Chapter 6

By the look on her face, I could tell I wasn't going to like what was coming. Even though I was aware of this I said, "Yeah, Gabi? Is everything all right?"

"Troy..um. Last year, my dad died from cancer. He had the same kind as your father." I didn't know what to say. I was so dumbfounded. Good thing she spoke again, so I didn't have to.

"That's why my mom and I moved out here. To get away from it all." She was starting to cry.

"I thought your mom's business company transferred her out here." I said feeling confused.

"That was just our cover up. She said if we ignored it, it would go away. But you know what, Troy? It hasn't! Its just gotten worse and worse." By now she was bawling. I wrapped my arms around her.

"It's gonna be OK." I reassured her.

"No it isn't," she cried. "If I keep putting thinking of my dad off its going to seriously hurt me. I just wish I had someone I could talk to."

"Gabi, you know you can talk to me about anything. I wont mind. I promise." I looked right into her eyes. She looked sad and lonely.

"No. You have your own problems and I've got mine. That's the way it's gotta be."

"Gabs, I can tell your hiding something from me." I was worried about her. She got up and walked over by the wall to hide her face.

"Troy, since I found out my dad had cancer I have been cutting myself." Again, Gabi had me at a loss of words. I racked my brain to find something to say to my girlfriend.

"Does anyone else know?" My voice cracked.

"Well, my dad found the knife I use, but I begged him not to tell. I don't think he did. He made me swear I wouldn't do it again or I would have to go to a psychologist. I don't want that." Her words my dad found the knife I use made me want to cry. I kept telling myself to be strong for her. She needs me.

"Woah. Uhh...Gabi I don't know what to say." I could feel the tears brimming my eyelids.

"Troy, can I have a hug?" I walked over to her and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"Thanks for telling me. I'm very proud of you." I told her and I meant it. I've read in a book somewhere that it is really hard for a cutter to admit her actions. I swallowed the lump in my throat and told her, "Gabi, I love you. You know that right?" I held her close to me.

"I love you too, Troy." She told me as a tear escaped from her eye. I wiped it off with my finger and gently kissed her.

We talked about school, the gang, our thoughts, and problems. I felt closer to her than ever. When I looked at the clock on her wall it read 9:00. It's getting late. I better be going.

"Gabi. I have to go. It's getting late."

"OK."

"Bye." I whispered and turned toward the door.

"Bye, Troy." She said softly. I walked toward the car when a song popped into my head. I sang it as I drove home crying.

I was sure by now,

God, you would have reached down

and wiped our tears away

stepped in and saved the day.

But once again,

I say Amen

and it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls,

I barely hear you whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you."

And as your mercy falls,

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

and takes away.

I'll praise you in this storm,

and I will lift my hands.

You are who you are

no matter where I am.

And every tear I've cried,

you hold in your hand.

You never left my side.

And though my heart is torn,

I will praise you in this storm.

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind.

You heard my cry.

You raise me up again.

My strength is almost gone.

I cannot carry on

if I can't find you.

At that point I knew what I had to do. I called Gabi and told her I made it home safely. I ate a snack, since I didn't eat more that one-hundred calories. And then I went to bed, and for the first time in over a year I prayed. I fell asleep like the second after I finished talking to Jesus.

A/N: Thanks for all of the reviews! They were very helpful. Keep reviewin' and I'll keep updatin':) You guys have a nice day.