''I remember it like it was just yesterday. The abuse, the cries, the pain, the night. It was the month after my parents had got divorced and separated.

I remember Trey being my rock and my strength and he was my best friend. I trusted him and then, one night he just lost it. I cried and screamed and it was like not a single soul could hear me. Nobody came or helped me. Trey just laughed and ever since that day, I haven't been the same. I died a long time ago.''

Troy sighed and tightened his knuckles before standing up and making his way to the door.

Gabriella quickly grabbed his hand.

''As much as I know you probably want to rip his head off. I just need you to stay with me and hold me. Please, Troy.''

''You expect me to just leave it and not do a single thing about it? Gabriella, he raped you!''

''This isn't your problem, Troy.''

''You're my girlfriend so technically, it is, Gabby. Don't you want to see him get punished and pay for what he did? Or are you willing to just let him walk away?''

''It's not like that, alright. I'm just so tired of fighting and struggling and hating. With my eating disorder and my depression and everything else that has made my life hell. I'm tired of being miserable and living in the past. I just want it to stop.''

''And it will, once I'm done with him.''

''Troy, stop! You bashing his face in isn't going to help or change anything. You really think it's going to make you feel any better? If anything, it's just going to get you hurt. Baby, please just think about what you're doing and the consequences.''

Troy looked down at Gabriella, pulling his hand away. ''You're worth it.'' he whispered as he walked out of the room.

''TROY!'' hot, angry tears flew down my cheeks. I jumped off the bed and chased after him. I grabbed his arm as I caught up with him. ''Baby, don't do this.''

Troy turned to Gabriella and cupped her face in his hands as placed a gentle kiss on her lips. ''I love you, so much. No matter what happens, okay?''

''What is that supposed to mean? Hey,'' Troy looked away. ''hey, look at me. Look at me. Are you breaking up with me?'' I shoke my head, wiping away tears that rolled down my face.

''Of course not!'' Troy held Gabriella close, wiping away her tears. ''I'm just not sure what's gonna happen to me, after this.'' Troy began to carry on walking.

It toke Gabriella only a few seconds to realize what Troy meant by his words.

''Are you fucking insane? I'm not letting you risk your life for me!'' I fumed.''Troy, please just stop this.'' I sobbed. ''If you do this, you've lost me!'' I yelled.

Troy stopped. He turned around and saw the girl he loved fall apart in front of him. He walked back to Gabriella and pulled her into his arms, embracing her whilst stroking her hair. ''I'm so sorry. Baby, don't cry.''

''Please don't ever scare me like that again..'' I softly whispered.

''Never.. but I just feel the need to protect you from anything bad. Try to understand.'' Troy softly kissed Gabriella's forehead.

''I do, I do. But violence is not the answer nor ever will be.''

Troy wrapped his arms around Gabriella's waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her tip toe's to give Troy a kiss. The two stood there in silence for what felt like hours, taking in each other's scent and calming down. The tears from Gabriella's cheeks had disappeared as did the anger in Troy's body. The two sat down on the grass, in the shade, under a tree. Gabriella placed her head on Troy's shoulder as he placed his hand on her back, softly rubbing it. Troy looked down at Gabriella. He knew that a part of her was still hurt and scared over what happened before. He sighed and toke her hands in his, making Gabriella look directly at him.

''You mean everything, Gabriella Montez.''

''Wise words, Mr Bolton.'' I giggled.

''Ouch.'' Troy put his hand on his heart, pretending to be insulted.

''You're cute.'' Gabriella laughed, rolling her eyes.

''Cute, funny, smart, pretty amazing.'' Troy nodded and smirked.

''And an idiot.'' Gabriella mumbled, giggling.

''Hey hey, wanna repeat that?''

''No no, it's fine.'' Gabriella smiled, sticking her tongue out at Troy.

Troy grabbed Gabriella by the waist and started to tickle her. She started to giggle uncontrollably and lost all energy to fight Troy. She squirmed as he continued to tickle her. He picked her up and laughed as she tried to escape his grasp. She hit his chest over and over again but soon gave in and cuddled up to him as she lay in his arms.

''Fail.'' Troy chuckled.

I frowned. ''You're such a bully... but don't worry, I'll get you back for that. The games not over just yet.''

''Oh, don't worry baby. The games only just begun.'' Troy smirked.

The next few days were hectic for the couple. Booking, packing, sorting everything out for the vacation. They barely saw each other which made the two even more excited to get away and spend their time in each other's company. No drama or worries, just love.

Gabriella yawned and stretched her arms out as she was woken by a her phone ringing. She reached over to turn on her lamp next to her bed and grabbed her phone, cuddling back up in bed and answering.

''Hello?''

''Baby girl! Sorry if I just woke you,''

''Hey!'' I smiled, speaking in a sleepy voice. ''Aw no, it's fine.'' I yawned, turning on my side. ''I miss you.''

''Well, I'm not far. You could come and say hi.''

''Yeah, I'm really going to travel 8 mile to see you at 3 in the morning.'' I said, adding sarcasm to the comment.

''Who said you have to do that? I am a little chilly and cold out here. I could do with a cuddle.''

Gabriella looked around, confused. She got out of bed and walked to her balcony door. She opened it and saw Troy stood there, in a T-shirt and shorts. She put her face in her hand and giggled. ''You're crazy, wildcat.'' She wrapped her arms around herself as she stood in her underwear.

''Morning to you too, beautiful.'' Troy smiled as he greeted her with a kiss.

Gabriella pulled Troy inside and climbed back in bed as Troy sat at the end of the bed. ''What are you even doing here anyway? I thought you were picking me up early morning today.''

''Well, I got lonely and I couldn't sleep.''

''Oh really?''

''That, and I missed you.''

I smiled and lifted up the duvet. ''Come here.''

Troy climbed into bed and lay next to Gabriella. She climbed on top of him and placed her hands on his chest. ''Poor baby, you're so cold.'' Their eyes locked and suddenly she felt her heart start to beat faster. Troy toke her hands and entwined their fingers. He pulled her closer, kissing her passionately. She slipped her tongue into his mouth and felt her hands move down to Troy's shirt, she began to unbutton it as he placed his hands on her waist. She slipped off his shorts, tossing them on the floor. And did the same with his boxers. ''You're all mine tonight.'' she quietly whispered in his ear. She giggled and ran her hand through his hair as he kissed her neck and rolled over so he now on top of her. He unhooked her bra. His warm breath against Gabriella's skin made her go weak in the knees. He kissed her right from her lips, to her neck, breasts, stomach, thighs right down to her ankles and back up again. She pulled his mouth back up to hers and felt his hands all over her body. She wrapped her legs around his waist and heard herself moan loudly as he filled her completely. He kept it at a slow and gentle pace for her. She placed her hands on the back of his neck as she pulled him down for a kiss. She closed her eyes and bit down on her bottom lip as he picked up his pace and got faster, he soon collapsed next to her, breathing heavily.

''I didn't plan for that to happen.'' Troy looked over at Gabriella.

''It's okay.'' I smiled. ''I don't regret it.''

''Good, I'd never force you to do anything you don't want to do.''

''Troy, sssh.'' I placed my finger against his mouth. ''I did it because I'm in love with you. Nobody forced me to do anything, It was my choice and I don't regret any of it.''

Troy chuckled, ''sorry''

''Okay, we should really get some sleep now.'' I giggled.

''Hey, Brie?''

''Yeah?'' I replied as I placed my head on his chest and cuddled up to him.

''I love you.''

I smiled. ''I love you too, Troy.''

''Sweet dreams, beautiful.'' He whispered before turning off the light, wrapping his arm around her, and pulling the duvet over the two.