1 His Guardian Angel

Her hands shook, along with the gun that was held.

"Jade… why are you doing this?" He asked. Dan froze. He held out his hand, motioning to her to put the gun down.

Jade's eyes were defiant. They burned with a fire he had never seen, and it was something that struck fear to his core.

She stared at him coldly. Tears streamed down her fair face. She bit her lower lip, still quivering as she held the arsenal, aiming at his head instead of his heart. She needed it; she was dying for Dan's heart.

"You don't know half the things I've done, Dan. You don't know the hurt I'd gone through for you. Your heart… I need it. I must have your heart," she started, her voice breaking. If only he could see her efforts. He'd give his heart willingly.

"Jade, please. Put the gun down. We'll talk. Just put it down," he said slowly. Sweats of fear began to roll down his forehead, blurring his vision. But he could see her, clear as the night itself. He still saw Jade's beauty as the moonlight silhoutted her beautiful features in the dark alley. He knew it was tragic to admire her under such circumstances.

Slowly, she withdrew the gun. Instead, she put it to her temple, her hands now shaking more violently than before.

"No, Jade, don't. Stop it, please," Dan begged. "Just put it down. We'll figure this out together if you just tell me-"

"No!" she interrupted. She was sobbing now. Her whole body was shaking. She'd never felt so vulnerable, to herself and others.

"I can't live like this anymore!" she yelled. "You wouldn't understand. I did all I could to get you here. I was your guardian angel but you never even noticed me!"

Her finger tightened on the trigger. There was no other way. Either she had him, or she'd rather lose herself.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make you see, Dan…" she whispered. It was so soft he could barely hear. "I wish I could… I'm sorry… Goodbye, Dan."

Before she could hear Dan yell her name, she pulled the trigger.