Gabriel

Twenty-Five

"Isn't it pretty?" Jaleesa asked her mother, holding her arm out.

Gabriel smiled at her cuteness.

She was a buttercup.

"Whether it's pretty or not, it's good you're wearing one. Finally," Ezekiel interjected, causing Jaleesa's smile to fall.

Hazel's brow rose and Gabriel took Jaleesa's hand before it could fall.

"Daddy," Jaleesa pleaded faintly, suddenly feeling unsettled.

She didn't want Gabriel to see her father this way.

She didn't want to see her father this way.

Ezekiel lifted his hands in surrender, placing his mug in the sink. "I'm a concerned father, Jaleesa. Don't fault me for caring,"

1.

2.

Gabriel thanked the Lord for bridling his tongue. He was quickly getting sick of Coach Destiny's snide attitude about Jaleesa.

"Ezekiel," Hazel said in a warning tone. "Be thankful that Jaleesa is well. That's all we should be doing today," She insisted, kissing Jaleesa's cheek. "It's beautiful, darling. Gabriel picked the perfect one,"

A brilliant smile returned to Jaleesa's face. "Thank you for helping him with it,"

Gabriel gently patted her hand. "I want to take you somewhere special for breakfast,"

"Really?"

Jaleesa's joy was adorable and punched him right in the heart.

"Really," He hummed, kissing her hand. "I'll let you get in something cozy,"

Begrudgingly, he let her go and watched her prance down the hall until she reached her bedroom.

What a precious woman.

Ezekiel cleared his throat, making Gabriel almost groan.

"I'm hoping you can help her see the importance of looking after herself,"

Why was Ezekiel so vexing?

"Ezekiel, she knows the importance," Hazel sighed, eyeing Gabriel apologetically. "She has the bracelet and now if anything else happens, someone will be able to help her quicker,"

Ezekiel shook his head. "She's wearing the bracelet, Hazel. But that doesn't mean she understands,"

"Why wouldn't she understand?" Gabriel found himself asking, tired of listening to Ezekiel's demeaning rant.

Ezekiel blinked a few times before speaking. "Her head is in the clouds. She's my princess and it's good that she doesn't have to live with the weight of the world on her shoulders, but when it comes to her health," He sighed. "It's like she doesn't care and because I can't force her to care, it's like a losing battle,"

Cheap answer.

Gabriel bit his tongue.

"That's not true, Ezekiel. She understands more than you give her credit." Hazel countered, blessing Gabriel's aggravated heart. "She just carries the weight differently," Her shoulders slumped.

"If she understood, she wouldn't have waited until Gabriel came to do something about her health. She only cares about the bracelet because Gabriel gave it to her,"

Anger and disappointment rose in Gabriel, he was outdone. "If that's what you think about your daughter, I can't change your mind. But you should really ask God to open your eyes,"

With those words, he walked away to breathe.

"Jesus," He whispered, breathing out the anger. "Touch his heart,"