Sarah and the Angelic Magical Makeover Page 9

  “I can tell the school board to fire her. A hussy is a bad influence on kids.” His voice could be heard into the next century. He pointed to Valerie. “That woman should never have been born.”

  If Valerie had guardian angels, why didn’t they do something? Why was she left to defend her charge? Those guardian angels should be on duty, but if they were, they must be cowards. Honestly! What was wrong with them? They ought to stop this man in some fashion. This dolt was hurting Valerie. Did she, Sarah, heaven’s little love angel, have to do everything?

  “Sir, you need to keep quiet. You’ve done enough harm with words.” With that remark, Sarah mentally called forth a smidgen of super cement—the likes of which humans had never seen. With a swipe in the air, she aimed at his lips and sealed Charles’ mouth shut.

  Charles’ brows shot up and he began to grunt. He grabbed his jaws and tried to pry them open. He shifted his mouth around in circles. With his eyes filled with panic, he made guttural sounds.

  Linda hopped up from the sofa. “Charles, what’s wrong?”

  Charles leapt up and down making throaty sounds and pointed to his mouth.

  Valerie came to his side. “Dad, do you need a doctor? Should I call nine-one-one?”

  Charles placed a hand on each side of his face and danced around frantically while his wife and daughter gawked at him. He kicked the air with first one foot and then the other. He bent forward and then leaned backward. He crouched, rose up and skipped across the room. He twirled in circles, all the while trying to pry his lips apart.

  Sarah stood to the side and dusted her hands. She didn’t feel the least bit guilty. As far as she was concerned, the old coot deserved a good dose of cement. Maybe he’d think twice before he insulted another person.

  Charles twisted around and ran into the kitchen. Linda and Valerie followed him and gaped at his odd behavior. Sarah stayed put. She could see from her position. The women watched Charles turn on the faucet to full blast and stick his head under the stream of water. He twitched his lips in a circle as the water ran over his face and mouth.

  Boom! The heavens exploded with vibration. Valerie and her mother flinched. Charles didn’t notice. He had his index finger on his bottom lip, trying to pull it away from the top lip.

  Sarah tilted her head back to see the Lieutenant boring a hole into her with his scowl. “That’s enough, Sarah. Fix the problem.” He disappeared.

  Poopty doopty! Couldn’t she have a little fun with this nutcase who happened to be Valerie’s father? And a rude, harmful one at that. Oh well. Orders were orders. She swiped the air again and Charles’ mouth came unsealed.

  He gurgled as the spout of water hit him, and then he realized his lips were free. He turned off the water and smacked his lips together to see if they worked or were still stuck.

  He had the look of a wild man. “I’ve never in my life had anything like that happen. It was like someone had glued my mouth shut.” He hastened back to the living room and focused on Sarah. “Are you a witch? Did you do that?”

  Sarah frowned. “A witch? Those are bad spirits. I’m not one of them. Why would you think so?”

  “You told me I should keep quiet and the next thing I knew I couldn’t talk—couldn’t even get my lips apart. Seems strange to me.”

  Sarah shrugged. “Haven’t you ever heard the phrase, ‘God works in mysterious ways?’ Maybe He’s trying to tell you something.”

  Charles glared at her for a moment and then motioned to his wife. “Come on, Linda, let’s get out of here.” He bolted to the door with his wife at his heels.

  After the door closed behind them, Valerie turned to Sarah. “That was the oddest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  Sarah nodded. “It was, wasn’t it?”

  Sixteen

  As Thanksgiving approached, Sarah rubbed her forehead. How long was she supposed to stay down here? She and Valerie had become fast friends and enjoyed each other’s company, but Sarah knew she was on a temporary assignment. When would she be called home? She and Valerie had each lost thirty pounds but they needed to lose about twenty more to reach the ideal size.

  Valerie’s ideas about herself were changing, and that was a definite improvement. Sarah had no doubt Valerie would continue in this new, healthy lifestyle, so maybe her assignment was over. On the other hand, Sarah still didn’t know if Travis was right for Valerie. Uh oh. That meant her mission wasn’t complete. She’d answered her own question. Trying not to become too attached to Valerie was becoming a major challenge.

  Sigh. The hazards of the job. She and Valerie would miss each other when the mission ended. For the sake of one human and one angel, it would be better to hurry and finish the task. But how?

  Sarah’s thoughts turned to Valerie’s love life.

  Travis seemed a good guy, and Valerie was crazy about him. The two dated every Friday night, and Valerie saw him most nights at the fitness center. Their relationship was growing.

  She and Valerie saw Daniels often too. He also worked out several nights at the gym, and he insisted on taking them to church each Sunday. The three friends ate together after worship services. Sarah had almost decided Daniels was a regular human man, but she wasn’t convinced yet. The looks he gave Valerie indicated he was a mortal, but then he could be merely throwing another angel off base—namely, her.

  Preparing Christmas music for the dramatic presentation the church and choir planned kept Sarah busy. The director scheduled rehearsals three nights a week. The job prevented her going to the fitness center, but she was proud of Valerie. The lady maintained her commitment for change and went alone. Sarah came home often to find Travis visiting with Valerie. Perhaps Travis was one of the reasons Valerie went, but that was okay too. Everyone needed a motivation.

  Ambling into the kitchen, Sarah found Valerie stirring a pot of something. “Good morning. Are we having cooked cereal again?”

  Valerie grinned. “Yes, but this morning I’m adding bananas and a spoonful of peanut butter, just to be a little different.”

  Sarah nodded. “Sounds good.”

  “I’m planning a menu for Thanksgiving next week. Turkey is a dieter’s choice. Do you like Southern dressing?”

  “Tee-shirts and shorts seem to be okay for the hot, humid temperatures down here. Even though its fall, we can still wear them, so yes, I like Southern dressing. Why do you ask? Is something wrong with my outfit today?”

  Valerie giggled. “No silly, not clothes. Dressing is called stuffing in other parts of the country. It’s a side dish to go with turkey. I make it with cornbread and sage, and it will be our carb at the meal. I’m also planning green beans, salad and pumpkin pie.”

  “I’ve never eaten Southern dressing, but I like all kinds of food, and the menu sounds yummy. Wait a sec. Didn’t your mother invite you to Thanksgiving dinner?”

  Valerie nodded. “Yes, but my dad is afraid of you and doesn’t want to include you. So I’m not going either. We’ll have our feast right here.”

  “He’s afraid of me?” Sarah fiddled with her spoon and raised her brows.

  “He thinks you have supernatural powers.”

  Sarah chuckled. “That’s funny.” She sobered. “I know you’ve been to visit your mother a time or two. Has your dad been nice to you?”

  Valerie quirked an eyebrow. “You know, he has. He doesn’t compliment, but at least he doesn’t say anything nasty.”

  “That’s an agreeable improvement.” Sarah almost went into hysterics as she remembered the spectacle of Valerie’s dad and his cemented lips. That was fun, but poopty doopty! The Commander would have a thing or two to say about that event.

  Valerie set a bowl of steaming oatmeal down in front of Sarah. “Would you mind if I invited Travis to join us for Thanksgiving?”

  “No, I don’t mind. He’s eaten with us before, so he knows what a skillful cook you are.”

  “What about Daniels? You want to invite him?”

  Sarah chewed her lip. “I guess it’s okay. Danie
ls really likes you too. You’ve got two guys interested in you. They compete for your attention. I’m not sure they’d like to be here together.”

  Valerie shook her head. “That’s not the way I see it. Daniels wants you for a girlfriend. You keep turning him away from you, but he comes back.”

  “I’m telling you, Daniels is falling in love with you. You don’t see the looks he gives you. You also fail to see how he clenches his jaw when Travis compliments you and calls you babe.”

  Valerie’s cheeks grew rosy. “I love his nickname for me.” She ducked her head. “The kisses Travis give melt me to my toes and he says he loves me.”

  Sarah placed hands over her ears. “Don’t need to hear that.”

  Valerie grinned. “Let me ask you something. Travis has been pressuring me to have sex, and I don’t know if I should or not. Tell me what you think. Should I?”

  “No!” The volume that came forth surprised Sarah. She softened her tone. “Don’t do it.”

  “I figured you’d say that.” Valerie groaned. “Actually, that class I go to with Daniels on Sunday while you play for service has quite a debate going on about it. It’s a topic that comes up every Sunday. Some think it’s okay and others in the group disagree. The ones who are for it say it’s the natural outcome of a love relationship.”

  Sarah sipped her coffee. “Well, they’re right about one thing, it’s the natural outcome, but they left out one part.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s the normal event after marriage, and not before.”

  “Travis isn’t a believer.”

  Sarah whistled through her teeth. “And he shows no signs of becoming one. That should bother you.”

  “It does, a little, but he’s got other great qualities. After all, I wasn’t much of a believer until you and Daniels came along.”

  “There are believers out there who will value you. Have you found any interesting guys in the class you attend with Daniels?”

  “No. As far as I’m concerned, Travis and Daniels are the best of the best, but Daniels loves you, and Travis loves me.”

  Sarah slapped her forehead. “Merciful heavens! Or as my Yiddish counterparts might say, Oy, vey!’ None of us knows what to do with you.”

  Valerie giggled. “I didn’t know you had Jewish friends.”

  Sarah smiled and her thoughts turned to The Heavenlies. Moses and the prophets were up there, so were Jesus and the Apostles. Yep, she had Jewish friends all right. Lots of them.

  ~ * ~

  Sarah answered the door on Sunday when Daniels arrived to take her and Valerie to church.

  “Hi Daniels, come in. Valerie isn’t ready yet, but she soon will be. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

  “Yes, thanks.” Daniels seated himself at the bar while Sarah poured the liquid into two mugs.

  “How’s the Christmas music coming?” Daniels asked as he stirred sugar into his drink.

  “The production is going to be amazing. I’m so happy I’ve had a chance to play for it. Thanks again for recommending me.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Sarah joined him at the bar on a stool next to his. “Are you coming to our Thanksgiving dinner next Thursday? I heard Valerie invite you and she has it all planned out.”

  “I’m not sure.” He slumped his shoulders and whispered. “Between you and me, I hate to see her with Travis. It’s about to kill me.” He glanced toward the bedroom, as if fearful Valerie would hear him.

  Sarah nodded. “I’ve seen that for some time, and I’m sorry. Travis is the first man to give Valerie attention, and she’s wrapped up in it. I’ve known for weeks now that either you or Travis is the man for her. To be honest, I’m still not sure which of you is the right one.” She closed one eye as she considered him. “I’m going to ask you a strange question.”

  Daniels lifted his brows as he gazed at her and waited.

  Sarah took a deep breath. “Are you an angel?”

  Daniels exploded in laugher. He cackled so hard he lost his breath.

  Valerie came into the room. “What’s so funny?”

  Daniels ceased his laughter and gestured to Sarah. “She wants to know if I’m an angel, and I think she’s serious.” He burst into laughter again.

  Valerie grinned. “Oh. Yeah, she’s mentioned that before. She thinks you’re too good to be true.”

  Daniels regained his composure and turned on the barstool to focus on Sarah. The look in his eyes was serious. “I’m no angel. I’m a flesh and blood human with normal emotions. I’m a struggling Christian who tries to follow the Lord’s example and His commandments, but thanks for thinking I’m special.”

  Sarah clapped her hands. “Good to know you’re a physical, mortal human, and I believe you. That solves one portion of my dilemmas. Now if I can just crack the rest of this mission, I’ll celebrate with a happy dance.”

  Daniels and Valerie exchanged glances as if to say, “We love her, but she’s odd.”

  Seventeen

  Sarah set the small table with white linen and candles for the Thanksgiving luncheon while Valerie made use of her culinary skills. Her tummy growled in anticipation of what was to come.

  Daniels had declined the invitation, and Sarah was disappointed, but she understood his reasons. He felt miserable watching Valerie and Travis together. Sarah was certain now that Daniels was the man God intended for Valerie and not Travis, but how could she make Valerie see that?

  Valerie pulled down the oven door to baste the turkey. “This bird smells heavenly. I hope he’ll taste as good as he smells.”

  “Your cranberry salad and pumpkin pie are the dishes I’m looking forward to. We eat green beans and lettuce salad almost every day, so that’s not new, but I’ve never had the other stuff you’ve made.”

  “We deserve a treat on holidays. Travis says to eat in moderation, so that’s what we’ll do. I didn’t make bread. We’ll have that indulgence another day.” Valerie glanced at her watch and grinned. “He should be here any minute.”

  Sarah circled an index finger in the air. “Whoopee.” Her tone sounded more sarcastic than she’d planned.

  Valerie knitted her brows together. “I thought you liked Travis.”

  “He’s been helpful. We’ve lost weight and he’s taught us how to eat healthfully, but something tells me he’s not the man he pretends to be.”

  “What do you mean? He’s never pretended to be a believer like we are.”

  Sarah finished her task and sat at the bar. “I know, but there’s something else. I just can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s because he pressures you for sex.”

  “Oh. I shouldn’t have told you about that. You’re my friend and you worry too much.”

  “True. I’ve been told worry is a waste—also sinful…it’s a lack of trusting, but I can’t seem to help it.” Sarah closed one eye as she phrased her next thought. “I’m convinced you’re overlooking Daniels. He’s a great guy.”

  “Travis is the only man who has ever given me the time of day. The two of you have managed to pull me out of my shell. I’m more confident now, and Daniels has helped too, but Daniels is the guy for you.”

  Sarah shook her head. “Daniels and I talked about our friendship last Sunday, and that’s all we have between us. We have no love interest in each other.”

  Valerie sighed as she replaced the turkey. “That’s too bad. Daniels is a fine catch.”

  Sarah clinched her jaws shut. Why couldn’t Valerie see the truth in her statement? Daniels was ideal for her, but Travis had clouded her vision. She couldn’t divulge Daniels’ private remarks about his love for Valerie. That would be breaking a confidence. Maybe it was time to ask for help.

  “If you don’t need me to help with anything, I’ll go to my room and freshen up.”

  Valerie gave a dismissal wave. “Go on. After you’ve changed, I’ll put on my new outfit. I’m enjoying my new curves.” She grinned. “Travis has noticed and he likes them too.”

&n
bsp; Sarah’s first response was to say, “Ugh. He’ll drop you like a hot potato when he gets what he wants.” but she smiled and didn’t respond. Closing the bedroom door behind her, she fell to her knees at the bedside. “Father, would you give me some ideas down here? I’m fresh out, and Valerie is about to make a huge mistake.”

  Mother Goodness appeared, sat on the bed with her feet dangling beside Sarah. “Child, look up.”

  Sarah rose up and hugged her mentor. “Wow, that was fast. I’m glad to see you. Do you have a message from the Father?”

  “Yes, I do. You are to make sure Valerie is at the Pancake Palace at exactly seven o’clock in the morning.”

  “Are you kidding me? That’s weird. We don’t eat a heavy breakfast. And why so precise? Do you know why He wants us there at that hour?”

  Mother Goodness shook her white head. “No child, and here’s something else. You aren’t to mention you want to be there until in the morning.” With another hug, Mother Goodness disappeared.

  Sarah glanced through the ceiling as Mother Goodness made her way back to The Heavenlies. “Thanks, I think, but I have no idea how I’ll get her there so early. She has a holiday tomorrow and she’ll want to sleep late. She’s not likely to get up when she has a day off. Why would He want her there at daybreak?”

  Mother Goodness turned to look at her student. “Faith, Sarah. Faith and obedience. That’s what’s expected of you. Make it happen. The rest of the answers will come.”

  ~ * ~

  Sarah and Valerie were looking cool when Travis arrived. They’d chosen to dress in skinny jeans and tee-shirts covered with bling designs.

  Valerie opened the door and Travis presented a bouquet of flowers. He then gathered Valerie in a bear hug. “Babe, you look amazing.” He held her at arm’s length and scanned her body with his eyes.

  “Thanks. I guess this work is paying off.” Valerie’s smile would light a dark room. She backed away from his scrutiny. “Thanks for the flowers. Dinner is ready.”