Question E

[Jonetta]

Gabe's had an horrific past (coal mine disaster, imprisonment in Africa). How do you think those experiences were supposed to have shaped his views in this story?

[Kris (My Novelesque Life)]

It leaves him feeling insecure and doesn't always trust his feelings. I think this is why he's harder and suspicious of people in general and those that want to love him. Bad things have happened to those he loved and women - his mom, his gf in Africa and Skylar - have left him feeling abandoned. Yet, he always assumes and never gives them a chance (ie: stepmom and Skylar).

[Monica]

Yeah, he makes lots of assumptions and doesn't even try to prove them wrong or right. He just goes on being miserable. Luckily, Skylar got through to him and he's starting to change that behavior.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life)]

He really was like a bear with a sore paw lol. I think that was the quote used in the book...or should have been lol.

[Jonetta]

Oh, that's perfect, Kris!

You've nailed it with the insecurity thing. Instead of being "poor me," he is ready to believe the worst about someone else because he can't be worth loving anyway. It came out mean. He's not a mean person, just his self defense mechanism.

Monica, I think Skylar's nature was perfect for Gabe and he recognized those qualities when he first met her. If she hadn't hung in there, they'd be apart. She just wouldn't let go.