Heaven's Missing Person

by Nell Weaver Lyford

  Joe looked up. “Aren’t we all going? I want to meet him.”

  I considered this. I supposed Joe should go. It would be very special for him to meet Gabriel.

  “At the moment, we’re all her parents.” Laurence looked at us and seemed to reconsider. “But, perhaps you’re right, we don’t want her to be lost in the crowd. This is her assignment. Why don’t you and Joe go with her? You can fill me in later.”

  “I think that would be better,” I said. “I don’t want to overwhelm Gabriel, either.”

  Laurence laughed. “I think he’s got a pretty high overwhelmed threshold.”

  Joe shrugged. “I suppose. Never met the dude.”

  Laurence looked at me and then at Joe. “You’ll remember it, I promise.”

  “Want me to go find Tif?” Joe asked.

  “Yes, please.” I said.

  As soon as Joe was gone, I sat down with Laurence. “Do you think this is the right path—going to Gabriel, I mean?”

  Laurence put his palm over my hand. “Claire, we do the best we can with our cupids. This is the one she wants to talk to. It’s really her decision in the end.” He shrugged. “Besides, the fact that we have an appointment makes me think she’s on the right track.”

  “I suppose so.” I stood up, pressed down my mint green dress and tilted my silver halo slightly back. “Think I need to get Joe and Tiffany to put on some angel-gear. We want to show respect at Corporate.”

  “Whatever you think, my dear.” With that, he went back to one of his favorite books, 20th Century Presidents’ Perspectives on Heaven.

  Hannah ran into the room. “Claire, I want to go, too!”

  Laurence looked up and shut his book. “Did Tiffany go with you on your mission?”

  She stopped abruptly in front of him and sighed. “No. But—“

  “No buts, my darling cupid. She’ll have Joe and Claire with her. All she needs. This is her challenge, not a group field trip.” He waved her away and went back to his book.

  I could tell the dismissal hurt. “Tell you what, Hannah. You and Laurence can wait here and you two will be the first to learn all of Tiffany’s news. Then we can work together to plan the next step. How’s that?”

  I could see her considering her importance to the process. “Uh, okay, but promise you’ll think about letting me go on another mission trip, okay?”

  “Promise.”

  With that, she plopped down on the couch by Laurence. “Don’t have any homework, could we watch a movie?”

  Laurence put a bookmark in his book, closed it again and smiled at Hannah. “Of course, what would you like?”

  “The Star Wars Cycle. Started it last week and we never finished it.”

  “Good, I love those. Cloud just finished our theater, let’s go try it out. Oh, and I heard some good music on HARP last night.”

  “HARP? You know I only do HALO. DJ AM is really dope.”

  “Hummmm. Guess I need to catch up with the times.”

  The two of them walked out—Rose trailing behind—with Hannah asking Laurence if he could cue the movie to the last scene when the Jedi were taking Amidala to the Republic’s main planet so she could plead her case to the Senate. I smiled. Laurence had been catching up with the times for more than a century now.

  They met Joe and Tiffany in the hall.

  “Left side of God,” Laurence said quietly as he passed them.

  “Thanks for your encouragement.” Joe said.

  Attired in formal angel-wear, the three of us set off. Joe had sensibly chosen a black jumpsuit that coordinated with his silver halo, and Tiffany was wearing her best pink velvet gown.

  It was a fairly easy flight to Corporate. The sky was a perfect shade of teal and the three golden crosses that formed the headquarters buildings soon came into sight. Hundreds upon hundreds of angels and archangels were flying back and forth, leaving and entering the buildings.

  A huge, resplendent nest of peacocks rested on a cloud near one of the entrances. I remembered this area and guided Joe and Tiffany to the diamond and pearl-encrusted door. We tapped our wings in.

  Joe knocked. The massive door opened and we were greeted by a rather tall archangel hovering inside. Her platinum halo designated her status. “Yes?”

  “We have an appointment with Gabriel. I’m Claire.”

  “Oh, yes. Please, come in.”

  We used our ankle wings and quickly followed her down a hallway. Soon we reached a small room outfitted with couches, tables and soothing lamps. It reminded me of any upscale waiting room on Earth, with the exception that some of the large pillows for sitting were hovering a couple of feet off the carpet.

  The angel checked a book that she was holding. “I see you have a four o’clock, Claire. You two are welcome to wait.”

  Tiffany’s face fell. I thought she might cry.

  Joe put his hand on her quivering arm. “This is really our cupid’s appointment.”

  “I’m so sorry.” The angel smiled, kindly. “I’ve afraid that is completely irregular. This is the third cupid today who’s tried to see the great archangel.” She shook her head and pursed her lips. “Completely irregular.”

  “Two others?” Tiffany said. “Who?”

  “Why, I’m not—why in heaven’s name would you want to know that?” The assistant bent over and pointed her finger at Tiffany’s face. “That would be a very naughty thing if I told you.”

  This did not seem to be going well. Oh well, it was a challenge, after all. “No offense, but I think you have this wrong.” I said. “Some of the cupids are working on their 12th Year Missions. That’s why Tiffany asked for this appointment. She believes he should be consulted.”

  Joe stood a little straighter so as to be eye-level with our obstructionist. He walked very slowly toward her, causing her to back up as he spoke. “We must keep this appointment. All of us. It’s vital. ”

  She shivered a bit. “Well, wait here while I consult the boss.”

  After about two minutes she came back to us. “Gabriel will see you now.”

  We all stood up. All three of us were going in. I said a quick prayer that we were doing the right thing.

  Joe opened the golden door for Tiffany and me. The room was dimly lit, and I stumbled a bit on the steps down.

  Wait, I hadn’t stepped down into a room for . . . Joe and I were in the family room of our first home!

  Joe crossed the dark navy area rug and walked over to the brick fireplace. He tentatively picked up a framed photo of me holding Jamie when he was a baby. Other brass and silver-framed family photos lined the mantle. A fire was popping and snapping in the white brick fireplace.

  A door opened and Jamie walked through. He had on snug jeans, flip-flops, and a loose fitting sweatshirt from Wash U—Joe’s alma mater. “Hi, guys.”

  I opened my arms to hug him. “What on God’s green earth are you doing here?”

  He laughed and tousled Tiffany’s hair. She immediately pushed her bangs back down in place. “Dunno, Mom. Just got a message I should be here. Crazy, isn’t it?” He waved his arms around to take in the room.

  “Hi, son. Great to have you.” Joe gave him a brief hug. “How did we get here, Claire?” He ran his fingers over the faded gold corduroy club chairs. The aquarium with its two clown fish and three yellow tangs needed cleaning, as usual. “And, more important, why?”

  And I had forgotten how boxy and clumsy our tv had been—and were those huge black things speakers? And there, yes, that was a turn-table. We had stubbornly hung on to both the tube tv and the turn-table until the latter, at least, became fashionable again.

  Tiffany stood frozen in the middle of the room. “Claire, where are we?”

  “Listen, gang, calm down. This happened to me before, the first time I met Gabriel. He met me in a reproduction of my dad’s old off
ice. I’m sure he’ll be here soon and he can—“

  “—Explain everything.” Gabriel said as he materialized by Tiffany’s side. He was dressed in faded jeans, a large cowboy buckle with a sparkling cross, and a creamy ivory leather blazer stretched across his ripped muscles and broad shoulders. A dark wine shirt peeked out from his upper chest. His silver leather, pointed-toe boots gleamed like his belt buckle, with diamond and ruby stones swirling around their shafts. Some type of gleaming, silver rope tied back his braided ponytail.

  He grabbed our cherub’s hand. “Tiffany, so happy to meet you.” Then he strode across the room and hugged me. “Claire, it’s been too long. And Joe, good to finally meet you. And you, Jamie, thank you for coming.” They shook hands. “Well, shall we all sit? I do hope this is to your liking. I always think familiar places are best, rather than massive halls of gold and marble. However, the tangs just arrived. He tapped the tank to shock the fish. “They seem a bit slow.”

  We sat. Gabriel perched on the edge of a chair and unbuttoned his jacket. “Joe, how do you feel?”

  This was unexpected. Joe swallowed hard. “I’m fine, fine, thank you.”

  “I did this especially for you, man.” He swept his hands around the room. “I suspect you’ve been searching for a place to call home.”

  “What? Oh, yeah, I guess so.” Joe was embarrassed to be even vaguely discussing his Earth problems in front of Tiffany and Jamie. “This doesn’t exist anywhere anymore, though.”

  “It’s right here.” Gabriel put his right hand over his heart. “You know this, Joe. You’ve known it for a long time. Home’s not a place, it’s an attitude.”

  Jamie was looking intently at his father. This was all going completely over Tiffany’s head, but I could tell she was totally mesmerized. Cupids often had a difficult time understanding Earthbound problems—growing up in Heaven could leave you a little overprotected.

  “Yes, of course.” Joe said a bit weakly. “Thanks.”

  Gabriel stared at him intently for a few moments, then quickly clapped his hands. “But I’m forgetting I’m meant to be the host. Let’s have refreshments. Cloud, cold drinks for all.”

  Iced lemonade in crystal glasses instantly stood on little tables by each of us.

  “Good. Now, Tiffany.” He spun around to face her squarely. “You wanted to ask me something, I believe?”

  “I—I thought, I thought that you . . . that you might be—“

  “The one with the answer?”

  Tiffany nodded. “Yes, the one I should ask.” She leaned forward a bit in her seat. I was relieved she could still talk.

  Gabriel took a sip of his drink and stared at her. “And you’re right, of course.”

  Tiffany exhaled loudly. Joe and I looked at each other and smiled triumphantly. Jamie gave a thumbs-up.

  Gabriel stood and retrieved a small wrapped package from behind the mantel’s photos. “This is for you, from me. You may open it when you get home. Your family can help you interpret. It will lead you to your next step.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled and held the little white box with a big gold bow very carefully. I could tell she was very proud to have snagged the first prize.

  “You are the third cupid to come to me, you know. “

  Tiffany’s face fell.

  “Please, little one, do not be discouraged. There is no prize for being first to complete your mission. This is all something that you have created in your young, competitive minds.” He tapped the side of his temple.

  “I’m sure Gabriel is right, Tiffany.” I said. “You are doing this in good time.”

  Gabriel stared at me, and he was right. Why was I encouraging the competitiveness?

  We sat in silence for a few moments. Then Joe burst in. “Gabriel, there’s something I’ve always wondered about . . . “

  “Yes?”

  “In calculus, we worked a classic problem called Gabriel’s Horn. And, I’ve always wondered if, if—“

  “If there is a horn?” He reached down and picked up a shining, golden trumpet that I would have sworn was not there until his hand found it. He held the instrument just in front of his lips. “Tiffany, this is just for you.”

  The bluesy, warm tones of “Wonderful World” swirled around our old room as Gabriel played three verses. The smooth jazz sounds were so familiar and yet, I couldn’t quite place their style. We all clapped at the conclusion.

  He nodded and put the horn down. “Well, Tif?”

  “Louis,” she said. “Louis Armstrong.”

  “Of course, Pops.” Gabriel said. “One of his trademarks. How many of his concerts have you and your mother taken in?”

  Tiffany seemed to pause, as if she were counting. “Two. With him as the headliner. I think he accompanied on a couple more.”

  “Perfect—nothing better. So glad.” He stood and so did we. “I’ve enjoyed our brief visit, but I must be going. If you like, you may stay here a bit longer, perhaps share family memories with Tiffany.”

  I looked at Joe and Jamie. “Oh, no, we should be going back to Zion.”

  “Then I’ll take my farewell.” He bowed and walked out the door that, in our old home went into our bedroom.

  “Wow!” Joe said.

  “I know,” I said. “He does leave an impression.”

  “Let’s go!” Tiffany said. “Wanna open my gift!”

  “Cool, parents,” Jamie said. “This is definitely now in my Top Ten Moments in Heaven.”

  I gave him a pat on his shoulders. “I didn’t know you were keeping score.”

  “Oh, why not? Listen, I told Miles and some friends I’d meet them for a drink. Gotta fly.”

  “Sure, we’ll see you soon.” Joe said.

  We said our good-byes and made it back to Zion in record time.

  When we entered our cloud home, Tiffany wasted no time.

  “Hannah!” she said in a mild shriek.

  “Tiffany!” Hannah came rushing into the room. An observer would have thought it had been months since they saw each other. Rose heard their excited voices, ran in, ran around in a circle, and then reversed her course. Then she froze in her “time to play” pose with her front legs stretched in front of her, her bottom up.

  The cupids laughed and petted her. “Not now, Rose.” said Hannah as she admired the package. “Did Gabriel give you that? Cool, let’s open it.”

  “Let me get Laurence,” I said. ”He’ll want to see this.”

  Soon the four of us were eagerly watching Tif’s unwrapping.

  “Wow!” Tiffany said.

  “Awesome!” said Hannah.

  Tiffany held a small transparent glass globe, a little bigger than her palm. It had a sparkling night sky in it. The cupids peered inside to get a better view.

  “But what is it?” Hannah said.

  “Shake it.” said Laurence.

  Tiffany dutifully shook the globe, and tiny flakes of snow swirled all around the globe’s starry sky.

  “Beautiful.” I said.

  Tiffany shook it again and put it on the coffee table in front of us. “I think it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

  “Did Gabriel hand it to you himself?” Hannah said.

  “Oh, yes.” Tiffany said with another sigh. “And Jamie was there, he saw everything.”

  Hannah seemed impressed, but I could tell Laurence wasn’t necessarily a fan. He’d never been overly taken with pomp and circumstance.

  “It’s interesting,” he said, “but I think we’re missing part of our next clue. See if there’s a card inside.”

  Tiffany pulled out a creamy white envelope with her name written in elaborate, golden cursive.

  “Open it, open it.” said Hannah.

  Tiffany quickly jerked out a flat card from the envelope and read out loud:

 
“You asked and it was given to you.

  Now, seek and you will find.

  Look for a place known to only a few,

  A site with warnings—yet, angels so kind.

  Shake the globe and travel in twos,

  Seek the snow, pray, and bring an open mind.”

  “Hummmmm.” I said. “An open mind. Open to what?”

  “Back up.” Joe said. “A place known to only a few. With that globe, I think—“

  “—Yes, I think I know, too,” said Laurence.

  “Could it be?” I said. “I mean he was here—“

  “—The monastery!” said Hannah with a shriek.

  “Seek the snow. Yes!” Tiffany said with a big fist pull-down. Then she and Hannah started jumping up and down and running around the room.

  “Travel in twos, travel in twos.” Tiffany said and grabbed Hannah by her hands. They jumped up and down together. Suddenly, Rose got into the spirit of things by running around them and barking.

  Laurence quickly clapped his hands. “Girls! Please. Don’t make me ask Cloud to hose you down.”

  “Why don’t you two go outside and fly around a bit?” I said. “And take Rose with you. We have a major trip to plan—that is, if we’re all agreed we’re going to the monastery?” I looked at Joe and Laurence.

  They nodded. The girls watched their approval and then gleefully sped out of the room, Rose in tow. The back door slammed.

  “I had forgotten how loud children can be.” Joe said.

  “Twelve more days until her parents return.” Laurence said.

  “Oh, guys, it’s not that bad. And Hannah’s so happy when she’s here.”

  “That’s true.” Laurence said.

  “About this journey.” said Joe. “Should we all go?”

  “I think so. First, there’s no way Hannah’s going to let us go without her. Plus, we’ll have to fly for part of it, and it’s rough going. You and Laurence will probably need to fly the two girls—you two have the strongest backs. “

  Joe looked at Laurence.

  “It’s not so bad.” Laurence said.

  “All right, then,” Joe said. “When should we leave?”