First Sight Of An Angel

Still holding each other as the sun came up, Laci and Trent looked at each other and smiled, realizing how happy they were to have found each other. Trent put his right hand against her cheek and Laci closed her eyes as she leaned her face into the palm of his hand. Instinctively she moved a little closer as she felt him move closer to her, and as he brought his other hand up to her face, she reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist. Laci opened her eyes for just a moment - long enough to look deeply into Trent's eyes and her heart skipped a beat as she saw the look in his eyes - the unmistakable look of true love. She was filled with joy and happiness like she had never known before. She smiled and as the love she felt for Trent came shining through, he leaned down to kiss her, and she reached up to meet him. When their lips met it was a soft and tender kiss, yet full of passion.

When they finally stopped kissing, they looked at each other for a few moments, neither one saying a word.

Trent couldn't believe what was happening to him. No one had ever made him feel this way before, and he knew that he never wanted to be apart from her.

Laci kept thinking over and over again about how much her life had changed and how she couldn't imagine her life without Trent.

Trent brushed her hair back slightly while looking deeply into her eyes and said, "I love you Laci".

"I love you too Trent". Laci said, her eyes filled with tears of happiness, as she held him close to her.

Their love for each other having been expressed out loud, they kissed again, more passionately this time.

As much as they didn't want this moment to end, they realized they had to get back home.

"I hate to say this, but I really should take you home Laci" Trent said, then kissed her forehead.

"I know you're right, but I don't want this to end" Laci said with a sigh and she looked at him with all the love she felt for him flowing through her.

"Our time together is just beginning Laci" Trent said with a big smile. "I promise you that".

Laci looked at him and pulled him close for a nice big hug, then they got in the car and headed back to town.

Ashley was pacing back and forth in the living room, becoming impatient when 7:00 a.m. rolled around and Laci and Trent weren't back yet.

"Oh Carlos, where are they"? she asked, worried.

"They'll be here any minute so stop worrying Ashley", Carlos said. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her softly and sweetly on the lips. As the kiss lingered he felt her body relax and tension disappear.

Ashley sighed as she leaned against Carlos' chest. She was so comfortable and very much in love with him and she didn't think it could get any better.

Just then they heard a car door shut, and they ran to the door.

"Finally!" Ashley exclaimed as she saw Laci and Trent walking up the front steps.

Carlos flung the door open and Ashley stood there tapping her foot.

"Well, it's about time!" she said, giving the impression she was less than pleased, but she could tell they were fine and that they'd had a good time.

Laci looked at Trent and they both blushed a little.

"We're sorry Ashley, Carlos. We....uh.....lost track of the time". Trent said.

"I'll bet you did", Carlos said, looking at Trent, smiling. He was very happy for his best friend.

"Did you two stay up all night waiting for us?" Laci asked, concerned, and feeling a little guilty.

"Yes we did Laci" Ashley said, smiling. "Don't worry, it's alright. It’s worth it to see the smiles you two have on your faces right now".

Laci blushed again and turned towards Trent and they hugged each other tightly then kissed each other very tenderly.

"Mmmmmm I guess I should go and let you get some rest now", Trent said, a little sadly.

"It's alright Trent, I'm fine. I couldn't sleep now anyway", Laci said, smiling.

"Great!" Trent said looking very happy. "I still think we should both rest for a little while then what do you say to dinner, if you're up to it?"

"Dinner will be perfect", Laci said, smiling brightly.

"Alright - I'll call you later on and we'll figure out a time", Trent said.

"That sounds fine Trent - I'm really looking forward to it", Laci said, very happy herself.

"Me to", Trent said, smiling.

"Alright you two, Laci needs to get some rest now", Ashley said laughing. "You'll see each other later".

Laci looked at her and smiled at how protective her best friend was.

"I think you could use a nap too buddy", Carlos said as he teased his best friend.

"Alright, alright - I'm going already", Trent said.

"I'll talk to you later Laci", he said as he walked out the door and drove off.

"It's time for me to go too, Ashley", Carlos said, wistfully. He didn't want to leave her any more than Trent wanted to leave Laci.

"I know Carlos. We'll see each other later", Ashley said. She reached out her arms and Carlos moved towards them and they wrapped their arms around each other tightly and kissed once more - a soft, yet passionate kiss, then Carlos got into his Durango and went home.

"Ok Laci, tell me everything", Ashley called out as she went upstairs. She got to Laci's room and Laci was looking out the window.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh Ashley, I couldn't be better", Laci said.

"Tell me", Ashley said, as she sat on the bed.

"Trent is so wonderful. I am the luckiest woman in the world, Ashley", Laci said, full of emotion.

"You mean the luckiest woman next to me, right"? Ashley said, teasing her best friend.

Laci looked at her and laughed.

"I guess we are the two luckiest women in the world then", she said, laughing.

"I'm in love with him Ashley. Completely head over heels in love with him. I never thought I would feel that way about anyone after what Scott did to me", Laci said, as she looked at Ashley.

"Well I can tell Trent is very much in love with you" Ashley said, smiling. She was so happy for Laci.

"I would like to go shopping today Ashley" Laci said.

"But you just got home and you should take a nap", Ashley said.

"Alright- a short nap. I'd like to buy something special to wear for dinner tonight. Will you go with me"? Laci asked.

"You bet I will - we'll pick out a couple of things for you to wear", Ashley said.

"Thanks Ashley. You're the best" and she walked over and gave Ashley a hug.

"I know", Ashley said laughing as she hugged Laci back. "Now, get some sleep and we'll go to the mall this afternoon".

"Alright already". Laci changed, got under the covers and was asleep in a few minutes.

When she woke up, Laci felt refreshed and she looked at the clock - 12:30p.m. Good, she thought - plenty of time to go to the mall with Ashley and still get back early enough to get Trent's call.

"Ashley! Where are you"? she asked as she got ready to take a shower.

"Right here, Laci", and Ashley popped her head in Laci's doorway. "Have a good nap?"

"Very nice - I'm going to take a shower before we go to the mall," Laci said, getting the clothes she would wear ready.

"Great! I'm ready when you are", Ashley said.

A half-hour later they were on their way to the mall.

"Oh Ashley, I can't tell you how happy I am", Laci said.

"No, I couldn't tell" Ashley said, laughing. "I'm so happy for you and I knew it would work out".

They got to the mall and parked.

"Let's start here", Ashley said, pointing to a store with very attractive clothing in the display window.

"Fine with me", Laci said, and they went inside.

Laci tried on a few things and found a skirt and blouse she liked. "What do you think of this?" she asked.

"I like it very much - it looks good on you and I know Trent will like it too", Ashley said.

"That's what I wanted to hear," Laci said, smiling. "There's something missing though, and I can't think of what it is. Maybe earrings or a necklace?" She looked at Ashley.

"You're right, and there's a great shop in the mall - you know the one" Ashley said.

"Now I remember," Laci said. "Thanks, I think I'll go and see if I can find something."

"Ok - you go ahead. I'll catch up - there are one or two things I'd like to look at here first", Ashley said.

"Alright - I'll see you in a bit then" Laci said. She paid for her clothes and left.

Laci went through the mall to the store she remembered, but almost halfway there she was grabbed by the arm and pulled into an aisle of the mall that was almost deserted.

"SCOTT!! " Laci said, in total shock.

"What do you think you're doing with that guy Trent?" Scott hissed at her, full of anger.

"That's my business" Laci said defiantly, but very scared.

"Oh yeah? Well think again," Scott said and he slapped her - hard.

Laci almost fell but she managed to stay on her feet and looked Scott squarely in the eye. Her face hurt although she had no intention of letting that show giving him the satisfaction.

"Why don't you leave me alone Scott. We're through, and I never want to see you again" Laci said, very firmly.

"Sorry, you don't get off that easy Laci" Scott said.

"You're mine", and he slapped her harder this time.

This time Laci couldn't keep her balance, and she fell to the floor, her face bruised and cut. When she looked up, Scott was gone. She picked herself up off the floor and went to the restroom. When she looked in the mirror she started to cry. She had two cuts on her face, and her cheek was swollen and red where he hit her. She went through her purse and found some makeup but it didn't work. Laci

had no idea how long she'd been in the ladies lounge before Ashley came in looking for her.

"There you are!" she exclaimed.

"You know I've looked every.....Oh my god! What happened"? Ashley asked, as she went over and sat by her best friend, and looked at her face.

Fighting back her tears, Laci explained what Scott had done and Ashley listened quietly - the anger growing inside her.

"Oh Ashley, I can't see Trent. Not now, not after this", Laci said, crying openly now.

"Yes you can, and you will. Don't let Scott get to you - that's what he wants. You can't let him win Laci" Ashley said, hugging her.

"We have to call Trent and Carlos right now".

"No.....I can't......." Laci said, sobbing.

"Yes you can" Ashley said, softly but with determination.

Laci looked at her for a moment and realized she was right. She nodded her head slowly and said, " I know you're right Ashley. Can we go home now? I don't feel very well".

"Of course - come on, let's go. Can you make it to the car alright?" Ashley asked, concerned.

"Yes, I think so. My head sure hurts though", Laci said.

"As soon as we get home, you're lying down and I'm calling the guys and a doctor" Ashley said looking worried.

"Thanks Ashley" Laci said, getting into the car. She leaned back and closed her eyes.

The trip home was uneventful and when they walked in the house Ashley helped Laci upstairs to lie down.

I'm calling Trent, Carlos and the doctor right now", Ashley said. "You rest, and I'll be back in a few minutes to check on you, ok?"

"Ok" Laci said and she stretched out on the bed.

"Thanks Ashley. I'll be fine, so let's forget the doctor."

"If you're sure Laci", Ashley said.

"I'm sure", Laci said with a smile, trying to reassure Ashley.

"Alright. I'll call the guys and be right back" Ashley said.

Laci nodded her head and tried to relax. She kept thinking about what Scott had said and done to her.

"Hello Trent, this is Ashley".

"What's wrong?" Trent asked. He knew that Laci was in trouble - he could feel it. "Is Laci ok?"

"No Trent, she isn't. I think you better come over right away," Ashley said, with urgency in her voice.

"I'm on my way, and I'll bring Carlos with me" Trent said.

"Thanks Trent" and Ashley hung up the phone. She went back upstairs to check on Laci and she could see that although Laci was trying very hard not to show it, she was really shaken up by what happened earlier. Ashley went over to her friend and hugged her as Laci started to cry again.

The doorbell rang and Ashley ran downstairs to get the door. Trent and Carlos came in and she quickly filled them in on what Scott had done.

Carlos whistled and said, "Poor Laci, how is she?" he asked, very concerned.

"Not good. She's trying to be strong but he really did a number on her " Ashley said, her anger beginning to show.

Trent had heard enough. He ran upstairs as fast as he could and as he got closer to Laci's room he could hear her crying.

Laci looked up when she saw him in the doorway and she tried to stop crying, but the look Trent had on his face of worry and concern made her realize that she needed him and that he loved her no matter what. She looked at him and as the tears streamed down her face he came into her room, sat on the bed,

and wrapped his arms around her gently but firmly making her feel very safe again.

"Oh Carlos, I can't stand this! How could Scott do this to her?" Ashley cried out in anger and frustration.

Carlos was by her side in an instant, wrapping his arms around her tightly. She leaned against him, her arms holding him tight.

"I wonder how Laci's doing" Ashley said looking at Carlos.

"I don't know, but I do know that Trent will take care of her" Carlos replied.

Ashley and Carlos looked at each other and their lips met and they shared a long soft passionate kiss.

Trent held Laci and she started to shake. She started to shake harder and harder he held her closer each time.

"That's right - let it out - all of it" Trent said, encouraging her.

After a little while the shaking subsided and she looked at Trent. "Thank you so much - I really needed that, and you knew just what to do" Laci said, smiling now.

"I love you Laci, and don't you ever forget that" Trent said.

"I love you too Trent Malloy" Laci said as she leaned towards him.

Trent responded by pulling her close and kissing her with all of the love he had inside. He knew he had to protect Laci from Scott and he would have to find Scott and get him to leave Laci alone. Home