Hey guys! I'm sorry for being gone for so long, but I've been really busy. I've been doing soccer, club soccer, basketball, and AAU (club basketball) and now I tore my something I can't pronounce or spell in my ankle and am on crutches. -_-
Anyhoo, I know this chapter sucks, but it's over 3,000 words not including the AN so that makes up for it. I just haven't been into this story as much lately.
But I promise, ten reviews and I'll update by Monday. Okaaaay and my offer for the three reviews for my Hunger Games story and I'll update in the nexxt two days.
READ AND REVIEW! :)
The look on Angel's face made me want to cry. She looked so excited, so hopeful, as if this was a fresh start. No, just her first start. She thinks that this will change everything, make it as if the abuse never happened. But it did. I have the scars to prove it. Physical and emotional.
"Would you like me to give you a list of things you must do for her?" The nurse asked, looking at Angel.
I nodded. "Yes please. Is there anything else I'll need?"
The nurse thought for a moment. "No." Another thoughtful pause. "Alright, I just have to see a parent's signature then they can take you home."
Angel practically froze. Her previous smile was gone, replaced by a look of utter dread. She was terrified, but the nurse had already walked out, claiming she was going to get supplies.
"Angel," I murmured, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Angel."
No response, just heavy breathing.
"Angel!" She looked up at me. "It's going to be fine. We'll figure something out."
That was at least half lies. Things don't magically get better. It probably won't be fine. Maybe I'll get beaten badly, maybe I'll end up worse than Angel, maybe she'll get beaten. Actually, I won't let Angel get beaten. I will fight for her. Take everything for her. Maybe they'll beat Fang. For some reason that thought scared the crap out of me. I did not want that. I'm not even sure why that thought disturbed me much, but it did, and I wanted to think of something else. So I did, but still knew that I'd have to face it sooner or later.
"Okay," Angel gasped out, grabbing my arm as if it were a life line.
Fang leaned over my shoulder. "Well, maybe when she said your parents she was talking to me."
Angel looked at Fang funnily. "No, why would she be talking to you?"
Both Fang and I ignored Angel. "Do you really think that would work?" I asked him, trying to cover up the hopefulness in my voice.
"I don't see why it wouldn't," He replied, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cell phone.
"Well, I ca–" I was interrupted when he put a finger to my lips, shushing me.
"Hey Mom," He began, then stopped to listen for a second. "Yes, I am aware that I didn't go to school today."
He rolled his eyes at no one in particular before speaking. "Listen, my friend is in the hospital so I'm keeping her company. We need you to come pick us up. Oh, and her parents are away, so would you mind if they stayed with us?"
He was just now asking his parents for permission?
He listened to an answer and smiled. "Thanks, Mom!"
He clicked a button and slipped the phone back into his pocket.
Wow. I think Fang's parents and my parent's are complete opposites.
"My mom is going to sign us out and pick us up," He hoisted our duffel bag over his shoulder. "I'm going to go wait by the front door."
I nodded at him, kind of grateful that I'd get some alone time with Angel. Finally.
He ambled out of the room and disappeared into the crowd of rushing doctors.
"Listen, Angel," I whispered hurriedly, looking once over my shoulder to make sure he was really gone. "It's not going to change there. Nobody can know our secret. We're still hiding it from everybody."
Angel frowned. "But I like Fang. I think we can trust him. Plus, he really likes you, Max."
"We don't know if we can trust him yet. Just wait, alright, sweetie?" I practically begged, choosing to ignore the last part of her sentence.
Her lips slipped into a pout. "Okay," She relented.
The scarily bubbly nurse reentered the room. "Your mom checked you out, and you're ready to go!"
Huh. I wonder what lie Fang had come up with to convince these people that his mother was our mother too. I wonder what he'd said to get his mom to go along with it.
"Okay," I answered, gesturing towards Angel, giving her the universal look for help.
"She'll be using a wheelchair for the next few days, just until she's able to walk again." She pulled in a wheelchair as proof.
I picked Angel up from the bed, and was pleased to feel that Angel had gained a few pounds. She still didn't weigh as much as a normal child her age should, but she no longer compared to styrofoam.
She settled into the wheelchair, wiggling around like one of those crazy balloon people in a car dealership to get comfortable.
"Okay, let's go downstairs."
The nurse smiled another blinding smile at Angel. "Aren't you an eager little girl?"
Instead of smiling, like the nurse would have expected, Angel simply nodded, before looking straight ahead, practically begging the nurse to get us out of here with her eyes.
As we arrived at the front desk, Fang strode ahead to greet a woman, who was practically an older, female version of Fang. They looked almost exactly alike.
She had long black hair braided back behind her head, dark brown, almost black eyes, and that same olive skin tone as Fang.
"Nicholas, are these your friends?" She studied us with a critical eye. She obviously expected a boy to walk out of the elevator with her son, not two sad, quiet looking girls.
"Yes, Mom, this is Max," He gestured to me as I offered a weak smile. "And her little sister Angel." Angel tried to smile, but was obviously terrified of this stranger.
As Fang's mother laid eyes on Angel, she beamed. "You are welcome to stay with us as long as you want!"
Angel and I shared a confused glance. Why had his mother gone from suspicious to overjoyed with just a look at Angel? She was cute, and lived up to her name, but I wouldn't think that this woman would be swayed by an adorable face. Apparently I'm wrong.
"I'm Vanessa, Fang's mother!" She told us, beaming again. "I'm so happy that you're staying with us."
I looked everywhere but at the woman. She felt strange, untrustworthy, almost.
As I glanced at Fang, he gave me a pained face, obviously knowing what was going on with his mother.
"I'll explain later," He mouthed, and I nodded, grabbing ahold of Angel's wheelchair, motioning for us to leave.
"Alright, let's go home!" Vanessa announced loudly, earning a few strange looks.
One woman didn't just give us a look, she strode over quickly, a look of mixed confusion and horror on her face. "Maximum?" She asked, and as I took a closer look, I saw the kind green eyes of Anne Walker, head doctor of this Hell.
"Yes?" I asked politely. No need to cause a scene, I didn't want anybody to have a reason to question me or my 'family.'
"Where are you going? I don't see your mother!" She was almost shouting now, and I didn't realize that I had been steadily shrinking back, and the look of understanding that the inevitable blows would harm me appeared on my face.
"I'm sorry," She whispered in horror, wiping at an imaginary blemish on her face. "But Angel can't leave yet, she still isn't well."
I looked everywhere but Anne. If she saw my face she'd realize that there was something more to the story, a reason why I was so hurried to leave.
When my eyes landed on Vanessa, I saw a look of outrage on her face, and a fire burning in her eyes, kindled with protectiveness and possessiveness.
"Excuse me?" She hollered loudly, stepping forward as if to protect Angel. "Angel is perfectly fine, and will have only the best medical attention while in my care!"
I had to hand it to the woman, she could be scarily convincing when she wanted to be.
Anne sighed, seeing the battle that could not be won. "Alright," She didn't leave it there, though, and she turned to me before speaking. "If you need anything, I'll be here."
I didn't nod, in fear that it would anger Vanessa, (I knew it would anger Jeb and Valencia) but I gave her a look of understanding, to tell her that I would come back if things went seriously wrong.
"Alright, children," Vanessa said coldly, leaning protectively over Angel. "Let's go home."
Was it just me or did she emphasize the word home?
I rolled Angel out into the street, until we came to a large SUV, parked as far away as possible from the front doors of the hospital.
I folded up the wheel chair while Fang held Angel. As I tucked the metal into the trunk, Fang tucked Angel into her seat, next to me. That is, until Vanessa protested. "Let the child sit next to me."
So we did. Angel sat in the passenger seat next to Vanessa, and Fang and I sat in the back, pressed uncomfortably close to each other, because Vanessa insisted that we sit next to each other in the back row so she could 'see us both clearly.'
After a few uncomfortable moments of silence filled driving, we arrived at Fang's house. No, mansion. No, castle.
"Your house is gigantic!" Angel exclaimed, and Vanessa chuckled, looking away from the road to smile at her.
"Fang, would you like to show Max to one of our guest rooms?" She asked, but we all knew Fang had no choice here. He would be showing me to my room.
"Kay," He pulled me out of the car and found a path that led to a front door, on a porch from the movies.
"Angel is right, you know," I said conversationally, being the one to speak first for once. "Your house is huge."
He chuckled that Fang chuckle. "I've been told."
The conversation died down, but I still looked at Fang occasionally, keeping the words alive with my eyes.
"Alright, here is the guest room, which is now yours," Fang announced when we finally reached the third door from the stairs on the second floor of the house. To escape this place, all I would have to do would be run down the stairs, and out the front door. They're located conveniently close to each other.
Yes, I memorized an escape route, I apologize for my paranoia, it's built up through the years of abuse.
"Angel will be just down the hall," Fang informed me as I laid down our duffel bag.
I turned immediately to face him. "No, we'll share a room, if that's alright with you."
He nodded. "Sure, I'll tell Mom."
I wanted to ask why he didn't question my motives. Seems like everyone was doing that, but I let him walk out of the room and down the stairs, sighing as he went.
Now that he was gone, I prepared to feel the relax I usually experienced when I was alone or alone with Angel, but it never came. Instead, my muscles tightened and I felt more on guard. Then I realized this was how I normally felt. I felt that slight happiness I only feel when with Angel, with Fang. I'm letting him in and I haven't even realized it!
I sat on the bed, letting my hands trail over the soft fabric, comparing its flow to the ocean. The calm folds were the waves, small stitches stuck out like seaweed, the only flaws visible. But just because it looked virtually imperfect from the outside, doesn't mean it was actually perfect. Like the ocean. It can look so calm and gentle, but still have sharks lurking under the surface.
Then suddenly I was comparing the blanket to Fang. How are a comforter and Fang alike in anyway? Apparently my brain was determined to find out, because suddenly examples were bubbling to the surface of my mind.
They were both comforting when I needed them. They can both come off as average, but can always make you feel better. They are always there for me.
As soon as that comparison was silently spoken, I banished the thought from my mind. Until it just came rushing back, along with a few lyrics.
Wrapped In Your Arms
By: Fireflight
Is this the whole picture
Or is it just the start?
Is this the way you love me?
You're capturing my heart
I used to try and walk alone
But I've begun to grow
And when you tell me just to rest
I'm finally letting go
I let go
And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know, I'm ok
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in your arms... I'm home
I'm seeing so much clearer
Looking through your eyes
I could never find a safer place
Even if I tried
All the times I've needed you
You've never left my side
I'm clinging to your every word
Don't ever let me go
Don't let go
And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know, I'm ok
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in your arms... I'm home
I'm home...(ohoh ohoh ohoh ohoh)
I'm wrapped in your arms.
And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know, I'm ok
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in your arms
And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know, I'm ok
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in your arms... I'm home
I'm home
I finished, letting my voice die down, and left the room. I walked down the staircase and into Vanessa.
"Were you playing the radio, dear?" She asked, shining a smile my way.
"No," I muttered, avoiding her eyes. "I was singing."
Again, she smiled, but this was different. Greedy, almost. "You have an amazingly beautiful voice!" She exclaimed. "You could become a pop star!"
I shook my head, slightly amused, trying to imagine myself as a pop star. I just couldn't see myself on a stage, dressed in skimpy clothes with screaming teenagers cheering me on. Nor could I picture myself telling my story on a talk show as a host 'sympathetically' listened. "No, I'll stick to normal life."
Then I imagined being away from all of this. My parents, school, the drama. "For now." I added.
I continued downstairs to find a luxurious kitchen. I didn't take anything, fearful of the hand that would strike me if I did.
Until Fang and Angel joined me and Fang simply poured us both a large bowl of cereal. Shredded Wheat, I think it was called, but I didn't really pay attention to the title, I was occupied with the delicious, life-changing meal in front of me.
Angel wolfed it down almost as fast as I was, then announced she was tired.
"Let's go upstairs then, I have our bag in the room."
As soon as we closed the door, Angel leaped onto the bed and began to bounce, whispering excitedly. "Isn't this awesome? We just ate food!"
I managed a smile, one filled with sadness, before tucking her in. Why was eating such a miracle to her? She was ten, she should be amazed by dinosaurs, or small fun facts that nobody knows, not having a full stomach.
It's funny, no matter how many times the truth hits me, about Angel understanding, about Angel going through this with me, I'm always surprised. I always want to hold her tight and just explain to her that this will all go away, it'll all disappear if we hope. I want to keep her innocence, but I know I can't. I know it's probably long gone by now, enjoying the company of some spoiled brat.
I sat there contemplating and wondering as she fell into the depths of obliviousness.
"Max?" I heard Fang asked, and I turned to see him stick his head through the open door.
"Yea?"
"Do you want to go into the garden with me?"
I nodded, and joined him in his silent journey to the outdoors.
Once we arrived in the astonishing garden, Fang led me to a hidden bench, tucked away between an unusually large willow tree and a patch of violets.
"I told you I would talk about my mother later," Fang began, "and now it's later." He took a deep breath before continuing. "You see, when I was about seven, my mother became pregnant. My father and her were so excited about another child, and so was I. When my mother had my sister, I remember all we did was celebrate for weeks. We named her Dawn, and she had blonde locks, pale skin, and blue eyes. I swear, she looked like a photocopy of Angel."
I interrupted him. "Where are your father and Dawn?"
He simply placed a finger on my lips. "I'll get to that." Another steadying breath. "When Dawn turned ten, she went to the park with my mother. She ran into the street to catch her runaway yo-yo, and a truck hit her dead on."
I winced, trying to imagine the scene. No, I couldn't. All I saw was Angel as a pancake on Main Street.
"My father blamed it on my mother, and he left us. He visits me every few months or so, only because he feels bad for me. He thinks we share a sadness, share a bond that was strengthened by Dawn's death. It always feels awkward when he comes around."
Fang looked at me for a second before taking both of my hands in his, and I felt my scarred palms rub against his smooth ones.
"That's why my mother is practically addicted to Angel. She is a reminder of Dawn."
I looked directly into the pits that were Fang's eyes. "I'm sorry for your loss. I know what it's like to lose someone."
I did. Jeb and Valencia weren't the same as they had been when Angel was born, I've always compared them to 'Mom and Dad,' who were Jeb and Valencia while they were still human.
"I think you do," Fang whispered almost silently, tilting his body towards me.
"Yea." I gulped as he continued to lean towards my body, his eyes focused intently on my lips.
"Max." He whispered as his lips landed on mine.