Copyright

Copyright @2016 by Shirley Long

All rights reserved. No parts of this book may be reproduced by any
Forms or means, nor by electronic or mechanical means, photocopied,
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Author permission.

Cover Letter:

Name: Shirley Ann Long

Email: slong0253@yahoo.com
Telephone Number: 205 705-5715

Title of Story: A Good Neighbor

Myra will soon become her elderly neighbor guardian angel.

She will find herself coming to his rescue and being there when
He really needs her the most.

A good neighbor details the good deeds a young lady name Myra,
does to help her elderly neighbor, who she has become to love as
a father who adores her. He is fond of Myra and often teases her
about becoming his wife, but Myra ignores his flirtatious behavior
And continue to love and respect him as usual. Her neighborly love is put to
the test one day, when he is unable to move, and Myra is there to
assist him. She makes sure he is cared for and that he is fine afterwards.
Her kindness is appreciated by Mr. Bell and he consider her as his
guardian angel because she helped saved his life.

Shirley Ann Long is a mother, wife, author, and poet. She has
Been writing romance and fantasy short-stories for seven years.
Writing is a passion she loves. She has written and published
Several interesting articles also. Some of her poetry is published
On different websites, such as poetry soup.com, authors den. And
authors.com.

Table of Contents:
Chapter One:
You Are My Guardian Angel

Chapter One:
You Are My Guardian Angel:

The rain is pouring down heavily, and the sky is dark and dreary. It is
a gloomy day here in the small town of Idaho where I reside. I have been
grocery
shopping and there are several bags inside of my car. I am dreading the
thought of having to
get them out in this rain. I am glad to be wearing the proper rain-gear today.
At least my head and clothes are protected from the rain. I dont need
another
cold. I had one about two weeks ago, and it lasted quite some time. I
coughed
and sneezed continuously. I felt so terrible, my head hurt bad and my throat
was sore. I
made me some of my grandmas old folk remedy, lemon onion tea.
I drank a cup of it every night until the coughing ceased to be. I was feeling
like myself again
and promised to never go out in the rain without my head and body
being covered. This day is one of those days, when I dont feel like doing
nothing.
I love it whenever my boy-friend Joey is here with me. He is a true
gentleman.
If he was here now, I wouldnt have to unload these groceries from the car to
my apartment.
But unfortunately, he isnt here and I have to do it myself.
By the time I was driving into my driveway, I noticed my neighbor, Mr. Bell
had his
front door open. Normally, his door is shut.
Perhaps he has someone over, I didnt really bother to go and find out. My
mind was too

involved on my own problems. I had to get these four bags out of my car
and into my
apartment. The rain was pouring down heavier than before. There are rain
puddles all in the
front of the car, on the side and I am having to step into all this water. It
appears as if it is
flooding here in front of the yard. Somehow I managed to get all my bags
into the apartment.
I glanced over at my neighbor Mr. Bell apartment door once more. This time,
I had a strange
suspicion. My intuition was telling me something is just not right.
I didnt want to ignore this feeling because every time I do, something has
gone wrong.
Since I had placed all the bags on top of the kitchen counter, I decided to
walk over to Mr. Bell
apartment and knock on his door to see what is going on. I didnt want him
to think I am trying
to be noisy. I approached the front door and could hear the radio playing.
There was no one, in the living room. This seemed to be strange to me. I
knocked a couple of
times but no one came to the door. I called Mr. Bells name several
times, from outside the door, trying to get his attention.
Finally, I heard some footsteps, walking slowly into the living room. It was
Mr. Bell
approaching the door. He had a weary look on his face and appeared to be
somewhat
distraught. He really didnt look like himself.
I was standing there smiling, as he opened the door. He glanced up at me
and asked me,
How are you doing today Myra?
I answered him politely, Mr. Bell,
I saw your door open and was concerned if anything was wrong.

I had been grocery shopping and returned home when I noticed it.
At first, I was a little hesitant about coming over to check things out.
I was putting my grocery in my apartment. I had this intuition
to come and check on you, to make sure everything is alright with you.
I appreciate your kindness dear, but I had fallen and couldnt move.
I heard you calling my name, and all of a sudden I began to get strength
from somewhere. It is like a guardian angel was watching over me.
My legs were numb for a long time. I wanted to get up and open the door
But couldnt. I am so glad I had locked the screen so no one
could get inside of my apartment. Myra, you are someone special.
I am so glad you are here. All the while I was laying there on the floor,
It was as if a small voice was talking to me, saying Dont worry, someone
Is going to come rescue you real soon. I didnt know why this voice
was talking to me and telling me all of this. The only thing I could think
of Myra, is that I must have a guardian angel watching over me.
Yeah, Mr. Bell, I agree with you. There has to be someone watching over
and
taking care of you when you had fallen. And for me to have this gut feeling,
that something
wasnt going right with you.
It had to be a guiding angel or someone speaking to me to go see about you.
Mr. Bell, are you sure you are alright now, because you look kind of
tired and exhausted? Do you want me to take you to the hospital to be
checked out to make sure you are alright?
young lady, I am going to be just fine. I am walking now.
Yeah, but really slower than usual.
Mr. Bell you normally walk with a pep in your step.
But today, your feet are dragging and you are walking slower than ever.
There has got to be some logical explanation for you falling like that.

How often have you been falling Mr. Bell?

I havent been falling, until today.
As a matter of fact, today is the first time I fell.
Mr. Bell, that is why I feel like you should, let me take you to the hospital.
Alright, little lady, you are not going to stop harassing me until
I give in and say yes anyway, so you win.
I will go to the hospital to have myself checked out.
I glanced up at him and was so happy, he had made the decision,
To go to the hospital for a check up to see if he is alright.
I am already dressed, and all I have to
do is get ready to head out the door. Give me a few minutes Mr. Bell,
to lock my apartment up, and I will be right back. He looked up with a smile
on his face and
replied, Myra, I have nothing but time.

I kissed Mr. Bell gently on his cheeks and headed out the door.
He smiled and said that he will be right here. As I left his apartment, all I
could think
of was; what if I hadnt come over to check on him?
Something worse than him falling could have occurred later on that day.
I am glad to be of assistant to Mr. Bell.
After all, he is a good neighbor. He has always been the type of neighbor
who would look out for me whenever I was gone out of town or vacation.
He would check on my apartment to make sure no burglar had tried to
Invade it. I can remember when I went to Kentucky to visit my grandparents.
I was there for about two weeks. All while I was gone, Mr. Bell would get
my mail out of my mailbox and keep it until I returned.
He would sweep my porch and water my flowers.
These are some of the things he did for me.

He is the kind of neighbor I love and enjoys having around.

It is my term to return the love.
That is why I dont mind taking him to the hospital,
to make sure everything is alright with him.
I am quite sure Mr. Bell would do the same thing for me if he needed to.
I went inside my apartment to check things out. Everything was fine.
I locked it up and walked briskly back to Mr. Bells apartment.
After I returned to Mr. Bell apartment, I could see that Mr. Bell
had fallen on the floor. He was trying to get up but couldnt. I knew the only
thing left for
me to do now was to call 911 and get some help right away for him.
He had locked the screen storm door and there was no way for me,
to get inside. Mr. Bell eyes was focused on me all the while I
was standing there, dialing the number on my phone. I could sense he had
an idea who I was calling, and that I am trying to get some help for him.
I had a conversation with the 911 operator, giving her details as to
His location and he had fallen on the floor and couldnt move.
I glanced up and noticed Mr. Bell grabbing onto his couch, trying
Hard to pull himself up. I felt sorry for him and started stuttering while
Talking to the 911 operator. She was concerned as to what was happening,
And asked me politely, is everything alright?
I said yes, but I see that my neighbor is trying to
get up and it appears he has gotten up on his own. She asked me
do I still need an ambulance to come to his residence? I looked at Mr. Bell,
and
he was up walking towards the door, and unlocking it at the exact time,
the 911 operator was asking me this question. He had managed
somehow to get the door open. I asked the operator to please cancel
the call, my neighbor got up and opened the door. I will be able

to bring him to the hospital now. She confirmed what I said and hanged
the phone up. I walked into my neighbors apartment looking astonished.
I didnt really know what to say to him right then.
Mr. Bell looked me straight in the eyes and replied,
I told you that I have a guardian angel watching over me.
You saw for yourself, how I was able to get off that floor,
and open the door for you.
I bet you thought I wasnt going to be able to get up didnt you?
I hesitated for a moment, then slowly blurted out of my mouth,
You surprised me, Mr. Bell.
I havent ever experienced anything like this before.
I thought you couldnt move.
I am so thankful that you can walk.
Well come on girl, what are you waiting for,
Lets get out of here, so you can go to the hospital with me, to see what is
wrong
With this old man.
I grabbed Mr. Bell and gave him a big hug.
He teased me and said,
Girl, if you were some years older, you will be my wife.
I giggled and made this remark,
Yeah but I am too young for you Mr. Bell.
You are old enough to be my grand-father and that
Is the way I prefer it.
Mr. Bell frowned up at that remark, as if he
didnt really like what I Had said.
I could tell Mr. Bell always had some type of crush on me for some strange
reason.
I dont know why because I have never given him any type of sign,

like I want to be romantic in any type of way.

I have always respected and treated Mr. Bell as if he was my grand-father.
I thought he like it when I gave him respect for his age. But apparently,
Mr. Bell is serious about me being his wife, if I was some years older.
He walked slowly towards me and gave me a kiss on my cheeks this time.
I was surprised at first, then smiled and gave him a kiss on his.
He smiled and I could tell he liked it because he began blushing and smiling.
I reminded Mr. Bell that he is my sweet-heart and I love him in
My own special way. After repeating those words to him, I
I could tell he was pleased because his face would light
Up like a Christmas tree. I could see the sparkle in his eyes and the big smile
on his face,
after I had said these things to him. It made him feel so good inside.
I loved seeing him react this way. I grabbed his hands and led him
towards the front door so we could leave. After we got outside,
we both were in for a rude awakening. The rain had accumulated
so high, it was almost impossible to go outside, on our front porch.
It was a struggle for us to try to get to the car. Somehow we mustered up
the energy
to get there without falling. He had to lean on me, all the way to the car.
His body weight felt like lead. Mr. Bell was a healthy old man and by his
size, a person could tell he loved to eat and didnt miss that many meals.
I was somewhat relieved when we finally made it to the car door.
I assisted him in getting inside of the car. I got in and we were headed
towards the hospital. On the way, the traffic was heavy. The reason being is
because
this is rush-hour and most people were either getting off work or heading
to work. The traffic was busy in all directions. Mr. Bell was getting a little
irritated

by all the cars moving in and around our car, as they were trying to reach
their
destinations. I could tell all of the commotion made him nervous. He wasnt
used
To this fast pace action that was going on in traffic right now. I reassured him
That I have this under control and he has nothing to worry about. I am not
going to let anything happen to us. Now you sit back and relax and
concentrate
on your getting to the hospital so you can get better.
Mr. Bell calmed down a little, because he stopped gritting his teeth. That
was irritating to me. I got frustrated with him gritting them, every time a car
Passed by. He behaved as if the speeding car was going to hit ours
and cause an accident. I really couldnt blame him, because the motorists
were speeding and not being polite at all. I felt kind of sorry
for Mr. Bell at first; then I gave him one of my motivational speech, to help
calm him down and relax his nerves. He was tensed up and I could see it.
His anxiousness was making me nervous and I didnt need to be this
way, especially while I am driving in this type of traffic. I remained calm and
stayed focus until we finally arrived to the hospital entrance.
I was glad to find a parking space not so far from the hospital.
I could tell Mr. Bell was exhausted and didnt feel like walking.
His weight is unbearable for me to try to tug him all the way to the entrance
door.
I decided to slow down, and we both walked very slowly up
to the emergency room entrance.
We arrived, and I was shocked to see only a few patients inside of
the waiting room area. I was delighted because we wouldnt have to
wait so long for Mr. Bell to be seemed by a Doctor.
We walked up to the receptionist desk and she gave us all

the necessary forms to fill out. We found seats next to each other.
I helped Mr. Bell fill his paperwork out and took them back to the
Receptionist. She immediately called his name.
A nurse assistant came out to get him to carry him back
to another room to take his temperature and check his vital signs.
I asked if it was okay for me to go with him? She nodded her head and
said yes, of course. His waiting room was so small and had only a bed
and a chair. Thanks goodness there is a chair here for me to sit down.
I am tired from him leaning all his body weight on me.
The Nurse assistant arrived inside of the room and introduced herself to us.
She was a friendly young lady, perhaps in her early twenties. She has
A pleasant smile on her face and a very friendly disposition about herself.
I could tell instantly that Mr. Bell liked her. He was beginning to start his
Flirting when I glanced over at him and gave him a certain look.
She asked Mr. Bell to roll up his sleeves so she could take his pressure. He
did
As instructed but all the while his personality was beginning to change.
I could see the lust in his eyes for this pretty young lady. He began touching
her
Hands gently, telling her how pretty she is. The young assistant didnt do
anything
But smiled at him and said,
Thank you sir.
He reminded her that she didnt have to
call him sir. He repeated his name in a slow and sexy tone of voice.
Young lady, call me Albert, and that will be just fine.
I was really surprised at the way in which Mr. Bell was flirting with this
young lady.
All I could do was sit there and watch. l wasnt going to allow him to get
out of control.

I will stop him if his advances get to sexual or inappropriate. I have never
known
him to react towards me in this type of manner. When she finished, she
asked me
If I would step outside of the room, so Mr. Bell could put on the hospital gown
that was in the
room. I stepped outside the room and looked down the hallway. I asked the
assistant
was there any coffee machine anywhere around in this area? She hesitated,
then
blurted slowly out of her mouth, there is one on the second floor. I was too
glad
to hear this, I needed a cup of coffee right now to help me settle down for a
moment.
I left Mr. Bell for a minute and got on the elevator to go to the second floor to
get me a cup of coffee. I got on the elevator and was there on the second
floor
before I knew it. I got off and walked down the hallway a few steps further
and the coffee machine was there in the break area. I walked inside the
break
Area and there were people sitting there eating chips, drinking coffee and
Holding conversation with each other. I spoke to them as I entered the room
And they spoke back. I then turned around to locate the coffee machine.
It was standing in an area in the break room by itself. I walked briskly over
to the coffee machine to buy me a cup. I put the coins inside of the machine
and made a selection to get coffee with sugar and cream. I am hoping this
coffee be
strong enough. I hope it taste similar to the way I prepare mines at home.
But I know
It will not be the exact same way. Either way, I wanted this cup of coffee.
after it had stopped brewing and was ready, I gently grabbed the cup of
coffee

out of the machine and walked back down the hall towards the elevator.
I wanted to stay inside of the break area to drink it, but my mind
and heart was on Mr. Bell. I was wondering how is he doing, is he
alright? That is when I decided to walk back and take the elevator and go
back to Mr. Bell room. After I got off the elevator, I saw the Doctor coming
from Mr. Bell room. I immediately started walking faster so I could ask
the Doctor some questions in regards to Mr. Bells condition. I met the
Doctor as he was coming out of Mr. Bells room. I spoke politely to him
And explained to him that I am Mr. Bells neighbor and was the one
Who found him lying on his floor. The Doctor explained to me that
He is going to send someone to take Mr. Bell to the x ray room so
that he can have some test done on him, to determine what is causing
him to be falling. I asked him was it okay for me to go to the x ray
room with him? The Doctor said it is okay but I will have to sit
in the x ray room waiting area. I said.
Thanks.
The doctor appeared to be friendly and was more than willing to share some
of Mr. Bell diagnosis. He revealed to me that Mr. Bell is a healthy
man so far but he couldnt really go into complete details about
his medical condition, because I wasnt his relative and Mr. Bell
didnt authorize in writing for me to see his medical history.
I acknowledge this and understood what the Doctor was saying.
I wish I had talked to Mr. Bell prior to this incident, about making
me one of the persons who is allowed to see his medical history.
I must find a way to contact Mr. Bell next of kin. I remember
Him telling me that he had a son who he isnt really close to.
His son lives in Texas and Mr. Bell didnt have any idea what area of Texas.
He had no knowledge of his sons whereabouts. This is going to be a difficult

task for me to handle. I will have my work cut out for me. It is really
hard trying to locate lost long family members. I believe there is a charge
If someone has to find them for you. I dont really have any money to
extend to this situation right now. I hope Mr. Bell has enough to pay
for the research if it is needed. He has been retired from a good job
with some bank and I know the bank have good benefits.
He should have saved enough money to pay for this if he has to.
Mr. Bell had a good position which paid an excellent salary, at
Least this is what he told me. Now it is time for all those years
of retirement and saving to be beneficial to him now. He has to
take care of his health. And I have to make sure he does. I am
a good neighbor and love Mr. Bell as if he was my father or
Grand-father. After I finished talking to the Doctor, I entered
Mr. Bell room and he was lying there looking like he was
somewhat confused about something. I walked over to
the bed and rubbed his hands gently. He looked up at me
in total amazement, as if he was surprised I was rubbing his hands.
He blurted out of his mouth slowly, That makes an old man feel
Good, I like it when you rub my hands like that Myra.
I told you, you should be my wife.
I looked down at him and smiled, knowing there is no
convincing him that I am too young for him. Mr. Bell
has his mind made up on marrying me and that is it.
I rubbed his head gently and he acted as if he felt so much better.
I could tell by the look on his face, it seemed as though a
burden had been lifted off of him and he was happy to know
that someone care. He could feel the warmth in my touch.
It was the way I was rubbing his hair. I rubbed it with tender love

and care, as if to let him know that he is going to be alright.

It was if I was reassuring him that I am going to be right
here for you, no matter what. You can always count on me.
You got a friend in me Mr. Bell, I want leave you alone.
He almost fell asleep, until the person who was to escort him
downstairs to the x ray room came in to take him there to be x rayed.
It was a handsome young man about thirty something who came
to escort him down. He had a pleasing personality. He was well-spoken,
friendly and acted as if he was really concerned about Mr. Bell.
I imagined he could tell by the look on Mr. Bell face that he was
kind of afraid. He held a friendly conversation with Mr. Bell,
informing him that this is a routine check up to determine
why he was falling and that everything is going to be fine.
He is not going into surgery and will not be cut on, so he
has nothing to worry about. He will come back out of x ray
the same way he went in. Mr. Bell looked up at the young man
And replied,
Young man, I hope so, these old bones are getting fragile now.
I am not the man I used to be, my body is getting weak.
The young man, looked at him and spoke softly,
Yes sir, but you are still able to overcome whatever it is
Just keep the faith.
I was fascinated the way this young man was communicating to Mr. Bell.
He was not only performing his job with handling Mr. Bell with tenderly
Love and care. He lifted and the Nurse Assistant carefully lifted Mr. Bell
Off of the bed and put him in a wheel-chair to take him to the
X ray room. I walked alongside them holding Mr. Bell hands.
I was hoping and praying that the x ray come back just fine.

We finally arrived to the x ray room and I took a seat in the waiting area.
They escorted Mr. Bell to x ray room to do the necessary tests required to
find out what was causing him to fall. It was a long wait for me but they
finally, escorted Mr. Bell out of x ray. We all got ready to go back to
Mr. Bells room. We walked down the hallway laughing and joking
with Mr. Bell. The Nurse Assistant and the x ray Technician was telling
Mr. Bell how strong he is. He was saying he believe everything is going
to be alright with him. But they couldnt go into his further details about
his condition with me. I understood but was glad to hear this great news.
At least I know that he doesnt have a serious illness. Mr. Bell face seemed
to cheer up, he didnt have that worried, frustrated look on it as before.
He seemed more perky and alive. I could tell he is ready to get out of
here and go home. Now all we have to do is wait until the Doctor come
back into the room and tell us everything is okay and he can go home.
The wait for the Doctor took longer than usual. While I was waiting,
I took my phone out and began playing some game. By this time,
Mr. Bell had fallen asleep. He needed that rest and I was glad to see him
getting some. The Doctor finally made his round to see Mr. Bell
and I was glad. He came inside with a big smile on his face. He
said, Mr. Bell is going to live. And his diagnosis is great but I do
need for you to make sure he gets this prescription filled for
these vitamins that I am recommending he take. And I have
written out a prescription to help stop you from falling. You must take
these carefully and as directed. Also if you can, please
get in touch with his next of kin because there is one other condition that
I would like to discuss with them. Mr. Bell looked up as if he was afraid.
He slowly blurted out of his mouth, Doctor do I have a disease?
The Doctor immediately said, No, you dont.

He told us that Mr. Bell is dismissed and can go home now.

Afterwards, the Doctor left and we thanked him.
I helped save Mr. Bell life and he was grateful.
This is what a good neighbor does.

The End: