Chapter 5
"So Gabriella, are you in most of my brother's classes?" Taylor asked.
"Nope, just P.E. I'm in eighth grade." she replied.
"Oh, I thought you were in 7th with Zac, even though you look like you're in 8th or 9th."
"Gabriella smiled. She was sitting on the Hanson's back porch talking to Taylor. "You lie really well." Gabriella joked with Taylor. "You know I look like I'm ten years old! I'm so short."
"I don't think you look ten." Taylor said, blushing.
"Thanks." Gabriella blushed as well. "So...you're in what...9th grade?"
"Yep." Taylor replied.
There was an odd silence. "I love watching sunsets...my mom and I used to watch them together all the time." Gabriella told him.
"Why don't you still watch them with her?" Taylor asked.
"She died when I was ten."
"I'm sorry...I didn't know." Taylor apologized for bringing it up.
"No, it's okay. I can talk about it." she paused. "My parents were divorced and I lived with my mom. Dad had moved out to be with another woman. One day, mom and I were heading downstairs to watch a movie. She tripped on a step and fell down them, head first. She landed on her neck and it killed her instantly. It was a freak accident...it never should have happened."
Taylor spoke. "Oh Gabby, I'm so sorry."
Gabriella continued. "So I had to move in with my dad and his girlfriend Shea--she was a real bitch--and then Shea was murdered in a hotel one night when she was away on business. My dad was devastated...first my mom, then Shea. So now dad won't get close to anyone...not even me." Gabriella felt weird. She had never told anyone but Sheralyn that story. She felt she could trust Taylor alot.
Taylor gave Gabby a comforting hug.
"Taylor, it's really okay. I've learned to accept the fact that she's gone and not coming back." She never wanted Taylor's hug to end, so when they broke apart a few moments later, she was disappointed a bit.
"So...do you wanna stay for dinner?" Taylor asked, changing the subject.
"I don't know. I stayed last night; your mom might not want me to."
As if on cue, Diana walked out onto the porch. "Dinner's ready, kids. Gabby, are you staying?"
"I don't wanna overrun my welcome."
"Oh, sweetie, you're always welcome here!" Diana exclaimed.
"Okay, I guess I'll stay." Gabriella said.
"Good." Taylor said, helping Gabriella off the stairs and into the house.
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~*Later that night after the guys are in bed.*~
"Tay, you asleep?" Zac asked.
"I was." Taylor grumbled. "What do you want?"
"You have a thing for Gabby, don't you?" Zac asked.
"No." Taylor said, crossing his fingers under the covers.
"Yeah you do, I saw how you were looking at her at dinner." Zac teased.
"Yeah, so what if I do like her?" Taylor challenged."
"I'm gonna tell her." Zac said.
"No you're not!" Taylor yelled, sitting up in bed.
"Guys, shut up!" Isaac yelled from above Taylor, dropping a pillow on Zac.
"Sorrrreeee!" Zac yelled at Isaac.
"You'd better not tell her, if you know what's good for you!" Taylor told Zac.
"Taylor, she told me that she likes you...so why can't I tell her you like her?" Zac asked.
"She told you that?" Taylor asked, now fully awake.
"Yeah...she's like my best friend, why wouldn't she?" Zac asked.
"Okay, I guess you can tell her." Taylor said.
"Good, 'cause I already told her." Zac said, pulling the covers over his head to dodge the pillow Taylor sent flying toward him.
"ZAC!!!!"
Chapter 6
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