To Help A Friend

A/N: Thanks for all the reviews! Sorry I haven't updated this sooner but I've been ill all week and haven't been able to write. I promise for all those reading The Social Worker I will update soon but I haven't had chance to write yet. Anyway please R&R! Thanks!

Disclaimer: Nope nothing although wishing I owned Zac Efron...

Chapter 4 – I've made my decision

Gabriella walked into work the following Monday after not bringing up the topic again over the weekend as she just enjoyed spending time with Troy doing what they normally did was whatever they felt.

"Morning Gabriella." Gabriella smiled politely as she passed many people she knew on her way to her room where she could drop her stuff of and get ready for her first appointment. Gabriella was determined not to let everything bring her down and prove to people she was coping perfectly well on her own.

As the day wore on, Gabriella had thankfully so far managed to ignore Dave or Michelle if they were around. Right now Gabriella was sitting in the cafeteria hen she spotted Dave and Michelle walk in, Dave holding her close to him and whispering in her ear making her giggle while they both kept rubbing her large stomach. Groaning Gabriella looked away but could feel eyes on her and knew who they belonged to.

"Need rescuing?" Troy spoke from behind Gabriella as Gabriella nodded and walked out quickly with Troy.

"I can just about cope still with them being together and him cheating on me but I can't stand seeing how lovey dovey they are and rubbing it in my face how they are having a baby." Troy shook his head as he led his best friend away and back towards her room.

"You can't let them know they are getting to you because you don't want to have to face them in person because I don't think even I could stop that mouth of yours from saying stuff that you would most likely regret the next day." Troy told her, placing his hands on her shoulders and looking her in the eye. "Besides I think you spend enough time working here and I don't feel like spending nights up here just because my best friend has gone and stressed herself out." Gabriella giggled as Troy smiled. "See there don't you feel better already and no one was hurt?"

"Yeah I do. Thanks Troy. How is it you always are there for me when I need you most?" Gabriella asked as Troy shook his head.

"I'm always going to be here Montez. Plus if I let you go I lose my free maid." Gabriella gasped and hit him on the arm as he flashed his perfect smile.

"You are going to pay Bolton for that comment when you least expect it." Gabriella warned, poking his chest with her finger.

"You coming to my game tonight?" He asked as she shook her head.

"I think I'm going to skip this one since I know you will still have plenty of support because Sharpay and Taylor are coming tonight." Gabriella went to most of Troy's games but every now and then she skipped some if she wanted some time alone which Troy didn't mind since she rarely did miss the games.

"Ok well if you change your mind you know where to come." Gabriella nodded.

"So what are you doing here? I thought you were meeting up with Chad this afternoon before heading to the stadium." Gabriella remembered as she sat down on her chair.

"He told me that we couldn't hang out because Taylor needed him to help out with Ben or something because she had an appointment somewhere." Troy explained shrugging.

"So you thought since your number two best friend couldn't spend time with you, you would come bother your number one best friend?"

"Who said you were my number one best friend? Don't you think Chad would be hurt to hear your trying to take his spot?" Neither Troy nor Gabriella noticed one of Gabriella's friends and co-workers, Natasha, standing at the door watching the two amused.

"I'm offended Bolton. Number one best friend? Oh the pain!" Gabriella dramatically sighed pretending to pass out on her chair while holding her hand over her heart.

"And the Oscar for best actress goes to the one and only Gabriella Montez!" Troy announced as Gabriella looked at him.

"You know you couldn't handle two of me Bolton."

"Yeah because one of you is already enough trouble." Gabriella glared at him.

"Sorry to interrupt." The two jumped at the sound of Natasha's voice. "Gabriella your next patient is here." Natasha told Gabriella.

"Thanks." Natasha nodded and walked off. "Leave Bolton. I'll see you tomorrow if I don't see you after work and have a good game." Troy smiled as he kissed her cheek before leaving. Gabriella saw Natasha walk back in the room after Troy left.

"And he is still single how? I mean you are just his best friend and yet he still is so sweet at showing you affection to make you feel cared for. I would love to be you." Gabriella laughed as Natasha left again and sent in her next patient. Gabriella knew Natasha had a huge crush on Troy but was already engaged although she had told Gabriella when they first met and before she knew Gabriella knew Troy that she would break it off if Troy would propose to her. Gabriella just rolled her eyes at that.

Gabriella walked in after her shift ended and as expected Troy had already left. Gabriella sighed as she slipped her shoes off and walked into the kitchen. Normally Gabriella never went into the kitchen apart from when she got a drink because Troy was more of the cook than her and she always got lost around a kitchen. Gabriella laughed as she opened the oven and smiled noticing something was in there and a note with Troy's scruffy handwriting on was stuck to the cupboards above the oven.

Took care of dinner for you since I know you're probably not in the mood to cook today especially.

See ya later.

Troy

Gabriella smiled. It was little things like this that Troy did that made her feel special knowing no matter what he would always try his best to keep her happy.

Gabriella was wearing one of Troy's old practise jerseys as she sat watching the game that was now over. Troy had scored the winning shot for the team which Gabriella knew meant he wouldn't be home till the morning because they would want to go out celebrating. Gabriella was pulled out of her thoughts when she head Troy's voice talking about the game.

"So Troy do you have any kind of rituals pre-game?" The reporter asked.

"The only thing I have to make sure is done is that my best friend Gabriella and I have spoken before the game because she is the reason I carry on and keeps me down to earth. She is the one who also challenges me when we chill out for a game and she really is a tough competitor. And I love her for it." Troy answered.

"Thank you Troy." Gabriella smiled as she turned the TV off. Gabriella placed the remote back on the table and sat back thinking once again making a con's and pro's list in her head. She knew it would be challenging no matter what she chose but at least she could near enough guarantee Troy would be with her every step of the way.

Troy walked in after his basketball game and celebrations, about 2am not expecting Gabriella to still be up. He had tried getting away earlier because he would have rather have watched something with Gabriella than getting drunk. Troy slowly and quietly crept upstairs to his room but was surprised when he found her sitting on his bed awake.

"Troy I've made my decision..."

A/N: Please review! Thanks!

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