Twin fates

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

"Gabriel! No!" She hollered after him, but he kept going, falling into a jog to catch up with the guys. Nicola spent no time pondering, only went after him. She couldn't just stand around twiddling her thumbs while he went and got himself hurt.

Cursing under her breath, she ran after him, following as the group vanished behind a group of trees near the park. The kid cried out and begged them to just let him go, but the others just laughed, making Nicola feel sick. Why did they have to be so cruel!

Clearing the trees, Nicola just about plowed into Gabe's back.

"Well, look who is visiting us! If it's not Gabriel and his sweet little sister!" One of the boys chimed. She saw James turn to face them, suddenly shoving the younger kid aside.

He grinned and winked at Nicola. "So nice to see guys again...You know Gabe, I never noticed what a cute sister you had before now." James taunted, leering over at Nicola who tried to hide behind her brother's body.

"Come on Gabe," she begged, "the kid got away, lets go."

"Yeah Gabe! We don't want little Nicky here to get scared. We all know you truly want to run anyway!"

Nicola's back snapped taught at their insult and she wound around to the front of his body. "Excuse you! It's NICOLA to you. Why don't you guys just grow up and quit trying to pick on someone who has never done a thing to you. Picking on kids!? Oh yeah, that's real macho!" She tossed back, pointing a finger at the three. "You're all immature jerks!"

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

First time they called him "Gabe" he jerked and tensed but let is slide. The situation was tight enough as it was without him over-reacting. Just as Nicola noticed, the little kid got away... so far so good. At least he left with his glasses intact. What was it about kids in glasses that was always making them targets for bullies.

Second time they called him "Gabe" he balled his fists and was ready to get medieval on their asses but kept himself in check for his sister's sake. There was no one to witness the scene so he had no qualms about kicking their asses but the thought of her getting involved in the fight and getting hurt in the process let him keep his reason.

"Yeah, let's go, Nicola," he said carefully still keeping his eyes on the three bullies. "Call me Gabe again and I'll break your jaw," he warned through clenched teeth. "Call my sister Nicky again and I'll break your arms as well. I won't have you wankers insult us."

"You wanna fight?! Come on!" Larry blurted out and it was so comical that Gabriel burst out laughing.

"I can take you on, guys. Unlike the little kids I'm not afraid of you at all. To me you're laughable."

"Gabriel, let's just go," Nicola implored, pulling on his sleeve.

"We'll see you tomorrow after school, Gabe..." James said and in the next moment he lay sprawled on the grass with his nose broken and blood splattered all over his face.

"You're such a glutton for punishment, Moe," Gabriel commented while shaking his aching hand.

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola gasped in shock at Gabriel's swift hand and look at James with a sense of horror and pride as blood smear over his face from her brother's fist.

Before she had a chance to register the mounting trouble, an arm snaked around her waist and pulled her up against a body. She gasped, drawing Gabriel's attention. His eyes narrowed as anger took over again. Curly had his arm around Nicola, holding her close, his breath puffing against her shoulder and neck. "Don't come closer, Gabriel or I'll hurt her!"

He had no weapons, but his hands were bruising enough. "Just walk away and I'll let her go."

Nicola strained, trying to claw or wiggle out of his grasp, but he had her pinned and secured. "QUIT!" He hissed and thrust his crotch against her bottom. Her eyes widened, locking with Gabe's who read just exactly what she had felt.

"Let go, you pig!" She spat out, kicking up her feet and trying to use her weight as leverage to catch him off balance. When that didn't work, she tried pounding her feet against his.

"Quit moving you little bitch!" He growled angrily, clenching his teeth as one hand snuck up to pull her head back, arching her body. "Oooh baby...yeah...Gabriel, your sister has a sweet ass!" He hooted, eyes Larry as he circled around to make his attack...

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

The glint in Curly's eyes told Gabriel enough so a quick turn and a sidestep took him out of the way of attacking Larry. And right on time too as a fist swished past his face. If he hadn't moved, he'd have taken that in the neck. Larry didn't even have time to blink when Gabe's left fist caught him right in the jaw, throwing him back against a tree. With Larry out of the picture as well he could finally take care of the last one who was still holding Nicola and using her as a shield. She was struggling weakly but the position she was in she really had her movements limited.

"Let Nicola go, Curly and I promise not to hurt you... much," Gabriel hissed as he advanced on the last of the bullies.

"D...don't come any closer or..."

"Or what? The position you're in you can't even hurt a fly, much less threaten me. I'm saying this for the last time. Let my sister go!"

Curly mumbled something but didn't release her, still backing away. Gabriel was faster though, it pained him to see Nicola suffer like that but he had no choice.

"Do you trust me, sis?"

"Yes, I do," she moaned.

"Okay, don't be scared," he said a feinted a left punch mere inches from her face. Curly did just as he expected, pushing Nicola in the way of his fist which stopped before hitting the spot. With his face clearly in the open Gabriel put all his strength and punched Curly's face, hitting the eye and enjoying his scared yelp immensly. As her assailant fell back, Nicola stumbled forward and fell into Gabriel's arms. He steadied her.

"Be right with you," he said and advanced on Curly again. "Nice ass, eh? Well, that's right but you won't be enjoying none for a while," that said Gabriel kicked him in the groin, making him scream and collapse to the ground.

Gabe turned back to Nicola and held her. "Are you alright?" he asked with genuine concern.

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola nodded, looking around at the sprawled bodies. Larry was groaning in pain and the other two were out cold. "Jesus Gabe...why do they even bother with you." She whispered and let herself sink into his hug. "Lets get out of here."

He agreed wholeheartedly and together they walked away, hoping that no one would come upon the scene until they were well on their way. "I want to go home." She muttered, glancing down at Gabe's already swelling hand. "I'm sorry...I think I'd rather take that nap right now than listen to music."

"Yeah..." He murmured and secured her to his side with a loving arm. "I'm sorry, sis."

"It's OK." She said softly and forced a smile. "You were just trying to help. I got into it too...I should have just let you handle it."

Squeezing her close, she felt him sigh heavily. Leaning into his body, she tried to enjoy the walk back, but felt like a cloud had just dampened her sunny day. To their dismay, their parent's were already home. Too tired to bother climbing, Nicola went through the front and was just happy that their parents were too busy to notice. Shooing Gabe away, she slipped into the laundry room and set about finishing up her chore before wandering back upstairs to catch a few winks of sleep...

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Having escaped upstairs, Gabriel went to the bathroom and looked to his hand. It was clear that something snapped inside when he smashed Moe's nose into bloody pulp. It hurt but he couldn't deny himself a smile of satisfaction. Maybe this time they understood and would leave him and Nicola alone. And if not, he could always repeat the lesson. He bandaged the aching knuckles after rubbing some ointment in and returned to his room. He heard Nicola go into her own room and shook his head. He felt bad about having involved her in the fight. She might have got hurt and that would have been a catastrophe for him. Luckily she was unharmed and apart from some shock connected with what she had experienced she should be fine. Such situations, however, musn't repeat themselves or she really might get hurt.

Luckily the school would soon be over and then they will go away from their town, away from his bad fame of a troublemaker. And when they leave for good they will be able to start everything anew, without uncaring parents and without peers looking at them disdainfully.

Popping a painkiller in Gabriel decided to follow Nicola's example and lay down on his bed to take an afternoon nap. There was nothing else to do anyway.

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola tossed and turned onto her bed after changing into her favorite night shirt. It was one Gabe had bought her years ago and had at the time fallen down to her knees and was bright and colorful. Now it was faded, worn and fell down to a little above mid thigh. Still, it was comfortable and she couldn't make herself part with it. Even if it did look juvenile.

No matter how she tried, she just could not find rest. Time ticked by and finally she tossed on a robe. Why was she so restless? She wondered to herself. It wasn't as though 'Curly' had actually harmed her. His rubbing against her bottom with an obvious hard on was more disgusting than anything else.

Slumping at her window seat, she gazed out the window at the setting sun and sighed. She should have been able to help! Instead she had been helpless. It made her angry to think she was so pitiful. Clenching her fists, she punched at the pillowed seat.

Bored and feeling unlike herself, Nicola padded through the bathroom to Gabe's room, taking care to be as quiet as possible. He lay sprawled out on his bed, his hand wrapped up tightly, making her wish she could take his pain away.

Tiptoeing closer, she sat carefully on the side of his bed and studied his face. She had her sketch pad with her, but was really in no mood to draw. "Gabriel..." She whispered softly, drawing closer and gently pushing some stray hair off his forehead. "Gabriel..."

He mumbled something inaudible and then let out a snore. She couldn't help but smile. "Gabriel...wake up..." Her fingertips tickled his cheek and forehead, "Don't you want to eat something? Wake up...come on lazy...I'm bored..."

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Even though it was supposed to be just a short, two-hour nap to regenerate his body and let him rid of the stress, it made him dream, which was strange because he rarely dreamed during such short naps. In this dream he was feeling warm, maybe flushed even and he knew that the reason for this was yet another heated argument with his/her (???) father. Gabriel wasn't sure if he was dreaming of himself or someone else who just seemed to be him. S/he slammed the door to his room and huffed, stomping his foot, blowing some stray hair that fell across his/her eye. Cursing under his/her breath s/he shed his/her brown dress and sat before the dresser to brush his/her hair. There was something weird in the reflection s/he was seeing -- as if two faces, two visages were imposed one over the other and fighting for or exchanging the place on the surface. Once it was surely his/her face and once someone else's. A man's? A woman's? The constant changes were so fast and so fluid there was no way to guess when a full face was seen and when a transitory image only...

Paying it no heed s/he got up from the stool and searched the wardrobe for a fresh dress to put on for this important occasion. S/he promised Nicolas to meet him tonight and so s/he had to look good. Choosing a nice, cerulean dress with divided skirts and lace around the neck s/he smiled. Sometimes when she walked it showed her ankles... Oh, Nicolas was so fond of her ankles... S/he blushed and shook her head. No, s/he wouldn't behave like some simpleminded girl. Checking his/her image in the mirror again s/he was surprised to see the man/woman flickering once again. Straihgtening his/her back s/he snorted and making sure there was no one in the street below s/he opened the window and climbed down the trellis to the cobblestones below. Straightening the skirts took him/her a moment and the s/he was off to meet Nicolas.

S/he knew he would be studying late into the night, reading his books to the light given by a cheap candle, all the time pushing his glasses up his nose. Oh, did he look cute when he was taking them off to wipe them! S/he blushed again. He looked so helpless then s/he wanted to hug him to his/her chest and squeeze him a lot. Quietly s/he climbed the steps to his room and hearing him mumble something on the other side of the door s/he opened it quietly and saw him stand in the middle of the room, waving the hand in which he was holding a candle around and learning some passage from the book he was holding. As if sensing him/her, he turned and smiled. Somehow he closed the distance between them.

"You are asleep, Gabrielle. But you will wake up," Nicolas's words were making no sense. "Gabrielle...wake up..." His fingertips tickled his/her cheek and forehead, "Don't you want to eat something? Wake up...come on lazy...I'm bored..."

Gabriel extended his/her hand and delicately traced Nicola's face as she was leaning over him/her on his bed. Something tender was trembling inside his/her chest.

"Good evening, Nicolas," he whispered with a warm smile. "I knew I would find you here." S/he sat up on his/her bed and hugged Nicola tightly kissing her face and neck, happy that s/he was seeing her again. S/he buried his/her face between her neck and shoulder, kissing her soft skin there. "I missed you," s/he whispered against her skin. "So I came to see you."

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola was stunned. Nicholas! He had to be dreaming again. "Wait..." She protested, but the sound came out rather weak and strained as a sudden surge of heat from his lips against her skin created. Need pooled deep in the pit of her belly and made her shiver and gasp. "Ow! Wait...Gabriel..." She whimpered, but his lips were insistent on her neck and shoulder, nibbling and teasing the skin there.

"Gabe...no..." She murmured, her mind reeling from both sexual shock and confusion. What was going on?! Her skin felt hot, tingly and only the cool touch of his lips seemed to appease it. She sighed as he slid up to her ear and gently bit the lobe.

"Oh Nicolas..." He murmured thickly, his voice choked with emotion.

With eyes drifting closed, Nicola saw images dance inside her mind. Gabrielle's soft body pressed so lovingly against his/hers. It had never gone too far, but the girl had driven him to carnal thoughts with her sweet face and flashes of skin. Although most were innocent...it was her radiant smile and willing kisses that had always left him aching. "Gabrielle...Gabrielle...wait..." She murmured back, but Gabe's finger pressed against her lips as he hushed her.

"Shhhh my love...it'll be OK." And then his lips were on hers, sweet and eager, pressing into her. Nicola stiffened and then melted, surrendering herself to different images and emotions that flared within her...

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

He didn't know what or who he was anymore. He was lost on the border between dream and waking, confused about his own identity. This, however, was brushed aside as he felt the strong, alluring presence of his lover next to him. With their lips locked in a gentle kiss they fell on the bed. Gabriel was holding his lover close, his arms delicately and protectively wrapped around her, his palms pressed to her back, his fingers stroking her skin. He was completely lost in the feeling of her lips on his, her warm body so close to his, her small gasps and sounds of pleasure she was making. Soon she had her arms around his body as well and they were wrapped around themselves like in a tight, reassuring cocoon. Their lips were hot where they were meeting, their minds melting.

He felt himself getting hard. This natural bodily function managed to sober him up a bit. Enough to make him stop and open his eyes.

"Don't stop, Gabrielle," Nicola moaned and tried to pull him back towards her. What the hell were they doing? What was this place?

"Nicola, stop!" he tried to defend himself, having realised their mistake but she was incredibly strong. He had to muster all his strength to oppose her.

"Wake up, Jesus, snap out of it. Nicola!" he turned and shook her. "Nicola! Sis! Stop it!"

He jumped from the bed as she opened her eyes, not really comprehending, looking as confused as he had been a moment ago. He started at her in horror of the terrible realisation. He thought it but a dream but it was indeed reality. And the consequence was like a hammer. He could still feel her lips on his, kissing his so lovingly, conveying such love, such passion. Only this weren't Gabrielle and Nicolas. It was them, siblings, not lovers.

"Holy shit, holy shit!" he started pacing the room back and forth, fighting his thoughts and feelings. "What the hell is this? What have we done?"

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

"I-I don't k-know..." She stuttered feebly, brushing back hair from her face and cupping her hot cheeks. Her breathing was still irregular and she focused on trying to calm it, hugging her robe back around herself and rocking a little. "Oooh my god. Gabe... I'm so sorry!" She whined and sniffled.

"What? Why? You didn't do anything." He said, shoving long fingers through his hair.

"I came to see you 'cause I was bored and upset and you were sleeping. When I tried to wake you...you called out for Nicolas again and then..." She flushed brightly, her hands trembling as she gripped the material of her robe. "You k-kissed me and I tried to stop you, but then it was like I was in another world..."

Blinking back tears, she struggled to take a long breath, squeezing her eyes shut. "This isn't NORMAL Gabe...we have to do something."

He nodded strongly and seemed to feel better putting distance between them where all she wanted to do was crawl up against him and find comfort. She still ached...her body hot and flushed.

It had felt so good...so right! Just thinking about it made her thighs squeeze tightly to try and ease the pressure between her thighs. The silence was killing her...what was wrong with them?

"Father Tully..." She finally said, looking at him, "We should go to Father Tully!"

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

"And what do we say to him? Do you think we can tell him what's going on?" Gabriel asked, he was nervous and it was showing in his trembling voice.

"I don't know, Gabe. If there's anyone we can talk to about this it's him! We can't count on our parents, they'd probably have a heart attack if they knew. Father Tully's our only hope. Gabe, we cannot go like this and pretend nothing happened. I felt so hot when you were kissing me and I know you were feeling it too. I could feel your..." she trailed off, blushing.

"I know, I know... I just... I don't want to think of us as some freaks. We're not going crazy. We are normal, Nicola."

"But the things we're doing aren't. We need help, Gabriel. We won't be able to cope with it by ourselves!"

"Says who?" he asked, not wanting to admit that he had to rely on someone else for help. He felt he could cope with anything life threw their way, that he could protect his sister from any threat no matter what. But he had to realise there was no way he could protect her from himself if this continued.

"Says I, Gabe! Try to understand. I know how stubborn you are but this time there's no way we can do it alone. Maybe you don't need outside help but I do. Please, let's go see Father Tully. Do it for me, please, Gabriel," she implored.

He wasn't sure what to do. On the one hand the matter had got so serious that indeed there was no way they could deal with it by themselves only. But on the other he hated to admit there was some adversity he couldn't solve by himself. He wanted to protect Nicola more than anything in the world and if it meant making some concessions so be it. She was the most important person in the world for him.

"Alright. Get dressed and let's go before it's not too late," he sighed. "I'll be waiting outside."

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola quickly fled into her room, still feeling all weak and trembling as she wiggled into a pair of jeans and an oversized t-shirt. "Please please, let this work!" She murmured, slipping on a pair of sandals before climbing out of her window to join Gabe out on the lawn. "Ready!" She breathed.

He looked worried and grim. Her protector had no clue what to do and she sensed his twinges of guilt for feeling the way he had. But he hadn't been the only one reacting to the kisses or the one responding!

Hurriedly they made their way to the church, hoping that if Father Tully wasn't there, someone would be. Lucky for them, the parsonage would have probably let him stay as a guest. Along the way, Gabriel snagged her hand and squeezed it tight. There was no denying that it was hard for him NOT to be close to her, regardless of the circumstances. He loved her and she loved him. Giving him a reassuring smile, she squeezed back as they made their way up around the side of the church to where the parsonage was located and nervously knocked on the door.

When the door opened, Father Peter smiled and greeted them. "Well if it's isn't the fabulous duo!" He exclaimed, "I have a feeling you're here to see Father Tully."

Nicola nodded and sighed with relief, "Yes...is he here?"

Father Peter nodded and waved them inside, Gabe trailing behind and looking rather pale. "Thank you." Nicola said with a nod as Peter left to fetch his visitor.

"Stop looking so worried," she whispered softly.

"How can I not?" He whispered back and clenched his fists.

She sighed and nodded, sitting down in a stiff chair, almost jumping right back up when Father Tully entered the room with hugs and smiles for the both of them.

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

"So, what brings the stray lambs to their former shepherd?" the priest joked as he crossed the room to a wine cabinet. "Would you like some wine perhaps?"

Gabriel nodded and Nicola followed suit after a second of hesitation. He passed the first galss to his sister and quickly downed the second one Father Tully handed him, then extended the hand holding the now empty glass for seconds.

"Had I known you're such a good drinker I would have invited you way back when..." the priest muttered as he poured Gabe another glassful and settled down in an armchair. "So, tell me, kids. What's going on?"

Gabriel and Nicola looked at each other as if convincing the other one to begin and then both looked at the floor. Nicola sipped some wine and sighed, looking at Gabe from the corner of her eye.

"Aw hell!" Gabriel got up and started pacing the room just like he had back at home. "Look, Father, something weird's been going on between me and Nicola. We're having these dreams or something and they leave us feeling like different people... Only afterwards I..." his voice faltered and he quickly drank some wine.

"Take your time, son."

"Afterwards I don't see Nicola as my sister... she's more like a lover to me and today we... we almost... I mean... it's not like I want to or desire her... but those dreams, they are making me and I don't know anymore who I am, if I'm me or not me..."

"Gabe sit down and take it easy. You're not making much sense!" Nicola scolded him and stole a look at the priest who was only looking at them, turning the wine glass in his fingers.

Gabriel sat down, grumbling something. "I don't know what to do, Father. If it continues like this I might... hurt her," he choked on the words.

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Father Tully kept turning the wine glass in his hands as he studied them, his gaze falling on Nicola. "Is this true, my child?"

She nodded slightly, "Yes...but I'm not sure if he would hurt me, Father. It's just that we would be doing something we shouldn't BE doing...we're siblings...that's...that's..." She flushed and whispered the word when it finally rolled off her tongue, "Incest."

Father Tully cleared his throat and she went on. "No matter how you look at it. I've had dreams, visions and drawn out all these images that seem to pop up in my head. Every time one dose, I feel as though it's some strange memory that I shouldn't have and then I feel strange...it's an urgent need and want, Father Tully. We don't know what to do! We were hoping you could tell us."

The priest rubbed his eyes and took a long long swig of wine, setting his glass down. "Well, this certainly not what I expected to hear." He stated obviously and leaned forward, taking their hands in his. "I'm glad you trust me enough to come...it could not have been easy. I honestly...I honestly don't know what to say. This is so, unusual. BUT... may I suggest a little space?"

"Space?" Nicola murmured in question.

"Yes...the two of you have been there for each other since the day you were born. Through thick and thin...never leaving each other's side. Now as young adults, you may be going through some changes that require space...away from each other. I'm not saying avoid one another, but to try and regain some independence."

Gabe looked appalled. "NO!"

"Now son...you must think it over...maybe after a little while you'll be thinking more clearly."

Nicola was nodding, but looked miserable. "Gabe, we have to do something...we should at least try what Father Tully is suggesting."

She felt his tension, the way he sat rigidly in his chair and muttered on his breath. He looked angry and so very lost. She wanted to hold him close and sooth the pain away, but that image alone made her burn all over again. "Thank you, Father Tully. We'll do it. Soon school will be out and we'll be away from here as well for the summer. This could be good."

Standing together, Nicola gave him a big hug. Gabe was next, even if he acted as though he wasn't interested. "You two stay in touch...I want to help in any way."

"Right...good night Father Tully."

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Hotheaded as he was, Gabriel couldn't believe his sister so easily agreed to the priest's suggestion. He couldn't deny feeling slightly hurt when she conceded at once without even discussing it with him. He was all for denying him, he would never agree to a separation from Nicola. He got so used to her presence at his side it was unimaginable for him that there was even a slight possibility of her not being there for him. He felt disillusioned, instead of good advice they got a weird suggestion to almost go their separate ways. This was unthinkable, to start acting like regular siblings. Gabriel almost felt betrayed by Father Tully and by Nicola.

"Gabe, this is for our own good. Please, try to understand," Nicola said, rubbing his shoulder reassuringly. She must have sensed his feelings deep inside her.

"I know. It just feels wrong to leave you all alone all of a sudden."

"Gabriel, I'm eighteen. I'm not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself too, really. It's not like I'm helpless."

"I see. Fine. Have it your way, sis," Gabriel said, clearly annoyed and disillusioned, and stormed away in the direction of their house alone, not waiting for her.

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola watched her brother storm off and blinked back tears. She felt his pain and confusion, but other choice did they have? She didn't want to be away from him either and as he made away between them she instantly felt the aching void that usually followed after their separation. Only this time, it was worse.

Wrapping her arms around her midsection, she began to slowly walk home, blinking back tears and sniffling softly. Would they be able to do this? She wondered. It was already unbearable to think of it and now she had forced the idea that they would go ahead as Father Tully had instructed. It didn't seem right, but she didn't know what else could be done!

Memories of Gabe's hot kisses filled her mind again. The way he had held her so safely in his arms and pressed his body against hers. She had felt nothing but love from him...it hadn't been scary or felt wrong at the time. Her body had been on fire with need and the feel of his hardness pressing against her body made her head spin. Maybe they were just two horny teens! The thought brought a surprised giggle from her lips. Her brain scrambled to try and come up with answers. Maybe if they took care of their sexual tension their own ways things would be OK. That thought made her turn a couple of shades of red. So I was thinking we should masturbate and see how that goes. She thought to herself and shook her head. Gabe would probably turn his own shades of red!

Sighing, she walked up to their home and climbed up her side to her window and slipped inside, feeling defeated...

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Betrayed and angry, Gabriel was walking at a brisk pace. He didn't look behind him, at the moment he wanted nothing to do with anyone, not even Nicola. It was like a hit below the waist for him, so easily rejected by someone he trusted the most in the whole world, the only important person to him. He shut off the part of his heart he could always sense her in, not interested in the way she was feeling.

Getting back inside the house he slammed the door behind him and couldn't hide a content smile when he heard commotion form his parents' bedroom. Not caring to act silently he went to the kitchen and fixed himself a big sandwitch and took a bottle of beer with him upstairs.

"You were leaving?" his father asked in surprise, his blue pyjamas making him look ridiculous.

"Yeah, so what?" Gabe asked back taking a big bite off the sandwich.

"That's my beer you're holding there, son."

"Tag it next time so I know and take the other one."

"Put it back in the fridge, Gabriel!"

"Make me," he retorted and went upstairs to his room, remembering to slam that door as well.

He ate the sandwich in silence and then went out the window with his guitar and played it for a long time while drinking his beer.

The next morning he overslept.

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola tossed and turned that night, agonizing over the choice she had made without even asking Gabe. She fought with herself on wether or not she should go to him. She could feel his anger, his betrayal, his frustrations and finally shut herself off to keep from going crazy.

Rolling over, she closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on breathing alone. In and out, she breathed deep and finally began to slowly relax. Behind the darkness of her eyelids, images began to form...the past began to surface again and Nicola submitted to sleep with a soft whimper.

Soft lips touched hers in the night with whispered promises, but she couldn't quite make them out. The words were elusive, not matter how she strained. Frowning, Nicola shifted restless in bed, kicking off sheets as she rolled and mumbling. She felt lost and yet strangely comforted by the woman's presence. For a while they danced about in her mind and finally let her slip into deep sleep where all there was, was darkness.

Morning came abruptly...too soon in her mind, but Nicola forced herself up. She dressed slowly and went through her routine without joy. There was no sign of Gabe and with a quick peak into his room, she noticed he was still asleep. Normally she would have woken him up, but she knew he had been in a foul mood the night before and it wasn't the time for fights. Bi-passing her parents, Nicola opted to walk. Grabbing breakfast on the way out, she grabbed a Cola from the fridge and tucked it away for later and began her walk to school. Already the skies were gray - threatening rain and she knew it would be a long day.

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

He woke up with a grumble. When he noticed what hour it was he cursed and got up, going to the bathroom to brush his teeth and take a quick shower. His hand hurt like hell so he downed a few painkillers and tightened the bandages wrapping his palm. Picking his bag and fishing a chocolate bar from a fridge Gabriel left for school. On his way he bought a sweet roll for breakfast. He didn't want to think about the day before, this morning it seemed completely unreal but the fact Nicola hadn't woken him up was proof enough of its reality.

He reached school just in time for the literature class. Usually he sat next to his sister but today it was different. They were supposed to keep away from each other so he entered the classroom and made for the last desk by the window. Dumping his bag under the chair he turned towards the window, paying no attention to his classmates chatting and laughing. When their teacher, Ms MacTeague, made her entrance he glanced at her and returned to watching birds making a nest on the tree just outside.

"Gabriel, the principal wants to see you," the teacher announced so he got up and took his bag with him.

Lorna, the headmaster's secretary looked at him over her wire glasses when he entered her room. He'd been a usual type of guest in here so he needn't have introduced himself.

"Go on in, he's waiting for you," she sighed. "You sure have it hard, boy," Lorna said.

When he stepped into the office he saw the headmaster, the three stooges and their fathers. A small smile of scorn lifted the sides of his mouth. So that's how it was, one kick in the teeth after another.

"Ah, Gabriel, please, sit down," the principal said after the door closed so Gabe corssed the room and sat in a free chair. "Now, what is this I hear that you pick on your schoolmates and beat them up for no reason? Can you please explain that?"

Gabriel shifted in his chair to look at the three guy he had beaten up yesterday. He felt content to see their faces beautifully distorted by ugly bruises.

"Is it my word against theirs or their father's wallets... sir?"

"Don't be insolent! Do you deny that it is your doing?"

"I deny nothing. It's my work, alright."

"Did you have a legitimate reason?"

"Does it change anything?" Gabe asked, knowing full well how this was going to end.

"Offcially no but I want to know anyway."

"Very well. I found them bullying a kid yesterday. When I intended to stop them they attacked and harrassed my sister. I had to defend her."

"Surely my son hasn't done such a thing unprovoked!" one of the men interrupted in disbelief.

"Surely your son got a hard on while fondling my sister's ass," Gabriel barked back feeling anger rise within him. "I find any of them near her again it'll be more than just mild bruises!"

"Now, now, Gabriel, come down. I understand you're angry but you must understand..."

"I know, sir, you've told me that a hundred times already. Let's get to the point. How long?"

"The usual," the headmaster answered with a faint, amused smile.

Gabriel got up and picking his bag up he left the office and silently closed the door behind him. Lorna looked up at him from the stack of papers on her desk.

"What is this time?" she asked in a flat voice.

"The usual, two weeks and then back to the same drawing board. I guess he understands he cannot really make me change."

"You're right. If it weren't for him you would have been expelled long ago."

"I wonder what's gonna happen with the other three..." Gabe mused.

"Do you care about it? I find that hard to believe!"

"Not really, no. Well, I'll be seeing you in two weeks' time I guess."

"Take care, Gabriel, and watch yourself."

"Yeah."

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola cringed when their teacher sent Gabe to the principal's office. A small murmur and laughter over the fact rang through her class, making her irritated. Why did they have to be such assholes?! Sighing, she bent her head over her books and tried to concentrate on work, but it was near impossible. Everything was out of sorts, not normal.

Blinking back tears that kept forming up in her eyes, she tried gaining control over her emotions. She felt pitiful and stupid...she was 18 after all, she didn't need her brother to be holding her hand and yet even with that knowledge she missed him terribly.

Classes went agonizingly slow until finally art rolled around and she was able to take her frustrations out on a canvas. Quietly working in her little corner, she slapped on the colors with new aggressiveness and passion. So much so that the teacher even paid mind to her and made a round to her side, whistling under her breath when she saw Nicola's work.

"Isn't that a bit risque for class, Nicola?" She asked her, jerking her out of her little world.

Nicola started and frowned, finally focusing on what she had just drawn and turned a deep shade of red. "Oh!" She gasped and dropped her paint brush as if it burned. "I'm so sorry!"

The teacher laughed softly and turned the canvas away from prying eyes, leaning in close. "It's beautiful...but next time try to keep that out of art class. The human body IS a form of art, but some folks aren't mature enough to handle it." She said softly, "You'll still get an A for today...it's beautiful. Take it home with you."

Nicola nodded, trying to cool her hot cheeks as she glanced the picture. The lovers entwined in a sensual pose, laid out under the moonlight. They were beautiful...her head thrown back with abandon as he cupped her breasts and trailed kisses down her neck. "Damn..." She whispered and covered up the work with some cloth. Rubbing her sore eyes, she slowly put her things away and packed her bags.

As the day neared ending, she realized that Gabe wouldn't be walking her home and felt ill all over again.

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

His classes ended prematurely so he decided to hit the town. His face still wasn't presentable but with the foul mood he was in he almost wanted someone to stare at him so he could let off some steam. Despite the yesterday fight Gabriel still felt like pounding somebody's face in. He had a coffee and a sandwich in a coffee shop, paying no attention to other customers and then left to walk around town, not interested in going back home and facing Nicola. If she wanted away from him then fine, he was more than ready to make do all by himself.

Finally Gabriel reached the park where he and his sister had intended to spend some time yesterday. There were few people around at this hour, so Gabe chose a bench and sat down. From his bag he produced the chocolate bar and a magazine he had bought a week before but never really got the chance to read it. Munching on the melting sweet he skipped the pages but couldn't concentrate on reading.

"Why, hello there, Gabriel!" a woman's voice demanded his attention and when he raised his eyes he saw Mrs Trump and little Jeannie taking a stroll.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. Hello, Jean," he replied.

"Hi," the girl greeted him weakly. She wasn't looking too well, he noticed. They probably went for a walk so the girl could breathe some fresh air. "Is Nicola here with you?"

"Errr, no," he checked his watch. "She's probably going home now."

"And you aren't with her? That's unexpected. Did you have an argument or something?" the woman asked.

"You could say that," he admitted. "But the truth is I got suspended again so I just walked around town some."

"Oh boy, again? Do you want me to..."

"No, don't bother your husband about that. It's no big deal really. But thanks. Jeannie, how are you doing?"

"Not too good, Gabriel," the girl said softly when she carefully sat down on the bench next to him. "It's going to rain today so my head aches and my eyes too. You don't have your guitar with you, do you?"

"No, sorry."

"Gabriel, do you mind keeping your eye on Jeannie for a moment? I'll go buy some drinks..." Mrs Trump asked.

"Yeah, sure," he answered without conviction but couldn't plain refuse her. He wasn't really in the mood for babysitting but he had a soft spot for the poor girl so he agreed.

"Do you have a book with you?" the girl asked when he mother left.

"No, just a notebook and a magazine."

"What magazine... Oh, probably..."

"No, no, no... nothing like that..." he blushed for no reason. "It's about fashion."

"I see. Do you mind reading for me?"

"Uh, you want me to read this stuff for you?"

"Yes, please. It doesn't hurt so much when I listen to folks talking. And I know you aren't very fond of idle chatter."

"Well, okay."

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola felt miserable and out of her element walking home alone. Gabe's absence also drew a few curious glances, making her duck her head down as she walked slowly off school property. It didn't feel right, but she suspected maybe it was normal. After all, they had never been apart before.

Sighing, Nicola clutched one of her books close to her chest that she hadn't been able to fit into her pack and tried straightening up. She had to be brave, for both of them.

"Where is your keeper?" A voice suddenly broke into her thoughts and almost made her stumble. Jerking her glance to the side she noticed Gabe's foe, "Curly". His face looked bruised and swollen still, but the other two were nowhere to be seen.

"What?"

"I said, where is your keeper?" He repeated, walking along with her, even as she sped up her footsteps.

"I don't know." She muttered and glared at him. "Probably out roaming the streets because of you."

'Curly' snickered, "The jerk deserved it."

"No he didn't!" She hissed back, "You three are always bullying him and others. Why should he put up with your crap, huh?!"

The boy just grinned, showing off one less tooth. "Because everyone else does..."

She huffed and resisted the urge to punch him in the nose as well. "I guess if you all want to act like jerks, that's your problem, I just wish you'd leave US out of it."

He laughed and suddenly grabbed her hand, spinning her to face him. "You're really kind of cute, Nicola...especially when you're mad. Spunky."

Nicola tugged to free her hand, but his grip tightened almost painfully. "Let go!"

His smile made her uneasy...a combination of sheer determination and leering as his eyes scanned her body. "James was right about you...you hide yourself well."

"LET GO!" She ordered again, jerking on her arm.

Laughing, he finally let her tug free and shoved his hands in his pocket, leaning close. "I'll see you around Nicola...you and I aren't done."

Heart pounding and anger bubbling through her veins, Nicola took off to the house. As it usually went when she had a bad day, her mother was actually home and greeted her with nothing but fake sugary affection. "Nicola dear!!"

"What!?" She snapped and watched her mother frown.

"I need you to do your chores today and pay special attention to ironing your father's business suites. That's a deary! I'm off to my book club! Mama will be home later!" She chimed and left, leaning the scent of her too sweet perfume behind. Grumbling, Nicola shoved her pack upstairs in her room and stomped around for a while before getting to her cleaning...

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

When Mrs Trump and Jeannie finally left him alone, Gabriel smacked his lips and got up from the bench. His ass got all square from the hard planks he had been sitting on and his mouth was parched from reading to the girl. This was so shitty. He had hoped to take a nap in the park but he was interrupted and now it was starting to rain just like Jeannie had predicted. Pissed of that his usual day schedule was wrecked, Gabriel threw the magazine to a waste bin and with his hands in his pockets started towards the park exit.

"Hey, you're Gabriel, right?" someone called so he stopped at looked in the direction the voice came from. Had everyone conspired to wated his time with idle chatter today? What the hell was wrong with those people that they had to talk to him? "Well?" the voice urged.

"So what is I am?" he asked the girl back. She looked somewhat familiar but he couldn't just link her face to a name. Not that he actually cared.

"You don't recognise me, do you?" the blonde asked with an amused smile on her lips. She was kinda cute but her boobs were too big, he though.

Gabe shook his head and decided to ignore her so he stepped forward but she ran to him from the cover of the tree and now was standing in the rain with him.

"Look, we're having mathematics together in case you forgot. I'm Nina."

"Uh, yeah. Hi. Do you want anything from me or do you enjoy seeing me get wet for no reason?"

"Oh man, it's true what they say about you. Anyway, I'm throwing a party tomorrow night. I invited everyone from our class."

"I don't go to parties," he grumbled and moved away but she caught his sleeve.

"I know. But I thought..."

"You thought wrong, leave me alone, Nina," he shook her hand off and walked briskly away. Now he was soaked and pissed off even more. He needed to hit someone hard and vent the steam that had accumulated over the day. The opportunity presented itself even earlier than he thought it would.

At the park entrance two men, bums more like it, were stopping running people and asking them to give a few cents for booze. Gabriel recognised them as he had seen them more than once hanging around here or downtown near the movie thatre.

"Hey, bo, spare some ch..." one of them started but Gabe just sold him a strong sucker punch, throwing him on the ground.

"Just what the..." the other started.

"Go on, start something and make my day," Gabe dared the man but he moved away with his hands raised. Cursing loudly Gabriel went back home. He was feeling better now but not quite alright yet.

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola scrubbed the house spotless and hid in the laundry room until Gabriel passed by. She didn't want to deal with anything right now. She was tired and still steamed over the earlier incident. With laundry all finished, her father's suits ironed and dinner well on the way, she retreated to her room. With everything thrown in the crock-pot, she could safely not worry that dinner would be ruined if she hid out in her own sanctuary for an hour or two. Feeling exhausted, Nicola lay on her bed and felt tears gathering in her eyes again. Burying her face in her favorite pillow, she curled up and let her eyes drift down.

"Stay away from my daughter! You aren't worth the ground she even walks on!"

Nicolas cringed at the man's words and clenched his fists. "She loves me, Sir and I love her. I would take care of her..."

The man let out a coarse laugh, cutting his words off. "With what money?! Her own! Pah! You are but a lowly book keeper, BOY! Not yet a man even...my daughter needs someone with wealth and strength! Someone who will keep her under firm hand. She is a wild one and needs discipline!"

Nicolas felt sick, he knew exactly who her father had in mind for his love and his firm hand was too firm at times! The thought of Gabrielle lashing out only to be beat down made him feel ill. "She LOVES me!" He insisted, "Do you not want her to be happy!? Does she not deserve that!"

"Without money, boyo, you have nothing! Love can come later. She'll understand when the time comes...you are but a distraction! Am I making myself clear!? I want you OUT of her life or else..."

Nicola groaned and rolled over half an hour later. The urge to draw was great, but the urge to eat was even greater. Her stomach growled and she stretched, getting up and making her way to the kitchen for some homemade stew.