Friction [Book 2]

-reality tv-

"I had a really great time tonight, thank you for doing this with me," I smiled at Gabe as we conversed in the doorway, the shadow of the moon looming over us.

"It's a pleasure, I love spending time with you," He grinned at me and we fell into a silence for a few moments. I began to debate over a few things in my head, but I was still unsure of what to do. Feeling the awkwardness of the silence set in, Gabe shuffled in the doorway and straightened his jacket, as if to leave.

"Well I should probably, uh, get going now," He smiled and nodded.

"Yeah um, Gabe, do you want to come in?" I asked, my politeness taking over my actions once again.

He turned on the spot with a light smile tugging on his lips. He ran his hand through his hair and walked back up to the door.

"Are you sure? You don't have too if you don't want, I-"

"Gabe, get your ass in here," I laughed and grabbed his hand, pulling him into the cool contrast of the house rather than the humid summer air.

He slipped off his jacket and hung it on the rack. I noticed that his jacket covered up Pete's coat and I flinched slightly, feeling my heart beat increase.

"Are you okay?" Gabe asked, snapping me out of my trance.

"Yeah, yeah, just day dreaming," I chuckle and take off my heels, suddenly becoming 5 inches smaller than Gabe, "Let's get some drinks, yeah?" I said, escaping the conversation.

Pouring two glasses of white wine, Gabe grabbed the bottle and took it into the lounge whilst I set the glasses down on coasters on the coffee table. Gabe threw himself down onto the sofa, crossing one leg over the other whilst I curled my legs underneath my body and turned on the TV. We ended up watching some reality TV show that Gabe seemed really into. He was desperately trying to explain the concept of the show to me, the feuds, who liked who and all that stuff. I tried to take it all in but I was in too much of a trance laughing the fact that Gabe watched this type of show. I never thought of him as a reality lover, more the arts and sports, but there are surprises with him.

Glancing frequently from the corner of my eye, I began to realise the major similarities between Gabe and Pete. They were so much alike. They both laughed at the same things, hated and loved the same things, had respect for all the right reasons and had none for the same. It was amazing. It was probably why Gabe and I were such great friends.

Standing up, Gabe went to take the empty wine bottle out to the recycling bin. I waited till he came back inside to speak.

"While your up, while your up, while your up!" I called out to him. He quickly takes off his shoes again and walks over to me with a raised eyebrow, "Could you get the phone please? I want to ring Pete's mom and see if Bodhi's okay."

I smile sweetly and it works. Gabe hands my the house phone and I hit number 4 on speed dial which is Pete's parents home number. It wasn't very late, so I assumed they'd still be up. After four or so rings, Pete's mom answered.

"Hello? It's Ellianah," I say with a smile on my face.

"Hi Ell! How was your evening?" She said with a perky tone.

"It was great thank you, I was just phoning to ask how Bodhi is doing. He hasn't caused you any trouble has he?" I said. Gabe plonked himself down next to me to try and listen in on the conversation. I rolled my eyes and flicked it to speaker.

"Oh don't worry about Bodhi! He's doing just fine and he hasn't caused a single problem. He's had all his feeds at the right times and Pete is just putting him to sleep now," I draw in a silent breath when she says Pete's name. I knew she was referring to Bodhi's grandfather, and my Pete's father, but his name sent shivers down my spine and it made me miss him so much more than I ever thought I would.

"Oh that's great. I'll be round in the morning to pick him up, okay?"

"That's fine, of course. You enjoy the rest of your night now Ellianah."

"Thank you so much, goodnight!"

I ended the call and sighed. It felt so weird that I wasn't putting Bodhi in his crib to sleep, that someone else was doing it for me. It was even weirder that he wasn't in my house. I missed him so much and I'd only been away from him for a day, if that. It was then that I realised the pain that must strike the boys every time they leave for tour. It was soul reaching to be away from my son for a day and a night, let alone months on end. Pete was everything to me and having him not by my side felt so strange. It was as though a part of me was missing and it wasn't right. He should be here, but he can't be; that's not his fault.

"If you're tired, I can go, you just say." Gabe smiled at me, sensing my abnormal behaviour. I said nothing.

"You miss them, don't you? Bodhi and Pete, I can tell." He chuckled slightly and sighed, sinking back into the sofa next to me.

"I know it seems so hard now, but it does get easier, I promise. Weeks become days and days become hours and before you know it, he'll be running towards you in that airport faster than he's ever run in his whole life. I can bet on that with my life savings."

Tilting my head slightly, I looked up at Gabe. He had a deep smile playing on his lips and I could tell his words were sincere. If I just focused on everyday that approached me, Pete coming home would happen in no time.

"I'll leave you be now, you need a good nights sleep before Bodhi comes back tomorrow." Gabe stood up and began to put his shoes on.

"Hey Gabe, could you stay the night?" He looked up at me with a confused expression. My statement did sound quite odd and made much more sense in my head.

"I mean," I began to cover my tracks, "I'd feel better, safer, if there's someone else in the house with me." I said, exhaling loudly.

"Oh," Gabe paused, "Well sure, if it makes you feel better and helps you sleep then I'm happy to stay, of course."

I locked the front door and Gabe checked the back doors and windows that we left open. After I set the alarm, we headed up the stairs and I showed Gabe to the spare bedroom down the hall from my own.

"There's an en-suite in there too. You can probably find some facewash and soap in the cupboard if you like..." I said, pointing things out to him.

"But um, thank you, for staying here tonight. I really do appreciate it, I don't like being alone." I smiled and blushed at my insecurities. Gabe nodded understandingly.

"It's nothing. And don't forget that if you ever need anything whilst Pete's away, I'm always here alright?"

I nodded and Gabe opened his arms wide. I walked into them and he hugs me tightly, kissing my cheek. I buried my head into his chest for a short while. I hadn't been this close to someone who cared about me for a whole week now and it was starting to effect me emotionally. Having Gabe by my side was a huge help, both emotionally and physically. I just hoped he understood how much he really meant to me.

"Goodnight Ellianah. Don't forget what I said alright?" He smiled at me from the bathroom door and I turned to leave his room.

"I won't, I promise. Goodnight Gabe."

[an;

this was kinda cute aww can we appreciate this pls because I'm getting so many feels for Gabe writing this and just ugh I love him damn

anyway, thanks for everything so far, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the story as always!

comment/vote

-fxckflint]