Asher

3 months later…

Her laughter is so angelic, full of innocence. Whenever I hear this tingly laughter of hers I can’t help but put on a smile, my angel. She ran across my parent’s backyard with my nieces and nephews chasing her.

It’s our third time visiting my family, and I don’t know whether I should be worried of overjoyed. Overjoyed because my family accepts and loves Angel or worried because they’re taking her attention away from me. The moment my parents laid eyes on Angel they practically tackled her into a bear hug.

She made the house feel warm and welcoming unlike it was before. Whenever I visited my parents alone they would complain how I made the house feel cold and distant, but with Angel by my side it’s a whole different story. The house would be filled with laughter and smiles, it was a new sensation that I welcome full-heartedly.

Suddenly Angel and my sister’s children squealed as the sprinklers turned on. I couldn’t help myself once more as I stared at Angel who had a wide smile on her face as she lifted up one of my nieces. The thought of having a child with Angel suddenly came to mind, it filled my heart with an even greater warmth. To see a creation made by Angel and I with love.

“You really do love her, don’t you?” my mother startled me with her question as she popped beside me out of nowhere. I turned towards her to see her gaze upon Angel with a loving smile on her face. I quickly erased the loving expression on my face and replaced it with a scowl as I answered her “Of course I do mother, why on earth would I ask her to marry me?”

Mother suddenly scowled as she whacked me a magazine that also popped out of nowhere. “Don’t you dare use that tone on me young man. You may have your own home and pay your own bills but I’m still your mom. I can still give you a good spanking even if I have to do it in front of your future wife.” She scolded me.

Her scowl faded back to her loving smile as she stared at Angel.

“Besides, it’s okay to show your love towards the one you love the most. Even if you brought her three times doesn’t mean I forgive you.” she sternly said. She was talking about those three months when I was in a fake engagement with Angel. Not taking Angel to meet my parents was a huge mistake. I knew that they would know that I’m engaged because of the news. I thought that would’ve satisfied them until I prepared Angel to meet them.

Knowing my parents, they must be behind why Sally popped into my office unexpectedly. My parents wouldn’t travel all the way to the city because they love the peace and quiet unlike the city. Sally being the nosy sister that she is, all you need to do is flash her some cash and a free airline ticket and she’ll go wherever you tell her to.

“I told you mother, I was busy.” I gave her my excuse.

She glared at me and said “I carried you in my stomach for nine months and took care of you until you were able to stand on your own but I was never too busy for you.” I sighed knowing I wasn’t ever going to win an argument against this woman.

Suddenly someone wet crashed against me. By hearing her laugh I knew it was Angel. “Come on Asher, join us.” she said as she looked up at me. I looked over to my sister’s children to see them covered in mud. I looked back at Angel and said “Tempting offer, but I’m having an important talk with my mother.”

Mother scoffed as she said “Important? I’m getting tired of the same excuses Asher. Go play with your fiancé.” When I tried to walk away my mother pushed me towards Angel while Angel started dragging me towards the sprinkling water and muddy children.

Next thing I knew I was part of their game, but what shook me was how much laughter was coming out of my mouth. I felt free like clipped wings that suddenly have been set free. I was soaked from head to toe and covered in mud. I didn’t mind.

I ran over towards Angel, catching her off guard, as I lifted her up by her waist. It was like everything was happening in slow motion as she stared at me with such love and adoration. Our play was suddenly interrupted by Sally as she told her children that if they stayed soaked for too long they’ll get sick since their bodies haven’t fully developed.

In the end it was I who got sick.

We ended up staying the night at my parent’s house. Sally and Angel were out buying groceries while I got sick. So Angel doesn’t know that I’m sick yet. I was actually quite interested how she would react. I had a picture of Angel wearing a sexy nurse outfit while she nurse me back to health.

I chuckled to myself but it instantly made me cough. I was freezing yet at the same time warm underneath my blanket. I was used to being alone when I’m sick and it usually took me a week to get better since I would still work even when I’m sick.

I heard quick footsteps coming towards the room that I shared with Angel, and I instantly smirked to myself, expecting my nurse to come and save the day with that wondrous smile of hers. The door slammed open but my smirk immediately disappeared at the distraught appearance of Angel.

Sweat was rolling down her face in big drops, her eyes seemed to glisten with unshed tears, and she was breathing rather heavily. I bolted up in my bed which caused me to cough some more and shiver a bit. She ran towards me and literally pushed me back down and said “You need to rest.”

She seemed out of breath and I asked her “Did you just walk here or something?” But she ignored my question as she put her head against mine to check my temperature. “Your mother is right, you’re burning up.” She commented as she started dashing around the room getting more blankets and even put a wet towel on my head.

What worried me was her serious expression that’s also filled with nothing but concern.

“Angel, what’s the matter?” I asked her.

She looked back at me with a scowl and said “Are you serious? You’re sick Asher.”

“I just have a fever it’s not like I’m going to die.” the moment I said those words her face painted a new expression that I’ve never seen before. Sorrow and grief. I outstretched my arm towards her to caress her face and said “I’m seriously fine.”

“That’s what she said.” she whispered so lowly that I almost couldn’t hear.

“What do you mean?” I asked but she quickly shook her head. She turned towards me and said “Get some sleep, I’ll make you something to eat and I’ll get your medicine.” Before I could say another word she’s already out of my room. I sighed to myself, already missing her.

I don’t know when I fell asleep but the next moment I opened my eyes Angel was in different clothes as she held a tray of delicious food. I felt a bit better but still felt a bit groggy. She smiled towards me and said “I made you some chicken soup with mushrooms, and I got your medicine.” As she removed the wet towel from my head.

I managed to sit back against the bedframe as I expected Angel to give me the tray of food but instead she started feeding me.

“Say ah.” she said as she also opened her mouth and held the spoon full of soup in front of my mouth. I opened my mouth and practically moaned at how delicious her soup is. “Where did you learn how to cook this?” I asked. She smiled and said “My grandma did, she raised me ever since I was little.”

“What about your parents?” I asked.

After spending all this time with Angel, she’s never talked about her parents. I suddenly felt bad for not knowing anything about her parents. Her eyes looked downwards in sadness as her hands slumped against her sides.

“My dad passed away when I was a baby. My mom said he died from a car accident. I never felt sad about it because every time my mom talked about him, her eyes would glisten with absolute happiness,” she said. I was captivated by her sparkling grey eyes. Pride and joy seemed to be shining from her eyes but they quickly faded as she continued the story.

“I was just six-years-old when I saw my mom coughing out blood. She worked three jobs everyday just to keep me happy and healthy. She even made sure she had time for me. I always asked her if she was alright… and she would reply that she is. I was young so I believed her,

I didn’t notice at the time how her eyes held dark circles and enormous bags. Nor did I notice how tired she had gotten every day. If only I would have noticed sooner then maybe I could’ve helped her. Then maybe, just maybe she would’ve come home that night.” she said as her fist clenched tightly and a lone tear escaped her eyes without her even blinking.

Before I even know it I wrapped my arms around her and brought her close to me. She stiffened at first but then soon melted into my arms. My heart ached that she had to go through that. I can’t even imagined how she felt during those times.

I wanted nothing more than to embrace her worries away and kiss her sadness off of her heart. I then realized why she’s distraught and worried that I’m sick, I reminded her of her mother. I pulled away from my angel as I cupped her face and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose.

“I assure you my angel that I’m alright. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stay in your arms if I have to prove that and I’ll also let you take care of me if it makes you feel satisfied.” I told her.

She smiled and said “Sorry for telling you such a sob story.” As she tried laughing it off. I shook my head and said “It’s an important part of your life. What happened back then has shaped you into who you are today… And I love every single part of you even your flaws.”

She looked shocked for a moment but then smiled. She leaned her forehead against mine and said “It seems like you’re getting better.”

“I guess I just work too hard and all that playing in the sprinkler had made my body even more stressed.” I said. My hands were still cupping her face and I suddenly leaned towards her irresistible lips but she quickly leaned back. “I’m going to get sick if you kiss me,” which made me pout.

“But your kisses might help me distress.” I told her, almost acting like a child. She rolled her eyes at me as she leaned in towards me and gave a small peck but before she could take her lips away from mine, I quickly deepened the kiss. Her lips soothe all the pain and grogginess. She fought back for a while but soon melted into the kiss as well.

Our lips moved together in sync in a heated passion of want and need. I ached for her in so many ways. We suddenly pulled away, sadly, because we needed to breathe. I never loathed breathing so much in my life.

I gave her a smile and said “I love you Angel.” She chuckled as she pushed me back down on the bed and said “I love you too Asher. But I’ll love you even more if you get better soon. So take your medicine and rest up.” As she showed me a dazzling smile.

She truly is an angel.

THE END