To Hell and Back
I would go to hell and back for you, my love.
Do you ever look at someone and think, 'I have to protect them'? I've had my share of those thoughts. Hi, my name is Eliana and I am a light angel. A couple of years ago, on my monthly visits to Earth, I came across a girl. Her name, I didn't know till a month later, was Rhea.
Rhea was a young girl of 16, living in Westland, Detroit. She was disowned and kicked out by her Catholic family for being pansexual. Harsh, but it was the reality. I felt bad, I decided to watch over her, be her guardian angel. I kept tabs over her in secret, being careful as to not let the other angels know. I would have to pay a price.
Two months later, I decided I had enough. Rhea was being bullied, called homophobic slurs, and I couldn't stand it anymore. Seeing her enduring all of that and yet being so brave stirred a weird feeling in my heart. Dismissing it as pride, I continued. The day I decided I was going to pay the price, I stormed out to her school obviously hiding my wings and pulling a couple of strings. See, heaven has links in the mortal world, so I had no problem getting into the school. I pretended to be the new student, sticking around her.
Lunch rolled in; the bullies came closer. I was calm on the exterior but I was seething inside. "Hey look, the freak has a friend. Probably a freak like her." My nostrils flared as I moved to stand, Rhea's hand holding me back. "It's not worth it." She said calmly. I admired her with a smile. "Yeah right, like Freak 2 could do anything." I snapped, standing abruptly, shaking off Rhea's hand. I stalked up to the leader of the gang, a fire burning in my eyes, literally. I could sense his fear, but he did a good job covering it up. "What are you gonna do eh?" I growled as a bright light surrounded me. The glare of the light died down, and I stood there in my full angel glory, my white wings gleaming in the light. "What were you saying?" I asked, my tone dry and threatening. They ran, like the little cowards they were. "Listen you all. An angel would've never supported her if being a part of LGBTQ+ was a sin. SO shut up before my wrath befalls you." I snarled. I grabbed Rhea's hand, not knowing the hatred in my heart was turning my wings black. I pulled her in an empty classroom, wrapping my arms around her frame and holding her close. "You are legitimate and loved." I whispered. It was hard to accept, but two months of looking after her had made me fall for her. A sharp pain shot through my back, searing hot like someone poured hot lead on my wings, a sign of disownment. I sighed through pain; the price had been paid. I crumpled to the ground my vision growing blurry. Rhea knelt next to me and I felt the concern radiating off her.
"I'm okay, I'm a fallen angel now." I gasped out. Explaining took a lot more energy from me as I lay there, trying to regain my strength. I raised a shaky hand towards Rhea's face, wiping her tears away. "Why did you do it? I would've been fine! You didn't have to sacrifice your wings for me." She said, tracing a line along my now jet-black wings. "I would go to hell and back for you, my love. I promise." I smiled.
