Ubiquity

II.

The woman in the mirror looked pale and sleep deprived. The bags under her eyes didn’t help the current situation, the lacy paper crushed under her hands felt like a thousand needles settling into her crimson flesh. Her curls matted on the sides of her face, a sign of restless slumber.

The woman in the mirror was me. I rued this day would come. It meant a hell of a lot more than a wedding.

My body moved on its own, searching for that one substance to calm the wave of desperation that reached its peak. I doused over five cups of java just to stop the longing, but at the end of the day, I would be out like a light. My dreams haunted by the smell of leather and a pair of the clearest blue eyes the world had yet to look into.

Gabriel would be the death of me and I cursed his name everyday. Too bad the sap had to come back the day he said he would.

Stupid angels and the tendency for honor. I figured he forgot all about Noelia and left to go do what Archangels do.

“See, when I meant wear something sexy, I didn’t mean your PJs.”

I rubbed my eyes, “Bite me, Gabby.”

“Don’t tempt me,” his eyes were on the invitation, “Sister dearest was quick with the planning, I almost feel sorry for her Wedding Planner. Poor guy was working for Medusa in the flesh.”

I stifled a giggle, flattening the piece of paper, “That’s Noemi for you, always the bossy perfectionist.”

“And, that would make you the loose one? No offense.”

I grit my teeth. “Well, aren’t you just a peach.”

That got me a smirk from him. Gabby here would haunt my dreams and made sure I wouldn’t forget him. The day after he brought me back home, I thought it was all a dream.

Nope. I was sadly mistaken when he appeared saving me from Jason in my nightmare. He laughed at my fears and called them “silly.” I cringed at the word.

He walked towards my bed and threw himself at it.

“You have thirty minutes to get ready.”

I snorted, “Or else what?”

His eyes gleamed and that was all it took to get my butt in motion. I headed to my room and packed clothes that would last me a few days.

Half and hour later, we were on the road. I was ready for the occasion. Black dress and black pumps ready to make a statement. By the time we passed the state line, I wouldn’t have to worry about getting ready.

I plugged in my headphones and tried to ignore the sensation of having him so close.

******

“If you don’t wake up, I’m going to do something you won’t like.”

I could feel his breath fan my face. It was minty and nice. The close contact was a bit much, that snapped me awake., jolting me right up. I glared at him, not happy with the lack of sleep I’ve been getting.

I rubbed my eyes and tried to focus on my little sister’s big day.

‘Lia, when I grow up I want to be a librarian and drown myself in all these books.’

‘A librarian, huh? That’s so you, Mimi!’

I felt a pang in my chest. It’d been years since I last saw Noemi. I always wondered if she actually became the profession she set out to pursue as a child. I smiled at the thought.

But, all thoughts had an end. Mine particularly ended up with an angel.

“Are you on something?”

Whoop there it was.

If looks could kill...the bastard would be dead. He was lucky he looked good in that suit. He chose the traditional tux It was nothing big, but on him, it was like he came out of a modeling gig --- suits edition.

“Is this how you treat all your dates?”

He wore a smug grin, “Not all my dates come out with the face you’re pulling right now.”

I rolled my eyes. He got out of the car and pulled my car seat open. It was sweet, but I wasn’t buying all that cheese.

I made my way inside the church, but I felt a hand stop me before heading inside. I turned around and my breath stopped.

His gaze changed and said, “You look beautiful, by the way.”

We were both red. His face had a handprint mark and I was flushed. I couldn’t concentrate on the ceremony and I had Gabriel to thank for that. It was a blessing in disguise because I always hated the beginning part. I wanted to get to the reception quick.

I hadn’t eaten in hours and who didn’t love cake? I scouted every inch of the plaza for the dessert, leaving Gabby to fend for himself.

“Noelia, mija!”

That voice could never be forgotten. It was a mother’s cry to her offspring.

Or a threat.

A small old lady walked down the aisle with such grace. My mother may be short, but she knew how to carry herself. Nidia Esquibel was a woman to be respected. I admit, she still scared the living daylights out of me, but those are mothers.

“Mom.” Curt and short, then she might go away. Like she did all those years ago.

“How are you liking everything?” She sounded happy.

She wasn’t serious was she? Trying to talk to me like everything was okay? I tried my hardest to not waver.

“It’s okay.” I felt like throwing up, I didn’t want to be near this woman at the moment. I wasn’t ready. I don’t think I would ever be ready.

“You’re up next, you know.” She giggled, looking around at all the party guests. She wouldn’t look at me, not directly.

Breathe, breathe, breathe. You’ve done great without her. What’s another five years?

“Sure.” I didn’t feel like arguing in Noemi’s wedding. It was her day and I wasn’t going to spoil it. In the nick of time, Noemi tackled me with the biggest hug ever. I felt tears on my neck instantly.

“Missed you, too, Mimi.” I raised my hands and patted her back with one hand. Her make-up was all messy I brought my thumbs to wipe away the access from her eyes. I cradled her face, taking a good look at the woman she had become.

Her gown was gorgeous. She didn’t like flashy things, so she stuck to the classics. She wore her dress like a second skin. Her hair was styled up and she looked amazing. Weddings became her and my new brother-in-law was in for the ride of his life.

She whispered, “Don’t go disappearing on me ever again.” It was hard to understand her with all the sobbing, but I got the jist of it.

I sighed. It must have been hard on her, especially growing up without her big sister there to give her advice or have big girl talk. Well, now I would give her advice that would change her life. I was going to tell her about the baby.

“Listen, Mimi---”

A scream filled the plaza, bringing everyone’s hands to their heads. Before my very eyes, my sister’s guts were being held on display. I could make out a hand. Noemi coughed, traces of blood were on the edges of her mouth. She reached out for me, but was thrown to the wall.

My mother titled her head back and smiled in glee.

“No!” I ran to Noemi, but I was soaring in the skies.

It was a whisper, but I knew it was him.“I miscalculated.”

Gabriel carried me out of there to safety and I hated him for it.