Chapter 10- Poolside I Love You's

Troy's POV

I grabbed some punch from the granite counter of Dana Wilson's house. This party has been hectic for me, not seeing Gabriella anywhere around. I want to see her so bad. I know, I sound desperate. And, even more desperate since it's coming from a guy. But I just want to make her mine and tell her that I can't stop thinking about her. Unfortunately, she wouldn't tell me what's wrong.

I looked around for Zeke and Sharpay. Whose been talking and laughing away since the beginning of the party. I cannot feel any happier for Sharpay. She's laughing and having a good time with a guy besides Ryan and I. So I decided not to interrupt their own little conversation. I stood by the counter in confusion. What is Gabriella hiding? She obviously have something she hadn't told me yet that is really starting to bother me. What is she afraid of? What is pulling her back? I really want to know. I walked past the football jocks who already had a few drinks and some are getting somewhat drunk, as I made my way towards the backdoor to the backyard.

It was nice and quiet out in the back yard, the clear water in the pool shining the reflection of the moon. It was a perfect night of clear skies.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath for a moment, feeling relaxed for once tonight. But the feeling didn't last long until I feel someone standing next to me. I opened my eyes to find Dana Wilson smiling naughtily towards me.

"Alone much?" The words flew out of her glossy lips.

"Yeah…" I nodded and sighed.

"You know, you don't have to feel alone…" She walked closer to me, looking deeply into my eyes.

"Actually, uh… I'm gonna get back inside and get some more punch." I made an excuse to escape from her eyes.

"Oh… Aren't you gonna get some beer or something?" Dana smiled sweetly.

"No actually. Not until I'm twenty one." I smiled and walked back inside the music blasting house.

I saw Dana trying to follow me but I walked faster towards the crowd. I found myself standing in front of the front door. I stared at it, the frustration came back. Where is Gabriella?

I looked away, knowing she might not even come anymore. But that thought vanished quick enough when Gabriella Montez walked past me.

"Gabriella!" I stopped her by spinning her around.

She stared into my eyes right away.

Her hair was in a messy bun that I find cute and she was in a plain black shirt, those black skinny jeans she had worn before last week and a skull necklace, that I don't find hot on girls usually, but Gabriella was an exception.

"Troy…" She struggled to get out of my grip.

"Gabriella, everything I wrote on the note was true." I only tightened the grip on her waist.

"And, everything I wrote on there was true too." She said back.

"Gabriella, just tell me why. Why don't you think you're the right one for me?" I looked into her coffee brown eyes.

She sighed as she stopped trying to get out of my grip.

"Troy, come here." She lead me to outside, the backyard where the pool is.

We sat down on the steps that would lead us down the deck to the pool. It was again, nice and quiet back here.

"Why do you wanna know?" Gabriella spoke first, not looking at me. Instead up in the sky.

"Because I wanna care about you and I wanna love you." I answered without thinking.

"Wait, you want to?" She looked utterly confused.

"I do care about you and I want to care about you more. I like you and I wanna love you." I smiled at her.

Gabriella smiled at me, for once for a long time. "I ran away from home." Those words escaped from her lips.

I wanted to gasp, but I didn't. She ran away from home?

"You're not serious…are you?" I stuttered.

"I'm goddamn serious. I ran away from home, I live in an apartment with my sister that also ran away, and I drove from Phoenix to Albuquerque.

"Why?" I seemed surprised.

"Because my mom gambles a lot and just locks Tori and I in our bedrooms all the time. So it's like we're grounded for life."

I nodded. Wow, this girl is deep. "What about your father? Or is this not a good question to ask?"

"It's fine. My dad died when I was in fifth grade." I could tell she was trying to hold back tears by her forced smile and glossy eyes.

"I'm sorry, Gabi." I said sincerely. I really did feel bad for her.

"This is the whole truth. I didn't want you to know my secret. That's why I keep ignoring you."

I was shocked she chose to tell me all this in such quick time. "But Gabriella, why are you telling it to me now?"

"Do you not wanna know?"

"No, I do. I'm just wondering why." I shrugged.

"Because last night, I tossed and turned in my bed. I couldn't sleep. I know I have to tell you to truth." She looked deeply into my eyes as I looked back into hers. "I know I sound like a slut but, I want you. I can't stop thinking about you. I love you."

Now, I was shocked at what she just told me. She loves me? All this time I was assuming she was ignoring me in person, she loves me?

Gabriella looked away. I can see tears in her eyes. This conversation was probably a little too much for her to handle.

"I love you too." I couldn't resist the words pouring out of my mouth.

"I thought you wanna love me?" She smiled at me.

"I did. But now you told me you love me, the feeling grew stronger inside. I really do love you."

She leaned in, so now we were closer than possible. I saw a smile play on her thin lips as she leaned in even closer. Our lips connected quickly, closing the impossible space between us. I kissed her for the third time, enjoying every moment of it.

We pulled apart when oxygen is finally needed.

"Wow." I said to no one is particular. I'm seriously amazed at what just happened. Gabriella just told me everything and she told me she loved me. Wow for real. "Since we both love each other, will you be my girlfriend?"

"I'll be honored to." She smiled and kissed me again.

A/N: That wasn't as long as the last chapter since I thought this is just gonna get cornier if I keep going on with the chapter. This chapter is just plain confusion and understanding between Troy and Gabriella. And, for some reason it reminded me of the scene "Right Here, Right Now" even when it's not in a tree house. Lol. Oh, and yep peoples, you got what you want, they're together! But I have to admit, I am not the best at writing the part of the story when either they make up or break up. I don't know why. I'm better at writing details and dialogues. Ok, is this making sense? Whatever. Anywho, Happy late Halloween. Forgot to mention in the last chapter. Please review for me to update!