6

“What?” Jim almost screamed on the other end when he heard Angel's whole story being said while holding back her tears. “What's going on in Dave's brain?”

Angel took a deep breath. “I just don't know why he's acting like that, Jim. He really has changed, unlike the one we know him to be. He… I'm almost certain that he… hates me.”

“Hate you?” Jim sighed softly. Angel could almost imagine the man shaking his head on the other side. “I really can't imagine that he hates you, Angel. His gentle demeanor, his kindness, his loving gaze on you at that time, everything seemed sincere.” Jim's voice turned concerned. “Are you okay, Angel? Should I pick you up?”

“No need, Jim!” Angel exclaimed quickly. “At first I thought that Dave was jealous of you, of us.”

“That's ridiculous! You should have told him that I—”

“Well, he didn't