*****
I learned what she had been hiding from me that day, but it had taken a lot of time getting to know her before she opened up. When she finally did, she'd been expecting me to be shocked. I guess I should have been, but if anything all it did was explain the real mystery of the girl next door. It was as if in telling me, she'd answered all the questions I didn't even realize I had.
When my mom made her off handed comment about going to meet the girl next door, I hadn't held much stock in it, but years later, knowing the lasting affect that very same girl had on me, I knew it’s something I might spend the rest of my life thanking her for.
It’s that very same girl that brought me to this town. It’s her safety and helping Gabriel keep her protected that drives me and as I lay on the bed, surrounded in warmth from the memories, I know that I’m right where I need to be. More than that, I’m right where I want to be. All anxiety over whether or not seeing her again would be a good thing seemed to be waning.
In fact, I couldn't wait for the morning because this time, I wasn't planning on letting her get away.
Holding On To Heaven Page 26