Gabriella Montez always just considered herself to be average. She didn't think of herself to be beautiful, but anyone else who looked at her would disagree. Her brown eyes were full of life and were very genuine, her loose curls would frame her face perfectly, her smile could light up a room, and she had all the physical appearances of an angel.

Unfortunately, Gabriella's dad passed away, when she was only five due to a tragic car accident. Every morning, Gabriella would still sniffle, at the sight of the family portrait framed in her bedroom. Gabriella's mom, Maria, made enough money for the two of them to lead a happy, middle class life. Maria loved Gabriella with all her heart, and took on the role of both the father and the mother.

It has been exactly 3 weeks from Gabriella's 17th birthday party. Gabriella was doing her homework, when she was interrupted with a knock on her door from her mom.

"Gabriella, honey, I'm leaving for my dinner date with Josh now. I'll be home before 10:00. Love you!" With that, Maria gently closed the door.

Gabriella sighed; she stood up, and walked to her balcony. Outside, it wasn't warm, but it wasn't cold, honestly though Gabriella like the weather just like that. She was in deep thought. Gabriella had met Josh several times, and she thought he was really nice and deserved to be with her amazing mom, but the only thing she disliked about him was his two daughters, Karina and Athena. Sure, they would pretend to be nice to her, when Maria was around, but when Maria wasn't, Karina and Athena would tease and bully Gabriella until she felt bad for herself and was near tears.

Just the thought of them made Gabriella shiver. She sulkily walked back to her room and continued her homework. Gabriella heard the front door open, and then footsteps running up the stairs.

"Mom! Are you okay? Why are you running?" Gabriella yelled, hoping her mom could hear clear. Right as she finished, her bedroom door opened, and her mom appeared with a bright smile.

"Gabriella! Honey, guess what? Josh proposed to me! We're getting married in July!" Maria exclaimed, and could not stop smiling.

"What, but Josh lives in Albuquerque…" Gabriella said trailing off.

"I know, we're moving there! You will be attending you're final year of school there at East High with Karina and Athena! Well, you better go finish your homework, I'll talk to you tomorrow." Maria said as she left the door.

Gabriella was truly excited for her mom, but she didn't know if she wanted to leave. She didn't know if she wanted to start anew at another school, where no one would know who she was, except for her two mean stepsisters. Gabriella knew that if she talked to her mom, her mom would change her mind and cancel the whole wedding, but she just couldn't force herself to do that, when her mom seemed so happy. Even though it was hard to admit, but she also missed having a dad around as well. And Gabriella thought, in a worst-case scenario, she'll be able to move out a year later.

With that, Gabriella lay down on her bed, and slowly fell asleep.