with shooting stars. I have never seen so many at once! It’s such a kaleidoscope of colours.”

  Chloe ran to Jenny’s bed and cranked up the head board raising Jenny so she could see. Jenny saw just the tail end of the spectacular show.

  “Oh Chloe, do you think it’s possible? Your mom told me to watch for the kaleidoscope of shooting stars to remind me of the wish I made…”

  It was almost like a fourth of July celebration! Stars whizzing this way and that, lighting up the sky!

  Was it possible that over all of those years wishing upon star after star after star it was like all her wishes had been saved up and released all at the same time in this one instance…?

  Once more, despite her illness…Jenny, was filled with burgeoning hope.

  Chapter Sixty-Eight

  Singing and dancing from the chapel to the left of the front entry way led Henry to Father Engelmann. Chairs had been rearranged into a huge circle. Most of the people were standing in front of their respective chairs, while those who had difficulty standing were seated. Johnny was at the piano banging out a tune, shimmying and shaking in his wheelchair. Father Engelmann was at the end of the circle nearest the altar, his hands raised in unison with many others who were also praising and honouring their Lord.

  Wow, what a sight. This is what heaven must be like.

  They were just winding up their Bible study for the day so Henry walked in and stood behind one of the ladies. He began singing and clapping with those gathered and felt his quiescent mood instantly lift. Perhaps that was what he needed more so than talking to Father Engelmann.

  Henry had called him earlier that morning, asking if he had time to see him about a certain matter. It seemed odd that he should have to make an appointment with a senior well on in years…

  It made Henry think again, how old is Father? One would think that he had all the time in the world on his hands. But not Father; grass could not grow under his feet. His days were full and seemed to be getting even busier, if that were possible.

  However, Henry had noticed a weariness in Father lately. With his final goal being accomplished, or at least attended to, he seemed ready to retire or at the very least let up a bit. In any case, he had never known anyone, who gave life everything they had like Father.

  After a reflective prayer to end the prayer session that just wanted to keep going, Father and Henry headed out to the sun room. Even though it was bitterly cold outside, the bright yellow room with an almost complete wall of glass, faced the sun-drenched courtyard and emitted a welcoming warmth.

  Angela brought them each a cup of tea, while Father updated Henry on his tours of the churches and the monthly magazine. Then Henry began to talk about his real purpose for wanting to see him.

  “You know, Father, when Julean was alive and became ill, I never thought about wanting anyone else. Even after her death, I continued to think that there would never be another to replace her or fill her position in my life…or that I would even want to pursue another relationship. There simply was no desire or room for anyone else. However, finding Jenny’s letter after mom died and now purchasing a house that elicits such desirous feelings for someone who seems to be so close to my way of thinking, feeling, perceiving… Well, perhaps Father, there could be another who I could share the rest of my days with.”

  Henry studied Father for a reaction, but there was none, just a benevolent smile, going with the flow of the moment.

  “Time can do many things,” Henry went on sounding rather philosophical, “it can heal and it can make you change in ways that you never thought possible. I recall vividly how Julean expressed to me in her final days that after she was gone that I might find another and that I was free to love someone else, perhaps not like us, but in a unique and different way and that I need not feel guilty about it. She even suggested Jenny if she were available.

  “At the time, I discounted her words as unnecessary, that I would never want anyone else. Even when Ivania came along, as wonderful as she was, she could not attract me enough to get over either Jenny or Julean. Ivania noticed it straight off and that is why we eventually decided to just remain as friends for the time being.

  “But now, Father, I am not so sure. When I discovered Jenny’s letter it seemed as if my life had come alive again. Even though I know she is married just thinking of her makes my heart soar. And now the house I bought from this lady attracts my heart as much as Jenny. It’s unbelievable Father, but either Jenny or this lady could easily find a place in my lonely heart.

  “In a way, I don’t feel any guilt over thinking such thoughts about Jenny, as she was my very first love. She came into my heart long before Julean and even Julean herself tried to relieve me of any guilt for entertaining such an idea. I thought for the most part I was over Jenny, but like I said, after finding the letter, I couldn’t believe how all those feelings of my youth flooded back. That’s why I had to try and find her, to see if there was the remote, hopeful chance that she could possibly be unattached. “But as I told you, Mr. Sarsky’s secretary informed me that she was married and had a child and that put an end to my search. At least that is what I thought.”

  Father raised his eyebrows and his eyes studied Henry intently.

  “When I purchased the house on Hill Avenue, it was like I found my other self. It’s so incredibly amazing, I can’t put it into words. It’s like I have found the girl of my dreams. Even though I have never met her, I seem to know her through her home and everything that is in it. It’s me, Father, it all reflects me!

  “How could our likes, tastes in everything and even her books be so similar to mine or what I would have bought? How can it be possible?”

  Father stared at Henry, his eyebrows knitting closer together.

  “And lately, Father, I find myself feeling desirous of her. Even though the realtor told me she is old and sickly, I perceive her in my mind as healthy, younger, more my age and that we have this wonderful relationship. I try not to think about it, but it just keeps coming into my mind. In fact, the other day I called out her name as I entered the house.”

  Henry felt silly and somewhat embarrassed that he had shared that. He could sense
Father’s disquiet, and was cautious now about revealing all that was really in his heart. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room.

  Father reflected thoughtfully for a long moment and then he finally said, “It may not be my place to suggest this, Henry, but perhaps you should consider going out with other ladies. Maybe Ivania just wasn’t the right lady friend. You have mentioned to me before that other women who frequented your store have hinted at going out with you. A date perhaps,” Father added, with a wink in his twinkling eyes.

  “But I never really had any interest or desire, Father. I seemed very content with my life, having you, Mom, my children, and the business. This was more than enough. Sure, I dated Ivania, but it too soon fizzled out. But ever since mom died and I discovered Jenny’s letter, something has changed within me. You have no idea how I loved Jenny and I’m sorry to say this, but I still do.”

  Henry clutched at his shirt as he spoke those words. Father could see it was not the shirt Henry was holding onto, but the pewter angel he received from Jenny.

  The truth was beginning to dawn.

  Henry expressed his love for Jenny so deeply, Father felt his yearning at the core of his being. Just as Father was about to empathize, Henry went on with what actually was becoming a confession.

  “I know I shouldn’t desire another man’s wife, but I feel Father…that I am…”

  Henry’s voice trailed off slightly, he knew he was going around in circles repeating himself but he wanted to prepare Father…he was hesitant to go on, but knew in his heart he had to say it, express it, it was too dangerous to keep inside.

  “I think what is happening, Father, is that being surrounded by all the things I love, I am making Jenny to be the lady who previously owned the house. I am trying to camouflage my desire for Jenny who is married, by desiring this lady who I think is widowed. And what is even more incredible, is how I have this growing desire to want to kiss her. I know, Father…,” Henry lowered his head in shame and embarrassment, “I know I need forgiveness for entertaining these thoughts, but my heart pains so. I feel helpless, and…”