I Know What It's Like

A/N: Sorry it's taken a while to update, but I had some writer's block. Unfortunately it's a little short, I will explain why at the end of the chapter.

Troy took a deep breath and walked into the Blue Room, in which is father was reading a book. As soon as he did, the former President looked up and smiled at his son.

"Hey, Troy."

"Hi Dad, can I talk to you for a second?" A worried look came across Jack's face at his son's nervous tone.

"Of course." Troy nodded and sat down across from him. "What's going on?"

"Well I've been thinking a lot, about the war and stuff…" Jack nodded to his son. "And I realized that Grandpa served in World War II, you served in Vietnam, so it would only be right if I enlisted." Jack smiled at his son.

"Troy, I am so proud of you that you are even considering serving our country," Jack replied and Troy smiled. "But, I don't want you to do so just because your Grandfather and I did. If you feel that it is your duty to serve this country, then I will do nothing but support you. However, I will in no way be disappointed if you don't. You will be leaving much more behind than my father and I had to. In addition, this war probably isn't going to last very long. I don't want you to give up everything you've worked for to not even make it out of basic training." Troy nodded and put his head down, thinking about his father's words.

"Isn't that a little selfish when people leave behind their spouses and kids for our country?" Troy asked, a little confused.

"You might not be married Troy, but you have a girlfriend who you love and who loves you, who probably would hate the thought of you going off to war. And a mother who…well I don't even want to think about how she would react to the thought of you going off to war." Both Jack and Troy chuckled at the mention of Lucy.

"Then there is basketball," Troy mumbled, after the laughter died down and Jack nodded.

"Even if you came back in one piece, there would be a slim chance of getting to play professionally. That's always been your dream Troy."

"I know, but there are more important things in the world than basketball." Jack couldn't help but smile at his son.

"That's true. Look son, this isn't a decision you need to make right away. I think you need to talk to your mother and Gabriella, before you make this decision which will change your life for forever." Troy nodded.

"Thanks Dad."

"Anytime son." Troy stood up to leave the room, and as he did, Jack couldn't help but smile widely, proud of his son's courage and devotion to the country that he loved so much.

--

"Troy!!" Gabriella exclaimed, walking into his old room, in which he had been staying in for the past few days. She looked around to see that he wasn't there. Just as she was about to walk out she looked to her right and her eyes immediately widened. On the screen of his laptop was the Go Army website. Her heart sinking to her stomach she made her way to the desk. As she sat down in front of the computer, she gasped, tears welling up in her eyes. On the top of the webpage it read 'How to Join'.

"Oh my god," she mumbled, tears starting to stream down her face. Just then the door opened and she whipped her head around to see her boyfriend standing there. As soon as he entered the room, he froze, knowing that Gabriella had just found out.

"I was just coming to talk to you about it…" he started, rushing over to her.

"You're…you're enlisting," she cried.

"No I'm just…"

"Thinking about it?" She asked standing up, getting a little bit angry.

"Yeah," he mumbled.

"Why?" she cried frantically. "Cause your Dad and Grandpa did?"

"That's part of it. But mostly because I feel like I owe this country something."

"Oh my god. You really wanna do this, don't you?"

"Gabi…" he started. She just shook her head before running out of the room. He just groaned and ran his hand through his hair.

Gabriella ran through the residence until she reached her parent's room, where she knew her mother was. As soon as she entered Michelle looked up a worried look came across her face.

"Gabi what's wrong?" She didn't answer, just ran into her mother's arms, sobbing into her chest. Michelle wrapped her arms around her distraught daughter and rubbed her back soothingly. "What's wrong sweetie?"

"Troy…he…he's thinking…thinking about going to…to war." Michelle sighed sadly, and just held her daughter tighter.

"Shh, it's okay sweetie. Shh," she said soothingly.

"What if he goes mom…he…he could die."

"Don't think about that Gabi. He hasn't decided yet and even if he does go, you can't think like that."

"Then…then what do I do mom?" Gabriella asked, trying to compose herself.

"You tell him that no matter what you will support him." Gabriella nodded and wiped away her tears.

"Ok."

--

Troy lied back on the bed, thinking about his girlfriend's reaction. It had broken is heart to see her that distraught. It wasn't until he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," he called. He raised his head slightly to see who it was, but as soon as he saw his girlfriend enter he popped up. "Gabi…I…"

"No, it's okay Troy. I'm sorry for freaking out," she said sincerely as he made his way over to her.

"Don't be sorry, you had every right to react that way." Gabriella just nodded.

"Anyway, I just want you to know that whatever you decide to do, I will support you," she said softly and he smiled.

"Thank you baby, that means a lot."

"You're welcome," she mumbled. He then pulled her into his arms and they hugged one another tightly.

"You don't want me to go do you?" Gabriella shook her head into his chest, and he sighed, knowing this was going to be the hardest decision he would ever have to make.

Please Review!! Anyway, once again I am sorry it's short, but I am trying to wrap up the story so I can start on the sequel!!! There is only one more chapter and then yes, there will be a sequel. There will be more info to come at the end of the next chapter. Anyway I hope you liked it even though it was short.