Be aware and you'll see magic is everywhere.

Charm Bracelet©

 

            A silver charm bracelet hung over the edge of a sewer drain by a miniature cell phone.  Teddi swooped it up in the palm of her hand and slipped it into her coat pocket.

            She tossed her auburn hair and fingered the charms one by one.   Each charm felt intricate and beautiful.  I wonder who it belongs to, she thought. 

            Her heels scraped the sidewalk and her skirt bounced inches above her knee, as she made her way home. 

            R-r-r-i-n-n-g.  Teddi stopped.  She grabbed the cell phone from her purse. 

            “Hello.”  No answer.  That’s odd, she thought.  She returned the phone to her purse.

            R-r-r-i-n-n-g.   Once again she retrieved her cell phone.  No call.  The ringing continued.  It came from her pocket.   

            “What the heck.”  Teddi reached into her pocket and retrieved the charm bracelet. 

            She lifted it to eye level.  The cell phone charm was ringing.  Was this possible?

            Squinching her face up close to the phone, she touched it.  It vibrated.  She took it in her thumb and forefinger.  The ringing stopped. 

            With her mouth perched slightly above the charm, she whispered, “hello?”

            “Hello, Teddi.  I was hoping you’d answer,” said a tiny voice from the phone.

            Teddi froze.  She stared at the phone, unsure what to do.  Finally getting the feeling back in her face, she asked, “Who are you?  How do you know my name?”             “I know everyone.”

            “huh?”

            “Arrive early,” said the voice. 

             “What?  Who is this?”

            The air was still, the phone quiet.

            Teddi stared at the phone all the way home.  No vibration.  She looked at each charm one by one.  A daisy, a park bench, a money pouch with a hole allowing three coins to spill out, and the cell phone.  She reached her apartment building and took the stairs two at a time.  She put the key in the door and heard the phone inside her apartment ringing.  She turned the key, pushed open the door and grabbed the phone, all in one motion.

             “Hello?” she said. 

            “Hi,” said a quiet, masculine voice.  “Do you own a Nokia cell phone?”

             “Yes.  Why?”

             “I’d like to return it.”

             “That’s not possible.  My cell phone’s right…” her hand searched through her purse.  No phone.

             “Number was listed under ‘home’,” he said.  “Thought I’d call.”

             “I didn’t even know I’d lost it.  Thank you for calling, Mr...”

             “Ben, the name’s Ben.”  Silence.  “You have a lovely voice,” he continued.

             “Thank you, um…could I pick it up tomorrow?”  asked Teddi.

            “Sure, how about 9am.  Breakfast on me at Ma and Pops on Dempster.  Know where that is?”  asked Ben.

            Her voice lilted.  Her lips formed the letter ‘O’ and she said it. 

            “Oh! yes, that’d be fine.” 

            Teddi hung up the phone.  She slid down the wall to a sitting position on the floor. 

            “He sounded cute.   Maybe my luck is changing.”

            She dropped the charm bracelet back in her pocket.  I hope I didn’t sound desperate, she thought.

 

            The next morning, Teddi was up at dawn.  Pants, tops and skirts made a path to her bed.  It was Saturday, so she chose casual.  A pair of blue jeans hugged her hips and a violet lace top caressed her shoulders.  A spritz of cologne and she was ready.  She fumbled for the keys in her coat pocket and pulled out the charm bracelet.

            “Think I’ll walk,” she said aloud.

She ran her fingers through her hair and the corners of her mouth rose as she walked.  I haven’t felt like this in a long while, she thought.  The grass seemed greener,  birds whistled and the sky lit the world.  

“What a great day.  Maybe it’s the bracelet.”

            Two blocks further was a candy store.  Red, green and yellow lollipops filled the window display.  Teddi peered inside.  Next door, the oldest drugstore in town remained.  Teddi passed the window of medications and ointments and stepped off the curb to cross the alley.  She glanced down and saw a daisy sprouting through a crack in the pavement.  Her face glowed as she bent to pick it.  She stood for a moment and smiled. 

            “Ahhhhh!” a woman screamed.  Teddi stared.  Her mouth fell open.  In the alley, a man in a dark overcoat slapped a woman and pushed her into a wall. 

            The woman whimpered.

            Teddi froze.  The man grabbed the woman’s arm, yelled an obscenity and pushed her out the far end of the alley. 

            Teddi’s hands trembled.  She stood frozen for several minutes.  Kind of guy I always meet, she thought.  She shook her head violently.  Can’t worry about that.  She continued in brisk decisive steps.  Going to meet Ben.  She entered the restaurant and glanced toward the clock on the wall.  She was early. 

            “Corner booth?” Teddi asked.

            She got the go-ahead and sat down facing the door.  She adjusted the shoulders of her blouse, put on lipstick and looked up.  Teddi jumped back.  The man from the alley stood at her table.

             “Sorry.  Didn’t mean to startle you.  I’m Ben.”  He extended his right hand, holding her cell phone in the other.

            Teddi’s face lost all color.  She stood  immediately and retrieved her cell phone.

            Ben gulped a mouthful of air.  He forced the corners of his mouth to rise slightly.  “You’re very beautiful,” he said.  “Shall we?”  He motioned for her to sit again.

“Sorry, got an emergency call from a friend.”  Teddi brushed past him.  Her eyes found the floor and her feet moved quickly.  “Thanks,” she muttered.

Ben’s mouth dropped, eyes widened.  She was gone before he had a chance to reply.

“Thank God I arrived early.  Who knows what would have happened,” she scolded herself. 

R-r-r-i-n-n-g …

Teddi whisked the charm bracelet from her pocket.  “Hello!” 

            “Hello, Teddi.” 

“I was hoping you’d call again.  Who are you?  Why are you talking to me?”

“Take time, Teddi.”

            “Take time for what?  I don’t understand.”

            Silence.

             Teddi walked home in a daze, bracelet in hand.  She turned the wrong corners and flagged the wrong bus.  Six blocks further from home, she started home again. 

            “Concentrate,” she said aloud.  “You’ll never get home at this rate.”  She cut through a park.  A soft mist dampened the grass.  Her shoes squished in the foliage. 

            “How stupid to think I could meet someone nice.  I swear I’ve got no luck at all.”  She slipped the bracelet back in her pocket.

            A soft cry came from behind a group of trees.  A woman sat on a bench crying.  Gray business suit, perfectly creased, spotted with her tears. 

            “Don’t stop” she told herself.  “Probably broke up with her boyfriend.  She’ll get over it.”  Teddi quickly stepped past.  She slowed her stride as she turned a corner. 

            “Oh God!  What am I doing?  I’ve got to help.” 

            Teddi approached the woman. 

            “Excuse me.  Are you okay?” asked Teddi.

            Brown eyes swimming in pools of water looked up.  “I’m fine,” she said.

            “If you need to talk, I’m a good listener.”

            The woman lowered her eyes and scooted over.  Teddi sat down.

            “I love my job and it’s gonna be history” said the woman.

            “Getting laid off?” asked Teddi.

            “No, I-I found out I have…”  There was a pause.  “The doctors found a tumor.  In two weeks I go for surgery, then chemo-therapy.  A hospital in Arizona, where my family is.”

            Teddi fidgeted.  “Glad your family’s gonna be there for you.”

            “Me too.  But I have to find someone to replace me while I’m gone.  If I can’t, they’re not gonna wait.  I’m finally doing something I love.”

            Teddi touched her shoulder.  “I’m Teddi.  Can I help?”

            The woman placed a palm on Teddi’s hand.  “Sara.  Know anyone out of a job, with a Design background, who’d fill in for me?”  Sara cried again.

            Teddi’s eyes widened.  “Where do you work?”

            “Penshaw’s Design House over on Bridgeport,” she replied.

            “Unbelievable.  I-I’m looking for a job in design.”  Teddi’s eyes lit up.  “I’d love to fill in for you.  I’m a fast learner and I’m loyal.  When you’re ready to come back, I’m gone.” 

            Sara crinkled her face and tilted it to the right.

            “You can see my work at the State of Illinois Art Show this week,” Teddi continued.

            Sara’s face straightened, her mouth dropped. “I was there yesterday.”  Sara kinked her head to the left.  “Oh my God, are you Teddi Tien?”

            “Yeah!”

            “I saw your work yesterday.  It’s great…really imaginative.”

            “You really think so?”

            “Yeah!   I wrote your number down.  I was gonna call last night, but I stopped.  Figured you wouldn’t be interested in temporary work.”

            “Are you kidding?  I’m definitely interested.  It’s a great opportunity.”  Teddi stopped and took Sara’s hand in hers.  “Under one condition,” said Teddi.

            Sara’s right shoulder rose.  Head cocked to the left, her eyes met Teddi’s.  “What’s the condition?” she asked.

            “That you’d let me buy you breakfast and promise to keep me informed on how you’re doing.”  Teddi reached over and hugged Sara.

            Sara’s eyes teared up.  “I promise.  You’re an answered prayer.”

 

            The following morning, the phone woke Teddi.  It wasn’t the house phone.  She jumped out of bed, padded across the floor to her coat, reached in the pocket and scooped up the charm bracelet.  In that moment it came to her.    She took time with Sara, arrived early for Ben.  Both helped her immensely.  Grabbing the phone in thumb and forefinger, she held it to her lips.  “Hello!”

            “Hello, Teddi,” said the tiny voice.

            Teddi’s eyes danced as she plopped on her bed, Indian style.  “Thank you so much.  I finally understood what you were telling me,” said Teddi.

            “Shhhh”  said the voice.  “Listen carefully.”

            Teddi placed an index finger on her left ear and pressed the tiny phone to her right.

            “Integrity,” said the tiny voice.

            “I don’t understand. What’s that mean?”

            Silence.

            Teddi placed the charm bracelet on the bed and sat for a long while.  “Integrity?”  She said it aloud over and over again.  But, what’s that mean?  About what?  What’s the voice trying to tell me? 

            Rrrring.   Teddi lifted the charm bracelet to her ear.  “Hello,” she said.

            This time it was her house phone.

            “Ha! What a goof!”  She grabbed it on the last ring.

            “Hello!”

            “Teddi, this is Sara.  Can you come in at ten today?  I’d like to show you the ropes as soon as possible.”

            “Sure.  Should I bring samples of my work?”

            “No, I’ve seen it.  You’ll be great...“

Teddi hung up the phone and scampered to her closet.  I’ve got to make a good impression, she thought.  Her left hand slipped a black skirt from its hangar, while her right hand selected a black shell with tiny roses scattered across it.  Silk pajamas slipped to the floor and Teddi hopped into the shower.

            She arrived at 9:55 a.m.

            “Morning.  I’m Teddi Tien, here to see Sara.”

            The receptionist motioned to the waiting area.  “I’ll let her know you’re here.”

            Teddi took a seat.  The overstuffed leather couch all but swallowed her up.  Her knees bounced up and her bottom sank.  The more she pushed her hands into the cushions to level herself, the more compromised her predicament became.  How embarrassing, she thought.  I’ve got to stand up.  Leaning on her left arm, she pushed her bottom up and out.    Bump…

            “Can I help you?” said a voice behind her.

            Teddi twirled around like a tornado and straightened her skirt. 

            “No, I’m fine,” she said.

            There, in front of her, stood a tall dark stranger.  Teddi’s face went flush.  The man held a clipboard and pen.

             “Name’s Mike.  Here for a job?”

            “No, I’m Teddi Tien.  I’m Sara’s replacement,” she blurted out. 

            Mike’s face turned pale.  He stood for several seconds in silence. 

            “Is something wrong?” asked Teddi.

            “No.  Congratulations…Teddi, is it?”

            “Teddi Tien.”

            Mike turned and walked away before she finished her words.

            “What’s with me and guys?” Teddi said to herself.  She found a hard leather tufted chair, sat down and waited for Sara.  Moments turned into minutes, minutes turned into hours.  Teddi lifted her arm and glanced at her watch.  It was 11:15.  Where could she be?  I hope everything’s all right.

            Teddi started toward the front desk.  Mike rounded the corner with Sara not far behind.

            “I don’t want anything to do with this company,” said Mike, his eyes on fire, every muscle in his body held tight as he turned toward Sara. 

            “I don’t understand what’s happening.  I mean, I can’t stop you, but…”

            “No, you can’t.” he cut in.

            Sara’s peripheral vision caught Teddi standing in the waiting room. She turned toward her.  Mike got on the elevator.  Sara walked to Teddi.

            “I’m so sorry about that, Teddi.  I don’t know what happened.  Mike just quit.  He’s been my right hand man for seven years.  He’d be your boss permanently, if I didn’t come back from surgery.” 

            Teddi’s mouth dropped. 

            “What?  Did he know that?”

            “I didn’t have a chance to tell him.  I was waiting to introduce you.  He walked in and said he couldn’t trust anyone.  I don’t get it.  I don’t know why he thinks he can’t trust me.”  She paused.  “Sorry.” 

            Sara stopped, took a deep breath and continued.  “You report to Mike…actually, you would have reported to him.”  Sara stopped again and glanced at the floor.  “You may have a long term opportunity now.”

            Teddi fidgeted.  The palms of her hands perspired as she shifted her purse from one hand to the other.

            “Did he say why he quit?” asked Teddi.

            Sara shook her head.  “No.”  Her eyes watered.  “I don’t understand.”  The elevator doors opened and Sara’s eyes jetted toward them. 

            “I thought maybe…” she said.  A crease formed at the corner of her mouth and her shoulders dropped.

            “I need a glass of water.  Can I get you one?” asked Sara.

            “Yes, please.”  Teddi bit her lip.  Teddi found another chair and plunked down.  She crossed and uncrossed her legs.  What am I gonna do?  He quit because of me.  I told him the truth.  Sara said I’d be filling in for her.  Teddi’s shoulders slumped.  She rested her chin in her hands.  A chance of a lifetime, she thought.  Should I tell Sara what happened?

            Sara returned with the water and walked Teddi to the conference room.

            “I’m usually much more organized than this,” Sara said.  “And I’m not always crying,” she continued.  She sat and clicked her pen nervously on the table.  “Wow! With Mike gone, I’ll have to teach you a lot more than I thought.”

            Teddi reached for Sara’s hand.  Sara looked up. 

            “There’s been a misunderstanding Sara.”

            Sara looked into Teddi’s eyes.

            “What do you mean?” 

            Teddi squeezed Sara’s hand and pushed out a breath of air.

            “Mike quit because of me.”

            Sara’s eyes glazed over.

            “It was all a mistake.  I had no idea who he was.”  Teddi looked at the floor.  “He asked if I was here for a job.”  She glanced up.  “I told him I was replacing you.” 

            Sara stared at Teddi.  Her mouth a slit.  Teddi got up to leave.  “I’m so sorry Sara.  I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.”

            Sara grabbed Teddi’s arm.

            “Please, sit.”

            Teddi sat, head down.  Sara sat still for a few moments.

            “For the record, you told him the truth.  That’s what I told you.  I was the one that wasn’t clear.  When Mike stormed into my office, he didn’t explain what happened.  If he had, I’d of set him straight.” 

            Teddi looked up.  The corners of her mouth rose slightly.  Sara continued.

            “Teddi, if you hadn’t said anything, you’d have his job.”  She looked directly into Teddi’s eyes.  “You knew that.” 

            Teddi raised her head, eyes wide, “A little voice reminded me of Integrity,” she said.   

            “The fact of the matter is,” Sara began, “I should have told Mike about my medical condition.  This never would have happened.”

            Teddi took in a mouthful of air. 

            “I’d like to call Mike and explain, if that’s okay.  Then I’ll leave,” said Teddi. 

            “How about we both explain.  Then you’ll need to get to work.”  Sara smiled.

#

            The next morning, Teddi awoke to the phone ringing.  It was the cell phone on the charm bracelet. 

            “Hello!” said Teddi.

            “Hello! Teddi, time to pass it on,”

            “Pass it on?  I know you’ve helped me.  I don’t know why, but thank you.  But what am I passing on?”

            No answer.

            Teddi glanced at each charm on the bracelet in her hand.  She closed her eyes in thought.  “The bracelet,” she said aloud.

            I’ll take it to the police station on the way to my new job.  My new job reporting to Mike.  She smiled. 

            Teddi took a cab and stopped in front of the police station. 

            “Wait for me?” Teddi asked the cabby.  She got a nod and stepped out.  She walked up seven steps and sank her hand into her pocket to retrieve the charm bracelet.  Not there.  She checked her other pocket, then glanced at the steps behind her. 

            A young man bent down and scooped up the charm bracelet.  He glanced at Teddi and walked toward her.

            “This yours?” he asked.  He dropped it in the palm of her hand.  All the charms changed in front of her eyes except one…the cell phone.  The bracelet took on a masculine look.  Teddi looked up.  The man didn’t blink.  He hadn’t seen it.  She handed the bracelet back.

            “No, not mine.” Teddi’s eyes sparkled as she returned to the cab. 

            “Forget something?” asked the cabby.

            “No, I passed it on,” she said.  The cabby shook his head and put the car in gear.  The corners of her mouth spread upward.  It really was a Charmed - Bracelet, she thought.