Try Again

Part 2: First

     I opened my eyes. Stained glass bled red and blue light on the congregation. I was seated. Two pews ahead of me I could see the pale hair of the angel. She was short for one of them.

     Go now. Don't waste time. This will be simple if you hurry. I got to my feet, shoving my way to the aisle. My shoes clicked as I strode towards the grand double doors. The priest barely faltered in his speech. Outside, my nausea started to abate, but that wasn't important. I broke into a run. I was crying. A familiar voice broke the quiet buzzing in my ears. "Maricela?" I tried to swallow my emotions. Hopefully my eyes weren't still yellow. I stalked past Devin heading towards the church. He caught my arm. "Something wrong? You don't look so good."

     I swung around. "Let go of me or I will fucking kill you."

     He released me and stumbled backwards. "What the hell?"

     For a split second I realized what I'd said, but then I whirled. I need to save Felicity. "You'll have your money, Devin. I need to go." I felt his eyes on my back as I strode away. The distance to the apartment took too long. I could feel the time ticking down to the deadly moment. A chant started in my head. Save her. Save her. I ran my predator's eyes over the crowd. No one in a hoodie. I entered the apartment building, the warm stairs sending whispers into my feet. Save her. I broke into a run in the cold hallway.

    I went to go through the door and almost bashed into Felicity. She jumped back just in time. "Whoop, what are you doing back so early?"

     I could only stare for the longest time. To see her alive, not covered in red. "Felicity..." I whispered. I crossed the distance and wrapped her in a hug, the tears coming swiftly. God, it was worth it.

     I felt her swallow against my shoulder. "Much as I like random hugs, what's the matter? Did something happen?" She pulled back to look at me. Her eyes widened. "Jesus, Maria. Your—" She gestured at my head.

     I nodded. "Sorry, let's go in." I slipped past her, hearing the lock click behind me.

     "Don't say sorry to me. You're the one who could've been seen." Felicity crossed her arms. "What are you waiting for? Sit down so I can fix it."

     I nodded again.

     She took a step towards me. "Seriously, what's the matter?"

     I struggled to hold back more tears. This must be weird for her. I rarely cry. "Get your combs, I just need a minute. I'll tell you when you get back."

     She went. "It's freaking hot today. Tried opening the windows but that was worse. Honestly, someone should tell the sun to tone it down."

     "Hotter in hell," I said absently.

     Felicity poked her head out of the bathroom. "I suppose you would be the expert." I stared down at my hands. I'd forgotten my gloves in the church. Felicity returned. Her fingers were burning compared to mine. She held my hand up. "Really? You do this every time."

     I let her hold my hand. I needed the contact, to know she was real. "That's not important right now. You need to listen to me." I paused just long enough to see a flicker of fear in her eyes. She knew my tone. "Stay away from the man in the blue hoodie."

     "Maria, you're being really weird." Her voice was quivering.

     There was a knock at the door. Only one.

     Ice traced my spine. I glanced at the clock. "What the hell? He's too soon."

     "Maria?"