Chapter 4: Secrets

It was mdnight, and Arlan couldn't sleep. So, she got her lighter and pack of cigarettes and went outside to the balcony, being careful not to wake up Sky, who had come in a few minutes after Ms. Bradshaw had left. Arlan lit a cigarette and closed her eyes, wiling her head to stop pounding.1

"Arlan, we need to talk."2

Arlan whirled her head around, her heart racing, and found Brooke, another Angel, sitting on the ledge beside her. Arlan took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves.3

"About what?" Arlan asked, already knowing the answer.4

"You know the answer- Emley Bradshaw."5

Arlan bit her lip and then looked away, trying to ignore the knot in her stomach.6

"Arlan, you're not a human, and you have rules that you must abide by. This is a very serious situation, and you know the risks and the consequences. A Being falling in love with a-"7

"Who said anything about falling in love?" Arlan demanded.8

"Just hear me out. A Being falling in love with a human in our world is more serious than homosexuality in the human world. It isn't encouraged. But in our world, the price is much, much higher."9

"I know," Arlan said quietly.10

"The two of you are different. I'm just trying to stop this before it gets our of control. You haven't buried yourself... yet. Did you notice that Emley doesn't wear an engagement ring?"11

Arlan shook her head.12

"Ask her about it sometime."13

Arlan raised an eyebrow.14

"Look, Arlan, this situation is much more serious and complicated than you realize. Neither you nor Emley deserve what is bound to happen. Neither of you can afford to pay the price."15

Then, Brooke was gone.16

Arlan put out her cigarette and then put her head in her hands, fighting back tears.17

I'M SO TIRED OF THE SECRETS. WHAT IS GOING ON?