A/N: I told you I wouldn't take another month to post a chapter, lol! In fact, I've been updating a lot, haha!

Thanks Rosemary for PMing this chapters' choice of song… it worked better than I thought!

I have a new story called Wakareru, and you should definitely read it. This Troy will be unforgettable, believe me! :-)

So, I'm off and have a great weekend, y'all!

Disclaimer: I don't own HSM or Vanessa Hudgens lyrics.

"When I think about you and me,
I get a little week in my knees,
I feel the flatter of a butterfly,
And sometimes I can hardly breathe."

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO.
AUGUST 24, 2008.

Troy Bolton looked up at the cloudless blue sky and the sun shone in his eyes, surrounding his body immediately with heat. He raised one hand and took off his aviators' sunglasses, folding it rapidly and putting it inside his black Nike backpack. Letting his eyes wander around, he couldn't help but wish he could stay in Albuquerque forever, with Gabriella, Emerson and the constant warmness he felt when he was in his former hometown. He could actually see things here; it wasn't like NYC that buildings were so enormous that he sometimes believed that the sky didn't exist anymore. The noise of the traffic, sirens, honks, people swearing and impatience everywhere he went was ridiculously annoying. It didn't matter where he was heading to, the madness was there; it followed him like a sin. And that moment in his life, he was seeking calmness. He was ready to settle down if Gabriella wanted. He'd give up the parties, the ladies, the drinking, just to live correctly to and with his two most important girls in the world.

He only wanted one thing in his life, and that was to be happy with Gabriella and Emerson. To hold them, kiss them, talk to them every night...

"Oh shit!" he cussed out loud, tilting his head back against the rented black SUV and covering his face with his hands as the thought of the two girls invaded his mind. Smacking his fist on his forehead, he gazed down at his watch, hoping he still had enough time. "Damn… fuck… shit" he swore again as he realized he only had twenty minutes till his flight departed.

Troy pushed off the car and turned around, collecting his backpack from the front seat and putting it over his shoulder. He slammed the vehicle's door as hard as he could, trying to release all his frustrations at once.

After it… he chuckled.

He laughed hysterically at his own stupidity for a couple of minutes, people passing by him and looking funny, as if he was a mental person. But no, he was just the hugest idiot in the whole world. The night before, when he kissed Gabriella's forehead for the last time and told her to go upstairs to put Emerson in bed, he forgot one simple thing.

To get her number.

He had done it again and it was like déjà vu. Just like the first time he met her, he was so hypnotized by her presence that his brain forgot to work. How would he call her during the week? Because he had no idea how long it would take to be back to Albuquerque to see them. Damn, how could he not function every time she was around? What spell did Gabriella put in him three years ago that he seemed to be devastated in every ways by her?

"Stupid… so stupid" he muttered to himself, shaking his head and starting to walk towards the airport entrance. His cell phone was in his hand before he could even think about getting it from his pocket, and he was dialing Jason's number.

"Come on, pick it up… answer it Cross" he pleaded quietly, his heart tightening at the sound of his best friend's childish voice mail. "Damn"

He snapped the phone close and opened it again, dialing another familiar number, positive that someone was already awake and ready to work this time.

"Hello?"

"Mum?" he asked, feeling relaxed already at the sound of his mother's animated voice, "It's me"

"Troy, something happened?"

"No, I'm fine" he shook his head furiously, his eyes searching for the right gate, his brain fighting against his heart that wanted nothing more than to have Gabriella's number securely saved in his phone before he got to the plane. People passed by and smiled, pointed and whispered that it was The Troy Bolton and he tried his best, in between his nervousness, to treat the fans politely. "Listen mom, I need a favor"

"Okay, I'm all ears"

He breathed in relief, not only to find the right gate but because his mother was willing to help him, too. "Could you drive to the Skin Deep and get Gabriella's phone?"

"Good morning, sir" a thin and tall receptionist smiled warmly at him, her blond hair falling around her shoulders as she moved her figure seductively, "May I see your boarding ticket?"

"Gabriella's in town?" Kate seemed surprised and maybe a bit shocked, and Troy had to roll his eyes, because he was positive she knew it by now and was just pretending she was clueless.

"Yes, mom, she's back" he said patiently, retrieving his ticket back and smiling politely at the receptionist as she motioned for his gate's door, "Could you discover her number for me?"

"Why? Are you two dating again?"

Troy scoffed, "No, mom... we're not back together"

Yet, he felt the urge to add, but knew he wouldn't be able to stop talking if he admitted his wish to be Gabriella's boyfriend again.

"Then why do you want it?"

"Mom…" he sighed exasperatedly, spotting the entry to the plane, knowing he would have to turn off the mobile, "Listen mom, but don't freak out, okay?"

"Okay…" she said slowly, and Troy knew she was already suspicious something big was coming.

"Do you remember Gabriella's daughter?"

"Oh yeah… Ryan's baby? Emma?"

"It's Emerson" he corrected promptly, "And she's not Ryan's baby…" he cleared his throat, trying to sound calm and relaxed, "she's mine"

He heard something collapsing on the floor and he could only hope it wasn't his mother, "Mom, I have to go… but are you okay?"

"Say what? You have a baby?!"

"Yeah… I'm a daddy" he chuckled proudly, nodding when he was told the phone needed to be turned off immediately, "I have to go. Congratulations Granny"

"Tr-Troy?!"

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO.
AUGUST 25, 2008.

Mondays were always a day to remember for Gabriella Montez. Something big always happened and her world ended upside down and inside out. The worst Monday she ever had was the one when she broke up with Troy Bolton during high school when he cheated on her with Sharpay Evans. After that terrible day, some other things happened, like tripping over something and winding up bruised as if she was hit by someone, getting involved in a car accident, losing her house keys… and it all occurred on Mondays.

For almost a year she believed fervently that Mondays just weren't her lucky days, and she had to accept it and deal with it without whining like a little baby, but then something happened that changed her mind. All she remembered was one really painful Sunday and her baby girl in her arms by Monday morning.

And since that event, Mondays had always been her favorite day of the week. She laughed of the complications and smiled when the news were good. As big as it was, nothing could change her mood. She was controlled and positive for at least the 24 hours of her favorite day.

However this morning, as shocking as it was to admit even to herself, Gabriella was regretting immensely getting out of bed. The day was just starting and she already felt all bothered and uneasy. It wasn't for an unknown reason though, she knew exactly why she felt like this.

Last night Troy went home and she never had the chance to say a proper goodbye. She knew he had to be back to NY early because of the game he mentioned a few days ago, but she missed already being held and soothed by him. It was incredible how she craved for him more than ever knowing what she'd go through the day, as if he was her superhero and could send all her problems far, far away.

Because she had a problem.

A big one.

Talking to Ryan, her best friend and Emerson's former fake dad would be the second hardest thing Gabriella Montez had to do this week and it was about to start. Something inside of her warned that talking to Troy, the real father, was easier than talking to her best friend.

She just hoped anyone ended hurt in the process. Or more hurt than already was. There were times that she wished she had done everything different because it would cause less drama not only in her life, but her daughter's, her mother's, Troy's and Ryan's life. She had been selfish for a long time and it was time to fix all her mistakes.

One thing she had learned as she talked with Troy the night before was the fact that holding so strongly to her three years ago heartbreak was consuming her life immensely and she was not the only one affected by her own decision, but Emerson was obligated to believe she didn't have a father and Troy that he never had a baby. But the fact was the two belonged together and were a family and she did well telling the truth, even if that meant hurting a bit someone that was always there for her.

"Where are my two favorite girls?"

Gabriella looked up from the shop's bills at the sound of Ryan's agitated voice and her heart fluttered in her chest as he smiled his million dollar smile at her. Damn her for being in this mess for so long. She only wished Ryan was as mature as Troy when hearing the news.

Today her eccentric friend was looking as dazzling as usual. He had his blond hair covered with a pink cap that matched his pink pants and a white shirt. Gabriella loved that Ryan dressed and acted the way he wanted, without bothering with others opinions. That was one of the things she loved the most about him.

Throughout high school, he was constantly mocked because of the way he was. Most of the school thought he was gay and he never tried to prove them wrong, he just didn't care. When he assumed in front of Troy and the student body that he was the father of the baby she was expecting, she had asked him if he wouldn't regret such hard decision, because he would be hated and probably bullied a lot for messing with Troy's girl.

Ryan had just chuckled good heartedly and shaking his head, he assured her that he didn't mind what others did or thought about him, as long as she knew the truth. Being against his twin sister and the whole school was the best proof that Ryan Evans was really a loyal and caring friend.

A friend that helped her so much and wiped so many of her tears and now would be hurt. Gabriella would take from Ryan one of the greatest things that happened in his life. Damn her.

"Hi Ry"

Her voice had a strange trembling in it and she felt dizzy and nervous. Gabriella could hear the soft echoes of her breathing filling her ears as she stood up from her chair and turned slowly around the table, taking her time to calm herself.

Ryan was there again, and his presence was as comforting now as it ever was. He was the one she always went after when she had problems, he was the one that always listened and cared about her. Gabriella never imagined that her savior would be drowning so deeply in a problem she had built to herself three years ago and now she'd have to literally dive in and capture him back to the safety of the outside.

Calm down and breathe, she told herself as she inhaled and exhaled profoundly, faking smiling at him and waving nervously from one side to another. Ryan raised his eyebrows curiously and laughed lightly, wrapping his arms around her and kissing the side of her head.

"What's up, pretty girl?" he asked lowly, one hand travelling up and down her back as her figure continued shaking furiously against his slender body, "Gabs… what's wrong?"

Gabriella looked up at him and an involuntary shiver ran down her spine all the way to her legs and she felt weak. Her eyes widened slightly with panic and for a whole minute she flinched.

Why did she call and asked him to be there? Why couldn't she tell him over the phone? How could she be standing here, in the arms of the one she was about to crush into pieces? Ryan's eyes darkened as he studied her, knowing something big was happening to his best friend.

You can do this, she kept repeating to herself, even though her mind yelled back that she was going to break his heart every time. Gabriella was surrounded by his smell, the way his touch made her feel. Pictures of their past and all they went through together lay in the back of her mind, pressuring her to feel extremely guilty for what she was about to do.

Go ahead, she encouraged herself, He'll understand, but if she was so positive he would understand her reasons, why panic would not leave her heart? Why she felt like she could lose him in a few minutes?

Could she do it? Was she brave enough to break her best friend's heart? She had to be, she'd force herself to be, because he needed to know. It was the least she could do, not to let him walk around thinking he still had a kid to take care of. She took a deep breath, wondering what words to use.

"Gabs?" he cupped her cheek, frowning deeply, "You're scaring me"

"Ry…" she began slowly, dragging her feelings of protecting him to the back of her heart and choosing to let her head lead the way. She didn't want to hurt him, but there wasn't anything she could do right now, just stick with the truth. "I told Troy Emerson's his daughter"

"Oh…" her words sunk in and his face fell instantly. Ryan's arms quickly let go of Gabriella's waist and he stepped back to study better her pained features, the way the corners of her mouth curled down and her eyes watered, "Why?"

"Because she deserves a dad…" she whispered her answer, feeling rejected as he let go of her, "And Troy… he deserves a daughter"

Ryan sat down on the couch in the end of the room, his hands between his legs, his head facing the ground, his voice low and bitter, "And I don't?"

Gabriella wanted to walk towards him and wrap her arms around his figure, but something in her held her in place, afraid to push Ryan to his limit, "Of course you do, but you'll have your own daughter someday"

"But I wanted Emerson. I treated her as my own daughter since she was inside of you" he protested, finally looking up at her, "Everybody thinks she's mine Gabriella. My mom, my dad, my sister… the whole town"

"You never cared about what people said, Ryan" she reminded him helplessly, unable to avoid the urge to comfort him, going as fast as her legs allowed to the couch as well, sitting down on his side and capturing his hands in between hers, "This is not high school anymore, Ry. I can't live in the past. We can't live in the past" she took a deep breath, "It's Emerson's future, her life… I couldn't do that her. I don't want her unhappy when she grows up"

Ryan rose up one hand to his head, taking his cap off and running it through his blond hair several times. It wasn't about him, Gabriella or Troy. It was about Emerson, it was his precious daughter they were talking about. He couldn't be selfish when something concerned the perfect baby.

She was still holding one of his hands between hers, observing it intently in case he wanted to stop touching her at all. Gabriella breathed in relief though, as his hand curled around hers, squeezing it gently, "I don't want my princess unhappy too"

"I know" Gabriella nodded fervently at the same time her arms wrapped around his neck and she embraced him with all her strength, "You love her as much as I do"

"As if she was my own" he admitted, rubbing one hand on his face and delicately pushing her away from him to stand up, "I just swear to God that if he hurts you two again, I'll kill him with my own hands"

"Ryan?" she stood up as well, "Are you mad at me?"

"At you?" he asked in disbelief, laughing sarcastically and shaking his head negatively, "No, I always knew once he was back, you'd feel the need to tell him the truth" he turned around and went for the doorknob, "I just wish I never went to my mother's house that day and let him see Emmy. I blame myself for losing my girls"

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO.
AUGUST 26, 2008.

"See you later, Marshall" Kelsi waved to the middle aged man, sharing a smile with another client that waited for Marshall and his wife to get out of the shop to enter, searching around with his eyes for the perfect tattoo for him.

She flicked her hair out of her eyes and reached for the ringing phone, motioning with her hand for the client to wait till she answered it which he nodded promptly, grinning at her. She rose the phone to her ear, "Skin Deep, may I help you?"

"Yes, I'm looking for Gabriella Montez, is she there?"

Kelsi let her eyes wander around the shop rapidly, seeking for a glimpse of her friend or her daughter. She laughed quietly as she smacked her forehead playfully, remembering Gabriella was off at the supermarket.

"She's not here" she told the stranger with the beautiful masculine voice, "Do you want me to ask her to call you back?"

"No, I'll call her again in the end of the week" he sounded animated, "Just please tell her Greg called. Greg Reynolds"

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO.
AUGUST 28, 2008.

Atchoo.

"Emmmm…"

Atchoo.

"Emerson…"

Atchoo.

"Emerson Azalia, stop kissing the cat"

Atchoo.

Gabriella sighed tiredly as she put her book aside and shifted on the couch, propping up on her elbows, letting her eyes scan the living room for any sign of her sneezing baby. For her surprise, she found Mo very quickly and wherever Mo was, Emerson was around, this time though, she couldn't see her from her comfortable spot on the couch.

"Emmy?" she sat down, her black and shiny hair falling midway over her back and around her shoulders, "Baby?"

Her heart tightened as her daughter didn't answer her, but as the sneezing continued, she breathed in relief. "Em baby, come here with mommy" she asked softly and heard gentle footsteps getting closer and closer to where she was.

Gabriella waited for what felt like forever till her daughter appeared in front of her, crawling on the floor, moving her head from one side to another and her little butt, too as if she was swishing her imaginary tail, "Oh my God, a cat!" she laughed out loud as Emmy crawled towards her, meowing all the way. She looked down at the baby in the middle of her legs, trying her best to imitate her robot cat, her hazel eyes blinking with happiness as she was visibly proud of herself for tricking her mother to believe she was a real cat. "Where does this cat came from? I thought we only had Mo!"

"Meowwww" Emerson nodded her head up and down, almost losing her balance and falling sideway. Gabriella laughed again, reaching down to grab her daughter in her arms, lying her down on the couch and tickling the soft skin of her tummy, "you're such a funny little pet"

Emerson giggled loud, squealing with her adorable baby voice when Gabriella reached for her underarms and tickled the skin there as well, "What?" she asked innocently, "I'm just petting my cat"

"Mommaaaa"

She laughed lightly, letting go of her and kissing her tiny hand, "okay… Enough"

Emerson sat clumsy on the couch, a grin still on her beautiful face as she handed her mother the remote control, "Cat, cat…"

"I don't know if we have cats on TV tonight, baby" she replied softly, grabbing the control from her hand and searching for something that would entertain her daughter. Emmy sprawled across the couch, moving to her side and rotating into a fetal position just before she noticed that her new best friend was still on the floor, alone and looking unprotected.

Her hazel eyes widened with shock and she climbed off the couch, walking towards her cat and scooping it from the floor, "Mooooo, sowwy"

Gabriella smiled as she looked at her daughter, but her attention changed completely as she heard a very familiar voice coming from the TV that sent shockwaves down her spine. She flickered her eyes to the TV and her stomach filled with butterflies immediately as she spotted Troy Bolton in all his glory giving an interview. He looked extremely sexy with damp and untidy hair, his cheeks flushed from the exercise and his sweaty shirt clinging to his body like a second skin. Her mouth watered and she wished with all her strength to be that shirt for just one night. If she knew his game was tonight, she'd definitely watch it and see more of his precious face. She wanted to do that not only to see him, but to support him, cheer for him and if possible, congratulate him when he won. Like right now. She'd do anything just to have the opportunity to hear his voice and say she was proud of him.

Emerson squealed again, louder this time as she saw Troy on TV as well. She worked her legs to full speed as she ran towards the television, her little arms spread as she tried to hug Troy, as if he was standing right in front of her. "Kitty cat!" she contemplated his figure, pouting for less than a minute when she couldn't reach for him, instead moving her attention to the cat he had given her and grinning at it, "Moo.... Twoyyy"

Once again, Gabriella felt her heart swelling with joy and pride as her baby already recognized him as someone important in her life, giggling when he laughed, raising her hand to brush her bangs out of her eyes as he ran one hand through his hair, copying every single movement he made in pure amazement. Emerson touched her mouth to his cheek as they zoom in Troy, pressing a kiss to the television as if he could really feel it, "Twooy..." she repeated lazily, one hand wrapping around the cat's neck, the other resting comfortably against the big screen of the TV, right on the side of his body, where only Gabriella knew that lay a newly made tattoo symbolizing his love for them. Her eyes watered, but she wiped it quickly as Emerson looked back at her and grinned, "Momma, Twoy"

Gabriella nodded, "I know it's Troy, baby" she smiled in return, standing up from the couch and bending down behind her daughter. She wrapped one arm around the baby's tiny waist and the other she rested on top of hers that was still on the TV, "Why don't you try calling him 'daddy'? she suggested, "Like you call me momma... we are a family, Em"

Emerson tilted her head to the side, as though she was considering if she wanted to do or not what Gabriella was saying. She looked back at the TV and then at her mother and giggled, happy dancing, "Twoy, Twoy, Twoy" she repeated again and clapped her hands enthusiastically. "Twoooy"

"Well, I tried" she laughed and kissed the baby's side of head, focusing her eyes on the TV again, just to see Troy saying goodbye and smiling charmingly to the camera. In a minute he was gone and another player stood in the same place he was seconds before.

"Aww" Emerson turned around, pouting, her face the spitting image of Troy's as she did it. Holding her cat tightly to her chest, she sighed loud, her nose burring in Mo's head and her floppy hair covering her gorgeous eyes.

"What's wrong, baby?" Gabriella stroked her cheek and Emerson's hand balled into a fist. She raised it to her eyes, rubbing it slowly, salty tears threatening to roll from it. Gabriella frowned deeply, the twist in her stomach every time she watched her daughter's face contorting in pain present already. She swallowed, curling a hand under Emerson's chin and forcing her to look in her eyes, "Em, baby? What's the problem sweetheart?"

She sighed again and stepped closer, only to hide her face in Gabriella's chest and whisper her answer, "Dada gone"

"Hold me now,
I can't tell if I'm lost or found,
And I don't know how to let you in,
Or let you go,
I'm so vulnerable.
Hold me now,
Don't let me down,
I know for sure that your love cures."

A/N: Yeah, Sue... just because it's your bday today and you were dreaming of reading Emerson calling him daddy, haha. So consider this your present! Nah, I'm just kidding. you'll have a real one too later! I love you and happy birthday, my friend! ;-)