Daniel pushed back the tray that had contained a bowl of chicken-noodle soup and half a ham sandwich, thankful that the food had gone down easily and it appeared as though it might stay. Yesterday had been horrible, with everything going in his mouth coming out with terrible consequences. He still marveled that Emily Williams and Lily Cabot, who were both ladies of leisure and queens of the upper class, had tirelessly changed his sheets, brought him fresh sleeping garments and even helped him in the bathroom, all without complaint.
"Mom was a nurse before she married Dad," Carolyn reminded him as she settled him in for the night, "and Lily was a farm girl who has done much worse things than change a few soiled sheets. And besides, even if they hadn't done those things, it wouldn't matter. I never took you for a person who thought much about social class."
"Just more of an observation, I guess," he shook his head. "Did you get everything settled with your lawyer yesterday?"
"I did," she assured him. "I hated to leave you for even that long, but it was rather important to speak to Uncle Mitch while I am here. I doubt in June I'll have much time for anything."
"Are you going to get some sleep tonight?" he asked, interlocking his fingers with hers. "You look so tired."
"I am tired," she admitted. "But I want to stay here with you."
"I appreciate it," he told her. "But I am beginning to feel somewhat better and you have not had proper sleep in the last two nights. I will be fine. I really am not so weak that I will fade away." He gave her a smile he hoped was dazzling.
"I know," she nodded, but he wasn't half-convinced. "It's just that I allowed some terrible thoughts to surface, and while I know I'm being silly, they are hard to shake."
"Dr. Abrams assured me the flu is going around," he told her. He ran his hands through her hair, gently stroking behind her ear and she began to relax. "I, too, had some silly thoughts."
"I used to think that if you were human, that everything would be perfect," she said suddenly.
"So did I," he told her, his fingers moving down her face, caressing the skin under her jawbone. "And it's not; it's far from it. Being human, if anything complicates matters; but I wouldn't trade it because, in some very distinct ways, it has made everything perfect." He looked deeply into her eyes.
"Oh yes." she sighed, sleep coming regardless of how she tried to hold it back. "Pleasant dreams, dear lady," he whispered to her, leaving a soft kiss on her cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow."
After she left, he got up and used the bathroom, returning to bed, happy that he could once again do it on his own. "One more day in bed," the doctor had said, and then he could return home. Sarah had left Monday morning, assuring him she would tell Mr. Eddleson and help the substitute if needed. She called late Monday night, saying his students sent their sympathies and Sam was all right, but angry that his supper had been delayed. Carolyn had stayed through the day, but needed to return home in the morning, as she had a meeting with the editor of the Castine Courier and had told Deke she would be there to watch over the Teen Literature Club that met on Wednesday nights. Since the club had been her idea, it was only fair that she do so; which would leave Daniel alone with his soon-to-be in-laws, which included the very unusual Lily.
He was actually looking forward to it.
OOO
Carolyn departed around five o'clock that morning, leaving a very sleepy Daniel with a kiss and a promise to call later in the day. "You'll be fine and I love you," she had told him before shutting the guest room door behind her.
He had woken up around nine, feeling sluggish for lying in bed half the day and Emily laughed when she came in to check on him calling him a typical male. "You've been sick," she admonished. "Of course you don't feel like getting up early." She brought him a breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast and coffee and he found he was quite hungry. "I like feeding a man with a good appetite," she told him when she cleared away his dishes and brought him more orange juice to take his medicine with. "Brad doesn't eat like he used to and Carolyn never did eat all that much. It's nice to have a son to spoil again."
His heart lurched at the word "son," but he didn't say anything, merely smiled. Apparently he had been accepted into the family and all he had to do was become ill!
"I have a DAR meeting this morning," Emily apologized, "and Brad is at the bank. Will you be all right alone? I promise it won't be for long, but I'm the president this year and I need to be present. Can I get you anything before I go?"
He couldn't think of anything and told her so, making sure to thank her for her kindness. She brought him some magazines anyway and told him she would return around one o'clock and then they could eat lunch. "I can let Abel up, if you want," she added, and he nodded. It would be nice to have the company of the dog.
The golden retriever was elated at having the run of the upstairs, and after going from room to room just because he could, he settled down at the end of the bed, giving Daniel a "thank you" look. The schoolteacher reached for one of the magazines that Emily had left for him, a copy of Philadelphia Today, dated three years before. He only met to flip through it, but the by-line, Carolyn Muir, caught his eye and he began to read. It was an article on the importance of time away and not letting yourself become over-stressed. Knowing that at the time she had written the article that she had been dealing with an ill husband and demanding in-laws made the entire read much more meaningful. Not to mention that it was very good.
He picked up another copy of the same magazine dated April 16, 1965 and went through until he once again saw Carolyn's by-line. This article was on the new park, which had been opened near Society Hill and how the up-to-date swings, seesaws, monkey bars, and slides would add to the enjoyment of children in Philadelphia. She also mentioned the comfortable benches, well-placed shrubbery and flowers, and two fountains that had been donated, one by the Penn Foundation and the other by the Hershey Corporation. But the highlight of that piece for Daniel was Carolyn describing the day her family had spent at the park. "The wide walkways, well-placed picnic tables, and many swings made it a highlight for my family. My husband and I were able to spend a quality day with the children and each other."
This is what I want for them, he thought, to be a family and to spend time together. Sure, we had that when I was a spirit, to some extent, but not like this, not what Carolyn is describing here. And they will have it
.
Carolyn had told him about the job here in Philadelphia and while it wasn't what he wanted, he was beginning to think he should take it, if offered. Her friend, George Feeney, seemed to think it was pretty well in the bag and it would be an excellent position. Still, he couldn't shake the look in Carolyn's eyes when she talked about how she "wouldn't mind moving back here."
In his day, a woman did what her husband told her to do, but this was a different time. Memories of who he was now came flooding in and he knew that he could never ask her to do that. But he did need a job. He couldn't provide for a family without money. Which led him back to the question of was being human actually better than being a spirit.
"Are you decent?" He heard the voice of Lily Cabot on the other side of the door, along with a soft knock.
"I guess that depends on what you're looking for." He couldn't resist flirting with the woman.
"I'll take that as a yes." The door swung open.
She has an easy grace about her, he thought, much like Carolyn. He was sure that as the years caught up to Carolyn she would look much like her grandmother. A thought ran through his mind and it thrilled him. I, too, will grow old, old with my beloved. That was better than being a spirit.
"I was thinking if you felt up to it, I might suggest a walk around the yard," Lily was saying. "It's a pretty day, and it wouldn't hurt for you to get some color back in your cheeks before you head to Boston and they think we held you hostage, or something."
"I would very much like to try," he nodded. "I do feel immensely better than I did, even twenty-four hours ago."
"I'll wait for you downstairs," she said, chucking him under the chin before leaving the room.
"The very nerve of that woman," he said aloud, getting up from the bed, "Treating me as though I were five years old!" He liked her. He honestly didn't see how anyone couldn't. Yesterday he and Carolyn had played several games of Whist and then Emily had joined them in a game of Monopoly. He had often sat with Candy or Jonathan when they had been ill and he had to admit, it was nice being on the receiving end, with people plying you with food, drink, asking after your welfare and keeping you entertained. It was almost enough to make a person wish they would become ill at least once a year. Almost. Putting on a pair of pants and a shirt, he also reached for a sweater and joined the older woman downstairs.
"My, you do make that pair of slacks look much better," she winked at him as he came over to join her. "I'd buy them for sure, if you were in them."
They walked out into the back yard, Abel at their heels, the dog looking as though he were the tour guide for the trip. Daniel liked very much what he saw, a nice sized garden, with boxwood shrubs, two flower beds, one with roses and one with pansies and violets, a bench and gold fish pond, and grass a rich green, neatly cut and looking as smooth as velvet.
"The lot goes back quite a ways doesn't it?" he remarked, as they headed toward the barbecue area. It was bricked and had a smooth floor, the built-in oven and grill newly cleaned for the upcoming picnic season, and an extra-large table and two benches were also out.
"Bradford got a very good deal on this land," Lily nodded. "Of course, back when they bought the property in 1942, it was for a song. I forget how much he said it was appraised at last year."
"Did it come with the house?"
"It did, but they built on the sun porch and rebuilt the garage. Right after they bought it, Brad was called into the army and Emily and Carey went to live with Brad's father. I was in England at the time, working for the Red Cross. They didn't actually move in fully until 1945."
"And he was Jonathan, the grandfather?" Daniel asked, pausing to pet Abel, who came to tell them, they weren't moving fast enough.
"Yes. Jonathan and Lyda were warm, wonderful people, and I loved them both. They lived on a farm outside of the city and Carey used to go there in the summertime. Jonathan loved that little girl; it was so sweet to see them together. He died right after she and Bobby were married and I don't think she's ever quite gotten over losing him. It's no wonder she named her son after him."
After walking the length of the property and Lily pointing out some of the other homes and whom they belonged to, they came back to the sun porch, pulling up chairs and sipping lemonade and eating cookies, the housekeeper brought them.
"Do you believe in reincarnation?" she asked him suddenly, turning eyes very much like Carolyn's in his direction.
"I'm not sure," he admitted, shrugging his shoulders. "I've never really thought about it."
"Well, I do believe in it, and I'm even more fully convinced after meeting you."
"Why is that?"
She laughed as she took a small silver flask out of her pocket, poured some of the contents into her lemonade and then asked him if he would like some. He took a sip after she added the liquid and smiled. "Nice addition for lemonade." he winked at her.
"I thought so. A little bit of brandy, never hurt anyone, and it's good for the stomach, she grinned
"But the reason I ask and said that is because I believe that I am reincarnated and I think that you are as well and that we were acquainted in a former life. And, I also think so because you are such a rare gentlemen in a world full of boobs."
His drink almost went down the wrong way, his laughter brimming over. "That's quite a way to put it." He kissed her cheek. "But I thank you for that observation."
"If I can get another kiss, I'll tell you some more."
He shook his head, chuckling softly. "I'm going to like having you in the family."
"I am a great grandma," she told him. "Just never call me that in public!"
"I won't. But, Lily, if I may be serious for a moment, may I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Carolyn told me about a position that is available in the Philadelphia Public School System. Her friend, George, said it's basically a formality, that the job is mine if I wish it. And I do want the security of knowing I have obtained employment so that I can care for Carolyn and the children in the manner to which I would like them to become accustomed. But I get the feeling that returning to Philadelphia is not something that Carolyn desires. "
"No," Lily drew the word out, her hand going to the gold chain she had around her neck. "It's the last thing that Carey desires. But the fact that she is willing to means a lot. My granddaughter is a sweet girl who does tend to let people push her around. Or at least she used to. Something changed in her when she moved Bobby and the kids lock, stock and barrel to Maine and I for one was happy to see it. Too often she's allowed others to make decisions for her and I was delighted to see her make some for herself. She loves Philadelphia and her home and friends, but she's most happy when she's not here. So, the fact that she is willing to come back and not say anything about it shows just exactly how much she loves you."
"I should be calmed by that," he shook his head. "But I'm not. Knowing that she would do something that would make her miserable, for me; no, I can't ask her to do that."
"Even if it means a job and security?" Lily asked, but he wasn't sure if she was playing devil's advocate or truly wanting to know an answer.
"And therein lies the rub." He gave her an ironic smile.
"Therein, indeed."
OOO
Sam met him at the door of this apartment Thursday night with a nudge and a meow and then gave him the cold shoulder for the next few hours. Sarah had left fresh milk, bread and a casserole in his refrigerator and a note telling him his students missed him, and reminded him there was a quiz match Saturday night and that she was very glad to have him back and well. He heated the food and made some tea, leaving a bowl of milk for the cat, knowing full well he would drink from it. Then he called Brendan, who teased him about talking an extra-long vacation and then he phoned Carolyn to tell her he was home.
While he ate, he flipped through the TV channels, going back through the four channels available several times over, finally deciding on a movie shown by the local PBS station. After a while, a wet-whiskered Sam came bounding up, looked at him, askance, and jumped up on his shoulder. It was good to be home.
OOOOOOOOOOO
He was touched and shocked by what welcomed him as he stepped into his classroom. A huge sign was hanging over this desk painted in large blue letters: "Welcome Back, Captain," it proclaimed. Streamers and balloons hung from the ceiling and there was a small but nicely wrapped gift on top of his attendance book. He stood in the darkened room for a few moments and just looked at it. He was really going to miss this.
"Captain!" He heard Laurel and Cassie come running into the room, both of them giving him a big hug before going to their desks.
"I daresay you both had something to do with this?" he indicated the display.
"You can daresay all you want," Cassie teased. "But yes, we did it."
Others came into the room, someone joking about the school trying to save on electricity before turning on the light. "I'll need to see your doctor's excuse," Anna Marie said, as she came in the room, her face beaming at seeing him back.
And much to the astonishment of everyone in the room, he produced one, telling them to pass it around. "Absolute proof, I wasn't just ditching," he laughed. "And trust me, I felt much too ill to even think about having fun."
"Open your gift, Captain," Alex asked, and the teacher settled down at his desk to do just that. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, he noticed, and he wondered for one brief moment what it might be. When he took the lid off the black box, he actually felt tears forming in his eyes. It was a tiepin in the shape of a sword and it was set with the sacred blue stone of seamen.
"I can't really thank you enough," he told them all, feeling immense love for each and every student.
"Sure you can." Sean cracked from the back, "'Cause now we don't have to get you a going away gift!" Everyone burst out laughing and he found his footing. "All right, I believe we were studying the implications of the Monroe Doctrine, were we not? Does anyone have their chart ready?"
OOOOOOOOO
After the day was over, he sat down gratefully, happy to be done and so very glad to have gotten through the day successfully. He was gathering his assignments to take home when a small knock sounded on the classroom door and opened to his "come in."
"Hi, Captain," It was Anna Marie, looking much more confident than that last time he had seen her. She came over to stand beside the desk and gave him a smile.
"Hello," he smiled back. "How can I help you?"
"I just wanted to tell you that you already did!" She gave out a giggle. "My father said that after he left your place that night he started to do a lot of thinking, and he found that you were right about something you told him. He won't tell me what it is, but he said that try as he might to forget it, he couldn't and that he kept telling himself that you were a gringo and didn't understand our culture, but in the end, he knew that you were right. And so, it's all set. They are leaving for my grandfather's on Monday and I will join them there in June, but only for the summer. I've been accepted at Harvard!" she giggled again and Daniel wanted to hug her. "Papa and Mama have both agreed that I should attend as long as I spend at least the first two summers with them." Her face glowed. "So, thank you."
"I'm glad that I could help," he smiled back, and then he did hug her. "Thank you for allowing me the opportunity."
"You are going to make a groovy dad," she told him, pushing back her long heavy braid. "I hope both of those kids know how lucky they are."
"I think perhaps, we are going to be a lucky bunch of people," he smiled.
"I better go. I know we have a quiz meet tomorrow and it's an important one, and I promised Mama I'd help her with dinner, too. I'll see you tomorrow!"
"See you." He waved to the girl, who was already halfway out the door. "Anna Marie?" he called out, right before she disappeared. "Who are you going to be staying with?"
"Miss Carver," she chirped back to him, and then went off down the hall with Cassie Ledbetter.
"Now, why didn't I think of that?" And he pulled on his ear.