Branded (Fall of Angels)

  Part of me wanted to leave class as soon as it was dismissed to avoid possible questions about what Emily might have seen.  Another part of me was willing to take questions if only to have some more normal human contact.  And I could not help but feel drawn to Emily.  Something within me felt we would get along well if given the chance.

  The other students left the room quickly, leaving me alone with Emily again.

  “I’ll help you clean up,” I said and didn’t wait as I finished gathering the few straps that had been left out.

  “Thanks,” Emily huffed as she dropped the last mat into the other bin.  “You really have some natural talent in yoga.”

  “I don’t feel like it sometimes,” I said with a little chuckle.  “The flexibility isn’t a problem but I have a hard time relaxing sometimes.”

  “I can tell,” she laughed as we set the bins down.  I followed her out and she locked the storage room behind her.  “Try working on the breathing techniques at home.  It will help.  I think you’ll be surprised how energized and awake they can make you feel.”

  As we grabbed our purses I doubted she realized just how helpful that would come in my life.

  I was surprised to see that Cole was still in the parking lot, leaning against a very new and very expensive looking black sports car.  He flashed that dazzling smile again as he saw us.

  “Emily,” he said as he nodded to her.  “Jessica, I was wondering if you would care to join me for a play tonight.  I have heard some really amazing reviews about it.”

  I was momentarily stunned as his eyes locked on mine and I tried to form a coherent thought to answer him.  Without really thinking, the word yes was forming on my lips when I realized what day of the week it was.

  “I can’t” I sputtered.  “I’ve got something I have to do.”  I wasn’t sure if I was glad for the excuse of movie night with Sal or not.

  “Some other time then,” he said and before I could tell if a flash of irritation crossed his face or not, he slipped into his car.  The engine roared to life and he peeled out of the parking lot.

  “Wow,” Emily exaggerated the word.

  “What?” I questioned as I turned to face her.

  “That guy is too perfect,” she said, her voice sounding like a swoon but her expression looking almost accusing.

  I gave a slight chuckle that came out as more of a snort.  “Cole is my new neighbor.  He just sort of showed up Monday.  I didn’t even know the previous owner was selling.”

  That strange accusing look on her face deepened.  “That’s weird.”

  “Yeah,” I said as I walked to the giant truck and threw my stuff on the passenger seat.

  Emily walked to her tiny compact car and opened the door.  She put the key in the ignition and went to start it.  The only noise it made was a click.

  “Ah crap,” she said as she rested her forehead on the steering wheel.  “I forgot to turn the headlights off again this morning.  You wouldn’t happen to have any jumper cables on you?”

  “Um…” I fumbled.  “I’m not sure.  I’m kind of borrowing this car.  Let’s take a look.”

  Emily jumped out and joined me in the search.  It took us only a moment to find them tucked behind the back seat.

  “Thank goodness!” she said as she grabbed them and went to her car, throwing the hood up.

  Emily seemed to know what she was doing as she hooked the two cars up so I stayed out of her way.  I had always been glad my GTO ran without any trouble, I wasn’t the most mechanically inclined.

  We both leaned against the glossy surface of the truck, our arms hugged tight to ourselves to keep warm.

  “I was wondering if you wanted to catch a movie tomorrow and maybe get some lunch if you’re not busy,” Emily suddenly blurted out.  “I know it sounds kind of weird since we don’t exactly know each other but, well, I could kind of use a friend and you seem like the kind of person I’d get along with.”

  “Yeah,” I said with a smile.  “I’d really like that actually.”  I was a little more than glad Emily had made the first move toward forming the friendship.  Social normality was still feeling a little long gone to me. 

  “I heard the new chick-flick was pretty good if you’re into that kind of thing.”

  “That sounds great actually.   I can’t remember when I just went out and had a girl’s day,” I said with a little laugh.  Actually, I couldn’t recall ever having one.

  “Me neither,” she laughed.  “Here,” she said as she pulled her purse out and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen.  She scribbled something down and handed it to me.  “That’s my cell.”

  I quickly told her my number, feeling a little out of touch with modern technology that I still didn’t have a cell phone.

  “K, I’ll give you a call tonight when I check the show times,” she said as she pulled the cables off.

  “Sounds good.”

  I put the cables back where I had found them, waved a quick good-bye and we both pulled out of the parking lot.