Chapter 7 – Perfectly Imperfect

Wednesday, October 4th, 2017

"Go," the boys ran down the court and back again as I observed from the sidelines. Troy was easily one of the best in shape and leading the pack. My dad seemed to be watching him closely and gauging if he deserved a starting spot of his returning starters. We were in our last month until games started and I knew the boys were chomping on the bit to get going. They had officially started six days a practice with weights twice a week.

It was harder for Troy to fit everything in cutting down our together basketball time. He was still working part time at Rents to keep a little bit of cash flow coming. I was working mostly by myself and when he was working limiting our time together since the start of practices. We would still get together for dinners and a study session but he was mostly crashing pretty early from the intense schedule he was going through.

My dad blew the final whistle as they lined up for the next drill. I couldn't help but watch Troy as he tugged up his practice shorts and adjusted his practice jersey. The fourteen was labeled on his back lucky enough that nobody else had it on the team yet. His hands were on his hips and I could see every single muscle flex in his arms causing a dizzy spelling to be casted over as I shook my head turning away. We were both working too hard for different things to let anything like this get in the way.

"If you do this drill perfectly we can be done," my dad spoke loudly and that caused the team restlessness. "It's one of our new drills. Do it well and I'll grant you out thirty minutes early with a day off tomorrow. The round drill," the group groaned except for three of them. Troy, Anderson, and Grey had worked on it together last night with me on the court. "Can we go?" they all volunteered and my dad loved kids who volunteered.

"Need two more to go with them,"

The rest of the team, probably the starting five, lined up on the court as they began the drill. The three boys had made it look flawless last night on the court causing me to develop goose bumps because it was a good play my dad drew up. Anderson tossed the ball to Troy, Troy tossed it to Grey quickly and ran down the court dodging a practice player before catching the ball from Grey's hands and straight into a lay-up.

The group cheered as my dad couldn't help but smirk, "I taught you that boys two days ago. Have you been practicing?" Troy smirked over at Grey as Anderson laughed, "It's the year Coach. We're putting in our work." My dad shook his head as he raised his hand as the boys gathered around. The yelled Devils together before walking to the locker room. I began to grab things and put them away as the assistant coaches began to talk it out.

"Gabi," I peeked up as my name was called, "Yes?"

"Did you help them?"

I looked at him and I shrugged, "They asked me to help them understand it. I was just there." He smiled, "Thank you." I nodded as I walked away and went to the closet to put everything away. "Thanks for teaching us that one Gabs," Anderson said coming out of the locker room with his backpack on his shoulders and a fresh t-shirt on. "You gave us the opportunity to turn the fuck up tonight." I laughed nodding my head as he walked away drinking his water bottle.

Grey and Troy walked out together laughing as they both sent me a big smile. "We owe you!" Grey said and I laughed, "Save me a drink tonight. Both of you." Troy and Grey smirked, "If you drink you're staying at our apartment." I gave them a funny look, "I wouldn't be driving back." I said and they both smirked, "But we'll be too drunk to walk you back." Grey countered, "I'll bring Lauren." Grey laughed, "I plan on keeping her in my bed."

I chocked on my spit and they both laughed, "Those are visuals I do not need in my life Grey,"

"You can crash in my bed. I'll take the couch." Troy said nobly and I smiled over at him, "How sweet but I can take the couch, I insist."

"No, I insist." Troy said laughing, "I have the earliest class anyways so I can just sneak out." I finally just nodded, "Be over there soon." Troy said walking off and I nodded as they disappeared. I finished putting the things away and walked out to grab my backpack. "Gabi, your mother wants you to come over." I looked over at my dad and I laughed, "I'm good. Thanks though. If she wants to talk she knows where to find me."

My dad sighed, "This is dumb Gabi, she has called to apologize."

"No, you made her call to apologize after Trevor yelled at both of you. That is not an apology." I bit back and my dad sighed, "Whatever Gabi, I am done fighting for you. You are making things worse." I swirled around to look at him. "I am making things worse? Did you hear what she said to me dad? Stop putting up this front that I did something horrible. I have not done anything horrible except do a few awful things."

My dad looked at me, "I went to a party. I got drunk. I let somebody soberer than me drive me home. We wrecked the car. I hurt my knee. I'm sorry. I was trying to be responsible by letting somebody else drive who I thought was sober. I'm sorry for trying." One of the assistant coaches, one of my dad longtime friends, James stepped out, "Gabi, girl, go enjoy your next couple of days off. Eli, I have some video you might to see on a prospect,"

Eli Montez stared at me for a few moments and just nodded his head, "Okay," I turned and left as I really needed a drink now and I really needed to get drunk. I hurried out of the arena and hurried our way back to the streets. I wasn't even going to go change, I was just going straight to their apartment. Fuck this. I took a deep breath and burst into their apartments. "I need a drink." I said quickly dropping my backpack and both of the boys turned to look at me.

"My dad is an asshole. I need a drink." Troy tossed me something out of the fridge and I opened it taking a long drink of it. I closed my eyes as I counted to ten before I exploded. "What happened?" Troy whispered into my ear and I shook my head, "No. I am not talking about my parents tonight. I am having fun with my friends. I am getting drunk. I am forgetting." I said harshly. Troy nodded his head, "Okay, blue devil?" he asked and I looked at him nodding my head.

"Yes, please,"

He went to go make me a drink but I took a shot of whatever Grey poured me. "You are really wanting to get drunk." Lauren said popping up next to me and I nodded my head. "Yup, I need to get drunk right now. Right. Now." I repeated taking one more shot and I saw Troy's blue eyes divert with concern. Troy gave me the Blue Devil and I took a good drink of it as I closed my eyes as somebody started the music.

Yes, let's dance.


Troy's POV

I watched her mix a Rum and OJ together as I cut her off the Blue Devil a while ago. It could fuck you up pretty quick and I didn't want her to completely skip her classes tomorrow. She took a drink as the party of basketball boys and friends alike was beginning to wind down as a we did have class tomorrow and we couldn't really skip. It was a day off of basketball though so a hangover in class was easier to handle than a basketball practice.

My eyes glanced at the clock to see it was a little after one. Lauren and Grey had disappeared a while ago and Anderson, Julie, and Nick. "You guys about ready to wrap this up?" I asked as I walked over, I was tipsy but mostly ready to sleep. Gabi looked at me with a curious look as she was not tipsy but well past it. "I just got started!" Gabi stood up and began to dance to the beat of the song. I felt my jaw drop slightly and I took a step back because she could move.

Nick and Anderson were both highly amused by her dancing cat calling her on. I shook my head as I smiled leaning back to watch her dance out the rest of the song. "Bolton," Anderson snapped and I looked over at him throwing him a look. "Out," I said pointing at the door and Anderson shook his head. "Sounds like I should be staying here if she is staying here."

"No." I told him, "we are just friends. You were looking at her too." Anderson smirked, "I know how to keep it in my pants. You're still learning young one around her. It takes time and patience to be able to stare at that and not get horny for her." I shook my head, "I'm not. I'm just amused by her dancing. I promise. I am going to crash on the couch, she's going to crash in my bed. Completely separate." I said and Anderson rolled his eyes.

"Your spot on the team." Anderson and Nick both stood up as Nick pulled up his girlfriend Julie. They all began to leave grabbing one last beer and pouring it into a container of choice as they walked up the stairs to their apartment. I began to clean up the alcohol containers and began to stash them under the counter until I could take them to the glass place. "Troy," I looked up at Gabi as she was sitting on the stool in the kitchen drinking whatever drink.

"Yes Gabi?" I asked and she sighed, "Do I seem unreasonable? Do I seem to be a complete failure?" I looked at her a little surprised and I tried to find the correct words because I knew this was coming from her conversation with her dad that she did not want to talk about but here she was drunk and vulnerable. "Gabi, maybe we can talk in the morning." I told her and she shook her head and her chin trembled.

"No," I said quickly hoping to fight off the tears that were building in her eyes. "No, you are not a failure and I told you that. I told you to remember that you are not a failure. You are so much better than that Gabi. You are not unreasonable. I don't know what your dad said to you after practice but I don't want you thinking any of these things okay?" she looked at me and I must have said the wrong thing because the tears overflowed and her palms pressed into her eyes.

She was an emotional drunk.

Or she was just emotional.

I went over and I wrapped her up in my arms as she cried. "My parents think I am such a failure and my mom was the one who said awful things to me but I am supposed to just forgive her. I am supposed to just forgive her for those words when we aren't a typical mother daughter relationship. She doesn't know who I am anymore and I don't know who my mom is anymore. I am so lost." I felt awful listening to her because I was so close to my mom.

My mom would never say anything like her mom said to her.

"Gabs," I said softly rubbing her shoulder, "I think that you should go and talk to your mom at least. You don't have to forgive her. You don't have to be rational with her. You just need to let her apologize to you and maybe that will make you feel a little better." She subsided her tears, "Why do I always have to go back to her?" she whispered, I brushed my hands over her hair as I rested my chin against her. I was trying to keep my lips off of her because I just wanted to comfort her.

"I don't know Gabi, I don't know." I said brushing my fingers through her hair again. "Maybe your mom is just too weak for you Gabi. You are so much stronger than she ever will be." She seemed to take comfort in those words and exhaled loudly.

"I don't want to be alone tonight Troy," she said to me and I looked into her brown eyes and could see how drunk she was and I knew this was such a bad idea. "Gabi, you know…" she looked at me with those big brown eyes, "Just until I fall asleep. Please," she said and I nodded my head, "Go change into one of my t-shirts and shorts, okay? I'll be in there in a minute." She nodded and escaped my grasp and I took several deep breaths to control my feelings.

Slowly I began to finish the cleaning of the apartment until it looked normal. I walked into the bedroom and she was already passed out on the bed like I predicted. She was only in my t-shirt with no shorts. I closed my eyes tightly turning away trying to convince my dick to not react. I slowly shut the door and went to the couch. I found a blanket and convinced myself that I don't need to go into that bedroom right now.

She is drunk.

She didn't know what she was saying.

She didn't know she forgot to put pants on with my t-shirt.

I pressed a pillow over my face and restrained myself to this couch thinking about all the things I could lose but losing her would be the worst of them all.


Gabi's POV

Thursday, October 5th, 2017

I heard the fumble followed by the cursing as I peeked open one eye to see Troy coming out of his bathroom…without a shirt on. I swallowed on the lump as he didn't know I was awake yet and I wish I wasn't with the splitting headache that echoed inside my head. I moved and Troy dropped his stuff again cursing, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." He said quietly. I looked over at him trying to keep my brown eye focused on his blue ones.

"No, it's okay. You didn't." I offered sitting up and I looked down to see that I was in his t-shirt. I felt my cheeks flood with color because it smelled so damn good and it was so damn comfy. "I might steal this t-shirt," I mused looking down at it. It was some t-shirt from a random store. Nothing special.

"Have it." Troy said and I looked up at him and he looked vulnerable. His hair wet from a shower, his jeans pressed to his body, and his t-shirt clinging to his biceps. I felt my breathing slow down look at him and he was trying so hard not to push it. God damn those stupid rules.

"Basketball tonight?" Troy finally said moving across his room and then sitting on the edge of the bed to put on his tennis shoes. I nodded, "Yea, that would be good. I don't want to force you to play basketball on your only day off this week though." I told him as I sat up tugging the blankets with me. "You aren't." Troy said standing up reaching for his Columbia jacket. "Playing basketball with you is…" he paused before he crossed a line as he sent me a smile. "It's better."

He disappeared after that and I collapsed back into bed as the night began to come back to me slowly. How upset I was with my dad, the amount of drinks I put back, and then talking to Troy at the end of the night. I may have been drunk but I remember every word.

"Maybe your mom is just too weak for you Gabi. You are so much stronger than she ever will be."

I rolled onto my stomach and I grabbed my cell phone as I sent her a text message.

Gabi: Can we meet for coffee?

I laid on my back as I stared at the ceiling as I also remember telling him I didn't want to be alone last night. I remember how he hugged me and told me that everything was going to be fine. I remember putting on his t-shirt and crawling into his bed. I don't remember him coming in here and I remember how much I wanted him in this bed last night. But he knew. He knew that it wouldn't be a good idea.

My phone buzzed and I picked it up.

Mom: Rents I'm assuming? What time are you done with class today?

I let my thumbs dance on the answer to her question and I wasn't sure I wanted her to ruin the space of Rents with our conversation today but she was making the effort to come to me. She was trying and I had to respect that.

G: Yes. My last class gets out at 1. Can we meet at 1:30?

Closing my eyes, I looked up at the ceiling trying to remember exactly why I had to go to class today because Troy's bed was so damn comfy. His pillows smelled just like him and I could suffocate myself with them because they were intoxicating. His t-shirt was just big enough to go mid-thigh so I didn't put any pants on last night. Oh fuck. He must have walked in after I passed out to check on me and I didn't have pants on.

Fuck.

My phone buzzed again on my chest.

M: Absolutely. Thank you, Gabi, …

I didn't respond but rolled in Troy's comforter again. "You're still here," I looked up to see Lauren standing in the doorway. She was in a pair of shorts with only a sports bra on. I nodded my head as she crawled into Troy's bed with me. "You and Troy didn't do anything, did you?" she asked noticing his t-shirt. "No. He slept on the couch like he said he would. I just didn't have a change of clothes and he offered me his shirt last night."

Lauren nodded her head and I snuggled into her, "I'm meeting with my mom today." I told her and she smiled, "Good. You shouldn't have to worry about that anymore." I nodded as I felt the strain of our relationship on my shoulders and I just wanted it to disappear. I wanted the strain with my dad to fall apart too and I wanted to stop fighting my feelings for Troy but that wasn't happening any time soon. I was going to have to fight those feelings.

"Troy and I need to take a step back." I whispered, "And I don't know how to tell him that because we are spending so much time together. Between basketball and studying together." I paused, "I'm fighting those feelings." Lauren sighed, "You guys have been doing so well." I nodded my head, "But I am sitting in his bed with his t-shirt on and I don't want to leave. I don't want to leave his comfort of this bed and this morning when he was in here? I only wanted him to crawl into this bed with me."

Lauren sighed, "you're making it Gabi, you're making it."


I walked into Rents and I spotted Troy working behind the counter. I instantly felt bad that I was asking him to do basketball stuff tonight. I walked up to the counter and he spotted me with a smile on his face. "Hey Gabi," I smiled, "We don't have to do basketball tonight Troy. You need like a rest period." I told him and he shook his head, "No. Like I told you this morning that playing basketball with you isn't work. It's fun and it reminds me while I like the game so much."

My cheeks heated and Troy smiled at me, "What do you want today?" he asked grabbing a cup, "Two shots over ice," I directed and he rose an eyebrow. "With milk and caramel swirled into it. My mother is coming. I need all the help I can get." Troy looked down and I could see him fighting the smile on his face. "Is she?" I nodded my head and I looked down, "I may have been drunk last night but I remember everything you said Troy. I can't thank you enough for those words."

He looked at me with a little smile on his face, "Good. I'm glad Gabi."

He gave me my coffee and I took a big breath, "Thank you." I stirred my drink as I went to find a table towards the back. It gave me a sense of comfort that Troy was here. I took a drink of my coffee when the door opened to Rents. I looked up and I saw my mom walk in with her skinny jeans with a nice blouse and a black jacket. Her heels were elegant and not too fancy to be seen walking around. If I didn't know better she would have just come from work.

"Gabi," she said with relief catching sight of me and I smiled over at her, "Hi Mom," I got up and I offered her a hug. She gave me a long squeeze and I closed my eyes holding onto this moment. "How are you?" I asked her kindly and she smiled, "I'm okay. Gabi, I have to apologize first." She said looking at me with her own set of brown eyes. We both took our seats, "I didn't realize how upset I made you and my comment was very insensitive. You are not a failure. You are the furthest thing from that Gabi."

I looked at her and she looked right back at me with a deep breath. "You are an amazing young lady with such a strong will. You are going to go so far and if you want to be a doctor Gabi, I will cheer you on. Since your accident I feel like I just don't know who you are anymore." I looked down at my hands while I played with my fingers trying to fight back tears. "I don't know who I am anymore mom." I whispered looking up at her.

"Basketball was who I was and now I don't know what I am. I have no purpose except to go to school and do well. I don't know what to do." My mom got up and she came over to pull me into a hug. "Oh sweetie, I keep forgetting you lost your whole world." I nodded into her shoulder because I missed my mom every single day. "You just aren't the same girl and I just think that I am a little lost on your attitude."

I pulled away from her and I sighed frustrated, "I don't know what attitude mom?" I questioned and she stuck her hair behind her ear. "I don't know. Sometimes you get upset for no reason, and you make bad decisions, and you run off to your brother." I nodded, "I'm sorry. Trevor just doesn't ask questions and I feel safe with him. I feel safe with you too but Trevor just doesn't care. I don't want to disappoint you."

"I know Gabi, I put so much pressure on you. Your dad has put so much pressure on you to be perfect. I know." She patted my hand gently, "I know." I looked at her and she smiled, "It's the career and it's the life that we live. There is no escaping it." She said and I looked down hoping for a different answer. "Mom," I said looking up at her, "I want to approach dad about the no dating rule but I don't want him to think I am interested in any of the guys…"

She looked at me a little surprised, "But you are."

I nodded biting on my lip, "I have to fight my feelings for him because he's a basketball player and that isn't fair to me or to him. I'm almost twenty Mom,"

"Baby, your dad set that rule because he doesn't want to see you get hurt by the men he has to work with every single day." I nodded looking down at my lap again. My nails were chipped but I could only focus on my nails. I could only breathe before I exploded because I was sick and tired of being perfect. "Okay," I said looking at her and she looked at me, "I think I need to study now or,"

"Gabi, we were doing well…" she said and I nodded, "I need a moment mom, I don't want to be perfect anymore. I don't want to be a perfect child because my dad has to keep a perfect image. I don't want to do that anymore mom so I guess I just need a minute. I need a minute to process and put my head back towards perfection. Okay?" she looked at me and she just nodded her head, "Okay." I got up grabbing my jacket but she pulled me into a tight hold.

"It's okay Gabi," she whispered and I just nodded before I broke away. I broke away from her hold and quickly left Rents as I felt like I couldn't breathe. We did have a good conversation but it doesn't change anything. I still had to be perfect. I still couldn't date the guy that I really wanted too. I couldn't do it. Nothing had changed and that made me angrier than anything else going on. I leaned up against the side of the building until a pair of strong arms wrapped around me.

"Breathe, it's okay." He whispered into my ear when I broke down into sobs. "I don't want to be perfect anymore,"

"You don't have to be," he told me, "You don't have to be perfect."

I wish the lines he were feeding me were true but they weren't.

And it wasn't enough.

It will never be enough.


After I left Troy I went to the basketball court and I had yet to stop. I was sweating profusely but I couldn't stop. I couldn't stop playing and moving along the court. I couldn't stop trying to be perfect for my family. I couldn't stop trying over and over again until I hit over 100 shots in a row. I couldn't stop.

I finally tripped over the ball and landed on my hands skinning my knees. I hissed from pain as I rolled onto my ass, "You okay?" I looked up to see Troy walking over. I looked down at my knees as I nodded my head but if I opened my mouth I would cry and I couldn't cry in front of him again. I kept crying in front of him and I needed to stop. "Gabi, you haven't stopped on this court for two hours. I don't know how long you've actually been here but you haven't stopped."

He knelled down in front of me and his long fingers stretched out to tip my chin backwards. My brown eyes connected with those ocean blue eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked me and I only shook my head no. He just stared for a moment and then he directed his attention to my knees. They were bleeding and scarped. I took the chance to look at my palms. They were just as scrapped up as Troy stood up. "I have some Band-Aids."

"No." I said to him, he looked over at me with a bit of confusion as he looked at the blood on my knees. "If you cover up my scraps you're making me perfect again," I told him as I stood up from the ground. "You're covering up the imperfections and I can't be perfect anymore." Troy gave me a really confused look, "Gabi, I am just trying to get the bleeding to stop. Let me put a Band-Aid on there for just a little bit and then you can take it off and be imperfect again."

I just looked at him and then down at my bleeding knee before letting the tears finally fall. "I'm ridiculous. I don't know how you can stand to be around me." I said quietly and Troy sat me on the picnic table. "You are in a rough spot," Troy said quietly, "I heard the conversation with your mom Gabi. You are tired of having to do everything perfectly. I get it. If I was held to the standards, I would probably be going just as crazy."

He put two Band-Aids on my knee and then he pulled at my hands. He was gently and easy going. "You're really intense on the basketball court Gabi, like really intense. It's a little crazy to watch you." He said quietly, "Is that where you normally lost yourself to the high standards of perfection was the basketball court? You were already perfect and intense." I smiled and nodded my head as Troy brushed his fingers to get the gravel out of my hand.

"I want to watch you play a game Gabi," I nodded my head and Troy glanced at me. I looked at him when I smiled, "I have an idea." I told him as he finished putting Band-Aids on my body. "Do you want to do any organized basketball or are you done for the day?" he asked me and I laughed, "I'm done for the day. I came here after I left you." Troy's eyes bugged out of his head because I had been here for a good five hours.

"Gabi, you need to slow down. You need to take care of your knees, please. I want to watch you tear up those girls. I want you to come kick our ass and make us run." I smiled and I looked at Troy, "I was telling Lauren this morning that I should probably take a step back from you Troy Bolton," he looked at me with alarm on his face, "Because I was laying in your bed this morning with your t-shirt on and when you were talking to me I only wanted you to climb in that bed with me. I didn't want to have sex with you. I just wanted to lay with you. In your arms." His blue eyes flickered to my lips and but quickly pulled away.

"But you're an addiction Troy Bolton. A complete drug and I get around you and I forget about my other life. You let me cry and let me tell you…in my basketball days I did not cry. I did not cry during those years but since then I have been a hot mess." Troy smiled and he nodded, "What idea do you have for us to do?" I grinned from ear to ear. Troy let a sly smile on his face.

"I'm going to make my body imperfect." I told him and he raised an eyebrow as I grinned.


Troy's POV

She pulled me into a tattoo shop and I wish she was drunk because that would be easier to explain but she wasn't. She was perfectly coherent and she really wanted to do this. I tried to talk her down and out of it but she wouldn't even budge. I text Grey and Lauren about her five-hour basketball playing. They were both coming up here to see this insane idea go down and I even told her about it and she just laughed.

She laughed and told me that she was excited.

I couldn't get over what she told me earlier about wanting to just lay in my bed with me.

I needed to get that out of my head.

"Hi, I want a tattoo," she greeted quickly and I looked at the guy in front of us. His arms bigger than my head and tattoos going from his neck down to his ankles. He had no hair and piercing though his ear. Gabi jumped up with excitement and I looked at her again wondering what she had thought of now.

"I am getting a nose piercing too!" she said looking at me and I let my mouth fall open. She giggled as she leaned over the counter talking to the guy as I could only run my fingers through my hair. I followed her as she was so excited about this. She brushed her fingers through her own hair before pinning it up on top of her head. The door opened to reveal Lauren and Grey, "Gabriella," Grey threatened and she turned around with a smile on her face.

"I'm going this Grey, I am. I am doing this." She was confident and unwavering in her decision. "Man, what did you do to cause this?" I threw my hands up in the air, "I went and watched her play basketball for two hours without stopping. Then she tells me she had been there since she left the coffee shop with her mom. That was five hours and I don't know how she isn't exhausted because she never knew I was there until she fell and scrapped her knees and hands."

Grey rubbed his jaw as Lauren and Gabi talked quietly, "Lauren told me what Gabi said this morning. Do you know?" I nodded my head because I did know and I was trying to push it away. "Yes, I know. Yes, I know that maybe we should be taking a step back from each other but she was right when she told me I was a drug to her and she was addicted because I'm the same way. When I'm around her everything is different."

"Stop, you two need to stop," Grey tried to stress it over and over again but I couldn't get myself to stop. I just turned to look at her as she pulled off her sweaty t-shirt and the tattoo artist was already making marks on her body with a sharpie. I watched as she was pointing to her collarbone and I sat down in one of the chairs as Grey followed suit as his girlfriend took over helping Gabi. I pressed my palms into my eye socket.

"Last night she wanted me to lay in bed with her and I let her go first in my room to change hoping she would fall asleep so I didn't have to disappoint her when I had to tell her no," I mumbled and Grey looked at me hoping for a good end to this story, "And she was already asleep by the time I got in there but she was wearing my t-shirt with no pants and I was slipping last night. All I wanted to do was walking in there and do as she asked me to do."

"I'm proud buddy, that would be a hard thing to walk away from." I looked at him and nodded my head, "And then she was fighting and crying with her mom this morning and I don't know. I just want to wrap her in my arms and take her away so she can be who she wants to be." I heard a hiss from her and my attention quickly diverted to her as they had already begun the tattoo process. I started to get up but she shook her head.

"No," she said, "My boobs are half hanging out here and I don't want you to see." I frowned and just nodded as I turned to face Grey again as he smiled at me. "You're in for it buddy, you're in for it."


Gabi's POV

"Are you sure you want the piecing today too?" the guy asked, his name was Shawn and we were becoming quite good friends after he tattooed my skin and now was going to put a stud in my nose. "Yes, do you have a bundle package?" I asked him and he let a smirk grow over his face, "No. We don't." he said laughing and I smiled as I looked down at my tattoo that was covered up with white tape to protect it.

My eyes drifted to Grey, Lauren, and Troy all sitting around waiting on me. I refused to let Troy or Grey see my tattoo because I was suddenly wanting it all to myself. I could hide the thing for as long as I would like because it was in a spot that was hide able. "Troy," I called and he looked up at me with exhaustion in his eyes. I shouldn't have dragged him here but he would have come to me anyways. He would have asked and I would have told him what I was doing.

"I'm about to get my nose pierced, come help me pick out a stud." I said and he pushed himself up and walked over to me. I showed him the different options and he studied them and flipped the thing over to look at the other side. "What month is your birthday?" he asked, I smiled, "December." I answered and he nodded his head as December was a pretty color. There was no denying that. "When is yours?" I asked him.

"November," he answered looking at me and I gave him a sly smile because he was a month older than me. Maybe not even that long. "What day?" I pressed and he laughed as he continued to look at the chart again. "The 10th." He said as he pointed to the one in the top that was an imperfect circle of a diamond. "That one," he said pointing to it and I smiled looking up at him, "I like it." I mused and I told the guy I wanted that one.

Troy began to walk away when I grabbed his arm, "Stay." I told him, "I don't have my boobs hanging out anymore and I don't want Lauren to lecture me anymore." Troy nodded with a smile as he stayed with me, "My birthday is December 1st." I told him and I looked at him with a serious look on my face. "I'm glad you'll turn fifty before me." I said and he smiled nodding his head, "I will turn fifty before you but I will also turn 21 before you."

"You see…" I said dragging out, "That way you can take me out for my birthday. It's a win for all."

I looked at the dude grabbing my piercing and I looked back at Troy. "You should get a tattoo." I smiled, "Maybe after you let me see yours." He bargained and I smiled shaking my head. "No. Sorry. After the swelling and everything goes down."

"Then it would be perfect. I thought you wanted me to see the imperfections," he countered and I shook my head with a laugh, "Nice try Mr. Bolton. Nice Try." I grabbed his hand and his eyes took me in while they pieced my nose but I barely flinched but he kept me calm. "All done," the guy said, I let go of his hand but our eyes were connected still. He leaned forward to look at my nose ring and he smiled, "It looks good."

"Thank you," I turned to grab my debit card as he went over all of my post tattoo and piercing care. I smiled as the guy came back with my payment, "Pleasure working with you," he said and I nodded thanking him as I hopped off the table.

"Alright friends, let's go." I said. They all followed and the boys both begged to see my tattoo that was on my collar bone but it was a secret for now. It was mine. I didn't want to share just yet.


Friday, October 6th, 2017

"Gabriella," I looked up at my dad as I tried to remain calm and not react. I was trying to be casual.

"Yes?" I answered looking up at him blinking my eyes completely innocent, "What is in your nose?" he asked examining me and I smiled, "Nothing." I answered. I tried to move but he pulled me back, "Is that a nose ring?" I nodded my head finally, "Yup." I answered, "I'm glad you could tell." He frowned, "Gabi, what is that image sending?"

"I don't care." I answered honestly, "I have stopped being perfect dad. I am perfectly imperfect now? Does that make you happy?" he frowned looking at me with a shake of his head. "No more," he said with a glance and I just nodded my head as I began to take down stats of the drills they were running. After a daylong of classes, I was ready for the weekend. Vivian's baby shower was coming up and I had to finish planning that so I took tomorrow off from the basketball team to go shopping to get my final things for her baby shower.

It was all about Woodland Creatures and I was so excited when she asked me to be the host. We were using their house down in Charlotte but most of our family would all be there. I had most of everything ready and I had my brother taking Viv out for the day to allow me and her sister, Grace, to set up. Grace was just a couple years younger than me and was completely helpful with setting everything up down there. She ordered the cake and got the food handled.

She was a true blessing.

"How are my free throw stats?" Troy walked up as he peered over towards the laptop with the practice stats. "Better." I answered looking up at him and he rose his eyebrows while reaching up to wipe away his sweat. "What were they before?" he questioned, "Bad," I answered and he laughed nodding his head, "Alright, alright," he walked away when Grey came over. "Do you want to go out tonight?" I shook my head, "No. I am driving to Charlotte after practice for the weekend. I have to make sure everything is ready for Vivian's baby shower next weekend."

Grey rolled his eyes, "Okay."

"Don't get an attitude with me." I replied looking at him and he looked back at me. "Greyson," he stiffened at his full name. "Don't." he said defensively, "Wait, wait, your name is Greyson?" Troy came up behind him and I laughed quietly to myself for letting the cat out of the bag. Grey groaned, "Yes, my name is Greyson but I swear to God, if you ever actually call me Greyson I will fight you." Troy laughed, "Okay." He said nodding his head, "Okay."

"Only my mother can call me Greyson." Grey bit and I laughed this time, "Even the game day things call him Grey. He hates Greyson," I spoke and Troy nodded, "I'll remember that." Troy said and I laughed shaking my head and I knew Grey was in trouble with Troy. "Grey, Troy, improve your free throws instead of talking with Gabi." They both didn't question but ran off. I looked at the guys and noticed that they were off with free throw shooters and rebounders.

"Dad, can I shoot?" I called out and he looked around and nodded as I quickly hopped over the scoreboard. I grabbed a basketball before going to shoot on the other side of Troy. I threw my hair into a messy bun and watched Troy sink a free throw. I followed him and it only went straight through the hoop. "You haven't lost it Gabi," I smiled as I looked over at Troy who was trying to hide his grin. We were both working so hard for so many different things.

We finished out and Troy and I were the only two with a perfect score. "Alright you two," my dad challenged, "Shoot until you miss. Grey, count Gabi. Anderson, count Troy." We both began to shoot one taking a turn on each end. It was quiet among the gym as we were both hitting them easily without much of an effort. "Bolton, how have you improved?" my dad finally asked, "When Gabi helps me with the plays we work on free throws as well."

My dad looked at me because he knew that I was suddenly playing more basketball than I should be playing. "How interesting." Troy gave me a concerned look but I just turned and sank another free throw. We did this until we both hit one hundred and we clapped hands. His blue eye caught mine and I smiled. Our relationship was so imperfect that it was perfect. It was perfectly imperfect. I took in a deep breath as he winked before they resumed practice again.

I was sweating profusely as I went over to take a drink of water. "Gabi, are you playing basketball with them?" my dad came over to stand next to me and I swallowed the lump on my throat. "Yes," I told him honestly, "When I help Troy with plays I have Anderson and Grey come out to help. It is always more helpful to learn plays by doing them. So, we go to a little court and we play. He learns. I get to play a little bit."

My dad exhaled, "How is your knee holding up?"

"It's fine dad. It hasn't hurt in weeks."

He looked over with a smile, "Good. Maybe you can help with practices more?" I grinned, "Yes!" My dad smiled walking away. I couldn't contain my own smile because this was another way to practice. I was going to walk onto that team next year. I was going to convince everybody to clear me and to let me play again. I didn't care if I needed a full knee replacement at some point. I just wanted to play my career my own way. I wanted to end it my way.

It would help me stay away from Troy too. When I played basketball, I didn't care for guys. I just didn't care and I knew if I could get back to the regular schedule. I took a deep breath and I smiled satisfied with everything.


Troy's POV

Monday, October 9th, 2017

I collapsed on my bed but my door burst open again, "Gabriella," I muttered and she laughed, "I wanted to show you my tattoo. It's finally healed." I sat up and I looked at her with curiosity. I bit down on my lip and she eased her shirt down to reveal her collarbone. I stood up and I let my thumb fall over the scribbled words as I felt her breathing falter as she sucked in a gasp of air from my touch.

"It's beautiful," I told her quietly and she looked up at me. Our lips were so close together and I knew I needed to take a step back. I knew I needed too but I could only hold my desire. I let my fingers trace every single line on her body. My own breathing went shallow and I finally moved my hand away from her as she took a step back. "Maybe we need to spend this week apart," she said almost breathless.

I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to ruin anything. I didn't want to spend this week apart. I only wanted to pull her closer to me. "Maybe," I answered looking back at her and she nodded her head taking another step back. "Just this week. I'll be working on the baby shower stuff anyways." She was trying to tell herself that it was going to be okay. I knew we would be okay. I didn't want to be okay though.

"Yea, after you get back from Charlotte next week." I said looking at her and she smiled, "Yea, it's our long break." I stumbled over and she nodded her head. "Hopefully things will be better when I get back. We won't be needy." She said with a laugh and I smiled at her because hopefully it was true but I would do anything to keep touching that tattoo. "I'll see you around. I won't be a practice much because of the baby shower. My dad gave me the excuse."

I nodded with a smile, "I'll see you around then?" Gabi nodded and she then backed out of the room. I laid back on the bed with a groan escaping my mouth. I closed my eyes and I could see the tattoo again and the heat of her skin on my fingertips.

Perfectly Imperfect

She was now marked forever making her exactly what she wanted to be: imperfect.


Yikes…

So, I thought this was the BIG chapter…but it isn't. Stay tuned for that one. Though…this was a fun chapter.

Please Review this chapter too!

J

NEXT UPDATE: Tune in for a Christmas Eve special