A Secret Guardian

Seven

“Gabriella, I need you to come here for a moment.” Ms. Calisto called from the front of the house.

Gabriella hopped out of bed and rushed into the living room. “Yes ma'am?” she asked.

“We have something we need to discuss with you.” Ms. Calisto said seriously.

“Who's we?” Gabriella asked confused.

“Her and me.” said a male voice, stepping out from around the corner.

Gabriella turned around to see her brother step out. Something was different about him now. He was in a military uniform and his hair was clean cut.

“Xander, what's going on?” Gabriella asked with a puzzled look on her face.

“Gabriella sit down sweetie.” her mother said from behind her.

Gabriella sat down next to her mother and Xander sat down on the other side of her. Xander had an almost dead serious look on his face, as did her mother.

Xander took a deep breath and began. “I signed up for the army. I've heard you complain to mom about me laying around all day, and you're right. So I've decided to carry on what dad started.”

“When I said you needed to do something, I didn't necessarily mean that.” Gabriella started. She sighed, then continued “But I am proud of you.” she said with a weak but proud smile.

Xander smiled at her. Her opinion and approval meant a lot to him. Growing up, the pair had always been close. Then he leaned over and hugged his baby sister but backed off when he felt her wince in pain.

He looked at her concerned. “What's happened? Did I hurt you?” he asked.

“No.” she responded quickly, covering her arm.

Xander noticed his sister's quick movement and looked at her with a disapproving glare. “What happened?” he asked again.

Gabriella sighed and revealed the red marking on her arm. Her mother gasped and Xander took her arm in his hand. He gently touched the marks and again Gabriella winced.

“Gabriella, who did this to you?” Xander asked. Gabriella could see the rage building in his eyes.

“Remember Tate?” Gabriella asked.

Xander nodded.

“Well we broke up this morning and he didn't take it well. He walked in my room at the hospital a couple days ago and a guy who's sister was down the hall was in there visiting with me and Maria. He got jealous and stormed out. Then when I confronted him this morning, he got even angrier.” Gabriella said quietly, looking down at her hands which were folded in her lap.

“Gabriella...” her mother started.

“Don't momma. We're through, that's all there is to it. I know he won't get near me anymore, Tristan won't let him.” Gabriella said.

“Who's Tristan?” her mother asked, puzzled.

“The guy that was talking to me and Maria at the hospital. He and I have gotten really close. But he promised me first thing that he wouldn't let Tate hurt me again.” Gabriella said.

“Well I'm glad to know that there's a man that can protect you while I'm not here.” Xander said smiling. “But I want to meet him before I leave.”

“What do you mean, 'before you leave'?” Gabriella quickly asked, grabbing her brother's sleeve.

Xander sighed. “I'm being deported. That's what I needed talk to you about Abby.” he said, looking at her sadly.