Underground Angels

Chapter Thirty-Three| Hello, Goodbye

Chapter Thirty-Three

Hello, Goodbye

 

        It was odd to wake up a high school graduate. Some kids were getting jobs in town for a year, some moving to the city or going on a vacation to Europe or the tropics. Noel was going to hell.

Her world felt so different than before, when she was nobody and no one cared – she was just a nerdy girl with odd habits and a love of funny cat videos, Harry Potter and Star Wars. When her hair was long and her bow and arrow only held sentimental meaning. Now it saved her life.

It was still early when Noel got out of bed and nearly tripped over Lola, who was asleep on her floor. It was so odd to have anyone but Corrie there that Noel left the room, tiptoeing down the stairs to the kitchen. On the other side of the double sliding doors were Constantine and Stephan, sprawled across the living room.

In the kitchen Grandma Ethel sat in the breakfast nook, drinking a cup of tea.

“Good morning Grandma.” Said Noel quietly, sliding in across from her.

“How does it feel to be a high school graduate?” asked Grandma Ethel, smiling across the table.

She shrugged, staring at the tabletop. “Not much different.”

“Are you nervous?”

“I really, really am.” Noel tried to hide the tremble in her voice, but Grandma Ethel saw right through her.

“You will do fine,” she reassured her. “And you know Noel…your Grandpa…he would be very proud of you.”

Noel’s head jerked up and she saw the tears in her Grandmother’s eyes. Her Grandfather George had been Noel’s favourite person all her life, and when he died the year before it had broken her heart. Grandpa George had taught Noel how to use her bow and arrow.

“Did Grandpa know about the prophecy?”

Grandma Ethel looked suddenly guilty. She nodded slowly, gripping her tea cupt tightly. “He did, and that…I think he had a feeling he wouldn’t be around to help you through it, so the lessons –”

“Where to help me unless he couldn’t.” finished Noel. She desperately wished her Grandpa were there to help her now, she could sure use it.

            Gabriel’s Volvo was packed to the brim, weapons hidden under duffel blankets, bags and camping supplies. Bernie and Mark were under the impression that they were going on a camping trip, going around Canada to increase awareness about Gabriel.

The Foster’s had started a website that strived in trying to find Gabriel, and it made Noel want to tell them everything – but somehow the truth might hurt more.

“Have fun kids,” Mark said, waving from the porch.

“Be safe!” added Bernie.

Grandma Ethel trotted down the steps away from her daughter. “Remember what I told you all,” she said lowly, glancing back at Bernie. “There is a small window and if you miss it…well, it won’t open for another year. You know how to get to the lake?”

Constantine shook her hand. “Yeah, don't worry. Thank you for your help Ethel, we would be lost without you.”

Grandma Ethel smiled nervously. “Good luck children, may the Gods watch over you on this quest.” She hugged Noel tightly, her short frame almost toppling over in her red stilettos. “Bring him home,” she whispered. “I know you can do it.”

They were about to all pile into the car when Lola pointed over Noel’s shoulder. “Noel – look.”

Coming down the shady road was Corrie and Ned, holding hands. Noel left the demigods and ran towards her friends, hugging them tightly.

“I know it’s been hard, and that we haven’t been able to help you as much as we’d like, but…” Corrie sniffed into Noel’s hair. “We’re going to miss you.”

“We hope you find Gabriel.” Ned said, smiling kindly, hugging her.

“I’m not –”

“Don’t look so surprised.” Scoffed Corrie. “We know what you’re doing. Maybe if you find him…the Noel we love will come back.”

Noel was embarrassed to feel her eyes sting with tears. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a crappy friend.”

“You’re not.” Promised Corrie. “See you soon?”

“Yeah.” Noel nodded, though she didn’t know whether they would see each other soon at all.

“You have good friends.” Constantine said as Noel climbed into the car, waving to her parents.

“I do.” She said, voice choked. Leaning out the window she called over: “Be a good girl Bella!”

Bella whined at Bernie’s feet, wagging her tail a little. Noel was sad to say goodbye.

“Okay!” Stephan said, faking cheeriness. “Let’s get this adventure started!”

“Ready?” Constantine asked, starting the car.

Noel took a deep breath and nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.” They left Aytonville behind quickly, heading towards the unknown. Noel had never been more scared in her life.

A/N: So it's been a month and I'm super sorry, but I've had a 3 projects to do throughout this entire month and I've finally hit a lull in the workload so here I am!

I am about to hit 1000 followers, and in celebration I am going to do a Q&A. If you have any questions about Noel, Gabriel, the writing process, all that, ask below and I'll answer your Q's with some A's.

Question: Where do you think this quest will take the gang first?

Rose