Her Vision

Chapter 9

"Frank has been a bit sad, but not clinically depressed ever since his wife left him. Based on this limited information, in which of the following DSM-5 categories would most likely be classified?" I read the question from our study guide the professor gave us to prepare for finals. 

Gabriel and I sat on the bean bags in my small living room. "Gabriel, earth to Gabriel," I said after a few minutes of him blankly staring at me. 

"Sorry," Gabriel snapped out of his train of thought, "I am uninterested with studying." 

"We can take a break. I am starting to get hungry anyway." I stood up. Gabriel followed me to the kitchen. 

"Your fridge is pretty empty, so I cannot cook for you," Gabriel blankly stared into my fridge. It contained half a gallon of milk, some water, and cheese. 

"I'll just order a pizza," I pulled my phone out of my pocket, opened up the pizza joint's app, and ordered a pepperoni pizza. 

"I cannot believe you can press a virtual button and order a pizza. I will never get over it." Gabriel observed in amazement.

 "You are such an old soul." I smiled and moved closer. 

Gabriel smiled back showing his perfect white teeth. I kissed him softly, and he wrapped his strong arms around my waist. After a few minutes of our lips locked together, Gabriel sat me up on the counter top. Our tongues rubbed together. I ran my fingers through his hair. I followed his spine down his back and put my hands under his shirt. He growled under his breath, but I bit his lip to hush him. I rubbed his back and felt a scar about a foot long each that sat on both sides of his upper back. The scars were rugged and seemed decently new. I started to ask him what had happened, but was interrupted by a knock at the door. I jumped, startled by the loud knock. 

"The pizza cannot be here already? Were you expecting someone?" Gabriel asked. 

"No," I replied as the door echoed again. 

Gabriel rushed to the door. I jumped off the counter and followed him. Gabriel opened the door with no fear, he didn't even ask who was there. 

A petite redhead with bright green eyes stood in the breezeway. I winced my eyes so I could look at her. A rose-colored light radiated off her skin causing the breezeway to glow, similar to Gabriel's light. 

"Raquel! What are you doing here?" Gabriel's face drained color, turning pale white.

 My heart throbbed from jealousy. Raquel looked beautiful, perfectly flawless skin, red curls, eyes that lit up the universe, and curves for days. She had to be an ex of Gabriel's, or maybe even a current fling. Raquel being his lover would explain why we never made it official. Was I the side girl like Justin mentioned? 

"What are you doing here?" Gabriel stumbled over his words, interrupting my train of thought. 

"Well brother, I'll always find you when you leave without saying goodbye!" Raquel responded with sass. 

"Gabriel, I didn't know you had siblings!" I said shocked.

 "Oh sweetheart, there's lots you don't know, but will learn soon," Raquel smirked. 

My cheeks blushed red and I bit my lip. Anger and sadness rushed over me. I felt left out. Raquel was right, I knew nothing about Gabriel's life. He had so many hidden secrets. 

"Anne, please give Raquel and I a minute to speak alone," Gabriel angrily hissed.

 I took a step back and closed the door without a fight. My heart sank from Raquel's words. I sat on my bean bag and let the tears I held back in front of Gabriel fall down my cheeks. 

"Why are you here?" Gabriel pulled Raquel out of the breezeway and to the garden square, away from anyone that could overhear. 

"Gabriel, you and Anne were about to have relations! Raziel already wants your head on a platter. He is angry! I came first before he finds you," Raquel answered. 

"I was not going to take it any further," Gabriel defended.

 "Gabriel, did you forget what you are here for? Everyone is in danger!" 

"No, Raquel I did not forget, but I cannot just come out and say, by the way, I am an angel! It will not end well, it takes time!" 

"You are running out of time Gabriel! France's Catholic Church is burning to the ground as we speak! Another phase of the rapture!" Raquel growled. 

Gabriel blinked in shock. Lucifer was actually moving forward and not backing down. "No. I have time. I promise you, Raquel, I will do it right after finals. Please hold Raziel off until then," Gabriel pleaded. 

"Fine. After finals, but I will not distract him any longer after that," Raquel agreed in irritation. 

The angels stared at each other in silence, both angry for different reasons. Raquel was angry because Gabriel was crossing a dangerous line, and she had to protect him from Raziel, a task that was not easy. Gabriel was angry because time was running out and forced to face the truth. 

The slam from a car door interrupted their thoughts. Gabriel turned and watched the pizza guy leave the parking lot. "I have to go," Gabriel said walking off. 

"I'm sorry about Raquel," Gabriel called as he walked in the door.

 I quickly wiped my eyes and continued to pet Mr. Mittens. As soon as Mr. Mittens noticed Gabriel, he ran off to hide as usual. 

"Anne, what's wrong?" Gabriel rushed up to wipe my eyes.

"You didn't tell me you had a sister. Raquel was right, I know nothing about you." I tried to hold back tears. 

"Oh, Anne, I am sorry. You will learn everything about me soon enough. I will be around for a long time." Gabriel held me tight. 

"You promise?" I asked, trying not to let my imagination run wild. 

"I promise," Gabriel whispered, not sure how long his promise would really last. "Where is the remote?" Gabriel asked a few moments later. 

I handed the remote to Gabriel in confusion since watching TV was never a part of his schedule. He clicked on the TV. I couldn't believe my eyes. The Notre Dame Cathedral blazed in flames. 

"Oh my God. That's terrible!" I covered my mouth in disbelief. 

"You have no idea," Gabriel replied. Lucifer was coming, and fast.

The month of December flew by. Finals were a breeze, thanks to Gabriel helping me study, the boutique stayed super busy due to the Christmas season, and Gabriel and I spent time at my grandparent's house for Christmas. Christmas dinner was quiet thanks to my brother going out of town to visit his newfound girlfriend's family. Gabriel gifted me a beautiful onyx necklace, and I waited patiently for him to make our title official.