Chapter 2
I do not own HSM, Disney/ABC does.
Ryan realized quickly he was not going to catch up with Gabriella so he raised up his hand and called to her, "Gabi! Hey! Wait up!" She stopped running and hunched over and cried out his name softly.
"Ryan. I'm ok, really." She managed between sobs. He reached her and put his hands on her shoulders and faced her head on.
"It's ok to cry. Come here," he said as he embraced his friend. "What happened?" Gabriella buried her head in Ryan's shoulder and took a large breath.
"I don't know."
Ryan then place his hand on the back of her head to comfort her and replied, "yes, you do."
She stepped back and looked at him, took a moment, and then began. "He's just been so different this summer. All he cares about is making money and impressing your family. He has no time for his friends. No time for me. I just told him I wasn't going to let him keep me missing him anymore. He had to make a decision about what is more important in his life. Basketball... or me."
"And he chose basketball?"
"No," she whispered and clung back to him, "He didn't choose anything. I just don't know him anymore. I couldn't stand there forever. I just said I had to do what was best for me. He can follow me if he wants. Or not. I have to do my own thing, right?" Gabriella sniffed and wiped her tears on her sleeve.
"That's right. We all have ourselves to consider. I know I'm not an expert but if it's meant to be, I'm sure you guys will find your own way. The two separated and headed back down the path from where they came.
"Thanks for listening, Ryan. You are a great friend."
"No problem. Let me walk you home. You shouldn't be out in the dark by yourself."
"I could use the company. I've been feeling so alone since Troy and I started fighting. Is there something wrong with me? That he doesn't want to see me?"
"Oh, honey there is nothing wrong with you." As the two walked for a moment Ryan thought about what to say next. "Let's just say, this is the time in our life when we figure out who we are. Maybe Troy is just going through some growing of his own."
"Growing apart from me, you mean."
"Not necessarily. Maybe he doesn't need a girlfriend right now. Just like you don't need a boyfriend right now. Not to make yourself feel better anyway."
The two teens ended the block and turned the corner by Gabi's front yard. 'That is all great advice, Ryan. You sure sound like an expert. Are you seeing anyone?"
"Oh, no," Ryan answered almost in shock.
"I would think you would be beating away the girls. You are cute. Have awesome fashion sense. You are a great dancer. And you're obviously a good listener. Any girl would be lucky to have you."
By this time the two were standing at The Montez's front door. Gabi threw her arms around his neck so quickly the two almost went off balance. Ryan put up his hand as she laid her lips on his and kissing him passionately. After a moment of realizing this kiss was not being reciprocated she opened her eyes and stepped back.
"Gabi, I-"
"What? I'm not good enough for you either?"
"No I um... It's not that your... its just that you're...I mean I like..." he stumbled.
"What? Blondes?"
He shook his head. He figured he would have to tell someone someday and he figured this was as good a time as any. "No. Boys. I like boys. I think I'm gay."
