Author's Note: I know you'll hate me… but there's no kiss. There aren't any kisses at all in this story, except for maybe in the first chapter. This is a short ending, but chapters nine, ten, and eleven were going to be one… anyway. On with the story.
Adrenaline was coursing through every inch of Troy's body. Shaking a little, he pulled Gabriella's face towards him and leaned down to kiss her. Their noses touched…
"TroyIhavetogothanksforgivingmearidetoKelsi's." Gabriella jerked away from him and ran away as fast as she could. Tears stung her eyes as she sat down on the curb, hugging her knees to her chest. Life was so much easier when everyone wanted to be Blossom the Powerpuff Girl and boys had cooties.
---
"Gabriella, you can't love Jacob and Troy."
"I know, Mom, I know." Gabriella paced the floor. "I'm thinking." She'd spilled the whole freaking story to her mom first. She just didn't think that hearing her girl friends' hyper squeals were going to help her clear her head.
---
Gabriella finally got out of her room and met Jacob. They sat down on the sofa. "Jacob… I have to tell you something. I… I want to cancel our engagement for now. I'm not breaking up with you… it's just that I'm not ready. And… I need to tell you something. It's about Troy. He's… my ex-boyfriend."
---
Over the next few weeks, Jacob made feeble attempts to try to please Gabriella. She always seemed so distant, and now when she smiled at him, he could tell it was forced. Now Jacob sat at his desk, holding Troy's envelope in one hand and Gabriella's engagement ring in the other. Each time, he'd shake his head hopelessly.
Something had to be done.
---
"Where're we going?" Gabriella asked. Jacob had told her that he was going to take her someplace very fancy, and that she should dress accordingly.
"You'll see." He opened the door for her and followed her inside what must have been a reception hall. "Table for two, please."
---
Troy stood in the garden of the restaurant, right where Jacob had told him to go. Where is he? Troy asked himself worriedly as he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling like a fool.
---
"…and that's why I think we're the ones who should be 'just friends,' " Jacob finished. He got up from the table, gave Gabriella one last warm hug, and left via the garden entrance.
Troy stopped him. "What are you doing?"
Jacob looked at Troy, his blue eyes honest but reluctant. "I'm letting go of Gabbie. I love her, but you're the only one she can love back."
Troy walked over to Gabriella, who was smiling and even laughing a little through watery eyes. She looked as beautiful as ever, but what she said was even more breathtaking…
"I love you."
A/N: I didn't want to bog down this chapter with too much stuff. I know I broke my promise, but my parents are only giving me two hours a day! Once again… I'm thinking of revising it. : And review, please!
♥♥♥ --- Christa