You Need To Trust Me

Chapter 18 "Goodbye"

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my made up characters!

Same Day (Friday after Thanksgiving) Delilah POV

"What would you like? My treat." Gabe looked at me as we stood in line at the coffee shop.

"A hot chocolate."

"Do you still like whipped cream and cinnamon?" He asked and I nodded, surprised he remembered. "Don't look so surprised. I remember a lot about you."

"I'll grab us a table." I said, turning and walking to an empty table by the windows. It made me think of how we used to go to a coffee shop around the corner from our apartment back in Texas. We'd go every Sunday morning when Gabe was off.

"A hot chocolate and I saw they had a brownie so I grabbed us one to share." Gabe sat down and handed me my cup. He looked at my face. "Something wrong?"

"Do you remember that coffee shop we used to go to around the corner?"

Gabe nodded with a smile. "Yeah, we used to go every Sunday. It's been awhile since I've been there."

"So what'd you want to talk about?" I changed the subject abruptly.

Gabe shrugged and handed me half a brownie. "I just wanted to catch up really. Tell me about you, about your life."

Sighing, I told him about Dream, about life on the ranch. "You're a senior this year right?" Gabe asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, I graduate in May."

Gabe smiled. "I can't believe it. Have you picked your college yet? Or your major?"

After an internal debate, I told him about wanting to be a Veterinarian, my applications to some of the schools that had good programs. "You did always want to take in the stray cats around the neighborhood. Remember when Mrs. Gold, the little old lady in the apartment on the first floor yelled at us about feeding the cats?"

I laughed, remembering. "She was such a witch! I hated her."

Gabe chuckled. "I think the feeling was mutual after you told her to mind her own business."

"What about you?" I asked, taking another drink of my hot chocolate. "The Army? What's it like? Are you staying in after your four years is up?"

Gabe shrugged his shoulders. "I like it. It keeps me out of trouble and the benefits are great. I like the guys I'm with and I like my job. I'm a mechanic. I work mostly on vehicles."

Before long, we were talking easily. Me about Dream and school, him about the Army and Texas.

It felt nice.

…

Nessie POV

"Hey Em!" I shouted as I saw Emmett walking towards the door. He turned and I smiled. "Where you going?"

"I was going to go see Delilah. She's been pretty quiet today." He said.

Jake and I exchanged looks—was it possible Delilah was with Gabe? "Ness and I were about to go grab some coffee. Why don't you come with us and then all three of us can swing by to see Delilah afterwards?"

Emmett looked like he was about to say no. "Uncle Em, c'mon, for your favorite niece." I smiled at him. He rolled his eyes and smiled.

"You're my only niece, Nessie."

"So gotta keep her happy. Let's go!"

Emmett grumbled but got into my car. It was pretty tame compared to my family's cars. A Honda Civic.

We drove into town, me and Jake keeping the conversation going, trying to get Emmett to talk. He would, but not very much.

I found a parking spot a few spots down from my favorite coffee shop. Before we left, I'd make sure to get Delilah her favorite drink. Cinnamon Dolce Latte. I'm sure she hadn't gotten much sleep between Emmett and then Jasper going to visit her earlier.

I was a little worried that after Jasper had given her the information proving that Gabe was being truthful, she might have gone to see him. While it wouldn't necessarily mean anything if she did, I didn't want it to hurt Emmett. He was already not himself.

Jake grabbed my hand as we walked to the coffee shop. "Mm, it smells so good. I love the smell of coffee." I said to him as he opened the door for me. Jake was about to reply when he stopped on his way to the counter. I bumped into him. "Jake—what the heck?"

His eyes widened at me and he was pointing at something. I noticed Emmett was looking at the menu. I turned and saw what he was pointing at. Barely holding in my gasp, there was Delilah sitting at a table with Gabe.

Delilah was smiling and saying something, using her hands in the way that she did when she was talking. There were two drinks on the table and a split brownie between them.

"Hey Nessie, how's their—" Emmett cut off as he saw us and then he followed our gazes. He sucked in a breath and a flash of hurt and uncertainty came before he regained control. His eyes met mine.

"I'm so sorry Emmett, I had no idea she was here—or with him." I apologized.

"She's seen us." Jake said quietly and I turned back to see Delilah's face full of shock and she stood up. Gabe glanced at us with a frown but stood up too.

"Em, hey!" Delilah said, walking over to join us. She hesitated for a moment but then reached out to touch Emmett's arm. He didn't pull away. "What are y'all doing here?"

"We came to get coffee." I said nervously, looking between them. Jake put a comforting arm around my shoulder. "We were going to come see you after getting some."

Delilah nodded. "Oh." Then she patted her pockets. "My phone! I must have left it in the truck."

"That's why you've been quiet." Emmett said, looking at Gabe while his arm slid around Delilah. I sighed in relief that at least he wasn't pulling away from her.

Delilah gestured towards Gabe. "After Jasper came by this morning, I wanted to talk with Gabe. Let him know that I believed him." She explained and I nodded. It sounded innocent enough but Jake winced and I wondered why. She faced Gabe. "It was good talking with you, Gabe. I think I'm gonna head out with Emmett and them."

Gabe's face was full of disappointment but he nodded. "Yeah, totally. Thanks for having coffee with me and talking." He handed her a card. "In case you wanna call or anything. That's my contact info."

She took it and nodded. "Thanks."

We all watched as he grabbed his drink and half of a brownie. He nodded at all of us, his gaze lingering on Delilah before leaving.

"Let's go order!" I said to Jake, pulling him towards the counter, leaving Delilah and Emmett to their awkward conversation.

…

Delilah POV

Emmett's eyes watched me as Nessie and Jake left us. I moved us away from the counter, not wanting an audience.

Rubbing his arm with my hand, I said "You know there's nothing for you to worry about, right?" All I could think about was him breaking down last night. Would this make it worse for him?

Emmett shrugged. "I mean, you were having coffee with your ex."

I groaned. "I know but I promise you, all it was, was coffee between two friends. That's it. He wanted to talk, to catch up. I figured I could give him that much." I reached up to touch Emmett's face and he leaned into my hand. "I love you, Emmett."

"I love you too." He sighed and leaned down to kiss me. "You promise there's nothing to worry about?"

"I promise you. I am here with you, faithful to you. I'm not going anywhere." I leaned against him and put my arms around him. He held me and I felt so content in his arms.

"Can we go back to your place? I just want to be with you." Emmett whispered and I nodded.

"We can do whatever you want."

…

Two days later, there was a knock on the door. "Del! It's for you." Kyle called up and I ran down the stairs, thinking that it couldn't be Emmett—he was out hunting with Edward and Jasper.

I stopped in surprise as I saw Gabe. We hadn't really spoken since the coffee shop. "Hey, can we talk? Maybe take a walk?" He asked and I nodded. I put on my boots over my leggings and pulled on a sweatshirt.

We started walking down the drive and he looked over at me. "I'm leaving today. I have to get back before my leave is over. I'll get in big trouble if I'm not."

I nodded. "Yeah, I understand."

Gabe stopped me. "Delilah, I'm gonna be honest with you. Seeing you? Everything came flooding back. I told Emmett that I wasn't sure why I was here when he asked, but honestly? I want you back. I want us back. I still love you and I always will. I know that. I know you've got school to finish and all, but I want to try with you. I love you, Delilah."

I stared at him in shock. What did he want me to say? I was with Emmett. I loved Emmett.

You love him too. A voice inside me whispered. I shook the thought away. I had loved Gabe years ago. Then I moved on.

"Gabe, I, I don't know what to say." I admitted, sticking my hands in my pockets. "I'm with Emmett. I love him."

Gabe groaned. "I know, I know you love him. I can see it. But I can also see that you love me too!" He sighed. "I know things went crazy between us—and you obviously felt you had to move on. You thought I was dead. But I'm not. I'm here, in the flesh and I love you. Did you read the letters I gave you? I am willing to do anything—try anything—to make it work."

My eyes watched him and I could see he was sincere. I could see the pain on his face. And I couldn't say, if I was being honest, that some deep down part of me didn't wish that we could try to make it work. I had loved Gabe, so fearlessly, so hard when we were together. He was my first everything. My first love, my first time.

But how could I hurt Emmett like that? That's exactly what kept me from doing anything. Emmett. The man who loved me, who had opened himself up again after losing the love of his life. The man who my dead great-aunt had seemingly gave me to find happiness. The man who supported me through everything—even when I broke his heart. The man who showed me every part of him, every single vulnerable part.

Tears burned my eyes as I knew what I'd have to say to Gabe. "We can't try again. I know you want to—and if I'm being honest, there's a part of me that wishes we could—but we can't. We can't turn back the clock, we can't erase the past. I am in a committed relationship. I am in love with another man. I…I will always love you, Gabe but we can't try again. It's over between us."

I watched as a tear streaked down his face and I tried to keep my composure. God, there was too many tears in my life lately.

Gabe swiped at the tear on his face and nodded, swallowing so hard I could hear it. "I get it…I do. But if this is the last time I'm ever going to see you, I have to do this."

Gabe moved forward and suddenly, his hands were on my face and then his lips touched mine. Shock froze me to this spot, unable to move as his warm lips moved against mine. One hand moved to my waist as the other buried itself in my hair, he pulled me closer.

A million memories flooded back as his scent surrounded me and I closed my eyes. He pulled back after a moment and I opened them to look at him. More tears had made their way down his face and I could feel them on my face as well.

Gabe gently ran his hand over my cheek and stared at me. "Sorry—I know that was wrong…but I had to. I'll leave now, for good." Gabe turned to walk to his truck and then stopped, half-turning towards me. "Just know this: if you ever change your mind, I'll be here. I will never stop loving you, Delilah."

I watched as he got in his truck and drove away. I hadn't moved from the spot where he had kissed me.

I knew I had made the right decision. I loved Emmett. I never wanted to hurt him. I loved being with him.

So then why did it feel as if something had broken inside of me as I watched Gabe leave?

…..

Bella POV

I listened in on Esme's conversation with Kathryn. Apparently, Gabe had came to the house, this time to tell Delilah goodbye. He was leaving for Texas. Or so that's what Delilah had said to Kathryn in passing before going straight to her bedroom.

Kathryn was also saying that she could hear Delilah up there crying. She was worried about her emotional state. She had the idea that Delilah had told Gabe once and for all that she wanted to be with Emmett. But Kathryn also said that she wasn't sure it'd be a good idea for Emmett to come by this evening like he planned, once he got back from his "camping trip" with Edward and Jasper.

"I understand, Kathryn. She could use a little space from everything. I know it's been rough on her." Esme said sympathetically.

My mind took me back to when I chose between Edward and Jacob—of course now we knew it was never a choice—and the night I had cried for what seemed endlessly. I felt so guilty—and so broken.

I could imagine that Delilah felt the same, choosing between Emmett and Gabe.

Thinking that, I grabbed my jacket and left the house. I wanted to talk with her.

….

Delilah POV

Sobs racked through me. Why was I in so much pain? I had made the right choice.

Stop crying. I ordered myself but it didn't stop. I couldn't make it stop. It hurt so much.

I had to be honest with myself—there was more than a small part of me that wanted to be with Gabe. But not strong enough for me to leave Emmett.

Emmett, oh God. He was supposed to stop by when he got back from hunting. He couldn't see me like this—he couldn't know how much it hurt. He was already worried about everything, and I didn't want him to worry anymore. I had picked him, picked us.

There was a knock at the my bedroom door and I tried to quiet myself. "What?" I called out to whoever was there.

"It's Bella. May I come in?"

Surprised, I called back, "Yes!"

She came in and shut the door behind her. She walked over to the bed and sat down on it as I forced myself into a sitting position and managed to get my sobs under control. Nessie's mom. I knew Bella and all but I was closest with Jasper and Ness out of all of them. Bella and I hadn't had much one-on-one time.

"I wanted to come by and talk with you. I know it's been a rough few days and…" Bella paused to hand me a few tissues from my nightstand.

"Thanks." I dabbed at my eyes before blowing my nose.

"I heard that Gabe came to say goodbye to you today." I nodded. She sighed. "I get the feeling from that and your red-rimmed eyes, that a decision was made today."

Tears sprung to my eyes again and I tried blinking them away. "Yes."

"As Gabe has left, I'm assuming you chose Emmett." Bella guessed.

I nodded again. "I just didn't think it'd hurt so much." I admitted shakily.

Bella nodded herself. "About fifteen years ago, I made a choice between Edward and another man. I loved them both, in different ways, and had two different futures in front of me. I chose Edward—and I've never regretted my choice—but I still felt as if I was broken that night. I cried and cried. I'm not sure how I cried so much." Bella shook her head and looked at me. "I have a feeling that we felt the same."

"I love Emmett. So much. He…he's so different. He's so devoted and sweet and funny. And he's stood by me through so much." I said to her. "But I also loved Gabe. He was my first everything. He literally saved me. Thinking he was dead, forced me to get through those feelings and then he showed up. And everything flooded back."

I glanced at Bella. "Then there was Emmett and his reaction. Emmett is strong and tough and is the one that keeps it together, you know?" I hoped Emmett wouldn't hate me for telling Bella this. "He broke down, Bella. Thanksgiving night when he came back over, he broke down and begged me not to leave him. Told me that I was his entire world. I've never seen him like that."

Sadness showed on Bella's face. "I know he really loves you and that it was hard to accept that after Rosalie."

I nodded. "I get it. I really did—or do. Because I felt the same after Gabe. I didn't want to get close to anyone. But then I met all of you and fell for Emmett. The best decision I ever made."

Bella smiled. "I'll say it's been the same for us. We love having you in our lives."

"I feel bad though. I shouldn't be crying over this. I shouldn't be…heartbroken."

Bella laid a supportive hand on my leg. "Do not feel as if you shouldn't. You let go of a big, important piece of your life today. You let go of a person you once loved. That will always be hard and heart-breaking, okay?"

I nodded. "What do I tell Emmett when he comes here?"

Bella sighed. "Well he won't be coming here tonight. Kathryn thought you might need a break from it all, so Esme is going to tell him to stay home. What you tell him is up to you. Honesty is always best—and no matter what you say, in the end, you chose him. That's what matters."

She met my eyes. "But also understand that being with Emmett…you're going to be faced with another choice, eventually."

"Stay human or become like you all." I whispered and she nodded. I tried to smile. "Thanks for coming over, Bella. This made me feel a lot better."

"Anytime." She smiled back at me before standing up. I bit my lip, thinking about the kiss.

"Hey Bella?" My voice stopped her at the door. "Ah, can I get your advice on something?"

"Of course." She said, letting go of the doorknob.

"Before Gabe left…" The words felt stuck in my throat. Bella was Emmett's sister-in-law. How would she feel about this? "He said that if this was the last time he was ever going to see me, he had to do something—and then he kissed me."

Bella's eyebrows rose. "Oh. And you're wondering if you should tell him?"

I shook my head. "No, I know I have to tell him, but can you give me an idea of how he might react?"

Bella took a moment to think. "I think that he will not freak out. You picked him, Gabe left, and it was just a kiss. You're definitely right that you have to tell him. Honesty is crucial in a relationship."

Bella left then and a minute later, Kyle poked his head in. "Hey, I thought you could use a distraction—want to ride out and look for Wolf with me? I'm worried that he still hasn't came home. He might be just enjoying his freedom, maybe he found a wild herd and decided that's where he wants to be."

I knew Kyle was trying to be optimistic and not say what we were all thinking—he might be dead somewhere.

"Sure, let's do it."

We tacked up Chip and Lamb before heading out. I only hoped we found something good.

…..

Emmett POV

"Not go see her?" I asked in disbelief after Esme told me that Kathryn thought it was best that I stay home tonight. "But she's upset."

Esme sighed. "Yes, Emmett, she is. But you must also understand that it's all a bit much right now. She could use a night where the only feelings she's worried about are hers."

Leaning back on the couch, I nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I get it." And Gabe did leave, so there wasn't a reason to be concerned. I pulled out my phone to shoot her a text.

I'm going to hang around the house tonight. I'm sure you're tired and it's back to school tomorrow—and work for both of us. Are you okay?

I sent the text and hoped for a quick response.

A little while later, there was still nothing. I frowned. She hadn't read the text. That was unlike her. I tried calling her—nothing.

Walking outside, I called the house phone. "Hello?" Kathryn answered cheerfully.

"Hey, Kathryn, it's Emmett. I was trying to get a hold of Delilah but she's not answering. Is she okay?"

"Hi Emmett! She's okay. Kyle and her rode out to try to find Wolf. He still hasn't came home." Kathryn informed me. "She must have left her phone here or they're in a bad service area—you know how it is around here."

"That makes sense. Can you have her call me when they get back? I'd just like to talk to her."

"Will do, Emmett. They should be back soon hopefully before it gets dark."

"Thanks." I said before hanging up. Okay, that made me feel better. She was out with Kyle. She was okay.

….

Delilah POV

"Kyle!" I gasped and pointed as I saw Wolf ahead, grazing. Kyle nodded and got his rope ready.

"Wolf! Hey boy!" Kyle called out and Wolf picked up his head. He neighed and started towards us. I smiled, thinking how great this day was turning.

Chip shied when the crack of a rifle sounded and I tried to steady him. "It's okay boy, it's okay."

"No!" Kyle shouted and I looked up just in time to see Wolf stumble. I glanced from side to side, trying to see where the shot came from.

I waited to see if someone would run out, apologizing for the shot or if there would be another. When there was neither, I made Chip move forward. Kyle rode beside me, watching around us.

I dismounted and handed my reins to Kyle. He let me inspect Wolf and I was suddenly glad I had been working with Dr. Ritter.

"We got lucky—it grazed his shoulder but didn't go in. It's not bleeding too badly. He should be okay walking back to the ranch. Then we can take care of it there and if need be, call Dr. Ritter."

I grabbed the rope from Kyle and put the loop over Wolf's head. He was spooky but was listening.

It was a slow ride back to the ranch. By the time we had gotten back, Kyle and I figured that a hunter had been out, mistaken Wolf for a wild animal and shot before figuring it out. When they heard Kyle's shout, they probably panicked and took off.

Focusing on my training from Dr. Ritter, I examined the wound and found it to be a superficial wound—no stitches or anything needed. I cleaned the wound and bandaged it up.

"If you want, you can call Dr. Ritter but I think he'll be okay." I told Kyle as I stood up. "I really wish we had the barn so we could put him in a stall, but the next best thing might be putting him in the round pen for the night. If he goes out in the pasture with the others, they could get excited and open it up worse."

Kyle nodded. "I think you're right, I'll grab him some water and hay. And I don't think we need to drag Dr. Ritter out here tonight. We'll see how it's looking tomorrow and determine if she needs to come out." He gave me a one-armed hug. "Look at that, our own little vet in the making."

I smiled at him. "I haven't even graduated high school."

Kyle shrugged. "Who cares? It's all in the hands-on knowledge."

As he went off to find a bucket and some hay, I put Wolf in the round pen. He didn't look bad for being out in the wild. A few burrs in his mane and tail, a scratch or two. I was just so glad we found him.

It could have been so different.

…

Monday, November 26th Delilah POV

It felt like a million years since last Wednesday, but it hadn't even been a week. I got through the school day somehow. It had dragged, badly. Emmett had been happy to see me and I had been happy to see him.

I had recovered—at least on the outside—from yesterday's emotional roller coaster. Finding Wolf and sleep had really helped.

Seeing Emmett smile had also helped. He seemed like his old self again.

He was coming over after school today—my last day of "freedom" after school as I was back at Dr. Ritter's practice tomorrow. I was happy to be going back.

When the last bell rang, Emmett found me and we walked to my truck together, hand in hand. Before he opened the truck door for me, he turned me to face him and kissed me.

"Love you." He whispered and I smiled.

"Love you more."

"Not possible." He grinned as he opened the door for me. I rolled my eyes and handed him my keys. He liked to drive.

At the ranch, Emmett and I checked on Wolf. He seemed to be doing good and was happy to be back.

In the house, it was a bit "crowded". Kathryn and Cody were at the dining room table, going over stuff on laptops. Kyle was in his basement office. So Emmett and I went up to my room after I grabbed a snack.

"So you wanted to talk?" Emmett said as we sat on my bed.

I nodded, knowing I needed to tell him about yesterday.

"You know that yesterday Gabe came by." I started and Emmett gave a quick nod. "He came to say goodbye—but he also asked about getting back together."

Emmett's eyes met mine and I reached over to take his hand. "I told him no, that I loved you and that we—you and I—were in a relationship. I told him basically that what he and I had was in the past and that was it." I watched as Emmett's shoulders visibly relaxed. "There's one more part."

He gestured for me to go on. "Gabe kissed me."

Emmett didn't look shocked. "I'm not really surprised by that."

I was surprised at his level of calm. "I was. A lot." I stared at Emmett. "How are you taking this so calmly?"

He smiled and moved closer to me. "Two things: One, you forget the night that we spent together where I told you to do whatever you had to do to resolve old feelings. That included—if needed—kissing him. Two, he kissed you and still, you sent him away. So obviously it didn't have a huge effect on you and it's the last time he'll ever kiss, while me, on the other hand…"

I smiled and leaned over to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me down with him. "You're mine." He said simply.

"Always." I whispered as he slid his hand down my face.

"That's all I need to hear." Emmett smiled and for the first time this week—the past week, whichever—I was happy.

I had made the right choice.

Gabe would become a part of the past—again—and Emmett and I would be okay.

At least, that's what I thought.

…

Gabe POV

I sat in the coffee shop that Delilah had mentioned just days ago. I hadn't been here since I was here with her.

It hadn't changed much, which made me happy. Something to cling to. I knew I would need to move on. She had made it clear she loved Emmett and wanted to be with him. I had to respect that.

But I knew if she ever changed her mind, I'd be there, in a heartbeat.

I glanced up as a person stood before me. "Gabe?" The man in front of me had red hair and the strangest colored eyes—some kind of orange.

"Yeah, are you Elliot?" I asked, thinking of the reason I was here. I was selling a game console and some Elliot guy was the interested buyer.

He smiled. "I am."

….

AN: Hey readers! Another (unexpected) update! I've just been really into this story lately so I'm trying to take advantage of that.

Thank you all for the follows, alerts, favorites! Every one I saw made me so happy! Thanks for being a reader!

So what did you think of the chapter? Delilah picked Emmett over Gabe. Their relationship (seemingly) is back on track and looking good. Let me know your thoughts with a review!

To my reviewers:

DxGRAYxMAN: Thank you for your review! I have to thank you, because of your review, I decided that it would be better for Emmett to see them—originally I had just planned for Emmett to know she went to see him but then I changed it. So thank you! As we can see, it worked out (:

Jessa76: Thank you for your review! I debated back and forth between that—the vamps smelling Elliot—but everyone was distracted so it's easy to miss if you're not paying attention, especially with the fire covering it up. As you can see, Gabe did leave. I know a lot is going on! I hope that you're not too disappointed with Gabe kissing Delilah—it wasn't her, but him. I hope you're feeling a little better about this chapter now that they are sorted out!

Always,

QuinnandSethsgirl15