"Albuquerque?" Gabriella squeaked. Gabriella has done so much to forget that city. The city that brought her so many things, but destroyed it all. There was a reason she moved away, to get a fresh start.
Troy just continued to look at Gabriella, gauging for an answer, but Gabriella couldn't think of a response.
Officer Davis caught on to the dilemma and decided to break the awkward silence. "How about we come to the station, and we can take it from there."
Gabriella gulped and quickly nodded. Anything to get away from the question.
Troy examined Gabriella's silent response and was frustrated. He understood that Alberquerqe may not be her favorite place, especially because of well, him; but she had to understand that going back maybe her only option. However, he knew at that moment that it wasn't an appropriate time to try and convince her. He'd wait until they were at the station.
By the time the four of them reached the station, Rosie had fallen asleep. Gabriella continued to hold Rosie while stroking her hair. The day, barely even reaching 2 P.M. had already drained Gabriella. Admittedly, the police station was the last place she wanted to be. In fact, Gabriella wanted to be alone for just one night. Not Troy, not Rosie, definitely not James. She just wanted time to breathe just for one fucking second, but she was ashamed for wanting that luxury.
Troy nudged her awake after a good couple of minutes. "We need to talk," Troy stated.
Gabriella's heart was beating fast that she was almost certain that Rosie could hear little thumps against her ears.
"Yeah?" Gabriella breathed.
"Seriously though, how about going back home?" Troy asked again.
"I don't know Troy." Gabriella admittedly sighed.
Troy turned his full body to Gabriella. "Why not? I talked to my parents about it and they said they were cool with us staying with them for a while."
"No," Gabriella stated.
"Gabriella for Christ's sake give me a reason." Troy bit out.
Gabriella had reached her breaking point. "Well, Troy there's a number of reasons. Mainly though, I don't want to count on your parents to house me and Rosie. Maybe we can go to Alberquerque, but I can't stay in your parents' home. I won't bother them."\
"Gabriella, you and Rosie are not a bother. They love you and I'm sure they'll love Rosie too, it'll be great with the three of us. We'll figure it out." Troy said trying to convince Gabriella, feeling slightly angered about her point.
Gabriella took a deep breath before saying this next. "Troy. You have to understand, you are not Rosie's father. You don't have to watch out for us. And honestly, I think it is a good idea to go back to Alberquerque, but you, not me and Rosie. I didn't even want you involved in this situation in the first place." Gabriella admitted.
Troy's could count on one hand at the times he's been mad at Gabriella, but this. This broke him.
"Gabriella, I never said I was Rosie's father. But I thought it was obvious that I care about you both. So much. I-I love you guys." Troy admitted, causing Gabriella to settle her gaze not knowing what to say. She assumed that Troy did care about her and Rosie a lot, but it wasn't like they were together again. Gabriella didn't think that bridge could fully be repaired.
"I-I don't know what to say, Troy," Gabriella whispered looking away from Troy.
Troy couldn't help but feel gutted. Had the last couple of weeks not meant anything to her? He wanted to be a part of their lives as more than a friend, but as someone who will protect them. However, Troy knew that this whole ordeal wasn't about him. It was about Gabriella and Rosie's safety. "Okay, I understand," Troy whispered. "How about going to your mom's place, instead?"
Gabriella continued to look away examining the impossibility. She finally encouraged herself to look at Troy.
"Troy, my mom doesn't know that Rosie even exists" Gabriella admitted teary eyes and watched as Troy's eyes widened and his body slacked not knowing how to respond.
