Hello everyone!!!
I'm really sorry that I haven't updated in a while. School is getting tragically hectic and schoolwork is piling up in the millions. It is getting me down. Thanks however for the amazing reviews, you're all awesome reviewers and are really supportive. I only wish I could update more for you all.
Also, I was going to update two days ago but my pregnant sister slipped down nine stairs and has been in hospital so I just haven't had the time to even attempt a couple of lines. I am seriously stressed right now.
EEK!!! I accidentally deleted my two stories 'Am I Yours?' and 'Falling For The Enemy' my computer was having one of those off days and it was going all over the place. I ended up deleted my FIRST EVER FAN FICTIONS!!! I'm kinda gutted but oh well, at least it wasn't some of my best stories, huh???
Also to xxxPrincessJololaxxx who asked, did Sharpay hire a Hitman in the last chapter…what do you think? ;) There's a lot of power behind those pedicured fingers!
Chapter 27 – Aching
AFTER some thorough check ups and some well needed rest Gabriella was discharged from the hospital…two day's later. Troy was deeply grateful to be having her home and thanked the God's for caring for her and allowing her to stay in his life. They were driving home from the hospital, immersed in silence. Gabriella's gaze was fixed to the window and had been since they had started home that day. She had not tried to make conversation and so Troy gathered the evidence that she did not want to. She had been terribly cold since the accident; she shunned the friends away, particularly Taylor and Robin though neither of them knew why. Troy had heard from the nurses on the ward that during the night, when she thought the other patients were asleep, Gabriella would cry, cry for the loss of her unborn child. When Troy heard of this his heart all but burst within his chest. His beautiful, pure wife was broken. She had lost her soul during that car accident; it was almost as if it had been knocked from her body during the violent impact of the crash. Troy didn't know what to do. How could he ease her aching, her yearning?
Chad and the guys had tried to console Troy on the matter but it hadn't helped. Their baby was not always far from his mind either. Troy tried to fend the thoughts away by concentrating on Katie's needs. The little girl needed both him and Gabriella very much. In fact Katie was the only person who seemed to pull at Gabriella's heartstrings at that precise moment in time. Gabriella was dead to the world almost twenty four – seven and then Katie would come along and she would brighten up again and would hang onto her daughter's every word. During her first visit to the hospital, Katie had perched herself upon her Mother's lap and had given her a full gripping story about how the Doctor had strapped up her broken arm. She'd also presented her card to Gabriella and had watched with intrigue as Gabriella had burst into tears of joy and love. Troy didn't know whether his thoughts were true or not but he was sure that was the only time in which Gabriella ever truly felt like a hero!
He didn't know how to react to her. Troy had been trying with all the power within him to show Gabriella how much she was loved. He believed she was getting the message but she was unresponsive. She allowed his touches, his gentle words of adoration but they seemed to pass through her as if she were a ghost. During her stay in the hospital Troy would come and sit with her for hours, trying futilely to bring her alive with conversations. She responded some of the time, smiling every now and then but then at other times she would turn on her side and groan uncomfortably. Troy understood that she was too tired to exchange pleasantries with him and he would leave her alone for an hour or so, to rest before coming back to her side again to indulge her in more conversation. He would not give up trying! He would find his wife again.
The silence had suddenly become unbearable as the journey home prolonged. Troy fought back a well needed sigh and pulled up a random subject from his mind, he turned to Gabriella, who was still looking out the window resignedly, "Um, 'he coughed awkwardly, "so I bought a new movie for you to watch tonight."
Gabriella said nothing; she simply continued to stare as if she had not even heard him. Hardly able to contain the new sigh that had broken from his mouth; he reached across the car and took her hand in his.
"Gabriella." He said, more firmly this time.
"Oh, 'she said, startled from her reverie, "did you say something?"
"No…it's…it's nothing." Troy replied.
Gabriella frowned, "I'm sorry, 'she said desolately, "I'm just so tired. It's getting harder and harder to keep my eyes open."
"We're nearly home. You can go straight to bed if you like and I'll make you a nice steaming mug of hot chocolate. What do you think?" He said softly.
"Oh Troy, 'Gabriella crooned smiling a little, "you have no idea how wonderful that sounds."
There was more silence and awkwardness had swum over them. Troy felt Gabriella's sad eyes upon him but he kept his concentration on the road, he didn't want to get distracter.
"Is Katie at home?" She whispered.
Troy smiled, "Taylor and Chad are with her."
"What are they doing there?" Her tone was suddenly stony and cold; Troy could tell she was not impressed. He was sure she had no problem with Chad but with Taylor. He just couldn't understand why.
"I asked them to come and watch Katie while I picked her up." He answered.
"You could've brought her with us." She laughed bluntly.
Troy sighed again; she could be insufferable at times.
"It was easier for Katie to stay home. Besides she wanted to see Monique and show her, her broken arm." He exclaimed.
"It's not a trophy Troy!" Gabriella snarled.
"I know, 'he argued back, "she's just a child. She's already forgotten what Loretta did."
Gabriella's body tensed when Loretta's name was mentioned. Of all the things they had talked about during her stay in hospital, they had never talked of her. Gabriella hadn't exactly been keen on talking at all and as he glanced across the car to her, Troy wished he'd never brought her up.
"I haven't forgotten!" She said bitterly twisting her hands in her lap.
"We have to let it go Gabriella. I spoke with Rosalie last night and she told me Loretta's gone. She hasn't shown up for work in ages and apparently, she up and left Albuquerque the day the accident happened." He told her, Troy had spent all night wondering what could've driven Loretta to leave, she had been a hard nut to crack and so whatever it was had to be pretty serious. Maybe it had simply been the guilt of her actions, he thought as they took another corner. They were getting closer to home and comfort was passing over him at the thought of having Gabriella home for good again.
"You are getting tired." He commented catching sight of Gabriella yawning.
She nodded and shifted a little across the car. Troy's body shuddered with pleasure as she pressed her tiny form against his. She rested her head upon his shoulder and yawned once more, longer and louder.
"Wake me up when we're home." She muttered and Troy listened with intrigue as her breathing evened out and she slowly slipped into dreams.
THERE was never a more beautiful sight than the expression on Gabriella's face as they pulled up outside the house that afternoon. The smile she wore was glorious in itself and as he walked around the car to open the door for her, his heart swelled with hope that they would recover from the mess that had been bestowed upon them.
"You ready?" He queried opening the door and helping her out of the car, she staggered into his arms groaning in pain as he gripped her wounded arm to steady her.
Tenderly, Troy leaned down and kissed her chastely upon the lips, Gabriella pulled herself away abruptly and he sighed, knowing she was not in the mood for affections.
"Sorry, 'he mumbled, embarrassed, "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"It's okay." She whispered.
"Let's go." Troy said softly, he placed his hand around the small of her back and whilst she leaned against the crutches the hospital had given her, he guided her along as quickly and as patiently as he could.
"I'm looking forward to the warmth of my bed." Gabriella said.
Troy felt the same and he was looking forward to feeling Gabriella in the bed with him again. It had been so lonely there without her, not sensing her next to him, hearing her steady breathing, taking in her rich, Gabriella-ish scent. It had been almost alien to Troy.
"Have you got all my things?" Gabriella asked worriedly thinking of Katie's card that she had put in her hospital bag.
"Don't worry. Their in the car. I'll come back for them, let's just think about getting you in first." Troy said. They'd reached the door and he was fiddling with the keys in his hand, trying to find the right one.
"I can't wait to see Katie. I've missed her so much." Gabriella exclaimed, smiling gently.
"She feels the same way. From the entire time you've been in hospital she hasn't let me read to her once. She's been waiting so impatiently for you to come home." He opened the door and Gabriella stumbled in, breathing in the smell of the house, finding in comfort in its warmth.
"Home." She sighed contently.
All the lights were off; the place was covered in darkness. Gabriella frowned, why would it be dark?
"Um…I thought you said Taylor and Chad were here…with Katie and Monique." Gabriella mumbled.
"I did say that." Troy said from behind her, sounding just as confused.
"Come on. Help me through to the living room." Gabriella whispered and Troy's arms were securely around her waist within a second, guiding her forward. They opened the living room door and Troy switched on the lights…
"SURPRISE!?!?" An eruption of cheers, yells, colourful balloons and puffs of glitter shot towards Gabriella and Troy like a bullet from gun.
The entire group of friends stood before her, holding presents and glasses of wines. Their faces were bright with smiles, welcoming, cheerful in themselves. Above them, a large blue and white banner read, "Welcome Home Gabi!"
Gabriella stood in shock, her vision blurring up with tears as she surveyed the friends coldly.
"Guys, 'she heard Troy mutter disapprovingly from behind her, "I told you not to."
"We know but we wanted to. We should celebrate Gabriella's homecoming." Zeke exclaimed gaily.
"Celebrate!" Gabriella shrieked with outrage, there was sudden silence.
"Don't start Gabriella." Troy asked desperately.
"CELEBRATE! MY LIFE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY TURNED OVER AND YOU WANT TO CELEBRATE!" Gabriella continued to shout, ignoring Troy.
Kelsi and Sharpay, sensing Gabriella wasn't finished quickly ushered the children out to the garden where they would not be able to hear her kicking off.
"We didn't mean –" Zeke began apologetically but Gabriella cut him off, she didn't even notice Kelsi and Sharpay returning, looking deeply stunned by her outburst.
"MY BABY IS DEAD! ALL I WANTED WAS TO COME HOME AND FORGET EVERYTHING AND YOU'RE ALL CELEBRATING!" She swung one of her arms out and it went flying towards a vase crammed with roses. The vase swooshed to the floor and landed with a crash, the water and flowers went splashing across the room wildly.
"Gabi, 'Taylor crooned softly going to her aid, she leaned forward and touched her hand, "we didn't know we would upset you like this. We'd never have thrown the party if we'd realised it wasn't what you wanted."
Gabriella snatched her hand back looking offended, "Don't touch me, 'she spat frigidly, her gaze turned down to Taylor's swollen stomach and she huffed in disgust, "you in particular shouldn't touch me."
Taylor backed away in horror at the choice of Gabriella's words, staring at her blankly.
"Now get out of my house! All of you!" Gabriella ordered.
"Baby, please. Go to bed. You're tired." Troy pleaded, stepping in front of her. He looked at Chad and smiled remorsefully.
"Not until their out! Look at them Troy, 'She sobbed wretchedly, "their torturing us. My little baby…is…is dead and their…their celebrating."
"I know. I know. Look, go up to bed and I'll see the guys off, 'Troy turned to look at Robin, "will you take her up please?"
Robin nodded and moved towards Gabriella but Gabriella shook her head, "No! Not her. I'll go by myself."
"Are you sure? I don't mind –"
"I said I'd go by myself." She growled and Gabriella shot the friends one look of pure hatred before she hobbled out of the room, whimpering dejectedly to herself.
She heard Troy address the friends as he closed the door behind her but she didn't care, he was too numb to care…
GABRIELLA liked the darkness. It was comforting, soothing. When night came Gabriella was invisible. There was no one there to disturb her thoughts, to harass her tormented mind. There was silence and it eased her.
She wished she could sleep if only for a little time. She'd only manage an hour or two a day and when she did sleep she was plagued with nightmares of the same car crashing into Katie's small unaware form and she, Gabriella being frozen in time, completely immobile and unable to protect her little one. Sometimes Gabriella would dream that it was Loretta driving the car, cackling and howling with laughter, her face contorted with delight at the thought of murdering Katie.
The thoughts were becoming too clear in Gabriella's mind and so she blinked them away and snuggled deeper into Troy's pillow, taking in his fresh, reassuring scent.
She wiped away a stray tear and thought shamefully of the way she had screamed at her friends. Looking back she had realised that they hadn't meant to upset her, not in the way she had made out anyway. The friends had just wanted her home and were relieved that she was. Gabriella shook her head, thinking of how she had treated both Robin and Taylor. She honestly didn't mean it. It was so unfair that they should be blessed with the beauty of life and not she. Robin had little Maxi, newborn and so reliant on her and Taylor was practically swelling with life, her baby resting cosily in her protective body. Gabriella was bitter with jealousy. She wanted to feel new life suckling at her breast or her stomach enlarged with her child, with Troy's child. She hated Taylor and Robin and yet…she couldn't hate them at the same time. Gabriella was severely confused.
She turned on her back and closed her eyes, sighing. She began to imagine what her baby would look like. It would be a little boy, she was sure of that with Troy's soft sandy hair and her dazzling brown eyes. He would have a smile to warm even the coldest of hearts and a face so endearing that all who would lay eyes upon him would love him. She imagined him resting against her breast, guzzling hungrily on her milk, his tiny dainty fingers clasped together as if in prayer. Her thoughts turned to his cry, how gentle and heavenly it would be. Gabriella wondered what it would be like to hear her little boy cry at night and how she would react. Would she stumble out of bed and rush to him? Would she be so exhausted that she'd plead with Troy to go? Gabriella smiled, it was almost as if he were there, lying tenderly within her arms…but of course when she opened her eyes, there was nothing, nothing but the desperate memories of pining Mother.
"Stop being so stupid Gabriella, 'she snarled to herself, "you've brought all this upon yourself. If you hadn't had left Katie and Troy when you were younger…if –" She paused and frowned. Yes, that was it. She was being punished for leaving her family so long ago. She'd done wrong and now wrong was being done to her. She couldn't contain herself, she shrieked with agony at her own thoughts.
"It's my fault." She sobbed suddenly punching the pillow, hardly recognising the pain easing its way up her arms, she relished the ache, "IT'S MY FAULT! I DID THIS!"
She heard the door open but did not respond to it. Gabriella continued to punch the pillow violently when she felt arms wrap themselves around her waist and hot breath on her neck.
"Hush up Gabi. It's alright." Troy whispered softly, trying to quell her anger.
"I can't Troy. It's my fault. It's my entire fault. I killed our baby." Gabriella snivelled.
Troy gripped her harder and turned her in his arms, stopping her from doing anymore harm to herself.
"Come on now. Everything's going to be alright. I promise you." Troy said gently and Gabriella saw him smile as she relaxed into his embrace, her body beginning limp as she lay against him.
"I'm sorry." She muttered swallowing.
"It's alright. Calm down. Everything will be okay." Troy said and he pressed his lips down on Gabriella's.
They kissed gently for a while, their lips caressing each others. Gabriella felt Troy's tongue at the bottom of her lip, wanting her to open her mouth but she refused, not wanting their embrace to turn into love making. She was too tired for such actions. Troy's arms weaved up and his fingers were there upon her breasts, tantalizing. She moved herself away from him and opened her mouth to protest. Troy took the opportunity in a second and slammed his lips back down onto her's opening her mouth and shoving his tongue into join hers. Gabriella groaned with surprise but responded wholly, relishing his lips and love. He helped her forget for that mere second.
"I love you." He whispered into her mouth, bringing Gabriella's face tighter to his.
Gabriella pushed him away and smiled softly, wiping the tears away from her eyes, "I'm a little tired, 'she whispered sadly, "I'm going to go to sleep."
Troy kissed her forehead, "Okay."
Gabriella lay back on the bed and Troy pulled the blankets over her, smiling softly.
"I'll come up and check on you soon." He said and Gabriella watched him turn away sighing. He looked back once before he closed the door behind him. Gabriella turned on her side and smiled softly, she was safe again, in the darkness.
…THERE was a startling blinding light. It was beautiful in itself but so bright that Gabriella could not see a thing before. She stared into space, blinking, trying to regain her sight.
Gabriella didn't know where she was. She wanted Troy, she wanted Katie but she was lost amongst the light, a searching soul.
"Troy, where are you?" Her voice echoed as if she were in a hollow hall.
There came no reply and so Gabriella began to wander, her hands feeling in the pathway of light. She could hear something though she wasn't sure what it was.
"Hello. Is anyone there?" Gabriella called out.
Her voice came back to her, ringing a thousand times through her ears. She could still hear the strange, almost alien noise. She recognised it and yet she didn't. It was all so confusing.
"Mommy, 'Gabriella turned and found Katie standing behind her, dressed in a dazzling white robe; the little one was beckoning her, "come on Mommy. Follow me."
"Where are we going?" Gabriella chuckled.
"Come on or we'll miss him." Katie said excitedly and she darted off in front, running as fast as her little legs could carry her.
"Katie! Katie! Wait for me." Gabriella cried out. Katie was running too fast for her.
The little one stopped, "Come on. Let's go." She giggled before she started running again.
"You're going to fast Katie. Stop." Gabriella shouted but Katie did not stop and Gabriella, filled with worry darted after her, taking to a run.
The light continued to blind her as she run; Gabriella felt around hoping to find some kind of solace amongst the glorious beams of heavenly atmosphere. She could barely see Katie ahead but she could hear her gentle laughter and the pitter patter of her feet and as Katie led her along, the strange noise that was not recognisable was getting louder and nearer.
"I'm coming Katie. I'm coming." She cried out, her chest heaving tiredly.
"Then hurry up." The little girl demanded.
The noise was getting nearer, a wailing, a screaming and it haunted Gabriella's mind as it filled her ears.
"What is that?" She whispered to herself.
"Come on Mommy. We're going to miss him if we don't hurry." Katie ordered.
Gabriella paused for a second, frowning, "Him?"
Katie was just ahead. Gabriella could see her. The little girl was leaning over something but Gabriella couldn't see. Everything was so astoundingly white.
"What are you looking at Katie?" She queried curiously, slowly moving over to stand beside her daughter.
Katie turned around smiling, "Come see Mommy. Quick! Come see. He's been waiting so long for you."
"Who?" Gabriella asked breathlessly, she came to Katie's side and looked down. Her heart fluttered in her chest. There, in a cradle glowing with endless light was the most precious little baby conceivable. It was her imaginary baby, her little boy, looking up at her, his bold brown eyes beaming.
"It's my little brother!" Katie exclaimed adoringly.
Gabriella hiccupped back her tears, "can…can…can I hold him?" She stuttered, her heart was now thumping violently against her chest and shuddering with joy. Her little one was safe.
Katie nodded and leant down to pick up the little baby. She handed her over to Gabriella who was trembling uncontrollably. The baby cooed and Gabriella held him close, feeling his heart beat. He was alive. He was alive!
"He is so beautiful." She crooned, "My little darling."
"Do you like him Mommy?" Katie queried.
The little boy was grinning up at Gabriella; his little hand weaved around her finger and tightened as if he wanted to hold onto her forever.
"Like him…I love him! He's mine, all mine." Gabriella chuckled lightly, she leaned down and kissed her son's smiling face.
The room suddenly turned cold and the shining light began to fade. Gabriella looked about, frowning in confusion. The baby started to struggle and cry in her arms and she tried to hold onto him. The room was becoming darker.
"What's happening?" She asked in a panic.
"He's not yours! He'll never be yours! Never!" Katie suddenly shrieked and Gabriella looked at her and gasped, her daughter's face was alarmingly terrifying, her eyes a bloody red, her smile a mangle of sharp, malicious teeth.
The room had turned crimson; blood splattered the walls, dribbled and dripped down the pathway. Gabriella screamed in horror and clutched her baby to her chest in desperation, wanting to protect him.
Something sharp pricked against her and she held the baby at a length away from her. She nearly dropped her little angel, he too had turned demonic. His face was pale white, rotting away as he cried.
"WHAT'S HAPPENING?" Gabriella screamed.
"You never had him, 'A voice overhead burned, "you killed your baby Gabriella Bolton. You're being punished for what you did, for abandoning your family when you did!"
"No. I never meant it." Gabriella whimpered. The baby continued to wriggle in her arms, his face was becoming a mangled mess of horror.
"You are not even fit to bear the Bolton name. Curse you Gabriella MONTEZ!" The voice shrieked.
"No. I'm a Bolton. I'm Gabriella Bolton. I never meant it." Gabriella cried back, pleading as her baby became limp in her arms, as Katie circled her, laughing victoriously.
"Cursed, 'The voice howled, "CURSED!"
Gabriella threw back her head and screamed like a crazed lunatic, "NOOOOOOO……………………
……………Coming out Of Nightmare……………
…… "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"Mommy wake up. You're scaring me." Katie whimpered helplessly, shaking Gabriella out of her dream.
Gabriella opened her eyes, her chest rising and falling frantically and sat up, wiping the tears from her face. Katie sat in front of her, looking confused at the sight of her Mother. The little girl reached forward and pressed a tiny hand against Gabriella's cheek. She noticed her mother flinch back in her fright and sighed.
"It was only a nightmare Mommy." She said gently.
Gabriella smiled softly, "I know, I know." She answered and she took Katie into her arms and held her there. More images of her dying baby burned into her mind and she buried her head into Katie's shoulder, hiding in the darkness.
"Why were you angry today?" Katie suddenly questioned.
Gabriella pulled away, blinking with surprise, Katie held her gaze, determined to get an answer. Worry hit Gabriella there and then, had Katie heard her shouting? Had Katie heard her shouting about the baby?
"Did you hear me?" She asked her anxiously.
Katie nodded, "I could hear you screaming but I never heard what you said. You sounded mad. Did I do something wrong?"
Gabriella pulled Katie close again, wondering how she could ever think it was her fault for Gabriella's anger. She kissed her forehead, cradling her lovingly, humming a tune she did not recognise. Katie seemed to enjoy the closeness for she nestled in as deep as she could get to Gabriella.
"You could never upset me. Never." She laughed lightly.
"Then why did you scream at everyone? Daddy is upset too. He hasn't said a lot today. It makes me…sad too." Katie muttered, looking downcast.
Gabriella put her finger under Katie's chin and made her look at her, "Mommy is still very sore from the accident. She doesn't mean to be so upset but for now you have to let me be. I'll be better soon enough I promise but let me just say that I could never be annoyed with you. You're my darling little girl! I love you too much."
"Promise?" Katie asked.
"I promise with all my heart." Gabriella said solemnly.
"And you're not going to leave us again are you?" Katie queried.
Gabriella frowned, "I couldn't leave you even if I wanted to."
Katie smiled, "Good. I don't want you to leave. You're my Mommy, all mine and I love you too."
"Come here and settle down." Gabriella ordered and Katie crawled into her arms securely and turned so she could rest in the crook of her neck. Gabriella watched her close her eyes and rocking her tenderly, Gabriella surveyed her child drifting off to sleep, safely.
TROY walked into his and Gabriella's bedroom that evening hoping to enjoy a nice night's sleep in the arms of his wife. It had been a long tiresome day, night had fallen quick and he was exhausted. He smiled at the sight before him. Gabriella and Katie lay asleep in each others arms, breathing easily. Katie lay tight in her Mother's embrace, untouchable under Gabriella's loving grip. Troy shut the door behind him and sighed, liking the idea of having them both close for the night.
He pulled aside the covers of the bed and crawled in beside Gabriella. Her body was warm and comforting and he nuzzled into her instantly, forgetting all his worries, ready to sleep.
He kissed Gabriella lightly behind the ear, "We'll be fine." He whispered quietly and he set his head into the crook of her neck and closed his eyes, loving his girls, knowing they were with him…forever.
There was something about the chapter I didn't like. Maybe it's because I'm so under pressure lately that I can't see passed my own words…I don't know.
I hope you guys are all happy with the chapter. I tried really hard with it and I tried to put as many of your idea's in as possible. They were all great suggestions, thank you guys, you're awesome!! :D xxx
Please review and let me know what you think. I'm really anxious. What did you think of Gabriella's nightmare and her sudden outburst with the friends??? Was it good enough??? Did I put enough emotion into it??? Tell me!!! :D xxxx
Sorry if there's any errors. I'm in a REAL hurry! :( xxx
Anyway, review. xoxMusicalxox/Si xxx
