NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER THREE
The alarm rang at 7 AM. I groggily reached for my phone and saw a message from Justin. He had sent me the address.
NIGHT CAME...
I slipped into my planned outfit—a beautiful, expensive black gown. Angel helped style my hair, then fastened the delicate chain around my neck. It bore my name, a gift from my mom on my 16th birthday. It was my favorite piece of jewelry.
"Thanks," I said as Angel handed me a silver purse. I placed my phone inside and nodded.
She then pulled out a long rope and threw it down the window.
"Mom is asleep, so this is your chance. Just make sure you're back before 7 AM—if not, I won't be able to help you again."
"Thanks so much, you're the best!" I whispered, hugging her.
"Go, go!" she urged.
I grabbed hold of the rope and carefully climbed down. Once I was safely on the ground, I waved at her, and she pulled the rope back up. Then, I set off for my destination.
---
AT THE RESTAURANT
"Hey, Ella! You made it!" Justin called out as soon as he spotted me.
I simply smiled.
He took my hand and led me inside a cozy restaurant. We ordered our meals, and as we waited, he looked at me with admiration.
"You look beautiful," he said softly.
"Thanks," I replied, feeling a slight blush creep up my cheeks.
When the food arrived, we began eating, enjoying each other's company.
---
BACK AT HOME...
ANGEL'S POV
"This girl always makes me do something risky," I muttered under my breath. "I just hope we don't get caught, or we're dead meat."
"Ellie! Ellie!"
My heart nearly stopped when I heard Ellie's mom calling from her room.
"Oh my gosh, what do I do now?" I panicked. Should I tell the truth? No way.
"Hey, Mom! Ellie went out with Justin… the guy she's in love with," I blurted out, trying to think fast.
Just then, footsteps echoed at the door.
"Gena… Gena… I pray to you. I need your help," I whispered urgently.
The door opened.
"Angel?"
Ellie's mom stood at the entrance.
"Where's Ellie?" she asked suspiciously.
"Um… um… Ellie? She… um… went to—"
"The toilet! Here I am, Mom!"
I turned and saw a girl who looked exactly like Ellie step out of the bathroom.
"You had me worried," Ellie's mom sighed. "I wanted you to check something on my laptop. It's acting up again."
"Mom, let's do that tomorrow. I'm really tired," the fake Ellie said, yawning. She climbed into bed as if nothing had happened.
Ellie's mom hesitated for a moment, then turned to leave. But before she did, she gave me a long, questioning look. I forced a weird smile, and she finally left the room.
I exhaled in relief.
"Thank goodness you came, Gena," I whispered.
"It's a pity my own twin sister refuses to accept that she's a god," Gena muttered. "When you need me, you know what to do."
With that, she disappeared.
---
AT JUSTIN'S HOUSE
ELLIE'S POV
"Thank you for everything," I said as we left the restaurant.
"It was my pleasure," Justin replied with a smile.
It was already 1 AM, so he invited me over to his place. He handed me a comfortable top and shorts to change into. After freshening up, I lay down on the bed. He joined me moments later, wearing only a pair of shorts, his toned chest exposed.
"You know, I've been watching you for a while," he said suddenly.
My eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"The reason I go to the restaurant every morning at 10 isn't just for coffee," he admitted, his gaze locking onto mine. "It's to see you."
I felt my heart race.
"No way… because the reason I go there at 10 every morning is to see you," I confessed, smiling shyly.
He chuckled. "I can't believe I'm saying this, and I never thought I'd say it to anyone, but…"
"But what?" I whispered.
"You talk slowly, and I like it," he said, his voice softer this time.
I raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"I love you, Ellie," he said, his eyes holding a depth of sincerity.
My heart pounded wildly in my chest. We lay there, staring at each other. Slowly, he leaned in, and before I knew it, our lips met.
I kissed him back.
He moved on top of me, supporting his weight with his arms so he wouldn't crush me. Then, he turned, making me straddle him. His hands gripped my thighs as he pulled me closer.
"Hmm…" I let out a soft moan as he kissed my neck, his lips trailing lower.
Piece by piece, our clothes came off, until nothing remained between us.
"I love you too, Justin," I whispered as he entered me slowly.
---
THE NEXT MORNING
I woke up feeling peaceful and relaxed. But something was off.
I wasn't in Justin's house.
I was in my own room.
"What happened to 7 AM?" Angel's voice snapped me out of my daze.
"What?" I turned to look at the clock.
It was 1 in the afternoon.
"How did I get here?" I asked, confused.
"I got you here," she replied simply.
"But… how?"
Angel shrugged. "The important thing is that you're home and no one found out." She sat beside me on the bed.
I gave her a look that screamed, Tell me how!
"Did he ask you out?" she asked instead, smirking.
"No," I mumbled.
"No?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"Something better happened… something good."
Her curiosity piqued. "Like what?"
I took a deep breath and began to tell her everything.
Ellie, are you crazy?! You slept with someone you just met! Did you even use protection?!
Angel's voice rose in shock.
Lower your voice—Mom might hear you! I whispered urgently.
Let her hear! You did something terrible!
It's my life! I shot back.
You barely know this guy, and you went ahead and had sex with him? Wow, Ellie, you really surprise me.
I didn't just meet him! You and I both know how long I've known him! My voice trembled with frustration.
Angel shook her head, disbelief written all over her face. I can't believe you.
I love him! At least you have a boyfriend—I don't! Why is my relationship such a big deal?!
Because I don't have sex, Ellie! You did! That's what makes it different.
Her words stung. I clenched my fists. You know what? That's it, Angel. It's my life, okay? You don't get to tell me what to do and what not to do. You're not my mom!
I stood from the bed, my heart pounding in my chest.
Angel scoffed. Well, go ahead, Elodie. Ruin your life.
The way she said my full name—so cold and sharp—sent a chill down my spine. I paused for a moment, then turned back to face her.
Just because you were given the name Angel doesn't mean you have to act all holy.
I spat the words slowly, letting them sink in before storming out of the room.
I could still hear her voice echoing in my head as I stepped outside, heading straight for the garden. Sitting on the big white swing, I let the cool evening breeze wash over me. I closed my eyes and started humming a song to calm myself down.
---
A Few Hours Later...
Hey... I'm sorry.
Angel's voice was soft as she approached me.
I looked up at her, my eyes red and puffy from crying. Without a word, I threw my arms around her and hugged her tightly.
You were right... I shouldn't have done it. I don't know what I was thinking. I don't know... My voice broke as fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.
Angel held me close, gently patting my head. It's okay... Everyone makes mistakes. It's alright.