CHAPTER 6

EMMA'S POV

As Gabe helps me treat my injured leg, old emotions start to resurface. His gentle touch ignites a spark within me, and I can feel my heart racing with a familiar flutter.

He looks up at me, his eyes locking onto mine, and I see the same emotions reflected back. Hope, longing, and a deep connection that never fully went away.

As he cleans and bandages my wound, his fingers brush against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I feel like I'm melting into his touch, like I'm home.

Gabe's eyes never leave mine, and I can see the tension between us building. It's like the past few years never happened, and we're back to where we started - two souls connected by an unbreakable bond.

As he finishes up, he takes my hand in his, his thumb stroking my palm. I feel a jolt of electricity run through me, and I know I'm in trouble. I'm falling for him again, hard.

Gabe's eyes seem to bore into my soul, searching for answers. I know he's feeling it too - the old emotions, the connection, the love.

We sit there for a moment, hands clasped, eyes locked, the air thick with tension. It's like the entire world has come to a standstill, leaving only us, suspended in this moment.

I know I should pull away, but I can't. I'm trapped in the depths of his eyes, drowning in the emotions that never fully went away.

As Gabe's eyes lock onto mine, I feel myself getting lost in their depths. But I snap out of it, remembering why we're here. "Gabe, finish treating my leg," I say, trying to sound stern.

He nods, looking slightly disappointed, but continues with the treatment. As he works, we talk about the children, and I find myself opening up to him about how much I miss them. He listens intently, his expression soft with understanding.

"I just want them back, Gabe," I say, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I want to hold them in my arms and never let them go."

Gabe's hands pause on my leg, and he looks up at me with compassion. "We'll get them back, Emma," he says, his voice filled with conviction. "I promise."

He takes my hands in his, holding them gently. "We'll get through this together," he says, his eyes locked onto mine.

I feel a surge of comfort at his touch, and for a moment, I let myself lean into it. We sit there in silence for a while, hands clasped, lost in our own thoughts.

As the silence stretches, I start to feel a sense of peace wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, we can get through this after all.

" So, Esmeralda, huh?" I say, trying to sound nonchalant.

Gabe looks up at me, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Ah, is that jealousy I smell there?" he teases, his tone light and playful.

I roll my eyes, trying to brush it off, but I can feel my face heating up. "Shut up, Gabe."

He chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm just kidding, Emma. But it's nice to know you still care."

I shoot him a look, trying to appear stern, but he just laughs and continues treating my leg. I can't help but smile, feeling a flutter in my chest at his teasing tone.

This only made me think how perfect it would be if he was playing the role of the Fa- nope…Our story ended a long time ago.

As Gabe continues to tend to my leg, our conversation flows easily, like no time has passed at all. We laugh and joke, our hearts lightening with each passing moment. I feel like I'm home again, like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.

Gabe's hands move gently over my skin, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I try to brush it off, but I can't deny the spark that's still between us.

As we talk, I find myself opening up to him in ways I never thought possible. I share my fears,my hopes. And he listens, his eyes locked onto mine, his expression soft with understanding.

Eventually, Gabe finishes treating my leg and drops it down, stating, "All done, your leg is true."

I wish he could still continue touching me, but I know that's not possible. I smile, trying to hide my disappointment.

"Thanks, Gabe," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiles back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, Emma."

We sit there for a moment, the silence between us comfortable. I feel like I'm exactly where I belong – with Gabe, in this moment.

As we sit there, I realize that maybe, just maybe, we can find our way back to each other. Maybe we can rekindle what we once had- Gosh!! What's wrong with me? My children is the only thing I need to rekinle with.

But the thought of him alone sends a flutter through my chest, and I look up at Gabe, his eyes full of hope.

Just as we're basking in the warmth of our rekindled connection, a knock at the door breaks the spell. Gabe's head jerks towards the sound, and he gets up to answer it.

"I'll get it," he says, his voice low and smooth.

I watch him walk away, feeling a pang of disappointment that our moment is interrupted. But curiosity gets the better of me, and I decide to follow him.

As I enter the hallway, I see Gabe opening the door to reveal a figure from my past. My heart skips a beat as I take in the familiar features - the chiseled jawline, the piercing blue eyes, the mop of messy brown hair.

It can't be.

But it is.

Standing in the doorway, looking like he just stepped out of my memories, is- No no no .. it's not feasible!!

I feel like I've been punched in the gut. I can't breathe, can't think. All I can do is stare at Him, my mind reeling with questions.

What is he doing here? How did he find me? And why now, after all these years?

Gabe turns to me, an annoying look on his face, but I just shake my head, unable to speak.

His eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, it's like no time has passed at all. My past was Crawling back to me slowly and I couldn't do anything.. not even my first Option Which was Running!

Now, here he is, standing in my doorway, looking like I never left!

And I have no idea what to do.