~*~588Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ5qhsoRNe
"Remind me to kill you later." I whispered to Suvannah, which made her giggled.
"I thought I told you, you really aren't capable to pull that off. Your welcome though." She whispered back.
"How much did he pay you to get you to go along with it?" I whispered. She flashed me one of her playful smiles.
"None. That expression on your face will pay off anything. Besides, I passed by the Daniels residence and saw him talking to his mother, Brenda. I waved hello and was rushed off by daddy." She went to Falcon and gave him a huge hug.
"Long time no see, Vanna. Did you miss me?" Falcon asked her after their hug. She smiled at him.
"Nah, I'm still getting over every single one of your ego's from the last time I saw you all." She laughed off.
Mack held his hand to his chest, feigning a hurt expression. "Damn, baby girl. Why you always gotta play?"
That made me smile.
"How about you, Gabrielle?" Falcon asked me.
And my smile is gone.
I turned back to face Falcon's blue eyes. The same blue eyes I get lost into and have many dreams of waking up to. At 6'2", he looks like a beautiful brown, unruly haired Greek god that just stepped out of an exclusive magazine for perfect well-toned male models. Everything about him appeals to the human eye and I am pretty sure that God spent extra time just working on him.
"Mhmm?" I hummed not trusting my voice.
"Did you miss me?"
Yes. "No."
"Really?"
No. "Yes."
"Are you alright?"
I am now that you are here. "Yeah."
"Then why are you shutting me out?"
Because I'm scared to get hurt again. Because I'm afraid of the heartbreak you'll cause. Because it's much safer at a distance. Because you kissed Ami.
"No idea what you mean." I tried to walk away past him to hide the tears threatening to fall.
"Quit it, Gabrielle." He grabbed onto my elbow and pulled me under the protection of his shoulder.. I almost gave in to the tears.
Almost. I pushed myself out of the comfort of his embrace and stared in his eyes.
"Quit what, Falcon? You left with no goodbye and no explanations. I waited by the phone for weeks waiting for you to call me and explain anything. Not once in these past three and a half years did you call me to let me know if.. if-" - if you still give a crap about me. If that kiss with Ami meant anything to you. "-if we'll ever see each other again. To say you'll be back or to explain exactly why you had to live in Spokane with the rest of these guys! Or at least to say hi and check up on each other. You know? Like best friends were supposed to?!" I yelled at him.
I wiped my cheek with the back of my hand to find that it was wet.
Great. I'm crying. First day of senior year and I am crying. This day could not get any worst.
Riiiiiiinng!!
And I'm late for my first class. I stand corrected.
I looked up at Falcon with sad eyes matching to his. "I'm sorry, Falcon. But I don't want to see you anymore." I whispered. His expression seemed to change to a desperate one as I wiped away the last of my tears.
I grabbed Savannah and walked away from the guys and towards my homeroom. I walked away from my five brothers.
From my best friend.
From the love of my life.
I walked away.
Something I should have done in the beginning to avoid feeling like this.
*******************
I sat in my 12th grade homeroom class and waited sitting out by the window overlooking the trees in the park. My refuge. I need to walk by there today and just think.
It is my favorite place in this whole town. I go there when my parents were being, well parents, and when I really needed some time for myself to think about things. Falcon and I used to always play hide and seek there when our mothers brought us both here.
Or the game was more like 'Falcon will always hide and Gabrielle will always seek' mainly because Falcon couldn't go 30 minutes without a girl trying to catch him. I laughed softly at the memory.
Movement from close by made me turn to see Mack and Alexander pulling up seats to sit next to me.
"Hey, baby girl. Are you okay?" Mack asked with genuine concern.
"We didn't know whether to comfort you or to beat the shit out of Fals." Alexander said, using Falcons childhood nickname. I have never used it because I love the way the name Falcon sounds.
I smiled at what Alexander said. "Both?" I jokingly asked.
"Gee, I don't know. That sounds like an early Christmas present for the little rebel called me." Mack winked at me and I laughed. A real laugh.
"Thanks, guys. Are you both in this homeroom?" I asked hopefully. They both nodded as I hugged them tightly, knowing fully well that with the both of them in homeroom will definitely not be boring. I released them from our hug as I settled into my chosen seat near the window.
"We aren't the only ones in this homeroom, Gabs." Alexander said nodding towards the front of the class. I followed the direction of his nod and my heart nearly stopped.
There he sat about three seats right in front of me staring out of the same huge window overlooking the same park filled with trees. He seems to be deep in thought and I have no doubt he is thinking about the same thing I was thinking earlier.
Our moments.
Our friendship.
Us.
I guess I was pretty hard on him this morning. He did look like a changed person and it also looked like he was willing to fix our friendship. He was genuinely hurt when I told him to leave me alone those few years ago and even looked desperate to fix whatever is needed to be fix to mend our close bond back.
Give him a chance. My conscious says to me. I mean, I guess I really do not have a choice in the matter huh?
No. I don't.
I let out a huge sigh. Alexander knew what I was going to do so he gave me a reassuring arm squeeze as Mack nodded. I nodded back to the both of them and stood up, walked over and sat down right beside Falcon. He continued to stare out the window, his gaze wanders around until he spotted that one tree and stayed staring at it.
I followed his gaze towards the the tree he was looking at and I gasped. He gave a low chuckle right before directing his blue eyes to my face. On his face, was an adorable grin that did strange things to my heart.
Oh, my heart. You little traitor, you.
"Do you remember that night, Gabby?" He asked softly. I blushed crimson red and let part of my hair fall in front of my face to cover it up.
Yes, yes, yes I do remember! "No."
So much for giving him a chance, Gabby.
I sighed. "Yes, I do." I whispered. It seemed like a millennia ago, though. Back when everything between us was perfect. Coming to think of it, that night sort of initiated our friendship to get closer. It changed everything.
I walked around the tree park at nearly nine in the night looking for something.
Looking for what? I don't have a clue.
But as I was in bed about to sleep, I felt a deep dread in my chest that wouldn't allow me to think about anything other than the tree park. I tried to force my mind on other things but nothing could help remove the dread I felt.
So I did what any other sane eighth grader would do. I climbed out of the window in yellow Winnie the Pooh pajamas and head in the direction of the tree park.
So that explains why I am walking around here at a quarter to nine, in the middle of December, freezing my tush off looking for something I probably just made up in my head. I can already see the Wise One - the tree I named the first time I saw it. It was old and amazing and at that time, it seemed to me that it held a lot of wisdom.
Mom and dad are so going to kill me. That is assuming I don't get killed out here first. I always think I'm hearing things but realize soon after that, like always, I'm retarded.
Why did I think this was a good idea? Oh, wait. I wasn't thinking, that's why.
After concluding my stupidity, I forced myself to turn back and head for my house, until I heard a twig snapped. I ran to the nearest tree on my right and hid behind it. I knelt down on the ground behind the tree and tried to be as quiet as possible but the sound of my pounding heart can probably be heard a mile wide.
Then of course I had to be the stupid one trying to get caught by talking. "Who's there?"
And I still wonder why I am alive at this point with this stupidity. I held my breath as I tried to think about the pretty life I lived.
So this is what it feels like before you get murdered.
"Gabrielle? Is that you?" I heard the voice say as I looked over at the moving shadow next to the Wise One. I recognized that voice from anywhere.
"Falcon? What are you doing out here?" I asked softly at the figure approaching. He was soon covered by the light of the moon as he walked closer.
"I could ask you the same thing." He replied. Oh, no. He already knows I'm crazy. Why give him more proof by saying this place was calling to you?
"I asked you first." I took a seat on the ground and leaned back on the trunk of the Wise One. I looked over at Falcon and saw him deep in thought. Thinking about a way to answer why he was here, maybe.
"You are my best friend, so I'll tell you. But don't laugh." He gave me a serious look. Damn, this is probably serious. I held out a pinky and promised.
"Well, I couldn't sleep and I felt like - I don't know, almost as if this place was dragging me out here. It kept calling to me. Almost as if it is trying to lure me into a trap. But I couldn't resist the call. Now I sound like a nut on crack." He turned his head the other was to avoid the look I was giving him.
My jaw was opened. He probably thought I was thinking he was crazy, but I'm not. He is here for the same unknown reason I was here.
"Actually, that's why I am here too. Isn't that weird?" I said in wonder. His head snapped back to me and we looked into each others eyes. His once worried expression softened a bit and he breathed out a sigh of relief.
He nodded in acknowledgement. "Yes, it is very weird. I couldn't fight the pull to this place. It was too strong." He murmured.
"Why us, though? Why now? Why here?" I asked curiously. He chuckled softly and shook his head.
"Slow down, Gabby. I don't even know the answer to the first question and you are asking me millions." He exaggerated greatly.
"I only asked you three, Falcon." I gave him a side glance. He gave me a small smile despite the mysteriously weird situation we were both in. I smiled despite it as well because I could not resist. Falcon is smiling. It makes me want to - smile, too.
"Same diff." He chuckled. Then the playful tone of his was changed into a serious and confused one. "I'm glad it's with you, though." He said a minute later.
My heart raced. Holy chocolate sauce. "Really?" I asked meekly.
He nodded. "I mean I wouldn't mind being stuck with you than with some other girl."
Be still, heart. Be still.
"How about Winona Tylers? I saw her trying to dress nicely for you." I said, anticipating his answer. He shuddered at the suggestion. Thank god.
"Heck no. No Winona. She tries to much. Just like Tivonne and Ami." He answered.
"Why me, though?" I just had to ask.
"Well, I know you better. And you are closer to me than any of the boys. You are the closest bro in the group to me." He said.
A bro?
I just got bro-zoned. Hard.
Ouch. I don't know what hurts more. That statement or the crashing of my heart. I looked away to avoid him seeing how that statement affected me.
"Oh." I said simply.
"Gabrielle?" He called.
"Yes?" I looked at him.
"I hope the first guy you date treats you well." He said simply. I raised my eyebrows and looked at him confused.
"What do you mean?" I asked him when I saw that he was not going to continue on his own. He smiled, although it seemed forced.
"I have seen you shut yourself down. When a guy compliments you, you get all weird and start to hide behind your books. I know you are scared and you have a right to be. But you can't have one decision made for all guys that like you." He said straight.
I want to tell him but what will he think after I do? How do I explain to my best friend that I can see straight to a persons motives? How can I show him my weird disability without freaking him away? How can I explain to is guy how I know that they all want me to use me?
I was born with a defect that allowed me to see through a persons character to see the motive behind his or her action. I know why they are doing the things they do. Sometimes right before they know why for themselves. I judge a person for their intended actions.
Oh, if you only knew why, Falcon.
I shrugged off. "I don't really enjoy dating." I lied casually.
"That's a lie and you know it." He said smugly. I blushed. Well, no duh, Falcon.
"I don't like anyone, yet. I'm waiting." Well, that was half true. I am waiting for someone. Too bad I'm just considered a bro to him.
"Just make sure they treat you right. You want to wait long enough to find the right one. So he should." He stated. I looked at him so astonished. He's never one for all the mushy feelings and now he says all of it with ease and perfection.
"I mean it." He laughed. He looked right at me and stopped laughing. We searched through each others eyes and held our gaze. We stared intensely, afraid of blinking. He leaned in and almost immediately, I leaned in too. We held our gaze and the second our heads nearly touched, I started to slowly shut my eyes as we go in for a kiss.
My first kiss. Ever.
With Falcon. His first kiss.
Right before our lips met, he pulled his head back. Not wanting to look stupid, I pulled back fast as well. My face felt hot with flashing embarrassment and I peaked at Falcon to see him shutting his eyes to control his breathing. Good to know it affected him too.
I cleared my throat. "I think it's getting really late. We should probably head back to our homes." I said awkwardly.
"Oh, uh, yeah. We probably should. Because, er, you know-"
"We don't want to be late for school in the morning." I tried to finish.
"Oh, yes. School. Tomorrow. Late. Okay." He almost stammered.
Tomorrow is Saturday. No classes.
This situation is so awkward right now and we need to step back and think about what just happened. For some odd reason, I'm not sure why, that almost kiss felt so right. Almost like it needed to happen.
But it didn't. And it might haunt me forever.
"Gabrielle?" I heard Falcon call me as I dozed off in my daydream again. I looked up at him to see him grinning.
Darn it. He knew I was thinking about the almost kiss.
"You are really red." He said, feeling my forehead for my temperature. I swiped away his hand.
"It's really hot in here." I said lamely. Okay, that was the lamest excuse ever.
He looked at me and gave a brief nod and then turned back to staring at the tree.
"I'm sorry about not saying goodbye or explaining my reason why I had to go. I tried to the night of the bash. I never meant to up and leave and hurt you. I'm sorry, Gabrielle." He whispered. My heart ached for him. I knew he was sorry.
I can't read him. One of the main reasons why I stayed close friends with Falcon and the guys were because I can't read their motives. I don't know what they are about to do before they do it. I almost feel - normal, when I'm with them. Then Suvannah moved to town and I couldn't read her too.
"It's okay. I forgive you. I'm sorry I never gave you a chance to explain the night of the bash." I apologized. Please don't ask. Please don't ask.
"Why were you mad that night, anyways?" He asked.
Dammit.
I contemplated whether or not I should tell him the truth. It is pretty embarrassing. Besides, a guy never kisses and tell, and a fellow "bro" should never be jealous. Because in the end, that's all I ever am.
A bro.
I opened my mouth to answer but was interrupted when a man walked in. He wore the teachers polo academy uniform and carried a coffee mug. Even though I can't read his motives, I knew he was the new homeroom teacher.
Wait.
I can't read his motives.
This is so weird. I frowned as I tried to remember the last teacher or adult that I had that I couldn't pick anything up from. I knew my parents were adults who I can't read but I only thought it's because they are my parents. I thought the reason why I can't read Suvannah and the guys is because, as corny as it sounds, we were meant to be friends.
What is going on?
I felt Falcon stiffened as soon as he saw who the man was. I stare up at him. Was that recognition he gave the man? I turned back to see Alexander and Mack with matching expressions identical to Falcon's. So they all know is man? I looked back at the man. He looked at the class as we all found our seats and settled down.
"Hey, class. I'm Professor Etheryze. But please refer to me as Professor Ryze. I know I'm about 15 minutes late but I want you to know that I'll enjoy being your homeroom teacher. The bell should ring now." He said and just like that, the bell for first block went off, signaling the end of homeroom.
That was creepy. But everyone else seem to be going at it like it was the most natural thing to do. Do they feel the weird vibe coming from him? Or is it just me? I got out of my seat just as Falcon did too. I turned around to see Alexander and Mack standing right behind me. They all wore grim expressions.
As we walked out of the class, I waved goodbye to the homeroom teacher and he returned it with a nice smile wave as well. Then he looked at the guys and his smile slipped into a smirk.
"See you later, boys" He said smugly. They gave a brief nod and we headed outside. When we were safe in the halls, we all walked to my lockers where Nicolai and Cedric were watching Suvannah and Jayson bicker at each other.
Typical.
As soon as we approached, all three of them went alert. They all looked at each other as if trying to come to terms with something. None of them talked. Finally, after a few head shakes from Falcon, he let out a big sigh of annoyance.
"Shit." Falcon muttered.
They all nodded in understanding.
From what? I really don't know.
~*~
ns 172.71.223.50da2
