Even Archangel's Love

Chapter 1: The Arrival

"Come, ye children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the LORD." Psalm 34

    I sighed as I saw Paradise Falls come into view. After all these years- 8 to be exact- I never thought I'd see this place again. Yet here I am, and I'm not ashamed to say that part of me is happy to be back. This was my home for many years and though the saying "Home is where the heart is" doesn't necessarily apply to me about Paradise Falls, it applies to those within. My dad- Bob Hanson- owns the old rundown gas station-diner. His right hand man is Percy. One of the best cooks I've ever known. And last but not least, my little brother- Jeep Hanson- works with our dad. Jeep is the resident mechanic.

     Coming back here was something I should've done a long time ago. Thankfully dad and Jeep understood why I didn't want to come back- so they would come visit me instead. You see, our mom left when we were young- Jeep more so than I. When she left, Jeep had just turned 13 and I was 16. Apparently she couldn't take living way out in the Mojave Desert supporting dad with his dream of owning and running this place. Thankfully we already had Percy, otherwise I never would have left. When I turned 18, my bags were packed and loaded in my car. Dad, Jeep and Percy told me to get far away from Paradise Falls and live my life. Jeep was supposed to follow on his 18th birthday but he decided to stay and help dad as best as he could.

     Pulling up to the diner, I parked my car and got out- smoothing down my outfit as I went- with my bag in hand. I walked up to the entrance and took a deep breath before opening the door, letting the bell ring signaling a customer. As soon as I stepped in, all eyes were on me.

"Well if it isn't little Kenna Hanson!" Percy smiled walking out of the kitchen, spatula in hand.

   I smiled, "I'm not so little anymore Perc!" I walked towards the older man and embraced him in a hug. "It's so good to see you again."

   Percy hugged back and then held me at arms-length to get a good look at me, "My, you have grown! How old are you now? 25?"

I laughed, "26 Percy! You should know that!"

   He looked at me grinning with that twinkle in his eye, "That makes Jeep, what? 30?" We laughed "Your dad will be happy to see you!" He turned his head towards the hall leading to dad's office, "Bob! Bob get out here!"

   I heard dad grumble something as he walked out of his office, "What is it Percy? I'm bus-" He cut himself off and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw me. "Kenna..." He whispered then a smile broke across his face and he quickly walked up to me and pulled me into one of his infamous hugs. Not gonna lie, my dad's hugs were always the best. "It's so good to see you again sweetheart!" He whispered in my ear as he held me.

I held onto him, "It's good to see you too dad!" I whispered back.

   He slowly released me from his grasp and looked me over, "You look good. Taking care of yourself and working hard?"

   "Yes sir!" I smiled and then kissed his cheek, "I'm going to sit down and order some food. I'm starving!" I grinned causing dad and Percy to laugh

   "Go on ahead. We'll catch up later." Dad smiled and kissed my cheek "Still can't believe my little girl is here!" He said walking back to his office

   I chuckled and took a seat at the booth in the back by the record machine. Percy brought me a glass of water and my favorite food- burger and fries- before heading back to the kitchen. As I looked over the menu, a teenage girl- wearing a rebellious outfit- no older than 18 walked up to the record machine and leant against as she scrolled through the songs.

   "Audrey, honey, your mother was wondering if you go dressed this morning with the specific intention of showing your ass off to the entire world." A middle aged man with black hair said. From what I heard, I'm taking it as the man is her father.