Dream Angel (Angel #1)

by Jane West

  I smiled back and sighed. Ms. Noel always seemed to rest my worries. If anything good came from moving to this little town, it was my friendship with Ms. Noel. I really loved her.

  When I’d gotten home, as usual, it was quiet as a mouse. The lights were out, and the house felt drafty. I threw my keys down on the table by the door and sighed with relief. I hated to admit it. I didn’t mind the empty house. I needed some time alone to decompress. The effects of last night and today at school were starting to wear on my nerves. My brain felt boggled down with all these unexplained happenings, a phenomenon of events that left me swooned with questions.

  My body craved sleep. I dragged myself upstairs, shoulders slumped, one stair at a time to the comforts of my soft, warm bed.

  Hours later, I awakened to the doorbell. It jarred me out of a dream, the same dream that I’d been having since Dad’s death. I shivered trying to knock off the eerie effect. I quickly scrambled to my feet and headed downstairs.

  Ms. Noel must have some news to share. I swung the door open and paused with surprise. Jen was smiling, tons of books in her arms.

  “I bring cheer!” she teased.

  I laughed.

  “Just what the doctor ordered.” Jen laughed back.

  “Come on in. You want some pie?” I asked, happy to have a visitor.

  “Sure! Did you make it?” She entered, and I closed the door behind her. Then we both headed for the kitchen.

  “Oh, hell no! My neighbor baked it. She’s nice like that.”

  After I had poured two mugs of coffee, Jen and I settled at the table with our cups and sweet-potato pie in hand. I even had whipped cream to top it off.

  Jen jumped right in on the current events of the day. My ears were burning, and my stomach knotted. “You missed out on all the excitement today.”

  As casually as I could manage, I asked, “What happened?”

  “There was a huge eruption in the girls’ restroom.”

  Awkwardly, I cleared my throat. “Yeah, that was me. I got into it with Gina and Sally.” I knew I had to come clean with that. I was as positive as I was breathing that Gina and Sally, possibly Sam too were talking about our fight today.

  “Oh yeah! That too! What happened?” Jen’s eyes rounded.

  I swallowed hard, trying to manage a cogent answer. “You remember Saturday night when we all planned on going out?”

  Jen had the look of confusion. “Yeah, I thought everyone called it off. Sally didn’t give me reasons why. She left a message on my phone.”

  That dirty little rat! “Well, it seems Sally lied to you too.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Sally and Sam both set me up. That evening, Sam showed up at my doorstep. He lied saying that everyone canceled and it was just the two of us.”

  “You’re kidding!” Jen gaped.

  “I wish I were!” I tried to force a smile. “As it goes, Sam and I went to the fair together. I honestly thought it was platonic, just two friends hanging out. Then on the last ride, Sam coughed up the truth about Gina and him dating.”

  “Wow! Whata dirtbag!”

  “Yeah, you right!” I huffed. “It didn’t end on a good note. He made a pass at me, and I ditched him at the fair.”

  “Good for you!” Jen smiled and reached over high fiving me.

  I grimaced. It was hard to rejoice after everyone coming down on me. “It gets worse. Sam’s saying I had sex with him. A total lie. And now I’m on Gina’s hit list.”

  Jen’s jaw dropped. “Whata loser!”

  “Yep! They all three can eat shit and die.” Anger over this whole fiasco had me tied in knots.

  Jen scoffed. “Don’t let the three amigos get you down. They are their own patch of poison. Forget them!” Jen wagged her hand to the air. “Those dumbass’s could start their own Housewives’ show. Gina is a hooch, and Sally wishes. Sam has let his football stardom go to his head.

  “Yeah, I wish I'd stayed home that night!” I stabbed my pie. Visiting memory lane had stolen my appetite.

  “Something else happened that literally will blow your mind.” There was a flicker of excitement in Jen’s eyes.

  “What?” I tried to act nonchalant, but my gut was punishing me for my discretion.

  “The girls’ restroom went up in smoke.” Jen’s arms stretched out. “A gas leak ignited and the whole restroom went boom. It was sick!”

  “Holy shit!" I swallowed the knot in my throat. “Did anyone get hurt?” Why didn’t I think about that at the time? Guilt riddled my mind.

  “No! Not one person got hurt. Not even a scratch!” Jen tugged a strand of hair behind her ear. “But the most bizarre thing of all was that no one even heard it.”

  I sipped my coffee to hide the staggering shock that flew through me. “That’s incredible. Not one person, huh?”

  “No, not one! Ain’t it the wildest thing you’ve ever heard?”

  “Yeah, the wildest,” I replied, turning over in my mind how Bane and I landed in the football stadium unharmed. “So they think it was a gas leak?” I tried playing it cool. I snatched up my cup and got up from the table, for more coffee. My heart was pounding in my ear. I snatched up the pot half-full and poured another cup. “You want another?” I turned to Jen and asked.

  “No, I’m good. Thanks!” She waved her hand. “I can’t believe you haven’t watched the news? It’s been blowing up on every channel.”

  I settled back down into my seat. “No!” I drew in a quick breath. “I don’t have a television.”

  “Dang! That’s gotta blow!”

  “I guess.” I shrugged. “I’m used to it.” Jesus! It was on the news! I bet it’ll be in the newspaper too. "I'm relieved no one got hurt."

  “Hey, something good did come out of this.” Jen tossed an impish grin.

  “What?” Kill me now! I thought my heart was going to implode.

  “No school for the rest of the week!” Jen beamed like she won the lottery.

  “You’re kidding? We have a whole week?” Another relief washed through me. That meant no fights for at least a week.

  “You should come over and hang out. Maybe catch a movie?”

  “There’s a movie theater here?”

  “No, but there’s a theater a couple of towns over. I got a car!” Jen held up her keys, dangling them.

  “Sounds cool!” My voice felt flat.

  “Hey, I almost forgot!” She nearly came out of her seat.

  “Oh no, what?” My heart literally stopped.

  “Someone has a crush on you big time.” A glint of humor flickered in her brown eyes.

  “I hope it’s good.” I was still reeling from the news of the explosion. I didn’t think I could add another problem on my plate.

  “Oh it’s good!” she paused, smiling largely. “Aidan beat up Sam.”

  “You’re kidding?” I gawked.

  “If the principal hadn’t broke them up, Sam would’ve ended up in the hospital. Aidan worked him over good.”

  “Did you see it?” I stirred uneasily in my chair.

  “I saw the aftermath. Sam was bloody from his head to his toe.”

  “Why would Bane go after Sam?”

  “Silly, don’t you know?

  “No!” Surprise wedged in my throat.

  Jen rolled her eyes. “Bane whooped Sam’s ass for spreading rumors about you.”

  I scoffed. “I seriously doubt that Aidan Bane was defending my honor. We don’t even like each other as friends.”

  “Are you freaking blind! That boy never takes his eyes off you. And I think you like him too!” Jen never worried about putting it out there. That was what I liked about Jen. I never had to second-guess her.

  That night when the moon climbed the star-filled sky, and the gentle chorus of cicada sang among the tree limbs, I lay in bed with a book, Macbeth, across my chest. It was an assignment for English. Regardless of how hard I tried to focus on reading, my mind kept drifting back to this morning. No doubt, I planned t
o cross Sam and Sally off the friends’ list. Eh, no love lost there as far as I was concerned.

  Then my mind drifted to Bane. The hate in his stark blues and the imprint in my heart that he’d seared. I touched my lips, remembering the sting of his kisses. No matter how hard I tried to deny my feelings, I liked him. I found him fascinating. The mystery that laid behind his eyes beckoned me. I wanted to know more. I reckoned I had a death wish, considering his temperament. Yet when I was with him, I’d never felt more alive. He certainly had awakened a spirit in me that I never knew existed. These uncharted feelings were enthralling and frightening at the same time.

  I tossed the book aside and rolled on my chest, squeezing my eyes shut. I wanted to think about daisies, puppy dogs, and fireflies. Dammit! I hated myself for my weakness. Out of all the chaos that haunted my mind was Aidan Bane.

  Forget Him

  I had awakened with a jolt, sitting erect. A stream of sunlight was hitting my face. I rubbed my eyes to clear the blur and swallowed down the dryness in my throat. That damn dream had struck again. My chest was heaving, and sweat dripped from my body.

  The dream started with the faceless boy taking my hand and leading me down a dark corridor. His face remained obscured, but the ring he wore on his left hand was in plain view, a cluster of black diamonds outlining an oval eye, yellow diamonds.

  I didn’t remember how I came to be in the center of a red circle, a circle of red capes, thirteen men always thirteen. Shivers rushed over me as my mind carried me through the dream. I remembered a child’s whimpering, though I never saw the child. Then my eyes popped open and the dream shattered. The effect of the dream never changed, always leaving me in an icy tailspin. My heart raced erratically.

  I took a moment to collect myself, steadying my pulse. Then I heard pans rattling downstairs. Sara was home! I glanced at the time, 5:00 a.m. School was out today, but I had papers to deliver. I scrambled to my feet, knocking off the covers and darted to my tiny bathroom.

  After getting dressed, I headed downstairs. I felt like I was doing the walk of death. I half expected Sara to be hiding behind a door waiting to clock me with an iron skillet. It was nearly neck breaking trying to keep up with her motley moods. Sara had more personalities than Sybil did.

  I entered the kitchen, and the smell of hot grease and raw batter hit my nose. Oh no, not again! I wanted to barf. With a frilly apron tied around her waist and a spatula in hand, Sara was standing at the stove, making pancakes. I swore it must be the only food she knew how to cook. I hated pancakes.

  Despite my distaste, I never bothered letting her in on my secret. I appreciated the few times she did attempt to play the Mommy role. Which brought me to wonder. Why had the prodigal mother decided to return?

  Sara glanced up at me, smiling. “Good morning!”

  “Morning,” I grumbled, still dragging my feet. I went straight for my favorite mug and poured a cup of black coffee. Food was the last thing I wanted. Yesterday’s fiasco was still fresh on my mind, and the reoccurring dream from this morning, had me shaken.

  After I had added creamer to my coffee, I made my way to the table. My teeth were on edge. I never knew what Sara had up her sleeve. I fretted she might be ready to pack up and skitter out of town. Rent was probably due.

  I seated myself at the table, holding my breath. I had just enough time to scoff down my coffee, and then I had to vamoose. Whatever reason Sara had being here this early in the morning it would have to wait. I wasn’t going to be late with my paper route.

  Sara was the one to break the uncomfortable ice as she cleared her throat. She slid a plateful of pancakes to me that was oozing with thick syrup. The butter had half melted, running down the side of the mound. I eyed the plate, holding back my cookies.

  “I see you still use that old cup,” Sara snarled, cutting her eyes at the mug and then back at me.

  Did she really have to go there? It was no secret. Sara hated anything that reminded her of Dad, and that meant even this silly cup that I held dear to my heart. It was the last thing that Dad had given me before he died. “Yeah, I always use this cup.”

  Sara joined me at the table. “I heard about the explosion at school.” She sipped her coffee.

  Dread prickled the hairs on my back. “Yep, me too,” was all I gave her.

  “Glad you’re okay.” She attempted a smile. By the glint in her eyes, she was hee-hawing over something else, though.

  “I’m thankful no one got hurt.” I took a gulp of my coffee. I squinted as it slid down my throat.

  Sara squirmed in her seat, antsy.

  Oh, Lord what now? I fretted.

  “I’m sorry about Sunday,” she confessed. “I only wanted to protect you, is all.” Sara faked a phony smile.

  I knew my mother well. Any act of concern or kindness toward me was merely an employ to get something she wanted.

  My brow arched, “Really?”

  “Yes, really. I was wrong to have jumped to conclusions.” She evaded my eyes.

  I looked at the clock on the wall. “I have to go. Work, you know.” I forced a quick smile and pushed off from the table.

  “Wait!” Sara reached over, grabbing my arm. Her eyes seemed desperate. “Francis was wrong.” She sighed. “I swore to Francis if he ever did that again, I’d leave him.”

  “Okay, that's just swell, but I can’t talk. I’m late.” I stared down at Sara, keeping my face blank. She still was gripping my arm.

  “I’m going to be around more. I hope you will bring your boyfriend over. Maybe for dinner sometime. I really like Aidan.”

  What the hell? “He’s not my boyfriend or even a friend.”

  That was when the charade dropped. The real Sara emerged like a snake from the grass. “You better find a way then, missy.” She snapped. “He’s the best chance you got!”

  My jaw dropped. Sara’s whiplash personality could drive the Dalai Lama to murder. “This might shock you, but I do have other choices college, for example.” I jerked my arm free. “I’m late!” The ire in my voice was more than apparent and just as intense as the pernicious glare Sara aimed at me. As I ducked out the back door, I heard a plate fracture against the door’s window pane and glass shattering to the floor. I had a hunch that was intended for me. Glad Sara’s aim was off this morning. Wearing syrup all day would not have been a good look for me.

  After I’d finished my route, I headed back home. My heart sped up when I coiled the corner to Saint Anne Street. The smell of crepe myrtle lingered in the air. I took a long whiff. Best smell ever! I rolled up into the drive. From what I could tell, it was empty. In any case, I still wanted to check inside before I could relax completely.

  Moments later, I was standing in the kitchen by the back door. Just as I'd expected. Glass and pancakes were intermingled and scattered over the floor, right where Sara had left it. I didn’t expect anything less. The coffee pot had been left on, and the aroma of burnt coffee wafted throughout the house. Yuck!

  With a long sigh, I snatched the broom from the pantry and began sweeping up the mess. The window in the door needed some sort of cover until I could get it repaired. That meant I had to dig into my small savings, which reminded me of rent.

  Since Sara wouldn’t give me the landlord’s name, my hands were tied. The idea of giving up my money to her was out of the question. She’d blow it instead of paying rent. Shit! I didn’t even know if I had enough to pay the full month. Maybe Ms. Noel had spoken to her nephew.

  In the meantime, I'd asked my supervisor if he had any paper routes available that I could run. I had been taking on a little more on the weekends, but it wasn't enough. Since school was out this week, I could use the extra hours to make a few more coins. Anyway, I had my fingers crossed. The supervisor said he’d check the schedule and see. To me, that meant yes.

  Later that night, Jen swung by to pick me up. We were headed to a favorite hangout called Mother Blues. Though I’d never been, I knew the place. It was across the street from the Mudbug Ca
fe.

  I never cared much for hot spots. I preferred the solitude of my bedroom or a quiet corner at a fleabag hotel. Nonetheless, I'd give it a shot. I’d probably drink a Coke and watch Jen play pool or foosball. Apart from Jen's bragging over her skills, she swore the joint had the best tunes and fried oysters in the state of Louisiana. I’d take her word on the oysters and pass. I still couldn't believe Bane got me to eat mudbugs. The world was full of wonder, I reckoned.

  We entered the establishment and Jen led the way, and I followed close behind her. I took a quick assessment of the joint. Even though I’d never been in a bar before, I pictured this place similar one. Low lighting, nothing special, the main attraction was a few neon lights hanging on the wall, a couple of pool and foosball tables centered under lamps that remotely lit the joint. Toward the back, I spied a snack bar and a few booths.

  The place hustled with aimless chatter and blaring music, and pool balls snapping. Jen saw a couple of her friends and went off in their direction.

  I ambled toward the back as my eyes combed over the joint, trying to pick out the heads that I recognized from school. I spotted a few, none I knew, though.

  By the time I’d reached the snack bar, and grabbing my Coke, Jen had caught up. “Hey, I’ll have what she’s having!” Jen called out to the cashier.

  I took a long drag of my drink through the straw as my eyes washed over the spot.

  “What you think?” Jen hollered over the loud noise as she paid the cashier for her drink.

  “It’s cool. Loud but cool.” I smiled.

  “Come on!” She nudged me. “I’ll challenge you to a game of foosball.”

  Obviously, Jen was at home with herself here. Although I wasn't into the games, I did enjoy hanging out with Jen. She was easy to talk to, and I found myself laughing at her jokes. Even though no one could replace Beck and Laurie, Jen was a close contender. I sighed. It was gonna hurt when we shoved off to the next town.

  “Okay, let’s do this then.” I pushed off the counter. Off we went, sashaying our way to the far corner.

  Jen slid in the coins in the slot, and the game was on. She and I had played a couple of games before two boys from a neighboring town joined us. Jen and I teamed up together, playing against the boys in a challenging game of foosball. Jen and I were fierce. We won three games out of four.