“Morgan, you need to leave. You spent months praying I didn’t die. You went to my parents’ funeral for me. And I know you promised them you’d never let me get hurt, so this you can’t stay for. Give me a hug and know I’ll see you again very soon.”
“No, I won’t let this happen. I can only go so far with what I’m willing to believe, and there’s no way I can sit back and watch my boyfriend hurt you. Uh-uh, not happening.”
Tessa turned to Andre and nodded her head once. Before she knew it, Andre walked behind Morgan and placed his hand on the top of her head. Within a few seconds, Morgan slumped down allowing Andre to easily catch her.
“She’ll be out for a few hours. I put her in a deep sleep, so she’ll be fine when she wakes up.”
Tessa leaned over Morgan, brushed her long bangs out of her face, and gave her a hard squeeze. “I’m sorry you have to deal with the fallout from this, Andre. It’s going to be brutal. You must really like her if you’re willing to do it anyway.”
“Tessa, I’m even older than David. I’ve been around almost a thousand years. I’ve never met anyone who keeps me on my toes quite like she does.” He paused to bend down and kiss Morgan’s forehead. “She’s going to give me hell for this until the moment you come back, but she’s worth it.”
“I’m glad she has you. Promise you won’t flake out on her again while I’m gone. I can’t let her do this alone. Her dad loves her, but his focus is the game and the team. She needs someone whose focus is entirely on her. You’re a Guardian, so guard her with everything you have. Can you do that?”
Andre looked Tessa in the eyes before speaking again. “I’m not going anywhere. Just go and do what you need to do, and we’ll both be here when you’re done. I may not like what you’re about to do, but I respect why you’re doing it. It takes a really strong person to do the right thing knowing they might get hurt because of it. David’s a lucky guy.”
Tessa let out a deep breath and shook her head to keep the tears at bay. “Okay, enough sentimentality. Just tell me how you’re going to do this. And please, whatever you do, don’t let it be painful.”
“I want you to go sit on the chaise lounge by the window in your room. Go, sit, and relax. I’m going to take care of the rest. I don’t want you nervous or tensing up, so I’m not going to tell you the details. Just keep your mind focused on the entrance of Heaven and when you open your eyes, that’s where you’ll be.”
“Thank you, Andre.”
Andre didn’t reply, just shook his head and led her to the chair, then turned and walked back to the doorway. Tessa took a few deep breaths and finally sat down. After a few more, she sat down and closed her eyes.
***
Andre waited ten minutes before reentering the room. Tessa was more relaxed now, which was his goal. Slipping behind her silently, he placed each hand gently on the side of her head. While she stiffened slightly, she never opened her eyes and her breathing remained even.
“Good luck,” he whispered it so quietly she almost didn’t hear him.
With a firm grip, he snapped her neck.
Tessa opened her eyes and saw a man standing before her. He was older, probably in his late fifties with a soft, salt and pepper beard and kind, grey eyes. He wore a simple charcoal grey suit and looked very distinguished. For some reason, the man reminded her of her father even though the two looked nothing alike, and she instantly believed he could be trusted.
“Welcome, Tessa, we’ve been expecting you,” he greeted her. The deep cadence of his voice was soothing and though he didn’t seem to have an accent of any kind, Tessa felt he wasn’t from America.
Instead of answering the man, Tessa spun in a circle realizing she wasn’t in her room any more. Nor she wasn’t even lying down. She was standing in a large, open courtyard in front of a beautiful stone mansion. The building was enormous; it was easily several hundred feet high and it surrounded her on multiple sides. This had to be more than a home, it reminded her a hotel or museum. Large stone arches and pillars decorated the front of three sides of the facade and were topped with statues. The statues were not all the same, but represented everything from gargoyles, to warriors, and even religious men. It was one of the most beautiful places she’d ever seen. Something about it drew her in and made her want to stay. It was filled with a life of its own and it shimmered as she stared at it. Instead of creeping her out like it was haunted or something, it made her feel at home and peaceful. As she gazed upon the area surrounding her, the feeling of familiarity grew. This wasn’t just any building, she knew it. She’d never been there before, but she recognized it—like she’d seen it on television or studied it or something.
“Where am I?” Tessa wondered out loud.
“You’re at the gates of Heaven, Tessa,” the man answered her. He didn’t move, but his voice echoed throughout the area so it seemed like surround sound.
“Why does it seem so familiar? Have I been here before? And who are you?” Tessa continued to walk in circles as she studied the architecture. It was old, but well preserved. She wasn’t sure if it was the building, the man, or just being in Heaven in general, but a sense of warmth and completeness enveloped her like her favorite comfy sweater in winter.
The man chuckled, and Tessa stopped spinning to look at him. “Which question would you like me to start with?”
“Let’s start with where I am, then you can get to the who you are and who’s the ‘we’ who’s been expecting me.” She winced, regretting the confrontational tone she’d used and felt the need to apologize.
“I understand it can be quite overwhelming, Tessa, so there’s no need to apologize. You’re in the vestibule of Heaven. Through those stone arches, you would be going through what many refer to as the Pearly Gates.”
She glanced in the direction he pointed and felt awed. It didn’t look like anything special, but the simple significance of it was powerful.
“I thought it would be busier.”
“We have several entrances: public, staff, suicides, children, and so on. This is more of a contemplation area. It’s usually quiet and void of the crowds.”
“Have I been here before?” It was a stupid question, of course she hadn’t been here before, but she couldn’t figure out why it was so familiar.
“No, but you may recognize the design of the building. Many do upon arriving here. A very famous building was fashioned after it.”
“Are you going to make me guess?”
He chuckled once more and shook his head. “I can see why David loves you; you’re a feisty one. The Louvre was based on it. King Frances I of France had a near death experience after drinking too much wine one night while extremely sick with a summer grippe, and after recovering from the experience, he designed the building you know today.” The man stopped and a wry smile grew on his face, as if remembering an inside joke. “Of course he thought it was based on a dream and when he finally made his way up here, he thought we stole his design! He certainly was a pompous schmuck.”
“It’s so beautiful. Way more beautiful than in books. Everything…” Tessa paused, searching for the right word, “I don’t know seems brighter and shines more somehow.”
“It’s not made of earthly materials, so it has more luster than humans are used to. I won’t disagree on its beauty though. It is breathtaking.”
Tessa halted in her tracks as she replayed his last few statements. As the realization hit, her eyes widened and she felt like smacking herself for not picking up on it before. “Wait a minute, did you say you know David?”
“Why don’t I start by answering one of your previous questions first, it might clarify a few other things. My name is Ezekiel. I was a Healer angel for many centuries and recently was promoted to the Council of the Archangels. I have also been David’s mentor since he became an angel, and I consider him a good friend.”
“He never mentioned you,” Tessa replied absentmindedly.
Ezekiel ignored the comment and continued, “When I saw
him before his sentencing, he told me much about you and your history together. Though he failed to fully disclose your true nature—”
“How is he? Can I see him?”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible, Tessa. But I can assure you he’s able to handle everything that’s happening. He’s strong.”
Tessa nodded, filled with joy at knowing he was okay and simultaneously heartbroken she couldn’t see him.
“So is that why you’re here now? Did David know I was coming, and he sent you?”
“No, dear, he knows nothing of your appearance here today. Though now that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you, it’s no wonder he tried to keep you from us. I wonder if he’s known the whole time.” Realizing he’d said too much, he changed topics. “Your parents would not be happy with the decision you’ve made to come up here, not after all the hard work they put in to preventing it.”
“Are my parents here? Can I see them at least?” Tessa’s heart soared at the thought.
“I’m afraid you can’t. It was the Archangels who sent me. They’ve of course known about you for a while now and are glad you chose to come in. Choice is always better than force. It’s one of the best things about free will and will go a long way in granting favor with the Archangels. But I am surprised to see you so soon. I thought you’d spend a few more years on earth before seeking us out. So why don’t you tell me why you chose to come today.”
Tessa took a deep breath and reviewed the speech she prepared in her head one final time. Looking him square in the eyes, she began, “I’ve come today to barter a trade in the interest of fairness, with the hope of justice, and in the spirit of love. Just over a year ago, David saved my life from a stray bullet that I took to save an innocent little girl. We each acted not out of greed or selfishness, but to help a stranger. David should not be punished for this and should be allowed to continue to do the amazing work he does with the abilities he’s been blessed with. But I understand there must be consequences for all actions, so I ask you take my abilities in exchange for him keeping his.”
Ezekiel listened thoughtfully as she made her pitch, and when she finished he nodded solemnly once. She waited to see if he would reply, but he never did. Instead, sat on a bench inside the courtyard and gestured that she should follow.
“Selflessness is an admirable quality in a person. It’s something very few people choose to possess in today’s world. You are indeed a remarkable young woman.”
Tessa smiled shyly at the compliment.
Staring off into the distance for a few moments, Ezekiel seemed lost in thought. When he turned back to her, he came to a decision. “I will bring your offer to the Council for consideration, but it may take some time for them to come to a decision. Until such time, I would very much like to give you the grand tour and introduce you to the other Healers. It seems you have not participated in any formal training or had the pleasure of meeting your peers. Would you like to stay here for a short time and learn more about it? Meet new friends who understand what you’ve been going through?”
“I don’t know, can’t I go back to my house and wait?”
“These would be David’s friends too, people he’s known for decades. It might bring you some comfort to hear more about him and his life here.”
***
Ezekiel knew she was hooked and made a concerted effort to keep a straight face. The girl’s eyes widened while joy, love, and hope radiated from her. The naïve lass had it bad, and David would be her greatest weakness. Keeping her on this realm was going to be a lot easier than he expected. He could probably even get her to agree to his ultimate vision if she thought it’s what David would’ve wanted.
She was still apprehensive to grant his request. Ezekiel could feel her warring with herself, but there was no way he could lose her now that she was finally in his grip. Choosing between the man she loved and the friend who was the only family she had left wasn’t easy. He sent her a few minor doses of loyalty, hoping it would be enough to sway her. Her face registered it and he smiled, making a mental note that he might have to have a few more words with Nico to ensure the best friend didn’t remain a problem for long.
“Okay, I’ll stay here,” she answered. “But I don’t want to be here for an extended time, I promised Morgan I’d come back.”
He smiled down at Tessa, emitting more vibes of assurance and trust. When she relaxed her stance a little and her eyes became less tense, he knew she was his for the taking.
“Excellent. I know the others will be so excited to meet you. I think you’re going to enjoy your time here.”
Ezekiel placed his hand at the small of her back and gently led her toward the entrance. With a little coaxing, she could be easily manipulated to do his bidding—like taking candy from a baby.
David cringed as another wave of nausea washed over him. Sweat poured off of his body, pooling at his feet. His hair was matted to his face which hung limply to the side. He could no longer muster the strength to keep his head upright. He wished his hair was a little longer, enough to cover his eyes from being subjected to the tormenting sights before him. His arms ached for the first few days, but were numb from being raised above him for so long. While he no longer had feeling in them, there was still a constant, throbbing ache so intense it radiated down his entire body.
The room where he was kept was sweltering and never cooled down. His throat was so parched he could no longer scream or moan, the pain was too overwhelming. He found it ironic that while sweating so much, his dry, cracked lips found no relief in the salty wetness. Instead, they stung every time another bead trickled down. He was only a few weeks into his punishment, but already he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to last. He had anticipated the punishment would be harsh and test his will, but no one could survive years of this.
The physical torture was bad, but the emotional might do him in. All around him were images of the people he couldn’t help in Vietnam. They would cry out and reach for him, begging for his mercy, but David couldn’t go to them. Children, women, and men surrounded him on all sides, all in agony that he could not stop. He was forced to feel their grief, shame, longing, and anger every moment of every day. It bled into him until those emotions became his own. It was unrelenting; 24/7 the emotions consumed and overwhelmed him, forcing him to see and hear them beg.
He lost track of how long he’d been in this room, it could’ve been a few weeks, but it felt like years. The first few days, he kept his thoughts on Tessa. The memory of her beautiful smile and the way her lips felt against his during their last kiss helped him ignore the raging pain running throughout his body. But eventually, his body wasn’t the only thing that rebelled against him. His mind played tricks on him as well—nasty tricks that hurt his heart a hundred times more than any of the physical pain. He would see Tessa coming to him, then scream she hated him for ruining her life and could never love a murderer like him. Other times Ezekiel would appear and tell him a unanimous decision had been made to terminate Tessa’s existence as was originally decreed. David kept strong during these visions, reminding himself they weren’t real and were just his imagination reminding him of his worst fears. He knew this punishment was deserved, and Tessa was waiting for him when he returned; he couldn’t give up hope of a future with her someday. As he took a deep breath and fought to swallow, he once again turned his thoughts to her and away from the tormented ones around him. As he struggled to focus on remembering the flecks of gold that sparkled in her bright green eyes, a new vision appeared before him.
He resisted the urge to chuckle knowing it would cause him pain, but there in front of him was Nico. He looked as smug as ever and David wondered why his subconscious would remind him of this jerk. He must be losing it if he started to see the one being he never wanted to be in the same universe with again.
“Well, well, well. It looks like they’ve got you fit to be tied in here, don’t they? Are you enjoying your penance? Was it worth killing all those men? Tell me, wha
t’s been the worst part so far? I want to think about it when I’m searching for a way to put a smile on my face.”
“Not real; focus on Tessa,” David muttered, really wishing he could close his eyes so he didn’t have to view Nico’s ugly mug.
“But that’s where you’re wrong, my friend, I’m very much real.”
David ignored him and focused on his breathing, which worked to get rid of the other hallucinations in the past. He breathed in and out on counts of five and tuned the rest of the vision out, but Nico walked up and sucker-punched him in the gut. The air was forced out of his lungs and stomach acids filled his mouth, burning the already raw flesh. Fresh tears stung as they ran down his cheeks, and he silently cursed.
After a time, David recovered enough to speak a single word, “Why?”
“I’m not a hallucination you moron. I have a message for you.”
Using more energy than he wanted to on Nico, David forced himself to sit more upright and swallow a few times to clear his throat enough to have a conversation. His throat burned as if on fire as he spoke, and his voice came out shaky and hoarse. “Why in the world would the Archangels send you of all people to give me a message?”
“I wasn’t sent by them.” A sly smile streaked across his face and left as quickly as it came. “I think you’d better take a look at this before I say anything else. It might give you a better perspective as to what’s been happening in your absence.”
“What are you babbling on about?”
Before he got a chance to continue questioning, Nico went to the back of the room, slid a folding chair up to where David was chained to the wall, and revealed an iPad tucked behind his back.
“What are we going to do? Play a game of Angry Birds together? Maybe watch the latest season of Mad Men on Netflix?”
“I don’t think you’ll be joking after you see this. He turned the iPad toward David and opened the video app. When Nico pressed play, Tessa’s image popped up on the screen.
Echo of an Earth Angel (The Earth Angel Trilogy: #1) Page 18
