Author's Note- This chapter will be taking place the first day that Gabbi gets back. I was getting bored of her staying home (I can't imagine how bored someone must be if they had to stay home all week.) So I'm moving on a few days…

Disclaimer- I do not own High School Musical.

Always There for You

Chapter 12- First Day Back

Gabbi's P.O.V-

I walked to school today since I didn't have time to take my regular morning walks. I walked into school and was immediately surrounded by people I didn't even know. I said some quick 'hello's' and made my way to my locker.

"I warned you." Troy said as he walked up behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist as I continued going through my locker.

"People scare me." I said.

"Hey Gabs!" Jason said as he walked up with Kelsi. He gave me a quick hug, followed by Kelsi.

"How are you feeling?" Kelsi asked me.

"A lot better. I don't have to take anymore pain killers." I said.

"Gabbi!" Sharpay squealed as she ran up to me. It was a pretty funny sight seeing her running in heels. Ryan wasn't too far behind. I was almost tackled down from her hugging me but thankfully Troy caught me as he laughed.

"Hey Ella!" Ryan exclaimed and gave me a more normal hug.

"So what's it feel like to be the most talked about person in East High?" Sharpay asked as we all started walking to homeroom.

I groaned. "So far, exhausting." I said. We all chuckled.

I felt the whole football team's eyes on me. And then I soon felt Troy wrap his arm around me making them look away right away. I giggled slightly.

We entered homeroom and the ruckus was kicked up again as I walked in. I was surrounded by everyone in the class room.

"Okay, okay people! Back it up so Gabbi can get to her seat!" Chad yelled as he practically pushed them out of the way. I laughed as he gave me a look that read 'hurry up, I don't know how much longer I can hold them back'. I laughed again. I took my seat next to Taylor and we started talking.

"Quiet down class!" Miss. Darbus called form the front of the room. We quickly quieted down as she began to read the announcements. She paused when she was looking over attendance.

"Ah, it's good to see you again Miss. Montez." She said.

"Good to be back." I answered. She continued with roll and the bell rang.

"Hey Troy, can we talk for a sec?" I asked him in the middle of lunch.

"Yeah, sure." He said. I lead him out into the hallway.

"What's wrong?" he asked, worry etched on his face.

"Nothing, well, I don't know. Well, um, uh, you know when Chad apologized to me?" I asked him. He nodded.

"Well, um, he said that you seemed distracted during practice." I said. "Is something wrong?" I asked him.

"Nothing's wrong. It's just that, my dad wouldn't let up with the practices a little bit even though the championships are over, he was drilling us just as hard and making us practice new plays. I mean, I'm all for practicing a little just to make sure we're still in shape, but he just wouldn't let up." He admitted.

"Well, maybe he's okay now." I said trying to comfort him a little. I've seen how his dad makes them practice harder at home than at school. And I've seen how he doesn't let up in school too. I actually feel bad for the team.

"I hope so." He said. I stood on my toes and gave him a quick kiss.

"Maybe if I come and watch today with Tay, he might let up a little." I said.

"You don't have to, but if you want to, I don't mind." He said.

"We'll be there." I said. I gave him one last kiss and we walked back into the lunchroom.

Taylor and I walked into the gym after school and saw the team in there already practicing.

"Jeez, you were right." Taylor whispered in my ear as we sat down.

"Just look at them, they look like they're about to break down any second." I whispered back to her. She nodded. We watched as they began a practice game. Mr. Bolton is really running them hard today.

I noticed that Troy kept shooting pleading looks at his dad, but he either didn't see them, or ignored them.

I watched as Chad passed the ball to Jason, and Jason to Zeke, and Zeke to Troy.

Mr. Bolton gave them a ten minute break since he was needed in the office.

"Hi." Said a breathless Chad as he walked over.

"Here." I said as I gave Troy and Chad each a water bottle.

"Thanks." Troy said. They took a long sip and sat down.

"You guys were good!" I exclaimed.

"I think we would be better if your dad wasn't so hard on us and pressuring us." Chad said.

We heard a shrill whistle and they all ran back on court. We watched as they continued their harsh practice and finally were allowed to change and leave. Taylor and I waited outside for Troy and Chad. We watched as the whole tem walked out looking a little angry.

"What's wrong" Taylor asked.

"Well, we figured out why coach has been pushing us so hard." Kevin said bluntly.

"Why?" I asked.

"My dad got into an argument or something with a coach from another school and the other coach was saying how his team could have beaten us and how we 'cheated'. So my dad and him made a re-match." Troy said. I could tell he was biting his tongue and resisting saying anything else.

"And you know what the worst part is?" Kevin piped up. "I probably would have no problem to a re-match, but he didn't even ask us!" he added. Troy, Chad, Taylor and I all sat in silence as we watched the rest of the team walk to their cars.

"When's the game?" I asked.

"Tomorrow." Chad said.

"You know we'll be there." Taylor said.

"Yeah, we know." Chad said as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

I could tell that Troy was very miffed at his dad for doing something like that. "Come on, how about we go back to my house and watch movies?" I asked them.

They all nodded. We climbed into Troy's car and he drove to my house. When we eventually pulled into my driveway, Chad and Troy seemed to cool off about the game and were back to their normal selves.

"Guys, let me go into the kitchen and get drinks. Tay, you know where the movies are." I said as I walked into the kitchen.

I found a note on the fridge.

Gabbi,

I have to work a little late tonight; I went grocery shopping today, so you shouldn't have to order out.

Mom xoxox

I left the note on the fridge and opened the pantry.

"Jeez!" I whisper- yelled. It was stocked full of food. She didn't lie when she said she went shopping.

I grabbed some potato chips and made a mental note to not let Chad alone in the kitchen after I grabbed some dip. I put some chips in a bowl and ran back out to the living room where they, well, Chad and Taylor, were fighting about what movie to watch.

I sat down next to an amused looking Troy and we started eating and dipping our chips.

"Ya know, this is more entertaining than watching a movie." Troy said just loud enough for me to hear. I giggled and laid my head on his chest. I shook my head as the argument went on for another 15 minutes.

Troy grabbed a handful of chips and motioned me to do the same. He mouthed 'three…two….one…' and we threw the chips at them.

"HEY!" they both yelled.

"Just put a stinkin' movie in!" I yelled as I took my place next to Troy again. They finally decided on a movie and sat together on the other couch.

"Is it just me, or do they make and odd couple?" Troy asked me. I giggled and snuggled closer to him and we watched the movie in peace.