that a Norton? I haven’t seen one of those in a long time. How in the world did you find it or did you restore it? Must have taken you years, the parts look in mint condition, are they original?” I didn’t say a word. He didn’t know the truth about my bike, how could he? Actually with a little care and attention it looks the same as the day I bought it, New. I just answered back politely, “It’s one I’ve had for a while.”
I gave Hope one of the helmets from the back of the bike. She put it on her head fumbling with the strap. I had to laugh, “Here let me help.” I hooked the strap under her chin making sure it was snug. Then I knocked on the top of the helmet. “You okay in there?” She just rolled her eyes at me. Being around Hope like this felt… easy and natural.
I got on the Norton and with only two kicks brought it to life. Then I motioned for Hope to get on. As she sat behind me, I took her hands wrapping them around my waist and told her to “Hang on”. It was easy to ride with Hope on the back of my bike. She naturally leaned with me as we took the curves. She seemed to enjoy the feel of the fresh air on her face; the salty smell of the seawater, even the cry of the gulls as much as I did. I loved the ride to the cove but most of all it was the feeling of Hope’s arms around my waist, holding me tight, and the feel of her head between my shoulder blades. Hope was bringing out all kinds of feelings in me. Some I had never known. They overjoyed me and terrified me at the same time.
When we arrived the wind in the cove was calm. The bluffs seemed to whirl it around like a soft breath. I parked the bike near the rocks of the bluff well away from the water’s edge. Then I unpacked the saddlebags, removing my quilt, an old blanket, and my charts laying them on the sand near the bluffs rocky foot. I sat down on the old blanket, leaned my back against a rock and watched Hope.
Her socks and shoes were on dry sand up the beach. She was barefoot with her pant legs rolled-up and was standing in the gentle ripples as the sea met the shore. She began running up and down the waters edge, laughing every time the small waves washed over her feet. Hope was having so much fun laughing I had to laugh too. Hope gave me a strange little smile. I couldn’t tell if it was one of a memory, or a personal little joke. She quickly started running up the beach, grabbing her socks and shoes on the way. As she stopped in front of me she didn’t say a word, just smiled.
“Aren’t your feet cold?” I knew the water may be tolerable in August but it was especially cold this time of the year, early summer.
“Yes, but worth it.” A little giggle escaped her lips, “I’ve missed the sand people.”
“Sand people?”
“You’ll just think I’m… nuts.” Her smile softened as her eyes starred into mine, as if she saw something no one else could see.
“The sand people, something my dad taught me when I was little. They are hiding all through the beach and they need the water. It gives them love, and they need that love to be truly happy. They love the water with all of their being. When you walk on the dry sand it squeaks, that’s because they’re crying. They miss the water so much. When the water is near they chase after it. That’s why the sand is always moving in the waves. When you stand at the waters edge, you can feel them running after her, Mother Earth, working to get out from under you. And I just love the way they tickle my feet.”
I didn’t know what to say about her story. I was amazed and drawn to her innocent view on a wondrous world.
“Here,” I held out my quilt to her. Hope took it and wrapped it around herself as she sat between my knees and leaned her back against my chest. As she lay against me, it made me wonder what she was thinking… and what was I feeling?
“O.K. I told you a story, now can you tell me one?” her voice, a whisper, softly pleading.
There it was, Willy’s voice in my head. “Tell her who you are, answer her questions. Help her, teach her, and be her guide. Daniel… Learn… from her. There is much she can teach you. Remember she is one of Gabriella’s children. I have faith in you.” I wish I had faith in myself.
Hope broke through my thoughts. “You said, you were an angel… what kind? I don’t think I have ever met an angel before. Why are you in my dreams?” Hope’s voice was still, just a soft whisper, questioning. Yes, I owed her the truth. I was part of her nightmares. Willy was right. I should know by now, Willy was always right. He was one of the blessed ones.
Hope took a deep breath, impatient, or just waiting. I was just glad she had her back against my chest, watching the sunset. I was relieved that we weren’t facing each other. I wouldn’t be able to handle the disappointment in her eyes when she finally knew the truth about me.
“My name is Daniel, my creator, or Father, as we call him, gave it to me long ago. When I came to live on earth, I choose the name Starr. It was the emblem on my breastplate that I once wore. I wear the same on a pendant, the one you saw around my neck. It’s called the Genesis star. It has no beginning, nor end. The six points represent the domain I was to protect: North, South, East, West, the heavens above, and the earth below. The sword was the power used to protect the weak from evil. I was one of Michael’s first lieutenants. Together with others like me, we were called the Powers, heavens army.”
Hope’s voice was soft asking, “Why are you here and how long have you been here?” It was only a simple question for her. It filled me with sorrow and remorse for what I had done. I couldn’t see how I could protect her and watch over her. I was sure Hope would be appalled at what I had done even if it was so long ago. But I had to keep going, telling her the truth, always the truth.
The sunset had quickly given way to darkness in our isolated spot on the beach. The stars were already sparkling as if they were jewels floating in the sky above. Perhaps they weren’t all stars, but angels who knew my disgrace. I closed my eyes in shame as I continued.
“Hope, I don’t know how to explain this to you. I just pray you can understand. My duty was to protect the children of Adam. I had fought many battles against the evils, which threatened heaven and earth. An archangel, named Michael, was our commander and I always stood by his side.”
“I spent two and a half millennia watching over the children of Adam. Watching them destroy the gifts that were given to them. I watched as they destroyed each other in someone else's name. I watched as men seized lands, they did not need or use. They only wanted more power. Lifetime after lifetime I watched, until I could watch no more. I began to feel like men were parasites upon the earth destroying its beauty and forsaking its wonders.”
“Until one day! A day I will always… regret. We were just so filled with anger. Myself and two other lieutenants with our legions decided the only way to protect the earth and Father’s wonders were to rid it of mankind. But we would not be fighting with… our commander, Michael.”
I felt Hope shiver against me. Was she cold, or just frightened? “Are you alright?”
“Just a little chilly.” She tucked her feet a little farther under the quilt. I pulled her closer to me wrapping my arms around her, hoping it would warm her. Hope always seemed to warm me, with her presence. I’d say she warmed my soul, if I had one. Then I started again.
“Of all the wondrous things Father had created, both in heaven and on earth, He treasured and loved the children of Adam above all. You were the jewels in his crown. In that last battle we didn’t fight to protect, but to destroy… to destroy the children of Adam.”
I felt Hope shiver in my arms, she understood. Was this the lesson that I would learn from her?
“I didn’t understand what He saw in mankind. All I could see was the hate, greed, and the senseless violence men did to each other, and I was angry. I was an angel, one of the Powers. I was the one who fought for heaven… and you… were His beloved?”
“We gathered our legions and headed towards earth. Our commander Michael met us. He had the rest of the legions with him, the Warriors of Heaven. We stood face to face in our battle gear with our Angel Blades of fire. The battle itself sounded of thunder. The sparks filled the universe, one angels blade