Chapter 2. Always There For Me

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"Mind if I join you?" Gabriella asked as she walked up to Troy who was behind the grocery store where he was working. He had taken up the job of unloading boxes to help out his mom with the expenses.

"Not at all. I'm just about done for today." Troy said loading a few boxes onto the cart.

"That's good cause I was hoping to walk you home." Gabriella said sitting down on a crate.

"So, how's the Scholastic Team coming along?" Troy asked unloading a few more boxes.

"Great. We're almost ready for our next tournament. How's basketball this season?"

"Ok. It's not the same with a new coach. He called me Chad, and Chad Zeke!" Troy said in mock anger. Gabriella just laughed.

"So what did he call Zeke?" Gabriella asked still laughing.

Troy closed his eyes trying to hold back the laughter. "He got the name charts mixed up. He called Zeke Sharpay."

At that both Gabriella and Troy laughed so hard their sides started to hurt.

"At least we all have a new nickname for him now!" Troy said wiping his eyes.

"Bolton, you can leave now!" the manager shouted from inside the store.

"Thanks, Mr. Williams!" Troy shouted back before taking Gabriella's hand.

Instead of walking in the direction of Troy's house, Troy lead Gabriella to a small park not to far from the school.

"Why did we come here?" Gabriella asked once they arrived at the park.

"Just thought it would be a nice change from my house. Plus, my mom has to work late." Troy said sitting down on a bench.

The park was small, but peaceful. There was a small pond in the middle with ducks swimming in it and running around it.

"Your right. It is a nice change. But I wish you'd just come on out with the real reason we came here." Gabriella said smiling.

Troy just shook his head. He ought to have learned by now that nothing gets past Gabriella.

"I just don't know what to anymore. In just a few days my life did a complete turn around and there's nothing I can do about it!"Troy half shouted.

He then put his head on her shoulder as she put her arms around him.

"I know things look bad at the moment. But just hang in there. Everything's gonna be ok. You'll see." Gabriella said softly as she rubbed his shoulder.

"That's what I keep telling myself. I know it's true, but sometimes it's just so hard to believe it." Troy said sadly.

Gabriella could hear his voice breaking up and knew he was on the verge of tears. She looked around and was pleased to find that no one was in seeing distance of them. She knew that the last thing Troy wanted was for someone at school to find out that Troy Bolton, the best basketball player at school, cries. Gabriella leaned down and softly kissed just above his forehead as tears started to roll down his cheeks. She put her head on his and together they sat there watching the sun fall behind the tree line and being grateful for one another's

company.

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After about half an hour Troy sat up and took Gabriella's hand. He smiled gratefully at her as she reached up and wiped away the remaining tears. Troy then leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. She took that as a thank you. They then got up and walked silently home, hand in hand.

When they got to Troy's porch, Troy pulled Gabriella into a long hug.

"Thanks." he whispered into her ear.

"Don't mention it. Just remember that anytime you want to talk, even if it's in the middle of the night, don't hesitate to call. Ok?" Gabriella said pulling away.

"Ok." Troy said smiling before going inside.

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That night around midnight, Gabriella was awoken by her cell phone ringing. At first she wondered who would call her so late. But when she saw the number she remembered what she had told Troy earlier that day.

"Hello, Troy." Gabriella answered smiling.

"He's back."