When Angels Fall (Fallen Angels)

by Jo Cattell

  Nick smiled at her. He wanted to tell her no, just to keep her lips close to his neck like they had been, but then thought of something else. “You’re safe now. The sun came up,” he reassured her while thinking of this morning.

  She looked at him as though realizing what he meant, and her eyes softened.

  He touched her cheek, trying to build up the courage, hoping that it would stay dark enough in the room, so that his brothers wouldn’t see.

  “I don’t want to be your friend anymore,” she said softly. It was like the world stopped around them. They were oblivious to his brothers and the stupid movie that was playing.

  “I don’t want you to be my friend either,” he answered back.

  She closed her eyes, seeming to wait for his lips to find hers.

  His lips brushed hers, just barely kissing her bottom lip. He kissed her softly, trying not to make too much noise. And with each gentle pass, she opened to him more, allowing him to kiss her deeper and stronger.

  The warmth of his mouth embraced hers as he pulled her closer. He couldn’t pull himself away from the sweetness of her lips or the warmth of her hands that were now on his face. When he did pull away, he looked deep into her soft green eyes, he was speechless.

  “Oh, my God, did you see that?!” Kevin yelled, referring to the blood that filled the TV screen.

  “Yeah,” Nick said, breathless that he’d just kissed her. He never experienced anything like that before. It was like their souls intertwined and they were lost to everyone but each other. Chloe laid her head on his chest, and he felt that this was the way it should have been a week ago. He closed his eyes and held her, wondering if in the morning things would still be like this.

  * * * *

  The next morning, Chloe found Nick in the kitchen. There was awkwardness between them.

  “How’d you sleep?” he asked, as though unsure of what to really say.

  “Um, good. No bad dreams about werewolves. What about you?”

  He was nervous again, unsure what to say, or how to act. No other girl had this effect on him before. Chloe had him. He was a slave to her eyes and smile. If she turned him away, he would be crushed, but he would wait forever, hoping she would bring him back into her soft embrace. “We need to talk about last night.”

  “Do you want to talk about it now?” she wondered aloud, looking worried that it wasn’t going to be a good talk.

  He thought about it for a minute. There were too many distractions there and anyone could walk in at any minute. “We could talk later. You said you had to go home and get something for Gabbie’s party. We could go for a walk and talk then,” he suggested. He wanted to be alone with her, where they didn’t have to worry about anyone bothering them. He wanted to be able to tell her how he really felt and explain last night.

  “I can get changed and we could go right now,” she said

  A little while later, they started down the street while both Nick and Chloe realized it was a bad idea to walk. A sudden cold front had come in and made the air crisp to the point it hurt their lungs as they breathed.

  “So, do you want to go back and see if we can get a ride?” He stuck his hands in his pockets and was pissed he forgot his gloves.

  Chloe, on the other hand, had hers and a cute little knit hat with a crochet flower on it. She’d worn her hair down and it covered most of her gray pea coat. “Come on, we can cut through the park,” she suggested and kept walking.

  Nick started pulling stuff out of his pockets when they got to the edge of the park, trying to figure out what he’d hidden in them.

  “What’s all that stuff?” She laughed, trying to spy his pocket junk.

  “Ticket stubs, gum wrappers, an old tissue, and—a note?” He was puzzled as he looked at the folded paper.

  She grabbed it before he could open it. “Is it a love note?” she teased him.

  “I don’t know. Let me see it.”

  She gave him a devilish grin at that and slowly backed away. “You want it? Come and get it.” She laughed and took off running through the park. They were both laughing as they ran through the swings, and then into the trees. As they got closer to the lake, Chloe could see the gazebo and headed towards it.

  Nick was close behind her as she entered it. “See? Now you’re trapped.” He blocked the exit and tried to catch his breath.

  Chloe just laughed at him, and then opened the note. “Boo, meet me at the Life Guard station in an hour. Kel,” she read out loud.

  Nick remembered when he first read those words. “Wow, didn’t realize I put it in my pocket. I must’ve done it to hide it when we moved,” he replied as he sat on the ledge next to her. He watched her as she sat on the ledge and held on to the pole.

  Her hair was blowing slightly in the breeze.

  He came over to her and put his arms around her. She was just about his height now and he couldn’t resist the urge to kiss her again. When their lips met, he felt her melt into the embrace, letting him control how deeply he kissed her. He peeked at her face and saw that her eyes were closed, then he felt her soft hand touch his cheek.

  She pulled away slowly and shyly touched her lips. “I have a stupid confession.”

  “What?” He moved a stray hair from her face.

  She giggled without even seeming to realize it, and when she looked at him, he was smiling at her reaction. “Last night, when you first kissed me, it wasn’t only our first kiss, it was mine. I know that sounds silly, but it was.”

  He was taken aback by that. “Um, okay, thanks for telling me that now and not before last night, because that would’ve put a lot of pressure on me. It still kind of does though.” He laughed and thought about it. “How was it?”

  She giggled and then got serious. “It was okay,” she replied, teasing him.

  “Hmm, just okay? What about this last one? How was that one?” He liked the way she was now. The playfulness was coming back; it was something he hadn’t seen in a while.

  “Better, I guess.”

  He leaned in and kissed her again, just as he had the last two times, knowing she was lying by the way she sighed softly and parted her lips slightly. “And now?” he whispered, hoping she would want more.

  “Ahh, I may need more convincing,” she whispered breathlessly.

  He pulled away a little and kissed her nose. “So, last night, we said we didn’t want to be friends. Where does that leave us?” His hands were on her face and he was looking deep into her eyes, trying to figure out if she was ready for them to be more than just friends.

  She looked at him shyly now. “What do you want us to be?”

  Why was he always so nervous with her? He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I want us to be more. I want us to be a couple, I guess. Christ, Chloe, with any other girl I have asked out, it came easy. With you…?”

  “I’m complicated? Nick, you have to understand, this is all new to me. I’m not going to be like the other girls.”

  “That’s what I like about you. I don’t want the other girls. I only want you. So, what do you say, Chloe? Do you want to try this and be my girlfriend?” That sounded so stupid even to him. She was going to turn him down, he just knew it.

  She smiled at his sweet rambling. “Ahh, yeah, I think I do. Just don’t expect too much from me. This is really all new to me. I may act nervous at times, or confused—”

  He kissed her. “I’m okay with that. Just be honest with me like you are now. Come on. It’s getting cold. Let’s get to your house and call for a ride,” he said and took her hand to head to her house.

  A few hours later, the air was crisp and cool, as they stood outside of Gabbie’s house, waiting for someone to answer the door. The party had just started, but they could already hear the music and laughter coming from the basement.

  “Should we tell people tonight or should we just let them guess?” Nick questioned her as he looked her over. He really liked the way she dressed herself up for this party. Not too much makeup, her ha
ir in soft curls, pulled back just so. He even liked her outfit of the long tan sweater and leggings that matched her boots. She was so pretty and now she was his.

  “Oh, let them guess or find out on their own. I mean, if we tell them, we’re going to have to answer a bunch of questions and I would rather just spend time with you, than answer them,” she pointed out, then wiped some of her lip gloss from his lips.

  He grabbed her finger and smiled at her. “You should’ve left it there. I kinda like the taste of it.” He was about to lean in and kiss her again, when Kevin ran up and jumped on his back.

  “So, no drinking anything you didn’t open yourself. And for God’s sake, don’t go kissing any strange girls. And as far as Mom and Dad know, her parents are here,” Kevin listed all the past offenses of the last party they all attended.

  “I don’t think you have to worry about that,” Nick replied. I’m not going to kiss anyone I shouldn’t.” He winked at Chloe and watched her blush.

  “Oh, my God! You really came!” Gabbie screamed from across the room. She ran over and hugged Chloe, and then Nick.

  By the way she was acting, Nick could tell she’d been drinking already.

  “I’m so happy to see you two, especially after what happened Friday. Don’t worry. I told Dave to drop the whole dating thing with you two, because you’re just really good friends and need to let it happen if it does. I’m so glad to see you both, though after what happened with Millie and all,” she continued rambling on without taking a breath.

  “It’s fine, Gab. Happy birthday.” Chloe smiled and hugged her. She wanted to tell her, but with how lit Gabbie seemed, it would go over way too loud and they wouldn’t get any peace.

  “Yeah. Who knows? Maybe it will turn out that way someday.” Nick winked at Chloe.

  “You never know.” She blushed.

  “You’ve got to see the car I got for my birthday. Chloe, it’s amazing. Nick? Dave is somewhere over there. Get yourself a beer and make yourself at home,” Gabbie babbled excitedly while leading Chloe back up the steps and away from him.

  An hour later, Nick spotted Chloe talking to Tabitha. She smiled at him from across the room and he had to fight the urge to grab her and take her somewhere. Grabbing a beer instead, he walked up behind her. “I missed ya,” he whispered to her ear.

  She visibly trembled. “Same here. Did you open that yourself?” she said teasingly and took the beer from him. She took a drink and handed it back.

  “Yes, I did. I kind of thought you were kidding about the alcohol, but I see they keep it stocked. Is it always like this?” He thought it was sexy the way she drank from his bottle.

  Tabitha moved up to him. “All the parties are pretty much the same,” she purred as she held onto his arm. “Looking around here tonight, though, Gabbie’s party is the bomb. Nicky, you’re looking really hot in those tight jeans of yours. I think we should dance later. I feel like we never get the chance to talk.”

  “Ah no, I’m kinda busy.” He nearly choked on his beer and looked quickly at Chloe.

  “Tab, you are so not his type. He likes them quiet and mousy,” Chloe broke in.

  “Oh well, that’s a shame, Nicky. It’s your loss. But if you ever want to try something new, I’ll be waiting.” She pouted and ran her finger down his arm.

  After she walked away, Nick looked over at Chloe. “Quiet and mousy?” He couldn’t help but laugh at that.

  “Hey, did you want to be with her? I could call her back and arrange it,” Chloe said and hit his arm.

  He grinned. “No, I don’t want to be with her. Maybe we should say something or I’m going to end up the next notch on Tabitha’s ring,” he said, teasing her. It was nice seeing this side of her.

  “No, I’ll put a stop to that before it even has a chance to happen. You’re mine now.” She grabbed his shirt and pulled him to her.

  He smiled at her, and just as he was going to kiss her, Kevin interrupted them.

  “So, are all your friends like this?” Kevin questioned as he looked around the room.

  “Pretty much. Don’t ask me how I fit into all of it though,” Chloe answered.

  “It’s your personality. They’re nothing without you.” Nick winked at her.

  Kevin looked at him strangely, then decided to have a little fun. “Chloe, I meant to tell you how hot you looked tonight.” He tried to get a rise out of Nick.

  “Thanks, Kevin. You look pretty good yourself.”

  “So, has my little bro here asked you anything lately?” Kevin stared him down.

  “Oh, come on, Kev, don’t do this.” Nick faked that he was getting mad. He knew exactly where Kevin was going with this.

  “Asked me what? Nicholas, is there something you wanted to talk to me about?” She seemed to play dumb.

  He loved it when she said his name like that. The way it just rolled off her tongue. “Ah, kinda, but Kevin has a big mouth.” Nick was fighting to keep from laughing. This was going to be so good.

  “Dude, I told you I would give you time, but I’m tired of waiting for you to say something. And she is far too pretty to let go,” Kevin warned him.

  “Kevin, don’t so this.” Nick loved that his brother was about to make a fool of himself.

  “What’s going on?” Chloe asked them.

  “Well, since Nick is too shy and will make you wait forever, I was wondering if you want to go out with me next weekend,” Kevin slyly asked her.

  “Kev, man, you’re a jerk. How could you do this to me? I’m your brother.” Nick continued to play along.

  “Nick, it’s okay.” Chloe’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “Wow, Kevin, I’m really flattered, but see, I am kind of seeing someone,” she confessed and couldn’t seem to keep herself from playing along.

  Kevin was shocked. “Wow, I didn’t know. Nick, did you?” Kevin seemed concerned how his little bro was handling this news.

  “Yeah, she told me today. You said he was here tonight?” Nick mentioned to her as he looked around the room.

  “Yeah, let me see. I know he’s around here somewhere.” She was looking around the room, too. She really couldn’t keep a straight face anymore as she settled her gaze onto Nick. “Oh, there he is,” she exclaimed.

  Kevin kept turning his head around, trying to see who she was looking at.

  Chloe grabbed nick’s face and planted a kiss on his waiting lips. Officially kissing Nick in front of everyone for the first time.

  Kevin shook his head at them while looking confused. “When?”

  “Earlier today, when you weren’t around to pay Max to stop us,” Nick said and put his arm around her.

  “I’m sorry, Kevin. He told me you would try this and wanted me to play along. Really, I would’ve said yes, if I weren’t seeing him.” Chloe smiled.

  “I would never in a million years try to take you from him. I was hoping he would wise up if I threatened it. It’s about friggin time, Nicky!” Kevin stated, as they did their little handshake.

  “Yeah, but don’t tell Mom and Dad yet. I will when Chloe goes home this week.” He really didn’t want his parents to know that they were seeing each other. He was afraid it would make it harder on both of them if they knew.

  “Not a problem. Just don’t do anything stupid to lose her again. And, Chloe, if he ever hurts you? Tell me, and I will gladly kick his ass,” Kevin informed her and punched Nick in the arm.

  “Oww!” Nick whined in a fake pained voice.

  “I will.” Chloe laughed. “Um—can we get out of here? It’s getting a little wild and I don’t want to be the blame for it. Gabbie’s mom will find a way to pin it on me.” Chloe did look nervous as she watched some of the stuff that was going on with the drinking getting way out of hand.

  Both Kevin and Nick agreed. They all headed out.

  Chapter Six

  When last period finally came, Chloe was dreading going home. She’d come to enjoy the craziness at the Allen’s and the kiss goodnight from Nick each night. She felt a certai
n kind of security knowing he was a door away from her. And she knew what awaited her tonight, alone in her room.

  “Hey, I just heard the strangest thing about you.” Gabbie sat down and looked at her, confused about something.

  “What now? It can’t be any worse than what Robyn has said,” Chloe replied as she turned towards her.

  “I heard you and Nick were kissing at my party, but I didn’t see anything and you two seemed fine at lunch. I mean, you were talking a lot but no kissing or anything.” She seemed to try tried to figure out the whole thing.

  “Yeah, that’s strange. Nick, there’s a rumor going around about us.” She smiled at him as he sat down.

  “Oh really? What did we do this time, run off and get married?” He scoffed. “It had to be about cutting class the last week.”

  “No, someone saw you two kissing. And I know that if there’s anything going on you would tell me, right?” Gabbie looked hurt that she may have been left out of the loop on this one.

  “Gab, you’re my best friend and I wouldn’t keep anything from you, unless we weren’t ready to tell anyone yet,” Chloe explained, feeling like the worst friend ever.

  “Wait, so is it true? Are you two finally together?” Gabbie got excited and clenched her hands. She was visibly shaking with excitement.

  Chloe looked at Nick with pleading eyes.

  “Babe, its fine. It’s going to get out one of these days.”

  “This is too cool. How? When? I want details! Oh, my God, we can double date now! Let’s start with after school at your house!” Gabbie exclaimed as she spoke a mile a minute, then picked up her phone to text Dave.

  Chloe rolled her eyes and looked over at Nick, who was shaking his head.

  After school, they arrived at Chloe’s house and right away, Dave hit the liquor cabinet. It was his normal routine when they got there.

  “Could we not do this today? I don’t know when they’re coming home and I really don’t want to deal with their anger about why you’re drinking.” Chloe put down her books and wished that they would just for once, not start anything.