"Hi Nigel.  I just got in from an assignment.  Yva said some of you were taking a break for tea and asked me to join you.  I came out here to see if you're ready for tea," Henry explained.  "Sorry if I startled you."

"Oh no, I am quite alright but I will go in for that tea now.  You are joining us, Henry?"

Henry nodded.  "I'll be right in.  I just want to find Adam.  Lady JenniAnn said she saw him head out here a few minutes ago."

"I have not seen him but hope you can find him.  Everyone deserves to take a break.  I hope to see you both in the kitchen shortly."  Nigel smiled politely and then entered the castle.

Henry searched the yard but saw no sign of Adam.  However, a bright spot on the lawn did catch his eye.  He walked briskly toward it.  It was a ball and he guessed JenniAnn had had some of the Tunnel children over so they could play outside.  He picked it up and carried it to the porch to keep it from getting lost.  Setting it down, Henry suddenly remembered an assignment he'd been on years ago.  Adam and Andrew had been with him... as had an assortment of musical instruments and, he cringed, very bad hair styles.

*~*~*

May 1987

"It looks... okay," Henry assured, hoping the Father wouldn't get angry at him for such a lie.

"I look like I stuck my finger in a socket.  And also took a weed whacker to it," Andrew pouted, running his hand through what he would later learn was properly called a mullet with feathered bangs.  He stared at the monstrosity in the visor mirror as he sat in the passenger seat of Adam's car.

Adam laughed.  "But all the cool kids are doing it.  How did this happen, anyway?"

"My last assignment was a hairdresser.  What can I say?  One last hair styling session was her last request and apparently mine was irresistible."  Andrew took one final look in the mirror then flipped the visor up.  He couldn't look at it any more.  "Let's just go inside.  Everyone have their instruments?"

"Yes, we're all set.  Let's go."  Henry got out of the car.

With a sigh and a chuckle respectively, Andrew and Adam hopped out, too.  They unloaded the car as furtively as possible, not wanting to alarm anyone when a piano came out of the standard-sized trunk.  Once finished they headed inside a hospital with the words "Mercy Care Children's Hospital" above the entrance.

Henry spoke to a lady at the front desk who led them to a large cafeteria/play area.  In no time at all, the three angels of death had their instruments and equipment set up. 

"You gentlemen ready?" a nurse asked, poking her head into the room.

"Bring em in any time," Adam answered, eyes twinkling.  All three angels welcomed any opportunity they got to perform as the AOD Band.  Performing for children was even more special.

The three watched and waited as a steady stream of children was led in and filled the seats of the makeshift auditorium.  Their faces lit up as the band played for half an hour, mixing traditional children's songs with modern favorites.  Afterwards, the three angels of death split up to spend time with the children. 

Out of the corner of his eye, Henry saw Andrew approach a little boy who was throwing a ball against a wall and catching it as it bounced back.  Henry could just make out the conversation that followed.

"Hi there," Andrew began.  "My name's Andrew.  What's yours?"

"Sam," came the short reply.

"That's a great name.  One of my best friends is named Sam.  Would you like to play catch with that ball, Sam?"

Sam shook his head and continued to bounce the ball to himself.  "That's a stupid haircut."

Henry saw Andrew redden a bit but then he seemed to grow calm again.  "Isn't it?  I don't know what I was thinking.  I guess now you know why your parents tell you not to stick your finger or anything in sockets."

Despite his best effort, Sam's face began to crack into a smile.  Surely he'd not expected such a good-humored answer.  "Is that how it happened really?"

Andrew chuckled and shook his head.  "No, I let a friend cut it."

"Sam?"

"No, another friend."

"It seems like you have a lot of friends."  Sam focused back on the bouncing ball.

"I do.  It's always good to have friends."

The ball kept bouncing.  "Sometimes it doesn't seem like there's much point."

Andrew frowned.  "What do you mean, Sam?"

"I'm dying.  Why make friends?  Just so they can be sad when I do?" 

Andrew took the ball and put a hand on the boy's shoulder.  "You don't know that for sure, Sam.  Besides, everyone dies.  Yet everyone still needs friends.  And I'll tell you, a good friend is never really gone.  Heaven is real and one day you'll see it for yourself.  But in the meantime, how do you know there aren't kids here right now just hoping for a friend?  And I'll tell you, Sam, you just might be the friend they're waiting for. "

Sam stooped to tie his tennis shoes.  He seemed to take an extra long time accomplishing the task but eventually stood up.  "I guess that makes sense."

"I'm glad you think so and there's one more thing I want you to remember.  No matter what, you always have one friend with you and He's the best friend you'll ever have: God."  Andrew smiled brightly as he passed this vital message onto the young boy.

Sam really smiled then and nodded.  "Thanks, Andrew.  And may be that haircut isn't so bad."

Andrew laughed.  "Thanks.  Now how about we see if any of the other kids would like to play a game?"

"Sure."

Henry watched as his fellow angel of death and the boy approached a group of children who readily agreed to a game of Uno.  For the rest of the day Sam played and talked with the other children.  When it was time for the angels to go, Henry saw Sam run to give Andrew a hug.  Henry couldn't tell what the future held for Sam but he felt in his heart that from then on, because of Andrew's help and humor, the boy's life would be filled with camaraderie, laughter, and support. 

*~*~*

Henry paused to pray for Sam who had recovered and gone on to become a doctor.  He also prayed for the families of Sam's friends who he, Adam, and Andrew had eventually taken Home.  Next, he prayed for Andrew.  He hoped that no matter how his current assignment was going, he would know on some level of how much he was appreciated and loved by those in Dyeland.  Finally, unable to keep from doing so, Henry prayed that the Father might allow Andrew to come to Dyeland for the anniversary if only for a brief space of time.  When Henry was finished with his prayers he went back into the castle.  He stopped by the ballroom before continuing on into the kitchen.  He noted JenniAnn and Lady Beth were still there. 

"Aren't you two having tea?" he asked.

JenniAnn nodded.  "Yeah, just five seconds..." 

Henry and Lady Beth watched, bemused, as she did some last minute fussing over the photos she'd laid out.  Eventually she smiled and moved away.  "See ya two there?" JenniAnn asked.

Henry nodded. 

"In just a moment," Lady Beth answered.

Satisfied, JenniAnn left the room.

"So how are you?" Henry asked.

"Good.  I just wish Andrew could be here.  After the year we've had... he deserves to celebrate with us."  Lady Beth frowned and ran her hand over the back of settee. 

"He'll be here if it's meant to be.  I know that's true but, like you, I just wish he were here," Henry admitted.

Lady Beth nodded, thoughtfully, then smiled.  "Why don't you head to the kitchen.  I'll be right there."

"Great, see you in a little bit."

Once Henry left, Lady Beth took a seat for a moment of quiet reflection.  The fluttering of some curtains caught her attention and, looking at them, her mind traveled back to the previous fall.

*~*~*

October 2006

In an attempt to regain her memory after being stricken with amnesia, Lady Beth had been given a tour of Dyeland.  It had been hoped that seeing something would cause the floodgates of her mind to open.  However, that had not been the case.  She'd been invited back to Willowveil for lunch and now sat on the settee in the ballroom.  Andrew had stayed with her to keep her company while others prepared lunch.  He stood beside the window, looking out at the sunlit autumn trees before turning to speak to Lady Beth.

"So was there even the smallest thing that seemed to click for you?"  Andrew asked, his tone hopeful.

Lady Beth shook her head.  "I'm afraid not.  But this is a beautiful place.  I'm glad I live here and you all seem like great friends."

Andrew's face lit up.  "We are.  We've seen each other through a lot and I have a feeling we'll be helping each other for a long time to come.  I just wish we could help you more."

Lady Beth shrugged.  "Everyone's trying their best.  There is..."

"Go on," Andrew encouraged.

"You.  When you were standing by the window.  You seemed to glow.  That was familiar.  I guess because you're an angel.  I must have seen you like that before."

Andrew nodded.  "At least once.  You may have a hard time believing this, Lady Beth, but once you..."  He began to laugh.  "Let's just say you can be stubborn."

Despite her confusion Lady Beth laughed, too.  "What?"

"Would you believe you once crashed one of my assignments?  You ladies got concerned because I had a violent man as my assignment and in a scuffle he hurt my hand. You were apparently so concerned you tracked me down and showed up right in the midst of it all!  I don't even know how you did that but there you were in my apartment!  I was pretty mad but..."

"But?"  This time Lady Beth encouraged him to continue.  She rather liked thinking of herself as an adventurous problem-solver and concerned friend.

"I guess I was touched, too.  You had to have known I'd be angry.  But you risked even that to make sure I was okay." 

"So what happened?"

Andrew sighed.  "Well, we didn't talk much that first night.  I really was mad.  I didn't want you being in a volatile atmosphere."  The angel ran his hand back through his hair.  "One of the things I dread most is having something happen to one of you and to be there and... to not be able to do a thing to help you."  He sat down in a near by chair.  "I couldn't stand that," he finished, his voice barely audible.  "I pray all the time that it never happens."

Lady Beth felt tears stinging her eyes.  "I wish I could remember more about you, Andrew."

Andrew looked back at her then.  "I hope your memory does return very, very soon, Lady Beth.  But if it doesn't, I promise we'll all make even more and better memories."

Lady Beth smiled appreciatively.  "I'd like that.  I may not remember anything, Andrew, but I can tell you're a great friend."

"I try my best," Andrew responded with a grin.  "You're a great friend, too.  Even if you are sometimes just a little sneaky." 

The woman laughed at his smile and wink.  "I don't think I'll feel up to crashing your assignments for a while yet."

Andrew grew serious.  "You just take your time.  There's no hurry and we'll all be here for you.  No matter what."

"Thank you," Lady Beth answered softly, moved by his compassion and dedication.

Yva came then to tell them lunch was ready.  For a moment in the hallway leading to the kitchen, Lady Beth became confused.  But after enduring it for not much more than a second, Andrew took her arm, smiled, and led her to the kitchen.  She saw at once it was brimming with smiling faces.  Faces of friends, she realized. 

Andrew ushered her to a chair and everyone buzzed around, making sure she had everything she'd want for her meal.  She smiled at Andrew who was in the chair next to her.  In that moment she was filled with hope that all would soon be set right but that, even if it wasn't, the people surrounding her now would not let her go through it alone.  Andrew would not let her go through it alone.

*~*~*
Lady Beth recalled how not long after that her memory had been restored.  Andrew had supported her every step of the way as had so many of the others.  She'd been grateful ever since for the gift of memories and did her best to create new, meaningful ones.  Tonight would present another opportunity for wonderful memories and she continued to hope, as she knew everyone else must, that Andrew would be there to join them. 

She left the room then and headed to the kitchen.  It looked like everyone had decided it was time for a tea and coffee break.  Everyone, it seemed, except Adam.

"Where's Adam?" she asked Yva.

"He said he'd be here in a little bit." 

Lady Beth nodded.  She went to grab a mug and as she did glanced out the window.  A lone figure stood on the lawn.  Adam.

Adam had gone outside to pick some flowers for the table.  He'd come to realize it was the little things like that that meant a lot to the ladies of Dyeland.  Looking at the flowers, Adam suddenly remembered a visit he'd had with Andrew decades ago.

*~*~*

April 1965
Adam felt very self-conscious as he navigated his way through the group of people.  They wore long, brightly colored, flowy shirts and many were bedecked with flowers.  A few cast wary eyes on him.  Their long, often unkept tresses made his cropped hair seem even shorter and more conspicuous.  But then he'd had no hope of blending in, dressed as he was in a military uniform. 

"I'm looking for someone named Andrew," he finally said to a young man strumming a guitar.

"Why?" the man asked, instantly suspicious.

"He's my friend and I'd like to speak to him," Adam explained. 

"You been over there?" 

Adam saw the man wasn't going to easily answer the question.  "Vietnam?"

The guitar player nodded.

"Yes."

Adam's potential informant shook his head and focused back on his guitar.

"Umm, thanks, I guess," Adam mumbled and continued on.  He hadn't gone far when he felt a hand on his arm.

"You're looking for Andrew?" a young woman, barely past her teen years if that, asked gently.

Adam nodded.  "I am.  If you could tell me..."

"I can, sweetheart.  Don't mind Pete," she said in an apologetic tone.  "His brother was killed last year in Vietnam."

Adam looked back at the sullen man and silently prayed for him and his family.

"Andrew's this way."

Adam, grateful for her help, smiled for the first time since showing up there.  "My name's Adam.  What's yours?" 

"Carol.  Good to meet you."  She smiled and with hers Adam's smile grew bigger.  They kept walking until they came to a little valley and it was there Adam glimpsed his friend.  Andrew was a complete contrast to him just then.  His long hair was being blown about his face by the breeze, a long beige tunic hung over khaki flared pants.  A few strands of beads hung around his neck and Adam knew one day he'd have to tease him about that.  But not today.

When Adam turned around to thank Carol she was already retreating, seemingly sensing his need to talk to his friend alone.  Nearing Andrew, Adam could see that his friend was looking out into the valley at a cluster of people dressed similar to himself.  He was shaking his head.

"Andrew," Adam called quietly, not wanting to alert the group to his presence.

Andrew turned and smiled brightly at his friend and walked briskly over to give him a hug.

"Adam, it's great to see you!" he cried out.

Adam looked with concern at the group.  "Shouldn't we be... I mean I don't think I'm popular with this group looking like..."  He indicated his uniform.

Andrew sighed.  "They don't notice much of anything.  Not even the danger they're putting themselves in."  He directed his attention to his friend then.  "How are you, Adam?  I haven't seen you in months."

Adam sat down on the grass and began playing with a wildflower, staring at it as he spoke.  "I've been in Vietnam.  Red Cross, army chaplain, medic, reporter...  I've seen a lot.  And I guess I decided I needed to see a friend."  He gave Andrew a sad smile then.  "But I don't want to ruin your reputation with your assignments here.  That's a good look for you, by the way," he teased, covering his discomfort.

Andrew chuckled.  "You should have been here yesterday.  I was wearing tie-dye."  He paused then and when next he spoke it was with complete seriousness.  "I'm glad you're here, Adam.  Please stay.  May be it'd be good for some of them.  In fact..."  From out of no where, Andrew produced a football.  He tossed it to Adam.  "You up for a game of catch?"

Adam grinned.  Somehow tossing a football with his friend seemed the perfect solution to the troubled memories of the past months.   He got up, ran a few yards and threw the ball back to Andrew.  As the game continued, others finally took notice.  Next thing the two angels of death knew, they were involved in an all-out impromptu football game.  As they played, barriers fell away.  Angel and human, hippie and soldier, male and female... they all came together to have fun and share in a beautiful day. 

Months later when Andrew ended up in Vietnam, it was Adam who showed up on a base with a football in hand.  And once more the two friends let go of the horrors of war for a few moments.
*~*~*
Adam had continued to select flowers as he recalled that time.  Once satisfied with the bouquet, he re-entered the castle and made his way to the kitchen.  Already he could hear the laughter and happy chatter of his friends. 

"Awww!  You picked flowers!" JenniAnn cried as soon as she saw the angel.

Adam grinned.  "I did.  I thought later I'd make myself a floral crown."   He laughed then when a few members of the group seemed confused.  "I actually got them for the table.  Although..."  He plucked a rose out of the bouquet and presented it to the newest Dyelander.  "A rose for our Rose."

Rose smiled up at Adam and set down her tea.  "Thank you, Adam."  She breathed in the fragrance of the bloom.  "It's so beautiful."

"You're welcome, Rose.  So what did I miss?" Adam asked as he pulled a couple vases out of a cabinet..

Yva and Vincent caught him up on the conversation that had taken place in his absence.  As they spoke, Rose looked from one to the other.  As she looked at her friends, she recalled another such impromptu gathering in Dyeland.  It had been the first time she met Andrew.

*~*~*

April 2007
Rose had just recently come to live with her Aunt Josephine in Dyeland.  It was strange enough finding herself in an entirely new world.  But to not know anyone there made the experience stranger still.  She had exchanged emails with them and by that alone begun to appreciate how diverse the place was.  Angels of death!  A time-traveling guardian angel!  Vincent who seemed to have been ripped from the pages of a fairy tale along with his whole world.  And Yva and Lady Beth and Lady JenniAnn and Countess Jennifer and so many others!  As kind and welcoming as they all seemed, Rose couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.  And this is why she now sat in Monica's Cafe.  Many of the Dyelanders were coming to properly welcome her.  Lady JenniAnn, who Rose had discovered often dropped the "Lady" bit, came with Vincent.  The latter, at first, was very quiet but quickly became more at ease.  Adam and Henry came next.  Rose laughed as they good-naturedly teased one another.  Lady Beth followed with Yva and Nigel quickly coming after her.  Then, finally, a blonde figured came rushing in.  He paused at the door and pulled out a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Andrew.  Rose knew at once the handsome figure had to be Andrew.  He seemed to be the heart and soul of Dyeland. 

"Am I late?" he asked anxiously upon reaching their table.

Vincent shook his head.  "You are not.  We all arrived early.  Welcome, Andrew."

"Thanks, it's good to see everyone.  And Rose, it's very nice to meet you."  Andrew smiled, sat down beside Rose, and offered her his hand. 

Rose couldn't help but stare at him.  That he was handsome was obvious but there also seemed to be an inner beauty and kindness that radiated from him.  Almost like the glow she'd seen the ladies of Dyeland tease him about via email.  "Pleased to meet you," she finally managed.

Soon after food was ordered and Rose sat quietly, only occasionally speaking up, as each other person at the table did their best to fill her in on Dyeland and its people and asked her about herself.  Rose was glad to hear it all but after an hour her head was swimming.  She'd heard so many names and been informed of so many relationships she could hardly recall who was who. 

After that first hour the group began to split up.  Some congregated towards the juke box.  Others began to play pool.  Each group asked her to join them but Rose knew she needed a while to sit and digest all she'd been told.  To her surprise, Andrew remained with her.

"It's a lot to take in, isn't it?" he asked, his voice carrying a compassionate tone.

Rose nodded.  "I want to understand but I'm afraid it will take some time, Andrew."

"Luckily, everyone here is pretty patient about that sort of thing.  But if there are any questions I can answer for you, please let me know."

"So JenniAnn is Vincent's... daughter?"  Rose knew that couldn't be right but struggled to remember what exactly the relationship was.

"In a way.  She's actually Vincent's Catherine's cousin.  But JenniAnn recently learned Vincent was going to adopt her before Catherine found her parents.  When her parents heard about this they named him her godfather and the two have been close ever since."

"I can tell."  Rose smiled at the two who stood across the room, looking out the window.  "And Nigel is Yva's guardian angel?"

"That's right.  Sometimes he has other assignments but Yva is his main focus and they're very close.  They often spend time together at Nigel's flat in Victorian London.  Then Adam and Henry are angels of death like me.  Does that...  I mean...  Sometimes people react in a certain way to that..."  Andrew began to grow uncomfortable.

Rose set a hand on his shoulder.  "I'm not creeped out by that if that's what you're asking, Andrew.  You all seem like very nice people.  I wouldn't judge you."

Andrew beamed at her then.  "Thanks.  I guess sometimes I'm just sensitive to how people see us."

Rose smiled.  "JenniAnn has already told me about your Halloween aversion."

Andrew chuckled.  "I'm not surprised.  But I'll tell you, I am getting better about that.  The year before last I even organized the Halloween party.  That's another thing you'll learn about us: we have lots of parties."

"It sounds like fun.  Please tell me about Lady Beth."

"She's one of the best cooks and bakers we have here.  In fact, she actually taught me how to cook which was quite an undertaking.  You'd probably think I was a pyromaniac if you heard about all the kitchen fires I inadvertently started before she agreed to give me lessons."  Andrew laughed at the memories. 

Rose laughed, too. 

"And there are many other people here, too.  I'm sure you'll meet them all in the coming days.  So how are you settling in at your Aunt Josephine's?"

Rose told him about coping with her aunt's changing moods and trying to make the room she'd been given her own.  The spoke about getting lost as she tried to find her way around Dyeland.  She even found herself telling him all about her difficult childhood with a disinterested and even cruel aunt and uncle.  Rose was surprised to find herself opening up so much but something about Andrew made it easy.  His soft green eyes never clouded with judgment.  He never laughed at anything other than what was meant to be funny. 

Sometimes he patted her hand when she became emotional.  By the end of the conversation, Rose had Andrew's promise for a tour and help with getting her room arranged.  Further, as Rose looked into Andrew's eyes, she knew she had found a friend.  In fact, she knew the angel would prove to be her first true friend.
*~*~*
Andrew had proved to be a true friend and helped Rose to grow closer to all the people who now surrounded her.  Coming back from her reverie, Rose focused on the conversation going on around her.

"Two hours until the party," Adam announced, checking his pocket watch.

"Do you think Andrew will make it back?" Lady Beth asked.

"I hope so," JenniAnn murmured, twisting her ring around her finger nervously.

Vincent set a calming hand on her back.  "Whether he is with us this evening or not, Andrew will be with us in spirit.  And he will be in our hearts and in our minds as we enjoy this day together." 

"Quite right," Nigel agreed.

"And we'll tell him all about it when he does get back.  We can send him photos through email, too," Yva added. 

Henry smiled.  "We'll make sure, one way or another, Andrew enjoys the anniversary."

"Happy anniversary, everyone," Rose cheered, raising her cup of tea.

Happy voices echoed her goodwill back and the kitchen filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses and cups and mugs.
*~*~*

That night the guests merrily made their way to Willowveil.  By 7:00 all those expected were accounted for.  They watched quietly and hopefully as JenniAnn placed a lit candle in the entry way window as a beacon to Andrew.  Then, though somewhat reluctantly, the party began.  The music started, drinks were poured, the food was heartily enjoyed, and couples and groups took to the dance floor. 

It was nearly 9:00 when Adam first heard the familiar footfall in the hall.  His face lit up.  Noticing it and knowing what it must mean, Yva cried out in happiness.  Nigel and Vincent turned to her at once and saw her joyful expression.  Vincent waved JenniAnn over from across the room.  Lady Beth and Rose saw her practically leap towards the entry way.  Alarmed by their sudden movement, Henry followed with others behind him.  They all congregated near the door, expectantly.

And so it was that Andrew's first sight upon entering the ballroom was a crowd of friendly, thankful faces. 

"Happy anniversary, Andrew!" they all cried nearly in unison.

Andrew laughed and hugged so many people he lost count.  Finally they all stepped back and looked at him as if expecting him to speak.

"Wow, nine years...  That's a lot of jokes about my hair."  Everyone laughed and then let him continue.  "I'm very glad I could be here with you tonight.  We've been through a lot together, we've all helped each other and been helped by each other, and I hope the Father gives us many more years together.  Happy anniversary, my friends!" 

With those words they all drifted back to the main part of the ballroom and enjoyed the amazing gift God had given them: each other.

The End

 Finally!
7/27/07