I watched as Javier blocked a lay-up Zeke attempted. They had been playing one-on-one for almost two hours since Truett and Melody went down for a nap. After nearly two hours, they were both covered in sweat and breathing heavily. But they were both enjoying the game too much to even consider stopping.

Javier had the ball and was racing down the court with Zeke right behind him. Zeke has improved tremendously since I saw him play three years ago. Dad has taught us to play basketball for as long as I can remember, and Javier is one of the best players I know. But even with Javier's skills, Zeke still gave him a run for his money.

"Come on, Javy!" I cheered as Zeke came up next to him. "Shoot!"

As if he could hear me, Javier attempted a three-pointer shot. Zeke jumped, trying to block the shot, but he failed. We watched as the ball soared through the air toward the basket.

An alarm goes off as the ball swishes through the net. Perfect timing, I thought, figuring there was no better way to end the game than with a tie.

"Great game," Javier praised, handing him a towel and water, "when Elly said that her friends from East High had natural talent, I didn't imagine you'd be this good. You really had me going."

Zeke took the water and towel, "thanks, but if you thought I was impressive, you'd really enjoy a game with Chad and Troy. They taught me everything I know, aside from Coach Bolton, that is."

Javier removed the bottle of water from his lips. He eyed me with a wondering gleam in his eyes. I knew what he was curious about. I nodded slightly enough for him to notice, but not Zeke.

His expression changed with the briefest tilt of his head to let me know he understood. As he spoke, he dug in the fridge, "Gabby has told me about the others, too; your two friends that you're talking about play in the NBA now, right?"

Zeke nodded, "yup, they followed their passion, and I followed mine. So, what is your passion?"

Javier stood quiet for a second, considering Zeke's question, "I haven't thought of it; I guess you could say my passion is helping people," Javier answered with a shrug.

Zeke smiled and nodded, "sounds like my friend Jason. So are you a social worker like him?"

"Doctor," Javier supplied, placing a basket of medical stuff on the table.

Zeke's jaw dropped in shock seeing all the medical supplies and medication in the basket. There were all sorts of medicines for everything. The medication alone was enough to make it seem like he ran his little in-house pharmacy. The supplies were even more impressive. Aside from the usual items, there was also not-so-typical stuff. There were even double or triple some of the supplies for backup. You can never be too careful in Javier's book.

Zeke picked up one of the medications, "it looks like you bought an entire pharmacy here; you have enough medical gear here to last you guys through at least two pandemics."

Javier grabbed his glucose meter pouch, which included everything needed to test his sugar levels. "Believe me; it pays to be prepared."

He carried on to check his sugar levels like Zeke wasn't in the room. The fact that he didn't care who was there watching him threw me for a surprised loop.

It really shouldn't have since Javier has never been shy about his health. Not that Javier would announce it left and right, but he wouldn't purposely hide it either. He owns the fact that his health isn't perfect. Something I've never been able to do.

"You're a diabetic?" Zeke asked when he found his voice. "Is that why you became a doctor?"

Javier shook his head, "I've always wanted to help others, and one time when I was little, I got inspired by an amazing doctor while I was in the hospital for my asthma. Since then, I've wanted to be just like him."

"Is it hard to manage your asthma and diabetes?"

"I have good and bad days with it," Javier replied, noting the results in a notebook. "It's much harder to deal with on the bad days. But as hard as those bad days are, that's how easy the good days are. Luckily I had plenty of good days and maybe a large handful of bad days."

Zeke and Javier continued to talk about his diabetes and asthma and how he lives with them. I could tell that Zeke was genuinely interested from the questions he asked and his attentive attitude. Javier didn't hesitate to answer Zeke's questions, and Zeke took in everything Javier told him. It has always been so easy for Javier to talk about his health and not care about what others think. I envied his courage, and part of me wished it was that easy for me to talk about myself.

"Mommy," Melody's voice rang through the baby monitor. Truett decided to let us know he was up too, "Daddy, out. Peeze."

I grabbed the monitor and stood, "I got them," I offered, figuring I could use the practice of caring for two children at once. I didn't wait for a reply before leaving the guys to their chat.

It took longer than I figured to change them, but it was also much more manageable. The moment they were changed and I opened the door to the nursery, they took off racing. It was good that the baby gate at the top of the steps was shut because Truett would've started racing down the stairs otherwise.

I had a good grip on Truett's hand as he took each step carefully. Melody showed her counting skills by counting each step Truett took, and Truett would repeat what Melody said.

Truett jetted off for the kitchen when his feet touched the bottom floor. He stopped when he was close enough to hear Javier talking, "'nack, Mommy," Melody nodded, pointing to the kitchen.

I put a boost in my step, stopping when I was next to Truett. I took his hand, letting him know it was OK. Zeke and Javier had snacks ready when we walked into the kitchen.

"C," Melody and Truett chimed in.

Zeke smiled through the shock clear on his face. He took Melody, who was reaching out to him. "Hi Melody, I'm happy to see you again; I'm surprised you and your brother remember me," he tickled her tummy, causing her to laugh.

"A lot of what these two can do will surprise you," Javier had obvious pride in his eyes.

I helped Truett into his seat, "can't argue with that. These two never cease to amaze us."

Truett and Melody giggled and clapped like they knew we were talking about them. We continued to talk while we finished the snacks. Every now and again, Zeke would give Melody and Truett some individual attention. They loved the attention and wouldn't notice how unsure and nervous Zeke was about his actions.

"Have you and Sharpay talked about having kids of your own? You're a natural," Javier praised, seeing how different Truett was. Truett was usually shyer and took a while to warm up to people he didn't see daily.

I winced at the thought of Zeke and Sharpay's current relationship. Kids were probably the last thing on their minds right now-that is, if they were even talking. I hated myself for being so insecure and causing more trouble for my friends.

"Sorry," I apologized in a whisper of guilt, "if it weren't for me, you and Sharpay wouldn't be at odds."

Every time I feel ready to let my friends in, I chicken out in the end. I felt like a broken record racked with guilt. But aside from apologizing, I wasn't sure what else to do or say.

Zeke shook his head, "if we weren't at odds about this, then it could be something else. Every couple has disagreements. You just happen to be the reason right now. Doesn't mean you should be beating yourself up."

Javier placed a comforting hand on my shoulder before saying anything. "Plus, even if he did tell her, what's stopping you from running in fear again? No one can force you to let someone in before you're ready; that's a decision you must make on your own when you're ready." Javier sounded like he was speaking from experience.

But for as long as I've known him, he acted with kindness and befriended everyone. He's always been an open book, and you see what you got with him. It was hard to imagine him any other way.

"Javy's right," Zeke agreed with him, "I'm just glad you let me in. I rather us be secret friends than not friends at all."

"Fwen," Truett and Melody repeated with a giggle, signing the word.

"That's right, we're all friends," I praised them, grateful for that truth.

I still felt guilty, but knowing Zeke didn't blame me made it better. I was glad I let him in, and I'm even happier that Zeke and Javier are friends. Maybe it was a sign that I should let my other friends in and that we could still be friends, secret or not.

Don't make the same mistake. You can't let any know; nothing will ever be the same again. You'll be lucky if they're still friends with you once the truth is out.

Melody's laughter snapped me out of my thoughts. "Sorry, what did you say?"

"I should go; Sharpay's texting me."

I nodded, "then you should run before she gets furious. Text me when you get home, so I know you're OK."

Zeke nodded, "Sure. Sharpay and Ryan's birthday is next week, and I haven't gotten Ryan's present yet. Want to come with me and get them something too?" Zeke asked, "I can help you give it to them."

I opened my mouth, intending to decline, "yeah, I'm free tomorrow; is one o'clock OK," I agreed, surprising myself.

My stomach immediately started knotting up. Why did I agree?

"Great, I'll meet you tomorrow at the mall. One o'clock," Zeke agreed before waving at Melody and Truett, "bye, Melody. Bye, True; thanks for being my friend and letting me play with you."

Melody and Truett waved back, "buh," Truett said as he waved.

Zeke reached his hand out toward Javier, "great game today; let's play again sometime."

Javier shook Zeke's hand, "I'd enjoy that."

Zeke quickly dug for his phone in his back pocket and handed it to Javier. "Here, put your number in."

Javier turned to me silently, asking if I was comfortable with that. He only moved when I gave him a slight nod of approval. Typing his number in, he returned Zeke's phone to him after making a call to himself on his phone. "Now I have your number, and you have mine."

"Thanks," Zeke replied as he pocketed it again after checking that Javier's number was saved.

"I'll walk you out," I offered as I helped Melody and Truett out of their seats, "and Javy, why don't you grab a shower; I'll get started on the mess as soon as I walk Zeke out."

After a final goodbye hug, I shut the door behind him. I pushed all thoughts of meeting with Zeke tomorrow out of my mind and refocused on the present as I returned to the kitchen. Whatever is meant to happen will happen, so there was no sense worrying.

The mall wasn't as packed as I figured it would be on the weekend. There were a few stragglers here and there, but most people were in the shops. As I headed to Baylor's Sporting Goods, I passed a group of teenagers outside a nick-nack shop. I made my way to the second floor, passing two couples on the way.

"Welcome, I'll be right with you," the store owner called out from the back of the store, hearing the doorbell.

I looked around the store, "OK," I replied, placing an item back on the shelf.

Looking around the place, I realized just how little I knew about Ryan or Sharpay. I knew nothing about them other than they still love the theater. I wasn't sure what to get them for their birthday. Did Ryan still play sports, and else did Sharpay like?

My eyes landed on a golf club set, and I remembered they loved golfing with their parents. Would they like a new set of golf clubs?

"The golf club sets just came in with our new shipment two days ago," the owner stated, coming out from the back. "They're our most popular sell right now with golfers; how long have you been playing."

I shook my head, "no, I don't play. I'm considering it as a birthday present for a friend."

The owner's smile widened when he realized who I was, "you're Zeke's friend; he told me he was meeting a friend here to do last-minute birthday shopping."

I stomached knotted with nerves at the thought of what Zeke might have told the owner about me, "uuhhh, did he tell you who I am or anything about me?"

The owner shrugged, "just that you're a friend of his and Sharpay."

I momentarily froze, wondering if I heard him correctly, "that's it; he didn't tell you anything else?"

"Aside from the fact that you're a friend from his high school days, nope," the owner shook his head, "Zeke should be here any minute; in the meantime, have a look around. If you find anything you like, I'll give you a discount."

"Thank you," I went back to the golf clubs.

I went from the golf to the baseball stuff. I was looking at some bats when I heard Zeke's voice, "Chad and Taylor already got Ryan new baseball gear."

I turned to hug Zeke hello. I showed him other options I had thought of when we pulled apart. But if they didn't already have it, someone already planned to give it to them. By the end of my relatively short list, I got nothing for either of them.

"It's not going to be as easy as I thought to get Sharpay and Ryan a birthday present," I admitted feeling defeated.

"We still got time," Zeke encouraged, "let's start with Ryan's gift. We can help each other."

I sighed, "I'm not sure how I can help, but sure."

We left the store and went to one of Ryan's favorite shops on the fourth floor. I quickly realized the stuff in the store was pretty expensive, and most of it was out of my price range.

After a quick walk around the store, Zeke and I headed to Ryan's favorite clothing store on the fifth floor. I prayed that I could get some inspiration and the prices wouldn't be as high. Thankfully the clothing selections were wide, and the prices were pretty good. If only I knew Ryan's style.

"So, how's work been going?" Zeke asked as we went through a rack of jackets.

I returned the jacket in my hand to the rack, "we've been getting more clients, so everyone's been busier. But it's easier for me since my hours are very lenient, and the boss gave me the privilege of working from home."

"That's really nice of your boss; your boss must really trust you," Zeke threw his hand up in defeat, "I do not see Ryan in any of this. Maybe we should try another store."

We went through a couple more stores. The only thing either of us managed to get was a huge invisible question mark of confusion looming over us and a headache from all the thinking. By our fifth store, both of us were feeling pretty defeated.

I showed Zeke something for the zillionth time that afternoon, "what about this one? You think Ryan would like it?"

"I think he already has a similar one," Zeke replied, "how does Sharpay do this every week? I think there's a reason guys are meant to carry the bags while the girls shop; it saves everyone time and headaches."

I laughed at his comment. "I think it's easier once you know what you want to get."

Zeke sighed as he returned another item to the rack, "too bad neither of us has an idea of what to get."

None of my ideas worked for me, but maybe they could work for Zeke since he knew Ryan and Sharpay better.

I blew out a raspberry and suggested, "doesn't Ryan have a hat collection; why not buy him a couple of hats he'd like for his collection? The party you're throwing for Sharpay could be her present."

Zeke thought briefly before saying, "that's not a bad idea, and I think Ryan would really like his present."

We went through a couple more stores focusing mainly on hats. There were a lot of options, and we were able to narrow down the choices. "The hats should be back here," I lead Zeke to the back of another store, "this one is kind of cool."

I held the hat up for him to see. He took it and studied it, "maybe," he finally said before suggesting we split up, "why don't you look around and see if there's anything that could work as Sharpay or Ryan? I can pick a couple, and you can give a final input from the selections."

I shook my head, admitting defeat. I continued to shop as I spoke with resolution in my voice. "I think it's time I admit defeat and that I was a lousy friend. I was only starting to really get to know Ryan and Sharpay when I suddenly ghosted everybody. What little I knew about them back then isn't doing me much good now."

Zeke stopped me, "are you sure you won't regret giving up? Maybe if you keep looking, you'd find something."

I shrugged him off and started walking again. "I'm sure, even if I think of something, there's no way I know them well enough to know if they'd like it."

"Isn't the idea of a gift the thought?" Zeke reasoned, "so what if it might not be something they like now? At least the thought would be there."

My head tilted as I took in what Zeke said. Zeke was right; the point of any gift was the thought. The corner of my lips curved into a smile when the best idea I had all afternoon came to me. I felt like a kid seeing sunshine for the first time after weeks of gloomy, rainy weather.

"Thank you, Zeke, you just gave me the perfect idea for Sharpay and Ryan's present," I had renewed energy and excitement in my voice, "I can make them each a memory scrapbook."

Zeke raised a brow, "a memory scrapbook," he repeated. "Do you know how to make a scrapbook?"

I nodded, still bubbling with excitement. "Yeah, I can start it and leave blank pages for them to continue. My Nana taught me it's easy. I just need to hit the craft store to pick up some supplies, and also, I need to come over to your place at some point to go through pictures to put in the book."

"OK, well, why don't I finish here while you hit the craft store for supplies? After, we can head back to my place, and you can look through some pictures."

"Sounds like a plan," I agreed.

It didn't take us long to finish our shopping separately. When I finished at the craft store, I stopped by the food court for a snack before meeting up with Zeke again. After we were sure we had everything, we headed back to Zeke's, and I followed in my car.

Zeke made sure we were the only ones there before inviting me in, "Come on in," Zeke took my coat from me and hung it.

"Zeke, where are Sharpay and Ryan," I asked as I followed him up to the library.

"Shar told me this morning she had a girl's day planned with Kelsie and Taylor. I believe Ryan has rehearsals for an upcoming show," Zeke replied, "head for the library; I'll meet you there with what photos I can find in a few minutes."

I didn't put up a protest and kept myself busy with the vast collection of books in the library while I waited for Zeke. Picking one of the books from the shelves, I settled on the couch with a blanket. Three pages in, Zeke returned with a box at hand.

I immediately closed the book and set it aside when Zeke placed the boxes on the table. We went through the photos together, walking down memory lane. I remembered some of the pictures from our high school and college years better than others, but most were new to me. But it would still work for the scrapbook. Zeke was more than happy to tell me about the new photos.

My movement slowed to a stop seeing a photo of our entire gang gathering to celebrate Sharpay and Ryan's birthday. I recalled how scattered we all were after high school. It seemed like we were all heading in different directions. It was rare for us to have the time to gather together and hang out. That year we were all swamped. Even in the summer, we all had a million things going on. The only time we were able to gather together was for birthdays. Sharpay and Ryan's birthday three years ago was the last time we gathered together. Less than a year later, I ghosted everyone.

"So much has changed in the last three years," I commented, setting the picture aside.

"A lot has changed," Zeke agreed, "but our friendship never will. The nine of us will always have each other's backs because we'll always be friends."

I smiled at Zeke's words, wishing I could be as confident as he was. His words were nothing new to me. I've heard them all or a version of it before on more than one occasion from people I thought were my friends, and in the end, they were just words. I was crushed when I realized the truth and started shutting people out.

My fingers glided over another picture of our entire gang, "are you angry at me for disappearing," I whispered.

There was a long silence between us. The longer he was quiet, the more anxious I got. At one point, I started holding my breath, anticipating the worse.

It seemed like a lifetime before Zeke finally spoke, "At first, we all were in some ways, and it hurt, but now more than anything, we miss your friendship."

My spirit dropped when my mind wandered to the secrets I kept from my friends. Would they still be my friends or be too hurt and angry?

I buried the feelings I had again and started picking out some lovely photos for the scrapbook. Zeke looked over my choices and made some suggestions himself. It didn't take him long to notice something about the pictures I picked, and he didn't hesitate to point it out, "Gabby, you're not in any of these."

I shrugged, "I figured they're still pretty upset with me even if they weren't angry, so they probably wouldn't want to have any memories of me."

"I doubt that, but it's your choice."

It didn't take me long to select the pictures. I had a decent amount of photos for both scrapbooks in half an hour. So I figured it was time I left before I was scrambling out like I was on America's Most Wanted again.

"Are you sure you have enough?" Zeke asked, helping me clean up the extra photos. "You could take more if you need."

"I'm good," I assured him, "I have everything I need; are you going to be able to get it to Sharpay and Ryan without them knowing it's from me?"

Zeke nodded, "yeah, I'll tell them it's a little extra something from me. They'll never know."

"K, I'll get it to you when I finish." I double-checked I had everything after picking out a book for Melody and Truett. Zeke and I continued to talk as we headed back downstairs.

"So, have your kids ever been to Golden Gate Park?" Zeke asked me as I was grabbing my coat.

I scrunched my brow together, curious to know why he would ask. "Melody hasn't, but True has. Why?"

"I told Taylor I'd take C.J. to Golden Gate Park next week on the second. Maybe you and your kids would like to join us."

I debated for a brief moment before nodding, "sounds like fun. Just make sure you let Taylor know that you invited someone to come with."

"Sounds great," Zeke agreed as I got in my car, "I'll text you the details."

I nodded before giving him a final wave. Next week was going to be interesting. I turned the radio on as I pulled out of the gate.