"That has never happened before."
She leapt to her feet. "I need to go."
"Wait, I need to instruct you on your powers."
This is all too much to take in. "Another time." She moved toward the front door. I wish there was someone else to talk to about this.
"Look after her," he said.
What an odd choice in words? Who was he talking to? It was hard for her to believe what he said was true. She ran to her car and drove off.
****
Zach lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling.
Saffron appeared in the room. "I never thought you to be a couch potato."
"Funny Saffron."
"What's wrong?"
His mood was gloomy. "I might fail in my mission." That wasn't the main thing that was worrying him. He didn't want to lose her.
"You hardly ever fail." She sat down in a chair beside the couch. "Where is she? I thought you and Leah had a date."
"We did. I told her about her father. I also told her I was an angel and that she could be one too." He sighed. "She didn't take it well. I wish I had your power to turn invisible at any time." It didn't go the way he had planned.
"Why didn't you follow her, anyway?"
"She needed some time alone. I asked Rosemarie to look after her."
"Don't worry. Leah will be all right."
"I hope."
"Something else is bothering you." She closed her eyes. "You are falling in love with Leah."
He sat up straight. "You know I can't."
"You have. Deny it all you want."
"She doesn't believe I care for her."
"Tell her you love her."
"I sort of did." Zach hated to admit that. He cleared his throat. "Besides, the elder angels will be furious." That was another thing he thought about after Leah left.
"There's a chance they won't. You know they're very forgiving."
He got off the couch and began to pace. "They could be watching. I wasn't supposed to fall in love with my assignment."
She smirked. "It happens more than you think."
He stopped and stared at her. "How do you know?"
"I hear things."
He waved his hand in dismissive motion. "Stupid gossip." His gaze went to the angel painting behind the couch. Leah was admiring that earlier in the evening. "She's not an angel yet."
"Big brother, you worry too much."
He flopped onto the couch in defeat. "Leah wants to give up her powers."
Saffron's eyes grew as big as saucers.
"Yeah, you heard me right."
"That's an odd and rare thing to happen. They either choose to be good or bad. Not remain mortal. Now I understand why you're worried." Saffron rose to her feet. "I'll keep an eye on her."
"Leave her alone for tonight. She needs time to think. Rosemarie will summon us if there's any trouble."
She shrugged. "If that's what you want."
"I think it's best." Zach knew Leah was a level headed mortal. She wasn't flaky like her sister. He hoped she would do that right thing in the end. One thing was certain; he couldn't picture her becoming a demon. The future was unpredictable.
****
Leah drove over to her mother's home. She was the one person who could tell her the truth. Relief swept over her as she saw Norman's car was absent from the driveway. She remembered it was his poker night with his buddies. Good, at least I get to talk to her alone. It was going to be an awkward conversation. Everything was so confusing.
She rang the doorbell.
Her mother smiled when she opened the door. "This is a surprise, Leah." She hugged her.
She entered the house and followed her to the living room. The house Leah grew up in changed little over the years. The living room was painted white and had beige carpeting. Family pictures hung on the walls. It seemed to document Leah and Tabitha growing up.
"Would you like something to drink?"
"No, thank you."
"I made peach cobbler."
"Maybe I'll have a piece later."
Her mother sat down beside her.
Leah gazed into her mother's green eyes. "What do you think of Zach?"
She was quiet for a moment before answering. "He seems like a nice guy. That Torr is a charming man. Is it getting serious with Zach?"
"I don't know." She wasn't sure what her future was with him, if she could even have one.
"Did you two have a fight?"
"No." It wasn't exactly a fight. He only told me that my life so far has been a lie. She gathered her courage and took a deep breath. "Mom, I need to ask you something."
She smiled sweetly at her. "Go ahead."
"Did you date another man right before you married Norman?"
She hung her head. "Yes."
Leah studied her mother's face. "What happened with Timon?"
Her eyes widened. "How did you know his name?"
So it is true. "A friend of his told me."
A frown crossed her lips. "I didn't see any of his friends after he left." Her mother lowered her gaze. "I met your father shortly afterwards. It was love at first sight. We married very quickly."
"What if Norman isn't my father?" She regretted the question as soon as she asked it.
A horrified look covered her face. "How could you ask such a thing? I know you were an early baby but…"
"I just wondered." I can't tell her the truth. Wouldn't she have told me if she dated an angel? Unless she didn't know.
Her mother shook her head. "No, it's not possible." Tears rolled down her face.
Leah regretted bringing up the subject. She patted her mother's hand. "I'm sorry, mother."
"Don't ever speak of this again."
She hugged her as she rose to her feet. "I won't."
"I shouldn't be surprised. Tabitha asked the same thing when she was in her teens."
"What?"
"She wondered if Norman was her father." She dried her eyes with a tissue. "Aren't you a little late to have a teenage rebellion?"
Leah felt really foolish. "You're right." she replied in a quiet voice. "I'm sorry."
"It's late. You better be getting home." Her mother hugged her at the front door before she went to her car.
Chapter Eleven
Leah still felt horrible as she drove around town. The hurt in her mother's eyes was too much. She saw the sign for a local grocery. I need a few things. I might as well go get it. Her eyes scanned the parking lot for anyone lurking in the darkness. A security guard greeted her at the door. She grabbed a shopping cart when she entered. A few other people were shopping that night. She felt a dark presence at her side. Her gaze shifted to the left. Torr walked along beside her, still in all black. "What you shopping for, precious?"
She regarded him. "Precious?" What a strange man!
"You're the precious angel child of Timon. Or didn't anyone bother to tell you that yet?"
"Shut up." She quickly walked away from him.
He ran to catch up with her. His blond eyebrows rose. "I assume Aurelius has told you. Now, the angel can't date you." There seemed to be a gleam in his eye with the last bit of information.
Leah turned away. "I said shut up." She hoped that it wasn't true. Zach did say something about possibly falling for me. Or did I imagine that. "Can't I go anywhere without running into you?"
He shook his head. "Nope, I'm sticking with you until you make your decision." He leaned closer. "I could show you things that goody-goody only wishes he could do."
She shoved him away. "Zach was right. You are a demon."
Torr chuckled. "So I've been told."
"How did you find me?"
"I've been following you around. I wanted to talk to you."
"Why?"
"You don't understand your true potential. I can sense your emerging powers."
"This is all too much to believe."
"Haven't you been having dreams?"
She stopped dead in her tracks. "Yes, how did
you know?"
"I guessed and Tabitha told me you're cranky after you've had those crazy dreams."
She scowled. "That blabber mouth. I never should've told her about that."
He shrugged. "I would've found out if she told me or not."
"How?"
He shook his head and made a tsking sound. "Mortals are so easy to read."
"Am I easy to read?"
He caressed her cheek. "You are a mystery to me."
She jerked away. "Don't touch me."
He moved closer. "We could have fun together. I like you. I'm not afraid to tell you that."
She stared at him.
"I bet that goody-goody angel won't touch you."
"That's none of your business." Zach was a good kisser. She pushed her cart down the aisle, not sure of what was going to happen with him now.
Torr walked along beside her. She tried to ignore him. Despite what happened with Zach tonight, she wished he was here now. She shook her head. I can handle this myself. Things will work between us.
A man with gray hair, wearing golf pants and a polo shirt, walked by. His wallet fell out of his pocket.
"Look at that." Torr nudged her. "Go ahead and take it."
"It's not mine."
"Why not? Everyone complains they don't have enough money."
"It's not right." Leah walked away from him.
"What do you want? Money, power, sex." He looked her up and down. "I could help you with all three, especially the third one." His tone was low and seductive. "Angels are boring. They lack passion."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm not in the mood for any of this." I wish Zach was here. Isn't there some way I can summon him?
"Come on, admit it. You find me a little attractive." He pulled her close. "You want me. We can have fun together."
Leah struggled. "Let me go."
"Make me. I bet you can't."
She squeezed her eyes shut and wished she was out of his grasp. When she opened her eyes, she was back down at the end of the aisle. A gasp escaped her lips. She wasn't sure how she did it.
Torr ran over to her. "Not what I had in mind. Come on, I know this great bar. Or would you like to go to a dance club. Better yet, we can go to my hotel."
She moved her foot and felt something by it. Looking down, she saw the wallet. She picked it up and glanced around.
"That's it," Torr encouraged. "Go on a shopping spree with that money." He pointed. "Look, he has credit cards too."
"I'm not a thief." She walked down the aisle, ignoring Torr's taunting. The older man was moving toward the freezer section. "Sir," she called out.
He turned around.
"You dropped your wallet." She handed it back to him.
"Thank you." He shoved it back into his pants pocket.
Torr scowled at her. "Goody-goody." He disappeared.
He wouldn't say that if he knew the lustful thoughts I had of Zach. The one man I want, I might not be able to have.
****
The sun shone down on a beautiful Sunday morning. Leah was grateful she kept the tradition her grandfather had of not opening the shop on Sunday. She needed at least one day she could count on to have off. She caught up on some household chores before taking her dog for a walk in the park. The thought of going to see Zach crossed her mind. She wasn't sure what to say to him. Yesterday was so confusing. Perhaps the walk will help clear my head. A few clouds hovered in the blue sky. Her dog looked up and seemed to be smiling at her. Glad, I could make someone happy.
Leah felt a familiar presence. She turned around; a man who looked like Zach was jogging up the trail to her side. I must be seeing things. She looked again. It was him.
"How did you know I was here?" she asked.
"I wasn't sure. I went by the bookstore. It was closed." His gaze was gentle. "I was worried about you."
She saw sincerity in his hazel eyes. "It's always closed on Sundays. I didn't expect to see you here."
"I needed some exercise."
She chuckled. "Angels need exercise? I find that hard to believe."
"For the level I'm at, yes. I need to maintain fighting shape."
"How come I could sense you? But you couldn't sense me."
"It's you emerging powers. I can sense other angels. I can feel the presence of demons."
"What about mortals?"
"I can follow one, once I get their trail."
"Why not me?"
"I'm not sure."
"Can you erase memories?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Yes, why?"
"I went to see my mother last night. I asked her about Timon. Can you erase her memory of that?"
"Do you think that it's best?"
"Yes, she hardly remembers him, and my questions hurt her."
"The love angels must of erased parts of her memory when they paired her with Norman."
"Love angels?"
"There are different types of angels."
"I guess I have a lot to learn."
He smiled at her. "Don't worry. You'll learn. I better go home and clean up first. I'll meet you at your place in a little bit."
****
Leah finished her walk and returned to her home.
She sat on the couch and picked up a book off of the coffee table. Zach appeared in front of her. The book fell out of her hands with a shriek from her lips. Her dog started barking.
"I didn't mean to startle you."
Her hand went to her chest. "I didn't know you could do that."
"I'm sorry. I forgot to mention that."
"I did something similar to that last night. Torr had his arms around me and I wished to be somewhere else and it happened. I thought I imagined it. Now seeing you do that. I know different."
"Don't worry. All angels can do that. I'll teach you how to control that."
She nodded. "First, we need to fix my mother's memory. She mentioned that Tabitha asked if Norman was her real father."
"He is, but he doesn't know that he's not your genetic father."
"I don't plan on ever saying anything about that."
"The love angels wouldn't place your mother with a man who wasn't kind. Timon wanted her and you to have a happy life."
"I wish I could meet him in person."
"You might."
"Let's go visit my mother."
****
Leah knocked on the door of her mother's home.
Martha smiled as the door opened. "Leah, what a surprise."
"Hi, Mom." Leah entered. "You remember Zach."
"Of course. Come in."
They stepped inside.
"Your father stepped out for a drive."
Leah couldn't deny she was relieved, again, by Norman's absence.
Zach sat across from Martha. He stared into her eyes. "Forget Leah ever asking about her father." He snapped his fingers.
She blinked. "Could I get you something to drink?" she asked.
"No thanks," Leah said. "We just stopped by for a quick visit."
"Stay longer. Your father would like you to visit more, and so would I."
"Maybe next time." Leah rose to feet and kissed her mother's cheek. "Bye Mom."
Martha walked them to the front door. "Drive safe."
****
Leah felt better that her mother couldn't remember their conversation about Timon. All that seemed to do was hurt her.
"That was easy. Could you erase my memory?"
"I don't know. I never tried it with someone of angel blood." He touched her hand. "Why do you want your memory erased?"
"I was curious."
Silence filled the car.
Zach turned off the radio. "I can't change what you are."
"I figured."
"You're a smart woman."
"I feel like my life is a lie."
"No, it's not. It's just changing. Everyone goes through changes."
"This is a huge change."
"Have you ever had dreams about flying?" he asked.
She nodded.
"Go back to the park."
"Why?"
"You'll see."
She drove to the park and got out of the car. "Now what?"
Zach led her to a clearing behind some trees. He took her hand and tenderly smiled at her. "Let's fly."
A nervous feeling overcame her. "Won't people see us?"
"No, angels can make themselves invisible when they fly. Don't be afraid."
She took his hand. They rose up in the air. The city whirled by beneath them.
"You have the ability to fly by yourself."
She closed her eyes. "Please don't let go of me."
He chuckled. "I promise. Open your eyes."
Leah reluctantly opened her eyes. She couldn't believe how perfectly calm he was. It was like her dreams, only better.
"It'll take time and practice to learn how to do this and to use the rest of your powers."
They soared around the city.
"We should go back now."
"Do we have to?" she asked.
Zach chuckled. "Yes." He flew them back to the park. They hovered above the park. "Relax, think about setting down gently."
She gripped his hand tighter.
He gazed into her eyes. "This might end badly. Hover a minute." He freed his hand from hers. Slowly, he lowered himself to the ground. It all seemed effortless. He moved beneath her with his arms extended. "Think gentle and light. I'll be here to catch you if you need me."
She closed her eyes. She hovered into his arms.
He smiled at her. "See, there's nothing to it."
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "That was incredible."
There was a sparkle in his eyes. "Don't go flying without me."
Her face moved closer to his. Their lips touched in a sweet yet passionate kiss. She didn't want to let him go. If she could, she'd stay in his arms forever.
He pulled back. "I shouldn't have done that."
"Are you going to get in trouble?"
"Possibly."
"This feels right with you."
Angels in Turquoise Skies Page 7
