Omg, what can I say? I am so so sorry for keeping you hanging for so long! There is no excuse, except life have been busy and I got stumped on this chapter. Deciding to take a break until after my English exam (middle of November, which I aced! Yay!) I couldn't manage to write the chapter as I envisioned it. Taking a break life flew by with school, work and family and before I knew it was late December. It were then I decided now I am going to publish the chapter and as I looked at my last update I got shocked. I honestly didn't believe it had been that long!
Every time I opened word at school or home, I saw Chapter 39 flash back at me. It acted as a reminder to get my sh*t together and write. You guys were never forgotten! I swear!
Hopefully I am somewhat back on the update track and I'll try my hardest to at least publish one chapter a month.
Huge shout-out to Grace for reviewing my last chapter you all inspire me to keep on writing :)
Last part of Chapter 38:
"That should be doable. When are we starting on this act?" Chad wondered as I gave Kelsi her papers back. "Well," she sighed, "we should be starting with this tomorrow but we didn't anticipate this taking so long," Kelsi told us gesturing towards the stage where Ryan was holding up a scarf in front of him, illustrating it as an item of clothing.
"but we need some extra rehearsals so in between Taylors study groups how is that working with your basketball schedule?"
"It isn't," Chad were quick to say as he shifted a little on the hard ground. "We have practice every day after school except Wednesday. On Tuesday and Thursday, we have two practices. One lead by coach and the other by Troy and I."
"The reason Zeke isn't here now being that I told him to go home. He wasn't feeling well on Tuesday and it was even worse during PE today," I revealed as Kelsi gasped, a hand covering her face.
"Yup, I honestly feared he would pass out or puke," Chad supplied as I shook my head. "We all have way too much to do. Chad, I know we just figured out a practice schedule but we can't have that many practices."
"I agree. There won't be anyone left to play the game," he concluded grimly as I nodded.
"I had no idea. Please, please let me know if this becomes too much. It's my fault for dragging you into this…"
"No Kelsi don't think like that. In a weird way this is fun," he said as I grinned nodding.
"I agree with Chad and thank you, we'll let you know if there should be anything. Oh and if you need to practice when the auditorium is being used let us know and we might know a place," I revealed as she smiled.
"Thank you, both of you."
Friday
April 4th
Troy's POV
Beep… thud, beep… thud beep… thud. The loud noise of my alarm clock were matching the throbbing inside my head. A raging headache right between my temples, as if it were surrounding my head. Slowly opening my eyes, I made the fatal mistake of looking through the window. Blinded by the bright sun pouring into the room I reached for my duvet pulling it over my head again. The soothing darkness somewhat ceased some of the pain, but not the sound…
Beep… thud, beep… thud beep… thud.
Still with my eyes closed, I pulled my hand out from underneath the duvet and reached for the nightstand. Feeling the wooden corner, I fumbled around until I eventually reached the source of the piercing sound. Pushing the button at the top of the box I waited a second, but no sound came.
Peace at last!
As I didn't budge I laid under the comfort of the warm duvet with the thought spinning around in my head, why couldn't it be Saturday already?
Finding no relief of the raging headache I carefully pulled the duvet down. Slowly opening my eyes, I squinted against the blinding light. My body were sore as I took a minute to lay there, with my duvet half covering my body. It felt exactly like I had ran a marathon yesterday or ran trail with Domino in the forest. Sitting up I moved sideways, slowly placing my feet down on the cold wooden floor. A small shivered travelled up my spine as I sat there.
Pushing myself off the bed I slowly walked towards the bathroom where I knew I could find something for the headache. Pushing the door open I didn't bother turning on the light knowing it would only make my eyes hurt. Opening the top drawer beside the sink, I saw the bright orange pack of Paracetamol. Picking it up I popped out two before I took the glass situated by the counter. Filling it with water, I swallowed both pills before dumping the rest of the water out. Walking back towards my bed I plopped down, face first, somewhat pulling the duvet back over myself before I fell into a blissful sleep.
Opening my eyes again, I blinked a couple of times as I were looking around. Turning to look at my alarm it were well after nine in the morning. Feeling immensely better, I knew the painkillers had been effective. Getting out of bed again, I padded into the bathroom, turning on the shower. Emerging twenty minutes later I felt a whole lot better. Pulling on a pair of sweats, I walked into the living room. Stopping in the doorway, I saw the mess of papers from the previous night. We had to figure this mess out and in order to do so I had to call Chad and Kelsi seeing what could work for them…
"Hey hoops how are you?" Chad questioned as the group call connected. I had texted them both earlier asking if they could join a Skype call after school. "I'm better," I started as Kelsi also connected, "but I've been thinking. We need to coordinate the various activities better and Chad; we need to tell coach it is too much."
"I agree," Chad nodded as Kelsi looked at both of us. "It would be better for everyone in the long run. Which day's do you guys have mandatory practices?" she questioned as I looked at our schedule.
"Tuesday after school and free period Thursday," I told her as I jotted something down on a blank piece of paper.
"Which other day works for you and Ryan?" I heard Chad questioned as I looked up. "Well Darbus insisted on free period Thursday so I don't know when else you guys have time?" Kelsi wondered as I shrugged my shoulders.
"Would Friday work hoops?"
I made a face as I tried to think. "Gimme a second," I stated as I reached for the stack of papers floating around the coffee table. "I think I have Taylor's schedule here somewhere…" I muttered as I started shifting through the papers.
"All right Kelsi, meanwhile could we rule out Wednesday as an option? Yeah, awesome!" Chad's response were cheerful as I assumed Kelsi had agreed.
"I knew it were here," I stated pulling out the right paper looking at the two people on the call.
"Um, maybe you should start sorting and filing before showing up for one of Taylor's study groups?" Kelsi suggested as she looked at what were scattered around me. From the practice schedule, Chad and I had made, to study plans, schoolwork, assignments and Japanese books it looked like a mess.
"Yeah," I laughed as Chad cocked his head frowning. "I'll do it later…" I confirmed as Kelsi let out a soft laugh.
"What about Friday after school?" Chad wondered, as I hadn't had the time to look at Taylors plan. "No that wouldn't work," I muttered as I looked at the designated time.
"But maybe… Chad could you ask Taylor to reschedule? They could do Monday afternoon and Tuesday during AP classes. I am sure we would be able to help each other and get some studying done without Taylor being there."
"I'll try hoops but it might be a death wish," he muttered grimly. "I am sure it can't be that bad. I'll try to talk to her later on if you don't have any success," I vowed as I grabbed the pen writing the time down again.
"Now that should be easier for everyone involved, and hopefully add up for all parts," Kelsi agreed a small smile playing on her lips.
"Right and I think this should allow the other clubs to schedule their meetings too. I will double check with Gabriella later and let you know."
"Sweet," Chad stated enthusiastic pumping his fist.
"Would it work for our team thou?" I questioned as Chad's face fell before he started listing everyone on our team.
"Yup we're good," he finally concluded as he recounted everyone once again. "I'll talk to coach on Monday and sort this out," Chad finished as I nodded.
"Great I'll meet you after Spanish and we could do it during lunch."
"Cool, but if you're sick hoops don't sweat it. I know we're both captains and all of that but take your time. We need you for the championship game."
"Thanks Chad and I will," I assured him before continuing, "but I fear this is due to stress. I feel better than this morning but I'll see throughout the weekend. How about I'll text you on Monday if I won't be at school?"
"Sure, you do that. If not I'll see you in class."
"Hope you get better soon Troy," Kelsi wished me before we ended our conversation.
A little while later, I were laying down on the couch half-asleep. For some reason, cleaning all school related mess in the living room had exhausted me…
My eyed had just shut again before I heard a small knock on the door. Not bothering to get off the couch it wasn't long before I heard a key turned in the lock and the door opened. "Troy?" Gabriella's soft voice filled the hallway.
"Living room," I stated as I heard her coming towards me. "Hey," Gabriella smiled as she saw me laying there. "I got your text this morning," she stated as she walked towards me, placing an envelope and a container of some sort on the coffee table. "Everything okay?" she continued as she took a seat in the chair beside me.
I sat up looking at her. "I've been better," I admitted as she cocked her head.
"You don't look too good Troy," Gabriella told me concerned as I gave her a reassuring smile.
"Yeah," I muttered as I saw the look that crossed her features. "Don't worry," I hurried to add, as her face remained unchanged. "I am rather sure this isn't because of a cold. Zeke said he had the same symptoms the other day and that stress had caused it."
"At least that's something, but what about the upcoming months?"
"I've already spoken with Chad and Kelsi. Earlier today, we had a Skype call where we ended up cutting back on all rehearsals. We all saw that it couldn't continue as it were. As of now we believe all of our schedules should work with one another."
"That's a good thing. I were seriously getting worried for you all. What else have you done today then Wildcat?"
"Not much… I organized and tidied some school papers that were everywhere plus I did a little bit of homework to get ahead which I frankly think I needed," I admitted as I saw the look Gabriella gave me, she wasn't in total agreement.
"If stress were the cause of this then don't overdo it Troy, I mean it," she told me quite sternly as I gave her a reassuring smile.
"I won't Brie I promise," I told her softly as she moved, taking a seat beside me.
"I'm sorry it's just…" Gabriella stated softly as I wrapped an arm around her shoulder holding her close. "I worry about you Troy because I love you. You always say yes to everyone and I am afraid you are taking on too much. I think people at school forget who you really are. You don't just have obligations towards school; you have obligations towards your family and Etrea too," she confessed looking up at me with her large brown eyes.
"You're right Brie, and there is no need to apologize. I would have been worried too, but everything should be better from Monday. Chad is talking to coach then too."
"That's good. So I wasn't sure how you were feeling, therefore I brought some chicken soup. I guess you haven't eaten yet?" she wondered motioning towards the container placed in front of us.
"No I haven't."
"Great, then I'll go heat this up for us," Gabriella stated rising from the couch, grabbing the container, walking towards the kitchen.
"I can do it Brie," I meekly protested as I followed her movements with my eyes.
"Don't think about it Wildcat, I'll do it," she insisted as she disappeared into the kitchen.
"I have something I wanted to talk to you about," Gabriella confessed as we were nearly finishing our dinner. "I got this in the mail today, but I haven't told mom yet," she stated picking up the large envelope situated on the table between us.
"Here read it," she told me as she handed it over. Putting the bowl down onto the table, I accepted the envelope opening the half-glued seal. As the top opened, I saw the pieces of papers inside. Taking out the first one I quickly read the letter before looking up at her.
"An acceptance letter to Stanford… Wasn't that one of the schools you wanted to attend?" I wondered as she nodded giving me a half-hearted smile.
"It is, but there's more to it… Just keep reading," she shrugged making a hand gesture. Turning my attention back towards the letter I frowned a little as I tried finding what she were referring to…
"Congratulations, I think…" I smiled as she sighed. "Thanks… You know what it means?" she wondered but I shook my head. "No, not really," I admitted as she smiled softly.
"Early acceptance would mean that I started college earlier than everyone else. If I accept Stanford, I would be starting within the next six weeks," she explained as I let the news sink in.
"What about the musical, prom and graduation?" I wondered as I suddenly realized how soon she would start. Our graduation were set to be June 4th. Eight weeks from today…
"I would probably be at Stanford by then…"
Her words made my heart plummeted into my stomach. I sat there looking down at the letter, as I knew Gabriella's eyes were set on me. I looked up at her as I said something I probably would come to regret later; "I think you should accept."
I watched as her eyebrows rose in surprise, her eyes widened ever so slightly.
Was I ready to say goodbye so soon? No, but would I ever be ready?
Probably not.
"Troy?" Gabriella's soft voice brought me out of my thoughts. As my eyes focused on her, I were met with her soft smile, her head cocked slightly towards the side, making her dark hair flow down her shoulder. "Everything all right? You looked to be miles away," she questioned concerned as I shrugged.
"Sorry I were just thinking…" I muttered not really knowing how to voice my own thoughts.
"What were you thinking about?"
I took a moment to try to collect my thoughts, figuring out how I should respond. "Our future amongst many things."
"It is all moving so fast isn't it?" she questioned as I nodded. "Much faster than I want to," I admitted leaning back into the couch.
"It almost feels like yesterday when the vice principal approached me and I saw you sitting there in the office," she reminisced and I had to smile.
"I remember that day, how could I not? I were so nervous about making new friends, but then you came and introduced me to the Wildcats. After that day I just knew I would make friends and I could get to enjoy my time here," I revealed to her as she rose from the couch and moved to sit beside me. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder as she leaned into my side.
"Why didn't you tell Maria about this?" I eventually questioned as she shrugged her shoulders.
"I guess I needed to hear your thoughts first. Stanford university is almost the only school mom and I have been talking about pretty much since I were born."
"You're her only child; of course she is proud of you. I am proud of you," I stated as I leaned down, kissing the top of her head.
"Except she won't stop talking about it. It's embarrassing. How is it going to be after I tell her I've been accepted?" Looking down at her face it wasn't hard to see how much the situation bothered her.
"I can't say what would be the right thing to do, but I think you should talk to her. Tell her how you feel."
"Thanks for the advice Wildcat. I'll think about it…"
"So, I recon you told her about RCE?"
I inquired as she nodded.
"I did and that is the other school I'm referring too. What mom doesn't know is that I have applied to several schools across the country. Maybe when the office is relocating her again, I could be somewhere close…"
I had no idea what the time were, but Gabriella hadn't moved from her position, and neither of us had said anything.
"I like this," Gabriella eventually stated softly, tipping her head backwards, looking up at me.
"Oh?" I murmured almost having fallen back asleep. "We can enjoy each other's company without doing much. With some people there always have to be something happening," she explained as I chuckled.
"Marcus would be such a person," I mentioned as Gabriella smiled. "I love how you talk about him. I feel like the friendship you two have is quite unique," Gabriella stated as I nodded.
"I think it is… He were one of the first, if not the first, I meet where I truly could be myself without being afraid of him judging me. I honestly don't know what I would do if I didn't have him. Man how much trouble we've gotten ourselves into when we were younger," I stated and smiled as memories flooded my mind. "I feel conflicted about leaving. In a way, I look forwards to it since I'll be seeing my family again. However, I'll miss you, Chad, Jason, Zeke, Taylor, Kelsi and the team."
"I feel like it's the knowledge that you will see everyone again, but it wouldn't be the same. We won't have the same connections through school and it wouldn't be the same, but that's okay. It's a part of life and it moves on whether we would like to or not…"
As I said in the introduction, I swear I'll become better at updating because it isn't fair to you guys. Your support means so much and I intend to finish this story because I have planed some twists and turns for the sequel taking place during their college years, and possibly following them into adulthood.
Again thank you so much for sticking with me, I have no words for how amazing you guys are!….
-FreeFlyingWriter