Tonight marks the first night in a long time that Angel has actually spent at her own apartment. Of course, she's taken Goliath with her once more just to watch him, but according to recent messages she's received--Daryan should be home any day now, granted the tour doesn't stop him any further. (Not that she doesn't understand, work is work.) She'd take the fluffy protector home in the morning, but truth be told, she really didn't want to go through this alone.
It's been months since she'd be robbed and shot in this very apartment. It's been months since she'd struggled with her injuries and it's been months since she started dealing with new scars. Even still, this place frightens her. What used to be a safe and comforting place to dwell in now has her hands trembling as they reach to unlock the door. Goliath waits patiently at her feet, sitting and watching her quietly--almost as if he's ready to run for help should she need it. After a few hesitant moments, Angel unlocks the door and with a deep breath...she enters.
Her home is cold. Dark. Nothing has changed since she's last been inside it. Once she flicks on the lights, Goliath goes to scope out the place in front of her and she finds--at least with the first glance--nothing is different from what she remembers. Everything is in it's place; the tv, the sofa, her jewelry, her photos, her bed is even still made, everything. Even so, her hands won't stop shaking. They've long since come inside and started to warm up. This isn't from the cold. Her home no longer feels safe to her, and she supposed that this feelings simply won't change. But she refuses to leave. It's the stubborn side of her, really, but she had decided she would spend the night in her own home and stop troubling Daryan with being at his place all the time. It's time to grow up. It's time to face reality. And while she may love him and wish to be there when he returns home, she knows that it's not right to depend on him and so, the "strong, independent woman" decided she would go back home. Even if it meant being terrified. She wouldn't allow herself to show it.
As she sits on the bed's edge, Goliath comes pattering into the room and paws at her calves as if he wants to be picked up. Angel complies, lifting the soft and adorable pup into her lap where he nudges her cheek with his nose and whimpers--clearly aware of her fears. She smiles and pets him, humming lightly as if to soothe her "baby" even though he's not even her dog. Having kicked off her heels at the door, Angel curls up into bed and reaches for her phone.
[Text Message to--Daryan Crescend:
Hey, hon. I went back to my place for the night. Just trying to ease back into it. Sorry I stayed at your place so long, even though you were away. I really needed that security though, and I'm really thankful. Also, I took Goliath with me so someone could watch him tonight, but I'll take him back in the morning so he can run and play. Just thought I'd let you know.
...
I miss you.
Be safe.--end]
As she hits send, Goliath nudges his way into a comfortable ball at the small of her back and Angel can't find it in her to push him away. After all, he's protecting her. Plus, he's a bit warm and at the very least she'll have a snuggle buddy for the night. She smiles, though it's tired, and pulls the covers over her legs in an attempt to get warmer. Maybe she can do this, it's only for one night.
