Episode 19: Candle in the Wind

Previously:

Noelle gave birth to baby Jolie.

Seth MacPherson died.

Patrick was released from prison.

Episode 19
Candle in the Wind

    It was a cool, crisp November day as people filed into Notre Dame d’Orléans.  Louisa Carroll placed a bouquet of red roses at the foot of the Joan of Arc statue outside. The statue, affectionately referred to by the citizens of Claypool as “Joanie on the Pony”, was the scene of many makeshift memorials. Today’s memorial was to one of the pillars of the community, vintner Seth MacPherson.

    Ryan turned to face Louisa’s tear-streaked face. “You know how much Dad loved you,” he said.

    “Yes,” Louisa replied.  “I was supposed to be a bride. Now I’m a would-be widow.”

    “How sad,” Ryan said. “Three days before you were supposed to get married.  He wanted me to be his best man.”

    Patrick MacPherson, all dressed in white, approached the couple.

    “Well, what a surprise,” Ryan said sarcastically. “What brings you here?”

    “I’m supposed to deliver the eulogy,” Patrick replied. “You’ll see that maybe I’m not such a bad guy after all.”

    Ryan pondered that thought for a second and noticed Patrick’s mode of dress.

    Why is he all dressed in white while everyone else is dressed in black? Surely he doesn’t have the excuse that that was the only suit he had clean.

    The congregation ceased their conversation as Father Brett Hobson led the procession.  A  soloist began to sing “Ave Maria”.
    Louisa whispered to Ryan, “What’s Noelle doing here so soon after having the baby? I didn’t know she could sing. She has a beautiful voice.”

    “She can surprise us.”

     When the song ended, Father Hobson motioned to the congregation. “Please be seated.  Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to honor a great man, a pillar of the community.  Seth MacPherson was a man who has touched many lives.  His vineyard gave great pleasure to those around us, and he was always smiling.  Today’s eulogy will be given by his older son Patrick.”

    Patrick took the pulpit, coughed to clear his throat, and began.

    “I hated my father.  I don’t know why, but I truly hated him. He had such high expectations for me. He wanted me to run the vineyard when he passed away.  He had high expectations for my brother Ryan, and he became a doctor.

    I did some truly evil things during my life.  I wanted to blow up--”  He stretched his arms around. “--this beautiful cathedral.  I wanted to get rid of a loving family, and, more importantly, the woman I thought I loved.”

    “But this eulogy isn’t about me. It’s about a man who did his best to love us and provide for our family.  When our mother died,  he did his best to raise us alone.  He raised us to become fine, upstanding citizens of this community.  He raised us to make something of our lives.  He raised us to become responsible adults.”

     “I accept that you wanted me to run the vineyard.  I won’t have the touch you had, but I will do my best.  I accept that God had a plan for you, and has for me. Father, I am ready to take the responsibility that you have provided for me.  I dedicate my life to you, the family I love, and to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

    He crossed himself.  “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

    And then he choked up.  “I love you, Dad.”

    He went back to his seat as Father Hobson prepared communion. 

    Stephane and Thérèse walked up to the rail and each took a wafer and a sip of wine.   

    “Hey, this wine tastes familiar,”  Stephane said. “It’s not like the usual grape juice.”

    Thérèse turned to him. “He didn’t--”
   
    Father Hobson winked.  He whispered in Thérèse’s ear. “It’s only appropriate.”  She smiled back.

    As communion finished, Thérèse and Stephane walked back to their seats.  Father Hobson went to Seth’s casket and sprinkled holy water on it.  He then turned to the congregation.

    “The mass has ended. Go in peace.”

    As the people filed out,  a strange man in a pinstripe suit approached Noelle.

    “Your voice is beautiful,” he told her. “How long have you been singing?”

    “Every Sunday. Or, at least on the Sundays when I’m not working.”

    “What do you do?” he asked.

    “I’m a pediatrician.”

    “I’m a record producer.  I’d like to record you.”

    Noelle blushed. “You’re flattering me,” she told her. “I have kids to take care of.”

    “No, really. You’d be Ontario’s answer to Celine Dion.”

    “Oh, come on. I’m not that good.”

    He held out his business card.  “Think about it and give me a call.”

    She smiled and tucked the card into her wallet.

    Meanwhile, Louisa stomped off in anger as Suzanne approached her.  “What in the world was that all about?”  Louisa asked.  “That eulogy was all about Patrick. It wasn’t about Seth at all.”

    Suzanne shrugged. “Was that all he was able to come up with?”

    “He should have saved that for confession.”  Louisa seethed. “That was completely inappropriate! I’m going to have a few words with him.”



*****

    The head of the news department at the National Canadian Network sat at his desk and pondered.  Breakfast in Canada needed a new co-anchor. Jeff Perkins sat across from him, wondering what was on the network boss’ mind.

    “Mr. Perkins,” the network boss said, “I’ve looked at your audition tape, and, I must say, it’s pretty impressive.  I’d like to try you out on the air for a week, to see how you interact with Paige and the rest of the crew.  If we like what we see, then you’ll have the job.”

    “We?” Jeff asked.

    “Paige and me. After all, she’s the producer, too.”

    “I see.”

    They got up and shook hands.  “You'll need to be at the studio for 4 AM Monday. Show starts at 6,” the network boss told him.  After walking to the elevator, Jeff smiled.

    “I'll have to get used to waking up early,” he said to himself.