by Holly Smith
“Hi, Nelise; how are you?”
“I saw Loyle.”
“Really. How was he?”
“He looks well. It appears he has another lover.”
“You never mentioned that you and he were lovers. You said you had just dated him. Did I misunderstand?”
“OK, he has a lover.”
“I guess that answers your question about whether or not to wait for him.”
“Well then; I guess it’s wrapped up like a neat little package in everyone’s mind. Don’t you realize my heart is absolutely broken?”
“Nelise. You are standing here before me and haven’t been thrown out of Garden yet. Perhaps you think that is how you ‘should’ feel but it’s all right not to. After all, like we discussed before, there was a lot you didn’t know about him. Now you can start anew with someone else who knows you as you are now,” Esleen said optimistically.
“I don’t want to start over! It took so long to get going with Loyle,” Nelise whined.
“Now you are on the verge of getting thrown out of Garden, Nelise. Listen, you and he were only friends. Be glad for that. He helped you get through some pretty tough times. Maybe that’s all there was supposed to be with him. You can accept that and be open to new friendships or you can keep yourself miserable in which case I won’t be able to see you. You need to consider what is best for you and it looks like Loyle is not. Send him to the Great Hall of Light and allow yourself to develop a better life with someone else. Garden will help you do that. We are always here loving you.”
“I know, Esleen. I’m going to bed,” Nelise said bluntly. “I don’t want to hear any more about it right now.
“Good night, Nelise.”
Chapter 29
Another Monday and no response to my resumes. I thought this shift business was supposed to bring good stuff my way, Nelise muttered while pouring herself some juice. She was preparing to send out another resume when her phone rang.
“Petal?”
“Yes, Nelise! I’m glad I got hold of you. Are you sitting down?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact I am. Why?”
“I have big news!”
“Really, what?” Nelise asked with a yawn.
“There are jobs for us!”
“What are you talking about? I have been sending out resumes by the ream and haven’t had one reply yet,” squawked Nelise.
“I got a call from Pam last night. She found a job for herself and for some of us if we are interested.”
“Pam got a job already? How did she luck out?” Nelise asked jealously.
“Yeah, right? A friend of her cousin put out the word that he was looking for people to staff the new insurance company he’s managing. Pam interviewed, was hired, and they asked her if she knew of anyone else that may be interested. She told me there were eight positions open. Between us, we have gathered five people to interview, including you and me. Are you interested?”
“Do you know anything about this company?”
“Pam said it has taken a new slant towards insurance. Drivers get rewarded with bonus checks towards their next year’s bill if they have paid their bill on time and had no accidents in the past year. It’s a thirty-eight hour work week with good health insurance and the pay is better than our last job. Well, hers is anyway, and I’m hoping the same for us too. I thought we could arrange our interviews on the same day and go for lunch afterwards. What do you think?”
“It sounds pretty good but wouldn’t that be a long haul for you every weekday?”
“Well, that brings me to more good news. Byron and I are getting married and moving up near you, Nelise! Isn’t that cool?” Petal practically screamed into the phone.
“Married! Really, Petal? I am speechless! When?”
“This weekend at my mom’s church.”
“What! Why didn’t you tell me so I could prepare?” Nelise asked frantically.
“Because we’re having a small ceremony to save money. Only our immediate family members will be there. We bought a house and Byron has been working on it weekends. He began a new job and is already living up there. I’ll be moving up next week. How’s that for a special news bulletin?” Petal asked ecstatically.
“Petal, I’m absolutely stunned, and amazed that you kept all this under your hat for so long!”
“It wasn’t easy, Nelise. You know how I am but I promised Byron,” Petal said with a laugh. “I thought I would absolutely burst!”
“I am so happy for you! And for me! And for Byron of course!” Nelise jubilantly shouted through the phone.
“Me too! I will have Pam set up our interviews and get back to you.”
“OK, I’ll be waiting to hear, Petal, thanks. Oh, and congratulations!”
“Thanks, Nelise!”
Nelise went to Gertie’s bedroom door. Surely she’s up by now. She no sooner knocked than the back door opened.
Nelise ran into the kitchen. “Auntie?”
Gertie spun around guiltily. “Yes, Nelise?”
“Do you mean to tell me I’ve been tiptoeing around here so I don’t wake you and you weren’t even home?”
“I guess so,” Gertie said with a mischievous smile.
“Ha! I can tell by the look on your face that I shouldn’t ask any more questions. Anyway, I just talked to Petal and it looks like we’ll be working sooner than expected.”
“You both got a job? That’s fantastic! What does Petal have to do with it?” Gertie asked.
“She got a call from a coworker at our last job who referred us to the employer that hired her. It’s almost sure that we’ll be hired too. Oh, and Petal is getting married and moving up here near us,” Nelise said with a laugh.
“Whaaaat? She’s getting married? They haven’t been together very long, have they?”
“Long enough, I guess. They’ve already bought a house up here and Byron found another job too.”
“A house? Up here? Wow, they’re really moving fast,” Gertie said, sitting down.
“Oh, Auntie, they’re both happy; they get along famously and I’m thrilled to have my best friend close by.”
“Of course. Yes, I’m glad too. When is the wedding? Are you going to be her . . . ?” Gertie was saying when Nelise cut her off.
“Nope. Closed wedding, simple and quick. They’re putting their money into the house.”
“Awww, her first wedding and no big celebration. Are they going on a honeymoon?”
“She didn’t mention it; probably not. Hey, they got a house and that’s better than a honeymoon!”
“Financially it is, but this is a very special day for her. We’ll have to send her a very nice gift for the home. Would you find out if there’s anything in particular she’d like?”
“Yes, Auntie; that’s a good idea,” Nelise agreed, giving Gertie a kiss on the cheek.
That night, Nelise went to Garden with all the good news but one thing still bothered her.
“Sounds like things are really turning around,” Esleen said and smiled.
“Esleen, I want to talk with Loyle. Can I do that?”
“Why, Nelise? Your lover is very close. What is it that you want from Loyle?” Esleen asked.
“I don’t know. I just can’t let go of him,” Nelise confessed.
“Have you tried sending him to the Hall of Light?”
“Yes, but I don’t really want to do that.”
“Why in the world not?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m afraid I’ll never see him again if I do.”
“You’re afraid of something, but I don’t think that’s it. Are you sure you’re not using him as an excuse to hang onto the familiar rather than going for the adventure of the new? Even good changes can be scary if we’ve been in a rut for a long time,” Esleen said.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t care for him, because I do. Why must I analyze this? Why can’t I just want him and leave it at that?” Nelise hollered and then realized she was back in her bedroom.
&
nbsp; “UGH! UGH! UGH! Why did I bring that up!” Nelise wailed, jumping onto her bed and beating her pillow furiously. Just then, the phone rang.
“Hello,” she said drearily.
“Nelise, is that you?”
“Yes, Petal, sorry, I just . . . , uh . . . , woke up from a nap.”
“I see. Well, since you are rested, come to the clothing store with me. Our interviews are next Wednesday at ten and eleven o’clock in the morning. Isn’t that great? We can go to lunch and celebrate afterwards. Let’s go buy some new clothes.”
“All right. I suppose it’s better than hanging around the house,” Nelise decided.
“I’ll pick you up. You can help me learn my way around town.”
Nelise freshened up and met Petal at the driveway. With Nelise’s guidance, the two were soon at the nearby shopping center.
“Wow, Nelise! Size nine! How do you feel, Miss Thinnerized?” Petal asked when Nelise came out of the dressing room.
“Oh stop it, Petal,” Nelise said, not meaning it at all.
“C’mon Nelise, I know you’re basking in the sunlight of your success. I would be.”
“Ha! Yeah, especially before the interview,” Nelise admitted with a grin.
“It’s funny how I had been feeling anxious about the job coming to an end, your moving away from me, and my mother’s health. Now it seems like everything has shifted around. It’s turning out to be a time of wonderful changes, don’t you think?” Petal asked while walking like a queen to her car with her new clothes.
The shift! Yeah, the wonderful shift, Nelise thought dryly.
“Yeah, great changes,” she said, missing Loyle all the more.
Chapter 30
“Well that interview was the easiest I’ve ever been through. What do you think, Nelise?”
“I agree. It won’t take much to learn their system and the people are very friendly. I was surprised to see so many of our coworkers there; it was like a family reunion.”
“Yeah, what a fluke! We couldn’t have worked that out if we tried!” Petal marveled.
Nelise knew it wasn’t quite the coincidence that Petal thought it was. What else can happen from the shift? After lunch, Petal dropped her off and all Nelise could think about was that if Loyle were around, he would take her out to celebrate.
She changed into comfortable clothes and made a cup of tea. She grabbed a bag of cookies from the cupboard and sat at the table when the kitchen door opened and in came Gertie with a man behind her.
“Oh, Nelise, I’m glad you’re home. I’d like you to meet Stanley Ruckles. This is my niece,” Gertie said.
“Hi, Nelise,” Stanley said with a smile.
Nelise stared at the tall blonde-haired man. I know I’ve seen him before but where?
“Your aunt said I’d remember you. You came down to the paddle boats at the lake with your aunt and your friend,” he said.
“Oh yeah,” Nelise said and looked at Gertie questioningly.
“Stanley and I were just stopping by so I could change. We’re going to a movie and then for pizza. Would you like to join us?” she asked, disappearing into her bedroom.
Stanley sat down across from Nelise whose tea and cookies were untouched.
“Don’t let us stop you from eating,” he said. “I recall you were with a guy when you all came to the lake; I think his name was Lionel?”
“Loyle,” Nelise said, now recalling the whole scenario.
“Oh, that’s right. Nice guy. He and I had a good conversation the first time he came by. Are you and he still dating?”
Before Nelise could answer, Gertie came up the hall wearing a new pair of tight jeans and a western jacket. Her makeup was more pronounced than usual and her wavy hair hung loosely around her shoulders.
“Are you ready, hon?” she asked Stanley.
“Sure thing. Nice to meet you, Nelise.”
They were out the door before Nelise could take a breath. Really? Is my aunt really dating this younger guy? Tight jeans and makeup? What has gotten into her? Has she lost her mind? Nelise left her cookies on the napkin and drank a few sips of tea. So what does Mr. Paddleboat do for a living after the summer season?
“Is he still in college?” she asked the air sarcastically as she grabbed her keys.
She took a drive to buy some beer since Gertie had been going out so much and neglected to. She thought of going by the old house but didn’t want to get caught in the after-work traffic. When she returned home, all was quiet as she knew it would be.
Why do I feel so out of it all? I have a lover of sorts in Garden while everyone else has a real one out here. Loyle, how could you leave me like that? How could you be with a man when it is clear that you told this guy we were dating? She checked the television for a movie to watch. Then she thought of the times the three of them watched a movie together in the den. I guess I’ll go to Garden but I won’t mention Loyle this time.
“Hi, Nelise; how are you?” asked Esleen in a particularly supportive tone.
“I’m well, and you?”
“Always wonderfully well in Garden. What do you have on your mind?”
“I want to go on a long ride through the countryside and talk some more but I don’t want to drive.”
Just as Nelise finished speaking, a black limousine pulled up, driven by a chauffeur who promptly got out and opened the door for them.
“Hey, I like this a lot!” Nelise exclaimed, getting in.
Esleen smiled. “I thought you would. He thought of it.”
“Who?”
“The being that loves you.”
“Oh, great,” she said, shaking her head and trying to see his face which was difficult as he was wearing a hat and sunglasses.
“So what did you want to talk about?”
“Well, I got a job and my best friend is getting married. Then I met my aunt’s boyfriend and he’s much younger than she and it doesn’t seem to bother her at all! Meanwhile, well . . . , I didn’t want to bring it up again, but I’m alone and why can’t I have Loyle? If I send him to the Great Hall of Light, will that change him back so we can be together again? I know he liked me. Please tell me some good news, Esleen, I feel like I’m dr—”
“Don’t finish that sentence or our conversation will be ended,” Esleen advised quickly.
“Well, you get my idea; can you answer that?” Nelise asked, trying to relax the tightness she felt in her throat.
“Nelise, are you still forming judgments?”
“I’m not trying to. I just see so many reasons why it is not a good idea for my aunt to be with a much younger man. What do they have in common? Is he after her money? Is she that lonely? And is that relationship right for Loyle? Or anyone? I’m really trying to understand; can you help me?”
“You don’t need to understand anyone else’s life, Nelise; it’s none of your business. You only need to decide what you want for your life. That’s what you get to choose. When you put your attention on what others are doing, you’re taking away from your own life. And that affects your shift. Do you understand that?” Esleen asked directly.
“Fine. I send my aunt, her boyfriend, and Loyle to the Great Hall of Light. OK?”
“Now what?”
“I suppose I start my new job and look for an apartment,” Nelise said dully.
“How about getting excited about your new job, and the chance to decorate a new apartment? We, in Garden, are all happy for you! You are successful, Nelise; be happier for yourself. The fact that those around you are doing well and finding love means you are on the verge of finding the same for yourself. You got the job, then there’ll be an apartment, and soon, I will be hearing about your new relationship!”
“I can tell you’re trying to cheer me up.”
“Yes, with the truth. Your love is waiting for you. When are you going to allow yourself to be drawn to him?” Esleen asked looking out the window at the meadow full of flowers they were passing. “There are plenty of flowers to appreciate
but only as you look at them in Garden will you recognize them on the outside.”
Nelise looked out the window. There were all kinds of flowers as far as the eye could see. She understood Esleen’s comment clearly. I know there are lots of flowers but the only flower I want is Loyle.
“The Great Hall of Light.”
“I know, Esleen, I know,” Nelise said and left Garden.
Loyle, I send you to the Great Hall of Light again. Somehow I have to move on because thinking of you in any way besides with me is too upsetting.
Nelise went to the kitchen for some cocoa. It was after midnight. I guess this means I won’t be up to see Auntie come home—, or will I. Oh! That’s none of my business. Auntie, I send you to the Great Hall of Light again. Esleen is right. What kind of life do I have if I’m dwelling on everyone else’s life? I’ve got to stop putting my life on the shelf like I did with Mother!
She turned out the light, went to her bedroom and made herself focus on how she would decorate her new apartment when she found one.
Chapter 31
Nelise found an apartment three miles from Petal’s house. She and Petal were up in the front office talking with Jaelynn, the receptionist at work, whose brother owned a small moving company.
The front door opened and in came Vince, carrying a big box. “Hi, this is for Mr. Lotsworth. Where should I put it?”
“On this counter next to me, please. Thank you so much,” said Jaelynn ever so sweetly, staring at Vince’s eyes while writing her signature on the electronic receipt pad.
“Have a great day,” he said as he turned towards the door.
“Vince?” Petal called out, to Nelise’s chagrin.
He turned around and saw Nelise first.
“Hey, Nelise! Petal! When did you two start working here?” he asked, keeping his eyes on Nelise the whole time.
“For a while; right, Nelise?”
“Yes,” she replied, giving Petal a dirty look.
“What are you doing here? You were supposed to be doing my old job; what happened?” Petal asked.
“I’m Jaelynn Sweet,” Jaelynn interrupted and put her hand out. “I’m new here also; what was your name again?”