Hey guys, here is chapter 8. I realise some of my chapters are vastly longer than others. So to make it more manageable I am trying to break up certain sections where appropriate. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Feel free to review.
Waking up Celeste stretched her arms upwards and yawned. The sun was filtering through the curtains. She appreciated the warmth it spread on her cheek. That was one of the best sleeps she had, had in ages.
To her surprise the room was completely different. Images on the walls, ceiling and floorboards were moving and a beautiful wardrobe stood in the corner of the room. Squeaking with excitement Celeste opened it to be met with a beautiful array of clothes; dresses alongside casual wear.
She knew she would never be a girly girl and acknowledged she was a tomboy at heart, yet as she changed into the light brown dress with black stripes and black leggings she could not have been more thrilled.
Quickly, buckling up her own brown boots she dashed into the kitchen where Gabriel was waiting with a smile on his face.
"Look at you. Give us a twirl then," Gabriel teased although his face was filled with joy.
Despite feeling slightly nervous she obliged and giggled when Gabriel whistled. She understood it was all in jest.
"What's for breakfast?" Celeste asked curiously as she pulled herself up onto a stool and looked expectantly at Gabriel.
"So what. I am your personal chef now?" Gabriel chided with no severity in his voice.
Celeste tensed visibly and Gabriel shook his head.
"I'm joking. You can have whatever you want. However, may I suggest?" Gabriel waited until Celeste's curiosity was piqued, her body poised waiting for something spectacular to happen and then he snapped his fingers, an ice-cream sundae appeared.
"Dessert with sweets. For breakfast?" Celeste gasped in wonder as Gabriel added rolos and whipped cream to the top of the strawberry sundae.
"Candy. Sure, why not?" Gabriel replied casually as he gently ruffled Celeste's hair before she could protest. Although she gave him a surprised look, she did not flinch from his touch. "Dig in then before I steal it for myself," Gabriel threatened playfully as he moved in with his silver spoon.
Giggling Celeste wrapped her hands around the glass and edged herself over the ice cream sundae. Smirking Gabriel couldn't resist passing up the opportunity of tickling her ribs before sitting on the over side of the table.
"Too easy," Gabriel commented as Celeste's giggles intensified before she pouted playfully and gave Gabriel a puppy-dog eyes look. "That's too cute," Gabriel pretended to die as he clutched his heart and collapsed onto the table.
In the process he managed to bang his head on the marble counter. "Ouch," he exclaimed as he rubbed his forehead.
Feeling more relaxed Celeste sent him a smug look and Gabriel arched his eyebrows in response. "Eat your ice cream before it melts, unless you want to be drinking it," Gabriel commented as Celeste began to scoop the fluffy whipped cream.
The sweet taste of the whipped cream was one of the most delicate things she had ever tasted. It felt like silk as it travelled down her throat. Although the strawberry flavoured ice cream was sharper than the cream, it still possessed a sweetness and Celeste felt the sugar whirl through her body.
"You have a sweet-tooth," Celeste commented thoughtfully as she finished the ice cream.
"And you're a smart cookie," Gabriel grinned as he hide one hand behind his back before producing a chocolate chip cookie and handed it to her.
Celeste looked at the cookie and at Gabriel before cocking her head to one side. Once he nodded that it was fine by him she devoured it in a matter of seconds; it was gooey, soft and chewy.
"Come on Cel, let's hit the town," Gabriel announced as he headed to the door with Celeste hot on his heels.
"Ooh is that going to be my new nickname?" Celeste questioned excitedly as she walked next to Gabriel and looked up at him.
"Nope. Consider that your second name, meaning I won't be using it all the time kid," Gabriel chuckled as Celeste huffed.
Looking back in confusion Celeste asked,
"Gabriel why aren't we going through the woods?"
Gabriel's face tensed before he hastily said,
"Because we can get to the town easier this way. And it will save time so we have more time to spend on doing fun things,"
Satisfied with this answer Celeste continued to keep up with Gabriel's brisk pace. She thought he must be excited as she sensed that usually he walked slowly, even languidly.
Before they entered the town, Celeste impulsively clutched Gabriel's hand, who stopped in surprise.
"Um. Gabriel?" Celeste started softly and Gabriel bent down so he was level with Celeste's eyes.
He half expected her to say she needed the bathroom as most kids do when they are in a public place and they realise they need permission. "Thanks for decorating the room for me. I love it."
Before Gabriel could pass of this remark Celeste dropped his hand and threw her arms around his neck. Hugging her tightly Gabriel closed his eyes to push back the tears he felt.
"You are very welcome, sweetheart," Gabriel murmured as he planted a kiss on her hair, before picking up her hand and heading over to a bench where he sat down with her.
"What are we doing?" Celeste looked up expectantly as Gabriel, who wiggled his eyebrows in response.