Evan (Angel Institute #6)

Chapter 9

Nine

BETTY

I can’t call it a night just yet—not after my talk with Evan. From a distance, I saw the hurt and frustration in Molly's eyes as she walked away from Evan at the tree lighting ceremony. My heart aches for them both, knowing how much they care for each other, and I wonder if Evan’s apology will be enough for Molly. I need to know where things stand between them at the end of tonight so I can plan for tomorrow.

But as I make my way towards Molly's house, a sinking feeling settles in my gut. Something's not right. And when I turn the corner and see the police car parked outside, lights flashing like a warning sign, I know my instincts were spot on.

I rush towards the house, my human legs going as they can, and push past the small crowd of gathering onlookers. I can hear the whispers, the concern in their voices, but all I can think about is Molly and Chad. I have to make sure they're okay.

Relief floods through me as I spot them emerging from the neighbor's house, Chad clinging to Molly's hand like a lifeline. They look shaken, but unharmed, and I send up a silent prayer of thanks to the big guy upstairs.

Evan’s truck is parked in front of the police car, and I spot him as he leaps off the front porch, running towards Molly and Chad with open arms. For a moment, I think everything's going to be okay, that this scare will finally bring them together.

But as Evan tries to wrap Molly in a hug, she pulls away, her eyes guarded and her shoulders tense. "I'm fine, Evan," she says, her voice tight. "We're fine.”

I can see the hurt flash across Evan's face, but he covers it quickly, nodding as he steps back. "I came to talk to you, to apologize, and then I saw the house." His voice is thick with emotion. “I was so worried.”

Molly softens a bit at that, but there's still a wall up, a hesitation in her eyes. “Someone broke in while we were gone and the place is a disaster, but Chad and I are both fine.” She exhales as she offers Chad a comforting smile, one that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. "I appreciate you coming, Evan. Really. But it's been a long night, and we're exhausted. I think we just need some time to process everything."

A police officer approaches Molly and Evan. “I’ve filed a report, but I’ll need you to come inside and get a detailed list of what’s damaged or missing.”

“Okay,” Molly smiles, but the gesture is hollow. The poor girl. “Thanks Ren. I’ll be insidein just a minute.”

As they're talking, I notice a commotion coming from down the street. A group of neighbors, armed with cleaning supplies and determined expressions, marches towards Molly's house like a tiny army of goodwill.

"Molly, honey, we heard what happened," Mrs. Henderson from across the street calls out, her voice filled with concern. "We're here to help get your house back in order. Many hands make light work, you know."

Molly's eyes widen, her mouth falling open in surprise. "Oh, Mrs. Henderson, everyone... You don't have to do that. It's so late, and I'm sure you all have your own families to take care of."

But the neighbors are having none of it. They swarm around Molly, hugging her and patting her back, their voices rising in a chorus of support and encouragement.

"Nonsense, dear," Mr. Madson from next door, chimes in. "You're part of our family, too. And family takes care of each other, no matter what time it is or what else is going on."

Evan steps forward, his voice filled with admiration. "That’s really kind of you.”

Mrs. Henderson laughs, patting Evan on the arm. "Oh, honey, this is just what we do. When one of us is hurting, we all feel it. And we all pitch in to make it right."

As the neighbors bustle into the house, mops and brooms and trash bags in hand, I sidle up to Evan, nudging him with my elbow.

"Would you look at that," I murmur, nodding towards the flurry of activity. "Benton Falls sure knows how to show up, huh?"

Evan shakes his head, a look of wonder and gratitude spreading across his face. "I've never seen anything like it," he says. "I mean, I knew this town was a pretty great place, but this... This is something else entirely."

I smile, feeling a swell of pride and affection for this little community that's found its way into my heart so quickly. "That's the magic of a small town, kiddo. When the chips are down, they circle the wagons and take care of their own. It's a beautiful thing to see."

We watch in silence for a moment, marveling at the way the neighbors work together, their laughter and chatter filling the night air. But then I catch a snippet of conversation that makes my heart clench.

"Molly, honey, I'm so sorry," Mrs. Larson says, her voice filled with sympathy. "I can't believe they took all the Christmas presents. After everything you've been through this year..."

Molly swallows hard, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's okay," she says, her voice wavering slightly. "They're just things. What matters is that Chad and I are safe. We can always replace the presents."

But I can see the pain in her eyes, the weariness and disappointment that she's trying so hard to hide. And I know that for a single mom like Molly, those presents were more than just things. They were a symbol of love and sacrifice, of the endless hours she's worked to make sure her son has a magical Christmas, no matter what.

I turn to Evan, my heart aching for this little family that's come to mean so much to me. "We have to do something," I whisper, my voice fierce with determination. "We can't let them go without Christmas, not after everything they've been through."

Evan nods, his jaw set with resolve. "I know. And we won't. I promise you, Betty, I'm going to make this right. Whatever it takes, I'm going to give Molly and Chad the Christmas they deserve."

I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes, pride and love and the purest sense of rightness washing over me. He’s grown so much over the past few days.

I smile, patting his hand as I stand up. “I think that sounds perfect.”

Evan looks at me, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "You know, Betty, sometimes I feel like you're more than just a kind neighbor. It's like you've got this... I don't know, this wisdom, this way of seeing things that's just..." He shakes his head, chuckling softly. "Listen to me, getting all sentimental. Must be the Christmas spirit getting to my head."

I laugh, giving him a playful nudge. "Oh, hush now. You're not going soft on me, are you, Evan Lawson?"

He grins, that boyish charm shining through. "Wouldn't dream of it, Betty. You'd never let me hear the end of it."

"Darn right, I wouldn't," I agree, feeling a rush of affection for this stubborn, big-hearted human who's wormed his way into my soul. "Someone's got to keep you on your toes, kid."

And with a final wink and a nod, I turn to go, feeling the familiar tug of the celestial realm calling me home. But even as the shimmering threads of heaven welcome me back into their embrace, I can't stop thinking about Molly and Evan, about the incredible journey they're on and the beautiful future that awaits them.