Tag Archives: The Dark Angel

April 18, 2014

‘Petals’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

Petals drift softly upon the breeze; they twirl, they dance,
they float, they soar

The day you were born to me was the day I knew
you were lost to me

Glorious in pale pink, flushed deeper on your edges,
how you outshone the others

You began to drift away, I reached for you,
but there were so many

You sang as you lifted high upon the current,
free from my arms at last

Then the air stilled, you spiraled downward and I,
stiff with age, could do nothing

You settled in a soft plume of vibrant green,
a lush cushion to rest upon

I watched, I smiled, then a moistened drop of dew fell,
followed by another

The torrent began, you were trampled by the onslaught
and I wept for your pain

The sun shines once more, I see tattered pieces
of beauty all around me

I know you are among them, with that
I will rest easy

Welcome to my April AtoZ Blog Challenge post! I hope you enjoyed my ramble, and come back for more! Don’t forget to visit the other bloggers participating by clicking on the badge to the right, or simply using this link. :}

9 Comments | tags: 2014 AtoZChallenge, Blog hop, flash fiction, Nina D'Arcangela, P, Petals, Sotet Angyal, The Dark Angel | posted in 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge, loss, pain, Reflections, Writing

April 17, 2014

‘Once’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

Do I know you? Certainly I’ve seen you somewhere before? Your face is so familiar, but I can’t quite place it. It seems I should, know you that is. I remember now – your eyes. I’ve seen your eyes before, bright and glistening; dancing shades of blue and green with a hint of ocher when the sunlight strikes them so. Beautiful, your eyes; but something else as well – something deeper, something hidden. You mask it well, the pain, the sorrow, the dejection; the overwhelming regret. You’ve a knack for such things, don’t you? Constructing an elaborate veil to keep the world at bay? But eyes, they reveal what lives within if one is honest enough to look. I always remember a set of eyes; particularly ones guarding wounds so old yet still so raw. Yes, I’ve seen your eyes before, though it seems I choose to forget this particular set until the mirror forces me to see their grief once more.

12 Comments | tags: 2014 AtoZChallenge, Blog hop, flash fiction, Nina D'Arcangela, O, Once, Sotet Angyal, The Dark Angel | posted in 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge, Flash, Flash Fiction, loss, muse, pain, Reflections, Writing

April 16, 2014

‘Noise’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

Legs dangling from the tiny wooden foot bridge, the drift of the brook carries my feet afloat. The air is damp and heavy this evening with a cloying fog left behind by the rains.

On warm summer nights like this, I often sleep on the screened porch so that I can hear the rain drum on the tin roof, feel its spray through the mesh covering the windows. When the rain stops, I wander without shoe or sock in the damp meadow bordering our small parcel. Beyond the meadow lies the thinning perimeter of a forest; tall, young birch trees skirting the edge. A dirt path leads to the foot bridge, the feel of damp earth on my feet a texture I enjoy as much as the wet grass. Sitting on the bridge in my pajama shorts and tank top, damp hair clinging to my face, I let the current stroke my feet clean.

Hearing a faint noise, I turn but can barely see the handrail of the bridge itself, let alone any farther. I dismiss it as a curious animal emerging from its den after the downpour. I hear nothing further, but the small hairs on the back of my neck begin to rise. I turn again, expecting to find something or someone upon me. Again, nothing is there. I refuse to be spooked by my own imagination. After several minutes, I neither hear nor feel anything further.

Legs still dangling, I lay back and rest on the wooded planks of the bridge. The late hour, calming fog, and soothing water conspire to lull me to sleep. I wake – after how long, I don’t know, but I notice the forest is eerily quiet, unnaturally so.

Pushing to my elbows, I wipe a hand across my face to clear my own inner fog. I catch movement out of the corner of my eye. Whispering a tentative hello, I pull my legs up, but they don’t seem to want to work. Still focused in the direction of the movement, I reach down with my left hand to rub the feeling back into my limbs. I feel slick wood, slicker than it should be, but nothing else. Shocking paralysis grasps me by the throat; I go dead still, unable to move. Finally, my head obeys and pivots to look downward. Blood gushes from my severed knees, I stare in shock and disbelief, but still I feel no pain. Then I hear it, a growling that begins not from behind me, but from below me. I watch as it rises from the water and continues to grow in size. My voice once again finds me, and as I begin to scream; the low growl morphs to an enraged shriek.

8 Comments | tags: 2014 AtoZChallenge, Blog hop, flash fiction, N, Nina D'Arcangela, Noise, Sotet Angyal, The Dark Angel | posted in 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge, darkness, Flash, Flash Fiction, Horror, Writing

April 15, 2014

‘Memory’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

Why does a building in ruin speak so directly to me? What allure does a dank, musty corridor hold that a newer structure lacks? Beyond being one who embraces her wanderlust, I’m also drawn to the decay and sense of abandonment such places effuse. What stories have they to tell, what past once thrived within the now crumbling walls? What of the soul that may still canvas the lonely walkways? How do I turn my back on the call, look away when something begs to be seen? How am I to fight the desire to lay my eyes on what has long since gone unnoticed, unwanted, unwelcome? Perhaps I’m not meant to turn and walk away. Perhaps I’m one of the few who must see, must feel, must know what such a place wishes to whisper. Am I to consider myself a chronicler of all things forgotten, one who sits in judgment of those who haven’t a care? Or am I to realize that what has been abandoned, pushed to the side, lost and discarded recognizes me as a similar breed and is reaching out so that somewhere, somehow, something will retain a memory of me?

16 Comments | tags: 2014 AtoZChallenge, Blog hop, flash fiction, M, Memory, Nina D'Arcangela, Sotet Angyal, The Dark Angel | posted in 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge, darkness, Flash, Flash Fiction, muse, pain, Quirky, Writing

April 14, 2014

‘Last’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

The day has come, I’m not quite sure I’m ready. I hear him moving on the wooden floor-boards above. He’s changing his clothes; dressing to play the part. A day, an hour, a moment longer, that’s all I need to say my goodbye; but then, is there ever enough time to lose the one you love? The back buzzer sounds, the last bit of my solitude drifts away. I open my eyes. Sunlight streams through the curtains, it illuminates the subtle cream tones of the room with sheer radiance. I hear him descend the steps, pass the guest area and head for the service entrance. My heart breaks one final time before the day intrudes.

As I hear them rustling in the hall, I close my eyes once more and draw deeply of the air. Roses. More roses are arriving, and orchids – they smell of coconut, and warm vanilla. As the florist brings them in, I can’t help but gush, it’s all so beautiful! A riot of colors and odors that mingle as he artfully spreads them throughout the room. Alstroemerias arrive next, they are beyond stunning – the huge cascades crafted in what she knows are my favorite shades. A surprise, a parting gift.

The final piece is carried in. It is exactly as we discussed, but more beautiful than I dared to hope. A magnificent spray of the darkest midnight-purple Calla Lillies masterfully arranged with nine strands of crystals representing her tears; one for each year we spent together. Each miniature flower a work of art, the entire arrangement a blanket of love to warm my coffin.

16 Comments | tags: 2014 AtoZChallenge, Blog hop, flash fiction, L, Last, Nina D'Arcangela, Sotet Angyal, The Dark Angel | posted in 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge, Flash, Flash Fiction, Gift, loss, pain, Writing

April 12, 2014

‘Kick’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

Slamming her head into the window, he hears it shatter with a resounding crack. “Look what you made me do? You think I’m made of money, huh?” She cringes as his boot comes up, landing in her gut. Gasping for air, spitting up blood and the remains of her meal, she reaches for a piece of the cracked glass; stumbling and unsteady. “What? You gonna stab me now? F’ing tramp!” She drops the sliver, tries to apologize, but the rage in his eyes is beyond reason. She curls in on herself to protect her already battered body. Instead of the expected kick, he slams his elbows down onto her bent neck. The crunch of bone is unmistakable.

12 Comments | tags: 2014 AtoZChallenge, Blog hop, flash fiction, K, Kick, Nina D'Arcangela, Sotet Angyal, The Dark Angel | posted in 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge, Flash, Flash Fiction, Horror, pain

April 11, 2014

‘Joke’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

Hey :] I hope your hip is doing better, not hurting as

much as earlier. I worked until 10 tonight, grabbed

a quick bite and now I’m in bed reading. How’s your

night going? It’s the usual here – the house is dead

silent now. The doorbell was acting up earlier, so I

yelled at it to stop. It’s hasn’t chimed since. :] The

door to the green room kept shutting too, the cats

were growling at it, but they seem to have settled

down, so has the door… it always stops when the

front door –the one that doesn’t lock anymore –

when I hear it unlock, the knob turn, the door gently

shut, and the lock reengage. I know you don’t believe

me, but none of the other doors open with a skeleton

key, the sound is distinct. Anyway, the smell of smoke is

dissipating… the cigarette smoke, not the pipe tobacco.

The cherry scent is still hanging in the air, probably will

be until you get home. Sorry, I know I’m rambling, but

you know how I hate having to text you goodnight. No

blame –I know you didn’t pick the nightshift, but still…

Anyway, I guess I should say goodnight since that‘s why

I texted. Try to have a good one and I’ll see you in the

morn if I haven’t left by the time you get in. Night hun!

Love ya boo-boo-bear!! :]

Ahhh… I think you may have the wrong number…

Oh, I’m so sorry! I hope I didn’t wake you!

No, you didn’t wake me – I’m a night owl. I

know I’m not ‘boo-boo bear’,

but your message was a little odd.

Do you need help?

Help? No, well yes, but not the kind you mean anyway.

I’m so sorry to have disturbed you. I’m Trish, btw.

I’m no more disturbed now than before

your text. Get it, it’s a joke?

I got it – clever.

Is ‘boo-boo bear’ your boyfriend?

Yeah, we’ve been together for a few years now.

He works at the Budweiser plant near the airport.

Oh, so you work days, he wrks nights?

I’m Todd.

NTMY Todd. Something like that. Since we’re

talking, what are you doing up so late?

Watching a marathon on the Horror

network. They’re ramping up for the

latest FD film that’s coming out –lots

of slasher flicks on tonight.

No way! I love those movies. Which one are

you watching? No – wait, hang on… Sweet!

I love the scene where his

head gets sliced apart by the falling glass!

lol – you’re into horror/slasher flims?

Yeah, love ‘em.

So that stuff you were saying about your house,

is that some kind of joke?

Hmmm, joke? No, it really happens.

The place is haunted out the ass.

…uhhh…

Oh, gosh – I’m sorry, are you like,

born again or something?

lmfao – no, it’s not that – swear all you

want – it’s just kinda odd to get a

wrong text at three in the morning from a girl

living in a haunted house while

you’re watching horror movies,

don’t ya think? – lots of coincidence

there. lol

Mmmm, maybe. I don’t believe

in coincidence.

Okayyyyy… What do you call it then?

If shit is meant to happen, it does. Oh damn!

The elevator scene! Yesssss!

*squeals in delight*

TFF – weirdest ‘non-coincidence’ I’ve ever

had. Your number didn’t come up

on my phone – do you live near the airport?

Nope, about an hour north.

Me too! Where abouts?

I’m in Bergen.

So am I… maybe we can catch the premier

together?

Oh, dang! The pipe scene where it juts through his

head. Don’t you love it when they take the time

to trickle blood out the end. Sick!

Uhm, yeah – I do. And the gore stuck to the

front of the pipe is a nice touch. lol

So true – only armatures miss that part! Great film,

I’m kinda glad I miss ‘texted’ you. ;]

Yeah, me too. You never said what town

you’re in?

Town?

Yeah, where are you mis-texting me from? lol

I’m in Emerson :]

No friggin way… me too! How f’d up is that?

I know…

Right, completely wacked!

No, I mean I know you’re in Emerson.

How do you know that? lol –

did the house tell you?

*giggling* No, silly… turn around and look out

your window.

Oh, shit! You scared the crap out of me!

Come on, open the window before I fall off the

roof… and what is this crap about you taking

another girl to the premier?

…uhm…

Brian… Brian! I swear, if you don’t

open this window!

Whose boo-boo-bear?

Whaaaa? I mean, WTF?

Boo-boo-bear, who is he?

*pissed*

OMG -YGTBFKM – you know there is no boo-boo-bear!

It was a joke! You don’t believe me? UFR!

Seriously?!?

Maybe you better call boo-boo-bear before

you fall – those tiles are slick.

I know, I climbed up! *huff* …Brian! Brian!

………..

Brian! Brian? Brian…

18 Comments | tags: 2014 AtoZChallenge, Blog hop, flash fiction, J, Joke, Nina D'Arcangela, Sotet Angyal, The Dark Angel | posted in 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge, Flash, Horror, muse, Quirky, Writing

April 10, 2014

‘Information Desk’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

For the second time that day, his cell phone rang with an unknown number. Annoyed, he answered. It was the hospital calling to say his son had been in a minor accident and had broken his arm.

Having arrived at St. John’s Medical Center, he stormed the information desk demanding to know where his son could be found. He gave his last name and after a frustratingly long wait, was handed a visitor’s pass and directions to the Critical Care Unit. Utterly confused by the ward assignment, but terrified, he ran through the corridors until he finally shoved his way through the CCU doors. Other than the sound of beeping monitors and a few muffled sobs coming from behind closed curtains, all was very hushed and quiet within. His son was sitting in a chair off to the side – cast on his right arm, eye blackened, head swathed in bandages. He rushed to the boy and hugged him until he heard a small gasp of pain. “Thank God you’re alright. What happened, bud? Why are you in CCU? Where’s your mother?”

“Mr. Seftling?” As he turned, he saw a large nurse standing behind him.

He rose to his feet and answered, “Yes, I’m Robert Seftling.”

“Please, sir, come with me. We need to speak in private,” her eyes shifted to the waiting child.

Glancing back at his son, he was confused. “I don’t understand.”

She looked at him with great sympathy in her eyes. “Sir, Robbie suffered a nasty fall, but he’ll mend in no time. Now please, step over here for a moment.” Without waiting for his approval, she firmly grasped his upper arm and guided him farther down the hall, out of the boy’s range of hearing.

“It’s regarding your wife. The hospital contacted her at 2:37 p.m. to report Robbie’s accident. I’m afraid that in her rush to get here, Mrs. Seftling suffered an accident of her own.” As a tear formed in the hardened nurse’s eye, he knew; she was gone. He looked back at his son, dropped his eyes to the floor and barely nodded. Clearing her throat, the nurse continued, “She was apparently traveling on Route 391 when her car careened off the road. It took the rescue crew over an hour to reach…”

Interrupting her, he simply said, “Please… stop.”

Pausing for a moment, she allowed the news to take root before placing a gentler hand upon his shoulder. For the first time in twenty-three years as a CCU nurse, she allowed the tears to come. She barely spoke above a whisper. “Someone has been waiting to speak with you.” She gestured with her head to a young man still partially dressed in a fireman’s uniform. The man got up and walked over while the nurse returned to her station.

Fumbling with the straps on his overalls, the young man began, “I… I was the last one to speak with your wife, sir. She asked me… she wanted me to… she was weak, but made me promise to give you a message.”

Robert wanted to reach out and choke the younger man, grab him, hug him, scream and yell his fury; his devastated rage. This man was his final link to his wife. Again, Robert nodded his head as his world collapsed in on him.

“She told me her name was June, said it was important that I repeat her name for you to understand. Even in the condition she was… well, even after what’d happened, she was calm, almost sweet, reminded me of my own… Anyway, she asked me to tell you she was sorry.” Looking uncomfortable, the young fireman shuffled from foot to foot. When it became obvious the other man wasn’t going to respond, there was nothing more to do but leave. He ruffled Robbie’s hair as he passed him and walked out the doors.

A brief smile flickered across Robert’s face; her name wasn’t June. It had been a running joke between them for years. Her name was Nan – just Nan, not Nancy or Anita or anything else Nan might have stood for, and she hated it. So he’d always called her June as a reminder of the month they’d met; his June-bug was saying goodbye.

Turning back, he walked to Robbie and gently grasped his left hand. “Come on, kiddo.”

The nurse began to approach him again, “Sir, there are some forms the hospital needs you to sign. We can’t release…”

He waved her off and managed to croak out, “We have no one else. I’ll come back tomorrow, if that’s alright?” He glanced down at his son.

With pinched lips and a smudge of mascara on her cheek, she placed the clipboard back on the counter top and mouthed, I’m so very sorry…

He knew there would be tear-filled goodbyes, paperwork to be handled, arrangement to be made; but not right now. Now he needed to take Robbie home and somehow make him understand his mommy wasn’t coming back.

(part two of two… yesterday, ‘H’, was part one)

16 Comments | tags: 2014 AtoZChallenge, Blog hop, flash fiction, I, Information, Nina D'Arcangela, Sotet Angyal, The Dark Angel | posted in 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge, Flash, Flash Fiction, loss, pain, Writing

April 9, 2014

‘Hairpin’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

Please, oh please, oh please, was all she could think as she raced to reach the hospital. The call had come nearly thirteen minutes ago. She’d dropped everything and ran from the house. It was a beautiful summer day; he’d asked if he could ride his bike with the neighboring boys. It was a big moment for him; they’d never invited him along before. There was no reason to say no – she was so proud to see her little man growing up.

Oh, God! He just learned to ride last month, I should never have said yes! Her own thoughts tugged at her as she narrowly missed being crushed by a semi hauling lumber as she darted around a slow moving car in her lane. She panicked the moment she heard his name, she didn’t listen to the rest of what the nurse had said. All that mattered was getting to Robbie.

BWWAAHHH! A blaring horn interrupted her thoughts. She was rounding a hairpin turn in the outside lane passing yet another car when she looked over at the driver. He was trying to signal her; swinging his arms wildly as he screamed from inside his own vehicle. She glanced forward just in time to see a cement truck bearing down on her at full speed. Slamming the brakes and yanking the wheel hard to the left, she saw a flash of metal just before her tires left the road.

The car tumbled down the wooded mountainside. As it careened off trees and rocks, the sound of shattering glass and screeching metal was a symphony of noise in the cramped interior. Mouth stretched open; the violent downward motion choked back her scream. Time seemed to slow to a crawl, what took mere seconds turned into infinity as she watched through the cracked windshield. The car eventually came to rest in the ravine; all was silent inside.

(part one of two… tomorrow, ‘I’, will be part two)

18 Comments | tags: 2014 AtoZChallenge, Blog hop, flash fiction, H, Hairpin, Nina D'Arcangela, Sotet Angyal, The Dark Angel | posted in 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge, Flash, Flash Fiction, loss, pain, Writing

April 8, 2014

‘Grass’ #AtoZChallenge

By Nina D'Arcangela

I’ll sing to you, my love, a song so sweet it will echo for eternity. I long to be near you, but you’ve been taken away to a place I cannot follow. Our hopes and dreams now only memory. I mourn the loss of each cherished moment, each impassioned embrace. I come to this field, run my fingers through the dewy grass as the sun arrives; bask in the shadows as the day retreats. I reach for you, much as I reach for the times we’ll never share again, yet always my hand strikes this vile marker placed above your grace. Still, I feel your radiant smile as I sing; it broadens with each blush upon my cheek. My heart in your hands, as yours is in mine, always.