Dan couldn't shake off the feeling that he had a deep connection with Angel from the moment they met. He had always been reserved, but there was something about Angel that made him feel like he could be himself.
He decided to try to understand her, to figure out what drew him to her. He started observing her from afar, noticing how she interacted with others and the changes in her behavior after their encounter in the dark classroom.
Angel was clearly troubled, her mind consumed by thoughts as she struggled to make sense of her new reality.
"Sweetheart, what's wrong? You've been down lately, and it's worrying me," Mr. Gabriel said to his daughter, who looked lost.
"I just need some time to process everything, Dad," Angel replied, forcing a weak smile.
At school, her friends tried to lift her spirits, but she remained subdued. Isabel stood beside Dan, who watched Angel walk quietly, a shadow of her usual self.
After one of Angel's classes, Dan suddenly grasped her arm and led her to an empty classroom. "Angel, what's bothering you?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Angel looked taken aback. "What did I do to—"
"You were crying and sobbing, and you mentioned something about adoption," Dan said, his eyes locked on hers. "Tell me about it."
"Why should I?" Angel asked, surprised.
"I got interested in it and now I want to know," Dan said, his face stoic.
"No, I won't," Angel replied, still looking perplexed.
"Well, Isabel is planning something, and I've heard it's about you," Dan said. "I'm the only one who can stop her. So, what would you prefer? Tell me what's going on or face Isabel."
"Okay, let's sit down," Angel said, taking a seat. Dan sat beside her, his eyes fixed on hers.
"I recently found out that my dad is not my biological father," Angel said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's my uncle, and my parents are deceased. I'm still trying to come to terms with it."
"Is he the man who drives you to school?" Dan asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"How did you know?" Angel asked, surprised.
"I told you, I'm interested in knowing what really happened," Dan replied, his expression unreadable.
"You're kind of mysterious," Angel said, studying him.
"You're lucky," Dan said, his stoic facade cracking slightly. "He treats you well, despite not being your biological father. I'm sure he loves you deeply."
"I wish I was adopted," Dan said, his voice barely audible. "At least then I would understand why I'm treated differently."
"Why would you say that?" Angel asked, curious.
"You'll find out tomorrow," Dan said, standing up. "Let's meet, same time, same place tomorrow."
As Dan walked out of the classroom, Angel was left sitting alone, lost in thought. A faint smile crossed her lips as she reflected on their conversation. She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of comfort in knowing that someone understood her struggles. With a newfound sense of determination, Angel exited the classroom.
Angel had been in a lighter mood since she had the conversation with Dan. She was full of curiosity, wondering why Dan would wish he was adopted and she couldn't wait to hear what he had to say.
Meanwhile, Dan had told Isabel and her friends that if they harm or plan anything against Angel and he finds out he would take it out on them.
Isabel, who was wondering why Dan would suddenly warn against bullying Angel, was secretly following Dan and she saw him walk into an empty class.
. . .
Angel walked into the empty classroom, her curiosity getting the better of her. She couldn't wait to hear what Dan had to say. Dan was already seated, looking calm and collected.
"So, tell me," Angel said, taking a seat beside him. "Why did you wish you were adopted?"
"Why are you so curious, have some patience," Dan said, looking at Angel.
"Well, I am also interested," Angel said with a smile.
Dan's expression turned somber, and he looked away for a moment before responding.
"It's just...my life isn't exactly perfect," Dan said, his voice barely above a whisper. "My parents treat me like I'm invisible, and the people who are supposed to care for me don't really seem to care."
Angel's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm sorry," she said, not knowing what else to say.
Dan shrugged. "It's not your fault. It's just...sometimes I feel like I'm all alone in this world."
Just then, the door burst open, and Isabel stormed in, her face twisted with rage.