Winter romance

Chapter 1-The girl

His electrifying blue eyes were trained on the hoop nearly half a court away from him. He held the basketball firmly with both of his hands. Bending his knees slightly, he casually flicked his wrist. The orange sphere made a graceful arch in the air before entering the hoop. He jogged briskly to retrieve his ball and return to his initial position. The chestnut-brown hair guy was shooting hoops as he struggled to comprehend what had happened during his Christmas holiday. He was distracted from his thoughts he heard someone dashing into the gym, shouting his name.

"Troy!" Chad shouted loudly as he raced into the court where Troy was practising three –point shots. Every ball that he had shot went neatly into the hoop. It was no wonder that the basketball team of East high, Wildcats was led by him, Troy Bolton. He had all the qualities to be captain- excellent basketball skills, a deep passion for the sport and natural athletic abilities.

A warm grin spread across his face as Troy clapped his hand on his best friend's shoulder. How he missed him over the holidays! Chad and Troy had always been good friends as far as he could remember. It was hard not too since both of them share an identical interest, basketball. Chad was like the brother Troy never had.

"How was your holiday? I heard that you were back yesterday." Chad questioned happily as he stole the basketball from Troy and did a three point-shot. The basketball rolled dangerously around the rim of the hoop before falling in.

"I had the most amazing time, Chad."Troy answered. He paused for a moment, re-gathering his thoughts. He contemplated over telling his good friend about it. He drew his hand through his chestnut brown hair nervously and declared, "I think I've fallen in love." Troy looked at his buddy with eyes that were burning with expectation.

Chad, who was bouncing the ball enthusiastically, dropped the ball in astonishment. The sound of ball rolling off in the empty gym resounded loudly as an awkward silence fell between them.

Troy drew his eyebrows into a line- he didn't need his best friend to express himself in words because he could tell from the shocked expression on his face.

Two weeks ago

"Dad, it's boring to be in San Diego. I mean how different is it from staying in Albuquerque? We're practising basketball every day." Troy grumbled as he dashed past his father, Jack Bolton's defence, leapt and threw the ball into the hoop. The basketball fell through the hoop and landed in his hands. Troy passed the ball to his father as he stood outside of the white line. He lifted his hands in attempt to block him from moving forward.

"Your mother wants to meet up with her close friend. She used to stay in Albuquerque till she'd move to San Diego. We were very close. She's practically your second mother." Jack Bolton explained to his son as he checked the ball to the chestnut brown- hair boy. The boy sighed.

"A second mother I never knew I'd?" He replied with annoyance lacing his voice.

How was he going to spend the rest of the three weeks in here? He thought as he checked the ball back to his father and had prepared to defend him.

Before Jack could answer, they heard another voice.

"Guys, it's time to leave. We've to head over soon." His mother shouted, as she stood near the court," Take a bath then we're heading over to my friend's place."

Troy and Jack nodded in response as they made their way back to the house. Troy reluctantly dragged his feet indoors. She's practically my second mother? Then why don't have any memories of her? Troy thought in bafflement as jogged up to his room. He'll have to pay the role of a good son and accompany his parents to the dinner.

The Boltons arrived at a beautiful mansion on the hill. From the outside, the house appeared to be very majestic. They could tell that the owner had spared no expenses in maintaining the large premises- the lawns were neat and the building was well taken care of. They parked their car under the porch as they waited for their host to welcome them. They did not have to wait long. A lady, dressed in a simple dinner dress, walked towards them. There was a wide sincere smile on her face.

"Jack, Lucille, it's nice to see you again! I missed the both of you," The brunette engulfed them with a tight embrace.

Troy shifted boringly as he watched the adults engage in a lively conversation. He could tell that his parents were delighted to meet her again. As he peeked into the house, something caught his attention-a beautiful tanned brunette with a pair of fascinating, chocolate, brown eyes. She was standing next to the older brunette. She looked as if she was around his age. Her jet black hair was left loosely around her shoulders and it had curled at the ends. She was dressed simply- a shirt and jeans. The simple outfit did not manage to hide the stunning petite body. She had applied a light layer of make-up, highlighting her long eyelashes and those wonderfully expressive eyes.

To sum everything up, she was breath-taking.

His heart stopped beating upon the sight of her. She was gorgeous, he thought as he was entranced by her simple beauty. Troy was certain that he had never felt the same way about a girl before.

As those meek chocolate brown eyes met his piercing cobalt eyes, Troy felt a jolt. There was a queer sense of connectedness- as if she was the one that he was waiting for that would make him feel complete. He felt as if he had known her for all his life. Troy was mildly confused by these strange feelings but he did not take his eyes off her.

"I forgot to introduce my son, Troy. Troy, that's Aunt Maria and her daughter Gabriella," said Lucille as she placed her arm over his son. Troy greeted both Aunt Maria and Gabriella politely. Gabriella greeted him back meekly with a shy "hello". It caused him to smile in amusement.

Gabriella, so that is her name, he thought silently, liking the way her name rolls off his tongue. Gabriella.