Just Friends

Chapter 30.

Ever since Gabe's panic attack, he made an effort to stay close to me. It was like he finally could trust me, and I was loving it. It has only been a couple of hours, but the three of us were cuddled up on the couch watching Disney movies. Melanie left to pick up some pizza and snacks for us, and we just decided to have a relaxing day at my place.

"Mommy i'm cold" Mariellas whined, stretching her arms out so she could get closer to me.

"okay princess, " I said, picking her up and placing her on my lap. Over my days with the kids, I have learned that Mariella had a thing about cuddling, and sitting on my lap. It was adorable, but I think sometimes it bothered Gabe how much attention she gets from my family and friends. She is a very chatty kid that wants to play with everyone, and Gabe is pretty shy.

"Gabe, babe do you want to do something else before dinner? I know you really don't like these movies babe." I asked, stroking his hair softly. I loved his curls, i could run my fingers through it forever. It was just something I was starting to get addicted to.   

" Yes please" He replied after a moment's hesitation. "Can we go to the park?" 

"Of course sweetie! we can ask Mel to bring the food over there and have a picnic, would you like that?" He nodded excitedly once I said it was okay, he loved the outdoors and was an amazing athlete. Although he gets very hyper when he plays a sport, it is worth it once you see him smile. He ran up the stairs to is bedroom almost instantly, and I got up from my spot on the couch giggling.

"Okay princessa, want to help me pack the picnic basket?" I said to Mariella, she only nodded in response as she made grabby hands, signalling me to pick her up. The moment we started packing the necessities, Gabriel raced down to ask me a simple question:

"can August come with us?"

I froze for a moment, Gabe ad no clue about what happened between us, so it wasn't fair to punish him for our mistakes, but at the same time, I wanted space from August, and it felt like the universe was pushing me towards him, and I didn't like that. I noticed how his smile faltered, and he tried to hide his disappointment as he said "it's okay, we don't have to call him over." 

Who was I to deprive my baby of happiness?

"No baby, go call him and let him know the plan, okay?" i said, handing him my phone