Hey there! Guys I'm so sorry for not updating earlier but my internet hasn't been working for a while and no matter how much I tried to fix it I was having no luck. Hope you'll all forgive me, let's see if this chapter will make up for the long wait you've all had.

Wow guys, your reviews for my last chapter were fantastic. Thank you so much for your support, it's really appreciated. I'm glad so many of you liked the Shakespeare quote; I threw it in there as a kind of last minute thing and I'm quite glad I did, in my opinion it was very romantic. :)

My summer holidays are finally here, yay! During the next chapter I'll be posting up the two summaries for the new stories I plan on writing and you can vote for what story you'd like me to write. Remember, I'll only be writing one so please guys, choose carefully.

Anyway, here we go, the next chapter...

Chapter 12 – Lucille's Approval

TROY stirred from his sleep and turned on his side where Gabriella lay curled up beside him, sleeping serenely. He gazed around at the room that was not his own and strangely enough, he felt comfortable, like he belonged there. The first glimmer of twilight broke through the glass of the white balcony doors and Troy knew that sunrise would be upon Albuquerque soon and though he was reluctant to do so, he knew it was time to leave.

The light was shining on Gabriella's face and Troy's heart went soft in his chest. She was the most precious thing in his world and though he knew that their arrangement was not permanent he realised he would hold onto Gabriella for as long as she was willing herself to be his. Slowly, wishing to imprint himself into every memory of her, Troy reached out for Gabriella, clasping a hand around her waist and pulling her close, taking in her scent, intermingled with the sweat that had clung to them all through the night as they had clung to each other in their hunger.

Troy sighed and kissed Gabriella's cheek. He was blessed. How could someone so striking and perfect choose to be with someone like him, someone cursed with ugliness beyond belief? There had been a time in his life when Troy was handsome and extremely good-looking but after the accident he could no longer find any reason to live...he'd turned into a beast! Now, looking at Gabriella lying beside him, so glorious, like a goddess even, he felt revived...alive!

His stomach was twisting with a satisfying pleasure; his hands were trembling as he caressed the lithe striking curves of Gabriella's body. Troy didn't know where it came from; the words escaped his lips on their own accord and he could not take them back, "I love you Gabi." He pressed another kiss to the corner of her mouth as she slept; somewhat glad she wasn't concious to hear his heartfelt confession.

Troy knew that one day, (and it was drawing nearer though he didn't want to admit it) Gabriella would end their 'relationship' and he would be left alone once more, still loving her, pining away.

Knowing he had to leave, Troy pulled himself out of bed and searched the floor for his clothes. The light of a new day was shining through the bedroom and with it a new hope was brimming in Troy's heart. Maybe he was worth something. When he was with Gabriella he felt as if he was!

"YOO-HOO! Gabriella, you're not listening to me again!" Sharpay's irritated voice broke away all of Gabriella's dreamy thoughts.

Gabriella blinked and looked up from her plate of food, the sounds of hungry, talkative students reaching her ears and the brilliant East High colours of the cafeteria coming into her vision. She was tired and her body was aching. It had been quite a disappointment to Gabriella that morning, waking to an empty Troy-less bed but for some strange, utterly confusing reason her disappointment evaporated and was replaced with a rare happiness that she was in no hurry to be rid of.

"Sorry Shar, 'she said apologetically, a weak smile forming on her lips, "you caught me in a daydream there. Uh...what were you saying?"

The friends looked at one another, puzzled. They'd all sensed the change in Gabriella that day and none of them could make head or tail of it.

"It doesn't matter, 'Sharpay said before she leant forward and looked at her friend curiously, "are you sure you're feeling alright?"

Gabriella rolled her eyes, "I told you I'm just fine. You worry too much, the lot of you."

"Can you blame us? 'Kelsi asked incredulously, "you've been walking around with your head in the clouds all day."

"You haven't stopped smiling." Taylor added with a vivacious nod.

"What's so wrong with that?" Gabriella snorted as she picked up her fork and shovelled a helping of lettuce into her mouth, she busied herself munching, trying to avoid the penetrating stares of her friends.

"Nothing, 'Kelsi answered, "but even though you've always played the confident 'Queen of East High' role we all know you hate this place and your popular reputation. You hardly ever smile in school and yet here you sit, happy."

Gabriella shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. She was happy and why shouldn't she be. Yes, she didn't like being in East High, she didn't like the way people expected her to show them the way, wanting her advice but that didn't mean she wanted to avoid the world of East High all together. She just wanted everyone to see her as a normal person, one of them, not the famous Queen! Lately, Troy's presence had calmed Gabriella. She felt ordinary when she was around him and yet he still made her feel as if she were the most important thing in the world. The concept terrified Gabriella...what was going on? What was wrong with her?

"You look different too." Sharpay mumbled thoughtfully.

Gabriella looked down on herself, she couldn't see any change!

"Yeah you're right, 'Kelsi nodded to Sharpay, "your eyes are shining but you look worn-out."

"And you're holding yourself differently. Your cheeks are pretty flushed too." Taylor laughed.

Gabriella's gaze flickered back to her plate; she didn't like their close analysis of her yet she was pleased that the girls hadn't worked out that the blush in her cheeks was actually the afterglow of a perfect, passionate night of love making.

"That's enough girls, 'she ordered firmly, "what is this...pick on Gabriella day!"

"Oh honey, 'Taylor said moving her hand across the table to grab Gabriella's, "we're sorry. We're annoying you."

"It doesn't matter, 'she shook her head, the school bell rang and it was time for fourth period, "we'd better go. We have a Spanish pop quiz next and we don't want to be too late."

As they were leaving Gabriella caught a glimpse of Troy sitting on his own at his usual lunch table. He was staring back at her from under his hood, his soft blue eyes tender and sweet. Gabriella smiled, "meet me outside later." She mouthed to him as she left, trying to ignore the twisting in her stomach but somehow she couldn't.

THE walk home that day felt tranquil and sensual. Troy and Gabriella were in complete pleasure with one another, comfortable in each other's presences. They walked side by side along the street, every now and then exchanging a gentle smile, catching each other's gazes and finding the desire they both required in their sweethearts eyes.

They'd walked home twenty five minutes after the final school bell had rung so no one would see them together. Gabriella had made the excuse to her friends that she needed to speak with Miss Darbus, the lie was worth it. Troy walked beside her with his hood down, his scarred face out in the open. He was at ease with Gabriella. The way she looked at him made him feel like he was on top of the world. She wasn't frightened of him, she made him feel self-assured.

"Thanks for waiting for me." Gabriella said breaking the silence.

"No problem. I don't mind waiting, 'he answered with a smile, "Besides, this is nice."

"Yeah it is. So, do you want to come over my house? We have that poetry homework to get through and my Mom isn't home. When we're finished we could do something else." She flashed Troy a seductive smirk and his insides lurched.

"Su...sure, 'he stammered bashfully, "that sou...sounds great." Troy didn't understand it. How could he be nervous around her now? They'd made love to each other last night, she had seen every little inch of him and devoured every essence of his body as he had with her. Why was he still acting like a love-struck fool?

The sound of Troy's phone ringing ended any further conversation. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and groaned as his mother's picture flashed up on the screen.

"Hello Mom." He said with a roll of his eyes.

"Oh honey I'm so glad you picked up. For a moment I didn't think you would." Lucille replied in her usual optimistic voice.

"Is there any particular reason why you phoned?" Troy asked and he turned to find Gabriella smiling across at him widely.

"No not really. I was getting a little worried that's all, 'Lucille answered, "you're usually in right on time but you're fifteen minutes late today. I just wanted to know you were alright."

"I'm fine. I'm walking home with Gabriella." Troy explained.

"Gabriella! 'Lucille shrieked with delight and Troy had to hold the phone away from his ear as she babbled on, "oh why didn't you tell me you were bringing Gabriella home with you. I have so much to do. She'll be staying for dinner I'm sure and I'd better call your father and tell him to come home. He hasn't met Gabriella yet."

All this time Troy was protesting, trying to tell his mother that Gabriella wasn't coming over but Lucille wasn't listening, "Mom...no...hey Mom. I didn't say – "

"Hurry home, 'Lucille cut him off, Troy didn't need to be looking at his mother to know she was smiling, "oh this is so exciting. Bye sweetie."

"Mom, 'the phone went dead and Troy sighed, "bye."

He turned to Gabriella who was chuckling to herself, "gosh! I can tell your Mom's a handful."

"Tell me something I don't know, 'Troy laughed, "but Gabi...she thinks I'm bringing you home with me."

"She does?"

Troy nodded and blushed, "you don't have to come if you don't want to. I can make up an excuse."

"No. Don't. I'd love to come home and meet your parents. You've met my mother. It's only right that I meet yours." Gabriella answered playfully.

It didn't seem right to Troy. Gabriella was in charge of their relationship. She had firmly stated that she wanted a 'no strings attached' thing and yet here she was, waiting to meet his mother.

"Come on, 'Gabriella said and Troy forgot everything when she placed her small hand into his large one and pulled him along with her, "you have nothing to worry about. I've spoken to your mother on the phone before. She's a nice lady and I'll make a good impression." Troy believed that she would!

AS Troy and Gabriella made their way home that evening they decided to play a game of questions. It had been Gabriella's idea to pass the time and calm her nerves as her fate grew nearer to meeting Troy's mother.

"So, what is your favourite movie?" She asked him smiling.

Troy's cheeks flushed pink and he would not meet Gabriella's eye. Gabriella frowned and leaned forward, "what? Is it really that bad that you can't tell me?"

"No...it's not that, 'Troy said shaking his head timidly, "it's just that the movie is kind of embarrassing."

Gabriella chuckled, "just tell me what it is Troy."

Troy muttered something incoherent.

"What? Speak up, I can't hear you." Gabriella smirked.

"I said...Homeward Bound." Troy answered and there was silence for a moment until Gabriella burst into an uncontrollable fit of giggles.

"See! That's why I didn't want to tell you!" Troy protested desperately.

"I'm sorry, 'Gabriella giggled wiping fresh tears from her eyes, "I just wasn't expecting a film like Homeward Bound to be something you would watch."

"I liked it as a child, 'Troy said quietly, "and I never stopped liking it."

Gabriella's laughed died away and she moved towards Troy to stand in front of him. She reached up and cupped his cheeks in her hands, "I think it's adorable." She whispered before kissed him chastely upon the lips.

"What's your favourite movie?" Troy asked when she pulled away from him.

"The Notebook, 'Gabriella exclaimed with a casual shrug of her shoulders, she stepped ahead of him and began to walk again, "I'm a sucker for romance stories. I'll take any, Romeo and Juliet, Beauty And The Beast...anything."

Troy found this rather interesting for Gabriella could be cold hearted at times and tried her hardest at times to show Troy that she was no fan of love and yet she claimed to worship love stories.

"Okay...next question...were...were you a virgin before last night? Was I your first?" Gabriella asked.

Troy sighed and shook his head, "no. You weren't." Gabriella didn't look surprised but a flicker of something ran through her twinkling brown eyes, a flash of disappointment maybe or something else, something deeper?

"I won't press you into telling me anything about your past lovers Troy. It's none of my business." Gabriella said reassuringly.

"Thanks, 'Troy muttered gratefully, "now...I have a question for you."

"Really? Then do ask." Gabriella answered beaming.

"You've always confused me Gabriella, 'Troy managed to fall back into step with Gabriella as he watched her gaze around at the houses on both sides of the street, she was curious and intrigued by Troy's world and he could see that she welcomed it openly, "you're such a strong minded little thing. You're not afraid of anything and it seems everything fears you because you're so strong. How did you become so defiant Gabriella?"

Gabriella turned her sights upon Troy and her eyes shone with a bold and brave demeanour like she was some unbeatable essence, too powerful to be taken or destroyed, "How did you get those scars Troy?"

"Do you have to answer with a question?" Troy implored.

"I am who I am Troy. I'm strong because I have to be. You are who you are and maybe it's best that we don't pry, 'Gabriella answered, "besides, this relationship will end soon. Maybe we are better off not knowing too much about each other. It saves us from growing attached, wouldn't you say?"

"No more question games then?" Troy queried.

Gabriella stopped and looked up at Troy seriously, "no more." She nodded and Troy tried not to loom disappointed. Gabriella wasn't interested in preserving their relationship...she would use him for as long as she wished. Though the truth hurt and Troy knew it would be best to leave while he had a chance he couldn't bring himself to even consider such a possibility.

GABRIELLA stared up at Troy's house with wide, surprised eyes. It wasn't anything like she'd expected. The house was beautiful, a large white building with light blue shutters, a big blue door and a small pretty porch to finish it off. The garden was in an abundance of splendid flowers and bushes and here and there was elaborately decorated ornaments of all kinds.

She turned to look at Troy for a moment who was watching her keenly, awaiting her approval, "it's not much, 'he muttered, "but its home I guess."

"It's amazing. I love it." Gabriella answered earnestly.

Troy's face broke out into a relieved smile and he opened the front gate and led Gabriella through the garden. The feel of Troy's hand in hers and the alluring heavenly scents of the garden calmed Gabriella's nerves instantly.

"Are you okay?" Troy asked when she tightened her hold on his hand.

"Yeah, 'Gabriella nodded, "just the thought of meeting your parents...it's making me...feel a little nervous."

"Don't be. My Mom already dotes on you and she hasn't even met you yet." Troy answered teasingly.

"But maybe once she's met me, 'Gabriella mumbled with a smile, "she'll change her mind."

"No she won't, 'Troy said as they reached the door. He looked down on Gabriella, his eyes warm and affectionate as they drifted over her body before he turned the handle of the door and stepped inside, allowing her to follow him, "she'll love you, 'his voice dropped to a mere whisper but Gabriella heard what he said, "everyone loves you."

Flushing pink, Gabriella closed the door behind her, the staircase was just ahead of them and the walls were lined with pictures of Troy. She would've stopped to look if Troy hadn't opened the door to their left and dragged her in behind him.

"Mom?" Troy called out but Gabriella barely heard him, she was gazing around the Bolton's living room curiously, taking in everything.

It wasn't anything like she expected, the room was rather luxurious with creamy leather sofas and expensive coffee tables and cabinets. Gabriella felt like she didn't belong there amongst all the wonderful sparkling treasures.

"Troy, 'Gabriella recognised the voice immediately, it was the same voice she'd heard on the phone that night she'd phoned Troy at Placitas. The woman who was standing in the doorway had the simplest, sweetest face Gabriella had ever seen, her shoulder length brown hair was tied back into a bobble and the elated smile that was spread across her thin face matched her patient light brown eyes, "you must be Gabriella?" Her voice was layered with affection.

"Lucille?" Gabriella asked nodding.

The woman hurried over to Gabriella and threw her arms around her like she were embracing an old friend, practically squeezing the life out of her, "my goodness, you're even more beautiful than I imagined! Look at you, such loveliness." She said as she pulled away from the teenager and looked her over.

Gabriella didn't know what to say. She could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Troy's devoted descriptions of you barely do you justice my dear, 'Lucille continued ignoring Troy who looked mortified at his mother's choice of words, "he is blessed to have such a...friend."

"Well I'm blessed too Lucille, 'Gabriella exclaimed, she looked up at Troy and winked, "I like having Troy around."

Lucille grinned, "well dinner will be ready soon. Troy why don't you show Gabriella around the house? Your father will be home soon enough."

"Okay, come on Gabi. I'll take you to my room." Troy muttered and before Lucille could say anything more he'd already grabbed Gabriella's arm and was tugging her out the door.

"YOU'RE really lucky to have such a great Mom you know?" Gabriella said as she followed Troy up the staircase.

"I know, 'Troy muttered, "she's something isn't she?"

"She kind of reminds me of my Mom...well when she's not working all the time." Gabriella chuckled.

"Parents! 'Troy said sarcastically, "you can't live with them, you can't live without them."

They reached the top of the stairs and turned to a light blue door that was ajar before them. Troy sighed and looked back at Gabriella. He didn't want her to see his room. There wasn't exactly anything wrong with it but he felt as if he was letting Gabriella deeper into his affairs and such things terrified him.

"This is my room." He said as he opened the door and brought her through.

Troy's room was simple in its self. Gabriella found it welcoming and very easy on the eyes. In the far end of the room there was a dark blue double bed. The navy and white walls were trailed with shelves and upon those shelves were everyday average things, CD's, DvD's, signed baseballs and models of old cars and aeroplanes. Resting on the wall, just beside the doorway was a small desk with a dusty computer perched upon it. Above Troy's bed was a poster of a Basketball Team called 'The Red Hawks.'

"I still have loads to unpack." Troy told her and he pointed to the right end corner of his room that was still crammed with unpacked boxes.

"I'll come over and help you sometime." Gabriella offered.

"Thanks, 'Troy murmured gratefully and he switched on the light and moved to sit on the bed, Gabriella came and sat beside him, a moment of awkwardness passing over them, "most kids have help from their friends and I guess you're my only friend."

Next to Gabriella on the bed was a tiny silver Robotic toy, "who's this guy?" She asked picking him up.

"Um...he's Robo Rob. I found him in one of my old boxes. He used to be one of my favourite toys when I was younger." Troy answered.

"I'm Robo Rob, 'Gabriella giggled in a deep 'robot' voice, moving Robo Robs arms playfully, "I'm Robo Rob!"

"Don't break him, 'Troy said quickly and he took Robo Rob from Gabriella and placed him on his bedside cabinet, making sure he was in perfect condition. When he looked back at Gabriella he found her smirking, "what? He's fragile."

"Of course, 'she said crawling over to him and leaning over his body, straddling him, "what about me? 'she whispered as she kissed the tip of his nose, "would you consider me fragile?"

Troy gulped but could not help reaching up and stroking away the strands of Gabriella's hair from her face, "you should always be handled with care, 'he crooned, "you're the most precious thing in this room right now."

Gabriella pressed her lips to Troy's and whimpered as he responded enthusiastically. Was she really so important to him?

"Troy! Gabriella!" Lucille called up the stairs and Troy and Gabriella leapt apart, struggling to compose themselves. They caught each other's eyes, realising how silly they both looked and burst into a fit of giggles.

"I like your laugh." Troy crooned shifting closer and caressing Gabriella's cheek.

"I like you making me laugh." She whispered back in reply.

"Troy! Gabriella! Come on down, dinner is ready!" Lucille called again.

Gabriella stood and stretched, "I'm starving, 'she said with a devious grin, "race you down!" She darted out of the room and Troy raced after her, laughing.

"Hey that's cheating!"

"THERE you go, 'Lucille said proudly as she placed a large bowl of hot spaghetti and meatballs in the centre of the table, "Gabriella I hope you like Spaghetti. It's one of my specialities."

Gabriella who was sitting down beside Troy nodded pleasantly, "I love Spaghetti. It looks wonderful." She looked over the bowl of potato salad that accompanied the spaghetti and the large plate of steaming garlic bread and felt her stomach turn impatiently. She was hungrier than she thought.

"Where's Dad? I thought he was coming home." Troy asked Lucille as he filled Gabriella's glass with orange juice. Gabriella smiled at him softly and touched a hand to his leg; he grinned and flushed cerise, looking thrilled.

"He's on his way. He said to start without him. Why don't we wait just a few minutes more? I'd like to start dinner together." Lucille answered.

"Fine by me." Troy said and Gabriella nodded in agreement.

"So, 'Lucille said coming to sit opposite Gabriella, "how long have you lived in Albuquerque Gabriella?"

"Nearly all my life." Gabriella answered.

"That's nice, and do you like Albuquerque?" Lucille queried.

"Sure! It's nice enough. Everyone knows everyone here. It's the kind of place where you can settle down." Gabriella told her and she looked at Troy, her gaze fixed and tender.

"That's what we want, 'Lucille said seriously, "we want to settle down in Albuquerque and stay safe...'the lustre in her eyes tightened, "for good."

The sound of the house door opening and closing brought Lucille out of the conversation. She stood and called out and a man's voice replied back. Gabriella assumed it was Jack Bolton. The man walked into the kitchen and smiled as his eyes landed on her, "I told you not to wait for me honey." Jack said firmly but he looked pleased.

"We wanted to wait, 'Lucille replied moving to her husband and kissing him on the cheek, "Jack...this is Gabriella Montez."

Gabriella stood and Jack approached her. He was grinning widely and as he stopped in front of her he extended a friendly hand, "Gabriella, I'm pleased to meet you. Troy has spoken of nothing but you for the past few months."

"It's good to meet you too Mr Bolton." She said and she took Jack's hand in hers and shook it respectfully.

"Call me Jack. There's no need for formalities." Jack said.

"Why don't we all sit down now and eat? I'm sure you're all hungry." Lucille said and the four moved around the table and sat. Gabriella looked around at Troy's family. They were nice people and she felt secure with them. She could've even belonged with them.

AFTER dinner that evening Jack and Troy retired to the back garden to play basketball while Gabriella insisted on staying with Lucille and helping her clean up, it was the least she could do.

"Thank you for having me over for dinner, 'Gabriella said as she dried the final plate and placed it into the dish-rack, "I'm glad I'm finally meeting you and your husband."

"Don't even mention it Gabriella. Jack and I are overjoyed to have finally met you, 'Lucille said happily, "we've been wanting to meet you for some time. Troy...he cares deeply for you. I'm sure you've noticed."

Gabriella knew Troy cared for her. She knew from the way Troy had made love to her that he cared for her. He had been so gentle and doting. Gabriella couldn't have asked for a better, more considerate lover. It hadn't been something she'd expected from Troy but she found his caring ways and his methods of always thinking of her strangely refreshing.

"Why don't I show you some pictures of Troy when he was younger?" Lucille asked keenly.

"That would be great." Gabriella answered and she followed Lucille through to the living room where the pair sat down on the sofa. Beside Lucille was a large black photo-album.

"I found this when we were unpacking. I've barely had time to look through it but I'm sure we can find something worth-while." Lucille chuckled and she flipped open the pages.

Gabriella gasped with surprise at the first picture. The young boy in front of her was someone she knew. His face was younger and his cheeks were smoother but his eyes were the same, the same glorious blue. It was Troy, young...content and...scar-less. He was sitting on a swing, a small baseball cap on his head, sporting a big toothy grin.

Lucille nodded as if understanding Gabriella, "he was happy there. Look at him, so carefree."

Lucille flipped over another page and the next picture was of Troy again, eating ice cream on the beach. Gabriela giggled, "how old was he there?" She questioned.

"Eleven. He loved the beach. He loved the sand and the waves, 'the woman beside Gabriella said, "the smell of the salt in the air...he was such a happy child."

"And now?" Gabriella dared herself to ask.

"And now...he's happy again with you around, 'Lucille sighed, "it's the happiest he's been in the past three years. Troy can get so temperamental. He's had a hard time but since we've moved to Albuquerque things have gotten better."

"When did he get the scars? How did he get the scars?" Gabriella asked. The house was quiet, too quiet and every noise or creak startled her senses. The sound of Troy and Jack laughing outside penetrated Gabriella's mind but she tried to focus on Lucille.

"Three years ago...when...when..."

Lucille stopped and flipped over another page of the album and Gabriella frowned. The picture was a sweet one indeed. Troy looked happy, grinning like a Cheshire cat, his sunny face clear of any kind of pain or scar. He was older, at least fourteen or fifteen. The girl next to him was particularly interesting. She was younger than Troy (thirteen perhaps) with the same soft sandy hair, her brown eyes twinkled with a light that was striking and fine.

"What's that doing in there? 'Lucille's voice was panicked as she hurried to remove the picture from the photo album.

"Who is Troy's friend? 'Gabriella asked hoping to decipher some of Lucille's thoughts as she shoved the picture into the pocket of her jacket, "he said he had friends in Placitas."

Gabriella didn't think she would answer for a moment. She was still and her eyes were distant and cold. She licked her lips and breathed out, "Poppy."

"Poppy? 'Gabriella queried curiously, "Poppy who?"

"Just...just Poppy." She stammered and seeing that she was upset, Gabriella pushed her no further.

"ARE you ready to go home?" Troy asked Gabriella when the clock signalled that it was 9.30pm. He'd promised to walk her home and Maria had rung Gabriella twice already, demanding she get home as soon as possible.

"Yeah. I'm ready, 'Gabriella said and she turned to Jack and Lucille who were standing, waiting to embrace her before she left, "thank you for having me."

Jack hugged her first, "we hope to see you again Gabriella. You're always welcome here at our home."

"Thank you, 'Gabriella turned to Lucille who looked much better than she did earlier. The glow had returned in her eyes, "and I hope to see you again soon Lucille. The dinner was delicious by the way."

Lucille chuckled, "make sure you come back Gabriella. I approve of you my darling. You're a good girl."

"I'll be back. I promise." Gabriella nodded.

She felt Troy's hand on her back, guiding her to the door. With one more wave to the Bolton's, Gabriella followed Troy out the door and moved towards him when he closed it behind them. There was a slight breeze in the air that sent a chill up her spine. She wrapped her arms around Troy's neck and pulled him close.

"It's cold you know." She whispered.

"Yeah it is, 'Troy exclaimed, "but what can I do?"

"Keep me warm." Gabriella said and she nestled into his chest. Gabriella didn't know what was the secret behind Troy's past, she thought as she allowed him to rub her back soothingly, but she knew it all turned bad three years ago and concerned a girl named Poppy. Who was Poppy?

I wasn't too fond of this chapter. It felt very slapdash but every time I went over it everything seemed to get worse. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter even if I didn't. I tried my hardest to make it perfect but I didn't succeed. :( I'm quite disappointed.

Anyway, please look out for the next chapter where you'll be voting for the newest story and I'll be writing a new one-shot soon so look out for that too. Please review and let me know what you think guys!

Wish me luck; I have my first driving lesson tomorrow. xoxMusicalxox/Si xxx