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...

Life, Etc. -- Eighteen

On Tuesday, Megan pulled away from Emily’s school when she saw Isabelle walking toward the center of town.  “Hey, Friend, where are you going?”

 

“Hi Megan, I was actually headed your way.  I have some information on licensing my kitchen if you’re still interested.”

“You bet I am!”  Megan was thrilled.  “Hop in.  I headed back to the shop.”

Each time Megan saw Isabelle, her heart smiled.  She loved the Pygmalion effect taking place in Isabelle.  The natural color—pink in her cheeks, a darker blue in her eyes--and smile-lines in her face that hadn't been there before.

 

On the short drive to the Book ‘n Brew Isabelle talked about inspections and licensing to allow her to bake and sell from her kitchen.  It all seemed like a possibility.

After Emily went up to the apartment, Megan lowered her voice and said, “Have you heard from your husband?”

“He left a phone message while I was at the store yesterday.  It wasn’t much information but he said to begin packing.  He has a new church.  Megan, I am not going to leave here.  I’m becoming more and more concerned with Roland’s stability.”

Megan also had real concerns about his emotional health, but decided not to add any of her own thoughts.  “How do you think he’ll feel about your not going with him?”

“Megan, he’ll be furious!  I have questioned him on several moves we’ve made, but never put my foot down before.  I know whatever I can find to do to make a living here will be more secure than I’ve felt with Roland in a long time.  He said he’d be home on Wednesday evening, so I’ll talk to him then.”  

After Isabelle left the shop, Megan took a peek at her schedule for the next few weeks--busy time!  Practice for Emily’s Winter Program began this week.  Emily had the part of a fairy—which meant Megan had a fairy costume to make.  Light pink netting lined in light weight cotton—wings glued for stiffness.  Megan remembered her childhood costumes with a smile.

Emily said she’d missed her mother but she couldn’t stop talking about her Thanksgiving trip to see her dad.  While she wasn’t in love with his girlfriend, evidently the woman was nice.  Their time together oozed enough with success that Emily invited her father to come for the Winter Program.  Great—am I supposed to invite him to stay?    Megan felt her stomach churn slightly.

               

On Wednesday evening, Megan couldn’t get her mind off Isabelle.  She called Diane.  “Hey, have you heard anything from Isabelle?”

“No, but I can’t stop thinking about her.  Should we call her?”

“I’m tempted, but we’ve got to remember that she’s a big girl.  I want to believe the ‘new’ Isabelle can handle herself.”  They hung up, but continued wondering what might be going on in the Fisher home.

About 10 o’clock, Megan’s phone rang.  She grabbed it so it wouldn’t wake Emily.  “Megan, this is Isabelle.  I know I’m calling late, but….”

“Isabelle, I’m so glad you called.  How is everything?”  Megan didn’t want to sound as anxious as she felt.

“It went smoother than I thought.  I kept reminding myself to say only what was necessary.  I didn’t want to accuse him of anything, but just state my position.  And that’s all I did.”

“What was his response?”  Megan tried to hide her anxiety.

“Well, it was so odd—he gave me a strange look—as if he were afraid.”  Megan was reminded of the look she saw in his eyes the last time he came into her shop.  “He told me it was my place as his wife to go wherever he did.  I told him I’d spent my life doing that. I was not doing it anymore.  Then he went into the bedroom and packed a few boxes—some clothes and his books and years of notes he’s made from his studies, and left without another word.”

 

“Where is his new church?”  Megan honestly didn’t care, but was just happy that he was leaving.

 

“In a little town in south Texas,” Isabelle said.  “I can’t even remember the name.  I’m sure this won’t be the last I hear from him.  But I have to admit that even though I don’t know what my future holds, I feel at peace right now.”

“How will Rachael take this, and your son?”

 

“I know Rachael cares about her father, but he was so strict with her that she was pretty stressed whenever he was around.  And in the days he’s been gone, she’s made a couple of friends.  She’s staying with one tonight.  I let her go because I wasn’t sure what would happen when he returned.  It’s Kaitlin Donnelly.  She’s Rachael’s age, and her mother has talked with me several times in the grocery store.  They seem like a nice family.”

“O, Isabelle, I’m so happy for Rachael.  The Donnellys’ are a great family.  They also have a daughter Emily’s age, and the two play together whenever they can.”

“Our son, Ezra, moved out as soon as he turned 18.  He has a job in Portland, and is going to community college there.  He and his father have never gotten along.  I think I’ll wait until tomorrow to call and tell him what’s happening—although I’m still not sure myself.”

“Isabelle, since you’re alone, do you want to come over for a bit and talk?”  Megan felt concern for her friend even though she sounded strong at the moment.

“You know, I’d love to come over tomorrow.  But tonight, I think I’ll just go to bed.”

Megan, with hesitation said, “Isabelle, do you believe you have any reason to be afraid?”

Megan could hear the smile in Isabelle’s voice as she responded, “Actually, I had the locks changed.  Roland didn’t realize it because the door wasn’t locked when he came home.  I don’t think I have any reason to be concerned, but I didn’t want to take any chances.”

Megan sighed in relief and they hung up.  Isabelle promised to stop by the shop the next day around 11.

“Do you mind if I call Diane to come by about that time?”

“No, I’d love to see you both!”  Megan couldn’t believe the courage she heard in Isabelle’s voice.

To be continued...

Life, Etc. -- Seventeen

After Megan hung up, they chatted for a few minutes, before she asked, “Have you heard from Isabelle since we were together?”

 “Actually, Isabelle called the other day—I’d invited her over for coffee.  But she had a bad cold and didn’t want to bring her germs.  I made a pot of chicken soup and took it to their house.  Roland answered the door but didn’t invite me in.”

 

The two women decided on a menu for Thanksgiving and Diane said that because of her active boys, she’d host the dinner.  Megan’s spirit began to lift.  As Diane left, she said she’d try to think of another couple of people to invite.

At noon, she went up to her apartment to fix sandwiches for her and Chris.  Her cell phone rang just as she started back down to the shop.  “Hi, Diane, haven’t talked with you in ages!” Megan laughingly said.

“Megan, we have two more for Thanksgiving dinner!” Diane said enthusiastically.

“Hey, you’re a fast worker!  Who did you find in this short of time?”

“You’re not going to believe this, but Isabelle came by right after I got home.  She said that Roland came home from work earlier today and told her he had to go away for several days.  She has no idea what he’s up to—that he’s been talking about going into the ministry again—starting up his own church.  Anyway I asked her if she and her daughter would like to come to our get-together for Thanksgiving.  At first she was hesitant, but I kept urging her, and she finally said yes.”

“That’s really great, Diane.  But, I wonder what Roland’s up to.  I would hate for Isabelle to have to leave town just when she’s begun to know there’s something beyond what her life has been.”

“Right, but I’m glad she’s willing to come on Thanksgiving.  Maybe she’ll know more by then.”

Thanksgiving morning began with sun streaming in Megan’s bedroom window.  Wow, how can anyone be glum on a day like this?  Megan got up, took her shower, and her ritual morning coffee out onto the deck.  Dinner was planned for 3:00, and Megan had two salads planned.  Stephen and Michael were bringing vegetables, and Isabelle insisted on making dessert.  Another year of fasting following holidays….

At 2:30, Megan set off for Diane’s.  When she rang the doorbell, the boys started screaming.  They loved having company—as if their own commotion wasn’t enough!  Diane yelled from the kitchen to come on in.  The dining room table, decorated in fall colors, looked beautiful.  Megan took her salads to the refrigerator.

 

“Have you heard anymore from Isabelle?  Is she still coming?”  Megan was excited at the prospect, but unsure it would happen.

“She called this morning to make sure she was bringing enough.  Her desserts sound yummy!”  Diane smiled.

At 2:45 the doorbell rang.  Isabelle and her daughter, Rachael, entered as Stephen and Michael drove up.  Rachael took to the boys right away.  She asked if they liked to play games and the three headed for the family room.  The adults gathered in the kitchen to start the get-acquainted process and combine their skills to finish dinner.

 

“Who wants to carve the turkey?”  That was one job that Diane never attempted.

“I can do that job, I think.”  Michael stepped forward with a sheepish, hesitant grin.

 

“That’s what we want—confidence!”  They all laughed.

“These desserts look wonderful.  You should start a business, Isabelle.”  Although Stephen believed what he said, he also knew that Isabelle needed to hear the words.

 

“Actually, when we lived in Texas, I used to do baking for a small sandwich shop.”

“You’re kidding!  What would it take to get some samples in The Brew?”

 

The five adults mixed easily.  By the time they sat down to eat, they were laughing and teasing as if they’d been longtime friends.

 

Rachael was a natural with the boys.  They loved her, and she enjoyed entertaining them.  At 15, her easy way provided just the incentive for the boys to be on their best behavior.

Megan suggested they all share one thing they are thankful for.  The common theme related to friendship.  And they each expressed their gratitude for those around the table.

“So, Michael, how did you meet Stephen?” Megan began as they started passing food.

“At a theological conference in San Francisco about five years ago,” Michael looked at Stephen and smiled as he spoke.

“Wow!  I didn’t realize that Baptists and Episcopalians went to the same conferences.”  Megan was attempting a joke, but knew enough about the differences in the two traditions that she still felt surprised.

Stephen spoke up.  “Actually, the more conservative ministers usually don’t attend conferences where several belief systems are represented.  What we try to do is collaborate on issues we have in common.”

Diane lifted a card from a small dish on the table.  “Hey, why don’t we all pick one of these cards and go around and answer the questions on them?  It’s a great way to learn interesting details about one another!  I’ll go first.”  Diane laughed when she read her card.  “At what age did you receive your first kiss and by whom?”

Immediately, Jeremy and Jordan began giggling.  “Mom, did you kiss anyone before Daddy?”  Jeremy’s face was alight with curiosity.  The boys remembered their father mostly from pictures Diane kept around the house, and stories she brought into conversations to keep his memory alive.

“Well, let me see.  I think it was Jimmy Eliott.  We were at the 7^th grade school picnic.  He had thrown a ball behind some bushes and we both ran to get it.  Now that I think of it, I’m sure it was planned on his part,” Diane said with a smug smile.  Again the boys giggled.

Megan looked across the table toward Stephen.  “OK, it’s your turn.  Pick a card, any card.”

“Do I get a chance to sensor it?”

“No way” piped up Megan.  “Come on, read it in its entirety!”

“What is your best memory growing up?”  Stephen thought for a moment before he responded.  For the next 45 minutes, each person at the table answered the questions on their card—even Jeremy and Jordan.  Rachael laughed and loved the feeling of inclusiveness in the fun at the table.

After dessert, Megan again brought up Isabelle’s creativity.  “I wonder what kind of licensing it takes to sell food from one’s own kitchen.”  She wanted Isabelle to know she was serious about buying some bakery goods.

“Let me check into it.  I’d love a creative and financial outlet!”  Megan and Diane looked at each other and smiled.  The Isabelle before them certainly sounded much more confident than the one they’d met just a few weeks before at the Book Club.

The adults spent the evening playing board games, while Rachael and the Boys watched Disney movies.  By 9 o’clock, they all decided it was time to leave and lingered by the front door thanking one another for a wonderful day.

 To be continued...