Chapter 29: Missing You

Gabriella sighed, sitting on edge of the beach, ignoring the sand that began to stick to her damp butt and legs. She looked at her watch and groaned. It was only seven thirty in the evening! Troy was spending all afternoon with Chad, and Taylor was also busy. She tried to keep her brain occupied – hence the reason for being at the beach – but she had done all her homework in one hour and had since been surfing for three hours, and as much as she loved it, she had something else on her mind. Or someone else, rather. She shook her head, trying to clear it. She knew she was getting too obsessive about him. They spent every day together at school and on weekends. He practically lived at her house, and she could probably dial the numbers of his cell phone number with her toes, blindfolded. This can't be normal, she mumbled to herself.

Gabriella lay back onto the sand, allowing the tiny pebbles to scrape her back and dirty her hair. She closed her eyes and began daydreaming, allowing her mind to wander. The sound of the waves sloshing onto the shore made her think of the ocean she had grown to love. She missed the summer; being able to surf everyday, and the careless days that passed by pleasantly slowly. The corners of her mouth turned up in the corners; she met Troy that passed summer. She had a mental flashback of the first time she met him – he was so cute, quiet…ah, the good old days when Troy could only do the doggy paddle! She giggled, reminiscing on their first ever conversation.

Gabriella's heart might as well have stopped when the somewhat shrilling ring of her phone pierced her daydreams. She uncovered her mouth – a precaution she had anturally taken so she didn't make a fool of herself by screaming – and answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"So it's safe to say that you're party has officially been planned." Gabriella groaned.

"Troy, I told you, I don't like parties. They're…awkward. I would much rather spend my birthday with you. No one else." She heard Troy sigh through the speaker.

"C'mon Gabs. This is your eighteenth birthday! Look, Taylor's got all the invites ready to be handed out tomorrow, to the reserved group on nine people. We're going disco bowling then back to my house for Zeke's desserts and presents, then I kick everyone out." Gabriella giggled.

"Disco bowling for my eighteenth birthday, huh? Okay, so then what? Am I included in the group of people that get kicked out?"

"Please, Gabriella, you know better. This is where you decide what you want to do. You have two options: your house for another famous you and me all-nighter since your mom won't be home, or make-out point." Gabriella could just imagine Troy's smug expression. Gabriella rolled her eyes, even though Troy couldn't see her.

"Hmm, tough decision. Well, I think either way, we'll end up doing the same thing, but I say my house."

"Good. More privacy." She giggled once again.

"Alright, lover boy. So, how much time exactly does one guy need to spend with another?" She hated to admit it, but they both knew it: she wanted to see him. She grinned at his laugh from the other line.

"We're done. I was shopping for your birthday present." Troy looked down at the small bag he clutched in his left hand.

"With Chad…?" Gabriella couldn't help but wonder what he got her that could have possibly required Chad's help or advice. It worried her just a tad.

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Gabriella awoke Saturday morning at one in the afternoon. She groaned, realizing that she had two hours to prepare for this birthday party her friends had planned for her. She was a bit excited, because she loved being with her friends, especially outside of school, but she was never one for birthday parties for some reason.

She hopped out of the bathroom, showered, dried and hair done in large curls falling naturally onto her bare shoulders. She fished through a shopping bag that rested on the floor containing a few pieces that she had bought while looking for a New Year's dress with Taylor. She pulled out a faded gray, shirred square neck tank top and careful pulled it over her head in attempt not to ruin her hair. Pulling on a pair of blue skinny jeans she was ready to go. Half an hour to go. She decided that she'd go to Troy's house – he'd drive her there. She grabbed her keys, and flew out the door.

Troy shot his head up from the gift he was wrapping at the sound of his doorbell. He knit his eyebrows in confusion – no one was supposed to come over that day. Everyone was going to meet at the bowling alley. He pulled open the door and was bombarded by an adorable girl, wrapping her arms around his built frame.

"Gabriella! I wasn't expecting you to be here…" She pulled back in order to examine his expression. Completely confused. She couldn't help but giggle.

"I was bored."

"Okay, well can you amuse yourself for two seconds? I'm wrapping your gift." Gabriella sighed dramatically, but made her way towards the television. He watched her walk away, watching her hips swing back and forth before he realized he had to get wrapping and hide a few things. He meant this in the best way possible, but he really wished she hadn't shown up. He had a few surprises.

Once finished with his gifts – all stored in his truck inside a large plastic bag – he sneaked behind Gabriella, surprised she didn't hear him. He stood behind her and leaned forward a little, taking her head in his hands. He felt her cheeks rise in a smile beneath his palms, and she looked up where he was leaning over her. He bent below her some more, kissing her upside down. She exhaled through her nose, brushing warm air across his chin and neck. His skin tingled, and he let his hands trail down her neck to rest on her collar bone. This time he beat her to the punch, placing his tongue eagerly at the sealed opening of her lips. Gabriella smiled and pulled away from him. He winced in disappointment, eyes still closed.

"C'mon, Troy. I'm going to be late for my own party."

A/N: Okay, I know this is a rather short chapter, but it's only because I feel bad for not updating in so long and I want to do the party in its own chapter. So, expect that chapter very soon, it's already written, just not typed. Please review anyways, though, okay? I love you guys more than you might know. Thanks!