Charlie the Angel

Charlie, the Angel

happyhugo

Romance, ESP, minimal sex

A Novellas---21,484 Words

Readers score   8.27

Troubled man meets a woman, Polly, that
had a husband, Charlie. Charlie has passed on,
but still guides her. Charlie guides others that
becomes associated with the widow. Some sex
at first to set the scene. Not erotic.


copyright(c)4/14/09

I’ve heard about sites you can go to on the Internet and read about cheating wives. Who would want to write about the pain it causes to the husband? I suppose there are stories about cheating husbands too, but not so many. Maybe because of the double standard. Who knows? There must be equally as much pain brought on by either the wife or the husband cheating. Some wives make a mistake and some go out deliberately to cheat. I’m not sure which category my wife fell into but I know the pain would be the same. It was for me anyway.

Debbie and I grew up in the same neighborhood and attended the same school, had the same friends, partied together and finally, discovered we were in love. Several months after college we married and settled down. I went to work for an insurance agency and Debbie started to work as a bank teller. Neither job paid much of a salary and we could only afford a one bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood.

For thirteen months I considered us a happy couple. The stars then aligned to take that happiness away from me. I was out of town at a three-day sales meeting and would be back home Friday evening. Thursday was the girls’ night out at the bank. Several of Debbie’s co-workers got together most weeks and had a few drinks. My meeting concluded a day early and I headed home. I had to pass by the girls’ favorite bar, so I stopped, thinking that she might still be with her friends. Her car was still in the lot. I met Carol, Deb’s friend, as she was coming out of the bar.

“Deb inside?”

“No Zeke, Deb got plastered and John drove her home about two hours ago. He said he had to pick up his daughter and he would drop her off. I thought you were out of town until tomorrow?”

“The meeting finished a day early. Thanks Carol, I’ll head home.” I knew John slightly as someone that worked with Debbie at the bank. There were no lights on in the house, so I figured Debbie was in bed. I hung my coat on a hook and set my bag in the little alcove. I went into the kitchen. There was an empty beer can and an almost empty bottle of wine sitting on the table. I flicked the living room light on. Debbie was sprawled on the couch. She lay there with her blouse unbuttoned, her bra loose and undone. Her skirt was bunched around her waist and her panties were on the floor beside her shoes. There was evidence all over her that she had had intercourse. One of her breasts had a hickey on it.

I had a problem. If this was consensual, Debbie and I were through. If it wasn’t, then I was going to have a meeting with John. I tried to rouse Debbie for questioning. She was passed out. I knew where John lived. No time like now to ask him. I drove over and never hesitated when I reached his door. I began hammering on it.

A cute little woman came to the door and looked around the safety chain. “Is John here?”

“Yes of course, but he is sleeping. What do you want with him at this time of night?”

“How long has he been home?”

“About three-quarters of an hour. Why?”

“One more question. What time did he pick up his daughter?”

“He didn’t. He called about six-thirty and I picked her up. What’s this all about?”

“I’m Zeke Collins. John and my wife Debbie work together. They were at a bar and he left with her about eight o’clock and drove her home. I just got back in town a little while ago. Debbie is drunk and passed out. She has definitely had sex and I’m trying to find out if she was raped or otherwise.”

“I’m not going to let you in. I will ask him if he had sex with your wife though. You wait here.”

In about two minutes I knew what a domestic disturbance was. The wife was screaming and John was yelling back at her. This went on for a little under ten minutes. “John admits he had sex with your wife, but he said she invited him in and came on to him. He said he wanted to leave, but she wouldn’t let him.”

“Do you believe that? She is smaller than he is.”

“Maybe I don’t believe him, but he wouldn’t rape anyone.”

“No, but he might get someone drunk and take advantage of the situation when they were in no condition to resist. Debbie was way too drunk to drive when she left the bar. I know that for a fact. And I wonder who bought the bottle of wine she drank after reaching home. It isn’t the kind she drinks so he must have supplied it. Well I’ll find out when she wakes up. I think you’ve got yourself a problem, lady.”

By the time I reached home again my anger was just barely under control. I wanted to do some damage. I called 911 and reported that I thought my wife had been raped and asked what I should do. It wasn’t long before a squad car arrived. One of the officers was a woman and she had a rape kit with her. When she saw the condition Debbie was in, she suggested she be transported to the hospital where professionals could evaluate whether it was rape or not.

Debbie was carried out on a stretcher and I followed to do the paperwork. Two hours later she was moved from emergency and admitted, never once waking. Debbie was going to be some surprised to find herself in a hospital bed when she finally woke up. It still would take several hours for the alcohol to wear off. There would be a police person to question her when she did come awake.

It was almost two a.m. when I crawled into bed. I tossed and turned and finally got up at six and made myself some coffee. I felt like leaving, but I had to know what transpired last evening. This was so out of character for Debbie. At least it was since we had been married. Before we began to get serious and became engaged, Debbie swore that she would de-nut me if I so much as looked at another woman after we were married. I had taken it to heart and never considered cheating on her.

We both were far from virgins when we fell in love. While in school I was pretty wild, but I was beyond that now. Debbie and I had never shared experiences, but I assumed our lifestyle had been comparable. Needless to say, I was pissed and angry. My wife, if she wasn’t raped, had certainly let herself be put into a situation where she had little control. But just maybe she was willing for it to occur and would use the excuse that she was inebriated and couldn’t help it. Either way, the trust I had in her had been sorely tried.

I was at my desk on time. Before arriving I had called the hospital and the nurse assured me that my wife was awake and had been given something to reduce the hangover. I was asked if I wished to speak to her. I declined. It was a long day and I expected her to call. About three I again called the hospital and found out that Debbie had been discharged and had left in the company of a police officer. I didn’t see any reason for them to hold her and they did say she would be questioned about whether she had been raped or not.

I closed down my work for the weekend and headed home. Immediately as I opened the door, “You son-of-a-bitch, you’ve humiliated me and I may lose my job over what you did. Not only that, you’ve destroyed John’s marriage. His wife kicked him out after you left their house last night. What in hell were you thinking?”

I was surprised, for this was a person I didn’t know. “Were you raped or not?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then the sex you had was consensual?”

“No, it wasn’t, but it was just sex. There was no need to screw everyone’s life up. I made a mistake, that’s all.”

I stared into her eyes. I saw no guilt there, just anger. “Deb, listen to me. What did you say you would do to me if I ran around on you after we became engaged?”

“That’s different.”

“How?”

“It is, that’s all. Zeke, I made a mistake. Let’s just forget it.”

“I can’t forget it. Have you ever been intimate with anyone else since we were married?”

There was the slightest hesitation and then Deb went on the attack again. “No, of course not, what do you think I am? Damn it Zeke, you’re as much as calling me a whore. I’m telling you I made a mistake in riding home with John. That’s all there is to it.”

“If that’s the way it happened, it sounds like you were taken against your will. I want you to file rape charges against John.”

“No. I won’t.”

“Suit yourself, then. I don’t know what this is going to do to our marriage. I’m pretty unhappy right at the moment.”

Not even contrite, Debbie said, “Just get over it Zeke.” I turned and walked into the living room to read the paper. Dinner was served at the same time as usual. Debbie plunked down chop suey in front of me. I hate chop suey!

I was quiet all evening, mostly from being puzzled by my wife’s actions. I watched the ten o’clock news. None of it registered, I was that upset. Tonight I had the wish that we lived in more than a one bedroom apartment. It was either sleep with Debbie or on the couch where I had found her last night. Not much of a choice.

Debbie took a shower, spending a long time. When she came out she was dressed in a sexy nightgown and had a scent on that I loved. “Come to bed, Zeke. Make me forget my mistake. I love you and I’m sorry we had to fight about it. Come love me.”

I tried and Debbie did all the things she could to arouse me. Nothing worked. I finally gave up and turned away. Debbie lay sobbing. Was that supposed to make me forgive her, or was she really regretting what had happened a mere twenty-four hours ago? I didn’t know. Sunday we avoided each other the best we could.

Monday evening Debbie had not started dinner when I came home. She had been crying. I ignored her. I ordered a pizza and as she was serving it, she stated, “I was let go today. I don’t have a job.”

“Why?”

“Because the police came to the bank and asked about John. They were trying to find out if he was a person that would commit rape. The police talked to me again and wanted me to say that what happened to me was rape. I can’t do that.” I didn’t look at her. “Zeke, look at me.” When I swung my eyes to her she stated, “I don’t know what happened with John. I may have led him on. I still don’t think he raped me and if he didn’t that means I let him screw me. That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Did John get fired too?”

“No. All he received was a warning. It’s just not fair. If you hadn’t called 911 things would have been okay.”

“So this is my fault?”

“You must see that some of it is.”

“I don’t see that at all. I came home and found you passed out after obviously having sex. I knew who brought you home and that he had been with you for up to a couple of hours. I couldn’t rouse you. It was so out of character for you that I thought you had been raped and maybe drugged. What is a husband that loves his wife supposed to do?”

“I know you love me, but I wish you had waited until I woke up before doing anything. We could have talked about it.”

“Jesus Deb. I don’t know any more about what happened now than I did when I came home. What’s with you anyway? Are you sick of me? If you are, then leave.” Another frigid evening.

Tuesday night there was a note on the table. “Zeke, I’m staying with my folks for a few days just so you can settle down over this. I’ll give you some time, but you have to forget what happened. I love you.”

I didn’t hear from Debbie the next day. Thursday night I swung by the bar, thinking that she might have connected up with her former co-workers. I came in through the back entrance and I could see the table with seven women and two men at it. Debbie wasn’t one of them. I glanced around the wall where the booths were located. I could see John, but not who was sitting with him. Then I heard Debbie laugh. Her car wasn’t in the lot, so she must have come with him.

I’m not a violent man, but I was building up to becoming one. Just then John and Debbie got out of the booth and stood talking a minute. Debbie went over to the table where her friends were. John headed for the restroom. I turned away so he wouldn’t recognize me when he passed by. I followed him into the john and he was unzipping when I came up behind him. I gave him a chop and surprisingly he went down. I kicked him in the ribs several times and when he turned over, I kicked him once in the face. Blood sprayed onto the floor from his broken nose. His wallet had slipped from his jacket. I picked it up and turned and left him lying there.

I drove home, stopping on the way to drain all except forty bucks from our ATM account. I packed a bag and my shaving case. I called a taxi and had the driver take me to the bus station. I got into another taxi and gave him the address of a nightspot on the outskirts of town. I waited until a patron came out that was from the next state. He was almost too drunk to drive. With little convincing, I persuaded him to let me drive him home. He immediately fell asleep. The only stop in the next hour was to look at John’s wallet. He had a couple of hundred dollars. I put that in my pocket and threw the wallet, containing his cards, identification and pictures of his wife, into the trash can.

***************

The ride I had hitched was with an elderly gentleman. When I reached his address and got him awake, he said I could stay the night. In the morning after breakfast which he supplied, I made my way to the thruway and stood on the entrance ramp. An eighteen-wheeler stopped only a few minutes later. I climbed up into the cab.

“Hi there young fellow. Where you heading?”

“The same direction you are.”

“My name is Pauline Pullen, Polly for short. You would be?”

“Zeke Collins.”

“Law after you?”

“Nope. Running away from an unfaithful wife.” I was speaking to a female trucker about forty I would guess.

“Hurting some are you?”

“More’n a little.”

“Well they’ll do it to you. Want to tell me about it?”

“Not really. It only happened a week ago. We haven’t been married that long and it has thrown me for a loop.”

“Well you settle down and watch the country flow by. Forget her for a time. That’s the best. She’ll miss you someday. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

“I hope she misses me a lot.” I cast sidelong glances at the woman driving this big rig. I hadn’t seen her standing, but I surmised she wouldn’t go more than five-foot-six. She was wearing a white tee with a yellow smiley face on it. Blue jeans and white sneakers covered the rest of her. She wore dark sun glasses so I had no idea what the color of her eyes were. Her makeup consisted of just a light shade of lip gloss. She appeared to be thoroughly enjoying what she was doing and handled traffic with ease as it became increasingly heavy.

“I’m surprised to find a woman driving a rig. Have you been doing it long?”

“All my life. My husband and I met in driving school and when we graduated we pooled our money and bought a horse. It was an old Peterbuilt. God how we loved that thing. We started long hauling from coast to coast or into Chicago from either. We chose loads that were time sensitive. We never missed a delivery for the first three years. I took time out to drop a set of twins. Charlie didn’t stop driving while I was having them. You can’t believe how much I missed being on the road until I got back beside him.

“When the twins stopped suckling, I gave them to my sister and her husband to raise and Charlie and I went back to doing what we were meant to do.”

“Where is your husband now?”

“He died. Have you ever heard of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever? It’s a killer and it took Charlie two years back. I stayed at home with the twins for six months and then I went to driving again. If you hear me talking and know I’m not talking to you, it is just Charlie telling me what to do in any given situation. Twenty years we were side by side and if I don’t know it, Charlie does. I feel he is right here beside me even now.”

“How come you picked me up?”

“Beats me. I just had a feeling Charlie wanted me to. Now don’t freak out with me talking about Charlie the way I do. When we were married the minister said we now were one. In this case I think it was true. There never were two people closer than we were. So if I get a feeling, I act on it.”

“I think you were lucky to have someone to love and be loved like that. I envy you.”

“Well it worked for us. You know, I spent last night back there in the bunk, pretty damned lonely, missing Charlie more than I have in quite some time. When I saw you beside the road this morning, I just had to have someone to talk to. You were there and you know the rest.”

We rode along for twenty minutes. “Are you ready to tell me about yourself yet?”

“Might as well. I grew up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood. Pop was a diesel mechanic and I figured I would follow in his footsteps. Mom worked in WalMart* her last few years. Then they were killed in an auto accident. I took the insurance money and went on to school---something I never expected to do. Debbie, my wife, grew up in the same area and I’ve known her from day one. After we got out of college, we dated, fell in love and married. I went to selling insurance and Debbie has been working in a bank.

“I thought up until a week ago, we would be like you said you and Charlie were. I came home from an out-of-town meeting a day early. I knew that it was girls night out and I swung by the bar. A co-worker had given my wife a ride home because she had too much to drink and drive. When I got home, there were signs that she had experienced rough sex and I couldn’t wake her up. I called 911 and told them I thought she had been raped.

“She was put in the hospital and when she came home she was pissed and blamed me for screwing up our life and her co-worker’s life.”

“How did that come about?”

“I went over to John’s house, he was the co-worker, and confronted his wife, because he wouldn’t come to the door. I guess his wife kicked him out. The upshot of it was, when the police went to investigate and questioned those at the bank, Debbie was let go. John got off with a warning. Debbie lined me out good and has moved to her mother’s. But last night she was back in the bar sitting in a booth with John. I heard her giggle.”

“And?”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh come on, tell me the rest. You didn’t just walk away.”

“No, but I’m not proud of what I did either. If I had thought about it, I would have confronted Debbie instead of mugging John. I followed him into the restroom and knocked him out. I then proceeded to beat on him. In fact I think I rearranged his features for him. His wallet came out of his jacket and I picked it up. I took the money and dumped his wallet with all of the papers and cards in it. This morning, I’ve decided to send the money back to his wife. He has a daughter and they shouldn’t have to pay for him being an asshole.”

“How much was it?”

“Couple of hundred. I don’t need the money. I think I have enough until I find a job. The money goes back regardless.”

“Tell me again what your wife said.”

“First of all she denied it was rape and wouldn’t have John charged with it. Then I said it must have been consensual. She said she made a mistake, but it was just sex and to get over it. Then when I saw her again in the bar, how could I?”

“So you are out looking for a life change. I can see why you are here. I don’t suppose you have a CDL do you?”

“Nope.”

“Too bad, you could ride along and help me drive. Well, sit back and enjoy yourself if you can. If you want out, say so. If you want to go all the way west, you can do that too.”

We didn’t stop for lunch. Polly shared her sandwich, ate an apple and handed me a banana. “I have to be off the road at six. We’ll just make the truck stop in time. They have facilities and food there. We can clean up, eat and catch some shut eye for a few hours. I’ll be back on the road at midnight. As far as sleeping, you can bunk in with me and sleep or you can hang out in the stop until I’m ready to go. You can crawl in the bunk then and sleep until I stop for breakfast.”

“Aren’t you afraid of sleeping with a strange man?”

“Nope, I know you have something against rape and so I figure you’re safe to be with. Besides, if I don’t like you, you’re out of here. Charlie wouldn’t have had me stop for you if you weren’t okay. I have the feeling we are going to be together for quite some time.”

Polly was well-known up and down the highways. She seemed to be a friend to everyone. I was introduced to those she met as her nephew and was trying to decide if truck driving was what I wanted to do. I had on a blazer and dress pants which was about three cuts better than the way everyone else was attired. I immediately became “Dude” to everyone. Polly was laughing later about the name. “The Zeke is gone. From now on you’re Dude and there is no way it can be changed.”

I crawled into the bunk as far over on the far side as I could. I found out it was pretty tight when Polly crawled in beside me. I stayed as far away from her as I could, but we still touched. All day handling the rig I assumed took its usual toll on a person, and she soon turned over and put her arms around me, with a little snore. We went to sleep like that. I was aware when she got up and more aware when the diesel cranked up, but the motion and the hum of the tires soon had me sleeping again.

Two more days with the same routine, Polly let me off before she turned into the trucking company she worked for. “You be here in two hours and we’ll go get a room and stretch out and take a nice long shower or bath if they have one. I don’t know how you do it, but you look just as fresh as you did when you stepped into the cab three days ago. Look at me, I’m rung out.”

“Well if I was having to drive this rig, I’d look rung out too. I think you look very good, considering.”

“If that is a compliment, I’ll take it. See you in two.”

I was startled when she pulled to the curb where I was waiting. She was driving a five-year-old Chevy. “Git in Dude. Let’s go get that shower.”

“Whose car?”

“One of the guys who is out on the road. I have the use of it when I’m here. He uses mine when he is in St. Paul.” Polly drove by several motels and finally pulled into a small one. “Charlie and I discovered this place ten years ago. This is the first time I’ve been here since he died. You get us a room while I sit here remembering.” She tried to hand me money, but I ignored her outstretched hand.

When we arrived in the room I stated, “They only have one bed in each motel room. Looks like we will be still bunking together.”

“I know, but it is a king-size, so we can make out fine.” Polly unpacked her bag and I did the same. “I’m first in the shower. I know they never run out of hot water, so I’ll be awhile. Why don’t you hunt up some newspapers and we’ll find out what is going on in the country. Radio is all right, but I like to read the funnies.”

I had the first and second sections read before she came out of the bath with a robe on. I stood under the stream. If only my cares could be washed away the way the road grime was being disposed of. And what was I doing with this woman out there sitting in a chair. She was lovely in a robust sort of way. She wasn’t quite as tall as I had first surmised. Sixteen years my senior, she was still a very pretty woman. Her breasts were very much alive, for every time she moved, they danced around under her robe.

I put on my last clean pair of boxers and stepped into the room. Polly looked up from the paper she was reading. “Dude, let me ask you a question. Are you planning on remaining faithful to your wife?”

“I don’t think I have a choice. The last time I tried to make love to her, it was a disaster. She tried everything. I would hate to attempt it and have the same thing happen again. As far as remaining faithful, I see no need to, given her actions in the last couple of weeks.”

“Would you like to see if that was a one time thing or if you are in real trouble? I mean if you put it off and dwell on it, it will only get worse.”

“To be serious and following along with what you have told me, what does Charlie tell you?”

“Charlie would be pleased if you made love to me.” With that Polly laid her paper aside and standing, let her robe fall to the floor. The thing that struck me first was she had muscles in her shoulders and arms. Her belly was thick, but not overly so. I had seen her in jeans, I could guess what that part of her looked like. Her legs were very thin.

“Turn around please.”

Her face flushed. “Do I have to? You’ll be looking at my worst feature.”

I didn’t say anything. This was the first time I had seen Polly unsure of herself. I waited and finally she slowly pivoted, again standing before me with eyes downcast. I leaned forward and using the tips of my fingers I tilted her head up and kissed her softly on her lips. I skinned out of my boxers and leaning down I gathered her into my arms and carried her to the bed.

It was midnight when we walked hand in hand down the boulevard to have dinner. Over the meal we talked. “Dude, where do we go from here? You’ve solved one of your problems. Back home you still have a mess, meaning your wife and all. You need to clear that up. I’m not trying to influence you or tell you what to do, but you just can’t leave it hanging.

“I think you should go back home and get things settled. Find out if you have enough love for her to take her back and can trust her enough to be happy with her. If you can’t then you should let her go and find some place else to live. Also, there is no real future with me. I’m afraid if you stayed with me, I’d fall in love with you. You wouldn’t want a person as much older than you as I am.”

I started to protest. “No, no think about it. I think I helped you tonight and you’ve made me pretty damned happy for a little bit.”

I gazed across the table at her. “What does Charlie tell you? You’re always quoting him or telling me what Charlie has advised you to do. It’s funny, but I have come to believe in him too. You have an open line to him. This would be the time to ask him what you should do. Dump me or keep me. I’ll abide by what he tells you.”

“You must think I’m crazy.”

“No, I don’t. God if people could only have such deep love for each other, what a wonderful world it would be.”

“Okay, I’ll open up my mind and if something comes through, I’ll let you know. It may take awhile though. Until then, can we be friends,” she paused, “with benefits?”

***************

We spent two nights in the motel before we headed east. She had a container for Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her home was in Medina and her sister and brother-in-law lived nearby. Her twins would be there too, when we arrived. I was concerned about meeting them for they were only five years younger than I am.

Polly’s small home was lovely. The grounds were covered with flower beds and she was so proud of the color scheme. There was a pensioner that had been a florist, and he worked in the beds daily. I was told that he wouldn’t take any money if he could do anything he wished with the flowers. Polly bought whatever plants he desired and he was happy with the arrangement.

I gathered that her life on the road was never discussed in the family. I was introduced as her friend Zeke Collins. That was it---no explanation given. Patty was a younger version of her mother. There were pictures of Charlie in prominent places. Peter was a copy of his father.

Peter and Patty may not have been raised by Polly, but there was definite love displayed among them all and they seemed to adore each other. The sister, Gert, was quiet and her husband Randolph was even more so.

Peter corralled me when I was out walking around admiring the flowers. “What’s with you and Mom?”

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything, I guess. I just don’t know what questions to ask without insulting Mama or you.”

“I guess I can tell you most everything. You’re old enough. I’m from the east, almost to the coast. I’m married at present, but I caught my wife cheating. You could say I ran away and your mother found me. I left town anyway, and was hitching when your mother stopped and gave me a ride. I’ve ridden cross-country to the west coast and then back here with her. In a few days I’m headed back home to settle things with my wife. That is what your Mom advises me to do.

“I was working as an insurance salesman when I left. I’m college educated and used to meeting people. I have never met anyone that I respect more than Polly.”

“Have you made love to her yet?”

“Umm, do you think that is any of your business?”

“Not really, but it would be nice to know in case you cause her trouble.”

“Let me ask you a question now. Would your mother do anything that your father wouldn’t have approved of?”

“God no! She’d die first.”

“Let that be your answer then. End of discussion.”

Peter looked at me for several minutes and then at the ground. “You know Mom still talks to Dad as if he were alive. Patty and I think she is a little off where he is concerned. What do you think?”

“Has she ever been guided wrong?”

“Not that we know of.”

“I don’t think she has either. I wish I had someone I believed in that would guide me as he seems to do for her.”

“Are you going to stay around? I mean should Patty and I worry about you?”

“You are going to have to trust me on this. It all depends on your father. If he tells your mother to trust me, then I may continue to have her for a friend. If he advises her otherwise then I wouldn’t disrespect her by pushing in where I knew he didn’t want me. You know, I’ve come to feel about your father much as she does. Why don’t you lie in bed tonight, relax and let your mind fill with thoughts of your father? Who knows, you might come to believe he can advise you too.”

“You are as crazy as she is.” I might have been concerned, except he was smiling when he said this. “Whatever, or whichever, you or Dad, Mom is happier this afternoon than I have seen her since Dad died. At least you talked to me. I’ll tell Patty what you’ve told me. She’s the reason I’m out here with you.”

Gert and Randolph had us all together for a family meal. I was questioned about my youth, which I shared without reservation. I even shared much of my life since my folks died. I named my wife and just touched on the fact that we were having problems. Asked what my plans were, I just said Polly was getting me a ride back east with a friend (trucker) and I was leaving the day after tomorrow. I slept on the couch in the living room both nights.

I received almost as much of an affectionate good-bye from Patty as I did her mother. It was a whispered statement when she hugged me. “You know Zeke, Peter and I feel closer to Dad then we ever did. Peter and I did what you suggested. I think we understand Mom more than we ever have, too. If you are ever in the area again, we’ll be peeved if you don’t stop and spend time with us.” How was that for a send off?

Polly and I had a few private moments and we made a few plans. I didn’t know if I would ever see her again, but I promised I would let her know what developed between me and my wife. I handed the two hundred dollars to Polly that I had taken from John and she promised to send it to his wife when I was sure of where she was living.

I climbed into a cab of one of Polly’s friends and left her staring after me. Twenty-seven hours later I was walking up to the door of my apartment. I had been gone eleven days in all. My car was still in the driveway. Debbie’s wasn’t. Maybe she had found a job and was working or maybe she was still living with her folks. I went inside.

Debbie had been here some, for there were dirty dishes in the sink. I checked the bedroom. The bed was unmade. There was a pack of unused condoms on the dresser. I guess my wife hadn’t lacked for companionship. Didn’t bother me at all. This was not a glass house and I wasn’t about to throw stones---given what I had been doing lately.

I checked the refrigerator. Someone was buying steaks. I put one in the broiler. There was a head of wilted lettuce and I found onions and a tomato to make a salad. No cucumber, which made the salad tasteless in my opinion. I added a big dollop of salsa and decided that it was pretty good after all.

Small house and nowhere to hide when I heard voices coming up the walk. I was just finishing my meal. The door opened and Debbie and John came in. They stared at me. “Where have you been?” Before I could answer the door pushed open again and another man came in carrying a thirty pack of beer.

I answered my wife’s question with one of my own. “Party time?”

“What did you expect? You weren’t around.”

I looked at John and the other man. “This is my house and you aren’t welcome today. Maybe tomorrow after I discuss this with my wife. Beat it.”

Neither one gave me any argument. “This is good steak. Who bought it?”

“I did. I’m working.”

“Where?”

“I’m a hostess at a nightclub. Tonight is my first night off.”

“Debbie, we used to talk. What happened to us? I loved you. I don’t think I do now. Would you at least tell me where we went wrong?”

“I know Zeke. I thought I loved you, but I started flirting with John and I just couldn’t control it. I really don’t know what happened that night you called 911. He may have raped me, but you have been such a hardass about it. You gave me no sympathy at all. He called and said he was sorry I had lost my job. His wife kicked him out and then someone beat him up so I stood by him while he was getting well. He does seem like a pretty good guy. What you and I had is broken. I know that and I’m sorry I’ve hurt you. There is no way I can fix it.” Tears were in her eyes as she finished.

“How do your folks feel about this or haven’t you told them?”

“I haven’t told them everything. They think you kicked me out. I couldn’t tell them otherwise. I’m sorry about that too.”

“I guess we are about finished then?”

“It looks as if that would be the best solution. I don’t have money for a divorce, though. Do you?”

“No. I don’t even know if I have a job. I haven’t been at work for two weeks.”

“Where have you been?”

“I hitched cross-country. You could say I ran away, but then I met someone who said I should settle everything with you. So I’m back in town and hoping I have a job and can work long enough to pay for a divorce. Then I can start my life fresh.”

“Was it a woman that told you what to do?”

“No, it wasn’t a woman that decided me. Actually it was the ghost of a dead man. If I told you all about him you wouldn’t believe me so I won’t try.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Maybe so. Debbie why did you do this to me? I trusted you and loved you.”

“I don’t know. Working in a bank is so boring. You were often out selling insurance in the evening. Sometimes you were gone overnight. This apartment isn’t the most exciting place to spend time alone in. I lasted a year before I stepped out on you. That night with John was a mistake as I told you. The main reason I didn’t want John charged was because the rape kit would have shown semen from two different men.

“I had intercourse before him with one other man. That night I wanted to try more than one. That was at first and then I changed my mind. I was talked out of it and to go along with it, I drank most of a bottle of wine before I was ready. I was lucky it didn’t kill me I guess. So now you know what your wife is. The woman you’ve known all of your life and loved and trusted. I’m not blaming you at all, so don’t beat yourself up over me.”

“Okay, our marriage is history. Where do we go from here? I mean, do you want the apartment or are you going to move in with someone? I have to have a place to live too.”

“I know. I’d like to stay here. Can you find a place?”

“I will somehow. Can you give me a couple of weeks?”

“Sure.” She paused. “Can I have the house tonight, though? I had plans and it is my only night off.”

“It is all yours. I will need to clean up so I can go to work in the morning. Can you arrange that?”

“Yes.” Debbie looked very ashamed, but wasn’t about to change her mind about tonight. Somehow I was going to find the money to make the divorce effective as soon as possible. Debbie was on the phone as I was leaving. I spent the night in my car, parked in the lot at McDonalds.

Debbie was sound asleep when I returned at six a.m. I made coffee and found some cereal to eat. I noticed that the remaining steaks had been consumed. I took a shower and dressed for work. I had purchased a newspaper and I checked the classifieds for rooms to rent. I knew the city pretty well and most of the rooms I could afford were in the sleazy section of the city. Debbie wasn’t going to force me into one of these, no-way, no-how!

This might take awhile. Then a heading caught my eye. Housemate wanted. Share costs for three bedroom home with single mother and one child. Private bath, bedroom and share living area and kitchen. Possible baby-sit on occasion to reduce cost. Must have excellent references and no bad habits. Call 255-6023. I put the ad in my wallet.

I was early at my desk when Henry, my boss, arrived. Before he could say anything, I asked if I could talk to him privately. I explained why I had not been at work and what my situation was at present. He had been through a divorce recently himself. His marriage had come apart after sixteen years. He considered me lucky to have found out after only a year and a few months. I signed a slip to have my salary withheld to pay off a loan he had arranged through the company to pay for a divorce.

I had missed several appointments with prospective clients while I was away and my day was busy---very busy. I realized that I hadn’t taken a break all day until seven in the evening. I called the number from the ad I had stowed in my wallet. “Hello. You placed an ad in the paper for a housemate. I’d like to apply if I may.”

“Sorry, I was looking for a female roommate. I don’t think you would do at all.”

“Please, won’t you give me an interview and listen to my qualifications? There are things I could do around a house and I am pretty handy. I would be home a lot of evenings if you needed me to baby-sit. I’m solidly employed in the insurance industry. I admit I’m applying for a divorce, but it is reasonably amicable, so that wouldn’t be a problem. I only have two weeks to turn the apartment over to my wife.”

“Well I don’t know. I hadn’t considered a man to be in the house with me. I’m surprised, that’s all. Let me have your phone number and I’ll think about it.”

“Okay, but could you let me know soon?”

“Sure, I’ll call you tomorrow.” I gave her my work number and my home phone. “You haven’t told me your name.”

“It is Zeke Collins and---”

“Zeke Collins! Is this some kind of sick joke? I bet that son-of-a-bitch John put you up to this.”

“Whoa. Who am I speaking to?”

“This is Cheryl, John’s wife. Your wife is screwing my husband.”

“Yes I know that and your husband is screwing my wife. I say that just to put things in perspective.”

“Well you know where I live. You better come over and we will bash our spouses together. God, I almost would have you move in just to rub his nose in it.”

“Tonight? I mean do you want me to come over tonight?”

“Sure, why not?”

It was too late to take anything much to eat. I was hungry, though, for I had passed dinner time working. I stopped at a convenience store and purchased a coffee cake and a liter of Pepsi. I knocked on her door and stood there awkwardly waiting for it to open. I remembered from the only time I had seen her that she was petite. I remembered correctly.

Cheryl wore jeans and a blouse. “Come in, please. Some different than last time you were here isn’t it?” I agreed.

“I brought a snack. Actually it is going to be my dinner. I just finished work.”

“Oh, you need more than that. I have some homemade stew. Would you like a bowl?” Just then I spotted a little girl in pajamas peeking at me from the next room.

“Hi there, can you tell me your name?” Shy, the little one ran to her mother and hid her face against her mother’s leg. She hung onto the leg all the way to the kitchen. I placed the cake on the table and the little girl climbed up into a chair right next to where the cake sat. I took the soda out of the bag and put it nearby too. Her eyes were traveling from one item to the other.

“Her name is Ellen and she loves sweet things, but it is pretty late.”

“Maybe just one little piece would go down pretty good. A small piece tonight and some for tomorrow. How would that be?” I was addressing my attention to Ellen. She nodded her head and flashed me a smile. Cheryl cut a small wedge and put it on a napkin. Ellen kept breaking off little pieces and made it last as long as she could. I enjoyed my meal of beef stew and several crackers that were placed on my plate.

Ellen crawled up into her mother’s lap and soon was asleep as we talked. “Tell me what you expect from a roommate. I’m no woman, but I am capable of doing most everything around a house.”

“I don’t know really. I know I need some extra money and thought it would be a good way to cover some of my expenses. I don’t have a steady job. I’m a demonstrator. Mostly plastic kitchen utensils. At least once a week I have to hire someone to sit with Ellen and that takes a lot from my bottom line. I try to schedule my shows in the afternoon when I can, but most of the people I sell to work days. I was hoping to get $325 a month. If a person would baby-sit when I went out, I could go as low as $250.

Cheryl looked expectantly at me. “That seems fair enough. I can afford the $325 and baby-sit whenever you need me. I have never been around young children, but what times I have, they seem to like me okay. You would leave a number I could call if necessary, I’m sure. If I knew a day ahead of time, I could rearrange my schedule to be here to take care of her. Would you tell me what else you expect?”

“I would think you would do your own laundry. If you have a female guest, I would ask that you not be intimate if Ellen and I are here. I will do the same if I should have someone in. Television, we could list our preferences and flip a coin if we can’t decide. If you want I can cook enough for both of us and you could contribute. If you aren’t here at dinner time, I’ll set it aside and you can warm it.”

“This all sounds wonderful to me. Would you want to think it over for a few days---maybe a woman would appear that you would prefer over me?”

“No, I think I’ll go with you. I’ve heard enough about you from John. He was pretty mad about you calling 911 for your wife. To me that sounded as if you were very considerate. This is what I need right now.”

“You and John are definitely getting a divorce then?”

“Yes, he has been served. There is no chance I will take him back. How about you and Debbie?”

“No, she has made it very plain she wants a change in her lifestyle. This was a total surprise to me and hit me like a ton of bricks. My boss said it was better to find out now than many years later like him. There are a couple of other things. I will be using the phone some for long distance. I will pay for any of those and of course half for the service. During heating season the same applies. Oh, and I will not be here for the next six Saturdays during the day. I’m taking a training course.”

“Boy will John be upset when he finds out you are living here. I hope he doesn’t cause too much trouble. It is a little scary.”

“I’ve thought about that. Why don’t you have your attorney draw up an agreement about what the conditions are we have discussed tonight? I have to hire a lawyer to prepare my divorce papers and he can look it over.”

“When would you be moving in?”

“Just as soon as Debbie is served. Next week, most likely.”

“You are still staying at home, I take it?”

“Yes, but Debbie is working nights. We are only in the house a few hours at the same time. My living conditions are much the same until next week as they will be with you.” I hadn’t even thought about viewing the room I would be staying in. It was nice and large and had a huge closet. Totally furnished, I knew the transition would put me in a more comfortable situation than my quarters with Debbie in the apartment.

Debbie slid into bed with me about 3:30 a.m. and went immediately to sleep. She smelled of cigarette smoke and liquor. I pulled away from her as far as I could, but when I awoke she was snuggled up to me. I felt nothing for her. I put coffee on and took my shower. I dressed in the bedroom. Debbie opened one eye and said hi. “Coffee smells good, but I’m too tired to get up for a cup. Leave the pot plugged in. I’ll be up before it is too strong. How are you doing with all of this? The break-up, I mean.”

“Fine, now that everything is out in the open. I’m seeing a lawyer today. You said you would pay half?”

“Yes. I should pay it all, but I don’t have any more money than you do. The best I can do is pay half and not contest it.”

“I had to borrow and I’m hoping before the divorce is final, I will have the loan paid off. Hey, you have a good day.”

“Thanks Zeke. I know why I loved you. You are special.” Go figure, if she loved me, why did she do this to me?

Wednesday, when I got home from work, there was a note on the table. “Zeke, tomorrow night is my night off. May I have the house to myself again like I did last week? Thank you in advance, Deb.”

I had called Cheryl and said I would be moving in and asked if I could bring pizza before I started the move. I spent the rest of the evening moving to Cheryl’s house, or should I say, my new home. Ellen was again the shy little person she was when she first met me. By the time I had the last box from my car, she was helping carry some of the smaller items---keepsakes and pictures. I set about organizing my clothes in the dresser and the closet. “You sure have a lot of clothes. You have more than my daddy had.”

“That is because I have to meet people all of the time and I like to look nice. Some people even call me Dude. Don’t you think that is a neat nickname?”

“Can I call you Dude?”

“I’d love it.”

The first evening was awkward after Ellen went to sleep. Cheryl was into doctor dramas on television, which I abhorred, but I didn’t say anything. I think she realized it when I announced I was going to bed, early as it was. She started to say something, but I cut her off by saying we would be easier around each other after awhile.

Debbie called me at the office at eleven in the morning. “Zeke, I see you have moved out. I’m not surprised for I was served an hour ago. May I have your address and phone number?”

I gave them to her. When she realized it was John’s former home and number, I received one question after another. I explained the living arrangements and how they came about. “Can I be the one to tell John? I’m seeing him tonight. Boy, he is going to go ballistic.”

“John has to know sometime so go ahead. Honest Deb, there is nothing between Cheryl and me. I needed a place to live and she needed extra money, at least until the court says how much John has to pay her.” Debbie was laughing as she hung up. I decided that Debbie wasn’t into John for long-term love or she wouldn’t be so tickled over the situation.

That evening about nine the phone rang . I surmised that this would be John, and Debbie had just told him about his wife’s new housemate. I was correct. I went into my room and closed the door giving Cheryl her privacy to talk.

The conversation lasted almost an hour. Cheryl said John was not happy, in fact he was downright nasty. Some of the wind went out of him when she told her husband that she and I had a signed agreement which had been approved by both her lawyer and mine as to deportment and responsibilities for both her and me. The thought crossed my mind about Debbie’s evening of partying and how it was turning out for her. I hoped John didn’t take it out on her in anger.

Friday after work, Ellen met me at the door with a, “Hi Dude.”

She was smiling broadly. “You know Ellen, I think you should have a nickname, too. You talk it over with your Mom and decide what you would like to be called. Of course you will always be Ellen, but you can be someone else at the same time. That is what nicknames are for.”

“Can I be called Kitty? I love kitties and someday I’m going to have one.”

Cheryl nodded her approbation and so little four-year-old Ellen Adams became Kitty Adams.

***************

Saturday morning I started my training, the hands-on part anyway. A mechanic who had been a friend of my father’s and with whom I had remained in close touch, said he could do what I wanted. I had gone to him and told him I wanted a commercial driving license. I knew he had one and for many years had driven the highways. The local community college was teaching the state course and the paperwork side of what I needed. I could study this at home of an evening. Pedro worked for a trucking company and had access to big rigs. He was a favored employee and so I was in luck.

Did I need a CDL? No, most likely not and would I ever use it? And again probably not. I had a feeling though, it was something I wanted. I thought back to the time when Polly had asked me if I had one. I hated to admit that I didn’t. I felt immediately disadvantaged. God, if I didn’t have a job, the option would be there for an employment change. Did I mess up at first trying to put that truck where I wanted it to go? Sure I did and Pedro was patient. I caught on fast. Of course I hadn’t slept all the time on my cross-country jaunt either, and had asked a million questions of Polly. And just maybe, Charlie was helping me too. Sometimes, there was the hand guiding me and I didn’t know where it came from.

Cheryl and I were comfortable with each other. Almost like husband and wife---without the sex. Did I think about her? Of course I did. She was small, dark, with luxurious locks and with a definite Latino creamy color. Small features and small breasted with a cute little butt---those parts I didn’t dare dwell on. She had a tinkling laugh to top things off. I had no idea how she saw me. I do know she didn’t regret having me for a housemate.

John came to see his daughter and at first refused to call her Kitty. Kitty put up such a fuss when he wouldn’t, he eventually capitulated, just to get her to smile. She was her mother’s child in something like this. When he arrived, I usually retired to my room. That was until he said that Debbie wouldn’t see him anymore. She had taken up with a man who frequented the club where she worked. Now John was wishing that he had stayed with Cheryl, but any love she had for him was long gone. I could feel no sympathy for him.

Polly. I hadn’t forgotten her. I called at least once a week, usually on Sunday evening. Patty and Peter were at university and both were doing well. I had kept Polly abreast of where I was living and the connection I had with Cheryl’s husband and Debbie. Her only comment was that it was some coincidence, but things like that happened all the time.

I did see Debbie on occasion. She came through with her half of the money for the divorce. She seemed happy and didn’t have any regrets about leaving me. She even offered to get together with me for sex, but I suspected it was because of guilt. I was tempted, but I knew it would open old wounds, and I had been through enough with my unfaithful wife. The fear was in my mind that I wouldn’t be able to perform as had happened the last time I tried to be intimate with her.

It was five weeks after I had moved in with Kitty and her that Cheryl received an overnight from the post office. In it there was two hundred dollars cash and a note. “Mrs. John Adams, a short time ago my husband confessed he had mugged your husband in a restroom at some bar when he was in your city. He regrets it very much. In your husband’s wallet there was a picture of a little girl. I would hate to think the little girl was denied something she needed because of what my husband did. Please forgive him.” The note was unsigned. The postmark was from some little town in New Mexico. Polly had done as I had asked.

“Just in time. I seem to have sold all the plastic dishes anyone wants. You’ve noticed that I was only out one evening this week. My morning bookings are no better.”

“Yes, I can see where that could happen. You must be good though. What you need to do is find a new product. How about lingerie?”

“I would need someone to model the different items. I can’t afford a model.”

“Cheryl, model them yourself. You are small and slim and nicely proportioned. You have beautiful hair and a creamy skin. You have the perfect model’s body. There isn’t one woman in ten who wouldn’t give her eye teeth to be able to get into a teddy and look as you do.” I realized what I was saying. I flushed and tried to cover myself. “You are an experienced demonstrator. I was just using lingerie as an example.”

“You think I would look good in a teddy? I wish I had one to model for you.”

“You’re cruel. Please don’t think about it. It was just an example, anyway.” I glanced her way a few minutes later to see her sitting with a little satisfied smile on her face.

The day I passed my road test for the CDL, I was ecstatic. I asked Cheryl out to dinner. “I can’t go. There is no one to watch Kitty.”

“I wouldn’t ask you to go without taking her with us. It’ll be fun and a new experience for her. Something happened today and I want to share my happiness with someone.”

“Okay, but I don’t know how she will behave.”

“She’ll be fine. Remember I have been baby-sitting her at least once a week. We get along great.”

“I know you do. Better with you than with her father even when he was here all the time. I can’t understand it. Maybe because you talk to her like an adult, but are willing to take time to play silly games with her.”

“That is the way my parents treated me.”

“Well it works for you wherever you learned your skill with kids. Where are you taking us?”

“I thought I’d take you to a place where most everyone does the same thing. I’d like to think I was a part of what they do even though I have never done it. We are going to a truck stop on the outskirts of the city.”

“Isn’t that dangerous? I mean aren’t they a rough bunch?”

“No, I don’t think so, no more than any other group of workers. Most are just doing a job they are good at. Some are on the road all week and alone all that time. The only association with others is at the stops and over the CB radio.”

“Okay we’ll go with you. When?”

“I have a feeling Thursday night would be just about right.” Where this idea came from I couldn’t tell. I extended the invitation to Cheryl on Monday. Wednesday I knew for sure why the feeling. I received a call from Polly telling me she was going to be passing through and asked me to meet her at the stop. She would be laying over for six hours and could spend a couple with me.

“Can I bring a friend?”

“You mean Cheryl and Kitty? You’ve told me so much about them. Have you made love to her yet?”

“No, not yet. I’m still married. Two more months before it is dissolved.”

“That didn’t stop you with me.”

“I know but that was not my decision to make. Charlie made that decision because you were so lonely.”

“I knew that, but I didn’t realize you would recognize his fine hand in your affairs. I’ll see you tomorrow night. Night love.”

I had a long talk with Cheryl that night. I told her how I had felt when Debbie had dumped me and how this lady had come to my rescue. At the moment we met how she had been at a low point in her life. I even admitted we had made love. Why I shared this I had no idea. Then I went on to explain how Polly’s deceased husband still guided her by passing on feelings of what to do. I told her I attributed some of my own actions to him. Cheryl shivered when I told how just this week I invited her for a dinner out at the truck stop and then tonight I received the call from Polly.

“That’s scary.”

“Yes it is. I have to say, though, that only good things have happened to me since the morning I climbed into the cab of the eighteen-wheeler that stopped for me. I think they will continue and I think you are a part of it now as well.”

“How do you mean?”

“Think. Would you conceivably have chosen me for a housemate under any other except these weird circumstances?”

“I always wondered about that. How a situation so far out could turn out so well. I must meet this Polly.” Cheryl paused and seemed to contemplate before she asked, “Are you in love with her?”

“More than I can say, but it is a pure love. There is no life for us together as husband and wife. I have a feeling that she is going to tell me something tomorrow that is going to be a change for her and concerns me also. Laugh if you want, but that feeling is coming straight down from Charlie. We will know tomorrow.”

We drove into the truck stop. Kitty was afraid at first. These rigs were bigger than the house she lived in and some were sitting there idling. We had followed one in and there was one right on our bumper behind us. “They will run right over us,” she cried.

“No they won’t. The drivers are professionals. They look out where they are going and where everyone else is. There is no danger.” I said the words, but I don’t think Kitty believed me. We entered through a swinging door and paused looking for a table. The tables near the front were all being used so we wove our way through the crowd and headed for one near the rear.

“Hey Dude, you’re supposed to sit here with us. Polly is only ten away.” I had never seen the three drivers before, but that didn’t make any difference. Polly evidently was friendly with them and wanted me to feel welcomed if I got here before she did. They recognized me by my trademark blazer that had earned me my name.

The driver that spoke was big, hairy and friendly. “I’m Bear, that one over there is Cal and the other one is Perm. What’s your name little one?” He was asking Kitty.

Kitty surprised both Cheryl and me. “My name is Ellen, but Dude calls me Kitty because I hope to have a kitten someday. You’re awful big. Is that why peoples call you Bear?”

“Right on little Kitty. Now tell me what your mama’s name is?”

“It is Cheryl Adams and she is very pretty. Do you have a little girl at home?”

“Yes I do and I’m going to see her tomorrow night. She always waits up for me on Friday night to welcome me home.”

“I’d wait up for Dude if he went away and I knew he was coming home.” I looked on Kitty with new vision. I knew she liked me, but this sounded like more than that.

“Dude, I think Polly just wheeled in. Why don’t you go meet her? We’ll take care of Cheryl and Kitty for you.”

I glanced at Cheryl and she fluttered her hand at me. “Go.” I was impressed with Cheryl. She was way out of her environment and yet she seemed comfortable here in this place. Well, you think you know someone very well and then they surprise you. As I opened the door a name crossed my mind. Charlie!

Polly came down out of the cab and into my arms. The kiss we shared had love in it. All kinds of love---for lover, for friend and yes love that you would have for family. It was all there.

“Hi Polly, long time.”

“Too long, but we are here together for a little bit. One more kiss and we will go somewhere and talk. God, I’ve missed you. Your woman and child here?”

“Yes.” It came to me then that Cheryl and Kitty were mine. We just hadn’t brought it out into the open yet. As we came up to our table, Bear and the other two were standing waiting to greet us.

“Polly we have to leave. All that is left to do is to pick up road grub and pee. We’ll catch up with you again soon. You know some nice people. Glad to meet you Dude. You too Cheryl and Kitty. I’ll think of you when I see my little girl tomorrow night. I’m going to tell her all about you. Bye, now, you all.” He slowly made his way through the drivers to the counter saying a word here and a word there.

Cheryl gave Polly a hug when introduced, and Kitty, shy again, looked at the tee with the smiley face that Polly was wearing. “You like my smiley face? Would you like one? I have a brand new one in my truck. I’ll give it to you to sleep in. Would you like that?” She received a vigorous nod and a smile and soon came over and stood beside Polly. I signaled a waitress, for I knew Polly’s time was short.

The food was excellent. Not too big a menu choice, but what was served was delectable. “Okay Dude, I wanted to talk to you. I’ve decided to give up long hauling. I’ve a chance to buy a small trucking company that would give me a chance to be home every night. I don’t know diddly about running an office. I was wondering if you would be interested in taking on something like that?”

“Where is it located?”

“Minneapolis. You don’t have to decide tonight for it isn’t going to happen right off.”

“What’s the debt load?”

“What do you mean?”

“How much are you going to be in hock for to the bank when you sign the final papers?”

“Nothing, I guess. I was going to pay cash. I’ve got some money. Charlie and I never had too much for expenses and then there was his life insurance. The kids’ schooling is all paid for. ’Course they’ve been more like niece and nephew to me, more than me being a Mom. Peter is going to be a diesel mechanic and Patty, well she has a boyfriend and I don’t know about her yet.”

“Does the business make money now, or are you going have to rebuild it?”

“The owners claim they make a profit. I’ll have the books looked at. The owners are a husband and wife team and want to retire. There are seven tens and two straights for trucks and all reasonably new. I’ve seen the mechanical records on them and they’ve been kept up.”

I looked at Cheryl. She was looking very concerned. I turned back to Polly. “Okay, if the price is right and the value is there, it sounds like a good move for you. Believe it or not, I worry about you out on the road alone. Would you explain just why you think I could come in and manage an office and what benefit I would be to the operation?”

Polly glanced at Cheryl and then sat looking at me. I could see she didn’t want to answer with Cheryl present, but didn’t want to be rude. “Polly, Cheryl knows about Charlie.” I threw this out for no reason and without thought.

“Good, then I can talk. Cheryl, you may think me a crazy old lady, but Charlie is as real to me now as when he was beside me when we were driving. Sometimes I think he puts a thought in my mind and then I mull it over until I hit on what he wants me to do. When I get to that point I act on it.

“You may not know it, but when I picked Zeke up that morning, I was planning on having an accident before I reached the west coast. Enter the hitchhiker that saved me from following through with that plan. I think I helped Zeke through a rough patch in his life. I knew that he and I were going to make love before the trip ended. That was a suggestion from Charlie delivered in the same way he always did. Don’t be jealous for it was needed medicine for both of us. That is all behind us.

“Taking over a trucking company scares me. I know my way around trucks and drivers, dispatch and all of the road details. What I need is someone who knows all of the little things that make a business work. Insurance is a big item in the trucking industry. Too much and you don’t have profit and are working for nothing. Also the rules and regulations are massive. Every state is different and then you have all the federal rules. Many states collect a road tax before a truck can enter and use their roads. I have the feeling Zeke would fill the need I have and I know he can do that.”

“Charlie, again?”

“Maybe, but this one is my call. There is one thing you would have to do, though. It would be best if you went for a commercial driver’s license. The drivers I hire need everyone on an equal footing to make it work. I shouldn’t have someone in the office that the drivers will look down on, no matter how good you are at what you do. They would be on you all the time. Would that be a problem?”

“I don’t think so and I’m ahead of you.” I opened my wallet and slid the CDL across the table.

Polly’s face lit up. “That has to be Charlie’s doing. You can’t tell me otherwise.”

I begged off giving Polly my answer tonight, but promised to give her one soon.

We didn’t stay much longer. Kitty wanted to see the big truck that Polly drove and see where she slept. She thought it pretty neat. Polly dug out the smiley face tee as promised and received a kiss for it. The last thing Polly said to me was, “Bring Cheryl and Kitty with you. They will make you happy.”

“I don’t see how, although I’m beginning to think my heart is with Cheryl. Kitty’s father lives here. It wouldn’t be fair to take her away from him.”

“I know. Maybe I’ll ask Charlie what he can do.”

***************

Cheryl was quiet to Kitty’s chatter on the way home. After Kitty was asleep she came and sat down beside me. “I had an exciting time tonight. It was nothing like I expected. Did you see how Kitty warmed up to the drivers and took in what was going on around us? That surprised me most of all. You are good for her. John never took us out anywhere but to McDonalds.”

“What about you? You seemed very interested, too.”

“I was and I was given something to think about.”

“And that would be?”

“I was thinking about what it would be like if you left. You’ve been here almost five months. It seems like forever and I mean that in a good way. I haven’t had to worry about where John was or what he was doing on the nights he usually took off. You’ve been a more stable role model for Ellen. I think John does love her, but just can’t be bothered with her. How many times have I seen you put down your paperwork and listen to Kitty when she wants your attention?”

Cheryl was looking reflective. “That’s odd.”

“What’s odd?”

“Just that when I think of Ellen, I think of John, but when I think of Kitty, I think of you.”

“May I ask you a personal question?”

“Yes of course, anything.”

“Do you regret filing for a divorce? I mean John comes over to be with Kitty. I know he regrets causing you to file.”

“I know he does, but he had his chance. This is the second time I’ve caught him that he has admitted to. I know of one other time when I believe he was unfaithful and that was less than a year after we were married. I had it from the woman he was sleeping with herself and she had no reason to lie. I put it in the back of my mind and never threw it up to him. Later, and this was after Ellen was born, I had to go downtown and saw him holding hands in a restaurant. He came out with a woman and went to her car. I hung around watching them until Ellen got fussy. I walked up and stared through the window at them. Again I forgave him, but that was his last warning. I guess he thought I would forgive him every time. He found out differently.”

“You didn’t really answer my question.”

“No I guess I didn’t. I miss him sometimes, especially at night when I’m all alone in bed. The rest of the time I almost hate him for screwing up my life.”

“That answers my question.”

“How about you and Debbie? Regrets?”

“I guess most of what I feel is directed at myself. I’ve known Debbie since childhood. I fell in love with someone I was carrying in my mind. I guess I imagined Debbie was that person, who turned out to be someone different than who I thought. How could I have been so stupid?” I paused thinking back. “I’m pretty satisfied about the way Debbie and I are now. I see her occasionally and we have a laugh over our failed marriage. It is as if we took a break from being friends. We were friends and then we weren’t because we were married---and now we are friends again. It’s a good deal, really. I hate to lose a friend and we will never be anything but that now.”

“That’s nice. I could never be friends with John. Too much pain and heartbreak.”

A week later when I came home from work, there were several boxes stored in the living room. Cheryl was on the phone. She was about as excited as I had ever seen her. When she finished she said, “I did it. I broke the bank to do it, but it’s done.”

“What did you do?”

“I ordered a demo kit from a lingerie club. I have seven parties lined up already. All the parties are at homes I have been in from my plastic days. The club also sent me some contacts that they had from a territory that had been closed for lack of a demo agent. That is in a better class neighborhood, too. I’m going to see how things go before I contact those in that territory. God this is scary!”

“That’s great.”

“Dude, you’ll think so when you help me unpack this stuff. I’m going to need your opinion on what to show for the first few parties.”

“Oh no, you aren’t roping me into this.”

“It was your idea so you are already in. You want to know why? Because I ordered some men's things too, and I ordered them in your size. You’re going to be my model at the one couples party I have scheduled. Please?”

“No.”

“I’ll let you have your no for now, but I reserve the right to convince you at some later time. You will at least help me unpack won’t you?”

“I guess I can do that.”

“Okay, as soon as Kitty goes to bed.”

I didn’t get to see what was in the boxes immediately. Just as the evening meal was finished and Cheryl and Kitty were clearing the table, John knocked on the door. I answered it and he asked if he could come in and talk to his family. As they sat down he said to me, “Zeke, you might as well hear this too. I’m moving out of the area. I’ve decided there is nothing left for me here. I love Cheryl but I’ve been unfaithful too many times for her to ever take me back. The last time was with your wife, Debbie. I could have been happy with her, but she is a bit too wild even for me. I still long for her and can’t get her out of my mind, but you don’t need to hear that.

“So I’m cutting my losses and transferring out west. Maybe I can get on the right track and straighten out my life. Cheryl, I may be short in my alimony payments for a little while. I will see that Ellen’s support comes through on time. Please give me a break on yours. I certainly don’t need to appear in court when I’m just starting a new position. Can you do that for me? I promise to catch up just as soon as I can.”

“I guess I could, but not for long. I’m just barely getting by. I just restocked my inventory and my bank account is about empty. If I didn’t have Zeke here as a housemate, I’d be in court looking for more support for both Ellen and myself.”

“I know that. I hated it when he moved in, but it has turned out well for all of us. If anyone has integrity, it is Zeke. I hate what Debbie did to him almost as much as what she did to me. This from someone that was the cause of it all. Well, that’s behind me now.” Cheryl and John talked over the mechanics of his leaving. My ears perked up when John declared he was going to St. Paul, Minnesota. Christ, the trucking company Polly was buying was only a few miles from where John was headed. I didn’t say anything.

John had been out of Kitty’s life for the last few months, just coming to see her occasionally. She would miss him, but I had the feeling he would miss her more. I could actually feel sorry for him---some. He promised to write and would come to see her when he could. They were the typical divorced family now, with each spouse going their own way. Thank God, Debbie and I didn’t have children.

“Dude, where is St. Paul? Isn’t that somewhere near Minneapolis?”

“Just across the river.”

“Then if you and I fell in love and married and we moved to Minneapolis, Kitty would be near her Dad.”

“That’s correct.”

“Well?”

I didn’t want to answer just yet. “You know I have never touched you, or kissed you or held you. I’d like to do that sometime.”

“I feel the same way. When would be a good time to start doing all of these things?”

As Cheryl was talking, she was getting closer and closer. When she finished speaking, she was in my arms and we kissed for the first time. She was as I was, I think, not looking for passion, just tentatively seeking the solid love that had been denied to us by our cheating spouses.

“When did you first think about us as a couple?”

“I don’t know. Maybe the second time I baby-sat Kitty while you were at a plastic party. I put her to bed and she asked me for a goodnight kiss just like Daddy used to. All of a sudden I didn’t want to ever lose her. After that night I have been watching you. It wasn’t long before I felt the same way about you.”

“You should have said something.”

“No, I don’t think so. If I had spoken up, we might have had a few moments of passion and then we would start looking for faults because we felt guilty. We’ve spent months together and now we know each other pretty well. I know you better now than I did Debbie when I married her just from our close association as housemates. I was a friend to her, but I wasn’t as close to her as I am to you. We did have sex, lots of sex, but I still didn’t know the real Debbie, but then as it turned out, maybe that was Debbie.”

“Would you like to have sex with me?”

“Yes, but I want it to be a special event. I want to show you how much I care for you.”

I was sitting on one end of the couch and she lay down with her head in my lap. She looked up at me. “Dude, do you believe in Polly’s Charlie? I mean things are coming together for Polly. It seems as though they are coming together for us at the same time.”

“I honestly don’t know, but why question what is happening? Life is full of coincidences. The expression ‘what goes around, comes around’ seems to apply. I’d like to believe in Charlie. Wouldn’t it be nice if a person could believe there was someone that could turn your life around even if you couldn’t see them?”

“That’s called faith. That is why we have a God. I never was one to go to church and don’t belong to one. I think I’d like to start. It would be good for Kitty too.”

“I’d like to start going to church, too. Just to have someone to thank for our good fortune in finding each other. Maybe God would pass our feelings on to Charlie if he is the one behind it all.”

“Are you going to call Polly and tell her?”

“I think I will propose to you first. Maybe we ought not to say anything until our divorces are final. Would that be okay?” I leaned forward and kissed this beautiful woman lying in my lap. “Cheryl Adams, will you marry me?”

“Yes Zeke Collins, I will marry you. I will put my heart and body in your hands forever.” I leaned and kissed her again. “Feel my heart that is now yours.”

I put my hand on her breast and moved my fingers around gently. “I feel something, but I can’t tell if it is your heart or not.”

“Keep searching, it is there somewhere.” So much for a special event---or was this it?

The move to Minneapolis was months away. We had the winter to get through. I talked to my boss and he understood why I was leaving. He suggested that I might be able to still sell some insurance as a sideline when I reached my new position. I started taking his office manager to lunch to pick his brain. Two months later I traveled to the business site Polly was purchasing and looked it over to see how it was managed. I felt reasonably confident I wouldn’t screw up too often and cause Polly to lose money.

In the meantime Cheryl was scheduling one party right after another. When she told me about the first party, she claimed she made as much money as she often did on her best week selling plastic kitchen items. It took Cheryl a lot of special bribing, but I was talked into modeling the men’s erotic wear.  

After the first time, I found out I enjoyed it. I enjoyed watching Cheryl more, though. It didn’t matter what color garment she had on, red, green, black, blue or the orange that was the preferred color of the moment. Cheryl said she felt the same way when I was strutting my stuff. It made for some interesting late nights when we returned to our house.

Cheryl had booked a party near the outskirts of her territory. Debbie, who was one of the invited guests by the hostess, was totally surprised to find Cheryl the demonstrator. This chanced to be a couples party and I was there to do my thing. When I realized my ex-wife and her current lover were there, I was at first hesitant to go out and parade before them. We were within days of being divorced. I thought “what-the-hell.” She is here with someone that I’m sure she doesn’t want me to know about. As far as she knew I was just working and that there was no intimacy between me and Cheryl.

Cheryl and I conferred in the changing room and she thought it hilarious. She started it off by announcing to the room full of friends, neighbors and guests of the hostess, “Tonight I’m going to change my routine just a little. Instead of my modeling the women's clothing first, I have urged my male counterpart to go first. I have even said he could kiss one woman as he finishes. Who will it be? Now remember, he will be nearly naked and to make it random, I have put the first name of all of the guests in a bowl and I will let the hostess pick it out.

“Dude, would you get ready? This first male attire is for those special times when a couple is relaxing before a fireplace and enjoying the times that they are sure will come. This consists of a very brief, brief which is actually no more than a pouch for his genitals. There is a top of the same material and that too is quite brief. One band circles the middle and then goes up and over the shoulder, much like an image of Tarzan. There is more skin showing than material. The cloth comes in several colors and designs. Tonight my model will be wearing one designed with leopard spots. Dude, would you appear now?”

I stepped through the door and heard Debbie exclaim, “Oh my God, that’s my husband.” I paid her no mind and flexed my muscles, twirling around so all could see just how little I was wearing. The man sitting next to her was looking as if he wanted to exit, but didn’t want to make a spectacle of himself. I don’t suppose I was the best example of manhood there ever was, but I was in fairly good shape. Better so than most of the men here and certainly better than the man Debbie was with.

I made three more fast changes and my part of the demo was over. The hostess then brought out the bowl with the names before I dressed in my street clothes. The lady’s name was Murriam and she was nearly sixty. She flushed when her name was called. I held out my hand to her and she wended her way through the people up to the front of the room. This was a setup. The hostess had been trying to get this lady out of her shell after losing her husband a couple of years ago.

I had been told that Murriam was a fun loving person and would go along with anything. I hammed it up a little and when I put my arms around her, I placed my hands on her butt. She wiggled as if she liked it and hugged me closer. I slithered down until I was face-to-face with her boobs and started commenting on how beautiful they were and wondered out loud if I should kiss them. She turned them, one and then the other and pushed them to my lips. I made a smacking noise and decided I had gone far enough. I stood and then I kissed her as planned. Nothing sexy, just a friendly kiss that lasted a second longer than necessary. She backed away and said, “Thank you, that was fun.”

As she made her way back to where she was sitting, I covered my genital area with my hands and said, “The lady has still got it. Wow!” I made a hurried exit. The crowd howled.

After I dressed I went to the kitchen to wait until refreshments were served. I usually mingled with the guests until then, but with Debbie in the crowd, I knew that would distract from Cheryl’s sales pitch. Debbie came out after a few minutes. “Hi Zeke. God, you’re the last person I expected to see here tonight. I about died. I must say you’re a surprise. When we were married you would never do anything like this. How come?”

“Cheryl was needing more income and I couldn’t give her more, so she changed products and convinced me to help her. This way we both make a little extra. This is only temporary anyway. I’ve taken a position with a trucking company out west. I’ll be leaving in a couple of months when a friend of mine finalizes things.”

“You’re leaving the area? I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you too. Have you found anyone yet? I mean like the man you are with.”

“Maybe. I really like Jim. I’ve even told him all about what my life has been like in the last year. You know, married to a nice man, turning slut for a few months and then deciding what a damned fool I was. I left the nightclub and am back working in an office that belongs to Jim’s brother. I guess what I did was something I had to do, but it has cost me. Sometimes I look in the mirror and hate myself, but then I think about how humdrum our life was and how trapped I felt. We were just made to be friends, not spouses.”

“That is the way I feel. You know if this person doesn’t work out, John and I had a long talk before he left. I think he loves you. He couldn’t stand not being near you when you were out with someone else and you are the reason he left.”

“Yes, well he was fun, but I never had any deep feelings for him. He is in my past, just as you are. Would it be awkward if I introduced you to Jim?”

“No of course not. Maybe I can even put in a good word for you.”

“Zeke, you’re the best friend a girl could have.” I did meet Jim and I did like him. We stayed in the kitchen while Debbie went back to the party where the demonstrations were still going on.

“So what happened between you and Debbie? She has told me some, but there must be more.”

“I don’t think so. I’ve known her most of my life and she is the best friend I have. But, as a married couple, we were lousy. Maybe I was too controlling, I don’t know. She mentioned our married life was humdrum. I didn’t see it and I still don’t think so, but I can see now how it was to her. So we’re back to where we were before we were married, just friends. For us that is the way it should be.”

“It’s funny, that is the way she speaks about you too. I have to tell you, though, I don’t want to be her friend. I want a lot more.”

“I’d say you have a chance.”

We were chuckling when Cheryl came into the kitchen to make sure I wasn’t bored waiting for her. I introduced Jim. She didn’t pay much attention. “You know, the deal with kissing that woman has sold many sets of men's duds. That little act at the end with you hurrying out was something. You’re a natural. We’re having the best show ever.”

“Ah Cheryl, that wasn’t an act. She was just so sweet.”

“Doesn’t matter. It works anyway.” Cheryl came over close and looked at me. Then she put her hand on my shoulder and let it travel down my chest. It was a display of affection. I don’t think she realized it.

We both looked up when Debbie said, “Well I’ll be damned. Something good for you came out of my cheating. Come Jim, I’ve put in my order and I feel very happy tonight and that is going to make you very happy before the night is over.”

Debbie came and kissed me on the cheek before she and Jim left. Cheryl said, “That was a friendly kiss.”

“Yes and that is all it was. Don’t be jealous.”

“I’m not. I could see that it was just as I said---a friendly kiss.” On the way home Cheryl stated, “You know, we could almost make a living doing what we did tonight. It would take both of us working together though.”

“I’ll admit it was fun, but I don’t want to do it all the time. When we get to Minneapolis, you will have a whole big city to work in. You will need one or two partners, so when you get there you will have to look for someone. I’m going to be busy enough as it is.”

“Will you still watch Kitty?”

“You know I will. After all, I fell in love with her before I did you.” I chastised Cheryl just a little. “Remember dear, by the time this happens, she will be my daughter. I know you may say stepdaughter, but when I marry you she will be mine, however she is labeled. I want to care for her just as if I were her biological father.”

“God, how could I be so lucky to have met you?”

“Hey, I’m the lucky one.”

***************

I traveled to Minneapolis a month before Polly officially took over as new owner. I needed a place to stay when Cheryl and Kitty arrived and I found an apartment until we bought a house. In the meantime, I stayed with Polly at her house and we traveled the fifteen miles to the new business. There was a lot to absorb in the short time. Polly was right, she had no idea what went on about the business end of the office. When I looked at the job at first, it was pretty daunting. Then I realized that most of the business that we would be doing was locked into long term contracts. Minneapolis was a hub and nearly in the center of the country.

Manufacturers needed to get their product to either coast, including the gulf. This business was structured so that the trucks were loaded both going and coming. As these were under contract there wasn’t much to do until the contracts were nearly up. Then it was negotiating time. The manufacturing companies wanted to lower their transportation costs and the trucking companies needed to lock in returns on their costs plus a reasonable profit. The trick was to know what your costs were going to be in three years to the end of the contract.

When Polly first explained what the business entailed, I thought it was all local. Some of it was, working out of different warehouses. Actually it was a nice mix of business. Three days before Polly signed the papers, it all came together. I took her out to dinner and she was nervous. “Polly, stop worrying. I’ve checked every figure every way imaginable. This is a good strong business. You have just one small contract to negotiate and that won’t break us if we lose it. I do not intend to lose it, either. In fact if we bid it off at the same price, there are a couple of items where I know I can improve our bottom line.”

“Zeke, I’m not worried about the business exactly and I will take your word that it is good. I’m worried about myself. What happens if I get bored or sick of handling all the little details that go with running it?”

I started smiling. “Polly, right this minute, where is your CDL?”

“In my pocket. Why?”

“What happens when one of the drivers gets sick or has a family crisis? Are you going to hire a spare or is good old Polly Pullen going to take the run? I’ve been analyzing the records. There is at least one chance in ten that every week or two a driver will need to be covered. What about me, though? Am I going to be stuck in the office all day, everyday? I worked hard for a license. I was hoping after we settle in I can go out with a driver and get some over-the-road experience.”

“And you will. You are right, I needn’t worry. I haven’t changed that much. After all Charlie put this together. You know you are a lot like Charlie. You see beyond the immediate problem.” To me this was the highest form of praise.

I talked to Cheryl and Kitty every night. I asked her abruptly one night, “When are we going to get married?”

“Tonight if we could. I know that isn’t possible, but let’s make it soon.”

“Good, I’m of the same mind. Is John going to cause any trouble? I mean Kitty is already wanting to call me Daddy.”

“I don’t honestly know. I haven’t told him about us, of course. What would you suggest?”

“Would you mind if I went and talked to him? Just telling him that I had major feelings for you and was quite enamored with his child and wanted her to have a stable home. Then I will pass on that he will be able to see her more often if you come out here to live with me.”

“That might work. Stress that you haven’t seen me for a month and miss the home life you had while being my housemate. Oh, I don’t know, I just hope this doesn’t blow up in our faces. What gave you the idea that you should be the one to approach him?”

I had a dream last night, but I didn’t think Cheryl wanted to hear that. I was trying to choose words to tell her and I didn’t want to lie, either. “Charlie! Charlie has been in your head again, hasn’t he? Look, here is John’s phone number. Call him. If Charlie put that idea in your head, I know it will come out fine. You call him and then call me back.”

***************

“Hi John, this is Zeke Collins. May I take a minute of your time?”

“Zeke. God, it is good to hear a voice from home. Where are you calling from?”

“I’m here in Minneapolis. I’m moving out here to work for a trucking company. I remembered you told Cheryl you were in St. Paul.”

“You are? That means you are only a few miles from me right now. Can we get together?”

“Sure. You name the day.”

“How about tonight? I’m homesick and could use some cheering up.” John came into the little bar I named and hugged me as if I was his long lost friend. I had beer sitting on the table and had a pizza come in from the kitchen five minutes after he sat down. His first question was for Ellen and how long since I had seen her.

“It was almost a month ago. I talk to her pretty often. She misses both you and me.”

“What about Cheryl?”

“Up front---that is the reason I called you.” I let that sink in for a minute.

John looked at me and caught on quicker than I figured he would. “I’m guessing she is missing one of us too. I suspect that it isn’t me. That’s true isn’t it? You two have fallen in love, haven’t you?”

“Yes. I talked to her earlier in the evening. We were trying to decide how to tell you. Then she asked me to call.” John took it well. Better than I expected.

“Okay. I knew it would happen someday. I mean that she would find someone that she could trust. I take it you have asked her to marry you and you have been accepted?” I nodded. “Good, I’m very glad it is you. Does this mean that Cheryl and Ellen are moving out here with you?”

“Next week. We’d like to get married shortly after she gets here.”

“What about Ellen? I’m her father. You won’t be taking her away from me, will you?”

“No, you will have access to her anytime you want. That is one of the reasons I took this job so that you could see her. I have come to love her and understand how you must feel being cut off from her by distance.”

He was looking around the bar. “I wish I could find a phone and congratulate Cheryl.”

I handed him my cell. Cheryl thought it was me calling when she answered. I could hear some of the conversation. John didn’t identify himself. “Zeke, did you call John? Did he blow up?”

“It’s me, John. No Cheryl, I didn’t blow up. I called to congratulate you.”

Cheryl let out a startled squeak and then laughed. “I thought it was Zeke. You must be using his cell. You are okay with us getting married then?”

“Yes, I am. If I can’t have you, I’m glad he is the one. He told me that I can see Ellen anytime I want.”

“Of course, I have never denied you access have I?”

“No and I thank you for that. I didn’t come to see her as much as I could, because I felt so guilty when we were first divorced and then Zeke was around when he became your housemate. I’ve regretted not being there for Ellen when I could and then when I moved away and couldn’t, I found out how much I’m missing her. I’m looking forward to you moving out here and maybe we can be friends. I don’t mean that exactly. What I mean is we can be friendly and share Ellen.”

“I think we can. Is Zeke there with you now?”

John didn’t say good-bye to his former wife, he just handed the phone to me. Then he went up to the bar to let me talk to my love.

When he came back with another drink for both of us, he said, “You know, it hurts me to talk to Cheryl. I realize I brought that all on myself. If I had known how much, I would have been the most faithful husband there ever was. But---” He let that hang there for a minute and changed the subject. “So tell me all about how you came to find employment way out here?”

I started at the beginning---the night I came home and found Debbie on the couch and everything that followed. As the story progressed I even mentioned Charlie’s name a couple of times. I left out two things. One, that I had slept with Polly and two, that it was me that mugged him in the restroom.

“Who is this Charlie you’ve mentioned?”

I explained that my luck had seemed to change from the moment I met Polly. Polly believed in Charlie so strongly that I had come to believe in him as well. Now I listened to my thoughts and dreams and what I assumed was the path he wanted for me to follow. Maybe it was just conscience or maybe it was because now I thought things through before moving on them.

“And this really works?”

“It has so far. It has helped others around me as well. Look at Debbie. She did me wrong by going out with you. I talked with her just before I came out. I think the last you heard was she had changed bed partners from you to someone else. Well, she changed again and has given up her wild ways, met someone and has fallen in love. Look at Cheryl. She was bitter over you being unfaithful and basically destitute. Now she is in love and has a way to earn a living on her own even if I wasn’t in the picture.”

“How’s that?”

“She found a product to sell that makes her ten times more than she did selling kitchen utensils.”

“And I suppose she can thank Charlie for that?”

“Not directly, but the suggestion came from me and she picked up and ran with it. I’m saying that it was Charlie that put the words there to come out of my mouth.”

“That seems like a far stretch for me.”

“I know it is. Everything that happens is so subtle you aren’t aware until you think about it. You could say it is God’s gift for people in trouble, but he seems so far away and way too busy to trouble himself about us mortals. Charlie loved his wife Polly very deeply and she believes in him totally. To me it isn’t a further stretch to believe that Charlie is giving God a helping hand for us that need it.”

“Well I wish I had something or someone to believe in like that. I’ve been miserable for quite awhile now and I know it is myself that has caused it. What can I do? I feel so down about everything.”

“Hey, I don’t see that you are in such tough shape. Start with Kitty. You soon will be where you can see her on a regular basis. You are sitting here having a beer with someone that should hate you and that you, under normal circumstances, would hate. Let your anger go. I did and look what it has got me. So you feel guilty about your actions. Most of those you hurt have moved on and don’t dwell on it. The next step is to forgive yourself.”

John stared at me, anger not that far under the surface. “You’re quite the preacher. Everything has come up roses for you. You’ve made up with Debbie. You’ve got the love of my child and you’ve got the love of my wife.”

“That’s correct, but I could be just like you. I don’t want to be like you. So you went out and caused a lot of people pain---pain that has come back to bite you. Look at the people who should hate you. They don’t have time to hate you for they’ve moved on. It is time you did too. Make a new life for yourself and get rid of the hate that only lies in your own heart.”

“Easy for you to say, but I will think on it. Look, thank you for meeting me tonight. Thank you for giving me the chance to talk to Cheryl about Ellen. Let me know when you get married. It will hurt, but I know she is getting a good man.”

“And thank you John, for being understanding. You say I preached to you, but just maybe those were not my thoughts. They could have been from someone else. I just rambled on letting the words come out.” John was shaking his head as he left.

The papers were signed on Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Branca, the former owners were staying for another month and so I was free to go and get Cheryl and Kitty. I flew east, rented a U-Haul and loaded what furniture and belongings that Cheryl wanted to keep. We were in Minnesota before the weekend. Saturday morning Cheryl and I stood before a justice of the peace and said our vows.

Polly had a small reception at her home. It had to be for her house was small. Peter and Patty were there and Mr. and Mrs. Branca and Polly’s sister and her husband. We had informed both John and Debbie of our impending nuptials. Debbie had sent a silver fruit bowl. We hadn’t heard from John. The doorbell rang as Polly was serving coffee. John stood there very nervous. Polly invited him in. He ignored everyone at first except Ellen. It had been months since he had seen her.

“Hi Sweetheart. My how you’ve grown.” Ellen went running into his arms.

“Hi Daddy, I miss you. Mommy says I have two daddies now. Is that okay?”

“Yes it is and every little girl would be lucky to have two daddies to love them.”

“Good. I was worried about how you would feel. I love you and I love Dude too. Can I tell you about riding a long, long ways in a big truck?”

“Yes you can, but first let me say hi to your Mom and new Daddy.”

John shook my hand and started to do the same to Cheryl. She said, “Oh hell, this is my happy day. Give me a hug John, and wish me the best.” John flicked me a glance to see if I minded. I didn’t and looked on with a smile. He was soon introduced to Polly and her family.

Kitty kept her hand in his. Before he left that evening, he questioned Cheryl if it was okay if he brought a kitten the next time he came to visit Ellen. This was on our “to do” list and it was time Kitty had the one thing she wanted above all else. Appropriately it came from her father.

***************

One year went by and then it was winter time in the second. It was flu season and we had two drivers out sick with the virus. I had plenty of experience driving truck by this time and had made several trips back and forth across country. We had a delivery to make to one of the Indian reservations in South Dakota. I said I would take it. Four hours out I knew I was sick, but figured I could get there and lay over. I would have made it, but a near blizzard blew down from Canada.

I was within fifty miles of my destination when it seemed as if I was seeing double. Snow was coming right into the windshield and several times I nearly went off the road. There was no traffic, and I soon learned from the CB that the highway west had been closed. I found a pull off and hunkered down. I wasn’t worried, except I felt like shit. I dozed and every so often I would warm the cab. There was little traffic on the radio and when I tried to raise anyone I couldn’t get a call back.

Snow was piling up around my rig and I began to be worried. I had some water and a few snacks and two sandwiches, but it looked like it would be days before I got going again. I dozed off and on, feeling sicker as the night wore away. I roused up cold and put my headlights on to see what the world looked like. I could only see out the side window, for snow was plastered on the windshield. I warmed the cab and settled down again to wait for daylight.

Five minutes later I realized someone was banging on the driver’s door. I rolled down the window. There was a bundled up man standing on the step. “Hey, it’s a good thing you put your lights on. I almost missed you. You better get out and come with me.”

“What’s happening?”

“You can’t stay here. You leave your rig and I’ll try to get you to someplace safe. We’re having one of the worst storms in years. It’s going to warm up in a few hours and rain and then the forecast says it is going to drop well below zero. The whole upper mid-west is shut down. Come on, get on my snowmobile. I’m sweeping the highway for people stranded and I almost missed you. Hurry, we don’t have much time.”

I don’t know how far I was transported. It was cold and I tried to shield my face behind the operator in front of me, but I wasn’t having much luck. Also I was so weak I could hardly hang on. Finally the guy pulled into a farmyard and told me to get off. I staggered to the door behind him. He opened the door and the warm blast hit me, half frozen as I was. I made my way to a couch and fell onto it. In the distance I heard the man talking to the couple we had burst in on. That’s the last thing I remember.

“Well boy, I guess you’re going to live. What’s the matter with you?”

“Asian flu I guess. How long have I been here?”

“This is the fifth day. What’s your name? The man from the highway dropped you off and he didn’t know your name. You got no identification on you.”

I remembered I had left my wallet on the dashboard to keep from sitting on it. “Zeke Collins. I’m a truck driver.”

“Figures. Sadie will warm some broth for you. You ain’t had nothin’ but what little water she could get into you.”

I realized I was cocooned in a sleeping bag that reeked of sweat. I must have barfed at sometime for there was a bucket by the bed. “Can I use the telephone? I want to let my family know I’m okay.”

“No telephone. We had an ice storm and it’s been out for days. Won’t be fixed for a time either. We’re pretty much cut off until the road crews can get to us. Don’t worry, they’ll get here eventually and you can send word out by them. Here’s Sadie with some soup.”

I don’t know what the soup was made of, but it was good. Sadie and Tom were in their sixties, both retired. They had a cow and a calf in the barn. This had been Sadie’s parents homestead and had been her home all of her life. She and Tom had one child Claris, now forty, who they hadn’t seen for several years and had lost contact. Sick as I had been, they were glad of my company. I could see how much they loved and depended on each other.

Sadie startled me with a question. “Who is Charlie? Is he your Dad or just a friend?”

“No, he is a friendly angel. Why?”

“You kept up a garbled, almost incoherent, one-sided conversation with him while you were in the fever’s grip. I just wondered, that’s all.”

I explained Charlie. “I have had some real bad times in the last few years. I met this Charlie’s wife and helped her. Right now I’m associated with her in business. It is a fact that Charlie died two years before I met her. She depended on his memory to see her through some rough times and to guide her in the right direction. I was intrigued and have taken him as my own angel. If I was very sick and I guess I was, I can assume he was imploring me to hang on for the sake of my wife and family. His wife too, for she is his main concern. I have no doubt he has calmed my family’s worries about my unknown fate of the past few days as well.”

“You sound as if he is God.”

“I know he isn’t God, but I think he is one of God’s helpers.” I was weak and slid into slumber before I finished my thought. I slept the afternoon away and when I awoke in the early evening just at dark, I was much refreshed and able to make my way to the john by myself. I was ravenous and ate everything set before me. We had lights and this puzzled me. “Where does your electricity come from? You said the wires are down.”

“Wind mill. We first used it to pump water for the livestock years ago. When we got rid of our stock, an engineer I knew converted it to run a generator. As long as the wind blows we have power and the wind sure blows out here all the time.”

In the morning I looked out and there was not much to see except snow for miles. The house had been ringed with planted trees and mountains could be seen in the far distance. “May I borrow a razor? I’d like to get cleaned up before I go. I need to get to town so I can call my family.”

“It may be days yet before the road is open. There is no hurry.”

“Yes there is. You are going to have company before mid-day. I’ll go back with the snowmobile when it returns to town. Is there anything I can do for you when I get there?”

“Nothing really, but you’re wrong. Nobody would come out here in this kind of weather.”

“This person will.” I said no more, but these two wonderful old people were going to see the person they had missed the most and still loved the best. Either that or Charlie had deceived me, but I had faith that he hadn’t.

Sadie didn’t believe me either, but she put a chicken in the pot to stew. She told Tom to bring enough carrots, onions and potatoes up from the root cellar for a big kettle full. “I don’t want to cook tonight and we can have leftovers.”

It was ten after eleven when we could hear a small engine approaching at full speed. Tom rushed to the window and saw a snowmobile with two people on it. There was a sled being towed behind. The passenger swung off the seat and stood looking at the older couple framed in the doorway. She slowly unwound the scarf that covered her face and removed her helmet.

“Mom, Dad, I’ve come home if you’ll have me.”

Sadie looked at her daughter. “I was told someone was coming. I didn’t in God’s world expect it would be you. I did cook your favorite dish, though.” By this time tears of happiness were coursing down her cheeks and mother and daughter came together. Tom stood there waiting his turn.

“Dad, there is a surprise for you in the sled.” I watched as Tom went and peered into the sled. He pulled back some blankets and two little arms came up to reach for him.

“Are you my Grampa?”

Tom never hesitated, “Yes I do believe I must be. And what is your name little boy?”

“I’m Tommy, just like you.” Claris was watching her father to see how he would accept having a grandchild. He hugged the little boy to him and carried him inside.

I talked to the owner of the snowmobile and he agreed to take me into town. I said dinner was almost ready and it was hot chicken stew. When I told him I was one of the people that had been missing in the storm and told him how I had reached here, he was puzzled. He knew of no snowmobiler that was out sweeping the road for stuck vehicles and people in them. I passed it off as it must be a new state highway program. I was thankful anyway.

I was introduced to Claris. And to Burton Skolls, my ride back to civilization and my family. Claris didn’t take to me at first, and I could see why. Tom opened his wallet and handed me some bills. He also wrote a note to a friend of his where I could stay while I figured out how to get home. He did this for he knew I didn’t have any identification, so couldn’t rent a vehicle.

When it came time to leave, Sadie came and hugged me. She whispered, “Thank Charlie for me, for this is one of the happiest days of my life. Claris and I have been estranged for years. Here she is with us now and with our grandchild, too. You take care and do keep in touch.” I promised, after all she and Tom had saved my life.

***************

It was three and a half miles to the highway and seven miles to the nearest town. Burt cut off several miles by heading cross-country. I asked him to leave me at the police station. I checked in and they were glad to take me off the list of missing persons. I asked about the snowmobile that had taken me to Tom and Sadie’s. No one knew who it could have been or why I wasn’t brought back into town. This would have been the normal thing to do.

I was able to call Polly at the trucking company. “Well, it’s about time we heard from you. We were getting concerned. I sent a driver up and your truck finished the run. What happened anyway? Don’t matter, I’ll hunt around and find you a ride. Bear, you remember him, is up in that territory and will be coming through sometime tonight. Late though. Hang out at the police station and I’ll see if I can connect you up. Call your wife. She’s wild. Not Kitty, though. I mean she has been the one telling us you were all right. I guess Charlie is speaking to her now.” Yeah, and I bet he hadn’t stopped speaking to Polly, either.

The police said they had my wallet and identification. I left a letter to be delivered to Tom and Sadie with the money he had given me. Bear arrived on time as arranged by Polly. I slept in Bear’s sleeper most of the way back to St. Paul. When I arrived I had been gone eleven days. Kitty snuggled in the same bed with me and Cheryl that night. I had been missed, but no more than I missed them.

Nothing of note happened to me in the years ahead. I was perfectly happy in what I was doing. Cheryl gave me two kids, a brother and sister to Kitty and our love matured and deepened. Cheryl still demonstrates clothes and makes a good living at it. Patty, Polly’s daughter, helps her out sometimes. John married again. Cheryl and I chuckle about him. He married a large woman that is bigger than he is. Even John calls her ‘the amazon’ behind her back. Anyway, he wouldn’t be unfaithful to her as he adores her and has learned his lesson.

Claris never left her parents’ home until she married. Tommy is a fine little man. I never asked questions about why Claris was estranged, but I suspect it had something to do with her being a single parent. Eventually she married the policeman I had talked to at the station. Tom and Sadie moved into town to be near Tommy and made their home near Claris and their grandson. They claimed to miss the lonely homestead, but age takes a toll and they need more conveniences. Cheryl, I, and the kids visit them each summer and spend some time in the house where I was so sick.

Debbie---the one I started out married life with. Her life became a total turn around from the troubled time when we were together. Jim, the man I met at the lingerie party, tamed her. He started planting babies in her shortly after we met that last time. We saw each other when I returned for a class reunion and I almost didn’t speak for she was nearly unrecognizable to me. She had three children and had gained many pounds. She was the now happy typical middle-aged housewife.

I still take a run occasionally. Polly goes with me sometimes and it gives us both a chance to talk with Charlie openly while we are pounding down the highway. I know Charlie isn’t God, but a man has to have faith in something.

The End