The Glory

As the power overwhelms me, I feel a sudden burst of warmth in my hands. I lift them towards my face and a fiery orb bursts from each palm. I look up to see the man's eyes widen and he starts to stumble away in his drunken state. He trips on his pants, which he dropped in effort to rape me, and begs for forgiveness. I start to form a ball of flames above my head and lean back to push the orb toward him, but suddenly the realization comes over me and I drop my arms and stare at my hands, while the intoxicated man runs away. I beat myself up inside, telling myself over and over the I need to control my anger. The power to control fire is a gift, the pastor at my church told me, and that I need to use it for good, but sometimes I just can't control my temper. Father Michael said that I need to master the fire element so when I turn eighteen I can help Christian, the twenty year old exorcist in town, but right now I need to focus on controlling my temper and graduating high school. At fifteen, almost sixteen years old, I really should be worrying about my next bio exam, instead of raths attacking townsfolk. In a small christen community, news of a devil can get around pretty quick, but that's what he's for. Ironically named Christian, he makes sure he defeats the demon, before somebody sees. As his apprentice, I do the research so I learned to read and speak a variety of ancient languages, basic spell casting, and ,sadly, a little black magic. I know I really shouldn't have read that book, but I just couldn't help it, it was like it was calling me, but anyway, Christian is my best friend and soul mate. He understands me better than anyone, including my family and friends. As I walk out of the dark alleyway, my phone goes off. It's my mother, calling to ask where I am, again. I originally went out to smoke a joint with some friends, I'm still a teenager you know, but ended up getting forced into the alley. After getting chewed out, my mother agrees to let me stay at friends house. I walk down the street, heading towards the church to meet Father Michael and Christian, instead of Amy's house like I told my mother. Singing a Evanescence song quietly, I hear a small noise behind me. Following my instinct I continue to walk, listening to see if there's another one. A footstep echoes out into the dark night and I hand claps on to my mouth. I squeak and pull my hand back to push away the attacker. I pull away and see the laughing figure of Christian, holding his stomach and giggling like a little girl. 

"You, a*****e!" I say, catching his contagious laugh. 

"I really got you that time" he manages to get out between giggles. 

"Yeah, you scared the crap outta me!" I exclaim, running my hand through my fiery red hair. 

"That was hilarious!" he says still laughing his a*s off. 

"Oh, grow up!" I say, trying to look disgusted. 

"Let's go, Father's waiting for us" he says, suddenly serious. He grabs my hand and pulls me into a dark alley, leading me into the backdoor to the church. We enter quietly, incase Father was trying to contact any sprits. 

"Hello, Christian and Gloria, how are you this fine evening?" Father Michael greets us. 

"Good, thanks" I reply, but when there's no response from Christian, I turn to see a lilth, sitting on the front pew. She's wrapped in brown rags and sitting with her eyes closed. I subconsciously touch the Star of David hanging around my neck, and turn to Father.

"Where did you find her?" I ask quietly. 

"Right outside of downtown, by the coffee house."

"Really? That close to Parish?" Christian asks, referring to the main street in our little hometown,  Johnstown. 

"Yeah, she was going to Casey's" he says, walking away. As good of a fighter Father is, he can't fight a Jewish demon. I pull a old, dusty book out of my backpack and flip through the pages until I see lilth. After reading a little, I turn to Christian and say, "So a lilth basically was the first ever feminist,  and she is either a lilth or her hybrid offspring." 
After, hearing the word "lilth" she opens her black eyes and smiles creepily. She starts to speak in Hebrew, and I start to translate. 

"So, here we are," she says in her strange voice, "What shall the infamous Christian do to me? Or you, young Gloria, what will you do next?" the young woman shes taken over, gets up and walks toward Christian, her raven hair streaming behind her and smiling, almost seductively. Christian stumbles backward, not taking his eyes off the lilth. I use the time to read more about the lilth. 

"Originally created along with Adam and Eve...Cast out...her and her offspring escape from the Garden of Eden...only weakness is a man's touch when out of host body..." I mumble, my eyes scanning the Hebrew words. So, we gotta get her out of that girls body, the have Christian touch her....hm, doesn't sound that difficult. I look up to see the lilth pressing Christian down into a pew, and crawling into his lap. She presses her lips against his and Christian struggles for a second then closes his eyes, falling for her act. I stand up, as a warmth flows through my body, collecting in me hands and feet. I slip my shoes and socks off, letting the mystic energy flow out. I pull the lilth off and shoot a flame in front of her, the sudden light causes the lilth to drop from her human host. As the lilth and I lock in combat, I yell to Christian, telling him to touch her, on the count of three. I lead the lilth toward him and use a blast of fire to knock her down. Christian reaches down and clasps his smooth hand down on her strangely disfigured arm. Her black eyes light up from within as she screams in pain and rage. She rises from the ground, shrieking "I'll be back, just you wait!" She disappears into the dark night, and I drop down to the young woman, the lilth was using as a host. She starts to wake, and I pull a water bottle from my bag and take off my jacket. 

"What happened? Where am I?" she asks, her eyes slowly turning back to brown. 

"The church, we found you laying on the ground by county road 15" I say handing her the water and jacket, gesturing to Christian, who was picking up the scattered, burned fabric, that the young woman was wearing. She looks down and she's her nearly naked and blushes. 

"Put it these on" I say, handing her the jacket and the pants I was wearing. 

"Okay, you sure?" she asks looking at my bare legs. 

"Yeah, I live close by" which was sort of true, Christian lived near by, but I spent most of my time there anyway. 

"Thanks, I'm Amanda" she replies, smiling gratefully and checking out Christian. I suddenly feel jealous and stand up, exposing my long tanned legs and purple underwear. Christian slowly turns from Amanda to me, then back. 

"We should get you home" I say, meaner than I wanted. 

"Okay. Will you walk me home?" she asks Christian. 

"I would love, too" he replies and smiles, taking her hand and leading her out the door. I gather my stuff, and run down the street to Christians house, wondering why I was jealous of the attention christian was giving Amanda. I mean, he's my best friend, not once have I ever been physically attracted to Christian, but then I realized just how attractive he really is. With messy black hair and bright green eyes, he is pretty cute. Well, cute's an understatement, hot's more like it. I start thinking about our long friendship and what we've been through together. Mortal combat can really bring two people close, since Father Michael approached me and asked me about my powers, we've been inseparable. I collapse onto his couch and wait for his arrival, hours pass and he doesn't come back. I figure he either is getting it on with Amanda or he's been attacked. I really don't want either one, but I guess the first one is better. I go home wearing some of his clothes and sneak in through the kitchen window. I lay on by bed, hoping him and whatsername ain't doing it. I don't know why all of a sudden I got jealous when he flirted with Amanda. I go to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face and try to sleep. 

The next morning, I wake up to yelling down stairs, and I walk down, still half asleep. My parents stop yelling and look at me. 

"Hi, honey, how'd you sleep?" my mother asks. 

"Don't pretend, I could hear you upstairs" I say, drinking a glass of water and go back up, feeling like my life is spinning out of control. 

"Now look what you did!" my mom yells at my dad. 

"What I did? You helped just as much!" he replies back. I sigh and shut my door, I walk to my stereo and put in a Ramones CD and turn it up. I look around my room, taking everything. Avenged Sevenfold, Falling in Reverse, Pierce the Veil, The Clash, The Network....I name the bands who's posters cover my walls. My phone starts playing Bohemian Rhapsody, my ringtone for Christian, and I pick it up. 

"Hello?" I say into the receiver. 

"Heyy!" Christian says in a mock preppy girl voice. 

"What's up?" I ask, trying to think about something besides that chic, Amanda, from last night. 

"You would not believe what happened last night, girl!" 

"I really don't wanna here about you f*****g some little b***h, right now" I say, being the b***h in this situation. 

"What's wrong, Glory?" he asks, returning to his normal voice. 

"None of your business"'I snap. 

"Jeez, if your gonna be that way, I'll just hang up" he retorts. 

"No, Christian, don't!" but its to late, he already ended the call. I stare at the phone in my hand, and tears start to fill my eyes. I throw my phone down and fall backwards on to my bed. The ceiling blurs as tears drip down the sides of my face. I wipe them away, and pull out my notebook. The words just come and in five minutes I have a two page poem, about, well, my feelings for Christian. I wash my face and go downstairs. 

"I'm going out!" I yell to whoever is listening and head toward the skate park. On the way there I run into my stoner friends and they get me to go light up with them. I breathe out a plume of smoke and stub out the joint, flicking it into the gutter. Jimmy, who's pretty much the leader of all us outcasts, leans toward me and starts to kiss me. I'm feeling amazingly elevated right now, so I just roll with it. He's pretty cute, an amazing kisser, and just enough to take my mind of of Christian. He pushes on top of me, and starts to kiss my neck. The others had walked away a little bit ago, and we're alone now. He starts to slid his hand up and into my shirt, kissing me again. I feel his tongue enter my mouth and start to reach for mine, but I turn my head, because this just doesn't feel right. He tries again, but I pull away. I hear a noise in the distance and look up just in time to see Christian walk by. He stops and sees me making out with Jimmy, a strange look passes through his eyes, a cross between betrayal and anger, then he storms away. I give up, knowing that Christian won't come and help me and that he has to be absolutely pissed at me. He's normally so protective, he has already beaten up four guys, threatened two, and sent one to the emergency room. He usually doesn't let anybody touch me in anyway, unless both of us approve of the guy, but somethings wrong. Jimmy breaks me out of my thoughts, as he starts to pull our clothing off. In my depression I give myself up and let's just say I ain't no virgin anymore. 

At home that night I get a call from Father Michael saying that he needed me at the church. I walk to the church and see Father waiting with Christian. Christian glances up at me, his normally bright green eyes are dark and full of sadness, I tear my eyes away from his and ask Father what happened. 

"I don't know whats between you, but you need to get over it. There is a fallen angel down in Pioneer Ridge, go there and bring it back." Father Michael says and hands me a dusty, ancient looking book. 

"Okay, Father, we'll get 'em," I say, as I get up and walk toward the door, "You coming, Christian?" I ask over my shoulder to the figure hanging back. 

"Yeah" is all he replies and catches up with me. It's a long and awkward walk to the suburbs by the elementary school. When we reach our destination, the school, we decide to split up to look for the fallen angel. I take the west side of the suburbs and Christian takes the east. I keep my eyes peeled for stranger, because I know or at least have seen every person in this town. As I make my way back to the elementary school I see Christian and some blond girl making out. My heart shatters as he holds her face and pulls him into her, but then anger washes over me like acid rain. I storm over to Christian and yank him off the girl. 

"Hey! I'm busy, Gloria, just f**k off!" he says, his eyes flashing. 

"Well, I can see that, but we have a job to do." I say, trying to control the urge to flip out on the blonde glaring at me. 

"Go f*****g do it yourself!" he says to me and then turns to whatsername and says, "Baby, I'm sorry, let's go to my place" she smiles and nods, flipping me off as they walk away. I ignore the voice in my head telling me to kill that b***h, and start looking for the fallen angel, but by nightfall I give up and go back to the church empty-handed. 

"Father, I'm sorry, we couldn't find it" I say, meekly looking at the ground. 

"What do you mean you couldn't find it? It's a bloody fallen angel! Now it's loose in town and someone could and most likely will get hurt!" I've never seen Father Michael this angry, his face is red and he raised his voice. He never does that. 

"Father, listen, I'm really sorry! I took the west side and Christian was supposed to look in the east, but when I got back to the school, he was making out with some random little w***e!" I cry, my voice shaking with emotion, "I'm really sorry, it's my fault, I let it get away!" 

"Oh, honey, no it's not. It's Christian's. He should of been doing his job instead of leaving you with it so he could enjoy himself. I don't know what's going on between you two, but y'all have to fix it" he says, his voice softening. 

"I know, but he won't talk to me" I sob, tears falling down my cheeks. 

"Honey, I'm sorry, but this town depends on you two. If you lose it now, this whole town will collapse" he says pulling me into one of those rare hugs. 

"okay, I'll try" I say, and pull away. 

When I get home later that night, I try to call Christian but get his voicemail all six times. 

"Hey, Christian, it's Gloria. I really need to talk to you. It's about, well you know, hit me back!" I say into the phone and hang up. Ad I lay the phone down, tears fall once more and my mom knocks on the door. 

"Oh, darlin' why you cryin'?" she asks in her soft southern accent. 

"Nothing, ma, I'm fine," I say and cover my face with my hands. 

"No, really. What happened? Is it that Christian boy? Ain't he yo'r best friend?" she asks, giving me a hug. 

"Well, he was, but he's mad at me for no reason, f***s every girl he makes eye contact with, and won't even speak to me! I don't know what's wrong! I love him so much, and doesn't even care! I thought he cared about me, and now he won't even look at me! What did I do?!" I cry, in a small explosion of words. 

"Honey, you love 'im?" my ma asks, looking into my blue eyes with her soft brown ones. 

"Yes, so much. Why can't he see it?" I sob into her shoulder. 

"I dunno know, darlin', I dunno" she says, running her hand through my hair. 

After she leaves, I pull my notebook out again and the words pour out as fast as the tears do, maybe even faster. I fill the white and blue paper with feelings, tears, and smudges from when my crying made the ink run. By midnight I cry myself out and fall into a coma-like sleep. I awake to my pounding door, I open it to see my little brother, Train, standing with Father Michael. 

"What's up?" I ask, slightly confused. 

"It's Christian" is all Father says. 

"Is he alright? What happened?" I ask. 

"He, it's hard to say this but, he tried to take his own life, and he's in the hospital" Father says, sadness filling his crystalline blue eyes. 

"What?!" I cry, not believing I heard it right. 

"Honey, he tried to commit suicide" Father Michael says, hugging me. 

"But, why?"I ask, burying my face in Father's neck.  

"I don't know, honey. Do you want to see him?"

"Yeah, but does he wanna see me?" I ask, pulling away from Father. 

"We'll find out" he replies and takes my hand. 

Father Michael drives me to the hospital and takes me up to christian's room, room C16. When I walk in, Christian is laying on the bed staring and the ceiling. 

"Christian?" I say,  peeking in through the doorway. 

"Hm?" he looks up and sees me. Father Michael pushes me toward him, and lays a hand on my shoulder. 

"Christian, why?" I sob, covering my face, trying to keep the tears in. 

"I-I, oh Glory, I'm so sorry" He says, holding his arms out, beckoning for a hug. I crawl into his lap and he kisses my forehead, down to my nose, and stops, hovering right above my lips. I close my eyes and breathe in deep, trying to keep my composure. 

"Gloria" Christian breathes, then he closes the gap between our lips, and kisses me more passionately than I have ever experienced. He grabs my face gently, pulling me closer to him, and kisses me again. I run my hands through his soft hair and press harder against him. He slides his hands down to my waist and pulls away slightly, whispering, "Gloria, baby, I love you. I love you so much, I'm so sorry." I look up into his green eyes, and I just melt into his next kiss. I hear someone clear their throat and turn to see a doctor standing next to Father Michael. 

"I see your feeling better, Mr Olsen, I hope no more, uh, incidents like this will happen? Your lucky someone found you before the pills completely destroyed your body." the doctor says. 

"Who, um, found me?" Christian asks, wrapping his hands around my waist. 

"Mister Tunny Jones" the doc says, gesturing to a man standing right outside the door. One look at him and I realize he was the fallen angel we were supposed to find. His out-of-this-world violet eyes and unique bone structure gave it away. Father Michael raises an eyebrow and Christian glances at me. 

"So, Mr, uh, Jones, thanks?" Christian manages to get out. 

"No problem" he replies, but looking at me. I glance down to see my necklace with a variety of religious symbols on it, hanging outside my shirt. I slip it back under, and get off of Christian. The doctor motions for Father Michael, the fallen angel, and I to go outside the room. 

"Mr Olsen tried to overdose on pills and drinking champagne, but, luckily, Mr Jones found him in time. Mr Olsen left this with him." Doctor White says, holding out a couple sheets of paper, folded into a square. I take it from him and unfold it, I skim over it seeing part written for Father Michael, someone named Janna, and me. I read the part meant for me and start to cry. 

"Dear Gloria," the note reads, "I love you more than anything in the world and I'm so sorry for everything I've ever done. I know I can't have you, but I need too. I've seen you with other guys and it just drives me crazy, watching you kiss, flirt or even talk to them. I guess it was just jealousy mixing up with my violent mind, but I couldn't take it anymore. I was hoping to make you jealous by doing it with every girl I came across, but that obviously backfired. Glory, just know that your the most amazing and beautiful girl in the world. I love you so much, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. Love, your truly an extraordinary girl, and I know you'll be an amazing exorcist.  
                          I'm sending all my love to you,
                            Christian Olsen xxx"

"Here's your part" I say, handing the note to Father Michael. He reads through it quickly, and glances back into the room, where Christian lays, staring at the ceiling. We go back into the room, and I walk right up to his bed. 

"Christian" I whisper, then bend down to kiss him. He holds my face gently, kisses me sweetly. He starts to sit up, and pulls me onto the bed with him, not realizing that Father Michael has been there the entire time. He pulls me into to him, and caresses my body, breaking away once to smile at me. After a couples minutes of that, I pull away gesturing to Father, who's still standing by the door. Christian blushes and grins lopsidedly, pulling me into him, by my waist. He presses his nose to my hair, and closes his eyes. 

"Well, I hope everything's alright now" Father says, walking closer to the bed. 

"Yeah, it's all cool" Christian says, smiling slightly and hugging me tighter. 

"The doctor said you can go home now, but I think we have somewhere else we need to go" Father says, mouthing 'Fallen Angel'. So we sign Christian out of the hospital and Father asks Mr Jones if wanted to come with us, and that we needed to thank him. 

"Sure, I guess. Oh, and call me Tunny" he replies, giving me a strange look. 

We arrive at the church and Tunny is looking a little scared, mostly of me. On the way there I had barely brushed his shoulder and he shrunk away from my touch. He is sitting the farthest from me, but right next to Father Michael. I move a little closer to Tunny, so I can see the book Father Michael is holding, but then Tunny shrieks and runs away from me, leaving the rest of us puzzled. 

"What's wrong, Tunny?" Christian asks. 

"How do you not see it? She," he replies, pointing toward me, "Uses black magic and controls fire. She's must be a witch!" 

"Okay, okay," I say, " I can control the element of fire, but I'm good. Is all cool" 

"Really, Tunny, she's fine. She doesn't use black magic, either" Father Michael says, raising his arms.   Tunny looks at me wearily, and moves a little bit closer, but still keeping his distance. By the end of the night, we got the fact down that Tunny and I are both good, and that Tunny is willing to help me and Christian. 

Next Friday night, I'm over at Christian's hanging out, when Father Michael calls my phone. I break Christian's kiss and answer the call. After I hang up, and describe to Christian what Father wants us to do. 

"So, basically, Father Michael wants us to go to Windsor, because, apparently, there's a rath, down by Windsor Lake." I summarize. 

"Fine" Christian sighs, but pulls me in for another kiss. I go with it until he starts to slip his tongue into my mouth, then I pull away. 

"What, baby?" he asks, rubbing my back. 

"Christian, we have to go. And be quick about it. I heard that tonight some high school kids are having a party there"

"Okay, I guess" he says, and picks me up. 

"Christian!" I squeal, as he throws me over his shoulder. 

"What? You said we should go, and now we'e going" he says, giving me a sexy grin. 

"Put me down" I say, tickling his sides. 

"Baby, stop it. I'm gonna drop you" he says, as he laughingly sets me on the ground. We drive to Windsor lake, and run into the kids from Windsor High.  

"Hey, it's a Rough Rider! Giddy up, pardner. Ye haw!" cries a blond boy, with three-forths length pants, sagging to his knees. I look down to see that I'm still wearing my Rough Riders softball t-shirt. I mentally slap myself in the forehead, and roll my eyes, saying "Hey, Christian, it's the Windsor Wizards! Remember when we whopped their asses in that school sprit concert? The got beaten by a bunch of hillbillies, cowboys, and rednecks!" But Christian pulls me toward the other side of he lake, reminding me that we're working right now.

"I know, but their so stupid you have to make fun of them" I say, as he pulls me along the shoreline. 

"Glory! Is that the rath?" Christian asks, pointing to a black cloaked figure. 

"I think so," I whisper, "But it's hard to tell with no light" 

"Then make some" he says, smiling slightly. 

"Okay, but make sure we don't get caught" I say, as a warm, pulsing energy flows through my veins. A orb of orange, fiery light forms in my right hand, and the rath comes into plain view. The rath, temporarily blinded from the fire, hesitates and Christian gets the upper hand, but Tunny flys in from nowhere, and drops down on the rath. I dig through my backpack with one hand, but the rath screams and I'm forced to cover my ears. I struggle to relight a fire, but when I do, I see the rath, sucking the soul from Christian, I turn around to see Tunny, laying in the ground, blood pouring from a wound on his stomach. I'm forced to do what I hate.  I let all the energy I can gather in my palms and start to form a ball of flames. I raise my arms above my head, and spread my feet. As the fiery sphere grows, I see the life leaving Christians body. I throw the fire towards the rath and it drops Christian and screams in rage. I form another fire ball, but smaller and aim it towards the rath, but the rath flies off into the night. The fire dissipates and I collapse next to Christian. Sure, creating that much fire that quickly takes a lot of energy, but I immediately run to Tunny and check the huge gash on his stomach. I call 911 and the lady sends a ambulance to us. I wake Christian up, telling him about the rath and Tunny's wound. He gets up And runs over to Tunny. The paramedics arrive and load Tunny onto the stretcher. As the ambulance takes off, the Windsor kids run over to us. 
"What the hell happened?" a tiny brunette girl asks. 

"Uh, long story. We have to go" Christian says and he pulls me into his BMW. We drive to the hospital, and I sign Tunny in. His name....uh, Tré Cool. My name......hm, Christie Road. The doctor, Jason Freese, takes the clipboard and reads it. 

"So Ms , uh, Road, Mr Cool is fine, but he has an unusual bone structure in his shoulders and back that could ,and surprisingly hasn't, kill him. Bring him in tomorrow at noon for his surgery, but first write down your number so I can contact you." Doctor Freese says, and hands me the clipboard. I write down the number for Domino's Pizza, and Christian and I take Tunny to the church. When we walk in to the church, Father Michael runs up to us, and lays Tunny down on a pew. 

"What happened?" Father breathes, checking Tunny's wound. 

"The rath, attacked Tunny, tried to steal Christian's soul, but got away after I...." I trail off, hating myself for what I did. I mean, I could of hurt somebody, like Christian. 

"Gloria, honey, it's okay" Father says, patting my hand. 

Christian drives me to his house and I call my mother, saying I was at my friend Amy's. I sit down on Christian's threadbare blue couch and put my face in my hands. Christian sits down next to me and rubs my back. He whispers "Baby, it's all right. You saved me and Tunny's life. Hell, you save those Windsor kids, too. Glory, love, it's okay." I look up into Christian's beautiful green eyes, and feel instantly better. He leans forward and kisses me, again and again, pressing harder each time. I crawl into his lap and wrap my legs around his waist, kissing him passionately. His hands float all over my body, and eventually pull off my shirt. I kiss his chest and wrap my arms around his neck, as he carries me to his bedroom. Lets just say if my parents knew what I really was doing, I'd be grounded for life.  

The next morning, I wake up to the smell of hazelnut coffee and eggs. I pull on some of Christian's clothes and walk into the kitchen. Christian sees me and grins, kissing me then slapping my a*s. 

"Hey, love, how'd you sleep?" he asks me, when he pulls away. 

"Good, baby, you?" reply, giving him a smile. 

"Amazing, with you in my arms" he says, then hands me a cup of coffee. I sit down at the table and he sets a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me. He kisses my cheek then asks, "Why do you make my clothes look so damn sexy? When I wear them I just look like a f*g"

"I wouldn't be so sure, love" I reply, giving him a cheeky smile and winking. He just grins and kisses me, pulling me into his lap. Christian starts to play with the waistband of his boxers I'm wearing and kisses my neck. I moan quietly, then he grins lopsidedly and kisses my lips. His tongue enters my mouth, and he starts to slid his hand into my pants, but the doorbell rings. He sighs and I get up so he can answer it. 

"Um, hello?" I hear Christian say, a little disappointed. 

"Hey, it's me. You know, Amanda?" a thin, girly voice says. Oh god, that b***h. I walk around the corner and walk up, behind Christian. 

"Oh! Um, hey, I'm sorry but I don't remember your name" she says slowly, glancing from my clothes to Christian shirtless chest to the huge-a*s hickey on the right side of my neck. 

"It's Gloria" I say shortly, looking up at Christian, who was looking more and more nervous with every second. 

"Um, this is probably a bad time, but Christian I need to talk to you. Alone." Amanda says, glaring at me. I roll my eyes up at Christian and walk into his bedroom. Sitting on the bed, I look around, taking in his messy queen sized bed, the clothes all over the floor, the open bag of chips on his nightstand. I walk over to the desk in the corner of the bedroom and see a old bible, a notebook, random papers and some pictures. I start looking through the photographs, and see some of me, some of me and Christian, and a lot of a girl ranging from a baby to four years old. The little girl looked just like Christian, but with deep, gray eyes. I flip over a picture of her with a woman I'm guessing is her mother, she's got the same eyes, and the back read 'Janna, fourth birthday party, 2012'. I set the picture down on the bed and pick up a folded piece of paper. I unfold it and see a crayon drawing of two people holding hands and the word 'Daddy' written sloppily across the top. I pick the photo up again, trying to put the pieces together, when Christian walks in. 

"Oh, you found those" he says, putting his hands on my waist. 

"She's your daughter, ain't she?" I ask, not tearing my eyes off the little girl, named Janna. 

"Yeah, I got her mother pregnant when I was sixteen, and she was twenty two. We were high and at a Weezer concert. About a year after Janna was born, Maria decided that I wasn't good enough to raise a kid and left for California. I still talk to Janna on the phone and Skype and s**t, but I haven't actually seen her since she was one. I ran away because my parents wouldn't let me hear the end of it. They agreed that I couldn't raise a kid and laughed when I started crying at the airport. I miss her a lot, and as soon as I get the money, I'm going into court so I can at least get part custody," Christian explains, as he looks at the photograph in my hand, "When I got here, Father Michael took me in and started to teach me about exorcism and s**t, then I met you. I just had to stay. Baby, even at thirteen you amazed me. Everything you did blew me away. You gave me hope that one day I will see my daughter again. The night after Father introduced us, I went to the library and found out Maria's phone number and called her. She let me talk to Janna and started sending me pictures and stuff. I guess she was surprised I wanted to be a part of her life."

"Love, why didn't you tell me sooner?" I ask, burying  my face in his chest. 

"I don't know, I guess I was afraid" he says, as he wraps his arms around me. 

"Afraid of what? I love the fact the you have a daughter and that your doing everything you can to see her." I say, looking up at him. 

"I'm not sure, that maybe you wouldn't like me because I had a kid, or that I fucked a woman eight years older than me and got her pregnant"

"Oh love, that's silly. Christian, I don't care. I love you" I say, kissing him. 

"I love you, too" he smiles and kisses me back. He puts his hands on my lower back and leans into our kiss. I run my hands through his hair and sigh. He smiles and nuzzles my neck, kissing up to my jawline, we continue to kiss until my phone blares out Chicken Fried by The Zac Brown Band, my ringtone for my mother. 

"Hey, ma, what's up?" I say into the phone, when I pick it up. I mouth 'Stop that' to Christian, who's continuing to kiss my neck, but he just gives me a sexy grin and goes back to doing it. 

"Gloria Ashlyn Pritchard! Where in God's name are ya?" my mother yells back. 

"At Amy's house, like I said" I say, returning Christian's smile. 

"No you ain't! I'm there right now!" F**k, I'm screwed. 

"Um, I'll be home in a little while" I say, making a face at Christian, who was trying to pull me on to the bed, whispering inappropriate things. 

"Where are you? Who are you with? I hear voices!" my ma yells. 

"I, uh, got to go Ma. I'll be home soon-" I manage to get out before Christian flips my phone shut, and pulls me on to the bed, and rolls on top of me. He starts to kiss my neck, and pulls down the boxers I borrowed. I run my fingernails up his back and I feel him tense up, but I know he loves it. It's two hours before I get home, and my parents are sitting in the living room when I walk in. 

"Where were you?" my pa yells, as soon as I step in. 

"I was with Christian"I say, starting to walk upstairs. 

"A boy? Alone? All night?" my mother asks. 

"Ma, he's my best friend" I say, which is true. 

"Sure, 'cause that's not what you told me a while ago!" mom yells. 

"He tried to kill him self! Can you please just butt out!" I yell, from the top of the stairs. 

"I don't care! I don't like that you, a sixteen year old girl, spent the night at a twenty year old man's house! No matter if he's your 'best friend' or not!" my dad yells back. 

"Besides is that what I think it is?" Ma yells, pointing to the hickey on my neck. Aw, f**k. 

"Whatever!" I say, and stomp upstairs. 

Christian calls me about ten minutes later, asking me how much trouble I'm in. 

"A s**t load. I guess I can just sneak out to see you and Father Michael." I reply. 

"Oh ok, love, don't get caught though, we need you." he says. 

"I won't, baby, see you soon?" 

"yeah, baby, I love you." he says. 

"I love you, too. Bye!" I say, then hang up. Then my door swings open and my dad storms in. 

"Best friends, huh? I gonna have a talk with that boy! He needs to date people his own age, not take little girl's virginities!" he says, looking angry. 

"Pa, I'm not a little girl! Besides he didn't take my virginity, I lost it before we started dating." I say, but then immediately regret it. 

"What? You did? To who?" he asks, quietly, ashamed of me. 

"Nobody, it was a accident" I say, looking down. 

"A accident? Sex ain't a accident" 

"I know, I was mad at Christian and the chance came up. I was just so angry, I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry" I say, tears forming in my eyes. My Pa just looks at me, and walks away. I bury my face in the pillow. I wake up the next morning, to a pounding door, ringing cell phone, and fighting parents. I pick up my phone and answer it, while I open my door. Train starts bitching about how I didn't take out the trash yesterday and how he has to do it now, and Amy starts going on about my mother showing up at her house yesterday. I just hang up on Amy and push past Train. I grab my backpack and start for Christian's house. I turn on my iPod and put in my earbuds, turning the volume up so loud that the people walking by me, can hear it. As I walk by Hay's Market, I run right into Jimmy. 

"Hey, baby! What up?" he says, starting to walk with me. I sigh and take out my earbuds, replying, "Not much, you?"

"Same here, babe. You still smoking?" he replies, giving me a seductive smile. 

"Yeah, why?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. 

"You wanna go light up? Y'know? With me?" he asks, looking me up and down. I want to smoke, but definitely not with him, he probably just wants sex, anyway. 

"Nah, maybe later" I say, walking a little faster. 

"Aw, c'mon baby, please? I got the good stuff" he pleads. 

"I have to go do something" I say, approaching Christian's place. 

"What? Why don't you forget about that for a little, you know you want to" Jimmy says, pushing me against a tree and moving his face close to mine. I know any other girl in the back scene of Johnstown would die to be in my place, with 'Jimmy, the hottest guy in town', but I have Christian. I turn my head, as Jimmy tries to kiss me. 

"What's wrong, sexy?" he asks me, giving me puppy-eyes. 

"I have I boyfriend" I say, pushing him away. 

"So? If you come smoke with me, you can blame it on the weed. Besides, why don't you just dump him? I'm single, and I like you" he says, then presses his lips against mine, just in time for Christian to walk out of his house. I hear something fall and hit Christian's wooden porch. 

"What the f**k? Gloria, what the hell is going on?" I hear Christian yell, and start to stomp over to me. He pulls Jimmy off, and looks at me, his eyes filling up with tears. 

"What the f**k?" Jimmy says, pushing Christian. 

"She's my girl! I come out here and see you swappin' spit with my girlfriend. What the hell?" Christian yells. 

"He's your boyfriend?" Jimmy asks, turning to me. 

"Oh, she didn't tell you? Thanks a lot, Gloria, I see how much you really care now." Christian yells, his green eyes flashing. Jimmy looks at me and back to Christian, but before he gets to say anything, Christian socks him in the face. Jimmy punches back and get Christian square in the jaw. They keep swinging it out even after some of Jimmy's friends try to stop them. When they finally get separated Christian turns toward me, blood pouring from his nose, and asks, "Why, Glory, out of everybody him?" 

"Christian, it wasn't my fault. I-" is all I get out before he interrupts me. 

"I don't wanna hear it! It's not like I haven't heard the 'It was him, he forced me to' story before. I'm done with your s**t. Gloria, I'm done. We're over" he says, then storms away. I hear the crowd of people, who came to watch the fight, gasp. I turn to look at them, then at Jimmy. He half smiles, then raises his eyebrow, in a the-offer-still-stands gesture. I turn to look back at Christian, who catches my eye and slams his door shut. I look back at Jimmy, then grab him by the shirt and kiss him. Someone in the crowd gives a catcall, then the audience starts to disperse. Jimmy grabs my a*s, and slides his tongue into my mouth. I pull away and raise an eyebrow, giving him a sexy smile. He grins back and leads me to the stoner hideout, where everyone goes to smoke. He pulls me onto a torn up couch and gets on top of me, kissing my neck. I moan and pull off his shirt, causing him to grin and unbutton my jeans. Jimmy presses his lips against mine and starts to remove our clothing. I run my hands through his bright blue hair, and push my tongue into his mouth. We end up rolling off the couch and onto the floor, but that doesn't stop us. By the time we finish it's already evening, Jimmy smiles and hands me my underwear, saying, "So, baby, you wanna be my girl? We could kick a*s together." My mind goes to Christian for a second. Me and Christian have literally kicked a*s together, but he won't speak to me and Jimmy's not really that bad of a guy so I reply, "Sure, babe, I'd love to" Jimmy smiles, pulls me by the waist and kisses me. He walks me home, kissing me goodbye in front of my house. I walk back in to Train yelling, "Gloria was kissing a guy out front!" 

"What? Where is she?" my dad yells, running out of the kitchen. 

"I'm right here, Pa." I say, rolling my eyes. 

"You were making out with that Christian boy then....?" he says, gesturing for me to finish. 

"I wasn't kissing Christian, he dumped me. I was kissing a different guy" I say, walking upstairs. 

"You broke up?" I hear a different voice ask, and I turn to see Father Michael come out of the kitchen with my mother. Well, f**k. 

"Sorta, he dumped me, after......well it's sorta a long story." I say, looking down, I completely forgot about the exorcism s**t. 

"And I've got time." Father Michael says, raising an eyebrow. 

"Well, I was going over to Christian's when I ran into a old friend, then he asked if I wanted to hang, then I said I couldn't, then he told me he really liked me and kissed me, but then Christian saw and started to beat the crap outta him and after they stopped fighting Christian asked me why but wouldn't let me talk, then Christian ran away after he said that we're over, then the guy who kissed me  took me to go, uh, hang out then he walked me home. He kissed me, then he went home." I say fast, trying to avoid Father Michael's glance. 

"So, you cheated on Christian, so he dumped you, then you immediately started to date this other guy you haven't told us his name?" my Ma asks. 

"Um, well, I wasn't cheating, Jimmy, that's his name, didn't know me and Christian were dating so he kissed me, and Christian just happened to see" I reply. I noticed when I said 'Jimmy' Father Michael raised his eyebrows. 

"Jimmy, your dating Jimmy. As in Jimmy Armstrong?" Father asks, looking me straight in the eye. F**k, he knows who he is. 

"Um, yeah?" I say, starting to walk upstairs. 

"Well, we're gonna meet this Jimmy. Soon, okay, Gloria?" my Ma says. 

"Okay" 

I get upstairs and plop down on my bed. What did I do? Oh my god! Christian had already tried to kill himself, what if he tries again? I does it? I sit up and climb out my window, running all the way to Christian's. I walk through the unlocked front down and stop dead in my tracks. Grimacing, I turn away, and walk back out. Well, Christian's alive, and f*****g some girl named Ashley, too. I really was not expecting to hear or see that, when I walked into his house. Well, at least he's alive, but I might have to bleach my eyes. Luckily, they were to wrapped up in each other to see me. I go back home, thinking about earlier that day. Did I make the right choice in choosing Jimmy? I know I love Christian, but what if Jimmy loves me? I hope Christian gets jealous enough to take me back, but what if he does and Jimmy and him fight again? I really don't know, but I hope it all works out. The next morning, I get up and start to make breakfast for Train. The doorbell rings and I answer it. 

"Hey, baby, how are you?" Jimmy asks me, pulling me in for a kiss. I smile, then kiss him back. 

"Pretty good, you?" I reply. 

"Better now that I'm with you. You look pretty without makeup, you should wear it less often." he says, smiling. I blush, and move so he can come in. Ma and Pa walk in and see that I'm kissing a guy, so Pa says, rather loudly, "Good morning, sweetie, how'd you sleep?" I pull away from Jimmy and look down. 

"Okay, Ma, Pa this is Jimmy" I say, gesturing to Jimmy, who's standing behind me, holding my hand. They give him a once over, taking in his dyed blue hair, nose ring, and arm tattoos. They look at each other, then shrug. I guess they think it's better than a twenty year old, although Jimmy's almost nineteen. 

"So, Jimmy, how are you, son?" my dad asks, sitting down on the couch. 

"Um, good, Mr Pritchard. And what about you?" he replies, looking around for a place to sit. 

"I'm fine, thank you. So how'd you two meet?" Pa asks, nodding slightly. 

"We go to school together. We met in our math class last year" he answers, settling down on a red couch, and looking up at me. I sit next to him and smile up at him. 

"Oh, how nice." Ma says, giving me an approving look. 

"So, Jimmy, what are you into?" my dad asks. 

"Music mostly. I play the guitar and write my own music" Jimmy replies, intertwining his fingers with mine. 

"Wow, how long have you been playing?" Ma asks, looking impressed. 

"Since I was eight." he replies. Wow, he really knows how to work the parents, he has lied or made my parents angry. We met in math class, but he's Supposed to be a a senior, but got held back to my grade, and he writes punk music and plays in a punk band that plays at all the parties. 

"That's nice. When do you two start dating?" Pa asks, looking at Jimmy. 

"Well, technically yesterday, but I've had my eye in her for awhile." he answers, looking over at me and smiling. I smile back and look over at my parents, who seem to be having a conversation with their eyebrows. 

"How sweet, Gloria I'd like to see you in the kitchen" Ma says, getting up. 

"Um, okay." I say, following her, leaving Jimmy and Pa alone. 

"Good choice. I like this boy! Despite what he looks like, he seems very nice." Ma praises me. 

"Yeah, I like him, too. I just wish he woulda asked me out before I started dating Christian, so he wouldn't have gotten in that fight." I say, looking down a little, straining to hear what Pa was saying to Jimmy. 

"But that means he'll fight for you, which is good" 

"Yeah, your right." I say as Jimmy and Pa walk in. I look over at Jimmy, who's smiling and winks at me, and then Pa, who nods at me in approval. 

"He's a good boy, Gloria." is all that Pa says, then I wrap my arms around Jimmy's neck and he places he hands gently on my waist. 

"You hear that, beautiful? I'm a good boy" he says, winks, then kisses me lightly on the lips and forehead. My dad nods at me and I look up at Jimmy and say, "I'll be right back. I hafta get dressed" 

"Oh okay, love" he replies and let goes of my waist. I run upstairs and exchange my sweat pants and giant t-shirt for jeans and a tank top. After I put on a little makeup, I walk back downstairs to see Jimmy, Father Michael, Christian, and my parents talking in the living room. 

"Um, what's up?" I ask, when I had reached the bottom. 

"Father Michael just wanted to talk to me about yesterday. You already, beautiful?" Jimmy says, putting his hand on my lower back and glaring at Christian, who was glaring at me. 

"Yeah" I answer, looking up at Jimmy and taking his hand. He grins then kisses me, while christian watches. 

"Have fun!" I hear Ma yell from the kitchen. Jimmy and I leave behind a fuming pastor, angry ex, and surprisingly happy parents. 

"Wow, was Father Michael pissed" Jimmy says to me, after we walk out the front door of my house. 

"I know right" I answer, looking up at him. He smiles and leads me to the old farm buildings, that we always smoke in. When we get there, he digs around inside a couch and pulls out a bag. 

"Since we didn't get to yesterday?" he asks, smiling. I smile back and nod. Three joints later, I'm sitting in Jimmy's lap, kissing his neck, while he starts to slide his hands up my shirt. I go back to his lips and he slips his tongue into my mouth, massaging mine. He slides his hands out of my shirt, and into my pants, and smiles through our kiss. He breaks away and starts to nuzzle my neck. I start giggling like a little girl, telling him to stop. 

"Jimmy, stop it! That tickles" I say, shrugging my left shoulder. 

"Why, baby?" he replies, continuing to do it. 

"Cause, I said so" I giggle, my hands sliding down his chest. 

"So?" He says, his hands pushing farther down into my underwear. 

"Jimmy!" I say, when he nips my neck. 

"Baby, I love the way you say my name. Say it again" he says, kissing my jawline. 

"Jimmy" I whisper, kissing his earlobe. He grins and  French kisses me. 

He walks me home that night, and when we get back Father and Christian are still there. 

"Uh, hey guys?" I say, ducking my face, which was flushed with kisses.

"Hello, Gloria, we need to speak" Father Michael says, standing up and gesturing toward the door. 

"Um, okay. I'll see you later, Jimmy." I say, standing on my tippy-toes and kissing Jimmy. He takes the advantage of Christian being there and leans forward to deepen the kiss, which changed into a make out session. I break away, because I'm already in trouble with Father, I don't want to be in anymore. When Jimmy leaves, I grin lopsidedly at Father and look down. 

"Let's go to the church" Is all he says. 

"Ma, I'm going with Father Michael to the church! Okay?" I yell to the kitchen, where she was making dinner. 

"Okay, sweetie, be back before ten!" she answers. 

Father drives me and Christian to the church, and when we walk in I ask immediately, "How much trouble am I in?"

"Why, Glory, why?" Christian asks, tears filling his eyes. 

"It's not like you ain't doing the same thing! Y'know, f*****g that Amanda-b***h!" I yell. 

"Hey, this is a church, Gloria, not the skate park!" Father scolds. 

"At least we weren't dating! And Jimmy! Out of all the guys you coulda cheated on me with it's him! What the f**k?" Christian yells, throwing his hands up. 

"I wasn't cheating! He pushed me against the tree and kissed me, after I told him I had a boyfriend and that I couldn't go smoke with him, because I was going to hang out with him!" I yell, tears forming in my eyes. 

"Whatever! Why would I believe you? You blow me off to f**k that f*g, I just wanted to tell you that I'm could get part custody of Janna if I moved to California, but I wanted to ask you first if you were okay with that! But now I see that you don't care! I hope you and Tunny can handle things here, because my plane leaves tomorrow morning at five!"

"What?" I say, collapsing onto a pew. 

"You f*****g heard me! Good riddance, Gloria! Hope you had the time of your life!" Christian yells, then stomps out of the church, leaving me and Father Michael in a dead silence. I look up and see tears in the corner of Father Michael's eyes, but he blurs out almost immediately. 

"Christian! Please wait!" I yell, running toward the door, but I'm too late, a pair of red taillights are disappearing in the night. I hit my knees, tears pouring, and my face in my hands. Father Michael walks out and pulls me into a hug. 

"I'm sorry, Father, this is my fault. Now he's gone" I sob into his chest. My best friend, my partner, my love, is gone and it's all my fault. Jimmy, he's sweet, but he doesn't understand what I do, my powers, or how I feel obliged to keep the demons out of our town, why I spent all my time at a church or with Father Michael. He just won't understand. Tears just keep falling, and Father Michael hugs me tighter. 

"It's not your fault. We both know his daughter is everything to him, and he probably would of moved to California anyway, just not like this. Honey, just know he loves you, okay?" Father Michael says, rubbing my back. I pull away, wiping the tears from my eyes. 

"Okay, I should probably go home now. So I don't get in trouble." 

"Honey, I'll drive you." 

When I get home, I go upstairs and try to sleep, but I just can't. I lay awake for hours and when my digital alarm clock changes to five, I burst into tears, knowing that Christian is gone from my life, forever. At six I give up on sleep and go downstairs, forgetting my Pa leaves for work at six-thirty. 

"Honey, what's wrong?" Pa asks, seeing the tear stains on my face. 

"Christian moved to California" I say shortly. 

"I thought you two broke up." he says, sitting down next to me. 

"We did, but he's still, well was, my best friend. He's mad at me, and that's never gonna change. I hate the fact that he left, angry at me" 

"Oh, sweetie, I'm sure he won't stay mad forever. He cared about you. But why'd he move?" Pa says, rubbing my back. 

"He has a daughter in San Francisco, and if he moves there he gets part custody." I say, putting my face in my hands. 

"Oh, honey, it'll be okay, but I have to go to work, okay?"

"Okay" I say, and my Pa leaves, I make a bowl of frosted flakes and try to eat, but give up and go back upstairs. At twelve, Ma calls me down because Jimmy came over to hang out. I change and put on my makeup and head downstairs. When I make it to the living room I see Jimmy and Train playing cards, and I melt because of Jimmy's adorableness, and temporarily forget about Christian. 

"Hows my beautiful girl?" Jimmy asks when I sit down next to him.

"Mm, good." I say, kissing his cheek. He smiles then sets down his cards, and turns to kiss me. He wraps his hands around my waist and kisses me sweetly. Once we break away, Jimmy goes back to the card game and I lay my head on his shoulder, listening to his voice and trying to think about something not Christian related. Next thing I know, Jimmy's shaking my arm, saying, "Love, wake up. Baby? Gloria?" 

"Hm? Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep. I didn't sleep very well last night." I say, getting off of Jimmy. 

"No, babe, it's okay. You look cute when you sleep" he says and kisses my forehead. 

"You think so?" I say, smiling. 

"Yeah, I do" he kisses my forehead, nose, and finally my lips. He kisses me again and again, pulling me into his lap. I run my hands through his soft hair and pull him closer, deepening our kiss. His tongue is rubbing the roof of my mouth and his hands are on my thighs, when my mother walks in. 

"Oh my, I'm sorry." she stammers, backing up. 

"No, Mrs Pritchard, I'm sorry. We shouldn't have been doing that anyway" Jimmy says, after he pulls away. 

"No, you guys are fine. Your a couple, and kids. I'm just running to Hay's. I'll be back in about an hour. Have fun!" Ma says, waving as she walks out the door. Jimmy gives me a sexy grin and kisses me, pulling me close and leaning backward onto the couch. I crawl on top of him and press my body against his. Jimmy smiles and puts his hands on my waist, kissing me again. I slip my tongue into his mouth and wrap one of my legs around one of his. He grins through our kiss and slides his hands under my shirt. I pull the neck of his shirt down and begin kissing his chest, when Train comes running down the stairs. 

"Oh, ew!" he cries, covering his eyes and running in to the kitchen. 

"Just wait, little boy, one day you'll be dying to do this!" Jimmy calls, smiling and sliding his hands down into my jeans. 

"No I won't! That's gross!" Train yells back. Jimmy rolls his eyes and grins, leaning forward to kiss me. I press against him, and he moans quietly. 

"Baby, your turning me on and we can't do anything here. Not with your little brother here." he whispers, kissing my ear. 

"I know, but my mom will be here soon. Then we can go" I sigh, but smiling. 

"When will she get here?" I look at the clock on the wall and say, "In about twenty minutes" 

"God, I can't wait that long" he sighs. I kiss him lightly and crawl off of his body. He sits up and winks, trying to hide his boner. I get up and walk into the kitchen, wondering what Christian's doing right now. Probably happy as f**k, seeing his daughter. I pull a soda out of the fridge and walk back into the living room, where Train's playing the Xbox and Jimmy's trying to fix his pants so his boner is less noticeable. I sit down next to Jimmy and he takes my soda and slams half of it. 

"Hey! That was mine!" I say, taking it back. 

"So? It's mine now!" he says, grabbing it from me. 

"Nuh, uh!" I say, and crawl on top of him trying to reach the soda. Jimmy sets it down on the table, and rolls on top of me, pinning me down. We roll off the couch and I land on top, so I stick my tongue out at him. He laughs and sticks his tongue out, rolling on top off me. He starts to tickle my sides and I start laughing. 

"Jimmy, stop!" I say, trying to push his hands off. 

"Nope! Not unless I get something outta it" he says, as his hands travel up and down my sides. 

"Okay, okay! What?" I manage to get out, between giggles. He bends down and whispers in my ear. 

"No! Nuh, uh!" I say, admonished at his suggestion. 

"Then I'm not stopping!" he says, tickling me again. 

"Okay! Fine, I will" I say. 

"Really?" he asks, surprised. 

"No!" I say as I use the advantage to run away. 

"Hey! You little cheater" he yells and runs after me. He pushes me against the kitchen wall, and starts to tickle me which quickly turns into kissing and caressing. Jimmy presses his body hard against mine and he kisses my neck. 

"Jimmy" I whisper," my ma's home" 

"Great, now we can leave" he says, and smiles. 

"Ma! We'll be back in a little" I yell

"Okay, sweetie!" she calls back. 

We walk to the farm buildings and go to an empty one. I sit down on the couch and Jimmy hands me some weed and paper. I roll my joint and Jimmy lights it. After I stub it out Jimmy turns to me and says, "Love, you told me if Id quit ticking you'd....." he wiggles his eyebrows and grins. 

"No, nuh uh!" I say, shaking my head. 

"C'mon, baby, please?" he says, giving puppy-dog eyes. 

"Fine! Don't tell anyone though" I say, kissing his neck and playing with his pants zipper. 

"Deal!" he says and grins. 

Bzzzt! My phone goes off, announcing that I have a call. 

"Damn, do you have to get it?" Jimmy gasps. I pick it up and look at the caller ID. 

"Yeah, its important" I say, sighing and answer the call. 

"Hey, what's up?" I say into the receiver. 

"There's a rath over on county road 13" Father Michael says. 

"What? Where?" I ask, trying to follow Jimmy's gaze, "Um never mind, I see it." The rath is floating at the barn's doorway, it's black cloak flowing. Jimmy's eyes widen, whispering "Not again" I hang up, pull on my shirt, wipe my mouth and look at Jimmy. 

"Please don't hate me or tell anyone" I say, and walk toward the rath, letting the warm energy flow to my palms. A fiery sphere forms right above my left palm and I hear Jimmy gasp behind me and start to pull on his pants. As the orb grows the rath backs toward the wall, hiding from the bright light. I throw the fire ball best I can, in my elevated state. The rath screams in pain and rage. I quickly form and throw another one until the rath flies out the door and into the darkening sky. I turn towards Jimmy tears forming already, and say, "You hate me now, don't you? I'm a freak" I collapse onto the ground tears falling. 

"No, Gloria, your not a freak. Love, whatever you just did was super bad a*s. Baby, you saved my life. I've seen that thing around here, and it almost got me once, but Tunny saved my sorry a*s, and- uh" Jimmy says, pulling me in for a hug. 

"Really?" I ask, looking up into his hazel eyes. 

"Yeah, beautiful," he wipes the tears on my face away and kisses, me sweetly, "I should get you home." He helps me up and walks me home, his hand intertwined with mine. We walk into my house and we're greeted by Tunny, Father Michael and my parents. 

"Um, hello?" I say, looking at Father. 

"Gloria, it's Christian-"Father Michael starts. 

"What happened? Is he alright?" I ask, worried. 

"Um, he's- he's gone." Father Says, looking down, tears filling his downcast eyes. 

"What do you mean gone?! He's in California right? With his daughter?" I say, clutching Jimmy's hand. 

"Come here, Gloria" Father says, holding out his arms. I walk up to him, and he enfolds me, whispering in my ear, "Remember that lilth? She did it. On the way to the airport, he was killed. She got him. she vowed she'd be back, and took Christian with her. I'm so sorry" I start crying, 
and Father Michael hands me a blood stained sheet of paper. "This was in the car with him" 

Glory- I'm so sorry. I know my times running out and I just want you to know that I love you, please don't forget it. I'm sorry I had to go like this, right after our dumb fight, but, love, I ain't mad. I guess the lilth was right. She did come back, but she's taking me to hell with her. Glory, just remember I love you, more than anything. Please don't let my memory keep you from doing amazing things. You and Jimmy are meant to be, I want you two together, okay? Everything will be alright. I love you, my extraordinary girl. All my love- Christian

"This is all my fault!" I cry, burying my face in my hands. "If I wouldn't have had that stupid fight with him that goddamn lilth wouldn't have killed him! I f*****g hate myself!" 

"Gloria, it ain't your fault. Please, love, don't cry" Jimmy says, hugging me and kissing my forehead. "Baby, I haven't told you this yet, but yesterday Christian showed up at my house and told me that he wants us together and he made me promise to keep you safe. He said he knew something was gonna happen and wanted to make sure you were gonna be okay. Love, he knew he was gonna die, but he explained all about how you met, and stuff. That's why earlier I wasn't freaking. Shh, baby, don't cry. Christian wouldn't want you to." 

"You've known?" I say, looking up at Jimmy. 

"Yeah, baby, I still wanna be with you." he says, smiling sadly. I bury my face in his neck and he rubs my back. 

"I'm sorry Gloria" Ma says, looking down. 

"Jimmy, you know?" Father Michael asks, looking surprised. "What do you mean not freaking earlier?" 

"What are y'all talking about?" Pa asks. 

"Um, I should explain." Father Michael says, then explains about my powers and how Christian and I were basically guarding the town. I pull away from Jimmy and wipe my tears away. 

"You okay, love?" Jimmy asks, tipping me face up, towards him. 

"Yeah" I say and look at the pizza coupon, stained with Christian's blood in my hand. Jimmy kisses my forehead and leads me to the couch. I sit next to him, with my head on his shoulder. 

"You can control fire?" my Ma asks, looking at me. 

"Yeah" I say, reaching for Jimmy's hand. He intertwines his fingers with mine and squeezes. I can't believe he knows and he's stuck around. He must really like me, or at least having sex with me. Train crawls into my lap and hugs me. 

"I'm sorry, Glory" he says, and buries his face in my lap. 

"It's okay" I rub his back and look up at Tunny, who's normally bright violet eyes look a dark and downcast grey. 

"I'm going to bed" I say, and walk upstairs. Jimmy gets up and follows me to the stairs, but hangs back. I see him turn around and look at my dad, who nods, then Jimmy runs up the stairs and follows me into my bedroom. I fall onto my bed and look up at the ceiling. Jimmy lays next to me and grabs my hand. I sigh and turn my head to look at him, he gives me a sad smile, then kisses my forehead. 

I wake up the next morning, with Jimmy's arm around me and the smell of coffee floating through the house. I sit up and look at Jimmy, who smiles and says, "Hi, love, sleep good?" 

"Yeah, what time is it?" I ask, getting off the bed and looking for some sweatpants to change into. 

"Half past noon" he answers, then smiles. 

"Holy s**t! I slept that long?" I exclaim, pulling off my jeans. 

"Yeah, I didn't want to wake you up" he says, blushing slightly. 

"Its okay, babe" I walk over to him and press my lips gently against his. We walk downstairs and see my parents sitting at the table, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. I sit down and lay my head on the table, sighing. Jimmy rubs my back and puts his chin on the table, trying to look at me. I get up suddenly and walk over to the piano, that sits in our living room. I place my hands on the keys, and music just flows out. I don't know what I was playing it just came to me. When I finish I look over at my parents and Jimmy. Ma was raising her eyebrows, Pa was giving me a strange look, and Jimmy was grinning. 

"I didn't know you could play, love!" Jimmy says, walking over to me. "Did you write that?" 

I shrug and say, "I dunno I just came up with it"

"Wow, baby, that was amazing." he kisses my cheek and stands behind me. "Do you know The Forgotten?"

"Nope" I say, and look up into Jimmy's pretty hazel eyes. He places his hands on mine and shows me how to play the song. He starts singing softly, and takes his hands off mine. I keep playing while he sings, when we finish, Jimmy smiles and kisses my cheek, saying, "Beautiful, your amazing" 

Father Michael walks in and greets us. "As hard as this is to say, we need to, err, plan Christian's funeral." Father says, looking down. 

"Okay" I reply, slipping my hand into Jimmy's. 

The next week passes and Christian's funeral is this afternoon. I'm putting on my makeup, when Jimmy walks in wearing tight black pants, a black shirt and red tie. 

"Love, are you ready?" he asks me. 

"I guess" I follow Jimmy out of my room and downstairs. At, the cemetery me and Christian's few friends sat in the front, Maria and Janna flew in for the funeral and sat next to me and Tunny. As the lowered in the coffin, I see a figure dressed in black standing across the street. I squint to see them better, but instantly their gone. I throw in a flower, before they cover the casket with dirt, and I walk away. Suddenly the figure appears and sits on a bench, right by Christian's grave. I approach him and he tips his head up. I stop a few feet in front of him and say, "Um, hi. Who are you"

"I think you know" he says, with a voice that sounds like dead leaves blowing in the wind. 

"No I don't" I say, crossing my arms. 

Chills run down my spine as he speaks again, "Yes, you do. You fear my name. Besides I'm here for Michael Ryan Wright."

"Father Michael? Why?" I ask. 

"If you needed to know you would. My, my, you still have the same attitude as you did before." he says, as Father Michael walks toward us. 

"Gloria, I need you to leave" he says, with a cold voice that I've never heard from him before. 

"But Father! Who is he?" I protest. 

"No, Gloria, leave now" he demands, turning to the stranger. "You couldn't have picked a worse time."

"It's what I do best. Now let's go" the man says, standing up. 

"I have to do something. Take me to the church" Father says to the stranger, glaring at me. I watch them walk off, leaving me confused. I go back to Tunny and Jimmy. 

"Hey, love" Jimmy says, hugging me from behind. 

"Hi" I say quietly. 

"You okay?" he asks me, kissing my neck. 

"Yeah, I'm fine" I answer, looking down. 

"Hm, you sure?" he asks, again. 

"Yup" 

"Okay, love you" he says and kisses my neck. 

The next morning I wake up and decide to go to the church to see if Father Michael is alright. 

"Father Michael?" I call into the church, looking around. Nobody there, hm, maybe he's at home. I turn to leave and see a box laying on the front pew. I walk over to it and see a letter laying on top. I pick it up and see it's addressed to me. I open the envelope and lay the letter down flat. 

Dear Gloria,
I'm sorry I had to leave, I have to repay a debt I made years ago. I trust you and Tunny to take care of the town, I know you can. I've left you with some books that you may need in my absence. Look through them carefully. Keep your guard up and don't let anything slip under, the entire town depends on you, wether they know it or not. Be careful, my dear, trust your judgement. I'll be back as soon as I can.                                                  
                                       Sincerely,
                            Father Michael Ryan Wright

I put the letter down and open the box. I pull out three large and dusty books. I flip open the first one, looking at the ancient scriptures. I continue to the second one, but stop. A large sketch of the stranger that was at Christian's funeral yesterday, catches my eye. I read the words on the page, trying to find out what that guy was. After reading and rereading the words and put together that the stranger was literally one of Satan's deal makers, that do favors for people who give their life to them. I drop the book, saying out loud, "Aw, s**t. That devil is gonna kill Father"

"Your quite right, dearie. And there's nothing you can do." I hear a voice say behind me. I turn to see Tunny sitting in the pew. 

"Tunny? What do you mean?" I ask, bending down to pick up the book. 

"Don't you see it? He saved your life by sacrificing his! Why do you think your still alive? Nobody's that lucky, dearie" Tunny says, as he walks over to me, giving me a strange look. "Just look at Christian, Michael had to pick one to save, and he picked you. It's just time to repay that debt. Now that he's out of the way I can do this." Tunny's eyes light up from within and his wings grow from his back, changing from their normal creamy white to a dark, blueish-black. 

"Tunny? What's going on?" I ask, trembling a little. 

"Oh so little Glory wants to know what's happening?" He says sarcastically, "Well with that a*****e out of the way, I can gather the other demons in the area, and using your power finally claim this world for our own."

"Okay, I got three things to say. One, Father Michael ain't the a*****e, you are. Two, how the hell are you gonna my powers? Their MY powers! And, three, why the f**k are you doing this. Your a f*****g fallen ANGEL!" I say, slightly loosing my temper. 

"Eh, things change. Besides, I have my ways. If you don't help us, let's just say certain people will get hurt." Tunny hisses, walking in circles around me. I let the energy gather in my hands and I slightly spread my feet. 

"Don't even think about it, dearie. You can't stop me, even with your little fire ball. I've learned quite a bit about you and your fighting. That's what happens when you fight demons together, you learn each others weaknesses." he says, after seeing the expression on my face. 

"Oh so like this?" I ask, throwing fire towards Tunny's wings. He shrieks and flies toward me, pushing me to the ground. I roll over, dodging his next attack and pick up the books Father Michael had left me. I jump, shooting small orbs of fire with my feet and combat roll. I run out the door, ducking when Tunny dives to tackle me. I see Jimmy start running towards us, yelling "What the f**k?" I throw the books at him and start to create a huge sphere of fire. I spread my feet and raise my arms above my head. I throw the sphere towards Tunny, who takes full impact and hits the ground, unconscious. Jimmy runs to me, yelling, " What the hell is going on?" 

"Well, Father Michael made a deal with a devil and left to go repay it, with most likely means he dies, Tunny is on the bad side, and he and his buddies are trying to take over the world, using my powers and if I don't help them then he'll kill you and my family." I explain quickly, pulling Jimmy away and picking up the books. 

"Um, wow, okay" he says and follows me into Christian's house, which is still full of Christian's random crap. I sit down on the couch and put my face in my hands. Everything's just so overwhelming right now, with Christian dead, Father Michael most likely dead, Tunny evil, and all the memories of Christian flooding in from sitting in his house, I just lose it. The tears fall, and Jimmy pulls me into his lap, whispering that everything's gonna be alright. Once I cry myself out I get out of Jimmy's lap and open the books, looking for fallen angels. Jimmy gets up and starts looking around. I hear him walk into the kitchen and stop. 

"Uh, Gloria?" he calls, in a strange voice. 

"Yeah?" I answer, reading the books. 

"You should come here" he calls. 

"Okay! What's up?" I say, and stop abruptly. "Oh my god!"Amanda was laying on the blood splattered floor, and has obviously been dead for several days. Flies were buzzing on the bash on her head, and a stench was floating up from her body. I cover my mouth and Jimmy pulls my into him. Her eyes were wide open in terror and she died clutching a sheet of paper. I bend down shaking, to pick up the paper. Written in bright red was a note to me, saying that this was just the beginning and that if were carful we won't end up like this. Jimmy takes the note from me, inspecting it closely. 

"I think this was written in blood" he says, making a face. As much as I didn't like that chic, I hate to see her dead. She's innocent, just like the majority of the people that live here, and it's up to me to stop anymore people from ending up dead. I walk into Christian's room and go to his desk. I push the photographs away as Jimmy follows me in. I flip through notebook after notebook trying to find the one that contained the notes Christian always took. In a black, spiral-bound notebook, I found everything I need. It had notes on links between people in our town and demons, suggesting that not that many people were really innocent, and that Father Michael either, is a demon his self, didn't notice, or made some sort of deal with a devil. The last one had already turned out correct, and I read through the list of names. Mrs Gibson, Ms Vickers, and Mrs Johnson, who are all female math teachers, were lilths. The entire work force at McDonalds were devils, and at least three people in every block were some sort of demon. Christian suspected that Tunny was evil, but changed his mind. As I go through the list, Jimmy points over my shoulder. I read the name under his finger and gasp. There it was my name. Gloria Ashlyn Pritchard. Next to it he wrote Devil-turned good, but lost memory of being one. I turn to Jimmy, my eyes wide in fear. 

"A devil?" I squeak, looking up at Jimmy. 

"No way! Glory, theres no frikkin' way!" he says, rereading my listing. Theres a asterisks next to my name so I skip to the bottom of the page. It says to go to the back page. I turn to the back and start to read. 

Glory- Yes, you are a devil, but you have no memory of it. Your parents adopted you when you were thirteen and brought you to Father Michael who discovered your abilities, but after you realized what you were and what you did, you begged Father to take away your memories of it, making you a semi-normal child. To him your like his daughter so he agreed and made a deal with another devil, who took away your and the towns memory of you and replaced them. Father Michael gave his life to the devil, hoping that all would be well. I suspect after I die, that devil will come to have Father's debt repaid. Your truly good, love, you wanted to have all your memories of the bad stuff removed, so you wouldn't have to live with them. The only ones in town who know are me, Father Michael and Tunny, who I suspect is evil. That's why you can control fire, I guess it's something that all devils do in hell, but your able to do it here. Love, don't worry, your really good, please don't hate yourself. Besides, why would Father let you in the church if you weren't good? If you weren't then you wouldn't be able to wear those necklaces or be near the church. All my love-Christian

"Damn" Jimmy says, looking at me. "Father Michael really must care about you. I mean, he gave up his life for you to quit hating yourself" I let out a sob and Jimmy pulls me in for a hug. He kisses me sweetly and smiles. 

"Love it's gonna be alright." he whispers and pulls me in for another hug, squeezing me for a second. Suddenly the ground shakes and I grab ahold of Jimmy so I don't fall. We run outside and see a fire in the distance, Jimmy and I start to run towards the fire, pushing people out of the way. When we reach the fire, Ms Vickers yells, "It was her!" and everyone turns towards me. 

"No it wasn't I just got here!" I say, clutching Jimmy's hand. 

"Then who else was it? Your the only you who can light a fire that big that fast!" A man in a McDonalds polo, yells. 

"Wait, what?" I say, my eyes widening. 

"We know about you alright, your a devil!" Ms Vickers screams. 

"Oh, like your any better? Your a goddamn lilth!" I retort, slightly scared. 

"Prove it. You can't! We all know your a devil, we remember now. Your little demon friends can't help you now!" She says, a smile forming on her face. 

"Their taking it down from the inside, she's trying to turn the town against you, don't let them win" a voice says in my head. 

"Christian?" I whisper, asking the voice. 

"Focus on the problem right now!" the voice hisses. 

"Maybe I am, but I changed! I've been saving all y'all asses for the last three years! I f*****g lost my best friend because of you!" I yell, turning so I can see the entire crowd. 

"No you didn't we all know you killed that poor boy, just like you did to Father Michael!" Tunny says, revealing his wings, which are a creamy white. The crowd gasps and starts to praise the lord. 

"No, he's a fallen angel!" Jimmy says, squeezing my hand."He's the bad one! Why in the world would Gloria be bad? She's nothing but sweet. If it weren't for her y'all'd be dead!" 

"Don't believe them! I can help you rid the town of these traitors" Tunny says, and Mr Thompson and his son pull me and Jimmy away, glaring at us. I try to control my anger, but flames start to leak from my clenched fists. 

"Gloria, love, calm down. It'll just make things worse" Jimmy says to me, looking worried. 

"I know" I sigh, looking down. "What now? Everyone hates me, Father Michael is most likely dead, Tunny bad, Christian is dead, and there's no way to get to the church."

"You know exactly what to do" the voice in my head says quietly. 

"No I don't" I whisper. 

"What?" Jimmy asks, looking at me. 

"Uh, nothing" I reply, running my hands through my bright red hair. 

"Get to the church. They can't get you there" the voice says, in a familiar way, "Hurry, my dear, be quick" I look around, taking in my surroundings. If I knock out Mr Thompson and his kid, Jimmy and I could get through the crowd if we're fast enough. Then, once we're out, we can get to the church and, well, I don't know. 

"Jimmy, just follow me" I whisper, then kick my shoe back, causing the man holding my arms to fall. I attack Jimmy's guard and grab Jimmy's hand, pulling him with me. We pull through the crowd, finally breaking out. I drop Jimmy's hand and start for the church, ignoring the cries behind me. We cut through backyards and alleys, finally making it to the church. We get inside and collapse on the floor, breathing hard. 

"Okay, what now?" Jimmy asks, standing up. He's really surprised me, by sticking around. First after the whole Christian thing, then my powers and being a devil, then we the whole town turned against me and he's still here. I look up at him in amazement and he asks, "What, baby?" 

"Nothing" I say, "Help me up" He pulls me up and into his arms. I put my hands on his chest and look up at him. Jimmy grabs me by my waist and kisses me, holding me tight.

"Come on, you got to focus!" the voice in my head says. I run my hands through his bright blue hair and sigh. 

"What, love?" he says, kissing my forehead.

"Nothing," I say and look around the church, "I'm not sure what we do now."

"Well, Tunny shouldn't be coming here and neither will the other demons, but the normal people who hate us can, so we should probably prepare for that." Jimmy says, looking toward the door. 

"Yeah, good idea." We lock the doors and get all of the books Father Michael had in his desk. Pulling the ones out of my backpack, I spread them on the floor. 

"Look at the covers, what's similar?" the voice asks. 

I study the covers and notice that the edges match up. I rearrange the books and Jimmy gasps. 

"Look, it's a map," he says pointing to a building, "That's the church, and here's Kammerzel's farms, and where the skate park should be. What does it say, beautiful?" 

"Um, Johnstown 1902 and it names a whole bunch of people. Here's Father Michael's name, it says he moved here in 1902 and started the church up" 

"But that's impossible, Father Michael is young. He's only like thirty. He wasn't even born yet, much less able to start a church." 

"Unless....." I open the book and look up the fountain of youth. I show Jimmy the page and say, "Doesn't that look like the pond in Father Michael's backyard?" 

"Yeah, yeah! So how old is he?" Jimmy asks, tilting his head. 

"I dunno, older than thirty?" I say, shrugging. 

"Your right about that, my dear, how do you think he knows this stuff?" the voice says, and I realize who it is. 

"Father Michael!" I exclaim. Jimmy turns to me with a strange look. 

"What about him?" he asks, squinting one eye, adorably. 

"Good job, honey, now time to save the town" the voice, Father Michael, says. 

"Uh, you'll think I'm crazy, but I've been hearing this voice in my head, and it's Father Michael." 

"Um, okay, I don't think your crazy," he says, giving me a sexy smile, "I think your cute." He leans over and kisses me, pulling me towards him. I lean into our kiss, and put my hands on the sides of his face. He kisses me again, slipping his tongue into my mouth. I reach back with my tongue for a second, then pull away. 

"Babe, we gotta get this done" I say, smiling. 

"I know, but afterwards?" He asks, winking. 

"Sure" I study the map, trying to figure out what it meant. I realize that all the books had the names of demons, who could be found in that book. Like the math teacher's names were on the book that contained information about lilths, and my name on the book about devils. 

"Wait how's your name on here if this map is from 1902, plenty of years before you were born?" Jimmy asks, pointing to my name. 

"I don't know" I say slowly. 

"Come on, honey, think! How would they have known that you would come here?" Father Michael says. 

"I don't know!" I whisper to Father. 

"Yes you do, honey! Why do you think I made sure you were going to live? Come on, think!" He answers. 

I stare at the maps a little longer, thinking. Then it pops into my mind. 

"This ain't the first time this has happened, it musta happened before!" I say, touching the books. 

"Yeah, the maps are dated 1902, and Johnstown was formed that year. So something happened that created Johnstown."

"But what?" I ask, looking at Jimmy. 

"Well, what's happening now?" Father asks. A pounding at the door interrupts Jimmy and I look out the window to see Ma and Pa. I duck and run back to Jimmy. 

"It's my parents" I say, glancing back at the pounding door. 

"Gloria! Let us in!" my Pa yells. 

"What do we do?" I ask Jimmy. He shrugs and starts to pick up the books. 

"Honey, you know what. I have to go, my dear, I know you can do it." Father Michael days, his voice fading. 

"Don't leave me!" I say, but it's too late. Father's gone. 

"Gloria, let us in! It's us in! It's your parents!" Ma calls, the door shaking. 

"I'm not doing it" I say to Jimmy, who's looking at the door. I flip through the books, trying to find out what happened back in 1902. I stop on a page with a map of, what it looks like, the high school. The map has a red circle around the freshman hall, mainly the science room. The red marker doesn't match the rest of the book and looks brand new. I show Jimmy and he says, "Well let's go. We can leave through the backdoor"  We sneak out and start towards the high school. Once at the school, we wiggle open a window and get into the science room, where a small figure sits at a table, their back facing us. 

"I've been expecting you" the figure says, turning around. A hood blocks out their face and they stand up, and walks toward us. 

"You have?" Jimmy asks, making a face and slipping his hand into mine. 

"Yes" the figure removes their hood, to reveal a beautiful woman with flowing raven-colored hair, large intoxicating blue eyes, and perfect features. "My name is Ultraviolet, you may call me Violet"

"Um, hi" I say, and turn to Jimmy, who's eyes remain glued to Violet. I shake his hand, and he blinks and looks at me. 

"Yeah, what up, Violet?" he says, shaking his head. 

"Possibly the world's end. Unless Michael prepared you right" she says, walking closer to us, her back cloak flowing. Hm, she's on a first name basis with Father, so they must know each other pretty well.

"Oh yeah...." Jimmy says, trailing off and looking at Violet. I give him a look and ask Violet, "So what now?"

"Well, that's up to you. I am just supposed to help," she says, looking at Jimmy, "I assume this is Jimmy?"

"Yeah, I am. Jimmy's my name and don't wear it out." he replies and I roll my eyes. 

"You ain't supposed to say 'assume', cause it makes a a*s out of you and me" I say, raising an eyebrow. 

"Very clever. I see you don't like me very much, is that because that because your jealous?" she retorts, smiling at Jimmy. 

"Hell, no! I like you fine!" I say, blushing. Okay, so maybe I am jealous, a little, but it's just that Jimmy won't take his eyes off of her! 

"Sure you do. Jimmy, be a dear, and help me get this box off the ground." she says, raising an eyebrow. 

"Sure thing, pretty eyes" he says, then picks up a box and sets it on the table. I cross my arms and walk over to the table, standing right next to Jimmy. 

"So what's this?" I ask, peering over at the box. 

"Weapons, you may need" Violet says and hands Jimmy a sword. 

"F**k, we can't fight them ourselves!" I exclaim. 

"Oh, your not. Michael and I have some friends that are willing to help." she replies, watching Jimmy, who's inspecting the sword. 

"How do you and Father Michael know each other?" Jimmy asks, giving Violet a flirtatious smile. 

"We're old friends." she answers shortly, looking at me, while I glare at Jimmy. He shouldn't be flirting with her, if anything he should him me. 

"Oh that's cool, but this is cooler." he says and lifts the sword up slightly. 

"My army and I will be waiting at the church, arrive when your ready. But don't take to long" she says, then vanishes. 

"This is cool" he says, as he swings the sword around. 

"Don't hurt yourself" I say sourly, as I cross my arms and pout, hoping to get Jimmy's attention, but my tries avail. 

"I won't" he sets the sword down and starts looking through the box, "I wonder how Father Michael hot to know such a pretty girl" 

"I don't know and don't care" I say and put my face in my hands. God, this is all too much. It's been three days since I slept, everything depends on me and my boyfriend is flirting with that b***h! He hasn't paid attention to me since we saw her, and she's not even here right now! I glance up at Jimmy who is messing with the sword again. 

"C'mon, stop screwin' around, Glory. We got to get to work" he says, glaring at me. 

"Oh, like you should be talking!" I exclaim, throwing my hands up. 

"What the f**k do you mean?" he asks, squinting his eyes a little. 

"When that Violet chic was here all you did was flirt with her!" I say, grabbing random s**t from the box. 

"Sounds like somebody's jealous. Violet was right!" he exclaims, smiling slightly. 

"Whatever!" I say and storm out. If he's gonna be that way, I'll just leave. Screw him! I get back to the church and wait for Jimmy to show. When he finally does, Violet and her army of a variety of beings, start for downtown. Jimmy leads Violet's army and she takes the back. The demons attack, swinging swords and firing magic. I lock in combat with several different types of demons, defeating each one. Out of the corner of my eye I see a devil come up behind of Jimmy and shove a sword into his back. I scream and run up to him, shaking his shoulder. Blood's pouring from his side and he can't seem to focus on me. 

"Jimmy! Jimmy, love, answer me!" I say, bending over him. 

"Be-behind you" he answers weakly. I turn to see a rath float towards us. I immediately shoot a sphere of fire at it, and the rath dissipates into the air. I look back down at Jimmy, who's fading fast. 

"Jimmy, don't leave me. Please!" I whisper, tears filling my eyes, as I pull his head into my lap. 

"Glory, I'm sorry. I love you, okay?" he whispers looking up at me, his hazel eyes tearing up. 

"No, you can't leave! Jimmy, don't!" I sob. 

"I do love you, Glory-" he whispers, and closes his eyes and a tear streams down his face. I huge explosion, shakes the entire street and the next thing I know I'm waking up and Father Michael is standing over me. 

"Hi, honey, how do you feel?" he asks me, kissing my forehead. 

"What the f**k? Am I dead or what?" I ask, sitting up and looking around. I'm in the church and Violet is standing by the door. 

"No, silly girl, you did it! We won and everything's alright." Father laughs and pats my hand. 

"Where's Jimmy? Is he okay?" I ask, remembering the scene back in downtown. 

"He's injured, but he'll be okay. He's mostly worried about you." Violet answers, coming closer. 

"Where is he? Can I see him?" I ask, looking up at Father Michael. 

"Yes, he's outside" he smiles and helps me up. I see a bandage on my thigh and a huge purple bruise on my upper arm. I walk out the door, with Father Michael and Violet behind me. I look for Jimmy and spot him with a friend of ours. He sees me and grins hugely. I run up to him and he picks me up, kissing my face. 

"Oh, Glory, baby" he says and presses his lips against mine. I wrap my arms around his neck and pulls him closer to me. He holds my face and kisses me again and again. Once he stops, Jimmy hugs me, squeezing tight and holding me for awhile. I pull away and smile up at him. He grins back and presses his lips lightly against mine. 

"Gloria, I love you" he breathes and grins. 

"I love you, too" I reply and peck him on the cheek.

"Damn, Jimmy, finally picked a girl?" Billie, another stoner, asks, referring to Jimmy's abundance of girlfriends in the past. 

"You betcha, and this one's a keeper" he says, as he slips his hand into mine. 

"He's always had a thing for you, y'know." Billie whispers in my ear, not very quietly. Billie winks at me and walks away, saying, "We should get together soon, y'know?" I nod and smile. 

"Hey, Gloria" My Ma calls, gesturing for me to go over there. I pull Jimmy with me and walk to my parents. 

"Hi, guys" I say, as I pick up Train and hug him. Jimmy places his hand on my lower back and greets my parents. 

"Hi, Mr and Mrs Pritchard" 

"Don't bother with the formalities, you can call us Judson and Samantha. Okay?" my Pa says, smiling. 

"Really? Okay, I can do that" Jimmy says, winking at me. 

The next month passes by and I walk over to the hideout to meet up with Jimmy, Billie, and our other stoner friends. I walk in and see I'm the last one to arrive, and all the seats are taken. Jimmy gestures for me to sit on his lap, so I do. He starts to kiss my neck and he slides hands to my upper thighs. I giggle and tell him to stop. We smoke and stub out the joints, laughing at Billie, who fell off the couch. We screw around, and the next thing I know it's time to head home. Another girl sprays me down with perfume and Jimmy walks me home. We walk in to my house and I pick up a note that was left on the kitchen table. It said that Ma and Pa went to see some friends and they took Train with them, leaving me alone till late that night or possibly the next morning. I grin up at Jimmy who had started to kiss my neck. I set the note down and lead Jimmy upstairs and into my room. He pulls me on to the bed and presses his lips hard against mine. He raises his tongue to the roof of my mouth and unbuttons my plaid, button-down shirt. I slid my hands under his shirt and kiss his neck. Jimmy removes the rest of our clothing and rolls on top of me. I moan quietly and he grins, kissing every inch of my body. He goes back to my lips and slide his hands down to my upper thighs. I roll on top of him and grin. The next morning I wake up with my head on Jimmy's chest and the sheets down around my waist. I lean onto my elbows and Jimmy grins at me. 

"Morning, beautiful" he says and kisses me gently. 

"Hey, babe" I answer, grinning, then getting up. I look for some clothes then help Jimmy find his. We walk back downstairs quietly, incase anyone was sleeping. We walk into the kitchen and see my parents, who share a look and raise an eyebrow. 

"Sleep good?" Ma asks us. I glance at Jimmy, who's grinning lopsidedly and pouring cheerios into a bowl. 

"Yup" I answer and sit next to Jimmy. 

"Well, that's good. Have fun?" Pa asks, being straight forward. 

"Pa!" I exclaim, blushing. I look at Jimmy and he gives me a huge grin and says, "You bet!" 

"That's good." Pa says again. 

"Yeah" Jimmy says and smiles. He looks so cute with his hair sticking up in every direction and that sideways grin, I place my hand on his leg and he winks at me. 

"So where's Train?" I ask, trying to make my parents quit thinking about me and Jimmy's sex life. 

"Sleeping" Ma answers quietly, looking at really short shorts that I use for pajamas. Okay, so maybe I did wear them more often around Jimmy, but that's because he's my boyfriend, so it's all cool. I get up and walk out into the living room, Turing on the TV. Jimmy follows me out and sits next to me on the couch. He pulls me into his lap and leans his head against mine. I hear my mother tell Pa to leave us be, because we're fine. "I know, I just don't like the fact that they've had sex" Pa whispers, rather loudly. I look up at Jimmy and he smiles at me, winking. He starts to rub my back and closes his eyes. I reach for his other hand and intertwine our fingers. Jimmy smiles and kisses my forehead, not opening his eyes. I bury my face in his chest and start to fall asleep, but Train comes running down the stairs and wakes me up. I sit up and see that Jimmy is dead asleep. I smile and walk back into the kitchen. 

"Hey, darlin'" Ma says, stirring something in a pot. 

"Hi" I sit down at the table and start coloring with Train. 

"Where's Jimmy?" she asks. 

"He fell asleep. He's laying on the couch." I say, smiling. 

"Aw, that's cute. Tired from last night?" Ma says, raising her right eyebrow. I roll my eyes and shrug. 

"Ma! Look at my picture!" Train says, holding up a car coloring book. 

"Good job, sweetie, it looks great." 

"Aw crap, school starts next week." I say, looking at a calendar. 

"But, your birthday's the next day" Ma says, putting a lid on the pot. 

"For my birthday can I not go to school?" I ask, looking up. 

"No, you have to go to school" she says, rolling her eyes. 

"Why? We don't do anything, ever!" I complain. 

"Because I said so" Ma replies and I stick my tongue out at her. 

"Oh, that's sexy" Jimmy says as he walks in and kisses my cheek. 

"You know you like it" I say, winking. 

"Maybe I do" he says and smiles. 

"There's a six year old in the room!" Ma scolds, shaking the wooden spoon she's using. 

"Yeah, Train, you gotta watch what you say" I say jokingly to my little brother, who looks as confused as hell. 

"Hey, your the one dating me!" Jimmy cries, sticking his bottom lip out, as my mother laughs. 

"I know, as sad as that is" I reply, smiling. 

"You hurt my feelings, so I'm not talking to you for the rest of the day." Jimmy says and mock-pouts. 

"Aw, baby, I'm sorry." I say and kiss him lightly. 

"Nope, your gonna hafta try harder than that." he says, grinning. I press my lips against his harder and run my hands through his hair. He places his hands right under my a*s and pulls me toward him, deepening our kiss. I pull away and grin. 

"Better?" I ask. 

"A little, but I'm still mad" he says, and smiles. I see Ma roll her eyes, but smile and leave the room, taking Train with her. I sit in his lap and kiss him again, putting my hands on his chest. Jimmy leans toward me and wrapping his hands around my waist. His tongue begs for an entrance to my mouth and I let him in. His hands start to drift towards the waistband of my shorts, and I lean towards him. Jimmy smiles through our kiss and slips his hands into my shorts. I let my hands roam down to his stomach and he pushes his hands underneath my underwear. He breaks away and starts to kiss my neck, causing me to moan quietly. He grins and raises a finger to my lips, he starts to kiss my neck again. The front door opens and my dad walks in. Jimmy pulls his hands out of my pants and I get out of his lap. 

"Hey, Pa, what's up?" I ask, fixing my shorts. 

"I could ask you the same" he says, looking at Jimmy. I turn and I see that Jimmy's pants had obviously grown, and I put my face in my hands. Goddamn boy hormones! 

"We were just chillin' Pa" I say, turning back around. 

"Sure you were. Anyway it's getting late, Jimmy, you should head home." he says, shaking his head. 

"Your right. I'll see you later, right, beautiful?" Jimmy says, walking up to me. 

"Yeah" i say smiling and wrapping my arms around his neck. 

"I love you" Jimmy says, smiling down at me. 

"I love you, too" I reply and press lips against his. 

Four years later.........

"Congratulations! It's a boy!" the midwife announces, holding my little boy. I look up at Jimmy and smile, he squeezes my hand, kissing my forehead. The nurse hands me the little blue bundle, and I look at my son. Christian Ryan Armstrong. Named after two of the most important people in my life, Christian Jay Olsen and Father Michael Ryan Wright. His eyes open and he starts to cry. I look up at Jimmy, who's grinning like a fool, then start to care for our baby. The next day, my and Jimmy's parents come to see us and their new grandson. I'm the oldest and Jimmy's an only child, so all four of them were really excited to see Christian. 

"Oh my! He's so little" Ma says the first time she holds him. I smile from my place on the bed and gently kick Jimmy. Jimmy looks at me and kisses my cheek. Train peers over Ma's shoulder and looks almost scared. 

"Train its okay, he's just a baby" I say, watching him. 

"I know. But he's still weird." Train says, looking at Christian. 

"We should probably go. Love y'all!" Pa says, herding Ma and Train to the door. 

"Love you, too" Jimmy replies, sitting down next to me. 

"Wow, I just don't believe it" I say, leaning my head against Jimmy's shoulder. 

"I know, love, I know" he replies and presses his lips against mine gently. I fall asleep in Jimmy's arms. I wake up the next morning to Jimmy shaking my shoulder, saying, "Love, we're gonna go home today. Baby, wake up" 

"Hm? Oh, okay, babe, I'm up" I say and look up at Jimmy. We sign out of the hospital and start for home. We walk in the door to our apartment and I lay Christian down in his bed. I walk back out to the kitchen/living room and sit on the couch. 

"Oh, love" Jimmy sighs, sitting next to me. 

"Hm?" I ask and lean against him. 

"Nothing, baby, I love you" he says, kissing me gently. 

"Mm, I love you too" I reply, kissing back. I really do love him. Through everything, I know he'll be there. He's been through practically hell and he's still with me. When the whole town fell apart we had only been together for a couple of days, and he fought through it, never leaving my side. He was, and still is, a complete bad a*s, but he's never treated me wrong, or acted the way he looks toward me. Ma and Pa were right, despite what he looks like, he's a good boy, and I love him for that.