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 - When you guys review, it make mes want to smile so big! Thanks for it! You guys are awesome, seriously. Just incase you were wondering, I based Jo's character off of a pretty little girl named Connie Talbot who sings extremely well. I recommend checking her videos out. I seriously do. Okay, well, onto the next chapter, finally. (:

READ: Oh, and to clear some things up, I do not intend to make this like the Last Song. I didn't even come up with this idea from it. Although I do like the movie. And, guys, I know a lot of you don't want Gabriella to forgive her father, but if you don't forgive people, you'll have that hatred stuck in your heart and you'll be carrying it around with you wherever you walk. If that makes any sense. I'm not saying that Gabriella will forgive her father and start liking Judy, but I'm not saying she won't, either. If she does, by any chance, it'll be towards the end. I know I might lose some readers putting this down, but that's the way I laid my story out.

Chapter Three

"Well, word got around that you kind of ran away for five minutes," Troy said when Gabriella got into his car.

"I figured as much," Gabriella said. Jo leaned forward from her seat in the back. "How come you did that?"

"I was mad," Gabriella replied. "Don't you get mad?"

"Yeah." Jo nodded slowly and paused. "But I don't run away."

"What do you do?" Gabriella asked, turning a bit to look at Jo.

Jo thought for a moment before saying, "I hide until someone finds me. Kind of like hide and go seek."

"I wanted to hide, too, I guess."

"You miss your home?" Jo asked softly.

"Hey, how about we listen to music," Troy quipped, halting the conversation. "What station, Jo?"

"Ninety-three point three!" Jo exclaimed. Troy switched to the station and on came Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes. Jo squealed excitedly and sang heatedly along while bouncing in her seat. Gabriella turned her head to glance at Troy to see he was singing along, too. Deciding not to be left out of the fun, she pitched in, too. Jo grinned. "Hey, Gabriella, have you heard the song Call Me Maybe? By Carly Rae Jepsen? It's really awesome. At my dance class tomorrow we'll dance to it. You can come if you'd like."

"Are you sure it's okay?"

"More than okay," Jo reassured her.

It took ten minutes to arrive at the orphanage. Gabriella blinked at the sight. It was run-down and had vines snaking all around the brick walls. A crooked sign read: Bell Top Orphanage for Girls.

The trio pushed out of the car and walked into the building. It looked a bit better inside, but not by much. "Troy! Jo!" a cheery woman exclaimed, looking up from a seat. She looked maybe fifty. Her hair was a rich brown color with a few strands of gray. Her blue, pale eyes were bright upon seeing the two, though it smoothed down into a curious look when she spotted Gabriella. A few seconds later, her face lifted again. "Ah. Greg Montez's daughter. My, you are much beautiful that what the description said." She stood and walked over. "My name's Amelia, the owner of this place. The girls are absolutely grateful that you guys are doing this."

Gabriella smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure to help. And it's nice to meet you."

Amelia smiled. "Such beautiful manners. Okay, come this way." Amelia turned and the three followed her to a room in the back. Boxes sat stacked on the floor and paint buckets were stacked neatly on top of them. A few kids were already there, looking at different variety of colors. "This will be the play room," Amelia explained. "We recently just got a generous donation of money and toys because the girls have nothing to play with. It's sweet." Amelia clapped her hands together and grinned. "Okay, well, I'll leave you three to get working. If you need anything, I'll be down the hall in the kitchen." She smiled at them once more before turning and exiting.

"Here," Troy said, throwing Gabriella an over-sized white shirt. "It'll keep your clothes from getting messy."

Gabriella pulled on the shirt and looked around. "So. Where do we start?"

"Anywhere," a voice quipped. Gabriella turned to see a girl, probably the same age as her, behind her. "I'm Devyn McAllister."

"Gabriella Montez."

"Everyone knows who you are," she said. "The mysterious daughter of Greg and Judy Montez." Gabriella cringed upon hearing Judy's last name as Montez. It used to be Nolon. "She's not my mother," Gabriella stated firmly. "My mom's in Florida."

Devyn grinned and her eyes cut towards Troy and Jo. "Hey, twins! How's it going?"

"Is Alicia here?" Jo asked, standing on the balls of her feet. Devyn tilted her head towards the corner. "Over there. She's in a pissy mood, so be careful, alright?" Jo nodded and skipped over to her friend. They immediately fell into a conversation. "And that leaves us three," Devyn said. She draped an arm around Gabriella and Troy. "By the end of the day, I swear, Gabi and me are going to be best friends." Devyn grinned and Gabriella rolled her eyes. But she may be right. Devyn seemed interesting.

"Is it really her?" someone gasped. A guy who was fairly cute, tan skin, green eyes, blond hair, stepped up from painting. "That's Mickey," Devyn explained. The guy pulled a face and shook his head. "Adam," he said, popping out his hand. "Adam Kelv. Don't listen to this shemale. She's about as dumb as paint, you know?" Gabriella smiled while Devyn raised a hand to smack his head.

"Mickey!"

"You're gonna give her a heart attack hounding her like this," Troy said.

"This is Crescent City's celebrity!" Adam exclaimed. "Of course we'll hound her. But it's more people to come, Gabs, so be careful."

"That's Taylor," Devyn explained, pointing to a pretty girl with smooth dark skin. "Sienna." Her finger switched over to a girl with long, wavy blond hair. "Sharpay, her twin. Or, well, triplet. They have a brother, too, Ryan. But's he's in Paris." Sharpay and Sienna looked exactly alike. It was most definitely creepy. "And, lastly, that's Connor." Gabriella's eyes switched over to the last guy and nearly lost her breath. He turned just as Devyn said his name and Gabriella was met with the most piercing blue eyes next to Troy's. His smooth black hair was wildly in his eyes and he was working without a shirt. It should be counted as inappropriate, but his definite muscles had thoughts about that running from her mind.

"Look, even Florida Girl over here is falling for Connor," Adam said, shaking his head. He leaned forward, voice low. "I'll warn you now. He's bad news, okay? He once went through five girlfriends in one day. One day."

"Not interested, anyway," Gabriella said, shaking her head. Connor stepped forward, wiping his hands and grinned. "Well, well, well," he said. "Gabriella Montez. I'm Connor Grogan." He put his hand out and Gabriella gave him a tight smile. She grabbed it. "Nice to meet you."

"So, let's start painting," Troy said, grabbing her shoulders and pulling her back. "And you need to throw a shirt on, Connor. My little sister is not going to be tainted by you." Troy hauled Gabriella over to a far wall and handed her a brush. "This one will be red," he said and Gabriella nodded. She dipped the thick brush in paint and layered the wall with its paint. "So, you've got a nice group of friends."

"Yeah. Connor isn't my friend, though. God, I hate him."

"How come?"

"What Adam said wasn't a lie," he said. "Connor really is a man-whore. He stole three of my girlfriends."

Gabriella winced. "Damn," she swore. "Three?"

"You need help?" Connor popped up behind Gabriella and she nearly jumped out of her skin. Troy glared at the boy, who grinned back at him. "Not really," Gabriella declined. "Plus, I have Troy."

Connor smirked and leaned against the wall. "Don't you want a man?"

"He's more of a man than you," Gabriella muttered under her breath. Connor frowned while Troy smugly grinned. Gabriella turned to Troy. "Do you want to go for ice cream with Jo after this?" Connor's frown deepened, not liking being rejected and ignored. Troy nodded. "Yeah. That'd be awesome."

"I'll be over there," Connor said. He pushed himself off the wall and trudged to the other side of the room. Troy chuckled. "That's a way to get rid of him."

"I'm not really looking for a guy anyway," Gabriella said, turning and getting back to work. Troy stood there for a moment before dipping his paint brush in the bucket. "Hey, Gabriella?" Gabriella turned and gasped as a cold, sloppy feeling rushed onto her face.

He had flicked paint on her.

"You bastard," Gabriella cursed, although she was giggling softly. She painted a smooth line across his cheek and giggled even more. "Oh, yeah?" Troy said, He pushed lightly on her shoulders, making her back up against the wall. Her eyes went wide and she glared at him before reaching up behind her to touch her hair, shirt and pants to feel the wet paint on them. "It's war, Troy," she said. She dipped her hands inside of the bucket, then flicked them, causing paint to spray.

Troy wiped his face, shook his hair out, and then pressed her up against the wall. "You messed up my hair."

"You messed up mine," Gabriella said back, her voice low as she stared up at him.

"Hey! No lip-locking in here! There are small children, you know." Troy backed up off of Gabriella and turned to see everyone staring at them. Devyn was grinning, holding a bucket of paint close to her.

BP

By three, the room was finished. Troy wanted Gabriella to come see the girls, so they didn't leave yet. Devyn, Adam, Taylor, Sharpay and Sienna, and, unfortunately Connor, tagged along as well. Jo stayed behind with a friend. Devyn had been right, too. Gabriella absolutely adored this girl. Especially after she shoved Connor's face in a paint bucket.

"Connor's trying to size up on your girl, Bolton," Devyn said to Troy, eyeing Connor as he attempted to make conversation with Gabriella. Troy shook his head. "She's not my girl."

"You want her to be?"

"Of course. I mean, do you see that ass?" Troy joked, grinning.

"I would if I were a lesbian," Devyn said. "You asked her on a date yet?"

"Yeah. Tonight." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "I'm going to take her to my house and cook something."

Devyn's eyebrow shot upwards. "You, Troy Bolton, can cook?"

"Not usually."

"Wow," Devyn mused, looking back at Gabriella. "You must really like this girl."

Troy sent her a look. "Don't act so surprised."

"Don't get so defensive, that wasn't a bust," Devyn said. "It's just…you're interested in her."

"I'm sure most people here are, too," Troy replied. "Most definitely Connor."

"Ah, see, you're jealous," Devyn said, grinning.

"Okay, we're done," Troy decided, shaking his head. He looked over at Gabriella and Connor and frowned when he saw Connor slip his arm around her shoulders. Gabriella tensed and edged away a bit, to make into seem so obvious, but also trying to give him a hint. When he didn't take it, she laughed lightly at one of his jokes and shrugged his arm off. Behind them. Troy couldn't help but smirk.

"So," Connor said. "Doing anything tomorrow?"

"Are you doing anything tomorrow?" Gabriella asked back, putting emphasis on the word doing. Devyn and Adam shared a laugh while Connor raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that I'm not going to be one of your fuck toys, Connor," Gabriella explained.

"You know, I think I like her," Taylor spoke, making the few laugh. Connor's face went red at what Gabriella said and he cleared his throat, composing himself. "Well, why not something more?"

"Thanks, but no thanks," she said. Fed up with him, she walked back to Devyn and Troy. Connor sighed and busied himself with his phone. "How many girls are there?" Gabriella asked.

"About thirty," Troy answered. "They're fun. Jo likes to come here and play with them." They finished their journey with light chat, and stopped when they came up to an open door, leading into a room full of energized girls. They were eating snacks, which varied from pretzels to bowls of fruit. Troy cleared his throat, and Amelia, along with a few girls, looked up. Amelia strode over to them grinning. "How was it?"

"Exceptionally well," Troy said. "I think we did a pretty good job."

"Well, that's good. What about you, Gabriella? Did you like it?"

"Yeah," Gabriella said, nodding. And she really did like it. Amelia grinned. "That's great. Well, I hope to see you soon, but I have to go make dinner. We'll be eating big tonight." Gabriella smiled as she walked off.

"We're going to go now," Sharpay said, meaning her and Sienna. The group nodded and said their farewells before they all exited. Jo was outside, leaning against Troy's car, cell phone in hand as she texted rapidly. Gabriella grinned. "Is that a boy?' she teased. Jo's eyes widened. She quickly turned her phone off and shoved it into her pocket. "Boy? What are you talking about? I wasn't texting a boy! As if. Psh, yeah right." She waved her hand and Troy stopped, looking at her suspiciously. Gabriella giggled and tugged on his arm. "Let it go. She's capable of having a boyfriend."

"She's in fifth grade!" Troy argued. He turned to Jo. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"No," she said. "I don't. And Gabs is right, even if I did, I am capable of having a boyfriend."

"Troy, you're horrible," Devyn said. "We're leaving now. Have fun getting ice cream." She smiled at Gabriella. "It was nice meeting you, Gabriella. Bye."

"See you, Dev." Jo climbed in the back, her legs drawled up as she started texting again. Gabriella sta in the passenger side and once she was settled, Troy drove off. "So, what's your favorite flavor?" he asked casually. Gabriella bit the inside of her cheek, thinking. "Huh. Well, I don't know. I hate chocolate. It makes my stomach feel horrible. But…I like strawberry."

"Chocolate is like the best flavor," Troy argued. "How can't you like it?"

"I just don't." He pulled up at the park. It was packed with kids, teens and adults playing, sitting and talking. Jo put her phone away and they all slid out of the car. The line was fairly short for a day like this. Troy grabbed Gabriella's hand, pulling her close to him. Gabriella tensed and sent him a confused look. He just grinned down at her. "Can I sit in the car?" Jo asked. "I'm not really in the mood for ice cream."

"You sure?" Troy asked. "You're a sucker for vanilla."

"Positive." Before he could say anything else, she took his keys and ran over to the car, slipping in, Gabriella giggled and shook her head. "I'm telling you, she has a boyfriend."

"She better not. Ten years old or not, I'll bash his head open."

"Shut up," Gabriella scolded. "Just let her be. Let her live. How would you feel if you were in her position?"

"I don't think you know how creepy that sounded," he said. Gabriella smiled. "So, where are we going for our date tonight?"

"If you're on Jo's side, I'm not taking you anywhere," Troy declared. Gabriella's smile widened. "Alright, then. I'll just ask Connor. I'm sure what we'll do will be…exciting. I would definitely come." Troy breathed deeply at the word come. It obviously was supposed to have two meanings, or at least a different one. "Don't kill me," he pleaded. "I was just kidding, Gabs. You think I'd give up an opportunity to see you dress up all sexy?"

"You're so full of yourself," Gabriella accused, moving forward as the line inched up. Troy gave her a cheeky smile. "I'm surprised you're figuring that out just now."

"Oh, don't worry. I figured it out a long time ago. But seriously, where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," he answered.

"Oh, come on. Please tell me? I hate surprises."

"I happen to like them." He grinned teasingly at her and she stuck out her tongue, causing him to laugh. They moved forward so they were now first in line. The guy there, with long dreads and dark tan skin, grinned. "Hey, Troy! How's it going?"

"Emmet, it's good to see you, man." Troy grinned and motioned down to Gabriella. "This is―"

"Gabriella Montez, I know," Emmet said. "She's all everyone talks about. You know you're a celebrity, right?"

"Unfortunately so," she replied. "Looks like it's time to bring out the scandalous pictures."

Emmet laughed. "She's a funny one, Troy. So what can I get you two?"

"Strawberry?" Troy checked. Gabriella nodded. "Okay. One strawberry and one chocolate."

"Not a chocolate person?" Emmet asked Gabriella, turning beside him and filling two cones. Gabriella shook her head. 'Nah, it makes my stomach queasy."

"You know what makes me queasy?' Troy asked. "Your face."

"Aw, that's strange. I remember you calling me sexy on numerous occasions."

"I lie a lot."

"And here I thought you were Catholic."

"You actually thought wrong," he said. "I'm Lutheran."

"Lutheran?"

"Yeah. You know, Martin Luther."

"King?"

"No, just Martin Luther. Look it up."

"Here ya go." Emmet held out the cones and Troy took them, also slapping down two dollars. "Thanks. Bye, Emmet."

"Bye, Troy, Bye, Celebrity."

Gabriella smiled. "Bye, Emmet."

The two turned and headed off towards the car to check on Jo. Troy unlocked the door and started to tease her for something stupid, but stopped short upon seeing her red cheeks, blotchy eyes and tears falling down her cheeks. Gabriella gasped, crawling besides Jo. "What happened, Jo?"

"You won't understand," she said, pushing away.

"Jo, what happened?" Troy asked.

"You won't understand either." She wiped her nose and sniffled. Troy narrowed his eyes. "Come on, don't give me that BS. What happened? Tell me."

"Can… can I talk to Gabi about it first?" she asked timidly. Gabriella was touched, but looked up at Troy for him to confirm. He did, although reluctantly. "Yeah, go ahead." His eyes locked with Gabriella's, silently telling her to pass on the information if Jo didn't. Gabriella gave him a slight nod before he backed out of the car, shutting the door. Gabriella turned to Jo, taking her hands. "Hey, babe. Tell me what happened."

"It's… it's my boyfriend… or, well, ex-boyfriend," she mumbled. Gabriella's eyes widened. Jo had a boyfriend? Or ex-boyfriend, per say? Jo nodded, as if she read her mind. "Yeah. His name is Jake Stevens. He's really cute. A few weeks ago, he asked me out and I said yes. But then… then he just texted me saying that he found another girl, one of my best friends, and that we were through." Jo's eyes started to tear up again. "That isn't fair, is it?"

"No, it isn't," Gabriella said. Truthfully, this was kind of amusing. Jo was only ten and it was crazy that she was already going through stuff like this. But, all of that aside, Gabriella pulled her into a reassuring hug, pressing her chin against the top of her head. "It'll be fine. You'll find a better guy, one who's nicer and hotter."

Jo giggled. "You don't think I'm being ridiculous, do you?"

"No. But do you know what I think?"

"What?"

"I think that you're now officially a woman," Gabriella said. "You've had a boyfriend, now all you need to do is go through puberty and grow some boobs."

Jo laughed. "Yeah, I hope… and I want to grow an ass, too. Troy always stares at yours."

"Jo!" Gabriella exclaimed, although she was laughing. Jo sighed. "You're like the sister I've never had, you know? I'm glad you came, Gabriella."

And despite how much she disliked her father right now, Gabriella was glad she had come, too.

Like it? Hate it? I think it's in between. Review!

OH! AND DON'T FORGET THE POLL! ONLY A FEW PEOPLE VOTED! THE STORY SUMMARIES ARE HIDDEN SOMEWHERE IN MY PROFILE. IN THE MIDDLE, I THINK.

Thanks!-Brittany