Heavenly Returns: The Katran Legacy, #3

Chapter 1

Now

What

?

The large, glass-domed ceiling of the Heavenly palace hovered over my father’s head like a giant halo. He radiated the spiritual energy of a god. But he wasn’t the Boss of Heaven . No, he was my real father, and an alien from the planet Katran .

I approached Father as he sat meditating on a Persian carpet. When he heard my footsteps his eyes slowly opened. As I stared into his eyes, I saw my reflection looking back at me. He had the same high cheekbones and striking auburn hair. They were the proof of my alien heritage. It explained a lot about why I never felt like I fit in on Earth when I was alive.

My father stood up and waved his hand in front of my face. My daughter, are you all right? Your mind is elsewhere.

The downside to having an alien father—he could read my thoughts. Yes, I’m fine. I just don’t know how I’m supposed to help you fix Junior Heaven.

He touched my cheek. As I explained, my daughter you are part of both worlds. I believe you alone can stop the destruction of Heaven.

Prickles formed on my arms. "But I have no idea what to do. Besides, Palmer will try to

stop

us

."

Father let out a deep sigh. It is unfortunate that some of my brethren have mutinied. But I will deal with them. He squeezed my hand. You must use all your power to right the wrong I have done to this once glorious place.

The words felt familiar. Back on Earth, I was always cleaning up my mother’s messes. "Can I have my friends

help

me

?"

Of course. If they are willing to stay in Junior Heaven and not return to Earth until we win the battle with Palmer.

I swallowed hard. How can I ask Celery and Ryan to remain—dead? They won the contest and they’re excited to return to Earth. To be alive again. I instinctively circled my birthmark. Now I have to ask them to delay their return for what could be months.

He took my hand in his. "You are a leader, Taylor. You will find

a

way

."

Sabrina, my guardian angel, gently took off from the steps in front of my father’s palace. She pumped her wings hard and her beautiful platinum blonde hair grazed her doll-like face. "Hang on tight. I know where

Celery

is

. "

Another mind reader. It felt good to be riding on her back again. I clung tightly to her downy soft feathers as the air of Junior Heaven brushed past my cheeks. Flying through the air over the mile-high skyscrapers of New Life City still felt exhilarating. Despite the fact that Junior Heaven crumbled by the minute, the soaring skyscrapers and spires of the ministry buildings were still impressive. No plane ride I’d ever taken could match the feeling of excitement that surged through me as we sped across

the

sky

.

Sadly, the evidence of the city’s continued deterioration had grown worse since the last time we passed by. The once shiny spire of the Ministry of Angels building was coated with a gummy film. The towering Celestial Jewels building’s crown no longer sparkled like a beacon across the sky. It made me wonder if Sabrina knew my father and his people were the cause of Heaven’s decline.

Sabrina banked around a group of angry storm clouds. Go ahead. Ask me. I will give you an honest answer.

Ugh. How I longed for the day when I could return to Earth and my thoughts would be my own. "All right. Did you know my father is an alien? That he is running Heaven, not

your

boss

?"

Her wings trembled for just a second. "No, I had no idea. You may think angels have a lot of power in Heaven, but we are just servants. Only the Seraphim truly know what is

going

on

."

After my run-in with a towering, multi-winged Seraphim, I knew what she meant. "Okay, I

believe

you

."

"As your guardian angel, I am duty bound to protect you and tell you the truth. I can

not

lie

."

After some of the harsh truths she’d told me in the past, I wished she could. Sabrina zoomed toward the towering needle-shaped skyscraper of the Sterling Empire Hotel. "Celery is in room five hundred and six. I wish you luck in convincing her

to

stay

."

I gripped tightly to Sabrina’s wings as she did a hard right turn and landed in front of the hotel. "I still need to talk to Ryan. So pick me up in

an

hour

."

She nodded and gave me one of her bright white celebrity smiles. My pleasure. Besides, I can't wait to see how you tell Ryan your big news. Then Sabrina flapped her wings, and in a flash she

was

gone

.

As I trudged up the hotel steps, my feet like they were made of lead. How could I ask my new best friend to give up her hard won prize of a life on Earth to stay behind with me? Besides, I didn't have a clue how I could stop Heaven from crumbling apart. But that wasn’t the worst part; I had to tell her who I

really

was

.

The gold-mirrored elevator doors opened and I pushed the button for the five hundredth floor. Maybe by the time I got there I’d have an answer.

The elevator shot up like a rocket, and in a second I was on Celery’s floor. So much for time to think. As the elevator doors opened, I traced invisible Saturn-like rings around

my birthmark. Thinking of my favorite planet usually helped calm me down. All this time I thought my birthmark was something that made me special. Turned out my father—and all the Katran—

had

one

.

I marched down the hallway with mirror-clad walls, determined to convince Celery to stay. I knocked on the door of 506 still not knowing what to say. The door flew open and Celery’s welcoming smile and bright green hair made me forget all my troubles. She held open the door. I wondered when you were going to show up. I can’t decide which souvenirs from JH to take back to Earth.

I loved the way Celery always abbreviated words. I’d managed to pick up the habit, too. "Looks like you’re going to take half of JH

with

you

."

She trotted over to a sleek mid-century modern sofa. It looked like a bomb had gone off there was so much stuff covering the shag area rug. She held up the Betty Boop Devil bobble-head doll I found during the scavenger hunt in Angel City. I was so tempted to take this, but you found her fair and square. Celery placed the doll in my hand. She’s yours.

I took the doll from her. "Cel, I have something kind of heavy to

tell

you

."

She stared into my face. I knew something was wrong when I opened the door. Shoot.

We’re good friends, right?

Of course. We rocked the Cloud Nine Contest. She plopped down on a Danish modern chair. Why do I get the feeling that’s not what you’re talking about?

I feel like I can tell you anything. You know I had that meeting with the boss, right?

"Oh, yeah. Sorry, I was so into packing for home, I totally forgot to ask you how

it

went

."

Well, the guy I met isn’t the boss of Heaven.

What do you mean? Is he second in command?

"Well, he’s a really nice guy, super cool, actually

and

he’s

..."

She leaned forward in her chair. Would you spit it out all ready?

He’s my father.

Celery teetered on the edge of her chair. "What? Your

dad

died

?"

I shook my head. "No, turns out the father I’ve know my whole life isn’t my

real

dad

."

Celery held back a laugh. T, you sure got me. You know I’m a sucker for a soap opera storyline.

"Cel, this isn’t a joke. And that’s not the

biggest

news

."

She sat back in the chair. Okay. Let me guess, your dad’s from another planet.

Jeez had she become a mind reader too? "How did

you

know

?"

I was kidding. Her eyes grew wide. "

You’re

not

?"

You know my weird birthmark?

"Yeah, I think it’s totally cool. What

about

it

?"

It’s the mark of my father’s people. They’re from the planet Katran.

She bit her lower lip. "So that means you’re

an

a

…"

Yep.

She sat staring at me. I feel like I’m in a movie or something. It’s just so surreal.

I laughed. Welcome to my crazy world.

Celery gave me a weak smile as she ran her fingers through her lime Jell-O colored hair. Guess you have me beat in the outcast contest.

I gave her a thumbs up. Well, if you’re cool with being seen with me, I have to ask you a favor.

Sure, anything for my alien friend.

Trust Celery to take my big news with a grain of salt. "My father wants me to help him fix Junior Heaven. He says there is something special

about

me

."

Celery laughed. I’ll say. Miss teen alien.

I took a deep breath. I feel terrible, but I need to ask you to hold off on returning home for just a bit. I could really use your smarts.

A crooked smile crossed her face. "Flattery will

get

you

…"

"I’m

serious

,

Cel

."

Her face flushed. You know what you’re asking? You want me to stay dead so we can fix Heaven?

I swallowed

hard

. "

Yes

."

She got up from the chair. When do we start?

Sardi’s restaurant was packed as usual. Ryan wasn’t the only one who loved amazing Italian food. In Heaven you could eat anything you wanted and never gain weight. No wonder dead people couldn’t get enough pasta and pizza. Ryan jumped up from a cushy leather booth in the back corner and waved me over. His crooked grin had returned along with the rest of the face I loved. My father had changed his appearance so no one would recognize him as a previous Cloud Nine contestant. It enabled Ryan to help Team Galaxy win. I took in his handsome face, grateful my father had made good on his promise.

I raced over to him. Ryan pulled me into his arms and gave me an enormous hug. "So I see you survived meeting the boss. What’s

he

like

?"

I plopped down in the booth, not looking forward to telling the story again. "He was everything I thought he

would

be

."

Ryan ran a finger along his chin. "I’m grateful to have my old face back. So thanks

for

that

."

It was the first favor I asked for. I stroked his cheek. "I missed the face I fell in

love

with

."

He kissed my hand. It was so great to get up this morning and recognize my reflection in the mirror. He sucked in an excited breath. I can’t wait to get home and see Noah again. I have so many plans for places we can go together. After almost losing him I’m not going to take a minute of my life for granted.

My admiration for Ryan had only grown since we’d been in Heaven. To sacrifice his life for his little brother’s was a level of love I’d only seen in movies.

He flagged down a waiter. Let’s celebrate.

The waiter zoomed next to the table holding a bottle of Dom Perignon. He popped the cork and poured us two big glasses. Another waiter showed up right behind him with my favorite Italian meal of chicken cannelloni. I still couldn’t get used to the fact everyone in Heaven was a mind reader.

Ryan held his glass high. To life back on Earth.

I clinked his glass and swallowed a big swig of champagne. But I needed more than liquid courage to ask Ryan to stay. I stared into his twinkling pale blue eyes and knew his happiness wouldn’t last long. "I have a favor

to

ask

."

"Anything

for

you

."

I need you to stay in JH and help me do something very important.

His eyebrows stitched together. We won the Cloud Nine Contest. I thought the prize was we could go home and be alive again?

I felt my eyes well up. "Yes, you’re right. Team Galaxy worked hard to win. But I hoped you could be on my team again, only this time to fix JH. Celery is already on board, but there is no way I can do it

without

you

."

He fell back against the seat cushion. "Is that why the Boss of Heaven wanted to see you? How can he ask you to stay here? To be dead. He hung his head. If I stay with you I’ll be

dead

too

."

I squeezed his hand. It's only until we fix JH. After that we can go back to Earth. Be alive again.

"Okay, if it’s only temporary I might be onboard. But I still don’t know why you feel obligated

to

stay

."

"Because he’s my

real

dad

."

Ryan pushed back his half eaten spaghetti. "What did

you

say

?"

"The Boss of Heaven is my real father. But he’s not from here. He hijacked Heaven."

The color fled from Ryan’s face. Taylor, you’re not making any sense. Who has the power to hijack Heaven?

My father is the leader of a group of people from the planet Katran.

He laughed. "Oh, I get it. You’re totally messing with me. Did Celery put you up to it? One last gag before we head

back

home

."

After my conversation with Celery I wasn’t surprised by his reaction. I reached for his hand. Ryan, I’m telling you the truth.

He pulled his hand away. So, you’re telling me your father back on Earth isn't your real father? Your true father is from another planet?

That’s right.

But that means…

You’re dating a girl who’s part alien.

Chapter 2

The Save Jr. Heaven Squad

Ryan stared down at the table. I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that my girlfriend is an alien .

I reached out and took his hand. Thankfully he didn’t pull it away this time. "I remember you always said one of the things you liked about me the most was how I’m a bit different from the other girls

you’ve

met

."

He let out a sigh. I had no idea how different.

I squeezed his hand. "I’m still the same person you fell in

love

with

."

The waiter appeared with a whiskey shot. "Sir, I believe you

ordered

this

."

Normally I’d be amused by the way the waiter knew exactly what Ryan wanted. But the whiskey order told me Ryan had a hard time accepting my alien blood.

Ryan downed the shot and placed the glass on the table. "Just give me a minute to process the

news

,

okay

?"

I nodded as I pushed my cannelloni around on my plate. My appetite had vanished. Ryan and I had never had a fight before. I stood up. "I’m going to the

ladies

’

room

."

In Heaven there was no need for restrooms other than a place to check to make sure your make-up still looked good. I moved past Ryan but he grabbed my

arm

. "

Stay

."

I’m sorry, Ryan. I sat back down next to him. "I didn’t ask for any

of

this

."

He stroked my hand. "I know. The news had to be even more shocking

for

you

."

I leaned against his strong shoulder. You have no idea. I keep wondering what else I’ll find out about myself.

A weak smile crossed his face. At least you don’t have antennae.

I laughed. "That’s exactly what I said to

my

dad

."

I don’t care who your father is. He gently kissed my lips. "I love you, no

matter

what

."

A cool breeze blew through my hair causing goosebumps to form on my arms. It felt strange to be back at my grandparents’ lake house. I’d been so busy trying to win the Cloud Nine Contest, my weekly visits had stopped. This time my grandmother wasn’t going to be here to greet me. She and my grandfather were trying to patch up their marriage in Senior Heaven. I still couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that my grandfather had an affair, and in Heaven of all places. I pushed the

thought

away

.

Celery looped her arm around mine. I can see why you like the place. It’s a little slice of Heaven.

Just like her to make a bad joke. I pointed to the front of the Victorian cottage. "Yes, except the gingerbread on the porch is

falling

off

."

Celery gave me a weak smile. "But we’re going to

fix

that

."

I stopped by the hammock my Gramps had strung up between two huge maple trees with a view of the lake. Mind if I take a break?

She nodded. "Sure. As long as I can

join

you

."

I pulled out the knotted rope netting so we both could fit. Kicking off the grass with one foot, the hammock swung gently back and forth. "Thanks for coming here with me. It’s my favorite place to clear

my

head

."

Celery watched the gentle breeze move through the trees. "You always talked so much about your grandmother’s lake house, I’m glad I could finally

see

it

."

It doesn’t make you homesick for Earth? Cel, are you sure you don’t mind staying in JH a bit longer?

She played with the fringe on the edge of the hammock. To tell you the truth, I was kind of dreading going back to my old life. My parents won’t know I ever died, so they will treat me like an afterthought just like before.

Tears formed in her eyes. I took her hand. You have me now. We’re family, remember?

She brushed a tear off her cheek. Right. The pledge we made back in Hollywood.

I squeezed her hand. I meant it. You’ll never be alone again.

Celery sat up. Awesome! I’d love to learn more about your family. Why don’t you show me your grandparents’ place?

Reluctantly, I got up from my favorite

spot

. "

Sure

."

I led Celery down the stepping-stones to the house. It was sad to see the scrollwork barely hanging onto the roof gable. The steel blue paint peeled off the clapboards like layers of an onionskin. Holding open the door, Celery entered the cozy parlor filled with Gram’s favorite antiques.

I spread my arms out like a game show hostess. "This is my second home. I’ll give you the five

cent

tour

."

She looped her arm through mine. "Awesome. And when you’re done I have a little surprise

for

you

."

Great. I could use one. I led Celery to the middle of the worn Chinese carpet that covered the living room floor. "Here’s where we play cards and

hang

out

."

Celery scanned the small but quaint room. Normally I’m totally not into granny furniture, but here it looks really cozy. She plopped down on the Rocco loveseat and bounced up and