She Speaks to Angels free

8/12/2019 She Speaks to Angels free

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Dedicated to all the angels of the world.

Table of Contents

Rooftops 6


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Ignorance 14Sleepover 23Family Ties 31Back Alleys 38Memorial 46Feathers 56

Revelations

64Closer 72

Decisions 80Aftershock 87Wings 94Luminescence 102Rooms 110Assignments 121Suspicions 130Sunlight Kisses 137Until Eight 144Carnage 151The Station 158

On Edge

165

Transitions 172Jacob 179Lucianda 186Street Fights 193Consequences 202Exposure 210The Lure 218Last Stand 226Aftermath 235

RooftopsAsthe day began, I didnt know it would change my life forever. No one prepared me for

something like this. Not parents, teachers or guidance counselors. Walking through the front

doors and down the hallway of Millennium High School in New York City, I thought today

would be just like any other ordinary day. Long, boring and dreadful. Take your pick. I wasnt

anyone popular. There was nothing special about me that made the guys drool.


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teased me, she raced off with Molly, shoulder to shoulder and I couldnt help but grin; weve

been best friends for years. I couldnt imagine high school without my crew. As they disappeared

around the corner, the bell rang. Damn. I was always late. I really needed to manage my time

better.

Fumbling with my NOOK, my choice eReader, I opened the closed door to English class.

Mrs. Engstrom kept her eyes on me in that late-again fashion. I actually could feel those wordsemanate from her pores and penetrate my skull. Tripping on a television cable wire, I stumbled to

the carpeted floor, dropping my NOOK and purse. Oh, God, please let no one be watching. Please let noone be watching this. I picked up my items hurriedly and then flung my body upward, propellingmyself into an open seat. Damn; the whole class stared and a few giggles permeated the room.

Awkward. Dameon sat in the back with his eyes locked on mine the whole time. No squeezing

out of this embarrassment.

Plopping into the front row with a shake of my head, I let my graciously long dark hair wisp

over my oval shaped face. Sea blue eyes begged me to cover them up; I didnt want to see any

more. Kids stared, and faces that once held shape and names became a conglomeration of

taunting flesh. I felt dizzy with the rush of adrenaline. Emotions pulled me in opposing

directions. Fight or flee? Dameon kept staring from the back. I could make him out in myperipheral vision. God, his stare even looked sexy. Sliding down in my seat, I hoped to become

invisible. But I didnt.

Mrs. Engstrom had called roll and shouted my name just to be sure I paid attention. Allison

Maney?As if she didnt see the circus act I performed in front of the class.

Here, a defeated whisper escaped my pink-hued lips. I only used lipstick because my lips

tended to chap. Molly used to tease me about my preference for wearing little make-up. Her

mom, being a free spirit, allowed her to wear make-up since sixth grade. Molly said I must be the

only girl in the city without it, so I added lipstick to my daily morning regime. But in truth, I

didnt need much make-up. I was one of those blessed girls without blemishes, pimples, or

uneven-toned skin. Yes, one of those girls. But I quickly remedied my natural beauty with the

oversized garb. My attire choices made Jennifer roll her eyes every day at lunch. She wanted to bea cheerleader; one of those it girls, smart and sassy. But she never made the squad.

Sliding the NOOK across my desk, my fingers clasped the delicate touch-screen and I flipped

to the required English reading assignment.

Allison, could you read paragraph one? Mrs. Engstrom asked, but her request sounded

more like a command from the captain of a sinking ship. She had lost everyones interest months

ago.

Its Ali. I arched my left brow like a dog about to bark. She returned a quizzical look. My

name is Ali. Ive only told you this since school started. The second sentence rolled out under

my breath. The teacher looked like she might explode any minute as she took in a deep breath, as

if fumes might just blow out of her nose. I sighed as I glanced back down at my eReader.

I guess her patience ran thin six months into school. Homework to grade. Mischievousstudents to send to the principals office. And then there was the fact that she hardly ever had

anyones attention. She appeared surprised when I flipped my NOOK to the page that

corresponded to the one on the whiteboard.

Just read, please, Mrs. Engstrom replied.

I nodded.

When the dreadful paragraph ended, the room felt suspiciously quiet. Not a peep. No one

ever listened in this class. Was I really that interesting? I tilted my flushing face around in


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Dameons direction just as his side of the class stood up from their seats and watched out the

adjacent side window. With eyes mesmerized, the other side of the class jumped to their feet with

jarred expressions as two jocks took off like a marathon over a few desks to get closer to the

window. I made out a blur of something dropping past the window to the ground, but it all

happened so fast I couldnt be sure what I saw.

Tommy? the quarterback shouted in question, and then I heard a loud thud. His nosepressed up against the glass. Tommy Bachelor? The dread in his voice shot through my veins

and brought back the day Mom told me about Dads fatal heart attack. I had just turned sixteen

and was supposed to have a sweet sixteen party. Dad made the arrangements for a limo to drive

my friends and me to the local dance club. I had gone to the hospital instead and cried all night.

What the hell just happened?

I leapt from my chair and darted toward the window to stand behind the broad-shouldered

linebacker just as Mrs. Engstrom, at a remarkable sixty years old, managed to squeeze between

the two large athletes.

I saw him fall! a student in the back shouted, his forefinger pointing to the window.

Is he dead? a female voice questioned from somewhere in the middle.

Couldnt be! The linebacker nudged the quarterback. Could it?Someone do something! A shriek sounded from behind me.

As all these questions and statements circled, my eyes focused on a lump on the school

ground. Crimson color washed around him as he lay face-down. I couldnt be sure if it was him,

but the body wore a green turtleneck, and I had seen Tommy in something similar before

heading to my locker this morning.

Buttons on phones clicked, texting. Someone finally called the front office as Mrs. Engstrom

panicked. Maybe it was the female student from the middle of the room.

This is Mrs. Engstroms class...we just saw someone fall from the rooftop. YES! He is there

now on the ground outside! The shrieking voice shot goose bumps up and down my arms.

Mrs. Engstrom drew away from the window and appeared to be in shock.

Never in thirty years of teaching. She shook her head as if she just couldnt believe whatshe saw. But I had my doubts. I heard the rumors...the rumors of students jumping from the

rooftop of the school years before I attended. Mrs. Engstrom had only started teaching at

Millennium High several years ago. She wouldnt know that the school, the city, had its fair share

of suicides and suspicious deaths. Wherever she had taught for the past twenty-seven years must

have been fairly tame compared to this.

A tap on my shoulder from behind spun me around on the ball of my foot, and my dazed

eyes met his. Dark as night, his eyes searched my face for expression. What he searched for I

couldnt be sure, but I felt pulled to him like a magnet.

Are you alright? Dameon asked, his thick brows arched over his thinly black-penciled inner

eyelids. If not for the obvious tweezing at the center, his two brows could easily be mistaken for a

unibrow. He reminded me of a referee controlling a game, making sure every player was fine, notrattled.

I...I... I didnt know what I felt. I didnt know Tommy that well. He played with the football

team. Not a star, but a good player. But rumors circulated that he didnt have his mind on the

game anymore, that he was distracted. He and I never bonded over the course of my two and

half years at Millennium High. In fact, I would bet he didnt even know I existed. I only knew of

him because Jennifer dragged me to the football games and she kind of had an unspoken crush

on him. Im sure he didnt know she existed either, but that never stopped her.


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Shivers rushed through my bones like cold water hitting me as I realized that was the second

time Dameon had touched me. I stayed in that moment for a minute longer before returning to

the classroom. A mixture of shock and adrenaline. I didnt know if I should feel guilty for feeling

anything other than dread in that moment, but I had waited for three months to connect with

Dameon, and took what I could get.

He seemed unstable. Dameon whispered behind me, and his unchecked comment jerkedthe quarterback around with an intense twist of his lips and nose. The sight made me step back.

What did you say? As the red football jacket moved closer and closer, I felt Dameon step in

front of me. His black leather red-striped jacket became my world. I couldnt see either of their

faces, could only hear their heated words, but I did see Dameon shrug with his first retort.

Unstable, Dameon repeated. Not mean spirited, not even in rebuttal. Just as a stated,

unattached fact.

You didnt even know him! The quarterback inched closer and his stitched name over the

right pocket came into view: Clark. Youve been here...what a couple months? You dont know

what youre talking about, kid! Clark clasped both hands on Dameons shoulders and pushed

him; but Dameon, whose stature matched Clarks in height and width, didnt react. Dameon just

let Clark push him, I thought I heard a distinct hiss. From where I was I couldnt be completelysure.

I stumbled backward during the feud, trying to get out of Dameons way, and stepped on

Mrs. Engstroms toes.

Now, boys, she wobbled between the two of them. This is no time for arguing. We have a

death to deal with. Her voice grew scratchy as she waved her hands. Sit, sit. Everyone return to

your seats. Im sure Principal Patty will address this matter over the intercom shortly. Until then,

S-I-T. The eyes over her beet-red face met with Clarks, and the quarterback retreated from the

window with the linebacker at his side.

I felt panicked and my body shook. Curiosity spun my mind in circles and then to my

Journalism class. I whispered aloud without even realizing what Id said. This would make a

great newspaper story.Dameon turned, his owl-eyes catching me and his hand slapping me on my back. Come

on. As he plodded to his chair, the array of stunned, aggravated, grieving students hit their seats

and his hand broke away from me, allowing me to return to my desk. I wondered why Dameon

paid me such attention. I guess death and shock did that to people? Chatter permeated the room.

I couldnt believe what just happened. No one could. Another suicide to add to the growing

list of suicides at this school, and though there had been prior deaths, I had never actually

witnessed one myself. I typed into my cell as fast as I could. Thoughts escaped my mind quicker

than my fingers could push the miniature buttons. My first text went out to Jennifer and then to

Molly. Jennifer had to hear from me first. This news would crush her and she would need me to

be strong.

Jennifer,

Did u hear? Tommy Bachelor fell from the rooftop and landed on

the ground outside English class. OMG! Were all stunned! Im so

sorry. Here for u if u need me.

Ali


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As I watched out the window from my desk, a ray of sunlight danced over the sparkling glass

and a crowd of administrators surrounded the body. Principal Pattys voice sounded over the

intercom. Because of an emergency regarding a student, we will be canceling classes for and the

rest of the week. Sirens sounded in the distance and came closer with each second. Police

surrounded the body as my NOOK slowly faded back to black.

IgnoranceIgnorance is bliss, Molly replied at the park picnic park table. Better if we

dont push our noses into someone elses business.

I fidgeted with my galoshes until I finally curled one leg under the other. Tommy died for areason. Doesnt that bother you? A gust of wind blew past me, tousling my hair.

How would we ever know the reasons? We cant read his mind, Molly retorted as she fixed

her favorite avocado-colored scarf, which draped on her neck and accented the green in her

irises. A scarf her mom knitted for her when they couldnt afford a heater in the house.

Sniffling, Jennifer desperately wanted to join the conversation, but couldnt speak without

shaking and bawling. She tended to her wool mittens instead. Red-eyed and disheveled, she

reminded me of an old rag doll. Dressed in heavy beige coats, knit hats and boots, the three of us


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stayed relatively warm in the 30-degree weather. We were well acclimated, since we were all born

and raised in New City.

There has to be something we can find. He was popular, for heavens sake, I insisted as

Molly stared at me incredulously. Girls loved him. Teachers adored him. Doesnt make any

sense. I shook my head.

Why? His best friends dont even know why. Why does anyone do it? Molly plopped herhand down on the picnic table, the hand holding the fanning paint brush. Dabbing her ocean

blue canvas with specs of white, she created a snowy effect. Maybe he just couldnt take the

pressure of being popular anymore. When she rolled her eyes, I knew what Molly was thinking.

She didnt like the so-called jocks. Suicide or not, she didnt want to give them any more of her

time. But I didnt want to let it go, couldnt let it go. Something about it nagged me.

Because...people just dont go killing themselves for no good reason.

If you care so much, maybe you should write something up for the school paper. Molly

tilted her head to me, and I lit up like a neon light. You know...like one of those in-memory

pieces.

I had thought of it before. I could satiate my persistent curiosity and complete an assignment

all in one. Every writer needed a muse, and Tommy would be mine. A muse from the grave.We could work on it together...like Bonnie and Clyde. I grinned as a snowflake dropped

from the pines above and lit on my long lashes.

Tightening the hug-grip around her chest, Jennifer sniffed one last time before raising her

gaze.

Wait, wait, wait...first of all Clyde was a guy, Molly interjected, and Im not going to be

the guy in this scenario. More like Rizzoli and Isles. And second, I am n-o-t going to be a part of

this.

Why not? Could be intriguing. Today is Wednesday and we dont have to be back at school

until Monday. What else are we going to do? I rationalized.

Ill do it. Jennifer interrupted, the sound of her voice almost foreign at this point in the

conversation. We both jerked our heads in her direction. Wiping her nose with the back of hercoat sleeve she held a sneeze and repeated more firmly. Ill do it. Her big brown eyes widened

as her lips tensed.

You will? Why? Molly cocked a brow and spun her body around on the bench to face

Jennifer better. Her fingers inched across the table and found Jennifers mittened hands. You

dont have to do this just because... she didnt want to say it aloud, but Molly had a way about

her. Truth, whether crass or not, always popped out of her uncontrolled mouth. ... You liked

him.

Blushing, Jennifer tilted back and the freckles on her cheeks almost faded away. I am going

to do this because Ali is right. Tommy was not the sort to commit suicide. He had everything

going for him. With his death this makes... she paused in thought counting on her fingers,

recollecting the names listed in the morning paper, five deaths from Millennium High in sevenyears!

Dont forget Emily, I reminded them, and they each wrinkled their foreheads in confusion.

The girl who was found dead in Central Park. She went to the school too...and just because she

didnt die on school grounds doesnt make her death any less odd.

Something is going on at this school, and Ill be damned if Im just going to sit and do

nothing. Jennifer got her mojo back, a newfound task of investigation motivating her out of her

misery.


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Well damn, if you two are going to go at this then... Molly raked her fingers through her

shoulder length cut and sighed, then I might as well do it too.

Jennifer and I both turned at the same time and grinned.

What else am I going to do until Monday without the two of you? Molly reasoned.

Its settled then. We are officially the unofficial team investigating this suicide, I added as

another gust of wind brushed through the park, brushing over Molly and Jennifer.Dont get too excited. Molly pushed herself off the bench, brushed her hands against her

jeans and stood beside me. Im only doing this to avoid being appallingly bored.

I stood with one hand still on the picnic table. Good enough reason for me.

Where do we start? Jennifer tied her red locks into a bun and then returned the knit hat to

her head. A few loose strands escaped as color returned to her face. She began to look more alive

and less like a rag doll or the living dead.

Looking over my shoulder, I stared at the school in the distance and pointed. There.

Are you kidding me? Molly gawked. The school is locked up. We will be breaking and

entering. Turning her head to Jennifer she finished, Surely youcan understand the insanity ofthis proposal, she stared at the girl-in-mourning. Your father is a lawyer. What kind of time can

we serve for this crime? she asked with sarcasm in her tone.We are not going to get caught. I encouraged them. Besides, this is our only lead.

Lead? Molly scuffed with hands to hips. What do you plan on finding at the school

anyway?

Tommys locker. I planted my feet firmly on the dried leaves and the two stood silently as

strange wisps of fog swirled past our ankles; a thick and silvery-grey kind of mist. Tucking her

paint brush and canvas into her satchel, Molly shoved the knapsack over her shoulder as Jennifer

led us to her Sedan parked at the curb. The only one of us with a car, she came in handy.

Keeping the speed limit, she drove for five minutes and then headed into the lot across the

street from Millennium High. With the parking lot vacant of cars, her red sedan stood out like a

sore thumb, but we either drove or we walked for twenty minutes, and Jennifer wanted to make

sure we had a quick get-away vehicle. Across the street we saw an arrangement of police officerscircling outside the English classroom. The room was located toward the front of the building a

few rooms down from the main office. Police cars were parked in the office parking lot, and I kept

my eye on one cop in particular, Samuel Maney.

Hey, isnt that your older brother over there? Jennifer pointed. Slapping her hand back

down to her jeans, I responded harshly.

Yeah, no shit Sherlock.

How are we going to avoid all these cops? Molly shook her head and uttered a sigh as her

mind whirled in search of a solution. With a roll of her eyes, she turned to us.

Well hop the fence at the far left. The office hangs more to the right anyway. Molly sure

had a way with breaking and entering! Sneaking over the wire fence, Molly insisted on going last.

If the police saw someone coming in she didnt want that some one to be her.Are you going or what? Jennifer pushed my bum from underneath with a squat in good

cheerleader form as my galoshes poked through the holes in the chain linked fence. Staring at the

schools chained doors ahead, I remembered a back entrance, one I had seen a janitor use

months ago.

Going, going. With one more big push I leapt over the fence and landed squarely on the

other side. Although I had long legs, my incessant clumsiness demanded her assistance. Ok,

your turn. I watched Molly strain with bent legs to hold Jennifer.


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Wait! How are you going to get over the fence? Jennifer craned her neck back and squinted

eyes at Molly. You should go first. I dont need as much help. Im taller and have cheerleading

tryout experience.

Whatever. Molly rolled her eyes and dropped her hands, dusting them against one another

as Jennifers boots hit ground.

Ok, get up. Jennifer put her hands together and formed a tight net for Mollys feet. Onefoot at a time, Molly crawled up the fence and jumped over to join me. Jennifer reminded us both

of Spiderman on acid trying to cross the fence. Her performance made us laugh.

This way. I waved for my clandestine team of two to move forward. They surprisingly

followed without question. Skirting around the corner of the building, I could see in the distance

and for just a second the chalk outline of Tommys body near the English classroom before the

police surrounded him again. I breathed heavily and then we headed to the back door.

What are we doing here? Molly complained. For a budding artist she complained and

worried a lot.

This was a stupid idea. Jennifer shook her head. Why did I agree to this again?

I know the janitor. He will be cleaning all week. I knocked with a loud thud several times

and chewed my gum.You know the janitor? Mollys brows stretched into one fine line. What does that mean?

Are you two like on a name-to-name basis or something? Her lips puckered as she tried to hold

in a laugh. Do you two share private time together? Her giggle escaped, and Jennifer joined in

on the joke which came at my expense.

Jerking my head around I retorted, No, we dont hang out. I helped him out several months

back. He owes me one.

Helped him out with what? Jennifers head shot between Molly and me.

I saw him studying an English grammar book once at lunch time. I volunteered to help him

learn the rules. I said nonchalantly.

Molly jumped when she realized who it was. I felt the jolt on my back. Youre talking about

that Mexican guy, arent you?Alberto. I said firm. His name is Alberto.

After I knocked several more times, an older man with graying, balding hair and wrinkling

skin swung opened the door. In the dark blue uniform, he pushed his yellow bucket-with-mop to

the left. A red tool box set to his right, and his expression showed his recognition.

Holding the door with one hand, I spoke. Thank you, Alberto.

What you doing here? School closed. He sounded unnerved.

Yes, yes it is. But I need a favor. You know, favor? Like when I helped you with the English

grammar.

Yes, yes...grammar, he nodded with a relinquishing smile. What you need?

We need to come inside.

Why? His heavy accent made his questioning all the more palatable.We... I fumbled and Molly jumped in.

We forgot our reading assignments, and we have a big test Monday. We cant fail or we

might not graduate.

Ah. Alberto rubbed his forehead with his hand. Fail. Shaking his head, he waved us in.

Cannot fail.

Thank you, Alberto, I said sincerely before stepping past him into the hallway.

Yes, thank you. Molly smiled while Jennifer ducked in quietly.


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Loosening the buttons on our coats, we headed to Tommys locker. He was a junior like me,

so we shared sections, but since his last name began with a B and mine an M, our lockers were on

different rows.

This way. Mollys steps revealed more fervor the closer she came to the B lockers.

Ive seen him here many times, Jennifer confirmed in front of the second locker from the

end.How do we get in? I worried for the first time, unsure if my investigational plans had

unraveled already.

Leave it to me. Molly winked and began her magic. I knew I didnt bring her along for

nothing. Spinning the lock, we watched the notch pass number after number while Molly leaned

her head closer to the numbered wheel. Listening, she stopped the spin.

You can hear the clicks? Jennifer gasped and drew close to her.

No, Molly pulled a screwdriver from her back pocket. Im going to bust it. As she

squeezed the screwdriver underneath the locker door open, Jennifer and I turned to each other

for a quiet laugh.

Where the heck did you get that? Jennifer questioned as her fingers reached to touch the

tool.When Alberto was busy with you. She looked at me and winked again.

You know, for a girl who worries so much, you sure are full of surprises. I added.

You have no idea.

Leaning into Molly, Jennifer watched as if she had never seen the act of vandalism and

destruction before tonight. Best of friends, the three of us really could not have been more

different. But maybe our differences are what have kept us friends all these years.

CLANG-BANG-GLONK. The locker door swung open, and Molly slid the stolen tool back

into her jean pocket with a satisfied grin.

Lets hurry up before Alberto catches onto us, Molly warned and stood at the end of the

aisle like a guard dog. Unlike Jennifer, Mollys smarts didnt revolve around books. Street smarts

had kept her strong all these years. Who could blame her? With gypsies for parents, she was luckyto have stayed in one place for the past four-and-a-half years. Technically, I knew Jennifer a year

before meeting Molly, because Molly came to middle school at the start of seventh grade. But we

always said we all knew each other since middle school; no one but us needed to know the

technicalities.

What are we searching for? Jennifer rummaged through the locker like she was on her last

bottle of pain-killers. A notepad dropping to the floor, and I knelt to pick it up.

I dont know just yet. Something, anything, to let us inside his mind.

Flipping through the notepad, I saw sketches of wings and the sun, bright light and dark

shadows, followed by some blank pages. Toward the end of the notepad more detailed sketches

revealed faces. Not so much detail that I could make out anything specific, but enough that I felt

like I had seen the images before. But where?What did you find? I nudged Jennifer in the shoulder.

Not much yet. We both eyed a shiny square device stuffed in between a thick book and a

set of folders. As both of our hands hit the device at the same time, Jennifer released her grip.

Go ahead.

Yanking the Kindle out of his locker, I touched the screen to turn it on and watched a set of

marked books flash before my eyes. Dictionary of Angels. Angelology. The History of Angels.

The Dark and the Light: A Contemporary Expose of Angels.


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Sleepover

I turned the volume up on my stereo. My favorite song played, and I didnt want to haveto listen to Mom and Samuel arguing again. Italian families could be rough that way. We each

had our own strong-willed opinions. Im sure the disagreement went something like this:

Mom: I dont want you working so hard. Its dangerous.

Samuel: It's my job, Mom.

Mom: Dont you remember what happened to your father?

Samuel: How could I not remember?

Mom: Well, you sure dont act like it. His heart went...just like that! Smack of hands. Do

you want to leave me too?

Then tears. Always tears.

Samuel: Im sorry, Mom.Hugs.

Samuel: But I cant just quit the force.

This is how the emotionally-heated conversations usually occurred. But this time I didnt

need any more details. Not yet anyway. I would pick Samuels brain later. Right now, I wanted to

go over everything we had found with Molly and Jennifer.

Hey Jen, hand me that ebookThe Dark and the Light. I sat crossed-legged on my twin-sizedbed while Jennifer plodded over to me with Kindle in hand. Papers from Tommys folder covered

the carpet from my bed to the dresser. The notepad sat on top of my NOOK on the nightstand.

We wanted to cover all bases.

The book is boring. With a flick of her shoulder, Jennifer added, I dont think well find

anything in there. Why would a football player care about this stuff anyway?I dont know, but this page looks interesting. My eyes widened and called for Mollys and

Jennifers undivided attention. Molly peeked over my left shoulder as she slid on top of the sheets

with me. Jennifer watched as she leaned on the right arm of the bed.

What? Jennifer asked.

Here. I pointed to the luminescent image of an angel basking under the reflective

moonlight by a lake.

So? Jennifer shrugged.

So, look closer. I emphasized the shape, tracing it with my pinky. Dont you remember?

Stretching for the notepad on top of my NOOK, I opened the notepad to a corresponding page.

The same picture from Tommys notepad. Molly cleared up the confusion on Jennifers

face.So? He probably liked that picture or something. He was obsessed with that particular angel

form, big deal.

Deep jaded black wings decorated the angel-boy. A youthful glow assured that he was no

older than eighteen. Coal black hair fell over his ethereal oval face in sharp edges, framing stone-

black pupils. He appeared so serene, so regal. And something about him was so...familiar.

Maybe he was gay....and into the angel look? Molly raised her brows while Jennifer winced

and defended him.


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No, he wasnt. He flirted with girls all the time.

Flirted, but did he date any? Mollys cheeks tightened so that they each had a hollow

carved into their centers.

No way. Jennifer squinted and rubbed her nose. She almost sniffled again.

Guys, would you stop! I waved my hands in front of each of their faces before this

escalated into something unrecoverable. He wasnt gay!How do you know? Molly implored. I mean we never really know anyone, do we?

I know because...because I caught him making out under the bleachers with Noe Young.

Noe! The quarterbacks girlfriend? Jennifer could not have been louder.

Yes, that Noe.

Did he see you? Molly drew close to me, so close I could feel her breath on my neck.

Staring at the sky blue bed sheets I answered, Yeah.

What did you do? Jennifer threw her red locks behind her ears as her leg squeezed in next

to me.

I hightailed my ass out of there...but not before Tommy stopped me at the gym door and

insisted I tell no one. So I never did.

What a good friend. Molly rolled her chocolate eyes.Hardly. He never spoke to me before that day or since, I responded.

I guess now he never will, Jennifer added.

Guess not.

Well, maybe he still can. Molly pulled up the Kindle. Talk to you I mean. After all, we

have all his last notes.

Yes, we do, I agreed. I marked the place in the book with my finger. So...if he wasnt gay,

then he was obsessed with angels for another reason, I corrected them.

Like... Molly searched the recesses of her mind, a school assignment. She eye-balled me

with a smirk. She took hits at me anytime she could. I couldnt blame her; this investigation was

an easy target for jokes.

He draws this particular angel over and over again in his notepad. That must meansomething. I mulled over the pages. Why not this angel? Or that one? I point to various

pictures in the book.

Maybe he liked his fashion sense? Jennifer gave up finding any real reason and swung back

on my bed.

Shaking my head I felt determined to find an answer, Remember a month ago he started

flaking out and not showing up at games.

Yeah, the two said in unison.

Well, something must have happened to him then...something that really shook him up, I

added.

Lets double check that theory. Molly flicked on the Kindle and scanned up and down with

her finger pressed on the screen. All his angel books show a check-out date from the library.They are almost due. She swung the Kindle around to show us just as the screen faded to gray.

Perhaps we will find more info on this device. Molly suggested.

Molly and I stared at the Kindle in a way that must have scared Jennifer, because her mouth

fell agape at our crazed expression. But we couldnt help how we looked, because what we saw in

the reflection of the Kindle scared us too. We could make out the reflection of the bedroom on

the edges of the Kindle screen and a bit of the house roof on the bottom of the screen. Then


17/58


18/58


19/58


20/58

Before I start feeling claustrophobic, Im going to the mall. Meet you later? Jennifer waved

goodbye and jumped into her sedan. I stood with Molly for a few minutes more in the driveway.

Dont do anything stupid...at least not without us. The glint in her eyes told me that,

despite her complaints, she loved trouble.

I wont. Promise. With a warm hug Molly departed. I loosened my coat as I entered the

house.Your friends gone? Mom asked from the kitchen, where she was baking.

Yeah, Mom. I shouted in return.

Sit with me then. I followed the sound of her voice as she moved from the kitchen to the

living room. I looked at her as she stood there. Both her head and her body were rather rounded,

but her brunette hair was pulled into a tight bun on the top of her head, adding a couple of

inches to her height. Her sky-blue eyes met mine, eyes that reminded me of myself.

I plopped down in the rocking chair adjacent to the sofa where Mom sat and rested my hands

on the wooden chair arms, curling my toes under, pushing myself back and forth.

What did you want to talk about? I asked. Mom had that look, the one that said this would

be a long conversation.

When her lean fingers extended to mine, I knew this would be a serious talk. I just wanted tomake sure you were OK. You know, since Tommys suicide. If there is anything you want to talk

to me about, any feelings about this, I am here for you.

I took a breath and my focus went from Mom to the curtained window and back to Mom.

I...I feel scared about it I guess. Confused. Shrugging, I tried to examine my own feelings,

emotions that I hadnt quite figured out since Dameon asked me. I...no one was expecting this.

His death was such a surprise. I guess Im more shocked than anything. I mean, a football

player!

Samuel told me all about it. He was one of the first on the scene after the principal called.

I curled one leg underneath the other and bit my lip. Samuel. I wanted to make sure to talk to

him before he left. Who knew when Id see him again. I glanced at the clock on the wall; still

early enough, 8:05AM. He wouldnt leave until 9:00AM.Mom rubbed her fingers over my knuckles, then my wrist. If anything like that ever

happened to you...I would just...I dont know how I would ever get through it.

You wont have to, Mom. Im fine. I sensed the churning mix of worry and guilt inside her.

She carried those heavy emotions everywhere, always questioning what she had done that

horrible day my father died. Wondering if she had only done this or that differently if he would

still be alive. She didnt want to have to regret another death in the family.

You would tell me if you felt depressed...or...

Mom, dont worry. I stood and leaned in for a hug. Im fine. Im not Tommy. Im not

Daddy. I arched my brows and used my most serious expression. Im not going anywhere.

Better not. Mom ended our hug with a tickle to my ribs and a kiss to my cheek before she

finally let me go.Out of the corner of my eye I saw Samuel, already in uniform, skip down the stairs to the

living room and head into the kitchen. As I heard the sound of eggs being scraped out of the pan

and onto a plate at the small dining table, I let go of Mom, too, but the warmth of her hug

lingered with me.

I want to talk to Samuel, I whispered. Rushing away from Mom, I felt her eyes on me the

whole way to the kitchen table.

Hey, Sam. I joined him.


21/58

Hey, Sis, whats up? Samuels big brown puppy-dog eyes looked out from under hairy

brows.

As he put a spoonful of eggs into his large mouth, I answered him. I was just wondering how

things went at my school...you know with Tommys accident. I doubted Tommy had jumped.

Pushed by Clark? Slipped from fear? But suicide didnt make sense.

Well, weve collected all the evidence we found on the ground and on the roof.Damn, the roof. I forgot how thorough my brother could be. If I had made a stop at the

school roof before leaving Wednesday, maybe I could have found something more to tell me what

really happened to Tommy. But now the evidence would be locked away in police quarters.

Sealed tight.

Find anything? I fished.

Not much. A cigarette butt... He glanced suspiciously at me before he finished, You know

Im not really supposed to talk to you about this kind of stuff.

I know... I sat next to him and rubbed my eyes, bringing tears to the surface, hoping for

sympathy, but we are all shocked, and I just need some answers to help me.

Samuel put his hand on my shoulder and nodded. I understand. But there really isnt

much.Do you think he jumped on purpose?

Why would you think otherwise? Samuels brow arched high.

I dont know...I guess he just didnt really seem like the type.

Well, weve found no evidence of a scuffle, nothing to tell us he struggled with someone, on

the roof or on the ground.

But...

But what?

Why would he have done it? He had so much going for him.

We cant always know why people do things, Ali. His puppy-dog eyes widened. Sometimes

there just arent any clear-cut answers.

I stared at his plate of half-eaten eggs and a slice of yolk-moistened toast. Maybe Sam wasright about no clear-cut answers, but I couldnt just give up. Journalism needed me. Jennifer

needed me. And Tommy deserved to have the truth about his death known.

I pushed my chair away from the table; the screech of wood against the floor hurt my ears.

Sorry. I stood and flipped open my cell.

As I headed toward Mom, I called Jennifer and then Molly. Meet me at Cafe Cahlua in

ten.

Are you leaving already? Mom asked from the sofa where she was reading a magazine.

Just for a bit. Do you think you could drive me?

Alright, just dont stay out too late. Mom warned with concern in her voice.

I wont.

As we pulled up to the caf, I got out, waved goodbye to Mom and met my friends, bundled

with coats and mittens, at the front door. The cafe easily became one of my favorites. A few

couples sat at tables outside, wrapped in coats and mittens, and drank coffee, but we headed

inside the building. Paintings of Van Goghs Starry Night and Gustav Klimts The Kissdecoratedthe walls. Duplicates of course, but refined all the same.


22/58

Lets sit at our fav table. Jennifer pointed to the back, and we noticed three newbies sitting

there. Looking at each other we hesitated for a second before Molly marched up to them as brave

as a lion. With one hand on her hip she confronted them.

OUR spot. You three need to be outtie in like two secs. Her lowered lids made her stare all

the more haunting.

The first guy I noticed wore a cream-colored turtleneck and raked his fingers through hiscopper-blond hair. Hazel eyes batted up at Molly, reflecting the half smile on his lips. He looked

over at me and then back to his two friends.

Looked empty to me. To his left sat a doting porcelain doll with curly blond locks that fell

to her waist and crystal blue eyes. Her legs were crossed, and she sat very straight. She tilted her

pointy chin away from the center-guy-of-her-affections to meet dagger eyes with Molly. To the

guys right, a strawberry blond, blue-eyed boy lounged, his back relaxed against the maroon sofa.

Their choice of baggy attire made me feel more comfortable. Maybe they werent so bad

after all, if I didnt count the girl to the left. But no one took our spot. Not even strangely

attractive guys. When Molly gritted her teeth, I knew I had to step in. Planting my heels beside

Molly, I put a hand on my hip. It worked for her.

Weve been sitting here since Freshman year. Everyone knows that, I huffed. Who did hethink he was? How come I didnt recognize him? Did he even go to our school?

As he stood, I noticed his broad shoulders, tight form, and toned arms. Some kind of athlete?

Im sorry. We didnt mean to cause trouble. Maybe you three would like to join us?

Blondie turned her dagger eyes on him before returning them to Molly. Together? Maybe

we should keep our distance. She sounded as if she had something against us, against me. But I

never met her before today.

Maybe we could squeeze over. The middle man and apparent leader of the pack signaled

with his forefinger for the others to move. Molly shrugged and looked back at me with a

compromising expression. The guys were cute, in a not quite GQ kind of way.

Just as Molly was about to slide onto the sofa, Jennifer squirmed behind her whispering to

both of us, Ive heard theyre stoners. I dont want to hang with stoners. Her toes tapped thehardwood floors.

Oh, get off your high horse. You hang with me, dont you? Molly rolled her eyes. Not quite

someone who smoked weed, Molly did have a colorful background. At least more than anyone

else we knew. She had seemed like the coolest rebel-without-a-cause when we first met in middle

school.

Huffing, Jennifer slid onto the other side beside Blondie. Pulling up a chair, I sat across from

the main attraction. Not as hot as Dameon, but striking in his own way. Defined lines cornered

his eyes as if he thought a lot, and naturally pinked lips brought more color to his face than most

guys had. He had clear skin, and an edgy haircut whipped around his ears, deeming him at least

a close second to the untouchable-insatiable Dameon. Yes, that is how I thought about the

mystery man whose locker stood next to mine. Pathetic, I know, but I had to obsess oversomething other than school if I would ever survive my next two years.

Kian. His spiky copper dark bangs rolled over his eyes when he said his name and shook

my hand. A soft touch for an athlete. This is Nathaniel and Krysta.

Hi. Nathaniel raised his brows at the mention of his name and muttered a greeting that

sounded more like a grunt. Krysta kept her hands over her coffee mug and her eyes on Kian.

People didnt seem to be her thing.

Ali, Molly, and Jennifer, Jennifer offered.


23/58

Do you go to Millennium High? I blurted. Enough with small talk; I needed to know.

Transfers, Kian answered before any of the others could speak. Nathaniel opened his

mouth to say something, but closed it just as quickly.

When did youalltransfer? Molly beat her stare into Kian.

Tuesday. Kian said, his voice as short as Mollys.

All three of you? Mollys face began to roll like what happens when two girls get into a fightand the best head roll determines the winner. At least that is how things had been handled on

most of the streets. Are you guys like a family or something?

Adopted.

Wow! Jennifer almost busted something. So do you all, like, smoke weed? I glared at her

when she made the comment, and she gave me the doe eyed innocent what-did-I-say expression.No. Kians answer remained short. At least he spoke. I wasnt sure Nathaniel could, since

every time he opened his mouth, nothing came out. I didnt want to hear Krysta. Something told

me the minute we got her started she wouldnt stop I was right.

Molly straightened her shoulders when the waitress dropped three coffees to our table. She

knew what we liked; we came here often enough. Where did you all come from? Molly asked.

Is this twenty questions or something? Krystas lips twisted and her brows furrowed.No, I just... Molly tried to bite her tongue and stay polite. She had learned that from me. In

middle school the word was that shed beat you up if you looked at her funny. They were all

rumors, as far as I knew.

Well, dont.

Excuse me, little miss I-think-I-died-and-came-back-queen. Molly stood, pushing the table

with her. Weve been coming here two years, and Im not sharing OUR spot with some...some

hoochie mama.

Kian placed his arm over Krysta, whose face fumed red. Lets just calm down. There is no

reason we cant all get along. He looked at Krysta, and her lashes flashed up and down before

she took a breath and extended an apology.

Sorry I jumped down your throat. Krysta combed her hair with her fingers, a seeminglysoothing task. I overreacted.

Holding in a half grin-half growl, Molly met her halfway and sat back down, avoiding eye

contact the entire time. Apology accepted.

Can we just have a civil conversation? Kian seemed to be addressing his gang more than

mine, and I smiled with my eyes. So, what do you think of the coffee here? he asked.

Good. I nodded.

Nice. Jennifer had to prove she could be civil too, but Molly glared. If trust broke with her,

trust remained broken. She had already decided she didnt like that girl Krysta at all, and I had to

admit I wasnt too thrilled with her either.

So how do you guys like the new school? I asked, taking a sip of my coffee.

Well see. Kian answered. Havent gone yet.Thats right. Tuesday transfers. I repeated to myself.

And then everything changed.

Did you all hear about the suicide? Molly blared out at Kian.

You mean Tommy. Kian said. A statement, not a question. Like he knew him, personally.

Suddenly, Krystas elbow hit him in the side.


24/58

Back AlleysI think we should be going. We have so much more we have to do to get ready for

school, Krysta interrupted and, for the first time, she sounded more sane than irate.

The tension between her and Kian could be cut with a butter knife.

Sure. Lets get going. His careful stare pulled away from me, and I felt afraid I might never

see him again. Silly, I know. I mean, I hardly knew him.

Standing, he shuffled out behind Krysta rather urgently, and Nathaniel smiled and gave us a

nod before exiting. Kian turned back before the front door shut. Later.When they disappeared Jennifer turned to me, Well, that was interesting.

To say the least, Molly agreed.

You think theyll try hanging with us? Cuz I really dont want to be seen with stone-heads,

Jennifer declared with a stomp of her right foot.

They arent smoking anything. Geesh, Jennifer, you can be so judgmental sometimes, Molly

responded, though I knew she couldnt stand Krysta, but Kian and Nathaniel werent too bad on

the eyes. Besides, Ive smoked a joint or two in my time, and you still hang with me.

One or two does not a stoner make, Jennifer litigated and turned with a huff toward the

bathroom in the back. Ive got to freshen up. She disappeared behind the wall while I sipped

my coffee with Molly at OUR spot. Two round white tables near the back wall offered a

comfortable sofa for four if needed. I still sat in my chair on the other side of the tables, lookingat Molly.

What? She shrugged.

Nothing, I retorted.

Youve got that look.

Well, youll be seeing a lot of it in the future, so get used to it.

So, whats on your mind? Molly fished for answers again.

I was just wondering if any of Tommys other friends noticed something, or heard

something before his...you know. Warmth from the smooth mug kept my palms pleasant.

They must have. Someone must. Molly sounded so sure.

Then how do we get to them? Talk to them? I cringed at the notion of coming face to face

with the quarterback or linebacker or any one of the football team. We didnt quite speak thesame language. The experience, Im sure, would feel something like an alien life form trying to

communicate with humans. Like something straight out of The Invasion of 2020. Im not sure Idrecover.

Youre such a wimp sometimes! Molly repositioned herself so that her legs crisscrossed over

the sofa.

Then you do it, I announced. Take the reins. Walk up to the football team, flirt, tease.

Whatever it takes to make them pay attention, and then go in for the kill.


25/58

And you cant do this, because....

Because, my hands were already sweaty, the idea already gives me anxiety.

Fine. But you should know, youre sure high-maintenance sometimes. Molly grinned.

Youll owe me one.

As she finished speaking the door chimed open as Clark walked in with the linebacker and a

newbie football player from the team. They waltzed up to the counter and ordered a few coffeesand cakes.

Coach would kill us, the newbie worried.

No matter; he aint here. Clark reassured him. Now take it. Clark shoved the chocolate

pastry toward the newbie, ill intent obvious on his face. I only noticed because I had seen that

look once before in my Sophomore year when I stepped toward the ladys bathroom. Then,

Clark had leaned against the wall near the exit showing that same intensity. Seconds later Noe

had walked out of the stall, and he yanked her by the collar of her shirt. After he placed the

cakes and coffees on a table near the window, Clark tugged a packet of something out of his back

pocket. Then he yanked the newbie up by one arm and headed toward the back door, dragging

the panic-faced boy along with him. I felt sorry for the newbie. Who knew what antics Clark was

up to now. But I felt more than sympathy; I felt curiosity. I needed to know what business Clarkhad with this unrecognizable face in the back alley.

Within seconds Clark swung open the back door and the two vanished down the hall leading

to the bathrooms. As I jumped to my feet, Molly needed no explanation.

No! She shook her head.

Yes. I skidded across the corridor floor to get to the back door in time. Molly couldnt resist,

and she hovered over my left shoulder as we stared at the boys through the crack of the door.

Clark towered over the newbie with his right hand clenched around the boys shoulder so tightly

that I knew the shoulder would be bruised by morning. But more than what I saw, what I heard

startled me more than anything else.

I saw you with her. Clarks brows arched like swords.

It...it was nothing. She just needed help carrying her bags, the newbie defended himself.Im not stupid. Clark slapped him across the shoulder bone. Do I look stupid to you?

No, no...

Then just tell me what really happened, because the only thing I cant stand more than

disloyalty is a lie. Grooves burrowed deep into Clarks forehead and around his eyes. Even

though he was several feet away, his tight mouth and tense posture was terrifying, even to me.

I just helped her with her books. Thats all. The boys pleading bordered on pathetic.

A jolt to my back jerked my head around for a second. What are you two doin? Jennifer

asked, peering around us.

SHH! we said in unison, and immediately Jennifer caught wind of the soap opera

unraveling before our eyes.

With my eyes focused on Clark and the newbie, I listened intently as chilly breezes brushedpast the door. Clark stood in his blue jacket, and the shorter boy looked so frail in only a shirt and

vest. His jacket remained on his chair inside next to the linebacker.

Clark responded by jabbing his fist into the boys ribs. My girl doesnt need any help from

you. I advise you to stay as far away from her as possible or...or I dont know what Id do. Clarks

hot face flushed redder than tomatoes.

OK, I got it. The maimed boy stumbled backward for space. Ill stay away from her.


26/58


27/58

The door chimed shut behind us, and I felt wisps of fog ravel around my ankles as we walked

toward the car. Jennifer plodded beside me, and Molly kicked the fabric-esque mist as if she

fought with something moveable, tangible.

Whats up with this fog already?

I know, it seems to be everywhere we go nowadays, I agreed, and Jennifer hopped off the

sidewalk to her sedan.So are we getting out of here or what? Jennifer held the door handle.

Molly revved the engine, and we took off toward my house. As I stepped to the front door I

noticed the mist hanging over the driveway as if it had followed us from the cafe home. Quickly, I

pushed my key into the lock and turned it. The three of us piled inside the house, which smelled

of grilled basil chicken. As the front door closed with a click, the fog dissipated.

Where have you girls been? I thought youd be home earlier, Mom called from the kitchen.

The clanking noises from that direction told us that she was putting the finishing touches on

lunch.

We ran into some friends. I shrugged with the words as Molly and Jennifer glared at me.

Could Kian really be considered a friend after only one meeting?

Good; Im glad to hear you girls had a nice time. The town needs more good times afterwhat happened. Mom pranced out of the kitchen like a proud chef with a platter of grilled

chicken in one hand and a plate of toasted buns in the other. Spreading the lunch out on the

dining table, she waved us into the room.

Im so hungry! Thanks, Mrs. Maney. Molly rubbed her belly and sat down first. For some

reason, Molly always had a large appetite when she stopped at my house. I questioned how much

her own mother cooked.

Sitting next to Molly, Jennifer grabbed a plate of her own as Mom placed the smaller plate of

lettuce and tomatoes at the center. I stood as I arranged my chicken sandwich until I had my

meat precisely in the middle of the bun and then sat next to Mom.

So, tell me all about your day. What did you do? Mom questioned, studying us closely.

Not much, Mrs. Maney. Jennifer enjoyed talking with parents. One could say it was herforte. We had some coffee and listened to music at the cafe. Ran into some...friends. And then

headed home.

Coffee. My goodness, at your young age! Mom shook her head. Kids nowadays.

Everyone drinks it, Mom. I rationalized.

Well, it cant be good for your young bodies. She stood and poured us each a glass of

orange juice. Here. This is better for you.

Thanks. Molly smiled. Her own mom never gave too much attention to details like healthy

food. On the few occasions I ate at her house, the fridge always appeared full of junk food. Not

that I complained, but my mom would have a cow.

Best chicken ever, Jennifer added, and Mollys insatiable appetite seemed to agree.

How late is Samuel working? I wondered.Not too late today, Mom assured me. He is getting home early, because he will be

expected at the memorial service. He has to leave in the morning to help keep crowd and traffic

control during service preparations.

I desperately wanted to continue my talk with my brother, but more than that I wanted to

weed through his things. I was sure he knew more than he told me. He always did. But I had to

get into his stuff before he got home. I gave the scram-eye to my friends, and they got the point.

Well, Id better be getting home. Molly put her empty plate into the sink.


28/58

Me, too, Jennifer followed.

Drive carefully, you two. Mom said before they headed to the parked sedan.

I raced upstairs, listening to Mom whistling in the kitchen as she washed the plates. Plenty of

time to rummage. I tiptoed to Samuels door on the other side of the upstairs hallway, not

wanting to alert Mom to my direction of travel. I opened the door carefully, hoping it wouldnt

creak, and rushed to the desk.I pulled the top drawer open. It was full of blank papers and pencils. The second drawer held

nothing more interesting than a few family photos and envelopes. I did pause at the picture of

me, Samuel and Dad on a fishing trip. With a sigh I shut the oak drawer and eyed the police

duffle bag in the corner.

With one zip, I dug my hands into the deep spaces and felt around for anything. Finding

Samuels binder, I flipped open to the first page and found his notes tucked behind the plastic

groove. Sketchy handwriting. I had to decode every word, but managed to spell out in my mind

something to the effect of...In Tommys back pocket...a crumpled paper with message FRANCIS:

2G???, followed by a series of question marks. I guessed Samuel wasnt close to figuring out what

Tommy meant. Heck, Id have to think hard about that one too.

It felt like I had only spent minutes inside my brother's room, but I must have been there atlast an hour when I heard the sound of the front door slamming shut. I heard Mom shout,

Sammy! and heard his footsteps skip up the stairs. Damn! I had to get out of there before he

spotted me.

I dashed down the hallway and had just about made it to my room before I saw Samuels foot

hit the top stair. I thrust myself into the open bathroom and pretended to have just existed as I

saw Samuel turn the corner.

How you doing, Sis?

I swallowed. Fine.

Gonna catch some early zzzs. Dont bug me. Samuel disappeared behind his bedroom door

and I vanished behind mine.


29/58

Memorial

I slept in unwillingly. I guess the excitement of the past few days finally caught up to me.But when I opened my eyes my body sprang up and Tommys message hit me like a truck

without brakes. FRANCIS: 2G. Swinging out of bed I quickly took a shower and threw on a

maroon sweater, a pair of jeans and a handmade knit hat Mom gave me last Christmas. Galoshes

and coat waited at the front door. Grabbing a granola bar and chugging a glass of orange juice, I

raced out the door, barely giving Mom time to say hi.

It was ten minutes before the bus at the end of the street got there, and I waited impatiently,

pacing like a madman let out of an asylum. When the bus door opened, I slid a handful of

quarters into the machine, and a ticket punched out for me. Ripping the edge from the machine I

slid the ticket into my pocket and slid into a seat somewhere in the middle.

Gazing out the window, I thought Id never get there in time, before someone else got there.But ten minutes later the bus pulled up at its next stop, and I flew out the splitting doors. With my

coat only buttoned up halfway I dashed into the cafe and walked quickly toward the corridor. A

series of metal lockers decorated the left wall. Employee lockers. I spotted the name Francis just

as I remembered. I had never searched consciously for the name before, so the name Francis had

to churn around in my brain for some time before I realized where Id seen it.

With fingers to the locker handle, I pulled. Locked. Of course. Trudging up to the counter I

waited for the attendee, name tag reading Ralph. I tried the puppy dog look I so often watched

on my brothers face. It seemed to have worked for him well enough.

What do you need, Ali?

I...I just needed something Francis has.

What do you mean?A friend of mine gave her something and I need it.

OK, well Francis is in the employee room. Youll have to wait till she changes into her

uniform and comes out to talk to her.

My cheeks puffed as I gazed at the counter.

Minutes later Francis stumbled out of the employee room tightening the apron around her

checkered waist and tossing a cigarette butt into the trash bin. After she hid her loose brunette

hair into a ponytail her head flipped up and caught my haunting gaze.

What do you need, Ali?

Tommy...Tommy gave you something? I said it like a question and statement at the same

time.

Yeah...a few days ago.Could I see it? He wanted me to have it before he...

Sure, Ali. Follow me. She bounced up to her locker marked 2G and spun the combination.

He told me to hold on to it and hed be back for it soon. But he never came back. She wiped a

single tear from her almond eyes and popped the locker open.

Pulling out a thick vanilla envelope, she laid the package into my trembling hands. Trembling

because this could be illegal. Trembling because of what hid inside the package.

Here you go, Ali. Take care of it, whatever it is. Seemed important to him.


30/58

Of course. Thanks, Francis.

As I turned from her, my fingers squeezed the envelope. Something square rested inside for

sure. Curiosity drove me mad. I had to open this package and soon! As I hopped onto the

sidewalk the chimes of the door sounded a close, and I headed toward the shop on the corner.

The shop had many knick-knacks, and I needed candles for tonight. As I strolled, my hands

swung back and forth and I squeezed the package again; but as I lifted the envelope to open it, Iheard a distinct set of footsteps behind me. Pad-pad, pad-pad.

Jerking around, I saw no one. The street was empty, except for a few cars and a couple on the

other side. Turning back around, I continued to the shop and lifted the package again. Pad-pad,

pad-pad. I stopped. The padding ended. I stepped forward until I reached the point where the

street hugged a curb. Pad-pad, pad-pad. Now my nerves were on end and I was beginning to

panic, but when I turned around again, I saw no one. A car whizzed around the curb. I

maintained my course with a careful ear to the sidewalk all the way to the shop. Who followed

me? How come I didnt see anyone? I began to doubt my own ears.

Inside the shop felt safe, warm. I didnt usually feel cold in New York, having grown up there.

But for some reason I felt cold walking to the shop, stinking more of fear really. But still, Id never

experienced something like that before.Welcome to Saras Boutique. Could I help you find anything? A short Asian lady asked and

I nodded.

Yes, candles.

For anything special? Her raising brows expected a romantic evening.

For the memorial, I said plainly as I walked behind her up to the candle section, a revolving

mechanism in the corner of the shop.

I heard about that. Real sad. Did you know him well?

I shrugged. A bit.

Let me know when you decide. Ill give you a twenty percent discount.

Thanks. I tilted my head at the gold-yellow candle. Smelled like cookies.

As she wrapped my candle in the bag, Sara looked only a few years older than me. Here yougo. My prayers are with him.

I half-smiled, as if that meant something to me. Im not sure if it did or not. I mean, I didnt

really know him, but he was my age and went to myschool. I didnt exactly see him fall, but Idnever get over that image of his body like a lump on the ground. And all this investigating, this

package in my hands...I squeezed again...had to do with him. I was connected to him whether I

wanted to be or not.

As I raced down the sidewalk, the air felt tighter as the afternoon slipped into evening. I just

wanted to make it to the park across the street. When traffic eased, I made my move, and my coat

brushed back and forth across my body. An empty park bench looked perfect. I wiggled in my

coat until I got comfortable, curled my right leg under the other, and placed the candle bag to my

left before I lifted the package.As I ripped the envelope open, an iPhone slid into my hands. I furrowed my brows and

studied the screen, surfing the messages. Mom. Dad. (God, his parents must have dreaded that

news the day he died!). Clark. Mom. There wasnt really much. I listened to the messages one by

one carefully.

Beep...Tommy, please dont be late today. We have to talk. Were worried about you.

Beep...This is Dad. Looking forward to seeing you, son.


31/58


32/58

Yeah, but I looked and found nothing. I swallowed hard and hoped Jennifer didnt notice. It

was best if they didnt know. It didnt have to do with Clark anyway, but I hated lying to them.

Couldnt remember the last time I had.

When the memorial service started, the sky covered us like a blanket. A sea of people stood in

the mall parking lot. Id never seen so many people in one spot. Then the sky crackled. Of alldays, the sky wanted to rain today. But no one left. Thank God, no one left. We would stay and

show our respects. Tommys mom and dad spoke into a microphone thanking everyone. His

mom read a poem and his dad said a few words about how wed all miss him and how he had

gone too soon. Tears streamed down faces around me and I found that even I began to cry, and

then we lit the candles and waved them in the air. Photos were held up to remind us all of the

good times, good times some of us did not even have.

With my arms slung around Molly and Jennifer on either side I saw Dameon weave through

the crowd in the distance. His expression was unreadable. As he heading in my direction, I would

have recognized those liquid black eyes and that black leather jacket anywhere. Our eyes locked,

and I felt like the world around me disappeared in a spout of tunnel vision. God, was he really

coming to me? When he was only a few feet away, he raked his fingers through his raven hair andI could have crooned. Id seen wings like heaven on Tommys iPhone, but Dameonalways took mybreath away.

Then Kian, Krysta, and Nathaniel bounced up behind me. Kians hand touched my shoulder

and broke our connection.

You came, too. Good to see you. Kian licked his lips. I tilted my head toward him, and then

flipped back around, only to realize that Dameon had vanished. Damn.

Yeah, we came. He went to our school. I answered, a tinged aggravated. Im sure he heard

it in my tone.

So, you going to stay for the whole thing? Kian asked. Krysta shuffled her feet over the

gravel like she suffered from prolonged boredom.

I plan too. Arent you? My brow quirked. Jennifer and Molly stared at our interaction. Icould see the pleading in Mollys eyes. She wanted to hook up with Kian, but my heart was set on

Dameon. So, maybe shed make a move? She deserved a little fun in her life. Jennifers eyes

burned on my skin like hot coals. But I didnt need another mother.

If you do. Kian grinned, a glint in his eyes telling me he would be staying close. The

candlelight danced in his hair, the copper blond highlighting it. Nathaniels strawberry blond

locks looked like an ignited ball of fire, and Krystas skin glowed bronze as if she had been

sunbathing all day.

Molly rolled her eyes and giggled at that response and then returned her attention to the

speakers while Kian inched closer to me. When Jennifers arm dropped, he must have seen his

chance and squeezed in between her and me. I felt Krysta fuming; an extra bonus?

We all listened to the words from Tommys father. Words that beat like guilt. How come noone could help him?

Tonight we remember my son. He had his hopes set on college. Would have been first in his

family to go. He wiped the tear streaming down his face. But we will remember him for his

courage, tenacity, and most importantly, his generosity. Hes touched so many lives, and my only

hope is that you will always carry a part of him with you.

I dropped my head.


33/58

When the speeches ended, we saw our opportunity to get some of the answers we needed. As

Clark passed us on the left, I bumped into Molly to nudge her in his direction. his expression

went from grief to aggravation to pleasure in microseconds, as she stumbled into him,. She

swung her short bob, and her exposed neck seemed refreshing, something to divert his attention

away from the death. I noticed the desire in his eyes.

Sorry. Molly fumbled to stand straight and let him help her. She played the damsel indistress well.

No problem...I didnt catch your name? He wiped his waxy hands on his tattered jeans.

Molly...but my friends call me Mol, Mols. She rambled; endearing.

OK...Mols. He steadied her with hands on each of her shoulders as his eyes caressed her

neck.

Did you know Tommy well? She didnt like to waste time and tilted into him as if he

helped her keep her balance better.

Yeah; real tight friends.

The kind you let off some steam with? I cringed and tried not to be noticeable while I

listened. Kian stared at me. His look had a sharp edge. My brother had that look sometimes, one

of intense seriousness.Do you know why he would do it...jump I mean? Molly feigned wiping a tear as if the

whole memorial tore her up on levels Clark didnt even see. And it did in a way; death could do

that, but more importantly she wanted Clarks reaction.

I... Clark dropped his head into his hands while guilt washed over him. I didnt think he

would ever do it. His voice sounded like sandpaper. Shaking his head, he finally lifted his

downcast eyes from defeat to meet Mollys inviting ogle.

Molly put her hand on the back of Clarks neck and eased him to her. Wasnt your fault. No

one could have predicted.

I wasnt sure if she actually believed those words. I mean, we had been relatively sure Clark

was the culprit behind it all. But she had her game face on and could be convincing.

Thanks. He shook his head as sobs burst from him and tears gushed from his reddeningeyes. But I should have known...I pushed him too hard.

Was that a confession? I wiggled my fingers into my frayed back pocket, yanking out the

iPhone. I had to record this. We might not ever get another chance at this. The camcorder icon

flashed red. Brilliant.

Pushed him? Molly inched closer to Clark, tightening her grip like a strong masseuse.

Breaking her hold, Clark threw his left hand to his forehead, hiding his crying eyes and darted

off just as the sky rumbled and rain poured. His foggy silhouette drew further and further away

into the crowd, and I returned the iPhone to my pocket. The once vibrant glow of the candle

flames washed out and an anemic grey ambiance saturated the skies.

Did you get that? Molly swung to me.

Just the last part. I sounded disappointed.He admitted to pushing him. Molly stood stunned and yet proud of her achievement at

extracting information. We have to go to the police...to your brother. Someone has to investigate

Clark professionally!

I... I didnt know if getting Samuel involved would be the best course of action. On the one

hand I didnt want him too close to my affairs; after all, what I saw on the Kindle reflection and

the iPhone would shock him. On the other hand, if Samuel investigated Clark, I would be privy

to all his notes. Ill see what he can do.


34/58

Tapping me on the shoulder, Jennifer pointed ahead and motioned through the crowd with

me at her tail. I didnt want to miss this. She had to get to the speakers before the rain drove them

into sealed cover. When she reached Tommys parents they huddled under a few umbrellas

supplied by helpful guests.

Hi...I dont mean to bother you, Jennifer cuddled herself with her arms as gusts of wind

grew stronger, but I knew your son. The whole thing was so shocking! Rain patted over hercinnamon hair as Tommys mother wrapped her arms around Jennifer and drew her underneath

the umbrellas. She waved me in soon afterward.

Me too. I added. A friend.

You said youre friends of Tommys?

Nodding, Jennifer smiled with such sincerity that her freckles bunched to the tops of her

cheeks. And I just wondered if he seemed at all different to you the last few weeks? The sky

cracked with lightning, and loud thunder boomed while rain pelted diagonally.

Yes, he was, the mother said with a sponge of emotion behind her words. She needed to

talk about this. He...was always a strong kid, but lately something really got to him.

I could only imagine what or who that something was. Clark came to mind; images of him

pushing Tommy around for speaking to Noe.Darling, wed better head out of here. Weve got a long drive, Clarks father interrupted,

and he cradled his wife into his chest.

My condolences. I offered a warm salutation.

Take care of yourselves, girls. And Clarks mother strolled off with her husband, sheltered

from the rain by a borrowed umbrella.


35/58

Feathers

As I stared at the window I heard scratches on the glass frame for a second time.Springing off my bed, I headed to the curtained window to check it out. I rapped my knuckles

across the glass. The black sky hid most of the front lawn from me. If someone did lurk out there

I couldnt see them.

Youre so jumpy tonight! Molly crisscrossed her legs on my bed and bunched up two

pillows behind her back. Cozy cotton pajamas and red socks kept her warm. Its because of

Clark, isnt it?

Hes going to hunt you down in the middle of the night to take back the evidence you

recorded on the iPhone, Jennifer giggled in a husky voice, her attempt at the movieScream.

Just stop it! I reacted, a little scared.

How did you get that iPhone anyway? Ive never seen you with one before? Jennifer playedwith my CDs as she stood by the cabinet.

I...I got it from Mom. She wanted me to have something reliable for communication.

Whatcha doing with your old phone? Ill take it. Molly offered. I could use one. She

munched on potato chips; the bag crinkled. As much as I wanted Molly to have a cell that wasnt

as over played as Madonna, I needed mine. After all, the iPhone really belonged to Tommy and I

didnt feel right using it for my personal calls.

Sorry, Mol, Im keeping it.

With a roll of her eyes, she retorted, Whatever. She shoved another chip into her salivating

mouth.

So, are you going to talk to your brother tomorrow morning? He should know what Clark

said, Jennifer insisted. The lawyers daughter in her unrelenting single-mindedness.I will...but first thing tomorrow we are going to the roof of the school.

The what of the what? Molly dropped her chip.

I have to search the roof myself. Now that we know Clark is involved we know what to look

for. Maybe he left something behind on the roof to indicate he was there! I defended my theory.

And maybe we will get ourselves killed! Molly emphasized the last word. You saw Clark

with that newbie in the alley. He means business, and if we go putting our noses in his Kool Aid,

how do you think he is going to react?

He doesnt have to know. I answered nonchalantly, but nothing about this was easy.

And the cops? How are we going to maneuver around them? Theyve still got yellow tape up

and everything. Jennifer spun around from the cabinet and shot a questioning look at me.

Geesh! Youre starting to sound like Mol, I huffed. Well be fine. Ive heard my brother onhis phone. The cops arent there anymore. Just the tape. We can sneak around back like last time

and use the stairs to the roof.

Have you forgotten? Weve run out of favors from your friend Alberto, Molly pointed out

with an artificial Spanish accent, imitating Alberto.

We wont need one, I stated plainly, and Jennifer took a seat next to us.

What do mean? She braced herself with her hands flat on the bed.


36/58

When we left through the back door I kind of pressed my chewing gum inside the latch

where the door seals. Even if Alberto locks the door, the door should open fine.

And I thought only I did stuff like that. Molly almost beamed like a proud parent. And I

had to give her credit. I never would have done something like that before meeting her.

***

Saturday morning I threw on a knapsack full of necessary-items-for-clandestine-operations-

on-a-roof. I started to feel like special ops. We all bundled up for the cold weather. Molly and

Jennifer wore knit hats, but I just let my dark hair cover my chilled ears. Frost tipped the blades of

grass; must have been a wintery night.

When we finally got to the back door of the school, we all stared at the door for one long

silent moment. This or nothing. I pushed, and the world around me froze. In slow-motion the

door unlatched and I stepped cautiously inside, gripping my sack.

You can scour the city with me anytime. Molly joked from behind me. I guess I proved my

usefulness.

Turning up the staircase we plodded upward until we reached the top. The roof doorsqueaked open, and the wind rattled on all sides of the squared rooftop. When all three of us

stepped onto the asphalt, the door slammed with an ear cracking bang. My lips quivered and I

tried to swallow my fear. Gulp.

So, what do you think we are going to find, anyway? I mean, if Im risking my life and

everything, Jennifer asked as she peered over one ledge. Stopping next to her, I looked down and

saw the yellow tape marking the area where students and faculty could not walk. Chalk still

outlined where his body had lain.

I dont know. Just look. I pressed and stepped away from her. Molly paced in the back, her

arms folded.

Im not sure there is anything here, but Im cold.

Skimming the corners, I stayed along the edge. Just keep looking. The cops only searchedthe roof once. Samuel said so. They probably missed something.

Whatever. Molly rolled her eyes, but underneath her attitude I knew she secretly loved

being here.

Would you rather be sitting bored in front of the TV? I suggested to both friends.

Curled up on the warm sofa with a cup of tea? Jennifer added.

Come on, wimps. I had to encourage them somehow. Since we had joined the secret ops, I

felt that sounding like a drill sergeant might work.

It seemed to work for Molly. She stopped pacing and squatted, keeping her eyes close to the

surface of the roof. Lots of cigarette butts.

Alberto? Jennifer questioned with a cocked brow.

Probably, I answered. I dipped my fingers behind the rain gutter.Find anything? Jennifer plodded away from the ledge and headed toward me at the other

end.

Nothing yet. Disappointment filled my usual perky features.

Kicking a trash bin in a corner, Molly shrugged. Maybe I should just turn Clark in to the

police. Tommy deserves justice, and if youre not ready to talk to your brother about this, Im

going to have to do it.


37/58


38/58

Knows that Tommys death wasnt a suicide. Kian stepped an inch closer, and our lips

almost touched. Eve had been tempted by the apple in the Garden of Eden. I now understood

her plight.

You dont think so, either, I said under my breath. Maybe no one but Kian heard me.

No. We know it wasnt.

Then who did it?Or what. His whisper fell only on my ears...or so I thought.

Batting her hands in the air Krysta threw her head back. Great, now youre going to drag herinto all of this. Endanger her life. Molly and Jennifer hadnt heard the discourse between Kian

and me, simply saw the mix of seriousness and desire on my face, but when they heard Krystas

rant, they turned to me.

Worry lines met around Mollys mouth, and wrinkles furrowed Jennifers brows.

Endanger? I squinted, confused.

She knows too much already, Krysta grumbled. I couldnt be sure what she meant. If I

knew too much about the murder of Tommy? Clark? Or the angels? Did they see them too?

She is already involved. Havent you felt the power shift? Kian defended his decision as he

grunted into Krystas ear. Nathaniel seemed to stand between my friends and his like a shield.What are you guys talking about? Do you know who killed Tommy? Mollys face turned

hot. But Kian went silent. Whatever he had to say, he seemed to only want to say to me.

Well? She stomped her foot.

Dagger looks from Krysta met Mollys angry gaze. Tommy never would have jumped. You

have all the information you need to figure out who and why. All you have to do is take it to the

cops.

Kian gritted his teeth and shot an angular glare at his friend.

What? Krysta reacted to his look. Someone has to put an end to this childs investigation

before more mayhem comes of it.

Childs investigation? Jennifer hated implications of stupidity. Weve practically solved the

crime. We should be given an award or something.Right, Krysta couldnt resist. Youve connected the well-plotted dots. Good for you. Lets

all go home now.

Mollys glare veered from Krysta to Nathaniel and finally to Kian. These three hooligans

knew about Tommys death before she did. Krysta surely seemed to know more than she let on,

and they implicated that I, her best friend, might be in danger. What the heck was going on?

Maybe Krystas right. Its time we all get out of here before someone gets hurt.

Im with you on that, Jennifer agreed. Im looking forward to that warm sofa and cup of

tea. Come on, Ali.

As my two best friends in the whole world turned their backs on me and headed to the door, I

felt a tickle at my ankle. Leaning down, I curled my fingers around a stark black feather. I fanned

it out and found it to be the size of my palm. Id never seen a feather quite like this one. I feltanother on my ankle and turned to see one more blow out from under the rain gutter. I must

have knocked them loose.

While I held one feather in my hands, the other two swirled into the air. Carried by the gusts

of wind, they danced into the sky where they belonged. I watched them fly away like listless birds

into the chalky clouds and disappear.


39/58

Turning back around, Molly and Jennifer waited at the door which stood ajar as Kian

whispered to me, his words like velvet on my skin. Your life is in serious danger. Im not taking

my eyes off of you.

Whatever Krysta heard peeved her. She strutted away from Kian and me with a chip on her

shoulder and an extra kick in her rhythm. I couldnt be sure why. Did I represent competition, or

did she just not want me in on their secrets? Curiosity engulfed me. Kian had secrets. He knewabout Tommy, his death. He knew I was in danger. From what? Why? How did Kian know all

this? And was Clark really to blame?

I didnt have long to ask him, because when we arrived at the ground floor the cops showed

up in the administration parking lot, and we all scrambled in different directions. Molly grabbed

my wrist and threw me into the backseat with her, and as soon as Jennifer plopped into the

drivers seat, the sedan revved. I looked back to find Kian and his friends, but like Dameon at the

memorial, they had vanished.

Revelations


40/58


41/58

Youve been going out a lot with Jen and Mol.

Yeah.

Did you make it to the memorial service?

We all went.

Didnt see you. He scratched his head.

We stayed in the crowd. Probably hard to pinpoint where we were.So, youre heading back to school tomorrow.

My glory days are over, I smirked.

So, are you fine with that? I mean, going back to your English class?

I froze in an emotional swirl. I couldnt be sure. I hadnt really thought about that all week,

but I would be walking back into the class where I saw it happen. My God! And Clark would be

there. Nerves bunched up in bundles and I began to feel hot. Not in a good way.

You alright? You look a little sweaty. Samuel touched my forehead. You coming down with

a fever?

All I could see was Tommys limp body and the blood pouring out from underneath him at

all ends. No, no. Im just...I just didnt put much thought into it before, that I am going back to

the same classroom where Tommy fell outside the window.Sorry Sis. Maybe I shouldnt have brought it up at all. I suck at this.

Dont worry about it. Im fine. I just need some water. I grabbed a glass from the cabinet

and used the water from the spout on the fridge. Tell Mom Im fine. If anything comes up, Ill

let you guys know. I rested my hand on my big brothers shoulder. Promise.

OK, Sis. See you later. With the nod of his head I knew Id been freed. A released suspect.

Didn't take long for me to become captive again. Mom leapt from her favorite rocking chair and

locked her gaze on me.

Ali, lets go to the mall. We never spend any time together anymore.

I wanted desperately to say no, that Ive got murder, angels, and stalkers to figure out, but she

was right; we hadnt been spending much time together, and she wouldnt have believed me

anyway. Bes

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She Speaks to Angels free