Getting Close To The Gangleader

Chapter 8

It's Monday and my bruises have kind of faded a bit to the point where I can cover them with makeup but my knuckles are still a bit sore. I get up at six as usual take a shower, change, and go downstairs to make breakfast. I decide to make omelettes for Gabriel, Lizabelle, Zander and I. When  I'm done cooking i set the plates and pour us orange juice. Just as I'm about to  go upstairs to check on Gabriel Zander steps into the kitchen and I smile at him. He nods back and I frown slightly. Ever since the incident as his house he's been very moody.

"I made omelettes for us. If you want to eat before us go ahead."

   I exit the kitchen since I don't get a response back and go upstairs. I knock before entering and go in to  see he's changed and has his hair styled to the side.

"Breakfast is ready. I made omelettes."

"Okay. I'll be downstairs in a second."

   I nod and go downstairs to wait for him at the table. He comes down shortly with his book bag and sets it down to the side. We sit across from each other and I notice he's awfully silent. He would usually start up a conversation about literally anything but he's just staring blankly at his food. Lizabelle and Zander come to eat shortly after and his whole expression changes. He smiles and acts all cheery. Guess he's learned a few things about hiding emotions from me. When we're done I gather up the plates and load them into the dishwasher. I get into a car with Gabriel and Zander takes his own car. I let him go out first before I head out into the direction of their school. I look over at Gabriel and see him looking down at his hands. I frown and pull over to the side of the road.

"What's wrong Gabriel? Why are you so down?"

He looks up at me and his eyes are teary. I adjust my seat so it moves back and pat my leg. Gabriel gets the message and takes his seatbelt off and crawls over to sit on my lap.

"Shh...it's okay. What's wrong? What's on your mind?"

"Their anniversary is going to be in a week. They've been dead for four years now Ana. I still have nightmares of that night sometimes. It's just...everything would be so different if they were still here. You wouldn't have to stress about the gang, get beat up and then hide from me so I won't notice. You deserve to have a life Ana but you've never even had a boyfriend. I want you to be happy...but you can't."

"But I am happy. I've got the gang, Aaron, and you. I don't need a boyfriend to be happy Gabriel. Sure, it would be nice to have one but it would put him in danger. You guys are my family now, and I'm happy with you guys. I miss mom and dad too. More than anything in the world...but they're never going to come back. Every time you have a nightmare I want you to come to my room and get in bed with me. Okay?"

"Okay."

He wipes his tears away and smiles slightly. I smile back at him and kiss him on the cheek.

"Anytime you have something on your mind you can tell me or Aaron if you feel more comfortable talking to him about it."

"What about Zander?"

"Let's keep it between Aaron and I. Zander doesn't know much about us and I'd rather keep it that way."

"Okay."

"You know what? You're not going to go to school. We're going to go out and have some fun. There's a spare change of clothes in the trunk. Stay here and I'll go get it for you."

   I get out of the car and open the trunk. I get the clothes for him and get in my seat. He goes to the back and starts changing. When he's done changing he sits in the passenger seat and notice he's not sad anymore, he's smiling and his dimples are showing.