not to hurt you, never hurt you.”
“Daniel, but it’s also the other things I believe I saw that make me think I’m going crazy? Sometimes it feels like a beautiful nightmare. Daniel,” I started crying again, “when I looked up at you, the air around you looked like it was on fire, the aurora borealis. I don’t really know, and the blanket that you were holding around me glowed, and looked like wings. I know I’m going crazy.”
He just smiled at me, as if it was a private joke. “You are not crazy.”
“What… what did you say?” It just wouldn’t sink in.
He was still smiling at me. “I said you’re not crazy nor are you going crazy!”
“You’re not lying to me, are you?”
“Hope, I’m not lying to you.” He was still smiling which made me really worry.
“Then you’re… an… angel? My guardian angel?”
“Angel… yes.” He said with a chuckle. “A guardian angel… no.” I was starting to hate that little smile of his, it made me feel… actually I didn’t know how I was feeling right now. “It’s getting late and I need to get you home. That bump on your head might need an aspirin or two. Tomorrow I’ll tell you more and answer any questions, tonight you have enough to think about, and you need your sleep. Deal?”
“Deal.” At least I wasn’t going crazy, yet, I think.
Knight
* A man who served his sovereign or lord as a soldier in armor
Chapter 5 - Daniel’s story
It was a quiet ride back to Hope’s house. As we got into the car, I turned the radio down low, waiting for Hope to ask me more questions but she just smiled at me closing her eyes. I drove out of the parking lot and down the twisting streets, waiting to hear the sound of her voice. When I didn’t, I turned to ask how she was feeling only to find Hope had fallen asleep. She looked so peaceful, just the soft sound of her breathing setting its own beat with the music.
“Hope, it’s time to wake up, you’re home.” I gently touched her hand, as she opened her eyes slowly and gave me a strange look. I got out of the car but her eyes never left me as I walked around to open her door. I offered her my hand, not sure how steady she was, and walked her to the front door.
“Will I really see you tomorrow night?” She asked as her eyes stared into mine. What more was there to say then the truth. “Yes… good night Hope, and have sweet dreams.” I bent forward and kissed her gently on the forehead. I don’t know why I did it, but it felt like the right thing to do.
After dropping off Hope I don’t remember driving home, I was so deep in thought. Was this the way it felt when someone you protected had the possibility of a full life? To me it felt like some strange kind of high beyond the goodness I normally felt helping the children. Is this how the rest of them felt? I knew I had to talk to Willy. There was a rollercoaster of emotion in me, which I didn’t understand. This was all so new to me. I felt a sudden wave of relief when I saw the house lights were on. I needed to speak to Willy, the thought making me chuckle to myself. Hell I would even talk to his hand, as he often said, if it would help me understand these feelings.
As I opened the front door there stood Willy. Waiting for me, knowing that I needed him, he always knew. Willy was wearing a red smoking jacket (Willy doesn’t smoke) and plaid pajama bottoms. His hair was tousled, I always wondered if it was natural or if he worked at making it look like that. Right now I didn’t care, I was just relieved to see him. Willy knew that I needed his council and his wisdom.
“Where would you like to talk?” His voice was calm. Willy always had a power to help me control my racing thoughts.
“Do you mind, my room?” As I walked to my room I could sense Willy following me. After stepping inside, I walked to the big glass double doors, which lead to the deck beyond, opening them as far as they would go. I needed some fresh air. I also needed to see the stars, noticing more now than I had in a long time. I collapsed onto the small settee near the patio doors where Willy joined me. I leaned my head back staring at the stars, hoping for strength.
“Willy, something strange happened to me today. For the first time, I don’t know what to do. I feel unsure of my duties.” I took a deep breath, willing myself to say the next words. “She knows what I am.”
“What, that you’re an angel. There are no rules that say they aren’t to know we exist. We’ve shown ourselves from the beginning of time and we will until the end of time. You’ve done this before. She will be your charge until…”
“Until, what do you mean, my charge… and where was her guardian? There wasn’t one at the accident. I haven’t … felt the presence of one near her. Willy what is going on?” I took a deep breath, pulling the calmness through me. Something was wrong. Hope, like all others, should have at least one guardian and I knew I didn’t rate that distinction.
“Daniel, she’s in your care. I will make sure that you will be given power to be… aware of her. Should she be in danger, you will know.”
What is it about this girl, Willy had not laughed or made a single joke? What was Willy so worried about? Then it came to me, the question I had not asked. “Willy, who… placed her in my care?”
Willy looked straight into my eyes. He was looking for something.
“Gabriella.” His voice soaked in concern. “Daniel, she is one of Gabriella’s children.”
“They’re all Gabriella’s children, what makes her different? And why didn’t Gabriella... give her guardians? Someone with the power to protect her, and not a bottom of the list angel.” I had nothing I could use to protect her with. I help the dying find peace, help free souls. I didn’t protect the living, not any more. I lost that privilege, a very long time ago.
“What do you want me to do?” I said in defeat.
“Tell her who you are, answer her questions. Help her, teach her, and be her guide. Daniel… Learn… from her. There is much she can teach you. Remember she is one of Gabriella’s children. I have faith in you.” With that Willy got up and walked out the door. I sat there, watching the stars, wondering what to do. Heaven only knew, and it seemed so did Willy. Willy… it wasn’t Willy who had talked to me, it was William. With a voice as old as time itself, and the wisdom of the ancient ones.
I was so exhausted; I couldn’t even remember a time when I had felt so drained. My mind was on overload. What was I going to do about tomorrow? I needed some sort of plan, but I was too tired to think. I looked at my bed, knowing I needed to get some sleep first but I didn’t have the energy to move. I just turned to the stars, waiting for them to answer me in some way. My decision was made. I closed my eyes and fell asleep on the small settee, under the stars, my stars, my heaven.
I could hear the pounding in my head, and I was running. I couldn’t remember if I was running toward someone or away from something. As I opened my eyes the realization came to me. Someone was knocking on the door. It was Rachael’s voice coming through the door. “Daniel, are you all right?”
“Yes, come in.” I
