The Angelic Paradox

Surprise!

After dinner I run upstairs just in time to hear Corey Heart come on the radio.

"I wear my sunglasses at night..." I sing along, feeling especially connected. I wrote a paraody of the first line that references Artemis Fowl. My boyfriend! Oh my Castiel, yay!

I dance around my room, happy in all meanings of the word.

A new song comes on, "Come on, baby, doooo the Loco-mooootion..." I bellow with Grand Funk Railroad.

Twirling to my bathroom, I turn on the shower, still singing at the top of my lungs. Steam fills the room as I rid myself of my sticky layers of clothes and I step into the soothing hot water.

I've been told I have a beautiful voice by lots of people. I even got a standing ovation in a talent show one time. Honestly, I don't think I'm very good. I sing too loud. I still like to sing but don't think I'm exactly exceptional.

I start singing House of the Rising Sun by the Animals as I rinse the shampoo from my hair.

"There is a house in New Orleans they call the rising sun. It's been a ruin of many a poor boy and God, I know I'm one..."

Yeah, and I'm weird 'cause I listen to Oldies music. Ya' know, '70s and '80s music. Yeah, I'm weird that way.

"My mother was a tailor. She sold my new blue jeans. My father was a gamblin' man down in New Orleans..."

My thoughts drift to Artemis. His lips on mine. The memory strengthens the smile on my face. He is absolutely enchanting and I always find myself babbling nervously in his presence. I lose control of my wits and they just run wild around him.

"The only thing that a gambler needs is a suitcase and a trunk, and the only time he was satisfied was when he was all drunk..."

I've given this boy, this fictional character, my heart. He has given me his. Isn't it crazy that I was technically in love with him before I met him?

"So, Mother tell your children not to do what I have done, and spend your life in sin and misery in the House of the Rising Sun..."

Yeah, I'm in love with him. Obviously. But I'm fourteen. I don't wanna make that type of comitment now. I'm still young. Plus I just don't think I'm ready to say I love you back, ya' know. There's a difference between thinking you feel something and proclaiming you feel something.

"I've got one foot on the platform and the other foot on the train. I'm goin' back to New Orleans to wear that ball and chain..."

I turn the water off and step out of the shower, shaking droplets from my hair as I wrap myself in my lime green towel.

"Oh, there is a house in New Orleans they call the rising sun, and it's been a ruin of many a poor boy and God, I know I'm---"

I stop mid-line as my eyes take in the figure siting on my bed, reading my copy of Artemis Fowl. Copper colored waves tumble down his face as his golden eyes scan the page. I stumble backward. Sabriel. He's come for me.

A demented evil angel is in my bedroom, here to kidnap me and I'm standing here wet and wearing nothing but a towel. D'Arvit.

He looks up at me and grins, hungrily violating me with his stare, "Why, hello, sweetie. Long time no see," I just stare at him and he continues, "How's Arty boy? Rumor has it you two are a couple now."

I find my voice, "Get to the point, Sabriel."

He chuckles, "But, darling Emerald, you know life's not that easy. I have to eleborate. Otherwise, the result isn't nearly as satisfying."

I shift my feet, "Really, Swabe-zies? I thought you were stalling."

He looks at me, amused, "And why would I be stalling?"

"Because you're a coward."

He cackles, "Do you know how many idiots have tried to daunt me with that? It doesn't work."

"If so many people think you are then chances are, you are," I spit.

He chuckles, "You said are a lot in that sentence."

"And you sounded immature in that sentence."

He stands, "Well, Emerald, I believe it is time we depart."

I point with some urgency to the blank, blue wall next to me, "Look! Someone who cares!"

He sighs in exasperation, "It's amusing at first but at this point you know I'm the one in control here."

I snort, "I'm not afraid of you, Swabe-Babe."

"You should be," He snaps his fingers and a sharp pain stabs through me. I groan and double over, blood dribbling out of my mouth onto my towel.

I straighten slowly, gritting my teeth.

"Still not. Pain doesn't scare me," I snarl.

Sabriel shrugs, "But it hurts you."

I collapse on my floor as pain screams through me like someone stuck a knife in my abdomen and twisted it around. Blood gushes from my nose onto my towel, somehow avoiding the floor, and a blinding pain hits me behind my eyes. I bite my lip until it bleeds, trying not to scream.

"Ready to go?"

"No," I choke.

He raises his eyebrows, "Oh really? Now I think it's you, Ms. Tate who is stalling."

I laugh weakly, "Somebody give this guy a prize!"

He grins, "Well, I guess we have a couple minutes to spare."

I just stare at him, tightening my grip on my towel.

"Now, Emerald dear, I am within the required distance to kill your loved ones, so while we are here, you do as I say or someone you love dies. Painfully. Comprende?"

I nod. I'll sacrifice myself, but not my family.

"So now I will test your obedience. Come here," he grins devilishly.

I stumble closer to him, fearing for my family and hating him. I already know I will do whatever it takes to keep my family safe.

Sabriel takes my face in his hand and smirks at me, "Now let that towel fall, my dear."