Emma's Short Stories

An Ordinary Miracle (Part 2)

     By the time they were done, the moon was already in the sky. They had had bread and apples for food, which Nathaniel had gotten for free from a gypsy vender.

"I had a wonderful time, but I really should go home," Angel said politely.

"I understand. Give my love to your mama and papa. Will I see you tomorrow?" Nathaniel asked eagerly.

"O-okay."

   He smiled at her and snuck into a tent nearby. Angel ran all the way back to Notre Dame and flew inside with a big smile. She ran up the stairs that led to the bell tower high above and fell onto comfy pillows behind a blanket curtain near La Fidèle. She snuggled up and went to sleep, as happy as she could be.

   The sun was already high in the sky when Angel raced to the twisting staircase,

"Angel? Where are you going?" her mother called.

"Um...to the circus."

"Oh! Did you enjoy it?"

"Y-yes."

"You came home so late. We couldn't find you anywhere."

"Oh, I was with... one of the performers. He was... teaching me some of his routine."

"He? It was a man?" Madellaine questioned

"Yes, but he was very nice."

"Well... be careful. We told you the story of Sarousch.

"Oh don't worry mother. I...I trust this man with my life!"

Madellaine winced, "O-okay then. Please be careful Angel."

"Okay mother. I will. I promise," Angel finished and started towards the stairs again.

"AND COME BACK EARLIER!!" Madellaine called out after her.

"OKAY Mother!" Angel smiled and rolled her eyes, then ran down the stone steps.

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    She ran to where Nathaniel was finishing his dance. When he saw Angel, Nathaniel gave the performance of his life. Much applause erupted and Nathaniel leapt off the stage right next to Angel. Clapping followed as Nathaniel grabbed Angel's hand and they ran off.

    Nathaniel showed Angel all the caravans and took her on a special behind-the-scenes tour of the circus. Angel loved every second of it and got to know some of the other performers. She found herself falling in love, not just with the circus, but with her tour guide as well. He was all that she wanted. He made her more confident. She took more risks because of him. 

"Now that you've shown me YOUR life. It's time that I showed you mine," she said with a mischevious smile. Nathaniel looked pleasantly surprised. She grabbed his hand and dragged his althroughout Paris. They saw the Sainte-Chapelle, the Palais de Justice, The Seine river, and last but not least, Notre Dame. 

"Paris, is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen," Nathaniel commented. Angel had never been so proud of her city. When the tours were over, they both had apples and bread again while sitting and watching the Seine.

"Angel, do you know how beauiful you are?"

"W-what?" Angel said blushing.

"You're beautiful. You realize this?"

"Well...I-I-I don't...well."

"My adoptive mama told me that beauty is only skin deep. You are not only beautiful on the outside, but you are beautiful on the inside. Do you know how I know this? These two days have been some of the best in my life because of you. You are graceful and pure. You aren't fake. I hate fake people. You are genuine."

Angel stared him straight in the eye with bright red cheeks, "Thank you very much. That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I'm not a princess though. I-I mean...I'm not perfect. I'm not very brave or courageous. And I don't have fanatstic social skills. I-I...I'm a weakling."

Nathaniel gazed at her with such a strong intensity. Angel felt like she was going to explode.

"Never let weakness convince you that you lack strength," he said gently.

Angel brightened at that comment. The phrase made her feel confident; or maybe it was the boy who was saying it.

He smiled, "Come with me."

Nathaniel led Angel to a long path that traveled away from Paris, "This is where we go tomorrow. We are heading to Italy," He said pointing down the road. Then he took both her hands, "I want you to come with us."

Her eyes widened, "Come with you? To Italy! Oh my goodness!"

He looked at her with pleading eyes, "I know it's only been two days, Angel. And it's not a lot of time that we've spent together. But I just can't live without you. I need your peace in my life, forever. I love you Angeline."

He leaned towards her and his lips met hers. She froze in shock  and grew weak in the knees but, with a short breath, melted into the kiss. He put his arms around her as they broke the kiss.

"Follow me?" he asked with a secret message written in his eyes.

"I have a hard time saying no." she said with a smile. He returned the grin and they ran back to the circus and he led her to a tent.