Hey everyone. The summer holidays are drawing even closer and I can't wait because it means I'll have a good amount of time to focus on my fan fictions! :D Something to celebrate right???
Also, I'm still thinking about my two new stories. Their coming together quite well and as soon as I'm done planning them out in my head I'll release the summaries onto this story. Then, the one who gets the most votes will win and I'll release the story...trailer first to see whether you're all interested. Hope so.
Once again I am so sorry for the previous chapter being so boring and I know none of you were reaaaally disappointed in it but to be honest I was. I can see your liking the darkness of Troy's nightmares though and the Poppy mystery has you all just itching to find out all you can. Soon guys, very soon. Be patient! ;)
Anyway, blah blah blah, I don't own HSM...never will...sighs...the end.
Chapter 11 – Passion
GABRIELLA slammed the front door of her house behind and stormed into the living room with her arms folded determinedly over her chest and her poor neglected school bag swinging wildly over her shoulder. It was simple to say it had been a bad day. Correction. It had been a terrible day. Gabriella had always liked Mondays in school, her timetable was jam packed with some of her favourite subjects and she always got to meet up with the friends she had not seen over the weekend.
She'd been hoping to find Troy back in East High after his weekend away in Placitas and so her disappointment and surprise was quite sudden when she'd found his homeroom seat empty and every other one of his seats in their classes together empty as well.
He was supposed to be home by now. He was supposed to be with her. It wasn't that Gabriela was pining for him, oh no, she'd never been like that...it just annoyed her that he'd not called her back or text her or tried to get in contact with her at all. Some boyfri...uh guy he was. He'd once told her he'd cared about her. Obviously not!
With a thump, she allowed her bag to drop to the floor before she made her way through to the kitchen, needing a drink to quench her unbearable thirst and ease the aching in her despondent heart.
"Oh, hello sweetie, 'Maria was sitting at the kitchen table, her laptop in front of her. She didn't look up at Gabriella as she stalked in, they'd barely exchanged a few words since their disagreement over Troy, "good day at school? 'when Gabriella didn't answer she muttered, "guess that's a no."
Gabriella opened the fridge and pulled out the orange juice, she unscrewed the lid and knocked it back, guzzling it straight from the carton. This usually wasn't allowed but Gabriella's motto for the day was 'screw the rules.'
"Gabriella! You know how I feel about you doing that?" Maria said finally lifting her head from her laptop, just in time to see Gabriella take her final sip.
Gabriella wiped her lips and shrugged her shoulders, "so! 'she snarled, "no one cares about my feelings. Why should I care about yours?"
"I beg your pardon!" Maria said in outrage, standing up and staring at her daughter with wide disbelieving eyes like she'd just sprouted horns or something.
"You heard me! Does anyone care about my feelings, no? People don't care when I try and be affectionate and loving do they? No, they waltz off for weekends and don't answer my calls!" Gabriella knew she sounded childish but she just couldn't stop herself. She turned back around and shoved the orange juice back into the fridge.
"Um...I don't know what's bothering you Gabriella, 'she said as she started to pack her laptop away, "but I can't be dealing with your moods right now. We'll talk tomorrow, okay?"
Gabriella glared at Maria resisting the urge to roll her eyes, "where are you going?"
"I've got to go into work. I don't know when I'll be home, 'she picked up her laptop case and walked over to Gabriella, looking a little apprehensive about approaching her at all, "we'll talk tomorrow. I promise." She kissed Gabriella's forehead and left quickly, looking relieved to get away from her raving daughter.
Gabriella listened for the door and leaned against the fridge, sighing tiredly. Where was Troy? Had he forgotten about her so soon?
TROY was sitting in the quiet serenity of his room, lying on his back with his arms tucked under his head as he stared wistfully at the ceiling. They were home again and though he could hardly understand it, Troy was somewhat glad to be back at Albuquerque. Maybe it was the only place in the world where he could ever find peace in himself. Troy hated Placitas. It was full of unwanted memories; he was an unwanted memory there. The weekend had gone too slow. Wherever he'd walked there had been whispers and mutters, people watching him, recognising him. Some turned their backs in disgust, some glared at him defiantly like he were some demonic beast...they all knew about his haunting past and he would never escape their unforgiving natures. They knew him! They knew what he'd done.
"Troy, 'Lucille knocked on his open door and smiled down on him sweetly, her eyes glowing with motherly love, "your father would like a word with you?"
"Thanks Mom. Tell him I'll be right down." Troy said with a grateful nod and he watched Lucille leave him, her movements almost robotic. Watching her, Troy sometimes wondered whether she'd ever truly forgiven him for what he'd done so many years ago. She'd never showed any signs of hatred or dislike or even shame but it was always there in the back of Troy's mind, that fear that it was all an act to save him.
Pulling himself out of bed, Troy made his way to his father's little office room. He moved down the staircase thinking of Gabriella and how he wanted to see her. He'd missed her dearly over the weekend and had spent most of his days and nights in Placitas thinking about her. Thinking of that smile, those warm brilliant eyes, her beautiful figure and the way she carried that tantalizing 'Gabriella' aroma around with her all day, it was enough to keep him sane but he was sure if he didn't see her soon he would lose his mind completely!
He reached his father's office and knocked, waiting for the usual 'come in.' When he heard it, he opened the door and let himself in.
Jack was working as per usual, huddle behind his tiny messy desk. The office room was always messy, crumpled up pieces of paper littered the floor here and there, the desk was line with coffee cup stains and stick notes and pens that probably didn't work. Jack liked the mess, he said it was organised but Troy had never understood it.
"Hey Dad. You wanted to see me." Troy said.
"Yeah. Sit down son." Jack answered with a nod and smile, motioning to the chair opposite him.
Troy did just that and waited patiently as his father tried to pull his words together.
"So, how's everything at school?"
"Uh...great." Troy muttered, confused, wondering where this was getting to.
"Good, good, 'Jack said with a smile, "made anymore friends? Apart from Gabriella of course."
"No. Not really. The other teenagers kind of avoid me, 'the look of sympathy on Jack's face urged Troy to continue, "not that I mind. I mean I am a little intimidating...especially with this hood." He motioned to the hood that was not hanging over his head as usual. Troy only used the hood when attending school. He knew Gabriella didn't like to see him wearing it and he knew he upset his mother when he wore it around the house. Both of their opinions mattered to him. Gabriella's especially.
"A little confidence. That's what you need!" Jack said encouragingly.
"Dad? Where are you going with this?" Troy suddenly asked. What had inspired his father to attempt to communicate with him? Was something wrong? Was he waiting to hear some devastating news?
Jack looked a little surprised but Troy chose to ignore it. He was too tired to make too much of a fuss over his father's sudden interest in him, "I've realised lately that I've neglected you since we moved to Albuquerque. I'm still looking for a good suitable job and I don't want you to feel pushed away by the importance of my career." Jack was good at pretty much everything and so people from different companies were demanding, left right and centre that he should come and work for them. Jack had yet to pick a company he was interested in but Troy hoped it would be soon. He liked his father's attention and he was nervous that Jack would find a job somewhere outside of Albuquerque. Away from some of the peace Troy had found. Away from Gabriella.
"I don't feel neglected Dad. To be honest I'm still trying to settle in Albuquerque myself." He answered with a chuckle.
"You'll be just fine, 'Jack exclaimed beaming, "besides you seem to be settling well enough. Your mother thinks it's down to Gabriella. I've got to say I agree with her, you've been much happier since that girl came into your life."
"I am happier, 'Troy stated simply, "but I don't know if I make her happy."
"She puts up with you doesn't she?" Jack asked.
Troy nodded sullenly.
"Then you make her happy, 'Jack took a sip of the coffee he was cradling in his hands and looked over at his son with wise, knowing eyes, "a woman will only stay with a man when she can put up with him. You'll know when she's unhappy Troy. Take it from someone with a little experience." He paused and then said with a wicked smirk, "so is she your girlfriend?"
"I don't know, 'Troy replied with a shrug, "I'd like Gabriella to be my girlfriend but she's a very complicated girl."
"She'll come round. Be persistent and show her you care. That's the key to a happy relationship." Jack told Troy softly.
Troy nodded and stood feeling a little better. Maybe Gabriella would grow to care about him. Maybe this 'no strings attached' rule she had set up was just a phase that, in time, would run its natural course. Maybe.
"Thanks Dad. I'm going to go now." He said quietly and Jack watched as Troy left, shaking his head and chuckling under his breath. He would be just fine.
THE evening went so slow it was unbearable. It was 8.25pm in the night and Gabriella was sitting alone in her living room watching 'Stardust' for the fiftieth time. She'd attempted to call Taylor and ask her to come over to watch some movies but Taylor had plans with her mother. Gabriella would've called the others but she vaguely remembered Sharpay telling her she'd had a big night with Zeke who was taking her out for a bite to eat and Kelsi was working on the East High Spring Musical. So here Gabriella sat, a party of one. Woo! The lights were dimmed and Newt lay at her feet on the floor, sleeping calmly, her great large ears twitching as she dreamt.
Maria had phoned an hour ago and had told Gabriella not to bother waiting up for her. She was meeting up with some colleagues for drinks and would be back very late. Somehow Gabriella hadn't been able to summon up the courage to care. She loved her mother very much but not at the moment when she was being so unreasonable.
Biting down hard on her bottom lip, Gabriella leaned forward in her chair. It was just getting to the good bit...Yvaine was about to declare her undying love for Tristan...but the knocking at the front door broke Gabriella way from dreamy fantasy land. Sighing impatiently, she picked herself up and walked through the living room to answer it.
"Better be important, 'she muttered her mind still on Stardust, "I'm missing the really juicy bits."
She opened the door with an exasperated sigh that died on her lips as soon as she saw the person standing before her. For a moment, Gabriella wondered whether her mind was playing tricks on her. It couldn't be him. The same beautiful ultramarine eyes, the soft sandy hair, the charming smile that she'd come to know so well and the very deep, penetrating ugly scars that ruined the man's once handsome face.
"Hi." Troy whispered, a blush spreading across his cheeks. Yes, he was real. He was with her.
"Hi." Gabriella replied a small smile breaking across her face.
They stared at one another for some time, intent and tender, their eyes caressing and loving. It was a satisfying feeling, to look at one another, to gaze and not feel as if time was running out.
Gabriella could've gone on forever and she would've if two more passionate, sorrowful words hadn't escaped Troy's lips, "I'm sorry."
"What?" Gabriella frowned.
"I'm sorry, 'Troy mumbled again and he looked to the ground in shame, "for what I said to you. For the argument."
Gabriella didn't know what to say but she could see the hope shining in Troy's eyes and hardly able to stop herself, she stepped back and motioned for him to come inside. Troy looked shocked as if he hadn't expected her to forgive him but did as he was told and stepped under the doorway and into the house.
Gabriella closed the door behind her and locked it shut before she turned to Troy who was staring at her, his bright blue eyes glinting with excitement and need. Before she knew it she was in his arms, clinging to his arms, her head buried in his chest as she breathed him in, wanting to memorise each moment she was with him.
Troy answered her embrace with his own, his lips brushing her hair, his heart thumping erratically. He pressed another kiss to her temple and leaned forward to her ear, his breath husky and warm, "Did my heart love till now? Forswear it sight, For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." He whispered quoting Shakespeare.
Gabriella pulled away and looked up at him with a flash of her wide smile, "I'm sorry too. What I said to you...about not knowing what you want...it was wrong of me. I was being very insensitive."
"No...no, you're right, 'Troy amended quickly, "I don't know what I want and I always push you away. I shouldn't. Besides, I'm more in the wrong that you. I called you the most terrible things, 'he reached up and stroked a strand of her hair away from her face, "you are not any of those things. You, Gabriella, are the most wonderful person I know."
"Hold me again." Gabriella pleaded and Troy obeyed, pulling her to him again and holding her like his life depended on it.
ANOTHER hour passed and Troy and Gabriella were still sitting together on the sofa, talking animatedly about everything and anything that could pass the time. Happiness resonated from them both, strong and clear. Troy was smiling. Gabriella was smiling.
Gabriella was cradled into Troy's chest, her face settled into the crock of his neck. She had one arm raised about his hair, playing softly with the sandy curls. They'd been like this all night, hardly able to get enough of each other. Troy was content to just hold Gabriella. The little voice in the back of his head was telling him he should be trying to make his way home but he didn't want to.
"Gabi?" He said sweetly.
"Hmm?"
"There was a reason...behind why I pushed you away you know that day?" He exclaimed nervously.
Gabriella lifted herself away, frowning in confusion, "Was there?" She asked.
"Yes. I just got so nervous and I thought that once you...you saw...I...I can't explain it." Troy shook his head feeling defeated. He didn't know what to say because he didn't know how Gabriella would react.
"Saw what? 'Gabriella queried, "show me."
"I don't think I should." Troy mumbled.
Gabriella leaned up and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, "please Troy. For me. I want to see."
Troy closed his eyes tight and groaned, "alright but you're not going to like it." He stood up leaving Gabriella alone on the sofa, watching him with a thoughtful curiosity. Troy turned to her and slowly began to unbutton his shirt, his eyes strained painfully as he monitored Gabriella's features for any kind of shock or surprise.
"Maybe I shouldn't." He whispered quickly.
Gabriella said nothing and finally when the last button was undone, Troy allowed his shirt to drop to the floor revealing what all the fuss had been. Gabriella was stunned but tried not to react in such a way. All along Troy's chest were scars, perhaps deeper than the ones on his face, red and blotchy, intermingled with what looked like burns. Gabriella took them in, one particular fiery red scar ran just over his nipple and down over where his heart rested. It was perhaps the deepest scar of all.
"This is why I wouldn't let you take my shirt off. I didn't want to see your disappointment." Troy's voice was agonised.
Gabriella stood and made her way over to her him, her eyes trained on his. She didn't want to upset him, she didn't want to frighten him either so very hesitantly she reached out and touched her hand to the scar over his heart, feeling the contours of its thickness against her fingertips. Troy closed his eyes and flinched but did not shift away.
"Do you have more?" She whispered.
"Two on my back. One on my leg." Troy sighed dejectedly, "I'm sorry Gabriella. I'll understand if you never want to touch me again. I am repulsive I know! I mean why would something so beautiful, 'he motioned to her, "want to be next to something so –" He was cut off by Gabriella's lip pushing up against his, firm and needful. It surprised him. He'd expected Gabriella to turn away from him, to kick him out but he wasn't going to complain.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him closer to her, moaning when she slipped her tongue into his mouth to meet his. Gabriella was kissing him. Gabriella Montez was kissing him, Troy Bolton and she wasn't disgusted or turned off. Quite the contrary actually.
"You'll never bel...believe how...how much I've...missed you." Gabriella murmured between kisses.
"I've missed you too." Troy said back to her.
They pulled away when the need to breath was too overpowering but Gabriella didn't stop there. She reached up to his neck and kissed him hungrily, her hands running up and down Troy's scarred chest as if his skin was smooth and delicate. She nibbled at the lobe of his ear and murmured, "come upstairs with me Troy."
It was all he needed to hear. Troy picked her up in his arms as she continued to kiss him and carried her upstairs, relishing the way his legs tangled around his waist in a desperate need to be closer.
They reached the top of the stairs and managed to manoeuvre their way into Gabriella's bedroom. Troy closed the door behind him with his foot before leading Gabriella to the bed and settling her down safely onto the duvet.
"What about your mother?" He asked her.
Gabriella giggled and stood so she was face to face with him, "she's out for the night. Don't worry about her, 'she eyed his wounded chest with anxious eyes, "you know I kind of like this scarred look. Makes you look very mucho."
Troy groaned and stepped closer to her. Gabriella's eyes were vivid and rebellious and all he wanted was to feel her beneath him, crying out in pleasure that he gave to her.
Gabriella as if sensing his need, reached for her dress strap and pulled it down her shoulder. Troy groaned and reached for the second one and casually, his fingers brushed it down her bear skin. He watched hungrily as Gabriella wiggled her way out of the dress, letting it drop to the ground before she stepped out of it and moved towards him, pressing her almost naked body to his.
"Do you like what you see Bolton?" She teased with a wink.
"More than you'll ever know." Troy groaned. She was beautiful, a lithe figure, curvaceous in all the right places, medium sized breasts hidden behind a pale blue bra and the most striking pair of legs he'd ever seen.
"Come to bed." Gabriella murmured and there was that 'come-hither' look in her eyes as she stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed, leaning back on her arms to ascent the swell of her breasts. Troy could feel his need expanding in his groin. He needed her now more than ever.
He came and sat beside her then, encouraged when she shifted closer to him and pushed him down on the bed, pulling herself over his body to straddle him. Gabriella looked beautiful in the light of the moon glimmering through the bedroom window. Her eyes were raging with desire; her hands were wild and untamed as they shifted over his body. Slowly, hesitantly, Troy reached up and unclasped the bra that protected one of the most important features of Gabriella's femininity. He felt her hands at his jeans, tugging at the belt as her lips trailed and nipped at the flesh of his naked torso.
Troy couldn't help himself. He reached up and began to kiss the tender flesh of her cleavage, feeling powerful and wanted. Turning her over so now he straddled her he allowed Gabriella to remove his jeans and his final piece of clothing, exposing every last inch of his body. Gabriella giggled and nuzzled in close, enthralled by the ecstasy she was feeling when Troy traced his fingers down her thighs.
"Ooh, someone is impatient." She gasped as Troy's fingers tenderly removed her underwear so she too was completely naked. In an instant, Troy's knee fell between her legs, locking her in place beneath him.
Troy covered her mouth with his and a sudden exhilaration danced through her and quite involuntarily she rolled her hips up into his and gasped as she felt his growing need against her. The muscles of Troy's abdomen constricted sharply as he daringly slipped his hand up Gabriella's torso until it covered her breast. He held it there, feeling her heart beating frantically, "you're so beautiful Gabi."
"Make love to me Troy, 'Gabriella whispered back raising herself a little more, pressing herself harder into his palm, "I've never wanted anything more in my entire life."
Gabriella watched as Troy cupped her cheek, leaving a fleeting kiss to the corner of her lips. He made a single rough, hoarse sound and pressed himself against her and suddenly they were locked together, gasping...
THE soft chime of the clock on the bedside cabinet told Gabriella it was 3.00am in the morning. There was a pearly glow from the moonlight shining through the window, casting an almost protective canopy over herself and her lover. Troy was sleeping soundly beside her, his sweaty body glistening in the light. She lifted her head off his shoulder and looked around at her room curiously. It seemed different, alien even like it didn't belong to her anymore.
Her body was a little sore though it was nothing to worry about; she told herself as she snuggled in close to Troy's coarse chest, all the waiting had been worth it. The anticipation building up this monumental moment was spectacular but actually experiencing Troy making love to her had been even more glorious.
Troy had been a very attentive lover. He was strong and powerful but he'd treated her body like it was a temple, something to be worshipped. He'd not thought of his own pleasure but only what he could offer her. Gabriella had relished every second of it. How could one man give so much and not expect in return? Yes, Troy had responded with enthusiasm. His moans of ecstasy had been breath taking and the way he moved against Gabriella, soft but enthusiastic had left her breathless and shrieking for more and more. After they'd made love Troy had carefully scooped Gabriella into his arms and pulled the blankets over them, smothering her forehead in gentle kisses, whispering words of promise and love.
She could feel the easy thrumming of his heart against her hand. As she watched him sleep, Gabriella couldn't help but smile. So what if he was scarred! There was something about him...something beautiful and simple that had her constantly swooning for me. Oh well, that's what passion did to you, she thought happily to herself before she pressed one singular kiss to his chest and drifted back off into another dream...
Wow. My fingers are really hurting. Typing that was pretty tough. What did you think, definitely passionate huh? Please leave a review and let me know what you think. I always stop at the part where their about to...you know...because I'm only 17 and I'm not exactly experienced on that kind of thing myself. Sorry guys but I'm not writing really graphic details. If you don't like it there's plenty of 'M' stories out there.
Sorry if there's any errors in the chapter. My heads not too good today. I've got a bad cold so I'm not evening thinking right. What did you think of Gabriella's reaction to Troy and how about the Romeo and Juliet quote??? What about Gabriella's POV in the end of the chapter! These are things I want to know people! :D
Anyway, look out for the next chapter, 'Lucille's Approval.' REVIEW PLEASE! xoxMusicalxox/Si xxx
