Author's Note: One of the stories that did not survive the "great purge" of my posted stories, a result of a bad case of writer's block. Having re-read and edited - this story still made me happy, so I hope it will do the same to some of you all! Merry Christmas! ~CC

Chapter 1: Of Prayers and Angel's Wings

"Dear God, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph," the little girl sobbed. "Please help my Mama."

"Dear God, Aunt Scarlett's awful sad tonight. And it's Christmas. Please don't let anything happen to her."

"Dear God," the boy folded his hands reverently. "Mother needs help. Please, please, please let her make it home tonight. I love her, Lord. Please keep her safe."

"Lord in Heaven, I owe Scarlett everything. I beg you to help her. Melanie would have been able to help her, if she had lived, but I can do no more than intercede to You, my God."

Far above the church steeple and the rest of the Atlanta skyline, high, high up through the night sky, there exists a certain firmament full of stars. At this interval in the cosmos, Heavenly Voices are talking, and as each voice is heard, one of the stars twinkles brightly:

"A lot of petitions asking for help on behalf of Scarlett O'Hara."

"Scarlett O'Hara? Oh yes, that woman has had quite a few requests over the years."

"The twins are up tonight."

"Please, anyone but them."

"I'm sorry, but there really is no one else…and if we ever want to be rid of them, we need to give them an opportunity to earn their wings and move on up."

"Hmmph. Very well. Send for them."

Moments later, two identical smaller stars appear, each twinkling as their respective voice speaks:

"Evening. You sent for us?"

"Yes, someone down there needs your help."

"Down there? You mean we get to go home?! Boy oh boy! Anybody we know?"

"One Scarlett O'Hara."

"Scarlett O'Hara? Hell yeah! I mean…Sorry, boss."

"You twins haven't learned a thing, have you?"

"Sorry," they chorused together.

"What are you holding, young man?"

"A Christmas Carol!" Brent grinned. "My favorite book."

"Appropriate, ain't it?" Stuart chimed in.

"How many years have you been with us, Mr. Tarleton? Either of you may answer."

The twins exchanged mischievous grins. "Shot down at Gettysburg!" Brent and Stuart said simultaneously.

"In the prime of life, we was!"

The Heavenly Hosts sighed. "Right. Almost twenty years ago."

"So, if we was to help Scarlett out, we might get our wings, then?"

"Yeah, I was hopin' to get 'em before Ma kicks the bucket. She'd never lay off, else!"

"Yes." The Heavenly Hosts said together in exasperated voices.

"YEEEII!" The twins let out their renditions of the Rebel Yell.

"Before you begin to celebrate, you should familiarize yourself with Scarlett O'Hara's situation."

"Situation?" Brent laughed. "Never fear, boss. We've known Scarlett all our lives."

"That's right," said Stuart. "We was both her beaux at one point."

The senior Host glared at them. "Perhaps there are points in her past which you do not recall. Before she became a belle and you her very enthusiastic beaux."

"That ain't no fun," Brent groaned.

"And you wonder why you haven't yet received your wings? Watch!" the Host commanded.