So here is the latest chapter. Notes on the bottom as usual.

Chapter Eight: Something to Believe In

The walk to the Manning residence wasn't a long trip. Gabe realized not too long ago that Alyson lived closer to the school than he did. The conversation had returned as normal; but both parties realized that things had changed, if ever so slightly. Gabe stopped just short of the stoop as Alyson continued to the door. She stopped and turned to him.

"You okay?"

Gabe took a deep breath. "Your dad hates me."

Alyson raised an eyebrow. She had noticed that her father had given Gabe a harder time in class. Gabe would work harder in order to appease to their teacher.

"Dad doesn't hate you."

"Okay; maybe a very strong dislike?"

"Gabriel." Alyson put her hand on his shoulder. "My dad doesn't hate you. I'm sure there's no animosity towards you. Mom likes you enough."

Gabe scoffed. "I've actually talked to your mom. Your dad and I talk during music class and it's usually just questions and answers. Your mom seems to like me."

Alyson smiled and nodded. "She told me that you're better than the last guy that I brought home for dinner."

This caused Gabe to smile. They turned to see an older gentleman at the door. Alyson eyes lit up with good humor. She squealed a bit as she hugged the man.

"Papa Joe! It's so good to see you! Are you and Nana Caitlin staying for dinner?"

Joey Jeremiah smiled to his granddaughter. "You bet! I was just going to call Angie and see if she was coming to join us." He looked and smiled at Gabe. "Now who is this young gentleman?"

Alyson pulled Joey towards Gabe. "Papa; this is Gabriel Mason, my best friend."

Joey looked at Gabe for a moment and smiled at him. "How's Spinner doing these days?"

"He's good sir. He's been keeping busy with the restaurant."

Joey laughed. "He's a good man. He really turned himself around after high school." Joey sighed and smiled at the two of them. "Did you know that I sold him his first car?"

Gabe had to laugh this time. "Did you know that he still drives that same car back and forth to work sir?"

Joey smiled. "That doesn't surprise me. My daughter took over the business a few years ago and turned Jeremiah Motors into one of the biggest dealerships in Toronto."

"You still own the place Papa Joe?" Alyson asked.

"Until I can't get out of bed in the morning." Joey smiled to the two kids, taking out his cellphone. "I'll call Angie and see what's taking her so long."

Alyson motioned for Gabe to follow her inside. They walked in the door and took their shoes off and placed them out of the way. Gabe had to smile at the warmness of the home. It was just like his home, only bigger.

"There's my granddaughter!" Caitlin Jeremiah called over to her. "Give your Nana a hug and bring that cute boy with you!"

Gabe blushed at the comment as Alyson took his hand and the two walked over to Caitlin. Alyson hugged her grandmother and they laughed. Ellie Manning walked over and hugged her daughter. Alyson stood by her mother as her grandmother walked up to Gabe.

"Nana; this is Gabriel Mason, my best friend. Mom, you remember Gabe?"

"It's nice to meet you Gabriel." Caitlin smiled, turning to Alyson. "He's definitely cuter than that Thomas boy that I met last year."

"Nana…"

Gabe smiled; blushing slightly. "It's nice to meet you Mrs. Jeremiah. It's also good to see you again Mrs. Manning. Thank you for having me over for dinner tonight."

Ellie Manning smiled at Gabe. "After what Ally told me about you being on your own tonight, I couldn't allow that. You're always welcome here."

Caitlin turned and looked at Gabe with concern. "Is there something I'm missing here?"

Gabe cleared his throat. "It's not as bad as Mrs. Manning had put it. My dad is the head chef and owner of Spinner's place; he's running the kitchen tonight. My mom and little sister are having a girls' day today."

Alyson looked over at Caitlin. "Nana, I invited Gabe to join us. He had a long day and basketball tryouts didn't go very well." Alyson sighed. "I was looking out for my friend, that's all."

"I'm sorry that you didn't make the team Gabe. " Ellie offered a sympathetic look.

Gabe smirked. "There were ten guys better than me; it was bound to happen."

Ellie nodded. "There are always other things to do at school." She turned to her daughter. "Alyson; would you please help me in the kitchen?"

Alyson looked at her mother embarrassed. "Mom…"

Gabe spoke up. "I'll do it."

The three women looked at Gabe with surprise.

"I really don't mind. I'm pretty good in a kitchen."

"Gabriel you don't have to…" Ellie started but Caitlin interrupted.

"Ellie; let the boy help. I'm curious to see what he can pull off."

Gabe smiled. "Thank you Mrs. Jeremiah."

Ellie looked at him. "Can you cut up some onions and prep some lettuce? Craig's on the grill making the burgers and dogs."

Gabe smiled and walked over to the island; prepping the toppings for the meal. Alyson joined over and helped Gabe work; getting things for ready and making a few other things. Ellie and Caitlin watched the two work together. Caitlin nudged Ellie to get her attention. Ellie turned to Caitlin.

"Remind you of any other team you know?"

Ellie smiled. "It brings back some memories. I remember a troubled redhead working with her mentor."

"You forgot another student that was honored to work with her mentor."

Ellie rolled her eyes. "Thank you for bringing Claire up in my home. That girl is a hard worker, but drives me up a wall."

The two women turned back and watched Gabe making some different sauces with Alyson helping him. The two teenagers laughed and made jokes while working. At one point; Alyson had grabbed a dill pickle and a spatula. She flipped the pickle in the air. Ellie was about to say something, but watched as Gabe dove behind the island and caught it in his mouth. He stood up and smiled; causing Alyson to laugh and applaud.

Caitlin smiled. "He's good for her."

Ellie nodded as she sighed. "I think it's a two way street. I've seen the two of them like this. It's like this with them all of the time." Ellie smiled. "Did you know that he walks her home almost all of the time?"

Caitlin turned and looked at her protégé in surprise.

"When Gabriel found out that they lived so close, he always made it a point to walk her home. I would come home sometimes and find the two of them sitting on the stoop just talking. They would laugh or would sing; something to pass the time. Sometimes Gabriel's little sister Veronica or other students would be with them and they would be having a great time. It's the times that it is just the two of them, like now." Ellie sighed and smiled. "They're practically inseparable and I'm not sure what caused the two of them to become so close."

Caitlin nodded at this. While not knowing the whole story; she was greatly happy to see her granddaughter happy again. Whatever this young man had done in a sign of friendship; had cemented a bond to last a lifetime.

About the same time in the backyard…

Craig Manning was at the grill flipping a couple of burgers. He placed the spatula down on the right side resting with the barbeque tools. He took the beer from the railing behind him and took a sip. He took a deep breath and returned to the grill. This got the attention of one of the four people in the backyard.

"What's going on Craig?"

Craig looked up and smiled at one of his closest friends. "Nothing Marco; I swear."

"Yeah right." Marco gave Craig a look. "You've been sighing for the last hour or so."

"Does this have to do with a certain daughter of yours?" Dylan Michalchuck smiled as he put an arm around Marco's shoulders.

"Craig, Gabriel is a good guy." Marco nodded. "From what El said was that he needed a place to hang out for a while. I don't think he would harm a hair on her head."

"From what I've heard from Dylan and Marco," Paige Michalchuck stated, taking a sip from her beer. "Is that Spinner's son isn't anything like his father at this age."

"Maybe's he gay?" Dylan asked.

Paige glared at her brother. "Yeah like Spinner would allow that."

Marco took a drink. "Paige; he's straight. Most gays can pick each other out in a crowd."

Craig looked at Marco puzzled. "Huh?"

"We have gaydar Craig." Dylan laughed. "It's pretty instinctual for us."

Craig shook his head. "I teach the boy as well Marco. He's nothing like Spin was at Degrassi. He's almost the complete opposite."

"Then what's the problem?" Paige asked.

"That's the thing," Craig stated as he poked at the cooking meat. "I can't find a single thing wrong with him. He's a good student, he's polite most of the time and he respects his teachers and really applies himself."

"Then I figured it out." Paige smiled at the three men. "You're not happy with him because he hangs out with your little girl."

Craig scoffed at Paige. "Yeah that's the problem. You're crazy!" He stated to the group with veiled sarcasm. The other three looked at each other and nodded.

"Craig…" Dylan started to speak but Craig held his hand up to stop him.

"That is the problem; they hang out all the time. He barely hangs out with those other friends of his."

"Craig, have you had the honor of meeting the other friends?" Marco asked, in which Craig shook his head. "Tony is too much like Jay, Benny is too much like Sean when he first started hanging out with Jay."

"What about Juliette?" Paige asked.

Marco turned to his friend. "She's not as bad, but she can be really dramatic."

"So she's like Manny back then?" Paige smiled.

Marco rolled his eyes. This caused Dylan to laugh. Craig smiled a bit.

"She's not totally wrong Marco." Craig took another swig from the bottle. "Manny wasn't too bad. Juliette does have her moments…"

The four heard the back door open up. Alyson was coming out with Gabriel a few steps behind. She walked over to her dad and gave him a hug.

"Hi Dad. Thanks for letting Gabe join us for dinner."

Craig smiled; turning his attention to Gabe. Gabe had his hand out with all sincerity on his face. Craig shook his hand and smiled at him.

"Thank you again Mr. Manning. I really appreciate this."

Craig nodded and let go of Gabriel's hand. Alyson introduced Gabriel to the rest of the adults in the backyard. Craig smiled inwardly as Gabe knew a bit about Paige and her fashion line. He paid attention to the fact that he knew Marco was gay, but was surprised that his boyfriend was one of the star players of the Toronto Maple Leafs. They laughed for a moment or two; Gabe merely smiling, looking slightly embarrassed. Alyson slowly ushered Gabe back inside and left the four outside. Joey Jeremiah walked out a few moments later.

"Nice kid that Gabriel." Joey smiled. "He's a wonder in the kitchen."

Craig gave Joey a look. "What do you mean?"

"Well according to Caitlin; he prepped all of the toppings for the burgers and dogs. He also made a couple of dips and sauces for everyone as well."

The three friends on the picnic table looked at each other and headed in to check things out. Craig was left manning the grill as Joey watched.

"Something wrong Craig?"

Craig shook his head. Joey placed a hand on Craig's shoulder.

"Craig; I know that you're not looking forward to Alyson dating again. Thomas was a real scumbag. She didn't know what was going to happen."

Craig sighed. "I just don't want my little girl to get hurt again."

"I know how you feel in a sense." Joey sighed as well. "Even when Angie started dating, I have to admit that I was afraid."

Craig turned and looked at Joey. "So what happened?"

"I knew that I would have to let go. She's a big girl and I would be there to help pick up the pieces if I had to." Joey looked Craig in the eyes. "She's going to date again Craig. Wouldn't you like her to date someone that has her best interests in mind?"

Craig nodded. "I would. I want someone to take care of her."

"Then Gabe seems to be this guy." Joey shrugged. "You said it yourself that they spend time together and he treats her well?"

Craig nodded again. "He treats her like a princess. No, more like a queen. Joey; he treats her as an equal."

"Then don't be surprised if they end up dating some day."

Craig sighed. The back door opened and both men turned towards the door. Gabe came out and smiled at the two men.

"Sorry but Mrs. Manning was wondering where the food was and I volunteered to find out." Gabe looked nervous as he stood there. Joey grabbed the meat and headed in with the plate. He smiled as he left the two outside.

"Gabriel, please take a seat at the picnic table." Craig stated. Gabe nodded and took a seat. Craig sighed as he took a seat at the edge of the deck.

"This isn't going to be easy for me Gabe." Craig took a drink. "You have to understand that yes I'm uncomfortable with all of the time that you spend with Alyson."

Gabe nodded as Craig continued. "I don't know your true intentions. If you would give me a little insight…"

Gabe raised his hand and Craig motioned for him to speak. "Mr. Manning do you know what Straight Edge is?"

Craig nodded. "It's something having to do with not doing drugs or drinking."

Gabe nodded. "It's a lifestyle. I abstain from doing or abusing drugs, alcohol, smoking or promiscuous relations."

"Not the words that I want to hear Mr. Mason."

Gabe cleared his throat. "That's not my intention for your daughter. Do I like her? Yes sir, I do. She's a great best friend. Hell, she's a better friend than the girl that I've known all my life. Alyson actually listens to my griping and I listen to hers." Gabe sighed. "Would I like to take the next step and date her? Yes I would. I'm not about to have my way with her and be done with her. I respect that she has her life to live and I want to add to that happiness."

Craig looked at him in surprise and with a bit of respect. "You know that my daughter smokes and you're okay with it?"

Gabe sighed. "I know that she does. While I don't personally like it; I'm not going to force her to stop. If she wants to; she will."

"Do you intend to have relations with her?"

Gabe was shocked at the bluntness of the question. "If it's any concern; I'm the virgin in this hypothetical relationship. She told me that she wasn't, but didn't say why. I'm not in a rush to lose my virginity." He took a deep breath. "If it happens; I will treat her with respect."

Craig scratched his chin. "You're being honest with me?"

Gabe nodded. "If you pardon what I'm about to say; I've learned not to bullshit anyone." Craig chuckled a little bit as Gabe continued. "You can tie me up to a lie detector or give me a shot of sodium penethal. I would tell you the same thing under close scrutiny of the courts or powers-that-be."

Craig raised an eyebrow. "You're tough."

Gabe chuckled. "I learned at a very young age not to pull the wool over my parents' eyes. I guess that would apply to any adult." Gabe cleared his throat. "May I ask you something other than this question?"

"Only one?" Craig asked with a smile.

Gabe smiled and nodded. "Would you have an issue with me asking your daughter out on a date in the near future?"

Craig looked at the young man in front of him. He pondered this question; knowing that Gabe wouldn't intentionally hurt his daughter. He had seen how they acted at school or even on the front porch when he would come home. He saw that he had the utmost respect for him and his family; especially his daughter. Craig took the words from his father figure and realized that sometimes children have to learn to fly. Craig chuckled and shook his head as he looked up to Gabe.

"If you treat her like a woman and have her back before curfew on a weekend; you have my okay. I'm going to have to get used to my little girl is dating."

"I will make it a point not to cross any of you. I've heard the story that Ms. Michalchuck crashed my dad's car into a guy's car out of spite."

Craig laughed. "You're alright Gabe. It's going to take me some time that my spitfire of a daughter is going out with a good guy."

Gabe grinned from ear to ear. He stood up and walked over to Craig; extending his hand to him. Craig shook the young man's hand and smiled. The handshake ended and Craig ushered Gabe into the house. His hand was on Gabe's back and the two men smiled.

"So Joey told me that you made some sauces. Would you care to share what you made?"

So many apologies for the lateness of this update. Unfortunately; life took over. With that and getting shipped to midnights at work has made time to write almost non-existant. I actually have barely started Veronica's side of the story. I was almost considering putting this story on hiatus for a while, but I have some downtime at work. Maybe I'll make it a point when I work by myself to continue this story.

The numbers don't lie; I still have people reading this story. I also have others reading my other fictions. Apparently I'm doing good. Many thanks to my readers. Thanks to those that are patiently waiting for this chapter as well.

On to the notes:

CrashAgainstMySkin-Thank you for your continued reading. Patience is a virtue. It's coming; just wait for it.

Pocksuppet-Thank you for the comment. I've always been a fan of Spane/Jinner. I have nothing against Emma, but she should be with Sean. Plain and simple. As for Toby; he's a science teacher in my version of the futureverse. Liberty is also in this universe. Sadly; the two characters will probably not show up unless for a few lines here and there. I'm barely pushing the parents in the story (with the exception of Spinner and Jane and this chapter).

So I bring up a question to my readers: What challenges would you like to see Veronica deal with? Gabe's part of the story is pretty much set for the year (when I make it that far). Keep in mind that Gabe and Veronica are safe from elimination. I'd like to hear from my readers.

Coming up: Will they or Won't They?