Chapter 12
Lily
"Are you sure we should be here?" Wendy asked as Lily parked her car in Alexa's driveway.
"It doesn't feel right to go to the party without her," Lily frowned.
"No, I totally agree," Wendy said. "But what about her mom and Gabriel?"
"I don't know," Lily shrugged.
"What if Alexa doesn't even want to see us?" Wendy asked, taking off her seatbelt and opening the car door.
"Then we leave," Lily said. "But we should at least try, right?"
Wendy sighed, "Okay.....let's try, I guess."
With a small nod, Lily exited her car and made her way over to the front door. She knocked twice and stood back as Carmen peeked out the window before opening the door.
"Hey, girls," Carmen said, her eyes tired. She leaned against the door and crossed her hands over her chest. "How are you guys?"
"Hey," Lily smiled. "We're good. We just came by to see how Alexa was doing."
Carmen slowly nodded. She let out a sigh and stepped aside, "Come on in. She's upstairs in her room."
"Thank you," Wendy stepped inside and Lily followed. "Can we go up?"
"Of course," Carmen nodded once more. "But I really hope you girls are not here to take her to any party. Not after what she did today."
"No, we're not going," Lily replied. "We just came by to see her."
"I see," Carmen took a seat on the couch. "Lily, mija, can I speak to you for a moment?"
"Yes, of course," Lily paused at the foot of the stairs. Wendy gave her a small nod before heading up to Alexa's room.
"Come have a seat," Carmen said.
Slowly, Lily made her way over to the sofa and took a seat. She tugged on her skirt nervously as Carmen patted her shoulder with a tired smile.
"I heard what you did for Alexa," she began. "Gabriel told me."
Lily frowned, "He wasn't very happy about it."
"No," Carmen shook her head. "And neither am I. Don't get me wrong, sweetheart. I think you are a wonderful friend and I appreciate you looking out for my daughter. But Alexa is not a little girl anymore. I had hoped she would grow out of these acts once she became an adult but I see no change in her."
"I just wanted to help."
"I know. I know, mija," Carmen placed her hands in Lily's. "But that was a very large sum of money you spent. I can't even offer to pay you back at the moment."
"No, please," Lily shook her head. "You don't have to. I don't want you to pay me back."
"No," Carmen frowned. "It's not about the money, Lily. It's about enabling her behavior. By protecting her, you're only allowing her to continue down this path. She needs to face the consequences of her actions if she's ever going to change."
Lily bit her lip, looking down at her hands. "I wasn't thinking about that. I just didn't want her to get in trouble."
"I understand that," Carmen said gently. "But sometimes getting in trouble is exactly what she needs. It's a hard lesson, but an important one. She has to learn to take responsibility for her actions. Otherwise, she'll never grow up."
Lily nodded slowly, "I understand."
"Let her learn from her mistakes," Carmen said. "It's the best thing you can do for her right now. Trust me, mija. She'll be better for it in the long run."
Lily nodded with a small smile, "I'll try to remember that."
Carmen smiled, pulling her into a hug. "You're a good friend, Lily. Just remember, sometimes tough love is the best love."
"Thank you," Lily hugged her back. "I was scared you were going to yell at me like Gabriel."
"Gabriel yelled at you?" Carmen asked, pulling back.
Lily opened her mouth, "Uh-"
"Gabriel!" Carmen yelled, looking over her shoulder. "Ven aquà ahora mismo!" (Come here right now.)
Lily held her breath as she heard a door open upstairs. Her heart began to pound inside her chest as she heard Gabriel's footsteps.
"Oh my god, no," Lily jumped to her feet. "It's completely fine! I'm fine."
"Gabriel," Carmen stood up and watched her son come down the stairs. "¿le gritaste a Lily?" (Did you yell at Lily?"
Gabriel paused and looked at Lily over his mother's shoulder. He arched his brow as his mouth set in a thin line.
"Discúlpate con ella ahora mismo," Carmen demanded, pointing to Lily. "¿Por qué todos mis hijos son alborotadores?" (Apologize to her right now......why are all my children such trouble makers?)
Gabriel's narrowed, his shoulders slumped as he approached. He avoided making eye contact with Lily, his jaw clenched tightly.
Lily felt a knot tighten in her stomach, her hands trembling slightly. She shifted nervously on her feet, glancing between Gabriel and Carmen, unsure of what to say or do.
"Sorry," Gabriel muttered, taking a seat on the kitchen stool. He pinned Lily with his gaze and waited for her to speak. Lily thought she saw a hint of an amused grin on his face but as soon as Carmen began to yell again in Spanish, Gabriel cleared his face.
"Con más sinceridad, Gabriel," Carmen crossed her arms, not satisfied with his half-hearted apology. (With more sincerity, Gabriel.)
Gabriel took a deep breath and faced Lily more directly. "My bad."
Lily nodded quickly, trying to diffuse the tension. "It's okay, really. I understand."
"No me molestes más, Gabriel," (Don't upset me anymore) Carmen smacked the back of Gabriel's head. "My bad? What's that? Say you're sorry. This is what I mean. You need to learn to control your temper. It's not fair to take it out on others, especially not on someone who's trying to help."
"Alright, alright," Gabriel laughed, dodging his mother's hand. "No le volveré a gritar." (I won't yell at her again.)
Lily felt her cheeks flush with heat. She shifted nervously from one foot to the other, her hands fumbling with the hem of her skirt.
"I...um, I should go check on Alexa," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Carmen nodded, her eyes softening with understanding. "Está bien, mija. Go ahead."
Gabriel glanced at her but didn't say anything. Lily avoided his gaze, feeling a wave of shyness wash over her. She bit her lip, her eyes darting toward the stairs.
Without another word, she turned and hurried toward the staircase, her footsteps quick and light. As she reached the first step, she felt all eyes on her, and her heart pounded even faster. She could feel her face growing even warmer, a deep blush spreading across her cheeks.
"Lily, waitâ" Gabriel started, but she didn't stop to hear the rest. She bolted up the stairs, her movements clumsy in her haste. Each step felt like an eternity as she tried to escape the awkwardness that had settled over the living room.
Finally, she reached the top and dashed down the hallway, her breath coming in short, nervous gasps. She made it to Alexa's room and knocked softly before slipping inside, closing the door behind her with a sigh of relief.
Inside, she leaned against the door, her heart still racing. Wendy and Alexa looked up from their conversation, surprised by her sudden entrance.
"Are you okay?" Alexa asked concern etched on her face.
Lily nodded quickly, trying to compose herself. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed a moment."
Wendy gave her a sympathetic smile, patting the spot next to her on the bed. "Come here."
Lily managed a small smile and crossed the room, grateful to be away from Gabriel. She took a seat beside Wendy as Alexa turned toward her.
"Lily," she began. "I am so so so sorry. I was being so stupid."
Lily looked at her friend, seeing the genuine remorse in her eyes. She sighed and reached out to take Alexa's hand. "I know you... I forgive you."
Alexa's eyes welled up with tears, and she squeezed Lily's hand tightly. "Thank you. I promise I'll make it up to you. I'll never do something like that again."
"Please don't," Lily frowned. "Your mom is really upset. I don't care about the money. I care about you getting in serious trouble.
Alexa nodded, her expression somber. "I know... I'll do better, I promise."
"I hope so, for your Carmen's sake," Lily looked down at her hands.
Alexa slowly pulled her hand back and the room filled with silence. The weight of the day's events settled over them as Alexa hugged her pillow to her chest and wiped her tears. Finally, after several minutes, Wendy spoke up, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I guess we won't be going to the Halloween party now, huh?"
Alexa sighed, wiping away a stray tear. "Yeah, it's probably best if I don't. I'm sure my mom will kick me out of the house if I even thought about it."
Lily looked at her friends, feeling a pang of sadness. "I was really looking forward to it."
"I know," Alexa's eyes lowered. "I'm so sorry."
"We could still get dressed up," Wendy suggested. "And hand out candy to the kids."
Lily's face brightened at the idea. "That actually sounds really nice. We can still wear our costumes, right?"
Alexa hesitated, looking between her friends. "I don't know. I mean, after everything that happened..."
"It's be fun!" Lily said enthusiastically.
Wendy nodded, "Yeah.....come on."
Alexa bit her lip, still unsure. "But what about my mom? She might not like the idea."
Lily squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We'll be right here at home, being responsible. And I think your mom really likes me. I'll convince her if she says anything."
Wendy added, "Plus, it'll show her that you're trying to make up for what happened by doing something positive. I think she'll appreciate that."
Alexa's frown began to fade, replaced by a small smile. "Okay.... I guess that could be fun."
"It will be," Lily assured her.
Wendy grinned, seeing Lily's excitement.
"Come on, Alex," she said. "Do it for this one at least. You owe her."
Alexa's smile grew wider, "Alright, let's do it."
The girls stood up and grabbed their bags, their spirits lifted by their improvised plans. As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow through the windows, they dug out their costumes. Lily pulled out her wings as Wendy unpacked her pirate gear, and Alexa her fairy wings and sparkling dress.
"Tinker Bell and Captain Hook," Wendy laughed.
Alexa's clean room slowly turned upside down as they helped each other get ready. Wendy brushed out Lily's hair and curled it before twisting back a few front pieces and letting some hang around her face.
"Hold still," Alexa said, concentrating on perfecting the eyeliner.
"Not too much," Lily said, trying not to move.
"I saw the Victoria's Secret make tutorial online," Alexa pulled out her shimmery highlighters. "It's a damn shame none of the boys at the party will get to see you tonight."
Wendy snorted.
"Do you have any lip gloss?" Lily asked. "Actually never mind, I'm sure I have some in my purse."
"Are you sure?" Alexa asked as she leaned back.
"Yeah, I'm good," Lily nodded, pushing her hair out of her face. "I'm just going to go put on my costume."
"We'll wait for you downstairs," Alexa said, grabbing her wings and Wendy's pirate hat.
"Cool," Lily grabbed her costume and ran into the bathroom. She switched on the light and took off her dress, being extra careful not to mess up her hair. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she had to pause for a second to admire Alexa's work. The girl was one hell of a make up artist. Lily marveled at how good she looked as she pulled up her white dress and tugged it up her hips. Setting the straps on her shoulder, she reached back for the zipper and cursed under her breath.
"This dumb shit," she sucked her teeth as she struggled, losing her breath. "Come on, come on."
"Lily?" Alexa called from downstairs.
Lowering her hand, Lily opened the bathroom door, "Just a minute!"
Just as Lily looked up, she gasped. Gabriel paused at the stairs, his attention caught by Lily's voice. Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them moved.
Lily felt her heart lodge into her throat as Gabriel took a step forward, his expression softening.
"Do you need help?" he asked, his voice low and steady.
Lily's cheeks flushed, and she nodded slowly. "Uh, yes. The zipper... I can't reach it."
He walked over to her with deliberate slowness, each step making her heart flutter. His hair was pushed back, revealing his sharp features, and he wore a fitted white shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders, paired with black jeans. He looked effortlessly handsome and it took LIly's breath away.
When he reached her, he guided her into the bathroom, stepping in and locking the door behind them. The small space felt even smaller with him so close. Lily's heart pounded as she felt the warmth of his presence.
Placing his hands on her waist, Gabriel gently turned her around, his fingers brushing against her back as he took hold of the zipper. Lily's breath caught in her throat at his touch and her lips parted.
"Hold still," Gabriel murmured softly, his breath warm against her ear.
Lily tried to steady her breathing, her face growing hotter. She could feel every slight movement he made as he carefully pulled the zipper up, the sound of it loud in the quiet room. His fingers grazed her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
"There," he said, his voice almost a whisper.
"Thank you," Lily whispered, her voice barely audible.
Instead of stepping back, Gabriel's gaze lingered on her in the mirror. He carefully slid her hair away from her right shoulder, his fingers brushing against her skin. His eyes traced the small beauty mark on her shoulder, a soft, admiring look in his eyes.
When he looked up, he caught Lily's eyes in the reflection. His hands moved down to her hips, gently pulling her back against himself. All Lily could do was stare, her heart pounding wildly as Gabriel lowered his mouth to her shoulder.
His lips brushed softly against the small beauty mark, sending a tingling sensation through her. Lily swayed back, falling against his hard chest and his hands tightened, gripping her hips. Gabriel's mouth then slid up to her ear, his breath warm and intimate.
"I'm sorry," He murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper. "For yelling."
Lily's breath caught in her throat as she felt the warmth of his apology and the gentle press of his lips. He held her gaze in the mirror, his touch tender and his eyes needy. The moment seemed to stretch, filled with unspoken emotions.
Gabriel's embrace was comforting, and Lily's heart raced as she struggled to steady her breathing. The closeness, the apology, and the intimacy of his lips left her feeling as if she was on fire. Her heart pounded in her chest as she slowly turned to face him. Their eyes met, and in that moment, the world outside seemed to disappear.
Gabriel's expression softened, and without a word, he gently lifted her. His strong arms supported her as he picked her up effortlessly, a mix of tenderness and determination in his touch. Lily's breath hitched as she was lifted off her feet, her skin still tingling from his kiss.
He carefully set her down on the bathroom vanity, his hands lingering on her waist for a moment before his hand parted her legs and he stepped in between them. Lily sat there, her legs dangling and her eyes wide, feeling a mix of surprise and exhilaration.
Gabriel looked at her with a serious, yet affectionate gaze. "I just needed to make things right," he said softly, his voice carrying a deep sincerity.
Lily's heart was still racing as she looked up at him, her face flushed. "Gabriel, Iâ"
"Shh," he interrupted gently, leaning in closer. "It's okay. You don't need to say anything more. I just needed you to know that I'm sorry. And I'll never do that ever again."
The light from the vanity cast a soft glow around them, accentuating the intimacy of their surroundings. Lily looked up at him, her eyes tracing the contour of his face.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked.
The corner of Gabriel's mouth curved up and he leaned in a bit closer, their faces now inches apart.
"Why?" He asked. "Are you volunteering?"
"Heather....?"
Gabriel nudged the edge of Lily's face with his nose, "Who?"
"Heather Baker...." Lily managed to say.
Gabriel chuckled.
"What?" Lily asked, leaning forward as if her body was not in her control. Gabriel's nose traced along her face and she followed, allowing him space to explore.
"Usually I don't like jealously," Gabriel said. "But I see the way you look at my friends on campus and I think I'm addicted."
"To what?" Lily followed as Gabriel leaned back just a fraction of an inch.
"You're jealous," Gabriel leaned forward once more. They played with the space between them as if they were magnets, one pulling back and the other following.
Lily tilted her head to one side and moved closer, her lips a breath away from Gabriel's. She watched him smile as he teased her and pulled back, baiting her.
The playful tension between them heated the air, each move and glance charged with spark. Gabriel's teasing smile and Lily's eager response created a magnetic pull that held them together, both waiting for the moment when their lips would finally meet.
Gabriel's smile grew more mischievous as he leaned in, his lips almost grazing Lily's. He could feel the warmth of her breath mingling with his, and he enjoyed the way her eyes fluttered shut in anticipation.
But just as their lips were about to touch, Gabriel pulled back slightly, his smile widening. He watched as Lily's brows furrowed. Lily breathed out, her face showing hints of exasperation.
Gabriel chuckled softly, his eyes dancing with playful delight. "Can't handle a little teasing?"
He leaned in again, his lips brushing lightly against hers before pulling back just as she started to close the gap. The teasing proximity only heightened the tension, leaving Lily even more desperate.
"You smell so sweet, baby girl," Gabriel said, his voice low and amused. He watched as Lily's cheeks flushed.
Lily's hands instinctively moved to his shoulders, her fingers digging in slightly as she tried to hold him closer. He leaned in again, his lips nearly touching hers, and then pulled back at the last moment, his grin widening.
"Come on, baby," Gabriel whispered. "A little more."
Lily's frustration bubbled up. Every time Gabriel pulled away, Lily's resolve seemed to waver, her desire for the kiss growing stronger. The teasing game was intense, and Gabriel's smile was a constant reminder of just how close they were to crossing that final line.
Gabriel chuckled softly, the sound warm and teasing as he pulled back from Lily. His eyes sparkled with playful mischief as he leaned away, and Lily's heart raced, the closeness leaving her breathless and yearning.
He didn't say a word as he reached over to the bathroom door, his movements deliberate and slow. Gabriel's fingers wrapped around the lock, and with a casual twist, he unlocked the door. The soft click echoed in the quiet room, snapping the anticipation and frustration that had been building between them into two.
Without a word, he casually walked out the door, leaving Lily sitting there, her heart pounding and her breath coming in quick, uneven gasps. The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving her alone with the lingering tension.
Slowly, Lily got off the vanity, her legs feeling slightly unsteady beneath her. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. The soft glow of the bathroom light seemed to blur as she made her way toward the door.
As she descended the stairs, each step felt like a mile, her mind still preoccupied with the intensity of the moment she had just experienced. She tried to focus on the sound of Wendy and Alexa's voices coming from downstairs, hoping it would help her regain her composure.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, Wendy and Alexa were waiting for her by the door, their attention elsewhere as they prepared to head outside.
"There you are" Wendy called out. "Ready to go?"
Lily managed a small, distracted smile as she nodded. "Yeah, just give me a second."
Wendy and Alexa looked at her with a hint of concern but didn't press further. They stepped outside as Lily took a few more steadying breaths and joined them, trying to push aside the lingering feelings from her encounter with Gabriel.
The crisp night air felt refreshing against her skin, and the sound of children's laughter filled the block. Lily climbed down the stairs and sat down on the second to last step. Wendy handed her a bowl of candy and raised her brow.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
Lily nodded, avoiding her friend's eyes, "Yeah."
"Where are your wings?" Alexa asked.
"I..." Lily reached back to touch her shoulder. "I must have left it upstairs in the bathroom."
"I'll go grab it," Alexa said, turning around and heading back into the house.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Wendy asked again.
"Yeah..." Lily nodded, her hands on her knees and cheeks flushed.
"O-kay," Wendy said, not buying Lily's answer but not pushing either. "Alexa said we can give the kids three pieces of candy each."
Lily cleared her throat and nodded again, "Sounds good."
Just then, the front door opened. The girls looked back as Gabriel stepped out.
There was a red bloody handprint wiped across his white shirt and his motorcycle helmet in his hand. He had a mask pushed up to the top of his head as he casually climbed down the stairs and paused.
Lily held her breath and leaned away as he lowered before her and picked out a piece of candy from the bowl she had on her lap. When he looked up, Lily met his gaze and she swore he was teasing her again.
"Be good tonight, angel," he said, straightening up and walking out of the yard.
Wendy's jaw dropped as they watched him mount his motorcycle and put on his helmet. They watched the smirk on his lips before he lowered his visor and revved his engine.
"Oh?" Wendy turned toward Lily. "Angel?"
Lily groaned as she hid her face in the candy bowl and stomped her feet.