Chapter 49: We do this together

Gabriel

I watch as Lucas walks out of the diner and anger boils within me. How could he be so stubborn, thinking that he can handle this on his own? But more importantly, why is he pushing me away?

He may not have said it out loud, but I can feel the fear radiating off him. I know he's scared, scared of what he might find out about his father, scared of the truth. And I'm scared for him.

But I won't let him go through this alone. I won't let him push me away, not after all we've been through together.

I follow him outside, the cold night air hitting me like a slap in the face. I catch up to him and grab his arm, spinning him around to face me.

"Stop running away, Lucas. You need to let me help you," I say firmly, my voice laced with frustration.

He looks up at me through his lashes and I can see the fear in his eyes. "I can't involve you in this, Gabriel. It's my problem to deal with," he says, his voice shaking slightly.