Page 39 of An Unexpected Ascension
It wasn’t much longer before we were reading bedtime stories and tucking kids in, drawing the shades until the everlasting sun was well hidden.
I wait for Jessie in the foyer, my arms full of baby clothes.
“Okay, I’m ready,” she calls to me from the last step.
“I promised Sister Mary I would exchange these clothes with Sally. I hope we haven’t missed her.”
“Nah, I don’t think the market ever really closes. I swear those people live there.”
“Gives them purpose.”
Jessie holds open the heavy-set doors of the church, allowing me to walk through and down the cement steps.
Sometimes, I wish I could stay while the kids slept, tucking myself into one of those little cots with the drawn shades. A room so dark it could lull me to sleep. When I was alive, I often prayed there could be more hours in the day and now... I would do anything to see closure in the form of night. I never thought I would miss something that came so naturally.
Jessie and I stroll through the center market, angels still scurrying from one stand to the next.
“I can’t wait to be able to afford something here. I miss shopping.” Jessie’s eyes linger on a handmade tote bag.
“Soon. Sister Mary pays really well. I’m only a few more days away from paying off my penance. Then I’ll start earning. I thought it would take years before I could afford anything.”
My eyes trail to my left where my friend’s attention was stolen. A mannequin dressed in a modest white dress with a lace skirt sits on display. I can feel the yearning from her.
“It’s so beautiful,” she murmurs.
“It really?—”
My agreement is cut short by a blow to my shoulder, the clothes in my arms tumbling to the ground.
“Hey!” I shout, crouching down to gather what’s dropped.
Black scuffed boots stare back at me, and I lift my head only to find a set of familiar navy eyes.
“Angel.”
I snarl, my muscles stiffening.
“Briar? Who’s?—”
“The name is Hermes. Pleasure to meet you.” His lips lift in a charming smile.
A face of seduction.
Jessie offers her hand in greeting, but I gently force her to withdraw.
“He’s a demon. Don’t bother with him.”
“How is he in Heaven then?”
“You must not have heard.” He smirks, eyeing me.
“If you don’t finish your penance in the time you’re allotted, then he drags you to Hell,” I explain.
Jessie’s gaze widens in fear, swallowing an onslaught of nerves.
“But don’t worry, we’re both in the clear. Aren’t we, Hermes?”
He steps into me, his body looming over mine like his very shadow could engulf me.
