by Holly Smith
“Nelise, you look amazingly different than I’ve ever seen you,” Petal said, smiling. “I think I like you this way. Heaven knows you’re quite interesting looking!”
“Good to hear that, Petal, because I feel very different and I like it.”
“I forgot to mention that you look like you lost more weight. Did you?”
“In fact, I did. I’m in good shape and ready for marriage,” Nelise announced and poured herself a cup of coffee.
“You mean you’re going to get married right away?”
“Oh, I don’t know when; but it seemed like that’s what Vince wants. He has been clearing his property, has the blueprint for the house he wants, and apparently is already up there working. Once he wants something, he doesn’t waste time going for it. Heck, we’ll probably have a couple of kids in the first two years!” Nelise laughed.
“Wow. I know I said grab him but are you OK with that?” Petal asked.
“Why not? Did you and Byron have a long engagement?”
“Ha! We skipped that. I got both rings in time for the wedding ceremony.”
“Well, that was OK for you guys,” Nelise stated.
“Yes, but I had no struggle with Byron. You might say it was love at first kiss. You have been fighting yourself about Vince ever since you met him.”
“Because I was still hung up on finding Loyle, remember?”
“Oh, right, I forgot about him. Well, whatever makes you happy. We both like Vince a lot. He’s a good guy and Jaelynn’s rebuffed advances prove he isn’t easily swayed. That’s a very good sign,” Petal affirmed. “When are you heading out there?”
“I was going to go today but it’s beginning to get very cold and I wouldn’t get there until dark so I guess I’ll leave tomorrow morning. That way I’ll make it by afternoon. I’m going to prepare a picnic basket with wine, hors d’oeuvres, cookies, and a Thermos of hot chocolate. How does that sound?”
“I’ll marry you!” Petal said and they laughed.
“I’m going to the grocery store. Why don’t you hang out with me and stay for supper?”
“Sounds good,” Nelise agreed.
After the meal, the women did the dishes and settled in front of the television with Byron and his friends.
“Nelise, were you aware of the snowstorm headed our way?” Byron asked.
“No way.”
“Yes, way. It’s supposed to hit us before midnight.”
“Romantic background for bringing in the New Year,” a bright-eyed Petal said.
“Yeah,” was all Nelise could say. Apparently the shift is still in motion. I’m not going to worry though because Esleen said I couldn’t make any mistakes.
The snow began falling close to nine o’clock so Nelise decided to ride the bike home and leave her car at Petal’s house.
“Good luck tomorrow,” Petal said, hugging Nelise. “I hope it will be the best New Year’s Day ever for you!”
“Thanks, Petal. Thanks for putting up with me, you guys.”
“That’s what friends are for, Nelise; keep me posted,” Petal said with a wink.
“Yes, you nosy broad, I will,” Nelise said, putting on her helmet.
The next morning, Nelise woke up early and rushed to the window. There were only a few inches of snow so she prepared for the trip. The butterflies were already fluttering about excitedly. Hey, settle down there; we haven’t even begun our journey yet, she ordered.
She soon had everything packed on the bike and excitedly took off. It’s a bit colder riding a motorcycle, she thought after a mile, and went back to layer up and get a blanket in case she might need it.
Arriving at the intersection where Vince always made his turn, she couldn’t remember which turn to take. I guess either way will eventually get me there. I’m glad he has a truck so I can warm up. After riding longer than she had expected, she drove onto Vince’s property. There were now bushes and weeds growing where he had previously cleared the land as she remembered it. Things sure grow fast when you don’t tend to them. Where is he? Is he getting back at me by being late? The butterflies plopped onto the floor of her stomach and remained motionless.
What do I do now? It’s so cold. She looked at her cell phone. It was late afternoon. There was still time before sundown. Maybe that’s why he hasn’t arrived yet; he wants “me” to see how it feels to wait for someone. Oh! There I go again, speculating. She parked her bike near a clump of three trees and looked around for some branches to make a lean-to for protection from the wind. Once she finished putting it together the best way she could, she wrapped herself in the blanket and sat under it. She tried to get to Garden but she was too cold and upset.
I guess you are getting back at me, eh Vince? That’s OK; I can imagine how you felt seeing me with Loyle so I’ll tough it out. She opened the Thermos and drank some hot chocolate. After a short while, her teeth were chattering. Something must have happened. And why did he let everything grow back? That isn’t like him. And why did he tell Byron and not me about leaving town? Oh! Did he find the ring in the glove compartment? Why did I do that?
Usssshhhh! I drank that hot chocolate and now I’ve got to pee so badly. She took the basket of goodies off the bike and placed it against the tree under the lean-to. When he finds it, he’ll know I was here and will call me. Vince, I send you to the Great Hall of Light and I hope that you’re all right but I just can’t wait any longer.
She made it back to the highway and headed for a service station. There was a truck parked in front of the door and a man was standing in the office.
“Are you open?” she asked through the partially opened door.
“No, I had to stop here and get something. I guess I forgot to close the door.”
“I only need the restroom; may I use it before you close up?”
“Fine. Hurry though; I don’t want anybody else stopping.” He handed her the key.
“Do you know of any restaurants or bars open today?” she asked, returning the key.
“About five miles down from here, there’s an old, rickety-looking bar with pool tables. You can get sandwiches and snacks there,” he said.
“Thank you and have a nice New Year,” she said appreciatively.
“You also,” he said, locking the door as she drove away.
There were a few motorcycles parked in the parking lot of the bar so Nelise parked hers near them and went in. There were holiday lights around the ceiling and one table top Christmas tree in the corner.
She went to the bar and ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and a beer. She started to call Petal and decided against it. She’ll worry about me; why ruin her New Year’s Day?
“Hi, Nelise. What brings you to these parts at the beginning of the New Year?” asked a male voice.
Startled at hearing her name, she looked up at the man who sat down next to her.
“Oh! Hi, Jona. I went to meet up with a friend and I guess they couldn’t make it. I wanted to show off my new motorcycle. What are you doing here on the holiday?”
“My family is spread out across the states. I usually go to one of their houses but this year I decided to take it easy and save some money. Sorry to hear about your friend.”
“I must be outta my mind taking the bike out on a cold day like this anyway,” she said, taking a drink of beer. Why do I feel the butterflies stirring? Why am I not feeling sorrier that Vince isn’t there? Have I shifted worlds? What world am I on now?
“Only a true biker would do a fool thing like that,” Jona said and laughed loudly. “When you finish eating, show me your bike. I’d like to see it. Why don’t we go sit at a table and I’ll eat too. Harry, get me the same as hers and another beer please.”
“Will do,” said Harry.
As Nelise warmed up, she began to pull off her jacket. Jona leaned over to help her and inadvertently grabbed part of her sweater along with the jacket while she was pulling. Before she realized it, he got a glimpse of the bumblebee tattoo on her shoulder.
> “Oops, sorry about that,” he said, helping her separate the sweater from the jacket. “Nice tattoo. Why a bumblebee?” he asked.
“I like them. They do what they do, mind their own business, and they’re cute.”
“You know why I like the bumblebee?”
“Why?” Nelise asked, pleased that someone else had a thought about it as well.
“It knows what it likes and is naturally drawn to it. It doesn’t have to think about it or reason about it. It doesn’t have to wade through emotional garbage from its past or work through fear about making mistakes in the future. It simply lets itself be drawn to what it likes and enjoys it. If the goods are already taken or not easy to get to, it simply moves on. No pain of guilt or worry. If life gave that gift to the little bumblebee, why shouldn’t it have given the same to us?” Jona asked, leaning forward with a questioning expression.
“Good question. Why didn’t it?” Nelise asked.
“Ah! I didn’t say it didn’t. It did, but most of us don’t know it. And if someone comes along and tries to tell us, we don’t believe it. Many of us have a bunch of mental misconceptions hidden away that prevents us from thinking clearly, causing us to make faulty decisions.”
“You honestly believe we’ve been given that same gift?”
“Sure I do . . . now.”
“What do you mean now?”
“Let’s just say I have a very close friend who helped me understand and I have proven it to myself in my own world, so to speak.”
Nelise’s heart warmed. Could it be that he has been to Garden? Her whole beingness felt lighter. Like the bumblebee, she was thoroughly enjoying his presence and the butterflies were fluttering about happily and harmoniously.
“I see,” she said, taking another bite of her sandwich and smiling to herself.
When they finished eating, Jona followed her out to the parking lot to see her bike.
“It’s not new but it’s in good shape,” she said.
“Hey, it’s a decent looking piece of machinery. Why don’t you take me for a ride down the road and back; I’d like to see if you are handling the curves any better than you did in class,” he suggested.
“Oh . . . uh . . . OK,” Nelise said, surprised at his request.
While she put on her helmet, Jona grabbed his off his bike and hopped onto the back of hers. Feeling the nearness of him gave her the jitters as she headed down the road under his watchful eye and rounded the first bend stiffly as if she were in class.
What is wrong with me? I drove all the way here without a problem and I will not let him intimidate me! She took a deep breath and regained her composure, intending to simply enjoy the ride. She then took the second curve smoothly.
“You’re doing better; you must have practiced,” Jona said.
The road was hilly with many curves. When she rounded the fifth one, Jona placed his hands gently around her waist and told her she was doing well. The vibration of his voice near her ear enlivened the butterflies as if they had just been presented with a bouquet of flowers to play in.
She stopped at the bottom of one hill where there was an open gas station to fuel up.
Jona went into the convenience store next to it and returned with two hot chocolates.
“So how’d I do, instructor?” Nelise asked humorously while sipping one of them.
“Good. Truthfully, you weren’t having that much of a problem or I wouldn’t have passed you in the first place. I just wanted you to pay attention to it when you rode. So, are you attached to anyone?” he asked her outright.
“No. You?” she answered, basking under the gaze of his Loyle-like eyes.
“Ha! Of course not or I wouldn’t have asked you. I do have an ex somewhere around these parts but I haven’t run into her in the past three years. What’s your story?”
“What makes you think I have a story?”
“Few people our age don’t. Have you ever been married? Got kids?”
“I’m divorced as well, no children,” Nelise said readily, realizing then she never really wanted to be with Vince. It was what everyone else wanted for her.
“You want to date?” Jona asked, taking their empty cups and throwing them into the trash receptacle.
When he returned, she was sitting on the idling bike putting her gloves on. He stepped in front of it and waited for an answer.
“Yes, let’s date,” Nelise said with a laugh.
“Great,” he said and got on the bike. As she drove away, Jona wrapped his arms around her waist snugly.
Nelise felt a familiar feeling come over her that wasn’t the same as with Vince or Loyle. The butterflies suddenly felt free and flew directly to Garden over grassy hills and flowery slopes, playing along the way. The cold air felt refreshing and the colors around her were more vivid. She suddenly found herself in Garden with Esleen smiling at her.
“I found my lover, Esleen, so you can tell the one in Garden to forget me,” she said happily.
“He’s no longer here, dear, and we are so happy for you both. Nelise, are you aware that you have brought your best self from Garden to your out-there world? And you will be joyfully surprised the next time you visit. There are many new people here and Garden is more beautiful than it has ever been!” Esleen said and faded away with a smile.
By the time they returned to the bar, it was late but Nelise didn’t care. They got off the bike and walked back into the bar arm in arm. They sat at a table and Jona ordered coffees. As Nelise looked around, some of the people there seemed familiar to her, like she had seen them some place before. A woman passed their table and smiled sweetly at her on her way by.
“Whatcha need, Ivy?” Harry asked the woman.
Nelise now understood what Esleen had told her about knowing everyone in Garden and smiled. I guess the shift has finally slowed down again, she thought with a contented sigh.
“Let’s celebrate our crossing paths with some holiday pie,” Jona suggested. “What kind would you like?”
“Do they have mincemeat?”
“Mincemeat! I thought I was the only person around these parts that liked that! Harry, two mince slices,” he called.
“Will do,” said Harry.
Nelise took her gloves off and rubbed her hands together.
Jona reached over and placed his hands gently over hers and Nelise smiled slightly, recalling a time when her invisible lover had done that.
“Do you happen to have a swing on a rope in your back yard?” she asked suddenly.
Jona let out a surprised laugh.
“How did you know?”
“Just a hunch,” she said. “I wish I had met you before the holidays. I would have liked celebrating them with you.”
“Oh? Then do I have a surprise for you!” he exclaimed.
“Yeah?”
There’s a place north of here that has a continuous Christmas celebration going on year round and I want to take you there soon!” Jona announced like an excited teenager.
“For real? I’ve never heard about such a place.”
“Their only advertisement is word of mouth. I happened upon it a year ago when I was riding back from my sister’s. Originally they started with a simple hayride and so many people showed up for it one year that the idea caught on. Now there’s a huge building dedicated to Christmas and that hayride. Under the dome, you ride in a horse-drawn wagon full of hay through a forest of decorated trees under snowfall, over a covered bridge, down a Main Street with little shops where elves hand out cookies and candy, by people singing Christmas carols in front of a church, and by an ice rink with skaters. At the end of the ride, you arrive at a farmhouse where they serve pie and coffee or juice. You can get your picture taken with your loved ones in front of a huge Christmas tree and exit through a holiday decorated gift shop. It’s quite amazing.”
“It sounds wonderful,” Nelise said dreamily, mesmerized by the idea of a sleigh ride with Jona.
Jona gently squeezed her hands, looked into h
er eyes and smiled.
Thank you for the book, MG. Wherever Vince is, I send him to the Great Hall of Light and hope he can be as happy as I am with someone else. And thank you, Esleen. I will never worry about the shift again.
Chapter 48
Jaelynn arrived at the intersection she was looking for, made her turn, and soon drove off the road onto rough terrain, abruptly stopping as her headlights landed on a clump of three trees surrounded by thick brush. That’s weird; I was told he had cleared land already. She rechecked the map. Hmmm, I was supposed to take the other exit but if I continue on this way, I’ll eventually get there. She backed onto the road and kept driving until Vince’s truck came into view and exited onto the dirt road leading up to it. A small RV sat next to a clump of three trees. She knocked on the door.
Vince opened it and stuck his head out.
“Jaelynn? What are you doing here?” he asked, looking around.
“I brought you some goodies to celebrate the New Year. Help me bring them in,” she directed.
He grabbed the two six-packs of beer and a pizza as she carried in a bag of fried chicken and fries, which were now cold.
“How did you find me?” he asked, turning off his computer and turning on the oven.
“News travels fast, hon. It’s always about who knows who knows who. By the way, I found it interesting how much another property I saw coming from the other direction looks so much like yours; it hasn’t been cleared yet so I can tell how much work you’ve done on yours already. Impressive.”
“Another property like mine? I don’t think so. I’ve come in from both ends of this road and I’ve never seen any other property like this, which is why I bought it. It might seem so because it’s dark,” he said.
“Nope. You have the same clump of three trees next to your RV that I saw there except it was surrounded with a lot of bushes and underbrush. Weird, eh?”
“I think the cold got to you, Jaelynn, but no matter, I’m glad you’re here,” Vince said with a doubting smile.
“Anyway, what I want to know is, why did you disappear?” Jaelynn continued. “Could it be that you are hiding from someone?” she asked, taking off her coat and boots and sitting across from him at the little kitchen table.