Eli: Sorry it took so long. High school. *shudder* Here's chap two.
Gabriel woke up to the sound of very loud music blasting through the walls.
"Only Elaine can blast it so loud it bugs even me." He got out of bed and stretched. He then stumbled out of his room and toward where all the noise was coming from. Elaine was in the kitchen making breakfast.
"Good morning. What the hell are you blasting?"
"Disturbed."
"Hi Gabriel." He turned to see someone leaning against the wall.
"Jesse?"
"Yeah." Gabriel immediately straightened out his posture and started to head back to his room to get dressed.
"I, uh, have to get ready. I'll be back in a sec."
"Hurry now, brother. I'm almost done." Elaine winked at him and he glared right back at her. He turned and hurried back to his room. At that point, Elaine and Jesse burst out laughing.
"Oh lord; did you see how red he had gotten?"
"That I did. But despite everything Elaine, ohhhhh." Jesse put her hand on her heart to feel how fast it beated.
"You really like him, Jesse."
"I've always liked him, Elaine. You know that."
"Jesse, he likes you, too." She shook her head.
"No, I'm not pretty. The women he dates are gorgeous. How can I compete with them?"
"Jesse! You know good and well you're beautiful. Just look in the mirror." Jesse reluctantly turned and looked into the mirror and sighed.
Elaine sighed. It broke her heart the way Jesse despised her own body. It didn't help that Jesse's mother was always saying things like 'your hips are too big, Jessica.' Or 'Your eyes would be so much prettier if they were a different color.' Elaine put down the skillet she was holding and walked up behind Jesse and put her arm around her. She forced her to look at her reflection.
"Take a good look at yourself." Jesse restudied her reflection. The same plain brown eyes. The same auburn hair. She couldn't stand it and looked at Elaine's reflection.
"You're lucky, Elaine. You have such beautiful blue eyes and the best black hair."
"Jesse! You're a million times prettier than me without trying. The only reason I look so pretty to you is because you're attracted to my older brother."
"I'm not pretty. I'm just plain."
"Bloody hell, Jesse! What am I going to do with you?"
-Gabriel-
"That girl is so dead!" Gabriel mumbled as he stalked back to his room. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it. Jesse had once again gotten prettier. He noticed she had a tendency to do that each time he saw her. He moved from the door and got dressed. The usual long t-shirt and jeans. He ran his hands through his hair a couple of times, trying to tame his hair. He took a deep breath and walked back to the kitchen. Jesse and Elaine were looking into the mirror.
"Elaine, the food's burning!"
"What? Fuck!" She rushed back to the stove.
"So what were you two doing?"
"Arguing. Can you settle something for us?"
"Sure."
"Gabriel, don't you agree that Jesse is pretty?" Jesse turned from them to hide her blushing.
"No, she's not pretty." Jesse felt a pang of disappointment. Elaine stared at Gabriel, surprised and angry. He saw the reactions.
"Wait, will you two let me finish? Jesse, you're not pretty. You're beautiful."
"Well, aren't you quite the charmer, Gabriel Bowman." He smirked at her as she turned around.
"Damn straight."
"Breakfast is ready." Elaine shoved two plates into their hands. Gabriel and Jesse sat down at the small table in the kitchen. Gabriel devoured his plate, while Jesse barely touched it. Elaine sat down with her plate. She looked at Jesse.
"What's wrong Jesse? Do you not like it? If you don't, I don't have a problem making you something else."
"No, Elaine. I am just not that hungry." Jesse looked at her watch. "Better I don't eat. I have an audition in an hour. I better go."
"Oh, okay. Bye, Jesse."
"Good luck."
"Thanks, Gabriel. See you, Elaine." They watched her go out the door.
"Gabriel?"
"Yes?"
"I'm worried about Jesse."
"Don't be. It's probably just from the plane."
"No, Gabriel. This is happening at home, too. She finds every excuse not to eat. And when I force her to eat, she barely touches he food."
"Oh."
"She's twenty four, 5'9", and weighs less than me. Something is wrong! I think.."
"What?"
"I think she's anorexic."
"It isn't that drastic, is it?"
"Yes, it is! I'm worried for her. She could collapse at any moment."
"Then we're going to have to spend more time with her to make sure she eats or at least doesn't pass out."
"I know. We're going shopping after her audition. Come with us?"
"I don't know, shopping?"
"You need a new wardrobe, anyway. Hey, why don't we invite Sara, too?"
"I'll call her, but I have a sneaking suspicion you want a glance at her stalker."
"Well, that would be great, but I want to get to know Sara better. How often do you get to know a wielder?"
"Alright, I'll buy that."
"Shut up!" Elaine threw a napkin at him. Gabriel dodged and then got up and got the phone. He dialed up Sara's number.
"Pezzini."
"Sara? It's Gabriel."
"Hi."
"What are you doing today?"
"Laundry, sleep."
"Elaine wants to know if you want to go shopping with us and Jesse this afternoon."
"Alright. I wanted to get a gander at the girl who makes you blush."
"She does not."
"Yeah? And that's why you perked up at the sound of her name?"
"Well, I do like her. Come over in three hours."
"Alright, see ya."
"See ya."
-Later-
The four of them had had a good time thus far. Elaine was forcing them into the weirdest places and stores. She had a flair for the strange and deranged. She also had fun dressing Gabriel up like he was a gothic Barbie doll. She had spared Sara and Jesse on that level. Gabriel was a good sport and did as he was asked, but stopped when the clothing began to get risqué.
"It's bad enough you have me dressing like Nottingham, its worst that it's getting open."
"Alright, don't try it on." Gabriel got dressed as Elaine paid for her purchases. They were now currently walking down some of the streets. Gabriel and Jesse were in front talking. Sara noticed Elaine smiling at them.
"What are you so happy about?"
"Them. They've liked each other for a long time. I want them to get together. I'm relieved that there's no one in between them, this time."
"What about you?"
"I don't date. I rather reap off the glory of others."
"The American for that?"
"I find more fun in being a matchmaker."
"No boyfriend?"
"No."
"Not even a crush?"
"Johnny Deep, Josh Harnett, and Matt Le Blanc."
"Any realistic crushes?"
"No. I don't find any on.." She stopped mid-sentence and turned her head a bit. She immediately looked back forward.
"Oh Lord!" Elaine's breathing had become rapid. She also started fiddling with her braids.
"What?"
"Turn around, slowly." Sara turned her head slightly and saw what Elaine was so nervous about. Nottingham was walking behind them. Sara laughed at Elaine.
"I thought you said you didn't like him?"
"I lied. I've had a crush on him for two weeks now. Yes, I know it's wrong, but can you blame me?"
"What?"
"Come on now, Sara. Don't tell me you don't find him awfully dashing."
"Dashing?"
"Would fine be a better word?"
"Oh. Well, yeah, of course. But he is very off."
"So am I. Call him up here."
"No."
"Please? I won't do anything, I swear. Please?" Elaine gave Sara a deviously sappy look.
"Alright." Sara turned her head and motioned to Ian to come forward.
"Yes, Sara?" His remark was cold. As were his eyes. He had been this way to her ever since Irons had returned. Usually, his attitude toward her was warm. But now his expression was pure ice.
"This is Elaine Bowman. She wanted to meet you." He nodded at her.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Bowman." Elaine tried to keep calm.
"Nice to meet you, too." She blurted the next part out. "You're an assassin."
"Yes. How did you know?"
"Research."
"Why are you researching me?"
"You are interesting."
"Would you mind stopping? I do not like to be studied."
"Oh. Alright." Elaine looked down, partly crushed. Sara shook her head at him and wondered how he could be cold toward this girl who obviously had a crush on him. If anyone should understand unwanted feelings, he should. Her temper what being tested, but didn't want to make him look weak in front of his admirer.
"Elaine, could you give us a moment?" She readily agreed and was glad to take the out. She rushed ahead to join Gabriel and Jesse. Sara turned to Ian with a scrawl.
"Why did you do that?"
"Do what?"
"She has a crush on you and you pretty much shot her down."
"I was only being honest."
"She'll probably cry herself to sleep tonight, Ian. What the hell is going on?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"You are angry all the time. What is up with you?!"
"Nothing you would care about. How is Conchobar?"
"He's still in a coma. You jealous?"
"No. I'm sure you two will be very happy. Now, if you excuse me." He turned the corner away from her.
"Freak." She said it softly, but he still heard it.
Ian walked in angry silence. He was furious. Furious at everything. Irons, Gabriel, even Sara. Especially Sara. He couldn't believe what she had done. She had betrayed her lover for that weak, possessed thing. He knew Gabriel still had Irons running rampant in his head. He tried to explain it to Sara, but she would hear none of it. She never did.
He had seen her kiss him and was disgusted. Conchobar was strong and would never betray Sara. It broke his heart, but he approved of him. Gabriel was a different story. He was but a boy. He could never protect Sara. He was easily manipulated and would betray her.
He had already betrayed her. He would do so again. Ian couldn't let him. He headed toward the hospital. He had to see if her lover was yet revived. He was determined to make sure Sara had the best. Even if it wasn't him. He still loved her.
-Later-
Gabriel noticed that Elaine was being oddly silent as they walked on. He was surprised she had left Sara and had rushed up between him and Jesse. He turned to see Sara speaking with Nottingham. He noticed Elaine was looking very sad. He looked back and he was gone. He slowed down to talk to Sara.
"What the hell happened? Did he say something to Elaine?"
"He told her to stop her research on him."
"Anything else? She's really upset."
"She did have a crush on him. He kind of just broke her heart."
"Damn it! That bastard! I hope she gets over him soon!"
"She will. She understands it's wrong, so she's half way there. Give her three days, a week tops."
"Alright. You're stalker getting vicious."
"He's pissed."
"Why?"
"No clue. You know what? He probably saw us kiss."
"Bad memory. You think he's jealous?"
"He says he isn't, but he's mad about something."
"Crazy, psycho, Galahad."
"Crazy, psycho, Galahad? Who the hell says that?"
"I don't know." He shrugged.
-Jesse and Elaine-
After Gabriel had gone to speak with Sara, Jesse put an am around Elaine.
"What happened?"
"You know that guy I've been doing research on?"
"The assassin? The man in black?"
"Yeah. He just told me to stop."
"Well, Elaine, it is annoying if someone is studying you. He meant no harm."
"He's like ice."
"Well, what did you expect Elaine? A kind soul? He kills for a living. Of course he'll be like ice."
"Yeah, I guess."
"Bloody hell, Elaine. You like the strangest people."
"Oh really? How normal is it to like Gabriel? We really should get you a cat scan." Jesse smiled and was glad Elaine had her humor back. She put her arm around her throat and lightly choked.
"Oh yeah? Well, you need one too; miss has a crush on an assassin."
"Maybe."
"We need to get you someone your age."
"Alright." They walked on making comments about the passersby's. Jesse pointed out every teen aged boy, but Elaine was rather picky. Jesse spotted a boy about Elaine's age walking toward them. He was all in black, but didn't have make up on. She got a plan an as they passed him, she tripped Elaine. The boy rushed forward and helped steady her, just as Jesse planned.
She watched as Elaine and the boy looked at each other. She saw the connection pass between them. The boy's green eyes had caught Elaine's blue ones. She smiled.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome." This was getting good. The boy had a Scottish accent.
"You are Scottish?"
"You are English?" They laughed.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all." Jesse, Elaine, and the boy walked on.
"What's your name?"
"Elaine. Elaine Bowman. This is my best friend, Jessica Audrey. Jesse, for short."
"I'm Leo. Leo McDonalds."
"You are visiting?"
"No. I live here now. You?"
"Visiting my brother." Jesse smiled at the two and slowly started to stay behind them. She watched as the two connected. She was finally right in front of Gabriel. He pushed her forward.
"Hey!"
"Why are you back here?"
"Look." She nodded toward Elaine and Leo.
"Well, she's certainly gotten over Nottingham."
"I'm going to test that guy out, see if he's good enough for her." He rushed off to begin his interrogation.
Eli: I think I'll stop here. How was it?
Gabriel woke up to the sound of very loud music blasting through the walls.
"Only Elaine can blast it so loud it bugs even me." He got out of bed and stretched. He then stumbled out of his room and toward where all the noise was coming from. Elaine was in the kitchen making breakfast.
"Good morning. What the hell are you blasting?"
"Disturbed."
"Hi Gabriel." He turned to see someone leaning against the wall.
"Jesse?"
"Yeah." Gabriel immediately straightened out his posture and started to head back to his room to get dressed.
"I, uh, have to get ready. I'll be back in a sec."
"Hurry now, brother. I'm almost done." Elaine winked at him and he glared right back at her. He turned and hurried back to his room. At that point, Elaine and Jesse burst out laughing.
"Oh lord; did you see how red he had gotten?"
"That I did. But despite everything Elaine, ohhhhh." Jesse put her hand on her heart to feel how fast it beated.
"You really like him, Jesse."
"I've always liked him, Elaine. You know that."
"Jesse, he likes you, too." She shook her head.
"No, I'm not pretty. The women he dates are gorgeous. How can I compete with them?"
"Jesse! You know good and well you're beautiful. Just look in the mirror." Jesse reluctantly turned and looked into the mirror and sighed.
Elaine sighed. It broke her heart the way Jesse despised her own body. It didn't help that Jesse's mother was always saying things like 'your hips are too big, Jessica.' Or 'Your eyes would be so much prettier if they were a different color.' Elaine put down the skillet she was holding and walked up behind Jesse and put her arm around her. She forced her to look at her reflection.
"Take a good look at yourself." Jesse restudied her reflection. The same plain brown eyes. The same auburn hair. She couldn't stand it and looked at Elaine's reflection.
"You're lucky, Elaine. You have such beautiful blue eyes and the best black hair."
"Jesse! You're a million times prettier than me without trying. The only reason I look so pretty to you is because you're attracted to my older brother."
"I'm not pretty. I'm just plain."
"Bloody hell, Jesse! What am I going to do with you?"
-Gabriel-
"That girl is so dead!" Gabriel mumbled as he stalked back to his room. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it. Jesse had once again gotten prettier. He noticed she had a tendency to do that each time he saw her. He moved from the door and got dressed. The usual long t-shirt and jeans. He ran his hands through his hair a couple of times, trying to tame his hair. He took a deep breath and walked back to the kitchen. Jesse and Elaine were looking into the mirror.
"Elaine, the food's burning!"
"What? Fuck!" She rushed back to the stove.
"So what were you two doing?"
"Arguing. Can you settle something for us?"
"Sure."
"Gabriel, don't you agree that Jesse is pretty?" Jesse turned from them to hide her blushing.
"No, she's not pretty." Jesse felt a pang of disappointment. Elaine stared at Gabriel, surprised and angry. He saw the reactions.
"Wait, will you two let me finish? Jesse, you're not pretty. You're beautiful."
"Well, aren't you quite the charmer, Gabriel Bowman." He smirked at her as she turned around.
"Damn straight."
"Breakfast is ready." Elaine shoved two plates into their hands. Gabriel and Jesse sat down at the small table in the kitchen. Gabriel devoured his plate, while Jesse barely touched it. Elaine sat down with her plate. She looked at Jesse.
"What's wrong Jesse? Do you not like it? If you don't, I don't have a problem making you something else."
"No, Elaine. I am just not that hungry." Jesse looked at her watch. "Better I don't eat. I have an audition in an hour. I better go."
"Oh, okay. Bye, Jesse."
"Good luck."
"Thanks, Gabriel. See you, Elaine." They watched her go out the door.
"Gabriel?"
"Yes?"
"I'm worried about Jesse."
"Don't be. It's probably just from the plane."
"No, Gabriel. This is happening at home, too. She finds every excuse not to eat. And when I force her to eat, she barely touches he food."
"Oh."
"She's twenty four, 5'9", and weighs less than me. Something is wrong! I think.."
"What?"
"I think she's anorexic."
"It isn't that drastic, is it?"
"Yes, it is! I'm worried for her. She could collapse at any moment."
"Then we're going to have to spend more time with her to make sure she eats or at least doesn't pass out."
"I know. We're going shopping after her audition. Come with us?"
"I don't know, shopping?"
"You need a new wardrobe, anyway. Hey, why don't we invite Sara, too?"
"I'll call her, but I have a sneaking suspicion you want a glance at her stalker."
"Well, that would be great, but I want to get to know Sara better. How often do you get to know a wielder?"
"Alright, I'll buy that."
"Shut up!" Elaine threw a napkin at him. Gabriel dodged and then got up and got the phone. He dialed up Sara's number.
"Pezzini."
"Sara? It's Gabriel."
"Hi."
"What are you doing today?"
"Laundry, sleep."
"Elaine wants to know if you want to go shopping with us and Jesse this afternoon."
"Alright. I wanted to get a gander at the girl who makes you blush."
"She does not."
"Yeah? And that's why you perked up at the sound of her name?"
"Well, I do like her. Come over in three hours."
"Alright, see ya."
"See ya."
-Later-
The four of them had had a good time thus far. Elaine was forcing them into the weirdest places and stores. She had a flair for the strange and deranged. She also had fun dressing Gabriel up like he was a gothic Barbie doll. She had spared Sara and Jesse on that level. Gabriel was a good sport and did as he was asked, but stopped when the clothing began to get risqué.
"It's bad enough you have me dressing like Nottingham, its worst that it's getting open."
"Alright, don't try it on." Gabriel got dressed as Elaine paid for her purchases. They were now currently walking down some of the streets. Gabriel and Jesse were in front talking. Sara noticed Elaine smiling at them.
"What are you so happy about?"
"Them. They've liked each other for a long time. I want them to get together. I'm relieved that there's no one in between them, this time."
"What about you?"
"I don't date. I rather reap off the glory of others."
"The American for that?"
"I find more fun in being a matchmaker."
"No boyfriend?"
"No."
"Not even a crush?"
"Johnny Deep, Josh Harnett, and Matt Le Blanc."
"Any realistic crushes?"
"No. I don't find any on.." She stopped mid-sentence and turned her head a bit. She immediately looked back forward.
"Oh Lord!" Elaine's breathing had become rapid. She also started fiddling with her braids.
"What?"
"Turn around, slowly." Sara turned her head slightly and saw what Elaine was so nervous about. Nottingham was walking behind them. Sara laughed at Elaine.
"I thought you said you didn't like him?"
"I lied. I've had a crush on him for two weeks now. Yes, I know it's wrong, but can you blame me?"
"What?"
"Come on now, Sara. Don't tell me you don't find him awfully dashing."
"Dashing?"
"Would fine be a better word?"
"Oh. Well, yeah, of course. But he is very off."
"So am I. Call him up here."
"No."
"Please? I won't do anything, I swear. Please?" Elaine gave Sara a deviously sappy look.
"Alright." Sara turned her head and motioned to Ian to come forward.
"Yes, Sara?" His remark was cold. As were his eyes. He had been this way to her ever since Irons had returned. Usually, his attitude toward her was warm. But now his expression was pure ice.
"This is Elaine Bowman. She wanted to meet you." He nodded at her.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Bowman." Elaine tried to keep calm.
"Nice to meet you, too." She blurted the next part out. "You're an assassin."
"Yes. How did you know?"
"Research."
"Why are you researching me?"
"You are interesting."
"Would you mind stopping? I do not like to be studied."
"Oh. Alright." Elaine looked down, partly crushed. Sara shook her head at him and wondered how he could be cold toward this girl who obviously had a crush on him. If anyone should understand unwanted feelings, he should. Her temper what being tested, but didn't want to make him look weak in front of his admirer.
"Elaine, could you give us a moment?" She readily agreed and was glad to take the out. She rushed ahead to join Gabriel and Jesse. Sara turned to Ian with a scrawl.
"Why did you do that?"
"Do what?"
"She has a crush on you and you pretty much shot her down."
"I was only being honest."
"She'll probably cry herself to sleep tonight, Ian. What the hell is going on?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"You are angry all the time. What is up with you?!"
"Nothing you would care about. How is Conchobar?"
"He's still in a coma. You jealous?"
"No. I'm sure you two will be very happy. Now, if you excuse me." He turned the corner away from her.
"Freak." She said it softly, but he still heard it.
Ian walked in angry silence. He was furious. Furious at everything. Irons, Gabriel, even Sara. Especially Sara. He couldn't believe what she had done. She had betrayed her lover for that weak, possessed thing. He knew Gabriel still had Irons running rampant in his head. He tried to explain it to Sara, but she would hear none of it. She never did.
He had seen her kiss him and was disgusted. Conchobar was strong and would never betray Sara. It broke his heart, but he approved of him. Gabriel was a different story. He was but a boy. He could never protect Sara. He was easily manipulated and would betray her.
He had already betrayed her. He would do so again. Ian couldn't let him. He headed toward the hospital. He had to see if her lover was yet revived. He was determined to make sure Sara had the best. Even if it wasn't him. He still loved her.
-Later-
Gabriel noticed that Elaine was being oddly silent as they walked on. He was surprised she had left Sara and had rushed up between him and Jesse. He turned to see Sara speaking with Nottingham. He noticed Elaine was looking very sad. He looked back and he was gone. He slowed down to talk to Sara.
"What the hell happened? Did he say something to Elaine?"
"He told her to stop her research on him."
"Anything else? She's really upset."
"She did have a crush on him. He kind of just broke her heart."
"Damn it! That bastard! I hope she gets over him soon!"
"She will. She understands it's wrong, so she's half way there. Give her three days, a week tops."
"Alright. You're stalker getting vicious."
"He's pissed."
"Why?"
"No clue. You know what? He probably saw us kiss."
"Bad memory. You think he's jealous?"
"He says he isn't, but he's mad about something."
"Crazy, psycho, Galahad."
"Crazy, psycho, Galahad? Who the hell says that?"
"I don't know." He shrugged.
-Jesse and Elaine-
After Gabriel had gone to speak with Sara, Jesse put an am around Elaine.
"What happened?"
"You know that guy I've been doing research on?"
"The assassin? The man in black?"
"Yeah. He just told me to stop."
"Well, Elaine, it is annoying if someone is studying you. He meant no harm."
"He's like ice."
"Well, what did you expect Elaine? A kind soul? He kills for a living. Of course he'll be like ice."
"Yeah, I guess."
"Bloody hell, Elaine. You like the strangest people."
"Oh really? How normal is it to like Gabriel? We really should get you a cat scan." Jesse smiled and was glad Elaine had her humor back. She put her arm around her throat and lightly choked.
"Oh yeah? Well, you need one too; miss has a crush on an assassin."
"Maybe."
"We need to get you someone your age."
"Alright." They walked on making comments about the passersby's. Jesse pointed out every teen aged boy, but Elaine was rather picky. Jesse spotted a boy about Elaine's age walking toward them. He was all in black, but didn't have make up on. She got a plan an as they passed him, she tripped Elaine. The boy rushed forward and helped steady her, just as Jesse planned.
She watched as Elaine and the boy looked at each other. She saw the connection pass between them. The boy's green eyes had caught Elaine's blue ones. She smiled.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome." This was getting good. The boy had a Scottish accent.
"You are Scottish?"
"You are English?" They laughed.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all." Jesse, Elaine, and the boy walked on.
"What's your name?"
"Elaine. Elaine Bowman. This is my best friend, Jessica Audrey. Jesse, for short."
"I'm Leo. Leo McDonalds."
"You are visiting?"
"No. I live here now. You?"
"Visiting my brother." Jesse smiled at the two and slowly started to stay behind them. She watched as the two connected. She was finally right in front of Gabriel. He pushed her forward.
"Hey!"
"Why are you back here?"
"Look." She nodded toward Elaine and Leo.
"Well, she's certainly gotten over Nottingham."
"I'm going to test that guy out, see if he's good enough for her." He rushed off to begin his interrogation.
Eli: I think I'll stop here. How was it?