Angela's Salvation Read Free

were amazed at what the next month would be like.  Angela would be flying out in the morning then staying as a guest in an exclusive hotel in sin city, all expenses paid, including a clothing allowance.  She would have lessons all during the day and photo shoots, and her only free time would be at night.
    The only regret Angela had was that Rachel couldn't stay with her.  She would have a roommate, it stipulated in the packet, and no outside guests were allowed.  "What am I supposed to do without you for an entire month," she worried frantically .
    "You're going to soak up all the experience you can and call me and let me know you're okay that's what."  Reaching over the table she squeezed her friend's hand.  "This is your chance, Angela, and I want you to promise me you'll give it everything you've got."  Today was the type of thing that made dreams come true she thought, and it couldn't have happened to a more deserving person.
    "I don't know if I can do this without you, Rach."  Rachel was the only constant in her life, and the thought of being without her was terrifying.  Yes, this was a dream come true, but she thought it would be with her best friend by her side.
    "One month Ang, and then we'll go from there."  She didn't like the idea of her best friend up there fending for herself anymore than she did, but this was an opportunity she refused to let her walk away from.  "You can do this honey, and just think of all the publicity and what that's going to lead toward."
    Rachel was seven years older and since the day they'd met she'd taken care of her.  The thought of being in a huge city without her was almost more than she was willing to give in order to live out a dream.  "I can't do this Rachel," biting her lip until it was painful, she wanted to return home and hide in her comfortable little sanctuary that she'd given her.
    "Damn it Ang, you can and will do this." Rachel was furious, not at her best friend, but at the people in her past that had done this to her.  She was such a beautiful, talented girl, and they had destroyed her self-esteem so badly that she couldn't see past what they'd made her think of herself.  "You will not let them win this time!" 
    For the last four years she'd worked her ass off to build up the self-confidence that piece of shit stepfather had taken from her with his abuse.  She didn't date, and any time she was alone she freaked out to the point she had anxiety attacks.  Even the counselor, for the few visits she could afford at mental health, had little success in taking away her fear.  The anxiety meds she took worked in an emergency, but it had been Rachel's constant presence that kept her calm enough to take the job at the bar and not freak out when anyone got out of line.
    She knew what life without Rachel was going to be like.  The constant nightmares, the fear that he'd find his way into her room, the overwhelming terror that made it hard to breathe when a man looked at her with any hint of desire.  She wasn't sure she could do this, but wanted to make Rachel happy at the same time.  "I'll try, Rach, that's all I can promise."  Even thinking about being alone, made her want to jump on the bus and head back home.
    "That's all I'd ever ask of you honey," finishing up their meal, they walked to the hotel.  This was going to be a huge month for Angela, and she sent up a silent prayer that God would watch over her since she wouldn't be there to hold her hand.
    Watching Rachel walk away was like seeing her lifeline disappear, and she made it up to the room she'd been given like it was death march.   All she had was the clothes on her back and the pills in her purse to make it through the night.  As she met her new roommate, she at least was happy that it wasn't one of those stuck up diva's that thought they ruled the world.
    "Isn't this the most exciting day of your entire life, I'm Lizzy Beaumont," she held out her hand wondering why the other young woman didn't