“Perhaps a few, sir.”
“Do you have any of this size in storage?”
“No, all of our stock is out. Is there a concern?”
“I don’t like things that have been handled by others. I prefer them brand new; do you know what I mean?”
“I assure you, we take the greatest care in keeping our clothes perfectly clean.”
“Well, let me try the trousers on and see how they fit.”
James took the pants from the salesman and went to the change room. When he came out Jenny and the salesman were having a friendly chat about what college he was going to.
They were enjoying themselves too much, in his opinion.
“Hey, bud,” James called the salesman over.
The salesman, however, was so engrossed with Jenny he didn’t hear him, much to James’ displeasure.
So James got louder. “Hey, you! Whatever your name is! Come here.”
This time the young man heard him and rushed over. James took him into the change room and reprimanded him for getting too friendly with his girl.
Jenny could see in the reflection of the floor-length mirror that James was giving the salesman heck about something. She hoped it wasn’t about her.
The salesman came out of the back and rushed passed her.
“What were you talking to Don about?” Jenny asked, coming over to where James was flicking imaginary lint off the new trousers.
“Oh? Is it ‘Don’ already?”
“Oh, James, what’s wrong?”
“I simply told him to tell the manager that if they’d dry clean the suit I’d take it.”
“James, really! People try jackets on for only a few minutes. I’m sure it’s perfectly fine. Its just like the tv you got for your room this morning. The floor model was fine, but you made the salesman get one that was unopened from the warehouse. Aren’t you going a little overboard with this cleanliness thing?”
“It’s just that I like to have things brand-spanking new, Jenny,” James tried to make it a joke, but he was dead serious. “I don’t want it if it’s been touched by someone else. That tv had fingerprints all over it.”
“Oh, James, don’t be so silly!”
But the more Jenny thought about it, the more she realized it was beyond silly. It was as if he had smacked her across the face. What would he think if he knew she had been raped? Something about James had always kept her from being comfortable enough to share her past with him. Perhaps this was what her instincts had been warning her about.
When Jenny got home, her parents were sitting outside at the patio table.
“Hi, Mom, Dad—what are you doing home so early?”
“I wasn’t feeling well and decided to take the afternoon off to spend some time with my two favourite people.”
“Well, that’s great. Where’s Tammy?”
“Her mom was over earlier and they had a good talk. I think Tammy and the baby might be going home this weekend. Apparently Tammy is the youngest of five children. Mrs. Anderson is working now and doesn’t want to be tied down raising more children but their social worker thinks the government can help out a bit with the expenses and providing funds for Tammy to get a part-time babysitter.”
“And I’ll always be there to help out, too. Oh, I’m going to miss her if she goes home. She’s been like a sister. We have so many good talks at night when Chloe goes to sleep.”
“Well, it’s a good thing summer holidays are here. Tammy will have time to prepare for the fall. She still plans on going to college, right? It will be hard, but others have done it before her.”
“You can tell Tammy we’ll be here for her anytime, Jenny,” offered Ted.
“So, how was your outing with James?”
“Oh, Mom, he drives me crazy sometimes! He’s got such a fetish about things being clean. Everything has to be spotless.”
“Frankly, Jen, I like his impeccable appearance. His shirts are always crisp and freshly laundered, his shoes always shined; to me it’s a sign that he cares about his personal appearance.”
“There’s more to it than that, Mom—there can’t even be a fingerprint on anything and he wants everything to be new and untouched.”
“Well, cleanliness is next to godliness, they say. I think he’s a fine young man, a very good catch, and if you end up marrying him you’ll just have to be a super housecleaner,” Edith joked.
Jenny wasn’t so sure it was something to laugh about. Perhaps she was being unfair, judgmental and too critical—but then again…
“What do you think of James, Dad?”
Her father had drifted away. When he didn’t respond, she shook his arm. “Dad, did you hear me? What do you think of James? We’re thinking about getting married and—”
“Hm? Sorry, Jenny. James? Well, he’s a fine, handsome young man, but you’re still too young to be getting serious. He’s really the only boy you’ve been out with except for that boy…back in Regina,” Ted said hesitantly, avoiding Edith’s eyes, and quickly adding, “What about all the boys who keep phoning here? Have you ever considered going out with any of them?”
“Oh, sure. It’s just that they all seem so immature compared to James and I do love his interest in business. He’s at the top of his class in university and he keeps telling me how his dad and the board members are amazed by his understanding of the business and his instincts in decision-making that have resulted in incredible profits for the company. His father is very proud of him, and can’t wait for him to complete college and take over.”
“He is good at business, I’ll grant him that. It’s just that he seems a little overly ambitious. If you think our family life is stifled by my work, you may find life with James even lonelier.”
“He tells me when we get married he’ll structure his time more efficiently and not take his job home at the end of the day.”
“I’ve said that myself many times, Jenny. Once you’re married it’s hard to change a habit—even harder if it’s ingrained into your character. My advice to you is to go out with other boys. It’s going to take you three years to get your arts and science degree, four if you enter education, so there’s no hurry, sweetheart.”
“And if you want my opinion,” Edith chimed in, “I think James is a fine young man. He comes from a fine home and I’m sure you’ll never lack for a thing.”
“I know that, Mom. He promises me the world; a beautiful home, clothes, my own car, anything my heart desires. But really, all I want is to be happy, to really love someone and be loved…” Jenny’s words trailed off.
Edith and Ted gazed at their daughter, each knowing full well who Jenny was thinking about.
“I’ve never seen so many butterflies,” Ted commented, shielding the sun from his eyes and changing the subject. “Reminds me of when you were young, Jenny; swarms of them used to follow you around.”
“All of them angels singing to me. Carlos thinks they send messages of love too.” Jenny stopped and looked at her parents, not sure if she should go there. Her mother tried so hard to discourage these kinds of thoughts. Instead Jenny said, “Most of them are monarchs that migrated here from Mexico. Carlos planted some milkweed plants on the grounds last year and that’s what’s attracting so many here this spring. The females lay their eggs on the leaves of the milkweed plant and you can see the tiny eggs. Lots have grown into caterpillars already and are getting ready to turn into butterflies. I’ve been fascinated watching them day to day.”
“Well, I’d like you to point them out to me, Jenny. In fact, I thought we could take a little stroll together through the grounds. Did Carlos show you the new wildflowers I asked him to plant?”
“Yes, I saw them—they’re beautiful, Dad; especially the Baby Blue Eyes. I’d love to take a walk with you. We haven’t done that for such a long time. In fact, I can’t remember when we last did.”
The phone rang.
“I’ll get that,” said Ted. He picked up his glass, took it into the kitchen and picked up the phone.
Jenny knew the glass her dad held wasn’t filled with the lemonade her mom was drinking. Both she and her mom listened to Ted as his voice rose and became more defensive.
“No, Mr. Peakan, I’m fine, just taking today off … Yes, I have Jason and Ken, my best two negotiators on that contract … Yes, I’ll be assisting them—I know how important the contracts are, I’m certain we’ll get them signed … I see. Yes I understand …No, I won’t need anymore time off, I’m fine. Talk to you tomorrow.”
They heard Ted hang up the phone then the familiar sound of a cupboard opening followed by the clink of a bottle against a glass.
Edith shook her head, “Don’t keep your hopes up for that walk, honey.”
Jenny gazed at her mother, sadness growing in her eyes.
“I see Daddy trying so hard lately to be more involved with us. I just wish things were the way they used to be before we moved here, Mom. Daddy worked hard then, too, but it didn’t seem to be so hard on him. Lately, I have this feeling that there’s something deep that’s really bothering him. What do you suppose it could be, Mom?”
Edith gazed at her daughter, a lump growing hard in her throat and making it impossible to speak.
It was just as well; whatever she said would be far from the truth that she knew.
Chapter Forty-Four
Do you have any wrapping paper, Mom?”
“I think there’s some in the cupboard. Wrapping a gift for Julean?”
“No, for Gary. I’m going to give him Mrs. Engelmann’s Bible.”
Mary looked at her son, “Are you sure? That’s such a beautiful gift she gave you. It was her most prized possession.”
“Yeah, I know. But she loved Gary, too, and with him going away to do missionary work, I thought it would be a reminder of home and well, you know. And I already asked Mr. Engelmann if I could and he said that it was okay. He said someday he was going to give me his Bible.”
Mary handed a roll of patterned bluish-coloured wrapping paper to Henry. “Well, that’s awfully nice of you, Henry. I’m sure Gary will be thrilled to receive it. When’s he leaving and where’s he going again?”
“He’s leaving tomorrow night by plane. The archbishop is sending Gary and his friend Jane to Edmonton until Christmas to work with the poor, like they did here last summer. But more importantly, they’re going to take a course to prepare them for missionary work in poor countries. After Christmas they’re going to Toronto to continue working in the poorer areas of the city until spring. The bishop thought they should maybe go to a place like Peru first before going to India. It might be too big a change for them to work in the slums of Calcutta right away.”
“My gosh, that’s really something for Gary to be doing. It’s hard to believe your little friend from down the block grew up to be so committed to Jesus.”
“Yeah, that’s what I keep thinking. And the way he talks, that he wants to be with the poor, to love them and serve them and become their friend, to pray with them…” Henry’s words trailed off in awe that he was talking that way about his friend.
Mary shook her head, “Yes, it is really something.”
“Well, thanks for the wrapping paper, Mom.”
Henry went to his room and sat at his desk. He picked up the Bible. He felt Mrs. Engelmann’s warmth as he read what she had written to him: To Henry, whom David and I, in our hearts, adopted as a son.
A rush of love swept over him as it had when he had first read it. To be included as a member of their family was such an honour. He almost hesitated in signing the Bible to Gary. He and his friend were the fourth generation to receive it.
Henry picked up his pen and wrote a short note just beneath Mrs. Engelmann’s words:
Gary,
I want you to have this. Mrs. Engelmann loved you as much as she did me and considered you her son, too. May this Bible be a reminder of that love for you and know her spirit and guidance and protection will constantly be with you in your work for God. You’re my very best friend, Gary, and I love you. I’m so proud to be your friend and brother in Christ.
Henry
June 29, 1960
Henry sat back and took a deep breath. The Bible had been such a meaningful gift for him and he knew Gary would appreciate it just as much.
Henry opened it to the plastic bookmark and read the passage Mrs. Engelmann had underlined, Isaiah 26:3. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee.”
That’s a good one for Gary, Henry thought, but he didn’t want to leave the marker there. He’d decided to keep it as a reminder of the Bible Mrs. Engelmann had given to him. And besides, it had the guardian angel prayer written on it; the one he had said almost every night since he’d met Jenny. He was still amazed that Mrs. Engelmann had said that prayer as well.
When Henry gazed at the image of the angel hovering over a boy and girl in harm’s way, flashes of being with Jenny flooded his mind. The many days that summer they too had held hands like the children in the picture.
Henry reached for the letter near the back of the Bible trying to distract his thoughts. He opened it and read it through again. There were so many beautiful memories of his time spent with Mrs. Engelmann, reading to her, her presence in the store, her love.
Well, I’d better get this wrapped before I change my mind. Henry placed the Bible in the centre of a section of wrapping paper and began folding it around his precious gift. After it was wrapped he suddenly realized that the gift wrap, rather than enhancing the gift inside, somehow detracted from the message it held. The message he had gotten when he received it. Henry unwrapped the Bible and picked up the brown paper bag, still on the floor at the edge of his desk. He placed the Bible inside as Mr. Engelmann had when he’d given it to Henry.
“Yeah,” he muttered, “No, pretension, no showiness, just humbly here to serve the poorest of the poor.”
“Thanks for driving me to the airport, Hank.”
“No problem, Gary. I’d never have missed seeing you off.”
Henry held the door to the Regina airport open for Gary. He could see Jane and her parents waiting near the ticket counter. Henry still couldn’t get over how normal Jane was. He still half expected her to be different somehow. Quieter, more reserved, holier-than-thou, but yet she there she was, a very attractive, outgoing girl just like other girls he knew. The only difference was she wore no makeup of any kind and her dress was always very modest.
“Hi, Jane,” said Henry, wearing a broad smile.
“Hi Hank. I’d like you to meet my mom and dad, Tony and Edna Regier.”
Henry shook their hands. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Regier, Mr. Regier. Jane told me you have a farm?”
“Yup, just outside of Kipling, a mile or so,” replied Tony.
“I guess you’re going to miss Jane, Mrs. Regier.”
“Oh yes, we do already.” Mrs. Regier squeezed Jane’s hand.
Turning to Gary, Henry said, “Well ol’ buddy, I’m sure gonna miss you too. Here, I have something for you.”
Henry handed Gary the brown paper bag.
“I was wondering what you were carrying that for, Hank. Is it lunch for the trip?”
“No,” Henry chuckled, “It’s food all right, but not the kind you’re thinking. You can open it up on the plane and let me know what you think when you write me.”
“You sure have me curious now; I can’t wait to open it.”
“Well, I’ve got a date with Julean, so I’ll leave you to say goodbye to your family.”
Henry gave Gary a quick, hard hug. They pounded each other affectionately on the back and separated to stare at each other through blurry eyes.
“I’m sure gonna miss you, man
.”
“Me too, Hank. I’ll keep you in my prayers.”
Henry nodded, and waved at Jane and her parents, “See ya Jane, nice meeting you Mr. and Mrs. Regier.
Henry didn’t really hear their reply. He strode away and then stopped, turning back to see his buddy quickly wave at him again. Henry returned the wave with all the love he could send.
“Oh Tammy, I hate to see you go. It was so nice having you stay with us. And I’ll miss Chloe so much, too. Having you both here gave me a chance to see what life would have been like if I hadn’t given Camilla away.”
“Jenny,” Tammy looked at her friend with compassion. “You would’ve been such a wonderful mother to Camilla, but you were too young to take on such a big responsibility. You can see how difficult it is for me.”
Jenny sighed. “Yes, I know—it was the right thing for me to do. And I hope you don’t mind the odd time I slipped and called Chloe Camilla by mistake.”
“Of course not, Jenny. I completely understand. But I hope you’re still willing to help me. I couldn’t have done this without you and I am very thankful you helped me to decide to keep Chloe. I love her so much. Oh, and how much I would’ve regretted giving her up for adop— Oh Jenny! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…” Tammy gave up in embarrassment.
“Oh, Tammy, of course I understand what you mean and you don’t ever have to worry about what you say to me. Just whatever’s in your heart. I do with you all the time.”
“Being here with you, talking and walking in the gardens has changed the way I think about nature and the soul and God. I didn’t know you believed so strongly in angels.”
“I’m glad I convinced you, Tammy. The more you acknowledge them, the more you’ll be aware of them in your life. My guardian angel has helped me through so many difficulties.”
“And I love the guardian angel prayer you taught me. I say it every night for Chloe, for her guardian angel to watch over her and forever be by her side. And you know, I’ve started to pray to Jesus again too.”
“That’s great, Tammy.”
Another Angel of Love Page 39