It was past seven in the morning when I saw her walking towards me and I felt sick to my stomach. She motioned for me to stand up with not an emotion in sight.
“Let’s get back to training. I need you to focus on the flames. Try to feel them.”
As expected, she pretended nothing happened. I was about to argue but decided it was useless.
I closed my eyes and there she was. It was like her image was ingrained in the back of my eye lids: her dark green eyes, even the light freckles on her nose, the smell of summer and cranberries and her cherry –
“Max!” She yelled. I stumbled backwards. “You need to focus, were you even listening to what I was saying?” She was agitated and serious.
“I’m listening but I can’t concentrate because all I’m thinking about is you,” I rasped out like I was catching my breath.
“Max, what happened earlier was a mistake. You don’t understand the rules and consequences for us. Just stop whatever it is that you’re feeling because it will never happen again.” She held out her palm to my chest stopping me from moving towards her.
Her words stung deep because it sounded like the feelings were one sided. But after that kiss, there was no way she didn’t feel it.
“No. I’m not going to turn off my emotions that easily. What are you a robot? People can’t just do that,” I argued. How could she think like that? She acted tough, but she must have some feelings or emotions under that rough exterior. It wasn’t normal.
“That’s exactly it, Max! People! I’m not human, I’m an angel. Your freakin’ Guardian for Christ sake. Your kind and my kind, we can’t mix. If you don’t believe me, ask your father and what happened to him. That’s why he’s a fallen angel now!”
She stated it like my father was cursed. I didn’t know much about my parent’s relationship but I knew my mother was human. If my dad gave up whatever he was for her then there is nothing wrong with that.
The familiar feeling of heat in my bones surged through my body and this time at a faster pace. I didn’t have to look down to know my hands were on fire. Blue and white flames licked the air and I saw her take a step back. I might not scare her, but she wasn’t taking her chances with me.
“Look at me, Angela. Do I look remotely human to you? I don’t know what the heck I am but normal doesn’t even cut close.” I felt like I was screaming at the top of my lungs; silently thanking God for the privacy rune, but I couldn’t stand to be near her at the moment. This whole training idea was a waste of time. Anger was the only way to activate this thing inside me and I didn’t know if I wanted to go down that road yet.
The flames died down as I ran towards the exit of the park. Not looking back.
10
If I turned around now, I would cave in, so I kept running. Away from Angela, from the training and all the secrets that were being kept from me. All I’d been doing was sitting in the background watching everything unfold. I almost wished they would have taken my memories away.
Almost.
I got as far away from the park as possible. I knew exactly where I was headed and turned onto 7th street and saw the Coffee Bean. It was a small hidden cafe that very few people in town knew about. It was so off the map that if you weren’t paying attention, you’d pass right by it.
My mother used to bring me here on weekends as a kid while she read the newspaper and handed over the comics to me. Nothing special, but it was our alone time. Our secret hiding place. Every once in a while, I’d come here and sit at the same table by the window. Once I started high school, she stopped bringing me. I guess she figured I didn’t want to go anymore, but I missed it.
Heading over to my usual corner, I noticed that it was sort of packed today, a lot more people than normal. I sat down and Ms. AnnMarie walked over with a piece of coffee cake. She knew me so well.
“Well if it isn’t my favorite boy coming to visit me.” She came over and planted a big wet kiss on my cheek. She was in her late sixties and had the energy of a twenty one year old. She’d been our waitress since the first day my mom and I walked in. My mom used to say, “If it isn’t Ann Marie, we’re leaving,” and sure enough, one morning it was her day off and we drove back home.
She sat in the seat in front of me and stared me down. “Max, if I didn’t know you since you was seven years old, I wouldn’t have thought nothing of that gloomy face you got there,” she said with her thick southern accent.
And just like my mother, she read me like a book.
“I’m okay, Ms. AnnMarie. I’m just tired with exams and all.” I tried to give her my best smile but it felt awkward on my face.
“Well if that excuse is what helps you sleep at night, I won’t push it any further. Do you want your usual, hun?” I nodded and my smile felt more sincere. She winked at me and headed over to the kitchen.
The reason people didn’t notice this place was because it looked like a house. Outside and inside. When you walked in, the smell of fresh made muffins coming out the oven and the hot chocolate they make from scratch, took over your senses.
I was pulling out the comics from a random newspaper when I heard someone clear their throat.
“Excuse me, is this seat taken?” A girl of about fourteen looked down at me. Balancing her mug of coffee and a couple of books, I stood up to help her. Motioning for her to sit down, I took some of the books from her hands so she wouldn’t drop anything. Her cheeks redden as she took a seat in front of me, never meeting my eyes.
Nervously, she scanned through her books looking for a particular one. I didn’t know if it was me making her all flustered or if she was like that all the time, but the worry lines on her forehead made her look older. She finally settled on a thick hardcover that was old and worn. The cover was faded black and the creases looked like they were about to fall apart from being read so many times. I couldn’t look away from her as she made herself comfortable, letting out a deep sigh, as she began to read. I let a chuckle escape and masked it with a cough, looking back down at my comics. I took a peek over the newspaper and caught her staring at me. She flushed and went back to her book. I couldn’t keep the grin off my face so I decided to speak to her.
“What are you reading?”
She peered up at me with wide eyes and muttered something under her breath. I gave her a questioning look. She knew I couldn’t hear her.
“I’m reading Dante’s Inferno,” she said a little louder. Not noticing before, her auburn hair was in a messy bun and some of her curls slipped away when she spoke. Her eyes were a warm brown and sparkled from the reflection of the window. I couldn’t stop staring at her, she looked...cute. Adorable actually, and I couldn’t help but smile. She cleared her throat at my awkwardness and I shook my head. I mumbled something incoherent that sounded like a “sorry.”
“My name’s Max.” I extended my hand to her hoping she wouldn’t be so nervous and just interact. She looked down at it like she needed to sanitize and after a reluctant moment she slipped her soft petite hand into mine.
“Melanie,” she blushed as her gaze fell down to her lap. I laughed a little at her innocence but stopped, not wanting to insult her by being rude.
“It’s nice to meet you Melanie. Did you just move into town? I’ve never seen you before.” Which was true. This town was pretty small and we all sort of knew each other if not of each other. And I definitely never saw her, or maybe I just never noticed. I could be a little self-absorbed sometimes.
She nodded her head trying to look anywhere but at me. “Yeah, we just moved here about a week ago. Down on Main and Northern.”
“Oh cool, you live on the stretch like me.” I said. She gave me a puzzled expression. I cocked an eyebrow and realized I needed to explain. “Sorry, I forgot you’re new. Yeah, the stretch is where “in town” and the suburbs meet. The stretch is where most of us live, unless your filthy rich, then you live out by the ocean.” She gave me a quick nod of understanding and a small smile crept on her face. Not wanting to end the c
onversation I continued, enjoying the company. Not having to talk about my fiery temper was definitely a plus.
“So do you go to Jefferson middle school?” I never saw her at my school so she must be younger than I thought.
Flushing crimson, she shook her head and whispered, “No, I start on Monday at Lincoln High.” Her response caught me off guard and I sputtered.
“How old are you?”
Looking back down at her book she said, “I’m sixteen.” Realizing I was wrong and stupid, I gave her an apologetic smile, hoping I didn’t insult her much.
“Did you get your schedule yet?” She looked up to me again and seemed a little more comfortable.
“Yeah, I actually just got it yesterday.” She perked up a bit at the mention of school. She must be a book worm. After flipping through her notebook, she pulled out a loose sheet that had her school schedule printed, and handed it over to me. I glanced at it and noticed we had some classes together.
“Cool! I’ll be seeing you for History, Chemistry, and lunch. Sweet, I really need a lab partner for Chem since Doug Sherman got shipped off to live with his grandparents.”
Letting out a breath, she relaxed a bit as I kept rambling on about school and the teachers and what to expect on her first day. I’d never been the new kid before but I could only imagine how nervous she must be feeling. She even engaged in the conversation with me after a while, encouraging me to keep going, which was nice. After all that had been going on, I really needed to talk to someone, even if it was about nothing at all.
“Well, I have to get going. It was nice to meet you Max.” She gave me a warm smile that lit up the room. I didn’t want her to leave.
“Did you walk here?” I blurted before she got the chance to stand up. She nodded in response and her messy bun flopped a little as small strands started to spill out. She quickly undid her hair to re-do it and the most beautiful waves fell down her back. My mouth fell open and it took Ms. AnnMarie to bump into me and motion for me to close my mouth, to snap out of my gaze.
“Do you mind if I walk you home?” Her smile grew and she nodded yes. I quickly paid for both of us after she kept insisting for me not to and we headed out into the cool breeze.
While walking the short distance down 7th to Main, I told her about the kids at school and assured her she would be okay. Lincoln wasn’t your typical high school. Of course, there were the popular kids and the nerds but no one really got picked on. Everyone was included in everything. Now I’m not saying we’re all rainbows and sunshine either, but it wasn’t as bad. I could see the relief in her warm eyes and it made me happy.
“Well this is me,” she said.
I was so caught up in our conversation that I hadn’t realized when we turned onto the stretch. Too soon we stopped in front of a house very similar to mine, but instead of the light blue, it was a soft yellow. Pots of sunflowers sat around the porch in a welcoming arrangement.
She turned to face me, unsure of what to say. I felt the awkwardness too. I never took a girl home unless it was a date. So the whole walking to the door and first kiss thing didn’t apply. I didn’t know what to do.
“I guess I’ll see you at school on Monday.” She walked backwards toward the porch.
“Hey, do you need a ride to school?” I didn’t want to overwhelm her but it would be nice to have a friend. She nodded as she waved at me and I felt like an idiot. I should have walked her to the door or something. I didn’t know. In a daze I walked back to my house which wasn’t that far from hers; maybe about three blocks away. I couldn’t wait to see her Monday. I knew why I was excited. Things weren’t the same. I stopped in the middle of my driveway, debating whether to go in through the front door or the back. Things were awkward at home and after today’s training, everyone was probably waiting for me. Thinking about this morning, I peeked over at Angela’s house. That kiss was nothing like I’d ever experienced. There’s no way she didn’t feel something—but she rejected me anyways.
I frowned as I realized I was coming off my high from Melanie and thinking about Angela. I couldn’t use Melanie as a distraction, it wasn’t right. I turned away from Angela’s house and went in through the front door.
11
I walked in the house, to find Angela, Jones, and my father in the living room deep in conversation. At the sound of my name I slammed the door, not wanting to eavesdrop. The tension in the room was overbearing, and like me, it was looking for an escape route. All three sets of eyes were looking my way. Not with shock, but with worry. Well, two of them were worried. Jones was still angry. His eyes were a flaming gold and his face twisted in a scowl. Just the sight of me pissed him off. I didn’t even know how we got like this.
“Son, we have to talk. Angela filled me in on this morning’s training session with you and well, things may have not gone as planned, but it’s just your first day. It’ll get better.” Yeah but I bet she didn’t tell him about the kiss.
His eyes were comforting and I knew he was trying to soften whatever blow was coming next. We weren’t close before all this, but we weren’t distant either. My dad was just a reserved guy and in many ways I was same as him. We had a mutual understanding. After the party fiasco, there had been tension, distrust and confusion, most likely because he was trying to figure it all out.
“Now Angela was saying how you feel left out and don’t understand much of what’s going on. And for that, I’m sorry. It’s my fault that I’ve been keeping you in the dark. To be frank, we barely know what’s going on ourselves.” I could tell he meant it, but I still felt ticked off that I had no privacy since Angela told him and Jones as well. The last thing I needed was him teasing me about feeling left out. I shrugged in response hoping to end the conversation soon.
“I know and it’s okay. I get it, I guess, but don’t you guys think I’m freaking out too? This is beyond hitting puberty. It’s not like I have any friends to talk to about it.” At the mention of a friend I looked over at Jones because with all the Angela drama, I never thought that would sever our friendship. I guess he really was just pretending for the sake of his job or whatever. His face relaxed a bit, realizing he was my friend but it quickly hardened back to its scowl.
“I’m sorry Maximillion. I never thought of it. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask and I won’t hold back,” my dad said.
I nodded. I hated that I had the chance to ask the millions of questions that kept me up at night, but I couldn’t think of a single one at the moment. “Well, if I’m just starting to be in danger, then why do I have guardian angels?” They all looked at each other and it was making me nervous. Steadily, I walked over to one of the chairs noticing I’d been standing in the foyer since I came in.
I didn’t expect my mother to come in, none the less answer the question.
“It was because of me, Max.” Her face fell and I felt awful, like I shouldn’t have asked.
“I didn’t feel safe. I felt like I was being followed all the time. Maybe I was paranoid, but I didn’t want to risk it with you.” Tears were welling up in her eyes and all I wanted was to stop the pain that was showing on her face.
“Mom, its okay you don’t –”
“No Max, I need to explain. I need to explain it to all of you.” At that she got everyone’s attention.
“When you were twelve we went grocery shopping and were cornered in the parking lot. It was odd how all of a sudden the lot was empty and there wasn’t a person in sight except for one who was looking at you like you were a prize. He was salivating at the mouth and his skin a sickly grey, I figured he was a demon. I knew then that they were after you, that Xavier was wrong in thinking you were normal.” The expression on everyone’s face was of pure shock. Even my father’s. It must have been their first time hearing about this.
“What? Why didn’t you tell me?” She ignored my dad’s pleas and continued.
“He clenched his hands around my throat and began to strangle me while he held you under his other arm
. You were so scared, and I was defenseless. I tried to scream, to tell you to run but I couldn’t. I lived because of you. He dropped me and I fell down gasping for air. When I looked up, you were engulfed in flames. These beautiful blue flames, and I thought you were hurt. I panicked but then I heard screams that weren’t yours, as those flames consumed him. I watched you stare him down without flinching and I knew then that it was you who did that. I rushed to your side as the demon turned to ash and you collapsed from exhaustion. I hurried you home and I told your father that we were mugged not wanting to tell him the truth. Out of fear, he called upon Jones and Angela to protect you in the meantime until I calmed down. But I kept up the charade so you could have full time protection.” The silence in the room echoed throughout the house—it was suffocating.
“I’m sorry for not mentioning anything sooner. I just wanted to keep you safe for as long as I could. I’m so sorry Xavier.” She looked at my father and began to sob. Frozen in place I watched as Jones and Angela looked away and my father just stared at my mother. He didn’t even try to comfort her. It made me angry. She’d been holding on to this guilt for years and all for me. I shook myself out of the daze I was in and I walked over to her, wrapping her in my arms. I held her as she dug her face in the nook of my neck and let the years of fear and guilt wash away. I couldn’t believe my dad was being such a jerk. No matter if she lied, she did what she thought was right and I wasn’t going to condemn her for it.
Clearing his throat and breaking the silence, my father stood up and adjusted the collar of his shirt. “Well then, that explains a lot. I just wish we would have known sooner. There’s nothing we can do about it now so moving on. We have to figure something out about the succubus that came for Max.” He looked between my guardians, ignoring Mom and I.
As she clenched on to me, I kept my arm around her shoulders. Turning to look at my father; I could feel the anger radiate through my body. He wasn’t even including us; so much for him keeping me in the loop.
Sins of the Fallen Page 6
