My Angel Girl

The skies of Heaven shimmered even brighter than usual, gold and white blending into a tapestry of celebration. Angels floated around, adorned with wreaths of light and carrying candles that glowed with an eternal flame. Christmas in Heaven wasn't just about snow or festive cheer—it was a divine event, one where every being in the celestial realm stopped to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.

Ere'ana was in the middle of a crowd of Archangels, laughing softly as she watched a group of cherubim arrange glowing decorations around the golden lake. Her face was warm with joy, but she had one thought lingering in her mind.

"Where is he?" she whispered to herself, glancing toward the gates of Heaven.

As if on cue, Kikidori appeared, his dark wings contrasting starkly against the radiant backdrop of Heaven. His face, as usual, carried a mix of boredom and reluctance. He adjusted his coat, muttering to himself as he approached.

Ere'ana beamed when she saw him and immediately flew over. "You made it!"

"Yeah, yeah," Kikidori grumbled, brushing a hand through his hair. "But don't make a big deal about it. You owe me for this."

"Sure, whatever you say, Kiki," she teased, grabbing his wrist and pulling him toward the central square where a choir of angels was singing hymns. The crowd was gathered, each angel pausing to offer their reverence.

Ere'ana leaned in closer to Kikidori and whispered, "It's time to say it."

"Say what?" Kikidori frowned.

Ere'ana raised her brows. "You know what! It's Jesus' birthday. Say happy birthday."

Kikidori shifted awkwardly, glancing around at the throngs of angels. Their harmonious singing and glowing faces made him feel like an intruder. His voice dropped to a near inaudible mumble. "Happy birthday…"

Ere'ana blinked at him. "What was that?"

"I said happy birthday," Kikidori repeated, this time a fraction louder but still without conviction.

Ere'ana placed her hands on her hips. "That didn't sound very heartfelt. Do you even know why we celebrate today?"

"Of course I do!" Kikidori shot back defensively. "I'm not a complete idiot. It's the day your guy—uh, Jesus—was born. Happy Christmas and all that. Can I go now?"

Ere'ana sighed, her smile turning into a playful smirk. "You clearly don't know the full story."

Kikidori groaned, catching the mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ere'ana, don't even—"

But Ere'ana had already taken a deep breath, her voice lifting into a melody that echoed across Heaven.

Ere'ana (singing):

"Long ago in Bethlehem,

Underneath the star's bright gem,

A child was born to save us all,

In a humble manger, a barn so small."

Kikidori groaned audibly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "For the love of gosh," he muttered, catching himself before he could say the forbidden phrase. He glanced around nervously, half expecting an Archangel to strike him down.

Ere'ana continued, undeterred by Kikidori's grumbling. She floated slightly above the ground, her voice weaving the story into the air like a painting brought to life.

Ere'ana:

"Mary, chosen by His hand,

Carried hope across the land,

And Joseph by her side so true,

Guided by faith, their journey grew."

Kikidori folded his arms and leaned against a nearby column, pretending not to be interested. But despite himself, he found his eyes following Ere'ana as she danced lightly on the golden clouds. Her voice carried such conviction and warmth that even he couldn't entirely block it out.

Ere'ana:

"No room in the inns, no bed in sight,

But a stable glowed with Heaven's light,

There He lay, the King of kings,

While angels spread their holy wings."

The clouds around her shimmered, transforming into a vivid scene of Bethlehem. Kikidori raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself at how lifelike it all seemed.

"Alright, I'll admit, the special effects are decent," he muttered.

Ere'ana shot him a playful look but didn't break her rhythm.

Ere'ana:

"Shepherds heard the angels sing,

'Glory to the newborn King,'

Wise men traveled from afar,

Guided by the brightest star."

As the song unfolded, Kikidori found himself drawn into the story, despite his initial resistance. The imagery, the emotion in Ere'ana's voice—it all felt so genuine, so…pure. He hated to admit it, but it was starting to get to him.

When she finished the last verse, her voice softened, almost as if she were speaking directly to him.

Ere'ana:

"So every year, we gather here,

To celebrate the one so dear,

Born to save and light the way,

On this blessed, holy Christmas Day."

Ere'ana finally stopped, her feet touching back down onto the cloud. She looked at Kikidori, her eyes shining with hope. "Now do you understand?"

Kikidori stared at her for a moment, then looked away, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah… I guess. I mean, I already knew most of that. But you didn't have to sing it."

Ere'ana grinned. "Oh, come on. You liked it, admit it."

"Like is a strong word," Kikidori muttered. "It was…fine. For what it was."

She stepped closer to him, placing a hand gently on his arm. "Thank you for coming, Kiki. It really means a lot to me."

Kikidori sighed, finally relaxing. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get used to it, though."

But as he glanced around at the glowing faces of the angels, the gentle hum of the choirs, and the golden skies above, he couldn't help but feel—just for a moment—that maybe being here wasn't so bad after all.

The End of Chapter 37