A Photo Is Worth A Thousand Blushes

6d - Angels and Vampires

A/N: Happy Update Day! Thank you to ChloePrice5 for the cover. :D

Once my feet were secured into the Death Boots, Gabriel stood up and enveloped me into his arms as I remained perched on top of the stool. His breath fanned warmly over my ear as I wrapped my own arms around his torso. Hugging him unabashed in front of others exhilarated me and filled me with a warmth. I loved being his girlfriend, but the elation was bittersweet. Once the job wrapped up in a couple hours, the magic would evaporate. The clock would strike twelve, and my beautiful gown would turn back to rags as the carriage morphed to a pumpkin once more. At least I had the upcoming book covers to look forward to being my souvenir glass slipper.

I felt a stare from across the studio on me as Gabriel took my hands and helped me stand. Thankfully he did, because the moment my feet were under me, my ankle gave out. I gasped as the sudden sensation of free falling overcame me, even if it was for a split second and only a handful of inches. Gabriel's hold on my arms kept me from losing my balance and tipping over.

"Whoa there, Trouble." He situated himself beside me, holding onto one hand as his arm closest to me wrapped around my waist to support me. "Heel to toe like you usually do. Don't clomp like a horse. That's my girl," he cooed encouragingly.

A few more stumbles overtook me b the time we walked the short distance to where Mr. Blackbourne stood. I was walked tip toed, and my feet already screamed for relief. How did women do this on a regular basis? Why did some subject themselves to this torture all day?

Gabriel handed me off to Mr. Blackbourne after pressing a chaste kiss to my ear. The moment Mr. Blackbourne let go of the scaffolding, North was there to take his place and support the framework. The exchange among the three of them was seamless and appeared to be rehearsed.

"Kota needs some touch up," Gabriel whispered to me before peeling away to crouch before Kota, who was kneeling with his chin tucked against his chest and his hands palm up on his thighs. His knees were spread wide, and he looked like he was meditating.

Mr. Blackbourne took my hand and waist like Gabriel had before, and I was sure he could feel my nervous shaking wracking through my entire body. "Miss Sorenson?" He tipped his head to force me to look directly into his steel grey eyes.

"I'm not sure I can do this," I admitted immediately, knowing I could not hide anything from his gaze. "I'm sorry, Mr. Blackbourne." I was a disappointment.

"What makes you say that?" he asked. His tone held no disapproval or disgust toward me, but a curious inquiry. "From what I have gathered, you have performed with excellence these past two days. Why are you doubting yourself now?'

I caught myself before I bit my lip, knowing he would pull it right back out from in between my teeth. "I can't even stand by myself right now. What if my ankle injury from the first week of school keeps me from wearing shoes like these ever again?" Even though I knew how to fall from heights without killing myself, the spill I took from the second floor at Ashley Water High School at Friday Fall still managed to bruise bone. The lasting damage from that must be why my feet wanted to buckle sideways constantly. "I think I'm broken beyond repair."

Mr. Blackbourne's fingers curled into the satin robe at my waist. "You aren't broken, Sang Sorenson. Your injury from the beginning of the school year has made a full recovery. The soft tissue around your ankle are simply not accustomed to such footwear. With practice, your muscles and tendons will strengthen.