by Gay N. Lewis
“I want to stay here.”
“Wonderful, we’d love to have you. How many nights?”
Sarah blinked. “May I stay days too?”
The employee grinned. “Certainly. I merely need to know how long you will be staying with us in order to place you in a room.”
“Oh. I’m not sure. Is it okay if I stay until I leave?”
The man swallowed a few times as if a bowling ball wedged his throat and then he coughed. “An indefinite stay then.” He keyed some messages into a computer. “May I have your name?”
“Oceana Waters.”
The employee did a double take with his eyes as he gave a once over to Sarah. If he thought her the size of a monster fish, he was too polite to say so. “Unusual name, but it has a lovely resonance. May I have a card please?”
“Sorry. I saw a magician produce a card out of the air once for a spectator, and it looked interesting, but I don’t do that. I don’t play with dominoes either. Never learned the games, but I’m sure they’re fun. Maybe I’ll learn a few on this trip.”
The employee closed his lips in a smirk. “I meant a credit card. We need one on file.”
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you meant one of those little thingies. I usually pay cash. Let me see if I can find one.” Sarah opened her hobo bag and called forth a payment symbol.
The man’s eyes widened as he gawked at the card. “Thank you. I’ll put it into the system.” After he made a few key strokes, he once more turned to Sarah. “Forgive my surprise. I’ve never seen one of these. As I understand it, only a few people world-wide qualify for this membership.”
“I’ve been told I’m special, but I’ve never believed it.”
He nodded. “Yes ma’am, you are indeed special. I’ll have your luggage sent to room twelve-oh-two. It’s our finest corner corporate suite.”
“Thank you, but I don’t have suitcases. I have what I need here.” She held up the huge, yellow, hobo bag. “I’m shopping tomorrow for an entire new wardrobe.”
“Indeed. We have many fine shops near the hotel and if you want to go to the Galleria, I’ll have our driver take you.”
“You have a car and a driver?”
“Yes, and Daniels will take you to any location in the city. Place a call to the desk and reserve the car when you need it.” The clerk gave instructions to room 1202.
“Thanks.” Sarah waddled toward the elevator, but with super hearing employed, she heard the clerk remark to a coworker. “There goes one wealthy, quirky lady.”
~ * ~
Outside her room, Sarah held the plastic card the desk man had given. He said to insert this gadget into the slot. She did so and a green light flashed but the door didn’t swing open. “Well, isn’t that nice? I like the color of green, but how do I get into the room?”
She repeated the process several times, but the entrance didn’t magically release. Oh well, there were other ways to get around this setback. Looking about to make sure no one was around, she made the hobo bag vanish. It wouldn’t go through doors, but she could. She entered the suite and then called for her bag.
“My stars! This is a beautiful living space.” The black, marbled entry provided a stunning view of the room beyond. A blue and brown striped sofa was flanked by a chocolate chair and ottoman. Tables accented the room, and a giant television mounted to a wall appeared ready to provide entertainment.
Sarah entered the area and looked to her right. A large crystal chandelier hung above a glossy, mahogany dining table with eight chairs in a nearby area. The space included a small kitchen. A far wall contained floor to ceiling windows flanked by heavy tan draperies.
Seeing another doorway, Sarah discovered a bedroom and an elegant bathroom. “This is grand. It’s amazing what a fancy, human credit card will get you. Clouds are my favorite, but if I didn’t need to rent a human space from Valerie, I’d enjoy a stay here.”
Opening the closet, Sarah summoned several mismatched outfits. “There. That should take care of clothes for a while. I suppose I have nothing to do but wait for Valerie to call. I wonder who she’ll call first to verify my credentials.”
She returned to an invisible state, popped up through the hotel’s ceiling and glanced about. With super vision, she circled the area until she spotted Scott’s Steak House. Knowing Valerie’s apartment was close by the restaurant, she flew in that direction until the correct apartment building came into view. “My oh my! I’m rather proud of myself. I found this place without help. Maybe I’m getting better at such things.” She plopped down on the roof and without pomp and ceremony tumbled head over heels to the ground. “Or maybe not.” Rubbing her backside, she glided back to the roof.
~ * ~
Valerie sat at her desk with a cell phone. Sarah’s list lay open in front of her and she dialed the first number. A man answered. Sarah recognized Tomas’ voice.
“Hello, my name is Valerie Townsend and Oceana Waters listed your name as a reference. She answered my ad to rent a room, and I’m verifying her character. Do you know Oceana?”
“Yes, I know her. How may I help you?”
“Can you tell me if she pays her rent on time?”
“I’ve always known her to be trustworthy with her obligations.”
“So you’ve dwelt in the same apartment areas as she has? Maybe rented from the same landlord?”
“Yes, we’ve resided in the same place for years. In fact, Oceana and I have lived among identical mansions for an eternity.”
“Some people use that phrase when they mean something is bad and it lasts a long time.”
“Not the eternity I know. The houses here contain peace and happiness.”
Valerie frowned. “She left where you now live?”
“Yes.”
“If that place is so good, why would Oceana move?”
“From what I’ve been told, she needed a new job in a different location.”
“I hope she didn’t lose a job due to dishonesty.”
“No, no. She’s as truthful as most people. She might exaggerate the facts now and then, but that seems a common thread on the planet. Don’t you agree?”
Valerie frowned as she mused over that comment. “Yes, I suppose so. I embellish stuff sometimes—like my weight. I don’t like telling my age or what the scale reveals. I might shave off a few pounds or years.”
“That’s the kind of stuff Oceana does. Nothing too harmful.”
Sarah beamed. Tomas would only tell the truth, and his comment made her heart beat faster with happiness.
“Is there anything else you can tell me?”
“You will enjoy having her as a roommate, and she’ll pay the rent on time.”
“One more thing. Is she easy to get along with?”
“Well, I’ve known her to be a bit goofy at times, but she never means harm, and she rights whatever mistake she’s makes.
Sarah grimaced and sighed.
“Thanks. I appreciate your candor.” Valerie wrote on a notepad as she spoke.
“Oh no problem. I’m happy to give Oceana a good reference. She has a wonderful way with people. Everyone likes her, and you will too.”
Sarah gazed upward. Tomas waved and grinned down at her.
Five
Sarah sat on Valerie’s roof and listened as the young woman phoned each name on the referral list. Her heart swelled with relief as every one of Heaven’s inhabitants gave her a good recommendation.
Whew! And their comments had blessed her. Like Tomas, they’d been honest, but Valerie had probably considered their answers a bit strange at times. Angels attempting to relate to humans on earthly terms proved a bit tricky.
Christian had caused Valerie consternation. She’d asked him the same question she’d asked of Tomas: “Do people find her easy to get along with?” And he’d answered, “She makes blunders, but she’s a newbie, like me.” Valerie wanted him to explain what he meant by newbie, and Christian had gone on to clarify that they had graduated school toget
her. Valerie seemed to accept that comment.
After Valerie checked all the heavenly references, she dialed Sarah.
Beckoning a cell phone, Sarah answered, “Hello?”
“Oceana, this is Valerie Townsend. Everyone speaks highly of you. I’d like to rent a room to you if you still want one.”
“Fantastic. Some of the best news I’ve heard all day. When may I move in?”
“Valerie laughed. “Wouldn’t you like to see the apartment first? Make sure you’d like to live here?”
From her position on the roof, Sarah glanced at all the rooms. “That’s not necessary. Apartments are pretty much the same everywhere. Your ad said I’d have my own bedroom and private bath, and you mentioned when we lunched that we’d share common areas. I don’t have furniture, but your ad said the place is furnished.”
“My furniture is new. That’s one reason I need a roommate. I kind of went overboard at the store and I’m paying off bills. I’ll need the first and last month’s rent in advance, plus the deposit. Will that work for you?”
“Sure. Is it okay if I pay in cash? I don’t do well with a checking account.”
“I’ll verify it with my CPA. I want to follow the laws about reporting income, but cash will be fine for the present.”
“Good idea. My Father prefers for His children to obey the civil laws.”
“Your dad sounds like a wise man.”
“He’s the wisest. No one compares to Him.”
Valerie sighed. “I envy your relationship. My dad and I don’t see eye to eye at all. Eating brings comfort after he criticizes me.”
From her position, Sarah saw Valerie glance down at her figure. The young woman’s mouth turned down in an expression of sadness.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Parents can do a number on their children, but we make our own choices. We don’t have to believe the junk people tell us. We can accept the bad stuff we hear or not. It’s up to us. Now me? I’ve allowed myself to get heavy because I love to eat.”
Valerie laughed. “I can relate to that too. I’ll be happy to come over and help you move your things. How about this Friday?”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. I’ll have the hotel driver drop me off. See you soon.”
~ * ~
Sarah had seen normal humans use the elevator and decided to take it once more to the front desk. Learning how gadgets worked on this planet was a challenge, but remembering how to repeat the use of them often produced a headache. Flying through ceilings was easier, but that could frighten people if they saw her.
Entering the lobby, Sarah strolled to the desk. “May I make an appointment with Daniels to take me to the Houston Galleria?”
The attending clerk nodded politely. “Certainly. When would you like to go?”
“How about now?”
“You are in luck. It so happens he is available. I’ll have him bring the car around. Would you care to wait in the lobby?”
“Yes, thanks.”
Sarah chose a chair in the opulent lobby, sat down, and smoothed her white skirt covered in gigantic red roses. The man at the desk had given her attire a wide-eyed stare when she requested a trip to the Galleria, but he’d been respectful. Was he concerned about her appearance? This outfit might not be the thing to wear to expensive stores. Maybe she should have changed the lime green tee-shirt into a white blouse. A white top of some sort might look better with the skirt. She ogled her shoes. Probably should have changed the flip flops to flats too. Oh well. The clothes she’d left upstairs weren’t well matched either. She’d shop for new up-to-the-minute items and get ideas for proper clothes.
She needed information if she were to successfully help Valerie transform into a beautiful woman. This job was one she’d never done. After all, she didn’t know much about human outfits. She loved the dresses, especially colors and bling, but on her missions, she’d always chosen the wrong clothing for the occasion. She gritted her teeth at a memory that popped up. On the cruise to Catalina Island, she’d selected a bathing suit straight out of a 1920’s catalog. People around her had giggled when she made an appearance at the pool in bloomers. Her friend thought the selection would make good pajamas.
Sigh.
Perhaps she’d learn about apparel and make-up from sales clerks at the mall. Someone in a store would know what to wear when and where. After all, their job was to help people. Right?
A man approached Sarah. “Ms. Waters?”
Sarah gazed up at a tall man with a kind face and intelligent eyes. He was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie. “Yes?”
“I’m Daniels and I’ll be happy to take you any place you say. Ready to go?”
Sarah followed the man through the blazing heat to the black, fancy car. He opened the right passenger door for her.
He turned to glance at her from his driver’s position. “I understand you’d like to go to the Galleria?”
“Yes, please.”
As the driver negotiated the vehicle in various lanes of traffic, Sarah fidgeted and those pesky butterflies somersaulting in her tummy made her nauseous. “I’ve never been inside and I’m afraid I’ll get lost in that big shopping area. I’ve seen that huge thing from above.”
Daniels glanced at Sarah in his rearview mirror. “You saw it from above? I didn’t know planes were allowed to fly over that part of the city.”
“I don’t usually take commercial flights, but I’ve winged over it several times. It looks scary.”
“You take private jets?”
“I’ve been in planes, but most of the time I fly solo. Sometimes a friend will accompany me on my trips through the heavens, and that’s always a blessing. I don’t have a good sense of direction, and landing in the right spot is a challenge. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen on my backside.”
Sarah saw Daniels’ lips twitch when he turned back to watch for traffic. No doubt he’d heard about her from the hotel personnel. She’d tried to be honest with answers to his questions, but the ambiguous responses she gave must sound strange. Most people thought her an escapee from a mental institution with the replies she gave. This guy probably considered her an oddball too.
Poopty doopty. Nothing to do but get on with it. “Do you know of a nice, small dress shop? I’d like one where I could purchase several appropriate outfits for a job, church and casual affairs, and as you can see from the way I’m dressed, I don’t know much about fashion.”
Daniels nodded. “I can take you to just the right place. River Oaks is not far from here, and I know the owner of a small boutique. She’ll help you select what you need.”
After parking the car, Daniels opened the car door for Sarah. “I’ve phoned Uzelle and she’s expecting you.”
Sarah chewed her lip and glanced around at the luxurious stores on this posh street. “I’d rather go in for a review with the Commander than do this.”
Daniels shot his eyebrows to his hairline. “The commander? Are you in the military?”
“Not exactly, but sort of. The militia I serve is of a Godly nature. The Commander sends me on missions to help people, but I never seem to have the training I need for an assignment so I learn on the job.”
“So you’re with a government program? Maybe that group called the AmeriCorps? Or perhaps the Peace Corps? I admire folks who serve with those organizations. All ages step forward to work with people of every skin color and find solutions to humanity’s problems. Those volunteers aren’t at all like politicians or activists who merely talk about a bad situation and offer no answers. Government officials and protesters stir up trouble more times than not, but groups like the Peace Corps bring well-being to people.”
“I don’t know about those organizations, but I try to bring about beneficial relationships to people while I’m here. I don’t always succeed, and when I fail, I get the willies.”
Daniels frowned and studied Sarah a few minutes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, and it would be rude of me to ask
a bunch of questions, but I believe you can do whatever needs done. You have a determined look about you and a whole lot of courage.” He grinned. “I’m going to be honest here, and I say this with good intentions. Not many women would go into this shop dressed as you are today, but you asked for help and you’re seeking it in spite of fear. You are adding up to be one remarkable lady.”
“Thank you. That’s one of the kindest things a human has ever said to my face.”
Daniels chuckled. “You’re welcome. I’ve been called man, guy, and dude before.” He grinned. “Once or twice someone called me a name I can’t reveal to a lady, but this is the first time anyone ever called me human.”
Sarah slumped. “I meant it as a compliment.”
“I know and appreciate it. I’m going to do you a favor. I’ll wait for you until you finish shopping and then I’ll take you back to the hotel.”
Sarah threw her arms around Daniels and gave him a quick hug. She drew back and gazed into his twinkling eyes. “You’re either a mortal saint or a heavenly angel. I’m not sure which, but either way, I’m grateful for your kindness.”
Six
On Friday, Sarah asked Daniels to take her to Valerie’s apartment. This accommodating guy seemed too good to be true. She knew other angels were on earth working on various missions, just as she was. Legions of angels were at God’s disposal. They had different tasks, and she had yet to meet them all. At times, she saw them, and at other times, she didn’t. She’d never understood the reasoning behind that rationale, but that was the way it was. Her job was to create romance. Another should be assigned as Valerie’s guardian. She hadn’t seen the guardian angel but that didn’t mean one wasn’t there.
What if Daniels was a spirit here to help her? Perhaps he was on earth for another human, and she was a bystander in the mix. Who knew? The Superiors never gave enough info. Why bother to ask them? Most of the time they gave gobbledygook about free will, or wait for the answer—they said it would come in time.
Sarah knocked on the door when she and Daniels arrived. Her blue jean clad charge answered. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She smiled at Sarah and nodded to Daniels.