The Angel- A Short Story

 

Here's a short story for you all to enjoy!

T  h  e   A  N  G  E  L

—B  y    E  l  e  n  a    D  e  n  v  e  r—

I stood by the cold, flooded road, waiting for the school bus to arrive. It seemed the bus would never come. I put my hood on and bit my fingernails, shivering intensely until finally the bus was here. I jumped, on quickly with my friend, racing to the back seat, so only us, could have the view, of the back, and the room, to move around. We put our feet, up against the back of a seat, and closed our eyes. Just then, a small voice, interrupted us. It was my little sister Daisy. 

“What do you want, Daisy?” She trembled, as she talked. “Well, I though I might sit, back there, with you and Jonathan.” I sat up, angrily, elbowing my friend, to sit up, as well. “Does, it look like there’s enough room?” She knew there was plenty, of room, but she stuttered, and said, “the—there—there’s no r—room.” Jonathan rolled his eyes. “Obviously, the answer is no, then.” he said. 
Daisy, turned around, and sat back down. I put my feet, back up against her seat. 
“She’s so annoying,” Jonathan whispered. “Well, at least, you don’t have to live with her, that’s the hard part.” I whispered back. When the bus, dropped me and Daisy back home, we ran inside, and Daisy gave Mom, a hug. Mom always held her hands out for me, but I always shook my head, and went up to my room, without saying a word. I stomped upstairs, up to my room, and plopped on my bed. I finished up my homework, until Mom called me for dinner. 

“Craig! I made your favorite! Tacos!” I rolled my eyes, and said, “that was Dad’s favorite.” I didn’t mean to make Mom feel sad. She wiped away a tear and said, “well, Dad’s not here, anymore. You and I are in charge, of keeping everything in its place.” I felt furious. She was acting like, Dad never existed, like he’s not here anymore. I stomped back upstairs, and slammed my bedroom door. I just couldn’t be happy. There was no reason to, anyway. Ever since Dad left, none of us, could be truly happy. But I was the only one, who couldn’t be happy at all. 
My Dad left, two years ago, and went to California. I was in bed, thinking about the park, he promised to take us. When I woke up, cops were at our house. They told us, he ran away, to California, and was shot. 
Being twelve, two years is nothing. I remember, every word, the policemen said, all the questions they asked, and every answer, Mom gave them. She was crying, and fell on her bed, holding Daisy. 
That night, I wanted to run away, I remember our last conversation, with him. He seemed normal. I would have never thought, in all my life, that he would just abandon us and die, the very next day. He told Mom, “I was thinking, of going to the park, tomorrow, and having a picnic. It would be nice, to have some family time.” Mom dried her hands, off with the dish towel, and said, “you go, take the kids, I’m gonna be helping Grandma today.” Me and Daisy jumped up. “The park?” “Really?” Dad picked Daisy up, and answered, “really, I promise.” 
I never forgot that day. He just left us, like we never existed. 
Knock, knock, I jumped up, and opened the door. “Daisy, I’m not—” It wasn’t Daisy. It was just Mom. “Yes?” I said. Mom came in, and sat on my bed. She looked nervous. “Um, Craig, I have to talk to you.” I sat down next to her, looking rather confused. “What?” “You know, that Dad died two years ago, and we were very sad—” “Were? I know you and Daisy don’t care, but I never got over it.” Mom looked down, at the floor. I wanted to bite, the words, right back into my mouth, the second they were said. “Mom, I didn’t mean—” “I know exactly, what you meant,” she told me. She went out, and shut the door.
It was Saturday, morning. I went outside, and down the street, to where the mailboxes were. I put my hands in my pocket, and my hood, over my head. The bitter wind, blew against my face, as I walked. I turned my head, to the sound of distant sirens, blaring across town. I wasn’t looking where I was going, and bumped into a girl, holding a handful of books. And that was the day my life would change forever. “Oh, sorry.” I said, and picked them, back up. I grabbed the last book, that was now ruined from the rain. “I’m so sorry, I can replace anything—” I paused.  I shouldn’t have said that. I can’t replace anything. “Oh, no, that’s okay. I have about a hundred, copies of this book.” I picked it up, and examined it. “The Bible? Seriously? Why do, you need a hundred copies, of this? Isn’t one enough?” The girl laughed at me, like I was stupid. “You can never have too many Bibles, silly! This is the word of God. Would you like one?” “No, thanks. It’s enough, already, to have my history book, I don’t need an even bigger one.” The girl examined me. “What is your name?” “I’m Craig. Why do you ask?” “I’m Jen, short for Genevieve, and I work, at the B—I—B—L—E, across town.” “You mean, that store, next to the red mailbox, for toddlers?” “That’s the one! Only, it’s not for toddlers. It’s for people, like you.” “Me? Look, I apologize, for bumping into you, but I best be going.” “Okay. But say hi, to your mom for me!” I turned around, instantly. “How do you know my mom?” “Why, she works there!” My face looked suspicious. “She what?”
I walked home, without the mail, and into the kitchen, where Mom was. “Mom, why didn’t you tell me about, your job? You said you worked, at the library!” “I used to.” “Well, why didn’t I know, that?” “I didn’t think, you cared about that old, little store.” I didn’t know what to say. She got me there. 
Mom turned around, holding a mixing bowl, in one hand, and a spoon, in the other. “You have to take a shower, today.” “What? I took one, last Saturday.” “We’re having a guest.” “Wait…….what?” We hadn’t had any company since Dad died.
      Why today? I slunk down, into my chair. “Who’s coming over?” Mom, put a cake, in the oven, and ran upstairs. “Sorry honey, I’m busy!” Busy enough, not to tell me, who it is?

After taking a shower, and tidying up the house, the doorbell rung. I ran to the door quickly. “Yes?” “Hi, “It’s great to see you, again!” Oh, no! “Did my mom, really invite you over?” “Yup, Sure did. Can I come inside?” “That’s why, you're here, isn’t it?” I said, holding the door open.
Daisy jumped up, from her puzzle, and ran up to Jen, giving her a hug. “Genevieve!”
I stared intensely. What’s going on? How does everyone know her? I’ve never seen her, in my whole life!
Genevieve looked up, at me. “You don’t have to be mad, Craig.” I looked at her, like she was dumb. “Look. This is the second time, I’ve ever seen you, in my entire life. I’m not mad I’m just overwhelmed, that’s all.” “I know you are. But praying always helps.” My mouth dropped open. “For one, how did you know? And for two, no. Praying does not help.” 
Genevieve stood up. “Praying saved your dad.” That was it. I had enough. “That’s a ridicules lie. Dad is dead, no thanks to you. Praying didn’t do anything! Praying doesn’t do anything! And besides, what do you know about my Dad?” “A lot of things. But that’s not the point. The point is, to trust me, and listen to what I need to say. If you don’t- bad things will happen. Things you can't stop.” “What are you, even talking about? Look, I just met you. I don’t need to do anything. Goodbye.” By that time, Mom was in the kitchen, standing there. Genevieve kissed Daisy on the forehead, picked up her book, and left. 
“What was that all about?” I said. “You’ll be sorry one day.” Mom said, and left. Am I going insane?

It was Sunday. We never went to church, since Dad died, but today, Mom and Daisy were all dressed and ready, when I woke up. “Since when do you go to church?” “Jenna invited us!” Daisy jumped up. “Jenna? Do you mean Genevieve?” “Yes, that’s right. You’re welcomed to join us.” Mom said. Mom sounded pretty upset. Should I just go? Mom is pretty mad at me. “Fine. I’ll come.” Daisy ran over, and hugged me. “Really?” “Yeeeaaah………I guess so.” Mom laughed. “Go get ready then!” I’m gonna regret this, I thought.
A few hours later, we arrived back at home. Church wasn’t that bad. I never liked the idea, of being a believer. “Besides,” I started.  I have nothing to worry about. I don’t need to pray. That’s just stupid, I reassured myself.

Part Two

It was Monday. Somehow Jonathan found out, about me going to church. “What are you now, a believer? Are you that stupid?” Jonathan was now, hanging out with the school bullies. Before, I was pretty popular. But now, everyone teased me, about going to church. I was fuming inside. This, is what I get, for going to church? Thoughts tumbled through my head, and suddenly, my mom showed up, with a police officer.

I ran to the doors. “Mom, what’s wrong?” “It’s Daisy!! She’s been ran over! Come with me!” I jumped in the car, and the officer drove, as fast as he could. “Where’s the hospital?” I asked, impatiently. The officer, glanced at me, and answered, “right over there, son.” We drove into the parking lot, and rushed inside. We ran to the right room, and saw Daisy, on a bed, damaged very seriously. Is she—no. she isn’t! She is alive! If there is a God, then she is alive. Daisy opened her eyes, and looked around the room. “I can’t get up.” She said confusingly. “Mama, am I gonna die?” Mom began crying out loud. “I don’t know, darling! I just don’t know!” I stepped forward. “Daisy? Please don’t die. Everything I’ve ever said to you—I didn’t mean any of them!” Daisy smiled at me, and said, in her low voice, “tell Genevieve I said bye.” “What? No, Daisy! You’re not gonna die! Don’t say things like that! You’re just a kid!” “It’s okay, Craig. I’ll be with Jesus!” She tried to sit up, a little. “Do one thing, though. Win the baseball game, for me. Our team has nev—never won, before. And another thing.” Her voice was breaking up, more than ever. “Believe what Genevieve has to say.” Just like that. She closed her eyes, and dropped dead. “No! No! Daisy!” Mom burst out in tears, and began crying. 
I burst out in tears, and ran through the door. I ran out of the building, and into an ally, where I could be alone. “It isn’t fair! She did nothing to You! Nothing!” Just then, I heard footsteps. Behind me, was Genevieve. “Hi, Craig.” She said, wiping away a tear. “What do you want?” I said crying. “You got what you wanted!! Just leave me alone!” “I didn’t want this. You brought this upon yourself, Craig.” I was furious. “What are you trying to say?! This is my fault?!” “I’m afraid to say—” Genevieve nodded. I wanted to push her. “What is your problem?!” “It’s not my problem. It’s yours. I tried to warn you, but you took the easy path.” I heard a car pull up behind me. I turned around quickly, and saw the police officer’s car. 
“Are you okay, son?” He asked. “No! That girl—” Genevieve was gone. “Your mom wants you back, with her.” I nodded, and got into the car. He drove me, back to the hospital. My face expression was dim. So was Mom’s, who was still sobbing. “This is the worst day of my life.” I said quietly. 
Suddenly, I heard a voice. “Pray Craig, pray.” “I can’t! I can’t!” “You are not alone.” I realized it was God’s voice. God is speaking to me. I thought. Maybe I’ll just—fine. I’ll pray. 
Dear God—
“I can’t do it! He killed her, for no reason!”
“Read the Bible. The Word of God.”
I looked on the little table, next to me. What? That wasn’t there, before. I picked it up. It was open to Jeremiah 29, 
“For I know the plans, I have for you. Plans to give hope, and a future.” “Doesn’t seem like it.”
Then I flipped to, Deuteronomy 33,
“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Suddenly, I felt warm inside. The everlasting arms?
No! I had faith, but it’s all gone! 
“Faith can move mountains.” I heard a voice.
I went to John 16 and read, 
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, to whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
I wanted to cry. Mom came in, from the other room. “Craig. You need to talk to Genevieve.” I was angry again. “What’s so good about her? Why is she so Important, all the sudden?! I hardly even know her! She blamed me, for Daisy’s death, and said, I’m being punished!” “You are being punished.” “By who?” “By God. She told you to pray, and to trust Him, and to listen, but you ignored her! There is more to her, then you think!” I was creeped out, now. “What is there? Why is she so suspicious? Is she an angel, or something?” I said the last part, pretty sarcastically. Mom got up, and went to the other room, again. I was on my own.  
Two days later we went back to the hospital. Daisy was in some sort of casket.

    Part  Three

The game was on Tuesday. The funeral was on Thursday. Mom was talking to a man, who would help. 
He told Mom to pick a coffin. 
Daisy? In a coffin? She’s afraid of the dark!
I bent down, on my knees, and began my prayer again, alone in the bathroom.
Dear God, I paused, trying to think of what to say.
 I know I’m not deserving like other people, but what I’ve said about Daisy, and what I’ve said about praying—none of it is—totally true. Please just forgive me. I was wrong. I want to be a—” I paused. Do I really want to? I paused again and inhaled a deep breath. I want to be christian. Please help me. I’m not very good at praying. 
Please help Genevieve to stop pestering me. 
In Jesus’ name,
Amen 
“That was a good prayer. Only the last part wasn’t much needed.” Again, it was Genevieve. “Look, can I get a minute’s worth of privacy? I’m finally praying, now be on your way.” Genevieve smiled. She handed me an apron that said,
B—I—B—L—E— 
OPEN FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO JOIN!
SHINE GOD’S LIGHT FOR EVERYONE!
“You want me to work at the B—I—B—L—E?” “Yes. It would be good, for all of us.” I decided to take a step forward. “ Look Jen, you’re not normal. Something is wrong with you, and I deserve to know what. Genevieve told me to come closer. “Yes, you are right. I am not normal. But this is serious. You cannot speak of this, to anyone, under any circumstances.” I promised not to tell. “Craig. I was sent to earth, to help fix your family, and draw you closer to God.” “Are you saying, you were sent by God? Like……..you’re an angel?” “That is correct.” That explains a lot. I didn’t know what to say. “Well………um……that’s…….understandable……….?” Genevieve smiled, and reassured me, “If you pray and trust God, you’ll win the game.” 

And just like that, she disappeared. I went out of the room, and ran up and hugged Mom. It had been my first time in two years. “Genevieve is an angel. How did you know?” “She told me to switch my job, and repent to Jesus. Then, she revealed herself.” I was lost in thought. I didn’t know what to say. The game would be here soon. I decided to take Daisy’s place, and win it for her. If I could. “Mom. The baseball game. I’m gonna win it for Daisy.” Mom hugged me, and began crying. “Try  harder, than you’ve tried, in all your life.” She said through her tears.

It was the day, of the big game. 
“Team 5, over here!” I ran to the couch. “Let’s see, Ashley, Tyler, Emma, Joseph, Craig—Wait a minute, Craig, what are you doing here?” “I’m—I’m taking my sister’s place.” “Well, that was very good of you.” 
The couch told us what to do. I was already very good at baseball, so all I needed was to be told what to do, and I could win it.
Like I suspected, Jonathan was against me, on Team 7.  
I hit the ball, Caleb caught it. We kept playing and playing, until the miracle happened. We won. We finally won. Daisy’s team had won, for the very first time. Mom was very proud of me. “You won! You won! Craig, I’m so proud of you!” I hugged Mom and sighed. Then I heard a voice.   “I am too.” I turned around. It was Genevieve. “Hi Jen.” I said sheepishly. “Craig. You prayed, you had faith, and you trusted in God. For that, you are rewarded. 

She disappeared. I went around the corner, and heard someone calling. “Craig?” I froze. “Dad?!” I ran out the gate, and saw my own father standing there looking at me. “Craig!” “Dad! Dad you’re here! You’re really here!!” “Craig, it’s okay. I’m here now.” He reassured me as I cried and hugged him. “But—but—but you were dead. You were shot.” Dad looked down sorrowfully. “No. I was never shot. It was a big mistake. I  was taken to court, and I was told I couldn’t leave California. I ran out of money and—I was arrested. Please forgive me.” I kept crying. “Of course I forgive you. I love you Dad.” I said through my tears. “How did you get here?” I asked. “A girl, found me. She helped me, and told me that Jesus loves me. She comforted me, and told me you were here. Her name 
was—I forget.” “Genevieve? Was it Genevieve?” “Yes. Yes it was. How did you know?” I smiled, and looked back, to where she was. “She’s a friend of mine. The Angel.” 
The End.

H I   T H E R E!

So, It's not really edited or anything, and as you can see, I put 

WAY too many commas. (Whoops!) 

I hope you all enjoyed that!

I started writing this story about 2019, and kept writing for 

awhile, but grew tired of it. Then a few months later, I found it 

and began to add more. One day in the future, I hope to finish 

another one I'm writing now, that's called, 'The Missionary.' I 

started that, in 2020. It's a part two. 

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed that!

-Elena