Her Vision

Chapter 10

Gabriel and I sat on the metal bench in front of the courthouse waiting for the New Year to ring in.  The wind from the cold night chilled me to the bone. I sat as close to Gabriel as I could and tried to ignore the electric feeling surging through my body from his touch. 

"So, are you going to kiss me at midnight and make us official?" I giggled. 

"Even better, I am going to tell you one of my biggest secrets," Gabriel said. 

I pulled my fuzzy black sweater sleeves over my hands. "Oh really? You are finally going to open up to me? That's a step in the right direction for formality." my heart raced. 

I stared at the old-time clock on the top of the courthouse. My heart raced in excitement. I couldn't wait to hear Gabriel's secret. 

"One minute until midnight," Gabriel whispered in my ear, sending chills down my spine. 

"Are you cold?" he asked as he threw his jacket over my shoulders. I nodded silently, not willing to admit that he gave me the chills. 

"5.....4......3.....2....1," he continued whispering as he counted down the seconds from 45. 

The clock rang loudly, echoing the quiet skies. I could feel the vibrations in my chest until the ringing stopped. As soon as the chimes stopped, it seemed like the world did as well. Everything was dark and quiet. 

"I am an angel," Gabriel whispered in my ear. 

I looked at Gabriel and laughed. 

"Seriously Gabriel. That's the big secret? Stop messing around." 

"That is the secret Anne. I am an angel." He grabbed my hand and a shocking sensation flowed through my veins. I huffed and quickly pulled my hand away. 

"Okay. If you are a guardian angel prove it," I rolled my eyes. 

"I am not a guardian angel. I am a regular angel." 

"What's the difference." I stood up and crossed my arms. 

"Guardian angels are souls of people that have not fully crossed over. They watch over their loved ones. Almost every person in the world has a guardian angel. A regular angel works for God to make the universe continue to go as his plan." 

"Whatever Gabriel. You have obviously spent way too much time in religion class. But since you truly believe this fantasy, prove it to me!" 

"I cannot prove that I am an angel to you, Anne, not until you believe. If I give up my identity and you do not believe, bad things could happen. Lucifer would discover where I am and that would put the world in danger." 

Gabriel looked at me with pleading eyes, making my heart sink. "Fine Gabriel, I believe you. Now prove it." 

"It does not work that way. Anne, you actually have to believe with your heart and soul." Gabriel stood up and put his hands in the pockets of his distressed jeans. 

I sat there staring at him blankly. I couldn't help but admire the way the moonlight made his eyes shine. ‘Why would he joke around like this,’ I thought to myself and bit my fingernail. 

"Anne, I am aware of the lights you see around people. Those are guardian angels. You are special. Once you believe what I am telling you, you will see the guardian angels clearly," Gabriel said as he pulled my hand away from my mouth. 

My cheeks blushed red from my blood pressure rising. How in the hell did he know about my secret? I kept it to myself my whole life for a good reason. I turned away from Gabriel. 

"Who told you, Gabriel, who? Was it my mamaw? I knew she couldn't keep her mouth shut because she thinks I'm not happy. Well Gabriel, guess what? I am not crazy and if you think I'll believe anything coming out of your mouth, you've clearly learned nothing about me at all. All this time we have spent together was a waste!" I yelled holding back tears.

Suddenly, everything made sense as to why Gabriel told me he was an angel. He just wanted to find out how crazy I was, or to see if mawmaw told him the truth. I wouldn't be surprised if he was spying to report if I was doing well or not so much! Gabriel stayed silent. A dog barked in the distance. 

"Anne, please believe me," Gabriel pleaded. 

"Why would I believe you? I should have known better than to fall in love with you. There, Gabriel, I said it. I just told you my biggest secret! A real secret! Go away and leave me alone. I never want to see you again!" I stormed off.

 My eyes stung and tears rolled down my cheeks. My heart broke from the feeling of betrayal. I felt like a child again and my heart ached. I didn't want to see Gabriel again and mawmaw and I had to have a long talk.