Chapter 7 Improvement

It has been two weeks since Diane forced him to confront his grief and now after another week from hell, he was on his way to meet his friends for lunch at T.G.I Friday's. Twenty minutes later he entered the restaurant and walks over to his friends. "Hi, guys." He forced a weak smiled as he sat down. "Hey Prince, how are you, man?" Marlon asks as Gabriel sat down and picks up the menu. "Hey, prince you okay man?" Mike asks. "No I'm not, but I will be." He said softly. "I've to say you haven't been yourself since that morning in your room," Mike adds. "Talk to us man, wat a gwaan wid you?" Marlon asks in concern. And Gabriel couldn't help but smile. He has known Marlon for years now but still couldn't get used to his accent which never fails to bring a smile to his face. Jamaicans call it Patwa, most of them could speak it but couldn't spell or write it but overall it sounds hilarious none the same.

Gabriel put the menu down and ran his fingers through his hair. "The truth is; I really don't know how I feel right now. I mean I tried looking at the pictures over and over but to tell you the truth I really don't know what I feel. I just have this deep cold hollow numbness running through me and I don't know how to deal with it." He said his voice sound broken. "I think it will get easier as time goes by, you have been running from this for a very long time prince but now you're trying to face it; it isn't going to be easy but I think that if you give yourself time and don't rush it you will be fine," Justin said in a reassuring tone. "Same goes for you man," Gabriel said in a low tone as he slowly lifts his eyes and looks at Justin. "Point taken," Justin said with a nod.

"Let me ask you this prince, can you look at a photo and talk about it now without breaking down or have a panic attack?" Mike asks. "Sometimes I can but sometimes it's just too hard and I do break down and have a panic attack but Diane has been helping me with that." He said fighting a keep his emotions in check. "But it's a little easier than before right?" Justin asks. "Yeah, I guess." "See that's a great improvement. Three weeks ago you couldn't look at them at all, hats off to Diane; she has done what we have been trying to do since we met you. We fail but she didn't." Mike said shaking his head with approval.

"I hope you have given her a special thank you because that girl went out on a limb for you and not to mention you practically scared her to death when you cleaned everything off the top of your dresser," Justin said laughing. "Yes I've thanked her and I've apologized a hundred times. I even took her and her entire family to Dolphin Cove for Mother's Day just to show her how much I appreciate what she has done for me."

"Oh good, that's was nice of you, did everyone had a good time?" Justin asks. "Yeah, they did. It was a very rewarding day for all the mothers in her family but it was especially rewarding for Diane who was treated to an intimate dinner and a very Intense sensual massage at the end of the evening from her loving and very appreciative husband." Gabriel said arching his brows quickly as he always does when he was been mischievous. Mi happy fi you, my youth, now mek we order cause mi hungry no rass." Marlon said rubbing his stomach and Gabriel burst out laughing which made the others laugh as well as they all study their menus.

Diana and Dana had come to visit Diane while Gabriel went out with his friends, at the moment they were sitting in the master bedroom looking at pictures of Gabriel's family. She was lost in thoughts thinking about where her husband was and if he was alright; she knew he was with his friends but she still couldn't help worrying. Her sister's voice drags her back to reality.

"They look so much alike; I guess Gabriel has always been big, look at him he's twice the size of his brother and he looks so fierce," Diana commented. "He told me that he was very protective of his brother," Diane said looking at the photo. "Is everything alright between the two of you?" Dana asks taking up another photo. "Yes everything is fine, it took him a while but he will be okay, he can finally talk about his family without having a panic attack, well sometimes anyway." Diane chuckled.

"You wouldn't believe that the guy didn't make love to me for about four days; he was in so much pain, but now it's like he's making up for lost time and he's even more intense than before if that's even possible." She giggles. "At first I wasn't sure I was doing the right thing and afterward I was sure I had made a mistake but now; I'm so glad I did this for him and I think it has bonded us together even more. Our anniversary is coming up and I can't wait." She said in a soft tone while running her fingers over a photo of him in his school uniform. "Damn the guy is handsome." She breathes in awe.

"So is he going to buy you a car for your anniversary?" Diana asks. "He doesn't have to, he already has three vehicles. The Escalade; the Pajero and the Toyota Tundra 4x4. We don't need to buy another vehicle." "Um, Diane can I ask you a personal question?" Dana asks shyly. "Okay but I hope it's not too personal." "Gabriel used to touch you sexually before the two of you got married right?" "That's right.' "How would you describe it, I mean how did he do it, you know without having sex with you?"

"Now that's a very personal question, I really don't think I can answer that." "Oh come on Diane, if you can't talk to your big sisters about these things who are you are going to talk to," Diana adds. "I didn't mean to pry, I was just curious," Dana said hiding her face behind her hands. Diane took a deep breath and shakes her head.

"Okay, oh my gosh; let me try to explain. Whenever Kevin made love to me with his hands it hurt and it was very uncomfortable and I was okay with that; I thought it was supposed to be like that so I didn't complain so when Gabriel said that he was going to release me but he wasn't going to have sex with me I was expecting more of the same; you know my mind went back to what Kevin used to do and how it felt." Diane said as she dusts off the photos."

"So I tense myself and waited for what was coming but to my surprise, Gabriel's touch was gentle, very gentle, he has a very unique way of making love, he doesn't rush, he moves like he has all the time in the world." She smiled and bites her lips. "He's very passionate, intense, and extremely sensual when it comes on to lovemaking not to mention he has a very strong sexual appetite and there are a few things that he likes to do while touching me." She groaned and placed her hands over her face.

"Like what?" Dana asks from the edge of the bed as she listens intently. "Oh boy well, he likes to massage my entire body, he likes eye contact which I think builds the intensity between us. Sometimes I find it a little too much and I always close my eyes but he always coaxes me to open them." She smiles. "He will spend a long time just kissing me all over, making me tremble with excitement, he likes to stimulate me until I gasp for breath, he likes to whisper in my ears because he realized that it turns me on and I'll, in turn, whispers back in his ears which drives him crazy, we also like to do little quickies in the living room, the theater and all over the house to be exact even in his car and that slow sexy groan he always makes in his throat; sweet Jesus." Diane chuckled. "Girl you need to stop because I'm getting hot," Diana said fanning herself with one of the pictures and Diane laughs out loud. "I have never been so eager to make love to a man in my life, I love him and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep him happy. She said hugging herself and giggling. "Does that answer your questions ladies?" She asks proudly. "And then some," Dana said also fanning herself.

The following day she arrives home from taking Jasmine to school, the moment she reaches the gate she could tell that something wasn't right. Something felt different, she buzzed the gate open and what she saw sent shivers down her spine. There were police cars lining the driveway and police running everywhere. Diane pulled her car over onto the lawn and practically jumps from the vehicle and went running up the driveway her heart in her throat, Gabriel was standing outside talking to three Police officers.

"Gabriel! What's going on?" Diane shouts. He didn't get a chance to answer because one of the officers walks towards her blocking her from him. "We have a warrant to search this house, who may I ask are you?" The officer asks in a stern tone. "I'm Mrs. Maxwell," Diane answered proudly folding her arms across her chest. "Well, Mrs. Maxwell please remains where you are while the officers do their work." "What?…. What are you looking for?" She asks trying to remain calm. "We got a tip that there are drugs and weapons on your premises."

"What drugs? And weapons? There are no drugs or weapons in our house!" She shouts as her anger got the better of her. Gabriel walks over and gently puts his arms around her. "It's okay baby let them do their work I have nothing to hide." He said calmly. "But baby I don't understand, why would they be looking for drugs and weapons in our house?" "Because of Alex; one of the guys he was hanging out with killed someone a few days ago and I don't know why but the cops think that I'm the mastermind behind the hit." "Great, you don't even talk to that bastard more than you have to, and now this?" She asks glaring at the officer. "The thing is; we know that I'm innocent but they don't so let them do their jobs," He said gently rubbing her back.

Two hours later the police officers came out of the house. "We didn't find anything." One of them said almost sounding disappointed. The one he said it to nods and came over to Gabriel. "We're going to need you to come down to the station with us to answer some questions about your money safe Mr. Maxwell." The man said in a not-so-friendly tone. "Fine, but can I take my own vehicle?" "That's not an option; you'll be riding with us."

Gabriel turns to Diane and taking her in his arms he kisses her long and hard, after a while, he pulls back and looks into her eyes. "I love you, baby girl, I'll go with them, answer their questions, and then I'll be back okay. Don't worry I'll be fine, I haven't done anything wrong, our faith in God is very strong Diane, and to tell you the truth I'm not even worried right now." He chuckles.

"But I am. I love you baby boy please call and let me know you're okay." "I will." He was about to turn away from her when she held onto his hand. "Please can I come with you?" "It's me they want not you, you stay here and I'll go take care of this." He kisses her gently on her lips and got in the back of one of the police cars, she buzzed the gate open and watched as all the cars and bikes drive out of the yard.

A few minutes later she ran inside and picking up the house phone called mike and told him what had happened. Mike told her that he and the guys would head over to the police station as soon as they could and that she should call her sisters and have them come and stay with her. After ending the call she called Doreen. Doreen told her that she and the others would be there as soon as possible. Looking around the house she saw that the place was a total mess; with tears running down her cheeks she began picking things up off the floor.

Forty-five minutes later her sisters arrived. As soon as they entered the house she runs and hugs Doreen. "Are you alright?" Dana asks. "They took Gabriel to the station to question him, claims it's about his money safe but I know it's more than that; they are trying really hard to pin something on him." She sobs. "I call the guys and they are on their way over there right now." "What's this all about anyway?" Doreen asks. "Do you remember all that stuff I told you about Alex?" Her sisters nod their heads. "Well the police think that Gabriel is mixed up in it too; actually they think that he's the mastermind behind everything." She said her hands to her throat. "Oh hell; so much for having best friends." Diana sneered. 'I'm so worried about him; he has a very nasty temper not to mention he's still on pins and needles now that he's trying to deal with his family's death, and then there are his panic attacks; we all know how harsh this police can be and if they push him too hard I don't know what will happen, I wish I could be there with him."

"Come on now, don't worry let's just pray and leave it in the hands of God, and in the meantime let's clean up this place," Doreen said softly as she went to get the broom. Diane's cell rang and she grabs it up off the table thinking it was Gabriel, but it was her oldest sister Desreen. "Hi, Desreen." "Hi little sis, are you alright? I'm so sorry I couldn't be there but there's no one to watch the wholesale." " That' alright, I'll be fine. I'll call you as soon as I hear anything okay." "Alright I'll be praying for the both of you, just try and stay calm, I'll be waiting for your call." "Okay bye." Diane ends the call and went to help her sisters clean up.

The police didn't finish questioning him until five pm that evening. He was questioned for eight long hours. When he steps outside the station he saw his friends waiting for him and they all rushed over to him. "Are you alright, what happened?" Justin asks eagerly. "Hold the questions for one-minute guys I need to call Diane." Right away he dialed her number. "Hello." She sounded tired and he could tell she had been crying." 'Baby it's me." "Gabriel! Where are you? Are you okay?" She asks with a trembling yet panicked voice. "I'm fine baby girl. They told me that one of the guys that Alex used to hang out with killed someone, he's now behind bars but they got a tip that it was a hit and that the order came from the leader of the gang and they believed that was me but now they know different. I heard that they went over to Alex's house this morning and questioned him too, so when they realized that I wasn't involved in any way they let me go. I'm on my way home, but first I need to stop at Alex's house. I have a few things I need to say to him." "I love you baby boy please be careful and hurry home okay." "I will, I love you too beautiful, and I'll see you soon." He ended the call and walk back to his friends."

"What happened Gabriel?" Justin asks. "The police thought that I was the leader of the gang that Alex used to hang out with." He took the keys out of Mike's hand and walked towards their vehicle. "Get in; I need to get out of here." As soon as his friends entered the vehicle he pulled out of the parking lot and drive away from the station.

Gabriel didn't stop until he reached Alex's gate. He stepped from the vehicle. Mike sighs heavily as he got out and stood beside him. "I don't understand why they would think that you were the leader for those guys?" But Gabriel only snorts. "They thought that I was the leader because when they did their investigation they found out that Alex and I are very close and that he had come to Jamaica with me not to mention lived with me for a very long time," Gabriel said folding his fingers in a fist.

"So they put all that together and automatically thought that I was their leader and because I'm a very rich businessman who happens to own a large money safe they also thought that I was a drug lord. A drug lord can you believe that. I've been called a lot of things in my life but a drug lord wasn't one of them and now he will answer to me." Gabriel sneers through his teeth and turning storms away from them.

He opened Alex's front door with such force that the loud bang sound it made on the wall made the nurse dropped the tray she was holding in her hands, while the helper gasps in shock. "Where is he?" Gabriel growled through clenched teeth and the nurse pointed shaking fingers to the living room. Gabriel breezed past her and she jumps back in fright. From the moment Gabriel walks into the living room Alex knew his day had just gotten a whole lot worst.

"Oh you're just full of surprises aren't you Alex?" He sneered in a hostile tone as he barge into the room. "First it was turning your back on me when I got baptized! Then it was attacking my girl in my house and telling her that I send you to do it! Then it was crashing off my bike now I've police swarming my house looking for drugs and weapons, claiming that they got a tip, not to mention being questioned for eight hours at a police station and accused of being a drug lord. Let me ask you something Alex, when exactly are you planning to stop ruining my life? At one point you were my best friend, my brother but now you're my worst nightmare so tell me, what else you have in store for me huh? What Alex! Come on tell me, I can take it! Did you send them to my house?" he screams as Alex winced at the anger in his friend's voice.

"I'm sorry Prince I never meant for any of this to happen. I'm sorry that I turned out to be such a disappointment to you, but as you can already see for yourself I'm paying for everything I have ever done, I'm crippled and I'll be spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair because of the decisions that I have made and no I didn't send anyone to your house." Alex said hanging his head in shame.

"I cannot apologize to you enough for all that I've done to you. I know you didn't deserve any of it and despite everything I've done to you, you're still helping me, even showed me compassion by hiring a helper and a nurse to take care of me. I know that I don't deserve your friendship and I'm very sorry." He said in a remorseful tone but Gabriel just snorts and rolled his eyes at Alex.

"You know, you play the victim very well but beneath all that pity you're just a lying, malicious, deceiving s.o.b. you meant everything to me Alex; everything! You were like a brother to me! And you still cannot give me a good reason as to why you turn your back on me and went and join those losers but at least you saw first hand what happened to people who turn their backs on God." Gabriel sneered angrily.

"He could have killed you but he didn't; how merciful he is? And if it's the last thing you do you'll be born again and you will enter the presence of God and apologize to him for turning your back on him and then you'll spend the rest of your life serving him." Gabriel said taking the stand like a commanding officer.

"You didn't want to serve him when you had your health and strength and both your legs and was able to move around freely so you'll serve him now that you're sitting on your ass and serve him you will Alex even if I've to shove every word from the Bible down your freaking throat; you'll serve him! Do you understand that?" Alex wince again, he could literally see the anger radiating from his friend. "Yes Prince, I understand, I'll do whatever you say." He said in an embarrassed tone. "It's a pity you weren't this corporative a year ago, life would have been so much better for you," Gabriel said scornfully as he stormed from the house.