Ok this chapter is much longer. It's the flashback chapter where it explains almost everything that happened leading up to where everyone is now. So, hope this fills in some of the blanks in the story. More to come soon!

High School – Senior Year

Maybe that's when it all started. When things started heating up between the two. Nothing happened to cause them to break up in the middle of the year. As far as they both knew, they had no secrets. There were no scandals, no pregnancies, no love making. It was all kept clean and simple, a slow and steady relationship as they had both agreed on. And for most of senior year, things were going great. But in reality, not all relationship in high school last forever.

It was a typical Friday afternoon. Chad had just gotten out of basketball practice and could already feel a smile creeping on his face as he saw his girlfriend waiting for him by his locker. Man, she was looking so fine. Ok, so maybe Chad was crazy about Taylor. But he'd let his expressions speak for themselves. "Hey Tay." He greeted with a smile as he walked over to her. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting." H snuck a peck on her cheek.

Taylor giggled slightly as she returned the action. "Well you just happen to be in luck. I have one take home test to prepare for finals over the weekend so I happen to be free longer than I thought."

"So I can take you out to dinner tonight and keep you out past curfew?" he teased.

Taylor playfully rolled her eyes. "Don't get too cocky, basketball man. You know you're still on thin ice with my mother."

Way to bring him down. Taylor's mother had never really approved of Chad, from the time Chad and Taylor were ten to that very day. He could still remember not being allowed in the house for Taylor's tenth birthday party; her mother had to knock the message into him by practically chasing him out with a mop. Chad still new to joke about it from time to time, but for Taylor it was just plain embarrassing. Really, having her mother shoo out a classmate with a mop?

"Well, no worries about tonight then." Chad shrugged. "How about tomorrow then? We can go to the beach. Swimming, eating…"

"Pushing you in the water?" Taylor finished with a smirk.

Chad chuckled. "Yeah, that too."

"Then I'm in." she agreed. She began walking ahead of Chad, though had her hand swinging behind her temptingly. It was almost as if she were saying, 'come on, you know you want to grab my hand'. And that's exactly what Chad did. He held her hand in his and walked beside her out to his car. Even if high school was coming to an end soon, even at the time everything seemed so much more simple. Well, so much for simple.

The next night Chad had taken Taylor to the beach as they both agreed. It was a warm night with a slight, gentle breeze, and the moon was already rising into the sky. As they set everything up on the sand, a blanket with a couple of towels and a few snacks, both teens began pulling off their clothes to reveal their swimsuits. Chad only pulled off his t-shirt, as his trunks were already on. And all he had to do was kick off his sandals. He turned to look at Taylor and could see her slowly pulling off her shirt and revealing the top half of a red swimsuit, perfectly fitting her figure. And as she pulled off her shorts, her legs looked longer than ever. You could say Chad was infatuated

But nothing got by Taylor too easily. She smirked as she turned around to Chad, tossing her clothes to the side. "Looking at something?"

Chad chuckled and shook his head, his eyes moving up her body. "Just preparing to give you a push of your lifetime."

"In your dreams." She giggled. "You know you're always the first one to fall in the water."

"Oh yeah? Wanna bet?" Chad challenged.

"Bring it." Taylor agreed.

Both started laughing as Chad chased Taylor into the water. As much as he tried tackling her under, she always found a way to dodge his antics. Half of the time, Chad caught his balance and avoided falling in, but the rest of the time he was stuck pushing himself back up out of the shallow end with his hands. It finally got to the point where he tripped and fell in with a splash. Taylor had stopped running and laughed at Chad. She couldn't help it; even if he didn't mean to make her laugh he always just found a way to do it. Chad smirked and grabbed Taylor by the wrist, pulling her in on top of her. She gasped, but resorted back to laughing anyway. And for a while it was just the two of them in the ocean, spinning each other around. And as they slowly calmed down, Chad wrapped his arms around Taylor and she rested her head on his shoulders. All Chad could do was think about his mixed feelings. School was going to end soon, and he and Taylor were going to completely different colleges, him at home and her away. Part of him wanted to stay with her, but it conflicted with the common sense saying that it might be impossible. So for a while both were quiet. That is, until Chad broke the silence.

"Hey Tay?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah?" Taylor asked, her voice as soft as his.

"Do you love me?" Chad asked.

At that instant, her head jerked off of his shoulder and she stared at him. "Come again?" Taylor wanted to make sure she had heard him right.

"Do you love me?" he repeated.

Taylor shook her head in disbelief. "Why are you asking?

Chad sighed. "Because we're almost ready for college. And I don't know if we should stay together or not. So that's why I wanna know." He explained. "I mean, if we stay together somehow maybe we can work it out. But if we don't…you know, feel that way about each other, then why should we do anything?"

Believe it or not, Taylor understood completely where he was coming from. She had the same conflict in her head once in a while as well. She had debated her feelings for Chad and if they should stay a couple through college or not. She was trying to be realistic; if she was learning political science and taking a part in the student government at Yale then how could she and Chad be together if he was at home spending most of his time practicing or playing basketball? But she was also trying to be realistic about her feelings. She liked Chad. A lot. She knew it from their first date. But was she ready…?

Chad just stared at her, able to tell that she was deep in thought. Had he said the wrong thing? Did he ask at the wrong time? He was only thinking of them. "Tay?"

Taylor allowed herself to look at him. "Chad," she started, "you know I like you. A lot. You always show me a good time and even though we're complete opposites, you just act like we fit together perfectly. But…I'm just not sure if I'm ready to say 'I love you'. You're my first boyfriend. So how can I really know what love is?"

Chad sighed with relief. "I'm really glad to hear you say that." He saw the look on her face. One that read disappointment and that could strike guilt into someone's soul. "No, I don't mean like that." He said quickly. With Taylor giving him the chance to explain he continued. "I've been thinking about this for weeks. And I had no idea what to do. And I didn't wanna say anything if you didn't feel the same way. I mean, I've never really dated anyone before you either. And I know I like you and being with you."

Taylor nodded, in complete understanding. "so does that mean…?"

"Can we pleast wait until the date's over?" Chad asked. "I don't wanna end it like that. Not out here."

Taylor smiled warmly and agreed. "You're a lot smarter than I give you credit for sometimes, Danforth." She teased. "I knew I liked you for a reason."

Chad smiled back and pulled her in closer. "I'm full of surprises." He played along. "So that's why I'm gonna make this date the best one we've ever had. Even if it's our last." And with that said, he pulled Taylor in for a warm kiss. His wet hair fell on top of her head and his arms went around her, holding her tight. She returned the action just the same and not giving any less, with her arms grasped around his neck.

After College – Four Years Later

It had started out as a simple double date. Troy and Gabriella were going out and they wanted to take Taylor and Chad with them. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just spend a date together with their best friends and have everyone catch up. The restaurant was a regular one, and the girls were sitting across from the boys. Troy and Gabriella were doing most of the talking to each other, but Chad and Taylor hadn't said much to each other. Not that they weren't on speaking terms, but so much was going through both of their minds.

With Chad sitting across from Taylor it was hard for him not to look at her. She looked like she'd gotten a little taller. And her hair looked a little longer but it was just as straight as the last time he saw her. But her eyes were as big and brown as ever. That's what kept Chad on her. And every time she looked back at him, Chad hid his face in a menu from embarrassment.

Taylor would only giggle under her breath. Even from the quick glimpses she saw of Chad she could tell so much about him. He had been working out; she could see the strong muscles in his arms. And his hair was just as curly and bushy…man, how she thought about touching it once again. And even though her eyes locked with his for less than a millisecond, they were just so breathtaking.

Once in a while they said a few things to each other, and there would be four-way conversations between the group. But for the majority of the night Troy and Gabriella did most of the talking. And by the night's end Troy and Gabriella left for home together. Troy offered to drive her home and as soon as she accepted, both turned to a shocked Taylor and Chad. "You guys don't mind going home together right?" Troy asked. Without giving them a chance to answer, he just added a quick "great" and bid them farewell, leaving with Gabriella. Chad and Taylor exchanged glances and then quickly looked away from each other. The ride home for both of them started out quite awkward. It wasn't until Chad turned on the radio that they both felt more comfortable. A familiar song came on and it started out with Chad just humming the words. Taylor jumped in shortly after singing along, and then Chad joined his and her voices together. That went on for a good five minutes until the song came to an end and Chad turned off the radio, laughing along with Taylor.

"Man it's been ages since I heard that song." He laughed.

"I know. Every time I sang along to the radio in the car, my friends would look at me like I had two heads." Taylor agreed.

"Wow, friends who are more serious than you? I never thought I'd see the day." Chad joked.

Taylor playfully rolled her eyes. Yes, her friends from college were actually much more serious than she was, but when it came to things such as wild college parties, that's when they got worse than her.

After talking for a few more minutes, Taylor instructed Chad on how to get to her apartment. She explained to him that it was a temporary living arrangement, just until she earned a job at home and could afford a better place. Chad teased and said how it was better than him, still living at home with his dad and siblings.

When Chad finally parked the car in the parking lot, Taylor flashed him a smile. "Thanks for the ride."

"Hey, any time." Chad grinned with a shrug.

Taylor started exiting the car, and then quickly glanced back at Chad. For some reason, she wasn't ready to leave him yet. "Do you want to walk me up to my room?" she wondered.

Chad paused for a minute. He couldn't believe his luck. The amazing girl that he broke it off with in high school and that he was just joking around with and practically crushing on was going to let him spend five extra minutes with her? For a moment he was thinking that someone would pinch him and wake him up from the dream. But it wasn't one. "Yeah." He agreed with a wide smile. "It sounds great."

Taylor led Chad up to the floor where her room was, and made sure to take a little longer than usual to pull out her room key. She didn't know what it was, but she wasn't ready to let Chad go home yet. Something inside of her was just saying, "Don't let him leave yet. Let him stay longer."

Chad could only smile as he watched Taylor go through her purse so carefully. Man how she looked cute. He couldn't even remember why they broke up. All he could think about was wrapping him arms around her and not letting her go. But his thoughts were interrupted as he saw her open the door. "So, I guess I'll see you around then…" he nodded as he saw Taylor step into the room.

Taylor thought there was a scent of disappointment in his voice. And she still wasn't ready to watch him leave. "Actually," she stopped him from walking away, "would you like to come in?"

Chad spun back around to her and nodded. "Yeah. That'd be great." He agreed. Taylor opened the door a little more so Chad could walk in, and then closed it behind her. It was a simple one bedroom apartment, but everything was so neat and organized. It seemed so much bigger than it really was. "Wow, it is really nice in here." He observed.

"Thank you." Taylor replied as she began slipping off her jacket.

"Here, let me get that for you." Chad said quickly. He slowly pulled off her jacket and hung it up on the nearby coat rack.

"Now what has gotten into you tonight?" she inquired curiously, almost with a smirk as she turned to face Chad again.

"Now wouldn't you like to know?" Chad teased. He took a step closer, and Taylor teased him by taking a step back. Chad smiled and shook his head. "Oh no, you are not getting away from me."

"Try me." Taylor challenged. She started running and Chad followed close behind her. They were both laughing like it was a game, but deep down they knew that it wasn't. Taylor had stopped running as she leaned her back against one of the walls, right near a window with a great view of the city, just to catch her breath. The second she opened her eyes, she could see Chad still running towards her. Before she knew it, his arms were around her waist and his lips on hers. Less than a second later, she deepened the kiss between them and wrapped his arms around his neck. She could feel her feet leaving the ground as Chad lifted her just a little. She only wished it could be higher, so her forehead could rest against his and that he could hold her tighter so she wouldn't fall. But this…this is what she was missing for the past four years. She just couldn't believe it. And all Chad could do was refuse to let her go, and slowly put her down and pull away as they both became short of air. He rested his forehead against hers and they breathed heavily on each other, not looking away from each other.

As soon as Taylor caught her breath, she managed to get out the words that she wanted to say all night, "Would you like to stay over?"

One Year Later

"I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Troy Bolton."

The crowd cheered and Troy and Gabriella shared a passionate kiss. And instead of rushing right off to their honeymoon, Troy and Gabriella invited all their friends to a party. Yes, an after-party to their own wedding with their closest friends and family. It was a small garden party, but everyone was having the time of their life. There were flowers everywhere, and the garden itself was like a maze of flowers around the area, but the party remained in the same place. Rounded lacey tables and a large long one fill with food. Troy and Gabriella had only temporarily gone their separate ways to be congratulated by their closest friends and family. And it wasn't long before Troy and run into Chad.

"Hey way to go man!" Chad cheered, slapping Troy on the back. "How does it feel to be officially spoken for?"

"You have no idea." Troy chuckled. He put an arm around Chad, like one of their manly brother-like hugs. "Thanks for being the best man."

"Hey, anything for you." Chad replied. "How could I say no? Besides, someone had to stay by your side at the alter while you twitched your thumbs and looking all around the room hopelessly thinking, 'Oh no what if Gabriella doesn't come? What if we're not ready for this?'"

Troy only laughed at his friend's antics. "Hey I wasn't that worried.' He replied. He looked over to the other side of the party where he saw Gabriella with the girls. He eyed Chad, seeing it was the perfect time to tease him. "So what are you gonna ask her?"

"Ask who what?" Chad asked innocently.

Troy nudged Chad. He pointed to the group of girls where Gabriella and Taylor were at. "Ask Taylor." He replied. "As in, plop the question."

"Soon." Chad answered.

"When? Like tonight?" Troy asked.

"Sooner than that." Chad replied.

"When?" Troy asked.

"Just soon, ok?" Chad insisted. Troy was starting to make him nervous. It was just like high school where he and Taylor had gone a year with their relationship. Sure they had their typical arguments and breakups, but they both knew the breakup would never be for good. A day or less after a fight they'd be in each others' arms again. But this time Chad wasn't going to end it. He was ready. He paused for a minute and took a deep breath, then walked over to Taylor. He cleared his throat and tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Of course." Taylor nodded. She let him take her hand and lead her away from the group. They entered the garden, walking away from the party. "Where are we going?" she wondered.

"Just a little further." Chad promised. He didn't want the whole party knowing what was going on. What was wrong with surprising them? And what better time to plop the question than now? They'd never be in a beautiful garden like this again. And even if they were, it wasn't like it'd be the next day. Once Chad figured they were far enough away from the group, he turned around to Taylor.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Taylor wondered.

Chad could almost feel sweat forming on his forehead. Was he ready? Was she ready? No. He wasn't going to question himself now. Not when everything was all set up. "Actually, I need to ask you something." He replied. "And it's really, really important."

"Ask away." Taylor replied. She knew that sometimes Chad could let his nerves get the better of him, but she had no idea what he had in store for her this time. As far as she knew, it was just a boyfriend asking his girlfriend a simple everyday question that happened to make him nervous.

"We've known each other for a really long time." Chad started. "Practically since elementary school. And I know we never really had anything to do with each other until high school, but I wanted you to know that back then, when we dated, that was one of the best times of my life. And you were the best thing that ever happened to me. You're pretty, smart, fun, sweet..." Thuogh she seemed taken back and speechless, Chad didn't once take his eyes off of her. "...and I was lucky enough just to date you back then. And I'm even luckier now to be back together with you. But what would make me the luckiest guy on the planet, maybe even in New Mexico, is if we could be something more." Chad held onto one of her hands and knelt down, looking up at her as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small case. "So that's why I wanna know if you'll marry me."

Taylor had no idea what to say. Her heart skipped a beat and she covered her mouth with her hand. Chad was really asking her? She just couldn't believe it. She could feel her eyes watering, but it was ntohing more than happiness. "Luck has nothing to do with it Chad." she finally spoke, though she was trying to ignore the lump in her throat. But she knew what he was trying to say. "...But how could I say no?"

Chad's eyes brightened as he slowly stood up, revealing the ring in the case. "So that's a...?"

"Yes!" Taylor smiled.

Chad smiled back. While the moment was free, he slipped the ring o her finger. They looked at each other and then pulled together close in a tight hug. Chad spun Taylor around off her feet and planted a kiss on her, which she returned. Though it felt like it lasted forever, they both had to pull away so they could look in each others' eyes and say what they both wanted to for so long, "I love you."

Aw, what a happy sappy-like ending to the chapter. Well, I can joke about my own stories can't I? Well, that's what I'm doing right now. Don't think this is the end of the flashbacks, because it's going to be continued into the next chapter. What do you think so far? Do I need to add in anything special? More sappy scenes? A special T&G scene? Feel free to say, cause anything can happen when the flashbacks are finished.