Papa Was a Rolling Stone

Karen sat at her desk, fingers poised above the keyboard. 

What to say? How to say it? Where do I start when *I* don't even know what *it* is or when *it* started?  I feel all dried up inside.  Every now and then something touches me, but it is as if my soul has withered away.  I don't know why.  My creativity has dried up.  My optimism and the hope I always carried within me, gone.

I'm so confused.  I'm so tired.  Sometimes it's as if it is a struggle to get from the morning to the night to find release into The Dreamtime.  But even then, I'm not sure I'm going there because I remember no dreams except little snippets every now and then.  I had one of them Friday morning.  I always should write it down.  I never do. 

"You've been here" a familiar voice said from behind Karen.

Karen wasn't surprised to see she was now sitting in their regular booth with a cold Pepsi Throwback in front of her and a pack of cigarettes with a lighter on top.  Oh, how she looked forward to that cigarette.

"Prefer you smoke them here than in the Awaketime" Flo told her, sliding into the seat across from her.

"Look, Honey. We know it's hard for you.  Not everyone gets that, but everyone who comes here does.  That is why you need to come here more often."

"Yeah, I know" Karen mumbled, grabbing the pack of Newports and popping one into her mouth.

"Newport?" Flo shuddered.

Karen lit the cigarette, inhaled deeply, then slowly released the smoke into the air, watching as it twisted around itself in a sensual dance. At mention of the word "sensual", Denny Crane walks by the table and winks at Karen.

"The last time I picked it back up I started by bumming from a guy I work with and it was what he smoked.  Never thought I'd like menthol.  Always thought they stunk.  But you know how it is.  When you smoke it, you don't smell it. Tobacco addiction is such a bitch." Karen told Flo.

"It's part of the disorder.  You've got to come to understand that and quit hating yourself for everything.  You may not remember, but you did choose to come back and face these challenges." Flo reminded her.

"Why?  Why in the hell would I choose this?" Karen demanded, a tinge of anger in her voice, angrily putting the cigarette out in the ashtray.  She grabbed her Pepsi and took a sip.

"I can't tell you that, Sugah.  You know that." Flo spoke softly, reaching out to pat Karen's hand.  "All I can tell you is:  You. Cannot. Give. Up."

"When will I get to see Angie again?" Karen asked Flo, her eyes filling with tears.

"She brings you here when she can, but it's up to you.  You know what you've got to do."

"I feel so consumed with myself and I am so ashamed.  I know people around me are living and experiencing the same emotions I do, yet mine seem to dominate and color my world.  I'm afraid I won't be able to contain it while I'm here and I don't want to bring it here.  It's god-awful enough in the Awaketime.  I keep trying to remind myself that this will eventually pass and everything is going to be alright. But why do I feel like there is a time-bomb ticking under my feet?  The depression I'm used to.  The mania I fucking love.  But this new friend, Anxiety.  I do not like Him, At All." Karen told her.

"I'm afraid I'm falling apart and getting worse.  People closest to me say, "No, you're okay".  But they don't see the internal struggle I go through each day just to get from beginning to end.  I am so a-f-r-a-i-d."

Flo got up out of the booth and gave Karen a gentle, sympathetic smile.  As she looked at Karen, she began to slowly shift from the form of Flo to a breathtakingly beautiful angel with large, white wings extending out from behind her.  Karen got to her feet, her mouth gaping.  Flo gently pulled Karen to her, wrapping her powder-soft wings around her as Karen began to sob.

**************

I see a red door and I want it painted black

No colors anymore I want them to turn black

I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes

I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I see a line of cars and they're all painted black

With flowers and my love both never to come back

I see people turn their heads and quickly look away

Like a new born baby it just happens every day

I look inside myself and see my heart is black

I see my red door and must have it painted black

Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts

It's not easy facin' up when your whole world is black

No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue

I could not foresee this thing happening to you

If I look hard enough into the settin' sun

My love will laugh with me before the mornin' comes

I see a red door and I want it painted black

No colors anymore I want them to turn black

I see the girls go by dressed in their summer clothes

I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

Hmm, hmm, hmm,...

I wanna see it tainted, tainted black

Black as night, black as coal

I wanna see the sun blotted out from the sky

I wanna see it tainted, tainted, tainted, tainted black

Yeah!

Hmm, hmm, hmm,...

Paint It Black - The Rolling Stones

My Spirit Flies To You

Jean Luc Worketh In Mysterious Ways

The familiar bald man stood outside the equally familiar bar and grill, observing its patrons. He smiled to himself as he watched the waitress moving from table to table, chatting and joking with the usual occupants. She had been the perfect choice for this particular assignment. Then again, volunteers often were.

He absently stroked his chin as he watched, wondering if he should go inside. Shrugging to himself, he opened the door and walked in, careful to shield his identity.

Flo looked up at the jangling bell that announced that someone else had arrived. Her face broke into a wide smile and she motioned for the man to come in and find a seat. He nodded and sat down at a booth.

Flo walked by him and briefly touched his shoulder. "I'll be right back, shug" she assured. "Hot tea?"

"Yes, please" he answered with a smile. She patted him and went to the window and yelled "Mel! Order up!"

"I got it!" he yelled back. Flo rolled her eyes heavenward before busying herself making a cup of Earl Grey tea.

The man who looked like Patrick Stewart, but assuredly was not, chuckled at their familiar banter. 'Some things never change' he thought, and was glad they didn't. He looked around, noticing people involved in quiet conversations, sometimes broken up by laughter.

Then he noticed a quiet young woman, sitting by herself, eating a bowl of what looked like clam chowder. She sat with her head down, absorbed with eating her meal.

A thought came through, loudly and clearly--"God, I wish I knew what to do."

The bald man rose from his seat and went over to the young woman's table. She looked up at him, recognition stealing across her face. "You're Captain Picard!" she blurted, almost dropping her spoon.

He smiled at her. "As a matter of fact, I am" he replied, tugging at his uniform shirt to straighten it. "Would you mind very much if I joined you?"

She blinked at him. "Uh...no! No, sit down, please!"

"Thank you." He slid into the seat across from her, folding his hands on the table. "I thought you looked as if you could use some company."

"I--" She looked at her meal. "I dont even know what I'm doing here. What is this place?"

"Well" he began, "it's a place where dreamers go. When the world Out There becomes a bit much, you can come here and relax a bit."

"Here you go, darlin' " Flo said, setting a cup of tea down in front of the man. "Earl Grey. Hot."

The young woman's eyes widened. "Wow" she breathed. "You really drink that."

"Hmn? Oh, yes, yes quite." He took a sip of the tea and smiled up at Flo. "Excellent" he praised. Flo winked at him and then hurried off to another table. The man returned his attention to his tablemate.

"Would...you feel more comfortable in another setting?" he asked.

She looked puzzled. "Another--I dont understand."

"Like this, perhaps?" The bar and grill morphed into the Captain's Ready Room on the USS Enterprise D.

The woman jumped up from her seat. "Holy shit!" she exclaimed. "What the hell is going on here?"

The Captain laughed. "I just thought you'd be much more at ease here, since you're so familiar with these surroundings."

She looked around, spotting the complete works of Shakespeare on its stand. She pointed at it with a shaking finger. "Can I look at that?"

He turned his head. "Oh, that? Of course you may. And anything else here that you'd care to see."

She walked over to the book and ran her hand across its pages. It was opened to Hamlet, Act I, Scene V. She read aloud, "'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.'" She looked at the starship captain.

"Was that meant for me?" she asked. The captain nodded, took a sip of his tea.

"Of course" he replied. "Everything and everyone here is meant for you. Weren't you looking for answers?"

"Well, yeah" she admitted, beginning to relax. "I mean, my life doesnt make a lot of sense to me right now."

"Does it ever?"

"What? Well, yeah. Sometimes it does. But not at the moment."

The captain gestured for her to sit across from him. She sat down across from his desk and sighed. "This isnt real."

He looked puzzled. "Isn't it? It seems very real from my perspective."

"YOU aren't real! None of this is real! I'm dreaming or something."

"You are" he agreed. "But that doesn't mean this isnt real."

She sighed. "I can't do this. I'll go crazy if I do."

"Do what?" the captain asked. He set the mug down onto his desk. "Look for answers in your dreams? I hardly think that will cause madness. It might, however, help you sort things out."

"I dont see how. I feel so trapped." She looked out the window at the stars. Not computer generated, special effects stars, but actual heavenly lights. They were beautiful. And so was Livingston, the lion fish that gracefully swam in his spherical aquarium.

"Trapped? Here?" The captain stood, again tugging at his shirt. He walked around his desk to stand beside her. "We are in the vast expanse of space, the--Final Frontier." He smiled at her. "I know things are difficult for you now" he said in a deep, reassuring voice.

"I know you don't think things will ever change for you, but I can promise you, they will, and sooner than you may think."

"I don't see how" she responded wearily. "I'm single, I have all these kids to take care of, I don't have a job, I--"

"You asked for answers" the captain interrupted. "And I'm giving them to you. But it's up to you to accept them."

"I just wish..." She looked up at him. "I just wish..."

The man looked down at her with great compassion. "I know exactly what you wish" he said. "And I know just how hard it is to wait for that wish to come true. But it will." He put a comforting hand on her shoulder and squeezed it. "I promise. If you can believe, I promise you, things will be better than you can possibly imagine."

She looked up at him with dawning awareness. "I know who you are" she said, wonder in her voice.

He put his index finger to his lips and said "Shhhhh. Don't tell."

She shook her head. "No, I wouldn't. But...why Picard?"

"Do you believe what Captain Jean Luc Picard says?"

"Well, yeah. But...oh. Okay. I get it." She frowned. "But what was with the whole bar and grill thing?"

She peered at him more closely. "And what is that on your head?"

He laughed. "That is something you will discover at a later date. And with someone very special to you. In fact, that someone special will be revealed very, very shortly."

"How shortly is 'shortly'?"

Angie was awakened from a nap by her son, David, saying "Mom. Mom."

"Huh? What, Dave?" She blinked at him, knowing she'd dreamed something important but not remembering at all what it was.

"I didn't mean to wake you up."

"No, no. It's okay. Shouldnt have been dozing off during the day, anyway. What's up?"

"I have this friend I met online. Her name is Karen. I think you'd really like her."

Angie blinked the blurriness of her nap away. "Yeah? Okay. When can we talk?"

"Tonight?"

Angie felt a twinge of something in the back of her mind, then dismissed it. "Sure. Sounds great."

"I'll tell her." Dave walked out of her room. Angie sat on the edge of the bed, trying to remember what she'd dreamed but with no luck.

She thought it was something profound, but damned if she could remember.

"Oh well" she said and sighed. "I guess it didn't matter anyway."

****************************************

God moves in a mysterious way

his wonders to perform;

He plants his footsteps in the sea,

and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

of never failing skill,

He treasures up his bright designs

and works his sovereign will.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take;

the clouds you so much dread

Are big with mercy and shall break

in blessings on your head.

His purposes will ripen fast,

unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

but sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err

and scan his work in vain:

God is his own interpreter,

and he will make it plain.

God Moves in Mysterious Ways

Lyrics by William Cowper

Second Star to the Right, and Straight on Til Morning

Angie stirred ice into her coffee with a contented sigh. "It's nice to be able to do that without having to explain it to anyone" she told Karen.

Karen laughed. "It's nice to see you doing that. Sometimes I didn't think we'd ever get back here again."

"Well, yeah" Angie said. She took a cautious sip of her coffee and smiled her approval. "Then again, in some ways, it seems like we never left." She inclined her head toward Patrick Stewart. He had a look of giddy anticipation as he uncapped the infamous Magic Marker.

Karen laughed again. "Is he for real?" she asked. Angie raised her eyebrows and shook her head briskly.

"I think he is" she said. "All right, you" she said to Patrick. "Come on over." That distinguished gentleman squealed with delight and hurried to the table before Angie had hardly finished her invitation. Wolf quirked his head to one side and gave an inquiring whistle.

"It's okay" Karen assured the animal. Then, whispering, "He's just a little crazy."

"A little?" Angie asked, hearing her. She took the proffered marker and opened it with a flourish. Patrick gasped as Angie uncapped the pen and began drawing on his bald pate.

"Pretty undignified for a Starship captain" Karen observed.

"I'll say" William Shatner agreed, walking up to the table. He gave Karen an appraising look and a wink. "You wouldn't happen to have a light for me, would you, doll?" He produced a Romeo Y Julieta cigar from his jacket pocket .

"Oh, I think I can oblige you" Karen replied, manifesting a lit match. The man slowly rolled the cigar above the flame before putting the stogie into his mouth. He cupped Karen's hand in his own and raised them to light his cigar. He then rolled the cigar in a small circle with his tongue to get an even burn. Karen felt a warmth that had little to do with the burning match.

The older man smiled at her around his smoke before removing it from his mouth. After blowing smoke away from her, he blew out the match with a gentle puff and softly lowered Karen's hand.

"James T. Kirk" he growled before sauntering away to join a bemused James Spader.

Karen realised she was gaping with a burnt match in her hand. Then she realised that Angie was gaping as well, and had drawn a long black line down the side of Patrick Stewart's head that trailed down onto his neck. Patrick looked more than a little miffed and cleared his throat noisily to break the spell.

"What? Oh shit" Angie swore, seeing her handiwork. She licked her thumb and began to rub at her mistake.

"That was--distracting" Karen said at last. She put the burnt match in a convenient ashtray and focused on returning her heartbeat to normal. Wolf gave her a concerned yip and she rubbed his head in assurance. He gave her an odd look and wondered, not for the first time, at the odd behaviour of the Two Legged.

"Um, yes. To say the least. Oh sit still!" Angie ordered as Patrick squirmed under her wet thumb. He complied with with what he thought was an unintelligible grumble as she began her artwork anew. "I should draw something really obscene on the side of your head for that" she threatened. Patrick muttered an insincere "Sorry" as Angie proceeded to draw the Mona Lisa. Naked.

"Oh sugar, you are so bad" Flo said, appearing at the table with a fresh cup of coffee for Angie and a Mountain Dew for Karen. As she set down the glass, she asked Karen, "Ain't that Bill a caution?"

"Is that what he is?" Karen took a long drink from her straw and tried to make sense out of what had just happened.

"Honey, you cain't make no sense outta that" Flo said, taking the ashtray to empty it. "And you shouldn't try. This is the Dreamtime, remember? Leave the 'sense' in the Real World and just have fun."

"She's right, you know" Patrick added. He pulled a nectarine from his pocket and took a bite from it. "Bite?" he asked Angie, offering the fruit to her.

"I've been known to, on occasion" she answered. Angie waggled her eyebrows at Patrick before taking a healthy bite of the nectarine. Like everything else at the Dreamtime Bar and Grill, it was wonderful.

"You see?" Patrick said to Karen as Angie put the finishing touches on her Magic Marker Masterpiece. Patrick gave her hand a gallant kiss before standing. He spun around, and was instantly dressed in a tuxedo and holding a vintage microphone. He walked over to a raised platform that had materialised just for him.

"Ladies, this one is for you. Lights!" Patrick called in his best stage voice. The lights dimmed and a spotlight illuminated the actor. Soft, familiar music began to play, and Patrick began to sing in a deep, rich baritone.

"When you wish upon a star

Makes no difference who you are

Anything your heart desires

Will come to you.

If your heart is in your dream

No request is too extreme

When you wish upon a star

As dreamers do.

Fate is kind

She brings to those who love

The sweet fulfillment of

Their secret longing.

Like a bolt out of the blue

Fate steps in and sees you through

When you wish upon a star

Your dreams...come...true"

All the occupants of the bar and grill stood and applauded, whistled and cheered. Patrick took a gracious bow and stepped down from the platform, now dressed in his regular clothes. He rejoined Karen and Angie at their table. "It isn't just a song, you know" he advised. "It's everything here, it's everything out there, and best of all, it's everything in here" he said, placing his hand over his heart. He smiled at both women. "But you know that."

Angie reached across the table and squeezed Karen's hand. "We forgot for awhile" she admitted.

"But now we remember" Karen finished.

"And knowing is half the battle" Bruce Willis finished as he walked by the table with a wink and a nod.

Everything in the Dreamtime had been restored, and the DTB&G was permanently open for business.

***************

"...The second star to the right

Shines with a light that's rare

And if it's Never Land you need

Its light will lead you there..."

"Second Star to the Right" by Jesse McCartney

Some Things Are Just Worth Waiting For

Flo slid into the seat across from Karen.

"C'mon, Hon.  Stop being so down.  You're startin' to bring the whole place down."

Patrick Stewart walked by the table, sobbing.  Even the little magic marker face on the top of his head was frowning.  Tears made the magic marker run down the side of his face.  Pretty powerful stuff here in DreamTime.  Karen had to remember that.

Karen smiled at Flo.  "I'll be okay.  Really.  It's just that it's been so long and I know it's all my fault and I'm so afraid that life will get stupid again and I'll miss her and I won't be able to keep up and ..."

Flo reached across the table and gently slapped Karen on the cheek.  Mel looked up from the grill with a surprised look on his face.

"FLO!  Don't be abusin' the customers, now!" he yelled through the service window at Flo.

"MEL! Shut your grits!" Flo responded.

Karen chuckled.  Floriel was in rare form today.

Floriel, er, I mean, Flo nodded at Karen, "Tell me what's going on right now.  I know I'm not Angie, but sometimes it helps to at least let a little pressure off."

Karen smiled a sad smile.  "It's Life, Flo.  Life really fucking sucks sometimes."

"Uh-oh. Man trouble again?" Flo nodded sympathetically.

"Oh, it's not just that.  It's a lot of different things."  Karen told her and sighed.

Wolf nudged Karen's arm, reminding her he was still there.  Karen smiled and hugged him, inhaling deeply the musky scent of his fur and skin.  "I love you Wolf", she said as she ran her nails down his spine.  He always loved that and it instantly put him at ease.

Karen took another draw through the straw.  "Aahhh.  Mountain Dew seems more appropriate today."

Flo looked at her, startled.  "What?  Mountain Dew?"

"Yeah, I don't know what it is but I've developed a new affinity for it.  Last thing I need, considering..." Karen trailed off.

"Honey," Flo leaned across the table, taking one of Karen's hands in her soft ones.  "I know it's hard, but when you told the Big Guy what you wanted to accomplish, he didn't promise it would be easy to do."

"I know." Karen pouted.

Karen sat up suddenly, her face looking hopeful for the first time since she walked in.

"Is that what I think it is?"  Karen asked Flo.

"Get off your butt and go see who it is," Mel yelled from the back.

Karen jumped up, Wolf scrambling after her.  Flo headed for the coffee pot knowing what she'd be doing next.

She slammed against the door, rattling the glass as she rushed out.  "Oops," she grinned at Wolf.  "I forget to watch what I'm doing here.  Things can be much more powerful."

Wolf gave a yip and looked down the street.

Karen saw the trail of dust kicking up behind it before she could make out the car.  As it drew closer she recognized it.  "Isn't that the car from "Supernatural" or something like that?" Karen asked Wolf.

Karen slid a pair of sunglasses on to cut down on the glare and make it easier to see. 

"Hot here, too" she mumbled, fanning herself with one of those cheap paper fans you pick up at tourist shops in St Augustine.

Wolf slid his head under her hand and she absentmindely scratched his head as she waited. 

The wind arrived before Angie and the Impala did, but Karen didn't mind.  She loved the wind, no matter how it was created.  Good thing for the sunglasses though or she would have been pelted in the eyes by all the sand Angie was throwing up as she thundered toward her.

Angie slid into a parking space and slammed the car into Park.  The engine died as she jumped out, leaving the door standing open.

"SSSSIIIIIITTTTTTYYYYY BBBBOOOOO!!!!"  they both exclaimed at the same time, running full speed at one another.  At the last second, they both stopped and then gently wrapped their arms around each other.  Sobbing and hugging at the same time.

"Nice parking job," Karen grinned at her, "I've missed you so much,"

Angie grinned.  "And I you.  What matters is Today and that we are back together again."

"God Help Me" Patrick Stewart muttered as she strolled by with a blank scalp.

Karen grinned at Angie as she handed her a thick black magick marker.

-----------------------------------------

When everything is wrong I'll come talk to you

You make things alright when I'm feeling blue

You are such a blessing and I wont be messin

With the one thing that brings light to all of my darkness

You're my best friend

and I love you, and I love you

Yes I do

There is no other one who can take your place

I feel happy inside when I see your face

I hope you believe me

Cause I speak sincerely

and I mean it when I tell you that I need you

You're my best friend

and I love you, and I love you

Yes I do

I'm here right beside you

I will never leave you

and I feel the pain you feel when you start crying

You're my best friend

and I love you, and I love you

Yes I do

~~ Weezer

Long, Long Way From Home

Karen gave her Pepsi another aimless stir with her straw. She decided to check her watch, even though she knew it didn't function in the Dreamtime. The hands and numbers on the watch face had been replaced by a profile picture of Patrick Stewart. On the side of his head was a smiley face that had been drawn long ago with a black Magic Marker. Patrick turned to look at Karen.

"She'll be here" he assured.

"I know" Karen replied with no surprise. Anything could and did happen in the Dreamtime Bar 'N Grill. She was just waiting for Angie to happen.

"Sugar" a quiet Southern voice said. "You've stirred the fizz right outta that soda. Let me get you another one."

Karen sighed. "Where is she, Flo? I thought she would have been here before I got here."

Flo placed a warm restraining hand over Karen's still stirring one. "Honey, it's been a long time. A lot has happened to her in the Real World. She's havin' a hard time remembering how to get back here."

"Wish I could send her a map."

Flo smiled. "Well, I dunno about a map. But I might be able to send her some directions---"

**************************************************

Angie sat on the couch, folding laundry. She was semi-watching a repeat of "Supernatural" on TNT and trying to decide what to fix for dinner that evening, as well.

"A roast would be good" she told the shirt she was folding.

"Well, yeah" Dean Winchester agreed on the screen. "But wouldn't cheesecake and a cuppa mud be better?"

Angie blinked at the TV. She was fairly certain this episode didn't contain any dialogue about coffee or cheesecake.

Dean leaned against the fender of the Impala, folded his arms and grinned at Angie. "No, you're not crazy" he said. "Believe me, I know crazy, and it ain't you."

"Are you...talking to me?"

Dean laughed. "What is this, 'Taxi Driver'? 'Course I'm talkin' to you. The things I gotta do to get somebody's attention these days."

"What my insensitive brother means" said Sam Winchester--Dean's not-so-little brother--as he walked into frame, "is that someone's looking for you. She thought this might be a good way to get your attention."

"Insensitive? Me?! I'll show you insensitive. You're not so big that I can't still beat your insensitive ass!"

Sam grimaced. "Dean, that didn't even make sense. And we aren't here for us, anyway." Sam stepped forward to address Angie. "We're here to show you the way home." He stepped to one side, pulling Dean along with him, to reveal what was behind them.

Angie felt the sting of tears at the sight of her old familiar hangout. The Dreamtime Bar 'N Grill was still there, looking just as it had the last time she'd seen it.

"I thought...I thought it was gone." Angie wiped at her eyes with the shirt she'd been folding.

Sam shook his head. "Not gone. Waiting.”

"Yeah" Dean put in. "Some people came in while you were gone and tried to douche it up with some 'Twilight' and some 'Harry Potter' crap, but management took care of that pretty quick."

"Some people actually like that 'crap', you know" Sam warned.

"Yeah, well. Some people like crappy TV shows about two hot guys drivin' around in a muscle car and killin' evil shit, too." Dean winked at Angie. "No accounting for taste, I guess."

"Anyway" Sam continued, edging Dean offscreen, "someone's waiting for you. You ready to go?"

Angie felt her heart leap at the thought of seeing her friend again. Then she looked at the unfolded clothes and thought of the unmade dinner. "I can't" she said at length. "I have too much to do--"

"--in the Real World" Sam finished. "Angie, this is the Dreamtime."

Dean leaned back into the frame. "Dude. Seriously?" he asked Angie. "You're talkin' to two guys on the TV and they're talkin' back, and you don't know you're dreaming?" His tone was not unkind, simply puzzled.

"My god" Angie said, looking at the laundry and the carpet that needed sweeping. "Have my dreams become this mundane?"

"Not anymore, darlin' " Dean drawled. "Here. Catch!"

He tossed something to Angie, which she barely caught. It was a set of car keys. 1967 Impala car keys. She smiled at Dean.

"You're letting me drive the Impala?"

Dean cleared his throat. "Um, yeah. Figured she could get you there quicker than anything else."

Angie jumped up from the couch and ran to the window. Outside, in the driveway, sat the sleek black vehicle. She couldn't wait to show it to Karen.

"Don't hurt my baby" Dean said.

"Wouldn't dream of it" Angie replied. "Thanks, guys. Oh, and if you're in the neighborhood of the bar 'n grill, stop by for a cold one or two."

"Absolutely" Sam said. "Well, it's time for us and you to get going." Sam picked a backpack up from the road. "See ya later, Ange."

"Yeah" Dean groused, picking up his own pack. "See ya."

Angie heard Dean complaining to Sam about their lack of wheels as they walked away. Then, forgetting about the brothers, she looked down at her clothes. "Sweats? That'll never do."

She ran outside, dressed in a Judas Priest t shirt and jeans, and opened the Impala door. Angie slid behind the wheel, briefly drumming her fingers on it before starting the car. The engine roared to life and Angie sighed. "Oh, you sweet, sweet baby" she cooed. She backed out of the driveway and sped down the road. Angie turned on the radio, and then began to laugh as she heard Foreigner singing--

"--Waiting, hours of waiting

I could feel the tension

I was longing for home

I'm looking out for the two of us

And I hope we'll be here when they're through with us

I'm coming home…"

Genesis

It was difficult, being a Deity. Anyone who said different hadn't actually been One. Things went wrong, You got the blame. Things went right, no one gave You the credit. Yes, being a god was a thankless job at best, and a big holy pain in the sacred ass at worst. He made a mental note to confer with other gods about how they dealt with those issues, as soon as He dealt with an issue of His own.

Carefully, He shielded His thoughts from the Heavenly Host to hide His divine plans. Contrary to what most of His believers thought, angels didn't champ at the bit to serve humanity. They could be quite disagreeable, in fact, when faced with an earthly mission. This time would be no different.

Turning to His left where Michael stood, always at the ready, He said, "Summon the Host." Michael gave a brief nod, then gave a shout that reverberated throughout the Holy City. Innumerable angels assembled in an instant before the Throne. Michael could have sworn he heard his Father sigh.

"I need a volunteer" the Almighty said. This request was met by the sound of rustling wings--the angelic equivalent of shuffling feet. Some coughed. Others looked around at their brothers and sisters. Still others looked upward. Some of the Choir Celestial had even tried to break into a rousing chorus of "Holy, Holy, Holy"s before they were silenced by a look from Dad.

God looked at the assembly. "Really?" He asked. "You don't even know what I want! What if it's a special assignment, like throwing Lucifer out or announcing the birth of My Son?" He looked at them again, saddened. "No one?"

Silence.

This time Michael knew he heard a sigh. He would have volunteered himself, but he had his orders. He was to remain in Heaven until the End of Days. He didn't know why, and he didn't question. He just obeyed. Unlike the group before him. He was about to request permission to send his reluctant siblings to join Lucifer, when he heard a stirring in the ranks.

"Oh for Pete's sake!" an irritated female voice spoke up. The angel was working her way through the crowd, pushing and shoving and even ruffling a few feathers in her wake. Making her way to the Throne, she knelt down before her Maker, looked up and said "I'll do it." Then she turned to the group behind her and gave them such a withering look that they all took a step back.

"Floriel." There was a smile in God's voice when He spoke her name. She was as far from his typical creation as the heavenly was from the infernal. She had hair a shade of red that the Father was certain He hadn't created. And then there were those pink wings. Pink! Yet here she knelt, taking on an assignment that no one else would take. God made another mental note to make her an archangel when this mission was finished.

"Floriel" He repeated, "I have seen the sadness of My children on Earth, and it has touched My heart. I want to create a special respite for them in their dreams. A place where they can leave their worldly cares and troubles behind and find happiness before they return Home to Us. I want you to be in charge of this earthly Heaven. You may design it in any and every way you wish." God leaned forward, His tone hopeful. "Will you do this for Me?"

"Of course I will, sugar" she replied. This term of endearment toward the Ancient of Days drew a startled gasp from her brothers and sisters, which Floriel and the Almighty pointedly ignored. "And if it isn't too much to ask, could Melioth come with me? I'd sure like some company."

God sat back. "Does Melioth agree?"

"He does." Melioth came forward and knelt beside Floriel. God had often chosen him to run errands and deliver messages. He was faithful, efficient, and knew over ten thousand different ways to prepare manna. God would miss that---

"Then rise, beloved. Go forth and serve My children with My deepest thanks and My blessings." God placed His hands on Floriel and Melioth's heads in silent benediction, and then they were gone.

*****************************************************************

Flo wiped down a table, humming to herself. A warm arm went around her shoulders and she looked up. Mel was smiling at her.

"Ever regret it?" she asked. Mel chuckled and shook his head.

"Never a day" he replied.

"Well" Flo said, "there's about fifteen minutes before the next group gets here. How 'bout you make us a couple of grilled manna sandwiches and some chili cheese fries?"

Mel kissed her forehead. "That sounds heavenly, baby." They laughed at the lame joke and walked into the kitchen, arms around each other, confident in their jobs well done.

And far above them, their Father smiled, too.

****************************************************************

Believe in what your heart is saying

Hear the melody that's playing

There's no time to waste

There's so much to celebrate

Believe in what you feel inside

And give your dreams the wings to fly

You have everything you need

If you just believe.

Josh Groban--"Believe"

i'm here

Making the final turn, Karen smiled at the little boy standing on the corner, skateboard tucked under his arm.  He grinned back, then turned and ran into Mr. Whipple's candy store.  She could guess what the boy was dreaming about tonight.

She continued down the road, a few cars parked on the side here and there. It was like coming home again.  Looking left and right she saw all the familiar businesses and landmarks she remembered.  She even saw a few new things she didn't remember from before.  Like the wolf riding in the back seat.

He is a magnificent beast.  His coat was a tawny color with blonde highlights.  The color darkened to form a line from the top of his head to the tip of his bushy, full tail.  She looked in the rear view mirror and he grinned at her. 

"Real full of yourself, aren't you?" she teased him.  He liked it when she wrote about him.  The better she could describe him and bring his image to her mind, the stronger the feeling of being alive was.  After all, they were a pair, mated for this lifetime.  He was her guide and protector, when she would allow it.  She could be as stubborn as he could, one reason they got along so well.  Most of the time.

"We're almost there", she told him.  He climbed from the back to the front seat and sat up catching the appreciative eye of everyone as they drove by.  "You are soooo conceited" she chided him.

There it is.  Mel's.  Is that the pink cadillac?  Yep, I do believe it is.  Good, that means Flo is here too.  Pulling into a parking space near the front door, Karen set the gear in first and engaged the parking brake.  Troy always gives her a hard time about putting on the parking brake on a level surface, but it's a habit she's stuck with.  She'd seen one of their other cars slowly roll toward the road before when it wasn't in gear.  No way that was happening to her baby!

Turning the radio down, she switched off the engine.  Wolf looked at her with his gentle blue eyes, knowing what she was thinking.  She smiled and reached up, scratching him under the chin.  "I love you, guy".

They climbed out of the car and headed for the front door.  Reaching up Karen opened the door, stepping inside and holding it open for Wolf.  Pulling her sunglasses off, she turned and scanned the room.  A few customers here and there -- oh, look, there's Ozzy -- but no sign of Angie.  Wolf slipped his head under her hand and nudged her toward a table.  Ozzy waved, then turned back to his conversation with Kurt Cobain.

"WELL!  WHY, I'LL BE!!"

Karen knew that voice well.  Flo ran up, giving her a huge hug.  Karen hugged her back, happy to see her friend.

"Welcome back" Mel hollered up from the back.  Karen waved while Flo ushered her to their regular table.  Of course, no one would be sitting there. 

"Pepsi?" Flo asked knowing.  Karen nodded her head as Wolf jumped up in the seat opposite her. 

"Anything for this fine fellow?" Flo asked.

"He's fine, but thanks for asking."

Flo nodded and headed off to get her Pepsi.

Karen took a deep breath, looked into those handsome blue eyes, and waited ...

Take the long way home ...

She drove fast, as she always did. Her little yellow convertible tearing up the roads as she headed for a long-missed destination. It has been a long time since she visited her friends. A visit long overdue. She wondered if they would still be there, waiting for her. Or did they wait? Perhaps they just appeared when she finally drove up to that fabled establishment where everyone goes in their dreams.

Will they know her anymore? She's changed so much.  Learned so much.  Cried more.  Loved more.  Only the nibble on her bottom lip gave any indication of her apprehension. Reaching down, she turns the radio up as "Christian Woman" screams "SHE NEEDS..." and she knows, she needs. She needs to see her best friend again. She needs to hold a magick marker in her hand again and draw smiley faces.

Pushing even harder on the gas pedal, dust kicking up behind her, she allows her worries to get caught in the wind and flow behind her. Right now, all that matters is speed, the road, and reducing the miles between her and Angie.

Home. In DreamTime..

I hope they're there...waiting or not...