by S S Bazinet
Arel frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
Kevin held up a hand as he washed his chips down with some iced tea. “I’m just saying—”
“Never mind, Kevin,” Tim said. “Let’s let Arel tell us what’s on his mind.”
Arel paused as he rubbed his hands together nervously. “Well, this is more of a hypothetical situation, okay?”
Tim nodded, but Kevin was busy cutting some chunks off the cheese that was sitting on a snack tray.
Arel gave him an annoyed look. “Of course I wouldn’t want to bore you if you’re busy.”
Tim nudged Kevin’s arm. “Kev, listen up. Remember Paris?”
“What?” Kevin’s face was filled with surprise when he glanced up at Tim.
Tim gave Arel another encouraging look. “Sorry, Kevin missed lunch.”
Kevin’s face went red with embarrassment. How did he get off track so easily? What if he did the same thing in Paris? He could lose everything. He sat back and gave Arel his full attention. “I did miss lunch, but don’t worry, Arel, I’m all ears.”
Arel gave him the briefest scowl. “As I said before, this is all hypothetical, but here goes. Let’s say that Person A finds out that Person B is dying.”
“Dying?” Kevin asked. “Is person B anyone we know?”
Tim gave him another nudge. “Save it for later.”
Arel let out a heavy sigh, but he went back to his story. “Person A feels that he could keep Person B alive, but Person B has already decided that it’s hopeless and is ready to die. Don’t you think that Person A has a responsibility to help Person B?”
“Is Person B of sound mind?” Tim asked.
“I guess so,” Arel said.
Kevin sat up straighter. “What kind of help are we talking about, extraordinary measures or life support of some kind?”
Arel swallowed hard. “I guess you could call it an extraordinary measure.”
“Does Person B want Person A’s help?” Tim asked.
“Maybe not,” Arel said.
Kevin narrowed his eyes with satisfaction. Once he put his mind to it, he could fully engage in Arel’s story. It was a comforting feeling as he shot Tim a glance. “I don’t know about you, Tim, but when it comes to life and death, I’d like to make my own decisions.”
Tim nodded. “I agree.”
Arel avoided looking at either man. For a long moment, he rubbed the fabric on the arm of the sofa. When he spoke, his voice was low and measured. “What if Person A helped Person B anyway? Is that really so wrong to want someone to live? Shouldn’t life be protected no matter what?”
“I don’t know about that,” Tim said. “If a person is dying and has the capacity to think clearly—”
“Yeah, Arel, you wouldn’t want one of us to do that to you, would you?” Kevin asked.
Arel’s eyes lost their beseeching softness when he glared back. “But you did in a way! After we met, I was dying, remember? If it hadn’t been for all of you acting on my behalf, I’d be long gone.”
“We didn’t use extraordinary measures,” Tim said. “We just tried to help you get better.”
“And you wanted our help after that first visit,” Kevin chimed in.
Arel continued to stare at them. “What if Carol or a family member, a brother or sister, were dying? Wouldn’t you do anything to save them?”
Kevin’s gaze clouded over. Just the thought of Carol leaving him made him desperate to find a solution. “I see your point. That’s a tough one.”
Tim gave Arel a look of concern. “When I think about losing Peggy or Sara, I don’t know what I’d do to keep them on this earth. But hopefully I wouldn’t put my needs above their best interests.”
“Tim’s got a point,” Kevin said. “Love can sometimes be a tough one when it comes down to it.”
Tim shrugged. “For me, I guess the bottom line is that it takes a lot of courage to always do what’s best for the ones we care about.”
Arel clasped his hands nervously. “And if Person A is a coward and puts himself first? What then? How does he live with himself?”
“If he did his best that counts for something,” Tim replied. “Kevin and I are talking big, but who knows how strong we’d be under certain circumstances.”
“By the way, how is Person B? Is he still on life support?” Kevin asked.
Arel let out a heavy sigh. “If Person B actually existed, the news would be good. He’s almost fully recovered.”
“Has he forgiven Person A for butting in?” Kevin questioned.
Arel looked away. “I’m sure a type like Person B will be unforgiving and never want to see Person A again. However, while Person B is enjoying the life that’s been restored to him, Person A will be living with tremendous guilt and the knowledge that he’s desecrated the rights of another human being.”
“Geez, Arel, maybe Person A should try to go easy on himself,” Kevin said.
“How?” Arel’s eyes narrowed even more. “Helping people is a thankless job at best, Kevin, and a treacherous one when your help doesn’t pan out.”
“I’m sorry about what I said to you,” Kevin replied with an apologetic voice. “Your advice was great. I love my life with Carol and the baby.”
“Thanks, but you were right. I shouldn’t interfere. In fact, I’m finished with helping other people.” Arel stood up and walked to the door. He paused as he was about to leave. He gave Tim and Kevin a final obstinate look. “After what I’ve just told you, please don’t call me when you have a problem, unless of course, it’s an emergency, a real emergency.”
Tim stepped forward. “You’ve been a great friend. Kevin was just upset when he said what he said.”
“Yeah, Arel, we all appreciate what you’ve done,” Kevin added.
Arel grabbed for the doorknob. “I’m glad you feel that way, but my statement stands. Now I have to get back and continue with some chores at home.”
“What’s going on over there?” Kevin asked. “You said something about wet sweats.”
“If you must know, I’ve been vacuuming half the day. I’ve also been down on my knees trying to get stains out of the carpet.”
Kevin and Tim looked at each other and smiled. “Carey?” they asked in unison.
Arel’s jaw clenched. “Yes, Carey. The kid must have been raised in a barn.” He hesitated. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to put it that way. I’m sure Carey comes from a very difficult situation and doesn’t know any better.”
Kevin laughed. “So make him clean up his mess. He’ll learn.”
Arel opened the door and started out. “Again, I don’t want to sound unkind, but Carey doesn’t know one end of a vacuum from the other. He tries, but his ability to adequately go over a carpet seems beyond his reach.”
* * * * *
Clothed in her angelic form, Annabel watched as Arel let himself out of Tim’s house. Michael had invited her to join him and observe Arel as he interacted with his friends. It was an opportunity for her to know Arel a little better and to understand his motivations. By the time Arel’s conversation with Tim and Kevin ended, Annabel had learned a lot. “To say that Arel is having a very hard time, is an understatement. His energy is so heavy and dull.”
“Yes,” Michael said. “He feels he’s done something unforgivable. He won’t let himself get beyond his actions.”
“I don’t know how to comment. I’ve never encountered anyone who could follow another person beyond the grave and force them to return to earth.”
“It’s complicated.”
“I can imagine it is. But if he’s so upset why is he bothering with cleaning his rugs?”
“When he’s upset, cleaning becomes one of the few outlets he allows himself. When he’s deeply involved with a task, it helps him to forget his problems for a bit.”
Annabel paused, trying to understand the concept that humans needed many ways to cope with life. It was foreign in her world to have any such needs. Her life was very straightforward and simple,
free from human trauma and stress. “People seem so fervent about the simplest of things. For instance, Arel has very definite ideas about his environment and its upkeep.”
Michael sighed. “Indeed, he does.”
“Unfortunately, our Gabriel seems to lack the skill Arel thinks he needs when it comes to vacuuming.”
Michael chuckled. “Arel does have a point. Carey is still a little behind when it comes to proper housekeeping.”
Michael’s playful attitude was contagious, and Annabel found herself smiling too. “Yes, I noticed that Arel is quite vocal about Gabriel’s shortcomings.”
Annabel was still smiling when another angel joined them.
“Did I hear my name?” Carey asked enthusiastically.
Annabel quickly adopted a more serious mode. “Sorry, Gabriel—”
Carey interrupted her. “Call me Carey. It helps to keep me in my role.”
Annabel nodded. “Yes, I keep forgetting, but I am beginning to know how important it is to play a part appropriately when in physical form.”
Carey smiled back at her and at Michael. “What did I miss? I got caught up in straightening out some issues with the garage. I wasn’t paying attention to what Arel was up to.”
“Arel thinks you were brought up in a barn,” Annabel replied matter-of-factly. “Why would he say that?”
Carey’s shimmering form dimmed a little. “A barn? He said I grew up in a barn?”
Annabel focused intently on Carey’s response. “Yes, I guess he believes you spent your childhood on a farm. Is that a bad thing?”
Michael intervened. “You can’t take everything a person says as a literal statement, Annabel. What Arel was actually saying is that Carey doesn’t know much about being orderly or taking care of the untidiness he makes in Arel’s house.”
Annabel turned back to Carey. “Do you have problems with using the vacuum? Are they difficult machines to master? Arel says that you don’t know one end from the other.”
“Really?” Carey asked. “I think I’m quite competent when it comes to getting the carpets cleaned.”
“I’ll have to show you how it’s done,” Michael teased. “I’m an expert after sharing chores with Arel all these years.”
Carey hesitated for a long moment. “I think Arel is exaggerating. I went over that rug for ten minutes last night.”
“Only ten minutes?” Michael asked. “Those are wool rugs. Very deep pile. According to Arel, it takes a generous amount of time and effort to properly do the job.”
“I see. Thanks for the advice,” Carey said. “I guess I haven’t been monitoring Arel’s thoughts about my performance as closely as I need to. Anyway, I better get back to the house and finish my project in the garage. I don’t want him to think too poorly about my ability to keep the cement clean.”
After Carey left, Michael smiled again. “Carey has no idea about what he’s up against.”
“What do you mean?” Annabel asked.
“Arel can be a tyrant when it comes to doing chores, a very exacting one. Carey’s got a better chance of getting William to do charity work than getting those rugs right.” He paused. “Of course, the rugs wouldn’t be in such need of attention if Carey were a little more careful when he’s eating.”
“But Carey doesn’t seem like the type of angel that would make more work for a human.”
“Carey claims that his actions are part of his plan to get Arel to lighten up,” Michael replied. “He also claims that his sloppiness is a great distraction and helps Arel to forget his troubles.”
Annabel took some time to digest Michael’s explanation. “My goodness, Carey’s role sounds rather difficult. And the part about how he uses food is a very complex matter. He must have had to study and observe humans for quite a while to learn how to portray such a sloppy type of individual.”
Michael laughed. “Or maybe he was raised in a barn, a big red one in the sky.”
“Barn in the sky?” Annabel repeated. “I’m confused.”
“It’s okay, I was just making a joke.”
Annabel felt suddenly tenser than usual. “Oh, Michael, I can see that there’s a lot I don’t understand about being physical. If I do get another chance to help William, how will I do a proper job?”
Michael smiled. “For starters, don’t go the Carey route. Make sure that you’re very neat. William is also obsessive about his possessions and the proper behavior of those in his company. If you decide to indulge in eating while you’re around him, observe proper etiquette and watch the crumbs.”
Twelve
CAROL STOOD IN the airport, hugging Peggy goodbye. “If you have any questions about the baby or if he shows any sign of getting sick, please call us right away.”
“I promise.” Peggy hugged Carol back with teary eyes. “I can’t believe you’re really leaving for Paris. I’m going to miss you both.”
“Not the water works,” Kevin kidded.
“Oh be quiet,” Peggy said as she attacked him next. After a long hug, she released him with a sigh and a blessing. “Be safe and don’t worry about a thing. Tim and I will make sure that little Ariel is happy while you’re away.”
Carol bit her lip trying to hold back her own tears. “I know he’s in the best of hands, but I already miss my little boy.” She looked at Kevin. “Are you sure this is something that we should do?”
Kevin put his arm around Carol’s shoulder and pulled her close. “I’ll miss him too, but I think this will be good for all of us in the long run.”
“This trip is supposed to be your honeymoon,” Peggy said in her Mother Superior voice. “Please try to act like it. No phone calls except in an emergency. You need your space. We have all your information if we need it.”
“She’s right. So have fun,” Tim said as he grabbed Peggy’s hand and began to slowly pull her away. “Now we better get going. I’m sure Carey is doing fine with the babies. In fact they seem to love him, but Sara can get a little fussy about going down for a nap.”
Carol waved as they moved towards the walkway. “Thanks for everything!” she called out. A moment later, Peggy and Tim were swallowed up by the crowds in the busy terminal.
When Kevin turned to her, his eyes were bright, and he gave her a broad smile. “I didn’t think that we’d ever get a honeymoon. I’m finally starting to get excited, how about you?”
Carol rummaged in her purse. “Sure I am, but I’m getting a headache. I thought I brought aspirin, but I can’t find it.”
“I’m sorry that you’re not feeling well, honey.”
Carol looked up and frowned in pain and frustration. She knew that she was to blame for her body being under the weather. “I can’t believe I might be getting sick.”
“Wait here. I’ll go find something for your headache.”
Carol noted Kevin’s eagerness. In the days leading up to the trip, she could tell he was trying very hard to be more supportive. “That would help. Thank you.”
“Be back soon,” Kevin said as he quickly set out in the direction of some shops.
Carol called to him before he was out of earshot. “Don’t be gone too long. I don’t want to leave without you.”
Kevin looked back and saw her smile. “Don’t worry. You can’t get rid of me that easily.”
* * * * *
By the time they arrived in Paris, Carol was more than exhausted. The weather wasn’t helping. A steady rain was pelting the city. When their cab stopped in front of their hotel, they had to make a quick dash to the shelter of its striped awning. “What a miserable night,” she cried as she hurried forward.
Kevin put his arm around her shoulder and moved her along. “Come on, honey. Let’s get you inside. You’re soaked.”
She huddled against him, grateful that Kevin continued to be on his best behavior. It was the one bright spot in the middle of her physical woes. When they reached the safety of the hotel, she shook with a chill. “That was a brutal downpour at the airport when we were trying to get a c
ab.”
The trip had been long and tedious. Protesting infants on the plane made sleeping difficult. Some of the other passengers were coughing and sneezing with obvious colds. The temperature fluctuated between being overly hot to cold. Kevin had dozed off a couple of times, but Carol couldn’t relax. When they finally arrived at the hotel, the beautiful vases of flowers and gorgeous marble floors weren’t enough to distract her from her downward slide. Her throat was getting sore and her body was starting to ache.
Kevin gave her a look of concern as they made their way to their room. “I think you overdid it before we left.”
“I just wanted to make sure the house was clean. I hate the idea of leaving a mess behind.”
But Kevin was right, she’d done more than her usual cleaning. She’d become obsessed with doing the jobs she’d been putting off for months. Bathrooms were meticulously scoured from floor to ceiling. Walls were dusted for cobwebs, and lighting fixtures made to shine again. She’d even tackled the garage which was usually Kevin’s job. The last week became a whirlwind of activity that left her falling into bed every night feeling completely worn. Now she was angry at herself. She and Kevin were counting on this trip to renew their commitment to each other, and she had no energy to even think about exploring their relationship. Instead, she felt cranky. It was a trait she disliked in anyone including herself, but she couldn’t seem to censure herself.
“What a way to start our honeymoon,” she grumbled as she waited for Kevin to open the door to their room.
“Tomorrow will be better.” He used a quiet tone, like the one he used when baby Ariel was fussy.
She gave him a weak smile. “You’ve stayed so positive this whole time. I haven’t heard you complain once. I’ve been the harpy.”
Kevin’s smile was bright and encouraging. “You’re not feeling well.”
“Thanks for being so understanding.”
Kevin turned on a light in the room and held the door open for her.
“It’s beautiful,” she gasped. She couldn’t help it. She was standing in the most stunning hotel room she’d ever seen.