A/N: Something I've learned about puppies: it's not a good idea to greet them while you're half asleep. They have too much energy lol. How can anyone like it on a morning? Anyway, the beginning is HSMandChelseaFCfan's but I've added and edited it. The end part is mine =D Don't own HSM

Chapter 24 – Enjoy this

(A/N: This is HSMandChelseaFCfan's but edited by me. I'm not going to point out the edited parts so...)

The car came to a halt, awaking Gabriella who had fallen asleep again on Troy's shoulder. Troy broke his attention that had been focused on the brunette in his arms to the familiar house. After what felt like forever, they were back in Albuquerque and knew that the questions would start flying as soon as the front door opened.

Troy felt Gabriella tense in his arms as Officer Gray climbed out the car. "Remember, I'm here and we can do this. Together."

Tiredly, Gabriella turned and leaned up to place a chaste kiss on Troy's lips, knowing that in a few minutes she would have no idea how long it would be until she would be able to do so again. "I know. Thanks. I love you."

"I love you, too. You ready?"

Gabriella nodded as Troy placed a kiss on her forehead and Officer Gray opened the door for the two to climb out; Troy first and he was followed by Gabriella. "You kids ready?"

The two nodded. "We're ready." Troy replied as his arm locked around Gabriella's waist.

Troy pressed one final kiss to Gabriella's lips, letting her know he meant what he said; they would do this together.

***

Maria, Aidan, Officer Dalton and the whole gang were anxiously waiting for Officer Gray to bring home Troy and a now safe Gabriella. Everyone was still worried and knew that they wouldn't relax until they saw Gabriella was safe and okay with their own eyes and knew what had caused her to leave in the first place.

Everyone tensed upon hearing the front door handle squeak before a familiar couple of teenagers emerged. Gabriella was standing so close to Troy, his arm still around her waist, her whole body shaking. Maria rushed to her feet and grabbed Gabriella in a bone crushing hug as her tears fell at the sight of her only daughter. Gabriella resolved to holding Troy's hand, knowing he was the one keeping her strong right now; her solid rock that was going nowhere.

After Maria pulled away from Gabriella, she turned to Troy with tears in her eyes, whispering two simple words. "Thank you."

Troy nodded at her as she moved back. Unfortunately for Gabriella, Aidan stood and moved towards the two. As he went to hug her, she pulled herself away from him and wrapped her other arm around Troy and shook her head. "No. I know what you did."

Aidan gave her a confused look, surprised she wouldn't let her own father comfort her. "What?"

Taking a deep breath, she found her voice again. "I know how you treated Troy while I was gone. He's my best friend and I can't believe you treated him that way. Just stay away from me." She whispered, avoiding his eyes.

Aidan looked at his daughter in shock as she pulled Troy along with her towards her friends who were standing back.

***

After everyone had expressed their relief at Gabriella's safe return and the gang had left, Officer Dalton finally spoke up. "Gabriella, we need to talk to you about this evening."

Troy stood up in protest, knowing Gabriella wasn't up to it and couldn't bear the thought of them questioning her on what had caused all this in the first place. "Do you really need to do this tonight? Can't you see she's been through enough? She's stressed and exhausted. Isn't it enough to know she's safe and everything is ok?"

Officer Dalton's stare didn't let up. "Why are you so against us talking to her? Got something to hide and worried it might come out?"

"No. Will you just drop that? Can't you see this isn't what she needs? Please. Just drop it. Everything has worked out okay so can't you just leave it?" Troy exclaimed before turning back to Gabriella.

Officer Dalton sighed and looked at Officer Gray. "Have you spoken to Ms Montez?"

The young officer nodded. "Yeah and I honestly believe that she genuinely never meant to cause any of this worry and just wanted some space."

Troy and Gabriella smiled at him thankfully as the senior officer sighed in defeat. "Fine. We'll leave our number if you have any further problems. Goodnight everyone."

Aidan went to see the Officers out as Gabriella gripped onto Troy, nodding at him. He placed a reassuring kiss on her forehead, knowing exactly what she was doing.

Taking a deep breath, her mouth opened. "Mom?"

Looking at her daughter, Maria turned to and noticed the serious look on her face. Aidan re-entered the room and sat down opposite Maria. "Yeah?"

Gabriella could feel her stomach doing summersaults and a sickness feeling coming over her in fear of not knowing how her mom would handle the news. "Could I possibly talk to you alone?"

Maria gave Aidan a worried look but stood up. "Why don't we go into the kitchen?"

Gabriella nodded and stood up; Troy following suit. "Troy, she said alone." Aidan pointed out.

Before Troy could respond, Gabriella interrupted. "No. I want... No, need Troy with me."

The man stood up. "Well why can't I be there then? You are my daughter after all."

The anger was rising within Gabriella. "Because you just can't. Plus you need to listen out for Devon who can't hear this either."

Without giving him chance to say anything else, Gabriella grabbed Troy's and her mother's wrists, pulling them safely into the kitchen and slammed the door shut. It was now a case of finding a way to reveal the news while causing as little pain as possible to her mother which didn't seem possible.

***

After Gabriella had slammed the door close, Maria looked at Troy worriedly. She'd never ever seen her daughter get so angry at her father and didn't understand where it had come from.

Troy was now holding Gabriella's face between his hands to calm her down. She held onto his wrists and nodded silently at whatever he had just said. He pressed a comforting and chaste kiss on her lips. Maria knew Troy was good for her daughter and she was thankful that Gabriella wasn't shutting him out anymore because she knew Gabriella was one to bottle up her emotions."Mom, sit down, please." Gabriella whispered as Troy had released her.

Maria moved to the stool in the kitchen as Gabriella stood in front of her, holding her hands in her own. Troy stood next to her with his arm around her waist. "Gabriella, please. You're scaring me. What's going on?"

Closing her eyes, Gabriella tried to push back her tears. "Mom, what I'm going to tell you is something I never thought I would have to. I want you to know, no matter what happens once I've told you, you will always, and I mean always, have me and Troy." Pausing, Gabriella regained her composure before it slipped away fully. "I found something out a few days ago. It hurt so badly when I found out and I wanted it to not be true but I had all the evidence I needed. It's what's been bothering me the past few days and I know now I can't lie about it any longer."

"Gabby, are you pregnant?" Maria asked carefully.

Gabriella glanced at Troy who shrugged. "No." She said quietly.

"Are you sure?" Maria asked sternly.

"Mom, I'm on the pill, its fine." Gabriella muttered. Her cheeks had turned rosy at what her mother had suggested.

"But, you've had sex?" Maria asked.

"Mom, this isn't about me, okay? And for the record so you can ground us, yes we have had sex." Gabriella muttered as Troy stared at her with wide eyes. "Oh, Troy, shut up. She already knew."

"Can you just tell me what's wrong?" Maria exclaimed impatiently.

Gabriella sighed and felt tears roll down her cheeks. "Mom, Dad's been having an affair."

Troy squeezed her waist tightly as Gabriella's eyes remained focussed on her mother, who had turned pale after Gabriella had finished her sentence, while holding her hands tightly. "No." Maria said strongly.

Gabriella shook her head as she recalled the phone conversation. "I'm so sorry, Mom. We got a phone call from some woman asking for dad. When I told her he wasn't here she told me to tell him she had a wonderful time in Forks – Dad had told us he was in Boston – and she loved him and couldn't wait to see him next week in San Diego but yet he told us he was going to San Francisco this week."

Gabriella and Troy watched as Maria just sat there in shock. It was almost as though she was trying to absorb the revelation her daughter had just revealed. Before either could register what was happening, Maria was up on her feet and rushed back towards the main room.

Aidan, who had been sat alone in the room, jumped up as soon as he saw his wife. "Honey, what's wrong?"

Maria smacked his hands away from her. As soon as her skin touched his, tears sprang into her eyes. "How could you? Were we not good enough for you? Were you really that unhappy here that the only way you could be happy was finding some other slut? Huh?"

Aidan was stood there in shock as Gabriella stood behind her mother, Troy's arm wrapped around her, as tears fell down her face hearing the anger and hurt in her Mom's voice. Had she really done the right thing? Would it have been better for them all if she had just ignored that phone call and they all carried on playing happy families and no one would have been hurt? "Stop it. You did the right thing." Troy whispered knowing she was feeling guilty. He pressed his lips to her temple.

"Maria, I can explain..." Aidan tried desperately.

She shook her head fiercely at him, not wanting to hear his pathetic excuses. "It was all just too convenient wasn't it? Having all these business meetings that could send you anywhere? Everyone thinking you were doing it for your family? Sacrificing being home to watch your children grow. Who is she? Some twenty five year old with model features? Come on tell me! I want to hear all about this tramp that obviously offers you more that what I, your wife, and your family could! Come on, Aidan, tell us!" Gabriella and Troy were trying to calm Maria down but knew it was no use and neither one could blame her for being so hurt. If anyone was to blame in this whole situation it was Aidan for starting up his affair in the first place.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room only to be broken by a small voice seconds later. "Mommy, why are you yelling?" The four turned to see Devon standing at the doorway tiredly, a worried look crossing his face.

Gabriella turned to Troy who smiled at her. "Hey, Big D. Let's get you back to bed. Your Mom and Dad need to talk." Troy picked the young boy up, who willingly settled into the blue eyed boy's arms, as Troy limped up the stairs; the extra weight making his ankle throb again.

Maria waited for Troy to take Devon back upstairs and they heard the door click closed before turning to Aidan again. "I want you out of the house. I don't care where you go but I can't stand to be anywhere near you. And I know that Gabby wants you out. Just go."

Aidan nodded, knowing it was for the best. "I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you." Regret filled his voice but he knew it was too late.

Maria and Gabriella just ignored him as the mother and daughter sat on the sofa, tears flowing down both of their faces. Grabbing his jacket and keys, he exited the house with one last glance back at his wife and daughter, knowing he well and truly messed up.

Troy had witnessed the whole scene from the top of the stairs after leaving Devon's room; Devon had fallen back asleep pretty much as soon as his head had hit the pillow. Walking down the stairs, he walked over to Maria and Gabriella, pulling them both into a hug. They all sat down on the couch – Troy in the middle of the two Montez women. He knew he was going to have to step up to the plate and be strong for not only himself and Gabriella, but Maria and Devon as well now. It was going to be a challenge and he had no idea what would happen but he knew one thing for certain: he was going nowhere because these people were his family now and families stick together no matter what.

* * *

(A/N: this is me)

Gabriella looked up at Troy to see him staring out to the far wall. "What are you thinking about?"

Troy jumped slightly and Maria shifted slightly in her sleep beside him. A blanket covered her but Troy and Gabriella were both too warm by how close they were to each other to need it. "Oh, Bella, you scared me. I thought you were asleep."

She shook her head. "No."

He sighed and soothingly stroked her arm. "I was thinking about you."

She smiled sleepily. "Thank you."

He frowned down at her and she shifted so that she was lying down with her head in his lap. "What for?"

"Troy, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm thanking you for everything. Especially yesterday. If you hadn't have found me yesterday, I would've made the biggest mistake of my life. And ruined everyone else's." She smiled slightly as his hand moved under his shirt she was still wearing and began massaging her stomach.

He used his other hand to interlock their fingers together. He kissed her knuckles and put her palm to his cheek. "I just can't live without you."

Gabriella yawned and nuzzled her nose into Troy's torso. "My mom's hurting so much. I don't know what to tell Don."

Troy released her hand, allowing her to drop it to her side, and began running his fingers through her dark curls. "I know, Baby. But, you've got to tell him something."

"Troy," She took a deep breath and she closed her eyes, "Troy, you won't leave will you? You won't go anywhere, will you?" She sat up frantically, clear distress in her voice. "Troy, you can't." She cried.

Troy slowly shifted, trying not to wake Maria, and cupped her face in his hands. "Hey, hey, where did you get that idea from?"

She sniffed and shrugged. "I've lost so many people in my life… I can't lose you."

Troy hurriedly, knowing that it was the only way to convince her, crashed his lips onto hers in a heated kiss. He instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist and pushed her into the back of the couch. He pulled back, his lips brushing against her jaw. "I'm not going anywhere."

She pulled him back to her and kissed him chastely. "Good. I don't think any one of us could live without you."

Troy suddenly frowned and glanced at Maria. "You know how Aidan isn't here anymore?"

"What about it?" Gabriella asked carefully.

"Does this make me the man of the house or Devon?" He asked in confusion.

Gabriella muffled her giggle with the skin of his neck.

"Stop laughing at me." Troy whined.

She pulled back and smiled shyly. "It depends."

Troy pulled her into his lap and glanced at Maria. "On what?"

"On how much of a man you really are." She whispered softly. "I think it'll be you. I mean, Don's six. He thinks being manly is managing to open the milk carton without spilling it."

Troy chuckled and got to his feet. "I think you should get some rest."

Gabriella's lip trembled and she stood up. "I can't believe he'd do that. To my mom and Don."

"He's a sick bastard." Troy muttered, shrugging when Gabriella stared at him in disbelief. "He hurt my girl, am I really going to sit back and not insult him. Be grateful I didn't beat him to a pulp the second he walked through the door yesterday."

She giggled and bit her lip slightly. "Have I ever told you how sexy you are when you're mad?"

"No." Troy answered shortly. "But, I'm glad you find my hatred towards your father so amusing."

She shrugged slightly. "Why I should care because… Don loves you and Mom knows how good you are for me. She's not kicking you out any time soon. Me, however…" She gave him a teasing smile and kissed his nose exactly how he did to reassure her of something.

He glared playfully at her. "That's my thing. You can't do that to me."

She poked her tongue out. "Whatever." She looked over to her mother and sighed as she went over to straighten the dishevelled blanket.

Troy took a deep breath and reached into the pocket of his jeans. "Gabriella?"

She looked up from her kneeling position on the floor and smiled up at him. She got to her feet and walked back over to him. "Troy?" She teased back.

"Baby, I'm serious." He took one of her hands in his and sighed. "You know how you're basically terrified that I'm going to leave?"

She nodded slightly. "What about it? It's not that I don't trust you but…"

"Shhh…" Troy soothed her. "Listen, it's okay, I know you trust me. But, I got you something when I got your necklace." He smiled when she instinctively reached up to grip her silver pendent. "I got you something to reassure you. I'm never going to leave you. Not now, not after we graduate and not after college. So," He brought out a red velvet jewellery box and placed it in the palm of her hand that he was holding and curled her fingers over it, "I wanted you to have this."

Her eyes widened as she opened her hand and a gasp escaped her lips. "Troy!"

"Just open it." He whispered.

Gabriella lifted the lid and her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the slim silver band with a small diamond was situated in the middle. "Troy…" She breathed, looking up at him in disbelief.

"It's not an engagement ring. It's a promise ring. I promise you that you will never kick me out." He smiled at her giggles. "In all seriousness, I promise that you can always count on me. I promise that I'm not going anywhere – and if I am I'm taking you with me. I promise that one day I'll change that to an engagement ring." He stepped forward and cupped her face. "And I promise that I love you." He breathed against her lips.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she kissed him. "I love you too."

"Will you wear it?" He whispered as he moved his hands to rest them lightly on her hips.

She nodded her head vigorously. "Of course I will, you idiot."

He chuckled and took the ring from the box and slipped it easily onto the ring finger of her right hand. "Perfect fit."

She swallowed and admired her new ring. "Troy, I love it so much."

He smiled, glad that she was clearly happy. The fact that he had caused her happiness just added to the relief he felt. "I'm glad I'm seeing that beautiful smile again. I've been missing it."

"When was the last time you saw it?" She queried with true curiosity lacing her voice.

"Yesterday but before Aidan came back." He whispered as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

She smiled brightly and kissed him again. "It's a good job my mom's kind of exhausted, huh?"

He nodded and kissed her forehead. "I think you need some rest."

She shook her head and grabbed his hand. She began leading him towards the stairs and giggled under her breath. "Troy, forget my mom. I don't think it's a good idea to wake her up. Come on."

"Are you sure?" Troy asked quietly as they reached her room and he stumbled through the door behind her.

She shut it behind them and locked it. "I want you to make love to me. Nothing's wrong anymore. Nothing's on my mind so it will be better."

"Hmmm…" Troy seemed to ponder the thought as Gabriella placed the velvet box onto her bedside cabinet. She soon returned to his arms and tugged on his shirt. "Better than last night? I think I'm going to enjoy this."

She giggled as their lips met and their arms returned to encase the other's body. She smiled into the kiss at his words, knowing he wasn't just talking about their love-making. They would enjoy their lives because they knew they would always be together.

(A/N: In case you got confused, it's still Saturday night/Sunday morning, okay?)