Chapter 1

Gabriella sighed. She didn't want this day to happen. This was the day her mother, Maria, got remarried. She didn't seem to think about how Gabriella might feel. Gabriella was in her bridesmaid dress. It was a pink spaghetti strap that fell to just below the knees. It had a high waistline where a white bow tied at the back. Her hair was curled and was pinned up in a bun, letting a few strands fall around her face.

There was a knock at the door. 'Can I come in?'

Gabriella sat at the seat at her dresser, slipping her shoes on. 'Not unless you have a time machine.'

The door opened and Troy walked in. They hadn't talked much but Troy was walking down the aisle beside Gabriella. 'I don't have a time machine but I have a truck that has to take you to the church. Your Mum and David have already gone.'

Gabriella shrugged. 'I don't even know why I have to be involved. I don't even like the guy.'

Troy sat down on her bed. 'David or Chad? Bearing in mind that Chad is my best friend.'

'Neither.' Gabriella muttered as she grabbed her bag.

'Then why don't you want your Mum to get married.' Gabriella was silent. 'I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. We only know each other because of the rehearsal.' Troy apologised.

'It's okay. But, I don't my Mum to get remarried because I'm scared. I don't want my Mum to think she can replace my Dad.' Gabriella looked in the mirror one last time to check her make-up.

'I don't know what to say. What happened to your Dad?' Troy asked, resting a hand on her arm.

Gabriella sighed. 'Can I trust you not to feel sorry for me and not to tell anyone else? Me and my Mum don't really want people to know.'

'You don't have to tell me.' Troy offered.

'No. I think it's good that I do tell someone. You see, it all started when I was a little girl. He was the best father I could've hoped for but, his 'best friend' was always jealous of him. So, one day, when I was twelve, he stabbed my father through the heart and cut me and my Mum.' Gabriella explained as she started to cry.

Troy wiped her tears with his handkerchief. 'I'm sorry.'

Gabriella smiled at Troy's kindness. 'It doesn't matter anymore. The scars are just the memories and it's over. Now, my Mum is going to be really mad if we're late.' Gabriella explained as she ran down the stairs.Good job these shoes are flat. She thought.

Troy drove Gabriella to the church and they in the back, panting.

'Gabriella! Where have you been? We have five minutes.' Maria said in a stressful tone.

'Long story but we're here now.' Gabriella said quickly.

'Well, we have to get in line.' Maria ordered.

Troy linked his arm through Gabriella's as they stood in their spot. At the front was Ryan and Martha. Then, Jason and Kelsi. Sharpay and Zeke. Chad and Taylor and finally Troy and Gabriella. The music started and they all made their way down the aisle.

Gabriella had tightened her grip on Troy and he noticed this. 'You okay?' He whispered.

'I don't know if I can do this. I don't want to forget my Dad.' Gabriella admitted softly ans each of the pairs stood to the side.

'Do you think he'd want you to move on and let go?' Troy asked her softly.

Gabriella looked at him. Man, he looks so hot in that tuxedo. Gabriella, not the time! Gabriella sighed and leaned against him, causing him to automatically wrap his arm around her. 'I guess you're right. He was pretty smart that way.'

Troy smiled. 'Just to let you know, I'm always here if you need a shoulder to cry on.'

'Or a shirt to ruin.' Gabriella joked.

'Either way, I'm here.' Troy reassured her. He noticed Chad glaring at him and frowned.

'I now pronounce you Man and Wife. You may now kiss the bride.' The preacher announced as David leaned forward and kissed Maria.

Everyone clapped as they made their way back down the aisle towards the reception.

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'Troy, can I have a word?' Chad asked as soon as the reception was in full swing.

'I guess?' Troy said unsurely at Chad's tone of voice as they went outside. 'What's up?'

'Listen, that girl, Gabriella, is my step-sister and I don't like her. She took my Dad away from me.' Chad said, getting to the point.

'What has this got to do with me?' Troy asked in confusion.

'Stay away from her. She's my sister.'

'I still don't get why you're telling me this.'

'Ever heard of the male code?' Chad asked impatiently.

'You mentioned it vaguely about a year ago.' Troy said, trying to remember.

'Well, a guy's sister is off limits.' Chad declared. Troy opened his mouth so Chad continued. 'Step-sisters count. I saw the way you looked at her so I'm going to say this one last time. Stay away from her!' And with that, Chad disappeared.

Troy stood there for a while before hearing someone singing. He walked around the corner and smiled. Gabriella was curled up on a bench, reading and singing at the same time.

So I won't give up,

No I won't break down,

Sooner, then seems life turns around,

And I will be strong,

Even if it all goes wrong,

When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe,

Someone's watching over me.

Troy sat down next to her. 'You have a beautiful voice.'

Gabriella pulled her knees up to her chest. 'Thank you.'

'You know, your Dad would be proud of you.'

'Troy, I heard what Chad said to you so go in there and dance with your girlfriend.' Gabriella said, resting her chin on her knees.

'I don't have a girlfriend.' Troy explained.

Gabriella frowned and looked at him. 'What? You don't?'

'Well, no. I don't think your boyfriend would be happy with you moving to Albuquerque.' Troy said in a sad voice.

Gabriella smiled. 'I don't have a boyfriend. But, seriously, Troy, you can go back inside. Chad doesn't want us to be friends. It's simple.'

'I want to be friends. You're really cool. And maybe he doesn't have to know we're friends. I've sneaked out of my house enough times. So, friends?' Troy held out his hand.

Gabriella throught for a moment. She really needed a friend but Chad already hates her and she doesn't want to ruin the friendship Troy has with him. She shook his hand. 'Friends.'

A comfortable silence fell among the two until Troy stood up, offering her his hand. 'Would like to dance?'

Gabriella smiled and stood up. She rested her hands on his shoulders and his on her waist while they swayed to the soft music coming from inside. 'I didn't think I'd be noticed today.'

'How wrong you were. In my opinion, it's all about you.' He whispered.

Gabriella blushed. 'I'm glad my Mum married David. I wouldn't have met you otherwise.'

'I'm glad too.' Troy replied, resting his forehead against hers.