Angel Of Mine

by Zane Michaelson

  “I can feel your eyes burning into my back, you know.”

  “You’re definitely psychic,” I replied, bending down to kiss his scars. I wanted him to know I had seen them and didn’t care, but he jumped up, seemingly alarmed by my touching them.

  “I’m starving,” he said. “What shall we eat?”

  “You know…” I replied. “I’m not sure I have ever seen you eat.”

  Racking my brains, I couldn’t think of a single occasion I’d witnessed him eating anything.

  “Trust me, I do eat.” He looked sheepish. “But I’m a little weird with food.”

  “Why does that not surprise me?”

  “You know me too well, it seems.”

  “What do you fancy?” I asked.

  “Something white,” he replied.

  “Huh?”

  “Told you I was weird.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “White food–I only eat white food.”

  “Oh?” I was stumped by this one. I’d heard of fussy eaters, but this took first prize.

  “Don’t let my weirdness put you off.”

  “It won’t put me off at all. I’m just trying to think of something you can actually eat.”

  “Rice and fish are usually good for me.”

  “We’re in the right place for fish,” I said, swinging my legs off the bed. “Let me jump in the shower and then we can go.”

  “Thank you.”

  I kissed him. “It just makes me love you all the more. You’re certainly quirky, but I like quirky.”

  “My body is a temple.”

  “Should’ve known. Your body is flawless–of course you’d be careful what you ate.”

  We found a delightful restaurant and stuffed our faces.

  “I feel like such a glutton,” I said.

  Angelo had a guilty look on his face.

  “So do I,” he replied. “The sin of gluttony.”

  “I will need to go on a diet.”

  “We both ate more than we needed and there are starving children all over the world.”

  I didn’t know why, but it seemed Angelo took the weight of the world on his shoulders. He suffered for the poor and needy–I could see that.

  “Then when we get home, we’ll both volunteer at a homeless shelter, help people who need it most.”

  “You’d really do that?”

  “I would.”

  “You’re a special lady, Ella.”

  He took me in his arms and kissed me.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Later that night, Ella slept soundly.

  Angelo shifted into limbo.

  Demetrius was already waiting for him.

  “What have you done, Angelo?”

  “I’ve betrayed everything I believed in.”

  Demetrius smirked. “Was she worth it?”

  “Yes,” he said.

  “You do surprise me.”

  “Help me, Demetri.”

  “You’re beyond help now, my old friend, but you already know that.”

  “What will happen to her now?”

  “We can’t touch her now,” he seethed. “And now must find another before the balance is tipped in your favour.” He removed his sunglasses and tilted his head to the side. His eyes burned golden. “But you knew that already when you took her to bed, didn’t you?”

  “I don’t want to lose her. There is something special about her, I just wish you’d believe me.”

  “We have our suspicions about what she is,” he said, cryptically.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t you suspect what is happening? Surely, He has informed his own angels, no matter how far down the scale you are.”

  “Tell me what you mean?”

  “It’s typical of Him. He expects you all to work like dogs, but you don’t ever truly know what is going on, do you?”

  “Stop talking in riddles, Demetri, and tell me.”

  “Gabriella is more important than even you suspect.”

  “She’s a mortal woman.”

  “For now, yes,” he replied.

  “Soon, she will begin her final journey and I must prepare her for that.”

  “Nothing you say or do will alter the course now set for her.”

  “What is it you’re not saying, Demetri?”

  Demetrius held his finger up to silence his friend. “Angelo.” He looked at the gold watch on his arm, the ticking noise echoing throughout limbo. “It’s over.”

  Angelo dropped to his knees and wailed.

  Demetrius kneeled and place a hand on his shoulder.

  “Where have you been?” I asked. “I’ve been worried.”

  “An old friend of mine, Demetri, is in town, so I met up with him for a chat.”

  “Oh, that sounds nice. I’d love to meet your friends.”

  He smiled at me. “You will do.”

  “I’ll look forward to it, my darling, now come here and give me a kiss.”

  “How are you feeling?” I noticed the apprehensive look he gave me, like he was dreading what I was going to say.

  It was only for the fact Angelo asked, that I thought about it. “You know what, I feel bloody marvellous–back to my old self.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, I feel totally normal, and after these last few weeks, normal is the best feeling ever.”

  “Then we must go out and celebrate.”

  “Anywhere particular you have in mind?”

  “I thought we’d just go out and explore, see where life leads us.”

  “Now, that sounds good to me,” I said. “But I want to give my parents a call and tell them the good news.”

  “Say hello to them for me,” he said, but he wasn’t able to hide the pained expression on his face.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I’m going downstairs to buy a paper,” Angelo said.

  “Okay,” Ella replied. “I’ll meet you down there in about ten minutes.”

  “See you soon.”

  Angelo didn’t bother to take the lift, wanting to take the stairs.

  He stood in reception, looking about.

  What have you done, Angelo?

  There he was. The last person he expected to see.

  His right-hand man was seated in the corner, trying to look as inconspicuous as he could. Even with his great height, people didn’t take any notice of him.

  “Michael,” he said, “This is quite a surprise.”

  “I don’t take any pleasure being in this…” He had a look of disgust on his face. “…place.”

  “Then why are you here?” I asked.

  “Hold your tongue, Angelo, or I’ll tear your wings off with my bare hands.”

  “I’m sorry, Michael,” he said, bowing in deference. “I didn’t mean to cause offence.”

  “Your actions with this girl have set off a chain reaction, do you realise that?”

  “I love her.”

  “What rubbish,” he said. “YOU ARE AN ANGEL.” Michael raised his voice. “Your purpose is to serve Him.”

  “I’m an angel,” he said. “So what?”

  Michael glowered at him. “Intercourse with human beings is strictly forbidden and you know why. The risk angelic children pose is too great. We must remain hidden. Humans aren’t ready to know of our existence, yet.”

  “There is no risk of Ella having a child, angelic or otherwise.”

  “Not anymore, but what of your next charge?”

  “There won’t be.”

  “Oh, yes, there will be.”

  “I want to go with her.”

  “Impossible,” Michael said. “The heavens are for their kind only.”

  “I’m prepared to take whatever punishment you see fit, as long as I can stay with her.”

  “You don’t get to decide, Angelo.”

  “I’m not sorry for what I’ve done.”

  “You’re lucky He is more forgiving than I am. If it were up to me. I’d tear you apar
t where you stood for your insolence alone.”

  “What have I done that is so bad?”

  “You’ve altered the balance between good and evil. The girl belonged to the other side. You knew that, you’ve always known that.”

  Abaddon watched the Angels in deep conversation. He was furious to have been bettered by a lower angel, but he’d forget that, for now. What he found more surprising was the fact Michael had come to Earth.

  They were stood in the opposite corner of the room, phased slightly out of time, therefore out of sight.

  Listen to him, Angelo.

  “What are you doing here, Abaddon?”

  Frozen to the spot, he recognised the voice.

  It can’t be.

  He spun around, unable to believe his eyes. His blue blood ran cold.

  Abaddon bowed his head. “You’re far from home.” he said. “The rumours must be true.”

  “You know better than to deal in rumours.”

  “The girl must be more important than I suspected if you’ve made this journey yourself.”

  “I can be where I wish in the blink of an eye.”

  Abaddon narrowed his eyes, unable to ignore His wings.

  He held a finger to his lips and Abaddon bowed his head again.

  “Not one word, Abaddon,” He said.

  “As you wish.”

  Abaddon would do as requested for one simple reason.

  He was the creator, and with one snap of his fingers, everything created could be wiped out, him included.

  “Now, I suggest you get back to your own business and leave Angelo alone.”

  “Angelo can look after himself.”

  “Yes, I believe Angelo can take care of himself, but you might not be so lucky, especially when Michael discovers you’ve been spying on him.”

  Abaddon looked worried. He bowed again before phasing out.

  He stood and watched the conversation between Angelo and Michael.

  Michael seemed adamant. “It is time to let her go, Angelo.”

  “I don’t want to let her go.”

  “You have no choice. You are interfering with the natural order of things.”

  “She is only thirty-two and hasn’t lived her life yet.”

  “Her life is over,” he said. “You must make sure she is ready to take her final journey.”

  “And if I won’t?”

  “Then you will be confined to limbo forevermore, and I will find somebody who will do what you should have done days ago.”

  Angelo knew he had lost. “Please don’t send me there.”

  “Then you’ll do as I ask?”

  “Yes.”

  “By this time tomorrow,” Michael added. “That’s all I’m willing to give you, so make the most of it.”

  “And then what?”

  “Gabriella returns home and you never see her again.”

  Michael bowed his head and disappeared.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “I had the most amazing evening,” I said. “I could stay here forever.”

  “I’m glad, and I’d stay here with you too, if it was only possible.”

  “Anything is possible, Angelo. You taught me that.”

  “Did I?”

  “Yes,” I said, clutching his hand. “When we met, I was a mess, but you gave me my life back, and a reason to carry on. I can never thank you for that.”

  He kissed me. “It’s been my pleasure getting to know you, Gabriella Montgomery. You’re the most special person I’ve ever had the privilege to meet and without you, I wouldn’t ever have known what love was.”

  I burst into tears, so lovely were his words. “I’m sorry,” I blubbed, “But you have such a way with words.”

  “Come here,” he said, pulling me into his arms. “You have the biggest heart. Do you know that?”

  “I’m a soppy mess.” I fought back the tears.

  Angelo kissed me on the forehead. “You’ll always be beautiful to me.”

  “Thank you,” I said, drying my eyes on the sleeve of my coat. “Maybe when we go and see the church tomorrow, you’d like to make it official and marry me?”

  “Me, marry you?” he asked.

  Me and my big mouth.

  “Erm…yes,” I said.

  “There’s nothing more I’d like than to be married to you in the house of God.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, but I’m afraid it won’t be possible…” he said, “…here at least.”

  I couldn’t believe it. “You’d really marry me?”

  “Yes, really,” he said, chuckling. “Why do you find that so hard to believe?”

  I threw my arms around him. He pressed me up against the wall and kissed me, that same burning intensity. I felt a flutter in my stomach. “Oooh.”

  “Ella?” he said, concerned. “What’s wrong?”

  “Butterflies in my stomach is all,” I replied. “Must be all that talk of weddings.”

  He pressed his hand against my stomach, and the butterflies flew away.

  “Better?”

  “Yes.” He had the magic touch, I was sure of it.

  “Let’s get back to the hotel, and into the warmth. Tomorrow is a special day for us both.”

  He wrapped his big, strong arms around my shoulder, pulling me close. I could feel the warmth radiating from him. It brought me untold comfort. I felt safe with Angelo and now I’d found him, I never wanted to lose him again.

  Chapter Sixteen

  We had another early start.

  “Up and at ‘em,” Angelo said, as he rushed me out the door.

  “But I haven’t eaten yet and I’m hungry.”

  “We’ll get something on the way, but time is against us. The hotel receptionist said the church is closing for restoration work so if you want to see it, we must hurry.”

  “Yes, okay,” I replied, feeling a touch moody.

  Angelo was right. I did want to see the Church, so my stomach would have to wait.

  Half an hour later, and with a bagel in hand, we stood outside the Sankt Nikolai kyrka, otherwise known as the Church of St. Nicholas.

  It is the oldest church in the town of Gamla stan, located in central Stockholm.

  I didn’t want to go in while I was eating this rather poor excuse for breakfast so shovelled the rest of the bagel in my mouth, chewing ferociously. Not very ladylike I have to admit, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

  We walked inside the magnificent building and immediately, I realised why I rarely stepped foot inside churches. They had always given me the creeps, but moments later, I felt oddly at peace, feeling I was where I was meant to be.

  “This is absolutely beautiful,” I exclaimed, trying to stave off the tears.

  It was a tranquil place, and for the first time in my life, I felt close to God.

  Angelo was in a sombre mood, and quieter than I’d ever seen him.

  “You’re quiet,” I said to him.

  He nodded, and I could tell how much respect he had for his surroundings.

  We walked hand in hand down the aisle and I imagined it was our wedding day.

  A beautiful golden-haired woman smiled as I walked past. There was something about her, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was.

  I returned her smile, noticing another young woman in the pew a few rows down. She too had golden hair. My eyes danced about the church and I was unnerved to notice other golden-haired people occupying various pews. They all sat alone, heads bowed, hands in prayer.

  “Angelo, look,” I said, but he silenced me with a finger to his lips. Something feels wrong.

  I looked around again, and this time, the golden-haired people were gone.

  How is that even possible? They were here moments ago, and now, the place was empty.

  Am I losing my mind?

  Angelo turned to look at me, but there was something off about his demeanour, that had me on edge. He seemed agitated.

  We reached the altar, and above us, a
statue of Jesus on the cross dominated the archway.

  Angelo bowed his head and whispered, but I couldn’t catch what he was saying. It almost sounded like he was speaking a foreign language.

  “What are you saying?” I whispered.

  “Only my prayers,” he answered.

  “I want to go back to the hotel,” I said. “I don’t feel very well.”

  “Forgive me my trespasses,” he said.

  I was scared for the first time since we’d met.

  Then, I noticed tears rolling down his cheeks.

  “Why are you crying?” I asked him, still scared, but confused.

  “Because it’s time for you to go, and I’ll miss you more than I can ever tell you.”

  “I’m not going anywhere,” I replied. “What are you talking about?”

  “It’s your time.”

  “Where am I going?”

  “It’s time for you to go home, Ella.”

  “But why? We’ve still got a few more days left.”

  “I’m sorry.” He looked up to the ceiling, then held his head in his hands and sobbed.

  I touched his hands. “You’re really scaring me, Angelo.”

  He looked at me, face full of anguish. “It’s never been my intention to scare you, but we’re out of time and I need to tell you the whole truth.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Our meeting at the riverside was no accident.”

  “What are you trying to say?”

  “I was sent to bring you home.” Confusion was making my head spin.

  “We can go home together, Angelo.”

  “Listen to me, please, Ella.”

  “You’re talking rubbish. I don’t understand any of this.”

  “Yes, you do, but you won’t admit it to yourself.”

  “There’s nothing to admit.”

  “I’ve wanted to tell you for days, but hoped you’d come to the realisation yourself.”

  I scrutinised his face. He believed what he was saying.

  “There’s nothing for me to realise.”

  “Yes. There is,” he said.

  “Tell me then.” I was waiting for him to laugh, say it was just a joke, even if I didn’t find it funny.”