Love and Angels

nine

Laney

Kass's parents are out of town this weekend, which isn't unusual. They go out of town for a weekend once or twice a month and invited my parents to go with them this time. They worried about whether or not they should go, but I assured them I'm old enough to spend the weekend at home alone. Not that there's much for me to do as far as taking care of myself; Mom fixed a week's worth of meals for me to reheat even though they'll only be gone one night.

My parents think I'll be home alone all weekend, but I packed a bag the second they hesitantly slid into the car with Kass's parents and drove away. I bite my lip, wondering what I should expect tonight. We have kissed a few times since that day in the broom closet but nothing more than that. I'm ready for more, but he hasn't given me any hints to as whether or not he's ready.

I head next door with my bag over my shoulder and take a deep breath before I walk right in. The familiar scent of fresh-cut flowers hits my nose as I venture through the entryway.

I walk to the living room after locking the door behind me. The living room with all of its lived-in furniture and big screen TV attached to multiple game, video, and stereo systems feels deserted. Nearly every other time I've been here, Kass would be sitting on the couch watching football games. But now, if I hadn't noticed the few lights on upstairs, I would think no one is home. The silence is eerie, and I second-guess what I could see from outside.

"Kass?" I call out.

Nothing.

I walk a little further into the living room when I hear a cabinet in the kitchen creak open. Jumping when a glass shatters on the floor, I turn my head to see the shards of glass on the tile. My scream is deafening even to my own ears. The entire kitchen can be seen from the living room, and I am completely alone.

Still nothing from Kass.

I run from the shattered glass to the upstairs landing, heading straight to Kass's room. The hallway light flickers, creeping me out further. I open his door, not caring about being courteous; only the comfort of seeing another person could calm me right now.

Kass stands in front of his bed in only a pair of faded jeans. The muscles in his back ripple when he bends to pick a shirt up off of his bed.

How did he not hear me barge in here, or the scream for that matter?

"Kass," I breathe.

He turns slowly, his shirt covering his face as he pulls it on. I've spent hours this summer with him swimming in his pool, and none of those times compare to how his sculpted chest looks right now. I'm only able to see the lower half as he pulls his shirt down to cover his delicious abs, but the way his pants hang just off his hips has me salivating.

"Hey, eyes up here," he demands, humor in his voice.

My eyes meet his, the smile falling from his face as he approaches me. He takes my face in his hands, his eyes darting between each of mine. "Is everything okay?" he asks.

I gulp and take a deep breath. "Remember after we first met when I told you this house was haunted?"

He nods. "Remember when I told you how crazy you were for believing the town gossip?"

"It's not gossip. The entire family died here, and supposedly, people can still hear their screams..." His thumb strokes my cheek seconds before he drops his hands from my face. It's a tender gesture, and I wish he would continue doing it.

"I haven't seen anything spooky or heard any screams, and I've lived here for over a year now."

I grab his hand and practically drag him downstairs. "Then explain that," I command, pointing to the floor where the cup had fallen minutes ago.

Kass flips on the light. "Explain what?" he asks, looking at me like I've completely lost my mind.

"The glass on the floor!" I yell, not even looking to confirm the glass is still there. Where would it go? We are the only two here, and neither of us could have touched it.

"Laney, there isn't any glass on the floor."

I turn quickly and notice he's right. The glass is gone and the cabinet is shut. What. The. Hell?

"It was there! I was calling for you, but you weren't answering. The cabinet squeaked open and a glass crashed to the floor, breaking into a million tiny pieces."

Kass reaches for the cabinet and opens it. It doesn't make a sound. "This cabinet?"

I look down to my feet before answering, knowing I'll only continue to look crazy. "Yes," I sigh as Kass continues to silently swing the cabinet door.

"None of the cabinets creak," he offers.

"I'm not crazy," I argue.

"I never said you were."

"Doesn't mean you weren't thinking it."

He smiles and pulls me in for a hug. I revel in his hugs. They're warm, and even though his body is solid rock against my soft curves, it's one of the most comfortable places I have been given the privilege of being held. It feels like heaven to have his arms around me.

"I love your crazy." My heart skips a beat. I know he can't mean it the way I want him to, but it gives me hope he might someday.

***

"What the hell were you thinking?" the Arch asks Ryder. Ryder has to crane his head back to see the tall Arch's face. Steam rises from under his cloak, and Ryder backs away without thinking. They hate it when he shows weakness. The Arch's forehead creases even more in anger.

"I was trying to hide," Ryder reasons.

The Arch slaps Ryder across the back of the head. "She can't see us, you idiot!"

Ryder's cheeks pinken in embarrassment. "Sorry, I forgot."

The Arch shakes his head then disappears, mumbling, "Kid's never gonna cut it."

Ryder's shoulders fall, and he shuts the cabinet door before snapping his fingers to clean up the glass. Angel mojo definitely comes in hand, he thinks to himself, even if I am the weakest angel. Why they put him to the task of watching their most prized Ascent, he'll never know.

Laney and Kass walk back into the kitchen, and Ryder's back stiffens, straight as a board.

They can't see me.

They can't see me.

They can't see me.

He chants in his head before his body begins to tingle and spark when Kass walks through him to open and close the cabinet door. Wind blows through Ryder's hair as he runs from the room. He shivers, hoping to shake the sensation of Kass.

Screw that. I'll watch her later, he thinks, knowing he's not allowed to leave her side.