Fallen From Grace

Safe Place

Lily’s POV

It was Friday morning and I felt so much better after my rest in bed. Today I would be moving to the safe place and I felt anxious. I had been in this apartment since I got my job at the restaurant and it was the first place that felt like home to me. I had no idea if I would be coming back or not and hoped that this war would be over soon. The only thing that kept me moving was that ill only be gone temporarily, at least I hoped. I had two suitcases of my essential clothes and items, including a few spares since I didn’t know if I would be able to come back to collect more. This all felt surreal and part of me was wondering if I even woke up this morning or if it was just a dream.

I heard a knock on the door and opened it to Mike walking in.

“You weren’t meant to be here for another 20 minutes.” I said. I wasn’t ready to leave yet.

“I know but I’ve got a meeting with a few angels later so I wanted to see if we could go a bit earlier.”

“I’m not ready to go yet Mike.” I admitted. “I’m going to miss it, this is my home.”

He came closer as he spoke and took my hand in his. “I understand Lily but it’s for your safety. Besides, you won’t be alone. Either me or Gabriel will be with you most nights.”

“Oh.” That caught me off guard and I didn’t know whether to be happy about it or not. I was grateful I wouldn’t be completely alone yet upset I wouldn’t have my own space anymore. I was so used to being independent and on my own, it felt weird to go back to living with others.

After I said my internal goodbyes to my apartment, I left with Mike and got in his car. He told me that Gabriel was going to need to exchange my car if I wanted to drive around since the demons probably already knew which one was mine and it would make it easier to identify me. This way, it would take them a while to locate me and track me since I would be in a new car. I simply nodded and felt a wave of sadness wash over me. Everything was changing so fast, it was getting hard to keep up. I had worked so hard for my apartment, my car and my life in general. Now, I had no control and it seemed like I had to give everything up to help my people. My people who left me in an orphanage for 18 years and were only interested in me because of my bloodline. If the demons didn’t need me to win, I doubt Heaven would have even looked my way.

I had drifted off into my thoughts and didn’t even realise when we had reached there. I had no idea how long we had even been driving for. I looked over at Mike to find him looking at me with a face of concern. Thankfully he didn’t say anything. I watched him get out of the car and take my suitcases out of the car as I followed.

“This way” he beckoned as he went to the side of the house. We were in a modern yet quiet neighbourhood. The house looked like it had only recently been built and I was eager to see if this was the same on the inside. As he unlocked the door and walked in, I was amazed by my sight. It was nothing like I had expected. I thought there would be the odd bit of furniture but was surprised to see that it was fully renovated.

“Have a look around, I’ll take your suitcases up to the room.” Mike called while he walked up the stairs.

I walked along the hall and found the kitchen to my right. As I looked in the kitchen, I found all the cupboards to be fully stocked. I felt a pang of happiness when I realised a few of my favourite foods were here. Mike must have got them for me. I went to explore the living room and the sight took me off guard. There were two large sofas, a massive tv, a bookshelf stocked with a whole range of books and a beautiful glass coffee table in the middle. I dreaded to think how much money must have been spent to get everything. Compared to what I grew up in, this house looked like a place of luxury. I wasn’t struggling as much since my job at the restaurant but I still had to be careful what I spent money on. I could occasionally splurge on something nice but my items tended to be carefully brought.

I joined Mike upstairs and the size of my room was unreal. “It’s massive!” I exclaimed. “This is all mine?” Even with the three doored wardrobe, chest of draws, two bedside draws, double bed and desk, there was still half of the space in the room left.

Mike smiled as he responded. “ I didn’t want your room to feel too cramped. Since you’ll be staying here more than me or Gabriel, it made sense for you to have the larger one. Do you like it?” My heart swelled at the thought that went into this house for me.

I immediately hugged Mike tight around his waist and found a sense of comfort I had been longing for. “Thank you.” I whispered. He hugged me back and I felt safe. Life was changing and I was scared, but Mike was trying his best to make it easier for me and I was thankful for that.

“I’d do anything for you Lily. You’re a victim in this war and I want to do whatever I can to protect you. I hate the responsibility and burden you have, it’s a lot to bare.” I hugged him harder in response. He understood how I felt and that this wasn’t easy. I didn’t want Heaven to lose but he was right. It’s a lot of responsibility considering I wasn’t brought up with this.

We withdrew from each other and sat on the bed as I took in my room once more. “How am I going to get to work? I don’t know where I am. Will I be getting my car in time for my shift tomorrow?”

“About that...” Mike hesitated before he spoke further. “You won’t be going back to work Lily.”

“What!” I shouted. “I need to go back to work. I won’t be able to afford the rent for my apartment and I can’t stay here forever. This is only meant to be temporary!”

“Lily please listen. I’ve sorted it out, the angels will make sure you don’t lose your apartment if you aren’t ready to give it up yet. You won’t be able to go back though. Even if this war is over soon, demons may still come after you. You will have to move eventually for your safety. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll move the remainder of your stuff from there but for now, we’ll keep it for you. I know we’re asking a lot. As for work, it’s the same reason. They most likely know where you work and going back puts you at risk. We can’t risk you being ambushed. Your new car will be brought here for emergencies but otherwise, we can’t let you leave. I’m sorry but it’s too dangerous. The demons don’t know about your location for now and leaving this house will give them an opportunity to follow you back if they find you.” He looked remorseful as he spoke but I didn’t care. They had no right taking my life from me and keeping me confined here.

“WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME BEFORE HAND?” I screamed. He knew I would never be able to go back or go to work and Mike didn’t tell me.

“I was told not to until we got you here in case you refused to come. I’m sorry Lily, I really am. I didn’t want to lie but I cannot disobey a direct order like that. The angels higher up wanted you to be here and safe as soon as, without any complications. Please forgive me.” His eyes conveyed the truth in his words but I was too hurt. The angels betrayed me, to them I was just a tool that they had to hide from the demons.

“Leave.”

“Lily-”

“LEAVE” I shouted as tears of anger rolled down my cheeks. I heard the door close moments after and broke down in tears on my floor. I was helpless. Everything I had worked for was gone in an instant. My heart hurt at the betrayal I felt from Mike, the one person I trusted the most.