• Slinking around the hedge, I made my way towards the pond. I had to hurry up and escape; my pace quickened when I heard footfalls against the grass. Caution to the wind, I broke into a sprint, heart beating wildy inside my chest. Surely my pursuer couldn't reach me...
    “Aha! I caught 'ya Cless,” Grinning widely he pounced on me, sending both of us sprawling into the grass.Stuggling under him, I moved to stand up and fix my newly wrinkled skirt, but failed. I couldn't help but laugh at his huge, triumphant grin.
    He might look out of place in the Beringer family's lavished garden, but he was my best friend. His vest that was always too short on him accompanied with tattered shorts always clashed with my extravogant gowns. But it hardly mattered to me, I wasn't truly rich, it was my Mother's money not mine.
    “Why don't you try wearing a dress this long,” I gestured towards the laces of my dress trailing on the ground,” and still manage to be stealthy.” I said (more likely grumbled) whilst still being sqquashed under his weight. Finally breaking free I dusted myself off, trying to retain some amount of dignity.
    We had been running around for little over an hour now. I knew that if Madam, my caretaker, knew she cetainly wouldn't be all too pleased. She had to watch over me 24/7 due to that Mother was rarely around, seen only about once a year. She was a good woman, although bothersome at times.
    The two of us were soon interrupted by a shout from a familiar voice, the owner I had just been thinking of. As expected her tone didn't sound happy.
    “Miss Beringer please dismiss your company and head towards the Dining Hall. Do not forget to wash up.” The patience in Madam's voice sounded thin and worn. Ryan's face fell but begrudgingly moved towards the gate. Muttering a quick goodbye, I rushed off towards my new destination.
    First heading to the washroom, I dipped my hands in the nearest bucket of water available. When I was done I looked into the mirror, pushing back long raven back bangs. Startlingly blue eyes gazed back as I straightened my dress to look more presentable.
    The Dining Hall was a luxurious room containing a long table complete with a sparkling white tablecloth. The floor was still slightly wet from where one of the manor's many servents had recently mopped it. Several large painting of my various family adorned the walls, as if watching over our affairs. Tall stainglass windows covered more of the right wall, filiing the room with multi-colored light. The ceiling was at least fifty feet tall, which was supposed to let the heat rise leaving us with cooler air. The room was dazzling but lacked any friendly presence.
    The long table was rarely seen to to have all of its furnished seats filled. Only Madam and I sait in the chairs, while the others remained empty. A calm silence settled over the room.
    Tonight's dinnier featured an Indian dish known as Chicken Tika Masala and Naan bread.The was also Indian, but I lacked the knowledge to differentiate what kind exactly. Dessert consisted of crème anglaise served along side various fruits, which threw off the Indian feel. There were also bicuits, which I reminded myself to grab a few for Ryan.
    “You know if you plan on meeting that child you could stand to polish your sneaking abilities,” Madam winked mischeviously from across the table as I simply slid further into my seat. While I struggled to think of an excuse Madam continued,” You will also get your pockets full of crumbs with all that bread lining your pockets. After all, we wouldn't want any bugs accompanying you now would we?” A slight grin was on the caretaker's small,wrinkled face.
    The smile dropped to take on a more serious expression. “ I don't mind you taking food to that boy, or for that matter even meeting him,”a short pause”,however your mother might not appreciate-”
    “Does it matter? She has no right to say such a thing, she hardly cares to see me, let alone who I choose to see. If I don't even matter, surely she wouldn't say anything about the Ashfords, whom are much than less fortunate than I!” My voice cracked and I furrowed my eyebrows in anger and irritation.
    “If she truly worried about whom I associate with than she should be here. We both know that she only loved Father, not myself.” My shoulders began to tremble as my voice turned icy cold. I rubbed furiously at a tear that threatened to fall. Ridiculous, me getting upset at something so......trivial. Yes, that was it.
    “Perhaps the Ashfords are more fortunate, their family is whole while mine forever remains broken. Father's murder possibly signified something, it unveiled the weakly hidden truth I should have seen through. Otherwise known as reality. The reality that my mother never loved me, and that people can be cruel enough to kill.” The tears fell freely now, dripping down onto my skirt.
    Madam delicately asked, “ Are you done with you meal Miss? If so perhaps we can go and pick some of your favorite flowers, honeysuckle, on the fence. It appears as if they are in full bloom.?” I gave a small smile at her attempt to lift my mood.
    Once close enough she laid a gentle hand on my shoulder. It was comforting, and my trembling stopped.
    As an afterthough the woman added,” If you behave yourself....I may see fit to remove your corset for you. I know fully well how you detest them, you remind me every time I attempt to put one on you.” We shared a quick smile.
    “Thank you Madam, I truly appreciate you efforts. Please lead the way.” I motioned towards the large oak doors.
    The courtyard's design was elaborate and well thought out. The gardener was very particular about the trimming of the hedges, and he took special care to rid thhe flowerbeds of weeds. Several ponds were throughout the garden, along with trees and various plants. It looked like a small paradise.
    When Ryan had first saw it he had gasped theatically, pinched his forearm, and grinned from ear to ear. I still found it entertaining to tease him about it.
    The honeysuckles were located on the eastern fence, so it took some walking to reach. They were becoming difficult to see due to the approaching darkness. Both Madam and I had brought a bowl along with us so to have a place to put the picked flowers. As Madam had said just being outside picking her favorite flowers, and as an extension, eating them, had vastly improved my mood.
    But I believe it went beyond that, someone had taken the time to care for me. But maybe it has always been there, just not from where I previously thought. My small smile broke out into an all-out grin.
    Splitting the honeysuckles between the two of us, we returned to the manor. After she changed me out of my clothes (and corset as promised), she tucked me into my warm bed. Closing my eyes I was content,happy even, and drifted off to sleep.
    Hours later I awoke screaming, the previous calm shattered with my cries. The nightmare had returned, plaguing my sleep with troubles.The final words of the nightmare still echoed in my ears:
    “Every sin has its price.Even in the waking hour, feel the pain of judgement.”



    Six years later-1887
    “Just put you signature here and pass that gate over there to receive a free pass to Heaven. Or.....if you're feeling particularly sinful, today and the rest of eternity, please withdraw from the line and go to Hell! Please just hurry and do the paperwork already.” Laying my head on the palm of my head, I internally sighed. Twirling a mint green pin in my hands I had to admit I was already bored of this job.The man gave me an annoyed glance before heading towards Heaven's Gate.
    “I can see you are enjoying yourself immensely.” I would know that sarcastic tone anywhere.
    Gabriel is certainly one of the most angels both amongst immortals and mortals. His name has appeared in many holy books including the Bible and the Qu'ran. I could say the Torah but since it is only first half of the Bible I try not to include it. Adding another book would just serve as fodder for his ego. If you can get past his shortcomings he's a good person; it so happens he is a good friend of mine.
    “Already in need of something from me again, eh Gabriel?” As I said it I waved on the next approved soul.
    Chocolate brown eyes looked down on me in amusement. “Actually I was here to relieve you of duty. However, I can leave if you would like....” With that he turned to leave, giving me a good view of his long ponytail that matched his eyes, hands in his pockets.
    “ 'Ey Gabriel, did I ever mention you were my best friend? Honest on my honor, whatever that's worth.” I grabbed his shoulder and spun him around, redirecting him to the seat, gently nudging the swivel chair.
    Chuckling Gabriel sat down, crossing his ankles to get situated. “You know what? I haven't done any deskwork in a while. After all, the lower ranks tend to deal with these things.” Most lower ranking officers had blond coupled with blue eyes. They also had similar features, as if they one large mortal family.It had been done so that higher ranking archangels were more distinguishable
    Picking up the forgotten pen he started jotting down something. “ In about an hour make sure to go to this address for your next assignment.” He handed over a neatly written slip of paper, complete with the name of the angel I was to speak to. It was very thorough down to the directions.
    “Seriously? I haven't had an assignment in at least half a decade.I wonder why I've been chosen.” Assignments always meant you would travel to the realm of mortals, also known as Earth. Usually angels traveled to Earth in mass for wars. However World War 1 isn't starting for several decades, so it confused me.
    He answered with a simple“ Beats me.” As I began to walk away he suddenly called out: “Oh yeah, St. Peter mentioned a thank you to both of us.” I smiled and waved goodbye and began to walk down the familiar path.
    As I walked pass a small pond I noticed my reflection. I silently remided myself I was in need of a haircut; my dirty-blond hair was lengthy enough to reach down into my eyes. Shimmering green eyes stared back, also seemingly disapproving of my hair. A tan leather sachel was strung over my shoulder, containing snow white feathers. At any given moment I could force out the feathers to swirl around me and latch onto my back to form wings.
    Returning to the golden road I mulled over what I had been recently told. If I would be dispatched it must be reasonably important....
    Still having some time to kill, fifteen minutes or so, I leaned down against a nearby willow, feeling unnaturally tired and weary. Within moments my breathing became ragged and shallow, my lungs burning intensely. Nausea settled in, acid scalding my throat.
    All in all, I felt like hell.
    I managed to growl out a strangled “Dammit” as I slipped to the ground. A dark figure soon loomed over my aching body, grabbing my shoulders roughly, and jerking me up to a sitting position.
    Lifting my eyes intending to glare, intead I gasped, albeit painfully, upon seeing my captors face. The deep crimson eyes looking distastefully down at me were unmistakable. They were those of a demon, and the sins around him were almost tangible, explaining why I was so violently ill.
    Grinning malicously, he watched dark spots encircled my vision, my eyes rolling back in my head. Letting go, my consciousness escaped me.
    Looks like I won't make it to that appointment after all.