It never rains but it pours.
Seems like this phrase can't describe my life better. At least concerning minor irritating things. You know, you can never just break a nail, or splash your favorite work blouse with coffee, or step on something sharp, only realizing that it was one of the few hair pins you were planning on using today, bending it impossibly in the process? No, it just must happen all at the same time, all in one morning.
- Gab? Your phon-
- OUCH!
Whatever Taylor was saying to me was interrupted by my very sharp cry. After I stepped on my hair pin (which is very sharp and hurt me, by the way), I was too busy jumping on one foot, cradling the other one in my hands, repeating 'Ow-ow-ow-ow-ow', that I didn't hear Taylor entering the room. Which in turn led to me being hit straight in the face by the opening door. Hard.
- Oh my God! I'm so sorry! Wait, I'll go get something cold.
With that Taylor fled, leaving me holding my poor injured forehead, wondering how much more surprises am I to experience today.
- Gabs, come sit at the kitchen; you need to hold ice to your forehead for some time. – I groaned at the notion. I'll need to speed in order to not get late to work. Yaay.
As I sat at the kitchen chair per Taylor's instruction, I heard a concerned 'meow' come from under the table. Tommy was looking at me attentively, chafing on my legs.
- Hey honey. I haven't fed you yet, have I? – I cooed at him, carefully reaching one hand down to rub his ear. – Tay, can you please feed him? – I asked her, taking the ice from her and holding it to my forehead. I flinched from the cold.
- Sure thing. By the way, I wanted to tell you that your phone was ringing. – She said, turning away, reaching for my cell phone to pass it to me. Thanking her, I looked at it, and saw 1 missed call from mom. Uh-oh, I haven't called her in a while. Probably wants to scold me. For my defense, she is in the bad signal zone, so she has no reason to… Oh my God, it's so late!
- What are you doing? Sit back down or you're gonna get a bump!
- I gotta go, Taylor, or I'm gonna be late! – I rushed out of my apartment, not listening to Taylor's warnings. It can't be that bad after all, can it?
- Oh my, Gabriella! What happened?
Or it can.
It was the first thing I heard coming at me from Kelsi, which made me rethink my earlier hesitance to spend some time longer with ice pressed to my face.
- What? Is it that bad? – I asked her warily, though, judging by her face, I don't really want to know the answer. – I hit my face with a door; you know how graceful I am.
Though Kelsi is a very caring person and she looked at me sympathetically, I saw the way her lips trembled, in restrain of a laugh at the 'I hit my face with a door' part. Eh, can't blame her for laughing.
- Do you want me to get something, maybe? – She asked, taking a couple of moments. – I just left a bottle of water in our mini-fridge. It should be cold, I guess.
- It would be nice, though I doubt it will do much…
As Kelsi stood up from her chair, my phone started ringing again. Riight. My mom doesn't like it when I don't call her back.
As I pick up, I'm not even able to say a thing.
- Gabriella Anne! Not one call, not once did you try to get in touch with me! What kind of behavior do you think is that? – She sounded scandalized and even offended, which instantly made me feel bad.
- I texted you. – I replied meekly.
- You know full well that it doesn't count! You didn't even ask me when I return!
- And when do you return?
- I AM ALREADY HOME! – That outburst made me take the phone away from my ear, smiling apologetically at Kelsi, who happened to walk in right at that moment. Accepting her cold bottle of water I went into my office as not to disturb her.
- Mom, I'm really sorry. – I sighed deeply. – It's just been really crazy these past couple of weeks, I didn't even have the energy to think of something not concerning my immediate surroundings. I'm sorry I didn't call, you know that I usually do. – I said being sincerely sorry. It is important for parents that their kids remember them, you know?
- What has been going in your life, bunny? – She asked, using my very old nickname, which usually made me feel embarrassed. She sounded much calmer now, genuinely wandering about my wellbeing.
- Oh, - I started, puffing away a loose strand of hair. – I wouldn't know where to begin.
The line seemed endless, as I entered the nearest coffee shop in hopes of getting some sustenance. My stomach grumbled disapprovingly.
- Oh, Gabs! Over here! – I saw a bright blue hat and a blond guy, waving cheerfully at me, somewhere from the begging of this lifelong line. Ryan!
- Hey! – I hugged him in greeting. – Thank God. Now I'm not gonna die starving.
- Yeah, the line is crazy. And formed just mere seconds ago. – His voice sounded distracted. - Do you have a side job of being a hammer or what? – Ryan said, looking at the bump.
Oh, he thinks he is funny. How cute. Not.
- Ha-ha. When you start your own comedy show don't bother mailing me tickets. – I dead-panned.
After getting our orders and spotting a nice place near the window, I started to devour my bagel, not even stopping when I saw Ryan's raised eyebrow. What? I'm a working person, I need my fuel!
- Poor thing, was the time we ate together at that bakery the last time you had a meal?
Swallowing another bite, I glared at him.
- Shut up! What are you doing in this part of the town anyway?
Ryan shook his head, chuckling at me.
- Actually, I came here on purpose. Well, not here exactly; I was planning on visiting your clinic after getting coffee, wanted to talk to you. About Shar.
- About Sharpay? – This took me by surprise. Out of the two of them, it was Sharpay who was the always worrying, controlling and overly-organized one. Despite her flashy-pinkie appearance that seemed to just scream CHAOS at you, Sharpay's got everything planned way ahead. Which is why this kind of talk coming from Ryan was a completely new experience for me. – What is it?
- She's just been really strange lately. She often disappears somewhere, and I know that it is not with Taylor and Martha, because moments later I see them together alone. She's always on her phone, wearing that stone expression on her face that she never uses. And she brushes me off, when I try to get her attention. I don't know what to make of it.
- That… is strange. I haven't noticed anything, to be honest.
- Well, you don't spend that much time with us, do you?
I looked at him with uncertainty, shifting uncomfortably in my seat.
- Relax, I'm not blaming you or anything, I understand that you probably can't even comprehend what's going on around you yourself. You always were the worst when it came to new experiences.
Gee, thanks a lot. What a way to make me feel better, right?
Okay, I'm higher than this, I'll just ignore his last remark.
- Have you tried talking with her about this?
- Not yet. You know how Sharpay can get, when someone tries to pry into her business without her consent. You think I should just openly talk to her? – There was a slight pause as Ryan looked at me, though I didn't really notice. – Gab?
- Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. – I smiled at him sheepishly after my moment of distraction, my cheeks flashing red much to my embarrassment. Ryan turned to look at the direction I was staring at seconds ago. Turning back at me, he raised his eyebrows, grinning.
- Ah. How can you pay attention to poor old me, when you have a very exciting handsome guy in the prospect? – He smirked at me knowingly, causing me to blush a darker shade of red. Damn it. Why is it so hard to try and at least appear confident, strong and independent?
Right behind Ryan's back in the line stood no other than Troy Bolton of course. All in his wonderful glory. He looked a bit tired and even a little brooding, dressed in a dark shirt a something that looked to be his uniform pants. Can there be a more appealing sight? Pssh, forgive me for zoning out.
– Is there something going on between you two?
- Nothing is going on. – I hissed angrily. – He's my dance partner and my neighbor. Can two people talk in their free time? Yes? Thank you.
- Whoah, whoah. – Ryan raised his hands up in defense, which only made me more irritated. – I guess I missed the moment when he became such a sour spot for you. So what, are you gonna go say 'hi' or continue to sit here looking like a little volcano?
I just squinted at him depreciatively. But he is right, it's not like it's a big deal. It will be worse if I just continue to sit, pretending that I didn't notice him. After all, we established that we are friends the previous day. It is only proper to greet a friend. Right? Not like he's going to notice my suddenly sweaty palms.
- Yeah, I'm gonna go say hi. I'll just be a second. – With all the confidence I had I stood up from the chair and went over to Troy. It couldn't be that difficult.
Before I could say something, Troy looked up, and noticed me.
- Oh, a unicorn!
…
Can the ground just swallow me up, please?
All the confidence I had vanished momentarily. I just stood there like a dolt, blinking at him. Sharpay's help is probably needed, if I want to describe the exact shade of my face, given that my knowledge of the red color-range is fairly small.
Judging by the way how tightly Troy shut his eyes, he must have realized that what he said was… Uh… A little impolite.
- Yeah. Always liked them. – I replied meekly.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. – He gave me a guilty grin, beckoning for me to come closer. – It doesn't look good though. Did you apply something to it?
He looked and sounded so concerned, bringing me closer to him by the elbow, when I didn't step near him myself.
- Only ice. – I bit my lip, trying to keep my face expression unreadable.
- Only ice? Gabriella, you're a doctor, aren't you? Don't you know about such things as ointments? You do know, that it is rude to steal all attention from the bride at her wedding? – He said, looking at me in disbelief.
- Calm down, I'm sure it won't be that bad. It'll be OK until the wedding day. – I rolled my eyes at his dramatics. – I just came over to say 'hi', actually. Me and Ryan are seated over there, you can join us, if you want.
These words finally caused Troy to divert his attention from my bruised forehead, to the tables behind me. He nodded at somebody (who I guessed to be Ryan) with a stiff smile and gave a little wave.
- Sorry to disturb your lunch break, guys.
- It's not like there's anything to disturb. – I waved him away. – We met accidentally in line, and now we're discussing Sharpay. I love her, but that's not exactly my dream lunch break.
This made him crack a smile. Yaay. Though I'm still angry at him about his greeting. Grr.
- I'd love to join you, Brie, but I've just got a few minutes to grab a bagel and something. We don't usually have an outside lunch, anytime anything can happen.
- Oh, right. And where's Gabby, by the way? – I asked, finally taking notice that there was no cute golden Labradors around.
- I had to leave her at work with my mates; this place doesn't allow pets.
I nodded at him in understanding just at time when it was his turn to place his order. I was about to bid him farewell, when yet again, he drew me after himself by my elbow, to wait for his order being done. Do I seem like a rag doll to him?
- So, when are we going to meet up? – His question brought me to my ever comfortable zone of confusion.
- Uh… I don't know, we should check with Chad and Taylor when is-
- No, I mean me and you. Together. – A pause. - I thought we were supposed to organize the bachelor and bachelorette parties?
- And we need to meet to discuss these completely different events because…?
Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm oppose to the idea of spending some time with him alone. But I'm lost on his logic.
- You don't want to help me with my first wedding ever? You are going to leave me dying, screaming for help? – Aww, he pouts so adorably! Ahem. What is it today with this guy and drama?
- Don't forget that it is my first wedding too. It is highly unlikely that you're going to be the one screaming for help.
- Noo, I was looking forward to it! – He was trying to frown, but was already smiling at me, which of course made me giggle like a silly little girl. Our bubble was burst by the bell ring, signaling that Troy can take his order.
- Look, seems like another one of your friends joined you. – Troy said, nodding in the direction of the table where I previously sat. Looking there, I saw Martha waving at us brightly, making me smile at her. – Let's go say hi and I'll be on my way. – He said, gently nudging my waist, prompting me to return to my seat.
- Gabs! Troy! Hi! – Martha's excitement made me chuckle. After we greeted each other, I turned to look at Troy.
- So… bye then? – I said unsurely for some reason. He smiled gently at me, his eyes shining with warm kindness.
- Yeah. Don't forget to buy ointment, okay?
- Okay-okay. Bye. – I shook my head at him. As if. Despite me being a veterinarian, I'm not a fan of using medicines on myself. Stupid, I know. I fully well understand their importance and of course insist on everybody using it, if needed. But not me. I don't know why, it's just a thing from childhood.
I guess my thoughts are apparent, because Troy looked kind of suspiciously at me.
- I'll check on you. Until then, try not to miss me too much. – He smirked at me. I resisted the urge to stick out my tongue at him. – Bye, Martha, Ryan.
And with that he went away, leaving me to face my friends. I was feeling kind of flushed. Why, I had no idea. Should as well ask my companions about it, considering their knowing looks.
- What? – I snapped, irritated a little. I don't like the way they're looking at me.
- Going to follow the tradition? – Martha asked, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Huh?
- Not sure I understand what you're talking about?
- Oh you know. That tradition involving Best Man and Maid of Honor, together…
- I don't even want to know the tradition I'm sure you are eager to tell me about.
- Martha is right. You two were soo flirting with each other. It's strange how I haven't noticed it before.
- We were not flirting! – I huffed, indignantly. We weren't! At least I think we weren't… Oh, come on! It's not like he likes me or something…
Right?
Oh, wait. Is it Kelsi near the register? What is it, a meet-everyone-you-know-at-the-coffee-shop day?
- Kelsi! – I called, waving for her to come join us. – Guys, you don't mind if my friend from work sits with us, do you?
- Of course we don't, you shouldn't even ask. – Martha replied, accompanied by Ryan's shaking his head 'no'. – Though don't think that I don't understand that this way you're trying to discontinue our conversation. – She said, squinting her eyes and wagging a finger at me.
Riight. It was all my plan. That's how smart I am. He-he.
Kelsi walked to us slowly, looking unsure. Phew, seems like it is time to get her acquainted with my friends.
The work day was over for today, and I was sitting at the kitchen with my mother fussing over everyone and everything around. Literally. First she was running around, screaming something about how nice the apartment is; then she showered Tommy with her affections. Then, finally, when Taylor came, she situated us at the kitchen, listening to Taylor's story of finding Chad; Thomas purring contentedly at my mother's lap.
- I can't believe how fast you children are growing up, - Mom said, sniffing.
- Mom, stop. – I frowned in my cup of tea, glancing at Taylor apologetically.
- What? I am so happy for you, Gabriella. You have such true friends, a good job and a nice apartment. What more is there to wish for? If only you too were close to your own wedding and possible grandchildren for me…
I groaned audibly. Gotta love these talks from parents. I mean, I understand that I'm 25, but a big part of me is still a child inside. And I'm afraid that child inside will be stealing all the chocolate and plush toys from my own possible child. My nervous system won't cope with that. Yes, I understand that some people may be married and even have children at this age, but that's not about me, what's so wrong with that?
There was a knock at the door. An escape!
- I'll get it! – I jumped from my seat, rushing away from this uncomfortable conversation. After opening the door, I was surprised to see Troy standing there.
- Hey. – He smiled, looking at me with the same concern from before. – Something told me that you're not going to take my earlier words seriously, so I brought a good ointment.
- Um… Thanks. – I said awkwardly, taking the yellow box from his hands.
I. Hate. Ointments. On myself. I don't want to use it!
- Do I need to help you with it or are you capable of using it yourself?
His words made me blush for what seemed to be a thousand's time for today.
- I'm a big girl, I'll manage. – I replied drily. I saw the upcoming smirk and dreaded and wanted to hear what he was going to say at the same time.
- Oh my goodness! Is it Troy Bolton? – My mom interrupted us, coming to the door.
- Good evening, Mrs. Montez. Didn't know that you already returned from your business trip. – Troy smiled at her charmingly, nodding his head a little.
- Ah, even Gabriella didn't know it. – Mom said, looking at me a little bit annoyed. – Look at you! You've grown up so much, you've gotten taller! And even more handsome! I still remember that teenage boy, who was all too happy to steal brownies to your study sessions. Now I bet the ladies can't get away from you!
Troy laughed, while I was trying to figure out how forcefully I should jump in order to fall through the floor. Damn, I'm probably too weak. I should have taken those P.E. classes more seriously.
- Mom, stop, please. – I whined, embarrassed. Suddenly, I heard some noise coming from the room, reminding me of Taylor's presence. Shoot! If she sees my mom nearly in tears over Troy, she's going to suspect something! Glancing around a little panicky, a caught Troy's gaze. In that moment I got a feeling that we both understood why it wouldn't be a nice idea for Taylor to see this scene. I got a partner in crime! Anyway. He started it!
- So, I guess I should leave, take my dog for walk. It was nice seeing you, Mrs. Montez. – He nodded, backing away in the doorway. Suddenly he stopped. It almost seemed like a light bulb flashed in his head. – Oh! Mrs. Montez, I brought some ointment for Brie's forehead. Can you please make sure she uses it?
Ugggh. I hoped he had forgotten about it.
- Of course, I'll make sure. Thank you for caring Troy. It was nice seeing you. – After giving him a warm smile and a knowing look to me, she returned to the kitchen, leaving us alone.
- Yeah, Troy, thank you for caring. – I smiled my best fake smile, causing him to chuckle.
- Come on, Brie, don't be such a baby. Besides, it's not nice for beautiful girls to walk around with huge bruised bumps on their foreheads, is it?
Beet root. It is. I was staring at the floor forcefully, not meeting his eyes. That didn't stop him though, just made him lean closer to me, trying to catch my glance.
– Use it, please. I know its effects by the way, so I'll know whether you used it or not. See you later, little Ms. Stubborn.
For a moment I thought that he was going to do something, because his face bore that famous 'strange' unreadable expression and his hand made some weird looking movement in the air beside me.
- Later, Troy.
I leaned my back at the door after closing it. Was it just my imagination or… No. No 'or'. I've humored myself long enough in high school with these 'or's'. I'm not doing it again.
A/N: It took me almost a month instead of three weeks to update, and I bring my sincere apologies to anyone who's interested in this story. Some things went on, and I just wasn't able to concentrate. I'll try to get back to my more often updates.
I hope that you haven't forgotten about this story yet. As always, I thank everybody who added this story on your favorites/alerts, and special thanks to Tina, who reviewed my last chapter!
Sorry for grammar and other mistakes. I try to proof read every time, but later I always notice that some mistakes escaped my view.
Possible reviews and feedback are always appreciated.