Wildcats: All Grown Up
Chapter 12
Troy was distracted all throughout the day. He was so distracted, his kids were wondering what was up. Inside the teacher's room, whispers were heard. Some crazy rumors were Gabi had died and he was left to mange the "crazy" Bolton kids. Others were Troy was kicked out of his house and now living on the streets.
When asked where Gabi and the kids were, he lied, and said they were at home sick in bed. They didn't believe him but he didn't care. He was too depressed to even care what other people said. Boys could ask him where Kay was in a lustful manner and he wouldn't care. If Megan lost the championship game, he wouldn't care. If someone called Gabi a slut- ok, that he would care about. He would punch their lights out, who was he kidding.
Troy sighed as he watched his class walk in. He stole a quick glance at the clock. 1:10. He groaned as he knew he still had 2 hours left. He then would go home, but not to his wife and children.
Why did he have to screw up? Why couldn't he just listen to his wife? Because Ethan needs a proper home. That's why. Why couldn't she just understand? Why did she have to be so fucking stubborn? Because she was Gabriella Bolton. She was smart, funny, outgoing, caring, charming, absolutely gorgeous, and above all, very, very stubborn. She was no doubt absolutely perfect and amazing, but Troy hated dealing with her stubbornness. She hated to admit when she was wrong.
One time a few years back, Gabi failed to admit she was wrong about Megan's championship game. She said it was on May 14th when it actually was on April 25th. She wouldn't admit it until a couple of months later. But no matter how many flaws she had, there was nothing that would change the way he felt about her. And that was that he was and will always be in love with Gabriella Bolton.
Troy snapped out of his thoughts and started class. He went over Act V of Hamlet and passed out the study questions. When the final bell rang, he said goodbye to his students, packed up hid briefcase, and met Chad and Taylor in the main lobby. The students stared at them. They knew they were always together, but they still always took separate cars and now Troy was leaving with the Danforth's in the same car. Only two thoughts were running through everyone's mind: What was really going on in the Bolton household? Where were the rest of the members?
When they all arrived home (Troy at the Danforth's), the kids went upstairs while the adults went into the kitchen. Troy took a seat and sighed. Taylor looked at him in concern.
"Troy, what's the matter? Taylor sighed.
"I'm over her away from my wife and kids. That's what the matter is. And, to make matters worse, no of them were at school today" Troy cried.
"Troy, maybe you just didn't see them. They probably avoiding you" She replied.
"No, because I checked in the office and they are all absent. And they find it strange especially for Gabi, who has never missed a day of work. What-what if something happened? What if they are hurt? What-what if they left Albuquerque?" Troy's head was spinning. He felt the earth come undone from under him.
"Troy, you need to calm down. Give them a couple of days. If Chad left me, I would be doing what Gabi is doing. I would be crying my eyes out for days, starving myself, probably not even take care of my kids" Taylor stated, rubbing his back gently.
"Oh my God! Does that mean Gabi is doing that?! I have to get over there" Troy jumped up from his chair only to be pushed back down.
"Troy, you need to breathe. Gabi would never do that. Well, she will do the crying, but not the rest. She is a smart girl" Taylor told him. Troy tried taking deep breaths. When he was calm enough, he spoke.
"So what should I do? Leave her there for something to happen? Beg for forgiveness?? Troy asked.
"No, let it be for a couple of days. Let them cool. Things will be fine" Chad said. Troy sighed but nodded. After that, they went into the living room to watch the basketball game. Even Taylor seemed to enjoy it.
Wildcats: All Grown Up…
Kayla slowly approached the living room, knowing it would become a battle field. But she did not get the reaction she was expecting. As she looked into the room, she saw things she never thought she would see. She saw the house in a disaster. The living room was the worst. Thing was being messed up on purpose. She was deeply confused. She saw her mom by the fireplace. She quietly approached.
"Hey mom" Kayla said hesitantly, knowing her mom would be pissed. Instead, she was greeted with a warm smile and hug.
"Kay!" Gabi exclaimed, burying her into hug.
"Umm…are you okay?" Kay asked, standing in front of her mom.
"I've never been better. Now, how was the party?" Gabi asked, before continuing to clean. Kayla's mouth hung open. How the hell did she know that? Gabi chuckled and turned to look at her.
"So your thinking how did I know that?" Kay nodded. "Well, let's say I know all. So there will be no punishment" Kay's mouth was gonna hit the floor. Did she really just say that? Am I dreaming? Am I in another world? In another dimension? "But, you have to keep this place a mess and look like you can't take care of yourself" Gabi finished.
Kayla stood there dumb founded. What the hell was going on here?
"Why?" Kay asked.
"Because we want you father back. If he sees we can't take care of ourselves then he will come home" Gabi grinned.
"Okay. Deal" Kay said, shaking her mom's hand.
"Good" Gabi said, before moving on to the bathroom, Kay trailing behind her. "Oh, and please don't do the dishes. We need them dirty and stacked along the counters" Kay gave her a disgusted look.
"Mom, that's sooo gross. It's so unsanitary!" Kay wrinkled her cute button nose in disgust. Gabi laughed.
"Sorry, honey, I don't like it either. Remember I'm a clean freak but it's the only way for you're father to come back" Gabi smiled.
"Okay. I'll do it" Kay gave a weak smile.
Wildcats: All Grown Up…
Troy sat on the couch not lifting his gaze from the wall. He had been starting at it for the past hour. He felt sick. It had been 2 1/2 days and Troy continued to feel worse. He was glad he was to check on his family tomorrow after school. He was going to do everything he could to try ad get his family back. He sighed before falling into another restless slumber.
The next morning he woke up, and quickly got ready for work. The faster I get to school, the faster I can go see Gabi and my kids, he thought. As he parked his car – he went back and got it yesterday – he walked inside the front doors. Again people – teachers and teens – greeted him in whispers.
"What is really going on with the Bolton's?"
"Did they separate?"
"Ohhh…that means he's all mine!"
Even some teachers were huddled together and whispering loudly.
"Aww, I wonder what's going on? Poor Troy! Gabi doesn't deserve him"
"What? Nah, that's Troy who doesn't deserve Gabi. She's absolutely perfect while he's just….ugh!?"
Troy wanted to march up to all of then and bang their heads against the lockers. But instead, he just put on a fake smile and continued to walk down the hallway to his classroom. Along the way, he bumped into Mr. Matsui.
"Troy, what's wrong with Gabi and the kids? It's been 3 days!" He said slightly aggravated but with a concerned voice.
"Umm…I rather not talk about it" Troy quietly responded.
"Are they okay? Are they at the hospital?" he rambled off before realization dawned on his face. "Are you guys breaking up or something?"
Troy tried holding down his emotions but failed. A teardrop fell from Troy's eyes, sliding down his face, to his cheek before sliding off onto the floor. "I…I…I don't know. I haven't seen her in 3 days" Troy whispered, his head looking down at the floor. More tears came down his face before he let out a loud sob. Troy fell to the ground, sobs echoing in the hallway. Everyone in it heard Troy and ran to him. They saw him on the floor, crying hysterically. No one moved. They were all very confused. What just happened??
"It's…all….my fault" Troy cried out. "I lost her! It's all my fault! My kids hate me. Nathan yelled at me….told me to never come back…..he hates me….." He continued to cry, rocking back and forth, hugging his knees. Everyone was so confused and lost. What happened? Troy never cries. Well, they never had seen him cry. What did he mean? Did they really break up? What did he do??
Mr. Matsui finally recovering from the shock leaned down and grabbed Troy's arm, trying to bring him to his feet. Troy struggled at first but eventually let him. Mr. Matsui told everyone to go to class including the teachers before helping Troy to his office. Once inside the office, Troy took a seat and grabbed a tissue from Mr. Matsui's desk. He was mortified. He couldn't believe he cried in front of the entire school. Well, maybe not the whole school but the whole hallway. That was pretty much the same thing. Mr. Matsui looked at him with sad eyes.
"Troy, would you care to tell me what's going on? Why would your kids hate you? They love and adore you. And as for Gabriella, don't even get me started. She's head over heels in love with you. You didn't cheat on her, right?" Mr. Matsui says, now looking slightly worried. Troy wouldn't do something like that would he?
"No, I didn't. I could never do that to her. I love her to death. I could never even look at another woman let alone touch one. It's about fostering a kid from my basketball team. He's was getting abuse by hid dad so I brought t him to the police and they took him into custody but they want to be his foster dad. So I went home and talked to Gabi but she was totally against it"
"We ended up shouting and swearing at each other before I told her I'm leaving. I came back later that night to tell her goodbye – I couldn't handle anymore of the stress at home – and she came at me. We had another battle in front of the kids. She finally collapsed onto the floor and the kids ran to her. I didn't and the kids yelled at me, told me to never come back, so I left. I regret it. I wish I never did. I lost her, and I don't know what to do. I'm going to go over today and check up on them" Troy finished. Wow, Mr. Matsui thought. That certainly was an ear full.
"Umm…wow…that was definitely surprising. So what are you going to do?" Mr. Matsui asked. Troy sighed.
"I don't know yet but I'll think of something. I can't lose her" Troy replied.
"You know Troy, nothing is worth losing Gabriella or you're kids for that matter. He can go to another home. Nobody should come between you and your wife. You have been with Gabriella since high school, Troy. High school! I remember all the days of you and Gabriella showing PDA in the halls, school functions, and assemblies. I was always telling you kids to break it up as well as the other teachers, mainly Miss. Darbus. You kids were in love then and still as much in love. Don't blow it Troy. You won't find a woman like Gabriella ever again. So is an amazing women Troy. Don't lose her over a kid" Mr. Matsui stated. Wow, Troy thought. He must really like us together.
"I…thanks Mr. Matsui. I needed that. It brung back memories. I'll go see her after school" Troy said, getting up from the chair.
"How about now, Troy? Don't keep her waiting" Mr. Matsui said.
"But I have my classes to teach" Troy protested.
"I'll get a sub to fill in. Gabriella is more important" Mr. Matsui said.
"You must really like us" Troy said.
"What can I say, it's not everyday the basketball boy and the freaky math girl get together" Mr. Matsui said, with a small smile playing on his lips. Troy smiled.
"Thanks so much!" Troy said, before picking up his bag and heading towards the door. "Wish me luck" he added as he opened the door.
"Mr. Matsui chuckled. "You don't need it"
Troy gave him his famous Bolton smile. "Thanks" He walked through the doorway and headed down the hallway towards the entrance.
Wildcats: All Grown Up…
Gabriella was doing the last finishing touches on the house. Troy was supposed to be coming over today but figured he would come over till after school. She wanted to be ready though.
"Alright kids! Come in the kitchen!" she shouted. A minute later, all the kids were standing in front of her looking absolutely filthy. They looked like they hadn't bathed in days. Well they hadn't since yesterday anyway. "Great you all look the part. Make sure you act the part" she added.
"Mom, why are you going through all this trouble to get him back?" Kay asked.
"Because we need him back. I love him and he's your father" Gabi responded in a duh voice.
"I think we are fine without him. He left us mom. Why are you so forgiving with him?" Nathan growled. Gabriella fought back tears. Nathan seeing this, felt extremely guilty. "I'm sorry mom. I didn't mean to make you cry" he rushed over to his mom. Gabi held up her hand preventing him from coming any closer.
"If you went though what me and you dad had been though then you would. I have been through hell with him and I can't lose him" Gabi explained, tears leaking down her face.
"Like what?" Nathan was intrigued. Gabi sniffed.
Well, I almost lost him in our junior year. I had been going out with him for 5 months at that point. I told you how I was never a popular girl. Girls and guys hated me. Well, there was this girl, Samantha Nowels, who had a major crush on your father. When she found out we were together, she vowed to break us apart. And that's exactly what she did. She told everyone I only used your father for popularity, which was totally untrue. I loved your father for him. Everyone believed her, including you're father. I was devastated. I was alone. It was like that for 3 months. Samantha eventually told everyone the truth when she realized your dad was never going to go with her. You dad was so pissed but he asked for forgiveness and I forgave him"
"Wow, that is one heck of a story mom" Nathan said, looking around the room at his brother and sisters.
"That's not all, Nate. I also almost lost him in a car accident when you were a little kid. I was mad at him for not taking care of you. He instead wanted to go out with the guys for their annual 'guy's night', but I told him not to go. We had a shouting match, but he left to go in the end. They weather was horrible. It had been raining down for that week straight. I ended up staying home with you instead of going to my class. It was late at night when I got the call. Your dad was in a semi- fatal car accident. I felt my world crash down around me. I drove to the hospital. Your father had broken both his legs, an arm, had a concussion, and needed stitches in so many places of his body. I was so relived that he was alive. Today I am still thankful for having him in my life. I don't know what I would do if he wasn't in it. So I need you to do this. Please!" Gabriella pleaded. Nathan was in shock. He never knew about any of this.
"Of course mom. I'm sorry" Nathan said, pulling his mom into a hug.
"It's okay. Now let's get into out positions. Please do this for me and I will take you out to dinner tonight, okay?" Gabi said. They laughed.
"Sure mom" They all replied. They all went to their places.
Wildcats: All Grown Up…
Troy pulled up into the driveway. Her car was still in the garage. Of course it is, stupid. He mentally scolded himself. I really hope this goes well. I need them in my life. This reminds me of the time we broke up in our junior year. Stupid Samantha! But even worse, stupid me for believing her and not my Gabi. I sighed. This had to work. Troy got out of the car and walked up to the door. He slowly put his key into the lock and turned the doorknob when he heard the click. He walked threw the door and quickly shut it. He was met with complete silence. It was weird standing in a house that he hasn't been in for 3 days. As he looked around, his mouth dropped open. It was completely trashed. Was he even in the right house? Gabi always had things clean. He started to make his way up stairs. He first turned towards Micah's room. He turned the knob. Micah was playing with the floor with his toys. He eyes turn toward his father. Troy noticed they were sad and dull, not full of life like they always were.
"Hey buddy, how are you?" Troy asked, walking over to him.
"Okay, I guess" Micah quietly replied.
"How are things here?"
"Quiet" Was the only response Troy got. Troy was confused. Why was he acting this way?
"Why are you so quiet?" Troy asked, now concerned. He looked at his figure. He looked like he hadn't been eating. He was also on the pale side. "Have you been eating?"
"No" was again, the only reply he got. Troy was worried. He needed to check on the others. I'm going to check on the others and your mom. I'll be back okay?" Troy said, looking intently at his youngest son.
"Kay" Micah said, before going back to his toy. Troy sighed but left the room. He went to Sarah's room next. He was met with her lying down on her bed, listening to her ipod. He walked over to her.
"Hey sweetie" Troy greeted.
"Oh, hey dad. So your back huh?" Sarah replied.
"Yeah, how have things been around here?"
"Quiet, why?"
"I just wanted to know. I'm going to check on you sister" Troy left the room. He went to check on the others. He got all the same responses. He was so confused. Why were they like this? Were they really that depressed about me leaving. They all look like they haven't eaten, bathed or slept for days. Even Nathan who was so pissed at his dad when he left was depressed looking. It didn't make sense. Now it was Gabi's turn. Was he really ready? Could he really face her? He had to. Face it, Troy! You need Gabriella in your life. He took a deep breath. He slowly turned the door knob. He grasp when he saw the site in front of him….
A/N: Sorry for the cliffy but I needed to stop typing and I figured it would get you guys to review. Thanks for all the reviews! They really help. Hope you enjoyed reading this. I need 15 reviews before I update!!