Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from HSM, only my own original ones!

Chapter 9 - Ends and Beginnings

It had been 5 days since Jack's death on the 2nd of November. Troy was sitting on his bed in his black suit and white shirt. He still needed to put his shoes and tie on but couldn't bring himself to move. Today he would be saying goodbye to not only his dad but his hero, role model and best friend. Troy put his dad on a pedestal, to Troy he could do no wrong.

Gabriella had just finished putting in her earrings and she sighed. Troy had been so down since it happened and Lucille was having some sort of breakdown, always cooking and cleaning. Gabriella heard her sobs at night though when she thought everyone was asleep. Gabriella was wearing a knee length black cotton dress with tights and black dolly shoes. Her hair was left down in it's natural curls on and she didn't bother with makeup as she was sure to cry at some point. She grabbed her bag and walked into Troy's room.

The sight in front of her broke her heart, he was just sitting there, zoned out in his own little world. Tears were streaming down his face and it was like he didn't even realise he was crying. Gabriella walked over and knelt on the floor. She took one of his shoes and put it on him fastening the laces then doing the other. Troy looked at her and she smiled.

Once his shoes were on she took his tie and put it under his collar and fastened it pulling the knot up so it touched the top of his shirt. She held her hand out and smiled an encouraging smile at him.

"You ready Troy?" He shook his head but took her hand anyway.

They walked downstairs and Gabriella squeezed his hand before letting go. She walked over to Lucille who hugged her.

"How are you?" Gabriella asked.

"Ok, I just need to not think about what we are about to do"

"Mom?"

"Come here baby"

Troy walked into his mom's opening arms and she squeezed him. He held onto her as he sobbed and she felt her own tears return. Gabriella walked away from the scene, finding something to do so she wouldn't break down too. She saw Michelle in the kitchen who flew from LA last night and hugged her.

"How are you Gabriella?"

"I'm ok, breaks my heart to see them two so upset" she shook her head, to try and clear her thoughts.

"This must be hard though, your first funeral since..." she trailed and Gabriella closed her eyes.

"I know, it is, but Troy needs me so I can't not go"

"I'm sure he would understand"

"No," she said sternly. "He needs me so he has me" Michelle smiled at the brave young woman in front of her and hugged her again.

"They would be proud of you sweetie"

"That's all I want"

"Well then you can be happy" Gabriella smiled then turned when Michelle nodded behind her.

She saw Troy and immediately took his outstretched hand. He led her out into the garden and they stood near the pool, looking out to the fields in the distance.

"I just need a minute" he stated before she could ask.

"Ok" she whispered. She dropped his hand and cuddled into his side. She felt him take a deep breath then squeeze her shoulders. After 5 minutes or so Michelle came out.

"Guys, it's time" Gabriella nodded and took Troy's hand.

They walked out the front of the house and saw the hearse with Jack in the back. It had a bouquet of flowers saying dad in white lilies and a big bouquet of pink roses from Lucille. They all got into the black limo that was following the hearse and sat in silence, all in their own thoughts.

Michelle and Lucille were holding hands and each had a lily in their hand. Gabriella looked at Troy and saw him staring out the window. She squeezed his hand and he looked down, tears in his eyes. She mouthed 'I'm here' and he just smiled faintly and kissed her lips softly.

The cars stopped after another ten minutes and Gabriella noticed the beautiful church. If it wasn't such a heartbreaking time she would have gasped and mentioned how amazing it was but at this moment it wasn't appropriate.

There were a few people outside but most of the congregation were already sat. They all reached out for Troy or Lucille to give them a reassuring squeeze of comfort, or a look. Troy sat on the front row, with Gabriella on his left and Lucille on his right. On Lucille's right Michelle sat and took Lucille's hand again. Troy took his mother's free hand and she smiled up at him.

After a few moments Jack was carried to the alter and the priest began.

"Ladies and gentleman, friends and family of Jack Bolton it fills me with great sadness to speak about what we are here to do. The time has come to say a goodbye to a wonderful, caring and brave man. He was a beloved father, son and husband" he took a breath. Gabriella took the time to look around and noticed next to Michelle sat an old couple, Jack's parents maybe?

"Jack Bolton will be in many people's lives even though he isn't here physically, he will be with you all emotionally and spiritually" the priest continued. "Now his son Troy would like to say a few words" he smiled at Troy who stood up. Gabriella squeezed his hand before letting go.

Troy walked up to the alter and to the stand. He took out a piece of paper from his pocket and placed it on the stand, he sighed, took a deep breath then spoke.

"I didn't really know my dad the last few months of his life, I turned selfish. I didn't like seeing him so weak so I went off the rails and got into the wrong crowd, that is one of my biggest regrets and always will be. I missed out on vital moments with the most important man in my life. To me he wasn't just my dad, but my best friend as well" he choked back his tears and closed his eyes, gripping onto the stand until his knuckles turned white.

Troy felt someone's hand on his arm and looked into the most beautiful chocolate eyes he had ever seen. Gabriella smiled and gave him a reassuring nod.

"Come on Troy, you can do it" she whispered. He nodded and breathed deeply.

"My dad was an amazing man and all of you who got the chance to know him like I did are lucky, he was brave, caring and did all he could to make others happy" he then turned to the coffin. "Dad, I never actually said it to you as I got older but I really do love you, I am going to miss you so much, I will try my best to make you proud of me," he took a breath. "Just like I was and still am proud of you, I love you old man" he then kissed his hand and touched the coffin.

The rest of the service was filled with hymns and bible readings. Gabriella didn't let go of Troy's hand once through the whole service and when it was time for the burial he squeezed her hand. She stood by his side as Jack was lowered into the ground and as the handfuls of dirt was thrown on top, along with the lilies Lucille and Michelle had.

When it was time for the wake at the house everyone started to leave but Troy's grandparents came over. Gabriella went to let go of his hand but he gripped it tighter.

"Please don't let me go" he pleaded.

"I won't, I'm right here" he nodded as his grandparents approached.

"Dear boy, come here sweetheart" his grandma said hugging him. Troy still gripped Gabriella's hand and when they pulled away she smiled politely.

"Gran, pops," he started. "This is Gabriella Montez"

"It's lovely to meet you dear"

"You too, I am sorry for your loss, from what I saw Jack was a great man"

"That he was" Jack's dad nodded.

A few hours later the wake was still going on and Troy and Gabriella escaped upstairs and sat on the balcony on his room.

"You did good Troy"

"You think?"

"I know"

"Can we talk about something else?"

"Sure, I have been meaning to ask you something actually"

"What?"

"Do you remember the day you found me at the park crying?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember what you called me?"

"No, what?" He shook his head, confused.

"Babe" she smiled.

"Did I? Sorry"

"Don't be, I liked how it sounded coming from you" she smiled.

"I wish I could call you that all the time"

"Why can't you?"

"We're just best friends remember?"

"Well, I have been thinking, if you asked again I may have a different answer"

"You mean..." he trailed off.

"Why don't you ask me?"

"Gabriella, will you be my girlfriend?"

"I would love to Troy" he smiled and kissed her softly. It was different to their other kisses. This was the first one as a confirmed relationship. Troy pulled away and smiled.

"Is it wrong to be really happy on a day like today?" He asked.

"No, you've cried for an end and now your celebrating a beginning" Gabriella smiled.

"Can I tell you something?"

"Anything"

"I love you, as more than best friends"

"I love you too BF" she smiled.

"So still as a best friend then?" He asked sadly.

"BF has two meanings Troy"

"Really?"

"Best friend and boyfriend" he smirked.

"Oh yeah"

"And to me you are both"

He just kissed her and she smiled against his lips. They pulled apart and hugged each other whilst sitting on the bench on the balcony.

They must have been sitting outside for a long time as the house was now silent and the daylight was gone. They walked downstairs and saw Lucille and Michelle having coffee's in the kitchen.

"Troy, Gabriella" Lucille said.

"Hey mom, I have something to tell you"

"What is it?"

"Tonight we were talking and Gabriella agreed to be my girlfriend, a new beginning after an end"

"Oh guys this is great" both women hugged them.

"Jack would be so proud" Michelle gushed.

"That's all I want" Troy declared. Gabriella smiled at him and hugged his waist.

The four of them sat in the back garden talking and remembering Jack, telling Gabriella stories of things he did. Troy and Gabriella sat on a sun lounger hugging each other whilst Lucille and Michelle sat by the edge of the pool.

"Do you remember that skiing holiday we went on when I was 8?" Troy suddenly asked.

"God yes, your dad was rubbish at skiing" Michelle laughed. Lucille laughed also.

"Even Troy was better than him, and he was a child" she said to Gabriella who giggled.

"Sounds like you have all had some good times, that's all that matters now I guess" Gabriella said as they all nodded.

"Well, I'm going to go to bed so night guys" Michelle stood up and kissed them both.

"I'm going to hit the hay to, see you two in the morning, and thank you Gabriella"

"What for?"

"Making my boy smile" she stroked Troy's face and left them alone.

Troy and Gabriella lay back on the lounger and snuggled up to each other, staying silent and listening to the peaceful sounds in the distance. Troy kissed the top of Gabriella's head and she smiled looking up at him.

"Troy?"

"Yeah babe?" She smiled at the pet name then continued.

"I forgot to tell you the other day, when I was alone with your dad in his room, he told me to tell you he loves you" Troy sighed and smiled softly.

"Thanks for telling me"

"I am sorry I forgot, it just slipped my mind, I was just so worried about you and I hated seeing you so hurt so I tried to think of a way to cheer you up, I guess thinking about it now that probably would have done the trick huh?"

"Brie, don't worry, you've told me now that's all that matters" he kissed her lips lightly. She smiled when he pulled away and sat up a little so she could look in his eyes. Troy stroked her face softly and she closed her eyes. "You are so beautiful Gabriella Montez" he announced as she blushed.

"I am not" she said back, turning her head away from him.

"Yes you are" he argued back. "You have beautiful chocolate brown eyes, soft, delicious lips that I could kiss all day long," he paused to kiss her softly.

"You are so cheesy Troy"

"You love me though"

"You got that right baby" she announced before kissing him passionately. Troy pulled her on top of him and she straddled his waist to get comfortable. He ran his hands down her sides to her hips and felt her shiver under his touch. She ran her hands up his shirt and felt his smooth skin beneath her finger tips.

When air became a need they reluctantly pulled apart, both breathing heavily. Gabriella smiled at Troy then giggled when he winked. She leant down and placed three more little kisses on his lips before climbing off him and holding her hand out.

"Where are we going?"

"Bed, you need sleep, it's been a long day" Troy smirked. "SLEEP, I said nothing else"

"Oh man" he groaned teasingly.

"If your a good boy I may give you a goodnight kiss now come on" he smiled and took her hand.

They walked upstairs and into Troy's bedroom. He sat on his bed and pulled Gabriella between his legs. He kissed a line along hr tummy that was covered by her dress and she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Troy" she murmured. After doing that for a few more minutes she pulled his head away and looked in his eyes. "Come on, let's go to sleep" he nodded and stripped down to his boxers, climbing into bed.

Gabriella went into his ensuit bathroom and took off her clothes, replacing them with one of Troy's shirts. She then walked back into his room and climbed in next to him were the covers were pulled back.

She snuggled into his side and he stroked her face. She leant into his touch and sighed blissfully.

"You made today easier for me"

"What did I do?"

"You were there for me, you didn't let me go"

"I promised I wouldn't" she whispered against his lips before kissing him softly. Showing all the love and adoration she felt for him.

She pulled back and saw he still had his eyes closed. She pecked his lips three more times before giving him another long, slow and sensual kiss. When they pulled away Troy smiled.

"I love you"

"I love you too" she sighed before slowly falling into a deep slumber.

Troy lay there, in the dark holding Gabriella and thinking. He knew that he could do anything if he had his best friend and now girlfriend in his life. He made it through today, the most difficult day he had faced his whole life. Gabriella also made it one of his happiest days though by agreeing to give them a shot. He knew his dad would be looking down and smiling, glad something good came from this tragedy.

If Jack wasn't ill Troy wouldn't have gone off the rails and been forced to move to LA. That meant he wouldn't have met Gabriella. He knew that there was a reason why it must have happened, destiny. Him and Gabriella must have been destined to be together and the only way that could happen would be to get him to LA so his dad became ill.

Troy missed his dad so much already but knew as long as he got on with his life the best that he could and did all the things he wanted to his dad would be proud. He smiled at the thought of his dad watching him and closed his eyes.

"Love you dad" he muttered before following the beauty beside him into his own dreamland.

There you go:-) Next chapter is up! I hope you all liked it and don't think I have moved a little to fast with my characters.

Please review, I don't know what I thought about this one so please give me some feedback:-)

xxx Paige xxx