Change of Heart (NaNoWriMo 2011)

Chapter 6

Jariel wondered if he was growing too soft. Already he was giving advice to humans, when he really should just be ignoring them. He kicked a pebble and watched it roll away from him and in to the street as he walked back to the warehouse. He started humming a tune that he had heard Isaac humming, but then quickly realized what he was doing and stopped. He continued to look down at the pavement as he maneuvered his way through the crowds of people and the busy New York traffic. He didn’t want to see the people’s expressions when they looked at him with their disapproving eyes. They should feel sorry for themselves. They were the ones who needed the help, not him. They were the ones who had to live in this horrible realm every day of their miserable lives.

            The fallen angel let out a deep sigh. He needed to get away from here, but who was he kidding? He didn’t even have a plan as to how to get back in to Heaven. He was immortal, well at least he thought he still was, and therefore couldn’t get in to Heaven by death.  There just had to be another way. But what?

            He entered the warehouse to find Isaacs’s space empty. He just shrugged and guessed that he wasn’t home yet. He went over to his space, unwrapped his blanket, and lied down, falling asleep instantly.

Jariel woke up, surprised to find Isaac’s place still empty. It looked as if he hadn’t returned at all last night. He wondered what could have happened and he asked the other homeless people in the building if they have seen him. When everyone said that they hadn’t, he just assumed that he slept somewhere else. Truthfully, he was worried, but he wasn’t about to admit to that. He decided to spend his day picking through the garbage and seeing if he could get anything decent tonight.

            While wandering he passed by an art store. It wasn’t big, or fancy, it was run down on the outside just like the diner. That didn’t catch his interest though.

            Dawn was browsing the shelves in the art store. Jariel noticed that Dawn looked so determined about something, as though she was there on a mission.  He couldn’t help it. He opened the door to the shop and walked in. Dawn’s head snapped up and she looked surprised. He didn’t blame her though, he was surprised at himself too.

            “Jariel?” Dawn asked, confused. “What are you doing here?”

            “I was just passing by.” He answered, unsure how to really answer the question. “I saw you and I wanted to ask, have you thought about what you’re going to do yet?”

            “About?” she asked, clearly still confused, although she was also blushing.

            “Homeless people.” He answered, as though it was obvious. “You told me you wanted to help them.”

            “I did.” She laughed. “I don’t really know. I was thinking about opening my home to them, but then again I don’t have another room and I don’t know if they would like sleeping on the couch…” her voice trailed off.

            “Heck, I’m sure they would be grateful for a couch.” He smiled. “Trust me, I know I would be grateful.”

            “Then,” she started, but then paused as to think over what she was about to say. “Why don’t you stay with me? I could help you get a job and you’d be warm.” She laughed. “I sound stupid though. I barely know you.”

            “You’d want me to stay with you, even after I’ve been a jerk?” he asked, surprised.

            “O-only if you want to!” she stammered, her face turning red.