Life, Etc. -- Twenty-five

The next morning Megan opened the shop door as Stephen stepped out of his car.  “Hey, I didn’t expect to see you!  Come on in and we’ll have some coffee and one of Isabelle’s delicious pastries.”

Stephen smiled and gave her a hug as he entered.  “Is anyone else here, Megan?”

“No just me, Moscato and Gilly.  Is there a problem?”

“I just want to thank you again for last night, Megan.  I called Michael when I got home.  He has suggested that perhaps I think about doing some traveling before settling down.  So I came by to tell you that I will be leaving here as I planned.  However, once I get myself settled in New York, I’m making my trip to Italy.  I have a lot of thinking to do, and need a clear head to make some decisions for my life.  Can you think of any place better than Venice and Florence for that?”

“Are you sure you needed to tell me all this, or are you just gloating?” Megan smiled as she grabbed his hand across the bistro table.  “I think it’s absolutely wonderful!  You do need time.  However, I don’t want you to feel badly that others who care very much about you have to endure the cold, gray skies of Oregon winter.”

“Sorry, Megan, that’s pure jealousy coming out.  I’d see a counselor if I were you.”  They laughed together and it felt good.

Just then Isabelle entered the shop.  “It’s good to see you my Friend.  Come join Stephen and me.  Want some coffee?”  Megan stood up to hug her friend.

“I’d love some.  I’ve been up since early this morning baking.  I haven’t had a chance to thank you for Rachel’s clothes.  She loves them, and I think they’ve changed her personality.”

“Rachel and Kaitlin had a great time shopping.  Reminds me of what I’ll be doing with Emily in a few years.”

“When will Rachel work to pay them off?”  Isabelle wanted to be sure Megan followed through on her work-for-clothes exchange.  Megan had already done so much for them.

“Really, Isabelle, I do need help, and I’ll call in a few days when I get more organized.”

“Megan tells me that you’re baking up a storm with several customers already, Isabelle.  That’s great!”  Stephen hesitated.  “Ah, have you heard that I’ve resigned at Sunset Baptist?”

Isabelle looked shocked, and tears welled up in her eyes.  “What?  Why?  Did you hear from Roland?”

“No, no, Isabelle.  I’ll explain it all in Sunday’s sermon.”

“Stephen, you’ve been so supportive of me.  I want to wish you the very best.”

“Goodness, I’ve got to get going.  I’ll leave these pastries, and I’m off to Eugene for another delivery.”

After Isabelle left, both Stephen and Megan spoke at once and laughed—something they did so easily together.  “OK, you go first, Stephen.”

“I cannot get over the change in Isabelle.  She has personality, her face lights up just looking at people, she’s articulate, and even her clothes seem different.  She has color inside and out.  You and Diane are her saviors.”

“No, I think we both hoped there was some light left in her after all her years of deprivation.  She is an incredible woman—and after hearing her story, I’d say she comes from pretty courageous stock.  Isabelle shared with Diane and me some things about her mother.

“So, when do you take off?”  Megan wanted to know but didn’t want to know.  She’d miss him terribly.

“This Sunday is my last sermon.  I’m going to haul my things up to Michael’s and they’ll be put on his moving van to Binghamton.”

Megan looked at him with sadness.  “How do you plan to tell your

congregation?”

“I’m going to be honest with them.  It’s not an easy subject to

approach under the best of circumstances, and I’m sure many won’t understand, but I’ve been living a lie too long.

 

          “Stephen, I haven’t been to church in years, and have no desire to begin, but would you mind if I come? You’ll know you have one no-holds-barred supporter.”

          “I’d love that, and to be perfectly honest, I hoped you’d suggest it.”

          Stephen left and Megan called Diane.  She answered after the third ring.  “Good, I’m glad I got a hold of you, Diane.  I haven’t seen you in a few days.  Is everything OK?”

          “Jeremy has a bad cold.  He’s home from school today, but if I have to put a faucet on his nose, I’m sending him back tomorrow!  What’s up with you?”

          “Well, I have a favor to ask.  Would you go with me to hear Stephen’s last sermon this Sunday?”

          Megan could hear Diane’s intake of breath.  “Well, I’ll respond with two questions.  First, you’re going to church?  And, why is it his last sermon?”

          “Well, Stephen has resigned at Sunset Baptist and is leaving town, but I’d like you to hear it all from him on Sunday.  Willing to go with me?”

          “Sure.  I think I can.  Let me check on a babysitter for a couple of hours.  What time does the service begin?”

          To be continued...

         

Life, Etc. -- Twenty-four

Just before 6, the bell rang and Emily ran downstairs to answer.  She liked this pastor friend of her mother’s. 

During dinner, they all chatted easily.  Emily talked about The Curse of Addy McMahon, a book she’d just begun.  “It’s by Katie Davis,” Emily proudly announced.

Stephen, obviously impressed with this precocious 10 year old said, “Wow, Emily, I’m not sure I ever knew the authors of books I read at your age!”

“Well, your mother probably didn’t own a book store,” she responded mischievously.

   

Megan promised Emily one game of Rummi Kube before bedtime, and then she could read for half an hour before lights out.

 

After Emily said good night, they settled with cups of tea in the living room.  Megan could feel Stephen tense.  Since it had been his idea to talk with her, she thought she should allow him to begin.  Finally he smiled and said, “Megan, I have something to tell you and I’m nervous.  I’m not sure how to start.”

“Stephen, I realize we’ve not known each other very long, but I assure you that I’m here to listen.   Just tell me whatever it is, and we can go from there.”  Megan tried to put up a strong front, but that’s all it was—a front.  Would he tell her he had feelings for her?  How would she respond?  She definitely liked him, and was flattered if that were the case, but…

“Well, Megan, it’s common knowledge that my wife and I divorced.  Our marriage ended quite cordially.  I know she was hurt, as I was, but after some difficult conversations, we both realized it needed to end.  I decided it would be best to leave the area—divorce in a conservative church community is difficult enough without it involving the pastor.  When I came here—and I know that I did it to escape—I thought maybe I could make things work as a single pastor.  I see now I was only fooling myself."  He hesitated, and then, "Megan, I’m leaving the ministry.”

Megan sat quietly.  While she was completely surprised by what he revealed, she said, “I sense you want to say more.”

He lowered his head and dug his hands into his thighs.  Megan held back the urge to go sit by him and put her arm around his shoulder.

“Megan, I am gay.  At some level, I’ve known it since I was about 10, but I’ve spent all my life denying it.  Getting married was so unfair to my wife—a truly wonderful woman.  I really did think it was something about me that I could change.  And then I figured that being a pastor could change me.  I was so screwed up for so long.  When I came here, I thought that I could just hide myself in ministerial work; I shouldn’t get too involved with the young women in the church anyway; I could make it work.  But I know I’ve been living a lie—and I can’t continue that.”

 

He hesitated, took a breath, and looked into Megan’s face.  She smiled, and realized that he might not understand her reaction.

“Stephen, first of all I want to thank you for trusting me enough to share this.  I told you before that I respect you, and what you’ve said only reinforces that respect.  My heart aches that you’ve had to live a lie because religion doesn’t acknowledge the validity of diversity as I believe God does—not that I know a lot about his rules and regulations.

 

“This has obviously caused you a lot of pain.  So, what’s next?  Will you remain here?  Move?  Where would you go?”  Megan felt selfish.  She realized how much she valued his friendship and didn’t want him to leave.

“Today I mailed a letter to my church board members telling them I am resigning and leaving the area.  You remember Michael, who was here Thanksgiving?  He has been a friend for years.  I think I told you that we met at a ministerial conference.  I didn’t know that he was gay, but suspected it.  Then when I moved here, I met him again at some meetings.  We’ve developed a friendship, and he’s moving to upstate New York to pastor at an Episcopal congregation there.  They are welcoming him as a gay priest.

“Michael has invited me to stay with him while I figure out who I am without a secret life.  We talked long and hard while I was in Portland at Christmas.  I feel badly for leaving, but know that in being honest—which I must do—there will be those who cannot accept information that goes so astray from their conservatively held beliefs.

“I have dealt with my own self-doubts and the Christian belief system for years.  It has been an incredibly painful journey, and many have been hurt.  I have to say that my former wife has probably been the most supportive.

“I’ll be leaving the middle of February.  Arriving in Binghamton, New York in winter is not ideal, but it is a beautiful place—a university town, and just a few hours from New York City.”

Megan felt the atmosphere relax.  “Perhaps someday when I begin to do some traveling, I can visit you and Michael.”  

“We’d love that, though to be honest, I’m not sure where I’ll end up.  Michael is the one who convinced me that I had to be honest with you.  He knew you’d be supportive.  I really am glad I told you.”

Megan gave a little girl smile.  “Stephen, I guess you’re my ‘Will’.”  He looked at her questioningly.

“Well, with admissions in the air, I’ll add mine.  I’ve had a crush on you.  I wasn’t in love but certainly a school-girl-level crush.  So now, like Grace, I have my Will.”  Megan laughed and walked over to Stephen, sat down next to him and put her arms around him.  They hugged for several seconds.

Megan was the first to speak.  “I think this calls for some wine; a time to clink our glasses.  Let’s celebrate my Will and the courage and the integrity it took to come to this place.”  She returned from the kitchen with the wine-filled glasses.  They smiled and toasted to their futures, and sipped in a comfortable silence.

After he left, Megan slipped into Emily’s room, kissed her goodnight and went into her own bedroom.  The duvet felt good as she snuggled under its weight.  Her head buzzed from the glass of wine.  She and Stephen had shared an intimate moment and she wanted to record it in her journal. Unfortunately, within seconds her eyes closed and she fell asleep.

To be continued...

Life, Etc. -- Twenty-three

Chloe’s house was located on a two acre piece of land about a mile

from the Book ‘n Brew.  Megan had seen the house the first time she and Emily drove through Maple Village.  Louise had told her the history of the place.  The house was built in the late 1940’s—probably the first building in Maple Village after World War II.  The same family had lived there until a couple of years ago when the husband died and the wife went to live with a son in Portland.

Chloe opened the door and greeted Megan.  Again, she was impressed by this woman she barely knew, but who exuded such strength and beauty.

“Your house is lovely, Chloe!  I saw some work being done last fall, but didn’t realize the property had sold.”

“I was very fortunate.  I bought the house on a day the owners’ son was here.  Once I signed the papers, he allowed me to make some choices for the remodel in progress.”

Megan looked about her at the dark red/orange front door and the black shutters contrasting with the taupe siding.  The large front porch only added to the character of the home.

“I also chose my own colors for inside paint, carpet and hardwood floors.  He said they might as well be what I want.  It was like having my own house built, except that I have the charm of an older home.  Would you like to look around?”

“I’d love to!”  Even with boxes and furniture that obviously didn’t have their final place, the home felt cozy.

After the tour, Chloe took Megan into a room that measured about 15 x 20.  “This is where I want to have my studio and teach art classes.  It has perfect sunlight, and I love the view from these windows—it’s what sold me on the house.  I think the family added this room because they had four or five small grandchildren all at once.  This was the kid’s room when they visited.”

 

Megan saw numerous canvases along the wall.  “And, here are the pieces I’d like you to consider for the shop.”

“Chloe, these are beautiful!”  Megan couldn’t believe the vibrant colors and designs.  “I mean, they are exquisite!  Are these oil or acrylic?

 

“Most of these are acrylic.  The watercolors are in the other room.”

“I love your work!  I know they’ll sell, and will add such flair and distinction to my shop I’ll hate to have them leave.”  On closer observation, Megan noted, “You said you are Italian.  I see you are continuing the beauty of Italy through your art.”

“I’ve spent quite a lot of time visiting there since moving to the States—sabbaticals and a few vacations.  I think I’m in a rut, so this spring, I want to give more local expression to my work.”

Megan selected numerous canvasses—doorways filled with flowers along narrow streets and fields of sunflowers—and they talked about when Chloe could come into the shop to help determine arrangement.

 

Megan chose several pictures for the “Brew” corner that fit in well with food and snacks and drinks—a colorful outdoor Italian restorante and a picnic scene beside a lake with a lovely Italian villa in the background.  As she stood envisioning the new look of her shop, she remembered the large Italian linen napkins that her college friend, Adair, had brought her.  They would work perfectly made into seat covers for the bistro chairs.

 

“I can’t wait until all these are in place!”  Megan suddenly looked at her watch.  “O, goodness, I have a friend coming for dinner.  I’d better get going.  Thank you so much, Chloe.”

“Hey, thank you, Megan!  This will be a great help in getting my name out in the community.  We’ll complete the paperwork when I come in on Monday.”

 

As Megan left she hoped that this was the beginning of a long friendship.

To be continued...

Life, Etc. -- Twenty-two

On Tuesday, Louise and Danny stopped by.  “Do you still want Danny to tell stories, Megan?”  Danny’s face lit up.

 

“You bet!”  Megan’s heart warmed at the sight of this very sweet

young man.  “In fact, I had your names on my To Do List to call you today.  Chris worked up a flyer and some posters, so let's talk about dates.  What stories do you want to tell, Danny?”

         

“I want to tell Do You Want to Be My Friend? and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do you Hear?  Are they good ones, Megan?”  His face showed so much excitement that for a second she felt desperate that it be a success for Danny’s sake.

 

“Danny, those are great choices!”

“Thank you, Megan, I will do my best.”  Danny spoke his words with careful diction.

 

The rest of the day went well with several customers cashing in their gift certificates for good gray-day, winter reading.

Just before closing, Stephen walked through the door.  “Hey, Stranger, I haven’t seen you in ages--in fact, hardly since Thanksgiving.  Where have you been keeping yourself?”

“Actually,” said Stephen, “I was so busy with the Christmas program and other things going on at the church.  And then I spent several days around Christmas with friends in Portland.  I haven’t been ignoring you—honestly.”

 

“Well, you have been missed.  Isabelle and Rachael spent Christmas with Emily and me.  Diane and the Boys went to see family at the coast.  And I’ve been busy here.  We must all get together again.  Thanksgiving was so much fun!  You’ll have to ask your friend, Michael, to come down again!”

A shadow crossed Stephen’s face.  It was slight, but Megan noticed it immediately.  “Is Michael OK, Stephen?”

“Yes, but do you think we could get together for dinner again.  I really need to talk with you.”

 

“Sure, Stephen, why not come up to my place?  Emily goes to bed at 8:30 on school nights, so we’d have privacy.  You’re looking so serious.  Are you sure everything is OK?”

“Well, it’s not OK on one hand, but very OK on the other.  I’d like to wait and talk about it when we can get together.”

“Sure.  Will Thursday work for you?  You have Prayer Meeting on Wednesday, don’t you?  How about 6:30?”

“Hey, that would be great.  Thank you.  I’ll be here.”  Stephen left without another word.  Megan stood looking at the door wondering what Stephen would be saying on Thursday.  Does he suspect that I have just a bit of  a crush on him and he wants to tell me he has no interest?  Or he’s found the love of his life?  OK, Megan, don’t start making assumptions….

                      

Chris walked through the door singing on Thursday afternoon.  “Hmmm, you must be in love!”  Megan had the feeling since winter break that Chris had more going on in his life than previously.

 

Chris smiled.  “Well, as a matter of fact, I think I’m in like.”

 

Megan laughed.  “I haven't heard that expression in years!  Are you going to tell me about her?  Do I have to hold back your paycheck until I get a full report?”  She hoped Chris enjoyed her teasing as much as she loved giving it out.

“I’m not divulging anything yet.  I’ll tell you after our first date.”

"I’d like to stick around and prod you, but I’m going to see some art work that I may be hanging in the shop.  Call me on my cell phone if you need me.  I won’t be gone too long.”

Because of the temperatures—in the low 30’s—Megan drove the short distance.

To be continued...

Life, Etc. -- Twenty-one

The following week found Megan busier than she’d expected. Fortunately, Chris planned to work full days so end-of-the-year bookwork could begin.

  

Tuesday morning began with cold temperatures, but a clear cobalt blue sky.  Without precipitation the roads were clear and the laughter of two teenage girls made the trip to Eugene fun.

Megan planned to use the youthful ideas of companions to help her find some new clothes.  Since Rachael would begin the local high school in a few days, Megan also wanted her to have some new things for school.

 

The day in Eugene with two teenagers turned out to be great fun for all three.  Perhaps because Megan wasn’t their mother, Kaitlin and Rachael opened up about many things in their lives.  While the girls looked at clothes, Megan asked Rachael if she’d like to “earn” some clothes by helping out in the shop during inventory.  They determined how many hours and the salary per hour, and Rachael excitedly started looking for clothes.

The girls collected an enormous pile of possibilities—jeans, knit tops, and jackets.  They went into the dressing room and Rachael tried on the selections and modeled them for Megan.  She looked adorable so it was easy to give approval.  Megan hoped that trips with Emily in a couple of years would be this much fun.

Sales helped their money go lots farther, and Rachael was excited at what she found.

Now it was time for Megan—who was determined to spiff up her wardrobe.  As she tried on clothes, the door opened slightly and a beautiful sexy, black organza, spaghetti strapped dress appeared on an arm with a silver charm bracelet surprisingly like the one Kaitlin wore.  A small, whispering voice began, “Megan, you’d look sensational in this!”

She laughed, “One appearance in that getup would change the image of my innocent little book shop forever!”

 

“We have plans for your social life,” the voice continued.  She could hear the girls giggling.  “Get this!  And it’s even on sale!  We’re just looking out for you!”  Megan laughed and told the girls that they’d be the first to take her shopping when Mr. Right came into her life.

A late afternoon lunch at a cute bistro in the university district, and they headed home.

Megan wasn’t unhappy when school started after the New Year.  She needed to regain some order.  She had taken time off to spend with Emily and enjoyed every minute, but could feel stress building as projects piled up in the shop.  Inventory now must take priority.

One Monday morning, on a gray day in the middle of January, a woman walked into the shop.  Megan had not seen her before.  She looked to be in her early 60’s with the most beautiful long, white hair Megan had ever seen.  Tall and elegant in a bright colored peasant skirt, white long-sleeved, ruffled blouse and red flat-heeled boots.  A red, woolen shawl served as a jacket.  In fact, thought Megan, I can’t remember when I’ve seen a more striking woman.  Megan knew immediately that she wanted to become friends with this woman.

“Good morning,” said Megan, “are you passing through or a resident of Maple Village I’ve not met?”

“Well, actually,” the woman said as she walked up and put her hand out, “a couple of months ago, I bought a house on the edge of town.  I just moved in a couple of weeks ago.  So I guess you’d call me a new resident.”

“Welcome to Maple Village!"  The women shook hands.

“I’m Chloe Moretti.  I took early retirement from teaching so I could work on my art.  Actually, you are the person I want to see.  I’m wondering if you might be interested in displaying some of my sketches and paintings in your shop.  We could work out a commission.”

Megan almost laughed.  “This is uncanny.  I’ve been in a dilemma about how to brighten up the walls in the shop, and redo a bit of the coffee area to bring more life into the space.  During these gray days, we need all the life and inspiration we can get.  So, yes, I’d love to see some of your work.

 

“Come, sit down, and I’ll get some coffee and a pastry that my friend makes.”  Megan thought she detected an accent.  “Your inflection doesn’t sound familiar.  Are you from somewhere other than the U.S.?”

Chloe smiled.  “Some parts of our identity always remain.  Yes, I’m originally from Italy.  I married a German many years ago and we immigrated to the U.S.  But he died over 30 years ago and I remained here in the States.”

“Well, what is left of your accent is beautiful—a soft brogue comes across.”  Megan always loved meeting people from other countries.  Someday she would actually travel to those places instead of depending upon hearing secondhand stories.  As they sat down in the Brew, Megan continued, “When can I see your art work?”

“If you’re able to come to my place, it might be easier to see all I have.  Eventually, I want to set up a small studio and teach, but right now nothing is in its permanent place.”

The women made an appointment to meet at Chloe’s on Thursday afternoon after Chris came to work.

After Chloe left the shop, she continued to think about this tall, beautiful, white-haired woman.  There was something about her—had she met her in a previous lifetime.  Megan smiled at the thought.  She didn’t really believe in reincarnation—or more correctly, she didn’t know anything about it, but Megan found something so familiar, so comfortable about Chloe—and, an immediate connection.

To be continued...

Life, Etc. -- Twenty

The afternoon of the Winter Program didn’t arrive soon enough for Megan.  She just wanted to get the visit over with.  Jonathan flew into Eugene and rented a car to drive to Maple Village.  Emily had persuaded Megan to have her dad for dinner.  Well, that is one thing I can do well—cook to please him, thought Megan.  Jonathan had arrived in town at 3 and picked Emily up from school.  Megan suggested they come to the apartment and spend time together.  As Emily and Jonathan laughed in the living room upstairs, Megan finished some work in the shop.  Chris would take over when she needed to begin dinner.

Megan entered their apartment and found Jonathan and Emily on the floor around the coffee table playing a board game.  “Megan, you’ve done a beautiful job with this place.  And I really like the arrangement of everything in your shop.”  Jonathan had never been hesitant about showing his appreciation when Megan did well.  She missed that—she now had to find that affirming place within herself.

“Thanks, I’m still debating about what to do with the walls.  I need more life in the shop.”

Megan went back to the kitchen to begin dinner.  Her menu included Arugula Salad with Black Olives, Grilled Eggplant with Herb Dressing, and Braised Chicken with Oranges.  She didn’t know if it was a good idea to prepare what she knew to be Jonathan’s favorites, but what the hell, she liked them as well.  For Emily, she’d heat up linguine and she could pick and choose from the other offerings.

It seemed strange for the three of them to sit down together for a home-cooked meal.  The table looked festive and the tree lights were on.  Megan felt a catch in her heart as they sat down.  A painful nostalgia—especially having Emily see her parents together who aren’t together at all.

The play was adorable with all the faux pas that make elementary school programs so memorable.  Jonathan stayed an extra day and took Emily sledding on some snow-covered hills nearby.  When they returned, Megan had chili and corn bread ready for them. That evening they all played Rummi Kube before he left for the motel.  He had an early flight home the next morning.  It was difficult for Emily to say good by, and perhaps as difficult for Megan to witness it.  But Megan knew a positive visit had taken place for all three.

Christmas morning came with the usual excitement from Emily—she wasn’t into babies or Barbie’s much, but loved the American Girl dolls and wardrobe that came from Megan’s parents.  Jonathan had sent her games, and Megan filled in with clothes and books.  Emily had painted a lovely watercolor—she truly had an artistic flair—of the autumn view off their deck.  Megan was so touched because her daughter would recognize that place as her mother’s favorite.  They talked about just the right place for the painting.

Diane and the boys drove to the coast to spend the day with Karl’s aunt and uncle.  Because of all the losses, Diane wanted her boys to be with family whenever possible.  And Ted and Millie loved the boys.

Megan had called Stephen to make sure he had a place for dinner and he told her some friends from Portland had invited him for the day.

                                                 

Isabelle and Rachael came for dinner at 3:00.  Isabelle had insisted on bringing dessert—much to the excitement of both Megan and Emily.  The prime rib, mashed potatoes and veggies—all old family recipes from Megan’s mother and grandmother—filled the table.  Festive napkins, colorful dishes, and candles filled the entire surface.

Rachael agreed to teach Emily how to play one of her new games, so after the meal they took off to Emily’s bedroom.  Megan and Isabelle settled themselves with a cup of tea in the living room.

“Mind if I ask you how your Christmas morning went without your husband?”  Megan felt a bit like she was intruding, but they were becoming very close.

“Actually, it was easier than I anticipated.  There was definitely a ‘presence’ absent, but he rarely wanted to participate in anything that he considered frivolous.”  There was a note of sadness, but it seemed to be more for the past than the present.  “Ezra is spending the day with his roommate’s family.  He decided not to drive down because he goes to work quite early tomorrow.”

“How has he taken Roland’s leaving?”  Megan lounged back on her end of the sofa.  It was so good to have a friend like Isabelle.  And she had so much more depth than anyone had previously recognized.

“Ezra sounded so grown-up and protective when I told him.  He said, ‘Mom, it’s probably difficult for you, but believe me, you are better off!  Let me know if I can help out.’  I told him to just concentrate on his education right now.”

“So how is the licensing going for bakery products?  And do you have any other places in mind for distribution?”  Megan wanted Isabelle to do well.

“I’ve had all the inspections and they went well.  That process should be completed within a week.  And I got a call from a bakery in Eugene the other day.  Evidently a woman who’d had a Persian Walnut Pastry here last week, called a friend of hers who has a restaurant.  I’m glad you suggested business cards.  This restaurant specializes in ethnic foods—a different ethnicity each week.  I’ll make the desserts and pastries to go with the meals.  So I’m making some that are new for me and taking them up.  We have an appointment on Tuesday.  Wish me luck!”

“That’s wonderful!”  Megan had been accused many times of being an eternal optimist, but after tasting so many of Isabelle’s wonderful bakery items, she knew if word got out that she’d do well.  “Have you figured out expenses, and profit margins and all those kinds of dull, but necessary things?”

“Actually, it’s amazing what I’ve found on the internet.  Roland was furious when I got a computer a couple of years ago, but I told him that I needed resources for home-schooling since Ezra and Rachael had to meet State requirements for graduation.

“By the way, did I tell you that Rachael is starting public high school at the beginning of winter term?  She’s so excited about it and Kaitlin has promised to introduce her around.  That will take so much pressure off of me.  Besides the socialization that my kids have missed out on, it is really tough in this age of information and technology to do an adequate job of home schooling high school age kids.”

Megan wanted to help out this little family as they got started in their new independence, but she didn’t want to hurt Isabelle’s feelings.  Hesitantly, she said, “Isabelle, I’d like to take Rachael to Eugene with me next Tuesday.  She’d be a help because I have several places to go.  Would you mind if I ask her?”

“No, of course not, I’m sure she’d be thrilled.  Going to the city is not something we’ve done much of. Go ahead and ask her.”

They both looked out at the graying sky.  Isabelle spoke first, “If I live to 90, I’ll not get used to such early sundown times during the winter.  We should probably get going.  I’ve got to get up early to do some baking.  The owners at Corky’s are interested in adding a fresh bakery section.  Megan, I hope that won’t hurt your sales here.”  Megan shopped at Corky’s whenever she could.  They specialized in buying local produce and using local suppliers.

“O, no, my customers just want something to eat while they sip coffee and read or chat with friends.  You find all the customers you can to bring yourself success!” Megan’s excitement was evident.

A short time later, Isabelle and Rachael left, but not before Megan asked Rachael about the trip to Eugene.  She was, not surprisingly, thrilled! “What about Emily?  Is she going too?”

“No, I’ve made arrangements for her to stay with Kelli Donnelly.  But I wonder if Kaitlin would like to go?”  Megan’s plan was falling into place.

“I’d love for Kaitlin to go.  May I call her?”

 

“Sure, just tell her it was my idea.  Emily is staying with Kelli anyway.  I’ll pick you both up.  We’ll leave by 10 a.m.”

To be continued...

Life, Etc. -- Nineteen

Frost covered the trees on Thursday morning.  Steam from Megan’s coffee whirled up to warm her face.  Another beautiful morning.

Emily’s a.m. reluctance began as soon as she opened her eyes.  “Mom, why do you wake me up so early?  You know I’m not a morning person!”

“Em, you talk to your principal about changing the hours of school, and I’ll be happy to let you sleep in!  Until then, my Little Lady, you need more than 20 minutes to get ready for school.  So get up now, Kiddo!!”  Megan gave her a love tap on her butt.

Later, downstairs, Megan heard the bell as she was straightening books in the Philosophy section.  She looked up to see Isabelle coming through the front door carrying a basket.  “Hey, my Friend, good to see you!”  Just then the last customer walked up to the register, and Megan continued, “I’ll be with you in a minute Isabelle.”

“I got up early and baked this morning so I could bring you some sweet samples.”

“O my goodness!” was all Megan could say when she saw the pastries.  “These are gorgeous and smell wonderful!  They look like works of art!  I want to take pictures of them!  You’re going to have to tell me what they are!”

   

“I brought samples of Moroccan Almond pastry, Chorizo and Ricotta Tart and Black Forest Cheesecake.  I haven’t made them in such a long time.  It was fun!”

 

“What do I owe you, Isabelle?  I’m not sure anyone is Maple Village has seen anything quite like these!”

“No, I don’t want you to pay for these, Megan.  Let’s see if anyone likes them first.  The next batch I’ll take your money.  Besides, I don’t have my license yet—I’d get in trouble if I sold them.”

Just then the shop door opened and in walked Stephen.  “Well, seems to me I’ve seen you two before!  What are those?” he said when he saw Megan filling the trays of the showcase.

“Come on let’s have some coffee and goodies!”  Megan couldn’t wait to bite into one.  They both hmm-ed and ahh-ed as they sampled the treats.

“So, did Roland get back?” Stephen asked innocently as he munched on some samples.

 

Isabelle looked at Megan.  “Yes, Stephen.”  She still had a difficult time calling her pastor by his first name.  Roland always insisted on more formality.  “He did, and he left again, but this time without me.  He found a church in a small town in Texas.  I told him Rachael and I would not be going with him.”

Stephen looked up at Isabelle and then over to Megan, and realized he’d stepped into something.  Isabelle spoke up.  “It’s OK, I called Megan last night and told her, and that’s part of the reason I’m here right now.”

“Please forgive me for intruding.” 

 

“Actually, I planned to call you today.  Roland and I talked last night, and I knew you’d need to know because of his position as Head Elder.  I really have nothing to keep from you.”

“Well, more importantly, is there anything you need right now?  I will say that you have my support.  I’ll let you ladies talk.  You can stop by anytime you need to see me.”  Stephen was secretly elated that Roland was gone.  He hoped it was where the man would be happy--though he didn’t think that with his current belief system and controlling ways, he’d ever be happy.

Isabelle smiled.  “Thank you, Stephen, for your support.  I do want to talk with you, but give me a few days.  Right now, Megan and Diane are the friends I need, and I’m hoping to get their help in finding a way to earn a living.”  She chuckled and went on, “I know there are brains somewhere inside this skull of mine.  It’s been awhile since I’ve called upon them for much of anything.”  They all laughed.

 

Stephen got up to leave and said, “Actually, I came to see if my book has come in.”

Megan looked up.  “I expect it any day.  I’ll call you when it arrives.”

As Stephen stood he put his hand on Isabelle’s shoulder.  “I mean it—please call me if you need anything.”

After he left, Isabelle’s eyes lit up.  “O my goodness!  I almost forgot to tell you what I got in the mail this morning!”

 

“From the look on your face, I'm thinking it's good.”  She couldn’t believe the change in this woman who, at nearly 40 years old, was finally coming of age.

“It’s a letter from an insurance company.  Evidently Mother took out a life insurance policy after she came to visit Roland and me when he was sick that time.  You know, I told you about it.”  Megan nodded.  “She listed me as the beneficiary.  Now they have to verify some information about my identity, and then they will send me a check.”

“How much is it for?” Megan hesitated.  “I’m sorry.  That’s none of my business.  Whatever amount, it's probably coming at a good time.”

“I’d be glad to tell you if I knew.  I was busy baking so didn’t do much more than read the notification.  I have to get my birth certificate, drivers’ license, etc. together and mail them notarized copies, and then they’ll give me all the information.”

Just as they were cleaning up their crumbs, Diane walked into the shop.  While Isabelle brought her up to date on the happenings in her life, Megan finished the display of new bakery items.

At last Diane spoke up.  “Isabelle, if Rachael can babysit for me tonight and Laurel can take care of Emily, how about the three of us going out for dinner?  I know it doesn’t sound exactly like a time to celebrate, but instead of looking at a situation of ‘breaking up’ let’s view this as a ‘growing up’ of Isabelle, and honor you!  What do you say?”

They each agreed to do their part to make the dinner happen.

That evening, with babysitters in place, the three women met at P & J Diner—the perfect place for celebration.  As they entered, Bill Haley and the Comets’ were rockin’ around the clock from a jute box in the corner.  Pictures of Elvis, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez, Frankie Avalon and other stars of that era adorned the walls.  Red booths with chrome-plated tables covered the room.

Owners Marilyn and Joe Harding, themselves of the 50s era, had never heard such laughter coming from the small corner booth.  The women ordered a bottle of wine, and to the astonishment of the waitress, even Mrs. Fisher, the wife of that horrible religious man, could be seen drinking a small glass.

To be continued...