Sick And Tired
Gabriella heaved herself up from the toilet where she had just been sick. The horrid taste in her mouth seemed to intensify and grow stronger, and her face floated into the view of the mirror. The sweaty forehead, bulging eyes, tired under eye skin, flushed cheeks and dry lips. Nothing attractive about this face today. Or her face yesterday. Or the day before…
Her shaky hand reached for the tap, turning it slowly with all the strength she could muster, which wasn't a lot. The small drips of water turned into shoots and soon the water was flowing out the taps, hitting the sides of the washing basin and finally gurgling down the hole. Her eyes stuck of the drain, while her hands reached to cup the water before bringing it to her face and washing away any traces that she had been sick. When she looked back at the mirror her face was still pale, but a little cleaner looking, which made Gabriella happy. When she turned back around, she was met with a sleepy looking Sharpay.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" Gabriella whispered.
Sharpay had got home from one of her VIP parties very late last night. Gabriella could remember faintly the door slam and Sharpay's footsteps clumping upstairs in her designer heels. Sharpay Evans was a name that every living breathing being had heard of. She had starred in countless movies but also pursued a career in fashion, modelling and designing. She had lived in the same apartment as Gabriella since they had met at college. She was now Gabriella's closest friend, as Taylor didn't live so near now, and Gabriella was very reliant on her. Without Sharpay she wouldn't have a place to live. She usually dressed very smartly, if not sexily. Sharpay had many men longing for a night with her, but only a few passed inspection. She was a riot in the industry she worked in, always getting invites to weddings to people she'd only met once and asked to model at shows all over the world. But the one thing she always knew she could come home to was Gabriella. A comforting friend to heal the wounds of the job she loved, but sometimes hated.
Sharpay shook her head. "No, I was just resting really. You've been sick again Gabs. You should really see a doctor about that. It's been five days now."
Sharpay's hand reached over to the toilet and pulled the leaver, making the sick vanish. Gabriella smiled up at her friend, knowing that Sharpay's caring nature was coming out and she knew she was only trying to help.
"Really, Sharpay' Gabriella patted her arm. 'I'm fine. Stop worrying, its only a little tummy bug. Nothing to get up in arms about."
Gabriella pushed the tube of toothpaste and watched a little squirt come out onto the toothbrush. Reaching her mouth, she brushed her teeth, feeling the sickly taste melt away slowly but surely. After rinsing her mouth once more, she felt refreshed and much better, but very tired. Sharpay was watching her closely.
"What are you going to do now Gabi, you can't get ready for work. I won't let you go, you're in no fit state. Call in sick again, I'll get the phone."
She watched as Sharpay's body, clad in a tank top and pyjama bottoms showing her slim mid-drift walked out of the room and her feet descended down the stairs. Coming out the bathroom, she called to Sharpay, "Any chance of a cup of tea, while you're down there?"
Her hands went to her hair which was wet with sweat. She felt yuck. But she didn't complain. Her sore feet carried her back through the hallway and into her bedroom. She clutched her stomach, the sickness feeling coming back to her, but she pushed it back down. Collapsing back onto her bed she had rushed from minutes before, her body sunk uncomfortably into the cushions and sheets. She'd been having a bad time, trying to feel comfortable. Rustling around, throwing the sheets different ways, didn't help her sickness, but finally she found herself quite comfy. Her head rested on the pillow, turned to the side and in took a large sniff.
It had been six weeks since the whole Troy incident. She looked at it as an incident, because she didn't like to think that what they had shared had been amazing, gorgeous, lovely, and everything she'd wanted since the break up. Which, in fact, was what it was. She missed him terribly. The past 6 weeks had been painful, all because she had been naïve. She actually thought he would stay, be there forever, but sadly, those thoughts had been erased. Every time she thought of him her heart would physically hurt, and she pined for him, too much, but tried to hide it all the same.
Her hand moved up the covers which were draping her fragile body and landed on the pillow her head was on. Her fingertips moved around, drawing invisible lines that only Gabriella's eyes would be able to see. Her eyes closed and she imagined Troy's body, lying beside her with his arm wrapped around her shoulders, snuggling together, but with her fingers drawing designs on his chest, not the pillow. She pulled it closer, desperate not to lose Troy's touch. It was terrible, but even though Gabriella had washed her covers, she hadn't washed the pillow sheet. It smelt of him, and she wanted something that would hopefully remind her of him, forever. She knew the smell of him would fade in time, but she took what she could get.
"Ya' know. No matter how many times you stroke that pillow, he won't magically appear."
Gabriella's eyes snapped open to be confronted with Sharpay standing with a cup of tea and phone in her hands. Her eyes connected with Sharpay's and she saw the pain in them, which was radiating off Gabriella's body. She never knew she must look that pained, for what she could see in Sharpay's eyes was the image Sharpay saw of her. She sat up, shielding her flushed face with pillows, and finally looked her back in the eye. Gabriella patted the bed covers and Sharpay moved over, to sit cross-legged on the bed in front of her. She was handed tea, and gave a thankful smile.
"How longs it been Gabs?" Sharpay looked at her thoughtfully.
Gabriella's brows wrinkled. "How longs what been?"
Sharpay rolled her eyes. "Since you saw… Him."
Gabriella laughed ironically. She set her mug down on the bedside table and readjusted herself. She knew Sharpay was only trying to be thoughtful. "It's all right, Shar, you can say his name."
Sharpay's hand found hers and squeezed it gently. "I just don't want to hurt you, if I say anything wrong. A few weeks ago you would break down at… His name."
Gabriella smiled a little up at her friend, even though tears pricked her eyes. "You know Sharpay. When you meet someone in the street, even if you don't talk to them, you just see them, and an hour later, you don't remember them, that's what I think of Troy like now, He was just passing. Just passing through my life, like no doubt he does to others. But stupidly, for some odd reason, I thought I'd be different. Probably because of our past. But, he's gone now. My life is Troy-free. I've got to forg--AHHH!"
Sharpay jumped out her skin at the sound of Gabriella's close yells. She rushed to her side, seeing her best friend clutch the side of her stomach.
"Gabriella! What's wrong?" Gabriella looked at her friend that had concern written all over her face. The pain eased and Gabriella collapsed onto the pillows beside her, panting slightly. She patted Sharpay's hand.
"It's alright now. I just had one of those cramps again. Had them ever since the sickness. Blooming nuisance." Gabriella groaned.
Sharpay felt her head cautiously.
"Shar, don't you have work or something today? You usually do, and it's now' Gabriella glanced at the clock, 'half 7. You're usually out by now. I shouldn't have kept you."
She heard Sharpay snort. "Nonsense, that's what friends re for. Anyways, don't have to go in until 10 today, but I'll keep you company for a while. You need to phone your work, remember?"
Gabriella groaned. "Jay will be furious."
Sharpay laughed. "No he won't! He's blooming in love with you."
Gabriella blushed at Sharpay's comment, knowing deep down it was true. She brushed it quickly aside, before muttering, "Just give me the phone, will you?"
Jay's head drooped onto his desk, before glancing at the clock. Just one more hour before Gabriella hopefully walked through that door. He'd missed her, as she had been off. He was worried about her, she hadn't been feeling very well, and would have popped around to see her, but she'd probably think that was strange. Truth was, he was in love with Gabriella. Had been since the first time he'd interviewed her. And he would do anything in the world for her.
He was brought from his thoughts as the phone rang.
"Hello? Jay Longden speaking."
He heard a cough and a yelp from the other end before Gabriella's sweet voice was heard. "Jay, hey it's Gabriella. I'm really sorry, but I won't be able to make it in today. Still ill."
Inside, Jay's heart sunk and he groaned, but he tried to be polite. "Oh, okay. Well, just make sure you get better, quickly. Huh?"
Gabriella laughed slightly, "Yes, I will. Goodbye."
Jay smiled down at the receiver. "Goodbye Gabriella."
She switched off the phone and sighed into her pillows, with Sharpay staring down at her, by her side. She felt Sharpay's small pointy fingers sweep away loose hairs from her head and behind her ear. She smiled at the touch, but couldn't help thinking about Troy doing that too.
"So he let you off again then, did he?"
Sharpay heard a 'yes' through one of the pillows.
She smirked triumphantly. "Told you so."
Gabriella's face came into view. "Sharpay, I'm kinda tired. I think I'll sleep. If I don't see you, then have a nice time at work. Later."
She threw her head back to the pillow, hearing Sharpay close the door behind her. And she was swept back into sleep.
14 years old.
She sat on the steps of her new house, holding a brown box in her hands. Lifting up off her knees where it rested and onto the ground, she searched for her book, Romeo and Juliet. Pushing her glasses up further on her nose, she delved in, the world and life of the most famous lovers commencing.
"So it's you who's moving in here then?"
The voice broke through the thoughts of her book and she raised her face to see a boy stading in front of her. He was very tall, lean, with muscles and was toned. His tan skin was to die for, and inside her stomach she felt it flip. She'd never wanted to touch someone so much. His caramel hair lay on his head, some shading over his right eye. But the left was clearly in view. Gabriella had never seem anything so pure in her life before. The blue-ness shocked her, and before she knew it she was swimming in them.
"Are you gonna tell me your name, or are you just going to sit there and stare at me?"
Gabriella's face blushed as she stood up, dropping the book back into the box, and walking over to the strange boy which enchanted her.
She struck out her hand.
"Gabriella Montez."
He took it and shook.
"Troy Bolton."
16 years old.
"Gabriella's just one time, please. I really need this."
Gabriella rolled her eyes at Troy Bolton, best friend and secret love. He had no clue of what she felt for him, or how her heart beat faster whenever he caught her eye.
"Troy, for the last time, I'm not going to let you copy my Chemistry homework."
He edged forward on her carpet, leaning in. "Please Gabriella!"
His face was so close to hers, and her eyes were caught to his. The blue that inhibited them never seemed to fade, and only seemed to captivate her more each time she looked at them.
She slumped her shoulders. "Oh, alright then. But this is the last time!"
He smirked, moving even closer to her. "Whatever you say, Gabi."
She protested, "Troy!"
Suddenly she felt his finger touch her lips and the spark both of them felt was unbearable. Their eyes locked as his finger moved over the shape of her lips and she parted them.
Then they closed the gap.
Just a few weeks ago.
"Well, don't you two look cosy."
The bright read lipstick moved in unison with Miss Darbus' lips. Gabriella carved a fake smile onto her lips at the comment, although she could tell Troy was getting annoyed. It was only a matter of minutes before he lost control to the feelings Gabriella was provoking on him.
Gabriella giggled nervously, while Troy scratched his neck. "Eh, well, you know."
Miss Darbus' started reminiscing. "I always knew you two would get together. Personally I think it was written in the stars. I remember when I first saw you both, and you were best friends with each other. Yes, those were the days. But as you both grew older, so did your feelings. And look, now,' she pointed at them as their faces blushed madly. 'Beautiful. Simply fabulous!"
Troy grabbed Gabriella's hand. "Well, thank you for that flashback Miss Darbus. How great to see you again. If you don't mind, we're going to get going."
--
Finally they got outside, the fresh air making them sigh in relief. Gabriella turned to Troy, slipping her arms around his neck. "Now, where were we."
Troy leant in closer. "Right… about… here"
They mouths closed onto each other as they started to kiss. Troy ran his tongue over her lips, begging her to open her mouth. She granted access and soon their tongues were battling. Gabriella's fingers caused him to groan as she raked them through his caramel locks, gripping and pulling every so often. Troy dragged her closer to him, letting any space between them suffocate. Gabriella gasped into his mouth when she felt him on her thigh. She dragged her lips away from his, before whispering, "Let's get out of here."
"Gabi?"
"Gabi?!"
"Gabriella!"
Gabriella's eyes snapped open and saw Sharpay standing, staring down at her. "What! What's happened!"
Sharpay knelt down beside her bed and stroked her hair. "You had the dream again, sweetie."
Gabriella groaned.
"Do you want me to stay off work today?" Sharpay's soothing voice came through her ears.
She shook her head, "No, I'll be fine… just need… sleep." She was already groggy.
"Okay, well, phone me if you need me." She heard Sharpay move upwards and get to the door.
"Thank you, Sharpay." Gabriella winced her words, but only because another cramp was approaching. Oh, the joys of being ill.
Confusion locked on Sharpay's features. "What for?"
Gabriella smiled in pain. "For just being here for me."
Sharpay smiled back. "You're welcome."
And Gabriella slumped back onto her pillows. She was done fighting sleep. She was too sick and too tired to so anything else.
A/N; Hey you guys. A slightly longer chapter for you. Since it's the holidays I might be able to update a little more often, but that's just a maybe. Anyways, lets try and hit over 100 reviews, okay?
I'll update soon.
:D