by S S Bazinet
For a moment, Arel sat immobile, blinking back with disbelief, as if Michael had offered him the moon. “I don’t understand it, but maybe you’ve got a good idea, Michael. For some reason, things don’t seem to be right when I think about Carol.”
“Then let me help you.”
Arel leaned forward cautiously, gripping the edge of the desk. “You’d help me sever our friendship?”
“You know I’m here to do whatever I can. If that means saying goodbye to Carol, let’s get started.”
Arel’s posture stiffened with a new, attentive attitude replacing his earlier impatience. “Yes, perhaps . . . yes . . . I think that’s exactly what I want.”
“Good, then it’s settled.”
“You mean it could be that easy?” Arel’s tone carried a tiny spark of optimism. “I guess, since this blood thing started, I’ve felt like I’ve been on my own.”
It was a truthful statement. Arel had isolated himself. He’d been threatened by everything, including Michael’s help.
Michael put his hands on the desk and leaned in too, closing the distance between them to a mere two feet. “I’ll help you to put things right with her.” He gave Arel a playful pat on the arm. “Come on, we can take care of this little matter, can’t we?”
The gesture seemed to lighten Arel’s mood. He rubbed the desk surface with care even though his hands were still shaky. “I guess you’re right. It doesn’t have to be a problem.”
“Of course not. You’ve maintained all along that you’re not interested in a relationship.”
“That’s right, I have, haven’t I?” There was the hint of a smile about to happen, but Arel cut it short. “On the other hand, we can’t lose track of the serious matter that we’re dealing with.” As he spoke, his voice took on the tone of the proper, English gentleman. “Carol has to be treated with respect.” He drew himself up in his chair and cleared his throat. “I will insist on some ground rules. I’d like to be gentle in how we handle this.”
Michael kept his smile masked too. Arel had to maintain his code of honor, but his energy was definitely getting lighter and more exuberant as he saw a way out of his dilemma. It was also having a very beneficial effect on his body. His tremors were beginning to ease and his skin was losing some of its deep color.
“I agree with you completely,” Michael replied. He stood at attention and crossed his arms, mirroring Arel’s stern posture. “However, just to be clear, my understanding is that you don’t want to be involved anymore, right?”
His question made Arel’s eyes flare with excitement for a brief moment before he reined in his outward display of delight. “Correct, I want a clean break, where neither party is injured.”
“Of course, and the next time you’re online with Carol, I’ll help you.”
“Good.” Arel’s face registered a moment of bliss. “I’ll be counting on that.”
Michael could feel Arel’s guarded nature backing down. After a moment, he felt Arel lower his shields.
That’s what I’ve been waiting for.
It was a perfect opportunity for Michael to step in as a heavenly magician. While Arel enjoyed his reprieve, Michael quickly accessed the psychic wound that Grace had inadvertently caused. This time he used a more powerful, energetic bandage on the injury. He put another one over the past life memory that had been so traumatic. He used an additional precaution, disguising his angelic patches with Arel’s own energy signature. When he was finished, he felt satisfied that this repair job would remain hidden.
Arel seemed to notice a pleasing difference immediately. “It feels cooler in here now, not so hot and stuffy.”
“You’re starting to look much better.”
“I guess the craziness has passed. I don’t know why I was so afraid.”
“You know what they say, ‘You can’t keep a good man down.’”
“Are you talking about me?”
Michael gave Arel a satisfied smile. “The one and only. I’m proud of you. Be proud of yourself.”
Arel’s eyes softened. “Thank you, Michael. I’m happy that we can work as a team again.”
Fourteen
CAROL FROWNED AT the monitor. It was Friday night, and Mike had bailed on her, not even giving her a chance to reply to his curt message. Was he really the man of her dreams?
Sick or not, that was rude.
Impatiently, she ran her hands through her hair, pulling it back into a pony tail and securing it with a hair tie. She’d been looking forward to her time with Mike from the moment she woke up. Now she felt cheated. Glancing over at the sewing table, she let out a moan. A pile of fabric was waiting to be transformed into new curtains for the bedroom. It was the only thing that she had going that weekend.
“My life has hit a new low,” she grumbled as she stood up.
She was grateful to have a job that she liked and a good friend like Peggy, but she needed more. The decision hadn’t been a conscious one. Meeting Mike had been an accident, but they hit it off. Afterwards, they chatted frequently, exchanging ideas and thoughts about everything. As time passed and they got to know each other, a part of Carol took the next step. She began to dream about Mike in a more personal, romantic way.
Is Peggy right? Am I being foolish?
She walked over to the sewing table, picked up some of the fabric and tossed it down again. Instead of sewing, she considered a long hot bath. A nice soak, with some music and candles, seemed like a better idea. On the way to the bathroom, the telephone rang. She recognized Peggy’s ringtone.
Oh great.
Did Peggy have a sixth sense? Did she know Carol was ready to fill her glass with self-pity? She groaned as she went to answer the phone. Gathering up her shoulders, she readied herself for Peggy and the advice her friend handed out so generously. “Hi, Peggy, what’s happening?”
She held the phone close, listening intently.
“No, I’m not busy. What? No . . . no, I can’t. I’m not showered. No, I better not. What? Alright, if you insist. See you soon.”
After Carol hung up the phone, she wanted to be irritated with Peggy’s pushiness. Instead she smiled. Forget the bath, forget the candles, she was going out with friends. She’d already met Peggy’s fiancé, Tim. Tonight, she was going to meet Peggy’s brother, Kevin.
* * * * *
Kevin knuckled down on the steering wheel and shifted his gaze to the rear view mirror. He scowled at his backseat passengers. His sister, Peggy, and his best friend, Tim, were completely lost in each other’s arms. He was happy for the engaged couple, but he wasn’t happy about his destination. “This is a bad idea, Peg. I’ve told you over and over that I’m not ready for another relationship. And I don’t see why you’re trying to fix me up with your friend.”
Peggy’s reply was quick and insistent. “It’s been three months since you broke up with Dahlia. It’s time to get out and enjoy life a little. We’ll pick up Carol and go to the movies. What’s the big deal?”
Kevin let out a snort of hopelessness. Why couldn’t he say “no” to his sister? He was a successful, senior systems analyst. He knew that he could manage people and situations. Yet he always gave in to Peggy. He was the big brother, but he didn’t remember ever winning an argument. “I just hope that your friend is nicer than you.”
“Carol is wonderful, and so am I,” Peggy laughed. “Right, Tim?”
Kevin tightened his jaw. “Tim, don’t answer that. Peg has you completely brain washed.” He glanced in the mirror again to see if Tim agreed and was rewarded with a romantic scene. “Give me a break you two lovebirds. We’re just about there. Peggy, take your lips off of Tim’s face and look out your window. Is that Carol’s apartment?”
Peggy let out a blissful sigh as she glanced up. “Yes, she lives on the ground level in 110B. And look, Kevin, she has her porch light on. That’s a positive sign. Go get her while we wait here. And don’t worry, she’s expecting you.”
Kevin narrowed his gaze into a frown. “Don’t stea
m up the windows. I don’t want to be embarrassed when I get back.”
* * * * *
Carol hurried to the door. When the bell rang a second time, she was fresh out of a quick shower, newly dressed, and smoothing back her damp hair. “I’m coming as fast as I can,” she protested quietly. She lowered her voice to a barely audible whisper. “Please, please, please let this be easy!”
Even if it was with Peggy’s brother, Kevin, it was still a blind date.
No, that’s not true. Peggy says he’s just out of a painful relationship. He’s not looking for anyone. I’m simply going out with some friends.
She fidgeted with the two locks on the door and managed to get them open before the bell rang again. She paused long enough to take a deep breath and noticed how fast her heart was beating.
I’m putting too much pressure on myself. I have to relax.
After one more swipe at her hair, she swung the door wide and looked up, way up. Her breath caught. The guy in front of her was tall, blond and handsome, with the darkest grey-blue eyes that she’d ever seen. It was a surprise. Brothers who were still unmarried when they were in their thirties were supposed to be deficient in some way.
She extended a hand in greeting. “Hi, I’m Carol.”
With a hint of shyness, the man flashed back a smile as he shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Kevin.”
“Come in for a moment, while I get my purse.”
Kevin obeyed, moving into the small entrance area, filling it with his broad shoulders. He was at least six foot four. That meant that he was more than a foot taller than she was. But she liked his short, curly, fair hair, and the fact that he looked like someone who’d be at ease on the ski slopes.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. I wasn’t expecting to go out tonight.”
“I hope I didn’t rush you. After being cooped up in the car with Peggy and her fiancé, Tim, I’m sure I’m more impatient than usual.”
“I’m so thrilled for the two of them.”
Kevin nodded. “Yeah, me too. They’ve known each other since childhood. It’s time they tied the knot.”
Carol gathered up her things, ready to leave when she noticed Kevin’s smile slip away. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m guessing that Peggy has told you all about me. I hope that she didn’t bully you into coming out with us tonight.”
“Well, she told me a few things, nice things. She said that you’re a great brother.”
“That’s a relief. I never know what to expect.” He glanced down and studied the floor. “She’s talked about you too.”
Carol clutched at her purse. “Oh, I see.”
Peggy has probably been telling him about how looney I am, how I went online and fell for somebody I never met. But, Mike and I are just friends.
As soon as she had the thought, she knew she wasn’t being totally honest with herself.
Fess up, Carol! You’ve had more fantasies about Mike than you dare to admit.
Kevin gave her a sideways glance. “Peggy said that you were pretty, but she was wrong. You’re beautiful.”
Carol didn’t know what to say. It had been a long time since a man paid her such a nice compliment.
Except for Mike, but that was different.
Kevin fidgeted uneasily. “Did I say something wrong? Am I being too forward?”
Carol smiled. “No, you’re being very sweet.”
Kevin stepped back and gestured to the door. “We better not keep Peggy and Tim waiting too long. Since they set the wedding date, they have this tendency to make out whenever they get a chance. We’ll be lucky to get the windows cleared up.” His face suddenly flushed red. “Sorry, there I go again, blurting things out. Peggy would kill me if she heard that.”
“You’re honest and straight forward. I like that,” she said as she stepped out the door.
You’re just like Mike!
* * * * *
From a lofty vantage point above Carol’s apartment, Grace watched as Carol and Kevin walked out to a car in the parking lot. Her fellow angel, Fred, who was Kevin’s guardian, was next to her. She smiled at him. “They seem to be off to a good start, don’t you think?”
Fred’s energy brightened. “Yes, and I’m very happy for Kevin. He’s been through a few rough patches when it comes to women.”
“I’m quite relieved for Carol too. She was involved with someone, well not really involved, but chatting with a person on the internet. I had an unfortunate incident with him.”
“Oh, yes, I heard something about that.”
“It was quite awful. Things got out of hand, and I really frightened the poor thing.”
“A vampire, right?”
“Well, not quite. Still, he did some out-of-body trick and showed up in Carol’s bedroom. I suppose I was overly protective.”
“That’s your job.”
“I know, but if it hadn’t been for Michael, I think we might have lost him.”
“That is unfortunate.”
“I tried to help afterwards, but Michael thought it best for me to—” She paused.
“Keep your distance?”
“Frederick, I do feel responsible! However, he was quite unpredictable. At one point, he acted like some kind of animal. I tried to read his energy, but he’s very good at putting up barriers.”
“That’s interesting. We can usually see beyond the shields that humans erect.”
“This man has Michael’s blood.”
“Really?” Fred’s energy flashed even brighter. “I’ve heard that Michael took on a physical form, but I didn’t know about the details. So you’re saying that he gave this person his blood?”
Grace sighed as her thoughts turned to Arel. She sent out a mental apology to her unintended victim.
I’m sorry about what happened, Arel. I didn’t mean to scare you.
Fred smiled. “You’ll be happy to know that Kevin’s heart is true and loving. He’s a little impulsive, but he really tries his best.”
“I’m glad. Carol needs someone whom she can rely on.”
Giving her a quick glance, Fred had a playful glint in his eye. “Somebody who’s not a former vampire?”
Grace didn’t answer. She wasn’t wholly convinced that Arel was totally beyond his previous needs.
Fifteen
AREL LEANED OVER his desk, watching the computer monitor. It was Saturday night, and he’d been waiting for Carol to sign into the chat room for the last half hour. Drumming his fingers with a growing sense of frustration, he glanced over at Michael. “Tell me what’s going on? Last night I made a decision to put you in charge. Now, I’ve even approved of your suggestion that I come clean and tell Carol the truth. So where is she? She always shows up in the chat room on the agreed upon time.”
Michael was trying to adjust his large frame in the uncompromising, wooden chair next to Arel’s desk. Finally, he seemed to realize his efforts to get comfortable were getting him nowhere. “I thought that you’d be happy to have some time to reflect on the idea of being truthful with Carol.”
Arel leaned back into his cushy, executive model chair. It contrasted sharply with the French antique that Michael had been forced to occupy. But Arel wasn’t thinking about the angel’s comfort. “I just want to get this mess over and done with,” he protested. “You know that patience isn’t one of my strong points.”
“Right,” Michael sighed as he pushed himself out of the close confines of his seat. He walked to the couch, sat down and stretched out with a look of relief. “Perhaps we can go over what you might say to Carol.”
Arel placed his hands behind his head and rocked his chair back again. “I hope that you know that I’m counting on you to tell me how to explain things. Angels know how to put things eloquently. Hopefully, something that sounds like BS coming from me, will sound sincere when you put it into words.”
Michael gave him a curious look. “Thanks for the compliment, I think, but I’m not here to transform lies. What I will do is help
you tell the truth in a way that makes it easier for Carol to feel less violated. We don’t want her to think that she can’t trust life. She’ll hopefully understand that you were very insecure, careless, and totally ignorant. But, that in spite of being all those things, you want to acknowledge that she’s wonderful. She’s been so wonderful that it’s made you feel compelled to confess your wrongs and to apologize.”
In one jerky movement, Arel released his chair from its tilted position and sat bolt upright. His eyes were wide with surprise and repugnance. “I guess I spoke too soon. Angels don’t always have a silver tongue.”
Michael blinked at him innocently. “By helping Carol to believe in herself, she’ll be more likely to understand you and forgive your lies. It’s in your best interest not to hold anything back.”
“But does that mean I have to sound like the scum of the earth? I’ll admit it. I was wrong when I told the lies, but did I really know any better? Wasn’t I blinded by my need to be wanted? I did what I had to do to get her to care about me.”
“That’s not an excuse.”
“Why?”
“Every sentient being has a guidance system inside. It’s something that tells them if they are doing the right thing or the wrong thing.”
“Oh hell, Michael, belief systems, mass hypnosis, all kinds of factors can come into play and muck up the ‘guidance system.’”
Michael inhaled deeply but remained silent.
Arel could feel Michael digging in his heels. “So, let me get this straight. I’m supposed to get online with Carol and say what?” He paused, contemplating his confession. After a long moment, he cleared his throat. “How about this? ‘Sorry Carol this is not Mike. This is a cad named Arel. I lied to you about my name and about everything else. And you, Carol, were too nice to even realize what a colossal fraud I am. You’re the type of person who gives others a chance, who takes them at their word. And I’m the kind of person who takes advantage of sweet, caring people like you. I’m sorry if I hurt you, but please realize that because of who you are, you’ve helped me to understand that I need to stop the lies, to learn how to deal with the fact that I’m completely dishonest.’”
