Author's Note: Thanks to all the reviewers, HSMandChelseaFCfan, kathyt222, butterflygoodbye, Haloangel504, larabaybee, future.mrs.zac.efron., LunarEclipse360, and HSMCaga15. Oh, and I'd like to thank justacrush as well.
Well, this is my longest chapter yet I think. Sorry to some who wanted Chaylor in this chapter, but since this story is only from Gabriella's and Troy's points of view, you'll have to wait until next chapter when some of the gang meets up and talks about their Valentines Days.
Read and review. Remember, I like long reviews with your opinions :P
Chapter 12: Here In Your Arms
Today is just a normal day. That is if you count it's being your girlfriend's sixteenth birthday and Valentines Day normal. Even though she asked for nothing and no attention for her birthday, I went against her wishes. I spent all week working on tonight. She won't have to know I did anything for her until later today, which reminds me not to pick her up today. That will satisfy her until first period, though I have no clue why.
I pass Gabriella's house, picturing her waking up in my arms. Out of instinct, I almost pull into her driveway, but she wouldn't be too happy with that, at least not today. I drive into the school's parking lot and wait in my car for a familiar face. Finally two appear, Taylor and Chad. The two of them are struggling with a huge banner.
"Hey guys," I greet them and get a better look at the poster. It's red and white with the words 'Happy 16th Gabriella!' As they approach me, I shake my head furiously.
"What?" asks Chad, obviously annoyed.
"That banner, Gabi didn't want any attention."
Taylor hits her head, "You're right. Agh, how could I be so forgetful?"
"It's ok. Maybe she won't care as much if you just bring it to her house." Just as I'm finishing the sentence, my phone emits my favorite song. I smile at the name scrolling across the screen.
"Ahhh, Montez," Taylor looks at me dumbfounded then squeals and tries to hide. Chad laughs, earning a dirty look. He mouths the words to his girlfriend 'she's not here.'
"Troy, I need a ride. Mom got me a car, but it's not working. I'm not going to get to school on time if I walk," she exclaims all in one voice, "Please, could you--"
"Woah Gabi, I got you. Besides, I'm the shepherd boy and you're the little lamb. Oh, and it's your birthday."
"Shhh," I can just imagine her looking around the room nervously.
"Gabs, I'm on the phone. No one can hear me."
"Oh yeah," she mutters embarrassedly.
"I'm on my way."
"Thanks." I wait for the click, which comes surprisingly fast, and shove my cell phone back into my pocket.
"So," I catch my friends' attention, "I'm going to Gabi's now. Do you want me to take the banner?"
Taylor nods overenthusiastically, apparently glad to not have to face Gabriella's supposed wrath. Chad and I hide our snickers. Sometimes Taylor can be just the character. I wave as I shovel into my car. "If I don't come back, I'm blaming you Taylor!" I call out while embarking on my journey.
I pace uneasily in my room. Wouldn't it be such a grand entrance to show up late to school? Oh my god. I really don't want that to happen. Everybody would stare at me. Oh no, Troy please hurry. I can barely think as I start to hyperventilate. Over my loud gasps and sputters, I barely hear my phone ring. I try to calm myself down, reaching towards it. It's useless. With a sigh and more hurried breaths, I flip open my phone.
"Gabi," the calm voice soothes in my ear, "Look outside."
With my new face "accessory" I slide open the screen door and step towards the outside. The slight breeze and fresh air calms my head. Contentedly, I look down to see an immense banner.
"Happy birthday," travels to my ear twice. I smile and absentmindedly shove the phone into my pocket.
"Well, aren't you going to run to your amazingly hot boyfriend?" At that remark I playfully roll my eyes and come rushing down the stairs and through the door. Troy sweeps me into a huge hug, and my happiness is plainly evident. Suddenly we both hear a rip. At our feet, torn in two, is a white and red birthday banner for me.
I frown, "Sorry."
My boyfriend only laughs in my ear, sending chills down my spine. "It's ok. I didn't make it. Taylor and Chad did."
"In that case, I don't care," I joke. Now it's his turn to roll his brilliant blue eyes at me. I only pull him closer, hearing his calming breath. "I love you," I sigh, "I could just stay in your arms here instead of going to school."
"I thought you loved school."
"I love you much more."
He flashes me a heart-stopping smile, and I rest my head on his shoulder, but he pulls apart and grabs my hand. "Come on, we have to go." Reluctantly I trudge into his car.
All day couples have been holding hands, whispering into each other years. All the cheerleaders are paired up with the jocks, and although most of the time they're the only ones kissing in the halls, almost everybody has been doing it today. It's as though someone has cast a spell over the entire school. I sigh. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad for some attention. After all, my birthday isn't that much compared to Valentine's Day. People's heads would still be stuck in the clouds.
"Gabriella!" A voice calls me, and instinctively I turn around to see a crazy person running straight for me.
"Eek," I squeal while taking cover in the nearest bookshelf. Nonetheless, the speaker comes panting beside me.
"Oh, thank God. I thought I'd never find you." I look up from my hiding place and meet nervous brown eyes.
"Oh, it's only you Zeke. I thought it was someone else...announcing my birthday or planning to kill me. But, hey," I say warmly once recognizing it was not an attacker.
"No, it's just me," he laughs, though a little too hysterical, "Um, you know how I'm having Sharpay over and cooking for her?" I nod. He told me the day after mine and Troy's one-month anniversary. At the time, he was happy but a little edgy. "Yeah, well, I don't think I can do it. I'm way too nervous. What if Sharpay doesn't like me? What if--"
I soon cut off his rambling, "Zeke, listen. You're the sweetest guy I know. If I weren't madly in love with Troy, I'd fall for you. If, not saying that it's true because it probably isn't, but if Sharpay doesn't like you, that's her fault, her loss. What you're doing is great. Any girl would love it. Just don't worry."
Zeke shakes off his fear, "You're right. Thanks so much. I just hope I don't mess up the crème brulee."
"Knowing you, you won't. Not only are you the sweetest, but you're also the best cook. I have total faith in you."
"Aw, thanks Gabriella. You're the best friend a guy could ask for," he says while hugging me and quickly running away. As he leaves, I wave and wish him good luck. Sharpay doesn't know how lucky she is.
"What are you doing behind a bookshelf," a voice chuckles in my ear. Arms wrap around my stomach. My pulse quickens, and warmth seeps into my body.
"Just getting a book," I lie and pull down the nearest book. His hand covers mine and takes the book from me.
"Horse grooming?" He questions, obviously amused, "Nice try Montez." Lips touch mine ever so sweetly. He throws the book onto the shelf, and things get heat but not for long. The bell rings, and we both let out a groan.
"At least we can walk together," I sigh.
"And I get to stare at you all class long." Playfully I hit him in the arm with a smile on my face, and our hands intertwine. Right now, we're one of those hundreds of other love struck couples. However, I always like to think what we have is much more important and stronger. I wouldn't know though; I've never had much experience.
"Gabi," Troy mumbles every now and then while tracing his fingers on my back. It makes it very hard for me to concentrate on what the teacher is saying. His warm breath fans my back; a grin reaches my lips.
"Ms. Montez," the teacher barks. I force my eyes onto her then the board. I quickly skim it.
"Um, that should be a gerund; therefore, it is incorrect. You have to make you possessive."
"You're correct; however, I asked you to pull down the shades." My face is now a deep scarlet as I get up from my seat and pass Troy on the way. His blue eyes are twinkling, and instantly I feel a little better.
"How was today?" I ask while embracing my girlfriend and kissing her.
"Alright. Nobody got me any presents."
I don't want to tell her what she has in store for her later tonight. All I say is, "I thought you didn't want any?"
She sighs, "Yeah, well, I don't know. I just felt sort of empty without you beside me all day while everyone else was together."
"Well, I'm here now," I reassure her while giving her one last kiss before going in my car, "Besides, I know you're going to get presents. You know Sharpay and just about everyone else we hang out with."
She laughs, "You're right."
We keep on talking throughout the ride. Once it's over and Gabriella is leaving, I slip a note into her bag while kissing her, and then get ready for tonight. Everything has to be perfect.
With a skip in my walk and a tug in my heart, I close the door behind me and throw my bag on the table, but something falls out and flutters to my feet. Slowly I pick it up.
Gabi,
Happy
birthday and Valentines Day love.
Watch
for me. I'll be here to take you away.
Love,
Troy
With a smile on my face, I envelop my hand around the note and scamper up the stairs. My mom seems to notice. "Why are you so happy Gabi?" She already knows the answer though.
I'm still in a daze when a familiar black cars pulls in, headlights shining in my room. Without a word, I run out the door and into Troy's welcoming arms. We share a sweet kiss and drive, both of us beaming.
I
like where we are, Cause
our lips can touch
When
we drive, in your car
I
like where we are... Here
And
our cheeks, can brush
Our
lips can touch here
Silently Troy opens the door for me and offers me his arm. I giggle and take it without thinking. Kissing him on the cheek, I realize, not for the first time this year, that I love this boy. This is love. We enter his and Katelyn's apartment, and it's absolutely beautiful. Troy arranged candles everywhere and it even says "Happy birthday Gabi."
I smile, and Troy becomes evidently happy.
"Do you like it?"
"No," I say, much to his dismay, however, I add, "I love it."
"I love you," he whispers in my ear and sits me at the table. "Don't move."
I watch as he moves around the kitchen, preparing some food. "Troy, you don't have to do this."
He sneaks behind me and wraps his arms around me. "I know. I want to though."
Well
you are the one the one that lies close to me
Whisper's
hello I miss you quite terribly
I
fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now
there's no place else I could be but here in your arms
Fifteen minutes later, we're both eating the most delicious dinner I've ever had. He obviously put a lot of effort in it.
"Where'd you learn to cook?"
"Zeke and my sister taught me," he says nonchalantly.
"Oh," I say, my lips curving into one of those endless smiles.
"Ready for dessert?" I nod as he pulls out an amazing cake and sets it on the table. "I'd sing 'Happy Birthday,' but that's a little cheesy."
"No, no," I protest. I love hearing his voice. It just makes me fall for him over and over again. "I want to hear you sing. Please," I practically beg.
"Ok," he chuckles, and his wonderful voice fills the room.
"I'm the luckiest girl ever."
"And I'm the luckiest boy ever." He raises one finger as to motion that he'll be right back, and I settle into my chair as he leaves into the other room. I hear a groan and frantic searching, so I decide to check what's up.
Troy, as I thought, is running around the room, turning everything upside down to look for something. "Troy," I quietly say, and he, turning around to face me, notices my presence.
His eyes are filled with sorrow. "I can't find the necklace I got you."
I walk up to him. "It's okay," I say while stroking his face and kissing him, but he pulls away.
"No it's not. I got it and everything. Tonight was going to be perfect."
"Troy, tonight is perfect. I'm here with you, and that's all that matters."
He smiles and pulls me into a kiss on his bed.
"I love you," is the last thing I say before falling asleep.
I
like where you sleep,
When
you sleep, next to me.
I
like where you sleep... here
Cause
our lips, can touch
And
our cheeks, can brush
Our
lips can touch here
The sun seeps in through the window as my eyes flutter open. Contentedly, I cuddle into Troy's warm body as he drifts awake.
"Hey," he mutters sleepily.
Well
you are the one the one that lies close to me
Whisper's
hello I miss you quite terribly
I
fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now
there's no place else I could be but here in your arms
Our
lips, can touch
Our
lips, can touch...here
"Hey," I mutter and our lips touch. He rests his chin on my head and hugs me closely.
You
are the one the one that lies close to me
Whisper's
hello I miss you quite terribly
I
fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now
there's no place else I could be but here in your
You
are the one the one that lies close to me
Whisper's
hello I miss you miss you
I
fell in love, in love with you suddenly
Now
there's no place else I could be but here in your arms
Here
in your arms.
Here
in your arms.
Author's Note: The next chapter, as I have said before, will be the recounts of their Valentines Days. There also might be a huge happening, unless I decide to put that in another chapter.
