Angel

33

“I THINK I found something,” Maya said, looking intently at the computer screen.

The rest of the gang had gone out for lunch, but Fang had wanted to stay behind to research the Doomsday Group and update his blog. More news stories on the group had been popping up by the hour, and the Internet was exploding with posts about this hip new “earth cleanse.”

To his surprise, Maya had volunteered to stay with him.

“Check it out. These aren’t whitecoats, Fang. They’re kids. All of them.”

“No way.” Fang leaned over her shoulder, reminding himself to keep it light. They were just doing research. He didn’t have to think about her sweet smile or the sound of her voice.

“Seriously,” she scrolled down. “I’m getting hits for ‘Doomsday Group’ literally all over the globe. It’s gone viral on the Net just since yesterday.” She opened a new window. “And check this out. All these kids are posting about the enhanced generation. They’re babbling about a future world of clones,” she whispered. “It’s so messed up.”

Fang nodded, raising his wings a little. “I get it. Believe me.”

“You actually don’t get it,” Maya said, turning away from him. “You think we’re alike because we’ve both been genetically engineered, because we both have wings.” She got up and began pacing. “But I’m a clone. Can you even fathom what that’s like? To be made from someone else? Someone who still exists?”

Fang’s throat felt dry. What was he supposed to say?

“You are different, Maya. You can still be you,” he said lamely. She laughed bitterly—clearly, that hadn’t been the right thing to say.

“You mean I can be her,” she said. He started to protest, but she shook her head. “I’ve seen those brooding looks. And you know… you’re great.” Fang felt a pang. “But do you think I don’t know why you look at me that way? I know you want me to be her. Everyone has always wanted me to be her. But I can’t. I’m just… me.”

She looked up at him seeming totally vulnerable despite how amazingly powerful she was. But she was right. She’d always be a bit like Max to him. And Fang, despite his wrecked heart, almost couldn’t keep himself from kissing her. Thankfully, before he could screw up in such a royal way, the gang burst through the door, howling and armed with…

Cheez Whiz.