Forgiven Read online

  Celeste poured the milk over her cereal before sitting down at the table. Things had definitely changed. Life, in all of its wonderful amazement, had a funny way of rearranging thoughts and priorities that one once held so dear, and smashing them like a glass bottle on the floor. So many tiny, sharp pieces. So easily able to nick the skin, revealing how fragile it really is. Exposing what’s hidden underneath to the cold and cruel elements of its surroundings.

  Yeah, life...it had definitely changed.

  Chapter 11

  Deception couldn’t believe what he felt, though it was not something one could easily forget. When the enemy had been in your territory, there was a recognizable charge, a difference that permeated the air. An essence only heavenly beings omitted.

  It was that essence that had invaded their well-earned space. Melti was not going to be happy. Though the Warriors arrival was expected, it wasn’t expected so soon. They were not ready. The early presence of the enemy was no doubt thanks to the meddling Guardians. They were an added bother this time around that hadn’t had to be addressed with Katelyn.9Voices down the hall caught Deception’s attention. He floated towards them, leary of which Warrior he’d find. To his surprise, it was only the two humans. “I know you’re here, Warrior. I can feel you. Show yourself!”

  Nothing materialized. Not being able to see your enemy was never a good feeling. “Fine. You just wait until Melti shows up,” he hissed, then went over to Celeste, stopping with his mouth mere centimeters from her ear. He whispered his twisted questions and accusations as quietly as possible, hoping that against all odds the enemy wouldn’t hear. Would Melti understand? Probably not. What choice was there? Showing up before Melti with loose ends, no way. That was never done. The chance had to be taken.

  A searing, powerful warmth overtook him and completely severed what little concentration he had.

  “Back off, Warrior! She’s ours now.” Deception sneered.

  He took in the room around him, slowly turning to scan every nook and cranny for any sort of response. He knew the Warriors were close for the heat stayed on him, increasing ever so slightly with each tick-tock of the clock.

  Deception went back to business until he could no longer handle the heavenly fire bearing down on him. Back up would be needed to keep this running smoothly, and Melti’s approval would be required before that could happen.

  Deception snarled through his teeth. Showing up before Melti, uninvited, didn’t always turn out so well.

  “What’s the meaning of your interruption, Deception?” Melti yelled. The vibration loosened tiny bits of debris from the cave walls and sent them scattering to the floor.

  “My, lord. The enemy has arrived.”

  “Already? This wasn’t expected yet.”

  “Their presence is strong, my lord. I will need back up to stay on track.”

  “So be it. We can’t deviate from our plan,” Melti growled. “Ackmen, go with Deception. Don’t let those vile hosts of heaven anywhere near Deception or Celeste.”

  “GO!”

  Melti paced back and forth. The confines of the tiny space only made his temper flare more. His clawed hand dug into the hard cave wall beside him. He couldn’t let the Warriors arrival distract him.

  His eyes narrowed. His breath increased. His heart thumped against his chest. Tonight he would put an end to what stood in his way. He would rule the heart of his target. No light from above would stop him.

  His strength had increased throughout the years. His wisdom had grown. He’d watched in silent anticipation for this very moment in time. Calculated every twist and turn to make this happen. Every lie that would chip away at the girls faith. Every hurt that would stay engraved in her heart. Every word that would snake its way through her core. Every friction that would be everlasting. This was his time. She was his trophy. He would not let her go without a fight. Even if it meant losing his subjects in battle.

  Who were they to him anyway? They were lucky to be in his presence. Lucky to be called to such a great mission. He would not fail. Let his enemies bring the fight. He would end it.

  Katelyn waited while Celeste placed her bowl in the sink, watching each slow and deliberate move she’d made. Celeste was not in the mood to talk, that much was clear. But it must be done. Things had to be aired out. Never in a million years had Katelyn thought Celeste would take those secrets to heart like she had.

  They weren’t meant for her ears just yet. It wasn’t that she had never intended to inform Celeste, she only hadn’t been sure when. Age, maturity, a better understanding of what it all entailed was required before opening and exposing those parts of her life...of their family. Maybe I still see her too much as a child?

  Katelyn was sure Celeste had felt something in the hall earlier, though she would never admit it. Was she ready? Time would soon tell.

  When Celeste hadn’t moved from the sink, Katelyn walked over and carefully placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. Muscles tensed. Katelyn pulled her hand away, not wanting to put any more of a strain on their relationship than there was already. Katelyn's struggles with her parents had taught her to approach things lightly, gently, when it came to someone who felt betrayed.

  “Cee, will you please talk to me? I will tell you everything. I will answer any questions you have. Please just give me a chance to explain.”

  Silence.

  Even the breaths between them couldn’t be heard. Celeste had opened her mouth slightly, only to close it before saying anything. Katelyn tried again. “Why don’t we start with you asking me whatever is on your mind? Once I’ve answered, I’ll ask you something. Can we at least start there?”

  Seconds passed, though it felt more like an eternity to Katelyn. She held her breathe, only to release it when she heard Celeste finally say something.

  “Okay, Mom.”

  Katelyn smiled. It was more than she’d hoped for, so she’d take it. “Whenever you’re ready.”

  “I’ve lied to you, Mom. In fact, I’ve been lying to you for months now. Do you still love me?”

  Celeste’s question took Katelyn by surprise. Did her precious daughter honestly think lying would cause them not to love her? She couldn’t really believe that, could she?

  “Oh, Celeste. Yes. I still love you. Dad still loves you. Most importantly, God still loves you. Actions, they don’t change the way a parent feels towards their child. Just as they don’t change the way, God feels towards His children. It doesn’t mean that the lies don’t hurt, or that I agree with it. But I will always love you.”

  Celeste looked towards the floor. “I guess it’s your turn now.”

  Katelyn wasn’t sure where to start. So many questions swirled in her mind. Finally, she decided to stick with her daughters line of questioning. “I’ve kept some things from you, though it was for a reason maybe, I should have told you there were things we’d need to talk about one day. One day when you were older and could understand better. So, do you still love me?”

  Shock replaced Celeste's sorrow-filled features. Katelyn could tell she hadn’t expected that.

  “Yes, Mom. I still love you. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt though. Finding things out from a piece of paper that just so happened to fall out of an ancient, messed up bo – ,” Celeste stopped. “Ancient book? What ancient book?” Katelyn questioned after Celeste went quiet.

  “Never mind that. Besides it's my turn to ask a question, remember?”

  Chapter 12

  Katelyn and Celeste stood in the kitchen, encircled under the protective shield of Necklim’s and Nolan’s wings. The Warriors were thankful to have gotten rid of Deception, at least for a little while. This time was needed. Mending between mom and daughter had to begin. The Warriors weren’t sure how much time Deception’s absence would buy them, so they wasted none of the precious seconds given and sent gentle nudges in Katelyn’s direction. When she glanced up, Necklim saw the hope come alive in her. Though they wouldn’t show themselves just yet, they knew their me
ssage had been received.

  “Yes, you’re correct. It is your turn.” Katelyn smiled at her daughter, hoping to keep this going as long as possible. Time, she knew, it was more than likely not on her side. Any moments allotted to her with her daughter wouldn’t be wasted. They couldn’t be.

  “Honestly, Mom, I don’t even know where to start. You already said you hadn’t brought it up because of my age. Which, from some of the stuff I read, I guess I can understand why. It’s a lot. Weird.”

  “It was. It is,” Katelyn agreed.

  “You loved your Aunt Cara, a lot...didn’t you?”

  “I did. At that time in my life, I felt she was the only one who understood me. Turns out, it was all just an act. She told me what I wanted to hear in hopes of bringing me into something I had no idea about...something I didn’t even know existed. It was hard to learn the truth. Scary. The evil I faced...I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

  “What got you through it?”

  Katelyn smiled. “Holy Warriors. Angels meant for battle that had been sent by God. They fought for me. They let me know I was worthy.”

  “Do you think everyone has Warrior Angels looking for out for them?”

  “When the need for them arises, yes, I do.”

  “Did, Cara?”

  “She did. She chose not to accept the call, not to hear of God’s love.”

  “That’s sad.”

  “It is. I wish Cara would’ve. Sometimes though, lies, deceit, betrayal, guilt...well they can make you do things you normally wouldn’t. Ya, know?”

  Katelyn knew there was something Celeste wanted to tell her by the way she diverted her eyes. A great deal of sadness...regret seemed to wash over her daughter. She prayed for time to stand still, for Celeste to have courage, for trust to be there. For her daughter to open up.

  “Mom?”

  “Yes.”

  Celeste's voice was a whisper. “I almost did something. Something I know is wrong. I’m sorry.”

  Katelyn wiped the tears from her daughter's cheeks and wrapped her tightly in her arms. “No one makes the right choices all the time. Our feelings can take us down paths we’d never thought we’d go if we’re not careful.”

  “Nothing like learning that the hard way.”

  “Celeste, life is a never-ending lesson.” Katelyn chuckled.

  “I think you’re right, Mom.”

  Necklim took notice at the change in temperature around them. A demon now occupied the space behind him – more hideous and crafty than Deception could ever dare dream to be.

  “Ackmen,” Necklim whispered, his one brow raised. “This should be fun.”

  Nolan’s laugh filled the protective cocoon they’d formed around Katelyn and Celeste.

  “Deception’s back up, I’m sure. How much time do you think we have before he returns?”

  “Not long. We need to let Katelyn know. Once he arrives, I’m afraid this moment will be gone. Deception, though a spirit, is good at what he does.”

  “I agree.”

  Necklim placed his strong hand on Katelyn’s shoulder and whispered in her ear, his warning only leaving them mere seconds. “Be ready, Katelyn. Ackmen has returned.”

  Katelyn shivered at Necklim’s warning. She didn't want to let go of her daughter. Didn’t want to lose this connection with her. It was just starting. She held onto her daughter a little tighter and confirmed their love...God’s love for her. “Baby,” she held Celeste’s face, hands shaking, “no matter what happens, no matter what choices you make or don’t make, know that your Dad and I love you, and we’ll always be here for you. Seek the truth in everything. Know to whom you belong. Don’t be easily deceived.”

  Ackmen snarled at the heavenly presence surrounding his target. There was more than one Warrior in that kitchen. The odds of Necklim being one had his insides slightly fluttering, and the fact that they didn’t reveal themselves when he’d appeared only added to his aggravation. “Remove your protective shield!” Ackmen ordered. “The girl is our target. You have lost too much ground to be guarding her like you are!” his gravelly voice bellowed.

  A warmth that could only come from Heaven moved away from the two girls standing near the sink.

  Ackmen didn’t like the looks of what had been happening under the shield of the angels. Celeste’s face was a bit more peaceful, hopeful even. That would have to change, and quick. Melti couldn’t know how far the two had come in the few short minutes that Deception was gone.

  He was in a foul enough mood already. Wanting to take on both girls in this house, what was he thinking? It was a joke. It would never happen. They’d never have the one girl and stood a good chance at losing the other if they didn’t watch what they were doing.

  Melti’s greed, his bruised ego couldn’t take the hit from Katelyn. It had him reckless. They couldn’t afford to be careless...not now.

  “Deception, to your post.” Ackmen pointed to the young girl in front of them.

  Deception hovered just above her head and started the attack.

  Ackmen could see the questioning start to come back in the way Celeste held her head, in the look in her eyes. It was working. Good.

  “You know, Mom, I think I’m going to go back to my room now. I have some things I need to do.”

  “Okay, Cee. I’m here if you need me.”

  Ackmen hung around and waited to see the defeat take control of Katelyn. It didn’t. He moved closer to her, aiming to strike a blow of his own. One that would start a tidal wave of frustration and hopelessness, growing and festering until her guard was down. Even if it was a small break, it would be one they could work their way through. He lunged at her, hands before him ready to sink his talons deep into her mind, but stopped at the bright, solid figure of pure strength in his path. A warm glow shot out, striking Ackmen in the chest. He winced, shook it off and moved towards Katelyn once more.

  A jab, to his right shoulder, stopped his advances yet again.

  “That’s enough, Ackmen.”

  Ackmen’s muscular legs wobbled briefly. Why me? Why him? “Necklim?”

  The blonde headed angel's body of stone appeared before him, sword in hand. “The one and only.”

  Chapter 13

  Celeste closed the door behind her and leaned up against it. Why she’d told her mom what she had was beyond her. What was she thinking? Opening up, after all this? It had felt good, though. A reprieve. A pouring out of one's self. It had been freeing, as much as she hated to admit it.

  She couldn’t let it happen again. Her mom's words...they had to be lies, right? They tumbled in her thoughts and mixed with her emotions. “She can’t love me anymore. I’m such a screw-up! She only said that because she doesn’t know what I almost did. What would she think of me then? Her precious daughter in the arms of a boy? How’d I let myself come so far, get in this deep?”

  Deception twirled his snaky finger over Celeste’s head. Hopelessness began to cloud Celeste’s judgment. Stopped her rational thinking.“Yes, dear girl. How could she possibly love you? There’s no way,” he whispered in her ear.

  The tears streaming down her face brought joy to his morbid soul. Lies were his strong suit. It was what he was all about. Making a human miserable was his specialty. Most could be swayed, deceived, with hardly any effort. It was too easy really. Celeste was too easy. He’d expected more of a struggle from this girl. Katelyn was her mom after all. Maybe Katelyn’s strong belief in the protection of her Creator hadn’t been passed on to her daughter. Whoever really knew why things were the way they were? All Deception knew was how easy it was to get in Celeste’s head and take her self worth on a heck of a roller coaster ride.

  Deception continued to work his magic, briefly interrupted by Ackmen’s entrance. Something was wrong. Ackmen’s arrogance no longer surrounded him.

  Deception stopped his twirling. “What’s wrong with you?”

  “Nothing,” growled Ackmen. “Get back to work.”

  Deception did has he was told,
only to stop several minutes later. “Ah, Necklim is here isn’t he?”

  Ackmen cast a look that would have killed him on the spot if he’d had that kind of power. “That’s none of your concern. Do your job so the rest of us can get to ours.”

  Deception muffled his laugh. Seeing a high-ranking demon shudder was a bit amusing for a lesser subordinate such as himself. Before Deception could realize what had happened though, that massive, shuddering demon had him pinned to the wall by his neck.

  Ackmen lowered his head and looked Deception in the eye. “Do you find something funny?”

  “No, my lord. Not at all.” Deception knew better than to squirm or float through Ackmen’s hold, which he was perfectly capable of doing. His existence proved more important than a brief reprimand from his leader.

  Ackmen let go and pointed to the girl. “Back to work, you insufficient spirit.”

  Deception ignored his words. He knew his work was necessary, that’s the very reason Ackmen was here.

  Warmth and peace still radiated around Katelyn, like by some magical force her very bones had sucked these good things into them. It was needed...this peace. She had to remain calm. She’d said this meant war, and she’d meant it. And now, a war was more evident than ever. The fact that Necklim was in her home confirmed it.

  Grabbing her Bible off the table she went to the hall and stopped in front of her daughter’s door. She knelt down, opened the book, and began praying scriptures out loud.

  Necklim was near. She knew, from the past, that his prayers and praise were mixing with hers. Knew that at that very moment they were flooding the gates of Heaven.

  Katelyn wasn’t sure how long she’d remained there, in the presence of the Lord, guarded by her Warrior, but it didn’t feel nearly long enough.