"I'm so sorry Troy."

"Gabs, calm down. We were just caught in the moment. Friends do that sometimes."

"Yeah…friends. I'm just sorry that it happened after you told me all that." I wasn't mad that it happened though. I was upset that I waited this long to kiss him and I was even more upset that he just said we were friends again. I should've known that though. He had already said he wanted me to be with Derek, so I don't know I would think it would be any different.

"C'mon Gabs, don't be sad. I understand. It was an emotional moment. I even kissed back. We're both vulnerable right now." He was trying to make me feel better, but I was only feeling worse. I decided to just fake it though. I didn't want to talk about this after all he's going through right now.

"You're right Troy." I tried to give him the biggest smile I could fake. It must've worked because he smiled back. "I still mean it. I'll always be here. Forever and always as one of your best friends." Sadly, I had finally realized I wanted more." He pulled me in for a hug and I felt my smile drop just a little bit. I did not know how long I could keep this up.

"Thanks Brie." He kissed the top of my head and I closed my eyes savoring this moment. His phone started ringing and he pulled away. "I'm sorry I have to take this."

"It's cool. I think I'm going to run up and take a quick shower and change if that's okay."

"Yeah that's fine. I'll probably do the same." He picked up the phone and told the other person to hang on. "Are you coming back?"

"Yeah, just text me when you get out the shower." He immediately started smiling.

"Okay, see you then." I waved bye as I saw him start talking to whomever was on the phone. He immediately looked serious and I hoped he didn't have another angry outburst when I got back.

I walked out and got on the elevator. I must have looked crazy in a dress and some Nike slides so early in the morning. I felt horrible now. I had kissed Troy and I had just met Derek's parents. Derek was perfect and so was his family. I could see us having kids and living this perfect life, but with Troy…life seemed so much brighter. I could see the gang getting together and having barbecues while our kids ran around. The atmosphere would be much lighter. With Derek, everything was too perfect and just…stiff. I didn't want that for the rest of my life. I know I'm young and can have fun dating. But what's the point in dating someone when you know you don't see a future with them?

I got off the elevator and went straight to my room. Thankfully, nobody was in the living room so I was secretly hoping they were all sleeping. I quickly got in the shower and tried to let the water wash away all my worries. I didn't know what to do now. I would worry about Troy later. I had cheated on Derek and didn't know whether to tell him or to just break up with him. Either way, I was pretty sure I would be single after all this.

After the shower, I decided to just put on a NYC sweatshirt and some gym shorts since I was sure I wouldn't be going anywhere today. I would probably just stay with Troy. Thankfully, there wasn't much to be done for school this week. When I came out the bathroom, Chad was sitting on my bed. He had his hands over his eyes.

"Thankfully I have on clothes."

"Oh thank God. I didn't want to see my little sis like that, so I had my eyes closed just in case."

"What's up Chad?"

"You tell me." I really looked in Chad's eyes and I didn't see concern, but I saw curiosity.

"You know don't you? He said it meant nothing and you already know!"

"Gabs calm down unless you want Taylor to know." I immediately got quiet because I didn't feel like explaining myself to the girls.

"Why did he tell you if it meant nothing?"

"Why do you think he told me? C'mon Gabs. He likes him and obviously you like him. This is why Barbie and I say yall are the dumbest, smartest people we know. Everyone can see it. Even Derek was jealous of Troy because he saw it." I listened to everything Chad said and I didn't want to tell him anything because I know it would get back to Troy, but I really wanted to talk to him or I would explode.

"I told Tay a while ago that I might have feelings for Troy, but I was figuring them out. One night, Troy and I were talking and I thought that I liked him. In a split second, I had decided that I would stop talking to Derek and see if there was something between Troy and I. I thought he was worth it until he told me he only saw me as a friend. So I spent time away from him and got with Derek. Now I'm realizing Derek was only a big distraction. I liked Troy all along. I was too blinded by friendship." I was beginning to hate the word friendship.

"He told you he only saw you as a friend?"

"Well not those exact words, but he told me he hoped everything worked out with us. He even told Derek that there was nothing between us and he should go ahead and ask him." Chad shook his head.

"The dude is a fucking idiot sometimes and that's crazy since usually I'm the slow one." I giggled a little. I walked over and laid my head on Chad's shoulder.

"What do I do Chad?"

"You need to be sure that he's worth it. I gave Troy the same advice, but he definitely took it the wrong way. You're not risking a friendship. A relationship is a better friendship, but with more arguments about dumb stuff. Once you're sure, you need to talk to Troy and break up with Derek."

"Easier said than done." I started pouting and Chad laughed.

"I'm happy you aren't doing this around Troy. He wouldn't be able to resist." I started laughing. "You're right. He's a big softie. Hey, I have a question."

"Go ahead."

"What's going on with Troy and Jennifer?" Chad smirked.

"Just talk to him Gabs."

"Chad?"

"Yeah?"

"I hate you." I hit him and he immediately started laughing.

"You love me Gabster." My phone started ringing and I picked it up.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm good Troy. I'm guessing you are out the shower."

"Yeah, I text you and told you. I guess you didn't get it."

"Sorry, I haven't been looking at my phone. I was talking to Chad. Guess I'll come down now." I got up and Chad got him saying to wait for him. "Uh, I guess Chad is coming too. Probably to take a shower."

"Okay that's cool. Take your time. Hey, you actually want to meet at the spot in about 10 minutes? Kind of need some fresh air."

"Uh sure. See you then." I hung up and told Chad to just go on without me. I figured they wanted a couple minutes of guy time.

I decided to call Derek. I didn't know what I was going to do about our situation, but I did want to let him know I was okay since I hadn't responded to his calls.

"Hey Gabs, I haven't scared you away with the parents, have I?

"No. I'm sorry. My friends had a lot going on yesterday, so I've been with them just making sure everything was okay. Then my phone died, so that made it even worse." I refrained from saying Troy in case that started an argument.

"It's okay. I'm glad you're okay though. Just thought I had did something to freak you out."

"No…you're too good to me to even do anything wrong."

"You're perfect too Gabs." For once, I wanted him to be offended by the word perfect. I know I was.

"I'm far from it." He didn't know how true that was.

"You put too much pressure on yourself Gabs. I'm happy to be with you. Just let me know when you're free though. You can go back to your friends. I know how close you all are, so I understand you not texting."

"Thanks for understanding. I'll talk to you later."

See ya later Gabs." I hung up the call and got a text from Troy saying he was heading up to the roof. I text him and said I was coming. I put on my sneakers and grabbed my phone, wallet, and my keys. When I walked out, the girls were waiting for him.

"I have to go talk to Troy, but how about we have a girl's night tonight and I talk about all my problems? Say around 8?" They just nodded and I gave them all a hug. I hugged Taylor a little longer since I knew she had heard Troy yelling. She was probably scared like I was. "I love you guys. He'll be okay. I promise."

"Love ya too Gabs." They all said. I walked out waving goodbye one more time. I found myself smiling the closer and closer I got to the top. I realized I was getting hungry though especially listening to my stomach growl. I hope Troy wants to get something to eat. As I got to the top, I smiled.

"I swear you read my mind sometimes." Troy turned around and smiled. Thankfully, he was in sweats too or I would've felt lazy. He had a blanket and pillows laid out with some pizza from this awesome place down the block. I smelled it through the air and I immediately felt my mouth start salivating.

"I got hungry. I figured you would be too. That's why I told you to wait because I had ordered a pizza. Pepperoni and pineapples, your favorite." I sat down and opened the box and saw a couple slices were open. I looked up at Troy and he shook his head.

"That was all Chad. I tried to fight him off, but that boy doesn't play about his food." I shrugged and grabbed a slice. Troy handed me a water and we ate in silence for a little bit. Eventually I started the conversation back up.

"Have you talked to your family?"

"Yeah. They are talking about putting him into a facility where he can get some serious help. He is on a psych hold right now which they can do since he put people in danger then afterwards, they will decide what to do."

"That's really good news that he is finally getting help."

"It is. I don't trust him, but I am hopeful that he can get help and try to be somewhat like his old self."

"Yeah. I don't know him that well, but I hope so too."

"Do you mind if we talk about something else? I don't mind asking your questions, but I kind of want to get my mind off of it." I guess this is a good time.

"I do have a question. You can't get mad though."

"Okay, what is it? I doubt I'll get mad."

"What's going on with you and Jennifer? You never told me about her." Troy started laughing and shook his head.

"I meant it when I said she is just a friend. Nothing more. Are you jealous?" I blushed.

"Well a little bit. I was the other day. I wanted to hang out and you said you were with her, so I was a little upset I guess."

"Aw dang, I'm sorry Brie." He got up and grabbed a gift bag that I hadn't noticed and handed it to me.

"What's this?" I smiled. I loved surprises.

"I know your birthday is in a couple of days and I needed Jennifer to help me with a gift. I know I could've asked Taylor and the girls, but I figured they would tell."

"Troy even I forgot my birthday, so I'm surprised you did." I opened the bag and pulled out a yellow long sleeved shirt with my initials on the front in the corner. On the back was the quote by Maya Angelou saying, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel"." I smiled because I had told Troy about that being one of the reasons I wanted to be a nurse. That quote inspired me every day. I jumped onto of him hugging and he laughed.

"I'm happy you liked it, but there was something else." I looked inside again and saw a small box. When I opened it, it had a gold necklace inside that said Brie and a stethoscope was at the end of my name. I got teary eyed. "Jennifer had told me about this place that monogrammed different items, so I took her along with me to make sure everything looked okay. She will never take your place. She doesn't even come close." I smiled and kissed Troy on the cheek, and that's when I realized I was sure. Troy was worth the risk.

"Troy…we need to talk." It was now or never.

Troyella is coming soon! Hope you guys liked it. Please review. I'll update when I can.