Angel in Blue Jeans

by Richard L. Coles

  “No! Young Tony? After all his family went through with his brother’s death, and your brother’s, too! What’s happened to cause all this? I see now why you’re so troubled. He always seemed such a fine fellow when I talked with him.”

  “I don’t know, Mr Hennigan, I really don’t. I only discovered all this last weekend, when I was home.”

  “But you and Tony have not been ‘seeing each other’ for a long time now, have you?”

  “No, you know we broke up, kind of when I came to RMC. But I was out running last Saturday morning and found him. Oh, he was in a terrible state. I took him to his home—his parents’ home, that is, but his dad threw him out again.”

  “No? Pino did that? He seemed such a kind, gentle man. Such a generous family.”

  “He seems to have changed, at least so far as Tony and alcohol are concerned. I’ve had several long talks with Tony’s sister, Gina. She seems to be the only one in the family who has any love left for Tony right now. But she’s desperately in need of support, she can’t help him alone.”

  “What is Tony doing now?”

  “Staying with some friend or other—I don’t know where. Mr Hennigan, I feel so awful about all this. I know Tony and I broke up, but we did it in a friendly way. We could still talk to each other, though I hadn’t seen him since last year. But something Gina said this week has got me all uptight, kind of guilty, as if I’m to blame.”

  “Dana dear, whatever has happened with Tony and liquor, it’s his own responsibility. You cannot take any blame.”

  “But Gina, although she said she didn’t hold it against me, did say that he had never been the same since we split up. I do, sort of, feel—er—involved.”

  “Did he have other girlfriends after you?”

  “I think so, but sort of, like, more casual? Not going steady?”

  “But you don’t know anything about them?”

  “Nope.”

  “But you care for Tony?”

  “I guess I’m realizing that I do, more than I thought. I mean, we meant a lot to each other when we were going out, when you first knew us. But then we started to drift apart. I guess I got caught up in the work of the Centre, and then coming to RMC. I had lots of things happening …”

  “And Tony went to college, too.”

  “Yes, but he was still at home, in the same old scene. But from what Gina told me, he kind of drifted into a group that spent a lot of time in the college pub.”

  “That in itself needn’t cause a problem. Many young men go through such a phase, none the worse for it.”

  “I know.”

  “Come now, my dear, don’t take blame. Let’s talk of how we can help Tony. Have you done anything so far?”

  “Actually, yes. You remember Jane Stennings, my friend the policewoman?”

  Mr Hennigan nodded.

  “Well, I talked with her on the phone on Wednesday, and she suggested a number of things. She’s going to talk with Gina first, to help her handle the family situation, and she’s going to get some reading stuff, leaflets and so on. Sort of like some of the stuff we set up in the entrance at the Centre, only more specific. And she’s going to give Gina the name of a doctor who can help.”

  “That’s good. But you realize that the only person who can really get Tony out of this is himself?”

  “I know.” Dana was downcast. “And that brings up the other thing that’s been bothering me.”

  Mr Hennigan turned in his chair to look straight at Dana, a concerned look on his face.

  “When I was on the bus coming back from Ottawa last weekend, I met someone from the past, and he told me things that have really thrown me for a loop.”

  Mr Hennigan’s eyebrows were raised in query.

  “It was the guy who had sold the liquor to Bryce and Vince before the accident. He apologized for what he had done, just like that.”

  Mr Hennigan put his hand on her sleeve in reassurance.

  “And then he told me his whole story, how he was sent to jail, twice, and then reformed, got off the alcohol, and is now working at a place helping young people to kick drug and alcohol habits.”

  Mr Hennigan was shaking his head in surprise.

  Dana continued. “You see, all in one week, someone I guess I really do care for has slipped into alcoholism in a bad way, and then someone I had every reason to hate has reformed, recovered, and makes an open apology to me. It’s kind of turned my world upside down, in a sense.”

  “Dana, look at it this way. If the man you met on the bus could do what he has done, then there’s every reason for hope for Tony. You and others are already working for Tony. Can you find a way to let Tony know that you do care for him, as a friend, a dear friend? He needs something to grasp onto, something to help him pull himself out. But you must not feel guilty. Do it because you love him, as a friend in need.”

  Dana leaned over and kissed Mr Hennigan on the cheek. “Thanks, Mr Hennigan, you’ve really helped me. I do feel better.” She glanced at her watch. “I guess we should be heading back.”

  “So we should. Sheila brought in some fresh scones this morning. Fancy some?”

  “You bet.”

  “Come on then, let’s go.” Mr Hennigan swept his arm round, as if to wave forward his cohorts. Dana gave a great heave on the chair to set it in motion as they began the uphill journey home.

  - 28 -

  “Here’s one for you.”

  Dave Adkins startled, and sat upright in his chair. His head had begun to nod as he had pretended to read his book. Barbara had closed her own book, and was looking across at him.

  “Huh? What?” he grunted.

  “Don’t tell me you were just resting your eyes again!” Barbara chuckled.

  Dave knew he was tending to slip into a mid-evening nap these days, given the chance. But then, he couldn’t sleep properly at night, tossing and turning and, likely, keeping Barbara awake.

  “Huh? What did you say?”

  “I said—here’s one for you.”

  “One what?” Dave played dumb.

  “Who was Dogberry?”

  “Oh, Dogberry. Yes. That’s right. Mm. I know the name … Hang on, I’ll get it in a minute.”

  Barbara smiled back at him and waited.

  He chuckled inwardly. She had succeeded in her task; he was now awake and thinking, searching in the back of his mind for something he knew she knew he knew, from long ago.

  Barb and Dave, both recently divorced at the time, had first met at the Shakespeare Festival at Prescott, down by the St Lawrence River.

  “Yes, I’ve got it. Constable Dogberry, in As You … No—wait a minute—no. Much Ado About Nothing.” He grinned broadly.

  “Right. Now, what were his first words in the play?”

  “Oh, come on, that’s not fair. I don’t know Shakespeare that well.”

  “Think what he was doing.”

  “He was with the night watch, wasn’t he?”

  “Uh-huh. So?”

  “Halt—who goes there?”

  Barbara laughed. “No, but you’re close. Put it into Elizabethan time.”

  Dave stared at the ceiling, his mouth poised to speak. I know I know it; come on, brain.

  Barbara waited.

  “‘Are you good men and true?’”

  “Yesss. Well done.”

  “I was in Much Ado at school. I played one of the bad guys, what was his name now, the one that got the maid?”

  “Borachio.”

  “Yes, that’s it.”

  “What was she like?”

  “Cold, and kept forgetting her lines.” Dave turned as the doorbell rang.

  “Wonder who that might be?” said Barbara with a frown.

  Dave put on his slippers, which had fallen off, and walked through to the front door. “Hi, you two, come on in. What’s new?”

  Barbara turned as the couple walked into the room. “Oh, it’s you. Hi, Kelly. Hi, Mike.”

  “Hi Barb. This is new, Dave!” Kelly t
hrust her left hand out toward Dave, showing the ring on her third finger.

  Dave was a bit slow on the uptake, but Barbara was in there first. “Oh, congratulations, both of you.” She rushed over to hug Kelly and then Mike.

  Dave caught up with the action and gave Kelly a big hug, but shook hands with Mike. “Come and sit down. This warrants a little celebration,” said Dave. “What will you have?”

  “A Diet Coke would be fine, please.” Kelly flashed a smile at him.

  “And for me too, please,” added Barbara.

  “Root beer for me,” came from Mike.

  Barbara led the way back to the fireside and sat in her chair. Mike and Kelly sat together on the sofa. Dave could hear their conversation from the kitchen.

  “So, have you set the date?”

  “Yep, January ninth,” said Kelly, with a bounce in her voice.

  “My, it’ll be cold then. Is there a special reason for that date?”

  Kelly suddenly became reflective, and her voice lowered slightly. “Yes, it is special, Barb. It was my parents’ anniversary.”

  “I understand. It’s a nice way to commemorate them.”

  “Here we are.” Dave passed around the drinks. “Now, a toast. Here’s to you two, many years of happiness together.”

  “To Kelly and Mike,” added Barbara, as they all sipped at their drinks.

  “Brrr. You’ll have to put in an order for a January thaw.” Dave smiled.

  “I guess so,” said Mike. “As Kel was saying, it would have been her parents’ anniversary, but it’s about the earliest we could get anywhere booked that was half decent, what with Christmas and New Year’s.”

  “Where are you having the ceremony?”

  “At the courthouse, the registry office,” explained Kelly. “And then we’re having just a small reception, mainly our friends, because I have no family, and Mike has only a cousin in Montreal. And that brings us right to why we’re here now. David, I have a request to make of you.”

  Dave put on a querying look.

  “As we just said, January ninth would have been my mum and dad’s anniversary, and like, well …” She glanced at Mike. “Dave, would you please escort me into the ceremony?” Her eyes were tearing as they met Dave’s.

  Dave gasped, and for a moment was tongue-tied. Wow, he thought, really a substitute dad. An emotional shudder ran through him. “Kelly,” he began, then he cleared his throat. “Kelly, my dear, it will be an honour, a pleasure.” He stood, reached over, and gave Kelly a hug.

  “Thank you, Dave, it means a lot to me, as you know.”

  “Say, is it going to be dress-up?”

  “Dave!” said Barbara disdainfully. “How could you?”

  “Only kidding,” Dave spluttered.

  “That’s all right.” Kelly laughed. “Don’t worry, David, it’s not tuxes. We want to be comfortable, and we want all our guests to be comfortable, too. But Mikey is going to wear a suit, aren’t you, dear?” She snuggled into his side.

  Mike grimaced, changing it to a smile as she looked up at him.

  Barbara laughed. “Well, we’ll have to see whether Dave’s suit has shrunk from hanging in the closet.”

  “Yes, it’s terrible how they do that, you know,” said Dave in mock seriousness.

  “Talking of shrinking, let me get you a snack,” offered Barbara, standing up and making toward the kitchen.

  Kelly raised her hand. “Barb, you really don’t need to go to any trouble for us, please.”

  “No problem. I have some things right here.” Barbara walked into the kitchen.

  Mike took up the conversation. “You might wonder why we’ve decided to take the big step now.”

  “Well, I might, but you’re big people now, and you’re clearly made for each other,” said Dave.

  Kelly leaned forward. “We’ve known one another now for over four years, thanks to you and Barb, and we’ve proved to ourselves that we can live together—”

  Dave chuckled.

  “Yes, Dave.” Kelly smiled. “And we want to!”

  They all laughed.

  “Here we are. Please, help yourselves.” Barbara put down a tray with date slices and Nanaimo bars onto the coffee table. “Would you like some tea or coffee?” She asked.

  “That would be nice, thanks. Tea, please. Let me help you.” Kelly rose to her feet and followed Barbara to the kitchen.

  “No thanks, not for me,” Mike added, reaching for and consuming a Nanaimo bar.

  Mike and Dave sat in silence for a few moments, then Dave stood and walked over toward a bookcase in the corner, behind Mike.

  “I’ve been meaning to give you a book,” he began, “but I—”

  Mike was reaching for a date slice when he heard a strange moan behind him, followed by a crash. He jumped up and rushed over to find Dave slumped to the floor.

  “What’s wrong?” asked Mike. No response.

  Barbara and Kelly had heard the noise and came running.

  “What’s he done now?” Barbara asked. Then she was close enough to see Dave on the floor. “What’s wrong?” she gasped.

  Dave was gasping, and his colour had drained from his face.

  “Get the ambulance, quick, Kel.” Mike was taking control. “Now, Dave, it’s Mike. Does it hurt anywhere?”

  Dave did not answer, but his actions gave the answer, anyway. His hand had moved to his forehead, where there was a swelling graze. He had clearly hit his head as he fell, probably on the edge of the bookcase. But he wasn’t verbalizing.

  “Take it easy, Dave, don’t move. You’re gonna be okay.”

  Mike looked up at Barbara. She was now pale and trembling.

  “Barb, can you get a blanket and pillows, please, to keep him warm?”

  She hurried away, without a word.

  Mike bent over Dave, loosening his shirt and his belt. He didn’t like Dave’s total lack of colour, and the blue tinge to his lips. He checked Dave’s pulse—a bit erratic. Breathing: shallow.

  Barbara returned with a blanket and a couple of pillows.

  Mike carefully lifted Dave’s head and shoulders, and helped Barbara position the pillows to prop him up, but not obstruct his breathing.

  Suddenly, Dave’s eyes opened, and he attempted to move.

  “Hold on, Dave,” said Mike, quickly. “You’ve had a fall, a bit of a turn. Lie still for a few moments to recover.” Gently, he spread the blanket over Dave.

  “They’re on their way.” Kelly had returned. “Is he okay?”

  “I sure hope so,” said Mike tersely.

  The minutes ticked by. Barbara and Kelly stood back while Mike tended to Dave, checking his breathing and his pulse at intervals. Dave’s colour had gone, replaced by a grey pallor with a bluish tinge. His breathing was still shallow, but regular. His pulse was stable now. Mike spoke softly to him, reassuringly.

  Kelly put her arm round Barbara, who was now quite shaky. “Let’s get you a seat, Barb.” Kelly dragged over a chair.

  “Thanks. Is there anything we should be doing?”

  “Mike is checking him as best he can …”

  The welcome sounds of an ambulance distracted them. Kelly rushed to the front door and flung it open, waiting for the crew. Quickly, they came up to the house with their equipment.

  “In here to the left,” Mike called from where he was bent beside Dave.

  The telephone rang at the bedside. Mike leaned over to pick it up. Kelly immediately tensed up, fearing the worst.

  “Hello? Oh, hi Barb, how is he now?”

  Mike cupped his hand over the mouthpiece and whispered to Kelly, “Dave’s going to be okay.” He lifted his left-hand thumb, and returned to the phone. Kelly relaxed a little.

  “That’s good. That’s a relief. Are you able to go and get a break and some rest?”

  As he spoke to Barbara, he nodded his head and smiled at Kelly.

  “Now don’t you worry about us. We’re okay; I’m glad we were with you when it happened. Bye, Barb. Now
, you get some rest. We’ll call the hospital first thing in the morning. We can come in and bring you home when you’re ready. You call us again tonight if there’s any problem.”

  Mike put the phone down and turned over to Kelly. In the halflight of the room, he looked into her eyes. “He’s going to be okay, but … he’s had a heart attack. The paramedics called ahead to the heart institute, and they had a team ready for him. They put two stents into his heart; one artery was ninety percent blocked, and the other seventy. Boy, was he ever lucky.”

  “Oh, Mike.” Kelly reached over to hug Mike. “I’m so thankful. I’m so worried that the shock of asking him to take me down the aisle caused it.”

  “Love, we’ll never know, but don’t fret. The main thing is he’s going to be okay, and we’re going to help him recover. Look, unless he has a relapse, he’ll be on his feet well before the wedding. He has to walk as part of his recovery program.

  “I said we’d call Barb in the morning. Just as well it’s a weekend, so we can go help her tomorrow. She’ll need to get home, anyway.”

  “Sure we can. Am I ever glad we were there when it happened. The ambulance came quickly, though, didn’t it?”

  “Thank goodness. Anyway, what time is it now?”

  “Oh, about two-thirty. Time for some sleep, maybe?”

  “Yeah.” Mike yawned.

  “Oh, Mike, I do hope he’s going to be okay.” Kelly pulled closer to Mike. He put his arm round her and kissed her on the forehead.

  “So do I. But he’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

  “Okay now, David, Barb said you only have to go to the end of the street today and tomorrow.” Kelly was supervising Dave’s rehabilitation walk, since Barb had to attend a meeting. Dave had been out of the hospital for a week.

  “I know, but I really feel I could go further.”

  “All in good time, but you must pace yourself, and not overdo it.”

  They reached the street corner and turned back.

  “I tell you one thing, so long as I can walk you down the aisle, however long it is, I’ll be happy.”

  Kelly leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. “And I’ll be happy too.”