Human Angels: A Human Story

By Thomas Terraforte

Four high school seniors search for a project to satisfy their school service requirement. What they find are powers beyond compare. An offer by a stranger leads them to rediscover the world as Human Angels. The journey may be supernatural, but the decisions are real. If they can endure, their friendship, coupled with their new powers, will lead

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: Sep 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781648955655

Thomas Terraforte

Thomas Terraforte was born in Yonkers, New York. In his youth, Tom ran track and became an Eagle Scout. In the 1990s, he attended and graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. After his school years, Tom joined and served honorably in the United States Air Force. Today, he lives and works in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Mr. Terraforte draws inspiration from a variety of fiction and philosophical writings but especially those of acclaimed author Robert Jordan.

Book preview

Main Characters

Mark—The enigmatic founder of the Human Angels. His journey is a juxtaposition between his will and providence.

Asia—The leader of a high school clique. She has her priorities in order. She learns how high being grounded can take you in respect to the reliance of others.

Chelsey—The brains and beauty of the Human Angels. Her gifts and her mind become the leading edge of innovation.

Abe—A devout teen. He battles anger and isolation to learn his purpose in the Human Angels.

Adam—A jock who is the physical embodiment of the id. He takes a long journey to realize the value of others’ perspectives.

The New HA

Janet—A thirty-something office worker. She finds the Human Angels a better alternative to despair.

Carl—A hippy alcoholic. His contributions become validated when the Human Angels see the man underneath.

Lisa—Carl’s better half. She keeps the pair having fun while teaching the lesson of teamwork in a relationship.

Peter —A theologian for whom love becomes tangible.

Douglas (Doug)—A theologian who learns that the journey is as important as the destination.

Tom—A caring and often fearful priest who learns to be effective in the Human Angels.

John—A fiery priest whose contributions seem to always be on point for the Human Angel missions.

Lucy—A nun who speaks her mind, often in novel and quaint ways. She expresses the thoughts that the group dare not say.

Mildred—A true nun. Her reliance on her faith provide the Human Angels with a heart and Mildred with the example of goodness.

The Story Before the Story

There once lived a little boy who loved his grandpa. He would spend hours talking and joking with him. His grandfather was in a wheelchair due to wounds he sustained in the war. The lack of perambulation didn’t slow or even moderate his grandfather’s zest for life.

In the summer, they would take the car to a resort in the hills where his grandfather would watch the boy swim and fish. On the boy’s fourteenth birthday, his grandfather passed on. Many people sought mementos from the grandfather’s days on the earth. So did the grandson. Alas, there was nothing left for the boy to have. All the other family members scooped up what they could. They all believed their connection to the grandfather was the strongest. The boy was saddened by the turn of events. He got a move on his life, and many years would pass before he would recall the injustice.

On his twenty-third birthday, he spent time with his grandmother. She was a good-hearted woman with much hidden wisdom. Many of the boy’s gifts were high-tech gadgets of one type or another. But his grandmother passed him a gift which simply read, From your grandfather. The boy couldn’t wait to open it.

The grandmother sat and watched as the boy tore into felt paper and tissue. When the shredding was done, what remained was an old-style book that read Paper Airplane in stylized calligraphy.

From the writing and the age, the boy placed the book’s date somewhere in the 1920s. Taking great care in placement, the boy revealed the page. One page was all that encompassed the thick construction of the interior. The book was a cardboard cutout of a paper airplane.

Excited at the prospect of flying, his aspirations leapt and he began to construct the craft. Halfway through removing the fuselage from the book, he noticed his grandmother pointing. The boy scanned from her finger to the book.

She must be pointing at the inscription on the page, he thought to himself. Carefully, he halted production and reviewed what was written. Caution: Once the plane is flown, it will fly around the world incorporeally and return to the same place it was launched. This should take four months. The boy, who rarely smiled, did.

Must be a joke, he told his grandmother. She didn’t answer. She just shook her head no. The boy thought to himself, If this is true, then I must save it for a special occasion. Special occasions are rare in your twenties; at least the boy thought time will yield a special anniversary.

Decades came and decades left, the boy was a man now. Whenever he thought about the flyer, there was never a right time. I’ll know when, he said to himself.

On a particular day after his sixty-fifth birthday, the man began coughing. The cough persisted for many days and so he took himself to the hospital. The doctor told him he had four to five months to live. The man got up and went straight home to construct his flyer. With a flick of the wrist, the flyer surged through his bedroom window. The man watched for several hours until he could no longer see his gift. As the months wore on, the man grew sicker. He took to his bed and had round-the-clock supervision. On the fourth month, since the prediction, the man saw the flyer return with his very last breath.

Chapter 1

A Meeting

The ad read, Philanthropists Needed. No Money Required. Fair Physical Condition.

Mark wiped his eyes as he read as it had become itchy. Mark was a smart man in his thirties, wearing adventure gear, fitting for a huntsman or fisherman. He had held many odd jobs and none of them reflected his true passion. He felt a little out of place reading in a church pew but somehow it was appropriate.

The ad continued, Ministering to all ages, aid to first responders, mediating conflicts, and help to the sick. The next part of the classified ad was the new part. Orientation on May 1, 7:00 p.m. Two-week camping trip. Bring own sleeping bag. Food will be available for purchase. Meet at the front steps of Liberty High School.

Mark rolled the paper and tucked it under his arm. As he left, he genuflected in front of the cross. The agile man jumped the outer stairs on his way out of St. Gabriel’s Church while wondering, How many people would respond to such an ad? Mark is an optimist. Answering his own question, he spoke out loud at the air, Twenty. At least twenty.

Then curious to any prying eye, he disappeared down a side alley and would not reappear on this or any city street till the time in the ad.

St. Mary’s High School resided three miles from Liberty High School and a full two miles from St. Gabriel’s Church in the opposite direction. On this day, students were meeting at St. Mary’s for an assembly. Students rarely had assemblies, but they usually meant a standardized test announcement or a school fundraiser.

Asia was the last one to sit in the auditorium, seeing as she had just been chided by an administrator for not following the dress code. Asia sat in the back, which was fine because that is where her three friends chose to sit. The auditorium had an upward gradient, which Asia liked. The back seats gave a tall view for a girl of five feet, and Asia had excellent vision.

What was it this time, tattoos? her friend Adam remarked. Adam was always outspoken and a bit of a thrill seeker. So, he opened his mouth and spoke out loud, being the farthest of her friends from her.

No, it was this. Asia flicked back her hair, revealing a golden earring with a fractal design etched into an oval backing.

Chelsey—her tall, attractive, intellectual friend—sat immediately to her left. Chelsey spoke, I wondered what tool or acid technique did the etching. Where did you get it from? She pawed the jewelry as she spoke. The earring fell off Asia’s ear and onto the darkened carpet covering the auditorium floor.

Quiet! came the word from one of the teachers patrolling the aisle.

Asia could just manage an I found it as the announcement started.

A rather robust nun approached the podium at the front of the auditorium. She took her left arm and stretched it the length of the stand. Grabbing the microphone forcefully from the center, she asserted her rule.

All students will be required to do community service as part of their attendance at St. Mary’s. You will each be assigned time to see the guidance counselor, and he’ll connect you with materials that you can peruse for appropriate projects. All projects will then be approved by the counselor, and I will require written proof of the completion of at least fifty hours for each grade level. That is all.

Abe, Asia’s short introverted and quietly devout friend, was the first to comment. I am sure that I can get painting projects at my church for all of us.

Whatever, Adam replied as he got up to leave with the group. His tall athletic build did not intimidate his friends.

The next day saw a long line at the guidance counselor’s office. Adam was daunted by the procession and encouraged the foursome, who were inseparable, Seniors go last anyway. So, let’s go hang out at the cafeteria until there are fewer people. Asia, the unofficial leader, uneasily agreed.

Abe broached to speak with a word of caution, If we leave the line, we might have trouble getting a project.

Chelsey chimed in with some optimism, I thought your church idea was still happening.

Abe nervously responded with an okay, but then he was hungry also.

St. Mary’s had pie in the cafeteria, and Asia headed right for it. It was French silk and everybody liked chocolate. They all found a table and sat down.

Chelsey was the first to speak, I went online yesterday and I looked for your earring, but I couldn’t find it.

I guess it’s one of a kind, Asia responded. I should probably try to find the owner, but I like it so much.

Chelsey offered advisement, Bring it over to my house. I’ll take a picture of it, and I’ll post a message online, at St. Gabriel’s Church, and here at school. If no one responds, then I guess it’s yours.

Abe sat uneasily and ate fast; he was nervous about the line.

Adam changed the subject, Intramural volleyball starts next week. Let’s find some people and start a team.

Asia had a quizzical look. You know I’d like to, but Abe and Chelsey aren’t as enthusiastic about sports as we are.

Abe’s attention left his concerns. I’ll try. I have been meaning to have other activities, and besides, Chelsey is tall enough to spike on anyone.

Chelsey rolled her eyes. I’ve never been interested in sports, but if everyone wants to, then I will.

Abe got up and started walking and the group followed. When they got to the guidance counselor’s office, they were the last to go, so in they went. Abe rushed to the counselor, a man named Peter, but they all called him Mr. Flush.

Mr. Flush, Abe spoke fast, I wonder if I could get the painting project at St. Gabriel’s?

Mr. Flush fixed his tie before speaking. I am sorry, but the painting project was given to an earlier group. Mr. Flush stood up and walked to a small meeting table. All I have left are these articles asking for help and this. Mr. Flush showed the four an article that started with Philanthropists Needed.

What’s a philanthropist? Adam queried.

One who does charitable works, Mr. Flush answered.

Asia grabbed the paper. This says we have to go on a camping trip for our entire spring break. No volleyball, Adam.

Adam acted in a peculiar fashion to Asia’s mind; he actually liked it. Asia didn’t expect Adam to abandon Volleyball hope so easily. He clarified, I like camping, and maybe there’s an obstacle course. You know, for team building.

Chelsey joined the conversation, Look. It says help the sick and ministering. It’s probably more of an Abe thing.

Abe grabbed the article. It also says first responders and mediating conflicts. Those are Adam and Asia things.

I guess I’ll just bring a book, Chelsey said with resignation. Abe found his attention drifting to thoughts of volleyball as the foursome left.

The next day, they all met at Adam’s garage to gather and prepare. The garage was a small attachment to the two-story duplex that his parents owned.

So, you have enough gear for us all, Asia proffered.

Well, Adam began, my family is really into the outdoors. So, we have four sleeping bags and backpacks. The rest we’ll have to shop for.

Like what? Chelsey added. The ad says food will be available. All we need is money.

Asia interjected, I think Adam means we’ll have to be prepared for the outdoors. Get some water, a first aid kit, and some fire starter.

Abe made himself useful moving the sleeping bags and backpacks. He only added, Do you think we will need a knife?

Adam answered, I’ll bring my dad’s hunting knife just in case. The supplies were stored into the truck of Adam’s father, and the troop took off for the store.

A few hours later the sun seemed to set early on this May day. Mark was dressed similarly to a few days earlier, and the anticipation showed on twitching hands. The man stood nervously on the empty steps of Liberty High School. He didn’t know what to expect. This was the first time he had ever organized such a venture. With a little luck, he figured, it would be a success.

Mark stared at his watch. No one is early, he spoke to the wind. The digital watch hit 7:00 p.m. A pickup truck pulled up before 7:01.

Adam parked the truck, and they all began to unload the four backpacks. Asia was the first out, and she went up to Mark and shook his hand. I guess you are the leader of this expedition.

I am Mark, Mark answered. Adam, Abe, and Chelsey followed close behind.

Adam called out, Where is the bus? So we can put our bags on it.

A little patience. Just put your bags on the steps. We have to wait and see if there are others. Everyone sat on the steps, including Mark. All participants stared straight ahead for moments of peaceful time.

Chelsey broke a two-minute silence. How many are you expecting, Mark?

Mark smiled. I don’t have a count, but I hope more.

Abe looked at Adam. Can I see your hunting knife? Adam reluctantly found it in his backpack and handed it over. I’ve never seen one before, spoke Abe.

My dad got it in Colorado when he went out hiking, Adam responded.

Mark was seated on the steps a little higher than the others who preferred the first one. But he got their heads to turn. Here is mine. Mark handed a blade to Abe for comparison. Abe happily accepted and took the blade out of its sheath for examination. The first noticeable thing about the knife was the pearl-handled grip. The next was the blade was white.

Chelsey took immediate alarm. Is that bone?

Relax, offered Mark. It’s from a tiger. I didn’t make the knife or even buy it. It was given to me as a thank you. Mark settled in to make a better impression than he was giving. I don’t condone the killing of tigers, but I can’t very well put the cat back together, can I? Mark became silent once more and awaited more to come.

This time, the silence permeated the anxious crew. It was obvious Mark was waiting for others to arrive. Chelsey pulled out her book on political theory in the twentieth century. Abe just spent time comparing the two blades he had been handed. Asia brought a ball in her backpack and slowly tossed it to Adam who was, by now, standing off the steps. Mark strained his neck, looking at cars in either direction. Nobody spoke for an hour.

Chelsey placed a bookmark on a page in her book and returned it to her backpack. Okay already! Chelsey expressed, exasperated.

Mark thought to himself, Maybe smaller is better. Mark stood up and motioned for everybody’s attention. Alright, everyone, let’s begin.

Adam handed the ball to Asia as he was the last one to catch it. Asia grabbed the ball but turned for instruction. She put the ball in her pack as she spoke, Where to, Mark?

First, what are your names? Mark stated while straightening his attire.

Everyone stood up and turned toward the steps. One by one, they each gave their names. Adam spoke up after each had spoken. Which way to the bus?

Not so fast, Mark expressed in a calming fashion. First, we have to do a trust exercise.

Adam anticipated the day’s events once more. Is this where we fall into each other’s arms?

No, Mark commanded, a little frustrated with Adam’s impertinence. Mark raised his hand. Put your backpacks on and form a single-file line. Abe was first in line after returning the knives in his possession. Asia took the last spot in the line behind Chelsey. Mark then motioned the procession away from the steps.

Mark continued, I want you all to hold hands, and Abe I want you to hold my hand. When I say go, I want each of you to close your eyes but walk in step with the person in front of you. Do you understand? Mark looked for reassurance, and each of the students shook their heads, indicating they comprehended what had been said.

Mark further instructed them. I will tell you when to open your eyes. It will be around twenty steps. Mark didn’t look for acknowledgment this time. He grabbed Abe’s hand and began to walk.

Asia thought the whole exercise silly, so after three steps, she opened her eyes. What she saw was Adam disappearing into a blue portal. The portal looked familiar. It reminded her of her earring. This is some kind of wormhole, she thought to herself. The fractal patterns on the portal seemed to have a roaming illumination. She took another step, and Chelsey began to disappear. For a second, she thought of her safety. But curiosity took over and she leaped in.

Chapter 2

The Island

Asia’s vision peeled from the dark night to a light blur. She could feel the ground give a little with each step. Sand, she thought. Then the ocean noise crashed in her ears. A bright morning filled with palm trees and sweet breeze brought a smile to her face. As soon as the view was clear, she preempted Mark. Open your eyes. It’s unbelievable.

The curious three opened in unison and dropped their grips on each other. Did you drug us? was all Adam could think to say.

Mark smiled with the sly look of a child protecting a secret. No, he reassured.