Chapter 89

Stanley

Rhi POV

As we exit the restaurant, I leave every thought of King Kong behind and focus on enjoying the night and the walk back to the hotel. It's relaxing and I'm quite content with Alex and the girls. They all make me happy. I've noticed a lot more people are hanging out in groups on the street, which is odd because that's not normal for people to do in Vegas. For the most part, there's a steady stream of people flowing along the street. The groups of people are mainly inside the casinos.

Among the people on the street, homeless people are either walking or laying on the street. Most are begging for money and most of them are drunks or druggies. Sometimes it's hard to tell what their circumstance is. Some look legitimately homeless by either their own choice or something beyond their control. It's sad really.

We're waiting on the curb getting ready to cross the street, right outside the CVS. I see a small frail looking elderly homeless man who is sitting on the sidewalk near the fountain.

"Hang on a minute guys, I need to pick up something." I try to let go of Alex's hand and head into the store, but he refuses to let me go alone.

Dragging him along behind me I ask him, "Would you mind carrying one of those small baskets for me, please?" Obediently, he picks one up and lets go of my hand.

I walk to the back of the store where the refrigerated drinks are and grab a liter bottle of water, a small bottle of milk and a small bottle of orange juice. I stop and pick up a bag of chips and a Hershey's candy bar on the way. Moving on, I maneuver throughout the store to find the other items I need.

Finding the right aisle, I pick out a travel kit with toiletries and place it in the basket. Alex doesn't say anything as he's following behind me. I continue my treasure hunt. Ha, that's funny. Picking out a backpack and a warm blanket with a travel pillow I turn and head to the cashier stand to check out.

At the last minute, I find the electronics department and find an employee. With their help, I choose a pre-paid cell phone and pay for it. With the help of the employee, I turn it on and have them set it up for me, adding enough minutes to cover calls for at least a month. She helps me add my phone number and I thank her.

Heading back to the main check out, Alex and I get in line. While we're waiting for our turn, I ask Alex for his help. "Alex? Can you get my credit card out of my phone wallet please?" He's looking down at me and pulls out my card. He hands it to me without saying anything. I can still see the question in his eyes but I don't offer any answers. Silently we wait.

As we're checking out, I tell them I don't need bags. Instead, I place all the items, along with the phone, into the backpack. Once that's done, I pay for everything and withdraw some cash. I hand Alex my card to put back into my wallet and take the cash and receipt, pick up the backpack, tossing it over my shoulder and we exit the store.

Finding Kate and Ana on the sidewalk waiting for us, we walk over to them and resume waiting for the light to change. Alex tries to take the backpack from me but I look up at him and say, "Please let me carry it." It's kind of heavy but it's nothing compared to the burden some carry. He sighs but nods, dropping his hand to his side.

The light changes and we cross the street and I stop on the sidewalk out of the foot traffic. Standing a distance away, I watch as people just ignore and walk past him. They don't even acknowledge there is a human being sitting there. They merely walk around him, giving him a wide berth.

"Alex? May I have my leftovers of my dinner please?" With a confused look, he hands the box to me.

"What are you doing?" He asks curiously.

I don't answer. Instead, I start to walk over to the elderly man. I note his sign that says, 'Any help is appreciated. God bless.'

Standing there for a moment before I clear my throat and say, "Excuse me, Sir?"

I get no immediate response and wonder if he's deaf but he raises his head slowly. His eyes find my face and I squat down in front of him.

"Hello Sir. How are you this evening?" I ask, genuinely wanting to know how he's doing.

There's shock and confusion on his face as he looks at me. His eyes are bright and alert but I can see that he's sad and dejected. Just like bartenders, the elderly have a special place in my heart.

"May I sit with you for a moment? Please?" I ask him, smiling.

He doesn't say anything but he nods his head.

Cleaning off a place to sit, I kneel next to him. Stretching out my hand, I introduce myself. "Hi. My name is Rhi. I have something I'd like to give you. If you will accept it?" I pause for a moment, "It's half of a chicken sandwich. I went to dinner and couldn't finish it. I cut it in half so this half is fresh. I also have a bag of chips, a bottle of water, milk and orange juice. For dessert, a Hershey's candy bar. How does that sound?"

He still doesn't say anything, his light blue-grey eyes searching my face. I hope he accepts the offer. He looks so sad and really has no business being out on the streets.

Nodding his head, he finally responds. Reaching out his hand he says in a strong voice, "Hello Rhi. I'm Stanley." He smiles, "Nice to meet you. That sounds lovely. You are very kind. Thank you."

I hand him the box with the sandwich in it. "I had jalapenos on the side and put them on my half. I don't know if the flavor got onto your half. If it did, I apologize but the milk will help keep that from burning so much." I smile apologetically.

"Dear, it's OK. I love spicy food when I can get it. I used to eat it all the time." He smiles. "Thank you. I truly appreciate everything." He looks down and frowns slightly. "You shouldn't be sitting on the ground. You're too pretty and dressed nice, you'll get dirty. Not to mention you're injured. Please don't hurt yourself on my account."

"Stanley, it's OK. They're just clothes that can be washed." Smiling, I set the backpack in front of me. "I also have a backpack that we can put your belongings in and a travel kit with toiletries. There's also a blanket and travel pillow to help keep you as comfortable as possible."

He is silent for a moment and looks down at the backpack. When he looks back up, he makes direct eye contact and says, "Rhi, I can't thank you enough. You've helped me more than you will ever know. You've helped me believe there are good people in this world and that I'm not invisible." He gives me a sad smile.

I'm saddened by his comment. No one should ever feel like that, no matter what. "Stanley, you most certainly are not invisible. You exist and are worthy of being acknowledged by everyone. I'm just sorry I can't stay to help more." I smile and lean in. "I have to go now, my friends are waiting for me, but I have something else for you." I lower my voice before continuing, "I don't want you to show or tell anyone about it. OK?"

He nods, "OK."

I tell him about the cell phone. "There's a cell phone inside too so you can contact anyone you need to. It's already set up to make calls. You can use it for whatever you need. I've also added my phone number to your contact list. Please, call me and let me know you are safe and if you need anything." He looks shocked, almost like it's a dream.

What he doesn't know is that I've memorized the phone number associated with the phone and I will add it to my contact list when I get back to the room. I plan to check on him when I can to see how he's doing.

That's one thing about me not many people know. I've got a photographic memory, especially with numbers. I can remember credit card numbers and phone numbers from when I was in grade school. I even remember my mother's cell number. Not that I'll ever use it. That bitch is dead to me.

I reach out to shake his hand and discreetly slip him $500. Shaking his hand, "Stanley, it was a pleasure to speak with you, even if it was brief. Please take care of yourself and don't let anyone make you feel like you're not worth anything or invisible. You are important and more visible than you know. I'm honored to have had the chance to meet you and you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you." I smile again.

Looking down at his hand, he's silent. When he looks back up at me with tears in his eyes. "I don't know what to say except thank you. This is too much though. I can't accept it." He holds his hand back out and tries to give the money back, but I refuse.

"Stanley, please take it. I want you to have it. It's not enough but hopefully it will help you get back on your feet. At least you will be able to get off the streets, for a little while anyway." Gently, I push his hand away. "Besides, I have more than enough money and if I had more time, I would give you more and help you get into a hotel. Unfortunately, I have to go. If you need help getting into a room or if you need anything else, please remember you can always call me." I'm sad that I don't have the time to help him more. I'd love to have some time to get to know him right now, I'm sure he has an amazing history, but I'll have to settle on a phone call for now.

He looks at his hand then up at me, the tears in his eyes are threatening to fall, "Rhi, I don't know what to say except thank you. I appreciate your help and kindness and company. I will never forget you or what you have done for me." He smiles and my heart melts a little.

I kiss my hand and touch it to his face, tenderly. "Goodbye for now Stanley. Please take care of yourself. Remember, you are worth more than you will ever know and I'm honored to have met you and that I could help you in some way."

I stand up, dust my legs off and turn to find my friends. When I turn around, I'm stunned. Alex, Kate and Ana are standing there watching the interaction. Kate and Ana have tears in their eyes. As I look around, dozens of other people do too. They have their cell phones in hand and are recording, live streaming, taking photos and who knows what else. I try to ignore the crowd and focus on Alex, Kate and Ana as I walk over to them.

I hope that people follow the lead and actually DO something instead of just gawking.

Alex POV

I'm holding Rhi's hand and we're getting ready to cross the street when she stops for a few moments. She looks at Kate, Ana and I and says," Hang on a minute guys, I need to pick up something." She tries to let go of my hand and it looks like she's going into CVS, I refuse to let go. I'm not letting her go shopping by herself. Hell, I don't even know what she's doing.

I keep hold of her hand and just follow her silently, as she seems like she knows what she's looking for. She asks me to get a small basket and obediently I follow her around the store and watch her pick up various food items and a couple of other things, including a blanket, a pillow and a backpack. Wait, now she's buying a pre-paid cell phone.

What the hell is she doing?

She seems determined and focused so I'm just watching for now. I'll ask her later for an explanation. We check out and I watch silently as she puts everything into the backpack. I try to take the backpack from her, but she looks up at me and says, "Please, let me carry it." So, I do and once again I don't know what to do with my hands. It feels strange and goes completely against my upbringing, but I let her.

We walk out and find Ana and Kate waiting for us so we can cross the street. They look just as confused as I am when they see the backpack. When they look at me I just shrug. I have no clue. Crossing the street, Rhi pauses on the sidewalk for a moment then asks for her leftovers. I hand them to her more confused than ever.

Taking the box of food, she walks over to an elderly homeless looking man. I can't hear the conversation because we're about 20 feet away and they're talking quietly. Kate, Ana and I watch in awe as she clears off a space and kneels next to him. I see her reach out her hand and says something to him and, after a minute, he responds. She hands him the leftovers of her sandwich and opens the backpack, showing him the contents. They exchange a brief conversation before she leans in and whispers something to him.

Reaching out her hand, she shakes his hand once again. His face is emotional and when she kisses her hand and puts it to his face, I get a little choked up and feel extremely proud and touched by her display of compassion. Wow, what a poignant interaction.

I share a glance with Ana and Kate and see the tears in their eyes and the look of admiration on their faces. I can tell they are just as proud as I am. Looking around, I notice there's a crowd that's gathered with cell phones recording once again. I can see why. It's definitely worth recording and sharing. I mean, how many people do you see in Las Vegas, or any city for that matter, showing this amount of compassion to a complete stranger? Let alone a homeless person? I never would have thought anything about it. I know that sounds terrible but, sadly, it's the truth.

I've heard of the 'Pay it Forward' movement but this is completely off the charts and puts that to shame. Maybe when this goes viral, and I'm POSITIVE it will, there will be more reports of people doing the same type of thing across the world. Who knows, maybe Rhi will start a movement of her own.

Rhi stands up and turns to find us and shock creeps across her face. It's probably because there are so many people watching and recording the interaction. Her eyes find us, and she walks over, smiles and asks, "Ready to go to the room?" She acts like nothing happened, like it was no big deal, grabs my hand and starts to walk toward the entrance of the hotel.

I'm befuddled and look at her. I can't be upset with her any longer about not finishing her meal, this act of kindness totally trumps that. God, I knew there was something special about her from the minute I saw her, and this just speaks volumes about her character. I'm pretty sure that the world feels the same way. No wonder they are obsessed with her. Echoing her words the first time we danced, SHE's the one with the fans; I'm the one that's along for the ride.

I'm vaguely aware that she's tugging on my hand so we can walk to the hotel, and as we start, once again the fountain starts up. I really want to dance with her but I think right now is an inappropriate time, considering what just happened. I gently pull her back toward me and kiss her. I'm fighting to keep control of myself considering we're in public. What I really want to do is toss her over my shoulder, take her up to her room and ravish her. Instead, I kiss her gently and revel in the feelings that are running through my veins.

Ana POV

I'm teary-eyed as Kate and I are standing silently on the sidewalk in awe after watching Rhi's interaction with that man. "Kate, did you see that?" I ask quietly.

"I did." Kate nods. "She's such an amazing person."

"That she is." I reply. "She has a huge heart. Considering everything she's been through, it's amazing that she's still willing to put forth the effort to think about other people's happiness before her own."

Kate chuckles, "You know how she's always saying she doesn't have a heart anymore?" I nod. "She can't deny that she does now."

"Yeah, she's being forced to take credit for that selfless act of kindness because it's all been captured on video." I agree. "She looked a little surprised at the attention but recovered well and acted like it was no big deal."

Kate responds, "It was a big deal. So much bigger than she is aware of. She's such a blessing to this world, I wish there were more people like her."

She looks at me again and wipes a tear from her eye. "Ana, she's such an amazing person. This trip may have started off rocky and emotional but it has truly turned into a Cinderella story. Who would have guessed we would have love at first sight, drama with fights, secrets exposed, friendships started, bonds formed and trending? All we need now is a happy-ever-after."

I nod in agreement, watching as Alex kisses her. "True that, sister."