The ring of the fitting room curtain clinked loudly against the metal bar.
- How do I look like? - Martha asked, twirling around in her bridesmaid dress. And she looked amazing.
Somehow Sharpay managed to pick one style for the dress that would seemingly become all of us, which is a pretty hard task considering our differences in skin tone, hair, eyes; almost everything. It was a beautiful gown, coming down to the knees, maybe two or three inches above them. Below the bust there was a very elegant wide ribbon of a darker color than the rest of the dress, with a large bow in the back. And while I'm not a huge fan of bows and ribbons I have to admit it looks classy and just beautiful.
Taylor looked at Martha with a smile of satisfaction on her face.
- Gorgeous! My bridesmaids are gonna be the most beautiful women in America, I swear, - Taylor exclaimed, almost tearing up a little. Who knew there would come a day Taylor McKessie would cry over a dress. And it's not even her wedding dress! I already feel an oncoming waterfall on her wedding day. – Sharpay, you did such a great job! The color suits all of you so much!
I have to agree on that. It is this very pleasant dark purple – dark pink – a little violet color… I'm not sure how to name it.
- Yes, fuchsia is a great choice in situations like these. – Sharpay nodded donnishly, her voice a professional tone, looking so much like a cool fashionista. – It looks fabulous.
Aaaah. Fuchsia. Okay, whatever. Could have fooled me. I know that it is just a way to wear some sort of pink even on her best friends' wedding. Sneaky Sharpay.
- I caught that we are not getting them now though, are we? – I turned to ask Taylor, as Martha disappeared behind the curtain to change back into her clothes. Yeah, I don't know a lot about weddings; never been to one before.
- No, we are not. As not to have any accidents I decided to have one final try on a week before the wedding, along with my dress. It is mostly for me; who knows, maybe I'll stress so much I will become the size of an elephant. – Taylor joked anxiously, perching on the side of the arm-chair I'm currently sitting in.
- Well it's not so bad; an elephant is smaller than a whale. – From Taylor's glare I take it my comment didn't go so well. It almost made me want to hide behind the magazine I was mindlessly flipping through. – Tay, I'm just joking. You are the most sane, thin and pretty bride I've ever seen. – I tried to placate her with a grin, nudging her in the shoulder. She squinted her eyes at me though.
- Aren't I the first bride you are seeing? – She asked, sounding suspicious. – Those that you usually pass on the street don't count. – She added quickly, seeing my eager look to talk back.
- Oh. Well. For me they totally count. He he. – I replied lamely, shifting uncomfortably under her frowning at me. She decided to give a rest though, just shaking her head and looking at her phone.
- Just where are they? I think it is time for us to get home. – Taylor questioned no one in particular, the frown still present at her face.
You see, while all the normal people were at work (namely: me, Chad, Troy and Zeke), Jason, who has a day off today, took the girls and Ryan on a little sightseeing trip, showing them the most interesting places of our hometown. Or rather, what Jason considered as interesting places, including burger café's and small parks that had basketball courts in them. After that Zeke and Chad, who yet again stole his mother's minivan, came to pick them up, going someplace to have dinner. And that is an important note. You see, they had dinner. Food. And I, who only had lunch at about one p.m., am starving. It is almost nine right now. All I want is food, shower and sleep. And maybe cuddle with Tommy a little. He was so amazing to me today, sitting quietly in a box all throughout two car rides to and from work to this tailor shop. He is even being a gentle little kitten right now, sleeping in the far corner of the room, away from Sharpay's sneezing. She and Ryan are allergic to fur. A twin thing.
So while the girls are trying on bridesmaid dresses, which makes me a little envious of guys, who only have to buy matching ties and go be all handsome; the guys are doing some weird bonding thing, as far as I know. I say weird, because the only one they are bonding with is Ryan, really. I think they went to play baseball, but I'm not sure. They should be picking up Taylor, Sharpay and Martha about this time, getting the latter two to hotel. Since I came here by my own car, I will just head straight for home with Thomas, in the paradise that has kitchen, bathroom and bedroom in it. And what can possibly be better than that, right?
Taylor's phone gave out a loud ding.
- Oh, Chad's saying they'll be here in 5. – Taylor said, nodding to herself. – Gabs, when's your next day off again?
Because of being the new employee, my work schedule is not quite established yet; right now we are trying to accommodate it, so that it would fit me, and the other veterinarian.
- Tomorrow. Then there will be two – or three work days, I'm not sure yet.
- Thank God. I hope somewhere between rehearsals we'll manage to squeeze in a little girl time? It's the second day that I'm here, and we didn't even go for coffees with you! – Martha said, reappearing from the curtain, already dressed. She was looking at me somewhat reprovingly and I couldn't help but give her a sheepish smile.
- I know, I sucked these last couple of days, but I really think there will be no use of me if I fall into the next curb you see to have a quick nap. I'll make up for it tomorrow, I promise. I missed all of you so much. – I said leaning forward to hug her. I'm not big when it comes to hugs and kisses thing, but the girls are, and I do miss them, now that there are miles between us.
- Awww , - Sharpay and Taylor cooed simultaneously, turning it into a group hug. – I don't know what I will do in New York anymore, without all of our 'dream team' together. – Sharpay said, tearing up a little. I know what she means; our friendship was always the most important thing, we were always there for each other, going to the movies together, on trips together, overcoming our problems together. It doesn't end here of course, but without having each other side by side it won't be quite the same.
Our moment was broken by the sound of car honking. Taylor sighed loudly, leaning back from our hug.
- Is it too plain for him to just call on my damn cell phone, than try to rise the entire street with this noise? – Taylor said, rolling her eyes in irritation. This made me smile, because normally Taylor would be irritated by such antics, but not now, clearly. Now she was too giddy to see him.
The five of us (Thomas counts as one!) exited the shop, to be met with a bunch of guys who were already out in the street, goofing around; only Troy stood a little to the side, leaning against the minivan, Gabby laying loyally by his feet, only wagging her tail a little when she noticed me looking at her. He looked a bit tired and out of place for some reason; his arms were folded across his chest and he was looking at guys with a fake strained smile. Against my own will, it made me worry instantly. Is he just tired? Did something happen? Did he fight with Chad? And most of all, why am I worrying about it, at all?
- Gabster! Hey! How was work today? – Chad said, noticing us, going immediately to Taylor's side. I smiled at them.
- Hey Chad, all good, just too long. – I said, laughing a little. Exchanging greetings with Zeke and Jason, I looked at Troy. He just smiled at me tiredly and waved his hand. I hesitated, but waved back. He doesn't seem like he wants to talk, so there is no use asking him what's up, I guess. I should be glad his smile at me at least wasn't a fake one. So instead, I turned my attention to Ryan.
- Hey! – I said, hugging him 'hello'. – How did today go?
- Awesome! We played a game of baseball, me and Jason against Chad and Zeke. And I gotta say, we totally whooped their butts! – He exclaimed high fiving Jason. Phew, I'm glad. I was a little worried for him fitting in; he never was much around such… Well, as Sharpay put it, jocks.
- Wait, - I said, glancing at Gabby. – Only four of you? And how was the car ride with Gabby? – I asked, referring to his allergy.
- Oh, it was a little challenging. – Ryan chuckled, - But Troy only joined us when we were finishing the game, so the only time we rode together was right now, thankfully. It did make me want to stick my head out the window. – I patted him on the shoulder sympathetically.
There was one time we went to the dance class together; he didn't need it, but I dragged him with me anyways, because all of the girls were busy. It was a horrid experience, because to say that the place was cheap would be putting it very lightly. And it seemed like our instructor had a bunch of cats at home, because even I felt the smell emanating from her clothes, not to mention animal hair stuck to it. It was disgusting for me, but Ryan almost had a fit that time, sneezing every five seconds, turning red in the face and running out of the room, claiming that he was suffocating.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Troy almost scowling at Ryan. Ah, from his point of view Ryan's words were probably insulting Gabby. God, it so difficult to try and please everyone! I am not the one to speak though, considering my own little ball of fur I was clutching to the side, turning a little, so that it wasn't that near Ryan.
- So, guys! – Chad clapped his hands turning attention to him. – We should head get going probably; some of us have to work tomorrow. – He said with a slight accusation, glancing at Taylor adoringly.
My face will crack up from their cuteness sometime, I swear.
- So everyone, get into the car, and Gabster, see you tomorrow?
- Definitely. – I replied, grinning up at him.
- What do you mean everyone? – Sharpay scoffed in disbelief. – I'm not getting into closed space with an animal. I value my life too much. – She pursed her lips, looking at Troy as if she was waiting for him to go away. – You should just get a ride with Gabriella, mix together your little zoo. You live in the same apartment building anyway.
My face would have matched Troy's, who clenched his jaw tightly, his eyes a stormy blue, shooting a death glare at Sharpay; only if I didn't know her. But I do, so I know there are other reasons for her speech. I shot her a glare of my own, but it was a panicked, embarrassed one. That didn't faze her, of course.
- That's actually, I good idea, man. Just head straight home with Gabster, you look like death. – Chad said, slapping Troy on the back. Ouch.
- Thanks, dude. – Troy replied drily.
As I waved at my friends I glanced at Troy warily. He didn't seem in the best mood, and I felt a little awkward because of it, considering our confusing relationship.
I opened the door to the passenger seat of my car to the passenger seat.
- Please welcome, miss – I smiled at Gabby, beckoning for her to get inside, perching the box with Thomas on my hip. She jumped in happily, after looking at Troy for his permission. I also looked at him, biting my lip nervously. Which I should stop being by now, I know. – Would you mind holding Tommy in your lap while I drive? I don't think I'm comfortable to leave him in the backseat, where I can't see him.
- Sure. – He replied simply, taking the box from me.
Our car ride was silent. Excruciatingly silent. I tried not to let it get to me; his cold demeanor surely can be explained by something that is bothering him. Just, after the warmth of our conversation yesterday evening, the silence was almost biting me, like freezing wind. Not to say that it gave me little flashbacks of numerous times it happened at school. So, reminding myself that I'm a grown up now, and shouldn't care about Troy's opinion of me, I decided to break the silence.
- Soo… - I cleared my throat as Troy snapped out of his own thoughts, turning to look at me. – How was your day? Looking forward for tomorrow? – He grimaced.
- Uh-huh. Ecstatic. First I'm gonna be tortured in day time, instead of sleeping in, and then I have a night shift.
- Sounds.. exciting. – He smirked at me.
- Oh it is. It's your feet I'm going to be ruining after all. – He drone, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
- Phfft, I'm soo scared. You should better watch yours. – I bit back, making him chuckle. Hey, he relaxed! At least a little. Mission accomplished. – Don't worry though, Ryan's got us under control. – He twisted his lips in distaste at that. Okay, so not accomplished. How was I to know that big muscled dudes are so afraid of a little dancing? Remembering the last time though, I have to admit: Ryan is frightening.
- Yeah. Seems like he does. – He replied, looking ahead of him. – You two seem like great friends.
- That we are. – I smiled, thinking of my friends. – He and Shar are really great. – Troy snorted, making me roll my eyes, careful of the road. – Yeah, I got that you don't really feel the love here, but just try to… to look deeper.
- Brie, - Troy started, making my eye twitch a little. Dream? What dream? Noo, it doesn't remind me of any dreams. I sleep without seeing dreams, at all. Never seen one. Uh-huh. – I perfectly understand that they must be nice and good people and all that, but I just don't like them. I guess with some time I will be able to tolerate them, but they are not my kind of people, okay?
Okay, okay. Just don't turn sour every time you see them, you are attracting that storm that is promised in a couple of days with your oh-so-cheerful face expression. I'm positive it is because of Troy's mood. Soo… change of topic.
- Since when are you calling me Brie? – I found myself wondering. He didn't really like to call me that before, even though he was the one who invented that nickname.
- Why not, do you not like it? – He looked at me questionably, petting Thomas absentmindedly. – I like Gabriella; I just thought it might be a nice way of not confusing you two. – He said, innocently nodding his head in the direction of backseat.
Hmm… Should I press the subject? Press it or not, press it or not…
- Thank God, we're here already! There's little I can do to stop myself from running to my bed. I'm barely functioning right now, to be honest. – Troy said, running his palms over his face, slapping a little on the cheeks.
Guess not.
I think I'm going to die. From laughter.
As it appears, Taylor already had an idea of a group dance thing. She knew what song she wanted, she knew when she wanted it to happen and she knew that she wanted to keep it as surprise from other guests that will be present on the wedding. Actually, it appears as if she discussed the specifics with Sharpay and Martha already, because Sharpay was carrying that suspicious looking pink clipboard with matching frilly pen everywhere with her, always scribbling down some notes. Fine with me. I'm not good with planning things anyway; I'm already dreading bachelorette party.
But back to the matter on hand.
According to Taylor, the group dance song wasn't supposed to hold some deep meaning; instead it must be fun and rhythmic. So she had chosen a very old song from childhood, a song to which almost every girl had danced back then, probably. And it is funny enough that I attempt to dance it now, being all grown up and on a formal event, but the really hilarious thing is that guys must dance it too. I think I've never seen something funnier than 5 grown strong men throwing their hands out and shaking their fingers in such a girly fashion, along with other no less embarrassing movements, shouting out "Ehe – Eha" when the music demands it.
My stomach hurts already. And it doesn't help that Ryan is the one, who tries to choreograph this thing.
- Okay guys, you're just great! – Ryan said a little out of breath, beaming at us happily. – I think all of us deserve a little break and then let's continue with the waltz, yeah? Jason, I think we've got to spend a little more time rehearsing, but let's see how's your waltz got, okay?
Judging from the miserable expression on Jason's face I think it's safe to say that he's not that okay with it. Oh, well. Sorry bud, nobody's asking your opinion.
As I was pouring myself cool apple juice by the table In Chad's kitchen, I heard somebody's shuffling behind me.
- Hey, - Troy said in the light voice, causing me to turn around and look at him. I think it's unfair that whenever I see him he's wearing something blue. It's like he knows that his eyes are gorgeous (which he probably does) and made his entire wardrobe consist of blue color. Honey, I assure you, they don't need any help.
- Hey, - Was all I could think off, busying myself with taking a big gulp of my juice. Ahh, cool liquid. It'll help.
- I was thinking of making some sort of present for Chad and Taylor. You know, everything about their wedding just screams 'Surprise!', so I thought, maybe we can think of something?
- Like what? – I scrunched my eyebrows in confusion. I'm not sure I know what he means. I mean it is sure as hell not dancing, considering his love for Ryan.
- Like a song, maybe? A gift from Best Man and Maid of Honor. I heard once Chad listening to some crappy song and it turned out to be 'their song' or something. – Troy said, shifting his feet.
- You want me to sing? With you? – I asked in incredulous voice. Hell no! I can't take it! It is bad enough that I'm going to be spending that whole day under everybody's eyes, walking down the aisle, dancing, making speeches.
- Well… Yeah. – He said, biting his lip, lifting his hand to the back of his neck nervously. – I know you have an amazing voice. And I think it will be a nice gift for Chad and Taylor on their wedding day.
- It is a great idea! – Ryan burst in, joining us by the table. I think I saw Troy's hand jerking a little. Must've been my imagination. – Just, you know, Gabs has a bit of a stage fright.
- Oh. I had no idea.
Have you ever seen one of those animal planet shows? Where predators bare their teeth either preparing for a fight, or stalking their prey?
That is kind of the way Troy smiled at Ryan.
- Yeah, unfortunately. Though she has nothing to worry about, I assure you. – Troy nodded at Ryan words, his movements way too overdone. – So how about we turn it into a trio to make her feel some extra support?
I really wish that Taylor wedding won't lead to Ryan's funeral. And I'm not only speaking of Troy's clenched fists. I can almost feel Sharpay beside me feeling the need to strangle somebody. Somebody in particular. It is actually funny how she is a queen of hints and underlining meanings and he's completely thick skinned in this department, remaining clueless all the time.
This friendly atmosphere actually made me choke on my juice. Great, right?
- The more people on the stage the better. – I said eventually, coughing away. – But I think a trio will be a little awkward. How about Shar joins in? Is there a way to fit in two duets in there? – I asked them, shifting my gaze from Troy to Ryan to Sharpay and back. –Will that be okay? – I asked Troy carefully in soft voice, leaning closer to him, while twins were busy with their silent fight. He didn't seem okay, he looked more upset than anything else.
- You want me to duet Sharpay and sing with Ryan? – He asked partly whispering, with disbelief in his voice.
- No! What am I, a sadist? Especially after conversation we had last night. – I shook my head at him. - No, I was thinking it will be us two and Ryan with Sharpay.
- Oh. – His expression softened a little. – But the name of the song is "I can't take my eyes off of you". Won't it be awkward for them, you know?
- I'm sure they'll be fine. – I waved it away. – They starred in various theatre productions in lead roles together, back at school. They're almost professionals, they are used to it, believe me. – I paused, looking at him uncertainly. – As long you are sure you don't mind? I mean it was your idea but… I really think this will be too much for me. I'm sorry.
To my surprise, he smiled at me.
- I guess I'm not powerful enough to take all of your worries away, huh? It is okay. As long as you promise not to faint or dash away or… I don't know, climb a tree in a sudden spur of emotion. – He said in a teasing tone, making me swat his shoulder playfully.
- Shut up. – I bit my lip to prevent myself from grinning like a douche. I don't know, I just get this strange feeling in my stomach every time we have such conversations. I can't help it. – I promise not to leave you. I'm not that cruel. Like you will be able to pull it off without my marvelous self. – I said flipping my hair like some super star. He bowed to me, making me giggle like an idiot.
So… singing a duet with Troy. I really need to calm down that something I'm feeling in my stomach, though. I don't think it will lead to something good.
A very, very awkward day.
As I've mentioned before, my work schedule is not established yet. This eventually led to me and the other veterinarian come in the same day. This wouldn't have been a big deal if we weren't a small clinic; we simply don't have enough space for the two of us to work at the same time. So me and Tiara decided to take turns with clients.
Tiara Gold (can anyone have a more flashy name?) is about my age, a tall blond with this frightening politeness and a sickening sweet smile. Her smile and british accent didn't make me feel placated; instead it made me feel uneasy around her. It felt as if she was lurking around, waiting for something to happen that would turn her impossibly white teeth into scary fangs like in one of those horror movies that I never watch. Why would I, if have lovely Tiara with me? Yikes. I can see why Kelsi wasn't so fond of her either.
- So, Gabriella. – Tiara said, after seeing her client off. – Shall we continue our conversation?
Why do I feel like I'm being interrogated?
- Is there still something you want to know? - I smiled forcedly.
- Well, of course. – She smoothed down her hair. – New York is a grand place, I can't imagine why anybody would think of escaping there.
- It's not like I ran away from there without looking back. – I chuckled nervously. This topic of conversation has gotten old about… one hour after we came to work. And it's past lunch break. I really can't see the reason for her continuous curiosity. If I throw away a theory of her being a maniac. He-he. – On the other hand, I can't see why somebody would think of escaping London.
Ah. That was a nice one. It did feel like a bitchy response, but I say she deserved it. She's been ignoring Kelsi treating her like she's some sort of servant. For a second I swear I saw Tiara's desire for homicide. And I refuse to admit that I'm paranoid.
- Touché. – She just clicked her tongue, looking at me with that "I'll get to you, bitch" look.
Because of her being so scary or the amount of water I've been drinking thanks to constant breaks, my bladder screamed at me for help, so I excused myself from that very pleasant conversation.
As I was exiting bathroom I heard shrill notes of Tiara's voice. Probably someone came in. I should hurry up then, it's my turn.
What I didn't expect is to see Troy and Gabby there. Noticing me, Troy sprang up from the bench he was occupying, fast as a bolt of lightning.
- Hi! We're here for our rabies shot. – He rushed, sounding quite relieved. I wonder why?
- Oh that's not a problem at all! – Tiara exclaimed in a high-pitched voice. Oh my poor ear-drums. – Follow me!
- No, thank you! – Troy said, looking slightly on edge. – We came here because we know that Ms. Montez is a professional, so I insist that she did our shot.
- Tiara, it's Gabriella's turn after all. I'm keeping schedule here, remember? – Kelsi piped in, bursting Tiara's bubble in bored voice. She waved at me to just go and not wait for Tiara's response.
She was already pissed at me, what am I losing? Tiara huffed offended, and followed us to the cabinet with her eyes, burning a hole in the back of my head.
- That was amusing to watch, I admit. – I said as we closed the door to my cabinet, looking for the right ampule. – You looked soo uncomfortable.
- You can't even imagine. – Troy said widening his eyes with emphasis. – She was plain hitting on me! – He sounded so affronted it made me laugh. – Not funny. At first it was just uncomfortable, but then I realized I've seen her before and it turned to hell.
- You know her? – I asked, still laughing a little.
- Well… not really. We uhh… We weren't keen on getting to know each other the last time we met. – He looked away from me, scratching his neck uncomfortably. It doesn't mean what I think it means, right? No way.
- Seriously? – The disbelief was clear in my voice. – I would think she wasn't your type, not to mention that I didn't peg you for that sort of guy.
- I am a guy though. After I realized that dating wasn't going for me, I uh… practiced a few one night stands. – He looked a little ashamed. – Does that make you think badly of me?
Not exactly. I am a little blindsided though. I know, I know, I am a grown up person, and there is nothing bad with one night stands, it's natural. But somehow I avoided that sphere of life, and some part of me, the part that remembered Troy being a faithful boyfriend-figure, was surprised with this new piece of information about him.
- No, why would it? It's your own choice, not my business. – He nodded at my reply, staring at the floor.
- Here, all done – I said, stroking Gabby's fur after putting everything away. He was still silent, seemingly deep in thought. – Why do you think that dating isn't going for you? – I asked in light voice. I'm just curious, no personal motives. Scout's honor.
- I don't know how to explain it. – He sighed, raising his eyes on me. – I just never feel in relationships something that I know should be there. There's always something missing.
- How do you know that it should be there? That that something is not just your imagination?
- I'm sure. I know what it's like. I can recognize the feeling. – That's that strange look again! Ahem.
- Speaking about recognizing, - I prodded, testing the waters, - Care to explain why were you pretending that you were seeing me for the first time?
There! Finally! The cat's out of the bag. Oh. I should remind myself later to buy Tommy food after work.
- I was kind of hoping you wouldn't ask about it, considering that we finally settled into this friendly atmosphere. – He said with a sheepish smile, his eyes shining guiltily at me. – To be honest with you, I don't think I can explain it. It was a knee-jerk reaction. I don't know… I wasn't expecting to see you.
- I wasn't expecting it either, but if it were for me to greet you first, I definitely wouldn't have made it seem like I don't know you. And I saw that you recognized me!
Actually, now that I think about it... Seeing the guy you had a massive crush on for the first time in what, 7 years? What if I greeted him, and tried to remind him our past connection and he really couldn't remember me? That would have been plain embarrassing. No, it would have been horrible. If it was for me to make the first step, who knows what would I have done?... But Troy doesn't need to know that, right? He's the guilty one. And I'll remain evil in secret. Muahaha.
- I thought you wouldn't remember me! It wasn't like I ever succeeded in being friends with you in school. – He said, looking down dejectedly. Succeeded? - I didn't mean to be a jerk, it was just spontaneous decision and it wasn't the right one, I know. I realized it the second I after I 'introduced' myself to you. I'm sorry. – His blues were sparling with sincerity that made me a little weak in the knees. Considering my own thoughts about the matter, there's no reason to go hard on him. He didn't deserve it.
- It's okay, I guess. – I smiled at him softly. – I don't know how we will explain it to the others, though, they will find out eventually. This is gonna be awkward.
- I'll deal with it, it is my own fault, after all. – Stop looking like a little sad and uber cute puppy! – Just you will promise not to get mad at me. – He looked at me kind of hopefully, the table with Gabby on it still between us.
- I promise. – I smiled at him again. How can I not?
- So… friends? – He asked, still wearing this cute expression on his face.
- Friends. – I giggled as he beamed at me happily.
- Okay… So… guess we gotta go. – He nodding his head. – Gabby, jump down.
I leaned at the doorway as I watched them going away. At the last minute Troy turned around, his eyes shining like it was the only light source in the room.
Bye, Brie. See you later. – He gave me the last wave and disappeared behind the door, leaving me standing here, grinning like a fool.
I thought that bringing down this subject will make things easier between us. I was wrong. As I tried to wipe this giddy smile away from my face, I finally registered the rapid beating of my heart. Boy, am I in trouble.
A/N: So this chapter is a little bigger, than the previous ones. It is partly because I was eager to have them have this conversation about Troy 'not recognizing' Gabriella, and partly because I'm going on a two week break from work since this Friday, and I'm not sure if I'm gonna have access to computer during this time… So, there you go!
Again, I sincerely thank everyone who keeps reading it and reviews. It really helps me. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and won't forget about this story until I'll have a possibility to post the next one:)
Possible reviews and feedback are always appreciated.