It's Bliss

by Alene Roberts

  Sheldon noticed with satisfaction that Miss Bliss was tastefully dressed in an emerald green dress with an ivory jacket over it. Her hair was pulled up into the same charming style as last night.

  The three other girls soon arrived, all dressed in pants. Vickie Blume, Jane Bentley, and Sandra Potter were introduced, then the four girls greeted each other.

  It was decided that they all assemble around the table. Dr. Ackerman began the meeting by welcoming the girls and explaining that the committee was a group of successful, community-minded people, who were presently donating their time and expertise to help young women who want to succeed in their chosen field or in the business world. He then explained that they would be working as a group and that they would also be individually guided and supported by one of the committee.

  As planned, Nettie then explained the first goal of the project. “As a woman in what is now a successful business, I have learned some valuable rules of success—most of them by trial and error. One of the first things I learned was that we women seem to feel better about ourselves when we’re pleased with our appearance. Do you all agree?” The girls all nodded.

  “Appearance is many faceted. A few of the facets are good grooming, the glow of good health from eating right, getting the proper rest and exercise, and inner happiness, and so on.”

  Nettie then asked each girl to write down on a piece of paper her most pressing concern, and hand it to her, which they did. Nettie read each one silently, then announced the results. They had unanimously agreed it was their weight.

  After Nettie encouraged the girls to ask any question that might be on their minds, Sheldon asked Hal and Robert to say a few words to the them.

  When they had done this, Nettie informed the girls that the first thing on the agenda, since weight control was their main concern, was to get a medical examination, then go to her diet center and confer with her concerning a nutrition and exercise program. Nettie explained that it all could be done tomorrow, Saturday, if they had time, because Dr. Ozog had arranged with a physician friend in advance to do the examinations at no cost.

  Sheldon then explained to the four young women that, when they felt their appearance was what they wanted it to be, the next thing on the agenda was personal help and guidance with their career goals. Until then, he told them that they would be meeting with their counselor as often as mutually agreed upon and would meet as a group every Friday night at 7:00 here in the lounge.

  “Is this all right with each of you?” They all nodded.

  “Now,” he continued, “Vickie Blume, you will be working with Nettie Newman; Jane Bentley, you will be working with Dr. Robert Bittle; Sandra Potter, you will be working with Dr. Hal Ozog; and, Billie Bliss, you will be working with me. The meeting is over, but before you leave, get your medical form from Dr. Ozog and meet with Nettie for a few minutes to arrange a time for your medical exam and for a diet and exercise consultation with her. After that, meet with your counselor for a few minutes and make an appointment for your first get-together. Thank you all for accepting the program and for arriving so promptly tonight.”

  The group separated. The girls picked up their medical forms, gathered around Nettie and made appointments with her, after which they found a place to sit next to their assigned partner. Sheldon and Miss Bliss sat at the table.

  “Well, Miss Bliss, when shall we meet? I would like to meet Monday night, if you can get your medical exam and conference with Nettie both done tomorrow.”

  “I’ve made appointments for both of them tomorrow. Monday night will be fine.”

  “Good. I’ve been trying to think where we can meet on a regular basis.

  We can meet at my office and, uh . . .leave the blind open. Do you have any other suggestions?”

  Billie smiled at his obvious discomfort.”Your office is fine, and maybe we can sometimes meet at my parents’ home.”

  “Your parents are in Claytonville?”

  “Yes. They live only three blocks from school. We have a library with glass, french doors since you want privacy but need it to look proper.”

  “Would your parents mind?”

  “Definitely not. In fact,” she said, thinking of their very positive reaction to any man she might bring home, “they would be more than happy to offer their home. Shall we meet there on Monday night? The address is 303 Maple Avenue.”

  Sheldon couldn’t have been more pleased. Maybe, he thought, I can understand her better when I meet her parents. “Thank you, I think that will work well for us. Is 7:00 a good time for you?”

  “Yes, but, Dr. Ackerman, I’m certainly surprised to be working with you.”

  “You are? Why is that?”

  “I think it’s rather obvious isn’t it? I believe I’ve frustrated you every time we’ve talked, haven’t I?”

  He looked at her quizzically, then smiled. “As a matter of fact you have, but I think we can work things out, don’t you?”

  “I . . . don’t know, Dr. Ackerman,” she said, wide eyed, shaking her head.

  “I don’t know.”

  Twelve

  Sheldon was sitting at the kitchen table, reading a book and enjoying a doughnut with a glass of milk, when the phone rang. He looked at his watch.

  “Who could be calling at eight o’clock, Saturday night?” he asked out loud, as he reached out and grabbed the phone off the kitchen counter.

  “Hello?”

  “Hello, Shel, this is Nettie.”

  “Oh, hello, Nettie. What’s up? Did everything go all right with the girls today?”

  “It went very well. All four came and I worked with each one—but I thought I’d warn you before you meet with Miss Bliss.”

  “Warn me? Uh-oh. Go ahead.”

  “First of all, Shel, Billie Bliss is quite a girl. As you can see, we don’t have to worry about her grooming or dressing for success. Nor do we need to worry about her nutrition. She already eats right and, in fact, feels strongly about eating nutritiously. She does need to exercise more but . . .” Nettie paused, trying to think how to phrase it.

  “Go on, Nettie, or you’ll cause me to get frostbite again.”

  “Well, Sheldon, she doesn’t fit the mold of most of us who struggle with a weight problem. Neither parent is overweight. She seems to feel good about herself except for her weight. I asked her if she knew what caused it.” Nettie paused, smiling at the thought of his taking on Billie Bliss.

  Sheldon was holding his breath, waiting. “Get on with it, Nettie.”

  “She just looked at me in surprise and said, ‘I’m overweight because I get the munchies.’ So I asked her why she got the munchies.”

  “And what did she say?”

  “She said that I probably wouldn’t understand, because her family didn’t.”

  “Is that all?” he asked disappointed. Somehow he had hoped Nettie would get a better explanation than the same one he had already received.

  “Yes. The other three are good candidates for the project, but Billie Bliss may not be.”

  “That’s what she said to me in a round-about way.”

  “Oh?”

  “Well . . . uh, Nettie, at this late date I think it might be best that we proceed as though she were a suitable candidate, and maybe she will turn out to be. Uh . . . don’t you agree?”

  “Why, yes, I think that’s probably the best course.”

  “Sheldon replaced the phone, wondering why he felt relieved that Nettie had agreed so readily.

  Nettie smiled as she disconnected. What Sheldon didn’t know was that this girl would turn twenty-eight in a few days. The other three girls were only twenty-one.

  When she had learned Billie’s age, the matchmaker in her reared its eager head. However, she couldn’t imagine how it could possibly happen—Sheldon was so set in his ways, so oblivious! He probably hadn’t even noticed how beautiful she was. Even when Billie wasn’t smiling, the upturned corners of her full, exquisite lips gave her face the appearance of quiet optimism.r />
  Nettie’s interview with the young woman also indicated a cheerful and happy nature—a perfect complement to Shel’s intense and serious one.

  Nettie sighed, knowing it was best to squelch the idea. Walking over to the couch where Don was sitting and watching television, she sat down beside him. Linking her arm in his, she took his hand and gave it a squeeze. He smiled at her, responding with his own affectionate squeeze.

  -

  On the whole, Sheldon had managed to stay calm and confident until Monday evening, when he pulled out of his underground parking space and headed toward the Bliss home.

  When the idea of this project first came to him, the theory had sounded lofty and philanthropic. He hadn’t even considered his basic shyness with the opposite sex, because he had learned to interact with women in business and here at the university. And he certainly hadn’t envisioned taking on a young woman like Billie Bliss! The here-and-now reality of counseling with her one on one tonight left him feeling like a sailor walking a short plank over deep water. He tried unsuccessfully to focus on the worthy goals of the project and the good that it might do these four girls, but his lack of experience with women on a personal level left him feeling totally inept. By the time he came to a stop in the driveway of 303 Maple Avenue, he was perspiring. He just knew he was going to act like a bumbling idiot!

  The large home in front of him grabbed his immediate attention. It appeared to be a 1920’s three-story prairie house, inspired by the famous homes of that name designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. with the typical, wide veranda covering the whole front of the house. The distinctive portico on the right no doubt led to the garages behind. The house, including the massive square pillars supporting the porch roof, was made of a light brick.

  The contrasting wood trim, between the stories and around the two dormer windows, which protruded loftily from the hip roof, was painted a delicate cream color, giving the house a look of simple elegance. It was apparent that it had been meticulously cared for and kept up.

  The rolling, two-level lawn, divided by a walk and steps up to the front porch, was lushly green and neatly trimmed against the walk. It was also carefully edged around the large oak trees and around the beds of blooming chrysanthemums, gladiolas, and rose bushes.

  He got out of the car and straightened his shoulders, automatically buttoning his light blue, Ralph Lauren suit. Feeling his heart hammering against his chest, he took a deep breath and moved forward on the rock-laid path that led from the driveway. Pausing on the top step of the porch, he inspected the impressive creamcolored door with its two rectangular windows encased in the upper half. Flanking the door were two more matching, rectangular windows accented by low, concrete pedestal urns filled with delicate flowering plants.

  The door opened almost as he touched the bell. An elderly gentleman with twinkling brown eyes, smiled warmly.

  “Come on in here, Dr. Ackerman,” he said, as though greeting an old friend he hadn’t seen in years.

  Sheldon, surprised by the greeting, stepped inside.

  “I’m William Bliss senior.—Billie’s grandfather. Most people call me Bill.”

  He shook the professor’s hand warmly. “Billie will be right down.”

  “Thank you,” Sheldon smiled, feeling himself relax. The large expanse of the foyer had been updated with a lowered ceiling, inset lighting and a large, attractive, light fixture. The rich oak floor was covered in the center with a light gray-blue, low-cut pile carpet. Plants in large, attractive, ceramic pots and paintings of flowers, decorating walls between the doors leading to other parts of the house, made this space warm and inviting.

  “Come, and I’ll show you where the library is,” Bill said. “That’s where you’re holding your meeting.”

  Sheldon followed his host past the front room on the left, which had been, he was sure, the old parlor, and on to the adjoining french doors, where they entered the library. Bookshelves filled the whole wall on the right side of the room, except for a fireplace in the center, with its lovely, wood-carved mantle, above which was a large, floral painting. Sheldon noticed that the gray-blue color of the entryway carpet was repeated in both the front room and the library. Navy blue leather couches and chairs spaciously encircled the fireplace. Several bowls of colorful, fresh flowers were placed here and there, indicating the touch of a woman’s hand. No doubt by Miss Bliss’ mother who, he decided, appeared to be an excellent homemaker.

  “Find yourself a seat, young man.”

  “Thank you.” He was about to sit down, when Billie entered, all smiles.

  “Good evening, Dr. Ackerman. Did you meet my grandfather?”

  “I did, thank you.”

  “Well, I’ll leave you to your meeting,” Bill Bliss said. “Shall I close the doors on my way out, Billie?”

  “Please, Grandpa.”

  No sooner had they seated themselves, than Aunt Tilly tapped lightly on the glass panel of one of the french doors. Billie motioned for her to come in, and Sheldon stood up as she entered.

  Tilly scurried over to them and stood transfixed before Sheldon. Billie waited, and when nothing happened, gently prompted her aunt.

  “Yes, Aunt Tilly, was there something?”

  “Oh . . . uh, yes. I just wanted to see if you and your guest would like some cookies and lemonade.” During this speech, Tilly’s eyes had not strayed from Sheldon’s face.

  “Would you like some, Dr. Ackerman?” Billie asked, suppressing a smile.

  “If you would like some, Miss Bliss, feel free, but I would not care for anything.”

  “We wouldn’t care for anything, Aunt Tilly, thank you. But I would like you to meet Dr. Ackerman, my professor of Business Administration. Dr. Ackerman, this is my aunt, Matilda.”

  Sheldon nodded and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Matilda.”

  Aunt Tilly smiled, clasping her hands together. “It’s very nice to meet you, Dr. Ackerman,” she said in a breathless voice. “Billie has told us how brilliant you are and how much she has learned from you.”

  The compliment was so unexpected, Sheldon felt tongue-tied for a moment. “I . . . didn’t know that. Thank you for informing me.” He smiled at her. “It’s certainly nice for a teacher to get positive feedback now and then.”

  “Aunt Tilly, would you do me a favor?”

  “Why, yes, of course, dear.”

  “Go find Uncle Henry, and Mother and Father. Tell them that I would like them to come to the library and meet Dr. Ackerman.”

  “I would be delighted.” She hurried out.

  “I’m sorry for the interruption, Dr. Ackerman, but my family is so curious, they would all manage to find a reason to come in here to meet you during our meeting. So we might as well get it over with all at once. Do you mind?”

  His amusement was apparent. “I don’t suppose it would do me any good if I did?”

  Billie laughed. “No, I’m afraid not.”

  “Are your aunt and grandfather visiting?”

  “No, they live with us, and so does Aunt Tilly’s brother, Henry, who lost his wife ten years ago. Both are my mother’s siblings. They have all lived with us for years, for which I’m grateful, because I’m an only child.”

  A beaming Aunt Tilly led the group through the library doors, and Billie introduced everyone. Billie’s father shook the professor’s hand. “As Billie said, my name is William Bliss, like my father, but people call me Will.”

  “People call me Sheldon. Glad to meet you, sir.”

  Henry was next. “Glad to meet you, Sheldon,” he said, his eyes scrutinizing him.

  Billie’s mother, the gracious Margaret Bliss smiled. “Dr. Ackerman, we’re grateful that you’re helping our daughter with her goal of a business career.”

  “Well, Mrs. Bliss, Billie is the top student in the class.”

  “Oh? How nice to hear.”

  In the void which followed, there was an expectant expression on each of the smiling faces.

  Will Bliss broke the sil
ence. “We’ll all leave you to your meeting now, Sheldon. Come again. You’re welcome to meet here as often as you need to,” he added, shepherding the group toward the door.

  “Thank you, sir, I might just take you up on that.”

  After they had all left, teacher and student—Pygmalion and student—sat across from each other and Billie said, “I didn’t know I was the top student in the class.”

  “You got the highest grade on both exams and according to Nettie Newman, you deserve accolades on your grooming, dress, and diet. All in all, you are the most promising student of the four.”

  He noted that she didn’t seem as pleased over this as he thought she should be. “What kind of a business would you like to own, Miss Bliss?”

  “I don’t know. As of yet, one hasn’t come to mind that fits my personality and needs.”

  “Well, we can work on that in the future. The committee has chosen to work on first things first, take one step at a time. The first step is self-management in the area that seems to concern the four of you—weight.”

  Billie’s eyes probed his. “Have you chosen us because we’re fat?”

  “Uh . . . fat? I don’t consider you fat, just . . . Miss Bliss, we chose you four for many reasons. It just so happens all of you have expressed concern about your weight. And after all, isn’t attaining a pleasing appearance a significant part of self-management?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “What do you mean by ‘yes and no’?”

  “Yes for the other three, ‘no’ for me.”

  “Why ‘no’ for you?” Sheldon asked, starting to feel concern.

  “Because my overweight condition for the most part is not caused by lack of discipline; rather, it’s caused by my environment, or in other words, by the people I associate with. If my environment isn’t right for me, I don’t have self discipline—or I choose not to in order to ease my frustration.”

  “Miss Bliss, you’re confusing me.”

  “I know. I confuse everyone.”

  “Was there something wrong with the environment of my class which you attended last term?”