Cecil

Chapter 1: Call Me Velda

It was a beautiful, crisp, autumn morning. The leaves swirled gingerly about the sidewalk, skipping and dancing for attention, but Sadie, the black cat, paid them no mind. She lay sprawled out on the sidewalk allowing the warm sun to cover every inch of her silky fur.

Velda opened the side door and lugged a small bag of trash to her wastecan. She walked around the white picket fence to her mailbox and as she stood flipping through her mail, she noticed him. That man. That little old, disheveled man who sat on the park bench every day. Velda wondered where he’d come from. He carried a dirty duffel bag which held an old, ragged blanket. He never seemed to be doing anything - just sitting there. Occasionally, a pigeon would walk up and “peck” at his shoes- perhaps hoping for a morsel of bread, but this man had nothing to eat for himself, let alone the birds.

Velda headed to her front door, stepping over Sadie on her way in. “Are you ready to come in yet?” she asked the cat in a child-like voice. Prrrrr, Sadie responded, exaggerating her stretch.

An hour later, Velda was in her kitchen making a cup of tea when she heard a clamoring outside her window. She opened the back door and found the little old man from the park, rummaging through her trash can. “Excuse me, she called. What are you doing there?” The man looked up at her in surprise. Suddenly, he lowered the trash can lid in shame and wiped his hands on his dirty jacket. “I’m sorry, “but I’m so hungry.”

Velda didn’t know whether to be frightened or mad, but her compassion soon overtook her. “Well, I could make you a sandwich,” she suggested. “Oh, that would be wonderful!” remarked the man, walking slowly towards her. “Okay, if you don’t mind waiting right there, I’ll make you one.” Velda closed the door and locked it. She watched the man from the window as she made him two turkey sandwiches and poured a large glass of milk.

The man stood by the trash cans, fumbling with his cap.

“Here ya go,” called Velda, setting his food on the picnic table. She brought him a hot washcloth for his hands. The man sat down. “Much obliged, ma’am,” he said, eyeing the food with anticipation as he wiped his dirty fingers on the washcloth.

“What is your name, if you don’t mind,” asked Velda. She waited for the man to swallow his large bite of sandwich. “Hi, I’m Cecil.” He wiped his hand on his dirty jacket again and held it out for her to shake. She shook his hand gently. “Nice to meet you, Cecil. Well, I have some work to do so you can leave the dishes here on the table when you’re finished.”

“Thank you so much,” he held his hand out to her. “Oh, I’m Velda,” she said, a bit embarrassed that she hadn’t introduced herself.

“Thank you again, ma’am.” “Please,” she said - “call me Velda.”

Chapter 2: Prayer for Cecil

That evening after supper, Velda went in to do the dishes. She looked outside and saw the empty cup and plate on the picnic table. She brought them in and went to the front window. There sat Cecil, in his usual spot on the park bench.

Velda had lived in her little house by herself ever since her husband passed away eleven years earlier. Her only son, Ellis, lived in the city. She was still quite independent for a seventy-two year old; doing her own gardening, housework and shopping. Her only companion was Sadie.

As bedtime approached, Velda went in to close the front drapes. She noticed Cecil once more. He was lying on the park bench, in the fetal position, his duffel back tucked underneath his head. As the soft glow of the street light illuminated his tired, old body, Velda realized he must be living in the park.

She went to bed and laid there for quite some time, thinking about Cecil and wondered what events had caused him to end up there. As the wind began to pick up, she said a prayer for him that he would be alright, and soon drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 3: The Invitation

The next morning, Velda awoke to howling wind. The bare branches smacked against her window as their leaves twirled violently on their way to the ground. She got out of bed and began her daily routine. As she made her way to the living room, Sadie stood by the front door, eager to go out. “Okay, just a minute,” Velda said, opening the door. She glanced across the street to find Cecil sitting in his usual place. The wind was blowing fiercely. He sat with one hand on his cap to keep it from blowing away.

“Cecil,” Velda called. He turned around and waved. I wonder if he would like some coffee, She asked herself. She went in to get her jacket and stepped out into the yard. “Would you like some coffee, Cecil?” she shouted above the wind. The man nodded and tipped his cap to her. He began to stuff his blanket in his duffel bag and Velda went in to make the coffee.

She realized she was still in her nightgown. As she hurried in to get dressed, a subtle thought crossed her mind….

Should she don her usual pants and blouse or put on a pretty, floral dress, one she used to wear to church?

She got a dress out of the closet and slipped it over her head, then hastily ran a comb through her hair. She hurried in to get the coffee made and saw that Cecil was already standing outside the back gate. “Come in and sit at the picnic table,” Velda motioned to him. “It will be ready shortly.” She made the coffee and heated some homemade cinnamon rolls. She thought Cecil might enjoy a slice of ham as well. By the time she was ready to take him his coffee, a full, five-course meal had evolved!

“Oh, allow me,” Cecil said, holding the door open for Velda. She placed the food and coffee on the picnic table along with a hot towel. “Good morning,” she sang. “Oh, Velda, this is remarkable!”

Cecil eagerly wiped his hands with the towel as his eyes scanned the plate of food. “Are you going to join me?” he asked.

Velda got her jacket on and poured herself a cup of coffee. She returned to the table to find the wind had picked up immensely. Cecil tried holding onto the napkins and shielding the food from flying debris. “Why don’t we move this into the kitchen,” Velda hollered over the increasing wind.

Chapter 4: Getting Acquainted

The pair took everything back inside and Cecil sat at the kitchen table. By now, Velda herself was hungry. She got herself a cinnamon roll and brought the coffee pot to the table. “There now, this is much better, isn’t it.”

Cecil didn’t want to appear rude, but he was famished. He devoured his food while Velda took her time, picking daintily at her cinnamon roll with her fork. “Oh my, it looks like you could use another egg,” she laughed. Cecil tried to motion to her not to bother, but if she insisted on giving him more - he certainly wasn’t going to refuse.

After he had had his fill, the two began to chat. After telling Cecil about her life, Velda learned that he was a widower who had lost his home in the flood that had come through their town the previous Spring. He had lost everything, including his beloved dog. “So, I’ve been moving from here to there ever since, " he said, taking a sip of his now-tepid coffee. “Do you have children, Velda asked?” He shook his head.

He had been able to spend a few nights in the local men’s shelter, but it was always on a first-come-first-serve basis. When he and others tried to mill around the front of the building, the police would come by and move them on. “By the time I’d get back in line, they were already full,” he remarked.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what do you do for money?” Velda inquired. “I mean, how do you survive?”

Cecil admitted he had not been the best at saving money throughout his life, but he had always worked. When he was first married, he and his wife had purchased their first, and last home. He had been a construction worker, so his jobs were sporadic at best. Many of the jobs he had done were for friends or acquaintances who had paid him strictly in cash.

“At times, it was feast or famine for me. Then, one day I fell from a scaffold and broke my back. That put me out of commission for a good year or two and after four surgeries, I was never able to return to that kind of work again. Since I had no health insurance, medical bills took nearly everything I had.”

Poor Cecil thought Velda. To make matters worse, he had paid off his house several years ago but had never updated his homeowners insurance, so when the flood waters came, he didn’t receive a penny of compensation. He now spent his days doing odd jobs when he could get them.

“I’ve washed a few windows, shoveled a few walks and now I’ve learned how to make that money last. It doesn’t take much to maintain that bench out there,” he winked.

“Well,” he concluded, “I must get out of your hair.” He thanked Velda again and started back to the park. “At least take a pillow,” she said. She went into her closet and brought out a small, cotton throw-pillow. “I made this myself,” she beamed.

Chapter 5: Ellis Isn’t Happy

As time went by, Velda found herself looking forward to seeing Cecil, often inviting him for several meals throughout the week. She never really considered herself ‘lonely,’ but a new friendship is always a wonderful thing she concluded.

The days were getting colder, and Thanksgiving was just around the corner. Ellis usually came for dinner. This year, Velda thought she might invite Cecil to the traditional meal as well. She sat down at her table and opened her tattered recipe book. She wanted this year to be extra special! As she sat writing out her menu, she heard a knock at the back door. “Knock knock, it’s me, mom.” Ellis peered in the kitchen window.

“Wow. You look nice. What, do you have a date or something?” He teased her as he walked in. Velda giggled like a schoolgirl. She hadn’t realized that since she had been inviting Cecil over for meals, she was starting to dress up more, selecting the church dresses she hadn’t worn in years. She even began to wear a bit of rouge and lipstick. What was happening to her?

Velda laughed and began to tell Ellis of her new friendship with Cecil. “How did you meet him?” Ellis asked as he took a drink of his iced tea. “Believe it or not, he was going through my trash!” she giggled. Cecil put his glass down, mortified. “What?” he howled.

“Now, he’s a perfect gentleman,” Velda assured him. “Just a bit down on his luck.” “Mom, you can’t be inviting strangers into your home to eat. It’s just not safe. What do you actually know about this man anyway? He could be a swindler, a thief - even a murderer!”

“Oh, that’s just silly,” Velda smirked.

Chapter 6: The Introduction

Ellis stayed for lunch. As he was preparing to leave, he told Velda he had a surprise for her in the car.” “A surprise? For ME?” Velda clasped her hands eagerly. As Ellis went to the car, Velda looked for Cecil but he wasn’t at the park. She was hoping her son could meet her new friend before he left.

Ellis returned and presented Velda with a small box tied in a pink, satin bow. “What’s the occasion?” Velda asked as she began to open the package. “No occasion. It’s just an I love you present.” Velda lifted the lid to find a set of luxury jeweled napkin rings. “Oh my,” gasped Velda. “They’re absolutely exquisite!”

There were four in the set. Each soft, mesh ring held a cluster of tiny butterflies; each encrusted with genuine Swarovski crystals that changed color when the light hit them. “You can use them at Thanksgiving,” Ellis said. “They’re so elegant,” Velda exclaimed.

She gave Ellis a tender kiss on the cheek. “Well mom, gotta run,”he announced. “I’ll walk out with you,” said Velda. As they walked out the door, Cecil was sitting on the park bench again.

“Oh, look! There’s Cecil now. “Cecil!” She called, motioning for him to come over. Ellis stood in the yard with his arms folded. He couldn’t believe his mother was keeping company with this ‘bum.’

Cecil approached the fence. “Hello,” he nodded briefly.

“I’d like you to meet my son, Ellis.” Cecil held his hand out and Ellis shook it reluctantly. “Nice to meet you,” Ellis muttered. He then proceeded to pull a handkerchief out of his pocket and wipe his hand vigorously.

“I meant to ask you to Thanksgiving dinner. It’s just my son and I here.” “Oh, well that would be great. Thank you so much, Velda,” replied Cecil.

Ellis stared at him. “I’ll talk to you later, mom.” He gave Cecil a quick nod and skirted around him on his way to the car. “Nice meeting you,” Cecil called as he tipped his hat.” “I don’t think he likes me,” he whispered.

7. Hot Bath, Fresh Clothes

One morning, Velda arose to find a thin glaze of frost had covered her windows during the night. She went in to let Sadie out and saw Cecil underneath his ratty blanket. Even his head was covered. Velda knew the snow would soon be coming. What would he do then?

She made a large, hot breakfast of bacon and eggs, along with biscuits and homemade gravy. “Come and eat!” she called out to Cecil. He immediately rose and started for the yard. As he grew nearer, Velda noticed him coughing and coughing. “Are you getting sick?” she asked.

He arrived at the door looking very ill. His lids drooped heavily over his bloodshot eyes. “Oh, my, come in, Cecil.” Velda hurried to bring him his breakfast.

As he ate, she went into the bedroom and pulled out a bag from an old, wooden trunk. It held her late husband’s belongings that she had been unable to part with. As she placed items onto the bed, she found a few shirts and pants that Cecil might be able to wear. He was a bit smaller than her late husband, Harold, but there were some sweatpants that just might fit him, if they could pin the waist.

It looked as if Cecil hadn’t had a fresh change of clothes in some time. When Velda returned to the kitchen, Cecil was eating, though not with the same gusto that he'd had before. “Are you feeling alright?” she asked him. “Oh, I’ll be okay. Just under the weather I suppose.”

Velda decided it was time to dispense with formalities. “Cecil, would it be too terribly forward of me to offer you these clothes? You could even take a nice, hot bath in there,” she said, pointing to the bathroom.

“Velda, you’re just spoiling me a bit,” Cecil laughed. “That sounds marvelous, but I don’t want to take advantage of your hospitality.” Velda insisted and went off to draw his bath. It was exhilarating to feel needed again!

8: Cecil Disappears

After a nice, hot bath, Cecil was beginning to feel better.

He donned the blue button up shirt that Velda had laid out for him, along with a large safety pin for the gray sweatpants that were a bit too big for him. He hadn’t been that comfortable in a long time.

“Well, I’m so grateful, Velda. Now, I must be going.” “Where are you off to?” Velda asked, a bit disappointed. “Are you going back to the park bench? You’re welcome to stay here for a while and watch some television with me. I could wash up your clothes if you’d like.” Cecil thought that was a grand idea.

“I humbly accept,” he replied, as he bowed his head to her. “After all, I can only watch those pigeons for so long!” They both chuckled and Velda went in to make them some popcorn.

As they sat watching a movie, Ellis drove up. He walked to the front door and paused as he saw his mother and Cecil sitting on the sofa. A large bowl of popcorn sat between them. Ellis rapped angrily on the door until Velda answered. “Hi, son. You remember Cecil?” Cecil stood up and gave a slight nod of his head. “Hello, again.”

Ellis recognized the shirt Cecil was wearing. “Is that my father’s shirt?” he asked Velda while pointing to Cecil. “Mom, can I speak with you in the other room, please?” An uncomfortable ‘hush’ fell over the room.

“Maybe I should go,” said Cecil, as he began to gather his things. “Nonsense!” replied Velda. We’ll be right back. She followed a huffing, furious Ellis into the back room.

“Mom, what is HE DOING here? What, has he moved IN now? I come in and find him wearing my father’s clothes - making himself at home like he owns the place!”

“Now look here, son, this is MY home! I am an adult and I’m old enough to make my own decisions about the company I keep.” By now, Ellis was yelling, and Velda was beginning to cry.

The conversation ended with Ellis telling her that if she continued to have Cecil hanging about, he would NOT be coming over for Thanksgiving. “It's up to you, mom!” Ellis yelled, as he walked out of the back room. They both entered the living room to find Cecil gone.

Ellis stormed out the front door with Velda following close behind. She looked across the road at the empty park bench. Cecil was nowhere to be found. “You made him leave,” she cried, running back into the house.

9: The Hunt Is On

It was one day before Thanksgiving and Cecil had not been seen on his bench since Ellis threw a “fit” in Velda’s house. Velda was heartbroken. She was missing her friend and wondered if he would ever return. She soon fell into a deep depression and wasn’t even sure if she wanted to make Thanksgiving dinner now.

Ellis attempted to call her several times, but each time she would just lay the phone down and walk away. It seemed this year was not going to be the Thanksgiving she had hoped for.

As Velda sat in her kitchen with a cup of tea, Ellis appeared at her back door. “Mom, c’mon, now. Let me in - this is silly.” She opened the door and turned away from him. “Any sign of your friend?” Velda shook her head as she poured another cup of tea.

“I’m sorry mom. Look, would it help if I went looking for him?” “Oh, would you? Velda cried, turning around with hands clasped. I’ll even go with you!”

The pair began driving around town, visiting the places that were most frequented by the homeless. There were sections of town where tents lined the underpasses on the way into the city. As Ellis drove slowly, Velda scanned her eyes across the streets for any sign of Cecil. Suddenly, she spotted him. “There he is!” she shouted. He was lined up near the entrance, waiting for the Shelter to open. “Cecil! Cecil!” Velda began to wave her arm out the window. Cecil recognized her and held his hand up giving her a quick wave.

“Stay here, mom. I’ll go talk to him.” Ellis parked the car and walked cautiously towards the long line of people waiting for help. “Excuse me, Cecil. Hi, remember me?” he asked as he looked around nervously. He chatted briefly with Cecil and returned to the car.

“What happened?” asked Velda. “Didn’t you apologize to him?” “I did, mom. He’s going to sleep in the shelter tonight and he’ll see us tomorrow for Thanksgiving. He would come and say hello, but he didn’t want to lose his place in line.” A large grin spread across Velda’s face. She was happy again.

10: Preparations

Morning broke on Thanksgiving Day and Velda was so excited she could hardly contain herself. She got out of bed early to begin her cooking.

Meow, Sadie called at the front door. Velda let her out and went to the kitchen to begin preparations for her glorious meal. She was eager to share Thanksgiving dinner- now with two of her favorite people. She prepared the small turkey and got it into the oven, soon to be followed by the traditional trimmings of cranberry sauce, yams, mashed potatoes, stuffing and a relish dish. She was going to offer a few new dishes from her recipe book as well and as for dessert, Ellis would bring the pies as usual.

As early morning ushered in the noon hour, they would soon be sitting down to eat. Velda had set the table with her fine china and glassware and finished off the look with her cloth linens and the stunning, sparkly napkin-rings Ellis had gotten her.

Soon Ellis arrived. As Velda opened the front door for him, she glanced across the street to see if Cecil was on his bench. She looked up and down the street nervously. “Don’t worry, mom, he’ll be here,” quipped Ellis. “You don’t think the guy would pass up a chance for a free meal do ya?” he muttered under his breath. Velda ignored him.

She went in to get ready. She chose a pretty, floral dress with soft red, pink and blue flowers. It had been such a long time since she’d even worn jewelry that she had to wipe the dust from her little, wooden jewelry box. She selected some tiny, blue, rhinestone earrings and a matching necklace.

“Mom, Cecil’s here,” Ellis called from the front room. Velda hurried to finish her hair and make-up, and sprayed a delicate, floral perfume behind her ears as she left the bedroom.

Cecil stood in the doorway holding a small bouquet of flowers and a little cake. He wore a wrinkled, gray, sports jacket and his thinning hair was slicked back with hair oil.

“Well, hi, Cecil. I’m so glad you were able to join us!” said Velda. “These are for you, of course,” he smiled, handing her the flowers. “You look beautiful,” he added. Velda blushed but Ellis was not impressed.

Velda found a vase and placed the flowers in the center of the table. “Well, now, I believe everything is ready. Ellis, would you like to get the turkey carved?” “Anything I can help with?” Cecil asked. “Oh no, you’re the guest,” gushed Velda.

When the turkey was carved and everything was on the table, Velda bowed her head and gave thanks for the wonderful meal and company that the Lord had graced her with.

11. An Awkward Meal

As the meal began, so did the questions. Ellis began to pump Cecil about his past, jobs, home life and how he ended up homeless. Velda sensed he wasn’t really interested but was just trying to humiliate Cecil. She began to feel very uneasy.

Cecil did his best to answer his questions out of respect for Velda. It was clear Ellis did not care for him and it made the meal very awkward.

“What is it that you do, Ellis?” Cecil asked, trying to shift the attention off of himself. “Armed Security for the Federal Center,” he replied. “Yep. A job that requires alertness and reliability. It’s not for everyone,” he remarked snidely.

When the supper was over and dessert had been served, Velda began clearing the dishes. The men helped take the plates into the kitchen and Velda rinsed and stacked them.

Cecil felt he had had enough of Ellis and needed to get out of there! “Well, thank you again, Velda for the meal. It was delicious, as always!” Velda walked Cecil to the door. “Breakfast tomorrow?” she whispered. Cecil confirmed her request with a smile. “Goodnight”

As Ellis picked through some turkey, Velda pulled the tablecloth off and gathered the napkins. She noticed one of the rings was missing. “Oh, no,” she muttered. “What’s wrong?” Ellis asked. “One of my napkin rings - it’s missing.” “Are you sure?” Ellis asked. “Well, it must have fallen on the floor or something because I have the others.” She went into the dining room and looked on the floor, moving chairs and checking under the china cabinet.

Ellis remarked with sarcasm as he cut another slice of pie. “Well, I bet I know whose placemat it was in front of.” ‘What are you implying?” Velda asked. “I’m just saying, it’s strange we had three EXPENSIVE napkin rings out, your “guest” is gone and now we have two. Wake up, mom!”

“Now what would Cecil want with a napkin ring? Really, Ellis.” “I dunno, maybe he’d try and sell it or something. Ya wanna know how much I paid for those things?” “NO, I don’t” replied Velda as she continued to look around the room.

“Well, it’s your loss, mom,” Ellis snapped as he took his plate to the sink. He rinsed his hands and wiped them with a paper towel. As he proceeded to throw it away, a shiny object caught his eye. There in the wastebasket, among the scraps, lay the napkin ring.

12: Impressions of Cecil

“Here it is, mom,” Ellis said, fishing the ring from the trash. Velda took it from his hand and rinsed it under the tap. She polished it and placed it back in the box with the others. “Well, don’t I get a thank-you for finding it?” Ellis asked. “Well, don’t I get an APOLOGY for your insinuations about my friend?” Velda shot back. “You know, I don’t know why you dislike him so much? You won’t even give him a chance.”

Ellis sat down with a hot cup of coffee. “Mom, you can’t blame me for being wary, after all, you caught the guy going through your trash. How honest does that make him? I just don’t want him taking advantage of you. Still, I’m- I’m sorry I was wrong to judge Cecil about the napkin ring.”

Velda sat down and began to cry. “I just want you two to get along. I want to be able to expand my friendship with him and it seems this ‘disdain’ you have towards him is a barrier we won’t be able to break through.”

“I’m just not sure what his angle is, mom. What is his true intent?” Velda shook her head and rose from the table, defeated. I'm going to bed. You can let yourself out.”

13: Breakfast at Velda’s

The morning after Thanksgiving was a brisk and chilly one. As usual, Velda let the cat out and invited Cecil to eat. He never just assumed, but like a gentleman always waited until he was invited. As they sat eating, Velda was quiet. “That was a lovely meal last night, Velda,” Cecil said, trying to break the silence. “I hope I was able to put Ellis’s mind at ease somewhat,” he laughed.

Velda was embarrassed about her son’s ill behavior. She felt stuck in the middle. Ellis had raised some valid points. After all, what did she really know about this man other than what he had told her. Should she just take everything he said at ‘face value?’

As breakfast ended, Cecil had a small job to do for the mother of a man whom he’d met at the shelter. He was going to fix her back door which would fetch him a few dollars. Velda packed him up a hearty lunch of Thanksgiving leftovers and placed them in a knapsack, which she’d found in her closet.

As she walked Cecil to the front door, he turned and thanked her once again, this time laying a kiss gently on her cheek. “Goodbye, Velda, he said, stepping over Sadie on his way to the gate.

14. Dormant Emotions

The next few days, Cecil had not been on his bench in the park. It got to the point if he wasn’t there, Velda would begin to worry.

The kiss he laid on her cheek had stirred emotions in her that had been dormant for a decade. She found herself thinking about it several times throughout the day, and wondered if she was really starting to maybe ‘fall in love’ with him. Was she just being swept away by the gesture? she wondered. She wasn’t sure, but one thing she did know, it had made her look forward to life again, and sprung something up in her that she thought had been long gone.

One evening as she got ready for bed, she looked out and saw the snow coming down in large, wet flakes.

Cecil sat on the park bench under his blanket. On colder nights he would try and get into the shelter, but perhaps there was no room this evening. Velda was torn. She couldn’t just let him sit in the freezing snow all night.

“Cecil!” she called to him. He turned around and waved his usual wave. Velda motioned for him to come over.

“Come in here!” Velda cried. She took his coat and hung it on a hook near the back door. “I tried the shelter but they’re full tonight,” he said, shaking the cold snow from his cap.

“I can’t let you stay out in the cold over there. Tonight, you’ll stay in my sunroom.” “Oh, Velda, I don’t want to impose.” “Nonsense,” she replied. She put the kettle on for tea and proceeded to gather linens from the hall closet. “You just help yourself to some cookies and tea, and I’ll be in to join you soon.”

Cecil smiled, sat down and took a few cookies from the plate on the table. He was so fortunate to have such a kind, caring friend.

Velda made up the sofa bed and even laid a soft, warm bathrobe and new toothbrush out for Cecil. “There now,” she chirped, "you should be mighty comfortable in there tonight.”

Cecil took her hands in his. “You don’t know how grateful I am for this, Velda. You’ve treated me so kind, how can I possibly repay you?” Velda blushed. “It’s been my pleasure,” she said.

15: Housing Arrangements

The next morning, Velda looked out on a sea of white snow. Cecil surely wouldn’t have survived the night in this, she said to herself. When she arose, she put on her robe and ventured into the living room. Sadie wasn’t at the door like she was every morning. Velda was perplexed.

As she walked into the kitchen, she found the coffee already made. She peeked her head into the sunroom but Cecil wasn’t there. “Cecil,” she called throughout the house. All at once, he emerged through the back door, covered in snow. He held Velda’s snow shovel in his hand. “Good morning, he sang, knocking the snow from his shoes against the porch. “I let the cat out when I woke up.”

Velda looked out to see that Cecil had shoveled all of her sidewalks. “Oh, thank you, Cecil,” she cried. “You deserve a big breakfast!”

The next few days the snow fell off and on as the temperatures plummeted. Winter had arrived. Velda insisted Cecil stay in her sunroom. She wasn’t sure what Ellis would think about this arrangement, however, so she decided it was best not to tell him right away.

16: Too Close for Comfort!

Another early morning and Velda sat alone at the kitchen table. Cecil had an odd job in town somewhere. As she drank a cup of coffee, the phone rang. It was Ellis.

“Hi mom. How are you?” “Fine,” Velda answered. Their conversations had been a bit strained since Thanksgiving.

“Well, I’m calling to see if you’d like me to come out and shovel the walks.” “Oh, that’s kind of you but you needn’t bother. Cecil did all my walks for me already.” Ellis was silent. After a long pause he concluded the call. “Oh, good,” he said tersely. “Okay, then, I’ll let you go.”

As the days turned into weeks, it appeared Velda had moved Cecil in, and they were getting along splendidly. Velda found him most helpful, and he couldn’t help but feel that he may be falling in love with her.

One morning, Cecil returned from an odd job. Velda was in the sunroom making up his bed when he came in and held his clenched hand out to her. “Here,” he said. “What is it?” Velda asked. He said nothing as he motioned for her to open her hands. When she did, Cecil placed a wad of bills in her hand. He had made $150.00 from his odd job.

“I can’t keep this,” Velda said, pushing it back towards him. “I insist, it’s a small contribution towards my keep.”

Velda was touched. “Well, okay. Thank you, Cecil. She gave him a peck on the cheek. Suddenly, there came a brief rap on the back door. “Hey mom, it’s me,” called Ellis. Velda was panic-stricken. She didn’t want him to know Cecil was there so early in the morning.

“Quick! Get behind the sofa,” she whispered to Cecil. “Why?” he asked. “Please, at least until I can explain to him,” she pleaded. Cecil bent down behind the sofa as low as he could go. Ellis was already letting himself in the back door and Velda hurried to greet him.

“Hi. I’m just on my way to work. I hadn’t seen you in a few weeks and just wondered how you’d been.” “I’m fine,” said Velda nervously. After a brief lull in the conversation, Ellis asked, "Aren’t you gonna ask me for coffee or anything?” Velda needed him to leave as soon as possible.

“I’m sorry, son. I really can’t. I have some appointments this morning.” “What appointments?” Ellis asked, as he pulled out a chair and sat down. His mother always told him about any upcoming appointments she had.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash from the sunroom. “What was that?” Ellis shouted, standing up abruptly. A large floor lamp lay on its side; its glass shade broken in pieces. “Oh, Sadie must have knocked it over,” exclaimed Velda nervously.

“Sadie’s right there!” Ellis shouted, pointing to the cat asleep on the chair. Just then, Ellis caught a movement from behind the sofa out of the corner of his eye. He reached into his trench coat and pulled out his service revolver. “Noooo,” shrieked Velda. “Don’t shoot! It’s Cecil!”

Cecil emerged from behind the sofa with both hands in the air. Ellis was dumbfounded. “What? What’s going on here?” he demanded to know. “I didn’t want you to know that Cecil has been staying here,” Velda explained.

The three stood silent in the room, with nobody knowing what to say.

17: The Decision

Ellis put his gun back in his holster and sat down at the kitchen table. He ran his hands through his hair, stunned at what could have just happened. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I thought it was an intruder.” Cecil came in from the sunroom and stood at the kitchen entryway, clutching his chest. Both men waited for Velda to explain the awkward situation everyone found themselves in.

“It’s been so cold out, and Cecil has been unable to find room at the shelter, so I’ve allowed him to sleep in the sunroom on the few nights he’s been outdoors.” Ellis looked at Cecil. He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of compassion for this man, but he still had his reservations about them moving so fast in their friendship.

“Well, you do what you want, mom. Just call me if you need me.” “I apologize for the chaos,” Cecil said as Ellis stood up to leave. “No harm done,” Ellis muttered as he walked out the door. Cecil turned to Velda. “I’m sorry for the mess in there. I tripped over the cord.”

Velda was just happy it didn't turn out worse than it did.

18: The Fall

As Cecil continued living with Velda, Ellis’s calls seemed to taper off. He used to call her at least a few times a week, but now it was only occasionally.

One morning, Velda arose to find the house empty. There was a note on the counter from Cecil that said he had gone to do a small job and would return shortly. Velda took the opportunity to clean out a closet in the sunroom. She wanted to make room for Cecil’s clothes and other items. He didn’t have very much but she wanted him to feel as though her home was his.

She got a small step stool from out of the garage. As she proceeded to reach items on the top shelf of the closet, one foot got too close to the edge of the stool. It tipped over with a loud Crash! Velda fell off, tipping the stool on its side. “Owwww” She yelled in pain. Sadie ran into the room, startled, curious to know what the loud crash was. As Velda tried to turn over and get on her knees, she felt excruciating pain in her hip. The throbbing, searing, ache moved down her leg. There she lay, unable to reach the phone for help.

19: Tensions Rise

When Cecil arrived an hour later, he found Velda still on the floor. “Oh my gosh! What happened?” he asked, kneeling down to help her. She explained she was trying to clean out the closet and the stool slipped out from under her feet. “I don’t think I can move!” she called out as Cecil tried to lift her. “I’m going to call Ellis,” he said.

He found Ellis’s number on the refrigerator and dialed.

When Ellis answered, Cecil explained what happened. “I’ll be right there,” Ellis said. “I think she may need an ambulance right now,” Cecil remarked. “Just wait until I get there,” Ellis demanded.

By the time Ellis arrived, Velda’s pain had gotten worse. Cecil had placed a pillow under her head and covered her with a blanket. He had tried to slide a blanket underneath her hip to make her more comfortable, but she couldn’t tolerate the pain of moving.

“I think we’d better call an ambulance,” Ellis announced. Cecil was livid that Ellis was just now thinking of this, especially after Cecil himself, had suggested it earlier. The EMTs could have already been there, tending to Velda.

The ambulance arrived and prepared to take Velda to the hospital. Cecil offered to ride in the ambulance with her, a move that Ellis did not approve of. “I think I should be the one to ride with her,” Ellis snapped. Cecil acquiesced and told Velda he would see her as soon as he could.

20: Velda’s Homecoming

The next day Ellis went by Velda’s house to feed Sadie and take in her mail. He spied Cecil in the kitchen from the front window, doing the dishes. Ellis parked the car and checked the mailbox. It was empty. He walked up to the door and knocked.

Cecil came into the living room with a tea towel slung over his shoulder. “Oh hello, Ellis, he said, opening the door. Ellis stepped into the house. “I just came by to bring the mail in and feed the cat,” he said, looking around. Sadie’s bowl sat full of food and the mail was already in a pile on the counter. “I got it,” Cecil smiled. “Any word on when your mother is to come home?” “Uh, yes, as a matter of fact, I’ll be picking her up next Friday - just in time for Christmas.” Velda had fractured her hip but was determined not to let it keep her bedbound.

“Well, it looks like you have everything under control here, so I’ll be going,” said Ellis. He couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous of Cecil’s presence and it showed.

Cecil pulled out a kitchen chair. “Ellis, please sit down a minute, I want to explain something to you.”

Ellis sat down, wary as he placed his hat and gloves on the table.

“I know you’re not fond of me,” Cecil began. “I knew it from the moment you met me. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m homeless or come across as taking advantage of your mother, but believe me, I have a tremendous respect for that woman, really.”

“Respect?” Ellis smirked. “I don’t call going through a person’s trash respectful.” “You’re right,” Cecil agreed. “I should not have done that, but if I hadn’t, I probably wouldn't have gotten the chance to meet such a wonderful friend as Velda, and though I regret my actions that day, I don’t regret the consequences. Please, give me a chance to show you how much I love your mother.”

“LOVE! Love?” Ellis repeated. “You LOVE my mother?” Cecil nodded his head. “Yes. I do.”

Ellis climbed into his car to leave. Even though he still didn’t trust Cecil one hundred percent, he began to feel a newfound respect for him and that could only make his mother happier.

21: Christmas Nears

Velda had been home and on the mend. Cecil was a constant companion, taking her food and feeding Sadie, and doing all the cooking and cleaning. “You’re so good to me,” Velda gushed. While she sat up in her bed working on Christmas cards, Cecil popped his head around the corner. “Can I bring you another cup of tea, muh lady?” he asked, in a proper Englishman’s accent. He stood with a tea towel folded over his arm. Cecil had a wonderful sense of humor which Velda found to be most appealing. He always seemed to lift her spirits whenever she felt low.

Underneath his parched, withered skin lay a once handsome man. He had beautiful, gray-blue eyes, and though pale and dim, they still twinkled at Velda whenever he talked. His smile was the most charming asset of all.

Velda, herself, was short and a bit chubby, with a slight gap in between her two front teeth. She was not particularly attractive, but Cecil made her feel beautiful.

Cecil had worked several odd jobs but had not given Velda much more money other than the initial $150.00.

She felt it was fine since he was always on hand to help around the home. Ellis, on the other hand, questioned his motives once again when he found out the total amount Velda had received from him. Velda didn’t even want to tell Ellis, but she wanted him to know he was at least trying to contribute.

22: Festivities

It was Christmas morning. The house was warm and toasty, while outside the soft snow made the festive day all the more complete.

Velda awoke and let Sadie out. Cecil was already in his robe sitting in the kitchen. “Coffee’s made,” he winked.

The two sat drinking their coffee, admiring the little tree that glistened in the sunroom. There were green and red lights with gold streams of trimming that wound around the whole of the tree. Several ornaments dotted the branches, (mostly creations from Ellis’s primary school days.) A beautiful star stood at the top. Below, several packages lay in a pile. (Most of them for Cecil.) There was so much Velda had gotten him for Christmas. She had been picking up items here and there throughout the previous weeks. He was easy to buy for as he needed anything and everything!

Ellis would be by in a while and they would open gifts, then enjoy a Christmas dinner. The rich aroma of home-made chicken and dumplings wafted through the house. On the counter sat plates of Christmas cookies, fudge and other goodies, in which they could all feel free to snack on throughout the day. Sadie sat at the stove and meowed. She knew it was a special time for her too, for this was a day she would get all the treats she wanted.

23: Let the Fun Begin!

After a while, Ellis drove up with a large box of gifts. He always spoiled his mother at Christmas time. He had never married so he didn’t really have anyone else to dote on besides his wonderful mom.

“Merry Christmas,” he said, as he laid the large box on the table. “Nice to see you again, Cecil,” he said, smiling. This time his greeting seemed sincere, and that made Velda so happy.

“Well, shall we eat first or open our gifts?” “Let’s do the presents,” Ellis shouted, like an anxious schoolboy. Cecil offered to play Santa and pass everyone’s packages out. Everyone seemed to get a fair amount, but Cecil had a bit more. “I guess I went a little overboard,” Velda laughed.

“Mom, why don’t you go first,” Ellis said. Velda opened her gifts from Ellis which included some beautiful placemats, a warm sweater, a lovely teapot in gold and pink cabbage roses, and a new tool caddy with gardening tools - complete with a large box of assorted seeds. “Oh look, there are flower and vegetable seed packets in here,” Velda chanted. Gardening was one of her favorite hobbies and she couldn’t wait until Spring to try them out.

Next, it was Ellis’s turn. He received some sports shirts, a new stadium chair and jacket with his favorite football team on them, a box of fancy chocolates, and some aftershave. Velda stuffed his stocking with small items; a ‘football’ keychain, socks, more candy and a beanie.

“Your turn, Cecil,” Velda called. “Well, I don’t know where to begin,” he said, a bit embarrassed. He began opening the many shirts, sweaters, slacks and socks that Velda had gotten him. He also received a new chess board and a large tin of different coffees. He was glowing. “Thank you so much, dear,” he said, giving Velda a kiss. “And now, I have something for the both of YOU.

24: A Special Gift

Cecil went into the closet and brought out two small packages. The first one he handed to Ellis. It was a silver-plated money clip with an embossed picture of the Federal Center. Clipped inside was a fifty-dollar bill.

“Well, I’ll be darned, thank you, Cecil,” Ellis said with a grin. He knew it had to have set Cecil back a bit, giving him that money, and he now realized he’d been saving for Christmas and that's why he hadn’t given Velda any more of his job earnings.

“And now for you, muh lady,” Cecil bowed as he handed Velda her package. She tore off the beautiful sapphire and gold paper to reveal a tiny velvet box. She opened it slowly. Inside was a gold ring with a tiny diamond.

“Will you marry me?” Cecil asked, getting down on one knee.

Velda was stunned. “What?” she asked, the tears welling up in her eyes. "Hey, I figure I gotta make an honest woman out of ya!” Cecil laughed in his usual joking manner.

Velda slipped the ring on her finger and threw her arms around Cecil’s neck. “Yes, she said, sobbing. Yes. I’ll marry you!” Cecil gave her a hug and a big kiss on the cheek. Velda held her plump little hand out, admiring her new ring. “I know the diamond isn’t very big,” Cecil said, “but I saved all of my odd-job money to get it. Maybe next year we can getcha a bigger stone.”

Ellis walked up to Cecil. “Welcome to the family, pop” he chuckled, giving Cecil a pat on the back. Cecil and Velda both hugged him and went into the kitchen to get a snack.

Ellis stood, taking it all in. His mind was swimming with emotions; happy for his mother who had rediscovered the joy of love she had not felt in years; sad that he would have to share his place in her life with another - but grateful that that place would be with none other than Cecil, a man who had proven the old adage “you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

~the end