Chapter 20 – Positive
Monday, August 29th, 2022
Gabi's POV
My eyes tried to stay open but I was exhausted and listening to doctors' dwell on and on about our research projects for this coming year. "Gabi," I looked over at Cassie. We had become decent friends throughout our time in med school along with Quinn and Kate. "You are barely keeping those eyes open." I laughed as I rubbed my eyes, "I've been doing a lot of research already. Trying to see what will interest me and connect to sports medicine,"
"Do you want to get together for coffee tomorrow?" Quinn asked, I nodded, "Yea, we can discuss different topics and see what needs to be done."
"Also, I still want to hear all about your internship with Dr. Bryson," Kate let off a sigh, I couldn't stop my laugh as we had all recently taken and passed our Step 1 boards and we all were able to exhale a sigh of relief of getting to continue on in this path. The doctors continued to drone on about our ten months of research that we had to accomplish. Once the hall was released for the day with the promise to talk with our instructors tomorrow about what we wanted to do – we all began to file out.
"Rents?" Quinn asked tugging on her bag as she pulled it over her shoulder, "Perfect. I'll probably pick up on for Troy on my way out." Kate grinned like a cat, "That beautiful husband of yours? Meow," Cassie giggled next to me as I shook my head side to side. We all walked to Rents from Duke as we pulled open the door, we ordered coffee and found the battered booths to settle into. "Cassie, how is Derek? Has he come to terms with moving after next year?" Quinn asked and Cassie played with her straw wrapper with a sigh.
"He doesn't want to give up his job."
I gave a side-eye, "But he loves you?" I questioned in response and Cassie nodded, "So he says. I don't know though. I feel like if he wanted to support me and love me then he wouldn't care that I had to move to do my residency and that I want him to come with me." I held my breath and I nodded, "Troy basically told me that he would do anything that I needed to do. I think that is love and I think that is what you need to find for yourself. You deserve fantastic things, Cassie."
Quinn nodded, "Matty is on board and is already looking for potential cities."
"Do you know what you want to do?" I questioned and she smirked, "I am thinking OBGYN or general surgery," Quinn said with a shrug, "Pediatric, for sure," Kate said with a smile on her lips thinking about her future in pediatrics. "I think I want to do Emergency Medicine." Cassie said with a crack of her knuckles, "Give me the inner-city cases please," we all laughed together as we continued our conversation as I told them all about my summer with Dr. Bryson.
"I'm really jealous, I think I am going to line up something like that for next summer. Reach out now." Quinn mentioned and I nodded, "I think it will really help when I am applying for residency." Kate grunted with displeasure, "I am excited for intern year and residency but applying, trying to find a school, etc., sounds terrifying." I agreed, "I want to find the right spot for my family. I don't want to be in the wrong spot especially as we start trying to start a family." Cassie shot me a look with a grin spreading over her face, "Bolton babies? Yes please," I couldn't stop my laugh as I shrugged, "I got my IUD removed at the end of July," I whispered.
They all three screeched with excitement, "Shut up! Are you trying?" I shrugged, "Trying? Not preventing? I don't know what term you want for it but we figured towards the end of the research period would be the best time to start. Before fourth year, before intern year, and see where it goes from there." I said with a shrug, "I don't know if we will be able to have kids but we aren't stressing about it. I just randomly told him that I got it removed and he just smiled and nodded. We didn't make a big deal of it."
Quinn smirked, "You are going to make beautiful babies."
"They are going to be great parents, too," Kate added.
"God, could you imagine a little Troy Bolton running around?" Cassie sighed and I shook my head with a laugh, "I am so glad I have all of your support."
They giggled with a bit of a laugh, "We will be the best medical school aunties."
"I'm just really nervous to take on orthopedic surgery and then a fellowship in sports medicine. That is going to be a big-time commitment but Troy just smiles and promises to make things work." Cassie sighed and tilted her head back, "See? Derek should be more like that." Cassie shook her head back and forth.
"Do you have a back-up plan if Orthopedic surgery doesn't pan out?" Quinn asked, I shook my head, "No. I would probably shift towards peds or family medicine," I said with a shrug. "But I am pretty dead set on sports medicine," the girls all laughed and I couldn't stop my smile. I did enjoy hanging and talking to them – thankful that I was able to form these friendships in medical school. "Do you all want to come over for a girl's night on Friday?" I questioned, "Troy is out of town and we could drink wine, catch up, and watch movies."
The girls all shared a look with wide grins, "Yes! We haven't had one of those in forever!" I smiled, "Yes, okay, okay, we will order some pizza." We all shared a big grin as we made our plans to meet up tomorrow after our meetings and then going to plan our Friday. I stood up at the end bidding them all a good-bye before I went to the counter to order Troy a coffee. I thanked the worker as I stepped out into the sunny day.
I walked back to Duke to retrieve my car and I thought about all of the things going on in life. I exhaled on a large sigh as I slipped back into the car as my phone buzzed with another email about my meeting with my professor about my research study. Driving into Durham's parking lot as it was empty as the boys were out of town on their last series away but playoffs started this weekend. Troy was going to travel for that leaving me alone for the weekend.
I walked to the front door and smiled at the security guard as I walked by and went upstairs to Troy's office. I knocked on his door before twisting it open to see him sitting on his desk with a smile on his face once I focused into his vision. "Hi beautiful, this is a surprise," I smiled as I went over and I placed his coffee in front of him. "With a treat? What have I done?" he asked as he stood up. I laughed as I gripped his shoulders and I leaned forward to kiss him softly. His fingers slipped around my waist and squeezed gently. "Hi beautiful, did you miss me?" I nodded my head and I buried my face against his neck.
"I really did," he pulled me into his lap as he breathed me in, "How was class?" he asked, I grunted, "Good. I was just sitting there listening to them drone on and on about our research project." Troy chuckled and shook his head, "You are going to do kick-ass research." I smiled at him as he pulled me in for a kiss, his hand gripping the back of my neck, and pulling our lips together. "I love you; I hope you are having a good day," I told him. He grunted, "Just a lot of paperwork piling up. The end of the season, all of the interview requests…" he let out the rest of his air and I brushed my fingers through his hair.
"The girls are going to come over this weekend and hang out. Friday night since you aren't going to be around."
"Mmm…I'm glad you'll have some company. I hate leaving you alone." I rolled my eyes and Troy chuckled, "I love you; I should be home around six." I sighed as my eyes looked up at the clock to see it was just after two. I pouted and Troy pressed another kiss to my mouth, "I promise, I'll be home and we can have the ultimate night together." I raised an eyebrow, "What does that include?" I asked playing with his baby hairs in the back.
"A handful of orgasms, dinner, and cuddles in bed together." I smiled at him as I dropped another kiss to his lips. "Okay, fair enough," he kissed me again and then pressed against my cheek, "I love you," he whispered, "Thank you for the coffee. It is appreciated."
"Anything for my favorite man,"
Friday, September 2nd, 2022
Gabi's POV
I tipped back my glass of wine as I tried to stifle my laugh as Quinn danced around the kitchen. Quinn couldn't stop her own laugh as she doubled over in the kitchen. Her wine bottle was empty already and I smiled shaking my head from side to side. Kate settled in next to me as she smirked, "This was a good idea. Medical students gone wild." I couldn't stop a giggle as I looked over at her, "Ugh, I wish Derek would be better. I want to have hot dirty sex," Cassie complained.
"Girl, tell me about it, I hate that Troy isn't here." Kate laughed as she shook her head, "I'm going to stay single but I might have to hit up Noah Wellington." Cassie and I shared a look with each other. Kate narrowed her eyes towards the both of us. "Excuse me, what is that look for? What look did you just give each other?" Kate landed in front of us and her eyes scanned the two of us. "Noah is the reason Gabi and I became friends. He was hitting on her, he wouldn't take no for an answer, the teacher and I both stepped in to get him to stop."
Kate pouted in front of us, her auburn hair flying in five different directions as Quinn chuckled with a shake of her head as she popped open another wine bottle. "Seriously? I figured he was a douche bag but I didn't think he was that much of a douche bag."
"He thought I would cheat on Troy," I said with a shake of my head and that caused Kate to laugh. "That man clearly didn't realize how much that man loved you and you loved him." I laughed and shrugged, "I literally told him I was dating Troy and he was liked the chase. Just be careful with him."
"I'm glad it happened – we became friends that day." I gave her a smile in agreement, "Has everybody picked their research projects?" I questioned and everybody nodded up and down. "No school," Quinn yelled as she poured more wine down her throat. "Quinn," I said with a loud laugh and she grinned, "Oh no, she's drunk, drunk," Cassie whispered and I nodded in agreement. "We should go to the bars," she yelled while digging through my fridge.
"No," Kate, Cassie, and I said in unison. Quinn shot all of us a look and I couldn't stop my laugh at her face. "C'mon, let's watch a movie or something," I suggested as I was already exhausted and I only had a glass of wine. "I agree. This week was long and exhausting. My bones are sore." Kate stretched out on the opposite couch as I shook my head with a tiny smile on my face. Quinn came and sunk into the chair as she shook her head.
"We're lame,"
"We're exhausted," I pointed out. Quinn rolled her eyes, "You were the one dragging all week."
"Keep your drunk thoughts to yourself," I told her. Quinn gave me a smirk and turned her back to the TV. I rubbed my lips together as we scrolled through Netflix until we landed on a movie that we all wanted to see. My eyes were heavy and I was exhausted but I pushed through when my phone buzzed on my belly. I picked it up to see Troy texting me.
Troy: Hi – I miss you
I couldn't stop my smile as it spread over my lips. He left early this morning to catch up with the team for the first playoff weekend. It was hard on the press and social media management so he wanted to be in-person to help put out fires and ease the process.
Gabi: Hi, I miss you, too. I hope you got there okay.
"Look who's passed out already," Kate said quietly as she nudged me with her toe. I looked over to see Quinn curled up, her mouth open, and her eyes snapped shut. I laughed quietly underneath my breath as I sat up and took a picture of her with flash – she didn't even move. "Telling me I was the exhausted one." I grumbled and Cassie laughed, "You have been extra tired this week. You struggled during all of our meetings."
I shot her a look, too, "Ya'll ganging up on me tonight and I am the one awake." Cassie laughed as we all went back to the movie when my phone buzzed again.
Troy: I did. I wish we were together this weekend but I know you wanted to start diving into your research. I love you, baby. I hope girl's night is going okay.
Gabi: Yea, I am going to dive in tomorrow and figure out my timeline. We are watching a movie. Quinn is already knocked out after drinking nearly two bottles of wine. They are telling me I've been the tired on and yet…
I smiled as I laid my phone back down after sending him the picture of Quinn. "Any big plans for the rest of the weekend?" I asked Kate and she shook her head, "No. Homework." I smiled as I looked at Cassie who sighed, "Fighting with Derek and praying the man falls in love with me like this man loves you." She lifted the frame of Troy and me in Costa Rica during our wedding. "The man who will promise to do everything for you that he can control. Damn, what a promise." I smiled with a shake of my head as we all shared a look.
"Have you thought maybe it is time to let Derek go?" I questioned quietly and her eyes looked up at me and I saw the tears from behind her eyes, "I don't want it to be over. I want it to be better. I want him to love me and I don't know why this is suddenly like this. I don't know if he is scared or doesn't love me anymore but we're going on two years. I don't know what happened because he loved me like Troy Bolton loved me earlier in our relationship."
"Have you asked him?" Kate asked sitting up and tucking her legs underneath of her. Cassie didn't say anything for a beat and she breathed out, "No. We just fight about it."
"Ask him. Make him talk and if he doesn't want to talk then baby girl it's time to walk away. There is a man out there who wants to worship at your feet. That is what you deserve and that's what you deserve. Don't settle." Katie told her and I agreed with a nod. "Cas, you are a really strong woman. You are going to be an amazing doctor and I can't wait to watch you succeed but you do not need a man to do it. If Derek can't love you like you deserved to be loved then he isn't the man for you."
My phone buzzed again and I reached for it.
Troy: Lol. This is a sight. You did seem more tired this week, you feeling okay?
I sighed as I read his text message as I loved him and his worrying but I think it was just getting back into the swing of school and the constant studying before boards that causing this exhaustion. I smiled as I sent him back a text.
Gabi: I am feeling fine, T. Just a lot going on. I promise – I will sleep this weekend. I love you.
"I think you girls are right. I will talk to him. This weekend because I do deserve better." Cassie said, I reached down and I hugged her tightly, "We're here for you. More wine nights if we need them." I told her. Kate joined in on the hug as we smiled and laughed as we looked up at Quinn who was still passed out, snoring, drunk.
Sunday, September 4th, 2022
Gabi's POV
I laughed with Trevor and Vivian as we were enjoying the first football Sunday on the TV together. Troy was on his way home from the road trip as they won and were playing at home this week. Clara and Wyatt were both playing on the floor in front of us as I caught Viv up on my last few weeks of school. She couldn't stop her smile watching me and excited that I was learning more and more. "Aunt Gabi," Wyatt climbed onto the couch and onto my lap.
"Hi buddy," he wrapped his short arms around my neck and buried his face into my chest. "Is Grandpa coming over?" he asked, "I dunno,"
"What about Uncle Troy?" he pressured and I laughed, "He might show up but you might be in bed by then." Wyatt pouted, "I miss Uncle Troy."
"Do you want to Facetime him?" I questioned, he bounced up and down with a dramatic yes as Clara climbed up next to us. I grabbed my cell phone from the table as I pressed on his name and it rang while Wyatt made funny faces in the camera. A picture popped up and Troy had his headphones in and a big grin on his face when he saw it was Wyatt. "Wyatt! My dude! How are you big guy?" Wyatt grinned from ear to ear at Troy's picture.
"Good! I miss you, Uncle Troy."
"Oh, I miss you, too buddy. How is Aunt Gabi? I miss her a lot, too." Wyatt grinned picking up the phone from my hand and twisted to show me. Troy let an easy smile across his face, "There is my beautiful girl, Wy, can you give her a kiss for me?" Wyatt grinned before planting a kiss on my cheek causing me a smile. "Twoy!" Clara's chubby hands tried to grab the phone and Troy let out a low chuckle, "Is that my Clara Bell? Hi pretty girl,"
Vivian looked at me and gushed with her eyes as my husband talked to her kids. "Hi," she squeaked with a smile on her face. "What are Yall doing?" Troy asked, "Watching football with aunt Gabi, mommy, and daddy!" Troy groaned, "Dang it, I wish I was there. Did your mommy make cheese dip?" Troy asked, Wyatt, giggled loudly and nodded his head. "Oh, my goodness, will you save some for me?" Troy asked with a groan and Clara giggled this time.
I couldn't stop my own laugh as Troy caught my eye through the phone and winked. "I can't wait to see all of you soon. Can I talk to Aunt Gabs for a minute?" Wyatt whined, "But Uncle Troy!" Troy laughed, "I love you little boogers, I promise, I'll come to play soon."
Wyatt handed me the phone and I smiled as Troy's eyes light up, "Hi baby, you okay?" I nodded my head because Troy tried to call me twice yesterday and I was napping. I think he was worried I was getting sick. His eyebrows were bent in concern and I nodded, "Yea, I'm okay. I promise." Troy narrowed his eyes slightly and just nodded his head, "Okay. I'll be home around eight. Are you staying for Sunday Night Football?"
I nodded, "Yea, I'm going to have dinner and hang out for the first half of the game. If you want to come over here you should." Troy rubbed his eyebrows and nodded, "I'll think about it. I have some work I need to get done." I pouted and Troy shot me a look and I smiled, "I love you, babe,"
"I love you, too, B."
"Hi Troy," Trevor yelled as he walked into the living room, "Hi Trev, beers this week?"
"Hell yeah,"
"Bad word!" Wyatt yelled causing me to snicker, "Hi Troy," Viv popped into the screen and I couldn't stop my slow smile, "Hi Viv, looking beautiful as always." Viv shook her head with a laugh as Troy winked at me. "I'm going to go, I love all of you, bye kiddos," I waved and blew him a kiss before I hung up and Trevor smiled shaking his head, "I love that dude,"
"Aren't you glad dad allowed him to stay?" Trevor snorted, "As if you weren't going to follow him. He was the one for you."
"Wow, Trevor getting sappy," I said and Vivian laughed, "It was Clara. She made him sappy, also, when are you going to make Troy a daddy? He is made for it. Do you see how he acts with my children?" Vivian asked and I laughed and shrugged, "I don't know. We've talked about it a couple of times but nothing too serious," I fibbed towards her and she shook her head, "Natural daddy right there," I laughed and my eyes shut for a moment as I thought about it for a moment.
My eyes popped open in surprise as I thought about it for a brief moment as my period was supposed to start three or four days ago. That is strange. I typically at least felt my period coming by now but I didn't have any cramps or headaches. I was just tired. I paused and blinked. The panic swelled in my chest as there was no way. I literally took my IUD out at the end of July. I wiggled in my spot on the couch as I wanted to leave right now but I at least had to stay through dinner. My eyes swung to the clock to see that it was just after three. Oh, fuck me.
Monday, September 5th, 2022
Gabi's POV
Troy curled me closer to his body and I squawked at the movement causing him to laugh, "God, I don't want to get up to go to work." Troy mumbled into the back of my neck. I laughed but stayed quiet as I needed him to go to work. I stopped on my way home last night and picked up a handful of pregnancy tests. I really didn't think I was pregnant but my period was five days late as of today and that was strange.
I was tired but that was the extent to any symptoms so I was just going to take one and see. If it was negative then we were going to continue on with our day and then we would try again the next month. I wiggled back against him and he sucked in a breath, "I love you," he whispered into my ear. I got home and he basically didn't want to leave my side once I walked through the door. His naked body shifted against me and I smiled, "You need to get up and go to work." I sang to him and he grunted.
"C'mon baby, the busy part is almost over." I reminded him and he let out a sigh and rolled onto his back. I rolled over to face him and he rubbed the bridge of his nose with a sigh. "I'll cook dinner tonight after I get home from research, okay?" Troy smiled as I leaned over and planted another kiss on his lips. His hands tangled into my hair to pull me back into a stronger kiss. "Are you needy again?" I questioned and he chuckled, "With you in my sights I always am."
I rolled my eyes as I laid my head down on the pillow. Troy finally rolled out of bed and went to turn on the shower. I scrolled on my phone while he was getting ready but my anxiety was through the roof. The last time I took a test I didn't want to be pregnant but this time – I didn't know what I wanted. I think I wanted a positive but the nerves tingled in my belly and the excitement rolled through me but I was scared. Was I going to be a good mom?
The thoughts were non-stop until a pair of lips hit my forehead. I blinked and looked up at him, "I love you, baby. Have a good day. I wouldn't mind just some pizza for dinner." Troy suggested and I smiled, "Okay, I love you, too." His eyes hovered over me for a minute, those blue eyes flickering around trying to figure out what was wrong. "You good?" his thumb stroked down my skin and I nodded, "Yes, baby, I'm fine," I stressed to him.
He just nodded and he kissed me again, "Have a good day, research well," I smiled as he picked up his backpack and walked out of the room. I waited in bed until I heard the garage door open and shut and then gave it another five minutes before I was digging through my nightstand for the two boxes. The early response that would just tell me flat out that I was pregnant or not. I swallowed hard as I stood up on shaky legs and stumbled towards the bathroom.
I pissed in a plastic solo cup that I stashed upstairs and then dipped the sticks into the urine with shaky hands. The tremble in my hands was present as I snapped the caps back on and my belly tightened with nerves just thinking about in five minutes about how my whole world could shift. Thoughts raced through my mind as I settled on the edge of the bathtub. I did have to go talk to my research coordinator in a little bit. I ran my fingers over my face as I breathed evenly. I couldn't be pregnant.
I was tired, sure, and I didn't have my period but…I shook my head again as I decided to jump in the shower while I waited. I turned on the water and tried to relax underneath it but I was on edge and it wasn't going to change until I knew the answer. I washed my hair, conditioned it, and scrubbed my body down before shutting off the water and wrapping a towel around me tightly. I couldn't breathe deeply as I knew I would have an answer in a moment.
Two breaths in, two breaths out.
I repeated it to myself and I stepped down as I reached for the pregnancy test on the counter. I squeezed my eyes closed and did another breath of air, whatever it said, it was going to be okay. Troy was going to be there for me either way because either way, I was fessing up tonight. I slowly opened my eyes and I stared at the words on the little digital screen.
Pregnant
3-4 weeks
I gasped at the tiny words as I couldn't stop staring at them. There was no way. I picked up the next stick and it said the same exact thing. I sank to the floor in a pile of shock as I squeezed my eyes closed when a rush of memories came flying back.
The panic.
The terror.
The sheer dread of knowing what I needed to do.
I gasped with a sob choking me as I cradled my belly giving a promise that I would do everything I could for this one. That I wouldn't go down that path again. I couldn't. The anxiety that built in my body knowing that this pregnancy was still early and it could be over before it starts.
Breathe, Gabi.
I tried to control my breathing and I brushed the tears away knowing that I had to tell Troy tonight. I couldn't hide the rock and roll emotions that this was going to bring because I knew they would. This wasn't going to be easy for me because I still felt that guilt deep in my belly. That guilt that I ended life for my own reasons. Yes, did I understand that it was good for me because I needed to close out my career and start my next but it didn't settle well?
My eyes lingered on the bracelet that Troy gave me to represent the little baby that we never got to meet. I closed my eyes as I sent a small prayer up to our baby, to God, asking in the forgiveness that I needed right now. I breathed out and opened my eyes as I breathed in and I breathed out. The excitement was bubbling underneath, the anxiety that was lingering because it was going to be a long first trimester, and the anticipation to tell Troy.
I smiled as I thought of the perfect way to tell him.
Troy's POV
I tugged on my backpack as I massaged my forehead as I walked through the front door. I smelled the faint scent of pizza in the kitchen as I dropped my bag down to the ground. "Hey baby," I heard Gabi's voice and I turned to see she was sitting on the barstool doing some homework on her laptop. She had a pair of glasses on her face and her hair was tossed into an extreme messy bun. "Hey beautiful," I went over and laid a kiss on her temple as I took in a long whiff of her hair.
"How was work?" she asked shutting her laptop and I smiled, "Good. We got things ready for our post-season at home. It was busy but I cannot wait to eat pizza with my girl and catch up on TV together." She let a small smile cross her face, "C'mon, let's eat." We both made plates of pizza as she reached up under her glasses and rubbed her eyes. "Baby, why are you so tired?" I asked she looked at me with a strange look. "I'm fine, I've been staring at my computer screen too long."
I shook my head back and forth because I knew that wasn't it. She had been more tired than usual the past week or two. She wasn't acting any different just tired. My eyes watched her figure and she grabbed a piece of pizza and we both settled onto the couch together. She flipped on A Million Little Things that we were trying to catch up on before the new season started. I breathed out heavily as we both ate silently together as we watched. She put her plate down and curled into my side as I dropped a kiss to her head, again.
She was quiet tonight and I wanted to know why. I reached forward once I was done with my pizza and paused the show. "B, talk to me. What's wrong? You are off." She sighed heavily and looked down at her hand, "I got you something today," she said and she randomly got up and walked over to the front door. She reached for the bag and I crinkled my eyebrows together, "B, why? And this doesn't answer my question – I want to know why you are acting so funny." I questioned as she settled it in my lap. She tipped my chin back to look at my face directly, "Just open it, okay? Your mom asked me to get your reaction because she helped," Gabi said.
I frowned again as she started to record and I slowly pulled out the tissue paper. A Nike shoe box sat on the bottom and I really frowned this time, I pulled out the retro Jordan box but it felt empty. I glanced up at her and she just looked at me with a bit of a laugh on her face until I flipped open the lid and I felt the wind get pushed out of me. I gasped for a breath of air as I twisted in her direction with surprise all over my face. I blinked, once, twice, three times before I was able to form a word.
"Seriously?" I asked, the words choking in my throat and I saw the tears in her eyes. She nodded her head as she continued to record and I looked back down in the box as a pair of tiny baby Jordan's in Duke colors sat in there with an onesie that said daddy's little baller. "You're pregnant?" I asked and I felt the tears in my eyes, she slowly nodded her head up and down, "Yea, I'm pregnant with a baby, with our baby," she corrected, I slowly stood up and I went over to her and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. "Oh my god," I gasped into her hair and she wrapped her arms tightly around me. I squeezed my eyes closed trying to keep all of my emotions at bay. "You're pregnant?" I whispered again into her hair and she nodded her head, "Apparently to the tests that I've taken. I'm at most 3-4 weeks pregnant,"
I pulled back as my large hands frame her face and I couldn't stop my laugh, "Seriously?" she laughed this time and nodded her head, she broke away from me and went to the kitchen and reached in a cabinet with a Ziplock bag. She showed me a pregnancy test with the word positive across the front and I shook my head as I reached for her again. I pulled her in for a hard kiss against me. Her arms wrapping around my neck and I lifted her and wrapped her legs around my waist.
Her mouth devoured mine as her fingers gripped my hair as I pressed her back into the wall. She pulled her lips away and looked at me. Tears were in her eyes and I felt the sudden shift of her mood. "Gabs," I whispered and she bit down on her lip and then her forehead met my shoulder. I felt this intense emotion to protect her from all of these emotions that were swirling in the air as I needed her to talk to me, I could feel her fears vibrating in the air. "Baby," I let my hand grip her neck gently and then massaged it with my fingers. I went over and sat on the couch as I cradled her into my lap. Her face continued to stay hidden. I let her try and gather all of her emotions and fears into words, I waited patiently, and I let her head tip backward and those brown, scared, eyes focused on me.
"I took that pregnancy test today and I panicked. All of the feelings I had when I took the first pregnancy test came rushing back, the guilt came rushing back, and I am so scared that I won't keep this pregnancy or…" she released a sob as I closed my eyes and rocked her gently in my lap. "Shh…B," I whispered into her ear as I stroked her hair. "All of those feelings are very valid and I am so sorry you had to do that alone. You know I would have done that with you." I told her and she sniffled, "I wanted to be sure that I was because I didn't think I was. I haven't been off my IUD that long and I just didn't think it was possible and I didn't want to get your hopes up." She paused as she wiped at her eyes before taking a big breath. "So, I did it and then it all came rushing back and I'm excited but I'm scared and I'm anxious and I imagined telling you last time and that was a similar reaction." She gave a weary smile and her eyes were hesitant on me, "I never wanted to do that. I had to do it and I think that's what hurts the most because I wanted to tell you and see your reaction, I wanted to see you as a dad back and then…" she let her voice drift off as a grim smile came over her face. My heart ached for her because I knew deep down it was something Gabi never wanted to do but it was something, she had to do to become her best self. That's what our kids deserved anyway – not wistful dreams that we once had.
"Gabi," I said softly, "You are not going to be punished. I promise. We are going to do this together and we are going to have a baby together. Okay? I know that you feel that guilt still and that you carry it around in your heart and I know I can tell you a thousand times that it doesn't matter and I still love you and all of these things but what I am going to tell you is I will be there for everything that I can be there, I will never let you feel this alone, I am so happy you told me tonight and that you got this off your chest tonight. I love you, baby, I love you so much and I can't wait to have a baby with you." Gabi sniffled and she wiped her nose with her t-shirt she was wearing as her arms locked around me. I just held her against my body, trying to protect her.
The nerves shot through my body at those words – that I was going to be a dad but I held myself together for her. She snuggled into my body and she gripped my t-shirt. "I love you, Troy. I am so thankful that I was lucky enough to marry you." I buried my lips into her hair, as we were both quiet for a moment and I let out a laugh, "My mom doesn't know right?" Gabi laughed and shook her head, "No, I just needed an excuse to record you without it being weird."
"Can I see?"
She reached for her phone and we watched back the moment I realized I was going to be a dad. The pure shock that was written on my face and then the tiny shoes that I held up. I choked back the overwhelming emotion that made my chest tight. "Fuck, B, I can't believe this," I whispered and she gave a soft laugh as her arms looped through mine. "I love you, baby, I can't wait to do this part of life with you."
She ran her fingers through my hair as our eyes connected for a brief moment, our kiss was slow, and her body rolled into mine. I grunted at the feeling as she did it again and I pinned her hips to me to keep her from moving. "Gabi," I breathed her in and she couldn't stop her hands from roaming and she eased my t-shirt over my head as I worked hers next. I pushed her onto her back and I leaned down as I pressed a kiss to her belly.
"Hi baby, it's your daddy, I can't wait to meet you," I whispered against her skin and Gabi looked at me, "What are you saying?" she asked and I smiled softly before placing another kiss to her stomach. "That's between for me and baby to know." Gabi laughed as I reached back up to kiss her roughly. "Do you know what set me off?" she asked, I pulled back to listen and she gave a tiny smile, "Last night at Viv and Trevor's – after you hung up the phone Vivian asked when I was going to make you a daddy because you were a natural with her kids." Gabi paused while she ran her hand down my bicep. "I then realized my period hadn't started yet and ya'll kept telling me that I couldn't stop sleeping."
I smiled, "I knew something was wrong with you, baby, I know when my girl is off." A soft smile crossed Gabi's face as she looked over at me, "I love that you notice the smallest difference. I love that you care to notice the smallest difference. I didn't see it – but you did." I couldn't stop my smile as I brushed my fingers over her face, "Because I love you and I watch you constantly. I have always watched you." B let out a laugh and I couldn't help my smile at her. She pulled me back down into a kiss, "I really need you to continue to kiss me." She whispered and I chuckled, "Yes, I can certainly do that."
Gabi's POV
Friday, September 9th, 2022
I curled around Troy as he buried his lips into my hair, "I didn't get to tell you yesterday. Our first appointment is in a month. Since they know I can only be three to four weeks pregnant – they want me to wait until around week eight." Troy grunted from behind me, "That's a long time I feel like." He whispered into my ear, "I know. I don't want to tell anybody until we go to that appointment. Think you can handle that?"
"Not even our parents?"
I shook my head, "No, nobody. I just…I like living in our own little bubble right now. I'm not having that many symptoms so it's easy to hide and I don't want the constant checking up on me, yet." Troy brushed his hand over my abdomen and pressed his lips to my neck. "Whatever you want, sweet girl. You aren't doing any research that will affect little man right?"
"A boy?" I questioned twisting over to face him. Troy smirked and shrugged, "It's a feeling."
"Shouldn't I have the feeling?" I questioned him and he shook his head, "I don't know. I just think it's a boy." I reached up and brush my fingers through his hair. "You're insane, I think you want it to be a boy," Troy shrugged his shoulders before pinning me back against the bed. "And if I do?" he sassed back causing me to laugh, "I wouldn't be sad. I could only imagine a little Troy Bolton running around. Those blue eyes, set jawline…" I dragged off, "Oh and that smile."
Troy laughed as he dragged his nose down my chin and over my collarbone, I heard the faint breath of him inhaling softly and he groaned when his alarm starting blaring again. "Have I told you I hate getting out of this bed?" I smiled while I ran my fingers over his pecs, down his arm, and I squeezed his forearm. My eyes trailing over his body and he let out a soft noise before diving down to press a kiss to my mouth.
"I love you; I think we should take a shower together." He propositioned and I laughed, "You think?"
"Save water," he offered and I giggled with a shake of my head as Troy rolled off the bed and his hand reached for me. I slipped my hand into his as he gently lifted me off the bed, his hands gripping my waist and his lips dipping down to press against mine. "How long is research today?" he questioned in-between kisses and I sighed, "I don't know. I want to get a lot of it laid out well before I get pregnant, pregnant."
"Smart lady," our kiss continued as he reached into the shower and flipped it on while he pulled his t-shirt off my shoulders, I tugged his boxer briefs off as I shoved him inside. A slow grin came over his face before he picked me up and pressed me back against the wall.
Troy's POV
I held that smug smile on my face for hours – even while watching my team lose but I couldn't shake it. I hadn't been able to shake it since she told me she was pregnant with a pair of little bitty basketball shoes. Hanson hit the back of my head, "What's up, dude, you look like you're high. Did Gabi give you some epic BJ or what?" he questioned and I couldn't stop the chuckle, "Yea, she did." I told him with a smug look over my shoulder, "Among other things." I teased and Hanson let his eyebrows raise.
"Damn, does she have a sister?" I smacked his gut and he laughed as he settled in next to me. "I have to say, you've handled this change and the new job really well. You've impressed me, Bolton." I couldn't stop my slow grin. "As if you are surprised by this," I commented back and he chuckled underneath of his breath. "So much ego to that head of yours, I think Duke did it,"
"Do you have an MVP trophy from March Madness?" I questioned and he cracked a laugh, "Where is your wife? I know she can smoke your ass."
"She has one, too," I mused and he shook his head with a laugh, "I wish I would have known you then. I do remember watching you play though and laughing when I saw your resume land on my desk as if you couldn't have gone into the NBA after your senior year," I let a smile slip and shrugged as I took notes as the game unfolded in front of me. "I could have but I loved Gabs, she was going into med school, I didn't have a passion to move my life and to maybe not play in the NBA. I don't know, I don't feel like I am missing out on anything at all."
Hanson looked right at me, "I'm impressed. I bet there was some money on the table," I coughed and shrugged, "Yea, there was. It was tempting but that was the only reason I considered it. I didn't want to play for money."
"If WNBA was bigger, would Gabi have gone?"
"Nah, she barely got through her college years because of injuries. She's going to save lives and athletic careers."
"I'm going to be pissed when you move." I chuckled and I nodded, "Yea, it'll be interesting to see what happens but I am hoping I paid you off enough to pull some strings for me wherever we go," Hanson shook his head as the game ended fairly soon after that. The celebration on the field happened by the other team as they were advancing to the finals. I sighed as the press box was quiet besides the tapping of fingers on the keyboard.
We were going to have a long night of press and I started to coordinate with people who they wanted to talk to tonight. "Bolton," I twisted at my name and I saw Gabi in the doorway. I felt a smile tug on my lips as I stood up leaving my phone behind as I went over, "What are you doing here?" I asked as I swept her into a tight hug. "Uh supporting my husband?" she said and I pulled back as her brown eyes were showing the same happiness that I couldn't get rid of either.
"Who's with you?" I questioned, "Trevor, Wyatt, Quinn, Kate, and Cassie," I ran my hands down her back and pulled her to my body. I smiled while pressing my lips into her hair, "Tell them I said hi and thank you for coming. I'm sad I can't sit or be near you guys." She ran her fingers down my arms and squeezed my biceps. "Nah, you have to work. We were glad to get outside and breathe in the fresh air. The girls drank tonight and I had to find a lame excuse as to why I wasn't drinking," a grin splashed over my face as I looked around us but nobody was paying us any attention, "I'm glad you came; sorry we didn't play better." She smiled and leaned up on her tippy toes to plant a kiss on my lips, "Nah, I'm glad I came tonight. Getting to see you right now is worth it because I bet you a good chunk of money that we will be passed out by the time you get home." A twinkle appeared in her eyes at us in her sentence and I couldn't stop my growing grin. God, I loved how excited she was and the flurry of butterflies in my body caused so much excitement.
"Yea, you need to go home and rest. I love you," I said as I kissed her hair and she squeezed me into a tight hug. "I love you, too."
"I'll try hard to not wake you up,"
She smiled at my words as her head tilted back to look at me, her hands running down my chest, "It's okay, I like to snuggle up to you anyways." I laughed as I kissed her one more time and then held the door open for her before I grabbed my stuff and headed for the locker room. I met with media as I directed all of them to their correct spots. I gave the players encouraging nods because I understood this part sucked. Having to tell people you didn't try hard enough, do enough, work hard enough as a team…
The ten-minute warning for the press to get out went through the locker room as I reached down to check my phone again. It was late and I couldn't wait to crawl into my bed. I breathed out as I talked to the players, thanked them for cooperating, and I worked on a few different media releases. Once I was done with work, I bid a good-bye to Hanson and walked out to my car. I turned it over as it was close to midnight as I pulled out of the parking lot.
The drive home was quiet as I wanted it to be, I would come in tomorrow and put together a video of the season highlights. I was already halfway done with it as I worked on it this morning. I rubbed my lips together as I pulled into our driveway. The drive home wasn't far and when I eased in next to Gabi's car, I quietly shut the door. I toed off my shoes and dropped my backpack on the kitchen chair. The house was dark as I pulled out a bottle of water and went upstairs.
The door was partially shut and the lights were out as I quietly stepped in. I tiptoed to the bathroom before I changed into a pair of shorts and ditched my shirt. I brushed my teeth before I quietly plugged my phone into the charger, set my alarm, and crawled into bed next to her. She was laying on her side and I took a moment to just watch her for a moment. Her hair was pulled into a bun on the top of her head while the covers were pulled over her shoulder.
I leaned forward to press a sweet kiss to her shoulder before I gently pulled her back to my body as she rolled over and pressed her face into my chest. I stroked her back gently as she didn't really wake up because she was exhausted recently and slept like the dead. She turned onto her other side again and I let my hand rest on her belly, a tiny smile coming across my lips because I was thrilled that she was pregnant, I was excited, and I couldn't wait to tell everybody.
Yet, I liked our little secret with each other. The secret smiles, the little jokes, and the small comments that nobody understood were fun. I kissed her hair one more time as I closed my eyes, tucked her in close to my body, and fell asleep with a smile on my face that I couldn't get rid of.
Told yall it would be less than two weeks ;) when's the last time THAT happened? Ha! COVID-19 might work in yalls favor with me being stuck in the house. (Jk, I wish it would go away! Nobody deserves any of this right now. I hope I am bringing some of you guys some extra joy with these chapters!)
To a reviewer who wanted them to go longer without having kids – yes, I understand. Deeply. Their relationship changes SO much afterward BUT…this is the final story in this series (I know, I'm sorry! I just have SO many more I want to tell!) and I want them to have at least one kid! That's why the story is kinda moving at hyper-speed but their lives between updates are just…boring. All the big stuff is in the chapters! I promise. These characters are some of my favorite and I am glad you guys love them as well!
I cannot wait to share with you the new stories I am working on! I think after my semester is over I am going to debut a new story! Next time I update I will give you guys two options and you can let me know which one you are wanting next!
Thanks for all the love! The next update will be within two weeks again, ekkkk!
PLEASE REVIEW (I love hearing what yall have to say!)
J
