Maybe One Day

Maybe One Day

The drive home was devastating. Seeing the man that crashed into her sister's car killing her all those years ago brought up all those painful memories again. Memories Thel thought she put behind her long ago. As shaken as the chance meeting left her feeling it became obvious the loss was still fresh in her mind or at least hovering right beneath the surface ready to haunt her unmercifully.

A new revelation struck her. The shock of losing her sister she was so close to in age and companionship had negatively affected her ability to enjoy living. Her life was a train wreck. Her weight was out of control which led her to feeling miserable. Being overweight was most definitely a contributing factor in her divorce. Because her health was in such poor condition she felt out of sorts with her children most of the time and without enough energy to get her through her busy scheduled days. Seemed like she never got to practice being the type of mother she always imagined she would be. She was not attentive and teaching their young minds in a variety of interesting ventures. Instead she was always harried and cross with her teen-aged son and two middle-school daughters. The only person that could make a difference was herself. And there is no time like the present to start.

With renewed determination Thel decided she would not stop at McDonald's for supper as was her normal habit when out so late. Instead she would go home to her pantry and have the girls help her come up with a solution. Surely, there would be the makings for spaghetti. Tomorrow she would use her last twenty dollars for this week buying an emergency fix for her broken tail-lights and have her son help her patch them up. The money she would get from her part-time census taking job would provide for a second or third-hand vehicle that would replace the falling apart little pick-up that was always only supposed to be temporary anyway. She was done with always trying to make do. Time to live a little and make a better life for herself and her children.

Slowly, her new attitude did make a difference. As a teacher she had the summer off and used it giving the kids her undivided attention. She went swimming with them and made good use of time exercising in the water herself. The buoyant water made moving so much easier on her joints. They also took walks in the evening having long talks instead of being couch potatoes watching TV and eating. Having always been a good cook, she made healthy meals and taught her daughters how to do something other than drive through a fast food place. The excess weight started dropping off.

By the time school started she was fitting into most of her smaller clothes so it felt like she had a new wardrobe. Fellow teachers took notice and showered her with compliments. The positive feedback reinforced her resolve and the results were obvious. She experienced more energy and enjoyed doing more with the kids when she arrived home.

Her son was now in community college and held a part-time job. He recognized how hard she was working and started contributing by helping with home repairs so their surroundings looked less neglected. By doing so he was developing new skills.

When it was time for the fall play at the school where she taught, Thel volunteered her special education class to help with the props. None of them had the confidence or the will to take an acting roll but they wanted to be involved. Building, creating and painting scenes and sourcing props would provide extra learning opportunities within their skill sets. Interaction and fellowship with the whole cast would boost their self-esteem.

The production was 'Grease'. One of the props needed was an old jalopy or sports car the starring actors could make over. At first it felt like an overwhelming assignment. Then Thel remembered that June trip out in the country when she came upon Mr. Allen and his rusty yard art. Could she muster the courage to go back out there and ask if he could loan the school his broken down car on blocks? It was very similar to a car they already had permission to use as the 'after' version.

It was a bold move on her part but she took two of the students with her to make the request. She was pleasantly surprised when she arrived on site. The yard was not nearly so weed infested. The fence wasn't falling down and the house was newly painted. Mr. Allen himself was dressed nicely, clean-shaven and sober.

“Well, to what do I owe this pleasure?” He asked surprised by her presence. “It is Thelma , isn't it? You look wonderful.”

“Yes, it's me. And thank you. My students and I are on a mission wondering if you could help us out.”

“Me? How can I help?”

“Last summer when I happened by here, you had a car needing repair up on blocks. Our school is putting on the play 'Grease' and need a car like that as a prop. We were wondering if you would loan it to us. Do you even still have it?”

“It's back in the barn. I was going to start a restoration on it.”

“It does look like you've been doing a lot of work around here. The whole place looks nice.”

“Thanks. Not sure where the motivation came from but I felt inspired to make a change. Tell me more about your project. Or maybe we could discuss it over coffee sometime.”

“Now that would be a change, wouldn't it.”

“Come on, Boys. I'll show it to you so you can decide if it's what you need. I can put off working on it until springtime. I can even haul it over to the theater on a flatbed for you.”

“That's very kind of you, Mr. Allen. Thank you. It's exactly what we need.” One of the boys spoke up.

“Thank you, Mr. Allen. It means a lot to these guys.” Thel added.

“It would mean a lot to me if you would still consider meeting me over a cup of coffee.”

“Oh, Mrs. Z, you should do that for nice Mr. Allen.” The other boy recommended.

“Uh, oh, sure maybe one day.”

“It's a date. I'll look forward to it when I deliver the vehicle.”

“But I always need to get home soon after practice.”

“It's a cup of coffee, not a long term commitment. Besides, I have some repenting to do.”

“What's 'repenting' Mrs. Z?” Asked one boy.

“It's asking for her forgiveness for something I did wrong many years ago, Young Man. Something I'm very sorry for.”

“Wow, you two already know each other?”

“We went to high school together. I liked her a lot in those days then something happened and now...”

“Now, even though he is very nice to help us out, I'm afraid we can't see eye to eye on everything.”

“That's too bad!” The boys said together.

“Yes, that's too bad.” Thel and Mr. Allen said at the same time sorrowfully looking at one another.