by Mary May
Charlotte tippy-toed over to the blonde warrior who towered over her and poked him hard in the chest. Staring at him with narrowed eyes, she asked, “Ok, who are you and what have you done with the real Zareck?”
Zareck scowled at Charlotte. “Fine, if you’re just going to mock me I’ll keep my opinions to myself.”
Gideon laughed as he slapped the other angel on the shoulder. “Oh, don’t take it so seriously; she was only saying what we were all thinking. Coming from you, that was a surprisingly insightful statement, and I agree with you, at least to a point. Doesn’t mean I like Nate’s behavior any better. I can’t tell how many times I wanted to thump his hard head when he would make Charlie cry.” Gideon stopped, lacing his fingers together behind his head as he looked up into the evening sky as if seeking guidance. “We all know that Nate isn’t acting on his own. The bitter-heart demon is feeding his negative emotions, making them grow. I wasn’t happy about leaving Shana to deal with that thing on her own, but Charlie is my first priority.”
“I bet there are a lot of demons in a place like that, aren’t there, Gideon?” Raphael asked.
Gideon nodded. “Yes, they tend to collect anywhere there is a lot of extreme negative emotion for them to feed off of. They enjoy adding fuel to the fire and getting the opportunity to attach themselves to people. Honestly, I was surprised we didn’t see any more than we did at the hospital.” He then turned to Skye and Raphael. “Speaking of which, how were things while we were all gone? I was concerned they would attack since it was just the two of you.”
“Everything was quiet, G. The twins would stay at friends’ houses and sometimes Seth would stay here with them. But we didn’t feel the slightest twinge, did we, Raph?”
“No, not so much as a tingle,” Raphael agreed.
Gideon narrowed his dark green eyes. “Hmm…now why doesn’t that make me feel any better?”
“Because they should have attacked while the family was separated and vulnerable?”
Giving Charlotte a wink, Gideon nodded. “Exactly. So why didn’t they?” The angels all looked at one another but no one had an answer…
The next morning Charlie heard her brothers laughing at the breakfast table. She smiled as she heard D.J. tease Luke about a girl at school. Poor Luke, he was quiet and lacked D.J.’s self-confidence. Considering they were both seriously cute and looked exactly alike, one would assume their confidence levels would be nearly equal, but that was not the case. Luke was a reader and loved to spend time in his room researching this or that. It drove D.J. crazy to be indoors for any longer than absolutely necessary. He would bribe, blackmail, or beg Luke to leave his precious sanctuary and go do something “manly” as he would put it. For twins, they had remarkably different personalities. But they were both good kids, well… she supposed she would have to stop referring to them as kids… They were now going on thirteen and they already towered over both her and her mom. The twin terrors were actually very sweet and both were quick to give a hug or a listening ear. Luke, however, was especially sensitive to another’s feelings, often coming to her room at night to talk about a friend that had this problem or that. He also had a strong faith in Christ and Charlie wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up in the ministry in some capacity.
Both of the twins were baptized and had accepted Christ when they were eight, and she had no doubt they would each serve God in their own way. That got her to thinking -- just what was her calling? Pastor Eddie had said that everyone had a calling, something that the Lord had for him or her to do, but Charlie didn’t have a clue what hers might be yet. Sighing, she threw back the covers and sat up on the side of the bed, letting her feet dangle while she mentally prepared herself for the day ahead. Being back home felt like the right place to be and the wrong place at the same time, which made no sense. “Story of my life lately,” she muttered as she finally put her feet on the floor and searched out some sweatpants and a t-shirt. After brushing her teeth and pulling her hair into a messy topknot, she was as ready as she was going to get, so she padded downstairs on bare feet and took her seat at the table.
“Morning, sweetie, did you sleep alright?” Sabrina eyed her closely and could still see the slight black smudges under Charlie’s eyes from lack of rest. She was also a good bit thinner, her clothes telling truth of that as they hung on her. Sabrina hurried to dish up some of her breakfast scramble as she called it. It was cheesy scrambled eggs with diced onions and mushrooms. Besides the large helping of eggs, she added several pieces of bacon and two slices of golden brown toast. She poured a tall glass of orange juice along with a glass of chocolate milk and placed it all before Charlie, who was looking at the mountain of food and beverages with an amused look on her face.
“Mom? Are we feeding a small nation? There is no way I can eat all of that!”
Sabrina looked at the pile of food on the plate then chuckled. “Well, I’m sure your brothers will help you out if you need it. I guess I went a tad bit overboard, huh?”
Charlie smiled around a mouthful of eggs and nodded. “Just a tad bit…yeah.”
“What are your plans for the day, Charlie girl?” Devon asked.
Charlie shook her head. “I really haven’t made any. I think I’ll just settle in for a day or two then I may see about college.”
Sabrina looked at her with concern. “College? But the fall semester has already started, and we completely missed your nineteenth birthday. Why don’t I invite the family up for a BBQ or something?”
Charlie shook her head. “That’s ok, Mama. If you don’t mind I would really like to lay low for a while.” She pushed away from the table and went back up the stairs. Everyone at the table watched as she walked away, leaving her food practically untouched.
“Devon?” Sabrina looked at him with worry in her eyes and he knew without her saying it what she was asking him. “Darlin’, give her some time to adjust and come to terms with everything. As much as I know you want to, you can’t jump in and fix everything for her today. Our Charlie is made of some tough stock; she will pull herself together.”
Over the next few weeks Charlie spent as much time as possible out riding. Following the old familiar trails and paths, she didn’t have to think; she could zone out and disappear inside herself. She knew her mama was growing more concerned by the day, but Charlie couldn’t help it -- she needed to be alone to pick up and sort through the jagged shards of her broken dreams. It was a time-consuming process deciding what could be salvaged and what couldn’t. She tried to pray but found that no words would come. She wasn’t even sure what to pray for. Along with her words, her tears had also dried up, remaining locked inside where they burned. After calling and speaking with the dean at Zion University, she had found that she couldn’t start college until the spring semester, which was still over three months away. She knew she needed to find something to do to occupy her time, and, more importantly, her mind. Most her of her friends either had gone off to college weeks ago or had jobs. Lakyn was currently in Alabama, and Charlie missed her dreadfully. She needed her friend’s constant chatter to help her mind forget everything if only for a few minutes.
Stormy’s sudden stop brought Charlie out of her inner musings. Raising her head she saw that they had come to a fence. Looking around she realized that she had no idea where they were. Knowing that the fence marked someone’s property line, she followed for it another ten minutes until she spotted a couple of men doing someone fence work. They both stopped what they doing as she rode up.
“Hi, I seemed to have gotten myself lost. I’m Charlie Blakely.” The one wearing the blue jacket seemed to be close to her age and somewhat familiar, but she couldn’t remember where she had seen him before. He pushed his cap off his forehead before smiling at her.
“Hey, Charlie! You are a long way from home.”
She smiled slightly. “Yeah, that’s what I get for letting Stormy be the tour guide. I’m sorry, you look familiar, but I can’t remember where I know you from.”
“Logan! I remember now. Well, it seems I need rescued again. This is becoming a habit with us, huh?”
Logan grinned before turning to the man standing next to him. “It’s ok, we all need rescued sometimes. This is my dad, Harvey Russell.” His dad walked over and held out his hand to Charlie.
“Hey there, good to meet you, young lady.” He then ran an appreciative eye over Stormy. “That’s a real good-looking horse you’re riding there. Quarter horse, if I don’t miss my guess.”
Charlie patted Stormy’s neck fondly. “Yes, sir! He is a bit taller than most quarter horses, but my dad planned it that way. Maybe you know him? Devon Lane?” The man drew his brows together as he thought about it.
“No, I don’t believe I know him. Logan, why don’t you go hook up to the trailer and give Miss Charlie a ride back to her place. She won’t ever make it back before dark if you don’t. I’ll finish up here; we don’t lack but just a small section anyway. Can’t leave this damsel in distress.”
Charlie smiled her thanks. “I really appreciate this. Thank you.”
Logan tossed his gloves and some tools into the back of the truck then looked up at Charlie. “Does he ride double? It’s over two miles to the house and it will be a lot quicker if I can hitch a ride with you.”
Kicking her left foot out of the stirrup, she held out her hand. “Sure thing. Climb on.”
They rode in silence for a few minutes before Logan finally said what he had been thinking since Charlie rode up. “Umm…don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t look very good. Have you been sick?”
Charlie smiled as she shook her head. . “Logan, there really isn’t any way to take that but the wrong way. There isn’t a girl on this planet that likes to be told she looks like poo, but no offence taken. To answer your question, I guess I have been sick; at least that’s as good an explanation as any.”
Logan could sense that Charlie didn’t want to talk about what was wrong; he had a feeling it had something to do with Nate Jackson. He had heard he was badly wounded in a helicopter accident overseas. “I didn’t say you looked like poo… you look…I don’t know…shattered, I guess, is the best way to describe it.”
“That’s pretty close to how I feel. I’m sure you heard about Nate?”
“I did. I’m real sorry, Charlie. How is he doing?”
Charlie shrugged. “Well, it was touch and go for a few weeks, but the doctor is pretty confident now that Nate will survive. It’s his mental health that we are more concerned about now.”
She had no idea why she was telling Logan all of this. He was virtually a stranger. There was just something about him that put her at ease. They continued to talk and as they rode into Logan’s front yard, Charlie felt a strange sense of reluctance for the ride to be over. Logan dismounted then held up his hand to assist Charlie. She couldn’t hide her smile as she shook her head then swung down from the saddle.
“Why don’t we go inside for a minute? You can get something to drink and chat with my mom while I hook up the trailer.” Charlie followed Logan into the house and through a maze of rooms until they found Logan’s mom standing in front of a painting easel with a brush in her hand. Maggie Russell was an attractive woman with beautiful brown eyes and dark auburn hair that she wore in two long braids. Like her son, she had an easy smile and warm and inviting demeanor. Charlie stared nearly transfixed at the painting that Maggie was working on. While clearly unfinished, she could see that it was a war scene. Tanks and soldiers surrounded by smoke and explosions. But within the painting, almost unseen, were angels. Some were battling to protecting the soldiers while others were gathering up and escorting the fallen ones to heaven in beams of beautiful white light. Somehow the woman had captured both the horrors of war and the tranquil peace of God in the scene.
“Oh, that is so beautiful,” Charlie whispered softly.
Maggie looked at the painting with a critical eye. “Thank you. It’s very different from what I usually paint. I actually dreamed this scene and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind so I thought if I painted it maybe it would leave me alone.”
“Mom, this Charlie Blakely. Remember I told you about her? She is the one that our church is praying for.” A look of surprise registered on Maggie’s face.
“Oh, yes! You’re the one that has the injured fiancé, correct?”
Charlie nodded, still gazing at the picture. “Yes, ma’am. Nate was seriously wounded in Afghanistan in a helicopter accident.”
Within minutes Maggie had Charlie sitting at the kitchen table with a glass of tea and a hearty ham and cheese sandwich. Logan had gone back outside to hook up the horse trailer. “Charlie, sweetheart, I’m just so sorry for everything that has happened to you and poor Nate. I guess you know the whole town has been praying for the both of you.”
Charlie nodded. “Yes, ma’am, Mama has told me that she receives phone calls nearly every day with people asking about Nate and if there is anything they can do. The local outpouring has been humbling and really appreciated.”
“Well, our family hasn’t lived here as long as most in the community, but all we’ve heard about you and your family is high praise. If you don’t mind me asking, how is Nate? His parents will barely speak of it. Poor souls, you can tell it’s eating them alive with worry.”
Charlie barely stopped the words of denial that wanted to spew from her lips at the mention of Nate’s parents. That was still a very sore spot with her. So she didn’t comment on them at all and just told Maggie about Nate’s current condition as far as she knew. Hearing steps on the front steps, both women turned to see Logan walk in the front door.
“I see mom has you well taken care of. I’ve got your horse loaded and we can go anytime you’re ready.” Charlie rose up from the table, offering to wash up her glass and plate. Maggie waved her hands in a dismissive gesture.
“No…that’s ok, Charlie. I have a few more waiting for me in the sink.” She leaned over, giving the young girl a warm hug. “You come back anytime and visit, sweetheart. You can keep up with the progress of my painting.”
“Thank you…I would like that.”
The ride back to her house took only a few minutes. Logan chatted with her about this and that, mostly lighthearted banter that eased Charlie’s mind and helped her relax for the first time in ages. Once they had pulled into the yard and killed the motor, Charlie sat there, once more reluctant to leave Logan’s company. Finally she turned to him asking if he would like to go riding with her in a few days. Logan’s face showed his surprise but he agreed. After making plans, they got out of the truck and unloaded Stormy. Devon and Sabrina had come outside by then so Charlie made the introductions. Logan shook both of their hands then got back into the truck, telling Charlie he would see her in a couple of days.
“You’re seeing Logan again?” Sabrina asked as they walked with Charlie into the barn.
Charlie unsaddled Stormy then dumped a couple of scoops of feed into his trough. “Yes, we are going riding.”
Frowning in concern, Sabrina asked if it was a good idea.
“Is what a good idea, Mama? Going riding, or spending time with Logan?”
Sabrina shrugged. “I don’t know. Both, I guess. I just don’t want you to get involved while your heart and head are in such vulnerable states.”
Charlie laughed. “Mom! We are going riding, not picking out china patterns. I can’t explain it, but I feel at peace when I’m with Logan. My head doesn’t feel like it’s about to explode and my heart stops hurting. It actually doesn’t hurt to breathe. Please…Mama. I need this!”
Sabrina hugged Charlie tightly. “Baby, I wasn’t judging; I was just expressing my concerns. You go riding with Logan if it helps you. I’m only doing my job as your mother by watching out for you when you may not
be able watch out for yourself.”
Gideon and Charlotte sat on the staircase watching Charlie and Logan play yet another hand of Gin Rummy. They had been at it for hours, neither willing to admit defeat. The last month had seen a remarkable change in Charlie. She was smiling and laughing once more and had gained back a few pounds. Logan had become a regular staple around the house. He fit in with everyone with ease. Devon and Sabrina had both decided he was good for Charlie after losing their initial concerns. Even the twins liked him.
“I really thought that Nate and Charlie would be together, didn’t you, Gideon?” Charlotte asked.
Sitting with his chin propped on his fist, Gideon slid her a sideways look. “Charlotte, I would be lying through my teeth if I told you that I had a clue what was happening right now.”
“Well, it looks pretty obvious to me that they are falling for one another. Doesn’t it to you?”
Shaking his head, Gideon held out his hands. “Charlie still prays for Nate every single night, and sometimes she still cries for him. I don’t think she is ready to move on…not yet. The best I can tell, Logan helps to distract her. I don’t have anything against Logan. He seems to be a genuinely nice guy. He goes to church, believes in Christ and I can tell he cares for Charlie. I just don’t know where this will lead.”
Zareck stood at the top of the stairs with his arms folded across his massive chest. “Human emotions are so fickle, and unpredictable. Sometimes I think they feel a different way every day of the week.”
Twisting her head around, Charlotte frowned at him.“That’s not true!”
At Zareck’s arched look she stood to her feet.
“It’s not always true! I know some people are very wishy washy with their feelings toward another, but not Charlie! She loves Nate…I know she does, and he loves her, too! They will work this out -- you just wait and see.” Charlotte sat back down with a ramrod straight back and twitchy wings.
Gideon looked down at her. “How can you be so sure?” Charlotte tilted her head, giving Gideon a look of pure exasperation.