Gabriel

Fourteen

"Sweetheart," Ezekiel said, walking into the kitchen.

Jaleesa hummed, stirring dinner.

"Tomorrow instead of practicing at the field, we'll be going to the Portland Men's Recovery Home to play with the men,"

Her grip loosened on the spoon.

They were going to a rehab.

"Since you're part of the team now, I wanted to know if you'd like to join us. Of course, you won't be playing, unless you want to, but I think you'd enjoy yourself," Ezekiel finished sitting at the island.

Jaleesa placed the spoon down with joy flooding her heart. "You think I'm part of the team?"

She could've flown from the window.

Ezekiel nodded and winced as she rushed into his arms. "Ouch," He chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. "Of course, I do. I'll have to get you a personalized jersey, #1 team princess/journalist,"

Jaleesa squealed, forgetting herself. "Oh, Daddy!"

It was silly, but this was everything to her.

Her father finally wanted her with him. There was no resentment. No hiding her. No pushing her away.

This was all she ever wanted.

Ezekiel's heart grew warm at her delight. "So, is this a yes?"

She nodded, kissing his cheek. "Yes! I'm part of the team," She beamed, shimmying her shoulders. "And I'll wear that jersey with pride,"

"Great, Princess." Ezekiel patted her hand lovingly. "I'll have it for the next game,"

He stood and peered over the island at the pot. "I think you should check that,"

Jaleesa cringed and rushed to the stove to try and save the dinner.

It was beginning to burn, but it didn't matter.

She was over the moon.

Her father wanted her around.

"Thank You, Jesus!" She cheered quietly.

This was a seventeen-year prayer that had been answered.

Her heart was so full that she'd forgotten where she was going in the morning.

-

Portland Men's Recovery Home.

Jaleesa gripped her bag as she walked toward the building.

It was a well-kept place.

Her father was in there.

He wouldn't ask her to go somewhere unsafe.

Still, she was a little anxious.

Ariel mentioned how sad it was seeing some of the men. She was afraid to see men in that shape.

But couldn't go home.

She was part of the team. Her father was expecting her.

"Jaleesa," Ezekiel called out, standing at the door. "Come on, sweetheart. We're going outside now,"

He motioned for her to come and she sped-walked toward him, thankful for his presence.

"Hi, Daddy," She hugged him briefly, taking a deep breath.

"Come on, I want to introduce you," He placed his hand on her back, leading her to the back.

She wanted to stop.