Page 35 of Chloe

“But Chloe—” I interject.

“No,” she shakes her head again. “It’s better if I go back to Boston.” Chloe’s eyes are brimming with emotion and I don’t know what to do, but she solves that issue for me with her next command. “It’s time for you to go. I’ve still got some packing to do.”

And just like that. I’m dismissed and destined to be a useless heavenly weather forecaster forever.

* * *

As Chloe shuts the door, I stand on the porch, my mind racing. This is a total disaster. Chloe’s not willing to try, and Oliver’s still hurt and angry. How am I supposed to fix this?

I close my eyes, reaching out with my angelic senses. I can feel the swirl of emotions in the town – the excitement of children looking forward to Christmas, the stress of adults trying to get everything done, the warmth of love and friendship that seems to permeate every corner of Benton Falls. And underneath it all, I sense two distinct threads of pain and longing—Chloe and Oliver, both hurting, both wanting to reach out but held back by fear and pride.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” I mutter to myself. “Why do humans have to be so complicated?”

As if in answer to my question, I feel a familiar presence in the vicinity. I open my eyes to see Henry sitting on the porch bench, his silver hair slightly mussed and his blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Having some trouble, Rebecca?” he asks, his voice gentle.

I sigh, slumping back against the couch. “Henry, this is a disaster. Chloe and Oliver had a fight, Chloe’s leaving town, and now I have no idea how to fix things. I thought I was doing so well, and now... now I feel like I’m right back where I started.”

Henry nods sagely, stroking his beard. “Ah, but are you really? Think about it, Rebecca. How would you have reacted to this situation when you first started your assignment?”

I pause, considering. “I... I probably would have been angry. Frustrated that Chloe was messing up my chances of earning my wings. I might have even given up.”

“And now?” Henry prompts.

“Now,” I say slowly, realization dawning, “now I just want to help. I want Chloe to be happy, to find love, to understand the true meaning of Christmas. I don’t care about my wings—well, okay, I care a little—but it’s not the most important thing anymore.”

Henry’s smile is warm and proud. “Exactly. You’ve grown, Rebecca. You’ve learned to put others before yourself, to see beyond the surface to the heart of what really matters. That’s what being a guardian angel is all about.”

I feel a warmth spreading through me at his words. He’s right. I have changed. The Rebecca who first arrived in Benton Falls wouldn’t recognize the angel I’ve become.

“So what do I do now?” I ask, feeling a renewed sense of determination.

Henry’s eyes twinkle mischievously. “Well, you could always call in a favor from our friends in the Cupid department.”

I stare at him, my jaw dropping. “Wait, that’s a real thing? We can do that?”

Henry chuckles. “Of course it’s real. Where do you think all those romantic holiday movies get their inspiration from? But I don’t think you need reinforcements just yet. And you’ve still got your Miracle Card, right?”

I nod, my mind already racing with possibilities. Which miracle do I ask for? “Chloe and Oliver love each other. They’re just... stuck. Afraid. Just need a little push.”

“Perhaps,” Henry says, standing up. “But remember, the choice is ultimately theirs. We can guide, we can inspire, but we can’t force. That’s the beauty and the challenge of free will.”

Ugh. “Free will,” I mutter. “It’s great until it applies to my assignment.”

Henry chuckles. “You’re not the first angel in training with those sentiments.” He waves and then disappears, leaving me alone with a seemingly impossible challenge. But I smile. After all, I’ve got a Miracle Card in my back pocket.

Sixteen

CHLOE

The gentle hum of my laptop fills the quiet living room as I finish booking my flight back to Boston. The cursor hovers over the ‘Confirm’ button, and I feel a twinge of... something. Regret? Relief? I’m not sure anymore. With a decisive click, it’s done. In just a few hours, I’ll be leaving Benton Falls behind.

I close my laptop and look around the room. The cheerful Christmas decorations that had seemed so magical just days ago now feel like they’re mocking me. The twinkling lights of the tree reflect in the window, blurring with the falling snow outside. It’s beautiful, I have to admit, but it no longer fills me with the warmth it once did.

A knock at the door startles me from my thoughts. I consider ignoring it, but the knocking persists, growing more insistent. With a sigh, I heave myself off the couch and make my way to the door.

“Rebecca,” I say flatly as I open it, not at all surprised to see my overly cheerful neighbor standing there, a bright smile on her face despite the cold. Apparently, she doesn’t know how to use a cell phone.

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