Page 50 of Claimed by the Fallen
Mr. Cohen smiles. “Unfortunately, no. Justme.”
I barely register that my teacher just made a joke… and a clever one,too.
“Mr. Cohen,” I breathe his name, relieved he isn’t a demon. “Do you know where my parentsare?”
A different voice answers, “According to this note, they are having breakfast with your uncle.” Gabe steps out from the kitchen and lifts a torn piece of notebook paper in theair.
I walk down the steps and take the item fromhim.
Ronnie,
Your father and I are eating an early breakfast with your Uncle Jasper, but we wanted to let you sleep. Keys to the car are on the hook if you wake up and want to join us at MissMacey’s.
Love,
Mom andDad
I lift my eyes from the paper. Mr. Cohen and Gabe are gazing at meexpectantly.
“Let me guess, you two are my securitytoday.”
“You got it,” Gabegrins.
“Would you like to go to breakfast at the diner?” Mr. Cohen asks. “We can escortyou.”
Immediately, I shake my head. “No, that’s okay. I think I’ll skip this one.” I decide to stay home. I’m already late to my class, and there’s no way I want to join my family with the two dark-haired brothers in tow. I still haven’t come up with a reasonable explanation as to why I can’t go anywhere without them or the blond twins following me around. Luck is the only reason my parents haven’t seen my bodyguardsyet.
Besides, Uncle Jasper is a religious zealot. All my mom’s brother does is criticize people for their “sinful” thoughts or actions. It takes all of my self-control to not scream from frustration every time he’s around. I will not miss having breakfast with him, or his unsolicited lectures about how I should live mylife.
“Okay, let us know if you change your mind.” Mr. Cohen locks eyes with his brother. They turn and walk back to the livingroom.
“Wait. What are youdoing?”
Gabe looks at me over his shoulder. His face is carefully neutral. “We’re going to watch thegame.”
I realize the angels are trying to give me space. The thing is, I don’t want space. Maybe it’s because I spent the previous day stowed away in my room. Aside from dinner with my parents, it’s been a good amount of time since I’ve spoken with anyone in person. I can use somecompany.
So, I ask, “Whatgame?”
“The baseball game,” Mr. Cohenanswers.
I blink. “You’re going to watch the game… in myhouse?”
Both angelsnod.
I look between them and the distant sound of the television. I bite my lip. “What if my parents come home and find youhere?”
“Don’t worry,” Gabe says with a wink. “We’ll make sure we’re gone the moment they pull into thedriveway.”
I almost question how he’d manage that when I remember one important thing—they’reangels.
I put my hands on my hips. “Let me guess, you guys can like… teleport orsomething.”
“Or something,” Mr. Cohen agrees. Then, he asks, “Want to watch the game withus?”
I make a show of considering myoptions.
I can go back up to my room and hide out until my parents come home, or I can agree to watch the game with them. And maybe, I’ll be able to learn more about my supposed fallen parents. The dawn of a new day forces me to face thenews.
