The Man with the Guitar

Disclaimer: I don't own HSM.

Thanks for reading my story :) Remember to REVIEW! I love reviews, who doesn't? Also, I originally planned for the story to be in just Gabriella's point of view, but after many trials and errors, I decided that it would be best if I switch back and forth from Troy and Gabriella.

CHAPTER TWO

Troy's POV

The apartment complex was cramped and uncomfortable, some say that it was borderline unsanitary. The ceilings were low and the hallways reeked. It had a scent that no one could identify, but could be easily described as utterly disgusting.

Some people would not step within a mile of this place, but to me, it was heaven. It had everything I ever asked for in a home: a roof and walls.

I strummed my guitar, flinching at the sharp note that it made.

"Not again." I muttered. It was out of tune. Again. I twisted the knobs at the end of my cheap guitar, making sure each string sounded the way it should.

I looked at the old wooden instrument in front of me, "I'd buy a new one if only the landlord wasn't biting up my ass for rent." I wiped away the small layer of dust that quickly formed on it and continued practicing. I played for hours and hours with the hope that I might find my big break soon. The sore fingers, living off of microwaved meals, barely making ends meet– I was getting sick of it.

All I wanted was that one gig that would change it all. I needed it.

It wasn't long before Saturday morning arrived. My eyes began to droop, which dramatically showcased the exhaustion I was feeling.

The last five days were hectic.

I tried to pencil myself in as many places as I could possibly perform at. I found myself in twenty-four hour bars, small restaurants, coffee joints, open mics, parks, and even at a children's birthday party; the audience consisted of four-year olds who demanded I sing about marshmallows and bunny rabbits. To say my self-dignity was shattered would be an understatement. And after all the blood, sweat, and tears, I added up what I made the last few days and what I had in the bank.

To my surprise, I was able to cough up just enough so I could pay my rent.

TMWTG

"One regular coffee, is that all today?" I nodded at the cashier and gave her what little left I had in my wallet. I was at the salty coffee shop also known as Café et Crème. I was hoping to relax my mind from all the stress with a nice hot cup of coffee. I looked outside the store's window. It seemed pretty dark, I assumed it was still pretty early.

"Do you mind if I ask what time it is?" I asked her.

She looked down at her watch, "Ten to nine o'clock." My eyes widened and my jaw dropped.

"No, it can't be! Are you sure?" I could feel the panic starting to arise.

She re-checked her watch, "Yup, it's almost nine."

My jaw dropped. How could it be? I swear it was earlier… I grabbed my guitar case and coffee and sprinted out of Café et Crème. I don't know why, but every time I come here, I'm always in a rush to get out.

"Shit, I'm screwed." I said to myself as I ran straight down SALT this point, I didn't care about all the eyes that were watching me, or the fact that coffee was leaking from the side of the lid– I needed to get to George's restaurant on time.

"Come on! Come on! Run faster Troy!" I told myself right before I threw my coffee down to the ground realizing it was just slowing me down.

"Damn it! Seriously?"

I looked in front of me and came to an abrupt stop. I looked at the sign that was blocking my way.

"Construction. No Pedestrians Beyond This Point." I read.

I had about five minutes to get to the restaurant and since I didn't have the funds to purchase a car, walking has been my only option for years now. That made the task almost impossible.

I dropped to my knees and let out a frustrated yell.

TMWTG

"You know, I don't think shouting is going to get you anywhere!" I heard someone call out to me.

I was so flustered that I didn't realize a car pulled up next to me. The driver's window rolled down and the female that owned the car was revealed.

I don't think I've ever had a bigger smile on my face.

"Get in." She simply stated, nodding her head towards the passenger seat.

We arrived at George's right on the dot. The old man was on the curb, obviously waiting for my arrival.

I excitedly yelled from the window, "Nine o'clock sharp, George! Just like I promised!" All I saw was a giant smirk on his face as he waved his hands forward, signaling me to come inside.

I turned to my left and looked at the beautiful woman beside me.

"I… I really don't know how I can thank you enough. " I paused for a little. I felt like I owed her some sort of explanation. "George's restaurant…" I started. "Most musicians pay to play there since it's a really busy restaurant and the customers give great tips. I practically begged him to let me play there for free and he said that if I was late this time, he said he would me ban me from playing here again."

The woman put a hand on my shoulder.

"You can explain everything later, for now, go inside and play your heart out." I let out a small chuckle.

"You know, I never caught your name." I realized.

"It's Gabriella." She replied. Gabriella, it was such a beautiful name. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl, it suited her perfectly.

"Thanks again, Gabriella." I swung the door closed and looked back to wave good-bye. I was shocked to see her window down.

"When do you get off?" She asked from the inside of her car.

"In about an hour and a half, after the breakast shift is over." .

She looked like she was thinking. A few seconds later she said, "I'll pick you up, you can explain yourself over lunch. My treat?"

I studied her face, she really was drop-dead gorgeous. Everything about her seemed so perfect. And after pretty much saving me from a situation I wouldn't want to be in, I felt like she was an angel. I'd be crazy to pass up her offer.

"I'd love to." I answered.

She flashed one more of her amazing smiles, "And remember? What you promised me?"

I thought back to what happened about a month ago. My promise that if we ever met again, I would play for her.

I let out a laugh. "Well Gabriella, my mom once told me that if promise something to a beautiful lady, it would be a crime to break it."

"I like your way with words, Troy. See you later?"

I nodded as I watched her back up and drive off.

I picked up my guitar case and walked into George's. I didn't know why, but as I played during breakfast hour, I couldn't get the brown haired goddess out of my mind. I could not wait until this afternoon.

It took a while to get this chapter out, I'm so sorry!

Thanks for reading the second chapter! Make sure to review and to share it with all your friends and then tell your friends to review! :P

Btw, who is excited for the Glee 3D Movie coming soon? I am!

BubbaBoom