Meekly Rhythm

Don't Leave Me

Gabe is such a nice guy, he is always looking out for me. I'm so grateful to have him as a friend. As Gabe opens the passenger door for me, I get a whiff of his cologne. It's a strong spice smell and it instantly makes me more comfortable around him. Gabe makes his way to the driver side. He starts the engine and we are off.

.....

"I'm lucky to have you," I say it so quickly and it takes me a moment to actually comprehend that I actually said what I was thinking.

Gabe glances in my direction and smirks.

"Are you saying that because I drive you everywhere or because we're bandmates?"

I cock my head at Gabe, "I'm saying it because you are my best friend, and you are so sweet and important to me." I blush at my honesty. Gabe seems taken aback by my kind words.

He turns his head in the opposite direction from me trying to contain his blush.

"Where is this all coming from?" he finally says after clearing his throat. 

"Well if it wasn't for you, I could have never convinced Luke, and Kian to hold the audition."

Gabe's face falls at my words. "Oh..this is about the audition..." Gabe says while running a hand through his hair. 

"Of course it is," I say while giving him a big smile. "I'm stoked to have Jade, her audition was awesome."

Gabe pauses for a moment and then replies with a "Mmmhm"

I notice his sudden detachment from the conversation. I nudge Gabe's shoulder.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Would I still be important to you if we weren't bandmates?" 

I lower my eyebrows at Gabe's weird question.

"Of course you would be, what kind of questions is that?" I say while shifting in my seat to face him.

"I don't know, I just felt like asking, that's all" Gabe glances at me "Because you are important to me too." 

I smile at Gabe and shift forward in my seat. 

"Thank you," I said while glancing at him.

"Don't mention it." He says while switching his hand on the steering wheel.

.....

"How's your cheek?" 

The question caught me off guard, I had totally forgotten about it. I reached for my left cheek to inspect it. The swelling has seemed to go down a lot.

"It's fine... I'm fine don't worry." I say while pulling my hoodie over my head.

Gabe nods "Please be more careful going up those steps.. okay?"

"Okay," I say back.

Gabe pulls into my driveway. I suddenly get a feeling of sadness. I don't want to leave the safety of his car just yet. Gabe notices my sudden stiffness as he puts his truck in park. 

"Sy, what's the matter?"

I stiffer a laugh and proceed to grab my bag. "Oh, it's nothing I was just reminiscing about today. I can't wait for tomorrow." I give him a wide smile and he smiles back. 

"Me either, Come on, I'll help you get your bike out of the trunk"

I nod and Gabe and I exit the car. Gabe unlocks his trunk and carefully grabs my bicycle and places it safely on the ground.

"Thank you," I say while grabbing the handlebars to lead it onto my front porch.

Gabe watches me do this with his hands in his pockets. I turn my head back towards him. "Goodni-"