Building Passion
Disclaimer: I only own the plot, no characters from High School Musical.
Summary: Greg Montez left his wife Maria and daughter Gabriella years ago, leaving them with hardly anything to get along with. The first few months, Maria would lock herself in her room and cry herself to sleep. Gabriella got a job to provide a little bit for them and as time went on, she grew to despise her dad. So when her mom told her she was going to spend the summer with her dad and his new wife, Gabriella was absolutely devastated.
A/N - Hiya! Sorry for the delay, but, like I probably mentioned in other stories, school is a total bitch. Projects, homework...well, you know how it works. I hope you understand, and if not, let me just say that school has to come first. If not, my mother will kill me. So, yeah...enjoy!
Chapter Two
Gabriella groaned and rolled over as the sun rays beamed into her eyes. Usually, no matter when she fell asleep, she'd wake up at eight o' clock or close to seven something. And she hated that because now she'd have to face her father and Judy. There was a knock at her door and Gabriella buried herself under the covers, pretending to be sleep.
The door opened. "Don't pretend to sleep, Gabriella. Your mother told me about your habit." Gabriella stayed under the covers and Greg sighed. He walked over to the bed and yanked the duvet off of her. Gabriella yelped as the icy air hit her and she reached blindly for the sheets. "Give me back the covers!"
"As a family tradition, we have church," Greg stated firmly. "Every Sunday at nine."
Gabriella glared up at him. "Why do I have to go? I'm not apart of this family and I don't want to be."
"Gabriella, get up! I will not take no for an answer. When I come back in here at nine, you better be up, or else your punishment will be more severe." Greg started to walk out, but Gabriella sprung up and stopped him. He turned around to stare at her. "What punishment?"
Greg laughed, a bitter sound. "You think you're getting away after basically telling my wife and your step-mother that she was dirt and coming home late and soaking wet without an explanation? I don't think so. Now get ready." Greg turned and left and Gabriella stood there pathetically. She didn't really know what to say. Even after being here less than twenty-four hours, she had already pushed her father to his last straw. Gabriella sighed and marched to the bathroom to take a shower.
BP
"So, you and your mom don't go to church?" Judy asked, once again trying to bring up a conversation. Gabriella sighed, more than irritated right now, and then shook her head. "No."
"Oh." Judy looked down at her fingers as she searched for another topic. Gabriella looked over at Jenny who couldn't keep her tawny brown eyes from Gabriella. She was a really cute baby. How could she despise her? Well, she didn't. She only despised Judy and Greg. Gabriella decided that she'd talk to Jenny, be nice to her, and play with her. She reached her hand out and wiggled her fingers against Jenny's belly. Jenny instantly began to squirm and giggle. Judy turned, startled and Greg looked in the rear view mirror quickly. He met Gabriella's eyes and she swore she saw a smile.
"So, what is my punishment, exactly?" Gabriella asked.
"Well, your mother and I―"
"Wait, mother? She's not my mother."
Greg sighed. "Judy and I decided that your grounded for a week. No phone or leaving the house. And we have a list of chores for you to do, as well."
Gabriella shook her head. She leaned it against the window and sighed. "I hate it here."
It was exactly nine when they arrived at church. Judy grabbed Jenny and they walked into church, actually looking like a family. Gabriella had chosen one of her summer dresses and simple white ballet flats. It was white with a pretty floral pattern on it. She curled her hair and pulled it back into a pony tail. Judy had told her she looked beautiful, but Gabriella didn't say thank you.
"Judy, Greg!" A heavy-set woman exclaimed, hugging the two. Her gray eyes shifted to Gabriella. "And this is Miss Gabriela Montez, am I right?"
"Oh, yes," Greg said, laughing. "All the way from Florida."
"My, my, my. Well, come and give me a hug." She pulled Gabriella into a hug and Gabriella gasped, startled. "My name is Miss Ginger. Or Ginger. Whatever you like, you can call me."
How about obnoxious?
Gabriella thought snidely. She crossed her arms and Ginger lead them to some seats in the front. Gabriella looked around the church and let out and exasperated breath when she saw Troy, standing by his family and his friends. Who would've thought he went to church?
People kept on coming over and greeting Gabriella. She mustered up a fake smile the whole time, but by the way Greg was sending her glares, she knew that he knew it was fake.
"You look glum, Gabriella," a voice said, startling her. Gabriella turned around and was met by Troy. looking sleek and amazing in his white button down and black pants. "But, you still do look sexy."
"Aw, thanks," she said sarcastically. "I didn't know you went to church. But we don't praise the Devil here, you know."
Troy scoffed. "I don't praise him. I go to church every weekend. My little sister is on the choir. But I am shocked you're here."
"You don't know anything about me. How would you know if I went to church or not?"
"You don't know much about me either, but you made an assumption that I worship the Devil and don't go to church."
"That's because you're a jaaaaa...ck butt," she replied, the last part coming out sheepishly. She may not go to church, but she was respectful enough not to swear in it. Troy chuckled. "Yeah, it's best not to swear in church.
"Be quiet. When does this thing start?"
"Soon. Don't rush. Shouldn't have come if you're so impatient."
"Yeah, well, I really didn't get a say. Not like I do in anything, really."
"Gabriella, you've met Troy Bolton?" Judy asked, coming to stand by them. Troy smiled charmingly at her and out out a hand. "Hello, Mrs. Montez. You're looking lovely today, as always."
"Do you guys know everyone in this town?" Gabriella asked incredulously. Judy chuckled. "This is a fairly small town, Gabriella. But, no, we don't know everyone. Troy's mother and I used to go to school together. Sometimes we tend flowers and crops, too."
Oh," Gabriella said, faking interest. She turned to Troy. "Well, I'm sure your mom wants you, Troy."
"Not really. I can sit wherever I want, too. This looks like a comfy place to sit. Do you mind?" "
Gabriella turned her head to look at Judy who was smiling. She sighed and looked back at Troy. "No, of course not! Sit down." Troy smirked, taunting, and sat down. Gabriella looked around and spotted a bathroom. "I have to go to the bathroom. Um, I'll be right back." Judy nodded and Gabriella walked quickly off towards the bathroom. Once she was in there, she took her phone out. At least her dad and Judy didn't take it away yet. She sat on the toilet, locked the door, and then pressed two on speed dial.
"Still in hell?" Kayla asked.
"I'm grounded," Gabriella sulked. "Not now, because they dragged me off to church, but when I get home. They're taking my phone away, too."
Kayla laughed. "How did you already get grounded? You've been there for a day."
"I snuck out and came back late soaking wet. You won't believe what some boys made me do!"
"What?"
Gabriella told her about the music store run-in, the basketball and the game, and how they made her strip and jump in the lake and then refused to give her her clothes back. "And now he's in church, too. He wants to sit next to me. I wish you were here, Kay."
"I do, too. We only have fifty-five more days until we see each other."
"Hopefully I won't kill myself before that." Gabriella heard the organs playing from outside the door and sighed. "Look, I have to go. Talk to you later, if I can?"
"Yeah, of course. Bye, Gabs. Love you."
"Love you, too." Gabriella turned her phone off and put it in her pocket. She walked out of the bathroom and hastily went to where Greg, Judy, Jenny and Troy sat. "That took a while," Troy whispered.
"Girls can sh...crap, too."
Troy chuckled. "You know, I like you, Gabriella."
"Yeah, well, the feelings not mutual."
"What can I do to make you like me, Gabriella?" Troy asked, his teasing tone faltering and making him sound almost desperate.
"That's totally up to you," she whispered.
Church was actually okay. Troy had pointed out his sister when she went up to sing her solo, Amazing Grace. When they left, Greg took Gabriella's phone and Gabriella offered to carry Jenny out to the car. Judy gave her to Gabriella, smiling brightly. "So, how do you and Troy know each other?" Judy asked when they were in the car.
"We meet yesterday," Gabriella answered. "Played basketball in the park. Um, then we chased, um, each other around. I fell in the lake, too. It was really funny."
"You were out with a boy that late?" Greg asked stiffly.
"His friends were there, too," Gabriella said, but that made Greg tense some more. "It's not like...we did something, or anything."
The rest of the ride was silent.
When they got home, Gabriella unstrapped Jenny and pulled her out. Jenny looked up at Gabriella, her eyes mesmerizing. "Ga..." she murmured. Gabriella smiled. "Gabi."
"Ga-e," Jenny said. She giggled and clapped her small hands. "Ga-e."
"That'll do," Gabriella said, smiling.
"You know, your dad and I are going out tonight. We really need a babysitter," Judy said. "Would you take the offer?"
Gabriela nodded. "Yeah, of course." Greg watched, astonished as Gabriella waltzed into the house, bouncing Jenny in her arms, and cooing her.
"How did you do that?" he muttered.
"Try not to be so hard on her. Don't demand stuff, but ask it or, at least demand it nicely. Gabriella is very stubborn and independent. I don't think she likes it when people demand her to do stuff."
"Oh, I know," Greg huffed. "But I'll try. It's just frustrating knowing that my baby girl hates me. I really messed up."
"She'll get over it, Greg," Judy told him softly, patting his arm and rubbing it. "She can't hate us forever."
BP
"Where are you going?" Gabriella asked. She was insanely bored. Her phone was taken away, so she couldn't call Kayla or anyone else. The only person who she's spoke to was her mother on the house phone. She was occupied with Jenny until she was laid down for a nap. "Just out," Greg answered. "We'll leave at six and'll be back at nine, most likely." He sighed and slid into a stool. "Gabriella, you may hate me for what I did, but there's no reason to hate Judy. She's done nothing."
"Yeah, well, she took you away from mom and me. So, she did do something."
"Can you at least try to be nicer. Before, you used to be this nice, sweet little girl. What happened?"
Gabriella glared up at him, her brown eyes flickering with anger. "Before, I had a father. It might be hard for you, but think about it. What do you think happened?"
"You still do have a father, Gabriella."
"It doesn't feel like it." Gabriella stood and marched out of the kitchen. She supposed she was being unfair. With yelling and stomping all around. But she can't just happen. At first, it was a small spark, then grew into a massive wall of fury that exploded when she laid eyes on her father and his wife. Gabriella was just about to walk up stairs, when a hand stopped her. She turned around to see Judy, a pained expression on her face. "I'm sorry." She turned around and Gabriella felt her mood falter a bit. Why was Judy so nice? Why couldn't she be the stereotypical, bitch of a step-mother like in Cinderella, or something? It would be much easier to hate her if she was meaner.
Gabriella turned and continued her trip up stairs. She closed her door behind her before sinking low into her covers. Unconsciously, she starts singing Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On. It had a sweet, dreamy tune to it. Her eyes fell closed as she breathed the words softly, letting them roll off her lips almost effortlessly. Her singing had been complimented by many, and she had always felt comfort with the kinds words. She thought back to Troy's little sister and the church choir. Maybe that was something she could do this summer to pass time.
"We'll stay forever this way. You are safe in my heart, and my heart will go on and on," she sung the last line softly before gentle, cheery clapping was heard. Gabriella gasped and flew up from her position. Her eyes darted to the now open door to see Judy there with Jenny in her arms. Judy was awkwardly clapping, but it was Jenny's hands that Gabriella had heard. Gabriella's face flushed as she looked down. She really couldn't take anymore kind, gentle words from this woman. "That was really beautiful, Gabriella," Judy complimented. Gabriella sighed and shrugged before flopping backwards so she was lying down again. She ran her hands down her face. "Not really. I mean, I get compliments, but I don't think I'm really that great." Lie.
Judy frowned. "You're amazing. Jenny thinks so, too. I think you woke her up. She's usually kicking and screaming, but she seemed really, really calm." Gabriella turned over to look at Jenny who was grinning. "You should join church choir."
"Not my style," Gabriella said. It wasn't a total lie, it really wasn't her style, but she had just thought about doing that a moment ago. "Oh." Judy looked down for a moment. "Well, do you like Celine Dion?"
"She's alright," Gabriella replied simply. Now that was a lie. A straight up and complete lie. Celine Dion was amazing, and was her idol. Celine Dion was inspiration for her to reach for something even if it's out of her grasp for a moment. If you push hard enough, you can accomplish anything. "Okay, uh, I'll be downstairs, then," Judy concluded before leaving and closing the door behind her. Gabriella bit her lip, thoughts running aimlessly around in her head before she shot up, yanked open the door and raced at Judy. "Wait, Judy, uh..." Judy turned and Gabriella sighed. "How do you sign up for choir?"
BP
It turned out that Josephine―or Jo―Bolton was the complete opposite of Troy. But really, Gabriella couldn't be surprised. Jo was only ten years old and had to be the cutest little girl ever. Her wide, blue eyes were almost identical of Troy's, and that's what made her stand out. Her hair fell in long, wispy dark blond curls down her back and she had a near honey complexion. Personality wise, her and Troy were nothing to be compared to, but looks, well, that was something to talk about. She was an absolute sweetheart and her and Gabriella connected instantly. It was hard to believe she was related to an arrogant bastard like Troy Bolton.
"Gabriella, how does this sound?" Jo asked. She sat down next to Gabriella and handed her a sheet of music labeled "He Wants It All". Gabriella's eyes scanned quickly over the words before she smiled and nodded at Jo. "It's really nice, but I bet it'd be better if you'd sing it. This is your solo, right?"
"Our solo," Jo corrected, then paused. "Er, well, duet. I asked Mrs. Green if we can sing together. We both think you have a nice voice. And it's a really good for one."
"I'll think about it," Gabriella replied, nerves trickling down on her. God, Jo was seven years younger and she could stand up in front of a group, but not her? "Alright, everyone." Gabriella's head snapped up at the sound of Mrs. Green's voice. She was the director of the church choir and her voice was almost equivalent to Celine Dion. When Gabriella had heard her sing a few hours ago, she had stared in complete awe at her. Right now, they were going to sing Lean On Me. Not really a church choir song, but then again, it sorta is. And Gabriella wasn't complaining at all. She knew this song. "Line up please, in front of a stand," Mrs. green continued and everyone rushed to their places. Gabriella was behind Jo, which she loved. She could hear her voice clearly, and that made this whole thing so much better.
Mrs. Green sat down at the piano and mouthed one, two, three silently before starting. The first one to sing was Kelyn White, the only boy in the entire choir. His voice was soft, but also very powerful at the same time. Soon, the girls joined and their voices were laced together to form a perfect harmony. Gabriella couldn't help the smile that came onto her face at the sound.
"Lean on me. When you're not strong, I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on..."
By the door stood Troy, along with Greg, Judy and Jenny bouncing around in her arms. They watched with awe, especially Greg, upon seeing his little girl sing. "See," Judy said, grinning brightly. "You should let her punishment go just this once. She sounds amazing, doesn't she?"
"How come they never told me?" Greg mumbled. Everyone quietly hummed while Jo stepped up, singing "Please, swallow your pride, if I have things you need to borrow."
Then Gabriella stepped up, singing the last of the verse. "For no one can fill, those of your needs, that you won't let show." Everyone fell into the rest of the song and people out of it watched respectfully. Troy's eyes bounced back between his sister and Gabriella, smiling brightly at the two. When he heard a day ago that Gabriella was joining church choir, he was up bright and early to see for himself. And, he was glad he did. She was amazing.
At the ending, Mrs. Green complimented all of them, also throwing in some words of worship.
"Troy!" Jo shouted, jumping off the stand and racing to her brother. He grinned and picked her up as she bolted into his arms. Gabriella walked to them with a gentle smile. "You are absolutely two different people," she acknowledged. Jo grinned. "Yes. I'm the cute one and he's the one with the ugly, right?"
"Exactly." Gabriella sent a teasing smirk to Troy who rolled his eyes.
"Hey, Jo, you have something on your face," Troy said, his own smirk growing. Jo's eyebrows furrowed together. She ran her hands down her face. "What?"
"Ugliness," Troy said, chuckling at Jo's pout. "I'm just kidding, Jo. You're average." Troy placed her down and Gabriella giggled. Troy lifted his eyes and smiled at her happiness. Well, she's in a good mood today, he mused. "You were really great, Gabs," Greg said. Gabriella's good mood faltered slightly as she turned to her father. She looked away, the hatred for her father still there. "Yeah. Thanks," she said quietly. Judy nudged his arm and he sighed. "So, how about I take away that punishment? This will just be a warning, but that's it."
"Alright. Uh...thanks."
"Practice is over," Jo said. "Gabs, wanna practice the song for our duet?"
"Actually, how about we go to the park?" Gabriella suggested. A smile tugged at Jo's lips and she nodded eagerly. "Okay!"
BP
"So, you and Jo get along well," Troy said, lying down next to Gabriella. She was lying back, staring up at the sky while Jo went to play with a friend she saw. Troy had, of course tagged along, much to Gabriella's dismay. Then his lower basketball friends arrived as well. They were playing basketball and Troy had come down next to her for a break. Not that she was surprised or anything. "Mhm," she gently inquired before closing her eyes. Troy sighed and rolled over on his side, propping his head up with his hand. "Has anyone ever told you that you're beautiful."
"Such a charmer," Gabriella murmured. "But, just keep in mind that flattery will get you nowhere with me."
"No?" Troy said and Gabriella gave a slight shake of her head. "Well, how about dinner tonight?"
Gabriella paused briefly before opening her eyes and turning on her side as well. "No," she answered simply. Then, she fell backwards and closed her eyes again. Troy quirked an eyebrow before chuckling softly and shaking his head. "I should have expected that. You're not...a lesbian, are you? I mean, it's very hot, but I want to know before I hit on you anymore."
To both of their surprise, Gabriella found herself laughing. Again, her eyes opened. "Yeah, I'm gay. And guess what, you, right now, are making me gayer," Gabriella replied, biting her lip. Troy sat there for a moment, before speaking, his voice unsure. "Are you joking, or are you really telling me the truth?" Gabriella let go of her lip and laughed. She sat up completely and Troy did, too. "No, I'm not lesbo."
"Then how come you don't like me?"
"Never said I don't," Gabriella said tersely. Troy's eyes grew alarmed. "So, then you do like me?"
Gabriella grimaced. "Never said that, either."
Troy let out an exasperated sigh. "Please, Gabriella, just give me a chance. One chance Just one date, and if it's a total failure, then I'll leave you alone."
"And if it's not?"
Troy sighed again and ran a hand through his hair. "You decide, then."
Gabriella was quiet for a second before nodding slowly. "Okay. Fine. I'll go out with you tonight. Well, no, tomorrow night. I have to go somewhere with Judy and my dad tonight." Troy's eyes widened in disbelief. He shot up, fast and alarmed. "What?" he said. He was glad that she had said yes, but didn't exactly knew it'd be this easy. Gabriella nodded and crossed her legs at the ankle. "I said yes, I'll go out with you tomorrow night."
"I know, but I didn't think it'd be that easy." A smug grin took over his lips. "But I am not complaining. I promise this'll be the best date you've ever had."
"I think I'll be the judge of that." Gabriella stood and brushed off some dirt that clutched onto her skirt. "See you." She started to leave, but Troy called her name. He scrambled up onto his feet and quirked an eyebrow. "No kiss?" he said. Gabriella smirked and shook her head. "Goodbye, Troy." She turned and started walking forward again, but not before yelling a goodbye to Jo as well. Troy watched with a wide smile as she left. He was completely intrigued by her. Instead of most girls, she wasn't fawning over him as if he were a million bucks. He actually valued her virtue and dignity. She wasn't one of those willing girls who'd jump into a guy's pants any chance she'd get. And for some odd reason, Troy liked that?
"Do you like Gabriella?"
Troy casted his look downwards when Jo asked the question. She had a knowing smirk on her face. "Well," Troy said, uncertain. "She's pretty. Maybe I like her."
"Well, I think you do," Jo quipped, then bent down to pick up a ball she brought before running back to her friend. Troy stood there for another moment or so, then went to resume the game with his friends.
BP
"Gabriella?" Judy popped her head into her step-daughter's room. Gabriella looked up from her phone and refrained from grimacing. She really didn't want to talk to Judy. Or anyone, for that matter. "We're leaving in an hour or so, you might want to get ready, okay?" Gabriella nodded and shoved her phone in her purse. She stood and walked over to her dresser, pulling out a black skirt and silken red spaghetti strap shirt. Judy let out a small sigh and walked further into the room. She pushed some loose tresses of hair behind her ear and smiled gently. "I know you don't want to be here, but I really, really want to her a relationship with you, Gabriella. I'm not trying to replace your mother, either." Judy looked down briefly before looking back up, meeting Gabriella's steady gaze. "I'm not like those stereotypical step mothers. I don't want to marry your father for money or anything like that. I really, truly am in love with him and I want us to be friends. If you're willing, that is." Gabriela stood there, not really sure of what to say. She wanted to blow her off, telling her that she really didn't care, but she couldn't do that, could she? Judy was so nice, it was starting to become hard to even frown. So, she decided for an answer that didn't mean yes, but didn't mean no, either. "Okay."
Judy nodded then turned and left.
After Gabriella got showered and dressed, applied a light layer of make up, she still had about ten minutes left. She walked down the steps carefully in her heels and smiled when she saw Jenny playing around in her baby walker. "Hey, Jen," she greeted, coming down to crouch down next to her step-sister. Jenny turned her wide eyes on Gabriella and grinned, showing off a few teeth that had started to grow. "Ga..."
"No 'E' this time?" Gabriella asked before wiggling her fingers on Jenny's stomach Jenny squealed and giggled and the smile on Gabriella's face widened. "There's a calm surrender to the rush of day, when the heat of a rolling wind can be turned away. An enchanted moment, and it sees me through. It's enough for this restless warrior just to be with you. And can you feel the love tonight? It is where we are." Jenny's head bobbed a bit as she stared at Gabriella intently. Gabriella stopped singing and swiped her fingers through the soft tuftt of silky black hair on top of Penny's head. "You like it when I sing, don't you? I've always wanted a baby sister," Gabriella said. "I wish I could've held you when you were born. You were really small, did you know that?"
"Gabriella?"
Gabriella stood and turned just as Judy advanced forward into the living room, carrying Jenny's sippy cup. She had a smile on her lips as she handed the cup to Jenny. "You look beautiful, Gabi." She paused. "Can I call you that?"
Gabriella swallowed. She really didn't want her to say it, but how could she say no? "Uh...sure, yeah. Whatever you want. I don't really care." She looked at the clock on the wall. "When are we leaving?"
"Your father is just heating the car up. It gets really chilly at night," Judy informed her. She bent down to pick Jenny up from her walker, sat her down for a moment, then grabbed her jacket and shoved it onto her. Gabriella grabbed her jacket as well and started to leave, but before she did, Judy touched her arm. Gabriella looked back at her, confused and Judy said, "Troy's coming, too, just in case you were wondering."
"Oh, uh, cool," Gabriella stammered.
"Anything going on between you two?" Judy raised an eyebrow suggestively. Gabriella shook her head vigorously. "No, no...I've only just met him."
"Just asking, Gabi," Judy said before walking out of the door.
The restaurant they were going to was called The Harbor View Grotto. It was very fancy and alive. The tables were lined neatly together in rows, the decor consisted of cloth draping around the walls along with dancing, dim lights. Troy and Jo and a middle aged couple which were probably their parents, were already there sitting at a table in the back. Jo wore a pretty purple satin dress with white flats and Troy, well, he wore a simple button down and jeans, but to Gabriella, he looked absolutely gorgeous.
Gabriella, Greg, and Judy slipped into a small booth with Jenny sat between them in her booster seat. Jo grinned over at Gabriella as she literally bounced with excitement. "You know that a live band is playing here tonight? They're called State of Mind, and Gabriella, they're awesome! Right, Troy?"
He shrugged. "They're alright, I guess. The guitar dude is a total jerk though."
Jo sent him a look. "You would know, wouldn't you?"
"Yes, I'm sure he would," Jack Bolton murmured. He grinned and turned to look at Gabriella. "Wow, Greg, you weren't kidding when you said she was pretty."
"Ah, well, she gets it mostly from her mother," Greg said.
"So, Gabriella, how is school?" Lucille Bolton asked. "Your father told us about your 4.0 GPA."
"Oh, um, yes," Gabriella mumbled shyly. "I'm doing really well. I'm in a lot of AP classes, too."
"You're lucky," Jo quipped, looking over at a menu. "Troy is really dumb. He gets no A's!"
"Jo!" Troy said, glaring at his younger sister.
The rest of dinner consisted of mostly the adults talking, Jo texting away on her new phone and Troy and Gabriella playing footsies under the table. Overall, it wasn't as bad as Gabriella thought it would be. She also got to learn more about Troy, including that he was the guy performing tonight. Or, well, band. He was the guitarist, and they were awesome. Gabriella then thought how Troy had said the guitarist was a jerk and she giggled, causing Judy to shoot her a look.
Troy was really good. Gabriella watched with interest as he played the guitar expertly. The song was called Wake Me Up When September Ends, a well known Greenday song. The lead's singer voice was very smooth and in perfect harmony to the song. The instruments in the song fit perfectly with his voice. Jo was swaying and singing softly a long, a smile lit on her face as she watched her brother proudly.
"Gabriella," Greg said.
Gabriella shifted her attention away from the stage and to her father, Judy and the Bolton's. "Hm?"
"Since you have nothing to do tomorrow, maybe you can spend some time with Jo and Troy. They're painting a room in the old orphanage down into town," Lucille said.
"There'll be other kids your age there, too," Judy put in. "It will be a great chance for you to meet new people."
"Oh..." Gabriella shrugged, paused, then nodded. "Sure. I'll do it."
"Great. Troy will pick you up at twelve and you can leave together," Lucille said.
BP
After compliments on the performance tonight, Greg, Judy, Jenny and Gabriella slipped into their car and drove off. Gabriella leaned her head against the window, sighing softly as she stared out into the starless night. She really missed home. She missed Kayla and all of her other friends. She missed her mom. She missed her room and her bed. She was homesick. But she had to stay strong.
"You okay back there, Gabi?" Judy asked, looking in the rear view mirror. Gabriella shook her head and lifted it off the glass. "Can...I actually do mind if you call me that."
Judy was taken back a bit, but nodded slowly. "Oh... okay. I'm...I'm sorry...Gabriella."
Gabriella sighed again and rested her head back on the window. "What's wrong with her calling you Gabi?" Greg asked, his eyebrows creased. "Your mom calls you that all the ti―"
"That's exactly why," Gabriella said. "She's not my mom. She'll never be my mom."
"Gabriella, I'm not trying to replace her―" Judy started, but Gabriella cut her off.
"Well, then why do I have to be here?"
Greg nearly groaned. "I wanted to spend time with you, Gabriella. And I wanted you to meet Judy. Get a relationship with her. I'm sorry, but whether you like it or not, she's your step-mother, and she will be for a very, very long time."
"She's not my mother."
"Gabriella - " His face was starting to turn red.
"Why did you leave?" she asked timidly.
"You already know the answer to it."
"You can't just spend all the years together - nearly two decades- and fall out of love!"
"Gabriella, we are not discussing this right now," Greg decided firmly.
"Fine." Gabriella lifted her hand to the handle on the door, waited until Greg stopped at a red light, then pushed out of the car. Behind her, she heard her father and Judy call after her, but she didn't turn around. She really didn't feel like dealing with them right now. Remembering him leaving her father made her emotions go haywire. So much for being strong.
As Gabriella roamed around, the thought about not knowing where the hell she was occured to her. Also, it occured to her that she was lost. Great.
Gabriella's phone rung. She pulled it from her pocket and let out an exasperated sigh when her father's name popped up. She really didn't want to answer it, but she didn't really want to stay lost, either, so...
"Hello?" she asked softly, sniffling for effect. She'd act. Kayla always said she was a good actress, anyway.
"Gabriella, where the hell are you?" he yelled and Gabriella winced. "It is ten at night!Do you know how idiotic it is to run off into the streets so some creep can snatch you?"
"I know, it's just...I can't...I just want it to be back to the way it was. As a whole family again," she admitted softly, her voice wavering. Now that wasn't fake, though the wavery voice was. She had long since shredded all of her tears. Apparently, Greg bought it and sighed. "I'm sorry. This isn't fair to you, but you have to understand. Now...oh, wait, stay where you are. I see you." Gabriella nodded. She ended the call and wiped away her fake tears. Greg pulled up onto the curb and Gabriella climbed inside of the car. She didn't look at neither or them, and they didn't say anything.
It was like that all night.
So, that's it.
Thanks!-Brittany
