5 Seconds to Love You

Chapter Twenty-four - Angelisa

Chapter Twenty-Four

*Angelisa*

I knock on the front door of the Heralds' house, and there's a longing ache in me to see Braden's face on the other side like I always used to. Of course though when the familiar red door swings open, it's not what I see. Instead I am met with the glowing and surprised eyes of the two people who have struggled through the hardest part of their life alongside me. 

"Angie?!" Sandy shouts in excitement pulling me into a large bear hug, and I can feel her smile against my shoulder. "Oh my gosh, I didn't expect to see you drop by!! Happy Birthday darling!" I smile before turning over to Wes.

"What's new Wes, my man?" I giggle and stick out my hand as he proceeds to carry on our "secret" handshake, which really isn't so secret considering it consists of a hand shake, back high five sliding into a front high five, and then ending with knucks. Sandy laughs before bringing forth the conversation that we all know is waiting to happen.

"So, how are you sweetie?" She looks into my eyes with deep caring and love.

"I'm f-" I almost lie, but then shake my head. "I'm going to be honest, I'm not to great..." I trail off. "I just can't get my mind off him, you know?" I shake my head and Sandy motions to the living room, which I gladly walk towards. I plop down on "our" couch... Mine and Braden's that is. Every time I came over to his house we snuggled on this couch while watching a movie, or talked here about a lot of my problems, as well as anything and everything else. I sigh as I sink down into the soft black leather, and subconsciously rub my hand across the arm rest.

"I remember seeing you too sit there together." Sandy says solemnly, and I try to shoot her a small smile. "I sometimes stood in the kitchen entryway, just admiring the wonderful bond and relationship the two of you had. It was magical Angie, it inspired me just to see you two together." I can practically see the moments in her eyes as she reminisces. 

"Yeah..." I bite my lip and try to keep happy thoughts, but thinking about Braden makes it so hard not to cry.

"I never told you this, but I remember seeing him kiss you in the exact spot. I hope you aren't creeped out about that but... I just had so much hope for the two of you, you were the perfect couple." I half smile and let out a small, almost silent whimper at the thought of Braden's soft smooth lips against mine, the feeling of a million fireworks going off at the same time in my stomach.

Wesley walks back in the room with two water glasses in his hands, and gives them to Sandy and I. I thank him and take a sip of the cold liquid, letting it calm my tense muscles for a moment.

"Is that the necklace he gave you?" Sandy leans over and gestures towards my neckline. I pick up my angel necklace and hold it in my hand, remembering that day he gave it to me. 

"I remember when he bought that for you." She says, and I snap my head up towards her, wanting to know anything and everything I don't know about him. "It was before he went into the hospital that last time. He asked me one day if I would come with him to the jewelers, to help him pick out a necklace for you. I went with, though he didn't really need my help. He went in that store and immediately knew what he wanted to get. I thought he just asked me to come along to help him pay, but when he got to the counter, he pulled out the five hundred dollars it cost." My eyes widen at the price. Five hundred dollars? I mean, I knew there were real diamonds in the necklace, but I never dreamed he spent that much! 

"He saved all the money himself," Sandy continues, "and when I offered to help pay, he turned me down. He wanted it to be completely from him." I feel tears threatening to come again, and I take another sip of water to drown them. 

"Wow." I sigh. "It means that much more to me now that I know that." I smile at my feet, not able to make eye contact with her.

"Oh Sandy," Wesley turns to her, suddenly thinking of something. "Should I grab that thing for her?" Sandy's eyes widen and she nods quickly, as Wesley walks towards Braden's room.

"What-?" I begin to ask but Sandy just smiles at me, and I know enough to wait. If Sandy wants me to wait and see, then that's what I'll do. 

"We found these about a week ago, and thought you should have them." Wesley walks back into the room and hands me a large yellowing envelope.

"What's this?" I inquire taking the envelope from him. 

"Neither of us opened them, but we found it in his bedroom. It was in his desk drawer and the envelope is addressed to you." I look closer at the envelope between my hands and see the words, "to Angel Islea, the love of my life" scribbled in Braden's perfectly horrible handwriting. I feel a burning sensation in my nose, and I know there are tears about to come. 

"I don't know what he put inside of there, but we decided that it wasn't our place to know anyways. We'll leave you alone for a minute if you want to read them." Welsey smiles and I nod. The two walk out of the living room, and I carefully open the envelope, pulling out several pieces of paper, which appear to be multiple letters. I look at the letter directly on top, and begin to read.

Dear Angel,

Hey guys here's the next chapter, sorry it's a little short!!! Comments and votes are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

- Beautifully_Hemmings <3