ANGEL (EIDITING NOW)

Chapter 1

"Mommy, can I go outside to play with Ash?" Angel asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Yeah, baby. Just make sure to stay in the front yard," her mother replied with a warm smile.

At only 10 years old, Angel was full of life and laughter, her best friend Ashely—who she affectionately called Ashh—was like a sister to her. The two girls had spent countless afternoons together, weaving stories and sharing secrets under the open sky. After an hour of carefree play, filled with laughter and the sound of their playful banter, Angel's mother called her inside for dinner.

Once inside, Angel could barely contain her excitement as she rushed to her mother. She had news about Ash that she could hardly wait to share. Ash and her mother had forged a friendly bond over the years, often chatting in the yard as good neighbors should.

"Hey Angel, come here, baby," her mother beckoned gently.

"Yes, Mom?" Angel responded, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"Sweetheart, I need to tell you something. Ash will be moving away. I know we've been neighbors since you were both tiny, but it’s time for them to find a new home," her mom said, her voice heavy with the weight of the news.

Angel’s heart sank, tears welling in her eyes as she gasped, "But Mom, Ash is my only friend!"  The floodgates opened, and tears began to stream down her cheeks.

**EIGHT TEEN YEARS LATER…**

Angel was now 18, standing on the brink of adulthood, ready to graduate from high school and chase her dreams of becoming a nurse. She had been dating Greg, a boy from her school, since they were both 16. It had been two years of highs and lows in their relationship.

"Hey baby," Angel greeted him, her voice soft and hopeful.

"What's up? You look stunning today! What’s the occasion?" Greg replied, a smirk playing on his lips.

To most, he appeared charming, but underneath it all, he had a controlling grip on Angel's life. She never let anyone see what his true colors were. She tried to keep her dignity, never wanting to feel small.

"I just wanted to look good for you," Angel replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Without another word, Greg turned and walked away, leaving her to follow in silence. As they climbed into his car, the atmosphere shifted abruptly. He struck her hard across the face.

"What the hell are you wearing? I don't care about that!" Greg yelled, his voice a mix of anger and disdain.

"I… I tried to look good in your shirt," Angel stammered, her voice trembling.

"I'm sorry," was all she could muster, feeling the weight of shame and confusion suffocate her.

Angel kept the turmoil of her relationship hidden from her family, afraid that if the truth came out, it would ruin everything. Her love for Greg felt all-consuming, blinding her to the toxicity of their relationship.

Greg parked the car abruptly. "Let’s go."

At 20, Greg was already out of high school, and he had dreams of moving in together after her graduation.

"Come here," he said, his tone softening slightly.

"Listen, I’m sorry for hitting you," he began, a hint of remorse flickering in his eyes, "but you can't wear stuff like that. Cover up when we’re out together."

His words pierced Angel, and she quietly walked away, her heart heavy. She was waiting for her older brother, Shawn, to pick her up, yet she felt trapped in her silence. She still couldn’t voice the pain Greg inflicted on her.

"My brother’s here, I gotta go," Angel said, desperate to escape.

"Alright, bye," Greg replied, his voice flat.

"I love you too," Angel murmured, but Greg merely looked at her with indifference. He may have loved her, but that affection felt distorted, hidden behind his harsh treatment.

As soon as Angel left, Greg called over one of his friends. Angel climbed into her brother's car, and he raised an eyebrow.

"What’s up with you?" Shawn inquired, concern etched across his face.

"Oh nothing, just tired," she replied softly, turning her gaze out the window.

When they arrived at their family’s spacious home, an inviting five-bedroom house filled with warmth and laughter, Angel felt an overwhelming desire to retreat. Despite the stability her parents provided, today was different; her heart was heavy with what she had just endured with Greg. She walked upstairs to her room in silence, suppressing the storm of emotions swirling within her. She wished to leave him, but love had entangled her in a web from which she felt there was no escape.

**FOUR MONTHS LATER…**

Angel had graduated, and, with a mix of excitement and trepidation, her parents allowed her to move in with Greg. However, their relationship remained tumultuous, and the abuse continued behind closed doors.

"Good morning, love," Angel greeted Greg, forcing a smile.

He was already awake, getting ready to leave, his demeanor cold. "You going somewhere?" she asked, hoping for a sign of affection.

"Yeah, I have something to take care of," Greg replied, his eyes distant.

He was involved in dangerous activities that Angel knew little about, but she trusted him—blindly.

"Okay," she replied, her heartbeat quickening with apprehension.

"Don't expect me back anytime soon. Order takeout or go to your parents' place, and we need to talk when I get back," he said, leaving her feeling unsettled.

"I will," Angel whispered, watching him walk away.

Starting a full-time job at McDonald's, Angel found herself working tirelessly to support them, but her heart was not in it. College didn’t feel like a path for her anymore, even with her CNA classes starting in just two weeks.

After hours working the fast food shift, she met up with her dear friend Eunik at their favorite hangout spot.

"Hey girl," Angel greeted her friend with a weary smile.

"Heeey bitch!" Eunik exclaimed, always the exuberant one.

"You look exhausted," Eunik observed, concern creasing her brow.

"I am" as I sigh an how my man been acting shit wasn't the same at all.