Guardian Angel

Chapter 8

The next morning I woke up on my bed. I was dizzy from a pounding headache. Most likely from blood loss. Wait, was last night all a dream? No It couldn't be. It was far too real and more like a twisted nightmare. I looked at myself. I was wrapped in bandages. I could see spots where blood was soaking through. Then I realized something. I was in my nightgown. I don't remember getting changed last night. All I remember are those deep blue eyes and midnight-black wings. When I was deep in thought, Laura rushed in. "Miss Scarlet," she said. I could tell she was worried. "Are you alright?" I sat up in bed even though I was cringing in unbearable pain. I looked at Laura and she could tell I was hurting. However I responded, "I am fine." She gave me some medicine and changed out my bandages. I assumed she was the one that changed me into my sleepwear last night. "Your grandparents were terribly worried," Laura uttered. "They thought you had been killed." All I could do is stare with little emotion. Once Laura had finished she pushed her red hair from her eyes and told me she would bring my meals upstairs until I recovered. She gave me a pity smile and walked out of my room. She promptly returned with my breakfast. She sat with me in my room and kept me company until I had finished. "I shall leave you to rest," said Laura as she stood up. I thanked Laura for staying with me while I ate and then she left once more. I began to think about last night and the series of events I went through. I had to see Garren. I needed to know if that was him. I sat back up in my bed and struggled to stand, using the bed frame to support me. I then proceeded to hobble to the door and down the stairs to the garden. When I was outside, even though it was a cloudy London day, I still thought it was a beautiful day. I wondered the garden for a long time. I searched behind every bush, shrub, and tree I came across. There was no sign of Garren. I sat down on the bench under the willow tree in the center of the garden and just sighed. I had to much on my mind when I faintly heard a cry in the distance. It was Laura calling for me. "I'm over here," I croaked out. "Under the willow tree." She dashed over to me and sat down beside me. "Deary, you had my worried," said Laura catching her breath. "I can assure you I am fine," I said ignoring my pain. "Do you remember when you said my grandparents thought I had been killed?" She nodded. I took a deep breath and in a hushed tone I muttered, "I almost was." I noticed Laura's shocked expression so I would not tell her about my dark guardian angel and the demon Zachary. "There was a man in a dark room," I stated first. "He kicked me and beat me. He even held a gun to my head and threatened to shoot me." By this time, Laura looked like she would faint at the thought of this. "But I was rescued," I said to reassure her. "I was rescued by the mysterious gardener Garren. I'm sure of it now. I can tell by his eyes." I turned to look at Laura's face. She seemed worried. Almost like she was hiding something. She patted my shoulder and sweetly said, "Miss Scarlet," she said, "we don't have a gardener by the name of Garren."