The Devil Beside Me.

No turning back.

Isn't Love a wonderful thing, Father? 

Whatever gave you that perception, my boy? 

Sacrificing everything you have for someone you love is noble, right? 

That very noble love of yours is also used to manipulate and deceive people. I'm not complaining as long as it gets my teachings across. 

So, Love is not a good thing? 

Love is a good thing, my boy. But it is more beneficiary to us then it is to God. Where else do you think the seven sins come from? Love yourself too much, you get Pride. Love sex and pleasures of the body, you get Lust. Love what everyone else has, you get Envy. Love food, you get Gluttony. Love self-destruction, you get Wrath. Love wealth, status and power, you get Greed. And finally, love laziness, you get sloth. As long as love gets my teachings across, I have nothing against it.  

Will I never feel the pureness of love? 

Love is just God's play to ensure his creations do not extinct. Keep that in mind, boy. Love is something you will never have to bother with.  

Will everything good always be tainted with evil, Father? 

Evil is always possible. Goodness is eternally difficult. That is just a fact of life.

Bianca didn't know what to feel. It was a new day and the morning rays were gently basking her with its warmness but she felt so cold and empty inside. Angel was still asleep beside her, breathing slowly. "She looks so peaceful. Just like a little angel. How can I put her through this?" Bianca thought. Bianca knew it was too late to save her lovable niece from the horrible fate that awaits her. Angel stirred in her sleep and opened one eye and looked at Bianca. "What time is it?" Angel asked while yawning. "Around 9 a.m." Bianca replied. "Oh My God! Jacob!" Angel said as she jumped out of bed. "Jacob? You mean the sun kissed boy? The one you have a crush on?" Bianca asked with her eyebrows raised. "I so do not have a crush on Jacob!" Angel replied, blushing. "Yea, right, honey. Those strawberry cheeks of yours give it all away." Bianca said, roaring with laughter. Angel stuck out her tongue at Bianca and ran into the bathroom. "Will she lead a normal life after this? How am I going to explain to her mother that I sold her daughter's soul to save my own skin? Maybe I should just own up to my own mistakes and pull Angel out of this mess. It isn't her price to pay in the first place." Bianca thought miserably. The bedroom door creaked opened. Bianca looked up and saw a tired looking Renee and a terrified looking Benedicta looking back at her. "It isn't their price to pay either, B." a distant voice reminded her. 

Sighing, Bianca nodded at her friends. "What do you want?" she asked. "I know this isn't the right time, but I just want you to make sure everything is in order for tonight's ritual." Renee said in a small voice. "Do you really think I know what are we are suppose to do tonight? You guys really think I worship the Devil!? If the Devil wants a soul, he will get it, regardless if there is a ritual or not! Trust me on that, alright?" Bianca hissed. "We didn't want any of this either, B, unless you have forgotten, this whole thing is your fault!" Benedicta replied in a low tone. "Please, let's not fight. It isn't going to do us any good. I know you are angry; B but we got no choice. I love Angel too. You know that, right?" Renee said. "Well, you have a funny way of showing it!" Bianca fumed. Their conversation was interrupted when Angel walked out of the bathroom wearing a light blue princess dress, tripping a little. For a girl too used to shorts and jeans, maneuvering herself in an ankle length dress deemed a difficult task. But Angel was not a quitter and forced herself to concentrate as she walked, something she never had to bother with up till now. She looked up at the three girls and said, "Am I interrupting something?" "No, honey, we are done. There is not much to talk about anyway." Bianca said sweetly to Angel. 

Looking at her friends, she said, "Do whatever you think is right. I'll check it out later. Now, go." "Did you fight with your friends, Sis B? You seem to be a little cold towards them. Is there something wrong?" Angel inquired. Bianca looked into Angel's jade green eyes and said, "Nothing's wrong. We are all a little tired, that's all. Don't worry about it, okay?" Angel nodded her head and fell silent. "Come on here; let me do your hair. You should look your best in front of Jacob if you want to impress him." Bianca whispered dramatically. "Sis! I do not want to impress him! He is my best friend and I am his. Nothing more and certainly, nothing less." Angel said with much conviction as she could possibly master. Bianca smiled sadly and said nothing. "You are all set. You can go to the playground now. Oh, Angel, remember to come back home before lunch, do not talk to strangers, do not accept any gifts or foods from unknown people and do stick by Jacob. Don't wonder anywhere alone, alright?" Bianca said. "You have told me this a gazillion times, sis. Don't worry. I won't be going anywhere. I'll be here as long as you need me." Angel said while smiling. With her hand resting on the doorknob, Angel turned and looked at Bianca and said, "Are you sure you are okay? Do you want me to accompany you? You look as if you have just lost something valuable. I'm sure Jacob wouldn't mind." "No, no, no. I'm fine. Its just one of those days that you really don't have the strength to smile, you know. I'll be fine. You go and have fun with Jacob. I'm sure he's waiting for you already." Bianca said with a tired smile. Angel didn't look convinced and dragged herself out of the room. Bianca watched her little niece walk out of the door and felt as if everything was moving in slow-motion. 

"There is just no way I'm going to sacrifice a child's life to the devil. I'll face the consequences. I'm sorry I have to drag Dicta and Renee into this. If I can save their life, I will without a second's thought. But I will not use Angel to save their lives nor mine. Our fate has been sealed. It is time to face the music." Bianca thought. Making up her mind, she called out to Angel before the little girl could close the door. Angel skipped towards Bianca with a huge smile on her face and curious eyes. Bianca held Angel hand and pulled her closer. "I'm going to tell you something really important. I want you to listen to me without interrupting and do exactly as I say, okay. Angel, I really love you and will not lose you at any cost. So, I want you to pack a few clothing and live with Jacob's family for a while. Tell them that you want to have a sleepover at his place. Tell Jacob to talk to his parents. Do not leave his house at any cost. Stay hidden and do not go out in public places. Make sure Jacob doesn't tell anyone that you are living with him. If it is possible, make sure his family doesn't tell to people either. When the time is right, I'll come over and pick you up. Then, I'll send you back to your parents. If a miracle happens, you can stay with me when everything goes back to normal, alright?" Bianca whispered soothingly. Angel's green eyes didn't betray her emotions. They were blank and expressionless. Bianca held her breath. She knew that look and didn't like what it might imply. "No. I'm not going anywhere." Angel said with a tinge of hardness in her voice. "I'm not leaving you. I know you are in trouble. Your friends said that I can save you and I will. I don't care what happens to me. There is no need for you to worry about it either. God will save me. He always has and always will." She continued in a calmer voice and walked out of the house.