Chapter Thirteen
Gabriella knew she was a mess as she pulled into the Evans' circular driveway. She parked Taylor's rental and wiped the tears one more time away from her eyes. She couldn't believe what had just happened. It all seemed so surreal. One minute she and Troy were making love and the next thing she knew was that he told her one of the worst things she could ever hear. It made her angry as she thought about it. How could he let her be that vulnerable and keep something as big as that away from her? He should've been up front about it. But Troy had a point, didn't he? He had told her that he was afraid to say something about the pregnancy because he was afraid she would run. And that's what she did, wasn't it? Even when he pleaded for her to stay with him, she already knew that she couldn't. This wasn't the type of reunion she was looking for. She was hoping they would start over with no trouble – but now with Troy being the father of another woman's baby, Gabriella knew she wasn't strong enough to deal with that.
As Gabriella went inside the mansion, she looked around to make sure none of her friends were around. All she wanted to do was run up to her room and cry her eyes out. She was extremely hurt and wounded at the moment. She didn't know if she could face Sharpay or Taylor. Gabriella ran up the stairs and was about to reach the guest bedroom, when she bumped into Sharpay coming out of the bathroom. Gabriella looked down at the carpet so that her friend wouldn't see her tear-streaked face.
"Gabs," Sharpay called. "I'm surprised to see you back so early. I thought you and Troy would have made up for lost time." She teased.
"Um, yeah, I just needed some time on my own," Gabriella said, trying to sound brave. She knew her voice was quivering. So she reached for the door knob and turned it to enter the room.
She felt a hand grab her arm. "Gabs?" Sharpay asked. "Something's wrong. What's going on? You left here as giddy as a school girl. You sound weird."
Gabriella took a deep breath and calmly said, "Nothing is wrong, Shar. I just needed some time to rest before the reunion. That's all."
"Gabriella Montez, you're my best friend, I know when you're trying to sound like you're fine. Now, tell me what's wrong." Sharpay told her.
Gabriella shrugged. "No really, I'm okay. I just need some time."
"Please Gabs, let me be here for you. What's going on?"
Gabriella moved over to the bed and sat down on it. Her friend did the same and took a spot next to her. Gabriella looked at Sharpay's face and as soon as she did, she couldn't help herself and she let the tears come out. "Oh Shar," she cried. "Everything with Troy is a mess."
Sharpay reached out and consoled her friend. "What do you mean? I thought you two would live happily ever after you told him how you felt."
"I do, or I did. But we can't be together now. Because he," Gabriella cried, trying to go on, "He got his ex-girlfriend pregnant."
"What? I can't believe that." Sharpay said. Sharpay was shocked beyond words. She hated to see Gabriella in such a sad state, so vulnerable. She felt bad because she and Taylor had pushed her to tell Troy how she felt. "Are you sure? Is he sure?"
"All I know is that she stopped by to tell him she was pregnant after I left this morning. I'm so mad at him right now. He didn't even have the balls to tell me until after we already slept together. I mean, you would think he would say something right away." Gabriella said with a little discontentment.
"I don't know Gabs, if I was Troy, I'm not sure if I would say something right away either." Sharpay offered.
"I know. He said that he was scared that I would leave him."
"And you did, Gabs. It's not so black and white, your situation. I'm sure Troy was just as confused. He's been dying to reconcile with you and after all these years, he has his chance. Then a bomb drops on him telling him he's going to be a father. He was just scared."
"I know, but it still doesn't hurt less. Sharpay, I felt so awful leaving him. He was pleading with me to stay with him and be with him. And I know myself, Shar, I can't be with him, not like this. I'm not that strong."
"But Gabs, this is you and Troy. You've overcome bigger things than this. Besides, how sure is he that she's even pregnant? Did she get a doctor's confirmation? Because if all she did was take a home pregnancy test, those things aren't always reliable."
"To be honest, Shar, I'm not sure. All I heard was him telling me his ex was pregnant and I got out of there as soon as I could. I mean, what is there to explain? She's pregnant. He wouldn't even consider moving to Boston when we talked about our plans for the future because as long as she is here, he's staying here for the baby."
"So, what, you can't accept the baby? You and Troy could still be together, just factor the baby in."
"Shar," Gabriella gave her friend a stern look. "Please tell me, you do not expect me to take Troy Bolton back? News flash, he's having a baby with another woman – whom he broke up with two days ago. Are you out of your mind?"
"Sorry, Gabs, I was just trying to be positive. It just seems like Troy wants to do the right thing for his baby, but at the same time he still wants to be with you."
"And I would be with him too if it weren't for all that. I'm just so upset. I'm not even sure if I want to go to the reunion now. I can't possibly face Troy there. And this time, you have to really promise me that you will not leave me alone for a minute. I don't want Troy coming over to talk to me. Promise?" Gabriella pleaded.
Sharpay took a look at her friend and saw the hurt in her eyes. She knew her friend wasn't being rational, but at the same time, she was kind of mad at Troy, too. How could he have screwed things up already? She knew it wasn't intentional that he and his ex were pregnant, but still. She was going to need to talk to Troy herself. "Fine, Gabs, I promise I will not leave you alone tonight."
"Thanks, Shar. I appreciate it." Gabriella looked away, and wiped a tear from her eye.
"Well, why don't you just take it easy for a while? Remember, the reunion is in about four hours. I'll come get you when we're leaving. Or do you want to get ready together?" Sharpay asked.
"I'll be okay. I'll just get ready on my own. I think I need some time to myself." Gabriella responded.
"Sounds good, then." Sharpay and Gabriella stood up and Sharpay reached over and grabbed her friend in a hug. "Trust me, Gabs. Things will work out, okay. No matter what happens, I'm always here for you."
Sharpay's kindness got some more tears as Gabriella thanked her friend quietly. Then Sharpay left the room. Gabriella crawled into the big, comfortable bed and continued crying. She was serious when she told Sharpay that she didn't feel like going to the reunion. How was she supposed to face all their friends with this kind of news? She was sure by night's end, the whole gang would know about Troy and his ex's pregnancy. She just wished she wasn't there to witness it.
Troy had taken a shower after Gabriella left and was now lying on his couch staring at the ceiling. He was thinking about everything that had happened in the last few hours. He was overjoyed when Gabriella had told him she loved him and wanted him. And he couldn't help but think about their lovemaking a few hours ago. It had been really passionate and intense. He hated the fact that he had hurt her. He hated the whole situation altogether. He was trying not to be mad at Julia, but in some ways, he couldn't help it. How could she have stopped taking her birth control pills and not let him know? It annoyed him and he should've questioned her some more about it.
Troy looked at the clock on his wall, he still had a few hours before the reunion. He knew he should be doing something worthwhile, but it felt good to just lie around and do nothing, but think about Gabriella. He knew he should try and talk to her later. He just had to figure out what to say. Of course he would apologize and ask her to really consider being with him. He didn't want to go on with his life without her. Troy's thoughts were interrupted as he heard his doorbell rang. Troy was hoping that it would be Gabriella and he made his way over to the door.
As he opened it, he was surprised to find Sharpay and Taylor standing on his doorstep. "Ladies," he said. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Sharpay gave him a curt look and said "We need to talk Bolton." Troy looked to Taylor and she nodded, giving him a glare.
Oh boy, Troy thought. He opened the door wider and asked them to come in. "Let's head to the kitchen." Troy gestured for the girls to take a seat at the table. "Would you like anything to drink?"
"We're fine. Why don't you take a seat?" Taylor quipped.
Troy took a seat across from them and felt very uncomfortable. He could only guess what was to come next. "So, what did you want to talk about?"
"Troy Bolton, I cannot believe you!" Sharpay started. "How could you be so stupid?"
"Hey," Troy exclaimed, coming to his own defense. "Don't get all up in my face about a situation you don't know about."
"Oh, I'm not talking about the pregnancy." Sharpay said pointing a finger in Troy's direction. "How could you not tell Gabriella the truth right away? How could you sleep with her and then reveal something like that?" Sharpay retorted back.
"You have to understand. I was scared to say anything about it because I didn't want to lose her. When she came over here and told me she wanted me and she loved me, it was the best thing I've heard in a long while. I just wanted to live in that moment for a bit." Troy told them sadly.
"Troy," Taylor said quietly, "I know that you had hopes to reconcile with Gabriella this weekend, but as of right now, you have to stop. Just leave her alone for now."
"What?" Troy nearly shouted. "I am not giving up on Brie. I made a promise that I would fight for her."
"And that battle is lost." Sharpay cut in. "She's not going to take you back, Bolton. Not this weekend at least. We're here to let you know that. We're trying to help you both out."
"But, we belong together." Troy said weakly.
"Yes, you do. But the reality is that you're going to be a father, Troy. Maybe you should focus on that and try to forget about your situation with Gabriella. Just let her enjoy the reunion tonight so that she can go home to Boston with happy thoughts." Taylor offered, reaching out and placing a hand on Troy's arm. "Seriously, we both wanted things to work out for you. But, she's too wounded right now and we can't let you do anymore damage."
"That's right, Troy." Sharpay agreed. "As much as we wanted you two back together, right now is not very good. I think Gabriella is more hurt that you didn't tell her right away about your ex's condition, more than the fact that your ex is pregnant."
"I'm such an ass," Troy stated. "I knew I should've said something as soon as she came in. Damn it."
"Don't beat yourself up about it. You just need to give Gabriella some time." Taylor told him.
"How much time?" He asked.
"As much time as she needs. If you're willing to wait for her, then you can give her the time." Sharpay said.
"Of course I'll wait for her. There's no one else I want. She's the love of my life." Troy exclaimed and then looked down sheepishly as he revealed more than he wanted to her friends.
"Troy," Sharpay said kindly, "We know that your pregnancy wasn't planned. We still think things could work out for you and Gabs – but only if you follow our advice."
"Well, Sharpay, I appreciate that. I just don't want to lose her again, but I'm afraid I already have."
"She's just hurt right now, Troy. Like we said, just give her some time, maybe you haven't lost her after all." Taylor replied, giving him a small smile.
"Well, I appreciate that you didn't yell at me too much." Troy joked. "I admit, I was scared when I saw the both of you on my doorstep."
"We could've been scarier, but then we saw how horrible you look and took pity on you." Sharpay teased. "But Bolton, we're serious; no more trying to win Gabriella back this weekend. Just leave her alone for the time being, okay?"
Troy looked from Sharpay's serious expression to Taylor's, he slowly nodded. "Fine. I'll leave her alone for now. But I can't keep any promises if she chooses to talk to me."
Taylor gave Troy a smirk. "Even after everything that just happened you're still an optimistic one."
"I have to be," Troy told them. "I know Brie and I belong together and it'll happen one way or another."
"See Bolton," Sharpay said, looking at Taylor and giving her a wink, "Now, that's the kind of attitude we like."
Troy just looked at them with a confused look. No matter what anyone said, he would never understand women and how their minds worked. The trio continued talking for another 10 minutes and then the girls left to get ready for the reunion. Troy took the time he had alone to think about his conversation with Taylor and Sharpay. He realized that they were trying to look out for him and Brie. He appreciated what they had to say. He just hoped they were right when they told him to leave her alone for the moment. He just hoped that Gabriella would approach him tonight. I wish, Troy thought sadly as he went to his room and started getting ready for the reunion.
Gabriella took a look in the mirror and adjusted the green dress. She was still in shock staring at her reflection. She had to admit that the dress looked amazing on her. She had spent the last hour and half getting ready. After Sharpay had left her, she had cried for a while then decided a nice bubble bath would ease her pain. It had worked for a short moment. She had been wiping the tears from her eyes on and off for the last 30 minutes. But she decided that she would cry no more as soon as she applied her make up on. She had decided on a natural look. She had dusted her lids with a neutral shade and lined her eyes with a dark brown liner. She had added some blush to her cheekbones and applied a rose colored lipstick to her lips. She had straightened her curly dark hair and it now hung past her shoulders, falling to the middle of her back, her hair shiny and full of volume.
She grabbed the metallic silver clutch she was bringing and put her cell phone, lipstick, her license, credit card, and some cash in it. She heard a knock at the door.
"Come in," Gabriella said. As the door opened, Gabriella turned and her jaw dropped. Sharpay looked gorgeous in the red halter dress she had chosen. Her blonde hair was in a chignon, and she had a red orchid behind one ear. "Wow, Shar," Gabriella exclaimed. "You look amazing!"
"As do you, my dear." Sharpay told her, admiring the way the dress hugged Gabriella's frame. "You seriously are a knockout. The whole outfit looks great. And I love that you straightened your hair."
"Thanks," Gabriella said timidly. "So, are we heading out soon?"
"As soon as Taylor gets here. Virgil will be dropping us off at East High. Ryan, Kelsi, and Zeke are downstairs ready to go. Should we head down?"
"Yes, let's go. I can't believe in less than 20 minutes we're going to be walking through the doors of East High again. Now, I'm getting nervous." Gabriella said.
"What are you nervous about? We're just seeing a bunch of our old school chums. It'll be fun."
"I know," Gabriella laughed, "You're right as usual."
"Now Montez, are you ready to make your grand entrance?" Sharpay teased, offering her arm out to Gabriella.
Gabriella laughed and linked arms with Sharpay. "Let's do it."
The two of them walked down the stairs and heard some whistles and catcalls. Gabriella knew Sharpay loved the attention, but she herself felt a little self conscious.
Zeke walked over to Sharpay and reached for her hand, "Why Miss Evans, you look absolutely stunning tonight." He gave her hand a kiss as Sharpay slipped it into his palm.
"And you look handsome as ever, Mr. Baylor," Sharpay teased. Gabriella agreed, Zeke looked great in black dress pants and a cream colored dress shirt. He was wearing a tie that was almost the same color as Sharpay's dress. They're sure going to be a hit at the reunion, Gabriella thought. They were a striking couple.
Then Zeke turned to Gabriella, "And you, Montez, don't look so bad yourself," he teased and gave her a wink. He extended his other arm for Gabriella to take.
"Why thank you, Zeke," Gabriella told him, taking his arm.
Ryan and Kelsi also offered their compliments as they observed Gabriella. Gabriella felt like she was Cinderella. She knew that she had missed their prom because she had been at Stanford for the Honors Program. She kind of felt like this was her prom night in a way. She was all dressed up and would be arriving in a limo, the only thing she lacked; she thought sadly, was the handsome blue-eyed basketball player that made her weak in the knees. She shook her head to get the image out of her mind. She was going to make sure she had the best time tonight and she wasn't going to let Troy Bolton ruin it. She just hoped her friends would be by her side all night. She didn't know what she would do if Troy approached her. Let's just hope that doesn't happen, Gabriella thought, turning to the group and giving everyone a smile. She was ready for the night to begin.