The Other Side Of The Rainbow

Part 6 - Four Years Later.

Troy's eyes were glued to the desk. He watched in fascination as the rubber on the end of his pencil vibrated as it hit the hard surface. The pencil would shake as it hit the wood of the desk, but somehow find the strength to pull itself back up, into that final jump. It amazed him. How something could go on and on for as long as it wanted, he would never know. Even though it looked like Troy was watching the pencil intently, his mind was other places.

It had been four years since he had left home and entered the college world. His nerves had finally calmed down as soon as he had met Chad, his best friend for the last few years. They had gone through everything together. Now they were really close. But Troy had grown up in the last few years. In many different ways.

He knew that the world was a big place, and his future could still go anywhere it chose. He would have decisions to make, and some would be made for him. But he was happy, and sure hw would take the ride. He knew where he wanted to go in life, what he wanted to do. Everything in that area was fine.

He had come to find a close groups of friends, people he would never forget, and was convinced he would spend the rest of his life staying close to them. The last few years had been trying, but he had got through it all. And he was sure that if he hadn't had them by his side, he wouldn't have got where he was today. For that, he was grateful.

And now, 3 days away from returning home. He realised he didn't want to go. On that first day of college, he knew he had wanted to run away and hide. He had thought that college wasn't the way for him, and that the only way he could be happy, was if he wasn't there. But, 4 years on, he knew he had worked well, found new things, grown up in more ways than one, and finally thought nothing was missing from his new, more improved life.

Nothing.

Except one thing.

Gabriella Montez.

Yes, he still thought about her. Yes, he still hadn't thrown away the pictures of her. Yes, he still kept in touch with her, occasionally. And Yes, he hadn't forgotten their pact. And that was one of the things that made Troy nervous but excited about returning home.

"Mr Bolton?"

His pencil dropped from his fingers and rolled around the table before eventually stopping. His eyes shot up, connected with his teacher, and a lazy, yet guilty smile travelled onto his face.

"Sorry. Just day-dreaming." His voice drifted up to the teachers ears, and the teacher, Mr Mixton, found himself smiling back.

"I realise you are all looking forward to going home, and have all probably starting packing. But, even though you have graduated already, it doesn't mean you can sit back and relax. Now, back to the strength of the back bone…"

Sure, he wasn't supposed to relax. But he couldn't help it. Every time he saw her face in his head, there was no doubt in his mind he still loved her. He hadn't met anyone else. In the four years he had been there, there had been no-one with any structure. Sure, he'd had the odd fling, but somehow every time he even looked at another girl, he kept comparing to Gabriella. And no-one would even come close.

Of course, there was always the small matter of if she had met someone.

But, that was for another day.

His eyes drifted to his wrist watch and he noted the time. And date. It had been exactly four years, to this day, that he had left Gabriella, her going for college. He let his mind drift back to the day she left…

Flashback

They just stared into each other's eyes, not wanting to let go. Troy dropped the box into the back of Gabriella's car, forcing his eyes away from hers. She reached up and ran one finger along his jawline. His eyes closed as he took in the feeling of Gabriella's touch.

"I'll miss you."

Gabriella stated the obvious. Troy grabbed her hand and rubbed his with hers. He looked into her eyes, telling her that everything would be ok.

"We'll never forget each other." Troy whispered.

Gabriella rushed into Troy's arms, shoving her neck into the crook of his. Troy's arms wound round Gabriella small body and they stood still, just loving the feeling of being together.

They must have stood there for about 15 minutes. Neither wanted to let either go. Troy heard Gabriella's soft sobs come from her mouth and he gently shushed her.

"You can call, you know. Any time. Except at like, 2 in the morning, that might be a bit...wrong."

Gabriella giggled at his silliness as she tried to calm herself down. She lifted her head and looked deep into his eyes, resisting the temptation to run away with him forever, never needing to leave.

--

"I have a plan!"

"Gabriella. No more 'plans'. They get you into trouble, and plus, babe, they never work." He added the last bit sarcastically, and saw her smile turn into an annoyed pout.

"But this one will." She whispered victoriously.

--

Troy came to the window, which was now wound up, ready to drive.

"Don't forget me." He said almost inaudibly.

She blew him a kiss.

And then she was gone.

End of Flashback

Gabriella smiled as the memory of the day she left floated into her head. She had really missed him. His touch. The way he could make her smile, or laugh at the stupidest things.

But in the end, she had convinced herself he had moved on. She stopped getting constant messages, and he didn't phone as much as he used to. She figured he'd met someone else, it was allowed. And as soon as she'd seen that, James had happened. James was nice, caring, helpful… everything a boyfriend ought to be. But something was missing, and deep down, although she didn't want to admit it, something was missing. And she knew exactly what is was.

Troy.

She let the tape wind itself around the box, and smiled as her roommate Taylor hummed as she filled her boxes also. Taylor and her had become very close friends during the past four years of college. The did everything together, basically like sisters. Taylor knew all about Gabriella, and Gabriella about her. In roommate status's, she was the perfect one.

"Tape please."

Gabriella passed her the tape while she got down on her hands and knees. Gabriella got up and moved the box onto a pile at the other side of the room. She then collapsed on her bed, got comfy and stared out the window.

It was rainy outside, and now that classes were over the grounds of East California University were empty. It was strange looking at it with no one there, it seemed life-less.

She checked her watch, wound back 5 hours, and realised that Troy would probably be in class right now, twiddling his thumbs or playing with his pencil, while pretending to listen. What he probably was really thinking about was his girl. Not Gabriella. Someone else.

"You're thinking about him again, Gabs."

Her eyes snapped to Taylor, and she rolled her eyes.

"Well, it's pretty easy to let the mind wander. Am I really that obvious? Should I get help? I mean, it's been fours years. I've been with James for three, and somehow I just don't get that spark." Gabriella spoke her mind, glad to get that off her chest.

Taylor sighed, moving to her bed, opposite Gabriella. "Honey, you still love him don't you."

Gabriella rubbed her head in her hands.

"I don't know, Taylor. I don't know anymore…"


Another part finished. Thanks to everyone who is reading this story. It means a lot to me, cos I realise i left it for about 5 months before picking it up again. Anyways, you should know that there are probably about 3-4 more parts left. I have two endings in mind, but still havent dcided which one to choose. So, please read below and tell me which one you would like to see. I've tried to not give too much away.

1) Troy and Gabriella meet back in Albuquerue.

2) Troy and Gabriella don't meet, but see each other from afar.

Tell me what you think. Anyways, I'll be posting the next part next week. So, look out for it :)

Review!