Her Guardian Angel- Gabriel's Story

Chapter 15- Solutions

Staying home with nothing to do was absolutely horrible. I did all the computer work I could stand, I watched all of my favorite movies and even binge watched the new Netflick series. I did not understand how people could ‘Netflicks and chill’. That was way too boring, who would just watch tv for a date night anyways, I was clearly missing the point. I wasn’t supposed to be too active, but my dad promised we could go to the Ranch and today was the day. No riding, but I was bringing a bag of apples for my boyfriend.

I started to get a little nervous when we drove up. I wasn’t expecting this, but I guess the last time I was here I almost died. I think this must be the feeling of anxiety. My throat felt dry, my chest tightened, and my gut felt like it was boiling over. I tried counting to ten, then back down to zero… it was somewhat effective, but as soon as we stepped foot in the barn it was all for nothing. I stopped breathing and started dry swallowing over and over.

“Tali, we can come back another time. Maybe you should sit down?” My dad was more observant than I thought.

“It’s ok, I need to do this. I can’t be afraid…. I have to see him.” My dad led me down the aisle to where Robin was. He was all by himself at the end, but he perked up hearing us coming.

“Hey buddy, did you miss me?” He started moving his lips like he was talking, but I think it’s because he saw my bag of apples. “Yes, these are for you. Hold on, let me open the door…” I was instantly bombarded by a very excited horse. My dad got a little nervous and came in the stall with me. Not that he was that good with horses, but he would do whatever it took to keep me safe from danger. “It’s alright, he just wants these apples.” I fed him one and handed my dad one to feed him next.

“Easy boy,” My dad tried to sooth my somewhat skittish horse. I started rubbing his chest, and that was the right spot. He leaned in and stretched his neck out front of him, closing his eyes.

“Good boy, I’m sorry you probably weren’t getting enough attention this week.” As if he was agreeing with me, he nuzzled my head gently. “I won’t be able to ride you for a long time, but I can still come say ‘hi’ once in a while.” My dad fed him the next apple after that.

“I hear you’re Talia’s boyfriend… There are some general rules I’d like any boyfriend to follow.” My dad started joking with Robin. “First, no more life-threatening crashes. It’s not good for her dad’s old heart. Second, no more nuzzling in front of me.”

“Dad!” I teasingly scoffed at him. “Don’t worry about him Robin, I’ll nuzzle you all I want!” I started kissing his face and neck just to rub it in. Robin liked this game and was clearly playing around.

“Alright, Alright, that’s enough PDA. I’ll give you two some privacy.” My dad left me in the stall for a few minutes with my boy.

“Now that we’re alone, I want you to know I’m not mad at you.” My big bad horse hung his head down to my belly while I rubbed his ears. “It was my fault really… but did you feel Gabe come to the rescue? I don’t know if animals can see angels or not, but he came. He really did. But he’s gone again, and I feel so lost. Robin, what am I supposed to do?”

Clearly, I wasn’t expecting my horse to answer me, but it felt so good to get the words off of my chest. “Maybe he’ll come back to me…. Especially if I get in trouble again…” It was like a light bulb went off in my head. Not that I wasn’t a bright girl already, but this idea was genius. “Don’t tell anyone about this conversation Robin, and ‘NO’ I won’t use you again… I’ll just have to come up with another way for Gabe to have to come back to me.” I gave him my last apple and kissed my boyfriend goodbye, “Don’t worry, I promised I wouldn’t cheat on you and I keep my promises.” I swear he whinnied in agreement to that. I blew another kiss and walked away. Not feeling any anxiety, or sadness. In fact, I was feeling motivated and optimistic for the first time in a long while.

Back at home I got to work. Trying to come up with ways for Gabe to come visit me, without actually putting my life in danger. It was harder than I thought. As I was going through options, it occurred to me that I had felt different shivers after Gabe left. They were during precarious situations with Damien, and it made me wonder if those were from my angel as well. If that was the case, I may have my solution already available. Bryan.

But could I really do that? I’m actually not sure what ‘that’ would have to entail, but I’m pretty sure I can experiment to figure out what ‘that’ is. Oh, this is good! What else can I do… I would have to think on this. I bet my friends can help me find some new ‘hobbies’ that may also be just the ticket. My ticket to seeing Gabe. Take that, Angel of mine! I hope you know my thoughts, and know that I’m coming for you! If my eyes could glow, I know they would. Never mess with a teenage girl, especially me!

Gabriel’s POV

“Are you watching this?” Isaac was getting such a kick out of my pain. “I’m sorry, this is good sh*t! She is one vengeful b*…” I cut that son of a ***, I don’t think he actually has a mother so that doesn’t work. But I cut him off none the less.

“That’s my girl! Careful what you say about her!” It was undeniable, I was so whipped by my little human in this moment.

“I’m sorry, but admit it! She doesn’t give up.” That was clear.

“Oh snap! Did you just see that human challenging you Gabriel?” Michael came to sit by us in the observation lounge. “And you volunteered to take her on. Ungrateful little human. If I was you, I wouldn’t just sit back and take it, I’d…”

“You’d what Michael? What? Really, when was the last time you did anything of note?” Clearly, I was easily agitated at this point. My emotions, which I admit to having now, are not helping. I tried to take a deep breath, Michael wasn’t my favorite Being, but he wasn’t the reason I was actually upset right now. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all…. Now, please go mind your own business.” Michael was a rule follower and I was using that to get him off my back.

“Suit yourself, I just had some ideas for taming your little…human.” I’m still not sure how an angel could look so devious, but Michael pulled it off perfectly.

“Not interested.” I got up and walked away from my friend and that ‘other’ guy. I may have needed a solution, but I wasn’t giving Michael the satisfaction of solving my problem. Besides, I didn’t want to tame her. I liked her wild spirit. It’s part of what makes her special. I should probably stick a little closer to her for a while though. I don’t trust her to not do anything too careless right now.

Talia POV

I laid down and thought I might pass out before working on hatching a plan. Being in my own bed was glorious! Even my pillow smelled amazing, like that wonderful t-shirt Gabe was wearing… wait. Is that for real? Does my bed smell like Gabe? How can I smell him now? I’ve never had that before, right? I was questioning a lot of things right now. But one thing I was certain of was that I needed more of Gabe’s smell.

The next few days were spent managing my pain and learning to move around again. Simply taking a shower with my cast on was near impossible. Luckily, Tana came over to help me with that. I was going to have to figure something else out with her leaving next week. My dad wasn’t going to be an option… URGH! This accident keeps on giving! Maybe showers are just over rated.

School was going well, but I was starting to get bored with the classes. Nothing seemed to pique my interest. I was done with my science classes until fall, and those were my favorite. It was a lot harder to focus on an end goal, when I wasn’t actually sure what that goal was. The only goal I could really think of was Gabe, and I had the next part of my plan all set!

While I couldn’t go camping overnight, my dad was letting me go for the day of the 4th. Bryan offered to come pick me up in the morning, and bring me home after the fireworks. This should be good, but I was going to have to apologize to Robin later. He’ll know I’m not actually cheating, it’s for the greater good really.

The morning of the 4th, I gave myself a good wipe down, some dry shampoo and a bit of perfume. I rarely wear that stuff, but without regular showers I figured it wouldn’t hurt my plan. What was that plan exactly? Who knows, I’m just winging it at this point. Things progressed pretty naturally with Damien, I guess I’m hoping it goes the same with Bryan.

Bryan came to the front door of our house and asked if I needed any help carrying anything or getting in the explorer. I wasn’t sure what else I was supposed to bring, but I declined as I just had a small backpack with supplies for the day. I brought extra pain meds just in case, a change of clothes and sun block. I didn’t burn easily, but I didn’t want to risk skin cancer when I was older. I wasn’t sure what the day might bring, but I was elated to get out of the house.

“Ready to go Talia?” I swear Bryan was already trying to lay on the charm, and I decided I should play along as best I could. Maybe I should have watched a few romance movies as research… This was so not like me.

“I don’t know Bryan, are you ready?” I bit my lower lip hoping I pulled off the sultry voice I was intending. Otherwise, it might actually sound like I had a speech impediment.

He just laughed. Was this good or bad? I had no funking clue. Oh, this was awful, what was I actually thinking. I can’t seduce a senior guy? I clearly do not have the skill set required. I smiled to myself, trying to hide my feelings of defeat and stared at my phone. I’m sure I can text someone something important right now. You should never seem too interested in a guy, right? They want what they can’t have more… or at least I think that is how it goes.

I was not paying any attention when Bryan reached over and unbuckled my seat. I looked up at his sparkling blue eyes, they were pretty stunning. “What are you doing?” I was on guard a little bit, not knowing what else to be.

“I’m buying you breakfast, you clearly have never had a guy take care of you, right?” What was that supposed to mean. I am pretty sure there was a double meaning there and it made me take a big dry gulp. Lord have mercy.

Donuts. Yep, I am clearly not the one in charge here. He already knows my weakness, and I’m buckling at the knees as we speak. My feisty resolve sure does crumble pretty quickly with a handsome face and a little extra attention. “Sounds good.” I squeaked out, but he winked at me knowing that it was more than good.

“Would you like coffee too? Extra sweet this time…” He leaned in close to my ear to ask me. How can coffee make me blush, it doesn’t seem possible? I mouthed the word yes, unable to speak with his cologne engulfing me. What did they put in that sh*t? I think it should be illegal, because it makes my brain like mush.

I ate my donut in silence, but decided I could try and make it a bit sensual. What? Wasn’t that the goal? To get my angels attention. I’ll show Gabe how much I don’t need him anymore. I had gotten a Bismarck donut, because the butterfly’s were all gone. They have this delicious cream filling; I was sure that would do the trick. It was not an easy task with one good hand, but I made sure to lick as much of the cream off my fingers as I could. A dollop fell on the table, and I pondered licking it off… Oh God forgive me. I dove in, licking from the table. Getting it all back in my mouth.

“So, you’re a dirty girl are you?” Bryan chuckled to himself. “I knew I liked you for a reason.” He took some of his frosting and smeared my neck near my ear. “Would you like me to get that for you?”

OH Sh*t! I did it… Now what the funk do I do? I crossed my legs, much too obviously and looked him straight in the eyes “I can take care of myself, thanks anyways.” I wiped the frosting off and sensually licked my fingers. “We should probably get going?” I said while I got up from the table.

I sauntered to his car, and waited patiently. There was some clear adjusting of the pants that needed to happen before he made his way to the car behind me. Bingo. I think I’m on the right track. Plus, this feels pretty good. I like having some control over these boys. I bet I could make them do just about anything.

“So, were playing that game, huh?” He asked as he climbed in the driver seat.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, handsome.” Where did I come up with this sh*t? I couldn’t believe I wasn’t hysterically laughing at myself by now.

“So, you think I’m handsome…”

I tried to grab his thigh with my left arm, but the cast got in the way and I reached a little further north than anticipated. I bumped his surprisingly large bulge on my quick retreat. There they were. The shivers. Oh God the shivers, they felt so good, even though I know that wasn’t Gabe’s goal. I let out a sweet sigh of relief, but to my horror Bryan took my sigh a whole other direction. “You can touch wherever you like, no need to be shy.”

“Oh God, I didn’t mean to do that, I hope you don’t think I’m that kind of girl…” I wasn’t quite sure what kind of girl I was at this point, but I definitely wasn’t the kind to go around grabbing guys junk for fun. Although I got what I was looking for, so it wasn’t all for nothing. I didn’t know what else to do in this intense awkwardness, I let out silly little laugh that hardly sounded like it came from me. Luckily, Bryan laughed too. “Can we start this over?”

“We don’t have to start over, but I’ll do whatever you want…” Bryan was good at this, I was going to have to stay alert, and not get too distracted.

“Hi, I’m Talia. I am one of your sister’s best friends. I recently broke up with my first boyfriend, and survived a horrible horse crash that should have killed me… oh and my mom died a few months ago, so I’m probably an emotional train wreck.” I paused to try and see how he was taking my little confession streak. “If you’re still interested, you should probably know that I have no clue what I’m doing, but I’m not ready for s*x yet, so don’t even think about it.”

“Well Miss Talia, that was a lot of information. I’m Bryan by the way.” He smirked as he was playing along with my silly little game, and those dimples showed up really well now. “I do remember you are Ellie’s friend, but I’ve had my eye on you for a while now. I have dated a few girls, but nothing serious. I am not sure about my emotional status, but I think I am ready for the challenge. Oh, and there is a lot we can do that isn’t s*x, if you’re interested.” That last part was so cocky that I thought I should probably just give it all up right now, because he was clearly an expert at this.

I cleared my throat, trying to pull all of my will power up to my voice “Now that we are all clear, what is the plan for today?”

“Besides me winning you over?” He reached his hand over to caress my thigh this time. Why did I wear shorts? I know it’s summer, but I feel like sweatpants would have been a better choice, much less s*xy, and these shorts were very s*xy. I didn’t move his hand though, I was hoping it might trick Gabe into warning me again, but it wasn’t enough.

“Alright, fair enough. How about I give you a decent shot today. Show me why I should leave my boyfriend for you.”

“Boyfriend? I thought you broke up?” He was clearly confused at this point.

“My horse boyfriend, I promised not to cheat on him all summer. So, you will have some serious convincing to do to change my mind.”

“Deal,” He leaned over and kissed my neck just below my ear, sucking just enough to make me let out gasp. The car sudden got a lot hotter. How did he not just wreck?