Sean took a deep breath. "I mean, I know angels protect me. I know Samantha looked out for me, and maybe they were divine circumstances of protection."
"Have you read all of the rulebooks? If you're going to be a Dreamweaver, you need to act like one and have elegance and dignity. You are going to be above most of the people who work in our society. Most of the humankind here support Dreamweaver's because it is the most dangerous job to pursue to your path to paradise." Maximus said to Sean with a cunning tone.
Sean wanted to be out of sight. He felt like he was being talked to like a child. I don't need a lecture on the philosophical nature of the spiritual realm. His heart ached for Tabatha. Samanthais a rarity among the angels I have met thus far.
"What do you think I'm doing here? I am here trying to get to paradise, and I have so many things that I want to accomplish. I'm working hard," Sean said.
Maximus looked over at Samantha, who was taking a sip of water. She looked back over at him and shook her head, then looked to Sean and Melody, who were sitting there moving along to the song played on the speakers above.
Maximus let out a grunt and looked back at Sean. "Do try not to upset Samantha or those who empower you. They have faith unlike me. But if I were you, I wouldn't dare become a Dreamweaver. You don't have it in you. I'm surprised Macedon didn't tell you."
Sean got back to the massive dark skin man with muscles. He comes to realize Maximus wasn't an angel but probably was a Dreamweaver himself. Maybe that is why he was so helpful. I wonder if anyone here actually cares about anybody? What was the hierarchy of the society? Sean didn't know what to think of it, but he didn't want to cause a stink and tried to change the subject.
Sean looked over at the eccentric postal worker. "What is your favorite part about being in the Dreamweaver's Society?"
"My favorite part about being here. I guess I should start with how long I've been here. In human years, it's been about a year and a half. The time is so different here they make it relatable to us. It doesn't feel like an eternity." She twirled her thumbs, the words becoming softer as she spoke.
"Do they give you a sentence of sorts?" Sean looked curious at the petite young woman.
"Sean," The voice came from across the table. Samantha looked at him, and her eyes told him not to press forward. "Those sorts of questions are personal, and you really shouldn't ask them." Samantha hissed, clenching her teeth at Sean. "There are so many things you don't understand about where you are. But I will guide you. You should apologize."
Sean noticed Samantha's eyes and saw she wasn't joking. "Sorry, Melody, I didn't know it was such a sensitive topic."
"It's okay. It's the official rule in the rulebook. People here have lived very hard lives, but others committed such atrocities but had a change of heart when they died. You'll see," Melody said.
A man came out with a cart and with glass plates, white in color with beautiful dishes on them. Sean noticed the dish his ordered. His lips started to moisten with saliva. There are such delicacies in semi-heaven. My body needs healing after all of the torture from this morning.
"Also, you should know," Maximus bleated. "Since you're new here, Sean, your first gourmet meal is free. Places like this are a bit more expensive. You better enjoy this complimentary meal," he said.
"This is delicious," Sean yammered. The people around him looked at Sean, who was starting to cut up the shrimp and rice and put it into this mouth.
"Right," Melody replied, it's fantastic. You can see why I save up half a month's salary for it." Her mouth was full, trying to communicate to Sean.
I must work harder.Samantha is counting on me. Maximus's cold eyes were on Melody. I wonder if he cares about her. Sean took another bite, gulping down a fork full of shrimp and rice.
Melody looked over at Sean her cheeks flared. "I'm so glad you joined me. It's good to have someone to eat with. I don't have a lot of friends because I'm at the bottom of the totem pole. Not a lot of people wanna eat with a postal worker."
"They see you as less than," Sean speculated.
"You have yet to learn the ways of the hierarchy here in our society, Sean." Samantha crossed her arms and looked over at Melody. "Dreamweaver's sit at the top of the chain right underneath angels."
"I know." Sean looked like he was proud of himself.
"There are ways to work yourself up," Maximus said. "But it takes hard work. What you desire will come with time." If you understand the truth of what sacrifice means; maybe, you can reach paradise.
Sean felt like the slender angel spoke in riddles. "How do I get there? What do I do to get to the top? I'm sure there is a hierarchy among Dreamweaver's."
Samantha said, "yes, it's a long road." As Maximus said, "what you put in is what you get out. You must want it. You have to want to be in paradise and put your mind to it and then nothing will stop you."
"Do people stay here for a long time? I mean, do people actually get there, or is paradise a pipedream?" Sean put his fork down and bit his upper lip. There was sense of confusion over his spirit.
"You can make it," Samantha promised. "Paradise is beautiful. It's where we come from. Many of us are on rotation and others are permanent wanting to help humans go to their final home. The Goddess Anastasia loves you and wants the best for you. But your free will at times gets in your way. Therefore, we are here, to guide you." Samantha smiled warmly both at Melody and Sean.
Maximus shook his head adverting his eyes from Melody. "I'm not emotional like my cohort here. But yes, if the Goddess Anastasia will say it is my duty to help humans get to paradise I will do so. Paradise is for those who are pure of heart and know the will of the goddess."
The group finishes up their meal and drinks their water and wine.
"Man, I am stuffed," Sean says. He looks over at Melody, who had a satisfied smile on her face looking down at her plate.
The group stood up from the table and pushed in their chairs.
"Oh, that was so good. Oh my gosh, I could sleep for ages right now. My day off was such a blessing, thank the goddess," she said, holding up her wine glass. "I am ready, I am prepared for whatever comes. Nothing can stop me!" Melody swayed back and forth as she ran toward Sean and pressed her lips on his right cheek.
Sean blushed for a moment. He didn't know how to react. That was warm.
"Oh dear, looks like I'm going to have to carry this one back to her house." Maximus took one sip of his red wine, placing it on the table. He bowed at Samantha.
Sean watched the tall, slender angel scoop Melody in his arms and walked out away from the private area.
"Don't forget, Sean, go for it. You got it, man. You can do it. Nobody can stop you, aim for your truth, and I'll be right behind you," she said in a drunken stupor leaning out of the arms of Maximus.
Sean giggled, eyeing Samantha, who was staring off in the distance at the wall. "You okay?" he inquired.
"Yeah, it's nothing. I'm thinking about your subsequent trial. Your food should be digested now, and we will be head to your final training of today, which is the spiritual trial." Samantha put out her fist as Sean gave her a fist bump back.
Sean closed his eyes, a sincere smile gracing his face. Deep in his heart, he knew something was off.