by Christina Li
“Israel would be amazing. My parents went to all these exotic places, but I was always left at home.” Vanessa’s expression turned reflective. She seemed sad, wistful, even. He had met her parents at church, but they were so busy, he hadn’t been able to spend much time getting to know them.
“I’ve been to Israel several times. Though it’s dangerous, it truly is full of wonders. It seems every stone is alive with history. It’s all around you.” What would it would be like to travel it with her?
Glancing at his watch, Daniel realized it was time for him to get back. “I’m sorry, but I must be going now. Don’t worry about the check. I’ve take care of it.”
Vanessa smiled. “I know, thank-you. You didn’t have to do that.”
“A gentleman never allows a lady to pay for her meal.”
Vanessa rested her chin on her hand as she watched him go. How strange. Last night, she thought he was an intruder. Today, she had a date with him! Well, not a real date. She hardly felt like she’d ever deserve anything like that kind of love from a man of his caliber and character—and he was certainly nice on the eyes. Nevertheless, she planned on making the best of things. It was always nice to have a friend.
As she finished her tea and scones, she decided she liked them, even with clotted cream. The scones were like flaky biscuits only richer and more buttery tasting than a muffin. With clotted cream and strawberry jam, they fairly melted in her mouth. It was easy to see why these were a hit with Mrs. Givens’ customers.
She had all but forgotten about her tuna sandwich and decided she would save it for later. It caught her attention for a moment. Did Daniel also have a tuna on wheat? Must just be a coincidence, but something about that made her feel even closer to him. She certainly felt safe around him. And she let out a burst of laughter when she replayed him drinking that hot tea and trying to pretend like he hadn’t gotten burnt! As well as how he talked in circles about the date-non-date! How can such an eloquent professor be at such a loss for words? He was an enigma, but a very welcome one at that.
Poor man, he’s been through a lot, losing his wife. She would have to pump her grandmother for information about her. Vanessa didn’t feel comfortable asking Daniel directly and she wasn’t sure he would feel comfortable answering either.
Mrs. Givens came over a few minutes later and offered to show her the apartment. She liked it on sight, but wanted to check her finances before she committed to anything. There were a few freelance projects she had going, but she couldn’t in good conscience take an apartment without a promised steady income. She had some savings, but that would only go so far. She needed to get on the hunt for a job soon.
Chapter 6
The next day was a Saturday, warm but not hot, sunny, and perfect for shopping. Vanessa’s grandparents were surprised at Daniel’s invitation, but tried to hide it. It was all quite funny. After all, she felt she didn’t deserve to have a relationship after the stupidness that happened in California and Daniel wasn’t interested anyway. He needed a friend and she didn’t mind being one.
Mrs. Bennett quickly got into the excitement of dress shopping for Vanessa. She loved spoiling her grandchild and it was always fun to try on pretty things. Both ladies had an innate sense of style and had often shopped together when Vanessa was in high school. Their favorite places were thrift stores. As much as they appreciated quality, they hated spending a lot of money when they could get something just as good for a quarter of the price.
Unfortunately, the first thrift store had nothing either woman liked. Either the color was wrong or it didn’t fit. By the time they got finished in the fourth thrift store, Vanessa was nearing despair.
“Grandma, what am I going to do? None of my clothes have arrived yet from California and I can’t fit in any of my old ones.”
“Hmm. I’m surprised we haven’t found anything. You would think.” She closed her eyes and moved her lips silently. Vanessa realized she was praying. Grandma reminded her of the Biblical character Enoch, how he walked with God. She seemed to include the Lord in everything she did, no matter how big or small. When Grandma’s eyes opened again, there was such a beautiful peace in them—and a sparkle. “Now why didn’t I think of that before?”
“What, Grandma?”
“I had forgotten that a sweet lady from church opened a thrift store over in Highland Park near the Botanical Gardens.”
“Highland Park is a very nice city,” said Vanessa. “I’ve wanted to get over to the Botanical Gardens sometime to sketch. Even though it’s chilly, it’s still so beautiful.”
“Well, how about we go to the thrift store for a short while and then run over there for the rest of the day. I’ve got an annual pass. You always carry your sketch book so we should be all set.”
“Do you think your friend has anything though?” Vanessa didn’t want to get her hopes up.
“I think the Lord gave me the idea. He has a plan for you. I know He will work things out. He always does.”
But what if you were the one who made a mistake? Vanessa chewed on her bottom lip. God can forgive, but, what if you fouled up so bad that there was no fixing it? How did God’s plan work out that?
When they pulled up to the entrance of the thrift store, Vanessa’s breath caught in her throat. There in the window was the most beautiful deep purple dress she had ever seen. “I hope it’s the right size,” she exhaled.
Her grandmother grinned. “Let’s go find out,” she said as she opened her car door.
Mrs. Carmel greeted the two ladies as the entrance bell chimed above the door. “Natalie Bennett, how are you?”
“Hello,” Mrs. Bennett replied as she hugged her friend. “I’m very good. How are you?”
“Fantastic. And who is your lovely friend?”
“This is my granddaughter, Vanessa. Vanessa, meet Madeleine Carmel.”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Carmel,”
“Oh, come on, Dear, the granddaughter of Natalie deserves a good hug. Besides, you’re already family,” Madeleine replied.
Vanessa returned the embrace. Goodness, it was so good to be home.
“I thought I saw you ladies admiring the purple outfit in the window. Vanessa, would you like to try it on?” asked Mrs. Carmel.
She pulled the outfit off the mannequin in the window. The beautiful dress wasn’t a dress, but a blouse and skirt combo. The top was long-sleeved, an ‘Elizabeth’ style with ruffles around the neckline and at the wrists. It was paired with a long ‘Abigail’ layered skirt, with ruffles all the way to the ankles. It even had a dark camel belt with a large flower at the center. Vanessa couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful outfit.
In the dressing room, Vanessa loved the feel of the soft fabric against her skin. The top was a perfect fit, but the skirt required a little taking in. All Vanessa needed was a few moments with her grandmother’s sewing machine and she would be ready. Even the belt fit with little adjustment. She admired herself in the mirror. I shouldn’t embarrass Daniel in this.
Both her grandma and Mrs. Carmel admired her when she stepped out of the dressing room.
“You are beautiful, Sweetie. I think our Daniel will find it difficult concentrating on his speech.”
“Daniel is taking Vanessa on a date?”
“We’re just friends,” said Vanessa nonchalantly from inside the dressing room.
“Of course, Dear,” said her grandmother.
Vanessa could feel their loud silence and grins. Shaking her head, she changed back into her regular clothes. She hoped her face wasn’t as red as it felt.
At the cash register, her grandmother refused to let Vanessa pay. “I don’t often get to spoil you. Let me. Consider it an early Christmas present.”
“I have just one more thing to add to complete your outfit,” said Mrs. Carmel. “And don’t even try to pay for it. Consider it a welcome home gift. I already put it in your bag.”
Vanessa didn’t know what to say. Their kindness was overwhelming. “Thank you, bo
th of you, so much.” She hugged her grandmother. Mrs. Carmel came around the counter and got another hug too.
Then some more customers came in and Mrs. Carmel left to help them. Vanessa and her grandmother waved good-bye as they walked out.
***
The weekend sped by. Sunday, especially, was a blur. That morning, she was so nervous about going back to her old church, her stomach did flip flops. She had missed it for one reason or the other when she came for visits during Christmas time. She nearly didn’t go, but in the end, was glad she did. It had grown quite a bit in the three years she had been gone, but the reception was as warm and welcoming as it had always been.
She should have paid more attention in the service, but kept getting distracted. Instead of focusing on the sermon, which was the love of God, something she knew she needed to hear, she kept getting distracted by all the people. The older people hadn’t changed so much, but the young people she almost didn’t recognize. The Givens family was there, extended family and all. She hadn’t known Sam or Jesse well. She knew them when they were all children and in the youth group, but had lost touch after they had gone away to college. When they came back, she was gone.
Vanessa was especially disappointed at not getting a chance to talk to Ivy. She was helping out in Sunday school that morning and Vanessa was so busy greeting people from years back that she missed her. Perhaps they could talk on Wednesday. And of course Daniel was busy helping out with the youth, so she didn’t see much of him either.
Mr. and Mrs. Givens were both also talking to people. When she had an opening, Vanessa suddenly felt shy, so she missed the opportunity. Later she wanted to kick herself about it. After the kindness Mrs. Givens had shown her at the Coffee House, how could she think it would be different at church?
All in all, Vanessa decided coming home was a good place for starting over. Pastor Flowers had offered to check around for job openings. For the first time in months, Vanessa felt as if there might be hope for her future. She may never deserve a family of her own, but at least she could be happy here.
***
Vanessa didn’t see Daniel much that coming week. It seemed he had one meeting after another. Even those couple of meals he was able to join, he seemed distracted and ate on the run.
She spent the week fruitlessly job hunting. For every job she found online either she wasn’t qualified, or after reading the description she realized she would hate it. She knew she couldn’t be too picky, but it had to get better than that. Finally, she found a couple of jobs that sounded promising. Unfortunately, when she went in for interviews, they had already been filled.
On Wednesday, Vanessa put her purple outfit back on to see how much she needed to take in on the sides of the skirt. Feeling the silkiness of the fabric, her spirits immediately rose. Maybe she didn’t have a job, but she sure cleaned up good. Mrs. Carmel’s gift was a beautiful feathered headband. Vanessa felt like she was wearing a crown. For once, her hair cooperated and fell in long soft curls onto her shoulders and down her back.
The only thing that was wrong with her outfit was the fact that her boxes from California still hadn’t arrived. She hoped they weren’t lost. It shouldn’t take this long. Unfortunately, that box held most of her good shoes. The ones she had now weren’t quite ‘right’.
“Grandma, what if my boxes aren’t here by Friday? I can’t afford shoes.”
“You wear a size 8 right?” her grandma asked. At Vanessa’s nod, she said, “I have an idea. I’ll just call around and ask some of our church ladies if they have any shoes that would work. We can send a picture of your dress on your cell and see what response we get.”
“I am so embarrassed. What will the church ladies think of me? Would anyone want to share their shoes?”
“You are family and these people care about one another. When a person is in need, we help. Now, stand still as I take a picture of you.” With a quick click, Mrs. Bennett took a picture with her cell and sent out a text to several of her church friends.
Within moments, three texts came back.
“What a lovely dress! Sorry, but none of my shoes match, but I’ll ask around.”
“Your granddaughter is so beautiful. I’ll check my closet.”
“Would black work?”
Finally, Mrs. Givens from the Coffee House texted. “I think Violet is a size 8. I forwarded your text to her. I hope she’ll get back to me soon.”
Later, Violet, Mrs. Givens’ daughter-in-law, texted that she was indeed a size 8 and had some shoes that color. She even offered to bring them with her that night to church. Vanessa marveled at everyone’s kindness. She had never even met Violet, but the woman was willing to share her shoes! Vanessa determined to figure out some way to thank her. Perhaps a painting?
With that crisis over, now she could concentrate on being nervous for Friday evening.
Chapter 7
Denny was tired of waiting. It was Wednesday evening and Vanessa and her grandparents finally left the house. Finding her had been tricky because she lived with her grandparents in one of those townhouses that were all similar in design and color.
Earlier that week, he parked his car in a lot next to the mail boxes and went for a walk. Pretending to live in the area, he had done a lot of walking in the last couple of days. He congratulated himself on his various ‘disguises’. He had about ten different baseball caps and five different pairs of sunglasses. Vanessa never recognized him, but he had been careful to not stick around when he saw her.
Figuring out the family’s schedule was nuts. It seemed someone was always home. If it wasn’t Vanessa herself, it was one of her grandparents. There was even some other guy who seemed to be living there.
Well, now he was pretty sure everyone was gone. Even the guy with the professor briefcase had left earlier. He watched as their car taillights faded in the distance. The neighborhood was quiet anyway and all the garage doors were closed.
Denny had parked in the little lot in the cul-de-sac right in front of their house. Getting out of his car, he pulled his collar up against the wind. It was that time of day where shadows played tricks and it was hard to see clearly. That would definitely work in his favor.
He walked across the street and tried the door. It never hurt to try. Sometimes, he got lucky. He was glad there was no porch light on. It was easy to fade into the shadows in case any neighbors happened by.
The door was locked, but Denny was undaunted. He had picked harder locks than these before. Out of his pocket, he pulled his little ‘kit’. Selecting a tool, and holding a small pen light in his mouth, he set to work.
Click. “Oh yeah.” His lips stretched into a triumphant grin as he turned the knob and stepped through the door.
The entryway wasn’t large, but there was room enough for a closet for coats and a bench to sit on to take off shoes. Using, his pen light, he spotted a flight of steps to his right. Vanessa’s room was probably upstairs. Surely her boxes had arrived by now.
The first room that he came to at the top of the steps was obviously some kind of home office loft that overlooked the first floor. He poked his head around briefly, but seeing no vase and no moving boxes, he continued on down the hallway. Next, he came to a bathroom on his left and a bedroom on his right. This one might be hers. Coming into the room, he shined his pen light around. There was a small dresser beside the bed, but there wasn’t anything on it except a few glass blown objects and a music box. A desk occupied one corner, but it had only a couple of books on it, a lamp, and some pencils. There was nothing on the floor either. When he opened the closet, he realized this room was obviously used as a guest room.
Growling, he left and continued down the hall. At the end, there was another bedroom on the right and one to his left. Instinctively, he chose the one on the left, away from the street. Shining his pen light, he saw a large bed in the middle of the back wall and a dresser opposite. No vase there, on it or next to it. On either side of the bed was a large closet on one side an
d two chairs with a table lamp between them on the other. No vase there either. Another room went off to the side, probably into a bathroom. He realized this was the master suit, probably her grandparents’ room.
Cursing, he walked across the hall. This had to be Vanessa’s room. It was fairly large, but not as large as the one he had left. A single bed sat at the far corner. It was filled with pillows and stuffed animals, girly. There were a few prints on the walls, but nothing worth anything. At the end, next to the window, there was an easel sitting on an old shower curtain, probably to protect the carpet.
A large dresser and a desk were in here as well. Unfortunately, he didn’t see the vase anywhere. There weren’t any boxes, opened or otherwise, either. Maybe she had put them in the closet. He opened the double doors and found nothing but a suitcase and a few clothes hung up. Maybe she left the boxes in the garage or the basement somewhere.
Exasperated, he left and went back downstairs. Checking the living room, he saw nothing but furniture and some books and magazines. There were a few decorations, a large mirror over the fireplace, obviously a garage sale find, and some paintings perhaps done by Vanessa. Sneering and waving dismissively, he wandered into the kitchen, but there was nothing there. He had better find that vase. Otherwise this house was completely worthless.
He saw a door on one side of the kitchen that led into the garage. Opening it, he was disappointed that there were no boxes, only shelves lining the walls with various tools neatly arranged. He could have shouted in frustration.
Was it possible that her boxes hadn’t arrived yet? It had been almost a week. Coming back into the house, he remembered the basement. With renewed hope, he found the door on the other side of the kitchen.
At the bottom of the stairs there was another door. It was locked, but he picked it easily. So, the professor guy was a border. This must be his apartment. In the living room, he was again disappointed. In here was a couch, an easy chair, and several end tables. The walls were lined with bookshelves, filled mostly with books.
