Love's Dilemma

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Love's Dilemma - book excerpt

Chapter 1

Selma closed her schoolbook as she finished her homework. She put her book aside and went into the kitchen where Mrs. Mase was preparing the evening meal.

“I’m finished with my homework. What can I help with?” asked Selma.

Mrs. Mase smiled at Selma. “You can set the table,” replied Mrs. Mase. Her eyes followed Selma as she took the dishes from the cabinet and started setting them on the table. “She is such a sweet girl,” thought Mrs. Mase. “I am so glad Sal brought her to me.” She knew Sal was interested in Selena and she was happy with his choice. Both of her boys had made great choices in their life partners, she thought with satisfaction.

Selma was from the town of Cendera, but she did not show the vigilante powers the other residents had. Selma had hidden her powers from everyone. She had felt out of place and very much wanted to leave. Her chance to leave came when Sal accompanied Alex Avorn’s group to Cendera for the weddings of three girls from Cendera to the young men their guardian angels had picked for them. Mark, one of the men was Alex’s brother. Darrin, another of the men was the brother of Mariam Avorn, Alex’s wife.

While the Avorn group was in Cendera, and Selma had seen Sal, she recognized him from her magic mirror. She knew they were meant to be together, so Selma had taken a chance and asked Sal to help her to leave. The council talked to her and gave their approval and Sal called Mrs. Mase and arranged for Selma to stay with his parents and finish high school. Even though their guardian angels and the magic mirror had indicated Sal and Selma were meant for each other, they both realized, Selma was too young for any serious relationship. During the four months Selma had been at the Mase home, Sal and Micky came by regularly to see how Selma was doing. They were all pleased with how the situation was progressing.

Selma looked forward to the times when Sal came by. She was quiet when he was around, but her eyes followed him, and she was waiting for the day when Sal decided she was old enough for a closer relationship. Sal’s eyes followed Selma also. He was drawn to her, but he was trying to give her time to adjust to his presence. Micky sometimes teased him about his infatuation with Selma.

“You can set four extra places,” said Mrs. Mase. “Sal and Micky are going to be stopping by. Sandy and Minnie are coming by, also. When I told Sal, Sandy and Minnie would be here and we were having pot roast, he decided to make it in time to eat.”

Selma laughed. “He does love your pot roast,” she agreed as she hugged the thought of seeing Sal soon to her.

Mrs. Mase smiled. “I think he misses spending time with Sandy. They are all so busy, they don’t have time to get together like they used to. Sandy is busy with his new job and with Minnie taking classes at the college, they spend most evenings at home. They are still newlyweds, after all.”

Selma smiled as she thought about Minnie and Sandy. They had visited with Mr. and Mrs. Mase many times in the four months Selma had lived with the Mases. Selma and Minnie had become friends, and Selma enjoyed having Minnie around to ask for advice. She was living in a different environment than she was used to in Cendera. Minnie guidance had been very welcome.

“Hello, everyone,” called Sandy as he and Minnie entered the door from the garage.

Minnie hurried over to give Mrs. Mase a hug. She turned and hugged Selma also.

“I hope you don’t mind Sandy inviting us to eat your pot roast,” said Minnie with a smile. “When he heard what you were cooking, his mouth started watering. I am sure he could taste it, just thinking about it.” Minnie and Selma laughed, and Mrs. Mase smiled with satisfaction. She was happy her boys loved her cooking.

“You are both welcome anytime. I love having you here,” said Mrs. Mase.

Minnie gave Mrs. Mase another hug before she turned to Selma and started helping her place the dishes on the table. “How are your classes going?” she asked.

“They are going very well,” replied Selma. “I am ready for finals week after next. I wanted to ask you about the senior prom. The other students are all excited about it, and all the girls talk about is what they are going to wear and who has asked them to the dance.”

Minnie smiled. “It is a very important time for most of the students. It is a celebration of the end of their high school years.”

Selma frowned. “Do they expect everyone to go, even if they don’t have a date?”

Minnie shook her head. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Minnie looked at Selma thoughtfully. “Hasn’t anyone asked you to the dance?”

Selma looked down shyly. “A couple of boys asked me, but I turned them down.”

“Why?” asked Sandy. He had been listening while the girls talked.

Selma glanced at Sandy and shook her head. “I didn’t feel it was right to go out with them,” she said.

The door opened and Sal and Micky entered.

“Hi, everyone,” said Sal as he stopped and hugged his mom.

He noticed Sandy was looking at Selma and frowning. “What’s going on?” he asked.

Sandy glanced at Sal and smiled. “I was just trying to find out why Selma doesn’t think she should accept a date to her prom.”

Sal looked at Selma, startled. Selma looked at him shyly.

Sal went over and took her hand. “Do you want to go to the prom?” he asked.

Selma looked up at him and nodded.

“Will you let me take you?” he asked.

Sandy and Minnie looked at Sal and smiled. Micky grinned and turned to glance at Mrs. Mase. She was watching then with a satisfied look on her face.

Mr. Mase entered the garage door and looked startled to see a room full when he entered. He gave everyone a look and went over to kiss Mrs. Mase. “We have guests for supper. I see,” he said.

Sal ignored then all as he kept Selma’s hand in his. He looked at her inquiringly. “Will you go with me?” he asked again.

Selma nodded. Sal grinned and gave Selma a brief hug. “Great, just let me know when it is and the color of your dress.”

Selma gazed at him in puzzlement. “Why do you need to know the color of my dress?” she asked.

“So, he can get you a corsage,” said Minnie.

“Oh,” whispered Selma. “I’ve never had anyone get me a corsage before,” she said.

Sal smiled. “It’s high time you did,” he said and squeezed her hand. Selma gave him a smile and squeezed his hand gently. Sal smiled back at her and held onto her hand.

“Let’s eat,” said Mrs. Mase. While everyone had been listening to and watching Sal and Selma, she and Micky had been putting food on the table.

They all turned to the table and started taking seats. Sal held onto Selma’s hand and seated her in a chair next to him before releasing her. Selma smiled at him as she took her seat and he smiled back at her and rubbed a finger over her cheek. Sal took his seat and ignored the smiles and knowing looks he received from his family and Micky.

Minnie glanced at Selma and smiled. “Do you want to go shopping with me tomorrow after class? We can look for a prom dress,” she asked.

“I would like that,” agreed Selma.

“Okay,” agreed Minnie. “I’ll pick you up at school and we can go from there.”

“Thanks, I will look forward to it” said Selma.

“I have been looking for an excuse for a shopping trip,” said Minnie with a glance at Sandy. Sandy smiled at her. “You girls enjoy yourselves,” he said.

Minnie reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “We will,” she promised.

They had finished eating their dinner and dug into a chocolate cake for desert. When they were done, the group started clearing the table. They insisted Mrs. Mase go and relax and let them do the cleaning. She and Mr. Mase went into the front room and turned on the television.

There was a knock and they heard Mr. Mase go and open the door. Minnie was surprised to hear her brother Bobby’s voice.

“Hi, I saw Sandy’s car out front and I thought I would stop and say hello,” said Bobby as Mr. Mase let him in the door.

“Hello, Bobby. Sandy and Minnie are in the kitchen. How have you been. I haven’t seen you in a while,” said Mr. Mase.

“I have been busy,” said Bobby. “Mom asked me to stop by and check on the house while she and Arnie are on their cruise. She was very excited when Arnie presented her with tickets for a cruise. She had always dreamed of going on a cruise, but she never had a chance before.”

“Hello, Bobby,” greeted Mrs. Mase.

Bobby went over to Mrs. Mase and gave her a hug. “It’s good to see you,” said Bobby.

“You should have come by earlier and had supper with us,” said Mrs. Mase.

“Yes, I can smell your pot roast. I’m sorry I missed it,” said Bobby.

“You missed chocolate cake, also,” said Mrs. Mase with a twinkle in her eye.

“Oh no,” said Bobby with a downcast look. “I’ll have to come earlier next time,” he said.

Mr. and Mrs. Mase both laughed.

“If you have trouble getting by, just call. I will be glad to check on the house for you,” said Mrs. Mase.

“That is sweet of you,” said Bobby. “I may take you up on it.”

“Hello, Bobby,” said Sandy entering the room. “I thought I heard your voice.”

“Hi,” said Bobby going over to give Sandy a hug. “I saw your car, and I wanted to ask Minnie something.”

“She’s in the kitchen. She will be here as soon as they finish cleaning up,” said Sandy.

“Have a seat, Bobby,” encouraged Mr. Mase.

“Thanks,” said Bobby. “I think I will join the others in the kitchen so I can talk to Minnie. It was great seeing you both.”

“Don’t be a stranger. Stop by anytime,” encouraged Mr. Mase.

“Thanks, I will,” said Bobby as he followed Sandy to the kitchen.

“Look who’s here,” said Sandy as they entered the kitchen.

“Bobby,” said Minnie with a big smile as she went to give Bobby a hug.

“Hi, Sis, I saw Sandy’s car when I was checking on Mom’s house and I wanted to ask you about the tunnel,” said Bobby.

“What about it?” asked Minnie looking at him curiously.

“You said it was too small for any of us guys to get through.” Minnie was nodding. “You locked the door going into my room,” Minnie nodded again. “I was wondering if I could get you to go through the tunnel and unlock the door. I have some things stored in the room at the bottom of the stairs, and I would like to get them while Mom and Arnie are gone. If I try to get them while they are there, they might discover the tunnel,” concluded Bobby.

Sandy was shaking his head. “I don’t think that is a good idea. I don’t think Minnie should be going through the tunnel again,” he objected.

Minnie put her hand on his arm. “It’s perfectly safe. There were no cave ins. It is just too small for you guys. You built it when you were very young.”

“I just don’t like the idea of you going through it by yourself,” said Sandy. “You were so scared when you came through it. I don’t like to think of it scaring you again.”

“I won’t be scared. I know you guys are all here waiting for me,” said Minnie patting his arm reassuringly.

“I could go with you,” said Selma.

Minnie looked at her and grinned. “You wouldn’t be scared?” she asked.

Selma shook her head. “It sounds like an adventure.”

Sal took Selma’s hand. “Are you sure?” he asked.

Selma smiled. “I am very sure. Where is the tunnel?” she asked.

“The door is in our club house. The tunnel goes to Bobby’s clubhouse under his room next door,” said Minnie.

Selma looked around the group surrounding her. “You guys must have had an awesome childhood,” she said wistfully.

“It was pretty awesome,” agreed Sal. The others nodded agreement with large smiles.

“When do you want me to unlock the door?” asked Minnie.

“How about now?” asked Bobby. “We are all here. Sal and I can go over to Mom’s house and wait for you. Sandy and Micky can watch from this end.”

“I have some flashlights in the car,” said Sal. “I’ll get them and meet you in the clubhouse.”

They all went out the door to the garage. Sal headed to the front and his car. The others went through the back door of the garage and to the clubhouse.

Minnie sighed when they were all inside and she looked around. The place looked much smaller with four well-built guys inside. It had been made for children.

Sal brought the flashlights. He also brought some walkie talkies for them to keep in touch with the girls. He went over and opened the door to the tunnel and flashed the light inside. He looked at Selma, standing by his side. “Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked.

Selma smiled and nodded. “I’ll be fine,” she said.

Sal gave her hand a squeeze and handed her one of the flashlights. Leaning forward he kissed her gently. “I’ll be waiting at the other end. Be careful.” Sal gave the other flashlight and a walkie talkie to Minnie. He gave Sandy the other walkie talkie and stood waiting for the girls to start their trip. Sal held onto Selma’s hand while waiting for Sandy to finish hugging Minnie.

“I will see you at the other end,” promised Selma. She could hardly breathe. Sal had kissed her. She hugged the memory tightly inside as she waited for Minnie to start the trip through the tunnel.

Minnie was patiently listening to Sandy’s instructions. Finally, she kissed him and started into the tunnel. Selma followed her inside.

“We may have to bend down in places, but I don’t think we will have to crawl,” said Minnie, leading the way down the tunnel. They went slowly and flashed the light around. Selma was amazed at how well built the tunnel was, considering it had been built by children.

“This is much better than the last time I came through,” remarked Minnie. “I was so, frightened, I couldn’t enjoy the trip.”

“I’m glad you let me come with you,” said Selma.

“I am glad you are here. It makes it nicer to have some-one to talk to,” she said.

“Are you girls alright?” asked Sandy on the walkie talkie.

“We are fine,” said Minnie. “We are almost to the end. Why don’t you head on over and meet us at the house?” suggested Minnie.

“Okay, I’ll see you there,” responded Sandy.

Minnie sighed and smiled. Selma laughed. “He doesn’t want you out of his sight,” she said.

Minnie laughed softly. “I know. I love it. He is relaxing some since he started his new job. We both are busy, but he is still very protective. Sal will probably be the same way. It is just that way with the Mase brothers.”

“I think it is sweet,” said Selma.

Minnie laughed and agreed with her.

They emerged in a room with stairs going up. Minnie and Selma shined their lights around. They were both curious. Minnie had been in such a hurry when she had come through before, she didn’t take time to look around.

“Are you here?” asked Sandy.

Minnie smiled and turned to the stairs. She quickly went up and unlocked the door under the chest in Bobby’s closet. Bobby pushed the button and the chest slid to the side leaving a door for them to come down the stairs. The guys all came down the stairs. Sandy hugged and kissed Minnie and Sal hugged Selma. Bobby and Micky stood looking around.

Minnie looked around. This place sure shrinks with all of you guys in here,” she said.

Bobby went over to some large plastic containers under the stairs. He took one and started up the stairs. Micky took another and followed him. They sat the containers down in Bobby’s room. Sandy came up with a container. Minnie followed him with Selma behind her. Sal came up last. Bobby went over and pushed the hidden button to close the entrance.

Selma looked around wide eyed. “It was amazing,” she said smiling at Sal. Sal smiled back at her. He had a hold of her hand again. He didn’t seem to want to turn her loose.

“Are you going through these now?” asked Minnie.

“No,” answered Bobby. “I’m going to take them to my apartment so I can take my time going through them and deciding what I want to keep,” said Bobby.

“Let’s get them loaded in your car,” said Micky picking up one container and starting for the door. Bobby and Sal took the other two and followed him out. Bobby opened his trunk and they placed two containers inside. Bobby opened the back door and placed the third container on the back seat.

After locking the doors Bobby turned to the guys. He looked at Minnie. “Thanks, Sis, for going through the tunnel. I hope it wasn’t too bad.”

“You are welcome. It was fine with Selma there.” She flashed Selma a big smile.

Selma smiled back when Bobby looked at her. “Thanks, Selma,” he said.

“I loved it,” said Selma with a flush on her cheeks. She handed her flashlight to Sal.

Minnie took the walkie talkie from Sandy and took her flashlight and the walkie talkies to Sal. “I’ll put these in our car and join you guys inside so we can say goodnight to Mom and Dad,” said Sal.

They all turned and headed back to the Mase house. They went inside and were soon joined by Sal.

Mr. and Mrs. Mase looked up with a smile when everyone entered the room.

“Thanks for a great meal,” said Sandy going over and giving his Mom a hug. “Minnie and I have to go. It is going to be an early day tomorrow.”

“I’m glad you all came by,” said Mrs. Mase returning his hug and turning to Hug Minnie.

“I’ll see you tomorrow when I drop Selma off after our shopping trip,” said Minnie.

“I need to be going, too,” said Bobby. “It was good to see you both. He shook Mr. Mase’s hand and hugged Mrs. Mase before following Minnie and Sandy outside.

Sal and Micky followed them outside. Selma and Minnie were firming up their plans for their shopping trip while they all said goodbye. They stood on the porch and waved as Bobby and Sandy drove away. Micky turned and went back inside. Sal and Selma lingered on the porch. Selma glanced at Sal shyly. He was watching her and smiled at her glance.

“I’m glad you agreed to go to the prom with me,” said Sal.

“Thank you for asking me,” said Selma.

Sal leaned forward and kissed her gently. Selma sighed and Sal rested his forehead gently against hers. “There was no way I was going to let some other guy take my girl to the prom,” protested Sal.

Selma grinned. “I am your girl?” she asked.

Sal looked at her. “Yes, you are. Aren’t you?” he asked’

Selma nodded. “Yes,” she whispered.

“You have fun shopping with Minnie tomorrow, but you girls be careful,” said Sal.

“We will,” promised Selma. “We had better go in so you and Micky can leave,” said Selma.

Sal kissed her once more before opening the door and returning inside.

“We had better go,” Sal said to Micky. Micky nodded and rose to follow Sal after he told Sal’s parents goodnight.

Selma watched them leave with one last glance and a smile from Sal. After they were gone, Selma said goodnight and taking her schoolbooks, she went to her room. She lay her books down and flopped down on the bed. It was a good thing she had finished her homework. She would never have been able to study after Sal had kissed her. All she could think about was Sal and his kisses.

Micky looked over at Sal and grinned.

“What?” asked Sal.

“Micky chuckled. “Nothing, I’m glad you found someone that makes you happy,” he said. “I wish I could find my mate.”

“She’s out there,” said Sal. “You just have to be patient and listen to your guardian angel.”

“I keep waiting. So far, I have not heard a word about love from my guardian angel,” said Micky.

Sal shook his head. “I was losing hope when Selma appeared in my life. It will be the same for you. Don’t lose hope.”

Micky looked at Sal and grinned. “I won’t,” he promised.

Mr. Mase sat beside his wife on the sofa. He had his arm around her, and they were laughing at a comedian on the television. He looked down at her and smiled.

“The boys are both lucky to find girls almost as great as their Mom,” said Mr. Mase with a smile.

Mrs. Mase grinned up at him. “I am very happy for them. I am glad they made such good choices. It is always worrying when your children are old enough to start looking for a mate.”

“You set a good example for them. They were looking for someone as sweet as their mom,” said Mr. Mase.

Mrs. Mase smiled at him and leaning forward, kissed him gently. “They had you as an example of how a gentleman was supposed to treat the love of his life.”

Mr. Mase smiled with satisfaction. “We are very blessed,” he agreed. They settled back to finish watching their show.

Meanwhile, Selma had fallen asleep with a smile on her face. She was dreaming about dancing with Sal. He was holding her close and smiling down at her. She had on a beautiful sea green dress and there was a lovely sea green flower on her wrist. In her dream, she and Sal were gazing into each other’s eyes and smiling. The look on his face made her toes curl. Selma hugged the wonderful feelings close and dreamed on. She did not think about her schoolbooks at all. They were where she had dropped them when she had entered her room.