Bells, Rings & Angels' Wings

by Linda Randall Wisdom

  His parents were telling him it was time to get married and start a family. They liked to remind him that they’d had their family already started by the time they were Tyler’s age. They wanted grandchildren to spoil!

  He smiled in the dark. “I bet they’d like Libby.”

  He already knew what they thought of Renee. While his mother never came right out and revealed her thoughts, the tone of her voice was enough.

  “Are you still seeing the Carter girl?” she’d ask every time they talked on the phone.

  “Renee and I go out every so often,” he’d reply, cautious with his replies. His mother might live out of state, but she was very intuitive. He swore she could read his thoughts even long distance.

  “I’m sure there are many nice girls in town you can take out,” she’d tell him in her motherknows-best voice.

  “Don’t worry about me, Mom,” he’d reassure her. “You’ll have plenty of grandchildren to spoil. I won’t let you miss out on that.”

  Tyler yawned and smiled. “Yeah, she’d like Libby,” he whispered before turning over and falling asleep.

  Tyler’s dreams were never very vivid, but tonight was different. Pictures of Libby floated through his mind.

  Strangely enough, she looked to be about five years old, with a cherub’s face and smile. She was dressed in a pink dress with ruffles and a little straw hat with a pink ribbon and bow around it. Her shoes were white patent leather and her socks were edged with lace.

  Then it seemed five years or so had passed. Her denim shorts were ragged, her T-shirt the same. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, but curls escaped to rest against her tanned cheeks and neck. The fishing pole she held explained her tattered appearance. Her smile revealed a missing front tooth.

  Next, as a slender teenager with a hint of breast and hips, she was starting to show the picture of femininity she’d grow into. Her sundress was a blue-and-yellow print, her legs tanned and bare. She stood in the middle of a meadow spinning around in a circle, her arms uplifted as if to embrace the sun. The smile on her face rivaled the brightness above.

  The sleeping Tyler groaned and turned over, burying his face in his pillow. “Libby,” he moaned.

  As he slipped deeper into the dream he faced another Libby. A Libby who had reached the full flower of her womanhood. She smiled at him and held out her arms. There was nothing he could do but walk toward her. He knew that if he stayed with her he would find a pleasure he’d never experienced before.

  “Tyler.” Her voice was a soft whisper. Her skin was like satin against his own.

  And her kiss. There was nothing like it.

  Then his dream world whirled around him in a sea of fog. She was leaving him! Drifting away!

  “No!” He reached for her, but their fingers could barely touch. The look of wistful regret on her face tore through him.

  At that very second, Tyler woke up with a violent start. He sat up in bed, feeling sweat pour off his face.

  He leaned over and switched on the light. He looked around but couldn’t see or hear anything that could have so rudely jerked him awake.

  Within minutes, he was asleep again with no memory of his dream.

  THE FIRST THING Libby saw the next morning when she arrived at the school was Tyler. He wore a billed cap that was battered and covered with wood dust. He smiled at her and touched his fingers to the bill, then returned to his conversation with the older man standing with him.

  Isn’t that nice? He remembered you.

  “If you don’t be quiet I will make sure you never get into the Council of Elders,” Libby said under her breath as she smiled back at Tyler.

  That’s very cruel, Libby.

  “You got it.”

  Might I remind you that I am only here to help you?

  “And you need me to get into the council.”

  “Miss Libby!” Becca ran up and threw her arms around Libby’s legs. “King Tut threw up on me when I picked him up after breakfast.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust. “It smelled awful and my dress looked really yucky.”

  “Well, that certainly doesn’t sound very nice of him.” Libby gave her a hug. “I must say you cleaned up nicely.”

  The little girl giggled. “Mrs. Robinson said it would have been easier to take me out in the backyard and use the hose on me, but it was too cold. And King Tut ran away cuz he didn’t want a bath. Cats hate baths.”

  Libby smiled at Becca’s whispered admission. “Cats have never liked baths unless they’re giving them to themselves,” she answered.

  Becca took her hand as they walked inside. “Mrs. Robinson said King Tut is old and has a sensitive stomach. I think he did it cuz he doesn’t like me. Dogs are better.” She looked wistful. “Do you think I will ever get a dog?”

  “I’m sure one day you will.” Libby stopped by Miss Regina’s office to pick up some papers.

  “But I can’t have a dog at Mrs. Robinson’s. I’ll have to have a mommy and daddy who will give me a dog.” Becca fidgeted with her coat buttons. She looked up. “You would be a good mommy.”

  Libby looked away from the girl’s face. “I hope I will be,” she said softly.

  “Oh, you will.” Becca skipped ahead of her teacher.

  “I must say you’ve made spectacular progress with her.”

  Libby turned around to face Miss Regina. “Maybe she’s finally realized that no one will bite her. Other than Josh, that is.”

  The older woman smiled at Libby’s wry comment. “Today was the first time I saw that little girl smile. She has always been so solemn and withdrawn that I feared she would never come out of her shell. I’m glad to see you were able to draw her out.”

  “Maybe she thinks of her mother when she sees me,” Libby replied.

  “Don’t get too close, Libby. If Becca’s parents can’t be found, the authorities might find other relatives. There’s no guarantee she’ll be able to stay with Mrs. Robinson for much longer. Because of her age, Ada’s only called on for shortterm foster care.”

  Libby was stunned by the news. “But right now Becca’s only stability is Mrs. Robinson. Taking her away could cause Becca to end up with severe emotional problems. She needs security right now, not being shuffled all over the county.”

  “That’s the way it’s done, dear.” Miss Regina patted Libby’s shoulder. “But for now, we’ll just treasure her every day we have her. And perhaps, when that times comes, she’ll be able to handle it better.”

  Dismissed, Libby went on to her classroom. She managed a smile for the children milling around the room. Since they were beginning an art project today, Libby had an aide to assist her. She had met Gwen before, when the young woman was helping with another class.

  Libby stood at the front of the room and clapped her hands for attention.

  “Let’s get our painting smocks on so we can begin our project.”

  Josh’s eyes lit up. “Are we gonna make a mess?”

  “No, Josh, we are going to do our best not to make a mess.”

  As Libby helped fasten the single large button at the back of various paint-smeared cotton smocks, she glanced out the window every so often. She had no desire to check out the weather, either. Instead, she could see the new building going up a short distance away. She could also see the workers. Especially one who appeared to be directing some of the men.

  He turned to look at the old school building, especially the row of windows where Libby’s classroom was. Even though she wasn’t close to the windows, she took a step back when it appeared he was looking straight at her. For good measure she took another step backward, so she knew there was no way he could see her.

  But somehow Tyler knew she was there—and actually grinned and winked at her!

  Chapter Ten

  “So, Teach, where ya goin’?”

  Libby turned around and found Tyler striding toward her.

  “Since my day is over, I thought I would go home.” She leaned against her car door.

  �
�How about some dinner?”

  “Oh, I intend to eat dinner.” She waited a second. “Alone.”

  He grinned at her lofty tone. “You don’t beat around the bush, do you, Teach?”

  “When I want someone to understand what I mean I make it as easy as possible for them.” She kept her smile on her lips as she turned around and inserted her key in the door lock. She almost jumped when a gloved hand covered hers.

  “Can I ask just one question?”

  She looked up to meet his gaze. His eyes lacked their usual cocky arrogance.

  “All right.”

  He paused a moment before speaking. “You’re going to hear stories about me. I admit I’ve been reckless in the past, but there’s something about you—” He broke off and took a deep breath. “What I’m saying is, I hope you’ll give me a chance.”

  Libby was surprised and touched by his statement. He sounded sincere.

  “So I shouldn’t listen to any of the many stories circulating about the wild Tyler Barnes,” she said.

  He shook his head.

  “Or the rumors that you are already very close to a certain woman. I don’t believe in poaching on another woman’s property.”

  He could feel those ribbons starting to tie him up and he panicked.

  “It’s not an exclusive relationship.”

  “Maybe it isn’t to you, but I’ve heard differently,” Libby said. “I wouldn’t dream of demanding you give her up. I’m just saying that I’ve never enjoyed being part of a crowd.” She reached for the door handle. “Good night, Tyler.”

  He could tell there was no trying to reason with her right now. He stepped back and allowed her to pull her door open and climb into her car.

  “I’m not going to give up, Libby.”

  She finished fastening her seat belt before she looked up at him. “Something tells me you’re not the type to give up, Tyler. And I’m sure it’s a trait that’s stood by you for a lot of years. But I’d like a chance to get settled before you start your chasing. Fair enough?”

  He grinned, clearly back to his old self. “You got it.” He touched two fingers to his cap in a salute and sauntered off.

  Libby watched Tyler walk away. If nothing else, she could enjoy the way his body moved as he walked.

  “I know I’m in big trouble now.”

  Why didn’t you just jump the man while you had him in your clutches?

  Libby started up the engine. “And why don’t you keep your opinions to yourself?”

  Pleased with herself for having the last word, she drove off.

  “YOU HAVE TO GET OUT and meet people,” Bonnie insisted the moment she had Libby on the phone. As soon as she’d suggested that Libby go out with her and her husband that evening, Libby had started making her excuses. Unfortunately, they sounded as weak to Bonnie as they did to Libby. “I’m not letting you get out of this, Libby. We’ll be by to pick you up at seven.”

  “Bonnie!” Oh no, she was whining. She hated whining. Especially when she was the whiner.

  “See you at seven. And be ready!” Bonnie hung up before Libby could come up with any more excuses.

  Libby dropped the phone in the cradle and slumped against the kitchen counter.

  “An evening out will do you a world of good.”

  Libby looked over the counter. Matthias was comfortably seated in what she was starting to call “his” chair.

  “Why? I’m already resigned to the fact that I’ll still be here when I’m an old lady. And Tyler will marry and have children—” she gulped, her voice catching on the last word “—with someone else. So why don’t you just go make another person’s life hell.”

  His eyes widened. “My dear, I would never consign you to such a horrible place. Go out this evening with your friends. When was the last time you’ve gone out and enjoyed yourself?”

  Libby looked down at the floor. It was easier to count the tiles than to answer him.

  “That long, hmm? Then you truly need to go out. And being the gentleman I am, I will leave so you can prepare yourself.”

  As always, he was gone in the blink of an eye.

  “He wants to run my life,” she muttered, pushing herself away from the counter.

  She dragged her feet as she walked into the bedroom. She stopped short when she noticed pieces of clothing lying across the end of the bed.

  “Matthias, you are a very sneaky individual.”

  She picked up the denim skirt and held it against her. The first thing she noticed was that it ended several inches above the knee. The red-and-white gingham blouse had a silky feel to it and the collar was edged with lace. A pair of red cowboy boots completed the ensemble.

  A twinge of excitement started deep in her stomach. “I can do it,” she whispered, heading for the bathroom.

  After she finished her shower, she took her time with her makeup. When she was done, she stood back feeling pleased with the final results. She’d used a smoky green eye shadow with a touch of gray to lend mystery to her eyes. A hint of bronzy rose blush added color to her cheeks, and she wore a matching color on her lips.

  Needless to say, she discovered her new outfit fit her perfectly, showing her legs off to their best advantage. The red boots felt as comfortable as an old pair of slippers.

  “Obviously, you were determined I’d get out tonight,” she said out loud. “Why? Are you planning a party here? Will I come home to an entity orgy?”

  You should be ashamed for even thinking such a thing.

  “Are you trying to say entities don’t have a sex life?” She found herself curious to know more about these beings that seem to enjoy dropping in and interfering with mortal lives.

  We do not interfere. We strive to make lives better.

  “Says you.”

  She glanced at the window when she heard the sound of a motor, to see a red Blazer pulling up by the stairs.

  “Be good, Matthias. Don’t make any long-distance phone calls. Or intergalaxy phone calls, or whatever you’d call them.” She grabbed her purse and ran out the door.

  Please do not try to be amusing. It doesn’t suit you.

  “YOU LOOK GREAT!” Bonnie gushed as Libby climbed into the back seat. “And here I haven’t seen my feet in weeks!”

  “I don’t know why she worries,” Gary, Bonnie’s husband, said. “They’re still there.”

  Bonnie rolled her eyes. “You can tell he has a lot of sympathy for me, can’t you?”

  “You’re not the one who has to go out at midnight to find brownie-chunk ice cream.”

  “Cravings are very important to a pregnant woman,” Libby told him.

  “Maybe, but why do they always show up in the middle of the night?” He backed down the driveway, honking a greeting when Cyn appeared at the back door and waved at them. He glanced at his wife. “Cyn didn’t want to go out with us tonight?”

  Bonnie shook her head. “She said she was going to relax with a good book, but I think she has a hot date and doesn’t want us to know.”

  Gary raised his eyebrows. “Oho. Raymond?”

  “He was last month.”

  “Then who?”

  She flashed an impish grin. “Harold Lutz.”

  “Harold Lutz? That’s a joke, right? He’s not at all her type.” He shook his head, then looked into the rearview mirror toward Libby. “In case you haven’t guessed, Cyn is the town’s wild woman. She figures her age shouldn’t hold her back.”

  “She’s also said she doesn’t want to get married again because divorce is a nuisance and she doesn’t want to bury anyone she loves,” Bonnie explained. “She had been going out with Raymond for about three months, but she said the bells just weren’t ringing for her, so she said goodbye to him and hello to Harold.”

  Gary laughed. “Poor Harold. He’ll never have a peaceful moment now.”

  “Bonnie, are you going to tell me where we’re going, or am I supposed to trust you?”

  “We’re going to the Outpost,” she replied. “Part of
it is a restaurant and the rest is a bar and dance floor. They always have great bands there. They don’t play just country and western, either. Most of the bands also play a lot of rock and roll.” She grimaced. “I’m not supposed to dance until after the baby comes, but I can sit there and listen to the music. Ha! There’s no fun in that.”

  “So she pushes me onto all the ‘unavailable’ women to dance,” Gary interjected. “I’m not allowed to go anywhere near a woman who’s truly available. Bonnie’s promised to sit on anyone who gets too close to me.”

  “I did not say that!” She punched him in the arm. “I just said I’d make them sorry for coming close to my honey,” she cooed.

  Libby laughed at Bonnie’s antics, but a part of her felt regret as she recalled similar byplay she used to share with Tyler.

  There had been a lot of Friday and Saturday nights when they had gone out for dinner and dancing. They both enjoyed dancing, especially when they were in each other’s arms.

  That was when a disturbing thought occurred to her. What if Tyler was there with Renee? Libby shifted in her seat and wondered if she could think up a logical excuse to go back home.

  Then it was too late. Gary pulled into a partially filled parking lot and stopped the car. He walked around the front to help Bonnie down, then assisted Libby.

  “I have no sense of balance,” Bonnie confessed. “Actually, I feel like one of those blowup punching clowns. If you try to tip me I’ll just rock back and forth on my feet.” She laughed.

  Libby put her arm around Bonnie’s shoulders to console her. “Think how you’ll feel when you can see your feet again.”

  “More like how I’ll feel when I don’t have to visit the bathroom every five minutes or have the kid playing basketball inside my belly.” She grimaced as she rubbed her taut abdomen. “I swear he hears every word I say and gets even with me one way or another.”

  Libby smiled, remembering the days of never seeing her feet. Of wondering if she would ever get past the morning sickness. Of wondering if she would ever have another peaceful night’s sleep without the baby turning somersaults. Of course, there had been no peaceful night of sleep after Sara was born, either, since she’d seemed to enjoy waking her parents up several times a night. Libby was still smiling as she realized she was thinking about her daughter and not feeling the shafts of pain she usually felt. She had an idea she might be finally healing.