[ ROSE'S POV ]

"So who was that friend that took you to lunch?" Aunt Svetlana asked, dishing up some cabbage rolls for me. She was a great cook and often made local Russian food for me to try. But cabbage rolls were something that I couldn't miss.

I smiled and replied, "You remember the guy from a few days ago? Tall. . ."

"Oh. . .that one!" she exclaimed, nodding in remembrance. "Yes, I remember. You should introduce him to me sometime."

"I really like him," I blurted out. 

She set her fork and spoon down, looking at me with fondness. "Well, that's wonderful for you."

I bit my lip, remembering something. "I feel like I've known him for a long time."

"You mean déjà vu?"

I shook my head, "No, auntie. It's different."

I was having a hard time explaining that feeling to her. It was most definitely not deja vu. It was more than that. It was not love at first sight either. It was something else. 

"My dear, you must really like him," she laughed teasingly.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm telling you! It's not like that," I objected, pouting.

She patted me on the head and said, "Now, now. It's time to eat dinner."

I dismissed the idea of trying to get my aunt to understand it. I ate my dinner quietly and carried the dishes back into the kitchen, letting my aunt get some rest. I put the plates into the dishwasher and went into my bedroom. I took out my old sketchbook and flipped through a few pages. I stopped at one page.

I had drawn a pair of black wings a few days before mother passed away. Shaking my head, I shut the book and put it right back. Somethings I didn't want to remember. Some days those nightmares would come into my head. 

I sat down on my bed and brought my knees up. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and felt a hand on my head. My eyes flew open and I saw an old woman standing close to me. She was wearing a white, silverish gown. She also had white wings that almost reached the ceiling. 

Frightened, I moved away from her panting for air. She stepped closer and I decided that it was enough. I screamed. My bedroom door burst open and Aunt Svetlana came in. That being disappeared. She hugged me and I said, "There was a woman in my room!"

She looked around, frowning. "My love, there is no one in your room," she said, pushing my hair behind my ears.

I shook my head and repeated, "There was a woman in my room. You have to believe me, auntie!"

There really was. That woman had her hand on my head. I felt her hand. I knew she was real. I ran my fingers through my hair and calmed down. Aunt Svetlana knelt down and cupped my face.

"Rose, are you still taking your pills?" she asked.

I shook my head again and answered, "No. I've stopped taking them." I teared up when my own aunt looked like she wasn't convinced. I grabbed onto her arm and said, "Please believe me."

She kissed my forehead and nodded. "Alright. Get some sleep, sweetie. If you need anything, let me know."

I got in my bed and curled up, bringing my comforter up to my chin. I found myself unable to sleep. Then, that woman appeared again. But I couldn't escape her this time. I was completely paralyzed on my bed. She sat down and said, "I am your Guardian Angel, Rose."

I tried to scream, but my mouth couldn't open. She shh'ed me said, "No harm will come to you."

The tightness in my body left me and I asked, "Who are you?"

She smiled and replied, "Oh, we've met before."

A short part of chapter 17. Part 2 will come soon so stay tuned! Don't forget to vote and leave your thoughts in the comments! Who is this woman? Just something for all of you to think about. 

;)

Iris