Mitchell's Presence by D. W. Marchwell Read Free Book Online

possible confrontation with Mitchell, although, from Arthur’s brief experience, he expected Mitchell to be as gracious and kind and understanding as he’d always been when Arthur messed things up. He stood, just inside the door, the odors of freshly made food and homemade bread mixing with the smells of the people who’d spent the day out in the cold or in the subway tunnels. He wasn’t really sure what he was expecting, but the smells did not really bother him. What did bother him was the sheer volume of homeless who looked to this shelter for help, for a temporary respite from the conditions that dominated their lives. Arthur did not move until he saw a young woman coming towards him. From her demeanour and her dress, he guessed that she was one of the volunteers.
    Arthur asked her to point him towards the director, the person in charge. She pointed to a small, elderly lady with a cross hanging around her neck. If Arthur had to guess, he would have said that she was a nun, or a former nun. When the young woman approached the elderly lady and pointed in his direction, they both smiled, as if they knew already what he had come to do.
    The elderly lady, Sister Bernadette, offered her hand and asked him if he would like to come in and join the others. He resisted the urge to tell her that he was not homeless, not wanting to offend her or the others, kind of like when someone too vehemently denied being gay, as if being what someone thought was worse than offending those who were. He asked to speak to her privately, was ushered into a small office, and sat in the chair that was nearest the door.
    I’ve come to bring gifts for any children that might be here; I’ve written what’s in each of the boxes so they can go to the children who may need them the most. I’ve also brought this. Arthur pulled out the check from his coat pocket and handed it to her. Arthur was concerned for a moment when Sister Bernadette stared at the check, her brow furrowing, and said nothing. Was it too much? Not enough? He was thinking of assuring her again that he would volunteer tonight as well, but he did not have to.
    Finally, she stood, embraced him and thanked him, insisting that he come and share the meal with the rest of the volunteers. That’s actually why I’m here, Sister, Arthur explained, If it’s not too much trouble, I would very much like to speak with Mitchell MacDonald, in here, privately. I’m not here to cause any trouble, Sister. I’ll even leave the door open, if you’d like. Perhaps then he can help me unload the toys? Sister Bernadette left the door open, assuring Arthur that Mitchell would be along shortly and that she was not concerned with Arthur doing anything inappropriate. “There are many people who would come to his rescue should anything happen to him,” Sister Bernadette teased. I know, Arthur thought, I’m one of them.
    Arthur had prepared his speech, knowing what he needed to say in order to get Mitchell to give him another chance, but all of the words went out of his head the minute that he saw Mitchell step through the door.
    “Arthur? What are—”
    “Please forgive me, Mitchell?”
    “Of course, Arthur, Sister Bernadette said someone needed my help to—”
    “I’ve been trying to reach you, leaving messages, hoping that I could explain all of this, but you didn’t return my calls.” Arthur’s fingers worried the zipper of his parka. “I thought of going to the bookstore, but I didn’t want to get you anymore mad at me.”
    “Arthur,” Mitchell’s soft sigh sounded so loud to Arthur’s ears. “I’m not mad at you. I’ve never been mad at you. I was just—”
    “Disappointed?”
    “A little, yes.” Arthur heard these words and raised an eyebrow. “Okay, a lot, but—”
    “I don’t want you to be disappointed in me anymore, Mitchell.” Arthur was starting to shiver a little, hoping against everything that it wasn’t too late. “I want another chance to prove that I can be