Chapter 20 – It's hard to love you

"Gabi!" I looked alert as I got up, my legs crumpling, "They won't tell me," I sobbed towards them, "They won't tell me anything," Mallory took me in her arms and she hugged me, "It's okay, it's okay," she soothed, I trembled as I cried harder.

My legs shook and I clutched to them, "Gabi," Colin was standing next to as I couldn't bare the weight of my body as I cried harder. "It happened so fast," I blubbered, "It happened so fast."

One Week and One Day Earlier

"Boo!" Lilly giggled as she turned away, I shook my head as I leaned back, it had been two fucking months since I have seen Troy. Two. It was becoming unreal and I was becoming tired.

We talked every night and we skyped when possible. Our texts were endless and we were both ready to be back in each other's arms. I was going to make a quick two-day visit on my way to New York before the start of my sophomore year. My stomach rolled with emotion as it was getting to see him but it wasn't going to be enough.

On his birthday, I sent him a package of stuff and talked to him for the majority of the day, he was busy with baseball to even celebrate so it made me feel a little bit better.

During the last two months I had gotten a job out of sheer boredom, a lifeguard at a nearby pool. If I wasn't lifeguarding I was working in the concession stand. I made a couple of friends but nothing like my Ellie and Mallory. We were all excited to get back into the dorms together and have another fantastic year.

I hung out with Cody almost every night we could work around our schedules and with Becca. He played some summer ball here and there but it was enough to keep us both hanging out.

Troy was having an okay second half, he came back a little sluggish but really picked up recently, he was still under a 3.0 ERA throughout the season and he was still holding out there in double A. It was fun and exciting for him but I missed him.

My phone rang and seeing it was he, in the middle of the day, was not good. I slowly picked it up as I pressed it against my ear. "Hey," I answered, snugging the phone between my shoulder and ear. "Hey," his voice was not what I wanted, "What's wrong?" I asked, Lilly totted around the room, "Brie, I think we need to cancel our weekend,"

My attention snapped to the conversation I was having, "What?" I stuttered, he sighed, "I know, this is going to sound bad but when you get here I wont have time to see you like I want too. I'm pitching Saturday and you leave Sunday morning, Friday night we are getting back into town and I just won't get to see you," he announced, "I won't get to see you at all and I would rather you pick another weekend when I will get to see you."

"Troy," I stuttered, "It's been two months, and I need to see you,"

"That's the thing baby doll, you wouldn't see me. You would see my sleeping body and that's it, you do know how much I want you to come down but I just, I don't have the time to give you right now, I wish I did but I don't."

Not knowing what to say, I hung up; tears pooled my eyes as I buried my head into my leg. Lilly came over, "sissy?" I glanced up and I shook my head, "I'm okay," I said wiping at the corners of my eyes.

My phone rang and I looked it to see Troy was calling me. He knew I was upset over it all and I took a deep breath. I answered as I didn't say anything, "I'm sorry," he said quietly, "I'm sorry, I didn't want to make that call and if you still want to come down then fine Gabs but I'm going to be sleeping and playing baseball, I just,"

"Why two days before Troy? Why now?"

"I was seeing how our schedule was going to work out and it didn't work out like I wanted it too. I'm sorry,"

"I miss you Troy, you know how much I miss you and it's been two months,"

"Yes, I know,"

"If you knew you wouldn't be doing this too me! First you tell me I should stay home and my last weekend you don't want me coming either! Are you sure you even want to be with me anymore?" Anger seethed through my system, as I finally understood what I said. Troy was blank with an answer. I stood up as I went into the bathroom before one of my parents walked in.

A sob escaped my throat, "I didn't." I started, my voice weak as cries escaped. "Yea, I understand,"

"Troy," I finally let out, a beg of whines, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that, I'm frustrated,"

"Okay,"

"Troy,"

"I have to go," he said that and hung up. I pushed my palms against my face as I went out, "I'll be back later," I called; I grabbed my keys and got into my car. I drove around the town for a while as I thought we had one other fight just a couple of weeks ago but it weren't him telling me not to come. I closed my eyes at a stoplight and I opened them to see it turn green again.

I guess I was ready to return to New York. I don't know I just wanted to be with Troy. Suddenly two days was going to be plenty. Just that one kiss was going to be plenty and the simple touch; it was all okay if I got to see him.

I suddenly found myself on the way to the spot, I was just driving and I gravitate towards this spot. The spot that meant everything to me some days. I dragged my car up the mountain and Cody's truck was sitting there.

A simple sigh left my mouth and I got out of the car. "Did my perfect boyfriend send you?" I asked, Cody turned around and he gave me a once over, "Yea, he felt bad,"

I nodded as I held tears back, "Why? I was looking forward to it," Cody walked over and he wrapped his arms around me, my sobs filled my throat, "It's been two months and I miss him so much. I just, I,"

"It's okay," I crumbled as Cody held me for a while longer, "I think Troy is feeling the same frustration," he said; we were leaning against his car after I got myself together. I wiped at the corner of my eyes, "Then he would have made the effort," I replied, "He tried, he told me that he wasn't supposed to pitch and it was supposed to work out but he is going on one day less rest and it's a mess, he wants you there more than you realize."

"It's going to be another month,"

"Maybe," Cody said simply, "It will be okay though,"

I nodded as I wiped at my eyes, "I tell myself that everyday Cody, I don't know how much longer until I stop believing myself."

Cody looked at me for a moment, his eyes focused as he was trying to think of something to say, he couldn't though. I turned to look out again and I let my stomach roll with emotions. Cody slipped his arm around my shoulder and I laid my head on his shoulder.

"Just keep believing you'll get through it."

Standing on my bed, I hung a picture of Troy and I, I backed up satisfied and I jumped down. It was move in day and I was the first one here at the dorm, Ellie and Mallory both on their way. I made my bed and made sure it was perfect as my dad came in with another three boxes.

"Do you need more stuff?" he asked me, I shook my head, "There shouldn't be much more," I commented, "There isn't but this is a lot." I shook my head, "I think you are just crazy."

"Who needs twenty boxes of crap,"

"Hey! Ten are clothes!"

"And you have more in a suitcase," I shrugged as he shook his head, "Alright, I gotta get to the park but I'll see you tomorrow okay? Come to the apartment if you want to stay there," I nodded as I hugged him and he kissed my cheek.

"Knock knock," I turned to see Will, we were right next to each other again, I grinned as I went over to give him a hug. "Hi!" I cheered, he laughed as he hugged me. "How are you holding up?" he asked me, I sighed, "I'm doing okay." I commented, "It's been a tough month or so,"

Will had come to my hometown to see me twice. We hung by the pool and laughed, we had a great time as he sat at the pool while I worked, eating whatever he could get his hands on.

"Well I'm here now so no more long faces," I gave him a smile as he came in, "Do you need any help unpacking?" I took a glance around, as all I had left was clothes. "I don't think so," I said shaking my head, I looked out my window to see the freshman looking around, pointing and squealing as they find friends. Tour guides and banners were up; tents were out so they could require people for clubs.

Pursing my lips, I gave a look towards Will, "Do you need any help?" he smiled, "No, I'm done."

"How long have you been here? I was looking for everybody!" Will gave his easy smile, "A while, I saw your dad here and I didn't want to interrupt." I nodded, "Thanks," he nodded as he stuffed his hands in his pockets, "So how is your girlfriend?" I asked after opening a box. "We decided to call it quits, I mean it was a great summer but we are over three thousand miles apart and I just am not into that relationship," I hesitated giving him a look.

"I think I want to roll single for a little bit. Enjoy life."

"That's good." I commented, I hung a couple of my clothes up and I then turned towards him, "I liked her, if that counts towards anything," he gave a small smile, "Not really but thanks, she liked you."

I sighed and I put more clothes away, "How is Troy?"

"Okay," I commented, "Did you see him this weekend?" I cringed and I shook my head, "He was too busy and he wouldn't have been able to see me like he wanted to so we called the weekend off or I mean he called the weekend off."

"I'm sorry," I shrugged as I kept my head down, "That's the life apparently."

He began to help me as the door to my dorm opened, "GABI!" I jumped as I ran into the living room, Ellie was there and I ran into her arms. She gripped me tightly and I smiled, "Hi! I missed you," we squeezed each other and she smiled, "I missed you too!" Will walked out and Ellie smiled, "Hey Will, I saw Brad show up,"

"Yea, I saw him earlier."

Will squeezed my shoulder, "Dinner tomorrow night?" I smiled and nodded, "Sounds good,"

Will smiled before walking out, "Bye Ellie!"

Ellie glanced at me, "We are just friends," I declared, she raised an eyebrow, "Really?"

"Ellie, you know Troy and I,"

"I know Troy and you have been separated for a couple of weeks,"

"Two months," I restated, "And I know, I just, I feel bad for Will and I want to go to dinner with him."

Ellie gave a smile, "Alright, now help me unpack,"

My feet lounged across Ellie's lap and my headrest on Mallory's shoulder. We had set up all of our rooms and we ordered Chinese in. "Yum," I muttered as I slurped up a noddle. Mallory nodded as we were all tired and exhausted, it was late and we were ready for bed.

"We start school tomorrow," Ellie muttered, "Yea, we do," I replied, tomorrow we had our first classes back. Having decided on my major, I was taking a lot of English classes and communication. Tomorrow though, I was taking a few sports classes too. Everything to set me up for the job I want.

I sighed, my eyes battled when my phone beeped. I picked it up, as Troy wanted to Face time. Closing my eyes I was trying to muster the energy, I wanted to see his face as I hadn't seen it in days, I wanted to see him smile and laugh because I wanted to dream of it.

"I guess I'm going to my room," I muttered, "Talk to my boyfriend."

"You go girl," I smiled as I crawled into my bed and turned on my lap, flipped on my TV before I face time Troy. He answered and he gave me a big smile, I grinned, "Hi,"

"I love that smile," he said with a sigh, my eyes took in his face as we had made up after our little fight, I wasn't very happy about it all but it was okay. "I missed your face." Troy chuckled, "I missed your face."

I sighed as I looked at Troy, "Do you know it isn't easy being in love with you and not seeing you everyday?" Troy glanced at me and I sat up, taking my laptop with me. "There are times like today or the other day when I would give anything just to be able to gaze into your eyes or hold you in my arms, even for a couple of minutes."

Troy began to spoke and I shook my head, "I always feel incomplete, like a part of me is missing when were not together and I have felt like that for months, months," I said as I looked at Troy, he seemed to be seeing what was going on and he shook his head. "I know that right now this is how things have to be but that doesn't make it any easier to bear with. Everyday that I don't have you just remind me of the joy you add to me, the happiness. I don't want you to forget how much I love and how much I think about you and that I'm counting every damn minute until we are finally together again."

He released a breath, "Babe, I won't ever forget how much you love me. Are you alright?" I shrugged, "I'm just missing you. I have been missing you but I have to look forward to when you are going to be here and I don't know when that is going to be."

Troy sighed, "Soon hopefully, soon,"

I curled up with my laptop as Troy talked to me, my eyes battled sleep as he said goodnight somewhere along the way, telling me he loved me and I only did the same because this is what my life was like.

My first three classes went without a hitch. I enjoyed all of my professors so far and it was good. I was amused and had a class with Will. I smiled as I dragged back into my dorm and Will was sitting on the couch with Brad and Katie.

"Hey," I said waving, I dropped my stuff down as Will sent me a smile, and "Hey can we move our dinner back a couple of hours?" I gave a nod, "Yea, where do you want to go?"

"I don't care, I'm feeling a burger." I nodded, such a settle dinner. I collapsed on the floor as I leaned my head back. Brad rubbed my shoulder as I then wondered how they all got into my dorm. "How did you get into my room?"

"Mallory left us here when she went to class."

"Oh," I said, I curled up with a blanket on the floor and yawned; shoving my backpack under my head I curled up as I watched the show they were all glued to. I was trying to catch up and figure out what I wanted to do tonight. I only had a couple of papers to fill out for my classes so it wasn't any big homework.

I didn't have one eight am class this whole semester, which was a success in my schedule. I did have class's everyday though unlike last year I didn't have a class on Friday during my second semester, which made it easier to go see Troy for a weekend.

I don't remember half of our conversation except what I told him last night. Texting him, I felt Will kicked my side. "Go get ready,"

"If we are getting burgers, I'm ready," I moaned, he shook his head, "Fine, I guess I don't get a classy date."

"Nope. You don't because well guess what, I'm not your girlfriend," Will shook his head, "One day,"

I shot him a look, "I'm kidding, come on," he helped me up, as I didn't realize it was well past six thirty. I sighed, "Will, do you think we can just order in tonight? Rain check? I'm tired,"

He frowned and then nodded, "Fine," he said, I got up and I then grabbed his hand, "Will, it's not because of what you said. It's because I'm really tired."

"You don't look tired, you just laid on the floor for hours," he argued, "Because I'm tired,"

He sighed and I then hugged him, "Don't be mad Will, don't be mad," Will shook his head, "How can I be mad at you?" he questioned with a glance. I smiled, "Movie night, I'll even let you hold me."

"Eh…" I punched him as he smiled and he went to call for pizza and I let him pick from a few different movies.

I was wrapped in Will Thompson's arms. My head laying on his chest and we were both watching Iron-Man, the first one, his heart had a different rhythm from Troy, it wasn't the same and I couldn't predict his breathing pattern.

My head rose and Will was looking down at me, "What?" I asked, he shrugged, "You seem uncomfortable,"

I hesitated, "I guess I am," I told him, "You aren't Troy so it's weird for me to lay here. I mean Troy knows and everything but I just, I can't predict you like I can predict Troy. I know his nervous breathing and his content breathing, when he wants something or his gaze, I just, I know these things and with you I don't, it makes my stomach uneasy."

"He is your boyfriend, you are supposed to know these things." I shrugged, "Don't you like having somebody in your life?" I questioned, "No, not really," Will commented, "I mean I like girls but I just, I want the one and I can't find her so I'd rather be alone."

My lips stayed in a straight line as he began to talk again, "Finding you at NYU, I was thinking maybe I had another chance and then I heard you just got out of a nasty break-up from Troy, so I stayed back for a while and then he showed up. He came back and you do love him and it makes me feel better that you love somebody and he really cares for you. I can deal with that but you have so much power and beauty to you that I don't get."

Pausing he shook his head, "I have always wanted somebody like you, sweet, kind, funny, charming, beautiful, smart, just doing something that matters and you care." He shook his head, "You care so much."

"Will," I finally asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I just wish you had stayed in Kansas City."

"I know," I told him, "I wonder how my life would be like if I stayed in certain places what would my life be like, if I stayed in LA would I still be in that horrible relationship that," I paused as I finally knew what I was saying. "What?" Will asked me, I shook my head, "Nothing,"

"No, Gabs, what horrible relationship." I shook my head, "Will, I can't tell you. It's too emotional and I just don't want to talk about it." Will sighed, "What do you mean?"

"Not many people know Will," I shook my head as I moved away from him, "Just tell me," he said grabbing my hand, "Does Troy know?" I nodded my head, "He just found out but it took so long for me to tell him."

"You don't have to go into detail unless you really don't want to, you just seem distraught."

"I'm distraught because I don't want to remember it! I told Troy he was the last person I was ever telling, my parents don't even know I was stupid and young." Will sighed, "We were all stupid and young Gabi,"

"My boyfriend beat me," I finally spat towards him, "That's how stupid I was, I let him when I was young, it was before I was even KC, that's how young I was and I just," Will grabbed my hand, "Hey, relax," he said, he pulled me into his arms, "It's okay, I'm not going to judge because the guy was the idiot."

"I was the idiot." I whispered I then shook my head, "I just wonder how that would have ended or if I stayed in KC would we have worked or in New York if I wasn't bullied would it have been better? I don't know but it all clicked in New Mexico, it all clicked together and it will for you one day."

Will ran his fingers over his face, "I don't think it will,"

"I don't know what you are talking about, you are charming, handsome, and you know sports. You can treat a lady right and you'll find her,"

Will shook his head, he then flashed me a look, "I don't think so," he mused, "There is just something that isn't sitting right." I sighed, "Friday, we can do dinner and no matter how tired I am I will go with you alright?" Will gave me a smile, "Alright, thanks for tonight even though I wasn't your boyfriend."

"Thanks for entertaining me." I smiled; he nodded as he walked out of my dorm, Mallory and Colin tumbling into the room afterwards. There lips locked together tightly, Colin secured her as I grabbed my blanket, "Will!" I ran after him and shut my door, he gave me a glance and I smiled, "I need a place to stay," he nodded, "Come on,"

He took my hand and I crawled into his bed, his roommate was already out as he climbed into bed too, I rolled over to my side and he let his one arm wrap around me. I smiled gently and took comfort in the fact that somebody was there.

I spent the next three days with Will, doing everything. We slept over at each other's places and ate countless meals and did homework together. Troy and I talked on the phone with Will present, he knew all about my hanging out with Will but the look Will gave me the other night about not finding anybody kept haunting me, his eyes looked sad and upset.

Something flew over my head and I ducked away from it. I shook my head as I then looked at Will who smiled. I shook my head as we were going out to dinner tonight, burgers like we had discussed the other night.

"What?" I asked him, he shook his head, "Nothing, I am just excited for tonight." I nodded, "Mallory and Ellie think we are going on a date when Troy knows everything." I said shaking my head, "I'm just going to get burgers with a friend."

"I mean I don't think Troy probably feels well about it because you haven't seen him in nine weeks," my stomach churned thinking about the amount of time I haven't seen my boyfriend. I longed to touch him and hold him, even if it was for five minutes.

I sighed as Will patted my side, "It's okay, I'm not gonna kiss you tonight." He winked and I shook my head, I looked at my watch, "Alright, I'll see you in an hour for dinner okay?"

"Gotcha, see you," I put my backpack over my arms and I dialed Troy, "Hi baby girl,"

"Hi love," I said with a smile, "How was your day of school?"

"Okay, and how was your day of baseball?"

"Not over yet,"

"I miss you,"

"I miss you too,"

A sigh escaped my throat and I couldn't find words. "I love you Troy,"

"I love you too baby girl," suddenly I was full of tears, "No, Troy, I really love you. I don't say it to say it, I say it because I truly mean it, and you just have to know how much I love you."

"Brie, are you okay?" I nodded as I wiped my eyes, "It's just been so long,"

"I know, I know, there is only a month left in the season,"

"I know," I whispered, "But then you have instructs."

"We'll be okay,"

"I love you Brie,"

The words wrapped around my brain and I smiled, "I love you too."

"You ready?" I smiled at Will, "Yea, come on," I wrapped my hand around his and we both walked out of the apartment. I was in a pair of jean shorts and a rolled up shirt of Troy's. It just seemed to fit as it wrapped around me.

I hooked my arm through his as we walked through the streets until we came to the little hole in the wall burger joint, which was hard to come across in the middle of New York City. I let a smile lift to my face as he opened the door.

"So did you decide on a major?" I asked him, he shook his head, "No," he started, "Probably something with kids though, so they don't make stupid mistakes, to help them," I nodded, "That seems fair,"

"You Ms. Sports Announcer, writer, whatever you what to major that in," I giggled, "Sports Journalism," he laughed, "That," I shook my head as the waiter came to take both of our orders, Will kept giving me a glance and he smiled when I mentioned something he seemed to listen but at times he went really distant.

He gave me another glance before he sighed, "I have to tell you something,"

"What?" I asked, "Why have you spent this whole week with me? I mean if I did this last year you would have been yelling at me for trying to ruin your relationship with Troy,"

"Well it's because you aren't. I'm telling Troy everything and you know or you should know where my heart lies, I want you both in my life."

"I know you do and I love spending this time with you but when Troy comes back into your life in New York I'm not going to get this time, hell, I may not get this time for a long time anymore," I stared at him, "Huh?"

"This time I spend with you, I cherish it. I never know when you are going to decide to do something else, to go and hang with somebody else."

"Well right now it's you," I said with a smile, he nodded as they brought our food over. Taking a bite of my cheeseburger, I let my tongue taste the warmth. We talked casually through dinner and we even sat in the booth afterwards because it wasn't crowded. We talked about little things here and there, how he wanted to save a kids life.

I took a glance at Will who gave me a smile nobody would ever forget. It was bright and it was the smile that only wanted to make you smile. Giving a small on back, I looked around for somebody to take our picture together. I gave a shy look towards him, "Take a picture with me," I asked, he laughed, "Come on, that makes it like an official date or something,"

"No, it means we accomplished our first we back to our second year of college," he nodded, "True," I smiled as I dragged him up and I then asked the teenagers in the next booth to take our picture. We smiled and I hung my arms over him. Then we took another of kissing each others cheeks pulling away laughing, I shook my head, "I thought you were not going to kiss me tonight,"

"I wasn't you started it," I gave him a smirk as he then walked away. I snapped a simple picture of him, "Will," he turned and then he gave me a smile, I snapped another picture and I then tucked my phone away. "Are you ready to get back to the dorm? I heard there was a big party tonight."

"Let's go," I said, we teased each other as we lead one another out the door. Our laughs rang in the air as we approached the warmth. It circled us in and I gave a smile towards him, he walked backwards as he looked at me. "You are wonderful, I really had fun tonight," Will said, "You make me want to search for somebody like you."

"You'll find her."

He tried to nod and then he sighed, "It almost seems hopeless,"

"Don't ever give up hope," I stated, he tugged one of those smiles on his lips, a loud honk of a horn ran through the intersection, Will turned and stumbled over his feet, my purse and phone tumbled to the ground as the car was speeding through the intersection, my breath hitched in my throat, "Will!" I screamed, he looked in shock as he tried to move but could only stand, the car not realizing somebody as there honked and then slammed right into Will.

I gasped, "Will!" I screamed again, the car rolled through the intersection and Will tumbled over the car, he landed on his face and his body sprawled in all different directions. "Will!" I screamed as the car stopped and began to talk in a foreign language. I went to Will as I knelled down, "Will, hey, Will, open your eyes," I called he didn't budge as tears spread in my eyes.

"Will!" I screamed, he moaned and I had hope as people were now stopping traffic, "I'm here Will, stay with me," I begged, his legs and arms were at every different direction, a major gash in his forehead and I began to cry harder, "I'm right here Will,"

I could hear sirens in the distance as I grabbed Will's hand, "I love you Will, I love you," I stroked his hand and he didn't even flinch, his body not moving, his chest seemed to have stopped as I lowered my body. Suddenly the sirens were there and the police were backing me up as the paramedics came in, yelling codes I didn't know. I gasped for air as I was sobbing. "Will!" I screamed again, "Ma'am we need to ask you questions," I shook my head as I tried to get to him, "Will, Will, I'm sorry!"

The police officers had me restrained as I broke down on the sidewalk. My legs weak and my body tired. "Ma'am, I need to know what happened," I shook my head as I saw them talking to the driver and a few other people, "Is this your boyfriend?" I shook my head, "No, he is just my best friend," I finally escaped, "Were you having dinner here?" I nodded my head as I watched them put a brace around his neck and flipped him over. Not moving.

"Did you push him into the street?" he asked, the question didn't sink in until a minute later, I gasped and I shook my head, "No! I love Will, he was talking to me and I said for him not to stop believing in him having a girlfriend ever and he gave me a smile, the car of the driver honked as he flew through the intersection," I stopped as I gasped for air, "Will turned to see what was going on and stumbled into the street, the car honked and he got up for it to only hit him harder. He only fell," I began to cry harder as I rocked myself.

"Is that all?" I nodded my head, as I knew words weren't coming out of my mouth. "Can I have a name?" I looked at up at the officer, "Gabi Montez," I said quietly, he blinked and I knew what he was thinking but he didn't say anything. "Are you hurt?" I shook my head but I was because if something happened to him, I would be broken.

They put him in the back of an ambulance and they were doing CPR, I began stand up, "Ma'am," the officer caught my arm, "I need to follow him,"

"I'll take you," he said, I got into his car, I picked up my phone and I wanted to call them but I couldn't bring myself to do it. "Is there anybody that needs to be called?" I nodded my head, "Can you go pick up my dad?" I cried, "Please," my stomach twisted as I felt sick and I replayed the scene over and over in my head. "Is your dad Alex Montez?" I nodded my head, "I need him but,"

"I'll drop you off and then get your dad alright?" I nodded as I tried not to cry harder, when we got to the hospital, he sat me down in the waiting room, he let the nurse know whom I was with and that's when I made a call to Mallory.

She answered, "Hey, how is your non-date going," I burst into louder sobs, "What did he do to you?" she yelled quickly, "Mal, he was hit by a car, hard," I cried, "He was hit by a car,"

"Who?"

"Will,"

"Gabi!" I looked alert as I got up, my legs crumpling, "They won't tell me," I sobbed towards them, "They won't tell me anything," Mallory took me in her arms and she hugged me, "It's okay, it's okay," she soothed, I trembled as I cried harder.

My legs shook and I clutched to them, "Gabi," Colin was standing next to as I couldn't bare the weight of my body as I cried harder. "It happened so fast," I blubbered, "It happened so fast." Colin helped me over to a chair as I curled up. My dad had yet to arrive but I bet the police officer was having a heyday trying to get to him. I felt my tears splash as I felt sick.

I had been here an hour and they wouldn't tell me if he was in surgery or if he was dying. I had to be a parent or a wife. I was neither and I couldn't even pretend. I had given his parents information to the front desk though and if his parents gave consent they would tell me.

The doors burst open and I turned to see my dad, still in his uniform, "El," I got up as I ran into his arms, sobs escaped my throat as he wrapped his arms tight around me, "It's alright, I'm here," he whispered, he pressed his lips to my temple, "It's okay,"

I trembled and he sat down with me in his lap. "I thought it was you, oh God, I am so glad you're okay," I understood what my dad was saying. Having a cop go and get him was not my smartest idea but it was the fastest. He probably thought I was dead and he already didn't like that about New York and me alone. "Oh you're okay," he whispered.

"I don't know about Will daddy,"

"Will will be fine," he assured me, I wanted to believe everything he had just said to me. Will will be okay. My stomach twisted with emotion and I rocked my body as I tried not to cry anymore, I needed to stay strong.

I had Ellie text Dylan who apparently was on his way and I took a hold of my dad tighter. "It happened so fast." I whispered, "I know it did baby girl, I know," the car crashing haunted my images as I saw only Will in the air. The last words I ever said to him, "Don't ever give up hope,"

They all looked at me as I closed my eyes, "That's the last thing I said to him," my dad squeezed my hand, "It's alright,"

We all sat there quietly, people in and out as we all asked how our friend was doing but nobody would answer. My dad even went up to ask, I trembled with fear until a nurse and a doctor came out, "Gabi Montez?" I stood as I looked at the two. My dad stood with me and he grabbed my hand, "Come on," he walked my body which felt like a zombie right now.

"Are you Gabi Montez? Who was with Will Thompson when he was hit by the car?" I slowly nodded my head and they both gave a glance, "We were told by the mother to let you know how he was doing, we are so sorry," the words came out of there mouths and I began to shake my head. "No," I started to say, "No!" I cried, "Your friend passed away about thirty minutes ago,"

I began to sob, "Will!" I screamed, "No!" I felt my legs fall out from underneath of me as I curled in a ball and I started sobbing. "No, he can't be dead," I sobbed, "No, he was just laughing,"

"We're very sorry, we did everything we could, and he had,"

"I don't think she wants to know how, thank you," my dad said loudly, I couldn't think or even process any of it as I sobbed. My head spun and my dad wrapped me in his arms, "I'm sorry Ella, I'm so sorry,"

"No, he can't be dead," I whispered, "I loved him,"

My dad stroked my back and he kissed my temple, he picked me up and I began to cry harder. It was too hard to love.

Happy Fathers Day to all the awesome Fathers in the world! Love you Dad!

Poor Will. Poor Gabi. It's a long road back for Gabi and what is her reaction going to be. Everything be okay? Well who knows.

Thanks for being patient! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

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