The Guardian

Chapter 8

-----Pancakes-----

Red

Once I opened my eyes I was in bed, the sunlight shone through the curtain into my room. It was Sunday, which meant that my mother would return home later. I went into the bathroom brushed my teeth and took a nice warm shower. Once I was done I had to pick out an outfit - red tank top, my black jeans and converse - and had to deal with my messy hair. I tried brushing it, but just simply wouldn't behave so I decided to tie it into a ponytail. Every Sunday I would go out and jog and people would always stare at me. Once I got back I realised that I haven't even had breakfast. I was just so excited to go out and clear my mind that I forgot to eat. When I got home it was only 7:00. I've been jogging for 1 hour and 30 minutes. I looked around the kitchen and saw Gabriel at the dinner table reading a newspaper. Beside him was a stack of pancakes with syrup on top. "Good morning." Gabriel said, noticing my gazing.

"Breakfast-" he pointed at the pancakes "-blueberry, your favorite."

It was my favorite. I remember my father making blueberry pancakes every morning, it was a little tradition of his and it helped us bond as father and daughter.  I remembered the day my father beat my mother. I couldn't do anything to stop him. I was just a child.

"Thank you." I muttered.

I sat down next to him and shoved a pancake down my mouth with a fork.

Geez Red. Take it easy. You're eating like a pig. You don't want to scare the guy away.

I nodded to my subconscious in agreement. I was eating like a pig and it made me scare myself. I guess I was really hungry after jogging. The pancakes tasted good and I was done in less than five minutes.

"Wow-" Gabriel said. "-I've never seen someone devour a plate of pancakes like that before."

I blushed in embarrassment. You didn't have to point it out, I thought.

"Good morning." He said, squeezing my hand gently, noticing my Red cheeks.

I immediately pulled my hand away as I felt the electricity between the two of us, building, charging. He looked disappointed once I did and lowered his head. It didn't take long for his expression to turn into a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"I'll be out in the backyard if you need anything." He said and stood up.

He walked towards me and touched my shoulder before he turned away and left. I felt the need to run after him, but then I would just look pathetic.

You are pathetic. My subconscious snorted.

She was right anyway. A part of me screamed to go see him, but another part of me told me to just leave him alone. I didn't know which side to choose. I'd better go with the first one, maybe it would give me some comfort. I gathered my thoughts as I reached for the doorknob and walked outside into the backyard. It was really bright outside and there was not a cloud in the sky. I felt a slight breeze against my cheeks and enjoyed it as much as I could because I knew that today would be a hot day.

Or maybe it's him that's hot.

If only I could wipe the smirk off my subconscious' face. She really knew how to point out the obvious.