Lucifer's Gift

Chapter 3 – The Name

I took my first hot shower in over five months. Sure, the shelters had a few, but they were luke-warm at best. The towels I used to dry off with were so soft and fuzzy, I almost didn’t want to stop drying myself.

‘Have a nice bath?’ I jumped and cinched the towel around my body. Who does he think he is walking in on me when I am naked?

‘I’m the devil. And I can read minds so be careful what you think around me,’ he responded, walking into the bathroom and offering his hand to me. Still clutching the towel around me, I accepted, and he led me into a spare bedroom down the hall. I had the feeling that I was not the only one who had been in there before. On the bed, there were pajamas laid out for me to use. He guided me in and then left, leaving the door wide open. I closed it enough to where I could hide behind the door if he decided to sneak a peek at me. I put on the garments and noticed something about them.

‘These are a little big on me.’ He opened the door and leaned on the frame and with a snap, the garments shrunk to fit my frame.

‘Nice and fitted.’ He sauntered into the room, hands in his pockets. ‘You know, there is a reason that I brought you here.’

I knew it. I was in a trap and I fell into it. I rubbed my sleeved arms in embarrassment.

‘Really?’

‘Yes, really.’ He stood in front of me and placed his hands on my shoulders. I knew what this was. I knew what he wanted from me. I got on my knees and licked my lips.

‘Um, pardon me. What are you doing?’ he asked with a puzzled look on his face.

‘This is what you want, right?’ I started to reach for his belt buckle, and he grabbed my hands.

‘What? No... no, no… NO!’ He helped me up by my wrists. ‘No. This is not it at all!’ He released me and ran his hands through his hair. I stared at him, red faced and embarrassed at what just happened. I guess even the devil can get flustered sometimes.

‘No. I have a proposal for you. But I want you to get a goodnight sleep before you make any decisions.’

I started to tear up. ‘I thought you wanted me for my body. I thought…’ He held up his hand to silence me. My tears fell down my cheeks. I was confused, upset and angry all at the same time.

‘I know that these mortals cannot see anything past the flesh that you carry, but I know that there is more in this vessel than they will ever know.’ He brushed away a tear. ‘Now, go to sleep. You have a big decision to make tomorrow.’

I woke in the morning after an amazing sleep.

The last time I had slept like this I was still an angel. I stretched my arms out and I could feel my wings start to spread even though they were nothing but scarred stumps on my back.

I crawled out of bed to the glorious smell of fresh coffee instead of a piss-covered box in an alleyway.

I shuffled into the kitchen to see Lucifer at the stove, cooking eggs and dancing to the music that was blaring in his headphones.

For a moment, I felt playful. I wanted to see if I could get the jump on the Devil, himself. In the same moment, I also felt terrified from the night before.

I was in the same place as the devil! I had to get out of there. I did not worry about my clothes because I am pretty sure he threw them out. I went to the elevator and pressed the call button repeatedly.

‘Going somewhere?’ I turned and saw him walking towards me, headphones around his neck, stirring a pan of eggs.

I stuttered to find the right words. ‘Um, yes. I have to go and-uh-be somewhere in an- an alley! Yeah. I have a pimp…’

He let out a hearty laugh which stopped me in my tracks. This was the first time I had heard him sound really human.

‘Get back here. Breakfast is ready. And I know you don’t want to be seen wearing the devil’s pajamas.’

He walked back into the kitchen and followed him like a sheep.

After breakfast, we sat on his couch and he told me what it is what he wanted.

‘Now, I have a few questions before I ask you what I am going to ask you. First, what is your name? I can’t keep calling you ‘You’, now can I.’

‘I don’t have a name.’ I sheepishly answered.

‘What? You mean they didn’t give you one when you fell? Not even your old name?’ I shook my head.

‘Well, I must call you something. How about Angel. Is that alright?’ I thought about it for a second and agreed.

‘Alright then, Angel it is.’ He took a breath and adjusted himself on the couch to face me completely.

‘Angel, I have a very important offer for you.’