Love Remembers
a Vignette Series by Neutron Phantom
Author's Note: So this is the first time I've tried doing something like this, but I thought it might be fun. I love writing stories that are inspired by my favorite songs (hence most of my songfics), so I've decided to try writing a series of short vignettes that have to do with the song "Love Remembers" by Craig Morgan. Each verse of the song will deal with an individual vignette. Each verse will be at the beginning of each vignette that it pertains to. This first vignette will be in present tense (well, actually the future as they are adults unlike in the movies, but you get the idea), and each vignette that follows will be events from the past and are memories. The very last one will be back in present tense, but may not necessarily have to do with the lyrics. But you'll just have to wait and see. :D I hope you enjoy, as I know I'll have fun writing these!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that pertains to High School Musical 1, 2, or 3. I do though have ownership papers to Zac Efron, and have him handcuffed to my futon in my dorm room at the moment. :D (I'm kidding. Though that would be completely amazing.)
Summary: Vignette series to "Love Remembers" by Craig Morgan. Troy and Gabriella's relationship is on the rocks after Troy hears what may be the best news of his life. But Gabriella doesn't think she can handle life on the road, so she decides to leave. Can their love remember their best times and bring them together again?
Vignette #1 – Packed Suitcases and Shattered Dreams
You can't forget what love was wearing
When it walked out your front door
Where you fell down to your knees
And can't forget the kind of suitcase
That was packed out on the sidewalk
While you cried there beggin' please
But love remembers
"Gabriella, please… Don't go… We can talk about this," Troy pleaded softly as his hands intertwined through hers while standing at the foot of the staircase near the front door. His bright azure eyes were full of sorrow as they gazed deeply into her chocolate brown ones. He brought his right hand that entangled with her left up to her cheek, brushing it softly with the back of his hand.
A hitched sigh escaped her lips. "I don't think I have any other choice, Troy. We've talked about it as much we could. It's for the best," Gabriella whispered, releasing her hand from his gentle grasp before caressing his cheek with her fingers. His face automatically leaned into her touch, not wanting to lose the tender contact between them.
"I don't have to take the offer, Gabriella. I can't imagine my life without you… and if a life on the road takes you away from me, then I'm not so sure I want to play professional basketball."
Troy was willing to give up everything he'd worked his whole life for, just to keep the love of his life in his life. When he'd been graced with a phone call one late Saturday night saying he was first pick for the Los Angeles Lakers draft, he was ecstatic and couldn't wait to share the wonderful news with Gabriella—his other half, his soulmate, the one he'd promised forever to and soon would seal that promise with a vow. She was away for the weekend in Albuquerque for her mother's birthday when Troy got the phone call, so he'd have to wait until Sunday night when she arrived home to tell her.
When she'd turned up at home, Troy had ambushed her with a billion kisses at the door and homemade dinner on the kitchen table. At dinner, he broke the news and Gabriella congratulated him, but there was hesitance in the way she spoke. Troy couldn't comprehend why she didn't seem happy for him; she'd always wanted him to pursue his dreams whatever they may be.
Later that night, Gabriella had finally confessed why she hadn't been as excited as she should have about Troy's offer to play for the Lakers. It would have been hard for them to raise a family once they were married (if they decided to have one) while Troy was traveling with the team, and Gabriella didn't think a life on the road was a life she could handle. Every year of her childhood and most of her teenage years were spent on the move due to her mother's job transferring her all around the mainland states. She'd convinced herself that Troy deserved this once-in-a-lifetime chance, but in order for him to take it, she'd have to leave. This was the hardest goodbye she'd ever have to make, harder than leaving him for an early honors college program during their senior year of high school.
Gabriella's solemn expression turned into one of incredulity at his statement. "Troy, you've been dreaming about playing for the Lakers as far back as I can remember, and I know for a fact you dreamt of playing for them before we even knew each other existed. Your dream has become a reality, and you can't just give it up because of me…" Her fingers brushed the ends of his sandy brown hair away from his eyes—the eyes she loved so, so much.
"My dream is being with you. Forever." His thumb absentmindedly traced over the ring around the fourth finger of Gabriella's left hand as he spoke. "And if playing professional basketball is the barrier between us and forever, then I'll break that barrier faster than you can walk out that front door."
"I love you, Wildcat," she said, her voice cracking, "but I just think you need to take the offer. Someday you'll regret it if you don't."
Troy pulled Gabriella close to him, her head resting against his chest as he buried his face in her hair, committing the smell of her freesia shampoo to memory. "The only thing I'd ever regret is if I'd never asked you to marry me." As soon as he said those words, his body went rigid. Their wedding. What would happen to their wedding plans if she was leaving, and if he was going to be an NBA all-star?
"Oh, Troy…" Gabriella broke the contact between them and looked down at her left hand, where the solitaire princess-cut diamond glistened in the afternoon sunlight that shone through the windows. "I know your heart is breaking because mine is doing the same, but this wedding just isn't going to happen anytime soon now." Her fingers hovered over the ring for a few seconds before grasping it. But before her fingers could ease it off, Troy's own hand stopped her.
"No, Gabriella. Keep it, please. I don't think I could handle not thinking of us being together, even though you won't be with me anymore… But please, just give me a little peace of mind and keep the ring. That's all I ask."
"Okay, Troy." A small smile played on her lips, but it didn't feel genuine. A large sigh escaped her lips as she noticed a bright yellow car parked next to the curb from out the window. "Well, I'd better go. My taxi is waiting." Her hand reached for the handle of the suitcase that rested near her feet.
Troy sighed, his eyes filling to the brim with tears, but none broke through the barrier to fall down his cheeks. He reached up and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before kissing her forehead softly. "I'll always love you, Gabriella. No matter what."
"Goodbye, Wildcat. Knock those Lakers dead." Gabriella reached up and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, leaving a deep burning sensation behind when she pulled back. Troy couldn't move a muscle as he watched her walk out the front doors and down the sidewalk to the waiting taxi.
I know it's short, but most vignettes are supposed to be. The other ones may be longer, it just depends on how it goes. :) Please review and tell me what you think so far!