The sounds of rainfall and thunder boomed from the street as I hurriedly closed the door to our clinic after me.

- Hey, Gabriella. – Kelsi said brightly, shrugging off her own rain coat. – The weather is dreamy today, huh?

- No kidding. I woke up today and the first thing I heard was the wind throwing something that sounded like buckets of water at my window. – I answered widening my eyes and shaking off my umbrella. – Care for a cup of coffee?

- That's what I wanted to say!

Sometimes, when you wake up, look at the window and see a rain storm your mind instantly fills with negative thoughts, like "great, what am I supposed to wear now", "bye-bye make up, hello dirt, freezing wind and what else is more". My feelings are kind of in contradiction with such gloomy and furious weather. Today was the day of the "Cool, time to test that pretty stripy umbrella I bought last month", "Where's my yellow rain-coat" and "Let's have a cozy day beside the window drinking tea and sharing stories" kind of thoughts. Then again, my happy mood doesn't depend on the weather, I suppose…

If there was some test of human nature, aimed at figuring out what kind of feeling fills the person at the moment, mine results would probably show giddy excitement from head to toes. That's what I'm feeling. And a little of disbelief, maybe.

For some unfathomable reason, despite all the inferiority complexes and everything, it seems as if everything is going the right way. Like there simply cannot be any other scenario. I couldn't even imagine that Troy would like me, even when he slid closer to me every time; but now all I could think of is talking to him, laughing, kissing, cuddling and everything in between, as if it had always been that way. Sounds almost unbelievable, I know, but I guess right now everything is too fresh to think straight or to express any doubts.

That's why I awakened to the rain by the song "Pocketful of Sunshine" with a smile on my face and a happily beating heart. My car was reluctant to start because of the amount of water falling on the hood, but that still didn't evaporate my bright mood. I even made a detour to the bakery to share something sweet with Kelsi this wonderful morning.

I turned my back to her, looking for something in my bag.

- Kelsi, what's your point of view on eclairs early in the morning? – I asked with a smile, finally taking it and turning around only to be met with Kelsi's surprised face.

- I definitely approve of them, but only if you like muffins. – She said, holding a couple of muffins in her hands. We laughed at each other.

What a nice start of the day.

I gave a sad smile, looking at the woman exiting our clinic with fox terrier who slipped in the puddle and damaged his paw. Such weather can have its side effects, I guess. I've heard on the local radio that there's even fire started in some old construction because of the lightning. At least the rain is a helper here. Oh, I hope Troy is alright.

Last evening was short of perfect and overall sweet. We didn't do anything in particular, if you know what I mean, we just shared a lovely time together, surfing through the internet for different quizzes, games, etc. I had to leave around eleven, because I knew that Tay was to return soon. Me and Troy haven't really discussed what had happened; I mean, whether we're together or not, should we tell somebody about it or not; but there was this understanding, going probably from the fact that close to nobody knew about or previous acquaintanceship, that we should remain quiet about this. I was actually very glad that Troy shared my point of view on the matter. And I know that it is rather foolish to feel the way I do without checking his motives first, but what was I supposed to do? 'Hey, buddy, now that we kissed, let's tell everybody not to drink too much on Chad and Taylor's wedding, cause our's gonna be next'? He is a good person, I trust him enough not to behave like an asshole. But on the other hand he's already shown that he can be one… Oh, you know what, whatever! Everything's going to be fine.

- Gabs, you mind if leave for about 15 minutes? – Kelsi asked, looking away from the monitor.

- Sure. I doubt the boss will come in today anyway. Don't forget your umbrella. – I said, going to make myself a cup of tea. What? The weather is fitting.

As I was pouring boiled water in the mug my phone started buzzing in my pocket. I smiled instantly, looking at the screen, feeling that warm honey-like substance starting to spread inside of me again. I watched Kelsi hurriedly exiting and clicked to answer.

- Hey! Aren't you supposed to be at work? – I asked him, perching on the table. I took a sip.

- Hi. Well, um, I'm not exactly at work. – Troy stammered a little. I frowned at his tone of voice, swallowing my tea.

- I thought you have a shift today? Where are you, then? Is everything alright? – Slight worry started to appear in my stomach.

- Yeah! Everything's fine. Really. – He paused. His tone didn't seem forced but it still bothered me for some reason. I placed the cup back on table. – Actually, uh, I'm really sorry but I need to ask you for a favor. Can you please walk with Gabby after your work? I think I will be a little, uh, unable to do this today. I'm sorry.

- Why? Troy, where are you?

- I'm at the hospital. But I'm fine! – He added quickly. Oh my God.

- Oh my God! What happened? Is it because of that fire? Are you hurt? I.-

- Brie, calm down. – He interrupted my fretting. - Yes, we took out the fire, everything's alright. It's not that.

- But what is it? I need to visit you!

- No! – He cleared his throat. – I already asked Chad to come pick me up, he'll take me home. I just, you'll really help me out if you look after Gabby. I kind of already asked guys to take her to your clinic by the time you finish up. It's around 6, right?

- Right…

- Okay. I'm really sorry that I'm asking you this.

- I don't mind. It's fine. – I said shaking my head. What does it mean? If he's fine then he wouldn't be at the hospital and, moreover, he wouldn't be asking me to walk his dog. Something's wrong with him, but it seems unlikely that he will answer me right now.

- Thank you so much. I'll make up for it later, I promise.

- I'll see you later?

- You don't have another choice. Bye, little girl.

- Bye.

He hang up, leaving me to freak out alone. Tapping my fingers on the cup nervously I looked up at the clock. An hour of work left.

I cautiously knocked on his door, shifting my weight from one foot to another. After some time I heard muffled noises and the door opened.

- Heey. – Troy smiled at us in greeting, carefully leaning down to pet his dog. He looked handsome as ever, in green t-shirt, plain jeans and on crutches. My eyes widened at this. – It's fine, it's not even broken, I promise. – He said before I can utter anything. – Are you two going to come in or will you continue to just stand there?

He moved to the side, letting Gabby inside.

- Careful. – I warned. - We've been at the park so she probably got some mud on her; let me take her to the bathroom.

I quickly cleaned Gabby up, rushing to confront Troy about his leg. As I entered the kitchen he was sitting on a chair, with tea ready at the table for us and food ready for Gabby. He patted the chair near him. I took a seat, scooting my chair closer to his.

- Do you want something? There should probably be some ingredients for sandwiches…

- Not really. Will you tell me why you're on the crutches? – I asked impatiently. He looked uneasy, rubbing the back of his neck.

- It's just a sprain, nothing serious. The doctors said to keep the pressure off of it, hence the crutches. – I took a breath.

- How did it happen? No burns? – I anxiously looked him over.

- No burns. – He looked away. Is he blushing? – We were just finishing up with guys on this house - an old construction, nobody lived there; and, well, we were kind of… goofing around… And, well, I managed to slip in the mud and sprain my ankle. – Troy mumbled. I blinked. – Told you it was nothing serious.

- That's it? – I asked incredulously. I had so many scenarios! – A guy that works at one of the most dangerous jobs got injured because he played in the mud with his friends. – I stated. Troy looked at me with indignation.

- Hey! That sounds insulting.

- Only because you made it like that.

- It's not like I did it on purpose! – He opened his dark-blue eyes wide as if to make a point. Noticing my trembling lip he squinted. – Are you laughing at me? – I snorted, unable to prevent myself. – Brie! – His voice sounded in disapproval, but he didn't look angry, smiling at me. I took a breath to calm down.

- I'm sorry. I was just nervous about you. Does it hurt? – I asked, placing my hand on his thigh. He shook his head, leaning closer to me.

- Nah, not at all. You know what hurts though? – He asked, smirking. Ooh, is he flirting with me?

- Nuh-uh. What is it? – I took the bait, biting my cheek.

- You've been here for the total of 17 minutes and you've yet to show no, and I emphasize this, no attempt at kissing me. Should I be concerned?

Aaagh, that's so cute! God, give me strength not to jump in my seat when he says things like that.

I couldn't help my wide grin, leaning in to kiss him properly in greeting. We were broken apart though by his rumbling stomach. Troy grimaced and I just laughed.

- Chinese? – I offered. He nodded gratefully, making me giggle again.

Full and satisfied we laid on his couch, empty boxes a few feet away from us. Troy laid on his back, and I on my side, almost my entire body lying on top of him.

- So, for how long are you supposed to use these crutches? – I asked, lifting myself a little so that I could look in his face properly. He swallowed, making his Adam's apple bob. I can't help it; he is so handsome. His azure eyes shone with kindness and a good kind of attitude, making me feel safe, comforted and soo interested in him. He moved his gaze from the ceiling to look at me.

- For 3-4 days, or something like that. Could've been worse. – He said not raising his voice. He lifted his hand to move the hair away from my forehead. – Hey, it's a lot better.

- Yes, thank you, Doc. – I said in a half sarcastic, half teasing voice, bringing a smile to his lips.

- Anytime. – He murmured, sliding his hand from my forehead to the back of my head. He took away my hair band, letting my hair free, and then moved his palm to my spine, making goosebumps appear on my skin. I shivered.

- Wait, are you going to miss the party we spend so much time researching for? What about the dances and everything? – I asked, furrowing my brows in confusion. He won't be able to do that. Taylor will not be happy about this.

- Not necessarily. I'll be not in my best form for the party, yes, but I think at the wedding I'll be fine. I can't leave you dancing alone after all, can I? – He rubbed my back slowly, looking at me in that strange way again.

- What? – I asked, not understanding his look. He grinned.

- You're so beautiful. - Something turned in my stomach at his words. I shook my head. – Yes, you are. – His palm slid over my waist. I smiled tightly. I'm not sure why I'm reacting like this, I just don't like it. I mean I'm flattered and everything but something's wrong. – Gabriella, - He shifted us, so that he sat down and I was almost straddling him. My heart went to a diving lesson at his movement. I bit my lip. – I truly and honestly think that you are very beautiful. Amazing. Gorgeous. I'm serious. – He said, his eyes searching mine for understanding. I tried to show it, giving him a smile. Stop with this compliments already. Let's better concentrate on you, Mr. Perfect! I slid my hands from his chest to the back of his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. He didn't seem too eager at the beginning, but relaxed after a couple of seconds. He moved his lips across mine gently at first, but then pulled me even closer, pushing me tighter against his chest. I moaned at his actions. Troy broke the kiss, but before I can pout that he stopped, he started kissing my neck right under my ear, his hands slipping under the back of my blouse. I hummed in appreciation, rubbing the back of his neck, my hips shifting unconsciously. But when his hands moved from my naked back to the skin of belly I went still. I started to inch away from him. Troy looked at me in confusion.

- What's wrong? Did I do something?

- No, no. Everything's fine, I just.. I think I need to call Taylor, the girls are always wondering why am I being so distant. – I looked for my cellphone, locating it quickly. Clicking the button I looked at the time. Half past eight. – I should probably go, see if they need me or something. – I scurried to my feet, Troy watching my movements in bewilderment. – Call me if you need anything, okay? Feel better!

I quickly snatched my belongings from the floor and left the apartment, leaving perplexed Troy sitting on the sofa.

- I'm still worried though. It is very important for me; I don't have anyone else besides her. Well, I don't mean that you guys are no one of course, but she's the only family I have left. – Taylor said, chewing on her lip worriedly.

After I dashed away like a rude, very rude person I actually did call Taylor to ask her where she is and fond out the she, Sharpay, Martha and Ryan are sitting at one small café nearby and that I'm more than welcome to join them. Which I did, obviously. Chad is somewhere meeting his family (which turned out to be pretty large) at the airport. Well, by now they're probably having a reunion dinner or something. As I said before, it's just me and my mom, so these types of massive family meetings are a bit odd to me.

Did something buzz?

- Taylor, - Martha placed a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. – She still has a lot of chances to come here in time. If everything turns out okay she may even be here for the bachelorette party.

- But if it will not, she may miss my wedding day. – Taylor took a deep troubled sigh. As it turns out, Marlene, Taylor's older sister, is having troubles with coming to Albuquerque in time. Her daughter is having a nasty case of flu and she can't leave her alone in such state. Not mentioning that the plan was for all of them (Marlene, her daughter and husband) to fly here to the wedding. Taylor is understanding and worried for the well-being of her niece, of course, but it doesn't change the fact that she may be left with no family present at her wedding day. It's not the end of the world but it is rather sad. – And now Troy with his sprain! How did he even manage to get injured? – I wanted to answer but chose to stay silent for two reasons. One: I'm feeling sort of guilty for my behavior which even I myself can't explain. It was just a reaction that I'm yet to understand. Two: I still don't want to tell anybody about our new found eh… connection. I guess I can't really call it a relationship, especially if I keep pulling stunts like that. – All my plans go down the drain. My wedding is on the way to be ruined.

Poor Taylor. She worries too much, though. I've never seen her be so pessimistic. I've never been good with words of comfort but I felt the need to reassure her, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Ryan and Martha also preparing to say something; only to be interrupted by Sharpay.

- Oh, stop it right now, please! We've done so much to make your day perfect; one nasty disease and a lame sprain are not going to ruin it. Have some faith in your future, will you? – She said in a little irritated tone.

- Sharpay! My wedding is in the 4 days! What is there to go right? – Taylor exclaimed exasperated. – She still has to buy plane tickets!

- If your sister is anything like you, and considering that she basically raised you she probably is, she has already bought the tickets regardless whether she will make it or not. – I pointed out. I'm 99% sure that she has bought the tickets the day she found out the exact date of the ceremony. Something's buzzing, again. Am I the only one who hears it?

- What G said. – Sharpay nodded. – And I'm sure Troy-boy will also manage. You spend a lot of time with him lately, Gabs, you think he'll heal?

I tried to keep the blush down and pressed my lips together. Thanks, Shar, why don't you turn the spot light on me?

- It's not like I spend a lot of time with him, you know. Just, uh, neighborly business. Help the injured guy walk his dog; it's almost my job, after all. And yes, he said that he should be okay in 3 or 4 days. - I said, trying for the off-handed look. Please buy it, guys!

- How much time does it take to walk a dog? Half an hour? An hour tops. You've been with him at least for 2,5 hours today and for some miraculous reason all yesterday evening when everything was perfectly fine with him. – Ryan said, smirking.

He didn't buy it, I guess… Seriously, is he counting the hours I spend with Troy or something? He better behave or we're gonna discuss that 'MYSTERY WOMAN!', as Sharpay puts it, that he was with yesterday.

- Oh, come on, Ryan. I think it is actually pretty good that Gabs' spending so much time with him. Troy seems like a nice guy, and Chad's told so much about him. It'd be so great if something started to kindle between the two of you! – Taylor clapped her hands suddenly, looking at me. - Then we can do everything together, go to events together, raise our children together… - She trailed off, staring dreamily into space. Is she serious? Just about a second ago she was almost in tears about her wedding, but enter my non-existent personal life in the picture and ta-da! She is happy again. Ugh, at least she's in the good mood, I guess…

- It is quite possible, I think. I mean, have you seen the way Troy looks at her? He's all kind of smiley and protective and always watching out for her reaction; it's adorable! – Martha sighed, resting her chin on her hand.

- Really, is he? – Taylor asked, smiling. Yeah, is he?

Martha nodded.

Ohh it's probably nothing! I must have had a bad hair day, that's why he was staring and smiling, I'm tellin ya. Still, I felt the heat go up to my cheeks. I glared at Sharpay. That pink devil started it! Nobody was even thinking to talk about Troy before she brought him up! She fake innocently batted her eye lashes at me. Grrr.

Sharpay gave out a yawn.

- Taylor, G said that Troy will be fine, and all of us are sure that your sister will do her best to get here in time. And you know what, my lovely friends; I'm deadly tired and need my beauty sleep. Let's move our interesting conversation for tomorrow, kay? Agreed? No? Yes? Fabulous!

As you can probably understand none of us said a thing, but we remained silent, because arguing with Sharpay can cause more troubles than it is worth.

I'm feeling like a jerk right now. Like a big, huge dumbass.

It is the next day after I've escaped Troy's apartment like a madman and it is almost the end of the workday. Which naturally led me to thoughts how much of a bad person I am.

I haven't connected him once for this whole time. No texts, no phone calls. He didn't attempt to get in touch with me either, but I have to admit that he has his reasons. From his point of view it must have been horrible. One moment we're in the midst of making out, and rather heatedly so; and the next thing he sees is me flying for the door with no backward glances, texts or phone calls. God, this morning he probably had to walk his dog alone in crutches too! I bet he hates me already.

Biting my lips out of nervousness, I finally decided to dial him. My leg started twitching while I listened to the long beeps.

- Talk to me.

My heart skipped a bit. Is it too cheesy to say that I've missed his voice?

- Hey. It's me.

- Yeah, I've seen the caller id.

Yeaaah, he is mad.

I cleared my throat.

- Listen… I wanted to apologize for leaving you with Gabby alone this morning. I was just too tired after I returned from meeting with guys to change my alarm clock, and this morning I didn't even realize that I was forgetting something. I'm so sorry.

I heard him take in a breath.

- It's okay. I'm not that bad and Gabby is a smart dog, she can walk besides without causing any troubles. So I'm fine really.

I bit my lip. What does it mean? He's so mad at me that now he doesn't want anything to do with me? I felt a giant fat and ugly worm appear somewhere in my stomach.

- Oh. I uh… I just wanted to ask you to wait for me, that I'll walk her after work… - I trailed off. I heard another sigh.

- It's alright, I can do this. – That worm kept feeling at home in my stomach. – But I'll be glad if you joined us this evening? I think we need to discuss something.

I exhaled a breath I didn't know I was holding.

- Okay. I end at 6, as always. I'll be at yours at about 6.20 – 6.30. Alright?

- Yeah. See you.

- You're going already?

Troy glanced up, his bright blue eyes looking at me. After some moment he returned to the task of locking his door.

- Gabby isn't used to sitting at home all day. She was being restless, so I thought we'd meet you near the entrance of the building.

I nodded folding my arms. I smiled quietly at the Labrador; she's so joyful and happy. Then again, she has Troy waiting on her all day; I'd be joyful and happy too.

Troy rather skillfully appeared right beside me, near the elevator. He looked me up and down.

- You look nice.

I looked down. Uh, not really. I kind of just threw on jeans and random red blouse this morning. I shrugged.

- Thanks.

Troy gave out a troubled sigh. He pressed the elevator button and we stood silently side by side. This is so awkward. It shouldn't be; everything was so perfect just yesterday. That big ugly worm started to move.

I glanced at him sideways. He seemed deep in thought chewing on his own lip. The silence is excruciating. He looked up, as if feeling my eyes on him, locking our gazes.

- Come here. – He said finally, motioning with his head to come closer to him. Just as I was about to hug him, elevator arrived at our floor. Troy chuckled. When we finally went in the elevator cabin, I closed my arms around him tightly pressing my cheek to his chest. I took a deep whiff of his smell and pressed even closer to him. Somewhere in the back of my head I registered that his left hand came to rest at my spine. Can we stay like this for some time, please?

We proceeded out of the building in silence, going side by side with Gabby walking before us but not too far away. To my surprise, Troy used the crutches rather deftly; at times I had to make effort to keep up with him. Then again, remembering our tree climbing experience, I really shouldn't be too surprised. But that still didn't make me fill better about the fact that I practically ditched him this morning. Not to mention last evening.

- I really feel guilty for leaving you. – I repeated contritely. He just shook his head, smiling to the side.

- As you can see, I am perfectly fine. Actually, if you aim your gaze a little upwards, you won't even see that there's something wrong. – He half-joked, raising his eye-brows, making me smile at him. He frowned a little. – What really interests me though is last evening. What happened? If I did something that you didn't like or didn't want you should've just told me so instead of evaporating immediately.

Yeah, I knew this will come.

I breathed out, squinting in the sun. Contrary to the day before, the weather today is amazing; the skies are clear blue, and the sun rays are blaring down. But my mood was sunnier yesterday when it was raining.

- I can't really explain it. I don't know why. I didn't mean to offend you in some way and I probably did and I'm really sorry for that. – I started to rant only to be interrupted.

- I kind of have an idea why you did. – Huh? He does? – What I mean to say is, and I've said it before already, when something happens that you don't like or feel uncomfortable with, just tell me about it. We'll talk – about it or not doesn't really matter. Just don't run away again, okay?

Aaand wellcome ladies and gentlemen, the return of the ever - amazing, utterly marvelous, eagerly-awaited honey-like feeling! Bye-bye big and ugly worm!

I casted my eyes down so that he didn't notice the swooning look on my face that I was sure was present. Huge stuff, huh? I don't think that I could have ever imagined things going the way they are right now. Not a couple weeks ago, not when I, for some incomprehensible reason, decided to return here from New York and most definitely not in school. As I shyly lifted my eyes up to his, I saw that his own amazingly blue ones were staring intently at me. My heart dived again.

Maybe I couldn't imagine this before. But who really cares? All I know that right now I'm falling with the speed of sound somewhere way too deep and I can't bring myself to worry about it.

AN: As always, thank you to those who reviewed! To tell the truth, earlier I imagined this chapter to end differently. But then it would seem too rushed and I wanted Troy and Gabriella to spend a little more time together. Hope that you liked their interactions and this chapter:)

Possible reviews and feedback are always appreciated