On my way back to the kitchen I met Taylor exiting it. Looking up at me from her phone she smiled tiredly at me.

- I'm beat. Going to head to bed. Good night?

- Good night, Tay.

Beat, huh. Gonna bet that she's going to spend another couple of hours texting her fiancée.

Finally entering my kitchen I was met by the sight of my mother pouring what must have been her seventh cup of tea this evening. Noticing me, she moved her head in silent question whether I wanted one more too. I agreed. What use in talking in the kitchen if you can't drink or munch on something? It would be just pointless.

Placing our mugs on the table, my mother sat down and looked at me, smiling softly. And though the evening was already full of her rants about how she was happy for my life, I had a feeling that this time her words will have a slightly different angle.

- Reunited, huh? – My mother asked. Her warm brown eyes, the ones that I apparently inherited, twinkled at me, reflecting the lamp on the kitchen ceiling. Instead of making it seem like I didn't understand what she was talking about, I shrugged.

- It's not like we were ever united in the first place.

Mom nodded, seemingly agreeing with me.

- He was always fond of you. I could see it. Though at the time, I got the impression from you that you two couldn't be even considered as friends. – She took a pause as if contemplating something. – Life after high school can show that what once seemed to be the most important thing in the world may turn out to be completely meaningless and visa versa. It is wonderful that after all these years you two managed to maintain that easy going atmosphere that you always had. But bunny… I just remember that look in your eyes whenever you saw him, or blush whenever he was mentioned. I'm not saying anything but think before you fall, okay? There might have been a reason why you and Troy weren't very close in high school, when you obviously could have been.

She gave me a long look, trying to see how attentive I was being to her words. Suddenly, I was glad of my thoughtfulness. What would I do now, without a cup of tea to stare into? Look at all the shades in there! How beautifully those specks of light dance around the surface… Hearing a rather loud sigh I brought my eyes back up.

- I understand what you are talking about, mom. But it's not like I'm going to fall. We've only met again about a week or so ago. It can't be that easy. – Her sympathetic smile didn't reassure me one bit. – Don't worry about me. Everything will be alright.

Of course it will be. I am sure of it. After all, what is there to go wrong?

I seriously didn't think that this thing could become even more repulsing. It seemed bigger and was now of different shades of blue, red and green. What a beauty. Reaching up my hand to touch it cautiously I winced from the stab of pain I felt. Troy was probably right when he urged me to use that stupid ointment. And my mom even forcedly applied it to me once. But to take full effect one should use it every two hours or so. Which I couldn't possibly stand.

Oh well. Time for me to style my hair in a different way.

Swiping my bangs to the side I decided on using a straitening iron. I'm feeling adventurous today. And I have a feeling that I'm going to regret it after about an infinity spent on my hair.

Plugging in the iron in the socket, I turned to my bed, scratching Tommy behind the ear. He is growing up so fast! Hearing my cellphone buzz on my bedside table I took it, unlocking. Instantly, I felt a familiar swarm of butterflies swirling in my stomach. A text from Troy.

Good morning! Don't forget to use the medicine;)

I shook my head at this. This is his fourth text to me since last night. And in each and every one of them he kept nagging me. Despite me feeling rather bitchy, I stopped replying since the second message, pretending that I was sleeping already. Partly because I didn't want to lie to him about taking care of my forehead, partly because I was afraid that I would run out of creative answers; but mostly because of the never-ending chain of thoughts and ideas that started to come into my head, spurred by the evening conversation with my mom that took place right after Troy left.

It won't be too smart of me to deny that I like him. One doesn't need to be a genius to realize that I do like Troy. As I've mentioned before, it has always been hard for me to establish any sort of relationship with members of opposite sex. Usually, there are three ways: 1. I get so awkward to carry on basic conversation that it couldn't possibly lead to platonic or romantic relationship; 2. Rare species that are so friendly and easy going, that I manage to relax around them. Only then I don't consider them strange and foreign males. Ryan is definitely in that category and Jason too, I think. It's not that I think that they are unmanly, or that I feel something towards Chad and Zeke. It's just something about their disposition that makes me relax in the first case, or try to overstep some unseen barriers every time I talk to them in the latter case. Disregarding the fact that I think of all of them as good people that could later become my good friends. Ugh, it really is hard to explain.

And then there is a third kind of relationship that includes only one person. With Troy it has always been something else. Though I am afraid when I talk to him it is not because of some internal struggle; it is simply because of fear of rejection. But talking to him, smiling with him, having fun with him – it always seemed to me like the most natural thing in the world.

I need to settle one thing straight, though. I do not think that Troy Bolton likes me in a potential romantic interest way. He may like me as a friend; he was being rather friendly towards me lately. After behaving like a double minded asshole for the first couple of days, that is. But if there were some teeny tiny chance that with some time he could possibly start to like me romantically… It will be both good and bad news at the same time for me.

It will be good because… Come on, do I even need to explain it? If I see that Troy for some crazy reason starts liking me, I will possibly be head over heels happy! What could be better than this?

But that will be my first thoughts. Then, with time, those gnawing feelings of inferiority and complexes will fight their way back to me. And that is bad news. How long will I be able to live without dying from jealousy over every tree he walks by? To maintain a healthy relationship both should be confident in themselves and their feelings. I don't think I could possibly cope with that task. And last, but not least.

What if I get fat?

It sounds even funny, I know. But after you let yourself be the prisoner of your looks it doesn't just let go of you that easily. When I was a teenager I used to think that once I lose extra weight life will become bright and sunny for me. That was a lie. Because once I lost it, the only thought that keeps occurring in my head is 'I should never gain it again', and this thought sometimes leads me to hysterics. Life is not about looks, it is not about weight it is about the light you carry inside of you, I know that. But it is easier said than done. And if Troy didn't like me like a girl in school, if it were my looks that were stopping him, where is the guarantee that it won't stop him again some time in the future?

Snapping out of my thoughts I looked at myself in the mirror. My hairs look actually straight. Now, all I need to do is swipe them to the side braid to hide this ugly bruise, which is about the size of Australia by now. That will do.

- Good morning honey, - Taylor sing songed to me once I entered the kitchen.

- Morning. You know, I didn't realize you were a morning person. – I smiled at her grabbing an apple from the kitchen table and taking a bite of it. I think there must be bananas in the fridge…

- Well, I am. Besides I haven't felt the grumpiness in a while. – Awww. – Cute overall, by the way. But I think Shar won't appreciate it. – She said grinning at me over her mug of coffee. Yeah, our fashion icon is not in love with my 'childish looks' as she puts it. According to her, I need to dress, eh, 'sexily' in order to 'accentuate my curves'. Whatever.

- I know. I put on a pink shirt underneath it on purpose you know. As an offer of sacrifice to our god of pink. – Taylor gave out a giggle, choking on her coffee. I leaned over to pat her on the back. – I probably need to go.

- I don't understand why would you need extra time to discuss the bachelorette party? I mean, so much of extra time, you're almost taking a whole day!

Taylor is a little clueless. The truth is, right now I'm going to Chad's parents' house to rehearse our 'surprise' song with Troy, Sharpay and Ryan. Troy managed to talk Chad's parents into letting us there without the groom's knowing, with them promising to keep their son away from the house. And since it is a surprise Taylor doesn't need to know about this too.

- It's not like you will be bored, will you? – I said waving at her from the doorway. – Bye, Tay!

Getting a 'bye Gabs' from her in response I finally exited my apartment.

- So you're really ignoring me huh? – I looked up to be met with slightly offended and sad blue eyes. I instantly felt guilty, biting my lip. I was about to respond when I saw surprised irritation fill them in addition to the previous mix of emotions. – I can't believe it. – He stepped closer to me, completely disregarding such valued thing as personal space. He squinted in suspicion at my forehead examining my hair style. – You couldn't have just used the freaking ointment? Seriously?

Okay, I know I'm guilty for not replying to his text messages but he should really give it a rest!

- What I use or do not use is my own business, okay? I'm sorry for not answering, but it will do a lot better if you just laid off of me! I know how to take care of myself. – I ground out, clenching my jaw tightly. I know it is not nice, but seriously, who does he think he is? My boyfriend? Rolling my eyes I headed towards the elevator, hearing a sigh of aggravation behind me.

- Gabriella, wait! – Troy hurried after me, taking me by the elbow. – Listen, I know it is not that much of a big deal and I know that I was pestering you too much about it. I'm sorry. But I care about you, okay? I know it must hurt at least a little bit, so let me help you.

You don't know how hard it is to protest looking into the most crystal blue and deep eyes on earth. The guy could be a hypnotist, I swear.

Not really comprehending my surroundings, I felt my legs following Troy to his apartment. He pulled me into his kitchen so urgently; that I didn't even have the chance to look around. After Troy pulled at my hand to sit on the kitchen chair, turning around to look for something in the cabinet, I felt a familiar warm nose nudging my leg.

- Hey! You're more hospitable, than your owner, aren't you? – I said, causing Gabby to wag her tail joyfully. I giggled at her excitement.

- I'll let you know that I am very hospitable. – came Troy's muffled voice. Turning around he held up a recognizable yellow box in silent achievement. – Care for some medicine?

- How many of them do you have? – I shook my head at him in slight astonishment. Seriously, it's like he knew that I won't really use the one he brought me. Then again, can't say that it was all that unpredictable…

- Enough for rebellious little girls like you. – He stated simply, coming closer, yet again invading my personal space. Like I wasn't hyperventilating from his reply already. When he reached out his hand to my forehead I flinched away. – Stay still please, I'm just going to apply it. I'll be careful, I promise.

Haa, you can't promise that buddy, you are already way too not careful. In order to not think about Troy's fingers brushing my skin I busied myself with interacting with Gabby.

- Are you going by car? – Troy asked, unfortunately bringing my attention back to him.

- Yes. Why?

- Uh, mine's in the repair shop, so I was kind of hoping you could give me a ride…

- And let you get on my nerves for an extended period of time?

- Exactly. – His eyes glinted so mischievously at me, so joyfully; I didn't even feel it when my mouth gave him a silly grin, too busy with steadying my heartbeat. After returning my face expression back to normal I scrunched my nose.

- Alright, if you must be so annoying.

He smirked at me, his eyes going up and down as if he just saw me.

- All done. – He turned away, washing his hands. – Cute attire by the way. Looking like a true little rebellious girl. I think you earned a cookie from me for your patience.

Okay, firstly, I'm not that small. I'm shortish, but there's no need to remind me of that in every single sentence, thank you. I've seen people shorter. And secondly, what is his problem with little girls anyway? Did one of them steal his favorite toy when he was a kid or something?

- You're not that huge yourself, you know. – I said in a crossed voice. Before he could think of some smart assed come back, I quickly added. – Let's go, we don't want to get on Sharpay's bad side, trust me.

I can't take my eyes off of you

I know you feel the same way too

I can't take my eyes off of you

All it took

Was one look

For a dream come true

- This song is all kinds of lame. – Sharpay groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. Her brother chose to stay silent. Smart boy.

- I repeat it for the umpteenth time today; you don't have to like the song. We're not doing it to boost your singer's ego by receiving applause; we're doing it to put smiles on Taylor and Chad's faces. But if you continue with your moans, I swear the only emotion Tay's gonna be feeling is horror when she finds out that I left your dead body somewhere in the woods!

- Ooh my, I'm soo scared! What are you gonna do, Gadget Hackwrench?

I knew she was going to comment on my appearance.

- Brie, calm down. – Troy said, placing a soothing hand on my back.

Usually, one needs to try to piss me off. But Sharpay Candice Evans has done so with masterly skill.

- Yeah, Brie, listen to your loverboy and fucking calm down.

This made my eye twitch.

- Maybe you're the one that needs to go and calm down? We'll cope without you, you know!

- No thanks, I don't need your stupid boyfriend's feelings of inferiority lead to demolishing my brother's face!

She has been all sorts of aggravating for the whole time we've been together. At first she bitched at us for being late (just as I predicted), and then she went on a whole tirade on how this whole idea of a surprise song was stupid. I know that she can be a bitch and sometimes liked to get on people's nerves but I don't remember the last time she behaved so aggressively. Especially towards me.

Her response instigated a fire of rage in my chest. I wanted to swear so bad, tell her that I've had enough of her mood, tell her to go the hell away from here, we will do without her just fine. I wanted to tell her all that and more; I even took a breath of indignation, preparing for my long speech. But here's the sad truth: whenever something touches me too deep, emotions feel me up so much that, in the best case I am at loss of words, and in the worst case I have the words, but I choke on them pathetically because of tears. This time was no exception. Just as I was about to open my mouth to tell Sharpay off, I felt my lower lip starting to tremble and the tears start to well up in my eyes. Eh, I'm such a softy.

Sharpay rolled her eyes and sighed.

- Guys, leave us alone for a couple of minutes please. – She looked at Troy and Ryan expectantly. They were in no hurry though, Ryan glancing between us in hesitation and I couldn't see Troy because he stood behind me, but I could feel that his hand didn't move an inch from its previous place. – Ugh, go and do whatever you men like to do, just leave us alone! – With an uneasy gaze from Ryan and final stroke on my back from Troy, they finally exited the room, leaving me staring up at the ceiling blinking away upcoming tears. – Gabs, - she started slowly.

- What's with the attitude, Shar? – I interrupted her. – You are not Troy's number one fan and you obviously dislike the song, I get it. No need to underline it. I see that you acted out of your own thoughtfulness when you joined the three of us, but nobody asked you to, so what's the problem? – Yes, I am aware of the fact, that when you are talking to an angry person you shouldn't say things like 'Calm down', 'no need to be so angry' and of course 'nobody asked you to'. I'm sure there are more irritating phrases like that, but I think you caught my drift. I couldn't really help it though; I was so tired of her behavior.

I need to do her justice, after a long inhale (to take a hold on herself, I presume), she looked at me regretfully.

- Listen, I'm sorry I'm such a bitch today, I didn't mean to. Everything just piled up on me, all these planning, I've got my period today and I really miss my comfortable bed back at home. – Eeh, I don't know, even for Sharpay's logic this sounds like a bit of a stretch. She went towards me, giving me a tight hug. – I'm sorry, okay? Wipe away that frown please or at least let the Bolton guy cheer you up. – She rubbed my back, her last statement causing my thoughts to shift from her jumpy mood to my 'friendly neighbor' behind the wall. I shook my head.

- Stop with those comments about him, please. They're unnerving.

- I know they are. But they are supposed to be unnerving him, not you. So lean back and watch the show. – She smiled devilishly making me wonder what was on her mind exactly. – I know what I'm doing. Trust me.

- Last time you told me that was the time you made me go on a blind date with that creepy guy…

- That was too long ago to be true! – She waved me away, going to the door to call Ryan and Troy back, I think.

- Shar? Are you sure that you're okay? You've been acting kind of strange lately, even Ryan noticed that.

- What do you mean even Ryan? He's my twin brother, he notices the tiniest of things. – Ignoring my sceptic look, she opened the door and called for them to come. – And I'm completely fine! What could possibly be wrong with me after all?

I have no idea. But for some reason, I didn't believe her.

- So may I know the reason of your kidnapping me? – I asked stretching my legs, admiring my favorite floral converse. I heard Troy's scoff beside me.

- Please. You're the driver here, you could have just ignored me like you did so earlier with my texts and went straight home.

- Are you guilt tripping me? – I pouted.

- More like scolding you for your childishness. – I stuck my tongue at him, causing him to give out a laugh. – Yeah, very mature. - He said, nudging my foot with his own sneaker-covered one. I made a noise in protest, leaning down to brush off the dirt. - Just remember, next time I will barge through your door instead of wasting time on the cellphone. Good thing we're neighbors.

- Yeah, good thing. – I said sarcastically causing Troy to chuckle. I took another bite of my ice cream.

- Do I need a lot of reasons for enjoying a nice quiet evening with you in the park? – He said, looking so innocently with me, his eyes matching the clear sky above us. – Firstly, I thought it would be kind of me to share the most awesome ice cream shop in the world with you.

That is so true. I didn't know about this one in school, I'm not sure it even existed back then, but this has got to be the best ice cream in the world. I got a mix of melon, watermelon and pineapple, while Troy just got chocolate and vanilla. He kind of paid for me too, which makes me a little bit uncomfortable with the scene. We are sitting side by side at the bench in the local park, our seating beautifully surrounded with greenery. In front of us there's a small playground with children screaming and running around playing some game, so the atmosphere cannot be described as intimate, but our place is secluded enough to give the air of privacy.

I nodded, approving of his decision of showing me the shop.

- And secondly?

- And secondly… I have absolutely no idea what to do with the bachelor party.

- How am I supposed to help with that, I wonder? – I smiled in slight confusion. – It is far easier with Taylor; it's only four of us here, so me and Shar thought of a simple karaoke party with a few games, cocktails and a lot of girl talk.

- That's it? – Troy raised his voice in surprise. – What, no eh… entertainment gentlemen?

Entertainment gentlemen? Seriously? Who says that?

- I don't know, maybe we'll call up one or two local firemen or something. – I rolled my eyes with a teasing voice, making him snort laughingly. I made it seem like I didn't notice how he edged closer to me. – Such kind of amusements never was Taylor's thing. Or mine, for that matter, if you are thinking on discussing strippers with me.

- No! – He said it so suddenly, surprising even himself, considering his slightly reddened cheeks. – I mean… I don't know, I guess it is almost a tradition or something, to invite them… But I don't know… - He stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked so uncomfortable, it was too cute.

- Troy. As far as I know is a completely normal thing to invite strippers to bachelor parties. Most men enjoy it, just not all women do, and that's why I'm no help here. Just do some bar hopping or something. Actually, you may as well discuss it with Jason he seems like he likes that kind of amusement. – I finished my speech by taking another bite from my ice cream. Mmm.

- Yeah, I guess you are right, but… Chad's not only about alcohol and all that shebang, I was hoping you will help me with coming up with some funny questions or something…

- Still at loss as how am I the help here. I barely know Chad.

- Brie, come on. You were always so organized with questions and quizzes. Just help me a little. Like you always did. – He was speaking in a soft coaxing voice, chafing his leg against mine ever so slightly. I cleared my throat.

- Well it's not like I always helped you. It was like.. a couple of times… - I halted, suddenly realizing just how close he was sitting to me now. His arm laid in the way that it was touching mine; his foot ceased its movements instead hanging close, brushing my foot, and his whole body seemed to be positioned as if he was leaning towards me.

- So what? It could be like those couple of times… - He murmured, his ocean-like eyes hypnotizing me, regardless that he was aiming his stare somewhere a little lower than my eyes. I was trying to capture all my inner strength in order to reply something coherent when a sudden loud noise made me jump in my seat, successfully causing me to drop my ice cream (which I have almost forgotten about) to the ground.

Is anybody out there?

Hello! Hello!

Broken hearts like promises are left for lesser knowns

Is anybody out there?

Alone! Alone!

It was Troy's cellphone. I think all those ringtones and songs suddenly barging in in my life are trying to tell me something. This is all just too ironic. Looking rather displeased he answered it, leaving me to wonder silently of what have just happened. Or rather, what might have happened.

- What? – He almost snapped instead of greeting. – What? No. … How would I know?... Well how about you call him instead of me? … Fine. … Yeah. Bye. – He hung up, throwing his head back in frustration.

- Is everything okay? – I asked tentatively.

- Yeah. Chad lost Zeke or something. And don't ask me what I have to do with this, because I have no idea.

I giggled quietly. I'm a little at loss of what to do to be honest. He was definitely trying to initiate something… Right? I mean, considering my self-consciousness, it was rather easy to understand those two poor relationships I've had, because the guys took all necessary actions in their hands. Yeah, I know, sounds a little bit… forceful. Anyway, with Troy… Everything is different with Troy. I don't even know how to behave right now.

- You dropped your ice cream.

- Huh? – I looked up at him, returning from my thoughts. – Oh. Yeah, sorry.

- For what? If you want I can buy you another one.

- No! – I said a little too quickly, blushing. There it is! I almost thought I have cured from this blushing disease. – Um.. We probably have to go… Don't you need to walk Gabby? – I wasn't really asking, already springing up from the bench.

- Alright. – He also stood up, falling into step beside me, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans. – About our previous conversation… will you?

I gave out a long sigh.

- I'll try to do my best, though I don't know why you think that I'm needed. We'll have to work on it together.

- Neat. – He clasped his hands. After catching my questioning stare, he shrugged innocently. – What?

- You seem way too excited over it. I'm almost scared.

- Don't be, I don't bite. – He gave me a toothy grin. – Let us think that I missed you since high school. Come on, is it so bad to spend time with me? And don't say that you didn't enjoy this day. – He said, shoving me playfully on the shoulder without any force. Well, he sure seems at ease.

- Maybe I've had too much of you today? Didn't you think of that?

- Nooooo. By the way, don't forget that we still have to treat that forehead of yours.

Uughhhh. This guy will be the death of me.

A/N: I know, an interrupted kiss is almost a little bit over used, but I just thought it is so Troy and Gabriella. I couldn't even imagine them (in this story at least) without this moment. So, there you go!

Hope that those of you who reads it, somewhat enjoy this chapter and I will never get tired of thanking Tina for her reviews:)

Possible reviews and feedback are always appreciated.