A/N: I'm going to say this now… I'M SORRY! You all are probably going to kill me, but I promise, she will come back. I SWEAR! She doesn't break her promises…

Mimi's Secret

Chapter 4

October 29, 1990 2 PM, EST

Life Support

"...No day but today," everyone sang.

"Thank you," said Paul. "Now, who wants to begin?"

Angel stood up. "I would just like to say that I love all of you." She coughed. "I'll miss you all…"

That got Mimi's attention. Melodie's, too. The girl was sitting in her mother's lap, playing with a doll Angel had gotten her, when Angel had spoken.

"…And I will never forget you," Angel continued. She took a deep breath, coughed again, and started talking again. "I knew that this day would come ever since my-" she coughed again, harder, "test came out positive." She coughed even harder, and ended up having to sit down.

Melodie toddled over to Angel, her idol. "I wuv you, too, Angew," she said, climbing onto her lap.

Angel smiled and hugged her. "Thanks, Chiquita," she said, before having another coughing fit.

Melodie leaned her head on Angel's shoulder. "You'we aw wet…"

"I know."

"You gonna be 'kay?"

Angel just coughed.

Later, at the hospital…

"How is she?" asked Maureen, rushing into Angel's hospital room, her arms full of candy, teddy bears, and get-well cards.

"Doesn't look too good," said Mimi. "Her fever's rising by the minute, and her blood pressure's high."

Collins sobbed. Melodie climbed into his lap and gave him a hug. He pulled her close, still crying softly.

Mimi smiled. Ever since they all found out, her friends had sort of adopted Melodie as their daughter as well. They all eagerly watched her while Mimi worked; Angel and Collins did most of all.

Joanne laid a vase of flowers on the table next to Angel's bed. Angel smiled at her.

Maureen kissed her friend on the forehead and handed her a teddy bear. She tossed one to Melodie, too.

Mimi made a face. "Shouldn't that be Angel's?"

"Hey, they were on sale for a really great price."

"You guys spoil her, I swear."

"Well, someone's got to."

Mimi rolled her eyes. "No, not really…"

"Too bad."

They all smiled.

Even later…

Only Mimi, Collins, and Melodie were left now. Angel was asleep. Restless, but asleep. Mimi put the AZT into her friend's half-open mouth. Collins sat on the bed, holding his lover. Melodie was sitting next to him.

Mimi glanced at the clock. "I have to get to work," she said, reluctantly standing up. "Can Mel stay with you two?"

"Of course," said Collins.

Mimi put on her coat and left.

Angel stirred. "Collins…" Her voice was raspy and weak.

"I'm here, baby," Collins said.

"Where's… Mimi…?"

"She had to go to work. Mel's still here, though."

Angel reached a shaky hand towards Melodie. "Chiquita… I'm so sorry…"

"Angew, why awe you acting so funny?" Melodie asked, grabbing Angel's hand and holding it tight.

"So young… you would never guess… you'll make a fine woman someday, Mel. Just be careful…"

"Angew…"

"Don't think too badly of me when I'm gone. Remember… you'll always have your guardian Angel…" She fell back to sleep.

When Mimi came by later after work to pick Melodie up, she and Collins weren't in Angel's room anymore. Collins held Melodie in his arms, and they were both crying softly.

"What? No!" said Mimi, fearing the worst.

Collins only nodded.

A/N: Sorry, guys. Angel will be back in her own way…