9
Gigget’s energy deflated like a popped balloon. All she wanted to sink to the floor and have a good cry, but the kids wanted lunch and the floor was too cold .
She turned on the oven and cracked its door to heat up the kitchen. Then she reheated some leftover creamy chicken and rice soup. Comfort food. And boy did she want comfort.
“Soup’s on the table, Djoni, Amoretta,” she called out.
A short time later, they’d finished, and Gigget cleared the table.
The doorbell rang.
She checked her phone camera. Bing and Puck?
“Hello, why are you here?” she asked with a smile. It warmed her heart to see Bing again today. “Come inside. We just finished lunch. Would you like some soup?”
Puck and Bing entered the foyer.
“I would love anything you cook, Gigget, but given that it almost feels warmer outside than in, I think we should probably take a look at that furnace first.” Bing’s tone was not as lighthearted. “The kids mentioned a heating problem to their teacher this morning.
“Oh, OK. You know the way to the basement.”
“Yes, ma’am, I do. Come on, Puck.” Bing descended the steps with his friend.
Gigget fought the urge to cry. Was she so desperately in need of help that even her kids were asking on her behalf? She couldn’t get angry with them for something that was probably tossed off as casual, benign comment. The happiness at seeing Bing warred with the reason he was here.
Rinsing dishes in the heated water warmed her hands. Lord, please let this be an easy fix. You own the cattle on a thousand hills, but so far none have been sacrificed to plump up my bank account . She swallowed the tears that threatened and picked up the soup pan. A vigorous scrub, a quick dry, and it was done, too. At least the water heater still worked.
~*~
“Well?” Bing asked.
“The good news is that there’s no poisoning going on,” Puck said.
“And?”
“The other good news is the replacement part is in my truck. She needs new filters though, and I don’t have any of those.” He held up the old filter. Thick grey dust caked every fiber. “Here’s the size. Would you get some at the store while I fix this part? It won’t take long. I’ll probably be done before you return.”
Bing took note of the size. “Sure. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”
They both went up the stairs.
Puck went to his truck to get the part.
Bing went to the store. He had points on his credit card so it wouldn’t be costing him anything. A win-win for everyone. But would Gigget see it that way? She probably struggled with asking for help. The woman was capable and a hard worker. So sweet to everyone. Her children were well-behaved. Lord, help a guy out here. I shouldn’t be wanting someone who is so far out of my league.
Bing found the filters and bought several. Gigget probably had no idea that they were supposed to be changed regularly, but he’d show her how to do it. He drove back to her home.
“Gigget, if you have a moment, can I show you something?” Bing asked.
“Sure.” She put a pan away and followed him downstairs.
Puck was just finishing his job.
“These are filters that need to be changed each month. Here’s how to do it.” Bing put a new filter in the proper place and set the rest of the box on a shelf nearby. “And that’s it.”
She nodded and glanced at Puck.
Puck put away his tools.
“Does it work now?” Her question was hesitant.
Puck nodded. “Yeah, and just in time too. We’re getting really cold the next few nights. Autumn is in full swing, but it’s feeling more like winter to me.”
“Thank you,” her voice was unsteady. She rushed back up the stairs.
Bing’s heart clenched. Was she trying not to cry? He took a deep breath, and made the resolution to pay attention to this family in need. He could help. If she let him.
“I’m sure you’ll be really busy the next few days when people start turning on their heat and finding it not working well.” Bing grimaced.
“Bad for sleep, good for my paycheck with the overtime. Hard to juggle with full-time factory work.”
“How much for the part?” he asked.
Puck shook his head. “Nah. Not having her pay for that. It was a spare. I remember how hard it was for my mom after my dad died. We were older and picked up odd jobs after school to help out. I’m not charging her for this piddling little piece of metal.”
“You’re a good man, Puck. Probably why I call you friend.”
“Us short men need to stick together, right?” Puck grinned as he picked up his tool case.
The furnace kicked in. Bing anticipated the house would warm up nicely. He quickly frowned. One could do without air conditioning for most of a summer, but winter in Wisconsin made heat non-negotiable. He hoped Gigget would be able to find some help with that.
The men went up the stairs and closed the basement door.
Gigget scurried over. “I heard it go on. It seems warmer already.”
“Yeah,” Puck said. “To be honest, in a house this old, I thought perhaps you’d have a boiler system and that would not have been an easy fix.”
“The previous owner installed this furnace, but that was about twenty years ago. They took the old radiators at that time.” She was rubbing her hands around, either to keep warm or because she was anxious. “How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing.” Puck smiled. “I had accidentally ordered an extra part, and it cost too much to return, so I was kind of stuck with it, and had no need for it. But you did, so it’s all good.”
“But you brought something in, Bing.”
“Filters. You need to check those periodically, and you have some extra, but don’t worry about the cost. I had a rebate at the store that paid for it.”
She shook her head. “You can’t keep bailing me out like this, Bing,” her voice had dropped to a whisper. “I’m already so indebted to you for everything you’ve done to help me out. And you, too, Puck.”
“My pleasure,” Bing replied.
Puck nodded. “Mine, too. Here’s my card. Save it in case you have any other issues. Day or night. You don’t want your house getting so cold and the pipes freeze…or you and your kids do. My mom struggled for some time as a single mom. It’s hard to accept the help, but you bless us by letting us do it. You and your kiddos will be in my prayers.”
Gigget wiped away a tear. “Thank you so much. Oh, wait!” She rushed into the kitchen and hurried back with two containers. “Homemade cookies, fresh. I had to heat the house somehow but there’s no way we can eat all of these.”
Each man took a box.
“Thank you, I will gladly take anything you bake.” Bing turned to his friend. “She’s an awesome cook.”
Puck sniffed. “I can tell, it smells wonderful in here. Thank you, Gigget. Stay warm, and I’m serious. Call me if you need anything. Don’t wait until morning. This time of year, I often have to take service calls in the middle of the night. I want you and your children to be safe—and warm.”
“Aw, thank you so much. I’ll program your number into my phone.” Gigget smiled at the man and turned to Bing. “Bing, I don’t believe I have your number, though.” She pulled out her phone and tapped on it a few times. “OK, let me have the number.”
Bing recited the number and she read it back.
“I’ll send you a text so you know it’s me. I’ll do the same for you, Puck. But I do promise I will try not to be a bother.”
“If I’m not working or at National Guard, I will usually respond quick. Puck will be best because that is his specialty. However, I’ll gladly come to help anytime you need me.”
“If you’re available,” she added with a smile.
“Yes. We’ll leave so you can enjoy your Sunday rest. Have a beautiful, and now warm, week.”
“Goodbye, Gigget,” Puck said as they headed out the front door.
The men stopped between their trucks.
“She’s a sweet gal. I can understand why you like her,” Puck commented. “If I weren’t dating Tawyn Dipple I’d be taking a second glance myself.” He gave his friend a wink and hopped into his car.
Bing chuckled and got in his own vehicle. He started it up and waited a few minutes, staring at the old house. Lord, please bless Gigget and the kids and protect them from anything else going wrong. I’d be happy to help but she needs to understand her own strengths—and value. Besides, who else will watch over her when I’m on Guard duty?
~*~
Gigget peeked out the window.
Bing sat in his car after Puck had driven off. Was he OK? Maybe he was checking his phone? His head rose quickly, and he glanced at the house.
She stepped back, and then looked out again.
He drove away.
Gigget was relieved the house had heat. Grateful her children had said something, and now unaccountably sad that Bing was gone. Inexplicably, he ticked off all the right boxes in her heart. She shook her head. Silly thoughts, woman . Who in their right mind would want a woman in debt and with two kids?
Probably someone who wasn’t in their right mind.
She returned to the kitchen.
The kids had fallen asleep on the sofa.
The house was quiet but outside the wind howled.
An involuntary shiver overtook Gigget.
She was safe. They had a roof over their heads, food, fresh water, clothing, and now heat. She didn’t need to be anxious about anything. That was in Philippians somewhere. Something about not being anxious but instead to pray? Fair enough, Lord. You know how desperately needy I am and how I struggle with my own pride against asking for help. She put away the dried dishes and hung up the damp towel. Would God meet her needs?
She had no doubts He was capable of doing so. But there were people who struggled so much more than she did. She wasn’t being beaten or abused. They had a home and a running vehicle. God had already provided so much. Thank You, Lord, for all You continue to do for me. Thank You for Bing and Puck and their help today.
She grinned. She really was a blessed woman. She went into the living room and sat in the old, overstuffed recliner that leaned slightly to one side. She grabbed an afghan and draped it over her legs as she reclined the chair and drifted into a Sunday nap.