Tentative Engagements

Chapter 1: “Not your average guardian angel.”

Abby

What feels like a scorching iron spike, so hot you can visualize the color change of the metal going from a dull metallic grey to a hateful blistering red-orange, has burrowed into my body. The burning metal has penetrated my back, snaking its fiery way through my chest. I don’t feel anything but that merciless pain. I continue to cover Noelle’s body , my closest friend, from the attack, basically acting as her human shield. I hear voices and sounds around us, but I can’t find the strength to open my eyelids. God, please help me. This pain is unbearable. I stop my mental prayer. God has allowed this pain. He only gives me what I can handle. He has plans for me, and they begin now. I recall one of my favorite quotes. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can’t change, like this freaking bullet; Courage to change the things I can, like Noelle’s life; and the wisdom to know the difference. Shoot, I can’t come up with a wisdom part. My exhausted brain has clocked out, and so do I. Moments later, I sense a solid, powerful set of arms carrying me. Those arms can only belong to an archangel. Maybe it is the archangel Gabriel or Michael carrying me home. Only in heaven would I finally get to see my departed family. “My guardian angel.” I rasp and manage to open my eyes a tiny slit. “Gabriel.” A robust voice answers me. “Archangel Gabriel, please take me home. I want to be with my mom and brother.” I pleaded as warm tears rolled down my face. I have never spoken those words aloud, yet it feels like the burden has been lifted. My eyes closed without my consent. “No. You are not going anywhere. Do you hear me, Abrianna?” “Please, I want to see my mom. I want my….” Unable to complete the sentence, I let unconsciousness take hold of me. ◆◆◆ I wake up slowly and don't bother opening my eyelids. Why do I feel so tired and weak? This is not like me. I try to recall last night’s events but nothing, no memories. Crap! Maybe I have amnesia? My name is Abrianna Marino. I am an eighteen-years-old maid. Angela and Noelle are my friends. My cousin Maximiliano despises me. At the mention of Maximiliano, my memories begin to trickle back to me. There was an attack. I had to get Noelle to safety, but the intruders caught us. The intruder gave my cousin an ultimatum. Maximiliano had to pick who would get to live. Max picked his wife, no surprise there. But then, the attacker decided to kill Noelle regardless. I threw my body to cover her. Yup, that would explain the burning pain coming from my left shoulder. Ok, now it is time to rise and shine. Where the heck am I? This is not my room. This room has wallpaper with large flowers. The bedroom furniture looks like it’s antique and very expensive. It’s a charming room, but it’s not mine. “Good morning Abrianna. I am glad that you are finally awake. My name is Mindy, and I’m your nurse. Now, can you tell me how you are feeling? How bad is your pain ?” “Good morning. I feel some pain coming from my left shoulder blade, and I feel fatigued. Mindy, where am I?” “I will give you a pain killer through your IV. As for your fatigue, you’re going to feel like that for a couple of weeks until your body completely heals. To answer your last question, this beautiful home belongs to the Russo’s. Do you remember who they are?” Why am I staying with the Russos? Maybe I managed to be too bothersome for Mr. Marino, and he traded me in? He probably swapped me for another maid. “Yes, I remember.” I lie to the attractive nurse. Mindy goes about her business, but I ignore everything around me.

I lift my hand and feel my upper right chest for an exit wound. None. Surely that must mean that Noelle is unharmed. Well, unless another shot was fired. Maybe that is why I am here? Mr. Mariano probably got upset that I didn’t protect Noelle well enough. I need to find out if Noelle and everyone else is ok. I need to know why I am here. However, there wouldn't be a point for the last part. For whatever reason my cousin had for getting rid of me doesn’t change the fact that he did get rid of me. Maximiliano Mariano picked me to die. More of my tears fall without my permission. Thankfully, Mindy grants me some privacy and leaves my room. The day my parents and older brother were murdered, my cousin, my savior, saved me. Maximiliano saved my life as an infant, only to sentence me to death later. He should just have let me die as a baby. At least then I would be with my mother and brother. A heartfelt cry escapes me. I usually hold them in, but I am too overwhelmed with sorrow. I sit up and wait out the dizzy spell. I pull the IV from my arm without thinking. The pain is a surprising welcome distraction. It ends too soon, though. Blood had emerged from my punctured vein. I contemplate using my free hand to apply pressure to the wound. But the pain is swallowing me whole. I need to release the valve of my pent up emotions. I somehow managed to make it to the on-suite restroom. I turn on the shower. I cannot remove my clothing, so I enter the shower fully clothed. I sit down and stuff a hand towel in my mouth. I release the valve that holds all my pain and suffering.