Miracles in the Making (7 page)

Noel dusted his jacket—the one bought with the few dollars he earned from working at Candy’s shop. After the way they had parted, he knew she would no longer give him a job. The woman wanted nothing to do with him, she firmly enough expressed her feelings on that.

Above him, a clock struck the hour, the heavy sound rumbling through the air. Almost two days had passed since he last spoke to the owner of an ice cream parlor about a job. Now it was the day just prior to Christmas Eve of Christmas and he had yet to hear solid news. If he was going to be stuck here, he’d just as well put himself to good use.

Skidding to a stop before the charmingly detailed parlor, he surveyed the area around him. This time, women with their children, along with the occasional tourist, were the only people to cross his vision. About to step into the parlor, he was distracted by a woman all dressed in pink—from her fuzzy wool sweater down to her dark rosy shoes. She resembled a print from a magazine. Her wave was tall and resilient, making her easily noticeable against her surrounding thickly blanketed in white. Noel sent her a smile, on the brink of turning around.

“Noel! Noel!” Lacy shouted; her delicate female voice raised as loud as it would go.

Noel paused in mid-motion, squinting against the snow. The charmer did strike him as familiar, but not enough that he could be sure.

“Noel!”

This time he didn’t doubt it. Turning on his heel, he headed in the opposite direction.
So much for confirming a job.
He chuckled as the thought hit. Halfway to where the woman stood, it was easy enough to recognize her unique characteristics. Why would the girl want to see him, much less speak his name? “Lacy, how good to see you. I must say I am a little taken aback.”

Somewhat short on breath, Lacy ceased with the animated flagging of her arm that originally caught his attention. “How are you doing?” Her voice was tempered to a sweet note, and her lips curled ever so gently.

Immediately he became more suspicious; nonetheless, he forced himself to remain. Keeping to a safe distance, he informed her, “I’m getting along.”

“You always were good at that,” Lacy dared.

For some reason, that faintly eased Noel’s tension. “A good thing it is by the look. Have something on your mind then, or were you just hoping for an easy hello?”

Lacy mentally crossed her fingers. “Would it be all that bad if I did?”

“I’d like to know what it is.” The strain that had started to leave him, returned with a terrible internal jolt.

Tiny strands of her golden hair escaped from the band holding them, feathering Lacy’s cheek. She dismissed them in favor of the conversation at hand. Permitting herself a deep gulp of the chilled winter wind, she dove straight in.

Pretending to be moderately oblivious to events around her, she began where she thought best. “I suppose I have no say truly; it all depends on where everything sits with you and my sister. I understand life is not perfect after all, but Marie and I are aware, one had a penchant for the other. Can’t say for certain now with events playing out the way they did. Putting all that aside, Marie and I wonder if you’d like to join us for Christmas. Marie’s the one who suggested it. She works just down the way. I was quick to agree. You were such a wonderful sort the last time we crossed, and we had no idea what you are doing for the holiday. Only a friendly offer; up to you of course.”

Flickers of warning lit inside Noel. Part of him begged to agree, pressed at him to do so, nonetheless past attempts to do so had long since taught him better. “So sorry,” he told her kindly. “I’d love to take part, but I just don’t know if I’ll be able.”

Lacy’s summer-like eyes clouded over. “Well, if you happen to change your mind, the lodge is up along Galena Mountain—a blue house with white trim. Our family’s been there awhile. A few centuries old it is—the locals can tell you where to find us.”

Noel mulled this over. Then, with a fleeting, “Thanks,” returned his attention to his reason for coming here.

* * * *

As fortune would have it, Noel got the job. Pleased with this personal victory, he ambled down the lane. More at ease with himself than he had been in many hours, he let his riotous thoughts stir. Again, he thought of what his Gabriel had told him, and then he thought back to Candy. An ache throbbed in his heart—brutal and relentless. That yearning swirling inside of him slowly grew. What began as a discreet scraping matured into a vicious rip, as if his heart bled. At last, he gave into the yearning, silently admitting to himself that truth he’d tried so hard to avoid. He loved the girl—enough to forsake life all around him, enough to forsake anything more.

For well over an hour. A handsome young man rambling along the Chicago streets, his head lost in the clouds and his heart a cataclysmic upheaval. With a wise dip of his head, Gabriel looked to his partner.

“The boy has learned his lesson. Anyone can see that truth. He is ready to return to his position—but, do you think it will make him happy?”

Beside him, an angel twisted to face him, his ruffled brown hair dusting about with of the remaining breeze. His gaze traveled far below them. The tiniest edge of a smile quirked his lips at one edge. “If you are sure you want my opinion…I don’t see how it could be the right decision. It’s obvious the boy shifted his course, whether he knows as much or not.”

Frustrated, Gabriel scratched at the thick mass of curls swirling atop his head. For once, he had no positive inspiration on how to handle the problem before him. Such trouble seldom struck him. Most times, when it did, he easily steered it away. Then again, he never before found such trouble so close to home.

“Any ideas?” he wondered.

Daniel dared a short, brisk laugh. “I did have one or two; pardon me, if you’re willing.”

Rapping his foot Against the cotton-like shell of the clouds, he readily asked his partner, “Would you like to explain a little further?”

“All right then.” Daniel relaxed to the ground. “I don’t know how you feel about the concept, but what would you have to say about allowing the boy the choice? So close to Christmas already, it would make for a good gift. Were we to perform the task on the Eve prior, this would allow him and his girl Christmas Day. At least, one of the pair would like to think of it that way.”

Gabriel’s delayed reaction indicated he was pleased. “You think the youngling would appreciate this sort of offer?” he inquired, already mentally confirming his decision.

“Christmas Eve is what you had in mind?”

“I would like to think it’d be the most reasonable time. Do we have ourselves an agreement?” Daniel continued to watch his friend as he moved along the city streets, happy to believe he’d found satisfaction at some time in his life.

Gabriel’s foot ceased its knocking and along with it the rushing pulse, that had been causing the winds to dance. “I only have one question for you…will you make this precipitate delivery or will I?”

“I hadn’t altogether considered that end of things. This is the first time I’ve stopped to consider the option. Why not the two of us together?”

“Very well then, that’s the way it shall be handled.” The glow returned to Gabriel’s face. “Don’t get too comfortable, you know as well as I do, when you’re waiting for something how time tends to fly.”

“I’m no longer a student,” the second angel responded, his expression matching in satisfaction.

On most days, he would have been sure to offer a firm reprimand for the second angel’s behavior, but today he restrained.
Daniel had been a great help,
Gabriel silently added,
He was still
being exactly that, and more.

Noel sipped at his coffee until the cup was half dry, never noticing that it’d long since gone cool. Looking around the bistro he chose for his morning reprieve, he soaked up the pungent Tuscan design pervading each surface. From the deep toned walls, some red and some dark granite stones, to the prettily twisted black wire chairs. “Ellie’s Bistro” the sign read. All green and yellow with lettering painted in screaming red, it was easy enough to see. At the time, it had seemed like the perfect place to find peace. If that were all he allowed to him, especially on such a special day, he’d be wise to accept the small blessing.

His searching eyes tumbled up to the ceiling, lined with strong wooden beams. In between each of these solid wood arms, mythical scenes painted the surface, some fairies and others spritely little elves. It was the third one of these that chained his attention—a stately castle surrounded by rolling waves of jade countryside. Offset by a wall of creamy mountains, each one accumulating to a sharp point in the perfect finishing detail. A detail that tugged at his mind.

They reminded him of other mountains, ones he learned of not so very long ago, and of the girl, he would find if he went in search of her. Shoving aside the cup, he slapped a five-dollar bill down for the waitress and scooted away from his chair. It may have taken awhile but, for once, he knew his own mind. Not that he had the first idea where to start, a car being a practical move. Convinced of his intention, Noel stormed from the French doors at the bistro’s face, snatching a city paper from a small counter near the doors as he passed.

Flipping past many wrinkled pages, he opened it to one with a heavily wrinkled side. Skimming the crowded surface, he searched for any shot at a car, whatever was closest to his current location more like then not. Many times, he shook his head, before landing on a possible chance. Four streets over, it said, Danny’s Sales and Rentals-and it was open today. His hopes raised high enough of course, he didn’t have much to work with.

At least it is worth the look
, he decided, choosing direction.

The cold coffee he’d gulped down whirled in his otherwise empty stomach. He refolded the paper and continued on his way. The walk moved along; as far as the distance was, already he’d cut the distance in half. Propped against an old light pole, he waited for the high jingle that signaled the change of the light.

“Would you like to get along a bit faster?” The question came from his side.

Swinging around, Noel looked up, staring his callers in the eye. At once, he took a step sideways, shocked and troubled to see his superior accompanied by another familiar angel. “Aren’t I on trial?”

“Unless you wish to be. She is a pretty young lady you’re after. I had an offer for you.”

This drew Noel’s attention. Some of the wariness subsided. “An offer?” he asked Gabriel. “You mean you wish to give me some level of a respite?”

Gabriel’s arms folded. “You’ve learned what I wanted. In the process, however, it seems you have come of a different mind. I would happily return to you those gifts of your immortal nature and your position by my side. If you’d prefer I can grant you one last chance at this life. I will warn you—this cannot be forever as it is a mortal life. Nor can I can guarantee that she will accept your hand. I believe that if you do not attempt to discover this, you will never know for sure. Think about it, young angel—which matters more to you, love, or perpetual life? Both of these are eternal, though perhaps a bit different, yours and mine.”

His legs growing a little shaky, Noel collapsed near the pole. Inside him a tumulus churning mass of emotions, at last, began to settle. However, one of these sensations never receded. When he realized this, his lips curved up into a leprechaun-like grin, full of confidence and delight.

“So, you’ve made your decision.” Speaking for the first time since having arrived, Daniel reached forward, and patted his friend’s shoulder. Satisfied with decision it was clear his friend had made.

“It was a wise choice.” Gabrial bent forward, repeating his partner’s prior action. “You will be happy here, my son. Placing his right palm firmly to Noel’s head, he stared deeply into his student’s eyes. With one snap of his fingers, he continued with confident grace, “May you have a long and happy life here on Earth.”

Softly withdrawing his hand, he finished in a tone edged with kindness, “Merry Christmas, youngling, I hope you enjoy your new life. Just know you must be more careful because immortality will no longer be yours.”

* * * *

When next Noel looked, he was standing at the front of the car dealer and Gabriel had disappeared from sight. He was aware what took place and was happy because now he realized it was what he wanted all along. Sending up a brief prayer that Candy would be willing to hear him, he explored the mass of various cars, searching for the right one. Beside him, a man planted his feet,

“Can I help you?” he wanted to know.

A little edgy from his last encounter of a similar sort, Noel skidded an inch or two, and then forced himself to freeze. “Sorry ‘bout that,” he replied to his helper. “I was looking for a good ride. I have a long trip ahead of me and I’d like something that can get me there quick. I can’t say I have all too great of budget to work with.”

An able-minded, elderly business owner pointed one of his wrinkled hands at a shiny olive green Ford Escape, almost the same color as Candy’s eyes. It was a perfect fit for what Noel had envisioned. The image sparkled before his eyes before he could stop it and just as swiftly disappeared again.

Agitated, he dug at the inside of his pocket, frowning when he found less than he’d envisioned. High above him two angels exchanged a knowing smile. Daniel gave his elder a questioning glance, “One more?”

In answer, Gabriel nodded, “Yes, I suppose. Everyone needs a little start. I hope you understand, this can’t be a habit.”

“Yes I know sir.” Daniel snapped his fingers and chuckled. Surprised to feel a light weight suddenly inside of his opposite pocket, Noel reached in his left hand. The roll of green bills that appeared, at first, astounded him. Afraid of where they’d come from, he felt the little stone his friends had given him jangling in his coat. The tightness in his form loosened, and he shot a grateful glance far above. Soon he came to a fast arrangement with the salesperson and, car key in hand, set off on his way.

Before long, the captivating panorama changed. Now instead of an eternal ocean of rolling green hills, he was surrounded on three sides by a perpetual forest, many shades of that same color. The sight was enchanting. It called for him to explore. No longer did it matter that he had no idea where exactly he was going, just getting there was an adventure all its own.

Once I get where I’m going will she even bother to look my way? Why, the girl will probably hate me,
Noel thought. He hadn’t stopped to ask assistance, but if his memory served him correctly, he was headed the right direction.
Candy’s sister had specifically listed Galena Mountain—now for the family house.

Hoping for a little luck, he searched the land around him. So far, he’d seen little more than wild animals and trees. On
those rare occasions a cabin had come into view, it was natural wood or simply empty.
, Just as the fact crossed his mind, he pressed his foot down on the brake because a neatly-kept old house rushed by on one side. Baby blue with white trim, now highly faded—the structure matched the flimsy description he’d been given.

Noel pulled up in the drive, jolting to a stop.
Now watch,
he mused,
a stranger would answer my knock. What was the worst that could happen? At least this nameless person might offer some directions.

Standing on the freshly stained deck, he looked up to the heavens and breathed in two heavy gulps of air. His knuckles hammered on the door-front, the sound ringing through the air. Someone had to have heard the alert.

His gaze drifted to the second story, at least one light was on. Before he could contemplate any further, the door flew open and a woman stood in perfect view. Today she wore a pretty number, a blue dress that barely swept the floor, complementing her female curves and gorgeous hair. Not nearly as appealing as her sister, Lacy Frost would have made any man just as happy.

“Mister Street, how good to see you; though I must admit I am alarmed. I never dared hold out hope that you might consent to the idea. What changed your mind?”

As he pointed to the living area just inside the house, Noel told her simply, “The best answer I can offer likely sits inside that door. I can’t say she’ll be thrilled to greet me, but it is worth a try.”

Instantly grasping his logic, Lacy bounced to the edge of the opening. “I apologize,” she hastened. “I didn’t mean to be so rude. Please, come in.”

His own level of discomfort lessened by Lacy’s almost palpable disquiet, he slid by her into the unusually wide foyer of the house. The house bespoke an origin from the seventeen hundreds in innumerable ways, the resulting character so whimsical it made it hard to leave. Lost in his contemplations, Noel didn’t notice the footsteps padding across the floor behind him. When a woman drew up on his right side, it startled him.”If it brings any consolation, I can assure you I’m no ghost.” Her voice, caught somewhere between a chide and a laugh, forced him to a shaky pause.

By the time he regained some grip on his speaking power, she’d drawn back a step.

“Even if you were a specter, you’d make for a pretty one,” he assured her, adding an arch wink for equilibrium.

Candy’s annoyance from their past encounters grew when she heard his words. Skipping to the more important issue of his presence, she whirled about so she now faced fully in his direction. “What are you doing here anyway?”

At some point during this shaky exchange, Lacy had wandered out, leaving them to their own boiling battle. Noel thrust this observation out of the way. Here or not, he wasn’t about to lay the full responsibility off on the two Lacy and Marie, not after they had shown him such kindness. Opting for the precarious truth, he told Candy, “I had someone I wished to speak with.”

Candy scrutinized him with the utmost care. “If I’ve any personal intelligence, I can guess who it is you mean. Couldn’t you have saved it ‘til after Christmas?”

“So good to see you too. That’s one terribly long trip for a person to hardly offer a “hello” before they push you out the door. I only wanted to apologize. Will you give me at least two minutes of your time?”

Against her better wishes, Candy gave this request intense consideration. Whether or not she wanted to admit it, to herself or anyone, she had missed having him with her in her life. Finally, she heaved a weighty sigh. “Have at it then, what are you after?”

Fresh happiness shone through Noel as his empty confidence dispersed. “I know you won’t want to believe me, but from the moment I first saw you Candy Frost I’ve loved you. Even when I could not have you, it did not stop the way I felt.”

Candy’s brow’s crinkled. “When you could not have me, I’m afraid I don’t understand. Whenever was that?”

Noel chuckled. “You’d probably be smart to sit down for this.”

Candy dropped to the foyer floor. She watched him with distrust, thick enough to press to.

Noel carried on, “When you found me on a street bench, I was no poor homeless human. At first, I had come here, to Earth, sent by my superior—another angel like myself. He demanded I learn more about my position, but somewhere along the line I, became sidetracked.”

As soon as she heard this Candy started to laugh. After a few seconds however, she halted, better controlling her emotions. “Why should I believe that?” She carefully responded. Eyeing him with speculation, she looked for some proof of his story. When she found nothing she fell silent.

“You don’t believe a word I’m saying do you?” Noel brushed the fact aside, “I couldn’t expect you too after all.”

“Why should I anyway?” Appearing to be searching for some reason in the whole outrageous conversation, she stared intently at his form.

Noel shook his head. “I don’t have a reason. All I have is this; it was given to me before I landed here. Of course,” He continued as he reached for the small token his superior had given to him, “I don’t expect you to believe that either.” Withdrawing the little piece from his pocket, he stretched out his hand, unfolding his fingers. To the astonishment of both, the little white treasure now held a strong glow, so bright it nearly lit the entire room.

Candy kept on staring, “Is it some funny sort of trick?”

“Believe what you want,” Noel reached a little closer to her, “either way it’s yours if you want it. They said it’d provide protection, but whatever you want to think.”

Again, Candy fell silent. After a short minute, she reached out for his gift. Now grasping it in her own palm, “I’m sorry,” She offered with shy repentance.

Noel only smiled, “It really doesn’t matter. If it did, I would never have chosen to stay.”

Candy frowned a little; her fingers combed through the long waves of her hair. “Why did you stay anyway?” she inquired. “You could have had supernatural powers.”

Noel inched a few steps closer, surprised that she didn’t flee. “I could have had all that and more, but I wouldn’t have had the one thing I wanted most,” he explained. “I was offered the decision,—a wonderful Christmas present if you’re asking me. I got most of what I wanted; how about you?”Her head spinning in time with her confusion, Candy grasped for the nearest wall.
Was any of it real?
She looked up to the ceiling.
I can’t believe myself,
she thought. “So, what happens next?”