Chapter 2: Adrian and Gabe- a short story- chapter 2
(a/n: mentions of suicide and transgender. if you're sensetive to those subjects please move to next story)
The forest around her was calm, the leaves gently rustling under her feet as she carried her sneakers up the trail. Occasional rocks and pebbles stabbed at her toes and heels, yet she continued on. As she reached the clearing, she let out a long sigh. She hadn't been there in months- not since Adrian died.
Her name was Gabriella Anne Soothe, and all that was on her mind was Adrian. Gabriella's deep blue eyes watered, shedding tears upon her large black hoodie. Her short silver hair was slick with sweat because of the long walk. She shouldn't have pushed herself, not after just getting out of recovery. You see, Gabriella was sick. Both emotionally and physically. Two years prior she was diagnosed with and untreatable cancer, the type that affected the mind and muscles. The doctors gave her three years to live- at most. Maybe even less than that. All she knew was that she was going to die.
Or rather, he. Gabriella had been hiding a secret. Adrian was the only Gabe had ever really trusted with anything. But now he was gone…..
"Adrian…" Gabe whispered, shedding more tears.
"I'm here." A voice responded.
Gabe's eyes widen as he spins around, searching his surroundings for the voice.
"Don't be afraid." The voice said.
"Who are you?! Show yourself!" Gabe shouted, his gaze upon the trees in front of him.
From the shadows came the rustling of bushes, a hand revealed. Following the hand came a face from the shadows, one that Gabe knew all too well.
"Adrian?!" Gabe gasped, backing away instantly. "But you're DEAD. You died. I saw you die with my own eyes!" Gabe backed away even more, slipping and falling to the ground. He curled up into a ball, covering his face. "You…. you DIED!"
Adrian's face, as pale as it was, hollowed, losing what little color was left. He reached for Gabe, but Gabe pushed him away. Adrian's green eyes lost their luster as tears began to fall.
"I know." Adrian whispered. "But so are you."
"I'm not! I didn't! I'm still alive, still flesh! I must be….. I mean….. If I'm dead, then why do people know me and see me?" Gabe mumbled.
"Your mind created an illusion the moment before you died. It preserved your memories in your soul and then trapped you in a world of your own creation."
"I'm dead? But how?" Gabe whispered. "I don't remember dying."
"I do. I remember both of our deaths. Let me show you…." Adrian placed his hand on Gabe's shoulder, then when Gabe looked up at him, he leaned his head against Gabe's. Memories flowed into Gabe's mind.
"Gabriel. You don't have to do this!" Adrian shouted as Gabe slowly stepped over the bridge guard.
"There's nothing else to live for, Adrian. Both of us are dying of cancer….. I'll be dead soon anyways."
"They'll find you a cure, Gabe! Please don't do this to yourself... don't do this to me!"
"What else is there to live for?" Gabe sighed, turning his back to Adrian. "I mean, I'll be in pain for the next few years. And in a few months I won't be able to even help myself anymore on basic things. I can barely even stand."
"Gabe, please….. Please get away from the edge. I'm here for you, always will be. We both have the same cancer, remember? We can live for each other. Gabe…. Please... I love you! Don't do this to me!" Adrian cried out.
Gabe shed a few tears. "I'm sorry….." He released the bar, and time seemed to slow. Adrian leapt to Gabe's side but was only seconds too late. He tried to catch himself from falling off as well but his fingers refused to grip, and he slipped.
"GABRIEL!" Adrian shouted as he hit the rushing waters below.
Adrian slowly removed his head from Gabe's as the memories processed.
Tears fell from Gabe's eyes as he looked at Adrian.
"Adrian.... I.... I'm so sorry. You died trying to save me." Gabe stuttered.
Adrian smiled. "That may be so. But now.... We're together." He pulled Gabe into a warm embrace. "And this time I won't let you go."
Adrian pressed his lips to Gabe's. When the kiss broke, both were crying. Hand in hand, they knew they would be together forever.
"Let's go home." Gabe said, wiping the tears from his eyes.
Together, hand in hand, they walked into the bright lighted area that showed seconds before.
And for the first time in a long time, Gabe finally felt happiness.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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