Disclaimer: This story is intended for entertainment purposes. No money or sexual favors have been exchanged. Copyright Infringement is in no way intended.
For her he could be brave. For her he would be courageous. For him she was worth risking anything and everything. The very first moment he had laid eyes on her he was smitten. Unlike the other girls in high school, she was sweet, and helpful, and innocent. She always saw the best in every person. Some would even call it naivety, but he would call it beautiful. In all of his wildest dreams he had never imagined for himself a woman as sweet, kind, or beautiful as her. And his whole heart was invested. So, if they had to run, they would. Of course, that did not mean he was completely sure of every move they would make. It scared him to think of where this journey could lead. He just could not allow his parents or her mother to pry apart what they clearly failed to understand. The bond between the two love crossed teenagers was as vital to the pair as breathing. If asked to choose between their families, they would choose each other every time. No matter the struggle. No matter the cost. In her presence his resolve was more sound. He was accosted with the beating of his own heart in his ears. Beneath the dull lights of the spacious kitchen though, he could hear the throbbing beneath his thin shirt. The next few days would be crucial for them and their future. Maybe, more so for him. Gabriella was well versed in law despite being at least a decade shy of actual credentials, but she knew enough to warn him of the consequences. He would hope that before any drastic measures were taken by Gabriella's mother, she would listen. If his imaginary future child decided to run away from me he was certain that his ears would hear her heart. The possibilities were endless in either direction. Opening the refrigerator, he allowed the cool breeze to slow his thoughts of panic. Whatever came they had tonight to rest. Hearing the water beginning to hit the bottom of the shower, Troy, refocused on the task at hand. Relaxing Gabriella. This would be the first full night the two were spending alone together in a home, though temporary, of their own. Who knows if the future held a permanent home complete with showers and bedrooms and memories for them anymore. At least tonight he could make her smile. He smiled a bit at his next thought. Sharpay. Though they started out in a strange unrequited love situation, she eventually opened up to Gabriella. And like every person Gabriella came into contact with, she was mystified. It was hard to push aside the warmth Gabi radiated day in and day out. Sharpay along with Taylor was now apart of their inner circle. Sharpay just needed someone who understood her over the top personality and the girls were a good fit. They had all become so close that Troy was almost dismissive of the careful thought Sharpay out into their hide out. He noticed immediately upon opening the chill box that many of Gabriella's favorite foods lay in wait. One Margarita pizza, a bottle of sparkling grape juice, and for dessert, chocolate covered strawberries. Other items lined the shelves, but Troy could almost see the effort put in by Sharpay and he was thankful. They needed a little rest. Hugs and Kisses, too.
Turning on the golden facet in the copper tub in the center of the room, Gabriella allowed the steam to build up in the spacious restroom. It helped to fill the silence. Without Troy there to jump in and immediately soothe her thoughts she had to abate her own thoughts. Watching the steam grow into a thick cloud and seep into the corners and crevices made her feel like she was in control of something. Taking a deep breathe and slowly releasing it, Gabriella looked around at the dozens of bottles and trinkets laying around the luxurious bathroom. Sharpay. It made her chuckle. There were so many different perfumes and face creams. Gabriella could hardly imagine needing so many products to establish natural beauty. Overkill was Sharpay's thing though. A little too much pink, a little too much perfume, and a little overindulgent. It was her though. Sharpay was always herself. No matter the situation. No matter the people around. You knew what you were getting. Gabriella could not say the same for herself. At least not around her mother. Lately, more than ever she felt split right down the middle. There was her mothers version that was not entirely false, but certainly not human. Too pure and wholesome and studious. Maria would lose her mind if she had to come to terms with the reality of her daughter becoming a woman. A woman who was capable of being intelligent and enjoying the benefits of being in love. If it were up to Ms. Montez, Gabriella would be locked in a library all day and night, never grow up, and never know that men existed. Especially, if that man was Troy. It was horrible to think that Troy would never be welcome into her family. She almost began to cry again, but her eyes were too dry. She slipped into the bath stopping when her head was submerged beneath the water and holding her breath for a few seconds; a technique she began in childhood when she needed a break from a big test. She resurfaced and repeated several times before beginning the process of cleansing herself from the past days worries. Tonight she had her time with Troy. Her first time having a real overnight with her boyfriend. No parents to interfere. No friends to run interference. No reason to ruin the night with worry. It was done. Their decision was made. Everyone was going to be affected. Tonight, she and Troy controlled themselves, their actions, and their lives. Gabriella released the plug in the tub and grabbed a perfumed towel. "Sharpay," she thought. At least she would not have to sort through the bottles scattered around the room. A terry cloth robe hung on the hook next to the door. Gabriella grabbed it off and draped it over herself. If they were going to have a good night, there was no need to sort through suitable pajamas. The though made her giddy. It could be a sort of surprise for her basketball shorts adorning boyfriend. Thinking of the word "surprise," Gabriella remembered Troy's invitation to join him downstairs. She headed out of the bathroom and down stairs. Music was playing.
Of course a house of the Evans' would be equipped with multiple shower rooms. When his surprise was all setup and he could still hear her splashing around upstairs, he took the opportunity to step inside and freshen up. He wanted everything to be perfect for their first night as makeshift adults. The small room Troy stood in was definitely for the men. Deep blue in color and accented with framed sailboats, it contained razors, and cologne, and dirty magazines. They had to belong to Sharpay's father. There was no way Ryan Evans owned them and he had yet to grow a beard. Taking stock of what he needed Troy had given himself a grooming session cleansing the razor with care too afraid that its usage would be noticed by its owner when he came to visit. It was interesting standing in a room owned by Mr. Evans considering the rich investor was in the midst of the crush that Sharpay used to have on Troy. He had arranged several meetings for Troy to attend basketball camps and dinner consults with top coaches of great colleges after his daughter convinced him to do so. This felt like an invasion since he would have to know now that Troy turned his daughter down in favor of the self proclaimed nerd of the school. A beautiful, smarter than life, perfect coif brunette who had captured his whole heart. His heart thumped loudly. The water upstairs stopped. He could hear her fiddling around opening drawers and moving about. He bent over and picked up a pair of briefs debating whether to put a shirt on. Tonight would be a night for just the two of them. Why not be comfortable? Even the thought slipping in made him feel sneaky. Spotting a robe hanging above the towel rack, Troy slipped it on. Slightly more appropriate. Footsteps called from the staircase. "Finally," he sighed. Troy twisted the knob and walked out of the restroom quickly hoping to catch her face and she walked into the living room.
Candles. Everywhere. Arranged beautifully around the room resembling the shape of a heart. "Where had Troy found so many cadle holders," she thought nearly falling over in astonishment. On the table a delicious feast lay spread reminding her that she had not enjoyed a full meal recently. A pizza topped with olives, tomatoes, and various cheeses sat beside a bowl of strawberries atop a bed of whipped cream. It was simple, but so welcome. He knew her well. She was sure he'd asked Sharpay for these items specifically as it appeared to be the exact brand of food from Troy and Gabriella's first date. She was so stunned she almost missed the guitar in front of the lit fireplace. He had been practicing day and night to improve his playing. "Was he going to play tonight," she exclaimed silently.
"Would you like to hear a song," Troy breathed out taking in the sight of his stunned girlfriend in her almost too big robe.
She never heard him come up behind her. "Yes," she answered excitedly turning to face her boyfriend bare chested with a set of briefs on and a robe hanging open on his toned shoulders.
"Good," he whispered as he leaned in to kiss her. "Your table is right this way." She blushed and averted her eyes from the from the spot on his chest that left her in a trance.
Troy guided her onto the pillows next to the table and walked around to the guitar, picking it up and discarding the robe before saying, "I Love You. Enjoy."