Free Diary of an Angel by Michael M. Farnsworth Page A

finished she finally looked at him. But she no longer held his gaze.
    “Jack,” she said with increased confidence, “I owe you an apology. You must feel like I always blamed you for Lily’s...for what happened.” Jack pressed his lips together firmly. “I was wrong, Jack. I just wanted someone to blame. So, I clung to the thought that it was your fault. It seemed to make me feel better to believe I could have saved her. I’m sorry.”
    Jack maintained his unseeing gaze. Angela moved closer to him and put her head on his shoulder. “I love you,” she said. Slowly, he put his arm around her. “I love you, too.”

VIII
    Difficult Questions
     
    I raced to Angel Command that morning, impatient to discuss the previous day’s events with the others. I could hardly have felt happier about Jack and Angela’s reconciliation.
    The conservatory was filled with laughter when I entered. Glendor appeared to be sharing a humorous story from his “mortal days”—something greatly relished. He loved to make others laugh. And everyone (except for Anawin) was laughing contentedly.
    Anawin patted my hand as I sat down next to her, and Glendor decided to cut short his story. All eyes turned towards me.
    “Good morning, Forenica, ” Glendor greeted, “I see you’ve brushed your teeth this morning.”
    I realized that I was smiling giddily, like a little child who can’t wait to open her Christmas presents. Undoubtedly, I must have looked rather silly grinning like a Cheshire cat.
    “We’re all glad that you are so happy this morning, dear,” Anawin said with a hint of reprimand directed at Glendor. “We would love to hear about what happened yesterday.”
    “ Glaven can tell you. He was there, too,” I suggested, trying not to steal the show, though I desperately wanted to tell the story.
    “Oh, no!” responded Glaven, “This was Angela’s victory, by far. You need to tell it.”
    I didn’t protest further. Excitedly, I told them all that had passed since the previous day. I told them about my discovery of Lily—who they all knew about, of course. Of my trip to the Nursery and decision to take Lily to visit Angela. Of the brief but sweet reunion of mother and daughter, and the impact it had on Angela. How Angela’s thoughts and emotions swirled around Lily all day. Finally, I recounted the scene on the park bench, where Angela finally made amends with Jack.
    Anawin had brought Angela’s book, of course. She showed us a few of the moments I had just described. I watched with delight every scene. Above all, though, my favorite part was watching Jack and Angela walk arm-in-arm away from the park bench. By the end, little tears glided down my face. Anawin patted my arm. “Very good, Forenica. That was a giant step for Angela. We’re all pleased at her progress.”
    “Yes, brilliantly done!” added Glendor. “I think this calls for a celebration. Let’s bring out the champagne.” The others laughed, but Anawin just shook her head. “Seriously, dear, this is a happy occasion. Thank you for your diligence.”
    “Now,” he continued, “What are you planning to do about her relationship with Father? She evidently has some doubts about His goodness and mercy. She needs to understand that He does love her—more than she can comprehend.”
    “I’m not sure exactly what to do about that,” I admitted. “I wish that we could talk to her—like we’re talking right now. It’s so hard to get her to understand the simplest message.”
    “That is one of the challenges of our work. It is so for good reason, though. We cannot change it. But,” he said, as a scheming smile stole across his face, “there are ways of getting around that obstacle.”
    He paused for effect, and I looked at him skeptically, sure this was one of his jokes.
    “We have special operatives,” he continued, speaking as if he were revealing some highly classified information. “Grounds forces, you might call them, with special powers for