The Fallen (The Alexandra Denton Chronicles) by Amanda K. Dudley-Penn Page A

rest.”
                  I nodded as Ky led me to his car with the support of the rest of the Appointed. 

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Ten
    Facing the Facts
     
                  Rest had seemed like a good idea at first but unfortunately rest was not something I did well.  I found that even though I was forcing my eyes closed I could not sleep.  Everything was playing through my mind and I found that even though we had won the latest battle there was more to come.  For the first time, I realized we were never going to be safe…not while we were awake…not while we were asleep. 
                  I trembled and I had to admit that I was afraid to close my eyes.   I was expecting for something to happen.  Still, no matter how afraid I was, sleep eventually did come and so did someone else.  I stiffened when I felt his caress on my cheek as soon as I fell into my dreams.  A tear slipped from my eye. 
                  “Alex,” I heard my name whisper to me, softly and I relaxed immediately, realizing that I was safe. 
                  I opened my eyes slowly and looked into the familiar planes of Semarias‘ face.  Unease slid through me only a moment later and I swallowed as I saw that his features were hardened but this time it wasn’t in anger.  It was in concern.
                  “I’m sorry,” he whispered, sitting on the edge of my bed, “I really am.” 
                  I blinked as I looked up at him.  The unease faded as I realized that the only thing wrong was Semarias’ guilt over hurting my feelings. 
                  I blinked again as tears burned my eyes at the memory of his callous behavior, “Are you mad at me?” I asked and even to myself, I sounded like a child. 
                  He shook his head in remorse, “No,” he sighed heavily, “I’m mad at myself.”
                  “Because you are in love with me?” I whispered, feeling my heart break just saying the words. 
                  He scoffed, “I’m not mad that I’m in love with you,” he said and waved that thought away, “I’m at the most peace when I’m with you.  Most of that is because I know that even though your love isn’t the same, you do love me.  I’m content with that.  I’m content with your friendship.”
                  “Then, what are you mad about?” I asked, frowning.
                  “I’m upset that the admission let me falter at my job,” he whispered, “I have put you in danger simply based upon my embarrassment.  I won’t do that again.”
                  I smiled sadly, “I’m glad,” I said in all sincerity, “I missed my friend.  You are the only one I can talk to about everything.  It hurts when you are unavailable.”
                  “You know most people aren’t able to talk to their guardian angels,” Semarias said with a small laugh, “They won’t answer back anyway.” 
                  “I know,” I said, laughing tiredly, “But I’m special.”
                  He grinned, “That, you are,” he said but then, he frowned, “So, talk to me.  Tell me what it is that is bothering you that you aren’t telling everyone else.  Tell me what’s causing this zap of your energy.”
                  “Everything,” I said, swallowing.
                  “Start explaining,” he said, taking my hand and rubbing small circles across the top with his thumb. 
                  “Let’s start with the small stuff,” I said, shrugging, “I have to be able to get along with Daniel.  I still care about him.  I want to be his friend.  Ky doesn’t want me to be alone with him.  His jealousy is really causing a lot of stress.”
                  Semarias