GABRIEL. (UNDER CRITICAL EDITING)

Chapter 20

( November 29 )

- Reggie

Gabriel and I sat on my bed watching Kevin Hart's Let Me Explain. Her back was against the headboard, and I lay with my head in her lap. The room was mostly silent, except for the TV, and we were comfortable in each other's pressence.

Gabriel's birthday is the first, but I don't know what to get her. I try to go out and find things to buy for her, but she isn't the type of girl you just buy things for. Gabriel deserves more than just a store-bought gift. She deserves something from the heart, but I don't know what exactly to give her.

I don't know what type of gift to give from the heart. I know I love her, but other than a child or a wedding ring, what kind of gift do I give for love? Gabriel honestly deserves the world. I know that in the past I've fucked up; stalking her, kidnapping Amber, and then following her here. But if we can go from her trying to get me in jail, to basically being in a relationship, I know that I can find something that'll show all of my love for her.

"What'chu thinkin' 'bout?" Gabriel asked when the movie went off. I'd been so caught up in this gift that I'd forgotten that she was even there, or that we were watching TV.

"Nothing, really." I answered. "You ready for your birthday?"

"Ready? Boy I can't wait!" She exclaimed, shimmying a little.

"Aye, chill out. You shakin' up my daughter." I laughed, rubbing her stomach.

"Boy please." She rolled her eyes, laughing. I laughed too and kissed her petruding belly.

"Hey, Lexi. It's daddy. Yo mama tryna shake you up and shit. I got you, though." I said to her stomach, as if Alexis was going to talk back. Gabriel smiled and giggled.

"You really love her, don't you?" She asked.

"Of course I do. She is my child." Gabriel's smile quickly turned into a frown and she turned her head away from me. I grabbed her chin gently between my index finger and thumb, turning her back towards me. She had tears streaming down her face, breaking through the make up in which she didn't need. I sighed. "What's wrong Gabby?"

"I-I don't know. I'm just.. I guess I'm just a little emotional. You know, with being pregnant and all." She sniffed and smiled sweetly, but I knew that wasn't all.

"Gabriel don't lie to me. What's wrong?" She put her face into the palms of her hands and sobbed.

"Reggie, I swear I love you. I mean, I know I said I wasn't ready, but I do and I can't deny it. You're honestly the best thing that has happened to me since my real parents died. You've saved me from the hell I've endured and, I mean, who couldn't love that? I don't know if I'm in love with you, but I do know that I love you from the deep depths of my heart. And I appreciate you so much." By this time, we both were crying.

"Man, you got me over here lookin like a bitch, crying and shit. I love you too, man." I pulled her unto my lap and kissed her forehead, embracing her in my arms.

We sat that way all night until we eventually fell asleep.

But that was yesterday..

I walk around the house, gathering up every bit of clothes we have, while Gabriel sits up front on her ass. I get she's pregnant, but grabbing one suitcase wont hurt her.

"You ready, Reggie?" She asked, walking up to me with hot chip residue covering her finger tips.

"Don't touch me, Gabriel. Yo hands dirty and I'm wearing white. Can you grab that bag, please? You ain't doin' shit else." I snapped.