Angel on a Mission

Chapter 15

Gabrielle's POV

After some time had passed, we finally arrived at a nearby hospital, the urgency of our situation palpable in the air.

Art promptly exited the vehicle, opening the car door to the passenger seat with careful precision. He gently lifted me out of my seat, being mindful of my injury.

A slight groan escaped my lips at the minor movement; it sent another sharp tingle of pain coursing through my body.

"I'm sorry," Art quickly apologized, his voice laced with concern.

"It's okay," I reassured him, attempting to sound more composed than I felt.

Art hurriedly guided me inside the hospital, casting a glance behind him to see Alexander following closely after us.

As we entered, a nurse approached us to assist, leading us to a room where I could be examined.

With careful attention, Art placed me down on a hospital bed just as Alexander rushed to join us by my side.

However, a member of the hospital staff attempted to block Alexander's entrance.

"He's with us," I interjected, and the staff member stepped aside, allowing Alexander to come closer.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, concern etching his features.

"I don't really think it's that bad, but I am in pain," I replied, my honesty met with a heavy sigh from Alexander. He glanced at Art, but chose not to voice any further comments.

Soon after, a nurse entered to examine me and requested that I undergo a few tests.

When the results were revealed, they indicated that my condition wasn’t too serious; however, the doctor informed me that I might experience bruising and swelling over the next few days, which would lead to intermittent pain and discomfort.

Other than that, there was no cause for serious alarm.

"I think it's a good idea that you stay with me for a while, Gabrielle," Art suggested with a certainty that I felt hesitant to challenge.

"It's—" I began to respond when Alexander cut in.

"The doctor said she’ll be fine," he suddenly interjected.

"I know what the doctor said, but I care deeply about Gabrielle's well-being, and I genuinely believe I can accommodate her needs while she recovers," Art countered firmly.

Alexander scoffed dismissively.

"Attend to what needs?" he retorted. "She didn't lose her legs, an arm, or any limbs for that matter. I think she can take care of herself without you hovering around," he added pointedly.

Art turned to me for confirmation, his eyes searching mine for a response.

"I think that's for Gabrielle to decide," he stated, his tone remaining calm.

Alexander's eyes flicked back to me, waiting for my input.

I bit my lower lip, feeling caught in the middle.

"Uhm. I’ll think about it, but for now, I think you should go home, Alexander. Your parents and sibling might be getting worried," I suggested gently, hoping to defuse the tension.

His jaw clenched, and he chuckled in disbelief at my words.

"Whatever," he muttered, before turning to leave.

"Well, someone's upset," Art remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

I let out a sigh, a bit of guilt swaying within me.

"Was I being too harsh on him?" I asked, uncertain if I handled it correctly.

Art shook his head firmly.

"You did what you needed to do. It’s not like you did anything wrong," he assured me.

I pursed my lips, still grappling with a sense of guilt.

"But I really do think that you should stay with me for a bit. It will be difficult for you to move around and fulfill your missions. We don’t know what else you might feel over the next few days, given that this is all new to you. I can help with everything while you focus on getting better," Art proposed earnestly.

After some contemplation, I realized he had a point. I didn’t know what to expect from my body during this recovery, and I needed to ensure that I was prepared for my missions, even if it meant accepting a little help.

"Okay. Let’s do that," I agreed.

Art nodded appreciatively, and we settled some paperwork before being officially discharged from the hospital.

As I started to feel better thanks to the medicine the doctor had given me, Art still insisted on putting me in a wheelchair until we reached the car.

Once I was safely in the vehicle, I strapped myself in, and Art followed after returning the wheelchair, settling into the driver's seat.

"Let’s go," he said, and we began our drive away from the hospital.

Looking out the window as Art drove us toward his home, I felt a sense of comfort at the thought of having someone like him around for a bit.

Not only would I have someone to help me, but I would also have assistance with my missions when I needed it.

Of course, I understood this was only a temporary arrangement, as Art had his own responsibilities to tend to as well.

I certainly didn’t want to impose on him.

But Art and I were siblings, and our bond was special, so perhaps that counted for something.

"I’ll drop you off and pick you up from school on weekdays. If you have a mission, I’ll be right there with you. And if you’re in pain or need anything at all, you just tell me. You’re my guest, and I’ll take care of you, got it?" Art outlined, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I nodded firmly.

"Got it," I affirmed.

"Also, I’ll handle our meals. Do you usually pack lunch for school?" he asked, his eyes flicking over to me.

"I do," I responded simply.

"Okay, noted," he replied, a hint of a smile on his face as we chatted.

A soft chuckle escaped me as I watched the scenery blur by outside the car window.

Before long, I found myself falling asleep, the rhythmic drive lulling me into rest until Art gently roused me.

"Hey. We’re here," he said, his voice breaking through my drowsiness as I rubbed my eyes.

Art exited the car and opened the door for me, guiding me inside his home.

As we entered the building, we were greeted by a guard and several staff members.

"Art, is this your girlfriend?" a lady approached us, her eyes widening with surprise as she took in my presence.

"Well, aren’t you just a beauty—absolutely perfect for our Art," she said, causing me to blush.

"Oh no, it’s nothing like that, ma’am," I quickly clarified.

"And very polite too! You’ve got both the looks and wonderful manners," she remarked, smiling at me brightly.

Art chuckled beside me.

"She’s not my girlfriend, Mrs. Lee. This is Gabrielle, a good friend who will be staying with me for the time being due to some unforeseen circumstances," he explained.

"Oh, I see! My apologies then; you just seem like the perfect match for each other," Mrs. Lee said, her expression warm.

Feeling slightly awkward but amused, I chuckled softly, exchanging glances with Art.

"Please, call me Elle instead," I said, extending my hand for a shake with the lady.

"We must get going now, Mrs. Lee. Gabrielle needs some rest," Art stated, ushering us along.

After bidding farewell to Mrs. Lee, we entered the elevator, which took us to the highest floor of the building.

Once we arrived, Art guided me to his apartment, which was simply stunning.

"Wow," I breathed, taking in the beautiful sight.

Art walked over to stand beside me, a look of pride on his face.

"It’s quite stunning, isn’t it?" he remarked, clearly pleased with our surroundings.

I nodded, captivated by the grandeur.

We shared a comfortable moment of silence together before Art broke it.

"I’m going grocery shopping. Do you want to come with?" he asked, glancing at me with enthusiasm.

"Grocery shopping?" I repeated, unsure if I understood correctly.

Art nodded eagerly.

"I still have everything I need at home, but it’s fun to go grocery shopping every now and then. There’s always a ton of interesting stuff in the store," he explained.

"Plus, it makes us feel more human by engaging in normal everyday tasks. And like I said, it's quite enjoyable," he added, a grin forming on his face.

Art's enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself chuckling in response.

"I think I like the idea, but..." I hesitated, looking down at my injured state. "I’m a bit injured, remember?"

"If you really want to go with me, I know a way that lets you avoid walking the entire time," he replied, a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

I smiled, my curiosity piqued.

"I’d like that," I said, feeling my spirits lift.

"Let’s go," Art cheered, and he helped me walk as we made our way back down and into his car.

Once I was settled into my seat, we drove off toward the grocery store.

As I gazed out the car window, I felt curiosity bubbling up within me.

"What other 'human' activities do you do to 'seem more human'?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Art had been living here far longer than I had, so he was well accustomed to a variety of customs.

"Well, I sometimes meet up with friends, attend formal and casual social gatherings, and participate in other typical human activities, among many more," he explained, his tone casual yet informative.

"Doesn’t that interfere with your missions?" I inquired, still trying to grasp how he balanced everything.

"No, not really. It actually provides some balance in my life here. Of course, my missions will always remain my top priority," he stated firmly.

I nodded, understanding the distinction he was drawing.

"So, that’s how it’s supposed to be," I mused aloud.

"Well, we really need to consider that we each have different roles here. For instance, I’m staying here for a protracted period, and engaging in these activities is essential for me to fit in. As for you..." he trailed off, casting a glance my way.

"I have limited time to stay here and accomplish my tasks. I can also partake in those activities, but it’s not really necessary for me," I completed his thought, realizing the truth in it.

Art nodded in agreement, and we shared a moment of understanding.

I knew my stay here wouldn’t be long—I’d likely complete my academic year and then be gone.

Saying goodbye to everyone I’d met and then cutting contact would be the norm for me.

That’s just how it was.

That’s how it had always been for me.

I wasn’t an exception.

Thus, I had to make the most of my time here.

Eventually, we arrived at the grocery store, and Art opened the door for me, assisting me as we both exited the car.

He guided me inside, ready to embark on our shopping adventure.

Upon entering, Art grabbed what he referred to as a cart and rolled it up beside me.

"What’s the plan?" I asked, intrigued by how this would unfold.

Art walked next to me, then suddenly lifted me up, surprising me.

I let out a small yelp, and he chuckled warmly.

Then, with a gentle motion, he placed me down inside the cart.

"Is this allowed?" I asked, glancing around nervously.

Art nodded confidently. "Of course! Other people do this all the time with their kids," he reassured me.

I raised an eyebrow at him, and we both shared a light-hearted laugh.

With a playful spirit, Art began pushing the cart, and thus we commenced our grocery shopping adventure.

The store was filled with an array of items I had only seen a few times before, as well as things I recognized from my time observing humans from above.

Art and I laughed together throughout our shopping spree.

He picked up some "vegan-friendly" food and tossed it into the cart alongside my seated self.

Art also grabbed some snacks that piqued my curiosity.

After awhile, he lifted me out of the cart, and we proceeded to check out the items we had selected.

Once the shopping was done, we returned to the car laden with our groceries and began the drive back to his place.

As soon as we arrived, we headed straight to Art’s apartment, where he deposited the groceries in the kitchen.

I settled onto the sofa, grateful for a moment to relax.

"That was fun, wasn’t it?" he called out from the kitchen, his voice bright with excitement.

I chuckled. "Yes, it was! It was fascinating and I genuinely enjoyed myself. Thank you!"

Art popped his head into the living room, wearing a bright smile.

"I’ll whip up a quick snack for us before I start on dinner," he said, clearly content.

He came over to the table, pulling out a few ingredients from the cabinet and placing them on the coffee table.

"Here. Go watch a movie while you wait," he instructed kindly, then started the video before retreating back to the kitchen.

As the screen flickered to life, I found myself mesmerized by the moving images.

Before long, Art returned bearing a plate of food.

"Here are some fries to snack on," he announced, settling down next to me.

"This is really interesting," I remarked, gesturing at the movie.

Art chuckled, enjoying my fascination, and offered me a piece of the food he had prepared.

It tasted amazing, and I looked at him in awe.

"What is this made of?" I asked, intrigued by the flavor.

"Potatoes," he replied, popping one in his mouth as well.

I nodded appreciatively, genuinely impressed by the simple yet delicious snack.

"Enjoy yourself while I start on dinner," he said with a pat on my head before leaving to continue his cooking.

I resumed watching the movie, munching on the fries he had made.

In just a few hours of living with Art, I was already discovering so many new experiences.

From grocery shopping to watching movies, my time here was shaping up to be quite enlightening.

I realized that I had much more to learn during my stay.

This was just the beginning of what promised to be an incredible journey for me.