Promised Soul

by Sandra J. Jackson

  “No; no change.”

  “Well that's good then, right?” Peter asked, trying to sound upbeat and positive for Aaron.

  “Yeah, I guess.”

  “So why the urgent message to call you?”

  “Urgent? Not truly urgent, but I supposed that if I didn't say ASAP it might be some time before I heard from you; aye?”

  “Perhaps, though I did just pull into my drive when you messaged me,” Peter said, leaning back on his couch and putting his feet up on the table. If his mother were there and had seen he was still wearing his shoes, she would have cuffed him one.

  “I just wanted to know how it went today; you know picking Krista up for me. I really appreciate you doing that.” Aaron's voice lowered.

  “No need to say it, I know.”

  “Yeah well, anyway how did it go?”

  “Well…” Peter hesitated, “I must say she's quite stunning.”

  “Really!”

  “Yes, really. Though I'm sure she must have thought I was a bit of a git at first, I scarcely spoke the entire drive.” Peter thought back to the many awkward, quiet moments in the car.

  “What – you! I'd have thought you would have talked her ears off, pointing out this and that along the way.”

  “I couldn't mate; she's lovely. You'll see.” Peter flushed at the thought of Krista, he was glad Aaron couldn't see him.

  “Yeah; anyway…” Aaron paused, “I hope so, I'm not scheduled to take her on any tours for almost a week and with Mum…”

  “Well, your other clients have been taken care of and if you need me to see to Krista, I'm sure I can move things around.” Peter sounded a little too eager even to himself, he hoped Aaron wouldn't notice.

  “Steady, man, you've only just met her. Besides, I thought you were seeing someone.”

  “Humph, she decided to go back to her ex, she wasn't quite over him,” Peter said somewhat irritated with the thoughts of his last love interest.

  “That's too bad, I'm sure it was for the best. Anyhow, I should go, I'm sure you must be knackered. Thanks again mate.”

  “No…” Peter yawned mid-sentence, “problem, any time. Keep me informed about your mum.”

  “Yeah, will do.”

  “Have a good night mate,” Peter said as he stretched, feeling more tired.

  “You as well.” Aaron hung up the phone first.

  Peter laid his head back on the couch and closed his eyes; visions of Krista came to mind and he smiled; a few seconds later, he was snoring quietly.

  Nineteen

  Aaron chuckled quietly to himself and shook his head as he thought of Peter who seemed to fall in love every time he saw a beautiful woman. It was just too bad he always picked the wrong ones.

  “Come in,” Aaron called out to the unexpected knock at his door as he sat at the mahogany desk in his childhood room, of course it looked nothing like the room from his memories. It was now more sophisticated – adult.

  Aunt Jane slowly opened the door and entered the room. She was dressed in deep purple and tied around her middle was a vineyard motif apron, the appearance of which made her look a bit like a grape; Aaron smiled.

  “Supper's ready,” she announced as she stood in the doorway. “Your mother will be joining us tonight.” A slow smile spread across her face, knowing the news she delivered would make Aaron happy.

  “She is! Is she sure she's feeling up to it?” He didn't want his mother to tire herself out needlessly.

  “Yes, I think so; she's had a good day and she would like to dine at the table with us tonight. Would you help her down the stairs whilst I put dinner on the table?” Aunt Jane turned around and headed out the door.

  Aaron stood and followed suit heading towards his mother's room at the far end of the hall. A few quick strides and he was at her door. He knocked and waited for his mother's reply; silence ensued. He knocked again, a little harder and pressed his ear to the door. Another moment went by but still nothing. He was about to knock a third time when he finally heard his mother call out.

  “Come in.” There was a slight tone of weariness to her voice, but it was nothing he hadn't heard before.

  Slowly he opened the door. Kate sat on her bed with her hands clasped in her lap. Aaron looked at them and instantly noticed that they resembled the hands of someone much older. She had lost weight in recent weeks, and it had left the bones and tendons much more visible in her hands and hollowed out her face, her cheekbones and jaw becoming more prominent. She had never been a large woman, always on the slight side, so any amount of weight loss was too much.

  Kate looked up at her son and smiled. “Come to help me down for supper?” she asked.

  “Aunt Jane said you're feeling well enough to join us; are you sure?” Aaron asked looking at the dark shadows under his mother's eyes.

  “Quite sure; I don't know how much more time I've got, but I'm going to make the most of it. Now come to my side and help me up.” She smiled softly.

  Aaron left his post at the door and went to his mother's side. He gently eased her off the bed and to her feet. He steadied her as her legs buckled a little.

  “Are you sure, Mum?” he asked again, his arms securely around her, steadying her. He was afraid to hold her too tightly, she felt as though she would snap in two at any moment.

  “Yes,” Kate said with determination and patted the hand Aaron had wrapped around her waist.

  For the first time since entering the room, Aaron noticed his mother was dressed. “What are you wearing?” he asked, not familiar with her clothing choice. Until she had become ill, Kate had been a very fashionable dresser, always wearing nicely designed clothing, even when at home by herself. He used to tease her saying that she looked as though she was ready for a visit with the Queen, should she stop by. Kate would fire back that the Queen just might and if she did, she would be ready. She always looked her best, no matter what.

  “It's a jogging suit of course. Jane picked it up for me.” Kate said, absently running her hand slowly over her thigh, feeling the soft material underneath.

  “Oh, I see.”

  “Don't you like it?”

  Aaron thought carefully for a moment. It certainly wasn't his mother's usual taste, but the royal blue colour suited her even though it hung from her ever thinning body Nevertheless, it did seem to please her. “Yes, I do Mum, it looks lovely on you.” Aaron leaned over and kissed his mother gently on her cheek.

  “Well, not really,” Kate confessed, “but it is rather comfortable and does make me feel a little better to be dressed than wearing pyjamas. Now, let's head down for supper. I imagine Jane will be wondering what's taking so long.”

  Aaron stayed close by his mother's side as the two of them headed down to the dining room. It was a bit of a slow trip, but Kate managed. Her arms hooked through Aaron's for support as he led the way down the hall and then the stairs. Aaron wondered if there would be many more trips down these stairs together or if this would be the last. As if reading his mind, Kate spoke.

  “I hope to be able to have dinner in the dining room as much as possible, especially when you're here.”

  “I hope so, Mum, it's not the same eating without you.” Aaron choked back the lump he felt forming in his throat, hoping his mother didn't notice.

  Kate suddenly changed the subject. “By the way, haven't you taken enough time off from work? I'm sure they need you back.”

  “Getting tired of my company already, are you?” Aaron teased.

  Kate teased back as they entered the dining room. “Of course, what parent in their right mind wants their adult children moving back home again?” She smiled and winked.

  Aaron pulled out a chair for his mother, helped her to sit, and then pushed it back into place. The chair slid effortlessly over the hardwood floor as though it had wheels.

  “Thank you, love,” Kate said as Aaron pulled out his own chair across from her and sat. Kate reached across the table with both hands and placed Aaron's hand between them. S
he looked at Aaron and smiled before a look of seriousness came over her face. “I love having you here, but I could be in this state for months, Aaron. I think it is time you go back to your life. You've already taken too much time away.” She smiled again and withdrew her hands.

  Aaron looked down at his plate. He knew she was right, but how could he possibly leave her. Granted what she said was true, she could be like that for the next six months, and yet she could die the minute he left. He wouldn't forgive himself if that happened. He was torn and on the verge of tears just thinking about it, but he had to be strong. He took a deep, though somewhat shaky breath. “I know you're right. Peter and the others have been fantastic taking over for me this past week. I promise I'll make a final decision after Doc Brown's visit tomorrow.”

  “Decision about what?” Jane asked as she entered the dining room carrying in a plate of freshly carved roast beef. The aroma filled the room, causing Aaron's stomach to rumble.

  “That smells absolutely delicious, Aunt Jane.” Aaron tried to change the subject, his mouth watering at the sight of the roast she'd placed in front of him. He hadn't realized just how hungry he was, and he felt as though it had been days since he'd last eaten.

  Jane adjusted herself in her chair beside Kate, her vineyard apron still tied around her middle.

  “Aaron's going back to work soon,” Kate spoke up, answering Jane's question.

  “I'm thinking about it,” Aaron corrected.

  Jane nodded. “Yes, I think it's time, Aaron. You're not that far should we need you.”

  “Well, I'll make my final decision after Doc Brown's visit.” Aaron reached over and helped himself to a couple of slices of meat hoping to end that particular conversation.

  “And what does Peter think about you possibly not returning until after I…” Kate didn't finish her sentence.

  Aaron looked at his mother and aunt who stared back at him intently. “I haven't told him I might not be returning until…” Aaron paused, “anyway, he just told me not half an hour ago not to worry, he'll cover for me.

  “All summer?” Jane asked.

  Aaron hesitated before responding. “Well no, not exactly, but I'm sure –”

  “I'm sure Peter will cover for you from time to time, but he can't possibly all summer, after all he does have his own clients to worry about.”

  Aaron knew his mother was right. There was no way Peter and the others could cover for him all summer. He would have to go back.

  “Fine, I'll go back as soon as I can. Now can we end this conversation and eat?”

  Without another word, Jane picked up Kate's plate and filled it up.

  Aaron knew his mother would barely make a dent in it, but if left up to her, she'd barely put anything on her plate and eat even less.

  The three of them sat and ate in silence. Aaron and Jane filling their forks while Kate slowly picked at her food, pushing more of it around on her plate then actually eating. It made Aaron worry more as he watched his mother take very few bites of the delicious meal.

  “Speaking of Peter,” Jane suddenly spoke up, “how are things with that new girlfriend of his? Are we going to meet her the next time he comes 'round?” she asked between bites.

  Aaron swallowed the mashed potatoes he had on his fork before answering. “Well, Aunt Jane, apparently it didn't work out, they've broken up.”

  “Oh, what a pity,” Kate said as she stabbed at piece of meat with her fork and stared at it.

  “Yes, well don't worry,” Aaron said as he placed a piece of tender beef in his mouth, chewed and swallowed, enjoying the flavour as it slid down his throat. “He's already got his sights on someone else.”

  “Really? So soon? Jane said.

  “Anyone you know?” Kate put down her fork, the piece of meat still skewered on the end.

  “My client.” Aaron replied dryly, stabbing his fork into his green beans.

  Twenty

  It was eight o'clock when I finally arrived home, completely sated with dinner eaten at a local pub. I tossed my keys on the desk and plunked down in the chair, spinning around like an elated child. After a few spins, I stopped and waited a moment for the room to catch up. My dizziness was not just from the ride in my desk chair, but from excitement and complete happiness. Anyone seeing me now would certainly think I had gone nuts. I laughed aloud.

  “Oh crap!” I said, pulling myself closer to the desk. I had intended to send out e-mails, apprising my family and friends of my safe arrival. However, in my haste to get out the door after my lengthy nap, I had forgotten all about my intentions. Sure enough, as I logged into my e-mail account, several e-mails from my mother and friends sat waiting for my reply. Instead of reading and responding to each of them, I sent one general e-mail to everyone, knowing they were all asleep and wouldn't read it until tomorrow morning anyway.

  Hi all, I began.

  I'm so sorry for taking so long to respond to your e-mails.

  The prompt blinked at me, patiently waiting for me to type my next words. Each time I started a new sentence, I deleted it immediately.

  I just got in from a wonderful dinner. My apartment is great and the village (so far) is spectacular.

  Again, I paused, re-reading what was written; somewhat satisfied, I continued.

  I will send pics of the place later in the week. I'm so glad I did this. It's amazing! Can't wait to explore further. Take care and I will write to you again soon.

  Love Krista, xoxo.

  I read the e-mail again; BCC'd everyone on my list and hit send, shutting down the computer as soon as the message left the queue. The screen went black as the computer fell silent.

  Just as I was about to walk away from the desk, the corner of what appeared to be an envelope, peaked out from under the notebook of instructions and caught my attention. Sliding the book over, I picked up the envelope and turned it over. Scrawled on the front in black ink was my name. The memory of Peter handing it to me came to mind.

  I scanned the top of my desk for a letter opener and found one hiding among the pens and pencils in a rather unique, what looked like a ceramic, holder. Upon closer inspection, it revealed itself to be made of clay, glazed and fired, with the impression of a small, yet clearly visible handprint wrapped around it as if it were holding the container. I smiled at the thought of the young child who had made the container and placed my hand over the imprint. Expecting it to be cool, it was surprisingly warm, so I withdrew my hand. Regaining my focus, I pulled a letter opener from the container and carefully opened the letter. Just as I was about to sit back down in the desk chair, I changed my mind deciding on a more comfortable location for reading, and headed over to the living room. I sat in the corner of the couch and switched on the lamp beside me, curled my legs up on the couch, and began to read.

  Dear Krista,

  I feel that I must apologize for not keeping my promise to pick you up at the airport personally. I'm sure Peter told you I had a personal matter to attend to, but I feel as though I owe you more of an explanation.

  My dear mother is ill. Her doctor tells me there is nothing else that can be done for her and so I wait to say goodbye. She's recently become weaker, so I have been at my childhood home to be by her side. It's not certain to any of us if this is the final stage or just a bump in the long road ahead. I apologize for being so candid, I hope you don't mind.

  In any case, I'm sure Peter made you feel at home in your new surroundings. I hesitate to say that I will see you for your first “expedition,” it depends on my circumstances. Rest assured you will be taken care of.

  Yours Truly,

  Aaron

  I sat and examined the letter with its perfect penmanship. How long had it been since I'd read a hand written letter?

  As a teacher, my young students submitted many pieces of hand written work, but a truly hand written letter from an adult, no less; I couldn't recall. It was much more personal, meaningful – it was romantic in a nostalgic sense; more so than the e-mails and text
messages that we've become accustomed to writing and reading.

  Charmed, I read the letter again. Though having yet to meet Aaron in person, seeing his handwriting gave me a sense of familiarity, the sadness he felt captured in his prose.

  Carefully, I folded the letter and tucked it back into its envelope. Thoughts of my own relationship with my mother smouldered in my mind, and it paled in comparison. It was obvious that Aaron and his mother were close, something I wished for with my mother. There had been a time when we were closer, when my father was alive. It was at that moment that I decided that upon returning home, I would make more of an effort to get closer to her again. It wouldn't be an easy undertaking, but I would at least try.

  My eyelids grew heavy. Tired and wanting to go to bed, yet so comfortable, I couldn't bring myself to move. I reached for the TV remote on the end table beside me and clicked it on. After some time of surfing, nothing caught my attention, and the TV returned to its idle state. With the resulting quietness, I rested my head on the large armrest of the couch, yawned, and closed my eyes for a few seconds.

  “I've got to go to bed.” I whispered to myself. There was every intention of getting up and going to bed as the words trickled from my mouth, but my body was already asleep, slowly my brain followed, the letter loosely clutched in my hands.

  Mary turned the letter over in her hands. She hoped it would reach Thomas before she arrived in London.

  “Well miss, are ye going to post that letter or are ye just going to stand there twirlin' it.” The man's gravelly voice startled Mary out of her trance.

  “Yes, sorry,” she said handing the envelope to the shopkeeper along with a penny for postage.

  The shopkeeper took the coin and the letter and turned toward the back counter where he placed the letter in a basket of outgoing mail. It was just in time too as Mary's mother was approaching with a basket full of supplies.