Hopelessly Hoping

"Hey, remember how you used to have this major crush on Gabriel?"

My eyes widened and I cleared my throat. "What? Did I? I can't even remember," I shifted side glances at Gabriel and laughed shakily, "If I did, it's like way over! Stupid young feelings, uh huh, that's what it is."

"I know you still like me, Al," Gabriel smirked as he leaned toward me. His gorgeous face was inches away from mine. I would deny it but my sweaty palms, wobbly legs and fast beating heart would say otherwise.

+ +

Alexis Carr had to leave her home in New York after her mother accepted a job offer in California. To her dismay, that meant leaving her neighbor and the boy she had one-sided feelings with - Gabriel Evans.

Few years later, Alexis and her family moved back. To her complete shock, she realized that Gabriel was very different. Ignore the fact that 'cute' could no longer describe him because that would have been an understatement. She was aware that his warm vibe was gone. Even so, her old feelings resurfaced involuntarily. But maybe this time, he might feel the same way. Hopelessly hoping, of course.