by Peggy McGee
“How do I make her realize this?” Aimee pressed.
“Creativity for one. Open yourself up and new ideas will be available to you. Learn to trust your instincts,” Michael suggested.
“I guess I’m just a novice at this,” Aimee admitted.
“Everyone has to start sometime,” Michael reassured her. “You do realize that Celeste and I, along with many others, have been involved with this for thousands of years now.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, but you must find your own way. Each case is different and you wouldn’t have been assigned if we didn’t believe you could accomplish your mission,” Michael reassured her.
“Thank you. I will continue to seek alternate paths to my goals,” Aimee promised.
“Just remember to never give up,” he warned her.
“I won’t.”
“Is there anything else you need?” Michael asked.
Aimee shook her head no. “Everything’s fine here for now.”
“I’ll check in next week then. Call me if you need anything,” he expressed, before he gradually dissipated into thin air.
Chapter Five
On Wednesday, Aimee dropped in to visit with Krystal.
“How’s it going?” she asked.
“Still crazy at work,” she admitted. “It looks like we’re going to be cited in the dietary department for the food not being warm enough when served. Guess it’s not being delivered fast enough.”
“Have you ever thought what type of occupation you wanted to go into for the rest of your life?” Aimee asked her.
Krystal just shrugged. “Right now, I’m just glad to have a job that pays my bills.”
“But, seriously, if you would like to be anything, what would it be?” Aimee inquired.
“Probably a social worker, working with foster kids, but that would take four to five years to complete,” Krystal shrugged. “That’s a forever time when you are poor.”
“How old are you?” Aimee asked.
“I just turned nineteen.”
“Time goes fast and there are a lot of people to meet in the process. I guarantee that in a year if you pursue your dreams, you’ll never even think twice about Jake.
You’ll probably be glad that he’s out of your life completely,” Aimee predicted knowingly. “Just you wait and see!”
“It’s hard to think that far ahead when you’re living from paycheck to paycheck,” Krystal admitted.
“I realize that you need to take time to grieve your loss,” Aimee sympathized.
“Why, he didn’t die; he just dumped me,” Krystal asked confused.
“It’s still a loss. Everyone needs time to grieve any type of change whether it’s a loss of a loved one, a job, moving or most anything,” Aimee explained.
“Well, I guess I’m in my grieving stage right now,” Krystal confessed.
“And I’m here to see you through it,” Aimee announced, hoping that statement wouldn’t get her in trouble with the higher angels.
“How?” she asked.
“By first making some goals of what and when you would like to accomplish anything by,” Aimee conveyed.
“Sure, why not? I’m ready to move on,” Krystal confessed.
“Okay, let’s start with goals to attain within the next two months, six months and then a year,” Aimee suggested. “What would you like to achieve in the next two months?”
“Lose the ten pounds I found over the holidays, and I guess get in better shape and fine something outside of work of interest, like a new boyfriend,” Krystal proclaimed.
“That’s quite a list. Why don’t we start with the first two and then put the boyfriend under a six month goal?” Aimee suggested.
Krystal shrugged okay.
“How about the six month list?” Aimee continued.
“Maybe figure out what I want to do the rest of my life,” Krystal suggested.
“Like decide on further education and apply for scholarships perhaps?” Aimee questioned.
“Sounds good to me so far.”
“How about the one year list?” Aimee inquired.
“At least be engaged if not married by then,” Krystal interjected.
“So, what’s more important, developing your potential or finding a guy?” Aimee asked.
“How about developing my potential and to find a guy in the process?” Krystal compromised.
“That’s realistic, but what is your idea of a perfect guy?” Aimee continued.
“Let’s see. Kind, funny, same interests, potential to be self-sufficient, good-looking with a nice family. How’s that for a start?” Krystal announced.
“Sounds reasonable, but the trick of the trade is to make yourself into the type of girl that would attract that type of guy,” Aimee disclosed.
“In what way?” Krystal asked.
“What characteristics would you need to attract someone like you imagined?” Aimee asked.
“Most of which I don’t have for sure,” Krystal confessed.
“Well, actually you do, but you may have to tweak things a bit first,” Aimee suggested.
“Like how?” Krystal asked, somewhat confused by the correlation of it all.
“First of all, likes tend to attract others with the same interests. For example an athletic type of guy is most likely to be attracted to an athletic type of girl, so you would probably find them at the gym. One with ambition would be found at college or in a trade school of some sort. One who is outgoing and funny would be found in some type of social situation. In other words, one does not find someone sitting at home. You have to involve yourself in the type of setting where you would most likely find them,” Aimee rationalized.
“Makes sense, but how about good-looking?” Krystal wondered aloud.
“Just how important is that to you? There is a lot of competition for the really good-looking ones. If a guy is kind, funny with a future, would good-looking be that important?” Aimee questioned.
“I guess it depends, but what about me if I need to be the type to attract a good-looking guy?” she countered.
“What about you?” Aimee repeated.
“I guess I have a lot of work to do on me first, don’t I?” she concluded.
“Don’t we all?” Aimee shrugged, “but it doesn’t hurt to tweak things while we heal from the past situation, does it?”
“Guess not,” Krystal agreed. “Maybe
you can suggest what I can do with myself to make me more attractive?”
“You know, I have a gift certificate to the Cute Cuts shop. Why don’t we ask them what they think?” Aimee suggested.
“Really, wow, that would be great,” Krystal agreed, “But, how can I pay you back?”
“By accompanying me to the gym to use those free passes,” Aimee commented.
“Sure, I have Friday and Monday off since I’m scheduled to work the weekend. We can do that,” she agreed.
“Are there any other interests you would like to pursue?” Aimee inquired.
“Well, I’ve been told I have a nice voice, and I’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar. As a matter of fact I am storing my brother’s guitar for him while he’s away. It would be cool if I could join him in a band when he returns,” Krystal indicated with enthusiasm.
“I think I know just the person who can help us with that,” Aimee smiled, knowingly.
On Friday, Aimee accompanied Krystal to Cute Cuts. “What do you think I should do with my hair?” she asked.
“Well, I would just have it trimmed and maybe put a blonde accent streak in the front. What so you think?” Aimee suggested.
“The brownish color is definitely dull, and it would give it a focal point for sure,” Krystal concurred.
Derrick, the hairdresser agreed, although he suggested highlighting the brown in addition to the streak. Aimee was amazed that whatever he had done brought out the magic since by the time Krystal was finished, she absolutely glowed. Then, one of the cosmetology stude
nts practiced with her make-up, giving her pointers.
“You look amazing,” Aimee announced.
“Yes, now I just have to begin using my contacts again which brings the green out in my eyes, and then I’m halfway there?” Krystal observed.
“Why halfway there?” Aimee asked.
“I still have to lose 10-15 pounds at least,” Krystal admitted.
“We can start by visiting the gym on the way home for our free visit,” Aimee suggested.
“I guess so,” she agreed hesitantly.
Stopping off for a quick, nutritious lunch they entered the gym shortly thereafter. Aimee, who had tuned into Luke, wasn’t surprised when they bumped into him.
“Hey Aimee, how are you doing?” he greeted and then asked, “Are you here to take advantage of your free pass?”
“Yes, I am,” she replied, “and I brought a friend also. This is Krystal Miller and Krystal, this is Luke Anderson who is the music director at the Community Church.”
“Hello.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Oh, by the way, do you know of anyone who teaches guitar by chance?” Aimee asked as Krystal’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“Well, I do, but under one stipulation and that would be joining my choir,” Luke responded, looking hopeful.
“Oh, it’s not for me, it’s for my friend here, Krystal,” Aimee clarified.
“The same goes with your friend also,” Luke offered.
“I don’t know. I work every other weekend, but I’ll think about it,” Krystal mumbled embarrassed.
“We also have a Saturday evening service,” Luke disclosed, “But let me know, I would love to have you join us.”
Krystal timidly remained in the background, embarrassed as Aimee and Luke chatted about church subjects. Finally, Aimee rejoined her as they tried out the various machines over the next hour.
“This was great, but I’m exhausted,” Krystal remarked.
“I was thinking about purchasing a punch pass to share. How about it?” Aimee suggested as they finished up. “It really motivates me if I have someone to exercise with.”
“Sure, but I can help to pay my share of it,” Krystal offered.
Aimee didn’t argue as they split the cost, and then returned to Krystal’s apartment, putting up their feet, exhausted.
“It’s been a while since I worked out like that,” Aimee confessed, “But we accomplished quite a bit in one day. So, what do you think about Luke’s offer to provide guitar lessons?”
Krystal shrugged, “I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it some more.”
“Would you like to go with me to the Saturday evening service to check out the church?” she suggested.
“I’ll let you know how I feel after work tomorrow,” Krystal expressed.
“Well, it was fun today. Let me know what you decide if you want to go together,” Aimee offered.
“Thanks for everything. I’ll give you a call if I’m up to it,” Krystal concluded.
Aimee knew not to press since often people needed time to reflect on matters.
Chapter Six
Aimee did not hear from Krystal for a couple of days, although Michael paid her his weekly visit.
“How is everything going?” he inquired.
“I think fairly well. We managed to make some short and long range goals together. Krystal had a makeover and accompanied me to the gym, although I haven’t persuaded her to attend church with me. I know Luke is the forever guy for her, but it’s going to take a while for her to realize that,” Aimee contended.
“Yes, the saying patience is a virtue is not understated,” Michael concurred.
“Right now I’m backing off and letting her reflect on everything for a while. I’ll wait until she approaches me,” Aimee conceded.
“That’s probably wise. Earth people tend to want to make their own decisions without being pressured. Sometimes that seems to take forever though,” Michael concurred. “Don’t forget to play your student part.”
“Yes, I intend to visit the college to search for information and scholarships which I think Krystal may be interested in,” Aimee declared.
“Just a reminder; go slow and be subtle. I know how impetuous you can be at times,” Michael warned her. “You might find a hobby yourself during the in-between waiting intervals.”
“Yes, you are right. Since I’m here I might as well take advantage of all that I’ve missed,” Aimee agreed.
“Well, if you need anything, you know where to find me,” Michael suggested.
“Yes, thank you and blessed be,”
Aimee concluded.
“Blessed be.”
On Sunday, Aimee attended church, again sitting in the back pew away from the choir. This time she was careful not to join in, drowning the song in a falsetto soprano interlude. This gave her the opportunity to observe the church and people attending. She had to admit it was dynamic and the choir had the youth playing guitars and flutes. It definitely maintained her interest the entire service which she knew was difficult to do.
Though, the church attracted a younger crowd with its musical and multi-faceted program. Towards the end she concentrated more fully on Luke. He must have felt her gaze since he turned around and smiled at her as she quickly re-focused. Oh, oh, she realized. She definitely didn’t want to give him the impression that she was interested. But her reading of him did convey a lifetime of rejection and limitations because of his size. Though, music was where he excelled and being the choir director was extremely therapeutic as well as rewarding to him. Overall, he was a nice guy, appreciated by the church members, but not by the girls he was hoping to attract for a date. However, Aimee did recognize a motivation on his part to make a change. Hopefully, he would maintain the enthusiasm to succeed.
Afterwards, during social hour, Luke approached Aimee welcoming her. “I’m glad you could come. Have you thought about joining the choir yet?” he inquired.
“I start my classes tomorrow at Hope College, so I need to check my schedule before I commit to anything more,” Aimee responded.
“How about your friend, Krystal?” Luke continued.
“She had to work this weekend, but I’ll mention that you asked about her,” Aimee promised with a polite smile.
“Tell her those guitar lessons still applies if she wants to take advantage of them,” Luke invited.
“I’ll do that,” Aimee avowed.
Aimee mingled a bit, mostly noticing different people’s various colors of auras surrounding them. Right off she could predict their personality, health and future from them. Luke and the pastor definitely had a brighter glow, although she noticed a few older members with a grayish hue which meant their time on Earth was limited. Leaving, she bumped into a young boy also with a grayish aura about him.
“Oh, excuse me,” Aimee apologized politely as she looked up at his mother who was following. “I should look where I am going.”
“Nathan has one speed and that’s fast,” his mother explained.
“He is so cute,” Aimee remarked, attempting to make conversation. “How old is he?”
“He’s four now and in pre-school,” his mother answered.
“He’s quite the handsome little fellow,” Aimee added.
“Thank you. He takes after his dad.”
Aimee didn’t know how to address this, but she couldn’t help but to ask, “Has he been feeling all right?”
His mother shrugged. “Except for bruising that comes with a rough and tumble little boy, I haven’t noticed anything.”
“Just the same, it might be something worth a check-up over. I must go. It was nice to talk with you,” Aimee commented quickly before taking off, realizing that the mother’s next question was to ask her name which she wanted to avoid. After all, she didn’t know if she was allowed to address other issues when on an Earth mission. She figured if she was breaking any rules, she would be informed soon enough.
Later on, Krystal final
ly came upstairs for a short visit.
“How did work go?” Aimee asked her.
“Same old stuff. All the slacking off when the dietary manager isn’t there on the weekends, but we all got through it somehow,” Krystal shrugged and then added, “So, what did you do this weekend?”
“I went to church and bumped into Luke who asked where you were,” Aimee mentioned.
Krystal shrugged. “Yeah? You know he wouldn’t be that bad if he lost a ton of weight.”
“Yes, I realize that is what everyone sees, but he has a good heart and that is what counts in the long run,” Aimee countered.
“You really like him, don’t you?”
“He is a really great guy if one takes the time to look within,” Aimee explained.
“I think he really likes you,” Krystal noticed.
“Except I am committed, but I can still recognize a good soul when I see one,” Aimee shrugged.
“Are you going to the gym tomorrow?” Krystal asked, changing the subject.
“Yes, but in the afternoon. My classes begin in the morning,” Aimee remarked convincingly.
“Well, how about around two? I can meet you there if you like?” Krystal offered.
“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow then,” Aimee promised, before calling it a night.
Although Aimee didn’t actually attend any classes, she investigated scholarships for Krystal. She purposely arrived a little bit late at the gym to give Krystal the opportunity to mingle on her own. When she finally entered, she noticed Luke diligently exercising on the bicycle while Brad, the personal trainer, was introducing Krystal to the other exercise machines. Aimee quietly put her backpack aside and joined Luke on an adjacent bicycle.
“Hey, how is it going?’ he asked.
“I’m running a bit late, so I need to make up for lost time,” Aimee claimed breathlessly.
“No hurry. Your friend is still busy,” he interjected.
“Yes, I’ve noticed,” Aimee responded.
“So, are you going to school?” Luke inquired.
“Yes, Hope College, majoring in music,” Aimee replied, “and how about you?”