Warning: really short chapter, because I need to catch up on writing this story. Expect another update by Tuesday or Wednesday. Promise it will be a long one.

Disclaimer: I don't own RENT, but it owns me!

Hope

(Angel's POV)

May 20, 1991 8:00 a.m. eastern standard time

"Bye baby," I called. "Have a good day at work."

"Kay Ang," Collins yelled. "See you later."

I smiled and blew a kiss to him. Then, I turned back into the house and went over to the kitchen table, which had become my work space for the last couple of months. I was working on children's clothes and women's accessories. Collins and I were planning to open me up a store, which would be amazing!

I took the thread and pushed it through the eye of the needle, when I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in baby," I yelled, thinking it was Collins. The door opened. "Why did you knock?"

I looked up and gasped. There, standing in my living room was Rufus Longere.

"Angelo?" he asked.

"How did you find me?" I asked slowly.

"I know people who know people who know the area. This isn't the reaction I was expecting."

"How did you….I mean….." I stood up and went to hug this man in my home. He had long hair down to his ears. It was soft and brown. When we were younger he used to straighten it with an iron. He had on a tight dark green sweater and black jeans.

"It's cold," he said. "I've missed you baby."

"Honey," I said slowly. He pushed past me and sat down on the couch.

"Who is this?" he asked, pointing at a framed picture of me and Collins.

"My friend…..a brother…"

"Which one?" Rufus asked.

I just laughed, not answering.

"Baby, are you nervous?"

"About what?"

"I don't know," he said. "You are acting weird."

"Let's just-"

"I agree, let's talk business!"

You are probably so confused right now. I am confused! And I am barely ever confused. I, Angel, did not know what to do. I hated this feeling and prayed for a diversion. And a diversion came.

There was a knock on the door.

"Oh my gosh!" I yelled. "You need to leave."

"Why?" he asked angrily.

"It's a surprise," I exclaimed. "For you! And I don't want to spoil it!"

"Okay…..the only reason I will leave is because I have some more business to attend to. There is a huge deal on the other side of town."

"Can you leave out the back door?"

He nodded and got up to kiss me. I turned my cheek and his lips brushed my skin. Before he could say anything, I shoved him out the back door and ran to the front door.

"Sorry Tom!" I said, out of breath.

"Tom? What are you talking about Angel?" Mimi was standing on the front step. I grabbed her arm and yanked her in.

"There is a problem!" I yelled.

"Tell me," Mimi said. I sat her down, but before I could say anything, she started crying.

"What is wrong?" I exclaimed.

"Sorry," she sniffled. "Let's just talk about your problem."

"No," I said. "Tell me!" I loved hearing other people's problems first.

She stood up and starting pacing and crying.

"I don't know what is going on with me lately. I mean, I love Roger, but lately I have been pushing him away. I feel so self conscience…….especially about my body. Work is getting too serious. I never see my family and friends anymore. I hate Erika; she always acts like she is judging me. I think Roger may like her and……"

"What chica," I said. Her eyes had grown wide and she stood up brought her hand to her chest. All the color drained from her face. "Finish your story." I waited for a response. "Are you okay?"

I turned around to see if Rufus had come back through the door. I was so afraid that, that would be the reason she was as white as a ghost. No one was there.

"Mimi!" I yelled, a little impatiently.

Mimi gasped. "I can't breath."

She fell to her knees and clutched her shirt, bunching the material into a ball.

"MIMI!" I cried.

"Angel," she gasped, sobbing. "I cannot breath."

She fell on her side and looked up at me, wheezing.

"Hold on!" I ran to the phone and dialed up at me, wheezingymore. I hate Erika, she always acts like she is judging me. I think Roger may9-1-1.

"HELLO!" I screamed when they answered. "MY FRIEND IS HURT! SHE CANNOT BREATH"

I gave them the address and then I ran back to Mimi. She was holding her chest and gasping quickly. She had a cold sweat and she was shaking.

"They're coming," I whispered, when I heard the sirens coming. "You're going to be alright."

I hope.

Reviews would be greatly appreciated.