A Love Lost

Sneak Peek!!

Gabriel

The sun set and hasn't risen in five days. I only live for school, my brothers, and the hope that Ana will return to me. I see her every day, and every chance I have to look at her, she avoids eye contact. It kills me when I think of how I may never be able to hug her again, kiss her, or make love to her. My brothers understand how painful this time is, but they don't understand how much she was a part of my life. My world, for the few months we were together, revolved around her.

It's the sixth night of our time apart when I'm walking down the hall on my way to my room, and I hear the most violent screams. They're heart-shattering, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that they are Ana's. I don't bother to be quiet when I barge through her door. I'm stopped suddenly by the sight of her thrashing all over the bed, rolling violently from side to side. It breaks my heart to know that she's been having nightmares. I knew she wasn't faring well with our separation. She's become thinner and every morning has large dark circles beneath her eyes.

I don't move, frozen by sadness and self-loathing. Then, the swung open, and Mary ran to her daughter.

"Ana. Ana!" She tried to wake her daughter, but Ana was unaffected.

"Get over here and wake her up, Gabriel!!!" Her harsh tone mobilized me. I rushed to the other side of Ana's bed, dropped to my knees, and began shaking the love of my life.

"Please, Ana. Wake up!" It wasn't enough to pull her from the terrors of her sleep.

Ana's arms tighten around my neck as she pulls me to her. Her body trembles as her breathing shakes. I realize it's not just the shock of her dreams but that she's crying. The river of tears I picture flowing from her eyes pool on my chest and dampen my skin.

"Hey. It's okay. I'm here." I soothe her.

She sniffles. "Gabriel?"

"Yes, love."

"I'm sorry..." Her apology breaks my heart. She's just had a nightmare, most likely of her father and his board, and she's apologizing? To me?

"You've done nothing wrong, Anastasia. It is I who is to ask for forgiveness from you."

She doesn't hear me. Even if she did, she doesn't respond.

"I'm sorry for leaving you. I should have stayed. I need you. Please, take me back!"

My beautiful girl's broken. I broke her. Before me and my rejection, she was confident and independent. Now, she believes that she can't live without me. I need her to be able to be herself without me, but I see that at this moment, she has to come back.

"Do you want me to sleep here with you?"

She nods and moves further into the bed, giving me space to lie down.

I was so focused on Ana that I hadn't noticed Mary leaving. After climbing into bed beside Ana, she reached across and pulled herself to me, resting her head on my chest. At that moment, she looked so peaceful, and I fell even further in love with her.

"I love you, Ana."

"Forever." She kisses my chest and settles in for a peaceful sleep.