Unexpected Angel

by Patrick McGhee

  Tony smiled. “How are you doing, little stinker?” Miguel giggled. He placed his hand on Tony’s face and ran his fingers along the edge of Tony’s goatee. He looked Tony straight in the eye. He seemed to know that there was something strange and wonderful about this man.

  Pablo said, “Miguel, this is Tony. He’s going to spend the morning with us. Come on. Let Tony get dressed. We’ll go have some cereal.”

  The child hopped off the bed and went downstairs with his uncle.

  Tony took a quick shower and dressed. It wasn’t like him to wear the same clothes two days in a row. But, this episode had not been planned ahead. There was no car outside with a suitcase and duffel bag in the trunk. He would have to make do with what he had. Today was a world apart from all the other days he had lived. He would be with his son.

  Juliana met Tony at the foot of the stairs. “Tony,” she said in a pleasant voice, “Pablo and I have been talking. We would prefer to let Miguel call you Tony for the time being. Please don’t let him know you are his father, not until we make some decisions about going to West Virginia to stay with you. To get very close to him and then leave–that would break his heart.”

  The look in Tony’s eyes showed that he understood the importance of her request. He smiled. “Don’t worry, Juliana, I am going to be just plain Tony this morning.” Then he said, “I am starved. Can you fix me some breakfast?”

  Juliana replied, “It’s my pleasure. I already have it ready. Scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy. Your favorite.”

  Tony smiled, rubbed his stomach, and followed Juliana to the kitchen.

  Miguel had already finished eating, so he had plenty of time to spend with Tony. Miguel would walk over to Tony and look up at him. Then he would run to the full-length mirror in the hallway near the front door and look at himself. He would smile. He would move his hands in an excited manner and run back to Tony.

  Tony chuckled, “I wonder what on earth he is up to. Do you reckon he knows who I am?”

  Juliana replied, “I don’t think so, but he seems to be trying to figure it out. Remember what we agreed. Please.”

  “Sure, Juliana. It really is best for now. I am just plain Tony, like I said.”

  “Oh, by the way,” said Juliana. I think I have it figured out how you will get back to Lake Nansemond.”

  Tony smiled. “OK, run it by me.”

  Juliana asked, “You do like to ride motorcycles, don’t you?”

  “Like we were built for each other,” replied Tony. “I love motorcycles. There’s no better way to travel, except when the weather is nasty.”

  Juliana smiled. “Well, today is going to be perfect, weather wise. Pablo has a Honda that he doesn’t ride too often. It’s in excellent shape, but it needs to be taken out for a spin on the highway. We thought you could ride it to Lake Nansemond. He and I will go over this weekend, so he can ride it back here. Will that work for you?”

  “Absolutely,” replied Tony.

  While Juliana busied herself doing the breakfast dishes, Tony went to the living room. Pablo was already there, watching the Today Show.

  Tony seated himself in a comfortable armchair, across from Pablo, so they could talk. “It’s really nice of you to offer your Honda for me to ride over to Lake Nansemond.”

  “Not a problem,” said Pablo. He looked at Tony for a moment, as if he had something else to say, but wasn’t sure how to say it. “I’m not certain I understand all this stuff with you and Juliana and the guy over at Lake Nansemond . . .but Juliana does. I guess that’s all that matters.”

  “It’s complicated,” replied Tony.

  Pablo smiled and nodded in agreement. “Juliana loves you very much. That’s what she told me and Papa right after Miguel was born. But, she doesn’t want to share you with anybody else. I guess she is accepting the reality that she might have to raise Miguel as a single parent.”

  “I admire her,” said Tony. “I guess I am too much of a free spirit. I can’t settle down.”

  “I’ve noticed that,” said Pablo. “If you want them to come to West Virginia, you’re going to have to make some changes. Juliana deserves that.”

  About that time, Miguel came into the room. He had decided he wanted to be on Tony’s lap. He stood beside the armchair. Tony picked him up.

  Miguel peered into Tony’s eyes. He traced the line of Tony’s goatee with one of his fingers. With another finger he explored Tony’s cheek line, then the bridge of his nose. Miguel smiled. He giggled. He chanted, “Miguel love Tony. Miguel love Tony.” He leaned back to get a good look at Tony’s face. He peered into Tony’s eyes again. He rested his head on Tony’s chest and relaxed, like he might go to sleep. He had found somebody that had been lost and come back–somebody he didn’t want to lose again.

  Tony ran his fingers through Miguel’s hair. He kissed the top of Miguel’s head. He thought. My son, my son. Oh, thank you, God, for letting me see my son.

  In a short time, Miguel got down from Tony’s lap and ran back to look at himself in the mirror near the front door. He smiled. He giggled with glee. He clenched his little fists and moved them around almost like a cheerleader. What Tony and Pablo and Juliana did not see were Miguel’s lips. They were moving to a whispered chant, “Miguel love Daddy. Miguel love Daddy.” Miguel jumped up and down. He ran back to Tony. He smiled and said, “Tony’s lap. Tony’s lap.”

  Tony picked him up again. Everything was repeated. Was the first time a dress rehearsal? Or, was this an encore performance? Did it matter?

  After Juliana had finished in the kitchen, the three adults and Miguel went outside. Juliana snapped some pictures. She liked it best when people didn’t pose. She told Tony she would mail some copies to him. Tony gave her Wally’s address. She wrote it down.

  It was time for Tony to go. The motorcycle was already in the driveway. Pablo had pushed it out of the garage, right after breakfast. Tony hugged Juliana. He shook Pablo’s hand. He lifted Miguel off the ground, holding him high to look him directly in the face. He chanted, “Tony loves Miguel. Tony loves Miguel.” As he placed the child back on the ground, he kissed the top of his head.

  Miguel giggled. He ran back into the house to look in the mirror and do his special chant. As he heard the motorcycle start up, and the engine rev, he ran back to the door. A few tears trickled down his cheeks. His lips quivered. His shouts of “Daddy! Daddy!” were drowned out as the Honda pulled out of the driveway.

  Chapter 24

  Tony guided the Honda along the two-lane highway that led out of Jeffersonville. Conditions were perfect as Juliana said they would be. Fair-weather clouds floated, like airborne cotton puffs, in a sky of crystal blue. Had these clouds been people, they might have been bobbing in tubes, or other flotation devices, on the smooth surface of a lake in the foothills of the Smokies. In such a laid-back state, one might have expected them to be sipping lemonade or sweet tea, perhaps gossiping about some flirtatious woman chasing after their preacher, or telling the scoop on the bank president’s new mistress.

  As it was, Tony was not out for a leisurely drive on a summer day. He didn’t have time to watch clouds, or gossip. He was riding with a purpose, straddling a lusty gasoline-powered racehorse, which he mastered well, making it obey his every touch on the controls. Not only this, but he knew just how far to lean on the curves, exactly how much to scrunch down to minimize wind resistance. He could feel the power surging through his veins. He and the cycle were one.

  Along much of the road, impressive pine trees stood guard over the countryside. Now and then, they gave way to ripening fields, or rambling houses, or convenience stores that advertised gas, beer, and cigarettes. Tony recognized the need for watchfulness in such places, lest a dog, or a child, or a vehicle come out into his path.

  As the miles accumulated under the wheels of the flashy Honda, Tony began to grow oblivious to the ever-changing scenery. The artist who fashioned the landscape had not grown weary of creating variety. Instead, Tony was finding it d
ifficult to remain seated at the controls for such a long time. He was losing the thrill that came from zooming across the countryside. His response to the motorbike was becoming automatic.

  Tony’s mind wandered. He wasn’t watching clouds or marveling at the sky, but he was reflecting upon his obligation to help raise Miguel and his need to make things right with Wally. He had decisions to make--choices that would give direction to his life. From now on, Tony Danforth would accept his responsibilities and keep his promises. The impact of this appeared overwhelming, even frightening.

  He recalled a song he had learned at camp when he was twelve. The haunting melody and the comforting lyrics brought back memories of a campfire piercing the darkness. The campers were aware that this was their last evening together. They would go home the next day.

  I know where I’m going,

  And I know who’s going with me.

  I know why there’s music

  In the quiet summer morning . . .

  I know where I’m going,

  And I know who’s going with me.

  I found a light to guide me

  When my way gets dark and stormy.

  The song reminded Tony of a time when life was not so difficult. It served to ease the turmoil building in his mind, but could not overcome it. His eyes glistened with newly-formed tears. Perhaps he should stop at one of the roadside stores. Maybe a soda and a snack would ease the chain of thoughts and memories. Certainly, a break would help him concentrate better on the road and the motorbike. More tears were coming. Tony’s vision blurred. He didn’t see the beer truck pull out of a parking lot up ahead, until he was nearly upon it. He applied the brakes--too hard. The bike skidded out of control. The driver of the truck waved his hands in wild motions, as if trying to shoo a giant fly. Tony’s lips contorted to form a scream than never came out. He slammed into the side of the truck. Everything was silent.

  **********

  Back at the house in Jeffersonville, Juliana was in the kitchen frosting a chocolate cake she had made for supper. Pablo was in the front yard trimming with the weedwacker. Miguel was out back playing in the sandbox with his plastic pail and shovel.

  Suddenly, Juliana heard a shriek come from the backyard. She charged out of the kitchen door, certain that something had happened to Miguel. He was sitting in the sandbox, tears rolling down his face, screaming, “Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!”

  Juliana knelt beside Miguel. She held the child close to her bosom, patting and kissing the top of his head. She wondered, whatever in the world has caused this? He was so happy just a few minutes ago.

  By that time, Pablo had come around the house. As he approached Juliana, she looked at him and asked, “Did Tony tell him who he really is?”

  Pablo replied, “Not that I know of.”

  Juliana asked another question, “Did you tell him?”

  Pablo nodded. “No.”

  “Then, Miguel must have figured it out for himself. Children sometimes know these things.”

  Miguel kept clinging to Juliana. His screams softened to a whimper. He sniffled. He did not want to be away from her arms.

  Now, Juliana came face to face with her own fears. There was a sinking feeling deep in her soul. With pain in her voice, she put forth her petition, “Oh, blessed Mother of God, let Tony be safe.” A few tears meandered down her cheek. She wiped Miguel’s face with her apron, then took him back into the house.

  Chapter 25

  Drivers, who had seen the crash of Tony’s motorcycle and the beer truck, were parking along the road and in the lot near the convenience store. They made their way to the place where Tony lay, broken and bleeding, on the pavement.

  Tony could see the blur of people around him, but he was not able to focus. He heard them but he could not make sense of what they were saying. Tony drifted in and out of consciousness. Each time he came to, he sensed a great white light around him. It didn’t frighten him. It comforted him. In his mind, he saw a picture of himself as a child. His grandmother was holding him on her lap, reading a storybook to him.

  The picture gradually changed to one he remembered from Sunday school. It was Jesus holding a child on his lap, with other children gathered around waiting their turn. The picture went into action. Tony became one of the children. He could hear the others. He could see the Master smiling. Tony’s whole body filled with excitement, knowing that his turn was next. Jesus stretched out his hands, lifted Tony up, and placed him on his lap. Childlike feelings of glee combined with the extreme peace of being in the arms of the Savior. Tony clung to this picture as long as he could. There was nothing else. His body was growing weary. When the picture began to fade, Tony closed his eyes, took his last breath, and died.

  More cars would stop along the highway near the scene of the accident. People would go over to see the body. This was curiosity--Carolina style. Onlookers would approach gingerly. Each would say, “He’s dead.” That would be confirmed by a nod from one of the persons who had been there when Tony stopped breathing. The onlooker would turn and leave, perhaps shedding a few tears. Another would come.

  One patrol car was already there. The deputy sheriff was having great difficulty directing traffic. Agony warped his face. His lips were contorted. He was trying to stop the tears. He knew Tony. They had talked, just a few days ago, over at Lake Nansemond. Off in the distance, sirens wailed in different languages–one a county patrol car, the other an ambulance. Soon the place would be bustling with guys and gals in badges, taking charge of something already over and done. Tony Danforth was dead.

  **********

  Tony stared at them from across the road, amazed that some were crying, others whispering, a few standing silent. What was all the fuss about, anyway? Couldn’t anyone see him? He was all right. He scratched his head, turned, and started walking up a path through a lush field of the most infinitely green grass he had ever seen. Tony walked alone for what seemed a mile or so. Then, he became aware of someone nearby. A young man in a yellow tunic had begun walking alongside.

  Taken aback, Tony exclaimed, “Where did you come from? You scared me!”

  The young man responded, “Sorry to upset you. We don’t come and go places here. We merely will ourselves to be in another location, and we are there. It’s a neat experience, far different from Earth.”

  “Huh?”

  “Yes, this is not Earth. It is not an actual location. It is the eternal presence of God. By the way, I am called Sam.”

  Tony turned. He looked puzzled. He asked, “Haven’t I seen you, somewhere, before? You look like someone I’ve met, but I can’t place you.”

  Sam replied, “It’s possible. All things are possible.” He smiled at Tony, and repeated, “As I said, I am called Sam.”

  Tony smiled and shook Sam’s extended hand. “My name’s Tony, Tony Danforth. Nice to meet you, Sam.”

  Sam smiled. “We don’t use family names here. We are all children of God.”

  “Well, how do you tell the difference between one Tony and another Tony, or one Sam here and two Sams over there?”

  “Oh, we just do. That’s one of the little miracles that goes with being in God’s presence. We just know things. Like, I knew you were coming today. I knew I had to meet you, here. But, I got detained because Flossie wouldn’t cooperate.”

  “Who’s Flossie?”

  “She’s my pet lioness. Most beautiful animal you ever saw. Perfect fur, eyes that sparkle with love, flawless teeth. So playful. She is always trying to knock me down with her paw.”

  “Won’t she hurt you?” questioned Tony. “A lioness is a ferocious hunter, a killer.”

  “On Earth, maybe. But not here. Lions frolic with children and lambs. Cats, dogs, and birds play together. When a bear finds a hive, the bees actually place droplets of honey on the bear’s tongue. Snakes have races with each other through the grass. They don’t bother anyone. Nobody is afraid of them. No one is afraid of anything. We have heard that fear exists in parts of the universe. We know
its definition, but none of us have it here. This is the place of quiet rest, the land of perfect peace. Love abides here. There is no sorrow, no sickness, no suffering, no wars.”

  Tony remarked, “That sounds like something from the Bible.”

  “Well, what do you expect?” asked Sam. He paused, then changed the subject. “Back to Flossie. I had to leave her in the courtyard at the glory mansion where I live. I didn’t want her to scare you.”

  Tony nodded and ran his fingers through his hair. Frustration and disbelief were etched on his forehead. “Is this some kind of joke? Are you all trying to make me think I am dead, or something?”

  “Well, you are what they call dead. We like to call it transported. You have been transported to the eternal presence of God.”

  “Do you mean like Heaven?”

  “Some people call it that,” answered Sam, “but it’s really the eternal presence of God.”

  Tony appeared a bit overwhelmed. “Well, I thought things were supposed to be perfect in Heaven. You said Flossie wouldn’t cooperate. That’s not perfect, is it?”

  “Oh, that’s something they thought up ages ago. It’s like a temporary suspension of perfection to allow for variety. It’s called a thingamajiggle. It’s sort of like a thingamabob, only more heavenly. It doesn’t hurt anyone or cause anything bad. It simply creates a little bubble in eternity, every bit as colorful and fascinating as the bubbles children blow on Earth. You know eternity is a very long time. Just think, how long are you going to be dead?”

  Tony was slightly unnerved at the thought of where he was, and why. He hung his head. A few tears trickled down his cheek.