“No, let’s go.”
The store owner turned the desk to face the inside of the store so Henry could have a closer look at the table. As Henry studied the desk, the owner rolled the top up and then down several times to show the ease of operation. Henry tried it himself and liked all the compartments at the back of the desk top.
“All my papers and stuff would easily fill all those compartments.”
Turning to his date, he asked, “What do you think, Ivania?”
“It’s nice, but I prefer a modern oak desk, I have seen too many old things.”
“Besides being considered an antique,” rebutted the owner, “it is a very fine piece of furniture and built by one of the best manufacturers of furniture prior to the fifties.”
The proprietor opened the top right hand drawer and pointed to a brass plate adhered to the inside side of the drawer. Henry leaned forward and read the plaque:
Manufactured
By
The Kroehl Brothers
1938
Minneapolis, Minnesota
“Not only were the Kroehl Brothers fine craftsmen, but they were also known for their secret compartments. There is one in nearly every piece of furniture they built, including chairs, beds and even dining room sets.”
“Is that so?” Henry replied, his curiosity growing. And before he could ask the owner if this desk had one, the elderly gentleman said, “If you slide your hand into the drawer you will feel a round brass ring; pull on it.”
Henry did as he was instructed and a secret door flipped up revealing a compartment behind. Henry felt further and took hold of a brass handle attached to a mahogany wooden box. He pulled it out and opened the lid. It was divided into several compartments lined with black velvet.
“Wow, is this ever neat. That would hold a few of my treasures!” Henry quipped and turned to wink at Ivania. “I’m surprised to hear you say you don’t like antique furniture. I’ve told you before I have always fantasized you as being a foreign spy. A desk like this would be perfect to store secret documents.”
“Oh Hen-dry, you have quite an imagination!” Ivania chuckled
“You know, I really like antiques and have several at home. This would fit great in my office if I could get it through a 32-inch wide door opening. It seems to me that this is wider though and even if we turned it on its side, I don’t think it would fit, either.”
“That’s the beauty of Kroehl Brothers’ furniture. They constructed it so that, if needed, every piece they made could be taken apart.” The owner beamed, having come up with an immediate solution to a potential problem that might cancel the sale.
“We are just off to dinner. When I get home I’ll check the space once more and if you could dissemble and reassemble the desk again at my home, we just might have a deal.”
Henry pulled out a business card and asked the proprietor to put a hold on the desk until the next day.
During dinner, Ivania asked, “So Hen-dry, does the daily commuting back and forth to the city become tedious and time wasting?”
“Oh, sometimes when I am real tired it can be. But for the most part, I enjoy the ride and it helps me to unwind. And when I reach my spot in the valley, I know it’s all worth it. I love the country and the valley, Ivania. I would never want to leave there. It’s our home. And I have the art studio there and… I will have to invite you out there some time. The acreage has a beautiful view.”
“I don’t know if I could take the travel, the lack of conveniences, and… the roads in the winter could be hazardous, no?”
“Yes, they can be. But we have a snow blower and if it’s real bad, we just stay home until the weather clears up.”
Ivania looked at Henry and rolled her eyes, not so sure it would be something she would want to do.
A quiet silence fell between them as they ate their dinner. They were each absorbed in their own thoughts. While Henry was very attracted to Ivania, he always felt a bit uneasy around her. He felt so transparent, almost as if he were naked under the scrutiny of her penetrating gaze. It was as if she knew his every move and thought. Julean knew him well also, but it was different somehow. With Julean, Henry always felt she used her insight into her husband to give him support and encouragement. With Ivania, her understanding seemed more analytical; information to be used to her advantage somehow. Again, Henry imagined her as a spy and smiled inwardly at the thought.
The Globe Theatre was founded by Ken and Sue Kramer in 1966. For the most part, their productions varied between light comedy entertainments to more serious social issues. The last three productions Henry had seen were more of the latter and this night’s play, dealing with the ethical values of a politician, was the same. The play consisted of just one actor who rambled on and on. Henry found it utterly boring and could not wait until it was over. Ivania must have felt the same way, for suddenly, she initiated a move that sent two sensations immediately throughout Henry’s body; arousal and laughter.
Ivania had placed her hand on his knee and gave it an ever so slight squeeze. Ivania wasn’t aware of Henry’s highly sensitive areas of being ticklish. His doctor also learned that very quickly when Henry went for his annual physical checkups. No sooner had the doctor touched his knee or placed his hand under his arm pit to check his glands, than Henry laughed uncontrollably!
Henry realized that to laugh in a play that was dead serious or at a tender move by his dating companion would be devastating! He flinched instinctively at Ivania’s touch, but also quickly thought of a way to keep himself under control. He instantly became the main character in the play, trying to act cool and reserved, but that didn’t quite do the trick. He then began quoting scriptural passages to distract his mind, also to no avail. Unable to stand it any longer, Henry quickly but gently put his hand on top of Ivania’s, curled his fingers under hers and lifted it to his chest. He gave it a gentle squeeze to reciprocate her gesture and just held it there, suspended, not knowing where to place it because of the arm rest between them. He knew it was an awkward hold and uncomfortable for his partner. He moved her hand back to her side and not wanting her to feel that he was rejecting her affectionate move, he let go of her hand and put his arm around her like any teenager would do. It felt awkward but at least it contained his laughter …but not for long.
Ivania must have sensed Henry’s sensitivity to her touch and unbelievably she did it again. He immediately shuffled in his chair and grabbed her hand returning it to her lap. They both started to giggle much to the chagrin of those sitting next to them. Henry had to admit that was the most exciting part of the play
When they arrived at Ivania’s home after the play, Henry was once again challenged, but this time with temptation. As they walked to the front door, Ivania stopped just in front of the landing. She turned to Henry, came close to him and put her hands on his shoulders. She looked him in the eyes for a long moment and then drew him close to her and at the same time wrapped her arms around him. He resisted momentarily, then let it happen.
Ivania was the first woman he had kissed since Julean. Their lips met and there was no attempt by either to separate. It was a kiss that carried a message. Not only did Henry feel it was more than a casual kiss or connection, it was clear Ivania wanted to make love to him.
It had been over three years since Henry had made love to Julean, and there were days, and especially nights, when he ached and yearned for his dear wife’s warmth and love and closeness. He wanted to make love… but could he with Ivania? Each time he went out with her, he felt that he was betraying Julean! And, in all honesty it was Julean he really ached for. There was no commitment to Ivania on his part; at least not yet. Could he honestly be true to Ivania, or would he be using her for personal gratification?
As he kissed Ivania, the urge and ache zinging through his body was so strong. He recalled the words of his mentor… ‘when temptations come along always
have a plan ready or you will succumb to your feelings.’ Yes, thought Henry, thoughts lead to feelings and feelings lead to actions.
Actions I may regret.
Henry had no plan; the kiss just happened so unexpectedly.
Their lips parted and Ivania simply said, “Come Hen-dry.”
She turned and stepped onto the slight elevated landing to the door. Perhaps he could control himself, Henry thought. Would it hurt to go in and have a coffee or a night cap and then be on his way? As Henry almost helplessly followed the seductive figure before him, he suddenly saw a shadow that went up to the top of the storm door that Ivania had just opened. He looked up and there sat Julean on top of the edge of the door!
It couldn’t be!?
As he looked again, he stepped forward and simultaneously tripped on the landing. His knees hit the concrete landing and tore through his left pant leg, bruising his knee.
“Oh Ivania, I didn’t see the step! What’s wrong with me?”
He looked down at his aching knee as he stood up. The pain was quickly driving out the heat that had sizzled through his body a moment ago.
“Here, let me look at it…”
“It’s okay Ivania. I think I will just go home and tend to it. I have a big day tomorrow. “
“But come in and I will fix it up,” she said, looking coyly at Henry.
He sensed the passion still in her eyes, but his had dissipated enough for him to say, “I think I better go.”
Henry stepped forward and kissed Ivania on the cheek. “Thanks for a great evening.”
Ivania stared back, clearly disappointed… “Yes, perhaps some other time.”
She turned abruptly, went inside and closed the door.
Henry still held the storm door and looked up but there was nothing there except the under eaves partially hiding a star studded sky. He was sure he had seen Julean’s spirit. He shook his head and made his way back to the car.
“Good morning, Son! I hope you don’t mind a curious Mom, but I wanted to know how you enjoyed your date last night?”
“It was fine. The play was kind of long and boring. I enjoy the more light-hearted production, especially when there are a group of actors as opposed to just one carrying the play.”
“Only one character in the entire play?”
“Yeah, he was good. If the subject matter hadn’t been so serious it might have worked better. So, how are you doing?”
“Fine. There is always something. There’s a funeral at the church tomorrow and I will be helping out with the lunch and serving and then on Friday I have some other volunteer work to do at the Marion Centre. I often wonder how I had time to work at Sears. My days are so full.”
“I can hardly wait for your borscht soup, Mom. It’s getting to be that time of the year. I can smell the dill already.”
“Yes, I was noticing how all the vegetables are getting ready for harvest in the garden. Try to keep an open noon hour for me in a couple of weeks or so and I will make a big pot.”
“That would be great Mom, you know how much I love that soup when made with fresh garden vegetables and dill. In fact, Mom, there is one time you made borscht soup that I still remember to this day. It was just a couple of weeks before Julean and I got married and I remember saying how good it tasted, that it was the best ever.”
Oh Henry, Mary thought, that was the day it all started.
How many times have I gone over and over that day in my mind when the Postman delivered Jenny’s letter to the door. Oh, how I struggled with that decision to withhold the letter from you and I still do to this very day. The guilt is becoming almost unbearable…
“Mom, are you still there?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I remember that day, too, when you came home from work saying how much you enjoyed the soup. I think I had let the chicken broth reduce itself more than usual. I had forgotten about it and most of it boiled away. I also added much more dill than usual.”
“Well, when you make it this fall, perhaps take a little nap or do whatever you did back then when you simmer the broth and cut a little more dill than usual.”
Oh Son, if you only knew what Mrs. Sarsky and I did that day. The pact we made to keep the letters away from both you and Jenny.
Mary just had to change the subject of the soup, it stirred up too many memories that she hoped and prayed would go away.
“And how was your dinner with Ivania?”
“It was great, Mom. Alfredo’s makes a good pasta. And, oh yeah, on the way to dinner we stopped at the antique shop in the Old City Mall and looked at a roll top desk. I’ve decided to buy it. It’s a beautiful desk and will just fit into my office den.”
“That’s good, Son. I know how much you love antique furniture. You already have some lovely pieces and I love sitting in the rocking chair that Julean’s Aunt and Uncle gave to you both as a wedding gift.”
“Yeah, that was Julean’s favourite. She sat and read in that chair all the time. I notice Justin sits in it often, as well. For the longest time, Julean used to put him on her lap and read to him in that chair. I used to think he was getting too big to be sitting on her knee, but neither of them seemed to mind.”
“Yes, the boy probably thinks about those times as he sits in the chair.”
“Maybe so, I never thought about that. But Justin will really like the desk and all of the compartments. It even has a secret hiding place in one of the drawers. I think I will let Justin store some of his valuables in there.”
“Yes, I’m sure he will like that. So… Are you enjoying Ivania’s company?” Mary wanted to know and yet hoped she wasn’t being too snoopy.
“Yes, I am, Mom. It’s different though. She’s different than both Julean and Je…”
Henry’s words trailed off. Mary hoped that her question didn’t stir up too many thoughts of Julean and … Jenny. She was ever on that man’s mind.
“You know, Mom, I think I told you about the letter I received from Julean a year after she died from a nurse who was caring for her before she died?”
“Yes, you did, Son…”
“Well, if you recall in the letter she encouraged me to go out with other women and even said that she would lead me to Jenny if that door was open.”
“But how, Son? How can she do that now that she is gone?”
“Spiritually, Mom. I know this might sound far-out but Julean’s spirit seems to come to me like a shadow. But even more so, I feel her presence. I know it’s Julean. It’s the same feeling I had when I slept next to her and I knew she was praying even though I never heard her speak a word aloud. There was an aura around her. Her relationship with the blessed Mother was so strong and close, I felt it through her rosary. That is one of the reasons I took it from her the last night before her burial. I carry it with me all the time.
“Anyway, it all started earlier this spring as I walked past the patio doors in the sun room. Suddenly I saw Julean’s spirit standing on the deck looking up at the eastern sky. It was almost as if she were encouraging me to come out and do the same.”
“And why would that be?” Mary was wondering where this was leading to and hoped that Henry wasn’t getting carried away.
“Well, I don’t think I have never told you, Mom, but Jenny and I believed that our guardian angels not only kept us together but also that the angel that stands guard over the first star that appears in the eastern sky sends out our love to each other, as well. I know it may sound a bit far fetched, but whenever I’ve gazed at the star after Jenny first left, I felt her love so strongly. And when Julean came along, this love seemed to wane until eventually I hardly felt it at all when I gazed at the star. Well, as I was saying, Mom, this past spring when Julean’s presence led me outdoors onto the deck at twilight time, the first star of the east was visible and it all started again. I couldn’t believe how strongly I felt Jenny’s love
from the star. It was as if she, Jenny, was there beside me! The star’s attraction was so strong, it went to the core of my being, just like it used to. I don’t know if it was Jenny’s spirit, or my guardian angel, or Julean’s presence. It’s all so confusing, Mom. And now that Ivania has come along, I’m even more in the dark. I’m not sure if Julean is leading me to her or discouraging me or… if it’s all just in my head.”
Henry checked his watch. “Geez, Mom, it’s getting late and I have to get to the gallery. Call me when you make your borscht soup and don’t forget to add the extra dill.”
“Yes, I will,” Mary hesitated, but decided to let it go, “and you have a nice day, Son.”
Mary felt chilled and noticed the goose bumps rise on her arms. An eerie, tingle raced up and down her spine. Almost imperceptibly she shook her head. Everything was becoming too much: the letter, the aura of light it yielded, its warmth as if it were alive, and now the star, the presence of angels, Julean’s spirit…
Good Lord, what does this all mean?
With Ivania coming into the picture, Mary’s confusion only increased! If only she knew Jenny was free and unattached, waiting for her son, the decision to give Henry the letter would be instant.
Oh, Lord… maybe Henry can still find some happiness. He is so lonely. He misses Julean so deeply and…Jenny too.
Oh, help me Jesus.
Chapter Fifteen
In the weeks that followed, Jenny settled into her new apartment. The antique furniture fit perfectly into the living and dining room except for two chairs. She was going to sell them, but decided to put them into storage in the basement just in case she moved someday and would have room for them. They were too special for her to part with. She had already lost too much in her life and in a way she clung to them much the same as James clung to his wealth and possessions. It was one of the few things left in her life that fed her heart and soul.
She was adjusting to being single, not that it was much different than when she was married to James. She had been alone much of the time then, too, only now it was official. She found herself more relaxed and in control of her life again. And perhaps more than that, a sense of freedom emerged within her. Jenny frequented the libraries often and attended plays and artist led lectures which accompanied art exhibitions. She found herself smiling more often. She was becoming a new Jenny – or rather the old Jenny, the Jenny that was so full of life, who had eyes that sparkled with happiness.
The Angelic Occurrence Page 17
