by S S Bazinet
Arel stiffened. “That person couldn’t let himself think about Elise! That person was engaged!”
“True, but that person isn’t engaged anymore,” Michael said as he turned to leave again.
“Michael, where are you going? I thought we were having a conversation.”
Michael paused at the front door. “Elise is waiting to talk to me.”
“About me?”
“Perhaps.”
Arel crossed his arms. “What are you going to say?”
“I’m not sure. What do you want me to say?”
Arel scowled back. “Tell Elise that I’m not sick, and that I am perfectly sound in mind and body. And tell her to stop thinking that I need her help.”
Michael opened the door and paused. “Arel, maybe you can tell her yourself. She’s coming up the walk.”
“Elise?” Arel rushed to the window again. “Oh hell! I don’t want to see her!”
Michael hesitated. “Why not?”
Arel’s heart began to race. “Michael, maybe you’re right. Maybe Elise does frighten me!”
“What do you want me to do?” Michael asked.
“I don’t know!” Arel fell back from the window as an attack of panic hit. He staggered over to the sofa as he started feeling a need for all the oxygen he could get. What if he did love Elise? Would the relationship be suffocating? Would he lose his freedom like he had with Claire? Would some other untold dangers be in store for him? Was that virtue called love really a terrible deception that always ended badly? As the questions kept coming, he kept sucking in more air, hoping against hope to somehow save himself.
He heard Elise’s voice in the foyer, and Michael telling her something. In the next moment, when he glanced up, Elise was rushing over to him. His face flushed with embarrassment and a feeling of doom.
Elise grabbed his hand. “Arel, what’s wrong?”
With his free hand, Arel tried to wave her off. He also tried to stop himself from breathing so fast. His body resisted his efforts and insisted on getting more oxygen. “Fine . . . I’m fine,” he gasped between breaths. “I just . . . need some air.”
Elise stared back with bright, blue eyes. “I think you’re hyperventilating.” She glanced up at Michael who’d come over too. “Michael, get a paper bag! And hurry!”
Arel fought for control. “I’m okay!” he panted. “Perfectly fine, just—” His words were cut short by a bout of lightheadedness.
Elise’s grip on his hand tightened. “Don’t try to talk. If you’re having a panic attack, it’s important to slow down your breathing.”
Arel gasped. “Panic attack?”
Elise smiled reassuringly. “Yes, I’ve had lots of them. I can teach you how to control them, but for now, just relax a little.”
Michael came hurrying over with a brown paper bag and handed it to Elise.
Elise quickly opened it and gave it to Arel. “Breathe into this, and you’ll be right as rain before you know it.”
Arel heard the kindness in her voice. As he followed her instructions and stared back at her, he also tuned into her heart. It had no intention of harming him. In fact, as he allowed himself a closer peek at the vessel, he was impressed with how much love he saw coming from it.
His own heart responded by slowing down and sending out its own message. Elise could be trusted. The thought helped to soothe his anxiety. His panic began to subside. Within a few minutes, he felt like he could breathe normally. He glanced over at Elise. She was sitting next to him, chatting away about what a quick learner he was. He managed a few words. “Thank you for helping me, Elise.”
* * * * *
Elise was relieved. Arel looked himself again. She picked up the paper bag that he’d tossed aside and began to fold it back into its original shape. “You better keep this handy. If you feel any more attacks coming on, use it before the panic escalates. If you want, I’ll send you some information that I found on the subject.”
“Right.” Arel paused and fingered the cushion between them. “By the way, why did you come over? Did you need something?”
Elise sighed. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. Carey told me that you were fine, but I wanted to check anyway. I also wanted to tell you that I got a confirmation call from a rental agency. As you know, I’ve been looking online at houses in different areas of the country, and I’ve decided on a place to live.” She lowered her gaze. “So you’ll have no more annoying visits from me. I’m sure that will be a relief.”
Arel reached out for her hand. “It would be fine with me if you changed your mind.”
“That’s nice, but—”
Arel brought Elise’s hand closer and studied it attentively. “Pink nail polish. I bet it matches those fuzzy slippers you like.”
Elise laughed and was about to comment when she heard Arel’s voice in her head. Its tone was almost demanding.
“Don’t go, Elise! We’re just starting to know each other!”
Elise immediately let out a little gasp of surprise. Even though she’d had the same experience once before, she wasn’t used to someone speaking directly to her mind. “What did you say?”
Arel smiled back absently. “I commented on your nail polish.”
“No, that’s not what I’m talking about. You spoke to me telepathically, like you did when Freddie was lost.”
Arel frowned. “I did?”
“Arel, you just told me not to leave.”
Arel’s frown deepened, and he looked away.
A moment later, Elise heard his voice in her mind again.
“How do you feel about my wanting you to stay? Is it okay with you?”
Elise didn’t know how to respond. She’d never encountered anyone like Arel before. She thought about William’s comments. He agreed that Arel could be delusional. William also mentioned something about Arel being difficult and even crazy at times.
Arel laughed knowingly. “Heed what he said. William’s right.”
Elise sat up straighter. “Oh my goodness, you’re reading my thoughts too.”
Arel sighed and answered her verbally. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to invade your privacy, but it’s important that you know more about me. I’m not like other people.”
Elise almost got angry. Arel had taken liberties with his gifts. She stopped herself before her emotions took over. Arel wasn’t just listening in on her thoughts, he was being very candid about himself. “You could have hidden your abilities from me, but I guess you’re trying to be honest.”
Arel sat back. “If you do stay, and we do get involved, I want you to know what you’re getting yourself into.”
Elise stared down and saw that Arel was still holding her hand. His touch was gentle, but surprisingly calming too. Even though he’d just recovered from a panic attack, his person radiated a strength she’d never encountered before. There were two exceptions. Michael exuded the same kind of powerful presence, and young Carey was as steady as they came. Feeling bold, she tried Arel’s method of communication by sending out her thoughts on mental air waves.
“I want to stay. I want to find out more about you. And maybe you’ll find out more about me.”
Arel’s face flushed with color. “I’m looking forward to it,” he whispered. “But Elise, you have to stop worrying about me.”
Elise gave him a sideways glance and smiled. “Sorry, you’ll just have to put up with being fussed over. I can’t ignore someone I care about.”
Arel’s golden eyes softened. “Or someone you might love?”
Fifty
PEGGY STOOD AT her kitchen counter. It was Saturday night, and Carol was standing next to her, helping her clear away some dishes. “Thank you for always being such a good friend, Carol.”
Carol smiled. “And thank you for inviting us over for another spur of the moment pizza party.”
“I love impromptu get-togethers.”
“It’s nice that Elise and Arel could make it too.”
Peggy let out a wistful sigh.
“I would have never believed it possible, would you?”
Carol put a dish in the dishwasher. “What are you talking about?”
“Elise and Arel have been together again for two months. And from what I can tell, they’re definitely in love.”
Carol laughed. “Last fall, when they broke up, we both thought the worst, but I’m happy that things turned out like they did.”
Peggy scraped a dish and handed it to Carol. “Yes, after all my misgivings, Elise has become a good friend.”
“I think Annabel’s visit helped Elise feel like she fits in.”
“Elise seemed to enjoy sharing her skills. Annabel went back home knowing how to cook and bake.”
Carol closed the dishwasher. “And dance! Annabel said she puts on music and dances around her kitchen while she’s making lunch.”
“What does William think about that? He and Arel can be pretty stiff at times.”
“It seems he gives Annabel some very confused looks, but he’s happy that she’s enjoying herself.” Carol paused. “I think William is a bit like Kevin. Remember when I went through my own changes?”
Peggy shrugged. “Kevin probably doubted his ability to keep up with you.”
“Yes, he was all wide-eyed and panicky when I started wearing sexy lingerie to bed. But that changed pretty fast once he got used to the new me.”
“My brother can be a bit slow when it comes to something new, but once he adjusts—”
Carol blushed. “Believe me, he’s definitely adjusted.”
“I’m so relieved that things worked out with you two.”
“You’re not the only one. You’re like a sister, Peggy, a wonderful sister. And I’d never want that to change.”
“Isn’t it great? Elise is starting to fit into our little family group too. Even the kids seem to love her now.”
“My Ariel tries to call her Aunt Elise, but the best he can do is say something like Andy Lee.”
“After dinner, little Sara insisted that Elise read to her. It’s becoming a regular thing when Elise comes over.”
Carol looked at the clock. “Speaking of the kids, I think it’s Ariel’s bedtime. I better check on him.”
“Sara is probably ready too,” Peggy said as she followed Carol out of the kitchen. She nearly ran into Carol when Carol stopped abruptly. “What’s the matter?”
Carol held up a hand and pointed to the living room. “You need to get a picture of this,” she whispered.
Peggy moved to Carol’s side and smiled broadly at the scene in the living room. Kevin and Tim were stretched out in chairs. Both were dozing. Freddie the puppy was napping on the sofa where Elise and Arel were sitting next to each other. Elise was cradling Sara in her arms, and Arel was holding Ariel. All four of them had fallen asleep too. Elise and Arel were leaned into one another and looked very comfortable. Peggy crossed her arms and let out a sigh of contentment. “It’s the happy ending that Elise always talks about.”
“Do you think that happy ending includes a wedding?” Carol asked.
“Of course, it does. Arel just has to pop the question.” Peggy nudged Carol. “I’m not supposed to say anything, but Arel told Tim that he was going to propose this weekend.”
Carol tried to hold back a mischievous grin. “I know. Kevin told me the same thing.”
Fifty-One
WILLIAM SHIFTED HIS phone from one hand to the other. He tried to remind himself that patience was a virtue, but his hold on virtue was long gone. “Please Arel, stop whining!”
Arel’s response was immediate. “I’m not whining! I’m trying not to have another panic attack! Elise says—”
“Elise, Elise, Elise! I’m tired of hearing what she says. Just get on with what you want to tell me!”
“Stop shouting! You never used to shout!”
“I never had to talk to you for hours on end!”
“Well, I’m sorry that I’m such a burden, William, but you are going to be my best man. I have to make sure you understand what that means.”
“I’ll tell you exactly what it means! It means that I’m going to give you a ring that you’ll put on Elise’s finger. You’ll take her for your wife, and you’ll be out of my hair for a few weeks!”
“William, am I being too hasty? Will I end up like you?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I know that you said you and Annabel are doing well, but sometimes you still sound a little—”
“A little what?”
“Uncertain. Do you regret getting married?”
“Look, Arel, marriage is a big step, but I’m learning that a partnership can be very nice.”
“Nice? I want more than nice if I’m going to commit to Elise.”
“Fine, then back out of the relationship.”
“But I like being with Elise.”
“Liking her isn’t enough if you’re going to marry the woman.”
“Don’t call her ‘the woman.’ Elise is an amazing person. She’s sweet and kind and very giving.”
“If that’s what you’re looking for, get yourself a golden retriever. I’m sure it would be sweet and giving too. It’ll even bring you the paper if you train it correctly.”
Arel heaved out a heavy breath. “Stop being a comedian and listen to me. If anything happened to Elise, I’d be devastated. Do you think that means I’m in love?”
“I know you’re in love. The problem is that you’re doing what you always do.”
“What’s that?”
“You have to trust yourself, Arel.”
“You of all people know that trust is my weak spot. I’ve made a lot of bad decisions. What if getting married is the worst decision of all?”
“Then I suppose you’ll have to get divorced.”
“That’s not helping!”
“Look, we’ve been going round and round this trust issue for years. I’ve done my best to advise you, and you never listen. So once and for all, you’re going to have to figure this out yourself.”
Arel let out a groan. “Will?”
“Yes?”
“If you were Elise, would you marry me?”
“If I were Elise, I’d throw myself off a cliff. But from what I can tell, she has a lot more patience than I have.”
Arel sighed. “She is very patient. On the other hand, there have been incidents.”
“Incidents? What did Elise do?”
“Well, it’s probably not important, but—”
“Just spit it out. She’s not bossing you around like Claire, is she?”
“No, but when I was trying to get a stain out of her carpet, she insisted on taking over. She said that I was being too rough in my approach. She said I was going to ruin the carpet fibers. Can you imagine that? After all my experience with carpeting, she had the audacity to think she knew better.”
William slumped back in his chair. “My goodness, maybe you should have her flogged for that kind of infraction.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far—”
“Arel, I was kidding! Nobody on this earth is perfect, but Elise seems willing to put up with most of your insanity. So stop knit picking and marry her.”
“Really?”
“Yes! Now, I have to go. I’m taking Annabel to a pottery exhibition. I’m hoping she’ll pick up a few hints on how to sculpt a vase she’s making for me.”
“Will, don’t go!”
“Why, what’s wrong now?”
“I can’t get any air!” Arel started breathing heavily into the phone. Soon, he was gasping.
William rubbed his forehead, trying to ward off a headache. “Arel, do you have that paper bag that Elise told you to use if you get panicky.”
“Yes,” Arel gasped.
“Use it!”
* * * * *
Rolphe sat at his easel, happily working on a new landscape. When Arel told him that he’d had asked Elise to marry him, Rolphe decided to paint something very special as a wedding present. Arel said that Elise l
oved the splendor of Michael’s garden the summer before. That gave Rolphe the idea of painting the most beautiful garden he could imagine.
He was just starting to add more color to some of the flowers when he was startled so badly that he jumped up from his seat. He stared at his unannounced visitor. “Arel, what are you doing here?”
“Sorry if I scared you,” Arel apologized.
Rolphe nodded as he calmed himself. Arel was in his astral form, but his energy field felt more diminished than usual. “I just didn’t expect to see you here. Is everything alright?”
Arel sighed as he wandered over to some of the canvases that lined the walls of the studio. “William has lost all patience with me. And Michael and Carey think they’re helping, but they’re angels. So I thought that maybe you could give me some advice.”
Rolphe heeded the feeling that he needed to tread carefully. Months before, he’d interacted with Arel when Arel had appeared in his astral form. Their meeting hadn’t gone well. Still, he wanted to help if he could. “Arel, I’ll do my best.”
Arel swiveled and flashed bright, etheric eyes at Rolphe. His gaze was intense and penetrating. When Rolphe felt a chill take hold, he knew that Arel wasn’t there for a friendly chat. He stumbled back a few steps in anticipation.
Arel seemed to take the gesture as an invitation to walk over to where Rolphe was standing. “Rolphe, just give me some straight answers, that’s all that I ask. Do you understand?”
Rolphe nodded again.
Arel crossed his arms and scowled. “As you know, I’ve asked Elise to marry me. Was that a mistake?”
“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t possibly advise you about such an important matter.”
Arel’s tone became more demanding. “Why not? You’ve been married. You said you loved your wife. You’re the perfect person to talk to about getting married.”
“What about your friends, Kevin and Tim. You told me that they’re happy with their situation.”
Arel waved his comment off. “They approve of Elise. They think she’s very nice. They’re biased.”
“So what you’re saying is that you’re having doubts?”
