I'm writing this as if it is Eliana's wedding day… the chapter will be a series of flashbacks. It is the epilogue. Enjoy!
Gabriella rolled over in bed and kissed Troy, "Good morning. Our daughter is getting married today."
Troy groaned, "If I don't open my eyes… it is so not happening."
Gabriella laughed, "Oh come on. It's an exciting day. Nate's been gone for a year. Ellie was next."
"I'm gonna cry today Gabriella." He said as he opened one eye just a bit.
"So am I, but I'm still happy for our daughter." She brushed the hair away from Troy's face.
He sighed, "It's like we blinked and now they're twenty-eight."
Gabriella moved closer to Troy and he draped an arm around her, "I know… but at least we've had a beautiful life."
"You're right…" He said, kissing her head, "We have. Remember all the good times we've had?"
"I do…" She smiled.
"It's been a pretty eventful life we've had. Been together for thirty-eight years now Ella."
"Thirty-eight years well spent." She giggled.
They were fifty-five now. Well past their prime. But every time they looked at one another, they saw the person they had met at seventeen; the same young, bubbly, giddy teenager who had changed their lives. Gabriella still saw the shaggy haired, blue-eyed boy who loved to play basketball. Troy still saw the long, curly haired brown-eyed girl who was amazing in school but taught him how to sing. Every day they spent together kept them young. Their love story was special and perfect.
"Ugh… I'd give anything to go back to when we first got married…"
"Troy!" Gabriella called as Troy walked into the house after practice. It was a warm October night. She had taken the weekend off to travel to Troy's games in Kansas City. Eliana and Nate were two now. It was almost a year since Gabriella and Troy had been married.
"Yes dear?" He said coming up the stairs, "Hello, how was your day?"
She squealed, "No! NO! I have news?"
Troy looked at her, "Yes?"
"I'm pregnant!"
"What?!" Troy's eyes grew wide.
"Twelve weeks! I realized I missed my period last month and the month before I was just spotting but didn't realize I could've been pregnant!"
Troy picked her up and spun her around while she giggled. He kissed her passionately, "Oh my god! We're having another baby!"
"Can we tell the twins? Do you think I'm far enough along?"
"Hell yeah you are. We're taking them out for ice cream and having a party! Let's get them."
She laughed, "I can't believe we're having another baby."
"Me either. But it's gonna be great."
Gabriella awoke nine months later to pain shooting through her stomach. This pregnancy had been easy compared to the twins. No backaches, no weird cravings, no morning sickness. She figured that because of that, labor would be a breeze, but boy was she wrong. She reached out and shook Troy.
"What?" He said, rolling over.
She sucked in a deep breath as another contraction hit, "It is time."
Troy rubbed his eyes, "Really?"
"YES REALLY! JESUS CHRIST GET UP!" She yelled.
He jumped up, "Sorry! Okay, I'll get the bag. Call Taylor."
Gabriella winced in pain, "Okay…"
It was one in the morning. This baby had no courtesy for others, Gabriella thought. He couldn't have just let her sleep until eight or so. Taylor and Chad arrived with JT and Jayden fifteen minutes later and hugged Troy and Gabriella as they left.
"TROY…" She screamed in pain, "GET ME TO THE FUCKING HOSPITAL!"
"Ella… calm down. Squeeze my hand." Troy said calmly.
She grabbed his hand and squeeze, causing him to wince. "Oh man up you little bitch."
He pulled his hand back, "I don't remember this part of labor."
"That's because it didn't hurt last time."
They made it to the hospital where Troy listened to Gabriella complain for twenty minutes until they got a room. She was all set up and ready to ask for the epidural. Dr. Mitchell walked in and smiled.
"Just gonna see how everything's going, okay Gabriella?"
Gabriella tried to smile, "I just need and epidural."
"Oh…" The doctor said.
Troy shook his head, "Please don't tell me there are twins in there again."
"No, no! Just, Gabriella, there's no time for an epidural. You're ready to go. NURSE!"
"WHAT?!" Gabriella said, "Oh Jesus Troy, grab my hand!"
Troy let Gabriella squeeze his hand. She cried out as Dr. Mitchell told her to push, "Okay Gabriella… push… 1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…9…10… Relax. Okay sweetie… one more big push… 1…2…3…4…5… Oh my gosh. It's a beautiful little boy!"
"Another boy." Troy kissed Gabriella's forehead as they put the writhing little thing on her chest.
"Hi." Gabriella whispered, stroking his cheek.
"Welcome to the world little man." Troy said,
"I'm your mommy… and that's your daddy. And your big sissy and brother are gonna be here soon."
They took him off of Gabriella's chest and cleaned them both up. A few moments later, they placed a sleeping baby boy into her arms. Troy snuck into the bed with her and played with the little boy's fingers.
"Born at four in the morning." Troy smiled, "I bet in ten years we won't even be able to get him up at nine."
Gabriella giggled, "Thank you Troy. For another perfect baby." She kissed him.
"No, thank you for giving birth to another child of ours. I love you." He smiled.
"I love you too. What should we name this little guy? I definitely want his middle name to be Alexander, like yours."
"What about Owen?" Troy suggested.
"Owen… that's perfect. Owen Alexander Bolton. Hi Owen." Gabriella ran a finger across his cheek.
"Mama! Daddy!" They heard as they turned to the door.
"Hi munchkins!" Gabriella smiled, "Come meet your baby brother."
"A boy!" Nate cheered.
"Anudder boy. Oh brudder." Ellie playfully put her head in her hands.
Troy picked the two little ones up, "Be careful. Mommy has a booboo and your brother is very little."
Taylor and Chad smiled from the doorway, "He's beautiful Gabs. What's his name?"
"This is Owen Alexander Bolton. Born on June 3rd 2020. He weighed six pounds, eight ounces and he was twenty inches long. " Gabriella smiled.
Ellie reach out and took his hand gently, "Hello Owen. I love you. You're my baby brudder. I'm three years older than you. I'll aways pro-dect you."
"Hi Owen. I'm your bigger brudder. We will be best fwends. I will teach you how to play catch." Nate kissed his forehead.
Troy looked at his little family, it was absolutely perfect.
"Wasn't that an amazing day?" Gabriella smiled as Troy laced his fingers through hers.
He nodded, "It was. I forget about the little things like that sometimes. I'm glad you're bringing them up on a big day like today."
"Want to think about some more?" She snuggled closer to him, "I've got hundreds."
"What time is it?"
"Only six thirty. We don't need to be anywhere until at least eleven."
Troy kissed her, "Then let's hear them."
Gabriella heard Troy's truck pulling up outside the house. It was a warm night. The June air was filled with the promises of summer. It was also the night before Owen's first birthday. The twins had just turned four and Gabriella could not believe how big everyone was getting. Owen was practically running around now, chasing after his big siblings. She was happy. They were the perfect little family.
"Gabriella!" She heard from the door in their kitchen, "Come here."
Gabriella look quizzically at her husband, "I can't leave my four year olds and one year old alone."
"Quick. Come on." Troy said.
She walked towards the door, "Troy Bolton what are you up too?"
He opened the door to his truck, "This."
Gabriella gasped, "What is that?"
"I got a dog!" He beamed.
Gabriella walked up to the truck, a tiny little yellow lab was staring up at her, "You bought the kids a dog?"
"And us!" He smiled.
She shook her head, "If this thing wasn't so damn cute, I would have your head on a platter right now. Oh my god! Hello pretty puppy. Is it a boy or a girl?"
"A girl!" Troy smiled, "I thought of a name… what about Marcie?"
"OH! That's adorable. Oh my god! Let's bring her in to the kids."
Troy picked up her things as Gabriella carried the dog in. She head commotion in the living room and walked towards it. She prayed they were not being destructive. Troy called out to them, "Nate, Ellie, Owen! Mommy and daddy have a surprise!"
They came around the corned and squealed when they saw Gabriella.
"Mommy! A puppy!" Ellie clasped her hands together, "She's so pretty!"
"We got a puppy!" Nate cheered.
Owen looked and squealed, imitating his siblings, "Puppy!"
Troy smiled, "Put her down, Ella. You guys have to play nice, okay?"
All three children nodded their heads as Gabriella placed her on the ground, "Her name is Marcie."
"Hi Marcie. I love you." Ellie pet her head gently.
"Marcie we're gonna play all the time." Nate smiled.
Owen reached his little fingers out and pets her, "Mah-cee."
"That's right little dude." Troy put an arm around Gabriella's shoulder, "Hate me?"
"Yes. But I also love you more than ever."
"Oh my gosh, remember what a big old dog she turned out to be?" Troy laughed, "I can't believe you even let me bring her in that night."
Gabriella giggled, "I secretly wanted one."
"Ah! The truth comes out." He laughed, "Gosh she was a good dog. I miss her."
"Me too. But she had a good, long life. Eighteen years and she got to help all the kids grow up." Gabriella smiled.
"Oh my gosh… do you remember the twins first day of kindergarten?"
Gabriella chuckled, "You like sad memories. That day I cried for hours!"
"Come on. That was such a big day…"
"Troy… they cannot go to school today." Gabriella said, weepy, as she made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with two-year-old Owen on her hip, "I am not emotionally ready to let them go."
Troy laughed, "Yeah, they're getting big. But it is just kindergarten Ella."
"First it's Kindergarten… then it's driver's licenses, and then graduation! Before we know it they'll be gone and married and having children of their own Troy!"
He kissed her for a minute, "Stop worrying. They're five."
"Mommy! Daddy!" Eliana cheered as she came down the steps, "I'm so excited for today!"
Gabriella looked at Troy, tears in her eyes, "Good baby. I'm glad."
"Mommy…" Nate said as he entered the room, "Do I have to go? I want to stay with you and Owen." He tugged on her shirt.
Gabriella was nearly losing it, so Troy stepped in, "Hey bud! It's gonna be great. You're going to have a ton of fun. And it's only six hours then mom and dad will be back."
"But I like being here. I wanna spend the day's with Allie still and not have to go anywhere. And then when mommy comes home from work, be with her."
"Nate… you'll still see Allie. She's gonna pick you and Ellie up. And Owen will be so excited when he sees you. Then mommy will be home at the same time."
Nate started to cry, "Daddy! I don't want to go."
"You have to buddy. To get big and smart."
Ellie put a hand on her brother's shoulder, "Nate… daddy is right. We have to go."
"Plus, mommy gave you a special baked cookie! And think… you have people you know in Kindergarten already. Ellie and JT will be there. Some kids don't know anyone." Gabriella said as she hiked Owen up further on her hip.
"Give it a shot bud…" Troy smiled.
Nate nodded and wiped his tears, "Okay."
"That's what we like to hear little dude. Come on, hold Owen's hand and we'll start walking."
The school was three blocks away and Troy and Gabriella had taken the days off of work. They walked to the school, joining Chad, Taylor, JT, Jayden and two new additions, Jasmine Maria who was three and Jacob Michael, who was one. The walk to school, both Gabriella and Taylor held their youngest and were weepy. Chad and Troy tried the best to keep the moods light. When they got to the schoolyard, the three new kindergarteners looked up at their parents.
"Mommy… this is a little scary." Ellie said, reaching for her hand.
She smiled, "It's okay baby. Come on… let's go find out who your teacher is."
Chad and Troy walked up to the teacher's and came back with a list, Chad cheered, "Good news kiddos! All three of you are in the same class!"
"Yay!" Taylor cheered, "Everyone gets to be together."
The kids walked forward, Troy looked at them, "Look over there. See the woman with the short blonde hair, that's your teacher. Ms. Wilson."
"Troy…" Gabriella asked, "This is too much."
Troy kissed her temple, "It's okay. When we get home you can cry. Keep it together for fifteen more minutes."
They walked towards the teacher, she smiled, "Hello! I'm Ms. Wilson! Welcome to Kindergarten. Mommy's and daddy's, we're going to be getting ready to go inside so say goodbye to your little loves. Pickup will be at one forty-five today, but every day after this it will be at two-fifteen!"
Gabriella put Owen down and got down to Nate and Ellie's height, "Mommy loves you two so, so much. You're gonna do great. I love you." She squeezed them tightly for a few moments and kissed both their cheeks.
Troy hugged them next, "Show your momma genes now. Be smart and have a good day bugs. I love you guys." He high-fived each of the kids.
Gabriella and Troy saw the fear in their eyes, Gabriella held her tears back. They waved as the kids walked towards school and Gabriella lost it when they disappeared behind the doors. Chad and Taylor joined them on their walk back, equally as weepy. The four stopped and ate breakfast. Then, went home and waited for one forty-five so they could pick their children up.
Around one o'clock, Gabriella sat down next to Troy in the living room, "Where's Owen?" He asked.
She sighed, "Napping. Troy… do you think they're having a good day?"
He put his arm around his wife, "I'm sure they are."
She snuggled into him, "I don't want them to grow up anymore."
"I know babe. We could have another baby." Troy smiled.
Gabriella looked up at him, "Wait… would you actually want to have another baby?"
"I would have a million babies with you."
She smiled, "Maybe we'd have another girl. Give Eliana a sister."
He kissed her, "Let's try again then."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"We need to go get them now." She said, looking at the clock.
They joined Chad and Taylor in the walk back to the school again, this time with Owen napping in his stroller. When they arrived at the school, the kids began to pile out. They saw their three and smiled.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Nate yelled, running towards them.
"Hey little man. How was it?" Troy asked, scooping him into his arms.
"SO MUCH FUN! We made nametags and did a craft. Then me, Ellie, and JT were the only ones who knew how to write the alphabet!"
"Wow kiddo. That is awesome." Gabriella smiled, "How was your day Ellie?"
"So fun! I met a new friend. Her name is Anna." Ellie beamed.
"I am so happy you two."
"Mommy… when do we get to come back?" Nate asked.
"Tomorrow."
"I can't wait." Nate smiled.
They walked home, the kids in front and the four parents in back; Troy pushed Owen in the stroller.
"Troy… they're too big. They don't even wanna be home anymore."
"Give them a week El… they'll hate it when they start doing work." He kissed her.
"Oh god… that day was so great and so sad." Gabriella sighed.
Troy smiled, "That was the day we started trying for a baby. I forgot about that part."
"I remember that pregnancy very vividly. Do you remember that?"
Troy began to laugh, "Yes… you hated me when you were about to give birth. I was just trying to move us closer to our friends."
"Well I was happy we were moving into the same neighborhood as everyone, but it was still horrific timing." She laughed.
He kissed her head, "I bought you a house near your three best friends. Kelsi, Taylor, and Martha were our next-door neighbors! They still are actually!"
"I was about to have our child any day!" She said, half laughing, half exasperated.
"It wasn't that bad…" He chuckled.
"Why did you decide we were going to move while I am FORTY weeks pregnant Troy?" Gabriella said as she threw clothes into bags, "I can't lift anything!"
"Our parents are here… they can help." Troy said.
She huffed, "I feel so helpless! I look like a beached whale!"
"Gabriella… we had to move. The house closes on the first of September. It's August twenty-fifth."
"And the week before our children start the first grade. As if I didn't have enough going on."
"I hear tension!" Lucille Bolton said as she entered the room, "Gab… your mom, Jack, and I are here to help. Dictate! Troy, your father is waiting in the van. It's packed full… you want to go to the new house now. Karen is at the new house with the kids. She even got Ellie and Nate to sit down and work on their summer math. And little Owen is coloring right alongside them. No wonder you're a genius, your mother has the patience of an angel."
Gabriella sat down, "God! Lucy, I am sweating, I am hungry, and I am tired. I want to be in bed somewhere. Anywhere. Just in a cold, air conditioned house, in my bed."
"Mom, please remind me to never move again when my wife is forty weeks pregnant." Troy laughed.
Gabriella looked at him, "Oh don't worry. Four children will be the max."
Troy kissed her head as he walked by, "I love you."
"Shut up." She said.
Lucille laughed, "The love of a husband and wife."
Gabriella smiled, "I love him. I just hate him right now. I only have a few boxes left. Mostly little stuff. If you can help me get them into my car, we can officially be done."
"Okay honey. You gonna miss this house?" She asked.
Gabriella nodded, "This was where I had my first three children. It's where I fell in love with Troy again. I'm sad we're leaving… but the new house is in a better location for both of us going to work. But I will miss it."
"Moving from the first house is always hard. When Jack and I decided to downsize after Troy graduated from college, I had the hardest time leaving. We lived in that house since Troy was born. He met the love of his life while he lived in that house." Lucille smiled.
"I loved that house. Leaving my house in Albuquerque was hard too. I remember I had the balcony that Troy used to sneak up onto."
"He did what?" Lucille said.
She laughed, "Oh my god… you guys still don't know about that?! He used to sneak up into my room with like a pizza and chocolate covered strawberries and we'd have a picnic in my room."
Lucille smiled, "I want to kill him for sneaking out but that is so positively sweet that I can't. Plus you are married now… so I guess it all worked out."
"He was the most perfect boyfriend." She smiled at the memory, "Let's get these things to my new house."
Gabriella and Lucille got the boxes into the car and made their way to the new house. Gabriella winced as she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. Lucille looked over, "Are you okay?"
"I'm good. Just a little Braxton hicks is all." She rubbed her stomach.
Lucille raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure?"
"Positive." Gabriella said as she parked her car and stepped out.
Karen appeared in the doorway, "Troy and Jack are setting up some furniture. I just gave the kids popsicles. They have been behaving so well."
Gabriella smiled, "Perfect mom. Thank you! I have the last few boxes. We just need to – Ouch!"
"Gabby?" Karen asked, running towards her daughter.
Gabriella looked down at her jean skirt and laughed, "I think my water just broke."
"Oh my god. I'll go get Troy."
Gabriella was laughing, "I told him this was a terrible idea."
"Gabby… why are you laughing? Aren't you in pain?" Karen asked.
"I've done this twice already mom. It's pretty much secondhand at this point. I'm just gonna kill my husband this time. Where the hell is he?"
Troy came running out of the house, "ELLA! I am so sorry. Okay, let's get you to the hospital. Mom, dad, Karen… can you watch the kids?"
"Of course. Get my baby girl to the hospital. Call us soon. We'll bring the kids down in a little." Karen said.
"Troy… I actually may kill you." Gabriella said as he helped her into the car.
"Remember how much you wanted another baby right now, El." He kissed her cheek.
She rolled her eyes and as another contraction hit, yelled, "Just fucking drive."
Four hours and a few pushes later, Troy and Gabriella lay in her hospital bed, their new little miracle bundled in her arms. They heard a knock on the door and their three children and parents walked in.
"Hello!" Lucille said as they walked in, "Congratulations. What is it? A boy? A girl? Name?"
"Luc… slow down, give them a second to breathe." Jack laughed.
Gabriella smiled, "This is another little boy."
Jack chuckled, "That leaves little Ellie belly as the only little princess still."
"I'm your princess Papa." She smiled, "Mommy, daddy… what is his name?"
Troy took the baby from Gabriella as his parents helped their three older children onto the bed, "This is little Noah Christopher Bolton. Born on August 25th 2022. He weighed nine pounds five ounces and was twenty-three inches long."
"My gosh, Gabby… that is a big baby." Karen smiled.
"Hello brudder." Noah said as he placed a light kiss on the baby's forehead.
Gabriella smiled, "Now Troy… who was right that moving while I was forty weeks pregnant was a bad idea?"
Troy handed her the baby, "Not you. Because this little guy was the best housewarming gift we could ask for."
Gabriella looked at her husband, "Ugh… I hate when you're right." She teased and kissed him lightly.
"See… it was not that bad." Troy squeezed her.
Gabriella smiled, "I guess it wasn't. Poor little Noah was born into a mess though."
"We got it figured out. Our friends helped a lot." Troy said.
"They did… you're right. Thank god our parents were there too."
Troy smiled, "Remember how I wanted to be done having children then?"
"Shut up! You wanted to have another way more than me." Gabriella laughed.
He shook his head, "No way! I had enough to start a basketball team at that point."
"Don't you mean we? You're the one who asked Ellie if she wanted a sister?"
"Oh yeah… remember that vacation?"
"Mom! Dad! Get up! I want to go to the beach!" Ellie yelled as she jumped on the bed.
"Remember when our vacations were relaxing?" Troy said as Gabriella opened her eyes.
"Yes… but I would never want them back." She said, "ELIANA! STOP!"
Eliana fell down onto the bed, Troy laughed, "You sure about that one?"
She rolled her eyes, "We will get to the beach when we can. I need everyone to get up and get ready first."
They were in Hawaii. It was the first true vacation they had taken their kids on. Sure, they had spent weeks in Disney Land and Ellie and Nate had been to Colorado, but this was the first big one. Nate and Ellie had turned eight in May, Owen had just turned five last month, and Noah would be three at the end of the summer. They were happy. A vacation had finally worked out now that the kids were all potty trained and talking.
"Momma! Momma! Beach?" Noah cheered.
Troy picked him up, "After breakfast and getting cleaned up, okay?"
"Okay!" He smiled.
Two hours later, and Gabriella peeled her sundress off as the kids played in the sand. Troy snuck up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, "You look sexy in a bikini."
She giggles and turned around wrapping her arms around his neck, "Thank you. Still as sexy as when I was the lifeguard that summer at Lava Springs?"
"Sexier. Because now I'm actually sleeping with you." He playfully squeezed her butt.
"GROSS!" They heard and turned around to see Nate and Owen shaking their heads, they both laughed.
"Took you six months to kiss me. You're lucky you ever got to see what was underneath."
"All mine now though!" He kissed her passionately.
"Dad… can we go in the water?" Nate asked.
He nodded, "Sure thing buddy, just gotta get some swimmies on those arms."
They made their way down to the water and Gabriella sat in the sand with Noah, letting the waves hit them, as Troy waded out into the deeper water. It was a lovely day, it made her remember why she loved her family so much. She ruffled Noah's hair and he laughed as he handed her a shell.
"Thanks bud. Want mommy to hold you and we'll go out and see daddy and brothers and sissy?"
"Yeah!" He cheered. Gabriella picked him and walked towards her children and husband.
"Mommy! Look at me!" Owen said as he dipped under the water.
"Wow, you go little man." She smiled, "Do you guys know mommy was a lifeguard one summer?"
"Really?" Ellie asked, as her eyes grew wide, "Did you save anyone?"
"I helped one of daddy's friends out of the pool." She said, remembering when Sharpay had fallen in, she laughed to herself.
"Daddy was there?" Nate asked.
Troy nodded, "Daddy got mommy and all of your aunties and uncles jobs at the same place one summer. It was the country club owned by Uncle Ryan's parents!"
"So Lily and Annie's nanny and poppy?" Owen asked.
Gabriella nodded, "Exactly."
It was a beautiful day as they continued to play in the water. Gabriella gave Noah to Troy and laughed as he splashed the kids. They were having a blast. This vacation was perfect. Troy wrapped his arm around Gabriella.
"We have great kids."
She nodded, "Perfect ones, actually."
"I agree. We should have another."
Gabriella burst out laughing, "No freaking way. We have four."
"Come on Gabs… hey guys… do you want mommy and daddy to give you another brother or sister?"
They all looked at each other and nodded. Ellie spoke, "I wish I had a little sister."
Troy smiled, "See!"
Gabriella shook her head, "We'll see El… we'll wait and see."
"That was a wonderful vacation." Gabriella sighed contentedly.
"I agree one hundred percent. Plus we didn't have sex once that week because the kids were in the room and I'm pretty sure we conceived the night we came home."
She laughed, "Shut up! You're so weird."
"That's why you love me."
"Partially." She agreed, "I also love you because you still give me butterflies all these years later."
"Like kindergarten." He smiled, "So was it that night that we conceived?"
She shook her head, laughing, "Maybe. God Troy I don't know!"
"It's okay though because we still got a beautiful little baby nine months later."
"That we did." She smiled, "God remember that night. Why were those two births so eventful?"
"Oh yeah… I do remember that night…"
"Troy… it has not snowed in Los Angeles since we've lived here. What is going on?" Gabriella asked as she came into the house after taking Marcie outside.
He shook his head, "I don't know. I'm glad I didn't have a game this weekend. I wouldn't have wanted to leave you and the kids alone in this."
"Taylor and I probably would've stayed together. The kids would've loved that."
"Yeah… but you're thrity-eight weeks pregnant and there would have been nine kids between you two. I still would have been afraid." He said.
"Jason and Kelsi and Ryan and Martha would have been there to help." She smiled.
Troy shook his head, "I know… but that would've added six more kids and your knight in shining armor still wouldn't have been here to help."
She smiled as he kissed her cheek, "That part is true."
"They're saying eight inches. That's a lot for LA. Our year in Boston taught us how to handle this though."
"You're right. Good thing we spent a year in snowy New England."
"Mommy, daddy! It's so snowy out." Owen said as he stared out the living room window.
Gabriella sat down next to him; "I bet you don't have school tomorrow. This is so weird for Los Angeles."
"Mom… didn't you meet dad in the snow?" Ellie asked.
Troy nodded, "In Colorado. Snowy as heck out there. We'll have to take you kids out there one day when you're all a little bigger."
"I want to snowboard!" Nate said, "It looks so cool."
"That was always dad's thing. He and Papa loved snowboarding. And mom was more of a reader." Gabriella smiled.
"But when mom but her book down for two seconds, she met dad."
"Oh mommy! Daddy! Sing the song from when you met!" Ellie clasped her hands together.
"Yuck. That story is too romantic for me." Nate said.
"Me too!" Owen copied his older brother.
"Me fwee!" Noah said, folding his hands over his chest.
"Living in my own world…" Troy began and he and Gabriella began to dance and sing around the living room. A very pregnant and tired Gabriella sat down on the couch when she was finished.
"I love that song!" Ellie beamed.
Nate smiled, "It is kind of catchy."
"That's the spirit Nate man. Always remember… the ladies love a man who can sing."
"No… this lady loved the gentleman that your father was. The singing was a bonus." Gabriella smiled, "Okay… now we do not know for sure if school is cancelled. Let's do showers and bed time!"
"Awh! Come on mom! We're in third grade now!"
"Doesn't matter. Bedtime is still nine. Let's go."
An hour later, as everyone was tucked into bed, Troy and Gabriella snuggled up on the couch. She looked at Troy, "I want to tell you something and you cannot freak out…"
"What?" He asked, flipping through channels.
She took a deep breath, "I'm having contractions and they're about three minutes apart and I think we need to go to the hospital but it's like snowing really badly. And we have four children sleeping upstairs. God… why are we having a fifth kid?"
Troy looked at her, "Okay… breathe. I'll call Taylor. I'll get the bag. We need to leave now before the contractions get too close and the roads get too bad."
"Of course this kid wants to be born on the one night it's been snowing this bad in Los Angeles in thirty years."
He smiled, "Breathe Ella. It's fine."
Troy drove to the hospital as Gabriella counted the minutes between her contractions. The usual twenty-minute drive took almost an hour and when they finally pulled in, Gabriella relaxed. She did not want to be on the news for having her baby in the car in the middle of a blizzard. When they got there, her contractions were about forty-five seconds apart and the doctor had her pushing almost immediately. At eleven thirty-three, they heard a piercing scream and their fifth child was placed on her chest.
"Congratulations Gabriella and Troy… it's finally another little girl."
Gabriella had tears in her eyes, "Another girl Troy. Finally. Hello princess. I'm your mommy. Me and Eliana are gonna dress you in so much pink."
Troy smiled, "And me and Nate, Owen, and Noah are going to make sure you never get hurt."
"What are we going to name her?" Gabriella asked.
Troy smiled, "What do you like momma?"
"What about… Aria?"
Troy looked down at the little girl, "Aria Rosalie Bolton."
Gabriella smiled at the baby and kissed her husbands cheek, "That's perfect. Aria Rosalie born on February eighth, 2025."
"Hi Aria… mommy and daddy love you so much."
"That was such a perfect snowy night." Troy smiled.
Gabriella nodded, "I agree. What time is it babe?"
"Seven fifteen."
"We can reminisce a little more… oh my gosh! Remember me, Taylor, and the kids the night of you and Chad's last game?"
Troy started to laugh, "How could I ever forget that?"
"I'll see you tonight babe." Troy kissed Gabriella. "Bye kiddos!"
Gabriella waited for the door to shut, "Okay guys! Today is daddy's last basketball game as a Los Angeles Laker. It's also Uncle Chad's. Me and Auntie Taylor have some stuff planned. So let's put on coats and shoes and get over there."
It was early January of 2028. Troy and Gabriella had just celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary. Troy had just turned thirty-eight in September. Gabriella was close behind him in March. It had been twenty-one years since they had graduated high school. Gabriella was still working in a lab, making scientific discoveries everyday. Nate and Ellie would be eleven in May, in the fall they'd be going into middle school. Owen would be eight in June. He was conquering second grade currently, something he though was very impressive. Noah was five now, in August he would turn six. He was busy working his way through Kindergarten, and proving he was smarter than everyone else in the house. Aria was almost three, in just a few weeks; she would be celebrating her birthday with a princess party. But tonight was Chad and Troy's final game as Los Angeles Lakers. They said they were getting too old, and it was finally time to settle down.
Today, Gabriella and Taylor had their kids making signs for their dad's. They were so proud of their husbands but couldn't wait for them to be home more often. Taylor and Chad had five children now. JT was eleven like the twins, and then the next four came one year after each other. Jayden was ten, Jasmine was nine, Jacob was eight, and Julia was seven. Taylor had accomplished her goal of having five kids in five years. She thought Gabriella was crazy for spacing them out like she did.
At around three that afternoon, when the sign making was done, they dressed the kids and themselves in head to toe Lakers gear.
"Gab… we look ridiculous." Taylor said as they drove to the stadium.
"They'll love it though."
Taylor laughed, "I know they will."
They pulled into the stadium and Gabriella and Taylor unloaded their children. Everyone was buzzing. Troy and Chad had been pretty significant players over the last decade. It was going to be a sad night for the team. They had a press conference scheduled for afterwards and then a team party. Gabriella and Taylor had brought changes of clothes for that.
"Mrs. Bolton!" A reporter yelled, "Mrs. Danforth! Could we ask you a few questions?"
"Make it quick." Taylor said, "We have almost a dozen children here who are in need of some food and drink."
The reporter smiled, "How does it feel being at your husbands last game? Mrs. Danforth, you've been around since the beginning of Chad's career? And Mrs. Bolton, although your relationship with Troy Bolton was a little shaky at the beginning, everyone knows you were high school sweethearts!"
"It's been crazy. But it'll be nice to have them home for awhile now. We're happy that they spent the years they did on the team though." Gabriella smiled.
Taylor nodded, "The kids will love their daddy time."
The reporter thanked them and they made their way in. They bought hot dogs and nachos and popcorn. All the kids got a juice or a soda and Taylor and Gabriella got a beer. Then, they made their way to the courtside seats the boys had arranged. Troy and Chad were warming up when they saw them coming down.
Chad looked over at Troy, "Oh Jesus."
Troy laughed, "They are so embarrassing. This is shit we would pull."
"They've learned from the best." Chad said as he passed the ball to Troy.
They made their way to their families, "Looking good guys." Troy chuckled.
"Thanks baby!" Gabriella kissed him, "Good luck out their boys. Don't fall down like you did in the championship game your senior year Troy."
"Hey… when we've got sixteen minutes left in our career, there's no telling when he might need you to call out to him Gabs." Chad said.
Troy shook his head, "Shut up. Love you guys. We need to go finish our basketball careers."
"Love you boys!" Taylor called out.
At halftime, they called Gabriella, Taylor and the kids out to the court. They honored Troy and Chad and Gabriella and Taylor each gave them their plaque certifying they were in the Lakers hall of fame. They played their last second half as Los Angeles Lakers and when the buzzer rang, won the game by two points. It was much like the East High senior year victory.
Gabriella walked up to Troy and hugged him behind his waist, "Congratulations wildcat."
"Hey!" Troy said, leaning down to kiss her, "I didn't get to do that the first time. But now you're all mine."
"Once a wildcat, always a wildcat."
"That was a great day…" Troy smiled, "One of the last times I saw my dad too. He was at the game."
"Yeah. He was there. I forgot about that. He was one proud dad that day."
Troy smiled, "I miss him. I wish he was still here."
"He'll always be with you. Troy, you made him proud."
"Do you remember the day I got that call?"
Gabriella smiled lightly, "I do. That's a sad memory."
"I know… but at the funeral I thought that what I said perfectly described my dad and I's relationship…"
"You're right… it did."
Gabriella stood in front of the kitchen sink, peeling apples for the pie she was going to bake. Troy was sitting at the kitchen counter, on his computer. Ellie and Nate were both out, Nate at basketball practice and Ellie at dance class. Owen was doing homework at the counter. Noah was coloring and Aria was imitating her older brother.
"I'm just saying babe… you don't need to go back to work right away." Gabriella peeled another apple and placed it on the counter.
Troy shook his head, "I know… but I get bored easily. I love being home with the kids but Aria is going to go to preschool next year and then what? I'll be alone all day."
"You have a year before that happens." Gabriella sighed, "Slow down, enjoy life."
He walked up and grabbed an apple; "I do enjoy it when I'm with you."
She giggled as he kissed her cheek. Noah shuddered, "Gross. Stop kissing."
"One day you'll kiss your wife like that too Noah!" Aria said, "Ellie says it's romantic!"
"Whatever. It's still yucky." Noah said.
Owen nodded, "I agree. Save it for your alone time."
Troy laughed, "Can you believe our children?"
Gabriella smiled, "Half of you there buddy."
Troy's phone rang and Gabriella turned, "It's my mom."
"Oh. Tell her I said hello."
"Hi momma!" Troy said, "What?"
Gabriella turned quickly, noticing the change in his tone of voice, "Hey guys! Let's go upstairs and get our jammies on."
"Mommy! It's only seven! Nate and Ellie aren't even home yet." Owen said.
Gabriella smiled, "We'll have a PJ party. Please. Go get dressed. I'll be up in one second."
"Okay mom. I'll be there as soon as possible. I love you." Troy hung up the phone and turned to Gabriella. She saw the tears in his eyes.
"Babe… what happened?"
The tears began to fall, "Ella… my dad had a massive heart attack at the gym. He's dead."
Gabriella felt her breath hitch; she threw her arms around her husband, "Baby… I am so sorry."
"My dad is dead Ella…"
"Sweetheart… it's going to be okay. Baby I am so sorry. Your dad was so proud of you. Babe… let's get a flight booked. We're going to go down to Albuquerque. I'm gonna go get Ellie and Nate from dance and basketball. Just stay here. I'll be home so quick."
Twenty minutes later Gabriella returned home and saw troy sitting at the kitchen counter with his head in his hands, "I found a flight that leaves in five hours."
"Okay. Honey I'm going to go get the kids packed." Gabriella said, "Go pack yourself up."
"Dad… are you okay?" Nate asked.
Gabriella looked at her son, "Hey bud. Let's leave dad alone right now."
"I'm sorry daddy…" Ellie said as they walked upstairs.
That night, Gabriella and Troy and the kids boarded the plane to Albuquerque. Gabriella laid her head on her husband's shoulder, "Babe… we need to tell them."
"I know. We will before we get to my mom's."
Three hours later and they were all in the car driving to Troy's parents house, he took a deep shaky breath.
"Guys… we have to tell you something. There is a reason we're in Albuquerque."
"What is it dad?" Nate asked.
Gabriella held Troy's hand as he spoke, "Papa passed away tonight."
"Papa's gone?" Ellie said, Gabriella heard tears in her voice.
"Daddy what does that mean?" Noah asked.
Gabriella cleared her throat, "It means Papa went to heaven with mommy's daddy and all the other angels."
"He's gone?" Aria asked.
"Yeah sweetie. He's gone."
The week was a whirlwind of emotion. Troy spent a lot of time crying, Gabriella held him and was there for him. The kids weren't quite sure what was going on, but they behaved well and for that, Gabriella was grateful. Lucille was a wreck and Troy was trying to help her sort through things. Karen had helped Gabriella a lot and let Troy and Lucille do their thing. The funeral was set for Friday and Jack had passed on Monday. Thursday night the calling hours were hard but everyone was there. Now, on Friday morning, they sat in the church.
Everyone was there. All of Jack's old teammates. His colleagues from school, Ms. Darbus included. Every last one of the children he had coached in his nearly thirty years at East High. His brothers and sisters. Lucille's family. Chad and Taylor and their kids and parents. Kelsi and Jason along with their family and parents. Martha and Ryan. Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Even a somber looking Sharpay sat in the back of the room. It was filled to the brim. Photos of Jack filled the entire place and basketball memorabilia was everywhere. Lucille sat in the front row, Troy at her side and Gabriella and the kids behind them. The funeral began and when the time came Troy stood up.
"My dad was one of the best people I have ever known. He was more to me than my father… he was my coach, my mentor, and the person who believed in me. Jack Bolton was the basketball guy. He taught me everything I knew. I remember pretty much from the second I was born, basketball was my life. But that was just my dad. He was passionate. His love for basketball was almost as great as his love for my mother, and I never doubted either of those things. My dad was a man who taught me to embrace the change in my life. Even though when he found out that change was me being in the school's musical he was not thrilled, he learned that he was the one who taught me to go after what I love. My dad gave me everything. I only hope that he was as proud of me as I am of him. So thank you to the man who taught everything. And for believing that I was the basketball guy and the musical guy. And for loving me and my children and my wife and mom the way we deserved. I love you, coach."
"Troy… that was a beautiful speech. I remember it so clearly." Gabriella smiled.
"I really miss him. But I know he's up there with your dad, watching over us."
"Exactly. They're proud of us."
Troy poked Gabriella, "You know what was the year after that?"
"Oh yes… that god forsaken birthday."
"Come on, that was great."
"Happy birthday!" Troy said as Gabriella woke up.
"Shut it. I'm not getting any older."
Troy kissed her, "Ella… I have been forty since September. It is not that bad."
"I'm old!" She said.
He kissed her all over her face, "You still look seventeen to me."
"Thanks but I'm old and yucky." She sighed, "Guess this old hag has to go to work."
'I'll see you tonight baby!" He smacked her butt as she walked away, "Love you hot mama."
"Weirdo."
Troy spent the day setting up. She had said she wanted nothing but he was planning the biggest party for her. All of their friends and family would be there. It was going to be a night for her to remember. The kids had helped him out a lot too. Aria had just turned five last month, so there were no more babies. Noah was eight, Owen was ten, and the twins were thirteen. The fact that he first babies had hit teenage-hood this year was also killing her. That's why he knew she needed a night to let loose and have fun.
Gabriella arrived home at four that evening. The kids were all gone and Troy was waiting.
"What's going on?" She asked, putting her keys down.
Troy handed her flowers, "Special date for a special girl. Go get dressed. I laid something out for you."
Gabriella came back down in a flowy and sparkly gold and white dress, similar to what she would have worn to prom all those years ago, "You sure are a master at finding our old clothes."
"I loved that dress on you. Come on. Dinner date for two."
She squinted her eyes, "Where are our children?"
"Taylor and Chad have them." He smiled.
"Are you lying?" She smirked.
"Yeah. Now come on."
They pulled up to the restaurant and Gabriella got out, "Guess you weren't lying."
"Exactly." He smiled.
They walked up and into the room, the lights turned on and everyone jumped out, "SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABRIELLA!"
She started to laugh, "Oh my god! Troy!"
"Happy birthday mommy!" Her kids said as they ran up to her.
She hugged them, "Thank you guys."
"Want a drink?" Troy asked.
"Just a soda for now. Thanks." She smiled, "Come on kiddos. Let's dance."
They spent the entire evening having fun and reminiscing about their lives. Troy had outdone himself. There were pictures everywhere. From the days of little Gabriella to the days at East high. From when she had her first children to a picture taken last week. He picked an amazing spread for the buffet and had a candy and sweets table that was to die for. The DJ played all their favorite songs and everyone danced. Even Karen and Lucille had come for the party. It was a perfect night. Around midnight, everyone began to trickle out. Chad and Taylor took their kids for the evening. They made their way home and Gabriella smiled as they pulled into the driveway.
"Thank you babe. That was perfect." She grabbed his hand as they walked into the house. He leaned down and kissed her.
"Glad you enjoyed. Hopefully it makes turning forty a little easier." He said.
She smiled, "Well… I have a present for you tonight."
"For me? But it's your day?"
She handed him a small wrapped box, "Go on. Open it."
He tore the paper off the box and gasped, "No fucking way. When?"
"Remember the night of Kelsi and Jason's party?"
"Are you serious?"
"As a dead man."
"Are you happy?"
"Kind of… actually. Are you?"
"Hell yeah I am!"
"So baby number six…" Gabriella smiled.
"Happy birthday babe! We're having a baby! Or another baby I should say!"
"Oh my god that was the best birthday ever." Gabriella smiled.
Troy nodded, "Pretty great. I think my birthday that year was awesome too."
"Yeah that's true… You actually got the best birthday present ever."
"I'll always remember that birthday…"
"Troy! Troy! Wake up! It's time." Gabriella shook him awake, "Like baby time."
"Oh god! Okay. I'll grab your bag. Go get in the car. Can you call Chad?"
"On it." Gabriella said. It was the fifth time they had done this, so it was pretty standard what happened at this point.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the hospital. Troy filled out papers while Gabriella breathed. They got her into her room and the doctor checked on her. Eight centimeters, another two and they'd be good to go. Troy and Gabriella spent the hours discussing names and how this would for good be the last.
"We said that about Aria." Troy joked.
Gabriella glared at him, "I mean it. You're getting fixed."
"I'm not a dog."
"I'll make you one." She said, and laughed.
The doctor came in, giving Gabriella the okay. Three long pushes later and there was a piercing scream.
"Congratulations! It's a girl!"
Troy kissed Gabriella as they placed her new baby on her chest, "Three of each. How blessed are we."
"Hi baby girl. Welcome to the world. We're your mommy and daddy and we are so excited to have you here."
"Do you have a name?" The nurse asked.
"The one you liked babe."
"Scarlet Elisabeth Bolton." Gabriella smiled, "Hey Scar."
"I love it babe. Let's call our mom's and get Taylor and Chad to bring the kids down."
"Troy it's two in the morning."
"OH crap! I didn't even realize."
"Hey babe… happy birthday." Gabriella smiled.
"Yeah to little Scar bar." He kissed the babies head.
"To you too sweetie." Gabriella smiled and he looked at her, "September twelfth."
"No way." Troy smiled, a tear in his eye, "Me and my little girl have the same birthday. That's awesome."
"I love you. Thanks for coming into earth on this day and giving me this precious little pink princess today too."
"I love you too babe."
"That day was so perfect." Gabriella sighed, "Actually everyday with you, even the bad ones, are perfect."
"But that day was special." Troy squeezed her, "It was right after that we made the big move…"
Gabriella chuckled, "That's right. Scarlett was barely a year old."
"I still cannot believe you agreed." Troy smiled.
Gabriella yawned, "Come on. That was the best decision of our lives."
"Ella!" Troy yelled as he came into the house.
She came around the corner, "Shh! I just got Scarlet to fall asleep."
"Sorry! But man am I excited!" Troy said.
She smiled, "What's up?"
"I have some really big news." Troy beamed.
"Okay… shoot!" She looked at him.
"I was offered a job. The best job… the greatest job."
She laughed, "Okay killer… what is it?"
"A coaching job!" Troy smiled.
"Troy that's great!" She kissed him lightly, "Where?"
"This is the best and also worst part." Troy said.
"Okay… could you tell me?"
"It's at East High. They offered me my dad's old job… and they offered it to Chad too. And they said we could co-coach. We'd both be making the same salary. But Ella… we'd have to move back to Albuquerque."
Gabriella looked at him, "Oh wow. That's like amazing and horrifying at the same time…"
"We don't have to go. I can turn it down. I'll tell Chad to take it."
Gabriella looked at him, "I think we should go."
"You do?"
"Yes… how amazing would it be to raise our kids there? Ellie and Nate are going to be starting high school in the fall… they'll go to East High." Gabriella said.
Troy looked at her seriously, "But Ella… we will literally have to pick our life up and move."
"Okay. Let's look for a house. Let's do it. I moved a lot when I was a kid. And my move to East High was the best one ever."
"You're sure?"
"Yes. Let's start looking for houses. Call them and tell them you'll take the job. I'll find something new or maybe even stay home for awhile."
"Oh my god… I love you. This is so perfect."
"I love you too!"
Gabriella felt her phone buzz in her pocket:
Kelsi: Not gonna believe this ladies… but I just got a call from East High, they want me to come back and teach a new music class! AH! I'm moving back to Albuquerque.
Tay: WHAT?! Are you kidding me? Chad just got an offer to coach basketball there! We're moving too!
Martha: Ryan and I were just asked to go back and head the drama department! Ms. Darbus is retiring! WHAAAT? This is crazy.
Me: OMG girls! Troy is like… co-coaching with Chad. Are we seriously all going back to East High? Tay, you and I should be Chem teachers!
"Troy… I swear to god all of our friends were offered jobs there. I think Taylor and I will be next…" Gabriella laughed.
"No El… you're laughing but they did ask if you would be willing to teach…"
"Seriously?" Gabriella laughed.
Troy nodded, "We're going to be the next generation of East High super teachers."
Six months later and they were moved into a brand new house on Meadowlark Lane in Albuquerque. The move had been received badly at first. The twins thought they were going to die if they left friends behind. Owen was concerned there would not be a basketball team in Albuquerque. Noah thought he would be too hot. Aria was having a disastrous time accepting that her first grade teacher wouldn't be the same as Eliana's had been. Scarlet slept through almost every argument. But once they moved, the kids quickly realized they loved it. Eliana said she understood why dad and mom fell in love here. Nate was excited that he would be just like Troy had been, coached by his own father. Owen was excited that he would be able to practice with the coaches at the high school. Noah learned that it was actually a pretty nice temperature in Albuquerque. And Aria thought she had the prettiest teacher ever. Scarlet still slept a lot.
"Troy…" Gabriella smiled as she looked around their living room one night, "I am so glad we did this."
"I know… I can't believe there's gonna be another coach Bolton at East High."
"And a pretty awesome Mrs. Bolton as Chemistry Department Director and Scholastic Decathlon Teacher Advisor."
"A pretty hot one if you ask me." He kissed her, "This is perfect baby. I love you."
"I love you too. Now we'll just have to convince our kids to let us be in the musical." She winked.
"Best decision of our lives." Troy smiled.
Gabriella agreed, "Mmm… we made a good choice there. I'm so glad our kids have gone through East High."
"Remember the day the twins got their licenses?" Troy chuckled, "That was Albuquerque's greatest moment."
"I hated that day. Made me feel so old."
"Eliana is about to get married and you feel old over licenses. All our children have those now."
"Don't remind me…"
"Come on remember how excited they were…"
"MOM! We need to go or we are going to be late!" Ellie yelled.
"Eliana Karen Lucille Bolton if you scream at me like that one more time I swear to God you won't drive until you are forty. Stop it right now." Gabriella said, clearly exasperated, "Where is your father?"
"Right here. I feel tension in here. Eliana just go get in the car. Nate, go with her. Neither of you are driving." Troy said.
Gabriella sighed as she tied Scarlet's shoe, "Please don't let them start driving. Do they not realize how old they are making me feel?"
"Sweetie, we still have a three year old. We are not old." Troy kissed her forehead, "Besides. We're about to have two built in chauffeurs."
"I guess I have to think of it that way."
Troy wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "That's my baby. Come on. Let's go get some licenses. Ready Scar?"
"READY DADDY!"
"At least I still have one baby." Gabriella said as they got into the car.
Nate asked, "If we get our licenses are we going to get new cars?"
"Not new ones. Maybe a used one." Troy said.
"Will we both get one?" Ellie asked.
Gabriella couldn't believe her babies were sixteen and a half. It was actually incredible how fast those years had gone by. Now, she was about to let them start driving. Nathan had turned into a star basketball player like his father. Ellie was into theatre like they both had been. And both of them had proven they had gained their mother's intelligence.
Gabriella rolled her eyes, "Get the license first."
"Why are you being nasty today?" Ellie said, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Stop it Eliana. You'll give Scarlet an attitude." Troy said, pulling into the parking lot of the DMV.
The kids filled out their paper work and sat down with Troy, Gabriella and Scarlet. They waited not so patiently until Nathan's name was called.
"Nathan Bolton?" The lady at the front desk said, "Car 3."
"Good luck kid. Go kill that test." Troy said, slapping him in a friendly way on the back.
"Good luck bug." Gabriella said.
Nate looked at them, "Thanks. Mom, stop calling me bug."
Gabriella laughed, "Go take your test."
As Nate left, Eliana was called.
"Eliana Bolton?"
"That's me!" She stood up.
"Car 8."
Troy smiled, "Good luck El."
"Thanks dad."
Gabriella squeezed her shoulder, "Break a leg."
Eliana hugged her mother, "Thanks mommy."
Gabriella watched as both of her children went to their tests. In twenty minutes, they would both have their licenses. And that meant a new freedom Gabriella was no sure she wanted them to have.
"Ella… we aren't old." Troy said, practically breaking into her thoughts.
She smiled, "How do you know what I'm thinking?"
"Because I know you." He put an arm around her shoulder, "Scar, how old are mommy and daddy?"
"Six hundred?" The little girl smiled.
Gabriella laughed, "Oh jeez. Little high there Scar."
Nate came running around the corner at that moment, "I passed! I get my license!"
"Congrats bud!" Troy said, standing up and hugging his son.
"Wow baby! I'm so proud of you." Gabriella smiled.
Eliana appeared, "Getting my license! How about you Nate?"
"We are ready to drive El!" Nate high fived his sister.
"Let's get those licenses." Troy said.
After some processing and picture taking, they were driving home. Troy still drove so that they couldn't fight over who got to drive with their license first. They pulled up to the house and Eliana and Nate gasped.
"WHAT ARE THOSE?!" Eliana squealed.
Gabriella smiled, "You better behave, these still belong to daddy and I."
"YOU BOUGHT US CARS? OH MY GOD!" Nate yelled, "THIS IS AWESOME. THANK YOU!"
Chad and Taylor stepped out of the cars, "Congrats kiddos. Now you guys and JT can ride in style."
"MOM! DAD! You are literally the best!" Eliana beamed.
"That day killed me but also made me so happy." Gabriella sighed.
Troy nodded, "It was a good day though. They were happy and so grateful."
"That is very true. It was right after that, that we all made the big move too. Remember we let them drive home?"
"Oh yeah… I can't believe you agreed."
Gabriella chuckled, "It was the best thing I have ever agreed too."
"Remember how the kids hated it at first?" Troy laughed.
Gabriella nodded, "All changed when theatre and basketball came into play."
"The twins senior year was perfect. Just like ours."
"I know… can't believe that was already almost ten years ago… remember Ellie? Her and her high school boyfriend were just like us."
"I remember… too bad they didn't end up like us…" Gabriella smiled and kissed her husband, "What was his last name again? Austin…?"
"Everett… remember the musical their senior year?"
"MOM! DAD!" Eliana yelled as she ran into the house.
Troy came around the corner, "You're late. Usually I get back from practice before you."
"Text Uncle Ryan and Aunt Martha and Kelsi… they kept us late. I GOT THE LEAD! AND AUSTIN GOT THE MALE LEAD."
"Did I hear you say you got the lead?" Gabriella said as they walked into the kitchen.
She nodded, "YES! And so did Austin! I swear I am going to have a love story like yours."
"Congrats bug!" Gabriella hugged her, "I'm so proud. Better watch out for Uncle Ryan though because he is one tough man."
"I know but mom this is so great! You're gonna come to the show right?"
"Of course doll. We wouldn't miss it for the world." Troy smiled.
Six weeks later and Gabriella led her brood into the theater, "We need to remember that we have to be quiet."
"Mom… I got to school here. Can I please sit with my friends?" Nathan asked.
Troy looked at him, "No one's stopping you. Go."
"Thanks!" He walked off.
"Why is he such a pain in the ass? Did we act that cool?" Troy whispered to Gabriella.
She laughed, "It's Ellie's night. Be nice. He just thinks he's a cool kid!"
"Mommy! It's starting!" Scarlett said.
Gabriella and Troy watched as their pride and joy starred in a musical on the very same stage that they had once sang on. It had been almost twenty-seven years since Troy had brought Gabriella back for the musical that had sealed their fate together. Gabriella cried as she stood up to give Ellie a final round of applause. Troy put his arm around her, "Just like you up there."
"That was such an amazing day. Getting to see her being just like us up there…" Troy smiled, "It makes me miss her being home."
"She did love it… oh my gosh, remember how the following weekend was Nate's last basketball game? Setting another Wildcat legacy."
Troy chuckled, "That game was crazy!"
"I loved it."
"Nate… just go out there and have fun today, okay?" Gabriella smiled, "It's going to be a good day even if you lose. Remember this is the last time you'll be in a Wildcat uniform!"
"I know mom. Thanks! I'll see you later at the game."
Troy came down the stairs as Nate, Ellie, and Noah left for school, "He keeping his cool?"
"Yes. Sort of. Come on, we gotta get the three younger ones to school before we have to be at work."
Troy stood in the locker room, "Remember boys… go out there and play like you've never played before." The boys began to file out, "Hey Nate, one second."
"Yeah coach?" Nate asked.
Troy smiled, "Dad right now. Have fun Nate. This is a big game, I know the pressure, but don't kill yourself over it. Win or lose, I will always be so incredibly proud of the young man I raised."
Nate reached out and hugged his father, "Thanks dad. I'm glad to have you as my father."
Gabriella sat in the stands and watched as her two men came out of the locker room. Warm ups started and she looked over to Troy and blew him a kiss. It was actually surreal how similar this was to their own senior year. Except now, she had seventeen-year-old twins, a fourteen-year-old son, a twelve-year-old son, an eight-year-old daughter and a three-year-old daughter. Gabriella cheered with her family as she watched her son play the game that all the boys in her family loved. The last minute came up and East High was down by one. She watched with her breath tight in her throat. Nate passed the ball to one of his teammates and at the final second, just like his father had done almost thirty years ago, the ball sank into the net. Gabriella jumped up.
She ran up to her husband, "YOU WON! Congratulations wildcat!"
"Nate did it, Ella. Just like I did." Troy smiled big.
Gabriella and Troy watched as Nate's girlfriend ran up to him, "Nate! You won! Congratulations wildcat!"
Gabriella turned to her husband, "Did you hear that?"
"Yeah I did freaky math girl." He kissed her and smiled.
"That was such a great day for Nate." Gabriella smiled, "I was so proud of both of you."
"Yeah, it was a great day. Just a few weeks before they graduated… god that was already ten years ago.."
"I know. We're so old."
Troy kissed her, "Like I said… everyday I see that wide eyed seventeen year old singing genius."
Gabriella chuckled, "Remember their graduation day?"
"Scarlett! Please, put your tights on. We need to go and mommy is going to be so late." Gabriella sighed, "You got out of school early for a reason."
"Mom! Do you know where my tie is?" Noah yelled, "I need to wear it to the graduation, right?"
"TROY! Please help him!" Gabriella screamed.
"MOM! TELL OWEN TO GET OUT OF THE BATHROOM!" Aria yelled.
"OKAY! EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE DOWN HERE. NOW!"
Gabriella watched as all of her children and her husband filed into the room, "What's wrong babe?"
"Listen up. Owen, your hair is fine. Put your pants and shirt on and let's go. Noah, no, you do not need a tie. I laid clothes on your bed, put those on. Aria, do your hair, remember it needs to look nice. And then put the sundress on. Scarlett, you aren't wearing the tights anymore. I was trying to be nice and let you be expressive but just wear the dress. It's too warm anyway. Troy, start the car and call our mothers. You reserved seats?"
"Yes." Troy said, "Good job general."
"Don't start with me. Everyone needs to be in the car in ten minutes. Go."
Twenty minutes later and they filed into the seats that had been reserved for them on the football field behind East high. Gabriella smiled as she watched the speeches, and then got emotional as they began to call names.
"After this we're going to have two children in college." Gabriella whispered to Troy.
"I know. I can't believe it babe." Troy kissed her head.
"Eliana Karen Lucille Bolton, number five in the class, attending Yale University in the fall. Daughter of Coach Troy Bolton and Mrs. Gabriella Bolton, the basketball coach and chemistry teacher at East High." The principal smiled.
Gabriella and Troy cheered as Ellie walked across the stage. She smiled and waved and they snapped pictures. Her brothers and sisters stood as well, cheering for her.
"Nathan Jack Antonio Bolton, number eleven in the class, attending Kentucky University in the fall, continuing his journey as a wildcat. Also the son of Coach Bolton and Mrs. Bolton."
Again, they cheered loudly as they watched him cross the stage. They waited as the rest of the names were called and erupted into cheers as their children threw their caps in the air.
"Thank you mom and dad." Ellie said as she hugged them.
"Yeah, thank you." Nate smiled.
"For what?" Troy asked.
"For being you. For doing everything the way you did. For being perfect parents." Ellie smiled.
Nate nodded his head, "Exactly what she said."
Gabriella smiled as she cuddled into Troy's side, "We really have lived the perfect life."
"I agree. I couldn't have asked for anyone better by my side either." He leaned down and kissed her gently.
"Mmm, I love you so much." Gabriella giggled.
"I love you too."
They heard a knock on their door, "Come in." Gabriella said.
"Good morning! It's Ellie's big day!" Their fifteen year old, Scarlett walked in.
"Yes it is! We need to get up and get ready now. Mom and I were just reminiscing." Troy said.
"Well come on. Aria is making breakfast, Noah called and said he's ten minutes away, Owen is going to be here soon and Nate and Jen are already downstairs. Ellie has been awake pretty much all night."
"We'll meet you in a second." Gabriella said as she got up and out of bed.
Scarlet left and Troy looked at Gabriella, "Can you believe this is our life?"
"No… but I am so glad it is."
THERE IS IT! The END! THANK YOU TO MY READERS!