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The Letters
Part 2 of The Guest
By Joanne Grier Dear Charles, What
joy I felt to discover your letter waiting for me!
Seeing your return address brightened my work-weary heart. The
drive back to the city went smoothly.
There was still a lot of snow on the roads but one can’t expect
the miracle of snow-free interstates after a blizzard of those
proportions. After
the stressful week I’ve had, it doesn’t feel like I ever had a vacation.
Working at the burn center is physically exhausting as well as
emotionally draining. It’s
a job that demands 120% on a daily basis, leaving little time or energy
for pleasure. On
the drive back I was able to stop in a small book shop and spent two
glorious hours poring over various titles.
I thought of you so much while
there, I honestly expected to look up and find you at my side. I
hope you and Dev are well.
He is minding and following Dr. Edmonds’ instructions?
I hope he isn’t too much trouble. How’s
the food supply? Enclosed
you will find the recipe for the soup.
I’m happy you liked it.
It was my mother’s recipe. Sweet
dreams, dear Charles.
Blessings, Bree
Dear Angel Bree, Me
and Dev are gonna make your soup on the weekend.
Ed is gonna bring more food then so we will have all the stuff to
fix it. What
books did you get?
Cleaning the bathroom after givin’ Dev his bath isn’t easy.
He is messy, gets water all over the room.
Mopping is hard work.
Dev says he is gonna put a big bag on his leg so he can shower
himself! I don’t think Dr.
Edmonds is gonna like that.
I told him I was gonna tell you. Maybe
you will call, tell Dev not to put a bag on his leg.
He will listen to you.
You have to listen to angels, ya know.
Vincent always says “be well” when we leave home.
So I will tell you Be Well.
Truly,
Your friend Charles
*** Bree, The
moon is glistening off the snow pack and the hour is late.
It’s just me and a wolf howling for its mate off in the distance.
Thanks for the tea. The
package arrived yesterday.
It does seem to soothe.
Talked Charles into having a cup close to bedtime and he was so relaxed
he fell asleep before I had finished the first chapter in our book.
Not that I ever object to our reading sessions.
I grew up with bedtime stories.
Pops was a great reader, making even the dull books sing with
glory and excitement. If
you can make a Napoleonic ball exciting to a ten-year-old, you’re a
magician. Pops even made
that exciting! Heard
that Charles ratted me out.
A guy’s gotta keep from drowning whenever possible.
And, too, I don’t know how much longer I’d have skin over these
bones as he believes in scrubbing me clean! We
made your soup but I got told in no uncertain terms it wasn’t as good as
yours. Charles wants you to
come make him some more. So
consider yourself asked. He
misses you. There is not a
day that passes that he doesn’t talk of your time with us.
Aside from Pops and Vincent, I’ve never known anyone who accepted
him as completely or as quickly as you.
It was many months before he could even tolerate being seen by
Dr. Edmonds and Ed. Your
job sounds so stressful. I
hope you have friends to help you shake off the trauma and stress in
your daily life.
Sincerely,
Devin
Dear Charles, As always, thank you for
your letter. This
is the first day I have noticed the complete absence of snow piles
anywhere along my route to work.
It’s been a hard winter so I hope the predictions of an early
spring are true. I’m sick
of wearing boots day in and day out. As
soon as I have time, yes, I will get you more tea.
I’m so very pleased you like it.
It’s what I drink, particularly at bedtime after I’ve had a
difficult day at the center.
It just helps to take the stress away and allows me to have sweet
dreams. Along
with a group of friends I attended a performance by a small theater
group of the music from two older Broadway musicals – No Strings and One
of the best things about the city is the abundance of great
entertainment that is readily available.
During the summer months I never miss the performances in Tell
me what kinds of music you like.
Perhaps I can send you some if you don’t already own copies. Keep well.
Blessings, Bree
Dear Angel Bree, Dev’s
leg is all good. No more
bandages and no more bags.
The scabby places are ugly but Dev says they fall off.
He don’t, doesn’t limp too much now.
He said he was stronger. We –
me and Dev – are drawing plans for the new porch.
Dev said we would build it sometime after the middle of May when
we can pour cement. Make it
strong so no one falls through it again.
Dev is gonna make it wider and might put screen stuff on it so we
can sit out ‘nd not be eaten by the bugs.
I like the lightning bugs, do you?
When
will you come to see me again? Dev
says we might go home to Father and Vincent before long.
We haven’t been home in almost a year.
I won’t go if you are coming to see me, told Dev and he said we
had to talk about that. I
don’t understand what he was telling me.
Said you had a busy life and we couldn’t expect you to spend what
free time you had with me.
What does that mean? I tell
him it was good to spend time with Angels. Be
well.
Truly,
Dear Charles, I’m
sorry your conversation with Dev about my coming to visit was confusing
for you. Perhaps I can
explain things more clearly. What
Dev was trying to say is that my work schedule is very busy -- I work
six continuous days then I have two days off.
My days off aren’t always on Saturday and Sunday like a lot of
people’s jobs. And
oftentimes my schedule is different.
Sometimes I work an early morning shift (6 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and at
other times I work the afternoon shift (1 p.m. to 8 p.m.). You
remember how busy your days and nights were during the time Dev was
injured? How you didn’t
have time for your model-building or as much reading as you normally
did? How caring for Dev
took up most of the hours of your day and left you exhausted, needing
lots of sleep just to keep up with Dev? The
people at the center are very ill and require around-the-clock nursing
and physical therapy (like what you did for Dev when he needed your
strength to learn to walk again).
Those people at the center need my help.
The work makes me very tired and I need my days off to sleep and
restore my energy. I
hope what I have said helps you understand.
Perhaps when I get an extra day I can make arrangements to fly up
to Take care and keep well.
Blessings, Bree Bree,
Thanks for savin’ my butt.
No matter what I said, I couldn’t seem to make Charles comprehend what I
was telling him about your work and what a high-stress occupation you
have. Somehow he decided
that I didn’t want you to visit. Your
letter was a light for him.
He read it probably ten times in an hour after it came then finally he
showed it to me, telling me all about your work schedule.
Your letters mean much to Charles.
He
gets excited when the mail comes and he has letters from Pops, Vin or
Mary but that is mild compared to his reaction when he sees your
letters. He loves seeing
his name on letters and getting mail.
Pops and Vin write him regularly.
It took a while to understand about his feelings on mail.
At
first he gave them to me unopened and we would go through the whole
process again – that it was his mail and only he could open it.
After some months of this, over one long agonizing weekend I
discovered the whole story.
Eddie, his brother, wouldn’t allow him to open the mail because one of
those letters was his monthly disability check which Eddie confiscated
for his own personal use.
Eddie viciously beat him several times when Charles opened the mail
because it had his name on it.
The beatings were accompanied by a lot of name calling, “freak”
being the mildest while being the most damning to Charles. Since
you began writing him, every day at 11 a.m. he goes onto the porch and
looks through the telescope down the lane towards where our mailbox is
located. Our mail person
turns the flag up when we have mail -- saving me a long run down the
lane on the days when we don’t get mail.
I now must be ready to literally run to get the mail once he
tells me it’s here or be prepared for an hour of gentle but determined
pestering!
Favor? Don’t tell Charles
when/if you are coming.
Just tell me in a separate letter or call.
My life would be easier if I don’t have to keep explaining how
many more days, hours and minutes it is until you arrive.
Thanks! We’re
making our list of items we need for the porch.
We will start the tear-out the end of next month, so hopefully we
won’t be more than a couple of weeks without the porch.
Ed volunteered to help but I refused.
Charles is good with his hands and he is looking forward to
building – or helping to build – the porch himself.
Sincerely,
***
Interlude The
rattling announced the truck’s arrival prior to it actually reaching the
drive’s end. Devin stepped
out onto the cinderblock steps he and Charles created after destroying
the old porch. They weren’t
his best work, but since Charles never used the front door he felt
comfortable with their impermanent status.
Between the two guys on the truck and Devin they got the lumber stacked
and under tarps long before the light faded.
After the truck again rattled down the drive Devin went inside to
turn on the electric motion detector he had recently purchased.
Charles was eager to help build the porch and the installation of
a motion detector in the drive would allow enough time for Charles to
return safely to the interior of the house before he could be seen.
Their long drive was a blessing in that few people ever used it.
The gates seemed to dissuade most unwanted visitors.
“We’ll need to hit the hay early tonight so we can get an early start
tomorrow. Building the
foundation will be back-breaking work and I prefer we split it between
two days and not try to do all the concrete work in one day.
How about we warm up the mac and cheese from yesterday and I’ll
grill us some burgers?”
Seeing Charles’ happy grin, Devin knew he had selected a winner.
“Would you make a selection of our fruit?
And could you check to see if we still have iced tea left?”
Together they set about preparing their evening meal as their
chatter turned to serious talk of the building project. Later
that evening he walked into Charles’ bedroom, prepared, as always, for
an hour of reading. Tonight
they were deep into the adventures of King Arthur and he came prepared
with a pot of Bree’s special tea.
He settled into the huge recliner that belonged to Charles.
“What’s that over in the corner?” “It’s just some wood from
our old porch I wanted to keep.” “Is there a special reason
you are keeping it?” “No.
Yes. Well, maybe.
It’s the piece where your leg went through.” “Why
would you want to keep that??”
Seeing the tinge of pink that suddenly colored Charles’ face,
Devin instantly realized his mistake; he had unintentionally wounded.
Back-peddling as fast as he could, he spoke softly.
“Well, yeah. I guess
it does make a nice souvenir of the ‘Great Porch Caper.’
Maybe we could take it along to show Pops so he can see what made
all the scars on my leg.
He’d like that, I’ll bet, especially when I pull up my pants leg for him
to see all the stitch marks.
Good save on your part.
You’ll help me remember to pack it, won’t you, when we head
home?” (Darn
fool! When will you realize
not to just blurt things out, you know how sensitive his feelings are!
Damn!)
Instantly happy that Dev wasn’t upset with him, Charles happily nodded
in agreement. They
were up early, ate a hearty breakfast, and just before heading out Devin
remembered to bring an old carpet square and placed it just inside the
front door. Their boots
would be filthy and he didn’t relish the idea of sweeping the whole
living room free of mud after a day of pouring cement and lifting cinder
blocks.
*** Dear Charles, What
an exciting adventure you are having!
I envy you and Devin’s skill at building.
I can’t begin to imagine how one constructs a porch, let alone
being able to pour cement and a foundation of cinder blocks.
I’m surely a city girl! Does
Devin have a camera?
Perhaps he would take some pictures of the construction.
I would like to see the porch progress. Sorry
this is so short, but I got called to come in to work an hour early. Sweet dreams.
Blessings,
Bree Bree, It’s
late, I’m bushed and I don’t have a bone or joint that isn’t protesting.
Maybe I’m getting too old for this construction stuff.
I used to think I was in good shape until I started hefting those
cinder blocks around. We
got off center, so today we had to remove two courses of blocks!
I had to force my mouth shut as I wanted to use every swear word
I knew. It was my fault,
but if I gave in to the urge to swear, Charles would think he had done
something wrong. A lesson I
learned the hard way.
Remind me to tell you about it sometime, that is, if you’re interested. How’s
the job going? I admire
your bravery in facing all your patients day in and day out.
It must demand a lot not to react in any way to their scars.
You have my respect, girl, all of it!
Charles had two cups of “Bree’s tea” before bedtime tonight.
He was worn out, but still so excited about our building.
I’m gonna let him sleep an extra hour in the morning, he deserves
it. For all his height and
strength, in many ways he is delicate. I need to get to bed.
That hot shower helped and I’m almost done with my tea.
Maybe its magic will also work on me.
Sincerely,
Devin Dear Angel Bree, We
messed up on the porch ‘n’ yesterday had to re-do all the stuff from the
day before. Dev was upset,
I could see. I hope I
didn’t do nothin’ wrong. The
trees are budding and leafing.
They make pretty patterns on the drive as the sun moves about.
Soon we will have a full cover of green. Soon
I will start collecting the leaves for Father.
The wee children use them to study about trees.
We got different trees than they do.
Father likes my collection.
We dry them and press them with wax paper so they stay good for
studying. When
the fall comes, I collect the pretty color ones, too.
I like all the colors best, ‘pecially the red and gold ones.
They look like Vin’s hair. Come see us soon.
I miss you. Be well.
Your friend, Dear Charles, How
lucky are Father and the children to have you collecting leaves for
them. They are blessed in
having such a dear friend who thinks about them with such a joyful gift.
I’m certain they treasure your gifts, particularly the fall
collection. I
spent the holiday at the beach, got some sun and enjoyed a nice
fireworks display. The
water is still too cold – for my taste – so I didn’t brave the ocean.
But it was warm enough for sunbathing.
We cooked out, burgers, franks, and had some great cole slaw.
Plenty of iced tea, too. The
day at the beach was good for me.
I needed it. One of
my young patients succumbed from her injuries.
She was so very young and didn’t have the strength and stamina to
overcome her injuries. With
my job, you are taught not to get personally involved with your
patients, not to allow yourself to become emotionally attached.
I failed miserably with Lilly.
My heart aches for her, the cheerful smile she greeted me with
each day. Some
things, dear Charles, are dreadfully difficult to understand and accept.
One needs to trust completely that God knows best.
Lilly’s passing is one I’m having a hard time accepting. Do take care of yourself
and Devin.
Blessings,
Bree Dear Angel Bree, I don’t understand why God
took Lilly away from you.
It’s not fair when you cared for her, not fair at all! Dev said we would talk
about it, but I don’t think he can make me understand.
Sometimes very late at night me and Dev go out in the woods, walk for a
couple of miles to a small pond and we swim.
It’s not like the ocean, but we have fun together.
We
will watch the fireworks on TV in July from Be well.
Your friend,
Charles
***
Interlude “You
go along and work on your model.
I’ll run into town to get us groceries.
I’ll phone if I am gonna be longer than a couple of hours.
I’ll lock the front door and the
porch door, too. You know
what to do if anyone should come along.”
Assured that Charles knew and remembered the safety procedures,
Devin confidently left the cabin. The
drive was smooth. He made his usual fast tour of the market, quickly
gathering all the items on his list, picked up the scripts at the drug
store and was headed back well within his allotted two-hour timeframe.
Rounding the last curve, he pulled into the newly widened
driveway and was confronted with a vehicle he remembered well.
Slamming the truck into park, he covered the distance and was
greeted by a warm smile. “Hi’ya.
How was the trip?
You made good time.” He
yanked open the door, bent and hauled his visitor out of the car and
then enveloped her in a warm, full-body hug.
“Lordy, but you smell good.”
He nuzzled against her neck, mumbling, “It’s been far too long
since I smelled a woman.”
Automatically he kissed her neck and deeply inhaled the fresh spicy
bouquet of her perfume. He
drew away suddenly, aware of his own body.
(Damn, it has been too
long! She feels good.
I’ve missed the feel of soft hips pressing against mine!) The
same calm chestnut eyes stared back at him that he vividly remembered.
Impulsively he leaned down and covered her startled lips with
his. Sweet warmth filled
his senses as he allowed the kiss to lengthen then slowly lifted his
mouth. His smile was
impish, and he was laughing. “Welcome.
I surely have missed you, Bree.” “Does
Charles know I’m coming?”
“Naw, I
didn’t tell him. He’d have
driven me nuts counting the hours until you got here.
It’s best, like I told you on the phone, that you just arrive.
Let me pull around you and I’ll get the gate, then you follow
behind me. He’d be upset if
he saw a car coming up the lane.
I don’t know if he remembers your car or not.”
Climbing into the truck, he jockeyed around Bree’s car and then
moved up the lane. Near
the cabin he sped ahead, flipped on his headlights and began flashing
them. This was their silent
signal to Charles that he was home, that it was him and not some
stranger who was driving up the lane.
It would, he knew, bring Charles to the front door, ready and
willing to help carry in their groceries.
He pulled in and quickly jumped from the truck, intent on being
able to fully witness the look on Charles’ face when he saw Bree.
He returned Charles’ wave and just stood there calmly waiting as
Bree pulled in beside his truck.
He
didn’t know where to look – at the incredible look of joy that started
small and then built until it was a face-splitting grin as Charles saw
Bree, or at Bree’s warm smile, her face awash with happy tears.
Charles rushed down the steps, swept Bree into his arms and
whirled her round and round.
Her arms circled his massive shoulders and happily she cried as
she whispered his name repeatedly.
First she kissed his cheeks, hugged him tighter, and then placed
a gentle kiss against his startled lips. His
eyes were like saucers as her lips touched his.
“Angel Bree, you’re home, my dear friend, you’re home.”
His voice trembled with emotions and tears freely coursed down
his face. He stared,
smiling for several long minutes, and then slowly lowered her to her
feet. Her arms slide down
his back but she continued to hug him as she pressed her cheek against
his massive chest. Tears
wet Devin’s lashes as he finally turned away.
Walking to the passenger side he began pulling out grocery bags,
aware that this formerly shared chore was now his sole duty.
He glanced back as he mounted the stairs and he saw the couple
just as they were minutes before, wrapped in a warm embrace.
He made two more trips to the truck and still they stood hugging
each other, totally oblivious to his passing.
He waited ten minutes after hauling in Bree’s tote before he
stepped onto the porch and called to them.
Hand in hand they mounted the steps.
Charles paced, waiting for Bree to exit Devin’s bedroom.
Opening the door she walked to him, took his hand and together
they sat on the sofa. The
sound of happy voices filled the cabin and Devin could hear their
laughter clearly from the kitchen.
He entered with a tray of iced tea and, after serving Bree and
Charles, he seated himself in his old, comfy recliner beside the
fireplace. “How
was the drive up?” “Oh,
it was amazingly easy.
You’ve heard about the special ‘train and drive’ that the railroad is
offering for the summer/fall tourist season?
Well, I decided to give it a try.
I took the car down to Penn Station last night, they loaded it
onboard, and at 7 p.m. last night we left.
I splurged and got a drawing room and decadently slept for most
of the trip. Sure beat that
long drive, I’ll tell you.
They off-loaded the car in Bree
jumped up, ran across the room, yanked open the door and tore down the
steps. She dashed toward
her car, talking loudly to herself as she rushed forward.
Reaching into the passenger seat, she pulled out a rectangular
package, putting her ear to its side, and then rushed back for the
cabin. She ran past Charles
and Devin, hurling herself into the bedroom and slamming the door. Devin
and Charles were both on their feet, looking at each other in complete
bewilderment. “Don’t ask
me, I have no idea,” Devin uttered as Charles stood with his mouth
agape. Five minutes passed
and the door slowly opened. “I do
apologize. I left something
in the car, a gift for Charles, and I was fearful it wouldn’t be all
right. Would you please
both sit down and give me another minute or two and I’ll bring in the
gift.” She ducked back into
the bedroom, quietly closing the door. They
exchanged looks of incomprehension, both of their heads shaking in
unison while Devin shrugged his shoulders.
They finally returned to their respective seats, but both of them
were obviously uncomfortable in their confused state.
Minutes passed and finally the door opened.
“Charles, would you close your eyes and hold your hands cupped
together in front of your chest?”
Devin
nodded and Charles’ eyes slowly closed as his cupped hands rose to his
chest. The sound of Bree’s
footsteps brushing lightly across the carpet were barely audible in the
still room. Devin’s face
registered his surprise, a look of awe, and then he smiled in childish
delight. Bree
settled the gift into the large hands, brushed a kiss across his cheek
and whispered, “Open your eyes and meet your new friend.”
Quickly seating herself, she anticipated Charles’ reaction and
hoped her selection had been wise.
Nestled in his cupped hands was an adorable ten-week-old kitten who
stared expectantly into Charles’ dark eyes.
His mouth formed a silent “Oh” as he continued to stare in
amazement. Finally a lone
finger moved to tentatively stroke the soft fur. “He’s
a Wild Bengal cat and he comes complete with papers.
He was part of a litter of six and he was the runt of the litter
so he’s a little small but he’ll grow.
The Wild Bengal is a mixture of the domestic short hair and an
Asian Lion cat. Their
markings are like a combination of a cheetah and leopards spots. “You
mentioned that you never had a pet and I thought perhaps a kitten might
be a nice place to start.
They are more independent than a dog and don’t require as much training
in the manners department.”
Charles’ eyes immediately swept toward Dev. “I can keep him, can’t I?
Can’t I?” “Of
course, you can keep him.
He’s a cute little fellow.
What are you gonna name him?” “
‘Angel,’ after Bree, that’s what I’m gonna name him.”
“Angel isn’t normally a boy name, but if that’s what you want, then
Angel he shall be.” “I
have food, a litter box, litter, dishes and toys all in the trunk so you
won’t have to go out to buy anything for him.
He’s used to sleeping in a box with his brothers and sisters, so
I got him a small, high-sided basket.
It has a small pillow in it, but I think we might need to line it
with a hand towel. He’s use
to the shared body warmth at night.
He’s almost litter box-trained, too.” They
talked through the afternoon and into the evening.
When they sat down for dinner, Angel came to the table tucked
inside Charles’ shirt, sound asleep.
When Devin went to check on Charles one last time before he
bedded down on the sofa, he wasn’t surprised to see Angel’s basket no
longer on the floor, but on the bed alongside Charles.
*** Bree, Thank
you again for spending the holiday with us.
I wish you could see Charles and Angel together.
The first time Angel ran across the floor, stiffened on all four
legs, jumped in the air and hissed, well, Charles’ face was priceless.
I’m going to get him a camera so he can take pictures.
He told me you had requested some. He
wrote a long letter to Vin telling him all about Angel and told him he
would give Vin one of Angel’s kittens as soon as he got them.
I see I still have a little work to do as far as the he/she thing
goes! If I’m not careful,
he will be asking for a girl cat after our discussion so he can have
kittens. Hey,
you left a pair of jeans in the closet.
Do you want me to mail them or do you want to just leave them for
future use? It
was great sitting out on the porch last night and not having to fight
off every mosquito in the northeast!
I’ve been thinking that I might move the exterior porch door out
another six feet, then I can create a dead air space at the interior
front door which would surely help keep the cabin warm in the winter
months. Don’t know why I
wasn’t smart enough to have thought of that during construction!
Charles is already talking about your coming up for the Labor Day
weekend. Think you could
get the time off? I’d like
it, too, if you could spend another long weekend with us before winter
closes in. You’re invited –
if you are brave enough – to spend Thanksgiving with us, too.
Dr.
Edmonds saw Angel and boy is he ever taken with him.
His cat died a couple of months ago and I think if he knew where
to get a Wild Bengal, he’d be out getting one for himself.
Sincerely,
Devin July
30, 1992 Dear
Charles, Thank
you for the new pictures of Angel.
He’s grown so much and is still the cutest kitten I’ve ever seen.
I’m so glad you like him.
I laughed and laughed at the pictures, seeing all his
expressions. He
seems to like playing with his toys.
Is he still sleeping in his basket on your bed?
Don’t be surprised if one day he decides to sleep elsewhere.
Cats are very independent and unpredictable. Our
time together flew by, didn’t it?
I was lucky to have gotten those two extra days that I was able
to tack on to the holiday time in order to have had those five days.
I put
a box in the mail for you, so you should be expecting it in another
couple of days. There are a
few things for you – a new book – and a new toy for Angel and a CD for
Devin. I hope all of you
like your gifts; they are my way of thanking you for a marvelous
holiday. One
of my long-time patients is back for what we hope is his final round of
surgeries. I’m hoping the
surgery goes well and that when he leaves, he will be ready to live
full-time with his family once again. Tell
Devin I saw his favorite, Richard Kiley, in concert.
He was great, as always.
I so remember how marvelous he was on Broadway in The Man from
La Mancha and in The Thorn Birds mini-series on television. Sweet
dreams…give Angel a pet from me, won’t you?
Blessings,
Bree Dear Angel Bree, Angel
slept away from me last night.
He sleeped on the stone floor in the kitchen.
Dev said he did it to be cool as the weather has been hot and
sticky. He
liked his new toy, played with it for hours.
He chases the light on the pin-light flashlight Dev got for him
all over. Dev shined it on
the table and away Angel went flying, leaping to catch it. Do
you think you can come for Labor Day holiday?
I’d like to see you again soon.
Angel has grown so much, you gotta see how big he has gotten. Me
and Dev are reworking the porch doors.
He says we are gonna have a dead air space but I’m honestly not
sure just what that means.
Dev explained it a couple of times but I still don’t get it. Be
well.
Your friend,
Charles Dear
Charles and Devin, I’m
so very sorry but I won’t be able to spend the holiday with you.
One of my co-workers had a death in her family and another had
unexpected surgery, so my request for extra days was denied.
It would have left the center too short-staffed.
I know you understand, but I am just as heart-sick as you are.
I was so looking forward to spending time with you both.
I hope you aren’t too disappointed and know that if it were at
all possible, I would be there. Tell
Dr. Edmonds if he is serious about wanting a Wild Bengal cat, I can
probably put him in touch with a breeder.
If I were home more, I’d probably have one myself.
I don’t think it would be fair to have a pet – even a cat, as
independent as they are – with the wild schedule I keep. Think
of me when you are eating your burgers and corn on the cob on the
holiday. The pictures of
your garden made my mouth water, everything looked so fresh.
Again, I’m so sorry I can’t be with you.
Please understand. Sweet
dreams.
Blessings,
Bree Bree, We
walked up to the point and were able to see the fireworks from the local
drive-in. Later we watched
the fireworks that were on the news from He
was devastated when your letter came.
He went into his room, sat on his bed with Angel in his lap,
pouring out his heart to that silly cat.
Angel just looked like he understood every word, purring and
rubbing against Charles’ hand, offering his own form of healing love.
Frankly, I wanted to join them, I felt so miserable. I
want to try to come into the city before the weather makes things
impossible. I never travel
with Charles during the winter as there is an added risk.
If we can arrange things, could I see you while we are there?
I’ll try to work out something with Vin’s girl so that Charles
could visit with you. Is it
too much to ask? I can’t
explain, I just have to ask that you trust me about needing to arrange a
meeting place that isn’t too public for Charles. Bree,
I need to see you. I miss
you more than I was aware.
Devin Dear
Devin, I
slept so soundly after your phone call last night.
Just hearing your voice, all the news of you, Charles and Angel,
washed away all the stress.
I love helping the patients at the center but it can be such an
emotionally draining job.
Often at the end of the day I feel like someone has pulled the plug and
drained every last ounce of reserve energy from my body.
I have been giving serious thought toward switching to becoming a
part-time employee for several months.
Lots
of the center employees do that at various times when they are worn
down, battered by the dedication they have.
I’ve been a full-time employee for six years and it now takes
longer than two days for me to re-charge my batteries.
Ideally I would like to work a three-day week, then have four
consecutive days to re-charge.
It would mean a drastic cut in my budget but I know I can live
comfortably. My condo is
paid off so I’m not facing that big drain on the budget anymore. Of
course, I trust you to make whatever arrangements that are necessary for
there to be a place where I can visit with Charles.
I assume Angel will be coming with you as I can’t see him
agreeing to leaving Angel with Ed or Dr. Edmonds.
If it would help, you could leave Angel with me if your family
wouldn’t be comfortable in having him around. I do
understand your need to protect Charles.
He is such a gentle, sweet soul, yet I know how the majority of
people would react to seeing him.
I am in complete agreement with you; Charles’ feelings, his sense
of well-being, and his protection are paramount.
From all you have said, I feel your family understands, and while
that may mean you can’t visit them as often as you would like, they know
how important protecting Charles and his security are to you. I’m
late - I should have left ten minutes ago.
Hopefully traffic won’t be too bad.
Blessings,
Bree Bree, Great
news that you are shifting to part-time work.
I expect NOT to see those dark circles beneath your eyes when we
see you next. Four days of
rest should be helpful for you to regain your energy and emotional
outlook.
Charles is nearly recovered from his cold so I know he will be writing
to you shortly. Colds are
serious with him as he tends to slip into pneumonia easily, so I have to
be constantly alert. As we
anticipated, Angel is no longer sleeping in his basket and his full-time
sleeping nest is, as you predicted, alongside Charles in his bed.
He starts out at the foot of the bed but by morning he can be
found atop the extra pillow near Charles’ face.
Several mornings when I have gone in to awaken Charles, I have
discovered them deep in conversation and I’d swear that silly cat
understand his every word! I’ll
call you when our travel plans are complete.
I like the idea of your work
days being Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Somehow having Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday all together
sounds psychologically better to me.
Weird, I know!
Hugs,
Devin
***
Interlude The
interstate sign indicated they had traveled one hundred miles.
The night sounds coupled with the steady engine roar had lulled
Angel asleep many miles ago and Charles was snoozing beside him.
Devin planned to travel all night and then spend the daylight
hours in a former Helper’s home in northern They
pulled into the Two
hours after a hearty breakfast, Mrs. Franklin shooed Devin and Charles
off to bed with a promise that she would care for Angel while they
rested. Devin stripped down
to his skivvies, slipped under the blanket and was asleep almost
immediately. Sleep
continued to elude Charles until Angel wandered in, climbed onto his bed
and curled up on the pillow.
The contented purring lulled Charles to sleep; his hand lay
against the warm furry body. The
winter darkness allowed them to leave shortly after an early dinner and
they were back to the interstate heading south by 5:30 p.m.
They steadily moved southward and the traffic was thankfully
light. Still some thirty
miles from the city, they pulled off at a rest stop while Devin phoned a
Helper who would store the truck and meet them at the nearest entrance
to the tunnels with a luggage carrier.
Traveling with all of Angel’s gear had increased their hand
luggage exponentially. After
welcoming hugs and receiving kisses from Mary, Devin and Charles settled
to bringing their extended family up to date on all their activities.
Father was slightly dismayed when he saw Angel, but understanding
the special relationship between Charles and his first pet, he smiled
tolerantly. The hour was
already late, so after two pots of Bree’s special tea, Devin suggested
that they all get some sleep.
*** While
Charles and Angel were entertaining and being entertained by the tunnel
children, Devin went Above to telephone Catherine, asking if they could
meet some place quiet for lunch.
“Still beautiful as ever, I see.
You look great. I’m
happy to see you again.” “How
was the drive? Vincent said
you were stopping with the They
slipped into a booth
“Three of you? Oh, yes, now
I know, you must mean that you brought Angel along.
How did Father react?
I don’t think he would dare say anything about Angel, knowing
that Charles is very sensitive.” “When
I left, Charles had just finished another conversation with Vin about
when Angel has kittens,” his eyebrows raised and he chuckled, “and how
he was going to give Vin one of them.” “I’m
sure Vincent will handle this expertly.
Angel is a boy, isn’t he?”
Catherine’s laughter was gentle, as she knew of the previous
conversations concerning the issue of kittens. They
settled to talking and Devin told Catherine all about Bree, her
extraordinary relationship with Charles, their friendship and the
continual stream of correspondence they maintained.
“I wanted to ask if you would object to allowing Charles to visit
with Bree in your apartment?
I don’t know the layout of Bree’s building so I can’t be certain
I can get him in and out without him being seen.
You know how sensitive he is about other than family seeing him.
Vin is positive we can get him in and out of your building
without notice. “He
talked of little else on the trip except getting to see his Angel Bree.
He very much wants the opportunity of seeing her again.
She spent the Labor Day holiday with us and they had a great time
together. You know how he
is around Vin, well, to see him interact with Bree is just twice as
magical.”
Smiling, Catherine nodded.
“I’d be happy to call Bree, issue an invitation and then arrange a time
that suits her schedule. I’ve heard that she works at the burn center
and from what I’ve read, it is surely an awesome facility with
exceptional standards of care.” A
happy grin filled Devin’s features and he visibly relaxed.
“I appreciate your doing this, more than you know.
Like Charles, I am eager to see Bree again.
She has begun to mean a lot to me, more than I realized.”
Catherine silently stared for several moments then smiled.
“I’m pleased you have found someone special.
You deserve that and much more.
I know it hasn’t been easy caring for Charles and dealing with
his fears.”
Returning to her desk several minutes early, Catherine took out the note
with Bree’s phone number and quickly dialed.
After introducing herself, they chatted for several minutes and
finally arrived at a date.
***
Catherine answered the door and after hugging her, Devin moved across
the room, swept Bree from the sofa and enveloped her into a warm,
lingering embrace. “I’ve
missed you.” His voice was
a bare whisper. Her smiled
lingered, touching his eyes in an unspoken reply, and her arms circled
tighter as her head rested against his chest.
(This
must be how Father feels when Vincent and I stand there trying to make
polite conversation when all we really want is to escape and be alone
together.)
“Excuse me; I’ll just get the coffee.
I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Quickly crossing to the kitchen, Catherine took a chair, prepared
to give them a good five minutes alone.
Not wishing to interrupt, she raised her voice, asking Devin to
clear a spot on the coffee table before she re-entered the room.
Just as she started to pour the coffee, there was a gentle knock
at her door. “That must be
Charles.” The
open door was quickly filled by Charles as Catherine stepped into his
arms in greeting. As she
stepped aside to allow him to enter, she glanced toward the stairwell
and through the open door she caught a quick glimpse of Vincent at the
stairwell as he turned to climb up toward the roof entrance. Bree
ran across the room and was swept into Charles’ waiting arms.
“My Bree, my Angel Bree,” he whispered repeatedly.
Happy tears splashed down each joyful face as they smiled in
unison. Hand in hand, they
walked to a small sofa. “OK,
where is he?” Devin’s voice
filled with laughter. “I know you didn’t leave him with Father.”
Charles opened three buttons on his shirt, reached inside and gently
withdrew a limp, sleeping cat.
Angel stretched, looked around and then proudly stepped forward,
curling into Bree’s lap, and began to purr.
The whole room erupted into laughter. The
hours flew by in a blur of animated voices, arms flailing as they were
used to bring each new story to life.
Catherine’s smile never left her face and she savored each
moment, witnessing the beautiful love that flowed openly between Charles
and his Angel Bree. Bree
was the first true friend Charles ever had aside from Devin and Vincent,
whom she knew he considered to be his brothers.
Bree’s complete acceptance of Charles was evident; each move,
gesture, spoke of the love and respect in which he was held.
Bree never lost sight of his uniqueness while never allowing it
to become the focus of her attention.
He was simply Charles, beloved and made new in the glory of love.
*** Dear
Catherine, Thank
you so much for opening your home to allow me time to be with Charles.
Your kindness was and is deeply appreciated.
When
I stumbled into that cabin in the midst of a blizzard I never thought my
life would be completely changed.
The privilege of knowing Charles has changed my life.
He has brought a light to my life that had been missing since my
family died. I so
appreciated having the time with Charles, knowing he was safe from
prying eyes, people who wouldn’t ridicule him or call him ugly names.
I shudder when I think of the horror he experienced at the hands
of his brother, Eddie.
Being with Devin must surely be like heaven to Charles. Thank
you again.
Sincerely,
Bree Bree, We
are all safely back home in the cabin.
Would you believe we hadn’t been home an hour when Charles
started asking me how many more days it would be until his Angel Bree
would come to eat turkey with us?
I gotta make a calendar so he can begin to mark off the days.
I may have to make one for myself, too, cuz I’m surely missing
you. There just wasn’t
enough time for us to be alone as much as I’d have liked. Yes,
perhaps in the future there could be a time when you can meet Vincent
and Father. My brother is
very reticent at meeting strangers.
He, like Charles, has not had the best of experiences with new
people. His uniqueness
makes it difficult for people to accept him.
The question is not your ability to accept him, but his
reluctance to expose himself to questions for which there are no
answers. Like
you, I was surprised and delighted that Angel traveled so well and with
no problems. He seems to
think it is quite normal to be placed inside Charles’ shirt, to sleep
cradled against his warm skin.
Angel has even taken to crawling inside his pajama tops, sleeping
atop his belly! Miss
you.
Hugs,
Devin Dear
Charles, My
request for time off has been approved and this morning I made my plane
reservations for flying into I
hope you and Devin don’t think my stay will be too long.
When my supervisor asked if I wanted any more time other than the
three days I had originally asked for, well, I just blurted out that it
would be perfect if I didn’t have to report for more than a week. You
would have laughed if you could have seen my face when she told me that
I didn’t need to report for two full weeks. She just smiled, said I’d
never asked for much time off during all my six years of working
full-time and she felt she owed me a good long holiday since I had
worked so many other holidays, allowing the staff with families to spent
it with them. I jumped at
the chance to spend all that time with you, Devin and Angel. Tell
Devin he needn’t vacate his bedroom and that I’ll sleep on the sofa.
Two weeks is too long for him to spend on the sofa or in his
recliner. I can be very
comfortable on the sofa.
Fondly,
Bree Bree,
Terrific! It’s fantastic
that you can spend all that time with us. Of
course, you’re sleeping in my bedroom.
I wouldn’t think of your sleeping on the sofa.
Charles even said he would give you his bed rather than have you on the
sofa. He started yelling
when he read about how long you were going to be with us.
He even picked me up and whirled me around, he was so excited! Tuesday can’t come soon
enough! See you soon.
Hugs,
Devin
***
Interlude Even
with the crowds travel was surprisingly easy, and soon Bree was settled
into the rental car, pulling onto the highway which would take her
directly to the forest preserve. Her heart was light and her voice
echoed as she sang along with the radio.
Soon, she knew, they would begin playing Christmas carols.
Ten miles from the cabin she pulled off to phone Devin to alert
him how close she was. Devin
and Charles were waiting on the porch when she pulled into the driveway.
Charles was quickly on his feet, rushing forward before Bree even
killed the engine. And just
as rapidly, he was opening the door, reaching in to hug her.
Devin smiled watching them, wondering just who was hugging whom.
Their bodies were tightly meshed together and he could hear their
happy chatter.
Finally they broke apart, smiling broadly and hand in hand they walked
toward Devin. The luggage
he knew, from previous visits, was his responsibility, and he ambled
down the steps smiling as he passed the happy couple.
His hug and greeting of Bree would have to wait as this time was
exclusively Charles’.
Carrying her luggage into the bedroom, he again found himself smiling as
he passed the sofa, Bree in one corner, Angel in her lap, and Charles
seated as close as possible with his arm around Bree’s shoulder.
The perfection of the moment surrounded him, tugging at his heart
as he absorbed the happiness that radiated from Charles.
Their conversation was already animated and both of them were
talking to Angel, assured the cat totally understood all that was said.
During the brief pauses in their conversation, the sound of loud
satisfied purring could be heard.
Whenever Charles was near, Angel was contented and his vocally
loud purring could clearly be heard across the expanse, carrying easily
into the kitchen. Devin
finished putting the pot of soup on simmer and then carried the three
mugs of coffee into the living room.
After
lunch they bundled into their coats and walked toward the lake where
they swam during the warm summer months.
Bree wanted to see it after Charles had described the simple
beauty of the pond. While
dinner was heating, they watched one of the movies Bree had brought
along. They laughed when
Angel decided he wasn’t getting enough attention.
Angel sat atop the TV, his long tail swishing back and forth
across the screen like windshield wipers on a car, blocking out the
pictures. Jumping up, Bree
gathered him in her arms, petting and cooing to him as if he was a poor,
lost child in need of loving.
Contented to once again be the center of attention, Angel settled
in Bree’s lap, purring loudly.
*** It
was well after 11:30 before Charles settled to sleep.
Bree, who agreed to read the bedtime tales, witnessed the ritual
of Angel crawling under Charles’ pajama top to stretch out full length
along his belly with his eyes and nose peeking out at the vee at the top
of the pajamas. Closing the
door, she smiled toward Devin.
“I’m not sure who’s the most contented – Charles, who is lightly
snoring, or Angel, who is purring at warp speed!
I smiled and was hard pressed not to laugh when Angel crawled
under his shirt, then poked his head out just below Charles’ chin.” “OK,
we got the kids to bed.
Come on, we got some serious necking to do!”
His grin filled his face, erasing the care-worn end-of-the-day
fatigue. His arm circled
her waist, drawing her toward the sofa, and together they sank down.
“Bree, I’ve missed you.
I’ve wanted to hold you since you stepped out of the car.” “I
know. I wanted to hug you,
but Charles’ need is slightly overwhelming during the first hours I’m
here. Oh, not that I
object, but he is so filled with joy, it’s difficult to not fall under
his happy spell.”
“Hush. Come here and let me
kiss you.” Lowering his
head, his lips covered hers as his tongue brushed against her lower lip.
Her lips parted and he deepened the kiss while his arms held her
tighter against his pounding heart.
They both were gasping for breath when they drew apart.
They snuggled together, kissing and talking in soft whispered
voices as they shared the joy of their reunion. “Our
time in “She
called me and we had dinner together about a week after you left to
return. I was surprised and
delighted. Our dinner was
lovely but the conversation was the best.
She wanted to know all about the burn center, how we operated,
where we got our funding, and how charity cases were handled.” “She
knows a lot of influential people – her dad was a big-shot lawyer – so
maybe she can steer some corporate funding your way.”
“That’d be nice, as we surely can use it.
About three out of ten of our patients are gratis cases.” They
continued to talk and the silence was filled with long kisses.
They fell asleep on the sofa wrapped in each other’s arms and it
was after nine when Charles discovered them sleeping.
Smiling down at his dear friends, he draped an afghan over them
and headed to the kitchen.
He plugged in the coffee pot and then got down a box of cereal and a
bowl. After rinsing his
dishes, he returned to his bedroom, dressed, took a book from his shelf,
and seated himself in his big recliner.
He loved the recliner as it was large enough to fit his body and
long enough to support the length of his legs. Angel
came to sit in his lap and out of habit he began to read aloud to the
cat. He was positive Angel
understood the stories as he seemed to purr especially loudly at the
happy parts, and when the story was sad, he would mew softly or flex his
claws against the surface of Charles’ jeans.
Nothing Devin said could dissuade Charles from his thinking. “Good
morning.” Holding a mug of
coffee, Devin moved into the room on bare feet.
“How long have you been awake?
And thanks for starting the coffee.”
Absently he paused to scratch Angel’s ears before settling on
Charles’ bed. Silently he
stretched, working out the kinks of his body and emitted a loud “Pouf”
as Angel landed gently on his belly.
With only two strokes against the soft fur, the loud purring
commenced filling the room with its pleasant sound.
“We can never be lonely, not as long as we have this contented
machine playing so loudly.” The pleasure in Devin’s voice was filled
with warm laughter.
***
Shortly after two o’clock Dr.
Laughing, Devin shook his head.
“More? This is more
than enough. We have all
the other vegetables, relish trays, snacks and everything necessary for
a full day of feasting. I
plan to serve dinner at three, so come over as early or late as you
like. It’s a shame your
daughter is stuck in “No,
I won’t be able to speak with Marisa until later today.
When we spoke yesterday the children were still miserable.
I appreciate the dinner invitation and your willingness to take
the food I had ordered.
Listen, I need to run so I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”
*** They
played checkers and poker until late afternoon and then they gathered in
the kitchen to begin preparation for Thanksgiving. They made quick work
of setting the dining room table, arranging candles, and dealing out the
silverware. The fresh
vegetables were all washed, soaked in brine, and then patted dry and
returned to the refrigerator.
Devin set up the living room bar, bringing in extra glasses, and
checked the freezer to be certain they had sufficient ice. Charles and
Bree worked together to prepare ambrosia, each of them sneaking bites of
Mandarin oranges and pineapple when Devin’s back was turned. “I’ll
set my clock so I can get the turkey in the oven by 8:30.
Long about
Thanksgiving Day dawned with light snow falling, creating the perfect
setting for the holiday.
They ate a very light breakfast of only toast and coffee as they all
wanted to be hungry for their feast. Dr.
Edmonds arrived and the party atmosphere was in high gear.
Bree brought a new toy for Angel to help him celebrate his first
Thanksgiving. The toy, a
mouse attached to a long wire on a rod, was an instant hit.
Music filled the room and soon Dr. Edmonds was waltzing Bree
around the living room.
Both Devin and Charles stood in the doorway watching as they glided
across the length of the long room.
“I’m pleased to know young ladies still know how to waltz.
My wife and I used to go dancing two or three times a month and
while we did all the modern stuff, waltzing was always our favorite.” They
sat down to enjoy their feast.
Afterwards, as they sat around the table enjoying their wine,
Devin withdrew an envelope from this pocket.
“Every year since Charles and I have been here, Pops writes us a
letter to be read after we’ve had our meal.
I’d like to share it with you.
My dear
Devin and Charles,
Being
apart on this day of thanksgiving does make the day less than truly
joyful for Mary, Vincent and me.
We would, of course, prefer that you were here with your family,
surrounded by those who love and honor you.
May your feasting be joyful as you give thanks for all your
blessings. Your table this
year is blessed in having your beloved Angel there to brighten your day.
And from your latest message, I’m aware that you are honored by
having Angel Bree with you, which I know makes Charles particularly
joyful.
We give
thanks for our continued good health and that you, Devin, are completely
healed from your accident.
The years slip by quickly now, and with each passing year I realize how
enriched and blessed I am by my beautiful sons.
My heart overflows with memories of your youth, the many
adventures that brought joyful laughter to our world.
Dear
Charles, I am particularly thankful this year for all your excellent
care of Devin following his accident.
I am secure in my confidence that without your support and
strength, Devin’s injuries could have been longer in healing.
May the
coming year bring you every joy and happiness.
Blessings and love,
Father
When
Devin looked up from refolding the letter, he saw Bree wiping tears and
Charles blinking furiously.
“That was so beautiful.
What a truly remarkable father you have.
His words are reminiscent of my own father.
He, too, was gifted with the written word, almost poetic.” “Pops
is a scholar, gifted with speech, and with the written word.
His library rivals that of several small colleges in scope and
depth. For him a day is
wasted if part of it isn’t spent in reading.” The
conversation continued to flow as they began the process of clearing the
table. Bree packed up
several days’ worth of meals for Dr. Edmonds to take home, plus slices
of turkey for sandwiches, plus both leg bones for his soup pot.
The dishes were washed and order was quickly restored to the
kitchen. “You guys go on
into the living room and we’ll bring some ice for drinks.
Charles, could you get a couple of cans of soda for you and Dr.
Edmonds?” As
soon as Charles and Dr. Edmonds left the room, Devin extended his arms
and drew Bree within them.
Her head rested on his shoulder and she sighed.
“Thank you for a beautiful day,” he murmured against her hair.
“Every other holiday will pale when compared to this.
Thank you, Bree, for coming and sharing this time with us.
It means more than you can possibly know. “It
isn’t always possible for us to go home and this is the first time in
years when I’ve felt I was truly surrounded by family here in the cabin.
I’ve never regretted bringing Charles here, not even when it
meant I was separated from my birth family.
He is the saving grace of my life and I thank God daily for
Charles as he truly was the resurrection of my soul.”
His arms tightened and he bent to capture her mouth. The
kitchen door silently opened and just as silently closed.
Smiling broadly, Charles returned to his seat.
“Bree and Dev will be along in a minute, they are playing huggy
bear, kissy face. Devin
likes her cuz he is always playing kissy face with Angel Bree.” Dr.
Edmonds reddened slightly and then grinned, seeing the happy smile of
Charles. He was aware of
the magnetism between Devin and Bree and he had consciously worried that
their attraction might cause a problem for Charles.
*** As
Devin helped Dr. Edmonds into his coat, Dr. Edmonds took a moment to
inform Devin of Charles’ revelation concerning “huggy bear, kissy face,”
feeling that Devin should be aware that Charles had seen them.
“Thanks, Doc. I was
sure he knew but I’ll have a talk with him just to be certain of his
feelings.” Bree
and Charles came from the kitchen bearing the packages of food and after
another round of hugs, they said goodnight.
They watched until the headlights disappeared then closed the
outer door. “He had such a
good time; I’m so glad we were able to bring joy to his world.
He was so disappointed when Marisa had to cancel their plans to
be home when her children developed measles.
Did he say anything to you about getting a kitten?” “No,
he just talked in general terms of how much he enjoyed Angel.
I did give him the phone number of the breeder from whom I got
Angel.” They
settled comfortably in the living room enjoying the fire that burned
brightly. Not one to be
left out, Angel wandered in and begin playing with the tassels of Bree’s
loafers. Charles, ever
mindful of what Dev had told him about teaching Angel manners, quickly
retrieved his feathered toy and soon the race was on.
Between the pen flashlight and the feathered toy, Angel was
racing around the sofa chasing the elusive light.
They laughed as Angel raced, cheering him on when he pounced on
the feathered toy, shaking and growling with all his might.
After forty-some minutes of this play, Angel was worn out and
meekly he came to Charles, mewing softly, walking in a circle on his lap
and finally curling up to sleep. “Your
boy is past exhausted and ready for bed.” “Yes,
Dev, Angel is sleepy and so am I.
Would it be OK if I say goodnight now?” “Of
course, you go along and get ready.
I’ll be in in a few minutes.”
Gathering Angel into his arms, Charles turned to Bree, touched his cheek
to hers and whispered, “Goodnight, Angel Bree.
Sleep sweet.”
***
“Dev,
we had a good day. I’m
happy Dr. Edmonds came to eat with us.
He had fun dancing with Angel Bree, didn’t he?”
Charles looked up from his bed, his smile warm and his eyes
reflecting his happiness. “I
think the dancing made him think of his wife and all the happy memories
of their dancing together.” “Do
you like Angel Bree a lot, Dev?
I saw you playing “huggy bear, kissy face” with her.
That’s what boys and girls do when they like each other, huh?
Like the older children at home, the time when Vincent and me
found Mouse and Jamie doing that kissy stuff. “I
liked it when she kissed my mouth when she got here.
It was strange but nice.
My face and mouth are ugly and yet Bree kissed me, why is that?” “When
adults are good friends, they often exchange friendly kisses when they
have been apart for some length of time.
Between close friends, it is a more personal way of saying hello
than just shaking hands.
Remember when we go home how Mary greets us both with kisses?
Or when we see Olivia and she touches her cheek to ours?
Or the times we see “But
Angel Bree didn’t kiss you like she kissed me.
She just, well, she just sort of pecked me on the mouth.
When she kissed you, it looked like she was trying to get inside
your mouth. She kissed you
a long time. How did she
breathe cuz your mouth was covering up hers?”
(Oh,
Lord, don’t let me mess this up!
Please help me to make him understand the difference.
Guide me, please, so I don’t wound his gentle heart.)
Devin
swallowed and took a long calming breath before he spoke.
“Bree feels you are a good friend, a substitute for the brother
she lost. She sees into
your soul, what makes you special and unique.
Others might just see your exterior shell – your body – but Bree
sees beyond the physical to what is within your heart, mind and soul. “You
know how you call her Angel Bree?
That she is like the angels in the books you have read?
Well, Bree feels that way about you, that you are her special
angel. Think about Catherine and
what you feel for her. How
accepting Catherine was when you first met, the way she didn’t react to
your outward appearance and how she made you immediately comfortable.
Aren’t those the same feelings you have for Bree? “When
you went to Catherine’s apartment, didn’t she greet you with a hug and a
kiss just the same way Bree greets you?”
Charles stared intently, nodding in affirmation of Devin’s words.
“I’m a brother to you and Vincent, right?
Well, you are now doubly blessed as you are also a brother to
Catherine and to Bree.
Neither one of them has a brother, so isn’t it wonderful for them to be
your sisters of the heart, like Vin and I are your heart brothers?” “You
mean they will always be a part of our lives even when they aren’t here
with us?”
“Yes.”
“Charles, I want to explain to you that what I feel for Bree is very
different than what you feel.
You understand how Vin feels about Catherine, don’t you?”
“Sure, I know. Vincent
loves Catherine, she is his lady.
He told me she lives within his heart and he feels her there even
when they aren’t together.
I see them lots of times, without them seeing me, when they look all
lovey face at each other.
He always holds her hand when they walk together.” “I
think you described what they feel very well.
It’s what I feel for Bree.
I love her and wish her to be my lady.
Would that be all right with you?
Eventually, I would like her to be my wife and to live here with
us full time. That would
mean she would sleep in my bedroom with me and that you couldn’t just
walk into my bedroom anytime you wanted.
You would have to knock on the door and wait until we told you to
come in. Married people
need a lot of privacy, time alone together.”
“Would me and Angel have to go away from here?
W-w-would we have to go back to Edd…Eddie?”
Horror was clearly registered within his eyes and his mouth
trembled. “No,
oh, no, of course not. This
is your home. Wherever I live,
you will live with me. We
may not always live here because we have to think about Bree now and her
job, but I promise you will always be with us wherever we live.”
“Angel, too?” “We
would naturally take Angel with us.
We wouldn’t survive without him.
Who would entertain us and give us so much laughter if we didn’t
have Angel?” They
talked on into the night.
Questions were asked and then re-asked again later, but always Devin
provided the same calm, reassuring answers that Charles and Angel would
always live with him and Bree.
Sleep was a long time coming to Charles and in his own way he
asked several times about how much Devin loved his Angel Bree and how
good he would be to her.
*** When
Bree walked into the kitchen, Charles rose, walked around the table and
leaned down to hug Bree.
When he looked up Dev was smiling and nodding his approval.
Regaining his seat, Charles looked directly at Dev. “Aren’t you
gonna give Angel Bree a morning kiss?”
The stare continued and a grin began to fill his face. Bree
smiled first at Charles and then at Devin as he advanced toward her.
Bending down he covered her mouth and continued kissing her for
several moments. “Good
morning. How would you like
your eggs?” Charles
continued to grin at Devin, then at Bree, and suddenly a soft giggle
escaped his mouth and his grin grew.
Bree’s smile was radiant and Devin witnessed the slight change in her
posture, the softening of her shoulders, and a glow that previously had
not been visible.
(She understands what he is
silently telling her. She
sees his approval.) “I’m
gonna put on Angel’s harness and take him outside for his morning walk.
He needs to exercise and run.
We’ll stay close to the back door.
Angels likes the bushes and he jumps on the rocks.
At first, Bree, he didn’t like grass but now he loves walking on
it.” Charles took the
harness from the hook and headed for the bedroom to retrieve Angel.
“Seems I missed an interesting conversation last night, humm?”
“Let’s just say we had a long talk about huggy bear, kissy face and the
variety of kisses that are shared among the three of us.
He was already aware of our feelings and then he saw us kissing
in the kitchen and he sort of put two and two together.
He was concerned that he might have to go back to Eddie but we
talked that one out until the wee hours and he knows that will never
happen.”
*** After
his long romp in the grass and jumping on rocks, Angel’s energy level
was lower and his gait more sedate when Charles brought him indoors.
Seeing Bree sitting on the sofa, Angel moved toward her and began
rubbing against her pant leg, purring loudly.
Picking him up and putting him down on his back, she began to
stroke his belly. The more
she stroked, the louder the purring became.
“He’s in cat heaven now,” Charles offered as he watched from his
model ship across the room.
“He loves having his tummy rubbed.” “My
dog loved to lie on his back and have his tummy rubbed, too.
His whole body would quiver, he was so delighted.
He’d stay on his back for hours if you continued to rub his
tummy.” Bree continued to
talk, telling stories of her childhood and about the various pets she
had. Their
days together passed, each bringing new joy and cementing their
relationships. Charles
became less frantic to be close to Bree and he relaxed in the knowledge
she was close at hand, always willing to talk with him.
He looked forward to the time when he and Bree alone walked
together, taking Angel on one of his twice daily excursions into the
yard. And he became
accustomed to seeing Bree and Devin together, watching them kiss or hug
each other. They
took the folding chairs into the backyard late one night and slumped in
them, their faces turned skyward as they watched the stars.
They took turns identifying them and the warmth between them
grew, surrounding and encompassing each of them in a glow of deepening
friendship and love. It was
their last night together and even though they were sleepy, no one
wanted this special night to end. Devin
was content that Charles had fully accepted the fact that in the future
he and Bree would marry.
And he knew part of Bree’s heart would always belong to Charles.
Finally, sleep could no longer be postponed and the exhausted trio
trooped into the cabin.
Angel was fast asleep on the extra pillow in Charles’ bed.
After whispered goodnights and hugging each other, everyone
quietly went to their respective beds.
***
Reluctantly Bree packed for her return journey and slowly moved to the
living room where Charles and Devin waited.
The last few hours were the hardest and their easy conversation
faltered, each of them lost within their own sorrow of impending
separation. The
clock marched forward while three hearts willed it to stop, to prolong
these last two hours together.
Each of them individually was aware that this would be their last
time together for many months.
Having had this extended holiday, Bree knew she would not be
given extra time during Christmas.
And this year the holiday fell during her normal three-day work
schedule. Angel
seemed to sense their sadness as he wandered between the trio, seeking
first one then another in his frantic search for attention.
Finally he settled into Bree lap, licking her hand and softly
mewing. To all their ears
it sounded as if Angel was crying.
“Could you, that is, would you call the center and tell them you can’t
come back? That you have to
stay with us?” Charles’
voice was gruff, rising and falling a full octave, as he fought for
control. “We don’t want you
to leave. Just stay with
us. We live good together
and me and Angel want you to stay forever.” Bree
turned to face him, her eyes moist with unshed tears.
“Dear Charles, no one has ever said anything as sweet and
endearing to me. As much as
I wish to stay, I have an obligation to my patients at the center.
Their recovery and return to the families who love them is based
on the work I do with them.
It wouldn’t be fair to them to simply call and say I wasn’t coming back. “You
make my heart burst with joy that you want me here full time.
Never have I had anyone since my brother died who loved me the
way you do. I thought my
heart was closed off after Jimmy was killed.
I didn’t think I’d ever know again the love he and I shared.
He was the center of my world.
Then I found you and it was as if Jimmy’s love had been reborn,
housed in your body.” Her
lips trembled and a lone tear slid down her face.
“I don’t want to leave but I must.
Please try to understand.”
Bree reached out, her arms circling Charles neck, her head
pressed firmly against his solid chest.
Time seemed to stop as they sat huddled together, each of them
trying to console the other and hide the tears streaming down their
faces.
*** Dear
Charles, Your
Christmas tree sounds lovely and I shall look forward to seeing the
pictures in your next letter. Today
I dropped your Christmas box in the mail, so please be on the look-out
for it. You can go ahead
and open it as the goodies inside are wrapped.
There are gifts for Angel, too.
You know I couldn’t forget my favorite cat.
How’s he doing with the snow?
Remember several months ago I mentioned one of my long-time patients was
returning for his final round of surgeries?
Well, I’m so pleased to tell you that he is being released on
12-15. His facial surgery
was remarkable and as the redness fades, he will look close to his
former features. These are
the events that make all of this worthwhile and why I am so dedicated to
my job. I
received a Christmas card from Catherine, which surprised and delighted
me. I
miss you.
Love,
Bree Dear
Bree, I
wish you were here so I could hold you.
My arms ache for you.
As soon as you can get an extra day, come to us.
I need you so badly.
Together we are trying to find some holiday spirit but it has been a
struggle. I haven’t felt
this alone since I left home and spent my first Christmas away from Pops
and Vin. Even
watching it snow makes me think of the night we found you.
Until you I didn’t truly comprehend all that Vin and
Catherine share, the depth with which they reside in each other’s
hearts. The emptiness in
being away from you, it seems to swallow my heart whole; how hollow life
seems without your gentle presence within these walls. Thank
you for the box filled with gifts.
Charles has shown each of the gifts to Angel.
You should hear them when Charles is describing each of the boxes
to Angel and how he keeps reminding Angel that the boxes are not toys,
that he is not supposed to play with them.
After a couple of the bows got removed, Charles put a couple of
our bows on a string so Angel has his own bows for play. Our
box for you got mailed this morning.
I sent it over-night, so you should have it tomorrow or the next
day at the latest. We’ll
call you Christmas morning and night.
Spend the day with friends.
I don’t want to think of you alone.
If all goes well and the gods smile on us, we’ll all be together
next Christmas.
I love you,
Devin
***
Interlude There
were wreaths decorating various doors, small trees in several rooms, and
a plethora of Santa hats as the staff moved about their shift.
Most of them were veterans of hospital life and knew from years
of experience working a major holiday could be just about as happy or
miserable as they made it.
The majority opted for making the day happy not only for their patients
but also for themselves. It
was hard to travel the length of the floor without being offered fudge
or holiday cookies. The
holiday didn’t stop the physical therapy and while it was not the
intense daily therapy, damaged and injured muscles needed constant
reminding of their purpose and function.
Bree was dressed all in red, with white- and red-striped
stockings, a white rose pinned to her red uniform, and a Santa hat atop
her head. Her shift was
almost over and she was happily thinking of home and the next phone call
from For
years she had worked Christmas and being there never bothered her.
This year she resented being at the center as her heart’s wish
was to be in Her
last rounds were made; she completed her paper-work with five minutes to
spare. She briefed her
replacement on all her patients then collected her gifts and headed for
her locker to change into boots.
The
drive home wasn’t long or filled with countless delays.
After parking her car and collecting her things, she caught the
elevator up to the ninth floor.
Outside her door was a small distinctive boutique shopping bag.
She looked at her name and couldn’t recognize the handwriting. She
moved through the apartment, lighting her tree as she went, and turning
on the stereo. Before she
changed clothing she stopped in the kitchen, put on a large pan of
water, sprinkled cinnamon into the water and left it to steep.
Later she knew the apartment would have a heavenly warm spicy
smell she always associated with Christmas. After
a leisurely shower she changed into a soft cranberry velour jump suit
and added a gold link belt.
She put on comfy ballet slippers and was all ready for any guests from
the building who dropped in.
Being the youngest resident on her floor, she was for many
neighbors a substitute granddaughter and they made sure she wasn’t alone
on the holidays.
Carrying her pot of tea to the living room she settled on the sofa and
then looked inside the boutique bag.
Withdrawing a beautifully wrapped package, she quickly looked at
the card. “Oh, wow!”
She laughed when she realized she had spoken aloud.
Inside the box was an elegant silk scarf in shades of pinks,
fuchsia, plum, violets, and deep wine. It perfectly matched the suit she
was wearing and she quickly draped it around her neck, tying it into a
stylish soft bow. Picking up the phone, she
quickly dialed. “Catherine,
I’m glad I caught you.
Thank you so much for the beautiful scarf.
I just got home and found it.
It was so sweet of you to think of me.”
They chatted for several minutes longer and agreed they would
meet for dinner later in the week. Her gifts from Charles and
Devin were still under the tree.
She had purposely saved them for opening after she got home.
Pouring her tea, she settled to unwrapping her gifts from her
co-workers plus a few gifts from the families of several long-term
patients. Several neighbors came to
call, staying for tea and cookies, so it was closer to evening when she
settled on the floor beside her tree to open her gifts from Charles and
Devin. The first gift she
opened was a delightful photograph of Angel caught in mid-air as he
leaped to capture his favorite toy, the dangling feather.
On the gift tag was a perfect paw print, followed by multiple
xoxox. In the next box was a
perfect replica model of the USS Constitution sealed within a large
bottle. Reading the card,
she found herself wiping away happy tears.
The next box produced a lush silk sweater in her favorite plum
pink color. Another box
produced a pair of rich garnet earrings and a beautiful card from Devin. Gathering up the wrapping,
she stopped when she discovered a long, flat envelope peeking out from
the box that had contained the model ship.
She slipped the message from the envelope and settled to read.
Dearest Angel Bree,
Dev says once the two of you marry, you will
be with us forever. I like
that. We will be a family
of hearts; they are the best kind.
I talked to Catherine and she helped me with the next part.
She knows all about the law stuff.
Love you,
Charles
Moving to the next sheet of
paper Bree continued to read.
To All Be it Known that I, Charles Wells, do
formally before God, Dev and everyone adopt Briana (Bree) Wellington as
my sister of the heart.
I will love and protect her for always.
I promise to be her friend, watch over her and keep her safe.
I promise to share all I possess, including
Angel, for as long as I live.
I freely give her my heart as she has freely given me hers. Beneath his signature was a
ribbon and a gold seal and below that was Devin’s signature as witness.
*** Wiping away her tears she
reached for the phone and quickly dialed.
“Hello?” “Hi, this is Bree, I’d like
to speak with my brother, please.” “Hey, Charles, your sister
wants to speak to you.”
The End |