Between Heaven And Hell

Chapter 3

Sharlotte was up early, as normal. Sleep wasn't her friend. It hadn't been in a long time. She slipped herself out from under Esme and walked out onto the balcony, off of the kitchen to watch the sunrise. The stillness of the world brought her some peace.

"It's very pretty, isn't it." Taylor's soft voice carried to Shar's ears as she pattered out to the balcony with her friend. Shar turned and looked at her. The half-cat girl seemed to always be half awake. Taylor moved from the doorway and took place next to her friend. "You really like her don't you?"

Shar was shocked by the question. "Am I that obvious?" She groaned as she slumped against the cold railing. '

"Yes, but after seeing the way you two were last night. It was so sweet." Taylor bumped into her friend's hip playfully. Taylor missed having the old Shar...so carefree and wild. "It was nice to see you smile. Even if it was just for a little bit."

The words were kind, but they stung the demon's soul. And the anger bubbled up quickly. "It doesn't matter...she's too good...she could do so much better than this." Shar opened her wings to show Taylor as her nails bit into her palms. "She's an angel...and...well...I'm not."

Taylor put her hand on Sharlotte's shoulder softly. She wasn't scared of her friend, she oddly felt brave. "So you may have made a deal with some devil. Who cares? He didn't ruin this." She tapped on her chest, right about her heart.

The rage flooded back and Shar quickly cut her off. "Do you know what I did!" Her voice rose with a growl.

Taylor calmly continued, her voice light and soft as if soothing a child. "Just because you did it, doesn't make you the monster you think you are. Maybe one day you'll listen to me." Shar looked deeply at Taylor and knew she meant what she said. Her silly kitty wasn't known to be serious. "I knew you long before...and I know you now. Other than the wings, and strength gain," She giggled at that. "And maybe a few other things I haven't seen yet. You are still the same. This." She pointed to all of Shar. 'Is the same, and damn it Shar, you deserve happiness for once. You might possibly just deserve that angel out there. After all the shit you've gone through." Taylor fearlessly pulled Shar into a tight hug.