Against All Odds
Be Without You
Gabriella looked around her, red and white confetti falling all around, searching for Troy. Looking over to the other side of the gym, she saw him chatting amongst a few other players from the team with a wide grin across his face.
Troy looked up and noticed Gabriella heading his way, and turned back to face his friends and team mates again. After excusing himself, he turned back towards her, and walked to meet her halfway.
Gabriella's heart fluttered as she and Troy's locked eyes, each of them at one end of the gym, and he gave her that famous Troy Bolton smile.
"Hey Troy." She smiled up at him as she neared him.
Troy said nothing, but instead placed his hands on her waist and spun her around in a full circle.
"Gabriella, this is the best day of my life." He whispered in her ear as he placed her back down on her feet.
"Yeah, it's been pretty amazing, huh?" She asked as her smile grew wider. "You were amazing, Troy."
"No, no. Don't give me all the credit. You were amazing Gabi." Gabriella's cheeks reddened as he smiled at her.
"We were amazing." She said and Troy smiled at the correction.
"Heck yes you were." Chad said approaching them, wrapping one arm around Troy and the other around Gabriella.
"I have got to give you credit, man - I had no idea you could sing like that." Chad continued.
"Thanks, man." Troy said, glaring at Chad, trying to indicate to give him and Gabriella some "alone time."
Chad, on the other hand, was definitely picking up on Troy's hints but couldn't resist the opportunity to watch Troy squirm.
"So Troy, you taking Gabriella to the after party?" He smiled at Troy, and then looked at Gabriella, who turned her head and blushed.
"Like, on a date?" Troy choked out.
"Uh, yeah?"
Troy looked at Gabriella, hoping to obtain some sort of hint on what he should do. Sure, he liked Gabriella, he really, really liked her. But had no idea how she felt about him. He didn't want to rush her into anything, or look like an idiot if she feel the same as he did.
Gabriella continued to look down, even though she could feel Troy's gaze on her. She was well aware her cheeks were an embarrassing shade of red, and didn't want to look up. Ever since Chad had mentioned going on a date, she got really nervous. Her hands were clammy, and her cheeks were hot, reassuring her that she was blushing. She liked Troy, a lot; she just wasn't sure if she was ready for this kind of step.
"Troy?" Chad interrupted the silence.
"Uh, nah man. I think we're going to go as friends. Well if that's okay with you Gabi? I guess I didn't ask you." He laughed nervously. "You could already be going with someone else."
Gabriella felt relieved, but was glad to know that Troy still wanted to go with her. A small part of her was slightly sad about not being more than friends. 'That can wait.' She told herself.
"No, Troy. I'd like to go with you." She smiled at him, which he returned.
"Whatever, dude. I'm going to go find my date like a real man." Chad said cockily and walked off, his hair bouncing with every step.
Troy laughed at his last comment.
"Don't worry, Troy. You're definitely more man than Chad." Gabriella giggled, and his gaze returned to meet hers, and laughed with her.
"Well, Miss Montez, should we head to this party?" He held out his arm, indicating for her to link hers with his.
"I'd love to." She linked her arm with his, and they walked out of the gym.
Troy's father had offered to drive them to the party, but since it wasn't far, they decided to walk. It was a beautiful night in Albuquerque; the moon hanging low and the stars shone bright. Gabriella was really in awe of how beautiful the night really was.
"There's not a star in heaven that we can't reach." She whispered looking up at the sky above them.
Troy looked over at her, and followed her gaze to the sky. He couldn't really remember a night where the stars had shown so brightly.
"It's really beautiful, huh?" he said.
"Yeah it really is. We never had nights like this in Detroit." Gabriella responded in slightly nostalgic voice.
Troy smiled at the sweet expression on her face. "Tell me about it."
"What? Detroit?" She asked looking up at him.
"Yeah, you never talk about your old school. I guess I just want to know about it."
"Old schools." She smirked as she corrected him. "My mom's company moves her around a lot, so I've been to quite a few schools."
Troy suddenly realized that Gabriella could leave at any moment, and shot her a worried glance. Her eyes shone softly at him, realizing what he was thinking, and shook her head.
"Her company promised they wouldn't transfer her again until I graduated. So looks like you're stuck with me." She laughed.
"Thank God!" Troy exclaimed, letting out a sigh of relief. "I don't know if I'd like East High without you."
"It sounded like you were just fine before I ever got here. I mean, I know you weren't exactly at the top of the totem pole, but it seems like you found your way around just fine." She teased, knowing very well that Troy was at the very top of the social ladder. She cringed just thinking of the countless girls that threw themselves at him each day.
"Yeah, but it wouldn't be the same now that I've seen what it's like to have you there with me."
She smiled at his comment.
"So you going to tell me about it?"
"Uh," Gabriella was slightly puzzled before realizing he was referring to his earlier question. "Yeah! We were in Detroit the longest before East High. I was there for the first half of this year. I went to three schools my sophomore year, and three in my freshman year as well."
"Wow!"
"Yeah, I'm glad to be stationary for a while."
"What were your friends like? And your boyfriends?" Troy threw that last line for selfish reasons. He needed to know what he had to compete with.
"No boyfriends." She laughed. "Not really any friends either. I was always that 'freaky math girl.' No one really gave me a chance before you."
Troy found that hard to believe. How couldn't someone fall in love with Gabriella? She was perfect. "It's not like I really had a chance. It seems like fate is on our side."
"Gosh, it's so crazy isn't it?" Gabriella's voice was full of electricity. "I never expected to see you again, let alone live in the same city as you. I was so surpised to see you at school that first day."
"Me too." Troy said. "I actually thought I was dreaming for a moment when I saw you sitting in my homeroom class."
"Well, I hope it was a good dream."
"The best." He smiled at her and looked to his left. They had reached the house where the party was being held. It wasn't anyone either of them knew really well, just some girl from the cheerleading squad, but Troy wasn't really excited about going inside.
"You okay, Troy?" She asked, noticing that he had stopped walking.
"Yeah, good." In truth, Troy wished he could just keep walking with Gabriella. He knew it would be a lot more fun than this party. Maybe they could just blow it off and keep on walking.
"I'm so excited." She admitted quietly, quickly crushing his throughts of ditching the party.
"Why's that?" He laughed. She had said it so seriously, like it was a crime to say it.
"I know this sounds dumb, but I've never been to a party. Not this kind at least." She added. "I'm a little nervous."
"Don't worry, I'll be there the whole time. Even if I'm not right beside you, I'll be there. I promise."
She didn't respond, but smiled as she continued to stare at the house in front of her.
They walked up the drive, and stepped through the front door and were immediately greeted with lots of talking and really loud music. Not seeing anyone or anything familiar, they continued down a hallway to a room they assumed was the living room, and were met with even louder music. Through the dancing mob in front of them, Troy spotted Chad and Taylor across the room. He took Gabriella's hand, and pulled her through the mass of people.
Gabriella smiled at the fact the she and Troy were holding hands. She gripped his hand tight, hoping that she wouldn't have to let go anytime soon.
As they approached Chad and Taylor, Gabriella noticed Taylor had a goofy grin across her face.
"Gabi!" Taylor exclaimed as she pulled Gabriella into a hug, forcing her to let go of Troy's hand. Gabriella frowned at how cold her hand suddenly felt.
"Spill." Gabriella whispered, pulling Taylor aside.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Gabriella." Taylor said although the giddy smile was still evident on her face.
"I've never seen this smile. This definitely qualifies for 'goofy slap happy' smile. What's up?"
"He asked me to be his... girlfriend!" Taylor exclaimed, causing both of them to squeal loudly.
Troy and Chad looked over, puzzled.
"Women." Chad rolled his eyes.
Troy laughed at his comment. "So what's up with you two?"
"I, uh, sorta asked her to be my girlfriend."
Troy's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah. You're not mad are you?" Chad's voice was timorous, and Troy barely recognized his friend.
"What? Of course not! Why would I be?"
"I don't know. It's just I was so hard on you about the Gabriella thing, I didn't want you to think I was being hypocritical."
Troy laughed at his friend's confession. "As long as you really like her, Chad. I don't want to see her get hurt."
"Yeah, I know Troy. And neither do I. This is so weird, but I'm so confused by her. But a good confused, you know? I've never felt like this before."
"Then I'm happy for you, Chad." Troy grinned at his friend.
"Thanks, man."
Taylor and Gabriella walked back over, Taylor leaning over to whisper something in Chad's ear.
"It's okay, Taylor. Troy knows too."
"Oh, okay." She smiled at Troy.
They spent the next half hour chatting with each other, laughing at the other members of the party. It was obvious that someone had brought alcohol with them, and people were acting crazy. Gabriella looked around and was really amazed at the sight she saw; she had never seen people acting in this manner, not to mention the collection of people in front of her. All kinds of groups were here. She saw jocks and drama kids. There were nerds and skaters. Everyone was here, mingling and partying together.
After a while, Chad and Taylor excused themselves, saying that they wanted to go "talk" even though Troy and Gabriella were both well aware they just wanted to go make out.
"So, what do you think so far?" Troy said to her.
"This is crazy! I've never seen people act like this." Gabriella answered. She wasn't sure about how to answer. Would she seem naive if she said she thought the whole thing was ridiculous?
"Yeah, it's pretty stupid huh?"
She smiled at him, glad he felt the same way. "Yeah."
troy scooted himself closer on the couch and leaned down so he was whispering in her ear. "Are you having fun? Cause we can leave if you'd like."
Gabriella's breathing picked up at the proximity of Troy's body to her own. "I'm okay. I'm just glad you're here with me."
Troy gave a sideways smile to the comment, sending Gabriella's breathing into a frenzy. She prayed he didn't notice or was able to hear the volume of her pounding heart.
"Troy!" They both looked up to see one of the basketball players calling for Troy.
"Troy, come here!"
"Uh, I'll be right back. You'll be okay for a few minutes right?" Troy said pulling away. He was angry he had to leave Gabriella alone.
"Yeah, Troy. I'm a big girl." She teased him.
"Ok, well, I'll be right back." He promised and pushed himself off of the couch.
She watched as Troy was engulfed by the crowd. "Troy! Troy! Troy!" She heard a chant rising. Slowly it grew to a loud roar and Gabriella covered her ears to shield the sound.
A few minutes later she felt an arm fall on her shoulder, looking over to see a very drunk cheerleader hanging on her.
"Are you and Troy Bolton dating?" The girl slurred.
Gabriella rolled her eyes. "No, we're just really good friends."
"Okay, good. So what kind of girl is he into? I mean does he like blondes, or brunettes, or red heads? 'Cause I could totally buy hair dye. Does he like short girls or tall girls? What kind of clothing does he prefer?" Gabriella zoned out as the girl continued to ramble on. At first she felt a sting of jealousy as she could tell this girl wanted to be with Troy, but after listening to her drone on for ten minutes, she already knew Troy would never go out with this girl. A few moments later the girl picked up on Gabriella's lack of interest and left.
Gabriella searched the crowd for Troy, and saw him at the other end of the room. His blue eyes met with hers and smiled softly, making her heart flutter.
She sat there thinking, every so often looking at Troy and smiling at him. She was glad she had met him, and that he was in her life now. He had changed everything. Everything she believed in, and how she thought things should be. She watched with jealousy as some girl attempted flirting with Troy and laughed as Troy shrugged the girl off.
'Why am I getting so jealous?' She thought to herself. She realized that she really did like Troy, and maybe she did want to be more with him. The idea of being with Troy made her smiled. She frowned realizing it would never happen. He said we're just friends. She sighed, and jumped as she felt another arm go around her.
"Look!" She said ready to give the girl a piece of her mind. She turned realizing it wasn't the drunken cheerleader, but some guy.
"Hey there pretty lady." He said to her. Gabriella could smell the alcohol on his breath and tried to wiggle away from him. He kept a strong grip on her waist and Gabriella instantly became claustrophobic.
"Look, I don't know who you are, but I would really appreciate it if you let me go."
"Come on baby. I'm going to take good care of you." He leaned in to kiss her, but Gabriella pulled back. She winced at the smell of alcohol on his breath.
"STOP!" She yelled, hoping someone would hear. After realizing that no one had, resulting from the music being so loud and the chattering of people even louder. She immediately regretted staying in the corner where she and Troy had previously sat.
She tried to hit him, but he took hold of her other hand.
'Some please help me.' Gabriella's mind was pleading and begging for someone to come.
"I don't think she wants you to touch her, man." She heard a voice over top of her, quickly recognizing it as Troy's.
"Dude, go find your own chick." The guy slurred out angrily.
Troy placed a firm hand on the guy's shoulder. "I really don't think you want to do that."
The guy was pissed by this point, upset that someone would try and interrupt him of his business. "Oh, I think I really do!" He yelled, turning to finally face Troy. After realizing who was talking to him, he immediately backed down. He didn't want to mess with Troy, knowing very well that if he did the entire basketball team would be on top of him in a matter of seconds. There was no way he'd get out alive, let alone victorious.
"Sorry, man." He said quietly and sulked away.
Troy held out his hand to Gabriella, pulling her up into his arms. As frightened as she was, she had never felt safer than she was right now in his embrace.
"You want to get out of here?" He whispered into her ear, softly stroking her hair in hopes of comforting her.
She slightly nodded her head. He took her hand and led her out of the house.
"Gabi, I'm so sorry." Troy apologized as soon as they stepped out of the house.
"Why, are you sorry Troy? You just saved me."
Troy smiled slightly. Something had told him she was in trouble. It almost frightened him, thinking he heard Gabriella's voice begging for help.
"I'm just glad you're okay."
"Alcohol is stupid." Gabriella blurted out.
Troy laughed at the outburst. "It can be, in situations like this. I knew this party would just be some stupid drunk fest. But you were so excited, I couldn't let you down. I'm sorry, I should have said something earlier."
"No, I guess I just needed to discover it for myself. I doubt that guy would have even done that had he been sober."
He nodded and looked her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
"Hey Troy?"
"Yeah?"
"Next time, can we just go to the movies instead?" She smiled shyly at him.
"Of course."
They walked in silence. Troy held his arm around her shoulders, keeping a firm grip on her arm. He wanted to make sure that she knew she was safe.
"I'm so glad you came when you did." She finally said.
"Yeah, me too."
They continued to walk in comfortable silence, until the reached Gabriella's house.
"Thank for walking me home, Troy. And thanks for taking me to the party. I had fun there for a while." She tried to offer him a smile.
"Thanks for going with me. I'm sorry about what happened. I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner."
"Troy, please don't be sorry. Things could have been worse had it not been for you." She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for that."
Troy stared at her, his cheek burning from it's contact with her lips. "No-no problem."
"Well, I'm going to go inside now Troy. Thank you again. And thanks for today. We actually made the musical!" Her voice was mixed with excitement and pride.
"I can't believe it, but we did." He smiled at her. "Now, go get some sleep. I'll see you later okay?"
"Okay Troy. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Gabriella stepped into her house and closed the door. As Troy walked away, he rubbed his cheek where she had kissed him. He smiled at the memory of her lips on his cheek.
He knew he wanted to be with Gabriella.
A/N: hey guys, i changed this a little bit, but i thought it was too extreme for the first chapter. i just wanted to show troy protecting gabby. please review, and keep reading. i've got some great ideas for this story!