Fallen

chapter three

I kept nodding off, my head lolling back and forth, the jolt in the movements always waking me. I was beginning to wonder if I should just go to sleep. I’m sure I’ll wake up if he does. I mean I seriously expect him to be volatile when he wakes. I know he will be confused, probably angry and definitely still hurt. He really shouldn’t move around too much and if I’m not awake to help him then he might rip his stitches out. That would not be pleasant for him.

I decided to just go into the room and rest in the chair across from the bed. That way he is within hearing range and I could wake up immediately if I should need to. I mean there was really no telling when he would wake up anyway. He fell hard. He probably has a concussion. Can angels get concussions? Whatever it didn’t matter, all that mattered was if he was alright or not. Once we know he can then be on his merry way. My aversion to people applied to him too, but I couldn’t just leave him out there like that. Not hurt and looking half dead.

I walked over to him, my eyes scanning him over. His breathing had evened out, and his face was no longer crumpled in pain. His body seemed relaxed despite being wrapped in bandages. Placing my hand on his forehead I was grateful to feel he didn’t have a fever. It seems he would be just fine, he just needed to rest. As I went to move my hand away from him, I almost screamed when his hand shot up to grab mine. He hadn’t opened his eyes, but I knew he was awake. His breathing got heavier and his grip on my wrist was painfully tight.

“Yo..you’re al..alright.” I hissed through the pain, trying and failing to pull my wrist from his grasp.

“Who are you? Where am I?” He asked through clenched teeth, his steel silver eyes piercing straight through me.

I winced, my eyes darting back and forth from my wrist to his eyes. He scanned my face apparently deciding I was not a threat and let me go. I quickly backed away from him rubbing my wrist, the area already turning blue.

“I’m Belle.” I said, finally finding my voice. “I saw you fall. You landed nearby. I didn’t know what fell was an angel, I thought it was a meteor. When I got there, I found you. I carried you back here and patched you up the best I could. You’ve been sleeping ever since. I was just trying to check and see if you had a fever.” I backed closer to the door, fear coiling in my stomach like a snake. “I... I’m sorry. It didn’t seem right to leave you there when you were hurt.”

I saw his silver eyes soften as he looked at me now, but he said nothing. He just studied me as if I had three heads. I felt unnerved under his intense stare, goosebumps raised on my skin and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. He went to sit up and I unthinkingly jumped towards him and pushed him back down, my hand splayed across his chest.

“No. Stay still.” I urged.

“Why?” His eyes narrowed.

“Because you’re hurt.” I shot back, getting tired of his attitude. “If I wanted to hurt you I had more than enough of a chance. I could have left you in that crater or killed you while you slept. I am not your enemy, not unless you make me one. But your wings are badly wounded. One was almost completely torn from your back. I didn’t know how angels healed, but I stitched your wing back in hopes it would heal properly. But if you move too much, put too much weight, the stitches will come loose. I’ve bound it the best I could, but I also made sure to stretch your wings out so they could heal.” I had backed back up towards the door by the time I finished explaining things. Still fearful of his intentions.

“You look tired.” He said, changing the subject.

“I...I’ve stayed awake to keep an eye on you, make sure you didn’t stop breathing or see if you showed symptoms of any other injury I couldn’t see.”

“I see.” he replied, remorse entering his tone. “I apologize for my rash behavior.”

“I expected you to wake up volatile, I just didn’t expect to be in the immediate vicinity.” I admitted.

“Again, I apologize.” He said, bowing his head.

“It’s alright. Would you like help to sit up?”

“Please.” He smiled, displaying his perfectly straight white teeth.

I just shook my head as I made my way over to him. Gently placing a hand on his back between his wings and the other under his arm, I helped him to slowly sit up, his back propped against the headboard. He winced; his face contorted with pain in the process. I bit my lip, hating to see I was putting him in pain.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” I say, stepping away.

“Thank you, for setting my wings. The stitching will help it heal, though if it is as bad as you say it will take longer.” His brows furrowed and a different kind of pain entered his eyes.

“I thought losing it would be painful for you, I didn’t want that to happen.” I murmured, stepping away once again. He watched my movement with sadness in his eyes before looking back into mine.

“You do not have to fear me.” he whispered. “I mean you no harm. I am Azrael, one of the five archangels.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Azrael. Again, I am Belle. Would you like some breakfast?” I asked, walking around to the end of the bed.

“You need to get some rest Belle.” Azrael said with concern.

“I’ll lay down once you’re fed.”

I duck out of the room before he could protest, shuffling to the refrigerator to get bacon and eggs. It didn’t take long to cook, the time away from his intense eyes helped calm me and prepare me for it once again. With his plate made and fresh coffee steaming from a cup, I took the tray to him and placed it over his lap with a smile.

“Just let me grab some clothes and I will be out of your way.”

“You gave me your bed?” He questioned.

“Yes. It was the best place for you considering your size. The other room would not have accommodated you very well. I’ll be fine in the other room, it’s fine.” I assured him.

“Very well.” He said, sounding unsure.

I just smiled and left the room. A shower was in order first, the sweat and stench from the previous day still sticking to my skin. Thinking back, I should have just taken one while he was asleep, but for some reason it didn’t even cross my mind. I ended up wondering once again how Azrael fell. What caused this massive man to become earthbound? Or was he even earthbound? I mean did he fall on purpose? Was he attacked and fell from that? Was he kicked out of heaven? Did the angels stay in heaven? Or did they have their own space? Whatever the case may be he is here now, whether by his own actions or another’s, and there was nothing that could be done about it now. And it really didn’t seem appropriate to ask, nor the right time. The poor man was probably struggling with what had happened, and I can’t say I blame him.

Leaning my forehead against the cool tiles of the shower I sighed. What am I supposed to do now? I have an archangel wounded and resting in my room. I can’t just leave him here when I decide to move on, but could I actually take him with me? I couldn’t imagine calling anyone for help. They’d do anything to get their hands on him, use him as a guinea pig or some science experiment. They wouldn’t care about his wellbeing. No, I had to make sure he was healthy and able to once again protect himself before I leave him alone. That does not mean I will be staying here though. People are going to come looking for whatever made that crater, and I didn’t want to be here when that happened.

Quickly drying I put my pajamas on and threw my hair into a messy bun. I was so not in the mood to brush it right now. Right now I just wanted to go to bed and get some rest. Azrael and I will have a lot to talk about when I wake up. Not to mention the fact I have to feed him, since he is unable to get up and get food for himself. In a way, I didn’t mind. No, I might not like people or even having Azrael here, but I also never had anyone depend on me before, not someone genuine at least.

A small smile covered my face as I lay down, curling myself around the mound of pillows I had stacked on the bed. They were supposed to be spares, maybe I should take some to Azrael when I wake up. As of now I don’t think I could stand back up even if I wanted to. Exhaustion washed over me, covering me like a thick blanket, easily pulling me into a deep sleep the moment my head cleared and my eyes closed. The last thing I remembered seeing was Azrael’s silver eyes as they flashed with deep sadness, making my chest tighten.