Journey of a Soul

Chapter 39

What am I going to do? Ah, what the heck. Lexi dialed Billy's number. It went to his answering machine. "Hi, you've reached Billy. Yuh know what tuh do. Ya' dig?... Beep."

"Hi Billy, it's Lexi. Please don't erase this message without hearing what I need to ask. By accident, I left a toy lamb at your place. It must have fallen out of my purse in all the commotion. I need it back ASAP. I know..."

"Lexi, I do not know what kind of crazy yuh are, I am at my mom's, and dere is no stuffed lamb here. Ya' dig? Don't evuh call me again, or I will have tuh put a restrainin' orduh out on yuh." He hung up.

What nerve. Lexi was shocked that Billy would pretend to be an answering machine. I must get that lamb back. She was now tipping dangerously close to being hysterical. Oh, my God, oh my God, what do I do now? If Billy is telling the truth and he does not have the lamb, then where is it?

Putting on her shoes and grabbing her car keys, Lexi rushed out of her apartment and pushed the down button of the elevator.

She never seemed to get bored with the blissful garden view of Central Park from the elevator's glass window. A hidden piece of paradise. A place one could escape into from the hustle and bustle of their workday to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge, even for a few moments.

A little smile escaped as she looked down at the miniature-sized people strolling underneath a beautiful canopy of magnificent fall foliage in an array of vibrant hues from dark green to a golden brown.

She could see that the pathways were full of the local artisans displaying their wares of tantalizing fresh baked goods and crafts. Her body started to sway as she imagined hearing the soothing sounds of the jazz music playing.

Exiting the elevator, she walked over to the nicely dressed young man at the valet counter and gave him the keys, "Hi Sam. All I need you to do is check to see if there is a toy lamb inside the car for me."

"Right away, Miss Constantine." He replied as he dashed off.

"Check everywhere!" she yelled after him.

Looking around the well-designed entrance and admiring all the incredible pieces of art hanging on the walls, Lexi decided to go and have a seat.

She started watching the other residents coming in and out. Her apartment building had a fabulous heated swimming pool with a lifeguard. An on-site health center with a fitness lounge. An entertainment lounge, screening room, 24-hour valet parking, and security. She was even greeted by a doorman when she came in or out of the building.

Right at that moment, Nick, a guy who she had met a few times in the gym, came over to her from the communal mail slots. Not only was he sexy, and built like a Greek Adonis, he seemed smart too. "Lexi, will I be seeing you up at the Christmas party tonight?"

The owners of the apartment believed in the community. They hosted a variety of in-building events throughout the year, like holiday parties and summer barbecues, allowing the residents to connect with their neighbors.

"Oh, right. That's tonight. No, sorry, I have more pressing commitments that I have to deal with." Lexi had forgotten all about Christmas. She was caught up in saving Susannah's soul, that Santa and all that merry cheer was the last thing on her mind.

"Too bad, I was hoping to get you under the mistletoe," he said, with a smirk and a wink. "Well, have a good night. See you at the gym."

The young man from the valet came back a bit out of breath, and said, "Miss Constantine, I checked everywhere in your car. I could not find a toy lamb."

She was disappointed that the toy was not there. Lexi passed a ten-dollar bill as a tip for his effort. It was not his fault the lamb was not there. "Thank you anyways, Sam. Have a Merry Christmas."

Taking the tip, he said, "Thank you, and I hope you have yourself a Merry Christmas, as well."

Lexi walked over to the elevator and pushed the up button. Susannah, where are you? I hate that this will be our first Christmas Eve that we have not spent together.

Lexi and Susannah started the tradition after she had moved out of the house so they could connect at Christmas and celebrate, just the two of them. I miss you so much. And now I don't even know where you will be spending the holiday.

Christmas was in two days. She needed to find that lamb.