Fallen

Chapter 7. Future lovers [Caleb]

She is beaming at the angel on her couch.

Yes, angel. As much as it's hard to fathom that fact myself, to accept it. But she's right. There's an angel in our living room with white feathery wings on full display.

He's adonis-like. Ungodly handsome, or should I say godly?

She is jumping up and down where she stands. An enormous smile on her face.

To be that energetic early in the morning should be a crime.

It's just like Lucy to act absurdly in unconventional situations. Situations like this.

"Caleb, there's an angel in our house," She pulls at my arm excitedly. Acting as if I'm not standing right next to her and having eyes. "Oh," her excitement drops for a second. "Is he okay?" She is pointing at his visible bruises. And the cuts that I've done my best to fix up.

M looks back at her. Pulling the blanket tighter around himself.

He must be a bit shaken from the sudden outburst and introduction of my younger sister. All in her 'glory' with her bright yellow pajamas, bird-nest hair, and wild blue eyes.

Keeping things from Lucy is hard. She's exceptionally nosy. An excellent detective when she actually wants to be. And have a knack for not giving up until she knows the truth, the whole truth.

Maybe a better brother would lie. Keep her out of this, whatever it is. But I see no point in lying now. She might actually show to be helpful.

"He's hurt. But I'm trying to make him get better."

She jumps down beside M on the couch. Her smile is back, although not as bright.

"What's your name?" She asks. Turning on the charm button.

I look at M. He's looking awkward and unsure. Glancing up at me for help.

"I think he hit his head, so he doesn't really remember that much right now. I call him M for now." I tell.

Her eyes widen. I can see the wheels turning in her head. She looks at M, brows furrowing.

"Then we'll help him remember." She states.

That's what I'm thinking too.

But I'm still not sure if that's a good idea or safe even.

Well, if M is planning on killing us, he would have probably done it by now, so maybe safety isn't the problem.

Maybe I just know and am aware of how much of a responsibility that it is. And how even with all the responsibility I have. I keep screwing up. Who says I won't do more damage than good. That I won't actually help M. But make matters even worse. Worse than they are right now.

"I'm thinking about involving the police. The police might know about M. Maybe someone is already searching for him. Missing him." I say, sprouting what has been on my mind for a while, ever since I swept him up on my couch.

Lucy is already shaking her head. Showing her dislike for that plan. "Caleb, no!" She objects. Smacking her hands down on the couch cushions. "They won't actually help him. Have you ever seen a movie before?"

I nod. Evil scientists. Cages. Needles. Many needles. I visibly shiver.

"What do you want me to do then?" I waft my arms out in the air. They fall down back to my sides again.

"We'll show him things. Take him places. Keep asking him questions. Things like that. Maybe it will trigger something."

I look at her unimpressively.

"What?" She replies, shrugging her shoulders. "That's what they do in movies when someone forgets their memories."

For a 12-year-old, she watches an unhealthy amount of movies. But I guess it pays off here and now.

"And what if he doesn't remember. If his memories don't come back because he can't stay here then, our parents won't be away forever." I add. Pointing to M, he's sitting quietly on the couch. Trying to keep up with our conversation, it seems.

"He will!" she insists. "And maybe his angel family is already looking for him. So we just have to let him stay here until then." And that's final.

I don't get to reply. Lucy is already turning on the tv, her mouth set in a stubborn line.

"Now move away from the tv. I can't see my show when your butt is in the way."

I roll my eyes at her sassiness.

"You hungry?" I ask her. Might as well make breakfast along with my coffee.

She bops her head, too busy ogling the cast instead of answering me.

"What about you, M, hungry?" It's funny. How I'm asking as if this is every day now. Well, I guess it will be. For a while, at least.

M's stomach growls at the perfect time. "Yes," he says.

I turn for the kitchen, but a calloused hand grabs my own. "Thank you, Caleb. For helping me." M gives me a small grateful smile, squeezing my hand a little.

I return his smile. And head for the kitchen.

My name, coming off of his lips like that. His voice, as deep as it is. Leaves me with a tingling feeling in the bottom of my stomach. Millions of small butterflies being let out of their cage to bug my stomach for a bit.

It's something I should not be thinking about. I should be thinking about coffee. Yep, coffee. Not handsome angels. Definitely not.

I turn on the coffee maker while cooking some eggs and bacon.

Having eyes and seeing M. Being the tall giant that he is. He might eat more than one portion.

So I make more than usual. A lot more. Here's to hoping he has the appetite.

When I come back into the living room. Both of them are watching tv. M is quietly staring at the moving screen. While Lucy explains to him what is happening.

I put down two plates in front of them. Steam, still rolling off.

Lucy digs in immediately.

M is a bit more hesitant.

"It's eggs and bacon," I tell him. "Try it."

And he does. Digging into the food like a hungry beast.

No one's throwing up, so I see it as a win. I can't help but feel a bit proud.

I sit down in the sofa chair with my coffee. The delicious taste greets my tastebuds warmingly.

I enjoy the comfortable silence. If only for a small while.

When the end credits start to roll, Lucy switches channels. Turning down the volume. Something we both usually do to make the room seem a bit more alive. Putting the word 'living' into the room, as it should be.

"What?" I ask.

Lucy is staring at me. Her head cocking to the side. She's got a smirk playing off from her face.

"So are you two gonna end up together like in the movies? I sense chemistry." She says with a straight face.

I spit out my coffee. It burns down my throat.

"Lucy!" I exclaim. Completely caught off guard. Off all the weird stuff, she sprouts. This most definitely takes the cake.

"Are you implying that Caleb and I will be lovers?" M says in a serious matter. Looking up from his plate of food.

Lucy chuckles. And looks at me rather mischievously.

I shake my head with an awkward chuckle. "She's just being silly. Don't mind her, really, don't." I tell M. Taking another sip to calm my nerves. And to drown out the uncomfortable atmosphere.

It can't only be me who feels the tension rise. Thanks, Lucy.

He bites his lip and shrugs. "I can't claim there's nothing wrong if it were to happen."

I spit my coffee out again.