The Guardian Read Online Free PDF Page A

cover the area, to protect my secrets. But touching my neck’s a bad idea because the flesh is too tender. I wince, trying to stifle a gasp and come up with a plausible explanation at the same time.
    “A locker,” I lie. “Mine’s low and I ran into the elbow of the guy whose locker’s above mine. It looks worse than it is. Really.”
    Another glance is exchanged, and then Steven lets it go. As he settles into eating, he asks all the same questions his wife did earlier. Giving all the same answers, I wait until his curiosity is satisfied before asking to be excused.
    In my room, I replay my interaction with Gabriel. All the confusing feelings come back—the fluttering, the trembling, the smiling—especially the smiling. I try to finish my homework, which is minimal being the first day and all, but Gabriel keeps distracting me. My neck throbs and my face aches from smiling.
    I sleep like crap.
    *
    When I wake, the butterflies in my stomach are already rambunctious. Will he be waiting for me? After tossing all night, I’m still uncertain as to whether I want this. Briefly, I consider sneaking out early, just in case he shows. But I’m not a morning person and the extra time I spend on my appearance, for no reason in particular, costs me.
    When I burst from the house at seven fifteen, Gabriel’s sitting on the porch steps. He’s even more beautiful—if such a thing’s possible—than the previous day. Without a word, he stands and reaches for my bag, his movements smooth and confident. The look he gives me, as his eyes search mine, is penetrating.
    “Ready?” he asks, as if he would completely understand if I said “no.” I bob my head somberly, but in reality, I’m not ready for any of it—returning to school or this boy in front of me. As if knowing my thoughts, he stifles a small frown and shoulders our bags. Again, his hand rests at my back in a gesture so light the only way I can be sure is my skin’s awareness. His touch makes me feel connected—vulnerable. I want to ask him to stop touching me, but I can’t seem to get the words out.
    Just seven blocks.
    At the corner of Fort Thomas, Gabriel switches sides careful to keep his body between me and the busy street. The gesture is so protective, that I feel instantly comforted by it. But I can’t afford to depend on anyone beside Derry—even someone with a righteous halo and the face of an angel to match.
    “Are you all right, Alexia?”
    “Fine.” Even as I answer, I feel the frown puckering my features. But Gabriel lets it drop.
    As we walk, I sneak sidelong glances at him. Encircling him in a thick ring of gold extending outward in spiky white tips, his halo still makes it seem like he’s backlit by the sun, despite the cloudiness of the morning. Overcome with the urge to gawk at his radiance, I try to distract myself by focusing on the features of the stunning boy inside the ring of goodness. My heart stutters as I admit how breathtakingly gorgeous he is. Even with my new wardrobe and haircut, I feel completely inadequate by his side.
    Distracted by his perfection, I don’t notice we are nearing Orchard Avenue until we’re at the corner. Awareness hits me like a sucker punch. Short of breath and in physical pain, I freeze, unable to cross the street, unwilling to get closer to the source of my new nightmares. The pressure of Gabriel’s hand increases. His fingers brush my back in small circular strokes.
    I suck air noisily through my nose but can’t seem to take a deep breath. My yogic breathing doesn’t work this time, and terror threatens to overtake me. Gabriel’s warm hand cups my chin, forcing me to focus only on him. “It’s okay, Alexia. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
    And I desperately want to believe him.
    He moves to the inside of the sidewalk, becoming a buffer between me and the dark memories of that particular street. His head leans close to mine, his breath tickling my neck as he whispers into my ear, “You’re