STORM

-thirty-five-

Today was the day Ziv was moving out. Gabriella was anxiously parked outside his house. She could see his family helping him carry boxes to the car. Thalia was there too, along with Isla. Gabriella was amping herself up to get out of the car. Not only did she have to face Ziv, but she also had to face Isla.

Taking a deep breath, Gabriella got out of the car and approached the house. Mr. Madden was the first to spot her. He tapped his wife's shoulder and caught her attention, pointing towards Gabriella. They both waved her over with smiles.

"It's nice to see you, Gabriella. We were wondering if you were going to show up," Mr. Madden said, signing at the same time to make it easier for his wife to understand.

Mrs. Madden nodded in agreement, signing to ask if Gabriella could help carry the last box into the car. Just as she was about to sign back 'of course', Ziv caught sight of them. He approached her, looking skeptical.

"I didn't think you'd come," he said when he was in hearing range. His parents looked confused at his tone but made up an excuse and left them to speak in private.

"I know we're not exactly on speaking terms right now but I wasn't going to miss you moving out and starting college."

He crossed his arms. "And if I don't want you here?"

The idea made her crestfallen, gaze dropping and feet kicking at a pebble on the ground. She knew they'd fought, but they'd been talking about college for years. At first, the plan had been that they'd share a dorm together, but since Gabriella had realized she didn't want to go to college, the plans had changed. But in the end, she was always a part of them.

"That's fine," she said, but her voice was low and hurt. Collecting herself, she met his eyes again. She wasn't going to give up that easily, however. If he listened to her and still didn't want her to come with, then that was that. But she was at least going to try. "Just hear me out first, please."

It looked like he was contemplating it. He settled a gesture indicating that she should continue talking. Thankful, she did.

"I know leaving like that the other day was a shitty move. It really was an emergency, I wouldn't have just left for anything. You've been with me through everything since we became best friends and I love you. We won't be those best friends who drift apart just because our lives change. I didn't mean to push you away these past weeks, but do you think you can forgive me for that? It won't happen again and I really, really, really don't want to lose you over this. Please, you mean the world to me and I'm here now, yeah?"

His resolve seemed to fall a little. Gabriella let herself hope this meant that he'd forgive her and that she could prove that this summer was a one-time thing.

"Gabi, c'mon. You can't get rid of me. Of course, I'll forgive you. I don't want to ruin today and I don't want today to happen without you. But just let me be a little petty after today. It's fun seeing you grovel a bit."

She punched his shoulder, eliciting a loud sound, that could only be described as a cackle, from him. "You ass."

"You're legally obligated to make next summer the best one of our lives, though."

Beaming, Gabriella said, "of course. But hey, we had good moments this summer too."

He shrugged. "Okay, fine." Then he put on a frown, but she could see it wasn't real this time around. "I'm still mad, though, just not for today. It'd be embarrassing if I forgave you too quickly. Gotta make sure you see how much you'd miss me first if we stopped being friends."

She smiled, pulling him into a hug, almost squeezing his lungs out.

"I've missed your dumbass."

***