An: hey guys sorry I haven't updated in a while but I had so much studying to cover plus thanksgiving so I hope you can forgive me. I have no homework and no studying to do today aren't you guys lucky?

Recap:
"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.

Gabriella's pov:

I stirred slightly as I felt a cool light breeze hit me. I shivered and tried to pull my blanket closer till I realized I didn't have a blanket around me.
I had a pair of strong arms wrapped around me. I panicked and shot up till I realized it was Troy who was holding me. He held me so tight like he was afraid to let me go.
I smiled as I tried to wriggle out of his grasp.

I found it difficult so I just stayed where I was. I brushed his hair out of his eyes and just looked at him sleeping.

He looked so peaceful with his mouth parted open slightly. His eyes were closed lightly and his chest was rising and falling ever slowly. I nudged Troy but he wouldn't wake up.

" Five more minutes" He muttered as he turned on his side. I tried not to fall on him. "Troy" I said laughing as I tried to wake him up. " I don't wanna clean my room" I heard him mutter.

I laughed as I nudged him again. He muttered something else incoherent. I tried to think of the best way to wake him up. I smiled evilly as I realized what I could do.

"Troy" I whispered in his ear. "I'm gonna eat your PANCAKES!"I yelled really loud. "Pancakes?" He said bolting up right. "Where?" He asked rubbing his eyes as he frantically searched for them.

I couldn't help but double over in laughter at his reaction. At least I knew how to wake a guy up. He noticed me laugh and his eyes narrowed "That's not funny Brie" He said as he yawned.

"Wake a guy up on an empty stomach" He said As if on cue his stomach began grumbling. I snickered "Alright I think we've established that I'm comical to you" He said as he got up. I looked at him with an eyebrow raised as he helped me up.

"I was kidding" He said defensively. " I know you were" I said as I winked at him. He took my hand and we walked silently.

As we got into his car he started the engine. "Are you ready to go back?" He asked.
"Honestly? No" I said as I sighed. He reached out and grabbed my hand and gently stroked it.

"I'm right here if you need to talk" He said gently as he took his eye off the road for a minute to give me a soft smile.

"I know you are" I said softly as traced patterns on his hands. "But I need to do this on my own" I said as I stared out the window. "Nevertheless I'll still be here if you need me" He said as he let go of my hand to focus on the road.

I smiled at his direction and returned my gaze out the window.

I was in a deep load of trouble when I got home because I forgot to call my mum. The confrontation wasn't something I was looking forward to. Which is why when we pulled up at my house I could feel a dreary sense of entrapment. I know I sound like a drama queen but I hated arguing with my mum.

I was about to reach out and open the door when Troy ran to the other side and opened it for me. "Thank you" I said gratefully. "You're welcome" He said as he walked me to my door.
"Troy?" I said uncertainly as I fiddled with my keys. "Yeah?" He asked. "What does this..." I gestured to me and him "mean?" I finished. "Well" He said nervously running a hand through his hair.

"We could be you know try dating and see how that goes…." He trailed off waiting for my answer. I hesitated not sure what to say. "Brie" He said as he sighed. "You don't have to say anything now but promise me you'll think about it?" He said gently as he rubbed my hand.

"I promise" I said as i nodded fervently. He kissed my cheek and walked off. He got into his car and drove away. I just stood there and touched my cheek. It still tingled from his touch. I sighed and opened the door.

"Gabriella mary montez where have you been?" My frantic mother asked as soon as she came out. "I'm sorry mum I fell asleep in the park and I forgot to call" I said apologetically. "You had me so worried" She said as she hugged me. I hugged her back "Mum it's ok I'm fine I'm sorry I didn't call"

I said as I pulled away. "Just don't scare me like that again" She said sternly as she took my hand. I noticed someone in the living room but I couldn't make it who it was. My mum dropped my hand and went over to sit on the opposite side to him.

He turned around to smile at me and I just froze rooted to my spot. Now there was a man I never expected nor did I ever want to see again.

There in the flesh so to speak was my dad.
"Hello Gabriella" He said as he waited expectantly for me to hug him. "Hello" I said rather coldly as I brushed past him and sat down on the floor next to my mother.

"Gabriella I want you to know that I'm sorry for what I did" He said as he looked straight at me.

"And?" I said trying to be kind. "And what?" He asked confused. "That's it?" I asked incredulously.

"Gabriella" My mother sternly from beside me "You haven't been there basically my whole life and you're sorry?" I asked as I eyed him. "Well I uh yeah" He said defensively.

"Are you even going to try to be there?" I asked not bothering to hide my anger. "I'll try" He said as he shrugged his shoulders."You'll try?" I asked trying to calm myself down. He nodded. "Oh that's just great" I said sarcastically as I got up.

"Don't talk to me like that young lady" He said sternly as he too got up. I wheeled around to face him. "Enlighten me then Dad how am I supposed to talk to you? You show up 16 years later and I'm supposed to run and tell you everything is ok?" I asked not trying to hide my disappointment.

His eyes lit with fury as he tried to think of something to say. "Please don't you've ruined my life please don't ruin it anymore" I said as calmly as I could as I went upstairs and shut my door.

"She's your daughter" I heard him whisper furiously. "Well she does have a point what can you offer her?" I heard my mum whisper back just as furiously.

"Don't you dare start that" I heard him say as his voice went above a whisper. "What do you want me to do force her to talk to you?" I heard my mum yell back exasperated.

"That would help" He half yelled. "No she's a grown up she's old enough to decide whether or not she wants you in her life" I heard my mum yell back. I secretly thanked my mum for being so understanding.

I was glad I didn't have to face him for now. I slid against the door as I heard them argue again in whispers before I heard the front door open and slam.

I heard footsteps up the stairs and a faint knock. "Gabi?" I heard my mum ask gently. I opened the door and was met with my mum's worried face. "Are you ok?" She asked as she hugged me gently.

"I'm fine mum thank you" I whispered too emotional to speak. My mum sat down and gently patted the seat next to her. I sat down beside her and we just sat there for a while in comfortable silence.

"Wanna know a secret Gabi?" I heard my mum say almost happily. I nodded my head happy for the distraction. "I think I like someone" I heard her say.

"Really who?" I asked my attention fully focused on her now. "Well it's um" She said nervously. "Someone I know?" I asked curiously. She nodded.

"Troy's dad?" I asked knowingly. She looked at me shocked but slowly nodded. "Mum it's ok I've seen the way you look at him" I said shrugging. "Just be careful not to get your heart broken ok?" I asked as I hugged her.

My mum nodded. "Say whose the parent here?" She asked jokingly. I laughed. "Can I go see Troy?" I asked giving her my puppy look. "Of course" She said. "Just don't be late for lunch" She said as she kissed my cheek.

I nodded as I grabbed my keys and walked to Troy's house. It was a long walk but it was refreshing and it would clear my head and prepare me for what I was about to do.
I knocked and waited patiently for someone to open. The door opened to reveal a middle aged bright and tall woman with brown hair.

"Oh you must be gabriella" She said brightly as she hugged me. I was shocked that she went for a hug from the first meeting. "It's nice to meet you….?" I trailed off as more of a question as she continued to smile at me. She was a short woman with dark brown hair a plump face and very kind eyes.
"I'm Troy's aunt Helen it's nice to meet you too" She said the sincerity laced in her voice.

" My goodness you are as pretty as he said you are but even prettier too" She said as she gestured towards Troy's room. "Thank you" I said gratefully. I felt myself blush at her kind words.

"Troy" She yelled. "Gabriella's here" She yelled back as she went into the kitchen. I just stood there fiddling with my hands as I looked down at my feet.

"Hey" I heard him say. "Hey" I said smiling back. "Come on up" He said as he waited for me to take the lead. "First door on your left" He said.

I opened the door and smiled as I noticed how well it fit a jock. Basketball trophies. Poster for rock bands. Fairly tidy for a boy I guess with a laptop on one side.
He flopped down on his bed as he gestured to a chair. "Troy listen I'm not going to beat about the bush" I said as I sat down and looked at him.

He nodded as indication for me to go on.

"I'd love to start dating you" I said he smiled but then noticed my expression. He gulped "But?" He asked almost fearfully.

I took a deep breath. " I can't…. how will I know I'm not just another one of your girls…. How will I know your different?" I asked as I looked up to meet his eyes.

"You just have to trust me" He said sincerely.

"I want to I want to so bad but I just can't…. I want you to prove that you like me for me…. not just cuz I am hot" I admitted.

"Troy please?" I pleaded my exhaustion finally catching up to me

. " I'll prove it to you no matter what it takes" He said fiercely as he looked me in the eyes. "That's all I ask" I said softly.

An: ok so that was quite an intense chapter yes? I know a lot of people have this story on alert so do me a favor and review for me. It's not that hard. Really. You just push the button and wrte a few little words for little old me. Please? Thanks c ya guys next chappy. Btw if any of you are twilight fans.... check out my new bedward one-shot speechless!