Whispers

     The townspeople seemed distant whispering and pretending they hadn’t been talking about me. Hearing snippets they mentioned his name...Hector. Hector, eighteen years ago and taken what he wanted from me leaving me with a child. For weeks, months I searched for him and then found him with another woman… married.

I birthed Hecuba, passing her off as my niece. She had recently married the man of her choice and now expected my grandbaby and then Hector came back. I wanted to truly curse him not just call out his name. I tried but the words wouldn’t come.

Just let it flow. I thought but to my surprise under the anger I still loved him. I must confront him, maybe anger would kill the small hope in me, that he still wanted me. I asked the tailor where he was and he told me Hector was in the town hall.

As I entered the hall I saw an archway of flowers and a priest standing there. All the townspeople stood there smiling.

“You’ve answered my summoning potion. I’m free from that awful woman’s spell. She tried to make me forget you but she didn’t succeed. Will you marry me, Xanthus?”

I nodded.

The townspeople clapped.

I found myself uttering the words… I do. If this is a spell I don’t care, for I have what I’ve always wanted a devoted husband and an acknowledged daughter. Hector’s magic and mine keep our town safe form harm.

©Sheilagh Lee  August 27, 2018

Heaven Sent

      Since losing my husband, Lawrence when I was two weeks pregnant, Larry’s best friend Kyle had been visiting regularly seeing to our needs. I had begun to rely on Kyle; maybe even love him but was that fair to Larry's memory? Kyle had even moved closer so he could help us out. He had loved Lawrence as much as I did, and he adored Sophie. I needed to see him I decided. Calling him I begged Kyle to look after Sophie, so I could shower.. I only hoped Kyle could handle her colic episodes.

    Hearing the doorbell ring I cursed under my breath; I should have told Kyle to knock softly. Answering the door with Sophie in my arms, Sophie let out a huge wail.

“You should come with a warning sound,” Kyle chuckled and took her from my arms.

      Stopping crying immediately Sophie looked up into Kyle’s eyes with a doting expression. She cooed and laughed going to sleep in his arms. I left them going to have my shower. Coming back now dressed and refreshed I found Kyle rocking Sophie. Eyes open Sophie smiled at Kyle and said, “Dada.”

Kyle looked at me stricken and said, “”I’m sorry Josie. She could have said that to anyone.”

“But she didn’t, she said it to you,” I commented.

“I miss Larry, too.” Kyle stated.

“I’ve been thinking about your proposal…”

“Don’t say no, yet.

“I accept.”

“You do?”

“I do.”

“You’re sure?”

“I am.”

“Tomorrow, with Sophie, at the courthouse?”

     I looked over at Kyle, Sophie was gurgling at him and I nodded. Kyle would make a great dad and an even better father. I looked up at the heavens through the window and for moment I could swear I saw Larry smiling down at us and I smiled too. Life could begin again.

©Sheilagh Lee  July 30 2018

Karma with Compassion

    The story I'm about to tell you begins with someone embittered and broken down by life.

           Now Althea was sweet, loving and a pushover she had been an easy mark to make Helena’s ‘friend’. Helena thought Althea deserved what she got hadn’t Helena grown up in poverty (with the stupid name of Polly) forced to beg for every morsel? Althea had grown up in the lap of luxury Althea's' every wish granted with two loving parents , money, and no lack of friends and boyfriends. Althea had gone to college and even started a career though she didn't need the money as she had a trust fund. Helena had cultivated Althea's friendship hoping that she could lead Helena to untold riches and the good life.

          Althea’s fiancé, Karl had come along and Helena had wanted him not because she loved him but because of what he stood for…money and prestige…fame. she planted seeds of doubt in his mind about Althea. How she flirted constantly with other men and he had fallen for it hook line and sinker, He broke up with Althea who was devastated and Helena consoled Karl and then married Karl. Helene had money, prestige but lost her friend Althea whom she oddly missed.. Then one day a few months into the marriage, Karl was arrested, The government put in jail for fraud and the court  seized everything.  She thought about Althea and wished she had been kinder for now Helena had nothing and nowhere to go.

      Helena wandered the streets but hunger drew her to a nearby homeless shelter, hoping for help and turning to ask the social worker there; she shamefully noticed it was Althea who stood there.

“Payback’s a bitch, girlfriend,” Althea stated.

“I deserved that and more. I’m sorry, I guess you won’t help me now, I’ll go,” Helena answered bowing her head in great shame and humiliation.

Althea looked surprised and said, “No. I’m sorry. You did me a favour marrying Karl. He wasn’t the man either of us thought he was. Come in, Helena; we help everyone here.”

        Althea did everything possible to help Helena even taking her in her own home. Helena ashamed took back  her name Polly and strived to be better. She took loans out and scholarships and became a social worker, never marring again. but devoted her life to helping others. Tragically the two women died saving others from the Trenton Street earthquake; but Helena left this story for others to learn. So today we celebrate dedicating this shelter to Althea Granton and Polly Trenton; two brave women who devoted themselves to make other’s lives better.

©Sheilagh Lee  August 13, 2018