"I'm still not sure if this is a good idea."

I keep thinking that all throughout the morning, whilst brushing teeth and having breakfast in a sleepy daze.

I really am not sure though. Why did I decide to return here?

Despite the fact, that I have lived in Albuquerque since I was born, there wasn't much that could emotionally tie me down to this place. My dad decided to leave in search of a better and more interesting life when I was about 4 years old, which pushed my mom to work as hard as she could to earn money for my "happy childhood" and education. I understand her fully, I would have done the same thing in her place I guess, but that still doesn't erase the truth, and the truth is - I was completely alone. Period.

Somehow I didn't get the gene of high self esteem or of being the social butterfly, that my father obviously had, so since I was a little kid, there were no friends in my life, not really. No friends, no real hobbies, no interests, just books and movies. And my beloved dog Peppy, who passed away little before I went to college to New York. It was there that I started to realize that maybe life is not as grey as it looks like, and that a person like me can really have friends, laugh, spend a good time, want to travel and explore, can simply want something from life, besides reading books and watching movies. Life in New York has shown me just that. Life.

And still, after finishing college and 3 years of trying to settle down in New York, I find myself sitting here, at 7. 55 am, in kitchen at my rented apartment in Albuquerque with a cup of coffee in my hand, staring blindly at the TV and trying to comprehend the weather forecast. Despite the colorful life I had in New York it still seemed like it wasn't working out for me, and despite the lack of emotions that I have ever felt in Albuquerque, the place was waiting for me, I could feel it. And I couldn't for the heck of me understand Why.

Finishing my morning preparations, I decided to hurry up – didn't want to be late at the first day at job here. So I closed my apartment and headed towards the elevator.

- GABBY!

I whipped my head around. There was no one in the corridor. It wasn't possible, I didn't have any friends or even acquaintances here, mom was away on a business trip, and it was a male voice anyway. Nobody could have called me. With a slight smile of nervousness a proceeded down the hallway. Must have been just my ima-

- GABRIELLA!

Okay, so not imagination. Whatever, it's not like I'm the only Gabriella in this town. Waiting impatiently for the elevator, I try to redirect my thoughts to my plans for today. With the long-awaited "ding" the doors open and I step in.

- Gabriella! Stop doing that! Come back here!

Well, this day is sure gonna be weird.

- So how is the first day on a new job so far?

I sigh. – It's been okay, I guess. Just need to get used to the new people. But I love my job enough to get over it, - I say with a smile, looking at the peach wall in the small room.

- Which I will never understand! Looking every day at those poor doggies and cats and other adorable creatures, that have health problems – some are barely alive – that just must be heartbreaking!

- Well it is not every day that there are such serious cases, besides it makes me happy that I try and help them, you know that, - I explain for the hundredth of times patiently. Some things will never get old. – And Tay, you are a doctor as well, remember?

There's a scoff on the other side. – I am a psychologist. I work with people. Humans. That's completely different. If I'm feeling like it, I may hold an experiment on my clients, advising them to cry like a rooster every morning from the roof to express their feelings, or something, and not feel a damn thing.

Laughing disbelievingly, I gasp – You're awful!

- U-huh. I know. – Taylor says smugly. She is really a good person though, I know she will never do that. We met in college, freshman year, and remained closest friends even miles apart. – Does it feel weird there, in Albuquerque, after noisy NY?

- It is different. – I pause to think about it more clearly. It really is. – But it's my home. And somehow I feel that it is right thing to be here. I can't really explain it… Didn't you ever feel like that before?

- Nope. – She spoke. – But hey, I thought, why don't I visit you?!

Well, that sure sounded cheerful. Way too cheerful even.

- Uh.. Of course. You know I'm always happy to see you. Maybe on the holidays..-

- Actually, - she interrupted. – Actually, I've already bought plane tickets. I'll be there this Friday. – Taylor rushed nervously.

- THIS Friday? – Wha..? I think I'm in a mild shock. Taylor never does things this spontaneous. – Well, okay, I mean, of course, you can crash at my place… But, Taylor, is everything alright? - Excuse me for my stuttering. But I kind of didn't expect that coming from a person that I thought I knew so well.

- Of course everything is alright! What's wrong with me coming to Albuquerque?! – Taylor snapped unexpectedly loud. So loud I actually jumped, catching the nearest stack of papers and sending them flying to the floor. Just my luck. From Taylor's deep sigh, I guess she heard it too. – I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout. I just- I have some business to do there. A couple of meetings.

- Like, work meetings?...

- Something like that, yeah, - there is some noise in the background. – I'm sorry, I've got to go. Talk to you later?

- Yeah, tell me next time flight number, time of your arrival and all that.

- Sure. Bye, Gab. – with that, she hung up. I stare for some time right in front of me, trying to process what has just happened. Something is not right, that's not like Taylor, at all. But it is clear, that she doesn't want to talk about… Guess I'll just have to interrogate her, when she comes here. She won't be able to get away this easily, she's staying at my apartment after all, so I'll have days, nights even, to press her. Heh, how kind of me.

Deciding that there is no sense in pondering over 'whatishappenningwithTaylor' right, I decide to go on a little break while I can, to grab some coffee and breathe fresh air.

Walking into the street that is no fresh air I smell though.

There's a lot of noise, people everywhere, and strong smell of smoke in the air. The building across the street is burning.

"Did anybody call for firemen? There are people inside!" The answer for my silent question came in the form of a fire truck with a fire brigade in it. Some of them immediately run into the building, the others started spraying it with foam and water. Good thing it is a small 2-storey building.

Well, there is not much I can do and my break ends in a few minutes anyway. Time to go for that coffee.

- GABRIELLA!

What the hell?! I freeze on the spot.

- GABBY! GO!

That's the same voice from today's morning. I turn around and see no one there, who could potentially be screaming my name. Oh, of course. Of course, because no one in their right mind would ever think of calling me "Gabby" because I just hate that nickname. I've always thought it's gross.

- You're a good girl Gabby!

Oh thank you, stranger! This little phrase made something stir in me. Too weird. Maybe it is my hallucination? The voice was quite pleasant and deep. You know that feeling, when you hear a voice, and just know that the owner of that voice is a great guy? I have that feeling.

This isn't serious though. Oh my God, mom must be right; I need a relationship, before I go out of my mind completely. But for now, caramel latte will do.

It is five days later, Friday evening, and I am at the airport parking lot, waiting for Taylor's flight to arrive. Why at the parking lot? I don't even know myself. She just told me to wait for her here, explaining that it will be easier for me, somehow. All I know is that you should never argue with Taylor too much. So that is why I'm standing here, deciding to do some people watching. There are triplets following their parents into the building with blue, pink and purple little cases. That's adorable! An old couple parking their little car, and then getting out slowly with calm smiles on their faces. A golden Labrador runs across the lot. It sure had a concentrated face. Maybe I should get a dog? It's easier than finding a boyfriend, that's for sure. And I love animals! It stopped for a moment and looked at me, cocking its head to the side, as if understanding my thoughts. I think I even blushed a little from such attention, really. But then, something got its attention, and she returned to her business, running away. Maybe it was some sort of sign? Okay, I should definitely think about getting one.

Oh! There is Taylor!

- Heeeeey! I missed you, Gab! – She's smiling widely at me, as we hug.

- Taylor, it hasn't been that long! What, like, a couple of weeks?

- I don't care! We used to see each other every day, remember?

- What's right is right. – I smile at her. I did miss her. She is running around my car to get in all of her bags giving me half of them to hold, while I am writing an imaginary plan in my head: go to the mall – get some wine and snacks – ask Ta-

- Gabby! Wait for us! – O-kaaaay. That's the nice voice again. And I still don't see anyone.

- Taylor. Taylor! Did you hear it?!

- Did I hear what? – She looks at me, raising her eyebrows.

- That voice! It was calling me! – Even I know that I sound like I've just escaped an asylum.

- No… Honey, are you alright? – Now she looks worried.

- Yeah… I'm fine, just going out of my mind a little. Pssht, no big deal. – I roll my eyes. Hey! Taylor is a psychologist! Maybe I can ask her for help!

She laughs at me though, as I tell her about the voice.

-Oh, Gab! Of course I agree with your mom, it would be great to see you all happy and loved up but you are definitely not that bad! By the way, didn't know you had a problem with 'Gabby'. Should I call you that now? – Is she laughing at me? This is no laughing matter, woman!

- Don't you dare! – She cracks up again. I swallow though, a bit nervous. - So what is that? Just a co-incidence?

- Yes, why not? At least, that is more believable for me, than the fact that my best friend is losing her mind. – Looking at her warm smile, I feel somehow reassured. Yeah. Taylor is right. No need jumping to conclusions.

Now, where is that wine?

As I see out the last clients for the day, I sigh tiredly. Well, new job is always a little hectic, but it will get better, I guess. Thankfully, it is time to go home.

Taylor still hasn't told me the reason for her rush trip to Albuquerque. And it's been 3 days that she is here. "I will tell you after I get something done. I need to do it before I tell anybody. I'm sorry, Gab". Okay, okay. I'm an understanding friend after all, aren't I?

On the bright side, there was no voice in my head for these 3 days. Yaay!

As I step in my apartment, Taylor is standing right in front of the doorway, straight as a line, like she was waiting for me in that pose all day.

- I don't know the password for today, oh mighty guardian, - I try to joke lightly. Eh, lame, I know. – What's up, Tay?

- I'm getting married.

…

…

…

WHAT?!

- What?! I mean how? When? To whom?! – To say that I'm astonished is to say nothing. And more importantly: - Why didn't you tell me anything?

- Because! – Taylor suddenly started pacing. Left. Right. Left. Right. – Because even I understand that it is crazy! I mean how did I even think about that?! Going into that website, talking to that stranger, falling in love with him, meeting at New York, REALLY, falling in love with him, - Left. Right. – Now his parents approve, and his friends, although they are shocked, all of them are such wonderful people, - Left. Right. Left.

- Stop doing that, you're making me dizzy.

- What? Sorry. – She sits on the sofa. There are tears in her eyes. – I have never imagined that it was possible for me to feel like that, to behave like that. We started chatting at the internet a while ago, and I decided not to tell anybody about it, because, well, all that net romances… they never mean anything, don't they? But then it grew, and it became so strong, and at some moment I started to realize that he is just what I always needed. And as I met his family, I just, I felt like I could fit in there, you know? To finally have a family I've never really had. Though I do love my older sister dearly, you know I never thought it was possible to feel such things. That's why I was so scared and didn't tell you anything. I'm sorry. – She fell silent. Those tears are from sincerity, and anxiety and love, I can see that. And though it is all of sudden, and even scary, I believe her.

With a deep sigh and a weak but calm smile I say, - Okay. Who is he, though? Will I ever get to meet your mysterious guy?

Taylor widened her eyes. – Oh! His name is Chad. Chad Danforth. – Chad. Danforth. That sounds familiar, for some reason… - He is just wonderful, and funny, and hot and everything! – Wow, someone is excited. – And we will meet him and his best friend soon, because you will be our Best Man and Maid of Honor!

Whoa.

-Whoa, slow down there. You've already arranged a meeting? – What, am I still surprised? I really should've got used to the feeling.

- Well, yes... You know I don't have a lot of close people, so I thought, maybe you will be my Maid of Honor... – Taylor trailed off.

- I will be honored to be your maid of honor –I giggled. – Though, if you ever decide to make me your children's Godmother, I will be glad to know that you are having babies when you're pregnant and not when they are about to enter kindergarten. Taylor smirked and then looked at me hopefully,

- So you don't hate me?

- Of course not, Tay, - I say softly. – I'm happy for you. I really am.

- Great! – She grins happily. – Now, get dressed accordingly, we are going to the restaurant to introduce you with the guys!

- What, now?!

As I said before, arguing with Taylor is pretty much useless thing. If she wants to be a class president she'll be one, throwing a huge campaign in the school. If she wants to graduate as an excellent student, she'll be one. If she wants to throw out her upcoming career in New York and come live and marry in Albuquerque, who will dare to stop her?

Certainly not me.

So that is why I'm trying to find the most plausible outfit, deciding to stop on the smart pants and a nice navy blouse. What? I had a rough day at work, than my best friend threw that revelation at me, and now I'm going all of a sudden to a restaurant to meet new people? I need to be comfy, at least in choosing pants over dress.

As I drive us to the Italian restaurant that I remember there since my childhood. I try to understand how this is all happening. I mean, besides the fact that it was all unexpected. Marrying is a huge step. A step into the adult life. And I am happy for my best friend, really, I am, and can't wait to meet her husband-to-be, I feel scared a little. Despite having finished college, getting a job and living on my own I'm still not completely able to grow up, as pathetic as that sounds.

- It looks rather nice, - Taylor said anxiously. We are pulling up to the restaurant now. It does look cozy, with little street lights and brick walls. – You ready to head in? Chad texted me, said they are already in there.

- Yeah, sure. You okay, you seem a bit nervous? – I ask her. She does seem so, but I can't really figure out the reason why. It's me who should be nervous.

- I am! I just, I know I've said I met his friends before, but I have never met his best friend, and I know he is a very important person for Chad, so I am a little bit nervous, I guess. – She said sheepishly.

- Hey, everybody liked you, didn't they? And Chad loves you. I am sure, if this best friend is a good person, he will like you to, - I smiled at her, trying to reassure her. Though I am usually bad at such things, seemed like it worked. Smiling at me, Taylor started her way to the restaurant and I followed close behind her.

- Good evening, ladies! Do you have a reservation? – A cheerful gentleman with really funny looking moustache greeted us. His named tag said "Johnathan".

- Yes, we have a reservation under Chad Danforth. – Taylor said in her business tone. She sure can switch her moods fast.

- Of course! The gentlemen are waiting for you at the terrace, because, unfortunately, we don't allow animals inside our restaurant. – Animals? I lifted my eye brows in confusion looking at Taylor, who also clearly didn't understand the funny-moustache guy. – Follow me, please.

Looking between each other we followed him, Taylor a little before me. Johnathan led us to our table, where I saw a bushy-haired guy, looking strangely familiar.

- Chad! – Taylor exclaimed, running to hug him. Awww, they are so cute, I've never seen Taylor so excited, like a little girl promised vanilla ice cream. You know, the tasty one. Okay, now they are a little gross, I am not looking.

- Hi, you must be Gabriella, - said Chad pleasantly stretching out his hand for me.

- Hi, Chad, nice to meet you, - I went in to shake his hand just as my heel got stuck in the wooden floor. Way to make first impression, Gabriella!

- Gabby! – wait, what, again?! As I clumsily tried to glance backwards while still with stuck heel, I saw a golden labrador jumping towards me, catching me off guard. I screamed lightly and heard a soft cracking sound. Yep, that was my heel.

I almost fell over, before someone caught me.

- I'm so sorry! We didn't want to scare you, she is a trained dog, I don't know why she decided to jump in front of you. – I turned my head up, to look at the guy who caught me and who also happened to have that amazing sexy voice, that's been haunting me for the last week. His head was turned away from me, he was looking at his dog. – Gabriella! It's not nice! Don't do that again!

- Your dog's name is Gabriella? – I asked in a funny voice. What? I've finally met the voice! But as he turned towards me and I looked into his deep blue eyes, which were now a little surprised, my breath caught in my throat. I know him.

- Gabriella? Are you okay? Troy will you help her to her seat? – Chad looked at as worriedly, examining the broken-heel–startled–by–dog situation, while Taylor looked a bit embarrassed.

Troy Bolton. My most insane, embarrassing and forever secret high school crush.

AN: Impressed by this wanderful labrador I often see when I walk my dogs, named Gabriella, or Gabby! It's because of her that I couldn't keep this idea out of my head and decided to post this small chapter of my first story ever. So, if you liked it at all, or at least interested in reading next, please leave some feedback, I would really appreciate this!