Chapter 29
Chloe arrived to stand outside the school gate just as the bell resounded around its spacious yard. In her hands, she held two plastic bags from a taverna nearby. It provided take away pasta meals. What child doesn’t like pasta? They’re bound to like them! she thought, eager to get both the girls together on a happy occasion for a change. Who knows? They may get to become friends… even today!
The thought warmed her heart as the first groups of children appeared through the wide front doors of the school building. Soon, a multitude was spilling out into the schoolyard and passing through the gates, breezing past her.
As Chloe tried to make out Sotiria and Lena in the crowd a familiar fragrance filled her nostrils. Astonished, she looked around. It was unmistakable. This was the aroma she had sensed when she first met her heavenly teacher, Laranon. Realising he wasn’t there, she became confused. But then, she heard his voice inside her head and began to understand.
You assumed correctly, Child. I can do that too! he said inside her mind.
Oh cool! she replied in the same manner, amused.
What is cool, Beloved? Are you cold?
Her excited replies tended to totally evade him. It was so funny. She tried not to snigger and offend him . Erm... She looked around to find she was standing in a small crowd now. Many people had turned up to pick up their kids.
It means it’s impressive, she added in her mind after a short pause.
Well, thank you, Chloe. A heartbeat later, Laranon added, I can feel your heart is heavy, somewhat, Child. Is this about Aleka and her cook, Lena’s mother?
‘You know?’ she whispered, taken aback, as a multitude of children continued to pass her by, distracted as they interacted with their friends, speaking loudly and bantering.
Of course. I was at Perdika watching earlier, invisible to you both. I am with you all the time. You’re my charge, aren’t you? This is my job.’
I see… she said in her mind.
So, what do you plan to do?
I’d like to help Mrs Voula. I just don’t know how! Aleka is terrible! She won’t give her time off on Lena’s birthday…
Maybe, the best way to help her is to find her a better employer. What do you think?
Of course, but…ah! Lena’s eyes lit up just as Laranon’s voice echoed in her mind again.
Andreas is looking for a cook, isn’t he?
Chloe nodded frantically, too excited to care that the people around her might see her and wonder what was wrong with her. Yes! He is! Oh, Teacher, that’s a great idea! she said in her mind, managing to form the words more clearly this time, without moving her lips at all.
Laranon chuckled, then said, This is perfect for your first assignment. Make it happen, Chloe.
But… how? I can’t just tell Lena! How am I supposed to know that her mother needs a change of employment? You see my problem here?
Yes, of course. But you’ll find a way. I have full faith in you!
Chloe bent her head, deep in thought. For a few moments, she forgot all about the girls, and how she was supposed to spot them amidst the passing crowd. She snapped her head up to resume looking, just as Laranon spoke again.
Look… here’s a way. When you turn the next corner to the field, look at the electricity pole that stands right at the corner. There’s something on it you may find useful.
Chloe beamed as she stared blankly before her. Really? That’s great!
All right, Beloved! I’ll leave you to it. Your friends are coming soon! See you at sundown at the mill for our next lesson.
Before she could reply, she felt it deep inside of her that he was no longer there. His essence was gone along with his signature fragrance.
She began to wonder what was there waiting on the electricity pole. But she didn’t have any time to ponder on it. Right then, she felt a strong slap on her back and looked up to see Lena, beaming at her.
‘You came! Just like you said!’
‘Yes, yes! Of course I came, Lena! I told you I would. And I brought food as promised!’ Chloe lifted the bags in her hands to show her, and Lena gave a little cheer.
Chloe saw Sotiria then and, following her gaze, Lena turned to see her too and let out a grunt. ‘What? She’s not coming along, is she?’
Chloe ignored her and instead said hi to Sotiria as the latter approached timidly. She stopped a little far from Lena and pushed her glasses up on her nose. ‘Hi, Chloe…’ she said quietly, then ventured a quick glance at Lena before lowering her head.
Lena glowered at her, then pointing to her with a sharp finger she said to Chloe, ‘What is she doing here? I thought we were going together to the field.’
‘Yes, we are going together, but I’ve invited Sotiria to join us.’ Chloe had done it the previous day, speaking to Sotiria through the railing during recess.
‘What did you invite her for?’ Lena seemed genuinely dumbfounded.
Sotiria looked at them in succession with what can only be described as sad puppy eyes and said nothing. She seemed to be used to people speaking about her in her presence in non-flattering ways, and also quite resigned to it. The realisation pierced Chloe’s insides like a thorn.
Somehow, she managed not to show it. Employing her most cheerful smile, she raised the bags again and said to Lena, ‘The more the merrier, that’s why! And the food is not getting any warmer. Just saying!’
Without waiting for a response, she spun around and began to walk, hoping both girls would follow, enticed by the promise of warm cooked food. They had to be hungry after a half day in school, seeing that in Greece there’s no such thing as a cafeteria or a school meal. Many Greek children don’t have in school more than a cheese pastry bought from the canteen or a sandwich from home.
Turning to look over her shoulder, her pace not slowing in the least, she confirmed both girls were following silently.
Sotiria was walking right behind Chloe looking pensive, and Lena was dragging her heels behind Sotiria, a rigid pout on her face.
At the corner, Chloe stopped and put the straps of both bags in one hand. Then, with a sweeping gesture, she said, ‘Go on, girls! Lead the way to the field!’
Lena and Sotiria gave her funny looks, and Lena even put a hand up, making cartwheels with a sharp finger by her ear, suggesting Chloe was acting loopy.
Chloe laughed, then urged them along again with a shooing gesture. When the girls resumed walking, Chloe found the opportunity to tear from the electricity pole her precious finding.
It was an ad for a cook at Andreas’s taverna, Trata. How did Laranon know? But, of course, there were a million ways in which someone like him would know this. Or perhaps he had put the notice on there himself. But how he knew wasn’t important. What was important was now she had something to show Lena, and perhaps inspire her mother to take that chance.
If Lena’s mother got the job at Trata, then both mother and daughter would be happier. Voula would have a more agreeable work environment, and she would have the chance to spend more time with her daughter, too. Surely, Andreas wouldn’t mind if Lena visited Trata out of school hours, to spend some time with her mother. She wouldn’t be so lonely then, she wouldn’t be feeling so left out.
Chloe raised her head and, looking up to the sky, smiled and said inside her head: Teacher Laranon, you’re a genius!
###
The girls sat down under the big olive tree that Lena favoured. Chloe began immediately to remove things from the bags, passing around paper napkins and plastic forks.
She removed the lid from one of three aluminium tubs and handed the meal to Lena. ‘This is Carbonara… But, I brought Bolognese too, if you prefer?’ She opened the next package in the bag and offered it to her too. ‘Since I invited you first, you can have first choice.’
To her surprise, Lena, now holding both packages, raised her shoulders and said, ‘I don’t mind. I like all pasta meals.’
‘Sotiria?’ asked Chloe and the girl screwed up her face, then said with one raised shoulder, ‘I do like Carbonara. May…I?’ she said, reaching with one hand to take the package from Lena.
Lena let her take it from her hand, then snorted. ‘Be my guest, but I am warning you. It won’t shrink your waistline, girlie!’
Chloe was appalled. ‘What is this? Can’t you be civil for one second? What’s wrong with you?’
‘What? She’s a chubby girl. Just saying!’
‘Lena!’ Chloe grabbed Lena’s shoulder and squeezed. Lena looked at her, her eyes igniting with surprise. Chloe knew what her touch had done to her, and she was enjoying it. No one can resist this zap of pure divine energy. Good luck being a bully with me around, GIRLIE! thought Chloe with a cunning smirk.
Lena seemed shocked into silence. She picked up her fork from her lap and began to eat.
‘Go on, Sotiria. Don’t mind her. She didn’t mean it. And, actually, I am sure she wants to apologise for her nasty remark. Don’t you, Lena?’
Lena seemed to be enjoying her Bolognese. She swallowed, twisted her lips, and said without looking up, ‘Yeah… I mean, yes, I am sorry, I guess.’
‘Good. Now say it again, and this time look at her and say her name,’ said Chloe.
‘What is this now? I don’t have to put up with this crap from you! I don’t need your food! I have better food at home waiting for me!’ In an instant, Lena stood up, ready to go, her bag slung over her shoulder, though Chloe noticed she had left her pasta tub carefully on the floor, ensuring not to spill any food.
She’s bluffing. She just wants her ego petted. To feel assured. I got this! Chloe patted the air between them and urged her to sit back down. ‘Come on now! I just want you two to be friends. We can all be friends. Together. It beats sitting alone at home, doesn’t it?’ asked Chloe. She tilted her head and batted her eyelashes in that cute way she’d always used on other people back when she was a human child and wanted something. It had never failed her.
Lena gave her a deep look that conveyed just how she hated that loneliness back home. Instantly, Chloe knew she had her.
Without saying a word, Lena sat back down and took another forkful. While chewing, she turned to Sotiria and said, ‘I am sorry, Sotiria. Sometimes, I can be an idiot.’
‘That’s okay…’ said Sotiria, throwing her a cautious glance.
‘Maybe, you could shake hands and agree to be friends from now on?’ said Chloe with a shrug.
Lena, still chewing, offered her hand to Sotiria. The latter shook it, eying her more confidently now.
The sight warmed Chloe’s heart. She couldn’t help but watch them eat for a while, her own tub of Bolognese sitting before her untouched. She’d ordered two tubs of Bolognese as it was her favourite pasta meal. She was glad she got to have one of them for herself.
‘Hey, why aren’t you eating?’ asked Sotiria, looking upbeat for a change, and Chloe began eating happily as the girls now chatted idly with each other. I did that! And it only took one squeeze on Lena’s arm and some yummy pasta . She couldn’t wait to see how the friendship among them could evolve if only she could keep this going. She intended to do her best.
Sotiria, who had almost finished her food, gave a sudden yelp and began to rummage in her school bag.
‘What is it?’ asked the others in unison.
‘Sorry, don’t mind me…’ said Sotiria as she fished out her phone. She tapped on it and placed it on her ear to say with a bright expression, ‘I am having so much fun I forgot to tell my mother! She must be wondering where I am!’
‘But, I told you from yesterday that we were doing this today at lunch. Didn’t you tell her?’ asked Chloe, confused.
Sotiria lowered her head, avoiding her eyes, as she waited for her mother to answer. ‘I… I wasn’t sure you’d actually meant it.’
Chloe pressed her lips together, understanding, and, right then, Sotiria’s mother picked up.
Lena watched with an amused expression as Sotiria apologised to her mother for the short notice, letting her know she was having lunch at a friend’s house.
‘Which friend, you ask?’ said Sotiria, scratching her head, eyes focusing far, ‘Ah… No one you know, Mum… Her name? Um… her name is… Lena! Yes, Lena. Her mother… she is a cook, you know. Okay, Mum. Yes, sure. I’ll be home in about an hour maybe? Lena’s got a new board game and asked me to play. See you soon. Bye!’
Sotiria looked ecstatic as she put away her phone and resumed eating. The other two were chuckling loudly.
‘What?’ she said as she put a big forkful in her mouth, her eyes dancing.
‘Nothing… It’s just… you’re always so prim and proper! I didn’t expect you to be so good at lying to your mum! You go, girl!’ said Lena, offering her hand to Sotiria for a high five. Sotiria obliged her with a giggle.
‘Not that it’s good to lie to our parents!’ said Chloe, and the others giggled again.
When they were finished, they put the empty tubs in the plastic bag to throw away later, then Lena and Sotiria thanked Chloe for the delicious offering.
Lena rubbed her tummy with delight, before saying, ‘Right! So, where are those board games you promised?’
Chloe had packed two in her backpack and unzipped it to produce them with a flourish. They were travel editions of Ludo and Snakes and Ladders.
They played, having a lot of fun. Chloe made sure to follow Laranon’s advice to touch the girls as they played, on their arms and inside their palms, as she handed them the dice. She also made sure to touch them both at the same time on their shoulders or arms while jesting, using herself as a conductor to infuse their energetic signatures with her much higher frequency.
As time progressed, she watched, amazed, as the two girls warmed all the more to each other. Before she knew it, they were touching each other too as they bantered, their spirits high.
Sotiria beat Chloe and Lena in both Ludo and Snakes and Ladders. Lena began to tease Sotiria that it made sense since she was such a geek, but that was harmless banter. Sotiria kept giggling as they put the game paraphernalia away back in the boxes, the happy sounds resonating in Chloe’s heart, causing it to mushroom with delight.
###
An hour and a bit later, they were back on the road, saying goodbye to Sotiria, who waved with big smiles, then walked away skipping along the street, her overloaded school bag in hand looking like it didn’t weigh more than a napkin.
Chloe smirked to watch her go, then turned to Lena to say, ‘Listen, can I have a quick word before you go?’
‘Sure,’ Lena replied as Chloe moved to throw the plastic bag with the empty tubs in the closest bin.
They both turned to go back toward the field again as this was the way to Lena’s home. A few steps later, Chloe took the ad out of her pocket and handed it to Lena. ‘You said your mother was a cook, right? I thought she might want to know Trata is hiring.’
‘Trata? That sounds familiar…’ Lena said as she took the ad from her. She scratched her head and stopped walking to read the ad, then said, ‘The taverna where my mother cooks is quite close to Trata, I think…’
‘Is it? What is the name of the taverna where she works?’ Chloe asked feigning ignorance.
‘Perdika.’
‘Oh, yeah… Perdika is two doors away from Trata. The owner is a lady called Aleka, right?’
Lena snorted. ‘Lady? Cow , more like!’
Chloe couldn’t help but laugh. ‘I bet your mother has told you stories.’
Lena giggled, then knitted her brows to say, ‘Yeah! But, wait, how do you know Aleka?’
‘I have a good friend called Emilia, and Aleka is her cousin. She told me she’s awful, to put it mildly.’
‘Awful doesn’t begin to describe her, believe me. My mother’s voice was breaking on the phone when I spoke to her earlier. She said she’d asked Aleka for a day off on my birthday that’s coming soon, and she refused to let her have it.’
Chloe put a hand on Lena’s back and rubbed it gently. ‘That’s awful! But don’t worry. Even if your mother has to work, you, Sotiria and I could do something together on your birthday. It will be fun!’
Lena’s eyes turned huge, filling with stars. ‘Really? You guys would do that for me?’
‘Sure! Leave it with me. Just tell me the date!’
‘It’s in three days. Friday.’
‘Right! I’ll meet you after school on your birthday, but I am not saying anything. I want to surprise you.’
To her amazement, Lena pulled her close into a tight hug. ‘Thank you! No one has ever done something like that for me before!’
Chloe pulled back when Lena finally let her and grinned from ear to ear. What do you know? That zap I gave her earlier has such a long-lasting effect…
Lena, seemingly unaware of Chloe’s amazement, was letting out sounds of joy for what seemed like forever, gazing high up in the sky, as if she were praying a happy prayer to the heavens.
‘Your mother will feel better knowing you’ll be having lunch with your friends on your birthday. You should tell her,’ Chloe said, placing a firm hand on Lena’s shoulder.
‘Of course, I will!’
‘And, when you do, show her the ad. If she works for Aleka, she can’t be happy. But the owner of Trata, Mr Andreas, is a wonderful man. He is a friend of Emilia’s, the friend I told you about.’
‘I see… But this restaurant is new, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, it is. Mr Andreas has just moved back here from Germany with his son. He ran two restaurants over there. He has experience. And did I say what a lovely man he is? Your mother will be very satisfied working for him. And if she is as good a cook as you say she is, he will be a happy man too, to have her. Go on, suggest it to her… to apply for this job.’
‘I will. Thank you! Bye!’ said Lena with a little wave, and began to walk away.
Chloe stood at the corner watching her go. A few moments later, Lena paused and looked over her shoulder to give another wave. ‘Thank you! For everything!’ she shouted out, patting her heart as she did so.
Chloe nodded and issued a bright smile, unable to speak. She could feel the vibes coming from Lena; they were so strong. As she watched Lena walk away, a spring in her step, she knew right then that Elise would be proud of her. That dare that they’d agreed on had just ended in the most swift and wonderful manner. Lena was no longer a bully, and Sotiria no longer a victim of bullying either. Chloe had done it. And it took so little, so little indeed.
People focus on correcting behaviour when they look at bullies, on punishment even, but hardly ever address the trauma where it all begins… she heard in her head, and knew at once it was Laranon, even though the distinct aroma that accompanied him delayed in registering in her mind.
She nodded to herself, ever so surreptitiously, as an elderly couple passed her by. Indeed, Teacher, people forget the trauma. They only look at the surface… But healing doesn’t happen unless you go deep within… she said in her mind, finding it easier to do it without even moving her tongue behind her closed lips this time.
I can tell already. You’ll make a fine angel, Chloe, said Laranon. A fine guardian of humans, indeed.