Pewter Angels (5 page)

He arrived at the confectionary within minutes, jumped off his bike and ran inside. There on a shelf near the drink cooler were Jenny’s forms.

Henry didn’t speed home. He took his time, thinking about what had happened to him that day. Only hours earlier, Jenny had been a complete stranger. But since then his life had changed; things were undeniably different now, like the ever-changing prairie sky. He would never have predicted that the morning’s clear sky would soon be covered by summer storm clouds and then the most amazing rainbow. He would never have known that today he would meet the girl of his dreams and, like the prairie sky, his life would never be the same.

At Jenny’s house, he hopped off his bike and leaned it against her fence. He brushed his hair down and back and tucked in his shirt. He wanted to look as presentable as possible. It didn’t occur to him that Jenny might be watching him through the screen door until he climbed the front steps. She smiled and winked at him as he handed her the envelope.

“Thank you so much for going back for those for me, Henry.” Jenny’s mother came to the door behind her. “So this is your personal guide.”

“Yes, this is Henry, Mom. He just lives down the street. Henry, this is my mother, Edith Sarsky.”

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Sarsky.”

“You two certainly got caught in some downpour. You must’ve gotten as wet as Jenny,” Mrs. Sarsky said.

“Yeah, that’s for sure. It was fun, though.”

“Are you and Jenny in the same grade?”

Henry nodded.

“Well, I’m glad she knows someone and won’t start out the year as a complete stranger.” “Don’t worry, Mrs. Sarsky. I’ll introduce her to my other friends in the next few days.”

“Oh, that sounds nice. We’ve moved around so many times in the last four years, I hope we’re here for a long stay and can establish some roots.”

“I hope so too, Mrs. Sarsky.” Beginning to feel uncomfortable and not knowing what else to say, Henry added, “Well, I guess I better get home for supper.”

“Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow,” Jenny said, a small question in her voice.

“I’m sure you will.”

“Thanks again for taking me to the school. I had a lot of fun today.”

“Me, too.”

Henry turned, walked down the three front steps and out of the yard. He grabbed his bike and looked back at the front door. Jenny peered out at him with that playful sparkle still in her eyes. He smiled back and headed home. When he got there, his dad had already eaten and his mom had his plate of pork chops served.

“Well, I hope you’re hungrier tonight than you were at lunch,” she said. “And don’t forget to thank the good Lord for the food you are about to eat.”

“Yeah sure, Mom.” Henry prayed over his meal, thanking Him for bringing Jenny into his life. In less than three minutes he’d devoured all the potatoes and two pork chops.

His mom stared in delight. “Want some more?”

“Yes, please. Are these pork chops ever good!”

His mother dished up another pork chop and the rest of the leftover potatoes and onions. “Well, how did you make out with that young girl today?” she asked.

“Oh, you mean Jenny,” he replied, trying not to show how strongly he felt about her.

“Mmhmm,” his mom nodded. “Did you show her to the school?” “Yes, I did. Oh yeah, Mom, coming home from school, we got caught in the rain. I put all the wet clothes downstairs by the washing machine.”

“It’s so dangerous being outside when it gets that stormy. I’m always afraid someone might get struck by lightning, especially near trees.”

“We were fine, Mom.” She was such a worrier. “We just got a little wet and it was actually a lot of fun.”

“It’s not fun to be outside in a storm, Henry,” she said as he left the kitchen. “Please don’t do that again.”

Unwilling to get into an argument or have her worry anymore, Henry opened the front door and called over his shoulder, “I’m just going outside to sit on the steps for a little while.”

He had just settled himself on the steps and started to daydream about Jenny when Timmy Linder disrupted his reverie.

“Hey, Hank!”

Henry turned to see Timmy sauntering down the street. Timmy wore thick, dark-rimmed glasses, almost the colour of his dark brown hair. His lenses were thick because he was so nearsighted and his eyes appeared about the size of a dime.

“Geez, I was looking all over for you after class this morning. Where did you go? And, by the way, did you see that blond who moved in down the street? I just walked past her house, and man is she good-looking!”

“Yeah, I met her already. Her name is Jenny. I took her to Balfour this afternoon to pick up some registration forms.”

“No kidding, you took that girl to school? You lucky dog, you. What’s she like?”

Henry pushed himself off the step and walked over to his friend, who was leaning on the top rail of the fence.

“Take it easy, Timmy. You’ll get to meet her soon enough. She’s really nice. How was school today?”

“Boring as usual. I can’t stand math, and I can’t stand Mr. Morgan. He makes everyone feel like they’re idiots.”

“Well, just make sure you pass. You don’t want to have him again next year.” Just then Mr. Linder called out from across the street, “Timmy! Get your ass home. You got work to do.”

“Oh geez, he saw me. I was supposed to do my chores before supper. I’ll come back after.”

“Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow, Timmy. I’m feeling pretty tired tonight. Think I’ll go to bed early.”

“Jenny take too much out of you?” Timmy teased, pushing his glasses back on his nose, not realizing how close he was to the truth.

“Yeah, sure,” Henry tossed back.

“Okay, see you tomorrow, then, you dirty dog.”

Instead of going back home like he was supposed to, Timmy purposely went down Jenny’s side of the street and approached her house. Timmy turned to Henry and raised his arms, gesturing that she was no longer there on the steps. Henry could sense Timmy’s disappointment.

It was only eight o’clock, but with the highs and lows of the day, Henry really was wiped out. He went inside and headed for his room.

“Going to bed already?” his mother inquired.

“Yeah, I’m kind of tired. G’night, Mom.”

Henry went to the bathroom and studied himself in the mirror, thankful to see his usual boyish face maybe looked a bit more grown up and handsome. The Brylcreem made his dark brown hair seem almost black in the bathroom light. A soft sprinkling of fuzz was visible on his chin and upper lip. Henry wished he could shave already. In a way, his features reminded him of some of the football players they’d seen at the school.

Yeah, you’re quite a hunk, Henry, athletic build, dark green eyes, a dashing smile, unruly hair—but who are you kidding?
He knew some of the football players were better looking than he was. What chance did he have with Jenny compared to them? But, then, she had suggested that they leave. She hadn’t even said anything to them.
Maybe
….

He turned out the bathroom light and crossed the hall to his room, promptly opening the window to flush out the heavy stifling air with a rain-soaked breeze. Before pulling down the blind, Henry gazed up at the full moon against a darkening background spattered with the first few sparkling stars. He wondered if Jenny was looking at the moon, too. A sleek silver cloud crossed in front of the moon, cutting it in half. It made him think of how he’d felt before he’d met Jenny.

What an incredible day,
he thought as he turned from the window and began to undress. It had been so wonderful to hold Jenny’s hand and run with her in the rain and over the wet lawns. He wished that she were beside him or they had a private phone or walkie-talkie so they could talk about the day and tell jokes to each other. He yearned for her in a way he hadn’t for anyone else.

Just as he pulled back the sheets to lay down he remembered that he’d still forgotten to ask Jenny what her first name was. He should have looked on the registration form when he’d picked up the envelope at the confectionary. He’d have to ask her tomorrow.

But he never did … and the oversight would come back to haunt him.

H
enry stood on the front steps
of his home and drank in the cool, fresh morning air. Thoughts of what the day might bring swirled through his mind. Could it possibly hold the same amount of excitement, of joyous upheaval, as the day before? He couldn’t imagine how anything could. He glanced over at Jenny’s place and thought about her asleep in her bed, curled up under the covers. He wished he could be beside her, his arms around her, caressing her …“Henry!” His mother called, interrupting the pleasurable images in his mind, “don’t forget to go see Mr. Engelmann this morning.”

Working for Mr. Engelmann really didn’t appeal to him. The neighbours all talked about how poorly the shelves were stocked and how they’d started shopping at the new Safeway instead. Mr. Engelmann was getting old, his wife was sick, and the store was rundown, dingy and musty. It was pretty much the last place Henry wanted to spend the summer, especially now that he had met Jenny—still, in spite of himself, Henry felt oddly compelled to go see Mr. Engelmann. Besides, he would never forget that Mr. Englemann’s store was where he’d first spoken to the girl of his dreams! To decline Mr. Engelmann’s job offer without even talking to him wouldn’t be right. He figured he’d at least talk to the old man and help him out today if he needed it.

Henry rode his bike to Engelmann’s Grocery and parked it on the west side of the building. Two men were putting up a sign in the empty yard right next to the store. The City of Regina was advertising a lot for sale. Was Mr. Engelmann selling the store?

When he entered, Mr. Engelmann was in his usual spot, leaning on his elbows on the counter. He was so absorbed by the letter he held in front of him, he didn’t hear Henry enter.

“’Morning, Mr. Engelmann.” When Mr. Engelmann didn’t respond, Henry stepped closer and raised his voice a bit. “Good morning, Mr. Engelmann.”

Startled and a bit confused, Mr. Engelmann looked up and turned his head side to side before settling on Henry.

“Ah, Henry,” he said, taking off his glasses. “Good of you to come. Come over here. I want to talk to you.”

It felt to Henry like Mr. Engelmann was examining him under a magnifying glass until after a long moment he finally said, “Henry, I said it yesterday and I’ll say it again this morning: I believe you are a good boy with a good heart. I know I can trust you. I would like to hire you to work in my store for the rest of the summer, and after school and on Saturdays when school starts again. I hope you’ll be willing.”

Mr. Engelmann studied him thoughtfully and Henry steadfastly met the older man’s gaze. They looked at each other, neither one wavering. With a start, Henry realized Mr. Engelmann was treating him like an adult and he straightened his shoulders imperceptibly. This was a man-to-man moment; what happened next would determine their relationship.

Mr. Engelmann needed his help, Henry knew. Looking after his ailing wife and trying to keep up with the demands of his business were taking a toll on him. He looked tired, yet his lined face was friendly and kind. Henry was drawn to the warmth of his clear hazel eyes. Despite his worries, Mr. Engelmann seemed… peaceful. A deep feeling of respect for the man who held his gaze filled Henry’s chest. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to work here. Maybe it would even be a good experience. Not only could he help the Engelmanns, but maybe there was something Henry could learn, too. The compulsion he’d felt earlier strengthened. He’d come here to turn down the job, but other words, ones Henry had rarely—if ever—said, came to his lips.

“It would be an honour and a privilege to work for you, Mr. Engelmann!” Henry was surprised by his reaction and could tell Mr. Engelmann was a bit too.

Mr. Engelmann held his gaze a moment longer, the rims of his eyes reddening a bit. After a silent moment, he finally shook Henry’s hand and said, “Come, let me show you what I want you to do.”

Henry’s first responsibility was to keep the store shelves stocked. Mr. Engelmann showed him the back room where stacks of goods had been piled from floor to ceiling. Some boxes were empty, others contained only one or two items and still others had a variety of products in them. Detergents were stored with baking supplies; toothpaste and soups were mixed in with flour and sugar. He had to take down a stack to get at what was needed and then re-stack everything again. Henry couldn’t believe how disorganized the storage room was. It took him almost the entire morning to re-shuffle it all and by then he was exhausted from the lifting and sorting. Probably this was the least of Mr. Engelmann’s concerns. Henry hoped this effort in organization would make his and Mr. Engelmann’s job a lot easier.

After Henry had restocked most of the empty shelves, Mr. Engelmann asked him to watch the store for a few minutes while he checked on Mrs. Engelmann. While he was gone, an elderly lady entered the store. Henry recognized her, she lived next door to the Millers, but he couldn’t remember her name. She looked surprised when she saw Henry in the aisle.

“Good morning. Is Mr. Engelmann in?”

“Yes,” Henry said, “but he just stepped out for a few minutes.”

Henry put down the box of detergent he was holding, grabbed a wicker basket and handed it to her. “Here, you can use this if you want.”

“Thank you,” she said. She took the basket and walked down the first aisle. As Henry took Mr. Engelmann’s place behind the counter he noticed the letter the store owner had been reading beside the cash register. He knew he shouldn’t but felt compelled to read it, just as he had felt compelled to come and see Mr. Engelmann and accept his job offer. It was from the City of Regina Taxation Office and it was brief:

City of Regina

Taxation Division

June 1, 1956.

Mr. David Engelmann:

As per our letter dated March 1, 1956 you were granted 90 days to begin making payments to cover taxes assessed in arrears. Since no substantial payments have been received during this time, we regret to inform you that unless the amount owing on your properties is paid within 30 days, we will have to initiate foreclosure proceedings to cover taxes owed. The outstanding balance to date is $4,240.00.

If we do not receive payment by July 6, 1956, action will be taken to sell the vacant lot adjacent to your store.

We trust you will address this matter immediately.

Yours truly,

Mr. Alex Mahoney

Assistant Director of Taxation

Henry didn’t know what all of it meant but he did understand that Mr. Engelmann owed the city a lot of money and, unless he paid it, he would lose his property. It also dawned on Henry that the sign being put up outside was the city taking action. Mr. Engelmann must not have paid them anything. Concern tugged at Henry.

He’d once overheard Timmy’s dad tell his mom that Mr. and Mrs. Engelmann had both been teachers in Austria before they’d came to Canada during the war. Mr. Linder thought it was a shame they hadn’t gotten their Canadian teaching certificates instead of running a grocery store.
If the store goes out of business, would Mr. Engelmann still be able to do that?
Henry wondered.

The wicker basket thudded on the counter, startling Henry. He looked up and set the letter aside, hoping the woman hadn’t seen him reading it.

“Ah, uh, can I help you?” Henry asked. “Yes, I want to buy these groceries.”

Henry started taking the items out of the basket, hoping Mr. Engelmann would come back before he finished, but that did not happen. When the basket was empty, Henry set it on the floor beside him. Unsure how to operate the cash register, and leery of making a mistake he said, “Would you please wait just a minute while I get Mr. Engelmann?”

When she nodded, he rushed to the back of the store and headed towards the stairway that led up to the Engelmanns’ living quarters. His foot had just touched the third step when Mr. Engelmann appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Henry, what is it?”

“There’s a customer at the counter and I don’t know what to do.”

“Yes, yes, of course. I will come,” Mr. Engelmann said, hurrying down the stairs. “Hello, Mrs. Tearhorst. How are you, today?

So sorry to keep you waiting.”

Mr. Engelmann calculated her purchases then packed them in a large brown bag. After she left, Mr. Engelmann showed Henry how to operate the cash register. Henry was so pleased by Mr. Engelmann’s trust and confidence in him that he found it hard to concentrate on the explanation. Mr. Engelmann was patient, however, and reviewed everything until Henry knew what he was doing. Just as Henry rang in another practice sale, a tall man wearing a grey flannel suit and a black Stetson walked into the store. He wore rim-less glasses and a serious, business like expression.

Mr. Engelmann let out a slow sigh. “Ah, Mr. Mahoney … good morning.”

“Good morning, Mr. Engelmann. Have you noticed the sign in the lot next door?”

“No … just a moment Mr. Mahoney.” Turning to his new hired hand he motioned to the back room. “Henry, you can continue stocking the shelves. I have some business to discuss with Mr. Mahoney.”

“Sure Mr. Engelmann.” Henry went to the far aisle and checked the shelves that needed stock. He couldn’t help overhearing the discussion at the counter.

“… The director wanted to put both properties up for sale, but I talked him out of it, Mr. Engelmann. Hopefully the sale of the lot will help pay most of the arrears. If not …” he gestured at the store around him with a half shrug.

“That is kind of you to assist me. It has been a struggle these past two years keeping up with Mrs. Engelmann’s medical expenses and maintaining the store … but that is not your concern, Mr. Mahoney. I know you are doing your job and I have to do mine. I hired a new employee this morning and perhaps together we can turn things around.”

“You mean that young boy you were talking with when I came in?” Mr. Mahoney gave Mr. Engelmann a skeptical look and lowered his voice. “Perhaps someone older and more experienced might be of more value—”

Mr. Engelmann smiled at his creditor. “We shall see Mr. Mahoney.”

“Well, I wish you the best, Mr. Engelmann. I don’t know how much longer I can hold things off.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mahoney, I know. You have already been most kind.”

After the tax man left, only three more customers came in before lunch. Mr. Engelmann introduced Henry each time as his new assistant and let Henry ring in the sales.

“Well, it’s almost lunchtime. You better go home and have something to eat. You did a good job this morning, Henry.”

“Thank you,” Henry said. “Do you want me to come back after lunch?”

“Yes, if you can. Mrs. Engelmann is not feeling well today and needs me for awhile. I may have to get the doctor.”

Mr. Engelmann’s furrowed brow of concern for his wife haunted Henry on the way home. And what was he going to do about the money he owed the city? Four thousand dollars was a lot and it was clear the store wasn’t very busy. That Mr. Mahoney seemed to have doubts about his ability to help Mr. Engelmann, but Henry was determined to do as much as he could.

He purposefully biked past his house to see if Jenny was outside. She wasn’t. The inside door was closed against the storm door, too, so it was likely no one was home. It bothered him that he didn’t know her whereabouts. He had just turned his bike around and started home when Timmy Linder—on his way home from morning classes—shouted.

“Hey, Hank, wait up! What do you say we go hunt gophers out in the field this afternoon? I just bought some more BBs on Saturday.” Timmy’s glasses slid down his nose and he shoved them back into place.

“Can’t, Timmy. I have to work.” “What do you mean?”

“Mr. Engelmann hired me to work for him at the grocery store and I promised I’d be back this afternoon to help him.”

“Geez, Hank, you’re not working for that old geezer are you?” “Oh, he’s not so bad once you get to know him … and I think he needs my help.”

“And just how are you gonna help Old Man Engelmann, huh?

What do you know about running a store?”

Henry was insulted by his friend’s lack of confidence. Timmy had a knack for pushing people’s buttons. But instead of getting mad, Henry only shrugged, “Well, I’m learning awfully fast. I already know how to operate the cash register.” Trying to change the subject, Henry quickly added, “Besides Tim, you don’t have time to hunt gophers, you probably have lots of homework anyway. You don’t want to have to take math again, right?”

“I’d sooner die,” Timmy agreed, a disgusted look on his face. Still, disappointed that his buddy had taken a job, Timmy continued, “Well, when
are
you going to be home?”

“Maybe three or four. I’ll call on you when I get back. Anyway Timmy, I gotta go. Better get home for lunch before I get heck. See ya later.”

“Sure, Mr. Businessman. Later, ’gator,” Timmy smirked.

Henry sped off home and parked his bike in its spot between the houses. Sure enough, old Mrs. Goronic heard him.

“Henry, when are you going to take my weeds away? If you don’t do it soon they will rot and get stinky.”