Degrees of Belief - Part 1

"You want to sing?" asked Trina Bell as she looked up from her magazine at the angel who stood across the room from her.  She and Marie Rocque had been visiting Monica in her belfry apartment at St. Gabriel the Herald.

    "Yes," said Monica Hughes, "I've been listening to the choir at the afternoon Sunday mass.  I think I could do that."

    "A singing angel," said Marie with a wistful smile.  "How apropos.  So, have you learned any songs that you'd like to sing?"

    "Hold on, now," Trina interrupted before Monica could answer.  "It takes more than just a desire to sing to be any good.  A lot more.  Trust me.  I know."

    "Yeah," said Marie with a wink in Monica's direction.  "Listen to the voice of experience.  This is coming from the girl who had more than the music industry could handle."

    Trina frowned at Marie, then childishly stuck her tongue out.  This only served to send Marie into fits of laughter.

    "I'm not interested in starting a career in singing," said Monica.  "I just want to sing because I like music.  I want to sing for the pleasure of praising my God."

    "Oh," said Trina settling back.  "You want to sing religious songs?"

    "Ooh!" called out Marie.  "Do you know Ave Maria?  That's my favorite."

    Trina gave Marie a strange look.

    "What?" said Marie.  "I'm Catholic."

    "Sorry," said Trina, "it's just that...I've never quite pictured you as the church going type."

    "Tell me this," said Marie, "have you ever seen me on Sunday mornings?"

    Trina blinked.  "Now, that you mention it..."

    "What church do you attend?" asked Monica in an interested tone.

    "St. Joseph," said Marie.

    "Well, I haven't come across Ave Maria yet, but I'll be sure to learn it for you," said Monica with a smile.

    "I want to hear how she sounds," said Trina.  "Sing something for us."

    Monica nodded to her friends.  She felt a twinge of self consciousness as she had never performed before an audience before.  Still, she managed to quell her unease and compose herself accordingly.  She took a deep breath and let out a voice that was bright and clear like the ringing of chimes.

    "I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows.
    I believe that somewhere in the darkest night, a candle glows.
    I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way.
    I believe, I believe.
    I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard.
    I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word.
    Every time I hear a newborn baby cry, or touch a leaf or see the sky,
    Then I know why I believe!"

    As she reached her climactic finish, Monica's wings involuntarily opened partway.  Once the song was done, Monica self consciously pulled her wings around her so that they drapedover her shoulders like a feathered cape.

    "I need to work on keeping my wings still," she said with a sigh.

    "That was absolutely beautiful," said Marie.

    Trina was silent for quite a while.  Monica puzzled over the blank expression on Trina's face.  Suddenly, she leapt up and left the apartment.  Monica was stunned as she watched her friend walk out.

    "I...don't understand," she said absently.  "Did I offend Trina?"

    Marie smacked herself on the forehead.  "I'm an idiot.  Trina was supposed to be on the fast track to super stardom in the music industry when her powers developed.  She lost her greatest dream that day.  I guess seeing you singing so beautifully was a bit much for her."

    "I should talk to her," said Monica starting for the door.

    "Wait," said Marie holding up a forestalling hand.  "Let her be for now.  She'll most likely want to be alone to think things through for a while.  When she's ready, she'll come to you."

    "Are you certain?" asked Monica in a worried voice.

    "Listen to the voice of experience," echoed Marie.

Part 2 www.deviantart.com/view/843685…