I woke up to the sound of rain hitting my window. It wasn't uncommon for us to have rain in Vail, Colorado; it's just not too often that we actually see rain.

I stumbled out of my bed and I realized that the sense of security that I had when I went to bed, was gone. Like there was this veil or cloak of security and it just…vanished. I looked out my window again and saw nothing; no one was standing on the tree branch staring at me like last night. I shuddered at the thought as I made my way downstairs into the kitchen. Margaret was already there, making me my breakfast and Margaret gave me a warm smile.

"Your mother called early this morning. She'll be home at around five this evening," Margaret smiled.

I sighed as I sat down and Margaret set a bowl of Cheerios in front of me.

"What's wrong?" Margaret asked as she cleaned the sink.

"Nothing."

Margaret looked up from her scrubbing and looked at me with a scrutinizing expression. Crap, I forgot how observant Margaret is.

"What's got you down?" she asked.

"Nothing, just the weather."

"I was a teenager myself once," she said in a patronizing tone.

"I know, but…I don't know," I grumbled into my cereal.

"Is it boy trouble?" she asked.

"How'd you know?"

Margaret smiled at me and continued to talk while she scrubbed.

"You're face is a little pale, you're withdrawn a little bit, and you seem to be a tad bit grumpier."

"This new kid in my Philosophy class is my table partner and he seems…different, and it's kinda creeping me out," I said truthfully.

"Give the guy a chance. Perhaps the one that creeps you out is the one that is trying to get your attention."

"Thanks Oprah," I muttered, sarcasm dripping from my voice.

Margaret nodded and went back to work while I ate. When I finished, she took the bowl and I went upstairs to shower and get dressed. After I pulled on my light fleece Columbia jacket, I ran out the door and to my car, trying to keep as dry as possible. I honked at the house to say goodbye to Margaret—which she answered with a wave from the kitchen window—and I drove off towards school.

When I arrived in the parking lot, everyone was making a mad dash for the safety of the school. It's not really warm here, but it's not cold either. As I reached for my bag in the back seat, I saw the silver Toyota pull into the parking space a few spaces down from where I was parked. He got out of his car and my breath got caught in my throat. He was still wearing his jeans, shirt, and shoes, but also he was wearing a light grey hooded jacket. I shook my head, embarrassed that I was staring at Michael again and utterly confused as to why it would make a difference as to what he was wearing.

I got out of my car and ran into the building. How strange, as I entered the building, Michael just seemed to walk at a normal pace into the building, as if he didn't mind getting wet.

At my locker, Arianna was already there, jumping up and down with joy. I guess last night's meet was a success. I braced myself for the onslaught of cheering and jumping that I was going to receive because of it.

"Hey Arianna," I smiled as I pushed my hair behind my ear.

"Hey! Oh my god! Breanna, you are not going to believe what happened last night at the meet!"

I giggled as I grabbed my Chemistry book, AP Lit book and folder, and Math book and folder.

"What happened?" I asked.

"I got a scholarship to UW-Madison!"

"Madison? Isn't that like in Wisconsin?" I frowned.

"Hell yes and it's a party school!" she shrieked.

I laughed. Arianna isn't the party type.

"Before you go off on how great it's going to be, what other schools signed you?" I asked.

"Nicole got UW-Green Bay. And UM-Twin Cities signed me as well. I have till next year to decide…"

"Green Bay? That's a good school to go to, and Twin Cities, you're better off going there," I nodded.

"I know, but I really want to go to Madison. I mean, it would be so cool to go there and meet other swimmers…"

"What about classes?" I asked.

"What about them?"

"You need to take classes in order to get the scholarship."

"I will get by as long as I keep swimming like I am. Heck, I might even make it to the Olympics in 2016!" Arianna all but shouted.

I nodded as I walked to my first hour Chemistry class. However, I didn't expect to see Michael Prince talking with Mrs. Krystal. I set my books down at my table and went to the lab station to get today's lab set up. I listened to their conversation as best as I could.

"Are you sure I can't transfer to a different hour?" Michael murmured in the sweetest voice.

Mrs. Krystal was flushed.

"I'm sure Michael. Every hour is full."

Michael gave her a small smile and nodded.

"I understand. I'm sorry to have wasted your time. I'll see you third hour," Michael smiled as he walked towards the door. I was already back at my lab station when he came over.

"Hey Breanna, did you get your homework done?" he asked.

I nodded and he smiled. The amber in his eyes was almost sparkling but I barely noticed it.

"Cool, I'll see you fourth hour then?" he asked.

"Y-yeah…I guess so," I stammered as Jenny, my lab partner came up to me.

"See you then," he said as he gave me a crooked smile.

I nodded, my face must be a deep red because Jenny looked at me with a perplexed expression.

"Wow, I never heard Michael speak so much before. Normally he's quiet and always…looking around at everything. What did you do to him?"

I shrugged. After first hour, I passed Michael again but he didn't even acknowledge me. I brushed it off as just being in a rush to get to his next class.

Eventually fourth hour Philosophy comes around and I was sitting at my table when I saw Michael walk in. He gave me a curt nod and smoothly sat down next to me in his seat. I noticed that he looked a little tense but I didn't call him out on it.

As the hour progressed—Mr. Brandt was out sick, something that seems to be happening a lot lately—we just read portions of the Bible and took notes. I passed the Bible back to Michael, whom had his eyes closed, his jaw clenched, and his fingers rubbing his temple as if he was concentrating. I heard him whisper something:

"Raphael."

I tapped him on the shoulder. He nearly jumped but he regained his composure.

"What?" he hissed venomously.

I cringed. For a moment I thought he was going to kill me. The phrase: 'If looks could kill' ran across my mind but I swallowed audibly and spoke quietly.

"Uh…your turn to read the Bible…" I whispered.

His gaze softened a bit and nodded.

"Sorry about snapping at you…I'm under a lot of pressure," he said quietly.

"It's okay…sorry if I broke your train of thought…what were you thinking about?" I asked before I could stop myself.

Michael gave me a small smile and a low chuckle.

"Just…praying for Mr. Brandt's health. I wish they would figure it out sooner."

That caught me off guard. Michael knew what was wrong with Mr. Brandt.

"What's wrong with Mr. Brandt?" I asked.

Michael tensed again.

"He's been sick a lot. I heard rumors…" Michael trailed off.

Ah, Cancer.

"I'm sure he'll make a full recovery regardless of what he has," I said. Also, I'm sure he doesn't have cancer, only a total jerk or idiot would make something up like that. I thought to myself.

Michael only looked at me and tilted his head a little bit.

"Your outlook on life is remarkable. Always the optimistic one and you always see the good in people. But you also tend to trust the wrong people."

I gritted my teeth. Irritation running rampant.

"What the heck is with you? You don't know me!" I hissed.

"True, but you are easy to read."

"Just read the stupid Bible…" I growled.

Wrong thing to say.

"The Bible is not stupid."

Now he was mocking me. I ignored him and continued on with my notes. I noticed that he didn't take any notes; he just looked at the Bible and continued to read it. After a while, he passed the Bible back and I noticed what Book he was reading.

"Jeremiah?" I asked.

Michael only chuckled and ran his hand through his hair, something that made my heart do a little leap in my chest.

"There's a saying in there that I strongly believe in," he answered.

"Oh."

I looked down and read the Book. However, Michael was staring at me almost…I don't know, possessively. I cleared my throat.

"Do you want to read the Bible again?" I asked.

"Perhaps you need to read the passage that I found and believe in," he smiled.

"Look I think I can handle this on my own okay?" I grumbled. But even I knew that I couldn't handle the amount of notes that are required for tomorrow.

Michael only leaned over his notebook and wrote something down and passed the paper to me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

I glared at him but something strange happened then. I felt the same warm feeling of safety and protection. The scent of leather, sandalwood, and bonfires swirled in my mind, making me lose my focus. Another headache entered my mind and I rested my forehead on the cool surface of the table. I didn't even care if I looked like an idiot. The pain was unbearable.

What a freak, why should she get so lucky? Someone thought.

Oh no. She's having another headache. I should go help her…no, what's Michael doing? Arianna thought.

I opened my eyes again. Did I just hear someone thinking? I groaned quietly and lifted my head.

"May I have the Bible again?" Michael asked, concern playing into his voice.

I looked into his eyes again and I saw a small amount of silver intertwined with the amber in his eyes.

"Did you do something to me?" I croaked.

Michael looked at me as if I had a second head and a third eye.

"Breanna, I didn't do a thing. I was remembering some notes, studying."

"I heard someone say that you were going to do something to me. What was it?"

"I…don't know. Look, I swear on Michael the Archangels statue that I did not try to harm you or help you."

Michael was sincere when he said that, but before I could press the subject further, the bell rang and Michael was the first one out the door. As soon as he left, I felt the cocoon of protection wrap itself around me again.

Again, at lunch, Arianna was sitting with me and we casually chatted about our life—I kept the part about someone trying to break into my house a secret—and soon I was walking to my sixth hour class. The rest of the day was boring and by the end of eighth hour, I still felt that strange sense of protection, the scent still strong in my mind.

I was walking to my car when I saw Michael leaning against his Toyota, wearing shades, looking directly at me. I glared at him as my phone rang and saw that it was Arianna.

"Hey, let's go out tonight okay? I want to treat you to dinner," she said.

"Lemme guess, my mom called you and said that she was going to be late again?" I asked into the phone.

"Uh…yeah, so where do you want to go?" she asked.

I thought for a moment.

"Campo di fiori?" I asked.

"Sure! See you tonight then!"

I hung up the phone and got into my car. As I drove home, I saw Michael staring at me. I shuddered a little bit and went home.

After completing my homework, I drove to Campo di fiori and saw Arianna waiting for me at the front doors.

"Hey!" I said.

"What up?" she asked.

"Nothing, just homework," I answered.

Arianna nodded and we both walked in. The host led us to our table and after ordering our drinks, our waiter came by.

"Good evening ladies, my name is Michael and I will be your waiter this evening," he said.

I groaned internally. Anyone but him.

"Um…I'll have the Pesto Fettuccini and a small side salad," Arianna said.

I felt Michael's gaze linger on me.

"Breanna?" he asked.

I lifted my head to look at Arianna, whose expression only made me feel worse.

"Hey Michael," I said with fake enthusiasm.

"Well, what I can get you to eat?" he asked with a slight smile.

I looked at the menu.

"I'll get what Arianna is having," I said.

Michael wrote it down and smiled at us.

"May I offer you two ladies a side of breadsticks? It's on the house," he smiled at us.

"S-sure," Arianna stuttered.

Michael disappeared behind the kitchen doors and I stared at Arianna.

"I feel sick," I groaned.

"Oh no, you are not bailing because Michael is here."

"Sorry, but he freaks the hell out of me!" I hissed. "And not to mention, he makes me look like a fool!"

"He's a nice guy and a hot one at that."

A few minutes later, Michael returned with the salad and breadsticks. He smiled at us as we ate our side orders.

"Enjoy the breadsticks, and I hope your salad is to your liking?" Michael asked Arianna.

Arianna nodded and Michael left.

"Okay…maybe he is okay…but he still creeps me out," I whispered.

Our food arrived and we ate in silence. After we finished eating Arianna was going to pay the bill when Michael came over.

"No need for payment tonight ladies, it's on the house," he whispered.

We turned our heads to the manager who only smiled at us warmly.

"I don't want to feel guilty," Arianna protested.

Michael picked up Arianna's hand and kissed it gently.

"Don't feel guilty my lady, but if it eases your guilt, you can leave a tip," he smiled.

Arianna was a deep, and I mean deep red.

"O-o-o-okay," she stammered.

I rolled my eyes and waited for Arianna to come with me. I said goodbye to Arianna in the parking lot and drove home. When I got home, I changed into a t-shirt and shorts, I brushed my teeth and watched T.V. The phone rang at about eight and I saw that it was my mom calling.

"Honey, how are you?"

"Fine. Watching T.V. when are you getting home?"

"Not till later tonight. You might be in bed before I get home."

"Just be careful driving, okay?"

"Of course, I love you," my mom whispered.

"Love you too."

I hung up the phone and sighed. My mom's job requires lots of travel and that alone is putting a strain on our relationship. I went to bed and when I woke up again, the sounds of light snoring were coming from my mom's room. She got home safely. I didn't want to bother her so I went downstairs quietly and made a simple breakfast. Margaret must have the later shift since my mom is home.

I arrived at school and as I was walking into the building, I felt someone approaching me.

"Hey Breanna," the voice said.

"What do you want?" I hissed, recognizing the voice.

His smile faltered a little bit and this gave me a secret satisfaction.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing. You seemed rather ill last night."

"Yeah, because I didn't know that you worked at Campo di fiori!"

Michael only shrugged.

"You never asked where I worked. You don't ask a lot of questions do you? You only assume."

"I assume that you are stalking me!"

He lightly chuckles.

"I am not a stalker Breanna. I'm merely a waiter at a restaurant that you are probably never going to visit again."

Got that right.

"If you want to know more about me, all you have to do is ask," he frowned.

I looked up at him—he's nearly six foot two—and I saw his expression soften a bit. I had one question, but I bit my tongue.

"Never mind."

He gave me a small smile then the last thing I saw was his face changing from a smile to a frown of concern and his hands reaching out for me. I felt my limbs go numb and my mind splitting in two as the worst migraine—to date—pounded into my skull and my world went black. It took me a slow second to realize that I should've hit the ground.

Oh my god! Breanna! Wake up!

Relax, Breanna. You are going to be okay, a smooth voice rang.

I groaned as someone moved me and I inhaled and gasped. Leather, sandalwood, and bonfires. Michael was carrying me!

Put me down! I shouted in my head.

Not until you are in the Nurses Station. You aren't well.

When I opened my eyes again, I was staring up at a pair of topaz eyes, then a plain white ceiling. I nearly yelped when the eyes vanished and I sat up—too quickly—to find Michael on the other side of the room looking down at the floor, his muscles tight.

"You gave me a scare," he murmured as he relaxed. He seemed almost drained out. Am I that heavy? "No, you aren't. If that's what you're thinking. I just, never had to carry someone before. I think I carried you wrong."

I gripped my skull with one hand and used my other hand to support my weight. I didn't even register what he said.

"What happened?" I groaned.

"Well, you had a migraine attack."

"No. I heard voices in my mind. Yours specifically," I argued.

Michael got up and walked over to me. His gaze soft and apologizing. Before he could talk again, Arianna burst into the room with a middle-aged woman with hazel eyes and wavy brown hair. My mom.

"Oh my lord! Breanna are you okay?" my mom shrieked.

"I'm fine. It would have been worse if Michael hadn't helped me."

Michael stood up and offered his hand to my mom. Instead of a simple handshake, my mom let a sob escape her lips and practically jumped into Michaels arms.

"Thank you!" she nearly shouted.

Michael only smiled and gave a light hug back.

"You're very welcome Mrs. Erela. If you don't mind, I have to get back to class. Give them the good news," Michael smiled as he looked at me.

"It's fourth hour already?" I choked.

Michael only nodded.

"It's okay. The other hours gave you a pass, after I convinced them of your condition."

My mom was about ready for another attack but Michael deftly left the room. I glared at Arianna.

"Sorry. I tried to stall her," Arianna whispered.

My mom seemed to remember where she was after Michael left.

"Oh, honey, are you okay?" she crooned.

"I'm fine. Just thirsty."

Arianna grabbed me a plastic cup of water and I drank slowly. My mom only gave me a kiss on my forehead and soon, Nurse Hawthrone came in with a thermometer. She did a minor physical—basically just my heart rate and temperature—and gave me the okay to return to class.

"Oh, that won't be necessary. I called her in sick for the rest of the day," my mom sweetly said.

Nurse Hawthrone gave a curt nod and went on her daily business. Arianna gave me a good-bye hug and returned to her class. My mom took me to my car and gave me a small lecture.

"How long have they been that bad?" my mom asked.

"Not long."

"Breanna, if they are getting worse—"

"Mom," I interrupted. "They aren't getting worse. If you pulled me out of school for more tests, forget it. I'm fine. They can't stop them if they tried."

"But they have a new theory—"

"I'm not going to be a lab rat!"

"Breanna, sweetie, you need to see Dr. Montgomery. He's the best we have."

"I'll go see him. But no more tests. I don't have a tumor!"

My mom nodded and went to the front lot to get into her car while I just stood in the front of mine and breathed in and out of my nose to calm down. I turned around to find a note.

I hope you feel better. –M

M? Michael? I opened my car door and found a single white feather—about half a foot long and one inch wide—was sitting on the driver's seat of my car. How did that get into my car? I put the feather into the glove compartment—but before I did that, I sniffed it—don't judge—and gasped. It smelled like leather, sandalwood, and bonfires and it smelled like Michael. I shoved it into the glove compartment and drove to the clinic. I found my mom waiting in the front and after I parked I got out and walked up to her.

"What took you so long?" she asked.

"I took the longer way," I lied.

Truthfully, I was going ten under the speed limit. I hated coming here. They just poked and prodded me whenever I came in. If they can't fix me, then why bother trying? I sent a silent prayer to anyone listening that this be a simple and painless appointment. I opened my eyes and felt something light and soft land in my hand. I looked down and saw a single white feather. My mom didn't notice. I shoved it into my pocket and entered the clinic.

"Hello Breanna, are you okay?" Jean asked.

Jean was one of my many nurses when I was little. But I came here for therapy after my dad passed away. I followed my mom into the elevator and when the doors closed, I closed my eyes. Not in preparation for a headache, but just to relax a bit.

The doors opened and I walked with my mom to the waiting room. The receptionist gave me a warm smile and I only nodded. Much too frustrated to be polite. After my mom finished the paperwork, we sat down and waited for my name to be called.

Everything will be fine. Just go with it.

I opened my eyes but no one spoke to me. Just as I was about to drift off again, my name was called.

"Mom, stay back okay? I want to talk to the doctor alone."

My mom nodded and I went into the familiar office. Dr. Montgomery walked in with a clipboard and gave me a warm smile.

"So, I heard about what happened in school. Yet you look fine," he commented.

"I had help. A kid from my school carried me into the nurses office."

"A boy?" Montgomery quipped.

"Yeah," I blushed slightly.

"Obviously these migraines aren't affecting your driving?" Montgomery asked, ignoring the blush on my face.

"No. They never happen during the time I drive. I can normally feel them before they actually happen, sometimes that's the case," I informed him.

Montgomery did a quick exam and then sat down.

"Perhaps we can talk for a moment. Any questions?" he asked.

I liked Montgomery. He wants to get people to know him so that he can be a better doctor and all around good guy. I had one question though.

"What does a white feather mean?" I asked.

Montgomery only looked at me.

"Well," he began. "It means an angel is looking out for you."

"But sometimes, I can smell leather, sandalwood, and bonfires," I frowned.

"How often?"

"All the time. Since…"

Montgomery only waited for me to continue.

"Since when?" he smiled.

Since I started sitting with Michael Prince in class.

"A few days ago."

Montgomery only smiled at me and gave me a light pat on the shoulder.

"Angels are said to be able to give off a scent that would remind you of someone that you loved and lost. Perhaps your angel is reminding you of your dad. Or your dad is your angel. I've had patients come in asking me these questions. You aren't alone," Montgomery smiled.

I nodded.

"Perhaps we should check in every few months then?" he asked.

"That'd be best," I smiled.

Montgomery nodded and wrote down a phony appointment—he knows I hate coming here—and bid me good luck in school and a farewell. My mom waited for me.

"Well?" she asked.

"Nothing's out of the blue. I'm healthy," I assured her.

My mom only nodded.

"I have to get to work. I'll see you at dinner," I said as I walked to my car. I thanked the heavens I had work right after school. It would give me time to think.

I opened my car door and found yet again, another white feather. I put it in the glove compartment and drove off towards work. My mind in a daze.