Heaven Bound: Angels of New York Book 1
Cast from Heaven
To seek pure heart
To find true beauty
In selfless start
But fare thee well
For once love is won
One’s true heartbreak
Cannot be undone.
- An original poem
“This is truly an act of love”
Heaven Bound Part One:
“You can’t do this to me!”
“Joshua, this is not something we enjoy. We have made attempts to be lenient with you, and you have proven time and time again you are unworthy of our patience.”
The high council, made up of the three great archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, was not a new place for Joshua. He was often at the receiving end of Michael’s anger.
However, it seemed this time neither Gabriel’s compassion nor Rafael’s logic could stop Michael.
Gabriel leaned forward. “Joshua, it may be difficult for you to understand now, but this is not something we are doing to hurt you. This is truly an act of love.”
“We strive to make you stronger,” Raphael added. “To help you grow in areas where you are weak.”
“I am not weak!” Joshua yelled, his voice trembling. He felt small in the hall of angels, with nothing between him and the great leaders but white and golden marble.
Gabriel frowned, his eyes shifting to Michael. “Maybe he is not ready for this. Maybe we should house him with the Keeper of the Children, just until we are sure…”
Michael shook his head. “He will never be truly ready.” His eyes fell on Joshua. “Joshua, for your sins, you have been sentenced to Earth. You may return when you can demonstrate a heart that is pure and free of self. May you fare well and return soon.”
_
Joshua laid on the floor of his tiny studio apartment, staring at the painting of constellations on the ceiling. It had been there when he moved in, and it was the only good thing about what could only be described as shit hole.
It had been six months since the council had cast him out, six months since he had been doomed to this lowly human existence.
He pushed himself off the floor, slipped on a pair of shoes, and stalked out the door. He didn’t bother to lock it. It wasn’t like he had anything of value to steal.
The Basilica of St. Patrick in Manhattan was old. Most of the lights were off when Joshua stepped into the nave, though it was warm and their were candles still burning at the altar. He slowly walked to the apse and kneeled, bowing his head.
“I don’t know what I’m doing.” He whispered into the silence. “I need guidance. I need direction. I need something. . .anything. . .please. . .”
At first, he was sure it was going to be easy. Despite his own personal flaws, charity was easy for angels to spot, and there was certainly no lack of needy people in a city as large as New York. So it had surprised him when he had not been called home after giving his jacket to the homeless child in the street. It had angered him when he had not been called home after breaking up a domestic fight in front of an apartment building a month later.
Had his brothers gone back on their word? Had they simply forgotten him? He imagined it was possible for Michael, or even Raphael, whose mind was easily enveloped, but his heart ached at the thought of Gabriel betraying him. Gabriel, the messenger, the go-between, the confidant among the angels. He was the most merciful, the most compassionate, the most clear-sighted and level-headed.
We haven’t forgotten.
It was almost like it came from deep in his mind. Joshua wasn’t even sure if it was really Gabriel, or just him trying to reassure himself.
You need more time.
“Excuse me.”
Joshua nearly jumped out of his skin. He spun around, coming face to face with a young woman. She was probably nineteen or twenty, with red curls thrown up into a messy bun and a smattering of freckles across a fair, angular face. Her green eyes were intense, but not angry. Just. . .interested. She wore a black and white long sleeve t-shirt under overalls splattered with paint, and a golden chain with a cross hanging from her slender neck. As she approached, Joshua realized just how tall she was, her eyes nearly level with his.
She was beautiful in every sense of the word, from the way she walked, to her upturned nose, to the long, slim fingers that brushed away a stray curl, to steady, fearless way she looked at him, as if he wasn’t a stranger from the street, but an old friend she hadn’t seen in years.
“I-I’m sorry.” Joshua stuttered. “I didn’t mean- the door was open and the candles were still lit and- I can leave-”
She smiled, one corner of her mouth raising higher than the other. It was charming in an innocent sort of way. “It’s okay. I used to sneak in here, too. I’m the one who left the door unlocked. I’m restoring some of the old murals.” She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”
Joshua smiled sheepishly. “I-I usually come when the church is open. . .I’m Joshua.”
She stuck out her hand, which Joshua shook. “Maggie. I’m here most nights. It’s nice to meet you, Joshua.” She turned to start walking away, but turned back. “I’ll. . .keep the door open.”
_
The cold December air felt different as Maggie made her usual walk home. It was still biting, but something made the wind less. . .intrusive.
She smiled to herself as she entered her building, opting to climb the stair instead of taking the elevator. Joshua. It was a simple and fairly popular name, but it stuck like glue to the inside of her mind, and she couldn’t help but roll it around on her tongue as she walked.
Their conversation had lasted barely a minute, and yet the young man in the leather jacket had left quite the impression. His dark, soulful eyes and open expression brought to mind images of angels and mythical heroes. She doubted she would see him again, though. People had broken into churches she had worked in before, and they vanished into the darkness when they were caught.
Maggie sighed as she closed the door to her apartment and let her hair slip from its binding, cascading down her back. She poured herself a glass of wine and stared out her kitchen window and into the twinkling Manhattan night.
Who are you, Joshua? She thought. Where do you come from? What is your story?
______________________________________
Soundtrack
Anger- Sleeping At Last
Life of the Party- All Time Low
Ground Control- All Time Low
