Hey guys, I'm so sorry I didn't update sooner! My mom ended up deleting my chapter on accident and I had to restart it. But I'm kind of losing my feel for the story, and feeling my characters are becoming bland, and I'm not quite sure how to spice it up. I have the plot planned out and everything but when it comes to writing, I suck. Does anybody have any ideas for me? Thanks!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own any part of High School Musical. I do NOT own Taylor Swift's music, all rights go to Big Machine and her! Song: Other Side of the Door by Taylor Swift
Chapter 18-
I spent the rest of the night with Zak but he didn't actually get me to eat at all. I don't know what was wrong with me but I couldn't eat. It wasn't working, okay…nothing was working and I was starting to get a little annoyed with Zak's persistency. I was hoping he would understand, but instead he started giving me lectures about how I was being 'unhealthy'.
"You know…" Zak said, grabbing her bag, "You're going to start regretting what you said to Troy." He started.
I groaned at the fact that I knew he was right…and that he was starting to give me another lecture. I knew that if I even tried to defend myself, Zak was going to just throw it straight back in my face. "Yeah…well maybe Troy and I should have never tried to get together." I sighed, looking over at the picture of Troy and I in the back from when we were going out for the night in the town. I held it and couldn't help but notice that I was smiling.
I shook my head violently to wipe the smile off my face.
"You know you don't mean that." Zak said, sitting me down on the bed.
"Maybe I do." I sighed, falling back on my bed, "I mean, how can I like the guy who I thought totally hated me? I could have bet all of my life's money that he absolutely hated me and then all of a sudden he started liking me because he got jealous?" I said, thinking back at my history with Troy.
"Well sometimes it takes a guy to realize what he wants until he gets it taken away from him."
I thought for a moment, "Yeah, but sometimes guys only want what they can't have and then when they do have it, they'll let it go quicker than you can say 'stay'."
"But Troy isn't like all guys. You're generalizing the situation Gabs, it doesn't work that way."
"Well it's easier to generalize it." I countered.
"Look at this way," he paused, "If you did something in science and you were doing a lab then what do you do?" he asked.
I sighed, "Make observations."
"Exactly," he stated, "So would you just try and get the basics or would you try and dig deeper on the specifics?"
I looked at him and he smirked. I didn't really feel like giving him the satisfaction of the fact that he was right. "I'm sorry, Zak." I gave him a small smile.
"It's okay Gabs." He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close, "Just know that you're messing with his heart and well…it's not something to be toyed with."
"I know, but I kind of just want to be able to take a break from all the glamour of the relationship life." I sighed, "I care about Troy, but I don't want him worrying about me cheating on him. Everything happens for a reason; Zak and maybe Luke came into my life at a great time…" I noticed that as I kept talking, I began to get quieter and quieter.
"So you want to try something with Luke, is that it?"
"No. I just want to make sure there's nothing else…" I said, "For both me and Troy. Maybe Jessica is really the one who he belongs with."
I hated to admit it, but that's all that was going through my head. Jessica. I didn't exactly love her…and knowing her, she would take up any opportunity to get her time back with Troy and now that I'm out of the picture, she'll have that chance.
"Gabi…"
"It's okay, Zak." I gave a fake smile, "Troy's open for any girl now."
"And that also means you're up for grabs for any guy…" he said.
"Yeah…"
But I don't want any guy….
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
I slowly walked into the kitchen, knowing to expect to see Troy already up and eating. "Hey sweetie," Lucille smiled at me, "What would you like for breakfast?"
"Um, I'm not very hungry." I said, "But thanks anyways."
"Gabriella, you didn't eat at all last night, are you sure you aren't hungry?" she said, looking at me with concern.
"I'm sure." I said, "Thanks Lucille. I think I'm going to leave early though so I can study a little more."
Lucille nodded, "Well alright, have a good day!"
I nodded quickly and as I turned, I couldn't help but look at Troy who was shoveling food in my face. "Bye, Jack." I waved goodbye and then looked at Troy, knowing I couldn't avoid him for long.
"Troy." I said, nodding and then turned on my heel abruptly so I didn't have to be in the same room as him.
I quickly grabbed my backpack and my laptop case, knowing that I wasn't actually going to study at all.
I opened the door and looked around at the neighborhood, feeling absolutely home sick. I missed the feeling of New York. I missed the people back at school, even if some of them were intolerable. I missed being able to take a taxi (even if it did cost more money than to get your own car). I missed Sam and Kayla way too much, even if they too were giving me lectures about 'taking a break' with Troy.
"Gabs!" I heard the familiar voice of Zak behind me as he was putting on a jacket on arm, while trying to close the door, while also trying to put his bag on his opposite shoulder.
"You need help?" I giggled, looking at his goofy composure.
"No! I got it!" he said, struggling with his jacket. "I'm gifted."
I laughed, knowing that he was gifted, but he was also stubborn. He liked to prove that he was a good multi-tasker, but it was a rare day when he did prove it.
"Alright, Zak." I smirked, "Whatever you say."
I crossed my arms, rolling my eyes. I couldn't help but remember the first day when I met Zak. I had been on the phone Sam and Kayla that day, but then I was interrupted by Troy. I still hated Troy back then and before I knew it, Zak was asking me if Troy was bothering me. He was such a gentleman-not that he isn't one now.
"Bells…I need help." I heard Zak call and I rolled my eyes again.
I smiled though at my old nickname. He gave it to me on the very first day I met him and I couldn't help but miss summer. During the summer time, I didn't have to worry about other guys hitting on me. I didn't have to worry about other girls hitting on Troy and at the same time, make sure I was doing my school work.
I went over to Zak and helped him shut the door and held his bag so he could his jacket on. "You know, Zak, you could have just put your bag on the floor, closed the door, put your jacket on, and then put your bag on your shoulder." I said, knowing he makes everything too difficult than it needs to be.
"You and your brains." He scoffed.
"C'mon, you ready to go?" I laughed.
"Yeah, let's hit the road." He laughed as we started our way to school.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
We got to the library and I pulled out my laptop. I logged onto chat and noticed that Sam and Kayla were both on. "Huh." I said, beginning to start a chat with them.
"What?" Zak looked up from his laptop.
"Sam and Kay are online."
"Oh, are they still together?"
I smiled at that particular question, "Still going strong."
"Did you actually believe that they were going to get together?" he said, shutting his laptop.
I laughed, "Well…no not really. To me, they were always like brother and sister to me, so I assumed that they thought the same of each other. So when they did admit their feelings to each other, I was surprised and thought it was a little…odd, but I guess they deserve each other." I shrugged, "They belong to each other."
"I think they're a good couple. I mean, they're a little peculiar, but it's nice to see them together." He laughed.
"Yeah, it is." I smiled.
A/N: For those who didn't read the first story, NewYorkGurl17 is Gabriella, LadysMan247 is the lovable Sam, and Writer_At_Heart47 is Kayla!
NewYorkGurl17: Hey, what are you guys doing on?
LadysMan247: We're on our off period, what are you doing on?
NewYorkGurl17: Zak and I are in the library, 'studying'.
Writer_At_Heart27: Why? And why are you calling it 'studying'?
NewYorkGurl17: I was avoiding a certain blue-eyed person…
LadysMan247: Gabs, you and I both know that's not a good idea. Did you finally come to the realization that going on a break with that certain blue-eyed person was not a good idea?
Writer_At_Heart27: As much as I love you Sam, which trust me I do, but I hope you realize that she's old enough to make her own decisions, and since we're her friends, we should stand by her side and support her.
LadysMan247: Kay, I wouldn't be talking. You gave her the same lecture when you were on the phone with her before, remember?
Writer_At_Heart27:Yes, I do…and now I regret it.
LadysMan247: Well, then don't start giving me lectures about whether or not I'm doing the right thing. Besides, as friends, we also must make sure she's not making a big mistake that she'll regret for life.
Writer_At_Heart27: Yeah…I know.
NewYorkGurl17: You know, it's funny that even though that you guys are dating, you both still act like you're five and six year olds fighting with each other over who gets the 'cookie'. Hah! And you know what's also funny? The fact that you guys are talking like I'm not here.
LadysMan247: Sorry Gabs, but we're just discussing you and Troy here.
NewYorkGurl17: I see…
Writer_At_Heart27: So how are you guys doing then?
NewYorkGurl17: What do you mean?
Writer_At_Heart27: You know…
NewYorkGurl17: No. I don't know, Kay. But I'd love it if you could elaborate.
LadysMan247: I think what she means is; are you guys fighting or anything? I mean, other than not talking, is Troy doing okay? Is Troy upset? All that nitty gritty…
NewYorkGurl17: Oh. Um well we aren't really on talking basis, so we don't really get to fight, even if we wanted to. And of course Troy is upset. I'm upset too…but maybe it's for the best. For right now at least.
LadysMan247: So you're okay too then?
NewYorkGurl17: Yeah, I'm handling the situation.
Writer_At_Heart27: Are you nervous that Troy is going to go back to dating…well people like that she-witch of the west? With a 'b' instead of a 'w'.
LadysMan247: Really Kay, really?
Writer_At_Heart27: Really, really, Sammy. :P
NewYorkGurl17: If you guys could see me…you'd be seeing me roll my eyes.
LadysMan247: Oh don't tease us Gabs. But seriously, aren't you at least a little nervous?
NewYorkGurl17: A little…
Writer_At_Heart27: Which means a lot.
NewYorkGurl17: No, it means what it implies. A little.
LadysMan247: Don't you realize Gabi, that the meaning of a word and what you imply are two totally different things?
NewYorkGurl17: Fine. It means what it means by definition.
Writer_At_Heart27: Are you trying to make us believe that or are you trying to make yourself believe that?
I looked up from the screen and looked at Zak and he raised an eyebrow in amusement. "What?" he asked, crossing his arms.
"Nothing…" I said, looking back at the computer screen. I didn't know what to say.
NewYorkGurl17: I don't know Kay…I just don't know.
XOXOXOXOXO
I walked into homeroom and saw all of the familiar faces. One in particular, that I was looking forward to seeing. And worst of all, he was surrounded by a flock of girls in mini-skirts. "C'mon…" Zak whispered as he dragged me off to the opposite side of the room as Troy and his new groupies.
I nodded, knowing I wanted nothing more than to scream at the top of my lungs for being so stupid. But as I said before, I knew that I had to try and give Troy his space. I caused this and I shouldn't be wanting to take it back so soon.
"Hey guys!" Luke said, as he came into the room.
I smiled at Luke, who was wearing his usual light washed jeans and this time, a flannel to go along with it. "Hey." I smiled at him as he sat right in front of me and turned to look at me.
"So I heard about you and Troy…" he looked down at this hands, which were resting on the back of his seat.
"It's already spread around the school?" I droned. Great. Just great. How better can life get?
"Pretty much. It's all over the school that Troy is single and now on the market again."
"Well…we aren't broken up." I mumbled to myself in an angry one, "We're just taking a break."
"How does that work, if you guys live together?"
"It just means we are taking a break from each other…" I said.
"Sorry," Luke said, "I didn't mean it like that Gabs. I think whatever you want to do is what you should do." He added in a soft voice.
I smiled, gratefully, "Thanks Luke."
He gave me a smile in return, but before I knew it, I was staring at Troy again as he was soaking up all the attention. He looked like he genuinely happy. He looked like that's where he belonged. Not with me…but with people-girls like them. "So maybe it was for the best…" I whispered to myself. Or so I thought.
"He's always been like that." Zak said, "But when you came along, he changed for the best Bella."
"But-"
"I'm sure he misses what it used to be like, but I'm sure he misses you more."
"…you seem to be sure of a lot of things." I mumbled, wanting to go back home and sleep and never wake up.
"It'll be okay. And if you miss him so much, why don't you tell him?"
"My pride." I said.
"That reminds me of a song!" Sharpay came up and sat down .
"Really?" I raised my eyebrows.
"Yeah, it's called 'Other Side Of The Door' by Taylor Swift." She smiled.
I laughed a little bit, knowing the words of the song. It indeed was perfect for my situation.
In the heat fight, I walked away
Ignoring words that you were sayin'
Trying to make me stay
I said this time, I've had enough
But you've called a hundred times
But I'm not picking up
Cuz I'm so mad I met tell you that it's over
But if you look a little closer…
I said leave but all I really want is you
To stand outside my window
Throwing pebbles, screaming 'I'm in love with you!'
Wait there in the pourin' rain
Come back for more
And don'tcha leave cuz I know,
All I need is on the other side of the door
Me and my stupid pride,
We're sittin' here alone
Goin through the photographs
Staring at the phone
I keep going back over
Things we both said
And I remember the slammin' door
And all the things I misread
So baby if you know everything
Tell me why you couldn't see
That when I left
I wanted you to chase after me…
I sighed as the lyrics start to wondering through my head. I feel sorry for guys honestly. I mean, us girls say one thing and mean the exact opposite of what we said, then at the same time, we'll say one thing and mean what we mean. We want guys to lie to us when it comes to our looks or something, but then again, we also want them to tell us the truth all the time. We probably seem like we're bipolar. (A/N: I am NOT dissing us girls, cuz I am one…but still. If you get what I mean…then yes, I think we are a tad bit…confusing at times. Even if boys are confusing too.)
I smiled, remembering another familiar country song I used to sing with my mom all the time whenever it came on the radio.
Any man of mine better be proud of me
Even when I'm ugly he still better love me
And I can be a late for a date that's fine
But he better be on time…
Any man mine of mine'll say it fits just right
When last year's dress is just a little too tight
And anything I do or say better be okay
When I have a bad hair day!
And if I change my mind
A million times
I wanna hear him say
'Yeah, yeah, yeah I like it that way!'
Any man of mine,
Better walk the line
Better show me a teasin', squeezin', pleasin' kinda time
I need a man who knows
How the story goes
He's gotta be a heartbeatin' fine, treatin', breathtakin' earthquaking kind
Any man of mine
Well any man of mine better disagree
When I say another woman's lookin' better than me
And when I cook him dinner and I burn it black
He better say 'mmmm, I like it like that!' yeah
(A/N: If you can name this song, props to you! (without using the lyrics to look it up…) I love the song! Okay…I like her music in general. Classic country! But I do NOT own this song at all! All rights go to its rightful owner!)
I giggled to myself, knowing that I was bringing back great memories from back at home. I used to sing all the time with Kayla, obnoxiously, while giving Sam a huge headache because every time he told us to turn it down, we sang louder…
Yeah, I know we were nice gals when we were younger…
"What?"
"Just reminiscin' the old songs that were the story of my life." I smiled.
"Ah…" Zak chuckled.
Maybe this day wasn't going to be so bad…if I avoided Troy…
Okay guys…that's the chapter for now. Be aware, that the next chapter is going to be skipping way ahead in time. Like thanksgiving ahead…so hopefully you guys won't get lost when I say it's late November. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! I guess I got my inspiration back and my writing is betting loads better. I just had to put myself in Gabi's shoes and think about what I would say…
Kind of like how I do with my fictionpress stories! Which ya'll should check out!
Shout-out(s):
Zac is my life(2x): I think it is. I think the first was in the first story, unless I'm mistaken, but hey, relationships have their ups and down. Except last time, Gabi went home so it's not going to be as extreme, considering it's not summer time. Anyways, I can't promise you anything, because I sadly do know how long the break is going to be and what happens, but oh well. I'm trying to make sure I'm moving the story along though so it's not just the same stuff over and over again. And I'm glad my responses make you laugh! I like to think of myself as a funny girl! Normally… hahaha. Anyways, yeah my friend writes too, but she likes to handwrite all of her stories. I do that during the school year, but then I discovered fictionpress, so I got to put them on that website instead so it's nice. My writing is improving, I think, so hopefully this isn't such a crappy chapter. Sorry for the long response, but hey, I had to reply to two! (:
Aly: Glad you liked it! Sorry for the wait!
XxBabiiGurlxX: Yeah…they'll work it out, I hope! (;
Crazy4BEIBER18MrsJustinBeiber: Hahaha, that was the second time I hadn't slept in over a long time. The last time was about 28 hours and then this time was like thirty. My mom found me awake at like 4 in the morning and made me stay awake all day and text her every half hour to make sure I was still awake. Yeah, not fun. And I'm sorry I switched it to the bottom, but I didn't like it at the top, but hey, maybe if you can name the song in the chapter, I'll switch it for you. And don't go cheating! Hahaha. Anyways, Americans can normally be fun. I kind of think we're all greety and stuff, but that's what we get for being in a democracy. Oh well! Have fun in Oregon! And I love getting reviews…but I lost all my reviewers…heh. And I did sleep! I promise! (;
So I do kind of miss my reviewers… so if you want to be awesome, please review me and give me feedback on this chapter? I liked this chapter the most in the last recent writing, so it would help me! Thanks guys! Oh and go back to my profile every once in a while to check out my plans for updating that week! Thanks to those who are supportive of me still!