Guardian

by Marnie Leighton

  ‘Aydin is gone. I can’t feel him,’ I sobbed.

  Isaac took my hand. ‘You cannot feel him because he is with us.’

  I stared at him in utter disbelief. ‘But… I don’t understand.’

  ‘He called to us, he wanted to come home.’

  I could hardly believe it, my mind exploded with questions. ‘But… How? I didn’t feel him go. Is he okay?’

  A sympathetic smile wrinkled Isaac’s eyes. ‘He needs to learn who he is again, and it will not be easy. He has lived without memory for many years. The hardest part will be letting go of his mistakes. Only then will he know what is best for him.’

  ‘So he is no longer a dark one?’

  ‘No, he is not.’

  The world spun, but this time it was because of happiness. Aydin was free, we had succeeded. ‘We’—the word stuck in my mind, and the elation dulled. ‘What happens to me now?’ I asked hesitantly.

  Isaac sighed. ‘What do you think should happen?’

  ‘I…I don’t know. I guess, I still have a lot to learn.’

  ‘I think so too.’

  I nibbled on the inside of my cheek and looked away. ‘I need to be human again,’ I stated flatly, my short-lived happiness gone. This meant I would lose my memories, and it meant Aydin and I would be separated again.

  ‘It is not that simple,’ Isaac interjected. I looked up, hopeful. ‘Angels should not be made human again, but I agree, you are not ready to be a guardian.’

  ‘Then what will you do?’

  He examined my face. ‘I think it would be best to leave you as you are, but without your angel abilities. Essentially, you will be human. Any who meet you will believe this, including dark ones.’ I struggled to understand. The brown skin of his cheeks creased. ‘You will still have your memories though,’ he added with a wink.

  I would still remember Aydin—it was a wonderful gift but also a terrible curse; perhaps even a punishment. Regardless I was grateful. ‘Thank you,’ I whispered.

  He nodded. Putting his hands behind his back, he hid the sword from view. He looked around the ruined church. ‘You know I think you should try your hand at renovation.’

  The sudden change in conversation baffled me. ‘Renovation?’

  ‘I hear this church is for sale. Has been for a while now. It would make a beautiful home. Would you not agree?’

  ‘I…I guess so,’ I replied dumbfounded.

  He edged past the debris to the nearest window. ‘I have also heard the last of the local Keene family passed away recently, leaving a substantial inheritance. I understand that no one has come forward to claim it. Perhaps a long-lost relative will be found.’

  ‘But I don’t understand,’ I said. ‘I couldn’t prove that.’

  Isaac chuckled and pivoted to face me. ‘Really Callie, after all you have done, I don’t think that will be much of an issue.’

  I just continued to stare. The tip of the sword, protruding from behind his back, drew my attention—he would have to leave soon.

  ‘Will I ever see Aydin again?’ I asked urgently.

  Isaac’s face lost its moment of humor. ‘Honestly, I do not know if you will, at least not in this lifetime. As I said, he will need a lot of help. When I know more, I will let you know.’ He paused for a moment. ‘I have to go now, but I promise I will see you soon.’ I was too numb to argue. He smiled sadly. ‘Good bye Callie.’

  He started to fade.

  ‘Wait,’ I yelled, and he solidified again. ‘The voice—I heard a voice telling me I was stronger than Joel. Was it Aydin?’

  Isaac looked disturbed. ‘No, Aydin came to us immediately.’

  ‘He left me, straight away?’

  ‘He was trying to get help.’

  ‘Then why didn’t you come sooner?’

  I couldn’t read Isaac’s expression. His brow tightened. ‘It was not our battle.’ I looked to the floor, a stab of pain tormented my chest. ‘I am sorry Callie but I really must go.’

  By the time I lifted my eyes, the room was empty. ‘But I still don’t know whose voice it was,’ I whispered into the silence.

  I suddenly realized how dark it was. Hundreds of candles littered the church, and I raised my hand to ignite them but stopped—I was no longer an angel; it wouldn’t work. I felt more alone than I could ever remember.

  Unable to see anything, I stumbled through the rubble back to where Aydin lay. His body was no longer there, and I sank to my knees, running my hands over the cold floor where he’d been. My fingers brushed a silky pile of dust and I fell back, hugging my legs to my chest. I couldn’t cry; I couldn’t do anything. I just sat there rocking back and forth till there was nothing left to think about.

  Chapter 26

  The next morning, I awoke with a start. Completely disorientated I leaped to my feet. Every muscle cried out in pain, but it was nothing compared to the ache that returned with the previous day’s memories.

  The pale light of morning revealed the tell-tale signs of destruction. The air smelled faintly metallic, and I shivered suddenly aware of just how cold it was. With a heavy heart, I ran my eyes over the stone tiles. There it was, a small scattering of dust, all I had left of Aydin.

  ‘He is safe,’ I said out loud, hoping the words would ease the throb—they didn’t.

  I tore my eyes from the dust and set about searching through the debris. I found what I was looking for, a small golden chalice. I carefully scooped the dust up letting it trickle through my fingers into the cup. Once I’d picked up as much as I could, I carried it to one of the few unbroken windows placing it on the sill. With the increased light, I noticed something on my hands. Turning them over, dark stains highlighted the lines of my skin. I wondered what it could be. A gasp rang out through the church as I realized it was blood—Joel’s blood, and Aydin’s blood. In a panic, I rubbed my hands on my torn red dress but it was no use. I began to tremble uncontrollably. I had to wash it off—now.

  I flung open the church doors and ran, heading for the one place where I knew there’d be water. My feet burned from the frost and the icy air stung my chest, reminding me I was more human than angel now.

  I stood looking at the river, trying to catch my breath; it flowed past relentlessly before widening into a peaceful pool, shaded by overhanging trees. I stripped down to my underwear and goose bumps erupted on my arms, but I ignored the desire to hug my chest. The gentle song of unseen birds and trickling water buzzed in my ears. I climbed onto a rock, overlooking the deepest section of the pool. I stood stiffly looking at my reflection in the calm water below. Reaching up, I entwined my fingers in a lock of hair—blonde, and now I couldn’t change it back.

  Without another thought I closed my eyes and jumped. There was a splash and ice enveloped my body. I let out a gurgled cry as my skin contracted painfully. Every instinct begged me to surface, but I ignored them letting myself sink. My feet hit the bottom, and I opened my eyes, the clear water revealing its alien landscape. I needed to return to the surface, my air was running out, but I didn’t care. Maybe it would be best if this was how it ended.

  Suddenly a large object moved at the far end of the pool, disappearing before I could see it properly. Shocked into action, I kicked upwards, breaking free of the water with a gasp. I searched the pool for signs of the mystery creature, but everything was quiet.

  Inhaling another lungful of air, I pushed under. I looked around frantically and it swam by again, close enough to confirm my suspicions—it was human. I watched as it glided gracefully to the edge, pulling itself free in one swift movement. I surfaced quickly and my heart jolted. Standing on the bank, wrapped in only a towel, was Aydin.

  ‘Aydin,’ I called out, but he didn’t hear.

  Plunging my face into the water, I swam towards him, but he was gone by the time I reached the rocks. I hauled myself out and searched the sparse trees. But there was no sign of him, not even wet footprints.

  I rubbed my eyes in confusion. Had I really seen him? Was I going mad? Th
en it occurred to me—what if it was a memory of this place?

  My legs began to tremble, and I sat on the frosty rocks trying to absorb what I’d seen. Was this what Isaac meant when he said I’d still have my memories? Was he referring to more than just my past? Had he left me with this one ability?

  An unfamiliar smile found my lips, and I stood. Leaving my ruined satin dress, I strode back to the church in only my underwear—I knew what I had to do. I would rebuild the church, reclaim the memories of Aydin’s time there. It was a poor substitute but at least it was something, and something was better than nothing.

  It started raining so, with chattering teeth, I jogged the last few hundred meters. Bursting into the church I located some clean jeans and a cream jumper. As I lifted the warm woolen top, a soft thud drew my attention. A large yellow envelope had fallen on the floor. I pulled the jumper on and retrieved the strange object. I’d never seen it before; it was plain with no writing and sealed with what felt like thick paper inside. I ripped it open and pulled out several papers. There was a birth certificate, baptismal papers and several other documents all in the name of Callie Elizabeth Williams. It was evidence of an existence that wasn’t mine, but I could now easily claim. There was even a family tree which showed my link to the local Williams and Keene families.

  I huffed in amusement, this had to be Isaac’s doing. Had he created a past for me hoping it would help me accept my future? I flicked through the papers and a newspaper cutting fell out. I picked it up and started reading; it was an obituary for Henry Keene, sadly listing no known relatives. I sighed, hoping my once grandson had had a good life—guess I would never know. This must have been the inheritance Isaac was talking about.

  There was something else inside the envelope so I tipped it up. A small bundle fell into my hand. ‘Wow,’ I breathed, looking at what had to be tens of thousands of pounds. ‘That’ll certainly help get me started.’

  My growing hunger soon drove me to leave for the nearby village. I knew it would be a long walk, but I had no other choice, and at least the rain had stopped.

  I found the road and turned left, hoping my memory served me correctly. I hadn’t eaten or drunk anything for as long as I could remember, and I filled the time with thoughts of what I would have first.

  After an hour of walking, and a definite decision that croissants and coffee were on the menu, I heard the familiar rumble of an approaching car. I glanced over my shoulder and saw a small white truck bouncing towards me. It stood out against the patchwork fields and gray sky and I could just make out the driver’s silhouette. Seeing a human filled me with an unexpected sense of dread, and I turned away setting my eyes on the road again.

  ‘Be brave Callie. What’s the worst that could happen?’ I mumbled to myself.

  The deep, guttering noise shot past, and I snuck a peek at the back of the truck. To my horror the brake lights ignited, and it pulled over. I stopped dead in my tracks before noticing the faded writing scrawled across the back— ‘May’s Building and Renovations.’ The anxiety left me almost immediately—this couldn’t possibly be a coincidence. Without thinking, I ran to the passenger side of the well-used truck.

  ‘Well, hello, love.’ The words fell through the open window coated in a thick Scottish accent. ‘What’s the likes of you doing out here?’

  I took in the rosy-cheeked, middle-aged lady, smiling vigorously from behind the steering wheel. Her pale hair was cut short, and she wore faded blue overalls.

  ‘Um…I’ve been for a walk. I’m holidaying in town, my name’s Callie.’

  ‘Well, Callie, would you be needing’ a ride, or do you want to keep strolling?’

  ‘A ride would be lovely,’ I said, returning her grin.

  ‘Well, hop in lass.’ I yanked open the rigid door and dropped in beside her. ‘The name’s May,’ she announced, producing a chubby hand.

  ‘Lovely to meet you May.’ My arm bounced with her enthusiastic handshake. ‘Thanks so much for the lift.’

  ‘Not a worry,’ she replied, pulling back out onto the rough road. ‘So where would you be staying?’

  Her questions caught me off guard. I tried to disguise my unease with a thoughtful look. ‘Oh, the hotel has completely slipped my mind.’ I almost yelled, trying to compete with the swelling engine noise. ‘It’s a pub right in the middle of the village.’

  ‘Ahhh, you’d be talking bout the Lion’s Head.’

  ‘Yes, that’s it.’ I said, grateful my vagueness had paid off.

  ‘So what’s a wee thing like you doing traipsing round the countryside by yourself?’

  ‘I’m backpacking around England, and I just love wandering off, you never know what you might find.’

  May nodded knowingly. ‘Keep that up and one day you might just find yourself. So, where’re you from?’

  I cleared my throat. ‘Nowhere really, still looking for a place to call home.’ She shot me a questioning look. ‘Maybe you can help me,’ I added. ‘I stumbled across an old church this morning, on a cliff, overlooking the fields. Do you know it?’

  ‘That would be the Church of All Souls. Been abandoned a while now. Pretty place though. Think it’s for sale.’

  A large bump jarred my bones. ‘Might look into it,’ I replied, clinging to the doorframe.

  ‘Aye, you should love,’ she said with a cheeky grin. ‘And if you need some work done, just give me a call.’

  I looked over the short, stocky woman sitting beside me, trying to imagine her atop a ladder madly swinging a hammer. The image brought a rush of affection. ‘I certainly will,’ I shouted, turning to the window, a smile sneaking onto my face.

  May dropped me off at the hotel and I waved goodbye promising to call. Looking down the street I spotted an internet café that promised the best coffee and breakfast in town. It was small, but cozy with several tables, two computers and a beautifully stocked bookcase. It smelled incredible, a combination of fresh coffee and baking.

  A young woman appeared. ‘Good morning. What can I get you?’

  I didn’t even read the menu. I was too busy admiring the huge pile of pastries sitting under a glass dome on the counter.

  ‘Oh, hi. A coffee and croissant please,’ I said happily. ‘And internet access if that’s okay.’

  I paid and settled myself at a computer. The waitress soon brought my order, and my mouth watered so much that I could barely mutter my thanks. The first sip and bite made me feel like jelly in my chair, and it took a few minutes before I could compose myself enough to use the computer.

  After several more coffees, I finally found the lost fortune of the Williams and Keene family. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it totaled well over a million pounds. Barely able to breathe and bouncing with caffeine, I scrolled through the documentation required to claim it—I had everything listed.

  The waitress appeared to clear my cup. I turned to her with a huge grin. She returned it with an edge of concern.

  ‘Is there a real estate agency nearby?’ I asked.

  She pursed her lips. ‘Yep, just around the corner.’

  I left the waitress a substantial tip and found the real estate office. I eagerly investigated the properties displayed in the window, and there in the top left corner was a picture of my church. The doorbell chimed happily as I went in and I could barely contain my grin.

  A portly gentleman with wire-frame glasses smiled from behind his desk. ‘Mornin’ Miss. How can I help?’

  ‘I’m interested in buying the old church that’s in the window.’

  He stood, fastening the waistcoat that barely covered his belly. ‘It’s a bit run down, needs a lot of work. There’s some lovely cottages in town that might suit better.’

  ‘I’m only interested in the church.’

  His nose scrunched lifting his glasses. ‘But…’

  I reached into my jean pocket and grabbed a wad of notes. ‘I’m happy to pay a cash deposit.’

  The glasses slipped to the end of his nose and he huff
ed loudly. ‘Well, who am I to say no.’ His hand shot out. ‘Ivan Kent, and you are?’

  We shook hands.

  ‘Callie, Callie Williams.’

  ‘Williams eh,’ he muttered looking closer. ‘Your family wouldn’t be from round here, would they?’

  ‘Actually, yes.’

  He beamed. ‘Well, Miss. Williams grab a seat, you just bought yourself a church.’

  After signing the documentation and extracting myself from Mr. Kent’s endless handshakes, I made my way to a used car lot directly across the road from the real-estate office. Tired, and daunted by the idea of walking to and from the church while it settled, I soon found myself the proud owner of a well-loved, green Peugeot hatchback. It was nothing special, but I liked it. It was just big enough to fit a pile of groceries and a few other things in the back.

  After that I headed back to the Lion’s Head hotel and booked myself a room. I’d decided there was no point being uncomfortable while I sorted things out.

  I learned to take every day as it came. The claim on the inheritance went without a hitch and the church sale settled not long after. I had convinced Mr. Kent to allow me early access so I could start renovations. By the time I moved in the repairs were well under way.

  Of course, it was May who I employed to bring the church back to life, and she put on a few locals to help with the task. I soon grew very fond of her—with a perpetual smile, and quick wit, she refrained from asking personal questions and her employees, begrudgingly, followed her lead.

  The day she saw the interior of the almost ruined church was the biggest test of her curiosity. After she managed to close her mouth, she simply muttered ‘Damn squatters’, while hiding a sideway glance. She also bit her tongue when I insisted she keep every item removed from the church, no matter how damaged.

  Constant work filled my days, and I even convinced May to show me some basic furniture building skills. I repaired the bed that I had created, and my pile of splintered pews became tables, chairs and bookshelves. I loved working with the wood but I quickly learned to check every piece first so I didn’t hurt myself because of an unexpected vision.