Chapter 25 – Thanksgiving Rudeness

"Have a fantastic Thanksgiving Gabs," I hugged on Mal, "I will,"

"I'll see you in a week!" I smiled as I hugged Ellie too, "I'm gonna miss you guys,"

"Is Troy boy coming back with you?"

I nodded, "Since him and his buddies bought an apartment, I sure hope so," Troy had left two weeks ago to spend time wit his family after instructs. He was spending a total of three weeks with them before coming back to New York with me until Christmas break. "Good, I miss seeing him around here." I gave a soft smile as I was trying to forget the past few months.

It had been hard after the whole pregnancy thing to get back on track with my life. My parents still don't know about that but they did know about my trip to Troy and the hospital visit was explained about falling and hitting my head. They bought it for now but didn't totally.

Stepping out of the embrace, I glanced around the airport as we were all flying home. "I'll see you guys soon okay?" they nodded as we went separate ways. I missed Troy and it had only been two weeks, after our month apart we were almost inseparable as he was still concerned and I was still sad.

My life was slowly regaining normalness. School was becoming easier and my life was happier. I talked to Will every now and then as I missed him. When Troy was around though he made it all better. Josh, Zack, and Troy all moved into an apartment only three blocks off campus making it easier for me to get to him or for him to get to me.

We normally split up at night so I could do homework or whatever but some nights we returned to the fellow place to just be with each other. Our sex life was quieter than normal but I blamed it on the fact that we had roommates and just I was busy. Yet, I knew deep down it had everything to do with the fear of me getting pregnant again.

Sitting down in my section of the plane, I thought back to my dad losing another year in the American League Championships to the team who won it all – Detroit. We were happy to see them win but all in all, it just meant my parents were returning to New Mexico as I had Troy around which comforted my dad.

I buckled my seat belt; I tried to keep focused on everything going on around me. I was still seeing the counselor to talk about anything and everything; I was beginning to enjoy my visits. It made okay and I was able to talk to Troy about a lot more things.

I wasn't excited for my long trip across the country but the fact that Troy was waiting at the airport made my insides jump. I was ready to just fall into his arms and let him hold me tight. It had almost been a year to when we got back together…well not exactly but it was getting close and I was ready to have officially a year together with him in the minors together because then I felt like I could do it forever.

"Ladies and Gentleman," the soft drone of the women's voice made me turn and rest my head against the side of the plane. My eyes slipped shut as I hoped I didn't dream about Will, it had been a while since I had but I hope it didn't happen. I was tired of seeing it.

It was forever marked in my brain and I just wanted to let it go forever.

Stretching my legs out, I glanced to see the runway below us. After a connection in Texas, I was finally in New Mexico. I unbuckled my seat belt as we safely landed and we had to wait for our gate to open.

People began to get restless on the plane as I switched my phone on. I made sure I had everything and placed it into the empty seat next to me. My NYU hoodie and my yoga pants were so comfy.

Once we pulled into the gate, I moved up and out of my seat as I got into the long line to get out. I covered my mouth with my hand as we shuffled off the plane. One at a time and down the hall as I emerged into the airport, my eyes glanced around as Troy would be waiting at the baggage claim for me.

I moved my feet and I went to the direction of baggage claim. I went out of security and down an escalator before having to take a tram over to baggage claim. Once it opened, my eyes scanned around, I pushed out of the people and I looked for the New York – Dallas – New Mexico baggage claim.

My eyes spotted it and I moved over as he was leaning back against a pole. I then noticed Cody as he was talking to Troy. I grinned as I took off running, Cody looked at me as Troy looked over his shoulder and then he stood up, a big clumsy smile over his face as I landed in his arms.

"There is my pretty girl," he whispered as he kissed my temple. I squeezed him tighter and he brought up my chin to kiss me. I grinned as I moved to hug Cody, "Gabs!" I smiled, "Hi Cody," he looked at me, he questioned my face and I smiled, "I'm fine,"

"He knows," I turned to look at Troy, "You told him?" he nodded, "I needed to tell somebody and Cody is good at keeping secrets." I sighed and Cody gave me another hug, "Are we still fine?"

"I was fine after it happened," I replied, Cody shrugged as the baggage claim began to spit out luggage. Troy watched for my luggage as I went back over to slip my arms around his waist. "Are you sure you are okay?" he asked me softly, I nodded into his back, "I'm fine,"

"Okay,"

Troy dropped it after that as my Coach luggage bag came around and he picked it up. He wheeled it behind him as he grabbed my hand. His fingers smoothed over mine as he led me to his truck. He tossed my bag into the back while I crawled in the middle of the truck, tucked between Cody and Troy.

Troy's hand slipped over my knee as he massaged it softly. "So where are you taking me?" Troy glanced at me and then backs to the road, "To your house…"

"Are you going to stick around?"

"I was going to go hit at swings for a bit and let you see your mom and dad."

I blew out a breath, "Okay."

"Do you want me to stay?"

I stayed quiet as I did, I hadn't seen him in two weeks but I guess I hadn't seen my parents in almost a month in a half. Troy didn't say anything and neither did I as we listened to the radio, "Tomorrow, lunch?" Cody asked I was brought out of my trace to see we were at Cody's house. "Yea, sounds like a date," Cody smiled as he slipped out and Troy drove off.

Yet, before I knew it we were at our spot. "You all right?" he asked quietly, I finally shook my head and I curled up into Troy's lap. He wrapped his arm around me, I began to cry and I wasn't sure why, "Brie," he stroked my hair as the tears rolled off my cheek. "Hey, what's wrong?" I sat up as I turned away, Troy looked at me, his blue eyes soft.

"I missed you," Troy pulled me into his lap, his fingers sliced through my hair. "I missed you too," his chin rested on my shoulder as he kissed my temple. "I love you,"

"I love you too Troy, I guess that whole flight gave me time to think over everything. I haven't had much of that lately."

"It's okay," he said softly, "Is they're anything you want to talk about?" I stayed silent, "Can you stay with me tonight?" I asked, Troy nodded, "If that's what you want but somebody is requesting you at my household."

"I bet, I miss those little ones," Troy smiled, "This is the first holiday that Will won't go home," I said softly, "I see," he said quietly, "If I wouldn't have gone to NYU, I wouldn't be upset, I probably wouldn't have gotten pregnant and I wouldn't have had to go through that either,"

Troy sighed softly, "I love you Brie baby and I know how much this first semester of school killed you. How much baggage you have now because of it but it's now the past, it's now writing your story and you are being so strong, everyday I see you get a little bit better and I see you smile a bit bigger. You are getting close to everything and I know in five years, you will be 99 percent back to normal but there will be those days, everybody has those days that make it a little harder but you always have me and your dad, your mom, plus those cute little siblings. It's going to be okay,"

"Troy, how do I make it stop? How do I forget it?" Troy played with my hair, "I don't know, have you ever just talked about it? Out loud to let it go?"

"No," I whispered, "I can't do it."

"Try, for me,"

I closed my eyes tightly, I curled up as I brought my knees to my chest, and Troy's hand was on my back as he rubbed it in slow circles.

"No, I,"

"Just talk, pretend I'm not here," My therapist has been trying to get me to do this for weeks, to just talk about it or write it down, to let it go. "Troy," my voice was cut apart and he moved closer to me, "It's okay if you don't,"

"I can't," I rocked back and forth, Troy kissed my temple, "Alright, alright,"

I didn't move as Troy kept rubbing my back, "Do you want to go to your house?" Troy asked, "No," I said quietly, "Okay," he kissed my temple slowly; his fingers wrapped up in he and mine whispered soft things into my ear.

After opening my eyes, I turned to look at Troy; a small smile was lifted on his face. "Are you ready yet? It's getting dark," I finally nodded as Troy buckled my seat belt in for me and then for himself. He started his car and the car ride was quiet.

Pulling into my driveway, he parked behind me. I crawled out of the car as Troy grabbed my bags; he took me to the door as he gave me a once over. "I'm not that hungry," I told him, "Eat some stuff for me okay?"

A soft nod went through my body as I opened the door, "I'm home," my dad came from around the corner, "There is my girl," I went into my dad's arms as he held me for a few seconds. "How are you?"

"I'm tired," he looked me over, "You walked in just in time for dinner, let's go," Troy went to put my stuff upstairs, "Troy is going to stay the night," I announced as we made our plates. Cameron and Lilly were already eating as they cheered when they saw me. I couldn't stop a smile as I kissed the top of both of their heads. "What's up little ones?" Troy smiled as he began to make a plate.

We all sat down to eat as we discussed plans for the week. I made soft comments as I was going to be going to my dad's parent's house where my mom's siblings and parents would be and then to Troy's for his family dinner. "I'm going to go upstairs," I announced as I pushed back my dinner. "I'm going to follow," Troy said with a stuck of a thumb.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow morning."

Troy followed me up the stairs and I lay on my bed. Troy crawled up next to me, his lips pressing onto mine as he looked at me, I smiled and he wrapped my tight in his arms. "Just lay with me okay?"

"Okay,"

I sat up gasping for air, "Brie, hey," Troy's voice brought me back as I trembled, "Brie," Troy sat next to me as I felt haunted, "It's okay," his back rubbed mine in a circle, "It's okay,"

Crawling into Troy's arms, he rocked me, "Are you sure you don't just want to talk about it?" I gripped tightly onto Troy's arms, "It happened so fast," he squeezed me tighter, "We were talking, we were just talking about how he was going to find a girlfriend one day." He stroked my arm as I squeezed my eyes tight. "He stumbled over the curb and fell into the street. He looked helpless then and right then."

Troy's lips were on the top of my head as I felt my hands tremble. My whole body shook as a sob crept up my throat. I stayed quiet for a little while as he kissed me, "Then all of a sudden there was a long horn, Will stood up and looked straight into his headlights and was smashed. His body flew wild and I felt my body fall apart. I felt like everything was in slow motion as Will was flying in the air."

I turned into Troy as I buried my head into his chest. His hand covered the side of my head as he pressed me against him. "Then everything was moving so fast, I stumbled into the street, traffic stopped, Will looked so broken as he was barely breathing. I held onto his hand until they pulled me away so he could get treatment. Police officers asked me if I pushed him in the street and I couldn't believe it,"

"Hey, alright, it's okay," he whispered quietly, Troy didn't say much as I heard my door open, "Is she okay?"

"Yes," Troy responded softly, I held on to him as he stroked my back. "It happened so fast,"

Troy laid us both down; my face was pressed into his chest as he kissed the top of my head softly. "I love you," I said to Troy softly, "I love you," Troy kissed me softly, "Are you okay?" a sigh rippled through my mouth, "I'm tired Troy," he looked at me, his face soft, "I love you baby girl," he kissed my forehead, "I'm tired,"

Troy rubbed my back as he played music, Imagine Dragons. My eyes dulled as he kissed me softly, his lips warm against my cheeks. "Try to get some sleep, I'm right here though,"

Opening my eyes, I blinked; Troy was sleeping next to me, as I didn't have a dream. I went dreamless which was becoming rare these days. My dreams were normally something about Will or Troy, my stomach rolled with emotion as I pushed Troy's shoulder gently.

"Hm?" he looked over at me and I gave him a smile, "Did you sleep well?" he asked me as he leaned back, his fingers rubbed his eyes. "Troy, I got a solid six hours of sleep," Troy smiled as he looked over at me, "Good," he wrapped me up in his arms, "That's good,"

"Maybe I did need to talk about it,"

"Next therapy session, please, talk to her."

"How did you know about that?"

"Brie, come on," I sighed as I looked at him, "Fine, I will when I get back. I'll write about it but Troy," he gave me a small glance, "What?"

I pushed up on my elbows, "Can we please go to KC on our way to New York," I paused as I fidgeted, "I want to visit his grave, I need closure." I said quietly, Troy gently pulled my head up, "If that's what you want, then yes," I smiled and wormed my way into his lap. He kissed me, his hand rubbing against my face. My legs wrapped around his waist as I tried to pull him closer.

Our lips were frantic and quick, "Mmm, I think we need to visit our spot tonight," I whispered against his lips, "You are on birth control right?" I broke my lips away, my hand lying on his chest. "Are you scared?" I asked him, "Of course not," his eyes burned into mine, "Then why haven't we had nearly as much sex than normal?" I asked, "I thought you were scared,"

I laughed, "Really," he nodded, "So you mean I can do this?" Troy brought me closer into a warm kiss. He leaned me backwards as I giggled into his kiss. He smiled, "My giggle,"

My arms moved around his neck, his fingers moved through my hair as the oxygen escaped my body. "Whoa!" Troy pulled off me quickly, his lips swollen as I panted from underneath of him.

I turned to see my dad in the doorway, "Shit," I muttered, I rolled out from underneath of Troy as my dad backed up slowly. "Door open," he commented, I rolled my eyes, "Dad, come on, I'm almost twenty."

"Yea and you don't do that under my house," I smiled softly as my dad looked at me with a laugh. "None of that, do you hear me?" I nodded as I hugged him, "Breakfast is ready,"

Troy slipped his hand through mine as we sat around the kitchen table. Cam and Lilly were giggling in their pajamas still. I gave a soft smile, as Lilly wanted me to pick her up. I slipped her into my lap as she snuggled into my side; I kissed the top of her head as her hair was growing long already. They were keeping Cam's hair pretty short.

Troy made me a plate of eggs, pancakes, and sausage as his plate was identical but he had bacon instead of sausage. He kissed my temple as my mom came in, dressed in a pair of capris and a white blouse. "Where are you off to mommy?"

"I'm off to a day out with my friends followed by some Thanksgiving shopping, are you doing anything today?" she poured herself a cup of coffee, "Uhm, I think we are meeting Cody for lunch followed by a date tonight."

My dad eyed Troy, "Just a date," Troy said with a smile, "Dinner and a movie?" Troy suggested, "Maybe," I replied, "We will think about it," Troy squeezed my hand, "Do you mind if I go to Troy's tonight and stay the night?"

"Are Troy's parents home?" I gave a glance to Troy who gave a quick nod, "Of course."

"Alright,"

"Alex, they basically live together in New York…with no parents." My mom said my dad sent a hard glare towards Troy. I tried to stop the laughter as Troy shot me a glance. I busted out into laughter as my dad glanced between us. His face turned a different color; I couldn't contain my laughter as it rang out. Troy kept sending me glances as if to shut up.

"I'm sorry, I can't," I got up from my chair as I went into the kitchen. Tears ran down my cheeks as I laughed, "I'm glad you thought that was funny!" he exclaimed, I turned and he must have seen the tears because he stopped, "Hey, I didn't," I busted out into laughter again as a smug look came over his face. He crossed his arms over his chest, "Really."

I smiled at him; a softer smile approached his cheeks. "I haven't seen or heard you laugh like that in a long time." He whispered quietly, I smiled as I went over and I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I missed it."

"My dad probably thinks we are having sex right now," Troy smirked against my lips, "If I am suddenly no longer a baseball player, I know who I am blaming." I laughed quietly, "Come on,"

We went back into the dining room. Troy and I finished our breakfast as my dad got up to clear plates. I followed him as I went to help him, "I don't want details, I want yes or no answers," I swallowed as he looked out the window, his face bounced back as I looked at it.

"Are you using protection?" I nodded my head softly, "Yes,"

"He isn't hurting you right?"

"Of course not dad,"

"I didn't think so but then again," he breathed out, he turned around to face me, "There was no forcing or?"

"Daddy of course not," I went around to hug him, "I promise, we are being safe and perfect. If anything goes wrong I'll tell you," he favored my face, "I can't believe how grown up you are." I felt my cheeks rise, "Can we please now stop talking about this?" he wrapped me in a hug, "I never, ever, want to talk about this again okay?" I laughed, "Yea, I got you,"

He let go as I went to meet up with Troy, he raised an eyebrow and I shook my head. A small smile reached his face, "Are you ready to go?"

"Yea, let's go,"

"What?" Cody bellowed a laugh, "I can't believe he did that," I nodded with a laugh, "Oh yea, I was literally crying I was laughing so hard." Cody laughed as Troy shook his head, "I'm surprised I made it out of there alive," Troy mentioned taking a drink of his water. The ice falling against his face, I smiled as his arm was draped around my shoulder.

"I mean come on, what dad wants to hear that and have the boyfriend sitting in the same exact room."

"He likes you," Cody commented, "I mean really likes you," Cody took a bite out of his fries, "I don't know what you are talking about," Troy ate a piece of my pizza as I glanced at him. He shrugged kissing the top of my head, "Dude, he loves you. He trusts you with his daughter, he finds out you are having sex and he does nothing about it but make sure you are being safe."

Troy looked over at Cody for a hard minute, "That doesn't mean,"

"He trusts you man,"

His eyes found mine, "He does Troy,"

"That's a lot of pressure," he mumbled, he dropped the pizza, "You are going to eat that right?"

His distracted eyes looked at me, "What?"

"You stole that from me, are you going to eat it?" he stood up, "No, uh, Cody can you take Gabi back to her house?"

I raised my eyebrows, "Where are you going?"

"I'll come pick you up at four thirty okay?" he walked out as I glanced at Cody, "What the hell?"

"I don't know,"

"I bet I have a good idea where he is going,"

"Swings," I mentioned softly, "Bingo,"

"Do we want to give him space or follow him?" I debated, "Let's give him space, if he doesn't show up at four thirty, he had his space,"

"Alright,"

Troy pulled into my driveway right at four thirty. I sent Cody a message as I went out, "Hey," he looked up, "Oh I'm not staying," rolling my head to the side, "Of course not, I'm going with you,"

"Gabs, I think we need a night apart,"

My eyes grew in size, "We just spent fourteen nights apart," he brushed his hands over his face as he massaged it with two fingers. "Troy, what's wrong?" he glanced at me, "Come on, get in,"

I got in as he drove to the spot. Once we got there, we both got out; I climbed onto the hood of his trunk. "I feel like your dad is now pressuring me," I stopped him, "Whoa, whoa, pressuring you? Did he talk to you?"

"No! Just how you and Cody made it sound, if I ever fuck up,"

"Troy," I rested my hands on his shoulders as his eyes connected with mine, "You aren't going to fuck up and I don't give two shits about what my dad thinks about you. If he hated you or loved you, it doesn't matter to me. I love you and that's all that matters." He relaxed, "I don't want to fuck up, I just, I feel like a lot of pressure is on my shoulders I feel like not too,"

"You'll be fine, just be Troy. I know that my dad likes to scare people but my dad does trust you. Which is good Troy! I love that he loves you and that you love him because it makes my life easy. I don't want that to change but if something happened, I could still love both of you."

He sighed softly; he then kissed me, "Thank you," I nodded, "So what did you do at Swings?"

"Batted,"

I smiled, "So are you going to kiss me and de-cloth me or what?"

He smiled, as his lips were soft and smooth over mine. "I think I'm going to have to take a rain check." I raised my eyebrows, "Come on, a couple of kids are dying to see you."

I giggled as I slipped into his car; we drove back into town and into his driveway. My feet hit the ground and Luke plus Emily were attached to me. I laughed as I hugged on them.

"Hey guys," they both began to talk a mile a minute, Troy winked as we all headed inside where I was greeted with hugs from Jack and Lucille. I smiled softly as Troy winked once more, I laughed, and nodded as maybe I could handle that rain check.

"I'm thankful for my family, Troy, his family, and all of my friends who have helped me this past five months,"

My family continued as I ate a bland dinner I didn't really taste, I was ready to go to Troy's house for a family dinner with him. Troy ended up not being able to come to mine, as he had to help out with stuff. I have never met extended family but at his draft party and graduation.

They all lived in Texas and I was nervous of to meet them again because I wasn't really introduced the first time. Now I was having a meal with them. My aunt was appalled that I was going to have dinner at my boyfriend's house on Thanksgiving because I was breaking tradition of the pumpkin pie and the fact that I wasn't going to be here.

Blah. Blah. Blah.

My dad gave me a look as I barely have touched half of my plate of food. "I am eating two meals today," I reminded him, "And what I just ate is basically a full meal for a day it's self."

He shook his head as he went back for seconds, "So Gabi, Troy and you are still dating?" I glanced at my Uncle Mark as I nodded my head, "Yes,"

"I thought you guys broke up,"

I felt my jaw tighten a little, "We did, for about six months," I told him, "We got back together in February," I said softly, "Well that's a doomed relationship, if you broke up once,"

"That's not fair," I argued, "You don't know the reasons that we broke up,"

"Still, it's a doomed relationship," I swallowed on a lump in my throat. "I heard that you were with your best friend when he died in New York," My dad choked on his drink as I sucked in a tight breath. "Yes,"

"That must have been hard, I can't imagine,"

"May I please be excused?" I asked softly, my dad gave me a sympathetic look and he nodded, "Thanks," I took in a deep breath, I looked out at the road's my arms crossing in front of me.

"If you need to leave," my dad offered, "Go ahead, I'll cover for you," I turned as I took a deep breath, "Come here," he said, I went over as he wrapped me in his arms, "I don't think you and Troy's relationship is doomed, I never have, don't listen to them okay? They don't understand the minor league life, they don't understand the baseball life period." He paused, "And the comment about Will, that was rude. I can't even begin to explain,"

I nodded as I let my ears listen to his heartbeat. "It's tough Gabs, it's tough,"

"I know," I whispered, "I think I am going to go,"

"Alright, I'll see you later tonight?"

"I don't know, I might just stay there,"

"Well tell me whatever you do okay?" I nodded as he kissed my forehead, "I'll see you later, be safe,"

"Always, I love you dad,"

"I love you too El,"

I grabbed my jacket and my keys as I walked out of the door, slipping my jacket over my sleeveless dress.

I started my car and I slowly backed out of the driveway, Troy's house wasn't far from my dad's parents house, I turned a couple of blocks where three cars were parked outside of the Bolton house.

Clearing my throat, I blinked my eyes and took a deep breath to gain my composer. Once I felt ready, I stepped out in my heels and I walked up to the door with the plate of cookies my mom made. Walking up to the door, I knocked carefully and I waited as the door opened to reveal an attractive female blonde.

"Who are you?" she asked, rude, was all that went through my head. "I'm Troy's girlfriend," I announced, "Oh I thought it was some whore," she stated and smacked on her gum, I cleared my throat as I was already on the verge of tears. "Where is Troy?" I asked, she smiled, "He isn't here right now," I wondered where he was and why he didn't tell me he was leaving.

"You know what, just tell Troy I stopped by," I said, "Uhm here, take these," I whispered, I then turned around as I went back to my car.

I got in as I closed my eyes, not being able to take anymore of this right now. My family saying Troy and I were doomed, some random hoe in Troy's house, I just wanted to go back to New York.

Starting my car, I drove the distance to my house as I went in and I grabbed the bottle of vodka and some soda.

I then went back as I drove to the spot, when I got out, the sun was beginning to set. I climbed on to the hood of my car as I made myself a drink in the plastic red cup in my car.

My tears fell as I took a drink, The bitterness burning my throat as it went down, more large gulps as I played music, my mind totally lost as the drink burned my throat and the tears trailed down my skin.

I just wanted to be with my boyfriend. I didn't want to be accused of being a whore by somebody I didn't know. My Uncle and Aunt never supported anything I did. Taking another large drink, I basically killed one of my best friends; I pushed Troy away to no end.

Forgetting the soda, I took a drink of the vodka as I slowly was becoming numb to the world. My eyes dulled as I looked out, my eyes burning as I stared at the sun. My stomach twisted from the drink, as I didn't know how much longer I could do this here. I hated it here.

Except for here.

My fingers traced the bottle label and I swallowed hard. Taking another large drink, I slowly became fuzzy, dark, and numb.

I stopped feeling.

"Brie?" I didn't turn as I heard his voice, a figment of my imagination. "Are you drinking? Gabs?" I blinked my eyes as I looked at Troy was standing in front of me. "Why didn't you come to the house? What is wrong?"

Suddenly the feeling came back to my body as I started to sob. "Brie, hey," Troy slid next to me as I cried. I couldn't speak as the tears were overwhelming and I wasn't sure I could form a sentence.

My mind was numb and my hands tingled. "Come on, you need to go,"

"No," my voice slurred, as I looked at Troy, "No,"

Troy's POV

When she didn't show up for dinner, I thought I would have a text message saying she was running late but there was nothing. When I texted her and she didn't respond, I became nervous.

After the first round of meals, I excused my self and I got into my car. Driving past her grandparent's house, her car was gone.

Doing a loop, I didn't find her car as I went up to the spot. Pulling in, her car was sitting there and so was she, wrapped in her arms. I got out, as she didn't even turn around, "Brie" she rolled her head but still didn't turn to look at me.

When I got closer, I looked, the vodka sitting next to her, her fingers wrapped around a cup as her hands were shaking. Her cheeks were red as I looked at her closer. "Are you drinking? Gabs?" she blinked and she looked drunk already. I had no idea how long she had been up here.

"Why didn't you come to the house? What is wrong?"

She gave me a blank stare and then burst into heavy sobs. That is not what I was expecting; I crawled up next to her on the hood of her car. I sat with her for a couple of minutes as she cried into my shoulder.

"Come on, you need to go,"

"No," the first word was drug out, the sentence slurred, "No," she repeated, my eyes focused on her, "Enough of this," I said taking the bottle away, she reached for it but stopped as I screwed the lid back on. I tossed the bottle into her car as I sat with her.

"I don't know how you love me," she said, her eyes focused on a thing of trees. "I'm fucked up." She said with a bitter laugh, "I killed my friend, I broke up a perfectly good relationship, I'm a whore, and I have been told that my relationship with my perfectly hot boyfriend is doomed."

I closed my eyes, as I knew the vodka was starting to talk. "I don't know how anybody loves me. I took too many pills by accident. I'm called a junkie sometimes." I looked as I thought she was getting better. I thought we were heading somewhere.

"You left for a couple of weeks," her voice dragged on as I looked down at her, "I thought I was going to be okay but the nightmares wouldn't stop. I talked to my therapist and she tried to get me to talk. I didn't want to and then I tell you," she giggled, "then they fucking stop, I don't understand, why,"

Licking my lower lip, I glanced at her. She laid her head in my lap and she stared up at me. "Are you going to say anything?" I shook my head, as I looked out at the trees, not now.

She began to breath even as I closed my eyes; I pulled my phone out, as I had to get her in my house without my parents knowing how drunk she was. I pushed a button as I waited, "What's up?"

"I need your help,"

"Oh no," Cody said, "What?"

"Gabi came up to the spot and she is drunk, I mean drunk,"

"I thought she was supposed to go to dinner with you and your family?"

"Yea, she never showed up. I got worried and came here and man, she is drunk,"

"I'll be there in a bit,"

"You are going to need to bring someone with you, I need somebody to drive Gabi's car to my house and then dispose of the vodka bottle."

"Ouch, she is going to have a killer hangover tomorrow."

"Tell me about it."

"I'll be up there in a bit, I'll bring Becca with me."

"Thanks dude,"

"Do you know what happened?"

"She snapped again."

"She isn't that vulnerable Troy, something must have happened somewhere to make this happen. She isn't a drinker,"

"I blame everything on Will, if he would have just paid some fucking attention,"

"She is gonna be fine, it's just going to be a while."

"I thought everything was getting better, she was smiling, talking to me about everything again, enjoyed going to her therapist,"

"That makes me think something was sad during her dinner that just made her rethink everything. Wait to talk to her,"

"Obviously, she isn't going to remember anything said,"

"Yea, I might wait until the hangover is gone too,"

"Me too," I replied with a sigh, "Me too,"

After I hung up, I brushed my fingers through her hair. She looked good; she was in a red sleeveless dress with a black jacket around her shoulders. Her black heels on her feet as I gently removed myself from under her and I took off her heels. I tossed them into her car; I then grabbed a blanket from my truck, as it was getting cold.

I laid it over top of her as I let out a long sigh, my eyes looked out as I heard the gravel being shifted, I turned to see Cody pulling in, I gave a soft smile as I didn't move. Cody and Becca both fell out of the car as they took in a look at Gabi.

"She looks messed up,"

"Her words were, 'I'm fucked up,'" I said looking at them, Cody laughed, "That's probably right,"

"Let's do this, does she reek of it?" I asked, Cody sniffed and nodded pulling awake, "Oh yea,"

"I have some spray in the car," Becca said, I smiled, "Thanks, let me get her into the car and I'll let you,"

"Alright," I picked her up as Becca went to Cody's truck and Cody opened the passenger side door for me. I slipped her inside the car as I buckled her seatbelt. She leaned against me as Becca crawled through my side to spray the spray on her. It smelled good as I shut the door gently as she leaned against the windows. I licked my lower lip as Cody looked at me, "Her keys and phone are in the car."

"Can I have her phone? I'm going to text her dad saying she is staying over tonight."

"Yup," Cody tossed me her iPhone 5. I slid in my hands; "I'll meet you back at my house okay?"

"Yup,"

Getting into the car, I started it as I looked at a passed out Gabi.

The drive was quiet, as I couldn't wait to talk to her. To have her tell me what the hell pushed her off the edge to grab vodka. Pulling into the driveway, Cody pulled into Gabi's normal spot as I forgot about my relatives.

Shaking my head, I took a big breath, "Let's go Gabs,"

Cody got out and he handed me her kids, "Thanks,"

"No problem, I love driving her car,"

I smirked, "I love it too,"

Going to Gabi's side, I scooped her up as I shut the door. Cody opened the door to the house, "Thanks," I mouthed as I went up the stairs quickly. "Troy? Are you back?"

"Yea, I'll be down in a minute!" I yelled Cody ran back to his truck as he got in and sped away. Pushing my door open with my hip, I carried her to the bed as I laid her down. I shook my head softly as I would deal with her clothes in a bit.

Shutting the door softly behind me, I jogged down the stairs, "The football game is on," my dad said pointing at the TV, I nodded, "Yea, I might have to skip out on it,"

"Did you find Gabi?" my mom asked coming over to me, I nodded, "Yea, I don't know what happened but she was pretty upset over something. She is waiting for me in my room so if you guys don't mind, I'm gonna hang with her in there for the evening."

"Troy, sweetie," my aunt called my name as I smiled, "I'm sorry, I wish, my girlfriend needs me right now,"

"You mean that whore?" Holly's smack went straight to the gut, "Don't talk about her like that because she is the furthest from that," Holly shrugged and plopped down onto the couch.

I waved, as they would all be here in the morning. Suddenly, having Gabi here didn't make too much sense. We were probably going to head out in a bit, back to our spot, to sleep for the night.

When I opened my door, I dug around for a long sleeve sweatshirt and a hoodie of mine. I then found a pair of sweats as I went over to Gabi who was basically a rag doll; I unzipped her dress as I pulled it over her head gently.

She only had on a bra and underwear as I closed my eyes, I took a breath as I then pulled the shirt and her arms through the shirt and I pushed her arms through the hoodie as the sweatpants went next.

She whimpered and I kissed her forehead but she hazily got up, I looked at her as she headed for my bathroom. "Shit," I guided her as she emptied the contents of her stomach into my sink, not making it far enough to the bathroom.

She cried as I wrapped her hair into my hands and I gave her a rub on the back as she leaned fully against me.

I gently set her by the toilet not sure if she was done yet, I began to clean the sink out and empty it fully.

Her being semi awake was my shot to get her walking out of here, "Brie," I whispered, "You are going to have to act fully sober for me, just for two minutes," her drunk eyes filled mine and I shook my head, "We are going to the spot, we have to go past my parents and you need to be okay."

Her confused eyes were glazed over as I grabbed her hand, "Come on,"

I lead her out of my room as I set her down on the bed, "Stay right here,"

I started reaching for blankets and pillows, I ran down the stairs as I opened the bed of my truck and popped them in there. Pulling the air mattress from the garage, I blew it up a little more and I then tossed it in the back with two sleeping bags.

Getting two more blankets, I tossed them in and I swallowed. Going back upstairs, Gabi had her arms wrapped around herself. She wasn't awake, or alert, to even talk. "Hey," I leaned in front of her as she gave me a dead look.

"Come on," I took her hand as I grabbed her phone, my phone, and sunglasses as I lead her downstairs. "We will be back later!" I called, "Where are you two going," I kept Gabi in front of me as she walked like a zombie, "I'll text you,"

"Okay,"

Once I got Gabi outside, I swept her into my arms as she rested her head against my shoulder. "Oh Brie, what did you do,"

Troy's POV

I leaned against a tree as I watched the sunrise overhead. Exhaustion wore through me, as I didn't sleep much last night, Gabi threw up a couple more times but was asleep for most of the night.

The cold of the evening made me wrap my jacket around me tighter. My dad knew where I was and why but he wasn't going to tell her parents, not right now, the amount of things Gabi was keeping from her parents was huge right now, or I felt like it anyway.

She dropped two classes and didn't tell her parents, the pregnant thing, yea, didn't tell them that and now taking their alcohol. I shook my head as she was becoming a bit of a mess.

Hearing a movement of rustling from the truck, I turned around slightly. Her feet were moving and I walked over to the bed of the truck. "Fuck," she swore as she twisted to bury her head into the pillow.

"Morning sunshine," I called, I crawled into the bed as I lay next to her. "What happened last night?" she asked, wincing in pain, "I don't know, I was hoping you could fill me in on that," I told her, she looked at me as I pushed a piece of her hair back.

"Can we talk about it a little later, my headache is raging." She pressed into the pillow again as I sighed, my fingers danced over her back as I produced a bottle of pills and water. "Here," I told her; she thanked me as she took a drink of it and swallowed the four Advil.

She didn't move for a while and my stomach grumbled for food, "Hey," I nudged her gently, "Let's go grab some breakfast okay?"

"Do I have to get out of the car?" she asked, "I feel like death."

"Yes, you'll have to get out of the car, it will be good for you,"

She sighed as she sat up, I gave her the pair of sunglasses and she thanked me. I winced at her breath, "Do you want me to take you home first for you to shower and change?" I asked her, she closed her eyes and nodded. "Alright, come on," I pulled her out of the truck as she wobbled on her feet. I kept her steady as I helped her into the front seat.

"Thanks," she said looking at me, I knew she wasn't thanking me for now; she was thanking me for everything. I nodded my head and I kissed her temple softly. "Can you bring a blanket up here?"

"Yes,"

I went back as I grabbed the top blanket and I shut my truck and I went back to the front. I slid into the passenger seat and I gave the blanket to Gabi. She wrapped it around her self and then she laid down, her head in my lap.

I smiled softly and I started the truck. She turned the volume die as she closed her eyes. I stretched out and when I entered her neighborhood, I drove the couple of streets to her house.

Pulling in, I shook her gently. "Come on, you have to act pretty alright now,"

"I'm hoping they are still asleep,"

"Well let's hope,"

We got out of the car as she leaned in to me; I wasn't sure how she was going to shower by herself.

Gabi's POV

After a hot shower and good brushing of the teeth and mouth, I felt a little better. I pulled on yoga pants and a long sleeve t-shirt before returning to Troy; he pulled me close as he pressed his lips against mine.

"I'm assuming I puked last night,"

"Only three times," he said with a slight tease, I sighed as I pressed my head against his chest, "Let's go,"

He drove to the breakfast place and I slid out to go in with him as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. We went inside and found an empty booth as we slid in on different sides.

"I'll order for you," he said, "I know what will do the trick to get your mind working again," I nodded as I rested my head against the table. Troy chuckled as he ordered for us and I rested my chin on the table as I looked at Troy.

"What happened last night…I mean, after you found me because I just remember going to the spot," She asked, Troy sighed as he told me his side of things, of finding me drunk, calling Cody for help, and taking me to his house to change me and take me back out to the spot to sleep.

"Oh," I muttered, "You also said a couple of things," Troy said, his eyes floating into mine, "What?" I asked, "I want to hear what happened last night before the vodka before I tell you what you said to me."

I sighed as coffee was slid in front of me; I happily took a drink from the cup. My lips savoring the taste and the warmth, after the first sip, I looked at Troy, "Last night was not my best night in the world," I admitted, Troy raised an eyebrow, "I feel like that is an understatement," Troy mentioned softly, she shook her head, "I think it was more of a snapping point. I have had worst nights but it started with dinner. Of course, my Aunt Macy disapproved of me going to your house," Troy was about to ask a question when I stopped him.

"Let me tell you everything okay? Then you can say something," Troy nodded as he took a drink of the water. "So during dinner, my Uncle asked if I was still dating you, I told him I was and then he laughed because he thought we broke up," I swallowed as I stared down at the coffee for a moment, "I told him we did and that we got back together last February,"

Troy nodded as I looked up, "Then he told me our relationship was doomed because we broke up in the first place." Troy's eyes softened and I shook my head, "There is more," I mentioned softly, "Then my Aunt, during dinner, brings up that I was with my friend when he died,"

"Brie," he whispered softly, "I got up as I couldn't deal with that, not then, I was blindsided as I was doing better! I was better, I was sleeping through the night after I talked to you and I wasn't thinking about it as much and she just blankly said it over dinner. I got up to get some air and my dad let me go, he let me leave for your house and I did."

I held my finger as the waitress came back with our food; I grabbed the stick of bacon as I ate it down quickly. "I arrived at your house," Troy gave me a surprised look that I wasn't expecting. "I knocked on the door and this girl with blonde hair answered the door." Troy frowned as he looked at me, "That's my cousins girlfriend Holly,"

I nodded, "Well she rudely asked me who the hell I was and I told her, she then proceeded to call me a whore." Troy tossed his head back as he rubbed his jaw. "I was already on a nervous breakdown and I asked for you, you apparently were not home," Troy's eyes snapped to mine, "I never left yesterday until I went looking for you," I shrugged, "That's what she said, I told her to keep the cookies I made and to tell you I stopped by,"

"Brie," he said, he got up as he came over to my side. I took a bite of the toast as he kissed the top of my head, "I'm sorry, she is an ass." I shrugged my shoulders, "I just wanted you right then and I didn't know where you were. I couldn't even process that much information,"

"I think you know the rest of the story," I finished, Troy nodded as we ate our breakfast quietly. "You asked me how I could love you because you were fucked up,"

I let my eyes fall as I looked at him, "I didn't mean that,"

"I know but it makes more sense now, I thought you were doing better but people were rude to you, a lot yesterday."

"Yea,"

"Good thing that we are flying back to New York Sunday, where people love you insanely."

I smiled leaning into him, "I'm ready to go back to New York, I miss it,"

"I bet you do,"

"What do you want to do today?" he asked me, I giggled, "What do you think I want to do today?" I asked, Troy raised an eyebrow as he kissed me, "I know what I want to do today," he challenged. I couldn't stop the laugh as I kissed him back; he wrapped me up as he leaned my forehead against his. "You're beautiful Gabriella," I smiled as I kissed his cheek.

"Thanks for always being there for me Troy, honestly, I don't know where I would be right now if it wasn't for you." Troy gave me a tiny smile as I kissed him again. "I love you so much," I whispered against his lips, "I love you too," he said. He held me in his embrace, not letting me go.

We are heading in the right direction! I promise! The next chapter is light and fun! So it's coming to a close for the dark chapter. Yay! I love you guys for holding out with me!

Hope you all have a fabulous Sunday!

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