Angel emerged from her coma a week later, her world still veiled in the haze of sickness. It had been a month since she had last seen the vibrant outdoors or the comforting presence of Greg. The sterile hospital environment felt oppressive, a stark contrast to the freedom she longed for as she focused on her recovery.
As her mother stepped into the room, a warm smile graced her face. "Hey, ma," Angel greeted, her voice raspy but filled with joy.
"Hey, daughter! Are you ready to leave today? You haven't seen the outside world in a month," Cathy replied with a laugh, the lines of worry on her face softening.
"Yes, ma! I’m so ready to get out of here. It feels like I’ve been imprisoned," Angel chuckled, sharing a moment of levity with her mother.
The door opened and her doctor walked in, a clipboard clutched in hand. "Okay, Ms. Smith, you’re cleared to go home today. Just remember to take it easy and give yourself some time to adjust, alright?"
"Thank you so much for all your help this week," Angel expressed, a mix of gratitude and relief bubbling up within her.
"That's our job—to ensure our patients are well cared for," the doctor replied, a reassuring smile playing on his lips.
Once dressed, Angel stepped into the hospital lobby. A wave of nerves washed over her; she hadn’t set foot outside in a month, but anticipation surged within her spirit. She had diligently pursued her online nursing studies during her recovery, passing with flying colors, which gave her confidence about securing a job.
"I’m finally free!" Angel exclaimed, tilting her head back as she closed her eyes, allowing the gentle breeze to brush against her face. The sun poured down, creating a warm, comforting embrace at a perfect seventy-eight degrees.
"You want to grab lunch?" her mother suggested, her eyes twinkling.
"Yes, ma’am! Hurry up and let’s get out of here!" Angel replied, laughter bubbling between them.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, Angel noticed Eunik sitting at a nearby table, utterly unaware that her mother had called her.
"Angel!" Eunik shouted, excitement lighting up her features.
"Eunik! Oh my goodness, come here! I’ve missed you sooooo much!" Angel beamed, the weight of her recent experiences lifting slightly in the presence of her friend.
They settled into their seats, and the waitress took their orders. Angel chose crispy chicken strips with a side of golden fries, while Eunik opted for creamy chicken Alfredo. Mrs. Cathy decided on a fresh salad, paired with savory ribs.
"Hey, ma, I wanted to talk to you both about something important," Angel began, her voice steady yet filled with unspoken weight.
"Moving?" her mother echoed, a note of concern threading through her words.
"Yes, ma. I’ve passed my nursing classes. They’re offering me a position there," Angel explained, her eyes darting between Eunik and Cathy.
"And where is 'there'?" Cathy asked, her brows slightly furrowed.
"Indiana, Mom. It’s only two hours away, and... after everything that happened with Greg, I just can’t stay here. I don’t want to be surrounded by constant questions. I need to focus on my healing without all that."
"Okay, baby, you’re grown. You just turned nineteen, but I just want you to be careful. When are you planning to leave?" Cathy's voice was a mix of concern and understanding.
"Next week," Angel said, surprising even herself with the suddenness of her decision.
"Well, damn," Eunik muttered, her eyes widening.
"Sorry, Ms. Smith," she said, laughing lightly to break the tension.
"Why so soon, baby?" Cathy pressed, her concern evident.
"Because if I come home and have no money, I’ll feel trapped again. I need to get things rolling quickly," Angel replied, a determined spark igniting within her.
One thing was certain about Mrs. Cathy’s daughter: she had an unwavering drive for financial independence, and nothing could stand in her way.
"Alright, baby," Cathy relented, pride mingling with her worry.
As they left the restaurant, Eunik hugged Angel tightly before they said their goodbyes. Angel slid into the car, noticing her mother’s thoughtful gaze.
"What's wrong, ma?" Angel asked, attempting to read the emotions swirling in Cathy’s eyes.
"Why didn’t you come to me about the abuse, baby? I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I need to understand," Cathy urged gently.
"Mom, I was scared. I felt trapped, and I loved him more than I loved myself," Angel replied, tears beginning to streak down her cheeks.
"Listen, baby. It’s okay to make mistakes. Sometimes people will try to gain control over you, but you must always remember that you have control over yourself. You’re my daughter, and I know you’re strong. I love you," Cathy reassured her, wrapping a comforting arm around Angel.
"I love you too, ma," Angel whispered back, feeling a sense of safety in her mother’s words.
Arriving home, the familiarity of her childhood space washed over her. As she entered her room—the same one she had left behind—she felt a surge of longing for change. But what was the point if she planned to leave so soon?
"Hey there, big head," Migel called out, his playful voice cutting through her thoughts.
"Hey," Angel replied, a small smile appearing on her lips.
"Are you okay? Do you need anything?" he asked, concern etching his features.
"No, I’m just trying to figure out how to feel at home again," Angel said, glancing around, aware that everything felt different now.
"Take your time, sis. Mom’s cooking dinner. I’ll let you know when it’s ready," Migel said, his tone supportive.
After dinner, the family retreated to their rooms, and Angel lay in bed, her mind racing with thoughts about her next steps and what she truly wanted out of life. For the past few years, she had lost herself in a cycle of fear and dependence, never having the chance to pursue her dreams.
The following morning, Angel rose before the sun made its appearance. As she scoured the internet, she stumbled upon a condo in Indiana available for rent at $2,000 a month. It felt like a pivotal moment, one that she recognized she could not let slip away.
"Good morning, baby," her mother greeted her, bright-eyed and full of warmth.
"Good morning, mother," Angel replied, her spirit lifting as she moved toward the kitchen.
"What are you looking at?" Cathy asked, curiosity piqued.
"I found a place in Indiana and submitted an application. I’m hoping to hear back soon," Angel disclosed, the excitement bubbling within her.
"Trust me, they will get back to you, baby," Cathy said, optimism shining in her eyes.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Angel dressed decisively, ready to seize the day and embrace the freedom she had fought for. She picked up her cell phone and called Eunik.
"What's up?" Eunik’s voice radiated enthusiasm.
"Wanna hang out?" Angel asked eagerly.
"Yeah! I’ll be there in 15," Eunik responded, her excitement infectious.
Angel knew Eunik was one of the few friends she had left, as many of her peers treated her with envy rather than friendship due to her upbringing and demeanor. Yet, Eunik had always stood by her side, a solid support against the tides of adversity.
As horn honked outside, Angel peeked through her blinds and saw Eunik’s familiar face. The day was just beginning, and with each moment, Angel felt the suffocating weight of her past slowly begin to lift, ready for whatever the future might hold.
YOU ARE READING
ANGEL (EIDITING NOW)
FanfictionAngel had endured the harrowing scars of abuse, feeling as though she had been left for dead in the shadows of her past. Yearning for a fresh start, she made the courageous decision to move away, embarking on a new chapter in her life as a dedicated...
