A/N: I just decided to try something completely different. This story is LOOSELY based off the book "Someone Dies, Someone Lives" by Lurlene McDaniel.
Many thanks to HSMandChelseaFCfan and Josee-ann for their ideas that appear in this chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own and/or am affiliated with any of the characters, the movie, music, etc.
December 31st, 2005 6:00 pm
Looking slight annoyed at the simple note he had typed up, Gabi sighed slipping on her black heels before smoothing down her black halter style dress.
Gabi,
It's New Years Eve and get ready to party the night away. Be ready in a dress by 6:00 pm. I love you and you're going to look gorgeous no matter what you chose.
Troy
Looking in the mirror, she chewed her lip before looking over at Dakota. "What does Troy have up his sleeve girl?"
The dog just continued to chew on her toy not even acknowledging her owner had said anything. Giving herself one more final look, Gabi grabbed her purse before walking out of the room. Putting a hand on the railing, she slid it down while taking slow simple steps.
Grinning, she heard her mom and Troy's conversation. She loved the fact that they managed to always get along and managed to talk about everything and anything that came to mind.
"Where is your daughter Elena?" She held in her giggle as Troy's voice floated up the stairs.
"She should be coming. Patience Troy. Jeez you know how girls are . . . they take forever to get ready."
"Are you two done talking about me?" Walking the rest of the way down the stairs, she grinned seeing Troy's face as she walked into the living room.
His mouth had dropped open slight as his eyes trailed up and down her body. Troy looked quite dashing in his tux and red print tie. Stepping forward, she took his hands in hers before placing a simple kiss on his lips. "Happy New Years Eve."
"Happy New Years Eve Gabi. You look absolutely gorgeous." Twirling her around, she loved seeing her dress fly out in ever direction.
"Why thank you, Troy. You look quite dashing yourself. Ready?" Picking up her sash, she turned and gave Troy a look before he smiled.
Offering her his arm, Gabi took it before looking over at her mom. "Don't wait up. I'll be home by 2 at the latest."
Nodding her mom, smiled brightly. "Have fun tonight. I love you Gabi."
"I love you too mom. Ready prince charming?" Throwing him a grin, he nodded his head before leading her towards the door.
After bidding her mom another round of good nights, the two left. Helping her into his white truck, Troy walked around to the other side before getting in himself.
Playing with the radio, Gabi caught herself staring at Troy. She loved seeing him dressed up in his suit and tie and thought he was the most handsome man she'd ever seen. He caught her eyes and for a brief second they held their gaze before he turned his attention back to the road.
"What are you thinking about pretty girl?" Smiling, she looked over at him.
"How handsome you're looking at the current moment in your tie and suit. I was also thinking about our dates these last few days."
Nodding his head, he took his right hand off the steering wheel and took her hand in his. "I've been doing a lot of thinking about that too. I still have to take you to some of my favorite places around town."
"I'm looking forward to those. But tonight, it's just about you and me."
Troy looked over at her before grinning. "Actually it's not about you and I tonight . . . well it is in a way but in a way it's not."
Confusion crossed her face as she looked at him. "You just threw me for a loop Troy. What are you talking about?"
"You'll see." Pulling into the parking lot, he turned off the engine before pointing to the very large building sitting in front of them.
She instantly recognized the building and turned to Troy for an explanation. "What are we doing here? I don't really want to be at the hospital for New Years."
"I know you don't but wait until you see what I have planned. Come on; we're going to be late."
Helping her out of the truck, the two walked quickly inside and instantly got onto an elevator. Gabi expected to get off at the eighth floor but was surprised when the elevator went right past it.
Pausing at the 11th floor, Troy took her hand and led her out of the elevator. "We have to go up another flight of stairs to reach our destination."
Grinning, she listened to her heels click against the cement of the stairs as they climbed higher and higher. Finally, Troy paused before throwing open a heavy door and leading her out.
"Welcome to the real paradise." Throwing his hands out, Gabi gasped seeing the view.
"What the—Troy how did you do this?" She was amazed at how she and her boyfriend were standing on the roof of the hospital gazing out into the city of Albuquerque.
"A really good friend of mine dad's is on the board and I pulled some strings. Don't worry; we have the place to ourselves plus eight others."
Grinning, she took his outstretched as he led her over to where a bench and some blankets sat. "Shall we?"
Sitting down, Troy threw the blanket around the two of them before they propped their feet up on the ledge. "This is the best New Years ever. Thank you."
Kissing him ever so gently, Gabi laid her head on his shoulder while taking in the view. "We have about an hour before everyone else comes."
"Everyone else? Who's all coming?" Grinning, Troy drug over a basket before looking over at her.
"You can totally hate me after this . . ." Pausing, he grabbed her hand. "The guys asked what we were doing and I told them this and I invited them along."
Waiting for the anger, Troy was surprised when she reached up and kissed him. "Sounds like it'll be a good time."
"You're not mad?" She shook her head before smiling.
"I need to get to know your friends a little bit better before I come back to school and this is the perfect way to do it. Good thinking Bolton."
Kissing her, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder pulling her closer to him. Staying silent, they enjoyed the company of each other. He sat up letting her head fall back ever so softly.
"Are you hungry?"
Grinning, she nodded her head watching him pull various foods from the picnic basket. Pulling the table over, she watched Troy put the homemade fest together.
"This looks great." Turning, he flashed a grin before looking at the food.
"I had a little help getting this together but it turned out nicely. Dig in."
Her eyes took in the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the individual bags of chips, the cans of Mountain Dew and the Zebra Cakes for dessert.
They ate in silence letting the sounds of the hospital and city takes them over. Gabi kept stealing glances in Troy's direction which he couldn't help but chuckle out.
"What are you thinking about?"
Shrugging her shoulders, she turned so she could stare straight ahead and look straight into his eyes. "I was trying to figure out my New Years Resolution."
Smiling, he took her hand in his. "Did you have any luck?"
"I want to be happy and healthy. I want to get to know you better and grow in our relationship. I want my parents to be happy and put their differences aside." Sighing happily, she laid her head on his shoulder while gazing up into the stars. "What about you wildcat? What does the new year bring for you?"
"I just want my friends and family to be happy. I want to make you laugh and smile more often. Same as yours; I want to continue to grow in our relationship." Leaning over, he kissed her lips before the door opening pulled the two apart.
"Hey Captain!" The familiar voice of Chad Danforth caused the two to look over their shoulders.
"Hey Chad! Remember Gabi?" Pointing to the brunette, Troy made introductions again while everyone settled in.
An hour later, the couples were sitting in a mid-circle chit chatting about the upcoming year when all eyes were turned to the newest couple of the group. "So you two, what are your plans for the New Year?"
Gabi and Troy grinned at each other before shrugging their shoulders. "We've learned that we have to take things one day at a time. We're going to enjoy our time together more and continue to grow in our relationship and see where it takes us."
"Aww you two are too cute together." Nicole, Ryan's girlfriend said to which every girl quickly agreed to.
Letting her head hang, Gabi quickly covered up the blush by burying her head in Troy's chest. "I love you."
Whispering the three special words in her ear caused the smile to return to her face. "Thanks but you guys are cute couples as well."
"So what do you boys want for the New Year? What are your wishes and hopes?"
Settling in, Gabi ran her hand up and down Troy's arms soothingly. "I think we can all agree on a championship for starters and then who knows?"
"I think we all want our friends and family to be happy . . . and we're always looking for good ways to keep our girlfriend's happy as well." Jason grinned as high fives were given by the other guys.
Sharpay shook her head before looking at the girls. "Us girls need to be kept happy all the time."
Gabi gazed up into the stars while the conversation floated around them. She was still getting used to being in a normal conversation; a conversation that wasn't filled with medical terminology or her heart in one way or another.
"You're quiet." Whispering ever so soft, Troy caught onto what she was doing.
"I'm just gazing . . . and thinking."
"You're a normal 17 year old Gabi . . . this is what normal girls do on New Years Eve." Shaking her head, she giggled.
"I know that but I can't help but think otherwise. I love you."
Nodding his head, he kissed the back of her hand. "I love you too."
"Ok lovebirds; knock it off." Being brought back to land of living, the two were thankful for the darkness due to the red blushes that covered their faces.
"We were just talking. Since when has that been a crime?" Troy argued as Gabi grinned.
"Since we were talking as a group and two people decided to have their own private conversation."
Troy stuck his tongue out at Chad as he said those words before looking at Gabi and smiling brightly. "Sorry but we were star gazing."
Standing up, Troy offered Gabi his hand before slowly pulling her up. Bringing her closer, the two started to sway back and forth to the music only they heard.
"What are we doing?" Her sweet giggle rang out loud and clears as she laid his head on his shoulder.
"Slow dancing the night away. You're my princess and I'm your prince." Kissing her temple, Troy started to hum a familiar song.
Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast
Smiling, she was glad he remembered her favorite Disney movie of all time. She kissed him before looking up at the stars.
"They're gorgeous aren't they?" Troy stopped dancing to admire the view ahead of him.
Nodding, he looked down at her. "They are but you're even more gorgeous than they are."
Blushing, she shook her head. "Troy!"
"What I'm not lying. You're absolutely gorgeous and I'm not going to stand here and lie to you. I'm so proud to call you my girlfriend. I love you Gabriella Alena Montez."
"And I love you Troy Connor Bolton."
The two continued to gaze at the stars until one particular caught Troy's eyes. "Did you just see that?"
Smiling, she nodded. "Yeah a shooting star."
"Make a wish Gabs."
Closing her eyes, she held her head high and made the wish with all of her heart. Never let me lose my prince charming.
Smiling, she opened them before looking over at Troy. "Well, Gabs what did you wish for?"
"I can't tell you that or it won't come true."
"Come on Brie . . . tell me. Please?" Sticking out his lower lip, she continued to shake her head.
Luckily she was saved to the loud bangs and pops that started. Troy wrapped his arms from behind her and brought her close as they stood there and watched the colorful fireworks.
The couples grinned at one another while the sky was lit up with the display. Many wishes, hopes, and dreams were cast that night as the group of ten individuals stood there watching as an old year went out as a new one came in.
Turning to Troy, Gabriella wrapped her arms around his shoulder. "Happy New Year Troy . . . this is to the start of something new."
Kissing her, Troy wrapped his arms around her waist. "I love you too Gabi . . . to our new year and our many adventures we have yet to take."
And the two welcomed 2006 in with a simple kiss and a heart full of dreams, wishes, and hopes.
Awww so 2006 is starting . . . what will the next year bring our two lovebirds? I'm not sure yet but I've got some things planned out. The song was "Tale as Old as Time" from Beauty and the Beast. Feedback would be awesome. Thanks to everyone who has submitted it and gave me all the wonderful ideas!!! I loved them all. If you have any more, send them my way and I'll try fitting them into the chapter.