Chapter 9-I miss you

'Troy, put me down!' Gabriella squealed as she hung to Troy's neck for dear life.

'No, I'm sick of you having to sit down!' Troy said as he gave her a piggy back through the hospital.

'But, I've got to use my legs for them to get better.' Gabriella said.

Troy sighed and let go of her. 'But, I don't like seeing you hurt.'

Gabriella rolled her eyes and held onto his arm. 'I'm fine. You've just got to be patient.'

Troy smiled. 'I'll wait forever if I have to.'

Gabriella walked up to a desk and addressed the nurse. 'Gabriella Montez.'

'Okay, take a seat.' The nurse smiled politely, indicating some seats.

Gabriella sat down, holding Troy's hand. 'I'm glad Lindsay's expelled.' Troy said absent-mindedly.

'Uh-huh.' Gabriella agreed while Troy rubbed his hand on her thigh.

'What's up?' Troy asked, concerned.

'I dunno. It's just...Nevermind.' Gabriella started fiddling with the hem of her shirt.

'No, tell me.' Troy said softly, brushing some hair out of her face.

'Well, I-' Gabriella started.

'Gabriella?' A male voice asked.

Gabriella looked up and saw John, her physiotherapist. He was young, just graduated and Gabriella was glad Troy was there. John could be a bit clingy. 'Come on, Troy.'

Troy followed Gabriella into the room and sat down on a chair.

'Brie, how are your legs?' John asked, sitting on the other side of the desk.

Gabriella felt Troy squeeze her hand tighter so she gave a reassuring smile. 'It's Gabriella and they're fine. Troy's been helping me but I still need to sit down every so often.'

'And, I assume you're Troy?' John questioned in an annoyed tone.

'Yes, I'm Troy, Brie's my girlfriend.' Troy grinned slightly at John's face.

Gabriella smiled. 'So, what have I got to do today?'

John was silent for a moment and then stood up. 'Well, if you stand up and I'll show you some exercises.'

Gabriella stood up hesitantly, pulling her skirt down slightly so her legs weren't as bare. John started showing her different exercises and every so often, he would brush her leg, causing Gabriella to tense up.

Troy stood up. 'Is it okay if I talk to Brie outside for a moment? Her brother just text me, it's important.'

John glared. 'Fine.'

Troy pulled Gabriella out of the room. 'Are you okay?'

Gabriella turned around and grabbed his shirt, sobbing into his chest. 'He won't leave me alone. That's why my brothers or Dad always come. I thought he'd stop with my boyfriend in the room but he won't.'

Troy hugged her and stroked her hair. 'Listen, here's what we're going to do. I'm going to take you home, make you my famous hot chocolate and I'll sleep over at your house, okay?'

Gabriella nodded. 'Thanks Troy.' She leaned up and kissed him sweetly on the lips.

Troy pulled back. 'I'll be out in a minute.' Troy went back into the room.

Gabriella wiped her tears and leaned on the wall. 'I hate my life.' Gabriella muttered.

Troy returned and hugged her. 'Don't let me hear you say that ever again.' He whispered into her hair.

'Guys, guys!' Dan ran towards them.

Gabriella pulled back. 'What is it, Dan?'

'It's Mum. She's been in a car accident and I know who did it.' Dan stated.

'Who?' Troy asked for Gabriella.

'The police found this.' Dan held up a pink number plate for a car that said 'H0T STUFF'.

'There's only one person in the world who would have that number plate.' Troy said, rubbing Gabriella's back.

'How is she?' Gabriella whispered.

'She's in intensive care. Mike's with her.' Dan replied but Troy could tell he was fighting the tears. 'They don't think she's going to make it.'

Gabriella started sobbing into Troy's shirt. 'Where is she?'

Dan ran a hand down his face. 'This way.'

Troy and Gabriella followed, her grip on his arm tightening every step they took. Troy put his arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head. 'I'm sorry.' He whispered.

'Me too.' She cried as they entered the room and saw her lifeless mother.

'Come on, Mike. Let's go get some coffee.' Dan pulled his brother out of the room.

Gabriella held her mother's hand. 'Troy, is it wrong that I still love her?'

Troy wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. 'I wouldn't hate her if I were you.' He whispered in her ear. He kissed her neck lightly and rested his chin on her shoulder.

Gabriella turned in his arms and gripped his shirt, hiding her face in it. Troy hugged her tightly. 'Troy, I just want you to hold me.'

'Then, I'll never let go.' Troy kissed her forehead.

Gabriella looked up into his eyes. 'Thank you, Troy.' Troy leaned down and captured her lips in a sweet, yet passionate, kiss.

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One month later...

Gabriella fidgeted in her seat. 'Troy, I can't do this.' She whispered.

'No one's making you do anything. I'll sing it if you want.' Troy offered, hating seeing his girlfriend so distressed.

Gabriella shook her head. 'I've got to do this.'

Gabriella and Troy stood up and walked to the front of the church. Gabriella was wearing a black dress and Troy wearing a simple black suit. Gabriella sat on a chair with a guitar and Troy sat at some drums. 'I'd like to dedicate this song to my mother, Eva Montez. She may have hurt me during these past years but I still love her with all of my heart.'

You used to call me your angel,

Said I was sent straight down from heaven,

You'd hold me close in your arms,

I loved the way you felt so strong,

I never wanted you to leave,

I wanted you to stay here holding me,

I miss you,

I miss your smile,

And I still shed a tear,

Every once in a while,

And even though it's different now,

You're still here somehow,

My heart won;t let you go,

And I need you to know,

I miss you,

Sha-la-la-la-la

I miss you

Gabriella put her guitar down and stood up. 'She may have done a lot of things wrong but, I didn't get to say good-bye.' Gabriella pulled Troy back to their seats and Chad rubbed her knee comfortingly.

'Good job, Gabs.' Taylor smiled at her and they turned their attention back to Father John who was taking Eva Montez's funeral.