On Monday morning, when Gabriella got to school, she saw Troy and smiled. Troy was goofing around with Chad, Jason and Zeke. He seemed happier than usual. She saw him fall back on to the grass.
Chad tossed his basketball to Troy who had his eyes closed. Annoyed, Troy looked up and saw Gabriella walking towards him. His annoyance disappeared as soon as it had come when he saw Gabriella.
"Dude, you never did tell us what happened when you ran after her," Jason said.
Troy ignored him. He jumped up to his feet and strode towards Gabriella. He had never wanted to kiss Rachel so badly, but, with Gabriella it was different. He could not wait to touch her lips with his own.
"Hey, gorgeous," Troy smiled, as soon as he got to her.
Then, he kissed her…in front of the entire student body of East High School, but, he did not care, after all, this was the girl that he had fallen in love with. Surprised, but happy, Gabriella let herself enjoy the kiss before they broke apart for air. The guys whistled while the girls watched – some were jealous, some were happy, but, one girl who went by the name of Rachel Stevens was furious.
"Hi, Troy," Gabriella smiled.
"Can I walk you to class?" Troy asked Gabriella.
"Sure," Gabriella answered.
Together, they entered the school, hand-in-hand. Troy carried Gabriella's books. He was feeling happier than he had ever felt in his entire life.
"So, Gabi, you want to hang out after school today?" Troy asked.
"I'm sorry, Troy," Gabriella said. "I can't. I want to, but, I just can't. I'm busy."
"Oh, well, how about tomorrow?" Troy asked.
"Look, Troy, I want to hang out with you, okay? But, I just can't," Gabriella said. "My life isn't like yours. It's a lot different. You won't understand."
"Why don't you help me understand it?" Troy asked, desperately. He liked this girl a lot and he did not want to lose her. "Please. Gabriella."
"Okay," Gabriella said after a while. "Go to Jennifer's coffee shop today after school and you'll understand. At least, I hope you will."
"Okay," Troy said. "I might be late, because, I've got basketball practice today after school. But, I'll be there."
"Okay," Gabriella shrugged. "See you later, Troy."
Troy gave her a kiss before she hurried to class.
That afternoon, after basketball practice, Troy hurried to Jennifer's coffee shop. He went inside and scanned the tables for Gabriella. He could not see her anywhere. He turned to leave, but, stopped and spun around, when he heard a familiar voice.
"Anna, orders up," Gabriella called from behind the counter.
Troy watched as Gabriella set a coffee drink on the counter. Another waitress came and grabbed it, just before Gabriella set another drink on the table. He watched her make drink after drink.
Suddenly, a middle-aged women, walked up to Gabriella. Troy knew that she was Jennifer – the coffee shop's owner.
'Gabriella, why don't you take a break?" Jennifer asked. "Besides, Ava is crying for you."
"Okay," Gabriella pulled off her apron. "Thanks, Jennifer."
Seconds later, Gabriella emerged from behind the counter with a small baby girl in her arms. She spotted Troy, who was still standing by the door and smiled.
"Hi, Troy," Gabriella said, walking towards Troy.
"Hey, Gabi," Troy said, slowly. "Is this Ava?"
"Yeah," Gabriella answered.
"Can I hold her?" Troy asked. He took Ava in his arms and smiled down at her. The little girl giggled when Troy tickled her stomach. Almost immediately, Troy wished that Ava was his daughter. "She's beautiful."
"Thanks," Gabriella smiled. "Now, do you understand why I can't hang out with you?"
"Yeah, but, surely you don't have to work everyday, do you?" Troy asked.
"I'm sorry, Troy, but, I need the money," Gabriella sighed. "I'd like to explain to you, but, right now, I have to get back to work."
Jennifer overheard Gabriella and sighed. For such a nice girl, the life she was living was not fair for her.
"Gabi, why don't you go out with your friend today?" Jennifer asked walking towards Gabriella, Troy and Ava.
"Really?" Gabriella asked, overjoyed. "Thanks, Jen."
"You're welcome," Jennifer smiled. "Now, go!"
"So, you want to go for a walk?" Troy asked Gabriella.
"Yeah," Gabriella replied. "I'll be right back." Gabriella started to walk away.
"Mama," Ava cried, when she saw Gabriella walk away.
