My Baby

Chapter 4

Stabbed for Love

"You need something hot," Chloe decided, putting a hand on her hip as she inspected Gabriella's closet. She grinned when she spotted a cute flutter sleeve Boho dress. She carefully took it from the closet and showed Gabriella. "And all you need are some leather black boots and you're fine."

Gabriella grinned. "I knew you were useful for something. I just had no idea what." Gabriella took the dress and Chloe's mouth dropped. "What? That's the thanks I get?"

Gabriella smiled at her. "I was just kidding, Chloe. Thanks."

Chloe smiled. "Your welcome. Now get it on. I want to take a picture of you going on your first date in years."

"Alright, Chloe, I'm trusting you one more time," Gabriella said. She was just about ready for her date with Troy and she needed someone to watch Sophia and Lena. Chloe grinned and held two thumbs up. "Don't worry, Gabs. We're watching the Disney Princess's movies and I'll order some pizza. I promise to watch them."

"Please don't let me down," Gabriella begged. "And make sure they're in bed by eight. Oh, and don't use a lot of bubbles when you wash them. Just a bit of squirts—"

"Gabriella," Chloe said, cutting her off. "Go. I told you, I have this all under control. Go have fun. You really need it."

Gabriella sighed. "Okay fine. I'll see you in a few hours, girls okay?" Sophia and Lena nodded without looking at Gabriella. Their eyes were busy trained on Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue. Gabriella smiled. "Love you. I'll bring you guys something back." She paused and there was still no answer. "Okay, I'm going..now. And I won't be back until—"

"Gabriella." Chloe stood and started pushing her out of the house. "We get it. Now go, go. You really need a stress reliever."

Gabriella sighed. "Okay, fine. See you soon."

"Bye." Chloe closed the door in her face...again. Gabriella turned on her heel and smiled when she saw Troy leaning against his car. "Worried about the kids?" Troy asked when she walked up to him. Gabriella smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Last time she babysat Sophia, the house almost burnt down and Sophia made a coloring book out of the house."

Troy laughed. He opened the door for her before getting in the driver's side. "Well, that sounds interesting. Hopefully we'll be back before any damage can be done."

Gabriella smiled. "So, where are we going?"

"It's this really awesome restaurant that I went to with my friends. It's called Tucanos Brazilian Grill. They have really good food."

"This is nice," Gabriella sighed. "I mean, I've been on dates before, but it's been years since I had a decent or at least half decent one."

"If I ask you a question will you answer it?" Troy said nervously. "And you don't have to if you don't want to."

"It depends. What's the question?"

"What happened to Sophia's father?"

Gabriella felt her hands started to scrap at Troy's leather seats. She cleared her throat and sat up. "It's...can I tell you some other time?"

"Of course. And if you never tell me, it's fine. But my sister has been through many break ups and I'm good with talking about them," Troy said, looking at her shortly before turning to look back out at the road. Gabriella shook her head and sighed softly. "But it wasn't just a break up, Troy."

Troy turned to look at her, confused. "Huh?"

"Nothing. So, you have a sister?"

"Yeah. Her names Jane. But she lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her boyfriend."

"Oh."

"How about you. You have any siblings?"

"Well, no. But my cousin Chloe is like a sister to me. She's the only family I have here. And she's really great with Sophia."

Troy nodded. He pulled up into the parking lot of the restaurant. Gabriella looked at the flashy building and smiled. Just looking at it from the outside she knew it was a really great place. Gabriella opened her door and hoped out. She gasped when her boot slipped on the gravel beneath her and she started was fast. He moved to catch her before she fell and maybe had to be rushed to the hospital.

Gabriella laughed and grabbed his bicep and she steadied herself. "Thanks," she said, pink tinting her cheeks. Troy grinned and grabbed her hand. "It's nothing. Even if you were a total stranger to me and you looked amazingly beautiful as you do now, I'd help you."

Gabriella felt the heat spread more on her cheeks. She giggled. "Thanks. You look handsome." Troy wore something simple. He has on a short sleeved plaid shirt and straight jeans with converse. Gabriella smiled and they started striding into the restaurant. Immediately, Brazilian music eased its way into their ears and warmness coated their bodies.

The hostess looked up at them and smiled. "Hello, how may I help you?"

"I made a reservation for Bolton," Troy said, smiling politely at the girl. The girl checked the list before looking up at them and nodded. "Table for two. Right this way." She lead them to an isolated place in the back of the restaurant. The music changed to soft Mexican music. "Your waiter will be right with you," she said before walking off.

Troy helped Gabriella take off her jacket and then they sat down. "This place is really nice," Gabriella said.

"I know."

A man came walking over to them. He smiled down at them. "Hello, I'm João and I'll be your waiter tonight. Would you two like anything to drink or any appetizers? Tonight our drinks have free refills."

"I'd like the Guarana," Gabriella said. Troy nodded and said he'd have the same. "And the Nachos Brasileiros for an appetizer."

"Okay, coming right up." He smiled at them politely one more time before walking off.

"I know I shouldn't be thinking about this now," Gabriella said. "but I wonder what the girls are doing. I let them stay up one more hour before their bedtime and now it's time for them to go to sleep."

"Gabriella, you have to stop worrying," Troy said softly, reaching across the table to grab her hand. He caressed her knuckles and Gabriella smiled. Her fingers tingled from his soft hands as her moved his thumb across her palm. "Its clams your nerves," Troy explained, referring to what he was doing. "Just relax. They're fine."

Gabriella nodded. "Okay. I think I'm good for now."

"Good." Troy kissed her palm and smiled at her. "Let's play twenty questions. What do you like to do on your free time?"

"Well I play the piano and I love to paint and draw," Gabriella admitted. "Sometimes I do it with Sophia." Gabriella leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. She smiled adoringly at Troy. "What about you?"

"I'm surprised you couldn't guess. You known given the fact that my muscles are huge," Troy said cockily. Gabriella giggled and shook her head. "Not sure about your muscles, but you ego does seem a bit big."

Troy shook his head. "Yeah, but you love me ego. Okay, next question. What's your favorite place in the world. Anywhere; you name it." Gabriella was thoughtful for a moment, her nails tapping rhythmically on the soft table cloth. She smiled when a thought came to her. "I went to Niagara Falls with Sophia and Chloe last January. It was so pretty. Especially at night. The different lights that were there and I just had to take a picture. When we got home, I spent a whole night painting that picture I took. It's hung up in my house."

"I might have to break into your house and see it for myself," Troy said jokingly. But secretly, Gabriella wished he could. And then he would come to her bedroom and they'd make love so preciously. Gabriella gasped when that thought came into her mind. Had she seriously just thought of that?

"Gabriella, are you okay?" Troy asked, looking at her with concern. Gabriella nodded and pushed the thought to the back of her head. even though seeing Troy in nothing was really, really hot, this was only their first date and she hardly knew the guy.

The waiter came up to them then, balancing two cups of Guarana and a tray of Nachos Brasileiros. "Thank you," Troy said. João nodded. "Yup. It's my job, anyway." He smiled at Gabriella and Gabriella smiled back softly. "Okay, so do you guys want to order now?"

"Oh, we forgot," Gabriella giggled, picking up her menu. João grinned. "That's bien," João said. "Take your tiempo." João nodded before turning and walking away.

"Oh, my God, I love this," Gabriella moaned after she took a long sip from her drink. Troy chuckled at her. He took his own sip of his drink and grinned. It was good. "Okay, now it's your turn," Gabriella decided, pointing her straw at Troy. Troy smiled. "Okay. My favorite place is the park. Or the basketball court, whichever. And I'm not kidding when I say this. I spend more time there than the squirrels."

Gabriella giggled. "Seriously? When do you go home?"

"Around seven or eight. I go home at nine during the summer because of daylight savings," Troy answered. Gabriella placed her straw back in her cup and leaned over the table again. Troy smiled and wiped off some juice that was settled on her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. Gabriella licked her lips and smiled at him, her eyes soft and sweet. "We should maybe order," Gabriella suggested. "I'm sure João will be back in about five minutes or so."

Troy nodded and picked up a menu. "Ooh, shrimp," Gabriella said. She placed her menu down and reached into her purse. She quickly pulled out her phone and opened up her text messages. She didn't want Troy to think she was a a crazy mom worried about their child every thirty seconds even though she was one. She was hardly away from Sophia and this was new to her.

Thyr clean and asleep Alex had texted her. It was ten minutes ago and Gabriella smiled. She knew she could trust her. Well...kind of. Gabriella quickly stuffed her phone back in her bag and smiled up at Troy who was still looking at the menu. "What should I get?" he wondered aloud. Gabriella giggled "How about the Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon Skewer?" Troy decided.

Gabriella wrinkled her nose up. "I hate bacon. They kill pigs just to have some greasy, fatty food?"

"Well they kill shrimp to get shrimp," Troy countered. Gabriella rolled her eyes. "Yes, but shrimp is ugly and they're creepy."

"Have you gotten to know one?" Troy asked jokingly. "You shouldn't judgmental, Gabi."

"Um, no?" Gabriella giggled.

"Back to Twenty Questions?" Troy asked. Gabriella nodded and folded her hands. "My turn to question you. What's your favorite animal?"

"Uh...a dog? When I was a kid, I would always bug my parents to get me one. But they said no. So, I have a Golden Retriever. Her name is Bailey."

"Aw, I love the name Bailey," Gabriella gushed. "Can I meet her?"

"Yeah. I'll take you to my place after dinner. She's a very, very friendly dog. Be aware."

Gabriella smiled and shrugged. "That's fine. I love friendly dogs." Turning their chatter off, João arrived, notepad and pen ready. "Is the lovely couple ready to order?" he questioned, smiling at them. Troy nodded and told him what he wanted. "Excellent choice," João said smoothly. "I'll be back when your foods ready." He smiled at the one more time before turning off.

Gabriella sighed and leaned back in her chair. "I want a dog..."

"I'll get you one for your birthday," Troy promised her. Gabriella sat up straight and sent him a playful smile. "Aren't you supposed to surprise me? And you don't even know my birthday."

Troy grinned. "I'd like to know."

Gabriella smiled. "December 14."

"October 18. See how much a dinner date does? Now we know a lot about each other. But you haven't told me your favorite animal yet."

Gabriella grinned. "A boa constrictor. I know it can kill me, but they're just so interesting and cute," Gabriella admitted. And Troy found that interesting. Not many girls were fond of snakes. Especially ones that can squeeze the pretty out of you. "Really? Not many girls like snakes?"

Gabriella shrugged. "Well, that's because they've never me tone before. My dad brought a pet boa constrictor when I was a kid and he told me to stay away from him. I kept a far distance, but I loved to look at him. I would literally sit for like three hours just staring at him."

"Cool. So you wouldn't be scared if I were to bring in a snake and wrap it around your shoulders. Gabriella shook her head. "Wait. Unless it is poisons. Then yes, I would be scared out of my freaking mind." Troy laughed and Gabriella smiled. "Next question. Favorite movie?"

"Fluke. Didn't I tell you I love dogs?"

Gabriella nodded. "I love that movie. It gets me wondering that after I die, will I become an animal? It'd be cool to be a snake slithering throughout the Amazon."

"I'd be a dog. You get to pee anywhere you'd like."

"That's the most disgusting thing someone could ever say. You actually want to bring out your penis and piss on a pole?"

"Potty mouth," Troy teased. Gabriella rolled her eyes playfully. "All I said was penis. At least I didn't say dick."

"You just did," Troy pointed out matter-of-factly which earned him a hard slap on the arm by Gabriella. Troy laughed. "I'm just messing with you, Gabriella."

"Yeah, well keep your playing antics to yourself," Gabriella demanded playfully.

"But that would be no fun," Troy said. Gabriella shook her head and started another question. Even after their food came, they were talking and getting to know each other better. When it was nearing ten o'clock Gabriella decided it was time to throw the towel in.

"I love that place," Gabriella said when they exited the restaurant. Troy smiled at her. "See, I told you it was great."

"Yeah, and so was the date," Gabriella said. Troy paused for a moment, smiled and then yanked her door open. Gabriella climbed in and Troy closed the door before getting in on the driver's side. Gabriella shrugged her jacket on and leaned her head against the window pane, a sudden wave of tiredness taking over her body. She yawned and her eyes closed.

"So, I had a really great time. Do you want to do it again someti—" Troy stopped talking when he saw her sleeping form. He smiled, kissed her forehead before pulling out of the parking lot. The sweet tune of The Script's Break Even made its way around the car, making Troy a little drowsy himself. Troy sighed and stopped at a red light. He turned to look at Gabriella and smiled. They had kissed two times and Troy wanted to kiss her a third and feel her soft, full lips pressed against his. His lips still tingled from their previous kiss this morning.

Troy pulled up at the curb of Gabriella's house. He turned to Gabriella, really not wanting to wake her up. "Gabriella..." Troy said, softly shaking her. "Gabriella, wake up." He brushed away dark tresses of hair falling in her eye and sighed. "Gabi...wake up."

Gabriella stirred and yawned. She raised her arms above her head, stretching her muscles and making her dress ride up. Troy tried to keep his eyes from falling to her thighs that were showing. Gabriella looked at him and smiled. Sorry I fell asleep."

Troy shrugged. "It's okay. It was actually nice seeing you sleep."

"I'll try not to think of that in a stalkerish way," Gabriella said teasingly even though her voice was dripping with tiredness. She opened her door and stepped out. They walked up to her front door and turned to each other. It was like high school all over again and you finally have your friend date leading onto your first kiss.

"I had fun tonight," Troy admitted, smiling charmingly down at her. Gabriella smiled. "Me too. A lot of fun."

Troy raised a hand and tucked loose curls behind her ear. He left his hand on her cheek and Gabriella leaned into it, her eyes partly closed and her lips partly open, ready for a kiss. Troy pressed his lips to hers and Gabriella instinctively found her arms moving around his broad shoulders and leaning into him. Troy held her waist in one hand while the other hand still rested on Gabriella's cheek.

When they parted, they both had dazed smiles on their faces. Gabriella reached up and grasped his hand, pulling it down to her side. "I forgot about Bailey," Troy said softly making Gabriella open her eyes and looked up at him. She smiled and shook her head. "No, it's okay. I'd probably fall asleep anyway. I don't think even a friendly, friendly dog could keep me up."

"I'm glad I didn't bore you," Troy said sarcastically. Gabriella looked at him and shook her head. "You didn't bore me. I just had a rough day at work and running around. Honestly, Troy, I had a lot of fun."

Troy smiled. He pressed a kiss to her lips again. Gabriella smiled and pulled back. "See you tomorrow?"

"I'll call if I don't see you," Troy said.

"Don't worry, you will."

"Okay. Well, night, Gabriella."

'Good night, Troy." Troy bent down and gave her one more peck on the lips before turning and walking to his car. Gabriella unlocked the door before slipping into the house. She smiled softly when she saw Chloe passed out of the floor, Sophia and Lena curled up by her side. Gabriella picked up Sophia and carried her to her room and laid her on the bed. She brought in Lena next and put her softly next to Sophia.

"Chloe," Gabriella said, nudging her. Chloe yawned and her eyes came open. She smiled up at Gabriella. 'Hey. Finally back?"

"Yup. I had so much fun," Gabriella gushed. "And there's a guest bedroom. Wanna go lay in the bed?" Chloe nodded and stood. She walked tiredly up the steps. Gabriella walked after her and went into her room. Without changing, she collapsed on her bed and fell soundly asleep.

"Shh," Chloe said as she, Sophia and Lena tip-toed into Gabriella's room. Sophia giggled as she and Lena started jumping on Gabriella's bed. Chloe joined them and that's what jolted Gabriella awake. "Why do I have monkey's on my bed?" Gabriella asked tiredly. Sophia and Lena plopped down. "We're not monkey's, mommy," Sophia said. "Well, don't tell Chloe, but I think she is one."

"Hey, I heard that," Chloe said, getting off the bed. "I thought we were PIC."

"PIC? What's that?"

"Partners In Crime."

"Well, you three won't be doing anymore crimes," Gabriella said, lifting Sophia off of her. She gently slid out of bed and was thankful it was a Saturday. "No, who wants some breakfast tortillas?" Gabriella asked as they made their way into the kitchen. "And corn cakes."

"Corn cakes!" Sophia exclaimed, jumping happily. "I like corn cakes."

"You have to eat your tortillas first, Sophie Smiles. Lena, you're Lactose Intolerance so I'm going to get you a fruit salad and Patacones. Your mom said you love them."

"Yes," Lena said and nodded. They both sat down at the kitchen and table. Chloe turned on the TV to morning cartoons and they were basically mesmerized watching it. "I have to go," Chloe said.

"Okay. Bye, chica. Don't get into any trouble."

"Chloe waved her off. "I won't, I won't. Bye girls!" Chloe walked out of the house and Gabriella sighed. She needed someone to watch the girls while she went to the store, but now that's not an option. Gabriella got a knife and a banana."Girls, after breakfast you guys have to get dressed. We're taking a trip to Wal-Mart."

"I love Wal-Mart," Sophia said, taking her eyes away from Winx. "Last time a nice old lady gave me free silly bands."

"Oh, shit," Gabriella cursed when she accidentally cut herself. Sophia and Lena looked at her. "Mommy, don't curse."

"I'm sorry," Gabriella said and put the knife down. "I cut myself with a knife." She ran her finger under cold water and began cooking again. The phone started ringing and Sophia popped up, ready to get it. She picked it up and pressed it to her ear. "Hello?"

"Sophia? Hi, this is Mr. Bolton."

"Hi, Mr. Bolton!" Gabriella and Lena looked over at her curiously. Gabriella turned off the burner and made her way over to Sophia. "Yes, she's right next to me actually...Okay." Sophia took the phone off her ear and looked up at Gabriella. "It's Mr. Bolton. He wants to speak to you."

"Thanks, Sophie Smiles." Gabriella took the phone from her and put it up to her ear. "Hello?"

"Hey Gabriella."

"Hi Troy. What's up?"

"Nothing. I'm just going to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things for Bailey and me."

"Really? Well, maybe we can go together. I wanted to go shopping too. It's like no food whatsoever in this house."

Troy laughed. "Okay. How about we carpool. I'll pick you up when you need me to."

Gabriella nodded. "Okay. And thanks, Troy."

"No problem. Bye."

"Bye." Gabriella put the phone down and walked back into the kitchen. "Change of plan, girls. we're going to Wal-Mart with Mr. Bolton."

"I hate this place," Edison groaned. Eric hit him in the stomach. "Shut up, will you?"

"How do you even know she lives in Philadelphia."

"Because of her are code," Eric said.

"But do you know where she lives?"

Eric smirked and stopped. He placed a hand over his pocket. "No, but her cousin Chloe does." Eric tilted his head to Chloe who was walking up to a house. Edison sighed and had a terrible gut feeling that they will have to break into this girls house and question her forcefully. The two made their way over to Chloe's doorstep. when she closed the door, Eric stopped it with his foot and they both stalked into the house.

Chloe turned to them, surprise written on her face. "E-Eric? Oh, no." She ran for the phone, but Eric held her back. Edison closed and locked the door and turned to Chloe. Chloe struggled against Eric, trying to escape her grasp. Eric slapped her and Chloe started crying. "I want you to give me answers," he demanded, pushing her roughly onto the couch. "Where does Gabriella live?"

"Go to hell," Chloe whispered, staring up at him through her bangs. Eric slapped her again and Chloe cried out in pain. "Tell me where she fucking lives or else I'll seriously kill you."

"No," she whimpered. "You'll do something to her and Sophia." Eric sighed and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a pistol and held it between Chloe's eyes. "Listen here, bitch. You either do what I say or I shoot your brains out."

"Please," Chloe whimpered, now shaking. "Please, please leave them alone. They did nothing to you."

"Edison." Eric cocked his head to the side. Edison sighed and pulled out a blade. "I'm sorry," he whispered before jabbing it into her abdomen. Chloe screamed out in utter pain as the knife dug itself deeper into her. Eric snatched Chloe's phone out of her pocket and scrolled through the list of contacts. He smiled when he found Gabriella's number. Instead of calling he made a text message.

Com quick... emergency!

"No, stop," Chloe begged weakly, holding the grip of the knife in her hands. She was struggled as blood slowly poured from her stomach and mouth. Eric laughed and yanked the knife out. He jammed it back into her stomach and twisted, sending Chloe into a heap of pain. She screamed and her eyes started to fall closed. "Eric," stop," Edison ordered. "We might still need her alive."

"Fine." Eric smiled eerily at Chloe. Chloe stared up at him, panting and withering in pain. "Sorry you couldn't tell em any news, baby." Eric trailed his hand down her face and kissed her full of the lips. He didn't even cringe when the taste of her blood made its way into him.

Gabriella looked down at her new phone in worry. She was driving to Chloe's house, frantic with worry. What of she were hurt? Her mom didn't come home until nighttime and when Gabriella texted back what was wrong, she didn't get a text back.

Gabriella pulled up into Chloe's driveway and got out. "Stay here girls," she told them leaning into the car. Sophia and Lena nodded and Gabriella turned around, heading toward the house. She knocked once on the door. No answer. Gabriella took the spare key out of her purse and unlocked the door. The house was still and silent. Dark made her vision falter and the windows with the curtains in front of them didn't really help either.

"Chloe?" Gabriella whispered. Fright now dawned over her. "Chloe, don't play games. Where are you?"

"Don't...Gabriella." Gabriella whipped around and the breath was knocked out her. She saw Chloe on the couch, blood seeping from her stomach. "Chloe!"

"Gabriella, watch out!"

Gabriella whirled around. Eric stood there, smiling menacingly at her. "No," Gabriella cried. "No, please." She started backing up and was surprised when she hit someone else. She turned and looked up. It was Eric's best friend Edison. "Edison...please don't do this."

"I'm sorry," he whispered. Gabriella shook her head and kneed him hard in his groin. Eric tried to grab her, but she ducked him and ran to the door. Thank god for the track team, she thought. Gabriella yanked open the door and ran out. She opened the door to her car and climbed in. "Mommy?" Sophia said curiously. "What's wrong?"

"We have to get out of here." Gabriella backed out of the drive way and sped down the road. Chills swept down her spine when she saw Eric and Edison jump in their car and fly after her. Gabriella pulled out her cell and called 911.

"Hello, this is the PPD. What's the emergency?"

"My cousin was stabbed in the stomach by my ex-boyfriend who's stalking me and I think she's dying. And right now my ex-boyfriends following me."

"Can you give me an address to the emergency?"

Gabriella nodded. "Yes. 6491 Ogontz Avenue."

"Okay, we'll be right on our way."

"Thank you." Gabriella hung up and tossed her phone in the passenger side.

"Mommy, what's going on?" Sophia asked. Gabriella sighed and turned down the road. She couldn't stop. She wouldn't. If she did, she could cause all three of their deaths. Gabriella drove onto the highway. She could get in front of a car and turn out of the highway and get away. But did he know where she lived?

My Baby

"Where she go?" Eric asked, determination ringing in his voice. "God dammit!" he cursed, slamming his hand into the steering wheel. Edison jumped with fright. "We should stop by a motel to get some rest," he suggested. "We can't drive around the city forever not knowing where we're going."

Eric jerked the car to a stop. Edison looked at him, waiting for him to make a decision. Eric sighed and nodded. "Okay, fine. We'll stop at a motel. But we start again first thing."

"Sure."

My Baby

Gabriella pulled up at the curb of her house. She quickly got out of the car and helped Sophia and Lena out. She was surprised to see Troy there and then she remembered that they were supposed to go shopping together. "Troy..." Gabriella whispered. Troy stood up from the bench on he rpourch and walked quickly to her. He hugged her. "What happened?"

"Chloe...he stabbed her...and then he tried to get me."

Troy looked down at her concerned. "Wait, what?"

Gabriella cried into his shirt. "He's back."

...

"Girls, go up stairs and play," Gabriella told them softly. They trotted up the steps and Gabriella and Troy plopped down ion the couch. Troy looked at her and sighed. "Will you tell me?"

Gabriella looked at him. "Will you judge me?"

"Of course not. Just tell me what's going on."

"My ex-boyfriend Eric is what's wrong. See, me and Eric had this really great relationship." Gabriella paused. "At first. And then he changed. He demanded me to do stuff. He demanded me to have sex with him all the time, too. And he did that before I lost my virginity to him. When he did it...it hurt so much. When I didn't do what he said, he would hit me." Gabriella sighed. "Then one day, i took a pregnancy test. It was positive. I hid from Eric, knowing what he would do if he found out.

"It was about six months into the pregnancy," Gabriella whispered. "when I finally told him about our baby. He pushed me down the steps and I fell on my stomach and had a miscarriage. He killed our baby. Before he was even born and he knew it. But I didn't tell anyone except my friends and Chloe."

'What about Sophia?" Troy whispered.

"Sophia came months after that. But Eric was put in jail and that was my chance to run. I moved to Philly with Chloe and I haven't saw him since then. Well, except for today and Troy, I'm scared he will kill Sophia." Troy wrapped his arms around Gabriella and Gabriella cried in his shirt. "He stabbed Chloe...and I knew it was my fault."

"It's not your fault," Troy said softly, rubbing her back. "It's his fault. And I'll make sure you guys are okay."

"No," Gabriella said, pulling away from him. She shook her head. "No, I don't want you to get hurt too."

"I won't get hurt," Troy promised, kissing her temple. Gabriella looked up at him. "Can you kiss me, Troy?" she asked bodily. Troy smiled and pressed his lips softly to hers. He pulled her body close to his as their lips melted together, making both of them tingle. Gabriella pulled back and sighed. She rested her hea don his chest and listened to his heartbeat. "I have to see Chloe," she whispered.

"I'll watch them for you," Troy said. Gabriella nodded and sat up. She kissed him one more time before getting up and leaving. Troy sighed and ran his hands through his hair.

My Baby

"Chloe," Gabriella said, coming into her hospital room. Chloe smiled up at her. "Gabriella? Hey."

"I'm so sorry," Gabriella cried, coming over to hug her gently. But Chloe waved it off. "It's fine. It actually kind of tickled at first and then it started hurting." Her eyes flashed over to fear. "Did they catch him?"

"I don't know," Gabriella whispered. "I'm scared he'll go for you again or Sophia and or Troy or someone that I care about."

"You care about Troy?" Chloe's eyes were teasing. Gabriella smiled and shook her head. "Well, yeah. I mean, I don't love him, but I care about him."

Chloe smiled and yawned. "The doctor said they're going to give me sedatives. Can you visit me tomorrow?"

"Of course. And I'll bring the girls," Gabriella promised, stroking back her hair. Chloe smiled and closed her eyes. Gabriella quietly left the room and went home.

I tried to make this chapter long for the time that i didn't upload, but I just couldn't. i have major writers block. I'm even struggling with Glamorous and I always have something to write with that! Anyway, make sure you review and tell em what I did wrong or right!

Thanks!-Brittany