I Carry a Torch for You

Chapter 5

"Wanna help me cook?" Leo asks me, taking out the ingredients for a ribbon sandwich.

"Sure!" I say with a smile.

"First take four horizontal slices of bread and butter on every side besides those on the very bottom and top, you can do that."

I comply, beginning to butter the bread.

"I'll put one cup of egg salad on one buttered side of bread, then put another piece on top. On that I will put pimento cheese, tastes better than it sounds trust me, then I put bread on top. You can cut the crust off," he hands me the bread and allows me to cut all the crust off the two sandwiches.

I hand him his, and he hands me a lemonade he poured. Then we chow down. "This is great! Thank you!"

"Thank you for helping!"

We laugh, finishing our food eagerly. His soul grows brighter, into a golden color. I stare at it with a sad expression, but I should be happy for him! He'll get to see his parents again. He notices too, and his smile grows brighter like his soul.

I turn to the window, my brows furrowed as I wait. Leo doesn't say anything either, probably knowing what's about to happen.

Wings flutter, and the window opens. In walks a man with golden hair, a scar over his eye. A dark haired demon flies away, and the man with a halo over his head looks up at him lovingly. Quickly he turns to Leo, smiling gently. "You've worked hard."

"Do I get to see my parents?" Leo asks, jumping up and over to the tall man.

"Yes, I'm sorry it took so long. They won't let me bring anyone who isn't quote unquote 'worthy,'" He looks away with a sad expression, before quickly straightening his white robe, "But no matter! I'm glad you've finally made it, I can bring you to Heaven. Your parents are proud of you, and are eager to see you once again."

He jumps up and down, "Yes, yes, yes!"

The angel turns to me, "I'm sorry, Liam. You'll have to stay here longer, I wish there was something I could do."

"Y- You can't?" Leo looks up at the angel, who runs his hand through his hair. I notice the bags under his eyes. I don't say anything, not feeling worthy enough in front of this powerful angel.

"Mphm, I'm really sorry. I'm working on so many things. Getting the angels and demons together as one isn't an easy task Leo, but once that is done I will work on this issue. We need to make this place a better world," He sighs, closing his eyes gently.

Leo looks to me with a sad expression, then back to the angel.

"Well, let's go. There's plenty more work I need to do,"

He pauses for a minute, maybe even two, or three, it takes a while before he finally opens his mouth to speak. "I don't think I can." Leo looks down at his shoes.

The angel opens his eyes, furrowing his brows, "Huh?"

"I can't," His voice cracks as he shuts his eyes tightly.

The angel smirks knowingly, looking between us two, "I see," He starts, "I'll leave you be, I can't force you."

"Can I pass a message to my mom and dad?" Leo asks, taking another step to the glowing figure.

"Of course."

"Tell them I said I'm sorry, and I miss them. But I can't leave Liam-"

"Of course you can! Don't let me stop you, they're your parents!"

Leo ignores me, "I love you mom, dad but- well you understand. I know you do. Just know- Just know I've carried a torch, and I think theirs has been lit as well."

The angel nods, beginning to leave.

"Wait!" I shout. Causing the blonde to pause. "Leo, you need to go. You've dreamed of seeing your family. Please!"

He shakes his head, "I want to stay here. Not for you, for me. I can't bring myself to leave, they'll understand."

I want to change his mind, but I know there's no use. I turn to the angel sternly. "What happened to my parents?" It's the last day of January, I need to know what happened. It's eating me up.

He thinks for a second, "Oh! The Jackson's! They're ok, although worried about you they did make it to Heaven. They passed the same night you did, and I'm very sorry, but they've made it to Heaven. They hope to see you again."

I nod, relieved to know they made it to a safe place. "T- Tell Mom and Dad I miss them, and I'm sorry for the fights and arguments. Tell them I love them."

"I will."

"Wait! What's your name?" Leo hollers.

"Hm, you're the first human to ask me that in years. Well, the name is Zeus. And this, my new friends, is Hera." A winged figure flies over from the horizon. "I hope to see you soon," And with that Zeus jumps out the window just to be caught by Hera.