A/N: Okay... I'm up at 3:30 in the morning writing this and I really doubt I'm going to get any sleep. Plus, this is the only free time I have to write. There is no way I'd be able to concentrate. So here I am, listening to Andy Grammer, Owl City, and Green Day. Anyway, enough of my rambling. Enjoy the chapter. I had a stroke of genius the other day. You guys will never see it coming. :D
Btw, "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" by Green Day is perfect for Angel... and Bree... and Adam. The main characters basically.
Jason's POV
My eyes opened for what seemed like the hundredth time tonight. I could no go to sleep no matter what I did. Every time I started to fall asleep, Bree popped into my head.
I looked over at my alarm clock and groaned. Only 4 o'clock... I rolled onto my back and stared up at the ceiling. Darkness swelled around me, as well as guilt. It was crushing and I found it hard to breath.
I know this all started as a dumb prank but... Every time I pictured her sad it made my stomach knot up in the guilty kind of way.
It's not that I've developed feelings for her. I still love Alice. I just feel protective of her like an older brother.
You shouldn't have kissed her then. Were you even thinking of how much more that would hurt her? No... Obviously not.
My next thought was more crushing. How could Adam do this to her? He knew that her mother was gone and that her father could care less.
I'll admit, when we first came up with this prank, I could have cared less how Bree felt. I didn't care about her life or her feelings. Messing with other kids was fun and it made me feel...superior.
But then I got to know her. I actually learned about her life. She was so willing to open up to me simply because she didn't have anyone else who cared.
After that I could stand to see her sad, because it made me sad, as cheesy as that sounds. I wanted to do whatever I had to do to keep her smiling and laughing.
Now all of that is going to be torn away in an instant. I'm afraid of what it will do to her. I couldn't bear to see her heartbroken. But what could I do?
Angel's POV
I looked around but all I could see were shadows and darkness. Where am I? Suddenly a figure appears and as it gets closer, it becomes clearer. My breath catches in my throat.
"Mom...is that you?" I would know her face anywhere but I have to be sure. Her soft smile confirms my thoughts and I rush into her open arms.
"Is is really you? Or is my mind just making this up?" I ask through tears, although I'm afraid to know the answer. Her arms wrap around me and she feels so...real. "Its real Angel. I'm here."
"Mom happened to you? Why did you leave us?" She pulled away from me and smiled, brushing my hair out of my eyes. "Don't worry sweetheart. You'll have all the answers soon enough. But right now you need to listen."
I nodded and she continued. "Angel, there is danger ahead. But you're going to need help to prevent it." Her voice was becoming more distant and she was becoming more and more transparent.
"I can't stay much longer Angel. I just you to know that I love you and your father. I'm so sorry." She smiled sadly. "We forgive you mom. I love you." She smiled and then she was gone.
I sat up in bed and for a moment everything was still. Then the sobs erupted from my chest and shook my body. I didn't even try to stop the flow of tears.
So I guess I should explain what's going on, huh? Okay, so my name is Angel Garetty, and I'm not... normal. I'll start from the beginning.
A long time ago my dad lived in Seattle with his cousin, Andrew. Most people in California don't remember, never knew, or just don't care what happened there.
I never actually saw it because I wasn't born but the scene haunts my dreams. I've never told my dad because I think it would scare him that I knew what he did.
I don't know exactly how it happened, but my dad, his friend Steve, and Andrew all got an... ability. They could move objects with their mind. Telekinesis.
Andrew went completely haywire. It wasn't that he didn't have control of his power. It's that he believed he was superior. He hurt a lot of people and tried to kill his father.
So my dad killed him. Then he left of course, or he would have been arrested for murder, even if Andrew was an insane killer.
He only went back once and that was after graduation, to get his girlfriend Casey; my mother.
When I was 2 years old she left. Gone without a trace. No warning, no goodbye, not even a note. We spent years looking for her. But by the time we found out where she was, it was too late. She had died in a car accident.
With nowhere else to go, we stayed in California. So now here I am. I'm eighteen and a junior in highschool. We moved around a lot so unfortunately I'm a year behind.
Oh, one other thing. I have my fathers power. I don't use it, but I can control it. I guess my dad passed it down to me. He knows about my power but we don't talk about it. He never ever uses his power. Or at least, not that I know of. I mean, it would make sense that he doesn't use it because it reminds him of Andrew, and Steve, who was struck by lightning.
So that's all. I have a pretty messed up family, or what's left of it. But I guess you're all wondering why I told Adam what I did. It's because the same thing happened to me.
I was eight years old when we came to California. I had to repeat the second grade because I wasn't finished with school when we left.
I was kind of the loner freak, even back in the second grade. I guess that had something to do with the fact that one of my eyes used to be slightly more greenish. But now they're both bright blue.
But there was one guy that came up to me; Austin. At first I was shy and I didn't want to talk to him. I was still heartbroken at the time. I remember one day he asked me why I was so sad and I just burst into tears. I told him that my mom had died through sobs.
I figured he would leave me alone after that. Instead, he bought me a little white bear with angel wings. "Your mom is angel. She wouldn't want you to be sad." That's what he told, and I thought it was kind of funny since my name is Angel.
After that we were attached at the hip. We did everything together and everyone said we would make a cute couple. I always ignored them. I did like him as more than a friend, but I wasn't willing to risk our friendship.
Then we hit high school and I just threw it all in the trash, and then set fire to it. In middle I joined gymnastics and I was in love with it. So I figured I would join cheerleading in highschool.
The cheerleaders were all impressed with my gymnastic skill. But there was a catch. I could only join if I ditched Austin. It should have been a simple choice. Austin. It would always be Austin.
I couldn't figure out why they didn't like him. I mean, he was handsome. I guess it was because he wasn't a football player. He didn't want to be one.
I told them I needed to think. What did I need to think about? Austin was more important to me than anything else. They said they'd give me until homecoming to decide. As time went on I realized that the cheerleaders got whatever they wanted because of their popularity.
I didn't have a lot, and suddenly I wanted that life. I wanted it more than anything. Wanted to be noticed, admired, and respected.
The very next day I was going to tell them my decision. That's when Austin decided to do something that would break my heart... and his.
Somehow he'd made friends in every club in the school and they'd helped him set up a presentation in the gym. A whole assembly, just for him. I can still see the whole thing...
-Flashback-
Everyone please report to the gym at this time. Said the voice on the intercom. It sounded more like a student that a staff member. Without even thinking twice about it, I headed to the gym with everyone else. Our school was pretty small so all the grades fit in the bleachers.
"Hey guys, how are you doing? Happy to be getting out of class I bet." I looked down at the president of ASB from my seat at the top of the bleachers as the crowed went wild. We have a lot of school spirit.
"Okay guys. This is a very special assembly. First I would like you all to meet my friend Austin. Get over here Austin." My stomach flipped as Austin walked over to him.
"I know how you all love the drama." he said and there was more yelling. He waved his hands and they stopped. "So right now, here in this gym, Austin needs to ask something to someone very special."
There were whispers all around me and I shifted in my seat.
Who would Austin need to tell something to? Could it be a girl? What else could this be about? Does he really like a girl so much that he would do all this... Why didn't he ever tell me he liked someone? My stomach twisted painfully and I realized that it would be painful to watch him with anyone else. Well, at least he'll have someone...
They guy gave Austin the microphone and he looked up at the crowd, as if looking for someone. His eyes locked onto mine and he held my gaze. My palms got sweaty and I realized what this was.
Oh god...No. No no no... Please Austin don't do this...
But time kept on going. "Alright guys. I'm here right now, talking into this microphone..." he paused but his eyes never left mine. "Because there's a girl in this room that I need to ask something."
My heart froze but I couldn't move, couldn't blink... couldn't even breath.
"I've known her since the second grade and she's the best person I've ever met." He stopped and there was pin drop silence. "Angel Garetty." People that had class with me all turned to look at me. Others looked around, hopelessly searching for the girl he called.
"You're my best friend. I'd do anything for you. Everyone says we would make a good couple, and it made me realize I like you as more than a friend." There were various aww's throughout the crowd.
"So I'm here to ask you a question. Angel, will you go to homecoming with me?" he asked and I felt like I was being crushed by a 5 ton weight.
He stared up at me expectantly, and after a moment he looked disappointed that I didn't say anything or more or smile.
I glanced to my right, meeting eyes with the head cheerleader, Tiffany. The look on her face said it all. Say yes and you can kiss cheerleading goodbye. I didn't even feel myself stand up. Before I could stop myself, I ran down the bleachers and out the door.
I could hear the commotion as I ran but I didn't slow down. Suddenly a hand grabbed my arm and I looked up at him.
"Angel, I'm sorry I embarrassed you." He said worried and I shook my head. "I can't Austin...I'm sorry." The sadness in his eyes could have killed me if I looked at him long enough.
"What are you talking about?" Tears slipped down my cheeks. "Austin. I'm so sorry." He wiped my tears away. "Hey, its okay. You're still my best friend." he smiled but tears kept coming. What did I want more. Popularity or my best friend?
"Angel, tell me what's wrong. You haven't cried since the second grade." I stepped away from him. "You need to leave." I said and he froze. "I'm not just going to leave you like this."
"Please Austin... Please." He stepped forward and grabbed my hand. "No, Angel. Tell me what this is about."
I felt like I was going to explode. My heart ached and my stomach knotted. There was a pounding in my ears and the pressure in my head was almost unbearable.
"I went for my cheerleading try out a couple of weeks ago." I paused and we waited for me to continue. I wasn't sure if I could, but I finally found the courage to speak.
"I did good. But they said I could only join if-if..." I couldn't finish but he knew. "You have to stop hanging out with me." I couldn't answer him. "So that's it Ange? After all this... we're just done? I thought we meant more than high school popularity."
"You know I've always been the reject Austin. All I want is to be respected. For people to notice me." He shook his head and he couldn't even look at me for a second. "You were never a reject to me. I notice you. I respect you. Angel, I love you. Isn't that enough?"
The silence between us was palpable. Before I could say anything, he leaned in and kissed me. All intelligible thoughts left my mind. Why would I ever let this go? I love Austin. God, I love him.
Then I realized what was happening. I pulled away from him and before I could stop myself my right hand struck him unnaturally hard across his cheek. The first time I had used my power since I realized I had them and learned to control them. But that came out of nowhere.
He held his cheek and I could see the hurt in his eyes. Not just physical, but deep emotional pain.
Did I really just hit my best friend?
"Well...I guess it really is more important. I know you feel the same way I do Angel. But you have your priorities." He said sadly and I couldn't think of anything that would fix this. I didn't... want to fix it.
He seemed to be waiting for me to confirm his fears. Then he sighed. "Well. I hope you have a nice life Angel. Enjoy your popularity." Then he was gone.
-End Flashback-
I sat on my bed, clutching a small white, winged bear to my chest as tears streamed down my cheeks. Remembering hurt. I had so many painful memories. But I guess I deserved it.
The day of the assembly was a Friday. Before school ended I was officially a cheerleader.
The following Monday, Austin was gone. He wasn't enrolled in our school anymore and no one knew where his family had gone. They had just picked up and left.
His absence left a gaping hole in my heart. A hole that nothing could fill. I think I smashed my own soul to bits. From then on I decided I wouldn't be the shy girl anymore.
The old Angel was gone with Austin. Not long after I met Demetri and every cheerleader needs a football player boyfriend, right?
After Tiffany graduated, I became captain, even though I was only a sophomore. I was more qualified and skilled than any of the other girls.
Sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice that night. Sometimes I feel like Austin was never even real. Like he was just a figment of my imagination because I was so lonely.
I find myself wondering what I would do if he ever came back. But then I realize something.
He is never going to forgive me.
A/N: Were you surprised? Have you figured out my devious plan yet? Obviously this was part of it. I decied to make Angel a bit more important. Who doesn't like a stuck-up cheerleader, right? But now you know that she is less stuck-up than she seems. She's just trying to cover up her pain. Anway, I hope you guys enjoyed reading this chapter.
So let me know what you think.
REVIEW! :D
- muzic-wolf
