Chapter 6: Guardian Angel
Unks knocks on the quaint cottage door. The long walk seems to have tired him, but Cass seems ready for a day of adventure. They both hear the sound of the swinging “peek-hole” cover. In a moment, the door opens revealing the worn face of a smiling lady. Unks holds up his fragrant present. She stares at it, and then takes a long gaze at Uncle Jared.
As she sniffs and smiles, she says, “It’s been a long while sailor since your last visit. Might I ask who this tall gentleman is with you?”
Unks removes his cap while telling her, “My nephew Cass. I mean, this is my nephew Casanova. And Cass; this is Mrs. Guvenossie.”
She smiles at Unks while waving the pair to come inside.
Cass stops Unks, and then asks, “Do you mind if I go do some sightseeing?”
Unks pats his arm. “Go have an adventure, but don’t be too late.”
Mrs. Guvenossie overhears his request and warns him, “Supper is at 5pm.”
Cass hands Unks the box of confectioneries before walking away. As he does, he listens to their adoring conversation disappear behind the closing door.
He stops momentarily at the front gate to remember the path they traveled to get here. He proceeds to the intersection making a mental note of Mrs. Guvenossie’s street name and address.
Its late morning as Cass enters the town square. The Sun warms Cass enough to force the removal of his jacket. He swings it over his shoulder while staring at the vista of merchants selling everything from flowers to exotic spices. He listens to the choir of voices competing to announce their “specials of the day.” The cathedral towers “rings” eleven times drowning the singing of the merchants. The loud “bonging” of the bells causes his eyes to lift up to its soaring source.
Cass sees that the mist of the morning is now nothing more than a thin cloud floating above the massive ancient stone clock tower. The open market produces a wonderful aroma, tempting Cass to venture through the bustling crowd of patrons.
A sparkling table shines in the middle of the market. The glimmer hypnotizes Cass. It entices him to find what might be the source of this bright beacon. He maneuvers through the winding path ebbing and flowing with people. He finally reaches this glittering heap of treasure. He is memorized by all the gold and silver trinkets burning his eyes as they shimmer in the sunlight. He stoops through the blinding brightness and sees a wealth of necklaces, rings, bracelets, and watches.
A mature man wearing a formal white shirt, partially concealed by a black vest asks, “May I assist you sailor?”
It seems Cass’ jacket and attire has revealed his identity.
He again asks, “Might I interest you in a fine gold watch?”
The gentleman merchant lifts up a twirling gold pocket watch that dangles by its braided gold chain.
“This is only 1050 escudos.”
Cass has no idea how much money that translates into. Confusion covers his face as he rubs his chin. This large number seems to be much more than Cass has.
The merchant senses his dilemma and informs him, “That would be eight and one half pounds, or fifteen American dollars.”
This revelation allows Cass to participate in bidding on what he really wants.
“Sorry, but I am interested in buying possibly two necklaces. But, I only have about ten dollars to spend.”
The merchant raises his index finger, suggesting to Cass to wait; while his other hand retrieves a tray from under his table. He sets it on top the mountain of jewelry covering the table in front of Cass.
The merchant says, “Everything in this tray is under, shall we say, ten dollars.”
Cass replies in Spanish, “Es magnifo sir. Eso es lo que estoy buscando.”
His attempt to communicate in the native tongue of Portuguese has not gone unnoticed.
The merchant smile’s at Cass, and then replies, “Thank you. I’m glad you think my goods are magnificent. I hope I can satisfy your desires.”
“By the way, my name is Cass.”
The merchant replies, “And, my name is Mr. Burnito. You do know most everyone here speaks English nearly as well as Portuguese?”
Cass responds, “I was not aware of that fact.”
His mind makes a mental note as his eyes become instantly captivated by a pair of silver necklaces.
“How much might these be? I know two special ladies who would love these.”
The merchant lifts the pair up between them. Cass is caught up in the swirling shimmer each produces. At the end of the silver necklaces spins two elegantly designed, finely engraved golden lockets. Mr. Burnito looks past the shimmer they make, and into the sparkle of Cass’ eyes. Cass just stares and smiles.
Mr. Burnito tells him, “These are made of the finest silver north of Spain. Each is only 670 escudos, or ten dollars each.”
Their luster seems to fade away as Cass’ face turns more somber. Mr. Burnito realizes Cass is set on buying two necklaces at this price.
“These sure are beautiful. I certainly would love to buy them.”
Cass reaches into his pocket and retrieves all its contents.
“Unfortunately, I have exactly eleven dollars and twenty five cents.”
Cass scratches his head as Mr. Burnito realizes the difference between Cass’ desire and the amount he’d have to sacrifice. This was just too great a difference.
Mr. Burnito’s concentration suddenly shifts towards the small hand rising up from under the table near Cass' side. It quickly slides out three or four expensive necklaces from under the tray. Cass sees Mr. Burnito’s attention has turned away from him, sensing something is not right. Mr. Burnito leans across the table to apprehend the mischievous hand, but the small boy whom it is attached to dashes from under the table. Mr. Burnito helplessly watches him disappear into the concealing crowd. Cass sees Mr. Burnito’s face, full of anguish, turn back towards him for any possible assistance.
Mr. Burnito yells, “Stop thief! Someone stop him!”
Cass realizes his dilemma to leave his treasure, so Cass runs after the boy. He suddenly finds that the boy’s ambiguous path through the passing patrons has hidden his escape.
Cass tells himself, “There’s more than one way to skin a pole cat.”
This is a term Uncle Jared taught him; meaning: there are more than one solution to a problem. Cass’ head peers over-top the crowd and sees where he’ll set his trap. He rushes towards the most logical exit, near the street opening at the far end of the market place. As Cass approaches, he reasons that his long strides should place him just ahead of the tiny culprit.
He sits down and covers himself with his jacket; all but his face. Cass holds his hand out, hoping to disguise himself as an indigent man begging for a “handout.” He sees the boy approaching.
Cass asks him, “Please help me. I’m starving.”
Cass plans to grab the boy when he passes by, and hopes his request will lure the boy close to him. But, the ragged boy does something Cass never expects. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out one of the necklaces he stole, and then places it into Cass’ hand.
> He tells Cass, “I know how it feels to go hungry mister.”
Rather than grab the boy, Cass decides to follow him and figure out why this thief might be so kind and merciful.
A dozen intersections pass by as they enter a more unsavory part of town. The tall worn-down structures block most of the sunlight. There are no flower boxes hanging on windows, or flower gardens behind picket fences. Only the rotten stench and shadows from mounds of boxes of debris decorate this section of town.
Cass watches as the boy turns into an alleyway. Cass follows him in. He's just in time to catch sight of the boy ascending a set of partially broken steps. Cass quietly moves under them, and then stands there. He patiently waits to see where the boy might enter this decrepit building. Cass remains steadfast, trying not to alert the boy of his existence. The culprit stops on the fourth floor balcony, and then slides up a window before entering it.
Cass quickly, but quietly, hurdles up the steps making his way up the tall flight of stairs. Rather than try entering through the window, he chooses to go in through the adjacent doorway next to the window.
Several doorways line this long dark hall. Cass knows the first door on his right is the most logical place to find the boy. As he approaches it, he overhears a muffled conversation coming from inside.
A boy’s voice says, “Momma, don’t worry. I’m going to get Becky some food and you
some medicine.”
Cass hears a loud uncontrollable cough coming from a sick woman. He grabs the door knob and gently turns it before pushing it slightly open. Through the sliver he sees a woman sitting on a mattress with a blanket over her. The lady is a mess. She continues to cough into a pink hanky. Cass suddenly remembers momma’s illness.
The boy hears the door “creaking” slowly open and runs to defend his family from the approaching giant. He raises his arms and then pushes Cass backward. He seems to be attempting to shove Cass outside so he can lock the door. In the boy’s exhaustion, he realizes Cass is just too big and strong to budge. Cass reaches his arm over the boy.
Immediately, the boy prostrates to his knees and begins to beg, “Please don’t beat me mister!”
The boy raises his arm, preparing for Cass’ blows. He pleads with Cass, “Please; don’t hurt me or my family!”
Cass sees scars on the boy’s arm, undoubtedly from a former beating he received. The boy quickly reaches into his pocket and retrieves two precious necklaces.
He holds them up for Cass to see, while again pleading, “Mercy sir, please take these and go!”
Cass stands there while looking over towards the lady. She sees Cass is not moving and expects the worse. She cries between coughs while ripping off her blanket. She reveals herself to Cass as part of her last line of defense to protect this family. It seems this is the only treasure she has left to offer. What Cass does next they never expect.
He rushes over to the sick lady, and then grabs her blanket. Quickly, he covers her. “They’ll be none of that madam.”
Cass gazes into her eyes as she nervously shakes full of fear and confusion. He immediately grabs her and pulls her up to him.
He feels her trembling, so he tells her, “Now, now, don’t worry madam. I won’t hurt you.”
Cass notices the confused boy standing at his side as Cass continues to embrace the crying woman.
“My name is Casanova. I’m here to help you.”
The lady uses her remaining strength to turn her head up and see the most marvelous face her heart has ever dreamed of.
Gently, Cass tells her, “I don’t know all that’s happened to you, but I’m going to help you get better.”
She weeps profusely as she asks, “Are you an angel?”
Cass sees the boy fall to his knees.
He cries out, “What is going on?”
Cass realizes this boy must never have seen the kindness like he is offering. He reaches his long arm around the boy, and then pulls him into this group hug. It seems even Cass has a tear in his eye.
The lady interrupts the huddle by pushing herself away far enough to expel phlegm coughing out of her.
Cass reaches into his pocket while asking the boy if he knows where a pharmacy is.
Cass hands him all his money and tells him, “I’m going to make you a list, and I want you to go fetch the items on it. Can you do that for me?”
The confused boy hurries to find something for Cass to write upon. Cass lays the woman
back down. As Cass stands, the boy returns. Cass grabs the scrap of paper and scribbles down a half dozen things on his list.
“Here son, now go get these things, and then hurry back.”
The boy grabs the list and stares into Cass’ eyes.
He leaps forward to embrace Cass while stating, “I don’t even know who you are. But, I love you already. Thanks for helping us.”
Cass pats the top of his head while telling him, “You go on now. I’ll take care of your momma.”
The boy turns away, but not before saying, “She’s not my real momma.”
From out of another room strolls, what looks like, a two or three year old girl. Cass remains seated at the exhausted ladies side, as the tiny tot makes her way over. Her dainty cautious steps stop just short of where Cass is. She places the side of her finger into her mouth, and then slowly sways side to side.
Cass asks her, “Honey, does that taste good?”
Cass warmly smiles at her. She smiles back, but continues in her swaying dance.
“Are you hungry dear?”
She stops swaying and nods her head slowly up and down.
“Your brother is getting us some food to eat. Does that sound good to you?”
She again smiles while slowly nodding up and down.
“Would you like to hear a story while we wait for your brother?”
Her smile widens with anticipation, as her eyes fill with delight.
Gently, he reaches out and grabs her, and then pulls her onto his lap.
“I need to know your name before I can share my adventure.”
Softly and sweetly her shy lips boldly confess, “Beckyyy.”
“My name is Cass. All right then. Since we’ve been properly introduced, I’ll tell you a very, very special story my momma made just for me.”
Cass fills her mind with the pleasures that curiosity brings. Without a wiggle, or so much as a squirm, tiny Becky hinges on every word surrounding the adventures of Pepito. Cass reveals how this small monkey overcomes his doubts, fears, and the impossible tasks ahead of him.
Cass’ whispers, “Pepito is attempting to do what no monkey has ever done before; to climb to the top of the ‘Monkey Puzzle Tree.’ This is the tallest tree in the world.”
Tiny Becky rivets on each of Cass’ words.
He stares into Becky’s eyes as her tiny mouth hangs open in amazement. Cass explains how Pepito overcomes the impossible and makes it to the top, and then finishes the story with,
“And, all the world is right!”
&nbs
p;
The boy returns as Cass kisses Becky’s little head.
He tells Cass, “I got everything on the list. Here’s your change mister.”
Cass sets Becky alongside him, and then grabs the large box from the boy.
He informs the boy, “Call me Cass son.”
His comment brings tears to the boy’s eyes.
“Why are you helping us?”
Cass replies, “Remember the poor man you gave that necklace to?”
Cass reaches into his pocket, and then holds up the necklace.
“It’s because a poor boy once showed kindness and mercy to me.”
Cass sets the box on the floor, and then pulls out a bag marked “Medicina.” He opens it
while telling the boy to fetch a pot and fill it with water. Cass hurries to open the cough
medication.
He slides his arm under the resting lady while telling her, “Here’s some medicine for you to take.”
Her weary eyes open slightly as he holds the bottle to her lips.
“Take a good big swig dear. This will help with your cough.”
He tilts the bottle up as she attempts to swallow. Each tiny sip seems to hurt her very soar swollen irritated throat.
“Come on honey, it will make you better.”
Tears again flow down her cheeks as she grabs his large bicep.
It takes every bit of strength she has, but she very quietly struggles to tell Cass, “Thank you.”
He lays her down, and then tells her, “You get some sleep. I’m going to feed the kids.”
She passes out the instant her head returns to the mattress. But, she wears a very comforting smile this time.
“My name is Rico. I’m ten years old.”
These sudden words pour out the kitchen area as the boy finishes filling the pot with water.
Cass responds, “Well then Rico, place the pot on the stove and boil it. We need to put some steam in the air. This will make it easier for your momma to breathe.”
The boy places the pot on the stove top before informing Cass of a potential problem.
“We have no wood to burn inside the stove.”
Cass walks around the barely furnished apartment looking for something he can use to
improvise as firewood. He notices one broken chair in the vacant bedroom. Cass quickly crushes
it in his embrace.
“Rico, take this and tosses it in the stove.”
As the boy obeys, he sees Cass grabbing the gaping hole where the plaster has fallen off the wall. Cass effortlessly punches loose a dozen lattice slats before returning to the stove.
He tells Rico, “I think this will be enough.”
It seems all the loud noise Cass made breaking the wood has frighten Becky. Cass grabs the newspaper wrapped around the supplies in the box, and then tosses it into the stove. He grabs little Becky, and then places her on his shoulders. This maneuver instantly settles Becky’s crying.
Cass asks, “Might you have some matches Rico?”
The young man hurries to the kitchen cupboard. He returns holding a box marked matches.
He tells Cass, “That’s about the only thing in the food pantry of any use.”
In minutes, a soothing warm vapor begins to fill the room. Cass watches the lady begin to breathe much easier. As the mist fills the room, Cass hears two tiny growling stomachs. His stomach obliges them with a grumble of its own. Both children laugh.
Cass smiles as he carries the box of supplies to the kitchen. He empties its contents onto the counter top. He grabs three of the items before returning to the living room. He carries them along with the empty box. He turns the box over, and then sets it in the middle of the floor. The children watch as he lays a loaf of bread, a block of cheese, and a roll of ham on top the box.
Cass asks, “Who’s hungry?”
He pulls his trusted pen knife out of his pocket and proceeds to slice the bread, the cheese, and then the meat. The children eagerly watch Cass assemble each item as he beckons them to sit down around the box. They all proceed to eat sandwiches while the children tell their
short life stories.
Cass’ instinct is right. Two and a half year old Becky is Rico’s sister. But, the sick lady is actually no relation to them. Rico explains how his real mother died a little over a year ago. Cass realizes her symptoms are similar to the illness his momma had. He listens to Rico explain how Miss Avery came to be their new momma. They had no one to take care of them after their real momma died. Miss Avery, as it turns out, was their momma’s closes friend. But the children knew she had an unpleasant reputation.
Their real momma was a Christian lady who always tried to help others. It seems Miss Avery would show up all bruised and battered. They often overheard momma warn Miss Avery to quit doing what she was doing. Their momma even told Miss Avery she would take care of her.
One day, Miss Avery showed up to find their momma had been dead three days. The young children told her she was lying in the other room. That’s when Miss Avery changed her life. Rico explains how Miss Avery did the best she could with the little money she had. She found a reputable job waitressing at a nice restaurant. Things started to go well for about nine months. But, she became sick three months ago. Since then, she lost her job because of her persistent cough. It grew worse, and worse. She’s been sick in bed for nearly a month now.
Cass pulls the necklace out of his pocket and holds it in front of Rico.
“I understand why you did what you did. But, we need to put things right.”
Rico removes three very fine necklaces from his pocket, and then hands them to Cass.
“I was just trying to get some money for medicine and food for them.”
Cass places his hand on Rico’s shoulder while stating, “I’m sure you’re a fine young man.
We just need to make some adjustments to the course your ship is sailing towards.”
Rico, it seems, has only had a father in his life for a short time. Cass will fill that gap for now.
After dinner, Cass tells Rico, “It’s getting late.”
He hands Rico all of his money, and then tells the children, “I have things I must do. But, I’ll be back in the morning. You should have enough food to last a while. Hold on to that money until Miss Avery wakes up. Find out if she needs anything from the store.”
Becky finally decides to talk.
She says, “Poppa, poppa, please don’t go.”
Her words stab at the very heart of Cass. He grabs her in his arms and gently spins her around.
“Honey, I promise I’ll be back.” He looks down at Rico and says, “A man is only as good as his word. My words you can trust.”
This greatly encourages Rico to help control his little sister’s crying.
“One last thing son, there will be no more stealing.”
Cass looks firmly into the lad’s eyes as Rico responds, “No sir. I won’t ever do that again.”
>
Cass smiles at Rico, and then kisses tiny Becky before leaving.
On the other side of the door he says, “And this time, lock the door Rico.”
He waits as Rico turns the lock.
Rico responds, “Yes sir.”
Cass makes his way back to the market square. He enters to see most of the shop keepers packing up their goods. The tower clock “bongs” four times as he approaches Mr. Burnito. The
merchant stares up to see Cass approaching.
“I never thought I’d see your handsome face again.”
Cass reaches into his pocket, and then holds up the four necklaces. Mr. Burnito stands in awe.
“You definitely are a rare breed Cass. An honest man is someone to cherish.”
Cass tells him, “Sorry for the delay getting back here. But, I ran in to several problems.”
Mr. Burnito holds up his reclaimed treasures while staring at them.
“You do realize these are worth thirty dollars each.”
Cass had no idea of their value. “I’m just glad to return them to you Mr. Burnito.
The merchant carefully places them back into their travel case, and then ask, “What can I do to make this up to you?”
Cass replies, “There’s no need to reward me for doing the right thing.”
Again, Mr. Burnito is amazed to find such a sincere man.
“I want you to stop back here in the morning. I want to give you a little something. I insist!”
Cass tells him, “If it will make you feel better. I have an errand to run first thing in the morning though. Then, I’ll stop back.”
Cass turns to hurry back to Mrs. Guvenossie’s before 5 pm.
Mr. Burnito yells to him, “Don’t forget, honest Cass, to come back!”
It takes several minutes for Cass to remember how to get back to Mrs. Guvenossie’s and
Unks. It is a welcomed walk through this adorning section of old Lisbon. He hurries pass an
elderly man reading his evening newspaper while smoking his pipe.
Cass beckons him, “Good evening Sir.”
The Gentleman tips his head to recognize his salutation, while a woman invites the
elderly man to come in for evening supper.
The air is filled with the simmering smells of stews, porridge, and the scent of fresh baked pies and bread. Cass rushes along while listening to the town’s bell tower “bong” five times. He runs the three remaining blocks.
He’s just in time to see Unks stand from his evening newspaper reading.
Cass says, “Sorry I’m a few minutes late.”
Unks folds the newspaper, and then tucks it under his arm. He waits for Cass to come join him.
“Did you have an adventure laddie?”
Cass closes the picket gate before replying, “You’d never guess the adventure I had today.”
As they enter the cottage, Unks informs Cass that Mrs. Guvenossie has prepared the spare room for him. Cass immediately sees her waiting by the kitchen table, warning the pair to hurry over before dinner gets cold.
Unks hurries to assist by pulling out, and then pushing in Mrs. Guvenossie’s chair. Unks and Cass seat themselves as Mrs. Guvenossie proceeds with a dinner prayer. Cass and Unks thank her before indulging in the wonderful smelling feast she’s prepared.
During dinner, they each take turns filling their mouths with polite conversations on all the day’s activities, and then with a forkful of the scrumptious meal. Cass respectfully waits till last to describe his amazing encounter. Mrs. Guvenossie eagerly and attentively returns from the kitchen with several slices of fresh baked pie. But, it is Cass’ exploits serving as this evening’s real desert.
Cass nibbles between his recounting of the family in dire need. Each bite causes Cass to
inform Mrs. Guvenossie just how wonderful a cook she is. The rather large short lady retakes her position at the table. Cass continues as Mrs. Guvenossie shakes her head side to side in disbelief. Cass takes the largest slice of the evening conversation, as the intrigued lady slides the largest slice of cherry pie on his empty plate. He finishes as his eye lids grow ever heavy. Today’s toll finally catches up with him.
“I think I’ll bid you both a 'goodnight.' And, thank you Mrs. Guvenossie for this wonderful dinner.”
Unks shows Cass to his room. He gives him a wink, a pat on his back, and then wishes him a good night’s sleep.
Cass falls fast asleep, but still remains somewhat anxious to return to the children. This night is filled with many tosses and turnings.
Cass wakes as the Sun rises. He hears snoring coming from down the hall. Quietly he dresses, while looking around the room for something to write with, and something to write on. He finds a tablet on the closest shelf with a pencil resting on top of it. He brings his note to the kitchen, and then stands it on the table.
It reads: “Sorry Mrs. Guvenossie and Unks, but I have some errands to run. I did not want to wake you. I’ll be back by 5 pm. Thanks, Cass.”
He searches the pantry for a quick breakfast before leaving. He finds the cherry pie Mrs.
Guvenossie made for desert covered with a cloth. He removes a slice by sliding it carefully onto
his hand while making sure not to drop any crumbs.
Cass quietly shuts the front door before devouring the slice of pie. He rushes off while watching the town as it begins to wake. Cass bids an elderly man, “Good morning,” along his journey. The surprised man, wearing his sleeping gown, nods to Cass, and then finishes fetching
the morning newspaper.
The yellow morning sunlight battles through sections of the morning mist. Cass makes his way to the town square. Only a few merchants are preparing their stands. He smells the sweet scents coming from the charming bakery he visited yesterday. He decides to see if the young ladies might be willing to give a box of pastries to the children in exchange for his word to stop back and pay them later. He visions the children’s growling stomachs, urging him to try.
Cass smells his way to the bakery. Isabella immediately notices him approaching through the store front window.
She turns her head towards the kitchen while announcing to Sherry, “Guess who’s come back.”
Isabella attempts to puff up her hair as Cass grabs the door handle. Her face fills with delight as she welcomes him.
“Well, good morning. Glad to see you got our message.”
Cass remembers the box and giggles.
She remarks, “Honey, I guess you have a sweet tooth.”
Cass hopes to help his situation by paying her with several advance compliments.
“Well, good morning to you. You sure look especially lovely Isabella.”
This strategy seems to be working. Her smiling mouth drupes wide open, as her elbows search for a place to rest on the counter top once more.
“Do you know you may have the prettiest smile and whites teeth I may have ever seen?”
Isabella’s eyes turn sensuously serious as she lowers he
r ecstatic face into her propped arms.
Sherry hurries up to the counter to greet him.
Cass decides to spread the final thick flattering layer on the girls by stating, “I don’t know
which delicacy to choose from. There may be only one thing harder than picking from one of your wonderful pastries. It is choosing which one of you is more beautiful.”
Sherry’s adoring face joins alongside Isabella’s; sharing in the same propped pose. Sherry nudges Isabella over slightly in her attempt to make herself more noticeable to Cass. Isabella is too mesmerized to even notice her subtle intrusion.
Cass thinks this may be a good time to suggest his intention to pay them later. Both ladies stare at him, waiting to see which one is more beautiful.
Cass asks, “Might I have a dozen pastries for a couple hungry children?”
The ladies faces fill with confusion.
His comment cause Sherry to asks, “You have children?”
Shivers of unfaithfulness “tingle” over her as she waits for his response.
“No! Oh no. I’m not married. I just met some poor children in dire need of food.”
Both ladies hearts melt to know there is a man in this world that would care so much about another's children. Isabella hurries to assemble a box as Sherry quickly pulls out two trays filled with virtually every type confectionery delight the bakery offers. Isabella slides her hand along the tray filling the box to overflowing. Sherry hurries to fill a second box using the same method. Cass shakes his head side to side in astonishment to their overwhelming generousity.
“You sure are two of the finest ladies God has ever created.”
You can almost see their heart’s throbbing through their blouses.
Cass reaches into his empty pocket as Isabella scolds Cass,
“You take these to those children right away. And if you try and pay us, we’ll be very,
very angry. Here, take a bottle of milk also.”
Cass grabs each of their hands and kisses them.
Neither says a word to Cass. They stare at him as he exits. Sherry fans her face with her kissed hand, as Isabella uses hers to covers her pounding heart.
Cass turns before the door closes and says, “Thank you beautiful lady. I’ll be back.”
As he passes the store window he notices the girls politely shoving each other. He suddenly remembers what he just said. His departing compliment was accidentally addressed to only one of them.
The morning sunrise seems brighter today. The waking city leisurely begins filling the streets and sidewalks. Cass graciously bids everyone “good morning” that he passes by. The smell coming from the bakery boxes helps place an alluring smile on these strangers faces as they return their own morning salutation. Yes, this morning is much sunnier than the one before.
Cass climbs the steps to the apartment building while seeing an excited Rico waving down to him.
“Good morning Cass!”
The fresh baked aroma lifts skyward alerting the boy something wonderful is coming his way. He hurries down to help with the boxes. Cass stops, looks up, and then smiles.
Rico reaches him and asks, “What do you have Cass? It sure smells good!”
Cass hands him the bottle of milk, and then tells him, “Breakfast. I’ll carry the boxes, and
you carry the milk.”
Rico passes his head over top the pink confectionery containers, absorbing the glorious fresh baked fragrance coming from inside. He follows Cass the rest of the way while keeping his nose as close to the boxes as possible.
After they make it to the front door, little Rico wraps his arms around Cass’ waist.
“I knew you’d come back. I’ve been waiting for you since before sunrise.”
Cass just pats his back and smiles. The gratuitous moment touches Cass’ heart. He wants to reply, but words will just not do justice. He swishes the top of Rico’s head instead.
This moment causes Cass to remember another ten year old boy needing someone as much as Rico needs him. Cass turns the doorknob carefully, trying not to make any loud noise. He slowly opens the door to see Miss Avery lying on the mattress. Cass covertly stares as she slowly combs her soothing hand through sleeping Becky’s hair. The babe lays nestled snugly alongside Miss Avery. Rico destroys Cass' cover as he passes under his arm.
“Look what Cass brought us!”
Rico holds up the milk bottle as Cass shakes his smiling head side to side.
Loudly, Cass whispers, “Sorry ladies. WE WERE TRYING TO BE QUIET!”
Rico suddenly realizes what Cass is talking about.
His face begins to frown as the observant Cass tells him, “That’s alright buddy. You're just a little excited.”
He again swishes Rico’s hair as a friendly gesture.
Cass looks over at Miss Avery. She nervously tries to button her sleeping shirt with one hand while pushing herself up with the other. Cass notices she is still weak, but is well enough to try and get up today. He sets the pastries on top the dining table box while telling Rico to fetch
some glasses. Cass moves towards Miss Avery to help her stand.
She sits with her back facing Cass. Her tilted face is committed to assisting her hands in
finish buttoning her shirt. Her downward stare sees Cass’ boots appear next to her feet. His
extended hand enters her obstructed view. She coughs into her hand, and then gradually looks up
to see the handsome Cass towering over her.
Her eyes’ widen as he states, “It seems you’re a little better than you were yesterday.”
Her face turns abruptly sad as she tries to comb her hand through her tangled her.
She cries out, “I’m so embarrassed! I look awful!”
Tears flood down her cheeks, as her hands hurry to hide her ugliness. He grabs one of her hand's from off her face, and then easily hoists her up.
He wraps his long arms around her, and then says, “Now then, everything will be alright.”
She continues to cry and cough in his embrace. He runs one of his hands gently through the back of her hair. His soothing fingers calm her whimper.
She speaks into his chest, “You don’t even know me. Why are you doing this?”
Cass continues to comb her hair while telling her, “I’m just trying to make you look beautiful.”
He feels her buried face bob against his chest, laughing cynically.
She states, “Good luck fellow. That will take a miracle.”
She then coughs once more.
The waking Becky leaps off the bed and joins the pair. She tries wrapping her tiny arms around Cass’ legs, but Becky is only able to wrap them around one of them. Cass sees Becky’s predicament. He grabs her with his free arm. With both ladies in his arms, he slowly turns
around.
Cass asks, “Who wants breakfast?”
He sees Rico has already poured the milk and has begun eating a powdered pastry. Cass lifts Miss Avery slightly higher off the floor and carries the pair over to the dining table box. Miss Avery slides her buried face side to side agains
t Cass’ chest in sheer amazement to his ability to carry them so easily. He reaches the box, stops, and then laughs. Becky joins in the laughter, causing Miss Avery to investigate the reason for this outbreak. She turns her buried face halfway off Cass’ chest to see the powdered face of Rico holding a pastry in both hands.
Rico states, “These sure are good!”
Everyone frantically begins to laugh.
Cass sets the girls down while stating, “I know.”
Cass grabs a creamed filled pastry, and then squeezes a finger full out. He turns to Miss Avery and wipes it on her nose.
“
Oh,” he replies, “That won’t do.”
The amazed lady stands there frozen in unbelief to his antics. Cass proceeds to wipe some more on both her cheeks.
“There you go. Now you look real beautiful.”
She wants to cry, but the hilarious hysteria escalates. She has no choice but to join in the festivity. She quickly swipes the creamy residue from her face, and then retaliates with her own personal beautification application on everyone laughing at her.
Cass’ weakened legs buckle, causing him to fall backwards on to the mattress in laughing exhaustion. He tries to raise his head, but every time he does, he sees them and begins to laugh all over again.
Reality slowly returns. Rico joins Cass in his lying position on the mattress.
Rico proclaims, “I’m stuffed Cass.”
Cass pats Rico’s belly, and then slowly lifts himself up. Both ladies sit at the dining box eating their pastry while drinking their milk. They sit relaxed, smiling, while chewing with their
closed powdered covered mouths. Cass decides to join them for breakfast.
He grabs a fruit filled pastry while Miss Avery responds, “I don’t know why, but it feels
like I’ve always known you. You’ll never know how grateful I am-we are. Thank you. I believe your name is Cass?”
She extends her gratitude by offering her handshake.
“I’m Avery Bonacelli.”
Cass connects with his hand, and then shakes hers.
“I’m Casanova Rouseco, 'ship’s mate' second class.”
Her heart fills with mystery, as her eyes’ submissively pass over his adoring face.
“You’re a sailor. So Cass, what brings you here?”
Miss Avery unintentionally coughs a puff of powder onto Cass.
He responds by saying, “You sure have a funny way of saying thank you.”
He smiles at her, and then she smiles at him. It seems she is growing accustom to his salty type of humor.
“Just call me Avery, or Ava-that’s what my friends’ call me.”
He asks, “Have you been taking your medicine?”
“Yes, and I feel much, much better.”
Cass tells her, “You look much better.”
Becky forces her way onto Cass’ lap, bringing along her pastry the size of her little face.
She swings her content legs back and forth as she comfortably begins eating once more. Miss Avery is astounded at Becky’s blatant action of affection.
“These children sure have taken a liking to you. This is something they don’t do to anyone. I can tell why though.”
Ava slowly chews while trying to figure out who this tall, dark, and very handsome
stranger really is. He seems way too good to be true. Cass explains a little more about himself.
“Well, I’m here with the ‘Virgin Queen’. We’ll be here till tomorrow. Rico brought me here by telling me about your situation. How can anyone resist such a kind sweet face as Rico’s”
The boy leans up and stares at him in astonishment. Rico knows Cass has just saved him from the embarrassment of his thieving action. Cass just winks at Rico; as to say, “It will be our secret.”
Rico smiles at Cass, and then acknowledges his intentions by slightly nodding his head slowly up and down. Becky drops her pastry on the floor before slamming her small body against Cass’.
She hugs him while crying, “But, I don’t want you to go poppa!”
Cass’ eyes’ well up with silent tears, as Miss Avery’s fail with her attempt. Both girls’ eyes begin to overflow.
“You’re a good man Casanova Rouseco!”
He comforts Becky by shaking her slightly up and down.
“Don’t fret honey. I’ll be your poppa if you want.”
Becky reaches her head up and kisses his cheek.
Ava says, “I don’t know what magical powers you possess, but you sure are our
guardian angel.”