An: Hey guys sorry I haven't updated in a while but I had to think this chapter thoroughly since it's kind of essential to the story.
And enjoy!

Gabriella's pov

Sometimes life runs smoothly. Other times it just seems like nothing else can go wrong. After a really long day at school I got home and was quite surprised to find my mum's car.
I sighed as I parked the car slowly and got out of the car. Troy's attitude hadn't changed all week. I don't understand what happened. Maybe I dreamed up the whole car thing.

At first I thought it was a very plausible idea but then I dismissed it thinking how could I have dreamed it up when I have the jacket? I mean I can't dream up a jacket. I'm not that good.

I slowly opened the door and was surprised to find my mum's jacket. Weird I thought. My mum never comes home early.

I was surprised when I found my mum curled on the couch with tears streaking down her face. It broke my heart to see her like this. When she saw me she tried to attempt a smile but she only ended up crying more.

I rushed over to her and hugged her and tried to soothe her. I sat on the couch with her and started gently rubbing her back to calm her down. "Shhh mum it's ok" I said soothingly as I felt her tears subside.

She started hiccupping and I waited for her to calm down. I knew better than to pry or push her. When she is ready she will tell me what's wrong.

I felt my mum looking at me so I gave her a small smile. "Justin huh?" I asked sadly. I felt my mum nod her head as she wiped away a stray tear.

Justin was my mum's boyfriend. And though I loved him just like a dad he wasn't exactly that good with my mum. I mean they adored each other like crazy but he never had enough time for her.

" He just never has time for me" She whispered sadly. "I'm not good enough for him" She said sniffing. "Mum you know that's not true" I said as I hugged her. My mum smiled at me and we just sat there contently for a while.
"Your dad called" My mum said suddenly. I stiffened. It was one thing for my mum to be upset about her boyfriend but a whole other thing when she talked about my dad.

" Oh um that's uh" I paused hesitating unsure of what to say "Cool" I offered. "Gabi" She said sighing. " I know how you feel about him but he's your dad" She started reasoning.
I shook my head furiously.

"When was he my dad when he missed half of my life? When he pretends like he cares? When he forgets I exist sometimes or oh wait lemme guess when he acts like he gives a damn?" I said fuming as I bit back my anger. It wasn't my mum's fault.

I could feel the heat rising to face. And I could feel the moisture in my eyes. But I willed myself not to cry. I could be stronger than that. I am stronger than that.

"Gabi he's really making an effort" She said softly as she put her hands on mine. I looked up into my mother's eyes. "That's what you said last time" I said bitterly. "I'm tired of waiting for a change that will never come" I said as I got up.

"Where are you going?" My mum asked worriedly. "For a walk in the park I'll be back soon" I said without looking at her. "You can't avoid him forever Gabi" She said before I walked out.

"Who said I'm gonna avoid him forever?" I asked as I turned to face her. I smiled a smile and grabbed my jacket and keys and walked out.

I felt the cool air hit my face and was for once glad for the silence it provided. I could hear my sneakers crunch the gravel below me. It was almost the gravel was kind of like me. Broken and walked over somewhat. I got to the park and sat down on the bench and buried my face in my hands.

So my dad was gone half of my life always on business and now 17 years later he suddenly waltzes back into my life. Did I miss the part where I'm supposed to be ecstatic?

"Nice night out isn't it?" I heard a voice say. I lifted my head and was met with the baby blue eyes of Troy Bolton. My life just keeps getting better.

"What are you stalking me now?" I asked. He shook his head incredulously and smiled "What do you want Troy?" I asked impatiently. I didn't have time for his games at all. "Couldn't leave a pretty girl sit alone now could I?" He asked as he sat down next to me.

"Would you stop that already?" I asked as I got up. "Goddamn it Troy!" I said angrily. "Not everything is about you. I wish you would stop hitting on me for Christ's sake" I said fuming as all my pent up anger and frustration was finally released.

He looked at me surprised and shocked "I'm sorry I uh" He looked worried almost as if he were afraid I would break down any minute.

"No your not" I said as I stopped to face him.
"Don't pretend like you care" I said as I looked into his eyes.

" I don't need your charity" I said as I sat down beside him. I could feel the tears fall down despite my will.

I slipped to the ground and just put my face in between my knees and cried. I felt Troy left my head up and hug me gently. I wanted to protest to tell him to let me go that he had no right to be doing this but I didn't have it in me to protest "Why did he have to leave?" I sniffed.

"Shhh Brie it's ok" He said as rubbed my back gently. "He thinks he can just waltz back into my life and everything is going to be ok?" I asked as I felt the tears fall more freely.

I pulled back and tried to see Troy's face clearly but I couldn't. My tears made it too hazy.

"Who?" He whispered quietly as he gently caressed my cheek and wiped away my tears.

"My dad" I said as I leaned back and rested my head. I closed my eyes and just felt the cool wind on my face. It made me feel loads better. "What happened?" He asked gently.

" My life was perfect he just had to come back" I mumbled as I opened my eyes to look at him. I could see nothing but concern shinning through his blue eyes.

"Brie?" I asked remembering the nickname he had just called me.

He just shrugged in response and gave me a lazy smile.

"Thank you" I whispered. "For what?" He asked. "For listening to me rant" I said. "Oh its ok" He said shrugging. "You look pretty darn cute when you rant". I laughed slightly through my tears.
"Well not really but you do look scary" He said as he leaned back beside me.

"Oh so your supposed to be afraid?" I said in a scary voice. "You don't scare me" He said like a brave little 5 year old.
" Oh yeah" I said giving him my most murderous glare. "Ok maybe now I am" He squeaked. I laughed and he started laughing along with me. We stopped and just listened to the birds chirp and the wind rustle the leaves.

He suddenly got up. "Dance with me?" He asked putting his hand out. I smiled "I can't dance" I said as I dragged my feet towards him. Instead of replying he pulled me to him and we started swaying gently as he hummed. I hummed along with him as I rested my head on his shoulder.

Right then it hit me. Kind of like lightning so to speak. Why Troy's attitude bothers me so much. " I really like you Troy" I said as I lifted my head from his chest and looked up at him.

" Good because I really like you too" He said flashing me his million dollar smile. "Gosh I never would have guessed" I said sarcastically. "Funny" He said. "And you know it" I said smiling as I melted into his embrace once again.

An: awww cute Troyella moment. I really enjoyed writing that. I hope you don't think that Gabi's meltdown was too much but it was fun to write and of course their confessions gotta count for something right? Can't wait to c your reviews.