One Last Time
summary: It wasn't the fact that he left that hurt her the most. It was the fact that he broke his promise that killed her. She didn't care if he doesn't love her anymore. As long as she gets to hold him one last time. For she thought he belongs to another girl.
AN: this is more of a filler chapter because we getting near to the problem hehe. but I tried not to cringe at one part of this chapter. for Esha because she helped me to be more open about my feelings and in being a writer lol. enjoy
disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot.
East High is known for its massive school spirit. Massive is an understatement. If there was a word bigger than massive... then that would perfectly describe the hallways of Eash High.
Gabriella stood in front of her locker. Shaking her head as everyone else around her is pumped up for the championship game happening later at the end of the day. Mostly everyone is wearing red, white, or red and white clothes to show school spirit. The championship basketball game would be the only event in the history of East High where everyone, sports or non-sports lovers, come together to support the basketball team.
Honestly, Gabriella planned on staying at home and not attend the game in the first place. But now with her getting close with Troy, she was asked, or insisted, by the basketball captain if she could watch the championship game.
"You're not going?"
"I planned not to," Gabriella said while switching her phone to her other ear. "Basketball is not my scene, Troy. You know that."
She heard Troy sighed at the other end of the phone, "I watched your try-outs, Gabi. It would be nice if you could watch the game. For me. Please?"
"Okay, please don't use the try-out card on me," she choked out, "because, if you remembered, I did not ask for you to watch my try-outs. You did that on your own liking."
Gabriella got up from her bed and walked out to her balcony. Despite wearing an oversized white hoodie and pink pajama pants, she shivered when the cold air of the night brushed past her. She leaned onto the railing on her side as she looks across the dark street of her neighborhood.
"Then come to the game," Troy pleaded. "I do know basketball games are not your scene because it's awkward for you when people would see you cheer."
She smiled involuntarily because he remembered the little things she told him before but he continued, "But if you come to the game tomorrow wearing my jacket, if you let me, then I'll be the happiest. Your support means so much to me, Gabi."
Gabriella's heart began beating faster. Not only does he want her to come to the game but he wants her, Gabriella Montez, to wear his jacket to the game because her support means so much to him. What the hell did this boy eat for his dinner?
It took her a couple of minutes to think this one through. She does want to see him play tomorrow night. It's Troy Bolton playing basketball. That image will surely make her heart flutter. Why did she say no in the first place, again?
"I'll go," she whispered but Troy heard it.
"Yes!" Troy exclaimed. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am before I actually change my mind," she suddenly remembered what he said earlier. "Wait, you said something about me wearing your hoodie. Did I hear you correctly?"
"Uh yeah," she could tell he was scratching the back of his neck, a habit of his whenever he gets nervous or awkward. "I was just wondering if you want to wear one of my jackets tomorrow night to the game?"
"And where will I get one of those jackets of yours? I don't think they sell Troy Bolton hoodies at the mall nowadays."
He let out a hoarse laugh, "I'll lend you one tomorrow at lunch. If you want."
Gabriella held her breath. She was debating if she should say yes or no. Because deep down if she knows if she'll say no, she'll regret it for the next couple of weeks. But if she'll say yes, what will other people say about it? Her wearing Troy's jacket will literally make a statement about them being together when in reality they are nowhere near that.
"Won't other people will notice me wearing your hoodie?" Gabriella timidly asked.
"If it helps," ruffling sounds can be heard from the other line, "I'll lend you a hoodie that I haven't worn at school yet."
"You're so persistent about this," she teasingly said.
"What's your fourth period tomorrow?" he asked.
Gabriella pulled her phone away from her ear and look at it weirdly before putting it back to her ear, "We have Chemistry together, Troy."
"Ohhh," Troy said as the realization hits him. "Okay, let's forget that ever happened and establish me giving you my hoodie tomorrow after Chemistry class."
Apparently, Gabriella didn't forget what happened last night. Well, who could blame her? It was one of Troy's funniest moments and she's bound to never forget that.
She opened her locker and grabbed her morning subject books when Taylor walked up to her.
"Morning, Sunshine," Taylor smiled. "Please tell me you're coming tonight?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Gabriella shook her head and closed her locker before leaning sideways on it. "You can thank Troy for that because he wouldn't let me sleep if I said no to him."
"But you also want to watch the game," Gabriella was about to fuss when Taylor beat her to it. "so don't even try denying it, Gabriella Montez. I know you. Even if you hate going to these kinds of games, you would still want to see Troy all sweaty and hot on the court-"
"No!" Taylor laughed at Gabriella's panic expression. Her brown eyes widen with swarmed with fear. She clutched the sling of her backpack close to her. As anyone could tell, sexual preferences that include Gabriella makes her uncomfortable. Not because she's a prude or something. Because she's that kind of an introvert.
"Alright then, keep it to yourself," Taylor giggled. "I'm going to my first period now. See you at lunch!"
Taylor waved goodbye as her body begins to disappear within the crowd. Gabriella turned to the left corridor since her History class is located that way. It wasn't long after she entered her History class when she realized Troy was also in this class. And for the next 3 other classes. Great. She saw him casually sitting at his desk which was near the right corner of the room. He was talking to a redhead guy, which Gabriella recognized as one of his teammates, who was standing in front of his desk. She sat down in of the few empty seats near the windows.
As she sat down and dropped her bag beside her chair, she unknowingly looked in Troy's direction. She caught him looking at her. She immediately blushes and was about to look away when he sent a wink in her direction. Her mouth gape open while Troy nonchalantly turned his attention back to his teammate.
'I will not survive this day.'
The fourth-period bell rung just in time before Mr. Spencer could ask another student to answer the next question of Chemical Reactions.
"Save by the bell, I guess," the whole class chuckled at Mr. Spencer's joking banter. "We won't have a quiz next week because I'll start giving you guys your projects for this semester. It'll probably be a proposal or something. You are dismissed."
Everyone started to pack their stuff before exiting the classroom. Usually, it takes longer for Gabriella to sort her stuff out because she's clumsy and she's a neat freak when it comes to her school stuff. She carefully places her notebook and chemistry book back inside her without messing up the side edges.
"It's taking you 2 minutes to put your stuff inside," Gabriella looked up from her bag and notice everyone, except Troy, is nowhere to be found. "A turtle could be faster than you."
She rolled her eyes, zipping her bag close then proceeds to walk closer to Troy, "I like to keep things organized. Sue me."
"Nah, I'll just give you my jacket instead," he pulls his light green hoodie out of his bag and hands it to her.
His hand still outreach to her since she still hasn't taken the jacket from him. He shakes his hand, telling her to take it. She hesitantly did. The cool fabric of his large jacket feels good in her hands. She held it close to her chest and smiled brightly at him.
"Should I wear it now? she asked.
"Whenever you want," he returned her smile, which made her smile widen even more.
Without waiting for another second, she dropped her bag into the desk next to her and wore the light green hoodie over her. The size of his hoodie was so large for her. Her hands were hidden with the sleeves of the jacket and it ends right above her knees. She looks so small in it. She could easily smell his cologne on his jacket. The typical boy cologne that sometimes makes your nose so stuffy.
Troy smiled at the sight of her wearing his jacket.
"Would you look at that," he said. "You could fit another person in there."
"Oh shut up," she said while slinging her bag back to her shoulder.
"I better go now though. The whole team is waiting for me at the gym right now for some weird."
"Alright, see you," she laughed as Troy slowly walks out of the classroom.
It was only her left in the empty room now. She made her out of the room and walked towards the direction of the cafeteria. Once she's near the cafeteria, she suddenly realized the girls will probably bother her with questions about the 'new' hoodie she's wearing.
It not like she hates wearing his hoodie. She loves it, in fact. It was so far the best hoodie she ever wore in her entire life. If only her friends won't interrogate her about it. But let's face it. The day her friends won't swoop in her business will be the day she'll marry Chandler Bing. Which is never. Her friends swooping in on her business isn't a bad thing. At times it can get pretty annoying. At other times, it can be really helpful, if the subject of interrogation isn't her.
Gabriella entered the cafeteria, looking around to find where her friends are sitting at. Every lunch table is filled with students eating their lunches and talking with each other. Everyone seemed to be pumped up for the championship game later. No wonder why the basketball team had to meet right now.
She spotted Taylor sitting with Kelsi and Sharpay over at the second level floor of the cafeteria near the right side staircase. Before she sat down with them, she grabbed a bag of small pretzels and made her way to her friends' table.
"Hello," she greeted happily.
"Who's hoodie is that you're wearing?" Taylor didn't wait for another second to ask her.
"I'm fine, Taylor," Gabriella scooted comfortably in her seat. "Thanks for asking."
Taylor kept her gaze at the light gr that made Gabriella look so small, "I'm serious because I don't remember you buying or having this in your closet. Is it new or something?"
"Something," she replied shortly.
Sharpay grew suspicious as she examines the jacket more. It looked too big for her but that's typical since Gabriella likes wearing oversized clothing. It was just a plain light green jacket that had a black rose print on the front right side of the hoodie and a logo print that she didn't recognize in the back.
"It's a boy's hoodie, isn't it?" Sharpay spoke as the thought suddenly rushed into her head. "Also, I just noticed the cologne coming from the hoodie and it's a boy cologne."
Gabriella looked nervously at Sharpay. She didn't think they'd figure it out right away. She thought she could finish her pretzels before the interrogation starts.
"It's Troy's, isn't it?" Gabriella's head whipped to see Kelsi sending her a knowing look. "Guessing by the way you reacted, it's his hoodie then."
Gabriella groaned and slumped her face into the palms of her hands as her elbows were resting on the lunch table. She can't believe they figured it out. Even if it was the one hoodie Troy didn't wear to school, her friends somehow manage to know it's his.
The girl awed and cooed at Gabriella.
"That's so cute," Sharpay gushed. "Him letting you wear his hoodie especially on the day of the championship game. Did he ask you to wear it? When did he ask you? Are you gonna keep it? If not, when are you-"
"Just tell us, Gabs," Taylor interrupted Sharpay.
"Oh gods," Gabriella softly cursed. "We called last night. He still wanted me to come to the game so he kept persuading me until I gave in. I did at some point. But he said something about me coming to the game would mean so much to him and asked if I want to wear his hoodie to the game later."
"And you said yes," Sharpay pouted.
"No Shar, I just found this hoodie in a dumpster and thought I could sport this around," Sharpay rolled her eyes at Gabriella's sarcasm. Typical Gabriella.
"So, you're coming to the game," Kelsi stated. "I guess Troy can persuade you successfully. Note to self, bring Troy whenever you need to persuade Gabriella about something."
"Haha," Gabriella mockingly laughed, "that is so funny. I'm dying of laughter here. Save me."
"Don't need to be grumpy, sissy," Sharpay said. "We're just happy about the hoodie."
"I just wish no one else would notice it," Gabriella pleaded. "It's the reason why he let me wore this kind of hoodie because no one else knows it's his."
"It'll be fine," Taylor rubbed her back.
She hopes to the Heavens above it will be.
It was unusual for a free period to be Gabriella's last subject of the day.
She is currently at the library with Taylor. Both of them sitting on one of the bean bags located in the quiet area of the library. Nobody else was there with them. Taylor was currently scanning through some of her SAT notes. Gabriella was currently reading her copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
The excitement for the championship game didn't die down. Everyone else seemed to be pretty excited about the game. Gabriella doesn't even know why.
"Everyone seems to be pumped up for the game later," Gabriella broke the silence. "Are you excited, Tay?"
"Yeah since Chad's been working his ass off for this," Taylor chuckled. "What about you? Are you excited?"
Gabriella shrugged, "I'm more anxious whether or not they're gonna win."
"I guess that's understandable."
The two girls fell into a comfortable silence. Throughout the day, Gabriella would find herself zoning off more often. Her mind would wander off and think of possible scenarios that are gonna happen later.
The chances of the East High Wildcats winning the championships is still debatable since the opposing team is the West High Knights, the long rival school of East High. Maybe that's why everyone is so excited and eager to see the game later. They too want to see if the basketball team can beat the West High. That made much sense to Gabriella now.
Troy seemed to be pretty calm but jittery throughout the day. Gabriella hasn't spoken to him ever since he gave her his hoodie back in Chemistry class earlier. But he managed to steal in some discreet glances and winks at her. She lost count of how many times her heart jumped and the butterflies in her stomach appeared throughout the day. But she can tell deep down he's already nervous as hell. It was one of the reasons why he called her last night. He said that calling her would ease him last night. Gabriella hoped she did.
"Do you think Troy knows?"
Taylor looked up from her notes and looked confusingly at Gabriella, "what?"
"Troy... like does he know about what I feel for him?"
"Brie honey," Taylor set her notes away from her lap and turned her attention to Gabriella, "that guy is fucking oblivious."
Gabriella silently laughed, still remembering they were at the library.
"But seriously. If you're worried at him not liking you back, don't. Troy's the kind of guy that doesn't like girls who were makeup daily. If anything, I think he likes a girl that can keep up with him the way he can keep with the girl. You two have grown closer over the span of two months. It's been the happiest I've ever seen you. Just live through it then you'll be fine."
Gabriella subtly nodded and gave Taylor a small closed-mouth smile. The best she could muster while digesting Taylor's words.
The sound of the slamming of lockers filled Troy's ears for the past 13 minutes. He was currently standing still in front of his open locker. He made no move in changing into his jersey yet. He was still shirtless and still.
If there was one thing that Troy takes seriously, it's basketball games. Especially championships. Scouts are on the lookout tonight. But he knew they weren't there for him. They were there for the senior players. But it wouldn't hurt to try to give them a good first impression.
He took deep breathes. The pressure of the game suddenly came to him just minutes before they would run out into the court. This would be the first time Troy was ever this nervous for a basketball game. It had to do with Gabriella. It had everything to do with Gabriella. He sounds like a girl now.
He reached over to get his phone from his pants and sent a quick message to her.
Troy: I'm nervous as hell rn but I'll be fine... I think
He placed his phone back into the pockets of his pants then proceeds to changed it into his jersey because he'll be giving the team a pep talk before the game. He needs to be in focus. The team relies on his leadership. Without him, they'd lose.
He left the locker room and met up with the rest of the team who were gathered together in the hallway outside of the locker rooms. Everyone seemed to sense him arriving when they turned to look at him. All eyes were on Troy. That made him shook any nervous feelings off and looked at his team.
"Alright guys, this is probably the night we've been dreading for months," he nervously chuckled. "We've worked our asses off and everything comes down to this game. I want everyone to give their best tonight. Just us, the ball, and that net. Nothing else. If your parents are here, smile at them. If your girlfriends are here, wink at them. I don't care. But as long as your focus and energy will not differ. So it's now or never. Chad? Do the honors of that cliché chant. But make it short. We're on a tight schedule to win that trophy."
The co-captain of the team nodded knowing exactly what he meant, "What team?!"
"WILDCATS!"
"Now, let's go and win that shit," Troy smirked. "You better have your lucky socks on."
The whole team chuckled. It wasn't long after they ran out to the court when they were introduced with half of the gym cheering for them. Troy stood tall on the shiny basketball court. His blue cerulean eyes scan the whole gym. One part of the gym was covered with blue West High Knight people while the other side was covered with red East High Wildcats. The adrenaline finally rushing through his veins. Everything seemed so out of focus. He couldn't see clearly whose face he's looking at. It was all a blur. He could hear cheering and the beat of the drums pounding.
But the one face he finally saw clearly was hers. Gabi. Her standing on the middle row of the left side. She was still wearing his light green hoodie. The one that becomes his favorite the second she wore it. It brought a smile to his face. She was looking around the gym. Taylor was beside her talking about who knows what and Sharpay on the other side listening to Taylor. She turned to look at Taylor and listened to her intently despite the fact they could barely hear her.
But seeing her there made him happy. It brought a new sense of energy. A new set of adrenaline. Then she started to look suspiciously like someone was looking at her. So she looked around and found his eyes. She immediately blushed at the sight of him looking at her but she gave him a bright smile.
Troy was suddenly ready to win that game.
"Time out!" the referee shouted.
The West High Knights' captain called for a time out. Both teams were now sweaty and exhausted. 59-60 with the Knights leading. Troy was already pissed. It was the fourth quarter of the game with 20 minutes left.
The Wildcats huddled up right next to Coach Bolton.
"They're coming back," Troy panted. "I can't get a shot with number 34 blocking me. He's new. Definitely new."
"What's your plan, Captain?" his dad asked with his hands crossed on his chest.
"At this point, we just have to do our best," Troy looked around at his teammates. "They're probably gonna expect us planning a trick to get 3 points ahead. Plus we don't have time to come up with a good plan. Come on. We got this."
His team nodded back at him. They were all covered with sweats but that didn't bother them at all. At that point, the only thing they're thinking is beating the Knights.
Troy stood in his spot panting. Coach Bolton was currently pumping the whole team-up. But Troy didn't hear him. All he could focus on was the deep breathes he's making. He looked up at the bleachers and saw everyone at school cheering for them. His blue eyes roaming around to find the certain brunette that is wearing his jacket. He immediately spotted her. She was standing like the rest. She was talking to Sharpay then giggled. Sharpay probably said something funny. She looked carefree like she has no problems or baggage to carry. The sight of Gabriella just standing there in bleachers knowing she came just for him gave Troy newfound adrenaline. All the tired feeling he had earlier was thrown out the window like it didn't exist. He was ready to kick the Knights' ass.
Everything was so fast. The next thing Troy knew the Knights have the ball. Troy run towards Rodriguez, a senior he knew from previous basketball games, but Rodriguez passed the ball to his other teammate. Luckily, Chad was beside him. One second the opponent has the ball, the next Chad stole the ball away from him. Chad runs to their goal post with the Knights hot in his trail. Troy made brief eye contact with Chad. Both guys understanding each other's thoughts. A blonde Knight tried to steal the ball from Chad but failed when he did a rebound. With 29 seconds on the clock, Chad passed the ball to Troy.
Then as if time slowed down. Troy's shallow breath was the thing that he can hear. He knew from then on when the ball was spiraling towards him, that trophy would come home to the rightful winner. That title of winning the championship game would be earned by the right team. And as egotistic and prideful it might be for him, his team deserves it.
With the ball in his possession, one Knight player tried stealing the ball. Before the Knight could even grasp the ball, Troy faked left then break right. He was finally opened.
10 seconds on the clock.
Troy was finally open. He was on the 3-pointer line. He takes the shot.
5 seconds on the clock.
The orange sphere making its way to the tall basketball hoop. It hits the hoop. Troy holds his breath as he and everyone else in the gym watching the ball. Everyone was on the edge of their seats. Nothing but net.
The buzzer rang indicating the end of the game.
"East High Wildcats won the championship game," Troy heard the announcer.
The whole gym was filled with cheers of victory. Everyone was jumping up and down in glee as the basketball team huddled up together as they celebrate their sweet victory. Troy was suddenly surrounded by his teammates who were smiling so wide despite their sweaty bodies crashing onto each other. Seeing his teammates grinning from ear to ear was a sight Troy liked the most about winning. He pans around the gym to see the West High leaving the gym one by one. His eyes stop at the tall figure who wore the blue and yellow basketball uniform standing in front of him.
"Bolton," the Knight's captain took his hand out.
"Lewis," Troy shook his hand.
The two captains let their hands go and had a silent agreement that it was a fair game despite West High being bitter over their loss. Troy turned away before he was suddenly pulled into a headlock by Jason. He felt his head being ruffled by Jason. He struggled in getting out of the headlock but manages to pull Jason away then punching his shoulder.
Chad was currently holding the championship trophy with pride. Troy can only laugh at the sight of his best friend holding the trophy as if his life depended on it. But for the second time of the night, his eyes caught the slim figure of the girl standing on the same she occupied for the whole game. He noticed Gabriella was currently texting on her phone since Taylor and Sharpay have probably abandoned her on the bleachers. She closed her phone and her eyes caught his. Brown and blue meet again.
Troy nodded his head towards the locker room, indirectly telling her he's gonna shower up. She nodded and proceeded to leave her seat.
The rest of the basketball team slowly left for the showers. Troy was stopped by people congratulating him, patting his back, and a few kissing his cheeks. It was only when he reached the hallway going to the men's locker room did he wipe his cheeks off. He saw Zeke and Carl Wilde ahead of him. He catches up to them.
"That was wild."
To say Gabriella was bored would be rude. But she can't help it.
She was currently standing outside in the hallways of the school with Taylor. Gabriella was leaning back against a locker as Taylor was impatiently waiting for Chad.
"Where is he?" Taylor muttered.
"Tay, calm down," Gabriella resisted in rolling her eyes. "He's probably on his way. You know how slow Chad can be."
"Which is why I'm frustrated right now," Taylor replied.
Gabriella shook her head. She took her phone out of her pocket to send a text message.
Gabi: I seriously cannot take Taylor right now
With her phone still in hand, Taylor was becoming impatient with the arrival of her boyfriend. This annoyed Gabriella but at the same time, it amuses her to see her best friend being this frustrated at her boyfriend. She has no idea why Taylor was such in a hurry to see Chad. They're always tied to hip with each other. She probably lost count on how many times she walked in on Taylor and Chad kissing. Not an image she usually enjoys. Gabriella's phone rang indicating a new message has just arrived.
Troy: I'm trying my best here to kick Chad's ass out of the locker room because he's on my last nerves right now
Gabriella quietly laughed and typed her response.
Gabi: He better get here. I think Tay's gonna combust if he doesn't arrive in a min
"Are you coming to the after-party?" Taylor's question took Gabriella's focus off her phone.
"What?" Gabriella asked back, not hearing what she said.
"Jason's holding a party at his house in 20 mins," Taylor informed her, "and everyone is invited."
"I don't do parties you know that," Gabriella said timidly.
It took so much convincing for her to attend the championship game. What more if it's a high school party where everyone is bound to get drunk within minutes of stepping foot into that house. Plus Gabriella is claustrophobic. The scene was definitely not made for her. Did she mention she has asthma? Not the scene she'd enjoy really.
"Gabs," Taylor stood in front of Gabriella making her look at her best friend's serious face, "I know you barely go out and parties aren't your thing but this is high school. This party is our last one. Especially if the basketball team won the championships. I'm not forcing you. I just don't want you to regret in the future not going to these types of things. Let loose for once. Every once in a while we all have to shake these nerves away."
Gabriella offered her a small smile.
"I appreciate the thought, Tay," Gabriella spoke. "But I still don't wanna come. Trust me. I'd rather sleep than be surrounded by sweating teenagers grinding against each other."
"You sure?"
"Positive," Gabriella said.
The sound of tennis shoes squeaking the floor. Taylor and Gabriella turn their heads to see Chad emerging from the end of the hallway. All dressed up for the after-party.
"I'm here so don't attack me," Chad arrived besides Taylor to give her a peck on the cheeks.
"Congrats, dufus," Gabriella innocently smiled.
"I'll let that slide, for now, Montez," Chad narrowed his eyes at her while pointing his finger at her.
Gabriella nodded her head mockingly. She enjoyed her playful banters with Chad. It was the one thing that made her friendship with him grew closer. Because things between them don't get too personal.
"Are you sure you don't wanna come?" Taylor asked as she wraps her arms around Chad's torso. "We can drop you off at your house if you want?"
"I'll be fine, Tay," she gave the couple an appreciative smile. "I'll have my mom or dad fetch me here."
"You sure?" Taylor asked for the second time.
"Positive," Gabriella replied.
Although Chad was already walking away, Taylor was still hesitant at leaving Gabriella alone. She finally left with Chad when Gabriella gave her a reassuring nod.
Gabriella stood in the empty hallway looking at the two figures becoming small until they left the hallway. She sighed. It was probably 7 p.m. by now. All alone in the school. She crossed her hands across her chest, feeling very chilly from the cold wind from the school's AC. She noticed she was still wearing Troy's jacket. It still smells like him. She never would've thought she'd find a guy's smell that intoxicating.
She finally became aware of the silent hallway she was currently standing in. Now, it's typical for someone to be afraid of being in an empty hallway. But Gabriella usually takes the joy of appreciating the silence especially if that empty and silent hallway is in East High. Because East High is always loud and chaotic. It's a rare chance to find silence at East High with nobody around.
'Since I'm here already, might as well check my locker in case something's stolen or what.'
Her locker wasn't that far. Might be a 2-3 minute walk from the current place Gabriella is. She was walking in the direction of her locker when her phone rang. Thinking it's her mom calling her, she answered it immediately without looking at the caller ID.
"Mami?" Gabriella answered.
"Aren't you supposed to be a woman to be a mom?"
"Troy?!"
"The one and only," he said egotistically. "Don't you have caller ID in your phone?"
"I do but I didn't check it before answering you," Gabriella replied.
"Typical Gabriella Montez," he made a playful disapproving noise.
"Excuse me what-"
"Nothing, Gabi," he chuckled.
"You know I was about to congratulate you for winning the game but apparently you're just attacking me..."
"Fine, if you want me to apologize," he sighed dramatically, making Gabriella laugh, "I'm very much sorry for attacking you. Happy now, Montez?"
"Very much," Gabriella smiled brightly. "Congratulations by the way. Seems like you had fun."
"Trying to steal the ball from your opponent then suddenly they just push you away seems fun," sarcasm flowing throughout his words. "But thank you. It really meant a lot that you came tonight."
Gabriella suddenly stopped in her tracks. She was slowly having a mini heart attack. Who could blame her? The guy she seriously likes just told her it meant a lot to him for her to come to his game. Then the mini heart attack transforms into a series of butterflies in her stomach. The feeling she can never get used to.
"Yeah," she inwardly slapped her forehead. That was not the best thing she could come up with.
"Are you going to Jason's?" he asked, oblivious to Gabriella's frustration at herself.
Gabriella threw her head back before asking, "What makes you think that I can go to Jason's party when I didn't even want to go out tonight?"
"Right," Troy said as he finally understood her words. "So are you headed home?"
"Still at school right now," Gabriella was getting near her locker. "Headed towards my locker to see if it's still in one piece."
"Technically, a locker has so many pieces like the door, inside of the locker-" Troy didn't get to finish when he heard Gabriella groaning. "I'm joking. Don't get all fused up."
"I'm literally dying of laughter right now," Gabriella rolled her eyes as she finally stood in front of her locker. "Ha ha ha."
"What a great way to hurt my ego," he teased.
"Please, someone had to do it," Gabriella suddenly gasped. "Oh god, Troy, your jacket's still with me."
"Really?" he asked jokingly.
"Shush, when am I gonna return it to you?"
"I mean you could return it now," he said softly.
"What do you mean now? You're not here-" Gabriella gasped as she felt two strong arms wrapped around her waist. She felt someone spinning her around then set her back down on the ground. She turns around to see who was the idiot that scared the crap out of her then spins her around like she's a doll. She ready to scream at that person when she saw the person who scared her.
"Troy?!" Gabriella exclaimed for the second time of the night. "I swear to god, do you enjoy scaring the crap out of me?"
Troy was clutching her stomach. His face was red from laughing too hard. That right there concludes Gabriella's theory about Troy's habit of scaring her.
"I'm not even sorry for that," Troy gasped out.
"Good because I wouldn't have forgiven you anyway," Gabriella cross her arms. "You really have a problem at scaring me often."
"Not my fault you get easily scared," Troy grinned at her.
Not knowing what to say, Gabriella hit him in the shoulders.
"Ow! You hit hard woman," Troy rubbed the spot where Gabriella hit him.
Gabriella grinned at him the way he grinned at her a second ago, "Thanks. It's all on the arm, you know."
Troy rolled his eyes, "So, why are you standing in front of your locker again? The real reason this time."
"Because I have this fear of someone stealing my stuff from my locker?" she replied unsurely. "What about you? Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be at Jason's right now?"
"My dad told me to lock his office up because he had to leave early with my mom," he patted his front pocket where the keys were placed at. "Not to mention there were scouts that were using his office to talk to one of the seniors in the team. Dad couldn't stay to lock it up."
"Are you planning on going to Jason's tonight?"
"To be honest, I don't know. I'm still tired and sore this week. The sound of partying all night doesn't seem appealing to me anymore. Why are you asking?"
"I'm just curious," she said.
"The hoodie looks good on you," Troy smiled.
Gabriella blushed and sheepishly said, "thanks? That anime printed shirt does look good on you."
Troy looked down to see the anime shirt he was wearing. A Naruto printed shirt to be exact. He looked back up at her and grinned.
"Yeah, it's my favorite anime," he said. "You should watch it sometimes."
"What do you mean sometimes? I had no choice but to watch it because Cameron hogs the tv up most of the time."
"Wait seriously?" Troy looked surprised. "So you know Naruto?"
"Only enough to know some important characters and a few episodes. I tend to zone out during episodes."
"You're probably the first girl I've ever known that understands Naruto," he said excitedly.
Gabriella laughed at his sudden behavior, "Hey, chill. I did say I only saw a few episodes not all of it. If you want to get all excited about anime then you go to Cameron. That guy literally knows more about Naruto than his whole school work combine."
"I'll take that as a mental note," Troy said. "Speaking of your brother, where is he? Don't you guys go home together?"
Gabriella shrugged her shoulders, "I have no idea really. The last time I saw him was in the gym with his girlfriend. They're probably headed to Jason's or somewhere."
"So, there's no one to take you home?"
"I could text my mom, you know," she chuckled. "I just wanted to explore for a while."
Troy stayed silent for a minute. He looked like he was thinking something. Gabriella just stood there in front of him. She has no idea what he's gonna do next. Probably something drastic or surprising. But as seconds go by, Gabriella started to realize she was alone with Troy. That they're probably the only people left at East High. These thoughts, yet again, brought butterflies back to her stomach. Now that she thought of it, she has not been really alone with Troy that much. There was the time that he went to that coffee shop with her like a month ago but her feelings for him weren't that serious yet. Not this serious that she feels right now. Also that there were people around them at the place. This time, they're the only ones. How the hell did this happened?
Then suddenly, Troy grabbed her hand then began dragging her to who knows where.
"Where— oh shit. Troy? Where the— okay, seriously Troy, I'm struggling here cause you're tall and still short and I don't think my legs can keep up."
Troy looked behind him to see Gabriella tripping on her own feet. He chuckled. He slowed down his pace, enough for her to catch up.
"Nice to know my pain gives you joy," Gabriella rolled her eyes.
"Come on, Gabi," Troy pulled her until they exited the building, "I know where we can go."
"Do I even have a say in this?" she sarcastically asked. "Cause I haven't told my mom what time I'm coming home."
They stopped in front of Troy's old beat-up truck. He dropped her hand, which made her sad at the sudden loss of contact, but only for him to open the passenger door for her.
"I promise I'll bring you home by 9 o'clock," he said, his face broke into a smile.
Gabriella shook her head. Yeah surprising. She climbs onto the car with Troy's assistance. She couldn't help but notice his hand on her back. The feeling of his hand on her back was short-lived but it was enough to drive her heart insane. She sat down comfortably in the seat. Troy gave her a wink before closing the door for her. Thank the gods it was dark or else he probably would've noticed the blush on her cheeks.
Troy run around to the driver's side then slide on the driver's seat. It took a few seconds for the truck to finally start when Troy turned his car keys in. Then they were finally off the parking lot.
"Now, do you mind telling me where we are going?" Troy was about to respond but Gabriella spoke again. "And don't give that typical 'I won't tell you' shit because either way, we'll know in the end so why not save us some time and trouble? Also, cause my mom would ask me and I need to tell her."
"It's not far from here, don't worry," Troy said, his eyes still focused on the road. "There's this arcade place that I just discovered a week ago. It's called Zone-time. Thought we could have a different party scene. You like arcades right?"
"Hell yeah," Gabriella smiled at him. "I've never been into another arcade since Play Socket closed years ago."
"Really?" He asked in surprise. "Didn't know you're an arcade girl."
"Yeah, well, I pretty much got bored easily whenever I went to the mall with my parents. They stopped dropping me off on playhouses since I was getting too old for it. Going around shopping for furniture or clothes wasn't very enjoyable for me. We passed by Play Socket on our way to some clothing store and that place got my attention. I didn't bother to ask my mom yet until we were inside the store. She left me with enough money to keep me occupied until they'll fetch me from the place. From then on, I just... fell in love with it. It distracts me from anything really."
Troy took his eyes away from the road to look at Gabriella. He diverted his eyes back on the road. Obviously not wanting to cause an accident despite they're not driving fast.
"So, you were alone on Play Socket?" Troy asked.
"Yeah," she nodded. "Liked it better that way. I would usually spend my money on those basketball hoops. I have no idea why but I think it's the reason why I got better at Volleyball. Probably because whenever a ball comes through my way, I'd catch it."
"I didn't know you can shoot hoops," Troy said as he made a left turn. "What's your highest score?"
"When I was 9, my highest was 76," she said proudly.
"All in just 2 minutes?" his tone indicating he doesn't believe her that easily. "You're lying or joking."
"Please, I spent so much time in that arcade so much, I actually was good than those 12-year-old boys."
Well, we're about to find out," Troy pulled up in front of a small building with a light-up sign that read Zone-time.
"Bring it on."
The orange sphere went through the net with perfect ease.
"Score," Gabriella smirked at a defeated looking Troy. "Speechless, Troy?"
"Okay okay, I believe you," he surrendered his hands up before dropping them back down quickly. "74. Not your best score but that's damn impressive."
"Thank you. One more?"
"I think we had enough basketball for tonight. Don't you think?"
Gabriella nodded. They've been playing some of the games in the arcade for the past 30 minutes. The second they've arrived, Gabriella texted her mom she'll be home by 10. As soon as she puts her phone away, Troy dragged her to the nearest gun shooting game. Needless to say, gun shooting isn't Gabriella's strength. Then for the past 30 minutes, they've been playing on the basketball shooting games. Gabriella managed to score higher than Troy, much to his surprise. His excuse was because his arm was tired from the game earlier. Gabriella just nodded.
"Where now?" Gabriella asked.
Troy stayed silent before his eyes suddenly brighten, "I know. Come on."
For the second time of night, Troy pulled Gabriella by her hand and left the arcade immediately. They managed to bump into a couple of people but it's not like they cared anyway.
"Mind telling me where we're going?" Gabriella yelled at Troy since it seems like the wind was catching up at them.
Troy didn't answer her. He just stopped in front of a small shop two buildings away from the arcade. Gabriella took a look at the shop to see it was a pizza place.
"Pizza Pizza?" Gabriella read the neon light sign that hanged above the entrance. "The pizza place where you can make your own pizza?"
"Exactly. Figured we could eat since I didn't eat dinner earlier."
Troy grabbed Gabriella's hand then pulled her towards the entrance. On the other hand, Gabriella is trying her best not to faint that feeling of holding Troy's hand. Call it cliche but his hand feels like it fits perfectly on hers. She's not used to holding hands with someone. Heck, she finds it even awkward to hold hands with Taylor or Sharpay considering they're her best friends. But holding Troy's hand is different. The warm feeling just from his hand wrapped around her small ones. She noticed that his hands were rough. Probably from playing basketball for a long time. But she didn't mind.
They entered Pizza Pizza and the usual smell of pizza fills the room. There weren't many people in the place. A family of 4 sitting on the middle booth on the left side of the place then what looks like to be a college couple sitting next to each other. Troy nodded at the right side of the place where people get to choose what kind of pizza topping they wish.
"What do you like?" Troy asked as he rests his hands on the counter.
"To be honest, I like pepperoni and cheese only," Gabriella replied casually. "Not much of a fan of other toppings."
"I guess we can improvise then," Troy mumbled as he saw a man coming from the cashier. He was a redhead that looked around in his mid-twenties. He had a plain white collared shirt with the restaurant's logo stitched on the upper left of his shirt. His name tag placed on the other side of the shirt says, Trevor. He stopped midway to bend down on the counter.
"Improvise what?"
"Why don't you go find us a seat while I handle this?" Troy suggested which made Gabriella wary. But she nodded and went to find an empty seat around. She saw an empty booth right beside the family and it happens to be in the corner of the place so it might give them more privacy.
Gabriella sat down and sighed. This whole night just got a lot more unpredictable. Honestly, she expected to head home a few minutes after the game would end. Maybe hitch a ride with Taylor or text her mom that she wants to go home. What she didn't expect was her mom allowing her to stay up until past 10. Usually, her parents didn't establish a curfew. Just as long as she heads home at a reasonable time with a reasonable excuse. Despite she's still 16, she doesn't plan on learning how to drive. She still finds the comfort of riding with her parents. She also tends to fall asleep a lot faster in cars.
She'd be lying if she said she didn't want any of this to happen. This isn't considered as a date though. If it were, then Troy would've done romantic things for her. If it were, she'd be dreaming about it.
She rested her on her palm when Troy slides into the booth in front of her.
"What did you order?" she asked as Troy puts his wallet inside his pockets. "And did you pay for it?"
"You'll see and yes," Troy smirked.
"What? Troy, you didn't have to pay for it you know that."
"I do but I wanted to," Troy shrugged. "Think of it as my way of saying thank you for coming tonight."
Gabriella blushed. She didn't know what to respond to that.
"Anyway, the pizza might take a while but they said it wouldn't take long since the size of the pizza isn't that big."
"You've been here before?"
"Once with my older cousin when he came to visit back in the summer," Troy said.
"It must've been fun," Gabriella looked at him.
"Yeah, he's usually busy with college and football so it was great to spend time with him. Don't think I'll see him for another 5 months."
"At least he came to visit. My cousins are either in another state or another continent," Gabriella chuckled.
"I'd consider you lucky in that case," Troy chuckled too.
Gabriella rolled her eyes. She's doesn't have a close relationship with all her cousins anyway. Most of her cousins were spoiled brats. It made it easier for Gabriella to not associate herself with them.
"Does Chad know you're not at the party?" Gabriella asked.
"I think by now he does. Heck, everyone would know I'm not at Jason's tonight."
"You're okay with that?" she asked unsurely. "Isn't it important for the captain of the basketball team to attend those parties?"
"Co-captain," Troy corrected her. "I don't like waking up tomorrow with a hangover or being a chauffeur tonight. I would've told Chad about this yesterday but he was too busy giving Taylor his... oh."
Gabriella looked at him confusingly. The sudden look of realization drawn upon Troy's face. Inwardly asking herself what he was thinking that made him stop talking immediately.
She asks, "what?"
"I just realized yesterday was February 14," Troy rubbed the back of his neck. "No wonder why Chad was nowhere to be found."
Gabriella laughed at him, "Troy, there were hearts hanging around school yesterday. Didn't that gave the idea away immediately?"
February 14. Valentine's day. If Gabriella was gonna be honest, she'd expected Troy to do something yesterday. But she quickly dismissed that thought away yesterday since Troy doesn't like her that way. And add also the fact she observed that Troy is very oblivious to everything romantic. This is a relief for her since there is a possibility that he might not know her feelings for him. But there is the small chance he might know.
"I think my mind was preoccupied with championships so I'm sorry I didn't get you anything yesterday," he joked.
Gabriella swore she felt her heart stopped beating at the words troy just said. She nervously chuckled. If he keeps up with this up throughout the rest of the night, she'll combust from the inside.
As they both make their way out of the pizza place, Gabriella's smile didn't leave her face for the past 20 minutes. Troy was talking about Chad's most embarrassing moment during sophomore year. It involved his afro hair and a razor owned by a certain best friend of his.
"I didn't see Chad for a whole month," Troy laughed. "It was the first and only time he wore a beanie."
Gabriella leaned over a wall as she laughed uncontrollably. It would never not be funny to hear a hilarious story about Chad and his precious afro. How Gabriella never knew this story was beyond her. She wiped a tear as her laugh starts to subside.
"My stomach officially hurt," she sighed as she was breathless from laughing.
"But it was worth it, right?"
"Yeah, I guess," she playfully shrugged. Troy pushed her gently off the wall.
They mindlessly agreed to walk back to his truck which was parked on the parking lot of the area in the back. They walked side by side as the moon was starting to show up from the clouds. Gabriella turned to look at Troy to see the moonlight bestowed on the side of his face. She mentally took note of how beautiful the sight was in front of her.
"So, how was the pizza?" Troy asked.
"The combination of pepperoni, four cheese, and chicken slices were surprisingly fine," Gabriella said.
"I had to compromise because of your picky self."
"I would've been fine with pepperoni, you know?"
"We were at Pizza Pizza, Gabi. The pizza place where you get to put whatever topping you want even if it's disgusting."
"That sure is a great slogan for the place," she sarcastically remarked.
"You just have to know your toppings," Troy grinned at Gabriella.
They passed by the arcade they played earlier than turned right to see Troy's white beat-up truck in the distance.
"Why did you have to park that far?" Gabriella groaned.
"Because walking is nice," Troy enthusiastically said. He puts his arm around Gabriella then led her to his truck.
Another set of butterflies appeared inside Gabriella's stomach. She felt comfortable with Troy's arm was around her. The area was quiet and had only a few street lights that were on. They arrived beside the truck. Instead of getting in, Troy opened his trunk and turned to face Gabriella, who was confused at his actions.
"I'm a little full from the pizza so I thought we could sit down for a while to digest the stuff before driving," Troy hopped onto the trunk and sat down with feet propped up.
Gabriella climbed into the trunk since she's afraid of injuring herself if she jumped. Troy helped her climb up, making sure she won't fall or slip off. She successfully sat down with her legs swinging back and forth as her brown eyes were focused on the crescent moon above.
"I honestly don't wanna go home," Gabriella spoke after a moment of silence.
"Why?" Troy asked, looking at her.
"Because I have still have to study for SATs," Gabriella sighed. "I've been staying up late nowadays just study all these reviewers that is scattered all over my room."
"Maybe you should rest then," Troy suggested. "There's no stacks of reviewers here. Just my presence blessing your night away."
Gabriella snorted, "yeah okay."
Troy fake gasp and puts his hand over his heart, "Gabi, you're hurting my heart. Stop."
"What the heck was that?" she laughed uncontrollably.
"I see my pain is still your source of happiness," Troy rolled his eyes.
"Yes," she agreed after she calmed down.
The cold night air blows up against their faces. Luckily, Gabriella was still wearing his green hoodie. She turns to look at Troy to see him looking distant.
"I did play good, right?" he asked with a hint of insecurity.
"You did," she said truthfully. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Everyone did their best tonight and I like to think you're the motivational drive for them."
"Yeah, well it doesn't help that my dad still happens to be the basketball coach and he'll probably talk me to me for hours when I get home," he said. "I always wondered what if my dad wasn't a basketball coach. Everyone just expects more from me because of that."
"How old is your dad?"
"Mid-forties? I don't know... maybe 49 already."
"You don't know your dad's age?" Gabriella amusingly asked.
"Wha- uh no-," Troy stuttered. "It's not that I don't— hey, what about you? How old is your mom?"
"She's 38," she immediately replied. "Well, 39 this May but she's still 38."
Troy looked at her for a second. Gabriella can tell he's thinking about her mother's age. That's how most people would react after she told them.
"My mom had Cameron when she was 19," Gabriella answered his thoughts. "He was born a month before my mom would turn 20 but she was still in college at the time while dad was already finding a job. It wasn't like they didn't want it at first. They just weren't ready at the time but shit happened. Dad was already planning to ask mom so a couple of months after he asked mom to marry him. They got married a year later I guess."
"Wow, I didn't know that," Troy said.
"It's not a conversation starter," she joked.
Troy laughed, "but still. That's great that your parents are still together. Isn't your mom a doctor?"
"No, she's not," Gabriella sighed. "She's a journalist. Why do people assume she's a doctor?"
"I don't know," Troy shrugged. "It's one of the safest job professions I can assume about your mom."
Gabriella looked down at her lap and spoke softly, "Well, she would've become a doctor. She couldn't do it while having Cameron at that age. But I'm glad she loves journalism. I guess that's why my grandma is so hard on me nowadays about my schoolwork and personal life. They don't want me to follow my mom's path because even if it turned out great for her, it might not be so for me."
"So, you're saying you won't have kids at a young age?"
"Please," Gabriella scoffed. "I can barely get a guy to like to me."
"That's not true," Troy's words made Gabriella's heart flutter. "I doubt you don't have guys lined up for you."
"It's true," she argued, looking at his bright cerulean eyes. "I don't think guys would like me given the chance.
Troy scoffed. Gabriella looked at him with disbelief. Does he not believe her when she says she's unlikeable because no one wants a girl like her.
"Even if I have to bet on it," Gabriella said.
"Really? Cause you're on."
Gabriella looked at him skeptically, "okay, $20. If someone happens to like me, then I'd give you the 20."
"And if no one likes you then I'd give you the $20?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"Okay," Troy's facial features suddenly became serious which made Gabriella nervous and confuse. "I like you. Where's my $20?"
Gabriella froze. He what? He did not just use their playful bet as a way to express his feelings for her. No, wait. No, he does not have feelings for her. It's gotta be a cruel sick joke of his because she cannot... wait... no. Definitely does not have real feelings for her. But deep down, Gabriella so desperately wishes he's telling the truth. She silently prayed to the gods above that he's telling the truth.
Her heart was beating so fast. Her whole body frozen. She couldn't move. Her whole entire being isn't functioning at the moment. She has to say something. Anything. He's looking at her. He's waiting for her response. She didn't know how long she was quiet until she burst out laughing. Nervously laughing.
"Nice," she continued to laugh, patting Troy's shoulder. "That was a good joke. I give that to you, Troy."
Troy looked at her and said, "What if I wasn't joking?"
"Then I'd say I uh- I don't believe you," she stammered. "Are you serious? Don't joke with me right now, Bolton. Or else I won't give you your $20 if you ain't serious."
"I am serious," he said boldly. Then he flashed his infamous grin that could have a girl weak on their knees.
"Please tell me you're not joking," she softly whispered. "I don't want to get my hopes up."
"Then don't get your hopes up," Gabriella wanted to punch him for that.
"Then what happens if I'm serious?"
She still doesn't believe him. Her insecure side is winning over her feelings for him.
"Then say it. What do you mean you're serious about?"
"That I like you. What's gonna happen?"
"I don't know. What if I like you too?"
She just walked on thin ice. She just hopes he catches her if the ice breaks. He smiles at her. He leans in and wraps his arm around her tiny waist and pulls her closer to him. This gesture could send her straight to heaven right now. But she still doesn't' believe him when he reciprocated her feelings.
"This isn't gonna be awkward on Monday, right?"
"Why would it be awkward?"
"I'm just shy about this whole thing."
"Don't be shy cause, no matter what, I'm still a goat," they both laugh at their group's inside joke about Troy looking like a goat.
"If you're a goat, then what am I?"
"A human," he answered.
"Awww," she then laughed.
"Am I making you nervous?"
Yes," she said bluntly. Not to mention by now her entire face might be in bright red.
Troy laughed, "so, why do you always carry your Harry Potter books around school?"
"Because I like to carry them. But they're heavy at times."
"Obviously," he muttered but she manages to hear him since there wasn't any noise to interrupt them.
"I heard you," she said dramatically as if she was offended.
"Please, you use those books to hit me all the time," he defended.
"That's because you're my personal punching bag," she smirked at him.
But what he said next was something she'd never expected she'd ever heard, "and you're gonna become my personal pillow."
Gabriella's heart might've skipped more than ten beats. Her smiled involuntarily widen.
"Really?" she teasingly asked before laughing.
"I'm gonna hug you," he said.
Their eyes connected as Gabriella shifted her position, "try me."
He pulled her to sit between legs. his arms now wrapped around her waist. Gabriella leans into his chest while bringing her feet up the trunk. Her hands laid on top of his, feeling the warmth that radiates across his skin. If it was even possible, he pulled her closer to him. Then they both stayed silent. Not one spoke a word. They didn't need to. Gabriella looked a the moon above them. For the first time in her life, she felt peace. The kind of peace she was searching for but didn't know where to look.
Despite it's getting late, she felt safe in Troy's arms. his right cheek resting on her temple as her head leans back on his shoulder. At that moment, she finally understood those romance novels. Those cheesy romance films. How giddy and excited the girl would feel if the guy they like returns their feelings. Hoe the girls would sigh in content by being in the arms of their significant other.
She looked at the stars above her and silently wish to never take this away from her. To never take him away from her.