JBF must hate me. It froze both of my fanfics. Looking for That Someone is fairly long, so im just going to post the last 3 chapters. PM me at taztara158 if you want the rest.
Chapter 7
Gabriella stayed in the bathrooms the entire night, tears running down her face. She debated whether calling some one to pick her up or not, but she couldn’t leave Joe. He was still her best friend, and nothing could change that.
But she now knew why Joe was so excited for tonight. He was probably out there right now, singing straight to Lizzy, not even noticing Gabriella was gone. Gabriella was always the first person he went to when he got offstage, but for the past few weeks, or maybe even months, that hasn’t been the case. All of those times he had said he was getting another call, it had to be Lizzy. Thinking about it brought another round of tears to her eyes.
“Gabriella? Gabriella! Where are you?” a voice echoed through the bathrooms. “It’s Erin. Are you in here?”
Gabriella decided she might as well come out and face someone. She couldn’t hide forever. “I’m in here,” she said, opening the stall door.
“Gab- what happened? Are you ok? Joe has been going crazy trying to find you!” Erin said. Katy showed up a second later.
“Thank goodness! The boys were so worried!” Katy said, pulling Gabriella into a hug. “What’s wrong?”
Gabriella wiped her sleeve across her face. “Nothing, I’m fine. Can you tell Joe I took the bus home?”
“Um, yeah. Are you sure you’re ok?” Katy asked.
“I’m fine,” Gabriella said, faking a smile. She looked up at Katy’s blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. It was obvious why Kevin fell for someone like her.
Gabriella quickly walked out of the venue through the back door, careful to avoid any Jonas. She managed to get out into the city without anyone talking to her. After heading over to the bus station, she bought a ticket and waited for the next bus. It was an hour wait, and Gabriella had to stand in line to make sure she had a seat on the bus.
She pulled out her iPod and listened, trying to find a playlist that didn’t have Joe’s voice in it. With no success, she decided to watch a movie on there instead.
“Gabriella? Gabs? Are you here?”
Gabriella looked up to see Joe running around. He ran to the information desk and tried to find when the next bus to New Jersey would be leaving. Gabriella tried to hide herself, but Joe turned and looked right at her. He ran over to her.
“Hey,” he said, out of breath. Gabriella simply smiled briefly.
“Where were you all night?” he asked.
“I don’t know, why would you care?” Gabriella said back.
“Because you’re my best friend. Why wouldn’t I care?”
“Well, you didn’t tell me you had a girlfriend. So am I really your friend?” Gabriella turned her back to him, expecting him to say silent.
“Of course you’re my friend, Gabs! Ok, we haven’t seen each other in forever. Do you really want me to say ‘Hey, how you doing? I have a girlfriend.’ Really? Is that what you wanted to hear? Cause I can say it now,” Joe said. Gabriella turned to look at him. She could see the worry and anger in his eyes. “I should have told you, I know. But, everything with you is always so perfect, and I just couldn’t find the time.”
“You couldn’t find the time? How about every awkward silence in every phone conversation? Or when we chat online? A text, even! Don’t give me any excuses.”
“Gabs, I know, and I’m sorry. Ok? Please. I got scared tonight. When you aren’t out there cheering me on, my performance suffers. My vocals were horrible, I screwed up the lyrics in more than one song, and I played the wrong notes on the keyboard. All because I was worrying about you.”
“But I’m sure you felt better when Lizzy showed up.”
Joe couldn’t say anything after this. It was true, he had seen Lizzy, and she had made him smile. But he couldn’t tell Gabriella that. But he had to trust her. He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. You’re right. You’re my best friend, and I should always tell you everything first. I was glad to see Lizzy, but I was devastated when you weren’t there. I came all the way out here to find you, didn’t I?”
Gabriella thought about it. It was true, he had cared enough to come all the way out here to see her. But she was still upset. Not because of what they had just discussed, but because Joe was in love with a girl. And it wasn’t her.
“So how is Lizzy?” Gabriella managed to get out.
“Um, she’s great,” Joe awkwardly responded.
Gabriella nodded. “How did you meet?”
“Concert. She won a contest and we hung out with her for the day,” Joe said. His answers were bland and lacked emotion.
“That’s nice. When?”
“A month or 2 ago. I’m not always sure,” Joe said. Gabriella wondered about his answer. He always reminded them when they met. But he couldn’t even remember meeting his own girlfriend?
“That’s all I wanted to hear from you,” Gabriella said, looking up at Joe. “It wasn’t that hard, was it?”
“I guess not, Gabs. It wasn’t. I knew I could always trust you,” he said, pulling her into a hug. She smiled, glad that he was close to her. They still stood in line for the bus. Suddenly it came squeaking in, and passengers began exiting.
“You know, there’s still an empty seat left in the car,” Joe said.
“Lizzy’s not going?”
“No, she lives north of here. She’s taking a different bus. Tonight, it’s just you and me. And Kevin, and Nick. And Frankie. And-“
“Ok, let’s get going before you hurt yourself. Who knows what happens when you think too much,” Gabriella said. She shoved her bus ticket in her pocket and put her iPod in her purse.
“You ready?” Joe asked, holding out his arm.
“Of course, Mr. Rock Star,” Gabriella said, wrapping her arm around his. She lived for moments like this, when Joe’s skin met hers. She thought of how wonderful it would be to be his girlfriend, to do everything together. He would hold her close when she was scared, and talk to her when no one else could. He would give her friendship advice, and help her with her school work. He would tell her how beautiful she was, and how lucky he was to have her. And she would melt when he kissed her.
When she thought about it, everything between them was true. All except for kissing.
Chapter 8
“Ok, you don’t get it. You can’t be allergic to fruit,” Joe said. Kevin was yet again declaring he was allergic to fruit.
“Um, yes you can, and I am,” Kevin said.
“Kevin, it doesn’t work like that,” Gabriella said. “You can be allergic to one fruit, but not all of them.”
“Oh! I told you!” Joe said. He celebrated his victory.
“Whatever. I don’t like fruit, ok?”
“Don’t worry Kev, I think we got that figured out,” Joe said. Then he leaned back and put his arm over Gabriella’s shoulder, pulling her closer to him. “So how has your day been?”
“Good,” she responded. “I went out shopping this morning, before you called.”
“Me too! I got some socks,” Joe said proudly.
“Ok, that’s nice to know. I bought your CD, and a few magazines.”
“How about I autograph that CD?”
“Sure. So I can sell it and make thousands off of you,” Gabriella said with a smile.
“You wouldn’t,” Joe said.
“You’re right, I wouldn’t. I’m just too much of a good person. I would never use my friend like that.”
“I know you wouldn’t. So how’s Taylor been?” Joe asked. Gabriella was surprised he had remembered her. Taylor never really hung out with them. She did go to some shows, though.
“She’s great.”
“And school?”
“Um, it’s coming. I graduated and all, but I’m not going to college this year. I got a job at my uncle’s restaurant, so I’ve been busy with that.”
“You’re going to college soon, right?”
“I sure do hope so. I’m working on applications soon. I don’t have any preference or anything.”
“I hear UCLA is great,” Joe offered. He pulled her closer. “And you’d get to see me more.”
“I’ll think about it, Joe.”
Suddenly Gabriella felt a phone vibrating. Joe pulled his arm back and pulled his phone from his pocket. His face lit up when he saw the caller id.
“Hey, baby!” he said into the phone.
As much as it hurt Gabriella, she knew Joe was happy with Lizzy. And she loved seeing him happy. The rest of ride home was spent listening to Joe’s conversation. Eventually, Gabriella dozed off, leaning her head on the car door.
“Hey, Gabriella, we’re home,” someone said into her ear. She woke up to find Nick lightly shaking her. Joe was still on the phone, which put a frown on Gabriella’s face. “I’ll walk you to your door,” Nick offered. Gabriella nodded, still half asleep.
“Hold on a sec,” Joe said into the phone. Then he turned to Gabriella. “Bye Gabs! We’re hanging out tomorrow, ok?”
“Of course, Joe,” she said, forcing a smile on her face.
Nick helped Gabriella out of the car, and they walked in silence to the door.
“Ok, what’s wrong?” Nick asked Gabriella, whose eyes were focused on the ground.
“Nothing, I’m perfectly fine.”
“Gab, come on. I can tell when you aren’t yourself.”
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“Is it Joe?”
Gabriella nearly stopped breathing.
“It is, isn’t it,” Nick said. Gabriella nodded.
“I’m fine, ok. He has a girlfriend, and I’m happy for him.”
“But you want to be his girlfriend, don’t you?” Nick said. He tilted Gabriella’s head up and saw the tears in her eyes. “It’s ok. It’s going to be ok. He’ll realize someday what’s best for him. He’s Joe, and he’s going to make mistakes. You know that, of all people.” He took her in his arms and quietly sang into her ear.
“Everyone knows it’s meant to be,
Kevin and I both agree,
Till the end of time
You’ll be on his mind
It’ll happen.
He’s been making lots of plans,
Like a picket fence and a rose garden,
You just keeping on thinking,
But it’s cool,
Cause you’re just friends.”
Gabriella hung close to Nick. He always knew everything, and knew how to make it right. “Thank you,” she whispered into his ear.
“Stay his friend, he needs you. I won’t tell him anything, ok?” Nick said, pulling away. Gabriella smiled at him. “Good night, Gabriella.”
“Good night, Nick,” she said. She waved to the car, where Kevin was watching, and then walked inside the door.
She quickly went up to her room and shut the door. She plopped down on her bed and sighed. Why did guys have to be so confusing?
Suddenly her phone started ringing. It was Joe. She hoped he had no idea what had happened just a minute ago. She closed her eyes and pressed send.
“Hey, Joe,” she said.
“Gabs. Sorry we didn’t talk much tonight. Really, I’m sorry. I should’ve told Lizzy I had to go or something. I always walk you to your door, and I’m sorry I didn’t,” he said.
Gabriella stayed silent. She was partly glad she got to talk to Nick. She had to tell someone. Someone who would understand. And it felt good being able to speak her mind.
“Gabs? You there?”
“Yeah, sorry. I’m just really tired. How about I call you tomorrow morning. We’ll make plans to meet up somewhere. Where are you staying for the night?”
“A hotel just out of Wyckoff. So I’m close to you. And get your sleep, you’ll need it if you want to keep up with me tomorrow. We are going to have fun,” Joe said. “Good night, beautiful. I’ll call you, ok?”
“Ok, Joe. Good night,” she said. Joe hung up, without another word. He never hung up that fast. He always wanted to talk longer when he had the time, not matter how tired Gabriella declared she was. And this only meant he didn’t have the time.
She knew he was changing, and she didn’t like it.
Chapter 9
Gabriella woke up far earlier than she had intended. She could hardly sleep through the night, and after hours of tossing and turning, she decided to wake up and shower. Seconds after wrapping herself in her soft towel, her phone began ringing. She ran over to her nightstand where her phone was tossed last night, and she looked at the caller id. She was slightly relieved when it said Kevin-the MAN on it.
“Hey, Kev,” she said.
“Gabriella, how you doing this morning?” Kevin asked.
“Um, fine. Why?”
“Nick told me everything that you said last night.” Before Gabriella could say anything, he spoke again. “Don’t blame him, I was really getting on his nerves to know.”
“Ok, Kevin. But please, it’s no big deal. I hardly even remember what I told him last night. I really just needed a good night’s sleep, which I got.” She noticed 2 lies in that statement. She did remember every sentence from their conversation, and she didn’t get a good night’s sleep.
“I just wanted to let you know I’m here for you. And if you need me to knock some sense into Joe, just let me know.”
Gabriella let out a small laugh. “Thanks, Kev. I really appreciate it. But please, don’t make me feel awkward around Joe now.”
“We never even had this conversation. How does that sound?”
“Sounds great.”
“Um, I’m talking to Katy!” Kevin yelled into the background. Gabriella heard a voice she recognized as Joe’s in the background.
“Joe’s calling you, so I’ll talk to you later. Have fun today, he has something great planned.” With that he hung up. And seconds later, Danger appeared on the screen.
“Hey,” she said.
“Gabs. How are you this morning?” Joe asked.
“Eh, ok I guess. I literally just got out of the shower. I’m going to go out and get some coffee, you want to meet me somewhere?”
“Sure. Starbucks sound good? You know the one,” Joe said. He winked, but knew she couldn’t see him.
“Sounds great. I’ll be there in about 15 minutes.”
“Ok. I’ll make Kevin drive me.”
“Please, make sure he doesn’t go too fast. I don’t want my Joe getting scared.”
“Me? Scared? You must be talking about some other Joe. Because I am danger.”
“Yes, you are. See you in a few.”
“Bye, Gabs,” he said.
Gabriella quickly threw on a Jonas Brothers tour t-shirt Joe had given her and some jean shorts. She left a note on her fridge for her parents, then hopped into her car. She sang along as Miley Cyrus’ “As I Am”, left by Taylor, blasted through the speakers. Any other day, Gabriella would have pulled it out. But today, she was content listening to Miley’s voice.
After driving for 10 minutes, she pulled into the small parking lot of Starbuck’s, located in a small shopping center. She went inside and ordered her drink, then sat down and waited for Joe to show up.
Finally a car pulled into the parking lot, and Gabriella smiled when she saw Joe step out. He pulled some shades over his eyes, making a disguise. As he walked, Kevin called out to him. He turned back around, yelled back, and began walking back to the Starbucks. But along the way, he managed to trip on the curb and come crashing down, inches away from a bush. Gabriella put her hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing. He immediately got back up, looked around, and wiped himself off. He flung open the doors, acting as if nothing had happened.
As soon as he walked in, he found Gabriella seated in the corner. He ordered his drink and slid in to the chair across from her.
“Hey there,” he said. “Nice shirt.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty awesome,” Gabriella said, putting a smile on her face, to make sure Joe wasn’t suspicious. “So, we have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Yeah.” Joe looked around, creating an awkward silence between them.
“Joe, are you ok?”
“What? Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. It’s just, I don’t know.”
“Joe, I’m your best friend. You can tell me anything.”
“Lizzy’s been acting all weird and won’t call me. She sent me a stupid text a few minutes ago. She said I was spending too much time with you, which isn’t true, because I haven’t seen you in forever,” he said, running his fingers through his hair. “I just don’t know what she doesn’t get about us being just friends.”
Gabriella had never seen him upset like this. He was always laughing, goofing around. But the last 2 words he said stuck in her mind. Just friends. That’s all they were.
“Why are girls so confusing?” Joe asked.
“Why are guys so confusing? That’s just the way it is, Joe. We have to figure each other out. Don’t worry, everything between you 2 will be fine.” Gabriella cringed when she said the last words. She wanted to take back the words, and say, “Joe, you and Lizzy are hopeless. Just go for me. I love you.” But she managed to hold her tongue.
“This is why you are my best friend. You always know what to say. Gosh, why couldn’t Lizzy be more like you?” Gabriella smiled. He wanted Lizzy to be more like her. Joe looked up to see a Starbucks worker holding his drink out to him. He got up and went to retrieve it.
“So what do you have in mind for today?” Gabriella asked when he came back. Joe’s eyes lit up.
“Ok, so first we are going to go to the waterpark. I reserved us a little time in the morning before they open so the girls don’t freak out when they see me in a bathing suit.”
“Remember that time we went swimming and one girl noticed Nick, then it seemed like the entire crowd was chasing him.”
“And he ran into the bathrooms, but some crazy fan followed him in there. Poor little kid,” Joe said. Then the 2 burst into laughter. “Hey, my little brother’s a stud muffin. Nothing wrong with that!”
“Yes, he is. So then what are we doing?”
“I have a quick photo shoot, so you can come and watch me work the camera,” he said, giving her a quick pose. “Then you get to decide what we do.”
“That works for me. Let’s get going, I’ll drive you home.” The 2 friends walked to Gabriella’s car.
“You know, the guy is normally supposed to drive.”
“Yeah, not going to happen, buddy.”