by S S Bazinet
“Good man,” Kevin said. “If you listen to them, you’ll be back on your feet very soon.”
As Kevin was speaking, Peggy and Tim came out of the kitchen. Peggy went over to Carol and hugged her while Tim stuck out a hand to Kevin.
“It’s good to see you two,” Tim said as he shook hands with Kevin. “Arel’s planned out quite a dinner.”
As Kevin pumped Tim’s hand, his eyes narrowed. “My god, Tim, you look like you’ve been working in hell’s kitchen.”
Kevin’s announcement made everyone stare at Tim. His shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, his brow was sweaty, and he wore an apron that bore the spatters and stains of a four course dinner menu.
Arel shrugged out a sigh. “He insists on being my right hand man, don’t you, Tim?”
“Yes, I have that honor,” Tim grunted back. “But I imagine that Kevin would love to use more of his vacation time to help out too.”
Kevin put an arm around Carol. “I’d love to, but I’m kind of busy right now.”
Carol blushed, but the added color in her cheeks was accompanied by her leaning into Kevin’s embrace.
For a change, Peggy was quiet. She hugged Tim as she looked at Carol and Kevin. Her dark, brown eyes were shiny with happy tears.
Ailing or not, Arel’s heart swelled with an unaccustomed joy. He’d never known that the idea of friendship could create an atmosphere that was so warm and inviting, a sparkling pool where the water was just the right temperature to renew body and soul. Later, after dinner, things became even more festive. Sitting at the head of the table, he got another surprise.
Carol stood up and raised her glass in his direction, making everyone look his way. “I think I speak for all of us when I say that these last few weeks have been so special. So here’s to all of us, Arel’s devotees, and to Arel for being in our lives.”
Everyone joined in touching glasses. Tim looked more like a sacrificial victim as his eyes came in line with Arel’s, but he managed a genuine smile when Arel beamed his thanks back to them.
“You’re my reason for living,” Arel said. He wasn’t trying to sound melodramatic. The words he spoke came out without any thought. Finally and unexpectedly, he was an object of love and concern. Michael and Abrigail loved him too, but he figured they had to love him. But these friends were human, and they wanted his best in spite of all his faults. “With your support, I think I’m going to beat this heart problem,” he said as he gazed back at the group gathered around him.
“I told you that you would,” Tim said teasingly, “even if it does involve making us your slaves.”
Catching the glint of camaraderie in Tim’s eyes, Arel laughed. “So this is what it’s like to have a family. I never expected it to feel this way. It’s better than anything I imagined.”
Fifty-Eight
THE WEEKS SLIPPED by faster than Arel could keep up with them. His friends were always dropping by and helping out. Now, as he watched Peggy load the dishwasher, he was concerned. “I’ve been thinking. Your wedding is around the corner. You have a thousand details to take care of, and you’re trying to do most of them by yourself. I can see why you’re exhausted.”
Peggy straightened up from her task and gave him her full attention. “Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. What’s important is your health.”
Arel handed her a cloth to dry her hands. “I’m feeling better, and I have a lot of time. So I’ve decided that I’m going to help you with the wedding.”
Peggy’s eyes went wide with alarm. “No, please sweetie, you can’t. If anything happened to you, Tim and I would never forgive ourselves.”
“I totally agree,” Tim said emphatically as he walked into the kitchen. “We’re just getting you stabilized.”
Arel smiled. “Your real gift was to help me to make a decision. I think you made me see how to embrace the road to health. Without your example of what it means to give with loving hearts, I don’t think I’d have a reason to do it.”
Tim smiled back. “That’s high praise. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, but my point is that it’s not what I do that counts. If I make up my mind to stay alive, then I will.”
Tim scowled. “I wish you’d told me that last weekend, when you had me repainting your bedroom.”
“You really have a dry sense of humor, don’t you?” Arel laughed. The happy gesture added a bit of color to his cheeks. They didn’t look nearly as gaunt as before.
“My goodness, look at you,” Peggy said as she reached out and put her hand on the side of Arel’s face.
Arel’s old habit of pulling back almost resurrected itself, but he managed to stand his ground. “What? What is it?”
“You have dimples!”
“I do? Oh yes, I do.”
Peggy smiled. “You’ve been so thin, they weren’t noticeable.”
“We’re getting off the subject of your wedding,” Arel objected. “I’ve made a list of the things that you talked about, the things that still need to be done before your big day.”
Tim returned a look of surprise. “You’ve been listening enough to make a list?”
“Of course he’s been listening,” Peggy said as she continued smiling at Arel. “He’s extremely sensitive to other people’s needs.”
Tim let out a sigh. “Sorry, I guess I’ve been too busy to notice, but—”
“So here’s what I intend to do,” Arel said, cutting in to Tim’s observation. “I’ll take care of any remaining details concerning the flowers and the catering. I’ll also get things coordinated with the band. You’ll have to bring me up to speed on anything else that you need.”
Peggy started to object, but Arel put a hand up. “Now don’t start worrying. Most of what I’ve got on my list can be coordinated by phone. I’ll be able to shift your duties to broader shoulders. Tim and Kevin can easily take over the chores that you’ve been trying to attend to, Peggy.”
Tim frowned. “In other words, you’ll be in charge of giving out the orders?”
Arel nodded to Peggy. “See that? Tim understands my part perfectly.” With a wistful look of satisfaction, he turned to Tim. “You know me pretty well. My plans don’t sound like they’ll harm my health, do they?”
Tim’s mouth opened slightly, then closed tight as he sucked in a breath.
Peggy looked up at Tim for reassurance. “Then you don’t think that Arel will overexert himself?”
“No, I think he’ll be fine,” Tim muttered.
“Great! Then it’s settled,” Arel said. “I’ll talk to Kevin tonight and get the ball rolling.”
Peggy smiled back at him with relief. “You’re the most thoughtful person in the world. How can we ever thank you?”
Arel took her hand in his and squeezed it. “If it weren’t for you, I would probably be pushing up daisies right now. I owe it to you to make sure that you’re relaxed when you’re standing at the altar.”
Fifty-Nine
KEVIN LOOKED AROUND the dimly lit tavern and then at Tim. “How long has it been since we’ve had the time to come here?”
Tim leaned forward and groaned. “My head is spinning too fast to answer that. I can’t decide if Arel’s a blessing or a curse with this wedding planning. I feel guilty taking a few minutes out to sit here and relax.”
Kevin snorted. “I feel like I live in Arel’s kitchen. My hands are always in dishwater.”
“Yeah, now that I’m on wedding duty, I’ve been released from kitchen cleanup. But I can give you a tip on hand creams. Peggy’s got one that really works if the chapping gets too bad.”
“Hand cream? Will you listen to yourself?” Kevin hesitated as he tightened the grip on his beer. “Hell, you’re right, I’ll need some. I’ve never washed so many pots. On dinner nights, Arel uses every one he owns.”
“For a guy that never seems to eat, he sure likes to cook. On the plus side, I do enjoy his meals.”
“Yeah, I do too, but I wish he made something simple once in a while. The pa
ns are usually piled to the ceiling.”
“But maybe we shouldn’t complain too much, Kev. There is a good part to all of this. Peggy’s happy.”
“So she’s okay with Arel taking over the wedding details?”
Tim let out a huff. “It’s like he gave her the moon. She has time for bubble baths now. She even goes to the spa. Arel gave her some gift certificates.”
Kevin sipped his beer. “Well I know who’s doing all the work? It’s you and me, old buddy.”
“Yeah, but I’m glad that we’re helping Peggy.”
“So am I, but Arel is getting all the credit. Not exactly fair when he calls me for three minutes, and my butt is running errands for two hours.”
“I guess there’s a lot to get done with the wedding coming up in a couple of days.”
Kevin smiled and gave Tim a sideways glance. “Are you happy?”
“Yes, I’m a very lucky man.”
Kevin stared at his beer without comment.
Tim frowned back. “Are you okay?”
“I was just thinking about Peg’s accident, how she kind of lost it. She’s not as tough as I thought. But knowing that you’re going to be there for her is . . . well—”
Tim gave Kevin’s back a sound thumping. “I’ll always be there, I promise.”
“Good.”
“Changing the subject, what about you and Carol?”
“We’re doing great, but I’ve discovered that it’s not just my charm that got things patched up. I think that Arel is running a personal counseling service on the side. I gather that he’s always advising Carol. Funny thing is, I have this feeling that he’s helping.”
Tim shook his head and laughed. “I don’t want to think about it.”
Sixty
SITTING AT THE quaint, outdoor café table, under the canopy of a wispy leafed tree, Peggy wore the kind of smile that only came from a moment of total contentment. “Thank goodness for the spa. I feel renewed.”
Carol sat across from Peggy, smiling too. “You needed that time away from your busy life a lot more than I did, but it was very sweet of Arel to give me a gift certificate too.”
Peggy noted the way Carol’s face brightened when she talked about Arel. “He’s been a big help, hasn’t he?”
Carol caressed her tea cup sheepishly. “I’m sorry, Peggy, but I didn’t think there was any hope for Kevin and me after, you know. Anyway with Arel’s help and advice, we were able to get over our problems.”
Peggy dangled her red sandal off her newly massaged foot. “Kevin looks happier than I’ve ever seen him. So do you.”
“I guess I am.”
“Is there something wrong again?” Peggy heard the slight change in Carol’s tone and sat up more attentively. “Are you sure you’re happy with Kevin?”
“It’s not that there’s anything wrong, but I don’t want to fool myself. My mom and dad looked happy until their awful divorce.”
“Kevin isn’t perfect, but I know that he loves you and that he’ll do his best.”
Carol shrugged. “I know Kevin is great. When I hear myself, I wonder if I’m looking for a problem. Still, how can I trust that things will work out in the long run?”
“Maybe you can’t. We want somebody to make us happy, but I don’t think it works that way.”
“Half the time I’m as happy as can be, and the other half I’m confused.”
“People are easily hurt. It’s normal to shy away from pain after they’ve had a bad experience.”
“Very good observation, Peggy Bailey.”
Peggy laughed. “You’re not the only one who’s talking to Dr. Arel.”
Carol returned a puzzled look. “What? You too? I don’t get it. How can he be so wise and yet so—”
“Clueless about himself? I don’t have an answer to that one.”
Carol sipped her tea. “He is making progress.” She laughed. “You’re right about his dimples.”
“Someday, he might even be ready for a relationship.”
“I don’t know, Peg, relationships are challenging.”
“Sorry, I don’t mean to go pushing things again. I’m just happy that you and Kevin are okay.”
Carol reached over and patted her hand. “You’ve been a wonderful friend through it all. Thank you for seeing my side when Kevin and I had our setback.”
“You’ll always be my friend, no matter what happens with you and Kevin.” As Peggy was speaking, a sudden breeze caught the tree limbs that shaded the table. As the branches lifted, the table was exposed to the bright sky overhead. When she looked up, the sun’s brilliant rays seemed to reach out and warm her heart. She felt a shiver of joy fill her chest. She glanced back at Carol and sighed. “Sometimes I think we worry too much. Maybe we should pay more attention to beautiful days and simply being alive.”
Carol looked up too. “Yes, life can be beautiful. I have to remember how to see some of that beauty when I get scared.”
Peggy giggled happily. “Or you can call Arel.”
* * * * *
High above the patio of the outdoor café, Glory and Grace were observing Carol and Peggy. They were also enjoying an almost perfect day. Glory let her heavenly form spread out into a field of glittering light that blended perfectly with the rays of the sun. “Being in the open air is so extraordinary.”
Grace sighed wistfully. “I wish that Carol could get out more often. The fresh air and nature would do wonders for her.”
“Peggy too, but at least she’s over most of her worries.”
“Unfortunately, that's not true in Carol's case. As you know, she has a tendency to project things that aren’t the best for her happiness.”
“I’ve gathered that Arel’s been helpful.”
Grace let out another sigh. “I must admit how pleased I am with his counseling efforts. He can be very persuasive when Carol needs a little push in the right direction.”
“He’s more than persuasive with the men. He’s quite the . . . how would I put it?”
“The despot?” Grace suggested with a bit of mirth. “Frederick and Tim’s angel, Kell, say the same thing. However, now that we’re privy to the bigger picture of what’s going on, I suppose it’s natural. Arel was their first in command lifetimes ago. Besides, everyone is so independent nowadays. Maybe a little discipline and service is good all around.”
“I’ve heard that Arel is enjoying himself immensely.”
“Michael says it’s helpful for him to be involved. The happier and more self-confident he gets, the more he allows his body to heal.”
“He’s not in danger of dying anymore, is he?”
“I don’t know about that.” Grace hesitated. “Abrigail says that his power is growing in spite of his ill health. Bodies are fragile. Too much energy, too soon, is dangerous.”
Before Glory could comment, their attention was drawn downwards. A gust of wind shifted the tree limbs and opened a window for them to see that Carol and Peggy were looking upwards.
“Look at those beautiful faces!” Grace said with delight. Her radiant, angelic waves of love joined the sunlight that washed over the women below. “I hope that they let life flow a little more easily in these next weeks.”
Sixty-One
UNDER A VELVET black, night sky, Arel lay on the garden lounger. He ignored the galaxy of stars overhead as he contemplated other matters. Peggy and Tim were getting married the following day. He’d never gone to a wedding before. Even as a child, he’d been left at home. He wished he didn’t have to go to this one. It was a damning thought. He was being a selfish bastard, wanting things to remain just as they were. But he had to face the truth.
Peggy and Tim’s beautiful day of celebration marked the end of a very short, exceptional time in his life, one that was filled with sweet memories. They weren’t big event memories, but everyday occurrences that felt like magical moments. He’d always remember Carol’s wide eyed delight with his mastery of card tricks. When he came up with her correct card, a red k
ing of hearts, in a rather complex deception, her clearly amazed reaction delighted him. It was so easy to make her laugh, to make her proud of him with a simple parlor trick.
Then there was Peggy and her loud outburst of laughter when he allowed her to gel down his unruly hair. He ended up looking like a mobster, and he laughed at himself too. Moments like that made him forget about how serious life normally felt.
Tim regularly shook a fist at him and threatened to go on strike, but he always wore a mischievous smile when he played the rebellious slave. Kevin liked to entertain him by juggling grapefruit or even worse, glass jars of olives. He obviously had no idea how stressful the uptight, adult Arel found his circus act. Of course, Arel’s lighter, child side loved it.
Now, being well enough to manage without them, he had to release his new friends. He had to let them get back to their own lives. After Peggy and Tim got married, they’d want kids, their own family. Soon, hopefully, Carol and Kevin would do the same. None of them needed a third wheel around, a sickly one at that.
As for him, he knew he should get a life too. But he wasn’t like his friends. He was still a wreck. He was one step above invalid status physically. And emotionally?
My god, I can’t imagine being like them. They’re excited about life. But I don’t feel that way. Life still scares the hell out of me.
Take away his friends, and he didn’t know how to navigate the waters of solitude without constantly running into those fears that still told him how incapable he was of facing the world at large.
And why should the world want me in it? Look how I’ve treated the people who tried to help me!
Since his friends had offered to help him, he’d taken advantage of their sweet and generous natures, even basked in their volunteer servitude. Of course, it was easy with people like Peggy and Carol fussing over him. And Tim, that solid rock who performed so many menial chores, was an example of devotion to a cause. Tim loved Peggy completely and knew she cared about Arel. So Tim made it his business to care about Arel too. Tim was a real man, inside and out. Kevin was Kevin. He couldn’t quite find himself, but he still tried his best and would do whatever to help a friend.