Juan dropped Maria and Jose off and headed back to work. He had materials to pick up for the new job.
Maria called Ms. Ella at the shop. The phone rang and Susan being the efficient counter person answered the phone with her professional manner.
“Hello, Ally’s flower Shop, may I help you?”
“This is Maria can I speak with Ms. Ella?” She asked.
“Yes, of course. Ella its Maria.” Susan handed Ella the phone.
Ella made it to the phone and right off asked Maria for the doctor’s report.
“He’s fine. The doctor said he only needs to check him annually and that we need to get Jose a pediatrician.”
“That’s wonderful, let’s celebrate.” Ella said.
“Tomorrow’s Juan’s birthday and I was going to bake a birthday cake. We could celebrate his birthday and Jose’s good report.” Maria said hoping Ms. Ella would approve.
“Would you like me to invite the crew over for cake tomorrow?” Ella asked not wanting to interrupt Maria’s plans.
“That would be nice, maybe we could surprise Juan.”
I’ll check with everyone.”
Ella loved parties and would celebrate anything at the drop of a hat. Everyone was excited to be invited for cake.
That evening Juan didn’t get home until almost dark. He was tired but overjoyed with his job.
“Ms. Ella I’m not going to take another job until I finish painting the living and dining room. Then Maria can start on the mural. Maybe we can have everything finished before the New Year’s Eve party.”
“I think that’s a good idea. I will get the carpet ordered and when Maria finishes with the mural the new carpet can be installed. I think we have this all under control.”
“One other thing I would like taken care of before Christmas. The spare bedroom next to Jose’s room needs to be painted and the floor needs to be painted too.
I thought a light tan with white trim would be pretty. The white French Provincial bedroom set should look good with those colors.”
Ella was getting the room ready for Juanita but she couldn’t say anything to anyone. Juanita is Maria’s Christmas surprise.
That night Ella got the Sears Catalog out. She was looking at linen’s for the new bedroom. A guest room Ella would call it for now. Maria joined in on the linen search glancing at the pages of beautiful linens.
“If this was your room which one would you choose?” Ella asked.
“I would choose the red comforter with the roses. My mother loves red roses and it reminds me of her.” Maria pointed to the complete set of bedding.
The next day Ella took the catalog to work with her and ordered the bedroom linen ensemble.
“Ladies I’m heading out. Don’t forget cake tonight for Juan’s birthday and we are also celebrating Jose’s good report.” She reminded them.
“We’ll be there at seven.” The ladies answered.
Ella made her way to the local carpet store. As she entered the store a nice gentleman dressed in a white shirt and tie welcomed her.
“I want to order a nice plush carpet for my living room. It should be dark beige. We have a little one in the house. Also, I need a large area rug for a bedroom.”
Just as she said large area rug she noticed a beautiful beige and red run hanging on a rack.
“That one will work perfect.” She said pointing to the rug on the rack.
“You can measure the living room anytime. I have some painting to finish before you install the carpet. I will call when I’m ready for the area rug to be delivered and to make an appointment to have the carpet installed.” Ella told the carpet salesman.
Maria finished with cleaning up after dinner when the front door bell rang.
“”Who could that be?” Juan questioned as he walked over to answer the door.
Juan opened the door to hear. “Happy Birthday!” From the crew at the door.
He was totally surprised.
“Please come in I can’t believe this.” Juan said smiling showing his friends into his home.
“Yeah, we pulled this one on you.” Alicia said as she plopped herself down on the sofa sinking low.
“My God I may never get up.” She said as she twisted her body to an upright position.
Everyone laughed at Alicia’s remarks.
Maria brought the cake in for everyone to see. It was a nice white cake with….Happy Birthday Juan and Jose.
“Why is Jose’s name on the cake?” Susan asked taking a second look at the cake.
“We got good news yesterday on Jose’s condition. It’s like his new birthday. He is fine.” Maria said with tears rolling down her cheeks. Knowing if she hadn’t been in this country Jose would not have been alive.
Ella hugged Maria saying, “It must be difficult for a mother to wonder about her baby’s health and then such a relief to hear he is well.”
Juan made a wish and blew out the candles.
“Juan what did you wish for? “ Alicia yelled.
“I can’t tell you or it won’t come true.” He said as he stuck his finger in the frosting.
“Hogwash! You really don’t believe in wishes coming true.” Alicia laughed.
“Alicia you should make a wish and don’t tell us. When it comes true share it with us. Wishes do come true.” Juan assured Alicia.
Everyone sang Happy Birthday and applauded.
Maria cut the cake and Ella served everyone a piece of cake and a cup of coffee.
Are we going to see Jose tonight?” Ron asked?
“Yes, he’s napping but he will wake for his bottle and I will bring him down shortly.” Maria told them.
Maria handed Juan his gift. Juan was shocked. When did you get me a gift?”
“When we were shopping with Ms. Ella, remember?”
Juan opened his gift his smile stretched from ear to ear.
“I’ve never owned a watch, never.” Juan said in amazement pulling it over his hand.
Ella handed him an envelope with a note. The note read… You have an account at the local lumber yard and the hardware store to purchase the tools you need to start your new business.
Ella knew she could trust Juan not to go over board with his purchases.
The crew handed him a card they all signed it each writing good wishes.
Juan stood up wiping the tears from his big brown eyes and said. “I’ve never known such happiness. Late one night Maria, Jose and I were in desperate need of help. Ella came to our rescue. Alicia, wishes do come true.” Juan wiped his eyes and smiled, “thank you all.”
Maria brought Jose down for a few minutes. Everyone enjoyed holding him.
“It’s been a long time since I held a baby. My babies are all grown up and so far no grandbabies.” Alicia said as she handed Jose off to Susan.
“Ron and I are planning on having children. Right now our life is on hold. But someday babies well be in our life.” Susan shared.
The party was over and Maria and Juan were cleaning up the kitchen.
Juan called to Ella. “Ms. Ella you are too generous. Someday I will pay you back.”
“Juan, I did not make you a loan, I gave you a gift. You do not pay gifts back. And I’ll hear no more about it.” Ella said as she excused herself and went to her room.
Ella sat in her big chair sliding her feet out of her size ten boots her mind spinning. Juan and Maria have a nice family. Alicia has a nice family. Ron and Susan plan on having a family. Here I am with enough money but I don’t have a family. She thought.
She was feeling sorry for herself. She thought. I should have made a family. She shrugged it off and made her way to run a hot bath. If only she hadn’t let Phil Young slipped through her fingers twenty years ago.
The following weeks the phone rang off the hook asking for Juan. The town’s people had seen Juan’s work at the ladies house and had handyman jobs for Juan. Starting in January Juan’s calendar was full. For the month of December he would be working on Ella’s home.
Ella did some shopping. This was her first time to visit a toy shop to actually make a purchase. In the window she saw a rocking horse painted red.
“That’s it.” Ella said as she walked in the toy store. The store clerk tried to load the horse in the sports car but it wouldn’t fit.
“There are some disadvantages to driving a sports car.” She told the clerk as she put the horse under her arm and carried it to her shop.
The local jeweler was across the street from the shop. Ella needed to purchase Juan, Maria and Juanita a gift. Ella heard a beautiful bell tone as she opened the jewelry shops floor. An elderly gentleman came from the back greeting her.
“How my I help you?”
“Well, I’m looking for a cross for a man and also a cross for two women.” She informed him as her eyes fell upon the most beautiful fourteen carat gold cross.
“Something like this.” She said as she pointed at the cross under the glass.
“That would be a nice cross for a man. Here’s another cross I think would look nice on a lady.” He took the cross from the case and laid it on a black felt covered board.
“Do you have another cross that would look nice on an older lady?”
“Come over here and look at these. They are beautiful and the chains are more durable.”
Ella chose three crosses and had them gift wrapped. Her Christmas shopping was complete. She would give her crew a Christmas bonus.
Christmas was two weeks away when Juan finished painting the living and dining rooms. Maria painted on the mural during the day while everyone was away from the house. When she finished painting for the day she covered the mural not wanting anyone to see it before the unveiling.
The carpet was installed the same day Juan finished with painting the guest room. Everything smelled of paint and new carpet.
Maria took the cover from the mural awaiting Ella’s arrival home. Juan met her at the side door and asked her to walk around to the front door. Maria wanted her to see the mural as she walked in the house.
“Why Juan?”
“No questions just come with me.” He took her hand in lead.
Juan opened the door for Ella and she walked in. She stopped in her tracks. The mural of the swimming hole she enjoyed as a kid was on her wall.
“This is beautiful, Maria you captured everything. I’m totally amazed at your talent.” Ella ran to Maria giving her a big hug.
“I’m so glad you like it, Ms. Ella.
“Like it, I absolutely love it.” Ella said as tears puddles in her eyes.
Ella didn’t know her portrait was being painted in Jose’s room. When Ella announced she was doing the guest room Maria moved her easel from the guest room to Jose‘s room. Jose’s crib is still in Juan and Maria’s bedroom.
During the month of December the flower shop was busy. Juan kept busy working on Ella’s place.
Sunday after Juan, Maria and Jose returned home from Mass Ella announced it was time to get a Christmas tree. They loaded in Juan’s truck and made their way to the Christmas tree lot. Ella picked out a tall tree.
“What do you guys think about this one?” She said looking up.
“It’s so big Ella.” Maria said.
“I like big trees, but how about you guys?” Ella asked?
“It’s beautiful Ms. Ella.” Juan said as he started to pull it from its hole.
Ella took care of paying the lot attendant and someone helped Juan tie the tree down in the back of the truck. It was so big it protruded over the cab.
Juan with the ladies help got the tree in the house and standing.
“Wow!” He said as his eyes followed the tree to the ceiling.
“Ms Ella, do you have any decorations?” Maria asked?
“I have red and green colored lights we need them on the tree. Susan and Ron will be bringing the decorations over later this afternoon. And we are all going to decorate the tree.”
”Oh Ms. Ella that will be so much fun.” They said in unison.
Ron and Susan came up the drive beeping the vans horn. Ron loaded everyone down with boxes of decorations. Susan was the tree designer and gave everyone a job.
After the decorations started going on Maria noticed the theme.
“It’s a Mexican theme, Juan.” Maria yelled as she jumped up and down holding her chest. “I wish my mom could see it.” She said as she fell to her knees holding her chest looking up, sobs of happiness and sadness engulfed Maria’s body.
When they finished decorating the tree Ella brought out food trays she had picked up at the caterer’s earlier. Hot cider, coffee and chocolate filled their cups. Ella turned on the stereo and put on her parents old Christmas albums and they all sang along.
The carpet company delivered the area rug a couple days ago and the bedding arrived today. Ella was anxious to put the linen’s on the bed. The ensemble came with a nice drape. When would need Juan to help with attaching the rod to the window trim.
Last week Maria brought clean white linens from the closet and readied the bed for the beautiful rose comforter, shams and pillows.
Ella opened the package and the bedding unfolded filling the room with a bouquet of roses.
“This is so beautiful.” Maria said tossing it around and feeling the soft texture of the comforter to her face.
Maria pressed the drapes and Juan attached the rod to the window. Ella stood on the step ladder and attached the drapes to the rod.
After pressing all the pieces, filling the shams and pillows and layering them on the bed the ladies stood back and smiled at their work.
“This room is fit for a queen.” Maria said a she twirled around looking it over.
Juan opened the drapes to let the sunlight in as the ladies retired to the kitchen to find a soda.
It had been a long day and tomorrow was a work day for everyone.
The flower shop was busy with many orders and Juan was working on a few things around the house. Trying to get as much accomplished on Ella’s house before he started on his new jobs.
TWENTY-NINE
Ella woke Christmas Eve morning to laughter in the distance. She pulled the drapes back to see Maria and Juan throwing snow balls at each other. The land was covered with the beautiful drifting snow. The road was free of tire tracks. The snow was beautiful but…. Ella wondered if the highway to Baker and to her house would be cleared today.
When Juan and Maria came in the house Ella had them a nice cup of hot cocoa ready. They set around the table sipping on their hot cocoa. Watching the flakes lightly float to the ground.
“Ms. Ella look!” Maria ran to the window. “The snow is starting to come down heavy. Isn’t it beautiful? I’ve never seen it snow like this. Are we in a snow storm?”
“That’s possible.” Ella said thinking how the roads would be snowed over, possibly for days.
“I hope we get snowed in for a day or so. We don’t need to be going anywhere till after Christmas.” Maria was filled with the excitement of having a white Christmas.
“Now Maria how will Santa get here if the roads are covered with snow?” Ella said with a smile as she peered out the front plate glass window. “Oh my,” Ella said under her breath. “A four-wheel shuttle bus is coming up the drive.” Ella didn’t say a word. She made her way to the kitchen and called Juan to join her. Within moments the front door bell was ringing.
Juan started to the door as Ella caught his hand and pulled him back. Putting her forefinger over her lips.
“I wonder who could be out in this weather.” Maria said
“I don’t know Maria. Why don’t you answer the door? Whoever it is they’re probably freezing out there.” Ella told her.
Maria made her way to the big front door as the bell rang again.
“Just a moment.” She called to the person standing at the door.
Maria opened the door. There stood a small woman totally bundled head to toe.
“Can I help you ma’am.” Maria asked stepping back to al
low her to enter from the cold.
The small lady pulled the scarf covering her face from frost bite and Maria screamed.
“Mama!” Maria threw he arms around her mother. They hugged and danced around the floor. Tears of joy were over flowing from every one’s eyes.
A nice gentleman was standing behind Juanita when she knocked at the door.
“Thank you for making the drive from Baker in this terrible weather. The canyon must have been treacherous.”
“My orders ma’am. We were to get this young lady to this address on Christmas Eve. Not to let rain, sleet or hail stop me. They didn’t mention snow.” He said as he laughed knocking the snow from his shoulders.
Young man can you help me with her luggage?” The driver asked.
“Of course, you have made my wife very happy.” Juan said smiling holding the door open for the driver.
The driver brought in four large boxes and one small suit cases.
“Mama, you brought what looks like all your earthly possessions.” Maria said a little puzzled.
“You wouldn’t want me to leave the pictures of your art work or my personal keepsakes there for whomever to destroy, would you?” Juanita asked?
“I don’t understand.” Maria said looking at Ella for some answers.
“Maria you know the guest room we fixed for guests? Well, we will be fixing up another guest room for guests because that is your mother’s room. She is not a guest, your mother came to live with us.” Ella said as tears streamed down her face. To see Maria so happy touch Ella‘s heart
“Ms. Ella, my angel, I love you so much.” Maria cried out as she embraced Ella.
Juan stood back amazed. “Ms. Ella you have made Maria so happy. How can I ever repay you?” He stood shaking his head in bewilderment.
“Remember Juan, you don’t repay a gift.” Ella made her way to the kitchen.
“Juanita you look like you could use a good cup of Maria’s hot coffee.” Ella said as she pulled the dining room chair back for Juanita to set down.
“Here set and make yourself at home, you are home and welcome to your new home.” Ella grinned as she scurried around the table finding a chair and settling down in it.
Maria brought Jose downstairs. Juanita was so happy to see him.
THE BLUE STALKER Page 22