Summary: Is it possible to have it all or does something get lost along the way? Can Troy live his dream and still keep his girl?
Disclaimer: High School Musical and all of its characters belong to Disney. I just have them on secondment.
A/N: I'm going to try and speed this up a little. I have no intention of going into depth for the full 6 weeks of his tour or you'll find it really boring. I mean who does something exciting each and every day (well apart from spotting snaps of Z or V or if especially lucky both of them lol!) so you may find just an email highlighting what is happening on a set day.
"Sure you would Bolton! Broken your neck in the process more likely." She thought. Only 35 days left to go from tomorrow. She glanced at the clock, and quickly amended that to today.
Scary Stuff!
Mrs Montez took Gabriella to the mall on Saturday as a treat. She knew Gabriella was feeling sad although she tried to be upbeat but a mother always knows. The twinkle had gone from her eyes, her ready smile was forced and her voice had lost that exuberated sparkle and excitement that it usually had. She knew she was still working hard on her assessments and projects because she disappeared to her room after dinner each night and every time she looked in to say goodnight, her nose was always crammed into a book. She had to be missing her boyfriend although she hadn't said anything. Her whole personality had come alive since she had started seeing Troy. She smiled constantly and she was always humming a tune so Mrs Montez knew it was to do with Troy being away from home. She hoped a shopping spree and lunch in one of the pretty cafes would perk her up a bit.
"What about this Gabriella?" Mrs Montez said holding up a camisole top in pale lemon with lacy detail and shoestring straps. "This would be so pretty for the summer."
"Hmm! That is really cute." Gabriella agreed hesitantly trying to put some enthusiasm into her voice. "I'd need some new shoes to go with it though. I don't have any suitable ones that I could team it with."
"Go and try it on then while I have a look around. This shop is very reasonable; I might find something for me too." Mrs Montez smiled. Gabriella rolled her eyes. It was a young and trendy boutique. What could her mother find for herself in here? Gabriella went into the fitting rooms and Mrs Montez moved around looking on rails and counters. She followed Gabriella into the changing rooms, laden with various items of clothing.
"Here, try these on too." Her mother ordered, handing over several items.
"Wow Mom! Are you sure? There are loads of clothes here." Gabriella asked worried that her Mom was spending too much.
"Sure, it's not every day I get to spoil you," reassured her mother. Gabriella and her mother exited the shop some 30 minutes later carrying a variety of bags.
"Thanks Mom. These are gorgeous. I can't wait for Troy to come home so I can show them off." Gabriella said gratefully hugging her mother in appreciation. Mrs Montez smiled at her daughter and hugged her back.
"I need a drink now. Let's go and have some lunch then we can go and find some shoes to go with your new clothes.
They were just going into The Aviary when Gabriella heard someone call her name. She glanced around and spotted Mrs Bolton. They waved to each other as Mrs Bolton approached.
"Hi Gabriella, Mrs Montez. How are you both?" Asked a smiling Mrs Bolton.
"Hi Mrs Bolton. We're good." Answered Gabriella although she didn't sound anything like good. Seeing Troy's mother reminded her of her blue-eyed Wildcat and it made her sad. Mrs Bolton looked at her keenly, searching her features with concern.
"Hello." Mrs Montez said adding, "I'm just treating Gabriella to few things to replenish her wardrobe. She seems to be growing too fast." Mrs Bolton nodded in agreement.
"I know the feeling. Troy seems to gain inches every week. He'll be towering over me in no time." Mrs Bolton responded with a smile.
"We're just about to catch our breath and have lunch. Would you like to join us?" Mrs Montez asked. She liked Mrs Bolton when they had met at various school functions and if their children were getting close, it would be good to get to know his parents too.
"I'd like that Mrs Montez. Thank you." Beamed a delighted Mrs Bolton. The two moms entered The Aviary with a bemused Gabriella following.
"What's happening here? This is too weird." Gabriella thought. She liked Mrs Bolton a lot but she was confused with her mother's actions. It was strange that her mother had taken her shopping in the first place. Usually she just gave her some money so Gabriella could go with either Taylor or Sharpay. Gabriella thought that maybe her mother wanted some mother daughter time but that didn't ring true, not if she had invited Troy's Mom to lunch. Was she trying to cheer her up? Gabriella knew she'd been quieter this week, her thoughts never far away from Los Angeles and what a certain Wildcat was doing while she carried on with the same old boring routine.
They chose their food from the menu and Gabriella zoned out whilst Mrs Bolton and her mother conversed about school, their jobs and their children. Gabriella came back to life when she heard Mrs Bolton complain about her son.
"He was supposed to phone or email me every day but I've only heard from him three times over the course of the week. They don't seem to realise that mothers worry when they don't hear from them." She moaned. Mrs Montez nodded in agreement.
"I know what you mean. When Gabriella was away at the last scholastic decathlon meeting in Santa Fe she only rang once to tell me she had arrived. I had to wait until she came home to find out the result. Children can be so thoughtless at times. They don't realise we worry too." Gabriella rolled her eyes.
"He's working really hard Mrs Bolton. Ms Darbus has him studying every moment that he isn't practising or playing with the team." Gabriella piped up, trying to reassure his mother and defend her boyfriend. Mrs Bolton stared at her, lost for words. Gabriella blushed.
"Not a good move Gabs." Gabriella groaned to herself. Now Mrs Bolton knows he's speaking to me and not her. "Oops! How do I get out of this?"
"Oh right! So you've heard from him?" Mrs Bolton asked. Gabriella gulped and nodded. Mrs Bolton smiled. How could she be annoyed? She knew that Troy thought a lot of this petite brunette. She'd changed him for the better. He seemed to have more patience now. He didn't get as worked up over his basketball or his schooling for that matter. Even his teachers had commented at the last parent's evening that his grades had improved considerably and it was all down to Gabriella. She seemed to make him focus on the important things. Mrs Bolton had worried that all his time and energy was spent on basketball to the detriment of his grades. She knew Jack; her husband didn't view it the same way but she did worry that Troy would become a one-trick pony.
"Well I'm glad he's keeping in touch with someone." Mrs Bolton commented relieved that nothing untoward had happened to her darling son. Mrs Montez asked for the check and refused to let Mrs Bolton contribute. They left the café and Mrs Bolton thanked them for lunch, telling Gabriella that she should come over even if Troy wasn't at home. Gabriella smiled and hugged her.
To: gabsalot
From: wildcat14
Subject: Bad Day
Hey Gabi,
I'm gutted that I didn't get to play against UCLA but I guess Coach has to give everyone a tryout. Simon played well but we still got pipped at the post. That last lay up put paid to any last minute comeback. I guess you can't win them all. Their facilities are amazing though, definitely on my short list of colleges.
We're having a guided tour of the Staple Center tomorrow. I just hope the Lakers are training. I'd love to play against them or even train with them.
I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself last night. Did you have your girls' day out today?
Love you
Troy x
To: wildcat14
From: gabsalot
Subject: Re: Bad Day
Aw Babe,
I'm so sorry you didn't get to play. See they really needed your skills to win. UCLA is a good university Troy and it would be good for your career if you could get in.
Enjoy your tour tomorrow. I bet the guys will be really jealous now lol!
The night out was fun but it wasn't the same without you there. I missed you so much. I hope Jason doesn't mind his picture banded around the net though. His wrist was badly swollen by the time we got to the hospital. They had to pack it in ice to reduce the swelling. It looked like a balloon under the skin.
We kinda had a girls' day out but not what you think. Mom took me shopping to the mall and we bumped into your Mom. Weird thing was my Mom invited your Mom to join us for lunch. I was shocked. They got on really well. Scary stuff! Sorry I kinda dropped us in it. Your Mom knows that we keep in touch and she's a bit put out that you're not keeping in touch with her, okay then a lot put out. You're in trouble Bolton. Get it sorted!
Still love my crazy Wildcat
Gabi x
Sunday was quiet for Gabriella. She helped her Mom with the household chores. In the afternoon she went over to Taylor's for a couple of hours to study for the scholastic decathlon and to discuss the lunch yesterday until Chad called round. After hanging out with them for an hour Gabriella excused herself and went back home for dinner, before going to her room to finish the science project she'd been working on all week.
To: l.bolton
From: wildcat14
Subject: Hi
Hi Mom,
Just wanted to touch base and tell you not to worry. Your son is working really hard in both basketball and lessons. Trust me, Ms Darbus doesn't let up for anything. I'm sure I'm working twice as hard as the others still at East High.
Don't be mad at Gabi. She thinks you're upset with her and she has given me grief over me not keeping in touch. I just don't seem to have a minute to myself. Okay you can shout at me for speaking to Gabi and not you but you know it's different. She's my girlfriend after all.
Chill Mom! I'm eating really well and haven't even seen a burger. Promise. Cross my heart and hope to die.
Your loving son,
Troy x
To: gabsalot
From: wildcat14
Subject: Scary Stuff
Hey darling,
That is scary stuff. I can't imagine our Moms being bosom buddies can you? That's just too weird. To put your mind at rest, I've emailed Mom to update her so she doesn't think badly of you. She doesn't you know, so stop worrying. I know you will be. You forget I know you too well. She really likes you. Trust me.
The tour was awesome. The stadium is electrifying even when empty, there's such energy about it. I'd love to play in front of that crowd. Unfortunately the team wasn't there so I couldn't get autographs for the guys. We've got a full day of training tomorrow to get ready for the game against the Trojans on Tuesday. At least I will get a break from Darbus lol!
Something strange happened after dinner tonight and I really want to know what you think. As we were leaving the table, Sam Connor held the back of Ms Darbus' chair and she smiled at him and blushed. Do you think there's anything in it or is it just my imagination? I got the impression something was going on. It's hard to explain, I guess you had to see it to know what I mean. Anyways I'll keep you posted.
Missing you loads
Troy x
To: wildcat14
From: gabsalot
Subject: RE: Scary Stuff
Oh Troy, I'm missing you too. It's only been a week but it feels like a lifetime already. I'm glad you had a good time today and I know you'll be playing there before too long. You're my superstar remember?
As to your Darbus question, no I don't think so. I think Sam was being polite and Ms Darbus appreciated the gesture is all.
School again tomorrow so I better turn in now.
Hugs and kisses
Gabi x
Troy read her email and smiled. Trust Gabi to put it all into perspective.
"I guess I'm just having a head trip or I've been around Chad too long." He mused as he switched off his light and climbed into bed.