by Holly Smith
Nelise’s stomach tightened. The butterflies felt like sardines in a can.
“Where is Loyle?”
“I don’t know any Loyle. There was a temp here named Jack and I replaced him. The name’s Shad. Do you want to speak with the manager?”
“No, no thank you,” Nelise said and left. As she walked down the street, her legs felt like cement blocks. She found a bus stop bench to sit on and promptly called Loyle. His telephone number was no longer in service. She saw the bus coming and walked away. All the way home, her hurt and anger grew. What did I do? How could he be so rude not to call me? Was he in a hospital somewhere? Was he even alive? I should have talked to the manager. No, he couldn’t tell me anything even if he knew.
Returning home, she laid across the bed in emotional exhaustion and fell asleep. Her cell phone rang startling her awake and she grabbed it.
“Hello?”
“Hi, darlin’; what are you doing on this late Saturday afternoon? Want some company?”
“No, Milton! Go away!” she yelled and hung up. She thought back to the times she had allowed him into her bed because she thought there was a chance to make the relationship work. Then he would drink her beer, eat her food and leave in the morning without further ado, which made her heart, and her self-esteem, sink even lower. If there is any shifting going on, I wish he would shift far away from my world! Milton, I send you to the Great Hall of Light!!! She made herself a cup of cocoa. I’ve got to talk with Esleen and find out what’s going on. No matter what it is, I can handle it. Yes, I can; no more self-medicating with food and alcohol, she told herself firmly.
“Nelise, I’m glad to see you. I assume the party went well.”
“Yes, but we’re wondering what is going on at work. Movers met with the CEO. Can you tell me anything about it?”
“It is part of the shift, no doubt. Be glad; it means you are shifting to something better.”
“Okaaaay,” Nelise replied slowly, “and why haven’t I heard from Loyle? His cell phone number is disconnected. Do you have any idea besides this dern shift?”
“Does it matter? You now have your answer as to whether or not he wants a relationship with you.”
“Esleen, if I knew why he doesn’t—if that’s even true—then I could accept it. But it’s not like Loyle to be inconsiderate. How do I know he’s not in the hospital or even dead?”
“He is neither. What can you do but send him to the Great Hall of Light? Maybe you’ll see him again; maybe you won’t. For now, you have no choice but to go on with your life.”
“That’s not comforting, Esleen. I thought I was supposed to be happy in Garden.”
“You’re not unhappy or you wouldn’t still be here talking with me. Did you send him to the Light?”
“Yes, I did.”
“That’s why you’re still here. What is it about him that keeps you holding on?”
“I had high hopes of Loyle and me living the dream and now that may be gone. I’m afraid to ask what’s next.”
“Next is handling whatever comes along with confidence in the Universal Good. No matter what it looks like, sounds like, or feels like, you won’t see the results of this shift until it is complete. Then you will understand. That is why I say keep coming here where you know you are loved and where everything is peaceful and beautiful. Do you feel it?”
“Yes I do, Esleen, but I want choices out there.”
“You are always choosing, Nelise, whether in Garden or out there. What is it that you want that you think you can’t have?”
“I want a loving relationship with someone who likes me for who I am, someone I can share ideas with and enjoy being with, and that’s Loyle.”
“Except that he has cut off communication with you. And how much sharing of information did you really do with him? He knows quite a lot about you and your family. What do you know about him?”
Nelise stopped to think.
“I know he’s getting his degree soon, when did he say? He’s about my age. The more I think about it, you’re right. He has never divulged much information about his life or family. I can’t imagine why not.”
“That doesn’t sound like it matches the kind of relationship you want. Have you ever asked him questions about himself?”
Nelise was aghast.
“No, I didn’t. I was always so self-conscious about me and my family making a good impression. Why wouldn’t he just tell me anyway?”
“Nelise, there are others out there that would be open with you and that can give you the kind of relationship you want,” Esleen assured.
“Really? Because in these past years, Loyle has been the only one that showed interest in me out of all the men I’ve seen.”
“The only reason you had rapport with Loyle was because he worked at the place you went to for cards and ice cream. There were, and are, other men available. Now that you’ve begun to live your life rather than someone else’s, you’ll be meeting them.”
“You may be right, Esleen, but even though I may not know that much about Loyle, I miss him a lot.”
“I know. Let that go for now. While you are here, what do you want to do?”
“I’m good, Esleen, and I appreciate the way you care about me. I’m going now.”
“It is lovely to hear that, Nelise. See you soon.”
Nelise called Petal and asked her to hang out to keep from dwelling on Loyle for the rest of the day.
“I’d love to! How about walking around the Shopping Wheel Mall?” Petal suggested.
“Sounds good to me. I’ll pick you up.”
After they found a parking space, they headed for an art shop. Nelise decided to create a more uplifting environment in her bedroom with a nice woodsy picture that reminded her of Garden and some candles. She saw one she liked hanging high on a wall.
“Can you see the price, Petal?”
“Not quite; it’s tucked into the corner of the frame. You’re a bit taller than me; can you reach it standing on your toes?”
Nelise stretched as far as she could when she felt something strange.
“Nelise! Your skirt!” Petal exclaimed in a loud whisper. Nelise’s skirt had fallen to the floor leaving only her slip showing.
“Oh!” Nelise gasped, pulling her skirt up. “The pin came apart. Do you think anyone saw me?”
“No, looks like we’re the only ones back here. Why are you still wearing clothes with pins in them? If they don’t fit, ditch them and buy new ones that fit your new size, woman.”
“I’m afraid if I gain the weight back, I’ll have nothing to wear,” Nelise said shame-facedly.
“My dear friend, you won’t gain it back; not this time.”
“What makes you say that, Petal? It happened before.”
“Because this time you slimmed down without trying. Instead of your life being about losing weight, weight loss has been a side effect of your living your life again. I haven’t talked about it but my mom has also been losing weight. And you know what? She put the scale away and doesn’t use it anymore. It used to depress her right from the start of her day and then she could hardly get moving. Well, after seeing how well you are doing, she gets up and plans out activities, including mealtimes. She has joined a walking club, started taking painting classes and is much more positive. She is mindful of what she eats but not like she’s dieting. So far, she has lost about forty pounds in the past months. I’m really proud of her and that’s how you are. Now let’s get over to the dress shop and get you some new clothes. I bet you’ve dropped another size and don’t even know it,” Petal said, grabbing Nelise’s arm authoritatively.
Petal was correct. Too bad Loyle may never see me looking so good, Nelise thought. I guess that doesn’t matter as much as how “I” feel about how I look. She smiled at the mirror’s reflection proudly.
That evening, she laid out her clothes for the next day and decided to get a good night’s sleep for whatever it might bring.
Chapter 24
&nb
sp; Nelise was on her way to work Monday morning when her right tire blew out. She managed to get to the side of the road and called her boss. He didn’t answer so she tried to call Petal but she didn’t answer either.
Oh, what is going on now? she whined to herself getting out of the car. Why didn’t I join that automotive club instead of trying to save money!
A motorcycle pulled over behind her and a tall man with reddish brown hair, mustache and beard got off the bike and walked towards her.
“Looks like you need a tire changed,” he said, taking the car keys from her hand and opening the trunk to get the spare.
Nelise was startled by his take-over approach yet was drawn to his sea green eyes. She was surprised that he was wearing jeans and a sports jacket rather than boots and leather.
“Yes, I guess I do,” she said, not knowing what else she could say.
“Lucky for you I happened along,” he said, taking his jacket off and handing it to her to hold. He rolled up his sleeves and located the spare tire.
“I was behind you and could tell by your tire that it was just a matter of time. Do you even have a good spare?”
Nelise was a bit miffed at his attitude while he took out the spare and examined it. She noticed part of a tattoo on his right arm and wondered what the rest of it was. He had the tire changed in no time.
She dug into her purse and pulled out some cash.
“Here, I’d give you more but . . . ,” she began.
“Don’t worry about it; what is a man good for if he can’t change a tire for a pretty lady?”
Nelise felt her face redden. The butterflies in her stomach awakened. Nobody had said such a thing to her for a very long time and although she figured he was just being nice, it was still pleasant to hear.
“Well, thank you, I appreciate it.”
“Sure thing,” he said, rolling down his sleeves slowly and taking back his jacket. He hesitated as if he wanted to say something else, but then just got on his bike, waved and drove off.
Why should my stomach be reacting to a man I will never see again? I want Loyle and that’s all there is to it, she reminded herself firmly and got into the car.
When Nelise entered the building, there was a new girl at the reception desk. It was very quiet as if nobody else was there.
“Are you new here?” Nelise asked.
“No, I’m temping so the receptionist can attend the employee meeting in the large conference room on the fourth floor,” she said.
Nelise’s heart thumped anxiously. This cannot be good news if the receptionist is included in the meeting. Esleen says things can only get better so I must stay calm. Just as she got off the elevator, the conference room door opened and out came a line of employees, Petal first.
“Petal!” Nelise called. Petal ran over, grabbed Nelise’s arm and quickly pulled her into the stairwell.
“Hey! What the heck are you doing?”
“Shut up; I’ve got to tell you something!” Petal said hurriedly, pulling her down the stairs to the landing halfway between floors.
“What’s going on, Petal?”
“The company has been sold. We’re as good as out the door!” Petal stated, her eyes wide.
“No!”
“We can take our package and leave, or we can stay around for four weeks to train the new people. How do you like that?” Petal asked, frowning angrily. “The new owners want us to train their people. Yuck! By the way, where were you? Mr. Manion was angry that you weren’t here.”
“I had a flat tire. Luckily some guy came along and changed it for me. Gosh, I’d better go see him right away.”
“Wait until he’s back in his office. Only the low-level employees were excused. C’mon, let’s get back to our desks,” Petal said.
By the time Nelise had gotten a coffee and returned to her desk, Mr. Manion was standing there.
“Mr. Manion, I’m so sorry I was late; I had a flat tire,” she apologized.
“I wondered what happened; it isn’t like you to miss a meeting. I suppose you know the news by now?”
“Yes, I heard,” she said, placing her coffee on her desk and noticing a document on her computer keyboard.
“That will explain everything,” Mr. Manion said, pointing to it. “Everyone must turn in his or her intention to stay or leave by the end of this week. Training will begin on Tuesday of next week as the companies will be moving over the weekend. Feel free to call me if you have any other questions,” he said with a doleful look on his face and left.
Nelise called Petal.
“Yes?” Petal whispered.
“Why are you whispering?” Nelise asked in a whisper also.
“I don’t know; it just feels eerie around here, like a morgue.”
“Can we meet for coffee after work? I don’t want to go home right away. I feel like someone pulled the rug out from under me.”
“You’re not alone. We’re all going over to the Olive Pit for drinks after work. Do you want to ride together?” offered Petal.
“No, I’ll meet you there.”
While Nelise was driving, she kept thinking about what Esleen had said. But how could this be something better? No Loyle and now no job. All in a matter of days. This shifting business sure doesn’t feel like something better. I hope Esleen tells me something good tonight, that is if I don’t get drunk. Good grief, I can’t afford to get drunk now. Uussshhhh!!!!
Nelise joined her coworkers in the back of the bar.
“I guess you really didn’t know anything, Nelise; you look about as pale as dust,” said Chad. “What a drag, eh?”
“Yes it is, and no, I didn’t know. Is anybody staying?” Nelise asked. “I could really use the money although it will be a challenge training someone to give my job to.”
“I’m going to stay on; it will give me more money while I’m looking for another job,” Petal said. “I won’t like it but then, it’s not like their employees had any say in the matter either. Everyone wants a job.”
“True,” agreed the receptionist, Melody.
Different ones shared their concerns as the night wore on and the drinks flowed.
“I’m sad for you guys but I’m glad it happened for me,” Chad said. “I’ve been wanting to move closer to my family but I would never leave a good paying job to do it. Now I can. I’m confident that we’ll all get jobs anyway.”
“Yes,” said Pam, “to find a job before leaving a job is difficult with time schedules and authorized time off. Now I can go whenever there is an opportunity; hopefully with a better company and making more money. I was getting bored with the humdrum of this place lately.”
“Does that mean you’re not going to stay, Pam?” Nelise asked.
“No, I’m staying. I want to get what I can while I can,” she said, shaking her head.
“What about you, Nelise?” asked Harry.
“Yes, I guess I’m going to stick it out to the bitter end. Then I’ll look for a position near my aunt in the next state up. I know I can stay with her until I find one.”
“That’s a pretty good deal,” said Chad.
“Oh, Nelise, no!” cried Petal. “I never thought you’d move away from me,” she said, teary eyed.
Someone at the end of the table announced, “Last call! Who’s up for it? I’ll buy since I just won some money from a scratch ticket. What the heck, eh?”
“Count me in!” hollered Chad. “Thanks, buddy!”
Some left, and some stayed for the last drink, including Nelise and Petal.
“How’s the relationship going, Petal?” Nelise asked.
“Very well, thank you. Mom even likes him and she’s usually pretty picky. He knows how to schmooze her and she laps it up like a kitten drinks milk!” Petal said with innocently blinking eyes.
They all laughed.
“That’s good; I’m glad to hear it,” Nelise said.
“Hey, does everyone know that Nelise is the one who got my boyfriend and me together?” Petal asked while
sipping her drink.
“Now, Petal, they don’t need to hear the particulars,” Nelise said, trying to shut Petal down for fear she might say too much with a few drinks in her.
“OK, Nelise, OK. I’ll just say one thing; if she hadn’t gotten drunk one night and needed help getting to the car, I might never have met Byron.”
“Hey, Nelise, c’mon and go out drinking with me. I want to meet a new guy!” said one of the girls.
“Hey, you already have a boyfriend!” said another. “Call me, Nelise!”
“Nelise, I’m glad you threw that party for us. It was a good thing since we didn’t know this was coming. I’m sorry for accusing you,” Pam apologized.
“That’s OK,” Nelise said. She had the sudden thought to send Pam and everyone at the company to the Great Hall of Light. It couldn’t hurt, and—who knows?—it might help.
Having been stirred up before heading home, she wanted to go to Garden so she could sleep. What will Esleen have to say about this?
“Nelise, I’m glad you’re here. Looks like you might want the body shop, right?”
“Yeah, sure. I guess I don’t look all that great after drinking half the night,” Nelise said with a laugh.
“Interesting. I’ve seen this look on you before,” Esleen said as Nelise exited the body shop.
“Yes, I guess it’s the effect of all the wild things going on in my life right now.”
“Like what?”
“Me and my workmates are all losing our jobs. Now there’s no job for me, and no Loyle. And you say it’s about a shift and at the end of the shift, all will be better than before, right?”
“Exactly,” Esleen confirmed.
“Well, I can accept that for now because I still have money coming in but what I have to do to get that money won’t be pleasant.”
“Are you setting your mind to that intent, Nelise?”
“How else can I think? I’m going to train someone to take over my job and leave me without one,” Nelise reasoned.
“Aren’t you being slightly dramatic? You are going to stay with your aunt who would never let you go without. Of course you can feel like that if you want to or, you could feel appreciative instead. The person you train is part of the shift that is moving you to a new and better life experience which is what you have wanted. It’s just not happening the way you think it should. Treat the person as if they were a bearer of good tidings.”