Keeley’s P.O.V

As I whiz down the highway, I blast Black Veil Brides IV, and sing and dance to all the songs.

I don’t even notice that I’ve veered into the wrong lane before it’s too late.

I glance up.

Headlights.

Pain.

Darkness.

Snippets of my life flash before my eyes.

Seven year old me running with a balloon.

Ten year old me dancing like a crazy person.

Fourteen year old me sitting at my computer listening to Black Veil Brides for the first time.

Sixteen year old me getting asked out for the first time, then crying after getting dumped.

Suddenly, a blinding white light sears my eyelids, and a beautiful woman slowly comes into view before me. Her long brunette hair flows nearly to her waist, and her eyes are large and strikingly green. Tears leak from her eyes as she stares at me, taking in my straight black hair and hazel eyes. “You’re so young,” she whispers.

“Who are you?” I ask.

She smiles tremulously. “I’m an angel. I’m here to take you away.”

Tears spring to my eyes. “I’m dead?”

“Almost, baby. I’m so sorry. You have so much life left. I’m so sorry but I have to take you.”

“I don’t want to die,” I sob.

“I know, sweetheart. I know. I didn’t want to die either. I had everything. A good life, people who loved me, and a completely amazing guy that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. But, I lost all of that. I devastated me, but I found a way to make it better. Every single angel is assigned someone to look after. Someone to protect, to guide. I was assigned to you, Keeley. You are so beautiful, so strong. I’m sorry, Keeley, but I can’t change fate. You were
meant to die, as harsh as that sounds.”

“What’s your name?” I ask.

“That’s not important. I’m just the delivery system. Are you ready, Keeley?”

I take a deep breath, the last one I’ll ever take. “Yes.”

Notes