Chapter 25 – Try

Our house had become unbearable the past week and with my next and final chemo coming, I wanted it to end…now. I got up out of the bed as I walked down the hall to see Emma lying in her bed she was reading a book. "How are you?" I asked her, "Tired," she exclaimed, I nodded my head, "So I think it's time to talk to Liam,"

"No," she said flatly, "Emma, you can't hide from Liam forever. He is your brother and he feels terrible for what he did."

"He only feels this way because he knows how stupid he was and because Uncle Chad won't let Alexa out of his sight,"

"I know how wrong he was Emma but you have got to listen,"

"No," she snapped again, "He stole my ex best friend," I rolled my eyes as I looked at her, "Do you want a smoothie or a protein shake?" I asked her, "Smoothie," she muttered, "Alright," I walked downstairs as Liam was sitting at the counter eating food as he stared at the cabinets quietly. "Can I be ungrounded yet? I mean can you really ground me for these things?" he asked, I nodded my head, "I can ground you for whatever I want,"

"I learned my lesson," he said, "I'm sure you have," I moved to start making a smoothie for Emma as I grabbed the strawberries and bananas. "This isn't fair mom,"

"I'm sure," I said with a nod of my head, "Why is Chad so angry about all of this?"

"Because he knows how he was in high school, he knows how your dad was in high school, and he doesn't like it."

"I'm not dad!"

"You are so much like your father is scares me," I corrected, he shot me a look, "This isn't fair, I really care for Alexa,"

"Well then I guess you should have told somebody sooner,"

I made Emma's smoothie and she came down the stairs as she looked at Liam, her eyes shot him and if looks could kill then well Liam would be dead. "Em," he said, "Save it," she snapped, "Just save it," she grabbed her smoothie and left. I looked at Liam as he rubbed his eyes, "I'm going outside," he said and pushed his stuff away. I shook my head as he walked out.

Troy came into the room as he looked at me, "How are you this morning?"

"I am just fabulous with all of my kids fighting, it is wonderful,"

"Yea, I think I am going to go and talk to Chad,"

"Oh?"

"Yea, I mean, they should have told us but they didn't. They have been punished, I don't get why they can't date. You and Taylor always talked about them dating anyways,"

"Well it's just an odd stage, Alexa is about to turn fifteen while Liam will be turning seventeen in a couple of months. Freshman, junior, Liam has more hormone needs than a freshman girl, my dad would have killed you if you were a junior and I was a freshman."

Troy looked doubtful, "It's whatever,"

"Says the male mind, how would you feel if that was Emma?" Troy frowned, "It's not Emma,"

He turned and left as I shook my head, "Boys,"

Troy's POV

I walked up to the Danforth's house only to see Chad on the basketball court, "Hey," Chad spun around to look at me as he frowned, "Hi," I looked at him as I sighed, "Dude, I'm sorry for my asshole son, I thought I raised him ten times better than that but I guess I failed but if they have feelings for each other then they have feelings for each other."

"He is a junior Troy,"

"I understand, I understand where you are coming from and I know if some junior wanted to date Emma I would probably be freaking out as well,"

"Oh I am so glad you understand," he said with an eye roll, "Chad, you have to know how painful this past week in my household has been, Liam has gotten his punishment, I'm sorry, at least you know Liam Chad, if it was some random guy I would be right up behind you but it's Liam, the same kid we have both basically raised together."

"No," he said shaking his head, "If he is anything like you in high school then no,"

"You were worse than me!" I argued, "Exactly! I know how bad I was and us two combined in that boy is no,"

"Liam isn't that bad Chad, you know that, this would be his first serious relationship,"

"And what happens when Liam and Alexa break up huh? When it doesn't last because then they have to see each other constantly because our families are inseparable."

"Do you remember when you dated Lindsay?" Chad shrugged, "I dated a lot of girls,"

"Yea, well, Lindsay was your best friend if I am mistaken,"

"Why does this matter Bolton?"

"Because it has been done before and if they break up they break up, it's high school Chad, and the relationships are pointless."

"Oh so your relationship with Gabi was pointless?" I shot him a look, "That is completely different, we didn't do anything until we were sure of everything because I cared for her,"

"So Liam is just on a mission to have sex with my daughter," I laughed, "No!"

"Coming from his father who last I checked made a bet,"

"With you," I corrected, "this is my point Troy, high school boys are up to no good. I do not want my daughter seeing your son, I do not care how much I know Liam,"

"So you are just going to separate them?"

"Of course,"

"Chad, they go to school together, that is…was Emma's best friend,"

"Was?"

"They hid it from Emma," I told him, he studied my face, "So nobody knew,"

"No,"

"Probably your sons idea,"

"He claims it was Alexa's,"

"Whatever Bolton, I don't care,"

"Chad, I don't understand why you are being so thick skulled,"

"How about I stick Lauren with Matt when he is a junior,"

"At least I know Matt!"

"Your argument is invalid Bolton, I don't care who the boy is but really, I do, because I know you. I know how you were and I know how he will act because he acts just like you Troy which makes it ten times worse."

"Stop being such a dick Danforth,"

"Stop being an asshole," He dropped the basketball and turned to go inside, I watched him go as I shook my head, "Thanks Liam, just thanks,"

Liam's POV

Staying in my room was about the smartest choice I had made in the last three months. Emma was still beyond angry at me. I was have never seen her so angry before. So much anger had been bottled up and she snapped. I ran my hands over my head as I had already finished my homework and I looked down to see the homecoming nominee paper. I wanted to crumple it up since I wasn't sure I would be able to attend the dance.

My door opened as I glanced up to see my mom. She was thinner, her jawbones visible, not the same mom from last March. "Hey," she walked in, "So we have given you plenty of day to think so start talking,"

"About what?"

"How did this relationship start?"

"I don't know, it just did, after Emma left for summer camp we hung out and enjoyed it. We didn't start dating until we were sure it wasn't stupid." My mom nodded her head, "So you aren't just doing a bet or?"

"No," I claimed, "I like her and probably because I see her so much." My mom nodded her head again, "And you never told us why?"

I shook my head, "I wanted to tell you guys and Emma, I have been begging to tell Emma but Alexa was afraid of how here Dad would react and well I guess she was right. She sighed and sat down next to me. "You area spitting image of your father to the point it scares me. Your dad says the same thing about Emma and me."

"So?"

"Your dad wasn't the best at East High and neither was Chad. Freshman, sophomore, and part of their junior year they were known for girls. They made bets and were stupid so when Chad knows how your Dad was then he freaks out. It's not your fault but it's just not what Chad imagines for his daughter. "I'm not like dad," I countered, "You are so much more like your dad than you think Liam, maybe you aren't like your dad in that way and I am so thankful for that."

"Was he bad?" I asked, "He changed when I got there so I couldn't tell you,"

"How does somebody change so easily like that?"

She shrugged, "I don't know, it normally takes the right person,"

"You were the right person?"

She sighed, "I guess I was the right person for your dad,"

Gabi's POV

I scrubbed the dishes as after talking with Liam I thought about the relationship that Liam had with Alexa. They were always pair together since Emma and Liam were normally attached at the hip. They were constantly together so it only made sense really.

Picking up my cell phone, I shut off the sink and I called Taylor. Chad and Troy's conversation apparently did not go too well. The phone rang a couple of times as she answered, "I was just getting ready to call you,"

I laughed, "Well, I figured us women should talk this out before we let this get completely out of control." She laughed, "Agreed, I don't understand why Chad is so upset, I don't get it."

"I get that they should have told us but we can't separate them at school. We can't do all of this, I don't see the harm in them dating if that's what they want to do,"

"Chad just thinks Liam is like Troy and this is some game,"

"But we all know it's not. Alexa and Liam are always around each other, we joked that they would eventually date,"

"I just don't think Chad is going to change his mind," I sighed, "Troy was pretty mad when he came home from talking with him so that's why I called you,"

"He tried to point the same thing out to Chad, I overheard, and he was trying to say how that at least Chad knew Liam, but apparently that's worse," Taylor said with a laugh, I paused as I thought about the question, "Do you trust Liam with Alexa?"

"I trust Alexa and I trust Liam not to be stupid, Alexa is young and maybe that is my only concern but Gabs, honestly, I do not think this relationship is going to last and maybe that is why Chad doesn't like this. We both don't think it is going to last,"

"I don't think it will either but what can we do?"

"I don't know, I just wish Chad would talk about it with me,"

"What is Alexa's story?" I asked, "That she didn't want to tell anybody based on how Chad would react, to not blame Liam because it is not his fault. Apparently Liam wanted to tell all along, what about your end?"

"He said the same thing," I twisted my cup around, "How are you feeling Gabs?"

"Okay, I keep forgetting I have cancer right now, I'm feeling better. I'm not sure how I should feel about this four days of chemo next week,"

"You'll be alright, I can bring over some food,"

"That would be awesome, I just hope that this is it. If all goes well I will have one more scan, six weeks of radiation and then scans every few months after that,"

"Gabi, I am so proud of you for kicking cancers ass,"

"It wasn't easy,"

"No, you didn't make it very easy did you?" I laughed, "No, I have been pretty tired lately too,"

"Well I better let you go rest, I'll talk to Chad,"

"Thanks Tay, I'm sorry for how that all went down,"

"Chad is just protective,"

"Troy will be too and Chad will be able to say I told you so,"

"Ha, probably,"

I giggled, "I'll talk to you later Tay,"

Liam slid a paper across to me as I looked at it; I then worked up at him. "Pretty cool," I responded, "Yea, it is pretty cool, I wasn't sure if I would be able to attend," I shut my book I was reading to look up at him, "Your dad and I decided that all of your groundings were off and you are a free man again as long as you promise to never do anything like that again,"

"I promise," he announced with a small smile, "Now, I have a question Mom,"

"Yes?"

"Would you escort me?" I laughed and I nodded, "Of course Liam," he smiled and he hugged me as I looked at the paper again. During my chemo sessions, Friday night, right after my last one. I hugged him tighter as I was hoping that everything would run smoothly. It was going to be on the football field and it was going to be fast and easy. It was just a walk across a field.

Liam let go as he smiled, "I am going to go see if I can go and talk to Em,"

"I would advise against that, you just need to give her space."

"It's almost been a week,"

"I know it has almost been a week," I told him, "But she is still really angry with both of you. You hurt her,"

"I know I hurt her and I feel horrible,"

"Good, you should,"

Liam sighed as he disappeared downstairs, it had been a week since this whole drama had started and I was ready for it to be over. Troy marched through the kitchen as he was still pissed off at Chad. Emma came sulking down the stairs as I rolled my eyes. I went into the kitchen as I looked at Emma. "Em, don't you think it's time to at least talk to Liam?" I asked, she looked at me, "No,"

"Em, you can not avoid him forever,"

"He hurt me!"

"Emma, I understand he hurt you but he is your brother."

Troy looked at Emma as she pulled out a thing of juice, poured herself a cup and disappeared. I turned to look at Troy as he shrugged, "Such help," I said with a roll of my eyes, Troy laughed as he came over and kissed the top of my bald head, "I'm sorry,"

"I told Liam he was ungrounded,"

"He is WHAT?" Emma stormed back into the kitchen, her juice slopping out of the cup. Troy and I turned to look at Emma, "How could you unground him? He was irresponsible and didn't tell you guys! He is mean! He sneaks around," Troy shared a glance with me and then looked over towards Emma, "Emma it is not your call," Troy said leaning against the counter, "It was me who he hurt!"

"He wasn't grounded because he hurt you," I reminded, "He was grounded because he lied to us about some things and was sneaking around," Emma looked between the two of us, "You are joking right? I thought you loved me!" she turned again and left, making more juice spill, Troy protested but I silenced him with my hand on his arm. "Don't even try," I told him, "It's not worth it."

Troy sighed as he buried his face into his hands, "Your son was nominated for homecoming court," Troy turned to look at me, "He asked me to escort him," Troy smiled, "You'll kill it,"

"It's Friday night," Troy frowned, "Chemo week Friday night?" I nodded my head, "That Friday night," Troy took a deep breath as he looked at me, "Brie,"

"Troy, remember when I said cancer wasn't going to come between my kids and me?"

"Dirty places,"

"My court won't drop for a couple of more days,"

"Fine, we will see how you feel day of,"

"Fair," he buried his head into his hands again, "Is it next year yet?" he mumbled, I laughed, "I wish."

Sitting down at Zekes I looked at the menu as he had added a few new things. My eyes glanced at the table as Emma was turned away from the table hoping to avoid any contact with the family. Liam was sitting between Troy and I to just keep it quiet. Wes and Alli were coloring on the same piece of paper while Lo curled in my lap.

"Lo, do you want chicken strips?"

"Yes!"

I kissed the top of her head as Zeke came out of the kitchen, "My favorite Bolton family!" Troy smiled as he stood up, "What's up famous chef?"

"Not much dude, how is the family?" Troy shot him a look as Zeke laughed, "Oh yea, Chad told me all about it. How insensitive of you Bolton," Zeke joked, Troy snorted as Emma turned her nose up and I looked at her. She was eating but under protest most of the time. "Emma, what are you ordering?" she looked up at me and shrugged, "Maybe I don't want to eat," the words caught Troy's attention as he looked at her, "Funny, what are you ordering Emma?"

"I'm not eating," she remarked, Troy laughed, "Emma Grace, you better get your act together," Emma looked at Liam, "But he can be a lying brother?" Zeke looked between Troy and I as I shrugged my shoulders. "I'll get you both a beer," he mouthed; I thanked him as he knew with Carissa and Bentley. "Emma, knock it off. Now." Emma shrugged, "You can order me food but I'm not eating."

Troy rubbed his temples as I intervened, "Emma, you eat or you don't go out with your friends tomorrow,"

"You can't make me eat,"

"I can," Troy, said loud enough to cause a few tables to turn. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks as I looked at Troy, "Emma," I said scooting back my chair, "Come on," Troy looked at me as he went to stand but I shook my head, "No,"

I took Emma outside of the restaurant as she sat down on the curb, my eyes looked at her as she looked up at me, "This isn't fair, I'm still being punished for something I did on accident and when Liam, the golden child of the Bolton family, makes the stupidest mistake of his teenage life then he gets one week of grounding and is set free!"

"Emma, yours concerns your health!"

"I'm eating okay? I'm not hungry though so why?"

I closed my eyes as I was really tired and I just wanted to go to sleep. "Em, I understand how upset you are about all of this. I would be just as upset but I am so tired of both of you ignoring each other, I'm tired of having to deal with the tension everyday, I'm tired of having you argue with me over if you should eat or not in protest of Liam being ungrounded. I'm really tired Em,"

She looked at me as she then buried her face into her hands, "I'm sorry mom, I'm screwing up everything, I'm being selfish when you are sick with cancer still and I'm not helping," I hugged her as she as crying, she had been pretty emotional these past few weeks and I could only imagine. "You are fine Emma, you aren't screwing everything up and you should have to think about my cancer. I want you to forget about it,"

She was quiet as I rubbed her shoulder, "So how about we go back into Zeke's and you can order anything you want, eat at least half of it, and then we can go home okay?"

"Can we watch a movie together? Just us?"

"If that makes you eat, then yes,"

"Thanks mom,"

I kissed the top of her head, "Make sure you say something to your dad," I said as we both stood up, "I will," she said and then she walked back into the restaurant, I took an extra moment as I was exhausted. I didn't want to eat myself but Troy wanted to go out. I looked at the table to see Emma reaching to hug Troy, he said something to her and she said something back. She kissed his cheek as Troy smiled. Lo wanted too also as Troy laughed.

He loved his girls.

He looked at Emma before his eyes did a search of the room, his lips moved probably asking Emma where I was. I might even let him come look for me but I watched him as his eyes flickered to every different part of the room. He slid right over me but his eyes came right back. I smiled shaking my head as I walked back to the table. He smiled as I took my seat again. "You okay?" he asked me, "I'm tired," I told him; he nodded as Lo showed me her picture. She stood up on the chair and Troy told her to sit. She protested and a normal family meal began.

The tension a little less but Liam still stuck between us and Emma still on the end as she turned away slightly but close enough that I could that she might just try in the coming weeks.

Emma's POV

Dinner with Liam was torture and I wasn't hungry but I ate to please my parents but tonight I felt rebellious since Liam was free I should be too. Yet my scene caused a look from my dad I only saw often, an annoyed face from my mom, and then a talk out in the front of the restaurant.

I realized how stupid I was being when my mom told me that she was still tired from all of her treatments and for five minutes, I let the drama slid because my mom was still fighting cancer, and I was pissed over some stupid thing with my brother and friend. I felt horrible for the rest of the night, I ate my dinner, and I pleased my parents for the rest of the night.

My mom and I watched a movie together in my room as she ended up falling asleep. She was tired and she was getting ready to do four days worth of Chemo. How could she possibly be ready for that? She was so small and little, when Dad came in to check on us…more likely her; he smiled, "She is never good with watching movies,"

"I know, I still liked that she laid in my room with me to watch one," he smiled as he nodded, "She will move the ends of the world to make you happy Emma," I swallowed the tears in my throat because I knew it was true. My mom loved me probably more than she loved Liam that made my comment about him so much harder. "Let me take her into our room and then I'll come back,"

I looked up at my Dad as he must have said something before and when I wasn't listening he grew concerned. He picked her up effortlessly and moved her upstairs, I heard their door open and then it shut a couple of minutes later. He came back down the stairs as he entered my room, "Are you okay Em?" I shrugged my shoulders, "I realized how stupid I am being."

He sat down next to me as he sighed, "I don't think you were being stupid, you were hurt and they shouldn't have hid it from you. It wasn't right but I also think that you can't drag this on forever. Being a sibling is hard sometimes because your brother or sister in my case will do something so stupid and you can't even begin to forgive them but you do and when you do things go back to a sense of normal. Liam knows how much he screwed up but you have to know that he cares about you still."

"I still care about Liam," I muttered, "I just wish he wouldn't have done,"

"Me too," he looked down at me and then back to the wall, "You won't hide a relationship from me will you?" he asked, I rested my head on his shoulder, "Will you freak out when I tell you about it?" I knew the words were hard for him to hear, "No, as long as you like him and he isn't a punk." I smiled, "No boys like me anyways, I think you are okay,"

He laughed, "Em, you are so much like your mom that boys will come knocking on our door,"

"Will not, they see Liam and wonder why I don't have his eyes,"

"I think you and your mom have the best eyes in the family,"

"Well boys at my school don't think so,"

"It's okay, I don't want them to hurt you anyways,"

"Is that why Uncle Chad is so upset with Alexa?"

"I guess, he just wants to protect her and it's hard,"

"I'll always love you daddy," I whispered as I was trying not to fall asleep, "I'll love you too Emma," he kissed the top of my head as he gently laid me down onto the pillow.

Troy's POV

The house was quiet as I went outside and I felt the cool October air. I rubbed my face as everybody was asleep in the house and I was ready to go to bed myself. I was ready for life to fall back into the simple category.

The past couple of weeks have been brutal and I knew Gabi was beyond exhausted. She had to go get her counts checked tomorrow and I was hoping that the tiredness was because of low counts. Emma and Liam still were not speaking but they were co-existing in the same room. It was a step in the right direction to get this whole episode over with.

I watched as a car drove up our street, turned around, slowed, and after a second they pulled into our driveway. I stood up as I watched the car to only realize a Danforth was sitting in the car. Not sure which one but it was one of them.

The car shut off, as I looked at it closer for my eyes to make out the pushy hair that I called my best friend. I rolled my eyes as I turned around to go back inside, not willing to fight with him tonight.

I grabbed the handle to the door as the car door opened, "Bolton,"

I stopped, "Come to I don't know, insult me more?" I asked as I let go of the door. He sighed as I heard him move up the steps, "No, I'm here to apologize because I was stupid," I laughed, "Nothing new there,"

"Troy, I'm serious, I hate fighting with you and really the past week I have only wanted to call you about how to deal with this stupid situation we are in but I can't because I pissed you off because of this situation we are in."

"Dude, you just have to let it run its course. Do I think it is going to last? No. Do I think that it could for a couple of months, yea, but we can't ground them for this? I mean I have to step back and think if I was still in high school and what would my parents do? It's just stupid and I understand where you are coming from."

"What if Liam hurts her?" I shrugged, "Then she goes through her first heartbreak? I'm not looking forward to when it happens to Emma and I hope my son isn't an asshole, it's hard having kids," Chad snorted, "No shit,"

I leaned against the railing as I looked out, "Just don't beat the shit out of my son okay?" Chad laughed, "Like I beat the shit out of you sophomore year," I laughed as I shook my head, "Yea, please, don't,"

"How is Gabs?" he asked, I sighed as I rubbed my face, "Tired,"

"I bet she is,"

"None of this is helping either. Emma is a hot mess,"

"Yea, Alexa has been pretty upset over that,"

"Emma feels the most betrayed I think. I mean, Liam is her brother that she goes to for everything and then Alexa is about her only true friend down here. It's just hard for her right now with the eating and,"

"Eating?"

"You didn't hear about Emma passing out during practice?"

"Oh yea! How is she?"

"Better, fighting us on a lot though,"

"I bet,"

"It's not the best thing in the world."

We both looked out at the yard and the land around us as we thought about how fatherhood had changed us both. We both were protecting the people we loved the best and sometimes friendships had to be put second.

"How about a family gathering tomorrow?" Chad spoke, "We can do it at our house and I'll talk to Alexa about rules for her…boyfriend," I cracked a smile as I looked at him, "I'll talk to Gabi about it tomorrow,"

"They can't be alone," he said automatically, I laughed, "Agreed,"

He hit my back, "Then we can play some hoops so I can kick your ass," I scoffed, "Doubtful," I laughed shaking my head, "I'll see you later Chad,"

"Remember! Talk to Gabi!"

"I will!"

And like that…one more thing falls back into the forgive column and like that my shoulders feel a little bit lighter.

Alexa's POV

After being grounded for a week, I was so done with this. Liam and I had only talked at school and this was getting stupid. Emma wouldn't even speak to me and I just wanted to be her friend again but I was the one she was mad at.

My mom and dad both walked into my room as I looked at them, "The Bolton's and the Baylor's are coming over tonight for dinner," my mom said, I looked at both of them as if they were kidding. This was even worse punishment. "You can't do that!" I protested, "Alexa," my dad said as he pushed off the doorway, "If you and Liam are going to date or whatever you are doing then there are rules."

I looked at my mom to see if my dad was just playing a cruel joke on me but he wasn't, she was just a serious as he was. "Really?" I asked with a grin, "You are not to be alone," I frowned, "Dad,"

"You can be in a separate room, with the door open, but somebody has to be home."

"Fine,"

"No kissing in front of me or Troy or anybody really. So,"

I smiled, "Okay,"

"Be smart," my mom added, "And be careful about what you are getting into," she warned and then they both looked at me, "Do you understand," I nodded with an excited grin, "Yes!" I got up to hug both of them, "Thank you!"

"You better not make me regret this choice, understood?"

"Thank you Daddy!"

Gabi's POV

I waited for my counts to come back as I was about to fall asleep in the chair, Troy was watching me as he knew what was probably about to happen as well as I knew was about to happen.

"Gabi, Gabi, Gabi," I blinked at Dr. Roads as I was so tired, "You are low on platelets girl, been tired?" I nodded as I tried to stop a yawn, "We'll get you some blood and send you on your way. Your counts need to bounce up before you get a thing of chemo tomorrow." I groaned, "So you are saying that I can't start?"

"You are borderline," he said with a smile, "But hopefully tomorrow we will be able to go okay?" I nodded as I rubbed my eyes; Troy thanked him as he walked out saying he would send in a nurse soon. He stood up and came over to stand in front of me, "You are adorable," I looked at him as he smiled, his lips lingered on my forehead as he wrapped his arms around me. "I think it is weird that giving you blood makes you feel better."

I laughed as I squeezed his arm, "I love you," he smiled, "I love you too," he braced his hands behind my neck as I rested my head on his chest. I wanted to cozy up in a chair and cuddle with Troy. That is what I wanted to do. I buried my head into his chest, "Gabi, I brought blood," I giggled, "Do I get to suck it out of my patient this time?" The nurse laughed loudly as Troy snorted.

I giggled as the nurse hooked me up, "No, not this time. Maybe next time?" she said, I nodded with a laugh, "Please," she shook her head and then set me up, "I'll be back in a bit to check on you," she walked out of the door as Troy looked at the chair, "Do you want to lay down?" I nodded as he helped me up and moved everything so we could sit in the chair.

Curling up into his lap, he wrapped me into his arms as I tried not to fall asleep but that was useless because being in Troy's arms made me always want to sleep.

Arriving at the Danforth's house all I wanted to do was to go to sleep. "Oh girl, who let you sleep too long?" I looked up at Taylor as I tried to stop a yawn, "I got a blood transfusion today and I am so tired,"

Taylor hugged me and she smiled, "You are so brave,"

"I'm just a mom," I said with a wink, "Gabriella!" I looked at Sharpay, "Pay!" I hugged her as she squeezed me tightly, "It has been way too long," she said with a smile, "I know, my kids and chemo has been keeping me on my toes,"

"Or almost dying," she offered with a mean glare, "I know, I know, it has been horrible."

"I have wine,"

"I'm going to have to lay off tonight girls, I am already trying not to fall over and crash,"

"Troy's eyes aren't leaving you,"

"He is worried about me," I answered softly as I sat down on the bar stool, "I haven't been awake but fifteen minutes on the way over. I'm just completely wiped,"

Sharpay smiled, "So Taylor let me in on all of the drama," I rolled my eyes, "Oh my God, if there is something I never want to do again,"

Sharpay laughed as I looked over to see Alexa and Liam talking which I wasn't sure how Emma would feel about this. She was hanging closer with Alli and Lo as she was entertaining them. "Emma still mad?" Taylor asked, I shrugged, "I guess, she is co existing with Liam again so I guess it is a step in the right direction."

"That is something," Taylor said, "I never thought Emma and Liam were going to fight."

"They do but never for this long,"

"Bentley and Carissa fight all the time and it is so annoying," Sharpay said, "I have always been jealous because the Bolton kids rarely fight,"

"They do, I promise, it's just a quick turn around,"

"Because how do you not love somebody with the last name of Bolton?"

Taylor and Sharpay smiled, "So what are you doing this week?" I asked Taylor and Sharpay, "Working," Sharpay said with a flick of her hand, "Taking care of my kids,"

"Well, I have chemo every day this week and Friday is the homecoming game and Liam is nominated so he asked me to walk on the field Friday," Taylor and Sharpay smiled, "But I need help getting Liam things and making sure my house is ready for all of that this weekend,"

"No problem girl, we got you,"

I smiled, "Thanks guys,"

Troy's POV

I laughed with the guys as Chad peered around his shoulder until his eyes stopped. I followed and there was Alexa and Liam, they were sitting on the couch, Alexa's leg draped over Liam's lap. It wasn't anything to be alarmed about but Chad tensed slightly.

"Dude, chill, they are talking," Zeke said, Chad snapped back around, "I'll chill when Carissa is doing the same thing,"

"They are just boys," Zeke said with a shrug, "Hopefully Carissa is smart enough to go for a guy more like me and less like you buffoons," Chad and I shot him a look as he laughed, my eyes circled around for Gabi who was sitting on the bar stool and she looked like she could pass out at any moment. I finished my beer as I looked for Wes and Emma who were down in the grass who were hanging with Bentley and Carissa.

"Lo already fall asleep?" Zeke asked, I nodded my head, "Yea, she didn't take a very good nap today. Gabi and I figured she would crash on us," I turned back around to see Gabi who was actually now holding Lauren. "I'll be right back," I said, "Do you want another beer?" Chad asked as he disposed of my second one of the evening.

"Sure, Gabs didn't drink so she can drive." I answered; I walked back into the door as I put my hand on Gabi's shoulder. "Hey," she said, "Hey, do you want me to take Lo?" she was resting on Gabi's shoulder with a glazed look in her eyes. "You don't mind?" Gabi asked, I shook my head, "Not at all,"

Gabi nodded her head as I gently eased Lauren away from her, Lo didn't protest the move as she latched on to me instead. I rubbed her back as I looked at Gabi, "Fifteen more minutes?" I asked, "Thirty," I nodded, "Alright."

I went back out with the guys as Zeke looked at Lauren. "Woke up on you huh?"

"Yea, I didn't want Gabi to have to hold her."

Chad played with her hair as Lauren reached out to stop him, I laughed as Chad frowned, "Come on Lolo," she shook her head and buried her nose into my neck. I smiled as I kissed the top of her head. "Loves her daddy," Zeke said with a shake of his head. "All of his girls did this," Chad said, "I could barely get Alexa to ever do that."

"Alexa was a very independent baby," I noted, "She never liked to be held,"

"No, she didn't," Chad observed, "If I remember right Alli didn't like it so much either,"

"She hated it,"

"Besides you,"

"Well…"

Chad and Zeke laughed as there point had been proven. I smiled softly as I rubbed Lauren's back and nursed the beer that was set in front of me. I leaned back against the railing as I didn't know why she had gotten out of the bed Chad had let us use but she did and this is where she wanted to be. Lauren was the one who always wanted to be held in your arms and wanted to be close.

She squeezed around my neck as I looked at Gabi who was trying to suspense a yawn. My eyes glanced down to the three in the yard as Emma was laying on her back next to Bentley as they were laughing over something. Carissa was on the other side; Wes was talking with Austin as I shook my head. "Bolton, we were talking about going up to LA for a weekend in November to go and see the Lakers," Chad said, I looked between them, "I don't know, it is going to depend on Gabi's schedule. She should be doing radiation."

"Well we can move it to December some time,"

"I promised Emma I would take her in December for her birthday. She wants to go see all of her old friends."

"She is missing it huh?" I nodded, "Yes, she is."

Gabi's hand slid across my back and she pressed her face into my shoulder, "You ready?" I asked her, "Please," she said quietly, I nodded as I kissed the top of her head as she went to start gather up the kids. I wrapped my arms around Lo as I bid farewell to the guys and finished off my beer. "I'll see you guys later, basketball game one day?" I said, "Dude, yes," Chad said, Zeke laughed with a nod, "Sure, you set up the time,"

"Will do,"

Heading down to the car, I got Lo buckled in her didn't want to let go. Allison and Emma crawled into the car as they were talking quietly, Liam and Wes were not far behind as they were laughing. Liam quieted as he looked at Emma in the back seat facing outside the window. He sighed as he climbed in switching spots with Wes so him and Emma didn't have to be close.

Gabi climbed into the car, as she was tired as well. All of them were so quiet I could hear my own thoughts running through my head. It was strange to have them this quiet. I pulled the car out of the driveway as Gabi leaned her head against the window, Emma was doing the same exact thing, and Allison was crumpled over.

Halfway home Lauren started to cry…loudly. Her cries turned into sobs as Gabi looked back at her wondering what was wrong. "What's wrong baby?" Gabi asked her, she tried to undo her buckle and flashbacks to the car wreck came rushing back to me. "Lauren," I snapped, she cried as she stopped trying to undo her seatbelt.

Gabi closed her eyes and rubbed her face as Emma reached forward to comfort her but she was not in that mood currently. "Lo," I said, she cried as she stuffed her hands into her face. She was exhausted and only wanted to go to bed.

Pulling into the driveway, I looked over at Gabi who was ready to fall over. "I'll get Lo okay? You go up to bed,"

"Thank you,"

I nodded as I got out of the car, the kids piled out of the opposite car as Lo cried. I unbuckled her and picked her up as she cried into my shoulder, she didn't want to be put down thought as she held on. "Shh…its okay Lo, calm down baby girl," I whispered into her ear, "Are you ready to go to bed?" she nodded into my shoulder as I walked into the house. The boys went to their room, Emma and Allison filed upstairs as I went into the kitchen to grab Lo some milk.

I tried to hand it to her but she wanted nothing of it. I sighed picking it up as I put it back into the fridge. I then went into her room as I changed her clothes and I settled into the rocking chair as she hiccupped as I wrapped a blanket around us. She rubbed her eyes as I kissed the top of her head. "My Lo girl," I whispered, she cuddled into my chest as her breathing evened out and her hiccups faded away.

After a while longer I got up and I placed her into her bed, I tucked the covers around her and as I got up she started to cry again. I cursed as I turned around as she sat up; it was going to be one of those nights. Gabi was so tired and she had chemo tomorrow, I didn't want her waking up all night. I picked Lauren up as I went into our bedroom. Gabi turned over to look at me as she closed her eyes.

"Bad night?" she asked, "Something like that," I said as I sat Lo down on the bed. Her chin quivered as she looked up at me, "Hang on Lo, let me change," she crawled on top of the bed as she watched me. I switched to a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. I went over as I got into bed and Lo crawled right up to my chest. She laid her head on my shoulder as I sighed. I was going to have a letch for the evening and it wasn't the one I truly wanted. Yes, having your kids hug on you is awesome feeling but sometimes my wife is all I really wanted.

"What's wrong Lo?" Gabi asked through a half asleep state, "I miss daddy," I raised my eyebrows as I wonder where I have gone. "I miss daddy too," Gabi, whispered I shook my head as I tried not to laugh. They both scooted closer as Gabi rested her head on my arm.

"I love you guys," I said with smile, "I love you too," they both echoed, I shook my head as I sunk into the bed. Lauren on top of me and Gabi resting on my arm, my girls.

Super sorry that I wasn't able to update last week guys but it just wasn't going to happen! I hope you enjoyed the chapter though! Emma and Liam still aren't talking…tsk tsk. Hopefully you enjoyed the chapter!

Thanks for being patient!

Please Review!