PREFACE

Who would have thought that the world would actually be suitable to house an angel? What kind of angel would choose to leave the perfection of Heaven to live on Earth? And when that angel fell in love, would he ever return to his true home, or would he stay with the girl he loved and never look back?

Robyn sighed heavily as dark, gloomy, thick clouds rolled across the sky, ending the brief period of sunlight and sending her garden into darkness. A bitter cold wind struck against Robyn's face like a blade, causing her cheeks to sting. Huddled into her thick coat, Robyn ran into her comfortable little home and immediately lit a fire, the warmth radiating from the bright orange flames soothingly thawing her chilled bones. Robyn eventually wriggled out of her coat and threw it in the vague direction of the sofa. Snuggling into her thick, red blanket, Robyn reached out and picked up her sketchbook and the pencil lying beside it. She loved art with a frenzied passion. Robyn's mind was always crammed with ideas for drawing and she simply HAD to put them onto a piece of paper. Looking around her living room, Robyn smiled at the sight of her filled sketchbooks. She'd counted them less than a week before. 316 sketchbooks were stuffed into her house, each of them brimming with all of her previous work. Robyn glanced down at her page and started drawing, the familiar nagging in the back of her mind urging her to turn her ideas into reality. Fingers wrapped securely around her pencil, Robyn drew with practiced simplicity, easily sketching the basic shape of her image. A man, standing tall over the city of Oxford, a huge pair of great, white wings protruding from his back and a flowing red cloak fastened around his neck. Old-fashioned blue armour framed his strong, muscular body. Or at least, that's how Robyn saw it in her head. She slowly began to add the details to her drawing, making sure the soft flick of the angel's golden hair was perfect; making sure the softness and kindness showed clearly in his azure eyes; making sure that every part of his body was exactly as she imagined it to be. Robyn put her pencil down and admired her work. It was exactly right. Robyn then picked up her many colouring pencils and began to shade in the angel, his body mostly covered with a darker red, while the lighter red areas were lit clearly by light. Robyn had never been brilliant at using tone in her work, but when she really put her mind to it, she found it actually turned out well.

Robyn walked briskly down the high street, her handbag on one shoulder, while her other hand was carrying two plastic carrier bags, each filled with stationary and more sketchbooks - Robyn had started running low, and had just started her last book. Robyn had also been to an appointment with her agent, who had told her that an author wanted her to design the covers of his three books. Robyn had accepted immediately. A folder containing copies of the stories was tucked into her handbag. Robyn resolved to read the books - or at least start them - that day when she got home. The author said he wasn't in a hurry to get Robyn's illustration ideas, but he might be more impressed if he got them earlier than expected. Robyn climbed into her car and started the engine, the reassuring purr causing Robyn to relax and sink into her seat.

Robyn hung her coat on the coatrack and placed her shoes in the cupboard. She then put all her stationary in the study before curling up on the sofa, the folder on her lap. She opened the first book and began to read.
'"The low tangle of branches barricaded the path leading onward,"' she mouthed silently, '"but Charlie was determined not to give up, and slowly made his way through the trees."' Robyn paused. It truly was an amazing book, almost as if it were written by the person themselves - was it that this "Charlie" was based on a real person? Robyn continued to read well into the night, and eventually fell asleep with the folder still open in front of her.

Twelve days later, Robyn received the author's reply via post. His handwriting looked very old-fashioned. His use of curvy, long, loopy letters made Robyn think of how things were written in Victorian England. Robyn read the letter aloud as she walked up and down her kitchen.
'Dear Miss Baker, I am delighted to say that your ideas are absolutely perfect! Your imitation of Charlie is uncannily like my own, and I am glad it is so. I would like you to get in touch with me as soon as possible, just so we can discuss the rest of the details. Thanks, Charles Waterman.' The name Charles, Robyn thought, is strikingly similiar to Charlie. Robyn noted down Charles' phone number in her address book and went into her bedroom, quickly changing into her gym clothes. 

On the 17th of November, Robyn met with Charles in a local pub; The Nelson. When she first walked in, Robyn didn't know where to look, but when she spotted Charles, who's back was facing her, she froze in place. Robyn stared, open-mouthed. It was her imaginary angel, the one she could picture so perfectly whenever she wanted to. The man's long, golden hair flowed neatly to his shoulders. Robyn could see the primitive bulge of his muscles even through his thick hoodie. Finally thawing, Robyn approached the stranger, who turned to face her when he heard her approach.
'Ah, Miss Baker.' He said, flashing Robyn a charming smile, revealing a set of perfect, white teeth.
'Just Robyn, please.' Robyn replied politely, not showing her fear of the man who just happened to look exactly like a drawing.
'Okay then, Robyn. Please have a seat.' Robyn sat down, placing her handbag on the floor. 'I was wondering how good you are with paint.' Charles started, getting straight to the point.
'I'm alright, I suppose. I'm more comfortable with pencils, if I am being honest.' Robyn said, resting her arms on the table.
Charles looked kindly at her. His blue-green eyes emanated a sense of gentleness and care. 'I have seen some of your published paintings, Robyn. I know you are just as good with a paintbrush as you are with a pencil.' Robyn shrugged, blushing a little. 'How long would it take to get the first cover painted, do you reckon?'
Robyn thought about this. 'That depends on how well it goes. I normally have to paint and repaint two or three times before I'm happy, so anything up to a fortnight, I would say.'
Charles nodded, leaning back in his chair. 'That would be brilliant.' He leant forward again and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 'I'm guessing you've worked out by now that the stories are based on true events.'
Robyn nodded. 'It certainly was my suspicion. Now I know for sure.'
'Well, it is true, to an extent.' Charles grinned mischievously. Of course, she thought, Charlie is an angel.
'Well, I thought they were all amazing books. I'm flattered to have even been considered for illustrations.' Robyn said, blushing violently.
'Like I said, I've seen a lot of your work. I was very impressed. You clearly have a lot of talent.' Charles grinned as Robyn blushed even more. 'You shouldn't blush like that; you should learn to absorb this, and feel proud.'
'I am proud. Believe me, I am.' Robyn muttered, looking up. 'I'm just not used to having any type of comment on my work. I've never heard anything from anyone before, so I guess I get embarrassed because I'm flattered.'
Charles tilted his head to the side, an amused smile on his face. 'I think that is all we need to get us started.' He said lightly, flashing Robyn another grin. 'I will contact you if I need anything. You should do the same.' Robyn nodded and stood up with a smile. As she left, she heard Charles chuckle and mutter to himself. 'Humans are all the same. Can't take a compliment.' He chuckled again. Robyn frowned as she walked, pondering what she had just heard.

Robyn put down her paintbrush and sighed, a content smile fixed on her face. The picture was actually much better than she had expected it to be, and had only had to repaint it once. I'm getting better, she thought to herself as she carefully got out of her chair and headed to the kitchen. With the kettle boiling away, Robyn glanced up at the clock. She then walked over to the opposite counter and picked up one of her phones. She called Charles' number.
'Hello?' Charles answered, his voice sounding very different by phone.
'Hi! Charles, it's Robyn.'
'Ah, Robyn! And Charlie is good, by the way. What's up?' He replied.
'I've finished the first painting. It's ready for... well, whatever's next, I suppose. I can bring it to you whenever you want.' Robyn one-handedly lifted the kettle and poured the boiling water into her mug.
She began to stir her drink as Charlie replied. 'Wow, you finished much sooner than you said you would. Awesome. How about we meet in The Nelson again? Is noon tomorrow good for you? We can have lunch while we're there.' The manner in which he said this seemed so nonchalant, but it caused Robyn to completely blank out for a second. 'Robyn, hello?' Charlie said again, and Robyn could imagine him looking at his phone on confusion.
'Yeah, I'm still here. Tomorrow is great. I'll see you then.'
'Bye.' Charlie hung up and Robyn put her phone down, before taking her mug back into the living room, where she snuggled on the floor, next to the soothing warmth of the fire. Robyn glanced at her painting again, before quickly finishing her drink and heading to bed, eager to get a good night of sleep.

Robyn wandered into The Nelson, her first painting tucked carefully into her carrier bag, away from everything else so it would get crumpled. She met Charlie at the same table as before. He already had a drink in front if him, and was sipping it slowly.
'Hi.' Robyn said as she sat down.
Charlie looked at her and smiled, the same warmth she experienced before radiating off this smile. 'Hey, Robyn. I've ordered you a drink already, I hope that's alright.'
'Thanks, Charlie, that's great!' Robyn smiled as she took the painting out if the bag and passed it to Charlie across the table.
Charlie's eyes widened as he looked at it. 'This is incredible. Absolutely amazing!' He exclaimed looking up at her with a mysterious flash of something in his eyes.
'It came out much better than I expected it to.' Robyn admitted with a shy smile. 'I only repainted once.'
'I thought you might have been exaggerating when you said about needed to repaint a few times.' Charlie grinned as he tucked away the painting.
'Oh, no, not at all.' Robyn laughed. 'That is normally the case. I don't stop until it's perfect most of the time, so first or second drafts are rarely the right thing.'
'Well, apparently this painting was different. Do you ever sell your work?' Charlie smiled at the waitress as she put Robyn's drink on the table. The waitress, who was wearing more make-up than Robyn probably would in a month, flashed Charlie an alluring smile before leaving, making her hips sway in the seductive way women would to get a man's attention. Charlie didn't even notice.
'I've sold a couple of pieces, but I don't tend to want them sold. I like getting them framed and hanging them on my walls.' Robyn took a sip of her drink and smiled. 'Thanks for this, by the way. It's delicious.'
'No problem.' Charlie said with another mysterious grin.
'What is it?' Charlie tapped the side of his nose a couple of times, indicating he wasn't going to say. Robyn rolled her eyes. 'Whatever.' Robyn's stomach chose that moment to growl. She blushed, but didn't think Charlie would be able to hear.
'Ugh, I'm starving.' Charlie said, getting out of his chair. 'I'll just go and get some menus.' Charlie left, taking out his phone as she did. He walked up to the counter and asked for a couple of menus, and typed away on his phone while he waited. When he pressed the send button, Robyn saw the tiniest glimmer around the phone. She started.
When Charlie walked back, menus in hand, she eyed him warily. 'Something wrong?' He asked as he passed her a menu. Robyn took it.
'I was wondering what happened to your phone.' Robyn said as she flipped her menu open.
'What do you mean what happened to it? It's in my pocket.' Charlie patted his right pocket.
'That's not what you meant. What did you send?'
Charlie was beginning to frown. 'Does it matter?'
'I was just wondering. I swear I saw your phone glimmer a little when you sent the message, that's all.'
Charlie froze and went rigid all over, his pace growing pale. 'That's not actually what happened. It's a phone, Robyn, my phone doesn't do that.'
'Right. Sorry, I was being stupid.' Robyn shook her head and closed the menu. She'd been scanning the menu while they talked, so knew exactly what she wanted.
'You ready to order?' Charlie asked lightly. Robyn nodded.

Robyn pulled her car into the drive of a massive house. She checked the address Charlie had given her again. No, this was the right place. Looking at the clock on the dashboard, Robyn sighed. She had tried not to be late, so as a result she was ten minutes early. Jumping out of her car, Robyn walked up to the front door, wrapping her coat more tightly around her. She pressed the doorbell and waited. Nothing. No sound responded on the other side. She tried again. Still nothing. Robyn frowned and decided to go around the building to see if Charlie was outside anywhere. She couldn't find him, no matter how long she looked. Robyn was just about to give up when she noticed a gap in a hedge to her left. She could tell it was big enough to fit a human through it. She slipped through the gap and stopped dead. On the other side, glazed in sunlight, stood Charlie, standing on the edge of a small cliff, looking over the city. He wore tight, blue clothes and a sweeping red cloak. A huge pair of white wings sprouted from his back, the feathers rustling in the wind. It was Robyn's angel, exactly as she had seen him the month before. Robyn stared, her eyes wide and her mouth forming an "o". A strong, cold wind struck against Robyn's face and hands, and she shivered, before sneezing. Charlie's back tensed, and he head snapped around. Their eyes met, and Robyn thought she would melt on the spot. Charlie's eyes were wide with shock, but there was still a certain love emanating from his entire body. His expression wasn't angry, or annoyed, just worried. As if he feared he'd scared her. Robyn slowly began to walk towards him, her breathing picking up.
'Don't be afraid.' Charlie said soothingly. 'I won't harm you.'
'What are you?' Robyn managed to squeeze out.
Charlie chuckled. 'Isn't it obvious?' Robyn nodded. She'd give him that. There probably wasn't anything MORE obvious. 'Are you alright?' Charlie asked, turning his entire body to face her. 'Robyn?'
Robyn shook her head. 'Why is it, that a month ago, I had an image in my head of you? Of you standing on this hill, looking at the city.'
Charlie raised his eyebrows. 'Show me.' He said. He reached out and grabbed Robyn, holding her securely in his arms.
'What are you-' Robyn started, but that question answered itself. They floated off the ground and flew in the direction of Robyn's house. In fact, she could see it from where they were. Robyn clutched Charlie tighter, in fear of falling.
'Don't worry, I won't drop you.' Charlie murmured in her ear.
'Won't people see you?' Robyn squealed.
'No. I've created an enchantment, so all they see is a flock of birds.' Robyn nodded, finally beginning to relax in Charlie's arms. The warmth of his body was passing into her, making the cold lashing of the wind tolerable.

They landed lightly on Robyn's drive. Taking her key out of her pocket, Robyn unlocked the door and led Charlie inside. 'Sorry about the mess.' Robyn said awkwardly as she led him into the living room. Through the corner of her eye, Robyn noticed that Charlie's wings were gone, and he was back in his casual clothes. 'I've never had the heart to throw away my old sketchbooks, so they just keep piling up.'
'It's alright. I suppose for an artist that could be considered quite normal.'
Robyn nodded absently as she picked up her sketchbook. She flicked through the first few pages until she found the one she was looking for. Silently, Robyn passed the book to Charlie. Charlie stared at the picture in confusion.
'This is strange. My kind are fairly used to getting images of the future, but a human? This is a little weird. You also saw the glimmer around my phone in The Nelson. It's actually a really brief, bright flash, but humans aren't supposed to see anything. You're... an anomaly. Unless...' Charlie looked at Robyn strangely.
'Unless what?' Robyn asked slowly, accepting her book back from him and placing it on the table.
'Unless you somehow have angel blood in your veins.' Charlie finished, looking solemnly at Robyn.
'W-What?' Robyn stuttered. 'Why would I have angel blood in my veins?'
'Maybe one of your parents was an angel. Or a grandparent.' Charlie said, slumping onto the sofa. 'What do you know of your parents.'
'Just that my father didn't hang around for very long after I was born. Lived abroad, I think. He'd visit every few years, but not for very long. My mother raised me on her own.'
'And is it possible that the reason you so rarely saw your father is because he's been in Heaven the whole time?' Charlie raised an eyebrow at her.
'I... suppose it could be plausible.' Robyn said, sitting down next to him.
'The question is: who's your father then?'
'His name is Harvey, that's really all I know it would seem.' Robyn said dejectedly.
'You don't know that. I'm sure you know a lot about him. Hmm... Harvey sounds familiar.' Charlie frowned as he tried to remember where he'd heard the name Harvey before. Suddenly, Charlie snapped his fingers. 'I remember now! Harvey was a good friend of my parents when I was little. He said to me once that humans can be troublesome creatures, but can hold just as much love as we can.'
'Oh, how charming.' Robyn muttered.
Charlie chuckled. 'He was right. You can be pretty troublesome sometimes, but the amount of love I've seen humans control is staggering.' He smiled kindly at Robyn, who blushed and looked away, causing Charlie to chuckle again. 'Though a lot of them don't realise how much they love a person, which is a little sad.'
'It certainly sounds it. It must be painful to love someone so much, and not realise it.' Robyn rubbed the back of her neck.
'You seem tense.' Charlie commented.
'I guess I am. Can you imagine thinking you're something for your whole life, then finding out that actually you're not what you always thought you were?'
'I'm afraid not. I've always known what I am. But I can imagine it being a little disorientating.' Charlie gently reached down and took hold of Robyn's hand, squeezing it.
Robyn stared at their joined hands for a moment, before turning her gaze to Charlie's soft eyes. 'I'm not gonna suddenly sprout wings, am I?'
'Who knows? Maybe.'
Robyn flinched internally. 'Presumably I'll be different to a proper angel, because I'm part human as well.' Robyn said, standing and walking into the kitchen, pouring both her and Charlie drinks and returning to the living room again.
'I would say that's most likely, but you never know.' Charlie wrapped his arm around Robyn's shoulder and pulled her against him, so her head was resting against his shoulder. 'I'm sorry you found out about me this way. Then again, if you hadn't seen me, you may not have found out at all. It was never my intention for you to learn what I truly am.'
'I don't mind.' Robyn sighed contently. Without meaning to, she fell asleep on his shoulder.