Gabriel by S. Cook

Author:S. Cook [Cook, S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-03-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Gabriel

When I arrived back in Maine earlier than expected, my parents were surprised, but didn't ask questions. They didn't quiz me about what had happened. They didn't walk on eggshells around me either. They just carried on like they normally would, engaging in conversation as usual. They knew when I was ready, I’d talk to them.

For now, I wasn’t ready to talk.

I couldn't even pinpoint the exact emotion to describe what I felt inside me. I was disappointed that Lynette had blamed me for her father’s wrongdoings. I was angry that she blamed me for her life falling to pieces. I was outraged that she thought she wasn't good enough for me.

Most of all, I was heartbroken that she had chased me away, ending our relationship.

If it was a relationship.

Maybe it was all a fantasy I’d built up in my mind. From the moment one of my Army friends had talked me into writing letters, I’d felt close to Lynette in an odd way.

Super Charlie we’d called him.

Charlie Delaney was from Connecticut and in his mind, he was the bomb. He bragged about all the women he had slept with and his confidence had no end. He was one of those guys who would one up everyone else as soon as we started exchanging stories. That was how he earned his name, Super Charlie.

Everything we could do, Super Charlie could do better.

We never questioned or disputed his stories, and he really wasn't a bad guy.

In fact, Charlie was one of the most loyal people I had ever come across. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and when it came to missions and tactics, he was the one who had the best ideas.

If only he had taken the reigns on our mission before we were all blasted to smithereens. Maybe then Terry and the others in our unit would still be alive today. Maybe then Charlie wouldn’t have lost his arm and one eye in the process.

Even in the hospital he’d make jokes, convincing himself that chicks would still dig him, because whether he had one hand, or two, he could still get the job done.

“Sympathy sex, Gabriel,” he’d say. Then he’d wink his good eye. “Chicks dig it.”

We’d spent many nights talking, especially after Terry died. He was the one who encouraged me to write a letter to Lynette, even if I never had any intention of sending it. One letter turned into two, and before I knew it, it became a weekly thing.

It was like therapy to me, to talk to someone who I’d never met, who wouldn’t blame me for his death, and who would listen.

I kept them all, and again, Charlie urged me to send them to her.

And I did.

Eventually.

I sighed and lowered my gaze, staring at my hands. The cool Maine air was refreshing, but it made me feel empty, cold and lonely. I heard my father open the door and come out on the porch with me. He sat down beside me on the wooden bench.

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