Heart Of Stone

Chapter Nine

LILITH'S POV
My phone rings with the familiar sound of my daughter's ringtone. I think about answering. I haven't spoken with her for over seven years now. I've been in Heaven ever since my deal with Adam.
I truly do hate the fact that I haven't kept in contact with Charlie... but Adam never let me talk to her. But Adam's not here anymore so I decide to pick up.
"Hello, Charlie."
"Mom? Is... that actually you?"
I could hear that she was starting to get emotional. That's my Charlie alright.
"Yes my princess, it's me. How are you?"
"I'm okay... I guess. A lot better now that I'm hearing from you."
"I'm so sorry Char. I never meant for us to go so long without speaking."
"Why did you do it?"
"I made a deal with someone. That someone would not let me keep in touch with my family."
"Oh... I understand. I just miss you."
"I miss you too Charlie. So much. I hear you've started a hotel?"
"Yes! I did! Who told you?"
I heard the excitement in her voice and my heart swelled with pride.
"Oh, word travels quickly. How's the hotel going?"
"It's going great! I finally feel like I'm accomplishing something. Although, I don't know if it works yet or not. Only time will tell that."
"Well, I believe in you Princess. And I know how stubborn you are when it comes to what you desire to achieve."
"You... support my dream?" She says this sounding vulnerable.
"Of course I do. I've always believed in you, Charlie."
"Thanks, mom. Anyway, enough about me, how are you? Where... are you?"
I know I can't tell her everything just yet. I select my words cautiously, not wanting to say too much.
"I can't tell you my exact whereabouts right now my love... but just know that I'm safe and I am doing quite well. I miss my family and my people, but other than that, I'm doing fine."
"Do you know when you can come home? I know dad misses you terribly. He hasn't been the same since you left."
"Due  to recent events, I should be able to come home soon. I will explain everything once I see you again, I promise."
"Okay, mom. I love you."
"I love you too Charlie."
"Thank you for finally talking to me... it means a lot."
"It was no problem, I owe you an explanation for the past seven years. I hope you know that not a day goes by where my heart doesn't yearn to see you and your father again."
"Same here. Well... I should go take care of some things around the hotel. Bye mom."
"Goodbye my princess, stay safe."
"I will." I could hear the smile in her voice as the call ended.
It felt good to finally talk to her. I know I need to talk to Lucifer as well... but I can do it in person, I know that is what he'd rather I do.
I walk to my favorite beach in Heaven with only thoughts of my family in my mind. I can't wait to see them again, and this time I'm never leaving them.

VAGGIE'S POV
"Vaggie! Vaggie! Guess what?"
I jump as my obviously excited girlfriend bursts into the room.
"Babe, what is it?"
"My mom just answered my call! I thought she'd just let it go to voicemail. You know, like how she's been doing for the past seven years? But no, she actually answered me! She talked to me Vaggie! Like actually talked  to me!"
All of her words came out in a rush. It can be difficult to understand her when she gets like this unless you have known her for quite some time.

"That's amazing, sweetie. But did she tell you where she's been?" I hated to potentially cloud her excitement, but the logical part of me that wants to protect Charlie needed answers.

"Well... no. But she said she'd explain when she comes back."
"Wait, she's actually coming back?"
I know the question was a bit blunt, but this is the same woman who abandoned  her daughter for years. I just hope she won't break Charlie's heart again.
"Yeah! That's what she said! She also knows about the hotel. She said she supports it!"
I can't help but smile  at seeing her so delighted.
"I'm glad that you got to talk to her mi amor."
"Me too. I... I'm just glad she's coming home."
I pull her against my side and wrap an arm around her shoulders.
"I know Charlie."

"I can't wait for my mom to finally meet you."
"Wait... what?"
"Yeah, I know she'll love you."
"Um... sweetie, are we sure that's a good idea? I mean, I'm all for meeting your parents... but she's... your mom."
"It will be fine Vags, she'll love you. I just know it!"
"Did she say anything else? I mean besides talking about the hotel? Maybe a bit of an explanation for why she disappeared?"
"She said that she made a deal with someone, and that someone would not let her keep in contact with her family."
A jolt of shock and dread goes through my body.
"A deal? A deal with who? Did she say who with? Deals can be dangerous Charlie."
"I know, Vaggie. She didn't say who  with. All she said was that she had a deal with someone. She gave no names."
I had a bad feeling that I knew who the deal was  made with.
"Doesn't she know deals can have horrible consequences?  Especially when made with the wrong people."
"I'd assume so. She's not stupid by any means."
"Fair enough. From what you've told me she definitely doesn't sound  naïve."
"She's not. I know she must have had some reason."
"I guess you'll find out sooner or later."
"Yeah."
"Your mother sounds like a truly nice person."
"She is. When dad left, she was all I had. She is one of the most supportive and trustworthy people I know. That's why I'm saying she will love you. As long as who I'm with makes me happy, she's ok with it. And just in case you haven't noticed, you definitely make me happy."
I know that I start blushing immediately. I'm still getting used to people caring about me.
"Oh Charlie... you make me happy too. You... you make me beyond happy. I never thought I would get this lucky."
She kisses me and I return the gesture.
"I do have a question for you Vaggie."
"Yeah, of course, what's up?"
"I know it may be a touchy subject, so if you're not comfortable answering, you obviously don't have to."
"Okay? Go on." I was a little skeptical but know that I can trust her.
"Do you miss Heaven?"
"No." My response is immediate.
"I see. What was it like?"
"Well... for most people I guess it is a paradise. But for me it wasn't. You know what I used to be. Or rather, what I used to do."
She nods quietly allowing me to continue.
"They treated me  like shit. Brainwashed me into hating demons.... made me slaughter  thousands while I was under the impression  that that was  perfectly okay to do so. It was more like a boot camp rather than a paradise."
"Oh. I'm sorry. I do understand why you don't miss it."
"That's not the only reason."
"It isn't?"
"No. Charlie... you are the other reason. The most important reason."
"I am?"
"Yes. You show me that my past mistakes don't have to be my current reality. You show me that it is okay to have emotions... that it's okay to love, to trust and to feel. They say Heaven is the light, but God Charlie, I think the true light is you. You are the flame in my darkest  moments, and you give me nothing but  love and support. Even when I wasn't honest about my past with you, you forgave me. You gave me a home when Heaven cast me out. You've done so much for me, and I just... I don't know where I would be without you."
I could see her eyes fill with tears. God I didn't mean to make her cry.
"Oh shit Charlie, I'm sorry."
"No. It's just... so sweet!" She begins to actually cry and all I can do is put my arms around her.
"I love you Vaggie."
"I love you too, mi princesa."
I hold her close while my mind wanders back to something I've been wanting to do for a really long time. Maybe one day I will be brave enough to act upon my thoughts.