Autumn Calling

by T. Lynne Tolles

  The headline read, “Woman found by hikers.” It went on to say that a woman identified as Mary Louise Shaw was found near Hell’s Hole Creek yesterday. How she died had not been determined, only that it looked to be of unnatural causes.

  “Sister Mary Louise is dead?” Summer said in disbelief. It was bad enough that she had disappeared, but now she was dead? Her face grew hot and her eyes welled with uncontrollable tears. She looked towards Tori to see her silent and stoic, as if frozen in time. A tear rolled down her cheek and landed in the limp hand that sat in her lap.

  The Reverend Mother nodded to the sister, who jumped up and appeared between the two girls. An arm went around each of them, pulling them to her. The girls relented and cried quietly against her shoulders. “There, there, girls, it will be okay. The Lord has a special place carved out to receive those like Sister Mary Louise.”

  After the girls had a little cry and pulled back from Sister Margaret, the Reverend Mother continued. “I’m so sorry, girls. I know how much you cared for her, and she you. I didn’t want you to find out on your own, and since Sister Mary Louise was part of our little family, I felt it was my responsibility to inform you of her passing.”

  “What will happen to her?” Tori asked.

  “When the police release her body, we will receive her remains and have her buried in the churchyard.”

  “Won’t her family want to take her?”

  “She hadn’t any, dear, but she does here, and we will provide her with a proper burial and services. She was dearly loved, girls. I’ll make certain she has a beautiful spiritual departure despite how her life might have ended. I promise.”

  The girls nodded to the sister who handed them each a gladly received tissue. “I’m so sorry, girls. If I can do anything,” she stopped and then corrected herself. “If we can do anything for either of you, you have only to ask myself or Sister Margaret.”

  “That’s right, girls. We’re always here for you—always.”

  Summer said a barely audible “thank you” as Tori sat in her chair half-dazed. Without even thinking, and purely automatic, both girls said minimal goodbyes and left the room. When they made it to the dog-mobile, they both sat in silence for a very long while taking in all said.

  Summer hadn’t even realized she’d taken the paper with her until she set it next to her thigh on the seat. Reality seemed to stop in the confines of the automobile. Children laughed and played in the school yard, birds chirped, even a bee buzzed by the windshield. Reality existed out there, but in here the two girls ached for time to stop and mourned their loss of Sister Mary Louise.

  Summer started the car and headed to the Mausoleum bar. She knew Tori would need Nick to help her through this grief. While she drove in silence, she reached for Tori’s hand and held it tightly within hers. When they arrived at the Mausoleum, a grateful Tori hugged her, depositing a few tears on Summer’s cheek from her own. “Thanks, Summer. You always know just what I need.”

  Summer smiled. Tori shut the door, ran to the bar, and went inside, but not before giving one last wave to her friend.

  Summer wished she had a boyfriend to run to, but Jackson was on the other side of the world, and even if she did reach him on the phone he’d be asleep. There was nowhere else to go but home, where she found a happy hellhound waiting for her on the porch. He seemed to know something was amiss and he lifted her hand under his head for her to pet him.

  She did give him a little scratch on the ear but it was about the only energy she had. She unlocked the door and went inside, locking it behind her. Sully followed her to the bed where she plopped down and had herself a good long cry. Sully never left her side and lay his head on her thigh, watching her and keeping her company.

  At some point, exhausted from her tears and the onslaught of emotions, she fell into a fitful sleep.

  * * *

  When Summer woke to a dark bedroom, she thought she heard whispering. She also noted the pup was no longer on the bed. A prickle of fright crept up her spine, until she heard a voice she hadn’t heard for a quite a while.

  “Don’t be frightened, Summer. It’s me. Daniel. I hope I didn’t frighten you. I was just getting reacquainted with Sully,” he said.

  Summer turned on the bedside lamp to illuminate the beautiful wingless fallen angel sitting in the chair across the room, petting Sully. Something about seeing him triggered her tears and the sadness again. It was a relief to have him there to ease her sorrow. At the sight of her eyes welling, he darted to her side and wrapped his arms around her. She melted within them, letting their strength carry her burden for a moment, and she wept long and hard while he stroked her hair and kept her safe.

  Summer felt she could have died right then and there and been happy. She had almost forgotten about Daniel, her very own guardian angel. She’d had a crush on him last time he visited her, and maybe he sensed it and kept his distance, though she wasn’t sure that was the case. She had felt at his last departure that he had been struggling with something of his own. Either way, she didn’t care why he came. She was just extremely glad he was there.

  “I’m sorry for your loss, Summer,” he whispered in her ear.

  “You know about the sister?” she said weakly.

  “I do. I know she meant a lot to you and you to her. Father will watch over her now. She will be safe in his arms as she makes her transition.”

  “She will?” she cried.

  “She will, I promise.”

  Summer finally pulled away from Daniel’s grasp, and he seemed a little disappointed that the moment had passed.

  “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you came.”

  “You need only call for me. I told you this.”

  “You did, but I thought if you wanted to see me you would just show up, and well, you didn’t, so I didn’t.”

  “I don’t understand the logic of that statement, but I sensed your need and decided I should come. I’ve missed not conversing with you.”

  “You have?”

  “Yes, very much so.”

  “Then why didn’t you come on your own accord?”

  “It’s not really my place. The less I visit you, the less likely I interfere with the path your life leads.”

  “What if I’d rather you be in my life more?”

  He smiled as if this made him happy. “Then that is your choice and I would be happy to honor it.”

  “Then please do,” she said wiping her nose with a tissue.

  He smiled again, and the room seemed a little brighter when he did so. “I will.”

  “I’ve been so lonely lately, and scared about this inevitable battle I’m supposed to fight.”

  “Yours is a difficult path, but you are strong and brave. I have no doubt you will be successful.”

  “I wish I was as confident as you.”

  “Why aren’t you?”

  “Humans have doubts and fears of inadequacies. Don’t angels have these?”

  “I suppose we do to some extent, but as you might put it, we aren’t hard-wired the same.”

  She couldn’t help laughing. He’d actually made a joke? Had he been studying up on humans and how they interacted? And if so why? He’d been so unemotional in the past, but now he seemed different. More at ease or more practiced. She wasn’t sure what, but it warmed her heart to see him smile at her.

  “I guess we’re not. So what have you been doing all this time?” she asked.

  “Watching you. That’s what I do.”

  “I know, but you must do other things. Hobbies? Interests?”

  “Mmmm, not really. It’s my job. I take great pride in watching over you.”

  “It’s a little creepy when you say that’s all you do,” she said. She saw his expression change to despair.

  “I’m sorry. That didn’t sound right,” she said, thinking how to explain. “See humans don’t live and breathe for their job. They have all kinds of interests outside their trade. Interests and hobbies help to accom
modate the complexity of the human need for more than just one purpose for existence.” This seemed to appease the angel’s anguish and he appeared very interested in what she had to say.

  “In that case, what do you consider amusing?” he asked.

  “Well, I think you already know of my love for animals, but I like gardening, music, art, reading, and though I’m being shoved into magic I do find some of it fun.”

  “I suppose over the ages I have enjoyed some of the music. It seems to evoke things within me I can’t quite comprehend.”

  “You mean feelings?”

  “Yes. I imagine that’s what they are. Some music is very uplifting and almost makes me want to march or stomp my foot.”

  She smiled at his enthusiasm.

  “Others are more slow and somber, but eerily beautiful.”

  “Do you ever close your eyes and picture a scene when you listen to music?”

  “No. Do you? That sounds fascinating.”

  “It is. You relax your mind and just follow the music to where it takes you.”

  “I’ll have to try that.”

  “I imagine that’s how ballets and plays are written; seeing it played out in one’s mind and then making it a reality on the stage. I expect it’s very gratifying.”

  “Fascinating. I must admit I have hummed a catchy tune to myself once or twice to pass the time, and sometimes without even realizing I’m doing it.”

  “Me, too. Sometimes I wake up with a song in my mind and it haunts me all day long.”

  They sat smiling, thinking of the ways music weaved into so many elements of the day and lives of those privileged to hear it.

  After a moment, he asked, “How is your vampire friend?”

  Summer knew Daniel was attempting to be polite, since the last time she brought up Jackson he was appalled she would associate with such a dangerous creature.

  “You have been practicing your etiquette in the ways of conversation, haven’t you?”

  “I’ve been trying to emulate the art of dialogue, though I hope you will forgive me if I falter a bit.”

  “Of course. I’m very impressed and touched that you’ve made such an effort for me. To answer the question, which I know you already know the answer to, he’s okay, though very far away.”

  “Has he indicated when he might be coming back?”

  She looked at him sideways, knowing he knew this answer too, and said, “No.”

  “How do you feel about that?”

  “Now you sound like a psychologist,” she said.

  “Is that not appropriate?”

  “No, it’s absolutely appropriate and fine. It’s just strange having a conversation with you when you already know what my answer will be.”

  “I don’t know everything, just the likely course of your path and encounters, but you surprise me sometimes with the choices your make and I find that most intriguing. Besides, when you tell me how you feel, it gives me more of a sense about these emotions that bombard every aspect of a human’s life. I don’t know how you weed through that chaos, but I’d like to understand it more, hence the question.”

  “Well, when you put it that way, it makes me sad and kind of mad, and then top that off with a little embarrassment for being selfish.”

  “I’m not sure I follow. I think I understand the sadness in that you miss him. I know I miss talking with you, and now I define that ache as sadness. I’m guessing you are mad because he is not here to help you with your daunting plight, but I don’t follow when you express embarrassment.”

  “It’s true I am angry that he’s not here, but I shouldn’t be. It’s not his fault. My embarrassment comes from the fact that I should be stronger, not depending on him for his strength. It’s selfish of me to feel cross with him.”

  “I see. Feelings are very complicated, aren’t they?”

  “They certainly are. And now that Sister Mary Louise is dead,” she started only to end in another bit of tears. He pulled her close once more. It felt so perfect and right to be in his arms, but was it just her emotions in overdrive? His chin was rough on her forehead as his stubble grazed across it, and his warmth and strength were intoxicating. Her tears faded with each stroke of his hand on her head, but she did not pull away and he did not disengage from his embrace.

  “You must be exhausted. Maybe I should let you sleep.”

  “Please, don’t go. I don’t want to be alone.” She knew he might retort with she’s never alone, he’s always there watching, but he didn’t this time. He did what she wanted him to do; he scooted back on the bed, making room for her to lie beside him, and pulled a blanket over her as he lay back on the pillow with his right arm around her. She laid her head on his chest and listened to his heart and the rhythm of his breathing.

  His chest was firm under her cheek as the palm of his hand cupped her elbow. His very presence soothed away her anxious, sad thoughts. She’d been alone all her life, save for Tori. She finally felt her future might not be as lonely as her past. She’d found her lost family and gained cherished friends through the turmoil in getting here, but this was something else.

  This filled a hole in her heart she’d felt in the past might never be filled. Could she have a life with a fallen angel? He’d made more of an effort to appease and accommodate her than any human man, or vampire, ever had. Most importantly, he was here.

  She closed her eyes in the splendor of his comforting angelic arms and slept like she’d never slept in her life.

  Chapter 4

  When the first rays of sunshine peeked through the window, kissing Summer’s face with its warmth, she woke to find she was not alone. Daniel had stayed as he promised, not ducking out in the morning without a word like so often men do. No, he watched over her, soothing her fears and sadness.

  She sat up and stretched with a smile on her lips. “Good morning,” he replied.

  “Morning.”

  “Did you sleep well?”

  “Better than I ever have in my life. Thank you for staying. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”

  “I enjoyed it myself. It was very relaxing. I believe Sully even enjoyed it.”

  “He’ll take any lovin’ he can. How did you sleep?”

  “I don’t sleep.”

  “You don’t?”

  “No. I’m a watcher, remember. I wouldn’t be a very good watcher if I slept.”

  “No. I guess not. But now I feel bad you had to lay there all night on my account.”

  He reached up and stroked her cheek, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her eyes. “Please don’t feel bad. It is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in all my many years.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No. I’ve just started using jocular antics, so I’m not very good at it yet.”

  “You’re telling me that lying there awake all night next to me was a highlight in your life? I find that hard to believe.”

  “Believe as you wish. I’ve had many adventures in my life, and seen and done many things, but unlike my brothers I never interacted with humans aside from watching. I now understand why they did what they did.”

  “Do you wish now that you had connected with us sooner?”

  “No,” he said matter-of-factly. “Unless it had been with you, it would not have been the same.”

  She blushed at the sweetness of his comment and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. His hand replaced where her lips had just been as if she had placed something physical. He looked shocked at first, but that look melted into an ear-to-ear smile. His reaction kind of freaked her out at first. No one had ever been so happy to receive a dainty peck on the cheek. It made her want to giggle a little, but she kept it inside. He leaned toward her, coming about half the distance, and said, “May I?”

  Was he asking to kiss her? No one had ever done that.

  “Um, sure,” she said, turning her cheek to him.

  His hand came up under her hair at the nape of her neck, nudging her lips t
oward him. Warm tingles shot up her spine at his touch. Just inches from his lips touching hers, he stopped once more as if to take in one last glance of her eyes. She could feel his breath on her face and the heat from his body, and it filled her with such anticipation. She felt her toes curl in her socks. His lips met hers and she felt great bliss in the release of her greatest expectations being exceeded. His kiss was soft, not sloppy, and couldn’t have been more perfect if he had practiced.

  When he pulled away, her eyes remained closed, savoring the loveliness that had ended too soon. Upon opening them she found his contented, smiling face beaming back at her. She could only hope it was as good for him.

  “That,” he started. “This…is now my new ‘best experience’ ever.”

  She laughed at his enthusiasm and the sweetness of his inexperience and said, “I’ve got to admit, it’s looking like number one for me too.” Most men she had dated would never admit such a thing. It was refreshing not having to worry if you said too much or not enough as you were getting to know one another. Dating often felt like a game she didn’t have directions to. This was raw and simple and most undoubtedly wonderful.

  * * *

  A knock at the door interrupted the two and Sully was the first to jump off the bed. Summer opened the door to find her concerned looking aunt.

  “Aunt Myrtle.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, I just spoke with Sister Margaret,” she said as she came in the door and pet Sully without taking her eyes off Summer. “She told me about Sister Mary Louise.”

  She flung her arms around Summer’s neck and hugged her tightly before noticing behind Summer, Daniel was standing near the couch.

  “Oh,” she said with surprise, then, “OH,” she said again, pulling away from Summer. “A Watcher,” she said respectfully and then curtsied for him like royalty.

  With his bow as a response, Daniel said, “My dear Ms. Midnight, there’s no need for such formalities.”

  “You know my name?” Ms. Midnight said, then immediately answered her own question. “Well, of course you do. It’s a great honor to have you here.”