My Turn

Chapter 8

        After twenty nerve wracking minutes of trying not to crash the car, they finally arrived at Gabriel's home. Johanna was happy that Gabriel was taken into a nice home. It doesn't matter that he was taken away from her. Fate led them to meet again. Besides, it was impossible to forget about him. Gabriel was reluctant to leave the driver's seat, trying to take savor the leather interior. Pushing him out and locking the car, Johanna took Aimee with her to walk him up to his doorstep. Aimee was distracted by the butterflies hovering the flowers, in what she would assume would be Gabriel's mother's garden. It was very beautiful and fits the comforting home in front of them. 

        "I'll see you tomorrow. It's nice to have you back Gabby." Johanna hugged Gabriel tight.

        "Likewise Joey, but don't forget what I'm offering you and Aimee. That would always be there and plus my home is welcome to the both of you. I'm here now, let me protect you. Especially from that shady character clad in leather. He keeps eyeing you and I don't like it one bit." His arms wrapped around her shoulders, narrowing his eyes pointedly at the mention of Aaron.     

        Johanna blushed, clearly oblivious of the stares coming from Mr. Aaron Fields. She tucked some hair behind her ears, eyes wandering to Aimee jumping around. 

        "Let's graduate together this year Gabby. We'll do great for our last year." Johanna was ecstatic now that Gabriel was attending school with her. He was one of the only people she felt safe with.

        "I can't wait for your speech Ms. Price." Gabriel may be teasing her, but you could tell he was very proud of her accomplishments.

        Punching his arm playfully, Johanna called Aimee over to say goodbye. 

        "I'll see you later Monkey Princess. It was a pleasure meeting you," he said bowing once more.

        "The pleasure is all mine," Aimee replied with a curtsy. After the royal facade was gone, she ran up to Gabriel and gave him a hug. He returned the hug and waved us goodbye before entering his home.

~~~

        Johanna stopped at the local gas station with a reasonable price for gas. With the tank now full, Aimee's stomach was not. The banana from earlier was not able to keep down the growling beast that is her stomach. Johanna took Aimee with her to the convenient store with an ice cream shop inside.

        The order of 2 scoops of cotton candy for Johanna and 2 scoops of birthday cake with sprinkles for Aimee was ready by the time a girl ran past the aisles of junk food towards the bathroom. Genuinely worried about her mascara stained cheeks and puffy red eyes, she asked Aimee to hold her ice cream. Johanna opened the door to a red-headed beauty, mind the makeup running down her face. She frantically turned on the faucet and splashed water on her face. The girl stared at her reflection, taking deep breaths trying to calm her erratic breathing. Her eyes blinked and her nose wiggled adorably. She willed herself to shed no tears, but Johanna knew first hand on how difficult that can be at times.

        Johanna took a step forward and tapped her shoulder. She jumped slightly, looking at her with surprise in her hazel eyes. There was no trace of makeup on her face, her natural beauty making Johanna slightly jealous. "It's good to let it out, but only when the tears needs to be shed. Don't cry just because you feel them coming. You cry when you can't control it. We are never given anything in life that we can't handle. You are strong and occasionally need some release. Don't be ashamed of crying when everyone can see you've been holding back for so long. No matter the obstacle, there are always many different ways to get through them. Be strong, and stay strong." 

        A small smile lit up her face as she nodded. Johanna mentally sighed, relieved that the girl was no longer feeling down. 

        "What's your name?" The girl asked, grasping on to Johanna's elbow as she turned to walk away.