Between Heaven And Hell

Chapter 5

The mall was considerably empty. Summer wasn't too far off and before long this place would be crawling with people. It made a shiver run down Shar's spine. Taylor's energy was endless and she jumped and danced around. Esme took stride with Shar.

An elderly couple stood in the middle of the main aisle. They stared hard at Shar and scrunched up their faces. Esme noticed, and she also noticed how Shar stiffened. The angel quickly slipped her arm into Shar's. "You know, you really are a good person, no matter what they say. You've been my hero since I met you." Her voice was loud enough for the couple to hear.

The thought of the angel saying that the girl was good made them smile and walk over. "Thank you angel." The bold old woman said as she grasped Esme's hand in her own. "Such a wonderful girl you are. Trying to...."

Disgust crossed the angel's face as she ripped her hand away. Esme cut her off sharply. "Her being good has nothing to do with me." She gave her friend a one-armed half hug and the small group walked away leaving the couple in awe. "Can you believe her? Making it seem like you're bad. Just because I have feathered wings makes me something wonderful." She groaned.

Shar heard the tone in her voice and figured Esme got that often. "Well..." Shar hesitated only until Esme grasped her hand. "With or without the wings, I think you're wonderful." Shar smiled as her face took on a red tint. For once she was glad Taylor became a distraction.

"OH MY GOD! You would not believe what I found at the dollar store!" Taylor said as she raced toward Shar and Esme.

Shar looked at the cat girl's massive smile. "Let me guess. 4 for a dollar catnip mice?" Shar giggled.

"NO! Well ya...but that's not it!" Taylor stuck her tongue out at Shar and pulled her ears back before they sprung back up. "I found Blaze!" She said as she stepped to the side to reveal Blaze still walking to catch up to her. He had tight, black leather pants and a white tank on. A studded collar laced his neck enhancing his orange color.

"Well, well good to see you, Blaze." Shar smiled at him, then looked at Taylor. "Well Taylor, now you can ask him that question." Shar smiled as Taylor froze.

Taylor started to stutter when Esme pounced on Blaze, giving him a tight hug. "Hi, Blaze." She smiled at him. Blaze being the hug-loving tiger he is, couldn't resist and hugged her back tight. Esme smiled softly at Taylor.

"So, what you gurlz doin' here?" Blaze ran his hand through his hair. His green eyes lingered on Taylor. Shar noticed.

"Just out and about, that and Taylor offered to buy coffee." Shar smiled as she looked at Blaze, then glanced at Taylor.

"Oh, I see how it is batty." Taylor giggled as she batted her paw at Shar. "Never for me just for the free coffee."

Shar smiled at her. "Damn right, kitten." She ruffled Taylor's head. The cat girl purred softly.

"Awww." Blaze said without thinking, then quickly covered his mouth. Shar let it go this time.

"So Blaze, what you doing today?" Shar asked as she put her hand on her hip.

"Just about to head home before work." He stood there his tail flicking back and forth. Shar quickly noticed the sleep in his eyes. He must have been up all night working. she thought.

Taylor pounced on him wrapping her arms around his neck. Her blond fur complimented his orange. "Oh Blaze, don't leave yet. Come for coffee with us. Pleeeeeeease." She begged.

Blaze let out a soft sigh before Shar took his hint. "Hey kitten, you can bother Blaze all day at school Monday." Her look made Taylor understand the underlying hint.

She let go and slid down his back. "Oh fine," She stuck her tongue out at Blaze. "girls' weekend anyway!" She giggled softly. He smiled at her. Esme noticed the sparks this time.

Blaze gave Shar a look that said thanks. "See you gurlz later!" He waved as he walked off.

"God you two are just like a romance novel!" Esme said to Taylor as they headed off towards the coffee place on the second level. Taylor blushed and shrugged off the comment.

Taylor giggled as Shar and Esme wiggled into the booth. Their wings were the problem. Taylor saw the frustration on Shar's face and stopped giggling. Finally, they got situated and fell into conversation.