ED

ED

happyhugo

Copyright(C) 12/17/13

Romance, Disabled Youth

A Brattleboro, VT Tale

70,521words

Readers score  8.09

Author’s note: Autism is a terrible condition that affects many people when it arrives on the scene, usually unannounced. Parents deal with it in various ways. This fictionalized account of the condition as related, was to support the Cinderella theme of the story, and has no real basis of fact.
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Ed Bowen, coming home after a week away on a work related trip, finds two people standing in the rain beside the road. One was a child and the other was a beautiful woman. Within a short period of time another woman with child would enter into his life. He had to choose one. A story of Autism and the trials of coping.

Chapter One

It was a Friday night early in October and it was cold and raining. Ed was following a car at a distance down the lonely stretch of state highway Route 9. He saw the brake lights come on momentarily and then saw the car ahead of him speed up. When he reached the place where the brake lights came on he saw two people, one large and one small, huddled by the side of the road. He slowed down as he approached and stopped a few feet before them so his lights would illuminate the two.

“Can I help you? You look like you are either lost or in trouble.”

The woman, an adult spoke, “Would you give us a ride into town? Something happened to the steering on my car and it went off the road back behind you a ways.” The woman was trembling and he could see a child shivering beside her.

“Get in. The car is warm and you can tell me where you want to go.” Ed leaned over and pushed the passenger door open as the woman grasped the kid’s hand and came around the car.

The woman was having trouble getting into the front seat and winced when the kid climbed onto her lap. “Thank you for stopping. Three cars went by and nobody stopped. I guess they didn’t want to get involved.”

Ed turned the interior light on and he could see a bruise on the woman’s cheek. “Did you get hurt? Do you want to go to the emergency room? That bump looks pretty bad. How about the police? Do you want to report the accident?”

“No, I’ll be all right. No police please. We are just cold and wet. I’m worried about my daughter Cindy. I’m afraid she is coming down with something and being wet and cold is going to make her worse. We will be okay just as soon as we can find some place to get dry.”

“You don’t have any luggage. Is your home in town?”

“No I don’t live here. I was hoping there was a Crisis Center or maybe some church group would take us in.”

Ed paused before he asked, “I guess you might be running away from something or someone.” The woman seemed to be evaluating how much she wanted to divulge, so he said, “Look lady, I sense you are in real trouble. My name is Ed Bowen. I’ve lived around here forever. My home is about three miles up ahead. Brattleboro is about two miles farther on. If you want to stop with me temporarily, I have plenty of room. You can at least get warm and I can take you into town after that. Would that be okay?”

“Just to get warm would be wonderful. Thank you Ed. My name is Penelope. People call me Penny. I promise Cindy and I won’t be any bother.”

Ed started the car and turned off the overhead light. His thoughts turned inward as he drove. What had he got himself into? These two strays he had picked up at least took his mind off the memory of his dead wife for a time. He wondered what this woman would look like when he could see her in the light. Well he would know soon enough.

When Ed reached his driveway he said, “I live about a half mile up here and in the morning you can look out and see the town from the south window. The trees have just come into full color this week. It is beautiful now and even more beautiful in the winter with snow on the ground. You’ll love it.”

Penny thought to herself that Ed seemed to be a person she could trust. Anyone who talked about beautiful scenery that way had to have a good heart. Some different from the man she had just left. Why hadn’t she left him sooner? She supposed that once you are in love with someone, it was hard to believe it had all gone wrong.

Ed pulled into the yard. Penny could see from the momentary glimpses that the headlights showed, there were numerous flower beds that had been fixed for their winter hibernation. Ed jumped out and opened the front door to the house and flicked some floodlights on. He came out and picked Cindy up into his arms and carried her inside to a couch.

He stepped to one wall and twisted the thermostat to a higher setting. He then came out and held the car door for Penny. She hadn’t moved and seemed to be having trouble gathering her strength just to make it into the house. Ed took her arm and helped her in and across the room to a leather recliner. Penny murmured, “Thank you.”

Ed went into the kitchen which was on the other side of the dining room, leaving Penny and Cindy basking in the heat that was fast penetrating their bodies. Cindy was coughing almost continuously now. Fifteen minutes later he was back with instant coffee for Penny and hot chocolate for Cindy.

Cindy took a few sips of her beverage, but appeared too sick to finish it. Ed felt of her forehead and said to Penny, “I’m going to get her some help.” He went to the phone, punching in a number without looking it up.

“George, I know it’s late and I hate to ask you, but would you grab your bag and come out? What I have here is at the very least a bad cold and maybe something more serious.” Ed listened as the doctor said he would be there as soon as possible.

Penny wondered how this man could have a doctor at his beck and call. She never heard of a doctor making house calls in recent times.

“Penny, why don’t you take a hot shower? You’re cold and wet too. I’ll get a warm blanket and hold Cindy until the doctor gets here. The shower is through the bedroom there. You will find plenty of women’s clothes in the left hand closet and whatever under things you need are in the left hand bureau. The lady who used to wear them doesn’t need them now, so she won’t mind you using them.

“You can crawl into bed or you can come out when the doctor examines Cindy. The two of you will have to sleep together as I only have two bedrooms. My clothes are on the right, but I have other things in the spare bedroom where I’ve been sleeping.”

Penny struggled out of the recliner after seeing Ed do what he said he would for Cindy. Penny went into the bedroom and marveled at the size of it. It was huge. This might be only a two-bedroom home but there was plenty of room. The shower was comparable in size.

Before she went into the shower, she opened the bureau and found some pajamas. When she went to the wardrobe she viewed the closet full of beautiful dresses and gowns. She found a robe that fit her perfectly. As she passed the night table on the right side of the bed, she paused to look at the woman that was enshrined in the portrait prominently sitting there. In the corner was the inscription, “To Ed, with all my love, Alice.”

It was not long before the doctor entered the living room where Ed was holding Cindy. “What have you got there son, a little girl? Where did you find her?”

“She was out on Route 9 about three miles west of here. Her mother is taking a shower. I think the mother needs looking at too. She hasn’t said, but maybe she got hurt when their car went off the road. Anyway, they were on the road so I picked them up. This is Cindy and the mother is Penelope, or Penny. I don’t even know their last names.”

“Ed, bring her into the bedroom and I’ll see what I can find.” Cindy had stopped shivering, but the fever was raging. Both Ed and George could hear the shower as Ed laid the child on the bed. “Go on Ed get out of here. I’ll let you know what I find.”

An hour later George came out of the room. “Ed, the woman has had a rough time. She has just escaped from an abusive relationship. I found some whip marks on Cindy that happened about six days ago and she by the way is twelve years old. The mother has a massive bruise on her thigh where she said she was kicked by the man she was living with. She has two and possibly three cracked ribs and of course the bruise on her head that you can see. She received those two days ago in a fight with the same person that gave Cindy the whipping. Penny is a widow and Cindy is an only child by her husband. Her husband was killed while in the service.

“I’ve given Penny something to sleep and Cindy has cough syrup. Cindy needs her medicine every four hours, so if you are awake, would you administer it? It is a bad cold, but her chest is clear. She just has to wear it out and being young, she should be okay in a couple of days. Would you keep them both here so I could see them both later tomorrow?

“I’ve left something stronger for Penny and if she starts coughing make sure she takes it. I’ve bound her ribs up tight, but if she coughs she is going to really know what pain is. Another fact, her name is Peters and when she heals up she is going to be as beautiful as Alice was. It startled me when I saw Penny in the robe that I had often seen Alice wearing. Outside of a different shade of hair color, they could have been sisters.

As George was going out the door he came back and said, “I asked and received permission to take pictures of the abuse both the mother and child show. I should turn them over to the authorities, but Penny asked me not to unless her boyfriend causes her trouble and then she said I could use them. I convinced her I did have to cover my butt by taking the pictures, so I guess we reached a reasonable agreement on this.”

Ed didn’t bother going to bed, he just dozed until it was time for Cindy’s medicine. The first time he went in, tears came to his eyes when he could see the woman lying where his wife had lain the few years they were together. Her features were not that well defined by the dim glow from the night light, but this only enhanced the comparison.

Ed went through the bedroom in the morning to shower, first stopping to feel Cindy’s brow. It felt to him the fever had disappeared. Glancing at Penny who had her face turned to cover the bruise, she did look remarkably like Alice. Not wanting to even think about this, Ed hurried into the shower. Coming out he found Cindy awake. “Are you feeling better Cindy?”

She whispered, “Yes I am. Would you tell me where the bathroom is, please?”

Ed pointed and quickly left the room, because he didn’t know what the little girl had on. He knew her dress and under-clothes were drying in the laundry room as he had put them in the washer earlier. They were dry a few minutes later and he knocked softly on the door. He waited a minute and took the items and put them on the foot of the bed. Cindy gave him a big smile and a little wave from the depths of the blankets pulled up around her. Penny was still sleeping.

Mrs. Butler arrived just before eight. “Oh, good, you’re home. I was hoping you would be.” She looked at Ed, “Didn’t you sleep last night? You look all tired out. I thought you had got over missing your wife.”

“No, it wasn’t that. I have a house guest and she is sick, or she was. I’ll see if she is up so you can meet her.”

“Well, it’s about time you found someone. I was telling Tim the other day it was time for you to start dating.”

Ed knocked softly on the door again and it was opened almost immediately by Cindy. “Cindy, my housekeeper is here. She is like a mother to me and I came in so you could meet her.”

Ed put his hand on Cindy’s shoulder and they walked into the kitchen. “Mrs. Butler, this is Cindy Peters. She is staying with me for a while. She is here with her mother and they have had a spot of trouble. George was here last night to look at them and he tells me they are both going to be fine after a bit.”

“Hello Mrs. Butler, you look a lot my grandmother did before the Lord took her. She was pretty just like you. I miss her so much sometimes.”

“Well bless you child, we are going to get along just fine.” Mrs. Butler always referred to Ed as “The Master” when talking about him to others. “Would you like to help me get The Master’s breakfast? I usually do when he gets back from his trip, especially now that he is alone.”

“Okay, but you’ll have to show me what to do.” Cindy was so proud of her efforts and Ed ate more pancakes than he wanted just to see the joy on the child’s face.

Ed heard the shower running. “Cindy, why don’t you go in and help your mom get dressed. If she wants to put on some make-up, there is whatever she needs in the box under the night stand. Help her select something pretty to wear. I haven’t really seen her yet and I want my first impression to be a good one.”

Mrs. Butler was standing there taking this all in. “Okay Ed, you’ve got a woman sleeping in your bed and you don’t even know what she looks like. What’s the story? It has to be a good one.”

Ed didn’t want to give out too much information about his charges so he just said, “Penelope and Cindy had an accident on the road last night. It was cold and raining and I stopped to see what the problem was. I gave them a place to stay. Cindy was coughing and Penny was banged up so I called George. He medicated them and put them to bed. You’ve seen almost as much of Cindy as I have. We will soon meet Penny and then we will both know what she looks like. Oh yes, I wasn’t able to retrieve their luggage, so Penny is wearing some clothes that belonged to Alice.”

“Humph,” Mrs. Butler said, “I knew there must be a reason you didn’t get rid of Alice’s clothes. I know why, now. The Lord sent you a sign. You’re caught now and you can’t get away. It’s not fate; it’s the Lord’s doings.” She went into the kitchen with the dishes.

Ed laughed at his housekeeper until he turned around and saw Penny standing there. Penny was wearing the last dress Ed had bought for his wife. Alice had only had time to wear it once and Penny did as much justice to the dress as Alice had.

Penny had used the make-up to cover the bruise on her face. The bruise was still there if you looked closely, but she had done a masterful job of concealing the mark. Ed stood and started to say how nice Penny looked when Mrs. Butler came back into the dining room. The plate of toast she was carrying hit the floor.

“Oh my Lord, you look just like Alice. She has come back to be with you. Now you treat him better than you did last time. I won’t have him sad and sick again, just because of how you treated him.”

Ed spoke, “Mrs. Butler, this is not Alice. This is Penelope Peters, Cindy’s mom. She is just wearing Alice’s clothes. I admit I was just as startled as you when I saw her in that dress, but she looks very nice in it and I’m glad she picked that one to wear.”

Mrs. Butler quickly returned to the kitchen and left the toast and broken plate on the floor. Penny came over and picked the bread and the pieces up, taking them out and asking where the trash can was and dumped them into it. Ed could see how much it hurt her to bend over, so he led her over and sat her down and asked what she would like for breakfast.

Penny said coffee would be fine as she struggled to get up saying, “I can get it.”

Mrs. Butler had been observing through the doorway, this person who seemed to be intruding. Finally making up her mind about something, “No Dearie, I can see you are hurting. I’ll get it for you. I’m so sorry I spoke so sharp. You just startled me so. You sit still. Cindy, your mom will eat some pancakes. You cook them for her and remember to turn them just when the bubbles come up through the batter.”

“Okay, Mrs. Butler. Mom, Mrs. Butler is teaching me how to cook so I can care for you until you are well. For Ed too. I’ve already cooked his breakfast.

Penny was famished and Cindy had a chance to shine again. Cindy was much taken with Mrs. Butler. She was helping her in the kitchen by loading the dishwasher and generally being a “fetch-all” for the older woman. After breakfast Ed asked Penny to join him in the living room to talk. “I think I need to know a little more about your situation. I’d like to help you if I can and if you will let me. First, tell me about your car?”

Penny looked down at the table. “Ed, I lied to you. I knew I was almost out of gas and I didn’t have anymore money to fill the tank. I drove it into a hidden glen on a side road and we stayed in it to keep warm until the gas gave out. Then we walked back to the road and started hitch-hiking. As beat up as I am, I figured people would give me a ride if I said I had an accident and got hurt. I’m sorry I lied. You’ve been so good to us; I wanted to tell you the truth.”

“That’s okay. It was a good way to get a ride. It was just that nobody stopped until I came along. Do you have much stuff left in your car?”

“No we don’t. I had the fight with the man I was living with and he beat me up. I just grabbed Cindy and got into the car and we ran. I didn’t have much stuff anyway. His name is Bob Grover. He was pretty good to both of us until he lost his job about a year ago and started drinking. It has been all downhill for us since then. I really thought I loved him until he hit Cindy. I should have left then. His promises to be good only lasted five days until he did this to me. That’s when we had to get out. If we had stayed until he woke up from his latest drunk, I was afraid he might kill us.”

Ed thought about what Penny had told him. “Gosh, you’ve had a rough time. I think we had better go find your car. You can’t have walked too far and I know the area pretty well. Tim will be here later. He’s Mrs. Butler’s husband. So basically you took off without any plans or any money. That took guts. Why didn’t you call the police? I’m not really prying; I’m just trying to understand your situation.”

“I went to the police the first time Bob hit me. Bob is related to the chief and has a brother on the force. I had no chance of getting anywhere. I just picked a loser and although Bob was dumped by his family, they weren’t going to back me up. I’m just lucky the car is still in my name. Bob was passed out, but I found enough money in his pocket to buy gas to get us this far.”

“Penny, you might as well know what my situation is. You could tell that I still have my wife’s clothes. It isn’t that I need them around, because they don’t mean that much to me. I just haven’t got rid of them and I never found anybody who could wear them. They are good clothes. I know I paid enough for them. In one way I paid too much, maybe.

“You met my wife’s father last night. That is George and he is my best friend. He blames himself a lot for what happened to Alice and what she ended up doing to me. You see, while I was away on business, Alice was in an auto accident. She was with another man and it was pretty evident she wasn’t being true to me. He was killed, but I got home to talk to her and hear her death-bed apology before she died. With her last bit of awareness she heard me forgive her. I was holding her hand and telling her I loved her when she died.

“George was in the room with us and since then we have been the best of friends. He said afterward that he didn’t think under the same circumstances he could have forgiven her. George is her father and he doted on her. He gave her everything and let her do whatever she wanted. I think he was aware of her wild side which he always kept from me. He said he talked to her about it before we were married, but kept out of our affairs once we tied the knot.

“Things were good until my job started demanding I be away one week a month. This was just in the last year or so before she died. I have always made enough money, so Mrs. Butler has always worked here. Maybe if I had been here all the time, she wouldn’t have turned elsewhere for excitement. I’ll never know now.

“I do know I’m glad I was here to say goodbye to Alice. I did forgive her and I suppose I still love her on some level, just as I told her when she was dying. It just has taken me a couple of years to get over her. I’m not saying that she isn’t in my thoughts a lot, because she is. I do think back now to the good times and happiness we had and give myself a pass on the sad times.”

Penny reached over and held Ed’s hand and said. “I know how much you can hurt when you lose someone. I felt that way when Cindy’s father died so far away from me and on the other side of the world. I have always thanked God I have Cindy to cling to. She is my crutch more than I am hers I think.” The two people sat without speaking, until they heard Tim come into the kitchen.

Tim drove his pickup into town and picked up five gallons of gas. He always carried jumper cables and said if Penny’s car was out of gas, the battery might be weak too. It was a mile and the second side-road from where Ed picked up Penny that they found the ten year-old Volkswagen driven under some bushes and half hidden. When Ed told Tim what condition Penny was in when she started walking and how far she had gone, he shook his head, saying, “That’s some woman.”

The gas tank was empty and the car had to be cranked over several times before it started. In the back seat were several empty beer cans and bottles. Ed figured that Bob just drank and tossed the containers over his shoulder.

Cindy came out on the steps when Ed drove the beat-up old car in next to the side of his house. She was jumping up and down. This was an item that was almost as old as she was and she must have felt like a long lost friend had been found when it came up the driveway.

Chapter Two

George arrived about four in the afternoon and checked Cindy’s condition. She had a nap right after lunch and was wide awake and smiling when he came in. It didn’t take long for him to tell her that she was almost well. George asked Penny how she felt and she said if she didn’t make any sudden moves she was fine.

Mrs. Butler had laid out things for Penny to prepare for dinner. George stayed and all found out that Penny was an accomplished cook. As he was going out the door, George said to Ed, “If I had Alice to raise again, I would certainly set out to teach her a different set of values.”

Ed, knowing what he meant said, “Let’s not think about that. We both loved Alice for what she meant to us. I still do. If she came up short in our eyes at the end, she was still a lovely person and we both loved her even with her faults. I’m not beating myself up and neither should you.” He gave George a hug, which was the first time the two had ever embraced. George left feeling better about his daughter Alice.

That evening Ed and Penny sat down again to talk. “What grade in school is Cindy? If you move here you are going to have to get her enrolled. We can do that on Monday. You will have to send for her transcripts, but that shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Cindy is in seventh grade and doing real well. The problem is I don’t have a permanent address. I have to find somewhere to live and I don’t have any money yet. I’ve got to get a job. I was going to ask you for a loan. I hate to because you have done so much for me, but I have to start somewhere. If you could see to lend me, maybe a hundred dollars, I’m sure I can make do.”

“Do you want to leave here that much? I will lend you whatever you need, but I have a different suggestion. How would you like to become my housekeeper? Mrs. Butler wants to take a vacation. She has been waiting for Tim to finish his handiwork around the place here. She wants him to take her to Branson, Missouri, to see some country shows. It would be ideal if you would work for me in her place while she is gone.”

“Ed, you’ve done so much for us. Are you sure you aren’t making a job because you feel sorry for us?”

“No, this was Mrs. Butler’s suggestion. She really wants to go and she won’t go unless someone takes care of the house and me. So please consider it. It seems like a perfect solution. You will have a place to live with an address. The work isn’t too demanding so you can recuperate. I’ll get your car tuned up so you will have that to use to go into town. Cindy can either ride the bus that goes by my driveway or you can take her.”

Ed could see the tears of happiness in Penny’s eyes. “Cindy is going to be overjoyed when I tell her. She was asking if we couldn’t stay.”

“One other thing and this is just so people don’t get the wrong idea, maybe you could address me as Mr. Bowen and I will call you Mrs. Peters. Some of the old biddies in town even had me making love to Mrs. Butler because she was here without Tim sometimes. When they find out I have a beautiful and attractive housekeeper, the rumors are bound to fly. I just want to save your reputation if I can.”

“You think of everything don’t you? Okay, Mister it is when anyone else is around, but here in your house I want to call you Ed. I don’t call my friends Mister if I can help it.”

Ed went and got his checkbook and made out a check for a thousand dollars to Mrs. Penelope Peters. He scribbled out a statement that this was a loan and would be repaid at the recipient’s convenience. He did this to forestall any objections Penny had to him giving her money.

“I’m also going to get a credit card in your name for any emergencies that might arise. As you know, I’m away one week a month and I don’t want you without funds. In any really dire circumstances, you can go to George. He will do anything for me, so it would be like me doing what you need. Is this okay?”

“As your employee, Mr. Bowen, it is perfectly satisfactory. As your friend Ed, I think you are more than wonderful.” Penny quickly hurried into the bedroom leaving Ed pretty well satisfied at what he had just done.

Sunday morning found Cindy in the kitchen wanting to make pancakes again. “How would you like for me to show you how I like my scrambled eggs? Then you will have two things you can make me for breakfast. That way I will always have to make a choice.”

“Okay, I can do that. I’m learning to do a lot of things. Mama has me wind that strap thing around her when she finishes her shower. It isn’t as good as when the doctor does it, but she says it is good enough and helps.”

In the afternoon Ed loaded Penny and Cindy into his car and gave them the tour of the town. He started out with the school that Cindy would be attending and then pointed to the house next door to the school that belonged to George and Emmy, his wife.

“Emmy used to be my mother-in-law and is a really nice person. I got along very well with her while Alice was my wife. George is the one that heads up the household. There always was some friction between them about how Alice was to be raised and looking back George sees now he should have listened to his wife more than he did.”

Ed took his passengers to the industrial park where the factory he was employed at was sited. He told them that he had worked there all his life and loved his job. The only drawback was the need to travel every month. Hopefully that would change some day.

Traveling down Main Street he pointed out his bank where he did business and the clinic that George was in charge of. He also showed Penny the boutique where Alice had bought her clothes. On the way home Ed went across into New Hampshire to the Walmart where Penny could get Cindy’s school supplies.

Ed said, “I love to wander up and down the aisles seeing the various displays. Alice would never go into Walmart. She always shopped Main Street, but I find this much more interesting.”

Penny turned to Ed, “Would you lend me some cash? I need some items and all I have for money is the check you gave me. I’ll pay you back when I cash it or you can take it out of my wages.” Ed gave her a hundred dollar bill and Penny set off for the women’s section.

“Come on Cindy, I bet you would like to have a game? Let’s see if we can find one you will like.” Penny had checked out by the time Cindy had made up her mind what game best suited her. Cindy had three books to read.

Penny was waiting with several bags in her cart and said to Cindy, “I have two new outfits for you to go to school in. I’ll show you when we get home.” Penny glanced at Ed when she said “home” and smiled.

Ed drove Penny’s car on Monday and had it serviced while he was at work, telling the mechanic to check it over carefully. When he picked it up that afternoon, all of the beer containers had been removed. The mechanic just said that he had taken the car to have it washed and it had been thoroughly cleaned then.

Penny had dinner on the table and was waiting for him to sit down when he came home. Ed started to reach for the bread plate when he noticed that Cindy had her head bowed. Bowing his head, he listened as the little girl said Grace, “Lord, bless this home and the food before us. Please bless the people sitting here and may they be happy always. Amen.” Ed thought that just about covered everything.

Penny said she had no trouble at all while enrolling Cindy. When she stated she was being employed by Mr. Edward Bowen as a temporary housekeeper, the address of her abode helped her breeze through the required paperwork. That evening Cindy excitedly told Ed all about her first day in her new school.

Ed received a call from the bank just before noon on Tuesday. “Ed, we have a woman here that is trying to cash quite a large check with your signature on it. Do you know this woman?”

“If her name is Penelope Peters, I do. She is my new housekeeper. Would you have her wait there a few minutes as I have some other bank business to attend to that concerns her. I might as well get it all done at once. I’ll be right in.”

Ed came into the bank and smiled at Penny as he was shaking the head teller’s hand. “The check is good and you can cash it. I came in while Mrs. Peters is here so we can get a credit card with her name on it. I think that will be easier than her having to use a checkbook. One other thing, I’m out of town once a month and Mrs. Peters is new in town. Sometime she may need someone to verify that she works for me. If she could use your name as a reference, it might facilitate her doing her job for me in a timelier manner.”

They came out of the bank together and Ed said. “I have time enough to grab a bite to eat. Would you join me for a sandwich in the deli up the street? This is the best place in town for a quick lunch. The deli found out what most people order and pre-make the most popular sandwiches. At two in the afternoon all the lunch-time sandwiches unsold go on sale at half price. The deli does a whopping business and still maintains their reputation of always serving fresh sandwiches.”

Ed and Penny walked through the door and seated themselves at a two-person table near the back of the room. Ed then pointed to the sandwich board and they both made a choice. As Ed rose to go get the cokes and sandwiches, Penny said, “Let me get them, Mr. Bowen. It is time people got used to seeing me with you.”

Penny was wearing one of the less striking dresses from Alice’s wardrobe. She was an attractive woman though, and as she slowly made her way across the room and picked up the sandwiches and beverage, all eyes followed her progress.

Ed stood and held the tray and she placed their food on the table before she seated herself. He placed the tray behind him on a stack and then seated himself. Penny’s face was somewhat flushed, which made her even more attractive. From behind his napkin Ed said, “You know that you are a lady of mystery now and it won’t be long before the townspeople are going to be asking questions of me.”

Ed was right. As they made their way through the crush of patrons coming in, a woman stood and accosted him. “Hi Ed, I haven’t seen you recently. I didn’t think you ate here at lunch time.” She was waiting to be introduced.

“Eloise, this is my new housekeeper, Mrs. Penelope Peters. Mrs. Peters, this is Eloise Hartley. Eloise was a bosom buddy to my wife, Alice. They traveled in the same circles.”

“I love your dress Mrs. Peters. Somehow it looks familiar. I believe Alice had one very similar.”

“It should because it was hers. I loved it when I saw it so I purchased it from Mr. Bowen. His wife had such impeccable taste in clothes; I may purchase her whole wardrobe.” Penny turned away from Eloise to Ed.

“Mr. Bowen, I must run if I’m going to have your dinner ready tonight.” She looked at Eloise saying, “It was nice to meet you Eloise. Please excuse me now.”

Ed said as Penny was turning away, “Thank you for the lunch, Mrs. Peters. Next time it is my turn. Eloise, I would like to stay and talk, but I am due back at the factory. Please excuse me for having to leave.”

Penny was smiling as she opened the door for him that evening. “Did your day go well, Mr. Bowen? I’ve been chuckling all afternoon over your calling me a mystery woman. I suppose I am, especially when that Eloise recognized the dress. You didn’t mind did you?”

“No, things couldn’t have been better. That Eloise as you called her has asked me several times for Alice’s dresses. I have never liked her, because she seemed to wield too much influence over Alice. I’ve tried to keep away from her and mostly I have succeeded. What happened today will help a lot. Thank you.”

Ed was in his home office, located in the cellar when the phone rang. It was George. “Hey Ed, the whole town is buzzing about the most eligible bachelor in town. I haven’t said much to Emmy, but she has been right in the thick of the gossip with everyone calling her about you. Could you tear yourself away from that beautiful woman long enough to entertain your old in-laws? I’m never going to get any peace until Emmy meets her.”

“Sure, give us a half hour and come on up.”

Ed hurried upstairs and said there was company coming. Doctor George and Emmy Sims would be here shortly. Penny wanted to stay in the bedroom, but Ed was adamant that she be present. After all they both had fueled the rumors in the town and Emmy was coming out to see just what her former son-in-law was up to. “Emmy will like you as much as you will come to like her, I promise. She just doesn’t like being kept in the dark about anything and George loves to do this to her.”

Ed did coach Cindy what to say when they arrived. “Good evening, Doctor and Mrs. Sims. May I take your coats, please? You will find Mr. Bowen and my mother Penelope in the living room. Please go in. They are expecting you.”

Emmy Sims came in and Ed rose to greet her, introducing Penny as he did so. Then, “Mom, I’m so glad you came out to meet Penny and Cindy. How did you like my new maid who took your coats? Isn’t she something? It took me five minutes to teach her to say that. Now sit down and I’ll tell you everything. I’m sure George hasn’t told you much.”

“You mean that darling little girl isn’t like that all the time? You mean you were playing a joke on this poor old lady that loves you so? You ought to be ashamed of yourself.” Penny was watching thinking that Ed had gone too far with his duplicity. That is until she saw the corners of Emmy’s mouth quirk.

George pulled Penny aside to find out her condition. He was smiling as he spoke to Penny, “I’ve had years of those two and their foolishness. I never know what to expect, but it is always something. Before anything else is said though, how are you feeling? I heard you were in town today. You aren’t trying to do too much are you?”

Penny said, “I’m pretty active and I’m still very sore but I feel like I am walking on air. Ed has given me a new lease on life by giving me a job. Five days ago I was beat up and broke and didn’t have a home. My child didn’t have a school to attend, because I was afraid to stay in the town where it was.

“Most of all he trusts me. He wrote me a check and gave me access to more money than I have seen in one time since I got a check from the government for my husband’s death. When Mrs. Butler comes back, he will have me established in this community so I can get a decent job. And he smiles, can you imagine how hard it is to enjoy life if you are living with someone who never smiles? If it takes the rest of my life I will repay him for all he has done for Cindy and me. You ask how I am. I’m wonderful!”

“You know, Penny, maybe it is you and Cindy who make him smile. Ed hasn’t pulled a little prank like he did tonight on Emmy since Alice died. I feel that life is finally getting back to normal for all of us. I think you have helped him as he has helped you. Thank you.”

Later while Ed and George were discussing town affairs, Penny and Emmy talked with Penny telling the older woman about her life. “My husband was a wonderful person. He was from a military family and wanted to carry on the family tradition. The whole family is gone now and has been for nearly four years.

“Three years ago I was so lonely. I met a man and he seemed about right for me. He was good to Cindy and treated me really well. That is until he lost his job and started drinking a year ago. The first time he slapped me I reported it to the police. His father and brother are policemen, so you can imagine how far I got.

“Ten days ago he whipped Cindy for making a comparison between him and her dad. He apologized and I believed him when he said that he wouldn’t do it again. However he got drunk and what Cindy had said to him still rankled. He took it out on me. That is when I left, just driving away, which was kind of dumb. I guess the Lord was watching over me though, for God sent Ed to rescue me and Cindy. It is like coming out of the darkness and into the light.”

“You sound like you are religious?”

“Not particularly. I just believe that there has to be a pattern to life. Looking back over my life so far, I can’t see that I have made too many wrong choices. Sure, things haven’t been like I would like them to be. Things haven’t turned out right. My husband was taken from me and then I lived with a person that turned abusive.

“That man could have been everything I needed, but he changed, so I feel that is his problem and not mine. If I had chosen to stay with him, then that would have made it my problem and I would have deserved whatever punishment that was foisted upon me. I made the choice to leave, which must have been the right one, for look how I have been rewarded.”

Emmy sat quietly as she was processing in her mind what Penny had said. “You know, Ed has been and is a son to me. I saw him hurt terribly once and he is just coming out of that. I would hate to see him hurt again, so soon.”

“You’re asking if I have designs on Ed aren’t you? Ed is the kindest man I have ever met and I appreciate everything he has done for Cindy and me. I would never repay him by expecting or wanting more.

“The Lord has just provided a safe haven for me and my child. I would not want to displease Him, so rest assured Ed is safe from any designs you think I might have on him.” Penny smiled as she delivered this information. Emmy might not have believed Penny, except that the reference to the Lord reinforced what had been said.

Emmy changed the subject. “I gave Alice a gown that she never liked and never wore. I was supposed to exchange it, but things happened before I was able to. I do believe the color is just right for you. If it is still in her wardrobe would you try it on so I can see how it looks on you? If it still isn’t right, I can still get it exchanged and then you will have a gown of your very own. I’m sure Ed won’t mind.”

Cindy, who had been doing her homework followed Penny and Emmy into the bedroom. Penny was a little hesitant about being undressed, before the older woman. She had reason because of the discoloration of her beating. The length of her left thigh had taken on a horrible shade of greens and blacks. Penny had left the tape off her broken ribs, because she couldn’t put it on herself and Cindy couldn’t seem to get it even enough to where it was comfortable.

Where the breaks in the ribs were it was angry red and, of course, surrounded by more black and blue. Emmy was shocked. “Dearie, I’m going to have the doctor look at this right now. That doesn’t look good at all.” She went to the door. “George, I want you to come in here and look at your patient. I don’t think she is healing well at all.”

George came in as Cindy and Emmy went out to sit with Ed. “You’ve been letting Penelope do too much. She should be resting and not moving around or bending and lifting. If she doesn’t stop doing that, George will be putting her in a cast and those are really uncomfortable. When he comes out he will tell you what he will allow. Haven’t you seen how much she has been hurting?”

“No, I haven’t seen. She never said she was in pain. How was I to know?

Emmy’s only comment was, “men!”

Cindy was looking very concerned for her mom. “Is Mom going to be okay?”

Emmy put her arm around the little girl that was so near to tears. “Of course she is, Dearie. She just has to let her bones heal and the only way that will happen is to keep them from moving. That is why the doctor has that tape on her.”

“Mom said that, but she likes to be nice and clean. That is why she takes the thing off so she can shower.”

“I know, and that’s nice, but she will have to just wash without removing it. I tell you what. I know how to fix it for her. Would you like to come to my house every other day and I will bring you home from school? She can take the tape off and shower and when I bring you home I will put it back on for her.”

“Super. That means I won’t have to ride the bus.”

Ed had been watching this from his easy chair. He couldn’t figure out why Emmy was suddenly so generous with her help? Was it because she was taken with the girl or did she want to help the mother? It didn’t matter really, for Penny did need help. As Ed sat there, he was trying to figure out why he was willing to help Penny and Cindy so much. Emmy was giving them help too, just like he was.

His thoughts drifted back to Alice and without realizing what he was doing, making a comparison between Alice and his housekeeper. He had loved Alice, but there was no doubt she was a demanding woman. She wanted the best clothes and to eat in the best restaurants.

Also she loved to go out on the town and to be seen. Often times he begged out of going somewhere, telling her to go and have fun. That turned into a habit as she went out more and more. Ed felt guilty now, for if he had complied with her wishes to go with her, she might be here beside him today.

Then there was Penny. She was just so … what? He searched his mind for the right word … companionable, that was the right one. Look at the fun they had when they went for the sandwich at noon today. First of all Alice wouldn’t be seen in the deli and Penny just plain enjoyed the experience. And what would Alice have been like if she had broken a rib. She would have been in the hospital demanding sedation, not here getting his meals and seeing to the settling of her daughter in a new school.

That was another thing. Emmy had wanted grandchildren so bad, but gave up when Alice said it wasn’t going to happen. Ed wanted Emmy to have the joy that she longed for and he never told Emmy what Alice had said when he brought the subject up with her daughter. Alice had even threatened to leave him if he insisted on wanting her to produce a child. There was no rational conversation, it was an ultimatum. Ed had backed down as usual.

“Now that I think of it,” Ed thought, “These last two years without Alice haven’t been that bad; lonely, yes, but certainly less stressful.”

George came out with a frown. “Your housekeeper has not been following my directions. She has moved around too much. The broken ribs will never knit together if she keeps on this way. They have to be immobilized. How in hell did she keep going with the pain she must have endured is beyond me. That’s the bad news. The good news is there is no permanent long-term damage, but she has to stop the bone ends from moving against each other.

“Ed you are just going to have to do without the services of your new housekeeper for a while. You’ve been a bachelor for two years and taking care of yourself pretty well. That’s with minimal personal care of course from Mrs. Butler.

“You can see to yourself, Cindy, and maybe help Penny get up and down so she doesn’t strain. The house can go to hell for a few days until Penny gets back on her feet. I’m sure she will make up for it when she gets well.”

Emmy spoke up. “I’m going to bring Cindy home every day and take care of her before Ed gets home. I might even be persuaded to make dinner on occasion. Cindy isn’t too thrilled with riding the bus so that will make her happy.”

Ed laughed when George made a face. “It looks like you are going to have to suffer just a mite too, George.” This had everyone smiling. Emmy made her way back into where Penny was in the bedroom and settled her for the night. George gave Ed a prescription to get filled tomorrow at the drugstore. It was for some pretty strong painkillers. He also gave Ed some instructions concerning Penny that she might not like, but then she might.

Cindy had brought a story book home from school and wanted Ed to read a chapter to her. He knew she was sleepy so he said, “Why don’t you go get into your pajamas and tell me when you get into bed? I will come in and read to you. That way you can go right to sleep when I finish.”

Penny was wide awake when Ed pulled a chair up to Cindy’s side of the bed and proceeded to start the story. Ed was a little disconcerted because Penny’s gaze was unwavering on him as he read. Three pages into the book and Cindy was asleep and snuggled next to her mother.

“Ed, I’m awful sorry about you having to care for Cindy and me like this. I was going to be the best housekeeper you ever had and now look at me. I’m lying here under a doctor’s orders, helpless and you are keeping house for yourself and us too.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m way behind on my good deeds and this will let me catch up. Besides I enjoy having someone around the house all the time and you will be better before you know it. Just having Cindy here is worth more to me than you can imagine. And oh yes, George left me orders to come in and help you get out and back into bed about three in the morning.

“I’m going to leave all the doors to the rooms open so if you need me before that, just speak loudly. I will hear you as I am a light sleeper.” Ed didn’t wait for Penny to say anything and was back in the living room before she could figure out what he meant and possibly object.

After Ed was sure Penny was asleep he took a good solid kitchen chair into the bathroom. Ed figured helping Penny in and out of bed was one thing, but she was just going to have to manage for herself in the bathroom.

Before Ed left for work in the morning he had Cindy and Penny fed and Cindy ready for school. It was a long walk down his driveway for her, but there were other kids she could talk to when she reached the bus stop. Ed worried all morning about Penny, so he dashed home at noon and made sure she was comfortable and had enough to occupy her until Emmy brought Cindy home. There was no TV in the bedroom, but he installed a radio to listen to, and she had a phone by her side.

George said Penny could sit in a chair after the three days in bed. He wanted her to have help getting in and out of bed for another week. Cindy had come to expect the nightly reading and Ed looked forward to it as much as she did.

Ed had to put his arm around Penny to raise her up from the prone position in bed and to ease her back into it when it was time to return. This bothered him more than he thought it would. It had been a long time since he had been this close to a woman and she was dressed in her night gown. Her face usually flushed as he performed this duty. It was never mentioned by either, but this little closeness was missed when Penny became stronger and could get in and out of bed by herself.

Chapter Three
 
Cindy cried when Ed told her he was going to be gone for six days. He explained to her that this was his job and he had to do this every month. He told her that if he hadn’t been away and returning home, he never would have found her three weeks ago.

Penny was on light duty and could handle everything that had to do with meals, no cleaning, though. Besides, Mrs. Butler would be returning from Branson on Tuesday the week Ed was away, and she would be there on Wednesday to resume her duties.

Ed left for the northern part of the state Sunday afternoon. He had an early meeting on Monday morning. Sitting in his motel room that first evening, Ed was lonelier than he had been for a long time. As it neared Cindy’s bedtime he wondered how she was doing. There was one way to find out and that was to call her. Penny answered the phone. “Hello, this is the Ed Bowen residence. Penny speaking.”

“Hi Penny, is Cindy still up? I wanted to wish her a goodnight before she went to sleep.”

“She is still up. I’ll get her.” Ed heard her lay the receiver down. In the background Penny was calling Cindy. “Cindy, Ed is on the phone and he wants to talk to you. Now don’t you dare tell him you cried last night when he wasn’t here to read to you? Just tell him you miss him.”

“Hi Ed, I didn’t think you would call but I was hoping. Miss Emmy said she thought you might. She took me to the library and I have a new book for you to read to me when you get home next week.

“I think it will be good. It is about a puppy that is kidnapped and gets away and finds its way home. The puppy must have felt awful. I hope nobody ever steals me so I can’t come home. If anyone did, you would look for me and bring me home, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes I would look for you and I would miss you terribly until I found you. That’s not going to happen, I promise. Now go get ready for bed and think of me when you go to sleep. I miss you. Good night, Cindy.”

“Ed, thank you very much for calling me tonight. I can go to sleep now without crying. Bye”

Ed could hear Cindy running away and knew Penny was holding the phone. “Ed, I think I have a problem. Cindy just dotes on you. When we have to leave here it is going to break her heart. We can’t stay either. Mrs. Butler will be back tomorrow and you can’t let her go after all these years.

“You hired me to keep house for you and I haven’t done anything. I’ve just been sitting around and letting you take care of me and Cindy. I do have my pride and I can’t let you take care of us forever without being able to pay you back.”

“Penny you worry too much. Look at all of the friends you have found since I picked you up on that cold and rainy night. You’ve got George and Emmy. Mrs. Butler called the other night asking and hoping you were still with me.” Ed didn’t say anything for a few seconds before he continued.

“And then there is me. I am going to do everything possible not to break Cindy’s heart. So you go to bed and stop worrying. Okay? Now how are you feeling? You aren’t trying to do more than you should are you? George would skin me alive if you did.”

“No, I’m being good and I feel better today than yesterday. I think I’m almost well. I forgot to ask, but may I make a long distance call? I left behind some keepsakes when I left Bob. I have a friend there who I hope can get them for me and sometime I will want to go get them. Most of the things are from when I was married, although there are a few things from my childhood. You know pictures and my high school graduation book.

“Cindy had some favorite things too. It is like she and I never had a past. We did though, and some of it was really nice. I don’t want to lose all my memories. Some day I may want to share them with someone.”

“Of course, Penny, you didn’t have to ask. I wish you luck in your quest for your keepsakes. I’m going to hang up now. You have a good night. I’ll probably call Cindy tomorrow night so she doesn’t forget me.”

“Goodnight, Ed. I don’t think either of us will ever forget you.”

The week went like that for Cindy and Ed. Ed always seemed to end up talking to Penny and thoughts of her lingered after he hung up. Not always about Cindy either. Penny was feeling bad about the fact that she and Cindy were sleeping in his bed while he had to sleep in the other bedroom.

The shower off the master bedroom was the only one in his house. This took some coordinating among the three of them who had to use it. Ed solved the problem by having a contractor and plumber install another shower the first week he was home. Mrs. Butler had some puritanical leanings and thought it was more appropriate for two unmarried adults to have their own facilities.

A dinner was held on the six-week anniversary of Penny’s arrival. At that time, George said Penny was healed and good as new. Mrs. Butler and Tim were there along with Emmy and George. After dinner Mrs. Butler announced that she was retiring from keeping house outside of her own. She had become fast friends with Penny and intended to visit often with Ed and Penny, even though she wasn’t working for “The Master” anymore.

That evening Ed said to Penny, “I’d like to make your stay here more permanent. This is what I am proposing. I will pay you what I paid Mrs. Butler for keeping the house clean. I will provide board and room in return for you preparing my meals.

“Things are pretty well set outside for the winter, but come spring, I would like you to take over keeping the flower beds and the grounds neat. To me this seems as though we both could benefit from this arrangement. Any free time you have, and I’m sure there will be a lot and you can pursue whatever outside interests you want to.”

Cindy who had been listening piped up, “If you don’t, Mom, I will. I want to stay with Ed and I don’t want to leave. Tell him Mom. You don’t want to leave either.”

Penny was laughing, “I guess Cindy just said it all. I think your proposal is more than generous and I accept. I was beginning to wonder what my next move was going to be. Let’s talk about the money you have loaned me. You wrote me a check for a thousand dollars and you gave me one hundred to use before I cashed it. I’d like to return the one hundred now and when I am confident I won’t need the other, I will give that back.

“I made George take the money for the medicines I needed, but he won’t take anything for doctoring me.”

Tears were starting in Penny’s eyes. “George and Emmy have been so nice to me and I wonder where Cindy and I would be if it wasn’t for you. You all are so wonderful!”

Penny got up and left the room. Cindy said, “Mom is crying. Why? I don’t feel like crying. I feel like shouting for joy.”

“Sometimes people shed tears for joy when they are happy. I hope something I said made your mom happy. Let’s go into the kitchen and plan what we want to eat for Thanksgiving. Your mom has to cook it and it is only two weeks away. I think we should invite George and Emmy and we can sit around and stuff ourselves with all kind of goodies. Does that sound like fun?”

“Oh yes!”

“You know Cindy; I have to leave again on Thursday next week. I will be gone over the weekend, but I will be home Tuesday evening. It is going to be up to you and your mom to prepare the Thanksgiving meal. Does your mom have any special friends? She must have had someone she was close to before she came here. Do you know of anyone? Maybe we could arrange for them to have dinner with us.”

“Just Aunt Sally and Paul. It would great if they could come. We always had them eat with us. I miss Paul even though he is different. He doesn’t go to school and makes funny noises and can’t talk so you can tell what he is saying. When he gets excited he can’t even feed himself ’cause he doesn’t sit still. Mom took care of him while Aunt Sally worked on the late shift. I bet he misses Mom. I know she misses him ’cause she talks about him when she is praying to God.”

“Is Sally really your aunt?”

“No, but she almost was. She is Bob’s sister and would have been if Mom had been dumb enough to marry Bob. Bob doesn’t like Paul and makes fun of him and teases him, and that’s one reason Mom wouldn’t marry Bob when he asked her to. Paul doesn’t have a daddy either, just like me. His daddy ran away when he found out Paul is like he is. My daddy wouldn’t have done that, I know he wouldn’t have, if I was like Paul.”

Ed was finding out more about Penny and what her life must have been like before he came on the scene. It must have been a very unhappy existence, especially at the end. She never ran down the man she had been living with and at one point must have considered marrying him. Her only comment being, “I made some choices and they weren’t always the right ones.”

Penny came back to the kitchen and helped complete the plans for Thanksgiving. Again before going to bed that night Penny mentioned how bad she felt about taking Ed’s bed away from him. Ed was just a little exasperated and said, “Penny I’m going to be away for a week starting Thursday. If you want to go to all the trouble of moving my things and moving into that room, okay, go ahead.

“You might as well sort through all of Alice’s things. Keep what you want for yourself and send the rest to the secondhand shop or church sale that will be coming up next month. Emmy can help you sort stuff. You can store what you don’t dispose of in boxes in the cellar. I know how women love to rearrange, so do your darnedest. You are the housekeeper here so you don’t need to ask my permission.”

Cindy piped up, “Can we start tonight, Mom.”

Penny laughed, “I guess we women all have the same inclination. No, Cindy, we will wait until Ed has left on his trip.”

When Ed was paying bills, he noticed that Penny had made three calls on the phone to a number in the town she had come from. Curious, but not really snooping, he copied the number and put it in his briefcase. He was going through that town so figured he would find out who she talked to. If this was the person he thought it was, maybe he could get some of Cindy’s things and Penny’s graduation book, the book she had mentioned several times.

---

Ed arranged his route so that he ended in that town late Saturday afternoon. Stopping at a filling station, Ed rang the number. The phone was picked up on the first ring. “The Goodwin residence, this is Sally speaking.”

“Hi Sally, this is Ed Bowen. I think we have a mutual friend. Penny Peters may have spoken to you about me. I am in town overnight and I thought I would like to meet you. That is if you aren’t busy.”

“Oh yes, I’d love to meet you. Is Penny with you?”

“No, she isn’t. I’m working and have a layover for the weekend. If you give me directions, I can find your house.” The address of the Goodwin residence was on a nice street, but the Goodwin residence was the poorest house situated in the middle of the block.

Sally was standing in the open doorway of a dilapidated bungalow when Ed pulled into the driveway. The woman came down off some broken steps and extended her hand to meet Ed. “Penny has said so many nice things about you. I miss her so much, but I’m glad she finally got away from my brother. Won’t you come in? My house isn’t very nice, but you are welcome.”

Ed came into a room that was small with very few pieces of furniture. Those that were there looked to be fairly clean, although they probably were new at least twenty years ago. Sitting in the corner at a small desk was a boy about sixteen. His body was in continual motion, first back and forth and then from one side to the other. Unintelligible noises were emitting from the boy who was playing “Free Cell” on and old computer.

Sally said, “Just as soon as Paul gets done with that game we will speak to him. I have to catch him quick though, before he starts another. Otherwise we will have to wait again. Did Penny tell you about Paul?”

“No, but Cindy has. I take it he is autistic?”

“Yes he is. He is really smart though. When we get his attention I will have him show you his score. He is unbelievable at that game.”

The boy gave a “Yaakk” when the screen flashed “You win.”

Sally placed a hand on his shoulder and said, “We have company, Paul. Meet Mr. Bowen.” Paul jumped up and turned, upsetting his chair with a bang as he did so. “Mr. Bowen is a friend of Penny and Cindy. He came by to tell us about how they are. You sit down and listen while he talks. Calm now, Paul, very calm. Can you do that?”

“Yaakk.”

Ed had to give Sally credit for she wasn’t making excuses for her son’s condition. That is the way he felt it should be. “Sally, maybe I should apologize for being here. Penny doesn’t know I planned on stopping. Cindy talked about you and Paul and I knew Penny had called you. I saved your number from my phone bill. I really came for a doll of Cindy’s and Penny’s graduation book. She misses it and I thought you might know where it was. I wanted to surprise her when I got home Tuesday night. Can you help me out?”

“I certainly can. All of Penny’s and Cindy’s effects are here. Bob lost his apartment and Dad agreed to let him move back with him and Mom to see if they can’t straighten him out. They know he beat up Penny and they are afraid she is going to come back at him. How bad did he hurt her, anyway?”

“She didn’t tell you?”

“No, she just said that she had some bruises.”

“I am afraid it was much more than that. He kicked her in the thigh and hit her in the head. The worst things were the three broken ribs. It took her six weeks for them to heal and she was in terrible pain.”

Paul was listening to all of this and when Ed described the injuries, there was no indication the boy understood. He did seem restless, but that must have come from the sad feeling emanating from Ed and Sally. Sally went over and laid her hand on Paul to calm him. Ed quickly said, “Penny is okay and feeling fine now, Paul. She really is.”

Sally exclaimed, “Damn Bob anyway, he is my brother, but he goes crazy when he is drinking. Penny tried to straighten him out, for she thought a lot of him at one time. I’m glad she is away from him, but Paul and I miss them both an awful lot. I hope she comes for her things so I can see her again.”

“Do you have a job, Sally?”

“I guess you could call it that. I work as a check-out at the local grocery store. It doesn’t pay much, but I get Social Security for Paul and he has Medicaid, so we make out. My biggest expense is having someone watch Paul. Penny was so good to help out and not charge anything. Not everyone wants to be around Paul and they don’t understand that he can’t control some of the things he does. He is intelligent though. Here let me show you.”

Ed followed Sally over to the computer and clicked on the Free Cell game. When it came up she went to the games played box. It showed 27635 games played. She then pointed out the percentage of games won. “99% and it would be 100% if I hadn’t tried a few myself. Paul never loses. I wish we could afford to get onto the Internet. It would open up his life so much. I have always felt he is trapped in a body where the wires are crossed in his brain.”

Ed looked over to where Paul was sitting and making all of the uncontrollable motions that went with his disability. “Can Paul read or write?”

“He is a whiz on a keyboard and I think he has a photographic memory. How much he understands, I’m not sure. Some day I will be able to get him tested to see just what he is capable of doing.”

“Doesn’t your family give you any support? Penny said you had more family than Bob.”

“Yeah, I have more family, but you would never know it. They disowned me when I married Paul’s father. I admit I made a mistake, but you have to know that righteous bastard who is my father to know he wouldn’t change his mind. I could die for all he cares. Mama is totally under his thumb so she is no help either. Look what they have done to Bob. He lost his job and got drunk the day he was terminated. Pop found that he had been picked up that same night and thrown into jail for drunk and disorderly. So Pop left him right there and let him settle his own charges.”

Ed felt so lucky. He had always had a job and had a loving family before his Mom and Dad had been killed in an accident. And he had Alice for a while. She had given him heartache, but he survived that as he knew he would eventually. This woman here with him had a life ten more times difficult than his had ever been, and yet she wasn’t complaining.

“I’m intrigued with Paul. Would you mind if I try something?” Ed went out to his car and came back with a folder. He took a folder out and handed it to the boy. “Paul can you do this on the computer?”

Paul took the pamphlet and its two small paragraphs of highlighted printed text. Ed watched as Paul only seemingly glanced at it before handing it back. He went immediately to notepad and started typing, his fingers flying over the keys. When he finished, he sat waiting for a comment from Ed, all the while moving his body in his pattern of motion.

Ed placed his hand on Paul’s shoulder saying, “You did fine. In fact you did better than many experienced secretaries I show this to. You also did it in about half the time and without only looking at the directions with a glance. That is almost an impossible feat.”

Ed showed Sally what was on the pamphlet. It stated: Copy the second paragraph you are reading now and reverse the first and third sentences from their original order. Then in the second paragraph, copy the directions completely.

“Sally, this really is amazing. This boy must be near to being a genius. This little test was not only to see what he could do typing, but also to test his comprehension. He must have had some teaching from somewhere to learn all of this.”

“Penny had been working with him evenings, but I am as amazed of how much he knows as you are. She always had a bag of books with her, but I was usually too tired from work to ask what was in it. That game on the computer, I thought he just played it so much, he remembered each game. Maybe he is smart enough to figure out more than two or three moves ahead to know what is going to trip him up and make him lose.”

“Has Paul ever played Chess? He would be a natural if that is what he is doing.”

“He probably has never even heard of the game.”

“He should be exposed to it then.”

“How is that going to happen? I don’t have the time or resources to find someone to teach him?”

“No, you probably haven’t. Really, what should come first is to have him evaluated. If Paul is as smart as what I just did indicates, he must be bored out of his skull. He needs to have his scope broadened to give him a fuller life.” Ed could see that what he was saying was depressing Sally.

“I have an idea. What are you doing for Thanksgiving next week? Do you have to work?”

“I am supposed to work Wednesday and go back in on Saturday, but I can take some time off. It just will make me awful short of money.”

“Look, I can come back by here on Tuesday. Why don’t you and Paul go home with me and visit Penny and Cindy over the holiday. My father-in-law is a doctor. Maybe he will know of some program where Paul can be evaluated. You can’t lose even if he doesn’t find somebody because you will be with friends. Sleeping arrangements might be a little crowded, but we can always make do. Would you do that?”

“I don’t know if that would be a good idea. Paul doesn’t act too well traveling and not at well with people he doesn’t know.” Most people are uncomfortable around him. I wouldn’t want to spoil a holiday for other people.”

“Oh come on, I’m comfortable with him and Penny and Cindy certainly are. My mother-in-law and father-in-law will be I assure you. Now do you want to surprise Penny or do you want her to know you are coming?”

Just then the phone rang. Sally picked up the receiver, said hello, and then started laughing. She was laughing so hard she couldn’t stop. Finally she got out, “It’s Penny,” and went into a set of giggles.

Ed took the phone from her. “Hi Penny, I was just making Sally decide if she wanted to keep secret my being here and inviting them for Thanksgiving or to tell you they were coming home with me on Tuesday. I guess it isn’t a secret anymore.”

Penny was shocked to hear Ed’s voice, but recovered quickly. “How do you know Sally and Paul? I never told you about them.”

“Cindy mentioned them and as long I was here in town, I decided to look them up. Anyway, I decided that they should spend the holiday with us. We can find some way to bunk them down all right, can’t we?”

“Yes, we can now. I’ve made some radical changes in furniture arrangement and I was a little worried how you would take it. You’ll be glad I did. Darn it Ed, I never know what you are going to do next. How did you know I have been thinking of Paul and Sally all day? I thought I would call them before you called Cindy here at home.”

“I didn’t know you were thinking of them, but I’m not surprised. They are really nice and I’m glad they are your friends. I’m really going to insist that they come down with me Tuesday.”

“You don’t find Paul difficult? Most people don’t take to him because he has a disability.”

“You know what? I think Paul is more intelligent than people think. One of the reasons I want your friends to come to Thanksgiving is to have George see Paul. I think he has an unusual mind trapped in a defective body. There has to be some way to tap into his mind and make him a useful member of society. Just the boredom that he is subjected to must be so frustrating. He knows he is different than other people, but he has no way of communicating his wishes and desires. The least we can do is to try to help him.”

“Ed, give the phone back to Sally. I’ll convince her to come.” Penny did just that, and Ed had no more arguments about Sally and Paul joining him for Thanksgiving.

It was getting to be early evening and Sally finally said, “I have to get Paul something to eat. I would invite you to join us, but I only planned on having tuna sandwiches. I really don’t have anything else in the house that I could prepare. I’m sorry.”

“Sally, I have been so thoughtless in staying so long. Let me order you a pizza and then you won’t have to make sandwiches. I have to find a motel and I’ll order whatever kind you like before I check in.”

Paul became excited when he heard the word pizza. Ed understood that this was a treat that the boy was familiar with, but probably had not enjoyed as often as he would have liked.

Over Sally’s timid objections, Ed did order pizza along with soda pop and chips. Then it was Ed’s turn to offer objections when Sally invited him to stay overnight in her spare room. Knowing that she made the offer to pay him back in some small way for the meal that they all had enjoyed so much, he acquiesced.

Paul was made ready for bed fairly early as Sally explained all of the involuntary motion tired him out and he needed more sleep than most boys of his age. She said that once he was asleep all of those motions stopped and he got some rest. Enough for him to build up stamina for next day.

Chapter Four
 
As the house quieted down and Paul was asleep, Sally and Ed sat and talked. Sally told him about her life growing up. Her father was overbearing with both her and her mother. He wanted both sons to follow him in law enforcement, but Bob said he wasn’t going to strut around in a monkey suit with a gun on his belt.

An uneasy truce existed until he found Bob had been picked up for drunkenness. He did live at home now, but hated it for he was directly under his father just like when he was growing up. Sally felt sorry for her brother, but Bob couldn’t seem to stop picking on Paul and she didn’t let him near him.

As for herself, she had been on her own since she was nineteen when she married Paul’s father. Sally realized that she had married young to get out and away from her father. He knew that and had immediately disowned his only daughter.

She was so happy when Paul was born and it was a couple of years before Paul was diagnosed with autism. By that time her young husband had tired of the responsibilities of family life and had left. She had divorced and Paul was a burden, but he also was her greatest joy.

Sometimes though she felt that life had passed her by when she thought of the years stretching ahead into the future. “So I just don’t think about that and take things day by day. Paul’s future isn’t all that certain, because I have read where sometimes these children’s life-span isn’t all that long. I don’t know what I will do if I lose him. Even worse, what if he outlives me? What happens to him then? This is why I try not to think about it too much.”

Ed’s heart went out to this woman whose life looked so bleak. “Is there anything immediate that I can help you with?’

“Oh no, I’m fine. Really. I don’t often talk to anyone like this. I don’t know why I have said as much as I have to you. Let’s talk about you. Penny is my friend and I want to know all about how you found her and why you are doing so much for her.”

Ed told her just like it happened. He even told how he had to get Penny up and back into bed when she couldn’t do that by herself. He admitted that he hadn’t been with a woman for two years and being that close to Penny in her nightclothes stirred feelings in him.

“So, have you acted on those feelings?”

“No and I don’t see that I ever will.”

“Why not? I can’t believe that Penny would turn you down.”

“She probably wouldn’t, but she might, too. Sometimes I think I make life too complicated for myself. The way I see things, Penny is just coming from an unhappy relationship. I feel I would be taking advantage of her vulnerability. Another thing, I have been very helpful to her and Cindy. I wouldn’t want her to feel that she had to love me out of gratitude either.”

Ed had never discussed how he felt about his wife to anyone since her death. Why he did now he didn’t want to consider. “Penny probably told you that my wife died while she was on a tryst with another man. That fact is well substantiated. I loved Alice so much. More than I should have, maybe. She had been spoiled by her father all her life and I guess I did the same. I wanted her to have all the things she wanted. I just didn’t know that what she wanted was going to be another man.

“I have a little problem now with trusting women. I love helping people and making them feel good. This is why I am helping Penny and Cindy. I’ve given Penny some help and a place to stay so she can get back on her feet. If she took what I gave and ran, that would be fine with me. That’s just something material. If I became involved with her beyond what I have, then if she left, she would be taking part of me with her just like Alice did. I couldn’t handle that again.”

Ed reflected about Penny before continuing, “Penny is a strong person and getting stronger. She admits she has made some bad choices. It is curious that she doesn’t regret making the choice to live with your brother. The wrong choice was her decision to stay with him beyond when she should have left. That won’t happen again. I think she knows that there is someone out there for her who will make her happy. I feel I am helping her to regroup and be safe until she finds him.”

“What if Penny decides that you are that person? It could easily happen, you know?”

“I don’t think it will be. I’m not really looking for someone, but when that person shows up in my sights, I will know. It will be a person who makes me feel like I did about Alice. So far Penny hasn’t made me feel that way, and I admit she has a lot going for her. She’s pretty, she’s smart, she is honest, and she has Cindy. I think Cindy’s the most beautiful kid on earth. I could be a father to her any time, but if I didn’t love her mother we would all lose.”

Sally looked at Ed, “I think you are wrong. Penny might want to give you a gift of herself and not expect more. Why would you want to turn away from that?”

Ed didn’t answer and abruptly changed the subject. “What do you do on Sundays? Anything special?”

“No, nothing special. When we had a car and had the money we used to ride through the drive-through at McDonalds for breakfast. We haven’t done that for a while. When I have someone to sit with Paul, I go to church. The minister said it is okay to bring him, but people stare at us so I don’t do that. That’s about it. The rest of the day I get my clothes washed and things ready for the next week.”

“Let’s do all those things tomorrow and make it fun. If you will get Paul ready to go out, I will take him and get breakfast for all of us. I have a couple of errands to do and there is no reason Paul can’t go with me. We will be gone more than an hour, so why don’t you crawl back into bed and let all your troubles leave with us. For a whole hour daydream whatever you want to. Think back to the happiest day of your life and go there.

“After breakfast we will get ready for church--all of us. I’m sure Paul won’t be any problem, and if people stare at us that’s their problem. For Sunday dinner we can go to a restaurant if you wish. Then we will just drive around to let Paul get used to riding for our journey Tuesday.”

“That sounds wonderful. It sounds like a lot of work for you, though. Don’t you just want to rest? I can keep Paul quiet while you sleep.”

“We’ll play it by ear then, but we do have to eat. I will get breakfast just like I said and then we can take it from there.”

Sally and Ed sat around all evening each telling the other about their childhood years. Sally’s life had been one of ease until she rebelled against her father’s authority. Ed’s had been likewise until he lost his parents. Talked out finally, Sally showed Ed his room and said goodnight.

Ed lay in bed thinking of Paul and the injustice of his disability. Wouldn’t it be great if a way could be found for Paul to enter life’s stream and be happy and successful? Somehow Ed was going to find out just what his prospects might be and how they could be improved. Then his thoughts turned to Sally. What a waste to have her life sidelined for the last several years. He wondered how she would appear if she had the advantages his wife had in life. His wife had thrown her life away and caused so much pain to him and her family.

Sally lay in her lonely bed thinking of Ed. The unfairness of life, it was nearly unbearable! How could any woman not love this wonderful man? The wife had thrown him away for some excitement and turned him against women. And for a few minutes she resented her friend, Penny. Penny now slept in the same house with him and saw him most every day. Penny now could serve him in every capacity, keeping his home, preparing his meals and yes … the chance to make him love her. Sally felt that part was inevitable.

Tonight was pity for herself. Tomorrow morning, if she had that hour that was promised, she was going to have a Sally and Ed dream. Ed did say to dream about the happiest day of her life. She hadn’t had that day yet, so she would make one up and it would be wonderful. That’s what daydreams were for.

Ed could hear Sally getting Paul ready in the morning. She kept saying, “Calm, Paul. You must stay calm. This man is going to take you out in the car and you’re going to McDonalds to get breakfast for us, but you have to stay calm. Can you do that for me?”

“Yaakk. Yaakk.”

As Ed and Paul left the house heading for the car, Ed asked Sally where the grocery store was. He found out it was up one block and over one street. Paul was disappointed when they didn’t go directly to McDonalds and became agitated. Ed said, “Calm, Paul, stay calm.” and he placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder just like he had seen Sally do. “We are going to get some cereal for tomorrow morning. You can even come in with me to pick out the kind you like. Then we will go get breakfast at McDonalds. Okay?”

The store was just opening as Ed arrived and he and Paul followed the clerks in. Many of the people here knew Paul by sight and had seen him often with their co-worker. He was the center of attention as he pushed the cart up and down the aisles.

Paul knew what they ate at home for he would pause and look when he came to something he had eaten before. That worked until Ed came to some things that he knew wouldn’t be on Sally’s menu. “Paul, only things you eat at home, okay?” The cart didn’t fill as nearly as fast after that. To finish, Ed added a dozen eggs, a pound of bacon and one of sausage.

Things went smoothly at the checkout, although Ed was being looked over very carefully. Smoothly until Paul looked at the grocery slip that was headed for Ed’s hand, but Paul grabbed it. He started making serious noises and Ed was puzzled why Paul was so agitated.

Weaving, bobbing and making his usual sounds when agitated, Paul was pointing to a line at the end of the slip. The clerk had keyed in a code for employee discount, but hadn’t given it. Paul had seen enough of his mom’s receipts so he knew it was supposed to be there.

“Miss, Paul wants his mother’s discount. As she is the one who sent him to do the shopping and she still works here, don’t you think she should have it?”

“I’ll have to ask the manager, sir.”

The manager came running over. “What’s the problem?” Ed knew that probably he wanted Paul out of his store as quickly as possible because there was no doubt that Paul was a distraction and might create more of a disruption.

Ed and Paul didn’t have long to wait before they had the discount in hand and it was nearly enough to buy breakfast. Ed hoped it wouldn’t cause problems for either the clerk or Sally herself. Paul couldn’t help making a scene, for he knew what was supposed to be. To Ed this was just another indication that Paul had a brain and was capable of using it.

Paul was more reserved when Ed and he reached McDonalds. He picked out the number of the breakfast he wanted and seemed pleased when Ed picked the same one. Sally’s was different and Paul pointed to that one. He held all three breakfasts in his lap on the way back to his home.

Sally was not up when Ed set the food down on the kitchen table, but she soon was when Paul went charging into her room. She came out with smiles on her face. “Ed, that was the best hour I have ever spent. I let my mind fly and went to places that I never dared go to before. Thank you so much and I really mean that. How did you make out with having to watch Paul? Was he any trouble?”

“No, not at all. In fact I let him do some grocery shopping, and then before we got done he ordered our breakfast all by himself. Not only that, he earned the money to pay for it himself.”

“What do you mean? He couldn’t have.”

“Oh, but he did and there was only one time when he became excited.” As Ed started to explain, Paul pulled the grocery slip out and pointed to the employee discount line where the amount was now penciled in.

Getting Sally and Paul seated and eating, Ed gave a minute by minute explanation of Paul’s outing. The only objection was when Sally realized that Ed had purchased a whole cart-load of groceries that were still in the car.

“No objections, please. You saved me a lonely night in a motel room and the groceries cost less than that would have. I might even ask if I could stay tonight and leave from here to continue on my route.”

“Of course you can stay. I’m not used to receiving gifts from those who are nice to me, though. From the length of this list, it is quite a gift. Thank you. This will help Paul and me for days to come.”

“What time is church? Remember I promised to escort you to the service. We wouldn’t want to be late.”

“You’re sure you want to do that? You know you might have just been lucky with Paul while shopping. He may be different in church.”

“If he is, you can show me how you deal with these situations. Who knows, I may need to know, and you might not be here to do it for me.” Sally flashed Ed a “thank you” look.

On the way to the church Sally said that she usually sat in the back pew. Ed said, “I can’t hear too well. Would you mind if we sat in the middle where I can hear better?”

Sally didn’t think that Ed had anything wrong with his hearing. Then she thought to herself, “This man needs to know how difficult Paul can be sometimes. I’ll just let him see. We can always get up and leave.”

“Okay by me, but I insist we sit on the aisle though.”

“Good, now let’s get there in time so we don’t have to sit in the front row.”

This had been Sally’s church since Bible school. She knew more than half of the congregation and many more knew her and all about her son Paul. This was the first time she had attended church with him and wonders are … there was a good looking man with them. As the last of the congregation was seated, Sally indicated an older couple two rows in front and seated in the middle. She whispered to Ed, “That’s my father and mother.”

People were looking and staring at Sally with curious glances. It took awhile before Sally’s mom turned to see what other people were looking at. A look of shock crossed her face and she quickly turned toward the front. A minute later she whispered to Sally’s father. He didn’t turn but Ed could see his neck getting red, as he determinedly faced forward.

Paul didn’t become restless until the sermon was almost through. Ed had heard Sally trying to calm him, but knew that wasn’t going to keep Paul quiet to the end of the service. He leaned toward Paul and whispered, “Calm, Paul. Be calm. It is almost over.”

As he said this, Ed placed his hand on Paul’s shoulder. Ed was surprised to find Sally’s hand already there. Oh well let the congregation think that he and Sally were holding hands in church. Paul was quiet and that was what was important.

The minister greeted his flock as they were leaving. “Sally, it is so good to see you. And you are here with Paul too. That is nice. I was hoping some day you would attend with him.”

Ed could tell that the minister was waiting for an introduction. He was as curious as everyone else. “Sir, my name is Ed Bowen. Sally has graciously let me stay with her and Paul over the weekend. Sally and I have a mutual good friend. In fact she and Paul have agreed to spend the holiday with me and our friend. We will be leaving Tuesday and I will be bringing them home on the next weekend. You may see them in church next Sunday.”

Just at that moment Sally’s father and mother tried to brush past. “Chief Grover and Myra, you of course must know Mr. Bowen.”

With a sour look the chief said, “No, I haven’t had the pleasure yet.”

The minister had turned away to converse with other members. The chief thinking he didn’t want to meet this person, started for the parking lot. Ed kept pace with him. This left Sally and Paul to walk with her mother. The chief started to unlock his car, but was prevented by Ed’s hand. “Sir, I want to talk to you. You just have to listen a few minutes. Hear me out, please?”

“Okay, five minutes. Is this about Sally and that boy of hers?”

“No, this is something criminal, although how you treat her could also be called that. This is about Bob. Long story … I rescued a Mrs. Peters and a child named Cindy. The child had been whipped and the woman beaten. I called a doctor for her. She had a heavy bruise on her head, just escaping a possible concussion, three broken ribs and she had been kicked hard enough to blacken the length of her thigh. Your son did that.”

“What can I do about that? He’s thirty years old and is an alcoholic.”

“You could help him. Instead of disowning him and putting him down, find out what he likes to do. Get him a job in that line of work. Support him. Talk to him. Listen to him. Penny still thinks there is some good in him, even after he beat her almost to death. If you don’t and he kills somebody, I’ll have Penny testifying with the pictures of what he did to her. You might keep the state from frying him, but I doubt it. And also you should think about how long will you keep your chief’s job if that happens?”

Ed turned and met Mrs. Goodwin coming to join her husband. “Mrs. Grover, Sally is an intelligent person. I think she must have inherited a lot of that from you. Do try to use some common sense with your family. Stand up to your husband sometimes. He can’t be right all the time. Figure out what is right and stand up for your convictions.” Ed looked up and saw Sally and Paul by his car.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Grover, I don’t mean to preach, but I found a woman that had been beaten by your son, Bob. I just talked to your husband. I feel that if you and he had given Bob a little more loving support, Bob never would have sunk so low as to hit a woman. You know I admire Sally immensely. She is a great person and for all of your grandson’s disability, he has a lot going for him too. Some day he may surprise all of us. Now I’ve kept you listening long enough, Please excuse me.”

Sally was smiling as Ed opened the door. “I guess Papa and Mama met my friend. What did you say to them?”

Ed thought a minute, reflecting on what he had said and then burst out laughing. “Your folks came to church this morning to listen to a sermon. I’m afraid they got two. They received one from the minister and one from me. Seriously, I talked about your brother. You know, Penny still thinks there is some good left in Bob, but he needs an awful lot of help. Your parents are the only ones who might have an impact on him. That’s what I told both of them. I hope you don’t come to grief from anything I’ve said to them.”

“I’m sure I won’t. Mostly because this is the first time I’ve had a chance to say hello to my mom in a long time. Let’s forget them for now. What do you want to do?”

“We could do like I said and just ride around. I’m going to go by The Colonel’s and we can pick up some chicken. That is something we can eat in the car when we find a place to stop. How does that sound?”

“You’re spoiling us you know. We’ve had more delectable things to eat this weekend than we’ve had in months.” As Ed and Sally stood by the car discussing this, Sally’s folks drove past. The chief was looking straight ahead, but Sally’s mother gave a little cautious wave. “That is the first time Mama has acknowledged me in a long time. Today, we didn’t talk much. I didn’t know how I guess, and I don’t think Mom did either. That little wave you just saw gives me some hope that it might change.”

---

In the chief’s car there was a conversation going on. “Myra, have I been so wrong all of these years? I had such high expectations for our kids. Sally was so sweet when she was growing up and then she married that loser. Maybe if I had been more understanding about him, she wouldn’t have married him.

“That man Bowen, told me some things about Bob I didn’t know, He says that Bob almost killed Penny Peters and whipped her little girl. He thinks that Bob is dangerous and needs help. He even suggested what I could do to prevent Bob from going totally bad. I’m going to try what he said anyway.

“You know, Tim has always been our fair-haired boy, but I know he isn’t smart enough to be more than a patrol officer. I guess I’ve backed the one child too much when I should have looked to the needs of my other two. Do you think it is too late to do something about it?”

“Maybe, but we can try. I’ll call Sally soon. The worst thing is I won’t know what to say. I couldn’t think of anything to say to her today and I had a perfect chance when I walked to the car with her.”

---

Ed found a place to pull off the road so they could eat their fried chicken before it got cold. The weather today had turned chilly so they stayed in the car. The three fit closely in the back seat where they could tend to Paul’s needs easier. Ed couldn’t decide what it was that made him uncomfortable about being so near Sally. “I think I’ll sit up front to give us all more room.” He said this when what he really wanted to do was to put his arms around Sally and hug her.

“Oh please stay here. This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time. It’s like catching up on all the picnics I missed in the last few years. Here put your arm behind me to give yourself more room.”

Ed was thinking, “Christ here I am a man thirty years old and I’m acting like this was my first movie date. How long have I known this woman? Less than twenty-four hours … that’s how long. That scent she has on, lavender, I think. It sure is sweet. I’ll always associate this with her until the day I die. Am I lusting after her … no! Is she pretty? Not in the usual sense of the word.

At least not like Penny … Why did I think of Penny? Sally is plain, I guess, but she could be attractive. I wouldn’t want to change her. I like her just the way she is. Let’s see? I’m going to see her Tuesday afternoon and bring her back Friday night if she has to work on Saturday. I think I’ll ask if she can’t get that day off too. That would give me two more days to find out what she is really like.

“You’re quiet, Ed. Tell me what you’re thinking.” Sally glanced at Ed and must have realized he was thinking of her because she started to flush.

Ed smiled, “You know if I’m walking through a crowd somewhere and smell lavender, I’m going to be looking trying to spot Sally Goodwin? And you know also, if I don’t start driving, it will be too late to take Paul for a ride.”

Ed hurriedly got out of the back and into the front seat and started the car. Paul, who had been reasonably still, wanted to sit up front with Ed. This left Sally in back and she positioned herself where she could watch Ed in the mirror. He had to drive so he could only glance occasionally at her, while she could gaze on his face as much as she wished. “Sally you’re awful quiet. Tell me what you are thinking?”

Shaking her head and saying nothing, she just grinned.

Chapter Five
 
Ed, Sally and Paul had a light evening meal and afterward Ed asked if he could use the kitchen table. He had to do the paperwork that he usually did during the day on Sundays. His job required he travel through out the state to calibrate the machines that his company manufactured.

This was done once a month and took him into several hospitals and even into the State Medical Examiner’s laboratory. His firm also did some work for the weights and measures lab. Not difficult but he had to be very precise, and it did entail a great amount of traveling.

Ed didn’t forget to call Cindy before she went to bed. She didn’t have too much to say, but was highly excited about seeing Paul and Sally, again. Penny was in the shower so he didn’t get to talk to her. Cindy said they had most everything they needed to put on a fabulous Thanksgiving meal. The call ended on that note.

Sally had Ed’s breakfast ready for him at six the next morning. He had said he could pick something up at McDonalds, but was pleased she was so thoughtful. Just before he left, Ed went into Paul’s room. Paul was just waking up and was startled to see someone other than his mother.

This made him quite agitated, but Ed did the same thing, he did the day before, “Calm, Paul. Be calm. This is Ed. I have to leave soon. I will be back tomorrow afternoon and then we are going for a long ride. I’m taking you to where Penny and Cindy live. You will be glad to see them, won’t you?”

“Yaakk!”

“Okay then, I’ll be seeing you.” Ed took Paul’s hand in both of his and squeezed it affectionately.

When it came time to say goodbye to Sally, Ed wanted so much to hug her. She solved the problem of his indecisiveness. “Thank you, Ed, for the most wonderful weekend. And thank you for being so kind to Paul and treating him as an individual. Most people don’t see that he is, but you did right off. I know he is aware of your consideration too.” Sally came into his arms with a hug. “Now I have to get ready for work. We will be ready to go when you get here tomorrow afternoon.” Sally was still standing there watching him as he pulled away.

---

Sally’s co-workers were waiting for her when she entered an hour later at the store. Curious, they wanted to know all about this man who had been shopping with her son on Sunday morning. Sally had never been the center of attention like this before. A plain, friendly outgoing person, Sally usually garnered pity because of Paul, but now there apparently was a man in her life. The gossip really started when she told the manager she was taking a personal day Wednesday and a vacation day on Saturday.

The manager objected. “No way, Sally. You can’t have both of those days. I have given you Friday off already. I just can’t do it.”

“Well, then I won’t have to come in on Monday either, will I?”

The manager peered closely at this person that had never stood up to his demands before. He decided that she was serious. “Okay, if it means that much to you, I guess I can get cover for you. But you know I’m going to ask you to cover for someone else when they need time off and I’m going to remind you of this when I do.”

“I know.”

Sally collected Paul from the lady who watched him and arrived home at four. Her mother’s car was parked on the street with her mother sitting in it. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

“I’m waiting for you and I want to talk. It’s been too long since I have. And if you want to know about what, well, I haven’t the slightest idea. Here, I brought a casserole for your supper tonight. You used to like this so I made it for you. I’ll even stay and eat with you if you can find it in your heart to forgive me just a little.”

“Of course, Mom, I forgive you. Come in. Paul, this lady is your grandmother. She hasn’t seen you for a long time. Now you be calm and don’t upset her, because I want her to like you.”

Sally sat Paul at the old computer where he played his usual games on ‘Free Cell’ while she got supper ready. Her mother had not been in this house for fourteen years and not many times before that. “Mom, the house needs picking up I know, but I had a house guest over the weekend. I usually pull the house together before I go to work, but I made his breakfast so didn’t have time.”

“Sally, I know I’m prying, but who is this man? You may not know it, but I have always been interested in your life and I have never heard of you having an overnight male guest before. Are things that bad?”

It took a minute for what was inferred to sink in. “Mom, you are wrong in thinking that he was here to sleep with me. I wished you weren’t. If I had a chance and he was that sort, I would climb into his bed in a minute. That man is a friend of Penny Peters, Bob’s old girlfriend. In fact Penny works for him as housekeeper and she and Cindy live in his house. You know how pretty Penny is and how plain I am? What chance would I have to compete with her?”

Tears were rolling down Sally’s face. “In fact he talked to them twice while he was here this weekend. I have never minded people having more than me, but I envy Penny so much--and she is my friend.

“The reason Ed came here was to get some of her things. He is stopping on his way home tomorrow afternoon to pick them up. These are some of the things that were in Bob’s apartment when he got evicted. You should see him with Paul. He wants to help find out if there is some way to give Paul a fuller existence.

“A doctor friend of his is going to be at his house on Thanksgiving. Ed wants the doctor to see Paul so he invited us for dinner. When he picks up Penny’s stuff, Paul and I are going with him for the rest of the week to visit Penny and Cindy.”

“You be careful, dear. You haven’t known this man very long. He might not be as nice as he seems.”

“You mean he could be like Bob? Be nice and then when things turn out wrong, start beating on someone who loves you?”

“I keep hearing Bob beat up Penny. She must have done something to provoke him. Do you know what actually happened? Bob hasn’t said much except that Penny left him.”

Sally told her mother what Penny and Cindy had told her and how Penny was treated by Bob. Then how she was rescued and what their life was like living and working in Ed’s house. She also told how Cindy raved over Ed and how she was hoping that Ed was going to be her new dad.

Myra decided it was time to go. “Sally, I’m glad I came over tonight. Can I come again? I would like to hear all about your holiday with Penny. I must say my grandson isn’t as much trouble as I was led to believe. Maybe when I get to know him better, I can help you out sometimes.”

“Mom, I’ve had the best time talking to you. I wish Dad would come some times, too. I still can’t understand him and why he cut me out of his life so completely.”

“The problem with your father is he is the chief and once he makes a decision he can’t back down. This is with the men he has under him and he feels he has to treat his family the same way. I do see some signs of him softening a little, so maybe some day?”

---

Ed was right on time, just as he said he would be. Sally had boxed some of Penny’s belongings and they were sitting in the middle of the living room waiting to be loaded. Paul was excited, always in motion and with the moves he was unable to control, and it was almost like viewing a ritual dance. Ed said, “It is going to take us up to two hours, so let’s get started. Penny will have something prepared for us to eat when we get home.”

“That’s fine, Ed, but I had to put up something for Paul so I brought you a sandwich too. Actually I had the deli at the store make them. I hope you like it.”

After loading the car and putting Paul in the front and Sally in back, they were on their way. An hour into their journey, Paul was getting sleepy so Sally and he changed places. It was dark and Ed turned off the dash-lights when he started the car stereo playing. Somewhere Ed had picked up some tapes of instrumental love songs. He had the volume adjusted so a conversation could be carried on without being drowned out by the music, and yet it was there to set the mood.

“Sally, I’m interested in people when I meet them. I like to know all about them. Tell me your life story … well any of it you care to share. If you are interested I could tell you a little bit about myself. We’ve got an hour yet and this will pass the time.”

“Okay, but it is pretty dull. My childhood centered on my father. I thought he was the most wonderful father a kid could ever have. I see him different now, of course. I found out when I was married how stern and intractable he could be. He likes to manipulate his family and friends and has a grandiose image of himself and how righteous he is in his decisions.

“I suppose I am a little like him. No, I take that back. I’m not. I’m just stubborn about people who have hurt me. I am changing though.” Sally went on to tell about her mother’s visit last night. “I felt so good when she left. The only regrets I have are that I didn’t insist we get together before this. It took my mother to make the first move and I love her for that. She intimated that Dad might come around some time in the future. That would be wonderful.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t wait for him to make the first move. Why don’t you see him first? It worked with your mother and how you feel about her. It just might work with him.”

A couple of miles went by before Sally answered. “I was going to wait and see if he came to me, but you are right, I’ll talk to mother. If I can do it so he thinks it is his idea, it will work. I know it will.”

“That sounds like good strategy to me. Your father seems like one who can’t bear to lose face. If he knows that he could have or should have and you prevented him from having to admit it--you will have won the battle with him.”

Ed told Sally about how his life had been almost perfect until his wife died. The knowledge that she had been unfaithful hurt, but he had put that behind him. Now he was back to enjoying himself again.

“I have to ask, do you have any plans for a woman in your life? It seems to me that Penny is the most likely. Not only that there is Cindy and you obviously adore her. Cindy would love to have you for a daddy, you know.”

“I know, and it is almost a schoolgirl crush she has on me. I’ve thought a lot about what I would say to her if Penny and I don’t have a relationship. But I couldn’t marry a woman just because her child wanted me for a dad. That would be a recipe for disaster. Whatever happens, Cindy will be one of my most cherished friends even if I don’t become her dad.”

Sally thought to herself, “At least he isn’t committed yet. I can still daydream about him. No law against that. In fact if I pretend I’m sleepy, I’ll just slip into one little happy dream right now and Ed won’t know.”

Ed had his thoughts, too. “God, how could you place such burdens on your people? Sally wants so little. All she wants to hear from someone is I love you, and that someone to mean it. What would she do if right this minute, if I woke her up and said I love you, Sally? Too few hours I have known her, but some day I might just say that to her.”

The miles sped behind Ed and the distance shortened. “Sally, wake up. I want to show you some things. Okay, see that side road there. That is where Penny drove her car into the bushes, and stayed until it was out of gas. Soon we will be coming to where I saw her and Cindy huddled in the rain beside the road. They were a pretty dejected pair. Penny was hurt and Cindy was coming down with a bad cold.” There was nothing to see really, but Ed wanted to have Sally visualize what he saw that night.

“My driveway is coming up soon, would you wake Paul? I want him to see my home. I bet Cindy comes out before we stop. She has been so excited about you both coming.” Ed was right; Cindy was at the car door almost before the car came to rest. Penny was standing in the doorway waiting. It was a perfect reception among the friends who had not seen each other for a couple of months.

Cindy hugged Ed and Sally just as soon as Paul was out of the car. “Ed, I have been waiting forever. I didn’t think you would ever get here. Thank you for bringing Paul. I’ve missed him so much.” She grabbed Paul’s hand and together she and Ed led Paul into the house between them.

Ed had seen Cindy and Sally hug, but Penny was more reserved with him. “Ed, I’m glad you are home. It has been a long lonely week here with you away. I guess that is why Cindy and I look forward to your calls at night. Come on in the kitchen, I have supper ready to put on the table.” As Ed headed for the bedroom where he had been sleeping, Penny said, “You are in the master bedroom now. I put all of your things in there and Cindy and I are sleeping in the other room.”

Cindy was jumping up and down. “Mom got twin beds, so I don’t have to sleep with her anymore. Isn’t that great?”

Ed was laughing, “What did you do with the old bed, trade it in?”

Penny was laughing too, “No, I had Tim move it down into the cellar and set it up. This is working out perfect with the extra guests we have. When you called Saturday, I had already bought the twin beds, so then I just had to figure out who was going to sleep where. Ed, you and Paul are going to sleep in the twin beds. Sally is going to sleep in your room and I’m sleeping with Cindy in the basement. Simple, no?”

After supper Penny said to Cindy, “Why don’t you lie down on Ed’s bed after Sally gets Paul undressed and into bed. I’m sure he’d like you near him while he goes to sleep. Don’t go to sleep, though because we have to go downstairs.”

Ed spoke up. “No that’s not the way it is going to be. Sally is my guest and there is no reason she can’t sleep in the same room as her son. That way she will be right there if he needs her. He’ll be scared to death if he wakes in a strange place and Sally isn’t there to calm him. And you, damned sure, are not going to sleep in the basement in my place. Better yet, let Cindy stay with Paul and you two women can catch up on your lives by sleeping in the master bedroom. End of discussion.”

Ed went out and brought in Penny’s things that he had brought from Sally’s house. “There are more things and I will get them next month when I have to go north again. I might even prevail on Sally to put me up for one night.”

“Of course, Ed you can stay. Will it be a weekend?”

“No it will be one night, probably on a Wednesday.” A look of disappointment crossed Sally’s face and Penny caught the look.

The women took Ed’s suggestion to stay together in the master bedroom. Although the women had talked since Penny had come to live in Ed’s house, Sally wanted to hear about it from the moment Penny met Ed. Penny of course wanted a full rundown on how Ed had come to be at Sally’s and what had transpired over last weekend.

After they were talked out, Sally asked Penny, “We both agree that Ed is a great guy, so do you love him?”

“I could, maybe, and Cindy already does. In fact she is pressuring me so she can call him Dad. I just don’t know. I’m just out of a bad relationship with your brother and I’m a little scared about starting another one this soon. I’ll probably regret it some day if I lose him to someone. I am so grateful for all he has done for me. He lent me some money and gave me some nice clothes and has given me a job. The best part is he loves Cindy and treats me as an equal. That’s something your brother didn’t do.

“I think he is lonely and life has treated him like crap. The thing is I don’t want to trap him. I’d feel so guilty if he fell for me and I didn’t play fair in getting him. Don’t tell me you are interested in him? You haven’t known him very long.”

Sally didn’t know how to answer. She wanted Ed so bad, but didn’t want Penny to know how badly so she side-stepped a little. “It doesn’t matter. I have no chance. Look at me. I’m at least three years older than him. I have a disabled kid and I’m homely. I don’t even have a good shape. I have a skinny little butt and my breasts are way too small. I haven’t been to a hairdresser in years and I wash my face with soap so my complexion is terrible.”

Sally was lying there with tears soaking the pillow. “He spent two nights and one day last weekend with me. He has treated me like a queen and took me to church. Not only that, somehow he has healed the breach between my mother and me. You ask if I’m interested in him--you should better ask if I love him.”

Penny didn’t know what to say to this impassioned declaration from Sally. Then Sally continued, “But he will never know, because he has no reason to love me. It is very painful for someone to think they love you and you have no feeling for that person. Let’s go to sleep. I’m going to bury these feelings and have a wonderful holiday, okay?”

It was a while before either one did sleep though. Penny was hesitant to let go of Ed and she still might want him for herself. She did want her friend to be happy though--but? Sally herself, lay next to her friend, shocked at her own confession and wished she had never spoken out. It was just too bad Sally couldn’t read Ed’s mind for she might have felt her case for him was not so hopeless.

Wednesday was cooking day. Everything except the turkey and the vegetables were prepared on this day. Cindy was supposed to help, but with her friend Paul staying, she couldn’t be bothered. It was left to Ed to keep the two kids occupied. Cindy and he helped Paul up the steep little mountain behind Ed’s house so Paul could overlook the town in the valley below. Paul had never had the chance to be outdoors much and this gave him a bird’s-eye view of a world he had previously not known.

Later Ed took the two youngsters into town and showed Paul where he worked. Cindy had been several times to the cemetery with Ed to see the grave site where Alice was buried. Alice did have a beautiful monument and Cindy loved to trace with her finger the birds and flowers etched into the black granite stone. Finally Ed gave them a choice of going to the drugstore where there was a period soda fountain or going to visit Emmy.

“You know we are going to do both, Ed. It is just which one we are going to do first, isn’t it?” Ed laughed as he never denied Cindy anything.

Paul was getting a little weary and his uncontrollable motions had become more severe. Entering the drugstore Paul accidentally bumped into a lady coming out. “Watch where you are going, you clumsy beast. What’s the matter with you anyway?”

“Eloise, I’m sorry. My friend is a little developmentally challenged. He didn’t mean anything. He would apologize if he could.”

“Oh hi, Ed. He is with you? Where did you find him? I suppose there is another stray woman that is attached to him just like there is to your housekeeper’s daughter?” The woman glared at Cindy.

“As a matter of fact, Eloise, there is. This lad’s mother is joining me for Thanksgiving. She was lonely and was spending it alone so I invited her. I expect we all will enjoy ourselves.”

“Well to each his own. It must be quite a come-down after Alice. You picking up stray women, I mean. She never would do anything like that.”

“No she wouldn’t, but Alice isn’t here. I wonder why that is?”

This was a direct slap at Eloise because it was her crowd that Ed blamed for leading Alice into a lifestyle that brought about her death. Eloise passed on without anything more to say. Cindy said, “I don’t like that lady.”

Ed agreed with Cindy, “I don’t much like her either.”

The sodas and ice cream were bought and eaten without further incident. Ed kept close to Paul where he could place his hand on Paul’s shoulder in case he became agitated. They only stayed a few minutes at George and Emmy’s house. Ed wanted to make sure that Emmy knew what time to come to dinner.

Penny was surprised that Ed had felt comfortable in taking Paul out to a public place for a soda. Penny had done it when she took care of him, but avoided going out unless it was necessary. And she was a little chagrined when Cindy declared that Ed kept Paul calm just like his mother, Sally, did and just as well too.

The house was filled with wonderful smells. There was bread baking and there were two pies sitting on the sideboard--with four more to come. Penny corralled Cindy after lunch to stuff some dates and roll them in confectionery sugar. Ed took Paul down to the basement to show him his office. He had shelves of bound technical data books he used on his job. Ed explained what was printed in a few of them.

On one end there was an open-ended box with a few volumes. Ed laughed as he pulled it down and opened the first one. “This is something I was going to get rich at. I even paid money to go to two seminars on how to get rich using what is in these books. After a while I could see I didn’t have what it takes to be disciplined enough and not let my gut feelings determine my moves. You want to look at this book, Paul?”

Ed talked to Paul just like he was an adult with all of his faculties. “There are instructions in there to practice on the computer. Would you like to follow the instructions and see what happens? You can make a game like the game of Free Cell you play at home.” Paul took the book and opened it to page one as he sat before the computer. He became agitated until Ed booted the machine up.

Ed watched as Paul would glance momentarily at a page and then copy it onto the computer. Well it would keep him occupied for a long time as there were four volumes and pages and pages of examples in the box. Ed left him busily typing away and went upstairs. When questioned by Sally, Ed just said that Paul had found some books that interested him and was transferring them to the computer.

Chapter Six
 
Ed had to go down and pull Paul away from the computer at supper time. Paul kept flexing his hands and Ed surmised that Paul had been typing steadily all afternoon and had to be fed by Sally because he couldn’t seem to hold his fork. Sally just made the comment that Paul was like this after he played at the computer for any length of time. She wasn’t concerned at all.

Ed was, though. He hoped Paul didn’t feel in his disconnected mind, that he had to do this just because he (Ed) had handed the books to him. “Paul, look at me.”

Paul momentarily stopped his motions and turned to face Ed. Ed looked into the boy’s eyes and surprised, he saw lucidity lurking there. It was only a flash and then Paul went back to his usual habitual actions. Ed was thrilled. This boy wasn’t unaware of what was going on all the time. Wouldn’t it be something if he could find a way to directly communicate with him? Ed got up and went to Paul and put his hand on his shoulder. “Hey son, somehow I’m going to make your life better than it has been. Count on it.”

Thanksgiving Day was clear and cold. Paul looked out the window at the trail up the mountain. Cindy picked up on it and Ed went along again to help Paul up to the top, but no one wanted to stay long because of the frigid temperature. George and Emmy arrived about eleven and Emmy immediately joined Sally, Penny and Cindy in the kitchen.

Ed said to George. “How much do you know about autism? Sally’s boy has been diagnosed with that condition. You know it is strange, but I have seen some things about him that puzzle me. He is downstairs on the computer. Let’s go down and you can meet him.”

George watched as Paul would barely glance at a page from the book and with fingers flashing, type it onto the screen where it scrolled almost faster than it could be read. Ed commented, “I firmly believe that as he types, the information enters Paul’s mind and he is fully cognizant of the meaning. The only thing he has no way of telling us how deep his knowledge is and of course he has no way of acting on it. It is a crime for a person to have a mind that is as intelligent as I think his is and no way of expressing it.”

“How far do you want to go with this, Ed? It can take a lot of time for those that are expert in their fields to determine what his condition really is. I can search through my files and ask my colleagues who would be best. Let me ask you though, what are you going to get out of this?”

“I can’t answer that yet, but I have to find out if Paul can improve and the only way to do that is to have him tested and evaluated. In the meantime I’m going to give him every chance to be happy. I think the way to do that is to keep his hands busy, and somewhere lurking in his scrambled brain there is intelligence, and I want it out here so he can make use of it. I know there is for I have seen several indications.”

“Son, I commend you for your efforts, but I suspect there has to be something else to make you so passionate about doing this.” George looked quizzically at Ed.

“If I told you I just liked helping those that need it, would you believe me?”

“Of course I would. Look how you stepped in and have given Penny and Cindy a boost. You seem to concentrate on Paul, but you haven’t said much about his mother. Has she anything to do with your desire to help him?”

“I don’t know George, but I will admit she is on my mind a lot. That only complicates things though and I’ll tell you why. Penny could accept that I don’t love her, but I don’t know how Cindy would take it if I chose Sally instead of her mother. It may break her sweet little heart and I don’t want to do that either. It may never come to that, but I worry about it.”

“I’d like to tell you to stop worrying, but I know you won’t. Cindy is a smart little girl and you will find a way to explain it to her when and if the time comes. Now let’s go up and join the women. I’m getting hungry and I can smell turkey so it must be out of the oven.”

Full … too full! That sometimes happens after a meal where there is such an abundance of food. When the many dishes were put away and the leftovers stashed, everyone was sleepy. Emmy went in and laid down on the bed in the master bedroom. George fell asleep in the recliner. The kids took the twin beds in the other room. Ed didn’t want to go downstairs, so he lay down next to his ex-mother-in-law and was soon asleep.

When Ed awoke he could see the window and could tell that the day was gone. Then he realized he was lying on his side with his arm over a woman. He remembered that he had lain down with Emmy, but this wasn’t her. It had to be Sally for he smelled the lavender scent she wore. He thought, “She must be asleep.” He hadn’t been this close to a female in a long time and it was so pleasant, he just drew her closer and drifted off to sleep again.

Ed woke to Paul’s “Yaakk! He looked up and standing on the other side of the bed grinning was Penny, Cindy and Paul. Ed still had his arm over Sally.

“Come on kids those two are awake now. Let them get up while we make turkey sandwiches.” Penny ushered them out the door.

Ed was still clutching Sally when she said, “Only in my dreams have I ever had a day like today. It makes me so happy I could cry.”

“I wouldn’t want you to cry, but I’m glad you have had a happy day. I’m also glad that I could give it to you.”

Sally turned over and faced Ed and leaned into him and gently gave him a kiss. “Thank you, Ed. You are a special person.” Pulling away she got off the bed. “I mean that, you really are a special person.” 

George and Emmy Sims had left several hours ago after their dinner had settled. Penny said she had lain down on the same bed with Sally and Ed, but when he had flopped over and put his arm over Sally, she got up and waited for the kids in the other room to wake. Ed tried to make a joke, “You mean I had three different women in bed with me this afternoon and I … he stopped there because he almost said … I didn’t get any loving.” And that wasn’t true either, for he had felt the love flow from Sally to him.

Ed finished lamely, “Well you know what I mean.”

Cindy of course didn’t and asked, “Mommy, what did Ed mean?”

Penny smiled. “I guess Ed is a little confused from sleeping so long and in daytime too. He doesn’t know himself what he meant to say. Let’s eat. I have hot turkey sandwiches all ready.”

After the sandwiches were consumed, Penny asked Ed, “You said I could have all of your wife’s clothes and I could dispose of the ones I didn’t want. Does that still hold? I can do with them what I want to, right?”

“Yes, of course. It is too bad none of them will fit Sally. She probably could use some nice things.”

Sally wistfully spoke up. “I tried on some last night, but they just fall off me. No way could I wear any of them. They really are beautiful though.” That was the end of the discussion about Alice’s clothes.

Ed said to Paul as he took him by the hand, “Come on Paul; let’s go down to the computer. We’ve got an hour before bedtime and I love to watch you type. By the way how did Paul learn to type?” He directed this to Sally.

Sally looked at Penny. “Penny did it when she watched over Paul. Just how did you do it, anyway? By the time I realized he could type, he was way beyond what I could do.”

“It happened by accident, I guess. I had a book there by the computer that I had been reading to him. One afternoon he was sitting in the desk chair and I came in to read to him and he sat there staring at the computer. I turned it on and he still stared at it so I moved him and sat down and typed a few words from the book on Notepad. When I let him sit down, he started picking out the letters. The amazing thing is, he just has to glance at a page of type and can almost immediately copy it to the computer.

“Over a few weeks, he got so good at copying I looked for the instruction booklet that came with the computer. I couldn’t find one so I borrowed one called ‘Windows 95 for Dummies.’ This was for myself because I’m not too good and needed to keep ahead of him. He copied the whole book and I bet he knows more about how to operate a computer than most of us do.”

Ed had a feeling Penny was right and had just explained how Paul became so adept. Penny continued, “The thing is Paul has never been at a computer that is plugged onto the Internet. That scares me for I don’t have any idea what would happen. I suspect he knows all about the internet, though. He has copied enough knowledge from the books I have given him.”

“You are probably right, but what will happen if he has something coming at him from the internet?” Will he have to re-copy that to understand what it means? Well let’s figure him out by all of us talking about what we have observed him doing. We know that if he copies something, he knows what it says and if it tells him to do something he will do it. I’m right in that aren’t I?”

Penny seemed to have taught more to Paul than Sally had and she agreed with Ed. “Well let’s figure out a way to get the information from written text that is already on a page implanted into his brain … short of him having to copy it. Any suggestions?” No one had any answers at that time, but Ed thought there must be a way and he would work on it.

Ed lay awake that night in his lonely bed in the basement. He wished fervently that he was upstairs lying beside Sally like he had been this afternoon. Then his mind switched over to trying to solve the problem of getting Paul to comprehend what was on the computer screen without typing it. There just had to be a way. God, it was frustrating! But then Ed then thought how frustrated Paul must be. Paul had to be aware that there was information printed and he couldn’t unlock it unless he typed it.

He had a thought so he got out of bed and booted up the computer at the other end of the room. For almost an hour he typed text on it. When he finished he went back to bed and went to sleep.

Cindy made pancakes for breakfast. Ed heard Penny talking to someone on the phone about nine and when she hung up she was all smiles. “Ed, I’m going to take the rest of Alice’s clothes into town and find a place for them. I’m also going to buy Sally a dress for tomorrow night when you take her and me dancing. That is if you would go--and protect us? We could go by ourselves, but all the town wolves will be after us. We are going shopping today and tomorrow. We are going in and get beautiful. Okay?” What could Ed say?

Ed walked the kids up the mountain. Paul was getting more rigorous exercise than he ever had in his life before. Cindy had wanted to go with her mother and Sally but she had been bribed into staying with Ed and Paul. The promise that she could also go and have her hair done with them tomorrow was the bribe.

Later Ed took the kids down into the basement. “Cindy, I’m going to try something with Paul. I want you to sit quietly at the foot of the stairs and see if my theory works.” Ed sat Paul at the computer and brought up the page of text he had put into it during the night. Taking Paul’s hand he placed it on the mouse and highlighted a line of text.

The text directed: “Paul, save the text to the desktop and exit the file.” Paul became highly agitated and Ed had to place his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Calm Paul. Be calm.” Ed decided maybe he should repeat the moves again. Going more slowly he put his fingers over Paul’s and pressed down and dragged the highlight over the line, inch by inch.

Paul immediately did as directed by saving the file to the desktop. Ed could have shouted with joy. He had found a direct way to communicate with Paul’s scrambled brain! Ed brought the file up again and making the same moves, high-lighted the second line he had typed last night. The text directed: “Get up and go get Cindy and then come back and highlight the third line yourself.” Paul followed the directions, leading Cindy by the hand back to Ed and then doing the highlight to see what else was required by reading the text.

Ed was ecstatic. Paul had been able to comprehend and follow all of the directions that he had typed out last night. Things came to a standstill when Ed sat down and typed: “Tell Ed how happy you are for him to be able to tell you what he wants you to do.” He got up and handed Paul the mouse and Paul high-lighted the line.

Paul immediately began saying, “Yaakk. Yaakk. Yaakk.” This wasn’t what Ed wanted. He wanted Paul to type on the computer that he was happy. Deciding that Paul had shown enough progress for the day Ed sat and typed: “Ed is very happy too. You may save this to the desktop and shut the computer down.” Done!

Noon came and went. Penny and Sally hadn’t returned and Ed was getting concerned. When he voiced this to Cindy she laughed. “Mom and Aunt Sally won’t be home forever. They went shopping for a dress for Aunt Sally and you know how women love to shop. I just wish I was with them. I think I better make you and Paul a peanut butter sandwich because you are going to be awful hungry if I don’t.”

The girls had a tale to tell when they returned about four that afternoon. Penny had been talking to Eloise when he had heard her on the phone. Penny said that she understood that Eloise had wanted to purchase some of Alice’s gowns at one time. Penny said she owned them now and wanted to dispose of those she didn’t want--was Eloise interested? She was, so Penny and Sally went to Eloise’s house while Eloise chose the ones she wanted.

“In the end,” Penny said, “Eloise made me an offer for the whole lot, including the teddies and the sexy lingerie.”

Ed didn’t say anything, for he hadn’t known that Alice had owned anything like sexy underwear. She had never worn any for him. Penny, who had known Ed’s moods longer than Sally, picked up on the hurt that washed over him, realizing that Alice had kept many secrets from the man that loved her. Quickly she went on, “You should see what the money from those clothes bought for Sally. She will even have enough to get her hair done tomorrow for the dance.”

“What did you buy for yourself, Penny? They were your things that I gave to you. I could have got a dress for Sally.”

“I know you gave them to me, but there were so many things and I wanted Sally to share in the largess, too. This way she has shared, so really you did provide for her just like you have for me. You don’t mind do you?”

“Of course not. If the clothes had come close to fitting Sally at all, I knew you would have divided them.” Ed paused, “Now when you two can settle down, I have some news about Paul. I have made some progress in getting Paul to follow directions without having to type them himself. I think, anyone now can tell him what to do and he can understand and follow directions, using this method. He is fast and I think he will be faster as he becomes more adept at moving the mouse. I call this real progress.”

I don’t think Sally and Penny realized what a breakthrough this was. “Of course Paul is chained to the computer where he can use that to get some information from an outside source. The biggest drawback is that I haven’t figured out how to unscramble the connections in his brain so he can communicate back to me--or us as the case may be. Everything so far is one way and we need to go full circle.”

The women went to work and prepared the leftovers from the previous day’s dinner. It tasted nearly as good and was appreciated as much. Later as the evening wound down, Ed and these two women with their two kids sat and relaxed. Cindy started the “I love Ed evening” by saying, “Mom, I don’t ever want to leave here. I’m so happy and I don’t ever want it to change. I want to stay right here forever.”

Penny realized how much this was putting Ed on the spot and forcing him to make a statement that he surely didn’t want to make. She started to speak, but Ed interrupted, “Cindy come and sit here beside me.” He patted the seat beside him on the couch where he was.

“What you just said makes me so happy. I haven’t been this happy myself for a long time. Your mom and you coming here have brightened my life more than you could ever know. I don’t know what the future will bring, but right now I want you to think of this house and me as a home to come home to.” Ed hugged Cindy close to him as tight as he could.

Sally had been watching this little by-play and wished so much that she could have said the words that Cindy had spoken. To be sitting beside Ed and being hugged like that was her ultimate dream. Paul, who very rarely showed any affection for anyone except his mother and a few times for Penny and Cindy, was becoming agitated from across the room. Ed beckoned “Paul, come sit here beside me and Cindy.”

Penny, who was sitting closest to Paul, gave him her hand and led the boy over so he could sit next to Ed. As Paul clumped down beside him, Ed caught a lucid look that momentarily appeared in Paul’s eyes. To Ed this meant almost as much as Cindy’s words had a few minutes before. Sally, the ever protective mother, gloried in having Ed treating Paul as an equal with Cindy.

Ed wanted to say something about how he felt about these four persons sitting with him. Finally, “You know, I’ve been kind of a loner all my life. I never had a brother or sister. When I married Alice I thought that would all change, but it didn’t turn out that way. She was too involved with her own self. We did love each other and I do miss her even if it wasn’t the marriage I envisioned and wanted.

“It is strange, but sitting here tonight I feel like I have a family around and close to me. I know nothing ever stays the same, but at this point in time you all have made me the happiest man I have ever been. Next year, the day after Thanksgiving, I would like to be sitting here feeling the same way because I do love you all.

“Penny and Sally, if changes do come in our relationships with each other, remember that you two have been friends for the last three years. You have treated each others child as your own and leaned on each other when you both needed support. I wouldn’t want to destroy that so if I see that happening I will walk away, no matter how much it would hurt me. In the meantime I want to help you in any way I can.”

Ed kept going. “You may wonder why I am willing to do this. As I have said, I am a loner and think a lot about how situations can be better. Penny is just coming out of an unstable relationship. You need to regain the confidence that relationship took away from you. Cindy was damaged at that same time and she needs to see the world as a brighter place to grow up in.

“Sally, you have been struggling for the past several years. Nothing ever changes for you and this week looks like last week and next week would be the same. To live, you have to get out of your rut. I want to help. I think the secret to your rebirth, if you want to call it that, lies with Paul. This boy here beside me has intelligence far beyond what we can imagine. I firmly believe this.

“Think back to what he was like before Penny came into your life. Paul couldn’t have been much more than an eating, sleeping vegetable. She brought him some books and read to him. Then when you got that old computer, she gave him the computer books and somehow he learned how to type.

“There are several more markers that point to how smart he is. That game of Free Cell wasn’t made to be won every time. The ability to just glance at a whole page of text and remember it enough to type it without mistakes is too unbelievable.

“There hasn’t been much sign of him being able to see something and act on what he sees. There are some things though, like when I took him shopping for groceries. He saw right away that his mom wasn’t getting her employee discount. He made that known enough so that I took action. Somehow the repetition made that possible. He had seen that so often, the absence of it was what he noticed.

“Another thing was when I showed him how to use the mouse on the computer to highlight a line. He caught on immediately, understanding that he didn’t have to type the line to know what it said.” Ed paused, and then went on. “Not ten minutes ago when I called Paul over, he looked into my eyes and I could see him just as well as I can see you right now. He was there with a whole mind.

“Unfortunately it was just a momentary thing. What a shame not to work on bringing his mind to the fore so we could communicate. I don’t suppose that will ever communicate totally, but maybe we could find a way so he isn’t trapped behind a wall of silence.”

Sally spoke up, “You have done so much with Paul in the last ten days, and I wished we lived closer so you could continue.”

“Maybe we will think of something.” Ed had already thought of a way to continue to advance Paul’s learning. These two women had kind of settled back in the last few years and let circumstances control their lives. It was time for them to start thinking ahead if they wanted their lives to change for the better.

Cindy was excited. She had never been to a grown-up beauty parlor before. Ed had promised her that she could have the full treatment of a facial and her nails done at the same time. Sally was almost as excited, for it had been several years since she had the same treatment. Ed asked Penny to use his and her joint card to pay for all three and he would pay the bill.

Emmy and George were going to watch over Cindy and Paul while Ed escorted Penny and Sally to the dance. As the beauty parlor appointments were late in the day, it was decided that Ed would come into town and have a light supper before the dance. Penny and Sally took their clothes for the evening with them, so Ed was going to be surprised by how they looked dressed up in their finery.

Sally said as long as Ed was paying for the beauty parlor sessions, she would take Penny and Cindy to lunch at the deli and pay for it with the money left over from selling Eloise the dresses. The three females left Ed and Paul just before noon and headed for town. Ed said to Paul, “I’m sick of turkey leftovers, I’m going to have a scrambled egg sandwich.”

Paul’s usual agreement was expressed as, “Yaakk!”

Later Ed did more work with Paul on the computer. As long as he had started Paul on reading and copying his aborted attempt at getting rich, he continued. Going onto the Internet, he brought up the CBOE website and let Paul click on various headings posted there. When he brought up a “How to buy and sell Futures and Options” site, Paul seemed to be extremely interested.

His involuntary motions even slowed as he concentrated on what he was highlighting and reading. At one point Paul even went back and clicked the second time on a line he had read previously. Ed knew then that all of this information must be pouring into Paul’s brain at a furious rate. He hoped that he wasn’t damaging this sixteen-year-old’s brain by giving him access to so much information all at once.

Finally after two hours, Ed stopped Paul and said that they had to quit. Paul objected and became agitated as he was wont to do at certain times. Ed finally sat down and typed, “Paul we will do this again, I promise. Now we have to get ready to meet your mom and have supper with George and Emmy. We will come back to this and I will show you where to find more information. Okay?”

Ed got a somewhat sullen, “Yaakk.”

Chapter Seven
 
Ed showered and dressed for the dance and then got Paul ready to spend the evening with Emmy and George. When they arrived at the doctor’s home, Sally and Penny had shawls over their heads so Ed still didn’t know what the women were going to look like.

Cindy, of course was all excited about her first trip to the beauty parlor and gave a minute by minute description of what went on to make her so lovely. Cindy reveled in the admiration that Ed bestowed on her, the lovely twelve-year-old. He was more anxious though, to see the two older women.

Supper finally over, the two of them retired to Emmy’s bedroom to change. Penny was the first to emerge. Always attractive, she was beauty personified. She was wearing one of his dead wife’s better gowns. Tall and almost statuesque, she was beautiful--even more so than his wife had been. Cindy was beside herself in seeing her mother appear in all her glory.

Cindy kept looking at Ed to see how he was receiving what she thought was the most beautiful person ever. It was obvious that the child wanted Ed to fall in love with her mother, so she could have him for her dad.
 
And then Sally appeared. Everyone but Penny was speechless, for she had helped her friend become this vision. Sally was several inches shorter and somewhat older than Ed and Penny. The beautician had rolled away the years and Sally shyly stood before them, knowing for once that she was pretty.

No one could say just what exactly did the most for her. The black cocktail dress that disguised her thin hips, or the upper enhanced foundation that made her rounder and fuller than she really was. Maybe it was the skin treatment that made her glow with youth. The chic hairdo with its sheen and highlights gave her a pixie look that just made you fall in love with her.

Ed couldn’t keep the admiration from his face and Cindy recognized it for what it was. She ran running from the room with tears in her eyes, feeling that Ed would never have that look in his eyes and heart for her mother--and yes, maybe for herself, too. Was she too young for jealousy to rear its ugly head?

George and Emmy stood there mystified as to what was wrong with the little girl. Penny said, “I’ll talk to her. This is supposed to be a happy event and she is just spoiling it for everybody.”

“No, let me. She has it in her mind of how she wants things to be and she thinks they just aren’t working out for her. I had a feeling this was coming sometime, so I guess it is my place to try and fix it.”

As Ed went past Sally on his way to Cindy, she whispered, “I’m sorry Ed. I never should have come here with you for Thanksgiving.”

Ed squeezed her hand and whispered back, “I’m not sorry. I’m glad you are here.” He went forward into the bedroom where Cindy lay face down on the bed.

“Cindy, come sit up and let me hug you while I talk to you. Tell me if I’m wrong in what I am going to say. I do need to hold you when I’m talking to you, though.” Cindy reluctantly sat up and let Ed put his arm around her. “I think you want me to be your dad, don’t you? I wished I could be, but that would mean that your mom and I would have to marry. Let me ask you, do you remember how your mom and Bob acted when they first got together? I suspect they were all kind of lovey-dovey because they were attracted to each other.

“I don’t feel that way about your mother and I don’t think she feels that way about me. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a great affection for her just like I have a great affection for you. I think you are also worried that I will go out of your life, but that isn’t going to happen, because I love you just like you love me.

“Some day your Mom may find someone to love just like she did with your real dad. Until that happens, I want you to think of me as your dad. If you have a problem or need something, you come to me and we will talk about it and I’ll try to help you just as any father would.

“One other thing, your Aunt Sally isn’t your real aunt, but she loves you just as if she was, and I know you love her. I don’t know her real well yet, but I want to know her better and maybe we will fall in love. If that should happen, that means together this would double our love for you and we would always be there for you.”

Cindy sat away from Ed and looked at him. “Is it a secret that you are falling in love with Aunt Sally?”

For a minute Ed felt he had dug a deeper hole for himself and would have a lot of explaining to do to Sally if Cindy declared to the world that Ed loved Sally. “It hasn’t happened yet, but the minute it does, I will come and tell you. Until that time I think it is best we keep it a secret, okay?”

“Okay, but do I have to go back out in the other room? I don’t want anyone to know I was crying or why.”

“I think it would be best because Emmy wants to take some pictures of everybody dressed up. I think you should have some lipstick on to show up real beautiful in the photos. Who do you want to come in and make you pretty to get ready for Emmy and her camera?”

Cindy thought for a second, “I think Aunt Sally. I want to look at her real close to see if you should fall in love with her.”

Sally and Penny, before entering the dance club hall, went into the lady’s room while Ed secured a table for the three of them. He was nervous, for it had been a weekly event his wife dragged him to. It was in fact as long ago as two years previously when his wife had died.

Several of the people that knew him greeted him as he made his way to an empty table. Stopping him occasionally, everyone expressed their pleasure at his being there. The lights were fully on while the band prepared to resume playing after their brief break.

Ed stood talking to his immediate boss, Bill Brokaw, who was seated at the table adjacent to Ed’s. “If you are here alone, Ed you are welcome to sit with us. I’m sure the ladies here will give you a dance. I remember that you and Alice cut a fine figure out on the floor.”

“No thanks, Bill. In fact I might just introduce you to someone that you would enjoy dancing with yourself.” Ed knew that Bill was single and was actually odd man out sitting with his two sisters and their husbands.

Penny and Sally stepped through the door and onto the floor. Both in their own way were as beautiful as any of the other women in the club. Standing there searching for Ed they were getting looks of admiration from all the males. The women--well, envy was uppermost in a lot of their minds.

Spotting Ed, they slowly made their way across the room toward him as he went to meet them. Eloise Hartley, who of course recognized the two, scuttled toward them before Ed got there and loudly exclaimed how lovely Penny was. Ed forestalled any comments Eloise was bound to make because Penny wore another of Alice’s dresses.

“Eloise you look nice tonight. That is a beautiful dress, but then you always know how to look the best. Maybe later you will let me have a dance with you. For now, I must get Penny and Sally seated and find something at the bar to drink.”

Bill Brokaw was standing at Ed’s table when the three reached it and was waiting to be introduced. “Bill, I’d like you to meet Penelope Peters. She and her daughter have been helping me around the house. This is Sally Goodwin. I invited her and her son for Thanksgiving to join Penny, who is her dear friend. Sally lives upstate where Penny is from originally. Ladies this is Bill Brokaw who is my friend as well as the one that gives me orders where we both work.”

Bill introduced his sisters and their spouses. “Ed, if you let me join you, I will buy the first round of drinks, but you have to help me carry them.” Ed was laughing to himself because this was Bill’s way of getting him alone to find out more about these two lovely ladies. Just out of hearing of the seated ladies Bill exclaimed, “Damn it, Ed, you go without women for more than two years and then you show up with two beauties. Is it going to bother you if I ask the one you called Penny to dance with me?”

“Be my guest, Bill. In fact it will be doing me a favor. Sally asked me to teach her to dance because she hasn’t had much opportunity to learn, so I’ll be concentrating on showing her how. Penny is a widow and has had it kind of rough. I wouldn’t want to see her hurt in any way, but she can hold her own in most instances.

“Sally on the other hand has a sixteen year old son that is developmentally challenged. Her husband divorced her several years ago and she has had to bring the boy up by herself. You know my circumstances and how little fun I’ve had in the last few years. They both have had even less, so this is my way of giving us all an outing, looking for a pleasant time.”

Early in the evening Ed did dance with Penny before Bill monopolized her attention totally. The floor was quite dark and Ed set out to teach Sally some of the steps of the slow numbers. A natural grace and rhythm and the darkness gave her confidence to really enjoy herself with Ed.

Eloise, who knew that Ed didn’t approve of her, was very pleasantly surprised when Ed appeared at her side requesting the next dance. Two quick steps and a rumba had the floor cleared and the crowd clapping as Ed and Eloise finished the round. Eloise watched sadly as Ed thanked her and returned to his table where petite Sally was waiting for Ed to take her in his arms again.

As the evening wore on and it was nearly time to pick up the kids, Bill said to Ed, “I know you have to leave soon. If you would like, I can give Penny a ride over to George and Emmy’s and you can get in another couple of rounds on the floor with Sally. Penny suggested it. I thank you, Ed, for bringing Penny so I could meet her. I am going to ask her for a date before I leave here tonight. Would that bother you too much? I mean I really don’t know what your situation with her is.”

“Go ahead and ask and I hope she answers yes for your sake.” Bill had been Ed’s friend forever and knew that Penny was safe with Bill.

Sally had gained enough confidence dancing so that when one of Bill’s sisters suggested that they exchange partners, Sally agreed. Tammy, the sister, wanted to find out from Ed if her brother was safe with Penny. She asked this while she and Ed were dancing. She said that she had never seen Bill so taken with a girl like he had tonight with Penny.

Tammy had caught that Penny was a single mother and wanted to know about her child. “Cindy is a beautiful twelve-year-old. She has latched onto me and I have promised gladly to be a father to her until a better one comes along. She is so nice; I will be reluctant to let her go if and when that time comes. If it comes to that, anyone that becomes a dad to the child will love her as much as I do.”

Sally and Ed decided that after the next dance they would leave. It was slow and Ed asked what Tammy’s husband and she had talked about while dancing. “He asked me all about Penny. He needs a secretary and wanted to know what I knew about her. I think he may try to hire her. What did you and Tammy talk about?”

“Tammy wanted to know all about Cindy. She was worried that the widow with a child was looking for a meal ticket and had targeted her brother. I assured her that Cindy was an asset, not a liability. From now on though, I’m going to let Bill and Penny chart a course of their own.”

“Penny is so lucky in finding someone that might love her and Cindy. Cindy certainly is not a liability.”

“Do you feel that Paul is a liability? You don’t act like he is to you.”

“Of course he is a liability, but that doesn’t mean I love him any less. It does narrow my options a considerable amount though, you have to admit that. Especially if I was to find someone that loved me and then I introduced him to Paul. How long do you think someone that was attracted to me would hang around after he met him?

“I know how much it would hurt me to lose that love. I’m afraid I might start to resent Paul. I have never tried to find someone to love because I know that could happen.” Sally was silent as Ed steered her around the dance floor. “Let’s not talk about it. Tonight I feel just like Cinderella and I know it is going to end in a few minutes and I don’t want it to.”

“Don’t give up hope, Sally. Someday someone will love both you and Paul. Then you can live your life just like Cinderella and be happy ever after.” Ed brought Sally a little closer into his arms as the dance ended.

When Ed and Sally reached George’s house to see if Penny was still there with the kids, they found that she had taken them home already. It was a companionable silence on the way home and Ed held Sally’s hand all the way. Just before entering the house, Ed brought Sally into his arms saying, “I suppose tomorrow is back to the real world. I have had a wonderful time tonight. Would it be okay if I kissed you?”

Sally looked up to his face and closed her eyes letting herself sink into his embrace. No word was said and there was no need. Each lived for the moment, deriving pleasure from their first real intimate contact. Breaking away, Ed opened the door and they both entered, leaving their untapped passion outside.

---

The house was quiet with the kids asleep, which gave Ed a chance to use the bathroom. Not dawdling he went downstairs to his bed. In the master bedroom, Penny was waiting for Sally so they could compare their evenings. Penny was excited about this man, Bill Brokaw, telling Sally what they had talked about and how she felt while in his arms dancing.

She confessed, “When Bill left me at George’s, I let him kiss me and I told him he could call me. I think he is going to ask me for a date. I wonder how Ed is going to feel about that. Ed has been so good to me, I hope he doesn’t think I am ungrateful if I start going out with his friend.”

“I don’t think it will bother Ed. In fact he indicated he thought the both of you together would make an ideal couple.”

“So Sally, did you have a good time at the dance with Ed? It looked like you picked up the dancing steps pretty quickly.”

“That’s because Ed is such a good teacher and he can surely dance. Even Eloise, who has been dancing forever, had a wonderful time with him. I even had one dance with Bill’s sister’s husband after you left and I made out without any trouble.”

“Did Ed kiss you tonight? He certainly was holding you close dancing.”

“Yes. Just before we came in from outside.”

“How did it make you feel? I’ll tell you how I felt when I kissed Bill if you tell me how you felt when you kissed Ed.”

“I don’t think I better. I will say I’m not going to kiss Ed if we are alone in an empty house because I couldn’t be responsible for my actions. God I haven’t felt like that since I was a teenager.”

“I know the feeling. The same thing happened to me tonight too.” The girls were giggling like teenagers when they went to sleep.

Everyone slept long and were late getting up. After a quick breakfast, Sally, Paul and Ed said goodbye to Penny and Cindy and headed north. Arriving at Sally’s bungalow, the phone was ringing when Sally opened the door. “Hello, Sally here.”

“Hi Sally. I’ve been trying all morning to get you. I was worried with you going off with a man you hardly know.”

“It’s okay, Mom. We just got here. I can’t talk now. I have to get something for Ed to eat before he heads home, but I will call you later.”

“Listen, we are going to be sitting down for dinner in a few minutes. Why don’t you all join us? I was going to ask you anyway. Please?”

“I don’t know, Mom. Paul may cause some trouble. You didn’t forget about him did you?”

“No I didn’t forget Paul. I’m sure that things will be all right. Please, I want you to come.”

“Let me talk to Ed and see how Paul is acting at the moment and then I will call you right back.”

---

Twenty-five minutes later Ed pulled his car in behind the chief’s patrol car in the driveway. Sally was nervous, for it had been years since she had stepped foot inside this house where she grew up. Myra met the little group and took their wraps. Sally acknowledged her dad and Bob, her brother. Tim, her other brother was on patrol so wasn’t present. Ed shook hands while keeping one calming hand on Paul’s shoulder.

Paul was seated between Sally and Ed and the two were able to keep him calm and no mishaps occurred. Talk at times was strained. Bob had little to say, because he knew what Ed thought of him for causing Penny such pain by abusing her. The chief was acting like a prospective father-in-law even though he didn’t know his daughter any more. Ed was proud of Sally as she showed no resentment at how this family had treated her up until a few days ago.

Ed couldn’t stay long, for he had an extended trip home. As he was making his good-byes, Bob asked Ed to give Penny a letter and handed him a little package for Cindy. “Tell Penny how sorry I am and tell her I realize what I have lost.” He turned and went into the next room.

Myra asked Sally to stay a little while longer and she would give her and Paul a ride home. In the entryway Ed hugged Paul and told him that he would be seeing him soon. Whether Paul understood him or not was certainly debatable.

Sally stepped outside and gave Ed a hug saying, “Thank you for this week. I feel life is worth living again. That Cinderella evening last night was every bit as good as the storybook version. Now go before I start crying over the joy of it.” Sally quickly turned and went into the house where she knew innumerable questions waited.

The way home for Ed was not at all tedious, for he was remembering everything about Sally and their time together. Then he started thinking about Paul and how he could communicate better with the scrambled brain inside the boy’s head. Before he knew it he was turning off the highway and into his drive.

Penny, and especially Cindy, were glad Ed was at last home. The house was so quiet and Ed was looking forward to relaxing in his favorite chair. Penny of course questioned him about his journey north with her friend, Sally. To stop the questions Ed gave Penny the details about the call Sally received from her mother and then the dinner with her family afterward. Penny had been friendly with Myra and the chief and was much interested in what was said and if she and Cindy were mentioned.

“Cindy, I have a present for you. It is from Bob and he is very sorry that he hurt you and he said he misses you.” Ed handed over the package.

“Is it okay to open it, Mom? I really want to know what he sent me.”

“Of course, dear. I’m sure he does miss you and this is his way of getting you to remember him in a good way. Go ahead and open it.”

Cindy unwrapped the package and found that inside there was a cedar cigar box. When she opened this she found a dozen little dog statues wrapped in tissue paper. A note was lying underneath that she discovered as she took the statues out and emptied the box. Cindy, I showed these to you one time and you liked them a lot. I always intended some day for you to have them so I am giving them to you now. Think of me sometimes. Love, Bob.
 
“Mom, would it be okay if I wrote to him and thanked him for them. I want him to know I love them.”

“I think that is an excellent idea.”

Ed withdrew the letter from his pocket that Bob had entrusted him to give to Penny. “Bob asked me to give this to you. I must say if I hadn’t known how Bob treated you, I never would have suspected him of doing anything like that. He didn’t say much at dinner. I wonder if he hasn’t put his problems behind him and straightened his life out.”

“I hope he has. He was such a nice person before he started drinking. Would you mind if I read this letter in my bedroom? I think I know some of what he is going to say and it may make me cry. You don’t need to see that.” Penny was in her room over an hour and when she came out it was evident she had shed some tears.

“I am sad in a way, but I’m glad he wrote me. I can put Bob behind me without feeling too bad about the last three years. This gives me an ending to that part of my life and I can start new now.”

Bill was in Ed’s office shortly after work started Monday. “Umm, Ed did Penny mention my name or whether she had a good time at the dance Saturday night?”

“No she hasn’t, but then I haven’t seen much of her. I had to take Sally home early yesterday morning and I didn’t get back until late. Besides I never discuss my housekeeper’s evenings out. Look, I did my part in getting her to the dance and it was just luck that you had the table next to where we ended up sitting.

“I’ll even make it easy for you if you want to know her better by inviting you for supper this Wednesday. I don’t figure you can last much longer than that. I also bet she wouldn’t hang up on you if you called her some time. Now get out of here, I’ve got business to tend to.”

This was a hell of a way to talk to your boss, but I knew I could say anything I wanted to him when he was thinking of Penny. Wait until Cindy wormed her way into his heart. Bill was sunk and he didn’t even know it yet.

Penny was excited when Ed got home. “Ed. I received a call today from Bill’s sister’s husband. He wants me to come in for a job interview. Could we sit down and see if I could work and still keep house for you. I really am marking time here, but you have been so good to me, I’m not going to leave you in the lurch.”

“Let’s eat and then talk about it. By the way I am having a guest in for the Wednesday meal, so we can talk about what you would like to serve. It won’t be too much trouble will it?”

“No, of course not.”

“I think you met him at the dance the other night.” Ed couldn’t contain himself any longer. “He was pestering me about my beautiful housekeeper, so I invited him to ask his questions directly. You don’t mind do you?”

“Mom, who is Ed talking about?”

“A very nice man I danced with Saturday night. Ed introduced us and I think they are good friends who work at the same place. I think I’ll have time to put a roast in the oven. Do you think he would like lamb?”

“Mom, you haven’t told me his name.”

“His name is Bill Brokaw and he seems to be just as sweet and kind as Ed is.” Penny flicked a glance at Ed as she said this. Ed was laughing because he had never heard himself described as sweet before.

“Serve whatever you like and I know for a fact he likes lamb. We might as well talk about your job interview now. Penny, I wanted your stay here to be just a pleasant way for you to get well and to put your life back onto an even keel. At first I didn’t know but what it might develop into something more. It hasn’t and if I read you correctly you feel the same way. The house isn’t that difficult to keep up so if you want to work and still stay here, it is fine by me.”

“How was I ever so lucky as to have you find me beside the road that night two months ago?”

Cindy was listening intently, not quite catching up with what was being said. “If you go to work, we aren’t going to have to leave Ed are we Mom?”

Ed answered, “No Cindy, you don’t have to leave. You might have to do a little more housework, because with both your mom and me working we won’t have so much time to keep the housework done.”

“Okay, I guess.”

Ed called Sally later to find out how she and Paul were. Sally was feeling pleased that her family was finally coming around and being friendly again.

“Paul has been in so many strange houses lately and around so many unfamiliar people, he is much calmer than he used to be. Bob waited until he got me alone to question me about Penny. He knew he had abused her pretty badly, but didn't know the details. I think he was hoping that she might take him back, but when I told him what he had done, he realizes that isn’t possible now.

“The people I work with are calling me Cinderella. I told them all about my time with you at the dance and how you kissed me goodnight at the door.” Sally was quiet as if she was reliving it again. “Ed, you won’t be coming up this way for another month, will you? That seems such a long, long time.”

“That is what my schedule is. I could drive up on a weekend, though. Of course I would need to stay some place overnight. Could you put me up in your spare room if I did?”

“I don’t have a spare room. I do have a room that belongs to Ed Bowen any time he is in town.”

“I was hoping you would say that. Can you have Paul come to the phone? I know he can’t understand me, but I want him to hear my voice.” Ed waited for Sally to get Paul to the phone and for Sally saying that she was holding the receiver to his ear. “Hi Paul, this is Ed. I just wanted you to know I haven’t forgotten you and that I will be seeing you soon.”

“Yaakk.”

Sally came back on and Ed asked if she wanted to hear some news from Penny. It was girl … girl … giggle talk that Ed was overhearing until he gave up on having a chance to say goodbye to Sally and went downstairs to his computer to finish up his day’s reports.

Chapter Eight
 
On Monday morning Ed went into a computer store and purchased a computer just exactly like the one he had in his basement office. They didn’t have the same type of printer but he found one that would be simple to operate. Ed thought he would wait two weeks before seeing Sally again, but decided he didn’t have any reason not to go north this weekend.

Ed burst out laughing when Bill came into his office on Wednesday and asked Ed what he should wear. “I don’t want to be overdressed and I don’t want to appear to be a slob. Ed, I’m serious. I can go into an international meeting with all kinds of bigwigs, but this woman really scares me. I want her to like me. What if her daughter hates me and won’t have anything to do with me?”

“Bill, relax, you are just coming to my house for supper. You’re my friend. Just because there is a person there that you want to get to know better is no reason to get uptight. Be yourself. You don’t want to have her think you are one thing and then find out later that isn’t who you are. She is coming off a relationship where that happened and she needs you to be honest with her. Trust me, be yourself.”

“Well okay, but I want to bring something. What do you think I should get?”

“A small bouquet of flowers for the table would be a nice thought and maybe a small box of chocolates for Cindy. Remember you are coming on my invite so you might bring me a six pack. Anything more would be too much. At this point you are just being nice and want to be thought of kindly.”

Ed reached home a half hour before Bill was expected. Penny was flushed and Ed couldn’t tell if it was from the warm kitchen where she had been baking and cooking or the excitement of meeting Ed’s friend again.

Cindy had done her studying early and had set the table and folded the linen napkins which Penny had found in the closet.

Cindy came over and plumped down on the couch beside Ed. “I don’t think I am going to like this man. Why couldn’t you fall in love with Mom and then I could be happy always?”

“Cindy, Bill is my friend and I like him a lot. I like your mom a lot too. Give my friend a chance. You will see that he really is a nice guy.”

Ed could see Cindy was all ready to dislike Bill and she stated why. “I bet he will be just like Bob. I heard Mom being kidded by Aunt Sally about being kissed by him and she doesn’t even know him.” Cindy looked so sad.

“I think your mom had such a nice time at the dance, maybe she let him kiss her as a thank you. You know I had such a good time at the dance with Sally, I kissed her to show that I enjoyed being with her.”

“You kissed Aunt Sally? Does that mean you love her?”

“No, I was kissing her as a friend to show I had a good time.”

“Maybe that is the only reason Mom got kissed.” There was a knock on the door, which precluded me from having to answer any more speculation about Bill and Penny kissing.

Ed met Bill at the door and took the beer out of his hands. He came in holding an attractive bouquet and presented them to Penny as she stepped from the kitchen to greet him. She thanked him and went to put them in a vase.

He turned, saying, “Ed said that he had a young lady staying with him. I’ve met your mom and now I’d like to meet you. My name is Bill Brokaw and you must be Cindy? I have a niece about your age I think. Maybe she is in the same class with you. Her name is Morgan Rich. Do you know her?”

“Yes I do and she sits in the same row as I do.”

“Morgan loves chocolates. I thought you might like them too.” Bill handed Cindy a small beautifully wrapped box that would hold six or eight candies at the most.

Cindy’s eyes lit up and she thanked Bill before running to show her mom what had been given her. As we sat down to our meal Cindy placed the little golden box beside her plate and every once in a while would run her fingers over the embossed wrapping. Ed beamed when it was Cindy who gave the now familiar blessing.

“Lord, bless this home and the food before us. Please bless the people sitting here and may they always be happy. Amen.”

Penny was the perfect hostess, serving food and keeping up a friendly conversation going throughout the meal. Before the dessert was served, she announced that she had accepted a job with Bill’s brother-in-law’s firm. She would be starting on the coming Monday. She had won the concession to have somewhat flexible hours as she still had to care for Cindy.

Bill was interested in where she would be residing and Ed said he didn’t see the need at this time for her to change her abode. “Cindy has promised to help with the housework and make breakfast sometimes.”

“I make really good pancakes and I can make scrambled eggs. You need a good breakfast to go to work on.” She blushed when she realized that she had sounded like she was bragging.

Ed could see that Bill was envious of Ed living in the same house with this beautiful woman … envious and maybe more than a little jealous. When the end of the meal came, Ed spoke to Cindy, “Come on Cindy, your mom has had a very busy day. She went into town and had an interview and got hired to go to work. Then she came home and prepared a wonderful meal. Let’s you and me do the dishes while she talks with Bill.”

Cindy was reluctant, but complied. Cindy kept glancing in the living room to see how close Bill and Penny were sitting on the couch. This being a Wednesday, there was school tomorrow and Cindy had to go to bed early. Ed promised to read a story to her as soon as she said goodnight to her mother and Bill. It wasn’t long before Cindy was asleep so Ed went down to work on his computer. Ed was tired too, so an hour later he came upstairs to find that Bill had left already.

Ed was almost asleep when there was a soft knock on his door. “Ed, may I come in for a minute?” Penny was waiting for his answer.

“Of course. Come in.”

Penny entered. She had her hair up in soft curlers and a nightcap on to hold them in place. She was also wearing one of Alice’s robes wound tightly around her. She came over and sat on the bed where he was lying “Ed I wanted to thank you so much for this evening. Especially for keeping Cindy occupied. Bill seems like such a nice guy, but I want to be sure about him, so I need to talk with him.”

“Bill is a nice guy. I’ve known him for years and he has always been my friend. I think you are nice too, although I haven’t known you for that long. I think that is mostly because of the way you treat people I’ve introduced you to. And then there is Cindy … no person that can raise a child like her can have any flaws. This is why I am giving you and Bill every chance to come together and maybe make a life together.”

“I’m half in love with you.”

“Okay, I can understand that. We do seem to get along well together. I have some great love for you too. If I hadn’t met Sally our affection for each other might have blossomed more fully. I have though and taking nothing from you, beautiful as you are, I ache with longing whenever I think of Sally. In fact I am going north this weekend with the excuse to further Paul’s expertise with a computer. I feel I have made some progress with him and I want to keep moving forward. The real reason though, is to be near Sally.”

“Ed, I think that is wonderful ... both for her and certainly for you.” Penny leaned down and gave Ed a kiss. The atmosphere suddenly became sexually charged. Ed knew that she was his and all he had to do was to reach and draw her to him.

Not wanting to complicate their relationship, and suddenly envisioning a disappointed Sally and the same for Bill, his friend, he said, “Goodnight Penny. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Bill came into Ed’s office and didn’t have much to say about the last evening. He just said a thank you and said he had a really good time. One thing he did mention was how much he was impressed with Cindy. Ed, curious said, “How about Penny? That’s the reason I invited you.”

“I don’t know what to say. There is just no way I can say enough about her. If I had my way, I’d ask her to marry me tomorrow, but I know it is way too soon. Probably there’s something I’ll find out about her I won’t like. It just doesn’t seem possible that she isn’t as perfect as she looks. Help me out Ed; I don’t want to make a fool of myself, but God I can’t get her out of my mind.”

“I got you together and as the saying goes, ‘you’re on your own.’ Live with it.” Bill left Ed’s office, laughing. He’ll be okay, Ed thought.

Ed’s mind drifted to Sally’s son, Paul. It seemed that one of the critical areas lacking in Paul’s mind was emotion. Sure he got excited and agitated at times. And some times he showed pleasure. Ed had heard “Yaakk” enough. Basically his mind was similar to a computer. You plug information in and it searches for the answer and when it finds it, it displays it for you to see.

What would happen if Paul was fed a hundred years of history about a certain subject? Trading futures for instance. With Paul’s brain such as it was, would he store information like you would in any archive? Could he be smart enough to retrieve it, and along with the historic rules, to act on certain situations?

Hundreds of articles had been written on the subject and base-line-predictability and formulas had been established. Then when you were satisfied that Paul had a grasp on all of this information, you then could start feeding real time information to him. Wouldn’t he then be able to make what moves in the market were called for?

Ed had given Paul his starter course to practice on the computer. Ed, himself, had tried this in the commodity market, buying futures contracts. Ed’s problem was he didn’t have the discipline to watch the trends in the market to make informed judgment on when to buy and when to sell.

Another one of Ed’s problems was that he would get a feeling that whatever commodity contract he had purchased was going to go up or down and he would buy, sell or hold that contract when he should have done just the opposite of what his “feeling” was. He was derelict in placing his stops and then moving them as the tried and true formula dictated. Ed just wasn’t cut out to assimilate that much information and make it work for him.

Take the human factor out, which was what Paul was deficient in, why wouldn’t Paul do well trading commodities on the CBOE? It was worth a try. If the only benefit was to keep Paul’s mind occupied this would be a plus. It seemed that the main stimuli that Paul could process came while working on the computer. Ed wished that he had more time to concentrate on the boy.

Friday morning as Cindy was making pancakes, Ed announced that he was going north to visit Sally and Paul. He said he had purchased a new computer and wanted Paul to get familiar with it. Cindy spoke up, “Can I go with you Ed? I still have a lot of friends there and I’d love to see them again. Besides I may see Bob and I want to thank him for my gift. I know how much his collection meant to him.”

Penny looked at Ed, but spoke to Cindy. “Maybe Ed had plans to do something with Sally this weekend. They have Paul to look after and might not want another young one around.”

Ed knew what Penny was thinking, but Cindy looked so disappointed, he quickly said, “No I have no special things to do with Sally or Paul. I’d love to have you with me. Should we call Sally to see if she has room?”

“Oh I always sleep with Aunt Sally when I stay at her house. She would love to have me come. I know she would.”

It was set that Ed would pick Cindy up from school if she would hurry up and get her pajamas packed and stored in Ed’s car. Cindy left the pancakes burning and took off to pack. Penny was laughing. “I guess you have a chaperone for the weekend.”

“I don’t mind at all. It is too soon for what you are thinking. I am going to remind you some day that you owe me a big favor though. And just to show you how big a favor it is, I’m going to mention to Bill that you are here all alone all by yourself and probably pretty lonely.”

“I may not love you, but I have a lot of love for what you are doing for me.”

As Ed left for work, Penny came up to Ed and hugged him just saying to take care of himself and Cindy. Cindy was watching, but could make nothing of it.

---

As Ed drove up to Sally’s house, it was dark. Cindy said, probably Aunt Sally had to work the evening shift at the grocery store. Ed drove down to the store and Cindy ran in and tugged on Sally’s smock to get her attention. “Ed brought me to spend the weekend.”

Sally looked around and flushed as Ed came through the door. Excusing herself to the customer she was checking out, she walked toward Ed. He, remembering that Sally’s co-workers were calling her Cinderella, walked up to her and kissed her. A real kiss.

Sally’s face was flaming red. “Hi, I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow?”

“Cindy wanted to come tonight. Why don’t you finish your shift and I’ll wait. Besides we will need something to eat so I’ll find us something.” This was the busiest night in the store and Ed went through all of the different sections where the different clerks got a look at the prince who had kissed their Mrs. Goodwin. Many knew Cindy also and many spoke to her, too. The shift was finally over for Sally. When they came out, Sally handed her house keys to Ed and she took Cindy to collect Paul.

Paul was excited about Cindy being in the house again as she had been a frequent visitor before Penny and her had left because of Bob. When Paul came in the door and saw Ed, he got really excited. Ed knew how excited he was for when he hugged Paul before, Paul just let it happen. This time Paul clung to him, before letting go.

After supper was over Ed went out and brought in the new computer and installed it where the old Windows 95 unit had been. “Sally, would you know how to go about having this connected to the Internet? I want to talk to Paul from home. I know we can’t do anything this weekend, but it could be done Monday morning and I could be talking to him by evening.”

“I wouldn’t have the slightest idea how to go about it.”

“Do you know anyone that could?”

“Bob could.”

“How about inviting him for dinner tomorrow and asking him? Cindy wants to thank him for a gift too.”

“Okay, I’ll do it first thing in the morning. Do you think we ought to call Penny tonight and tell her you and Cindy arrived here okay?”

“No. I think we better wait until mid-morning tomorrow.” Sally looked at Ed catching on right away that Penny might not be home. Later when alone after Cindy and Paul were in bed, she asked him.

“I think Penny may have had a date tonight. I let Bill know that she was alone for a couple of days. Maybe I’m playing cupid, but I think those two are perfect for each other. I had him in for supper the other night so he could meet Cindy. Things look pretty positive. Cindy hasn’t said much and is resigned to the fact that I’ll never be her father. I have promised Cindy that I would be her father until someone else claims her mother’s affection. Even after when someone claims it, in fact.”

“I can’t understand you sometimes, Ed. Penny is beautiful and you obviously love Cindy. Why didn’t you fall in love with Penny? The first couple of times we spoke on the phone, all she ever talked about was, “Ed” and how wonderful you were. She was yours for the taking you know.”

“I know all that. I held back for some reason that I wasn’t aware of at the time. I didn’t want a woman that came to me out of gratitude for helping them out when they were down. Sure I want that person to love me, but as a friend and I think what Penny and I have is that kind of love.”

“What about you and me? You’re doing wonderful things for me. Does that mean that you are going to just love me as a friend and it could be nothing more? Sally looked worried.

“Sally, if you see someone you want to love you, don’t you do everything in your power to make that happen? That is what I am doing with you.”

“Did I hear what I think just heard? Are you saying you love me?” Tears of happiness were threatening to overflow her eyelids.

“You heard me right. I knew you were the one for me within the first hour of meeting you.”

“This is impossible. Look at me. I’ve got no shape. I’m older than you. I have a child that is going to need care the rest of my life. I have an old-tumble-down house. I’ve got a job that any stupid person can do. And I’ve got a dysfunctional family. What in god’s name would make you want me?”

“I want you because you have made a success out of your life, dark as it has been for you sometimes. Let’s work backwards from what you just said. So you have a crazy family. That’s their problem, not yours. And they will change if your situation improves.

"Your job may be stupid, but you’ve been loyal and the best employee you can be. I’ve seen it in the faces of your co-workers and how they treat you. Your house, sure it needs a lot of work, but what other single mother would work and put a roof over her and her child’s head and keep it for this many years.

“Paul is your son. He has problems, but you haven’t sent him off to be institutionalized, you’ve kept him with you and loved him the same as you would a child who was whole. All of these things you have done, mostly because you are the person you are and had no other choice; to me this spells success.

“As far as being older than me. Let me ask you, are you too old to have children if you got started reasonably soon?” You worry about your shape and I’m telling you … don’t. Carrying a baby will change your shape and I will think you beautiful either way. I don’t see anything to prevent me from loving you. I know you can make me happy. Would you give me a chance to make you happy too?”

“You already have Ed. Actually, beyond my fondest dreams. You really are my prince charming.”

“Sally, we’ve confessed our love for each other. Now comes the hard part. How are we going to make it work? I’m living hours away from you. I make pretty good money, but I need my job. Not only to support myself, but I derive a great deal of pleasure doing what I do. Another thing I haven’t given up hope of finding out how intelligent Paul is. George is working on having him tested at the university. You live closer to that than I do, so it doesn’t make much sense to move in with me until that is done.

“I would like to lend you the money to have your house fixed up and renovated. What I have thought of and this was predicated on you declaring your love for me, is for me to buy an interest in the house and then you could use my credit to borrow money to fix it up to sell. This again, is predicated on our love for each other. I suspect that Penny and Bill will be in love by the end of this weekend and thinking of marrying around Valentines Day. That would make it possible for us then to live at my house any time after that.

“In the meantime a renovator could be found and be ready to go as soon as you move out. This street is unique in one way and I have seen it in other neighborhoods. This house was one of the first built in this area. Those that followed built bigger and more elaborate dwellings until things swung the other way with people wanting smaller houses again. Fixed up, this house would be right in vogue now. Especially with the early charm it had built into it when new, restored.

“I promise to see you most every weekend. We have Christmas coming up soon and I want to make you have the happiest one you ever could imagine. What would you like for Christmas anyway? I want to work on getting you just what you want.”

Sally took Ed’s right hand in both of hers and said softly. “I want to give myself to you. Take me and make me yours forever. Christmas is such a time of anticipation and I want it to build in my heart with the wonder of my good fortune. Coming together with you would be the most I could ever want.”

“Just what I was hoping for. We will make it happen.” Sally and Ed sat holding hands in perfect companionship until time to retire.

Chapter Nine
 
Sally called Bob about hooking up the new computer to the Internet and Bob wanted to see what kind of unit Ed had purchased so he came right over. Nothing could be done until the first of the week. He was curious as to who would be using the computer after it was hooked on. He knew that Sally didn’t bother with the computer much. He looked around when Ed spoke up.

“Paul and I are going to talk. I have a system just like this so he is familiar with it. I have a favor to ask of you though. Would you come over Monday evening and just walk him through the physical mechanics of it when he connects to me the first time? That should be enough and he can do it by himself after that.”

“You’re crazy! His brain is scrambled. Why, he can’t even talk. How can he do anything like you think he can?”

“Bob, your nephew is a lot smarter than anyone thinks. I honestly believe he is smarter than me. I know you play ‘Free Cell’ because Penny said you did. What is your percent of games won?”

“I do play and my average is nearly seventy-two percent which puts me a class above most players.”

“Would you believe Paul has played thousands of games, mostly because he hasn’t had anything to occupy himself, and is still at one hundred percent?”

“Bullshit, I don’t believe it.”

“I really don’t think Paul is going to have any trouble handling the Internet. I showed him how to read what comes up on the screen. When he learned that part, it unlocked the whole process to him.”

Bob sat there looking first at Ed and then turned his attention to Paul. Paul was at the moment sitting on the couch. The involuntary motion was as bad as it ever was. Shaking his head in disbelief, Bob came out with, “I still don’t believe it.”

Ed went over to the computer and typed in some instructions and then sat Paul down at it. Paul immediately moved the mouse and highlighted the top few lines. It said, “Your Uncle Bob is going to set you up on the Internet on Monday. Type a ‘Thank you’ to him so he will be glad to come and do it for you.”

“Thank you Uncle Bob.”

Bob stood there with his mouth open. Later after he calmed down and Ed had told him more about what he was trying to do by keeping Paul’s mind occupied, he said Myra and the chief wanted Sally, Paul, Cindy and Ed for supper that night. Sally accepted for all of them. Cindy was real sweet when she thanked Bob for the little figurines. Ed let Cindy tell Bob how her mother had a new job and had met a new man she might be interested in if she got to know him better. She told him the man was a friend of Ed’s.

Bob asked Ed if there was any chance of Penny ever forgiving him. Ed said she had already, but felt she could never trust him again so there was no use for Bob to look for them to resume their relationship. Bob took this pretty well and admitted that he was the one to destroy the good thing he had with Penny.

Sally and Cindy wanted to dress for the supper date with the chief and Sally’s mother. Ed gave Cindy some money to go shopping and told her to make sure Sally bought something for herself if she saw something she liked--just say the money came from Penny.

While the women were gone, Paul played Free Cell on the new computer while Ed and Bob became more acquainted. Bob declared that he had been on the wagon since he had been incarcerated for the drunk and disorderly arrest. He also said he was helping out an old man that was a wall plasterer. Bob said the guy was an old Italian who had worked in Italy on some of the world’s most renowned churches. The old guy was truly an artist and was showing Bob the basics of making designs in newly plastered walls and ceilings.

“If the old guy doesn’t die of old age before I learn the trade, I’m going to have a skill that would have been soon lost. It is remarkable what he can do in wet plaster. Come on, I’ll show you an example of his work.” Ed and Paul got into Ed’s car and went up into the ritzy section of town to a house that was under reconstruction.

Letting himself in with a key he had with him, Bob led them into an upstairs bedroom. “My job before I became an alcoholic was a sheet rocker so I’m familiar with slinging mud. I never thought of doing anything like making designs in the plaster. It was always ‘is it smooth enough?’ Look at this ceiling? Some day I’m going be able to do that. It just takes so much practice and not many people dare have anyone as untrained as me work on their home.”

Ed was amazed. The design inscribed in the plastered ceiling was beautiful. The symmetry was perfect. A huge set of circles held the center while quarter circles adorned the corners. The circles were about nine inches apart with acanthus leaves evenly spaced between the circles. The center was one huge rose blossom.

One wall only was finished with one circle and a blossom. The wall itself was trimmed with a border design around the top and down the corners to a foot from the floor. The same border design was scored about a foot up from the floor actually making a whole picture frame for the center design.

Ed inspected the work closely. He could see that there was a heavy application of plaster over the wall and the design was scored directly into the wet mud. “The hardest part is working the design into the mud before it becomes too dry to take the scores to the same depth. This guy does all this freehand, but he is showing me how to have a stencil on the wall to work from--and I’m not telling you what that process is. Trade secret, you know.”

Bob grinned when he said this. “Come down into the cellar. I have permission to practice on the cement walls down there. I’m not doing too badly if I say so. After the designed plaster dries, you treat it just like any plastered wall. The whole house is going to be done this way. A lot of the rooms will have tinted glitter paint on them, those with ceiling lights anyway.”

Bob’s work in the cellar was definitely the work of an amateur compared to that upstairs, but Ed was duly impressed with the skill that Bob had acquired already.

Sally and Cindy weren’t back from shopping yet. Ed asked Bob, “You were working construction and carpentry before you were fired, right, Bob?”

“Yeah, and I still would be if I had cut out drinking.”

“Do you know the person that makes up the estimates on the jobs?”

Bob nodded, “Yeah, he’s still a friend of mine and now that I have quit drinking, I think he’d like to rehire me. Work is slow so he hasn’t been able to yet.”

“Can you get him to do an estimate of this house? Have him make sure it is still structurally sound and then upgrade the kitchen and the bathroom. Maybe put in a half bath if a suitable place can be found to put it. Check out the wiring and plumbing and the heating plant.

“The house needs a new roof and maybe new siding. No vinyl, though, it wouldn’t go with the neighborhood. What I want is an estimate for a total rehab. This is a pretty small house so maybe if work is as slow as you say, the work might get started the first of the new year.”

Bob was looking at Ed. “Sally doesn’t have any money. How are you going to work that?”

“I’m thinking of purchasing a percentage of the property. Then she can use my credit to get her house done. One other thing when you talk to the company you worked for, make it a prerequisite that you be hired to do the plastering. You said you need practice, and I’m sure Sally would love to have her house done like the one we just looked at.”

“I’m not good enough, yet. I wouldn’t dare.”

“If your work here is as good as I saw in that cellar, she would be satisfied. I know I would be. Besides, you have to help that old man that is showing you how. By the time you finish that job, you’ll just be that much more ready to do something on your own.”

“You got a lot of confidence in me. Why?”

“Because of Penny.”

“Penny? Christ, I screwed that relationship up.”

“I know, but I don’t want Penny thinking she was attracted to the loser you were when she ended it with you. I want her to think that you are the person she saw when she first moved in with you. You have stopped drinking and as long as you don’t start again, you will get back to being that person. She has felt guilty all this time that things didn’t work out and is taking some of the blame. If you rehabilitate yourself she won’t have any reason to think she was the cause of your slide into drunkenness.”

“She is a wonderful woman and has no reason to think she was the cause of what I did. If you say it will help to have her think well of me again, you can bet that’s what I’m going to do.”

Sally and Cindy finally returned and prepared lunch. Bob seemed comfortable with Ed and of course had almost become a father to Cindy. Cindy wasn’t one to hold a grudge about the whipping she had received when Bob was drunk that precipitated the split-up between him and Penny. Bob hung around all afternoon. Ed thought to himself that Sally’s brother just seemed lonely, so he made an effort to engage him in conversation. After all he might in a very few months be his brother-in-law.

Cindy and Sally retired to the bedroom to get ready for the supper that night with Sally’s parents. Cindy came out first showing off a red skirt and white blouse topped with a little brocaded vest. Sally had tried to put Cindy’s hair up like it had been the week before and had succeeded pretty well … not professional, but good enough. To Bob, seeing this twelve-year-old who could have been his step-daughter, again drove home the fact of how much he had messed up.

Sally came shyly out into the room. She was wearing a black velvet skirt with a high-necked white blouse that buttoned up to just under her jaw line. A black matching velvet choker adorned her throat and the overall effect was startling. A red rose was stitched onto the choker and then Ed realized there was a matching one stitched onto the skirt. The skirt itself was tight from the waist down to the top of her thighs and then flared out to become pleated and full, falling to about three inches below the knee.

Bob stood there looking at his sister. “God Sis, I never saw you look so good.” He glanced at Ed who was feasting his eyes on Sally “Okay, I understand now. Anyway, I approve.”

Ed said just one word, “Elegant!”

When it was time to go, Cindy said she didn’t mind riding with Bob. Bob even offered to take Paul in his car. Ed said “no” he would see to Paul. Shortly after Bob left and Ed was putting on his blazer, Sally asked, “This doesn’t make me look too thin does it? I know I don’t have much for buns and hardly anything on top. I could wear the same bra as I did the other night at the dance. Do you think I should?”

“No I like you just as you are. You are so beautiful, I don’t want you to change anything.” Ed wanted to include Paul who was standing there ignoring what was going on, “Come Paul, lets give your mom a group hug.” The three squeezed together and Ed kissed Sally who returned it gratefully.

Ed always felt he was a people person so he had little trouble at supper that Saturday night. Paul was at his best sitting between Ed and his mother. The chief was going to take some getting used to … mostly because of the way Ed had talked to him on their first meeting. The distrust was fast disappearing though, as Bob and Ed seemed to be getting along okay.

Myra, who had grand-mothered Cindy for several years, was happy to see the little girl again and thanked Ed for making it possible. It had helped Ed become more acceptable to the chief and Myra when Cindy kept saying how great a guy Ed was. Penny was mentioned seldom and the feeling among the Grovers was that she was someone to remember fondly, but had moved on to a different place and life.

Sunday, the pastor and the congregation were surprised when the chief made room for Sally, his daughter, to sit beside him in church. They couldn’t get over the change in Sally and how she appeared. She had always had a worried and concerned look about her before.

Everyone knew her story, of course, divorced with an autistic child and disowned by her father. Now here she was, happily sitting beside the father, and in the same pew, was the boy with a nice looking man to help her manage her burdensome child.

Ed and Cindy hated that the time was drawing closer to head south. Cindy had homework so Ed wanted to get her home as soon as possible. Just before Ed left, he and Sally hugged and naturally this progressed to a lingering kiss. When they broke apart they discovered that Cindy was hugging Paul. Nothing was said especially when they saw tears in Cindy’s eyes. She didn’t want to leave any more than Ed did.

Ed was startled when on the way home Cindy brought up the subject of Paul and his disability. “Ed, do you ever think Paul will ever get well? Well like the rest of us I mean?”

“I’m sorry, Cindy, but it is very doubtful. I have seen rare glimpses, though, of occasional normal awareness and lucidity. I guess his brain is not wired normally. That doesn’t mean he is dumb because I think in some ways he is a genius. The only thing we can do is to pray to God that some day his mind will straighten out. If that never happens we will just have to love him the way he is.”

“I’m going to pray every night for him. I want to marry him when I get old enough. That is my secret wish, so don’t tell anyone, not even Mom, okay?”

“Okay I won’t tell, and I think it’s wonderful you feel that way about Paul, but you are very young so don’t be disappointed in yourself if some day you don’t feel the way you do now. You may find that what you think you feel for Paul, you may feel like that for another boy. Remember also, that Paul has to feel that way about you too, to make a successful marriage. The problem is he can’t tell you. I don’t think his mind is wired so he can.”

“Oh, I think he loves me. I can feel it.”

“He may, I’m not saying that. Look, you are only twelve years old. You can’t possible marry Paul until you are eighteen. That is too long a time to look forward to getting married. Look at me, I’ve known Sally just a few weeks and I think I’m in love with her. Wait until you are an adult before you think about marrying anyone. Until then, be a friend to Paul and be a friend to a lot of people so you really know what you want when love comes to you.”

“Okay, but I can still love Paul, can’t I?”

“Of course.”

“Ed, I love it when you listen to what I say and talk to me like I was grown-up. I bet my real daddy would have been like you if he hadn’t died. I can talk to you any time can’t I?”

“Yes you can, any time.”

Ed pondered the conversation he just had with Cindy. Was the little girl setting herself up for a life of caring for Paul? He thought he would have to talk with Penny about this. Yes, and Sally too. Then Ed thought how young Cindy was. He guessed he could respect Cindy’s wishes not to repeat to any one what they had just said to each other for a while--but he would keep close watch.

Penny was glowing when Ed finally reached home. She said she spent Friday and Saturday evenings on dates with Bill. She also said she had had Sunday dinner at Bill’s sister’s house. Later while Cindy was doing her homework, Penny said to Ed, “Bill and I haven’t made love yet. We had a perfect chance to, with you taking Cindy with you. I know I have some baggage and I want Bill to be sure of me before we go that far.

“This isn’t just for ourselves, either. You are Bill’s best friend and I know you don’t want him hurt. He knows I am still under your protection somewhat, so he is being very careful dating me so you won’t be upset. I just wanted to tell you so you wouldn’t think poorly of either one of us.”

“That is being thoughtful, but not necessary. One thing though, I have a favor to ask. I’m going to ask Sally down for Christmas. I would like to have at least one evening alone with her without Paul. Could you keep it in mind and help arrange that for me. I would appreciate it very much.”

“You and Sally? God that makes me so happy. Happy for both of you. What about Paul? He is quite a burden you will be taking on.”

“To some people, maybe he would be, but I feel he and I are linked somehow. He hasn’t done much more than exist ’til recently. Oh, he has all the love Sally could give him, but hidden in that skull of his is a fertile brain. I’ve seen glimpses of awareness. I want to nurture that spark until he can have a satisfying life. While doing that, I have this wonderful woman to love me. Could a man ask for more?”

“I think Sally is the lucky one. So, tell me all about your weekend.”

Ed told all about how Cindy got along okay with Bob and how the chief invited Sally and Paul to sit in the same pew with him at church. “You know Cindy is quite the little shopper. I gave her some money to get a new outfit and told her there was plenty to get Sally one too.

“They came back and Cindy handed me some change. She said you always shopped at second-hand boutiques. Both made choices that made them look beautiful. Bob is setting up Paul’s computer so we can talk with each other via the Internet. That is supposed to happen tomorrow.

“You and Sally can talk any time you want to. My discovery that Paul can understand what is being said as he highlights each line should open up his world considerable. I’m hoping you, Cindy, and I will keep his computer jumping with information. It doesn’t matter what it is. The only requirement is that it be true and honest. Paul at this point has no way of being able to determine if someone is leading him astray by passing bogus information on to him.”

Penny’s first day of work started Monday morning. Her hours were flexible so Cindy was able to ride to school with her mom. Emily generously offered to watch Cindy for an hour after school until Penny left work for the day. Ed wanted to help get supper when they all got home, but the kitchen was too crowded so he was banished to his computer in the basement.

When he opened his e-mail, there were two messages, one from Bob and one from Sally. Bob’s was short, just saying everything went together well and he was now set up on the Internet.

Sally’s was longer and she was so excited about having the connection to the Internet because it made her feel much closer to Ed. Also she could commune with Penny and Cindy at will too. Sally said that Bob called his former boss in to make an estimate about upgrading her house.

It would take a few days to compile and Bob would let Ed know what was needed for material and the labor. Ed could then decide whether to buy into the house to provide a basis for securing a loan and have the work done. Ed sent an e-mail in return saying how much he loved Sally and Paul.

Supper wasn’t much later than usual, but it didn’t live up to the expectation for at least one major meal each day. Penny said she was going to have to do more planning to provide meals that were palatable and fast. She dug out a crock pot that had never been used and pored over the book that came with it for dishes that could be cooked in it. Again Ed was told to relax until the table and kitchen were put in order. Thinking of some things he wanted to say to Sally, Ed again went down to the computer.

Cindy came down after the dishes were done and stood by Ed. Ed did not want to share with Cindy what he was saying to Sally. He signed off and made some suggestions to Cindy. “Why don’t you e-mail Paul and tell him about your day.

“Don’t just tell him what happened and what you did; tell him how you felt when you did something and tell him why. Paul has never experienced being a child and the interactions with other kids. If you tell him about these things and how you feel he will experience them through you. I’m sure he has feelings, but he doesn’t know what they mean.

“Paul can do a lot of things. So far though, he has been unable to ask a question. He does respond if I tell him to do something, but it is not like thinking and doing it on his own. If you tell him you saw a pretty flower today, say how nice it made you feel to see something so beautiful.

“If you got into an argument with a classmate, tell him how angry and mad it made you feel. Tell him how you feel when you see someone you love, like your mom or me or how you feel when you are going to see him or when you saw him last. These are all things he should have learned when he was a baby, but his brain has denied him these things. These are all emotions and he will be experiencing them through your eyes and mind.” Cindy stayed on the internet until it was bedtime.

Chapter Ten
 
George said that he had arranged for Paul to be tested at the medical center in Burlington. When he had talked to those in charge, he had told them about how Ed had become interested in the boy and had felt that some progress had been made. Progress in making life a little more interesting for the kid.

What Ed wanted was to find out just how disabled Paul was and where he was on the intelligence scale. Getting the okay to pass on Paul’s medical records that he had worked up, the neurological department was interested in having Paul for a subject. Medicaid would pay for the test.

Unfortunately the testing was going to be during the week that Ed was on the road. Ed had wanted to be present. After considerable planning Ed arranged to have George pick Paul and Sally up and take Paul up to the university. Ed would arrive later in the day while the testing was in progress.

To prepare Paul for being in a strange place and with many strangers, Ed started e-mailing Paul explaining the process. How much sunk in and how much it would prevent Paul from being fearful was an unknown. Cindy tried to help by telling Paul he was in for a new experience and he would have fun. Penny sent an e-mail saying she would be thinking of him all day while she was working.

By doubling up on some of his calls, Ed was able to stay with Paul and Sally the night before the test. He had to leave before George arrived, telling Sally he would see them just before noon at the university laboratory if his appointments went as planned. Ed worried all morning how Paul was making out. Ed finally skipped his last call of the morning and headed to the laboratory.

Ed stood at the one-way window watching the technician test Paul. Paul was seated with a partial hood covering his head, except his eyes and lower face. He observed that the technician was pretty frustrated because of the body language he was displaying. Ed could tell that this wasn’t going well at all. Ed went and knocked on the lab door. Steve came to the door and stepped outside to talk to Ed.

“How is it going?”

“Not good. I have Paul hooked up to two different pieces of equipment and neither one are showing much. He just does not have much word recognition. I did try him with different smells, heat and cold and just a little pain. He reacted to all, but not to the extent I expected. You are the one that initiated this--do you have any ideas?

“Have you had his mother or the doctor in while you have him on the tests?”

“No, I wanted to keep outside stimuli away from him.”

“But how do you know if he reacts to people he knows?”

“You have a point. Do you want to go in now?”

“No, have George go in. Paul has been to his house and has been examined by him. Let’s see what happens when someone he knows speaks to him. Then we will have his mother go in. I think you will see reaction to both and this will give you something to compare. I would think he will react more to seeing his mother than George, but we just don’t know.”

Steve finally got something on his machines that he could record positively. Ed was right. The big difference was where Paul reacted to George, when Sally appeared, the colored images lit up more and in another part of the brain. Steve was ecstatic when he came out to talk to Ed again.

“Steve, can you set him before a computer and still keep him wired to your imager and sensors? I assume the computer is on a network where I can text him from a different one. It would be best if he doesn’t see me yet.”

“Of course, give me a few minute and I will move things around.”

Unfortunately Paul couldn’t see Ed when he got on the computer. Steve set Paul up at the machine. Paul immediately booted up. This surprised Steve no end. When he glanced at the strip that was unfolding from the machine that was testing Paul, he saw that the pen was tracing a pattern of very active brainwaves.

Paul was staring intently at the computer screen. Behind him, Steve was starring at the screen, too. Suddenly, text appeared, “Hi Paul, this is Ed. I am in the building and will be with you shortly.”

Paul let out his only known form of speech, “Yaakk!” which made Steve jump.

Ed continued, “I will be coming through the door and then we will take you off the machines and go to lunch? Would you like that? Maybe we can find some pizza to eat. ”

“Yaakk, Yaakk, Yaakk!”

Steve was standing at the other machine that was making a printout of color photo images of Paul’s brain waves and studying it intently as it came out. George and Sally came in with Ed. Steve motioned them over, “I have never seen a brain pattern like this before. I want to go over them with a couple of professors and doctors before I do any more testing. Can’t we leave lunch until later? It will take some time to unhook the boy and then have to wire him up again.”

“No, you said he could go out for lunch and I said he would be off the machines. I want him to trust everything I tell him. You have the strips and the images and you indexed everything. Talk to whomever you want to at lunch, but I’m taking Paul out like I said I would.”

Steve turned to Sally, “Mrs. Goodwin, you are the boy’s mother, can’t I prevail on you to let Paul stay in?”

“No, and I’ll tell you why. If Paul was tested a few months ago, you wouldn’t have much on your strips or in any of your pictures. Ed has been the one to stimulate Paul’s brain to the point that I think Paul is even happy sometimes. Especially when Ed is around him. I’m sure Ed would let you read what he has documented to better understand what his thinking is on helping Paul. So for now Paul trusts Ed and I won’t have that trust broken.”

Ed knew in his mind now just how much Sally appreciated him helping and working with Paul. This was his thank you by her for backing him up when someone else wanted to go against what he thought best for Paul.

Paul definitely did not want to return to the laboratory after lunch. Ed kept urging him and Paul finally went through the door. This little scene to Ed was a victory for Paul in Ed’s eyes. Two months ago Paul would have gone blindly into the lab. Ed felt that Paul was now beginning to think of what he, himself wanted to do. In other words his brain was developing in a new direction.

When Ed and Paul came through the door, there were several other people all ready inside. Steve was pointing out various things on the printout as he explained. Steve turned to the color images of Paul’s brain waves. On the wall he had a picture of a brain. He showed where certain activities would light up as they took place. Steve had been with Paul all morning. He pointed out where in the brain, speech activity would show. That area in Paul’s brain was devoid of any sign of activity.

A discussion followed among all in the room. Ed was getting impatient. “Steve, we should discontinue testing right now. You can do your evaluations after we leave. The boy is uncomfortable and he is a person, not just a subject to be tossed around with no thought for him. If you have nothing more to test him for we can leave.”

Ed had demonstrated that Paul could do things with the computer without him being present. Now that had been shown in the morning, Ed went to Paul and pointed to his computer and Paul booted it up. The observers were silent, but could see Paul’s screen. Ed sat at another computer, this time just across the room. He texted Paul to go and look out the door and then come back and sit down. Paul did as he was told. Steve could see how he highlighted each line to read it.

Next Ed said, “I’m going to get a book and have you copy one page from it.”

Ed went to the bookshelf and picked out a book. He was looking for something simple and found just the thing. Actually it was an instruction manual on how to open and close the windows in the room. He passed it to Paul. Paul glanced at it and immediately started typing rapidly at the keyboard. He rose and went to the window and followed the instructions he had typed.

“You see gentlemen, if Paul types something, he knows what it says and can do it if it tells him what to do. He uses the same method if instructions appear on his computer screen. He highlights them which serves the same purpose of typing them out. I taught him that.

“What I haven’t been able to teach him is to think for himself or express his emotions. If I type, ‘Paul, I love you, do you love me?’ Nothing, no response at all. If I typed, ‘Paul I love you, hug me if you do.’ I would get a hug, but I still wouldn’t know if he loved me, for the love is an emotion and it isn’t part of something he is knowledgeable about.

“The reason I wanted him tested was to find out how I could develop these two things, especially emotions and the thinking for himself. Any suggestions would be helpful. He has minimal emotions and I have been around him enough so I can read his feelings. The only speech he makes is the “Yaakk” you heard before lunch. It is expressive to me. Steve, you had him here for two hours before I came. You assumed there was nothing up there in his brain until I came and fired him up. It was like I turned on a switch.

“I want to turn on a switch to his whole brain. Don’t say he should go into an institution and be worked on by professionals, because it isn’t going to happen. I’ve asked his mother to marry me, and we would be lost without Paul with us, even for a short time.

“He tires easily, so unless you can think of another simple test, I’d like to take him home. You must have enough information to evaluate him. I feel he is extraordinarily intelligent. I want to unlock his brain so he can use that intelligence. In the meantime if you want him to come back after you evaluate him and can think of specific tests that are not too lengthy, we can arrange for you to see him again. I don’t want Paul under any stress and will do everything to protect him.”

Those in the laboratory didn’t want this subject to escape yet, but Ed was adamant and with Sally’s reinforcement of his position, they were soon on the way home to Sally’s. George didn’t stop, he continued on his way south. Again Ed stayed overnight with Sally and Paul. Paul was restless after the day’s ordeal, so first Ed and then Sally talked to him calmly throughout the evening.

Ed emailed Cindy while Sally was soothing Paul and reported how Paul’s day went and his upset condition at present. A few minutes later there was a “You got mail” beep. It was for Paul from Cindy. “Hi Paul. Ed tells me your tests are all over. He said you did well and people hope by doing this, they can help you understand more. I’m happy you did this. If I was there, I would hug you. I hope you sleep well. Love Cindy.”
 
“Yaakk.” Paul went in and climbed into bed and went to sleep.

Sally said to Ed, “Cindy is a wonder. Sometimes she can do things with Paul that even I can’t do and I’m his mother.”

“I know. Cindy wants Paul to get well and will do just about anything to move him toward that goal. I just hope that there isn’t heartbreak down the road for the two of them.”

“What do you mean? How could there be?”

“What happens if Paul progresses to the state where he can feel romantic love, and Cindy falls for another boy when she grows up? What is that going to do to Paul? What happens if Paul’s progress stops at a certain point and can’t feel romantic love? If Cindy has fallen in love with Paul, and can’t return it, what happens to her?”

“You can’t mean this is a possibility, can you?”

“I do and I’m afraid it has already started. Cindy talked about what she wishes would happen already. She says she wants to marry Paul when she does grow up.”

“What can we do? Should we keep them separate now and not allow contact between them?”

“I don’t think so yet. Paul is coming along so well, I hate to upset him. In fact I am depending on Cindy to show him what childhood is like by relating hers to him. The emotions and feelings, especially. We may regret it, and in a way I feel like I’m playing God. I just pray neither gets hurt.”

It had been a harrowing day for all of us and Ed still had to go on with his job in the morning. Ed laid out his schedule, but didn’t see how he could see Paul and Sally again this week. He finished some paperwork that he had to prepare for the morrow and said he should go to bed. Sally was sitting in the living-room while Ed took his shower. Just before he got into bed, he came out and asked if he could kiss her.

Sally came into his arms and hugged him, not wanting the intimacy to end. Ed pulled away finally and went into his room, leaving his thoughts in the room behind him and taking Sally’s lavender scent with him. Ed did fall right to sleep. Suddenly he came awake. Someone was in bed with him snuggled close with an arm over him.

“Sally?”

“Yes, it’s me. Who did you expect?” She giggled. “No don’t turn over. Just let me lie next to you. Go to sleep again.”

Ed lay still. The next time he woke, the two bodies had turned and he had his arm over Sally. She had unconsciously clutched his hand to her breast and was sleeping soundly. In the distance he heard an alarm clock go off. Sally stirred. “Are you awake, Ed?”

“Yes.”

“I shouldn’t be here you know?”

“Probably not, but would you want to be anyplace else?”

“No. I hate to get up. I could spend the rest of my life right here.”

“Me too.”

“Ed, I think you better move your hand.” Ed moved his hand and she giggled. “No, not that way!” Sally could have pulled Ed’s hand away from the mounds he was fondling, but she didn’t. Her breath caught and then he stopped.

“Turn over and kiss me. I really should be getting up or I’ll miss my first appointment.”

“I have to get your breakfast so I guess we had better. This has been so wonderful. How did I ever dare come in here last night? I lay in bed just aching to lie close to you. Do you think me bad?”

“I love you being bad and you can be bad any time you want with me.”

“Ed, get serious a minute and then we will get up. I know I shouldn’t have come in here last night. I don’t know how to flirt or do any of that pretend stuff. I came in here to tell you I love you again, but you were already asleep. I was just going to crawl in for a few minutes. I went to sleep myself. When you woke up during the night and didn’t ravish me, I knew it was safe for me to stay.

“I’m telling you now, Ed, I love you. I love everything about you and I can’t seem to tell you enough. How you treat me and Paul and my friends. Yes, and even how you treat my family. You just absolutely bring out the best in everybody.”

“I love you too, Sally.” This earned Ed a soft, sweet kiss mixing with the tears of joy that were squeezing from under Sally’s closed eyelids. She quickly got out of bed and went to make coffee. Ed lay there with his arms over his head thinking how good life was turning out for him.

Just as Ed finished his last cup of coffee he said to Sally, “My thoughts are jumbled and this may not make any sense and I know it is way too soon, but I want to marry you. I would love to marry you at Christmas time. The construction company that Bob works for could start on this house soon after the first of the year. If we were married we could use my credit to have it renovated. I want you to keep it in your name, anyway. You can’t live here while the work is being done.

“Would you talk to your mom and the chief in the next couple of days? I will be back Saturday and would like to talk with them … ask for your hand, so-to-speak. Let them know my intentions anyway. That is if you think it is a good idea?”

“I’ll talk to Mom today. They are going to be awful hard to convince. If you want to marry me at Christmas time, we will get married whether they like it or not.”

“Please, don’t alienate them. I want to join your family and us to be part of it, not excluded from it. Think about how best to approach them. I’ll call you tonight when I get home. I love you, you know.”

“I know, I love you too. Oh, I’m so excited. I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

“I have to. Think about me.”

Ed called Sally from his motel room in the northern part of the state that night. “Hi, it’s me. Still love me?”

“Oh, I do so much. I talked to Mom and I’ve got her on my side. She is going to talk to the chief later. She has ways of getting what she wants.” Sally burst out laughing. “The chief may or may not get lucky tonight. I never thought my mom was like that, but I guess she has had to be, married to the chief all these years. Ed, what should I do about my work? I want to give them some notice, I just can’t leave?”

“We’ll talk about it Saturday. You know, you might tell your mom to have the chief call Penny for a character reference. I think he would trust her to tell the truth about me. Look honey, I have some paperwork to do. Can I speak to Paul and let him know I’m thinking about him. Don’t go far from the phone. I want to tell you I love you again before I hang up.”

Ed didn’t neglect Cindy either, and put in a call to her. She was feeling a little lonely. The first thing she said after the greetings were over, “I think Mom is in love. She has gone out to lunch with Mr. Brokaw and she talked a long time on the phone tonight with him. I was afraid she wouldn’t hang up before you called. I wish you loved Mom.”

“I know you do, Cindy, but it just wasn’t to be. Remember what we discussed one time, I’m always going to be like a daddy to you.”

“I know, but it isn’t the same. I email Paul after I get home every night. I always say I love him when I say good-bye. Is that okay? Some day he is going to be able to say that to me. I just know it.” One more thing to worry about, Ed thought.

Ed made it home Friday about the same time that Penny and Cindy did. Cindy ran and gave him a hug and Penny did the same. Cindy was watching, but she didn’t see any sign of love between her mom and Ed, just affection.

After dinner Ed told both mother and daughter that he was thinking of marrying Sally, maybe as soon as Christmas time. If not then, then shortly after the New Year. Cindy started crying. “What about me? I don’t want to leave here. This is my home and I am the happiest I have ever been. You met Sally and everything is spoiled. Life sucks!”

Penny looked at her daughter in horror. “Cindy where did you hear that expression? Now you apologize to Ed. If it wasn’t for Ed, we might be living on the street somewhere, not knowing where our next meal was coming from. Maybe we’d be in a shelter somewhere with a whole bunch of other people. What has got into you?”

“I said life sucks and I mean it. That is what the kids say when something is unfair. Mom has got a new man and Ed has Aunt Sally and nobody wants me.” Ed had known that Cindy was going to be a problem, but he didn’t realize this little girl was going to be so crushed. He didn’t know what to say.

“Cindy, you go into your room until you can calm down. I won’t have you acting like this. Ed has to have a chance at happiness and if I know him he will figure out something so all of us can be happy. Don’t forget, you are the reason we have been here as long as we have. He has taken you into his heart just as if he was your father.”

After she closed the door Penny said to Ed, “You know what her problem is don’t you?” Ed shook his head. “There are several things, really. First of all, she is a month from being a teenager, second you are her knight in shining armor for saving her and she has more than a little romantic love for you. And then, if I’m not mistaken, she is about to become a woman with all its anxiety and uncertainties. I started about that age.”

We sat for a few minutes and then Penny said, “When do you want us to move out? Cindy was right about one thing. These two months have been the happiest time of our lives. For me, I know with Bill I’m going to have a lot more happy times. He has already asked me to marry him, but it is a secret.”

“I’m glad for you. I’m glad for Bill too. He is getting a wonderful woman in you and you are getting someone just as nice in Bill. What we are going to do about Cindy?”

“I don’t know yet.”

Ed sat thinking and then he got up and went over and knocked on Cindy’s door. “Cindy would you come out and sit and talk with your mom and me?” Cindy came out and flounced into a chair.

Ed was a little harsh with Cindy at first. “Cindy, when is the last time you saw your mom act like you are acting, or me, or your Aunt Sally? We don’t act like that because we are adults. Adults have problems and right now we have a problem. Do you know what that problem is?” Ed waited. Cindy sat kicking the rung of the chair with her heel. She was surprised when she looked at Ed and saw he really was waiting for her to answer.

She flushed and wouldn’t look up again. Finally and softly, “Me.”

“Yes you are, but only a small bit of the problem and not for the reason you might think. We want you to start thinking like an adult so you can be part of the solution, too. There are all kinds of things to think of. I’ll mention you first. I think you love me like a daughter would love her father and I know I love you like any father would love his daughter. That should tell you that I’m not going to hurt you if I can help it.

“Along with that, your mom of course loves you. Her friend Bill thinks you are just about perfect, so he is going to love you when he gets to know you better. Your Aunt Sally and I feel the same way about each other as your mom and Bill do and you already know how we feel about you. I also know how you feel about Paul. I feel about Paul the same way as I do about you.”

I stopped, for Cindy flushed furiously when I mentioned her feeling for Paul. Penny started to ask something, but Ed shook his head. “Not only all of that, I am depending on you to help me with Paul in learning to do things. What you and I have accomplished already with him is amazing. That is a measure of love too. You are smart. Help us figure things out so we all can be happy and not hurt each other. I admit things may not be perfectly the way we want them, but we can try.

“Now as to listing the problems; your Aunt Sally is going to have her house renovated by the workers that Bob used to work for. He will be back working with them. To pay for that, Sally needs my credit to do the construction. The easiest way to make that happen is for her to be my wife. When the work is being done, she can’t live there because the whole house is being torn apart.

“The problem is that Sally and Paul need a place to live. I would like them to move in here as soon as a week from tomorrow so Sally and I could be married the following week. And you think you have problems, I am going north tomorrow to ask the chief for Sally’s hand in marriage. To be honest, I’m pretty nervous about it. Of course I’m going to marry Sally whether he says okay or not, but I am joining his family and I don’t want him to hate me.”

“Now, your mom wants to marry Bill sometime. Bill has a nice house and wants to make a nice home for both you and your mom. This is going to be a change and I admit you like the way things are at present. If a person has something good they fear they’ll lose it, so they resist what is new. I can understand that, but if everyone resisted and didn’t change, the world would stand still.

“Look at it this way, your mom lived with Bob and some of it was good. She stayed with him long after the good was gone. She made a change, all to the good for both of you.” Ed was up pacing around the room as he was thinking how to drive his point home to Cindy

“But you lost something too. You lost in seeing your friend Paul. The major change now, is that you are going to be seeing him several times a week if you want. This, instead of only the two times you were able to see him in the last two months. All the love we have for you isn’t going to change--just the home you live in. Look ahead, Cindy. You might even want your mom and Bill to get married soon, so we can all get settled and get on with our lives.

“Cindy, look at me. Some one will always have to care for Paul. You have as much affection for him as your mom or me or even Aunt Sally. This home isn’t going away and you will always be part of it. When I have to go away every month, maybe you can come and stay with Paul and Aunt Sally.

Cindy came running over to Ed and hugged him around his middle. “Ed, you really are thinking of all of us and me especially. I’m sorry I was such a little snot. I love the way you explain things. I will help you all I can.” She leaned back and looked up into Ed’s face and then gave him another fierce hug before she ran back into her room.

Ed and Cindy were talking in their own special language about Paul. Penny missed it entirely and was focused on the words Cindy used. “Where did that girl learn to say ‘little snot’ and ‘life sucks’? I’m going to have to talk to her. It is a good thing she went to her room.”

Chapter Eleven
 
Ed arrived for breakfast at Sally’s Saturday morning, not minding his having to rise early for the trip north. A big lover’s kiss was waiting for him from Sally when the door was opened for him. Paul was standing behind his mother and when Ed turned to him, there was recognition in the boy’s eyes. The hug was returned with some pressure. Ed thought this was the best welcome he had ever been given by anyone, anytime.

The day was spent with everyone being relaxed as possible. As the evening drew near, Ed became increasingly nervous. Paul sensed this and his movements that disappeared when he was happy, became more pronounced. Sally said to Ed after a call from Myra, “Mom said that there were going to be some guests at the table tonight. You will have to suffer through the meal before you can talk to the chief.”

“You seem very unconcerned. Do you know something I don’t?”

“You mean have I talked to the chief? I haven’t, but mom thinks the chief is going to be okay with this. So relax. You also know, you don’t have to put yourself through this. Just announce that we are getting married. What can he do? He might say something, but it will change nothing.”

When Ed wanted to put his suit on, Sally vetoed this. “Wear just what you came up in, your slacks and sweater. This is what I’m wearing.”

“What about the other guests? Shouldn’t I get dressed up so you won’t be ashamed of me?”

“No. They are old friends and I want them to see you as you really are.” Ed could see that he wasn’t always going to have his way. Oh well, he was willing to give up some things to get what he ultimately wanted.

There were no strange cars in the driveway so Ed thought he wouldn’t have to walk into a room where there were people he didn’t know. He did meet Tim, Sally’s other brother. He had on his patrolman’s uniform. Ed figured that being a policeman was his whole life and didn’t think more about it. Bob was not there and Myra just said he had a date and would be around later. Ed saw Myra and Sally conferring, and again Sally didn’t seem too concerned.

The chief was sitting in his favorite chair. Ed was surprised when the chief stood to shake his hand. After this Ed felt more relaxed. Maybe he had been accepted already. Ten minutes later Myra went to the door and greeted her guests. Ed overheard Myra say to someone, “No, he doesn’t know yet. You go tell him.”

Ed was dumbfounded when Cindy came bursting through the living room door and into his arms for a hug. “Guess what, Ed, we came to give you support when you ask the chief if you can marry Aunt Sally. Isn’t that super?” Ed looked to the door and saw Penny and Bill Brokaw standing there with big grins on their faces.

Cindy left Ed and went to Paul hugging him and kissing him on the cheek. “You know what, Paul, when Ed and your mom are married, you are going to be living close enough so I can see you most every day. Won’t that be great? I think it is super.”

Ed flicked a glance at Penny and then laughed. Cindy was totally into slang. “super” was much better than “snot,” though. Bill, the chief, and Ed congregated in the corner of the living room. Tim also stood by, just listening, while Bill gave the chief a rundown on Ed’s wondrous qualities as both employee and friend. It was almost embarrassing and Ed was relieved when it was time to sit for dinner.

Tim was the odd man out, not saying anything. His day was made though, when Cindy said to him, “Would you pass the potatoes, Uncle Tim. Thank you. You know with your uniform on, I bet you look just like the chief did before he was made chief. You look super.”

Just after the coffee, cake, and ice cream was served, the chief rapped his fork on his cup. Everyone at the table gave him their attention. He spoke. “I met Ed Bowen a couple of months ago. He spoke to me after church one day. When he finished speaking I actually disliked a man like I have never disliked one before.

“Over a period of a few short weeks though, and I won’t go into details, I have come to see what kind of man he is and to agree with what his words were. I understand this dinner tonight was for him to come and ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage. If it was mine to give, I would give her to him gladly. I guess I squandered that right years ago, but I’d like to welcome him into the family anyway, with all the blessing I can give.”

Ed didn’t think that the chief had ever been kissed in public or even in front of family before, but he did that night. First Myra went over and placed her hand on his shoulder and leaned down to kiss his cheek. He turned so she could kiss him on the lips. Then Sally did the same and called him Daddy. There were tears in his eyes and he tried to disguise the fact by drinking more coffee.

Bob came in with a young lady and introduced her around as Sammy. Bob seemed at ease and Penny did too. Bill was nervous when Penny introduced him to Bob, but saw soon that any lingering affection between Bob and Penny wasn’t there. Bob came over to Ed and Sally. “Hey guy, I need to talk to you. How soon can Sally move out? My boss is raring to go. We can start the demolition on Thursday, maybe even the day before. He promised me a bonus if we could start this soon and not wait until Christmas week.”

“Gee, I don’t see how that is possible. I need to go to the bank here and there is a lot of stuff to move. Sally wanted to work a notice. It is just too soon.” I looked over at Bill and motioned to him. “Bill, is there anyway I can get some time off this coming week? Some things have come up and I have things I need to take care of here with Sally.”

“Sure take the whole week.” He had a smirk on his face.

“No argument or nothing? I can have the whole week?”

“Yes, but it is going to cost you. Maybe you won’t want to pay the price.”

“Well, what is it?”

“Okay Ed, old boy, here’s the deal. You wanted Christmas week and the following week off after New Years. You can have this week off, work next week and then have Christmas week off. You have to work after the New Year and take care of Cindy that week. That was going to be your honeymoon week I know, but I might sweeten the deal a little. Penny and I will watch Paul the last three days of Christmas week. How does that sound?”

Ed looked at Sally to see if she wanted to give up that week. She had a question. “Does that mean you will be staying here this week with me?”

“That’s right.”

Sally looked to find where her mother was. Seeing her she went over and asked her something. Coming back she said, “We’ll be sleeping in Bob’s room Wednesday night. If it bother’s Paul too much we will have to get a motel room Thursday and maybe Friday. That we can play by ear.”

“You got it, Bob. Start work on Wednesday if you want. Anything else?”

Bob looked at his sister. “Sally, what are you going to do with your old furniture? Sammy and I are thinking of getting our own place. We’ll be setting up on a shoestring. Can I have what you don’t want?”

“What do you think, Ed?”

“How about kitchen stuff, blankets and bedding? Let him have whatever you think I don’t have. That will save us trucking it or storing it. I might even have time to help move some of it. It is whatever Sally says.”

Penny, Bill and Cindy went out the door with Ed, Paul and Sally, leaving the chief and Myra waving goodbye. Bill and Penny with Cindy were headed for their motel room. Cindy asked her mom, “Can Paul stay with us tonight, please? We have two big beds and he can sleep with Bill. I have to sleep with you anyway. Please, Mom?”

“Don’t you think he would want to be home in his own bed?”

“Not if I’m in the same room with him.”

“Well go ask Aunt Sally. You don’t mind do you Bill?”

“I think it would be a good idea. Otherwise old Satan would be urging me to come over and push Cindy out of bed and crawl in with you.”

Ed came over. “Are you two sure about this?”

“Yes, and have fun.” Paul looked back once as Cindy guided him with an arm around him, but kept going.

Ed put his arm around Sally. “Are you ready for this, Honey?”

“Yes, Dear, I’ve been ready since you came to the door looking for Penny’s friend. I’m a little afraid too. This hasn’t happened to me in, oh so many years. I thought I had squashed any sexual feelings I had as the years rolled by. I blush to think of the thoughts I’ve had about you, though, even from the first night I met you.”

“I’m scared too. I want to please you so much and it has been years for me. I’m thinking we are going to start out on this road together about even.” Sally kept her hand on Ed’s arm all the way to her home. It just helped seal the love between these two. The night ahead was waiting.

Sally was making Ed pancakes for breakfast when the four others came in. Cindy was wired. She had never slept in a motel before and the beds were so soft, you just sank right into them and went to sleep. Bill and Penny weren’t so much at ease. When Paul and Cindy got to playing on the computer, Bill and Penny were quietly asked by Ed, “Okay, you act like there was a problem last night. What happened?”

Penny spoke, because Bill didn’t seem to know what to say. “We put Paul into the bed that Bill and he were going to sleep in. I got Cindy ready for bed and into my bed. Bill and I sat watching TV and a little later I was thirsty so we walked downstairs to the office and I bought a bottle of water and Bill got a soda. We were gone a little more than a half hour. When we came back to the room, Cindy was in bed with Paul sound asleep. She had her arm over him and was lying close.

“This morning Bill got up to go to the bathroom and Cindy popped out of Paul’s bed and into mine. She smiled and whispered Paul was afraid alone, so I crawled into bed with him. I woke up once and Bill was in bed with you so I just hugged Paul and went back to sleep. I love you Mom and then she went to sleep beside me.” Penny paused, “It looked so innocent I didn’t know whether to say anything or not.”

“That sounds innocent enough. I guess I wouldn’t worry about it. She and Paul have been friends since she was nine, hasn’t she Penny? What do you think, Ed?”

“Innocent enough this time. I have to tell you though, and I’m breaking a confidence here with Cindy, that she is hoping Paul will get better so she can have him for a normal boyfriend. The only thing I have said to discourage her is that she might be cutting herself off from a normal relationship with some other boy. She was adamant--Paul is the one for her.

“It is pretty much up to you Penny, to teach Cindy what is acceptable and what is not. I’m afraid we are all into this. Sally will want what is best for Paul, as I will, for he is soon to be my son and under my protection. Bill is soon to be a step-dad to Cindy and he will be in the same position with her as I am with Paul. I don’t want our concerns for, I guess you could say our kids, to disrupt our friendship with each other. Penny and Sally go back years and Bill and I go back even longer.”

Sally spoke, “Do you honestly think Paul would advance far enough to be a viable boyfriend for Cindy ... or anyone for that matter?” She looked at Ed and Penny.

“Who knows, but I do know I see moments when it seems Paul is here with us, not in some room of his mind that we can’t reach.” Penny agreed as she had seen the same tonight.

“Why haven’t I seen it? I’m his mother. Have I failed my son?”

Penny tried to ease her mind, “Sally, of course not. Think about it. You have had to work and earn a living to put food on the table, heat to keep him warm, and make sure he was taken care of while you did this. With no help from family either, I might add. Soon you are going to be in position to take care of him and become more attuned to what is developing.

“I feel like we are all conspiring against Cindy. Let me start talking to her. I’ll start explaining some of the things she will have to be dealing with soon as a young lady. I haven’t envisioned Paul as any more than a close friend. I don’t know. It is so upsetting thinking about this. Cindy has got to be wrong in her thinking, somehow. It must be just hope. Sally you are going to have to help me in this if what Ed says is true. I do want what is best for both, and that includes what is best for Paul.”

Before breakfast was finished Bob and Sammy arrived. Bob was looking to see what furniture Sally was going to give him. Being in the same room with Bob still made Bill very nervous. Bob was the man who had made love to his future wife, the one that had lived with her for three years. He was also the one that had assaulted her and injured her, breaking bones in the process.

Out of hearing of the others, Ed said to Bill, “Do you trust Penny? Trust her enough to show her you do?”

“Of course I do.”

“Penny has never had a chance for closure with Bob. Sally is here and Bob’s new woman is with him. He will be on his best behavior. Give Penny some space and a way to compare you and Bob. It will cement your relationship beyond your wildest dreams. Let’s take Cindy and Paul to church this morning.

Bill was a little uncertain, but he went over to Penny. “Say Sweet, Ed suggested that he and I take Cindy and Paul to church. You know more of what Ed has for stuff than he does, so why don’t you stay and sort out what Sally wants to save? That will get us out of the way and right after lunch we can head south and for home.”

“Nervous around Bob? Jealous, maybe?”

“Nervous, yes. Jealous of him? Never. Now go get Cindy ready. Ed has already spoken to Sally.”

“You’re one in a million, Bill. Where were you when I needed you three years ago? I love you so much.” Bill got a nice little kiss for his thoughtfulness.

Myra questioned Ed where Sally and Penny were when she moved farther along so they could sit in the same pew with her and the chief. “Bob came over because Sally is giving him some stuff so she won’t have to dispose of it. Bill and I got the kids out of the way. I wanted to see you again to thank you for last evening and I knew you would be in church. I’m beginning to feel more and more a part of the family.”

Myra whispered, “Is Penny there with Bob? Isn’t that awkward for Bill?”

“No, Bill and Penny are in love, so there is no problem.”

“I don’t know how those two girls did it, but I think they both struck gold when Penny was rescued from my son.”

Bob and Sammy were just leaving the house when Ed pulled up in front. Cindy gave Bob a hug and he shook hands with Bill and Ed. Ed made the comment that he didn’t think Bob was too bad a person. Somewhere life had caught up with him and bit him in the ass while he was living with Penny. When he started boozing everything came apart for him and he took it out on her. Ed could tell by Bill’s expression he wouldn’t be that easily convinced.

---

Monday was a busy day. Sally was on the early shift at the grocery store. She gave her one week notice as soon as the store manager arrived at eight. He was shaking his head. “I knew it. Just as soon as the help started calling you Cinderella, I knew I had lost you. I’m happy for you. You’ve been here longer than me and I’ve been here for years. If the company gave best employee of the year awards, you would have had every one since I’ve been here.

“I wish you the best. I do have one request, I want you to come in at ten Friday morning for coffee and I want you to come back Friday afternoon at four to say goodbye to the rest of your fellow workers.”

“Why? I’m working anyway. I’ll just say goodbye then.”

“No, you are officially terminated with pay as of right now. The company gave you a wedding present of the week you decided to leave. This is it.” Sally burst into tears and was still sobbing when she reached home to tell Ed how generous where she had worked was.

Sally was with Ed when he was ushered into the home loan office at the bank that the chief had recommended. Ed explained the situation of why he wanted a loan and also that he and Sally Goodwin were to be married and she was having her house renovated and it was going to be sold or rented. He also explained that the title would remain in his wife’s name and they would work out the details of her repayment to him some other time, but it shouldn’t concern the bank.

Ed named the local contractor that was to do the renovating and that the police chief was Sally’s father. When Ed listed his assets, Sally was staring at him. Money had never been discussed between Ed and her. He knew what her financial situation was, but she didn’t know his. She was dumbfounded at how well off her husband-to-be was.

The loan officer asked why Ed just didn’t pay cash and Ed said he thought the bank made money on the loans they wrote. Nothing more was said by the bank officer.

As they were leaving the bank, Ed said, “Let’s go find Bob and his boss and get the contract signed.”

“Ed, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, as long as it doesn’t hurt my feelings.”

“I wouldn’t hurt your feelings for anything. I just can’t figure out what you see in me. You are obviously pretty well-to-do compared to anyone I know. You are worth more than my father even. You came into my life a couple of months ago. You’ve made love to me and you’ve asked me to marry you. You’re every woman’s dream. Why me?”

“Are you having a little problem with self-esteem this morning?”

“Do you blame me? Christ, I think my mother would jump into bed with you if you gave her a chance.”

“I didn’t need to know that.” Ed laughed and then got serious. “Look, sometimes a man goes through life knowing what he doesn’t want. Then he sees what he has been looking for, even when he may not have known he was looking for that something. That something I was looking for is you. Deep in your heart you were looking for something too. I’m hoping I am what you were looking for. If I am that something, let’s send up a prayer to God with our thanks and bask in his glory for putting us together.”

“You’re saying it isn’t just luck, then? It is something that was meant to be?”

“I firmly believe so and who am I to question God.”

“Okay, then I won’t question God either. Only He could have been the one to send you to me.”

Ed wasn’t spending the week the way he had wished, but Sally was going home with him and would be staying for the rest of his life with him. Tuesday afternoon Ed rented a small U-Haul and loaded up what Sally owned. Penny still had some things stored in the basement that went on the truck too. Sally stood by the open doors before they were closed. Sadness was on her face.

She said to Bob, “There isn’t much there for almost thirty-five years of living is there? Oh well, this place has been pretty good, considering.” Then her face burst into a glow. “Considering it was here that Ed found me. That’s the good part.”

Ed parked the rental out of the way and he and Bob moved the remainder into an apartment that Bob had rented with his girlfriend, Sammy. Sally and Sammy arranged things as they were moved in. Ed laughed as Bob was bossed around and told just what, where and when.

Paul rode with the men. Ed was thinking all this must be an education to him and wondered if any of it was sinking in. Less than three months ago Paul would get up, go to the sitters, come home at night, play games on the computer and go to bed. The next day was the same. Now there was something new just about every day.

He had traveled, met many new people including family and seen his mother become attached to someone who treated her like a queen. Not only that, it was someone that loved and protected him and was the cause of it all. Was Paul aware? Ed thought he might be!

Ed left town heading south with the rental about nine in the evening. He got very sleepy an hour into his trip. He pulled over to rest a few minutes, but the few minutes turned into two hours. It was after one o’clock when he pulled into his yard. The lights were all on and Penny came running out the door. “Where have you been? Sally is worried sick. You call her right now and tell her you’re safe.”

“Ed you had me so scared. Are you okay? I thought I had lost you. What happened? Did the truck break down?”

“Calm down, Sally. When I got sleepy, I was thinking of you and I pulled over for a few minutes. Instead I fell asleep. I did put in a full day before I left, moving and stuff.”

“I know and it came to me shortly after you left how tired you must be and you had to drive all that way. We are going to plan things better in the future. I’d just die if anything happened to you. I love you, you know. What are you going to do about getting some rest before you come back?”

“Honest Sally, that was why I stopped when I did. I didn’t want anything to happen and that’s why I pulled off the road. I’m going to go to bed right now and sleep. Tomorrow I’m going to get a couple of guys to help me unload. I think rather than try and put everything in here at home, I’m going to get a storage unit. We can take it out when we need it. Would that be all right?”

“Anything Ed, as long as you get plenty of rest before you come after me and Paul. God, I was worried when you didn’t call. You go to bed right now.”

Ed turned away from the phone to face Penny who had a worried look on her face that was just disappearing. Cindy’s face was all streaked from crying. “I guess you guys need a hug. I’m sorry I caused you to worry. I wanted to get home safe and I didn’t want to have an accident.” Penny came and kissed Ed and Cindy clung to him as he picked her up and carried her in and put her into bed. She wouldn’t let go until she kissed him too.

Ed was back with Sally and was prepared to sleep at her parent’s house in Bob’s former room. However there wasn’t room for all three with Paul needing comforting while in a strange place. Paul couldn’t understand the change and was showing his discomfiture. It ended with Paul and Ed sleeping in the bed and Sally on the couch. When Paul went right off to sleep, Ed knew he had accepted him fully.

Thursday the three sat around and gossiped with Myra in the morning. Sammy wanted them to come over in the afternoon. She was strange in that she looked almost anorexic because she was so skinny. Sally whispered to Ed while she was out of their hearing, “I don’t think she will ever be able to bear children. Her hips aren’t wide enough.”

Ed laughed and Sally poked him when he said, “Sammy doesn’t need kids. She has Bob.”

Friday was the day for Sally to go and bid her coworkers goodbye. Ed stayed in the car with Paul as it was her moment. She was sobbing and smiling at the same time as she got in the car with Ed to head south and her new home.

Chapter Twelve
 
Penny had started talking and teaching Cindy what was coming up for her very soon--dealing with, puberty, boys, do's-and-don’ts, and acceptable behavior. This was coupled with the reason behind all of these new female things that she would have to deal with shortly. Ed’s house was really crowded now and would be until Penny married Bill and moved in with him. Paul was to sleep in one of the single beds and went right off to sleep. Ed went downstairs to his computer and Cindy sat with her mom and Sally.

“Cindy, can we trust you?” This was Penny asking Cindy and she nodded, yes. “Good, because we want to tell you some things. Paul is a boy and you know that if he was normal we would have had this talk long before this. The most convenient situation for the time being is for you to sleep in the same room as he sleeps in.

“We want you to be very discreet and keep covered. We can’t imagine at this time that he would be aware that you are different than he is. You also have to not tell any of your classmates that you are bunking in the same room with a sixteen-year-old boy. Society frowns on this and we could get into trouble for letting you. Can we trust you with all of this?”

“Yes you can, Mom. It would be different if I was eighteen and he was twenty-two, though. We both would be adults and adults can do things like that. We could even sleep in the same bed, right? I do understand that I can’t do that yet and you can trust me.”

“That’s a long time from now and we don’t have to think that far ahead.”

Sally spoke. “Cindy, you know that Ed and I are going to get married a week from this Tuesday. Just so you know that we aren’t keeping anything from you, I’m going to be sleeping downstairs with Ed tonight. If Paul needs me, would you come get me? I think Paul will be all right but if you need me, that’s where I will be.”

“Are you going to be making love to Ed? You are so lucky. I wish I was.”

“Cindy!” This exploded from Penny.

“I know Mom.” Cindy then giggled. “Ed is too old for me, but I have feelings too. Tell me, in the few times Ed has hugged us, don’t you feel like you could melt right into his arms and have him hold you forever?”

“I guess this conversation has gone far enough, young lady.”

Cindy smirked at Sally. “Mom always changes the subject when I’m right and she doesn’t want to admit it. I’m glad Ed chose you if he couldn’t choose Mom and I’m way too young. Anyway, tonight I get to sleep near Paul, who has always been my first love.” Penny was shaking her head as Cindy went in to join Paul in the bedroom.

Sally and Ed sat next to each other at breakfast the next morning with Cindy directly across from them. They had been up and showered long before Cindy was up. Ed became aware that he was being stared at by Cindy. “What is the matter, Cindy, do I have egg on my face?”

“No Ed, I was just wondering about last night. Mom said you and Aunt Sally are sleeping together. I was trying to see if you looked any different.”

“I don’t think this is a proper conversation for breakfast, but why would we look any different?”

“Because.” Cindy didn’t know how to continue.

“Because you are curious, is that why?”

Cindy knew she had overstepped some line she wasn’t aware of. Ed took her hand and led her into the living room. “Cindy, do you know what invasion of privacy is? Cindy shook her head. “That is like if you are in the bathroom with the door shut. You don’t want your mother to come in when you are in there. Right? This is much the same. This is private between your Aunt Sally and me.

“I could have shouted at you that it was none of your business and you would have been mad and hated me. You are just learning things and we all trying to teach you what is right and wrong. I’m not mad, but I have to tell you it is very private and I won’t say any more about it.”

“Thanks, Ed. You always explain things so clear. I just know if I had spent the night with you, I wouldn’t be as calm as Aunt Sally is this morning.”

“Thank you, Cindy, I’ll take that as a compliment. But remember, Aunt Sally and I are adults. That makes the difference.”

Both Sally and Penny were the curious ones when Ed and Cindy returned to resume the interrupted meal. Cindy sat with her head down as she finished her own. Ed finished first and left to do some paperwork. Penny said. “What did Ed say to you?”

“He said what he and Aunt Sally did was none of my business. He said it in a way, just like he always does, that let me know what he meant. My face got red when he gave me an example. He is just so nice and I am going to miss him so when we move.” Tears came to Cindy’s eyes and she went to her bedroom.

Sally said after she left, “If Cindy was a little older, I believe she would challenge me for Ed.”

Ed and Penny had to work the next week. Cindy had school the first three days before the break for Christmas. This left Paul and Sally at home alone. Monday evening Sally asked Ed, “What do you want me to do? There isn’t any housework to do. Paul is perfectly happy sitting at the computer working, if you can call it that, on those books about buying and selling futures. Give me something to do.”

“Bored with your lover, about to be husband already?”

“God no, but you aren’t here. All my life I have either worked or had to worry how to get this or that done so I could get ready for work. Television has always seemed such a waste to me. I just don’t have anything to do, that’s all.”

“You said one time within the last two weeks that you didn’t have time to be with Paul. How about you start and write a little history about him. Start with when you first discovered he was autistic. List any stimuli he reacted to. I know he likes pizza. He makes that known well enough. If he has something he hates, list that.

“I want to get to know my soon-to-be-son and this will help me. Some day we are going back to the university for more tests. They have established a baseline. If we had a little chronicle and gave that to them before a test they might recognize something they wouldn’t otherwise.”

“You mean I could just be with him during the day and you wouldn’t expect more of me? I’ve never had a chance like this before.”

“Day times yes, night times though, I want you with me.”

“I’m so lucky!”

Tuesday the Fed-Ex delivery truck came in the middle of the afternoon with a package addressed to Sally. She opened it, and tears came immediately to her eyes. Her mother had sent her grandmother’s wedding dress to wear. It was just a little big for Sally’s petite frame, but with a little tucking in and with pins she would be beautiful in it. She hung it where the wrinkles would all dissipate and Ed wouldn’t see it.

Penny and Cindy were thrilled with how she looked when Sally modeled it for them. Bill was standing in with Ed for the wedding and had arranged to have a simple ceremony in the church he attended. It was set for the day after Christmas at two in the afternoon. Penny was standing in with Sally. Cindy was the only extra and it was planned for her to carry a bouquet of flowers.

Ed had a problem what to buy Sally for Christmas. Saturday morning he went shopping in town dragging Penny along with him to help with sizes. When they reached town Ed said, “Penny I want Sally to have some really nice things. I think she looks nice in blue, so try to find some outfits you think she will like and look good in. Get two more dresses, both in black.

“One should be basic and the other loaded with lace. Don’t stint, and get her a nice selection. I’m going over to the jeweler and find some things to go with her new clothes. Is there anything you want while I’m over there?”

Penny laughed, “No, Bill will take care of what I need. You have already outfitted me with all the clothes. Ed, if you are going to buy earrings, remember Sally’s ears have never been pierced. She also might like some sexy underthings. Do you want me to pick those out, too?”

“Yes, of course. Now what am I going to get Cindy? She is going to be thirteen very shortly.”

Ed took more than an hour to make his purchases and had them put in a shopping bag. Penny was waiting for him at the boutique with everything gift wrapped. It made quite a pile and he had to make two trips to the car to get them all loaded. That afternoon he took Sally shopping so he could buy for Penny and Paul.

The first stop was to buy for Cindy. They chose a beautiful tan wool coat with a velour collar. Sally helped him pick out a beautiful dress. Something Cindy could wear to their wedding, and her mother’s too when she married Bill. She also chose a little hat to match.

“What do you think we should get Paul?”

“I suppose the usual. He is always happy with packages. He can’t care what is in them, but he has fun trying to get them open.”

“That is what I figured. Let’s get a dozen separate pizza gift cards and we will put a date on them for one a week. He will get onto how to spend them. I have ordered some online newspapers over the Internet that will start the first of the year. He can read those and they might help with what I’m hoping will develop. I also bought two different video games to play on his computer. If we get him some clothes, do you think that will be enough?”

“Way too much, Ed. You know I don’t have any material things to give you. All I can give you is my heart and my love. Before the next year is out I hope I can give you a baby. How would you like that?”

“Your heart and love is the greatest gift you can give me and the promise of a baby is what I am hoping for. You have already given me Paul and a chance for me to love you. What more could I ask for?” They were standing in the middle of the sidewalk oblivious to the holiday crowd around them. Ed brought Sally to him and gave her a lover’s kiss.

“Ed Bowen, what are you doing? I can’t believe my eyes.”

Ed turned and looked into the face of Eloise Hartley. He smiled broadly. “What am I doing Eloise? I was just kissing my girl and telling her how much I love her. It is Christmas and a time to be happy. Oh by-the-way, you can tell everyone that you were the first to hear that Sally and I are getting married Tuesday, here in town.”

“What happened to Mrs. Peters? The one whom I bought Alice’s clothes from.”

“She is still with me and will be until after the holidays. She is dating a man and they have expressed an interest in becoming closer.”

“That would be Bill Brokaw. You and Bill have always been close friends and the two most eligible bachelors in town. It isn’t fair for these women to come in from out of town and take our men from us.”

Eloise looked so serious and then she smiled. “Congratulations to you and the best wishes to both of you. I hope you will be happy.” She said this as she hurried off.

Ed looked at Sally. “I have never liked Eloise very much. I always blamed her for leading my wife astray. She knew it too. I think she was serious when she wished us happiness though, which makes me feel better about her.”

“Maybe she wanted you for herself and gave up finally when you said you were going to marry me. I think it was very gracious of her anyway.

“Are you going to get Penny anything?”

“No I’m not.” Sally looked shocked. Ed continued, “We are, though. I don’t think she has ever had much jewelry. I have picked out something and I want you to see if it is what she would like. Come see it with me. I told the jeweler I would be in this afternoon.”

When Sally saw what Ed had picked out she was speechless, almost. “They are beautiful earrings. They are real diamonds aren’t they? Penny is going to love them.”

“I hope so. This is more than a Christmas gift and I know it is a bit much, but I want her to know how much I appreciate her being instrumental in bringing us together. If you feel the same way, I want your name added to the gift.”

“Oh I do, but she will know that it is all you.”

“No she won’t. We are a couple now and it is from both of us.” Ed turned to the jeweler. “Mr. Brown, may I see that other item?”

Mr. Brown handed him a ring box. Ed stood with his back to Sally and opened it. He turned and said, “Sally Goodwin, would you wear this ring so that every one will know that I love you and want to marry you.”

 “Ed, I love you so and I’m so happy.” She wasn’t the only one to have diamonds this Christmas. Tears were filling her eyes.

Christmas Eve was Sunday. There was a special service in church that day. Ed who seldom went to church, laughed when it was mentioned. “I have gone to church more when I was in your hometown than I have in mine in the last year. I think I’ll be going to go more here from now on.” The minister was pleased to see his congregation had filled the church. Ed had a minute alone with the padre to make sure things were set for Tuesday.
 
Sunday dinner was way past noon and the evening meal was just a pickup affair. “When does everyone want to have their Christmas, tonight or in the morning? Bill will be here about seven-thirty to visit. I think Penny is going to go home with him. Cindy, do you want to go with them, or stay here and listen to Christmas carols with us? I leave the radio on all night which was a tradition of my mom and dad’s.”

“I want to stay here and I would like to open my presents tonight. There are a huge amount of presents under the tree and I know some of them are mine. Mom and I didn’t have many last year because Bob had started drinking and he was drunk that night and I cried myself to sleep. This year Mom and I have you with us and the only reason to cry is because we are so happy.”

“I’m happy you are here this year and it just fills my heart. So just as soon as Bill gets here we will have our tree.”

“Cindy, would you like to give out the presents?”

“Yes, I’d love to. I’m going to put mine in a pile and open them after everyone has opened theirs. Mom and Sally, I’m supposed to give you yours at the same time.”

Bill and Penny had purchased the same identical earrings as the ones that Ed and Sally had bought for Penny. The women both squealed with joy and presented their men with kisses. Cindy looked envious and was hoping in her heart that she would get something as nice.

Her pile grew as the packages under the Christmas tree dwindled. Penny and Sally had received about the same number of clothing items. Just before Cindy was ready to open her gifts, Ed said, “Sally would you go into the room that Penny has been using. If you would look in the wardrobe, there might be another gift for you from me.”

Sally went in and everyone crowded around as she folded back the door. It was filled with clothes and all her size. There were more beautiful clothes than Sally had owned in her thirty-five years of living. She kept wondering how she could have been so lucky to have a man love her as much as Ed did.

Now it was time for Cindy to open her presents. Her new dress that she would wear to the nuptials was exclaimed over until Penny said she should continue as everyone was waiting on her. The coat she hugged to herself, and threw it as a cape over her shoulders. There was the usual underwear and more serviceable items. There was her own personal radio and CD player with four CD’s of her favorite recording artists.

The pile of presents finally shrunk to nothing and Cindy made another inspection of the Christmas tree, just hoping there was just one more. Bill handed her a box and Cindy very carefully unwrapped it and he said, “Cindy, your mom and Sally have received diamond earrings. I think you are old enough to have a pair too.”

The ear rings were identical except for being a smaller version. Cindy went shyly over to Bill and planted a kiss on his lips.

Bill flushed with the sincerity and sweetness of the kiss, especially when Cindy said, “Bill, when you marry Mom, I’m going to love having you for a father. I couldn’t have Ed for a dad, and he said he would always be my friend so I’m really glad I can have someone to call my father. Mom loves you and you are making her happy, so I love you, too.” This was the first time that Cindy had expressed much affection for Bill and he had worried about it. This display made his Christmas.

“Cindy, I just might have something more for you. Would you try this on for size?” Ed handed her a box that held a cameo necklace. “This was my grandmother’s and usually my ancestors passed it down to a daughter. I don’t know how many generations this goes back, but several. Sally and I may have a daughter someday, but you will always be special so I wish you to have to it, even though it may leave my family.”

Cindy ran to Ed and gave him a hug and a kiss before doing the same to Sally.

Bill made a little speech, “A few months ago Ed and I were just living our lives out, not really unhappy, but we both knew we were missing something. I think we have found what we needed. In a way I had been the odd man out and have now joined Ed’s little group when things came together for him.

“To cement our friendship, I’d like to do something so we can all never be pulled apart. Penny and I never will be and Sally and Ed never will be, but what about Cindy and Paul?” Bill reached in his pocket and pulled two ring boxes out giving one to Cindy and one to Paul. “Cindy, the ring I just handed you, would you take it and put it on Paul’s finger? The one I gave Paul is for you. They are matching friendship rings. Paul may not understand this, but he just might.”

Cindy went to Paul and slid the one Bill had handed her on his finger. Opening the box she placed that ring between his fingers and slid her finger through it. Then she placed their hands side by side, so he could see the effect. Then she took and placed her fingers on both sides of his face and kissed him on the lips, saying, “Paul you are now my friend forever.”

Paul looked bewildered. Cindy jumped up and took Paul by the hand, dragging him along behind her and downstairs to the computer. Her fingers composed a few words on his computer. “Yaakk!” Paul hugged Cindy.

Cindy turned to the group that had followed the youngsters downstairs. “Paul understands; I just know he does. This is the best Christmas ever!”

Christmas morning the house was quiet; that is until Ed remembered what the next day was to be. It was to be his and Sally’s wedding day. He turned to Sally who was lying beside him, “Wake up, dear, this is Christmas morning. Has there ever been a better one?”

Sally stretched and smiled. “Ed, this is totally heaven. Kiss me so that I know this isn’t a dream. Do you think Paul and Cindy are awake yet?”

“I don’t think so. I haven’t heard them and I have been awake for awhile. After all the excitement that Cindy had, she will probably sleep in. Paul will sleep until someone wakes him, you know that.”

“Good, if we are quiet can we make love? I just can’t get enough of you. You are going to make an honest woman of me tomorrow, aren’t you? Then we will be as one.”

“Sweetheart, we have been as one since the night I first met you. Didn’t you feel it?”
 
Cindy and Paul had slept in the twin beds, while Ed and Sally had occupied the bed downstairs. Bill had taken Penny home with him, but would be returning here sometime around ten. Ed had invited Mrs. Butler, her husband Tim, George and Emmy for Christmas dinner but all had declined, so Penny and Sally planned a less sumptuous repast for the noon meal. It still was going to be more than Sally and Paul were used to having.

Ed and Sally eventually made their way upstairs. Sally went into shower and Ed looked in the room where Cindy and Paul were sleeping. When Ed opened the door, Cindy opened her eyes and smiled. “Good morning, Ed. I was lying here thinking about you and Aunt Sally getting married tomorrow.

“She is a very lucky person. I still wish you had picked Mom, but I’m beginning to think Bill is going to be almost as good as you are for a dad. I can see he likes me an awful lot so I guess that will be okay. I just wanted you to know how I felt and I want you and Aunt Sally to be happy.”

“Thank you Cindy. That makes me feel good. Thinking this through like you did shows how grown up you are becoming. I’m so proud of you and so glad I came along and found you and your mom on the road. It was just about the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Cindy smirked, “Just about everything except for Sally. Isn’t that what you meant?”

“You’re pretty smart, little lady, but yes, that is what I meant. Now I think I should let you get up and get my breakfast. I need pancakes.”

Ed went in to take his shower and Sally went in to get Paul up. Cindy was making pancakes and cooking bacon and sausage when he came out dressed. Sally was sitting at the table with Paul. Ed sat down next to his soon-to-be wife. She whispered, “Cindy said one of the nicest things ever to me. She said she wished for all the happiness in the whole world for me.”

“She said the same to me. She is turning into a nice grownup young lady and not always thinking about herself so much, but about the feelings of others. I’m glad we are going to still see a lot of her.”

Chapter Thirteen
 
Wedding day and a surprise! Myra and Walt knocked on the door just after nine o’clock. Penny and Bill were the only ones that knew they were going to be present at their daughter’s wedding. Some different from the last time she was married. That one was boycotted because the chief didn’t like his daughter’s choice of a man. This one he did and was present to show his approval.

“Where’s the boy?” Walt asked the question after the greetings and the women had gone into the living room.

“Paul? He’s downstairs on the computer. I don’t know just what he is doing. He received some new games for Christmas or he may be practicing something I’ve set him up to be interested in. Let’s go down and see. After all he is your grandson.”

“Hrummph.”

Ed had to smile. Walt wasn’t going to own that he had a grandson, not this one anyway. Paul was playing Free Cell and his grandfather stood behind him to watch. “So he won a game, so what? Bob plays all the time. His percentage is seventy-two. He tells me that is really good.”

Ed took the mouse from Paul’s hand and clicked the details showing games played and percentage. It showed Paul had played 2147 games. Games won, 2147, games lost, zero. Percentage, 100%. “Paul hasn’t been here long enough to run up a really impressive score yet. The machine he had at home had several hundred thousand games won on it with the same percentage.

“Sir, your grandson is severely disabled, no question about that, but he is damned near genius in the things he can do. I don’t think he ever will be able to talk, but I discovered a way to communicate with him to some extent and I have just started with him. Penny, Cindy and his mother are working with him all the time. Cindy has the most influence on him and I’ve done my bit. I have a feeling someday you are going to be bragging about what this kid has accomplished.”

“Not to be a downer, but I don’t believe you. I’d like to have you prove me wrong though. How long is this miracle going to take? I’ll bet you a six pack against your favorite beer that in two years he will be the same. Kids like him just don’t get no better. I checked when Sally first discovered what was wrong with him.”

“I’ll remember this conversation and I’d like to bet with you. I won’t though, because it wouldn’t be right. In a few hours he is going to be my son. No one would bet against his son.” Ed looked him in the face until Walt flushed.”

“Or his grandson either? Is that what you are trying to get across to me? If it is, you’ve done a good job of it. You know, I took a big dislike to you at first and later I figured Sally had found another loser, and now I am seeing you through my daughter’s eyes. I’d like to call you Ed and be friends with you. That’s not just because Myra says I have to either.” Walt was asking.

“Certainly.”

“Good. Why don’t you call me Walt. I’m not going to be chief when I retire and that isn’t too far down the road. I’m just realizing everyone calling me Chief is just a bit of vain foolishness. It’s time that people remembered my name is Walter. Ed, I’m beginning to think maybe you will pull off what you want to with my grandson. I certainly hope so.”

Penny, Myra, and Cindy loaded Sally into one of the cars and went into town to George and Emmy’s where she was to get ready. Penny and Myra wanted Sally to have her hair done, but Sally said no. She had seen a wedding picture of Myra in the dress and wanted her hair done just like her mother which didn’t need a hairdresser.

Walt, the chief, stayed with his wife and Sally when Ed reached the house where Sally was dressing. Cindy had already dressed and offered to help Ed with Paul at Bill’s house. “Ed, you get dressed and I will get Paul’s suit on him.” This was to be a simple wedding and ceremony so Ed was wearing his best suit. He was nowhere as nervous as he had been at his first wedding, that is until it was time to go to the church.

The church seemed filled when Ed stepped out and stood where he was to be married when Sally came down the aisle to him. Bill as best man and Paul stood with him. Cindy objected at the final moment and wouldn’t go to the back of the church to lead the procession down the aisle ahead of Sally. She demanded to stand with Paul and she had the flowers in one hand and her hand grasping Paul’s in the other when the organist played the wedding march.

Ed looked out over the filled pews to see his friends who had come to celebrate him being married to a woman no one really knew yet. Mr. and Mrs. Butler were there and Bill’s two sisters and their husbands. Several of the people that Ed worked with and also Eloise Hartley were sitting in the back of the church. Three women and the manager of the store where Sally had worked so many years made the trip. The biggest surprise of all was when Bob and Sammy came in after the minister had started reading the service.

Ed had made a sizable donation to the church and the ladies put on a dinner for all that wanted to attend. Ed and Sally had sent no invitations and yet all those in the church and those downstairs had come to meet and congratulate the newlyweds. Cindy was the one that was the most excited of all. She whispered to Ed, “Someday Paul and I will have a wedding just as beautiful and nice as this one. And that will be the day I can call you my dad, too.” She scampered away before Ed could say anything.

No one lingered after the meal. Ed and Sally said goodbye to everyone and were soon on their way. Ed took Sally to Boston to see a few shows and they were happy to just wander around and see some of the historical sights. The rest of the time they shoved their daily cares into the background and concentrated on getting to know each other and making each other happy.

Ed was more experienced in lovemaking but Sally was the less inhibited, and when they returned north Sunday morning, they knew what they had was something that would last as long as they lived. They arrived in town just in time to grab a cup of coffee and then to attend church. They felt compelled to thank God for the gifts He had given them. Then they went to Bill’s house and picked up Paul.

Penny moved to Bill’s house over the weekend, but not Cindy because she was going to stay one more week at Ed’s house while Bill and Penny went off on vacation. Cindy had to return to school on Wednesday, so really there had been no real changes for her yet. Ed had to work, which was the deal he made with Bill to get Sally moved three weeks previously. Bill then could have a week off the first week of the year.

Cindy slept in Paul’s room now, the one with the twin beds. Ed and Sally moved to the master bedroom upstairs. Ed laughed the first night he occupied it. “Do you realize this is the first time I have slept in this bed since early October? And wonders, look who is here with me? Never, ever as long as you are with me am I going to give it up again. I’m home!”

It was a busy week for Ed. He was covering for Bill at the factory and he was getting used to being married. Penny and Bill had married and Cindy was nominally living with them. Every day she didn’t have school Cindy managed to be up in West Brattleboro with Sally and Ed. Ed wasn’t fooled, for he knew it was Paul that was the attraction for her.

Sally and Ed were concerned for her. She seemed to have this obsession for Paul. Maybe it was because she had declared her love for him. Penny talked with Cindy about the situation, telling her it was hopeless and she was denying herself a normal childhood. “Mom, Paul doesn’t have much of a life and I make it better for him by just being there with him. Ed is the only one who understands me, why can’t you?”

This brought a family meeting of Bill, Penny, Sally, and Ed with Cindy sitting down around the kitchen table. Cindy, now a teenager, sat back from the table with a sullen look on her face. Penny started to say something. “Mom, I’m not listening to anything anyone says except Ed.”

All faces turned to Ed. “Okay Cindy, I’ll explain the way things are. You aren’t going to like some of what I have to say. That said, I guess I do understand how you feel about Paul. We all have hopes for Paul that someday he will grow to be normal. I was there at the university when he was tested. I was told the area in his brain where speech is located is pretty much a blank.

“That’s sad, but that is the way it is. Other areas of his brain show unbelievable activity so we know in some ways he is highly intelligent. You can say if he had more of one thing and less of the other he would be better off. But who would he be better off for? His mother, me, his father, your mother and Bill, or just you? He is a definite care and will be for the rest of his life. We are his support group and that includes you.

“We just hate to see you throw your life away on someone that gives you no real return.”

“But Ed, I do get real return. I love Paul and he loves me. He just can’t express it. Tell me, what is going to happen when you and Sally get old and die. Who is going to take care of Paul? I will, and you know it. Mom probably would, but she might die too before he does. I have a lot of sleepless nights worrying about that happening.”

Ed looked close at Cindy and maybe into her heart. It was as if he didn’t really know her. She was willing to give up a normal life for Paul. It made him love her more than ever. He looked around the table and all felt the same way. “Let’s let that go for a minute. We do know you love Paul, but there are other obstacles in the way of your having what you wish for.

“I’m thinking someday you believe you and Paul will marry. You could, and feeling the way you do about him, I wouldn’t mind. The problem is that here in Vermont you have to be of sound mind. Would Paul qualify? I hesitate to say he would. Sally, I asked you when you complained about not having enough to do, if you would observe Paul and take notes because we may have him evaluated again. Do you see any improvement in his actions at all?”

“Oh yes, let me get my notes.” Sally came back and opened a spiral binder. “Most of the obvious improvement concerns Cindy and you of course. There is a calendar on the computer. I pointed it to Paul once. I have noticed he looks at it every day. I was puzzled at first. I finally got onto the fact that he knew what day Cindy would be up here with him. It isn’t much, but it is something.

“If she misses a day on the weekend, he is nervous and upset. When you go away on your job every month he gets excited when he knows you are returning. He uses the calendar for that too. To me that shows the beginning of reasoning.

“You have given him futures contracts to track just as he was speculating on the floor of the CBOE. He follows the trends and averages. He sells a contract if it reaches the stop limits he has put in place and often buys the same contract back if it gets way low and he has read something that indicates it may go up again. He has been doing this for the last two months.

“I have hesitated to ask if you are going to let him give you advice in trading. I have learned enough about margins and margin calls to know a person can lose a lot of money. I haven’t seen that he would have to answer a margin call on any of the so-called contracts he follows.”

“That is something to look into. I gave him those books and papers to read to keep his brain active and I guess I haven’t followed up on it. Anything else?”

“Ed, if Paul could talk and had full control of his emotions, I believe he could be considered of sound mind. Enough of a mind to marry Cindy, anyway.”

Cindy was all smiles. “Sally, thank you, thank you. I have faith in him and someday he and I will be married just like you and Ed are. I want to be happy and married to Paul and I will be. Is it okay if I sleep here tonight? I want to dream a little.”

Penny had something to say about this. “Sally, I don’t want to argue with you about this, but I still don’t want Cindy to get too close to Paul. I’m sorry.”

“I can understand your feelings Penny. I would like to have Cindy come as often as she has been, though. Paul is just so much better.”

“I like Paul and I love you like a sister. If you promise that you will never let Cindy touch Paul in any intimate way, I will let her visit as much as possible.”

“I can promise that. I doubt Paul will progress that far anyway. Who would he learn from? I will also monitor his reading matter, the same way I would with any juvenile. You do the same for Cindy.”

“Okay, I guess we are fine. We should let Ed be the one to extract the promise from Cindy. She will do anything that he asks of her. Ed?”

“I can do that. She is only thirteen.”

“Do it any way you think best.”

Ed turned to Cindy. “I guess it is on me, sweetheart. Please don’t do anything to disappoint me?”

“I won’t, Ed. I promise.”

Every night for the next month Ed watched Paul play at buying and selling in the futures market just as if he really were speculating. It was difficult because he couldn’t ask Paul why he made a move to buy or sell a certain futures contract. It was just as if he was playing the game of Free Cell and knew instinctively what to do.

Sally was with him every day. She was helping with the research, by reading the papers Ed had taken subscriptions for. She perused these and highlighted them for Paul if she thought it was information he might use. Paul was so intent, she often made him leave his research and take a nap. Otherwise he would stay right there until he was too tired to eat with Ed in the evening.

One Thursday, during his noon hour, Ed called his broker that handled his trades when he was trying to set up buying and selling contracts on the CBOE. “Hi Burt, you haven’t heard from me in a long time. I still have an account with you and according to my last statement it has increased since my last foray onto the trading scene.”

“Ed, good to hear from you. I was thinking of writing a letter explaining that you could be making more interest in a money market fund than you do leaving your money with my firm. What’s on your mind?”

“I’m going to start trading again. I’m thinking of speculating in the futures market. I know more about what it takes now than I did before. Can I do this okay over the internet?”

“That’s the easiest and fastest way, but it is still damned risky. You barely broke even last time you gave it a whirl. If you are really serious about this, it can be worth it. Do you have internet capabilities? That way it will eliminate any phone tag that happens occasionally. When do you anticipate starting?”

“Next Thursday, if all goes well. The following Wednesday if it doesn’t.”

“Are you still going to have me managing your account or are you opening your own? Either way you have to go through a broker. To start with, why don’t you route everything through me until you get totally familiar with the system again? You can switch later if you are so inclined. This way I can give you some advice. Truth Ed, you didn’t show enough attention to detail and discipline last time.”

“I know, but my life has settled down. I have a new wife and a step-son now. They will be helping me doing the research for information. We’ll see how it goes.”

“Congratulations on getting married. You know you didn’t do that bad last time for the amateur that you are.”

Markets had become more global than they were when Ed first tried speculating. Paul seemed to be able to absorb an inordinate amount of information. Ed was afraid it might be too much for the boy, but he seemed to thrive on it. Sally used a lot of highlighters on the papers so he could read and know what the article or graph indicated. Graphs and trend lines were what he pored over the longest. This still was the way Paul best seemed to absorb information and if it wasn’t highlighted he just ignored it.

Ed chickened out in the beginning on the following Thursday. Ed needed to get his feet wet so the next Wednesday he called Burt, his broker and gave the order. Ed gave the order, but it was really Paul’s plan.

The contract was for delivery six months from now. This didn’t mean he would own that option for that long. As the market dictated, hopefully the price would rise and then Ed would sell it if the value started to trend down and he could take a profit.

That wasn’t a bad thing because Ed might buy it back at some later date if the option reversed and began to trend upward. This was what speculation was all about. There wasn’t the need to have to pay the full price either when you bought because you bought on margin. If the market took a sudden dip and if you used up your margin, you had to be ready to wire funds to your account immediately. Accounts were settled at the close of trading every day. Trading in futures certainly wasn’t something for the faint of heart.

Why did Ed think that Paul might be better at this than him? It was because he wouldn’t be acting on the gut feeling that had bothered Ed and kept him from making real money. He would be watching the averages and the trends and not concerned about little dips as long and if the limits for buy and sell were placed correctly, you could do well over a period of time.

This wasn’t all gravy since there were fees. The broker got his fee and you had to pay to put the limits in place. This was just part of doing business. It all could be done alone, but that was what Burt said, risky. Even if this cost him some money, that was okay, for it gave Paul something to do. Ed didn’t think he would realize it was just something to occupy him. If it made money, that was a bonus.

All this was a plus for Sally too. She had to work and struggle most of her past until Ed came into her life. Ed knew before she met him that she hated to go to work most days and leave Paul with a friend or a babysitter.

Penny volunteering was great, but a mother wanted to be with her child, especially when he was so challenged. She relished this position now where she could care for him and be with him all the time.

Ed was her dream come true and she was now occupied. He suspected she was gaining knowledge about the buying and selling of option futures too. Who knows, someday she might try her own hand at it. Ed questioned her about possibly being bored. “No, not at all. I enjoy my life. I keep house for you and I’m here with Paul.”

It was time for Ed to go on his monthly trip throughout the state. Sally asked Ed what was going to happen if action needed to be taken on the one contract they had bought three weeks ago. “Sally, let Paul continue as he has been doing. He has moved the stop limits religiously just as the market has dictated according to past history. After all it is only one contract.

“If the market drops, the buy position won’t be in effect because the market will hit the sell order long before pushing us out of the market. If the market fell precipitously and reached what is considered the buy position, there is enough money in my account to strengthen our holdings and buy another contract.

“This is where a person with all his faculties would make that determination to buy. We are far enough away from the date of delivery of the goods so we aren’t going to own a whole delivery contract for corn.

“I’m sure Paul has seen enough examples so that he would move his stops at the right time and in the right direction. I’m going to risk it. Don’t worry your head because I want to see what he does in different situations. He has moved his stops three times since we bought into it so I feel he is on top of it.”

“You have a lot a faith in Paul.”

“I should. He is my son. That reminds me, when am I going to be able to adopt him? We haven’t really talked about that very much.”

“You really would adopt Paul? You’ve given us so much I hated to ask. Ed, come to bed and we’ll discuss it … that is if we have time.”

The closing quotes on the futures contract had moved incrementally up since Ed had purchased the option. Some days it retreated but Paul had placed his stops so the trading was all within the limits. Paul kept track in real time on this one while following several others that were listed. To Paul it was all the same. A game maybe, but it did keep him occupied and infinitely more interesting than the game of Free Cell he played on the computer.

Ed headed out early Monday morning on his trip. He called home every evening. This was to be an extended trip and clear to the Canadian border, the longest one this year so far. He wouldn’t be back until the following Tuesday. Monday night when Ed called Sally, she was real excited. “Ed the market was going up all of last week. It went up like crazy today. Paul has moved the stop limit order up near the closing quote. If it dips even incrementally at opening tomorrow morning you will be out of the market.”

“That’s good. That is how it is supposed to work. Let’s hope there is a buyer that goes against the trend. Nothing goes up forever. That is where I was having problems, although I probably would have sold before this. Let Paul handle it.”

“Okay. It seems as if you have been gone for months. Tomorrow night I will have you to cuddle with. I wish you were here tonight.”

“I know sweetheart. I still remember the night I stopped at your house and met you the first time.”

“I do too. At that time I was so jealous of Penny. Cindy and Penny built you up as such a wonderful guy. I didn’t think life was fair because it wasn’t happening to me.”

“I did think about Penny that way at first. That is until I met you. She stepped aside when she saw I was interested in you. Thank God we went dancing that time when she met Bill.”

“There still is the problem with Cindy. There still is no clear answer. She is so set on making a life with Paul, but I don’t see where she could be happy with him.”

“I know. It’s sad. Paul just can’t show emotion. He is showing some affection, though. I can see it in him.”

“Really? I know he loves you, me, and yes, Cindy too. I thought it was just feelings that we wanted him to have.”

“Maybe, but I don’t think so. Hey, I have to get some sleep. I have a long stop in St. Johnsbury. I will be home as soon as I can tomorrow. Count on it.” Ed hated saying good night, but he did.

Ed arrived back in Brattleboro at 3:30 and finished up at the office by 5:00. He drove into his dooryard. Cindy was standing in the doorway waiting. She had a concerned look on her face as he gave her his usual hug. “What’s the matter, Cindy?”

“Nothing is the matter. I’m glad you are home. I’m staying the night and going to school from here in the morning.”

“I’ll drive you. I don’t need to be in the office too early. My you’re getting to be a big girl.”

Cindy blushed red. “I know; Mom is taking me shopping for some things after school tomorrow. Aunt Sally noticed first and talked to Mom about it.” Cindy had begun to develop a figure. It seemed to have happened overnight. Well, that happens to thirteen-year-old girls.

Sally was in the kitchen and Ed came up behind her and put his arms around her. He nuzzled her neck and she turned and came into his arms. When they pulled apart, Ed noticed that there was a look on her face much like what was on Cindy’s a few minutes before. He ignored it.

“Where is Paul?”

“Downstairs at the computer.” Sally didn’t look at him.

Ed went to the top of the stairs and shouted, “Paul, I’m home.”

“Yaakk.” Paul rarely moved from one place to another without being urged by someone. Today he came slowly up the stairs. This had never happened before. To Ed, this was forward progress in Paul’s development. Not much if this was in a normal person, but a whole lot in Paul’s case. Ed looked into his face and again saw that short-lived moment of intelligence that appeared rarely. It was gone by the time Ed hugged him.

“So, what’s new? Was the option sold as you predicted?”

Sally answered, “Yes. We’ll discuss it after we eat. Go wash up while I put supper on the table.”

Ed felt like something serious had happened and he felt he was being put off. “Did something happen and we lost money?”

“No dear, there was a profit.” Sally smiled and fluttered her hand for him to go. There were unfathomable glances between Cindy and Sally all through the meal. “Sit dear, and watch the news while Cindy and I do up the dishes. Sit on the couch so Paul can be near you. He has missed you a lot.”

Chapter Fourteen
 
Finally Sally and Cindy came in. Cindy sat next to Paul and took his hand in hers. Sally spoke, “Ed, you were out of the market twenty minutes into the session this morning.” Paul hardly noticed.

“The thing is, I wasn’t watching Paul that closely and I should have been. He was looking at those five other contracts we let him follow on paper. I came back an hour later and discovered he had sent in a buy order for all five of them. Four options had already been confirmed. I was shocked and was puzzling what to do when the last confirmation came back. You now hold positions on five contracts.”

Sally was nervous. Cindy spoke up, “Ed, you can’t blame Paul. He didn’t know he wasn’t supposed to do that.” Ed looked from one to the other.

“The account must be nearly bottomed out, isn’t it?”

“It was all day, but when the sale from the original was entered, you do have some cushion.”

“We’re okay then. I’ll wire more funds tomorrow just to be sure. I wasn’t going to get back into the market so soon or so heavily, but Paul handled it correctly. He has been watching those particular five contracts and I’m inclined to go with what he has done. They are all for different goods, so I wouldn’t think we could lose money on all of them at the same time. Who knows, maybe Paul knows how to do this better than anyone.”

“You aren’t mad? I was so worried and needed some support so I called and had Emma drive Cindy up here to siphon off any anger.”

“Honey, when have I ever been mad at you?”

“Never, but there is always the first time. You trusted me to watch what Paul was doing and I didn’t do a very good job.”

“Sally, to be honest I didn’t think we would make money on the first option and Paul made more than I would have. As long as we don’t overreach and get greedy we are fine. We will hold to this program that keeps Paul occupied and happy. I say we should go ahead and let him continue.”

“I was hoping you would feel that way. I just wish Paul could know how hard you are working to keep him happy. He is so far ahead of where he was when you first came into contact with him.” Sally was silent looking down at the floor for a minute then she looked at Ed. “I made an appointment to see George when I called Emma today. I think I may be pregnant.”

“Wow, I’ll have to leave more often. Two wonderful surprises when I get back home.”

Cindy turned to Paul and took his face in her hands. “You hear that Paul? You are going to have a brother or sister.” She then kissed him on the lips.

“Yaakk.”

Ed saw this. “Careful, Cindy.”

“I know Ed, I was just so excited.” Ed didn’t make an issue of Cindy kissing Paul, but it bothered him. This set Ed to thinking about Paul’s future. In one way it didn’t look promising for him to be beyond what he was right now. Sally watched his diet closely to make sure he was nourished correctly. That is except for the occasional pizzas that Paul loved.

Paul was going to be seventeen in another month. Ed figured puberty had been arrested and might never be reached. There wasn’t any obvious sign of it that he could detect. He should also be getting more exercise. He would address that now that he had thought of it.

Ed loved Cindy and considered her as his little girl because they were so close. But now she was growing into a young woman and he really had no right to caution her tonight. Thoughts returned to Paul. It might be a good idea for George to examine Paul and see if he could tell if Paul would turn into a young man with rampant hormones and all that went with growing up.

Sally was directed to keep a journal about what were Paul’s accomplishments and those things that he couldn’t begin to do. In another year he would return Paul to university for revaluation. What would that show when matched against the base line done a year ago?

Ed did have Sally begin to walk Paul up the mountain behind the house. It would do her good as well to get some exercise to strengthen her for the coming birth of their baby. He had reveled in taking charge of Paul and considered him as his son, but then to sire your own was a happy feeling that couldn’t be denied.

He did make time to talk to Penny the next day. “Penny, Cindy kissed Paul on the lips last night. I don’t think I approve of her doing that. I did let Cindy know of my displeasure.”

“How did it come about?”

“Sally was telling me she had an appointment with George to confirm she was pregnant. Cindy turned to Paul and kissed him. She claims she was just excited.”

“You mean like this?” Penny came into Ed’s arms and kissed him. “Wow, this is exciting.”

“Yes it is, but I don’t want Cindy to be hurt. I thought we should nip it in the bud if it was more. She hasn’t changed her mind one bit when she claimed she was going to marry him. I wish she could, for I love her as much as I would if she was my own daughter. She isn’t, so I have to leave it up to you and Bill.”

“Leave Bill out of it. He just spoils her. I will talk to her. It may mean keeping her away from Paul more than we have. You have my permission to explain to her how she is going to screw her life up better than I can.”

“That’s all I can ask. I hate to see her heartbroken.”

Two days later Cindy was standing in the parking lot beside Ed’s vehicle. “Ed, I’m mad at you. You went to mother about me kissing Paul. Why did you do that to me? I thought we were friends.”

“How did you get here?”

“I took a taxi.”

“Come sit in my office and we’ll talk. I’ll let Bill know you are here, but just to talk to me. You can ride home with him. He will be finished in another hour.”

“Okay, but you have hurt my feelings.”

Ed got them both a candy bar and a bottle of water. “Cindy, you must know that I love both you and Paul equally. For a few months in the past when you first arrived here you and Paul were separated and it might have been a good thing if you had remained that way. Paul would have died on the vine so-to-speak. I think now he is about as happy as he can be. Sally is happy and he must at some level feel that.

“I know he loves me and probably you as well. Your mother too, because it was she who first gave him a way to entertain himself by teaching him to play Free Cell. He is still locked away from us, though. To be honest I just can’t imagine of you having a satisfying life with him. That is my biggest concern. If you were twenty and he was twenty-four and you wanted to get intimate, I would say it was your choice.”

“But Ed, he needs me now and I love him so much.”

“And you’re only thirteen.”

“I know but I’ll be fourteen soon. It sucks doesn’t it? I guess you don’t want me to have anything more to do with Paul?”

“I didn’t say that, but you could do other things so when you get older you can make a wiser choice.”

“You mean better don’t you? For me he is the best. There are no better choices.”

“I don’t mean that all. You are making this decision when you are too young. You should be out more with your age group. You must have friends?”

“I do, but they are all boy crazy and that is so juvenile.”

“I suppose. Cindy, how would they feel about you if you started taking Paul to your school functions the way he is? Kids can be so cruel and they would think you were crazy to have a friend like him. They would laugh you right out of school. That’s what I’m trying to save you from. You do need the experience of growing up with your peers. You aren’t playing any sports or you haven’t participated in a lot of things that you should be doing. You know like dances and being in school plays and stuff like that.

“School is an ongoing learning experience. It isn’t just what you get from books. I know you are smart enough there.”

“Thanks for that, Ed. So you are saying I can’t see Paul? I’ll die!”

“No you won’t, but I don’t want him to be your main interest. Let’s figure this out. You can e-mail him as much as you want to about your activities the same as you have been doing. Say we make Saturday night a night out to the movies or out to dinner and you can stay over and have breakfast with us Sunday mornings. With the baby coming Sally and I are planning on building two more rooms on. We can say one of them is yours.”

“You do love me don’t you?”

“I do. All I’m asking is that there will be no intimacies between you and Paul.”

“Ever?”

“Ever is a long time. Certainly not until you are eighteen. We can revisit this at a time when you get older. Think about this? You notice I haven’t cut you off from Paul at all. I just want you to expand your horizons. Some day you will be out in the real world and you will have to interact with all kinds of people. You wouldn’t get that from just Paul, but you will from your classmates. Let’s go find your father. Time we all went home.”

“Ed, you and I both know you are my real father.” Ed just shook his head, but smiled and reached out and touched Cindy’s hand.

---

In coming months and years Cindy adhered to what Ed had set forth. Ed himself was a happy person. Brian Bowen arrived on time and was found without defects. This had been a worry in the back of his and Sally’s mind. Paul gained somewhat. His accomplishments were minor, but each one was applauded. He took care of his own needs, dressing, eating and he routinely moved about the house. George said this was more conditioning than thinking on his own.

Ed felt his family was complete now and when Sally asked if he wanted more children and after a long discussion, they decided not to. “We have Paul and Brian and say it or not, Cindy might as well be family. She has done everything I have asked of her, but I don’t think she has changed her mind about Paul. She never mentions marrying, but she still comes to be with him when she is free.”

“I know it is crazy and a little spooky, but it makes Paul happy.” Ed put this down as the mother in Sally speaking.

Ed had done a couple of things to keep abreast of the documentation of Paul’s life more than the journal Sally kept. He purchased a video camera and Sally and Paul were taped in his day-to-day actions. Some with each member of the family and most often with Cindy.

Ed had George examine Paul several times. “Paul has reached puberty but it is late. It is difficult to pinpoint because I can’t ask questions. I do believe he could be fully functional sexually. The only sound he makes is much deeper, he has facial hair on his chest, under his arms, and other places as well.”

“I know he can get an erection. His clothes tent when he gets up in the morning.”

“He does have a fully developed set of genitals. I would say he is a fine young man. Not being able to speak is a problem, but being able to converse online takes care of that somewhat. He shows a minimal amount of emotion, but he seems to exude something that lets you know how he feels if you give it some thought.”

“I know. When his grandfather, Walt comes down, Paul goes right to him. I thought that Walt was the last person who would have an affinity for Paul. Walt made the statement he was more comfortable with Paul than he was with his two sons, Bob and Tim. I can tell Paul doesn’t care much for Bob. Some of that may be the tension in the air when Bob and Penny are here together. Of course Bob may have done something to Paul when he was small. I wouldn’t put it past him from what Cindy tells me about their life when he was drinking heavily.”

“He has changed though, hasn’t he?”

“Yes, or I wouldn’t have him and Sammy here hardly at all. I have one thing more to do on my list if I can arrange it. I want the team of doctors at the university to evaluate Paul again. Is that neurologist still there? Steve something, I believe his name was. What I really would like is to have them come and see Paul in his natural setting. It was damned traumatic for Paul last time up at the university.”

“Yes he is. Let me talk to him. Maybe I can set it up for you.”

“Thanks George.”

A week later Ed had his answer. “Ed, this is George. You said you wanted to have Paul evaluated in his home environment? Well, be prepared because Steve is in town tonight. What time does Paul get up in the morning?”

“Eight-thirty usually.”

“Well, two doctors will be up to observe the start of Paul’s day. Can Sally feed them? They will be there in the background all day until Paul goes to bed in the evening. Have him do whatever he normally does. You said one time Sally was keeping a diary of his actions. Provide that for them and any other information you might have concerning Paul. Steve Golden is behind this and he was planning on doing a follow-up when Paul reached eighteen. He jumped on this when I contacted him three days ago.”

“We will be ready for Steve when he gets here. Does this mean Paul won’t have to go to the hospital for tests?’

“That will be determined. They may want to do some scans, but it can be done here in Brattleboro now that Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is connected the way it is with the Dartmouth Hitchcock medical facility.”

“That’s great. If they do scans would it be possible to have Cindy present? She will want to be involved.”

“The child is still fixated on Paul isn’t she?”

“Yes. She has never wavered. I’m sad for her. Penny and I have controlled it as much as we can. Some day she will be of age and I have no idea what will happen when that happens.”

Sally cleaned house late into the evening while Ed went over all the information they had compiled since the last evaluation. Sally brought forth a journal that was in Cindy’s writing with her observations in it. They were as ready as could be when they went to bed.

Steve and John arrived at 6:30 in the morning. Sally served hash from the corned beef dinner they’d had for supper the night before. Coffee of course, and homemade donuts. “Mrs. Bowen, may I take the doughnut recipe home to my wife? These are so delicious. What is your secret?”

“You certainly may. It was my grandmother’s. These were made with mashed potatoes, believe it or not. The spice is mainly nutmeg.”

We heard the shower running and Ed said Paul was up. Paul came into the kitchen, ignoring the strangers at the table. Sally kissed him on the cheek and he sat down. Ed said good morning son. She passed him the Wheat Check cereal and he poured it into a bowl. She handed him a peeled apple cut into slices and Paul alternated eating fruit and spoonfuls of cereal until it was gone. Paul sat in his chair silently looking at nothing.

The papers arrived. Ed had hired a neighbor to deliver them every day. Sally and Ed grabbed them and started highlighting articles and tidbits that might be what Paul needed in his speculation of the futures he based his trading on. Steve and John were curious as to what they were doing, but didn’t ask, knowing they would explain in due time. When Paul finished a section of the paper by only glancing at it, he went on to another.

Finished he came out with, “Yaakk,” got up and headed for the cellar with everyone following. Paul booted up the computer and searched for financial news. Here he dragged the point across a line or selected a paragraph to highlight. Finished with this he looked at the previous days trading that he was interested in. It would be another hour before the opening bell.

Paul clicked the desktop on the computer and opened up the Free Cell game and began playing. Steve, sitting on the stairs asked Ed what Paul was doing. “He is killing time until the CBEO opens trading. You’ll see him make a flurry of moves as soon as the bell sounds. It will take him about an hour to see which way the futures are moving. He will then adjust his stops and that is when Sally makes sure he gets some exercise.”

“Is Paul trading for real? I mean does he make money at it?” I handed Steve the last six months’ statements.

“Jeezus Ed, you have to be kidding me. The boy is making you rich. How long has this been going on?”

“A year or more. He is trading under my name because he is a juvenile. He will be eighteen in another week and then I’m setting him up as my partner. All of the money from the partnership will go into a trust for him in case something should happen to Sally and me. I’ll manage the trust for now, but in three years I will have some back-up for the accounts. That person will be a partner also.”

“Why wait three years?”

“Because my back-up is a girl of fifteen or will be in a couple of months. She worries about Paul’s care as much as Sally and I do. She’s smart and her mother is talking to her now about the duties of a trust manager. There are obstacles, of course, but all of us will be sure Paul is cared for. By doing what he is doing he is actually paying for his own future care. I don’t need the money because I have a good job.

“I started this to keep Paul’s mind occupied more than by just playing Free Cell on the computer. You may not have noticed, but Paul’s involuntary motions have diminished. That sound he makes is much quieter and less explosive now than it was two years ago when you established a baseline. I think it’s because all of us who care about Paul have been working in every way we can think of to give him a somewhat normal existence.”

“I would say you have.”

Paul soon straightened up leaving his game of Free Cell half finished and sent off a bunch of e-mails to Burt, Ed’s broker. “Paul is making his moves and adjustments to his positions. When he finishes that he’ll let us know and then he will go out for exercise.”

“And what would that be?”

“There is a steep trail up the mountain here in back of the house. He went up there when he first got here. He had to be helped all the way. Now he is strong enough and his balance is good enough to go alone. He kind of had to because with Sally being pregnant she couldn’t go. We worried at first and we had to urge him, but it didn’t take long for him to realize what we wanted of him. He is disappointed if he can’t make it every day now. This was when we arrived at the conclusion he could be conditioned.”

“What’s next in his day?”

“When he gets back he will rest on his bed until lunch. Today while he is lying down, I’m going to pick up pizza for his lunch. That is a treat he never tires of.”

“I remember from last time I saw him how adamant you were that he not be denied. I brought six pizza coupons so he could have them more often.”

“That’s great of you. Before he goes out for exercise, hand them to him. He may remember you. I know he didn’t like what was being done to him that time.” While this was going on, John was going over the diary. As soon as Paul left for the mountain I handed both doctors some of the TV clips of Paul taken at random times.

“Gather up everything and we’ll study them tonight. From what we have seen so far you two have done a wonderful job of caring for Paul. Sad that more couples couldn’t do as well when they have a child in this kind of situation.”

“Steve, is autism in Paul’s case hereditary?”

“Most usually we think. Why do you ask?”

“I was looking ahead to some day someone might want to mate with him.”

“Why would a woman want to? Most women would run as far from him as quickly as possible if it was even suggested.”

“I know that, but I’m asking a different question. Is it hereditary?”

“Is there any autism known from either side of Paul’s family? That would increase the likelihood of any offspring of his having it. From what I have observed so far in Paul’s makeup I would say it was a spontaneous mutation. What triggered it is the unknown. Still it could be hereditary.”

“Thanks Steve, this is all I wanted to know.”

“Yes, well I would definitely advise against Paul siring a child. George tells me Paul’s half brother is fine and has no indication of a birth defect, but you never know. Maybe after we look at the scans of his brain we can determine more. You didn’t let us get all the information we wanted at our previous session.”

“I know but the tests were making him terribly upset. Steve, would you keep this conversation private?”

“Of course.”

Paul came in to lie down. Ed went into West Brattleboro and picked up pizza enough for everyone. Steve and John were engrossed in the information Ed had handed them. “Ed, there is a diary here written in a young girl’s hand. Is this the person you said was your back-up?”

“Yes, her name is Cindy Peters. She is Paul’s social director. Not really, but she e-mails him about what she does in school, her sports activities, and any social function she attends. This was at my suggestion. I thought it would be something to show Paul that there was more to life than his computer. Whether any of it has had any impact on him there is no way to tell.”

“You’ve thought of everything haven’t you?”

“I do my best, just as any parent would.”

Paul took a long time over lunch. He seemed to be savoring every bite of his pizza. Finished finally, again he was followed down to the cellar. He booted up the computer and looked at his contract positions. He made some adjustments.

“What did he just do?”

“His option was called so he closed out the account.”

“Did he make any money? I couldn’t follow.”

“Yes, he made $70 on that one option.”

“It doesn’t seem like much.”

Ed grinned. “No it doesn’t, but Paul had 50 options. You do the math. It took a month to reach today where Paul determined, either the stock was going to slide, or he saw a better place to put the money. So he closed out the position and took the profit. He is pretty uncanny at this.

“And don’t think this is all profit. There are fees and the trades cost money. Sometimes he closes out for just a few pennies profit. He really is conservative at this. He always takes a long position and never a short position. That way of hedging is a lot more complicated. You have to be right on your toes to keep up with it.”

“That’s amazing!”

“It is, isn’t it? I’ve got used to it, but I still expect it to blow up in my face at any time. To Paul it is just a game. I’m not scheming to get rich either, but I want Paul to have the best life he can and this will make it possible.”

Chapter Fifteen
 
They had dinner. This was when Steve presented the Pizza coupons to Paul. Paul took each one and looked at it. A “Yaakk” was issued after each. He put them in his pants pocket. This was the way Ed and Sally had conditioned him. He was aware he wouldn’t be having pizza every day. When he couldn’t stand it longer he would give a coupon to his mother. She would call Ed and he would bring it home for the meal that evening.

Ed called Penny that night and asked if she and Cindy could be present at the hospital with them while the scans were taking place on Paul. Ed had proposed two tests. One before Paul was aware that Cindy was present and the second with Cindy showing her love for Paul as always. Penny agreed to this immediately.

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital had acquired several machines of sophisticated technology due to being connected to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical. Two hours of time had been reserved by the doctors from both Fletcher Allen and Dartmouth to test Paul in Brattleboro.

Paul went in for his first scan at 11:30 am. An hour later Cindy was led into the lab where Paul was resting on a gurney. She ran to him and kissed his cheek. “Yaakk.” He struggled to sit up, but Cindy calmed him and pushed him gently back. She proceeded to stroke his brow and he calmed right down. Steve let this go on for nearly ten minutes and then wheeled the gurney back to the image machine. Cindy held his hand until he disappeared into the gaping maw of the instrument.

There were technicians who were seeing the images in real time, but none of the rest did. It was assumed the pictures were streaming to both Dartmouth and Steve’s lab in Burlington. Sally and Ed would receive a report after all the doctors involved had a chance to weigh in on what they found. Much of the information in the diaries was being scanned and faxed as well. Steve and John’s observations from yesterday would be included.

Finally Paul was released. Ed had only few minutes alone with Steve before the family was urged out of the laboratory. Steve saw Paul present Sally with one of the pizza coupons. Ed laughed. “That’s blackmail, but we’ll let him get away with it. Paul has been exceptionally good through this.”

“He has and I’m impressed. Let’s hope we can find something to make him even better. This is no where near a classic case of autism. I suppose it is similar to a birth defect in the heart. Those can often times be fixed through surgery. About this I don’t know, but we will see. I do believe that the love and care you all have given him has brought him so much further than what he was just two years ago.

“Is the young lady that held his hand the one you implied might want to be in a relationship with him?”

“Yes she is. She has been his staunchest advocate since she was nine when she first came into contact with him. She will be fifteen in another couple of months. Unusual isn’t it?”

“Yes it is. Maybe she will have some kind of life with him someday. I almost would hope so.”

It was two months later before Ed and Sally received a report on what the doctors had determined during the evaluation. Ed and Sally studied it for it was quite voluminous. Steve called the day after they had it in hand.

“Ed, the consensus is that Paul will have some slight improvement if nothing is done, but he has gone about as far as he will go. He will level off for a while, but not likely to regress. All of the doctors agree that there is a 75% chance that he could be made remarkably better with an operation. He is 18 now. The operation shouldn’t take place for another three years or so. He will have reached his full maturity by then. There is some risk of course and that will have to be addressed by you and your wife whether to go forward and have it performed.”

“You say he would be much better. Does that mean he will be normal?”

“No, he won’t ever be normal. He won’t ever be able to speak, although that sound he makes would be much more expressive.”

“Just what will the operation entail?”

“The team of doctors determined that a blood vessel could be taken from somewhere else in his body and spliced onto a vein that seems to have terminated abruptly. This will connect the mostly dormant section of that portion of his brain. This would supply more blood to the area that is devoid of major vessels at present. It should energize that area greatly. There has been some improvement in that area over the last two years and we lay that to his family working and caring for him so diligently. But until a bigger supply of blood reaches the area, further advances will be minimal.”

“Can you explain so I can understand?”

“Well now it is like heat from the sun outside coming into a cold house through the open front door. That is what we have now. If we open another door, i.e., more heat can come into the house and spread throughout. That is what the operation will do for Paul. Using the same analogy, one part of his brain is locked behind a closed door with the key lost. The surgery team doesn’t see any possible way to open that door for Paul and he will never be able to speak. However, what we attempt will be positive and successful. Thus Paul will be much improved.”

“I agree.”

Ed had a meeting at the house, inviting Bill, Penny, George and Emma and of course Cindy. “Sally and I have the evaluation back from the doctors. For now Paul’s life is going to continue much the same as it has been. In three or four years when he is more mature, there may be something that can be done surgically to improve his mental capacity.

“It is suggested that we keep Paul happy by giving him things to do to keep from being bored. Now that he is eighteen, I am making him a partner in our trading enterprise. It isn’t the money that I am after, because I am well enough off financially to pay for his care. Letting him continue doing what he does is what makes him the happiest and satisfied.

“He has racked up an impressive amount of money and I haven’t done that much to earn any part of it beyond giving him the opportunity. I have consulted a lawyer and he suggested after I explained Paul’s situation, that I should draft a partnership with the other two participants. Sally, as his mother, will be the third, and I’m asking Cindy to become the fourth partner. Penny and Bill will be in charge of Cindy until she comes of age. It will help Bill financially if Cindy has money when she goes on to further her education after high school.”

Penny asked, “Why do you include Cindy? She is not related to him.”

“Cindy has done as much or more to see to his well being than I or Sally. To me this is only fair.”

“That’s damn generous of you, Ed.”

“Thanks, Bill, but you should be thanking Paul. He is the one who is doing the speculating in futures.”

“Ed, not to sound displeased, but this will bind Cindy tighter to Paul. Is that what is behind this move?”

“Not really, Penny. Cindy needs some reward for all she has done. She is intelligent and I have faith she could move on and find happiness with someone else when the time comes. Look how she has followed our advice in being more social and taking up sports and being involved in different school functions. Granted she helps Sally and me here with Paul as much as ever, but he isn’t her only interest anymore.”

“I guess you are right.” That was the way the meeting ended. Ed went about setting up the partnership with Burt at the brokerage firm.

Burt was curious. “Why the change, Ed?”

Ed had been the only one who had verbal contact with Burt. “Because I won’t be the one always in contact with you. Paul is now of age, but he is a mute, I trust he is fully qualified to act on my behalf. Cindy Peters has been helping me do the research along with being a companion to Sally, my wife. She is a juvenile who stays here much of the time and this is a way to pay for her higher education.”

“Sounds complicated, but you have done so well in the past, who am I to argue. Thanks for filling me in on your reason for making the change. Are you sure you don’t want to get into taking up short positions and hedging your moves? You could make a lot more money.”

“No, I want to stay away from that. It is certainly more complicated, is more risky, and I don’t want to devote my time to it. What I’m doing is a sideline that all of us have been involved in. Why change something that is working so well?”

“Okay Ed, your choice. I am making money off your account so I’m happy if you are happy.”

One other conversation took place after the meeting. Cindy weighed in, “Ed, you know mother was correct, this is going to tie me closer to Paul? I haven’t changed my mind about me making a life with Paul.”

“I suspected that. Cindy, this will make it easier for all when decision time comes for you. One, you will have some money to actually do what you want to when you come of age. Two, if you do decide to make a life with Paul, you will be mature enough to know what you are getting into and what your life will be like in the future. I hope you are smart enough not to take on a life of misery just because you think it is the thing to do. I’m counting on you to be mature enough when you reach eighteen to make the right decisions.”

“Thanks Ed. You know you and I are closer in some ways than you and Sally. I knew you first and you have always looked out for me. I have always considered you to be my father even though Bill is now. I love Bill, but not in the same way I love you. Paul really is the only one for me and I just know you believe it too.

"Also, you are the one that can make it happen.” Ed was pleased. Cindy really was his little girl.

---

Time moved on. Cindy continued doing as she promised with her life. She attended all of the school functions and most every weekend she stayed with Ed and Sally. She learned what it was like to care for a baby.

Brian, the only child of Ed and Sally’s, ran to Cindy when she arrived. Paul was a favorite of Brian as well. When Paul went for his nap, Brian was right there beside him on the bed.

Sally, loving Paul as she did, helped make sure he received enough sleep, enough exercise, and had good food to eat. That is except for the occasional pizza. He had grown to be a handsome young man. He was subdued and when traveling with Ed and Sally, others had no clue that he was mentally challenged unless they looked into his vacant eyes.

Cindy took Paul with her a lot after she received her driving license. If Paul was asked a question directly the person would soon realize there was something wrong with him. He had the vacant look in his eyes and of course couldn’t speak. This gave Cindy some bad moments, but she always handled the situation somehow.

Ed knew that as Cindy was getting closer to eighteen there was going to be some momentous decisions to be made by her and by the rest of the family. A decision about whether to have Paul operated on had to be made and this coincided with Cindy’s coming of age. An observer who wasn’t closely associated with Ed would wonder why he didn’t just go ahead and have Paul operated on.

It was complicated. Sally argued that Paul had a good life living the way he was at present. Cindy would want to have him operated on so Paul would be more of a fitting mate for her. She would, however, take him for her own just the way he was at present. Penny wasn’t happy with Cindy wanting Paul for more than a friend. She had been hoping for years that Cindy would grow out of her obsession for Paul and move on to a boy that wasn’t incapacitated.

The decision would ultimately come down for Ed to make. The prognosis was still seven in ten that the surgery would improve Paul’s life. Twenty percent, there would be no improvement at all and ten percent that he would be worse off … maybe even regressing to having no mind at all and only occupying a rudderless body.

Ed and George traveled to Burlington to a conference with Steve and the team that would perform the brain surgery. They came away with the feeling that Ed should consider combining the seventy percent and the twenty percent to make it a ninety percent success likelihood and the ten percent the only failure possibility.

“Sally, I think we should have this surgery for Paul and soon. You struggled alone for years and I know you were always praying that he gets well. I feel strongly that he will be nearly normal if we have this done. Your prayers would then be answered.”

“Ed, put that way, how can I argue against you? If the operation goes wrong I still have the son you have given me and the happiness that has come to me in the last five years. I will agree to Paul’s operation and we will care for him no matter the results.”

“Thank you. I really feel it is best for both him and us.”

“What about Cindy? Are you doing this for her as well?”

“Some, but not all. I love her like a daughter and want her happy, but that hasn’t influenced me that much. She has been warned enough about what life will be like with Paul and she has had every chance to move beyond him. She’ll just have to deal with the results the same way as you and I will have to.”

“She should be okay then. She certainly is a rich young woman when Penny turns the trust fund over to her. It has more than a few million dollars in it. That was a good move on your part, by making us all partners. If Paul does wake up much improved, with what is in his trust fund and Cindy’s, they will have a nice little nest egg to start life with.”

“I know, but it never has been about the money. That was just to be a way to keep Paul from being bored. It just happened to be a lucrative spinoff from the original intent. Sally, I have seen fleeting moments of Paul being lucid and in the present. I want him that way all of the time and I believe it will happen.”

Sally was won over. There was another thing Ed mentioned at the time to bolster their love. “I noticed in the last year, you were pretty involved by pointing out to Paul possibilities that he should address. More often than not he took them and ran with them. With more practice and gaining confidence you could do this on your own.”

“You were aware of this? I didn’t know you paid that much attention.”

“Sally, everything you do I pay attention to.”

“I should know that by now. Ed, you spoke about me praying for Paul. I pray about you too. But it is just to give thanks to Him for bringing you into my life. Ed, go ahead and set the operation up and we will live with the results together.” Sally was concerned as only the mother of a son could be. “Are we going to tell Mom and Dad when surgery is scheduled?”

“I think we should. It will be a difficult time for all of us while he is in the operating room and we will be anxious concerning the final result.”

The surgery was to be performed at Fletcher Allen in Burlington. The cost was going to be minimal for Ed and family. Some rights were given up to others involved. This was considered an experimental procedure and would be published in the journal of medicine.

Two of the well known pharmacy companies contributed after winning the right to have their drugs touted while being used before, during, or after the surgery. Ed’s private insurance had approved picking up much of the cost including that of rehabilitation. Two of the six in the team of surgeons volunteered their services without compensation just to have their names attached to the procedure.

Ed wasn’t concerned over the cost, for he would have gladly paid the total amount of the procedure in making Paul better. He felt the odds were such that the operation could not fail. His faith was unwavering in this regard. The many segments of the family traveled to Burlington the night before. Rooms were reserved in a motel. Myra, Walt, with Bob and Sammy would leave for the hospital in the morning because they lived not that far away.

Eloise Hartley had heard from Penny about the pending operation and sent Ed and Sally a note saying she wished them the best. The employees at Bill and Ed’s place of employment posted a card on the company bulletin board wishing Ed good luck.

Paul was to stay the night at the hospital the night before the operation. Ed and Sally had chairs drawn close to his bed. Cindy came in and drew as close to his head as she could. She leaned her elbows and rested her chin on her hands, staring intently into Paul’s eyes. Suddenly she leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. Neither Ed nor Sally was going to chide her for this at this time. Paul eased into slumber.

“Ed, Paul looked at me and he knew me, I swear.”

“I believe you. I’ve seen it before. I have hopes this will be the norm instead of an unusual event.”

“How are the doctors going to do this? Are they going to cut into his head?”

“Cindy, the doctors did discuss this with Sally and me when I asked the same question, but they didn’t go into details, just saying they would do whatever was necessary.”

“How long is it going to take?”

“Cindy, same answer. They don’t know for sure what they will find. We’ll have to be patient, that’s all.”

“I know that. Just think tomorrow night Paul will be mostly well and then he can really get to know me. I’m going to give him six months for that and then we can get married.”

“Cindy, remember I’m Paul’s mother and in the condition Paul is in I’m in charge of what he can and can’t do.” Cindy burst into tears. She loved Sally, but Sally might keep her from realizing the dream of the two making a life together.

“Ed will let me.” This was the wrong thing to say.

This put Ed on the spot. “Cindy, I still have to do what is best for Paul. We can’t decide anything tonight. I know it is difficult when you are being denied something you want so fervently, but you will have to wait. It isn’t easy for us either. Tonight is not the time to decide something like this and you are upsetting Sally. Remember I have been your champion since you came into my life. Now you are supposedly a mature woman and you should know you can’t have everything your heart desires.”

Cindy didn’t look at Ed. Tears were in her eyes. She slowly rose and went around the bed to Sally. “Sally, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to upset you. I’m going to get Mom to take me back to the motel room.”

“You can ride with us. We have to be back here in the early morning. We can be here with Paul when he has his final prep. He will need us all to keep him calm. He must realize on some level that there is something about to happen to him.”

“I’d like that.”

Bill Brokaw, Walt, Bob Grover, George Sims (doctor) and Ed, sat around in Walt’s motel room discussing everything but what was to take place tomorrow. Maybe all were praying in the back of their minds, but this was kept to themselves. The same was taking place with the women in Ed and Sally’s room. No one stayed up very late because everyone knew it was going to be a long day coming.

A nurse was with Paul when Ed, Sally and Cindy arrived at 5:30 in the morning. Paul’s head had been shaved and he already had been given a small dose of muscle relaxant. The nurse busied around talking, but not really saying much. “Paul’s blood pressure was a little elevated this morning, but it is now where it should be. He is a fine specimen of manhood so the doctors said he should come through this in great shape.” This made Cindy feel good, but Sally and Ed both knew this was just nurse speak.

The anesthetist came in. “You have five minutes before we take Paul into the room just outside of the surgery. You can be with him for that long. One of you can be with him there until we give him the final medication that will put him under.” He looked at Cindy, “Are you his sister?”

“No, I’m his girl friend.” Sally looked at her, shocked. Ed squeezed Sally’s hand, not wanting any dissension.

Sally came through. “Cindy can go in to be with Paul as long as she can be. A faint “Yaakk” was uttered by Paul. Sally leaned down and kissed Paul and Ed did too, turning now and leaving for the waiting room.

Cindy came out twenty minutes later and spoke to Ed. Everyone else had gone to the cafeteria for something to eat. “Paul is in the operating room. I could look through the door and it is terribly crowded in there. No one I spoke to would guess how long this will take, but the nurse said not to expect anything for hours. Just think a year from now Paul and I will be married.”

“I hope so Cindy, for your sake. Your heart has been set on this for a long time.”

“Yes it has. Even longer than I have known you. I have faith I won’t be disappointed either. You know if you hadn’t come into Paul’s life when you did, I might have given up on believing it could happen.”

“Not to put a damper on your desires, but still you might have to give up on Paul. You are old enough to make a rational decision. Before you do marry, I want you to consider all aspects of your life if you make it with Paul. Would you do that for me?”

“Ed, I promise I will. I’ll even listen to you if you advise against my wishes. You are such a wise person. Look at what you have done for Mom. I was so disappointed that you didn’t fall in love with her, but then I am happy for Sally too. I’m especially happy with what you have done for Paul. He has improved so much already, I just know things will be okay.”

“More of that faith you spoke about?”

“Yes.”

“Cindy, I have had my doubts about this too, but the doctors gave percentages and I made my decision on what they were. My faith is in the doctors’ diagnosis and expertise.”

“Doesn’t matter, does it? We both have faith.” The hands on the clock slowly moved around the face. Five hours, then six. Myra and Sally had their fingers entwined and were silent. Walt got up and paced from the hall door to his chair. Bob and Sammy just stared into space.

Penny looked across the room to Bob just making conversation to break the tension. “How is it going, Bob? Your company did a real fine job on Sally’s house. I understand that you did the detail on the ceilings?”

“I did. Thanks for mentioning it. I’m being asked to do more and more all the time.” His eyes flicked to Bill, Penny’s husband and then looked at Ed. “You know if I hadn’t half killed you and you ran away, I’d still be a drunk and probably locked up now. You met Ed and he connected up with Sally because she was your friend.

“Ed came up here and read the riot act to my father and he stopped belittling me and started encouraging me to find something I could be good at. Ed helped by seeing one of my first attempts and urged me to continue. I’m really getting quite good at it. Again I want to apologize for how I treated you and Cindy. I regret it more than you know.”

“That’s okay, Bob. I will accept it and move on.”

“Thanks.”

Chapter Sixteen
 
It was almost 2:00 in the afternoon when Steve Golden and another doctor came in and closed the door behind them. “Okay, first I will say that the operation was a huge success. We found where the major trouble was almost immediately. We took a section of a blood vessel from his leg and spliced it between two dangling vessel ends in his brain. What we found was something unusual and none of the doctors had ever seen anything like this before.

“We believe, as I said before, that this was a spontaneous mutation and was in no way hereditary.”

Ed broke in, “Just what was the defect?”

“Simply put, a sizable blood vessel stopped heading where it was supposed to and went on in a different direction through a smaller one. This left an end having no where to go. It was blocked off just as if it had a plug in the end. Where it was supposed to continue the other end was about the same. The correct blood vessel was there, but with a gap between them. It wasn’t a big gap, only about 7 millimeters long. Before we made the splice we examined further and found where there was another closed end that stopped and didn’t continue on.

“That vessel we know leads to the section of the brain where speech originates. We left that untouched because there is nothing to connect it to. We knew this from four years ago when we took the first images. I must tell you there is nothing we can do to improve this.

“We returned to where we were to make the splice and proceeded to make that repair. Blood is now flowing through the splice and into the web of vessels that have been starved for oxygen and proteins slightly since Paul was born.”

“Why didn’t he just die then?”

The other doctor replied, “I’ll answer that. The brain was getting some nourishment, enough to keep it alive anyway. Blood was coming back through where it should be exiting while flowing to the heart. The direction that the blood took in the wrong vessel was like a river in flood and would back up into its tributaries. What we did with making the splice is like cutting a new riverbed for the river to flow to where it should have gone in the first place. Think earthquake that cut off the main river and left the tributaries to keep the area alive, but just barely.

“The blood now flowing through the vessels is now full, rich and normal. Those blood vessels where I said were at flood stage, will eventually shrink and return to normal size. The downside of all this is that portion of the brain will lose some of its intellectual capabilities and Paul will be more like a normal person with normal intelligence. Still there is no way he can speak, but many people don’t have the ability to speak. It is troublesome, but not insurmountable to communicate in some other way. Questions?”

“How long does Paul have to be here?”

“Cindy, probably ten days if everything goes well. We want the area where we gained access to heal or be well on the way to closing. We will be getting him out of bed and check his equilibrium in a couple of days. We need to establish a new baseline for his intelligence so tests will be performed every day.”

“Can I be with him every day?”

“That is up to your parents. I personally feel it would be beneficial. I assume Paul’s mother will want to be here. Ed should be in attendance as much as possible. We are keeping him in a coma for thirty-six hours and then we will bring him out of it. We have had good results by having persons in the room who are close to the subject and will talk or read to them until they wake up.”

Cindy’s eyes swung to Penny who nodded that Cindy could stay with Paul as much as possible. Sally spoke up, “Cindy, you can take my place because I have to see to Brian at home. He will never forgive me if I don’t come home soon. You and Ed can handle it okay. You two always have.”

“Thank you, Aunt Sally.”

Sally and Cindy spent the evening in Paul’s room. Ed picked them up and said goodnight to Paul. In the morning Sally came in to say goodbye before heading home, riding with Bill and Penny to Brattleboro. Paul wouldn’t be roused from his coma until the following morning. By noon everyone had left, leaving Ed and Cindy to be with Paul.

Sally called Ed when she arrived home. Ed had nothing new to report. He did tell her he had checked out of the room and got a new one with twin beds. This gave Sally pause. “Ed, I know you still look on Cindy as your little girl. Please keep looking at her that way. She is a woman now and about as beautiful as anyone I know.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, you are the one I love. We won’t be spending much time in the room together. Only for sleeping. She and I have spent a lot of time together over the last six years we have known each other. Nothing has changed. Sure I do love her but that is totally different than my love for you.”

“Okay Ed, I trust you and yes, I can say I trust Cindy. Paul and his birth defect is really what holds us all together. Brian misses you. He picked up that something is going on with Paul and worries if he is okay. Brian was happy to have his mommy home. He can’t understand why you and Paul didn’t come with me. I have to buy clothes for him today. He goes to kindergarten in another three weeks.

“I love you Ed and even if Paul can’t know it, say goodnight to him for me. I’m praying he will have changed for the better when the doctors wake him tomorrow.”

“I know, Sally, and I honestly think he will be. Still we both know if he is, it will present a whole bunch of new challenges.”

“How do you mean?”

“I mean, we think he is intelligent, but what will he know about living the way a normal person of his age would? What he has been doing speculating in the futures market and being a success at it may just be an aberration. If his brain power is spread out to a larger portion of his brain, will that take away from what he can do now?”

“I think I understand what you are saying. The doctors warned us he won’t be able to speak. Even if he is as smart as we think, but can’t ask questions, how can we teach him? What we say to him may be just gibberish.”

“Hey we have one son beginning school this fall. I’m sure we will figure out how to teach Paul. Too, we have Cindy for backup. She is smart and just graduated. I haven’t seen but what her only goal is to make Paul the best he can be. Paul has made all of us enough money so we could pay her to take on the training of the one she loves.”

“You are saying we should encourage her to become his wife? That is what she wants.”

“It might be the answer. The first thing would be to train Paul to sign his name on a marriage license. The town clerk has to ask if this is of his own free will and if he is of sound mind. I think we can train him to answer both questions. Being a mute shouldn’t enter into it. You have to admit he has become a handsome young man. If there is any question about his mental capacity, I’m sure we have enough evidence to support the fact. Not every person of 22 years can show they have acquired several million dollars for himself and his family at this stage in his life.”

“Okay, but that is fudging the facts a whole lot. You are the one who guided him into this.”

“Maybe, but what father wouldn’t do the same for his son if he could?”

“Ed, you make be so happy. If things don’t go according to plan, I’m sure you will figure out a way to make it happen. Call me in the morning as soon as Paul is awake. I love you.”

Cindy and Ed were in the hospital early waiting for the doctors to arouse Paul in the morning. The doctors didn’t know for sure what the results would be and made no remarks to Ed about it. It would be just speculation at this point. The doctor directed a nurse to remove one bag of IV medicine and hook up a new different one. “This won’t take too long.” It took two hours before Paul showed signs of coming to consciousness.

Finally he showed he was aware of his surroundings. This was a plus in that Paul never appeared aware of what was around him that often before the operation. His eyes moved around the room. They focused on Ed. “Yaakk.” This sound from Paul was the same everyone always heard from him. This time though, there seemed to be more expression in it. It brought tears to Ed’s eyes and he leaned forward over Paul and kissed his cheek. Paul’s hand came up and touched Ed’s face. A look of pleasure crossed Paul’s face.

“Ed, Paul knows you. He truly is aware.”

Paul’s eyes swung to Cindy. She leapt forward, taking his hand in her own. Leaning down she looked into his eyes. Both hands came up to grasp her face. It was awkward because of the IV attached, but he guided her face to his. No hesitation now, Cindy kissed him on the lips. This was a romantic kiss and continued for more than a moment. Finally she pulled away. “Yaakk,” came from Paul.

“Yaakk, yourself. I love you, Paul, and now I am sure you love me. I can feel the love emanating from the one sound you can make. Ed, please call Sally and tell her how successful the operation was.”

Ed moved back to a chair in the corner to make the call. Cindy stayed by Paul’s side. The doctor had been busy writing up his observations. He said now, “His breakfast will be here presently. At 9:00 we will take him down to the lab and run some tests on him. Both you and his father should be present. I have the feeling he will be puzzled by many of the questions we will be asking.

“It is in his two evaluations, noting he is familiar with a computer. We will have a laptop available and we will try to communicate with him that way. We suspect his comprehension will be way off and much of the time he won’t know what we are asking. What we will be laying out for his future is a program to increase that level of comprehension. Cindy, I understand you are the one who will be doing much of this. Are you up to the task?”

“I believe I am. I am out of school and can spend most of my time with him. In one way I have made Paul my life’s work. I want to begin as soon as possible and continue for as long as it takes.”

“Good, we will help you all we can. Paul is going to be a textbook case for us. Ed, his family, and especially you are to be commended for bringing him this far along. The operation he just went through begins a new chapter in his life. All of the doctors and staff are proud to have been involved in making him better even though we couldn’t make him totally well.”

The next week for Paul was for tests and evaluations. He was pretty wobbly when he was first put on his feet. His equilibrium was somewhat unstable. The doctors were unconcerned. “Paul has been conditioned to walk in a certain way, often with a hand to steady him. Now he has outside forces that make him have to think about the moves he has to make to get from here to there.

“The same will show up in all of his actions. We are not certain, but before this if he was told to do something he was conditioned to do it. He drew from memory of a like instance to act on it. Now when asked, he has to ask himself, not only is this something he has done before, but does he want to do it. The conditioning has receded into the background and he has to think for himself. He may become frustrated, but eventually he will want to learn and take joy in what you are asking of him. Just don’t get frustrated yourself.”

“I can do it.”

Myra and Walt came to visit two days later. They were recognized as someone he knew, but not in what context. Cindy was getting adept at explaining these things that came up. She listed Walter as father, drawing a line to Sally as daughter, then to Paul as son. This was drawn on a sheet of paper from top to bottom in the center. On the left she drew a line back up from Paul as son to Sally as mother and then up to Walter as grandfather. On the right, she listed grandfather, down to mother and then down to Paul as grandson.

She did the same with Myra, as grandmother, Sally as her daughter and Paul as her grandson. It came together for Paul when he queried on the laptop about Ed. Cindy then drew Ed as his father, Sally as his mother and Walter as father-in-law to Ed, and Myra as his mother-in-law. She then took the drawings and named Ed and Sally as husband and wife and Walter and Myra as husband and wife.

Paul next queried about Cindy. This one was simple for her. “Cindy is girlfriend of Paul. Paul is boyfriend of Cindy.” She then kissed him.

“Yaakk!” At this moment Ed knew Cindy was someday going to be his daughter-in-law.

It was one week after the operation when Paul was discharged. Penny drove Sally and Brian to Burlington so they could ride home with Ed and Paul. Cindy was disappointed that Penny insisted she return with her. They followed directly behind Ed and didn’t make any stops until they reached White River Junction. After leaving I-89 they turned onto I-91 for the last 60 miles to Brattleboro.

Cindy was adamant that she ride the rest of the way with Paul. She sat in the rear seat in one corner with Paul beside her. Brian had the other corner. Paul and Brian were tired and were soon napping. Cindy pulled Paul into her arms and he settled in, lying against Cindy.

“Ed, look at the back seat. All three are asleep. Cindy has a smile on her face and looks so happy. I guess I might as well give in and agree that she and Paul should marry. Where do you think they should set up housekeeping?”

“I’ve been thinking about that. Those last two rooms we added on will be empty if they move. Would you be agreeable if I had Cindy’s room made into a kitchenette and dining room? If they want a living room, we could raise the roof and have two upstairs bedrooms and convert Paul’s bedroom to live in.”

“You are planning on them not leaving at all?”

“That is what I was thinking. Sally, you have never had much life for yourself. It is now possible where we can plan on doing some things by ourselves. I would feel confident in leaving Brian with Cindy and Paul while we take an extended vacation. I’ve always wanted to visit Yosemite National Park. We could tour the west next summer for a month or so.”

“Ed, I haven’t needed a vacation since I met you. My life has been so rich and full these last few years. You have shouldered the burden of Paul and that has been such a relief for me.”

“Okay, but can we let Cindy and Paul plan their own wedding? We know it is coming, but that should be her business.”

It was almost as if Cindy had overheard this conversation, for Cindy came and asked what they had planned for Paul’s future. Ed and Sally hadn’t got that far with a plan for him. They were taking it day to day. Cindy was much better than Sally or Ed at this. And they were thankful Paul had someone who could love and teach him one on one about this new puzzling life he found himself in. This was what she was focused on whereas Ed worked and Sally kept their home.

It was three weeks after Paul got home that Cindy said to Ed, “Can we talk about our future?”

“You are referring to you and Paul, I take it?”

“Of course, who else?” Then she giggled. “I want Paul for my husband. I think it can take place without too much trouble. I have taught Paul to write his signature. Paul will have to come off Medicare the next time they come to evaluate him. With his money and mine combined if we live frugally, we can have a good life together.”

“Where were you planning on setting up housekeeping?”

“Mom and Bill said we could move in with them. This was yesterday when I told them I would be getting married to Paul shortly.”

“They agreed to this.”

“Yes, and it surprised me that they did agree. Have you discussed this with them?”

“No, but they knew I would be okay with it.”

“What I’m asking is may Paul and I live here with you and Sally. We could take care of Brian if you two want to go on vacation or something. If we moved out you would have two unoccupied rooms. That certainly would be room enough for me and Paul to make a home in.”

“Okay, by me. Sally?”

Sally laughed, “Of course. We won’t be losing a son. We will be gaining a daughter and a babysitter all at the same time. You can’t beat that.”

“Oh, thank you, Aunt Sally. No, that’s not correct, I can call you Mom.”

Ed asked, “When is this wedding going to happen? You must have a date in mind.”

“I do. I think the week between Christmas and New Years would be just right. Brian will be home from school that week. You and Sally can take him with you on a vacation. Paul and I will have the house to ourselves for our honeymoon.”

“Okay, but will the two rooms be ready for you to live in by then?”

“If you agree that we can live here it can happen. I have drawn a sketch of my room and can have a carpenter here by the middle of next week to convert it to a kitchen. I’m planning a counter to eat at and we will have a small sitting room in the other end of it. We will make out fine that way for the winter. Next year we may want to make it bigger. I’ll move into Paul’s bed tonight.”

“Do you think Paul is ready for that?”

“Sex, you mean? Oh, he is ready all right. We have messed around just a little and as you know by now, Paul is a fast learner. I went on birth control pills when the date for Paul’s operation was confirmed. I am fully protected by now. I would like it if we had a child together, but I don’t want to risk having one by him. I can live without a baby as long as I have Paul.”

Sally didn’t wait for Cindy to finish speaking before she was dialing Penny. “Hey Penny, we have a wedding to plan. Come on up and we’ll help Cindy get things right.”

Epilogue
 
It took Paul two years to really be able to join the mainstream of society and appear at Cindy’s side whenever they went out. Paul was and is a handsome young man. Cindy had Penny for a parent, so she is a beautiful woman and they make a striking couple.

Sally was casting around for something to do after being relieved of caring for Paul twenty-four hours a day. She did not want to go back to clerking in a store. She finally opened an account with Ed’s former broker to see if she could make a little money and keep occupied at doing something.

Paul remembered some of what he was conditioned for and still had some grasp on how the futures market worked. His conditioning was gone, but he still had the basics. He joined with his mother and they are now speculating in the market. Together they make more money than they lose, but nothing at the level Paul was making before his operation.

Cindy, now that she had brought Paul to the level of being a satisfactory companion, husband, and lover, now had time on her hands. She took a job at the Thompson Nursing Home with the idea of becoming a practical nurse, but after a bit found this unrewarding. She now was taking courses in Keene, NH to become a registered nurse. Her goal is to work with the mentally ill at the Brattleboro Retreat where many of the state’s patients are housed and cared for.

Ed was alone for a time in the living room thinking about his life. Sally and Paul were downstairs on the computer getting the last quote before the market closed early. Cindy was at college, graduating at the end of this semester, and starting work in town the first of the year.

Brian was in middle school and a happy outgoing kid. Penny and Bill, his closest friends were away for a week’s vacation and due to return tonight. Walt and Myra, along with Bob and Sammy would be here early tomorrow. They would be showing up to join in the Thanksgiving feast and Emmy would be saying grace. George had passed a year ago, so there was some sadness. Ed sat reflecting on the last fifteen years of his life.

Another would be at the table as well. Penny had asked if she could bring Eloise Hartley with them. The two had become friends of a sort. Penny declared Eloise had never married because the one man she had loved chose another. It was understood she meant Ed.

Ed stood and looked out the window. It was a cold, wet, rainy day. Tonight would be much like it was fifteen years ago when he had stopped and picked up a bedraggled woman from beside the road and found she had been beaten. The child with her, scared, sick with cold, had been a lot of the sunshine that made his life so full. His life could have traveled in so many different directions, but all in all he was happy with the decisions he had made that brought him to today and so much happiness.

The sound of Paul’s “Yaakk” came floating up the stairs, along with Sally’s happy laughter.

The End
 
Author’s note: Autism is a terrible condition that affects many people when it arrives on the scene, usually unannounced. Parents deal with it in various ways. This fictionalized account of the condition as related, was to support the Cinderella theme of the story, and has no real basis of fact.

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