About a month later, Troy and Gabriella had finally settled down with James and Caitlyn, properly. Everything was going great for everyone. Kelsi had given birth to a beautiful baby girl whose name was Jessica Cross. James was now a one year old and was taking tiny steps around the house.
Troy and Gabriella loved James and Caitlyn more than life itself, but, they wanted to have some time to themselves. They had no idea what to do. They did not want to dump their kids onto someone else. It would be too much to ask for. Both, Taylor and Chad had sensed this and had decided to do something about it. They wanted their friends to have time alone without the kids and be happy. So, they decided to take James and Caitlyn to their home for a day.
"Taylor, what are you doing?" Gabriella asked as she and Troy watched Taylor pack James's and Caitlyn's things.
"Doing you a favour," Taylor replied.
"What kind of favour?" Troy asked. "Kidnapping our children?"
"Very funny, Bolton," Taylor said.
"You guys want some time alone," Chad said. "We're giving you some time alone."
"We'll take James and Caitlyn for the night," Taylor said. "We'll bring them over tomorrow morning."
"Thanks, guys," Gabriella said, gratefully as she hugged Troy.
"No problem," Chad said. "Just create number three, while we take these two away."
"Chad!" Taylor exclaimed hitting Chad on his head.
"What?" Chad asked as Troy and Gabriella blushed. "That's what they are going to do, anyway."
Troy and Gabriella laughed as they watched Taylor and Chad walk out of the house with Caitlyn, James and all the things that would be needed.
Troy collapsed onto the couch as soon as they had left. Gabriella watched him. He looked so tired.
"What are you going to do today?" she asked.
"I don't know," Troy sighed. "You got anything you want to do?"
"Sharpay did take me shopping to Victoria's Secret the other day," Gabriella smiled slyly.
"You came back with a tiny bag," Troy remembered. "What could possibly fit in the bag?"
"I don't know," Gabriella said. "Maybe a tiny outfit.'
Troy's eyes widened and he gulped. "Are you going to show me that outfit?" he asked.
"Why don't I just model it for you?" Gabriella asked Troy.
"I'm sure I'll love that," Troy grinned.
"Awesome," Gabriella said, pulling Troy up and leading him to a chair. "Sit here and remember to keep your hands to yourself."
Troy sat down on the chair wondering what Gabriella was going to do.
"I can't trust you to keep your hands to yourself, can I?" she asked. "I'll be right back."
Gabriella walked into the kitchen and came back with some light rope. She tied it around Troy's hands as tightly as she could, but, it was not very tight. She kissed Troy's lips. 'I'll be back in a couple of seconds," she whispered. She put on Sexyback by Justin Timberlake and hurried upstairs.
As promised, a few seconds later, Gabriella emerged at the top of the stairs wearing a pink and black lingerie. She was not wearing a bra; just a small thong.
Troy felt a bulge in his boxers when he saw when he saw Gabriella. Troy gulped as Gabriella began to shake her hips and dance in time for the music. He watched as Gabriella strutted towards him, dancing sexily all the way. Troy groaned as she sat down on his lap, putting her legs on either side of him. He wanted to touch her so badly. Gabriella unbuttoned his shirt to reveal his sweaty chest and showered it with butterfly kisses. Her opening brushed against his member and Troy could not take it anymore. With all the strength he had, he tore the rope open and grabbed her head and kissed her. Gabriella squealed in surprise, but, that did not stop her from kissing back. Troy lifted her up and carried her to the bedroom. He shut the door with his foot and laid her on the bed.
"Troy, I was going to pleasure you," Gabriella whispered as he kissed her neck.
"Shh," Troy murmured, nibbling on her earlobe. "Let me return the favour baby."
He took off the lingerie and the thong, and smiled when he saw how wet she was. He spread her legs apart and stuck his tongue into her opening. Gabriella gasped and groaned as Troy tasted her. She pumped up and down in a fast pace.
Troy looked up and licked his lips. "Delicious," he grinned.
"My turn," Gabriella smirked.
Troy obediently lay down and Gabriella took off his boxers. She gasped.
"Troy, you're so big," she said.
Troy grinned proudly but gasped when she licked the tip of is cock teasingly. He pushed her head and she took him in giving him a blow job. She bit and sucked at a steady rhythm that Troy followed. Gabriella then kissed his lips. Their eyes met and both of them became solemn. Troy kissed her again before pushing gently into her. Gabriella clutched Troy's shoulders as they moved steadily; screaming out each other's names. Soon, they reached their climaxes. Troy rolled off Gabriella and kissed here again before covering their naked bodies with a sheet.
Troy and Gabriella spent the day in bed, constantly making love to each other. Finally, the sun had set when they dragged them off the bed to get something to eat. They took a shower together, which led them to make love to each other, once again. Finally, after a long shower, Troy and Gabriella got dressed.
"Troy, are you trying to get me pregnant?" Gabriella asked as they sat down to eat some pizza.
"What?" Troy looked surprised.
"I mean, you've been making love to me nearly all day, and we haven't been using any protection," Gabriella smiled. "Do you want me to get pregnant?'
"Gabi," Troy said. "What kind of question is that? Do you want to get pregnant?"
"I want at least three kids," Gabriella decided.
"Me, too," Troy smiled. Gabriella had finally gotten over the rape. She was more comfortable around the guys and did not jump or flinch whenever a guy touched. Troy was very proud of her.
Troy and Gabriella made love late into the night. For the first time in a long time, Gabriella was happy.
That evening, Troy and Gabriella sat across from each other as they ate their dinner in a comfortable silence. Troy had taken her to an expensive, romantic, Italian restaurant. When they finished their desert, Troy quickly paid and they got out of there. Troy drove to the beach.
When they got to the beach, Troy wrapped his arms around Gabriella from the back and rested them on her stomach. Together they watched the full moon in silence. The only sound was heard was the crashing of each wave. Troy and Gabriella's love story was still young and it was still being renewed with the crash of each wave.
"It's beautiful," Gabriella whispered, referring to the moon.
"Just like you," Troy replied, softly. He kissed her neck, gently.
"Troy," Gabriella whispered.
"Yeah," Troy murmured against her neck.
"Not here," Gabriella said. She was not a big fan of PDA.
Troy turned Gabriella around to face him. He smiled at her lovingly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a red velvet apple. Gabriella raised her eyebrows wondering what it was. Troy laughed when he saw her confused face.
"What is that?" she asked and tried to take it away from Troy.
"You'll know soon enough," Troy said holding it out of her reach with one hand and grabbing her waist with the other, pulling her into a hug.
"I want to know now," Gabriella pouted.
"Fine," Troy said.
Troy put his arm around her and they began to walk down the shore together.
"The past couple of months have been great," he said. "I remember the first time I saw you after a long time. You were thinking that you were a weak person, but, then you've realized that you aren't. I'm really proud of you for that. You've learnt to live with the bad stuff and the good stuff. You've given me a daughter, and you've become a mother to my son. I love you for that, Gabriella. I do, with all my heart. And I want to ask you something important and I really hope that you won't make me upset by not –"
Gabriella grabbed Troy's hands. "What is it?" she asked. "You're blabbing, now."
"Right," Troy chuckled.
He held up the apple and was about to speak when his cell phone rang. He pulled it out and checked the caller ID.
"It's Stella," Troy frowned. "I told her not to call me tonight."
"It must be important," Gabriella said. "Answer it."
"Hello?" Troy said into the phone.
"Troy!" Stella cried. Her voice was troubled and Troy immediately knew that something was wrong.
"What's wrong, Stel?" Troy asked, frantically.
"There's a shooting at school," Stella said and the apple slipped out of Troy's hands. "Dad was working late and he hasn't come out of the school, Troy. I have to find him, Troy, but, they won't let me go."
"No, Stel!" Troy said. He did not notice Gabriella picking up the apple. "You can't go into the school. It's far too dangerous, okay? Stay with mom. I'll be there as soon as I can, okay? Just stay put."
"Okay, Troy," Stella said. Troy could hear her crying as he hung up.
"What's going on?" Gabriella asked.
"There's a shooting at school," Troy explained. "My dad's in there. He hasn't come out and Stella's frantic. I have to go."
"I'll go with you," Gabriella said at once.
"No!" Troy declared. "It's too dangerous. You might get hurt. Ryan's house is just across the road. Stay with him and explain what happened. I'll call you when everything's settled."
"But, Troy," Gabriella began to protest.
"No, Gabi," Troy said, firmly. "You might get hurt. Think of the baby. It might get hurt."
Gabriella nodded and finally gave in. Troy took her to Ryan's house and sped to the school. The whole place was crowded with policemen and teachers. Troy spotted Stella and Amanda by one of the lamps.
"Stella!" Troy yelled as he ran towards her, his coat flying.
Stella looked up and rushed into Troy's arms as he got nearer.
"Where's dad?" Troy asked.
"We don't know," Amanda said. "He hasn't come out."
Just then, the gun went off.
"That's the second time," she said.
"It'll be okay, mom," Troy said. "I'm going to talk to them, okay? You guys stay here."
He gave Amanda a hug before hurrying towards the officers.
"Excuse me," he said to the nearest one. "I'm Troy Bolton."
"Andy Scott," the officer said.
"Look, my father is in there," Troy said, urgently. "I need to know if he's okay."
"What's his name?" Andy asked.
"Jack Bolton," Troy replied.
Andy talked through the walkie talkie and then he turned to Troy.
"Your dad's out of the school," Andy said and Troy breathed a sigh of relief. "But, he's been shot."
"What?" Troy gasped. "Is he alive?"
"Yes," Andy said. "He's being taken to the hospital. He got shot twice."
"Damn it!" Troy yelled. "Who's the bastard here?"
"Troy!" Stella called.
"He got shot twice," Troy explained as he walked over to them. "He's being taken to the hospital. Let's go."
Troy drove to the hospital as fast as he could with Amanda and Stella. At the hospital, they were informed that Jack was in surgery. He called Gabriella and told her what was going on. He really needed her there with him. After calling Gabriella, Troy sat in the waiting room, away from his mother and Stella. He wanted to be either alone or with Gabriella.
"Troy!" a voice called.
Troy looked up and saw Gabriella hurrying towards him. He stood up and hugged her as soon as she got close enough. Troy felt tears roll down his face. He tried to wipe them away, but, Gabriella noticed. She led her to the chair again.
"Come on, Troy," she whispered. "Let everything out. You can't keep them bottled up inside."
Troy let the tears roll down his cheeks as Gabriella hugged him. For once, he did not try to stop them from coming, but, he stopped after just a couple of minutes.
"Thank you," he whispered to Gabriella.
"What for?" Gabriella asked.
"For being here for me," Troy shrugged.
"You don't have to thank me for that," Gabriella said. "You've been here for me for a long time, especially when I needed you."
Troy hugged her, close to her. They stayed like that till the doctor walked over to them.
"Jack Bolton?" the doctor asked and Troy stood up, along with Stella, Amanda and Gabriella. "Surgery went fine, but, he slipped into a coma."
"Is he – when is he going to wake up?" Troy asked, nervously.
"I'm sorry, but, we don't know that," the doctor said. "We think that he'll wake up in a couple of hours."
Troy nodded. The doctor handed him some papers sign and Troy signed them quickly. Then, the Bolton family went to visit Jack. Halfway there, Troy noticed that Gabriella was not with them. He turned around to see her sitting on a chair in the waiting area. He walked back to her.
"Why aren't you coming?" he asked.
"I just thought you guys might need some time alone," Gabriella said. "Just the family."
"Gabi," Troy said pulling her up. "You're coming with us. You're family, Gabi. You're my family."
"Thanks, Troy," she smiled.
The two walked into the room. Stella and Amanda were sitting on one side of the bed. Jack was lying on the bed, unconscious, with a heavily bandaged arm and chest. According to the doctor, one bullet had gone into the arm and the other went into the chest. Gabriella squeezed Troy's hand to let him know that she was there. They sat down on the other side of the bed.
"Come on, dad," Stella whispered.
"Wake up," Troy said, softly.
Amanda was crying too hard to say anything.
"Mom," Troy said. "Go home. I'll call you if anything happens. You need some rest."
"But, Troy," Amanda protested. "I have to stay here."
"No, mom," Troy said, firmly. "You're worn out. I promise I'll call you if anything happens."
"Listen to him, mom," Stella whispered. "Come on. I'll take you home."
A few minutes after Amanda and Stella had left, Troy looked at Gabriella. She was leaning on his shoulder staring at Jack.
"Gabi," he said. "You should go, too."
"No, Troy," Gabriella said. "I'm staying here with you."
"Thank you," Troy said, gratefully.
They sat together watching Jack for about three hours when Gabriella finally decided to ask Troy something that had been on her mind ever since he had left her at Ryan's.
FLASHBACK
Troy gave Gabriella a quick kiss before he rushed out to the car. She watched him drive away and then entered Ryan's house. He gave her a friendly hug. Ryan watched as Gabriella turned the apple in her hands.
"What is that?" Ryan asked.
"Troy dropped this when Stella told him what was going on," Gabriella explained.
"Can I see it?" he asked.
Gabriella tossed it to Ryan who examined it a bit before he realized that it could be open.
"Whoa!" he said as soon as he saw what was inside.
"What is it?" Gabriella asked and Ryan showed her the most beautiful engagement ring she had ever seen. It was white gold with a big diamond on top. "He bought it for me?"
Ryan nodded and smiled as he watched Gabriella look at the ring in admiration.
END FLASHBACK
She pulled out the apple from her purse. She opened it and handed it to Troy.
"What is this, Troy?" she asked.
"Tonight was not supposed to be like this," Troy explained as he took the apple from her. "Tonight was supposed to be the night when you said yes to me when I propose to you on the beach."
"What?" Gabriella gasped.
Troy bent down on one knee. "Gabriella Montez," he said, softly. "You have given me everything I could possibly wish for. Will you marry me?"
"Yes," she whispered.
Troy grinned as he slipped the ring onto her finger. He got up and pulled her into a passionate kiss which was filled with every ounce of love he had.
"I'm proud of you, son," Jack whispered.
"Thanks, dad," Troy smiled, not registering what had happened. He did not take his eyes off Gabriella. Their eyes widened at the same time when they realized that Jack had woken up. "Dad!"
"Jack!" Gabriella exclaimed.
"Gabs, get a doctor," Troy said pulling out his cell phone to call Amanda. "Dad, how long have you been awake?"
"Long enough top know that tonight should not have been like this," Jack said.
Troy laughed. "Good to have you back, dad."
"It's good to be back," Jack smiled. "Now, where're your mom and Stella? We've got a wedding to plan!"
"Wedding?" Stella asked as she walked into the room with Amanda. "Who's wedding?"
"Troy and Gabriella's, of course," Jack exclaimed as he hugged Amanda and Stella.
"What?" Amanda and Stella exclaimed.
Gabriella held up her hand with the ring, grinning all over her face. Stella flung herself into Troy's arms.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she cried, happily.
Troy laughed. "For what?"
"For making Gabi my sister," Stella exclaimed.
"You know what, little sis," Troy said. "I'm glad she agreed to be my sister. I didn't think she would, considering that it hasn't been a year since we met again."
Gabriella smiled as Amanda hugged her whispering a 'congratulations'.
"Thank you," she whispered back.
"Why don't you two go home and get some rest?" Amanda suggested.
"And, create number three," Stella said grinning slyly.
"Stella!" Amanda groaned as Gabriella and Troy laughed. "Don't annoy your brother like that, even though I was thinking the same thing. Now, go home or you'll be grounded Troy."
"But, I don't even live with you," Troy protested.
"Do I look like I care?" Amanda asked. "I'm still your mother and you'll do as I say. Off you go."
Everyone laughed as Troy and Gabriella walked out of the room. Troy drove home quickly. As they opened the front door, they could here both James and Caitlyn crying. They hurried into the living room to find Chad holding a crying James and Taylor holding a wailing Caitlyn.
"What happened?" Troy asked as he picked up James. Gabriella went to Caitlyn knowing that she was hungry and took her to the bedroom to feed her.
"Chad was watching this movie and some explosion came waking them both up," Taylor said glaring at Chad.
"Should've known," Troy grinned as he hugged James close to his chest. "It's okay, Jamie. Daddy's here."
"Mommy?" James asked.
"Mommy went to feed the little one," Troy said, wiping away James's tears. "She'll be here in a while, okay?"
"Okay," James said. He put his head on Troy's shoulders and sucked his thumb.
"So, did you ask her?" Chad asked Troy. He was the only one who knew that Troy was going to propose to Gabriella.
"Yeah, but things didn't go the way I planned them to," Troy said.
"What happened?" Chad asked.
"Shooting at the school," Troy explained. "Dad got shot. He's okay, now."
Chad nodded, but, Taylor still looked confused. "What's going on?"
"Long story short," Troy said. "Gabi and I are engaged."
Taylor squealed, happily just as James was about to fall asleep. His eyes snapped open and he let out a cry.
"I'm sorry," Taylor blushed. "We'll go, now. And congrats."
"Thanks," Troy said as he followed them to the door. "And, thanks for watching them."
"You're welcome," Chad called as they walked to the car.
Troy shut the door and went upstairs.
"Daddy," James said, softly.
"What is it, Jamie?" Troy asked as he passed Caitlyn's room. Gabriella was putting a sleeping Caitlyn into her crib.
"Jamie hungry," James replied.
"Do you want a bottle?" Troy asked as he walked into James's room.
James nodded. Troy put James into his bed and quickly made a bottle. He handed it to the little boy and watched as he drank. Gabriella was right. At the age of one, James was already a big basketball fan and Troy was glad. James finished the bottle and held it up.
"That's a good boy," Troy smiled as he took the bottle from James. "Now, go to sleep, okay? Tomorrow, you and I will play some basketball together, so, you're going to need your rest."
"Okay, daddy," James said as he rubbed his eyes sleepily. "Good night, daddy."
"Night, Jamie," Troy whispered.
He put the empty bottle on the dresser and switched on the baby monitor. Then, he walked out of the room and shut the door behind him, quietly. Gabriella walked out of Caitlyn's room at the same time. Troy smiled when he saw her. He hugged her tightly.
"Is she asleep?" he asked.
"Yeah," Gabriella replied. "James?"
"I think he'll be asleep, now," Troy said. "This leaves us alone."
"Yeah," Gabriella smiled as she leaned against Troy. "But, I'm really tired. I don't want to do anything."
"Come on, baby," Troy said, pulling her towards their bedroom. "We don't have to do anything. I just want to be with you."
"I'd like that," Gabriella smiled.
The next morning, Gabriella and Troy woke up with a jump when they heard two loud cries fill the house.
"Which one?" Troy asked Gabriella.
"I'll take James," Gabriella offered. "I didn't really see him last night."
"I'll get Caitlyn," Troy shrugged.
Troy and Gabriella went to the separate rooms and returned to their bedroom with James in Gabriella's arms and Caitlyn in Troy's arms. Caitlyn was cuddled up against Troy's chest. Her eyes were slowly closing. Gabriella watched her with a smile on her face.
"Mommy!" James screamed. He wanted some attention.
Caitlyn's eyes flew open because of the scream and started crying. Troy, who had been drifting off, woke up, too. He hugged Caitlyn close to him and she settled down.
"Jamie," Gabriella said, gently. "You must be quiet when Caitlyn is asleep, okay?"
"Okay, mommy," James said, solemnly.
Gabriella laughed at his face and pulled James into a hug. Troy moved closer to the two and put his arm around Gabriella.
"Daddy," James said. "Jamie hold Caty?"
"Okay, Jamie," Troy said. He patted the small spot between him and Gabriella and said, "Sit here. Don't drop your sister, okay?" he laughed as he placed Caitlyn in James's arms.
He did not let go of Caitlyn. This was becoming a usual routine. James would go to Troy every morning, saying that he wanted to hold Caitlyn. A few minutes later, James looked at Troy. This was the signal for Troy to take Caitlyn away. Troy took Caitlyn out of James's and a moment later, she began crying.
"She's hungry," Gabriella said.
"I'll get James dressed and then we'll have breakfast, alright?" Troy asked as he handed Caitlyn to Gabriella.
"Yeah," Gabriella smiled as she started feeding Caitlyn.
Troy took James and dressed him. After putting on some clean clothes, he went downstairs, just as the doorbell rang. Troy put James into his playpen and went to open the door. A man – slightly older than Troy – stood outside.
"Um…may I help you?" Troy asked the man.
"I'm here to see Gabriella Montez," the man said. "I'm her cousin, Jake."
Troy raised an eyebrow. There was something fishy about Jake.
"Hold on," Troy said. "I'll go and get her."
"Okay," Jake shrugged.
Troy did not let him. Instead, he left the door open and went to the foot of the stairs and called, "Gabs! You've got a visitor."
A few minutes later, Gabriella came downstairs with Caitlyn in her arms.
"Who came?" she asked.
"Jake," Troy replied and Gabriella looked confused. "Your cousin?"
"I don't have a cousin named Jake," Gabriella said, more confused than ever.
"Then, who's at the door?" Troy asked.
Together, Troy and Gabriella walked back to the door with James, who was once again in Troy's arms. They found a terrible sight waiting for them. Gabriella backed away when she saw it. Fear filled her brown eyes.
Jake stood their pointing the gun at Troy, Gabriella, James and Caitlyn.
"Dude!" Troy said. Even he was scared of anything happening to his family. "What are you doing?"
"Do you remember me, Gabriella?" Jake asked, as he moved closer to Gabriella.
Gabriella shook her head as she moved closer to Troy, who put his arm around her.
"I thought you would remember the incident," Jake said, grinning evilly. "You know, the time when I had the pleasure of going inside you."
Gabriella gasped. So, this was her rapist. Troy's mouth dropped open. He knelt down and put James down.
"Jamie," Troy told him. "Go and play with your toys, okay? Daddy will go to you in a while."
"Okay, daddy," James said and rushed off to the living room.
Troy wanted James, Caitlyn and Gabriella out of the danger. James was not in the same room as the gun, but, Gabriella and Caitlyn were.
"Go," Troy told Gabriella.
"No!" Jake yelled. "I want Montez here."
Gabriella hugged Caitlyn tightly. Troy stepped in front of Gabriella and Caitlyn.
"What are you doing, Jake?" he asked.
"I want her dead," Jake snarled.
"No, you don't," Troy said. "You're not a killer."
"How do you know?" Jake asked.
"You're Jake McCartney," Troy said. "Son of Bob McCartney. Your father murdered your mother, when you were two years old. Your father raped your mother and that's how you came to the world."
"How do you know that?" Jake whispered.
"I wrote the article on that incident," Troy replied. "You're not a killer, Jake."
Even though Jake was a couple of years older than Troy, he was scared by Troy's calm voice.
"He wanted me to be like him," Jake whispered, his face wet with tears. "He made me promise before they took him away after they found out."
"Who are 'they'?" Troy asked. "The police?"
Jake nodded. "I promised," he whispered. "I can't break it."
"Yes, you can," Troy said, quietly.
"I can't!" Jake screamed. "I promised him that I'd either be like him or I'd kill myself."
"Jake," Troy said, slowly, hoping that what he thought was going to happen would not happen.
"I can't kill you," Jake sobbed. He was talking to Gabriella. "You have a family. You have children. They will need you."
Jake slowly raised the gun to his own head. Troy and Gabriella watched in horror as he pulled the trigger. Troy rushed forward to stop him but it was too late.
Jake McCartney was dead.
Gabriella and Troy stood frozen on their stops. Caitlyn was crying.
"Daddy!" James cried from the living room. It was obvious that he was afraid.
Troy hurried to the living room, calling 911 at the same time.
The police arrived and removed the body. They asked Troy and Gabriella some questions and left. The gang had gathered at the house by then. They were looking after James and Caitlyn while Troy sorted out Gabriella who was shaken up.
"Gabs," Troy whispered as he held his shaking fiancée in his arms. She had her face buried in his shirt. He kissed her head and forced her to look up at him by holding her chin with his hand. She would not look at him in the eye. "Look at me!"
Gabriella forced herself to look at the blue eyes. "Why me?" she whispered to him.
Troy shook his head. "I don't know, Gabi," he said, softly. "I don't know why he chose you, Gabi. But, think about this Gabi. If he hadn't chosen, would you have come back here? Would you have come back to me? Would you have had Caitlyn? Would you have become a mother to James, or become my fiancé if you hadn't come back, if the rape had not happened? Think about all that, Gabs. Think about that and give me the right answer."
Gabriella thought and shook her head. "No," she whispered. "I wouldn't."
"Maybe all of this happened for the best, Gabi," he said, softly into her ear as he hugged her, tightly. "I'm not saying that the rape was a good thing, but, all of the outcomes are good things, right?"
Gabriella nodded, slowly against his chest.
"I have to ask you to do something, Gabs," Troy said and she looked up at him. "I want you to try and forget about all of this. No, I mean…well, you can't forget about something like this. Try not to think about this."
"I'll try, Troy," she whispered.
"That's my girl," he smiled a bit as he hugged her tightly.
"Hey, Gabs," Taylor called. "You okay?"
A few seconds later, Taylor walked into the hall where Gabriella and Troy were still hugging each other.
"Are you okay?" Taylor asked, again.
"No, but, I will be," Gabriella replied, smiling.
"Good," Taylor smiled. "Now, come on. We've got a wedding to plan. I told Sharpay and she went crazy."
Troy and Gabriella laughed. Troy slung his arms over Gabriella's shoulders as the three walked back into the living room.
"Daddy!" James cried, when he saw Troy. He hugged Troy's legs and Troy grinned as he picked James up and threw him into the air.
"I think he's a bit scared, Troy," Zeke said. "He was extremely quiet and when Chad switched on the TV to some shooting thing he covered his face."
"Oh, damn," Troy groaned and glanced at Gabriella. "I hate McCartney."
"We'll all get over it, Troy," Gabriella whispered. "Even James."
Troy nodded slowly. "So, what've you been doing?" Troy asked James as he carried him to the couch.
Gabriella sat down next to Troy and leant against him. Chad handed her Caitlyn, who had let out a cry. She hugged her little daughter as Troy put one arm around him. The other was around James, who was sitting on his lap.
"Auntie Sharpay says we are planning a we-wed-wedding," James said, after struggling with the word 'wedding'. It was a new word for him. "What's a wedding, daddy?"
"It's a ceremony, where two people get married, I guess," Troy explained to the one-year-old.
"Jamie have wedding?" James asked, staring at Troy with his big blue eyes. Everyone in the room burst out laughing.
"You can have a wedding when you're older, okay?" Troy said. "Much older. Right now, mommy and daddy will have a wedding. How's that?"
"Okay," James said.
"So, who's going to be the best man?" Sharpay asked.
"Chad," Troy said, in a 'duh' tone without a second thought.
"Thanks, man," Chad smiled.
"You've only got to thank yourself," Troy said. "You were the one who sat next to me on the first day of preschool."
"And, the maid of honour?" Sharpay asked.
"Taylor," Gabriella replied as he hugged her daughter close to her chest.
"Thanks, Gabs," Taylor smiled.
"You're welcome," Gabriella shrugged.
"Guys, I think that's enough for today," Troy said, after making more plans.
"But, Troy, we've still got loads to plan," Sharpay protested.
"Sharpay, we're done for today, please," Troy said, firmly as Gabriella got up. Troy looked at her in surprise. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to put Caitlyn to bed," Gabriella replied. "You ought to come, too. James is asleep, in case you didn't know."
Troy looked down and saw that his son was sleeping peacefully on his lap. He looked at Gabriella again. "Yeah, I'll be there in a minute," he said.
The gang left and Troy headed upstairs with James. He put him into bed and went to Caitlyn's room, where Gabriella was singing to her softly. He wrapped his arms around her.
"Let's go visit my dad when these two wake up," Troy suggested. "We'll take them too. He'd like to see them."
"Yeah," Gabriella agreed.
"Knowing James, he'll be up in half an hour or so," Troy said.
"So will Caitlyn," Gabriella said. "We might as well get ready."
"Or I can just hold you for a couple more minutes," Troy smiled.
"I'd like that," Gabriella smiled.
She leaned against Troy and he kissed her neck gently.
"Not now, Troy," Gabriella giggled.
"Why not now?" Troy mumbled still kissing her.
"Because," she began and then sighed as Troy nibbled at her earlobe before continuing. "We are in front of Caitlyn right now and she might wake up. James might wake up, too."
"You're right," Troy sighed just as they heard a cry from James's room.
Troy pulled away from Gabriella immediately and hurried to James's room. Gabriella followed. James was sitting up on his bed crying loudly. Troy picked him up quickly and hugged him, trying to comfort him.
"What's wrong, Jamie?" he asked in a soothing voice.
James continued to sob loudly. He was cuddled up like a ball in Troy's arms. Troy placed a soft kiss on his head.
"Come on, Jamie," Troy said, softly as Gabriella rubbed James's back. "What's wrong?"
"A man," James sobbed. "He had a gun and he shot mommy."
Suddenly it dawned onto Troy and Gabriella. James was having nightmares because of Jake and his gun.
"Jamie, it's okay, now," Troy said. "Daddy's here."
"Mommy?" James said, looking at Gabriella.
"Mommy's right here, too, baby boy," Gabriella said kissing James's head.
"But, the man…" James began as tears welled up in his eyes.
"It was just a dream, James," Troy said. "It was just a bad dream and I want you to forget about it, okay?"
James nodded. "Okay, daddy," he replied.
"That's a good boy," Troy smiled. "Now, what do you want to do?"
"We can play ball, daddy," James said, eagerly.
"Okay, then," Troy laughed.
The three went downstairs to the backyard after Gabriella had switched on the baby monitor in Caitlyn's room. Gabriella sat down on the bench to watch Troy teach James how to play. After about an hour, they heard Caitlyn let out a cry. She had woken up.
"Come on, Jamie," Troy said picking him up. "Let's get your sister and then we'll go and see grandpa."
"Okay," Jamie said happily. He loved Jack and loved to play with him all the time.
About half an hour later, Troy, Gabriella, James and Caitlyn were in the hospital room. James was sitting on Troy's lap while Stella cradled Caitlyn in her arms. Amanda had gone home to take a shower and Jack was asleep at the moment. Troy had an arm around Gabriella and the other was around James. Not much was said among any of them because Jack.
"Daddy," James said, suddenly. "Why is grandpa sleeping?"
"Because, he is sleepy," Troy said.
"When will he wake up?" James asked.
"When he's had enough sleep, I suppose," Troy replied.
"Will he play with me when he wakes up?" James asked.
"I don't think so," Troy said. "Grandpa's a bit sick right now."
"Why is Grandpa sick, daddy?" James asked.
Troy looked at James and saw him grinning innocently, yet, somehow cheekily at him.
"Full of questions today, are we?" Troy asked tickling the one-year-old.
James squealed in delight as he struggled to get out of Troy's tickling hands.
"Troy," Gabriella sighed, tiredly. "You're going to wake up Jack."
"Are you okay, Gabi?" he asked her as he stopped tickling James.
"Yeah, why?" Gabriella frowned, slightly.
"You seem…tired," Troy said.
"I am," Gabriella admitted as she rested her head on Troy's shoulder.
"Do you want to go home?" Troy asked.
"No, it's okay," Gabriella said. "We'll wait till Jack wakes up."
"Are you sure?" Troy asked.
"Yes," Gabriella smiled.
"Are you hungry?" he asked. "Do you want something to eat?"
"Yeah," Gabriella smiled, gratefully.
"What do you want to eat, then?" Troy asked.
"What about some ice cream?" Gabriella grinned.
Troy chuckled. "I'll be back," he said as he got up with James.
Gabriella smiled as she kissed him gently on the lips. Troy pulled away quickly when Stella cleared her throat loudly. He blushed a bit as he walked out of the room with James on his shoulders. Just as Troy left, Caitlyn started crying. Stella handed her to Gabriella, who held her close to her chest.
"Shh, little baby girl," Gabriella whispered. "Mommy's here, now."
At the sound of her mother's comforting voice, Caitlyn stopped crying. She cuddled up close to Gabriella and fell asleep within seconds. Stella watched her and smiled.
"Gabi, do you like being a mother?" she asked.
Gabriella looked at Stella in surprise, but, answered, "Yeah. It's one of the greatest things any woman could ever have."
"'One of the greatest things'?" Stella quoted. "What are the others?"
"A person to love," Gabriella replied. "And a family that cares about you."
"I'm sorry, Gabi," Stella said.
"What for?" Gabriella asked. "The family part?"
"Yeah," Stella said, softly.
"It's okay, Stel," Gabriella said. "I've got a family now."
"You mean Troy, James and Caitlyn?" Stella asked.
"And, us, too," Jack said from the bed.
"Are you always going to wake up and listen to my conversations without saying anything?" Gabriella laughed.
"Maybe," Jack smiled. "But, I meant what I said. You're part of our family, Gabi. Troy's going to marry you. That makes you his family, which makes you our family. And, even if he is not marrying you, you'll still be part of the family."
"Thank you," Gabriella smiled, softly.
"Who's going to walk you down the aisle?" Stella asked, just as the door opened. Troy walked in carrying two ice cream cones in his hands. James followed with a cone of his own.
"Here you go, Gabs," he said handing her one cone. He gave Stella the other one and sat down with James on his lap. "So, I couldn't help overhearing you say something about an aisle."
"I just asked who's going to walk Gabi down the aisle," Stella said as Troy wiped some ice cream off James's face with a tissue.
"Whoever she wants to," Troy said in a 'duh' tone. He looked at Gabriella and followed her gaze to Jack.
"You want me to walk you down the aisle?" Jack asked and Gabriella nodded. "Don't worry, Gabs. I'd love to. You didn't have to ask me."
"I don't think I did," Gabriella smiled. "But, thank you."
"Grandpa, ice cream?" James asked holding up his cone.
"No, thank you, buddy," Jack smiled at his grandson.
"Caty want ice cream?" James asked the sleeping baby in Gabriella's arms.
"I don't think she wants ice cream either," Troy told James. "Why don't you finish yours without getting any of it onto your shirt for once?"
"Okay, daddy," James said and everyone laughed.
A/N So coz i was so late in updating, heres another chapter and this ones pretty long. lol. review!
