Heavenly Returns Page 19

  As she flew over New Life City, I couldn’t help wondered if its shining glory would ever return. How much I longed for that day. Sabrina slowed her speed. “I have complete faith in you. Ever since you were assigned to me, I knew you were special.”

  Ugh. Being called special still felt like a burden. “I’ll do my best to not disappoint you.”

  She swooped down in front of The Temple of Truth. “Thanks for the lift.” Sabrina followed behind me as I headed toward the front door. “You don't have to come in with me.” I fluttered my arms and made a clucking sound. “Promise I won’t chicken out.”

  Her melodic chuckle filled the air. “I know you won’t.” She held out her hand. “But seriously, I am your guardian. I need to be with you when you are taking such a dangerous risk.”

  I reached out and took her hand. “Your being with me means everything.”

  We walked hand and hand through the front door and down the hallway to the humidity machine room. Father stood next to Mr. X as he fiddled with a small hose attached to the control panel. Looked like I had a small audience. Father motioned toward a cot just a few feet from the machine. “The procedure should be painless. We are all here to support you.”

  I moved next to the cot and lay down. Mr. X swabbed my arm and put a needle in my vein like he was giving me an IV. Then he hooked up an electrode to my heart. A bell-like beeping sound filled the air. “I will only take as much of your force as we need. You will feel weak after the procedure, but that should be the only side effect.”

  Father pulled up a chair next to me and placed my hand in his. “My daughter, I will call off the procedure if it risks you returning to your old life.”

  “Thanks, Father. I know I’m in good hands with you and Sabrina by my side.”

  Sabrina crouched down and held my other hand. “May the force be with you.”

  Funny how a line from Star Wars had become a symbol of my life. I bit my lip as Mr. X turned on a small handheld device the size of a remote control. At first I didn't feel anything, just a slight tugging sensation in the veins running down my arm. Then as Mr. X fiddled with a few dials on the device, I felt myself float out of my body. I looked down at Father and Sabrina standing next to a girl wearing torn black skinny jeans and a faded denim shirt. Why did I choose to wear a crappy outfit to such a momentous moment in my afterlife? What was I thinking? I should have worn one of Gram’s dresses and gone out like a lady.

  Father squeezed my hand as my eyelids fluttered. “My daughter, stay with us.” The beeping sound grew faint. He looked at Mr. X. “Her life force is waning. Stop the transfer now!”

  The room went dark. I could no longer see. Fighting to stay conscious, I listened as Mr. X and Father scrambled to stop the machine from sucking out every drop of life force I had left.

  After what felt like hours, my eyes flickered open. Father hovered over me. I reached up to touch his face. “Will I be able to go back home and be alive again?”

  He ran his finger over my cheek. “It was close, but yes.”

  “And Heaven, will it be fully restored?”

  Mr. X moved to next me. “It already is.” He snapped his long fingers and the TV popped down from the ceiling. An overhead view of New Life City filled the screen. The spires of the ministry buildings gleamed under a perfect sun. Fluffy white clouds dotted the sky. The angels flew in formation over the city, dropping buckets of confetti in celebration. I felt like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. I had the power to restore Heaven all along. “My life force did all that?”

  Father kissed my forehead. “It certainly did, my daughter. You really were the key all along. As soon as you are stronger, I will return you to Earth. You’ve earned your life back many times over. All of Heaven is grateful.”

  My eyes grew heavy again as I looked into Father’s loving face. I couldn't leave him—not yet.

  ***

  Sitting on the bed in my grandparent’s guest room, I finally felt well enough to go over my checklist. The transfusion kicked my butt. But Gram nursed me back to health with endless bowls of homemade chicken soup and so many chocolate chip cookies I’d probably gain ten pounds if I weren’t in Heaven. I glanced over the list. Despite some bad luck and a formidable foe, I’d done pretty well.

  Stop Palmer from invading Earth—check.

  Restore Heaven to its former glory—check.

  Make sure my Galaxy Teammates have returned to their old lives—check.

  Visit my grandparents to say good-bye—almost check

  Tell Ryan I’m going with my father—not yet.

  Somehow I’d managed to leave the hardest for last. Although Mrs. Schwartz made it possible for me to express my emotions, that didn't mean it was easy for me. I dreaded telling Ryan we would have to be apart a bit longer. He’d understand, right?

  Gram knocked on the door. “Can I come in for a minute?”

  I patted the space next to me on the bed. “Sure. What’s up?”

  “I wanted to tell you I’m going to miss you to pieces, Pumpkin.” She hugged me tight. “And for you to promise to give your mother a second chance.”

  I hugged her back so tightly she gasped for air. “Oops, sorry, Gram.” I let her go. “I don't know what I’m going to do without my cheerleader.”

  She stroked my cheek. “You’ll have Ryan—your mother, too. You’ll be back home soon.”

  I nodded knowing my mother was a total long shot. “I promise to give her another chance when I’m back on Earth for good. Just like I’ve been given in Heaven.”

  Gram tucked me under the chin like a kid. Her mechanical hand now a natural part of her. “That’s my Pumpkin.” The doorbell rang interrupting our good-bye. “I’d better get that.”

  Gram popped down the stairs. I’d better head to the bathroom to clean up for the visitor. Standing over the sink, I couldn't help but wonder who might be at the door. I’d seen Celery and Austin off, and thanked Traze for all her help. After running a brush through my hair, I raced to the closet and quickly threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater. Since the procedure, my body temperature had gone completely out of whack. I trotted down the stairs and came face to face with my former teacher. How could I miss her dressed in a bright emerald green velour tract suit with silver stripes down the sleeves? “Hey, Mrs. Schwartz, nice of you to stop by.”

  She reached out her hand. “I just wanted to say good-bye and wish you luck. I heard you are leaving with your Father tomorrow to find the Katran a new home.”

  Gossip traveled fast in Senior Heaven. “Yes, I am.” I motioned to the sofa in the living room. “Take a seat.”

  Mrs. Schwartz didn't move. “I have someone waiting for me in the hover car. I just wanted to catch you before you left. Despite being the most difficult student I’ve ever had, I wanted you to know I’m proud of you.”

  Just like her to give me a backhanded compliment. ”Thanks, that means a lot coming from you. Can I guess who’s outside waiting in the car?”

  She nervously adjusted her Helmet. “I must be going.”

  “It’s Mr. X, isn’t it?”

  Her face turned the color of a pomegranate. “I thought I taught you to have better manners.”

  I cracked a smile. “I think you make an awesome couple.”

  She opened the front door. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m going to miss you.”

  With that pronouncement, she trotted out the door like a teenager into the long arms of Mr. X. I watched them wave good-bye as they drove away. The two people I feared the most when I first arrived in Junior Heaven had saved my life many times over. I owed them more than I could ever repay.

  ***

  I breathed in deep the fragrance of roses mixed with freshly mowed grass. Ryan’s mother Sara had a beautiful garden that rivaled my grandparents’ when they were alive. It seemed fitting that my last trip to Earth for a while would be to visit a family so full of love. I planned to soak in their joy like a sponge.

  Ryan greeted me at the door.
“So glad you could finally make it. Heaven is back to normal and so is Earth because you’re here.”

  I wanted to jump up and kiss him but Noah darted out the door to greet me. “Hi, Taylor, guess what? We’re having spaghetti for dinner, my favorite.”

  “That’s awesome, Noah. Thanks for the heads up.”

  A huge grin spread across his face. “My mom made breadsticks from scratch, too!”

  Ryan ruffled his hair. “That’s right, buddy. Better save some for us.”

  Noah giggled and ran into the house. Ryan took my hand. “I’m so glad you’re back. We’ve been apart too long.”

  I leaned into his broad shoulders enjoying the moment. “Yes, we have.”

  Ryan’s mother greeted me in the living room with her hands covered in flour from making breadsticks. “So glad you could come to dinner, it’s been awhile.”

  I’d better lie. “Sorry, I’ve been studying for my SATs.”

  Noah darted next to his mother. “I know the real reason, she’s been abducted by aliens. They just dropped her off.”

  What the H? Did Noah’s sixth sense with Ryan extend to me? How could he know about the invasion?

  Ryan’s father laughed from his favorite chair. “Don't mind him, Taylor. Ever since that big sighting in Georgia, that’s all he can talk about.”

  So Palmer’s invasion made the news. With the lightshow we put on, of course it did. “I haven't been watching TV, so I don't know much about it.”

  Noah raced for the stack of magazines on the coffee table. He held up a copy of Stargazer. “Look at this picture on the front page. It’s a spacecraft!! And look at the green men next to it. Real, live aliens!”

  I walked over to the couch and sat down next to the stack of magazines. “Looks like I have some catching up to do.”

  Ryan’s dad laughed. “All a bunch of lies. The tabloids have all these pictures of aliens and spaceships, but the real news said it was just a satellite that crashed landed.” He winked at Noah. “There’s no such thing as aliens.”

  Noah laid the copy of Stargazer in my lap. “Look at page eight. You tell me that’s not a real, live alien.”

  I stuffed back a laugh. If only he knew I was part alien. I wish I could tell him humans weren’t alone in the universe. There were far more species out in space than the people of Earth could ever imagine. But my gut told me to keep my mouth shut. Humans weren’t ready to handle such life-altering news—not yet.

  I flipped through the pages filled with a mixture of celebrity gossip and endless alien sightings from witnesses. Just like the front page, on page eight there was a photo of a little green bug-eyed alien from some old sci-fi movie. “I think that is an awesome costume. But there is just a little person inside, Noah.”

  Ryan nodded. “She’s right, buddy. Aliens aren't real.”

  Sarah called us to the table. “Enough UFO talk. Dinner is ready.” The family dug into their spaghetti, and I wondered how many people really believed the government cover story that the mothership was just a failed satellite. But I knew it didn't matter. With time, people would get sucked into some celebrity or political controversy and the sightings in Georgia would be forgotten. I dug into my meal, enjoying the homemade spaghetti sauce made from tomatoes in Sarah’s garden. “This dinner is delicious.” I held up a breadstick. “These are so good.”

  She beamed. “Thank you. They’re easy to make if you want to learn.”

  “Thanks, I might just take you up on that one day.”

  Noah put down his spoon having slurped up his entire plate of spaghetti in minutes. “Why doesn't Taylor just move in with us?”

  I would like nothing more than to settle into a normal life spending time hanging out with Noah, Ryan, and his parents. But I had another family I had to find a home for—my Katran family. “Aw, that’s sweet, Noah. But I think your parents have enough people living in their house.”

  Ryan’s dad smiled. “She’s right, we’re a bit full up. Of course you’re welcome here any time, Taylor.”

  I felt the love pouring out of them. If only I could move in when I returned.

  Ryan stood up. “Mom, you mind if we head out to the porch and have dessert there?”

  She gave him a wink. “Sure. Noah will help me clear the table.”

  Noah kicked at the table leg. “Thanks, bro.”

  His mother laughed. “Don’t listen to him. You guys head off. I’ll bring the pineapple upside down cake in a bit.”

  I licked my lips. “Yum. One of my favorites.”

  Ryan led me through the kitchen and onto the back porch. “Thanks for taking all of Noah’s alien talk in stride. I should have warned you he’s obsessed with them right now.”

  “It’s okay.” I gave him a smile as I sat down on the wicker couch. “I’m enjoying the irony.”

  He sat down next to me. “So am I. Wouldn’t Noah flip if he knew what you were?”

  “He’s convinced aliens are little green men. What do other people think?”

  “Right after it happened there was a ton of coverage. CMT sent a crew to Jasper and interviewed practically everyone in town, including a few UFO guys.”

  I shot up straight. “No way! What did they say?”

  Ryan squeezed my hand. “Don't worry, they were just gofers for Scott. They didn't know anything. Brice made sure everyone backed up the government story.”

  I leaned against the cushion. “That must have been hard for them after fighting so long to prove aliens existed.”

  Clark and Neo took a bit of convincing, but in time, everyone realized people weren’t ready to know aliens are real.”

  “Great. Did anyone get footage of the mothership?”

  “Yes, but Brice easily tracked the two farmers down. The advantage of having the landing spot in the middle of nowhere.”

  “What did he do to destroy the evidence?”

  “He acted drunk and ‘accidently’ smashed their phones. Now people in town think he’s a klutz.”

  I laughed. “That’s awesome. I should thank him.”

  “That’s a great idea. Let’s fly to Georgia together.”

  I’d dreaded this moment since I showed up at his front door. “I can’t. Not yet.”

  “I thought you were back for good this time.” He ran his fingers through my hair. ”Please stay.”

  I took his hand in mine. “I want to more than anything. But I have some unfinished business.”

  “With your father, right? He wants you to help him find a new planet for his people.”

  I sunk into his chest. “I really want to stay with you.”

  Ryan cupped my face in his hands. “I just want you to be safe with me on Earth. But it’s not fair to make you choose. I’m being selfish.”

  I couldn’t let him know I’d already made up my mind. I just hoped he’d wait for me a bit longer. “It’s okay. I know you don’t want to leave your brother alone.” My heart ached to leave Ryan again, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I gave him a weak smile. “I’ll be back.”

  Ryan looked up at the clear night sky filled with millions of stars, like a planetarium. “Which planet do you think your people will live on?”

  I stared up into the vast kaleidoscope of stars. “Hell if I know. It’s up there somewhere. We just have to find it.”

  Ryan kissed me so hard I felt like I would melt. Then he gently stroked my face. “You know what? Noah will be fine.” He pointed toward the stars. “Let’s find the Katrans a new home, together.”

  **If you enjoyed Heavenly Returns, please let readers know by leaving a review. This helps others find new authors they might enjoy. Thank you so much. I appreciate the support!**

  Bonus Preview of Jin In Time Part One

  Another YA Fantasy By Karin De Havin

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  Chapter One

  Time Machine

  No one told me when Grandma died my life would be over, too.
I take in Dad’s vintage ranch, AKA my new home. Burnt orange walls greet me in the entryway. A huge stone fireplace dominates the wood-paneled living room.

  He hands me my roller bag. “Esme, it’s good to have you home again.”

  He’s lying. I point to his blacklight poster collection. “The place is like a time machine.”

  “I thought you’d like it.” He beams. “Brings back memories.”

  Like the day Dad left me with Grandma. “It sure does.”

  I put my head down so he can’t see the anger in my eyes. “You mind if I rest a bit?”

  “Of course. We’ll catch up later.”

  Sure. We have eight years to cover. I nod and head down the hall.

  Dad calls after me. “I’ll wake you up when dinner is ready.”

  Remembering Dad’s cooking skills, I hope he orders a pizza. I open the door to my bedroom. All I want to do is crash, but the package in my bag calls to me—it’s the only thing of Grandma’s I have left.

  I pull the box out of my roller bag and remove the bubble wrap covering an antique vase. It must be very old with so many tiny cracks running through the glaze. On the bottom are two black handwritten characters. Running my hand along the blue dragon circling the neck, a spark of energy makes my fingers tingle. What the…?

  Rays of light radiate through the porcelain. That’s weird. Is there some kind of battery-powered light inside? Something catches my eye. There’s a note inside! I coax the paper out.

  Someone has left a message.

  Dearest Esme,

  I trust you will take good care of my vase. It’s over a hundred years old and is my most cherished antique. I bought the vase with the first money I made as a teacher, so it holds a special place in my heart. Just like you. I know you’ve been through so much. First your mother abandons you, and now I must leave you too. Living with your father after all these years will be difficult. But trust me; things will change for the better soon.