All our lives we look for somewhere that we fit. We go through the motions of daily life, some of us losing our way and becoming listless and empty. But what if the time we spend here is only being used as a training ground? The idea isn't comforting, since in truth, the fear of the unknown riddles the world with a whole lot of negativity.
Understanding nothing, and standing before the pearly gates of Heaven in my worn out sneakers and thrashed jeans I was worried. All my life I had been rather skeptical about the whole Heaven thing. Sure, I'd gone to church with my family, but that didn't mean I was subscribed to the daily bread.Besides, as far as I was concerned, it wasn't my time yet. I mean, no one wants it to be their time. But I'd been on my way to an audition. One that I was sure I was going to land.
By the time Saint Peter called my name I was very angry. I felt robbed, and I wasted no time in letting him know it.
"You know, It's not fair! Just when I was finally getting somewhere in life I end up here!"
The Saint laughed, his blue eyes mirthful with a hint of understanding in the corners. "Yes, many of us feel that way when we first get here. But fair isn't the point. Need is. Besides child, would you rather be at the gates of hell?" His tone was teasing, but I still felt slightly shocked.
"Need?" I responded once I got control of my mouth again.
"Oh yes, you're needed here on this side. A guardian angel can't masquerade down there among people forever you know." He responded simply, as though it was something that should have been obvious to me.
"You're joking right?" Though I knew it was a bit improbable I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as a chill raced down my spine.
"No, we don't joke too often here at the gates these days. We've found it holds up progress." His tone implied that he was already getting annoyed. and as he glanced over my shoulder at the throng of people waiting to be admitted, I knew I didn't have much time left with him. "If you'd kindly enter the gates of Heaven you can report to the Angel Hope. He can fill you in on your duties." He waved his hand, and I felt shooed towards the gate by invisible hands as the gates opened.
"Answers!" I shouted over my shoulder as I passed the gates. "I hope he has answers!"
The gates shut behind me with a slight snapping sound. And there was silence. Looking through the bars behind me, I saw nothing outside them. Before me, wasn't the classic heavenly scene the books and movies often offered. No streets of gold. Instead I saw what appeared to be a copy of my home city of Buffalo, built of some sort of silvery opalescent material. And I was standing on main street. Slightly baffled by this, I shrugged and proceeded to wak along it. I hadn't been walking far when I saw it.
Hope's Guardian Angel Agency. The sign was large, hanging over the entrance to what had been the main place mall on earth. The idea that anyone would revive the old place in such a way, amused me. As I made my way towards the doors I could feel a smile twisting my lips. If only my cousin could see this. I was just about to pull the door open, when a hand rested on my shoulder.
"Don't bother going in yet. Someone told me you have questions."
I looked over my shoulder, and felt the color as it heated my cheeks. Ok, whoever had decided that the dead didn't feel anything was wrong. Because as I met those green eyes with my own, I felt a lot of things rush over me.
"Hey! Hey! None of that now! It's not a good time to get distracted. I need you back out to earth as soon as possible kid." He smiled pulling his hand back, slowly brushing it through his red hair. "Someone really needs you."
"Yes....well... I need answers." I finally responded while smoothing my shabby clothes in an attempt to appear more presentable. "He said they don't like jokes at the door. But the irony is that I was on my way to an angel audition when I ended up here. "
"Yeah, That was my ad."
Shock hit me, and I blacked out.
