Chapter 7 – Fight

Wednesday, March 31st, 2021

Troy's POV

I rocked Claire back in forth in her bedroom as she has been sicker than the last time around. She was fine for the three days of chemotherapy but she fell off quickly after that. The puking was non-stop, she had sores in her mouth, and refused to eat anything. Gabi was trying all of her tricks but Claire just sobbed then entire time. She wasn't sleeping well so nobody in the house was sleeping well. Eve was miserably pregnant and I was exhausted.

Gabi was set to work this weekend and I was terrified that I was going to need her here with us but Gabi was getting stir crazy. This wasn't enough work for her and I knew it. I almost felt like I was holding her back, exactly what I didn't want to do back in high school. The thought sent me crazy over the edge because I only wanted the best for her. Claire whimpered in my grasp as I adjusted her and her head rolled onto my shoulder. I brushed her thinning hair away from her face when a big chunk came out. I swallowed on the lump as I knew we had to have this conversation soon.

Gabi was running IV fluids the whole week due to her refusal to eat and drink to hopefully keep her healthy enough. Rubbing my lips together I adjusted my hips and watched Claire shutter out a breath and then another cry as she moved. "It's okay, baby, it's okay." I whispered into her ear. I rubbed her back soothingly as I wasn't sure what time it even was but I was trying to at least let Eve sleep. Her IV pump started to alarm and I quickly silenced it to see that her fluids were out.

The door opened and Gabi came through – in a pair of joggers with a t-shirt. I could see the edge of her sports bra and the braid that she had put her hair into a messy bun. She quietly changed the bag of fluids as I watched her work. Her eyes never left what she was doing as she documented the change and the time before her eyes lifted. "You okay? Do you need to pee or anything?" she offered. I laughed and shook my head. "No." I answered, "She's finally comfortable," Gabi nodded her head as she looked at Claire with a frown on her face.

"You need to shave off her hair," she whispered to me. I looked at Claire as I let my fingers brush over the back of her head. "Eve is resistant," I gave up and Gabi sighed and nodded, "I know. I try to tell her too." My eyes drifted to her bare feet and I tried to say something, "She should be good until morning." Gabi whispered and I nodded, "Actually, I'm going to push more anti-nausea meds. Hopefully she'll feel okay enough to eat when she wakes up."

Gabi pulled out drugs and slowly began to pull them up, she documented all of it, and then accessed her port quietly to push the meds. "She is a really, really sweet girl." Gabi offered to me, "You and Eve did well with her. How is it during the season?" she asked, she leaned back against the dresser and I shrugged. "We had a nanny for all of the games but with all of this that went out the window. Eve and Claire would come to as many games as possible."

Gabi frowned, "Not all of them?" I shook my head. "Eve doesn't really care for football. She shows up to hang out with people and take pictures," I tried to stop the annoyance from rolling off my tongue but I couldn't stop it. Gabi frowned deeply this time, "I think I only ever took pictures with you." I hummed a laugh, "I practically had to beg for half of them," Gabi let a smile flicker onto her face at the memory that came assaulting back.

"She's an influence, whatever the hell that means," Gabi smirked, "I'm technically an influence but my crowd is a little different." I raised an eyebrow, "Really?" I questioned. Gabi nodded, "I reach out to nursing students and I advocate for oncology families. I help raise money and I love working with students." I smiled just with the thought and I gave a smile over towards her. "Do you care if I follow you?" Gabi hesitated but nodded her head. "I'll have to uh- unblock you first." She scrubbed the back of her neck and I barked out a laugh.

"You blocked me?" I questioned with amusement and she nodded her head while biting on her lip worry etching into her forehead. "Yea, I blocked everything from our past." I sighed but still couldn't stop my smile on my face. "I don't know why I find this so damn funny," she couldn't stop her own laugh and gave me a smile. "I'll unblock you. I might be the only person in the world that doesn't follow the Loyalist Quarterback."

"You might be. I should try the whole influencer thing." Gabi rolled her eyes and I couldn't stop my smile. She looked out Claire's window and nodded, "I'm going back to bed. Let me know if she needs anything else." I nodded as she walked out of the room. That was our first good conversation since I apologized for everything last week. She avoided me the next couple of days and then all went to hell with Claire. Gabi was concerned we might have to go to the hospital but she was trying to prevent it.

Claire curled tight into my chest and I rocked her back and forth. I prayed she would eat tomorrow morning because Gabi said if she lost too much weight, they were going to have to think about a feeding tube to make sure she was getting adequate nutrition. I needed things to turn around because I had OTAs starting in just two weeks, we had a baby coming any time, I was supposed to put my quarterback hat back on. The worry settled in my bones. I tried to relax but it was almost useless. My thoughts were running wild tonight.

I was in and out of sleep for the next few hours until the door opened again. Eve came in and her face was flat, her belly extra round, and I could tell immediately that she was in a bad mood. I inhaled hard as I prepared for whatever was about to come out of her mouth. She was in a pair of my sweatpants with a t-shirt going past her waist. "Morning," I tried to give off a good vibe but it was useless. "Have a nice chat last night?" She spat in my face. I blinked in confusion and I sighed as my eyes drifted over to baby monitor.

"We literally just talked. Claire was in my lap just like this all night long." I quietly stood up as I put Claire into her bed. She whined and whimpered against the bed but I settled my hand on top of her until she fell back into sleep. "Sounded like you two were doing more than chatting. You were laughing," Eve accused and I twisted around to face her with a look of disbelief. "Are we not allowed to laugh? Jesus, Eve, we literally shared two years of our lives together. We have memories and I found it really funny that she blocked me. She wants nothing to do with me. You can stop being jealous." I whispered and Eve just rolled her eyes.

"I'll take care of Claire today," she said stubbornly. I blew out a breath of air and knew it was better to not argue. I kissed the top of Claire's head gently and I walked out of the room. I slammed into a wall of exhaustion but I was already firing off a text to Hanson to see if he would come throw around with me for a bit. I needed out of this apartment. "I just think it's really funny that you volunteer to be with Claire at night. Is it because you want to chat with her? Maybe next time turn the monitor off." I closed my eyes as I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "Eve, do you want to go out tonight?" I questioned trying to change her thought.

"Fuck, Troy, do you think it's that easy?"

"I'm sorry that I spoke to Gabi, how dare I." Eve narrowed her eyes over to me and she shook her head, "I am literally carrying your other child and you are too busy flirting with our nurse who is taking care of our child with cancer." Eve yelled and I cringed realizing how loud she was being. I knew Gabi could hear. Claire was probably going to wake up and then shit would hit the fan. "Eve," I spoke in a calm, even voice, "Gabi was talking about being an influencer. I was joking around with her that I wanted to follow and see what she was talking about – what did she influence and that's what we were laughing about."

"About my job," she deadpanned.

I breathed in, "She is one too so no, not about it. Just laughing that she blocked me after I broke her heart. I can promise you that Gabi doesn't want anything to do with me. I can promise that I wasn't flirting with her last night. I can promise that I haven't touched her once and I would never do anything to you like that. I wouldn't hurt you like that. Claire is top priority and I volunteered last night so you could sleep because you are exhausted. You are carrying my other child and I love you for that. I'm doing the best I can before football starts back up,"

"You need to take a year off." She deadpanned.

"What?" my eyes rose in a flash of anger towards her, I laughed, "No, no, I am not taking a year off from football. My job will be replaced, we almost went to the super bowl last year Eve," I growled with anger as my entire body was vibrating with anger. "I understand that I have to make sure I make Claire and you a priority. I understand that my life might be a little freaking crazy. I understand that we're about to have a baby but that isn't going to stop me from doing this. This pays the bills. This allows you to be an influencer without a damn worry. This allows us to hire the four nanny's we had last year for one child."

Eve was breathing with anger as I watched her blonde hair swirl as she moved away from me. "That is my job, Eve,"

Eve crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head, "And our daughter has cancer, Troy." I ran my hands over my face and through my hair, "You think I don't know that? You don't think I see all of her hair falling out? That her mouth is full of sores? That she cries when I move her because her entire body hurts? You don't think I understand and know all of that? She is my fucking baby, my entire world, my baby girl." I pounded my chest with my first over my heart as I looked at her. "I am dying every single day watching her suffer and I can't do a damn thing to help her. So yes, last night, I held her all night long and I watched her sleep and I comforted her every single time she whimpered and cried. I made conversation with the nurse that we hired and talked about before we did it so do not throw this back in my face."

The air went quiet with tension as if you could cut it with a knife. Eve was watching me and I was watching her. My breathing was rapid when a throat cleared from behind us. I twisted around and Gabi was showered and changed already while her eyes bounced back and forth. "I know I could hear everything and I know Claire is probably awake now. If you want to continue this, I suggest not in the living room." Gabi said quietly and Eve huffed and twisted to go to Claire's room.

I sank into the couch and I rubbed my forehead and pressed my palms into my eye socket. I took in three calming breaths before I stood up and I walked into our bedroom. I didn't dare turn and look for Gabi because I would seek her for comfort. All of the anger coursing through my blood as I changed into a pair of joggers with a loyalist t-shirt and jacket before grabbing my phone and keys and leaving.

I glanced at my phone to see Hanson had agreed so I went to pick us both up a coffee and went to our practice field. I couldn't believe she would ask me to just stop playing football because my daughter had cancer? Trust me, I understood the gravity behind it. Coach understood it. He knew I might not always be able to make it if she was super sick and if she got worse? I would quit. I breathed out heavily and pulled into the facility.

The game wasn't more important than my daughter but I couldn't sit around and do nothing. This was my job. It was my job until something tragic happens. I breathed in deeply and walked inside. I checked Coach's office but he wasn't there. I nodded to a few people that were before I walked into the field. It was quiet so I turned on the speakers and plugged it into my phone. Hanson was only five minutes later and he knew by just one look.

"You and Eve fight?" I just nodded as my jaw tensed, "Do you think I should sit this season out?" Hanson drew his eyebrows together and frowned deeply, "Excuse me?" he questioned with a blank stare. "Did you just ask if you should sit this season out?" I nodded my head up and down and Hanson laughed, "Dude, we're literally primed to go to the Super Bowl this year. We are destined to win this season because we are bringing almost everybody back this season."

I breathed out, "Good. I don't want too, Eve told me I should." Hanson rolled his eyes as he grabbed the football and took a drink of his coffee. "Eve knows you have plenty of a paycheck that you don't need to play anymore. She'd rather you be at home because she doesn't want to take care of those kids alone." I rolled my eyes this time. "She isn't alone. She has like fifty nannies to help her." Hanson chuckled and shook his head, "Look, if Claire was deathly ill and only had months to live – then yea maybe but everything you've told me is that her cancer is treatable."

"That is what they are telling us. Yes, I know it could all change but until then…I'm not handing my job to anybody else." Hanson grinned, "We'd be shit without you." I shook my head as I caught the football from him and I threw it back. "Why did this fight start?" I was quiet for a moment and I breathed out evenly, "She overhead Gabi and I having a conversation. A god damn conversation. Hanson when I say she got pissed because I laughed? That was what started our fight."

Hanson laughed, "What was the conversation?" I shrugged, "It was mostly about how Eve goes to the games to get pictures for being an influencer and how she doesn't really care for football. Gabi said something about how she is an influencer," Hanson nodded, "Yea, I follow her. She does really good education for student nurses." My eyes narrowed in on him and Hanson chuckled, "Calm down, about 50,000 other people follow her too." My eyes bugged out of my head. "Seriously?" he nodded his head and I smiled thinking about my girl. "Anyways, Gabi mentioned that and I asked if I could follow and she said she had to unblock me first."

Hanson let out a rich laugh, "Yea, that was my reaction and I got in trouble for it." Hanson shook his head as we continued to play catch. I finished my story about our fight and Hanson talked me through some of it. After a few throws of nothing, I looked at him, "Do you know who would have never asked me to quit football? Even if she was dying?" Hanson caught the ball and paused, his eyes settling on me. "Don't say it." He said quietly and I sighed with a shake of my head.

"She wouldn't have."

"That doesn't mean you need to acknowledge that. You let her go, Troy." I let out a breath of air as he tossed the ball back to me. It hit my chest and I cradled it there for a moment, my brain thinking, "Biggest mistake of my life." I finally said and Hanson shrugged, "When do I get to meet her?" I breathed, "You want to come over tonight? Maybe you can break the tension in my place." Hanson laughed out loud, "Oh buddy, I mean, she is really freaking pretty." Hanson showed me a flash of a grin and I growled. "You are married," I reminded him.

Hanson looked down at his hand and smiled, "Oh that…yea…you seem to be ignoring that as well." I looked down at my own ring and grunted.

Gabi's POV

I sat with Claire as she was perking up a little bit as we played with her dolls on the floor. A little laugh escaped her lips as I couldn't stop thinking about their fight this morning. It wasn't the first time I had heard them fight but it was one of the worst. I couldn't believe she asked him to step away from football this season. It was something that I would have never have done – even if our child was dying. That was Troy's purpose in life. I would have never let him give football up for me. Yes, if Claire took a turn for the worse, I would expect him to be there but I knew he would. I didn't have to question it. Not at all.

Troy Bolton loved his daughter and would be there when he needed to be there. "Gabi," I looked at Claire and she smiled at me with her little smile, "I can't wait to meet my baby brother. Do you think my mommy will let me feed him?" she asked while rocking back and forth, those blue eyes looking up to meet mine. "Maybe. The baby will have to eat a lot. Are you going to be a good big sister?" she grinned, "Yes! Daddy said I am going to be the best!"

A laugh escaped my lips as I looked at her and tried to decide if should run more IV fluids. "Claire, are you feeling okay?" I asked her, she nodded her head, "My mouth hurts and my tummy hurts." I gave her a sad smile, "Anything else?" I asked her. She shook her head, "Are you hungry?" Claire shook her head no and I sighed, "Not even mermaid pudding?" I questioned. She shook her head no again and the tears welled in her eyes.

"My tummy doesn't like anything." She whispered, I sighed, "I'm sorry sweet girl," I pulled her into my lap and rubbed her arm. "Mmm…would you want to help me bake cookies? I have a very special recipe and I bet your daddy and mommy would love them." Claire smiled and nodded as I helped her up. We both went into the kitchen as I began to look through the cabinets until I found all of the ingredients. I put Claire onto the counter when Eve came into the kitchen.

"Mommy! We're making cookies!" Eve glanced around and rested her hand on her ever-growing stomach. I should brush up on L&D just in case I was needed because she looked like she was going to pop at any moment. "What kind?" Eve asked sliding into a chair, Claire picked up the chocolate chips and giggled. "Coco Chips!" Eve smiled watching her daughter and I gave her a smile. I let Claire dump in all of the ingredients – even the eggs, I might have had to track down a few shells, and she stirred it all together.

Claire was a giggling mess the entire time and when I stuck my finger in it to take a bite and Claire giggled. "Mommy said that's bad for you," Claire told me and I laughed, "It's okay if you just try a little bit. Do you?" I questioned, my eyes leveling with Eve and she was just watching Claire. Claire took a quick bite and giggled while she swiped another one. I let her help me roll out the balls of dough and we popped them into the oven.

"Pinky promise you'll try my famous cookies," I asked reaching my pinky out. Claire nodded her head up and down with joy, "Yes! Can I watch Moana while we wait?" her eyes went over to Eve and she smiled, "Of course sweet girl, I'll watch with you." They both walked into the living room while I finished making the rest of the cookies. I put a timer on and I started to clean up the kitchen as I also made her a smoothie packed with veggies and fruits – and calories.

I poured myself some as well as I walked into the living room, "Claire, I made you and mommy a special drink." I spoke. She perked up, "I can share with mommy?" I smiled, "I made both of you a cup. You can both have some." A giggle escaped her mouth and I winked at Eve while I gave them both a cup. I leaned in closer to Eve as I whispered into her ear, "If she really starts to drink it – fill some of yours into hers. They are less intimidated by a smaller amount but if you slowly add more, she might drink more. It's packed full of calories and nutrients."

Eve blinked and then looked up at me, her eyes watching me for a beat and she nodded as we both watched Claire take two really long sips. "I'm sorry about what I said about you and Troy this morning. I haven't been sleeping well and I want to apologize. I know you guys were just talking." I smiled, "I promise, I'm here to do my job. Nothing more and nothing less." Eve smiled and I went back to the kitchen as Eve took sips with her but I also watched Claire get more added.

I took the first batch of cookies out when the front door opened with two laughs following in. I looked over and Troy stopped for a moment, his nose twitched, and his eyes narrowed before turning into the kitchen. "Stop…" he didn't say anything else before he was in the kitchen. "DADDY!" I blocked him from the cookies and he frowned deeply before his head turned to see Claire. "Daddy! I made those with Gabi! She said you and mommy would love them!" A growl left Troy's throat that only I could hear. "I really can't wait to try them." Troy deadpanned. I couldn't stop my laugh as these were Troy's favorite cookies. I would make them all the time because he could eat every single one.

Claire came stomping into the living room and Troy lifted her up, "I made her promise that she would eat one with me." I said and Claire nodded her head as Eve walked into the kitchen with two empty cups. I smiled as she smiled back at me, Troy picked up a warm cookie and then another for Claire. He picked up one more and handed it to Eve before they clinked their cookies together. "Wait! Gabi and Hanson need one!"

I turned my head to see the star Hanson Matthews, the star wide receiver, and Troy's best friend from Alabama and now the Loyalists. He was just as big as I figured he was and he smiled at Claire, "Do I want a cookie? Of course, I want a cookie." Hanson and I both grabbed a cookie as everybody took their first bite together and Troy audibly groaned as he sunk into it. Claire gobbled hers up and Eve gave me a surprised look, "Wow, that is delicious. You may have just started a pregnancy craving." Troy laughed and he was already shoving the next cookie into his mouth.

Claire finished the entire cookie and I felt a sigh of relief leave my mouth. I put another tray of cookies into the oven, "Gabi, this is my best friend and wide receiver, Hanson Matthews." I smiled as I reached over to shake his hand. "Hi," I knew he probably knew everything about me. Hanson smiled, "It's nice to meet you." I nodded as Claire went back to the living room to watch the movie as Troy leaned against the counter.

"Do you know how often I've wanted one of your chocolate chip cookies?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, I hummed a laugh and shook my head, "I'm assuming a lot. You devoured an entire batch of them in less than 12 hours. It was nearly forty cookies." A proud smile came across his lips, "I didn't regret it for one damn second." He said with a smirk on his face. I casted a look of doubt towards him and he chuckled, "Okay, maybe a little bit but they are so freaking good."

"They are really good. What's the special ingredient?" Hanson asked. I smirked, "If everybody knew they wouldn't be special and it wouldn't be a secret." Hanson smirked as I shook my head, "Claire ate an entire cookie plus a nutrition shake. I think we are starting to turn a corner with her. I pre-medicated her pretty hard." Troy sobered up and nodded his head as he grabbed another cookie. Hanson followed him into the living room and they all started to watch Moana. "Camilla wants to come over to see you," Hanson said to her. My eyes watched the scene as Troy sat next to his daughter but never once looked at Eve. He didn't ask how she was, didn't ask if he could get her anything, nothing. It wasn't the man that loved on me.

I finished cooking when my phone buzzed, "Hey Scar," I answered and she laughed, "How are you doing? Holding up?" I nodded, "Yup. I made cookies tonight and got Claire to eat so I will call it successful." Scarlett laughed, "Shut up, you made cookies? That one's Troy Bolton almost ate himself to death with." I laughed at the memory and nodded, "Yea, those cookies. I figured it was in her DNA." Scarlett let out a laugh.

"You sound okay,"

"I am okay." My eyes drifted over to the family again but I finished cleaning the kitchen and I went to my bedroom.

"How is Jace?" Scarlett asked, I was quiet for a moment and I sighed, "Gabi," she warned and I shook my head, "I just don't have a lot of time to dedicate to a relationship right now. He is very nice and he really likes me but…"

"You have to stop comparing everybody to him."

"I have never loved somebody like I loved him." I argued back. "How do I not compare it? He doesn't give me butterflies, he doesn't make me want him right then and there, he doesn't make me want to stop and do everything I can for him. He doesn't make my breathing irregular and my heartbeat fast. He doesn't give me any of that and that means he isn't special. He was just there one day and suddenly we were in a relationship."

Scarlett sighed softly through the phone, "I hate that you met him so young. He ruined you." I breathed in and I felt the tears sting my eyes. "It's okay," I whispered to her. "I'll find somebody else." She hesitated and then I heard laughter from the living room. "I think I am still going to give Jace a chance but I just…I don't see it working out. We are supposed to go on a date tomorrow after my yoga class. I work Saturday night and Sunday night."

"Oh, back to night shift?"

"Yea, I am trying to be around during the day for the Bolton's. She's finally turning the corner though."

"Good. I am glad. I'm going to let you go. Have a good night okay?"

"I will. Love you, Scar."

"Love you, too."

Hanging up the phone, I fell back onto the bed as I stared at the ceiling. I rubbed my lips together when a soft knock came at the door. I sat up and Troy came into the room. "We're going to order pizza. Do you want any?" I shook my head. "No thanks, I think I am going just going to eat my leftovers from yesterday." Troy frowned, "You can have pizza with us."

I hesitated, "It's okay." Troy shook his head, "Sausage with green peppers?" he persisted and I couldn't stop myself from smiling, "Oh and I will get extra garlic sauce." A grin tipped onto his cheeks and I shook my head. "You are persistent." I said with a laugh which caused him to wink over towards me. "You know this." He pushed off the door and walked back down the hall. I felt my heart racing inside my chest and I shook my head. I can't.

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

Troy's POV

I sat at the counter – exhausted but still trying to finish my homework and eat dinner. The past week had been grueling with the amount of practice, film sessions, and just conditioning to get us prepared for tomorrow night. We were missing half the day of classes to travel for our game. I hadn't seen Gabi but at school all week and I missed her. The ache inside of me grew knowing that I wouldn't see her until after the game tomorrow.

I dropped my pencil and rubbed my eyeballs trying to focus, "You okay?" I looked up and I saw my mom walk into the kitchen. She was already changed into a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. "Yea, I'm just tired." I said as I looked at my math problems in front of me and pushed it away. I couldn't focus. "You seem to be a little bit distracted, too." I shook my head, "Just a lot going on. I can't wait for tomorrow to be over. Coach promised win or lose we get Saturday off."

"You have any plans for those?" she questioned with an eyebrow raise. I smiled with a shake my head, "Sleeping for one thing. Gabi for the other thing." My mom smiled as she looked right at me. "You are really happy with her." I couldn't stop my smile on my face. The question panging inside of me. "She makes me really happy." I said honestly, the question proposed at the tip of my lips. "Mom," she looked over at me and her eyebrows rose. "What does it feel like to be in love?"

My mom paused and she turned to face me with a bit of question on her eyes and rolled her lips together. A slow smile crossed her lips and she nodded, "I think it's different for everybody but it's that nervous, excited, anxious, feeling all bundled into one when you see her. When she comes into your view and your palms get all sweaty and you smile…when you want her to be happy and do all of the things that make her happy. Plus, just being with her makes you happy. You'd do anything for her and protect her from anything. That you couldn't imagine seeing her hurt." My mom paused as could check off every single thing that my mom said and it wasn't a secret how I felt about Gabi.

I just hadn't put the words together yet.

"How do you feel about Gabi?" my mom redirected the questions and I felt the goofy smile come across my face. "I miss her. I hate that I haven't seen her but at school this week. I hate that I am not going to see her until after the game tomorrow and all I'll want to do is sleep. I want to do everything with her and when I win on the field, I want to hug her. I want to share all of my achievements with her. She makes me happy and I love seeing her happy. Watching her volunteer at all of her favorite places and getting to do those things with her – I love it." I breathed out as I leveled my eyes with my mom, "I love her. I get the nerves, the excitement, my heart races…"

My mom grabbed my hand and gently squeezed it, "I know, sweetie. I can see it all over your face. She is so good for you and I bet…" my mom looked over my shoulder and smiled, "She might just be waiting outside to see you for a minute. She sent me a text asking if she could stop by for a few minutes because she missed you. She didn't want to get your hopes up though." I felt my eyes rise with excitement and I hurried off the chair. I went to the front door as she was getting out of her car.

Relief filled my chest as I went to her and she jumped into my arms, her legs around my waist, and my arms around her body to hold her close. "Hi, baby," I whispered as I hugged her tightly. She laughed, "Hi Troy," her words in my ears were amazing. My body tingling with happiness as I just held her tight to me. "I text your mom because I really wanted to see you tonight but if you were too busy or already sleeping," she rambled and I tipped her chin backwards as my lips found hers.

She gasped and my tongue found her mouth with the chance causing her to grip my hair tightly. We were both breathless when we pulled away as I smiled watching her face. "Saturday, afternoon, you and me. We're going on a date." She laughed while brushing her fingers through my hair. "Promise?" she whispered, I smirked, "Promise." I watched her eyes search my face and her tiny fingers gripped the small strands of my hair. Everything I just told my mom came straight back to my mind. Every single feeling and how content I felt with her right here. A minute ago, I felt restless and couldn't settle but with her right here? I felt calm and relaxed.

I wanted to tell her right here and right now but I knew it wasn't the time or the moment. Hell, I wasn't sure if she felt anything like I did but I knew it. I knew she was my girl. I knew I was going to marry this girl.

Friday, April 2nd, 2021

Gabi's POV

I laughed with Jace over lunch as I snuck away from the Bolton's during her naptime as she was improving. They were going to shave off her hair tonight and I promised I would help. I told them I would do it while they sat with her because I didn't want them to have to go anywhere else. Tomorrow night I worked along with Sunday night so I could go back and make sure I don't lose any of my skills. I began to think more and more about going back to school for my NP. I missed the floor and if I went the NP route, I wouldn't ever get to be a bedside nurse.

That gutted me as I would do a lot more clinic work and rounding on patients – talking to the nurses about what needed to be done. The thought wrestled with me at night but I wasn't sure about anything yet. The only thing I would lose was my deposit but I wouldn't be that upset by that if it meant I could do what I wanted. "Okay, okay, uhm…your favorite thing about Boston?" Jace asked dunking his fries in ketchup before stuffing them in his mouth.

I thought about it for a minute and I smiled, "I love the old city feel. It's a beautiful city. It's not far from New York or my home. There is plenty to do to keep me busy." Jace smiled as he watched me for a moment, "You sure you can't sneak away tonight? I feel like I need to cash in on my rain check?" I squirmed in my chair as I gave a smile but looked away. "No, I promised I would help shave off her hair tonight." The quietness echoed around the both of us as I looked over at him.

His eyes held emotion as he looked beyond me and then just nodded his head, "Okay," he said. "I'm sorry, Jace, I'm not…" I didn't want to lie to him but I wasn't sure what I was feeling with him either. I shrugged my shoulders, "I'm in a weird place right now. I'm literally living with my ex-boyfriend, I'm constantly having to take care of his child, and I feel like I can't give you the time you deserve either. Once a week for a sneak lunch isn't what you deserve." I told him calmly.

Jace turned his head away and he breathed out evenly, his jaw structure was tense, his jaw flickered, and he breathed out. "What do you deserve, Gabi? You deserve better than this." He pointed out. "You're living with a man who apparently broke your heart and you are giving everything to him."

"He's paying me a lot of money." I reminded him. "More money than I'd make in two years of working full time. I couldn't say no and I didn't know it was him. I would give this kind of attention to anybody. It's who I am. This job is important to me. Claire is important to me. Linny, Hannah, Ginny, Brooke…all of these kids I do the same thing for. I care for them and I stand with them and I do my best to help them." I swallowed hard, "Yes, it's really fucking hard for it to be my ex-boyfriend but this doesn't change anything for me. It's a little girl who unfairly was diagnosed with cancer and it's my job, my passion, to help her." My chest rose up and down with aggression as I didn't want to defend my job. I couldn't.

"How many hours do you normally work a week though?" Jace asked turning his head to the side, I shrugged, "I averaged 48-60." I said, Jace let his eyes go wide and he nodded, "So you constantly picked up extra shifts." I nodded my head, "Yea, I never wanted my floor to be short staffed because those kids deserve the best." Jace sighed as he reached over and grabbed my hand, "Your soul is too kind," he whispered to me. I blinked back tears as I gave him a smile, "I know and my heart is very guarded."

Jace snorted a laugh and smiled, "Yea, I figured that out." I smiled at him as he got up and sat down next to me. I leaned my head into his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around me. "I hate that we met when we did," Jace said quietly. "I wish it would have been months soon or maybe right after. I don't know. I just know that you are something special." I couldn't stop a smile on my face as I reached up to kissed his cheek. "I do really like you, Jace. You make me laugh and smile. You're a good person. I want to be together but right now…is really, really hard. I can't give you the time you need and that's not fair to you. You're a really good person, too. You deserve better than I can give."

Jace kissed the top of my head and he breathed out, "Call me when you're done. We can get coffee and see if we are able to make this work." I smiled, "Okay," I whispered back and he tilted my head back and planted a soft kiss to my lips. "Thanks for the few couple of weeks," he whispered and I smiled as we paid our bill. Once we stepped outside, he scooped my face into his hands and gave me a tiny smile. "You're beautiful and you are worth so much more than somebody leaving you. Okay?" I nodded my head and Jace smiled.

"Go save all of those beautiful kids," I smiled as I leaned into his touch and thanked him wholeheartedly for understanding.

We went our separate was before I ended up back at the apartment complex. I looked up at the towering apartment in Downtown Boston before I stepped through, I waved to the doorman as he smiled at me. "Good afternoon, Ms. Montez."

"Good afternoon," I repeated back as I went to the elevator and waved my key to get to the penthouse. I sighed as I leaned back. Troy was starting with football season soon. They were going to start OTAs and get into conditioning. Eve was heavily pregnant and I knew her due date was fast approaching. I found the both of them in the other spare room, who knew a penthouse had that many bedrooms, putting together a crib and rocking chair. They both were laughing but there was such a strain between the two of them.

The elevators opened and I went to the only door in front of me before slipping inside. I stopped immediately as I heard the arguing. "Eve, I don't know what to tell you," Troy's voice was strained and I didn't have to see him that he was struggling to keep his composure. "I am not going to quit playing football for a season especially after last season. If something happens to Claire, if she gets worse, if by god we are going to lose her, then I will take a step back but for now…shouldn't we be keeping her life normal? If I am not playing, she will know it's because of her. She's smart as a whip, Eve."

Eve released a long groan, "I just don't get it, Troy. Your daughter has cancer."

"I know," Troy emphasized. "I know, I know, I know," Troy kept repeating. "I will never forget that my daughter has cancer. We're shaving her goddamn head tonight. It's really fucking hard to forget. We have a nurse living with us to take care of her."

"A nurse," Eve scoffed, "Your ex-girlfriend," she corrected. I felt the air slice and I felt the smack of her words against his cheek. I held my breath in anticipation of what he was going to say back to that. It took a few moments and I realized they must be having a quieter conversation now. Yet, when the door slammed shut, I realized he couldn't say anything after that. Troy came out of the room and he collapsed onto the couch. He shut his eyes and laid back on it and I saw the stress on his shoulders, the exhaustion in his face, and all of the little things. I cleared my throat and his head snapped in my direction. Those blue eyes were dull and missing so much life. The argument with his wife took it all out of him.

"Fuck," he said quietly, "I didn't think you were going to be back so soon. I'm sorry for whatever you heard. Just another one of our fights." His words were strained and his jaw was tight. I didn't say anything and I just nodded my head, the pain was carried in his shoulders as he hunched forward. His fingers gripping his hair and tugging. "It's okay." I finally whispered. I walked off to the bedroom and I checked in on Claire to see her sleeping. I collapsed on my bed and I felt the tears fill my eyes. I hated seeing him like that and I wish I didn't give a flying fuck. I didn't want to care. I didn't want to go out there and talk to him. I wanted to hate him.

I needed to hate him.

I squeezed my eyes closed and breathed through my nose. I was going to be okay. I was going to get through this. I was going to find somebody who truly loved me. That wouldn't let me go. I was going to find somebody.

Troy's POV

Claire sat in Eve's lap as she giggled showing her something, Claire looked up at her with her bright blue eyes and Eve smiled at her. Gabi held a razor that will take the remaining hair off her head and I was emotional just thinking about it. Eve barely would look at me after our fight this afternoon and I hated that this was happening. I hated fighting, I hated the tension and the stress – I just want to be a family. I wanted Claire's cancer to be done and I just…I wanted to go back to January.

I breathed out as Gabi smiled, "Anymore pictures?" she asked, her tone was soft and quiet. Her eyes looked at Eve and then over to me. Her brown eyes pulled me in and I couldn't look away. I couldn't stop staring at her face and her innocent look. Her eyes finally tore away and I felt Eve's eyes on me, "Yea, let's do one family picture." I pushed out before I went to sit down next to Eve and Claire. I gave Gabi my phone and we all smiled for the camera. My chest cracked with pressure when she put the phone down.

"Okay, let's do it. I know this is really hard for the both of you. It makes it more real but this is the best for all of you. Nothing is going to change and I have a little present for her when we're done." I couldn't look at her but I felt the smile etch to my lips. My girl, always taking care of everybody. I squeezed Eve's hand gently and she didn't make a move to look at me. Gabi got on Claire's level and she gave her a smile.

"Claire, remember what we talked about earlier?" Gabi asked, Claire grinned and nodded, "Yea, we're going to take the rest of my hair off so it won't fall out anymore!" Gabi grinned, "exactly, do you know why?" she questioned with a turn of her head. "Because of all the medicine. It's not my fault," Claire repeated with a big girl voice. I squeezed my eyes shut as Gabi squeezed my little girls' legs. "Exactly, it isn't your fault. Are you okay if we do it?"

"Yes!" Gabi looked at the two of us but nodded her head, "Good, let's do it. It's going to feel a little funny but it'll be okay!" Claire giggled as Gabi turned the razor on. A wave of nausea rolled through my stomach as I bit down on my lip until I tasted blood. Gabi rolled the razor over her hair as the hair, what was left of it, hit the ground. My stomach rolled with each drop of hair; my eyes burned with the tears that wanted to escape but I held them back as I gave a smile to Claire as she looked at me.

She reached for my hand, "Daddy, it's okay, it'll grow back. That's what Gabi said," I squeezed my eyes shut as the tear fell down the side of my cheek, "I know sweet girl, I know, it will grow back." Claire smiled, "Gabi said it might even be curly when it grows back!" I laughed as Claire tugged on my hand as Gabi finished. Claire wiped away my tears on my face and I smiled, "I love you Claire Bear," she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek.

Gabi picked up the trash bag on the floor and walked out as I just hugged Claire tightly. "I promise daddy, it'll grow back." She whispered into my ear. I couldn't stop the onslaught of tears that ran down my face as I just held her tight to me. I felt Eve wrap her arms around the both of us until Claire pulled back. My hand went up to her bald head and I felt her warmth off the top. My fingers running against her smooth scalp. I swallowed hard and she reached up to touch my hair.

"I'll just touch your hair if I miss my hair," I couldn't stop my laugh as I pulled away from her. "Claire, I got you a few things." Gabi sat down on the floor with a box in her lap. Claire scrambled onto the floor as I sat back on the bed as I watched Gabi and Claire. My whole body in awh of Claire just accepting everything and Gabi who has done this too many times for me to be comfortable with. Claire ripped the top of the box off and gasped as she pulled out an American Girl doll that was bald but with a scarf on her head. Gabi pulled out the same scarf that was a light pink with wild flowers spread across the top in blue and purple with a few splashes of orange mixed in.

"You can both wear these together," Gabi said to her as she gently tied the scarf on her head the same was as her doll. Claire turned around with a grin, "Mommy! Daddy! Look!" I couldn't take my eyes off Gabi though as she watched Claire with her own fascination. My throat clogged with emotion and I stood up as I walked out of the room. I leaned my forehead against the wall as everything tore open inside of me. My daughter had cancer. I was fighting with my wife. I shaved off her hair. I still loved her.

I couldn't love her though. She was unhappy with me. I was married. I had a daughter. I almost had a son. I never got over her though. I wasn't sure I ever would get over her though. "Troy," Eve's words were quiet and I turned to see her. She had her blonde hair pulled up into a messy bun on the top of her head and she had her own tears in her eyes. "I'm okay, I'm just," I tried to breathe through it. "It's a lot." I admitted. "Watching her," I paused and Eve took my hand as she placed my hand on her belly. The swift kicks of our little man caused a tiny smile on my face. "He's lucky to have you as his daddy,"

Those eyes looked at me and I wrapped her in my arms, "I'm sorry," I whispered into her ear. Eve didn't say anything for a minute, "For?" she finally asked and I didn't have an answer for her. I wasn't sure what I was sorry for – I just knew I was sorry.

Happy Saturday! I figured I would upload early since I didn't upload last week. I am so thankful for ya'll patience! This was by far one of my most favorite chapters and I hope you enjoyed it as well! Troy Bolton's emotions in this story are some of my favorite and I hope you agree!

Let me know ALL of your thoughts!

Also – we are going to do three weeks until the next chapter for this story – yes, yes, I know but I have some busy weeks ahead and I don't want to fall behind like I am with Coach Bolton! SO – Coach Bolton will be two weeks and this will be three weeks to get everything back on schedule and THEN we'll be back on every two week schedule. I just don't want to fall behind on either story again and this will give me the time to get ahead on both of them again. I really appreciate the patience!

PLEASE REVIEW!

Next Update: Sunday May 30th