Chapter One
Guardian Angel Rule #427: Feelings for the mortal one is guarding is strictly prohibited.
Grace
"Joe! Get up! Mom wants you downstairs right now," Kevin informed, shaking Joseph. I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall. Joe groaned and rolled over. "Get up, Joe!" Kevin ripped the covers off Joe's bed. I snickered. Joe sat up, his hair going everywhere.
"I'm up!" he yelled, clearly annoyed. Kevin left after a roll of his eyes. Joe sauntered into the bathroom and splashed some water on his face. He stared at himself in the mirror, his face now soaked. "Why can't I just be normal?" He shut the door to the bathroom. I sat on his bed, waiting patiently. The shower switched on.
Perhaps it's time to recap my life. On August 15, 1889, I died. The influenza pandemic finally caught up with me. I was only twenty years old. The time I spent in Heaven was incredible. Human words can't even half describe its glories. The streets were paved with gold and everyone was always so joyous. There was never a cheerless or gloomy day. It was practically a sin to be a pessimist. Everyone knew each other. It was so harmonious. It was simply bliss.
After a century in Heaven, I was called to see the Head of Guardian Angels, Gabriel. Yes, the Gabriel, the angel who spoke to Mary, the mother of God. He told me that there was a newborn in need of a guardian. He then sent me back to Earth, where I was introduced to Joseph Adam Jonas, the mortal I was destined to guard.
He may not have been so fortunate to have me as a guardian angel, considering I was one of the youngest. Although, I think I've done a decent job so far. I mean, there have been a few small incidents. For example, he fell on broken glass in front of millions of people. And the time he ran into a wall and had to get stitches. Other than that...I've done alright.
Unfortunately, there is one other minor obstacle. Joseph is...irresistibly handsome. I sort of...like him...a lot.
To my dismay, I'm dead. One would think it would be impossible for Joseph and I to be together, but that is incorrect.
I would have to address God directly, and beg him to let me be human once again. It would not be like being reborn. I would be twenty again, as if I was picking up my life where I left off. But I would be invisible to everyone. Although, because I'm a guardian angel, Joseph would be able to see me. He would be the only one.
The bathroom door flew open. "I'm hot! You're cold! You go around, like you know!" Joe sang into a hairbrush, only wearing boxers. I thought girls were the only ones who did that. He crossed the room to his mirror and began brushing out his messy hair. "Who I am! But you don't! You got me on my toes!"
"Joseph Adam! Downstairs, now!" Mrs. Jonas called. He sighed, threw on some sweatpants, and hurried downstairs to the Jonas family's Dallas home living room. He plopped himself down on the arm of the couch next to Kevin. "We've been waiting for a half hour, Joseph."
"Sorry," he mumbled.
"Now, boys, as your manager," Mr. Jonas began, "I receive many calls from talk shows and magazines for interviews and things. Earlier this morning, I received an exciting call from the producer of the Ellen Degeneres Show. They would like to know if you are interested in going back in a few short weeks." The boys looked at each other. I trailed my finger along Joe's arms. He rubbed it, feeling a slight tickle.
"Are you kidding? Of course we're interested!" Kevin, the eldest, answered for them. I couldn't help but smile. Going to the Ellen Show was one of my favorite things to do.
"Alright, I'll give him a call back!" Mr. Jonas said. Joe's jaw dropped. I could tell he was about to mouth off to his parents. Definitely not a smart thing to do.
I leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Calm yourself, Joseph. We wouldn't want your attitude to ruin this wonderful opportunity for you and your brothers." Yes, guardian angels also act as a conscience. His expression changed to calm. I smiled. I love my job.
