Chapter 3

Rafe stood staring at the closed door after she left. All he could do was wonder. Wonder where she had gone and wonder if he had screwed things up for good this time. She hadn't seemed upset. Come to think of it, she had almost appeared....peaceful. Serene. So, why did she leave him? Where did she go in such a hurry?

Meanwhile, Alison was walking toward her destination. If there was any chance of talking to someone about Rafe staying on earth this would be the place to go. Her plan had to work...it simply HAD to work! She walked up the steps of the church and opened the doors. Music was playing softly and the minister turned when he heard the door closing behind him.

"Hello, my child. May I help you?" he asked.

"I need to go inside and sit for a few minutes. Is that ok?" Alison asked.

"Certainly. Take all the time you need. Is there anything I might be able to help you with?"

"No, but thank you. I need to do a little talking and see what happens."

"Alright. Let me know if you need anything." Ed said as he smiled.

Alison entered the sanctuary of the church and walked to the front to light a candle. After doing so she sat down on the front pew and began to speak...

"I know you're like, busy up there and all but, I need to talk to you. It's about Rafe, but I guess you already knew that. He has been through so much and he's been good about protecting people and he helped get rid of Caleb and then he got all the couples back together, well, except for me and Jamal but that wasn't Rafe's fault because Jamal and I just weren't meant to be." she stopped when she realized she wasn't even breathing between sentences. "Sorry, but you know I get carried away sometimes. You sent Rafe to me, well to us, and he spent his whole time on earth the first time fighting evil and even this time he helped defeat Caleb, I already said that didn't I? I know he's suppose to come back up there but, before he died he never got to really live. I would like appreciate it so much if you could see the way to let him stay on earth. With me. I love him," she said choking back a sob "and I don't want to lose him now. Not when I've only now figured out that I love him. And he loves me too and why would you allow us to feel this way if you only want to take him back? Is it even possible for him to stay? Please God, please?!?" tears were flowing freely down her anguished face by this time. "I don't know how I could live my life without him. Please don't make me have to find out."

Ed listened quietly from a few pews back. He saw she was crying and walked the short distance to the front pew.

"Miss? Are you sure there isn't anything I can do to help?" he asked.

"I'm sure. I've done all I can do. Now I have to hope for the best." she said wiping her eyes and rising to go.

She had walked about halfway to the back when the minister's voice stopped her...

"Miss?"

"Yes?" Alison replied.

"Have faith!" Ed said and watched as she nodded her head before exiting the building. Ed stood next to the table where the candle she had lit burned brightly. He looked up and asked, "Did you see that? Did you hear her? I think they deserve a little happiness, don't you? In fact, I believe a miracle would be in order about now."

The candle suddenly blew out and Ed looked up again and smiled. "I had a feeling you would agree."

Back at Lucy's house, Rafe sat down on the couch and started doing some talking of his own.

"I know my time here is about up. I'll be leaving soon. B....but, isn't there some way that I might could stay a little while longer? I was so busy my first time on earth fighting vampires and training all the time that I never got the chance to experience...life. I didn't get to do so many things like ice skating, parachuting, and........falling in love. Now I have fallen in love and it's the most amazing feeling. The sheer joy that I feel every time I look at Alison......please, Sir, isn't there SOME way I can get a break here? Alison needs me! Who am I kidding? I need her too."

The words had no more left Rafe's lips than Ed appeared in the room.

"Hey, kiddo."

"Hey, " Rafe said sadly. " It's not time for me to go back yet is it? Because I have to see Alison before I go. I have to say good bye, boss. I can't hurt her like that. You have to...."

"Rafe..." Ed started to say.

"....let me see her!! You can't take me back now!!!" Rafe was nearly shouting.

"RAFE!" Ed interrupted. "Be quiet for a minute, will you, kid? Geez, you're giving me a migraine!"

"But, Ed...I....." began Rafe.

"No! Listen to me, will you? I'm not here to take you back. In fact, I came to bring you some news."

"What? Is Alison alright? She's not hurt is she?"

"Calm down, Rafe. Alison is just fine. In fact she's on her way back here as we speak."

"Then, what, Ed? I don't understand....." Rafe's voice faded.

"If you will keep your big mouth closed for a minute I'll tell you." Ed said, exasperated.

"Thank you. You have done an outstanding job while you were here on earth. With the exception of a few minor slip ups, things could not have gone more perfectly. Your job has not gone unnoticed by the BIG man. Neither has your love and devotion to Alison or her's for you or the fact that even though you fell in love with her, you continued to try to get her together with Jamal because you believed he was her destiny. It was that unselfishness that greatly helped in determining your destiny. That's why a decision has been made on your behalf."

"No Ed! Please not now...."

Ed held up his hand for Rafe to be quiet and he was.

"Let me finish........you're free." Ed stated simply.

"What do you mean free?" the younger angel asked.

"Free as in, this better be the last time you lay eyes on me for 50 or 60 years!! Free as in you aren't coming back with me, kiddo. You're staying right here with Alison, where you belong."

Rafe's eyes grew wide and his heart began to race, "You mean it? I am completely human again? I get to live out the rest of my life here? On earth? With Alison?"

"Yeah, kiddo, that's exactly what I mean! That Alison, she is some kinda girl. You should have heard her at the church talking and pleading on your behalf. Asking the boss to let you stay. She's very persuasive...that one. The boss couldn't say no." Ed smiled.

Rafe blushed a bit and marveled aloud, " She did that for me?"

"Yes, son, she did that for you. But she did it for herself also. I'm only going to give you one more piece of advice before I go.....BE HAPPY!! Simply love her and let her love you and be happy!"

" That sounds like the best deal I could ever make. Thanks, Ed. For everything."

"I'll be watching....." Ed said as he faded from view.

Rafe looked up toward heaven, "I won't mess this up........I promise."