The Naive Bumblebee

by Holly Smith

  Vince came back with the coffees and set them down on the side table. A short time later, Petal and Byron came rushing in. Byron went to talk with Vince and Petal rushed over and hugged Gertie and Nelise. The guys stood at the corner talking while the women sat in pensive silence holding each other’s hands.

  “What are you doing here, Petal?” Nelise asked.

  “Vince called us. Miss Gertie, he’s going to be all right; you watch and see,” said Petal.

  Nelise went to the restroom and stepped into one of the stalls. Sitting on the toilet, she closed her eyes and asked for help.

  “Nelise, what’s going on?” asked MG.

  “My aunt’s boyfriend is in critical condition. I keep sending everyone to the Great Hall of Light but I can’t get Stanley out of my mind; it’s not working with him. What do I do?”

  “Talk to him, tell him about Garden, remind him that he is loved; say whatever comes to your mind, and keep sending him to the Hall of Light anyway,” said MG. “Keep yourself calm and positive.”

  “OK.”

  Nelise took Stanley’s hand and led him around Garden. She had been there so many times, it was like home. She took him down Main Street and told him about places she had been. She told him that everyone in Garden loved him. All of a sudden she heard the door open.

  “Nelise? Are you in here?” called Petal.

  Before leaving the stall, Nelise told Stanley that Gertie needed him and that they were all waiting for him to come back to them.

  “Yes, Petal,” she said, wiping her eyes with toilet paper. She was washing her hands when Petal put her arms around her.

  “I did what your friend told you to do, Nelise. I sent Stanley and everyone concerned with him to the Light. I’m glad you shared that with me because otherwise I would have felt helplessly worried. Somehow, I feel better having done that. I even sent your aunt and you to the Light,” she said, teary-eyed.

  “Thank you, Petal,” Nelise said, hugging her. As they hurried back to Gertie, the doctor was walking away.

  “What did he say, Auntie?” Nelise asked anxiously.

  Gertie dabbed her eyes with tissue.

  “He said Stanley is still in a coma and they would call me if there was any change. I wanted to stay here but all the beds are taken,” she said, blowing her nose.

  “I will stay at the house with you,” Nelise said, taking Gertie’s arm.

  “All right, dear; thank you.”

  Petal and Byron left and Vince drove Nelise’s car while Nelise took Gertie home in hers.

  “Everything will be fine, Auntie, I’m sure of it,” Nelise said confidently. Since talking with MG, she was sure since MG didn’t have anything else to say about Stanley.

  When they returned to Gertie’s house, Gertie took a shower while Nelise made soup and cheese toast. Vince and Nelise were at the table when Gertie joined them.

  “Thank you, guys. I appreciate it. I’m going to take the food to my room and lay down, but if they call, please get me.”

  “Of course, Auntie, of course,” Nelise said tenderly.

  Vince went over and hugged Gertie.

  “Thank you for being here, Vince. Do you want to drive my car to your house?” Nelise asked him.

  “No, I’ll stay here with you just in case you need me.”

  “I think we’ll be all right, Vince; I’ll keep you posted.”

  “No. I don’t feel right leaving you both alone. Give me a blanket and pillow and I’ll sleep on the floor if I need to.”

  Nelise was too tired to argue.

  “I’ll make up the sleep sofa for you,” she said and headed for the den. He followed and helped her pull out the bed and make it up. As she was leaving, he grabbed her hand.

  “It’s a double bed so we can sleep together like at my house; we’re both tired,” he said.

  “I don’t know,” Nelise was saying when he pulled her to him, laid her gently on the bed and put the blanket over her. He laid on top of the blanket next to her.

  “Good night, Nelise. Worry about nothing,” he said, turning on his side and closing his eyes.

  “OK, Vince.”

  Chapter 40

  Nelise woke up to go to the bathroom. Vince had turned over, his face was next to hers and his arm was draped over her waist. She moved his arm gently and slipped out from under the blanket without waking him.

  When she entered the kitchen, she noticed it was four in the morning. Gertie was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee.

  “Auntie, you’re up. Can I warm up your coffee for you?”

  “No, I just made it. What are you doing up? Why are you dressed? Didn’t you sleep?”

  “Yeah, I slept on the sleep sofa with Vince. He refused to leave us alone under the circumstances.”

  “Oh, that was thoughtful of him.”

  “Did you get a call?” Nelise asked.

  “No, I just woke up so I called the hospital. Still no change.”

  “I’m sorry, Auntie, but I still have a feeling he will come out of it,” Nelise said with certainty.

  “I want to believe that,” Gertie said. “I do feel calmer than I did last night but I wish he was conscious.”

  “I know; me too. I’m going to clean up before Vince gets up.”

  “OK, dear; I’ll make coffee for you.”

  Nelise went to the bathroom and took off her blouse. All of a sudden she felt light-headed and sat on the edge of the toilet. She wet the washcloth with cool water and placed it over her eyes.

  “Nelise, good,” said MG.

  “MG? I didn’t ask for help,” Nelise said confused.

  “No, I called you this time. I’m glad you heard me.”

  “Why?”

  “Get everyone over to the hospital quickly!” MG commanded.

  “Oh! Is Stanley going to die? I told Auntie he wouldn’t!”

  “No, Nelise, he’s coming out of the coma now.”

  “That’s wonderful!”

  “But you need to go now. There has just been a bad accident involving multiple cars and the hospital will need all the beds they can get. You must get Stanley out of there before they move him to a nursing home. They’ll discharge him if you are there with your aunt.”

  “Is he ready for that?” Nelise asked doubtfully.

  “The doctors won’t like doing it, but we know they will. He’ll be fine as long as he can stay in bed and be tended to. Now go!” MG said urgently.

  “Thank you MG!” Nelise said pulling her blouse back on and running to the kitchen.

  “Auntie, we’ve got to get to the hospital now! Get ready; I’m going to wake Vince.”

  “Did you get a call? I didn’t hear the phone ring.”

  “I’ll explain on the way, Auntie, hurry please,” Nelise said as she rushed down the hall.

  “Vince, get up!”

  “Morning, Bumblebee; what’s all the noise about?”

  “We’ve got to get to the hospital; get your shoes on!”

  Vince did as he was told and they piled into the car and drove away.

  “What’s going on, Nelise?” Gertie asked anxiously. “If there wasn’t a call, why are we rushing off? Please tell me you don’t have a bad feeling,” she pleaded.

  “No, I have a hunch that he’s OK,” Nelise said, cautiously driving over the speed limit.

  They rushed to the intensive care unit and the desk nurse said he had been transferred to a room since he was conscious.

  They hurried into his room and when he saw them, he smiled weakly.

  “You’re right on time,” he said as Gertie ran to him and kissed his cheek.

  “On time for what?” she asked.

  “In a few minutes there’s going to be an influx of people from a nearby accident. They told me to see if someone could come get me or I would be shipped over to a nursing home. I’ve been calling but there was no answer.”

  Just then the doctor came in. When he saw Gertie, he sent for the discharge papers.

  “Ev
erything is stable so we are letting him go home because we need the beds. I made an appointment for him to see his doctor in three days but he is not to be up and about until then. Is that clear?” he asked, looking at Stanley directly.

  “Yes, Doc,” Stanley agreed as the nurse showed up with the paperwork and a wheelchair.

  They were just leaving the hospital when they heard loud sirens as four rescue trucks sped in, one after another. As the four exited the highway, they could see more following.

  “You got me out of there just in time,” Stanley said. “How did you know?”

  “Ask Nelise,” Gertie said. Vince was silent.

  “Nelise?”

  “I got a feeling that we should get to the hospital right away; not sure why,” she lied. Heaven knows if I told you the truth, you’d think I was crazy.

  “Well, whatever the reason, I’m sure glad you did. I feel bad for those people in the accident. The staff was saying that for some reason, there have been a lot of accidents of one kind or another lately, which is why the hospital is full.”

  At that, Nelise sent everyone having anything to do with that hospital to the Great Hall of Light. She recalled what Esleen said about the shift and wondered what else might happen. Is it possible that I’ll get to see Loyle again? Ugh, how can I be thinking about him at a time like this? Would it matter if I did? Oh! Why should I think about him at all!

  “I don’t think I know you, do I?” Stanley asked Vince.

  “No, you don’t. I’m Vince, Nelise’s boyfriend. Glad you’re doing better than you were, guy.”

  Nelise’s heart was pounding. Have we even talked about this? First he’s using the “L” word and now he’s claiming me as his girlfriend?

  The rest of the ride was quiet since everyone was so tired. Nelise glanced in the rear-view mirror. Stanley had fallen asleep on Gertie’s shoulder and Gertie’s eyes were closed.

  “How are you holding up, Bumblebee?” Vince whispered.

  “OK, you?”

  “I’m good; tired as everyone is. Are you staying at your aunt’s again?”

  “I don’t think they’ll need me to but if she wants me there, yes.”

  They helped Stanley get into the house and into bed. He thanked everyone and said he could sleep better now that he was out of the hospital. Nelise and Vince said their goodbyes and went to the kitchen. Nelise made sandwiches and put the coffee on. She called Petal to update her and then sat at the table next to Vince when Gertie came out.

  “I can’t tell you how relieved I am and how much I appreciate you guys. I don’t know how you got that hunch, Nelise, but I’m sure glad you did,” she said tearfully.

  “Have something to eat, Auntie. Do you want me to stay with you for a few days?”

  “I don’t think that will be necessary, dear. If I feel the need, I will let you know. Besides, you both have to get back to work, right?”

  “Yeah, but I’ll take time off if you need me.”

  They turned the television on to hear about the accident. After the newscast, Gertie turned it off.

  “I’ve had enough bad news for now. All we can do is pray for those people.”

  “Yeah. I guess people are getting antsy with all the changes going on,” Nelise said, finishing her sandwich.

  “Changes? What are you talking about, dear?” Gertie asked.

  “Yes, what are you talking about?” Vince asked.

  Nelise suddenly realized what she had said. MG, help!

  “The upcoming holidays,” MG responded spontaneously.

  “Oh, you know, the coming holidays,” she said with a sigh of relief.

  “It’s not even Halloween yet. You’re tired, Nelise, go home,” Gertie said with an understanding smile.

  “Yes, we should,” agreed Vince, giving Gertie a hug. “I’m here for you too, Miss Gertie.”

  “Thank you, Vince.”

  Gertie saw them out and waved as they drove away.

  Chapter 41

  By the time they arrived at Vince’s, they were both hungry. Nelise did not want another bedtime episode of any kind to occur by going into his house.

  “Vince, I could use something to help me shift gears. Let’s go have a pizza and a beer.”

  “I have both at the house.”

  “Wouldn’t it be more invigorating to take a ride on your bike and get one?” Nelise implored.

  “Sure, why not? I’d like the change of scenery myself.”

  After a refreshing ride on Vince’s motorcycle, they arrived at the pizza parlor.

  Vince ordered a pitcher of beer with a pizza.

  “And don’t worry that I’m going to get drunk this time, Vince, because it’s not going to happen,” Nelise stated firmly.

  “I believe you, Bumblebee,” Vince said with a chuckle.

  When the food came, they ate the whole pizza ravenously.

  “I had no idea I was that hungry,” Nelise said, finishing her beer.

  Vince poured more into their glasses.

  “Makes sense, we haven’t eaten much today. What are your plans for tomorrow?”

  “I’m going to check in on my aunt and if she doesn’t need me, I’ll do housework and laundry. I might even get a small nap. How about you?”

  “I guess I’ll do the same. I’ll give you a call later in the day and see how you’re doing. Are you going to drink that beer or shall we go?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

  It was almost eleven o’clock Sunday morning when Nelise’s phone rang.

  “Hello, Auntie. How is Stanley doing?”

  “Hi, Nelise; he’s much better. He ate some breakfast; we talked a bit and now he’s sleeping again. I had to call and tell you what he told me; I thought you’d find it interesting,” said Gertie.

  “Oh?”

  “He said while he was out of it in the hospital, he dreamt he was in a beautiful town where all the people were warm and friendly. There was a lot of golden light and he felt so loved there that he didn’t want to leave. After he regained consciousness, a nurse told him that just before he came out of the coma, he was arguing with someone about having to come back.”

  “That is interesting; thank you for sharing that, Auntie,” Nelise said while suddenly feeling guilty.

  “I told him I’m glad he did come back. Anyway, I wanted you to know that, and also, we’re doing fine so there’s no need for you to take time out of work, dear.”

  “All right, keep in touch. Tell Stanley I said hi.”

  Nelise was grateful all was well with Stanley. It made her appreciate Garden that much more. She planned on talking to Esleen about him as well as Vince. She was surprised at how easily Vince was able to use the words love and girlfriend in front of others without ever discussing it with her. One word made her feel special, but the “L” word made her feel uneasy.

  By the time she had finished her housework, Vince called.

  “Hey, Bumblebee, want to go for sushi?”

  “I suppose so; I just finished my work and I am hungry.”

  “I’ll pick you up on the bike,” he said and hung up.

  While they were eating, Nelise shared Stanley’s experience with him.

  “Interesting. You never know,” Vince replied.

  “What does that mean?” Nelise asked disappointedly. She had expected something more from him although she wasn’t sure what.

  “Well, you never know what’s going on in someone’s mind,” Vince said matter-of-factly.

  “Yeah, you’re right.” Heaven knows I’m not sure what’s going on in your mind, Vince Miller, she thought. You’re as deep as a mud puddle.

  “You want to stop by my place for tea?” Vince asked on the way back.

  “No, I’m going to get a good night’s sleep. Aren’t you tired?”

  “I’m never tired around you, Bumblebee,” he said, getting off the bike. She placed the helmet on the back of the bike and Vince abruptly took her in his arms and kissed her firmly, then let her go and got back on the bike.


  “I’ll call you during the week,” he said, revving the engine and taking off.

  “OK, bye,” Nelise said weakly, watching him drive away without looking back.

  I definitely need to talk with Esleen. Has this shift thing slowed down yet? I don’t think I can take much more.

  “Nelise, good to see you.”

  “Hi, Esleen. How’s everything in Garden?”

  “Always delightfully well, you know that. How are things with you?”

  “Good . . . well . . . good, yeah, good.”

  “But?”

  “I have more questions,” Nelise said. “Let’s go walking through the woods and listen to the birds singing. Doable?”

  “Of course,” Esleen said, taking her arm.

  Within moments, there were trees all around them with birds chirping and singing. Soft breezes carried the scent of pine, moss, and wildflowers through the air.

  “Is this what you wanted?” Esleen asked.

  “Exactly. That’s what I love about being here. I always get what I want.”

  “Of course. So, what questions do you have for me this time?”

  “First of all, my aunt’s boyfriend was in an accident which put him in a coma. I sent him to the Great Hall of Light but he kept coming back to my mind so I brought him to Garden and showed him around.”

  “That was a nice thing to do.”

  “Later, he told my aunt that while in the coma, he found himself in a beautiful town with golden light and didn’t want to come back. The attendant told him she heard him arguing with someone about whether or not to return though, of course, he did.”

  “Sounds like he made his decision.”

  “When I took him around Garden, I told him how much my aunt needs him and that we were all waiting for him to return to us. Did I persuade him to come back against his will? I don’t want to be responsible for that,” Nelise confessed.

  “Nelise, what anyone does at any time is what they, themselves, choose.”

  “Are you saying it didn’t matter what I said or did? I didn’t make him feel obligated?”

  “A person makes his or her decision based on what they believe is going to make them feel better unless they are visiting Garden on a regular basis.”