Heaven

chapter 40: summer child

Cookie sat at a near-empty Evan's on a chilly autumn evening. He was sipping tea and reading a letter he'd just received from Sina. A huge slice of chocolate-nut cake rested next to the steaming mug. Around him, the scent of apples and cinnamon floated like a happy ghost.

News of his beloved friend and Father Caleb were there in Sina's messy scrawl for Cook to see. From what he read, he could tell they were happy and safe having taken residence in Hawaii where the sun was strong and the people accepting.

Cook smiled and reached for the next piece of paper in order to continue reading. But what he saw was not more news about his friends.

AUDITIONS FOR STAR SEARCH START NOW! WIN THE CHANCE TO APPEAR ON THEIR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! A huge arrow was pointing to the phone number someone had to call if they wanted to enter. At the bottom of the letter, it read, there's more taped on the back. Turning the sheet over, Cook saw a plane ticket for Hollywood. Next to the ticket, it said, You and your gorgeous voice better go.

"Lord above, Sina. Have you lost your mind?" But inside Cook's belly, butterflies kicked up their wings and fluttered about. He touched the ticket to his chest and drew in a breath. "There's no way."

When the door of the cafe opened and the little bell over the frame chimed merrily, Cook look over his shoulder.

A plump, pleasant-looking gentleman carrying an armful of notebooks entered the bakery. He tipped his cap; a turtle pin on the front glistened.

After the man took a seat, Cookie repeated to himself. "No way."

"What's this, sugah?" Before Cookie could hide the letter and ticket, Al-Jay was standing across from him, pointing. A dab of flour dusted the bridge of her nose.

"Silliness, Al. Nothing but things Sina thinks I am." He showed her the clipping and ticket before chuckling uncomfortably. "He thinks I should go."

"You and your gorgeous voice?" With a happy lilt, Al echoed Sina's words.

"I ain't got a gorgeous voice."

"Sugah," Al raised a brow, "All of Heaven's heard you sing. Your voice is the closest thing to angels we've got here."

"Ah, Al..."

"No, Ah, Al, anything, Cook Emanuel Jackson. You got a chance here. Don't waste it."

"You're full of hopes Al, a sweet summer's child full of positivity."

Al winked. "What else is there to be if not happy and positive? I don't want to be miserable and full of woe. I'll take being a sweet summer child, as you put it."

"That's lovely," said the other customer out of the blue. "Excuse me for speaking out of line but you should listen to your friend, kind sir. We should all be sweet summer children with hopes and dreams."

Cookie looked over at the man. "I think she's being silly, mister."

When the man shook his head, the turtle pin caught the light and spoke in a thousand hues. "It is good to dream and be positive."

"What's your dream, mister?"

The man tapped on his notebooks and smiled. "To write novels that will change the world."

"Don't tell me you're writing self-help?"

"No. Fantasy. I write about kings and queens; about dragons and dark creatures that roam the ice, and about games of thrones that no one wins."

Cookie looked impressed. "Sounds like something I'd read."

The man's smile reached his eyes. "Thank you. I nearly gave up more than a few times. But I love writing and people say I'm talented, so I'll keep trying until I make it big or at least get to the point where I know I've exhausted myself."

Cook drew in a deep breath. He knew getting out of Purgatory would be a blessing. He could take Aunt May and live somewhere pretty where the last things she saw before she went blind were blue skies and a yard full of lilacs."You're right."

Al nodded in agreement. "Listen to the wisdom of us summer children, Cook."

"I should do it?" Cookie scrunched his face.

"You should," Al and the stranger said together, their voices booming.

"I've not got much to lose, eh? What the hell." Cookie looked at the ticket. "Got the flights covered. I'll go for it."

"There ya go, sugah. You'll do brilliantly." Al arched over the counter and gave Cookie a hug before disappearing into the kitchen. "I'm getting free muffins for you both," she said from behind the wall, "They're just coming out of the oven." 

Cookie couldn't help but chuckle as he looked back down at the letter. 

"Friend?" said the stranger. "Would you mind if I used that line of yours?" Cookie looked over his shoulder. 

"Which line would that be, mister?"The man had a notebook open. A simple blue pen was hovering over it. "The sweet summer child one."

"No, I don't mind at all," Cookie said with a smile. "If I make it big in Hollywood, I'll have you and Al-Jay to thank for the push in the right direction."

Scribbling away, the man smiled brightly "And if I make it big, I'll have you to thank for this line."

*Fun Fact: I thought, well, Kafka made a cameo...Lennon made a cameo. So why not JRR Martin? :D