It really is Seven Minutes in Heaven, if you played by my rules. Let's see... 17-and-a-half days in Heaven with Nick Carter is not something quite easily forgotten. When we got back, however, there was a nasty surprise waiting for us.
We appeared in the closet with ten seconds to spare, but the door was open. Kevin, Brian, AJ and Howie were clustered at the door. I screamed and pushed back against the wall. "Who are you?!" AJ demanded angrily.
I composed myself. "What are you talking about, AJ? It's Angela."
"You're very much white." Uh, oh. I glanced at my hands, then hung my head in disgrace.
YOU CAN JUST FREEZE TIME, God offered.
No, I got myself into this mess, I'll get myself out of it, I thought dismally. Somehow.
"Explain," Brian commanded sternly.
"Guys," Nick cut in. I put a hand on his knee to quiet him.
"My name is Lucy Sanders. I was 18 when I died, I think three months ago. I'm Nick's Guardian Angel," I replied softly.
"You lied to us," Kevin said severely. My eyes teared up, but Kevin forged on. "I trusted you! What you did to me was a gross violation of privacy!" Howie still hadn't said anything, but he was shaking.
"Lucy?" he began timidly. I looked up at him. "Could I ask you a big favor?"
"What is it, Howie?"
He swallowed hard. "Do you think I could see my sister?" His hands shook fantastically. There was such a desperate, pleading hope in his eyes that I honestly didn't see how I could refuse him.
Can he? I inquired. I felt a great hesitation from God.
I... THINK YOU CAN BRING HIM UP HERE. IT’S NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE.....
Just as long as I can. "Yeah, Howie." He let out a sigh and tears flowed down his cheeks. I stood and walked over to him. "Come here," I requested gently. Howie gratefully stepped into my arms and we slowly vanished.
We arrived in heaven and Caroline was waiting for him. The two siblings rushed into each other's arms, crying profusely. Tucker came and sat beside me, watching Howie and Caroline. "Was that the right thing to do, Tucker?" I questioned, bending down to him. The dog sighed and rested his chin on my knee. "I don't know, either, boy."
A few hours later, I called to Howie. "We have to go," I informed him regretfully. He gave Caroline a kiss and came back to me. I took his hand in mine and we were back on Earth. ********************************************************************
"What is going on here?!" AJ demanded after Howie and I faded out. Before Nick had a chance to answer, we were back. "D, what happened?" AJ queried of his best friend.
"I saw her, guys," Howie managed shakily. "She's doin' fine." I hugged him tightly. "You really are an angel." Brian, Kevin and AJ traded glances.
Kevin swallowed and stepped forward. "Lucy?" I turned. "Do.... do you think I could see my dad?" Kevin was trembling with repressed tears and I opened my arms for him.
Kevin spoke with his dad for about six or seven hours. Then we had to leave. I honestly don't believe I ever would've imagined Kevin crying as hard as he did when he saw his father. I decided to take Tucker back with us, too.
When we got back, there was a pale young man in dark jeans and a black T-shirt. As time, dragged on, I still hadn't been introduced to this quiet man until finally, I couldn't stand it any more.
"Aren't you going to introduce me?" I demanded. The guys looked more than a little confused.
"To who?" Nick asked.
"Him," I replied, pointing.
they can't see me, lucy. I jumped. i'm death.
WHAT?! No! Y-you can't be here!
"Lucy, what's wrong?"
Go away!
but i can't. it's nick's time.
NO!! Get out of here!
"Lucy!"
i don't pick the time. i just come for them. He glanced at his watch impatiently. Almost simultaneously, Nick grabbed his chest.
NO!!! "NICK!" I screamed, lunging for him before he could hit the floor. "No, Nick, please! Please, Nick!" I was sobbing hysterically. "No....."
Tucker leapt out in front of me, bristling and snarling. get back, dog. Death commanded, rising. Tucker only growled louder. There seemed to be some sort of conversation going on between the two of them. Tucker staggered, then dragged himself over to me. He weakly kissed my face, then collapsed. He was very still.
"Tucker? TUCKER! Tucker, no!" I wailed. I buried my face in his lifeless fur, sobbing. I had lost my charge, now my dog. Afterlife couldn't have been crueler. I wept miserably, still holding Nick while the other guys watched on in shock.
"Lucy, why are you crying?"
I jumped. Nick was looking at me in confusion. "Nick? Oh...!" I hugged him tightly, crying into his hair. "You were dead.... and Tucker...." I stopped, turning to my dog. He began to vanish very, very slowly. "Tucker took your place...."
Nick was silent. "I remember now. I was in Heaven for a minute, then Tucker was there. He told me to go back. Back home. And.... he wanted me to tell you he loved you. He's always going to be watching you, Lucy. I think.... he said his Heaven is different from your Heaven. The two can't intermix ever." My eyes filled rapidly.
"So I'll never see him again," I managed. Nick sadly nodded. My heart ached painfully and I turned away. "Why did I have to conjure such a brave dog?" I demanded. I breathed a small oath and a smaller sob. "Tucker..."
A familiar bark sounded outside. I rushed to the window. An even more familiar golden retriever sat under a tree, smiling, tail waving. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. When I opened them again, Tucker was gone.
