Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or BMW. I wish I did!!
Ok everyone, this is the last chapter with only one character's emotions and thoughts. Starting in the next chapter, I'll start mixing the characters and we'll see a lot more interaction. I'm going to try and start writing Cory and Topanga's chapter after I write this one. I hope you're looking forward to it, I'm definitely looking forward to writing it!
Chapter Eight: Angela's Story
The kind old man driving the van Angela had requested to drive her to the Mathew's helped her out of the vehicle and into her electric wheelchair. She thanked him, paid him, and started toward the back door, assuming the Mathews would be assembled in the kitchen, anticipating arrivals. She was almost to the back door before she realized that she wouldn't be able to climb the steps to get to either of the Mathews' doors. (A.N. I don't know if the Mathews had stairs to their doors or not. But, if they didn't, just pretend J ) She quickly turned around to try and call the driver back to help her, then realized that he had already drove away. A salty tear of frustration slid down her cheek, but she wiped it away, and scolded herself for such a pathetic show of weakness. She tried so hard to stay strong, but sometimes her efforts failed. She heard a car park in front of the house, and rushed to attempt to get the driver's attention. A beautiful young woman who Angela didn't recognize climbed out the driver's seat.
"Excuse me, um…" said Angela, pausing because she didn't know how to address this woman.
"Bernadette. I'm Bernadette. And you are?" said the woman in a sweet and kind voice, free of the pity Angela hated.
"Angela. I'm an old friend of the family. Anyway, I'm having a little problem. I can't get up the stairs to reach the doorbell," said Angela, hating the fact that there was anything she couldn't do.
"Well then, it's a good thing I was about to head up to the door. I'll just ring the bell and find someone to come help you, " said Bernadette.
"Thank you so much! By the way, who are you?" asked Angela, obviously curious.
"Well you didn't know? I'm Eric's fiancée!" said Bernadette, who showed Angela her beautiful diamond engagement ring.
Bernadette climbed the front stairs, and went inside. Within seconds, Eric and Mr. Mathews came out, both with a facial expression showing extreme confusion. Angela smiled at them, and they came to her chair.
"Oh…my…Angela! Hello! What…um…happened?" asked Eric, looking uncomfortable.
"I'll explain later. Can you just help me up the stairs?" asked Angela.
"Uh…sure," said Eric, looking uncomfortable.
The two men carried the heavy chair up the stairs, and Angela wheeled herself into the familiar living room. Seated on the couch and in kitchen chairs that had been brought in for additional seating, were the Mathews family, plus Topanga, Shawn, and Bernadette. Topanga got up, and bent over to give Angela a big hug. Angela smiled at her, and managed to hold back tears.
"So, I know you're all wondering what happened to me. I'm going to tell you ONCE, and then I never want to hear about it again. I don't want you to treat me any differently then you always did, and I especially don't want you to feel sorry for me," said Angela.
The people gathered in the room all nodded their heads in agreement.
"It was two years ago, and I was a U.S. marine stationed in Africa. I was riding with three other Marines in a military Jeep, when rebel forces ambushed us. I was shot in the back, and I received serious spinal damage, leaving me forever paralyzed from the waist down. The other three were killed, and the rebels left me to die. A soldier at a nearby camp heard me, and he came to my rescue. I was saved by a miracle," said Angela, without a trace of emotion.
The others were quiet for a moment, in shock. Then Angela started a casual conversation, and Cory and Topanga excused themselves to the kitchen.
Please R&R for me! Thanks for everyone who already has!