Getting Close To The Gangleader

Chapter 8

"Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. I'll do the laundry for a month."

"Will you do mine too?"

"Fine."

  I take a u-turn and park the car in front of the bowling establishment. As soon as I unlock the car Gabriel runs out and I chuckle. I get out with my wallet and phone and lock the door afterwards. I go in and ask for shoes our size and then pay the man. We go to our lane and then insert our names. Gabriel goes first and I watch as he throws the ball and manages to hit three.

"Wow. I actually feel scared to go against you."

"Shut up."

"I'm just saying. You're really really good."

He just stares at me and I sit back as he throws the ball again. I get up to grab my ball and laugh as the ball he threw only hit one pin. He goes to his seat and glares at me.
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We exit the bowling alley and head over to a dominoes. I order ten large cheese pizzas and sit patiently as I wait for them.

"I should've just driven home and not listened to you. Now I'm probably in trouble with Aaron and the guys."

"Why are you so worried? It's not like they're going to do anything to you. I mean you are the boss."

I get up when I see the pizzas coming and grab the boxes. I hand Gabriel two and we load the pizzas into the backseat. I drive to the house and when we get there I hesitate in getting out.

"So are we going to go in or...just sit here and wait for an hour to go by?"

"Shut up. I'm just...trying to think of what to say so they won't be mad at me."

"Come on. We'll go in and you'll know what to say."

I nod and we get out. I get the pizza boxes and I hand Gabriel the car keys to lock the car. When he locks it he puts the keys in my bag and grabs five pizza boxes. When we get to the front door I search for my keys and unlock the door. When we step in everything seems quiet so I go into the kitchen quickly, put the pizza boxes down, and pull Gabriel upstairs. I rush into my room and lock the door. I turn around when I feel Gabriel pulling my shirt and gasp when I see everyone looking at me.

"What the hell are you guys doing in my room?"

"We knew you would try to avoid us and run to your room once you got here so we just came up here. Where were you?"

"We went out to...I blame Gabriel! He persuaded me and he's doing the laundry for a month now."

"Good for you. Now where were you the whole day that you couldn't send a text message telling me you're fine and that you don't know when you'll be back? It's not a lot to do."

"Aaron I'm sorry. I just lost track of time and we were having such a fun time. I just wanted Gabriel to keep his mind off something. I'll let you know next time."

"Okay. But where were you that you're arriving home at 5'o'clock?"

"We went to the beach and then we went bowling. By the way there's pizza downstairs if you guys want."

The guys go running out and race downstairs. Zander walks out and Lizabelle grabs Gabriel and they go run off somewhere to play. I look back and Aaron is the only one in the room. I close the door and turn to him. I walk to my bed and sit on it, I pat the spot next to me and Aaron sits down.

"Gabriel is having nightmares and he's stressed because their death anniversary is in a week. Can you believe it? It's been four years and we haven't been able to get over their deaths."

"They were your parents Anastasia. You guys were all very close and it's understandable if you guys still haven't been able to move on. I'll talk to Gabriel and try to spend as much time with him. I think it's good that there's another kid his age in the house though. I feel like that'll help him a bit."

"Yeah. I hope so. Thank you Aaron. You've always been there for us and you're like a part of our family. Now get out."

"Wow. No thank you. Is that how we're treating each other now?"

"Bye Aaron. I love you."

"I love you too Ana."

"Aww, I totally ship you too."

Aaron opens the door and standing outside is James, one of the top in the gang. I glare at him and he puts his hands up in surrender as he keeps walking. Aaron chuckled and closes the door behind him. I take a quick shower and change before going into Gabriel's room and sitting on his bed. I open the covers up for him to slide in and tuck him in. I kiss him on his forehead and turn the lights off. 

"Remember. If you have a nightmare you can come to my room."

"I know. Goodnight Ana."

"Goodnight Gabriel. I love you."

"I love you too."

I watch as he closes his eyes and moments later starts snoring. I close the door and go upstairs to my own room. I get into bed and turn to shut the lamp off but decide to leave it on and snuggle on my side with the covers up to my chin.