Her Guardian Angel- Gabriel's Story

Chapter 25- Match Maker

It wasn’t the worst lasagna I’d ever eaten… who am I kidding, it was awful! But I ate it, and we both knew it would be a while before he attempted that recipe again. I made a note to ask my grandma to help me make it sometime. It was her recipe after all. Now that I had some extra time, I had a few loose ends that I wanted to tie up. I hadn’t connected Tana and Damien yet, and I was beginning to feel a little guilty.

I wasn’t sure how to match them up, but I knew someone who could help me. Megan. She had all the best ideas and she knew both Damien and Tana, hopefully she could help me set them up.

T- ‘I have a task for us’

M- ‘What kind?’

T- ‘Match-maker…’ She didn’t respond right away, so I gave her more.

T- ‘Damien and Tana… a little birdie told me they are mutual crushes’

M- ‘I’m in. How about a movie night at your place Friday? We can plan after school this week.’

T- ‘I knew you would have a plan! I’ll set it up.’

This was perfect. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it. My basement had its way of bringing couples together. I didn’t need to think about that right now though. I needed to send some invites. I knew I wasn’t going to invite anyone for me, but I wasn’t sure about Megan.

T- ‘Megs? Do you have anyone you want me to invite?’ I wasn’t sure if she had anyone in mind, in fact I never knew her to date.

M- ‘Not really. I don’t have time for guys.’

M- ‘Honestly, no one has ever piqued my interest. I think I’m too much to handle for most guys anyways.’

She wasn’t wrong on the ‘too much to handle’ part, but I was sad that she never had anyone. Not that I had anyone these days either, but it was because I was actively exuding my ‘unavailable aura’ as Tana put it. No guy would come near me with a 10-foot pole, and I liked it that way. This movie night was about old friends, and making new ‘friends’.

I had to give Tana a heads up about Damien coming. I had told her he might be interested back before school started, but she didn’t think he meant it. Her self-esteem wasn’t the greatest, and I felt like I was to blame for some of that. I was hoping Damien could work his charm and make her feel as special as she deserved. Adam, Ellie, Ashley and Ryan were all joining us, but only Megan and I knew the match-making plan. I was pretty sure Damien had caught on with the invite though, I may have told him not to screw it up.

Everything was set up, and my friends had arrived. Megan tried to have a seating arrangement, but teenagers don’t follow directions very well. Adam was trying to squeeze in on the couch near Tana, and Ellie was on her other side. How were we going to fix this?

“Adam!” I decided I needed to take a drastic measure. “Come help me with something…” I wasn’t sure what I needed, but it was in the garage. I made eye contact with Megan, hoping she could remedy our plan while I took Adam away.

“What did you need?” Adam asked after following me upstairs. He was so gullible. I almost felt bad.

“Nothing, sorry to trick you… but you were in the way.” I got the funniest look from him before he caught on.

“Oh, Oh! I see. Is that what this is all about?” I nodded my head. “Good. That boy has been driving me nuts, ever since… well, since he’s been single.” I got a knowing wink and we both laughed a little. “How are you doing? I know we don’t really ever hang out anymore… but I still think about you.”

Was he flirting now? Oh God that was not in the cards tonight. How do shut him down nicely? “I’m pretty good, focusing on staying single though… my judgement hasn’t had the best track record.” I laughed as I headed back to the basement, hoping Damien had made his move.

I sighed in relief and Adam laughed when he noticed my reaction. “You are full of surprises aren’t you Talia?” Oh, jeez. I might need some help with this one. Unfortunately, Megan and Ashley were deep in conversation and everyone else was already watching the movie.

“If only you knew all of it…” I wasn’t trying to give him any hope, but I seemed to be failing. I sat on a couch, with where I thought was only one spot available.

“Scooch over,” Adam basically picked me up and sat down under me. “I’m going to sit with you.” He winked once I gave in and basically half sat on his lap.

I crossed my arms over my chest and tucked my legs in tight under my butt. I wasn’t going to give him anything to work with. I couldn’t believe I was in this situation. There really was nothing wrong with Adam, he was handsome and always my friend. I just wasn’t interested in anyone. How was I going to make it clear to him? Oh no, he just stretched and put his arm around my shoulders… really? That’s a thing?

I got an idea. It wasn’t a great idea, but I was desperate. I leaned over a little to get his attention. “I have decided what I want to do when I graduate…” lets pray this works.

“Really? What is that?” Dang he was charming, I know if I wasn’t set on staying single, I would probably fall for that smirk of his.

“I am going to be a nun. No more men for me, ever!” That was not what he was expecting me to say, and his shocked face was priceless.

“Aren’t you supposed to be catholic to be a nun?” Damn he didn’t believe me.

“I’m converting. My life will only ever be about serving God. It’s going to be great!” My commitment to this lie was deepening. God, please forgive me for this… and thanks for the plan. I wonder how many women have actually become nuns to get away from unwanted men? Probably far too many. Why couldn’t guys just take a hint, or even a straight up no for answer?

“Oh really?” I don’t think he was buying it. “Sounds like a solid plan.” He was laughing to himself now.

“You don’t believe me?” Now I was offended that he saw through my lie. How dare he!

“Nope,” he pulled his arm back and rubbed his face to stop his laughter. “I don’t believe you are going to convert and become a nun… but thanks for trying to shut me down nicely.”

I felt like an i***t. I nudged him with my elbow in jest. “I told you I don’t want to date; I clearly can’t handle any situations with handsome guys…”

“So, you think I’m handsome?” Oh God, of course that is the only part he heard! His eye brows raised and he started laughing at me, again.

“Shut up watch the movie… or I’ll send you home!” I gave him an empty threat.

“You wouldn’t… Damien is staying with me, and he’d go home too.” He was pretty confident in his statement.

“I don’t know about that… I’m pretty sure he’ll ditch you in a heartbeat.” I looked over at our match and smiled as I saw Tana snuggled into Damien’s arms and he was gentling playing with her hair. That made all this worth it. I didn’t need to push any further. If they were going to make it work, I could let them figure things out from here.

“I hate to admit it, but you are right.” Adam seemed to give up on flirting. “Promise me something though…”

“Maybe…” I wasn’t committing to anything with guys, probably ever again.

“Let me know if you’d ever consider dating me, someday.” He was being very sincere now, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“I can do that.” With that, the rest of the evening when just as planned. Tana Ellie and Megan were staying the night, but when the movie ended Tana went on a walk with Damien. I wondered if he would take her to my spot. I smiled to myself and I really hoped he would. She would love it up there.

Ellie, Megan and I stayed up waiting for Tana’s return, but it was really just us giggling and gossiping. I was so glad that Ellie wasn’t mad at me. She had avoided me for most of the fall, but seemed to be back to our normal now. Bryan had moved on and she didn’t blame me anymore. We were excited to hear how Tana’s evening went, but she wouldn’t say much when she got back after an hour long walk.

“It was wonderful, and that is all I’m saying.” Her smile was a mile wide and I am more than positive I saw a few red marks on her neck. “Oh, and thanks for the movie night.” With that she went to bed and left us hanging.

The kittens, who were now teenagers abandoned me for Megan and Ellie. Traitors. That left me to fall asleep on my own. I found my thoughts ending where they usually do. Gabe. Nothing seemed to make sense in my life. No matter how hard I tried to stay busy, or move on. I just couldn’t. I didn’t know what to do. I found myself singing our song trying to fall asleep. For a moment, I thought I felt his tingles but when I fell asleep, he wasn’t there.

I sat on our bench at the lake, quiet this time, waiting. I didn’t say anything. But I know my heart was calling for him. I hoped he knew how much I missed him. How much I needed him. It was more than I could fathom. He never came.

I woke heart broken, and with tears streaming down my face. I think I was imagining things, but I even thought I smelled some faint sandalwood in the hallway… like he maybe started to come, but changed his mind. My friends were all still asleep, so I hurried to the shower. I needed to wash the tears away, before anyone saw. I took a cold shower, I needed to numb myself. I needed to be numb to keep going. I put my brave face on and made coffee and waffles for my dad and the girls.

I remembered Tana loved ice cream in her coffee, and the other girls thought it was a fabulous idea. We used every topping we could think of for the waffles, making decadent creations, and having a blast in the kitchen. My dad even ran to the store to get us fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I tried all the different combinations, and peanut butter and maple syrup was the best. We lost track of time, still cooking and eating until the afternoon.

The weekend was just what I needed it to be. Bonding with friends. Riding lessons with Robin this time, and just hanging with my dad. This was something I could get used to. Maybe, I could figure out a new happy for my heart with this combination. Maybe.