by Gay N. Lewis
SARAH DOES IT AGAIN
Gay N. Lewis
Copyright 2015 Gay N. Lewis
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Cover Art by Joan Alley
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
Published by Prism Book Group
First Edition, 2015
Published in the United States of America
Contact info: [email protected]
https://www.prismbookgroup.com
Please enjoy this short story from author Gay N. Lewis, author of the Sarah series. A list of all available Sarah titles have been included at the end.
Chewing her bottom lip and floating haphazardly through The Heavenlies, Sarah knocked on the Commander’s door.
“Enter, Sarah.” His voice resonated.
The chief Superior sat at his big, golden desk flanked by two glided wingback chairs. No computers nearby, no crystal ball—only an empty reception table in front of him.
“Sir, how did you know I’m the one who knocked?” Sarah drifted in and stood before him, noting he appeared as regal as always. A spotless white robe matched his hair, brows and enormous wings.
Tilting his head, he lifted meaningful eyebrows and gave a perceptive smile.
Sarah ducked her head. “Oh, sorry. I forgot you’re familiar with everything that happens—up here and down below too, just as God is. Of course you knew it was me.” She weaved a bit in midair. “Thank you for allowing me to interrupt.”
“You’re always welcome in here, my little Sarah, and yes, I know a lot, but not as much as the Omniscient does. What may I do for you?” His entire countenance sparkled with divine gaiety.
Sarah cleared her throat and clasped trembling hands behind her. “Well, sir, my new assignment begins soon, and I was wondering if I might take a vacation of sorts before I start work.”
The Commander guffawed. “A vacation? Residents dwelling up here have no desire to holiday away from paradise.” He wiped tears of mirth from his eyes. “I love the way you bring human concepts from earth back to The Heavenlies.” He brought his hand up to his head and spread it across his face as if trying to resume a royal appearance. “What do you have in mind?”
“I love all the humans I’ve met and want to see them once more.”
“I’ve been expecting you to request such a venture. What took you so long?” His kind eyes twinkled as though a thousand stars ignited them.
Sarah shrugged. “Oh, you know me. I’m always afraid I’ll mess up down there.”
The Commander’s deep laughter echoed through the chamber. “You keep us on our wings, but we love helping you untangle your antics.”
“I couldn’t do it without you.”
“You never will.” He leaned back and studied her. “Have a seat, Sarah, and tell me what you have in mind.”
“I’d like to see Marcy, Tom, and Hope from my first mission of love.”
“Ahh.” He brightened the room with a grin. “I just now received an assignment from the Holy of Holies. He wants you to help Tom’s mom, Allison, find a companion. Just a nudge in the right direction will do.”
“Allison?”
“She’s very lonely and has asked the Lord God to supply her with male friendship. He’s answering her prayer, and you will help Him.”
“Wow! Really?” Sarah’s mouth dropped open.
The Commander chuckled. “Yes, really.”
* * *
With her orders tucked in a pocket and a map in her hand, Sarah glided down to central Texas. On her initial journey, she’d spent time in Pine Bark and hoped to pinpoint it again. Even though Allison had relocated to Hillsdale, Pine Bark was a sister city, and if she found Pine Bark, she might then find Hillsdale. Sigh. The things she went through because the Superiors forbid her the use of a human GPS.
When a town came into view, she settled behind a huge tree and peeked out. Could this be the right place? Nothing seemed familiar, but a lot of changes could take place after three years. Maybe she should ask someone. Making sure no one was near, she appeared as a man nearing his eightieth birthday, and then shuffled toward a small grocery store. Entering, she approached a clerk. “Excuse me, young fellow. Can you tell me where I am?”
The guy’s brows shot up and wheels turned behind his eyes. “You don’t know where you are?”
“I get lost sometimes.” Placing both shaky hands on an ebony walking stick, Sarah made her voice tremble. “Is this Pine Bark?”
The clerk scratched his head. “No, this is Hillsdale. Pine Bark is about two hours north of here.” He placed a hand on Sarah’s shoulder. “Let’s find a chair and get you something to drink. Then I’ll give you directions.”
When the young man indicated a chair, Sarah sat down. Hmm. This dude was a polite guy. He certainly knew how to treat an old man in a pleasant way, and wonder of wonders, she’d found the right city.
“Would you like a soda? Maybe a bottle of water?”
“Water would hit the spot.” Sarah spread her lips with a smile as wide as Texas and gave a nod.
Clatter! Rattle! Clank! False teeth joggled out of her mouth and skidded to a stop on the floor. Poopty doopty. What do earthlings glue those things in with anyway? Whatever the goop was, she needed some.
“Oops. I thuden’t ’mile big.” With no teeth to guide her tongue, the words came out warbled. She slowly bent over, scooped them up and popped the dentures back into place.
“No problem. Happens to my grandfather often. Though he usually washes them before he puts them back in… Anyway, I’ll be right back.”
With super hearing, Sarah heard the clerk whisper to a man who must be in charge. “You should call Sherriff Joe. I think the missing elderly person is sitting in our store. He doesn’t know where he is and fits the description on the flyer.”
Sarah followed the men’s gazes to a leaflet tacked to a post. My stars! The man in the picture could be her in this present disguise. She read the printing.
Missing elderly man, eighty years old, bald, wears glasses and uses a cane. Keeps losing his dentures. Call the sheriff if you locate him.
Oh no! Maybe she’d better disappear from the store. No telling where the sheriff would take her. County hospital? Looney Bin? Jail? Nope—this disguise had turned out to be another bad idea—again.
* * *
Invisible and outside once more, she glanced at a map. The young man had said she was in Hillsdale. Halleluiah! But where might Allison live?
Sigh.
“Mother Goodness, is it possible for Christian to come down and help me?”
Christian immediately materialized at her side. “I was already on my way when you sent your request.” He grinned as if he’d just spilled the beans on a secret.
“Our Lord is amazing. He sends the answer even before we ask.” Sarah gave a palm-up gesture. “Astonishing.”
“As soon as the Commander receives the Lord’s message—voilà—one way or another, He responds! Humans think He doesn’t, but He does. Just not always in the way they expect. Come on. I’ll take you to Allison.”
Sarah followed his feathers.
* * *
After Christian deposited her on the roof of Allison’s home, Sarah breathed a prayer of gratitude. Now to see about her charge.
The lady stood at the sink washing dishes and didn’t look much older than when Sarah had first seen her three years ago. Humans down here said days flew by. Since time didn’t exist in eternity, Sarah had marveled at the concept. Now that she’d spent time with earthlings, she understood what they meant.
When the phone rang, A
llison dried her hands and picked up the receiver. Sarah pulled both earlobes and employed super hearing. With this gift, she could hear each side of the conversation—a handy ability when she remembered to use it.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Mom. How’s it going?”
Tom! Her very first assignment. She’d come to earth to find him a mate by Valentine’s Day, and yippee! She’d done it.
“I’m fine. Just planning on your visit. I can hardly wait to see little Samuel.”
Tom chuckled. “Don’t Marcy, Hope, and me count somewhere in there?”
“Oh, of course you do, but that sweet baby boy lights up my life. I’m so pleased you named him after your dad.”
“Marcy’s idea. Just wanted you to know we’ll leave early to escape the Houston traffic. See you about five o’clock this afternoon, and no cooking. We’re taking you to dinner.”
“Are you sure? I love fixing Hope her favorite carrots.”
“Next time. Tonight we treat you. Oh, and Mom?”
“Yes?”
“I haven’t been able to do anything about that favor you need.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I shouldn’t have asked you to introduce me to some nice, single man.”
Sarah’s eyebrows shot up high enough to reach an eagle’s nest. Allison asked Tom to find a companion for her? Merciful heavens! That was different.
Tom chuckled. “I admit the request was a bit unusual. I never expected my mom to ask me to set her up with a blind date, but after I thought about it, I decided it’s a good idea. I’m just being choosey. The right guy hasn’t come along yet.”
“Let’s forget it. I’ll decline the invitation to be the fair’s queen in the county’s senior division. Since an escort is required, I shouldn’t have agreed in the first place.”
“No, Mom, don’t do that. There’s still time. See you tonight. Love you.”
“Love you too, son.”
Allison hugged herself as she disconnected.
Great day in the morning! Sarah jumped up and down on the roof. She’d see that sweet family again.
* * *
When Tom pulled into Allison’s drive, Sarah watched from behind the upper gable as Tom stepped out, followed by Hope. Wow! Look at that precious child. Seven years old and more beautiful that the last time she’d seen her.
“Can I help with Sammy?” Her child-like voice reached Sarah.
“No, honey. We aren’t staying here for dinner. Let’s get Grandma, and then we can all go to the restaurant to eat.”
Hope ran to the house, rang the bell, and when Allison opened the door, Hope threw herself into the older woman’s arms.
“Grandma!”
Sarah, the size of a butterfly, followed the family, sight unseen, into the restaurant. Marcy’s face glowed like a zillion stars as she tended to the baby. Tom kept grinning from ear to ear as Samuel cooed and laughed at Hope’s antics.
Allison glanced around at the décor. “In some ways, this place reminds me of the Pie Palace in Pine Bark.”
Tom nodded. “That place will forever be my favorite.” He tweaked Hope’s nose. “That’s where I met my beautiful daughter’s sweet momma.”
Marcy elbowed him in the ribs. “But only after I dumped food on you.”
“Luckiest day of my life.”
Sarah grimaced as if she’d stepped on shards of glass. Whew! That was one memory she’d just as soon forget. Could she help it if her ineptness caused an embarrassing disaster on that mission of love?
The group ordered while Sarah inspected the place. When an older gentleman entered, she squinted. Was that the dude she needed to introduce to Allison? Certainly looked like the man in the picture the Superiors had furnished. If so, his name was Bob Sherman. She drew closer as a server approached.
“Hi, Bob, your regular table is taken. Find another one, and I’ll be right with you.”
Hot dog! This was the guy. Now, how to connect him with Allison?
As Bob made his way down the aisle, Sarah realized he would be passing Tom’s table. An idea came as fast as a lightning bolt, and she winged ahead. Just as he ambled past, Sarah pushed with all her might against the handbag laying in Allison’s lap.
Zing! The thing plummeted to the floor and contents burst out. Bob stared in horror at the female paraphernalia at his feet.
“What in the world?” Allison’s eyes grew to the size of quarters.
“How did that happen?” Marcy froze, spoon in hand.
Bob scratched his head and gazed at Allison. “So sorry. I’m usually not clumsy. Good grief! The thing was on your knees. How in the world did I bump into it?” Frowning, he knelt down, picked up the bag, and then handed it to Allison.
“Hope, would you pick up Grandma’s stuff?” Tom gazed at the mess on the floor.
Hope jumped down and chased lipsticks, makeup, eyeglasses, wallet, and other bits and pieces.
Tom shook hands with Bob. “I’m Tom Shoemaker, and this is my family. My mom, Allison, Marcy, Hope and Samuel. I don’t think we’ve met before.”
“I’m Bob Sherman. Wife died two years ago, and I retired to Hillsdale a few months ago. Eat here almost every night, but this is the first time I’ve caused any trouble.” He gave a good-natured chuckle.
Tom grinned at Marcy. “We’re growing accustomed to accidents in restaurants. Good things come from them.” He turned his attention to Bob. “Would you care to join us?” Tom indicated an empty chair.
“You serious?”
Tom nodded. “We hate for you to eat alone. Right, Mom?”
Allison smiled, nodded, and then placed hands on her face. The cover-up didn’t work. Pink cheeks peeked through.
“Well, if this pretty lady doesn’t mind, I’d love to.”
Bob sat down and grinned at Allison. “Causing your handbag to fall may turn out to be my good fortune.”
By the time the dinner wrapped up, Bob had asked for Allison’s number, and permission to invite her out.
Sarah quietly clapped her hands. At least the little calamity she caused would bring about desired results. She blew a kiss to Hope.
Hope touched her cheek, looked up and gave a finger wave.
My stars! That perceptive child saw her again.
Time to get out of here and return to The Heavenlies before the child spoke once more about angels.
Gay N. Lewis, published by Prism Book Group, is the author of the Sarah Series. Write to her at [email protected] or friend her on Facebook.
Read Sarah: A Mission of Love to discover Sarah’s first encounter with the Shoemaker family. Other currently available titles in the Sarah series include:
Sarah: A Mission of Love
Sarah: Laney's Angel
Sarah and the Widow's Mate
Sarah and the Internet Dating Service
Sarah and the Scary Ferris Wheel
Sarah and a Dad for Mandy
Sarah and Three Times a Charm
Please read on to enjoy a sample of Sarah and a Midnight Cruise to Catalina, out now from Prism Book Group.
Please enjoy this excerpt from Sarah and the Midnight Cruise to Catalina by Gay N. Lewis, available now from Prism Book Group.
Oh no, not the ocean. Please, please, please—not the deep sea.
How could she possibly stay upright on a cruise ship when the mere sight of white caps made her head spin? This voyage might make her too dizzy, and my stars! She’d toddle around on deck and fall flat on her face. Or maybe hit her bottom, or worse yet, maybe somersault overboard.
Angels weren’t supposed to become woozy, and she didn’t know any who had even once upchucked while on assignment. Would she be the pioneer for such an unsightly, non-angelic, ghastly behavior? She’d certainly been the first to do other bizarre things.
Sarah crossed her fingers and looked skyward. Oops, God’s chosen helpers shouldn’t use any good luck signs—especially that one. She untwisted her digits and made a prayer steeple with her hands.
“Help. C
ouldn’t You send another spirit being for this mission? One who acted more like Noah? He stayed on the arc while the whole earth flooded. How about someone comparable to Jonah? Waves tossing about didn’t bother him—he slept during a raging storm.” Sarah drew her brows together. “That is until the sailors on the ship threw him overboard.” Sarah grimaced. “Then that huge fish swallowed him.”
From her position on top of a tall, Houston skyscraper, Sarah gulped as she gazed upward. “Lieutenant, Sir, are you certain I must do this?”
The clouds parted, and the Lieutenant nodded. No words—just a gesture of the head to indicate a yes, and then her Superior vanished.
So here again while on earth, she must carry out another impossible task. Sarah, the little love angel from The Heavenlies, known by everybody up there as a major goof-up. Her bumbles kept other angels rolling on the golden paths in laughter.
Okay, time to get with it. She needed to find a mate for Carolyn, a lonely young woman, and she had to do it on an aquatic craft, no less. Excited about staying on the planet? Sure. Happy, thrilled witless about staying on Earth—as in Terra Firma. Solid ground. Dry land. But no such good fortune. The Commander gave the assignment to find a husband for Carolyn on a cruise ship—out on the great big body of water.
The Commander thought she would get over the need to throw up when she flew over H2O. Harrumph! Easy for him to say—he held no such problems.
A loud clap of thunder bolted Sarah from her disgruntled reverie. “Okay. Sorry. I’ll adjust my attitude.” Sarah set out her blue blanket and made a comfortable spot on the roof.
After receiving orders in The Heavenlies, she’d bolted back to Houston. Her new assignment, Carolyn Baker lived here. Sarah sighed. At least this place was somewhat familiar. This city had been home base for several missions, and she’d grown fond of the inhabitants. From her spot on top of the building, she surveyed the city. Although she’d traveled around it many times, she never became totally at ease. This Texas city spread far and wide and finding her way remained a constant problem.
Could Texas be any hotter, especially this time of year? The end of summer might be around the corner, and even though the human calendar read mid-September, heat lingered. Maybe Carolyn wanted to escape the extreme temperatures and thought sea breezes might be cooler.
“Guess I’ll find out if that’s true.” Sarah sighed and placed a hand in her robe to retrieve her briefings. She pulled the deep pouch inside-out, and then searched the pocket on the other side. “Not again! I must have lost the dossier. I did that on my first time around. Don’t tell me I’ve repeated that same mistake. Just what I need—already a problem and I haven’t even started the assignment.”