Chapter 11 – Jealousy

Troy's POV

Thursday, November 9th, 2017

I waited impatiently at the airport as I looked around for my parents. Hallie had to work late and I had practice soon as it was the night before our official first game tomorrow night and it was my birthday. I still wasn't starting even though I had two great exhibition games. Coach was highly impressed and nothing could be going better right now. Hallie, Gabi, and I had found a smooth patch in our relationship but I rarely saw Gabi anymore.

We didn't play basketball that often anymore with the team's intense schedule right now and our Rents schedule was off. I looked again as I haven't seen my parents since they dropped me off in August. I was so excited to see them but I was really hoping they were on time. They were here for two games before heading back to Seaside but I would see them again in just a few weeks when we were in Portland for a tournament.

I finally spotted my mom as she was craning her neck looking around for her 6'7 son. Moving through the crowd she quickly spotted me with a big grin coming over her face. She dropped her bag and wrapped me in her arms tightly, "I have missed you so much." She whispered and I laughed hugging her tightly. My mom was just a little over six foot causing our hugs to never be too awkward. "I've missed you too." I told her.

I felt arms wrap around my legs and I couldn't help but feel my heart swell, "Audge," I breathed picking her up and she wrapped her arms around my tightly as I felt her crying against my neck. I closed my eyes as I squeezed her tightly against me, "I've missed you," she bubbled with tears running down her face and I smiled brushing away the ones I could get too. "Maybe we can have a movie night tonight." I told her and she nodded as I gave her a tight hug again.

Finally, I was able to greet my dad as he hugged me tightly. "How is everything?" he asked quietly and I shrugged, "Okay," I said to him. He nodded as he knew we would talk more later when it was just the two of us. "Alright, I asked coach if you guys could come to practice and he said it was cool. He would like to talk to you some anyways about Thanksgiving." They all smiled as Audrey picked up my hand as we walked to my car.

"Jake couldn't get away?" I asked, "He is busy with school and sports right now. He really wanted too." I nodded, "I'll call him tonight. Just to let him know you passed that on." My dad smiled as we got to the car and I quickly made my way to practice. I was running a bit behind but it would be okay. "Audge, do you want to stay in my apartment with me tonight? I think Hallie is going over to a co-worker's house tonight." I told her and she grinned from ear to ear.

"Please!"

"I even know of a basketball court that we could play at like the one at home." She smiled and I knew this was probably something that she needed. I pulled up to the gym as I hurried everybody through the door. I led them to the court as my dad couldn't help but stop to admire everything, "I have to go change in the locker room. Make yourselves comfortable." I said and they looked around as I scurried off to the locker room.

Flying through the door I was already pulling off my shirt as I ran straight into Gabi. She stopped short and I nodded, "I'm running late," I said and she nodded, "Yea, I realized that." She told me and I rolled my eyes as I went into the locker room. "Late?" Grey said walking out the door laughing and I just shook my head as I pulled on my practice jersey with my shorts leaving behind everything that I normally wore underneath.

I grabbed my mouth guard as the trainer came through, "Troy, you didn't get your ankle taped." She warned and I sighed, "I'm sorry Allie, I was getting my parents at the airport and their flight was late." I gave her my best apologizes as I ran to the court with my ankle braces and shoes in hand. I double layered my socks and then finally slipped on my ankle braces tying them up and stuffing my feet into my shoes. I tied those twice before hopping up to grab a ball.

Barely breathing as coach would kick my ass if I wasn't ready on time and I was trying to become a starter. Grey stood behind me, "Glad to see them?" I nodded with a smile, "Yea, they surprised me with Audrey. It was really good to see her." Grey turned around and spotted my family with a smile. I shot a few more shots before our strength and conditioning coach came to warm all of us up. We finished stretching together as we began to run drills.

The intensity of the practice quickly caught up to me as I played hard and moved quickly. I shot really well and barely took a break to breathe or drink as I didn't want to mess up my tempo through practice. "Troy," Coach called my name during free throws and I jogged over, "Yes?" I asked as I pulled my practice jersey off to wipe off sweat but was only found with more sweat. "You are working exceptionally hard today." I nodded, "I am just trying to make myself better so the team will be better." Coach smiled as if I pulled his favorite line out of a hat. "I appreciate it. Your family looks highly proud of you and frankly, so am I. I can't make you a starter yet because you have to work harder but I want you to know I see it. If you continue to keep it up you'll be a starter by conference." I couldn't hide my grin as I thanked him and quickly returned to practice.

My eyes looked over to see Gabi talking with another manager when I zeroed in on her neck. I felt my heart pound as I felt my world turn in circles for a moment as I could barely breathe. Is this why I haven't seen her around? Why didn't she tell me she was seeing somebody? I could barely breathe but then I thought about Hallie and I knew I had my fair share of marks on my neck since showing up. The guys teased me about them and she just turned the other direction.

Going back to basketball I just focused on that until the very end of the practice. When we finished running I just went straight to the locker room without saying much of anything. I quickly peeled off my clothes and headed to the showers. I then changed back into my jeans and long sleeve t-shirt with my team travel shoes. I pulled on my jacket, "You okay? Your mood changed after talking to coach," Grey said coming up next to me.

I shook my head, "No, coach only said good things. It was something else. I am just going to hang with my family for a bit. Can you and Lauren not hang around the apartment tonight? I am going to bring Audrey back." Grey nodded, "No problem." I thanked him as I walked back out and I looked at Gabi talking to her dad about something but I just went right back over to my parents. "You look great Troy," my mom said, "You've truly grown so talented since you left home."

"I hear you are responsible for making Troy a basketball star," her voice sent my goosebumps up my back and my hair stood up. My mom laughed, "Yea, I went to Oregon to play basketball." She said and Gabi looked at her impressed, "You didn't tell me that." Gabi said looking at me and I just nodded, "My mom was great. Just wait until you eat my dad's food." I told her and she smiled, "I can't wait. Troy is really excited about showing Seaside off."

"Yea, it will be a lot of fun. Guys, I would like you to meet one of our managers and Coach's daughter…Gabi. Gabi this is my mom, dad, and little sister." Gabi greeted all of them and my dad shared a look with me and I shared a look with him. "It was nice to meet all of you." She said and then went off as I looked at my parents, "Are you ready?"

Gabi's POV

I laughed over dinner with Dallas as we had completely hit it off. We were basically spending most free time together but I was also avoiding him with Troy. I had a Rent's employee give me his schedule and I completely avoided the coffee house with Dallas at all costs. He didn't care for basketball too much so he didn't come to games and I was just trying to keep this from Troy because he didn't need distractions now.

I kept trying to figure out why I was hiding the relationship but maybe I wanted to make sure it was right before I did introduce him to the basketball team. Also known as my 18 brothers that I didn't really ask for. Dallas didn't seem too clue in too much on my avoidance of places but it was okay. We were still new with each other and we were happy. "Do you want to come back to my apartment after this?" he asked me and I smiled looking down at my hand, "I don't know. Can we just hang out? I don't know if I'm ready for our relationship to just take that next step yet." I told him honestly and he nodded his head, "Of course."

We continued talking and finishing our dinner as I looked down at my phone to see a message from Grey.

Throwing Troy, a surprise birthday party tomorrow after the game. Just wanted to make sure you were invited. Also, where have you been lately? I see you at practice but never outside of it. You and Bolton okay?

I sighed, "Actually, Dallas, I don't want to seem rude or not think you are telling the truth. I believe that we could just hang out but it seems that my roommate is having a dilemma. Do you care if I go back to the apartment? I'll make it up to you, I promise." I said holding onto his hand and he smiled, "Anything Gabs, but promise me that we can move onto something more official." He said with a big green sparkle in his eye and I felt goosebumps run down my body.

"You want to go official?" I asked him and he nodded his head, "I was going to ask you at my apartment but if you have to go save lives," I laughed nodding as I got up and sat on his lap, "Absolutely." I whispered kissing him and his let his hand slid up my skirt but I reached down to stop him before it got too far. "Thank you," he whispered into my ear and I smiled kissing him once more before we headed off.

He dropped me off at my apartment but not without several kisses. I ran inside as I pounded on the door three times before entering to give Grey and Lauren a moment to recover. I opened it up to see them just lying on the couch together watching a basketball game. "Hey," I said dropping my stuff off, "Hey yourself," Lauren said and Grey sat up, "Did you get my text?" he asked and I nodded, "Yea, I was out with a friend."

He raised an eyebrow, "A friend?" he questioned and I nodded, "I will try to stop by tomorrow night. No promises." Grey pulled his eyebrows together. "What's wrong with you and Bolton?" I shrugged, "Nothing. We are just friends. Like everybody said we had to be." Grey scratched his head, "He's with Hallie and I have my friend…" I paused as the word slipped from my mouth as Grey bolted up. "You have a boyfriend?" he asked and I could only nod.

"We met at the end of October." I told him quietly, Grey took a deep breath, "You clearly haven't told Troy, have you?" I shook my head and Grey shook his head at me. "You know what, he only wanted to wait to tell you about Hallie because he didn't want to do it over the phone. You are keeping this from him, avoiding him, and are just going to completely blindside him?" I didn't say anything, "And?" I said looking at him.

He got up and walked by to only stop and he touched my neck, "Son of a bitch, Gabi, he saw this." He said and I scrunched my eyebrows in confusion as I quickly went to the bathroom to spot a hickey on my neck and I gasped. "He was off the second half of practice and he must have saw this. He was in a bad mood. Just because he has Hallie does not mean that he hasn't lost his initial feelings for you. You are both fighting against them, I get it, and now you both have somebody else so just come clean."

Lauren looked at me hurt that I hadn't even told her anything. "I'll see you tomorrow Lauren," he kissed her gently before leaving. The door shut and Lauren played with the corner of the blanket. "You have a boyfriend?" she asked and I just nodded my head. "We met at Rents and we have a class together actually. We only became official tonight." I told her as I took off my coat and Lauren nodded. "What's him name?"

"Dallas," I told her gently as I sat down across from her. "It's help get over Troy, I am happy again, and I am having fun. Isn't that what you wanted me to do?" she shrugged her shoulders and looked at me, "It's not like you to hide things from me."

"You are with Grey. You would have told Grey who probably would have told Troy." Lauren shook her head, "Why do you care? He has Hallie." I shrugged, "Because just because he has Hallie doesn't mean it's not going to hurt him." I bit on my lip, "I'm sorry." I told her and she sighed, "I probably would have told Grey and if you weren't ready to tell Troy then maybe you weren't ready but it sounds like he already knows."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to smile, "The first time I kissed him I could only wonder how in the hell Troy Bolton kisses." Lauren hugged me tightly, "I hope that has gotten better." I laughed nodding my head, "Yes, it has. I guess I should go talk to him."

"Grey said him and Audrey were at the apartment."

My eyes glanced at the clock to see it was late, "Hopefully she is in bed." I said and Lauren nodded brushing her fingers through her hair. "I'm going to bed but crawl into bed with me if you need to talk." I thanked her and then I got up grabbing my coat and things. I had another text on my phone.

Grey: They are at the basketball court.

I rolled my eyes because he knew me just a little too well. I walked across campus with the cold wind whipping around and as I neared the court I heard laughing. I approached cautiously as I watched him play with his little sister on the court. Both of them were laughing and chasing the ball around with each other. I eased onto the picnic table as I didn't want to disrupt the rare amount of time that they were getting with each other.

Finally, he turned to notice me and he did a double take. "Audrey, do you remember Gabi? She's one hell of a basketball player." He said and I felt my cheeks turn red from the comment as if I hadn't heard it before. "Come play with us!" she said and I jumped up running over to the court to join them. "Girls against guys?" I asked and Audrey nodded her head as we took on Troy. Troy and I didn't say a word between each other as we played but it didn't matter on the court.

We joked around with his sister and we could successful navigate Troy.

Troy's POV

We ate popcorn as Gabi was sitting on the other side of Audrey as she joined us on the court. I knew she wanted to talk but we weren't going to obviously do it in front of Audrey. They were laughing and talking, it made my heart warm because Audrey didn't really enjoy Hallie too much. It was late and Audrey was half way asleep as her phone buzzed and she jumped up tackling me.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" she yelled hugging me tightly and I laughed, "Thank you Audge," I said with a smile and she grinned, "You are twenty, what the hell," she said and I laughed, "I know right?" I asked looking at her. Gabi smiled looking down, "happy birthday." She said and I shared a smiled with her. "Thank you," Audge rubbed her eyes and she laid down to finish the movie we were watching. Her head was in my lap as I rubbed her hair.

She fell asleep not too long afterwards and the silence between Gabi and I was louder than I think we wanted it to be. "Who is he?" I asked looking over at her and she played with her fingers not really being able to meet my eye. "His name is Dallas. I met him at Rents," she said honestly and I knew exactly who she was talking about. Short guy with brown hair and he constantly ordered the same exact drink every single time.

"Yea, he's a regular." I said as I felt a knot tie in my throat, "Oh yea, he really enjoys it. I don't know, we just kind of hit it off." She told me and I nodded looking over at her. "I'm happy for you." I told her honestly, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Obviously how you found out was not stellar. I'm sorry." I swallowed against the lump in my throat, "Yea, it caught me off guard. I thought you were just avoiding me because of everything not because of this."

"You aren't mad, right?"

"No, no, I just…I'm surprised but I am not surprised. Y'know?" I rubbed my knee and looked at Audrey, "You're a beautiful woman. Any guy would be lucky to have you. I just hope he is good to you." She couldn't meet my eye, "You're a good big brother." She said finally meeting my eye and there was sadness there but I could see closure as well. "Thanks, I love hanging out with her. Y'know how we play basketball here and I always say it isn't work?" Gabi nodded her head, "That's what I did at home with Audrey. We would play when either of us were stressed and then crash on the couch watching movies."

"You never went to Hallie?" she asked and it was my turn to look away, "She was the cause of my own stress most of the time. She still is." I answered as I ran my fingers through my hair. Gabi didn't comment and I didn't say anything back. "What does Dallas do? Anything interesting?" I made the effort but my gut hurt from making the effort. "Uh he's a business major," she shot me a look and I laughed, "Yea, I don't know what I want to do. I think I want to do something with sports management or something."

"You'd be a good coach,"

"I don't know if I want to be a coach, I would like to be in the office of a sports team though. I think that would be really fun. I like the money and the strategy to sports." Gabi nodded her head as if I had completely thought out my life. "What did you do in high school? Just basketball?"

"No, no, I was the typical three sport athlete through high school. Football, which I wasn't very good at all but I did it. Then of course there was basketball, which was what I was known for throughout the school and finally, I actually played baseball." She gave me a surprised look, "Really?" I nodded, "I wasn't too bad either. I actually had a few D2 offers to play." Gabi laughed, "And you went JUCO for basketball?"

"I love basketball. I liked baseball."

"And hated football?"

I laughed, "Yes, absolutely." I smiled looking over at her and then I looked down at Audrey. "I think I'm going to take her to bed. Big day tomorrow," I said and Gabi nodded, "My dad wants to make you a starter but he has to make sure you really prove yourself first." I looked at her again, "He told me that today. He said to keep working hard and not but five seconds after that is when I spotted that." I said pointing and she brushed her hand over her neck.

"Yea, my mistake." She paused, "I have been meaning to tell you but I just wasn't sure how to do it. I was also waiting to see if it became more than I actually thought it was." I just nodded my head, "I get it. Just…let me know, and I am being serious Gabi, if he ever pushes you to do anything or if you just need help I will always be there for you." Gabi bit on her lip and she nodded, "Thanks Troy, I'll keep that in mind."

She stood up and I easily picked up Audrey to take her to the bedroom. Gabi was gone by the time I laid her down, I stood in the kitchen as I knew what she wanted to talk about. It didn't make it hurt any less and I knew that's how she felt when Hallie came about. When the door wiggled again I expected Gabi to come through but instead it was a very intoxicated Hallie. I looked back at my bedroom door as she was giggling loudly, "Hallie, what are you doing here?" I asked and she laughed, "I wanted to come see my boyfriend."

"I told you Audrey was staying here tonight." I told her, "She definitely doesn't need to see you drunk." I said and Hallie pouted, "Can't she sleep on the couch?" she asked and I laughed, "No, you can though." I said and Hallie looked at me with a bit of disbelief in her eyes. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me Hallie, my 12-year-old sister is sleeping in my bed right now. You are so drunk I can smell the damn booze on you Hallie," she huffed and whined, "I'll just call my friends to come get me. They are nicer than you." I rolled my eyes, "I bet."

She sat on the couch and tucked her head between her legs. I knew that as the sign that she was about to get sick so I quickly gave her a trashcan and I looked at her. "I'm sorry," she finally mumbled, "I'm sorry," I sat down on the other side of Hallie and rubbed her back as she leaned into me. "Yea, you are still sleeping out here. If Audge wasn't here then I don't care that you had fun with your friends that I am really thankful you met down here. But she can't see this,"

"I love Audge, I didn't know she made it down here."

"Yea, she surprised me." I said and I stood up. I went to get Hallie an extra blanket and pillow as I handed it to her. She looked up at me, "I love you," I told her and she smiled, "I love you too." I went into the bedroom and I scooted in next to Audrey as a lightning strike struke the sky and it was almost perfect.

Almost.

Friday, November 10th, 2017 – Troy's 20th Birthday

Troy's POV

I was being scrunched in bed and I looked over to see Hallie crawling into bed on my other side of Audrey who was still fast asleep. "Morning," I said as I hooked her into my arms and she grunted, "I was a complete ass to you last night. I'm sorry. And it was your birthday and I never once said anything to you." I kissed the top of her head, "It's okay." I told her quietly and she squeezed my side.

"Happy Birthday, oldie." I smiled, "Thank you." I closed my eyes again as Audrey moved but continued to sleep. My phone buzzed as it had all morning with birthday wishes from many different people. I shut it off as I wanted to continue to sleep. "I saw Gabi walking out last night. Was she here?"

"Yea, hanging out with Grey." I said quietly trying to avoid it all. "She was telling us all about her boyfriend." I dropped and she turned in my arms, "Really?" I nodded as I looked up at the ceiling rubbing her arm, "Yea, they started dating a couple of weeks ago." I looked at Audrey and then I picked up my phone to see it was a little past nine. "I have to get up and go to class." I said and she pouted, "It's your birthday."

A laugh fell out of my mouth, "I have always gone to school on my birthday."

"Not next year," she said with a wiggle and I laughed kissing her lightly before getting out of bed. Audrey woke up at the movement, "Hallie," she said hugging on her and I smiled watching them before going to the bathroom to take a quick shower. I changed into a pair of jeans with our zip-up blue devil jacket. "Audge, mom and dad are going to be here in a little bit to pick you up. I have class. Hallie will be with you until they come okay?"

Audrey nodded her head and I gave her a tight hug, "Have a good birthday," I smiled, "I will. Thank you, babe," she smiled and I kissed Hallie. "You girls be good, okay?" they both nodded as I picked up my backpack and headed out the door. Grey was eating breakfast and he looked at me, "How did last night go?" I peered over my shoulder before shrugging. "I already knew. I had a girlfriend first," I shrugged and Grey just looked at me.

"Good, glad you two are being civil." I just nodded and I left the apartment.

I needed coffee.

Gabi's POV

"Hey babe," Dallas appeared on the other side of me and I smiled, "Hey, do you want to go to a party tonight? It's for one of the basketball players." Dallas gave me a look, "What for?"

"His birthday. It's the one who works at Rents." Dallas nodded his head, "Maybe. You do own me a night of hanging out." I smiled and looked at the teacher filing into the room. "Yea, that's why I invited you. You can meet my best friend Lauren and the basketball team. There will be a bunch of people there." I told him and Dallas smiled, "Not every day that I am able to party with the Duke Men's Basketball Team."

"Good spirit, I'll bring dinner to your apartment and then we will leave to head over." Dallas nodded as our teacher started the lecture. Dallas let his hand fall over my knee and I put my hand over top of his while we listened together. His fingers drew on my knee and I could make out the word lunch as I smiled with a nod. I let my head rest on his shoulder as I tried to suspense my yawn. Last night was a late night and it was about to be another one tonight.

"What time do you have to be at basketball?" Dallas asked at the end of class. "Two," I responded and he nodded as we laced hands and headed to the student recreation center. "What are you doing for Thanksgiving?" I laughed, "We'll be in Portland." I told him and he gave me a confused look, "I don't believe in my almost twenty years I have never had a normal Thanksgiving. I have been to some amazing places for Thanksgiving tournaments."

Dallas pressed his lips out with a laugh, "So…"

"Yea, we are traveling. We play the first round here but then we go to Portland. It'll be fun."

"How about a Friendsgiving before you leave?" I smiled as we both ordered lunch as Subway and then sitting down together. "Maybe. I'll see how our schedule is unfolding. My dad normally hosts one for the whole basketball team before we leave since they don't get to go home but this year Troy's family is hosting Thanksgiving right outside of Portland where he is from. How the boys are getting a Thanksgiving meal this year from somebody else."

"That's fun,"

"Troy's excited. Last year he was playing at a community college in Portland and now here he is…" I smiled thinking about the whole situation, "If you could have dated Troy, would you?" Dallas asked, I paused trying to figure out if it was a trick question or not. I decide to go the honest route because what in the hell do I have to lose? "Troy and I met and really hit it off." I told Dallas as I met his eye, "I didn't know he was the transfer kid on the basketball team and he didn't know I was Coach's daughter. So, we kind of had a whirlwind of quick feelings and then we found out who each other was and it's been kind of weird since then…" I said with a shrug and Dallas nodded, "His girlfriend from home then showed up,"

"Wait he was dating somebody?"

I laughed, "No. They broke up because she didn't want to do long distance. Then she showed up one day and it's been a whole lot weirder since then. I don't know. We could never be anything but there was something. We just don't hang out really anymore. I help him with basketball sometimes but I'll see him at Rents and that's about it." Dallas smiled, "I'm glad you shared that with me. Most of the time people would hide that."

"Why hide things?"

Dallas smiled and I smiled back because I was finally happy and Troy Bolton wasn't here.

Troy's POV

I pulled on my jersey as I looked in the mirror. The bold 14 stood back at my eyes and then the bags underneath of my eyes. The locker room was pulsating with some song as the team was excited for tonight I went through my pregame routine as I stuffed headphones into my ears as I pulled on my ankle braces and then tied my shoes tightly onto my feet. I exited the locker room as my pre-game playlist went through my ears as Gabi tossed me a ball.

We avoided eyes as I just couldn't muster the thought of her with another guy. It was highly hypocritical of me to do but I knew where I stood with Hallie. I didn't know the relationship of this Dallas and Gabi. He was a frequent in Rents and had been seen with other girls. He was pretty rude when at the counter and basically made sure I knew his order exactly. As if he would break out into hives if there was one extra pump of vanilla than he actually wanted.

I shot around for what felt like ever before we were warming up with the coach and then we were off to the locker room again. I dropped my phone and headphones into my locker before sitting down on the other side of Grey. "You alright dude?" I nodded, "Yea, I'm just getting focused." I told him and he nodded, Coach came in to give us his big speech and the rundown of who was guarding who for the beginning of the game.

When it was time to pray I got up and I looked at her and she looked at me with a shrug in her shoulders. I went over and I simply just grabbed her hand this time as her dad spoke and disappeared before she could question anything.

Gabi's POV

Troy was acting odd and I could only imagine it had to do with Dallas. Deserves him right. He just let a girl jump back into his life without question and here I am finally moving on with somebody new. I exhaled as I went back to the court as we did starting line-ups. My dad waved me down and he showed me a couple of plays and asked which I thought would match well with their defense. His assistant coaches were right there as we all discussed it as if I was a part of the team.

This had been normal when I was in on film sessions people knew I could see things that others couldn't obviously see. Just how I picked up which way Troy fakes and then goes more times than others. The coaches began to quickly respect that. Once they tipped the ball I sat on the edge of the bench as I looked out into the crowd and I quickly spotted Troy's family. They were all smiling and laughing, Hallie was holding onto Audrey who I loved to hang out with more.

She was funny and definitely loved her older brother. Her older brother loved her just as hard and he was happier with them here. He was lighter. I figured with Hallie being around it was going to be more like that but she made things worse. Dallas made me feel lighter and happier but I also couldn't deny the feelings I still had for Troy nor could he deny the feelings that he had for me. We both were trying to surpass them but neither of us were doing very well.

We took a quick lead and it never really disappeared either. The guys played really well and my dad was satisfied. The game ended as fast as it started causing for high-fives and good game along the line. I shook hands with the coach, who used to work under my dad, "Gabriella, how are you doing?" I smiled, "I'm okay. Getting used to me new role." I said and he smiled, "I was devastated to hear of everything. I was just so excited to watch you play," I smiled with a shrug and he squeezed my shoulder.

"Al, are you chatting up Gabi?"

"Is she giving you all the entail?" I laughed and my dad smiled as he hugged me, "She's a secret weapon." Al laughed and him and my dad talked for a few moments as I began to collect stuff. I went walking back to the locker room with my arms full of stuff to the point I couldn't see. When I ran into somebody I screeched as everything went falling to only reveal Troy Bolton on the other side. He cursed, "I'm sorry Gabi, I wasn't paying attention." I then noticed the auburn hair right next to him and I nodded, "It's okay. I couldn't see." I told him with a shrug and he helped me carry the rest to the locker room.

"Hallie, I'll be right back."

"Thank you," I told him and he nodded as I put everything down, "I hope you are coming tonight." I looked at him surprised, "You know?" he cracked a smile, "I know. Grey talks too loud with thin walls." She smiled and nodded her head, "Yea, I think I am coming with Dallas." She said tucking hair behind her ear and I nodded, "Good. I can't wait to formally meet him." I paused and I looked at her again, "I'm sorry about earlier. I'm just not used to this whole you have a boyfriend thing."

She recoiled from that statement and looked at me, "And I'm not used to you having a girlfriend yet. So, nothing will change." I brushed my fingers through my hair and I just nodded, "Yea, I figured." Gabi exhaled loudly, "Well, I have to go. I have to go get dinner with Dallas and then I will be there at the apartment. Act surprised for Grey, will you?" I nodded as I watched her go, "Gabi," I called one last time, "Can we play basketball together this week at some point?"

She smiled and nodded slowly, "Yea, we can. I'll text you to see." I smiled as she really disappeared this time and I went in search for my family for some birthday dinner. Hallie wrapped her arms around my waist as she kissed my neck, "You look good baby," I squeezed her hand as Audrey wrapped herself around me. We all walked out of the door together as I looked over at Dallas greeting Gabi. Our eyes connected for a second before we both walked in different directions.

"Why can't I stay over tonight?" Audrey said with a pout, "Because my friends are throwing me a party for my birthday. I can promise mom and dad wouldn't like that too much." I said to Audrey as we were walking to go get ice cream together. The rest of the family was finishing dinner but I had to break it to Audge that she had to stay at the hotel with mom and dad. "Why?" I laughed, "Because there is going to be a lot of people and a lot of things going on. It'll be busy. I promise. Being with mom and dad will be more fun."

She sighed and shrugged as we opened the door, "Troy, can I ask a question?" I nodded, "Sure,"

"Do you like Gabi?" I almost choked on my spit as Audrey looked at me, "Why do you ask?" I asked her and she shrugged, "I don't know. You smile and laugh a lot more with her than you do with Hallie. I like Hallie but Gabi plays basketball and she's funny." I was too shocked to answer her and I looked at the ice cream board. "Two chocolate chip cones," I said fishing out my wallet, "So you do?" Audrey said and I bit on my lip. "Audge, this stays between you and me, okay?" she nodded with her big blue eyes looking at me.

We were handed our cones and we went back to the street. "Gabi and I really hit it off but we can't date. She is Coach's Daughter and his number one rule is that we can't date his daughter. She's tried to talk to him about it but he just shuts her down. So, when Hallie showed back up I just took her back. I didn't exactly want too because of my feelings for Gabi but I also can't have Gabi. She is funny and amazing. She's a hell of a basketball player but now isn't the time."

"So why are with Hallie?"

"Because I do love her."

"But not as much as you used too?"

I shrugged as I licked my ice cream cone, "You know how Seaside is small? That we only have so many people to hang out with? Hallie was always one of those people to hang out with and yes, I love Hallie and I really loved her back when I was in Seaside but when I moved here? I found out there was more than just Hallie in this world. There are many different girls with many different personalities. A lot of girls from Seaside from my class are the same. They want to stay there and have a family." Audrey nodded, "I get it. You left and experienced new things and now Hallie just isn't the same."

"Yea, it's just not the same." I told her and she nodded, "I don't want to stay in Seaside. I want to go and do things." I smiled hugging her to my hip, "I know how that feels and you can do it. Just like I did it." She smiled and I led her back to the restaurant, "Hallie and I will either work or we won't but I had to give her another chance. She came all the way here to be with me again and that was taking a brave step. Gabi has a boyfriend anyways."

"Oh, that's good. Are you guys friends?"

"We try to be but sometimes it gets hard."

She smiled at me, "If you and Gabi are meant to be then you and Gabi will get together when the time is right." She said and I squeezed her shoulder, "We'll see. You are way wiser than I ever was at your age." She laughed as we came up to the family, "How was ice cream?" my dad asked and I smiled, "Good. Audge and I had a good chat." I winked at her and she smirked. "About?" I shrugged, "Life outside of Seaside."

Hallie laughed, "What life outside of Seaside? This?" I paused looking at her and I just shook the comment off. "It was a good thing," I said and my dad smiled, "Troy seems to be loving it here." I nodded with a smile, "I do love it here. It's been a lot of fun." Hallie rolled her eyes and I hugged my parents, "We have to get going. We'll meet for breakfast tomorrow and maybe some shopping?" I asked looking at my mom and she grinned, "You know the way to my heart."

We all got up and exchanged hugs as we went different directions. Hallie tried to wrap herself around me and when I didn't let her she whined, "Stop," I said and she rolled her eyes, "Are you annoyed by my comment?" I stopped to look at her, "When are you going to open your damn eyes?" I asked her, "I am happier here than I was in Seaside. Do I miss my family? Every damn day but guess what? I am doing just fine without them."

"Why do you not want to go back there?"

"Because this world is so much bigger than Seaside. What can I do in Seaside?"

"Be a high school teacher and a coach,"

"No." I answered, "I do not want to do that. I don't want to run my dad's business and I sure as hell do not want to be stuck in a town that has three stoplights."

"Seaside has more than that," she said annoyed, "I like cities, I love Portland. I love here. The weather is amazing,"

"What about?"

"Stop Hallie,"

I began to walk and she whined, I didn't stop walking and she finally caught up to me. "Why are you being like this?"

"Because this world is bigger than us Hallie,"

She shut up after that and drug her feet next to me until we got back to our apartment. I opened the door as all of my friends were in the room and were caught off guard by my presence coming through the door. They yelled surprised and I smiled as I was surrounded by all of my friends, a drink put into my hand, and I let Hallie wrap her arm around me as if we weren't fighting. I thanked everybody and Grey came up to me.

"You knew,"

"You talk too loud," I responded and he rolled his eyes, "But thank you, this is awesome." I patted his shoulder as we took a shot together and I slowly began to relax after this evening. Hallie moved on to her friends who she invited and I leaned back against the counter drinking a beer talking to the basketball team. The door opened again as Gabi walking in hand and hand with Dallas. My stomach was queasy looking at her and she met my eye quickly.

A smile spread on her face, "Happy Birthday Troy!" I smiled, "Thanks Gabi," she waved and then I moved away from the crowd. "Dallas, I would like you meet the birthday boy, Troy, Troy Dallas," I shook his hand and he gave me a look, "Happy Birthday," he muffled and I smiled, "Thanks for coming. Beer and alcohol is over there," I said pointing to our makeshift bar that Grey was tending too. "Thanks," he said and I watched them walk off together.

His hand sliding behind her back pulling her close, I looked away and then over to Hallie. She was laughing with some friends and I sighed going over to her. "I'm sorry," I mumbled into her ear, "I just don't know how to feel sometimes about going back." I said softly into her ear and she turned around, "It's okay, we'll talk later." She kissed my cheek and I tapped her face gently with my thumb, "Love you,"

"Love you too,"

Gabi's POV

He looked at us walk away and now he truly knew how I felt when Hallie showed up. It didn't matter that both of us had a significant other. We were both jealous as hell that other people had us. I exhaled trying not to pay attention to him giving Hallie attention.

Dallas and I got a drink together before I dragged him over to meet the rest of the basketball team. Grey gave me a look and I gave him a look back because Dallas was giving off a weird vibe tonight. I wasn't sure what it was about but he had been fine up until right now. He was cold and didn't seem to want to talk much but I just let it go. He was in a strange environment with new people. Maybe he had a hard time making new friends.

When it became crowded we escaped onto the balcony and Dallas exhaled, "That's a lot of guys you hang around," he said and I nodded, "Yea, I grew up with guys in my life. I tend to spend more time with them than I do girls. My mom was always confused by that." Dallas laughed nodding, "Yea, I get that." I just shrugged, "I'm sorry, does that bug you?"

"A little."

"Well I can't date any of them," I joked and he laughed, "That doesn't make any of them not want you. Especially, what did you call him, the birthday boy?" I rolled my eyes, "Troy is just a good friend. Just like Grey. They are both in relationships. Why are you so jealous?" I asked him as I put my hand on his hand, "I don't know. I really care about you and I really don't want to lose you." I scrunched my eyebrows because it was a little early for that comment.

"Don't worry Dallas," I said squeezing his hand gently and he sighed, we went back into the party as he kept a tight hold onto me and I kept a tight hold onto him as we danced to the music, got drunk, and had fun making out in the corner after a while.

At some point, there was singing about Happy Birthday and I drug Dallas over as Grey presented Troy a cake. He laughed looking at it and he blew out the twenty candles as the room cheered. "What did you wish for Troy?" somebody asked and he smiled as he settled on me for a moment, a beat passed as I was curious. "For an unforgettable year."

I held my breath and he hugged on Hallie for a moment and I squeezed Dallas.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday – ya'll I just need you to hang in for a few more chapters before things get really interesting! Just go through the drama and the lack of them being together and Troy being a dick (Insert shrug emoji) anyways! Hope ya'll enjoyed the update!

See ya in two weeks!

Next Update: February 18th