Hello everyone! I am so sorry that this chapter is so delayed. Before Christmas I got stuck with writers block just before the mock exams which I had to study for. Now this chapter should have been split into two parts but I figured you deserved a super long one. Now I have made quite a detailed plan up until chapter 22 so hopefully it won't get as delayed but unfortunately I can't promise anything. Sorry!
A huge shout-out to pumpkingking5, Simone and Grace for your support! To the two of you who guessed I will reveal that one of you were spot on, but of course I won't tell who. –I know that's mean of me-
I can't thank you enough and especially you Grace who gave me that kick/boost to plan properly and actually write! Hope you all enjoy!
I briefly looked over to where Calvin sat and the look he sent me wasn't friendly.
Why had he suddenly become so hostile towards me? What had I done towards him?
Gabriella's POV
Tuesday 25th of December
00:58/12:58am
"I am heading to bed. Now you kids do not stay up too late," Lucille said following Hendric as he left the room.
"We will not. Goodnight," Troy said and Lucille gave us a smile before leaving the room. "So how much do you know about cats?" Troy questioned as the door had closed behind them.
"Some. What about it?" Makayla questioned raising one of her eyebrows looking at Troy.
"Misty, the cat down at the stables, got kittens about a week ago and they are currently in the kitchen and we have no idea what to do about them," Troy explained and Calvin looked at him funnily.
"You're joking?" Calvin frowned, yet his voice sounded surprised.
"I am completely serious. But you cannot tell anyone," he told them. "Mom, dad, grandma and grandpa do not know about it. All they know is that Misty came to me last time I was down in the stable," he continued explaining to them.
"How many cats are we talking about?" Makayla questioned uncertainly looking at the two of us.
"Misty had eight kittens so there are nine cats currently in the kitchen. It was too cold for them to stay in the stable," Troy explained to his two cousins.
"Can we go down there? I love kittens," Makayla questioned sitting at the edge of her seat.
"Sure. I should check if they have food too," Troy said and we all headed down towards the kitchen.
As Troy opened the wooden door to the kitchen where the cats were, we were meet with the sound of meowing and some of the kittens had wandered off from Misty.
"Aww. They're so cute," Makayla gushed as she walked inside and started petting one of them.
Troy found the bag of cat food that Maggie had bought earlier and filled the silver bowl that stood by the box. Calvin, Misty and I picked up a kitten each and placed it back in the box as Misty started to groom them.
"What are you going to do when you go back to America?" Makayla questioned us and turned towards us, still with a cat in her arms.
"I have no idea," Troy said with a sigh. "I guess we have to tell mom and dad about it at some point."
Tuesday 25th
11:08/11:08am
I yawned as I stepped out of the shower and dried my hair with the towel. I hadn't gone to bed early last night, or rather earlier this day. I put on my clothes and unwrapped my hair from the fluffy towel as I stood in front of the mirror. Running my fingers through my hair I tried to untangle it but I ended up having to brush it.
Looking out the window the snow was still falling over the castle grounds, and down there I could see Makayla and Araya playing in the snow together making snow angels, snowmen and what not. My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knocking on the door and I walked away from the window and opened one of the double doors.
"Good morning," Troy smiled standing there with two cups of tea on a tray.
"Good morning," I giggled my gaze landed on the tray. "Care to explain?" I simply questioned stepping aside. He walked into the room and put the tray down on the table as I sat down in one of the two plush chairs.
"Well I thought that you wanted to enjoy a quiet morning for once," he told me and handed me one of the two cups.
I nodded accepting it, smelling the sweet tea. "I guess I do, but didn't your mom talk about this huge family breakfast?" I questioned a little puzzled.
"Brunch," Troy stated taking a sip of the tea. "But that wasn't until noon which is in an hour. It is just that…" he said trailing off and I frowned a little, leaning more towards him.
"Did something bad happen?" I asked uneasily looking at him
"Not exactly but something did happen." He paused for a moment leaning back in the chair thinking about the event, but he didn't meet my gaze. "There is a reason why Makayla and Araya is outside at the moment," he started explaining to me. "I came in the middle of it so I don't know what happened but Calvin was arguing with his parents and Kathleen about something. I didn't want to get in the middle of it so I left to see if you were awake," he explained to me and I was confused.
"Does he usually argue with his parents because he doesn't strike me as that type."
"Your right, he doesn't. Therefore, it is a little unusual but it's probably best if we stay out of it," Troy advised me and I nodded before drinking the last sip of my tea.
"Should we head down and see if there is brunch soon? I am starving," I proclaimed and Troy smiled as he put his cup on the tray.
"I can carry it," I told him picking it up with ease. "Ok," he agreed and we walked out of the room. Troy closed the door behind us and as I turned to look at him I noticed a stocking hanging on the door handle. It was red and white at the top. It was decorated with a snowman complete with a top hat, carrot and scarf.
"What is that?" I questioned and frowned a little. "You do have Christmas stockings in America? The one that Santa Clause fills with candy?" he uttered in some state of shock.
"We do," I clarified at once and he breathed out, laughing a little. "but I just didn't expect it. Like this I guess…" "Like this?" he questioned surprised with a small chuckle.
"On the door handle. We usually hang it on the fireplace." Glancing towards his door, a blue stocking with a red Santa hung there. "Who did all of this?" I questioned with a wide grin like I was a five-year-old.
"Santa of course!" he stated and I burst out laughing. "Did everyone get one?" I questioned as we started walking towards the kitchen I presumed.
"Only us five kids." As we reached the kitchen he opened the door for me and inside Lucille and Alexander were doing what looked to be the finishing touches on the brunch.
"Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Alexander greeted us following me with his warm gaze as I put the tray down by the sink.
"Good morning and yes I did. This smells wonderful," I said looking at the various dishes that were placed around the kitchen while Troy was casually leaning against the counter.
"I am glad to hear that but I have to say that Lucille is the one who has made most of the food," Alexander confessed and Lucille chuckled turning off the stove. "I did not and you know it," Lucille said good-natured looking at the three of us.
"If the two of you would be so kind and take a dish up to the dining room?" Alexander asked grabbing a dish before leading the way. Troy and I each grabbed one and followed Alexander and Lucille to the dining room where everyone appeared to be except Araya and Makayla.
"I will go and get Makayla and Araya," Ben said and walked out of the room after he saw us arrive with the food.
"Is there more food down in the kitchen that you need help with?" Amelia questioned Lucille as she put down a bowl on the table.
"No, me and Alex will manage the last two. Makayla and Araya are on their way?" she questioned and Bridget nodded. "Ben just walked out to get them."
"Wonderful," Lucille smiled and Alexander joined her to go back to the kitchen.
I took a glance around the room and saw Jack, Keith and Hendric engaged in a conversation. Calvin sat in a chair close by Adriana, Kathleen and Gael but it didn't look like he was paying attention to the conversation they had. Judging by his facial expression he almost looked unhappy.
"Wait for me!" we heard a voice shout followed by rapid footsteps. Through the doors, Araya came running with Makayla following close by.
"Don't run!" both Bridget and Adrianna scolded the two girls. "Sorry mom," Makayla apologized while Araya walked over to Bridget who picked her up and placed Araya on her lap.
"I hope people are hungry because there is plenty of food," Alexander said as he and Lucille placed the last two dishes on the table.
14:30/2:30pm
Troy and I were sitting on the couch in his room. My head was leaning on his shoulder while his left hand was wrapped around my shoulder. Both of us eating some of the candy we got in our stockings. "Troy?" I questioned, my voice barely above a whisper. "Mhm," he answered looking at me.
"Is everyone staying until New Year's Eve?" I asked but he shook his head. "No they don't. They usually leave a couple of days before. What about it?" he wondered and I sat up.
"Nothing, I was just wondering," I lied but the look he gave me showed that he didn't believe it. "Is it too much?" he questioned taking my hands and I nodded slowly.
"Your family is wonderful and they have been so nice, but it's just a little much with fifteen people I don't know and being so far away from my mom during the holidays," I explained to him and my lip quivered a little. "It's just overwhelming," I confessed and I felt a couple of tears that feel down my cheek.
Troy used his thumb to wipe them away and he opened his arms to give me a hug. I scooted closer and he wrapped his arms around me kissing my temple. "Do you just want to be left alone for some time or do you need to get out of the house?"
"I love spending time with you and the proposition of getting out of the house sounds appealing," I told him without hesitation.
"I know something we can do that I always found entertaining. You don't mind being outside now do you?" he questioned a little uncertain. "Not at all if it means that we could get out of the house," I said to him.
"Let's go then. Dress warm," he told me and I hurried into my room to change.
"Here you could need these," Troy said handing me a pair of warm gloves as we walked outside about half an hour later. "Thank you," I said grateful and took my hands out of the jacket before putting on the gloves.
"I have a hunch we're going riding?" I said to him as he pushed open the stable door. "You're correct. I have always enjoyed it and I am hoping you will like it as well," he said to me and I smiled as we walked over towards Domino.
"I'm not going by myself? Am I?" I questioned worriedly. "No, not the first time and not where we're heading. Maybe during the summer in a closed area," he explained to me.
"So," he started and stopped by Domino's box. "The easiest thing would probably just be doing it bareback," he said and petted Domino's muzzle as she pushed it against his shoulder. "Ey," he laughed.
"What does that mean?" I questioned confused. "It means that we're riding without a saddle. It's the easiest since we're two people and I trust her enough to do it," he explained to me. "Now there are really two things we need is the bridle and helmet," he said and made a quick process of finding the items.
He made sure that the helmet was securely fastened before he put the bridle on Domino. I was fascinated how she just stood there while Troy secured all the various straps. Troy took reins in front of Domino and lead her out of the stable as I closed the door behind them. Outside in the snow, Troy pushed the reins back over Dominos head and let them go turning towards me.
"We're going to take it slow until you feel comfortable ok? Are you ready?" he questioned and I nodded. "I'm ready."
Troy gave me a smile before he turned towards Domino and stood on her left side. He grabbed some of her mane before he took two steps, put a hand on her back and swung his leg over the horse. "Good girl," he praised her brushing his hand up and down her neck.
"How long did it take you to learn that?" I questioned him amazed. "Longer than I would like to admit," he laughed.
"How am I going to get up?" "Take my hand and step on my foot. As you hoist yourself up grab my right shoulder so you don't lose your balance," he instructed. "All right," I nodded and he offered me his hand.
"Sure I won't hurt you with the cast?" I asked a little sceptical but he nodded. "I'm sure." I took his hand and did as he instructed and I managed to swing my leg over the horse.
"I did it!" I cheered, to Troy's amusement, as I sat on top of the horse. "Are you ready?" "Ok," I said my voice a little shaky.
"Just wrap your hands around me so you don't fall off," he instructed and not long after Domino started walking.
"How are you doing?" he asked me after some time. "Great. I can see why you enjoy this so much," I told him as Domino neighed. "Easy Domino," Troy said to the horse.
"She has too much energy," I stated. "Yeah that's common for Arabian horses. How did you know?" he questioned surprised. "I guess I just sensed it somehow. I don't mind going a little faster."
"You don't have to just because of her." "I know that but I truly want to," I said to him.
"All right. Hang on," he said and I could hear the excitement in his voice. He made a noise with his mouth, almost like a clicking sound, and it felt like Domino almost started running. I held onto Troy but laughed as the wind blew past us as we headed towards somewhere.
We had been riding for quite some time before Troy slowed Domino down to a walk. "We're here," Troy announced and I looked over his shoulder. "Wow!" I breathed as I saw the view. We were overlooking snow covered mountains and a beautiful frozen lake way down in the valley. "This is beautiful."
Troy got off the horse before lifting me off. "Thank you," I smiled and Troy bound Domino to a nearby tree.
"It's beautiful here. And so quiet," I said to him as he wrapped an arm around my waist. "Yeah it's a great place to come to just think or being alone," he said to me and I could easily understand why. I leaned my head on his shoulder and he kissed the top of my head.
17:32/5:32pm
"I think I needed to get out of the house. It was good to get away from everyone even though I like your family it was just a little much," I told Troy feeling much more relaxed now. There was a bench there, that we had brushed the snow off, and we had been sitting there talking for quite a while.
"Better than being along in Albuquerque?" he wondered and I nodded. "Absolutely." Troy leaned his head closer to mine and I gazed into his eyes. He leaned in closer and our lips connected into a romantic kiss. The wind around us picked up and started whirling the snow around as I broke the kiss. I wrapped my arms more around myself and Troy brought me even closer towards him.
"I believe we should head back soon. I don't like the colour of the skies approaching," he said and I looked over at the lake. He was right because the skies were awfully dark.
"Will there come even more snow?" I questioned already amazed by the amount that had already fallen. "Most likely and by the looks of it there could even be a storm," he told me as we made our way back towards Domino.
"A snow storm?" I questioned in disbelief. "Mhm. They are a lot like a normal storm with rain and thunder, but it is snowing instead," he told me and removed the rope that he used to secure Domino.
"A… Are you sure we will make it back on time?" I questioned doubtfully as he mounted Domino. "Yeah. It doesn't look like it will hit for at least half an hour," he tried to assure me as he helped me up onto the horse, the same way he did back at the stable. As I had wrapped my arms around his torso, Domino was quick to pick up the pace she had on the last bit of our trip, but of course not until Troy had instructed her to do so.
17:47/5:47pm
I leaned my head against Troy's back really enjoying the trip. To be honest I hadn't expected to enjoy riding as much as I did. Peering over his shoulder I saw as we were almost at the stable. As he stopped in front of the building he got off and once again lifted me off.
"Thank you," I said gratefully. "Do you want to go inside now or do you mind waiting a couple of minutes?" he questioned looking at me.
"I don't mind waiting a couple of minutes. What about it?" I asked curiously. "Just wanted to take a couple of laps with Domino so she doesn't get restless," he explained to me.
"After the trip we just had?" I said to him a little surprised. "Mhm," he nodded. "It wasn't that long and she stood still for quite some time," he reasoned and I nodded. He grabbed the reins of Domino and lead her into a large fenced off area just by the stable. There he got onto Domino again as I took off my helmet and sat down on the fence watching.
I was fascinated by watching them and my heart raced a little faster when they went even faster that we had gone earlier. As they neared where I sat during their third lap Troy sat up straighter than he had done earlier and he pulled the reins towards him. Then Domino neighed and time slowed down as it felt like my heart would stop. Troy was thrown off Domino and he landed in the snow with a low thud as Domino ran a couple of yards away before she stopped. Somehow I had a feeling she had been spooked.
"Troy," I called out to him scared, my voice a little hoarse. I hopped down from the fence as the helmet landed in the snow and hurried towards him. "Troy!" I called out again my voice even more panicked. "Are you all right?" I questioned as I saw that he was sitting.
"I am all right," he reassured me and rose to his feet brushing some snow off himself. "Things like this happen which is why we have helmets," he assured me stroking my cheek. I breathed out in relief as he walked over towards Domino and stroke her muzzle before he mounted her once again. I watched as the two of them made their way towards me and Troy got down, grabbing her reins. "Good girl," he said petting her.
Troy put Domino back in her box and made sure she had all that she needed before we left the stable. "Are you sure you're all right?" I asked him anxiously taking his hand as we were on our way towards the castle.
"I'm sure," he told me confidently. "It doesn't hurt anywhere; besides it is bound to happen when you're riding. This just means I have some work to do during the summer before college," he assured me and we walked inside the castle just as the snow started falling heavily and the wind picked up.
Dinner with his family was much more enjoyable than I had thought after the events this morning. Everyone was talking to everyone and laughter was heard around the table. Whatever tension that had been there during the morning appeared to be gone. After several hours I excused myself claiming to be tired and headed towards my bedroom.
Troy's POV
It was almost midnight and I had just been down in the kitchen to check on Misty and her kittens. They looked to be in great shape and had become more and more curious about their surroundings each day. Walking past a window I saw the snow falling heavily outside and the sound of thunder was heard in the distance.
"How has it been with Troy in America?" I heard grandma Kathleen question my mom. The sound was coming from the living room and I noticed that the door was slightly open.
"It has been different but every time I talk to him, he really sounds like he is enjoying himself there. Now, Jack was not all that excited about the idea when Troy came and asked us," mom replied with a small sigh. "Really? How come?" Adrianna wondered her voice held surprise.
"I do not know the exact reason because he did not share that, but it was pretty clear that he was not all too happy when Troy asked us. I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for him to get some friends and just be himself without all the pressure of the public. To be honest, I do not know he would have left if it had not been mentioned to Amelia and Alexander," mom told the others and I was genuinely surprised. To me, it had appeared that dad was supporting in the decision and to hear that he really wasn't hurt me.
"What does Amelia and Alexander have to do with this?" grandma questioned surprised and I took a quick glance around the hallway but no one was coming.
"They heard Jack and I talk one afternoon and was wondering what it was about. When we told them about Troy's request they were overjoyed and thought it was a wonderful opportunity for him, which I believe lead Jack to agree, even though he was not too happy about the decision. However, we decided that it would be for the best if he did not say who he was," mom told them and a small lump was beginning to form in my throat and tears were burning in the back of my eyes.
"If Jack wasn't happy about Troy going to America how did he react when Troy told you about his girlfriend?" Violet questioned uncertainly.
"Well you could imagine Jack was not overjoyed because he believed that Troy should focus on his studies but he came around eventually," mom told them with a sigh. "When I told Jack that Troy and Gabriella had broken up after Troy had told her his secret you could only imagine how he was. We had a long discussion if he should continue after Christmas at all. Eventually, I managed to persuade him that Troy should finish the year and that it was normal," mom told them and I heard Kathleen scoff.
"Normal. A secret like that could ruin any friendship."
"So when Gabriella was invited for Christmas?" Adrianna questioned uncertainly avoiding another dispute. "It was mostly me, Amelia and Alexander wanting to meet her but I think Jack also wanted to meet her, even though he did not specifically express it. It was unfortunate that her mother could not be here, but according to Troy, Gabriella was overjoyed about the opportunity," mom told them and I knew she was smiling at this point.
"She seems like a lovely girl," Kathleen commented. "Do you know how they meet?" she questioned and my mother started explaining. I didn't pay much attention to what she said because I was still stumped by the fact that my father didn't approve much about two of the biggest decisions I had made recently and he didn't want me to come back to America. After a minute or so I walked down the hallway and towards my bedroom suddenly feeling exhausted.
I was just sitting in my bed thinking about everything that I had just heard when a knock was sounded. "Come in," I called thinking it might be Brie. A little surprised, my mom walked into the room.
"Hi, are you all right?" she questioned sitting down on the bed beside me.
"Yeah," I nodded scooting closer to her. "You sure?" she questioned me again and I sighed in defeat.
"I… I do not know," I told her honestly and she wrapped an arm around me comfortingly.
"You heard us talk?" she questioned and I nodded as there was no point in lying now. "The door was open and I just heard you talk and when you mentioned me going to America and Gabriella," I confessed and leaned my head on her shoulder as she rubbed my shoulder.
"Is it really true about dad?" I questioned quietly and mom let out a breath. "It is," she clarified and we sat there in silence. "All of it?" I clarified looking at her as she nodded. "I am sorry Troy."
"There is something I should have told you a couple of days ago," I started after several minutes of silence. "Ok," she said calmly waiting for an explanation.
"Gabriella and I found Misty in the barn the other day but she had given birth to eight kittens. We thought it was too cold in the stable so we put them in a box in the second kitchen. Maggie bought some food here the other day too," I confessed looking at my mom… who was smiling?
"Well you should have come earlier but what is done, is done and you did the right thing," she said to me before continuing. "Why do not we go down there in the morning and see what we could do?" she asked and I nodded.
"Calvin and Makayla also know," I said shortly but mom didn't seem surprised. "I figured you would tell them," she smiled. "Now you have had a long day so why do not you get a good night sleep?" mom questioned and I smiled sheepishly.
"Maybe we were out a little longer than intended," I said and mom laughed standing up.
"Good night Troy," mom said giving me a hug. "Good night mom," I smiled as she walked out of the room closing the door behind her.
That was it! What do you think? A review is hugely appreciated. Until next time
-FreeFlyingWriter