The Beginner's Guide to Henry and Gabriella

| 24 | give me something, oh, but you say nothing

Henry's POV

The sun was beginning to dip behind the horizon by the time Gabriella encircled her arms around her brother's broad shoulders, standing underneath the terrace's roof. From her saddened eyes and death-clenched grip, she didn't want to leave. I'd never seen her laugh or smile as hard and wide as when he was around. Although, since coming back from the grocery store, she spent most of the time with Xavier and Daniel, occasionally lingering in my direction whenever one of the boys ushered me into their conversation.

With one last squeeze, she drew away, turning her attention towards the blonde-haired boy whom earlier I'd assume was hitting on her. That wasn't the greatest move.

"I know I'm going to see you next week, but I'm still going to miss you," I heard her say from afar.

"Hey, Brooks," Xavier chucked his chin, ambling towards me. "It was nice meeting you."

He carried physical features that were the least bit intimidating, yet my back straightened every time he glanced my way.

I extended my hand. "You too, man."

He gripped it, the slap resounding in the air like one of those pull string confetti poppers. "Look," he started. "Before you leave with my sister, I just have to know what's your deal?" He placed a hand on my shoulder, leaning close as if not wanting the two people standing a few feet away from us to hear. "Between us very attractive guys, we both know this was more than just a friend helping out another friend. So, what's your deal with my sister? Are you into her?"

I wasn't staggered by his question. If Brenna brought a boy along with her to visit me, I would be asking the same question. "I'm sure your sister's told you we're just friends," I said.

The corners of his mouth lifted. "She did."

"I care about her. A lot."

"Of course you do," he stated. "Otherwise you wouldn't be standing here." He peeked over his shoulder momentarily. "She cares about you too, you know? I know my sister and she wouldn't trust just anybody to drive her all the way to the Valley."

She talked about me. A mental grin evaded my mind. "This seemed very important to her."

"More important than missing practice a week before the big game against Monroe?" He asked without a beat.

My face deadpanned. "How'd you know?"

"Because your coach is my father," he remarked. "He's been coaching for 15 years and that man loves his weekend practices before a game like Monroe. You know the consequences for missing any of these practices, right?"

I'll be benched for the first half of the game. Morning practice dawdled in the back of my mind, but spending those three hours alone with Gabriella in the car was worth it. I silenced my phone the moment we hit the highway, after a contingent of texts from the boys were sent my way, inquiring about my whereabouts.

A year ago, I would've never even considered missing practice for a split second. But, a year ago, I didn't know Gabriella.

"I know," I answered.

His demeanor softened at my response. "My sister's been through a lot," he confessed. "We've both been, but she lost the one person who she confided in the most and it wrecked her. I don't want that to happen, again. And I will make sure that doesn't happen again. Don't disappoint her. Her heart won't take it."

I couldn't think of a response, seeing Gabriella appearing behind him.

"Hey, you ready to go?" I asked.