Saving Eddie

 

Rosie-

I'm at my own funeral. 

Strange though, I have no memory of how I died. I'm looking at all who showed up besides family, that's a given I guess if you're curious enough. There's my boyfriend Trace, and my two besties in the world Liz and Emily, and ugh Stephanie Zigler, my most hated enemy. She's been after Trace for awhile. Why is she here now? Probably wants to make sure I'm dead, so she can have Trace to herself. maybe even stomp my casket down a few more feet for extra measure, so I can't climb out.

My poor mom, dad and baby brother. How I wished I could hug them to me. With the eulogy being over, and my pink casket getting lowered into the ground, I feel I have to turn away, so I decide to go for a walk.

Across the grounds I spot a tree with a swing dangling from it, gently swaying in the afternoon October breeze. I walk over and see that the swing was added as a type of memorial for a little girl about 9 years old who was buried there. I read her stone marker and learn she had died of Leukemia. I feel sad for her, but wonder if it would be disrespectful if I sat on the swing. I then decide against it.

Leaning down, I pick a baby dandelion from a patch of them not too far away, and place it on the little girl's plot. I hear some commotion from where my funeral is, and look up in time to see that my mom, overcome with grief while walking back to the limo, has fainted and everyone's doing what they can to help her.

I stand up again, and watch sadly from where I am. I can't watch this anymore. I turn and flee into the woods. I've wandered too deep in, I don't know where I am now. There's fog everywhere now as I walk up to a wrought iron gate. Beyond it, it looks like an old cemetery long forgotten.

I walk in and see a bunch of statues everywhere. There's one statue of an angel with a bench next to it. This time I go and sit. I end up curling up on the bench and falling asleep on it.

I don't know how long I've been there, when I see a brilliant light come from the sky and its blinding me, even with my eyes closed. I sit up and try to block the light from my eyes, when I see a figure approach me from the light. It's calling my name.

"Come, my child. It's time".

I do as I'm told, and walk into the light.

For Your Eyes Only

So I was told by St. Peter that if I wanted to earn my wings, I had to help someone that didn't stand a chance at redemption, my words not his. St. Peter was very careful about the way he said things.

"Of course, it is not necessary for you to do this, there are angels residing here that are perfectly happy without wings and Our Heavenly Father finds other jobs for them and they are most happy to oblige".

"Ha, I bet they are. They don't wanna dirty their pretty gowns" I thought to myself.

St. Peter suddenly stopped in front of me and I bumped into him, he turned to look at me frowning. "You will keep a filter on your thoughts, if you want to live here".

Bug eyed, I shrunk backwards "Yes, sir" I answered.

"Do not be so quick to judge, lest God find fault with you" he declared " and do not attempt to be so bold, to tempt God for you will be swiftly dealt with, do I make myself perfectly clear?" he demanded.

"Crystal, sir" I answered before I covered my mouth with my hand.

"Then lets proceed".

After my tour of Heaven was over, I was left with some free time, before God, himself was ready to meet with me. I wandered into a pavilion and sat down at one of the benches. I started thinking about my life, wondering what was I gonna do from now on? I wanted to see my family so bad, I missed them.

Then my mind wandered off to Trace. I saw him. He was with Stephanie. I began to get mad and wonder if there was some way I could get there, and pull all that fake hair outa her head. They were having lunch some where outside of a little bistro. She was talking her head off, while he did his best to look interested.

I found myself standing right beside Trace, staring her down. I was in some need of fun. I could see that he hadn't been sleeping right cause he had dark circles under his eyes. So maybe he needed to leave, go home and take a nap?

"Let's cut this visit short", I thought to myself. I went over and knocked Stephanie's drink into her lap. I laughed for 2 reasons: one of them was because I didn't think I could do tricks like that without being seen and 2, I really hated her. I got so much joy from seeing the surprised look on her face when the cold, sticky drink spilled all over her clothes.

 It surprised Trace as well, having that lil accident happen right in front of him. He jumped from his seat and bid her a hasty goodbye and left her there. Oh the look on her face was priceless.

"What have you done ??" I heard a voice thunder behind me. I felt a tug and I was yanked back into Heaven. St Peter was livid with me "answer me right now, young lady". I didn't want to talk. There was zero tolerance for crap, I finally got that thru my head.

"Perhaps you misunderstand the reason for your visit here ", he said sternly.

"Visit?" I thought I was gonna like chill here, like this was my forever home?.

Frowning, St. Peter looked long and hard over at me." Another human misconception. Follow me".

When I did, I was led thru a very brightly lit hallway till I came to what looked like a huge theatre. St Peter directed me to be seated until I was called. 

"Best you stay put here, so you don't stir up anymore mischief" he told me and pushed my shoulder down, forcing me to sit.

I sat next to a young girl who after a few side glances I recognized as Erica,  who was the owner of that swing, I saw at my funeral. How did I know that it was her? I didn't, I just had a strong hunch.

"I am Erica", she said looking me over then turning her attention back to the wide blank screen. Confused I looked around. The theatre was packed! But unlike the regular movie theaters, everybody here was quiet and staring at the blank screen.

"What's with the screen? They fixin to show Titanic or something?", I asked.

Erica giggled "For a grown person you sure act dumb!". My mouth fell open, when she saw my reaction she laughed even more.

"You think your offended? Did you think maybe everyone here finds your ways offensive? Word got around quick, what you did to that Stephanie girl. A lot of people here are wondering how is it your even still here".

This kid was looking for a fat lip.

"Control your thoughts in here, they're pretty loud" she told me.

"Well can you at least tell me what's up with the screen? Please?"

She stole a glance my way her eyes full of pity. " Lets go outside for a minute, they won't be calling us for a while. We stay in here, we're disturbing everyone". Sliding her little hand into mine, we walked outside and sat on a bench.

"I don't get it, Erica? What's going on, I mean what's gonna happen next? I'm just here...bored".

"Rosie, everyone sitting in that theatre are watching their lives, you don't see it cause it wasn't your journey. Pay attention to the screen and what your seeing. Do you think you deserve to stay here? Oh and another thing...control your human thoughts. I can't tell you that enough since your new here. Everything, even here, is being monitored and recorded. Focus on what's good and holy".

"Holy? I never went to church!!" I exclaimed. She gave me a wry grin.

"Explains a lot. Well you must have some basic knowledge of what good is, or else you never would've made it here". Erica stood up "I gotta go, its almost my turn".

She looked me over waiting "do you wanna go in, or stay out here and mope?."

I asked her "How come you're so smart beyond your years?''.

Shaking her head slowly, she told me as we began to walk back in, "Here, we are enlightened individuals, there's no excuse for you why you don't know something. Come on, and be quiet from now on".

I followed her back in to our original seats. I did as she told me, and concentrated on the screen before me. I began to see my life being played out before my eyes.

I leaned over towards her and asked "Does this theatre ever empty? Erica?". I turned to look her way, but she was gone. "Erica?" I called again looking around panicky now.

St. Peter sat himself down in her seat "It was her turn to see Our Father".

Worried for her now, I asked him "Will she be okay?". I looked to him for reassurance.

He smiled "Oh yes, she's in Heaven, child. She couldn't be more safer anywhere else. She's home." He glanced my way and turned back "there may be hope for you yet, Rosie. I might even be moved to put in a good word for you".

He then got up and left. I didn't know what else to do, but watch the screen like everyone else and wait till it was my turn.

Don't Look Back-

My show was over pretty quick, so it seemed. I left the theatre and walked around aimlessly wondering what was gonna happen next.

I saw how much of a spoiled brat I'd been and disrespectful to my parents. Wow, when you look at yourself from another point of view it really shocks the senses.

I stayed thinking about Trace and it made me sad, because it hit me like a ton of bricks, I wasn't ever gonna see him again, and he was gonna go on and get another girlfriend. I wish I could talk to him just for a day. I wished for so much, but I knew the reality of it all... it just wasn't gonna happen.

I sat there by myself crying. It just wasn't fair, I wasn't ready to go. I never felt more alone than I did at this very moment. Why me? I wondered if there was anyone else here, that had felt as I did at one point in their new life here. How did they get over it, cause everyone here looked so happy?

Someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to look up into the face of a guy angel.

"The Big Guy's calling you''.

He turned and walked off. I got up and walked back towards the theatre. Wiping my almost dried tears with the back of my hand. I opened the double doors and walked in. It wasn't the theatre we were in, it was a bright area with seemingly no walls.

God, he was everything my dad had described to me when I was kid. My dad had read bible stories to me at bedtime when I was a kid. God had a brilliant light around him which I could not look straight at. I could see the hem of His gown and His feet, but nothing more beyond the light. And at His feet, was where I sat.

"What's making you so sad, my child. It pains me that you're here with me in Paradise and you're not happy. What can I do to put a smile on your face, Rosie?"

I swallowed back those stubborn tears I had inside, wanting to come out.

" I want my life back, I want to be back at home with my family. I miss them so much. I miss Trace and all my friends, I just wanna be back there with them. Why did I have to die?" I plaintively moaned.

I felt His hand on my shoulder. "Rosie, it was time for you. If I hadn't taken away your pain, you would've eventually tried to hurt yourself later and you wouldn't be here with me now, my child".

"But what did I die from? I don't even remember! Did everyone else see the way they died? God? How long is it gonna hurt? I wanna be happy again. How do I move on from this?" I dropped my head, those tears found their escape route, as they zigzagged down my cheeks. He dried them for me.

"Rosie, everything takes time, and you will be allowed to look in on them from time to time. I promise you, you won't hurt for very long, but you have to let it hurt, then let it go. Give your heart a chance to heal. If you don't Rosie, you will never be happy. And I'm afraid I wont be able to keep you here".

"You mean I'll be doomed to wander the planet as a ghost forever?" I exclaimed.

He chuckled "Rosie, you are a gem. Would you be willing to do something for me?" I nodded my head yes.

"There is a young man that needs your help?"

"What do I have to do?"

"You have exactly a month to change his mind, Rosie. If you succeed, I will grant you one wish, and you will earn your wings".

I turned to try to look up at him, "Change his mind? About what?"

"I'm afraid he may be considering hurting himself. I wouldn't hold it against you if you refused, but consider it a special favor I'm asking of you".

"You're for real sending me on a real suicide mission? I thought suicides weren't allowed in Heaven? I mean isn't that like killing someone else? No one has the right to take a life, even their own?!"

"Rosie when I created you, I'm sure I put a tender loving heart in your chest, somewhere. Can you find it and use it to help him? He is one of my children too!"

I nodded my head yes, I was curious about this waste case He wanted me to help.

God frowned at me " Do you consider yourself a waste case, Rosie?"

"What?? N, n, noo !! " I  stammered and shook my head.

"So why would you think that about someone else?"

"Cause he wants to off himself !"

"Now your being judgmental, Rosie?"

"I'm not!! I don't think I would've offed myself, no matter what happened to me", I fired back.

" You don't know that Rosie, you don't even remember how you died".

My mouth fell open, I mean what could I say to that, really? "Point taken, I really need to keep my trap shut " I thought to myself.

"We'll continue our talk later, ok?"

"Yes sir"

So I told him yes. The way I was feeling right now, I welcomed a distraction.

"Be careful Rosie, it wont be easy and you must resist temptation".

Change someone's mind? Shouldn't be too hard. I was gonna be able to "go out in the field" so to speak. Maybe I would have time to peek in on my family, and Trace while I was at it. I had to make time. Just as I was gonna exit back thru the double doors, God called me back for a moment.

"Rosie, one last thing...Don't look back".

Eddie (From His P.O.V)

I woke up to the crack of thunder that warned of an impending storm. With eyes still closed, I reached over to my night stand and felt around for my phone that wasn't even there. I had my alarm set on it to play The Rolling Stones "Start Me Up". Grinding the sleep out of my eyes with my fist, I sat up on my elbows and called out for my 5 year old little brother Daniel. I already knew he had my phone and was playing a game that I had downloaded for him last night.

"Danny !! You little booger, bring me back my phone!!". He comes to my bedroom  peeking his head around the door . The phone's alarm was playing the song. I beckoned him in closer and took the phone from him.

He stayed standing next to my bedside "Eddie, there's something wrong with your phone. Why won't it shut up already? It stopped me from playing Temple Run".

I rolled my eyes at him " I told you, you little nerd, I had my alarm set to wake me up to this song". I showed him how to swipe at the screen to dismiss the alarm. Something told me that at that very moment I showed him that trick, I knew I was gonna regret it.

"Can I still play my game ?" he asked me. I handed it back to him with the sole promise that if someone called he would bring the phone right back to me. "Sure Eddie", he agreed as he walked out of my room already playing the game again.

I got dressed for work and headed downstairs where my mom was already making breakfast, and was on her phone talking to someone from work letting them know that she was running late but she was on her way. She pointed towards the coffee pot to let me know it was ready if I wanted some. When she got off, I asked her "What's your excuse for being late?". I took a swig of my coffee.

"Danny heard my alarm go off this morning and shut it off. When I asked him about it, he said I was snoring so loud he thought I needed more sleep" she responded with a tolerant sigh. My poor mom, ever since my dad passed away, she's been working herself to the bone at a Denny's restaurant, struggling to keep our home afloat. I had a job that paid pretty decent so I could help her with bills, and with caring for my little brother when she couldn't find a sitter for him.

I kissed my mom on the forehead, chugged the last of my coffee and advised her not to work too hard, as I headed out the door. I walked back in, scouted out my little brother and reclaimed my phone, then walked out again.

A bolt of lightning flashed across the already dark skies reminding me the storm would soon be here. I put on my helmet and jacket and fired up my motorcycle. Now I was in a hurry to beat the rain to work. I worked with my best buddy Leo at a bike repair shop named after him, "Leo's Bikes". It was only 10 minutes away from home, so I made it there pretty quick before the sky let loose it's downpour.

He was on the shop phone with a customer when I came in, he pointed towards a notepad that sat a few feet away from his grasp on another counter. I took it to him and walked past him to the office to drop off my stuff and get to work.

"Not too much to do today Eddie, if you wanna take off. I'm closing up shop and going to Charlie's to watch the game", he told me after he got off the phone.

"What about Mr. Parker's mountain bike, did he already pick that up?'' I asked.

"Yeah, he did. He's gearing up for that marathon thing he gets into every year for M.S" he answered.

Here at the bike shop, we worked on almost any kind of bike: from kids bikes to atv's to motorcycles. Those were my specialties, the motorcycles. "Oh man, didn't you know its pouring outside?" I asked him as I went to the window and pulled back the flimsy curtain to show him the rain.

"It's all gravy man, I came in my car today" he laughed at me as he tossed the shop keys at me. "Lock up on your way out, I won't be around tomorrow so take off. I'll pick up the keys from you later" he said as he walked out the door.

After he left, I called up my girlfriend of 5 yrs, Toni. She would rescue me from here. We'd known each other since Jr. high but didn't become a thing till high school. We graduated together and she worked close by at a Dr's office as a nurse's assistant. I loved when she picked me up from work sometimes wearing her scrubs, she looked so cute. I didn't tell her that though, cause she would use it against me and she usually won, or I was just a sucker. So here I was calling her up, begging a ride home. "I can't hang out with you today Eddie, I'm working late, how about you leave me back at work and come for me about 9 tonight?". Oh yeah, and she let me drive her lil red colored corvette.

She got to leave work long enough to come get me, so I dropped her back off and went straight home. My mom was already gone for the day. She had to drop off my brother at her best friend Lydia's house for the day. Lydia had a son named J.T. that was the same age as my brother, and they got along great. So I had the house all to myself.

I went straight for the kitchen fridge when I got home. I was very hungry since I'd passed on breakfast earlier. I wanted something sweet and junky. I guess it was gonna be a lazy, Saturday, Netflix watching kinda day for me.

I jumped back in the car and drove to the nearest Walmart to load up on junk food. I started thinking about my stinky lil brother, and grabbed some snacks for him I knew he'd like as I debated going to pick him up from Lydia's, or just surprise him with the snacks when he got home. Nah! Best to leave him there, he's having fun.

I stood in line at check out with my basket full of junk. I knew my mom would be pissed at me, but I couldn't help it. Being home alone came with certain obligations. One being to make sure we had plenty of junk food in the house. But I was prepared for her too. My mom on a given day could kill a cherry cheesecake by herself. So I bought her one from the frozen food section, so it would be waiting for her when she got home. And I guess I'd sweeten the deal and do dishes for her. She couldn't stay mad at me for too long.

Standing in front of me in line was a young girl of about 16 maybe. She was a cutie, she was wearing a uniform as if she had just gotten out of work herself, maybe. Her name tag had the name "Rosie" spelled on it with a pen drawn rose next to it. She smiled shyly at me and I smiled back as I turned my attention to one of these gossip magazines my mom was always leafing thru. They were boring to me, but her and my girl, Toni really got off to discussing this sorta crap when she came to visit.

Rosie was still staring at me. I looked up at her and she cleared her throat before she spoke to me "I've never seen a guy read those before". I stuffed it back on the rack "Eh, my girl reads these. I figured I'd read something extra gossipy to share with her later". She giggled, and when she did she had the greatest smile.

"Then that makes you a good boyfriend" she replied" I can't imagine any guy doing that for his girl". She turned her attention to the cashier, it being her turn now. After she had paid, she grabbed her bags and told me bye and walked off.

The rain had slowed down to a drizzle by the time I got outside to load the bags in the car. I pushed my basket back into its holding bay, and when I looked up I saw Rosie with her car's hood open and no umbrella looking woefully at her battery as she fidgeted with the cables. I walked up to her and asked what was wrong.

"I think I may have left my lights on while I was shopping the whole time. My car won't start now. I think it's dead".

I smiled this must be my lucky day, "I can help, let me pull my car around and I'll give you a boost". She thanked me and waited for me. When I got her car started for her, she passed me her phone number.

"I'm sorry I don't have anything to offer you to show my thanks. Maybe I can buy you lunch one day soon, that's if your girl don't mind?" Oh wow, I thought to myself. The offer was tempting and I was almost ready to take her up on it right then and there. But I told her no thanks needed it was my pleasure, and burnt off before I did something stupid.

Don't Go There-

I was so taken with Eddie, he was such a hottie. Everything about him reminded me of a poster I had on my wall of Johnny Depp. I was anxious to see him again, but I had to play it cool. The more I thought about him, I began to wonder what was up with him.

Then I started thinking about Trace. What had he been up to since the last time I seen him? I began to miss him a little bit. Recalling how I'd knocked Stephanie's soda she had been drinking onto her lap, made me giggle. I wish I could see him, but I was told not to look back.

 I turned my attention back on Eddie, but not really paying attention to what was going on. I should have been, though. Things got pretty ugly, and very fast. I felt guilty for not paying closer attention. I wish I had a remote, so that I could hit the "rewind" button.

The rain had finally stopped for the night, and it turned out to be a pretty cool evening. Eddie was feeling in kind of a romantic mood just thinking about his girlfriend, Toni. It surprised me, and made me a bit happy to find that I still lingered in his thoughts. So maybe, he felt a little guilty for thinking of me when he had a girlfriend? Oh the possibilities were endless. I could run with that all day and night.

He had her car still, and it was parked in front of his house. But for some reason he wanted to drive his motorcycle to pick up Toni. This is bad on so many levels. I could hear his thoughts.

Like I said, he was feeling a lil romantic and had decided to pick up Toni on his bike and take her out for a late dinner. Afterwards, he would drive back home and let her take the car from there back to her own house. Unless of course, she could be persuaded to let him stay the night.

I got this horrible feeling in my chest that it wasn't a good idea, but how do I stop him? I'm an angel for crying out loud. He already saw me in human form. Oh, I had better think of something quick cause they were already at the restaurant.

Time flew almost too quick down there. I tried asking for help from another angel up here, but she made it clear to me that if God put me on special assignment, no one else could help me or intervene.

She also told me about how the time thing works up here too. Fast !! Holy crappers!! I better get moving, I was running out of time. I thought maybe another "coincidental" run-in might be in order.

 I walked into the restaurant and found me a little table out of view from them. The waiter came up to take my order. I know this might be "frowned upon" but I lied to the guy, and told him I was waiting on someone to show up, before I proceeded to order. So he brought me an iced tea, even though I hadn't asked for anything.

I paid close attention to Eddie's conversation. He won her over with that bit about it being a nice night for a ride on his bike. Gosh, she was so easily brainwashed. But, having to give her the benefit of the doubt, if I got to look into those intense brown eyes of his all the time, I too would probably be easy to fool. Oh, he's good. Time for me to execute my plan. I sure hope it worked.

I got up to leave and the waiter stopped me before I made it to the door. "Miss, please don't leave till you pay for your drink".

Faking shock and outrage, I told him " I thought it was complimentary, since I didn't ask for it in the first place. And you expect me to pay for it now?" I demanded " sure why not add insult to injury seeing as that my expected guest was a no show".

I'd managed to embarrass the waiter for his faux pas in front of everyone. It didn't help that I went into "ghetto" mode. I learned talking loud and gathering an audience would get you far in a situation, and get you out of a few things too...seemed it worked.

He apologized and held the door open for me to leave (in a hurry I bet). His manager walked up briskly to him to ask what was the matter. I watched for a moment as he explained to his boss what happened. His boss looked none to happy with him, as he ordered him to follow him to the kitchen area. Uh-oh, for a moment I felt bad for getting the guy in trouble, but I had a mission to accomplish and he was a casualty of war.

I went to my car, bent down and jabbed my pocket knife right thru the side of the tire, puncturing it. If I could get Eddie to fix it for me before him and Toni left, then maybe I could stall out the inevitable. 

I had parked my car right across from where his bike was. He had to see me regardless. I watched my tire as it began to deflate rapidly. I hope it was done before they came out and saw. I couldn't imagine explaining myself  to be crazy. I couldn't afford to lose his interest in me.

As they came around the corner arm in arm I felt a slight hint of jealousy. I wonder if Toni knew how lucky she was to have him for a boyfriend? When Eddie spotted me, it was with such a look of surprise, I couldn't tell if it was a good thing or bad.

He looked like he had just got exposed on that old t.v show called "Cheaters". I heard his thoughts, oh my how they raced. How was he gonna play this card? I decided to start, and I would make it easy for him.

"Oh hi, um Eddie? Isn't it ? Your name, that is?", I said as I approached the both of them. She turned quizzically in his direction. Almost too quick, I thought.

 "Be careful girlfriend you might give yourself whiplash for doing that" I muttered to myself while stifling a giggle. I put my hand out to shake hers as I introduced myself.

Eddie looked painfully still in shock. Looks like I was gonna have to carry this situation home to safety, Eddie's legs were made of jello right now. I explained to her how I had met him earlier in the day when I had car trouble in the rain, and he was a gentleman to help me. Eddie finally gained his composure and asked what I was doing here, now.

" I was supposed to meet someone, but it looks like I got stood-up". Toni seemed to accept my lie pretty good. Eyeing my tire, he remarked "Looks like your evening's about to get worse. You got a flat tire" as he pointed down at it. Feigning dismay, I asked him if he could fix it for me.

Eddie ordered me to pop the trunk so he could pull out my spare and get to work on it, if I had one. I did and he began to change it. I kept Toni busy with small talk and gushed over how lucky she was to have such a trustworthy guy. She ate up every word, and I caught a secret smile playing on Eddie's lips. Like he knew I saved his hide. When I looked down at him, he silently mouthed an " I owe you" and winked at me.

When he had finished, I told him "Thank you". Toni was already walking off towards his bike. He told me, " I'm sorry things didn't work out for you tonight. That guy was a damned fool, who ever he was. I never would've did that to you, not in a million years". Sheepishly, he bid me good-night and got on his bike, as the beginnings of raindrops started to pelt.

I ran up to stop him, "Hey wait!! It's fixing to rain, can Toni just ride with me wherever you're going? Just so she don't get wet and catch a cold? Please let me do this for you, for helping me at least?"

Neither of them relented. "That's why I gotta take off now, its not far. You should get yourself home too!!" he told me as he sped off on the bike. The raindrops began to fall harder on me till it was full on pouring on me.

 "Damn!!" I thought to myself as I got in my car. I began to dry myself off with a towel I had just laying on the passenger seat. I thought about what he had said to me "...I never would've did that to you, not in a million years".

Why did him saying that to me make me feel cherished for that moment but yet again, it put some kinda sick feeling in the pit of my stomach? Ugh, I would try to digest it all later. I was already nursing a wound that my plan failed.

I strapped myself with the seatbelt, and adjusted my rearview mirror before I turned my car on. From a distance, I heard a loud explosion, and I saw a fire ball light up the night sky as it shot upwards in spite of the rain. Oh God, it came from the direction they had just drove off in. I pulled away from the curb, and drove as fast as I could to look for them.

My Angel Rosie- (Eddie's P.O.V)

It happened so fast, we were just driving on my bike headed home. I was being extra mindful of the water pockets on the side of the road. It had rained quite a bit today but whatever flooding it had caused during the day, it had already drained into the sewages or wherever it went.

We pulled up to a red light, but the car that was coming right at us, didn't seem like he was gonna stop. Toni saw him coming and we moved just in time for him to blast past us, slamming his brakes too late hitting in a T-bone fashion with an oncoming 18 wheeler who had the right of way. The force of the impact set an explosion that threw us both backwards aways off the bike.

I crawled out carefully and slowly from the storefront window and all the glass that was embedded in and around thru me. I felt a set of soft arms wrap around my shoulders and help me to stand up.

"Don't worry Eddie, I've called for an ambulance". It was Rosie. Where did she come from? Had she been following us or something? Oh God, my body hurt everywhere. Toni ? Where was Toni ? Oh God, I hope she wasn't hurt.

"Rosie, where's Toni? You gotta find her and help her. Oh Toni!! Rosie help her!!"I yelled at her hysterically.

"She's okay, someone else is tending to her, she hit a wall and got the air knocked out of her. She's unconscious right now, but her breathing's good. Just relax Eddie, the ambulance is coming. Do you hear the sirens?" she asked calmly.

Sirens, sirens..."Do you hear the sirens?" Rosie's voice began to fade out. My head began to spin something awful. My legs went wobbly and gave out from under me.

                                                **********

 Toni and I went to a pool hall, just to have a few drinks after she got out from work. My poor baby had been working her butt off. I surprised her with a bag of clothes I had picked up for her from her apartment.

She changed at work before she locked up and then we split. It wasn't anything fancy just a red tank top with a pair of her cut-off blue jean shorts, and her favorite red flip flops, and her favorite red hair tie to pull her long, shiny light brown hair up. She looked so cute.

She always kept her toe-nails painted like she had mini lady bugs on them. Toni proudly sported a necklace I had gotten her for her birthday. It had a  garnet stone dangling from it.

We had walked in to Charlie's hand in hand. I felt great having her next to me. She was a beauty with brains and she kept me out of trouble. I gave her a few bucks so she could pay for a bucket full of beers to split.

She was good at pool, sometimes even beating me at my own sneaky game to win. "Alright, alright you got me. I'll be right back. I'm going to the bathroom, when I get back you better have your A-game ready baby, cause you're about to lose." I told her laughing. I was always talking smack.

Rolling her eyes at me and smiling adoringly at me, she retorted "Whatever man, just hurry and get yourself back here". Turning her back she picked up her beer bottle and took a drink. I smiled to myself, she was my best friend and I loved her. I walked off to the men's room to handle my business.

When I returned, I sure wish I had dragged her with me and at least left her waiting for me by the door. There was a drunk biker guy that was man handling her. She was doing her best to fight him off but to no avail.

 I ran up behind the guy and shoved him hard, he fell to his knees. Toni moved out of the way quick before he took her down with him. He was on his feet before I could check on her to make sure she had no bruises on her.

He cracked me on the side of the head with an empty beer bottle. I felt the blood warm from the gash he made on my temple.  I heard another crash, I thought I'd gotten hit on the head again. Then I seen him fall again to his knees again. He was bloody from the head too.

Toni and the owner of the bar Charlie both pulled me up, and advised us to get out of there, he had already called the cops to come pick up our trouble maker. He had seen the whole thing, and he didn't want us getting in trouble. She half carried half dragged me to her car, and we split.

Later when I asked her what happened to him, she smiled and told me "One good crack to the head, deserves another". Did I ever tell her how much I adored her?

                                                           ******

My eyes opened. Where was I ? Where was Toni? My mom was by my side in an instant. She was caressing my forehead. "Mom, where's Toni?" I whispered asking her.

"Rosie's with her in the room next to you. You're in the hospital, Eddie. Both of you are fine. Whoever this Rosie girl is, she sure turned out to be an angel to you both. She'll be in here in a bit to check on you."

"What happened?" I asked my mom. She shrugged her shoulders "Not really sure, I guess Rosie can tell you better.

My mom turned her head to the hospital room's door being pushed open slowly. It was Rosie.

She walked up to my bed and touched my hand lightly. I felt this strange zing of electricity shoot thru me in that very spot she had touched me. Strangely, at that moment I felt better. I looked up into Rosie's concerned face.

"Are you okay?" she asked me.

"Rosie? What happened ? What happened to Toni ?" I looked at her imploringly.

My savior looked a little sad for a split moment, before she smiled that pretty sweet smile of hers over me and said "You guys were in an accident...sort of. The blast from someone else's crash blew you both off your bike. You went into a store window and Toni hit a brick wall. She's ok, she's gonna be sore when she wakes up. Toni cracked a couple ribs and got the wind blown out of her, and a concussion. The doc taped her up and pulled a lot of glass fragments out of you."

"What happened to the people in the crash?" I asked her relaxing now that I knew my girl was okay.

"I heard the guy that ran the red light, died on impact, he was drunk. And the truck driver is okay, nothing happened to him. He was here a while ago checking up on you and Toni, actually." she told me.

"How did you know? Were you following us?" I asked her. I had to know, it wasn't just coincidence. She shook her head slowly "No, when I was about to leave the  restaurant, I saw the blast from there. I got scared, I thought it was you and Toni".

I grinned and told her "I would've accepted a lie in this situation, Rosie. You must be some kinda angel."

She denied this, shaking her head. Something I saw in her eyes looked sad, and I didn't want her to be. Clutching her hand in mine, I told her "Yes, you are Rosie. Thank you for watching over us. I owe you".

Silent tears zigzagged her pretty face as she smiled at me and said "You better stop telling me that or you're gonna owe me a ton". My mom came up behind Rosie placing her hands on her shoulders to comfort her.

"Well Rosie, I only just met you, but you're an angel to me. Thank you for watching over for my son. Right now, I think we need to let him get his rest. The nurse was in here a little while ago and she put some kind of pain killer medicine thru his I.V bag."

"Yes ma'am. I'll see you around Eddie, take care of yourself "Rosie said before she walked to the door. I called out to her and she turned to face me.

 "I work at Leo's Bike Shop. Stop by sometime Rosie". She nodded, smiled and left.

"Well I think me and your brother are gonna head home too. The doctor might release you tomorrow." All this time my little brother had been here and had not said a word?.

I tried to sit up to see him, as my mom moved to gather up their things. "G'nite lil brother" I told him. He walked to the doorway with my mom. Already halfway out, he turned and said "Eddie, try not to fall off the bed, here".

 I laughed, oh it hurt to laugh, but I fired back with "Hey, if it gets me the attention of all the pretty nurses here, why not". He smiled and ran out. The door closed quietly behind them. I laid back on my pillow and for some reason, instead of Toni being in my front most thoughts, it was Rosie. I drifted off to sleep with her smile playing behind my eyes.

Rosie's P.O.V

I pushed the button in the elevator door to take me down. I leaned against the wall and thought of Eddie. Tonight was a close one. The whole accident scene played over in my head, and even though I envied Toni for having Eddie to herself I'm glad she didn't get hurt. The elevator door opened and I walked out thru the exit doors to the hospital. Wiping the fresh tears that were trying to run down my cheeks, I walked out into the cool night air.

  No Time For Goodbyes-

Trace was sitting on the grass next to my plot. I walked over and knelt down behind him. He was whispering something and silently weeping . I placed my hand on his shoulder to try and comfort him. I felt an electric jolt rip thru me when I did that. 

And a picture.

I yanked my hand away, it burned for me to touch him. What was that picture I saw?  I dared to touch him again. A car accident, a girl's limp body laying in the backseat of the car. A girl's voice, I see her pulling at the arm of a guy that's hovering over the other girl's lifeless body. I can't see their faces.

He must've sensed me near, cause he raised his head to look up at the sky and call my name out. I was trying to make out what he was saying, but all I could hear him saying over, and over again was about how sorry he was and he never should've listened to Stephanie. Why? I began to wonder what Stephanie had did to him.

I'm being yanked away. I'm being confronted once again by the very angry face of St. Peter.

"Were you not warned by God, Himself not to try and contact anyone from your past? Yet, you continually choose to disobey as if none of the rules God sets down do not apply to you", he thundered at me. I shrank in my shoes before him.

 "I have the authority to throw you out and never give you a second thought. Is that what you want??" I shook my head quickly.

 His anger instantly subsided but he spoke in a hurried tone "What were you doing with that boy? Do you have any idea what happened while your back was turned? Hurry, Eddie needs you. Right now !!"

I didn't have time to ask questions, let alone let anything sink in. Eddie needed me, and I needed to hurry. I found myself in front of the hospital again. I rushed in and went to Eddie's room. There was someone else there.

 I was told he had already been released but he was in the next room with Toni. So I went rushing back, this time running into Toni's room. The bed was stripped and Eddie sat in the corner of the room in an arm chair. With his legs open, his head sunk low between them. He sat there not moving, not making a sound.

I hurried over to him and dropped myself down in front of him.

 "Eddie, are you okay?" He pulled his head up so he was eye level with me. His eyes were bloodshot, clearly he'd been crying. Recognition registered on his face who I was, and he pulled me into his arms holding me tight as he buried his face in my hair.

"What are you doing here, Rosie?" he asked. Before I could answer him, he broke down and began to sob. I held onto him as his body trembled and shook. After what seemed awhile, he sighed deeply and pulled away as he tried to compose himself.

"What happened to Toni? Where did they take her Eddie?" I asked him. He shook his head slowly.

 "She's gone, its finished, she's done here". Fear took front seat of my emotions and made my heart begin to race. I attempted to ask again, that's when he told me the rest.

"I had just got here to visit her, something had happened and one of the nurses ran in before I made it to her. She pushed me out and said I couldn't come in here, then she yelled out into the hallway real loud Code Blue. Then everyone ran in. Just what in the hell does code blue mean anyway? No one was telling me anything".

Eddie reached to hold both my hands in his. "Its my fault, Rosie. It's my fault she was in here, it's my fault she's dead".

I shook my head no at him. Ignoring me, he jumped out of his seat and stormed out of the room. Tears began to run down my cheeks. He was in pain, and I didn't know what to do.

"Here's a new concept genius, why don't you pray?" It was Erica's voice.

"Go find him" whispered another voice.

I got up and ran out of the room in hopes of catching up to Eddie before he did something stupid. But as soon as I ran out of the hospital and stood in the middle of the street, he was nowhere to be found.

I walked slowly back in and went to the chapel and sat down in one of the middle pews. Hanging my head low, I was wondering to myself how I was gonna fix all this and make it right again, but then I came to the conclusion I couldn't.

It was a waste of time for me to try and stop the inevitable, like me standing on the train tracks trying to stop a freight train. So my job was to change Eddie's mind about something and save his life. What happened with Toni, I guess was destined to happen?

None of it made any real sense to me. And why wasn't I supposed to look back or check in on my family. I hadn't yet, I'd been worried about Trace all this time. Why was he crying at my grave site and what were those images I was seeing in my head when I laid my hand on his shoulder? It was him hovering over my body and Stephanie yanking at his arm from the outside urging him to go with her? That was me laying there, he was trying to pull me out. What happened to me?

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I was in front of my mirror in my bedroom making last minute adjustments to my hair. Trace was gonna pick me up and we were going to someone's house party. I know my folks told me no I couldn't go, but this was the party to beat all parties, I was expected to be there. And so I was going anyways. No matter, my folks were gone for the night for dinner and a movie. I was sure I'd be back before they made it home.

I heard a honk outside my window and when I peeked out, it was Peter Donovan driving Trace's car, with Trace in the passenger seat and my friends Liz and Emily in the backseat shouting at me to hurry up. When I get down to the car I find much to my chagrin that Stephanie Zigler is there too. Well at least I get to sit between the guys.

They'd all been drinking before picking me up, and Peter shoved his small bottle of Jack Daniels in my face and told me to take a swig. I did and all of them but Trace and Stephanie were chanting at me "Chug, chug, chug".

I did and Peter laughed " Well alright, let's plow" and he pulled away from the curb peeling out. Peter had the music blaring and everyone was talking all at once.

I asked Trace "What's Stephanie doing in your car?". Looking embarrassed he shrugged his shoulders and whispered in my ear that she came with Peter. Rolling my eyes I turned away to watch Peter drive.

Peter sensed my discomfort and tossed the bottle of J.D onto my lap and told me "Loosen up girlfriend and kill this bottle". I hated the taste of it but the way I felt right now, I may as well. I opened it up and did just that...I killed it. Trace watched me with concern in his eyes.

We were but a block away from the party house. We had to cross the railroad tracks and turn into the neighborhood right after. Everything happened so fast, Peter ran a red light and we got side swiped by another car. I could hear the brakes screeching and metal crashing against metal. Everyone got tossed around. I flew forward and hit my head on the windshield and somehow got tossed into the back seat. I think I landed on Stephanie's lap. The car got pushed onto the railroad tracks and died there.

Peter tried to start the car again but like me now, it had no life to it. I could hear sirens from far away. I could hear Peters voice and though it sounded very far away it was clear to me he told everyone to get out of the car.

 "Now, before the cops come!!" Everyone got out. Stephanie kicked me off of her and jumped out. Someone had tossed the empty bottle onto my lap. "What about Rosie? She's hurt, someone help me get her out !!" Trace shouted.

From not so far away there was a blinding light shining directly into the car and a train whistle.

"We got bigger problems, my friend. Look !!" Peter answered gravely as he pointed in the direction of the oncoming train. Trace was trying to hold the passenger seat forward with his body so he could pull me out.

Everyone had split except for him and Stephanie who was pulling at his arm screaming " There's no time Trace, we got to go. Now, come on !!". The train was right in front of the car now. I felt his warm tears fall on my face and I heard him whisper  "I'm sorry Rosie".

She's Always In My Hair-

I went to the bike shop to toss some tools around. I couldn't believe the cavalier attitude of the doctor when he told me Toni had more internal injuries than first thought. She had internal bleeding that they hadn't caught in time. She was already in a coma, but the moment one of the nurses who just happened to be checking on her that very moment witnessed her choking and coughing up her blood as her body was convulsing. I waited out in the hall anxiously as they worked on her.

When the doctor came out of the room, he held his doctor cap in his hands and told me " I'm sorry, we did everything we could for her" and walked off. I chased and tackled him down. My fist was raised right above his face, I was gonna make him sorry, till two orderlies pulled me off him and held me down.

One of them whispered in my ear," Let it go man, it ain't worth it. That guy's a dick anyway, don't do it". The doc stood up and composed himself then walked away without looking back. I watched him walk away, not a care in the world. The guys pulled me to my feet and turned me loose.

I sat there in that chair in the corner of her room staring at her bed. A nurse came in right away with the clean up crew and designated jobs to all three of them to get the room cleaned up. No one spoke to me or even looked at me. They just rapidly worked around me as I just stared on. Next thing I know Rosie was in front of me. I held onto her. That one moment I was so happy to have her there. To hold her tight as I would've Toni, had I been given the chance, and tell her goodbye.

The way I felt right now I wanted to end my life. I promised Toni one day I'd marry her, after I got my shit together, that is.

She would laugh at me and ask me "Yeah, how long is that gonna take?".

My Toni and her beautiful easy smile that she shared only with me. How I loved her. She deserved so much better than me. I thought of all the stupid things I'd done in the past to get in trouble: bar fight after bar fight, speeding, running from the cops, disorderly conduct. The list went on when I remembered my rap sheet with the cops.

Any smart, beautiful girl would've already ran for the hills, but not my Toni. She kicked my ass after every mishap and helped keep me out of jail for some of it. She had teased me at dinner the night of the accident, that she should've practiced law instead of trying to be a registered nurse, so she knew all the legalities it took to represent me in court all those times. We had both laughed about it.

Bringing myself back to the present, I looked around the shop and found a long thick rope that was wrapped up in the corner. But first I needed a drink. I began shuffling like a mad man thru Leo's filing cabinets and his other hiding places I knew of just to find that bottle of bourbon he kept handy.

 I found it finally in a toolbox he kept in his office. There wasn't much in there and with one long swig, I finished it. I sat there for a while contemplating my next move. But the longer I sat there. the more crazy angry I became for no apparent reason. I started throwing stuff around. I felt like a caged lion. I needed to bust out of this place and seal the deal.

Just as I was leaving, Rosie appeared in front of me. What is it with this girl? She's always around. Like a damn jinx on me or something. She called out to me as I shoved past her.

 I turned on her quick "Just leave me alone Rosie. I don't want your pity or anything else from you. Just go away!". I felt like a total jerk for lashing out at her, she didn't deserve it, not from me.

 But if she would just go away it wouldn't matter in a few minutes anyway. One more regret I would take with me to the grave. And those sad lovely eyes she gave me after being yelled at would probably be the last thing I see while my life flashed before me.

 I mean isn't that what happens right before you die anyways? And when I get tossed into that pit of hell where I so rightfully belong, that would be the last bit of fun I'd ever have. Then she said one thing, that made me stop in my tracks. I hadn't said anything else to her except to leave me alone.

"You don't get to make that decision. Not today, not on my watch".

I stood near Toni's car and was fumbling with the keys in my hand when she told me that. I strode up to her and got in her face with the hopes of scaring her away.

 I pointed my finger in her face and told her " I don't need a damn babysitter, and I sure as hell don't need you, Now go away!!" I roared in her face.

"No Eddie, I'm not going anywhere and neither are you" she answered calmly. She was either brave or stupid. I hadn't made up my mind which yet, as I stormed off jumped in the car and revved the motor.

She came to stand in front of the car and placed both hands on the hood when the motor suddenly died. W-T-F ?? I rolled down the window and shouted at her " Get outa the damn way!! Are you insane??". She shook her head at me and stepped to the side. I started the ignition again and it came to life as I quickly put it in gear and sped off.

I stopped at the nearest hole in the wall, liquor store I could find, and realized I had forgot my wallet. Forget it, I deserve a five finger discount. The cashier disagreed with me on that and pulled out a bat and chased me out.

Rosie was there sitting on the hood of my car. "Get off my car, you freaky lil weirdo!!" I yelled as I jumped in the car again. I thought she had, and the cashier had caught up to me. He was swinging the bat at the hood and lights of the car breaking everything. I shouted at him too "Stop doing that you crazy shit , its not yours anyways".

"It's not yours either!! It's stealing", he answered while he kept swinging the bat bashing up the car any way he could. I sped off.

In the rearview mirror I could see ole Babe Ruth still swinging the bat in the parking lot. And Rosie standing next to him. I broke into a hysterical laughter as I sped in and out of traffic. I drove Toni's car to a secluded area in the woods just outside of town. It was our own private make-out spot. It was a cozy spot right in front of a small babbling brook. I got out of the car and walked over to stand right in front of the water.

"That wasn't very nice Eddie" a familiar voice spoke behind me. I felt the hairs on my arm stand up and goosebump all over.

"Freaky", I thought as I turned to face Rosie. Refusing to show surprise, I looked her up and down with contempt and turned back to face the water.

"What are you doing here Rosie? Just what the hell are you, how did you get here so quick?" I lost any resolve I had to keep my cool and turned to face her again.

" I was with you in the car the whole time", she answered back. I screwed up my face in disgust and denial as I shook my finger at her.

"No. No. No, I left you in the lot with Mr. Big League back there".

"And now I'm here, Eddie. We need to talk".

I felt crazy delirium sneaking back up on me. I strode up to her and forced her to sit on the banged up hood of the car.

"Damn right you little freak, we need to talk. What the hell are you, and why do you keep following me around?".

"Not what the hell", she corrected me.

"Whatever !! Talk !!" I retorted angrily as I combed my fingers thru my hair twice.

"Eddie, I'm your guardian angel. I was sent down here to save you". And before I could ask the next obvious question, she finished with "from yourself ".

Heaven Can't Wait -

Time passes oh so quick down here on Earth than in Heaven it seemed, and Eddie proved to be no easy task.  We hung out and we talked about stuff. I told him what had happened to me. He was angry for what Stephanie had made Trace do, and even angrier cause he listened to her.

He had devised a plan for us to try and hook them two up again.

"... and when I knock sense into Trace's head, you know that little cow isn't gonna like it, you can do your little witchy-woo-woo thing on her, like you did me.."

I laughed so hard but I had to stop him. "Eddie, you dork! I'm heaven sent, there's no witchy woo involved in that".

"Well, whatever!! Fancy parlor tricks, whatever you call it, you can have your sweet revenge" he said nudging me and laughing right along.

I told him about the last time I had tried that and how I'd got a tongue lashing from St, Peter for it. He laughed so hard that the drink he had taken a swig from caused him to cough and spray out of his nose and mouth. When he recovered he gave me the biggest smile ever "You little devil ! You do got some bad girl in you".

It seemed he was starting to get over his grief, and move on. I felt like I was at any rate.  I was starting to let go and that want to wanna go see Trace again was beginning to wane.

He even introduced me to Leo while in my human form. He never told him what I really was to him, except he called me Angel instead of my name. Leo made no big deal of it, just assumed I was Eddie's new girlfriend.

Just when I thought everything was hunky-dory, God called me in to talk.

I was hoping he would tell me I was done with my mission. The month was already coming to a close, and Eddie hadn't tried anything crazy and he seemed happy. I just kinda worried because I felt myself starting to fall for him. I couldn't help it, it just happened.

I didn't want to have feelings for him like that, cause I'd have to face Toni again eventually. I wasn't sure if that would even hold up here in Heaven, or it wouldn't matter at all anyways, cause neither of us could be with him regardless. There were no winners here.

"Tonight is the night, Rosie. I need you to be strong for me and help him fight" God warned me.

"What do you mean? Everything's going good, he's healing, I'm healing. We got ourselves a win-win situation. We should be celebrating" I answered joyfully.

God shook his head woefully at me, I could make out his face beyond his brilliant light and tears rolled downwards.

Next thing I know I'm placed in the middle of Eddie's street, in front of his house in the pouring rain. I was getting drenched. It was still dark out, with nobody around. What was I doing here, anyways? Toni's car was parked along the curb in front of his house and the garage door was up.

Just then I hear sirens, they're coming closer and closer. People start to come out of their homes to see what was the matter. Some just peered thru their curtains, to play it safe.

Then from the darkness, just beyond the streetlamps came Eddie running for his life barefoot up the street. The cops were after him for some reason. His mom and little brother came out thru the garage. His mom froze in horror seeing her son being surrounded by 6 police, as she struggled to hold onto the little boy.

Eddie had fallen to the ground and had a gun pointed and waving crazy all around. He backed himself up against the tires to Toni's car, his eyes wild. He fired one shot from that gun and just as they were about to open fire on him, Daniel broke lose from his mom's grip and ran to his big brother throwing his arms protectively around him.

One cop fired at that same moment, hitting little Daniel in the back. His mom screamed and fell to her knees.

Someone yelled "NOOOO!!" as the voice echoed in the night. Daniel's limp body slumped against Eddie. There are no words to describe accurately what happened next because it happened so fast. Eddie laid his brother down crying hysterically.

The cops spoke to him thru their speaker. "Put the gun down, son. We got help on the way. Step away from the boy" they warned him.

I ran to his side, knowing he was the only one that could see me and I began to immediately beg him to put the gun down "Please Eddie, do what they say, or they'll shoot you too!!" I cried. He pushed me aside and raised the gun again.

"YOU SON OF A...!!" BOOM, BOOM went the cracking of the bullets.

"Eddie please, put it down, don't break your mom's heart. Don't do this, she's right there seeing the whole thing. Don't fire no more!!" I screamed in his ear this time.

The police chief warned the others not to fire back, seeing Daniel in the way.

Frustration was over mounting and I could feel he was gonna explode any second. I knew that it would be all over for him. I kept begging him "Please Eddie, please don't do this. Think about your mom what this'll do to her. No one wants to bury their kids. I saw what it did to my mom. Please listen to me !!''.

He yelled in frustration and threw the gun down and raised his hands in surrender. An ambulance came right away and the attendants set to work on Daniel, while two officers approached Eddie.

One kicked the gun away from his reach then picked it up themself. The other forced Eddie to his stomach and tied Eddie's hands behind his back while the cop pulled out the cuffs.

A neighbor came to comfort his mom in a hug while the cops did their job and left the scene. I stood by sadly watching her shake uncontrollably while one cop spoke softly to her.

********************

I sat alone and crying hysterically in Heaven. God called me to him and I went to him with the heaviest of hearts. "You did me proud, Rosie".

"What do you mean?? I failed and they killed his little brother", I moaned.

"He's going to be just fine, go see for yourself Rosie" he beamed a smile at me.

I found myself in front of the hospital once again, and I ran as fast as I could for the elevator and pushed the up button repeatedly until the doors closed and took me up. I ran out as soon as the door opened into the I.C.U looking frantically for Daniel. A nurse slowed me down and showed me the way.

His mom was asleep by his side, holding his little hand. I caressed her head gently and whispered "Sleep now mommy, he'll be just fine".

*******

I wasn't allowed to see Eddie anymore. According to God, I did what he wanted for me to do. Now, he had someone else to pick up where I left off to continue helping Eddie. God did grant me one wish after I earned my wings. I was given one hour to visit my family and Trace to let them know I was okay. It helped me to put closure on that part of my life and it gave my mom the peace she so needed.

As for Trace, I got to appear to him and tell him goodbye and let him know that I forgave him and Stephanie. He smiled in relief and told me " I love you Rosie".

                                                                                             

 

Epilogue-

Poor Rosie, hanging out with her was great. I liked her a lot, but she was a kid. She had her whole life ahead of her and it sucked that it got taken away from her so soon. The same for my Toni. It should've been me not her, that got taken from here. I was the one that always got into trouble, while she was making something of herself.

My mom read her bible often, and I remember her telling me that God takes his select few, early. I'm glad to know (even if I was on the fence about His existence) that Toni was one of his, and she was in a better place than this. I could try to wrap my head around it sure, but I couldn't convince my heart. I didn't want to be here, not without Toni.

So here I went and rushed myself into trouble, the one chance I had without Rosie breathing down my back. She couldn't save me, no one could. I broke into a jewelry store knowing they had one of them fancy alarms, that would have the cops there in an instant. I even waited for them to get there, then I ran.  I ran thru alleyways, jumped a few fences, got chased by a dog and lost my shoes to him when I climbed a fence and the dog made a few jumps for me. Stupid mutt really wanted my butt.

Then the worst thing that could happen? My baby brother runs out and they shoot him. He fell against me holding tight till he just slipped out of my arms. I lost it, wish they'd just shoot me now. But I have Rosie by my side, pleading, begging, and crying. I fired the gun 2 more times into the air after cursing them, but they didn't fire back.

My heart's been ripped out of me, and Rosie made me think of my poor mom. I couldn't do the same to her. Having to bury Daniel and me, that was too much for anybody. So against my selfishness I gave in. She was right. I dropped the gun and threw my hands up.

I found out by my court appointed lawyer later the next day, that my little brother was gonna be ok. That was good enough for me. I cried burying my head in my arms. Since they knew I didn't run off with any jewelry, I got sent up to prison for 20 years for breaking and entering and firing a gun. I didn't hurt anyone or else it really would've been my ass. If I behaved myself they might reduce my sentence.

I never saw Rosie again. I guess her job with me was done. I imagine she got her wings after all, and that she and Toni were hanging out together. That gave me some comfort. It would still be awhile yet before my mom would be able to travel with my little brother. That's ok, I can wait. I even made a new friend in prison. His name is Oscar and he's always toting around his bible and schooling me. He may make a believer out of me yet.