"So how does your power work exactly?" Gabriel asked David. They were driving down the highway in David's delivery truck. Elle sat in between David and Gabriel. The sun was high in the sky and it was hot in the small space between the two men.
"Well, someone tells me who they're looking for and I can find them. Not just anyone though. Someone has to have a purpose for finding them. Without a purpose, I'm useless."
Gabriel rested his head on his hand. "And what purpose does my father have in finding me?" he asked to no one in particular.
"You don't have to do this, Gabriel. You don't have to see him," Elle said laying a hand on his warm shoulder. It hurt her to see him so lost, so susceptible. His father was his weakness. He could influence him in ways that no one else could, despite his absence in his son's life.
"I do. I have to face him. Show him that I'm better than him. I always will be no matter what crimes I've committed." He was silent. Elle didn't disturb him again. She wanted to let him think; gather himself before he saw his father.
Soon, she noticed he was asleep. His head was rested against the window, slowly sliding down against his chest. Elle noticed that it was starting to get dark out. "How much farther do we have to go?" she asked David.
"We've probably got another day's worth of driving."
She glanced back at Gabriel. "We should probably pull in somewhere, get some sleep. We could all use some." David nodded and got off on the next exit. He pulled into the nearest motel off the highway. Elle shook Gabriel's shoulder as they pulled in. "Gabriel? Gabriel, wake up."
He stirred and lifted his head. "Where are we?"
"At a motel. We still have another day of driving." They all unbuckled their seatbelts and hopped out of the truck. Gabriel reached high above his head stretching his achy body. "You guys stay here; I'll go get us a room," David said.
"Thanks," Elle replied, hooking her arm through Gabriel's. "Let's go sit down," she said leading him to a bench near one of the rooms. She held his big, strong hand in hers and looked into his eyes. "I just want to let you know that I'm here for you. I care about you and I don't want to see you get hurt. I would do anything to keep you safe and make you happy."
He gently took hold of her chin and lifted her face up to his. He smiled at her. "I love you, too." He pressed his lips softly to hers. She could feel the passion and adoration coursing through her veins. She wanted to be close to him. Her heart ached with how much she desired him.
"Here we go, room 22," David said interrupting. "Oh sorry. Um, continue," he said turning away, realizing his intrusion.
"It's okay, David. We were, um, just talking," Elle said. She stood up quickly and Gabriel did the same. "What room did you say we were in?"