Rebel Heart

seven years later

Gage

Seven, the number of years I spent behind bars and the number of years away from her, I know it doesn't seem like a long time but for me it was. I was finally released but didn't know where to begin picking up the pieces of my life but I would start with the person I was forced to leave with someone who I didn't trust but I found myself standing on her brother's ranch while I looked around like I just got here for the very first time...

The place still looked the same as the day I was arrested, I heard a soft voice call my name from the barn and I seen her standing there staring at me while the wind gently blew her hair in her face.

Evangeline: Gage...?

I seen her walking towards me and gave me a quick hug, I wrapped my arms around her waist and felt her rest her head on my shoulder...

Evangeline: I missed you so much...

Gage: I missed you too...

Evangeline: I'm so happy that you're here...

I felt her let me go and I did the same thing as she stood before me again...

Gage: it's good to be back, where is she...

My question was quickly answered when I seen her walk up to Evangeline as she clung to her like a child would do with her mother...

Sierra: mommy, who is that man...?

Gage: how long has she called you that?

Evangeline: since she started talking. This is your brother sweetheart...

Sierra: my brother...?

Evangeline: that's right...

She reached out for me to take her and I did then felt her wrap her arms around my neck...

Evangeline: I couldn't bring myself to correct her on who she thinks I am to her...

Gage: I think it's time she knew the truth Angel...

Evangeline: I can't believe you remembered that name you had for me...

Gage: I couldn't forget even if I wanted to...

Sierra: can I go spend time with uncle Dustin and uncle Brantley?

Evangeline: go ahead sweetheart, I need to speak with your brother about something in private...

I watched as she ran inside the house after I put her on the ground and I walked in the barn with Evangeline as we climbed up to the loft to talk alone. I noticed that she looked a little sad while I watched her sit down on the bale of hay that was behind her...

Gage: what's wrong...?

Evangeline: it's like a dream, you don't know what it means to me having you here again. I really missed you.

Gage: I missed you too and I'm not leaving ever again.

I sat down behind her and placed my head against the back of her neck then heard her say those words to me...

Evangeline: I know it probably doesn't mean anything but I like you Gage...

Gage: I can't stop you from developing feelings for me but I'm not boyfriend material Evangeline and I will only hurt you...

Evangeline: I don't care Gage, I refuse to believe that you're the bad guy you think you are...

Gage: I didn't come here to be in any relationship Evangeline and I don't want someone like you falling for me...

Evangeline: someone like me...?

Gage: yeah, you're a silly girl and I don't need you in my life.

Evangeline: yet you asked me to move in with you last time we seen each other...

Gage: I was wrong for asking that of you...

Evangeline: I can't believe you would do that to someone...

Gage: I told you that I would disappoint you...

Evangeline: I think it's better if we didn't live together...

Gage: I agree with that...

I left her alone in the loft while I went to get my bag and headed inside so I could get some rest even though I couldn't sleep because thoughts of her kept me awake.