Sarah and the Angelic Magical Makeover Read online

  Valerie closed her eyes for a few moments.

  Sarah held her breath and Daniels drummed his fingers on his leg as they waited.

  Valerie sat up straighter. “I’ll be okay. I’m just mortified.”

  Daniels nodded. “Embarrassment happens to all of us at some time or other. If we learn from it, then the experience is a valuable lesson, and we can thank God for it. Times like these show us God’s great love and mercy.”

  Sarah bent forward to see Daniels. “Are you sure you aren’t an angel? You sound like one.”

  Valerie laughed and took each of their hands as they sat next to her. “You two are the kindest people I know. Funny too. Thanks for being here for me. You both make me feel better.”

  ~ * ~

  Sarah waited in the living room on Sunday morning for Daniels to arrive and take her and Valerie to church.

  Valerie appeared from her bedroom. “Daniels doesn’t have to come for us. I could drive.”

  Daniels wants to. He enjoys our company.”

  Valerie sat down. “He’s a good guy, isn’t he?”

  “Yes, he is.”

  “How do we know? I thought Travis was too.”

  “For starters, Daniels is a believer. I know that doesn’t make a person good, but it’s a beginning.” Sarah began to count on her fingers. “Number one, Daniels has invited us to his parents’ home for Christmas. Number two, Travis never wanted you around many people, but Daniels does. Travis took you to shady places for dinner and movies. Number three, he never invited you to his place and only wanted to come here. That should have been a clue, but here’s another. Number four, we go to church with Daniels and lots of public places.”

  “I ignored the warning signs.” Valerie sighed. “We’ll need to join a different gym if we continue our exercise plan.”

  “We’ll do that. Only twenty pounds to our goal. We’re not gonna let this thing with Travis set us back.”

  “I’m tempted. I usually eat to comfort myself. I’m really fighting it. I want a mountain of chocolate candy so bad.”

  “Eating has been the first response to trouble for me too, but we’ve learned better ways. Let’s move forward and not look back.”

  “It’s hard, and I’m full of regrets.”

  “God never promised an easy road, but He promised to travel it with us. Don’t dwell on regrets. Living in the past hinders the present, full relationship with the Lord.”

  The doorbell rang.

  Valerie and Sarah both went to the door and opened it to a beaming Daniels.

  “Good morning ladies, your happy chauffeur is delighted to see you.” He touched Valerie’s arm. “I’ve missed you.” As an afterthought, he grinned at Sarah. “You too.”

  ~ * ~

  Sarah met her friends in the vestibule after the two services. “Hi guys. I’m afraid I’ll have to skip lunch. The worship leader has asked the staff to stay here. They’ve prepared lunch for us and we’ll go back to practicing our music for the Christmas presentation.”

  Daniels turned his head to Valerie. “Are you comfortable going without Oceana?”

  Valerie nodded. “You’ve seen me at my worst. Are you sure you’re comfortable with me?”

  “I’m sure.” Daniels eyes twinkled and he turned to Sarah. “No offense, Oceana, but I’m kinda glad to have this time alone with Valerie.”

  Sarah almost floated to the ceiling. “So am I. So am I.”

  Twenty

  Sarah chose a suit for the Christmas Eve service. The worship leader wanted all performers in black for the candlelight service. That made her attire selection easy. The sanctuary should be reverent with the lights off and candles lit to signify the Light of the World coming to earth. The singers and dancers had been practicing for weeks, and tonight would culminate in an inspirational worship service.

  Daniels had promised to take Sarah early and then return for Valerie.

  Sarah smiled to herself as she thought of her charge and Daniels. They were spending a lot of time together and didn’t seem to miss her presence at all. After the Christmas Eve service, they would go with Daniels to his parents’ home for dinner and a Christmas tree lighting.

  Daniels arrived early to chat with Valerie. Sarah watched them through the walls of her room. The two held hands and smiled a lot at each other. All good signs.

  Sarah left the bedroom and Daniels stood. “Oceana, you look nice. Ready to go?”

  “Ready. I’m praying all goes well and I make no mistakes.”

  Valerie hugged her. “You play beautifully. You’re serving the Lord, and that’s what matters.”

  Sarah sucked in air. “I know, but mistakes happen.”

  Valerie shook her head. “Not tonight.”

  Daniels carried Sarah’s music portfolio to the car.

  Sarah buckled her seatbelt and Daniels did the same. As they drove through the traffic, Sarah glanced at him. “You’re in love with Valerie, aren’t you?”

  Daniels nodded. “Does it show?”

  “Yes, actually it does and has—for quite some time.”

  “I’m hoping she’ll return my love. Is she over Travis?”

  “Yes. The pain was more embarrassment than anything else. She talks about you constantly and her eyes light up at the mention of your name.”

  “That makes me happy.”

  “She thought you were interested in me from the beginning and that’s one reason she fixated in on Travis, and of course he pursued her like a cat to a mouse.”

  “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you and I are friends, and I don’t think either of us ever felt a spark toward the other. Am I right?”

  Sarah nodded. “But you felt one with Valerie.”

  Daniels gave a shy smile. “Yes, the first time I saw her, I decided she was the one for me, but Travis came into the picture.”

  “He’s gone now.”

  Daniels grinned big time. “Thanks to God and His angels.”

  Sarah glanced through the roof of his car into The Heavenlies. Several of the inhabitants returned her smile.

  ~ * ~

  The day after Christmas, Mother Goodness appeared in Sarah’s room. She nudged Sarah from sleep.

  “Wake up child.”

  “Mother Goodness.” Sarah sat up. “What brings you here? Am I in trouble?”

  Her mentor chuckled. “I keep hoping you won’t think that each time one of us surprises you. No, you aren’t in trouble. I’m here to tell you that your mission is complete. Give notice to the church to find a replacement and tell Valerie she should find another roommate. You are to report back to The Heavenlies in two weeks.”

  Sarah sighed. “I don’t like saying goodbye to the humans I’ve grown to love.”

  “You’ll see them again one day up there.”

  Sarah grinned as a new thought came to her. “They’ll be surprised to find out who I really am when they arrive.”

  “Indeed.” With a chuckle, Mother Goodness disappeared.

  At breakfast, Sarah dawdled over her oatmeal. “Valerie, I’ve dreaded telling you, but I’ll be leaving in two weeks.”

  “What?”

  “My Father sent word that He needs me elsewhere. I’m sorry. You’ll need to find a new roommate, and the church will require another musician.”

  “Oh no! I can’t bear to have you move.” Tears sprang to Valerie’s eyes.”

  Sarah cried too. An arrow pierced her heart at the thought of leaving another human she cared about. “I’m going to miss you too.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “My Father didn’t say where He wants me.”

  “Can I come visit?” Valerie hiccoughed the words.

  “Yes, one day you will, just not now. For one thing, I don’t know where He will send me.”

  “You have an unusual Father. I wish we could’ve met.”

  “I’ll introduce you to Him one day.” Sarah wiped her eyes on a napkin. “I’m proud of you. You are almost at your weight goal, and y
ou aren’t the shy introvert I first met. We’ve been good for each other.”

  “A lot has happened in the six months we’ve been roommates. I hope I won’t have too much difficulty finding a roommate as nice as you.” Valerie dried her eyes.

  “I’m sure God already has someone in mind.”

  Valerie sniffed, then grinned. “Will the new roomie think Daniels is an angel?”

  Sarah giggled. “Probably.”

  ~ * ~

  Sarah made arrangements with the church for a new musician. The staff said they were sorry to have her go, and she’d done a good job. Sarah hoped the Superiors were listening to the compliments she’d received. She knew once she was back in The Heavenlies, a review waited for her, and that always made her nervous. Praise from earthlings came in handy at times.

  Daniels offered to take her to the airport, but Sarah declined his invitation. Saying goodbye again proved too much, and besides, she had a plan in mind.

  After the final hugs, she left Daniels and Valerie. They waved as the taxi left the complex.

  “Going to Bush Intercontinental?” the cabbie asked.

  “Yes sir, but I want to make a stop first at the fitness center. It’s a mile up the road.”

  The driver pulled into the parking lot and Sarah hopped out. “I’ll just be a minute.”

  As soon as she entered the building, she found the ladies’ locker room, made sure no one was around, and disappeared. Sarah then went looking for Travis in her invisible form. She found him flirting with a woman who was walking on a treadmill. She waited for him to give instructions and then followed him to his office. He sat at his desk.

  Making herself the size of a pencil, she materialized as a man with a long white beard. She stood at the back of his desk. “Travis, Travis.” She used a deep masculine voice.

  He turned his head from side to side, trying to find the man speaking to him.

  “Down here. I’m in front of you.”

  Glancing down, Travis did a double take and rubbed his eyes. “What are you?”

  “It doesn’t matter what I am. What are you?” Sarah began weaving and waving.

  Travis swiped at the dancing man in front of him, but Sarah ducked and flew out of reach.

  “You can’t harm me, so stop trying. I’ve here to say I know how you treat women, and you’d better stop that lewd behavior.”

  Travis swung at the air where Sarah dipped and zigzagged. She was too fast for him. All at once, she disappeared and reappeared as a super-sized male giant standing beside him. Placing her thumbs in her ears, she waved her fingers as she’d seen children do. “Loo loo loo. Nanny nanny poo poo. Here I am. Catch me if you can.” This time she used a female voice.

  Travis blinked several times and drew his hand over his face. Sarah almost laughed. What must he think? A sweet female voice coming from a colossal man with thumbs in his ears?

  She was enjoying herself immensely.

  She quickly reverted to a small sized old man again and stood on a sheaf of papers. This time she used a child’s voice. “Meghan is a nice lady. You should be a better husband. Repent for your sins, and if you don’t, I’m coming back again.”

  Travis gulped and his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “Are you God?”

  Sarah pulled at her beard. “No, but He exists and He expects better of you.”

  Sarah disappeared but watched Travis as he collected himself. He was shaking like a leaf on a tree in a March wind and his teeth chattered. With a great deal of effort, he pulled out a cell phone and clicked a name. Sarah heard Meghan answer.

  “H…H…Honey, c…c…can…can you ma… make me an ap…ap…appointment with a a…a psychiatrist?” He stuttered. “I th…th…think I’m co…coming unglued.”

  ~ * ~

  Sarah paid the taxi driver at the airport and went inside. She found a restroom and disappeared.

  Traveling up to The Heavenlies, she hoped someone from up there would have mercy on her and escort her the rest of the way. Getting lost was so easy.

  Tomas appeared at her side. “Hi, Sarah.”

  “Tomas! I’m so happy to see you.”

  “Thanks. Everyone in The Heavenlies is laughing at your escapade with Travis.”

  “Oh, Tomas, I couldn’t resist the temptation. Am I in trouble?”

  Tomas chuckled. “I don’t know, but I can tell you one thing. Every one of us has wanted to put a scare into a human like him at some time or other.”

  Twenty-one

  Sarah waved goodbye to Tomas and knocked on the Commander’s door.

  “Come in, Sarah.”

  Floating in, Sarah stood with her hands folded. It was disrespectful to sit unless invited.

  The Commander smiled and gestured toward a golden, wingback chair. “Welcome home, little angel. Are you happy to be back?”

  “Yes sir. That was the longest stint I’ve ever stayed on earth. Six months is nothing up here, but down there, it’s half a year.”

  “This is true, and yet for some humans, the years go by too fast. What did you find the most challenging this trip?”

  “Saying goodbye. I never like leaving them. Every mortal you’ve given me is dear to me and I remember them all. I was thrilled when you let me return and see my friends on my first mission. Will you send me again to see Valerie?”

  The Commander shook his head. “Perhaps. We’ll talk about that another time. Would you like to know what happens to Valerie and Daniels?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “They will marry in a year.”

  Sarah almost clapped her hands, but a thought prevented it. “What about her father?”

  The Commander’s eyes twinkled. “Yes, we need to talk about him and the glue you adhered to his mouth.”

  Sarah’s hand flew to her lips like a flying arrow. “Oh no! I didn’t mean that thingy. I wanted to know about his reaction to the wedding.”

  The Commander tried to keep a grin at bay. “I knew what you meant. Valerie’s dad is surprised she found a good man. Daniels won’t allow Valerie’s dad to say anything unkind to her, but actually, your cement worked too. Every time Charles starts to make ugly statements, he remembers his constricted lips.”

  “I’ve been dreading what you’d say about the cement episode.”

  “You aren’t the first angel to cease a human’s speech. Gabriel shut Zechariah’s mouth because the man didn’t believe God’s message. Gabriel told him he was to father John, the forerunner of Jesus. Because Zechariah failed with a lack of faith, Gabriel rendered him mute until the baby came. The Lord also caused Ezekiel’s tongue to stick to the roof of his mouth for a time. Sarah, you aren’t the first angel to cause a human to think about his words. God allowed you to cement Charles lips, and the incident was good for him.”

  “So, I’m not in trouble for it?”

  The Commander’s lips twitched. “No, you were in God’s permissive will, but did you ask before you took action?”

  Sarah shook her head.

  “Will you remember next time? God’s perfect will is better, and it may be something you’d never consider.”

  Sarah ducked her head. “I forget so much when I’m on a mission.”

  The Commander studied her before he continued. “Why didn’t you ask if Daniels was an angel?”

  Sarah gulped a large amount of heavenly air. “Most of the time, I don’t get answers. I figured you wanted me to work it out by myself.”

  “Asking would have saved you a great deal of mental anxiety. Unease is one of the human attributes we give you so that you identify with mankind. You empathize with their fears and worries. You, as well as humans, would do well to pray more.”

  Sarah gripped the armrests. “But sometimes answers don’t come.”

  “We give answers, maybe not as fast as you want them, but you would have received had you asked. Same for humans. Now let’s talk about the candle and the fire you almost started.”

  Sarah slumped. “Another goof. I know I was suppos
ed to allow my charge to sin if she chose to do so, but I couldn’t bear to see her in danger. That guy was about to take something she could never get back.”

  “It was her choice to let him have the precious gift. I understand your feeling, but think twice before an action.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Now, about scaring the wits out of Travis. Was that an angelic thing to do?”

  Sarah scooted farther down into the chair. “I guess not.” She peeped up with her head down and caught the Commander laughing without sound. “Sir?”

  “I shouldn’t find it funny, but it was. I’ll say this for you, Sarah. You are one creative angel, to say the least.”

  “I wanted to help Meghan.”

  The Commander sobered. “And you did.” He bellowed aloud with guffaws this time. “I can’t say the same for Travis. He’ll spend years and tons of money with a therapist.”

  Sarah raised her hand as though she were a pupil in class.

  “Yes?”

  “Sir, I accidently blasted the congregation the first time I played at Daniels’ church on my first Sunday. May I ask why the Lord allowed that embarrassing mistake?”

  “You asked the Lord to bless your music, not His.”

  “Oh.” Sarah cringed.

  The Commander made more notes. “Overall, Sarah, I’m pleased with your work. You helped Valerie with her image, and she now has a healthier mindset. Well done, little angel.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  “I’m going to reassign you.”

  “Am I going on that time travel mission this time? The work you gave me before you had me go to Emily and Josiah instead? I loved them too. They were a great couple. Josiah was a cowboy, and I’d never seen one. Never had been in snow on earth till then, either.”

  “No time travel for this task. I assigned another angel to the time travel mission that was originally yours. Emily’s need became urgent. I had to change personnel. Emily and Josiah’s requirements fit your qualifications, and I needed you with them. You did well on that assignment too.

  "Your masquerade as Estella, an older female, worked well. On this job, you will masquerade as Estella and go to a convalescent center. Two senior citizens arrived recently down there and fell in love. Due to advanced age, their grandchildren don’t want them to marry. Make a union happen for them. The man’s granddaughter as well as the woman’s grandson, are both single. I want you to also expedite a love relationship with those two.”