A Little Piece Of Heaven

Chapter Eleven:

“Angela, what’s going on with you? You’ve been acting weird since this morning. Don’t tell me it’s nothing – I know you too well for that.” Jace pried as I bustled around the kitchen. I’m making cookies. It gives me something to take my mind off things. Jace stole some of the cookie dough and popped it into his mouth.

“I just… Things can’t last the way they are. I guess I’m just trying to prepare myself for it. I mean, things are already more complex than they were yesterday morning. Your mom asked about my face. She suspects something. I can’t afford to slip up around her again. Eric called and from the sounds of it, he’s having me followed. And then there’s you. I mean, is it just me or are things weird?” I put the cookie-sheet in the oven and set the timer.

“Would that be so bad? About my mom, I mean? At least if things ever got bad enough, and the cops did have to get involved, there would be an adult that knew something about what was happening.” He stood in front of me. I rubbed my forehead.

“I don’t want her involved. I shouldn’t have gotten you involved. I just… I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me.”

“Alright, but we should start taking date-stamped pictures of your injuries because of him. It’ll help you if it ever comes down to it.” He pressed. I nodded.

“Look, I’ll consider telling your mom, but that’s the best I can do.” I told him.

“And as for me, you know where I stand. I’ll be whatever you need me to be. If that’s your friend, then we’ll stay being friends. Nothing has to change that. I love you. You’re my girl. I’m not gonna take off because you have feelings for someone else or because you don’t want to jeopardize our friendship. That’s the last thing that I want.”

“You’re a god.” I told him. He smiled.

“Thor has nothin’ on me.” He winked. I chuckled. “And you can’t control what Eric does. You never have been, now is no different. Enjoy your freedom while it lasts, alright? You need to have some fun while it lasts.” He hugged me.

“I love you. You know that? Before you, it’s been a really long time since I’ve been able to say that to anyone and mean it. You’ve been such a godsend the past ever. I really, really appreciate you.” I leaned into him and swiped at my face. I do not need to be crying right now. I’m just stressed. He kissed my forehead.

“Anything for you, doll.” He smiled. “Hey, hey, no tears.” He wiped them away. I nodded.

I’ve got one confession –
A love deprivation.
I’ve got a jet-black heart;
It’s all fucked up and it’s falling apart.

I scrambled to grab my phone out of my pocket.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Hey, beautiful.” Matt sounds tired. He must have just woken up.

“Hey yourself, how’d you sleep?” I asked him.

“Not as well without you.” He joked. “Is Jace with you? I wanted to talk to him and I didn’t have his number.”

“Yeah, he’s right here. Here he is.” I handed him the phone.

~*.*~
Jace’s POV

I took Gel’s phone and put it up to my ear.

“Hey,” I answered. Why does he wanna talk to me? I’ve barely spoken to the guy.

“Hey man, you have a minute to talk?” Matt asked.

“Sure thing. I’ll step outside. What’s this about?”

“I just wanted to make sure I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes with Angela. I know how close you are. I also how hard it is to be that close without feelings involved.”

“She’s my girl, bro. She’s like my sister.” I lied.

“Alright, cool. I didn’t want things to be weird, or anything.”

“Nah, I appreciate it. What are you up to? Gel’s baking and she always makes too much. We could order Chinese and all hang out.” I suggested.

“I’m chillin’ with Brian. Would she mind if he came along?”

“Haner? I know him. Nah, she loves company.” I laughed.

“Alright, we’ll be there in about an hour.” He hung up. I went back inside and handed her phone back.

Notes

Music Credit: "To Be Loved" -- Papa Roach