First upload of 2011!

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"Awh Theo, I'm going to miss you!" I gave him a kiss on the cheek and a hug. 

"I'll miss you too Edge. Do me a favour and... Well... Say bye to Gabriel for me?"

I smiled. "Sure thing." He squeezed me but I flinched. "Ouch, my muscles still hurt."

He pulled back and frowned. "What the hell did you get up to Sunday?"

I mentally scowled. Tristan worked my ass off! When he said payback I was expecting him to make me wait on him hand and foot for an hour or two. But no! You know what he did?

He made me train with him. As in the whole deal! Push ups, sit ups, pull ups, sprinting, lunges, dumbbells and star jumps... I wanted to die afterwards. I barely made it home in one piece. It lasted the rest of the day in his back yard. Gabriel watched from the side hiding his grin behind a newspaper.

My muscles burned like hell and I swear I lost like, five pounds. I'm not one of those crazy bitches that starve themselves, I prefer to eat and maybe put on the tinniest bit of meat in the right places. But now Tristan, the a-hole, made me loose that meat!

My dad finished putting the suitcases in the back of his trunk and looked at his watch. "Alright, it's 5am and their flight is in an hour and a half so let's get moving."

I hugged Theo one last time and moved on to Aunt Sheryl. She gave me huge hug and sniffed. "We'll call you when we land."

I tried to ignore the stinging at the back of my eyes. It felt like they'd only got here yesterday. 

I was 'allowed', if that's the right word, to miss school yesterday to spend a day with Theo and Aunt Sheryl. Anthony and I had a day with them. Sheryl wanted to jump off cliffs but we decided to drive down to a simple theme park. Well, if simple means a 50mph roller coaster, then what the hell was complex?

"I'll miss you Aunt Sheryl." My voice betrayed me and cracked on her name.

She patted my back with a chuckle. "Don't worry sweetie. We won't be gone for as long next time, okay?"

I nodded and kept my head down as she walked toward the car. Theo kissed my forehead and opened the car door. I watched the car drive down the driveway and waved as it turned the corner. I really was going to miss them. 

Ant slung his arm over my shoulders and an arm around our mother's waist. We walked up the drive and into the kitchen for an early breakfast. I still had to go to school later which sucked. I had study hall half of the day on a Tuesday, Chemistry and English Language.

Honestly, I wanted to get back to bed but I'd have to wake up soon enough.

My brother and I sat at the island in silence. Our mother served out the bacon, eggs and toast and sat with us. Her lips curved into a small smile and her green eyes turned soft as she said, "Cheer up you two. You'll see them again."

Ant scoffed. "I know. I'm not sad."

I took a huge bite of the crispy bacon and eggs and narrowed my eyes at Anthony. He turned his gaze from me and stared down at his food. 

"I won't miss them." He mumbled.

"Oh, hush sweetheart," My mother said. "Don't delude yourself. You enjoyed Theo and Aunt Sheryl's company and vice versa."

He shook his head. "I'm glad to be rid of them."

I laughed. "Liar."

He continued to mumble under his breath as he ate his breakfast. 

A horrible knot suddenly formed in the back of my neck. I rolled my left shoulder and turned my neck to the right until it clicked.

"Oh my-- Alex, what did you get up to on Sunday?" Mom asked me with a gasp.

"Gym." I replied.

She shook her head. "You shouldn't work yourself so hard."

I didn't have a choice, I thought. After breakfast I walked into my room to start a slow process of getting ready. It was only five thirty so I still had time. 

I drew myself a bath and threw in some of the bath salts from my sink cupboard. I stripped from my pyjamas and stepped inside the hot steaming water.

I stretched my legs and sighed letting the hot water soothe my aching muscles. I shut my eyes and let my mind wander. I took a moment to evaluate my interesting life. I took everything that had happened to me in the last 8 weeks and compared it to everything that has happened to me in my entire life.

I'm pretty sure my life could become a very action and drama filled movie. At least that way I could keep up with what has happened. In truth and honesty I have probably forgotten half of the things I had learnt about Gabriel and myself. 

I just feel that I used to revolve with the world. That everything happened with me and I understood what was right. But now, I feel that the world is revolving without me. I'm stuck and confused. I don't understand what's right from wrong anymore.

If it weren't for that date with Tommy, I wouldn't have found out about Gabriel's powers. After that incident, I realized, nothing leading up to this day would have even happened. Well, apart from the fact that I will turn into something or someone important. 

But I wouldn't be with Gabriel. 

I wouldn't of discovered our true feelings toward each other. I wouldn't be with him like I am now. I wouldn't have experienced our first real kiss in the forest. 

I hadn't told my mom, dad or brother about us yet. But for some reason I think my mom knows something's going on. He came over yesterday after school and she kept giving me one of those, "I know what you did last summer" looks. I was getting a little freaked out by it.

I opened my eyes and lifted up my left arm. From my hand up to my forearm the rash, if that's what I can call it, was calming down. It was still rough and it still looked vile but it was calming down.

That worried me.

For the past 8 weeks it'd been getting worse and worse. Now that it's calming down, it makes me wonder how close I am to changing. What would happen during this Penultimate Stage and the Final Stage? Will it hurt? How long do the stages last for?

I dropped my hand and shook my head. What gets me is that no one will explain to me what I'll be. I'm still trying to remember half of the things they explained to me and what I've learnt.
Maybe if I write them down...

I could just imagine the little light bulb clicking on above my head. A small smile curved my lips. I should write everything down.

I jumped out of the bath and dried off quickly. I put my hair in a wet ponytail and walked into my room in my towel.

I quickly grabbed a piece of paper and pen. Why didn't I think of this before? I could have kept up with all of this, weeks ago.

I put the pen to paper but paused. I went through everything in my head starting with the obvious 'He's an Angel' fact.

I then thought about that stalker demon and his worker. 

Soon enough, I was writing like there wasn't a tomorrow.


**


I ran into the school library and paused to scan the room. I looked around for the familiar blue eyes. The eyes that made my heart race even when it was half racing from sprinting half way across the school.

I looked toward the window and a smile planted across his gorgeous full lips. As usual, my heart started pounding and my day just seemed to have gotten brighter. 

Three pieces of paper in hand, I made a bee line toward him as he stood up. My eyes scanned over his navy blue t-shirt and black jeans. A smirk played on my lips as I stepped in front of him.

We hadn't told any of our friends yet either and I knew they would have a damn heart attack when they found out... Well, if they find out.

His large hand came up to my neck and the other to my waist. He pecked my lips sending bolts of electricity through me. I wonder if he knew the effect he does on me.

"Morning," He said when he pulled back.

"Hey." I grinned.

"I haven't seen you wear your glasses in a while." He let go of me and sat down.

I took my seat across from him and smiled wider. "That's because I've had contacts in whenever I use the computer or read a book. But now, they've run out so I need the glasses."

He smirked. "You know that I've always thought your glasses--"

"Were adorable. So you've said." I bit my bottom lip trying to fight a smile.

He shook his head and opened his chemistry book. I grabbed it and put it to the side. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Do you mind?"

"Nope, I don't mind. But I have something I want to show you. I did it this morning and I started thinking, why didn't I do this before!"

I spread the pieces of paper in front of me and took page 1. 

"What is all of that?" He folded his arms in front of him and leant forward.

"The first page is like a check list. I was trying to remember everything and I think I got everything I'm sure."

He waited for me to carry on. "You still haven't told me what for."

"Oh. For everything I know about you, myself and everything else."

His brows rose and he leant back and crossed his arms across his chest. "Alright then."

I nodded and started:

"Right, so far this is what I learnt about you myself and others:

'1. You're an angel.' but I still need to find out what type and why.
'2. You can read minds.'
'3. Everyone seems to have those tattooed marks somewhere on their body.'
'4. You have other powers that I'm still not completely familiar with.'
'5. I've realized in the past you referred to me as if you knew me before.' As in knew me before this life."

His face clouded over and he straightened up.

"'6. I'm going to change into whatever the hell I'm going to become.'
'7. When I change I'm going through two main stages: Penultimate Stage and Final Stage. Right now I'm going through a phase before the Penultimate stage.'
'8. There's some crazy ass demon keeping an eye on me waiting for me to change.'
'9. The demon's worker sucks ass.'" 

Gabriel chuckled.

"'9. You all, (Including me) speak Enochian, the Devine Language.'
'10. You all have either grey or blue eyes.
'11. Your wing colour depends on how much you've sinned.'
'12. Most of you have unique powers E.g the demon: Emotion Manipulation and Tristan is a healer.'
'13. This rash thing on my hand has something to do with what I'll become...?'" I asked as if it were a question. 

He nodded.

Well, that's one thing cleared up.

'14. Our relationship is apparently dangerous for the both of us.'
'15. I'm having dreams where they're either connected to a past life or just do to do with fire---'"

"You're what?" He interrupted. "You're having flashbacks?"

Oh crap, I didn't tell him about them. 

"Who was your first?"

My eyes narrowed. "What do you mean 'who'?"

He matched my narrowed eyes. "I meant what. What was your first flashback."

"It doesn't matter." I cleared my throat and said the last one, "'16. I can read your mind'." I moved the piece of paper toward him and moved on to the next page. "I have a list of things I need explaining."

"Name three and I'll think about telling you." He said with a smile. 

My eyes widened. "Oh-okay. Really?"

He nodded.

"Okay, give me a minute." I went through the list of things I wanted to know. All of them here were equally important and I had a feeling the one main thing I wanted to know, he wouldn't tell me.

"I want to know your story, I want to know what I'll become and I want to know if you've met me once in a past life." I finally said.

He leant back on his chair and sighed. "The three things I knew you were going to say. And yet they're the three things I'm not---"

"If you don't answer one of them you'll regret it." I interrupted. He stared at me with a frown. 
I shook my head and chuckled. "Alright, how many past lives have I had then? And are my past lives to do with what I'll become? How important am I really?" I asked.

"Are all of the questions to do with what you'll become and your past lives?" 

I nodded.

He sighed. "Fine. I'll tell you something but not everything. I won't tell you what you'll change into; I won't tell you if I knew you or if you knew me in a past life. I won't tell you how many you've had... But yes, every single one of your past lives has to do with what you'll become. You're on this earth for a reason." He took my hand in his.

"What about your story?"

He squeezed my hand. "That'll come later on."

"How late are we talking?" I asked with a teasing smile.

His eyes became sad and his hand tightened around mine again. "You want to know?"

"Know what?"

"How long." He said.

Did I want to know? After all this time of begging and wanting to know what I'll become and asking how long I have to wait to find out, he's finally willing to tell me. 

After all that, did I really want to know?

I nodded.

"A week or two." He said on a shaky breath. 

I slid my hand out from underneath his and stared out the window. Why me? Why did it have to be me? Luck was never on my side. First, it started off with three months, then as time went on it kept getting lower and lower. Once again, I ask, why me?

"Alexis?"

"Why?" I managed to say as I pulled my glasses off. "Why has time become so short? It used to be months and now its weeks!" I half yelled.

People on the other tables glanced at Gabriel and I. Gabe stood up and pulled his chair next to mine. He took my jaw in one of his hands and made me stare at him. "First, keep your voice down," 

I scowled.

"Second," He continued. "And I want you to listen carefully. No matter when, where or what happens, I'll be there for you. I won't leave your side. I'll be there when you... When you wake up."

I shut my eyes and a small unexpected whimper escaped my lips. "Wake up? Will I be unconscious? Will it... Will it hurt?" 

I waited for him to answer. I kept my eyes shut until the silence became unbearable. I slowly opened my eyes to look at his pained face. 

"I don't want to lie to you anymore," He said. 

"Will it hurt, Gabriel?" I demanded.

He paused before he said, "Like you'll never believe."

Tears suddenly threatened to spill. "Oh god..." I whispered.

"I'm sorry." He rested his forehead against mine.

"It's not your fault," I mumbled. "It's different this time though right? That's what everyone's been saying. I'm more independent. I'm different. Maybe it won't be painful." 

He shook his head. "No... The process never changes."

I tried to pull my face out of his hold but his grip tightened a little. "Remember what I said?"

"What?" I asked.

"I'll always be there for you. Always." His lips lightly pressed against mine. I let my eyes drift shut and let my body sink into it. Right now, Gabriel was sort of the distraction I needed. 

The bell rang overhead. I reluctantly pulled away from him and smiled the best I could. "I... Have to go. Will you come over tonight?"

He nodded and pecked me on the lips one more time. "Of course,"

I gathered the pieces of paper and stuffed them in my bag. I smiled at him and made my way out of the library. I wanted to turn back and see of he was watching but that would be a bit stupid.
Ah what the hell.

I looked over my shoulder and sure enough he was watching me. I was expecting him to turn around in embarrassment but instead a small but very alluring smile planted on his face.

I shook my head and turned to the front. I walked to my locker and sighed. How was I supposed to handle this? I'm supposed to endure a change that'll most probably ruin my entire life or even my existence.

I shut my locker and turned to walk down the hall. What if it's one of those, "Your gonna die then come back to life" sort of things. I don't exactly want to experience dying and then coming back to life that's totally wrong in more than three ways. 

"Hey old lady,"

I turned and playfully scowled at Ian. "You're older than me by like a month."

He slung an arm over my shoulders. "True say, but your now in the same category as me." He winked. "Anyway, I heard your party rocked. I'm sorry I couldn't be there."

I shook my head. "Don't worry about it."

"I got you something though." He stopped me in the middle of the hall and went into his bag. "I saw it in one of those antique shops and thought of you." He smiled showing his boyishly cute dimples.

He took his hand out of the bag and my eyes widened. I opened my hands and watched him place the medium sized glass ball on my palms.

"When I was in your room a couple of weeks ago I saw all of your snow globes. I saw this Big Ben one and I remembered when we met and you showed your true English colours."

I shook it about and watched the small pieces of snow float around Big Ben. "Thank you... So much." 

I wrapped my arms around his neck and squeezed. He chuckled and said, "Hey now. Don't get all mushy on me."

I took a step back and smiled. "Thanks, Ian. It's gorgeous."

He shrugged and scratched his head. "Yeah well..." His face started turning red.

I smiled evilly. "Awh, is someone embarrassed?" 

He shook his head and took a step back. "No. Anyway, I'll catch you later." He awkwardly waved and walked off.

I smiled as he walked off and started toward his next class. 

"What's that smile?" 

I turned toward Tracey. "Nothing."

She raised a brow. "Yeah right. Are you into Ian?"

I laughed. "Far from. I'm actually..." I wanted to say I was seeing someone but that would just bring on a boat load of questions.

But of course, Tracey being Tracey saw my every move. "Oh my god! Who is he? Is it someone from the party? It's Gabriel isn't it? You and Gabriel are finally together!"

"Oh my god shut up!" I whisper shouted.

Everyone around us was giving me curious glances. Tracey's eyes were bright with excitement. "Listen Tracey, it's nothing okay? I don't want you thinking one thing and-"

"Just tell me if you two are finally together." She interrupted.

I shook my head and walked away. Confirming or denying it wouldn't help because either way she would think it was true.

I walked into Literature and sat down. I felt so tired. I knew my dreams were going to get worse and my nights were going to become more restless... but the real worry right now was time.

How long have I got left?

How long is the change?

...How long have I got with Gabriel?

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(partly edited: 2023)