Floor 6
...
"Brie."
Gabriella rolled her eyes as she turned her iPod off and removed her earphones. Though two weeks had passed since the bathroom incident, she still didn't feel prepared enough to carry a conversation with Troy. Many days, she opted to either hang out in the student commons at her university or visit Dave or Kelsi, often times choosing to spend the night in the latter's dorm. But today, she'd resolved to stay home and work on her psychology project, as she desperately needed to get her laundry done and do her share of the cleaning. Besides, she didn't want Troy to think she'd completely moved out.
"What?" her voice was sharp as she raised her head to face her roommate.
"This is getting ridiculous." Shaking his head, Troy knelt beside her chair.
"I gave you my share of the rent yesterday," she said flatly. "And you've had a peek of my boobs. What more do you want?"
"Listen. It's not a big deal. Like I said before, when you live with someone, you're bound to see them naked at one point or another. We need it just laugh it off and move on."
"Not a big deal? Troy, I was effing mortified! No one - not my mother, not my sister, not my friends - no one has ever seen my boobs. Ever."
"I'm sorry, Brie. It was an accident."
"Oh, and staring at my chest when my dress was wet was an accident, too?"
He shifted his gaze to the floor.
"And what about the other times I saw you checking me out? I might not have called you out on it, but I sure as hell noticed."
"Alright, I admit I did screw up there. But the whole bathroom thing was legitimately unintentional." He rubbed the back of his neck.
Letting out a sigh, she rose from her seat and climbed into the loft, where she nestled beneath her covers.
"Brie?" He followed her path, resting beside her on his stomach and rubbing her back.
"I...I don't know what to think, Troy."
"Hey, I have a chest, too, you know. Sure, yours is a little puffier, but it's still just a chest."
Gabriella fought to hold in laughter. Despite that she was angry with Troy, she couldn't help but find it strangely amusing that, out of all things, he'd chosen to describe her breasts as "puffy." She wasn't sure if she should take it as an offense or as a compliment.
"What?"
"You ass." She turned away, struggling to hide her face.
"Are you...smiling?"
Not being able to suppress it any longer, she let out a giggle. "Oh, Troy," she said.
"What did I do?"
"I have a 'puffy chest?' My gosh..." Her laughter grew louder.
"Hey, it was a for-lack-of-better-word moment. Don't make fun of me." He nudged her arm with his own.
Shaking her head, she remarked, "Well, I'd hate to see what you'd come up with if you had the time to think through more options."
"Maybe it'd be something like this." He sat up and pulled her close to him, his arms winding about her waist and his nose burrowing into her chocolate curls.
"Let me go!" She kicked about, struggling to free herself from his grasp.
His hold grew tighter. "Not a chance."
"Troy!"
"Come on, I'm not allowed to cuddle my little sister?" he asked, mocking anger as he relaxed his hold on her.
Gabriella silently chewed on her lip. She had a boyfriend now. Was it honest to let another man smother her?
"Hey, what's wrong? I thought you forgave me already." He pushed a stray curl behind her ear.
"I did...I guess..." she admitted, taking a deep breath. "But the thing is..."
"Is what?"
Fidgeting, she struggled inwardly to find the best way to break her updated relationship status to Troy. "Well..."
"You know you can tell me anything, right?" he ventured softly, caressing her arm. "I'm not here to judge you."
She gave a slight nod as she touched the charm on her necklace. "Well...I...I'm dating Dave." Her mocha eyes lifted to face his cerulean ones. "As in, I'm his girlfriend."
"Oh." Disappointment was prominent in his voice. He gingerly drew his arms away from Gabriella, a forced smile appearing upon his clouded face. Rubbing the back of his neck, he added, "Congratulations, Brie."
"You don't sound happy."
"I'm just concerned. I mean, after you said he got drunk at that party, he sorta sounded reckless to me. And being your big brother, it's my job to protect you from getting hurt."
She rolled her eyes. "Nothing like that is gonna happen. Dave's a sweet guy, he cares about me, and he's even cool with me skipping out on parties. It'll work out fine."
He sighed and shook his head. "If you say so."
"I know so."
"Well, then." He draped his arms around her shoulders.
Tense silence washed over the pair. For the longest time, neither of them spoke a word.
"I gotta go finish my project," Gabriella finally said, shrugging off Troy's touch.
"You don't wanna bring it up here and sit with me while I do some research?"
She shrugged and got down from the loft. "I think it would be better for me to work alone. I'm way behind on all this crap as it is." Plopping into her chair, she put her earphones in.
"Oh wait, Brie."
Letting out a sigh, she turned her music off. "What now?"
"My birthday's in a couple weeks, and I was wondering if it would be okay if my brother and his girlfriend stayed here for a few days. They really wanna come up for my party."
"And where's this party gonna be held?" She glared at him.
"Not here," he assured. "I'm renting out a spot in a hotel. I would invite you, but since you're a baby-"
"I'm not a baby! Gosh dammit, Troy."
"Well, you're too young for alcohol, aren't you?"
"I had some at the frat party."
"You naughty little girl." He smirked.
"Troy Bolton!"
"Just kidding. But it was kinda badass to do that. And illegal."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm still alive, though."
"Whatever." Grabbing his laptop, he settled against a pillow. "But getting back to our original topic, what do you think about my brother and his girlfriend visiting?"
"I don't know...I'd feel kinda weird staying in here with a second guy. And being a couple, what if they decide to do stuff?"
He chuckled. "Hell no, I'd kick them out if they even tried."
"Well, where were you planning to put everyone? There's only so much room in this tiny place."
"I was thinking that I could let them have my mattress, then we could share yours."
"Uh..."
"We don't have to snuggle or anything," he quickly assured. "I know it would probably be a little weird for that to happen since you have a boyfriend now. It would just be sleeping. We could even use separate blankets."
"You wish."
"Come on, Brie. I'm serious."
"How long would this visit last?"
"Just for a long weekend. They'd get here the Thursday before my birthday and be gone by Monday night."
Gabriella bit her lip, considering the request.
"My birthday's on the eighteenth," he continued. "So they'd come the seventeenth and leave the twenty-first."
"I don't know. I mean, I have my effing midterms then. I'm not sure that I wanna deal with extra people in the house. Why can't they find a hotel?"
"They just moved in together. Money's a problem for them right now."
She inwardly groaned. "I really don't know. You're stretching my damn limits here."
"Please, Brie? He's my brother. Besides, we'll be out of the house most of the time; he likes to get around when he visits me. And you'll get along with his girlfriend. She's real sweet."
"Here. I'll make you a deal. If you bring them here, then I get to have my best friend stay for a week over the Christmas break."
"Is this something I'm gonna regret agreeing to?" Troy eyed his roommate suspiciously.
"No! Sharpay's a fun person. I think you'd like her."
"Do you swear on that one?"
"To hell and back."
"Those are strong words, little sister. Strong words," he remarked with a smile.
"But I'm telling the truth!" She put on an irresistible pout and crossed her arms over her chest.
He let out a deep sigh. "Fine, then. It's a deal."
...
The date of the guests' arrival came quickly. Due to the busy week of midterm exams, Troy and Gabriella hadn't found enough time to properly tidy the cluttered apartment. There were still used paper plates scattered about, balled up socks behind the couch, and a stain of cherry coke beside the TV - all of which they were trying to take care of in the half hour prior to the newcomers' arrival.
"Ugh, fuck this shit," Gabriella cursed, rubbing carpet cleaner on the tainted floor. "Who's bright idea was it to bring soda out here?"
"Not mine," Troy replied, shaking his head. He was tossing socks into the laundry basket.
She cursed again, but this time under her breath. The color was hardly lifting.
"Uh...Brie..."
"What?"
"I'm pretty sure this is yours."
Gabriella lifted her head to see him pinching the strap of a lacy bra between two fingers, the remainder of the garment dangling above the ground. "Oh." She stood up. "Give it to me."
"Woah, this thing's tiny," he remarked as he examined the lingerie.
Slouching, she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "Just hand it over."
"Fine." He tossed her the garment.
She walked over to the dresser. After shoving her bra into a drawer, she resumed her duty of scrubbing the carpet.
"Oh, Brie."
"Yeah?"
"I've been thinking...I know there's gonna be alcohol at my party tomorrow and all, but I'd hate for you to miss out. So if you wanna come, you're invited. I'll even buy you your own cherry coke since you're a baby and-"
"Shut the hell up!" She threw a soiled paper towel in his face.
"You don't have to come if you don't want to. I just thought I'd make the offer." He shrugged.
"I'll come, but I just wish you'd stop calling me a damn baby."
"That's what you are." He snuck up behind Gabriella and poked her side.
"Troy!" she scolded, turning around to slap his hand.
"Hey, that's not nice."
"Well, I don't give a crap." She stuck her tongue out.
"I know you don't, you little rebel. Now come help me get the mattresses ready. I'll work on the stain with you when we're done."
"Okay." Relieved to have a break from her duty, she helped grab the freshly washed bedding and followed him up to the loft. "So...how are we doing this?"
"I thought the company could have my bedding, then I'll use the extra blanket and you can have your duvet. Then, I was thinking maybe we could sort of make our own little spaces here so it won't be too awkward sharing."
"Sounds fair." After assisting her roommate in setting up the guests' bed, Gabriella arranged her pile of pillows to fit into the corner closest to the wall. Her duvet lay folded in two on top of the crisp sheets, her bear resting on top of it. On Troy's half, she placed his single pillow near the rail. The throw blanket that was usually slung over the back of the couch sat beneath it. "Hey, how does this look?"
He lifted his head from his spot beside the carpet stain, which he had volunteered to start working on again while she finished preparing the beds. "Good."
"Great, then." She descended the stairs. "The only thing I need to ask you to do is to please wear a damn shirt to bed. I don't wanna sleep beside a half-naked man."
"I think I can manage that," he chucked.
Knock, knock!
"That must be them." Troy jumped up and rushed to greet his guests. "Mike!" He gave his brother a fist pump. "Come on in and check out my place. You, too, Allie."
Gabriella looked at the newcomers curiously. There was no doubt that Mike was related to Troy; they both shared the same muscular build, the same hair, and the same striking blue eyes. However, Mike was noticeably taller than his younger brother. In regards to Allie, she was also tall, reaching up to her boyfriend's shoulder in height. Her shoulder-length blonde curls lay loose and her soft features were accented with a coating of complimentary make-up. To Gabriella's relief, there were no apparent signs of them being unruly.
"So...this is my roommate, crazy little sister, best girl friend...whatever you wanna call her," Troy introduced. As he approached Gabriella, he wrapped an arm around her waist. "Her name's Gabriella, but I just use Brie for short. She also goes by Gabi. Brie, meet my brother Mike and his girlfriend, Allie."
Shrugging off Troy's touch, Gabriella smiled politely and shook both Mike and Allie's hands. "Sorry about the crap in here," she apologized. "We're messy."
"Yeah, someone decided to bring a full bottle of cherry coke out here." Troy nudged his roommate.
"I can tell," Mike observed, staring at the conspicuous mark on the floor. "You'd better hide that from the landlord," he added with a chuckle.
"If we can't get it out, I'm blaming her." Troy playfully tugged Gabriella's ponytail.
"You will not!" came the brunette's protest.
"See?" Troy said, addressing his brother. "I told you she was a feisty one."
"Well, now I see what you mean." Mike smiled. "But I'm sure you guys have a lot of fun. I mean that in the most platonic way possible, just to make things clear."
"We've had our ups and downs," Troy responded. "But we're managing. Right, Brie?"
Gabriella nodded.
"So anyway, Mike, do you want some help unloading your car?" offered Troy.
"Sure, bro." The oldest Bolton then turned to his girlfriend. "Allie, you can stay here and hang with Gabi. Troy and I will be back soon."
"Alright," Allie agreed.
"Here, come sit down," Gabriella invited, shoving the leftover things off the couch.
"Thanks." Giving Gabriella a warm smile, Allie plopped down onto one of the cushions.
"I'll go get some stuff to drink. Do you like cherry coke?"
"No. I'm actually a dietician and personal trainer, so I'm a bit of a health nut. I just thought I'd throw that out there now so you'd have a fair warning about my pickiness. But a glass of ice water would be nice."
"Okey-dokey." Gabriella headed to the kitchen, returning a moment later with a cup in her hand. "Here you go."
"Thanks." Leaning forward, Allie accepted the glass. After taking a few sips from it, she placed it on the coffee table. "So, what are you doing? Are you in school, are you working..."
Sitting down, Gabriella answered, "I'm in school for psychology. It's my first semester, so I guess I'll kind of be stuck there for a hell of a long time."
"It'll go faster than you think. I just graduated two years ago, and to be honest, I actually miss it. It's nice having all the vacation time and such that comes with being a student."
"I'd rather be a bum and not do anything at anytime. A lifetime of TV and junk food? Yes, please."
"Tell me you and Troy have at least something healthy in here." Allie gritted her teeth.
"Uh...maybe. I'm not actually sure. Like I said, we're messy."
"I can help you get things organized while I'm here. That is, if you want."
"Sure! That would be pretty damn awesome. I have midterms this week, so it's kind of crazy right now."
"Perfect. I'll get started while you're gone tomorrow, then."
Just then, a clunking sound was heard at the door. "Can you let us in, Brie?" Troy's voice called.
"Coming!" Hopping up, Gabriella sprinted over to let the two men in. Both of them had their hands packed with luggage.
"Okay," Troy began, setting down his share of the packages. "As you guys can probably tell, the setup in here is kinda tight. But I think Brie and I worked everything out. We have both our mattresses up on the loft; you guys can share mine, which is the one in the back, and I'll share with Brie."
"Sounds like a plan." Mike added his things to the pile.
"Hey, Troy," Gabriella broke in. "I gotta go to the library for a while. I need to finish up a little bit of studying for my bio test tomorrow." She twirled her key ring on her finger. "Then I'm gonna go out for ice cream with Dave."
"You aren't sticking around for dinner?" Troy said.
"I was just gonna pick something up on my way and eat while I worked."
"Oh. Well, good luck, then."
"If there is such a thing when it comes to tests." Sighing, she stepped around the luggage and made her way to the door. "See you guys all later. Bye!"
A chorus of good-byes echoed after her as she left the apartment. Mike and Allie seemed nice enough to her; the only problem she had was the latter's health freak tendencies, but she could certainly live with that for a few days. The solitary worry she had now was getting through her biology exam.
Now that would be a challenge.