The Guardian by Carey Corp Read Free Book Online Page B

Coach Mann succumbs when Gabriel apologizes for our scuffle, placing all the blame squarely on himself. “Sorry Coach,” he explains with an ‘aw shucks’ shrug. “I don’t like to lose—and she was kickin’ my butt.”
    She responds to his confession with a goofy, girlish grin. “No need to apologize, Gabriel. Healthy competition is a good thing.”
    Just like that, he’s forgiven—worshiped. And while a minute ago I felt the lightness of being in his glow, my heart now plummets as I understand Gabriel’s world is galaxies away from my own. His world’s bathed in golden brilliance while I survive in the shadows trying to hide from the dark. I’ve known him less than twenty four hours and already I’m changed. So I caution myself that I can’t learn to rely on him. And no matter what, I can’t let myself—not even in secret—fall in love with him.
    Love. The word takes me by surprise because I’ve never thought about having those kinds of feelings for a guy. And yet, Gabriel would be so easy to love. Too easy.
    Pushing those uncomfortable thoughts away, I focus on what matters. Find Derry. Avoid the darkness until I am no longer a minor. Keep control of my life. Hastily I add, Do not fall in love.
    Gabriel intercepts me on the way to the locker room, easily matching my stride so we’re moving in sync. Still grinning mischievously, he pulls a lock of my hair free from its ponytail then tucks it slowly behind my ear. “I’m walking you home, Alex. So don’t disappear on me.”
    Forcing a chuckle, I wonder if it’s too much to wish that he’ll vanish—just leave as mysteriously as he appeared. Opening the door to one of the few places he can’t follow, I hastily retreat, grateful for a few moments to recover from being in his glow.
    By the time school’s out and we face the seven blocks, I’m full of questions. I’m convinced there’s more to him than his story. A lot more.
    “Do you really come from California?”
    He shrugs, slightly mocking himself. “I’m from the City of Angels. Isn’t it obvious?”
    I look him up and down pretending to consider this. “Well you certainly aren’t from around here.”
    Laughing, he gives his head a vigorous shake of agreement before asking, “Is it my turn now?”
    “Okay,” I focus on my new shoes, chocolate brown ones today, gliding over the pristine sidewalk as I nervously wonder what he’ll ask.
    “Tell me about your friends, before you moved here?”
    I do not make friends , but I don’t say this. Instead I tell him about Derry.
    “We were both twelve—living at The Children’s Center—a group home for kids who for one reason or another aren’t in foster care. It’s a pretty decent place. I didn’t want to be his friend, at first. But he couldn’t take a hint. Followed me everywhere, pleading with these big puppy dog eyes, talking incessantly about Star Wars . So scrawny and clueless that the other kids picked on him all the time.
    “He and I are like family—we don’t have anyone else—and I really miss him. I miss his mocking laugh and the way he calls me ‘Lexi’—familiar—as if we’re brother and sister. From the first moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he needed a protector.”
    “Where’s Derry now?”
    I sigh as my frustration pours forth. “I’ve no idea. He disappeared about a month ago. It happens in the system. Kids move around—too much. But we’re not actually related, so nobody will tell me anything.”
    “What about the people you live with now? Can’t they help?”
    “The Fosters?”
    Gabriel holds up a hand, indicating for me to pause. “Wait, they’re foster parents and their last name is Foster?”
    “Weird coincidence, right? Derry would find it hilarious. I was all prepared to dislike them but they’re really nice. Very good people.” Their bright halos align them with descriptions like trustworthy and honorable. Reluctantly, I admit, “They’re starting to win me over.”
    “If they’re