Gabriel

Fifteen

Jaleesa had a heart.

She was compassionate and kind.

Gabriel was man enough to confess how beautiful seeing her sit with Inigo was.

Someone who'd treated him like dirt for being on drugs in the past had shown sweet kindness to a boy in the same position.

It moved his heart.

He couldn't stop himself from telling her how much of a blessing she was to Inigo.

But on the other hand, he couldn't stop himself from feeling even worse because of how she treated him.

He was too old for this. Why couldn't he just ignore her mistreatment?

Because it hurt.

Honestly, truthfully, it hurt.

He'd come so far by faith and trusting the Lord, and some pretty little lady decided to take him down five levels.

He was not his drug addiction.

But Jaleesa's ostracization made him feel like it.

He should've been able to shake the dust off his shoes, but he couldn't.

He didn't go around saying this, but he still felt like dirt for dropping out of high school and being on drugs. He still felt rejected and disposed of because of his parent's hatred and neglect.

He sometimes felt unworthy to be a part of the Wolves because of where he'd come from.

He pushed forward when he felt that way, believing what Jesus said about him.

And despite his efforts, Jaleesa treated him like the worthless man he fought not to be.

Now that he'd seen her kindness and compassion for someone like him, he knew that her problem was with him, not what he'd done.

He couldn't change that.

And he wouldn't try.

-

She felt different.

Lighter.

More hopeful.

Glad.

Jaleesa spent two hours sitting with Inigo before visiting hours ended.

He was a sweet guy and couldn't stop thanking her for being with him.

Gabriel was right.

Inigo would've died a happy man because of her kindness. He told her.

But she was happier than him.

Though he almost died before her eyes, he helped her see that life was bigger than her circle.

She wasn't a philanthropist, but she did want to sit with people like Inigo, giving them a friend.

It was strange how desires changed in a moment.

She was horrified before going into the rehab, but now she wanted to visit the women's rehab.

"Oh, Jaleesa," Hazel sang, walking into her room. "I have a surprise for you,"

Jaleesa closed her laptop and turned to her mother. "What is it?"

Anticipation filled her heart, knowing that her mother's surprises never failed to excite her.

Hazel hummed, tapping her head. "Your dresses will be here Sunday,"

"No way!" Jaleesa gasped but then squinted. "I picked one of the two you showed me,"