Gabriel

Twelve

"What's Coach talking about?" Gabriel asked walking out of the dugout.

Ariel grinned cheekily, wiggling his brows.

"Jaleesa's taking pictures and videos today,"

Jaleesa.

Gabriel nodded unenthusiastically. "Okay,"

He wasn't looking forward to this.

But as always, it would be well.

The Lord was on his side.

"Good thing I wore my good pants," Ariel chuckled. "Gotta look good for the pretty Princess,"

"She'll be doing individual photos as well," Coach Destiny added and smiled widely as Jaleesa walked onto the field with a camera around her neck. "Ah, the woman of the hour," He met her with a kiss and placed his arm around her shoulders.

Jaleesa smiled at the players, but when her eyes met Gabriel's it fell slightly.

He shook his head.

This game was tiring.

"Hi, guys! As my Dad explained, I'll be filming practice today and getting some action shots. I'd like for you all to go on as if I wasn't here."

Gabriel wished it was that easy.

"Stop," He whispered scolding himself.

He needed to drop this and grow up.

He was used to people like Jaleesa.

"Grace,"

"-tap on your shoulder and give you a second to get ready. But don't worry, I will tell you if you have something in your teeth," Jaleesa said, laughing charmingly.

Ariel whistled lowly, elbowing Gabriel. "Is it me or does she get more beautiful and just catching every time she comes around? Goodness," His eyes followed her every move.

Gabriel bit his tongue, tearing his eyes away from her.

Ariel wasn't helping his case.

"-but that's all I'll need. Thank You and go Wolves!" Jaleesa cheered, clapping gladly.

It was strange seeing her be so bright and giddy. He supposed that was her personality, he'd seen it before their first interview, but she'd been rude since then.

"Pray for me, won't you?" Ariel asked, not taking his eyes off Jaleesa. "You think Coach would kill me if I asked her out?"

His question snapped Gabriel out of his thoughts. "Look, I know she's beautiful, but take it from me, get to know a person before you ask her out. And I'm not saying that because she doesn't like me,"

He didn't want to see Ariel get messed up by a woman. He was a bright, jolly, and good man.

Ariel sighed, finally looking away from Jaleesa. "Always the wise one," He grumbled. "I appreciate it though," He chuckled and ran his fingers through his hair. "Jaleesa!" He called, making her smile.

Gabriel laughed lowly. Ariel would be Ariel.

He was true to himself.

"Ariel, hi," Jaleesa said, smiling softly. "Are you ready for your close-up?" She held up the camera and pretended to take a picture.

"I've always been told I was photogenic," Ariel said, stroking his jaw. "Though, it'll be impossible for me to pretend you aren't here, Princess. You're unforgettable,"

She giggled, covering her mouth gracefully. "I think you'll make it just dandy,"

Finally, she looked at Gabriel.