Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of HSM!
Chapter 14 - Forgetting The Past
Gabriella sighed as her brother paced back and forth in front of her. He flew home as soon as he could from NYC to deal with the issue of his mother marrying a jerk. She watched him for about twenty minutes then stood up.
"Kyle, Kyle Kyle!" She stopped him. "Chill out ok? You'll give yourself a brain hemorrhage or something" she sighed.
"I am just so pissed at her right now!" He exclaimed angrily.
"Yeah, I know, but Jack and Lucille don't want you screaming down their house" she stated.
"Ok, yeah, shake it off" he mumbled and she laughed.
"So... you came all the way here to yell and say things I already know... or you have an actual purpose?" She questioned.
"Oh, right, yeah, well I came up with an idea..." he started.
"About...?" She trailed off.
"Your living arrangements" he smiled.
"Oh...?" She raised her eyebrows.
"Well, I am 18 now right?" She nodded. "And do you remember dad's will?" She shook her head. "Well, I was looking into it and..." she nodded. "The house is actually mine" she looked shocked.
"You are shitting me right?" She asked.
"No, he said he wanted to get us on the real estate ladder so the house was mom's until the eldest child, being me, turned 18" he repeated.
"Oh my god! That is awesome!" She squealed hugging her brother. "So, this means we can kick mom out?" She asked.
"Well... she is still our mom Gabs... and it's him we have a problem with so..." Gabriella shook her head.
"Oh no... I am not living under the same roof as that woman Kyle!" She exclaimed.
"But, if he's not there she'll change, she'll go back to what she used to be like..." he tried.
"No she won't!" She laughed. "Kyle, this is reality, you really think if you say to her 'oh mom, btw this house is mine so your husband needs to leave' she is just going to have that?" She shook her head.
"No, but maybe if we..." Gabriella stopped him.
"No, stop, just stop, you didn't hear or see the way she spoke to me Kyle, she is not my mother, I am now an orphan" she announced. "My father is dead and now, the mother I once knew is gone too" she sighed as she sat back down.
"Gabs..." he sat by her.
"You know, I was thinking, the money dad left me in his will I could get a small apartment with it" she informed him. "Maybe Chad would want to get one with me?" She suggested. "He said he didn't want to live with his parents anymore..." she trailed off.
"Gabs... that money was for college" he sighed.
"I have another fund for that..." she exclaimed.
"I don't know..." he trailed off.
"Please? I really just can't be around her but I can't expect Jack and Lucie to put me up forever" she sighed.
"Well, why don't you stay here until I have spoken to Mom, when Troy comes home talk to him about it and then we can decide? I'm sure Lucie doesn't mind you staying for any longer" he suggested.
"Ok... I guess" she sighed.
"Ok, good, look I promised Chad and Shar I would visit them while I was here so..." she smiled.
"You gotta go, I get it, just promise you will come see me before you head back?" She told him.
"Of course sis" he smiled.
"Bye" she waved he waved then left.
"Hey babe" Gabriella smiled as she lay on Troy's bed that afternoon. (Gabriella/Troy)
"Hey El" Troy's voice sounded through the phone.
"How's college?" She asked.
"Eh, alright, easier than I thought it would be" he announced.
"Awww, baby I am so proud of you" she smiled.
"Thanks honey" his voice murmured.
"Do you know when you can come home yet?" She asked.
"A few weeks maybe baby..." he trailed off.
"Ok..." she sighed."I guess if I've gone this long a few weeks is nothing right?" She heard him sigh.
"I know baby... instead of getting better it seems to just be getting worse" Gabriella frowned, he sounded depressed.
"Babe, are you ok?" She asked. "You're always asking me how I am coping and I am totally being a crappy girlfriend and not checking how you are" she sighed.
"Ella, you are not being a crappy girlfriend, you are the best and I love you, it makes me feel much better hearing you're ok" he told her.
"Well, just remember, if you ever do get majorly homesick, or you just wanna talk, I am here baby" she reminded him.
"I know beautiful, I'll be ok" he insisted.
"If you're sure...." she trailed off, not believing a word he said.
"I am, now enough of the downer mood, what you doing tonight?"
"Nothing, trying to work out the living arrangement" she sighed.
"I thought you were happy with mom and dad?" He questioned.
"I am, don't get me wrong they are the best, but I just don't want to be here when you're not" she admitted.
"I get it baby, have you got any ideas?"
"I have a few options, I'll wait until you get home to discuss it though" she smiled.
"Ok babe, I'm going to try and get ahead with my work so when I come back I can stay for a week" he stated.
"Oh good" she smiled. "Plus Christmas is in a few months so you'll get a couple of weeks for that right?" She asked.
"Yeah, I was thinking for one of the weeks at Christmas, would you like to go away somewhere? Just us?" He asked.
"Really? I would love that" she smiled happily.
"Ok, I'll get looking for something" he said.
"Alright baby, look I better go, got homework and stuff" she groaned.
"Ok beautiful" his soft voice spoke.
"I love you" she told him. "A lot" she heard him sigh.
"I love you too" he replied. "A lot" they both laughed.
"Bye baby" she whispered.
"Bye sweetheart" he whispered.
After doing her homework (how sad was that, Saturday afternoon and she was doing homework) Gabriella went downstairs and saw Lucille just getting home. She hugged her and they both went into the kitchen.
"So, how was your day?" Gabriella asked.
"Eh, work on the weekend is never good dear" Gabriella smiled and nodded.
"I hear ya, I've just spent two hours doing homework" she pulled a face and Lucille laughed.
"Have you spoken to my son today?" She asked as she put away some groceries.
"Yep, actually I am kinda worried about him..." Gabriella voiced.
"Oh, why?" Lucille stopped what she was doing and turned her attention to the young girl in front of her.
"He just sounded really down when we were talking, sighing a lot" she explained.
"I bet he is just homesick sweetie" she smiled.
"So you're not worried?" Gabriella asked.
"No, I have spoken to him and he seems fine, no different to anyone else leaving home for the first time" she said.
"Ok... If you're sure..." Gabriella said slowly.
"Oh come here..." Lucille hugged her. "I am so happy Troy has got a girl like you" she smiled. "You know to care for him and worry about him like you do" she kissed her forehead and continued to put away the groceries.
After all the groceries were in their correct places Lucille and Gabriella started on dinner. They decided to make a chicken dinner with vegetables and potatoes.
At around 5:00pm Jack got home from the boxing gym and looked exhausted.
"You ok Jack?" Gabriella asked as she sat by him on the sofa.
"I think I'm getting too old for this business" he laughed tiredly.
"Awww" she rested her head on his shoulder.
"How are you dear?" He asked.
"Alright, I spoke to Troy today" she smiled.
"How is he?"
"Ok, misses everyone though" she told him.
"He'll be back soon" Jack patted her knee then got up.
A few minutes later Lucille announced dinner was ready and the three sat down together, ready to eat. Some might say it is weird or strange for someone to sit with their boyfriend's/girlfriend's parents on their own, but for Gabriella it felt natural. Like this was her own home and not Troy's.
"How is school Gabriella?" Jack asked as they ate.
"School is... school" they all laughed.
"How is Taylor?" Lucille asked.
"Ok, busy with her new weekend job so..." she shrugged.
"You know your friends are always welcome here" Jack mentioned.
"Thank you, I'll keep it in mind" she smiled.
"Are you ok?" Lucille frowned.
"Yeah..." Gabriella said quietly as she played with the food on her plate.
"Are you sure sweetie? You seem quiet?" She commented.
"Yeah, I'm just thinking" she smiled.
"Anything you need to talk about?" She asked. Jack just stayed quiet, knowing this was girl talk.
"Urm... not right now" she answered.
"I'm here" was all Lucille said. Gabriella nodded and smiled.
The rest of dinner was silent with just the odd comment. Gabriella couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. She knew Jack and Lucille were walking on egg shells and it shouldn't be that way, this is their house!
Later that night Gabriella was on her laptop, browsing the internet and just chilling out when her IM icon popped up. She smiled and saw it was Troy.
Ella'sWildcat: Hey baby:)
Ella&Troy4eva: Hey:D
Ella'sWildcat: Wuu2?
Ella&Troy4eva: Nothing much, chillin out, you babe?
Ella'sWildcat: Laying in bed, thinking of you xx
Ella&Troy4eva: Awww, you're so sweet, I miss you:(
Ella'sWildcat: Miss you too princess, I'll be home soon though :)
Ella&Troy4eva: I can't wait, might have a treat for you when you get here ;)
Ella'sWildcat: Oh really? What kind of treat?
Ella&Troy4eva: You'll have to wait and see ;)
Ella'sWildcat: Ellllaaaaa
Ella&Troy4eva: lol you'll get over it baby :P
Ella'sWildcat: I really don't think I will :( Just the thought of your naughty ideas are arousing me ;);)
Ella&Troy4eva: Who says they are naughty?
Ella'sWildcat: Please baby, I've seen you in bed ;)
Ella&Troy4eva: :O
Ella'sWildcat: You know I'm right sexy :P
Ella&Troy4eva: Hmmm... Guess so....
Ella'sWildcat: Speaking of beds.... shouldn't you be in bed asleep by now?
Ella&Troy4eva: Who are you my dad? lol
Ella'sWildcat: God I hope not...
Ella&Troy4eva: What is that supposed to mean?:O
Ella'sWildcat: Calm down, I was going to say because the thoughts and fantasies I have about you are sooooo not something a dad should think ;)
Ella&Troy4eva: Oh really? *raised eyebrows* Are they inappropriate thoughts Troy-boy?
Ella'sWildcat: Oh yes ;)
Ella&Troy4eva: :O naughty boy :P
Ella'sWildcat: Yeah... think I need to be punished...
Ella&Troy4eva: Hmmm... I'll think of a suitable punishment ;)
Ella'sWildcat: Ok.... I'll be ready for it ;)
Ella&Troy4eva: lol... well I hate to cut this short babe... but I better get some sleep... I haven't been sleeping well recently...
Ella'sWildcat: Why baby? :S
Ella&Troy4eva: I dunno, it's ok though:)
Ella'sWildcat: If you're sure....
Ella&Troy4eva: I'm sure baby... Miss you:(
Ella'sWildcat: Miss you too beautiful x
Ella&Troy4eva: I love you baby xxx
Ella'sWildcat: I love you too angel xxx
Ella&Troy4eva: Night xxx
Ella'sWildcat: Night baby xxx
Gabriella signed off and sighed. She then got changed for bed then went downstairs to get a drink. She passed the family room doorway and spotted Jack and Lucille on the sofa. She tip toed past and made herself a glass of water. As she tried to creep past again Lucille saw her.
"Are you ok sweetheart?" She smiled. Gabriella entered and nodded.
"Yeah, I'm just getting some water" she held up her glass. "I've just spoken to Troy and now I'm going to try and get some sleep" she told them.
"Is he ok?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, he seems alright" she nodded.
"Ok, well night sweetheart" he smiled.
"Night Jack, night Lucie" she hugged them both then went to bed.
It had been a week since Kyle's visit and Gabriella was getting used to the idea of people coming and going. She had spoken to Troy everyday and he said he didn't know when he would be able to come back. This got Gabriella panicking as it was nearly his birthday and he had to come home for that. That topic is what most of their conversations were about now.
The date today was 18th September, which meant it was exactly a month away until his birthday. His birthday was October 18th and she really wanted to see him for that.
"But Troy..." Gabriella whined over the phone. (Gabriella/Troy)
"Baby, I will try and get back but I just don't know" he told her.
"But... it's your birthday... baby I haven't seen you for nearly three months!" She exclaimed.
"I know, and I miss you too but what can I do?"
"Come home! Babe, I know you, you'll be ahead with your work so you can get here" she pouted.
"First of all, stop pouting..." she gasped and he chuckled."Secondly, baby, I will try my best to get there ok?" She sighed.
"You'll let me know the week before?" She asked.
"I promise" he told her.
"Good" she said and he laughed.
"So, what are you doing tonight?" He asked.
"Going to the movies" she smiled.
"Who with?" He wondered.
"Urm... Tay, Kels, Justin, Jamie and James" she rolled off the names.
"Is Taylor still going out with that James guy?" He asked.
"Well, she says it's just casual, but you can tell he wants to ask her to be his girlfriend officially" she explained.
"Why hasn't he?"
"He's a guy... your all scared of rejection" she laughed.
"Not me.... I got you didn't I?" He stated.
"Hmmm... I guess... But your an exception.... my one in a million.... there is no one else like you" she smiled.
"Now... you always say I'm bid headed... whose fault is that?" He teased.
"Please babe... you had a big head before we got together" she laughed.
"Humph" he huffed.
"Awww, big baby" she teased.
"Ha Ha...." he said sarcastically. "So, what you watching at the movies babe?"
"New Moon" she squealed, she had been waiting to see it for ages.
"Oh... I wanted to take you to see that" he admitted.
"Well, if you were home you could..." she trailed off.
"Babe, please don't make me feel guilty" he groaned.
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry... look I better go" she sighed.
"Ok baby, have fun tonight" he told her.
"Thanks babe" she smiled. "I love you" she murmured.
"Love you to honey" he repeated before hanging up.
Gabriella sighed and put her phone down. She missed him so much. After sitting there, thinking for about ten minutes, she decided to get ready for the movies. She wore a pair of her black skinny jeans with her black rock chick boots. She wore a black T-Shirt that said 'Good Girls Like Bad Boys' in gold writing and jewels. She left her hair in its natural curls and put in a gold bow headband. She kept her makeup light by just putting on a little foundation and cover up.
She sprayed herself with her Jadore by Dior perfume, grabbed her big bad and went downstairs to find her cardigan. She found it over the back of the sofa and just as she was putting it on Jack walked in.
"Going out Gabi?" He asked as he shuffled through the mail.
"Just the movies with some friends" she nodded.
"Ok, do you want me to drop you off?" He offered.
"No thanks, Justin is picking me up" she smiled. "Thanks though" she hugged him.
"Will you have a ride home too?" He checked.
"Probably" she nodded as she checked her phone.
"Well, if not call me and I will come get you ok?" She nodded and smiled. "And not too late alright?" She smiled.
"Ok, I promise, we're just going to watch the movie, then go to McDonald's for our dinner, so I'll probably be home around 10:00pm" she worked out.
"Ok, that's fine" he smiled then went to the lounge.
"Where's Lucie?" She asked. He turned slightly.
"Out with some friends" he smiled and she nodded.
"Ok, well Justin has just text saying he's outside so I'll see you later" he nodded and she left.
Gabriella and Justin arrived at the movie theatre and spotted the others right away. Gabriella smiled to herself when she saw Jamie had his arm around Kelsi's shoulders, maybe this meant he had made his move? At last!
Justin opened her door for her and she smiled. They then walked over to the group and exchanged hellos'.
"So...?" Gabriella whispered to Kelsi as the guys went to get their food and drink from the congestion stand.
"What?" She asked.
"Jamie... has he finally asked you out?" Taylor asked.
"Yeah..." Kelsi nodded happily.
"Omg!" Taylor squealed and Gabriella covered her mouth whilst Kelsi blushed.
"Hun, this is great news" Gabriella hugged her friend just as the guy walked over.
They all walked into the screening, having already got their tickets the other day. They went straight to the back and sat down. Justin sat on one end with James (Taylors 'boyfriend') on his left, Taylor was on his left then Gabriella was next to her. On Gabriella's left was Kelsi then Jamie.
The girls all gossiped about the actors in this film as the advertisements were on and the guys all groaned. Jamie sat with the guys before the film started so he didn't have to listen to the girls then, as the lights went down, he moved back to Kelsi's side and she smiled before snuggling into him.
Once the film was over they all stayed seated until the rest of the people left. The girls immediately started gossiping and squealing about the film.
"Oh my god! Rob Pattinson is so HOTT! With a double 'T'" Gabriella squealed.
"Nah, I'm more of a Taylor Lautner girl myself" Taylor admitted.
"I'm not really too fussed about either" Taylor shrugged.
"Girls, can we please leave?" Justin pleaded and they all laughed.
They all walked down the steps in their couples which meant Gabriella and Justin were walking together. They all walked to the McDonalds across the road and as the girls sat down the guys went to order the food.
"So... you believe us about Justin now?" Kelsi asked.
"What do you mean?" Gabriella frowned.
"He was totally checking you out back there!" Taylor exclaimed.
"What?" Gabriella laughed.
"Tay, she was too busy drooling over Edward to notice" Gabriella nudged her as they all laughed.
"Ok, but seriously, Gabs every time I looked at him during the movie his eyes were on you..." Taylor trailed off.
"He was?" She frowned. "I didn't see" she shrugged and Kelsi was about to speak but the guys walked over.
They sat down and handed out all the food. All the guys were having big Macs with fries and coco-cola. Gabriella and Taylor were having just plain cheese burgers and fries with milkshakes and Kelsi was having a Deli Sandwich with fries and milkshake.
"So, what did you guys think of the movie?" Gabriella asked the boys as she ate her fries.
"Eh, it was ok..." James shrugged.
"Psh... guys" she huffed and they all laughed. Gabriella's cell then rang and she smiled as she answered. "Hey" she smiled as she excused herself and went outside. (Gabriella/Troy)
"Hey babe, how was the movie?" Troy asked.
"Great, we are just having something to eat now" she told him.
"Oh, sorry baby, I'll let you get back" he apologized.
"No, no babe, I can talk, I've just stepped outside" she explained.
"Ok, if you're sure..." he trailed off.
"I'm never too busy to talk to you babe" she smiled. "So what have you been doing tonight?" She asked.
"Nothing much, a few of the guys have been over so we've just had a few beers... guys night" he said.
"Awww, sounds fun baby" she smiled.
"Yeah, was alright... wish I could've been with you instead though" he sighed.
"Baby, I know but you'll be home soon" she told him.
"I know, I just wish there wasn't the age gap you know?"
"Yeah, I know baby... but I promise that when you come home I'll spend every minute with you" she insisted.
"I love you" he said quietly.
"I love you too baby" she smiled. "Why don't you get some sleep? Might help cheer you up if you're not tired" she tried.
"Yeah, I will do, I just wanted to hear your voice" she smiled teary.
"Awww baby, I miss you" she cried.
"Please don't cry, you'll set me off" Gabriella giggled and wiped her eyes.
"I'm sorry; I'll call you tomorrow ok?"
"Alright beautiful" Troy murmured.
"Night" she said softly.
"Love you" he whispered.
"Love you" she repeated before hanging up.
Gabriella sighed as she put her cell back in her bag. She then rested against the wall and took a minute to think. Troy sounded so down and depressed, she hated it.
"Everything ok?" She jumped at the voice.
"Oh Justin... you scared me" she smiled.
"Sorry..." he stood next to her, also resting on the wall."Was that Troy?" She nodded.
"Yeah..." she sighed.
"You don't seem too happy..." he commented.
"Things are just a little tough right now..." she smiled softly.
Then, before she could stop it, Justin's lips were on hers and they were kissing. Gabriella's eyes widened and she placed her hands on his chest. She pushed him back and shook her head.
"No..." she whispered.
"What?" He frowned.
"I have a boyfriend" she stated.
"But you're not happy" he exclaimed.
"Yes I am, I love Troy, and I can't believe you!" She slapped him and went to the others. "Guys, I am heading home, I'm beat" she made an excuse.
"Oh, ok, is everything alright with Troy?" Kelsi worried.
"Yeah, I'm just tired and Jack said not to be home late..." she smiled.
"Alright well, I'll call you" Taylor hugged her and Gabriella nodded.
After hugging everyone she walked outside and saw Justin entering again. He stopped her from leaving and she glared.
"At least let me drive you home?" He offered.
"No thanks, I'll call Jack" she mumbled before walking out.
Maybe the girls were right, maybe that was his plan all along. How could she be so stupid? She was ready to forget the past, forget what he did, what they did together and she was willing to be his friend.
"Hello?" Jack answered the house phone. (Gabriella/Jack)
"Jack, can you come pick me up?" Gabriella asked.
"Sure honey, where are you?" He asked.
"I'll wait outside the movies" she stated as she set off back to the movie theatre.
"Ok, I'll be ten minutes" he insisted.
"Ok, thanks Jack" she smiled and hung up.
"Why did your friend not drive you back?" Jack asked as they drove home.
"I was tired, I didn't think it was fair for him to have to leave early..." she lied.
"Ok, well that was nice of you" he smiled.
"Yeah, I spoke to Troy" she stated.
"How is he?" He wondered.
"Ok, he seemed really down though..." she sighed.
"Well, I spoke to him last night and he seemed a little homesick but I'm sure it is nothing to worry about honey" he tapped her knee.
"I guess..." she sighed.
The rest of the car ride was silent. Jack was whistling along with the radio as Gabriella leant her head on the glass. She thought about what had happened tonight. Justin was a jerk! Ok, the first time she admitted she was kind of harsh with the reasons she had to sleep with him, but this time around she didn't initiate anything. She told him she had a boyfriend. He had been there when she was telling the girls about Troy. He knew how much she loved Troy, so she was not willing to accept it. She wouldn't be a fool anymore. She was willing to forget the past but he just made a wrong move.
So... it's Troy struggling with the distance now. Do you think Gabriella is coping yet? Will Troy be ok? What is with Justin :O
Give me your thoughts:) I love your reviews:)
xxx Paige xxx