My apologies for the long wait but here is Chapter nine. The next chapter will be the last I'm afraid until I can think up some more ideas for it. Until then I'm going to take some time off and get myself a fresh batch of ideas. Anyways thank you for all the support and reviews, here is Chapter nine.
Chapter 9
The weeks following the arrest of Stacey Emeris had gone by so fast; the students were all becoming slightly nervous. Finding themselves within the first week of June they had so much on their plate ahead still and for Troy, and Gabriella the weeks past had also been hectic. Scholarships and acceptance letters from the Colleges and Universities had been sent out, Prom was busy being set up, Graduation was busy being planned and the after part for the seniors was in the planning stage.
For Troy and Gabriella, they had to add on the trial of Stacey Emeris, The Scholastic Decathlon and the Final Basketball Game for the East high Wildcats of that generation. The trial had lasted a week, after having been held off for two weeks. This worked out well for Troy, because the Basketball game had been the week the trial was supposed to happen and Gabriella had the Decathlon the next week after the game. Unknown to them Emma had switched the dates purposely.
The day before the trial Stacey Emeris turned 18 years old. No longer protected by the law as a youth, she was to be tried as an adult, meaning much harsher punishments, which sat very well with Emma Frost.
Flashback [Basketball Game]
The Wildcats were up by 3 points as the West High Knights tried to fight their way back up. Troy and Chad were running down the court after the captain of West High, Jason and Zeke close behind them, another Wildcat up front getting ready to try and block the shot. Some of the team were the new students in grade 11 and at the moment the name escaped Troy as he curved in and stole the ball. Turning quickly he began dribbling the ball back up the court, passing to Chad.
Zeke moved past the two of them as the West High Knights ran at Chad. The ball bounced over to Zeke who then passed to Troy, who took the shot. The crowd screamed as the ball went through. They still had to be on their guard, they had 16 minutes left to go. Troy glanced at the crowd to see Gabriella and Taylor sitting with Maria, Lucille, Melinda and Ororo as they cheered.
"Come on Cap," said Chad. "Girlfriend later…B-Ball now!"
He shook his head and ran off after Chad as the game continued.
"Is it always this exciting?" asked Ororo to Lucille.
"No tonight's a really good game," she said. "I've never seen them play like they are."
Melinda was cheering her heart out with Taylor and Gabriella. Nobody knew about Troy and her just yet, both of them deciding to reveal the news at Prom. Everyone would be there, including the adults; Mrs. Darbus had invited all of them for reasons she hadn't revealed.
Music started playing, indicating a short rest period, allowing Gabriella and Taylor to come down the middle aisle to see Chad and Troy. Both boys were sweaty from the game but smiled when they saw their girlfriends.
"Hey babe," said Troy kissing Gabby on the cheek quickly.
"You're doing really well out there Troy," she said. "Not that I actually understand what's going on to be honest…you are winning right?"
He laughed and bit and shook his head in slight disbelief but passed it off for the time being. The two began talking to each other while the others got drinks and tried to rest up a little bit. Finally the whistle blew again and the teams were back on the court.
Gabriella and Taylor watched as the West High Knights started to get vicious. The loss was beginning to get to them and so they were now resorting to try and take out the team players. She watched as they began targeting Troy, who just realized what they were doing before trying to dodge out of the way. The ball was passed off to Zeke but not before the Knights managed to hit Troy down to the floor.
The Knight backed up, glancing up to see Gabriella's icy cold brown eyes piercing him through. Clearly he attacked the wrong boy. Troy got up as the guy ran off to join his Team, rubbing his right arm a little bit but perfectly alright from the looks of it. He winked at Gabby before darting off to rejoin his team.
"Boys, seems the Knights changed their style," he said, while they huddled. "Whoever has the ball on our team needs to be defended from the Knights. Zeke stick close to Chad, Jason stick close to Jimmie."
"What about you hoops?" asked Chad.
"I'll protect myself," he said. "Whoever gets the ball; all of us fall in on them and keep them safe."
The boys went back to the game, Jimmie dribbling up court. Troy and Jason on either side of him. He passed off to Chad as him and Zeke continued up court. Chad passed it back to Troy, making the Knights try to stop so they could go back, causing two of them to slip on the floor. Troy threw it to Jason who jumped up and took the shot. It hit the backboard and came back down, where Troy caught it and slammed it into the net.
More cheering erupted as the boys ran off down the court again. Nobody saw two blondes walk in. Emma Frost and Sharpay Evens. Sharpay quickly joined Taylor and Gabriella, while Emma walked off towards the adults. Her and Ororo locked eyes for a minute, Lucille and Maria noting the tension. Finally the two women shook hands. It seemed things were working out for the best finally.
Melinda had run off to go to the washroom and grab some food from the car, so when she came back she laughed at Gabriella and Taylor who were both jumping around and cheering. She retook her seat beside Maria before joining in the cheering as Troy landed the slam-dunk rebound shot.
One minute left and West High had fallen further behind than before. Troy seemed to have discovered their new strategy and the East High Wildcats were blocking them everywhere. The West High Coach was shouting furiously at the team, Jack shouting at his team encouragingly. Zeke jumped to the net, slamming the ball into the backboard, blocking the shot from West High.
The ball fell into Jimmie's hands and he began dribbling down court. Passing to Chad, he fell back, stopping completely. The Knight behind him slammed into him knocking them both over. Chad passed to Zeke, who then turned and threw it back to Jason. Jason darted up the middle, the Knights having been on the outsides chasing Chad and Zeke. He threw it over the heads of the Knights in front of him to Troy who ran off to the net. He jumped up and threw the ball up, landing the final shot before the buzzer rang.
The crowd screamed again as the East High Wildcats gathered, holding the large trophy. Troy hardly had time to turn around before Gabriella was hugging him and kissing him. Troy didn't even need the noise, all he had his eyes one was his girlfriend. He smiled at her warmly before kissing back, much more affectionately than they usually did in public.
"Congratulations," she said to him softly. "How do you feel?"
"Can I get back to you on that?" he asked, holding her close to him. "I'm a little busy right now."
She smirked while he leaned down, kissing her neck gently and just holding her close to him. She wrapped an arm around his waist while he rested his arm on her shoulders as they walked off the gym floor.
End Flashback
That next day had been Taylor and Gabriella's Scholastic Decathlon and despite their previous thoughts both Troy and Chad showed up with the Basketball team, Maria Montez, Melinda Gordon, Ororo Munroe, Sharpay and Emma Frost. They'd been surprised to see them all there but they didn't let that affect them. The East High team won their Decathlon; which had made Gabriella and Taylor happy. Troy and Chad had gone out later with the two girls to celebrate.
As predicted Gabriella and Troy had kept their engagement secret, Gabriella not wearing the ring because that would just be too obvious. However Troy did do something else. During lunch, a couple days after the Decathlon, he gave Gabriella his school ring in front of everyone. It was a sign of eternal love for the two of them. The ring was put on a necklace for her after all; his ring wouldn't actually fit her finger, so that she could wear it around her neck. It was a gold ring with a large red stone in the middle of it. Troy was born in July and his birthstone was a Ruby. She had been unaware that the ring was not what she thought it was.
"Do you like it?" he asked her softly.
"It's beautiful," she said. "Did you get the imitation gold? Cause these rings can get really expensive."
"No…that's real gold," he explained as she looked at it incredulously. "And that's a real Ruby in the middle of it."
"Troy!" she said, gasped a bit. "This must have cost a fortune?"
He shrugged as he put the necklace around her neck, smiling softly at her. She smirked when he did it up, before noticing everyone was watching the two of them. A couple girls looked so angry because Troy Bolton was now claiming Gabriella as his. Of course the two were inseparable when they were together so it was pretty much an obvious fact.
"You deserve the best," he said softly in her ear. Making her turn a light shade of pink.
The next week had been the trial, much to Gabriella, Troy and Sharpay's dismay. They had not wanted to go through with this but in the end it would result in Stacey being locked away for a very long time and possible a rather large fine against her.
Flashback [Trial]
The final day of the Trial was at hand. The panel of twelve people who made up the jury sat down in the jury box, awaiting the last statements before passing judgement on the girl. Stacey sat in a box off to the side, facing Gabriella, Troy and Sharpay while Emma Frost walked around in a small circle pacing. She was allowing the lawyer for the defendant [Stacey] say his thing to try and get her off, while she thought of what to say.
The days leading up to this day had been even rougher. Having specialists and professionals in, providing all the evidence, bringing up the recent criminal activity from Stacey, and hearing the statements from the witnesses and the victim. That day had bothered Emma when the man defending Stacey questioned Gabriella.
Flashback [Gabriella's questioning]
"Miss. Montez," started the lawyer. "Now how certain are you that it was my client you saw driving Miss. Evens car?"
"I'm absolutely positive," she answered.
"Forgive me but doesn't Miss. Evens have tinted windows?"
"Yes."
"So then you could have been mistaken. You've had past dealings with Miss. Emeris before. See what I think is you've misidentified my client as a way to get back at her because she wanted your man. Am I correct Miss. Montez?"
"Objection!" shouted Emma standing. "You're badgering my client and you're being inflammatory."
"Sustained," said the judge.
End Flashback [Gabriella's questioning]
That had bothered her to see a man going after her so brutally because of what she'd been through. All the evidence had already been presented and Stacey was already known to be the one who had done the crimes. The man stepped away, finishing his statement and allowing Emma to come forward.
"Good afternoon members of the jury," she started. "As stated my client went through a horrible ordeal. Gabriella was hit by a car driven by this young woman over here, all because the girl wanted revenge on Sharpay Evens…as well as to steal the boy whom my client loved. Not only did she affect the lives of Gabriella and Sharpay…she affected the lives of Troy Bolton and all of the students and parents who knew them at East High," she spoke, leaving a little pause. "But that's not all. She affected the lives of two more people outside of East High and all the others who knew her. This girl is a danger to society; she needs to be taught that not everything in life can be done just because you have money to bail you out. So as members of the general public, of society tell me…what would you do if it was your daughter she hit?"
She sat back down beside Gabriella as the judge started speaking.
"All right members of the jury," he spoke. "The charges of hit and run, how do you find the defendant?"
"Guilty."
"The charges of Attempted murder with intent?"
"Guilty."
"The charges of identity theft and fraudulent behaviour?"
"Guilty."
"The charges of vandalism causing property damage?"
"Guilty."
"The charges of coercion against Miss. Montez and Mr. Bolton?"
"Guilty."
"Very well, Miss. Emeris the jury has found you guilty of all your crimes," he spoke. "You are here by sentenced to a fine of $1800 to be paid to Mr. Bolton for the property damage, $1000 in damages to Miss. Montez. You are also sentenced to 40 years imprisonment to be served consecutively with no chance of parole. Thank you."
Stacey looked like she'd been hit in the face as she started crying. Despite everything she did Gabriella felt bad for her. 40 years in jail…Stacey's life was over. However she was also slightly happy because Stacey would never again bother them.
End Flashback [Trial]
It had taken a while but Troy had finally seen Gabriella acting more like herself, less skittish and frightened. He knew the events of the previous weeks had bothered her and he was unable to do anything to help her. Eventually things returned to normal, now that basketball and the decathlon were over as was the musical, now they could all concentrate on Prom and Graduation.
Troy was currently sitting with Chad and Zeke in the cafeteria, all of them eating their lunch. As usual Chad was talking about basketball.
"Troy dude you've been quiet," said Zeke suddenly. "Something up?"
"Huh? Oh no man, just thinking," he answered.
"Probably thinking about Gabriella," said Chad. "I tell ya those two are like the perfect couple. They never take any risks at all."
"That's not true," Troy shot back. "We take plenty of risks."
"Oh yeah? Really," said Chad. "What risk have you taken with her then huh?"
"I…uhhhh," said Troy, not exactly wanting to delve into his personal life. Some things were meant to be kept to himself.
"That's what I thought," said Chad leaning back.
"I don't exactly want to go revealing what I do with my girlfriend here in the cafeteria where anyone can hear it," he said. "Besides what we do isn't any of your business."
"Someone's getting defensive," said Zeke. "Come on man you couldn't have done anything that risky."
Troy got up, taking his finished tray of food and began heading off, the other boys following. Once out of the cafeteria and in the halls Troy smirked a bit, walking along the empty hall.
"Dude," he said. "I got laid."
The two boy's eyes went wide before they grinned stupidly as well.
"Holy crap are you serious?" asked Zeke.
"She let you go that far?" asked Chad incredulously.
"Oh yeah," he said, opening his locker to grab his bag.
"Well?" said Chad and Zeke.
"It was amazing," he answered, shutting the locker door. "I've never felt anything like it. There really is no way to explain it."
The boys smirked and began talking and laughing. The girls weren't around today because they were getting themselves ready fro Prom. Gabriella had called earlier to tell Troy she loved him and would see him later when he came to pick her up.
Gabriella sighed as she spent her day out with Taylor, Kelsie and Sharpay, as well a girl named Martha was also with them; she was a friend of Taylor's. The five girls had spent a good portion of the day getting manicures, pedicures, their hair done right and all the make up they'd need for tonight.
Finally at home again, with her freshly done nails; she was going to do her hair herself; she began rummaging around her closet for any sort of jewellery that would go with her dress. Her mother had picked out an off white coloured satin dress that hung down exposing her back but fit her curves very nicely. It had small silver roses around the waistline, acting as an imitation belt of sorts. Her shoes were a nice silver high heeled sandal, that allowed her feet to be exposed, hence the pedicure.
Finally her eyes fell on the jewels that her mother had given her up at the Winter Retreat. The silver necklace and the earrings. She took them out and placed them on the bed with the dress and smiled. Heading into the washroom she began by taking a shower. Once done she got out and dried herself off, pulled on some sweats and an old T-Shirt…ironically it was Troy's undershirt he'd left at her house the night they'd…well…
She grinned and got to work on her hair, brushing through it and constantly washing it through with shampoo and then conditioning it. By the time she was ready to style it, her hair was silky smooth. She began by putting curlers in her hair; it was a long process as her hair was awfully long. Once that was done she began to apply her makeup to her eyes and cheeks. Her lips would be done just before she left. Once done she rushed downstairs to start heating up some dinner for herself; sure there would be food there but it was easier this way rather than trying to mound food at the prom. Once she was finished eating she rushed back upstairs again and began letting the curls fall down her back. She smiled, happy at the way it looked, wavy and curly and flowing all down her back and a few curls over her shoulders. She then got herself into the dress and shoes, got her jewellery on, grabbed her matching purse and applied her lipstick just in time.
She came downstairs just as the doorbell rang. She looked out the peephole in the door to see Troy standing there in his greysilver tux and waiting for her. She smiled and unlocked the door before opening it. She watched Troy's eyes nearly fall out of his skull, as he looked her up and down.
"Wow…Gabby," he said. "You look amazing."
"Thanks," she smiled. "You don't look so bad yourself."
He held out his arm, which she took and followed him out, closing and locking the door behind her. Her mother had left already, orders of Gabriella herself. She got into the sleek black car that Troy owned before they drove off to the Prom.
Taylor paced around Chad, who was looking extremely annoyed now. She was worried about Gabriella and why she wasn't here yet. Chad was annoyed because Taylor was getting to overworked.
"They'll be here Taylor," he said. "They probably just hit some traffic or something."
"I knew I should have gone and gotten her myself," she muttered.
He sighed and grabbed her, bringing her to him. Startled a little bit by this she looked up at him.
"Stop worrying," he said. "They'll get here."
Just then the doors opened to reveal Troy and Gabriella. Nobody knew what Gabby was going to be wearing so when she stepped in Taylor, Sharpay and most of the girls at East High had their mouths gaping. Troy also got a little defensive, when he noticed how many guys were looking at her as well, by wrapping his arm around her waist as a sign of possessiveness.
"Gabriella!" said Sharpay, shocked. "Oh my god you look beautiful!"
The two girls hugged.
"Thanks Sharpay," she said. "You do to."
Sharpay was in a pink dress, what else is new, that had matching shoes and jewellery to go with it. Taylor was next as she hugged Gabriella, dressed in a deep purple dress with silver accessories. Her hair was straight and silky; her hair was much shorter than the other girls so it was a little harder to style.
"You look gorgeous," she said. "Damn girl you're gonna show us all up."
"Aw, thanks Tay, you look just a beautiful," answered Gabriella. "Trust me I'm not that good looking."
"Yes girl you are," she responded.
The group walked over to the table, thankfully Taylor; who happened to be on the Prom Committee, had pulled some strings and managed to get them all seated at one large table. At the table were Troy and Gabriella, Zeke and Sharpay, Jason and Martha, Ryan and Kelsie, and finally Chad and herself.
Troy sat down, letting his eyes wander over the crowd before resting them on his mother and father, Maria and Ororo. He watched them all speaking to each other and let a heavy sigh out. Gabriella turned to look at whatever it was that had caught Troy's attention and smirked.
"Figures," he muttered. "The most romantic and formal night of my life so far and my parents are the chaperons. Could this get any worse?"
"It's not that bad Wildcat," she answered. "Besides in a few short months you'll have the romantic, alone time you'll need."
He smirked as he watched her take out his engagement ring and put it on her finger again. Tonight they were no longer hiding anything.
Gabriella huffed a little bit, put off because nobody had noticed the ring. She left her hand on the table, run her fingers through her hair even brought up to topic of jewellery but still…nothing. Troy didn't seem fazed by this fact, though that was probably because he was to busy talking basketball for the last 2 hours.
"I mean seriously…is everyone that oblivious?" she thought as she stared off into space. "Is it that difficult to spot a ring on someone's finger? It has like 20 diamonds in the stupid thing!"
"Earth to Gabby!"
She snapped back to reality when Taylor's voice suddenly echoed in her head. She glanced around at the girls and the boys before blushing a little bit.
"Ummm what?"
"We've been calling you for almost 5 minutes now Gabby," said Sharpay. "Are you ok?"
"Oh…yeah," she answered running her hand through her hair again. "Sorry I was just doing some really deep thinking."
Martha let out a gasp and grabbed Gabriella's hand, pulling it forward. This made the group look at her kind of funny, but made Gabriella and Troy nervous.
"Where on earth did you get this?" asked Sharpay. "It's absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you Sharpay," said Gabriella.
"Umm guys," said Kelsie, timidly. "Isn't that her ring finger…reserved for an engagement ring?"
The group snapped back to Gabriella's finger before looking at her and then to Troy. Taylor and Sharpay both gasped.
"Oh…My…God!" said Taylor. "Are you…?"
"Uh huh."
"And did…?"
"Uhh huuh," she responded her smile growing bigger and bigger.
The two girls burst out in screams of delight as they got up and hugged Gabriella, laughing and jumping around a little bit. The boys were all a little confused by the questions but they'd come to their own conclusions about the ring.
"Dude did you propose to Gabriella?" asked Chad.
"Yes I did," he answered. "And she obviously said yes."
Chad and Troy did their little man hug thing, smiling as the others congratulated him and offered any support they could. The screaming however had caught the attention of Ororo Munroe, so she made her way over to the group. She was absolutely stunning in the blue silk dress that flowed out behind her. Her white hair sat down behind her, wavy and flowing ever so gently. He watched her eyes shift to Gabriella's ring before back to Troy, her mouth covered by her hand.
"Oh my…Troy how on earth did you afford such a beautiful piece of jewellery?" she asked. "It is absolutely stunning.
"Thank you Ororo," he answered. "Actually my grandmother handed it down to me and asked me to give it to the girl I fall in love with. She wanted me to use it as the engagement ring."
At this time Jack and Lucille had both come over, Jack's eyes landing on Gabriella's ring before looking back to Troy. Troy could see it there…the pure malice as it sunk in that Troy had just gotten engaged without even bothering to consult him or Lucille. Lucille was all smiles; this wasn't a really big shock for her as she hugged Gabriella.
Jack began walking out, Troy following behind him until they were well away from the gym. That was when Jack turned on Troy.
"You asked her to marry you?" he said, strangely calm. "Without even telling your mother or myself?"
"I know, I'm sorry…but I knew you'd never let me," he answered. "Gabriella and I recently talked through some things and with her new choices and my own we can make a union between us work out really well."
"Oh really?" he asked. "And what might these choices be."
"Gabriella is going to apply for a position at a temp agency," he explained. "After her ordeal with the coma she's adamant on doing a little bit of everything rather than just one. I accepted UCLA's offer dad. I'm going to play professional Basketball, just like we talked about."
Jack hadn't know about all this and looked at his son, completely shocked at the news.
"I would have told you guys but with all the recent things happening I've just been so busy, I forgot to…and then tonight we'd arranged to tell everyone," he explained.
"I see," he said. "And she's not…you know…?"
"Pregnant? No dad. No way," he said. "I wouldn't do that you…or her."
"Good…because when we get home tonight you can explain to your mother and myself why there is an open box of condoms in your room," he said, folding his arms.
Troy just sighed and shook his head, walking back to the gym with his dad.
"I said she wasn't pregnant," he said. "I never said we'd never done 'it'."
"Everyone please can I have your attention," said Mrs. Darbus as she stood on the stage. "It is time to announce this year's Prom King and Queen. Everyone has voted and this year's votes have been the most astounding to date."
Everyone had stopped talking as they watched. The Prom Kings had been a choice from Troy Bolton, Chad Danforth and the football team captain Collin Danvers. The Queens had been Sharpay Evens, a cheerleader name Lisa Harlow and Gabriella Montez.
"And…this years Prom King…with an astonishing total of 90% of the votes…Troy Bolton," she said, as the gym began to erupt in claps and cheers.
Troy stood up, a little put off by this but walked up to the stage and stood there waiting for whoever had been voted Queen.
"And…this years Prom Queen…with an amazing total of 95% of the total student votes…Gabriella Montez!" she said.
Gabriella looked up, her eyes wide as clapping and screams erupted around her. She stood up, smiling and almost crying as she walked up to the stage with Troy. She knew she'd been nominated, but she never thought she'd win over the likes of Sharpay or Lisa. Stepping up on stage and taking Troy's hand they both were crowned before looking out at the senior class.
Gabriella and Troy exited the stage and walked to the middle of the dance floor, as the dance part of the Prom started. She smiled up at him as he watched her closely.
"How do you feel?" he asked softly.
"Astonished," she answered. "I never thought I'd get Prom Queen. I can't believe I beat out Sharpay."
"I can," he said. "Prom Queen embodies what East High stands for. You are kind, sweet caring, gentle and always there to help people in need. Plus I think the incident with being run down helped your chances."
She smiled again, as he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close. She stepped up and kissed him, wrapping her own arms behind his neck.
By the time Prom was over, people were getting ready to head off to various sites for a camping trip or a weekend at the beach. Since Prom was on Thursday and the seniors weren't going to show up Friday they had three days to enjoy themselves before coming back for Graduation.
The gang had decided to save their money for the summer time, and have one last trip together then before heading their individual ways to College or University. What troy and Gabriella didn't know was that those plans had changed; now the gang were going to pool their money together to give them a honeymoon.
The gang began heading out, Troy stopping short of the doors. Gabriella glanced back at him a little worried.
"You ok Wildcat?" she asked softly, coming up to him.
"Yeah…I just have to go talk to someone real quick," he answered, pecking her on the lips quickly. "I'll meet you at the car ok?"
She nodded and walked off with Taylor and Sharpay. Troy turned and ran off towards the Theatre…he had one last person he needed to speak with before heading off tonight.
Stepping into the large auditorium, he noticed Mrs. Darbus sitting in an empty seat in the middle row, just looking at the stage. It hadn't been to long ago when him and the rest of the drama students had put on the final musical 'Senior Year' which had surprisingly been better than he'd expected. He began to approach her slowly, not wanting to startle her.
"Your generation never ceases to amaze me," she spoke finally. "With all that hidden talent you all seem to have. This year's musical was by far the best one I've ever produced in my 30 years of teaching here."
He smiled and sat down beside her, glancing at the stage as well. He had never understood her attachment to the theatre until just recently. Here you could be free; you could be anything and everything you ever wanted to be.
"Anyways Mr. Bolton," she said. "You must have had some reason for coming here tonight?"
"I did," he said. "I wanted to thank you Mrs. Darbus. I always thought you hated us…the way you seemed to push us so much. It wasn't until just recently that I finally understood. You wanted to see us succeed."
"Nothing gives a teacher greater pleasure…than to see their pupil surpass them in greatness," she explained. "Many of you I pushed yes…but you Troy were one of the ones I kept an eye on. I've seen you do a great deal of things…winning your basketball trophy…starring as the lead role in a musical, how much you embraced outsiders to make them feel welcome. This year I think I've found my crown jewel out of all of the students here. You Mr. Bolton were one of my best students. It has been a great pleasure teaching you these last four years."
Troy smiled at the way Mrs. Darbus sounded and spoke. She sounded so sincere and heartfelt that he couldn't help but give a bit of a laugh.
"I can honestly say Mrs. Darbus if it wasn't for you I would never have tried any of that stuff," he said. "Because of you and Gabriella I've become a better person. So thank you. You're truly a great teacher."
She nodded as he got up and walked out of the theatre. She stood up and looked at the door Troy had exited from and clapped a little bit.
"Bravo Troy Bolton," she said. "Bravo."
"So who did you have to talk to?" asked Gabriella as they drove home. "All your friends were outside."
"Mrs. Darbus actually," he answered. "I had a few things that I needed to say to her. She always pushed me...even though I thought she hated me. It was only just recently that I realized that it wasn't because she hated me it was because she wanted me to succeed."
She smiled at him and nodded, closing her eyes for a little bit. She sighed and opened them again looking at Troy.
"I still can't believe we're here," she said. "You and me...getting married in the summer. I never thought I would find the man who would ever love me for just me. But here you are in front of me. Do you ever feel like maybe we're rushing into this a little too fast?"
"Honestly, some days yes I do," he answered. "But then I remember that I'm going to be marrying you and suddenly it doesn't feel wrong or rushed. I love you Gabriella Montez, and I always will."
She blushed a shade of scarlet before letting out a soft giggle. Troy was defiantly worth the wait and she was happy to be with him.
Graduation had not come fast enough for the school but when it did...it flew by. Next thing Gabriella knew it was her wedding day. Summer had flown by with preparations and planning, invites going out to family and friends. Now here she was standing in her elegant wedding dress, all done up and ready to go. She was nervous as she waited. Where had the time gone? Was her life going to go by this fast now that she was getting married?
"Gabriella?" said Sharpay as she walked into the room. "Oh god honey you look horrible...what's wrong?"
"I'm so nervous. I mean I hardly remember summer going by so fast...I don't even remember graduation. Where did all that time go? Is my life going to just rush by me so fast because I'm settling down?"
"Aw no honey of course not," she said, touching her shoulder. "Don't worry about it too much sweetheart. It feels rushed now but in the end, after this is over it'll feel great. It'll be like everything before it was just useless...the stuff that was needed to get where you are now.
Gabriella nodded and allowed Sharpay to fix her makeup and get her ready again. She smiled and stood up again, allowing the dress to flow out around her.
"Alright I'm ready," she said.
Troy stood at the altar waiting, his best man, Chad, standing beside him. He stood up front, in his tux waiting for Gabriella. He was nervous beyond belief but this was his day, he was happy, this was the day he was going to finally be joined with Gabriella. He looked out to see so many faces all staring back at him, all of his friends and family sitting there waiting for the ceremony to start. Finally the music started and he looked up.
"You ok man?" whispered Chad.
"Yeah…nervous."
The little girl came down the aisle throwing the confetti as she walked forward, followed by the bride's maids and the maid of honor. Then he saw her. Gabriella was coming down the aisle with his father, at her request, looking beautiful. He felt his heart stop in his chest when she appeared. She stopped beside him, smiling with her eyes watery.
"Hi," she mouthed to him.
"Hey," he mouthed back, taking her hand in his. "You ready?" he whispered.
"Yes," she answered. 'Let's go."
The two of them walked up to the alter together stopping in front of the older man waiting to marry them. The minister opened his book and smiled at them.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God, and in the face of this company to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honourable among all men; and therefore, is not by any, to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace," said the minister.
Troy and Gabriella shifted a little awkwardly before the minister continued.
"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy, and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly, it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained. Through marriage, Troy and Gabriella make a commitment together to face their disappointments, embrace their dreams, realize their hopes, and accept each other's failures. Troy and Gabriella will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together, through mutual understanding, openness, and sensitivity to each other. We are here today before God, because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes, to witness the joining in marriage of Troy and Gabriella. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now, through me, He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds," he spoke to everyone. "This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one's own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship, the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives. By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for Troy and Gabriella from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for "what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together, to strengthen each other in all labour, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness. This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you. Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is amoral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a lifelong consecration of the ideal of loving kindness, backed with the will to make it last."
Troy and Gabriella turned to face each other smiling.
"Troy, your vows."
""Gabriella, I know that I'm supposed to have some fancy speech all written out so and studied so I don't make a fool of myself up her...but the truth is I'm the kind of guy who does everything on the fly. We've known each other for not even a year...but you mean the world to me. We've had our ups and downs but we've worked through them, you and me together. I can't picture a world without you Gabriella, because every time I do...it's always wrong. I can't promise you that I'll never make you cry, I can't promise you everything will be alright, but I can promise you a happy life, with me. I can promise to care for you, to love you and to be with you for as long as you let me," he said softly.
"Gabriella?"
"Huh...oh right," she said, smiling. "Sorry. Um...yeah Troy, I...I uh..."
She stopped and wiped her tears away before starting again.
"Sorry. Troy, I can't believe that I'm here," she said. "I never thought I would find love so young and so soon. I came to this town, the new girl. I didn't know anything or anybody. I made friends," she said indicating Taylor, Sharpay and Kelsie. "I met you and everything was different. You were charming, you were sweet and caring and willing to give up everything, your status, your dreams and your friends just to be with me. I love you Troy Bolton and I always will."
"Do you Troy Bolton take Gabriella Montez to be your wife, to live together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?" asked the minister.
"I do."
"Do you Gabriella Montez take Troy Bolton to be your husband to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?" repeated the minister to Gabriella.
"I do."
"What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand? May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts," said the minister as the little boy, Chad's brother, came up with the rings.
The minister took the rings and placed them on each of their fingers before placing Gabriella's hand in Troy's.
"May you always share with each other the gifts of love, be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts, love, generosity and kindness. In as much as Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith, and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring, are now joined. You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other's best friend. What therefore, God has joined together let no man put asunder. And so, by the power vested in me by the State of Albuquerque and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife and may your days be good and long upon the earth," said the minister. "You may now kiss the bride."
Troy smiled and pressed his lips to Gabriella's while his friends whooped at him. He pulled away and smiled at Gabriella.
"Finally," he said to her softly.
"Finally," she repeated.
There you go, the end of Chapter nine. I will have Chapter 10 done asap and it should be a good enough ending. It'll end in a mannor that will allow me to continue if I so wish but it also gives it a note of finality. Read and review please.
