A/N: Okay, now I'm sure about this chapter :yaaaaaaay: :D
I hope you'll like it more than you liked the other Chapter 17. I've corrected some grammar mistakes; I've reviewed the vocabulary; I've added a lot of things; and I've tried to balance comedy-drama-romance a little more. Hopefully, my efforts will be worth your waiting :)
Please, tell me what you think…now, more than ever after all the bad messages I received because of the other chapter 17, I need your feedback. I'm soooooo nervous right now…fff…I really hope you'll like it.
I'm going to stop with my rambling and let you read. This chapter is the longest; I didn't want to delete all the old chapter 17 because there were people who already had read it, so I've re-done it but keeping everything that happened in the old chapter 17 so, of course, the length of this chapter is maybe too much. I apologize for that :blush:
Anyway, here, FINALLY, goes chapter 17. Enjoy! :)
'Sweetie, I'm sorry, but I have to stay for two more days in Seattle. I'll be back home on Wednesday. Take care and if you need anything, I've already talked with Diandra. Be safe.'
Gabriella's body remained frozen in front of the hideous machine; she was used to her father being away, but his message this time hurt her more than what she thought.
'I love you.'
Her mind clicked; oh right, he had told her he loved her for the very first time in years just before he disappeared through the door. She wanted her father with her; she needed to know why he was behaving with her the way he was doing so. Since her talk with Susan, Gabriella realized she was ready to face her father; she would take the truth from him, even if that was the last time they talked. She needed her answers and she was willing to have them, at any cost.
So focused as she was, she didn't hear the greeting or the steps of her lover arriving at her house from his daily run; she was so absorbed by her thoughts that she didn't realize about his presence until she felt his two strong arms circling around her waist and his powerful scent invading the room. "Hey baby," Troy greeted her happily. "Have you gone grocery shopping?" He asked cheery when he saw the bags on the floor, beside the table.
"Hey," Gabriella whispered leaning into his chest and closing her eyes when she felt his lips on her forehead. "Yeah…"
Troy realized something wasn't right; Gabriella's voice had a special edge on it, an edge he knew had pain hidden in it and her body seemed too weak for his liking. Turning her body around so he could look into her eyes, Troy placed his hands in either side of her face, forcing her to look at him. "What happens?"
Even though his voice was concerned, Gabriella couldn't help but try and avoid his eyes; she didn't want to worry him, so she grabbed his wrists, freeing her face from his hold, and leaned her forehead into his chest. "Nothing," she whispered. "I'm tired…"
Troy narrowed his eyes at her lie. "Gabriella," he said sternly. His hands grabbed her head then and he forced his eyes into hers again. "Don't lie to me; we agreed we were going to share everything…"
The force of his stare brought the truth from Gabriella without her even thinking about it. "Dad's called; his trip will be longer than he thought and he is not coming until Wednesday now…"
Troy hissed something unintelligible for Gabriella and then crushed her body with his, tightening his arms around her waist. "I'm sorry baby…"
His lips touched her hair and Gabriella sighed. "I know I should be used to that but…"
"I understand," Troy murmured kissing her hair again.
"No," Gabriella said stubbornly pushing herself away from him. "You don't understand…"
"Baby…" Troy began tentatively reaching for her with his hands.
"No," Gabriella snapped. "He told me he loved me just before he went to Seattle Troy! He hadn't told me that in years! I need…I want…"
Seeing her distress and noticing that she was about to lose it, Troy crushed her body into his and, at the mere contact, Gabriella broke in sobs. Troy tightened his arms around her, whispering soothing words into her curls, but he noticed the dampness on his chest increase. After a while, Gabriella's words gave her away and if not because Troy had a strong hold on her, she would have fallen; Troy crawled her into the circle of his arms and went to the sofa, placing Gabriella on his lap, never stopping his soothing caresses and his whispered comforting words into her hair.
When her sobs subsided and he only heard her sniffing randomly, Troy pushed her head away from his chest, pulling away the damp curls that were around her face and lingering his hands on her cheeks, wiping the quick tears that were falling wildly. The desperation and pain he saw in her eyes made him mad at Peter; how could a father leave her daughter so freely and so carelessly?
Gabriella was begging for the pain to go away with her eyes; she was broken and she felt trapped in a spiral of ache and sadness. It was illogical somehow because Peter had never been with her, but remembering his last words, remembering how he told her he loved her after all these years, had opened an injury she thought was closed; the hope she had let go years ago returned when Peter spoke those three words, and now she was seeing how her heart was re-broken again.
"I love you," Troy whispered locking his eyes with hers. "I know it's not the same, but I'm here and I love you with all my heart. You're my life baby; I don't know what I'd do without you. You give me strength; you give me hope; you give me reasons to live…"
Gabriella was touched by his words, and buried her head into the crock of his neck, tightening her arms around him and pushing herself closer to his strong frame.
Troy didn't say anything more; he held her with all his might, trying to give her some of his strength, trying to convey his love for her in reasons to push the pain away. Her sobs broke again, but this time he didn't move her; he only let her to whimper on his shoulder, never stopping his soft caresses and comforting words. She needed to cry and he would be the shoulder he had promised he would be.
After a while, her sobs stopped again and Troy looked down to her face and saw she was sleeping; her cheeks were damp and red and her lips were puffed but, to him, she was still the most gorgeous woman known to men. Carefully, Troy moved her so she was lying on the sofa and stood up, grabbing a blanket to cover her body. Gabriella whimpered in her sleep and Troy rushed to calm her down again. "Baby it's okay…"
"Troy?" A sleepy Gabriella asked reaching for him opening her eyes a little.
Troy put his arms around her and kissed her cheek. "Yeah baby, it's me. Don't worry; go back to sleep…"
His velvety and soft voice was registered by Gabriella who closed her eyes again. "Okay…"
Troy chuckled and kissed her temple, standing up trying to be as noiseless and possible so he wouldn't wake her.
Leaving the living room, Troy thanked the gods that was Saturday. He wanted to be able to stay with Gabriella all the time in case she needed him and he knew that, in the school, to be with her all the time was impossible. Climbing up the staircase, Troy let his body fall onto the mattress of her bed and sighed closing his eyes, groaning when his phone began to ring.
Quickly, he reached for the item in his pocket and pressed the "answer button" not even looking who was calling him because he didn't want for Gabriella to hear it and wake.
"Hello?"
"Hey Troy," a cheery voice greeted him.
He rolled his eyes. "What do you want Susan?"
"I'm okay, why thank you for asking." Susan snapped at him with a voice laced with sarcasm.
Rolling his eyes again, Troy pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers. "Look Susan, now it's not the moment. What do you want?"
"What's up with you?" Susan asked seriously when she picked up the tiredness of his voice. "Are you okay?"
Her concern made Troy smile sadly. "Yeah, but now it's not the moment really. Do you need anything?"
"Actually," Susan said tentatively, "I've just received a call from the jeweller. He's told me they have the ring ready and that we can pick it up this afternoon."
"For real?" Troy asked excitedly. His brain was already working to come up with the better date for Gabriella; when the jeweller told him the ring wouldn't be ready until Monday, he damned the universe because he wanted to take advantage of Peter's absence to take Gabriella to their "new first" date and give her the ring, but Peter was supposed to be at home on Sunday night. Now, Peter wouldn't be there until Wednesday, and the ring was already ready, so he would be able to take Gabriella for their date that same day, meaning they would be able to make the perfect date being Saturday and not a workday.
Susan talked then breaking his train of thought. "Yep, do you want to go today or when?"
Troy cleared his throat. "This afternoon," he answered right away already planning his schedule for the day in his brain. "Can you meet me at the mall at 4.30 PM?"
"Sure," Susan answered deciding to not dig into whatever was bothering Troy. "In front of 'La Bodeguita' again?
"Yeah," Troy said nodding his head. "I'll be there. I gotta go now Susan, but thank you so much."
"You're welcome, Troy." Susan smiled sensing Troy less stressed now. "See you later!"
Troy hung up the phone and decided to take a shower; after all, he'd returned to the house all sweaty and his skin felt like glue now. Standing up from the bed, Troy pulled off his shirt and went to the bathroom to start the hot water, stepping into the shower when he felt it hot enough, letting the warmness surround him and take the tension and the soreness of his muscles away.
Feeling more relaxed, Troy stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around him already going to Gabriella's room, where he found Gabriella lying on her bed with her eyes opened looking blankly at the wall.
Troy stopped dead in his tracks at the edge of the bed and waited for her to do or say something; when nothing came, Troy laid behind her and, wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her body into his chest, kissing her temple. "How are you?"
His whispered words arrived at Gabriella, who shrugged her shoulders. Sighing, Troy turned her body so she was facing him. "Baby," he said softly. "Don't shut me out…"
"Sorry," she whispered looking at his eyes for the first time. "It's just that…"
"I understand," Troy stopped her. "But please, I can listen or I can try and distract you, but I can't stand to see you burying yourself in pain and sadness…" His hands were caressing her hair and cheeks and Gabriella closed her eyes, leaning into the comfort he was providing her.
"I know but…" Gabriella sighed. "I don't know, I want to talk with him…I need to know what I've done for him to ignore me this way Troy; I need answers."
"And I understand completely," Troy assured her. "And you'll have your answers when you talk with him, but what have made you like this now?"
"He told me he loved me for the very first time in years," Gabriella whispered. "I don't know, I didn't say anything back…mostly because I was so shocked…"
"Are you regretting not saying him you love him?" Troy asked quietly drawing big circles on her back.
"Yes…well no…I don't know…" Gabriella pressed her face more into his chest. "I had clear I had lost my father when my mother left but…he saying he loved me…awoke something…"
Troy closed his eyes, suffering her pain. "You'll talk with him and you'll have your answers baby; don't give up please…"
Gabriella nodded into his chest and Troy felt her body relax a little. "Look," Troy said cheerier this time trying to distract her from her demons. "I have to do something this afternoon but…I want you ready at 6, with a very beautiful dress on, heels, your hair and your make up done and your beautiful smile on your face."
"What?" Gabriella said confused pulling away from his chest. "Why?"
"Because I think it's time we have our new first date," Troy whispered placing his hands in either side of her face and showing all his love for her with is eyes.
Gabriella gasped. "Are you serious?"
Troy nodded. "We are going to go to our new first date and we are going to enjoy our time together, so be ready at 6 because I'll come and pick you up at that time."
"Where you will be?" Gabriella asked confused. "I don't want to be alone here…"
"I'll be in the guestroom, of course." Troy answered in a mock seriousness. "I'll come and pick you up at your bedroom. What man I would be not picking his lady up? We are going on a date babe, so we are going to follow all the established procedure. You'll get ready here alone or with Tay if you want with the door locked so I won't have temptations to come here and ravish you because of how breathtaking gorgeous and sexy you'll look," Troy said grinning goofily earning a giggle from Gabriella, "and I'll come by your room at 6 to pick you up with the car ready."
Gabi's giggles intensified. "Where we will go?"
"Ah-ah," Troy shook his head. "It's a surprise. And your pout won't work."
Gabriella pouted anyway. "Please baby…I need to know what to wear…"
"I'm not looking," Troy said closing his eyes and tightening his arms and squeezing her body lovely. "You have to wear a dress and heels and you'll be ready to go."
"Baby," Gabriella pouted whiningly wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing his skin softly. "Please…"
Troy moaned and growled; his body reacting to her actions wildly. "Fuck baby…"
Gabriella smirked against his skin and continued with her ministrations beginning to notice something poking into her tight through the towel that was around his waist. "Please…" Kiss. "Baby come on…" Kiss. "Please…" Kiss. "I'm begging you…"
"Ok that's it!" Troy said opening his eyes and devouring her mouth with his, plunging his tongue into her mouth, and rolling her body so he was hovering hers.
Gabriella grinned into the kiss and returned it with equal fervour, tightening her arms around his neck when Troy left her mouth and began to attack her jaw and neck. "God Troy…"
Troy continued lapping, sucking and nipping at her neck until a mark was there and then returned to her lips, deepening the kiss after a second, moving his hand along her side, lingering when he touched the side of her breast. Gabriella bucked her hips upwards and Troy growled. "Fuck…"
"Now are you going to tell me where we'll go?" Gabriella whispered huskily and smirking, thinking she had him where she wanted.
Troy lifted his head from the crock of her neck and looked at her; those moments being useful for him to calm down a little. "No."
"Troy!" She whined but turned into a moan when Troy moved his head downwards, lifting her shirt and kissing each new inch of skin that was at sight.
Turned on by her moans, Troy lifted her upper body and threw her shirt away, unclasping her bra with expertise, not hesitating in to cover her already erect nipple with his mouth, resuming their previous posture. Gabriella's fingers moved along his back, and he noticed how her nails were clawing into his back, probably leaving a mark, when her moans were louder.
Gabriella's hands arrived at the hem of the towel and she throw it away, massaging his shaft with her fingertips; the suddenness of the contact make Troy bit her nipple harder and Gabriella screamed in a mixture of pain and pleasure.
Troy sat on his knees and discarded her jeans, throwing them away carelessly along with her thong, placing both of her knees on his shoulders and lapping her already wet centre, thrusting his tongue into her at an even rhythm. Gabriella moaned his name louder this time, and he smirked fastening his thrusts. "Troy!"
Her hands were tangled into his hair, tightening her hold when his tongue rubbed the exact point, and so Troy continued faster each time, noticing how her juices were increasing. "Come on Gabi…"
"Almost there…" She panted grabbing the sheets beside her tightly. "Fuck…"
Troy stopped all of a sudden and Gabriella opened her eyes mad. "What the fuck?!"
"I need to be inside of you now," Troy growled already penetrating her with one swift movement making Gabriella gasp.
The truth was that his idea had been give her pleasure but his erection was being too painful at the moment; the need of to be as closer to her as possible overcame him and he couldn't wait to feel her tight core around him.
His thrusts began evenly but soon Gabriella bucked her hips faster. She was already seeing the first stars but she needed something more. "Faster Troy…"
"Fuck," he growled leaning his head on her shoulder and pulling out of her completely only to thrust her fully harder this time.
Gabriella's pants got wilder and Troy began to notice her walls clamping around him spasmodically; he knew she was almost there and he was glad because he knew he wouldn't be able to last too much. Fastening his thrusts until the point he was sure he was about to explode, Troy found the strength to speak once more. "Open your eyes baby," he demanded lifting his head from her shoulder so he could look into her eyes.
She obliged and soon the couple lock eyes, saying I love you at the same time and that was all it took for their orgasms to arrive, screaming each other's names in pure abandoned pleasure.
To orgasm together always brought a sense of closeness even more deep than what was usual for them; it was as if their bond reached its maximum point, making them as if they were one only person. In those moments, it was as if each of them was the half of a whole; the world was right again, the worries disappeared, the problems vanished, the joy filled their souls…everything was perfect.
Troy pulled out of Gabriella his now soft member and collapsed beside her, reaching for her hand instinctively. Both chests moved in sync fast and both were sure they could hear the other's heartbeat over the sound of their own pants. "Wow!" Gabriella breathed.
"Wow indeed." Troy chuckled breathlessly. "But I'm not going to tell you where we're going this night…" He added as an afterthought.
"Idiot," she muttered slapping his chest with her free hand. "And I thought I was in control today…"
Troy grinned and pulled her body so she was lying on top of him. "Sorry baby," he kissed her forehead. "But that's been your fault. If you weren't so fucking vixen, we wouldn't be here now…"
"Are you complaining?" Gabriella asked lifting her eyebrow questioningly.
"God forbid!" Troy said smiling. "That's been incredible though…maybe I should tease you more often…"
"Jerk!" Gabriella slapped his chest again and Troy rolled them so he was on top again.
"You know you love it," he said huskily smiling down at her softly and pecking her lips sweetly.
Gabriella returned the smile. "That I do…"
"Love you," he said hugging her tightly.
Gabriella giggled softly and returned the hug. "As I love you."
"Okay Tay," Troy said into the phone. "Yeah, if you could come here at 4…"
Gabriella reached for his phone from her place on his lap but Troy pulled her hands away, listening what Taylor was saying him. "Oh perfect then!"
Gabriella pouted and Troy winked at her; huffing, she crossed her arms over her chest stubbornly. "Let me talk with her Troy!"
"Yeah, that's Gabriella," Troy said amused into the phone. "She wants to talk with you…yeah…oh yeah, definitely…yep, yep, sure! Ok then…yeah, I know…I know…" Troy ended laughing and then handed the phone to Gabriella.
"What was that about?" She asked suspiciously at Taylor.
"Nothing sweetie," Taylor answered smiling. "I'll be there at 4. See you!"
And then Taylor hung up the phone, leaving a speechless Gabriella behind. Troy reached for his phone and Gabriella snapped out of her trance. "What was that about?"
Troy rolled his eyes and grabbed his phone. "I'll have to go out at 4, and Tay will come here to help you dress for tonight."
"I know how to dress me alone, thank you very much." Gabriella said pouting.
"Oh I know babe," Troy answered nonchalantly rubbing her back softly. "And I love how you dress, but Tay will know where we're going so she'll be able to help you pick the dress."
"That's not fair," Gabriella pouted more her lips. "Please baby, tell me where we're going…"
"No," Troy answered trapping her head under his chin so her cute pout wasn't at sight. "And now stop with the pout. You don't play fair…"
"Fair!" Gabriella scoffed. "You not telling me where we are going…that's what is not fair!"
Troy chuckled. "Come on baby, I have to do some errands now. I'll be back in an hour or so, okay?"
"Where are you going?" Gabriella said wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
"Ah-ah, I can't tell," Troy said amusedly already picking her up from his lap and placing her on the sofa.
When Troy was at the door, Gabriella called for him again. "Hey Troy!"
Troy turned around carelessly. "What?"
"I was thinking…" Gabriella began softly waiting for him to look at her.
"Yeah?" Troy said lifting his head locking his eyes with hers.
Gabriella counted the seconds; one, two, three and then Troy groaned when he saw her puppy eyes dog and her pout in all its magnificence adorning her gorgeous face. "Gabi!" He groaned.
Her sweet giggles filled the room and Troy couldn't help but go to her quickly and wrapping his arms tightly around her waist lifting her body from the sofa and kissing her mouth with all his might. Gabriella interlocked her legs around his waist and responded into the kiss smirking.
"You're so dead," Troy growled. "I swear you'll be the death of me some day…"
She giggled again. "Payback is a bitch, isn't it?"
Troy shook his head unamused. "You're terrible…"
"I know," Gabriella said pecking his lips again softly. "But you love me anyway…"
Troy nodded. "That's right," he kissed her again. "And now I have to go for real baby; I'll be here in an hour, ok?"
"Okay," Gabriella said sighing in defeat returning the wave Troy was sending her from his place beside the door.
And with that, he was gone; Gabriella sighed and looked at the clock. Realizing he would be back in her house for lunch, she decided to go to the kitchen and prepare something, too excited as she was about Troy's plans for the night to do the homework that was still waiting for her up in her room.
Troy went to his car and went to the perfect place for his date with Gabriella; he had thought about everything and he knew he would have enough time to settle everything up for them to come back at night and make the most of their new first date.
He was sure Gabriella would love the place and the plan and he couldn't wait to see her face when she did so; he knew she would be the most gorgeous woman on earth, because every time she was delighted with a surprise she liked, her face glowed with the most incredible light and the most beautiful smile in all the world adorned her features, giving her a magical aura.
While driving to the place, Troy couldn't help but think about Taylor too, letting his mind go back to the day after Gabriella's migraine.
"Baby," Troy said while shaving his face while Gabriella was in the shower.
"What?" She answered.
"Do you think we could meet with Taylor and Chad later?" Troy asked tentatively.
Gabriella put her head out of the curtain of the shower. "I don't see why not. But why?"
"I think they deserve an apology," Troy said lowly returning the smile Gabriella was sending him from the shower.
After that, Troy had called Chad and had told him about their plans. Chad told him he needed to talk about it with Taylor but that he would call him back later with his answer. Sure, an hour or so later Chad called Troy and told him Taylor had agreed.
The foursome had agreed to meet at 8 for a quiet dinner in Gabriella's backyard, taking advantage of the warm weather they were having.
"I don't know if I can do it," Troy said quietly grasping one of Gabriella's hands between his.
"Of course you can," Gabriella said using her free hand to rub his back. "I'll be here with you all the time…"
"I know," Troy sighed. "But what do I have to tell them? I mean…"
"Shh," Gabriella soothed him. "You only have to explain whatever you want or need to explain. Neither of them is going to judge you; they are going to listen whatever you say and you'll feel better in no time…"
"But," Troy sighed. "I've been a jerk with Taylor all these years, Gabi, and she's been all but rude with me."
Gabriella giggled. "Tay is like that, Troy. Both me and Chad have talked with her and she knows why you acted the way you did. She has nothing against you, and she'll respect you. You'll see…"
"But yesterday I was so rude Gabi," Troy closed his eyes. "I almost made her fall!"
"I know," Gabriella said quietly. "And though I'm sure she's not mad, after you explain to her why you acted this way and you share with her a little about yourself, she'll understand completely. Tay is a very wise girl, Troy. I'm sure she's put two and two together and she already knows whatever you want to say. Don't torment yourself now; you are going to apologize, and that speaks volumes in Tay's eyes, ok?"
Troy nodded and stiffened his body when the doorbell rang. Gabriella dropped his hands and went to let their friends in, while Troy remained on the sofa taking deep breaths.
His nervousness wasn't only because he was about to apologize to Chad and Taylor but also because he wanted to talk a little about his demons in front of Taylor; Chad and Gabriella already knew everything, well, mostly Gabriella, but he was aware that Taylor had been the one putting up with his crap when Chad or Gabriella vented about him.
"Troy!" Gabriella called from the door. "Chad and Taylor are here!"
"Coming," he answered gulping loudly and standing up from the sofa.
When he arrived at the hall, he saw Gabriella talking animatedly with their friends, who were laughing at something she'd said. Taylor was the first to look at him and he relaxed when she sent him a smile; he tried to return the smile, placing himself beside Gabriella. "Hey guys!"
"I'm hungry," Chad whined. "Can we eat yet?"
The other three laughed at that and the tension on Troy's shoulders disappeared; they were his friends, they wouldn't make fun of him and they wouldn't judge him. "We thought it would better to eat outside," Troy said picking Gabriella's hand for support, earning a small squeeze from her.
"Oh yeah," Taylor said definitely looking Gabriella and Troy's interaction smiling inwardly and nudging Chad when neither Troy nor Gabriella looked at them because they were too busy smiling to each other. "It's too warm to be inside…"
"Come on," Chad whined breaking the couple's moment. "Stop that talking and let's eat. I'm starving!"
"You are always starving, man!" Troy laughed opening the back door for his friends. "Gabi has prepared some of her enchiladas and I can assure you they are like heaven…"
"Seriously!?" Chad asked excitedly at the same time Gabriella exclaimed. "We've agreed you wouldn't taste them Troy!"
Chad and Taylor laughed at Gabriella's offended face and Troy chuckled wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "Sorry baby," he kissed her temple. "But you know I love them…"
"Yeah, yeah," Gabriella said crossing her arms over her chest stubbornly. "Leave me alone…"
Troy chuckled and retrieved his arms from his waist and put his hands on her shoulders. "Come on, sit and I'm going to bring over the meal." He squeezed Gabriella's shoulders once and then he went inside the kitchen.
When he was inside, Taylor and Chad turned their faces to Gabriella. "Ok, if I say I'm confused I'm saying too less…what's that about?" Chad asked lowly.
"Ah-ah," Gabriella smiled. "This is Troy's plan and idea; he wants to talk with you two."
"About what?" Taylor asked as confused as Chad was.
Gabriella giggled softly. "I'm here only giving him my support. You have to wait for him to talk…"
When Chad was about to answer Troy returned carrying two plates full of meal and put them in the middle of the table. "Dinner is served guys!"
"Finally!" Chad exclaimed already picking two enchiladas and two hamburgers.
Taylor gasped and widened her eyes. "Chad!" She slapped his arm. "You can't be so animal! I swear sometimes I don't know if I'm dating a guy or a monkey…"
Gabriella and Troy laughed and nodded their heads while Chad shrugged his shoulders and continued devouring Gabriella's cuisine.
Troy smiled remembering the dinner; they'd been talking a lot and he had allowed himself to know Taylor a little more. He was surprised by her somehow; he already knew Taylor was a great girl because of what Chad and Gabriella told him about her, but he was surprised to see how natural she was interacting with him even though their relationship had been everything but that.
Taylor had been joking with him about Chad's manners; she'd asked him about basketball…it was as if there hadn't been any problem or misunderstanding between them, and he was thankful for that. Not because that meant he didn't need to apologize but because that had let himself to show more of his own personality in front of Taylor. Of course to have Gabriella beside him helped a lot.
His smile remembering the evening widened when he remembered what happened after the dinner and he had enough courage to talk with his friends.
"Gosh," Chad said unbuttoning his jeans. "I think I've eaten too much…"
Taylor rolled her eyes and Gabriella giggled. "Chad please, behave…"
"What?" He asked nonchalantly. "They are my friends…there is enough confidence between us…"
Taylor rolled her eyes once more and Troy talked again. "Well, I'm going to bring over the dessert. Gabi, can you come and help me?"
Troy locked his eyes with Gabriella's and she understood his unspoken words. "Sure, we'll be right back guys."
Intertwining her fingers with Troy's, Gabriella spoke quietly. "Are you okay?"
"I'm going to talk with them now," Troy said already opening the fridge looking for the brownies they'd made that afternoon and the ice cream. "I'm super nervous Gabi…what if…"
Gabriella stopped him. "Don't be silly Troy," she said embracing him smiling when she noticed his arms wounding around her waist. "You've seen how smoothly everything is going. Relax and only speak with your heart. Everything will be fine and I'll be beside you, I swear."
Troy sighed and kissed the hollow under her ear. "Thank you."
"Anytime." Gabriella smiled and pulled away. "Trust in yourself, ok?"
Troy smiled and nodded, kissing her sweetly. "Love you…"
"Love you too." Gabriella said pecking his lips once more and going to the stool to take the dessert. "Come on; let's go before Chad eats the table or something worse…"
Troy chuckled and picked the ice cream, opening the back door for Gabriella, who winked at him playfully.
When the couple arrived at the table, the foursome ate the dessert still joking and smiling. Troy reached for Gabriella's hand under the table trying to find some support and she squeezed his hand, rubbing his knuckles softly.
"What are we doing now?" Chad asked burping earning a slap on his nape from Taylor.
"Ouch!" Chad said rubbing his nape. "What was that for?"
"You are an idiot." Taylor rolled her eyes exasperatedly.
Chad shrugged deciding to not dig into it and turned to look at Troy and Gabriella. "We could go to the bowling alley…"
"Actually," Troy cleared his throat. "I wanted to talk with you two…"
Taylor and Chad's faces turned to look at him and Gabriella intensified her caresses over his knuckles.
"About what?" Chad asked more seriously this time.
Troy sighed. "Look, first, I need to apologize with you two…"
Chad and Taylor interchanged a look and then turned to look at Gabriella, who was looking at Troy smiling. "Why?"
"Yesterday." Troy said lowly. "Well and…because of my behaviour since Lucy's death…"
"Troy," Chad said softly but Troy cut him.
"No, no, Chad." Troy shook his head. "I need to say it please, let me finish…"
Chad nodded and Troy sighed in relief. "Okay well, first…I think Taylor deserve to know a little about my story…"
"I already know it Troy," Taylor said softly. She didn't want for him to remember everything bad which had happened to him. "There's no need to talk more about it…"
"But there is!" Troy protested. "Look please, just…let me talk…seriously, I need to let it out…"
Gabriella squeezed his fingers softly and Troy lifted their intertwined hands, kissing her hand sweetly.
"Okay," Taylor said reaching for Chad's hand.
Troy took a deep breathe and Chad used that moment to lock eyes with Gabriella. Of course he was mad at Troy because of his behaviour the day before; well, more than mad, he was fed up with that Troy blaming himself for everything. He wanted his friend back; he wanted to be able to laugh and joke with him as they did when they were little. During the dinner he'd seen the old Troy back, and he was more than happy about it.
He shared his coldness while being at school, but because people there were fake; only look and popularity were important for them, and both Chad and Troy couldn't care less about them. Both were dating the most intelligent girls of the school and both had stopped the bullied the girls suffered in the beginning because they'd been the ones who'd been able to see the amazing inside both girls had. Gabriella was already his friend, so there was no doubt Chad would see past the prejudices of the school and be with her, but Taylor had come into his life because she was Gabriella's friend and only because he trusted Gabriella the way he did, he'd accepted Taylor without reserves.
Looking into Gabriella's eyes for some hint about what she thought about what Troy was doing, he relaxed his shoulders when Gabriella winked at him. Gabriella knew Chad's reserves about this conversation but she knew it would only be good for the four of them; what worried her the most was the interaction between Troy and Taylor because they weren't friends before everything got messed up, and she thought both would have a hard time changing their relationship after all these years barely talking.
Troy took that moment to talk again. "Look Taylor…"
And he explained to her his story; he didn't leave anything inside of him for them to know. He was as sincere as he could, trying to phrase what he'd been feeling all these years; he'd explained to her his fears, his worries…all his demons, and he realized it was being so easy because Taylor's face was all but cold. She was giving him the chance to explain the reason behind his cold façade with a smiley face, with a natural face that gave him strength to continue without fear.
"Yesterday…" Troy continued looking briefly towards Gabriella. "I know I was rude with you Taylor, and I'm sorry…I was afraid and…"
"No Troy," Taylor stopped him. "I understand why you acted the way you acted; I guessed as much so don't worry. What's important is that you've been able to explain everything to me, a person you barely know. You've opened yourself a little more, and you've been able to be yourself in front of me for the very first time. Your fears for Gabriella…I understand them completely; you've gone to hell and come back, but you don't have to let the past haunt you this way. You are a great guy, and the fact that you've put Gabi's wellbeing in front of your own happiness only tells me how much you love her and how pure your soul is."
Troy looked at Taylor speechless and Chad and Gabriella interchanged a smile. "Aren't you mad?" Troy asked dumbfounded.
Taylor shook her head. "No, I've already told you I knew everything. Chad and Gabriella had been giving me some clues about your person and I've figured out the rest. I really hope you'll believe them when they tell you that nothing was your fault, because that's the truth. I understand is like…I don't know, too many bad things thrown to you at the same time, but…think positively. You have two best friends who love you and who have your back and…"
"Three," Troy stopped her. "Three best friends."
Taylor realized he was talking about her and smiled. "My pleasure."
Troy smiled remembering how easy had been for him to let Taylor in. It'd been incredible because when he stopped her and told her she was one of his best friends he'd spoken with his heart; he hadn't thought about Taylor being his friend or not, he hadn't thought it would be so easy to accept her fully, but then he had surprised himself.
After their talk Troy had allowed himself to know Taylor better, and he'd discovered why both Chad and Gabriella were so close to her; he was thankful at her because he knew she'd been the shoulder where Gabriella had cried a lot of times because of him, and also because she'd been able to keep the distance with him when he needed to have that distance between them, always discrete and never asking anything.
With Chad things had been different but because their bond was way deeper than the one he had with Taylor.
"Chad," Troy said after a while. "Can we talk in private?"
Chad nodded his head already having a feeling about what Troy wanted to talk about. He looked at Gabriella again and she nodded her head surreptitiously. "Sure…"
"Finally we can have some free from Neanderthals time Tay!" Gabriella giggled giving Taylor a high five.
Troy chuckled and dropped a kiss on Gabriella's hair, knowing she'd joked about that trying to less the tension. "We'll be right back…"
"Oh go ahead," Taylor said giggling. "We'll be more than fine, uh Gabi?"
"Of course!" The girl winked at Taylor and both girls dissolved in a sea of giggles while the boys shook their heads, already going inside the house.
Troy had asked Chad for a private talk not because he didn't trust Gabriella or Taylor but because Chad was like his brother; it was hard for Troy to talk about Chad this way because that brought memories of Mark, but he knew the truth in the deepest spot of his heart: finally he'd admitted to himself that Chad was his brother, and so he wanted to be able to talk with him freely about everything as they'd been doing all these years.
Sitting on the sofa, Troy waited until Chad sat beside him. "What's up?"
"Look," Troy took a deep breathe. "I know yesterday I was out of line; you were right, I blamed myself again and I took it out on you. I'm sorry."
Chad nodded but didn't say anything; mostly because he knew Troy needed to talk more but also because Troy needed to know he'd messed up. Chad considered that, to actually help Troy, they had to listen whatever he needed to say, but they had to show him that things couldn't be like they were at that moment. Troy had to wake up; and if for it to happen they had to be harsh with him then so be it.
"I'm still trying to believe in Gabi's words you know?" Troy sighed. "She doesn't know I'm still thinking this way, and I don't want to worry her, but it's hard. I mean…I can't help but be afraid for her…"
"Troy," Chad said sternly. "I don't want to listen it; I'm tired and fed up with all this crap…"
"No wait," Troy said grabbing Chad's arm when the boy stood up. "Listen to me…"
Chad nodded and took a sit again. "Continue then…"
"I'm trying to act as normal with her as I can," Troy continued. "I'm still trying to convince myself that I'm doing the right thing allowing myself to be closer to her and to let her to be close to me, but it's hard. The dreams are still here," he pointed to his head, "and they don't help me to let the fears go away…"
Chad nodded once again.
"I want to show her that the Troy she met all these years ago is still here, and he is!" Troy groaned. "I'm happier now than ever…and I know Gabriella is happier now too. I don't want to mess up Chad, I can't. Gabriella doesn't deserve it and I swear I'm trying as hard as I can to be okay with myself. Yesterday, for example, while I was going to Tay's…"
Troy stopped here and Chad picked his hesitation up. "What about it?"
"While I was driving, a part of me was shouting at me that I was damned and finally Gabi was about to pay the consequences of it but…" Troy lowered his voice until it was merely a murmur. "Look, I know it's crazy, but another voice was telling me everything was going to be okay. This voice was Gabriella's…it was as if she was beside me giving me her strength and support, and I calmed myself, well, enough for me to not crash the car, only trusting in her love for me…"
Chad smiled at that. "I'm glad you've been able to face your demons, Troy."
That was what he had been waiting for; his brave friend fighting against his fears, facing them only trusting in himself and in the love he'd been denying for himself for so long.
"Me too," Troy sighed. "But that's not the point. The point is that I've been giving you a hard time. I've always been worried about Gabriella and I've forgotten about you. I know you've been suffering too, and I'm so sorry for put you through my shit…really, you don't know how much I appreciate you and the fact that you've been beside me all these years…"
Chad smiled touched by Troy's words; he saw perfectly clear Troy was apologizing with him but also forgiving himself. Troy was punching the walls that surrounded him by himself; he knew Gabriella had done the first punch, and that she was still fighting, but with the events of that day, he realized Troy was actually fighting too.
"I've been beside you because you're my friend Troy." Chad said sincerely giving him a smile and a look that talked volumes.
"You're like my brother Chad," Troy said quietly admitting that for the very first time aloud.
Chad gasped; he already knew how hard was for Troy to talk about Mark or about something related to Mark somehow. The fact of Troy telling him he was like his brother was, maybe, the hugest step in Chad's opinion. He wondered if Gabriella knew that and then he guessed she had no idea; that was something between him and Troy. Sure, Troy would share it with Gabriella when he was ready, but the fact that he'd allowed himself to talk in those terms without bitterness in his voice, only speaking from his heart, showed him that Troy was closer to his total recuperation than what Gabriella thought.
"You are like my brother too, Troy." Chad said quietly. "And that's the reason because of I can't stand to see you blaming yourself for something you hasn't done. I'm glad you're apologizing to me, really I am, but…I don't want to hear more crap about if you are a killer or not because you aren't one, you hear me? Taylor has already told you that you are a great guy, and she's right. Whatever you have doubts about it, think about what we, people who really care for you, are telling you; don't close yourself again because that's the fastest way to lose everything you has Troy."
"I know," Troy sighed. "And I understand why you've gotten mad every time I've talked to you about it…but please, understand that I haven't acted this way because I don't care about you, or Gabriella, for that matter…I swear I'm trying to be back to my old-self…but I can't do it alone."
"That has never crossed my mind." Chad said sincerely. "And you are not alone."
Both friends interchanged a smile. "Thank you Chad. Seriously, I know how lucky I am to have you as my friend…"
"The feeling is mutual," Chad said standing up. "Now, we should go with the girls because I think they've been gossiping about us…"
Troy chuckled and stood up too. "Probably you're right…"
They looked each other realizing that their bone was deeper now; and it was deeper because both were at peace with each other for the very fist time. Without words, both guys hugged each other tightly, sealing with the hug their mutual forgiveness, their mutual feelings of best-friendship and their mutual respect. Because now they weren't annoyed with each other; everything was, finally and for once, totally in the open.
Troy had to smile at his memories; when both Chad and Troy went outside to meet the girls, they found them playing with the hose, wet from head to toes and laughing as if there wasn't tomorrow. Soon the girls had "attacked" them with water and soon it'd become a "war" girls against boys, winning the girls because they'd been teasing the guys about their wet shirts. After all, Troy and Chad were like Neanderthals, right?
Recapping, it'd been an unforgettable evening that had let Troy to open himself up, that had let Troy to forgive himself and to be at peace with himself and with his friends; also, that evening had let Taylor to know Troy much better. Now Taylor considered Troy one of her friends and also Taylor was now one of Troy's friends. Gabriella and Chad had seen everything holding their breaths, knowing that Troy was doing a huge step in the right direction, and then had relaxed when they saw how well Troy and Taylor interacted; they were overjoyed now all four could consider the other three his or her friends.
It was simple yet full of meaning.
Returning to Gabriella's after he'd settled everything, he parked his car and opened the front door of her house with his key. "Gabi I'm here!"
He got no response and he went to the kitchen thinking that maybe she would be there, but the kitchen was empty. Going upstairs, he saw the door of her room semi opened and, trying to be as noiseless as possible, Troy opened the door only to see Gabriella dancing in her room with the music coming loudly from the stereo, wearing only one of his shirts that let him to see her incredible long and toned legs.
She didn't realize she had an audience and continued dancing happily, singing along with the music and moving her body sensually. Troy leaned into the doorframe crossing his arms over his chest, watching her amusedly but also silently, not spoiling his own fun alerting Gabriella about him being there.
When the song ended, Gabriella did a last move with her hips with her back still towards the door and Troy chose that moment to clap his hands, making Gabriella turn around with her hand on her heart. "How long have you been there?!" She shrieked.
"Enough to see how sexy you are," Troy answered cockily going to her and wrapping his strong arms around her waist while Gabriella wrapped hers around his neck.
She blushed and buried her head in his chest. "You weren't supposed to see that…" She muttered embarrassedly.
"Why not?" Troy shrugged confusedly.
"Because it's embarrassing," she said still hiding her blushed face.
Troy chuckled. "Well I'm glad I've seen it because it's been one hell of a show…" She slapped his chest playfully and he tightened his arms around her, kissing her silky hair. "Now seriously baby, it's been amazing. You looked sexy and hot as hell…"
She blushed but pulled her face away from his chest. "Have you enjoyed it, then?"
He nodded. "Totally, if you want to repeat it…I don't mind…"
"You're a jerk!" She said amusedly shaking her head. "But you are cute…so I'm going to forgive you…"
"Good," he whispered leaning down to connect his lips with hers in a mind-blowing kiss that left Gabriella gasping for air.
"Hungry?" She asked when they pulled apart. "I've cooked…"
"Sure," Troy said picking her up bridal style to the kitchen ignoring her protests and chuckling when her giggles overcame her, muting her rambling about how idiot he was for doing always the same.
At 4 o'clock, after a well deserved nap with Gabriella curled beside him, Troy picked his keys up. "I'll see you at 6, okay?"
"Okay," she said taking his hand so she accompanied him until the door. "Be punctual, uh?"
Troy nodded and chuckled. "Of course," he said with his lips against her forehead. "I love you so much."
"Love you too," Gabriella said opening the door just in time to see Taylor in her doorstep. "Hey Tay!"
"Hey Tay," Troy greeted her still with his arms around Gabriella from behind now.
"Hey guys," Taylor grinned. She was ecstatic each time Troy and Gabriella were couple-y in front of her because that showed their trust on her and she was glad that, finally, she was in their group. After their special evening, as she and Gabriella had named it, Troy was totally himself in front of her: he joked, he laughed, he chuckled, he shared with her his thoughts…even Chad was extremely surprised by this new Troy, but all of them were glad the walls around him were smaller and weaker now.
Troy disentangled himself from Gabriella and reached for Taylor's arm in front of an incredulous Gabriella. "What are you doing?"
"I have to tell her where we're going so she can help you pick your dress," Troy smirked.
Gabriella huffed again. "I'll wait for you upstairs Tay…"
Taylor giggled. "I'll be there in a second!"
Troy whispered into her ear his plans and Taylor squealed. "Seriously?!"
Troy nodded proudly seeing how ecstatic Taylor was. "Do you think she'll like?"
"No," Taylor said in awe. "She'll love it. I'm sure."
"Well then," Troy said squeezing her arm friendly. "I'm going now…don't tell her, uh?!"
"No worries!" Taylor said entering in the house. "See you later!"
Troy entered in his car and went to the mall, where he parked beside Susan's car. Quickly, he rushed to the bench where they'd been meeting and groaned when he didn't see her there. Sighing, he moved his eyes along the mall searching her and sighed in relief when he saw Susan looking intently the shop window of a shop beside the jewellery store. "Susan!"
"Hey Troy!" She said turning around giving him a sad smile, which Troy picked up.
"Are you okay?" Troy asked concerned seeing pain written in her face.
Sighing, Susan directed one last look to the shop window and shook her head. "Yeah, let's go, come on!"
She tripped over her own feet and if not because Troy wounded his arms around her, she'd have fallen. "Woah!" Troy said pulling her in a stand position. "A little eager are we, uh?"
"Oh shush," Susan blushed. "Let's go because I'm in a hurry today."
"Why?" Troy asked amused seeing how distraught and stressed she looked.
"I have a date," Susan said in a rush. "And I have to find something decent to wear, which will be too difficult because that's a first date and I like the guy a lot and I have nothing to wear, I have to do my hair, my make up…"
Troy chuckled friendly. "Ok, ok…let's go."
Susan grabbed his arm and dragged him into the jewellery store, where they met the same old man. "We're here to pick up the ring with the word kuuipo engraved."
"Oh sure," said the man. "Here it is." He said handing the velvety box to Troy who opened it excitedly gasping when he saw the result of his idea.
Susan gasped with him. "She'll love it."
"I know," Troy said in awe. "It's perfect…"
Susan smiled at his face and paid the jewel to the man, dragging Troy out the story afterwards seeing he was still dumbfounded admiring the ring.
Troy snapped out of his reverie when he noticed they were already outside the shop. "Susan," he said grabbing her arm and stopping her.
"What?" She asked looking at her clock.
"Thank you so much," Troy said sincerely. "Seriously, this means the world to me…"
"You're welcome Troy," Susan smiled sweetly a little shocked when Troy hugged her.
"I want to return you the favour," Troy said all of a sudden, his eyes burning holes in the shop window of the shop situated behind Susan.
Susan lifted her eyebrows. "Don't be silly…"
"No, really!" Troy protested. "Why were you looking at that shop when I've come?"
Susan avoided his eyes. "Nothing; look I have to go…"
"Not so fast!" Troy stopped her. "Answer me; why were you looking so intently that shop?"
Susan sighed. "I've seen something I like; it's a beautiful long midnight blue dress but I don't have the money to buy it, Troy…"
Troy picked up her sad tone. "I'll pay it for you; that's the least I can do…"
"No way!" Susan gasped. "It's a very expensive shop Troy! There's no way you are going to buy something from there…"
"Actually," Troy smirked. "I am going to do so, and I'm going to do that now…"
"Troy!" She said grabbing his arm.
Troy shook her off and entered in the shop. "Good afternoon, we wanted to see that dress, please?"
Susan followed him embarrassed. "Troy," she hissed between her teeth. "Let's go…"
"No." He said calmly. "Look, this nice lady is bringing the dress you like." Turning to the woman Troy spoke. "It's for her. Do you have her size?"
The woman nodded. "I've guessed as much. I think that is going to look lovely on her…"
"See?" Troy turned to talk with Susan. "Go on and try it on!"
"Troy," she hissed again.
Troy rolled his eyes. "Susan please, for me? I want to return you the favour somehow…you deserve it and I want to give you the dress really. Please?" Trying to imitate Gabi's pout and puppy eyes dog, Troy continued begging her. "Please, please, please…only let me see how it would look on you…please, please, please…"
Sighing and smiling at his face, Susan grabbed the dress from the lady. "Ok, but you are not going to buy it."
"Sure, sure…" Troy said as if he was talking with a kid. "Go ahead, come on…"
When Susan was out of sight, Troy went to the lady again. "I want to buy the dress please…"
"Sure," the young woman smiled. "It'll be $250."
Troy reached for his wallet and took his credit card. "Here," he said handing the item to the lady.
Just when he was signing the bill Susan stepped out of the changing room wearing the dress and Troy widened his eyes. "You're going to kill the guy!"
Susan rolled her eyes but blushed. "Now that you've seen it we can go…I'm going to change…"
"Ok, I'll wait for you here." Troy said sitting in the chair acting nonchalantly.
The shop assistant followed her to pick the dress and when she returned to the main room of the shop Troy talked to her quietly. "Could you wrap it as a gift?"
"Sure," the woman smiled.
When she had the dress all wrapped and in a bag, she gave it to Troy, who sat in the same chair he'd been sitting with the bag hided between his legs, waiting for Susan to come out.
"Ok, I'm ready," Susan said placing her bag over her shoulder. "Now I have to go…" She said already going to the door of the shop, with Troy following her closely.
Troy was amused; she was so focused on her date that she didn't realize Troy had a big brown bag with him. When they arrived at their cars, Troy opened the passenger's door and placed the bag on the seat. When Susan realized about that, she gasped loudly. "No way!"
"Yes way," Troy grinned goofily. "And you can't return it because I have the bill with me…"
"Troy!" She said shocked but also touched he had paid so much for her. "You didn't have to…"
"But I wanted to do so Susan," Troy said softly. "I've been super rude with you and I've been treating you so bad; please, accept the dress as my way to say sorry…"
Susan's eyes let out a few tears; she couldn't believe this new Troy and she was thrilled that he was able to finally show emotion to her. Knowing he was stubborn, she nodded. "Okay, I accept the dress, but seriously, with a sorry or a thanks you already were forgiven. Thank you so much Troy…it means a lot…"
"Thank you," he breathed hugging her. When he pulled away from the hug, Troy smirked. "This guy better see what he has in front of him because you look extremely hot with that dress…"
Susan gasped. "Troy Bolton!"
Troy laughed. "No, really. You look hot; I'm sure he'll have impure thoughts all night…"
"Ok that's it," Susan said blushing opening the door of her car. "I'll call you next week, ok?"
"Oh," Troy said more seriously this time. "I'll be at Gabriella's until Wednesday…"
"You told me you would be there until tomorrow," Susan answered confusedly.
"I know," Troy breathed. "But I don't want to leave Gabriella alone…"
She realized he was talking about Gabriella's father and winced inwardly when she saw the coldness of his eyes thinking about the reasons behind his stay at Gabriella's. "Okay, okay…" Susan said not wanting to dig more into it. "I'll call you Thursday or Friday, ok?"
"Sure," Troy nodded. "Bye!"
He waited until she pulled the car in reverse and took off and then he entered in his car, and followed her out of the parking lot, going left instead of right as she did, and then driving to Gabriella's house, more excited each second he was closer to his angel.
'Prepare yourself baby. You won't forget this date ever…' He thought smiling and whistling along the radio feeling how happiness overcame him and thanking the heavens for everything he had: his angel, his friends, Susan…yep, because he realized that, for the first time, he had the most important thing he'd been denying himself but needed at the same time: the love of people who really cared for him and who he cared for.
With that last thought, Troy parked his car in Gabriella's driveway and went inside the house. Passing by Gabriella's room, he heard Taylor and Gabriella squealing and giggling as if there wasn't tomorrow and he chuckled to himself shaking his head, going to the guest room where he had placed his clothes and everything he needed so he could be ready for their new first date, knowing that neither he nor Gabriella would forget it…ever.