ANGEL (EIDITING NOW)

Part 6

As the first golden rays of sunlight streamed through her window, Angel stirred from her sleep, squinting against the warm glow that bathed her room in a gentle light. She let out a deep yawn and arched her back, feeling the comforting weight of her soft comforter slide away as she sprang out of her cozy bed. Each part of her morning routine unfolded like a well-orchestrated symphony, each step familiar and comforting as she meticulously chose her work attire, carefully grooming herself to face the bustling day ahead. A daunting 12-hour shift loomed in her mind, a marathon filled with relentless duties and unyielding responsibilities.

Stepping out into the fresh morning air, she was greeted by a cool breeze that playfully tugged at her hair, invigorating her spirit with its brisk touch. Just as she mentally prepared herself for the challenges that awaited, her phone buzzed urgently in her pocket, shattering the early morning tranquility. Her heart skipped a beat as she glanced at the screen, seeing her father’s name light up, the familiar warmth of his presence enveloping her thoughts even before she answered.

“Hi, Daddy,” Angel said, her voice radiating warmth. She always felt a wave of happiness when her dad took a moment to check in on her.

“Sup, baby girl? I need to let you know something,” Rick replied, a note of seriousness threading through his words.

“What is it?” Angel asked, detecting the weight of something unsaid lingering in his tone.

“They’re letting Greg out next year. I know it’s not what you want to hear, but he’s been on good behavior,” he confessed.

For a moment, silence reigned as Angel processed his words. A chill of dread coursed through her — her life had finally started to feel like it was on an upward trajectory, and now, the specter of Greg loomed ominously in her thoughts, a shadow threatening to eclipse her newfound peace.

“Look, baby, you don’t have anything to worry about. He doesn’t know where you are, and he never will, okay?” Rick reassured her, his voice steady.

“Okay, love you, Pops. I gotta go,” Angel replied, her heart heavy as she hung up the call.

Pulling over to the side of the road, she took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions that swirled within her. She knew her father had her best interests at heart, but the news rattled her more than she wanted to admit. Despite the nagging anxiety, she was resolute — nothing would stop her from making her living.

A month later, she was enjoying a vibrant afternoon with her friend Ashley, wandering through shops, basking in the warmth of laughter and catching up on dreams they’d cherished in their youth. Everything felt harmonious for the two of them, a soothing balm against the turmoil of the past. After clocking out from an exhausting shift, Angel was walking toward her car when she heard a voice call out to her.

“Aye!”

Turning around, she was met with the warm gaze of Chris, standing a few feet away, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

“Hey! What are you doing here?” Angel asked, a mix of surprise and delight lighting up her features.

“Am I not allowed at the hospital?” Chris joked, chuckling softly.

“I mean, yeah,” she laughed, feeling a hint of embarrassment at the unexpected encounter.

“Look, my sister told me to stay away from you, but I just can’t — to be honest,” he admitted, stepping closer, a spark of something deeper flickering between them.

“I know you’re going to be mine soon,” he continued confidently.

“Yours?” Angel echoed, laughter bubbling up uncontrollably.

“I’m DEAD ass,” he insisted, his seriousness making her heart race.

“Okay, and how do you know that?” she asked, curious yet amused.

“That night we first met — you can’t lie and say you didn’t feel anything, ’cause I definitely did,” Chris said, his eyes locking onto hers with a piercing intensity.

“That was a month ago,” Angel reminded him, trying to keep her thoughts grounded.

Chris moved in closer, brushing his hand gently against her cheek. Angel felt a familiar warmth spreading through her, a flutter of excitement coursing through her veins. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the contact.

“See? I knew I wasn’t just imagining it,” Chris said, his voice softening.

They hadn’t seen or spoken since their first meeting, yet thoughts of him had often waltzed through Angel's mind. She wrestled with her emotions; she wasn’t ready for another relationship. She had just recently begun to heal, and giving in to these feelings frightened her.

“Chris, look, I don’t know if I’m ready to take those steps yet. Plus, we really don’t know each other. These feelings might be... something else,” she confessed, stepping back slightly to create a little distance.

“Just give me your phone,” Chris said, a determined glint in his eye. She watched while he programmed his number into her phone, calling himself to ensure he had her contact too.

“Talk to me, text me, call me, alright?” he urged, his voice earnest.

“Okay,” Angel replied, her heart fluttering as she slid into her car.

In disbelief over what had just transpired, she couldn’t help but blush, though she was determined not to reveal this side of herself to Chris. As she pulled into her driveway, a feeling of exhilaration mixed with uncertainty bubbled inside her.

Upon entering her house, the first person she spotted was her twin brother, Miguel, lounging comfortably on the couch.

“Now, why are you here? And how did you get a key?” Angel asked, her brow furrowed in playfulness.

“Missed you, too, twin. But don’t worry about the key; I’m your brother, remember?” Miguel smirked, his mischievous grin widening.

“How have you been, sis?” he inquired, genuinely curious.

“I’ve been alright! I absolutely love it here and my job too. And remember Ashley?” Angel replied with a bright smile.

“Yeah, your so-called best friend,” Miguel teased, raising an eyebrow.

“She’s here and we’ve been catching up every day. It’s been so nice,” Angel said, her enthusiasm evident.

“I’m glad you found a friend. Honestly, I was getting tired of hearing you vent about your work problems,” Miguel said with a laugh.

“Shut up,” she shot back playfully, rolling her eyes.

“So, what else is new? Don’t lie, I know my twin,” Miguel prodded, a teasing challenge in his voice.

“Well, I met a guy,” Angel admitted, the words slipping out before she could stop herself.

“Okay, what’s his name?” Miguel’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Chris. But honestly, we haven’t even had a proper conversation since that night at his house a month ago,” Angel explained.

“His house? Damn! You’re already moved in like that?” Miguel laughed, clearly amused.

“Get out! Don’t play with me,” Angel giggled. “It was just that one time. I only met him that night, and today was the first time I saw him again.”

“Well, what’s brewing there?” Miguel pressed, intrigued.

“I mean, there’s definitely something there, but I can’t quite put my finger on it,” Angel replied thoughtfully, a frown hinting at her uncertainty.

“Don’t tell me you’re feeling all those first-time love feelings,” Miguel teased, sensing the complexity of her emotions.

"Maybe," Angel but her lip looking down as thoughts of Chris ran in her mind.