*Lovesick

Chapter 10

A/N: Hello everyone! It's been so long since I've updated. I'm sorry. I had to figure out a lot of things for my story and the direction I want it to go. Don't worry; this story isn't going anywhere because I know a lot of you like it. From now on I'm going to update when I can. I'm always so busy with school. Please don't give up on me because there's going to be a lot coming up in these next few chapters. Here is chapter 10. Please read & review, as always. You guys are the best. Enjoy! :)

Chapter 10 – Anniversary

Gabriella woke up on a quiet October morning with a smile on her face. It was her and Scott's 1-month anniversary. The entire week she was very nervous and also excited for today. It was her first anniversary ever. She had spent all day yesterday searching for a perfect gift for Scott. She knew it didn't need to be perfect but she just couldn't help it. She knew he was going to like it but then again, what if he didn't? It was just so hard to tell sometimes.

After getting up and taking a shower, Gabriella stood in her closet with a towel wrapped around her body. She pulled one of her favorite outfits off of a hanger. The outfit consisted of a long sleeved teal and black tunic, black stirrup leggings, and black heel boots. It was perfect for today. She got dressed and fixed her hair. After getting the rest of her things together, Gabriella was about to leave when she heard a knock on her door.

She walked over to the door and opened it. She looked around, frowning. She didn't see anyone. At her feet, though, was a small present with a card underneath it. She picked it up and smiled. Of course, it was from Scott. She opened the letter first. His handwriting filled a small piece of paper. It was always so perfect.

'Happy anniversary babe! I hope you love my present. I know it's a bit tacky but trust me, that's not all I have for you today. Today is about you and me okay? And sorry, the place we're going to tonight is a surprise. See you in a few.

Love, Scott'

She rolled her eyes at his sense of humor before picking up the present. Inside was a golden box. She opened it up and her eyes grew wide as she pulled out the most beautiful bracelet she'd ever seen. There was absolutely nothing tacky about it. It was a gorgeous crystal flower cuff, consisting of a marquise link chain with two large flowers in the middle. There was also a purple jet attached and peach crystal accents. Gabriella stared at it in awe, wondering how much money it had to have been. It had to be at least 30 dollars. Either way, it was beautiful. She put it on her wrist and looked at it. Perfect.

"He gave you that? Dang before you know it, he's gonna show up on your doorstep saying he's the father of your baby." Taylor snickered as she looked at Gabriella's bracelet. They were on their way to the lockers to get their things for the day. Gabriella glared at her. "He is not going to do that. Scott's a gentlemen."

Taylor laughed. "Yeah. Sure he is. Where is he anyways?"

Gabriella looked around. "I don't know. Maybe he's just late." They turned the corner and suddenly, Gabriella couldn't believe her eyes. "Oh mi gosh."

At her locker was a bouquet of flowers taped to her locker along with hearts. Standing next to it was Scott.

"Happy anniversary, Gaby." Scott beamed.

She smiled and walked over to him. "You did this for me?" She hugged him.

"Well yeah. What other way would I do our anniversary?" He kissed her on the cheek.

"This is so sweet," She took the flowers from the lockers. "What time is dinner tonight?"

"Seven. I'll pick you up."

"Okay. Thank you. This is the best anniversary already."

"And it's gonna get better." He pulled her closer.

She laughed. "I can't wait," She leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips. "I gotta go now. I'll meet you at lunch?"

"Yeah." He smiled.

"See you then." She beamed and then gaited down the hall.

It was going to be an anniversary to remember.

"…I'll tell you guys everything tomorrow." Gabriella replied to Taylor and Kelsi as she closed the door to the science lab. As she rounded the corner, she ran smack into Troy.

"Shit. Brie. I'm so sorry." Troy staggered back.

Gabriella caught herself before she nearly fell back. "Oh Troy. No, it's okay." She giggled. "You seem like you're in a hurry."

Troy smirked. "Oh yeah. Basketball practice. I'm late again."

"Figures. I gotta get home so I can get ready for dinner with Scott."

"Oh yeah tonight's the big night huh? Congratulations."

"Thanks. Honestly, I'm more nervous than I am excited."

"I'm sure everything will be fine." He assured her. "Just be careful okay? I know he's been good to you but just watch out for yourself."

"Troy, I promise I will. It's just dinner and spending time together. Nothing more. But thanks for being concerned. I gotta go. I'll talk to you later. Bye Troy." She smiled and gently and squeezed his shoulder before walking down the hall.

Troy turned and looked after her, smiling. That smile quickly faded and became a frown. He felt his heart sink as he thought about her. He wished that tonight he was the one she was so nervous to be with. That he was the one that gave her butterflies in her stomach. The one she was falling in love with. Although, Mrs. Montez told him that Gabriella was in love with him, if it were true, Troy would just be living in a dream that wouldn't be coming true.

"Mom, I promise I won't do anything you wouldn't want me to do. And no, I am not sleeping with him. Not for a long time." Gabriella explained. She was in the bathroom applying some more makeup to her face.

"I'm just letting you know, that's all. If you need protection, I have some. Don't be afraid to ask."

Gabriella groaned. "Ugh, mom. Is this really necessary? I don't need any. We're having dinner and then we're going to spend time with each other. That's it. Please, you don't have to worry." She grabbed her purse. "Scott should be here any minute."

Maria looked at her daughter and smiled. "You look beautiful, hija."

Gabriella looked in the mirror one more time and nearly surprised herself at the way she looked. Gone was the 17-year-old girl, young and naïve; instead there was a 17-year-old teenager, still young but just more grown up. More sophisticated. Her hair fell to her shoulders in dark, wavy curls. Her strapless love tease dress was a beautiful shade of purple and gold, made of satin and black glittery stamped flowers. She looked absolutely flawless. "Thanks mom."

A honk of a car horn outside broke the silence.

"That's Scott." She grabbed her purse, put on her black heels and walked downstairs.

"Have fun. Don't be too late."

Gabriella turned and smiled. "I won't. Bye mom." She closed the door behind her, leaving behind the girl that once loved the company of her mom. She was growing up.

"Can I open my eyes yet?" Gabriella asked, holding onto Scott's arm so she wouldn't lose her balance.

Scott led her into a room lit with candles. "Okay, you can open."

Gabriella smiled widely. "Scott, this is amazing."

The family room of his house contained lit candles placed everywhere, a blanket set on the ground with two plates, a small pan, a basket of bread, and a rose.

He led her over to the blanket and let her sit down. He sat down next to her.

"This is so sweet," She looked at the food in the pan. "Oh mi gosh, you even made me pasta."

"Happy anniversary."

She leaned in and kissed him. "Happy anniversary."

He took her empty plate and put a bread roll and pasta on the plate. "This is for you."

She couldn't stop smiling. "This looks so delicious."

"Hopefully it tastes as good as it looks."

She giggled. "I'm sure it's great." She took a small forkful and ate it. "This is so good, Scott!"

"So it's not poisonous then?" He winked.

"No, it's great. You should become a chef." She took another bite.

"I'd become a chef just for you." He smiled, winking again.

Gabriella blushed. She was on cloud nine right now. She never wanted to come down.

They continued to eat while immersing in conversation. The whole time Gabriella knew Scott hadn't taken his eyes off her.

"You look so beautiful, Gabriella." He admitted.

She blushed. "You look handsome yourself," She set her food aside. "This totally beats going to a fancy restaurant. I love it."

"I'm glad you do. It's the closest thing I could get to perfect." He moved closer to her and intertwined her hand with his.

"It is perfect." She gushed, leaning in to kiss his soft lips again. "Oh, I have you anniversary gift." She grabbed her purse and dug around for a tiny box. She pulled out a small blue box and handed it to him. "It's not the best gift in the world."

Scott opened it up and pulled out a dog tag necklace. Engraved on it were the initials "G.M." On the back, there was a small note that said, 'Now wherever you go, you'll always think of me. Love, Gaby'. "It's perfect. Thank you." He kissed her on the cheek. "I have something else for you." He pulled a black box out of his pocket.

"Another gift? You didn't have to do all of this, really."

He handed it to her. "Open it. You'll like it."

She opened the box and pulled out a stunning black Betsey Johnson necklace. It had three chains with a spider charm in the middle; like a spider in a web. There was also a crystal accent heart, a black rose and purple beads with goldtone hearts. "Wow, Scott. This is incredible."

"Here. I'll put it on for you." He brushed her hair to the side and put on her necklace.

She brushed her fingers across the necklace. "You know, you're spoiling me too much."

He smiled and brushed her hair away from her face. "That's what boyfriends are supposed to do." He kissed her lightly on the cheek, and then moved to her lips. When he pulled back, she was smiling at him.

"How, in just one month, have you managed to make me feel the way I do right now?" She ran her fingers through his blonde hair.

"I don't know. You've made me fall hard for you Gabriella."

"I don't know either but I love it." She kissed him, sweetly but passionately, this time not pulling back. Scott pulled her to him and deepened the kiss. He kissed her lips, cheek, nose, and forehead. He pushed her back so that his body was hovering over hers. He kissed her bare shoulder, making her shiver. Gabriella could feel her stomach twisting one million times. She could feel Scott's hand begin to roam her back, to her thigh, pulling the dress up. Suddenly, she mentally shook herself out of the daze she was in.

If we don't stop, this won't be good. I don't have protection. She pulled back.

"Scott, stop. No more." She pleaded. He kissed her again.

"Just a little bit longer." He mumbled into her skin. His weight seemed to keep pushing her down.

Gabriella panicked, understanding what this could turn into if she didn't do something. She couldn't breathe. "Dammit, Scott. Stop!" She pushed him off of her. There were tears in her eyes.

"Damn Gaby. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it." He reached for her but she moved away.

"Don't," She got up and straightened her dress. "I told you to stop. What the hell happened to boundaries, Scott?" Her voice shook.

"I'm sorry. I thought we were just having fun."

She stared at him. She couldn't believe him. "Having fun? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" She grabbed her purse. "I have to go. I can't do this."

"Gabriella, wait." He pleaded. He reached for her hand but she jerked it away.

"Just take me home, please." She demanded. She didn't look at him. Not after what he had just tried to do.

Scott dropped her off and then left without anything. Gabriella walked to the house on the left of hers and stopped. It was the one house she knew inside out and backwards. The garage light was on. "Troy?" She whimpered.

Troy's figure illuminated under the light. When she saw him, she about fell to pieces. He was the one person she didn't think she would ever miss seeing. "Brie. Hey." He stepped out of the light and over to her. When he saw her, his heart nearly broke to pieces. "Jeez, what happened to you?" He cupped her face in his hands. "Hey, talk to me. What's wrong?"

Tears felt like raindrops. "I'm okay. It's just Scott. He…" She whispered.

"He what? What did he do to you? Did he hurt you?"

"No, he…he tried something on me. We were just kissing and then he wouldn't stop. I told him to stop twice and then finally he did but…I was so scared he wasn't going too, Troy."

Troy wrapped his arms around her. "It's okay. I got you." He held her for a few moments and then pulled back. He wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "I'm fine."

"Okay. Do you want me to walk you?"

She shook her head. She didn't want to be anywhere but here. "Just hold me please." She pressed her head against his chest. The heat from his body seemed to magnetize her to him. Like a warm fire.

He wrapped his arms around her and held her. For the first time, he wouldn't let go until she told him too. He just wanted to be there for her, just like best friends were supposed to do.

A/N: Any thoughts on the chapter? I liked this chapter because you guys got to see the way Troy feels about Gabriella. He makes his feelings known to her but of course she doesn't see it because she wants her relationship with Scott to be real. It's far from real. You'll see that coming up soon in later chapters. You'll also see how Gabriella starts to change after the anniversary, and it's not good. Next chapter is going to focus on Maria's relationship with Gabriella. I want to focus on Gabriella's relationship with her mother because her mother really cares about her. She's going to tell her a story about when she was in high school and I think you're going to find it both touching and also sad. So stay tuned. :) Also, if you go to my profile (this is the first time I've done this) I'll have links to what Gabriella's school outfit looked like, the bracelet and necklace Scott gave to her, and the dress she wore for their anniversary. They're quite cute. Check them out. Goodbye for now. I will be back to update soon. Review please!

-xoxo Alyssa