"This pepperoni is delicious," Roger praised.  "I'm going to go grab another slice.  Anything for anyone else?" he asked the table which was comprised of Loreena, the archbishop, Mason, Renee, Kyle, and Ana-Maria.

"Maybe another breadstick?" Kyle requested.

"For me, too?" Renee asked.  "Actually... maybe two?  Baby is hungry."

Mason patted his wife's belly.

"I think he or she inherited my loves of carbs."

"I think so!  I was never that obsessed with bread but lately..."  Renee smiled and shrugged.

"More breadsticks on the way!" Roger promised.

"How have you been feeling, Renee?" Loreena asked in between bites of her pizza.

"Ya know, I get tired a lot more easily than usual.  But otherwise good!  The morning sickness has passed, thank God."

Loreena noted Renee smiling across the room at Joshua.  It seemed slightly odd but she supposed it wasn't entirely since they were used to him portraying God.

"It must feel so cool.  Feeling a tiny little person growing inside of you," Ana-Maria murmured.

Renee smiled and nodded.

"It really is.  I can't wait til I can really feel them move and kick.  I can a bit now.  Just barely."

"I can't wait..."  Ana-Maria's face flushed.  "I, umm, didn't mean to say that out loud."

Kyle laughed.

"A wedding might be nice first."

"Wedding?" Roger asked as he returned and set a plate of breadsticks down.  "And Joshua said to just take a bunch so... here you go."

"I suppose we should set a date."  Kyle squeezed his fiancee's hand.  "Now that COVID isn't quite the threat it was.  Maybe after we're done with the show?"

Ana-Maria beamed.

"I would love that.  Actually...  Emma had shown me photos of her and Peter's wedding here and it was so beautiful.  Maybe..."

Kyle brought her hand to his lips.

"I'd love that."

Tony clapped enthusiastically.

"Finally!  I mean... don't get me wrong...  I completely understood not wanting to get married when your guest list would have to be so limited.  But I was growing a bit anxious.  I'm not getting any younger, you know.  And I'd love to be there."

Kyle hugged his uncle.

"You're not going any where any time soon, Uncle Tony.  But, yeah, no sense waiting any longer.  You just never know..."  His voice faded away.  While COVID had, thankfully, never breached El-Chanan, he had accompanied both Fr. Mike and his uncle when they'd ministered to the grieving and dying in New York.  Kyle didn't want to waste any more time.

Tony pulled out his phone.

"April 23rd is the first Saturday after Easter.  Thoughts?"

Ana-Maria laughed.

"I mean... I certainly have no objections."

Kyle smiled at his bride-to-be.

"None here."

Tony punched a few buttons.

"Excellent!"

"Can we announce it!?  Can we announce it?!" Mason prodded.

"Is everyone here invited?" Renee checked.

"Of course!" Ana-Maria and Kyle responded in unison.

"Uncle Tony, you do the honors.  Mason, you get everyone's attention," Kyle directed.

Mason began to beat on the table then shouted.

"Hear ye, hear ye!  The most honorable Archbishop Anthony Merriman has an announcement!"

Everyone turned to look at their table, expectant smiles on their faces.

Tony chuckled and got to his feet.

"Beloved friends...  It is my absolute honor to announce that my dear, dear nephew, Kyle, and his lovely fiancee, Ana-Maria, have set a wedding date.  While many details remain to be sorted out... your presence is requested on Saturday, April 23rd."

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

The color suddenly disappeared from Kyle's face.

"Wait...  my parents and siblings."  He looked to Ana-Maria.  "And your family!  We need to make sure the date..."

"Already reserved on their calendars.  I told them I was planning a function and needed them present," Tony explained with a cheeky grin. 

Ana-Maria burst out laughing.

"You planned this, Uncle Tony!"

The archbishop shrugged.

"I did.  But then you walked right into it on your own.  I didn't even have to broach the subject."

Loreena laughed.  She had only met the archbishop a handful of times and liked him.  But now she loved him.

While the majority of the Friends clustered around to congratulate the couple, a small contingent remained near the food table and it quickly became clear why.

The group, with Kylie and Joshua in front, raised their cups as Tess hurried to the piano and familiar notes began.

Kyle and Ana-Marie laughed and embraced each other.

"'A toast to the groom,'" Kylie sang as the rest of the group echoed her.  "'To the bride.'"

Joshua took over.

"'From your... brother,'" he sang with misty eyes.  "'Who is always by your side.'"

"Oh..."  Ana-Maria murmured as she rested her head on her fiance's shoulder.

"'To your union,'" Andrew toasted.

"'To the union... to the... revolution?'" the others sang, laughing at the lyrics they'd not quite had time to tailor.

"'And the hope that you provide,'" Emma continued.

"'May you always... be satisfied,'" Peter finished.

Tess finished on the piano with a flourish before a new round of applause and cheers sounded.

As Kyle and Ana-Maria took in all the love and support, Loreena's eyes filled with tears.  She felt such warmth and love even though she hadn't properly met everyone.  She didn't even know if they knew about her.  She didn't think it likely that Joshua, JenniAnn, or anyone at her table would have told the others behind her back.  So probably they didn't know she was transgender.  A familiar melancholy stirred in her heart.  She felt she could be accepted here... but would that be true if she were honest with them all?

Then she saw them, standing beside a very blonde man holding what appeared to be a miniature wedding cake.  They had vibrant red hair that cascaded halfway down their back in gorgeous waves.  Over some skin tight black jeans they wore a tunic Loreena recognized.  She knew it was JenniAnn's because she'd seen the woman wear it before.  She'd admired it herself... a deep black with red and white flowers embroidered down the center.  They were beautiful and, Loreena suspected, assigned male at birth.  But no one seemed the least put off by their feminine-leaning appearance.

Aziraphale and Crowley approached the happy couple.

"For you!" the angel presented the cake with a flourish.

"Thank you!" Kyle hugged Aziraphale and Crowley.  "How did you get that so quickly?"

"Magic," Aziraphale replied with a wink.

"It's so beautiful!" Ana-Maria gushed.  "And this beautiful lily..."

"One of my own," Crowley explained.  "We're very happy for you."

Hearing the stranger's voice, Loreena's suspicions were confirmed.

"Can I see the flower, please?" a small voice asked.

Loreena watched as Crowley scooped Avi up so he could have a better view.

"Nice," the boy admired.  He patted Crowley's cheek.  "Good job."

Crowley beamed.

"Thank you.  I have an extra pot at home.  I'll give it to you if you'll promise to take care of it?"

Avi's face lit up.

"I promise!"

While trying not to be too obvious, Loreena studied this exchange... and the complete lack of reaction from anyone else.  With all the disgusting propaganda out there, she was always so careful... so distant... with children. 

Crowley caught Loreena staring at him.  He smiled and held his hand out.

"Crowley and you are..."

Blushing, Loreena shook his hand.

"Loreena... she/her."

Crowley's smile grew.

"He/him.  For now."

Loreena felt the pit in her stomach begin to unwind.

Roger approached and rested a hand on Loreena's arm.

"Oh good!  You've met Crowley.  Crowley's an old friend of Joshua's."

"Very old.  We go way back.  Along with my partner.  Aziraphale, meet Loreena.  Loreena, Aziraphale."

"So pleased to meet you, my dear!"

"Likewise!" 

"Loreena, as soon as we're done eating, I'll finish introducing you around," Roger offered.

"Thanks, Roger!"

Feeling less uneasy and more excited by the prospect, Loreena returned to her meal, smiling happily.


By the time the group moved into the theatre proper to deal with the business of putting on the show, Loreena had been introduced to everyone.  Thus, she was as excited as the rest of them to see what casting decisions were made.

While almost everyone was settled into the seats, Andrew, Joshua, Emma, and Peter stood on the stage.  The latter spoke first.

"I just want to start off by saying how glad Emma and I are to see all of you back here and new faces, too!  It's going to be so amazing to be able to work together again!"

The group cheered.

"That being said..." Andrew continued, "We realize that there's been a lot of change since the last time we did this.  We... all of us... completely understand if anyone needs to scale back their roles or even drop out entirely.  We just ask you to be honest about that."

"I'll be doing that myself," Emma offered, a hand rested over her distended belly.  "I'm due the week after Easter so... I'm really grateful that Ivy has agreed to split Mary Magdalene with me."

"Go Ivy!" Sy shouted as the others clapped.

"Thank you," the young woman murmured shyly.

"And Eric has kindly agreed to split Peter's role with me," Peter added.

There was another round of applause for Eric.

"Zeke and I will continue with our roles for all performances," Joshua announced, drawing the most thunderous applause yet.  "As will Adam as Pontius Pilate."

After another wave of applause, Peter chuckled and shook his head.

"Maybe let's just do one very long round of applause at the end?" he suggested... to applause. 

"Max, what have you decided about Simon?" Andrew asked.

Max stood up.

"Well...  Rose and I have talked it over."  He smiled at his seated wife.  "And we really don't want to leave the kids on all of those nights... especially when their Gamma and Grampy are going to be here, too.  So...  we were hoping maybe we could rotate nights.  Like, say, I play Simon on Thursday and am off Friday while she comes here to be in the chorus.  Would that be okay?"

"Absolutely.  Completely understandable," Andrew assured.  "So... anyone willing to take the female chorus role on Rose's off nights?  No solos."

The group was quiet for a few moments before Isra stood, seemingly prodded by Behnam.

"You have such a lovely voice!  More than the children and I deserve to hear it, my star," he encouraged.

"Isra... we'd love to have you," Andrew invited.  "If you could maybe sing a little something for us.  Even just a few bars."

Her face flushed, Isra scrambled to think of a song.

"Umm...  umm...  'When You Believe'?  From Prince of Egypt?" she requested.

"You got it, baby."  Tess smiled at the woman then began to play.

Isra closed her eyes, blocking out the group as she began.

"'Many nights we've prayed... with no proof, anyone could hear.  In our hearts a hopeful song we barely understood...'"

Isra's eyes opened and she peered at Joshua who smiled proudly at her and nodded with encouragement.  The woman's voice settled and strengthened.

"'Now, we are not afraid.  Although we know there's much to fear.  We were moving mountains, long before we knew we could.'"

Seated to her sister's other side, Salma squeezed her hand.  When Isra gently tugged, she stood and began to sing along with her.  The sisters' voice melded together beautifully.

"'There can be miracles when you believe.  Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill.  Who knows what miracles you can achieve?  When you believe, somehow you will.  You will when you believe...'"

Their nerves calmed, the two sang the complete song together.  When it came to an end, everyone applauded the sisters.

"Isra... I think you're more than capable of being in the chorus!" Andrew enthused.  "And Salma, if you'd like, we'd love to have you join, too."

"Thank you," Isra blushed and hugged first her sister then Behnam, whispering thanks to him for pushing her.

"I would adore that," Salma accepted.  "Thank you."

"Absolutely wonderful!" Joshua praised.  "Such beautiful voices, Isra and Salma.  I'm so pleased!"  He beamed at them then surveyed the group.  "And now... we need someone who can sing with an edge to help Max out with Simon.  Any takers?"

Roger stood up.

"Not me.  But I would like to nominate Mason."

Mason startled and looked to Roger in shock.

"But I'm just here to hang out!"

"Maybe that was your plan but... I've heard you at karaoke.  You have a stellar voice!"

"He's right, baby," Renee agreed.

"I... I don't know..."  He sighed and looked around frantically.  Then his eyes locked on Joshua.  "Could I have a few moments with Joshua?"

"Of course!" Joshua agreed and motioned Mason onto the stage.

The two conferred and then Joshua nodded and moved backstage.  When he returned, he had his guitar.

"So since Simon's song is sung to Jesus about what he wishes Jesus could do, Mason and I are gonna do a duet.  An edgy duet," Joshua explained.

Peter pulled over a stool so Mason could sit beside Joshua who had began to strum.

"So, umm, we're doing 'Father and Son' by Yusuf/Cat Stevens."  Mason sucked in a deep breath then smiled over at Joshua who began to sing.

"'It's not time to make a change.  Just relax, take it easy.  You're still young, that's your fault.  There's so much you have to know...'"

As Joshua continued to sing the father's part, Mason worked himself into something of a frenzy before spitting out his stanza.

"'How can I try to explain? 'Cause when I do he turns away again!  It's always been the same, same old story!  From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen...  Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.  I know I have to go!'"

When the song ended, Joshua hugged Mason tightly.

"You okay?" he asked before releasing him.

Mason wiped at his eyes and nodded.

"Yeah... yeah.  Just kinda took me back.  But it felt good.  Singing with you."  He smiled at Joshua. 

"Well... I don't think anyone here needs any more convincing!" Andrew clapped Mason on the back.  "You got it!  You and Max can figure out your schedules."

"Sounds good!"  Mason hugged Joshua again then joined Max and Rose so they could work things out.

Andrew checked his notes.

"So...  Shane's returning as Herod.  Eli and Henry will continue to play Caiaphas and Annas, respectively.  Violeta's going to play Mary of Nazareth, right?"

"Yeah," Violeta answered from her seat beside JenniAnn.

"Crowley will be taking over as the Angel of Gethsemane."

Surprised, Loreena looked over at him.  She was touched to see Aziraphale gently stroking his back.  Joshua smiled at him with tender fondness.

"Monica is staying on but focusing on costumes," Andrew continued.

"Happily!" Monica chirped.  "Very pleased to be passing the role along to a fellow redhead."

Crowley smiled at her and gave her a gracious nod.

"Edward...  Where's..."  Andrew scanned the seats.  "There you are Edward!  Are you still in for Roman #1 and Joseph of Arimathea?"

"Umm.  Yeah.  Yeah, definitely."

"What about Caleb?  Do you know?"

"I... I do.  He, umm, he's sitting out this year."

There were murmurs of surprise.

Edward studied Joshua's face.  He didn't appear to be surprised... only sad.

"Oh."  Andrew frowned.  "Okay.  Well, I'm sorry to hear that.  Do you think I should talk to him or..."

"I think his mind is made up," Edward pressed.

"All right.  So... anyone for Roman 2/Nicodemus?"

Edward looked around, slightly anxious.  Someone had to help him with the scourging scene and he hoped it would be someone he was relatively close to.

"I could do it."

Relieved, Edward turned around to see Kyle had stood up.  Kyle, Tony, and their family often visited the Romano Family Farm and he liked the younger man a lot.  Edward smiled at him.

Kyle warmly returned the smile.

After a brief rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening" directed to a blushing, enamored Ana-Maria, Kyle was taken up on his offer.

"Awesome!" Andrew cheered.  "We have several chorus spots to fill but the last character with a full song is Claudia Pilate.  Kylie... what are you thinking?"

Kylie handed Maisy to Clay then stood up.

"Adam and I have been talking... and Clay, too, of course... and I still really, really want to participate.  But... I just don't think I want to be away from the kids so much.  So... I was hoping maybe I could do an every other night thing, too?  If anyone wants to share, I mean?"

"Anyone?" Andrew questioned.

"Ana-Maria, you can sing, can't you?" Emma asked.

Ana-Maria's face flushed.

"Oh...  Umm...  Yeah.  But I was thinking maybe more of a chorus role, if I could.  And... and maybe every other show with that, too.  I mean... I have a wedding to plan and..."

"Of course!"  Emma laughed.  "Sorry, pregnancy brain.  No, that totally makes sense.  And, yes, we'd love to have you in the chorus part-time.  So... anyone else?  Joccy?  Brittony?  Shelby?  I know you three mentioned maybe being in the chorus.  So..."

Andrew's eyes went wide and he shook his head.

Adam started sputtering.

Shelby wrinkled her nose.

"I mean no offense but... I... I just really don't want to pretend to be married to Adam.  It's kinda... weird and incestuous.  He's like my uncle."

"I mean they did do that.  The Romans, I mean," Crowley deadpanned.  "But no."

"Besides," Shelby continued, "I really have more of a chorus voice."

"Same," Joccy echoed.  "And... I was kinda hoping to just be in the chorus with Takoda."

"Assuming we get in, she means," Takoda clarified.

Andrew chuckled.

"I've heard you both sing while washing dishes.  I see no problems there.  So... Brittony?"

Brittony looked to Adam.

"I mean you're great, Adam, but... yeah, I'd like to stick in the chorus with Eliot.  It's like... date night for us."

Adam chuckled.

"No one needs to feel bad!  I'm not taking it personally.  It's Pilate.  Not me.  Although...  Shelby, I would step down if you want a shot.  Someone else could play Pilate some..."

"Nope!  I'm really, really happy just to be considered for the chorus.  Besides, you're an awesome Pilate."

"He is," Andrew averred, smiling at his buddy.  "So... any other ideas?"

Joshua nodded.

"I have a suggestion.  But I'd like to confer with someone first."

"Of course!"  Andrew smiled, relieved that Joshua had someone in mind.

Joshua jumped off the stage, causing those nearby to clap over his clean landing.

"Oh, sure, when he does it it's cool," Eric teased.

Joshua burst out laughing and hugged the man.

"Good one."

"I thought so."

Joshua chuckled again then headed towards Loreena.

"So... I've heard you sing before.  I think you'd be perfect."

Loreena's eyes went wide.  When had Joshua heard her sing?  Maybe when he was living in the apartment?

"I... Joshua, then you know my voice...  My singing voice... it... it's sometimes deeper than I'd like."

"I think it's beautiful.  Please.  Just... give it a try?"

Roger patted Loreena's shoulder.

"I second Joshua's request."

"I'll third it," Tony piped up.

Loreena laughed nervously.

"Well then... okay, I guess."  She drew in and let out a deep breath then looked to Tess.  "'Send in the Clowns', please.  In honor of Mr. Sondheim."

"Beautiful choice, baby," Tess complimented before turning to the piano and beginning to play.

"'Isn't it rich?  Are we a pair?  Me here at last on the ground, you in mid-air.  Send in the clowns...  Isn't it bliss?  Don't you approve?  One who keeps tearing around.  One who can't move.  Where are the clowns?  Send in the clowns...'"

Joshua stumbled into a seat, tears welling in his eyes.  He remembered a younger Loreena singing this song to her mother who adored it... desperately seeking her approval.

Loreena's voice strengthened.

"'Just when I stopped opening doors, finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours.  Making my entrance again with my usual flair... sure of my lines...  No one is there.'"

Roger reached for Loreena's hand as tears began to streak down her face.

"'Don't you love a farce?  My fault, I fear.  I thought that you'd want what I want.  Sorry, my dear.  But where are the clowns?  Quick, send in the clowns...  Don't bother.  They're here.'"

Loreena swiped at her face and smiled to assure everyone she was okay as she finished.

"'Isn't it rich?  Isn't it queer?  Losing my timing this late in my career.  And where are the clowns?  There ought to be clowns.  Well... maybe next year...'"

There was silence for a few moments.  Loreena's heart began to pound in her chest. 

Then the applause broke out. 

Roger squeezed Loreena's hand and beamed at her.

Joshua handed her a handkerchief and when Loreena wiped her eyes, she realized that several of the others were wiping at their own eyes and blinking back tears.

Andrew stepped off the stage and approached Adam, whispering something to him.  The elder angel of death nodded then approached Loreena.

"Loreena... would you do me the honor of being my pretend part-time wife?" he requested.

Loreena laughed and gave him an enthusiastic nod.

"I would love that.  Yes!  Thank you!  All of you."

Joshua approached and hugged Loreena.

"Thank you.  Truly.  It meant a lot to me to hear that."

Loreena rested her head on Joshua's shoulder, marveling at how safe she felt.

To be continued...


This newsletter is dedicated to John Dye for reminding us that God is always with us, especially during the hard times.