Karin De Havin - Heavenly Discovery

T he grand palace loomed in front of us like an enormous glittering jewelry box. It felt good to have Ryan back by my side. The irony that he had to die again to do it wasnt lost on me. Besides, I had the splitting headache I always got when entering Junior Heaven to prove it. Ignoring the phantom pain, I was happy he was here so I could keep my promise to him. He wanted to make sure we found a new home for the Katran quickly, so we could return to Earth and start our relationship together.

I thought of Celery back home on Earth with her parents. Shed kill me all over again if she knew Id let Ryan come with me and not her. Hopefully shed gotten it all wrong about her parents and they were treating her the way she deserved. But I knew that was wishful thinking since her parents wouldnt remember she had died. Once we finished the meeting with Father, I needed to hop on the looking glass and find out how she was doing.

Ryans curly blond hair tousled around his face as he continued to gawk at the palace splendor. You told me the place looked like Versailles, but I thought you had to be exaggerating.

I squeezed his hand. I see you still have more to learn about me. I never exaggerate about anything important.

Father greeted us wearing his standard uniform of a purple hoodie and matching yoga pants. He reached over and gave me a hug. My daughter, so good to see you.

It felt wonderful to be back in his arms. After eighteen years, I finally had a father who truly loved me. So whens the big council tribunal about Palmers fate? Might be nice to rest up a bit. Were still suffering from death lag.

The corners of his mouth turned up. Yes, I am aware. I hope the twelve hours of sleep you had yesterday has helped.

Busted! He knew I just wanted some alone time with Ryan.

Yes, but it still feels like Ive been through a blender.

Ryan nodded. I second that. This living and dying thing is not for wimps.

My father placed his hand on Ryans shoulder. This will be the last time you have to visit Junior. Heaven for a long time.

Ryans eyes grew wider. You know when I actually die?

No. I am not the One and Only, but I do have a sense about these things. Ryan, I think you will live a fairly long life but in your eighties, you

I needed to change the subject pronto. Father, whens the tribunal?

In an hour. Father tossed back his hoodie, revealing his auburn hair that matched mine. Please be prompt, the council is not as forgiving as I.

I led Ryan down a series of cherub-covered hallways to my bedroom. Flinging open the door, I said, This is my home away from home in the palace.

Ryan sucked in a breath as he took in the enormous canopy bed made for a princess. He ran his hand along the layers of pale gold silk hanging down from the top like gossamer wings. This really looks like a bed that belongs in Heaven.

I smiled at him. So youre saying its perfect for an angel like me?

He picked me up and tossed me on the bed. You are anything but an angel.

I sunk into the down-filled comforter enjoying its silky embrace as much as Ryans. Stroking his cheek, I gave him a deep kiss. I wish we could stay in here and lock the door.

He rolled onto his back. Dont give me any ideas.

Theres only one problem.

He put his head down on the stack of silk pillows. What?

There are no locks in the palace or anywhere else in Junior Heaven.

His eyelids grew heavy. Except Schwartzs house.

Exactly.

You mind if I take a nap? He gave me a weak smile. I can barely keep my eyes open.

No problem. Get some rest.

I gently stroked Ryans face as he fell asleep. Some girls would be mad at his lack of attention, but not me. We will have plenty of time together once we are back on Earth. Plus, I knew Mr. X watched the palace like a hawk.

Slowly getting up off the bed, I snuck across the room and into the bathroom. I opened the drawer next to the sink and I pulled out the looking glass nestled on a fluffy gold towel. It was about six oclock in the evening in California; maybe I could catch Celery at home. I concentrated on her face framed by her shocking green hair as I ran my finger around the rim of the mirror. At first nothing popped up, but then I saw her sitting cross-legged on her bed madly typing away on her laptop. I hated to disturb her, but I missed her so much.