Angel || Leonetta

III

There was something familiar about her. Something which reminded me of home, but in that moment, I couldn't decide exactly which one of her traits had triggered this sensation.

"Francesca... do I know you?" Was all that could escape from my lips; my eyebrows were furrowed in frustration.

She sighed loudly after hearing my enquiry and gazed at me for a moment before saying "Let me explain."

She took my hand and led me to a café located a few blocks away from our previous spot.

We took a seat at a small table for two, and my newfound acquaintance began to speak, her eyes fixed on me.

"Firstly, Violetta, you must know that you and I are very much alike- I was banished from the Heavens, just as you were, a few years ago."

I nodded, signalling for her to continue with her story.

"I had sinned and gone against the king's wishes because I'd taken extraordinary measures in order to protect my family and prevent them from dying of famine. They were on thin ice, and terribly close to being sent to Hell. Unnfortunately, the odds were not in my favour, and this resulted in my condemnation."

"Following this event, I ended up here, in this city, where I was as clueless as a 2 year-old. I possessed absolutely no knowledge of this queer place; I was completely lost and I faced a great deal of emotional obstacles. As time passed, I learnt to live in this environment by myself, until I realised that I didn't have to at all. I met a bunch of wonderful and sweet people, who soon became my closest friends. They helped me find a home, the one I currently live in."

A small smile was starting to form on her face.

She looked up at me once again.

"And now, I'd like you to get to know them, just like I did. You have to believe me- they will find you a place - I shall help you with that as well, of course," she said with a big smile and wide eyes.

Her proposal seemed fair and suitable, but I needed to know more in order to be completely convinced.

"And these... people, do they know about... us ?"

She shifted in her seat and looked away.

"...Not exactly. You see, I haven't told them, because it would only cause harm, not only to me but to them as well."

She immediately turned to face me, wearing a serious expression on her delicate face.

"They must never know that we are celestial creatures, is that clear?"

"But how am I supposed to-"

"Violetta, this is not an option. Your secret- our secret must be guarded at all cost; it cannot be spilled, " Francesca said in a patronizing tone.

I was briefly left speechless after hearing those words coming from her mouth.

After waiting a few moments, I stared at her in disbelief before replying
"A-Alright, if that is what must be done, then I am obliged to do so. Therefore, I agree to come with you and meet your friends. One one condition: if one day I decide to leave, then I demand that you respect my decision and let me be."

She nodded, giving me her consent.

Our conversation drew to a close and we hastily left the café, ready to go and meet up with her group of 'friends'...

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