Guardian Angel (A Sample)

When at last the doctor wiped the last traces of blood from her cheeks, Taylor turned her eyes toward Daimhin and smiled gratefully.

>i<

A year later, her first day at school, she appeared on his list again.

He stood at the bottom of the stairs as he watched her walk up them to the next floor. He could already see how this was going to happen. He could see the heavy backpack pull back on her little frame.

As if in slow motion he saw the moment gravity and fate worked together as a team. He saw her tumble down the stairs. She fell down in front of him, sprawled in a bundle at his feet. All he had to do was lean down and touch her.

Her long blonde hair was tied up in two pigtails on the side of her face. Instinctively her left hand folded around her broken right arm.

She looked up at him and smiled widely. Her smile brightened her eyes. She pleaded, "Please I want to stay. I promise you can take me next time. It's a deal."

He bend down to her, resting his palms on his knees. Softly he said, "Next time I have to take you with me. I am already going to be in a heap of trouble."

He straightened shocked when she nodded up at him. Did she hear him? He shivered and stepped aside quickly when a teacher walked through him.

" Taylor, are you okay? You must have a guardian angel, my girl."

Taylor smiled up at her and glanced toward Daimhin where he stood a few feet away from the commotion.

The teacher asked, "Can you stand up?" She leaned forward and lifted Taylor by placing her hands under her armpits. "Let's phone your mom. Do you feel sore anywhere?"

Bravely Taylor replied, "My arm is very sore, Mrs. O'Neill."

Daimhin turned away. He convinced himself that now he did not have to feel as if he was not doing his job the way he was supposed to be doing it. The next time her name appeared on his list, he would have to take her with him - they had a deal. If anybody found out that he never took her the very first time her name appeared on his list, his soul would be taken away from him permanently. He had been given a second chance after he committed suicide all those years ago. He had to collect souls so that he could understand how precious life is. He doubted there were any other opportunities beyond a second chance. There had been many people before Taylor who pleaded to stay and never did he consider not taking them with him. There was something about Taylor, a deeper meaning that evaded him.