My Fallen Angel

I didn't want to do this.
I had such a bad feeling.
I gazed at my reflection, seeing someone I didn't recognize. I had always thought black didn't suit me, and I didn't like how tight this dress was either. Why was he making me go? "Kenna?"
I glanced at the bathroom door. "Yeah?"
"Are you ready?"
I blew my breath out of my face. Ashley had literally done my make up for me, as I had no interest in it whatsoever, and my eyes were highlighted with black and white.
And I didn't like how these heels hurt my feet.
I just didn't like any of this.
my bad feeling was only intensifying.
I pulled open the door, nearly walking into Andy where he waited. His eyes widened as he stared at me, and I flushed. "Is it okay?" I asked, suddenly nervous. Did he not like it?
"Uh, yeah, you look great," he smiled at me.
I smiled back, relieved.
"So, um, are you excited for tonight?" I asked, fiddling with the end of my skirt.
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. We're really needing some exposure for the album. You should hear it sometime."
I blinked. "Can I? It's not out..."
"I could always give you an early show of it," he shrugged. "You'd like it, I think."
"Well, if it's like your others, of course I will. Anything you do will be great... Andy."
He grinned at me. "I'm glad you feel that way. Now come on, let's go before Ashley thinks I'm trying to take you from him." I rolled my eyes. "I don't think he would care all that much." He looked at me curiously, but didn't question it, and offered his arm. I hesitated, then took it, making sure my skin didn't touch his as we walked through the bus.
He was warm, and even the scent of cigarettes didn't smell so awful on him.
Oh, how I'd missed him.
I shut down those thoughts before they grew too strong, and let him help me down the steps and off the bus. We walked across the gravel toward where the rest of the guys stood in a loose circle, and I let my arm fall from Andys.
I was an angel, and despite the fact he was too, he had a human body, which meant a touch from me would either mesmerize him or make him really confused.
It was why Ashley found it so easy to sleep with anyone he wanted; one touch made it impossible for them to say no to us, and I didn't want to do that to him.
No matter how much I wanted too.
Ashley raised his brows as we stepped to them, and I frowned at him. Give him an inch and he would take a hundred miles. He stepped over to my side as we all started down the street to this party, and he slipped his fingers through mine.
I shot him a disgruntled look.
"So what did you two talk about?" he asked softly, forcing us to fall a distance from the rest of his group where they wouldn't hear us.
"Nothing really. Some thing about your new album," I muttered.
"And you didn't stick your tongue down his throat?"
"No!" I hissed at him, startled. I jerked my hand from his. "You know I won't do such a thing to him!"
"Do I?" Ashley challenged, and we came to a stop on the sidewalk. "Because I can't decide if you're here to save him, or seduce him. Because this is the only plain where you have that option."
"What is wrong with you?" I demanded, glaring up at him. "You know why I came here, Ashlandil!"
Why was he suddenly being so mean to me again? He kept going through these crazy mood swings and I never knew how to react. I didn't understand. He knew I was here to save Andiel, and he knew I was trying to restrain from any major sins that would put me here permanently.
At least for now.
So why did he insist on saying things like that?
"Why are you being so mean? The only reason I'm coming to this tonight is because you wanted me too! I could have just as easily stayed on the bus, and left him in your hands to protect!"
He looked aggravated again.
"Guys! You coming?" We glanced forward, seeing the rest of his band had stopped at the intersection, looking back at us, and even from here I could see Andy looked worried.
I shot Ashlandil a angry look, then strode after them, ignoring him completely. He caught up with us easily, scowling. "Good?" Andy asked me softly as he kept pace with me across the street, and I nodded, crossing my arms to make sure we didn't touch.
I couldn't risk that even more now.
All of us stepped up to a building with so many floors I would have to crane my neck to look at all of them. Yellow lights gleamed everywhere, and humans bustled around in fancy outfits and shiny jewelry like they had no cares in the world.
I watched the man in a black suit who stood by a gold rope, telling people when they could pass and when they couldn't. "What is he doing?" I asked Ashley softly where he'd stepped to my side, the others shuffling forward with annoyed expressions on their faces at having to wait.
"He's letting certain people into the party. Not everyone can go."
"Why not?"
"It's exclusive. Only investors and some reporters can come in."
"What's a reporter?"
He sighed. "Just come on."
Finally the band reached the man who decided if you would pass or not, and he gave once glance at them before nearly jerking the rope in half to allow them by.
Ashley slipped his arm around my waist possessively, giving the guy a nod as we walked by.
I pulled away from him. Just because I'd asked him questions didn't mean I didn't think he still wasn't a Jerk. "Don't be like that," he muttered at me as we walked into a large ballroom.
I ignored him.
I blinked, gazing around. Everything was gold tinted, except for the black banners with the bands faces and figures sprawled across it in their war attire. They had those set up everywhere, and then several tables worth of food and a fountain of what I assumed was some kind of pink beverage. There was so many people, all dressed in so many shiny things it hurt my eyes to look at them all.
I ignored Ashlandil completely. I wouldn't talk to him for the rest of the night if I could.
He sent me an aggravated look.
"I need a drink," he muttered, before abruptly leaving and heading toward a bar. I wrinkled my nose, watching as he glided through the humans like they weren't even there. "Where's Ash going?" the one called CC asked, popping up beside me.
"He said something about a drink."
"Oh. I don't blame him. I always like to get smashed at these things too." he nodded.
Smashed? He liked being hit or hurt like that? I must have looked confused.
"You know, wasted? Completely so drunk you can't even walk?"
"Oh." Why didn't he just say that? "Why would you like to be so out of control of yourself?"
"It makes it easier to cope with the stuck up old windbags who are only into our music for the money." he shrugged. "Why do you need them?" I turned to look up at him curiously, my eyes meeting his for the first time; he had a soft soul, a very nice and kind one, I could tell. He meant well with his actions.
"To pay for our --- our stufff." His eyes widened as he stared into mine, mesmerized. I sighed, looking away. I grew so used to Ashley I almost forgot about that happening.
"If you do so well I can't imagine you truly need them for anything," I told him, my gaze scanning the floor for any threats. Other then Ashlandil and me, there were no other fallen angels here, so everything seemed relatively calm. The night might actually go smoothly.
"CC, Kenna, come on," we looked over, seeing Andy waiting impatiently. "Where's Ash?"
"Getting a drink," CC informed as we closed the distance between us. "He'll find us, he always does."
"I can get him if you like." I offered, and Andy nodded, looking like he wanted to say something else. When he didn't, I just turned away, weaving my smaller frame through the crowd as I made my way to Ashlandil.
He'd already consumed three shots when I found him.
"Your band Mates are waiting for you by the large sculpture," I told him, resting my hand on the gold countertop. He merely grunted in response, downing another shot. I frowned at him. "What are you doing?" I snapped, slapping my hand over the fifth one before he could lift it. "You're being irresponsible. This is poison to your system!"
"What's it matter to you?" he snapped back. "All you care about is your precious Andiel."
"Exactly. We're here to help him, not get intoxicated and become a burden," I slid the alcohol away. "Now they want you over there, and you're going over there and standing proudly with them, understand?"
He narrowed his eyes at me, challenging.
"So help me,Ashlandil, I'll cause the biggest scene you have ever experienced if you embarrass them tonight because of your selfish ways," I hissed at him, leaning in close so only he could hear me. "This is important to him!"
"Yeah, I know it is."
"Then come on!" I pulled on his arm, and latched my hand into the material of his jacket sleeve as I drug him behind me to where everyone else stood.
"You found him! Nice," Jinxx told me (I was getting good with their names now). I placed Ashley beside him, giving him a smile.
"He's hard to miss. Now, you ---."
"Andy!"
Andy turned, hearing his name, and suddenly a blonde girl had her arms around his neck.
Oh.
"Juliet!" Andy burst, wrapping his arms around her tightly for a moment. "What are you doing here?"
"I heard about the party and thought I'd surprise you," she said, leaning away from him. She smiled up at him, and he grinned back at her, leaning down to give her. a swift kiss.
I averted my gaze quickly, feeling like someone had kicked me in the stomach, another new feeling I didn't enjoy.
I'd almost forgotten about her, the girl he'd taken to liking so much on this earth. I'd watched her a few times from above, wondering if she was good enough for him, and wanting to deem her not with every time she made him frown.
But I wasn't supposed to intervene with his human life, and that meant not dropping a building on his girlfriend. Though I had debated it so many times when I'd watched them.
So. Many. Times.
However, killing Juliet wasn't going to be the sin that chained me here.
Ashleys hand suddenly closed over mine, jerking my attention back to his.
"Is this why you wanted me here tonight?" I asked softly, feeling my chest hurt. "To rub it in my face?"
"No," he said quickly. "I didn't know she was gonna be here, I swear," he turned to where I could no longer see them, and I looked up at him, letting my hurt show for a second before I got it under control.
"Hey, I'm sorry," he threaded his fingers through mine. "We can leave ---."
"Kenna, Ash!" We both looked over as Andy and his lovely blonde mortal stepped over to us, their hands clasped tightly together. She looked lovely, her hair tousled and her eyes bright as she looked at us curiously. They made a nice couple, their looks complimenting each other well.
I hated her.
"Julie, this is Kenna," Andy introduced us, and I forced a smile.
"Nice to meet you." I said coolly.
"You too! Are you and Ashley together?" she asked, looking slightly confused. I glanced at our clasped hands, starting to let go, but he tightened his grip so I couldn't.
"We're old friends," Ashley told her, giving her a half smile. "She was my plus one tonight. I didn't know you were gonna be here."
He glanced at me.
"Yeah, it was sort of a spontaneous decision," Juliet shrugged. "I was missing Andy so I just hopped on a flight and came over."
she flashed him a smitten smile that I wanted to tear off her face.
He smiled back at her.
I narrowed my gaze, but flicked it away quickly. Don't tear her heart out, I told myself sternly, clenching Ashlandils hand. I couldn't stand here and watch them together.
I wouldn't let my jealousy affect them.
"So, when's the big announcement?" Juliet asked, oblivious to how much her life was in danger.
"Any time, actually," Andy told her, glancing at the stage. "We'd probably better head over to the microphone now. Why don't you hang with Kenna while we go?"
Yes, let the breathing dead girl stay with me.
I gave a slow smile.
"Yeah, we'll get to know each other some," I said lightly, and glanced up at Ashley, seeing his horrified expression.
"You wanna leave them together?" he hesitated. "Like alone?" Andy gave him a look, and patted his arm. "Juliet won't scare her off, man, chill."
"That's not what I'm worried about," Ashley muttered, and turned back to me. He leaned down like he was going to kiss my cheek.
"Don't you fucking kill her," he hissed in my ear, and I rolled my eyes.
"I won't," I muttered, piqued.
He sent me a narrowed look, then followed the rest of the band to the podium.
Juliet joined me.
"So how long have you known Ashley?" she asked, her gaze turning toward me.
"We grew up together." I crossed my arms. "I've known him forever."
Literally.
"He seems pretty attached to you. Usually if he brings a date he cringes if she's introduced to anyone."
He did cringe.
Actually, I think he had been in physical pain over it.
I shrugged, trying not to be mean to her. She was opting for nice and friendly, so I would too.
But I wanted to know if it was sincere.
I turned my suddenly violet gaze on her, and her eyes flicked to mine immediately, unable to help it.
I did a quick sweep through her soul, aggravated.
I couldn't hate her, she was one of the good ones.
I pulled my eyes from hers, and she wobbled, off balance at the sudden withdrawal of my gaze.
"Are you okay?" I asked as if I cared.
"I, I suddenly don't feel very well." she murmured, pressing her hand to her mouth, and I guided her to a chair. "I feel dizzy."
Perhaps I'd been a little rough with her.
"Maybe the champagne?" I asked, sitting beside her.
"I haven't had any."
"Are you sure?" I flicked my eyes to her briefly.
Now she was confused. "Maybe... Maybe I did have some?"
I nodded, and reached over to Pat her sleeved arm.
"That's probably it. It'll wear off. So, do you love Andy?"
I would pry her secrets out of her whils I had a chance.
"Yes. I love him a lot. He's one of the best things to ever happen to me."
I knew the feeling.
Our gazes swept to the podium as the announcement of the new album and its title was revealed.
I sniffled, then pressed a hand to my nose.
Black blood stung my fingers.
Oh no.
I pressed my hand against my nose and stood, muttering an excuse about the bathroom as I hurried away, Juliet still too dazed to notice.
I shoved the door open, wincing at the bright lights, and Grabbed some paper towels. I leaned over the sink as my blood dripped down, soaking the towels, and burning through the ceramic tile as it fell. I tossed the towels away and grabbed a couple new ones.
This shouldn't be happening so quickly.

Notes