Tuesday, May 22, 2001

Chapter 29 Bonus Scene

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Chapter 29 Bonus Scene

Two weeks after Seth first appears to Edward

"Ah, Gideon," the Voice boomed as he approached.

Gideon smiled and let his ice blue eyes twinkle. He'd been expecting this particular summons for some time now; he was actually surprised it had taken this long.

"Hello again, my son," the Voice rumbled and Gideon was filled with a sense of mirth and even a hint of naughtiness which made him smile even bigger.

Gideon let out a mighty sigh and floated around in a circle for a bit before coming to rest. "As much as I love being in your presence, I'm sure you have more important things to do than to beat around the bush with me. I know Seth has made a mistake; now what do we do about it?"

"Nothing," was the immediate answer.

Speechless. Gideon was utterly speechless. In all of his very long time as an angel, he couldn't ever recall a time when he'd been so shocked. He'd seen things, heard things that most would find unbelievable, and he took those in stride. But this...he was at a total loss.

"You're kidding, right?" he blurted out and then slapped his hands over his mouth like a newbie.

Flashes of light pulsed all around and loud claps of thunder boomed overhead, and still Gideon stood there with his hands over his mouth, too shocked by his outburst to even contemplate speaking again.

"Gideon, think for a moment. Young Edward has already come so very far. Yes, Seth made a mistake, a rather large one as we both know, but I'm quite impressed with what he's been able to do with Edward so far. We've talked about this, many, many times over these many years. The time to send Seth had finally arrived so he was sent. He's young and impetuous, but he has loved Edward, and yes, the lovely Isabella, for a long time now. Is it any wonder he jumped the gun so to speak?" the Voice questioned.

"But...but," Gideon sputtered and then took a deep breath. He had been an angel for too long now to act like he was fresh from the farm so he took one more deep breath and began again. "It is my understanding that Edward is not dying anytime soon. Is that still correct?" Gideon questioned carefully with a rather loud gulp.

It was not at all easy to question the Almighty...no matter how long he'd been an angel.

"Tsk, tsk," the Voice chided lovingly. "You know that my plan has never been for Edward to take his leave of the lovely Isabella anytime soon. If something unfortunate were to happen, you are well aware that it is within my power to give him a choice to go back and I fully plan on doing just that."

"What if he chooses to stay?" Gideon couldn't help but ask.

It was a legitimate question, at least as far as Gideon was concerned at any rate.

Another of rumble of laughter floated through the air followed by an indulgent sigh. "I would hope that his first inclination is to stay, my son. After all, I am offering him the chance to spend eternity...with me, am I not? An eternity of love and happiness and joy free of all the burdens he's carried for so long. Who wouldn't want that?" the Voice asked in an amused tone.

Gideon couldn't help but nod his head. "This is true..."

"However, it is my supreme wish that Edward be allowed to continue on the journey he has just begun. It may have been precipitated because of Seth's introduction to him, but Edward is no fool, and he never has been. If he hadn't been ready to be receptive to Seth's...shall we say unique way of making his point...he wouldn't be this far already," the Voice commented thoughtfully.

Gideon shook his head and ice blue eyes gleamed playfully even though he rolled them. "That boy, I swear," he huffed.

"Is much like you, my son, so it's no wonder he drives you crazy. I remember having a discussion very similar to this with Samuel if I recall correctly...and well...I'm ALWAYS right, so..." the Voice trailed off with another rumble of laughter. "Gideon," the Voice began again, this time more serious. "It is my wish that if it comes to pass that Edward arrives here before I want, that he return to his Isabella and family and friends. I'm not without my powers of persuasion you realize, so I will pull out the big guns if I need to to show him how much he has to gain by going back. He'll go back, don't worry."

Gideon floated once more before stopping. "Well, far be it from me to question you," he chuckled and was rewarded with a warm hug. "I know we've all paid particular attention to this very special family, Edward and Isabella most especially. It's been hard watching them suffer so much, and now that Edward is finally taking the steps necessary to bring them all together, well, I have to admit I'm as impatient as my prodigy it appears."

"I'll let you in on a little secret, my son," the Voice said on a gust of wind. "So am I. Edward and Isabella are indeed very special people and from their love for each other will come the forgiveness Edward so desperately needs and needs to give. It won't be easy to witness, these next steps he must take, but the reward will be so very worth it."

"As it always is," replied Gideon immediately with a brilliant smile.

Thunder clapped overhead and light pulsed again as the Voice said, "Indeed."

"Now, what shall we do about my impetuous young charge?" Gideon asked with a hint of mischievousness.

"Ah, well, I for one, am most looking forward to watching him try to wrangle young Edward, that's for sure. Edward is going to keep him on his toes, no question about it," the Voice said gleefully.

Gideon joined in the laughter and nodded his head enthusiastically. "Isn't that the truth? Before all is said and done, I'm thinking our young Seth might second-guess, on more than one occasion, his willingness to jump in and help Edward so quickly."

"How right you are," the Voice agreed. "Seth asked for this, a request I was most willing to grant. Edward and Seth are perfect for each other. I'm most looking forward to watching this all play out...for many, many years to come if I have my way."

"Yes," Gideon answered back, knowing his time was coming to a close. "Thank you for loving and forgiving Seth for his mistake."

"I'm me, Gideon. It's what I do," the Voice answered and then was gone.

"Indeed it is," Gideon said softly before leaving to find Seth.
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