They were childhood friends and soon became enemies as soon as Middle School started. They're now in High School and what would happen if they get thrown into an arranged marriage?

CHAPTER TEN

Troy's POV

I've been taking care of Gabriella since the moment I set her down on my bed. I texted my mom and told her that Gabriella was with me, in case Mrs. Montez freaks out because she hasn't gone home yet. She told mom to let Gabriella stay here for a while since, unfortunately, they were going on a business trip, of course visiting Gabriella before leaving.

The Montez's asked mom and dad if it was alright if she gets to stay with us with the time being that she is sick. Heck, my mom even said that she could stay with us the whole time while they're on their business trip. Bottom line is, she's staying with us.

It was already 6 pm and I was in the middle of doing my homework when a soft knock came from the door. I got up and rushed to the door, afraid that it might wake up Gabriella. Relieved that it was just my mom, I let her in.

"Hey mom" I whispered.

"Hey honey. Have you guys eaten yet?" she said while sitting beside Gabriella, slowly stroking her head.

"I did but Gabriella ate a few hours ago. Zeke made her some chicken soup" slowly getting back to my desk.

"That was nice of him. Did you give her some medicine?" she then came up over to me.

"Yeah. I gave it to her when she finished eating"

"That's good. I just hope she feels better. I wonder how she got sick though…"

There was a pang on my chest, like a bullet of a knife stabbing me. Knowing that I was the reason why she was sick made me guilty enough.

"Anyways, thanks for taking care of her Troy. I know that things have been hard for you for the past week but I guess this is a somewhat fortunate way to bring more closure between you guys." She then kissed me at the forehead, heading to Gabriella to do the same thing and out the door.

I woke up to the sound of tossing and turning on my bed. I still slept in my room, on the floor, while Gabriella was still in bed so that I can keep a close eye on her. I rolled over to my side, seeing that it was about 1 in the morning.

Hearing whimpering and moaning, I shot up heading to Gabriella. I immediately went to her, trying to calm her down. Seeing no use, I grabbed a new towel, setting it on her forehead.

"it all hurts too much" she said in a hushed whimper while a tear trailing down her cheek

I kissed her forehead and caressed her face, doing as if it would somehow make her feel better

After a few minutes, she calmed down and went back to sleep. Thankful that she was experiencing less pain, I went back to bed.

I got up 5 hours later groaning cause I still have school to attend to. It was about 6:30 and I was in the kitchen counter eating breakfast. I was thinking who'd be taking care of Gabriella when I'm in school. Decided to just text mom to let her take care of Gabriella when she gets home after her unexpected overtime shift last night.

Rushing out of the kitchen to go to my room, I halted to a stop at the foot of the stairs. I saw a sleepy and still weak looking Gabriella going down the stairs, on step at a time, her eyes closed.

"Good Morning" I softly said to her

She half opened her eyes and gave me a weak smile. "Good Morning, Troy" she mumbled.

My heart skipped a beat when she said my name.

"How are you feeling? You do know you don't need to go to school today right?" I stated a matter of factly.

"I'm feeling a bit better, thanks to you" I blushed at that, thankful that she couldn't see my clearly "I know that I don't have to go to school. I was just thirsty and I needed a glass of water since I ran out upstairs" she said, descending slowly down the stairs.

Scared for her safety, I rushed up beside her and scooped her in my arms. She immediately rested her head in my chest. I just hope she doesn't hear the fast beating of my heart. But somehow, her in my arms felt so right.

"You could've called for me you know? Now, I have to worry twice as much. You being sick and you trying not to injure yourself while walking around the house still weak." That came out like word vomit. I just admitted that I care for her, but it's not bad right? Before taking back what I said, she immediately responded

"Sorry. I wouldn't want to bother you anymore since you already did so much for me. Plus, I didn't know the time so I wasn't sure if you were still at home or not." She said in a soft whisper as I set her down in a stool by the kitchen counter.

"True though but don't walk around the house when you're still sick. You'll just injure yourself." I said while grabbing a glass of water for her.

"Sorry" she muttered looking down at the table. Looking as if she had just been scolded by her mother.

"It's alright. Do you want anything else? Hot cocoa? Breakfast?" I asked rather fast

"No. I just really wanted water. I'm not that hungry yet.." she trailed off drinking her glass

"Since I won't be here for the rest of the day, I'll text my mom to take care of you while I'm gone once she gets home. Will you be fine by then?" She nodded.

"Well, now that you've got your water, do you intend on getting back to bed?" again, she nodded "And how do you intend on getting back up there?" I asked in a playful tone. She turned to me and stretched her arms.

I softly laughed and carried her off her stool. Going up, I could hear her heavy breathing. Looking down at her, I saw that she was already asleep.

Softly kicking the door open, I saw that the opposite side of the bed was full of tissue. Putting her on the bed, I tucked her in making sure she was warm and comfortable.

"Thanks, Troy" I heard her say softly, her eyes already closed.

"You're welcome, Gabi. See you later" I replied in a whisper, kissing her forehead.

Grabbing my backpack and phone, I started going down the stairs, texting mom at the same time. Reaching the door, I turned back looking at my doorway. I hope that she'll be fine until mom comes home.

I hope that she'll get better, period.

I'm having some difficult time on writing the chapters after this. If anyone is willing to help me, it would be very grateful. I really want to finish this fanfic so that I don't leave you guys hanging. If you're willing to help me or throw ideas at me, just PM me. :)