That evening, Gabriella invited Taylor and Kelsi over for a sleepover. They were in Gabriella's room eating popcorn while they watched a movie – actually, they were talking, but, they had also put on a movie.
"Did you see Amanda's face when she realized that Martha Cox was wearing the same shirt as her?" Kelsi asked and Taylor burst out laughing.
"I can never forget that," she said.
Gabriella stayed quiet.
"What's wrong, Gabs?" Taylor asked.
"I…I have to tell you guys something," Gabriella said.
"What is it?" Kelsi asked.
"Promise me that you won't judge me," Gabriella begged.
"We promise," Taylor said. "What is it?"
"I'm pregnant," Gabriella said, softly.
"What?" Kelsi and Taylor asked in unison.
Gabriella raised her oversized shirt – which actually belonged to Troy – to reveal her bump.
"Oh my gosh!" Taylor exclaimed.
"This is so awesome," Kelsi smiled as both girls gave Gabriella a hug.
"Who's the father?" Taylor asked.
Gabriella whispered something, but, neither one of them heard it.
"We didn't catch that," Kelsi said.
"Troy," Gabriella said a little louder.
"What?" Taylor gasped.
"You mean you're carrying a Bolton?" Kelsi asked.
"Yes," Gabriella replied as she got up and walked over to the bed.
"When did this happen?" Taylor asked.
"Remember a long time ago, you guys asked me what I was doing that night, and I said that I was going to be home alone," Gabriella said. "And, Troy said that he'd stop by."
"The day he kissed you in the cafeteria?" Kelsi asked.
"Yeah," Gabriella answered. "Well, he did come over and…well…we…we sort of started this 'friends with benefits' thing. And, then, I got pregnant."
"Did you tell him?" Taylor asked.
"Of course I did," Gabriella answered.
"What did he say?" Kelsi asked. "Was he mad?"
"No," Gabriella replied. "We decided that we would have this baby together and then he told me that he loved me. That was after I told him that I loved him. And, then, we got together."
"So, that's why Troy doesn't make out with random cheerleaders," Taylor observed.
"That's the reason why Troy doesn't make out with random cheerleaders," a voice behind them said and the three girls jumped in surprise.
"Troy!" Gabriella exclaimed.
"What did you do that for?" Taylor asked.
"I wanted to surprise you guys," Troy said. "Ella, can I talk to you?"
"Sure, what's up?" Gabriella asked.
"Uh…alone," Troy said.
"We get it," Taylor said walking over to the door.
"We know when we are not wanted," Kelsi said winking at the couple as she followed Taylor.
"What is it, Troy?" Gabriella asked as she sat on the bed.
"You told them about us?" Troy asked.
"I did tell you that I was going to tell them that I'm pregnant," Gabriella replied.
"Yeah, I know," Troy said feeling a bit mad. "But, you also told them about us."
"What's the big problem?" she asked.
"You get to tell your friends about us, but, I can't tell mine?" he asked.
"Troy, you're different," she said.
"How, Gabriella?" Troy asked. "I'm just a guy."
"But, you're also the most popular guy in school," she argued.
"I'm not talking about telling the whole school," Troy said. "I'm talking about telling Chad. Why is that a problem?"
"I don't want the whole school knowing that I'm carrying Troy Bolton's baby," Gabriella replied.
"You don't know Chad like I do," he argued. "He won't tell anyone if I tell him not to. I trust him. Why can't you? If you trust me, you ought to be able to trust my best friend, too."
"Troy, I trust you," she said as she felt tears form in her eyes. She had gotten very emotional after getting pregnant. "More than anyone."
"Ella, I'm sorry," Troy said, sitting down on the floor next to the bed. He noticed her watery eyes. "I shouldn't have made you upset."
"I'm glad you're being honest with me, Troy," she said, softly as he took her hand. "And, you're right. This isn't fair. You ought to be able to tell Chad, if I tell Taylor and Kelsi, but, I just don't want the school to know."
"I promise you that won't happen," he said. "At least, not until the baby's born."
"Thank you," she said, as he kissed her hand.
"I love you, Ella," he said, softly as he kissed her small bump. "And, you, too."
Gabriella giggled. Troy sat up on the bed next to her and kissed her gently just as the door opened.
"You guys done yet?" Taylor asked.
"Just one second," Troy grinned and then, he kissed her again.
Taylor rolled her eyes and shut the door.
"I'll leave you to your girls' night then," Troy said, getting up. "I promised Chad that I'd meet him to play some basketball. And, who knows? Maybe we'll crash the sleepover."
"Bye, Troy," Gabriella smiled, waving at him.
"And, I'm taking this now," Troy said grabbing his sweater which lay on Gabriella's desk by her computer. "It's been here for almost four months or something."
Gabriella laughed. "It's quite comfortable, you know," she smiled.
Troy pulled it on. "Tell me about it," he said as he breathed in deeply. "It smells of you. I like it."
Gabriella laughed again. "Weren't you about to leave, Wildcat?"
"Yeah," Troy said walking over to the balcony. "By the way, you look really sexy in my shirt. I'm really sorry Taylor and Kelsi are here."
Gabriella laughed again as he left grinning.
"Troy, I need to talk to you," Chad said as Troy walked onto the court at the park.
"What's up?" Troy asked, grabbing the ball from Chad. "And, I need to talk to you, too. But, you go first."
"You're hiding something from me," Chad said. "What's so bad that you can't tell me?"
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," Troy said passing the ball to Chad. "I've…I…Look, I have no idea how to tell you this."
"Is this about Gabriella?" Chad asked.
"Yeah," Troy said, sitting down on the picnic table nearby. "Remember when I asked you to cover for me when I was at Gabriella's one night a long time back? We sort of started this 'friends with benefits' deal. And, well, three weeks later, she got pregnant. And, then we got together."
"Wait, wait, wait," Chad said. "You're going to be a father?"
"Yes," Troy said. "I'm really sorry I didn't tell you, Chad. But, Gabriella didn't want anyone to know. She told her friends today, and I'm telling you now. Please don't tell anyone about this."
"But, at school, you act like she's not even your friend," Chad said.
"It kills me inside to do that," Troy said. "But, that's what Ella wants."
"Oh, well, congratulations, daddy," Chad said.
"Thanks, Chad," Troy grinned. "So, have you ever crashed a sleepover?"
"No, I always wanted to, though," Chad replied.
"Tonight's your chance," Troy said. "Let's go. Gabriella's having a sleepover. Let's crash. Tell your parents you're staying at my place. My dad's okay with me staying over Gabriella's place."
"Your dad's really cool," Chad said.
"Not really," Troy said as they headed towards his car. "He told me that I can stay over at Gabriella's, since I already got her pregnant, there's nothing else to do."
Troy and Chad drove to Gabriella's house.
Chad followed Troy as he made his way to the tree outside Gabriella's window. Troy swung himself onto the lowest branch and climbed up the tree. He climbed rather quickly since he had been climbing up for four months. Chad followed. Troy opened the balcony door. Chad waited outside as Troy went and wrapped her arms around Gabriella from behind.
"Hey, pretty girl," he whispered.
"Hey, yourself, Wildcat," Gabriella grinned, turning around in Troy's arms. "You're back soon."
"I couldn't seem to keep myself away from you," Troy grinned as he kissed her, gently. "Where are Taylor and Kelsi?"
"Kelsi's downstairs getting us some snacks," she replied. "Taylor's in the bathroom."
"I brought Chad over," Troy said and gestured Chad to come in. "Chad, this is my girlfriend, Gabriella Montez."
"Hey," Chad grinned.
"I've got this craving for your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches since you left earlier," Gabriella told Troy. "My mom's not home tonight, you know. She went to New York for some business thing tonight."
"I thought she wasn't going to go anywhere until the baby is born," Troy frowned.
"She didn't want to go," Gabriella said. "I made her go. I told her that I'll be alright and that I wouldn't be alone, since Tay and Kels were here. I didn't mention that you would probably be coming over here, but, I think she knew that. Now, about that sandwich..."
"I'll be back in a couple of minutes," Troy said, rolling his eyes at Gabriella. "You two can get to know each other, but, not that much, alright?"
Chad laughed as Troy walked out.
"You know, Troy has changed quite a lot," Chad said. "I only found out today that the reason for his change is you."
Gabriella did not know what to say. She smiled just as she heard Troy call her from downstairs.
"I'll be right back," she said. "You can stay here if you want."
Chad nodded and Gabriella left. He looked around the room. It was filled with frames with pictures of Gabriella and another woman, who Chad assumed to be Maria.
Suddenly, the bathroom door opened and Taylor walked out in a towel. Chad's eyes widened when he saw her. Taylor did not see him at first. Then, she caught sight of him and raised her hands to her mouth and screamed. Her towel fell off and Chad's mouth dropped open. Taylor screamed again and grabbed her towel and ran back to the bathroom.
"What's going on?" Gabriella asked as she rushed into the room with Kelsi and Troy.
Chad had no idea what to say. He stared at the bathroom door. Kelsi went to the bathroom.
"Man, what happened?" Troy asked.
"She came out," Chad said.
"Who?" Troy asked.
"Taylor?" Gabriella asked.
"Yeah," Chad nodded. "Taylor came out of the bathroom with this towel. She screamed. Towel fell. She was naked. Then, she rushed back in."
Troy burst out laughing and Gabriella could not help giggling at Chad's terrified face.
"What's the big deal?" Troy asked. "It's not as if you haven't seen a girl naked before."
"I didn't want to see her naked," Chad argued, as he sat down on the bed. "She's going to kill me."
"Relax, Chad," Gabriella said, sitting down next to him. "Taylor's not that bad."
"She is, too," Chad said. "I stay away from her, because she frightens me."
"Come on, dude," Troy said pulling Chad towards the door. "You can make sandwiches with me."
Chad glanced at the bathroom door and the thought of Taylor scared him. He ran out of the bedroom before Troy.
"He's always a bit like that," Troy said. "I mean, jumpy. He's jumpy when he sees or does something he doesn't want to."
"I'll talk to Taylor," Gabriella said. "Make sure she doesn't actually kill Chad."
Troy smiled as Gabriella went into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, the five of them were downstairs, in the living room, eating sandwiches. Troy had his arm wrapped around Gabriella and she snuggled in close to him. Kelsi was sitting in the armchair, leaving Chad and Taylor to sit on the couch next to Troy and Gabriella. There was an awkward silence between Taylor and Chad.
"I still can't believe that you two are together," Kelsi told Troy and Gabriella.
"You better believe it," Troy grinned.
"Don't touch me, Danforth," Taylor exclaimed, jumping up from the couch and walking into the kitchen.
Chad groaned and buried his face in Gabriella's lap.
"Save me," he mumbled.
"Dude," Troy said. "Get off my girlfriend."
"Sorry," Chad said.
"Just go talk to her," Troy told him. "Apologize."
Chad nodded. He took a deep breath and got up. Troy chuckled when he saw the terrified look on Chad's face. Chad went to the kitchen.
"Taylor?" he began uncertainly.
"What?" Taylor snapped.
Chad stepped backwards. "I came to apologize," he said, softly. "About what happened upstairs, it was a mistake. I didn't mean for you to walk to the bedroom…naked. And, I'm really sorry I didn't turn away."
Chad sighed. He had no idea what else to say. Taylor had her back to him.
"I mean, I'm a guy, Taylor," he continued. "And, you have to understand that when a girl walks in naked in front of a guy he can't turn away automatically. Especially since the towel falls off. It's a guy's nature. And, I didn't mean to stare like that at your breasts, but –"
Taylor had walked towards him and Chad was getting more nervous than ever.
"But, you know," Chad said, nervously, taking a step backwards. "They're so big and round and –"
"SHUT UP!" Taylor yelled and Chad shut his mouth.
Their faces were inches away. Chad was backed up against the wall and Taylor was glaring at him angrily. Finally, unable to stand the fact that a hot girl was standing inches away from him, he grabbed her waist and before she could protest, he had kissed her.
"What the hell did you do that for?" Taylor yelled pushing Chad away.
Back in the living room…
"He kissed her," Troy said.
"And, now she's going to kill him," Gabriella said.
"You guys better stop her," Troy exclaimed at Kelsi and Gabriella. "I want my best friend alive."
The three rushed to the kitchen.
In the kitchen…
"Because, I wanted to," Chad replied.
"Why?" Taylor asked.
"I don't know!" he exclaimed.
Taylor smiled, slowly. "At least your kisses are pretty good," she said, softly.
"Want some more of them?" Chad grinned.
Taylor grinned as she placed her hands on his neck. Chad kissed her gently just as the kitchen door opened.
"Apparently, we were wrong," Kelsi said.
"What are you talking about?" Chad asked.
"We thought Taylor was going to kill you," Gabriella said.
"So, we came to save you," Troy said.
"Guys, I'm not that bad," Taylor said and turned to Chad. "You weren't scared, were you?"
"Nope," Chad replied. "I was more like…terrified."
Everyone laughed.
"Why do I feel like the third wheel here?" Kelsi asked.
"There's no need to be," Gabriella said grabbing her phone. "I'm calling a guy for you."
"What?" Kelsi exclaimed. "Gabs!"
"Kels, calm down," Troy said seeing the look on Gabriella's face. "She had made up her mind. She's going to call a guy."
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang.
"Why don't you guys go upstairs?" Gabriella said. "I'll be there in a second with the guy for Kelsi."
"I honestly hate you Gabriella," Kelsi groaned as she followed the other three upstairs.
Gabriella went and opened the door.
"Hey, Ryan," she smiled. "Thanks for coming."
"Hey, Gabs," Ryan Evans grinned. "I would do anything for Kelsi, even though she doesn't know it. We've been friends for a really long time…since we joined the drama club and I like her a lot."
"Maybe you ought to let her know," Gabriella said. "I'm pretty sure she feels the same way about you, too."
"Oh," Ryan looked surprised. He gestured over his shoulders. "Um…my sister wanted to come over with her boyfriend, Zeke, if that's okay."
"Oh," Gabriella looked surprised. "Um…why don't you guys come in? Go to the living room. Make yourselves at home. I'll be right back."
Gabriella hurried upstairs. She entered the room.
"What's wrong?" Troy asked seeing the worried look on her face.
"I need to talk to you," she said and walked out of the room again.
"Ella, what's wrong?" Troy asked again, as he shut the bedroom door.
"Zeke's here," Gabriella said.
"What?" Troy asked.
"Zeke's here," Gabriella repeated. "I invited Ryan over because Kelsi likes him and he brought Sharpay over who came with her boyfriend – Zeke."
"Oh," Troy said.
"Maybe you should go," she said. "I mean, if you don't want to tell him."
"No, if it's okay with you, I will tell him," he decided.
"It's okay," she said.
"Are you sure?" he asked and she nodded. "Well, bring them up. No, you stay here. I'll get them. You shouldn't be going up and down the stairs."
"It's okay, Troy," Gabriella smiled. "I'll get them."
A few minutes later, Gabriella reentered the room with Zeke, Ryan and Sharpay behind her.
"Troy?" Zeke asked, surprised.
"Zeke!" Chad exclaimed.
"Chad!" Zeke looked even more surprised.
"Ryan!" Kelsi exclaimed jumping up.
Ryan strode over to Kelsi and placed a firm, but, gently kissed on her lips. Troy and Chad whistled.
"What is going on here?" Zeke asked. "Why are you two here?"
"I can explain," Troy said. "I have something to tell you. I didn't tell Chad until tonight, so, don't get mad."
"Tell me already," Zeke said as Gabriella went over to Troy who was sitting on the chair.
"Gabriella's my girlfriend," he said, pulling Gabriella down onto his lap. "And, she's pregnant."
"What?" Zeke asked.
"I've been dating her for the past three months," Troy explained, as he absentmindedly placed his hand on Gabriella's stomach.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Zeke asked.
"We didn't tell anyone," Troy said. "These guys found out tonight."
"When were you going to tell me?" Zeke asked.
"When Gabriella was ready," Troy said. "And, she told me tonight that she was. But, none of this leaves this room."
Nobody said a word for a few minutes. Sharpay, who was not really friends with anyone in the room except Ryan and Zeke and Kelsi, who she just knew from the drama club, was the first to break the silence.
"Well," she said, walking into the middle of the room and taking a look around. "I like your room, Gabriella. And, you and Troy make a really cute couple. I'm guessing baby Bolton is going to have brown eyes and blond hair or blue eyes and blond hair or brown eyes and dark hair. Which one would you prefer, Gabriella?"
"I don't know really," Gabriella said, looking surprised. "I've never thought about it."
"Oh, well, congratulations," she said and then, turned to Ryan and Kelsi. "Another cute couple here. And, if I may add. Finally!"
"I take that as a compliment," Ryan laughed. "Thanks."
"And, Afro boy," Sharpay said, turning to Chad. "You and Taylor McKessie? Never thought that would happen, but, weirder things have happened, right?"
"Err…right," Chad agreed.
"Zeke," Sharpay said. "Don't be mad at Troy. If this had happened to us, I probably would have made you stay quiet, too. Besides, you guys have been friends for really long."
"I'm not mad," Zeke said, finally after a moment's silence.
"Thanks, man," Troy said as Gabriella got up from Troy's lap. "Ella, where are you going?"
"I'm kind of tired," she said climbing onto the bed. "I guess it's because I climbed up and down the stairs too much."
Troy went to the bed and sat down leaning against the bed frame.
"Come here," he said and she came closer to him. "You aren't climbing up and down the stairs more than twice a day after this."
Everyone laughed as Gabriella leaned against Troy's chest.
"I'm dead serious," Troy said putting his arm around her and his hand came to a rest on her bump.
"Let's watch a movie or something," Taylor said.
"Put on something good," Zeke said taking Troy's previous seat and Sharpay sat down on his lap.
"Your mom wouldn't mind us staying here?" Ryan asked Gabriella as he and Kelsi sat down on the bean bag.
"She's out of town tonight," Gabriella said snuggling closer to Troy. "Let's watch The Notebook."
All the guys groaned as Taylor slipped in the DVD and pressed play. Soon, Troy was fast asleep. Gentle snores were coming out of his mouth. Gabriella looked up and smiled. She hit his stomach, hard and Troy woke up with a jump groaning.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"You're supposed to watch the movie, not sleep," she said, softly so that she would not disturb anyone else. "And, you're going to get a cramp if you sleep like that."
"But, you seemed comfortable," Troy said, yawning. "So, I just stayed like this."
"That's really sweet, Troy," she smiled. "But, lie down properly."
Troy nodded and lay down on the bed. Gabriella lay down next to him and rested her head on his chest. Troy's hand slid down to her stomach and rested it there as if he was protecting the baby and Gabriella put her hand on top of his. Within seconds, both Troy and Gabriella were asleep.
"They look so cute together," Kelsi said, softly, glancing at the bed and everyone agreed with her.
After the movie ended, everyone fell asleep.
Around four in the morning, Gabriella woke up feeling thirsty. She tried to get up without waking up Troy, but, was unsuccessful.
"Where are you going?" he asked, groggily.
"To get a glass of water," she said.
"No, you stay here," he said, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "I'll get it. What time is it?"
Gabriella glanced at the clock. "Almost four o' clock," she replied.
Troy yawned. "I'll be right back," he said getting up.
Gabriella smiled and lay back down and watched him walk out.
Troy entered the kitchen and got out a glass of water. He reached for the tap and had not touched it when everything around him started shaking. The glass slipped out of his hand and crashed to the floor. He grabbed the counter to avoid falling.
"Gabriella!" he yelled. "Gabriella!"
Troy rushed upstairs, almost falling down the stairs on the way. Everything was shaking so much. He flung the bedroom door open. Everyone was awake.
"What's happening?" Sharpay cried out clutching Zeke's neck.
Troy hurried over to the bed where Gabriella was sitting clutching the covers.
"What's going on?" Taylor screamed.
"It's an earthquake," Ryan yelled.
"Are you okay?" Troy asked Gabriella as he hugged her.
Gabriella nodded. She could not answer. She was too scared. Chad was sitting down by the balcony with Taylor. He did not say a word. Troy knew that he was as scared as he was.
A branch from the tree outside hit the balcony door. All the girls screamed and Gabriella clutched Troy's shirt. Chad pushed Taylor away from the balcony door and was about to move himself, when the branch hit against the door again. The glass broke into pieces and Chad got out of the way in the nick of time before the branch hit him. The lights went out, too.
"Chad!" Troy yelled.
"I'm okay," Chad called from the floor.
"Troy," Gabriella whispered, softly. "I'm scared."
"Me, too," he admitted. "But, everything will be alright."
Troy hugged Gabriella tightly and a few minutes later the earth stopped shaking.
"Is everyone okay?" Troy asked.
"Chad!" Taylor exclaimed.
Troy's head snapped to their direction. He pulled himself away from Gabriella and hurried over to Chad.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"It's nothing," Chad replied.
"You're bleeding," Taylor said.
"It's not that bad," Chad said.
"Are you sure?" Troy asked.
Chad nodded and Troy went back to Gabriella.
"What do we do now?" Kelsi asked.
"Stay here, I guess," Zeke said.
"There's no signal," Troy said holding up his cell phone. "You guys got anything?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Do you have a flashlight?" Troy asked Gabriella.
"On top of my closet," she replied.
"I'll get it," Ryan said.
Ryan pulled out the flashlight and switched it on. He tossed it to Troy who turned it to Chad.
"I'm okay," Chad reassured him. He had pulled off his shirt and had tied it around his arm.
"Is everyone okay?" Troy asked, again and everyone nodded.
"What about you, Troy?" Sharpay asked. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Troy said, but, he was worrying like hell in the inside.
"What's wrong?" Gabriella asked softly knowing that something was bothering Troy.
"I'm worried," Troy told her, softly. "About Kyle, Chloe, my dad and Nate, too."
"They'll be okay," she said, taking his hand and squeezing it.
Troy nodded, slowly. He turned his attention to Gabriella. "You aren't hurt, are you?" he asked.
"I'm fine," she replied.
Troy turned and hugged Gabriella tightly. Then, he grabbed his cell phone and checked for a signal.
"Maybe you can get a signal from the balcony," Gabriella suggested.
Troy nodded. He walked onto the balcony and checked his phone. He sighed in relief when he got the signal. He quickly called his father who picked up on the first ring.
(Troy/Jack)
"Troy, is that you? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, dad. I'm fine. I'm at Gabriella's house. Chad's here, too. Where are Kyle and Chloe?"
"Kyle's right here with me. And Chloe…I don't know where she is. I've been trying to get in touch with her."
"She's probably with Nate. I mean, they did just get married today."They both laughed slightly. "I'll try calling Nate, dad."
"Call me when you get in touch with them, alright?"
"Okay, dad."
"Is everything okay?" Gabriella asked when Troy hung up.
"My dad and Kyle are fine," he replied. "But, he hasn't got in touch with Nate or Chloe."
"They'll be okay," Gabriella said walking onto the balcony, careful to avoid the glass.
She touched her shoulder and Troy turned to face her.
"She has to be okay," Troy said, softly as he dialed Nate's number quickly.
There was no answer. A couple of minutes later, he tried again and luckily Nate picked up. Troy sighed in relief.
(Troy/Nate)
"Nate! Dude, are you okay? Where's Chloe? Where are you guys?"
"I'm fine, Troy, but, Chloe's hurt. What about your dad and Kyle? Gabriella?"
"We're fine. I'm at Gabriella's with some of our friends. Dad and Kyle are together, but, wait. What happened to Chloe?"
"She fell down the stairs and broke her leg. We're at the hospital."
"I'll meet you guys there after I call dad."
"Okay."
"I'll see you in a couple of minutes."
Troy hung up and quickly called his father.
(Troy/Jack)
"What is it, Troy? Have you heard from Chloe or Nate?"
"Yeah. Nate's alright, but, Chloe fell down the stairs and they're at the hospital.
"Troy, listen to me. There's going to be another earthquake in a while. I'm not sure when. Now, I'm going to the hospital with Kyle, alright?"
"I'll see you there, dad."
"Okay."
Without another word, Jack hung up.
"What's wrong?" Gabriella asked Troy.
"It's Chloe," he replied. "She's hurt. I have to go."
"I'll go with you," Gabriella said at once.
"Are you serious?" Troy asked. "I thought you weren't the one who said that you wouldn't want to be seen together in public."
"This is different, Troy," she said. "It's your sister. I want to be there for you."
"Ella, I really appreciate this but, I want you to stay here," he said placing his hands on her shoulders. "There's going to be another earthquake in a while. My dad's not sure when. I want you to stay right here. If we don't reach the hospital before the earthquake…it's too dangerous on the road, Ella."
"But, Troy –"Gabriella began.
"No, really, Ella," he said. "I want you to stay here."
"Troy, what if something happens?" she asked. "I can't just wait here, not knowing whether you're okay. There's no signal half the time."
"Ella, just stay here," he sighed. "Think about the baby. What if something happens? I love you and our baby and I don't want anything happening to either one of you."
"Fine," Gabriella said, softly.
Troy leaned in and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.
"I love you, Ella," he said softly giving her a hug.
"I love you, too, Troy," Gabriella smiled, slightly.
Troy went back into the room with Gabriella. He went over to Chad.
"Dude," he said, kneeling down next to Chad and Taylor. "There's going to be another earthquake in a while, but, I have to go. Chloe's hurt. I want you to do me a favour."
"Yeah?" Chad looked at him.
"Don't let Gabriella get hurt," Troy said, softly.
"Dude, I won't let that happen," Chad said, realizing how much Gabriella meant to Troy. "I got your back."
"Thanks, man," Troy said.
"You're my brother," Chad smiled. "I'd do anything to make sure my niece or nephew is safe."
Troy smiled. He gave Chad a friendly hug and got up. He looked at Gabriella who gave him a small smile which he returned and then, he left.
Troy got to the hospital right before the earthquake hit. He had not even found the room when the earth started shaking. He held onto one of the counters till it stopped.
"Are you okay?" the girl behind the counter asked him.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Troy answered. "Thanks."
Troy dialed Gabriella's number as he walked towards Chloe's room. There was no signal. He dialed Chad's number. Nothing! He entered Chloe's room with no emotion on his face.
"Hey, Chloe," he said, softly walking over to the bed and giving his sister a hug. "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine," she smiled.
Troy nodded and sat down next to his father. He dialed Gabriella's number again. Still, there was no answer.
"What's wrong, son?" Jack asked.
"I can't get in touch with Gabriella," he said as he dialed her number again.
"Troy, I'm sure she's okay," Jack said.
"I know, I know," Troy sighed. "Chad and Zeke are there with her, but, I just…I have to be sure, dad."
He dialed Chad's number. Finally, he got a signal. Chad answered on the second ring.
(Troy/Chad/Gabriella)
"Dude, where's Gabriella?"
"She's okay, man. I'm taking care of her like I promised."
"Thanks, man. Where is she?"
"She's here. Wait a second; I'll give the phone to her."
"Troy!"
"Hey, Ella. Are you okay?
"Yeah, I'm fine. You?"
"I'm okay."
"Chloe?"
"She's going to be alright, too."
"Good."
"I'll go over in a while. Tell Chad and Zeke to stay there till I go."
"Sure. I love you."
"Love you, too. Bye."
Troy hung up the phone, relief flooding through his body.
"Well?" Jack looked at him expectantly.
"She's okay," Troy replied.
Jack patted his back.
"So, when is Chloe allowed to go home?" Troy asked.
"In a while," Kyle said entering the room. "I just asked. They're not keeping her overnight. There are too many people here who are more injured then her. The doctor just wants to check some stuff before sending her, but, he's kind of busy right now."
Kyle shuddered and Troy chuckled.
"It can't be that bad," Troy said. "What's the doctor doing?"
"Not what he is doing," Kyle said. "It's what he is about to do. I saw the patient. Not a nice sight. Half her arm was like…I think all the bones were crushed."
"Ouch," Troy raised his eyebrows.
"You got that right," Kyle said sitting down next to Troy. "I hate hospitals."
Everyone laughed. Troy reached over and ruffled his dark hair.
An hour later, Chloe was free to leave. Troy followed his family and Nate to the hospital doors.
"Uh…guys," he said and they all turned to look at him. "I'm going to head over to Gabriella's, alright?"
"Sure," Jack nodded. "Be safe, okay?"
Troy nodded as he made his way back to his car. He had not reached the car when Kyle caught up with him.
"Can I go with you?" he asked.
"Yeah, come on," Troy said.
"So, how does it feel knowing that you're about to become a dad?" Kyle asked as Troy drove along an abandoned street.
"I don't know," Troy said. "I mean, I'm like…excited, happy and scared…all at the same time."
"What name are you going to choose?" Kyle asked.
"I don't know," Troy said, again. "Ella and I haven't really talked about it."
"Do you love her?" Kyle asked.
"What do you think?" Troy asked.
"Troy," Kyle began and stopped.
"What is it, buddy?" Troy asked.
"Do you know that I'm adopted?" he asked.
"Yeah," Troy nodded. "Dad told me the day I found out Gabriella was pregnant."
"And?" Kyle asked.
"And, what?" Troy asked as he pulled over at Gabriella's house.
"And, you know," Kyle said as they headed towards the front door.
"You mean, do I think of you differently?" Troy asked.
"Yeah, that," Kyle said.
Troy turned to face his brother.
"Kyle, listen to me," Troy said. "I don't care whether you're adopted or whether you're an alien from Mars. You'll still be my brother. In other words; a pain in the ass."
Kyle laughed. All of a sudden, he hugged Troy. Troy, who had never hugged Kyle, looked startled, but, he hugged back. Kyle was a head shorter than Troy.
"Thanks, Troy," Kyle smiled. "You're the greatest brother ever. My niece or nephew will have a great dad."
"Thanks, Kyle," Troy smiled. "She'll have a great uncle, too."
"It's going to be a girl?" Kyle asked.
"I don't know," Troy said. "I'm saying it's a girl. Gabriella doesn't agree, but, she isn't disagreeing either. Now, come on. Gabriella's waiting for us."
Kyle nodded and followed Troy inside. They went upstairs to Gabriella's room.
"Ella?" Troy said walking into the bedroom.
"She's in the bathroom," Taylor said.
Troy nodded. "Guys, this is my brother, Kyle," Troy said pushing Kyle forward. "Kyle, you already know Chad and Zeke. These are…"
Troy rattled off everyone's names, pointing to each person.
"You don't look like Troy," Sharpay said.
"Uh…" Kyle did not know what to say. He glanced up at Troy for help.
"So?" Troy asked, hastily. "We aren't twins. We're just brothers. We don't have to look alike."
"Did I hear Troy?" Gabriella asked walking out of the bathroom. She looked around and saw Troy. "Troy!"
Chad pulled Kyle away in the nick of time, before Gabriella launched herself at Troy. Troy was caught by surprise and fell back onto the floor, hitting his head hard against the floor. Troy kissed Gabriella as everyone laughed. His hand was on her small waist as she lay on top of him.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"You're the one whose head got hit on the floor," she replied.
"But, you're the one whose pregnant," he pointed out.
"I'm okay," she said. "Are you?"
"No," Troy said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Come on," Gabriella said, getting up.
"Where are you guys going?" Taylor called.
"We'll be back in a few minutes," Gabriella replied as she walked out of the room with Troy behind her.
"Sit there," Gabriella said pointing to the kitchen counter.
Troy hopped onto the kitchen counter. Gabriella got some ice and handed it to him.
"Sorry about that," she said, sheepishly. "I was really relieved to see you."
"It's okay," Troy said.
Troy placed the ice against his head. He leaned down and kissed her again with one hand on her waist.
"I'm more relieved," he said against her lips.
Gabriella smiled against his lips.
"Troy!" Kyle exclaimed bursting into the kitchen. Troy and Gabriella jumped apart. "Do you guys have to do that all the time?"
"What do you want, Kyle?" Troy asked.
"They're asking weird questions," he replied. "Chad said that your mom died when you were two, so, they figured that we don't have the same mom. Troy, you have to help me."
"You don't want everyone to find out that you're adopted, do you?" Gabriella said.
"You told her?" Kyle asked Troy.
"Yeah, I did," Troy said, jumping off the counter.
"Who else did you tell?" Kyle asked, angrily.
"No one, I swear," Troy said. "I only told Ella and she won't tell anyone."
"How do you know that?" Kyle asked. "How do I know that you won't tell more people?"
Troy raised his eyebrows. "I know that she won't tell anyone because I trust her," he said. "And, about you knowing that I won't tell more people…you would know that I wouldn't tell anyone else if you trusted me."
Before Kyle could say anything, Troy put the ice down and ran upstairs.
"I want you all to stop asking my brother questions about why he doesn't look like me!" he yelled angrily to his friends. "That's none of your freaking business!"
"But, Troy," Chad said. "If your mom died when you were two, then –"
"And, I don't want any of you asking me anything about it either!" he interrupted him, angrily. "It's got nothing to do with you. Whether he looks like me or not, it doesn't matter. He's my brother."
No one had seen Troy get mad. Not even Chad. Usually, Troy was a really calm person and this was new to them. Still fuming, Troy turned to walk out of the room, when he saw that Kyle and Gabriella were at the door. They moved out of the way when Troy walked to the door. Gabriella followed him downstairs, but, Kyle stayed behind.
"Troy," Gabriella said, softly.
"What?" Troy snapped.
"Sorry," Gabriella said, taken aback.
She walked out of the kitchen and went into the living room. Troy sighed. He had not meant to snap at Gabriella. He followed her to the living room and sat down next to her on the couch. He put his arm around her, but, she moved away.
"Ella, I'm sorry," he said, softly. Gabriella did not say anything. "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. I was just so mad at Chad and the others; it sort of came out like that. I'm sorry."
"It's okay," she said, finally.
"I don't like you mad at me," he said, pouting like a little boy. "It hurts…right here."
Gabriella looked at him and giggled when she saw his face. He was pointing to his heart.
"Oh, does Troy want a kiss to make it better?" she asked, smiling.
"Yes," Troy nodded.
Gabriella laughed as she leaned over and lifted his shirt over his head. She tossed it to the floor and kissed the place where his heart was gently.
"Is it better?" she asked.
"It would be better if you kissed my lips," he smiled.
Gabriella giggled as she leaned in and kissed him. Troy fell back on to the couch, pulling Gabriella on top of him. It was a fairly big couch. He rolled over on the couch so that she was lying underneath him. He was careful not to put any weight on her as he continued to kiss her.
"God, I love you, Ella," he murmured against her lips.
"I love you, too, Troy," she smiled as her fingers ran down his chest.
"Don't do that," Troy said pulling away.
"Why?" she asked.
"Because, that always turns me on," he said and Gabriella's face broke into a smile. "And, well…we can't exactly have sex with all our friends and my brother upstairs, can we?"
Gabriella laughed and pulled Troy closer to her again and kissed him. Troy rubbed his tongue against her lower lip begging for entrance but she kept her lips close together. Troy tickled her waist and Gabriella opened her mouth to squeal in laughter. Troy took the opportunity to slide his tongue into her mouth.
"That is not fair," Gabriella said, breaking the kiss.
"Whoever did say that life was fair, was definitely lying," Troy grinned.
Gabriella laughed. Troy leaned down and kissed her again. A few minutes later, they heard a loud groan broke their kiss. Troy looked up to see all of their friends and Kyle staring at them with disgusted looks on their faces. Gabriella sat up on the couch. So did Troy.
"Do you guys have to do that all the time?" Chad asked repeating Kyle's question from earlier.
"This place was empty," Troy said. "Besides, we weren't doing it."
"Right," Chad rolled his eyes. "Then, why is your shirt on the floor?"
"When did you get so smart?" Troy smirked.
"We're going to go home," Kelsi said. "Our parents want us home because of the earthquake and everything."
"I'll go home, too," Kyle said.
"Okay," Troy shrugged. "How are you getting home, Chad? We came over in my car."
"I'm getting a ride with Zeke and Sharpay," Chad said. "I'll take Kyle with me."
"Thanks," Troy said.
When everyone left, Troy turned to Gabriella who was smirking at him.
"What?" he asked.
"Do I get to turn you on, now?" she asked.
"I guess you do," he smiled.
He got up and grabbed his shirt. Then, he lifted Gabriella up in the bridal style and carried her upstairs and laid her on the bed. He climbed in next to her and began kissing her gently.
"Troy, I need you," she whispered.
That was all it took. Troy pulled down his jeans and boxers as she kicked off her sweatpants and underwear. Troy thrust into her gently. Then, he removed her shirt and bra and then began moving in and out of her slowly.
"Troy, go faster," Gabriella moaned.
Troy grinned as he started moving in and out of her faster. Soon, they both came and Troy fell onto the bed next to Gabriella. He pulled out of her and lay down next to her. Gabriella snuggled closer to him, but, Troy pulled away.
"What's wrong?" she asked looking up at him.
"We should clean that up first," he said gesturing to the glass scattered onto the floor from the balcony door.
"You're right," she sighed looking at the glass. She made to get up, but, Troy stopped her.
"I'll do it," he said.
Gabriella smiled at him. She pulled on her sweatpants and the shirt Troy had been wearing and lay back down. She watched Troy as he pulled on his boxers and pants. He went downstairs and got a broom to sweep up the glass. When he went back upstairs, Gabriella was already asleep. Troy saw that she had put on her sweatpants and the shirt he had been wearing and smiled. She was so beautiful. He began to sweep up the glass.
By the time he was done, the sun had risen. He walked out onto the balcony and stretched out his arms. He saw a car pull up into the driveway. Maria stepped out of the car. Troy was surprised. Maria was not supposed to be back till that evening. He grabbed the shirt which Gabriella had worn before – it actually belonged to him – and pulled it on. It smelt of Gabriella. Breathing in deeply, he went down to greet Maria.
"Hey," he smiled as she walked into the house.
"Troy," Maria smiled. "Why am I not surprised to see you here?"
Troy laughed. "Did you hear about the earthquake?" he asked.
"Yes, I did," Maria replied. "I tried calling, but, I couldn't get any signal. That's why I came home quickly. Is Gabriella alright?"
"Yeah, she's fine," he replied. "She's asleep. But, the glass on the balcony door was smashed to bits."
"How?" Maria asked.
"The branch outside hit the door and the glass broke," he replied.
"I see," she said. "Is everyone else okay? What about your family?"
"My sister broke her leg, but, other than that everyone's fine," he answered. "Thanks for asking."
Maria nodded. "I'll go and see Gabriella," she said.
Troy nodded and went into the living room so that Maria and Gabriella could have sometime alone. He lay down on the couch and fell asleep almost instantly.
After a while Maria and Gabriella came down. Gabriella smiled when she saw Troy lying fast asleep on the bed. His mouth was slightly open and one arm and leg was slinging off the couch. His other hand was underneath his head which had caused his shirt to raise showing a bit of his flat stomach.
"Go and wake him up," Maria told Gabriella.
"But, mom, he would be so tired," Gabriella protested. "He stayed up the entire night and after everything that happened he even cleaned the glass up."
"I know that," Maria smiled. "I'm saying, wake him up and take him upstairs. He'll be more comfortable on a proper bed."
"Thank you," Gabriella smiled giving her mother a quick hug.
Maria went into the kitchen as Gabriella walked over to the couch. She knelt down next to Troy and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. Troy woke up with a jump and found himself face to face with Gabriella. He smiled slowly at her.
"Morning," she smiled.
"Morning," he murmured as she placed her lips against his, once more.
"My mom might come in," she said pulling away from their kiss.
"Right," Troy said as he sat up, rubbing his eyes. He ran a hand through his messy hair.
"She told me to take you upstairs," Gabriella said. "You'll be more comfortable."
"Nah, it's okay," Troy said. "I'll just go home and take a shower and then go and visit Nate and Chloe in their new apartment. You want to go see them?"
"There's bound to be people around," Gabriella said.
"Right," Troy said, flopping back down on the couch. "I forgot that you don't want to be seen with me."
"It's not like that, Troy," Gabriella sighed.
"I know," he smiled. "It's okay."
"Troy," Maria called walking into the living room. "Would you like to stay for breakfast?"
"I was about to go home," Troy said rubbing the back of his neck.
"I bought some doughnuts on the way," Maria smiled.
"How can I say no to free doughnuts?" Troy grinned. "I'll stay."
Maria laughed as she walked back to the kitchen.
"Come on," Gabriella said slipping her hand through his and pulling him to the kitchen as he rubbed his eyes.
A/N Well, so their friends know, but, the rest of the school doesn't. Thanks for all the reviews. Keep them coming ;)