"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
~~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Hi all,

I wasn't really sure what to do with this newsletter.  This has been a really rough time.  On top of the pandemic which hasn't even peaked where I am, we now have a great deal of civil unrest across the U.S. after, once again, a black man was murdered by a police officer.  So it's not been really easy to focus today.  I tried to write something and it just didn't come together.  So I'm sending the first few scenes of the story I'm currently working on.  They're not finalized.  Stuff could change.  Or not.  If you have any thoughts on it, please let me know because it is very much a work in progress.

In any case, I hope you're all staying well and safe.  Take care!

God bless,
Jenni


Author's Note: Despite the majority of these characters having a primary tie to New York, I chose to use a timeline loosely based off of my experiences in Nebraska.  This was done largely because I'm in Nebraska... not New York... and so I'm not as familiar with the day-by-day there until things got really bad.  In my personal experience, the week leading up to March 13th was filled with cancellations and school closings.  By that Monday, my office had gone almost entirely to remote work.  A week later, my office was not officially closed... but basically closed.  So, based off that, my intention is to convey that the Friends were on top of things but also not so quick to jump the gun and overreact.  However, I realize that from a New York perspective, they may seem very reactive but I felt like the writing would be much more honest if I wrote from my own experience. 


Friday, March 13th, 2020

Andrew and JenniAnn sat in front of their laptop, staring at the images of Portia and Graham.  Below the two, several smaller icons bearing the likenesses of others of their friends were lined up.

"So, as suggested, Graham and I have been talking about precautions we should all take in light of the spread of COVID-19 aka the coronavirus," Portia began.  "Keep in mind... most of these are only suggestions.  But they are ones made with the current guidance of the CDC and WHO in mind.  So... here goes."

Graham blinked and began to read from a list.

"We're recommending that we no longer have group meetings... weekly Bible study included, I'm afraid.  Bible study could be done via this very virtual chat program.  Logan will remotely install the necessary program on people's computers if needed."

In one the small bubbles at the bottom of the screen, Logan, holding Nova, nodded.

"With people coming to Willowveil from NYC, L.A., Albany, and sometimes other locations, it's just too dangerous in our opinion.  Not to mention the questions it would raise if any of us did get the virus and epidemiologists started looking into our contacts," Portia explained.

Andrew reached over and gently patted JenniAnn's knee when he saw her eyes well.

"That being said, as long as everyone remains healthy, we all know that social interaction is a great benefit," Graham continued.  "So we don't think it needs to be limited entirely.  But... maybe restricted to geographical areas and only in small groups.  For example, Dyeland people can still hang out with Dyeland people.  New York City people with New York City people.  Albany people with Albany people and so on.  Obviously, any health measures released by the powers that be in those areas would take precedent over our advice."

The tiny faces at the bottom of the screen all balked.

"We know that's hard.  We do," Portia pressed.  "Because so many of us are deeply rooted to multiple places.  But... it's simply safer.  So we recommend that, after this weekend, everyone settle where they most feel they need to be."

"And... and this is potentially for weeks?" Salma asked.

Soberly, Graham nodded.

"I... I want to be with my family," Salma whispered, barely picked up by her microphone.

"I'm moving to Dyeland," Sy declared.

"Sy, you..."  But Diana's voice drifted off.

"Like we said, these are only suggestions," Portia reiterated.  "Please just let us get through the list and then we can discuss and... and vote or whatever.  Okay?"

Dozens of voices replied with "okays" and "got its."

"Umm...  Travel to/from El Chanan is shutdown starting Monday unless directly addressed with Reuel," Graham continued, prompting another gasp from Salma.  "There aren't any cases there yet and, understandably, Reuel would like it kept that way.  So... we don't have much wiggle room on that one."

Andrew rubbed at his temple then spoke.

"I trust Reuel.  He loves visiting here...  He loves Manhattan.  He wouldn't make that rule if he didn't feel it was absolutely necessary.  And he's led El-Chanan through many, many pandemics."

JenniAnn stroked his back as his eyes gleamed.

"Our feelings exactly," Portia agreed.  "And...  Vincent's asked me to say a few things about the Tunnels.  Again... Vincent and the Tunnel Council are, for lack of a better word, the sovereigns of the Tunnels.  So... this... it just is what it is.  Again starting Monday, all Tunnel teachers who do not live Below will teach via virtual tools, remaining in their home base.  The Tunnel folks are hunkering down.  As needed, Friends and Helpers... including some of you... have volunteered to drop off supplies/food to be collected by Vincent, who thus far has proved immune to respiratory illnesses... possibly at a delay of 3 days since the jury is still out on how long the virus can survive on surfaces.  So obviously fresh food may be out here. "

JenniAnn began to softly weep.

Andrew looped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed.  She'd told him as much after the last Council meeting.  But hearing it this way made it seem more real.

"Now to personal matters... I'm going to remain Below so I can help any Tunnelers and Dyelanders if they become sick," Portia reported.  "Graham... and Owen... will no longer come Below so Graham can keep working his residency in the hospital without fear of contaminating the Tunnels.  They've temporarily relocated to Catherine's apartment."

JenniAnn audibly gasped.

Owen appeared next to Graham.

"I... I think it's for the best.  Graham will likely come in contact with several COVID-19 patients and while they, obviously, take great care not to get exposed themselves... there's a chance.  And... and if it happens... I want to be with my husband."

The two men looked to each other and joined hands.

"O..." JenniAnn murmured.

"Laja..."  Andrew pulled her close and rested his chin on her hair.

"God bless you, Owen.  And thank you, Graham and Portia, for all you're doing," Peter said.

The chat erupted with many of the Friends agreeing and adding on their own sentiments of appreciation.

When it quieted, Portia smiled tearfully at her friends.

"Thank you all.  That means a lot.  And now..."  She drew in a deep breath.  "Back to the list.  Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer will be placed at all the portals.  Before using the portal, please use the hand sanitizer.  For those with panels, before hitting a button, please carefully wipe the panel down.  Then use the wipe to select the button you want.  Obviously, we want to limit the use of the portals starting Monday but we know some people, particularly in Dyeland, might need them to get to grocery stores."

"Right," Graham agreed.  "And for anyone contemplating a move, we recommend that they take their temperature right after we end this call.  Take it again this evening.  Then again tomorrow morning.  If you have a fever or if you have a dry cough that you didn't have before... knowing that some of us have been coughing for months due to allergies... please don't go.  Contact your health care professional or Portia or myself.  We'll get you a test."

"But I thought people were having a hard time getting tests?" Behnam asked.

Portia nodded.

"They are in many places.  But..."  Her eyes glistened.  "We owe our friends in El-Chanan.  In January, Reuel foresaw that this wasn't going to go away.  As soon as the test was devised, he had a lab there start producing them."

For the first time since the call started, the Friends perked up. 

"But... that's great for us.  And them if it gets into El-Chanan.  But everyone else?" Ivy questioned.

"Josef," Graham prompted.

Josef nodded and took over the screen.

"One perk of living hundreds of years is you have a lot of time to start a lot of businesses.  I own a pharmaceutical and medical testing company.  Up until recently, I... I used it in hopes of finding a cure for.... for Sarah.  And then for vampirism in general.  I wish I'd had the foresight to start working on coronavirus testing.  But I didn't.  However...  We'll be using my company as the public face of what Reuel's people are doing.  That way there are less hoops to jump through since my company exists on the books in the States."

The Friends began to cheer.

After allowing them to celebrate for a few moments, Graham spoke again.

"That being said...  We want as many of those tests as possible to go to people who truly believe they may have COVID-19.  So we don't want to test all of us.  Reuel's people were very productive... but not enough to fulfill the needs even of the Sibling Cities.  So... with that in mind... by all means let us know if you think you need one.  I know it would be a weight off of people's minds if we could all just take one, hopefully pass, and intermingle amongst ourselves.  But that seems..."

"Selfish," Owen finished for him.

Graham and Portia nodded.

"What we recommend is, after Monday, as many of us as possible quarantine ourselves.  If, after fourteen days, no one develops symptoms, we can reconvene to discuss and maybe people can move around a little more," Graham explained. 

"So... what does everyone think?" Portia checked.

There was only silence for a few moments then a chorus of agreement started.

"It makes sense to me."

"It's hard but... necessary."

"Joshua is with us in spirit... we can be with each other in spirit."

"No objections."

"Truly no objections?" Graham checked.

On the screen, the Friends shook their heads.

"Then... that's our plan," Portia concluded.  "Graham and I will be available by phone or text for the next couple of hours if you have any questions.  After that, still reach out. We just may be a bit slower to respond as we make our own arrangements.  If there are lots of question, we can reconvene tonight so everyone can get the answers.  And with that... God bless you all!"

"Love you all!" Owen cried.

Amid shouts of love back, the call ended.

JenniAnn continued to stare at the screen.

"Laja..."  Andrew stroked her back.

"I just can't believe..."

"I know."  The angel kissed her temple.

"Wait...  Do we have to... socially distance?" she questioned.

Andrew laughed gently and shook his head.

"No.  The only reason we'd have to do that is if one of us got sick.  The other would need to stay healthy to take care of the kids.  But I can't get this.  And there's no indication you have.  So we're fine."

"Good."

With that, JenniAnn moved onto Andrew's knee and rested her head beneath his chin.

"I hate this," she murmured.

Andrew closed his eyes and rested his cheek against her hair.

"Me too."

JenniAnn let out a ragged sigh then closed her own eyes, allowing herself a few moments to focus on the warmth of her beloved's embrace.  Then she was all business.

"We need to stock up.  And we need to check with Rose and Max and Ivy and Violeta and my parents and Raquel and Nico and see if they need anything.  We could go to the grocery store this evening.  Maybe an hour before close.  And in Omaha.  It'll be less crowded than in New York."

Andrew squeezed her hand.

"We should do that.  But we'll order everything online and then I'll go and pick it up.  Maybe bring Max with me."

"But I..."

Andrew cradled JenniAnn's chin and shook his head.

"I'm going.  You need to stay here.  Laja.... you have lung damage.  You... you're high risk, sweetheart."

JenniAnn went ashen.

"Somehow, I... I hadn't even thought of that.  But... you're right."

Andrew nodded.

"So I need you to take care of yourself."  He smiled with glistening eyes.  "I chose to grow old with you.  I need you to grow old with me."

With a nod, JenniAnn acquiesced.

"I'll stay home.  If you need more help... cause that'll be a lot of groceries and household stuff, maybe Sy..."  Her voice trailed off.  "The wedding...  The wedding might not...  And if he's coming here...  I need to get a room ready and..."

"Laja..."  Andrew shook his head.  "They obviously get to make their own choices but... I think Sy is going to want to stay with Ivy.  Not here."

"But she won't.  She's very Catholic like..."  JenniAnn paused when she noticed Andrew rake his hand through his hair.

"I'll marry them.  Again, the choice is theirs.  But I'm going to make the offer.  If they agree, we can livestream it to the Wilsons and Mark and Doreen and anyone else they want.  And they can still have their big wedding as soon as things are better.  But we need to give them that option.  It won't be a legal marriage... but it'll be a marriage in the eyes of God and that's what really matters to both Sy and Ivy."

Andrew could tell JenniAnn was considering this.  He also shared her concerns: he couldn't imagine not being physically present at Max's wedding. 

"Laja...  I don't want to spend this time away from you," Andrew continued.  "At the end of what are going to be some long, weary, dreary days... I want to snuggle up with you, with my anam cara.  Ivy and Sy deserve the same.  If they want."

JenniAnn nodded.

"Of course.  Of course they do."  She kissed Andrew.  "Thank you for thinking of that."

"I'm going to text them now."

"Okay."  JenniAnn watched as he did.  "If they agree, maybe we should have Violeta come over here for a few days... nights."  Her cheeks flushed.  "I mean... they might be shy with her there."

"Good thought.  I have a feeling she's going to be over here a lot regardless.  But, yes, we should invite her over.  Another person to amuse the kids, too.  When she's not studying, of course."

"And... and Shel.  Andrew, we need to figure out where she wants to be."  JenniAnn's eyes welled again.  "With... with us.  Or with Asher."

Andrew set down his phone and stared at JenniAnn.  It hadn't occurred to him that Shelby might not stay with them.  But, of course, she might want to remain in the Tunnels with her brother.

"Yeah... yeah, we do," he choked out.

"A-and Mallory and Evie.  When Evie has her... fits... what will she do without Avi?"

"We can ask.  Mallory gets along well with Marty.  They could stay in one of the rooms near him," Andrew suggested, even as the growing number of house guests began to alarm him.  But then, he consoled himself, Mallory and Evie hardly ever went Above.

JenniAnn nodded and grabbed her own cell phone.

"I'll just..."  She vacated Andrew's lap and began to move away.

Andrew clasped her hand.

"Laja...  This... it's going to be hard.  But we'll be okay.  You'll see," he encouraged.

Eyes still glistening, JenniAnn forced a smile and nodded. 

Andrew watched her begin to pace as she spoke to Mallory.  He let out a sigh then refocused on connecting with Ivy and Sy.
*~*~*

Four hours later, Andrew, Max, and the Jolly Green materialized on a seldom-used highway just outside of Omaha, Nebraska.

"I hope we'll be able to fit everything," Max mused. 

"I'm sure we can."

"Good.  Dad?"

"Hmm?"  Andrew glanced quickly at Max before focusing on the road.

"How long do you think this will last?"

"I'm not sure.  Could be weeks.  Months.  Could be weeks and then normalcy and then back to hunkering down for a few more weeks."

Max nodded.

"Dad?"

"Yep?"

"Rose and I were talking and...  So long as everyone's still fine by Sunday...  And knowing we have no intention of leaving Dyeland during this...  Do you think...  I mean... that's a long time.  So... at least until we get the hang of it... do you think we could stay at Willowveil?"

Andrew smiled.  In spite of his earlier concerns about too many people staying at the castle, he had secretly hoped his and JenniAnn's eldest would join them.

"Did you think there was much of a chance that I'd say no?"

Max chuckled.

"No.  Not really.  It just... feels... childish, I guess, to ask."

Andrew clapped his son on the back.

"It's not.  Of course we'd love to have the three of you join us!  Your Maja's going to be thrilled.  And... it'll help even things out."

"Even things out?"

"Shelby, Violeta, Mallory, and Evie will be joining us.  So, without you, that would have left me with Marty, Takoda, and Avi for male companionship and Marty and Takoda aren't always going to be around.  And Avi...  A smile from that boy makes everything better but I can't exactly have heart-to-hearts with him yet."

Max grinned.

"Yeah, I know the feeling."  He let out a sigh of relief.  "Great.  And I can help out any time we need to go out to gather supplies.  I'm in the process of moving all my counseling sessions to Zoom so I won't need to leave for those.  And, of course, Rose will be teaching remotely."

"Another good reason to stay with us: the internet connection is better in Willowveil."

"Right!  Yeah!"

"I was thinking...  If this goes on for more than a couple of weeks which I think it will...  We'll have to go out for supplies again.  So I think I'll rig a hose up coming out of my workshop and construct a sort of makeshift shower.  Army-style, ya know?  So we can wash up and change before going into the castle.  I can't get it.  But I have no reason to believe the virus couldn't exist on my clothes or hair if, ya know, someone sneezed near me," Andrew explained.

Max blinked.

"You think we need that?"

"I don't think it could hurt.  And some people are already saying you should shower immediately after getting home.  Seems safer to have that outside of the home if ya can."

"It does.  Yeah.  Good thinking.  Thanks, Dad."  Max beamed at Andrew.

"Yep."

The two were silent for a few moments as the quiet highway morphed into a busy city street.

"Dad?" Max asked, his voice strained.

"Hmm?"

"Are... are you especially worried about Maja because... I mean...  He hit her lung."

Andrew was grateful for a red light.  As the van stalled, he reached over and patted the younger man's hand.

"Max, I'd be worried even if that hadn't happened.  She had pneumonia and some other respiratory issues in high school.  There was scarring on her lungs long before Rex.  I'm sure she's gonna be fine.  We just need to keep her home... and all of us need to stay home as much as possible to limit the chances of bringing anything back to her or to anyone."

"If... if I had said that I was still going to go into the city for some appointments, you wouldn't have let us stay at Willowveil, would you?"

Andrew let out a ragged breath.

"No.  I... I think things are going to get really, really bad in New York and... I couldn't risk that.  And I would have tried everything to dissuade you for your sake and Rose's and Landon's."

"I don't blame you.  And... I'm glad you're looking out for Maja.  I will, too."

Andrew smiled proudly at Max.

"Thank you.  I know you will."

The two exchanged smiles then continued their journey to pick up supplies.
*~*~*

As soon as he and Max stepped into Allison and Robert Chandler's house after their grocery run, Andrew knew something was afoot.  The couple were seated together on the couch, looking expectantly at him.

"Hey, Robert.  Hey, Allison.  Good to see you," Andrew greeted.  "We, umm, we have your groceries."  He waved to Max.

"Thank you both.  It was very kind of you to think of us and include us on your grocery run," Allison replied with a smile. 

"Of course.  JenniAnn wouldn't have let me forget it if we'd left you out," Andrew kidded.  "I'd be on the couch for sure." His face flushed.

Robert cleared his throat and turned his attention to Max.

"Max, could we prevail upon you to put the perishables away?  Allison and I would like to speak with And... with your dad."

Max cast Andrew a concerned look.  The angel only nodded.

"Okay...  I'll just...  I'll wash my hands first then I'll get right to that."

After a final, curious look to Andrew, Max grabbed the bags and disappeared into the kitchen.

"So..." Andrew prompted.

"Andrew, Allison and I have been talking and... we're not prepared to be separated from our daughter or our grandchildren for weeks on end," Robert began.

"Or you!" Allison hastened to add.

Andrew bowed his head and smiled.  He was clearly an afterthought.

"Allison hasn't been out of the house in nearly a week.  And I've only been to my office with minimal exposure to other people.  I'm supposed to start working remotely on Monday.  And I'm sure you know that, at least at this point, Omaha only has a very small portion of travel-related cases," Robert relayed. 

"I do." 

"So we doubt either of us has been exposed.  Still... we'll take Portia's and Graham's advice.  We'll take our temperatures over the next couple of days.  But... but if we don't have a fever at any point... we'd like to move to Dyeland for the duration of this." 

Allison peered at Andrew with eyes that were so familiar to him.

He gulped.

"We know that, at points, things have been rocky between us and... you," Robert continued.  "But we see now... have seen for a long while... that... that you've always had JenniAnn's best interests at heart.  And... we... we've never been separated for more than a few months and... and this could be... it could be a year.  Maybe more!"

Andrew's stomach roiled.  He didn't think he'd seen Robert tear up since those awful days in the hospital.

"We wouldn't have to stay at Willowveil!  I mean... that would be nice.  But we'd take a cabin or..."

Andrew cut Allison off.

"I understand.  I do.  I... I can't imagine being away from any of my kids for more than a few days.  Of course you can come... as long as you're still feeling well by Sunday evening.  I'll check with JenniAnn about arrangements.  I think we have room in the castle.  You won't be the only ones joining us.  But... once you're there, you're there.  If you leave... I can't let you come back.  I can run any necessary errands."

"Understood," Robert hastily agreed.

"Absolutely!" Allison affirmed before leaping up and hugging the angel.  "Thank you so much!  We'll help out!  If you and JenniAnn need alone time, we'll happily watch the kids!"

"Thank you.  I'm sure we will."

"And we promise not to butt in.  It's your and JenniAnn's house.  Your rules," Robert insisted before hugging Andrew himself.

"And since we won't be here, you can use our house for any sort of deliveries and there's no need to worry about tracking anything in to us..." Allison suggested.  "If that's even something that can happen."

"I'm not sure but that'd be good.  Thanks."  Andrew smiled at the couple.  "I think this will be good."

"Thank you so much for agreeing."  Allison hugged Andrew again.  "You won't regret it!"

"I'm sure I won't," Andrew agreed, squeezing her hands.  He smiled at Max who was peeking into the room.  "Now... I'll go help Max and then we'll be on our way."

"Sounds good!"

"Thank you, Andrew!"

"You bet."

Andrew chuckled with relief when he entered the kitchen.

"Well... that was... something..." Max opined.

The angel of death nodded.

"It was.  But... I'm relieved.  At first I was afraid maybe they... they wanted JenniAnn and the kids to move here."

Max cringed.

"That would have been awful."

Andrew nodded, tensing at the mere thought.

Max clapped him on the back.

"Well, it's definitely not as bad as that.  It's only that you're going to be living with your, essentially, in-laws now," he teased in a whisper.

Andrew blushed.

"That I am..."
*~*~*

As soon as he'd dropped off the groceries, telling JenniAnn they needed to talk... about something good!... Andrew made a beeline to the shower in his old bedroom.  He smiled when he saw that JenniAnn had already laid out some fresh clothes.

Once he was beneath the cascade of warm water, Andrew exhaled and began to relax.

And then he began to talk.

"I hope I'm doing this right...  I... I don't want her to resent me.  But... this terrifies me."

Andrew felt a gentle peace wash over him.

"I know, Andrew.  But... say it with me..."

The angel smiled.

"Fear not!" he proclaimed with Joshua.

"There ya go.  And JenniAnn isn't going to resent you.  Her health just isn't top of mind for her in the way it is for you.  Same thing with you.  She thinks about your health far more often than you do."

"True..."

"And stop worrying about how JenniAnn's going to manage everything... and everyone... when you're away on assignments.  You, like so many people, will be working from home now.  And more along the lines of casework than AOD work... the latter only coming up in terms of counseling."

Andrew let out a shaky sigh.

"Thank you.  You don't know how..."  He chuckled.  "Of course you know how much that means to me.  Because that has been weighing on me."

"I know.  And you'll be busy.  I mean think about it... you have two little kids, a grandbaby, Shelby, Violeta's coming back... emotional about her best friend's wedding and being pulled out of classes... and then you've got Evie and Mallory.  Marty will mostly see to them but that's still two more people... one of them extremely sensitive.  Takoda... the separation from Joccy won't be easy for him.  Then you've got Max and Rose who are pretty self-sufficient.  But they'll still need you.  And Kemara and Monica..."

"Kemara and Monica are coming here?"

"No.  They're staying home.  But Arthur and Sean have decided to stay in New York."

Andrew froze.  He'd been worried about them repeatedly coming through the portal.  But he also hadn't wanted that...

"They made the decision, Andrew.  It's nothing you said," Joshua reassured.  "It was a very, very difficult decision but, in their lines of work, they didn't want to risk bringing COVID into Dyeland.  So Kemara and Monica will need your help sometimes."

"I... I understand.  I... I just can't imagine."

"Pray for them, Andrew."

"I will, Joshua.  I will."

"Thank you.  And back to your brimming household..."

"Allison and Robert..."

Andrew could hear Joshua smile.

"I've just given you your own personal sitcom, haven't I?"

Joshua laughed.

"Well, mine and Dad's and the Spirit's... yeah."

Andrew blushed.

"It'll be fine, Andrew.  Trying at times?  Sure.  But it's a good thing.  You'll see.  And, of course, you have one more assignment.  Pretty sure she's a favorite of yours..."

Smiling, Andrew nodded.

"She's going to ask you to watch a TV show with her... something that's well outside of your comfort zone.  But it's important."

"Is this another... I mean is this like the time we read the sex book?"

Joshua burst out laughing.

"It's not about sex.  I mean there is some sex.  Nothing gratuitous.  But that's not why she wants to watch it."

"Mysterious... okay.  I will watch a TV show with Laja."

"Good boy."

"Joshua?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for this.  I feel calmer."

"Good.  I'm always here.  And I have one more thing..."

"Go for it."

"I'm leaving a note tucked in Ivy's Bible.  John 1.  Can you please tell her tomorrow morning?"

"Of course, Joshua.  You're okay with the wedding thing, I hope?"

"I am.  It's a beautiful gesture, Andrew.  Thank you for thinking of it."

"You're welcome.  I just... I know it's what I'd want if I was them."

"I know.  I love the compassion you have for everyone, Andrew.  I love you!"

Andrew felt a lump form in his throat.

"I... I love you, too, Joshua."

The angel inhaled and exhaled deeply, letting Joshua's peace envelope him.

All would be well...
To be continued...


This newsletter is dedicated to John Dye for being part of a show that was affirming and inspiring and reminded us that we are all God's children.

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