An Angel's Crusade (An Angel's Wings Sequel)

Chapter Six: A Confession

Kinsley

 When she saw Bailey striding out of the tent, Kinsley said a quick goodbye to Alex. She took notice of the other girl's tear streaked face and figured she needed him more than her.

She starts walking to the girl's tent, glancing back at Alex every few steps. He's hugging Bailey, rubbing the crying girl's back in support.

Kinsley feels her stomach fill with jealousy and she mentally scowls herself for it. There is nothing between her and Alex and there never will be.

She turns around and walks quickly into the tent.

She immediately spots Iris and Payton laying side by side on the ground. Payton is fast asleep but Iris is staring up at the ceiling of the tent. Her head moves and their eyes meet. Iris brings her finger to her lips and Kinsley nods in understanding.

She makes her way to the other side of the tent and takes the only open space left.

"Kinsley." Iris' voice comes in a whisper but it startles her. She twists around to face the other girl, her heart beating fast as adrenaline pumps into it. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Kinsley stares at the other girl. Iris is wearing a purple tank top and ripped jeans. She's got her arms crossed over her chest, but not in an intimidating way.

"It's fine. You didn't."

Payton stirs suddenly in her sleep and Iris sighs. "Can we talk outside? I don't want to wake Payton. It's been awhile since she's gotten any rest."

Kinsley nods and follows her out of the tent and away from the sleeping human.

"So," Iris starts once they get a few feet from the tent. "What's on your mind?"

Kinsley stares at the other girl. "What do you mean?"

Iris gives her a look. "You know exactly what I mean."

She shakes her head. Iris hasn't known her for forty-eight hours and she seems to be able to read her as if she's known her her whole life. "I don't think I should stay with you guys."

Iris frowns. "What are you talking about? Why not?"

"Your friends obviously don't want me here. I shouldn't be with you, I'm not like you." Kinsley shifts uncomfortably. She was planning on just slipping out out after everyone was asleep, but now Iris knows and Kinsley knows that she isn't going to make it easy.

"Well, it's not up to them." Iris' voice sounds on edge. "It's up to Alex‒"

"And I don't want to put Alex in that position!" Kinsley snaps, cutting her off. She lower her voice. "They blame me for Leo."

Iris' eyes soften as well as her voice. "Leo wasn't your fault. It was Owen who‒"

Kinsley cuts her off again. "I love Owen!" Iris steps back in surprise, but quickly regains herself. She opens her mouth to say something, but Kinsley shakes her head. "I loved him. I trusted him and he used me." She looks directly at Iris. "Leo warned me about the cabin and I warned Owen. If I hadn't done that, if I hadn't betrayed Leo, he would still be alive and Owen would be the one who is dead."

"And you would have never forgiven yourself." Iris' voice is still soft and kind, but it only makes Kinsley feel worse.

"Why can't you just hate me?" she shouts not caring about the sleeping White Angel camp. "Why can't you just blame me for Leo's death just like everyone else?" She stops for a second. "Like I do."

She didn't really realize she blamed herself until she confessed it. Her eyes are filled with tears and she wipes them away desperately. "I already can't forgive myself."

Iris opens her mouth to say something probably to comfort her and for a few moment Kinsley hoped that what she would say would help, but Iris presses her lips together.

Kinsley nods. "Yeah. That's what I thought." She turns around and starts back toward the tent.

"Kinsley, wait!" Iris begs. Kinsley stops and turns to face her again. Iris' eyes are filled with forlorn. "I...I," she stutters helplessly.

Kinsley turns and walks back to the tent, leaving Iris alone outside.