The Widow's Friend

by Dave Stone; Callii Wilson

  Bailey and Bryan, my daughter and her husband, are going to get up early on Friday morning and shop. I’ll go with them if they want me to. I’ve only done it one other time and I thought it was kind of fun. I won’t go in Wal-Mart though. It takes thirty minutes to get from the back of the store to the front of the store, shuffling along like Tim Conway. I went to Target last year and that was bad enough. I will probably get an assignment to go get a particular something or other for Bailey in some specific store. I’ll wait and see.

  I don’t have a favorite Christmas song, though I do like many artists and most Christmas music. I bought a David Archuleta Christmas CD a couple of weeks ago on Amazon.com. I don’t really listen to him normally, but I heard a Christmas song by him last winter that really impressed me – that’s why. What is your favorite?

  I like several Christmas movies, but “Christmas Story” is probably my favorite. (It’s a guy thing.) A close second would be “It’s a Wonderful Life.” “Miracle on 34th Street” is good, and finally “A Christmas Carol” is good also. I like the George C Scott version and also the old one from the early fifties, but they’re all good. And you? What do you like?

  You know, it’s funny. I can read your e-mails and think I’ve got it covered, and then I read it again and see things I’ve totally missed. So—what do you mean your name has given you a lot of grief? I don’t understand that.

  Now, about the road trip and “us”. The way I see it, just that one day in the car together will probably make us or break us. When I saw you a couple of weeks ago, it was simply magical for me, but it was only for ten minutes. When you reached a hand out and touched my arm, and when I had my face in your hair, those things were, well—I don’t even know the word to describe it. (And I’m a word guy!) And the things that were said between us—I don’t even remember much. It was just being there, you and me for a few minutes. It was great. But, again…that was only for ten minutes.

  If we spend a day talking, maybe you’ll find me completely boring, or maybe you’ll find me basically negative, or maybe there will be no chemistry, or maybe you won’t laugh at my jokes, or maybe I’ll be too short, or maybe you’ll find me full of myself, or maybe you’ll be disappointed in one thing or the other. I could be any of those things or more – you know? You’ve been around the block a time or two, but how else are we gonna know? I have become close to you through e-mails, but that isn’t real. Well it is, but not totally. Or shall we e-mail back and forth for the next six months until there’s little else to say, and we just die off and become just another contact on our respective e-mail lists. I can’t think of any better way to find out how we interact than through a road trip, with great conversation all day long in a private setting. And please, don’t worry about anything too physical. I visualize stroking your cheek, or I imagine touching your hand, nothing more. (What wild fantasies, huh?) After all, I still am Levi Stone, the same basic straight arrow that you knew all those years ago. And this wasn’t my idea anyway. It was my mother or yours that was behind all of this. Maybe they conspired together. I never would have thought it possible. I always figured that the brethren ran things up there. But if that world is anything like this one is, it’s the women that always get things done, one way or the other.And by the way, you impress me again with your scruples and moral fiber. I’m glad that you feel a little hypocritical about this – that’s a good thing. I feel a little weird about it too. Remember when I told you that I was close to being a man without guile? Well, basically that’s true, but right now I kind of hesitate to think of myself as pure, and I feel somewhat disingenuous about this whole thing between me and you, both because it’s something I can’t talk about in the open, and it’s something that I tend to hide. I am not deceitful by nature, Callii—only lonely. And I believe you’re lonely too, in much the same way that I am. You have a full and happy life, but there’s always something lacking when you don’t have a spouse or at least a little romance in your life. I don’t think you want to live the next thirty years alone—that’s just a hunch. (But they say women do better alone than men – and that’s probably true.)

  The way I see it for myself is, how do I want to spend my last twenty years? A brother recently told me, “You haven’t made a selfish decision over the last thirty plus years.” And that’s true; it has always been about the family, never about just me, because my decisions usually affect a lot of others. It’s just that I’m a bit tired of sacrificing myself. I’ve been an empty nester for four years now. Maybe I should worry a little more about me for a change. Have you ever read a book called “The Giving Tree”. Read the last paragraph in the book, there’s a lesson there.

  And finally, there’s a huge difference between going on a road trip for a day and talking, compared to sleeping with the nanny. (No offense.) I understand your concern about a road trip, but in comparison it’s not even close!

  And that brings up another subject: Are you active in your church? Do you attend every week? I’d like to know. It doesn’t matter much—really. I see beyond that, but I’d still like to know.

  So tell me if you’re in or out on the road trip. After all, the best season for road trips is now behind us, but it’s still doable on a nice day. And besides, on this trip it’s the conversation we’re after, not the scenery. I still want to go, but only if you do. And no matter what happens going forward, I think we’ll always be friends until the day that we die. So let me know and keep me posted on what transpires in Iowa.

  Thanks Calliijo, but if the answer for the road trip is no, then I’ll have to call you Callpurnia. Our relationship then will be strictly business!

  Your friend always, Levi

  Chapter 20

  “Thanksgiving”

  I received an e-mail from Levi with an array of cartoons about old people. He asked me if it reminded him of anyone that I knew. Following is my reply and then his response.

  From Callii Wilson

  Nov 24th

  That does remind me a little of you. Thanks for the chuckle. Have a Happy Thanksgiving you old turkey, Callii

  ***

  From Levi Stone

  November 25th

  Hi Calliijo, three dots in a row. I just opened your e-mail. I had saved it like a little present for a day, something to open and enjoy. I’ll send you a response in a day or two. It will be a long one. My daughter and her kids arrived last night and things are a little busy right now. I think of you often though, probably too often.

  Also, a happy Thanksgiving to you too—you cute little hen.

  Until then, Levi

  ***

  From Levi Stone (Twenty minutes later)

  So think about things and I’ll do a little writing for a few days. Keep me posted about your sister.

  Thanks, Levi

  And I sent a link to another song: “I’d Like to get to Know You” by Spanky and our Gang.

  ***

  From Callii Wilson

  Nov 30th

  Yes Levi, you are the subject of my Monday evening again this week. It seems to be our designated weekly get together. How’s it going, and how was your Thanksgiving? I had forty-one people here, at least that’s how many I counted, but I think I might have missed a few that may have been wandering around the house a bit. We had a great time, I think, and the food was good. I don’t like turkey but we had lots of other food so it didn’t really matter. Did you end up going shopping? I didn’t do much. I went to two places about 1:00 in the afternoon—there was not much of a crowd by then. We went to the light parade on Friday and then came here afterwards for hot cocoa and donuts. We also did karaoke and danced around with the grandkids. We must sound really funny and look even funnier, but we don’t care. It’s all about the memories. We do it every year.

  I have been decking the halls for the last three days and I’m about done now, at least with the main level. I haven’t started on the basement yet. I still have some cleaning to do down there after all of the weekend festivities, and then
I will decorate.

  I think I’m going to take the decorations off the tree and try again. I keep studying it, and it just doesn’t seem very balanced, so I think I will start all over again. You would think I didn’t have anything better to do.

  As for my sister, she is doing much better, so I am off the hook for now. Her friend should be there today. I hope everything goes well for them. After this week, provided she has no setbacks, she should be able to lift a few things and then she’ll be a little more independent. She’ll be much happier then.

  I am going to try to send you a link to the train that I was talking about. You know, the one Santa might bring me. Wish me luck because I really don’t know what I’m doing.

  I am tending grandchildren tomorrow, and I plan on being worn to a frazzle by the time I get done. Their mom is going to parenting classes. They are classes for parents of adopted kids. She seems to think that they help.

  And now, on to the next subject, which would be running away for a day. You make everything sound so simple. Now I have nothing to lose, but I worry about you. What would happen if your wife found out? The thing is, no one would believe that everything was innocent. For example: You came to the conclusion that my son was sleeping with his girlfriend. I didn’t tell you that he was, and in fact I don’t think that he is, but it is human nature to think the worst when it comes to men and women.

  But anyway, I am good with going on the road trip because I am curious and I need a break, and what better person than you to go on a break with. But you think it through and make sure you can live with the consequences, if it comes to that. Sorry, but it’s the worrier in me. And as for the timing, the only week that won’t work for me is next week, other than that I think I am good. Let me know what you decide.

  I look forward to hearing from you again. I love getting your emails.

  Now, I am going to attempt to send you that link. I don’t know what I am doing so it may not happen.

  ***

  It is now the next day—the morning after the night before. I goofed up my whole computer trying to get that link to you. I have it straightened out now, but I don’t want to try it again out of pure fear. Thank heavens for the automatic save on my e-mails; otherwise it may have been another day or two before I had time to rewrite this whole thing.

  Anyway, have a good day, Callii

  ***

  From Levi Stone (Thirty minutes later)

  Calliijo, from head to toe, a quick reply from Joe the Schmoe.

  I’m having a guilty pleasure right now. I love eggnog, it’s stupid, I know. It’s really rich, so I mix it at a ratio of about 25% eggnog and 75% milk. It’s just about right that way. I pretty much love the taste of vanilla wherever I can find it. I love tapioca pudding and I love vanilla ice cream. Crème Brulee is to die for. I defend myself by telling people that vanilla ice cream is not plain. Vanilla is a real flavor, and it’s the best flavor. :^) Also, my favorite color is beige and I have a vanilla personality.

  Let me tell you an easy way to send links or pages, or whatever. Just copy and paste the URL (website address) into the body of a new e-mail, then you can just send it off to anyone you like. Click the URL line until it turns blue, usually the first click, then right click it and copy, then paste it into your e-mail with a right click again. I assume you have a PC and not a Mac. I hope that helps. In this case you could just tell me the name of the train and I’ll Google it.

  Now, please answer a few questions that I asked you and then I’ll respond in full. I’m sorry to be so pushy.

  What is your favorite Christmas movie, and what are your favorite Christmas artists and/or songs? Also, what do you mean that your name has given you a lot of grief?

  Are you active in your church? I have my own story to tell right now. I think we all wander through the hills and vales of spiritual highs and lows throughout our lives. All of our lives are filled with different chapters of all kinds, not only in our church activity but in all other aspects as well. Every life has a story to tell, and all of them are interesting.

  And finally, I’m sorry for prejudging your son. I don’t know him at all. I scarcely know you that well.

  So let me know what you’re thinking.

  Your friend always, Levi

  ***

  From Callii Wilson (Twenty minutes later)

  Good evening Joe, you are quite the rhymer. Thanks for the computer advice. I discovered today, when trying to send an attachment to a doll customer, that my computer has a problem. I called my son, the computer guru, and he tried to help me over the phone, but it looks like it is more serious than a quick fix. He is going to come over sometime this evening to get it fixed and then I will try again.

  I realized last night, after writing my email to you, that I didn’t answer any of your questions. I’m sorry about that. I have a very short attention span. Anyway, here are the answers to your questions:

  1. I have several favorite Christmas movies. For the last couple of years it has been “The Holiday”. It is kind of a chick flick. It’s about two women that change houses at Christmas time. One lives in L.A and the other in London. It’s a fun and quite romantic kind of a thing. One of my all-time favorites is “Christmas Story”. It reminds me of my big brother. He always got a new bb gun every Christmas. We have old films of him picking up bb’s from the floor. He spilled them every Christmas, like he knew it was supposed to be a tradition or something. You said that one was one of your favorites too—maybe someday we can watch it together. As far as Christmas songs or artists are concerned, I really like Karen Carpenters songs, but I like almost all Christmas songs, really. I am one of those silly people that listen to Christmas music the minute they start playing it on the radio.

  2. My Name—Callii. It has been mostly the spelling that has made me crazy. People always spell it wrong and they always comment on it. I always say, “Don’t you think everyone should have two eyes?” And then there is Callpurnia. Who knows where that name comes from? No one ever gets it right, why would they, they’ve never heard of it. Even my bank has it spelled wrong on my Credit Card. I have learned to ignore it.

  3. Am I active in my Church? The short answer is yes, but I am not someone that wears her religion on her sleeve. I am your back row kind of a person. I will explain that in more detail someday.

  I am glad you like Vanilla. It is especially good as a cake. I love white cake, even more than chocolate cake. My favorite chocolate is white chocolate. Wow, eggnog though? You know it is made with raw eggs don’t you? What other guilty pleasures do you have?

  Okay, now that I have answered all of your questions, I am expecting great things back from you.

  I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon, Callpurnia Jo Von Rothstein Wilson. Try living with that for all these many years.

  ***

  From Levi Stone (Ten minutes later)

  You are too funny. Thanks for the reply. Yes, I think everyone should have two eyes. I’m still laughing. I’ll write you in a day or two.

  P.S. I’m sitting here editing Hollow Chill for the third and final time, and I’m still exulting in the Laker’s loss to Memphis tonight. My favorite team is whoever is playing the Lakers.

  Sleep well my friend. I’m still smiling, Levi

  ***

  From Levi Stone

  Dec 4th

  Hi grandma Callii, you sweet thing, you. I am just starting to write a lengthy letter to you. I’ll probably send it off tomorrow. I hope you’re having a great weekend. I’m sure that you are because you’re such a social little woman. Sleep well, Levi

  P.S. Get up in time for church tomorrow and enjoy yourself on the back row with the rest of the bleacher bums.

  ***

  From Levi Stone

  Dec 5th

  Hey Calliijo, do you ever slow down—really? How’s the business going right now? Good I hope? You’ve heard of babies raising babies? With you it’s a doll making dolls.

  I hope you don’t get tired of th
e music links I’ve been sending you: “Little Drummer Boy” has always been a favorite. I still remember the first time I heard it. It was in church when I was just a boy. A neighbor lady sang it and I thought, Wow! And “Music Box Dancer” was a radio favorite when my kids were just in preschool. I just like to share, that’s all.

  I’m going through your last two e-mails and will try to answer all of your questions. So, as usual, this will probably be a long one.

  I got online a couple of days ago and bought a “Carpenter’s Christmas” CD – it’s on the way. I’ve always liked the Carpenter’s but I have never really tied them together with Christmas, but I do now. And now you have me brainwashed because every time I hear any Christmas song I think of you. That’s right—every time.

  I believe I’m pretty much a servant to Lexi. She just asked me to make popcorn – done! Then she held up the bowl and said, “Hey, this said extra butter!”—like I was supposed to see that it was lacking. So I hurried in and melted down some butter and added extra salt, and it seemed to make her happy. And I can foresee the future, next she’ll ask me for water with a lot of ice, but I love the little tyke and she usually gets what she wants. I just offered to click off the NBA game and let her watch Snow White, so of course that’s what we’re doing now. So, if I think like a fourth grader sometimes, there’s a legitimate reason for that. Bingo—she just asked for a drink of water.

  You mentioned Thanksgiving. That seems like a long time ago, now. Christmas is coming full steam ahead. We’re having an early party with our kids this year. It will be this coming Wednesday. We usually have it the night before Christmas Eve, kind of an extra Christmas Eve, so our kids can have the real Christmas Eve with their little families. Bailey and her kids have always found themselves waking up at my house on Christmas morning. This year will be the first Christmas that her kids will wake up in their own house, and that’s a good thing for their little family. They’ll drive up here later in the day.