An Angel & A Devil - Part 04
"Divine Intervention"
Written by T.M. Francis

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"Angel? What's so mesmerising about a bloody phone?"
"Huh?" I looked around. Okay, in the room, Paul's cleaning up, there's the phone over there on the desk, fridge beside... hang on, I FANTASISED that?!? Man, it's weird to fantasise about a person who's just about a COMPLETE stranger while they're in the room with you!
"You were in your own little dream world there for a minute!" He smiled, making a joke.
'You have no idea how right you are', I thought to myself, reaching into the bar fridge again.
"Hey Paul, you want one?" I offered, holding a can of VB up for him to peruse.
"Yeah, thanks," he replied from the other side of the room. I grabbed a few cans out of the carton in the bottom of the fridge and closed it again. I set them down on a nearby counter with my empty can and another two. 'Someone was thirsty', I thought as I picked up a potable can and swilled it down too. Then another.
"Ahhh..." I heard myself gasp. I placed the empty can down on the counter with the others and took out the elastic in my hair, shaking my head a bit to get the kink out of it. It fell loosely and framed my shoulders. "Do you have anything stiffer?" I asked, instantly regretting giving Paul the opportunity to a vast array of comebacks.
"It depends what you consider stiff!" Paul called from the other side of the room. Hmmm, he didn't pick it up... strange.
"Bourbon, vodka... spirits! Jim Beam! Jack Daniels! Stolichnaya!"
A light went off in Paul's head, and he paced towards a small cabinet built in to the wall by the desk... a liquor cabinet.
"You fucking beauty!" I said, causing him to crack a smirk. It was small, sturdy and mahogany in colour. It was obvious it was handcrafted, for the intricacy on the doors was remarkable. He knelt in front of it, opened the doors outwards and declared "What would you like? All alcohol is complementary."
"Woo hoo!" I responded, skipping on over to the newly discovered liquid treasure chest. "Whatever's stronger than VB!"
"How 'bout some El Toro?" he offered, holding up a small bottle of the well-known tequila.
"Oh yeah, to get me going!" I stated, opening the bottle, breaking the seal, taking in the sweet aroma. I was just about to take a swig when I realised that I should've phoned home a while back.
"Oh yeah, the phone! Shit!" I crossed the room and picked up the receiver, sitting in the chair at the desk I put my feet up and punched in the number.

"Hi Gabs, it's Angel..." I heard her say. I picked a bottle of Jack and closed the cabinet, the magnetised latches locking together.
"Cheers!" I mouthed to Angel, as she talked on the phone to her friend.
"Nah, get fucked, ya bitch!" she laughed down the line as she looked at me, raised the bottle in the air and raised the neck to her lips.
I couldn't help but watch the lump in her throat rise and fall with every mouthful she swallowed. I can't explain it. It's weird.
"Yeah, well I don't think I'll see you lot tonight, sorry 'bout that."
There's something enticing about a woman that slurs openly. It wasn't really bad or anything, she just didn't try to hide the fact that she was slightly inebriated. Funny though, didn't last. She said her goodbyes, pressed two fingers down on the hang up button, let go, and dialled another number. She took her feet off the desk and sat up straight as if the person who would be on the other end of the line could see her through the phone. As if she were trying to convince them as well as herself.
"Hi, it's me..." she said quietly.
Now, I'm not really an eavesdropper, I just happened to hear her side of the conversation. That's when I heard a foreign name I didn't know, and it made me wonder.
"...Alex..."
Curiosity killed the Paul. I wanted to know who this Alex was, what he meant to Angel. Listen to me, I sound like a jilted boyfriend with a pang of jealousy! Yeah? So, what's it to ya? Why should I be jealous? I don't know.
"Yeah, well, I'm not sure I'll be home until tomorrow, is that okay?..." I raised an eyebrow when I heard that. I shouldn't be listening to her conversation... but I couldn't stop myself. I wanted to know more. I wanted to know her. Something... I'm not sure what... made me want to be a part of her life. It drew me to her. But right now, I wanted to know who Alex was.

"Okay, I'll see you then. I love you. Bye."
As I hung up the phone, I tipped the remaining contents of the bottle in my mouth. I couldn't help but feel Paul's eyes on me once again. I wonder what was so interesting about me in the first place?

"So, who'd ya call?" I figured that now was as good a time as any to start fishing for answers.
"Well, first I called my best friend, Gabrielle, who I was supposed to be meeting at the pub after the show finished..."
"Oh, sorry about that."
"No, that's okay, Paul, you didn't know." She put her feet back up on the desk. "I called her and told her that I obviously wouldn't be there, and not to worry about me. She was okay with that."
"Oh, right." I edged a little closer, discarding the empty bottle on the counter. "And then who?" She seemed wary of me. Better tread lightly.
"I called home, told 'em I wouldn't be home this evening. Anything else, Mr Census, or will that be all?" I chuckled, taking the heat off myself and the focus off my inquisitiveness.
"Ha ha, just one more, I promise." I took a deep breath and another step closer...

"So, who's Alex?"

TBC

An Angel & A Devil - Part 05
"Better the Devil You Know"
Written by T.M. Francis

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"My, aren't we inquiring tonight?" I giggled, wondering why all of a sudden was asking me a series of questions. What, was he gonna write my life story or something? He rolled his eyes comically at me and smiled.
"I'm not trying to be nosy, I JUST WANNA KNOOOOOOOW!!" He sounded like a three-year-old chucking a tantrum. I found it whimsical.
"Ya coulda fooled me!" I said, a tone of amusement overtaking my mannerism.
"Oh, well SOOOOOOOOORRY!" he replied, his eyes wide in mock-severity.
"So ya should be!" I yelled at him, trying my hardest not to laugh. Just as he was about to counter-attack, a familiar face appeared at the door.

Impeccable timing, dickhead...

"Hey, what's going on in here?" He snapped his head back in such a way that it flicked his wayward fringe off his forehead. What a primadonna.
"Oi fuckface, what've I told you about entering my room without knocking on the door?!" Paul grumbled at the man peering in.
"Hey, that's no way to talk to me!" the vainglorious one answered, throwing the door open as if making a huge, important entrance. "Besides, we usually share the room anyway!"
"I don't care! You should knock first, it's common fuckin' courtesy!"
"Well, excUUUUSE me!" He looked at me, an all too familiar glint in his big chocolate-brown eyes. "And you are?" He grinned a toothpaste-ad smile and offered his hand to me.
"Tentacles off of her, Ferguson, she's MY guest!" Paul looked genuinely annoyed.
"Oh, Paul, you're paranoid. I'm just extending a polite, professional courtesy." He stepped into the room, stood in front of me, took my hand and kissed it. Politeness, I thought, wasn't one of Tim's top qualities. Unfortunately, I was right. He kissed it alright: then he started to lick and sniff it like a bloodhound on the scent of a wounded fox. He turned up his nose, and reached into his mouth to pull out a "furball" as he put it. Suddenly, I began to wonder who Tim paid to get his 'charm' tag.
"Oh, is THAT what you think you're extending?!"
"And what is that supposed to mean, Paul?"
"You know damn well what it means, you..."
"HEY! Calm down, you two!!" I yelled over the raucous pair. They stop squabbling long enough to look at me. "There's no need to... fight... over me?!?" God, that sounded weird coming from my own lips! An eerie silence filled the room, only to be broken by a rather timid, unsure tapping at the door. Without seeing who was there, they both replied, "Whattya want, Rich?" simultaneously. It was as if they had stepped back out onto the stage.
"Um, I heard yelling in here, and just wanted to check if everything was alright." he looked around and gave a look of helplessness that would milk sympathy out of every woman within a five-kilometre radius of him. Poor little Richie.
"Yes, Richard, everything's fine, they're just bickering about the door, and me, funnily enough!" He stood in the doorway, mouth agape and nodded slowly soaking up everything I said like a sponge.
"So, everything's okay?" He still wasn't convinced.
"Yes, Richard!" they replied, both boys rolling their eyes back in their heads. I shook my head, ripping my hand out of Tim's grasp, wiped it on a towel, and advanced over to Rich, who seemed very awkward just to be in Paul and Tim's sight. His eyes were azure and wide with worry. I continued to walk over to him, taking each step very carefully. I offered him my hand.
"I'm Angel, it's nice to meet you." I spoke to him softly, and he began to smile.
"Hi Angel. Didn't I see you tonight in the front row? Paul picked on you, didn't he?"
"Oh, fuck up arsehole, I..."
"Paul," I said sternly, turning to face him, "give the poor guy a break. He's just asking a question." I felt like a mother to all of them. It felt really weird. I was talking to the child who ran to Mummy when his older, better knowing siblings teased him. They stood together and sulked, while I tried to relax Rich a bit. He cautiously took my hand and shook it carefully.
"I'm Richard Fidler. It's very nice to meet you, Angel." Out of the corner of my eye I saw Paul and Tim imitate Richard in a very exaggerated manner. They bowed and curtsied to each other, laughing the whole time.
"Hey, what sort of name is Angel anyway?" Tim scoffed.
"It's a nickname, dipshit. My real name's Rachel." Richard giggled at Tim, and I felt good to have made him laugh. He loosened up a bit. Paul, on the other hand, was holding his aching sides with laughter and fighting gravity trying to stay upright. Tim glared at him continuously.

"Well, are we going or what?" Tim inquired.
"Going where?" Angel asked, a puzzled look on hers and Richard's face.
"On the towwwwn, have some fuuuun, y'know?" he bounced about my room, and I had to fight the urges of impending violence tingling in my fists.
"Well, I'm up for it if you two guys are." Richard shrugged in spite of himself.
"I was going to go out anyway, so I'm fine too." Angel's eyes lit up at the thought of the night out.
"Okay, let's go!" Tim rubbed his hands together and went to pretty himself up, I assume. "Paul?" I looked up at him. "You comin'?"
"Yeah, sure." I don't want to leave you alone with Angel, even if Rich IS there!"
"Good stuff!" He left then, serenading himself as he walked down the hall. Richard stood at the door uncertainly, and then turned to leave.
"Hey, Rich!" I asked. "Get all your stuff together and tell Langbene the same. We've got to get to the hotel. Thanks, close the door on your way out."
"Okay Paul," he replied, looking at Angel as he closed the door.

"Y'know, you didn't have to put on the show for me, I've seen what you can be like by yourself." I looked at the floor, ashamed once again of my actions.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly. She walked over to me and stood in front of me.
"I accept your apology."
"And I'm also sorry for heckling you on stage tonight. It's all part of the act though, and..."
"I know, and I understand," she said, placing a soft palm on my face, "it's alright." Angel leant forward, kissed my cheek, and walked out the door, leaving me to contemplate what had just happened.

TBC

An Angel & A Devil - Part 06
"A Hell of a Night to Remember"
Written by T.M. Francis

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One by one, all three guys walked out of their changing rooms wearing casual clothes. Paul was the first to exit; an assortment of bags, portfolios with papers coming out the sides and cases slung over his shoulders and back, and in and under his arms. He was the classic example of the typical packrat. He was wearing a white button-up shirt rolled up carelessly to the elbows, and the pants he wore were those that he wore on stage that night, safety pins and all. The shirt was different though, and was half tucked in to his pants, the SEX belt buckle just hidden from the naked eye. I must admit, it didn't surprise me. He ran a hand through his untidy hair as Richard came out next, a few suitcases in tow, his guitar in an old, black leather case and a worn old teddy bear that must've seen better days. He was in a white t-shirt with an unbuttoned flannelette shirt over it and the black pants. A couple of guys passed, and the two Allstars handed their bags to them. As I suspected, Tim came out last with a tapestry suitcase set and what looked like a makeup case. He, although smelling like the perfume section of a department store, looked rather casual too. He was wearing a white t-shirt with a bomber jacket over it, a baseball cap worn sideways and a pair of stonewashed jeans. "C'mon, let's gooooooo!" he complained, jumping up and down as if he'd been the one who had been waiting for 15 minutes.

I walked down a wide corridor with Paul on one arm, Rich on the other and Tim standing in front playing tour guide. "This wall has great significance..." We chatted and laughed together as we headed for the backstage door. Tim was just about to open it the door.
"Wait!" I whispered.
"What? What's the matter?" I slipped my arms away from the boys, and placed a finger to Paul's lips.
"There could be people in the alley waiting, stupid!" They all gasped and cursed under their breaths. "Let me go out first." They stepped back and around a corner as I opened the door and the crisp night air hit me. The alley was cold, wet puddles everywhere and a van in front of me. I stepped out, clutching my coat more and more. I looked around... no one. I tied and buttoned up my coat, and looked at my watch; the show had finished an hour ago! Surely there'd be some groupie chicks hanging around. I walked outside, my boots making noise on the cement below. Heel, toe, heel, toe. Nothing. I whistled to see if I got anyone's attention. Still nothing. It looked like we were okay to leave. I took a step towards the doorway and said, "Looks like the coast is clear," and we all piled into the van in the alley; Richard and Tim in the front, and myself and Paul in the back.

"God, it smells like a dump in here!" declared Angel, turning her nose up after one inhalation of the all too familiar on-the-road smell. "It smells like you live in here!"
"Um, sometimes we do." Richard said from the driver's seat with much delay. Tim nodded and I just shrugged.
"Okay...." she replied, "so, where are we going?"
"Um, well, we'll drive until we see a pub we like, how's that sound?"
"And one away from the theatre too. We don't want to go to a pub filled with tonight's audience!"
"Yeah, go to the next suburb!"

The lights outside the van whizzed past as Richard led us deep into the night, the sky a silken ribbon pulled tightly across my visage, a glimmer or two here and there. Angel and I talked the whole way there, dodging all of Tim's snide remarks. I tried to find out more information, but she was aware that I was doing so.

It seemed like a lifetime in the back of that van. It's not that I didn't enjoy Paul's company, because I'd be lying if I said I didn't. It wasn't the smell of the van either... well, that was part of it... it was the fact that I wanted to get out and do some serious drinking! We were driving on through North Sydney on the Pacific Highway when I leant across Paul and said to Richard 'Look, there's one. That looks good."
"Ow, ah, fuck, Angel, you're doin' damage down there!" Paul grabbed my shoulder in grimacing pain. I looked down and saw that my knee was locked firmly into Paul's groin.
"Oh, fuck, I'm so sorry Paul!" I apologised profusely, moving my knee away as quickly as I could. His face was all of a sudden beaded with sweat and he nodded and breathed heavily, trying to control his pain. I knelt in front of him, and he smiled at me with pained eyes.
"C'mon Angel, kiss it better!" Tim retorted with a chuckle.
"Smartarse prick!" I said as I swiped him across the back of the head, hearing Paul snicker despite the agony he was in.
"Ayayayayay! Watch the hair! Oi, Grumpy, control your guest!"
Paul responded by backhanding him in the back of the head too, Tim yelping in torment. I think Paul hit him with his knuckles. It would explain why he yelled so loud. I ran my hand through Paul's hair, getting the many strands stuck to his brow off of his face and out of his eyes.
"Are you sure you're alright?" I said as Richard stopped the van. Paul nodded affirmation, but I wasn't convinced. He looked at up at me, sensing my remorse. It didn't make me feel any better.

She felt guilty, I could sense it. She felt bad about the accident in the van. It was just that, an accident. A painful accident all the same, but it was still an accident and I didn't blame her one iota. We climbed out of the van, Angel's greedy lungs gasping for real oxygen. She took deep breaths as we stepped on to the footpath.
"Okay, there's one there, one there, a few over the road, and a couple up the street." Richard stood with his hands on his hips, his head gesturing the directions, "Which one?"
"More like which one first!" Angel laughed. I was liking this woman more and more as the night progressed, and the thought of who Alex was plagued my head. Before the night was out, I wanted to know.

TBC

An Angel & A Devil - Part 07
"Sympathy for the Devil"
Written by T.M. Francis

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As we walked through the door of the pub, the familiar smell of alcohol and the sound of pool balls being sunk and various drinks being served hit me as a welcome change to the sweat-soaked atmosphere of the van. The bar was on the far wall, a stout bartender working the taps behind it. The pool table was to the left, a dartboard just next to it. On the right was a dancefloor, small and deserted. Behind it was a small stage adorned with...of all things... a karaoke machine. A Wurlitzer sat to the left of the dancefloor by a window, and a mirrorball suspended from the ceiling. A barmaid or two walked around the tables collecting glasses.
"God forbid, disco's back!" I said quietly to Paul, who gave me the eyebrow treatment that I've come to know and adore.
"Frightening, isn't it?"
"Okay, enough chit-chat, to the bar!" I paced on over, asking for a double Jack and coke, no ice. Tim was impressed and just asked for a beer. Richard declined a drink, saying he had to go find accommodation for the night or else we'd be sleeping in the van. That I couldn't do. Paul said he'd have what I was having. The night was off to a good start.

The jukebox called my name from its lonely corner, and I grabbed my drink and sauntered on over to it. On the songlist, there were a lot of modern bands, and a lot of old groups too. I traced my fingers down the glass over the many titles, trying to decide what to start with. A well-known scent floated through my nostrils and I turned around to see Tim standing over me, looking over my shoulder at the songs.
"You like her, don't you?" You gotta love Tim... no beating around the bush. He's always straight to the point. "How much?"
"A lot. Why?"
"Thought so."
"Why?"
"So," he grinned, "What's the deal with you two?"
"Nothing's the deal, Tim, we're just friends!" I responded, refusing to look at him.
"Sure, fine, whatever."
"What's that supposed to mean, Ferguson?"
"I know that you like her a lot more than you let on!"
"Maybe Einstein, but I want to play my cards right with this one this time. I don't want to fuck up." I tapped my fingers on the glass.
"You're lookin' to get laid, aren't ya?"
"Oh, come on Timothy, you know I'm not like that! Give me *some* credit!" Tim placed his hand on my shoulder laughing.
"Hey hey, I'm just kidding!" he said, rubbing my shoulder, "Hey, you're really tense!"
"Yeah, I know," I gulped. I took a mouthful of my drink, and winced in pain when he started kneading the flesh in my shoulders.
"Wow, it's like you have an egg under your skin!"
"Yeah, feels like it too."
"So, how are you going down below?"
"I'm still sore."
"Sounds like Angel's not so angelic; she did a good job of it!"
"Yeah, she did, but I'm holding no grudges." He looked at me, a stupid grin plastered on his face.
"Oh, you like her alright. If anything, I think you might love her!"
"No! You can't fall in love that easily... can you?"
"I guess so, I've loved myself for a long time now!" He pulled a mirror out of his pocket and began preening himself, making kissy faces and mouthing 'you're gorgeous' to his reflection. I took one look over my shoulder at him and laughed, then glanced over to Angel. She was holding Richard's teddy, and slamming down her fifth drink already, while I was still nursing my first.
"I think I do, but I don't know..." I said to him as I dropped a coin into the slot, knowing which song I wanted to play... 'I Want to Know What Love Is'...

By the time I'd finished my seventh drink, I was contemplating putting my head down on the table. I would have, but the idea of smashing several glasses into my forehead when I came into contact with the table didn't sound too appealing to me. Suddenly, Foreigner began to fill the room, and I gazed over to Paul and Tim, singing by the Wurlitzer. I was captivated- as was the whole bar- as I listened to the two of them harmonising beautifully with each other and the song. Perfect was the only way to describe the sound they produced. I found myself gazing at Paul the whole time and he smiled at me while he sang, especially through the chorus. I wasn't taking much notice of Tim's eyes shooting back and forth from me to Paul, then back to me again. I think he was smiling too.

When the song had finished, the crowd that had milled around began to applaud and disperse, and the boys began to make their way back to our table, Paul taking a detour at the bar to get a refill. Richard's teddy sat comfortably in my lap, and I began to wonder if he minded me using it as a pillow... probably. The last thing he said before leaving was "Don't let them get Teddy, I'm not sure I'll ever get him back again." Poor Richard. He always seemed to be the victim... unless that was part of the act too. As if his ears were burning, Richard walked in, making a beeline for his beloved teddy bear. I held him up over my head and Richard outstretched his arms to him. He clutched him close to his heart, his eyes closed in serenity. 'Awww... how sweet,' I thought, tipping the remaining contents of the eighth glass into my mouth. It was then my head began to spin, the room rotating the opposite way to me. Bloody typical.

I stood up and attempted to get another one, but my legs just weren't strong enough. I fell... but not far though. I felt arms around my waist, and a shoulder blade became my pillow.
"Angel?" the voice whispered to me.
"Mmmmh?" I felt soft laughter breeze through my hair and faint breathing on my ear.
"I can't hold you up forever, y'know..."
"Ohhhh, why not?" I complained, plunging my nose into my saviour's neck. I brought one of my hands up to his neck, taking a deep breath... mmmmmm... God, he fuckin' smelt soooo gooooood...
"I wish I could, but I'm losing feeling down the left-hand side of my body!"
"Oh shit! Sorry." I looked up and saw Paul smiling down at me, his fringe spilling over his brow. Yummy...
"It's okay." He stood me up, and even in these boots of mine, he was still taller than I was. And Tim thought *Paul* was a midget! Ha!
"If you wanna sit down Paul, take my seat."
"No, you need to sit down more than me!"
"Nah, it's okay, babe, I'm going to the bar. Take it." Paul accepted reluctantly.

I made a second attempt for the bar. I made it there unscathed, apart from the fact that the floor kept moving further and further away from me. As I placed my hand on the bar, I turned around.
"Richie? Whattcha want? My shout."
"Just a beer, thanks."
"'Nother one, please!" Tim cut in, holding up his empty glass.
"Oh, if ya wouldn't mind, Angel, another one for me too please."
Note to self: never shout only *one* of the Allstars.
"Hey Tim! Help me out here! I haven't got eight arms!" He quickly vacated his seat, picked up the drinks off the bar and juggled them successfully all the way back to the table. I had to juggle my *balance* all the way back to the table. Paul stood up.
"Are you okay?" I nodded.
"This is just the first stage."
"The what?" He raised an eyebrow at me.
"The first stage of drunkenness."
"And what's that?"
"Trying to stay upright and awake. Don't worry, it'll pass."
"Oh right, what comes next?"
"What I call my energetic stage. Where I have to keep on moving, no matter what. It's just like speeding... without the speed!" He laughed a bit.
"Any others after that?"
"Yeah, but you'll have to figure them out for yourself!"
"Oh, but I wanna know NOOOOOOOOOW!" I just simply shook my head and grinned.
"No way, José. You have to wait and see!" His bottom lip began to quiver dramatically, but comically.
"You no fair."
"Oh, poooooooooooor diddums!" I laughed, patting the top of his head. He pouted and finished his drink.

God, if she was trying to keep me guessing, she was doing a pretty good job of it so far! First, it's Alex, now this! I must have 'idiot' printed on my forehead somewhere. Women- can't live without them, can't kill 'em... without getting caught anyway.
"I have to go outside for a bit." I began to stand up, "Paul, I'm okay, I know my own patterns, I'll be fine." With that, she walked outside. I once again went to stand up when Tim grabbed my shirt and pulled me back down into my chair.
"Let her go, mate, leave her alone for a while." I was thoroughly confused. I had absolutely no idea what to expect next. Hot and cold, hot and cold. I was beginning to feel a bit dejected.
"Don't worry, mate, she's fine."
"I dunno what to think, Rich."
"It's like she said, Paul, she knows her own patterns. Maybe she's the only one."
"Maybe, Rich, maybe." I tried to change the subject.
"So, where are we staying this evening?" Rich's face perked up almost instantaneously. I knew the look very well. So did Tim.
"Five star??" He was on the edge of his seat. Richard leant forward, putting his elbows on the table.
"Lads... tonight, we are staying at the... Ritz Carlton!" I couldn't believe my ears. Tim let out a small, high-pitched squeal and kissed Rich. "Get the fuck off me, Tim!" He shied back and grinned sheepishly.
"S...sorry Richard." We all cracked up in laughter, but I still thought of Angel and how this whole Alex ordeal was affecting me.

I had to step outside, I was getting claustrophobic. I hate the feeling of walls closing in around me. I had to settle myself, calm my nerves. I pulled my cigarettes out of one of my inside pockets and rummaged around for my Zippo. I placed a cigarette between my lips, struck up my lighter and inhaled, keeping it lit. Relief... nicotine rush and fresh air. Nice combination. I felt less light-headed as I drew back on the cigarette. My mind was no longer clouded over, but I still felt tired. As my head cleared, I thought of Paul... what would've happened if I had left the show when I first wanted to? I wouldn't be here with three great guys drinking the night away. It was so quiet outside that I could actually hear the paper around the tobacco burning. It sizzled more and more the deeper my drawbacks became. I thought about how the night progressed and how it could conclude. I kept thinking until the cigarette between my fingers got too hot on my lips to keep smoking. I flicked the butt out into the night, the ember dying slowly in the distance. I watched it, finding myself comparing myself to it. A spark in the night, slowly fading away in the menacing jaws of the darkness. 'God, I'm tired,' I yawned, walking back inside.

TBC

An Angel & A Devil - Part 08
"Devils on the Dancefloor"
Written by T.M. Francis

***********************************************************************************

I stepped inside again, my eyes adjusting to the bright fluorescent lights. I walked back over to the table, the three boys conversing over an array of empty glasses and bottles. The three were seated equally around the round table, Paul with his back to me. The other two were sitting on their chairs correctly, but Paul was straddling his chair, his arms on the top of the back of the chair. He looked up at me. He moved his arms away and sat back.
"You can sit here if you want."
"Thanks." I slurred, my drowsiness setting in. I couldn't fight it. I sat between Paul's knees sideways, settling into his arms. I closed my eyes, exhaling deeply. My arms went up around his neck as I snuggled into his chest. His arms closed around my waist, and he held me close to his body. I felt really warm and safe... a feeling I hadn't experienced for a very, very long time...

"Okay..." Now, I was thoroughly perplexed.
"See mate, she likes ya." Tim shelled and ate the peanuts in a bowl in the centre of our table. He threw them up and caught them in his mouth like a pro.
"She must do, Paul." Richard held onto his teddy with one arm, and the neck of a beer bottle with the other. What an interesting blend. Security and intoxication. I didn't want to move for I feared I'd wake her. Her breathing was slow and steady, but also guttural. Low and deep. I felt it on my neck, and it made my hair stand on end.
"Yeah, I guess so," I whispered quietly.
"Mate, she won't wake up till she's ready, believe me!"
"Previous experience, Timothy?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"She's a woman, they never wake up when you want them to!" I was appalled by that comment.
"That's a bit sexist, Tim!"
"So, she's asleep, she doesn't care, she can't hear me!" Just then, Angel moved around a bit in my arms, moving her head up towards my neck. Her nose rested in the crook in my collarbone. Richard looked at her, peacefully slumbering in my embrace. Always a first time for everything.
"Maybe not physically, but I think she can hear you subconsciously!" Richard quipped.
"Yeah Tim, I wouldn't be surprised if she gets up and hits you!" Tim laughed at me and got up.
"Nature is calling!" he announced. Richard and myself knew what was coming next and looked at Tim with pleading eyes.
"No, Tim..."
"...please don't do it!" He looked at us mercilessly and turned away. We thought we were in the clear when all of a sudden, "URRRRRRRRRAARRRRGGGHHHHHHH!!" filled the bar. She stirred... and her eyes opened sleepily.
"You're a prick, Ferguson!" I yelled.
"Thank you!" he called over his shoulder. I gave his back the finger as he disappeared through the men's room door. I looked at my disturbed Sleeping Beauty who continued to hold on to me, despite the fact she was awake. Her arms were still around my neck and her fingers played with my hair. Her eyelids were heavy and she yawned softly. Her breathing on my neck began to regulate again. She was settling back down to sleep, her legs moving up towards her body as if going into a foetal position. I took one of my arms away from her waist and scooped it up under her knees. I cradled her in my arms again and kissed her forehead. I couldn't deny it anymore... I think I was falling for her.

Such a comfortable position… mmm... Paul thinks I'm sleeping, but I'm only resting my eyes, I can't open them very well. The light's too bright, I'm speeding up my process by doing this. I can't hear actual words, but I know what's being said... sort of. He's so sweet, and he smells so damn good... God, I could eat him! I'm really starting to like Paul. If only I hadn't met A... no I shouldn't say that. He was the best thing that ever happened to me, he gave me a reason to live. I must be sensible. I must think with my head, not my hormones. I'm feeling better now, my lethargy's subsiding. I'll think stay here just a bit longer though. Too much of a good thing is never enough...

I couldn't believe it. It wouldn't register completely.
"Rich?"
"Yeah mate?"
"What does love feel like?"
"Ummmm… I don't know yet, I haven't been in love. I don't think so anyway." I looked at Angel, wondering what it was I was feeling for her when Richard put his hand on my shoulder.
"Don't worry mate, you'll know."
"Yeah. Thanks." It was then that Angel raised her head, opened her eyes and looked at me and smiled. There was a new glint in those green eyes of hers, a new verve. She craned her neck up to my ear and whispered:
"Let's dance."

I stood up, and took off my coat. I grabbed him by his lapels and pulled him up off the chair. "You remember how I told you about that second phase?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, let's burn some of that energy away, shall we?" Before he could respond I pulled him across the dancefloor to the Wurlitzer. I could hear him laughing behind me and telling me to slow down. I stood in front of the Wurlitzer and he stood behind me, his arms either side of me. He rested his chin on my shoulder, and his hands on the Wurlitzer. I dropped some coins into the slot and pressed a few buttons.
"Good choice," he murmured from my shoulder.
I stood there and waited for Aretha Franklin's ambient voice to fill the room.

"Chain chain chain..."

I closed my eyes, and rested my head on Paul's chest and let the music take me over. I covered his hands with mine and wrapped his arms around my waist. We swayed together, Paul's lips on my neck. He stepped back on to the dancefloor and whirled me out, taking me by surprise somewhat. He pulled me back in and we spun around the floor for a while, and I was taken aback that he was such a good dancer. Wonders never ceased with Paul McDermott... for me, anyway. He spun me out again and twirled me in, dipping me as the first song finished. We smiled at each other and I thought I heard Richard cheering for us... along with the rest of the bar. Tim came out of the men's room making a commotion and a very weird noise that I think woke me up in the first place. He looked at us and the Wurlitzer came to life again, pumping out an old favourite that made Paul's eyes light up and put a huge smile on his face. I stood in the centre of the floor with him, as he moved around the whole space, singing in falsetto:

"Well, you can tell by the way I use my words..."

He looked dead into my eyes and smirked when he sang 'woman's man'. I couldn't help but smile back. Without warning, he grabbed my hand and pulled me close to him, crooning all the while. What a funny way to serenade someone... with The Bee Gees. We moved quick on the floor, and Rich and Tim and the rest of the members in the bar all gathered around us. I felt like I was in a scene from Saturday Night Fever...

"Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother you're stayin' alive, stayin' alive..."

God, I LOVE THIS SONG! How did she know? We have such a strong connection that she knows what music I like! Maybe she likes it too. I whipped her around the floor like Fred Astaire, getting more and more into the music as we went. Something about this song that makes me lose myself... especially when I dance. I remember hearing her laughter, and the comments of onlookers. As I sung along with the jukebox, I had an urge to lift her up and spin her around, so I did. Her chestnut coloured hair tickled my face as I looked up at her and she down at me. I slowed as the music began to fade, and brought her feet back in contact with the floor.

I haven't had so much fun since... well, a long time! The next song was starting, and Tim cut in on Paul, who with much reluctance bowed out. Tim was fun to dance with too. It was amazing how much the song appealed to him... looks and everything. He tried his best to imitate Courtney Love's voice, but it just didn't happen. It was very funny actually! 'Miss World' just isn't his type of song...

Bastard... he knows that I like her, and he's doing this just to piss me off. Richard assures me there's nothing to worry about, that he hasn't had that much to drink. I agree just for the sake of not starting an argument. I still don't like it. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to deal with it, Richard says he's next...

Tim should be female, I swear. He's such a prettyboy, but he's got such a crass sense of being for a woman. The way he preens himself before any appearance... I know a lot of women that go to a lot less effort. The song finished, and Tim kissed my hand... properly this time. Maybe he was the chivalrous type. He gallantly (and exaggeratingly) bowed out, and Richard quickly stepped in. I felt like a basketball... getting bounced around, thrown about and tried out by all. Paul was not impressed, it was obvious.

Well, at least I don't have to worry about Rich making moves... do I? Oh my God, I'm getting bloody paranoid!

Richard was funny too. As the song started, he howled along with Paul Kelly. He obviously knew 'Dumb Things' really well. He led me around in a jive-like fashion. I heard Paul and Tim barracking him from the side, calling 'Rock it Tricky Rickyyyyy!' Richard obviously felt self-conscious and I told him not to worry about it, and shot a side-glance at the juveniles standing there. They both bowed their heads and pouted. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. The song finished, and Rich gave me a big bear hug and I quickly kissed his cheek. I could sense that Paul was itching to get me back.

Okay, I wanna dance with her again now! I better get a move on before the big bloke behind the bar gets a go! The next song began and I walked out slowly but swiftly and took Angel's hand. I pulled her into my arms as Nick Cave sang...

"Come sail your ships around me..."

Her hand slid onto my shoulder and she rested her head on my chest. My heart was racing... I wondered if she could hear it. It was amazing how nice Nick Cave could make a song about a boat sound. I wasn't really listening to the song though. I closed my eyes and put my head down on hers, bringing one of her hands up to my chest.

It didn't feel like we were moving... it felt like we were floating, just above the floor. I could hear his heart... it sounded like a palpitation waiting to happen. I closed my eyes and breathed him in… it took me away to another place, another time. I was young, I was free. I felt alive, vibrant and exuberant, until that fateful day that changed my life forever... but I can't focus on that now. I'm with Paul and the others and the third stage is creeping up on me. I can feel it breaking through. So can he...

She loosened my grip on her hand and ran it up my arm, meeting her other hand up at the back of my neck. Her fingertips were like icicles and they sent shivers up my spine and down my limbs. I realised that the next stage must be surfacing, and from what I saw of it, I liked it *alot*! I would never in my wildest dreams have expected what she said next...

TBC

An Angel & A Devil III