Lurlene McDaniel - The Angels Trilogy: Angels Watching Over Me; Lifted Up by Angels; Until Angels Close My Eyes

From Angels Watching Over Me

Leah had been raised to be on her own. Her mothers many marriages, their frequent moves and different schools had taught her to be independent. But she saw quite clearly that for the Amish, individuality was not a virtue. It was a curse. She stood. Well, it looks like weve come full circle, Ethan. You were right after allthe English and the Amish cant mingle.

He stood too. But we can care about one another, he said carefully. We can always care.

From Lifted Up by Angels

I guess I have a lot to learn about you Amish, Leah said, taking a cup of punch from Ethan.

Things are not always what they seem, Leah. Everyone here is free to try the things of the world. But we are still accountable to our families and traditions.

So Im learning. She wondered what was going on inside Ethan, where he fit in this strange no-mans-land of Amish tradition and English worldliness. She felt a kinship with him. They were both searching for a place where they belonged.

From Until Angels Close My Eyes

The revelations about her father, mother and grandmother haunted her. How could she have never known the truth? Why hadnt anyone told her until now?

You should have been the one to tell me, Leah said to her mother, knowing she sounded hurt. Why am I always the last to know about everything in this family?

It isnt a conspiracy, Leah. I was going to tell you about your father. I just never knew how.

RL 4.7, AGES 012 AND UP

THE ANGELS TRILOGY
A Bantam Book / October 2002

This edition contains the complete and unabridged texts of the original editions. They have been completely reset for this volume. This omnibus was originally published in separate volumes under the titles:

Angels Watching Over Me copyright 1996 by Lurlene McDaniel
Lifted Up by Angels copyright 1997 by Lurlene McDaniel
Until Angels Close My Eyes copyright 1998 by Lurlene McDaniel
This 2002 edition published by Bantam Books

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information address Bantam Books.

ISBN 0-553-57098-6
eBook ISBN: 978-0-307-81413-5

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Bantam Books is an imprint of Random House Childrens Books, a division of Random House, Inc. BANTAM BOOKS and the rooster colophon are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc. Bantam Books, 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036.

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This book is dedicated to the memory of Emily Anne Thomas, a loyal reader and a precious child of God.

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
(Hebrews 1:14, New International Version)

W ell, I cant believe a broken finger can land you in the hospital, Leah. Are you telling me everything? Are you sure those doctors know what theyre doing? I expected Indiana to be a little more progressive. Even if we are living in the boondocks.

Leah Lewis-Hall gripped the phone receiver. Her mother sounded as if she were next door instead of halfway around the world in Japan on her honeymoon. Leah took a deep breath, not wanting to scream at her mother. But she didnt want to let her know how scared she was either. Im sixteen and perfectly capable of handling the unexpected on my own, she told herself. After all, nothing about her and her mothers lives together had ever approached what was expected all these years.

Patiently Leah explained, I saw the doctor Neil said to call in case of an emergency. He did some X rays and blood work and told me my finger was broken. Then he told me I should come to the hospital and be checked out more thoroughly. So I did.

How did you break your finger?

I dont know. After I took you and Neil to the airport, it just started hurting. I didnt bang it or anything. But it hurt so bad I couldnt even sleep last night. She didnt add that sleeping alone in the old farmhouse Neil was renovating for the three of them to live in wasnt exactly restful. Maybe the doctor thought I should be in the hospital because the two of you are so far away.

I want to talk to a doctor. Is one around?

Not right now. Neils doctor said to call him at his office and hed discuss it with you. Leah hated acting as go-between. What other girl her age had to check herself into the hospital alone?

Neil Dutton got on the phone. Whats going on, sugar?

Leah wanted to shout, Im not your sugar and you arent my father! Instead she explained the situation all over again.

Neil said, Dr. Howsers a good man, and if he thinks youre better off in the hospital, then you are. Dont you worry, Ill call him and get the whole story and call you back later tonight. Its six A.M . here, he mused, so that makes itwhat? About four in the afternoon over there?

Thats right. In Japan it was also a day later.

I know were a long way off, but if you want us to come home, we can be there in less than twenty-four hours.

Although being in the hospital frightened her, Leah certainly didnt want to interrupt her mothers new life. And she was positive that wasnt what her mother wanted either. Also, she vaguely remembered that Neil, a retired auto executive, had an important meeting scheduled with some Japanese businessmen on behalf of his former company. She said, Please put my mother back on.

Is that what you want us to do? Roberta Dutton sounded cautious. I mean, if you want us to come home

No way, Leah interrupted quickly. Its your honeymoon and Im not a baby.

Well, maybe we shouldnt act too hastily. Leah could almost hear the relief in her mothers voice. I mean, wait until Neil talks to the doctor. Then we can decide what to do. She paused. Japans wonderful. Ive already bought you some gorgeous things for Christmas, Leah. Why, Ill bet no girl in that new high school of yours will have anything as nice. Im talking designer labels, no imitations. Her mother giggled. Neil is positively pampering me.

Leah hated her mothers helpless-little-girl routine. Leah knew firsthand just how strong and unhelpless her mother could be when it suited her.

Im sure Ill like whatever youve picked out, Leah said dutifully. It was Thursday, and Christmas was only nine days away. Since she was in the hospital, Leah was missing a few days of school, but so what? She really didnt have any friends at the high school yet. Maybe she was better off in the hospital.

Rural Indiana was a far cry from Dallas. Leah hated the cold weather, the dreary gray skies, the farm-country high school, the whole bucolic scene. She missed her friends and the sophistication of Dallas. So far, everybody shed met seemed hopelessly hick and uncool. At least the hospital was in Indianapolis, a decent-sized city. Maybe she could persuade her mother to send her to a city high school starting in January. She could commute to the farm on weekends.