by Gay N. Lewis
“Nah. I’d rather be somebody new. If I became Cynthia again, all those lovely people I know from a past mission might want to see me, and I can’t risk that. I might interfere with something the Almighty has planned for them. He’s probably sent other angels to assist them with whatever they face now. Poopty doopty. I’d love to see them, though.” Sarah spoke aloud and caused several birds to flap their wings and distance themselves from her.
Sarah stretched out on her tummy as she watched Valerie and thought about how the Creator used his multitudes of angels. She giggled when a first century memory surfaced. The apostles had undergone persecution for preaching and healing shortly after Jesus ascended. Foolish religious zealots didn’t like the apostles’ activities and had God’s ordained men jailed—guards were even posted outside the cell. The Angel of the Lord opened the door at night and brought the guys out. The angel told the men to keep on doing what they’d been doing—preaching. The new, but obedient preachers returned to the temple courts the next morning to continue ministry. Ha! What fun that must have been for the Superiors. They must have watched with glee the amazement on the officials’ faces. Those men went to the prison and found the gates locked but with the guards in place and the cell empty. Those nutty persecutors must have been flabbergasted and their expressions priceless. Yep, the Creator sent angels for various tasks, and He couldn’t be outdone. Sarah was certain others were busy helping her former charges with new tasks. Best to leave them alone and try for a new identity.
Calling forth a cheval mirror, Sarah tried several disguises and finally decided on one. She added fifty pounds to her short height and gave herself frizzy, dull brown hair. She placed large, red framed eyeglasses on her nose, wore no makeup and donned mismatched clothes. What was a fitting name for this masquerade? Hmmm.
How about Chastity?
Nope. This image didn’t fit that lovely name. Even though she was chaste—angels experienced no sexual appetite—and in this get-up, she just didn’t look the part.
How about Naomi?
That was a lovely Biblical name. Ruth’s mother-in-law was an ideal role model for her daughter-in-law, but the name was dated, and Sarah wanted one more current.
All names were given for a purpose, and parents tried for beautiful and meaningful names. Well, Sarah’s Father had given her this task and He wanted her to reach a child of His. How about if she called herself Oceana? She loved watching the ocean, even though it often terrified her. The sound of the waves produced a melodic sensation.
She nodded to her image. This one would do, and she looked the part of Oceana Waters. She intended to answer Valerie’s ad, but if she appeared too glamourous when they met, Valerie might be intimidated and that would never do. She’d manage a makeover for the two of them together. Oh, great day, this should be fun.
Now to answer the ad.
Sarah twirled her fingers in the air, rang Valerie’s number and waited.
“Hello?”
“Hi, my name is Oceana Waters. I just saw your ad on line and I’d like to apply.”
“Wow, that was quick.”
“I know, right? Internet gives instant access.” Sarah hoped her answer was satisfactory and accurate.
“I’m Valerie Townsend. Before I tell you about me, would you tell me about you?”
“Sure. I just arrived in Katy. I’m looking for a job and a place to live.” Sarah giggled. “Thought I’d try for a place to light first. That’s when I noticed your ad.”
“You’re single? Pets?”
“I’m unmarried and have no pets.”
“I hate to be blunt, but if you have no job, how can you afford your share of the rent and utilities?”
“My Father is providing for me at the moment, but I hope to soon have a job and then I can pay my own way, but I’ll always have Him to call upon.”
“I know how that is. Do you have transportation?”
Sarah gulped. “I don’t have a car. I flew in, and in fact, I don’t know how to drive. Are there services for people like me in this area?”
“Yes, rides are common but expensive. Maybe after you find a job, you can purchase a vehicle and learn to drive.”
Sarah’s heart plummeted. Learn to operate a vehicle? Oh my sweet stars in the Universe! She was a disaster in a car. “Maybe so.”
“What else can you tell me about yourself?” Valerie held the phone to her ear as she made notes during the conversation.
Wouldn’t it be comical if the woman could see through the ceiling to the roof? She’d see an angel watching her conduct this interview. Nope, not a good idea. Probably scare the willies out of Valerie.
Sarah inhaled before answering. “I’m thirty years old, short and on the heavy-set side. I’ve been in Katy before, but I’m always lost, and I’ve worked as a wedding consultant in times past. I’m not sure what I’ll do this time while I’m here. Whatever I can find, I guess.”
“We are the same age, and I’m a bit overweight too. I’m an elementary school teacher—been teaching first grade since I graduated college.”
“Good for you. I love kids, but they sort of scare me. They seem to see more of me than I want them to.”
Valerie laughed. “Those little guys can be perceptive and intuitive. They say amazing things.”
“I’ve noticed that when I’m around them.” Sarah squeezed her eyes shut. Kids usually perceived her in true form, even when invisible. Their sweet innocence gifted them with that ability, and the little tikes had given her challenges in the past.
“You sound delightful. How about if we meet in a public place and continue this conversation? I’ll need a list of at least five references with addresses and phone numbers.”
“Okay. When and where?”
“Do you know where Duvall’s Grill is?”
“No, but I’ll look it up. What day and time?”
Valerie glanced at her watch. “How about lunch today at noon? Is that too soon?”
“Sounds good. How will we recognize each other?”
“Carry a notebook with you, okay?” Valerie laughed. “Either that or we could place a sign around our necks.”
“I think a notebook is a better idea.” Sarah chuckled. “See you soon.”
After the two disconnected, Sarah frowned. In about three hours, she needed to produce references and find Duvall’s Grill.
“Mother Goodness? I need help down here.”
Mother Goodness appeared and wrapped giant wings around Sarah. “Hello Sarah. We’re ready with what you need. Tomas, Gabriel, Christian, Gales of the Four Winds, and Chef Andrew will be your references.” She handed Sarah a list with names and phone numbers. “Have your charge call these numbers. If she needs to meet with them in person, they will appear and convince the young woman that you are a dependable individual and will make an honest roommate.”
“My stars! Everyone up there thinks of everything.”
Mother Goodness smiled as though she were as proud as a peacock with her student. “We know you have needs before you ask.” She tucked a curl behind Sarah’s ear. “But remember, we like you to ask. Communication with the Holy One is important and He honors it.”
Sarah hugged her mentor and beamed a megawatt smile. “I’ve got a magnificent team working with me, don’t I?”
Mother Goodness grinned. “The best. I’ll step in also if I’m needed, and don’t forget, God has tens of thousands more of us at His disposal.”
“So why do I fret and agonize so much?”
“I don’t know. Why do you?”
Sarah shrugged. “Beats me.”
Three
A few hours later, an invisible Sarah drifted above Valerie as she drove to Duvall’s Grill. Valerie exited her car carrying a large, green spiral notebook. As soon as her charge walked into the restaurant, Sarah found a hiding place between two parked trucks and emerged as Oceana. She adjusted a lime colored tee-shirt over a white skirt sprinkled with gigantic red roses. Glancing at her feet, she grimaced,
and then chose brown, tacky flip-flops and added a yellow hobo bag. This look screamed “help me!” Not that she knew how to appear stylish… she often made goofs with apparel, but this was the first time she’d ever tried to make a mistake.
Carrying a blue notebook, she entered Duvall’s.
Valerie sat on a nearby bench in the entry, smiled, and stood. “Are you Oceana?”
Sarah blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dim interior. “Yes. Valerie?”
“That’s me. Happy to make your acquaintance. Let’s grab a table before it gets too crowded in here.”
After finding a booth, Sarah handed Valerie a folder. “Here are my references, and if you need more, let me know. Have you had others answer your ad?”
Valerie set them aside. “Thanks. Yes, two more ladies responded, but I’m meeting you first.” She grinned. “I liked your name. It’s pretty cool.”
Sarah smiled as if she’d been complimented by the Commander. “Thanks. I think it’s unique too, but I’ve been teased about my size. Some joker invariably says to me, ‘your name fits. You’re as big as a whale from the ocean.’”
Valerie clucked her tongue. “I have taunts about my bulk too. Sad that people think they need to comment on looks. Not everyone can be thin, gorgeous super models.”
“Some people are gifted with a good metabolism, and it never matters what they eat.”
“Not me.” Valerie emitted an audible sigh. “I’ve been chubby since birth.”
“Really? I haven’t always been this size. In fact, it’s new to me. I’ve put on a few pounds lately.”
A server appeared. “Hello ladies. Have you had a chance to study the menu? We keep them tucked over there next to the napkins.” She gestured toward the items as she spoke.
Valerie glanced up at the waitress. “No need for one. I’m going to have my usual. Cheeseburger, double order of fries, and chocolate malt.”
Sarah lifted her brows. “Those are my favorites. I’ll have the same.”
Valerie beamed as if she’d won the lotto. “We have a lot in common.”
Sarah nodded. “I’ll focus on healthy stuff one of these days—just not today.”
“Always tomorrow. Right?”
Sarah toasted the statement by raising a water glass and touching it to Valerie’s. “Right. Here’s to tomorrow.”
“So tell me more about you.” Valerie leaned forward with anticipation. Her posture suggested a genuine interest in Sarah.
“Not much to tell. I have no boyfriend, no pets, and most people think I live a boring social life. I enjoy church and I’m looking forward to finding one—that and a job, of course.”
Valerie nodded. “I don’t attend church regularly, but I go on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter. Perhaps you’d like mine. It’s nice enough. Do you have siblings or people who would want to visit you in my home?”
“No. I don’t have biological brothers or sisters.”
Valerie furrowed her brow. “You have an adopted family?”
Sarah shook her head. “No. I meant in a figurative sense. Aren’t all humans related to Adam and Eve?”
Valerie laughed and nodded. “I suppose so and that makes us cousins. Do you have questions for me?”
“Do you expect me to do all the cooking and cleaning if I’m your roomie?”
“We’ll each clean our own rooms and take turns with the common areas, but I do expect your personal spaces to be spotless and orderly. I don’t know about cooking. I suppose we could do it together if you like.”
“Maybe you could teach me how. I don’t know much about preparing meals, in fact I know nothing. My Father has always had a chef.”
“Your father must be a wealthy man.”
“Oh He is. He owns cattle on a thousand hills.”
“He’s a rancher?”
“No. He merely owns cattle and other things.”
“Does he work?”
“Oh my yes. He’s always busy keeping up with people, events, and fashioning things. He’s got His eye on sparrows as well as a whole kit and caboodle of stuff.”
“He loves birds?”
“He loves all creatures.”
“He sounds industrious and someone I’d like to know.”
Sarah nodded. “He’d welcome you. Tell me about your parents.”
“They live near here. My mom is a teacher and my dad is a commercial artist. He designs magazine ads.”
“Did your mom influence you to become a teacher?”
“Yes. Teachers work long hours, don’t make a lot of money—even spend their own funds to come up with supplies they need, but we do it for our love of children. My mom has influenced many littles over the years. She’s received notes filled with praise from students now grown. They tell her she inspired them. I want to do the same.”
“Littles?”
Valerie grinned. “My team calls the first graders ‘our littles.’”
The server brought food orders. “Need anything else?”
“How about ketchup and ranch dressing for the fries?” Valerie requested the additional items in a low tone, as if a bit embarrassed for the choices.
The waitress nodded and bustled off.
“You like salad dressing on your fries?” Sarah glanced at the huge order waiting for her to dig in and she salivated.
“Yeah, and sometimes I order gravy. Love that on fries too.”
Sarah placed a napkin in her lap. “I’ll have to try it. Mind if I say grace?”
“Please.” Valerie bowed her head and waited.
“Thank you, Father, for providing this scrumptious food. You did a good job. It looks and smells delicious and I can hardly wait to eat it. Amen.”
Valerie lifted a brow. “Nice. You talk to God as if He were a friend who cooked the meal.”
“He is my friend.” Sarah smiled. “People are sometimes afraid to talk to the Almighty because they don’t know what to say. We have no need to spout off religious homilies. God knows everything anyway. He merely wants to hear from us, and He likes to be thanked. I talk to Him almost in the same way as I speak to you—just plain old everyday conversation.”
“That’s not disrespectful or maybe audacious?” Valerie bit into her burger.
“I’ve never thought so. There’s a Scripture that tells people not to worry about anything, but to pray about all things. We are to tell God our needs and then thank Him for His answers.” Sarah lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “But I’m guilty of worry and I’m trying to overcome it. Just one of many elements to learn while I’m on earth.”
Valerie eyes widened at her guest’s comment, ‘while I’m on earth,’ but she said nothing.
The server brought ketchup and a bowl of salad dressing. Valerie dipped a fry into it and closed her eyes as she savored it.
Sarah copied her. “Merciful heavens! This is delicious. I like new human foods.”
Valerie laughed. “Is there any other kind? Surely you don’t eat pet food.”
“Huh? Oh, no, I’ve never tried pet nutrition. Have you tasted dog or cat chow?”
“No way. I’ll stick to burgers and fries like this.” Valerie sipped her ice cream drink.
Sarah did the same.
After the last fry was eaten, Valerie pushed back and glanced at the file Sarah had brought with her. “Oceana, this has been fun. I’ve never met or talked to anyone like you. You are interesting and entertaining. I’ll check your references and get back to you.”
Sarah grinned. “I believe you’ll find my recommendations more than adequate. Each one on the list is endowed with a heavenly disposition.” She chuckled. “You’ll enjoy meeting them and if you think I’m thought-provoking, just wait till you visit with them.”
Four
Once outside, Valerie turned to Sarah. “Where are you staying? I’ll be happy to drop you off.”
Sarah gulped. Oops. Now what? In a flash, a memory surfaced from previous flights along the Katy Freeway. “I’m at the Soft Sounds Piazza Hotel.
”
Valerie giggled. “I’ve driven by that place and wondered why the owners named it Soft Sounds. It’s in a posh neighborhood but still close to the freeway. They must have insulated it well with noise absorption materials or the name wouldn’t fit. Hop in. I’ll take you there.”
“I don’t want to be any trouble. I’ll call a taxi.”
Valerie waved a hand. “I’ll hear none of that. Come on.”
As they entered the Katy Freeway and headed east toward Houston, Sarah’s mind whirled around like a carousel.
Poopty doopty! What if Valerie found out she didn’t have a room? She’d given her charge a cell phone number. The woman didn’t need to know where she was staying. If Valerie wanted to be in touch, she could call.
Valerie pulled into the tree-lined parking lot and Sarah opened the car door. “Thanks so much. I enjoyed lunch and I hope to hear from you soon.”
“I’ll phone you and let you know my decision, even if I select another roommate. I know what it’s like to be kept waiting.” She raised her eyebrows. “I’ll sit here until you get inside—just to make sure you’re safe.”
Sarah shook her head. “No need. It’s daylight. I’ll be fine, but thank you.”
Valerie sighed. “I’m a worrier. Sorry.”
“You are? Then that’s another thing we have in common.” Sarah smiled. “Talk to you soon.”
She jumped out of the car, waved, and ambled into the lobby. A flood of relief washed over her when she turned at the glass doors and saw Valerie’s vehicle exit the lot.
Guess I’d better get a room. I’d prefer to sleep on Valerie’s roof, but I need this alibi in case Valerie checks up on me.
Seeing a man in a uniform behind a desk, Sarah approached as if going to a lynching. How did one go about this kind of thing anyway? She took a deep breath and stood in front of the employee.
“May I help you? The man smiled at her.
