Hollywood Secret Garden

Chapter 57: The Feeling of Seeing a Ghost

Night descended upon the earth once again, and the town of Napa Valley gradually embraced its peaceful stillness a tranquility often absent in bustling cities. However, Angela found herself unable to succumb to sleep her eyes wide open, fixated on the ceiling above.

It had been an eventful day for her as she roamed the town alongside Avril and her friends, embarking on an exploration that spanned every corner of Napa Valley. Angela had originally intended to depart in the afternoon, hesitant to face Avril. She finally recognized her as the future music star. It felt utterly shameless to be in her presence while harboring the knowledge of plagiarizing her future creations.

Why am I so foolish? Angela's internal sigh echoed in her thoughts. She should have realized the truth when she introduced herself at the waterfall. But why couldn't she respond appropriately? If it weren't for the suspicions that arose after Halloween, she might never have ventured to this small place.

Yet, she reminded herself that it wasn't entirely her fault. This round-faced little girl, devoid of her signature long hair and iconic dark circles, proved challenging to recognize.

Angela attempted to shift her position, but upon seeing Avril soundly asleep clinging to her like a koala bear, she decided to set aside the idea for the time being. If it weren't for Avril's persistent pleas, Angela would have already been on her way back to New York.

It was nearly impossible for Angela to refuse Avril's requests, especially considering the strong relationship she had developed with her godfather Brian. Thus, the situation had unfolded as it was now.

Avril's sleeping posture was far from optimal. Angela gently nudged her head against Avril's chest, yet there was no response. She attempted to remove Avril's hand that rested on her shoulder, but as soon as she did Avril mumbled a few times and clung even tighter, her knee that had been resting on Angela's thigh shifting and firmly planting itself between Angela's legs.

"Damn it!" Angela whispered under her breath, feeling both embarrassed and flustered. She kicked her legs lightly in an attempt to create some distance, but after considering the potential consequences if she continued, she reluctantly gave up. Well, let's just stay like this until morning. If dark circles under her eyes do appear, she can always catch up on sleep in the car.

As Angela regained her composure, she let out a deep sigh and allowed her gaze to gently observe Avril, who lay atop her. 

Avril's face had a subtle smile, barely perceptible. She must be having a pleasant dream. Throughout the day, they engaged in numerous discussions about music. Although Avril was merely 7 or 8 years old, she already possessed ideas and glimpses of her future, even if they were not yet fully developed.

Angela was once again consumed by a sense of frustration that weighed heavily on her mind. She let out a deep sigh, feeling a profound sense of uncertainty. 

Jessica, Kate, Aunt Rowena, Avril... they all had their own aspirations and goals to pursue. But what about her? What did she truly want? 

She appeared remarkable in the present, even earning the label of a gifted, almost a genius girl. However, all of this was rooted in her past memories. 

Without them, she would be nothing more than an ignorant girl from a privileged family potentially succumbing to vices like alcohol, indulgence, and promiscuity as she entered high school, becoming a symbol of moral decay, akin to the heir of a certain hotel.

At this moment, Angela genuinely didn't know what she desired deep within her heart. In truth, this question had plagued her throughout her previous life for over four decades, with no answer in sight. She realized her profound inadequacy in that regard.

It was clear that Angela in her current state, had not fully grasped or perhaps only had a partial understanding of the true distinctions between men and women. Despite having experienced thirty years as a man and eleven years as a woman, she found herself blurring the lines between the two. 

Yet, there was no need to worry. When the time came, even if she still couldn't fully comprehend, she wouldn't subconsciously avoid it as she did now.

However, even if certain things are consciously avoided, they can still manifest through the more dominant subconscious mind. In the present moment, Angela suddenly became aware that one of her hands was resting on Avril's back while the other... was positioned on her lower body.

Avril wore a round-necked shirt on top, but only a cute Winnie the Pooh underwear on the bottom. Angela's hand on her back could distinctly feel the softness of Avril's little bottom.

Panic surged through Angela, and she desperately wanted to remove her hand. Despite her intentions in her mind, her hand remained unmoved. The situation felt incredibly ambiguous, with their bodies pressed tightly together, and the thin sleepwear allowing them to sense the warmth and smoothness of each other's skin. 

If Angela were a man in this moment, then... No, no, no! Such thoughts were too bestial and utterly inappropriate, especially with a young girl. It was unbelievable that such a notion even crossed her mind.

Angela made continuous efforts to banish these impure thoughts from her mind. However, unbeknownst to her, her head was gradually drawing closer to Avril's. When she finally snapped back to her senses, she found herself face to face with Avril's sleeping visage. 

In the dim light, the slight upturn of Avril's lips seemed to exude an irresistible charm. And at that moment, an intense surge from the depths of Angela's heart overcame all rational thinking, compelling her to press her lips against Avril's.

...

"Do you truly have nothing, Angela?" Avril asked hesitantly. 

Angela's obvious dark circles deeply concerned her. When she woke up that morning, she found herself clinging to Angela like an octopus, and Angela appeared half-asleep with her eyes half-opened. 

It was clear that Angela had been tormented throughout the night, explaining her restless tossing and turning while clutching the teddy bear in her dream. Yet, Avril recalled that she had dreamt of kissing the teddy bear. Hopefully, she hadn't left any traces of saliva on Angela.

"It's alright, dear Avril. Don't worry, I'm glad to have come to see you," Angela smiled wearily and opened the car door, tossing her backpack inside.

"Okay, then... have a safe journey," Avril said, biting her lip.

"Thank you," Angela smiled, recalling something before getting into the car. She turned back and said, "Remember our promise."

"Of course!" Avril exclaimed happily, but quickly closed her mouth, noticing her parents' presence. Luckily, they didn't seem to notice and both of them chuckled.

"Goodbye, I will come to see you again," Angela hugged Avril, then got into the car, with Brian, her godfather, joining her in the driver's seat.

As they said their goodbyes to the family, the car pulled onto the street and began its journey. They drove onward, gradually putting more distance between them and the Lavigne family. Even from afar, they could still make out Avril's figure waving her hand.

"It appears that the two of you have formed a strong bond. It's quite remarkable considering it's only your second meeting," Brian, who was driving, teased with a playful tone as he glanced at Angela through the rearview mirror.

"You always say I can make friends wherever I go," Angela shrugged, letting out a big yawn.

"It seems like you two stayed up talking late into the night," Brian shook his head, then pointed to the back. "Cover yourself with the blanket and get some sleep. We'll head back to New York once you wake up."

"Okay, I understand," Angela replied as she retrieved the thin blanket from the rear window. She removed her coat and covered herself with the blanket, closing her eyes.

Finally, a respite from restlessness. Will she be able to find peace in her sleep? She pondered, contemplating the tremors that seemed to course through her body. 

It had occurred with Jessica at school, with Lindsay on Halloween, with Kate in Edinburgh, and most intensely last night. Could it be because the first three instances were passive, while this time she had taken the initiative? Just the thought of Avril's tender little mouth left her breathless. 

Was she becoming a pervert?

Angela's inner turmoil was a chaotic mess. She struggled to find a reason and whenever she thought she had one, her thoughts inexplicably veered in a different direction. She felt a sense of frustration toward herself, combined with overwhelming fatigue, and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

When she woke up again, it was already past noon and the car continued to move at a slow pace. Brian, her godfather, appeared to be on the phone. 

Angela reluctantly lifted herself from her seat, opened her eyes, and overheard Brian saying, "Don't worry, we're almost in New York. I'll take her to Mr. Kleist's place and they'll arrange her flight. You can rest assured now. Oh, the little one is awake. Would you like to speak to her directly?"

Before Angela could fully comprehend the situation, Brian had already handed her the wireless phone. "Dear, your mom is on the line. Apparently, a director in Paris is looking for you."

Paris?! Angela's senses immediately sharpened, snapping her out of her dazed state. Could it be... She cautiously took the phone.

"Hi, Mom... Yes, I understand... I'll return soon... Paris... Hmm, is it Luc Besson, the director?... Yes, that's my project, but it's not yet complete... Alright, got it. Love you, Mom!"

After hanging up, Angela let out a wry smile and rubbed her temples. Talent scouts and an unexpected trip to Paris. Why did she have to reveal so much?

"Another script," Brian remarked disapprovingly as he continued driving. "And it's for Luc Besson, who seems quite interested. Chris, what's going on in your head?"

Angela, possessing the soul of a 30-year-old Chinese male, wanted to retort, but instead, she let out a sigh and said, "Dear godfather, let's head back to New York as quickly as possible. I need... to return home immediately."

What should she do? Will Natalie vanish because of this?