Picture 2
Lizzie Koch’s Picture Choice: One
Title: Simone’s Night Off
I wander around, dressed for the occasion but no one sees me. But they know I’m there, can feel my presence for I am a Guardian Angel. I rest a comforting hand on heavy shoulders, I sooth a sick brow. I am only seen by those moving on upstairs as I lead them on their way. Tonight I am at an office party. I love the atmosphere of parties. Everyone is smiling, conversation flowing, sparkling dresses twirling. No one will see me tonight though. I just feel like being somewhere full of laughter and life where a Guardian Angel isn’t needed, where no one is moving on. Even I need to relax sometimes.
I stand alone, silently watching the flirting, the politics, the laughter. But one person isn’t laughing at the witty joke cracked by Ian in accounts. He doesn’t wear a smile on his stern looking face. His eyes are dark and stare ahead . . . at me. I turn around, but no one is behind me. I turn back to him and he’s walking towards me. In my two hundred years of being a Guardian Angel, I have never been seen unless by the dead or dying. He is neither.
“Hi.” His voice shocks me, not because its weird or funny because it isn’t. No one has ever spoken to me, no living human anyway and I am visibly startled.
“Hi,” is all I can say even though a thousand questions are on the tip of my tongue.
“Great party isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Leo.” He holds out his hand.
My hand slips into his and I feel the warmth, so welcoming. “Simone.”
“Care to dance?” We walk to the dance floor and he smoothly places an arm around my bare back, his hand feels hot against my skin. He leans in close, pulling me in tight. And we move gently as I rest my head on his chest. I can’t describe how the touch of another makes me feel. For so long, I’ve been alone.
For the rest of the party, Leo and I are inseparable. I don’t want it to end. But apparently, it already has as I realise we’re alone.
“So, you can see me?” I finally ask.
“I sure can, every inch.”
As an angel, I can’t blush but his remark sends fuzzy feelings whizzing through me that I try to ignore.“How?”
He shrugs, pouring the remnants of a champagne bottle into a glass. “I guess I’m in tune with the universe or some bollocks like that,” he laughs, emptying the glass in one gulp.
“You know what I am?”
“Yes I do. Which is why I haven’t offered you a drink all evening. I know you don’t need to eat or drink. I know you don’t get the chance to feel the touch of a man,” he says softly, stroking my cheek. “I also know that you long to be kissed,” he whispers as he tips my chin up to meet him. Anticipation rises; after a drought of two hundred years, it’s to be expected and when our lips meet, I feel as light as a cloud, floating on air.
“So this is what it feels like to have your halo slip,” I laugh. “I’m so going to get into trouble for this.”
“I think you’ll find you’re already in trouble Simone.”
“I mean with my boss, not you,” I joke looking up at him. The smile fades from my face as the eyes staring back at me glow red. I try to pull back but he clutches hold of me, his hand burning into my arm. I cry as my flesh sears.
“You see, I’m very much like you Simone. I am also not seen by humans. But unlike you, I work for him downstairs. My job is to bring despair by ridding the world of hope which means ridding the world of angels and as gorgeous as you are Simone, that means you.”
The pain is acute, a quick blow. Looking down, I see the bloody blade being pulled slowly from me, a crimson stain rapidly spreading across my white beaded dress. Leo holds me, laying me gently on the floor where we’d danced all night.
“Sorry Simone, it’s nothing personal, just doing what I do,” he whispers, gently pressing his lips against mine. I know my last breath is leaving me. I know the last thing my blue eyes see is him, Leo. I see his hand glide down my dress, pulling off a bead and slipping it into his pocket. He gives me one last look before vanishing, leaving me to the unknown.
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I dream of sharing my work with the big wide world one day as a published author. Right now, I share flash fiction with a wonderful community of writers and friends. If you liked this story, then why not visit my blog at http://40somethingundomesticateddevil.blogspot.co.uk/ for more. Thank you. Love Lizzie x
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Oh I loved this!!!!! What a twist at the end. First I thought he was a guardian angel too who was lonely. Was very surprised at how the night turned out. But poor Simone. Just out for a night off and look what happens. Great job Koch!!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done. Your imagery drew me right in.
ReplyDeleteBrilliantly written - did not see that coming, it was a total shock to me as it was to her, you delivered that so well. What a fab piece!
ReplyDeleteWow! Absolutely loved this! I saw the possibility of the ending ahead of time, but that didn't take anything away from an amazing story! I must admit, although when he could see her, I immediately thought he might be working for the other side, I did not expect it to happen exactly as it did.
ReplyDeleteGorgeously written Lizzie, every word placed perfectly! I loved this, but, oh, so tragic...
ReplyDelete