by Tara Benham
“A few select items from the local cuisine. You’d better learn to like it quickly, since there is a lot of socializing done here while eating.” I wasn’t concerned about him liking the food. It was almost a given, but I didn’t want him to know that. With trepidation, he took a bite. As he was chewing, he appeared to wake up and realize that I wasn’t going to be poisoning or punishing him.
“Oh My Grace! This may be the best thing I have ever eaten.” He scarfed down the rest of the food in no time, making me chuckle. I haven’t been around a lot of males, human or angel, but I’m quite sure they are all basically the same when it comes to food. Once he had polished off his breakfast he drank his juice and waited for me to finish, as I had learned to eat more slowly and savor the food. “What’s the plan for today, Bay?”
Holding in my groan, I swallowed my last bite before answering. “We are going to be tourists to our new town. Since we just moved here we need to learn the area, and at the same time, snoop on Gray to see if we can figure out his regular hangouts and routines. Our notes said he works at a coffee shop in town in the evenings so that will be one of our last stops.”
Hadraniel sat there taking in all I was saying, nodding. So far, it had been quite easy having him around. I was beginning to think that having to hang out with him might not be such a difficult thing to do. As I was considering all of this, he got up and immediately ran into the wall. In a fit of giggles, I tried to ask if he was okay.
“Apparently gravity also causes your limbs to tingle if you sit too long?”
“It’s called ‘falling asleep’. An example would be ‘my foot fell asleep’.” His eyebrows furrowed at my explanation. Teaching Had human things and sayings was indeed going to be fun.
“If you say so.”
“Let’s get ready and head out. We have a nice walk ahead of us to town, and we want to get there with time to check out our surroundings.”
Hadraniel must have gotten guidance from Father Paul on human clothing, because when he returned from his room, he had on nice fitting blue jeans, a t-shirt with some human band on it and sneakers. His hair was still slightly unkempt, but it worked well for him. I had chosen to wear a mint green sundress and flip-flops. It was a nice warm day today, and I didn’t want to be bogged down wearing something that would make it too hot for me. Plus I wasn’t sure what the local girls would be wearing, but it seemed that a dress usually worked no matter the decade.
“Wow, you look great.”
“Thank you. You’re not looking too bad yourself, sir.” I smirked but he took the jabs in stride.
The walk to town was rather quiet, but it was nice. The area we were staying in was beautiful. On our way into town, we found the waterfall that I had heard at our arrival yesterday. The town was quaint but active. There were old buildings up and down either side of the street, a fountain and statue of some important human dividing the street in the middle of the town, and plenty of people bustling around. We found a nice bookstore to stop in first. I found that old bookstores had a lovely smell, and as a bonus, usually an older lady worked in the area that you could chat with and find out useful tidbits of information. As we entered, we heard a male’s voice from the back shout out a welcome. As we browsed around, the gentleman made his way forward. He was older with kind eyes and silver hair.
“Are you looking for anything in particular?” he asked with a slight difference in his speech than I had heard before, but it was soothing.
“Actually, do you have any books on the caving systems in this area?” Hadraniel spoke up before I had the chance. I wasn’t mad though, because it was a great question; not just to get information about our area, but it was a good opener into for further questions.
“Yes, I think we do. Are you all new in town? I can’t say I’ve seen you all around before.”
“We just moved here. Our parents are missionaries, and we’ve traveled a lot. We heard this was a good college town, so they moved us here to get to know some people our age before school starts this fall.” The story came easy to me. We’d rehearsed on the way into town.
“Well, I think you all will find a great group of kids your age here, as well as fun things to do, such as the caves.” He handed Hadraniel two different books. One was on the caving systems, and one was the history of the town. “I think these are the best two books to start with so you can learn about our town here.”
“Thank you so much. How much do we owe you?”
“I don’t get many customers your age in here, so the first two are on the house.” He winked as he disappeared to the back of the store to help another customer.
“Well he was very friendly. He seemed so familiar too.” I wasn’t really speaking to Hadraniel so much as at him. “Let’s head down this side of the street to check out the different stores around here.”
We spent the rest of the day checking out antique shops, which completely fascinated Had. We saw clothing stores, a hardware shop, a cute little photography studio, and a café where we decided to eat lunch. It was full of locals who were all interested in looking at us, but no one had really spoken to us except the waitress; she was an older lady whose lipstick bled into the lines around her lips, and her hair was in a wild bun with several pencils stuck into it. When she did speak, she made sure she asked questions loud enough for the whole place to hear. We decided to hang out in the café for a little while before heading towards the coffee shop. From listening to the people around the café, we learned that the shop was the place to be in the evenings.
The shop was chic and fairly up to date with the gadgets and technology we had to study before coming down here. Father Paul did deny us the use of cell phones, saying if we grew up in rural areas with missionary parents, we wouldn’t have had the need for phones. Neither Hadraniel nor I had complaints about not having to carry a cell phone. However, looking around, I decided we would definitely be looked at strangely when we told people we didn’t have phones. I made note that I may need to ask Had if he thinks we should purchase some while we were here. We found a table in the corner that had close access to the door but also put us in view of the other patrons of the coffee shop.
A pretty young waitress made her way to the table eyeing Hadraniel up and down like he was her prey. I was looking forward to seeing how this was going to unfold, as Had had very little experience with humans in general, let alone one who looked like she was on a mission. I scanned the menu lamenting the fact that black coffee didn’t appear to be available. Since Hadraniel looked completely lost viewing the menu, I was pointing out possible choices for him when the waitress arrived.
“Hello, welcome to MyKale’s Coffee Shop, I’m Hannah, your waitress. What can I get for you this evening?” She was almost purring, and Hadraniel looked completely mesmerized and frightened at the same time. I was kind of liking this girl right now.
“Do you have plain coffee?” I asked, causing her to scrunch up her nose at my order, but nodded that they did.
“What about you, handsome?” Hadraniel’s face turned crimson, and he started to stutter before a word even made it out of his mouth.
“My brother will have the same.” I giggled. He looked at me, his eyes showing how thankful he was to me for saving him.
“Two plain black coffees coming this way.”
“She was deathly frightening.” Had’s eyes were still wide, making me laugh even harder.
“Oh, Haddy, don’t be afraid of a little human girl. She was just trying to flirt. You should try to talk to her when she comes back.”
“Oh yes, Haddy. Please do.” I didn’t know who the voice belonged to, but I could feel the closeness of his breath on my neck. Turning, I saw one of the most beautiful men, human or angel, I had ever laid eyes on. Instantly I knew he had to be the demon. He was dressed in distressed tight black jeans, a heather grey v-neck t-shirt and a leather jacket. His dark hair was pulled up in a loose bun with the underneath shaved, and his face looked as if he hadn’t shaved in a few days
. I was now the one staring. He was almost too beautiful to be real. His eyes were hidden by the shadows, but even without seeing them, I knew they were going to be grey. I could just tell. “Hi, I’m Declan. And if I were a betting man, which I am, I would say you two are the angels on this mission. Am I right?” His arrogance instantly took away any of the awe I was in just moments before.
“That’s right. I’m Hadraniel, not Haddy, and this Bayla.”
“The infamous Bayla. So nice to meet you finally. I’ve heard so much about you.” He smirked, and leaned against the table between myself and Hadraniel. His eyes were gray as I expected, but they were lined with a dark blue circle. I feigned little interest in him when I responded.
“Shame. I haven’t heard anything about you before...Declan, was it?”
He chuckled at my remark.
“No, you wouldn’t have. This is my first assignment. Who’s the hottie?” Declan was eyeing Hannah as she made her way back with our drinks. She sort of tripped and then regained her balance after seeing Declan watching her.
“Girl, I really need to be friends with you.” she somewhat whispered in my direction as she placed our cups on the table. “Hi, I’m Hannah, can I get you something?”
“Please. I’ll take a caramel macchiato.” His voice was smooth like honey as he ordered. Hannah stood there with her mouth open. I am pretty sure she forgot to breathe. I cleared my throat in hopes of helping her out somewhat.
“Yes. Yes I’ll get that right to you.” I turned her shoulders and nudged towards the kitchen shaking my head. Looking between the two men at my table, I could see how a human girl would be overwhelmed.
“So have you met the target yet?” Declan said nonchalantly.
“We haven’t, but we just got here a little while ago. Have you?” Had answered before I had a chance to respond.
“No. I saw him earlier clocking in, but haven’t had a chance to meet him.”
Hadraniel and Declan started discussing possible ways to meet Gray, when I saw him talking to Hannah, who was behind the counter. He was taller and leaner in person, than he was presented in the pictures from my files. He was wearing dark wash jeans, a tight fitting white t shirt and some combat boots. I watched them interact and judging from their body language, I could tell they were closer than just coworkers. I watched as they casually touched each other, whispered to each other and laughed at what the other one said. He noticed I was watching, and we ended up making eye contact before I could look away.
“Guys, I think I just got his attention by accident.”
“Bay, you’re blushing. What’s wrong?” Had looked very concerned. It was endearing.
“I stared a little longer than I should have, and we made eye contact.” I groaned, and then buried my face in my arms.
“He’s coming this way.”
“Great.” I mumbled from my hiding place. The boys just chuckled. Declan was definitely not like the other demons I had worked with.
“Are y’all new here?” Gray’s voice was deep and raspy.
“Yes. I’m Had and this is my sister Bayla. We just moved here. Our parents are missionaries, and thought we needed to find a stable place to live and go to college. This is Declan.”
“Hi. I’m new here too, but mainly because I travel to new places until I’m bored and then move on to the next.” Declan said with an engaging smile.
“Nice to meet you all. Stick around for a while. The band’s about to start. Y’all will enjoy the show I’m sure.” He smiled warmly and made his way back to the front counter where Hannah was getting Declan’s drink to bring over.
“He seemed nice.” Declan sounded almost disappointed.
“Of course he’s nice. Why else would we be sent here to save him if he wasn’t nice?”
Declan and I exchanged looks, but neither of us responded to Hadraniel’s innocent statement. Declan must have been savvy enough to know that not everyone saved from these events are necessarily good. They just have to be important. They still had free will, even if they were targets for events such as the one we were awaiting. I wasn’t too excited about having to work with Declan, but so far he seemed to be a thousand times better to work with than Mephistopheles.
Gray and his band took to the stage of the coffee shop. They all looked pretty similar. Blonde hair, tall and lean. As they started to play though, the words were so entrancing I was no longer aware of their looks. The words were stirring, talking about filling empty spaces, and the music felt like it was meant to feed the soul. I was so caught up that I didn't realize that Hannah had joined the group at our table.
"Gray said y’all just moved here for college? Where will you all be going?" Hannah asked while never taking her eyes off the band.
"We are starting at the university here for the fall semester.” I didn’t really want to get into too much detail, so I paused wondering how to ask the next question. “Can I ask you something personal? Earlier you were clearly flirting with my brother, but I noticed something between you and Gray."
She smiled and nodded sweetly.
"Gray and I have been together since we were fourteen. I flirt with customers for tips. Besides, have you looked at the two men at your table? I'm pretty sure a nun would flirt with them." She giggled.
I couldn't help but grin. She seemed very nice and innocent. She had lovely soft blond curls and light brown eyes that were full of mischief.
"I suppose they're nice to look at, I hadn't really noticed." That lie came easy. Declan was anything but unnoticeable. Even now as he just stood by chatting with Hadraniel and watching the band, he looked like he belonged on one of the magazine covers humans obsessed over. He was breathtaking.
"What do you think about the band? Gray's been thinking about skipping college and taking them out on tour at small venues." Hannah seemed unsure about this decision.
"I'm not too up-to-date on music having lived in a third world country mostly, but I am loving it so far."
"Do you all live here alone?" There was concern riddled in her voice. Humans at nineteen tend to still live at home and rely on their parents so Had and I being on our own seemed a little bit of a foreign concept to her.
"They are renting us a cottage out in the woods and have plans to visit a few times a year to check up on us. Since their missions keep them fairly busy, we are used to being alone." I smiled hoping that she bought my story.
"Too cool. Is it safe to assume you all haven't really explored or met anyone yet?"
"Yes. Today's actually the first day we've had a chance to get out of the house and explore." I didn't feel the need to explain that we just arrived yesterday.
"Well there's a bunch of us going to the local quarry to swim tomorrow if you three want to join." She eyed the guys too, who by this time were listening to our conversation.
"Cool. Count me in."
I literally had to control the visceral reaction to roll my eyes at Declan's readiness at the chance to join. This was going to be a challenge, working with him. He shouldn't be affecting me at all.
"Us too, for sure." Hadraniel looked at me as he answered, and I just nodded.
I couldn't really refuse any opportunity to get to know Gray. I hadn't failed at any of my missions before, and I didn't plan on failing this time either.
"Unfortunately, I must return to work." Hannah grinned. "Make sure you get with me before you leave so you can get all the details."
"We will. Thank you." I must admit this was not the worst mission I've been on, but then I heard Declan speaking and almost had to retract that statement. Working with him might make this the worst after all.
"What are your plans to save dear, sweet Gray?" Declan had mischievous eyes but there didn’t seem to be much evil to him, which took me aback. Mephistopheles oozed evil from every inch of him while Declan just reminded me of a bored little boy.
"Oh no, mister. I may have to play nice with you, but I don't have to share my game plan."
"Mister?" There was
amusement in his eyes when he responded. "That's a first."
"It didn't seem appropriate to call you devil or demon. I don't like working with you, but I don't have to be rude about it." My matter of fact statement made Had cough into his coffee.
"Feisty. I like it." Declan's grey eyes danced with enjoyment as he sipped his macchiato.
Gray's band finished their set and were greeted by a hearty round of applause from the audience. Looking around, I noticed most of the patrons seemed to be a younger crowd and possibly regulars to the coffee shop. So far this town seemed to be very laid back and accepting, which would certainly help this mission. Hopefully we would have very little questioning of our actions and sudden appearance.
"What'd ya think?" Gray came up to the table with an expectant look.
"It was great. You all are awesome. I really loved the first song." He had a goofy lopsided grin. I still wasn't sure what was so special about him that he needed saving, but it wasn't my place to judge.
"Thanks. Hannah told me that she asked you to join us tomorrow. It's gonna be epic for sure! If you'll excuse me, I need to get ready for the next set."
“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory.” ~Gandhi
"Hadraniel! Hurry up. We need to be meeting the group at the coffee shop in thirty minutes." I hollered up as I was making breakfast.
"I found swimming trunks, but do I need anything else?"
"A towel for sure, a shirt is up to you. I have a dress that goes over my swimsuit." I loved the clothes of this era. However the swimsuits are a lot more revealing than I'm used to. I had a two piece packed too but wasn't brave enough to wear it. I went with a deep purple suit that had a silver buckle on the neck and the sides cut out. I hadn't been swimming in a quarry before but I was guessing it would be similar to that of a lake or pond. Hadraniel came down carrying towels for both of us.
"I'm ready if you are, I'll just grab some toast to eat on the way."
"Sounds good to me." I replied. Having someone constantly around wasn't as annoying as I had expected. He proved to be good with following the timeline that I wanted, as opposed to pushing one of his own.
