Winged Angel

Chapter 3

I came to with a blanket covering my body. Someone was pacing at my feet. There was someone playing with my hair on the bed. I assumed it was Jessica.

“Will you please stop. Your making me anxious.” Jessica spoke. She was beside me so my first assumption was right.

“I'm sorry I just am so worried.” Alex spoke sitting beside her.

“I know but you pacing the way you are will only exhaust you.” She spoke gently. “Come I want to wash her hair.”

“I don’t know if that is wise right now.” Alex sighed.

“Its oily and there are so much stuff caked in her scalp. She hasn’t washed it properly in years.” Jessica said as she let my hair go and got off the bed. She had me in the bathroom without so much as touching me. I was a bit confused but didn’t question it as I lay as limp as I could. She washed my hair and man it felt so good. I cant believe how great it feels to have someone wash your hair.

“Fathers coming.” Alex spoke gently as I was being lifted once more to the bed. She held the towel in my hair and once I was laid down she began to run it through.

“How is she?” Fathers voice asked as he came over to me and gripped my hand. Everyone was so worried about me. I caused this, I was the one that ran away and decided to hide.

“She is resting.” Jessica spoke gently as Alex began to pace again.

“Good, doc said that’s the best thing for her. He gave me medicine for the infection and as soon as she wakes we get food in to her.” Father sighed deeply. I was so hungry and the word food had my stomach growling. This caused Father to chuckle. Alex did as well as pace.

“Why don’t you go get her some food.” Jessica piped up and I knew that wasn’t pointed at Father but Alex. He grunted but did as he was asked. I bet he was going to get some soup. He would always make tomato soup when I was sick.

“Avery honey you need to tell us who did this to you.” Father spoke.

“No one.” I wished ever so gently. I opened my eyes to see father crying. I couldn’t take another hit and if I told him I knew Mother would come and hit me again.

“Father please go and help Alex with the food.” Jessica spoke as she worked my hair.

“I cant leave her. I need to know.” Father spoke looking at her. Tears began to weld up in my eyes. I could tell him. I tried once and was beaten so bad I looked like an alien from space.

“Please,” Jessica said gently. He looked at me then at her and back to me. He rose and walked out of the room. “Now your hair is so beautiful. I cant tell if I should braid it or if I should leave it down.”

“Could you braid it?” I asked gently watching the wall. She chuckled lightly as she began.

“Your brother is amazing. A real gentlemen.” Jessica said.

“He is.” I smiled knowing he was. My brother was always so polite to every women he had ever crossed even in town.

“I cant believe I was the lucky girl that found him.” She smiled happily as she came to my other side. She kneeled on the ground and grabbed my hand. “He swept me off my feet. Literally.”

“Really,” I said a little excited.

“Yep, I tripped on my own two feet and just about fell down a flight of stairs.” She told me a little embarrassed. She looked at me and I could see it in her eyes. They where the same protective sweet look, just like Alex. “I saw his face and knew there was no way I was letting him go.”

“He is handsome and now he has a beard. He has been trying so hard to grow one.” I told her with a chuckle.

“Can I be honest with you.” She asked leaning in a bit closer. I nodded with a smile. “I like him better without it.”

“Oh. I’m glad I’m not the only one.” I told her with a chuckle. “We should tell him.”

“I don’t want to break his heart. He has been trying so hard to grow it.” She spoke with a smile. “One thing that is breaking his heart more is you.”

“I cant.” I spoke unsure what I really should do.

“I know Avery. When you feel you can please do tell him. I can tell its breaking him.” She spoke with a frown. “I also promise you nothing will happen to you if you do tell us. I am not about to leave your side. I have a younger sibling of my own I haven’t seen in a while so I know how he feels. I would be so broken if I came home and found him the same way I have found you. Since I love him I love you just as much as my little brother.”

“Really?” I asked. I looked at her and she nodded. She held my hand tight.

“We are going to be so close, I bet you will love me more then him.” She smiled.

“I don’t think so.” Alex said walking in with a plate of soup. Father had some mango juice and bread.

“I so think so.” Jessica said. “We have already shared a secret.”

“There is no way I am letting you take over my sister.” Alex said jokingly.

“I think it’s already happened.” She chuckled. I was laughing as well. Which caused Alex to smile. They both helped lift me up so I could sit and eat. Didn’t help Alex wouldn’t let me touch the soup spoon. He wanted to feed me. Jessica held the plate of bread and juice. I guess they didn’t find the serving tray.

“Looks like you children got it. I have to go feed the animals for the night.” Father smiled. “Now you eat everything on that plate missy. And I don’t want to hear you complaining it’s to much.”

“Alright father.” I smiled before Alex placed a spoon in my mouth. I smiled as I let the beautiful soup roll down my tongue and fall into my belly. I was so happy to eat something. And to be able to eat it slow and warm it was like heaven. Jessica and Alex shared stories of there adventures and schools they attended. Looks like Alex moved around a lot.

“Easy Avery.” Alex spoke as he helped me lay back down once I was done eating.

“No,” I spoke placing my head on his shoulder again. I didn’t want to lie down. I wanted to stay like this. Leaning on him like I did with the apple tree after a long day of choirs. We would split an apple before planting the seeds. It was so nice to see them grow so big. I didn’t get to share there growth with them but I hope to now.

“So stubborn still.” Alex chuckled as he got comfy.

“Reminds me of someone.” Jessica said with a chuckle as she held the dirty plates. “Stay with her. I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t be long.” He smiled as he placed his cheek on my head. “I missed you Avery.”

“I bet I missed you more.” I told him sheepishly.

“I wanted to write every day to you but I didn’t know where I was going to be. I didn’t want to lose your letters in the mail.” He spoke gently. “There were so many sights I saw and wished you where there with me.”

“Did you feed an elephant?”

“No I was to scared. I was tackled by a baby though.” He exclaimed

“That’s it we can’t be siblings anymore.” I spoke. “If a baby elephant can tackle my brother down how can he protect me.”

“You think your so funny don’t you.” He chuckled with me.

“I try.” I spoke gently.

“Well I’m here now. We will be together from now on.” He spoke. “I can’t leave you. I left you this time and I come home to you like this. I would never be able to leave.”

“If you need to please go. I promise I will keep better look over myself.” I said leaning up and looking at him. He smiled as he guided me back down to his shoulder.

“I have made up my mind. If I leave you will be coming with me.” He spoke. I fell asleep on his shoulder after that. When I came to it was dark in the room causing me to panic a little. A hand fell on my shoulder as they shuffled beside me. I let the breath go that was being held in. Sleep came quick again as I felt safe. I woke up to being alone as the sun was out.

“I told you if you ever tell them I will give you a l*****g worse then before.” My mothers voice hit me. I screamed as I covered my ears and closed my eyes. A hand fell on my shoulder lifting me to there arms. They where very careful with my back as they held me tight. I stopped screaming and gripped them hard. I was so frightened.

“Breathe Avery.” Jessica spoke gently. “Nothing is going to happen to you.”

“She was here to hit me again.” I cried into her shoulder.

“No one was here little sis. It was just the two of us.” Jessica said gently as she rubbed my arm.

“I cant.” I spoke shacking. “She will kill me.”

“No one is going to ever touch you.” Alex spoke from the doorway. He came running to my side and held me. I cried into his shoulder as he sat there with me. Jessica was still holding my hand. Once I quieted down he said, “Now where is my smile. I brought breakfast.”

“Really?” I asked allowing myself to learn away and smile.

“What do you mean really.” He spoke a little taken back. “Did you think I would forget how to cook?”

“I can’t cook.” Jessica piped up. I giggled gently as he brought over the food. It was beautiful scramble eggs and hash browns. There was toast and orange juice on the side. I smiled happily as he began to feed me once again. I just ate happily as the two bickered about something.

“Now I am just going to take these to the kitchen. Jessica is going to be right here okay.” Alex said with a smile. He got up and raced out the door. Jessica looked over at me and smiled. She was antsy and I knew why.

“I should be okay for a few moment.” I told her with a smile as I hugged my legs. She quickly jumped off the bed and raced to the bathroom. As soon as she clicked the door shut the main one opened and locked. There in front of my was Mother. She looked like she had spent a night in the pig pen. I still shuttered when she stepped closer. I pulled my body away from her till the bed disappeared and found myself on the floor. I scrambled under the bed but she had my leg and dragged me out. She got to good hits on my back before something stopped them. She had released my leg causing me to scramble to the safety of the bed.

“Let go.” Mother screamed.

“So now the truth is out.” Jessica's sweat voice spoke. I raced out from under the bed and to her side. I was still so shaky to stand but I hid right behind her.

“You have nothing to do with this family stay out of it.” Mother spoke as she cracked the whip again.

“I do when it involves the man I love. You are harming his sister whom he loves so much.” Jessica spoke stern. I actually felt safe with her. It was like the young women I had met earlier went to the bathroom and came out in a super suite or some thing.

“She is no child of mine.” Mother screamed cracking the whip down. I pushed Jessica out of the way and took it along the chest. She grabbed my hand and pulled me away to the bathroom where she locked the door and held me close. “You cant hide from me.”

“She is not getting in here.” Jessica spoke as she quickly removed the fabric along the cut on my chest. She grabbed some ointment and began to clean it. She had it wrapped before the door came crashing down. “Alex.”

“Call all you want he isn’t going to hear you.” She spoke with a smile. She did something to my brother.

“What did you do with Alex.” She screamed holding me back.

“He went into town with your father.” She smiled. I held Jessica’s hand tight. I was afraid now. But Jessica held true. “Now hand over Avery and pretend nothing happened if you know what’s good for you.”

“The thing is Mother in Law I do know what’s good for me and this is not to give up Avery.” Jessica chuckled. “If he is out then I am not afraid.”

“You will pay for this.” Mother spoke lifting the whip above her head. As she brought it down it tangled onto a sword for which Jessica provided. She pulled the sword towards her causing the whip to come out of her hands.

“Not much of a fighter are we.” Jessica cheekily smiled. Mother looked at her in fear as I was in shock.

“You both will pay dearly for this.” She cried as she left the room.

“You will not be touching us.” Jessica spoke before she turned to me. “Avery, you need to breath.”

“She threatened you and Alex.” I spoke with fear. “She tried to hit you.”

“Avery I’m okay but we need to get you seated.” Jessica said gently as she grabbed my shoulders and led me to the bed.

“She planned this. But I didn’t tell anyone.” I cried as she got me seated on the bed. She kneeled in front of me and held my shoulders with her hands.

“We figured it out Avery. If we had know this would happen we would have never said anything.” She spoke with a gentle smile. “He will be home soon I’m sure. Don’t worry, I’m here and there is no way she will lay a finger on you again. I meant what I said when I am going to be your favorite.”

“Jessica,” I cried wrapping my arms around her shoulder. She held me just as tight as we sat there for a while. I fell asleep in her arms but knew I was safe.

“You did what Maria.” I head my father scream. Someone was holding me in there arms as I came to. Tears where hitting my cheeks and head. I carefully looked up to see it was Alex crying over me. Jessica was behind him as my father stood in front of us. Mother had her hands on her hips facing him.

“You asked me if I ever laid a hand on her. I never did.” She spoke.

“What do you think hitting her with something doesn’t fall under that.” He screamed. “Your hand guided that whip to her back and for pete sake Maria you even raised it on Jessica.”

“She was in the way. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt.” Mother spoke as she dropped her hands.

“You have hurt each and everyone of us Maria. She is our daughter.”

“No, she is your daughter. I never wanted another child specially a girl. She is nothing but a useless maid to me. What man would want her.” Mother screamed at him. “She will never give us children under your name. Alex will.”

“Do you think I care for that. She will give children under her husband’s name. She will give him there next generation and she will bring a new family together. If that was your belief why did you marry me.” He spat. “You didn’t give your father any children under his name.”

“This is different.” She said.

“How is it different. Because if we go in to depth even Alex isn’t your child.” He was right angry now. I looked back up at Alex who was now looking at me.

“Avery.” He whispered holding me tighter. “I’m so sorry I left you with a monster.”

“Alex.” I gently said. “You didn’t know. Now stop crying.”

“How can I. I thought you where safe in the house but I find your room has never been slept in since I left. The cupboard is scattered with your stuff and the supper you made was in pain.” He cried into my shoulder. “I should have never left you behind.”

“We will not be leaving her behind.” Jessica spoke sturdy behind us. “She is not safe here and coming home with us.”

“She isn’t worth taking anywhere.” Mother spat stepping towards us. I heard fathers large had lay a smack upon her cheek. She was forced to the floor.

“She leaves.” Father harshly spoke. “Go pack her things.”

“That is not my job.” She spoke.

“Leave it father. I will pack her bags. I don’t trust her with any of her things.” Alex spoke as he stood. Jessica sat beside me and Alex placed me in her arms.

“No one is leaving.” Mother cried trying to touch him. He smacked her hand away. “Alex.”

“You knew how important she was to me Mother. I left her here with you to protect and raise to a young women.” He furiously spoke. I have never seen him so mad. Even though it was towards my mother I shook inside.

“Its okay Avery.” Jessica whispered. I gently nodded but still couldn’t help the shutter.

“She wasn’t worth all your heard work and time.” Mother spoke upset.

“I let you verbally a***e her because I didn’t know better. I let you tell her she couldn’t go to school, to not make friends at the parks and who else knows what you where doing to her when I was at school. I will not tolerate it anymore. I have seen what a mother should do for there child and this is not it.” Alex told her before he stepped away. I knew he was walking to my room. He wasn’t going to find nothing there. She had broken or sold most of my things. I had only a few items I was able to hid from her.

“He won’t find anything of mine to pack.” I whispered to Jessica. She nodded as she lifted me from the bed. “I would like to walk if I could.”

“Of course.” She said placing me down. I smiled at her as she walked at my side. She was between mother and I as we walked out the door which made me feel safe. The stairs where a challenge but we dealt with them one at a time.

“Stop.” I gently said as we finally made it to my room. Alex stood stock still. “Its all under that floor board your standing on.”

“What?” he asked looking down. He carefully got down and saw where I had pried it open. With gentle fingers he did the same.

“That is everything besides a few dirty clothing.” I told him with a frown.

“There has to be more.” Alex said looking at the items and then at me. “There are only 5 things in here.”

“She sold, burned or gave away everything else.” I told him feeling weak. Jessica caught me and pulled me over to the bed.

“We need to get her out of here and soon.” Jessica spoke to him. She left my side to gather the 5 items I had mentioned. “Don’t worry about the clothing. You can use a few of mine.”

“Thank you.” I spoke gently as Alex lifted me.

“There is so much we want to tell you and so little time to tell you.” Alex said as he followed Jessica. There bags where already at the door. My Five items where placed in a small back pack that they gave me. I smiled happily to have my things close to me.

“Leave out the back.” Father spoke stopping them at the door. They both began to run towards the kitchen. There was a door that lead to the barn area. Alex held me tight so I didn’t jostle around.

“Do you want her or the luggage?” Alex asked.

“You hold her. I’ll take these. It’s probably better for her that way.” Jessica smiled as Alex shifted me a little bit. His had was flush on my back causing pain to spike.

“I know it hurts but you have to bare it for now little sis.” Alex darn near cried. It was like my pain was his. I smiled up at him trying to help him relax. “Now put your face close to my shoulder and close your eyes.”

“We need to go now.” Jessica cried as I was jostled a little bit. I held Alex tight as my face was buried into his shoulders. Soon I felt the gentle wind upon my body and hear wing beats.

“Its okay Avery. Your safe.” Alex spoke half chocking. I didn’t realise how tight I was holding his neck my shoulder was pressing into his wind pipe. I quickly let him go so I was resting in his arms. “Its okay.”

“Nothings okay. I have done nothing but hurt you and jessica. Now we have to run from our home.” I began to cry at this point.

“That was not our home.” Alex gently growled. I stopped crying and looked at him. I was confused.

“What was it then?” I asked gently.

“A place we could grow up safely.” Alex sighed. “Avery I didn’t leave to go to school. I left because father needed me. Not the father you where raised with but our real father. Our kingdom is falling apart and he needed his men. I was the only one that could find them.”

“I was assigned to keep you safe while he was gone but your adopted father told me to follow him. I did fall in love with Alex and me being your sister in law s***h best friend is all true.” Jessica spoke from somewhere around us. When I looked I spotted a beautiful set of red and orange wings. Her hair had changed to match her wings. She rotated so she was looking at me. The suitcases flying beside her. “We are not human.”

“Are we birds?” I asked as I quickly looked over Alex's shoulders to see beautiful forest green wings that dipped into black. His hair doing the same.

“IN a way yes.” Alex smiled looking down at her. “I like to think colorful Angel’s.”

“Which is the worst name in the history of names.” Jessica chuckled.

“Do I have wings?” I asked looking towards my back. I figured the answer would be no do to the fact how mangled up my back was.

“You do and once we get you home you will be able to call them out. Until then they have to stay hidden.” Alex told me gently. I figured it had to be because of my back being mangled. If they came out of your back I bet it would hurt me.

“Don’t worry little sis. We will have to up and flying in no time. Jessica smiled as she flew closer. She dropped out of few before fly up beside us so she was right way up again. I just laughed as I snuggled closer into Alex who smiled. I closed my eyes and fell asleep dreaming of the color my wings where going to be.