Opposites Attract

Chapter Eighteen

Julian's POV

I stand, looking up at Gabriel's tall frame and feel intimidated. He greets me and sticks his hand out for me to shake. I do so, even though I feel uncomfortable and awkward even.

"I'm Gabriel, you must be Julian." He offers up a kind smile and I try my best to return the favor. I have never been good at small talk and it made me anxious to see such a built man standing in front of me wanting to do just that. I scratch the back of my neck and the expression on his face changes to one much less formal.

"Well, I am just going to go down to the stables, do you want to come along?" I nod my head and follow him out of the front door, shutting it tightly behind me. We walk in silence for a while and I feel my hands begin to sweat. Trying to remain calm and collected, I shove my hands deep in my jacket pockets and keep my eyes faced forward.

"So, this whole thing must be really odd for you, huh?" He questions and I look up, not really knowing what he was referring to. I guess he could tell because with a smile he added ,"Moving somewhere you've never been I mean." I kick a rock in front of me and look around, trying to find the right words to say that wouldn't offend him.

"Well, it isn't the most ideal situation that I can think of." Once he chuckles, I feel myself relax a bit, seeing that he isn't as uptight as he looks.

"Yeah, well trust me, you are with the right people. I wouldn't have wanted to be raised by different parents." He speaks. I listen to the birds chirping in the trees on their property and focus on the crunching on the ground from our shoes. Not really knowing what to say back to him.

Gabriel is all set to leave today and I couldn't help but wish that he stuck around. The family that I have been placed with haven't been this happy since I have met them. It is amazing how he pulls everything together, everyone feels more comfortable, it is almost good enough to make me feel as though I actually belong.

"How long are you going back in?" I question, hoping that it wasn't too long and I would get to hang out with him before I get shipped off to wherever I am going next.

"I am not sure, it all depends on how I feel. RIght now I signed for one more term, even though being twenty-six, I feel like I should probably just focus on a career. Everytime I have thought about it, I haven't went through with it, the army is where I belong." He speaks, his voice almost cold but comfortable.

"Well congrats on getting to do it one more time, I hope it all works out for you." I speak up.

"Same with you, I don't know if you will still be with my family the next time I come back, but I do need to ask something of you." He speaks, I begin to feel nervous all over again and clear my throat.

"Yeah?" I question, waiting for what he was about to say.

"Take care of Ashley. I know she has our dad and mom, but she needs someone who will protect her and look out for her in school and outside of her home life. She tries so hard and deserves the world. Just please, if you can, look out for my little sister. When I am away, it is surprising, but I worry about her most of all." He speaks, scratching the back of his head.

"I will. Don't even worry about it man." He throws his arm over my shoulder in a brotherly manner, it was different having someone treat me this way and I feel awkward.

"Thank you Julian; you know, you aren't as bad as I thought you were going to be." He admits and something inside of me feels offended at the fact that he expected to meet some crazy physco.

"You're welcome and I am glad you think so. You are one of the few I have met that has treated me like a regular person." I shove my hands deep in my pockets and look down at the dirt.