Valiente: Sins and Secrets

By A.G. Castillo

Sometimes, turning back the clock opens old wounds that can haunt you for a lifetime.

After completing his first semester at Stanford University, Chente Jimenez returns to Avalon a different young man with a fresh outlook on life. With the help of a new circle of college friends, Chente is ready to put the chaos of high school behind him and eager to begin his future with his first love, Aaron Doss.

That promising future collides with the unfortunate past as Chente recovers from a mysterious fever and transitions into a new chapter of his life. Things only get worse when an old family secret rises to the surface and threatens to tear the Jimenez family apart.

As the New Year bells ring, Chente and his family and friends embark on a dangerous journey, which leads them into the dark world of the supernatural, where sins are exposed and old vendettas are to be collected. Chente soon learns that it’s the ones you love most that can hurt you the deepest.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Sep 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665727655

A.G. Castillo

A.G. Castillo was born and raised in a small West Texas town. After graduating from Texas Tech University with an English degree, A.G. Castillo began his career in public education, serving as an English teacher, high school basketball coach and principal, and as a superintendent of schools. When he is not traveling the world, A.G. resides in San Antonio with his partner, Tim, and their incorrigible dachshunds, Puppy and Penny. He is the author of the Valiente Series: Valiente: Courage and Consequences Valiente: Tattoos and Temptations Valiente: Flames and Fury Valiente: Sins and Secrets Valiente: Hearts and Heroes

Book preview

Copyright © 2022 A.G. Castillo.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by

any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author

except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents,

organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products

of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.archwaypublishing.com

844-669-3957

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6657-2764-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-2763-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-2765-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022914069

Archway Publishing rev. date: 09/21/2022

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

For my beloved

mother, Navidad Castillo. Thank you

for sharing your gift of storytelling. I love you.

For Tia Yolanda. Thank you for your fierce and unconditional love.

For Tim. Thank you for everything, but

mostly for being my best friend.

m1.jpg

CHAPTER 1

The soft blue light surrounded and cloaked Chente like a translucent bubble as he floated through the mysterious fog to nowhere. He could see the mist in front of him gently glowing as he drifted toward a delicate white light. Chente could feel the tranquility soak through the pores of his skin, and the scent of freshly cut roses filled the air—blissful peace.

In the distance, Chente could hear gentle whispering, like a multitude of prayers, and tender violin-like music playing. It filled his heart with warmth and an inner serenity that made him smile deliriously.

As he approached the white light, it gradually became brighter and brighter, but it didn’t pain Chente’s eyes; instead he was mesmerized by its sunny glory. Suddenly, the white light burst into a million brilliant sparkles, and when the haze dissipated, there stood an elderly lady in a soft yellow robe with her hands clasped in front of her. She thoughtfully gazed into Chente’s eyes and smiled.

Chente’s eyes danced as he sighed in disbelief. Mina? Mina, is that really you? he whispered as he rushed to embrace her.

The elderly lady was hypnotized by Chente’s voice, and without blinking she nodded her head slowly as she reached and hugged him.

Her hands buzzed, and a sharp electrical current transferred through her body the moment she touched him. She paused and caught her breath, and she then quietly giggled to herself as she stepped away.

Mina? What’s the matter? asked Chente. He moved closer. "What are you doing here? Wait, what am I doing here? Chente looked around. Hold on. Where am I?"

The elderly lady in the yellow robe covered her mouth and shook her head in disbelief. She sighed and smiled as she stared at Chente.

"Mijo … my precious mijito … my dear grandson … no cambias, replied the gray-haired lady. Still asking so many questions and still as chulo as ever …"

Chente shrugged and grinned at his grandmother. But Mina, I really don’t know where I am …

"Ay, Chente. Mijo, you are Beyond the Clouds," answered the grandmother.

Huh? replied Chente as he shook his head and looked around in a complete awe.

The grandmother was also entranced. She hadn’t seen her grandson in fifteen years, and he had grown into a fine young man. She fanned her eyes. "Chente, it is so good to see you. Oh, mijo, you look so much like your father."

Yeah, Mom says that too. Chente smiled. Then, with added energy, he asked, Wait. Is Dad here? He’s here, right?

No, Chente. It’s just me, said the grandmother as she reached out and grabbed his hands. She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. "Ay mijo. She beamed. It’s you. I can feel it. It’s you."

Disappointed, Chente tilted his head and gave his grandmother a strange look. He was perplexed by her ramblings.

What do you mean? I don’t understand what I am doing here, replied Chente. Am I dreaming? I have to be dreaming, right?

No, Chente, this is not a dream, answered the grandmother. You are here for a reason.

R-r-really? he asked.

A loud, thunderous boom sounded in the distance, and it distracted Chente but focused the grandmother.

"Mijo, listen to me. I have something to tell you, she said as she grabbed her grandson’s hand and floated to the front door of St. John’s Catholic Church. I mean, I have something to show you. It’s your time, Chente. I am sure that tu mamá will explain in more detail very soon."

Mina, you’re talking too fast. I don’t understand what you’re saying to me, replied Chente as he paused and put his hands up in the air. Why am I here at church, and why are you acting all nervous?

The grandmother closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She paused in front of the church doors and collected her thoughts. She smiled tenderly at her handsome grandson.

"I’m sorry, mijo," she sighed.

For what? asked Chente. Mina, you are starting to scare me. What is going on? Please tell me.

First of all, it’s okay to be scared. You are better when you are scared, she replied.

Great! Have you been talking to Dad?

Yes, I have spoken with your father, but we can discuss that another time, replied the elderly woman in the glowing robe. What I am trying to tell you is that it is my job to show you a few things in the very few moments we have left. But I can only show you. They won’t allow me to explain anything just yet.

Who? What are you talking about? asked Chente as he became a little more frazzled when he realized that she could hear his thoughts.

Please. Just trust me and hold my hand, said the grandmother. She opened the door and led her grandson into the church filled with mist.

When the mist cleared, Chente found himself and his grandmother floating above the church altar as his mother and father exchanged their wedding vows. Chente was mystified that he was witnessing his parents’ wedding.

Oh Mina, Mom is so beautiful, he whispered. She’s absolutely stunning.

"Si mijo. Tu mamá era la mas bonita de todo el pueblo, replied the grandmother as she gazed at the bride at the altar. Everyone in town said so."

And my dad was so very handsome, Chente added, his voice cracking.

The grandmother simply nodded her head and never took her eyes off the marrying couple below. She smiled as she carefully wiped away her tears of joy from her eyes.

Chente took a brief moment to look around, carefully soaking in all the details. He admired the light blue bows at the end of the pews and the bouquets of white roses next to the altar. He saw his Tia Marisela standing next to his mother, gingerly adjusting the wedding gown train.

Chente turned his attention back to the altar the second his father began to recite his wedding vows. He was hypnotized as he listened to his father pledge his eternal love for his mother.

Oh wow. Dad really loved Mom, didn’t he, Mina?

"More than you know, mijo," replied the grandmother as the priest pronounced the lovebirds husband and wife.

Suddenly, there was a deafening boom, and the front door of the church swung open, shattering the windowpanes. The audience gasped as a tall and ominous lady dressed in black marched to the front of the church, her wooden cane thundering with each step she took.

Who is that? asked Chente as he looked at his grandmother and watched her cringe.

That is … Zenobia, whispered Mina.

Who?

Zenobia, repeated the grandmother. "She was my best friend … un tiempo a long time ago. But she—"

You! shouted the lady in black as she stopped in front of the newlyweds and removed her black veil. She slowly pointed her crooked finger at Mr. Jimenez.

It’s your fault! she screamed. It’s all your fault!

The wedding guests gasped and began to whisper to one another.

You killed my daughter! wailed Zenobia as she threw her arms up in the air in obvious pain. You killed my only daughter!

Her voice was menacing, and it reverberated off the church rafters like seismic tremors. Chente could feel her anger as it shot through his body like a fiery bullet. He winced and gradually regained his breath as he clutched his vibrating hands.

Mr. Jimenez looked at his bride, and then he glanced at the wedding guests with an expression of disbelief. He shook his head. No … No, you are wrong … I did nothing, he whispered as he stepped toward his bride and shook his head.

I curse you, Vincente Jimenez, and your bride, howled the lady in black as her catlike eyes exploded into fire. I promise I will have my revenge!

73035.png

Chente struggled to open his eyes. His eyelids were heavy as he lethargically repositioned his drenched head on the moist pillow. He could sense people lingering around him. They were whispering loudly, and it made his head throb and ache.

The bedroom was congested with so many colorful people—glowing entities that soundlessly glided back and forth … hovering … protecting. Chente didn’t recognize any of them, but their pacifying presence enraptured him and shielded him from the darkness he instinctively detected in the far corner of the room.

He is going to be fine, said Mrs. Jimenez as she wiped the sweat off his brow with a cold towel. It’s just a little fever.

Mom, what is happening to me? Who are all these people?

Mother, quit it! Stop minimizing Chente’s condition. He is burning up! shouted Valentin as he waved his arms around. His temperature is at one hundred three point seven. We need to take him to the hospital right now!

Wow, Valentin? Why are you shouting at Mom? Don’t yell at Mom.

"Valentin, mijo, I know what I am doing," replied the mother of five as she continued to calmly pray her rosary.

Chente could see the glowing entities harmoniously drift to his mother’s praying. They gracefully danced to the rhythm of the prayer and exuded soft pastel colors of light, keeping the shadows at bay.

Mother, be reasonable! exclaimed Valentin.

"Mira, Valentin, Chente se queda aquí conmigo, insisted his mother as she began to whisper. Por favor, lower your voice. I am trying to concentrate while I pray. Please stop yelling. Aaron is worried sick."

Aaron? Where’s Aaron? I want to see him.

He should be, Mom. I am worried, hissed the older brother. The brain can’t function correctly with a fever that high. Mom, please listen to me. We need to call 911. Mom, Chente needs to go to the hospital or he will die.

Chente couldn’t keep his eyes open any longer, and he drifted back to sleep.

73026.png

With a large gust of wind, Chente was immediately vacuumed back to the Native American souvenir store in Ruidoso. He steadied himself and tried to catch his breath while slowly acclimating to the abrupt change in his surroundings.

The room was engulfed with the same smoky haze, and the smell of spice and incense filled the air. Chente could feel the electricity, and it gradually glided him toward a soft pink light in the back of the room.

What is going on? whispered Chente as Ela emerged dressed in a white Native American jingle dress adorned with hot-pink-fringed sleeves and a bright blue sash around her waist. She wore a daunting hot-pink headdress with long feathers and colorful gemstones speckled at the base. She stood at attention with a commanding presence as her headpiece quietly swayed back and forth, almost touching the floor.

My child … my sweet boy … you have come back, said the Native American healer with a gentle smile.

Ela … oh my gosh … you look amazing, said Chente as he chuckled with admiration.

The proud Apache medicine woman majestically bowed and then stood at attention again.

Wait. You can speak English now? asked Chente with an incredulous smirk. How did you learn English so fast?

Ela stoically nodded her head and tenderly replied, My sweet child, barriers don’t exist here. Anything is possible Beyond the Clouds.

Chente covered his mouth and gasped. Have you died too? he asked as he cautiously reached out to Ela. I mean, I think I just spoke with my grandmother a little while ago, and she died some years ago. Or maybe I am just dreaming a really long dream.

She slowly shook her head and felt the electrical current transmit through Chente’s hands as he embraced her.

Not quite, sighed the medicine woman. I am a spirit warrior in my culture, and I have a direct connection with those Beyond the Clouds.

Chente’s eyes grew large, and he smiled. Wow. That’s awesome. He quickly added. Wait. What is a spirit warrior?

Ela carefully adjusted her tremendous headdress and glided to the front counter of the store and carefully lit a white candle. She paused for a few moments and watched the flame dance back and forth on the wick.

A spirit warrior is an earthly human who has been blessed and is usually spiritually linked with those Beyond the Clouds, she explained as she lit two more candles. Spirit warriors help earthly souls who are lost and who are being attacked by the dark forces.

Oh … okay was all that Chente managed to say.

We are an extension of the goodness your heart feels right this second, she said as she caressed his cheek. We are kind of like a sprinkle of light wherever we go, and our purpose is to repel the darkness of the world and bring light.

Chente could feel her goodness and her strength with her single touch. She was a powerful lady, but she had a kind and humble heart. "Wait … we? asked Chente as he rubbed his forehead. You meant to say that you are a spirit warrior—not me, right?"

The proud Apache medicine woman gazed into his eyes and smiled. You have grown so much since we last met. You no longer have the soul of a boy, but the soul of a man.

Chente was hypnotized by the tone in Ela’s voice. It was kind and soft, but decisive and full of wisdom. He could feel her energy, her resilience, her potency.

You are strong. You are fiercely strong. I can feel it, she said with a proud smile as she waved a candle in front of Chente.

Chente was at a loss for words. His chest was tight, and his eyes were restless. Well, I … I … I am no longer in high school. I attend college now, he stuttered. I … I am a student at Stanford University in California.

Yes, my child, and you are very wise. She paused. A bit impulsive, but very astute.

Chente’s hands began to vibrate and tingle as he rubbed them together and curiously looked around the room. Where am I, and why am I here? he asked as he waved the smoky haze from his face. I don’t understand what’s happening.

The medicine woman remained quiet, and Chente could feel the weight of Ela’s stare as he turned and faced her. He could see her perplexed expression, and he shivered. Wait. What … what are you doing here, Ela? asked Chente as his voice cracked. Are you here … are you here … because … I have died? Am I dead?

There was a loud, thunderous boom in the distance, and Chente jumped. He cleared his throat and rubbed his forehead. He returned his attention to the medicine woman. "Am I dead?" he asked again, in wonder.

Ela put the white candle down on the counter and confidently shook her head. Far from it, my young warrior. This is quite the opposite, and you are just now beginning to live, she said, beaming. You have so much ahead of you.

Chente began to fan his face with his hands as is body became increasingly warm. Whoa … whoa … what is happening? he stammered as his hands began to glow. Okay. This has to be a dream. The alarm clock will sound very soon, and I will wake up and my hands will be normal, he said to himself as he closed his eyes and tried to reassure himself.

Chente, you are not dreaming, replied Ela as she gently tried to grab his hands.

Chente shook his head and began to pace up and down the center aisle of the store, staring at his shining hands.

What is going on? This isn’t normal. My hands don’t glow!

It’s okay, Chente; it’s part of your evolution, the medicine woman said to reassure him. You are evolving into—

What? Part of my evolution? What does that mean? interrupted Chente.

It means that the past is the key to your future, she calmly said as she adjusted her headdress.

Oh my gosh—riddles? Are you being serious right now? exclaimed Chente. No riddles! Just tell me what is going on!

The medicine woman drifted toward Chente and placed her index finger on his temple and began to chant.

73019.png

Chente opened his eyes. He was floating above the altar of St. John’s Catholic Church again with the Apache medicine woman at his side. The entire church was full of people, but it was quiet and somber.

What’s happening? whispered Chente. Why is everyone sad and dressed in black?

Ela hesitated and looked away for a second. Then she glanced at Chente and pointed at the coffin at the front of the church.

Oh my gosh, that’s Mina, replied the Jimenez boy. He looked at the first pew and saw his brothers and sisters sitting quietly. Violeta was holding Victor in her arms. He was asleep as she rocked him back and forth.

Ela, this is my abuelita’s funeral, and there we are as little kids, said Chente as he drifted downward for a closer look. Vi has Victor in her arms, and Nesh is holding my hand.

Wow. Nesh always took care of me.

Ela? Why am I glowing? asked Chente. Why am I the only one in the whole church glowing?

It’s your aura, answered the spirit warrior. Remember, I told you that you had a very strong aura.

Chente was enchanted by the bright colors dancing around his three-year-old body. It looked as though he was surrounded by a mini rainbow.

Yeah, I remember, answered Chente with a lazy smile. It’s beautiful. But wait. He managed to look away from the glowing lights. Where’re Mom and Dad? Why are we sitting alone?

The medicine woman gently grabbed Chente’s hand, and they floated to the back of the church and glided through the walls of the crying room, where they encountered Mr. and Mrs. Jimenez and Tia Marisela in deep conversation.

Chente could see the pain etched on their faces, and he could feel their suffering as he got closer. His mother was huddled in a corner, quietly sobbing, while his father and Tia Marisela bickered in hushed voices.

She can’t stop, hissed the younger sister. This is her destiny, and she knows it.

Her family is her destiny, countered Mr. Jimenez as he waved his arms over his head. She is choosing her family.

Well, if that’s the case, then she definitely can’t walk away from this, insisted Tia Marisela. Her family is going to need her now more than ever—especially now that Mom is gone.

Just say it, Mari, sobbed Mrs. Jimenez as she turned and faced her little sister.

Vida, what are you talking about? asked Tia Marisela as she removed her designer sunglasses and gazed at her older sister.

Just say it and quit pretending that you don’t blame me, said Mrs. Jimenez as she stood up and wiped the tears from her eyes. Mom is dead because of me, right? I mean, that’s what you think, right? That it’s my fault!

Instinctively, Chente reached out to hug his mother and console her, but he passed right through her. He turned and looked at Ela. Why are they acting this way? Why are they fighting? he asked as he rubbed his forehead.

The spirit warrior shook her head and closed her eyes.

Chente’s frustration level peaked, and he growled loudly. His hands began to throb and glow in different colors.

Tell me what’s going on! insisted Chente as he gritted his teeth. Why does Tia Marisela blame Mom for Mina’s death?

The spirit warrior’s headdress became radiant and shiny, displaying myriad bright colors. No, Chente, scolded the medicine woman as she stood tall. My young warrior, you must not give in to frustration and anger—never. You must not ever do that.

Chente exhaled and floated away from Ela. After a few seconds, he regained his composure.

I am sorry, he said like a deflated balloon. I just hate to see my mom in pain. I always protect her. I love her.

Yes my child, responded the medicine woman. Search deep within you. Find and focus on the good things, like patience, love, and family. Love and family are your strengths. Focus on that and you will soar like an eagle.

Chente nodded and whispered, Soar like an eagle.

Of course I don’t. I would never think that! bellowed Tia Marisela as she rolled her eyes. I know that you loved Mom … It’s just that … sister, you have to pick up where she left off.

No! insisted the mother of five.

Vida, Mom said you were next. She always said that you needed to continue to— pleaded Tia Marisela as she reached for her older sister’s hand.

No, Mari. No, I won’t do it, interrupted Mrs. Jimenez as she pulled away. "Tengo miedo. Do you hear me? I am scared. I have already lost so much, and I have to protect my children."

Yes. Exactly. That’s why you have to continue, or you and your family will be sitting ducks for Zenobia, pleaded the little sister as she placed her hands on her hips. Do it for your kids. Protect them.

I have already lost one doing it Mother’s way, cried Mrs. Jimenez as she hugged her husband and buried her face in his shoulder. I will not put my kids in the line of fire again!

Chente looked at Ela and shook his head in disbelief. He was completely mystified and couldn’t find words to speak. He stood there with his hands on top of his head and his mouth wide open.

Chente, just take a moment and breathe, advised the medicine woman.

Chente rubbed his temples and shook his head. I d-don’t understand w-what I just saw or just heard. I am so confused, and my head hurts.

My child, everything happens for a reason. That’s the way destiny works, explained Ela as she returned to her candles and began to softly chant in her native language. Trust me; there is a reason why you were meant to see this. It is supposed to—

A thundering boom muffled the spirit warrior’s words, and when Chente opened his eyes, the medicine woman had disappeared into the fog.

73011.png

Chente struggled to open his eyes again, and everything was so fuzzy and unclear. There was a bright light on his face that made him so sleepy, and all he could hear was music—soft and soothing music in his right ear. It put him at ease, and it comforted him. He felt so much joy and peace. His heart was full.

Who are all these people still in the room? Why are they glowing?

He looked to his right and saw Aaron crying and pleading as he gripped Chente’s hand tightly.

Chen, baby, please fight. Don’t give up, he said as tears raced down his cheeks. I love you so much; please don’t leave me here all alone.

Chiquito, I am here with you. I am not going anywhere.

Mrs. Jimenez wrapped her arms around Aaron and tried to console him. "Mijo, just pray, she said calmly. Trust me; right now prayer is what will help him most. Chente can hear you, I promise."

The blue-eyed coach clasped his hands and bowed his head. And even though Aaron didn’t pray out loud, Chente could hear his conversation with God.

Dear Heavenly Father, I know that I don’t do this often enough, but I am kneeling before you now to beg you to spare Chen. He is strong and kind and everything good; I can’t blame you for wanting him in heaven. But God, his family needs him, his friends need him, and I need him too. He is my entire life, and I would be lost without him. We have just found each other; please give us more time. Please, dear Lord, bring him back to me.

Chente ached for Aaron’s touch, but his eyes were so heavy and he couldn’t keep them open.

73004.png

Once again Chente found himself in unfamiliar surroundings and wandering aimlessly in a dark tunnel. In the distance, he could hear the faint sound of a bouncing basketball, and he instinctively followed the familiar noise.

He could see a glimmer of light at the end of the long tunnel. As he got closer, the shadows cleared and he found himself in his high school gym. Chente let out a sigh of relief. He could see the flashing bright lights of the scoreboard, he could smell the polished gym floor, and he could hear Coach Alvarez’s whistle ringing in his ears. This was his stage, and his heart felt safe.

On the far end, he could see a young man shooting free throws. His form was good; his feet were shoulder width apart, his knees were bent, and he was using excellent follow-through.

Swish! Nothing but net.

As Chente glided to the young man, his hands began to glow and he felt a strange but natural connection—a magnetic pull that was intuitive and automatic. Even though Chente didn’t know this person, there was a peculiar familiarity that startled him.

The stranger turned around and smiled. He waved at Chente and encouraged him to come closer. Chente immediately felt at ease.

Do you want to play a game of horse? asked the young man as he tossed the basketball to Chente. I will let you shoot first if you want.

You want to play a game of horse with me? asked Chente as he carefully inspected the stranger’s lean physique, black hair, and soft brown eyes.

Only if you want to, replied the young man with a little chuckle. I know that you are a great basketball player, but I’m pretty good too.

Chente automatically dribbled the basketball ball between his legs and fired the round ball from the top of the key. Swish! Nothing but net. So you have seen me play basketball? asked Chente as he jogged and recovered the basketball and tossed it to the young man.

Of course I have, answered the stranger as he mimicked Chente by dribbling the basketball between his legs and shooting it from top of the key.

Swish! Nothing but net.

I have watched you play since Little Dribblers. You have a natural gift for the game, he continued. It’s like you have a special connection with the basketball—almost like it is part of your body.

Chente carefully listened and nodded.

Oh, and the state championship game was awesome. You were completely amazing. The young man laughed. You played like a madman.

Chente stopped dribbling and stared at the stranger.

You have really watched me play all of these years? asked Chente with a hint of skepticism in his voice. Why have I never seen you?

Oh, well that’s because I have watched you from Beyond the Clouds, chuckled the young man as he stole the ball from Chente’s hands and shot a layup.

Really, from Beyond the Clouds, mumbled Chente as he turned around and stared at his new friend. Who are you?

Whoa. I forgot to introduce myself. I’m so sorry. The mysterious stranger laughed. My name is OC, and I am your angel guide from Beyond the Clouds.

My angel guide? repeated Chente in disbelief.

Yep, replied OC as he stepped to the free throw line. Everyone has one.

Oh. Well, okay then, replied the Jimenez boy as he sarcastically shrugged. I should have known that, right?

OC paused from shooting. He held the basketball on his right hip and began to laugh again.

Wow. He holds the ball the same way I do.

Well, of course I do. I learned from the best, responded OC with a wink. But for your information, an angel guide is simply the twenty-first-century way of saying ‘guardian angel,’ chuckled OC as he tossed the basketball at Chente. Our charge is to lead you and protect you as much as we can.

Oh, is that right? answered Chente as he slowly nodded.

Obviously we can’t interfere with a human’s decision-making, but we are often the little voice in your ear or the knot in your stomach that tries to lead you in the right direction.

So you have literally watched me grow up? asked Chente.

The angel guide smiled proudly. Yep. Since you were born.

Chente squinted his eyes and skeptically shook his head. He rubbed his forehead and began to dribble the basketball between his legs and then behind his back down the basketball court.

OC snapped his fingers, and another basketball appeared in his hands. He followed Chente, doing the same dribbling drill down the basketball court.

What? You don’t believe me? asked the angel guide.

Chente stopped dribbling and shrugged.

Okay, I will prove it, replied OC as he swiftly dribbled to the goal and dunked the basketball. Okay, where shall I start? The guardian angel grinned as he stretched his arm muscles. Let’s see now … hmm. Okay, on April 30, 2007, you made your first communion. October 18, 2010, you won the Castro County Fall Festival Essay Contest, and your topic was farming in the twenty-first century. On February 14, 2019, you told Haven Ray that you were gay … Shall I continue?

Okay … okay … guess I believe you, chuckled Chente as he rolled his eyes. You just have to cut me some slack. This is a lot to take in all at once. I mean, I beat my angel guide at a game of horse … it’s been quite a day.

Whatever! yelled OC as he laughed out loud. We didn’t even finish.

Chente held the basketball on his right hip and watched OC laugh. Okay, so tell me, OC, what is happening to me? Why am I in this super long dream? Why can’t I just wake up?

OC’s smile disappeared. His eyes became focused, and he slowly shook his head.

Listen to me, Chente; you are not dreaming. I am real. This is real.

Oh wow, I’m dead and you are here to help me cross over to Beyond the Clouds? whispered Chente. Is that it?

No sir, not at all. You have a long life ahead of you, and I am here to help you evolve, replied the guardian angel in a serious tone. I am here to be a sounding board and to protect you through this process.

There was a blaring boom from the gymnasium speakers, and OC and Chente both jumped back and dropped their basketballs.

What was that? asked Chente as he chased his basketball to the center of the basketball court. I have heard that same loud noise a few times. What’s going on?

It’s a friendly reminder that I have only a few minutes left to be with you, replied OC as he quickly motioned his new friend to come closer. So listen carefully.

Chente grabbed the loose ball and nodded his head.

I have a few things to tell you, so I just need you to pay attention and try to remain calm, pleaded the angel.

Chente grimaced. Okay. What is it?

Well first of all, you have a couple of really special gifts, began OC as he cleared his throat and smiled. The angel guide glanced at Chente and seized his hands. Your hands have the ability to heal. This is a powerful gift that should not be taken lightly.

Chente wrinkled his forehead and stared at his angel guide. His eyes danced back and forth as he cautiously nodded his head.

Did you hear me? asked the angel guide.

There was another jolting boom from the speakers that reverberated through the gymnasium floor and shook the two young men.

Yes. I heard what you said, but I figure you’re joking, right? replied Chente as his hands began to glow.

I never joke about messages from Beyond the Clouds, said OC with a tentative smile. Your gifts are tremendous.

"This doesn’t make any sense. This is