Trella: Battling Memories

The Lone Starcade

Troy and Bella strolled into The Lone Starcade, happy and excited like they'd never been before. They weren't exactly together, but they'd crossed that invisible line between friendship and something more. And if they were being honest, neither of them were scared. They both had been waiting a long time for this, and they were both more than ready.

They sat next to each other in a booth with the rest of the team. They were all laughing and joking, and Bella couldn't believe how much she'd missed it. These guys are so much more than just teammates, they're my family too. She smiled at the thought. Just then someone walked through the door. It was the last person she had wanted to see. She quickly ducked her head and tried to shield herself within Troy's shoulder.

"Woah," he exclaimed with a smile.

"Troy, If you've ever cared about me, then hide me."

"Okay," he said with a questioning tone.

Troy then shielded her body with his as she curled up against him. A girl could get used to this, she thought. Just as she was beginning to really enjoy herself, someone walked up to the table.

"Hey guys great game. Especially you cuz. That catch was out of this world."

"Well thanks Charlie. That means a lot," said Sawyer, who was immensely proud of himself, as he had every right to be.

Bella tensed up at his name. Why couldn't I have delt with him later? Like when I wasn't on a date with Troy," she thought, her face flushed.

"Oh. Hey Bella, I didn't see ya there." He sounded a little offended.

Bella felt Troy's arm tighten around her slightly. She smiled. He's protecting me, and he doesn't even know why.

"Oh yeah. Heh, sorry. I was.... uh," she trailed off, not knowing how to finish that sentence.

"-Cold!"

Charlie looked over to Troy.

"Bella was cold, so I was trying to keep her warm. What, with that downpour after the game."

Troy was right about that. While they were on their way to the Starcade, it had begun to pour, causing them to get soaked.

"Oh. Okay. Well, actually, Bella I was wondering if I could have a word with you?"

Bella knew this was bound to come up. Charlie had been ignoring her ever since that dance in middle school when she'd invited Zach and Charlie. Charlie resented her deeply, believing she'd chosen Zach over him, and every time she tried to explain, he would brush her off or make some lame excuse. But now here he was, trying to apologize. Hopefully, she thought, trying to be optimistic. Everyone deserves second chances.

"Sure Charlie. I'll meet you outside."

Charlie nodded and walked outside, while Troy spun his head around to look at her.

"Okay, so first you want me to hide you, and now you're going to talk to him. Do you ever make sense?"

"I think I was pretty clear when I told you how I felt about you."

Troy considered this for a moment before nodding. "Okay. I'll give you that one. It was pretty convincing. Just be careful Bella. He didn't look right."

"Troy," she said, with a scolding tone, before he clarified.

"No, I mean like it looks like something's off."

"Okay, fine. I'll be careful."

He stood up to let her out of the booth, and she started making her way over towards the door. She'd taken about three steps before she turned around and jogged back over to him. Once she was about a foot away, she popped up on her tippy toes and gave him a light peck on the cheek.