Note: I just had a random thought that if I killed Gabi, most of you guys would track me down and kill me. But you guys must realize that she is not immortal. Anyhow, don't worry, she isn't going to die suddenly, she's got a mission to complete first anyway, on her 'before I die' list. Oh and, by the way, if any of you guys happen to have a full written review on The Secret Life of Bees novel, so I don't have to find it in the many boxes of books in my house, I'd give you a big huge hug. Well, I guess I can't break the tradition, I must be a good little tenth grader and find it. But first, I must add another chapter. Who cares about summer reading books? Who cares about buying school supplies? What the heck, may as well skip school and write more chapters! Haha. Well, anyhow, before I go back to Educationville, I'll be sure to write a good bit more. So, this is the last chapter I'm writing today, I swear! Here goes. Oh and I added a good bit of fluff for all those out there who think I am just a depressing anti-love author. Yup. I actually DO have emotions. Yay.
"Mom, I want to ride a horse."
Ms. Montez turned around to look at Gabriella.
"Sweetheart, since
when?" Ms. Montez furrowed her brow. She was confused. Why would
Gabi want to suddenly horseback ride?
"It's just something
that I want to try, Mom. I know you were an equestrian growing up. I
want to try riding a horse, too."
"Well, alright."
Within ten minutes they were on their way to the closest farm, Silver Horseshoe Stables. A well-built man named Mr. B approached them, and Ms. Montez informed him that they wanted to rent two horses for a few hours.
They went to the paddock and Gabriella picked a pretty palomino mare, while her Mom chose a black gelding. Mr. B saddled up the horses for them. As they waited, Gabriella saw a boy throwing hay down. He looked sort of like Troy, but he was too far away to tell. Her mind must have been playing tricks on her, anyhow.
Gabriella mounted up with some difficulty and then held on to the horn of the saddle with one hand and attempted to steer the mare, Sonnet. Her Mom obviously knew what she was doing as she successfully controlled the gelding, Ebs.
They wound their way through the woods. Gabi was beginning to get it and was even going pretty fast, or so she thought, as she asked her horse for a lope. Sonnet moved forward eagerly and Gabriella closed her eyes, letting her hair, or what was left of it, flow in the wind.
She opened her eyes and her Mom wasn't there. She almost freaked out, until she heard hoof beats behind her. Must be Mom, she thought.
Not exactly. She turned her neck and met the gaze of Troy, who was riding a tall white horse.
"Gabriella."
Troy kept walking his horse until he was next to Gabriella.
"I saw you when you came, I was doing the hay, and I asked my uncle if I could head out on Silver, and-"
"Oh. So Mr. B is your uncle. Well, ironic seeing you here, isn't it." Gabriella avoided looking in to his eyes.
"Gabriella, I would never hurt you, and I never had any intentions on doing so. I just want you to get better. I don't care about Sharpay. I care about you."
"I wish I could believe you, Troy. But right now I'm not sure of anything."
"Gabi…you can be sure of me. Look, if it means anything to you, I won't do the musical."
"But, Ryan said-" Gabriella stuttered.
"I was going to do the musical. I need some extracurriculars to get into New Mexico University. But if doing the musical means losing you, then I won't do it."
Suddenly Sonnet began pawing the ground.
"Oh. Well, Troy, I don't know if you're making the right decision."
"What do you mean, Gabi? I'm following my instincts and m hart. Both point to you. How can I be wrong? Gabi, I love you."
"Troy, I'm not saying I don't love you." Gabi began to sob. "I'm just saying that you should think this over. Troy, there is other people. And if you're attracted to a rich, slender, healthy blonde, instead of a sickly, skinny, ugly girl, how can I not understand?"
"Gabriella." His voice was so soft. His lips were so close to hers. He wiped away a tear dripping down her face.
"I'm going to have to go with the obvious-you."
Gabriella was pulled both ways. She wanted to give in to him, she wanted to feel his warm embrace. She wanted him like a needle wanted a vein. But then the little voice in the back of her head said No. To not do this to herself; and more importantly, not do this to Troy. She had to say No.
But not just yet.
His warm lips met hers, and for a moment, she forgot everything. It was just her and Troy. And all the worries in the world were forgotten.
