Cross Roads

Ben entered the massive doors that led into Templetons, and saw Sara serving at the far bar.

He smiled sheepishly at her when she came over for his order. “Hey, Sara. Nice to see you.”

She gave him his beer without saying a word, and went to her next order. He stretched his head to the side so she would hear him. “Listen, I’m sorry I haven’t been around, but a lot’s happened this past month or so. I had friends come to town, and as you know, we had to rebuild the kitchen at Sticks.”

She walked back and stood straight across the bar from him. “I’m pregnant, Ben.” Then she went to take another order.

Ben sat there, the words ringing in his ears. He was frozen, in shock. Forty-two years old and he’d never heard those words said to him. He sat in silence for another hour and then stood to leave. “I’ll be by your house in the morning, Sara.”

He went to the Scamp and pulled out a chair and stared at the water for the next few hours before falling asleep under the stars and beautiful moon.

He woke before the sun came up and was startled to see Mickey sitting next to him. “When did you come? You should be sleeping after all that excitement last night.”

“Yea, I’m a real star now. I’ve got to say, Ben, this is the most intriguing assignment I’ve ever had. I’ve grown quite attached to you and some of the others, and,” he smiled. “I’m a Hell’s Angler now. Not only a star, but I’m the Prince. Not a bad record for an old angel, eh?” He looked at his fishing pal. “You got the news last night, didn’t you?”

Ben straightened in his chair. “I thought you couldn’t predict the future.”

He squinted his eyes. “I can’t, unless it’s part of my plan. So, what are you going to do?”

Ben stared intently at the angel for a moment. “Well, why don’t you tell me, Mickey? You tell me what I’m going to do.”

“Ben, you need some decent sleep. Listen, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something. Not long ago, I had some breakfast at Templetons with Gloria.”

“You what? Are you crazy?”

“Now listen, Ben. She said some rather odd things, wanted me to help her. She was panic-stricken and asked me to help her get out of there. And it got stranger. Templeton came over to our table and her tone immediately changed, went from a frightened puppy to a woman in love, a woman bragging about her life with Templeton. I don’t know, Ben. She’s pretty convincing about loving her new life, but I think there’s something else going on there.”

“Well I’ll be. Mickey, I thought you were the intuitive one, and now you’re telling me that she’s got even you guessing. Haven’t you figured out that the gig’s up with her? She’s where she wants to be, surrounded by beautiful things. The woman is shallow so don’t try looking for more.”

“I understand what you’re saying, Ben, but my instincts are telling me that I should be doing something to help her.” The angel began laughing at himself. “My instincts, would you listen to me? Here I am telling you this story after such a blunder I made. I goofed last night, Ben, and said some things to Katie. It was a misunderstanding on my part, but what you need to know is this. I kind of told her about the baby.” He rose and patted Ben on the shoulder. “Some Prince, eh?”