Breathe

by Tania Trozzo

  She took her time getting ready and finally headed downstairs. Her aunt was already up having a cup of coffee.

  “Good morning,” Clara said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  “Good morning, honey.”

  Clara grabbed a homemade waffle from the plate on the counter and ate it while pouring some coffee in a to-go cup.

  “You should get two cups ready.” Her aunt said to her, grinning. “I waved for him to come in but he shook his head,” as she pointed outside the window to where Gabe was waiting in the car. Clara stared for a second, a small smile on her face. She turned to get another to-go cup but her aunt had one ready.

  Clara grabbed a banana for herself and a few waffles for him, “I’ll bring him some anyway. I’ll see you later.”

  “Have a good day, honey. We’re going out to dinner with the Santino’s in case I don’t see you. Just text me when you’re home so I know you’re ok. Love you”

  Clara nodded. “I will. As always. Love you.”

  Clara headed outside with her hands full. Gabe opened the door from the inside and Clara handed over his coffee. “That’s for you,” Clara said as she climbed in.

  “Thank you,” he said putting his coffee in the cupholder and with that same hand, cupped her cheek and leaned in halfway for a kiss. Clara didn’t hesitate and covered the other half. The kiss was simple but as they looked at each other, heat between them instantly flamed. Gabe shook his head while he put the car in drive.

  “Not that I mind, but what are you doing here?” Clara asked him.

  “Well, I thought that was obvious, picking you up,” he grinned.

  She rolled her eyes, “you know what I mean.”

  “I woke up early and figured I’d come and get you. I know you have mixed emotions about today,” Gabe said hesitantly. “Besides, isn’t it a boyfriend rule or something, that I should pick you up, whenever possible?”

  “Is it? Well, then it’s a good thing I came bearing another gift,” as she pulled the wrapped up warm waffles and gave them to him, “sorry, no syrup.”

  Gabe stopped at the light, took the waffles and kissed her below her ear, “I don’t need syrup, but thank you.” He whispered before starting to eat.

  “You’re also here because you’re worried,” Clara stated.

  “Yeah, I am.” Gabe admitted.

  “Do you think they will try something today?”

  Gabe exhaled, “No, I don’t. But they don’t think you’ll be in school anyway, and I don’t know what they’ll do when they see you. I think they will probably go on as usual so no one suspects them, but who knows. But I never thought they would try to fake kidnap you either and they did, so I wouldn’t put anything past them.” Gabe’s hand gripped the steering wheel tightly as he spoke.

  “Ok.” Clara looked out the window.

  “Hey, look at me.” She turned her gaze to him so he continued, “You’re my girlfriend, it’s my job to worry and to protect you. I don’t think they will try anything, especially Jamie. I think she’s afraid so she’ll stay away. Sarah, on the other hand, I’m not so sure that eventually she will try something else but not today.”

  Clara nodded and furrowed her brow, “Wait, you said they don’t think I’ll be here today, why?”

  Gabe looked at her before turning his gaze back to the road. “Kristin called me last night after I left your house. She said she heard you weren’t coming to school anymore and since no one has seen you around, they figured it was true. She said she was sorry that you had made this decision. Honestly, I think she was more worried that I would take it out on her.” He grabbed the coffee and took a few sips.

  Clara was silent soaking in what he said. “Why would she think that?” She asked him with a bit more bite than she intended to but she couldn’t seem to control it. Rationally, Clara knew that it should bother her more what Kristin said, but right now she was focused on the fact that Kristin called him. It bothered her. She was trying to feel confident but failing miserably.

  Gabe pulled over and looked at her. “It’s either wishful thinking or Sonia. I kind of evaded the question. I told her that we wouldn’t do anything towards her as long as she kept her mouth shut.” He cringed for a second. “Again, I think she is afraid of how I’ll act towards her, how we will all act towards her. I’ve barely answered any of her calls or texts during break so that’s a guess.”

  “So, she’s tried to contact you during break?”

  “Yeah. I think..” Gabe started to say.

  “I heard what you think Gabe but I don’t trust her. She likes you a lot so I think she’s trying to get in your good graces again.”

  “I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure she’s figured out it’s over.”

  Clara fiddled with the cup of coffee in her hands before she looked up at him, “Yeah, well, you’re not exactly an easy guy to forget.” She exhaled and looked out the window, “let’s just go. Whatever their reactions are, let’s just get this over with so I can confront Jamie today.” Gabe paused a second probably thinking of what to say or do. “Gabe, let’s just go. Please.” So he reluctantly pulled back into traffic. They were silent the entire way there.

  When they got out of the car, Alex and Connor were waiting for them by a tree. Sonia wasn’t with them which meant she was inside. All of a sudden, she felt like an outsider to their group. She was super annoyed, they were planning payback for something done to her and she wasn’t even a part of it. She slammed the car door with a bit more force than intended. Alex’s eyebrows shot up. Gabe approached them, “Hey.”

  “Good morning,” Alex greeted both of them.

  “Hey guys.” Clara gave them a smile. “Sonia with chimp #2?”

  Alex grinned, “Chimp #2?”

  “Yep. Figured we needed a few code names. Chimp sounds good to me.” Clara responded as she looked around. “Well, I have to go to my locker and then I want to see their faces when they realize I’m still here. Just tell me if there’s something else about me I should know so we’re all on the same page. Have I changed my mind? Am I thinking about it? Or I’m finishing out the year and then I’m out of here?” She looked expectantly at all three guys, in particular at Gabe who cringed and rubbed the back of his neck and he was about to open his mouth to reassure her. She didn’t want his sympathy. At all. While Alex kept looking back and forth between them, Connor was looking at Clara and he was concerned. For her.

  Clara felt bad and was about to apologize when she heard, “Gabe?” It was Kristin. Fuck apologizing. Clara turned around and stared, from where she was standing Kristin hadn’t seen Clara yet. Wait for it. Kristin shifted her gaze to Clara and her eyes widened.

  Clara smiled sweetly, looked at Gabe and said, “Just let me know what page I’m supposed to be on, ok?” Clara was NOT sticking around for this. She grabbed her bag and practically stomped away. It was Connor that lifted the bag from her shoulder and took it. “I can carry my own bag, Connor,” she stated as a matter of fact.

  “I know. But I’m afraid of you hurting someone with it so let me help you. I’m not going to ask if you’re ok, because you’re obviously not.” She looked at him remorsefully. “Don’t. Don’t do it. You have nothing to apologize for. You’ve had a lot happen the past few weeks and you have every right to be upset and more. I half expected you to go ape shit back there on Kristin. Just, everything will be ok, just breathe, Clara. Or hit something, that may make you feel better too.” He grinned.

  She sighed. “You know for someone who is considered a player or a ladies man, you’re pretty sensitive.”

  Connor laughed. “Thanks, I guess? Where are we going? To your locker?”

  “Yeah, you don’t have to walk with me.”

  “I want to. I’m here for you, C. Gabe’s my best friend but I’m here for you. You’re my friend too.”

  She bumped his shoulder with hers. �
�Thanks, Connor. That means a lot to me.”

  38

  Gabe

  He closed his eyes and inhaled. Talk about wrong timing. When he opened them he saw Clara walking away with Connor. Shit.

  “What do you want Kristin?” Alex asked her. Gabe turned around.

  “Yes, Kristin, what do you want?” Gabe said exasperated.

  “I just…” She looked between Alex and Gabe hesitating but then seemed to gain some confidence, “I just wanted to check in. I told you Gabe, I feel awful.” She looked around trying to see who was paying attention. She lowered her voice, “I didn’t think she would be here today. I thought you said..”

  Gabe looked at her and responded with a hard tone. “I didn’t say anything Kristin. It’s none of your business or anyone else’s for that matter.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry. I was just surprised, I guess.” She looked remorseful and Gabe felt bad for responding so harshly.

  “Listen, just..” But Gabe didn’t get to finish before Alex interrupted.

  “We actually have to go, I have to talk to Gabe a few minutes. Maybe we’ll catch you later,” as he clasped Gabe on his shoulder to steer him away from the situation.

  “Thanks, man.” Gabe said.

  Alex was quiet for a few moments as they walked until he brought Gabe to a bit more quiet area. “Listen, I get that you don’t want to be jerk but you’re forgetting what Kristin did. Yes, in the end she told you what was happening but we got to Clara JUST IN TIME before Bruno did who knows what. Do I have to remind you of that?”

  “No, I’m just trying to appease her in case we need her again.” Gabe answered.

  “Ok. I can understand that. But I still think you need to be careful. I don’t trust her and neither should you,” Alex reminded him.

  “I don’t trust her.”

  “Good, because I think she has an ulterior motive and I think that motive is you.”

  Gabe was thinking for a second, “That’s what Clara thinks too.”

  “Well, I think Clara is right. Kristin may just be trying to cause friction between you two and honestly Clara is already upset, so it’s working. Just keep that in mind,” Alex responded.

  Gabe exhaled, “Yeah, ok.” He wanted to find Clara. He looked at his watch, there was no way he’d make it to his locker and class on time if he went in search of Clara. But she was upset, he couldn’t leave her like that. Frustrated, he said goodbye to Alex and almost sprinted to his locker. He quickly grabbed his books and pulled out his phone to text Clara.

  Are you at your math class already?

  He began to head towards her locker hoping she was still there. He was totally not paying attention, walking fast and looking down at his phone when he ran into someone and nearly knocked them over. Gabe shot his arms out to stop them from falling but by doing it so quickly, he basically pulled this person closer to him. When the person gasped, he looked down and there was Kristin. Fuck, what was going on this morning! He tried let go but she held on tighter. Gabe grabbed Kristin’s hands to pull them off of him but fate seemed to be against him because right then, Clara turned around and her gaze landed on them and it seemed as though he was holding Kristin in his arms. Gabe quickly let go and stepped back but Kristin stepped closer. “Don’t touch me Kristin.” He walked around her moving towards Clara as Kristin tried to grab his arm again. Gabe shook her off intent to get to Clara, who began to walk down the hall. Connor witnessing the entire exchange, looked at Gabe shaking his head and followed after Clara.

  The bell rang. “Clara,” he had almost reached her dodging around people and went to grab her arm. She looked over her shoulder at him and once she realized what he was going to do, she stepped to the side.

  “Clara, please,” Gabe implored, “Let me..”

  “Don’t Gabe. Not now. Please?” she looked at him and her eyes pleaded with him. “Go to class.” The bell rang and Clara stepped in. Gabe didn’t follow her, he stood there for a moment feeling defeated. What the hell was happening? Today, she needed him the most and he felt like everything was going wrong.

  Connor, who had stepped to the side walked up to him and said, “Leave her alone man. Give her some space and talk to her later.”

  Gabe glared at him ready to open his mouth. Connor raised his hands, “I’m trying to help you, dude.”

  “Really? I didn’t realize I needed your help.” Gabe answered him hastily.

  “I’ve got to get to class and so do you. I’ll see you in English. But calm down, man.” Connor turned and left.

  Gabe walked to his next class glancing in the classroom at Clara who was staring outside lost in her own thoughts. She had shut him out. He walked to his classes and sat down but barely paid attention. When he finally made it to English, he saw Kristin and Sarah out of the corner of his eye chatting it up with a few others but ignored them and sat down, trying to look busy. The last thing he needed was for Kristin to speak to him and then Clara to walk in. After a minute, Connor walked in and sat down in his usual spot.

  “Listen, Connor, I..” Gabe began to apologize but Connor interrupted him and moved closer.

  “Don’t. It’s me, man. I’ve known you since I was 7. I get it.” Connor then turned his head to look at him and Gabe felt a huge ‘but’ coming, so he raised his eyebrow. “But,” Connor continued, “she’s holding a lot inside. More than she lets on. My little sister is like that so I recognize it. I always joke around, but if I’m worried, then…”

  Gabe exhaled looking around ensuring no one was listening, “So what do I do? Because, I am worried.”

  Connor looked pensive for a moment before stating, “She needs to give you different answers so ask different questions, and give her some space to figure it out. As for the others. Do what you always do when they mess with someone we care about. RAISE FUCKING HELL. With everyone.” He smirked. Mr. Brooks was setting up a laptop when the bell rang. Clara still wasn’t here. Mr. Brooks started doing roll call when Connor’s phone vibrated. Connor frowned and showed the message to Gabe.

  Writing for the newspaper. See you at lunch.

  Gabe grabbed his phone to check but he already knew that Clara hadn’t texted him. He took a deep breath and grabbed a chunk of hair. She was upset. He, on the other hand, felt like a piece of shit – angry for various reasons, helpless and jealous that she texted Connor. He knew he wasn’t being rational. He knew it. Most likely she was in the room designated for the students that were part of the newspaper, he had to talk to her. Gabe went to get up, but Connor clamped a hand on his arm and shook his head. “Don’t, dude.”

  “Connor and Gabe, is there something you would like to share with the class or can you pay attention now?” They both apologized and looked straight ahead.

  Gabe waited a few minutes before asking Connor very quietly, “why not?”

  “Because that room is her territory,” he looked forward, “it’s like her sacred ground, don’t bring tension there.”

  He sat there and listened to Mr. Brook’s presentation, or so he thought but he couldn’t recall anything from it. He grabbed his phone a few times to text Clara but didn’t know what to write. In person, he kept telling himself. Class finally ended and he got up. Connor was about to say something when Kristin approached with Sarah.

  “Hey guys, how are you?” Sarah said, “I was just speaking to Sonia about you guys. We were thinking of hanging out next weekend.”

  Connor raised his eyebrow, “Really?” and then it was as if he remembered something and instantly was about to recuperate, “where were you guys thinking?” Gabe stayed silent.

  “Well, there’s the annual event at the country club so we thought we’d all go. It’s on that Friday. It may be a bit of a drag in the beginning but then we can move it to the golf course…” She intently left it as a huge question mark at the end. She then started to look pensive, “Sonia and
I have to coordinate how many people we can actually bring since there’s Alex too and if he brings a date. Kristin, what if you become Nathan’s guest?”

  Kristin whipped her head to answer Sarah, “What?”

  “Never mind, we’ll figure something out. So I’ll talk to Sonia, then?”

  “Sure,” Gabe answered staring directly at Sarah who seemed oblivious to his mood.

  She clapped her hands ecstatically, “Perfect! Come on, Kristin, let’s go!”

  Kristin was going to say something else but thought better of it and walked away. Gabe turned to Connor. “Raise hell, huh?”

  Connor grinned. “Yep,”

  “I need you to do something for me. Sonia had warned me to go with the flow with whatever I heard.”

  “Shoot, what is it?” Connor asked him.

  “I need you to tell Sarah to find a way to NOT invite Kristin.”

  “Ok, I’m on it. Want to tell me why?”

  Gabe smirked, “I have an idea, but Kristin seems to be getting in the middle of things so I need her out. Tell Sarah that I specifically asked for her not to be invited.”

  Connor nodded, “You got it, bro.”

  Gabe smiled as he sent Sonia a quick message. Time to wage war.

  Welcome aboard.

  39

  Clara

  The day dragged, she avoided the others all day. Especially Gabe. He had texted her throughout the day but she hadn’t answered. She needed some distance so it was easy to hide out in the newspaper room. Gym proved a bit more difficult since she had to pretend that she didn’t know Jamie was involved. Because she didn’t go to English, she got to gym a bit earlier to speak to Coach Lawson. Clara told her that Jamie and she hadn’t met and that it was making her anxious. “Coach Lawson, could I say that you asked about it to put a bit of pressure on the subject?”

  “Of course, Clara, actually I am putting pressure. This tournament is a great one to do and I think with the both of you we have a great chance. I thought you had met. Tell her I told you to speak and I want a schedule done by EOD tomorrow. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.”