Operation Breathless by Marianne Evans

arrangement that Susanna mentioned didn’t keep him from thoroughly enjoying every moment he could with her. Today promised to be exceptional.
    In past weeks, they had shared dinners, movie nights, and even a few long walks through the quaint, tranquil streets of Angel Falls. He also embraced working with her at Wellsprings. Susanna seemed pleased with his efforts thus far; she had even commissioned him with the execution of today’s event. Gabe had orchestrated, and would lead, a daylong adventure into the great outdoors for kids from Wellsprings of Grace and kids from the youth group at The Falls Tabernacle.
    Arriving at their shoreline embarkation point, Gabe turned to face the dozen kids and handful of adult volunteers who accompanied him. “Gather up, folks.” Following a pause, he continued. “We’re going to start with a canoe ride that calls for us splitting up into four teams. After that we’ll grab lunch then hit the Sawmill hiking trail, so rest up and be ready, because that hike is just over five-miles long and features an interesting twist that I’ll tell you about once the time gets closer.” Gabe noticed the way she grinned as he gave his cryptic comments about the hike.
    The teens went to work, bubbling over possible scenarios. Consulting the top sheet of the clipboard he held, Gabe rattled off names into assigned groups of three kids plus one or two supervising adults. Chelsea and Layla, he decided from the start, would be nowhere near each another. Part of his intent in developing this event was to mix Wellsprings kids with Tabernacle kids—and hope positive influences would emerge.
    Susanna stepped up. “Teams, take custody of a canoe and four oars and strap on those life vests. Let’s hit the water. Remember to stay in a convoy and keep together while we’re out there. Have fun!”
    Dismissal washed through the crowd like a dam bursting. Chatter filled the air along with excited, good-natured razzing about which occupants would be first to navigate. Gabe watched Layla mingle happily with her team.
    Susanna momentarily leaned against him. “Good call on the way you paired the kids,” she whispered, and then walked on.
    He ran his fingertips quickly against the length of her ponytail. Silky hair slid through his hand. She stopped short, looking over her shoulder in surprise. Satisfaction swelled within him. He gave her a grin, grateful for the quasi-privacy the disbursing of the assembly gave him.
    Shaking off distraction, he joined his crew and helped them launch into the placid waters of the lake. The day was perfect. Gabe savored the crisp air that carried with it just a hint of burning wood. Sunshine and fat white clouds filled the sky, as did the swoop and caw of birds like quail and even the occasional bald eagle.
    He enjoyed seeing Layla come to life. The team in her boat laughed often, and she bloomed beneath their welcoming friendship. In particular, she seemed to hit it off with Kaitlyn O’Dell, one of Susanna’s recruits from Falls Tabernacle who volunteered twice a month at Wellsprings.
    The thought prompted Gabe to focus on Chelsea. The raven haired, Goth-styled young lady seemed determined to have a bad time. Sullen faced and bored, Chelsea ignored the beauty of her surroundings, preferring to retreat into silence.
    When his boat floated close to Chelsea’s, Gabe caught wind of the conversation that took place between its occupants. Evidently teammates wanted to give Chelsea an opportunity to row.
    “Chels, c’mon! Join in!” To punctuate, one of the teens splashed a bit of water toward Chelsea’s hand, which dangled over the side of the canoe.
    “It’s Chelsea .” She rolled her eyes and looked away, unreachable. “And quit the water torture. I don’t want to be here, so just leave me alone, and let me get through it.”
    The other kids in the boat shrugged off Chelsea’s behavior and carried on. Gabe gave them credit for tolerance but as far as he was concerned,