Chloe (Angel Institute #4)

Chapter 6

Six

REBECCA

T he frosty December air bites at my cheeks as I stand on Chloe’s porch, my hand poised to knock. Even though I don’t actually feel cold (perks of being an angel-in-training), I pull my coat tighter around me, trying to look as human as possible. The scent of pine and orange wafts from a nearby wreath, mingling with the earthier smell of wood smoke from the chimney. It’s so different from the perpetual perfection of heaven’s atmosphere—a bit messy, sure, but undeniably alive.

Taking a deep breath, I plaster on my best “friendly neighbor” smile and knock on the door. It’s December 9th and there isn’t time to waste if I plan on completing my assignment by Christmas Eve. Gratefully, Chloe hasn’t mentioned leaving since Sunday—crisis averted—and it’s time to move forward.

After a moment, I hear footsteps approaching, and then the door swings open to reveal Chloe. Her dark hair is perfectly styled, and she’s wearing a designer sweater that probably costs more than most people’s entire wardrobes.

“Rebecca,” she says, surprise and a hint of wariness in her voice. “What are you doing here?”

I beam at her, channeling all the Christmas cheer I can muster. “I’m here to escort you to the community caroling night.”

Chloe’s eyebrow arches skeptically. “I don’t recall agreeing to attend any caroling night.”

“Oh, come on,” I wheedle, trying not to let my desperation show. “It’s a Benton Falls tradition. You can’t spend Christmas here without experiencing it at least once.”

She crosses her arms, looking unimpressed. “The jazz band concert was enough, not to mention the live nativity. I’m not much for singing. Or crowds. Or standing in the cold for no good reason.”

I feel a flash of irritation. This woman is more difficult than I expected. But then I remember Henry’s words about patience and empathy. I take a moment to reach out with my angelic senses, trying to understand what Chloe’s really feeling beneath her prickly exterior.

The emotions hit me like a wave—loneliness, fear, a deep-seated longing for connection, that she’s trying desperately to ignore. Must be an angel thing because my heart softens. No wonder she’s so resistant to the Christmas spirit.

“It’s not about the singing, really,” I whisper. “It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. Plus, I heard Oliver might be there...”

I see a flicker of interest in Chloe’s eyes at the mention of Oliver’s name. Bingo.

She sighs heavily, as if I’m asking her to climb Mount Everest rather than attend a festive community event. “Fine. I’ll go for a little while, which has nothing to do with Oliver. But I’m not singing.”

“Deal.” I chirp, resisting the urge to do a celestial happy dance on her porch.

Fifteen minutes later, we’re walking towards the town square. The sound of our boots crunching in the snow is accompanied by the distant chiming of bells. Chloe is silent beside me, her posture stiff and her hands shoved deep into her coat pockets. She’s got to be miserable in those high-heeled boots.

As we round the corner, the full splendor of the caroling night comes into view. The courthouse clock tower is adorned with twinkling lights, casting a warm glow over the gathering crowd. The massive Christmas tree in the center of the square is heavy with ornaments, its lights reflecting off the snow. The air is filled with the smell of hot cocoa and the sound of cheerful chatter.

I sneak a glance at Chloe and see her eyes widening slightly as she takes it all in.

“It’s something, isn’t it?” I say softly.

She nods, seemingly despite herself. “It’s... picturesque,” she admits grudgingly.

As we make our way into the crowd, I point out various townspeople to Chloe, spinning stories about their lives and contributions to the community. It’s a risky move—I’m essentially making things up based on what I can glean from my angelic intuition—but I need Chloe to see the heart of this town.

“See that group over there?” I gesture towards a cluster of elderly ladies, their white hair peeking out from beneath colorful knit hats. “They make care packages for the troops. And those teenagers by the tree? They organize the Secret Santa program at the school.”

Chloe’s brow furrows. “How do you know all this?”

I shrug, trying to look nonchalant. “Oh, you know how small towns are. Everyone knows everyone’s business.”

Before Chloe can question me further, I spot Oliver making his way through the crowd, distributing flyers. “Oh look, there’s Oliver.” I say, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. “Let’s go say hi.”

I gently steer Chloe in Oliver’s direction, ignoring her protests. As we approach, Oliver looks up, his face breaking into a warm smile that makes his eyes crinkle at the corners.

“Chloe, I’m so glad you could make it,” he says, his voice full of genuine pleasure. “And Rebecca, always a pleasure.”

I beam at him, noting the way Chloe’s posture straightens ever so slightly in Oliver’s presence. Oh, this is too perfect.

If ever there was a way to get a woman to do something crazy, like get into the season of giving, a hot guy is the answer. I’m not sure why I didn’t think of this as my ace in the hole until now—probably because angels aren’t supposed to play poker.

“Oliver was just telling me about the toy drive the other day,” I say, nudging Chloe gently. “It sounds like such a wonderful initiative.”

Chloe shoots me a look that could freeze hell over, but I just smile innocently. Come on, Chloe. Take the bait.

After a moment of awkward silence, Chloe finally speaks. “A toy drive? That sounds... nice. How does it work?”

Oliver’s face lights up like the Christmas tree behind him as he launches into an explanation of the toy drive. I watch with satisfaction as Chloe listens, her initial reluctance giving way to genuine interest.

“The only problem,” Oliver says, his enthusiasm dimming slightly, “is that I’m struggling a bit with the logistics of it all. Tracking donations, organizing distribution... it’s more complicated than I expected.”

I can practically see the gears turning in Chloe’s head. “That sounds challenging,” she says slowly. “Have you considered using a digital inventory system? It could streamline the entire process.”

Oliver’s eyes widen. “I hadn’t even thought of that. Chloe, that’s brilliant.”

As the two of them discuss the possibilities, I take a small step back, feeling a warm glow of accomplishment. Mission accomplished, for now at least.

Just then, a hush falls over the crowd as the mayor steps up to the lectern in front of the Christmas tree. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he announces, his voice booming across the square, “it’s time for our annual community caroling to begin.”

A cheer goes up from the crowd, and I notice Chloe shifting uncomfortably. “Maybe we should go,” she mutters to me. “I told you, I’m not much of a singer.”

“Oh, come on,” I insist, gently taking her arm. “You don’t have to sing if you don’t want to. Just stay and listen. Please?”

She hesitates, and I can sense her internal struggle. Part of her wants to flee back to the safety of her grandmother’s house, but another part—a part she’s trying hard to ignore – is drawn to the warmth and camaraderie of the gathering.

I’ve been there before.

Finally, she sighs. “Fine. We’ll stay for a little while.”

Victory. I guide her towards the edge of the crowd where we can observe without feeling too overwhelmed. Oliver joins us, standing close enough to Chloe that their shoulders almost touch.

As the first strains of “Deck the Halls” fill the air, I watch Chloe’s face carefully. Her expression remains neutral, but I can sense a softening in her energy. By the time we get to “Silent Night,” I notice her foot tapping ever so slightly to the rhythm.

The caroling continues, the harmonies of the townspeople rising into the night sky. I close my eyes for a moment, letting the music wash over me. It’s different from the perfect, angelic choirs of heaven – a bit rough around the edges, with the occasional off-key note – but there’s a warmth and sincerity to it that tugs at my heart.

When I open my eyes, I’m startled to see a tear glistening on Chloe’s cheek. She quickly wipes it away, but not before I catch a glimpse of the raw emotion in her eyes.

“Are you okay?” I ask softly.

She nods, clearing her throat. “Fine. It’s just... my grandmother used to love Christmas carols. We’d sing them together when I visited her here as a child.”

My heart swells with compassion. “That sounds like a beautiful memory.”

Chloe shrugs, her walls coming back up. “It was a long time ago.”

As the caroling winds down, I notice Oliver gently touching Chloe’s elbow. “I have to head out, but I was wondering... would you be interested in helping me set up the digital inventory system for the toy drive? Your expertise would be invaluable.”

Chloe hesitates for a moment, then nods. “I suppose I could spare some time. For the children, of course.”

Oliver’s face breaks into a wide grin. “That’s wonderful. Thank you, Chloe. This will make such a difference.”

As Oliver says his goodbyes, I can’t help but feel a surge of triumph. I’ve got Chloe involved in a charitable project and spending more time with Oliver. It’s a good start, but I know I’ve got a long way to go before I can call this assignment a success.

Walking back to Chloe’s house, I can sense a change in her mood. She’s quieter, more thoughtful, and there’s a softness in her eyes that wasn’t there before.

“Thank you for dragging me out tonight,” she says as we reach her porch. “It was... not entirely unpleasant.”

I laugh, the sound tinkling like bells in the winter air. “High praise indeed. I’m glad you came, Chloe. Goodnight.”

As I walk away, ostensibly towards my home, I can’t help but feel a warm glow of accomplishment. It’s a small step, but it’s progress. Maybe, just maybe, I’m getting the hang of this guardian angel thing after all.

I find a quiet corner and prepare to go back home. Just before I disappear, I catch one last glimpse of Chloe standing on her porch, gazing out at the twinkling lights of Benton Falls with a contemplative expression.

A smile spreads across my face as the familiar tingle of celestial energy washes over me. Watch out, Chloe Anderson. Your guardian angel is just getting started.