He Sees You When You're Sleeping

by Carol Higgins Clark

  Sterling smiled at her. “Not really a ghost. I’m more on the order of an angel, but I’m not really an angel. In fact that’s why I’m here.”

  “You want to help me, don’t you?”

  Sterling felt a wrench of tenderness as he looked into Marissa’s troubled blue eyes. “I want to help you more than anything in the world. For my sake as well as yours.”

  “Are you in trouble with God?”

  “Let’s just say he’s not thrilled with me at the moment. He doesn’t think I’m ready for heaven yet.”

  Marissa rolled her eyes. “I know lots of people who are never going to get to heaven.”

  Sterling laughed. “There were some people I was sure wouldn’t make it, and now they’re right up there with the best of them.”

  “Go figure,” Marissa said. “Do you want to come in? I have a chair that was big enough for my dad when he came over to help me with my homework.”

  She’s charming, Sterling thought as he followed her into the spacious room. What a little personality. He was glad that Marissa knew instinctively that he was a kindred spirit, one she could trust. She already looked a little happier.

  He settled himself in the armchair she indicated and realized he was still wearing his hat. “Oh, sorry,” he murmured, took it off, and placed it neatly on his lap.

  Marissa pulled out her desk chair and sat down with the air of a polite hostess. “I wish I could offer you a soda and some cookies or something, but if I go downstairs they’ll want me to eat dinner.” She wrinkled her nose. “I just thought about something. Do you get hungry? Can you eat? Because it looks like you’re there, but not really.”

  “I’m just trying to figure all that out myself,” Sterling admitted. “This is my first shot at this sort of thing. Now tell me, why won’t you talk to your dad?”

  Marissa looked down as a shadow fell over her face. “He won’t come and see me and he won’t let me go and visit him and neither will NorNor-she’s my grandmother. And if they don’t want to see me, I don’t want to see them.”

  “Where do they live?”

  “I don’t know,” Marissa burst out. “They won’t tell me, and Mom doesn’t know. She said they’re hiding out from bad people who want to hurt them and they can’t come back until it’s safe, but at school kids say they think Daddy and NorNor got in trouble and had to run away.”

  Which is it? Sterling wondered. “When was the last time you saw them?”

  “Two days after Christmas last year was when I really saw them. Daddy and I went ice skating. Then we went back to NorNor’s restaurant for lunch. We were supposed to go to Radio City Music Hall on New Year’s Eve morning, but he and NorNor had to go away. They rushed in when I was hardly even awake and said good-bye. They didn’t tell me when they were coming back, and it’s been almost a whole year.” She paused. “I have to see Daddy, I have to see NorNor.”

  Her heart is broken, Sterling thought. He understood that kind of ache. It was like the yearning he felt when he saw Annie go past the window to heaven.

  “Marissa…” There was a knock at the bedroom door.

  “Oh, I knew it,” Marissa said. “Mom is going to make me go down and have dinner. I’m not hungry and I don’t want you to leave.”

  “Marissa, I’m going to get to work on your problem. I’ll be back to say good night.”

  “Promise?”

  “Marissa.” There was another knock at the door.

  “Yes, but you promise me something in return,” Sterling said hastily. “Your mom is really worried about you. Give her a break.”

  “Okay. I’ll even give Roy a break, and anyhow, I like chicken. Mom, I’m coming,” she called. She turned back to Sterling. “Give me a high five.”

  “What’s that?” Sterling asked.

  Marissa was incredulous. “You must be pretty old. Everybody knows what a high five is.”

  “I’ve been out of touch,” Sterling admitted as, following her example, he raised his hand, palm flat, and held it open as she gave it an enthusiastic slap.

  Precocious, he thought, smiling. “See you later,” he whispered.

  “Great. Don’t forget your hat. I don’t want to be mean, but it really looks dumb.”

  “Marissa, dinner’s getting cold,” her mother called.

  “Dinner’s always cold,” Marissa whispered to Sterling as he walked her to the door. “ Roy takes forever to say grace. Daddy says Mommy should stick to cold cuts.”

  Her hand was on the knob. “Mommy can’t see you, can she?”

  Sterling shook his head and disappeared.

  In the celestial conference room, the board had been following Sterling ’s movements with interest. “He’s made contact immediately. Using the old noggin, I call it,” the admiral said approvingly.

  “That little girl is so unhappy,” the nun said softly.

  “And quite outspoken,” the monk observed. “However, I do realize it was different in my day. Sterling is about to request a conference with us. I believe we should grant it.”

  “So be it,” they chorused.

  Deep in thought, Sterling stood for a brief time in the breeze-way of Marissa’s home, sheltered from the slowly falling snow. I could snoop around town and find out about her father and grandmother, he thought, but there’s an easier way to get the full picture, one that would involve requesting permission from the council.

  He closed his eyes. Before he even had time to make the request, he found himself in the conference room. Relieved, he saw from their faces that his saintly mentors seemed to be observing him with guarded favor.

  “I see you tried to find an old lady in distress,” the admiral chuckled. “The young fellow who beat you to her got quite a surprise. I say, she was a prickly one.”

  “At least Sterling didn’t waste a minute when he reached earth,” the nurse said approvingly.

  Sterling glowed to hear the praise. “Thank you, thank you. As you can understand, I don’t want to waste a minute now. I believe I can best help Marissa when I fully understand the cause of her problem.

  “Marissa’s father and grandmother were planning to take her to Radio City Music Hall last New Year’s Eve morning. But something went wrong just before that. They came to see her very early that day and told her they had to go away for a while.”

  The monk nodded. “To get to the root of most problems you have to do some digging in the past.”

  The shepherd, who had been very quiet, suddenly spoke up. “Most people’s problems go way back. You should have met my family. Why do you think I became a shepherd? The only place I got a little peace was out on the hill.”

  They all laughed. “Don’t get me started,” the queen said. “My family’s problems were the talk of the kingdom.”

  The monk cleared his throat. “I think we all understand you, Sterling. We know why you’re here. You are requesting permission to go back in time to learn why Marissa’s father and grandmother needed to leave town.”

  “That’s it, sir,” Sterling said humbly. “Perhaps you feel that by granting permission you’ll make my job too easy, and of course, if that’s the case, I don’t expect special favors.”

  “When you see what this is all about you may need a few special favors,” the matador said wryly. “Personally, it’s my opinion that you’ll be stepping in the ring with two bulls, not one, and-”

  The monk shushed the matador. “It is Sterling ’s job to figure this out for himself.” His hand reached for the button.

  That was fast, Sterling thought as he felt himself once again hurtling through the solar system. They’re sending me a different way. I guess because I’m going back in time.

  The next thing he knew he was standing in the parking lot of an inviting-looking restaurant. Seems to be pretty popular, he observed. Through the windows he could see that there was a bustle of activity inside. To get his bearings, he walked to the end of the driveway and read the sign: NOR’S PLACE.

  Very good, he thought. Mar
issa’s grandmother’s restaurant. He didn’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out that the next step would be to go inside and take a look around. He hurried back up the driveway, climbed the steps, crossed the porch, and started to open the door.

  I can just go through it, he chided himself. No use wasting heat. A sharp breeze accompanied him inside, where a shapely woman of about sixty, with blond hair held up in a loose twist by a jeweled comb, was standing at a small desk, studying the reservations book.

  She looked up. Tendrils of blond hair brushed her forehead.

  A most attractive woman in a showy kind of way, Sterling thought.

  “I’d swear I shut that door tight,” Nor Kelly murmured as with two quick strides she was beside him, giving the door a decisive pull.

  “NorNor, sit down. Your coffee’s here,” a child’s voice called.

  A familiar voice. Sterling whirled around to face the dining room. Mahogany paneled walls, tables covered with crisp white cloths and topped with wide red candles created a cheery and welcoming atmosphere. A piano was at a right angle to the bar. Strings of Christmas lights twinkled on the walls and windows, and holiday music was playing softly in the background.

  “NorNor,” the child called again.

  His eyes roamed the crowded room. A little girl was standing at a corner table just to the right of the door. She was looking in his direction. It was Marissa! She was slightly younger looking, her hair a little shorter, but the most noticeable difference was how happy she looked. Her eyes were sparkling, her lips were curved in a smile, she had on a bright red skating outfit. With her was a strikingly handsome, blue-eyed, dark-haired man in his late twenties.

  Billy Campbell, Sterling thought. He’s got movie-star looks. I wish I’d looked like that when I was alive, he reflected. Not that I had anything to complain about.

  Nor looked up. “I’ll be right there, Rissa.”

  It was obvious Marissa had not seen him. Of course, Sterling thought. We’re not due to meet until next year.

  He strolled over to the table and took a seat opposite Marissa. What a difference in her, he thought tenderly.

  She and her father were finishing lunch. The crusts of a grilled cheese sandwich were on Marissa’s plate. I never liked crusts either, Sterling remembered.

  “Daddy, can’t I please go to the party with you?” Marissa asked as she played with the straw in her soda. “I love to hear you and NorNor sing, and I promise I won’t be a pest.”

  “You’re never a pest, Rissa,” Billy said, giving her hair a tug. “But this party is not for kids, believe me.”

  “I want to see what that big house looks like inside.”

  “A lot of people do,” Billy murmured, raising one eyebrow. “Listen, we’re going to Radio City on New Year’s Eve. That will be a lot more fun. Trust me.”

  “A kid at school said that the men who own that house are like the people in The Sopranos.”

  Billy laughed. “That’s another reason not to bring you there, kiddo.”

  Sopranos? Sterling thought.

  Nor Kelly slipped into the chair next to Marissa. “Don’t forget your other grandma is coming to your mom’s house in time for dinner tonight. You were looking forward to seeing her.”

  “She’s staying for three days. I can see her tomorrow. I don’t want to miss the chance to hear you two sing.”

  Billy’s eyes twinkled. “You’re too young to be a groupie.”

  Groupie? So many new words, Sterling thought.

  “Daddy, everybody loves your new song. You’re going to be so famous.”

  “You bet he is, Rissa,” Nor confirmed.

  I can see why Marissa has missed them so much, Sterling thought. She’s in her element with them. Already, he thoroughly liked Nor Kelly and Billy Campbell. You could not mistake that they were mother and son, and that Marissa had inherited those blue eyes, fair skin, and good looks from them. Nor and Billy had the natural charisma of born performers, and Marissa was already showing signs of possessing that same quality.

  The restaurant was beginning to empty, and people were stopping by the table to say good-bye. “See you on New Year’s Eve,” a number of them said. “We’d never miss your party, Nor.”

  “That party I’m coming to,” Marissa said decisively, pointing her finger for emphasis.

  “Until ten o’clock,” Billy agreed, “then you’re out of here.”

  “Don’t try last year’s trick of hiding behind the bar when it’s time to go home,” Nor warned, laughing. “And speaking of going home, your mother should be here any minute, and Daddy and I have to get moving. We’re due at our job in an hour.”

  Billy stood up. “Here’s Mom, Rissa.”

  Denise Ward was crossing the room to them. “Hi, Billy. Hi, Nor. I’m sorry I’m late,” she apologized. “I had to pick up some groceries, and the line at the checkout counter practically went around the store. But I bought what we need to make cookies, Marissa.”

  Neither Denise nor Billy could be thirty yet, Sterling thought. They obviously had married young, and although divorced, seemed to have stayed friendly. Just looking at the two of them, she in her somewhat prim winter pantsuit and he in his black jeans and boots, you could tell they weren’t on the same wavelength.

  And God knows Billy Campbell hadn’t followed the adage that every man marries his mother. No one would ever accuse Nor Kelly of looking prim. She was wearing a striking white cashmere pantsuit with a colorful print silk scarf, complemented by eye-catching costume jewelry.

  “How are the babies?” Nor asked.

  “Just starting to walk,” Denise announced proudly. “When Roy Junior took his first step, Roy Senior stayed up half the night, installing gates all over the house.”

  Sterling thought he detected a slight roll of Billy’s eyes. She’s letting Billy know how helpful Roy is, Sterling decided. I bet he hears about some new accomplishment of Roy ’s every time he sees her.

  Marissa stood up and hugged her father and grandmother. “Have fun with the Sopranos,” she said.

  Denise looked surprised. “The Sopranos?”

  “She’s joking,” Nor said hastily. “Our job this evening is at the party the Badgett brothers are giving to benefit the senior citizens center.”

  “Don’t they live in that big house-?” Denise began.

  “Yes, they do,” Marissa blurted, “and I hear they have an indoor pool and a bowling alley.”

  “We’ll let you know every sorry detail,” Billy promised. “Come on. Let’s get your jacket.”

  As they started walking toward the coat check, Sterling took a moment to look at the framed photos along the walls. Many of them showed Nor posing with diners at the tables. Some were autographed by people who were probably present-day celebrities, he decided. There were pictures of a glamorous Nor onstage, singing with a band; Billy, guitar in hand, performing with a group; Nor and Billy together onstage; Billy and Nor with Marissa.

  Sterling could see from the older pictures that Nor once must have been a cabaret singer. He came upon a number of photographs in which she was performing with a partner. The sign on the bandstand read NOR KELLY AND BILL CAMPBELL. Billy’s father, Sterling thought. I wonder what happened to him, and how long has she had the restaurant? Then a poster for a New Year’s Eve celebration at Nor’s Place dating back twenty years made him realize that she had been in this business a long time.

  Marissa left after a final kiss from Billy and Nor. Even though Sterling knew that Marissa couldn’t see him, he felt left out that she hadn’t somehow sensed his presence and maybe given him a high five.

  You’re being ridiculous, he chided himself. But when he saw Marissa with Billy it made him think of the child he might have had if he and Annie had married.

  Agreeing to be ready to leave in fifteen minutes, Billy and Nor rushed to change. To kill time, Sterling wandered over to the bar, where a single patron was chatting with the bartender. He sat on a nearby stool. If I were still alive, I’d
order a scotch, he thought. It’s certainly been a long time since I had one. Next year Marissa will ask me if I get hungry or thirsty. Actually, I don’t have any desire to eat or drink, he realized, even though I get cold when I’m outside and feel crowded in cars. As Marissa would say, “Go figure.”

  “Christmas was nice, Dennis,” the patron was saying. “I never thought I’d get through it, the first one without Peggy. Honest to God, when I went downstairs that morning I was ready to shoot myself, but then when I came here it was like being with family.”

  Well, I’ll be darned, Sterling thought. That’s Chet Armstrong, the sportscaster. He was just starting out on Channel 11 when I got beaned. He was a skinny kid then, but the way he delivered the sports news, you’d think every play was crucial. Now he’s broad shouldered, white haired, and has the craggy face of a man who spent a great deal of time outdoors.

  “I felt almost guilty that Christmas Day turned out to be so pleasant,” Armstrong continued, “but I knew Peggy was probably smiling down on me.”

  I wonder if Peggy ever did time in the celestial waiting room, Sterling thought. He wished Chet would open his wallet. Maybe he was carrying her picture.

  “Peggy was a terrific gal,” Dennis, a beefy redhead with large, agile hands, agreed as he polished beer glasses and filled orders from the slips of paper the waiters dropped in front of him. Sterling noticed that Armstrong’s eyes darted to one of the framed pictures over the bar. He leaned forward to get a good look at it. It was a picture of Nor with Chet, whose arm was around the shoulders of a petite woman who had to be Peggy.

  I did see her, Sterling thought. She was a couple of rows behind me in the waiting room. But she didn’t stay there long enough to really settle in.

  “Peggy was a lot of fun, but don’t get on her bad side,” Chet reminisced with a chuckle.

  Oh, that’s what delayed her, Sterling thought. She had a bit of a temper.