A/N I DON'T OWN ANYTHING!

Troy looked up in shock. Not only did she confess her love to him but she finally spoke and her first words were that she loved him.

"What did you just say?"

Gabriella looked down.

"No, don't shut me out baby please. Tell me what did you just say?"

Gabriella opened her mouth again only this time she couldn't speak.

"I-I-I…"

"Come on sweetie you can do it."

Troy figured it would take time for Gabriella to speak again since she had gone so long without. Taking a deep breath Gabriella said "I love you Troy." It was clear as day and Troy smiled. He kissed her head.

"I love you too Gabriella."

"I-I-I'm sor-sorry."

"Gabriella don't you dare be sorry. How long has it been since you last spoke?"

"Fou-four yea-years."

"Four years? Wow. If you liked I can help and teach you to talk again."

"I-I'd li-like tha-that."

"Good. I do have one more question and feel free to say no if you want to."

"O-ok."

"Will you Gabriella Montez be my girlfriend?"

Gabriella nodded.

"Will you Gabriella Montez be my girlfriend?"

"Ye-yes Troy I-I will."

Troy was so happy he hugged her tight and kissed her on the lips. She pulled back at first scared. He sighed.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you."

"Wh-why d-do pe-people ki-kiss? I-it hur-hurts."

Troy's heart broke. "Baby, if it is done the right way it shouldn't hurt. Did I hurt you? When I kissed you did I hurt you?"

"N-no I jus-just go-got scar-scared."

"I didn't mean to scare you Brie. Kissing doesn't hurt as long as it is done right."

Gabriella looked down. Troy lifted her face to look at him.

"I will not kiss you if you're uncomfortable."

"I wan-want t-to ki-kiss I'm ju-just scar-scared."

"Give me your hand a second."

Gabriella reached her hand out. Troy turned her hand gently so her palm was facing up and put on gentle kiss on the center making her giggle at the ticklish feeling.

"See. Did that hurt?"

"N-no i-it tick-tickled."

"So real kissing will feel just like that."

Gabriella nodded and slowly leaned in. Troy leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips. Gabriella flinched at first but surprised herself by kissing back. Needing air they pulled back. Gabriella touched her lips as they tingled. She turned bright red and buried her face in her hands. Troy laughed.

"Don't be shy Brie. That was…wow."

Gabriella giggled and looked up.

"Di-did I d-do i-it ri-right?"

"You were perfect."

"Tha-thank yo-you."

They smiled and leaned in and shared another kiss. A knock at the door pulled them apart. Jack came in.

"You two ready to leave?"

"Yeah. Is everything ok with Grandma and Grandpa?"

"Yes. Turns out they knew. Your mother called them after she left knowing we wouldn't tell them."

"Guess mom knows us better than we thought."

"I-I-I…"

Gabriella couldn't speak and she didn't understand why. Talking to Troy was so easy but talking Jack was hard.

"What baby you can do it." Troy encouraged.

"I-I-I-I-I….."

Gabriella sighed. "I'm sorry to hear about your wife Mr. Bolton."

"It's all right Gabriella it isn't your fault. I am glad to hear you trying to speak though."

Later that night as Gabriella got out of the bathroom she noticed Troy sitting on her bed being really quiet and looking upset. Troy had decided to stay with Gabriella at night so she didn't have nightmares. She went over and got onto the bed cuddling into his side.

"Wha-what's wro-wrong?"

"I'm just worried. I mean I've been lying to my friends for years now and I'm just scared I'll lose them after I tell them the truth about my mom.

"Tru-True fri-friends sti-stick by yo-you no ma-matter wha-what."

"Thanks Brie. That means a lot."

"I love you Troy."

That was the one thing Gabriella could say crystal clear and Troy couldn't have been happier.

"Ma-may be yo-you cou-could ha-ha-have a…"

Gabriella was getting tired and finding it harder to get her words out right. She sighed.

"I'm sorry. I'm still getting used to talking again. Maybe you could have a sleepover and tell everyone together in the comfort of your own home."

"That's a good idea. I'll do that. Plus I want you to meet them. I'll call them tomorrow. Don't feel pressured to talk either. Remember we are taking this one step at a time. You spoke a lot today and that's good. Get some rest. I love you. Good night."

They both laid down and closed their eyes.

"I love you Troy. Go-good ni-night."

They both fell into a dreamless sleep. Troy was so happy Gabriella was speaking again. He could tell she was really starting to heal.

A/N sorry it's short. Also can you all understand Gabriella ok or should I put what she says after the sentence to make it clear? Next chapter is the sleepover and everyone finally meets Gabriella. How do you think that will go? How will everyone react to Troy's secret?