Puppet on a String
Chapter 1
The break up
Tear's fell down her soft cheek as she pulled away from the love of her life. She just couldn't do it anymore, he was changing. And pulling her down in the spiral Sharpay was creating.
* I just don't belong here I hope you understand
We may find our place in this world someday but as for now, I gotta go my own way.*
Gabriella's sadness was clear. Tears slipped from her eyes and she turned away from Troy.
There was hope. There had to be, and from the unmistakable look in her eyes, she felt it too. He could fix this, He would have his Gabi back.
Gabriella ran upstairs and fell to her floor behind the closed door, pulling her knees to her chest, the heavy lump in her throat gave way, then they was just deep sobbing, heartbreaking ach and chilling emptiness. She couldn't help but hope, that he would show up soon. With his crystal blue eyes pleading for her to change her mind and some how erase this from their history. And, by miracle that he actually show, she would take him back and demand that he never make her have to break up with him ever again.
She rolled her eyes at her own desperation, This wasn't Romeo and Juliet. This was just a typical guy, growing bored with a science geek, a shiny new toy had his attention… and who could compete with someone as sparkling as Sharpay.
Gabriella shook her head at the thought; a bitter taste crept up in her mouth and the need for liquid to wash it away became more important the wallowing in self pity, after changing into her PJ's she made her way downstairs.
She looked at the large clock on the wall, it seemed to mock her existence, reminding her how lame she was to be in at 10:23pm on a Friday night, during summer vacation. The house was dull, and silent, aside from the cruel cook that seemed to grow farther and farther away as Gabriella dismissed it. If it was only going to make fun of her, she would choose to ignore it.
She was in the kitchen when the door bell rang. Her hear beat wildly as her hand clutched to the chilled water bottle. Had Troy had finally come? She apprehensively opened the door, calming her stomach's new butterfly tenants. But they ceased as disappointment came crashing through her.
"Hey, Uh, Ryan." She said sadly letting him in.
"Hey you ok? I heard what happened." He said with genuine concern. Gabriella shot him a half smile.
"Yeah, I'll be ok, not right now, but in time." She looked to her not fascinating water bottle, the water sparkled at her, making her feel more depressed, as if Ryan wasn't a direct reminder of Sharpay, it seemed as if the universe was working against her.
"I just wanted to make sure your ok, do you want to talk about it?" Ryan offered stepping inside, closing the door lightly. Gabriella sighed, and walked over to the couch, plopping herself down miserably.
"You and everyone else pretty much know everything. Troy's changed, for the worst… And I can't let him treat me the way he was. I don't know, I'm just so confused…" She pressed the bottle lightly making an impression. A light pop filled the room.
"Don't worry Gabriella," Ryan took the water bottle away placing it on the coffee table. He kept her soft hands in his. "Maybe he'll come around. He'll realize what he's lost. You're not the kind of girl you can just let go." He placed his hand on her cheek comforting her. Surprised by his forward affection, she remained frozen.
Deciding this was making her feel uncomfortable she shifted, pulling away from him. "Thanks for stopping by Ryan it means a lot to me. But I'm going to head to bed, I've got a long day tomorrow, job hunting." She headed to the front door opening it widely.
"I wish you would just come back to the club, you don't have to deal with Troy you know." He smirked handing the water bottle back to her. She took it quickly, letting her hand drop in defeat.
"I just can't Ryan; I can't face him right now. It just hurts too much." She leaned on the door for support.
"Ok, well the offer is always open, call me if you need anything and try to at least enjoy these last three weeks of summer vacation."
"Ugh, don't remind me." She forced a giggle.
He pulled her into a hug, she didn't have time to react.
"Thanks Ryan" She accepted the hug, but quickly pulled away when she felt his hand move lower.
"Goodnight Gabi"
"Night" Bewilderment tugged at her as she watched him exit her front porch. 'Why was he acting so strange?' Gabriella closed the door and leaned against it, a chill ran down her spine.
She retreated to her room teary plopping down on her bed.
She plugged in her cell phone and turned the volume up, as she chocked down more treas. She hoped that Troy would at least call.
Finally mental exhaustion gave way and she slipped into restless sleep.