Resolve

     ©   Elliot Richard Dorfman

        

“Just what happens to me now?”Chad sadly said to himself as he sat on a mound overlooking the bluish-green water of the Long Island Sound on a gloomy early November morning in nineteen seventy-five.

 

There seemed nothing better to do since he had recently died - died at only thirty-six. “What a travesty,” he thought, “especially since I'd stopped taking drugs and was earnestly trying to turn my life around.”

 

Unfortunately the physical effects of taking heroin had weakened his heart. Then while taking a short cut and crossing an alley in the westside of Greenwich Village, he suffered a fatal heart attack. The next day some kids found his body slumped over a large carton. With no traces of identification, Chad was buried at Potter's Field on Hart Island.

 

Many souls like him still hung around this depressing place since they were barred from moving on to the next spiritual level until finding a way to resolve a problem of someone living they had known. Chad's dilemma was he hadn't any idea who needed his help. Everyone he had known was past redemption or had worked out their problems. Perhaps if he went over his life there would be some clue.

 

Chad Lloyd Thomas was born on April 23, 1939 in Walnut California. His father, Randolph was a successful Manufacturer. Muriel, his mom, was an elementary school teacher who dotted on her only son. Mr. Thomas, who had a wandering eye, met another woman when Chad was eight and left. Then a year later, a Hollywood movie producer spotted the talented boy in a school play. After seeing the show he rushes over to Muriel.

 

“Your son has lots of talent and charisma,” he told her. “I work for Walden studios at Burbank. I'd like to arrange a screen test for him. We're about to make a new film, ‘Beyond the Clouds.' He's a shoo-in for the role of the young boy.”

 

Muriel was delighted, for she once had aspirations of being an actress herself. Two days later they went down to the studio. It was perfecting timing. James Conner, the boss of the studio was on the set during the screen test. Chad did brilliantly. His handsome little face, framed by his curly red hair, photographed well in Technicolor. The child was signed to a seven-year contract before the film was even made.

 

Five years later, after being featured in more than five films and making frequent guest appearances on many television shows, his career came to a halt with the onset of puberty and a bad case of acne.

 

“What a cold-hearted louse Mr. Conner was, “he recalled. “When I was an asset to Walden studios, he treated me just like his own son, but when I broke out with those darn pimples and blackheads, he dropped me like a hot potato. After that, when I tried to live a normal life, my whole life was turned upside down. I was terribly lonely. Few kids wanted to be my friends because they were envious of my fame. By the time I was seventeen, I had already started taking all those hard drugs to dull the sadness. Even after my complection cleared, no one would give me a break. They claimed I didn't have the youthful charm anymore. That's when I began to take stupid chances and landed up in a jail. It broke Mom's heart, and she died a few years later. By the time I attempted getting back on track, my heart was too wrecked and gave out on me.”

 

Some seagulls above him noisily made some circles in the sky and disappeared in the horizon.

 

“Wish I could have had a life as carefree as those critters,” he said out loud.

 

“You should be wishing to find out what mission you need to accomplish instead of bemoaning your past,” a gentle but firm voice said behind him.

 

Turning, Chad saw a white headed figure with a kindly smile on his face.

 

“Who are you and what do you care what I think?”

 

“I'm your guardian angel, Flaticous. I'm here to help you.”

 

“Aren't you too late?”

 

“ No. I am assigned to you until your soul finds peace.”

 

“Where were you when I was alive?”

 

“Oh, I was there,” Flaticous sadly said, “but you were so angry and pigheaded most of the time, you blocked me out, no matter how I tried.”

 

Chad shrugged. “So, Flacous . . . ”

 

“Flaticous,” the guardian angel corrected.

 

“Sorry, Flaticous, where do we go from here? I can't seem to remember any particular person from my past life who would need my help.”

 

With a look of concern, Flaticous furrowed his brow. “Remember Nora?”

 

Chad looked at him with dismay. “I don't want to talk about her,” he whispered, putting his head down.

“That sweet woman really loved you and tried helping you when your drug habit got out of hand. Had you been in a better state, you probably would have married her and had a fulfilling life. Instead, you left her, not knowing she was pregnant with your child.”

 

“A child?”

 

“Yes, a son named Lance. He's just turned fourteen. The boy is recovering at home after recently injuring himself when he fell off a high fence that he was foolishly climbing. He needs a costly operation on his legs to properly walk again. Nora is totally alone and has no help from anyone. She's raised Lance by herself and works extra hours trying to make ends meet. There's not enough money to cover the operation.”

 

“I'd like to help them. You're my guardian angel. Isn't there someway that I could return to the living?”

 

For a moment Flaticous paced back and forth, then he turned and stared into Chad's eyes.

 

“Maybe. It's highly irregular, but for your case it may be the best thing to do. I could turn back the clock and restore your life so that you get a chance to make things right. Think you can do it?”

 

“I think so,” Chad answered without hesitating.

 

“All right then, but if you renege, I'll be in big trouble with the boss,” the angel said - glancing up at the sky for a second.

 

“Don't worry,” Chad confidently said.

 

Flaticous put his hands above the spirit. “So be it!”

 

There was a flash, and Chad was back in the alley, slumped over the carton - but still alive. Groggy for a moment, he stood up and brushed off the dirt.

 

“I've got to clean myself up and look presentable,” he said to Flaticous who was standing next to him.

 

“I'll take care of that, so let's get you to California. There's no time to lose.”

 

There was a flash, and Chad was in front of an old two story houses in a rundown neighborhood of Los Angeles He was wearing a neat causal suit and looked clean and well groomed.

 

“Remember this house?” Flaticous asked.

 

Chad nodded. “ Sure. Nora's place. I spent a lot of time here.”

 

“She inherited it from her mother some years ago. That's about all the assets she's got,” Flaticous informed him. “Well, I've done what I can. The rest is up to you, so go to it. I'll be watching from not too far away.”

 

He snapped his fingers and was gone.

 

Chad took a deep breath and rang the bell. Nora opened the door. Her eyes widened with surprise. “ Oh, my gosh, Chad. I never thought I'd see you again!”

 

He instinctively gave her a hug

  

“I've been such a fool, Nora. I should have followed your advice instead of ruining my life. Well luckily, I ‘ve been given a second chance. When I recently found out that I had a son named Lance whose legs were seriously hurt in an accident, I decided to come back and help when I heard what a hard time you were having trying to raise the money for an operation.”

 

  

“Just how did you find out all of this?”

 

“Oh, I know someone who has many contacts,” he quickly responded.

 

“ Well, I must admit I could use some help to figure out how to get money for his operation.” She abruptly stopped and took his hands, having no animosity toward him. “Oh, where are my manners, please, come in.”

 

The house, was worn but clean and well kept. Nora took him into the dinning room.

 

“Let me get you some breakfast then we can talk” she said, quickly going into the kitchen and brought out some coffee and bagels.

 

Nora looked tired, but was still pretty. Her big expressive blue eyes were clear and bright, and when she smiled, it still warmed him all over.

 

Chad ate in silence. He had forgotten how good food tasted.

 

“Did you just arrive in California?” his former girl friend asked. “Where are you staying?”

 

“I ... didn't yet get a chance to make any arrangements. I came straight here from New York,” he stuttered. “I guess it's kind of early and should have called you.”

 

“No, it's fine. Look, stay with us,” she suggested. “There's plenty of room here.”

 

He nodded. “Thanks, it will give me an oppurutunity to get familiar with Lance while I figure out a way to get enough money for his operation.”

“Great, but be aware it's going to be a big shock to him when he finds out that you're his father. I told him that his dad died fighting in the Far East.”

 

At that moment, Lance came in pushing his wheelchair. There was a striking resemblance to his dad.

 

“What's up and who's this dude?” the teenager curtly asked.

 

Norma took her son's hand. “Don't get angry at me, Lance, but I lied to you when I told you about your father. I didn't want to hurt you, but . . . ”

 

Lance backed his wheelchair away from his mother. “Lied? ”

 

Chad rose. “Your mother was trying to protect you from the truth so she made up a story that your father was a soldier who died fighting overseas. Actually, he was a drug addict who walked out before learning that she was pregnant. I'm ashamed to confess I'm that person. Unfortunately, in those years all I cared about was getting a fix. Believe me, but the consequences of being a drug addict were severe. Now that I've cleaned up my act, I've returned to help out around here.”

 

Stunned, Lance stared into space and said nothing.

 

Nora looked at her watch and got up. “I must leave for work but I'll be back about six. In the mean time, I'm sure that you both will have a lot to discuss”

 

She gathered her things and left.

 

As soon as she was gone, Lance immediately tore into his father. “I don't buy your story. What's really brought you back here after so many years?”

 

Chad gently put his hands on his son's shoulder. Take it easy, Son. I'm not bull-shitting you. I'm really here to help.

 

 

Something in Chad ‘s tone made Lance feel his dad was telling the truth. So after pouting for a few more minutes, he calmed down and was willing to accept his father with reservations - at least for the time being.

 

When Nora returned from work, she was glad to see that tensions had eased up between father and son.

 

“After dinner, I got a surprise,” she told Chad. “Walden studios just released your first three pictures on video and I bought them. From what the salesman told me, they are all big sellers.”

 

Chad's eye widened. “My movies were just released on tape? ”

He got up and went to the phone. “Excuse me but can I use your phone?”

 

“Sure, it's in the kitchen,” Nora answered, wondering what was the sudden rush.

 

Ten minutes later, he returned with a big smile on his face. “I actually got to speak to the big boss himself. He sounded surprised to hear from me, but was actually pleasant and invited me to lunch. By tomorrow at this time, I could have some good news!”

 

That evening, everybody was happy for the first time in quite awhile.

 

The Walden Studios had grown larger since Chad had left. It had expanded and bought out the film company next to it. After signing in at the gate, he was directed to James Connor's office. Connor was one of the few Heads who still maintained control of the company after so many years. As soon as he saw Chad, he rushed over to him and warmly took him around.

 

“Hello, Chad. It's been a long time. What have you been doing all these years? There were rumors that . . . You're looking very good. Just how can I help you?”

 

Chad got right to the point. “I've figured that Walden studio owes me quite a lot of back royalties for the videos of my films.”

 

For a second Connor turned pale, but then regained himself. “Royalties? Oh, sure. We're not trying to cheat you, it was just that we couldn't locate you.”

 

“Well, I'm here now,” the former juvenile star said.

 

The meeting turned out to be quite profitable. His royalties were enough so far to pay for his son's operation.

 

“Who knows?” the old man called out to his former child star as he left, “Maybe you'll make another movie for us again. Be sure you give your address and phone number to my secretary.”

 

The next month was quite grueling. The operation of his son's was performed. Chad was always by his son's side and gave him the encouragement and confidence to do the therapy that followed. At the same time he was tender with Nora, and made up to her all the things he had neglected to do when he was self-destructive. There was one important thing that he knew must be done.

 

It was a day before Thanksgiving, and Nora had gone out with Lance to pick up a few more things for tomorrow's holiday meal. It gave Chad the opportunity to go and pick out a beautiful engagement ring at the jeweler. As he opened the door, his heart was light and happy. He knew Nora would be thrilled when he gave it to her right before the pumpkin pie was served tomorrow. In his excitement, he didn't notice Flaticous standing next to him, with a sad expression.

 

“I'm afraid you won't be able to give the ring to Nora, Chad. You've done what had to be done, and I'm afraid your time is up on earth. Come, your soul must move on now.”

 

“Oh, no, Flaticous. My life is going too well now.”

 

Nora, who just returned with Lance, had heard talking in the hall. They quietly stood listening in the shadows.

 

Flaticous shook his head. “I don't have the authority to change your fate. As it is, I took a chance returning you to life to help your son and Nora. I'm so sorry. Now brace up and prepare yourself to move on to a higher plain.”

 

“No, you're not taking my dad anywhere,” Lance shouted, stepping out with Nora and confronting the guardian angel.

 

“Ah, I did not think you two would return so early,” the surprised supernatural entity said. “I'm terribly sorry but nothing can be done. The best I can do, is to allow you both a few minutes with Chad to say final goodbyes”

 

Nora fell to her knees and looked up, tears streaming from her eyes as her heart began to break for the second time. “Oh, please Lord, you have the power to alter things. I know this is most highly unusual, but please, extend Chad's life. He has proven his worth, and has so much yet to offer - not only to me, but many others.”

 

A bright gold light encompassed the room, then faded away.

 

“What's just happened?” Chad asked, rather shaken.

 

“ Love is the most powerful force in the universe. Nora's pray has been answered,” replied Flaticous. “Your life has been extended by the omnipotent one who has the power to grant it. Your past has been altered so that you never died in the alley. When I leave, none of you will remember me. Now go on and have a good life.”

 

“But what happens if I should ever need your help again?” Chad asked a bit insecure.

 

Flaticous smiled “Don't worry, my boy, you are strong enough to stand on your own. There are many other poor souls now that I have to deal with.”

 

A second later, the guardian angel was gone.

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Elliot Richard Dorfman taught in the New York City School System for more than three decades, as well as giving private vocal and piano lessons. He founded Suma Play Productions, Inc., and was artistic director of the American Youth Repertory Company, Off Broadway. After retiring, he moved with his family from the borough of Brooklyn to Johnstown, New York. Among his successful former students are American tenor, Daniel Rodriguez,character actress, Kelly Wolf, and Broadway stage manager, Ira Mont. Mr. Dorfman, a former member of the NY Dramatist Guild and Associated Music teachers League, has appeared and written for radio and television. His plays (dramas and musicals) have been presented on the professional stage, schools and centers. Since the fall of 2007, over fifty-six stories have appeared in the following magazines: Delivered, Twisted Dreams , Bewildering Stories , Golden Visions , Static Movement, NVH, The Tiny Globule, Perpetual, Paradigm Shift , Black Petals, Blood Moon Rising , Demonic Tome, Short Story Library Magazine,Stories That Lift, M-Brane Science Fiction, Coffee Cramp eZine and Infinite Windows. Five poems have appeared in Falling Star, Orange Room Review, Debris, and Golden Visions. Voted by GOLDEN VISIONS MAGAZINE readers as best 2008 author. For more detailed information go to: elrite.webs.com