"Bliss"

Disclaimer: I don not own HSM

Bliss isn't too far away unless you push it away.

"If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn't have opened for anyone else."
-Joseph Campbell

If you want to be loved, show that you can love.

Ignorance is bliss.

Do what makes you happy. Be with who makes you smile. Laugh as much as you breathe. Love as long as you live.

Troy held Gabriella close as they were watching Nightmare on Elm Street with Miley and Sharpay. Troy and Gabriella were sat on the love seat while Sharpay and Miley were sat on the floor, hugging each other as if Freddy Krueger would walk out the screen and kill them. Miley jumped and reached for the switch on the television. "I'm not watching this," she announced and resumed her place next to Sharpay. The room was pitch black. "You can't seriously be scared of this movie, can you?" Troy asked after a while in the thick silence. Miley jumped and glowered at him.

"Dude, are freaking kidding me? This has Freddy Krueger in it," Miley exclaimed then shot a death glare at him. "You should know why I hate him more than I already do."

Gabriella pushed Troy off the couch. "What'd you do to her?" Troy groaned and sat up. He looked at Gabriella and said, "Why do you have the assumption I did anything?"

"Well," Sharpay cut in finally. "You made us watch Freddy vs. Jason when we were twelve and you dressed up as him and scared the shit out of me and Smiley."

"Troy! How could you be so cruel?" Gabriella asked slapping Troy upside his head. Troy groaned again and glared at her. "You know, I might get brain damage by dating you."

"Not possible," Miley grinned. "You don't have one."

Troy glared at her and threw a pillow that was under Gabriella at her. "Troy!" Gabriella squealed as she rolled off the couch and into his lap. Troy laughed and kissed her as she came up. "Plus," Troy pointed out. "It was right there. It was my Halloween costume and I wanted to scare them..." Troy stopped mid-sentence as they all sent glares t him. "Oh, come on. It was nothing, but a harmless joke."

"I still hate you," Miley said and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I love you, too, sis," Troy joked and stood, bringing Gabriella with him in his arms, her legs dangling on each side of his legs. Gabriella squealed once again and clutched her arms around his neck. "Well," Troy said and pulled Gabriella closer. "Me and my lovely forgiving girlfriend are going to sleep, aren't we?"

"Sure, Teddy Bear," Gabriella said and smiled. She pressed her lips to his lips and locked her legs around his waist. She pulled back after a minute. "See you tomorrow, girls."

Tomorrow everyone is starting school. Summer is officially over and all four of them need an exceptionable education.

Troy carried Gabriella up the steps after every-one said goodnight and walked into their room, closing the door after him. Troy went over to the bed and placed Gabriella on it gently before taking off his shirt.

"Did I ever tell you how sexy you look?" Gabriella asked with a grin.

Troy smirked. "Maybe once or twice, but it wouldn't hurt to hear it again."

"Fine, you're sexy."

"Not as much as you," Troy mumbled and moved his head down so they could kiss. Gabriella wrapped her arms around his neck once more and pulled him closer, also parting her lips some. Troy grinned and pulled away. "You're so beautiful," he admitted, locking their gaze. Gabriella smiled and pulled him down onto the bed. "You are such a charmer," she said, turning so she was facing him. "And a good looking one, too." Gabriella let her index finger glide lightly across his smooth skin and Troy shook into shivers. He grabbed her smaller hand in his and placed it over his heart that was drumming vastly.

"You got that right," Troy breathed. "And if anyone says you're not, they've got no eyes."

"Same for you," Gabriella said quietly. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Troy moved a loose curl dangling in her eyes before kissing her softly. "Night."

"Night, Troy."

The next morning, Troy was holding Gabriella as if his life depended on it. Gabriella giggled and slowly unraveled his arms from around her. She got out of the messy bed and to the window, opening it. A cold breeze flew in and it was foggy. Gabriella quickly closed the window again and went to have a shower. After she had a shower which lasted about 20 minutes, she dried herself off and slipped on her clothes. It applied a simple pair of white shorts, a purple off-the-shoulder top and purple ballet flats. She applied some make-up before standing and screaming as she saw Troy, smirking at her.

"What the hell!" She gasped. "Troy! Don't scare me like that."

"Sorry, babe," Troy apologized and kissed her lips. "Good morning."

"Morning. Now go get ready."

"Yes ma'am," Troy joked and saluted. Gabriella giggled and went to kiss him again. "Twenty minutes." Gabriella walked out of the room and closed it and as soon as she did her phone rang. She fished through her purse and picked it up. "Hello?"

"Gabriella," a rough voice answered. Gabriella nearly went white as his voice went through the phone.

"Phil," she said finally.

"Look, before you curse me out or hang up, tell me how you're doing."

"I'm fine. Can this conversation be done now?"

"One more thing," Phil breathed into the phone. "Watch out." Then the line cut. Gabriella looked down at her phone dumbfounded. Was it a threat? Gabriella pursed her lips back and tossed her phone back into her purse. It shouldn't get to her, but it was. He wasn't going to hurt her, was he? Like, more damage than before? Gabriella shook the feeling off then wandered into the kitchen where Sharpay and Miley were cooking breakfast. "Mmm," Gabriella moaned. "It smells so good in here."

"It better," Sharpay warned. "Me and Smiley here don't slave over a hot stove for nothing." Gabriella let her eyebrows float up when she took notice in Sharpay's outfit. It consisted of a hot pink miniskirt stopping at mid-thigh, and light pink boob-tube and Christian Louboutin Satin D'Orsays Pink Pumps. Her hair was loosely settled into a pony-tail and a headband was propped up on the top of her head. Her face was glossy with the flirtatious make-up. "Dressing to impress?"

"Yup, if I don't get a boyfriend, at least I'll get sex."

"So you'll have sex with a total stranger?" Miley asked who was wearing a more simple attire. She had on a simple green polo and Frayed Midi Shorts. Her hair cascaded down her back in its natural curls and she had on green ballet flats. Gabriella gave a smile of gratitude.

"Well," Sharpay said. "They aren't new for me. You guys are the newbies."

"Thanks for info, Shar," Gabriella said sarcastically. "Where's my boyfriend?"

"How would we know?" Miley asked. "You're the one who sleeps with him."

"Who sleeps with who?" Troy asked as he walked into the kitchen with a tight black shirt that showed off his muscles and his dark jeans and black converses. He plopped a hat on Gabriella's head and turned to the two other girls. "Who's sleeping with who?"

"You and Gabi," Sharpay answered simply. "And no, we aren't talking about that, Troy."

"Well, good to know." Troy turned to Gabriella who was looking at the hat weirdly. He laughed and gripped it from her, putting it back on her head. "What's with the Fedora?" she asked.

"It looks good on you. I remember you wearing it once and you looked hot." Gabriella felt her cheeks go warm and she let out a small 'thanks'. Troy chuckled and grabbed her hand, leading her to the stools. "Who's ready to start school?"

"I'm not," Gabriella spoke truthfully. "I hate school."

"Well, now that I'm here, It'll be Heaven, right girls?" After receiving a weak reply, Troy turned back to Gabriella. "See, they're hyped up."

"Yeah," Gabriella teased. "They're ecstatic. You can just hear the excitement in their voice."

"Your sarcasm hurts," Troy sulked, bringing his hand to his heart. Gabriella laughed and pressed a lingering kiss to his lips. "You love me, babe," she whispered.

"Guilty."

"See!" Sharpay exclaimed loudly, making the two fly apart and look at her. "That's why I want a boyfriend."

"You want a boyfriend?" Troy asked, finally acknowledging her slutty outfit. "In an outfit like that? Sharpay..."

"What? I'll have the boys flying to my feet, begging for marriage."

"Seriously?"

"As Christian Louboutin is serious with these amazing shoes," Sharpay chimed, taking a glance down at her shoes.

"Guys, here. We have to eat fast. Only have ten minutes," Miley pointed out and handed off the plates of food.

So, with much arguing from Sharpay and Troy, they finally left for school in Sharpay's Jetta. And the down part for Troy was, Gabriella was up front and he was in back with Miley. "I didn't get a goodbye kiss," Troy sulked.

Miley rolled her eyes. "Troy, she's in the same car as you. Why would you possibly need to say goodbye?"

"One foot is too long away from my baby."

"Aw, Troy, I love you, too," Gabriella giggled, placing her hand on his knee.

"See, she feels the same."

"She just said I love you."

"But she agrees. Right, Brie?"

"Well...We are in the same car."

"Oh, the world is finally ending!"

"Troy, you're more of a drama queen than Sharpay."

"Hey!" Both shouted at the same time, causing Miley and Gabriella into fits of laughter.

"We're here!" Miley exclaimed and pushed open the door. Troy followed after her, pulling Gabriella in a bone-crushing hug as soon as she was out. "Remind me never to leave this boy," Gabriella begged her friends. The two girls laughed and all four of them proceeded into Carson High School. Students filled the campus, Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and last but not least, Seniors.

"This place looks fun," Miley said, glancing around.

"It is," Sharpay confirmed. "Now come on, I want you to meet my friends." Sharpay skimmed merrily down the freshly laid out grass with Gabriella and Troy and Miley following behind. While Gabriella was walking, she couldn't help but glance around, but when she did she spotted Bret. He was looking back at her, arms around two girls, smirking. "Let's—go," Gabriella pushed. She pulled Troy and Miley with her, basically running after Sharpay.

"You know," Miley got out. "Arms are very useful, so I would appreciate it if you don't rip mine off."

"Brie, what's wrong?" Troy asked. Gabriella slowed down once she got into the school. "Nothing. I just want to get my schedule now."

"You sure?" Troy asked skeptically.

"Yeah. Where's Shar?"

Their blond bundle of joy skipped up to them, three girls following in tow. "Guys, these girls are my very best friends, Serena Woods, Blake Welkin and Blaire Monet." Serena had silvery blond hair that swirled down her right shoulder in a twist. She had lime green eyes—like Miley's and she wore an outfit as slutty as Sharpay's. It was a Blouse tied with a tie running down in front so her stomach was showing her tan skin. She had on a ridiculously short plaid skirt. It was even shorter than Sharpay's. And to finish it off, she wore knee-high stockings and black stilettos. "Hey," Serena said in a husky voice. Gabriella let her eyes wander to Blake. She wasn't much better, but better than Sharpay and Serena.

She had on a tight white shirt with navy blue suspenders running lightly over them. She had tight blue shorts that were slightly longer than the others and a simple Navy blue Fedora on. For shoes, she just went with navy flats. Gabriella knew who wasn't as slutty in the group.

And last there was Blaire. She had golden caramel skin and mocha brown eyes. Her choice of clothes shouldn't even be in the category clothes. She had on a see-through shirt and you could clearly see the lacy red bra underneath. The dark denim skirt didn't seem to meet the thigh and her red lipstick was pulled up in a smirk with her lips.

"Uh, hi," Gabriella greeted silently.

"Hi," Miley chimed in.

"Hey," Troy finally said.

"He's cute," Blaire gushed to Troy. Gabriella felt jealousy rush to her as she stood in front of Troy. "He's taken."

"By who?" Blaire asked, not even taking a glance towards Gabriella.

"By me," Gabriella gritted out, obviously getting impatient. Blaire finally took notice in Gabriella and her nose wrinkled once she did. "Really?"

"Is there a problem?"

"Well...I mean, couldn't he do better?"

"Yeah, sure. But I'm sure he doesn't want the slutty bitch kind."

"I'm sure he doesn't want the ugly bitch kind either," Blaire shot back with a glare.

"Listen, slut," Gabriella jammed a finger into her chest. "Why don't you stick your fuc—"

"Oh, look at the time," Miley exclaimed, cutting off Gabriella. "Let's go." Miley grasped Gabriella's arm and fled away with Troy and Sharpay. "Sorry," Sharpay apologized meekly. "That's just my friends for you."

"Oh, what wonderful friends, Shar," Gabriella said sarcastically.

"Let's just get our schedules," Troy suggested and grabbed Gabriella from Miley, pulling her into a sideways hug.

They pushed into the office. There was a lady in a White blouse and Pencil skirt, typing furiously a a computer.

"Uh, Mrs. Tanner?" Sharpay asked and the lady looked up. She looked much like Gabriella. The same liquidity brown eyes and long curly black obsidian hair. Her eyes ran over to Gabriella quickly and she gasped inaudibly. Gabriella sucked in a hissed breath between her glossy lips and let her eyes fall to the carpeted floor. "W—welcome," Mrs. Tanner stammered out. "Sharpay, how nice to see you again. Friends?" Once again her eyes traveled to Gabriella who was still gazing down at her shoes.

"Yes," Sharpay confirmed. "Well, these two are my cousins." She pointed out Troy and Miley. "And this is my friend, Gabriella Montez."

"Gabriella Montez," Mr.s Tanner repeated silently and let her eyes close. "And Miley and Troy Bolton." Her eyes reopened and she gave them a weak smile. "Good, okay. I've been expecting you. Here you go." Mrs. Tanner gave them out their schedule, locker numbers and a other important slips. "Thanks, Mrs. Tanner," Sharpay said nicely.

"No problem. You guys take care," Mrs. Tanner said sincerely and watched as they left, her eyes still on Gabriella. Gabriella glanced back briefly and their matching eyes connected. It made bother their stomachs turn. What's going on? Each of them asked themselves.

Sorry for the long wait. I have no excuse, but I hope you enjoy and review, please.

Thanks!-Brittany