Gabriel (Continued) (Book 2)

'Normal' Is My Middle Name

A-N- Mehhh i really dont feel like writing much of an author's note lol so just enjoy it!

>>> One of them on the bull lol

Beginning of October

School was normal, football practice was normal, lacrosse practice was normal. But unlike most other days, after waiting for my lacrosse practice to be over, Nikola and I went to the country club instead of going home. While she went to swim practice, I practiced my golf swing. And then after her practice we went sailing. We decided to take my boat, Lil' Romeo, out this time. After a while of just chilling, dangling our feet over the edge and into the water, time seemed to freeze.

"Drew?"

"Yeah?"

"I miss this. We never hang out just the two of us anymore," she moved over and leaned her head against my shoulder.

"Yeah," I whispered, "Me too."

Eventually the sea turned red from the setting sun.

When we heard the cannons back at the club we decided to turn around and go back. Well, I think I decided to ruin the moment and go. After we finished tying up the boat I noticed Johanna and Gabriel standing on the patio with a few other couples. They all looked so normal; talking, laughing, sipping Chardonnay. But I knew different. I can't say they are the worst parents ever, but they aren't the best; they just aren't who I would pick for myself.

"Oh, Kids," Johanna waves us over, "You remember Kalvin's parents don't you? Mr. And Mrs. Gallagher."

"Of course. Good to see you," Nikola shakes their hands.

"Hello," is all I say before shaking their hands.

Mr. Gallagher holds onto my hand for a couple seconds longer, "You can tell a lot about a man by his handshake, Drew."

I wonder what he was learning...probably that I'm not who my parents gush about me being.

He dropped my hand, I scowled.

"How were your practices?" Gabriel asks me.

"Fine."

"Your golf swing?"

"Great."

"Sailing?"

"Smooth..."

Ha ha, get it? SMOOTH sailing? I'm hysterical!

"Alright, well you two should go get yourselves cleaned off and in nice clothes. We're eating here tonight."

Nikola and I smile politely and turn to walk towards the member locker rooms. I wear khaki pants and a white polo while Nikola puts on a nice black dress and curls her hair.

We ate dinner alone, just us and our parents, no other family friends around.

Johanna and Gabriel sat opposite of each other, looking perfect. I studied the view; Nikola, Johanna, Gabriel. They looked like a family. They acted like a family. I didn't. It didn't look like there was room for me in that picture, and it didn't feel like it either.

After we had finished our coffee, I cleared my throat, "Well, I'll see you all tomorrow."

"What? Honey," Johanna said, "Where are you going?"

"Don't you remember?" I feigned innocence, "I told you that I was going to spend the night with Luke and Ryan."

Johanna exchanged a look with Gabriel, "I don't remember that, sweetie."

"Oh-"

"Oh, Johanna!" Gabriel interjects, "I suppose its alright for him to go out. It is a Friday, after all."

She blushed and melted at his decree, "I guess you're right. Go on, Drew, honey. Go and have a good time with your friends."

The scene made me sick as I walked away (not just the Gabriel and Johanna love scene, that was gross! Not to mention, I hated the way how she took his word as law...) No, what made me sick was them. That perfect family eating dinner portrait again. We had a portrait of us all back home, but I looked out of place. But there is nothing worse than seeing it, feeling it, knowing it. All I wanted to do was forget seeing the three of them alone and happy together...

"Drew, man, what took you so long?"

"Got stuck eating dinner with the family," I replied.

"Ahh, that explains the, uh, fancy clothes." Ryan and Luke laughed.

 Shit, I forgot to change before I left.

"Ha-ha," I said sarcastically, "Very funny, guys." I left them alone, laughing, to go change into jeans and a regular shirt.

As soon as I looked normal again, I hurled myself over the couch and snatched the joint from Luke.

"What do you losers have planned for tonight?" I asked before inhaling.

"Going to a bar, riding mechanical bulls, women." Luke replied.

All of that coming from his mouth made me laugh. Luke was kind of...nerdy. I still remember how shocked I was upon learning that he was into pot.

"In other words: Getting Trashed," Ryan told me.

Okay, those were terms I could work with!

"Yeah, let's go!" We took a bus because, dude, we aren't THAT stupid.

We got to the bar and ordered a round, that was when I noticed that Luke wasn't lying; they really do have a mechanical bull!

"Guys, we gotta try it!" I announced before heading over to the deserted attraction.

"S'cuse me," I said to the guy by the controls, "We wanna try," I signaled to me and my friends.

"Fine," he said. I started walking forward, "Woah," he put his hand on my chest, "All cowboys gotta wear a hat." I had a feeling he was joking with me but I took it and put it on anyway.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Ready," I replied as I took a tight grip on the saddle and squeezed the machine with my legs.

It started spinning slowly, that was fine, then it started bucking a little, all was still good. It spun faster, then would stop and change directions. It started bucking while spinning. I held on tighter, I felt the wind take my hat but I didn't move. What finally got me off was a very sudden change of direction. I landed on my back, staring at the ceiling. Luke and Ryan appeared over me.

"Dudes," I breathed, "You gotta try that! Fucking awesome!" I moved off to the sidelines to watch my friends have a go. A waitress slipped a beer into my hand, winked and then went back to the bar. As soon as I had finished, I wanted another go! Thanks to us, the bull now became the most popular and exciting part of this place! Complete strangers were crowding around to watch us.

Dude, this was WAY better than watching the green eyed trio!

-Drew