Breathe

by Tania Trozzo

  “Hello ladies. What are you doing hanging out in the parking lot?” Alex asked them.

  “We were heading to Starbucks but saw Clara and stopped to say hello.” Rosie answered.

  “Well then, let’s go. I could use a coffee.” Alex responded smirking. Rosie smiled.

  “Great! You guys coming?” Rosie asked everyone. The others murmured their consent but Gabe’s gaze never left Clara as he waited for her answer.

  “Sorry guys, I have to go to karate,” her eyes never leaving his, “baby you still ok taking me?”

  She knew the word baby would have the desired effect. His eyes flared. “Whatever you need.” She smiled that smile meant only for him.

  Giada sighed, “You guys are gross. Let’s go please.” Everyone chuckled, as they all moved to hug Clara. Alex gave her a kiss on her temple and whispered, “Go easy on him.”

  “I will,” she said quietly. He nodded and everyone left. Before leaving, Henry looked at Clara and then said to Gabe “I’m here when you need me.” Gabe nodded.

  Clara and Gabe stood there staring at each other until Gabe stepped closer so that she was leaning with her back on his car. “So, baby,” he smiled, “you ready to go to karate?” He closed her in as he put his hands on either side of her. God, he was so freaking handsome. It was cold out but he had on a lighter jacket, his jeans hung low on his hips, and his thermal shirt was tight and outlined his chest and broad shoulders.

  She shook her head. “I have to take care of a few things first.”

  “Like what?” He moved closer.

  “Like taking care of your hand baby,” she said quietly. Gabe groaned. Clara laughed kissing him on the side of his lips but then sighed. “Come on,” looking at him pointedly.

  “Alright, let’s go,” and he held his hand out for his keys.

  “Nope, I’m driving.”

  “Aren’t you a little feisty today?” Gabe grinned, “First, you called me baby and now you’re acting bossy.”

  As they got in the car, “Gabe, I am going to show you bossy if you don’t start talking.” She put her seatbelt on and turned to him, “and show me your hand.” She held out her hand and then added, “please.” He shook his head in fake annoyance but showed her his right hand. “Gabe! It’s all red and..” She closed her eyes a second. “I figured you would hit him once but this looks like more. Does it hurt? It has to. How much did you hurt him?”

  “Not nearly enough,” Gabe answered her.

  “What if he tells someone? I don’t want you getting in trouble. He was only driving the car.”

  “Clara,” he said sternly, “I made sure he won’t tell anyone so I won’t get in trouble. And he wasn’t ONLY driving the car. He is a part of my team, since freshman year. He should have told me, some way, somehow. The fact that you picked up on his unusual behavior and figured out it was him, should NOT have been the way we found out. He deserved it.”

  Clara sighed. They had discussed it this morning briefly before school. Gabe wanted to know how Clara figured out Lucas was involved. She mentioned that out of the blue he texted her a strange message and then she remembered that when they were at the cabin, Connor had mentioned to Alex that Lucas had texted him asking a bunch of questions. When he saw him in science, he look relieved at first but then seemed tense. She went with her gut and thankfully she was right when confronting Jamie. She could sense Gabe’s anger building as she told him. She knew he would confront Lucas today, she just didn’t know that he would hit him. At least more than once. She ran her thumb over his knuckles. He hissed.

  “I’m sorry,” Clara went to pull her hand away but he held on.

  “Baby, you have nothing to be sorry about, especially if you kiss it and make it all better when we get to my house.” Gabe looked at her and grinned.

  Her eyes softened. “Of course I will.” She started the car. “But first, you are going to tell me what happened.”

  As they pulled out of the parking lot, Kristin was walking and she must have seen that it was Gabe’s car. She lifted her hand to wave but stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed Clara was driving. Clara looked at her and smiled sweetly right as Gabe moved Clara’s hair to the side and ran his hand down the length of it. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Kristin was there but ignored her.

  “You got it.” So he told her, leaving out the actual amount of times he punched Lucas. When they got back to house, she first cleaned his hand with warm water and then asked for a first aid kit. When he insisted he didn’t need one, she crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow, and he reluctantly gave in. Each time she put her foot down, his eyes shined with pride. She felt respected and it made her like him even more.

  “Will you tell me what is going on with Sarah?” Clara asked him as she was cleaning his hand.

  “Don’t worry about her.” Gabe answered curtly.

  Clara responded immediately, “Gabe, that isn’t an answer.” As she was finishing taking care of his hand she peered up at him and said softly, “This morning you promised me that you wouldn’t keep me in the dark.”

  “Which I haven’t. I told you about Lucas. Considering I want to lock you away and keep you safe while I reign chaos, I think that’s progress for me.” He paused a second and Clara could tell he was holding back but then looked resolved to speak. “Sarah isn’t just about you. That family is messed up, Clara. I don’t want you in their line of sight. When Sonia was almost raped last year,” Gabe paused and Clara’s eyes widened but he continued, “it was Sarah’s cousin, who did it. Sarah’s mom contributed to feeding lies to my aunt. The fact that she chose to believe her and not Sonia is a whole other story. If I get back at Sarah for what she did, their attention will be on me, not you. And Sarah’s father will not go against my father. There’s some messed up history there and I don’t even know all of it.” Clara was still reeling thinking about Sonia.

  He lifted his hand to caress her jaw until he leaned his forehead to hers. “They already hurt you once, I can’t let them do it again. Please let us take care of Sarah. I promise I will tell you everything afterwards.”

  Clara lifted her hand to cup his jaw. “You won’t get hurt?”

  He leaned in to her hand, “I won’t get hurt.”

  “You won’t get in trouble?” She asked him.

  “I won’t get in trouble,” he confirmed. “I promise.”

  She nodded and held his gaze, “Please be careful. They aren’t worth it, ok?”

  “You’re right. They aren’t. But you are, Clara.”

  “You’re such a sweet talker sometimes.” She grabbed his hand and laid a kiss on the bandages. Clara then looked at him and smiled saying, “time to kiss it and make it all better.” She then jumped up, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

  Surprised, Gabe braced for impact at the last minute and laughed. “Hell, yeah.”

  42

  Gabe

  Gabe was adjusting his tie in the mirror of the hallway when Sonia walked down the steps. She looked fashionable and pristine as usual.

  “Hey, can you help me with this?” he said to her.

  “Sure,” she murmured as she reached to adjust his tie.

  “You ok?” he asked her sincerely.

  Sonia sighed as she redid his tie with ease. “Yeah, just tired. Came to crash here last night. I just..” she paused, “dad told mom I was going to the event at the golf club with Sarah tonight. So the first few days, she was super excited and acted as though we were best friends. Then she proceeded to tell me to not ruin it, to not embarrass her, so I left, giving her some excuse and walked out the door.”

  “If they only knew,” Gabe responded.

  Sonia grinned, “Well, I never said I wouldn’t embarrass her. But since she and Sarah’s mom are friends, I think the right word will be horrified.”

  Gabe smirked
and shrugged, “Serves her right for picking sides.”

  “She is going to be so pissed.” Alex said as he walked in.

  “Who’s going to be pissed?” Gabe’s father asked while walking down the stairs.

  “You look really sharp uncle Ralph,” Sonia complimented him.

  Gabe’s father responded, “Thank you Sonia. But don’t try to change the subject.”

  Both Alex and Sonia glanced at Gabe who maintained a straight face. He hated lying to his father but he couldn’t tell him the truth either. He sighed, “Don’t worry about it, Dad. It’s just something that we have to take care of.”

  Ralph raised his eyebrows, “Something or someone?” Gabe didn’t answer. Ralph nodded his head. “You’re not going to tell me what it is so I’m ready for it?”

  Gabe grinned, “I can’t.”

  “Does this have to do why all three of you all of a sudden are so interested in coming to the country club’s event tonight?”

  It was Sonia who answered, “Uncle Ralph, we come to events at the club now and again.”

  He looked at her pointedly, “Yes you do, a few times a year but we usually have to beg, bribe or demand to make it happen.”

  Gabe put his hands in his pockets. “Well tonight you don’t have to. Don’t worry. Seriously.”

  He stared at Gabe, “Ok, is everything all right with Clara? Why isn’t she coming as well? You know she is welcome.”

  Again he didn’t want to lie to his father so he responded, “She isn’t coming tonight but everything is ok.” Sonia looked away but Alex maintained a straight face. A face both of them practiced well.

  Ralph’s phone dinged with a message, “Ok, well I am picking up Liz and I will meet you all there. Be careful.” He paused a second and studied all three of them prior to leaving.

  “Is he going to be pissed?” Sonia asked.

  “Nah, he’ll be fine.” Gabe said.

  “If he knew what they did to Clara, he would probably pat you on the back.” Alex commented. “And where is Clara, by the way?”

  “She is going out with a few cousins. I asked Sal to watch over her tonight,” Gabe answered.

  “You mean keep her busy,” Sonia replied, grabbing her shawl and heading outside.

  “Same thing,” Gabe said sternly. “Let’s get this over with.” He pulled out his phone and sent a text message. It was time.

  Once they arrived at the country club, Gabe sat a moment in the car before getting out. Alex asked him, “You sure about this?”

  “Yeah, I’m sure,” Gabe said glancing at Sonia.

  “Let’s just hope you don’t have to take it too far,” Sonia responded.

  Gabe smirked. “Don’t underestimate my charm, Sonia. I’ve been at it for weeks.” He had been texting with Sarah since she mentioned tonight, he wasn’t going to back out now.

  Sonia pressed her lips in a think line, “I sure hope so,” as she stepped out of the car. He looked at Sonia quizzically. Connor had arrived as well and was waiting for them. They all walked into the ballroom capturing the attention of quite a few people. As they split up to go say hello to each of their parents, Sarah entered the ballroom, making a grand entrance with her family. Gabe wanted to roll his eyes but he maintained his composure. After a few minutes they all headed over to the table.

  “Hi everyone! Sonia you look amazing!” Sarah went over to give her a hug.

  “So do you of course,” Sonia replied smiling.

  Gabe made a point of smirking at Sarah, and his gaze travelled from her face all the way down and back up. Her eyes lit up and she bit her lip.

  He was about to say something when Crystal, Sonia’s mom and Samantha, Sarah’s mom approached the table. “Just look at all of you, so handsome and beautiful. I’m glad you guys were able to connect with Sarah and make this happen,” Crystal said.

  “Indeed, look at all of you. Gabe, you look just like your father. Is he here as well?” Samantha asked.

  “Yes, he is,” Gabe answered.

  “Wonderful, I will be sure to say hello. I’m so happy all of you are here together. You all need to spend time with each other. So glad we could put the past behind us!” Gabe glanced at Sonia and her clenched fists, Connor whispered something in her ear, and she relaxed and smiled murmuring her agreement.

  “How about we get something to eat?” Connor suggested, and as soon as the two women left, he spoke quietly, “And something to drink.”

  “I’ll take care of that,” responded Alex. “Connor want to help me out?” They both headed towards the bar, asking for soda, while they also made sure to lift a bottle of some type of liquor, leaving the young bartender a hefty tip.

  Gabe began walking towards the appetizer table, making sure to brush against Sarah. He leaned down and whispered, “You do look amazing Sarah.” He then continued walking not waiting for her response. When he returned to the table, he sat down in the open spot next to Sarah and nodded to Alex to fill his drink. Connor started telling some crazy story to break the ice. Everyone began contributing stories and laughing. Gabe needed a break so he got up to go to the restroom and on his way out, Sarah was waiting for him.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey, you usually wait outside of men’s bathrooms?” he asked her grinning.

  She giggled, “Gabe, you’re so funny.” They slowly began walking back to the ballroom.

  “As you can see Kristin didn’t come tonight.”

  “I noticed. Thanks for that. How were you able to make that happen?” Gabe asked her curiously.

  She shrugged, “I just told her I couldn’t bring anyone else. I blamed it on my parents. I also told her that Sonia told me you weren’t actually coming.”

  “And she believed you?” Gabe persisted.

  “I can be very convincing when I need to be. Can I ask why you didn’t want her to come?”

  “She doesn’t seem to take the hint,” he said softly. He took one of her perfectly styled curls and wrapped it around his finger. “She’d be in the way tonight.”

  Sarah let out a breath. “Is she why you distanced yourself and barely speak to me?”

  He nodded. “I could never just talk to you without her jumping in. Remember the time in the hallway when you invited us to your party? That’s why I didn’t come that night. I knew she wouldn’t leave me alone.”

  Sarah nodded. “I’ll make sure it’s not a problem any longer. What about Clara?”

  “What about her?” Gabe questioned back.

  “Well, you didn’t bring her. What’s going on with her?”

  Gabe shrugged and stopped walking, “I guess I’m trying to distance myself. She’s nice and all but I just don’t want to deal with all the crap that surrounds her.”

  “You seemed pretty into her until most recently.”

  “I guess I was,” he put his hands in his pockets and grimaced. “New girl at school and all. You know how it is, other guys wanted her, and I wanted to win. Kristin wouldn’t leave me alone and she was friends with anyone else that would interest me so…” He blew out a breath. “Clara’s a lot of drama so I’m slowly distancing myself.”

  She seemed as though she was thinking if she should say what came out next. “Claudia told me she walked away from you the other day in the parking lot and you didn’t follow her.”

  “I didn’t.” He looked her straight in the eyes. At least this part was true.

  Sarah smiled and whispered, “Sonia said she might change schools. Is that true?”

  “So I hear,” he responded.

  “Why not just break up with her?” Sarah insisted.

  “Why don’t we head out to the patio to talk there, there’s heating lamps.” They headed outside. “Honestly? I feel bad, alright? There’s just a lot going on with her. Plus if what Sonia says is true then…” Gabe didn’t finish the sentence wantin
g her to arrive to a conclusion on her own. He hoped he sounded convincing. He could tell she still had some lingering doubt but that wouldn’t stop her tonight.

  “Then you don’t have to and you can use that as an excuse.” She nodded. “Well, then you can let loose tonight and have some fun.”

  “That’s what I intended to do and exactly why I didn’t bring her.” Gabe smirked as he spoke, picking up one of her curls again. Her eyes lit up.

  Alex walked up to them with Zoe on his arm. “Dinner’s being served.”

  Gabe responded, “let’s go do our due diligence so then we can cut out of here and have some fun. After you, Sarah.” He made a motion with his hand for her to go first. When he got inside, his father approached him. Gabe hoped Sarah would continue to the table, but instead, she stuck to his side.

  “Hey, son. Dinner is being served and they’ll say a few words.” Hi father glanced questionably at Sarah.

  “Yeah we just went outside a few minutes.” Gabe knew Sarah was waiting to see if he would involve her in the conversation with his father. If he didn’t, the doubt towards him would linger, but he knew that if he did, then she would probably be a bit more trusting. He was cringing on the inside. He had hoped something like this wouldn’t happen.

  “Dad, this is my friend Sarah. I believe you already know her, she’s Samantha’s daughter, aunt Crystal’s friend. I think you know her father.”

  Ralph nodded. “Of course I do. Hello Sarah. I believe I’ve seen you around the golf club now and again. So you’re the one that got my son, niece and nephew to join us tonight.”

  “Hi, Mr. Caruso. Yes. I’m really glad they came tonight. Hopefully from now on, they will come more often.” She turned to Gabe putting her hand on his arm and peering up at him through her eyelashes. “Right, Gabe?”

  “Sure, why not?” He looked down at her and she batted her eyelashes before looping her arm through his. Sarah beamed.

  Gabe’s father remained quiet, looking at him but didn’t voice any of the many questions that Gabe noticed in the depth of his gaze. “Enjoy your dinner, I’ll see you both later.”