Having Mal's body on top of me had a strangely sobering effect and I didn't like it. I started to squirm beneath him.

"Hey! Let me up!"

"What's wrong, Angel?" He asked. "I thought you were a bad girl now?"

He pressed his lips to my neck gently. The spot he touched felt burning hot. I shook my head and struggled more. This wasn't what I wanted. This was scary, really scary. After a moment of watching me struggle he let out a frustrated sigh and sat up.

He crossed his arms. "Look, if you don't want to fuck that's fine, but then stop with the flirting. No one likes a cocktease."

I sat up quickly. "I-I wasn't flirting! I was just kidding. Like you always do."

I could tell he was still annoyed but he cracked a small smile. "Yeah, that's because I am flirting with you. You really couldn't tell?"

I blushed. I thought he was just making fun of me this whole time, had he really been flirting?

"Then why do you always laugh at me after?"

"Because your innocent little church girl reactions are too cute." He said. "I don't even have to touch you and you start blushing and babbling. It's obvious how inexperienced you are."

"My body-"

"Yeah, yeah. Bless God. My body is His. Blah, blah, religious crap, blah. And you say I'm a cliché?"

It's true I did just say that about him, but at the same time, it hurt. This wasn't some act I was putting on. God was a big part of my life. I was His servant, not some street slut. The image of the cat girls came to mind again. I tried not to think about it but the wine was lowering my defenses, the anger returned.

"You need to loosen up, Angel." Mal said, reaching for my face.

I slapped his hand away. "Go chase those pussies if you want loose!"

I regretted the words as soon as they left my lips. He looked confused for a second before realization struck him.

"Wait, are you talking about the girls from the bar? What do they have to do with-" He stopped suddenly and a smug grin spread across his face. "Wait, are you jealous? Holy shit, is that why you freaked out when you saw me?"

I stood unsteadily. I didn't need this. I tried moving around him, but I stumbled. Mal stood quickly and caught me.

"Woah, hey. Where do you think you're stumbling off to Sister Smashed? You can't leave like this."

"I don't care!" I shouted. My eyes stung, I was so sick of crying today. "I was an outcast at the bar, I got called a whore by my father, the last thing I need is you humiliating me too!" I covered my eyes with my hands. I stood there breathing heavily for a moment trying not to cry. "This is the worst birthday ever..."

"Huh?"

I wiped away the few tears that had managed to escape. "I don't know when I was actually born, but I was found this day. So today's my birthday."

"Shit, Angel, why didn't you say anything?"

"Does it matter?"

"Of course it matters!" He said, hugging me close. "Happy birthday, Venus!"

I was shocked at his reaction. I didn't expect him to care at all, let alone be this kind.

"Oh, wait here."

He left the room. What exactly was going on? Wasn't I angry at him? My head started to throb. I rubbed my temples. If emotions could cause whiplash I'd have permanent damage by now. I didn't get Mal. How he could be so sweet and sincere one moment and turn into a perverted jerk in the next. Was he messing with me? What was the point of all this? Making that stupid bet, inviting me to his house, being kind, being rude. What did he want from me exactly?

The image of the couch came to mind. Was he just trying to have sex with me? Were guys really that manipulative? And if he was then why waste his time on me when there were easier girls to chase after? I didn't get it at all. I was still thinking through all this when Mal appeared. His hands were hidden behind his back.

"Close your eyes and lift up your hair."

I stared at him. He rolled his eyes.

"I'm trying to be nice. Just do it."

I closed my eyes and pulled up my hair like he said. I heard him walk behind me. I felt his hands brush across my neck gently and something small and cold rested against my chest.

"Okay, open."

I looked down to see a small, round silver locket. It had an intricate rose design etched into the surface. I tried to open it but it seemed stuck.

"It won't open." Mal said. I must have looked confused because he continued. "Let me clarify. It won't open yet. It's... special. It only opens when you really need it."

"So, when will I need it?"

He smiled. "When it opens, of course."

I rolled my eyes. "And what exactly is inside?"

"Think of it as..." he thought for a second, "a lifeline. There's an inscription inside. Just read it and I'll be there."

"Oh God, is this some kind of spy camera?"

"No!" He gave an exasperated sigh and ruffled his hair. "Look. I know at times I'm not the best guy, but I... care about what happens to you. It sounds like things have been tough in your life lately." I opened my mouth but he held up his hand to stop me. "Yes, I know that's probably my fault too, but... I promise I'm not trying to fuck up your life. Just have you think for yourself a little. So, let's call this a birthday-peace-offering-get-out-of-jail-free-card-all-in-one gift, okay?"

"That's... kind of a mouthful." I said smiling. "Why don't we stick with gift."

He nodded and reached out to stroke my cheek.

"Just... stop letting everyone lead you around, Angel. And yes, I'm including me in that. I know my boundaries aren't great, so don't be afraid to put me in my place either." He paused and smiled. "Whether you meant it or not it was kind of nice to have you stand up to me outside the bar. It's kinda hot when you yell at me."

I rolled my eyes. "You're so weird."

"Everyone loves a freak."

We both laughed. I looked down again at the locket. I wasn't sure exactly what he meant by anything he said, but either way, it was a nice gift. I ran my fingertips along the surface. I felt the small etchings in the smooth silver. I looked up to see him smiling at me. It wasn't like his normal smile though, this one was kind and gentle.

"I think I like this Mal better." I said softly. "You should let him out more often."

"And which Mal is that, Angel?"

"The one who drops all the rebel, bad boy crap."

"What if it's not crap? What if Father Daddy's right and I'm just a bad guy with bad intentions."

I shook my head and my hand went to the locket again. "Bad people don't care about hurting others."

"I never used to." His voice sounded thoughtful.

The room suddenly seemed a little brighter. As I looked at the small gap in the curtain I noticed the colors of early morning.

I looked at the clock. "What time is it?"

"Late. Early. Either way, I'll walk you home."

I'd sobered a little bit while we'd been talking, but was still unsteady. Mal put his arm around me and helped steady me out the door. We walked in silence the whole time. Watching as the earliest rays of light transformed the forest from terrifying to magical. I could see the back of the church's garden just ahead. Mal stopped suddenly. I looked at him, but he stayed silent. He seemed to be thinking of something. I figured I could walk the rest of the way myself. I pulled away from his arm and he seemed surprised.

"Thanks, Mal. For everything."

I started walking away.

"Venus!" I turned. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I meant what I said earlier. I'm not trying to fuck up your life, so... I'll stay away so you don't get in trouble with Father Daddy." I opened my mouth but he continued. "Just promise me you'll do what we talked about. Don't let people lead you around. Not him, not me, not anyone."

I nodded.

"And one more thing." He said, looking away. "Like I said, I'm not really a church person, but I know what it's like to want to run away and leave your problems behind. If the church can't do that for you... well, just know that you're always welcome to come to my place. Chill, vent, whatever. My door's always open."

I smiled and walked over to him. He looked uncomfortable. I think this was the first time I'd ever seen him anything less than completely confident and in control. Yes, I liked this Mal much better. I reached out and put my hand on his cheek. He seemed shocked.

"Venus, are you still drunk?"

I shook my head and leaned in. I kissed his cheek softly. He smiled.

"I thought I said to stop with the flirting."

I shrugged. "Fuck the rules. I make my own now."

He covered his mouth to try to hold in his laughter. His shoulders shook silently. After a minute he composed himself.

"Okay, fine. It does sound lame." He looked toward the garden. "Get some rest, Angel."

I nodded and we parted ways. I walked back to the cottage. It would still be another hour or so until Father Andrew got up. Exhaustion hit my body as soon as I passed through the door. I took of what was left of my costume and tossed it in the trash.

Was this my best birthday or my worst? I really couldn't tell. I laid on the bed. Sleep crept up on me fast. So much had happened in so little time. Was Mal messing with me or not? I still didn't know for sure, but I was certain now that he wasn't a bad person. I still didn't know what to do about Father Andrew, or what I wanted to do about the convent, but whatever I did would be my choice.

I was still a firm believer in God and His word. I would not stray from a path devoted to Him, but now I would make my own way. Nun, wife, mother, or simply a devout follower. The choice was mine to make. If He helps to guide us then I was sure he had led Mal to me. To help me break free and find my true self.

In the world between reality and dream, I smelled the faint scent of firewood, the taste of sweet wine still rested on my tongue, a raspy laugh echoed in my ears, and the smooth surface of the locket pressed into my skin. I was somewhere safe.