by S S Bazinet
“I’m okay. It’s William that we have to think about.”
Arel walked back to the front window. “Will’s mired in some self-defeating rut, and I don’t know if we’ll ever get him out.” He leaned heavily on the sill. When he looked up, his muscles tensed. He pulled away as quickly as he could. “Oh no, Peggy is coming up the walk. She begged me to tell her where William was. Now, she’s probably going to complain about how rude he was to her.”
“I’d like to meet Peggy,” Rolphe said as he stood up.
Arel hurried to the front door and opened it as Peggy stepped up on the porch. “Peggy, are you alright?”
Peggy walked into the foyer and smiled. “I feel wonderful!”
“You do?” Arel closed the door and followed Peggy into the living room.
Instead of explaining herself, Peggy went over to Rolphe. “Hi, I’m Peggy, and you must be the artist Arel told me about.”
Rolphe took her hand and shook it carefully. “I’m Rolphe. It’s very nice to meet you.”
Arel waited anxiously. “Peggy, I’m happy that you and Rolphe are getting acquainted, but I’ve been worried about your visit to see William. Did he let you in?”
Peggy swiveled round and reached out for Arel’s hands. “Of course he let me in. And he was so gracious, offering me tea and being so kind. Then he wanted help with his nightmare, and we had a great chat.”
Arel couldn’t move. “Are you sure we’re talking about the same person?”
“Yes, yes of course. I’m so happy that you finally gave in when I asked where William was staying.”
“Please, Peggy, the William I’m referring to is very reserved—”
Peggy’s smile broadened into a grin. “I know what you think, but you have it all wrong. William couldn’t have been more open. We talked like long lost friends. No wonder Carol was so taken with him. He’s a peach.” She let go of Arel’s hands. “But listen, I can’t stay. I have to get back to Sara and Tim. I just wanted to let you know I left William tucked in bed so he can rest.”
Peggy waved to Rolphe as she started for the foyer. “I’m glad we met, Rolphe. I’d love to talk to you too, but I have to run.”
Rolphe waved. “Goodbye, Peggy.”
Arel watched the front door close feeling like he’d entered the twilight zone. He was sure that his mouth was hanging open. “What just happened?”
Rolphe laughed. “Your friend, Peggy, seems to think William isn’t as stuck as you thought he was. I think she’s an answer to my prayers.”
It was enough to bring Arel back to the moment. He gave Rolphe his most disappointed look. “Peggy’s your answer? What about me? Didn’t I make sure that Col’s lethal attack on William was thwarted? Didn’t I make sure that Col was contained behind an impenetrable barrier? I just returned from the condo where I had to rescue William from his dream! What else do you want from me?”
“But Arel, you told me that your recent encounter with William didn’t help, and that he might never recover.”
Arel paused, trying not to sound like some immature dolt defending himself. “Just forget it.”
Rolphe frowned anxiously. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any disrespect—”
“Never mind, Rolphe. This is another lesson in trying to do something for someone and feeling the fool I’ve always thought I was.”
“If it helps, I never thought of you as a fool. Maybe a bit over-tidy, but—”
“Stop, you don’t have to do any ego building on my account. I’ll be fine. I just have to digest this latest bit of information.”
“What information?”
“It seems that Peggy and William were very chummy.”
“And that surprises you?”
Arel let out a deep sigh. “Peggy’s a very sweet, very kind person, but on many occasions I’ve found her pushy approach a little scary. I don’t think she realizes how she comes off when she’s around someone who has a sensitive nature.”
“It’s true, Arel, you are very sensitive.”
“Thank you, at least you understand that much.”
Rolphe smiled. “So many times when you were staying with me in Paris, I understood how fragile you were. Do you know I literally tiptoed around the apartment when you were in one of your moods? The slightest sound, Dantela’s meowing, the snap of a door handle, anything could set you off.”
Arel glared back. “Well, I’m sorry I was such an inconvenience. But that’s not the point. What I’m trying to explain is that William is even more—”
“Fragile?”
“Yes, William is extremely fragile right now. Yet, Peggy storms the cave where he’s holed up, and he serves her tea. He lets her tuck him into bed. But when I’m around, all he does is tell me how inadequate I am.”
“I wish I knew what to say.”
“Just drop it, Rolphe,” Arel ordered as he returned to the window. His eyes were flitting across the yard when movement from the street caught his attention. A cab was pulling up to the curb in front of his house. When the door opened and a man got out of the vehicle, Arel leaned forward. He rubbed his eyes to make sure he was seeing what he was seeing. As the cab pulled away, the man started up Arel’s driveway. His stride was steady and purposeful, and there was a serene look on his face. It was such an unexpected sight that Arel let out a gasp.
It was enough to alert Rolphe. He immediately hurried to the window. Smiling broadly, he made an announcement. “It’s William. He’s come back to us.”
Arel was at the front door in a flash, opening it wide. “Will, is it really you?”
William climbed the porch stairs with a smile. “Hello, Arel.”
Rolphe was looking over Arel’s shoulder. “It’s so good to see you up and about, William.”
Arel backed up and bumped into Rolphe’s hulking physique. “Out of the way, Rolphe! Can’t you see you’re blocking the doorway?”
“It’s alright, Arel,” William said. “There’s no reason to raise your voice. Rolphe is simply happy to see me.”
Arel stepped aside as Annabel came rushing into the foyer.
“Did I hear William’s name?” she cried out.
Without meaning to, Arel bumped into her too. “Sorry—” He started to apologize, but Annabel seemed oblivious to his presence. With a rush of enthusiasm, she practically pushed him aside in an effort to get around him. Elise was following Annabel and rushed past him too. She held Freddie in her arms.
Both women and the squirming dog were all totally fixated on William’s return. Meanwhile, William remained standing on the porch. He was calm, composed and looking very pleased as he was welcomed home.
Arel stood back in wonder. Elise seemed to have forgotten her resentment over William’s divorce announcement. She kissed William’s cheek, treating William like the errant schoolboy who’d come to his senses.
Seeing William’s easy smile, Arel tapped into William’s mindset and instantly knew something amazing had happened. The shift was so profound, it was almost unbelievable. William was relaxed and confident again. The anger was gone, replaced by a strength that Arel remembered from those days when they’d first met. But learning about how that shift took place would have to wait. William and Annabel needed time to themselves.
Arel felt his earlier complaints fade, like a bad dream in the light of day. In fact, his heart was lighter than it had been in a long time. William had held him responsible for ruining his life. But when their eyes met for the briefest moment, he knew William had truly come home, not to some physical dwelling, but to himself.
* * * * *
William hadn’t expected his attitude to shift so dramatically. After Peggy’s visit, he’d been lying in bed, thinking about their discussion. He couldn’t believe how a strong, motivated person like Peggy could convince herself that she was responsible for something horrible in a past life, something that wasn’t even her fault. That’s when the truth hit him. He was behaving like Peggy.
He sat up, took stock of his circumst
ances and realized how absurd it all was. He’d been acting like he was helpless. But who was to blame for that? Certainly not someone who’d burned down a forest long ago. His present defeat had been accomplished by someone closer to home. It was hard to admit, but he’d become his own worst enemy.
His guts were in turmoil, not because of some outer foe, but because of his own stupidity, because he’d decided he was a failure. But that wasn’t the only bad decision he’d made recently. When he’d confronted Col, he’d gone into Col’s dark realm carrying his own darkness. He’d been at war with the angelic blood he’d been given. He’d never allowed himself to fully embrace its benefits. He’d been obsessed with what it took from him. Perhaps, he’d been grieving as Peggy suggested.
If that were the case, he had to move on. He got out of bed with determination. He needed to regroup. When he paused in front of a mirror and stared at himself, his body looked pretty beat up, but again, his body was an outer reflection. What about what was inside? He knew his heart was still strong and there was a light in his eyes when he let himself relax.
In a moment of deeper reflection, he could hear himself laughing at how many limitations he’d placed on himself. There was also a voice urging him to go forward again.
It was time to give up the shroud of woe. It was time to rebuild, and he’d do it with more determination than ever. He was smart, adaptable and in charge of his life. By using his past failures to make better choices, he would find a way to mold his life in a way that felt right. Angel blood or no, he needed to depend on his inner strength once again.
Within minutes, he was dressed and ready to leave the condo.
He was pleased with his reception when he arrived at Arel’s house. It was as if everyone knew he’d been foolish, but they were putting that fact behind them.
Fifty-Seven
AREL CHUCKLED QUIETLY as he withdrew from the homecoming in the foyer. The sound of William’s contented voice eased all the tension he’d been holding in his body. Perhaps, their quarreling was coming to an end.
With a lightness in his step, he started for his bedroom. While everyone was celebrating, he needed some down time, time to recoup and prepare himself for other concerns. Even if things with William were finding some resolution, things with Elise were still iffy. When they’d argued, it was obvious that she still questioned all the things he’d told her. Perhaps she’d always question who he was. If that were true, he knew he couldn’t live with that kind of relationship. People in love needed to trust one another. If they didn’t, their lives would never be harmonious. Then there was Col.
He figured it was only a matter of time before Col found a way to be a menace again. Even with the barrier, Col had managed to get a message out to Myra. So he needed to come up with some sort of solution. He closed his eyes and thought about Rolphe’s approach.
A blissful meditative state was appealing. However, he knew he couldn’t go off to some astral realm and leave Elise behind. No matter what, he loved her and would try to work things out.
That’s when he remembered something that Michael had told him. According to the angel, time wasn’t as linear as it appeared. His statement was backed up by NDE accounts that Arel had read about. Some people who had near-death experiences claimed that after they left their body, time was different than it was on Earth. Some experiencers claimed that their stay in another realm felt like it lasted months, even years. When they were resuscitated and returned to their bodies, they found out that they’d only been dead for minutes not months or years.
Arel shut his eyes. What if he could do the same thing? He’d have all the time he needed to find out more about why Col held on to the darkness. He could get some answers about what happened to make Col turn away from the love that was once in his heart. It was a case that needed exploration.
But that didn’t mean he’d be naïve. He’d fallen for Col’s abilities to use guilt to trip him up before. He wouldn’t let it happen again. He’d do what Michael suggested and make sure to remain in a positive mode. He was considering different approaches when he heard Col screaming for attention.
Fifty-Eight
COL WAS GETTING very tired of watching the barrier that kept him imprisoned. He’d noted that its strength waned slightly on a number of occasions, but it never dissolved to a point that allowed him to pass through it.
He’d been wrong about Arel, William and Rolphe. They had all faced their challenges. There had been occasions when their self-control diminished somewhat, but at least one of them was always in enough control to maintain the barrier.
“This is so unfair! It’s three against one!”
He stood up, glanced around and realized how diminished his space of confinement had become. He existed in a very small, floating bubble of sorts. It was bad enough to be caged like some animal. Now he had hardly any space to move about. It was time to do something to correct the problem.
He needed a target to concentrate on, one who’d hear him loud and clear. When he tuned in and discovered that Arel was having some down time, he couldn’t be happier. Gathering up all his power, he projected the loudest, shrieking howl he could muster into Arel’s mind and followed it up with a demand. “Get me out of here now!” He followed his demand with more shrieking howls.
He only had to continue his protest for a few moments before Arel’s astral form appeared in the bubble. Strangely enough, Arel didn’t look as disturbed as Col thought he’d be. Still, he did accomplish his goal by getting Arel’s attention.
Taking a couple of steps in the man’s direction, he pointed a finger at Arel’s face. “Tell me what you’re going to do to fix this intolerable situation?”
Arel smiled back. “Strange, isn’t it? I was just meditating on that very thing.”
“Oh really? How wonderful that our minds are in sync. Now get me out of this damnable piece of floating flotsam and do it fast.”
“Actually, I have a different idea that I wanted to discuss with you.”
Col laughed. “How considerate of you.”
“I think Rolphe was on the right track. So here’s what I’m going to do. Instead of Rolphe, I’ll stay here for as long as it takes—”
“Stop! Stop right there. You’re telling me that you’re giving up your life to stay with me?”
“Yes and no. Yes, I’ll be here for as long as it takes for us to find out what your problem is. However, in terms of time, what seems like fifty years here will only amount to probably on hour on Earth. I simply have to tap into a different concept of time.”
Col took a step back, staring at Arel. The man’s eyes were as bright and shiny as those of a kid who was savoring a triple scoop, ice cream cone. “That’s crazy! And even if it were true, you’d never last fifty years with me!”
Arel sat down on the park bench. A tiny area of grass was in front of it. But that was about all that still existed in the small space. “Look, I spent years and years trying to figure out my own problems. I’m getting to be an expert at what makes a person tick. Besides, I can always call on Michael or Carey if I need help. They know how to exist outside of time, and they’re always willing to assist in any way that they can.”
“I don’t want your help!”
Arel smiled. “You should have thought about that before you started torturing people. I abhor what you did, but some might even interpret that kind of behavior as a cry for help.”
“I can guarantee that isn’t the case. I like making people suffer. It’s as simple as that.”
Arel patted the bench next to him. “Let’s talk about those feelings. When did they start?”
Col decided Arel needed another dose of reality. He started to scream, howl and even growl viciously. However, with a snap of Arel’s fingers, the only sounds that came out were whimpering whines. His obscenities were about as loud as birds chirping.
“How dare you think you can do what you want with me! You’ll pay for this, I swear!” He followed up his threat with an attack on Arel
’s astral form. He hadn’t realized that Arel had prepared for such an event. He bounced back so fast he landed in a heap. Arel had erected a barrier around himself.
Arel smiled again. “Look, Col, let’s get something straight. You’re stuck with me. And if you try to contact someone’s mind on Earth, forget it. I’ve added an extra element to the barrier. It will bounce back any messages you send out. So get comfortable and tell Arel all.”
* * * * *
Elise opened the door to the master bedroom. When she saw Arel meditating, she closed the door as quietly as possible and quickly retreated. As she walked into the foyer, she saw suitcases by the door. Glancing into the living room, Myra and Rolphe were sitting on the living room sofa. Both of them stood up and walked over when they saw her. Myra extended her hand.
“Elise, thank you and Arel for all of your hospitality.”
Elise gave Myra’s hand a gentle shake. “Arel is meditating right now, but I’ll tell him.”
Myra smiled. “It’s been so wonderful getting to meet you.”
“I feel the same about you, Myra.” Elise looked at the suitcases again. “Are you going back to Paris?”
Myra glanced up at Rolphe. “Yes, I have to leave, but I’ll be seeing Rolphe again very soon, right Rolphe?”
Rolphe bent down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back in Paris as soon as I can.”
Myra’s phone rang, and she looked up at Rolphe. “That’s my ride to the airport.”
Rolphe hugged her and gave her a quick kiss on her lips. “Call me before you get on your plane.”
“I will, and promise that you’ll take care of yourself.”
Rolphe nodded. “I promise.”
After Myra was on her way, Rolphe joined Elise in the kitchen. “Again, thank you, Elise.”
“For what?”
“For being there when Myra and I were having difficulties. Your home is a place where two people can feel safe and sort things out.”