This is gonna be a long A/N you can ignore it if you want, but just read it please? I promise my next one won't be as long. Lol. Anyway, I just barely checked my email today, and I saw that I received 10 PM's so sorry that I didn't reply to them. I just didn't know that anyone would PM me. And, I won't reply to them now either. They were sent long ago. So apologies. :) But if you PM me, nowadays, I'll be sure to respond. I promise.
Anyway, I'm also sorry for not putting this chapter up on last Thursday like I promised. I know it's been about 13 days since I last updated, but it's just that I have so much to do. I have tests coming up, and I'm kind of behind on homework already! It's so not cool. Plus, I kinda had a smidge of writer's block before. But I got over it. No worries about that. And, guess what? This chapter is the longest one ever. It was 4500+ words! Whoo!
Last, I think that I'll probably update twice a week from now on, or whenever if I don't have homework, I'll update on those days too. But it might take longer since these next chapters will be longer. ;) Okay, okay. The boring, and long A/N is now over. So here's the next chapter, I hope you guy enjoy it. Doesn't the title sound interesting? Releasing the Pain, any guesses? Hah, you don't have to. Just read it. :)
Who's That Girl
Chapter 7- Releasing The Pain
Gabriella's POV-
"Maybe it's because life's full of changes, Gabriella. Whether they're just simple ones, or the extremely complex ones, you've got to face them all." I lifted my head up to see who was talking to me. I was very surprised, when I realized that I got a response from the one person I had least expected to see standing there.
"Mrs. Darbus? What are you doing here?" I asked, wide eyed.
"Nevermind that. The better question is why are you here, and about to cry, might I add?" She asked, placing a hand on my shoulder, as I looked up at her.
"Oh, umm I was just…" I started, but I got cut off by her.
"Lying? Yes, I know that part Miss Montez. But what why are you sitting here, alone, in the middle of the evening, close to tears?" She asked.
"It's nothing really. You don't have to worry about it. I can handle it on my own." I said, forcing a small smile on my lips. She sighed.
"Gabriella, you know that as an educator, I'm supposed to help my students right?" She looked at me, waiting for an answer. I did a quick head nod as a tear made its way down my face. I quickly wiped it away. Her eyes and face were now both filled with concern. "And, as a person, I'm supposed to care for my loved ones, even if they are just students, who hang out with those ignorant basketball players." I smiled slightly.
"I know Ms. Darbus, I know." I replied assuringly.
"Very well Miss Montez, but remember, if you ever need anything, just inform me, or one of the many of care about you." She began. "Plus, I'm sure that Troy and his basketball posse will be there for you too, if they can tear away from their mad dunking." She said softly. She winked, and started to walk away.
"Mrs. Darbus?" I called out after her. She stopped, and turned her head slightly towards my way.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you." I replied. She smiled.
"Anytime Gabriella. Now, isn't it time for you to head home?" She looked down at her watch that was resting on her wrist. "It is 7:00pm already." I gasped as I quickly wiped my face dry. "You're right, I've got to go now. See you tomorrow in homeroom?" I asked, getting up.
"Of course! As long as Chad doesn't bring that insignificant basketball into class, it'll be pleasant to see you all tomorrow." She stated and walked away. I turned the other way, and started to walk towards my house. Life's full of changes. Whether they're just simple ones, or the extremely complex ones, you've got to face them all. Mrs. Darbus' were ringing through my head. What she said was completely true.
"She's right, I've just got to deal with it." I said silently to myself. Suddenly, a familiar voice, started to sing. I turned around, and saw Chad starting to dance around like Corbin Bleu himself.
"Deal with it! Hooo. I ain't telling you no lie. Gi-" before he could finish, I whacked the back of his head.
"Ow! Gab! What did I tell you about hitting the mane before I'm about to finish the chorus?" he asked me. I started to laugh.
"Ha-ha. What did I tell you about singing those lame songs?" I retorted. He looked downward with a sad face.
"You, Taylor, and Sharpay told me that if I ever sang those songs, or try to impersonate Corbin, you'd whack me." He replied. I looked at him expectantly. "What?!? I thought that you girls were kidding!" I laughed.
"Yeah, sure. Whatever. Walk me home?" he nodded. I smiled slightly.
"So, where's Jimmy?" I asked, just noticing that Chad wasn't carrying his usual companion. He started to sniffle playfully.
"Jimmy's in a better place now Gabs." He said looking down.
"You sat on him again?!?" I asked wide eyed. The last time that happened, Chad freaked out, and he wouldn't stop calling me during the night time, if he was going to be okay or not. By the time he stopped calling that night, was around 6:30am. That morning, I had these big bags under my eyes, and I looked like a zombie
"Gabs!" Chad yelled.
"What?"
"You're not listening to me are you?" he asked. I laughed.
"Nope. Sorry Chad. What were you saying?" I replied. He pretended to think for a moment.
"Ahh, I remember now. No I did not sit on Jimmy again." He paused. "He's with Jack right now. Jimmy's getting old. Jack said that it might be time for him to go to the big net in the sky!" He exclaimed, shaking his head.
"Aww, it's okay big bro. I bet Jimmy will be fine." I assured him.
"I sure hope so. Hey Gabby?" I looked over at him.
"Hmm?" I kept my eyes on my shoes.
"Are you okay?" he asked. I raised my eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"You know, bout Troy, and Mel. Plus, I overheard you blowing up on Sharpay back there." He said, his voice filled with concern. "And I know that my little sis does not blow up like that for no reason. Is there something you wanna tell me?" I started to take longer and faster strides while muttering a quick "No". He quickened his pace, and caught up with me.
"You'll have to tell me sometime." he stated. I shook my head.
"Gabriella. Just tell me, are you okay? What are you feeling right now? You can't keep it all bottled up inside you." I took a deep breath, and let it out as I stopped walking.
"Actually, I don't really know." I said in a small voice, tearing up. He stopped, and stood beside me.
"Ga-" he started, but I cut him off.
"You know what? Chad, just leave it." And with that, I ran off to my house leaving a confused Chad behind.
I finally arrived at my house. I took out my house key, and opened the door. When I went inside, nobody was there. I was extremely glad, that there won't be anyone to ask about my tears, but somewhat worried that nobody was home. I started to look around, as my eyes reached a small post it on the coffee table. I scanned the note, and sighed out of relief.
"Gabi,
Our family was invited out to dinner with the Evan's, and some partners, regarding our business. We were waiting for you to join, but it was getting late. We won't be home until midnight. And Izzy's staying at the Bolton's until Friday. Don't worry about her. Love you, and sleep well honey!
-Mom and Dad."
I went upstairs to my room, only to hear the doorbell ring. I walked down the stairs again. I didn't even bother looking out of the peep hole. I assumed it was going to be Chad, standing right there ready to question me once again. I opened the door, looking down at my feet.
"Would you just go away Ch-" I started, but when I looked up, I was staring into emerald eyes, and blonde hair. "Damnit." I sighed deeply. "What do you want Melanie?" I spat coldly at her.
"Well, well, well, looks like the sweet caring Gabriella isn't so nice after all." She retorted with the same icy tone I had.
"Seriously, what the hell are you doing here Melanie?"
"Nothing Montez, just got back from a making out session with my guy, Troy." She replied. I scowled as I started to glare at her with cold eyes.
"Did you just come here just to tell me that shit? If you did then you could just fuck off and leave. Because right now, I'd rather not hear your intimate love life."
"No. That's not why I'm here." She replied in a 'duh' tone. I scoffed.
"Then?" I asked impatiently.
"I came here to do this." The next thing I felt was a cold hard slap on my right cheek. It was burning with pain.
"What the fuck was that for?" I asked her angrily. I was about to hit her, but I decided to be the bigger person. So I just stood there.
"That was for breaking my nail. I hate you and all of your retarded friends." She started, as she pretended to be occupied with her nails. "Especially that Sharpay girl. She's such a blonde priss. And that Chad guy? He needs a haircut, and what's with that stupid basketball he carries around? God are you and any of your friends worth Troy's precious time? He should ditch school, and spend more time with moi." Melanie spat out, glaring at me fiercely. She reached my boiling point by talking about my friends like that.
"Ughh, would you just leave you self absorbed bitch!" I yelled at her as I lift up my hand, and hit her cheek hard, leaving a big mark. "And never talk about my friends that way!" I exclaimed, as I punched her other cheek even harder than I did the other. I then slammed the door in her face, making sure I had hit her fake nose.
Melanie's POV- (5 minutes earlier)
1020, 1026, 1034 Aha. So this is where she lives. Pft, it's such a small house. And to think her parents are partners with mine. Ughh, she's poor. Wait, I hear something.
I started to walk over to the hedges, and peeked through them. There I saw the afro guy, and Gabriella talking. I crouched down behind the bushes, so they wouldn't see me. I started to look around to try to find something to focus my attention on.
Bleh. This is this soo boring. Damn that bitch better hurry up and get over here. I took a deep breath. Calm yourself down Mel. You'll get stress lines. I started to rub my forehead gently with one hand, as I looked down at my nails. Hmm, I'm in need of another pedi and mani. Better call Stace and Holly soon. Ooh, then we could go get some smoothes, and maybe ruin someone else's life. Hahaha. It'll be soo much fun after I'm done with this one. That whore won't know what hit her. Then, I'll get him to ditch his stupid friends and be with me. We'll travel the world together. And Troy will be all-.
I was brought out of my thoughts by the slam of a door. I looked over to house 1034 again, and one of the lights were now on. I quietly went over there, and looked through the window. She was reading some stupid note. When she went upstairs, I decided to make my move then. Just to make her run down again.
Hey.I'm doing her a favor. She needs some exercise. Fatty.
I heard some rattling, and the door opened. She was looking down at her feet for some reason.
"Would you just go away Ch-" she started, and she I looked up at me. "Damnit." She muttered and sighed. "What do you want Melanie?" she spat coldly at me.
"Well, well, well, looks like the sweet caring Gabriella isn't so nice after all." I retorted matching the tone she had.
"Seriously, what the hell are you doing here Melanie?" she asked.
"Nothing Montez, just got back from a making out session with my guy, Troy." I replied. She scowled as I started to glare at her with cold eyes. I inwardly smirked. This is exactly how I wanted her to respond.
"Did you just come here just to tell me that shit? If you did then you could just fuck off and leave. Because right now, I'd rather not hear your intimate love life."
"No. That's not why I'm here." I replied in a 'duh' tone.
"Then?" she asked impatiently.
"I came here to do this." I answered as I slapped her hard.
"What the fuck was that for?" She asked me angrily. I was sure that she was going to hit me back, but she just stood there. Damnit. I need to get her to hit me.
"That was for breaking my nail. I hate you and all of your retarded friends." I started, as I pretended to be occupied with my nails. "Especially that Sharpay girl. She's such a blonde priss. And that Chad guy? He needs a haircut, and what's with that stupid basketball he carries around? God are you and any of your friends worth Troy's precious time? He should ditch school, and spend more time with moi." I finished, glaring at her. I was hoping she'd do something.
"Ughh, would you just leave you self absorbed bitch!" She yelled as she lifted up her hand, and hit my cheek, leaving a big mark. "And never talk about my friends that way!" she exclaimed, as she punched my other cheek even harder. She then slammed the door in my face. She was trying to hit my nose, but my reflexes got the better of her. She missed.
I smiled inwardly. As I walked down the pathway, and got into my car. I sat in the driver's seat, and took out the tape recorder, and rewinded a little bit, and played it.
"—you self absorbed bitch! SMACK!!"
I smiled. Stupid ignorant Gabriella Montez. She just gave me exactly what I needed for my ultimate plan.
I started the engine, and drove off to my destination. Ten minutes later, I finally arrived. I parked my car, and went inside the building. I opened the door to the entrance, and smiled when I saw him.
"Hey Uncle David!" I greeted my uncle. When he saw me, he immediately stood up, and engulfed me into a huge hug.
"Ahh, how's my favorite niece doing?" he asked.
"Great! Can you help me with something?" I answered.
"Sure. Since I missed your birthday party last month, I'll do anything for you sweetie." He replied.
"Anything?" he nodded as I grinned.
"Really? Thanks Uncle David. Now let's get to work!" I exclaimed.
Gabriella's POV-
I'm at the hospital right now. We're currently sitting out in the waiting room, waiting for my dad's test results. We haven't heard or seen anything him either. After Melanie had showed up, my mom called me.
Flashback- (10 minutes ago)
After Melanie left, I went upstairs, and laid on my bed, looking up at the ceiling. I was trying to figure out why she even came here. God I couldn't believe that she just did that. How does she even know where I live? Uggh, she is such a frigging bitch. I just hope she doesn't hurt any of the others. I sighed. Oh well, might as well finish my weekend homework. I was about done with my AP Chemistry, and Math homework, when the telephone started to ring. I sighed as I got up, and took the phone off the stand, and answered it
"Hello?" I said annoyed
"Gabby? It's mom." The voice on the other end answered. I could tell that she had been sobbing.
"Oh, hey mom. What's wrong?" My voice went from annoyed, to concern right away.
"Nothing. Gabriella, could you come to the hospital right now?" she replied
"What? Why? What happened Mom? Where's dad? Is he okay? Why are you crying?" I asked worriedly
"Honey, calm down. He's fine. Just come down here, and I'll explain everything." She replied. I took a deep breath to calm myself down.
"Okay mom. I'll see you soon. Love you." I said.
"Love you too."And with that I hung up, and drove to the hospital.
End Flashback
And here we are now. I'm just glad that Izzy's at the Bolton's right now. Or else, she might have seen her mother cry. When I got here, my mom told me the whole story. Turns out after my parents ate dinner with the Evans and their other business partners, my Dad went to get the car, and some guy crashed into him. It was a hit and run accident. He just fled the scene. My dad was rushed to the hospital. We don't know anything else about my dad yet. He's still in the operating room. They wouldn't tell me or my mother anything.
I looked over at my mother. I've never seen her so down, so helpless. She's usually comforted by my father. He's the rock in our family, the strongest one. But sadly, he's not here right now. I decided to break the silence.
"Mom?" she looked up at me with sad eyes.
"I could've prevented it Gabriella. We could've taken the valet service. But I told him not to." She replied, sobbing even louder. I immediately hugged her, as tears started down my face too.
"Mom-" I started, but she cut me off. "No Gabriella. It's all my fault." She said, shaking her head. "Mom, who knows? Maybe he only has a small fracture or something. He'll be fine." I replied, trying to calm her down. Before she could reply, another voice interrupted.
"Nathan Montez?" a doctor called out. I nodded for my mom to stay, while I talked to him. I stood up, and went over to the doctor.
"How is my dad?" I asked.
"He's fine. A shard of glass pierced through his leg, but we just got it out. He's temporarily paralyzed right now, but he should recover within days of therapy." He said, smiling. I gave him a small smile back.
"Which room is he in? Can we visit him?" I asked hurriedly. He nodded.
"Your father is in room 358. And yes you may visit him. You might wanna tell your mother too. Before she floods this place out, please." He answered playfully, as he chuckled. I looked at him weirdly. Hello? My dad was just in a car accident. Do you think I want to hear your lame jokes?
I gave off a fake smile.
"Okay. Thank you." I replied, as I walked over to tell my mother the news. As soon as I did, she wiped her tears away, and walked quickly to my dad's room. I smiled slightly as I tried to catch up to her.
When I looked through the door, I saw a sweet sight in front of me. My dad was all scratched up and his leg was in a cast, and yet he was smiling brightly, and comforting my mom. She was laying beside him, laying her head on his chest. He was occasionally whispering things into her ear. I didn't want to ruin the moment, but I did want to see him. So I walked inside after five minutes of their alone time.
"Hey…" he said quietly, and he nodded to my mother, who was now asleep in his arms.
"Hi Dad. Are you okay?" I asked. He nodded.
"I'm fine. Nothing can knock Nathan Montez down, and keep him there." He replied. I giggled lightly.
"So how do you feel about the news?" he asked. I raised my eyebrows in confusion.
"What do you mean Dad? What news?"
"Didn't your mother tell you?" he questioned.
"No.. Dad, what didn't mom tell me?" I replied. He simply shook his head. I took a step closer. "Dad, tell me." He sighed.
"The dinner we went on today, we met up with the Evans?" he asked making sure we were on the right page. I nodded. "We also saw the Greens. They both have this plan to extend our business. And to do so, one of the partners have to go to New York for three months." He finished quickly.
"What does that have to do with anything? The others can go. You and mom can stay right?" I asked quietly as I sat down on one of the chairs in front of him.
"But that the thing honey. Both the Greens, and the Evans have other businesses to take care of down here, and they've asked us to go." He explained.
"What?! You guys can't go." I exclaimed shaking my head, as I was fighting back tears.
"We have to honey. It's just the business. You mother and I will leave on Saturday. We'll take Isabella with us since you have school, and you can't possibly take care of her." He stated.
"But- but can't I come with you? I really don't want to stay here by myself, Dad." I replied.
"You have to Gabi. You have school to tend to. You can't miss it for a little business trip your mom and I have to take. And you definitely can't come."
"Dad-" I started, but he wouldn't let me finish. "No Gabriella. You're staying here and that's final. We've already made the arrangements and everything."
"You can't leave Dad. I need you, Mom, and Isabella here with me." I started, as my voice was breaking, and tears threatening to fall. "Please don't leave me here on my own. I need you. You guys don't know how much I do." I pleaded.
"Gabriella-"
"It okay." I took a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears even longer. "Just go with Mom, and Izzy. Nevermind what I said. I just didn't want to be alone. Just- Ughh, I'll see you soon okay? I'm gonna go now. Sc-school tomorrow. Bye Dad." Before he could say anything, I stormed out of the room, and went straight to my car.
I just sat there for a while. Until I decided to go home. I started the car, and drove my way back home. Gee, my life is so great right now. My parents are leaving for three months. And they're taking the one person I see hope in with them. Plus, Troy has a freaking bitch of a girlfriend who happens to always pop up out of nowhere. He's not even talking to me anymore! Sharpay's probably mad at me since I blew up at her. Ryan, the one person who could get me to laugh, is out of town and Chad… I pushed him away. In fact, I've been pushing everyone away from me. Including Taylor, KelsiSharpay, and of course Chad. Even Zeke and Jason have stopped trying to talk to me. I sighed as I pulled up to the driveway. I went inside once again.
I went upstairs, and took out my diary. It was the only thing that I could confide in now. Since Isabella's at the Bolton's. I opened my locket that my parents gave me when I was born, and used it to unlock my journal. I smiled inwardly. I remember when Troy convinced me to not call my diary and diary, but a journal.
Flashback- (7 years ago)
I was sitting in my room, writing in my diary when I heard noise outside my balcony. I looked over, but I didn't see anything. I passed it off as being wind, and continued my writing.
"Last week, Troy, Chad, and Taylor came over to sleepover. It was soo much fun. Chad had fallen asleep, and we successfully braided his hair, and decorated his face with my mom's make up. When he woke up-"
I stop writing when I heard a tappy noise. I looked up, and I saw Troy stand there on my balcony. I went over, and opened the door.
"Troy? How did you get up here?" I asked curiously.
"I climbed the tree. Duh. It's so much fun! You should try it Brie." He replied. I shook my head no.
"No thanks. I'd rather stay here as write in my diary." I answered. He started to laugh, as I looked at him strangely.
"Why are you laughing you dork?" I asked, smacking his arm
"Ha- hah! It's just that you call your journal a diary? How girly!" He said in between laughs. I scoffed.
"Troyyy, if you didn't realize this, than you should now. I'm a GIRL. Not a guy. Hello?!?!"
"I know, I know. But still it's so girly. Those things are like so Sharpayish You should soo call it a journal instead. That's what I call mine!" He exclaimed. I started to laugh.
"Omg! You have a diary?!? I'm soo telling the others." I replied. His eyes widened.
"You better not!" he said, and he tackled me to the ground, and started to tickle me.
"Stop it Troy!" I said, and I tried to push him off of me. But he wouldn't budge.
"Never! You have to promise that you won't tell, AND you'll never call your diary a diary again, but a journal!" he answered. I shook my head no. The tickling continued for another two minutes before I finally caved in.
"Fine Troy! I promise! I don't have a diary, but a journal!" I exclaimed, as he stopped, and got off of me.
"Good Brie. Now come on. I smell cookies. Maybe your mommy made some?" he said as he helped me up, and led me out the door.
End Flashback
I sighed at the memory. Things will never be that way again. I took out my favorite pen, and started to write.
"It happened. It really did happen. Diary, remember last year when the others and I went to the fair, and I saw that fortune teller? When I went there, she told me to take a hold of my life, and treasure it right? But I left out the part where she told me that one day, it's all going to come crashing down. I didn't believe her back then. Truth was, I didn't want to, but now I have to.
My life really is starting to crash down. I just got back from the hospital. My dad was invovled in a hit and run accident. Oh, and guess what?! His partners are making him, Mom, and Izzy go to New York for three months without me. Oh joy! NOTE THE SARCASM Diary. Troy has his crazy girlfriend who keeps on hitting me. Plus, he stopped talking to me. I blew up on Shar today, and pushed away all of my friends, including my big brother. So basically, I have no one now, except you. But you get the point.
God I hate my life right now. I just feel so vulnerable. It can't get any worse can it? I don't know. I hope not. Ughh! just need to do something to take out the pain I'm feeling right now, something to just release it. I have an idea… I'll come back later diary, once I've done it.
-Gabriella."
With that, I closed the diary, relocked it, and put it back into its hiding place. I went into hallway bathroom, and opened the medicine cabinet. I searched the entire cabinet, until I found my desired tool, my dad's razor. I carefully took it out, and went back into my own bathroom.
I positioned my wrists above the sink. I then took the razor, and cut my wrist deeply, making a huge line across it. Blood started to pour out as I gasped in pain, and tears ran down my cheeks. Still, I cut my other wrist, and soon the pain from my life, and the razor, both melted away.
I sighed knowing that this doing this to myself is bad, but it's releasing the pain, I've bottled up all of these years, and it made me feel better. I sunk to the floor, putting my head into my bloody hands. I started to sob, and cry hysterically. I haven't been like this since my grandfather died when I was ten.
No cliffy! Oh well.
Aww, poor Gabriella. Too bad she doesn't know that her life can get much worse right:'( A tear for her. Can anyone guess about what Melanie's up to? And what about Mrs. Darbus? Why did she appear in this chapter? If anyone can guess correctly, I'll dedicate the next chapter to you, or maybe even send you a sneak peak on future chapters.
This was the longest chapter I've written! It was 12 pages on word! Aren't you guys proud of me? Lol. And it was my favorite chapter too. But it was soo hard to write. You know? Making Gabriella do that to herself. Umm, I don't really have a rant for you down here. Sorry. Haha.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! And please tell me what you think. I'd really want to know. :) The next chapter might not be up until a while. So you guys have to wait. :( Anyway, have a nice week, and remember to Review!
-Ilyilyx3
P.S. Sorry for any mistakes, once again!