Angel on a Mission

Chapter 11

Gabrielle's POV

I stepped out of the hospital, a wave of relief washing over me as I slid into my car before driving away.

My heart felt remarkably heavy in my chest.

No one deserves to endure the pain that she experienced.

No one.

As I drove through another familiar portal that led me to the road leading to my cabin, I noticed a car in the distance that I recognized.

With a sigh, I wondered, why is he here now?

I parked my car and got out, catching Alexander's gaze as he leaned casually against his vehicle, seemingly waiting for me.

“What are you doing here again?” I asked, an edge of irritation in my voice as he raised a brow at me in response.

“Are you avoiding me?” he queried, a hint of confusion evident in his tone. I glanced at him momentarily.

“No. Why do you ask?” I replied, doing my best to sound nonchalant.

“I was about to talk to you earlier after class, but you ran away before I could even say anything,” he noted, a frown etching itself onto his face.

“I had an emergency,” I explained, my words coming out hurriedly.

“An emergency, huh?” he said with a smirk, clearly skeptical of my excuse.

It was clear he didn’t believe me.

“That's on you if you don’t want to take my word for it,” I replied coolly and began walking toward my cabin.

“Are you and Tobi seeing each other?” he suddenly inquired, causing me to stop in my tracks and turn back to face him.

“No,” I answered quickly, then turned away from him again before opening the door to my cabin.

“If that’s your main concern, I suggest you head home before it gets too late. You’ll worry your parents and sisters,” I said, holding the door open so he could see me.

“You're not going to make me stay?” he blurted out impulsively, but it was too late for him to take it back now.

“No. No, I won’t,” I affirmed, determinedly.

“Then why did you make me stay yesterday?” he pressed, his curiosity piqued.

“Yesterday was a different situation. This time, I know you’ll get home safely,” I replied, and he simply stared at me, processing my words.

“Are you not even going to invite me for coffee?” he asked again, prompting a slight chuckle from me as I noticed him blush in embarrassment.

“Never mind, I’ll leave,” he stammered, clearly flustered as he opened his car door. I laughed at his reaction.

“At least stay for coffee now that you mentioned it,” I said kindly, watching as he paused, his expression shifting back to curiosity.

“Okay,” he agreed simply, closing his car door again.

I left the door open and made my way to the kitchen, and he followed me in, closing the door behind him.

As he took a seat on the sofa, I could sense his awkwardness.

I began to brew some coffee, toasting some bread as well.

After preparing everything, I set it on a tray to serve to my visitor.

“You really traveled all the way here just for coffee, huh?” I teased, watching him cough and shyly avert his gaze.

“I didn’t,” he denied, though the look on his face told a different story. I smiled while placing the tray in front of him, then sat on the single-seater sofa, taking my own cup of coffee to sip.

“You said you only stayed here sometimes,” he pointed out as he picked up his cup.

“That’s true. Most of the time, I’m out fulfilling my responsibilities,” I stated.

He didn’t pry any further, perhaps sensing that I didn’t want to discuss that topic.

“About your clothes, I’ll return them to you once they’re cleaned,” he mentioned. I simply nodded in response.

An awkward silence enveloped us.

Though curiosity filled him about many things regarding me, he chose to stay silent.

Finishing his coffee, he decided it was time to leave.

“Thanks for the coffee,” he said, standing just outside my door.

“You're welcome. Drive safely,” I replied, watching as he nodded before heading to his car and driving away.

Once I closed the door, I made my way to the bathroom for a quick shower before heading off to bed.

After my relaxing shower, I climbed into bed promptly, aware that I needed to rise extra early the next day to visit the hospital before school.

As I settled down, fatigue overtook me, and I fell asleep almost immediately.

When morning arrived, I woke up early and prepared for the day ahead.

I made my breakfast and packed my lunch. Additionally, I prepared an extra box of sliced fruits to take with me to the hospital.

Before leaving, I ventured outside to pick a few flowers for my visit.

Climbing into my car, I drove off, the familiar scenery slipping by outside my window.

The moment I passed through the portal, I found myself near the hospital.

I parked my car in the parking lot out front and stepped out, carrying my flowers and the box of fruits.

Although it wasn’t visiting hours yet, I kindly requested the nurse if I could come in for a short time. Once she realized that I was the one who had aided the patient, she allowed me inside.

I proceeded to Jade’s room.

After knocking gently, I stepped inside and noticed her parents sitting quietly in the corner. They stood as soon as they recognized me.

“Good morning, ma’am and sir. My name is Elle. Gabrielle Martinez,” I introduced myself, and Jade’s mother rushed over to envelop me in a heartfelt hug.

“It’s you! Thank you so much for saving our daughter,” she said, tears beginning to well in her eyes. I returned a small, comforting smile.

“How is she doing, ma’am?” I inquired. The woman glanced at her daughter, her expression tinged with sadness.

“She woke up last night but has refused to talk to us. We’re at a loss for what’s wrong with her,” she said, her voice wavering. I wrapped my arms around her shoulder in a comforting gesture.

“Thank you for saving our daughter, miss,” Jade’s father spoke up, and I flashed him a gentle smile before remembering the gifts I had brought.

“Oh, I brought some fruits and flowers for Jade. I can’t stay long since I have classes today, but I’ll try to visit in the afternoon, ma’am and sir,” I said, handing them my humble offerings.

“Thank you so much! I’m sure Jade will feel happy knowing that you came to see her,” Jade's mother remarked. I smiled warmly, then turned my gaze toward Jade.

I sincerely hope that one day, she can rediscover her happiness because she truly deserves it.

She deserves justice and the chance to be happy again.

After saying my goodbyes to Jade’s parents, I headed off to school.

As expected, I attracted quite a few curious stares as I walked through the lobby.

Upon reaching my classroom, I spotted a cup of coffee waiting on my table, alongside a note that read, ‘This is for the coffee last night.’

A chuckle escaped me as I realized it was from Alexander.

“What’s that?” Mika asked as she entered the room.

“Coffee,” I replied, smiling as I took a sip through the little hole on the lid.

As I glanced over, I found Alex already looking at me. Just before I could offer him a smile, he averted his gaze, prompting another soft chuckle from me.

I finished my coffee just as the teacher walked in, signaling the beginning of class.

Before I knew it, lunchtime rolled around, and I joined Mika and Bella at our usual spot.

“Hey, girlfriend!” Bella greeted with exuberance.

“Hi, Bella! Hi, Mika!” I responded with a smile.

I settled down, and we began eating when Tobi and Alexander appeared.

“Hey, girls,” Tobi said, taking a seat beside me, while Alexander settled himself across from me.

Suddenly, Bella’s phone rang loudly.

“Excuse me, I need to take this call,” she said, leaving briefly.

“So, Elle, are you free this weekend?” Tobi inquired casually. I chuckled inwardly.

I should say no, but lying isn’t my strong suit.

“I—” I was just about to agree when Bella returned.

“She’s not,” Bella interrupted before we could clarify, and all eyes turned toward her.

“I’m not?” I asked, utterly confused. Bella nodded emphatically.

“I sincerely apologize for dropping this on you, Elle, but it’s a matter of life and death. Please, I beg you to attend my blind date in my place,” she pleaded desperately.

My jaw dropped in disbelief.

A blind date?

What?

“I’ve suddenly found myself faced with an important commitment that I simply can’t cancel. Please, I’m begging you,” Bella continued, urgency mounting in her voice.

I stared at her, utterly baffled.

“Bella, what the hell—” Alexander began, but I interrupted him.

“Is your date truly that important?” I asked her cautiously. She nodded earnestly. I sighed, feeling the weight of her request bearing down on me.

“Fine,” I relented, and Bella squealed in delight as she hugged me tightly.

“Thank you, Elle! I owe you one!” she exclaimed, and I merely nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and resignation.

I was not looking forward to this weekend at all.

Suddenly, Alexander stood up and walked away, leaving us in confusion.

“What’s his deal?” Bella wondered aloud, frowning at his retreating figure.

I looked in the direction he had gone, unsure of the emotions pulsing beneath the surface.

Even he likely didn’t fully grasp what he was feeling, leaving me just as uncertain.

Lunchtime wrapped up, and we returned to our classes.

Time slipped by hastily, as it always does for me.

Soon enough, the school day came to a close.

I tucked some of my belongings into my locker before heading out to the parking lot where my car was parked.

There, I spotted Alexander, arms crossed over his chest, leaning against my car.

I walked up to him, our eyes locking as he immediately met my gaze.

“Are you seriously agreeing to go with Bella?” he demanded, his brows furrowed in concern.

“Yes. Yes, I am,” I confirmed, placing my bag into the passenger seat.

“Why?” he pressed, disbelief evident in his tone.

“Because Bella said it was important to her. If there’s any way I can help her, I will,” I explained firmly.

Alexander studied me silently for a moment before releasing a long sigh.

“What’s so crucial about a blind date?” he frowned, clearly perplexed. I shrugged lightly.

“I wouldn’t know; I’ve never been on one myself,” I admitted, trying to keep my tone light.

He regarded me with a curious expression.

“Still, you decided to do it for my sister,” he remarked, and I nodded in affirmation.

“Isn’t that what friends do?” I replied, and a hint of amusement flickered across his face.

“I don’t think so,” he said, a teasing smile creeping into his expression.

“It isn’t?” I asked playfully, tilting my head to one side in an attempt to feign innocence.

Rumbling laughter spilled forth from him, and it warmed my heart to see him genuinely chuckle.

It was a first for me.

I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to witness this side of him.

“Oh my goodness! What kind of magic is this?” Bella suddenly exclaimed, appearing alongside Mika, and immediately, Alexander’s laughter ceased.

“Alex was laughing just now, wasn’t he?” Bella asked, her expression filled with confusion as she directed her gaze between us.

“Right? Right?” she pressed, shaking my shoulders playfully. I nodded in affirmation.

“I think so,” I said, glancing over at Alexander, who shot daggers at his sister with a glare.

“Oh my gosh. What on earth made him so happy?” Bella inquired, a mix of curiosity and amusement lighting her face. I turned back to Alexander.

“Stop overreacting, Bella. It’s embarrassing,” Alexander said bluntly, a hint of annoyance seeping through. Bella pouted in response.

“Whatever, Alex,” she said, rolling her eyes in frustration before linking her arms with mine.

“Anyway, Elle, let’s go shopping for something you can wear on the date,” Bella declared enthusiastically, pulling Mika along with her other arm and clinging onto her side.

“I already have plenty of clothes that you bought for me last time,” I reminded her. Bella shook her head vigorously.

“Nah-uh! You need something specifically for the date,” she insisted with determination.

I glanced at Mika, seeking her help, but she merely shrugged her shoulders.

Then, I turned to Alexander.

“Bella, don’t pressure her into this, will you?” he said, his expression firm.

Bella raised a curious brow at him, then glanced at me with pleading eyes.

“Am I forcing this upon you, Elle?” she asked softly.

I swallowed hard.

I could see straight through her tactics.

And, unfortunately, they were working.

Especially since I had a hard time saying no to my friends.

“Not really?” I replied uncertainly, my voice trailing off. Bella giggled with delight.

“Great!” she squealed, and before I knew it, she whisked Mika and me toward my car, effectively dragging us along.

“Bye, Alex! Tell Mom I might be a little late,” Bella called cheerfully as we climbed into the car.

Sighing, I glanced back at Alexander. He caught my eye, and I gave him a small, apologetic smile.

Then I pulled away from the curb, headed to the mall.

“Be honest, Elle. What do you think of my brother?” Bella suddenly asked, breaking the silence as I focused on the road.

“Your brother?” I echoed, and Bella nodded, looking expectantly at me.

“They seem to be quite close now, don’t you think, Mika?” Bella remarked, and Mika nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, it looks like you both get along well. During class, Alex can’t seem to take his eyes off you,” Mika noted matter-of-factly.

“Yup. Now, spill it! Is there something going on between you two? When and how did it happen?” Bella inquired eagerly, a grin spreading across her face.

I chuckled at their assumptions.

Absolutely nothing was going on between Alexander and me.

In fact, nothing was happening with anyone else either.

“Nothing is happening,” I assured them, noticing their disappointed expressions.

“Yeah, sure,” Bella said, sighing dramatically.

I couldn’t help but smile at their reactions.

Alexander and I weren’t even that close yet.

Right?

But I had a feeling we were getting there, slowly but surely.

Maybe. Or maybe not.

“Oh, girls, I can’t spend too long at the mall. I need to go somewhere,” I mentioned suddenly.

“Where?” they asked, genuine curiosity lighting up their faces.

“The hospital,” I replied honestly.

“What? Why? Is everything all right? Are you okay?” Bella asked, worry etched across her features.

“Did something happen that you didn't tell us? What’s wrong?” Mika chimed in, her tone urgent.

“I just need to visit a friend. Calm down, both of you,” I reassured them.

They let out synchronized sighs of relief.

“Well, after that incident at the game, I can’t help but panicking whenever something doesn’t seem right with you,” Bella confessed.

“I feel the same way! I get anxious if I don’t know what you’re up to,” Mika added, making me chuckle lightly.

“I apologize for worrying you guys that day, especially, but I promise I’m fine. I just have to handle some important matters frequently,” I explained.

Both girls sighed heavily.

“Please don’t be too reckless with your life, Elle. We care about you a lot, you know. You’re always there for us in our times of need, but we feel helpless when we can’t support you,” Mika said earnestly.

“Mika’s right. You’re always with us, and yet we seem unable to be there when you need us,” Bella agreed, nodding gravely.

I felt a pang of guilt rise within me.

It was because I needed to resolve certain issues myself.

Ordinary people might find it dangerous, but I knew better. This was simply my life.

“I’m sorry,” I simply said in response.

“Please take care of yourself,” they implored.

I'll do my absolute best.