by L. J. Amodeo
“Why do I keep blacking out and having these episodes?”
“As the chosen one, your body is preparing to fulfill its purpose. The good news is, your body seems to be rejecting the transition. You pass out because you’re fighting the changes that are occurring in your system. That’s exactly what I want you to do, Elizabeth. Fight it!”
I touched my belly again. The idea that my body already knew that something was going to transpire blew my mind. Chills crept up my back and tears pushed their way down my cheeks. “How pathetic am I? Crying is all I've done since I was nine years old. Even now, with you by my side, I still can’t stop it. Will I ever be happy?” I hung my head in despair.
“You will find happiness. Remember what I told you—about finding yourself first? Find your one true happy . . .” he whispered. I smiled apprehensively, blinking away the last of my tears. “I’ve missed your smile,” he said, cupping my face with his hands.
Gently, he kissed my forehead, and the desire to kiss him back enraptured me. Michael took a deep, slow breath. I knew he was distraught over the news of Freddie. The guilt of my last words to my best friend beat in my chest with hammering punches.
“I will do whatever it takes to help you save Freddie. Even if it means sacrificing myself or surrendering to them. I won’t stand here idle watching my friend suffer because of my mistakes.” I made a promise to Freddie and to myself.
“You will do no such thing! You are completely out of their jurisdiction. You are no contest for them, Elizabeth. Leave the beasts to the Legions! Do you understand?” Michael’s voice became stone cold. I stepped away from him, almost disappointed that Michael didn’t agree with me. Freddie was my friend and I felt utterly responsible for him. Especially now.
I eyed Michael upset at first, but knowing he was right about me staying out of it. I was no match for Luca and his armies. With one blow of their fist, they’d flatten me instantly. “I don’t know what I was thinking. You’re right, Michael—I wouldn’t survive thirty seconds in their presence. I trust the Legion and feel confident that you will find Freddie.”
“You don’t need to worry. We’ll get Freddie back with only minor cuts and bruises.”
“Thank you. It means a lot to me,” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck. “You have no idea how happy I am now that you’re back,” I whispered.
“See. Didn’t I tell you, you’d find happiness?” He kissed my lips, and I willingly kissed him back.
Outside the open window the morning air is all awash with angels.
~ Richard Purdy Wilbur
I wasn’t quite sure how long I’d slept the next morning. It didn’t matter much. Having Michael back made time seem insignificant. I stretched in bed, arching my back and releasing the stiffness that settled at the base of my spine. Slowly, I crawled out of bed, feeling a new luminescent and light mood. I was not feeling like myself at all, but in a good way.
A sheer curtain swayed lazily in the warm breeze from the opened window. Sounds of laughter floated into the room. Dreamily I pushed aside the curtain, squinting at the bright sunlight streaming in. On the plush lawn of Eden Manor, Michael stood tall, arms folded across his chest, surrounded by four new faces—splendid faces. They leaned their bodies toward Michael, hanging on his every word. His face was calm but deep in thought as his words and eyes moved from person to person.
The door opened.
“Elizabeth, are you awake?” Deborah asked, knocking lightly on the door.
“Yes, I am,” I replied.
“Hope you slept well.” She smiled sweetly.
“I did. I haven’t slept so well in a long time,” I said, giving it some thought.
“It was a well-deserved rest then,” she hummed as I returned a smile.
“Umm, Deborah?”
“Yes, Elizabeth?”
“Who are those people with Michael?” I pointed curiously out the window.
“Perhaps Michael should introduce you. He’s been waiting for you to wake.” She winked.
I hesitated a bit wondering why Deborah had come in to check on me and not Faith. Faith was my girl, she took care of me every day. So, why was today different. Was she ill? I wondered.
“Deborah?”
“Yes, darling,” her robust voice replied.
“Is Faith feeling ok?” I chirped like a bird.
“Of course. Now get yourself showered and dressed, then come down for some breakfast,” she announced before exiting the room.
Late morning, I strolled into the garden. Michael sat on a bench beneath the Japanese Cherry Blossoms.
“Hey,” I said smiling at Michael, who was a bit surprised at my presence. With a glimmer of something new in his eyes, he didn’t move or utter a word. He only stared at me with a different sort of look; one that was almost lusting. I ached for him even more.
“Hello, beautiful,” he finally replied with a genuine smile. “Come sit with me.” He tapped the empty space on the bench.
“What have I missed?” I asked giving him a questioning glance.
“You slept well.” He winked, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear.
“How would you know that?”
“Well, let’s just say that the best part of my day is watching you sleep,” Michael whispered. My skin tingled, imaging Michael standing over my bed, night after night, watching me sleep. “Are you feeling rested?” he asked.
“Yes. I feel good, better than I’ve felt in a long time.” I looked down at my hands, clearing my throat.
We sat quietly for a while, listening to the chirping sounds of a cardinal perched high above our heads. Michael was extremely relaxed, but pensive, and it made me a bit anxious.
“Why so nervous?” he asked, placing his hand on my bouncing knee.
“No reason. Hey, who were those people you were talking to earlier this morning?” I asked curiously. Michael’s smile widened at the first inkling of the visitors returning to the garden.
“Ah! Perfect timing. Allow me to introduce them,” he replied, lifting me by my hand off the bench.
“Hello again, hot stuff!” A petite girl with strawberry blonde hair and rosy cheeks kissed Michael first.
“How was breakfast?” He smiled at her.
“It was delish!” She turned her adorable big eyes to me. “Aren’t you going to introduce us, Michael?” She rolled her eyes at him, extending her hand to me.
“Abigail, this is Elizabeth. Elizabeth, my cousin Abigail.”
“I know who she is! Call me Abby . . . Abigail makes me feel old!” She smiled as she gave me a big, friendly hug.
“I’m Emmanuel, and this is my brother Matthew.” The angels stepped forward, the younger one taking my hand in his soft, gentle one. The next angel to step forward struck me speechless.
“Elizabeth, I believe you two already met,” Michael insisted.
I stared at the girl for some time, trying to place her face, when I realized it was her; the most beautiful face I’d seen at the Trinity. Her brilliant violet eyes took my breath away; like they had the day I met my fate.
“I’m sorry, I don’t think we were formally introduced, Michael,” I stuttered, extending my hand out to the beautiful she-angel.
The group fought back chuckles as I fought hard to recall who she was.
“Let me have the honors of our reintroduction.” The magnificent girl said to her brothers. “Elizabeth, it’s me, Faith.” Her soft familiar voice broke my concentration. Stunned and somewhat confused, I couldn’t believe that the Faith I had come to know and adore was the beautiful white angel. Her hair twisted in a long braid, shimmered in the sunlight like the mother -of-pearl I remembered on the face of my father’s antique pocket watch. I had never seen anything like her—not then and not now. Her skin was translucent and pure, yet she emanated such strength and determination. Her long snowy hair intensified the indigo color of her large shaped cat-like eyes. Faith was not the young, innocent girl who flitted about in her cream ballet flats. She was a
serious and composed woman compared to the others.
“I don’t understand. I feel as if I’m surrounded by nothing more than pretenses! Why the act, Faith? Why did you lead me to believe you were only a maidservant? Are the rest of you hiding beneath a costume too? Should I be concerned?” I stammered my words and disappointment.
“No, Elizabeth,” Emmanuel explained. “Faith was not able to expose her true identity without the Legion present. To be caught alone would be a travesty for our army. When the forces reunite, we become our true selves. We apologize for this misrepresentation, but it is not only for your protection, but for ours, as well.”
My eyes remained glued on Faith. Everything about her suddenly said angel; the way I had always imagined one to look. The others were beautiful, yet ordinary like me. Only Faith radiated a glow of light around her with every step and indolent movement she made. Although upset, I became instantly awe struck by her presence.
“Elizabeth,” Michael called to me, breaking my connection with Faith. “They are the Legion’s forces, bound to protect you. You must trust them,” His voice had taken on a more serious tone.
“Trust? Ha!” I crossed my arms and stared at the annoyed faces around me. Shamefully, I lowered my eyes and let out a deep long sigh. “Fine. I will do what they ask of me,” I replied hesitantly, watching the foursome quietly work out their plans some steps away.
“Hey M, what are we waiting around for?” Abby snapped her gum in frustration, folding her arms across her chest.
“M? Is this what I’ve been reduced to, Abigail?” Michael teased her, emphasizing her full birth name as he chased her around the gardens.
Faith drew in a long breath before interrupting Michael and Abby. “Michael! I think we should leave soon. Matthew is here now, and he will keep watch over Elizabeth. We’re running short of time to find Freddie, and when we do, he’ll have to answer to me! Emmanuel, you will go with Michael,” she demanded in a no-nonsense voice and a blank expression on her face, a complete change from the sweet maidservant I’d seen several hours earlier.
“We’ll plan to leave tonight, Faith. Why don’t you go over the plans with the others while there’s still time?” Michael requested, breathing steadily after chasing his younger cousin.
“Can’t I go with Michael? I’d like to find Freddie myself and knock some sense into that kid!” Abby said, giving Michael a long playful glower.
Abby was youthful and had a spark about her. She was a little girl trapped in a young woman’s body. The female version of Freddie. I laughed at the thought. She had the face of a cherub, round and adorably sweet. Her smile, genuine and her core, happy from the inside out. I wanted so badly to feel happy and laugh again, like Abby. But as fate would have it, my soul felt compromised, and for a long time seemed dark and empty.
“Beth? May I call you Beth?” Emmanuel interrupted the thoughts that consumed me.
“Yes, of course.” I forced myself to smile. Emmanuel was handsome; broader and taller than Michael. His chestnut hair was neatly combed to the side and his attire suggested he stepped into an era sixty years too late.
“I’d like you to tell us everything that’s happened while under Freddie’s watch. Tell us about the Tracker and what you’ve told her. Can you remember what you said to her?” He spoke as if I were a child being reprimanded for doing something naughty.
I immediately looked at Michael for reassurance. I was hesitant about Emmanuel’s interrogation. My angel simply smiled and nodded his head for my confession.
“I . . . I don’t want Freddie hurt or to get in trouble because of me!” I admitted before telling Emmanuel what he wanted to know. They only nodded in agreement. I feared it wasn’t Michael or his male cousins I needed to worry about—it was Faith.
“I didn’t say much to her. Honestly, we didn’t get along. She was trying—” I paused remembering my feelings for Freddie, and what I did to get back at Kali or whoever she was. Again, I looked at Michael. Swallowing a lump of doubt, I fretted over the idea of telling Michael that I tried to seduce my friend in his bed; about the kiss at the lake, or how much I desired Freddie in the most inappropriate way. How do I tell the truth without hurting Michael? What did I do? What did I do! I struggled with the thoughts.
“Manny. Let me speak with her privately.” Michael reached his hand out to Emmanuel’s chest, stepping forward, finally interrupting his cousin’s interrogation. Emmanuel nodded and slipped away. Michael placed my hand inside the bend of his arm as we walked away from the others.
“How are you holding up?” he asked, breaking the silence.
“Michael, you know perfectly well how I’m doing. I’m struggling. I’m terrified . . .” I paused to look at him.
“I don’t want to beat around the bush any more than I have to. What is it that you want to know? Do you want to know what happened between me and Freddie?” I paused.
“No, I already know.” His eyes flinched. He looked lost in his own anguish.
It had to be true, then. Freddie told me and I had researched it, that hierarchy angels have the ability to hear people’s thoughts. Do you hear mine? I wondered, asking Michael through my thoughts. I wanted to say something, but words would not form on my lips. All I heard were the whispers of the wind telling me it was okay. I stuttered to say something to Michael, to give him an explanation for my rash behavior, but I eventually gave up. Michael’s response came with a soft stroke across my hand. I knew he had heard my thoughts and he seemed fine with it.
“Then you’re not upset with me?” I looked up, fighting away tears.
“No, I’m not,” he breathed caressing my knuckles.
“I would never do anything to hurt you. I don’t know why I did what I did to Freddie. I’m a bad person, Michael. I don’t even recognize who I am anymore.”
“You’re a good person, and I know you wouldn’t hurt those you love. I’m not giving up on you, Elizabeth, and neither are you!” he spoke with conviction and passion.
“It will soon be over—this war we wage on Luca,” Michael reassured me.
“Not soon enough,” I responded toiling with the reality that this war has been fought for as long as the world had existed and perhaps longer. It will not end, not unless . . .
The idea had crossed my mind hundreds of times. The Key. What if I threw away that key. Then it would all end. Wouldn’t it? With a dismissive nod, I quickly changed the course of my thoughts, but Michael’s beautiful face now appeared distraught. I smiled nervously at the confirmation that the archangel could hear my inner thoughts.
“Have you seen the beautiful grounds of this place? Come, I’ll show you around.” I smiled falsely.
Michael’s expression tittered for a moment. “Seriously?” he chuckled. I took his hand and led him through the plush gardens. We walked for several minutes when I stopped to face him with the truth that would ease his mind from my earlier thoughts.
“Michael, what I said . . . I mean my thoughts, I’m just thinking that’s all. I want you to know that I am not afraid to die. If it ends badly for me, I can be with my mother again—” I said.
“Elizabeth, you have the most powerful Legion at your side, all around you, what makes you think you wouldn’t survive? If it’s the last promise I’ll ever make, I will protect you any way I can,” Michael said scooping me up in his arms and sealing his promise with a long kiss.
It was late afternoon when Michael and I returned to the estate. During our long walk, I had tons of questions, and Michael filled in minor details to quiet my curiosity about the Legions and their armies, for now.
“Why don’t you take a warm bath? I’ll wait for you on the terrace. There’s something I want to give you.” Michael smiled sympathetically.
“A gift? I love presents!” I teased, my eyes flickering wide. “What is it?” I beamed a wide smile, but Michael avoided responding.
“Victoria, would you mind getting Elizabeth’s bath water ready?”
“Of course. Elizab
eth, it’ll be ready in ten minutes. I will wait for you upstairs,” the gentle woman said, making her way up to the master bathroom.
“Michael, there is no need for Victoria to get the bath ready. I can do that myself.” I immediately felt a wave of guilt.
“Elizabeth, let her prepare it for you. It’ll give us some time alone and ten more minutes for me to look at you.” His words quickly made my cheeks flush. As Michael reached for my hand, Faith walked into the den, dressed casually in a peach cami and jeans. Unaware, I pulled my hand away and stepped closer to the fireplace. Michael watched quietly as I retreated to my own thoughts of this new Faith.
“Hey, I was wondering when you wanted to leave?” she asked Michael.
Michael kept his eyes on me. I tried to keep my thoughts hushed, knowing Michael could easily listen in. I fought hard to keep an open mind about her and her mission. Faith looked over at me, as well. “Do you mind if I speak to her?” she muttered to Michael. He did not say a word.
Faith strolled toward me, one hand tucked in the pocket of her tight jeans.
“Elizabeth, look, I apologize for not telling you who I really was, but like Emmanuel explained, it wouldn’t have been good for either of us if I was exposed, especially since Freddie brought that girl here. I’m lucky I kept my identity hidden. Do you realize that capturing any one of us alone is a really bad thing? It’s happened in the past, and those who were captured were marked, forcing them to become fallen angels. I hope that one day, you and I can start over and be friends.” Her heartfelt smile injected me with some hope, but as my unhappy mind would have it, I questioned her.
“See, here’s what I don’t get—you’re an angel, like Michael, right? Then why didn’t you see that girl for who she really was? Why are you all blaming Freddie?” Perturbed, I questioned Faith.
Faith took a quick glance at Michael. “Elizabeth, when we shift into other bodies, every part of us changes too. Including our abilities. If for any reason our true identity is exposed, it’s over for us!” She added with a peeved look on her face.
