The Widow's Friend

by Dave Stone; Callii Wilson

  From Levi Stone

  Dec 16th

  Good morning straight-arrow Callii, thanks for showing me your beautiful home last night, though I have to admit that your roommate was a little bit scary. And thanks for showing me your soft side. I found it to be very much so.

  Your friend forever, Levi

  ***

  From Callii Wilson (Ten hours later)

  Good afternoon to you brother Levi, do you want to take a nap about now? I know that I do. I’m sitting at the play land at McDonald’s right now. I haven’t had this much fun since last night. You should get to bed early tonight. Who knows, you may get lucky. I know I will.

  Thinking of you, Sister Callii

  ***

  From Levi Stone Dec 16th

  Hi Sister Jo, I spent tonight with my sister Sherry at the family party in St. Anthony. It was a lot of fun but I’m tired now and I’m going to crash.

  I spoke with a sixty two year old grandma of two at work today. She lived in Rock Springs, Wyoming, of all places. I mentioned I knew a grandma who was tired of tending grandkids, and she said something interesting. She said, “That robs you of being their grandmother, then you are just the baby sitter.” That was an interesting comment, I thought—just something for you to contemplate.

  So you know you’ll get lucky, huh? Is it that Thompson guy or what? Or is Mary Lou a lesbian? I’m confused. Only one thing is certain though. You’ll be the only one that gets lucky tonight. I’m going to curl up in the fetal position on the edge of the bed. I won’t stir for at least seven more hours.

  And so there you are, all the way down in Rexburg, and I’m way up here in Idaho Falls. Such a waste, but I’ll be thinking of you.

  Sleep tight oh fortunate one, Brother Levi

  P.S. Mary and I are the narrators in the Christmas play on Sunday. Imagine that. Have fun at your Christmas program Sister Wilson. I’ll write more soon.

  P.P.S. Does it seem like last night even happened, or was it just a dream? I better get to bed so I can dream again, Levi

  From Callii Wilson

  Dec 17th

  Good evening Bro. Stone, it has been quite the day today. My son called his wife and said he isn’t coming home for Christmas after all, and he wants a divorce. She called me while I was at dinner with a friend. She was very upset and I don’t blame her. I am pretty upset myself, but I can’t talk to my son because he never returns my calls. I think he has gone off the deep end.

  I have started reading my first book. I can’t remember which one you told me to read first, so I am reading the one called “Carnival”. You, my friend, are very talented. I am really enjoying it. I wish I had more time right now to read it faster. After Christmas I should have more time for such things.

  Are you going to be watching the Idaho State game tomorrow? I really want to watch it and I hope I can make time for it. Do you know what time it’s on? Kevin was a big football fan and he turned me into one too. My boys are also fans, so we have football parties here once in awhile, but no one has mentioned coming over so I may be watching it alone—the story of my life.

  So, what have you been up to this fine day? What are you doing tomorrow? I wish I was a fly on the wall at your Christmas program. I am sure you will do a fine job.

  I went to a concert tonight. It was the Bar J Wranglers. Have you ever seen them? They are very talented and awfully funny. When we came out of the concert it was snowing. On the way home there were three accidents on the freeway. It was slow going, but as you can see I made it home. I am pretty tired now and will be headed to bed soon, but I wanted you to know I am thinking about you. I hope you have a nice weekend. Behave yourself and I will write again soon. You do the same, okay?

  Dream on, Jo

  ***

  From Levi Stone

  Dec 18th

  “How are you tonight Grasshopper?” said the ant. Me thinks that if you and I ever do end up together, it would be great fun for me. You are the fun loving little party girl, and you could take me along. I can’t remember the last time I went to a concert. I still think we are way different in many ways, yet I find it refreshing that our personalities mesh so well. I am quiet sometimes, but often another person with an outgoing personality will draw me out. Cousin Julie always did that to me when we were young. She got me going on many an occasion, and you seem to do the same. Did you feel comfortable too? I hope so.

  The director of the church program just called and she’s as nervous as a cat. I told her I’d pray for her tonight. I didn’t tell her that it wouldn’t do any good. Heh… Anyway, I wish you well with your party tomorrow. I’ll probably write a little more tomorrow night. We’re watching “Horton Hears a Who” right now, at least somebody is, and the boy with the yo-yo is named Jo Jo. I swear, everyplace I go I’m reminded of you. (Not really a problem.) So good night and sleep well, Jo.

  In my wildest dreams, Levi

  ***

  After the e-mail I sent her another link to a song: “Happy Together” by The Turtles

  From Levi Stone

  Dec 19th

  Hi Callii, I’m so sorry about the situation with your son. I know it’s hard on you. I wish I could be there with you right now. Hang tough, girl. Life’s battles are hard enough without having to go through them by yourself, but I would feel as helpless as you do about it, I guess. Are you still upset today? Which town does his wife live in? Rexburg? Far away or close by? I wish I could be there and talk to you. I’m sorry for the clumsiness of where we are at this point.

  It’s Sunday afternoon right now. I suppose you’re right in the middle of a party with the little ones. I’ll write this note and send it on later, when you’re a little more available.

  Did you know that you are very clever? You make me laugh all the time when I read your e-mails—there’s just something about Callii.

  You mentioned the other night that you don’t express your emotions too well. Well I have to admit that I don’t gush too well. Your dolls are gorgeous and will make my little granddaughters very happy, but I was especially remiss about your house. Your basement is fun, but your main level is wonderful. Everything in every corner was just perfect: Your kitchen, your furniture, your oversized windows, your large screen TV with the fire burning on the screen, and on and on. You did so much of it yourself, and what you didn’t do you still used your good taste to direct someone else to do it for you.

  You’re a good woman, Callii. I was focused on you and only you the other night, but I did notice the house, and it was exquisite.

  Actually, up here in my world, the Christmas Program turned out pretty well, but there was little pressure on us. I mean who can’t stand up there and read a paragraph or two? It’s not a difficult task. A couple of years ago I was asked to be Santa Claus—now that’s pressure.

  We went Christmas shopping on Saturday and I missed the football game, but frankly I wasn’t too excited about it anyway. If you can’t beat New Mexico State in El Paso then you might as well mail it in, and it turned out just as I thought that it would. (Do I sound cocky?) That said, I am an Idaho State fan. I’ve drifted away a bit the last ten years or so, especially with basketball, but I still follow the football team fairly closely—I’m just not a fanatic anymore. I have seriously considered buying season tickets next year though. There’s a lot of electricity at the games and it makes for a good outing. With the right friend it could be really something to look forward to. I imagine they’re great on your big screen television as well. Did you and Kevin ever have season tickets?

  And as for the book, just let it rest until after the holidays. Don’t feel pressure to read—please. The books are fun, but take your time.

  You know, it’s a lot of fun e-mailing you and everything, but since we visited the other night it seems like it would be a lot easier to just pick up the phone and talk. But I don’t think it’s quite reached that point yet, though we keep working towards it. Do you feel that way too or not? I don’t think I’d even thought about
it until just now.

  What are you doing on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and what about New Year’s Eve? You tell me and then I’ll tell you.

  Callii, you’re such a little sweetheart, but I have to admit that I see a little bit of street fighter in you. How could you not be a bit that way after all that you’ve been through? You are an independent business woman that has made it on her own, and a girl that’s been knocked down and climbed back up many times. You’re an alley cat that has had an occasional cat fight with some of your friends, and from what you have told me some of your friends seem to be somewhat lacking in a few areas. What is your relationship with Anne Richardson? You have said she is judgmental, but you also seem to really like her. And no matter what happens going forward, thank you so much for putting her off last Wednesday night. That is an evening that will live with me forever—thank you.

  So, I’m sorry for the pointed questions but straight forward old Levi Stone is still trying to figure you out. I will only be walking away from thirty five years of my life you know—kind of like walking off a cliff. It is quite a big deal to me, so I look under every rock for every clue I can find. But let me reassure you, everything here is still turbulent and extreme.

  Well, I don’t know what else to say so I’ll end it here.

  Still dreaming, Levi

  P.S. I was just thinking about your fast food eating habits. Where are your favorite haunts? I’m just wondering.

  Good night again, Levi

  ***

  From Callii Wilson (One hour later)

  Good evening to you my friend, the last of the family left about fifteen minutes ago. It’s been a long day and my house is a disaster. I think everyone had a good time, though. We played “Minute to Win It”, and the kids really had fun. We ate, we opened some white elephants, and the family opened some small gifts that I had for them. Everything went well until the daughters-in-law decided to get together and bash my son. I left and went upstairs because, not only could I not take it, but I didn’t want to be any part of it. My daughter had already gone home so she wasn’t in on it, but I don’t think she would have put up with it either. I didn’t know what to do to stop it. I think everyone is disappointed with what is happening and no one knows how to counsel Brynn without bashing Parker. It will all work out eventually. I did talk to Parker today and we had a good talk. I feel bad that he is way up in Vancouver and can’t participate in the family traditions. You asked where his wife lives. She lives here in Rexburg in that new subdivision on the west side. They have a beautiful home, but I have a feeling they won’t be able to hold on to it for very long—who knows? Parker thinks maybe Brynn will move back to Canada.

  Thank you for the compliments on my house. I have really enjoyed fixing it up. I feel bad that I will be selling it, but it is a lot to take care of and someday soon I hope to do some traveling and I don’t want to have to worry about it. I really don’t know what will happen with my housing future. I just know that I have some options and that is a good feeling. Maybe I’ll buy a motor home and travel the country, and not even have a home. What do you think? I am going to get busy fixing all the unfinished stuff and the ugly parts after Christmas. That should keep me busy for awhile.

  I got curious about my roommate downstairs after some of the things that you’ve said. We really don’t talk to each other much, but after you asked if she was a lesbian I decided to just come out and ask her. I’ll have you know she refuses to talk to me. I don’t know if I have hurt her feelings or just what?

  You also asked about what kind of fast food I like. I really don’t like it that much. I am just too lazy to cook so I resort to it. I love sugar. Breakfast to me is cookies and milk, or cake, or pie, or anything like that. It’s a wonder I don’t weigh two hundred pounds.

  What am I doing for Christmas Eve? The whole family goes to my dad’s house. We have Sloppy Joes and root beer floats, and the kids all exchange gifts. We have about seventy people there. There’s no room at the inn. I don’t know what will be happening on Christmas. I am guessing I will be fixing dinner, but I can only think about one party at a time. As far as New Years is concerned I have no clue, yet. What about you?

  I am on the same page as you, as far as phone calls are concerned. I think that would complicate things. I don’t want complications and I am sure you don’t want them either.

  You are so sweet. I love that you are my friend. And you, my friend, are so very talented. I know I have said that before, but I am really impressed with your writing talent. I hope your wife appreciates how talented you are. I am loving your book. I didn’t have much time to read today, but hopefully I will tomorrow.

  Well, I am so tired I can hardly see what I’m writing, but I’ll write you again tomorrow. It will be Monday again, you know—our date night.

  Your old friend, Jo Jo

  ***

  From Callii Wilson

  Dec 20th

  Good Evening Brother Stone, how are you this fine snowy evening? This snow kind of puts you into the old Christmas spirit, doesn’t it? What exciting things have you done today? I have spent several hours with my roommate today cleaning up the mess from yesterday. She just stood there and stared at me with a sly look on her face. I don’t know what to think about that. I also had an unexpected visit from one of my daughters-in-law and her little girl. We visited for a couple of hours and had some lunch and watched her little one perform some songs and dances for us. She is a cutie. I also got into a little tiff with my daughter. It was over my son of course. Will this ever end? Not real soon I am guessing.

  Okay, so now I have to tell you how dumb I am. Yesterday I went to church and I really enjoyed it. We had lots of Christmas music and all of the usual Christmas stuff. After the meeting I strolled out to my car and that is when I realized that I had locked the keys inside. Well, I didn’t take my purse to church so I didn’t have the remote to get into my car. That’s no big deal, I thought. I can walk home and get my remote and be back in a minute. I don’t live very far away and I do know how to walk, although I did have high heels on and that is a pain. So off I head for home. Suddenly it dawns on me that the battery to my garage door opener is dead. I have no keys to the house with me and of course it is locked up tight.

  But then a light goes on—the basement door has a lock on it that requires only a combination to get in. Yes, this seems to be the solution to my problem, but wait, it’s not quite so easy. I did get into the basement, but I didn’t unlock the door from the basement to the upstairs that morning. You see, I have a dead bolt at the top of the stairs that I lock at night before I go to bed, so that no one that is lurking in the basement can come up and get me. (Like maybe Mary Lou perhaps.) By this time I am downstairs trying to figure out how to get into the upstairs, and I have no phone to call one of my kids. It is locked in the upstairs, and I have no 9 volt battery to replace the dead one with. I did have every other kind of battery down there, just not the one I needed. What to do, what to do? I had some tools so I tried taking off the door knob. I got it off and thought I could reach up and undo the dead bolt. But ha, ha—no such luck.

  Okay, so now I go back outside and check all my doors again. I even tried to get the garage door open using the dead battery and a few prayers. No luck still, and that tells you how many connections I have up there. Do you think if I had stayed to the entire meeting that I might have had better luck with the prayer? Anyway, I finally had to lose my pride and go over to the neighbors to borrow her phone or a battery. She laughed at me a bit, but then found me a battery. I brought it home and put it in place, and low and behold the garage door opened. Yeah, I am now in my house and can put on some flat shoes and go back for my car.

  What an idiot I am! For Christmas I am asking for some 9 volt batteries and a set of keys to put in my scripture bag. I don’t think I have felt so stupid for awhile. It must have been the fact that I was reading your book before I left for church, and therefore I was not thinking straight. I am going to bl
ame you for this one. I hope you don’t mind. So, your date night lesson for today is, always take your car keys out of the car, or take your purse that has the remote in it to church.

  Well, that is enough for tonight—that story wore me out. I look forward to hearing from you Brother Stone. Have a good sleep and I will visit with you again soon.

  Merry Christmas and Ho, Ho, Ho! Calliijo

  ***

  From Levi Stone

  Dec 21st

  Good evening Sister Wilson, you silly girl.

  I’ve been thinking about Mary Lou lately. That push up bra, that sly little smile, and besides that, the girl has food. I’m sure she would feed me, if nothing else. I wonder if I could turn her. One night with me in that dark little basement and I’m sure she could be swayed to go straight. But on the other hand, with a babe like you hanging around, I probably wouldn’t have much of a chance. But I think you’re right, she’s definitely gay or she’d surely talk about it. And besides that, her personality is a little wooden.

  I was leaving for work this morning and saw that Mary (Not your Mary. Funny, huh, we both have a Mary living with us and they both give us about the same amount of love.) was going to wrap up some presents, so I grabbed the bag with the two dolls in it from the garage, and I asked her to wrap them. She said, “Where did you get these?” I said, “A lady down in Rexburg offered to trade them for books.” Then I rushed off to work. Sometimes being in a hurry is a good thing. No sooner did I shut the door to the garage than I heard her say, “Oh, these are cute!” Then she followed me out the door and said it again. So I sputtered, “Gotta go,” and I hurried off. I didn’t want to talk about it. And now she doesn’t want to give them to the girls for Christmas because she thinks the other girls will be jealous. She’s a little nutty about it. I’ll try to convince her, and besides, I know where I can buy some more.