A/N: Standard "I don't own squat" disclaimer applies.
Angela's Ashes completely bummed me out, so here is a remix of sorts.
Hope you enjoy, don't forget to leave me a review and let me know what you think!
Peace,
Shawna
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All Fall Down: 1
My Dearest Angela
Angela sat propped up against the head board of her bed in her dorm, lightly fingering the envelope in her hand. The return address, printed in neat well defined print, indicated it was from her father. She smiled to herself as she pondered the contents. Angela's father wrote to her infrequently, but she treasured each letter she received from him, saving them all in a special box that she kept under her bed. Her daddy had not always been there, but Angela was always sure of his love for her. Even when her mother left her at the tender age of twelve- her daddy was there.
Gently, she picked up a jade handled letter opener that her father had brought her back from one of his many military missions to the Orient, and she sliced the envelope open slowly. Carefully, as if it might disappear at any moment, she pulled the letter out and unfolded it.
~ 'My Dearest Angela-,' she read,
'How I miss you! I trust all is well with you as your term comes to an end at Pennbrook. I have some news for you, and I hope that it will make you very happy.
I am being stationed in England, and I want you to come with me. Just for a year, sweetie, as I understand that you will miss your friends. Do not worry about school, I can arrange for you to attend University in England.
Please think this over; I want nothing more than to spend time with you. I know I haven't always been there for you, and I want to make it up to you, somehow.
I am coming to Philadelphia next week. I hope that when I leave, you will be coming with me.
All My Love,
Daddy' ~
Tears welled in Angela's eyes as she reread the letter. 'Leave Pennbrook, leave my friends, most all- leave Shawn?' she pondered quietly as the tears began to fall in earnest, splashing the perfect script of her daddy's handwriting. As much as she loved her father, and wanted the opportunity to spend time with him- it hurt so bad to think of leaving.
Angela slid down on her bed, clutching the letter to her chest. Her mind wandered back a few months to the night Shawn had discovered that he may never find his real mother. He had arrived at Alan Matthews's birthday party drunk off his ass. Angela had been disappointed in him for choosing alcohol over coming to her with his pain- but she felt for him. She still loved him; nothing he did could ever change that. Shawn asked her to never leave- to never leave him like everyone else had, besides Cory. Angela promised that she would never go away.
'How can I consider leaving the man I love more than my own breath, when I promised him I wouldn't?' She thought. Shawn would be heartbroken. The opportunity to spend some much needed time with her dad beckoned to her though. Angela knew her father would be hurt if she declined his invitation.
Feeling confused, distraught and more alone than she ever had before, Angela's thoughts were consumed by the two most important people in her life. Finally, she rolled to her side; arms wrapped around a pillow, and cried herself to sleep.
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The next morning dawned, and Angela awoke to the feel of the warm sun on her raw salty face. The crumpled letter she still clutched in her hand brought memory flooding back to her.
Remaining motionless on her bed she tried to pretend it was all a dream.
Only minutes later, Rachel's alarm clock brought her out of her reverie. Angela knew she must face the day- and face the decision put before her. She had to talk to Shawn.
Rising and making her way to her dresser, she pulled out olive green jeans, and a black v-neck t-shirt. She was in no mood for color today. A shower sounded wonderful; it might help to wash some of the tension from her aching muscles, and it was sure to wash the streaks from her tear stained face.
Angela had no idea that the events of the day would change her life forever- She had not yet seen the end of her tears.
