- 3 -
A couple of days later, Troy and Taylor met for lunch. After they placed their orders, he leaned forward and said, "Okay, now please tell me about Gabriella."
"I don't want to be spreading gossip," she said, and when Troy frowned at her she added hurriedly, "Not that talking to you would be gossiping. We e-mail each other a lot. She's doing really well academically and getting along with her classmates."
"I figured that much," he interrupted impatiently. "Talk to me about what matters."
"Well, I know she isn't seeing anyone. And she joined the church choir. I asked if she was going to try out for the musical and she said no, her heart wouldn't be in it. She's…" Taylor hesitated, looking for the right words. "She's doing okay, Troy, but even though she doesn't say anything I don't think she's really, well, happy." She shook her head. "I don't know how to explain it to you. It's just a feeling I have from reading between the lines."
"You don't have to explain it," he replied. "I know exactly what you mean -- it's how I feel too." He waited a moment while the waitress delivered their meals, then continued. "I keep busy, I've made friends, I'm doing okay in classes and the basketball is going great. But there's a - a hole, and the only thing that can fill it is Gabriella. And she's a thousand miles away."
"Why haven't you called or written to her Troy?" she asked gently. "She misses you, but she isn't sure of how you feel any more."
"It's such a mess!" he exclaimed. "I felt so lost when she didn't come back for prom and everything, and then Chad said…" he broke off, feeling perhaps that wasn't the wisest thing to bring up right now.
"Said what?" she asked. "Chad said what?" When he tried to brush it off she demanded, "Troy!"
He gave in. "Chad said that it's natural for high school couples to break up when they go to college. When I couldn't get to California to bring Gabriella back for the play, I thought maybe fate was telling me he was right." He saw the look in her eyes and added, "or something like that."
"Oh Troy," she sighed. "That's what you get for listening to Chad." They both laughed a little, breaking the tension, and she continued thoughtfully. "He was sort of right, though. A lot of high school couples do break up when they go to college, especially if they're not at the same school. Chad and I still enjoy each other's company, and we keep in touch, but we're not, um, pining for each other. You and Gabriella, however, you're different. You always were, from the time you first met. I've never seen a couple so made for each other and who balanced and supported and cared so much about each other. Some couples are meant to break up, but some," she looked meaningfully at him, "are meant to be together."
Just then, Martha, Ryan, Kelsey and several of their other classmates came into the restaurant. There was no more chance for private conversation, but as they left a little while later, Troy kissed Taylor on the cheek and whispered, "Thanks."