Chapter 20 – The Sunshine Pact

Tuesday, July 20th, 2021

Gabi's POV

I nervously twisted my fingers in Mr. Romano's office as I waited for him to take on my normal schedule from here on out. Oh, and I had to tell him that I was dating NFL star Troy Bolton who reported back to training camp today and he his daughter was starting his BMT process today after getting pushed back because of the strep throat. I rolled my lips together as the door opened, "Gabi, Gabi, I knew you were the perfect person for the job. The Bolton's literally could not stop raving about you in every aspect. Especially handling their family drama,"

He dropped behind his desk and I twitched nervously as I played with my scrub bottoms, "It went really well." I told him honestly. "Claire is an amazing little girl and I loved taking care of her but now that we are here in the hospital, I no longer can take care of her. I actually haven't taken care of her in a handful of weeks." Mr. Romano scrunched his eyebrows together in confusion with my statement. "But they said you fulfilled your duty," I nodded. "I did. We all came to the agreement that I was going to move out when I did."

"Why? Did something happen?"

I exhaled as I looked up right at him. "I dated Troy back in high school. I knew him back when he was from North Carolina. We were both shocked when we came across each other in that conference room when you chose me." Mr. Romano quickly frowned, "I hated Troy Bolton with a burning passion and I knew I could handle the job without any issues arising. I told Troy that if he had any issues that I had no problems stepping back and we both knew that we could handle it. We ended on not so well terms and I was being paid to do a job. So, I did it."

"Gabi," I held up my hand. "Let me finish please,"

"Troy and I barely had a conversation unless it were about Claire until May. Nothing happened between the two of us while I was taking care of Claire nor while he was married. I would have never and I still would never but once he got divorced and I started to help him more with Claire as he was without child care while he was keeping up with his busy schedule, we became closer, again. Our feelings were always unresolved and since then we have started a relationship again. That is when we both decided it was best for me to move out of his apartment and stop my continuous care of Claire. I am dating Troy Bolton. He stopped paying me the day that this was decided as well."

He brushed his fingers over his bread as he tried to figure out his next sentence. "I told Troy that I had to be her nurse or his girlfriend and he chose that I stay his girlfriend. We are still keeping it out of the media and it is not public knowledge. I am being up front and honest with how things played out. I was ready to walk away until we were able to talk about what happened in our past."

Mr. Romano let out a dramatic sigh, "His ex-wife knows?" I nodded. "We were up front with her as well." He nodded his head and looked at me, "She raved about you more than he did about how you were with Claire. I know you and I know it was all about her for you. I would have liked to have been clearer at the beginning though." I didn't say anything because I couldn't change anything. "You still want to work here?"

"Yes," I threw out. "I just need to make sure I don't have Claire. I will be up here on my days off to keep Claire company as I love that little girl plus Troy started training camp and Eve has her son. Just for an extra set of eyes on her and I know what is going on in this world. I need you to understand that I will keep my work separate from my personal life." Mr. Romano nodded his head in understanding. "How in the world did you make it this far and nobody on this unit knew you dated him?"

I just laughed, "Because I hated him."

"The moment things get messy on this floor something will have to change. I know you only have a handful of weeks left anyways but just…keep it discreet around here. All of our nurses have signed NDAs and are aware of anything relating to Troy Bolton is to not be spoken outside of these walls. You now fall underneath of that. Please tell me if there are any troubles," I pushed a piece of paper over towards Mr. Romano. "These are the nurses who I think can handle this situation. Two of them already know about Troy and I but the rest are just plain some of the best nurses and who will take care of Claire. I understand it can't always be these people but please put them on the like list. I have spoken with all of them."

Mr. Romano looked at the list and nodded his head, "Okay, thank you for your honesty. Have a good day at work, Ms. Montez." I thanked him as I stood up and I walked out of his offices as I was sweating bullets. I went to get my assignment for the day as night shift was struggling through the end of their shift. My eyes glanced towards the BMT side of the unit where Eve was settling in with Claire for her first day of intense chemo.

Troy was a wreck that he couldn't be here until later today. I had to calm his nerves that he would be here for the evening shift. He was going to be running himself into the ground because he said he was taking the night shifts here. The BMT staff wasn't all that thrilled since he was going to be around a lot of crowds but he promised to keep his time around groups to a minimum and distance himself. If he felt any sort of off, he wouldn't come in and I knew he would. I vogued for him. Troy was not going to put his daughter in any sort of danger.

I received report on my three patients and I was open for another as I took all my notes and I felt refreshed to be back on the unit. I started my morning with my normal routine but once I was done writing all my notes, I stopped in Claire's room first and she grinned. "Gabi!" Wren had her today and I just hugged her tightly, "Hi sweet girl, you are going to have a big, big day," I told her as I kissed her head and she sighed heavily. "Daddy and mommy told me that I won't feel good anymore,"

"You won't but hopefully after all of this you will feel so, so much better." Claire smiled, "I will come check on you in a little bit but I have different patients today. I am going to take care of other little girls and boys, is that okay?" she nodded. "Daddy explained that you couldn't be my nurse here because he loves you, too much." I just laughed as I kissed her bald head. "Something like that," Eve just gave a soft smile as she was happy with Jackson's dad. It was all working out for the much better version.

I squeezed Claire one more time and then I got to work. I missed this. I missed this so much.

Troy's POV

I tried to focus during our first day of training camp but my mind was in downtown Boston at the Children's Hospital and they knew it. Everybody knew it as I was doing half ass plays and I just couldn't do anything worth a shit. I was worried about her but this was going to be months. Months. I had to pull my head out of my ass and I had to focus. I sat on the bench as I clutched the back of my neck and inhaled deeply.

"Bolton, I need you to get your head out of your ass." My QB coach, Matteo, walked over and I looked up. "I know. I need to make two phone calls and then I will be ready. I just…I just am worried about Claire. Her strep throat caused her BMT to be delayed. I figured I would be there for her chemo and then once her transplant happened and the worst was over, I would be here but it is all starting today." Matteo just nodded his head because he already knew this. "Two calls and then you have to get your head out of your ass with these drills."

I just nodded my head and stood up as I jogged to the locker room. I grabbed my cell phone and I called Eve first. "She's fine," she stressed over the phone before I could even get a word in. "She is lying in bed watching Tangled while coloring. Literally what she would be doing at your apartment." I exhaled, "Eve, I should be there." I stressed. "And do what? Stare at her? That's all I'm doing. At least I can work from here. You need to focus there. There is nothing you can do and Gabi is on the floor. We're fine."

"Can I talk to Claire?" she handed me off without complaint. "Hi daddy, how is Hanson and Reni?" she asked me and I ran my fingers through my hair. "Good, daddy isn't playing that well. I am worried about my little girl." Claire giggled, "I'm just getting medicine. I'll see you tonight daddy,"

I exhaled with a smile, "I will see you tonight. How about a milkshake?" I rubbed my lips together and she giggled, "Yes please, Gabi will want one, too! She's working with other kids, daddy!" I smiled as I couldn't wait to see my girl in action on that floor without her hating me. "I will bring her one, too. I love you baby girl; I will see you soon." She bid her love back and I called Gabi knowing that it was probably 25% odds that I get her on the phone.

"Troy Bolton, I am working. Your daughter is fine. I keep walking by and checking on her. You need to play football like you promised all of us you would do today." I groaned at her voice and I sighed, "She's really, okay? Nobody is lying to me?"

"Nobody is lying. She is 100% fine. She won't feel the effect until later. I promise, babe. Wren is taking care of her and it's all going well. I have to get back to work though. I love you; you need to focus on football and when you get here you can focus on her. Two different things. You have time for both."

I smiled at her words, "I miss you staying at my place," I whispered to her and she just laughed softly. "You get me one night a week,"

"How about two?"

"Troy, you have football and your daughter. Those are what you need to focus on right now." I just nodded, "I love you," I told her. "I love you, too." We hung up and I knew that she was preparing me for Philly. She still wouldn't give me a straight answer on what was going on with that but I didn't ask that often either. I didn't truly want to know. If she was going to go, we would obviously figure it out but she hadn't committed one way or another way. I exhaled as I pushed off and I ran back out to the field. I pushed away everything else and I focused on my teammates. We worked through drills and I was actually able to do what I needed to do.

I was keeping my distance from most of my teammates to keep Claire safe nut was still able to get good work in today. "Better, Bolton," my coach called out and I just nodded my head as I worked through my drills and then did a handful of throwing. It kept my body and mind focused as the outdoor breeze felt good as we worked. I could do this. I could play football. I could be a dad to my daughter who was stuck in the hospital. I could be the best damn boyfriend to the love of my life. I could do it all. I just probably wouldn't sleep.

Saturday, May 16th, 2015

Gabi's POV

I sat next to Troy as we were both in our blue robes as we stared up at the stage as we were graduating. We did it. We made it through our last two years ago together and it had been going so well. Troy squeezed my hand and I looked up at him as he gave me a wink with a smile. Tonight, we had big plans on celebrating with his friends and mine down at the beach. Our parents gave us a strict 2am curfew tonight but I didn't care. We were about to go to school together.

He was leaving at the beginning of June for school to start his summer program for football – he was even taking a class. I promised that I would make the drive frequently to see him and he was going to come home often. His fingers stroked mine as there was a girl on stage giving her speech but I wasn't all that focused on it. My eyes glanced up at her and I watched her for a moment.

"Tomorrow, we will no longer be high school students but young adults who are going to college. We will all have to face our fears, we will all meet new friends, and find new people. We are going to leave the nest and see where this world starts to guide us. All of our futures are unknown. We don't know what will happen in the next five years. We just know that our lives will drastically be different than they are today and that might scare some of us." She paused and glanced around as Troy was talking to Liam next to him.

"We have our friends, our boyfriends or girlfriends, we have our people that we've known forever but there is not guarantee that those people will be there tomorrow. We are going separate ways. Different schools. Destined for different paths. What I want to tell you, graduates of 2015, that it's okay. Tomorrow we will be different people. You might not stay together with who you thought was forever. You might change colleges. Change degrees. Change lifestyles. You may change your mind on what you want to do for dinner and that's okay. The only thing that matters is that – we have fun. We smile. We make the best memories. We won't all keep in touch and high school will one day be a distant memory but just know that all of these will stay just that – good memories." She smiled, "Class of 2015, I am so proud of all of us and I can't wait to see how we all grow and spread our wings."

She was finished as everybody clapped their hands as I felt a pit sink in my stomach. I wanted to know what the next five years held for me. I wanted to know what was in Troy's future so I could properly prepare myself for it. Was he going to be a famous quarterback? Would he get hurt in college? We were going to survive college with each other? There was way too many unknowns and I hated it. I rested my heart on Troy's shoulder and he looked down at me. "Are you okay?" I just nodded my head. "Yea, I am just…thinking."

"We're going to have fun tonight," he said and I just gave him a smile. He kissed the top of my head and I just closed my eyes savoring the moment. Like she said – you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Gabi's POV

I showered, changed, and ate my dinner in the quiet of my apartment. I left Troy and Claire at the hospital together after my long shift. Troy was just happy to be there with his daughter as she was mostly exhausted from the start of her chemo. Eve had gone home to be with Jackson but was going to stay the night at the hospital after ten so Troy could go home and get sleep before his next day of training camp.

He would do the entire weekends with her as they weren't doing training camp over the weekends. I curled up on the couch as I scrolled through social media before my phone rang with Scarlett's picture. I answered it, "Hey," I said as I tossed my head back. "Hi, I haven't talked to you in weeks. What's up?" she asked and I smiled as nobody in my family knew that I was back together with Troy. "We talked on the 4th of July and Just lying in my apartment," I told her. She sighed, "How is Troy and Claire?"

"Claire is starting her bone marrow transplant and Troy is good…probably better than good." I mentioned and Scarlett made a noise, "Why?"

"We're back together," I said and there was complete silence on her end of the phone before she nearly screamed with joy, "Shut the fuck up!" I just laughed, "No, we're giving this another shot. He explained everything to me and I told him I would try again." Scarlett was still screaming with joy and I couldn't stop laughing. "Oh Gabi, I am so glad you listened to him. You deserve that happiness again." I played with the blanket over my lap.

"The connection was just too much. I couldn't deny it anymore. We are trying again and have for some time. I just didn't want to jinx it but it was back in June." I confessed and Scarlett just laughed, "That's why you were so quiet on our last phone call." I just nodded as there was a knock at my door. I scrunched my eyebrows as I stood up and walked over to peer my eyes into the peep hole before grinning.

"Hey Scar, I gotta go. A certain QB just showed up at my door." She just squealed and hung up the phone causing my laugh as I swung open the door. Troy was leaning against the doorway with a smile on his face. He looked exhausted in his shorts and t-shirt but he had a smile on his face. "A certain QB?" he questioned and I smiled as I nodded. "I told Scarlett. I should probably call and tell my parents tomorrow." Troy smiled as he walked in and he looped his arm around my waist before burying his face into my neck. "Hi baby," I whispered and he just grunted. "I'm so tired but I needed to see you,"

I pulled him into the apartment as I shut the door and locked it, "C'mon, let's go to bed then." I suggested and he lifted his eyes to meet mine. "I figured you were going to kick me out." I shook my head and smiled as I laced our fingers together. "No, our time together is not long enough as is. I also really like sharing a bed with you." He smiled wide as he pressed his lips to my forehead. "How was training camp today?" I asked as I led back to my bedroom while shutting things off along the way.

"Good. I wasn't able to focus at first but once I got off the phone with you guys, I was able to do what I needed to do." He collapsed onto my bed and I pulled off my shorts before climbing into bed with him. "Mmm…I might need you to put those back on." I laughed and shook my head, "You are tired superstar, you should sleep." He gave me a lazy smile as he shook his head, "I would much rather do fun things with you,"

"No, no, nice try though. We both have to work tomorrow." He gave a pout as I climbed under the blankets. He ditched his shorts and pulled off his t-shirt as I curled up on his body. His arm tucking me in. His lips pressed into my hair as he breathed in deeply, "How was work today?"

"Good, I was with some patients I already knew. So that was nice. My boss took our relationship well but he wished we would have told him sooner, about prior relationship in high school, but overall, everybody on our floor signed the NDA and I gave him my like list for Claire." I felt his smile against my skin. "I love you," he whispered into my ear. I stroked his hand as I tilted my head back, "I love you, too."

He dropped his lips to mine and he hovered them there as I shook my head, "No sir, you need to sleep. If I'm going to be a Loyalist fan this year, you better be the damn best," he barked out a laugh. "Is that a stipulation?" I just nodded my head as I gave him a grin. "Yea, that is a stipulation. I only cheer for the best." Troy just laughed as he brushed his thumb over my body. "Whatever you say, El." I untucked myself from his body and turned off the light as I snuggled up with Troy again.

"It was so hard leaving, Claire," he whispered and I stroked his skin on his arm. "I know. It's not forever though. It's for a short time. This is her finish line." Troy exhaled and I just continued to stroke his skin hoping to get him to fall asleep. He finally fell asleep after a little time and I couldn't stop my smile looking up at him. I picked up my phone and I checked my email and I smiled with tears in my eyes reading the email in front of me.

I only had a few more steps and then I could surprise him.

Troy's POV

Wednesday, July 21st, 2021

I woke up confused as I blinked around to see that I was at Gabi's apartment. I felt her soft body next to mine and I reached over to pull her back against me. I looked over my shoulder to see that it was still dark out but I could see the glow of the world starting to edge around. I knew she had to go to work this morning and I planned on going up there myself to see Claire before I had to be at the field by eight.

Gabi wiggled her ass backward and I couldn't stop the groan in the back of my throat from her doing that. It was a dirty move and she knew that. "Gabi," I murmured as I pressed my lips to the back of her neck and then around the side to the front of her neck. "Yes?" she whispered. "You did that on purpose," I whispered back to her and she couldn't control her laugh. "So, what if I did?" she whispered back.

"Then you better finish what you started," I whispered into her ear and she just grinned as I rolled her to her back. I hovered over her body as I dipped down to press my lips to her lips. Our lips connected and she pulled me down to nestle in between her legs as the contact nearly made my body combust. "Just one touch and you have me…" I just kissed her again as her back arched up. I pulled her t-shirt off her body and threw it on the ground as I nestled my mouth over her breasts. Her fingers threaded through my hair and tugged and pulled as I brought her to the brink and pushed back.

"Troy," her voice was a gasp as I kissed down her body as I peeled her underwear off. Her legs opened farther as I pressed my lips to her belly when her alarm started to go off. "Fucking hell, no," she groaned as she threw her hand out for her phone to shut it up. "Guess I need to pick up the pace," I said with a slow smile and she wiggled under neath of me. I dove back down to her lips as I kissed her. Soft, slow, and with no hurry. She pushed my underwear off as I kicked it off my legs before slipping inside of her.

Her mouth parted as I advanced the kiss further. I took my time with her, the opposite of what I should have done. I made sure that she felt everything and was nearly begging when I brought her over the hurdle. Her squeezing me caused my own to follow quickly. My lips buried into her neck as we were both wet with sweat and both of us had heavy eyelids. She pulled my body on top of hers and I grunted, "No, I will crush your tiny body." She just laughed as she locked her legs around mine and she exhaled heavily.

"I just like feeling you against me. I like how heavy you are." I kissed her temple as I rolled half to my side. "What time is it?" I asked her and she reached for her phone, "Just after six. I need to get up and shower." I kissed her again as I got up out of the bed and I easily picked her up. "Troy," she said with a laugh, "What?" I asked her. "I have to get ready for work. I need coffee and breakfast," I only smiled as I turned the shower head on and sat her on the counter. My lips pressing against hers while our bodies melted against each other. Once the shower was warm, I picked her up again as we both got underneath of the spray.

Her back pressed against the shower wall, "Troy, I have to go to work." She said as I kissed down her neck as the water washed over the two of us. "I know, you'll be at work on time and I'll get you coffee and breakfast of your choosing if you relax," I murmured into her skin. Her body did relax and I gave her exactly what she wanted. Once her feet were back on the ground, I washed her hair and her body as I pressed my lips back to hers once she was clean.

"Go," I whispered and she just smiled, "I'm going to be late and I am blaming you." I shook my head with a smile, "You aren't that far from work and I will take care of you. Go," I kissed her one more time before shoving her out of the shower. She got out and wiped down and off before exiting the bathroom. I washed myself and grabbed a towel as she was pulling on a Boston Children's Hospital shirt on as she put her badge on her shirt and tucking her shoes in. She shot me a look, "I have fifteen minutes,"

"But at least you are completely satisfied times three." She shook her head as I pulled on my underwear from last night and the pair of shorts as she darted out of the room. I shook my head, "Gabs, just go. I'll make sure you are good for the day." She just grunted as she was trying to act like she annoyed but she really wasn't, "I need lunch, too."

"I got you, baby. Just go." I called out as I tugged on my t-shirt as she grabbed her backpack and her water bottle from the counter. Her brown eyes lifted to mine as I couldn't help but wanting to strip her of her scrubs and go again. I shook my head with a smile, "Go. I will take care of you." She just shot me another look before walking out the door. I just chuckled as I finished getting dressed and grabbed my wallet and keys from her bedroom floor. I went into the kitchen where I dug around her fridge to make her lunch that she had yesterday as well. All of it was mostly sitting there but I finished a few of the things and then added a little note to it. I finished her lunch box off while I then tucked my hat over my head to help disguise that it was me coming down the stairs in her apartment building.

I hopped in my car as I drove to my favorite little breakfast spot that had some of the best coffee where I ordered her a breakfast sandwich with an iced coffee with vanilla and oat milk. I wasn't going to eat until I got to the stadium. I navigated towards the hospital as I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I wanted this every morning. I wanted to wake up with her in my bed, take her to my shower, and then make her breakfast. I wanted Claire with me, I didn't want her in the hospital but I just could picture the future.

Entering the parking garage, I found the first open spot before I got out and I headed towards the entrance. I passed through security as I had my parent wrist band and I headed up towards the Hem/Onc floor. The floor was bustling already as the shift change was occurring and the alarms were already dinging. I washed my hands and I went through a temperature check to make sure I was healthy to come back. My eyes glanced at my watch as I had to be at the field by eight. I only had 30 minutes.

My eyes glanced around for Gabi who was sitting behind the desk laughing about something with Wren who was sitting next to her. I walked over as I looked around to see if there were any parents around but I didn't catch any. I planted her lunch box, coffee, and breakfast sandwich in front of her as her eyes lifted up to meet my own. "Troy, I could have just gone downstairs," she said with almost awh and her eyes nearly full of tears.

"El, I told you, I would take care of you. It was my fault that you were almost late." She blinked her eyes a few times. "Thank you," she said looking up towards me as I shot her a wink. "I love you, El." She just shook her head with a smile, "I love you, too." Her voice was quiet and her eyes darted around but I just smiled before pushing away from the desk. I walked towards Claire room when I heard Wren ask where she found find one of me, I couldn't stop my chuckle as I entered Claire's room.

She was asleep in her bed and I felt my heart ache as she was pale and looked like she had a rough night. Eve was curled up in the corner with her phone on her chest. I honestly couldn't imagine Eve's position right now with Jackson at home with his dad, Christian, we were never able to get that dinner because schedules got busy mostly. I okayed it with Eve that he could be around Claire more but to my knowledge she hasn't which earned my respect. She was stuck in the hospital with only parents allowed to visit and well…Gabi. I was hoping that maybe we could take a night and meet before Claire is discharged.

I quietly walked over to the bed as I crawled into it with Claire as I set a timer on my phone to make sure I didn't stay late. I gently picked her up as my little girl curled up on my chest almost instantly, her fingers gripping my t-shirt, and a small whimper coming out of her mouth. "I'm here for you baby girl," I whispered as I gently rocked her back to sleep. "Daddy?" she whispered and I smiled as I kissed her bald little head. "Just for a little bit," I told her and she just smiled while closing her eyes again. "I missed you, daddy," my heart ached but I knew this was the right thing. I was doing the best I could with all the things I needed to juggle.

The door opened with Gabi and Wren walking in. "Oh my god, my ovaries," Wren said and I couldn't stop my laugh as Gabi walked over and laid a kiss on my cheek. "Seriously, thank you, I was prepared to go downstairs for breakfast and lunch." I just shook my head. "I wasn't going to let you do that. I just hope I got it all right." Gabi smiled, "You're the best. Claire, how are you feeling?" Gabi asked and Claire shrugged her shoulders. "Crummy,"

"I know, I'm sorry sweet girl. Wren is going to take care of you again today," Claire just nodded her head and she was falling back asleep. "I am hoping this will get me through my day away from her," I told Gabi as she smiled, "It will. You might need to stick to your own apartment tonight, mister," I shot her a grin, "So what you just said is you are coming over to me?" Gabi laughed as Wren smirked, "How in the hell are you denying that?"

"I have a big day tomorrow and I need my rest," Gabi explained and I scrunched my eyebrows, "What do you have tomorrow?" she just smiled, "You'll see," I cocked my head as she kissed my cheek again, "I love you; I'll see you tomorrow night." I just narrowed my eyes as she walked out of the room. Wren laughed, "Good luck with that, that sounded mysterious." I just nodded my head in agreement because it sure as shit did.

Sunday, May 17th, 2015

Troy's POV

My phone rang next to me in my bed as I finished my video game as I was mostly being lazy tonight. Gabi and I spent all night with each other, well, till 2am anyways. I came home on a high that I couldn't get rid of. I picked up my phone and scrunched my eyes at it was Coach Becks. I was supposed to leave in a month for our training camp this summer. I would move onto campus and get started for the school year but I really wasn't supposed to leave until the middle of June.

"Hello?" I answered confused as I sat up on my bed. "Troy? How are you?" he asked and I hesitated as I felt my stomach twist. "I'm okay, graduation was yesterday so just trying to recover from all of that." I explained slowly. "Ah, congrats! That is exciting! Did graduation go okay?"

"It went like I expected. I walked across the stage and was handed my diploma." I shook my head confused with all of the small talk. "Coach Beck, can I ask, why are you calling?" I questioned and he sighed heavily, "We're getting a transfer quarterback from a community college. He's a hell of a player and he's going to start over you for the next three years." He explained and I felt my stomach bottom out. I was basically promised the starting spot after my freshman year. I was going to be back-up next year and then take over the offense.

"What?" I questioned, "Coach Beck, that is not what we talked about." I told him and he grunted, "He's better, Bolton. I can't sit him. You're going to be our third string." The lump in my throat grew tight and my stomach twisted with anger. "Unless, if you want out of your letter then I will grant you that if you can find another team to pick you up. Our conversation didn't go as promised and I'm sorry but I just don't think you'll make it here."

The anger rose in my body quickly, "Coach Beck, I turned down offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn to come to your program. They were all basically promising me the same kinds of things. You don't think I will make it there?" I threw back as I tried to gain composure. There was no way that anybody was going to pick me up now. It was too late. I dropped onto the bed and shook my head. "Yea, sorry about that Bolton. Hey, but enjoy your next couple of weeks. Let me know if you want out."

He hung up the phone and I felt the panic bubble up in my stomach as I shook my head. Third string? There was no way. I was better than third string. I was the state football award winner. I led my team to back-to-back state championships. I won one. I was nearly promised starting spot at every school I visited after my first two years – at an SEC school which is fucking normal. UNC? No, I could start this year if he would look at me.

My breathed heavily through my nose and I just shook my head. I couldn't believe this bullshit. I couldn't believe what was happening. I flopped back on my bed and I just shook my head. This was a load of bullshit.

Gabi's POV

Thursday, July 22nd, 2021

I nervously twisted my hands together as I waited at my lunch table. The first to arrive was Linny's mom. She looked so thin and so tired as I stood up and I greeted her. I gave her a tight hug and she hugged me back just as tight. "Hi Hannah," I squeezed her and she just hugged me back so tightly. "Hi, Gabi, how are you?" I smiled, "I'm okay. How are you? Are you and Jamie doing, okay?" I asked and her eyes filled with tears as she nodded, "We're surviving. The first few weeks were so hard but we know that Linny would want us to be happy. We are doing our best together."

"I'm so sorry, I just…it broke my heart when Rynn told me." She just squeezed my hand as next was Ginny's mom, Bailey, as she walked in looking just the same as I did the same routine with her. "I want to first thank the both of you for coming today. I know that losing Ginny and Linny within the past few months is some of the worst moments of your life and coming to meet with me and listen to my idea…I just…I can't thank either of you enough."

"I think I speak for both myself and Bailey," Hannah started, "You were the sunshine that we needed in that hospital, Gabi. Knowing that we would be coming to that floor was always hard enough but when we heard that you were going to be our nurse on any visit? It was a relief. You made my little man smile so big by wearing costumes and doing anything to get him to eat. The spider-man pudding was genius and he just smiled so big eating it." Her eyes filled with tears as she blinked while swallowing hard. "You were amazing every single day. You were always smiling. You were always just happy to be there for the kids and that we cannot thank you enough for."

My own eyes were full of tears, "Thank you, that is something that I really needed to hear right now." I told each of them. "Ginny absolutely adored every minute with you. She loved that you would paint her nails, or that you would talk about the boys at school or that you would just ask how she was doing. She told me towards the end about how when I would go to get something to eat that you would sneak in and just check on her. You would let my little girl cry without any embarrassment and my god, I cannot thank you for that." The tears were free flowing down my face now as these two women were exactly what I needed today.

"I was just doing my job," I said quietly and they both just quietly laughed. "No, Gabi, you went so far above your job. So far." I squeezed both of their hands as I wiped away the tears in my eyes. "Thank you, I am assuming that none of you were able to escape the gossip on our floor and knew who I was working for." They both just nodded their heads and I gave a tiny smile, "He and I used to date way back in high school. After he was divorced, we started our relationship back up again and I have been wrestling with what I should do next in my life after reconnecting with the absolute love of my life."

Each of the mom's rose their eyebrows and I couldn't stop my laugh, "Yea, I know, he's amazing."

"What was your next step prior to him?" Hannah asked and I smiled, "I was going to Philly to become a pediatric oncologist NP." Both of the women scrunched up their nose and turned their heads for a moment. "I just don't see it," Bailey mentioned and I couldn't stop my laugh. "That's what a few people have said. I haven't withdrawn yet because I need to build my passion and have my purpose in my life. I need to have it before I dive headfirst into a life that is going to be messy and crazy but full of love."

"Those children, Gabi, that is your passion." I nodded, "I know but I know that I can't and won't be able to work as much once our relationship is public. I want to keep my job but until everything dies down, I might have to work a lot less frequently. I think though that I have a serious position to make such a difference and I want to start a foundation. I want to start a non-profit. I want to make a difference in so many more children's lives than just the ones in Boston." Bailey and Hannah just gave me a bright smile.

"Gabi, that would be perfect for you." I nodded, "I know. I just…I need to make sure it's perfect and I want your input. I want you two to be on my board." Each of them blinked and they shared a look with each other and then me. "Gabi, I don't know. I know we have been put through a lot of it but I…" I squeezed Bailey's hand, "I know. You each had a child go through it and I know neither of them made it but I want them to be the face of this foundation. I loved those two with so much passion. I want their smiles to be the ones that capture people's attention. I also want to make sure a part of my foundation is a parent support and grief group. Cancer is cruel and evil. I know you are both going through the thick of it still but you could be such a difference to parents of the future."

"Gabi," Hannah couldn't stop her tears and I couldn't stop my own either. "Ginny's siblings can have input and I want this to be about the family. I want to have resources and I want to give these kids some sort of…" I couldn't think of the word when Bailey said it. "Sunshine, they need some sunshine in their dark days." I just nodded my head looking at them. "They need some sunshine. They need love. They need something to help them get through this."

"I'm in," Hannah said and I couldn't stop my own tears, "Me, too," Bailey said and I covered my face with my hands with a tiny bit of shock. "One stipulation," Bailey said and I turned my head, "It's called Sunshine,"

"Yes," I breathed out. "Please,"

"I want to be able to center it around something at their diagnosis. Something for the parents and something for the child. I want to almost have an advocate for them. We're going to start small, just at Boston, and slowly branch out as we gain momentum and money."

"Ginny always loved having her blanket that was her chemo blanket. It was one of those fleece ties blankets. It was the perfect size and it was heavier so when she was cold it helped. I always knew which one was for the hospital. Now that she isn't here…I sleep with that blanket nightly. I can feel her warmth inside of it and I think we do bright colors and fun patterns and…" Bailey couldn't stop her thoughts and I just smiled knowing that I picked the perfect people to help me with this project.

"For the parents; if we could just put together a little hospital survival kit. A bag full of the things we all needed in the hospital but forgot and didn't have. Provide them a notebook, pens, gift cards to restaurants and coffee shops, and maybe we start a parents pen pal thing." I squeezed my eyebrows as I looked over at her. "Maybe I can talk to a handful of the moms that I met along our journey and see if they would want to be a listening ear for other moms. I know that it would be hard for myself because I don't have my little lin man but if I had another mom to text and say – I am having the shittiest day, my kid won't stop puking, and I just want to lock myself in the bathroom and cry…it would be nice to not hear that I am so fucking strong. I want to hear; I hate those days. I hate the smell of vomit. Can I do anything to help?"

"Hannah," I whispered and she just gave me that watery smile, "If we can get enough help, we can start that off even slower. I wouldn't mind being somebody they can contact as well." Bailey shook her head, "No, wait, I think you need to stick to the nurse's side of this. Let us handle the mom side. I think you should find a way to publish something to all nurses on how to make the oncology ward a sunshine filled place. Your Instagram is already a hit with your nursing students and oncology nurses but how do we go a step further?"

"I have so many ideas," I couldn't contain myself and we all laughed, "We need a few other board members for our group. I want to make sure everybody represented. I am thinking about asking, Rachel, if she would want to be on our board." I said looking over at Bailey. She just smiled and nodded, Rachel was a friend of Ginny's who was 18 years old and beat cancer twice. "What about Elliott and Quinn?"

I nodded, "James's mom and Katy's dad?" I questioned. They each nodded. They both had kids who survived long bouts of cancer. "That way, we have a survivor, two parents who have a child who had cancer and two parents who lost their child to cancer." I swallowed on the lump, "I hate so fucking much that you two are in that category." I whispered and they both shared a smile, "I just know that Ginny is living her best life now. She is happier. I know she is."

"Thank you, guys,"

"The Sunshine Pact," Bailey said and I looked at her, "We're making a pact to spread sunshine. The Sunshine Pact." I just shook my head with the biggest smile and the biggest tears. "I love it." I hugged each of the woman and we continued to plot out the idea and what we were going to do. Linny and Ginny were going to be the face of our foundation and I knew deep in my heart – that this is what I was supposed to be doing with my life and I knew I was going to have the biggest cheerleader in my corner.

Sunday, August 1st, 2021

Troy's POV

I laid with Claire in the hospital bed as I watched a movie that Claire was watching. I wasn't sure what it was about but some horse. I took the weekend shifts with Claire to give Eve a break from the hospital. The past week had been crazy. I barely saw Gabi except for here at the hospital when she was working or hanging out with Claire. She had been extra busy with something and I wasn't sure what but she wasn't ready to talk about it yet.

I just hope that she wasn't distancing herself before she left from Philly. Claire was well into her BMT and they had transferred her bone marrow over and she was just so sick still. They were watching her counts and hoping that her immune system started to rebuild itself. We were tucked under a blanket as it had been a quiet afternoon. Tomorrow, I had another long week of training camp and I really just wanted to spend the week with my girlfriend.

My house was coming along nicely and I couldn't wait to officially move in. Now, I just had to convivence Gabi to move in with me. Our first pre-season game wasn't until the following weekend and it was at home. The next two were on the road. Fuck, I wasn't ready to travel yet. I exhaled when the door slid open and Gabi stepped in with a smile on her face. Every single time that I saw her she was in a good mood. That wasn't an issue. We just didn't have time between our two schedules.

"Is Eve coming back tonight?" she asked as she walked over and her eyes watched Claire for several minutes and I nodded. "Yea, I have a meeting tonight with my team. They want me to an ad campaign for something. I don't know. I also think I am going to bring up our relationship and how we should go public." Gabi frowned and she hesitated, "Can we wait?" she questioned and I frowned, "Why? I don't want to hide you anymore. I want to show the world how beautiful my girl is. Our families both know and are both excited for the two of us."

"I know, I know I just…" she exhaled as she reached for my hands and held them. "I just need some time. I am trying to do something. I can't tell you yet but I will still you once I can. I need to finish that before the world knows about us." I sat up as I gently made sure that Claire was nestled back in the bed as I sat on the edge. "What are you talking about? Why can't you tell us?" I nibbled on my lip as Gabi stepped between my legs.

"Because, I have to be able to tell everybody that I did this without my superstar boyfriends help. This is my project. This is my doing. I love you and I know you will love it but I just need to make sure all the papers are signed and the t's are crossed before I tell you. Okay?" her fingers grasped my chin and her forehead tilted to meet mine. "Promise you'll tell me?" I nodded. "What about Philly?" I asked her and she hesitated and I knew in that moment that she was probably still going.

I just rested my head on her shoulder and her fingers played with the back of my hair. "Will you come over tonight?" I asked her and she shook her head, "I have to finish up some stuff. I promise, it'll be worth the wait. I'll come over tomorrow. I'll cook your dinner and we can have a night together." I titled my head back and I glanced at her, "Promise?" I said and she nodded her head again. "With everything, Troy Bolton."

I looked over her shoulder to see if anybody was hanging outside the door but I noticed she drew the curtain. I pulled her lips down to mine and she could barely contain her groan. "Will you go to my first pre-season game?" I whispered and she nodded, "Yes, I made sure my boss knew that I can't work that many Sundays anymore." I just laughed and brushed her hair, "I love you,"

"I love you, too, how is my girl today?"

"Okay, still no immune system, still so sick." Gabi's eyes lingered on the pumps in the background full of medication. "It takes a while. I can set up another nurse to get her out of here earlier," Gabi mentioned and I shook my head. "Nah, the last nurse I let in my house happened to be my ex-girlfriend and I was still madly in love with her." I joked and Gabi laughed, "Do you have any more of those?" I shook my head with a grin. "Nope. There's only one."

Friday, May 22nd, 2015

Troy's POV

"Troy," Gabi snapped at me because I wasn't paying any attention. I hadn't given her any attention all week. My head had been so clouded over and so fuzzy. I was still so fucking pissed off about Coach Beck that I couldn't give my girlfriend the attention she deserved. "I'm sorry," I admitted to her. "I just have been worried about football and everything coming up." I explained and she just rolled her eyes as she stood up and dusted the sand off her legs.

"Whatever, I am going to head home." I wanted to protest but I didn't have it inside of me to protest. "Gabi," she turned to face me as I stayed seated but she looked down at me, "What?" I gave her a tiny half smile, "I love you. I'm sorry that I haven't been at my best this week. It's all just coming really quickly and I'm nervous." I explained not giving her the real reason. She just sighed, "I know, Troy, I just know we only have so much time left with each other before you go to UNC. I'm already working two jobs."

I nodded, "I know. I will try harder tomorrow. I love you," I repeated and she smiled, "I love you, too." She walked off to her car as I sat in the sand as the waves rolled onto the beach. I chewed on my lip as I tried to figure out how I was going to go show up at UNC. I just had to work harder. That's all.

My phone buzzed next to me and I looked at it confused, unknown number, I finally picked it up and I answered it. "Hello?"

"Troy? This is Coach Williams from Alabama." I balked, "Hi, Coach Williams. How are you?" I said as I sat up a little straighter, "I'm good, son, I heard about your conversation with Coach Beck. Dumb of him to do that. You are a promising quarterback. Our 2nd string quarterback had a career ending knee injury at practice the other day and we are in need of another quarterback. Coach Beck mentioned that he was letting you out of your signed paperwork if you wanted out."

"Yes," I said quickly. "Yes, I do."

"Do you want to be an Alabama football player?" he asked, "Yes," it shot out of my mouth before I could think of anything else. I did want to be an Alabama quarterback. I did want to show Coach Beck that he was a fucking idiot. "Good, it's exactly what I want to hear. I'll get you set up with everything here. I will be in touch tomorrow. Sign the paperwork with Coach Beck and then we will get you in an Alabama uniform. Roll tide, son,"

The conversation ended and I dropped my phone in utter disbelief of that entire conversation. It then hit me.

Gabi.

I closed my eyes tightly as I shook my head back and forth. I was going to have to leave Gabi.

The tears welled in my eyes.

The pain hit my chest.

I almost couldn't breathe.

I was going to have to fucking leave the love of my life.

My eyes were blurry as I stared out at the beach with the seagrass blowing in the wind as the tears rolled down my face. She didn't need this life. She didn't need to worry about me. We were going to go separate ways and I knew she would do big things but I couldn't let her go. I just…I loved her so damn much.

Happy Sunday! I hope you all enjoyed! Sorry for the later update, I worked last night and slept all day today before I go back to work tonight. I truly meant to have it up yesterday but it's been a crazy week!

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Next Update: December 12th