My Turn

Chapter 5

        With Aaron glued to my side, we both walked up to Elizabeth and Cara. Eli's glare shifted from Aaron to his arm that was casually slung over my shoulders. Seeing the warning, he dropped his arm. He awkwardly rubbed his neck and chuckled being caught acting so casual and familiar with me. I walked up to Eli and hugged her with a morning greeting. Leaning back to see her face, I arched an eyebrow at her accusing glare towards Aaron. She shrugged innocently with a guilty smile. I shook my head at her over-protectiveness but appreciated it nonetheless. Moving on to Cara, she hugged me with much enthusiasm swinging my small frame side to side.

        "A good morning it is Jo," Cara greeted.

        I involuntarily winced at the phrase, reminding me of the event that happened a few hours prior. Unfortunately, the action was not over-looked by Aaron and Eli. 

        "I didn't know you were friends with Aaron Fields,"

        "Yeah umm, we bumped into each other yesterday, ironically speaking."

        "And you guys just suddenly hit it off in less than," Cara glanced at her non-existent watch for effect, "24 hours and are now buddy-buddy?" 

        "We talked about cars," I sheepishly admitted.

        "You bonded over cars?" Cara shook her head, "A girl shouldn't have to worry about vehicles, guys have that covered."

        "I quite like knowing someone who has the same interests as me, even more so with a beautiful girl," Aaron interrupted. He grinned, satisfied with his smooth compliment. 

        I saw a familiar face walking through the field of our school. Not meaning to blatantly ignore Aaron's compliment, I ran towards to the walking figure. Aaron's grin was immediately wiped off his face once he saw that I have not heard him and left them. Eli and Cara looked at each other in confusion as to why I ran away; however, I wasn't about to ruin the chance of not being in those comforting arms once again. 

        As I got closer, my suspicion was proven correct as he opened his arms for me to crash into. Within a few feet separating us, I jumped towards him wrapping my arms and legs around him.  I nuzzled my head in the crook of his neck as he spun us around. His hearty laugh made my heart clench as memories came flooding in. He stopped spinning us but continued to hold on to me, his arms wrapped around my lower back. I pulled back to see his face and traced my fingers over his features. His cheek bones have become more defined. His cheeks no longer sunken in. His jaw more strong and angled. His features definitely more masculine, but his forest green eyes still held the same kindness after all these years despite his new intimidating, handsome physique.

        "You look good Gabriel, very handsome might I add." My voice trembled as I remember the scrawny little boy who protectively held the hand of a scared grey-eyed child. Gabriel shifted to carry me with one arm with ease as he brought his hand up to my face and gently brushed away the tears that to threatened to fall. 

        "Time has done justice to you too Johanna, you have become a very beautiful woman," Gabriel spoke. 

        I jumped at the sound of his deep voice, not having heard his voice in so long. Even as he chuckled from my slight jump, the sound was deep yet comfortingly familiar. "I missed you," I said timidly, feeling like the scared little girl back in the orphanage. 

        "And I, you. It was difficult to part with you after Nan's death. The timing was terrible, especially when you needed me there." Gabriel's eyes flashed with regret, his attention was caught by the moon pendant that shone from the light. The corners of his lips slightly lifted upwards as a wave of nostaglia crashed over the both of us.

        "I managed." 

        "The hell you did! You were broken and just a child. I took responsibility over you once Nan died and I intended to keep it. I'm so sorry for leaving you." His emotions took the best of him as his eyes glazed over with sorrow. 

        I placed a hand to the side of his face cradling his cheek, an action that always comforted me. His distressed features softened. "Now's not the time or place to be talking about the past. And like I said, I managed. I'll show you after school once you tell me why you are here though."

        "My folks moved here after they had a new child. It's weird getting a new sibling, but I take care of her as I did with you."

        "You are only one year older than me yet you act as if you are ten years older. Your body may be young but your soul is ancient," I teased. "It's great hearing that you are doing well with your family."

        Gabriel heard the longing in my voice and narrowed his eyes. He pushed the thoughts aside for later. "I'm here so I can get my schedule. I missed the first day since we had to finish with the house." He dropped me and ruffled my hair.

        I huffed and pouted with exaggeration, crossing my arms over my chest. He tweaked my nose and we erupted into fits of laughter. He noticed how I had to strain my neck to see him, his height towering over mine. A knowing smirk was on his face and I narrowed my eyes at him in warning. He silently put his hand up in surrender. 

        My friends were waiting by the entrance of the school watching the scene that was displayed in front of them with mixed feelings. "Gabriel, my friends don't know of my past. As much as I hate saying this, I want  to keep it that way. Please tell me you won't tell them about the orphanage," I pleaded.

        "So how will they know who I am to you? I can't say your overprotective brother from the orphanage."

        "Say that you are my overprotective childhood friend."

        "I am a bit disappointed in not wanting to tell your friends the truth of where you came from, but I will respect your wishes."

        "It's not easy being the 'role-model' student and respected friend without the past haunting me and everyone I know."

        "Role-model student? Who knew little Johanna became a nerd," he snickered.

        I grabbed his hand and led him to my friends, tugging him harshly at his remark. I let go of his hand but he stood by my side in an intimidating posture. He crossed his arms over his chest, his biceps bulging which Cara eyed appreciatively. 

        "Sorry for running away like that guys. This is Gabriel, my childhood friend. Gabriel, this is Cara, Elizabeth, and Aaron," I introduced.

        Gabriel smiled at the ladies with a nod. "Pleasure." I snickered silently. He turned to look at Aaron, sizing him up. One look at him and he stepped forward, placing himself in between Aaron and I. 

        I rolled my eyes and elbowed Gabriel to push him back. "Did I mention overprotective childhood friend?"

        He stopped glaring at him and walked behind me. He placed his chin on top of my head and smirked at Aaron who was now glaring at him. 

        "Sorry to ditch you guys again but I have to show Gabriel around and get his schedule. I'll meet you at Study Hall?"

        "Don't worry about it Jo, you go ahead and accompany Gabriel around. We can find something else to keep us busy," Elizabeth assured.

        "Yeah, no problem at all. I'll make sure to tell Rhea and Christine that you are here though. They'll get worried if they don't know if Mamma Jo is here or not," Cara informed.

        Aaron was about to interrupt and say he needed help around the school as well, despite the fact of his perfect memory, but was glared down by Eli. Clueless as to what just happened, I lead Gabriel to the front office. He turned back to say good-bye but his eyes were caught by Eli. Neither of them could look away unsure of why they couldn't, the pull too strong between them. It was broken once the doors closed and Eli got out of the trance. Cara stared back and forth between Eli and the closed doors where Gabriel passed through. She mumbled incoherent words and how she was going to end up as an old single cat lady.