by Savana Jade
“Jenna, what do you want me to do?” I pull her into my arms. “He kidnapped Gabriel. He’s just a kid. A kid that thinks the world of me from what I’m told. Baby, I have no intentions of being with Carmen. I cringe at the thought of sitting in a plane for a few hours let alone looking at her. But he needs us, more now than ever.” My voice rattles. She nods in my arms.
“I understand.”
“Baby, you believe me don’t you? I love you more than my life itself. The thought of being away from you for more than a minute makes my stomach turn.” She wraps her arms around my waist and tucks her head in my arms and cries. “Jenna, God, I’m sorry. Please don’t cry.”
“I… I don’t know what to say.” She holds me tighter.
“Don’t say anything.” I kiss the top of her head.
“Do you need me to go with you? When do you leave? Tonight? Gabe, I don’t think I can do this.”
“Shhh…” I take her face in my hands and press my lips onto hers again. “Don’t you ever say you can’t do this, because you can. You are the strongest person I know. I want you to stay here with your brother. Its bad enough I have to go with that woman. But this guy, Jenna… He’s dangerous. I don’t want you anywhere near him.”
“Great. Now I have more to worry about.” She rolls her eyes. “How long are you going to be gone?”
“Only as long as it takes to go get him and bring him back home. Danny’s taken him back to Texas. I was thinking if I’m still there when you guys drive through, I can catch up with you there. I’ll do anything to be with you again.”
“Why does this have to be so hard?” She cries. “I know you have to do what’s best. I get it. I for one know what it’s like to lose your parents. But to be taken from them” She shakes her head. “You made the right choice, Gabe.”
“Really? You think I did? Because I have been killing myself over this all night.” She places her hands on mine.
“It would have been easier if you would have told me to begin with. Then this all wouldn’t have to have been so difficult. Do you remember what we spoke about earlier?” I nod and she smiles. “You said that if heaven forbid if we are apart. That you will remind me every minute of every hour how much you love me and can’t wait to be with me again.”
Chuckling at her. “I said all that?”
“Mhmm. Just not in so many words.” She smiles up at me. “I love you Gabe. With all that I have in me. It will be hard as hell to be apart from you again. We’re going to be okay. I trust you. Her, I’m not too sure about. But I trust you wholeheartedly. But you didn’t answer my question. When do you leave?”
I reach down into my pocket and pull out my phone. We both look at the screen. “Looks like it takes off at eleven fifty two tomorrow.” Placing it back into my pocket. “Stay with me tonight?”
“I’m with you every night, silly.” She plays, running her fingers over my face as if she’s memorizing my features.
“No. Right here, Angel. Stay with me. I want to watch the sun rise with you. Not at the house where someone can interrupt us. But right here, in the middle of nowhere. I want to watch your beautiful face under the stars. I want to spend every second of every minute with you in my arms until I have to get on that plane. Please Jenna?”
Her smile is soft and her features are lovely. She looks at me like a woman in love. “Okay.”
~~~
Jenna
Gabe has made the last twelve hours the most memorable hours of my life. Never once did he leave my side. We walked hand in hand further away from the city lights where we found a quant spot where it was just the two of us. He sent my brother a text telling him where to pick us up this morning and that we were going to be spending some time alone. Brennan wasn’t too keen on the idea, but apparently, after a conversation with Ashley, he understood.
We now sit in a row at the airport waiting until we were pushing our luck before he had to go past the checkpoint. I’m curled up on his lap and he holds me tightly, stamping my face with kisses every few seconds. All I can do is remember how beautiful last night was. Nothing separated us from nature. We laid on the beach and made sweet, sweet love throughout the night. Refusing to sleep, we talked and reminisced about the past. So many times we fought ourselves with admitting the truth about our feelings when we both knew that eventually this is where we would be.
He held me in his arms while we watched the sun kiss the sky with the new morning. The waves never faltered bringing in new markings in the sand. He drew a huge heart with “Gabe loves Jenna” in the middle and took a picture. Then we laid inside that heart and made love one more time before getting dressed and meeting Drew where he told someone to meet us.
Gabe sat in the back seat on our way back to the house with me and never once let me out of his sight. We showered together and made love once more. I packed his things and added a few pieces of lingerie sprayed with his favorite perfume of mine on it to remind him of what will be waiting for him when he returns, my heart.
The guys agreed that they wanted to see him off. We both didn’t mind it since being apart from them as well as me will be a big adjustment for him. As a band, we don’t know how it is to split up. Usually when one of us go somewhere, the rest follow. When I went to rehab was the exception, but even so, Gabe came every day. Matt and Drew offered to go with him to Kansas to help him out, but Gabe declined. He wanted Drew to be by my side in case I needed support and didn’t want Matt to be away from Willow any longer than he had. Gabe has such a big heart for everyone else, I think he forgets about his own.
“I can still buy a ticket if you change your mind.” Matt says. “Wilz will most likely fly back to Cali with Dani and my parents anyways.” We turn to look at Willow and she shakes her head.
“He thinks traveling with Dani will be too difficult. I told his parents that they could take her back with them and I would stay with you guys. But Matt’s difficult.”
Gabe chuckles, kissing me once again. “It’s okay man. Stay with your woman. Make her happy and don’t let her go.” He holds me tighter in his arms.
“You sure Dad is okay running the field?” Ashley asks with concern with her voice. I am one hundred percent positive, she was really asking if he would be okay traveling with that two headed monster poor little Gabriel calls a mother.
“He hired some kids to help out until he’s back on his feet.” Another kiss lands on my cheek. “Look guys, I know you all want to be there for me. But what I want most is for you to be here for Jenna. Okay? I want you to keep her so busy, she doesn’t realize I’m away.”
“That’s not going to happen. Not in a million years.” I wrap my arms around him and bury my face in his neck. “I miss you already.” The speaker announces that his flight is on time and they will begin boarding shortly. I take a deep breath and try not to cry.
He squeezes me tightly and stands with me in his arms. Turning to set me down, he hugs the guys before returning back to me. “Guys, I’m going to take her away for a minute.” He says before nodding at Drew and Brennan. They nod in return and I suddenly wonder what’s going on. He slings his backpack over his shoulder before offering his hand to me. “Come with me Angel?”
I try to swallow the huge knot in my throat and take his hand. He drapes his arm over my shoulder and I rest my head on his chest and slowly, very slowly, we begin shuffling our feet to the checkpoint. Once we find ourselves a few feet away from the entrance he pulls me into his arms and holds me tight. I refuse to look at him in the eye because I know that when I see those brown eyes I have memorized so well, I will crumble. His cleansing breath fills my nostrils and I try not to choke up.
“Jenna.” He rests his forehead on mine. I close my eye tightly and shake my head.
“No.”
“Angel. Look at me.” I squeeze them shut.
“No.” I cry. “I can’t. Let me go with you Gabe. I promise it will be okay.”
His thumb and forefinger rest on my chin forcing it to face his. “J
enna, open your eyes. Look at me.” I open my eyes and when I see the redness in his, my chest breaks into a million pieces. “Baby, don’t cry.” He begs. “Please don’t cry. I love you.”
Nodding, “I love you too.”
“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You know that?” I nod again. I suddenly can’t find my voice to speak. I grab onto his shirt and hold onto it tightly. “I will call you when I land. I will call you before taking off again. I promise.” I just keep eye contact with him and try not to sob. “Last night was amazing. Especially when you do that thing with your…”
I kiss him to stop him. “Don’t go.” The speaker announces his flight at the same time.
“Baby, I have to go.” He takes my hands and releases my death grip on his shirt. “Promise me you’ll be good.” I nod. “No. I want to hear it.”
“I promise.”
“That’s my girl.” Bringing his hands to my face, he kisses me passionately. “I love you, my angel.” He kisses my forehead then looks past me and nods. Suddenly Brennan and Drew are at my side. “Take care of her for me.”
“Always man.” Brennan promises pulling me into his arms. “Shhh sis. I’ve got you.” He hugs me tightly. “Take care of yourself G.” He shakes Gabe’s hand once more. Gabe wipes the tears from his face and leans in and kisses my cheek again before turning and walking away. We stand in the same spot until I can’t see him any longer and my world shatters.
Falling to my knees, Drew and Brennan kneel down and reassure me that he will be back. Gabe knew I was going to crumble. He really does know me better than I know myself. I have my arms wrapped around my brothers neck and sob uncontrollably. My phone chirps and Drew takes it and opens it. He nudges my arm and I look at the message on the screen.
Just boarded the plane. I can bet a million dollars my heart is still in the same place I left her. But I am positive I have a piece of her heart with me. Stay strong Angel. I love you.
I take the phone from Drew and begin typing.
You’re right about location. I’m now a crumbled mess on the ground. But you’re wrong about my heart. You didn’t take a piece of it, you took the whole thing. I love you too. Come home safely.
Anything for my Angel.
Struggle
Gabe
“How is she?” Carmen asks as we head off the plane.
“None of your damn business.” I snap, keeping my eyes focused on one thing. Getting Gabriel, and bring him home.
“I’m sorry.” She whispers behind me. I stop and turn to her. She’s been a wreck since I met her at the terminal where I switched planes.
“Look, I’m sorry for snapping at you okay?” I sigh. “This is all so fucked up, I don’t know…” I try to let out the right words, but I can’t.
“I get it Gabe. I do. I messed up all those years ago. And I’m sorry. I only wanted what’s best for little Gabriel.”
I nod in agreement. “Then, let’s go and get him.” I offer my hand for support. She takes it and we make our way to the car rental. “Danny of all people? Seriously Carmen?”
Once we get in the car, we decide to stop to get a bite to eat. I send my sister a text.
Ash, make sure to give Jenna my letter tonight if something happens and I can’t tell her I love her. Keep her safe for me. I love you sis.
~G
~~~
“Are you sure this is the house?” I ask bringing the car to a stop. The house is rundown. All the paint on the outside is almost chipped to existence. The yard is full of weeds if not dead. The thought of Gabriel here makes my stomach turn. Carmen looks down at the paper she has in her hand and nods. “Let’s get this over with then. Do you have the legal forms?”
“Yes, right here in my bag.” She says stepping out of the car. I meet her at the front by the hood. “For what it’s worth Gabe, thank you.” She reaches up and kisses my cheek. All I can think of, all I have thought of since I left Florida, is Jenna. If she knew Carmen kissed me just now, there’s no doubt that a cat fight would happen right before my eyes.
“Carmen, don’t.” I look her straight in the eye. “I appreciate your affection, but my heart belongs to Jenna. She’s my world. I’m not here for you. I’m here for your little boy.”
“Our little boy Gabe. He’s legally yours.” She corrects.
“A piece of paper is all it is, Carmen. That’s all. Nothing more, nothing less. And when this is all done and over with, I plan on taking myself off his birth certificate.” She closes her eyes momentarily before nodding and looking back at me.
“I understand. Let’s go.” She quietly steps toward the house. Being polite, I guide her with my hand on the small of her back. I have zero feelings for the woman standing next to me, but I am not a heartless prick.
Once we make it to the front door, she reaches up and knocks. Moments later, the door opens and what was once my old best friend, but now my enemy stands, leaning against the door.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the whore and her little bitch.” Danny says bringing a bottle of whisky to his lips. “What the fuck do you want? Aren’t you on tour or something?”
“Or something. You know damn well what we want Danny. You took LG without her permission. We’re here to bring him home.” He pushes off the door and steps toe to toe with me. He never was as tall as I was, giving me the leverage to look down at him.
“Fuck you man. The kid’s not even yours. What the fuck do you care?” I square my shoulders and meet him eye for eye.
“He may not be mine by blood, but he’s legally my son. So I suggest you turn your drunk ass around and go get my boy.” I growl.
“Is that so?” He asks.
“Yeah, that’s so.” I snap. “From what I’m guessing, with a record like yours, you wouldn’t want us to involve the police in this matter would you? I mean, kidnapping is a pretty fucking strong offence Danny.” He glares at me before turning to her.
“You gonna let your bitch do all your dirty work?”
“Leave her out of it man. Just give us the boy.” His eyes meet mine after he sizes me up. I am by no means body builder material, but I am fit enough to hold my own.
“You know what, Gabriel?” He squares his shoulders to me. “Why don’t you fucking make me?”
“Mommy?” A little boys sound comes from behind the door. “Mommy, is that you? Are you with Daddy?” In this very moment my heart sinks. Daddy? Never once had I ever imagined that name being said toward me. I dreamt about it with Jenna and my kids, but not now.
“Yes Gabriel, both daddy and I are here to bring you home.” She cries bringing her hands to her mouth in a sob. “Danny, please, he’s all I have.”
“C’mon man, do the right thing for once in your life.” I stand my ground, willing my feet to stick like concrete waiting for him to open the door.
“Babe.” He hollers through the door. “I thought I told you to keep him upstairs.”
“He was hungry.” Whoever is in there whines.
“Give him some fucking food and take him back outside will ya?” He sets his hands on the door and turns to me. “The neighbors are getting suspicious. Come inside.” He waits a good minute before finally opening the door and letting us in. We follow him into the living room. “Wait here.” He leaves us standing in the center of the room.
Carmen immediately steps toward the back of the house where the sliding glass window is and she begins looking for Gabriel, not even paying attention to the filth scattered around the room in her path. “I… I don’t see him, Gabe.” She turns to me. My eyes, which are still remained on the living room and my surroundings finally meet hers.
“I don’t feel right here.” I step toward her. I take her shoulders and force her to look at me. “Carmen, listen to me. We need to get LG and get the fuck out of here. I have a bad feeling about being here.” Just then, we hear Gabriel calling us from upstairs. I turn and head toward the hallway that leads toward the staircase, with Carmen following when Danny turns the corner.
“Going somewhere?” He turns the corner with his hands resting on his back pockets.
“Yeah, I’m going to get my kid.”
“He’s not your fucking kid man. He’s mine. That’s why he’s with me. He aint going anywhere.” And before I know it, he lunges at me.
We scuffle around the room. Carmen is screaming for us to stop. “Get LG!” I shout, looking at her, “NOW!” She turns to run toward the hall.
Danny knocks me to the ground. He gets a clean shot at me, driving his fist to my temple. I push him up off me and land my fist in his nose hearing a snap. He falls to the floor. When he gets up, I shove my shoulder into his gut knocking him down. Pulling my fist back to land another punch, Carmen screams. “GABE!” I look at her before resting my eyes on my target when I see the barrel of a nine millimeter pointed directly at me. “Oh God, No!” She cries distracting Danny just enough for me to lunge down and grab the gun.
We wrestle for the gun until a shot sounds off.
“Ahhh.” I holler.
He shot me in the leg, it’s just a graze, but my determination to protect Gabriel is stronger. He stands and raises the gun toward Carmen. I take my good leg and kick the back of his thigh pushing him to the ground. Landing on top of him, we battle for the gun. Moments later it sounds off again, but we are both too busy fighting for it to see where the bullet went. He gets the upper hand and ends up on top of me, pointing the gun at my head…
The sound of a gun goes off once more, but it’s not the one that we’ve been fighting for. Danny’s body goes still and he stops fighting. His eyes widen, looking straight at me. He drops the gun beside us and coughs. Blood begins spurting from his mouth just before he collapses on me.
“Oh my God.” A young woman cries. “Is he dead?”
I shove Danny off me and immediately check his pulse. “Call 911, he’s still alive.”
“And is she?” She pauses.
Wait what?
I finally bring my eyes to her and notice she’s looking at Carmen.
“Fuck!” I get up and run to her. Kneeling down at her side, I notice how lifeless she is. “Carmen.” I shake her softly. “Carmen, c’mon babe. Wake up.” I beg. “Wake up.” Her face is pale, her eyes are closed. She looks so peaceful. “Dammit Carmen. C’mon!” I yell. I’m too afraid to check her pulse. I already know what I’m looking for. “No, Carmen. No.” I cry. Reaching my shaky finger to her neck, I check for a pulse. “I’m so sorry.” I whisper, pulling her lifeless body to mine. “Shit, I’m sorry.” I hold her to me just when another sound goes off. Another shot…
