Hey, what can I say? Life has been a rollercoaster. I never meant for it to go so long between updates but in between graduating high school, starting college virtually abroad, a new computer, and writer's block life got hectic. Thank you to pumpkinking5 and Fangirl0332840 for your reviews! They mean the world to me!
"Whatever it was, it was pretty scary," he admitted as I heard the fear in his voice. "Look," I stated as I scooted back in bed. "I believe this might have some correlation with your mom's fear of you developing some form of depression. I think you need some sleep and I'll call you in a couple of hours sound all right?" I questioned as I heard him letting out a breath.
"Yeah sounds like a plan," he agreed before I heard something in the background, probably him laying down in bed.
"Let's say I call you in four hours, at eight?"
"Sounds like a good idea brother."
"Good, and do not ignore me because we both know that I will call your parents or whoever will answer. I care too much about you Troy and I fear you're not in the right state of mind at the moment," I revealed to him sinking back into the bed.
"You're right Marcus, I'm not doing well at the moment, but I promise you I feel better now. I'll tell mom myself tomorrow or something, but I should really get some sleep. Night talk to you soon."
"Of course, take care brother," I stated as we hung up. Why hadn't he called me sooner?
Saturday, April 5th
Marcus POV
For the past couple of hours, all I had been doing was staring at the clock. Waiting on it to turn eleven so I could call Troy again. Maybe mom thought I had gone to bed? She hadn't come looking for me since I came inside, and now both of them appeared to have gone to bed… I was scared for Troy. Scared about what he would do in his altered mind-set, scared about hearing the news that I had lost my best friend and my brother. Would he really go that far I questioned myself, thinking hard. It wasn't completely unlikely, yet again maybe it was. Maybe he wouldn't do such a thing after the experience he had when Gabriella was rushed to the hospital… Who knows, anything is likely to happen when someone is struck with a mental breakdown.
Looking back at the time it was almost eleven.
Just ten more minutes...
Screw it. I was calling him now. Pushing the call button, I brought the phone to my ear as I heard the call going through.
Anxiously I sat there waiting on him to answer. It felt like an eternity but finally, the noise stopped.
"Hello?" a sleepy Troy mumbled down the line as I let out a breath, I wasn't aware I was holding.
"Brother it's me, how are you doing?" I questioned as I heard Troy yawn. "Sleeping. Is it really eight already?"
"Uhu," I nodded but I knew he couldn't see me. "How are you feeling?" I continued as I heard a rustling noise.
"I guess better but still frightened. You been up the whole time?"
"Of course. I have been staring at the clock waiting for it to turn eleven, or you calling me, whatever came first."
"Thank you, Marcus it means a lot…"
"Of course, you're my brother and best friend. I would be devastated if anything were to happen to you or you wouldn't tell me when you're struggling."
"I don't know what to say, thank you…"
"Always, but seriously I meant what I said a couple of hours ago. I would have called your mom, dad, grandparents, Ted, whoever would have answered if you hadn't," I told him dead serious as I heard Troy sigh.
"I figured that much… Look I better call mom before it becomes too later over there…"
"All right but Troy, call me if you feel this happening again. Screw the time difference just call all right?"
"I promise Marcus and thank you, for everything."
"No problem I'm there for you. Talk soon?" I questioned a small smile playing on my lips.
"Yeah, see ya brother," Troy stated before he hung up.
Staring at my phone for a moment, I placed it onto the nightstand before eventually falling asleep.
Saturday, April 5th
Troy POV
A sigh left my lips as the call disconnected. I really didn't want to call mom…
"Hey mom, could you call me when you have the time?"
Looking down at the text, I knew it was a cowardly decision. The best outcome would be that mom was already asleep and wouldn't be seeing the text for several hours.
Sitting there lost in my own thoughts, thinking about the possible outcomes, I jumped as my phone started ringing. I guess I shouldn't be surprised seeing mom calling.
Taking a deep breath, I answered, lifting the phone to my ear. "Hi mom," I greeted trying to sound cheerful. I knew she saw right through it.
"Good morning Troy is everything all right?" she questioned immediately; her voice full of concern.
"I don't know… No, not really."
"Care to explain what is troubling you?"
"I don't really know how to explain it…" I muttered as mom stayed silent for a moment.
"Well, why not start at the beginning? Did this happen today or earlier?"
"Last night Gabriella came over. She was here a couple of hours and we talked about college. After she left, I kept thinking about my own future, and what choices I really have. I don't feel like I have the same choices and opportunities as Gabriella and my friends. I have a set path that I need to follow in order to be accepted later…" I trailed off as tears started pooling in my eyes.
"Is that how you feel Troy?" mom muttered as I felt my shoulders shaking.
"Yes, and everything is so different here," I explained to her as I could hear my own voice quiver. "I don't have to worry about the consequences of every single action I make. I almost feel like I can be a regular teenager."
"I know your dad and I might have put pressure on you throughout the years, but we never wanted you to feel like this Troy."
"We have had our fair share of disagreements throughout the years, but you and dad have always supported me. It's just the perception everyone else has of me. People I speak with automatically assumes I am going to major in something political and afterward joining the military like dad and grandpa. But honestly, I still haven't decided…"
"And that is perfectly fine Troy. Just because you are destined to take over the country, doesn't automatically mean you have your life planned. Besides, when you eventually figure out a plan, I can guarantee you those will change as you grow."
"Thank you, mom. I think it helped just hearing someone say that out loud."
"I am glad to hear that Troy. Remember, it's often insightful listening to other people's opinions, however, always choose what makes you the happiest. Even if it's nothing close to what me, your dad, your grandparents, friends or society thought you would do."
I had just rolled out of bed as the phone vibrated. A reply from Brie.
God morning Wildcat 3 Don't worry you didn't wake me. What's up?
Just a simple message from her made me smile. After the night I had, I guess it didn't take much. It's hard to write down… Could you come over? I'll make us breakfast.
Pulling the duvet back over the bed, I picked up the first items of clothing I could find, pulling them on.
Sure, be right there.
I closed my phone shoving it into my pocket as my nose caught the smell of something. I couldn't pinpoint the smell, but it wasn't pleasant. Looking around me I saw the clothing strewn across the floor and picked up a shirt. No, that was not the source of the smell. As a thought came to my mind, I carefully smelled the shirt I was wearing.
My nose scrunched in disgust as I had defiantly pinpointed the awful smell. Grabbing the hem of the shirt I flung it off, having no idea where it landed, before pulling open the closet. Reaching for a clean t-shirt, I pulled it over my head just as the doorbell was sounded. I guess Gabriella didn't bring her key.
Walking out of the bedroom, closing the door behind me, I made my way towards the hallway as I could hear the doorbell ring once more.
"Hey, good morning," I greeted her with a small smile as I opened the door.
"Hi," she stated hesitantly, her eyes studying me, as she walked inside. "So why the sudden early message? I thought you were a bit of a night owl."
"That you're correct about. It's just… I need to talk to you."
"Something bad?" she questioned; her voice alarmed as I raised an eyebrow, before leading her into the living room.
"Well… What made you guess that?" I wondered as she looked at me like I had suddenly grown a second head.
"You don't look good Troy. I… You seem off, different," she stated while shrugged her shoulders.
"You're right…" I admitted as I sank down on the sofa, indicating for Brie to take a seat beside me. "I thought a lot yesterday after you left, and a conversation I had with Marcus came to mind. The future scares me, Brie. More than I have wanted to admit, and last night I guess I came to some sort of breaking point."
"Breaking point, what do you mean? Is everything all right?" she questioned, turning looking at me.
"I guess it is now… I called Marcus when it happened and he helped me a lot. We ended up talking for quite a while before I called mom. Let's just say I didn't get much sleep…"
"How much did you sleep, Troy?"
"A little less than four hours, I think. Not entirely sure," I frowned as I tried to think. When did I call Marcus last night?
"Troy, you should really get some more sleep," Brie insisted as I gave her a small smile. "I am fine," I tried to assure her, but I knew I wasn't convincing her.
"Troy," she started before taking my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, "I am worried about you. I know you don't want to disappoint Kelsi and Ryan with the musical as well as Chad and the basketball team, but there is more to it isn't there?"
I let out a deep sigh as I could feel my shoulders dropping. "There is," I started nodding my head slowly before continuing, "the future scares me, Brie. I am questioning myself if I will make the right decisions and will I be good enough to rule the country?"
"When the time comes, I am certain you will do a great job. Will you always make the right decision, probably not, but that is all right. Besides I am sure you're not the first person to have these questions and I am sure you're not the last one either. You have years to prepare before it's your turn and I know you'll do a great job. You're down to earth, kind, friendly, loving, caring, and fair just to mention some of your qualities. While I can't say that I know how you feel I will always be there to support you, and I know Marcus and Chad will always have your back."
"Thank you, Brie, it means a lot," I stated trying to stifle a yawn, as Brie giggled.
"Was my speech that boring?" she mocked, gently nudging me.
"Nah, but I could really need some sleep. Do you want to stay?" I wondered as Brie smiled softly, nodding her head. Laying down on the couch I was asleep before I even realized it.
Gabriella's POV
Troy had fallen asleep almost instantly and his even breathing told me he wasn't waking up anytime soon. I felt peaceful, resting my head on top of his chest, hearing his heartbeat thumping along with his even breath…
A vibration brought me out of my trans like state. Carefully reaching towards the table, I grabbed Troy's phone before it had the chance of waking him. Looking over at Troy he hadn't even flinched. Turning to look at the screen I saw it was a text from Marcus, probably concerned about Troy.
"Hey brother, doing any better? Worried about you, text back soon." I thought for a second before I decided I should reply to him. It was evident that Marcus was quite concerned.
"He called me explaining what happened and I think he's doing better, currently sleeping. -Gabi" I wrote back before snapping a quick picture of the two of us, attaching it to the message. Carefully placing his phone back on the coffee table, I laid down again as Troy wrapped his arms around me.
I couldn't exactly tell you how many hours had passed, but Troy was still sleeping soundly. My stomach started grumbling quite loudly. I had just woken up and gotten dressed when Troy had texted me. At the promise of breakfast, I didn't eat before I headed over, which I was starting to regret slightly now. Carefully moving out of his arms I rose from the couch, stretching. Glancing at the clock on the wall behind me, it was just past ten-thirty. Looking down at Troy I didn't have the heart to wake him. Grabbing a blanket from the end of the couch I pulled it over him before walking into the kitchen. Opening the fridge, I looked at the content seeing what I could use to make breakfast. I saw salmon, cucumber, onion, a pack of sausages, chicken, carrots, eggs, a half-empty jug of milk, some fruit, butter, as well as a couple of bowls covered with lids. Taking one out, I carefully opened the lid but frowned when I saw the content. The looks could best be described as white cheese, maybe closer to feta, but at the same time it gave a smell best resemblant to fish.
"What in the world?" I muttered to myself before putting on the lid, placing it back into the fridge. Taking out the second bowl, I noticed I was way more apprehensive as I pulled of the lid. I looked at the content twice, before I carefully smelled it. Yup, a bowl of cold rice. Not thinking of anything more special than scrambled eggs, and idea suddenly struck me. Looking around the kitchen I found all the ingredients I needed for pancakes. Mixing everything into a bowl I pulled out a pan, placing it on the stove. One by one, as the pancakes were finished, I placed them onto a plate until I poured the last of the batter into the pan.
Walking into the living room, Troy was still sleeping soundly. "Troy," I stated softly, watching as he shifted in his sleep. "Troy," I called a bit louder, gently shaking his shoulder.
"Hmm?" he questioned groggily, opening his eyes.
"Morning," I smiled, looking down at him.
"Good morning, what's the time? And what smells so good?"
"It's just before eleven, and I made us breakfast," I stated with a smile as he sat up.
"Did you? What did you make?"
"Pancakes. Now come on they are just about done," I told him, walking back into the kitchen. Looking at the pancake in the pan, I grabbed the spatula, carefully flipping it. Opening the fridge, I pulled out some of the fruit, placing it on the counter.
"Anything I can do to help?" Troy wondered standing in the doorway.
"I am mostly done, but if you could set the table," I proposed as he gave me a smile before opening the cupboard pulling out two plates and glasses.
Placing everything on the table, Troy came back taking the fruit and juice putting it on the table. Looking at the last pancake I turned off the stove before putting it on the plate.
"All done," I told him, taking the stack of pancakes, placing it on the table.
"This looks so good," he stated before taking a pancake, "is it normal to eat pancakes for breakfast?" he questioned as I nodded.
"Yeah, I would say it is. I made these without any filling but you could add blueberries or chocolate chips. We also eat it with maple syrup," I told him as he frowned.
"That sounds good but unhealthy. For breakfast?" he questioned puzzled as I laughed.
"Yup. Now, what do you think?"
"They are delicious. I really like the idea of fruit with them. It tastes great and seemingly makes them healthier."
"So, what do you feel about finals next month? Are you prepared?" I wondered but Troy shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know… I guess I am, but I still have quite a bit of reading left. How do you feel about it?"
"Surprisingly good, but still a bit anxious. Taylor is still talking about the study groups, reminding us to come, and I guess I feel obligated to be there because she's my friend."
"You shouldn't feel obligated just because she's your friend. Taylor should relax a bit more about the exams, I think all of us have understood the importance by now. We have even started to cut back on our training because most of the team are busy studying. Zeke keeps on muttering something about a Crem Brule having to be perfect for an exam, and Jason is seemingly living in the library."
"Yeah, I remember hearing about that. Zeke wants to go to culinary school and there is a practical exam to get accepted."
"If there is anyone who can do it, it's Zeke. He's an amazing cook."
Hope you liked this chapter, and thank you to everyone who is reading/reviewing the story!
- FreeFlyingWriter