Angel on a Mission

Chapter 25

Gabrielle's POV

"Elle."

The gentle call of my name startled me from my thoughts, and I turned my head to look at Bella, who was watching me intently. Her voice, warm and familiar, cut through the haze of the film we had been watching together, a romance that had captivated both of us, albeit for different reasons.

"Yes?" I replied, curious about what she wanted to discuss now, as some flicker of amusement danced in her eyes.

We were settled comfortably on the couch in the cozy living room, the flickering light from the television casting soft hues of gold and blue across our surroundings.

The story unfolded onscreen, creating a backdrop against which our discussion could blossom, and I could feel a sense of camaraderie in the air.

Brooke was already sleeping in the room with her kitten while the 3 of us were still up and about watching movies that Mika picked out.

"Just a random question," Bella said, her tone shifting slightly, a hint of mischief glinting in her eyes as she leaned in closer.

"What is it?" I asked, intrigued and eager to hear what was on her mind.

"Have you ever fallen in love before?" Bella asked suddenly, her voice full of genuine curiosity and maybe a bit of playfulness.

As her question settled in the air between us, Mika, who had been quietly focused on the emotional turmoil of the movie, turned to look at me as well, clearly just as eager to hear my response.

"Of course I have," I replied, trying to project a sense of confidence.

I'm in love with so many things—life itself, with God, and all the beauty of Heaven.

"Really? Who did you fall in love with?" Mika questioned, her eyes sparkling with fascination, as if she were expecting a grand story.

"God. Life. The sky," I answered, a serene smile crossing my lips as I embraced the enormity of my true feelings.

Mika and Bella exchanged incredulous glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and curiosity, struggling to reconcile my unconventional sense of love with their own experiences.

"I'm talking about falling in love with another person," Bella clarified, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion as she searched for understanding.

Oh.

"Well, not really," I admitted, the realization settling in, more tangible now than ever before.

"Wait, seriously? That’s even more shocking," Mika exclaimed, her eyes going a touch wider, incredulity dancing across her features.

Well, it’s because I’m not just your average person.

So, I definitely can’t simply fall in love with just anyone.

"Not even once? Like, not even when you were younger?” Bella pressed, clearly fascinated by the notion that I had never experienced what they regarded as a rite of passage.

I shook my head slowly, feeling a gentle resolve in my answer.

"Wow," they both said in unison, their attention drifting back to the movie as they processed my unexpected admission, each lost in their thoughts.

"I don’t get it," Mika finally said, breaking the silence. She seemed to be struggling with the concept I had just laid out.

“You’re perfect. I'm sure a lot of guys have pursued you. You've never liked any of them back?” Mika asked.

I shook my head.

Then again, I haven't been on earth for a long time. And that's not really my purpose here.

"Haven’t you ever been curious? About what it’s like? The excitement, the butterflies, the heartbreak that comes with falling in love?” Bella inquired.

I thought deeply for a moment, trying to articulate my stance.

"I guess I just never saw the point," I replied, searching for clarity. "Romantic love is so… unpredictable. It can make people act recklessly, cloud their judgment, and even endanger their strengths."

I know only because I've seen and heard stories about people when they fall too deeply in love.

Bella raised an eyebrow, her demeanor shifting toward skepticism tinged with understanding. "Or it can make them stronger. Have you ever considered that? Love isn’t simply a distraction; it’s what keeps people going and fighting for what matters even in the toughest of times."

Mika nodded hugely, her enthusiasm palpable. "Exactly! Love adds layers upon layers of meaning to life. It’s not just about having a boyfriend or girlfriend; it’s about creating that deep connection. It’s about finding someone who understands you completely, someone who sees every part of you and still opts to stay through the storm and the sunshine alike."

I have God for that though…

I hesitated then, feeling their words tug at a corner of my resolve. That was the crux of my conflict; if someone truly saw me for who I really was—everything I embodied and everything I struggled with—would they still choose to remain at my side? My heart whispered doubt.

"Maybe for you guys, that’s true," I finally admitted, my voice softening as I allowed some vulnerability to slip through. "But for me, it’s just different. I have a different purpose that drives me. Forming romantic attachments would only complicate things further."

Bella studied me carefully for a long, searching moment, her eyes softening as if she were slowly piecing together a puzzle. After what felt like an eternity, she let out a sigh that carried a hint of weariness, as though she bore the weight of understanding on her shoulders. "You sound like you’re scared to fall in love," she stated gently, almost like a whisper.

I wasn't. I'm not.

I opened my mouth, ready to argue against her assumption, but the words simply eluded me.

Falling in love is forbidden for me. For us.

"Falling in love is more than just fleeting emotions, Elle," Mika interjected, her voice sincere and low as she leaned a bit closer. "It’s about trust, about sharing your soul with someone else, about letting them see you for everything you are. It’s not just about romance—it’s about partnership. Knowing that no matter what life throws at you, you have someone by your side, someone who stands firm and doesn’t waver."

Again, I had God for that.

But then…

"And what if it's not that?" I blurted out, the question escaping before I could rein it in. "What if you bare your entire heart to them, and they choose to walk away? What happens then? Where should I stand?”

Bella’s expression softened, compassion radiating from her. "Then they’re just not the right person for you, Elle. The right person won’t just abandon ship when storms arise. That’s the essence of true love."

Mika sighed wistfully, her voice laced with longing. "It’s kind of like when you see two people who fit together perfectly, you know? They become like two puzzle pieces that have found their match. Have you never observed a couple and thought, ‘Wow, I truly want that connection in my life’?"

Nope. That's never crossed my mind

I thought back to all the people I had watched from the sidelines before when I was up above—the couples laughing together, sharing glances of pure joy, holding hands as they whispered soft secrets privately meant for each other. I had seen love manifest in countless beautiful forms, yet I had never truly craved it for myself—not in the way that Bella and Mika described.

"Maybe I just don’t have the space for that in my life," I finally responded, my gaze drifting to the floor, where I could see the pattern in the carpet. "My focus has always been directed elsewhere. Love simply… doesn’t seem necessary for me right now."

Bella smiled knowingly, as if she could sense the truth beneath my defensive demeanor.

"That’s what you say now. But one day, Elle, you’ll meet someone who changes everything for you. And when that day comes, you’re going to remember this conversation and realize just how much it mattered." she said.

I scoffed lightly, unable to fully embrace her optimism. "Doubtful."

"We’ll see," Mika teased gently, a broad grin spreading across her face, her playful demeanor injecting lightness into the weighty conversation.

"I firmly believe one day someone is going to flip your entire world upside down. And I hope I’m right there to witness every moment of it, to cheer you on." Bella stated.

I just shrugged and we all chuckled.

As the night settled in, we continued watching movie after movie, filling the hours with laughter, shared commentary, and whispered secrets. Slowly, fatigue began to settle over us like a warm blanket, and we finally decided it was time to sleep.

We all piled into my bed, a cozy nest of warmth and familiarity, with me comfortably sandwiched in the middle between Brooke and Bella while Mika slept beside Bella. The comfort of their presence enveloped me, chasing away the anxieties of the night.

A few hours passed by…

Suddenly, I gasped as I jolted awake, my heart pounding violently in my chest, a chill creeping up my spine that sent shivers through my entire being.

Something is wrong.

Quietly, I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Brooke or Bella or Mika, and padded over to the window. My eyes scanned the street below, instincts screaming at me, urging me to take stock of the situation outside.

Just in time, I caught a glimpse of a woman being dragged forcefully into a polished black van parked ominously on the sidewalk.

An a*******n.

My heart raced; adrenaline flooded my veins, and I didn’t hesitate for a second. I swiftly grabbed my coat and slipped into the night, slipping away like a shadow being summoned by the night.

I followed the van from the rooftops, moving like a wisp of smoke, tracing it until it finally came to a stop outside a deserted warehouse.

Each beat of my heart thundered in my ears as I crept inside, doing so undetected, slipping between shadows as I made my way through the dimly lit structure.

My breath hitched in my throat upon entering the cold interior to find the woman tied to a chair, tears streaming down her cheeks as she sobbed quietly, capitulating to despair.

Silently, I moved forward with a sense of fierce determination, swiftly taking down two guards who stood watch. With a twist and an effortless grace, I unbound her from her prison, my words emerging in a hushed yet urgent tone.

"You’re safe now. Run and don’t look back. Get as far away from here as possible."

She hesitated, her eyes wide and shimmering with tears as they locked onto mine, searching for reassurance.

"What about you?" she asked, her voice trembling, filled with worry for me despite her own peril.

"Just go" I urged encouragingly willing her to understand the gravity of the situation.

The moment she stood up…

*phew

A sharp, searing pain erupted in my side and then I saw red dripping to the floor.

Blood.

The woman looked at my side and her eyes widened in fear.

I was shot.

“Run….hurry….please” I said as I held my side and I pushed her with my free hand.

“Hurry!” I urged again and that's when she finally ran.

I manifested a portal for her as soon as she vacates the building. One that will transport her to safety immediately.

I staggered but fought to remain on my feet, my body screaming in agony as more men emerged from the door of the building, surrounding me like vultures eager for their prey.

I forced myself to react, narrowly dodging a second shot that whizzed terrifyingly close as I lunged forward, taking down one of the attackers with a precise strike to his temple.

Another emerged, wielding a knife, but I twisted his wrist, flipping him over my shoulder and sending him crashing into the cold, impenetrable concrete floor.

They just kept coming. Too many of them. I needed to end this quickly before the tide turned.

“Find the other girl and capture her again!” one of the men commanded.

Gritting my teeth, I drew deeper within myself, calling upon my energy reserves. The air crackled vividly around me as I unleashed a torrent of force, a wave so powerful it sent my enemies hurtling backward.

Crates shattered, dust erupted into a cloud around us, and the entire warehouse trembled beneath the sheer magnitude of my abilities.

The men groaned on the ground, immobilized but still alive. I had incapacitated them all, just enough so they can be captured but not killed.

But my stunt had come at a cost—one I was now all too aware of.

I exhaled sharply, relishing the fleeting victory swelling within me, but soon my legs buckled beneath me. My vision blurred dangerously, and the pain in my side intensified, radiating through my body in waves, each pulse reminding me that I had pushed myself far beyond my limits.

I felt an agonizing amount of pain shot through my body as I fell to the ground on my knees. Then, I coughed and spat out blood. And finally, I fell to my side.

Then—nothing. The world around me faded, disappearing into a reassuring yet terrifying darkness.