When Angels Cry

by Marylu Tyndall

  “It must be hard raising him alone.”

  “Terrifying.” She admitted, hugging herself. And it wasn’t getting any easier.

  “Why don’t we sit by the waterfall? There’s a cushioned ledge in the shade.” He led her to the cascading water where a seat had been carved into the side of the pool just above the waterline, complete with built-in cushions. Sitting, she stretched her legs in the shallow water while he darted off, returning in minutes with a bag of some sort of grain-free chia seed chips and more tea.

  She laughed. “Don’t you have any real potato chips?”

  He looked horrified. “Do you want me to die of heart disease?”

  “No, but I think it’s okay to enjoy life now and then.”

  “Who says I don’t enjoy these?” He sat beside her, grabbed a chip and took a bite. Yet the look on his face was anything but enjoyment. He offered her some. “How’s your mom and all your siblings? Five of them, right? I’m sure they all pitched in to help with Isaac.”

  Stunned, once again, at the details he remembered about her life, she turned down the chips as sorrow overwhelmed her. “My mother disowned me when she discovered I was pregnant. I haven’t heard from her or my sisters and brothers since.”

  Silence, except for the sound of crashing water, filled the air between them for a few moments before Daniel groaned. “Man, that’s horrible. I’m so sorry. I remember her being super strict religious, but I had no idea…”

  “Super strict is one way to put it. She kept us kids under a tight reign. So tight, I guess that’s why I rebelled as a teenager.” And, boy, had she rebelled. Though God had forgiven her, the regrets of those years were hard to live with. “The drugs, drinking, and partying were bad enough, but when I got pregnant, well, the stain on the family was more than Mom could bear. She’d already suffered agonizing humiliation when my dad left her for another woman.”

  “And she’s never met her grandson? Even after you became a Christian?”

  Angelica shook her head, desperate to change the subject, desperate not to resurrect the festering wounds in her heart. She’d forgiven her mother and siblings long ago and would rather just forget about them. “What about your parents? They must be so proud of you. I really liked your mom.”

  “She was incredible.” His smile faded. “She died. Cancer. Eight years ago.”

  “Oh my, Daniel.” Angelica took his hand in hers. “I’m so sorry.”

  He gripped her hand and rubbed it with his thumb, stirring feelings long since buried, but obviously not dead. “Thank you. She was my rock growing up. I don’t know what I would have done without her.”

  “What about your dad?”

  Daniel instantly stiffened, and his lips tightened. “Still a drunk, living down by the docks, I guess. Haven’t seen him in a while.”

  “Don’t you think he’d be proud of you?”

  Daniel shrugged, not meeting her gaze. “I have no idea. Nothing I did was ever good enough for him. I’m sure you remember how furious he was when I entered seminary instead of going to engineering school.”

  She remembered. All too well. Daniel’s father was a terrifying man. At least to a twenty-one-year-old girl. He never had a kind word to say, either to her or his son. “No father should call his son such names.”

  He tossed the bag of chips aside. “Nothing I hadn’t heard before.”

  “But it doesn’t lessen the hurt.” Or the feeling of worthlessness it caused. Which was probably why Daniel worked so hard to make a success out of his life—to prove his value to the world and himself. “Surely by now he’s heard of your success. He’s got to be proud.”

  “I don’t intend to find out.” He continued caressing her fingers. “You’re the only one who knows about him, Angel. I could always talk to you. Nobody ever listens to me like you do.”

  Then why did you dump me? She wanted to ask. But she knew the answer. Thomas had made it quite plain.

  Uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, Angelica pulled back her hand and stood. She should leave. She had come here to lead him closer to God, but the only thing she was accomplishing was rekindling old feelings that would only cause her pain.

  “You aren’t leaving yet, are you?” Daniel stood. The pleading look in his eyes transported her back in time to another day at another backyard pool. He was young, his hair longer, his eyes brighter. And his physique just as alluring. They’d been invited to a pool party at a friend’s house. Everyone was drinking, and Angelica was wearing her skimpiest bikini. Other girls were there too, far prettier than she—girls from his seminary, smart girls who were going somewhere. And she remembered being so jealous. She was just a cocktail waitress with no future. But Daniel only had eyes for her. Not only that, but he had protected her when one of the guys who’d had too much to drink tried to hit on her.

  He’d always made her feel like a princess.

  Just like he was doing now… simply with his gaze.

  “Yes,” she said nervously. “I need to pick up Isaac. Thank you for the tea.” Retrieving the glass, she hurried to find her shoes as Daniel’s footsteps pounded after her. Why wouldn’t the man leave her be? She swept up her shoes from the pavement and spun around to leave.

  Bumping straight into Daniel.

  The iced tea glass slipped from her grip and crashed to the pavement in a thousand glittering shards. Before she could react, Daniel hoisted her up in his arms, lost his balance…

  And they both fell into the pool.

  Water surrounded her. Her jeans turned to lead, and she struggled to the surface, gulping for air. Daniel popped up after her, looking like a drowned seal, staring at her in horror.

  And all of a sudden, laughter bubbled up from her gut. Low and soft at first, but then a full-throated guffaw. Daniel joined in, and together, they continued chuckling as they swam to the edge and gripped the tile. They remained in the water, breathing hard, just inches from each other, smiling as if there hadn’t been a twelve-year gap in their relationship.

  He gently wiped water from her face. “I’ve missed you so much, Angel.”

  She knew she should hoist herself out of the pool and leave immediately. But something kept her in place, something kept her studying every feature of his face, the lines and angles she knew so well, the stubble on his jaw she used to love to touch, the warmth of his breath, the slant of his nose, and those eyes, so blue and mesmerizing. She couldn’t breathe.

  Before she knew it, his lips touched hers. And everything she remembered about this man exploded within her in a heated rush—every sensation, every fun time, every meal they shared, every deep conversation, every dream… and every intimate touch. She melted against him.

  Only for a second.

  Then she came to her senses.

  Chest heaving, she backed away in horror. In one desperate motion, she hoisted herself from the water. “I can’t see you anymore, Daniel. Please don’t contact me again,” she shouted as she turned and dashed from the house.

  Chapter 10

  Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

  John 14:12 (NIV)

  Angelica set up her folding chair beneath a palm tree and watched Isaac dash to the water, surfboard in hand, kicking up sand as he went. Though the hot sun glared down over the beach turning sand into glittering crystals, dark clouds huddled on the horizon. Wind stirred up sandy whirlwinds and drove high waves to the shore. Perfect for surfing. Not so perfect for sharing God’s love with the lost. Particularly if it rained.

  But it was Saturday and people expected them to be here. Word had spread that some had been healed from diseases and delivered from addictions, and each week, the crowd grew. Commotion drew Angelica’s gaze and she waved at Anna, Clay, and Robert as they made their way over the sand from the parking lot, and she wondered how much longer they would be able to push back the kingdom of darkness and open
people’s eyes to the truth. The GIFP was cracking down on true Christian gatherings, and reports were splattered over the news about home churches being invaded and everyone thrown behind bars. Hate groups, they called them. Terrorists.

  That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Oh, how the enemy loved to stir up lies.

  Angelica shook her head and gazed at the water, searching for Isaac among the crashing waves.

  There—mounting his board several yards out next to a man doing the same. Alarm stiffened her spine. Isaac made friends so easily. People of all ages loved him and were drawn to him instantly. Which only made her fears rise even more. He was so innocent, so young…vulnerable. How could she keep him untainted from the horrors of this world? If only she could keep him in a giant bubble of love, joy, and peace until Jesus came back for them.

  At least she had ended things with Daniel—one less person who would influence her son negatively. And one less person who would rip out Angelica’s heart and stomp it to dust. Yet again. Then why could she not stop thinking about his kiss? She had not felt such overwhelming sensations since the last time they had kissed all those years ago. And it infuriated her. Why was she so weak when it came to this man? She had prayed all morning during her walk along the beach, begging God to free her from the hold Daniel had over her, pleading with Him to keep Daniel away and not ask her to see him again. But she had received no answer.

  And no peace.

  “Morning, Angelica!” Anna dropped her towel and bag and planted hands at her waist, gazing over the sea. “Beautiful day.”

  Clay promptly dropped to the sand and began tuning his guitar, while Robert greeted Angelica with a huge smile, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s do some warfare.”

  “Amen.” Anna lovingly gazed at her husband, then grabbed Angelica’s hand and pulled her to her feet.

  But Angelica’s gaze was still on Isaac surfing to shore.

  “He’ll be okay,” Anna assured her. “Let’s pray.”

  Clay joined them as they stood in a circle, bowed their heads, and prayed for angelic protection, God’s Holy Spirit to be present, and many to be saved and healed.

  When they separated, there was already a crowd forming around them—mothers with young children, a few teenagers, two elderly couples, and several young adults. All with looks of anticipation on their faces. As Clay led everyone in a song, Angelica kept her eyes on Isaac. He’d made it to shore and was talking with a man. An oddly familiar man. They both laughed, grabbed their boards, and plunged back into the water.

  She knew that laugh. Daniel.

  Fisting her hands, she repressed a growl as she watched the two of them paddle out and then sit atop their boards waiting for the next good wave. What did he think he was doing? She should march down there and demand he leave at once. She started to do just that when someone tugged on her hand, and she turned to see Anna gazing at her curiously. “You okay? We’re about to start the lesson.”

  Which meant Angelica was up. Since they couldn’t bring their Bibles, they each took turns memorizing Scripture. And this week Angelica had memorized John 1.

  Focus. Focus. She closed her eyes for a second and prayed for God’s help to put aside her anger and minister to these people. She would have to deal with Daniel later. She glanced once more in his direction and watched as he dropped into the wave, leapt atop his board, and carved the water, going down the line with incredible skill as the swell raced toward shore. Finally, it fizzled out and he plunged beneath the water. Beautifully done. Just like a pro. Just like the many times she had watched and cheered him on as he competed in the World Surf League. How proud she had been of him as she watched from shore, enduring the jealous glances from bikini-clad surf bunnies. But when Daniel reached the sand, he’d always grabbed his board and headed her way, his eyes only for her.

  Shaking off the memories, she sat before the crowd, smiled at everyone, and began her recitation of one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible.

  ♦♦♦

  Daniel hadn’t planned on surfing with Angel’s son. He’d heard on the news that the swells were prime, so he’d grabbed his board at the last minute. Man, was he glad he did! The waves were perfect, and Isaac had exceptional skill for one so young. Daniel was enjoying himself immensely. In fact, he and Isaac had just shredded a wave when he spotted Angel’s hard glare on him from the beach.

  Now, as he approached her in the sand, Isaac by his side, she fired a look at him that would melt all of Antarctica.

  She moved away from her cult—yes, he’d seen them—and led Isaac and Daniel to the other side of a palm. But it was Isaac who saved him from a scolding that would no doubt scorch his ears.

  “Mom! Mom! Did you see us?” The boy grabbed a towel from the sand and started drying himself. “Daniel’s teaching me to pump. Did you know he won the WSL Qualifying Series when he was younger? And did you see him drop into a bottom turn? It was so cool!”

  Daniel gave Isaac a fist pump. “You got real talent, kid. In a few years with lots of practice, I bet you’ll win more medals than me.”

  Isaac fisted him back. “Really? Did you hear that Mom?”

  “Yes, I did.” Finally, Angel smiled as she gazed at her son.

  Daniel didn’t blame her. He was a good kid. Smart, fun, and talented.

  “Now, run along and help Anna and Robert.”

  “But Mom, Mr. Cain was going to teach me how to catch air.”

  “Maybe later. Go.” Her voice was stern.

  Frowning, the boy ambled away.

  Thunder rumbled from the horizon, an omen of the chiding to come.

  Angel’s expression turned to spikes—sharp spikes. Even so, she was beautiful in her white Capris and pink blouse, her hair tossing around her in the wind and those lashes long enough to be brushes.

  “What do you think you are doing?” Her tone brought him out of his trance.

  Daniel swept his arm out from behind him. “Bringing your shoes back.” He handed her the pink tennis shoes and offered her a sheepish smile, suddenly glad he’d thought to bring them along.

  She snagged them from his grip and tossed them to the sand. “I told you, I don’t want to see you again.”

  She was so adorable when she was angry. He had forgotten that. “Just because we kissed?”

  She took a step back as if he had stabbed her. “I’m sorry that happened.”

  “I’m not.”

  A gust of rain-spiced wind danced through her hair as she offered him a pleading look. “Please, Daniel. Leave me alone. Leave my son alone.”

  Daniel’s gaze found Isaac mingling with the cult. “He’s a good kid. You’ve done well.”

  “I don’t need your approval.”

  “Hey, just offering you a compliment.”

  The waves crashed behind her, mimicking her low growl. “Please go find another woman to harass.”

  “Ouch.” Daniel flinched from the palpable pain in his heart, then tried to cover it by changing the subject. He gestured with his head toward the mob of people. “Why are you still doing this?”

  She fisted hands at her waist. “We are telling people about Jesus. That’s all.”

  And performing your hocus-pocus. A thought Daniel wanted to add, but that would only push her away. He watched the woman named Anna stop to pray over each of the gullible people, while the guy who looked like a reject from Hells Angels followed behind her. The young seventies-rock-star-lookalike was playing his guitar as Isaac sat beside him singing.

  Stubborn as always, Angel would not likely heed any of his warnings until it was too late. In fact, she seemed intent on converting him to her dangerous ideas. And although he couldn’t let that happen, perhaps he could use that fact to keep seeing her. Cheap shot, he knew. But what else could he do? He wasn’t ready to let her go again. If ever. Other than a few one-night stands, which he regretted and repented of, he’d never had a relationship with another woman. No one he’d met could compare to Angel, no matter how beautifu
l or alluring or how they’d thrown themselves at him. Even now, with her green eyes hard as marbles and her lips tight, he wanted—no, he needed—to be with her.

  “I have to get back.” She turned to leave.

  “Can I listen in for a while?”

  “Are you sure you want to risk being spotted with a cult?” she snapped before stomping away.

  Not really. But he stayed, nonetheless. He watched Angel join Anna and Robert as all three circled through the entire mob, which had grown to at least thirty people. They stopped before each one, listened to them, and then prayed. Not wanting to get too close, he could barely hear what they were saying over the crash of waves and chatter of beach-goers.

  A cloud stole the heat of the sun as more thunder shook the horizon. One peek at the sea showed the waves had grown, and he itched to go back out. Anything rather than stand here watching these charlatans giving people false hope. Yet, he had to give the three of them credit. They appeared to really care. Angel took each person’s hands in hers and bowed her head, he assumed to pray silently. After a few minutes, she’d either speak to them or tell Anna and Robert something, which led them to pray. Then she moved onto the next poor soul.

  They were nearly at the last person when two men carrying another man between them came and lowered him to the sand before Anna and Robert. A wheelchair sat empty on the sidewalk.

  The wind picked up and Daniel could only hear pieces of the conversation. “Can’t walk…bone disease…doctors no help…”

  Huffing, Daniel crossed his legs and leaned against the tree trunk. Yeah, right. Like these guys could do anything about that.

  Anna motioned for Angel to join them, and all three laid their hands on the man’s legs and prayed for several minutes.

  Nothing happened. Of course.

  Robert stood and extended his hand to the man. “Get up,” he said.

  Come on, no way. Daniel started toward them before they actually injured the poor guy.

  The man hesitated, but then gripped Robert’s hand and allowed him to gently pull him to his feet.