Chapter 25 – Innocent

I rolled over from my sleep, Troy had Emma propped up on his chest and I heard a clutter and followed by a crash from downstairs. I pushed off the bed and I thought about how Christmas was forty-eight hours away, how excited Liam was and the fact that Troy's entire family plus mine are all around.

It made my head hurt thinking about it. I went downstairs; Meg and Logan were both in the kitchen, making coffee. "Hi?" I suggested, they both turned. "Oh Gosh! Hi! Sorry, Lucille let us in earlier before going to the store! We wanted to come see Emma before everybody got here!"

I nodded my head; they were all flying in today. We had a huge house rented for them just down the road so it was going to be a big block party. "Oh okay," I ran my hands through my hair. "She is sleeping right now, Troy and her are both sleeping."

"The pictures Troy sends, she is adorable!"

"I'm going to check on Liam and then I'll be back. Has my mom appeared around here?"

Meg's lips frowned, "Not that I am aware of."

I nodded, my hands slipped through my hair. "She isn't supposed to be here until nine, I was just making sure she wasn't here early." I went upstairs, Abby and Aiden were hanging in the living room. I said a quick hi and I then peaked in Liam's room. He was sitting up rubbing his eyes. "Hey bud," He raised his arms up and I let him lay his head down.

My mind wandered to the day after Christmas. When our worlds were going to explode. Troy was almost sure it was going to be Denver, which wouldn't be horrible.

I held onto Liam a little bit tighter, going back downstairs. Haley had joined the group and she smiled, I waved and went into the kitchen with Liam. Meg grinned, "How is he handling it?"

"He is getting better! He is doing much better! He loves to help and do stuff,"

I set him down onto the counter and he rubbed his eyes. I kissed the top of his head and I put him back onto my hip. I moved around to make him a wholesome breakfast, a few fruits and an egg. I set him down into his high chair and gave him a sippy cup of milk. I threw my hair back and I looked over, "I am going to go check on Emma and probably wake up Troy."

"You look pretty awake for only having a two week old!"

I laughed, "I'm really tired. I am just learning to manage." I took one last look at Liam and I went back upstairs. I looked to see Emma still steady on Troy's chest, her legs curled up underneath her body and a blanket drifted over top. Troy's hand resting on top of her to keep her in place.

I walked over and I picked her up and she whined. I kissed her temple and I shook Troy's should gently. He tossed and his head, then he panicked. His eyes opened fast, "Emma?" he looked into my arms and he relaxed, his eyes fluttering shut again. "Your aunt and uncle are here."

He let his hand flop over his face, his lips parting. "Which one?"

"Meg and Logan,"

He nodded, "I'm going to shower first." He turned and I smirked, "You mean you are going back to bed and then you are going to shower?"

He smirked and I kissed his cheek, he opened his eyes and I put Emma close to his face. She was still sleeping, I was slowly weaning her off to formula milk, breastfeeding was not my thing, I should be a better mom but this was just not my thing. I wish it was but it wasn't.

Troy kissed her nose and then I walked off, to see Troy sitting up. I went to change Emma's clothes and swaddle her before taking her into the kitchen. Meg noticed and she popped up from next to Liam.

"Oh my gosh!" she looked down at Emma and Emma's nose twitched. I smiled and Liam held up an apple. "Can I hold her?"

"Please wash your hands first, I had the flu while I was pregnant and I def don't want her getting it."

"Oh God, of course."

She washed her hands before I gave her Emma. Emma stirred but kept her eyes closed. "Troy said she had brown eyes?" I nodded with a smile, "She has a lot of my face features."

Meg played with her hands before she began to cry from being awoken. She shushed her and Logan peered over her shoulder. "She is beautiful. How are we going to keep all of the Emma's straight?"

"Yea, how did that happen?"

"It's a name I have wanted to name my kids for a long time. I mean we only see that Emma two to three times per year, which should change but we both love the name and there isn't many names we could agree on."

"Yea, I loved the name." Emma turned in Meg's arms trying to break free. "Em?" Liam said her name and I went over to kiss the top of his head. Emma stopped crying, "How is she at night?"

My eyes took in Liam's casted arm, the purple signed by a bunch of people. "Okay. There have only been a few moments that we had no idea what she wanted. She gets up I am pretty sure five times a night."

"Oh man, we had big kids. She is very light."

I laughed and nodded, Liam finished eating and I cleaned him up. Troy walked into the kitchen and he was greeted with many faces. "Oh hi!" he greeted; he shook Logan's hand and then kissed Meg on the cheek. Then he kissed Emma's forehead. She seemed to be awake but I couldn't tell. I let Liam down but he only wanted to be held. He buried his face into my neck and I went over to stand by Troy.

"So we heard the rumors," Logan began, "Which are true," Troy said, he filled up his coffee cup and his wet hair lay on his forehead. "Really?" Troy nodded, taking a sip of his black coffee. "Nothing is happening until Wednesday though. My last game with the Lakers will be on Christmas. Bittersweet I guess," he said with a simple shrug.

"Do you know where?"

"Denver,"

"Aren't they fighting for the number one?" Troy gave other nod, "Yea,"

"Why?"

"To be honest, I don't want to be there anymore. I'm glad I am leaving."

Logan narrowed his eyes over at Troy and Troy made a small gesture with his hands. Liam reached over for Troy and Troy gladly took him from me. "Hey buddy, did you sleep okay?"

Liam gave a nod and let his head fall onto Troy's shoulder. Troy let his eyes wonder over him and his mouth flickered. Meg gave Emma back to me and I went into the living room for Haley, Abby, and Aiden to see her. They all cooed over her, Anna looked at Emma and she smiled. Shyness creped over her face before running back to Haley.

I laughed, "There is my girl," Jack walked in with Lucille behind him. Jenni and Carson were close behind that; Carson was flying out today and Jenni kept a close hold. "Your mom pulled in," Lucille added, I nodded with a thanks. She had stayed only two days after Emma was born because of work and Kyle was right behind them. I laughed and went walking over.

"There is my big sister!" Kyle greeted me and peered down at Emma. Emma's eyes were open and I knew she probably needed to eat soon.

"Wow, she is beautiful. Pictures don't do her justice." He said, "If you wash

your hands you can hold her." He smiled and nodded before he went off. My mom walked in and she dropped her bags and looked at Emma.

"There is my beautiful granddaughter."

Troy came in with Liam, Liam waved hi and I felt my energy draining. This was going to be a long day for Emma and myself.

I kissed her forehead and Kyle came over. I gave Emma to him and she cried out, her eyes flashing around before she settled herself into Kyle's arms. I walked over to Troy and I let my body lean into him. "I am going to go take a shower. She is going to need to eat so once you see that sign, bring her upstairs."

"I thought we just did a breastfeeding?" he asked, "She had formula last time." Troy nodded and he kissed my forehead. I went upstairs and turned on the shower. I rubbed my eyes and tried not to fall asleep standing there.

Troy was going to go and go out to Denver. He was going to look at houses and I was going to pack some of our stuff here. We were going to have both houses as it was decided, it was going to be tough but we were going to have to buy another crib. We were just going to have a bassinet for Emma and hopefully move Liam to a big boy bed after his second birthday.

He was becoming bigger and it seemed logical. I stripped off the clothes and stepped into the shower. The warm water melted me and I just wanted to sleep. This whole thing was stressing me out and I was exhausted. This whole Christmas thing was becoming crazy. Taylor and Sharpay helped me finishing wrapping presents and suddenly, I couldn't believe it had only been two weeks of having Emma around.

My body had already dropped ten pounds of weight of the forty-five I gained. I was going to join Troy after two weeks of him being in Denver, I was going to stay in the apartment with him, we had almost decided to just find a big apartment, Troy was going to look at a couple of them and a couple of houses. I think I just wanted an apartment for now but we can figure it out once we get there.

A knock came at the door and Troy peeked in, "Hey, somebody is hungry." I nodded and I felt my body drain of energy once more. I washed the shampoo out of my hair and I switched off the water. I wrapped a tight towel around my body and walked out, Troy was sitting on the bed and entertaining Emma. Troy turned to look and he could see the exhaustion, I knew he could see the exhaustion.

"How about you both take a nap after she eats okay? You need to get some sleep and I am not taking no for an answer okay?"

I let out a long breath, "Okay." He came over and kissed my forehead. He put Emma on the bed and I changed into a pair of sweats and a nursing bra with a long sleeve shirt but put the shirt to the side as I fed her.

She ate twenty minutes on both sides and I then laid her down. I slipped on my shirt and crawled into bed, and then I fell asleep easily.

I haven't even seen Emma since I fed her last. She was being passed around from family member to family member. Christmas Eve was in the air and everybody was chatting easily. My uncle Mark came over, "Congrats on Emma, she is beautiful," I thanked him and gave him a big hug. "Your dad would be so proud."

I thanked him as I tried not to think of my dad on days like this. Christmas was his favorite and I tried to keep my emotions at bay. Christmas Eve was a buzz with people in our house; we were having a low-key dinner and watching everybody's favorite movie, Elf. Troy appeared from around the corner, Emma in his arms, "Hey, I finally got our daughter back."

A smile graced my lips as Troy and his trade was a big talk. His dad was going to go with him to Denver, they were driving there Wednesday morning and Troy had the apartment they were supplying until Troy could find his own.

I tried to think of how this was going to work. How were we going to do this right after our second child was born, it was like a loss. Troy kissed the top of my head and he wrapped his arm around my waist. "I am going to go pick up pizza, I didn't know if you wanted to go instead because well, you could probably use some quiet moments."

"Yea, I think I will go. I am going to take Liam with me."

Troy nodded, I searched for Liam and I picked him up. "You are going to come with mommy." Troy handed me a pair of keys and kissed my forehead. My eyes washed over Emma, she was in a pair of jeggings with a long sleeve shirt on. A cute flower headband was in her hair with a pair of socks. It was adorable; I kissed her forehead and then went out.

"Bye," I said waving; I put Liam into the car and backed out of the driveway. "Do you know what tomorrow is?"

"Christmas!"

"Yea! You get to open all of those boxes tomorrow!"

We were doing personal family stuff in the morning, everybody had a room at the houses they were all staying at and that's where they were doing family stuff, personal present opening because it takes forever when we just do our family stuff, after dinner.

I wished we wouldn't have done all of this. I wish we would have let somebody else host it and we could be let be, un stressed.

Letting my body melt, the hum of the car took over; Liam was almost exhausted from playing all day with Issy and Anna. They had fun but he needed a nap and he didn't get one. Everybody needed a nap and nobody was getting one, or maybe that was just Troy and I. I took a long nap yesterday and Troy slept in this morning. It was a crazy go around and Liam was half asleep in his car seat.

Pulling into the local pizza shop, I got Liam out and went inside to pay. After I paid, they took the twenty pizzas out to the car stacking them in the back. I put Liam back in who was asleep; he defiantly needed that nap hours ago. If he went to sleep now he would be up early…on Christmas morning. Oh God, I don't need to start that.

Trying to coo him awake, it just wasn't happening. I called Troy and the buzz of people at the house, "Your son is like dead asleep."

"Oh no."

"Oh yes,"

"Did he not get his nap?"

"Nope. He was too busy playing."

"How did we miss his nap time?"

"I don't know but if we don't get him awake he is going to be up at four."

Troy moaned, "Maybe he can sleep over at my moms tonight."

I laughed, "Yea, I'd like to see that."

"Let's give him thirty minutes and then we can wake him to eat and play."

Troy let out a breath and I let out a long one myself, "How are you doing? Honest answer. It's been a crazy ass two weeks."

"Fine,"

"Lies," I smiled and shook my head, "I'm really fine, I'm not fantastic and I'm not horrible either. I am fine."

"Shouldn't you be over the moon? A new baby,"

"A new baby who demands a lot of attention right now, my husband is being traded, and I have a whole lot of family at my house right now."

"Eh, I guess I can see your point."

"Exactly."

"I feel like I haven't told you lately, but I love you."

"I love you too."

"This is a crazy moment in our marriage, I will give it that one."

"Put this one down in the record book."

"I'm almost home. Meet me in the garage with however many people you can get to help."

"Yup. I will be down there in a minute."

Hanging up, I put my phone down into the cup holder; I then pulled into the garage. Troy was standing there with his dad and Mason behind him. I shut off the car and they all opened up the back. It was already dark outside and the time was ticking away.

I got Liam out from the back and he rolled his head over. I kissed his forehead, "Come on buddy," Troy took notice and glanced at him. Jack and Mason went upstairs with about seven pizzas each and Troy took the rest. "I think we are going to have an issue tomorrow morning."

"I think so."

Taking everything upstairs, I put Liam into the high chair and Troy gave him a slice of pizza but he almost let his head slam into it. "Uh no, he didn't get nap time." I shook my head, my lips pursed together. "No…he didn't."

I kissed the top of his head and picked him up. Troy had Emma and we both followed each other upstairs. Troy walked into Liam's nursery and I followed. "Liam, hey," I tried to get him to wake up but he whined. "You don't think anything is wrong do you? He keeps acting tired."

A sigh tumbled out of my throat, "I don't know Troy. With all of the activity this week, I am not sure what to think." Troy glanced at Liam and I stood him up on his feet. He cried and I let out a long breath. It's only six thirty. That's it.

He cried and turned around from me, I knew it was time to put him down but I didn't want to. He needed to eat something and needed to stay awake. Troy walked over and I looked at Emma and her peaceful face. She squirmed at Liam's cry but didn't move. I picked Liam up and I changed him into PJ's. Troy did the same with Emma in the room next door.

I picked up Liam and put him onto my hip. I laid him onto my shoulder, Troy and I met in the hallway, and "I laid Emma down I have her monitor," I nodded, "Okay. I am going to keep him."

He had wrapped his arms around my neck, his head lying on my shoulder. I rejoined everybody in the kitchen and Liam almost didn't stir. Jack came over, "Do you want a break?"

"Nah, I'm not all that hungry."

Troy was suddenly in front of me. "Brie, eat something." I gave him a glance, "Troy, I'm not that hungry." Troy put his hands on my hips and he sighed. "I guess there will be plenty of leftovers."

We had chosen what battles to fight recently. We were becoming better at what to fight about and we both knew the limits. Not to push it past the level we can stand. Everybody as moving towards the movie room, the couches were filling up and I sat down onto one of them, stretching my legs out and letting Liam lay on top of me. Troy brought in a plate of pizza, once he noticed Liam and I; he grabbed a blanket to drap over us.

I thanked him and he leaned over to kiss my lips. He sat down next to me and he scooted as close as he could to me. I let my head fall onto his shoulder, the rest of the family joined and Troy turned on the movie. Everybody hushed and the movie began to play. I rubbed Liam's back and I tried to keep my eyes open. I was tired and I wanted to enjoy the end of Christmas Eve with Liam, I just couldn't keep my eyes open much longer.

I let my eyes close, I let my hand covers Troy. He stroked it softly and he laughed at a few different parts.

Then I suddenly felt his hands on my shoulder. "Hey Brie," I stirred in my sleep and my eyes flirted open. It was quiet and I opened my eyes. I looked around to see several kids passed out on the floor and Liam was still on top of me. "Emma is awake, I think she needs to eat. I don't know which one." I pushed off the top and I held Liam close to me. "I'll be up in a minute okay?"

I gave a nod, trying not to fall back asleep. I needed to pump but I didn't want to. I needed her but I didn't want to. Troy could see it in me and he kissed my temple. "I'll feed her. You go to bed. Forget pumping, we have some frozen bottles." I thanked him; my eyes were half closed when I went upstairs. I put Liam into his crib, kissing his forehead before I backed out.

I turned on his baby monitor before rolling into bed. I felt my body melt into the blankets and I curled my arms around the pillow. Sleep greeted me and I couldn't have asked for it at a better moment.

Troy's POV

I prepared Emma's bottle and I ran my fingers through my hair. I leaned back against the counter when Mason came into the kitchen. "Hi," I announced, Mason gave me a small smile and he looked at the bottle. "She is beautiful by the way," I thanked him, "Thanks, she looks a lot like Gabi," I said with a small smile, "I just hope we can begin spreading these feedings out. We are both exhausted."

"What time do you leave?"

"Six am on Wednesday."

"What happened?" I breathed through my nose and exhaled slowly. "That coach is a fucking dick," I pronounced, Mason raised his eyebrow, "If you can get through your dad, I don't know what could be worse." I tapped my fingers against the counter, the bottle warmer went off and I glanced in the camera to see Emma moving her lips. "Stay here. I am going to grab her."

I fixed her bottle and made sure it wasn't too hot. I went upstairs; I retrieved Emma and peered at Gabi. She had crashed fast. I took Emma downstairs and Mason was playing on his phone. "What happened?" he asked, I put the bottle at the tip of her lips.

She began to suck on the bottle; I don't know why she couldn't do these two weeks ago in the hospital. She wouldn't even touch a bottle for a week, and then she slowly took to a pacifier before we tried a bottle. "He asked four of us to use steroids."

Mason's head snapped up and he looked into my eyes. "And you are going to tell me you weren't one of the four." I nodded, "I was a four."

His eyes narrowed, "Troy Anthony, you better tell me you didn't even think about it." I felt my body rush with heat and I looked down at Emma. "Troy!" Mason screamed, I cringed and I looked up at him. "It was once! I…"

"It was the day Emma was born wasn't it."

I nodded my head, "Yea, it was."

"That's why you are being traded."

"I am being traded because I don't anything to do with that again. I'm done. He asked for months and months, he kept asking and he pushed so I did. He asked so many guys and then," I laughed bitterly, "Then he was going to report us if we didn't do it again! God, he was such a bastard."

Mason's eyes popped, "He was going to report you after he asked you to take them?" I nodded my head, "Yea, if it wasn't for Gabi going into labor, I may have been suspended for something he made us do. Once I told Chad, he was pissed. He is done with them after this season. I'm done."

"Denver huh?" I nodded, "Yea, Denver."

"Did you make some agreement?"

I shrugged, "If he got me out, I would keep my mouth shut."

"That's why you aren't telling Gabi," I sighed and shifted, I pulled the bottle away from Emma and burped her softly. Her small head lay on my shoulder and I suddenly didn't want to leave. I suddenly had no desire to play basketball. "I want to tell her but she would be so mad at me for even doing that."

"Troy, she has a right to know."

"I'm protecting her from something. Maybe later, She is stressed and tired right now. I wish Emma would help but she isn't." I began to feed her again but she didn't want much more. I held her close to me and I sighed, "Mason, I'm not good at this separation shit and I'm moving to Colorado."

"Maybe it will be fine."

"Fine," I scoffed, "I have a two week old daughter and an almost two year old son. Fine my ass."

"It's going to be rough Troy,"

"I know, I know,"

"You aren't thinking about not playing anymore…are you?" his statement formed into a completely blank question, "I don't know. I was and then I talk to Gabi and its fine then I hold Liam or Emma and im like, I just to hold you forever. I don't want to leave."

"You won't be separated that long. It will all be fine and plus you get to miss the midnight cries." I rolled my eyes, "No matter how much I complain about those, I love them. I love taking care of her and Gabi, I love being there and I enjoy it."

"You win the father of the year card." I shrugged, "It's just how it goes. I enjoy being a dad to these two," my eyes went back to Emma, she let her eyes roam around, before they fell shut without an effort. Her nose looked a lot like Gabi's and her brown chocolate eyes were something I would never get over. Her curve a smile, she was going to look almost exactly like Gabi. Her full head of hair that stuck up all the time, I smiled and I couldn't help but think of all of the moments I might miss.

"For all the bad moments I miss, its just one more good moment I miss."

Mason thought on it for a second and he nodded, "I guess that's true." I sighed and pushed off the counter. "I truly wanted to go to the Knicks."

"They why didn't you?"

"I was looking after Gabi and them. It's closer to home and its more family friendly. I'll be okay, I like Denver, and they are going to be good. I'm just, it's going to take getting used to."

"Yea, who knew playing for your favorite team could be this bad?"

I shrugged, "It's the coach."

"Why don't you say something?" Mason demanded, "I could be turned in for doing them!"

"They have no proof! It's been two weeks! What does he have over you!"

I thought about it for several moments. "You could almost diminish this whole thing Troy if you told somebody."

"Meaning I would stay a Laker?"

"Probably not. You would probably need to leave but you can take down this coach."

I thought about it. "Do you really want to go to Denver?"

"Not really…" I started, "Do you have a say?"

"A big say." I repeated, "I'm choosing basically where I go."

"Have you signed anything?"

"No."

"Have you made a verbal commitment?"

"No."

"Who knows where you want to go?"

"The Lakers and my agent…" I was beginning to feel something coming on. "Put Emma back, we are going to fix this."

"Mason," I began, he shushed me, "Come on."

"I can't just leave everything,"

"Troy, this is a huge choice. Go put the baby down and tell Gabi you are leaving."

I sighed, "Fine but this better be good."

Going upstairs, I snuck into our room and slipped Emma into her bassinet next to Gabi. I smoothed Gabi's hair away from her face and pressed my lips against her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open, "I'm going out for a bit. I'll be back soon, call me if you need me, got it?"

She closed her eyes tight and released a small breathe, "Where are you going?"

"Mason wants to show me something. So I am not exactly sure."

"Okay," she breathed, she was out within minutes. I grabbed my jacket and met Mason at the bottom step. His car keys were placed in his hands. "Come on,"

Aaron looked at me with hesitation. "Are you positive this is what you want?" I looked it over again and I nodded, "Defiantly."

"Troy, you are changing everything."

"I need that man to believe I am going to Denver to get him a damn well good trade. He needs to think that I am doing everything as planned until Wednesday morning. I am taking that man down."

It was well after one in the morning; we were running off coffee and adrenaline trying to come up with the best game plan. "Troy, I have to tell the league office."

"You don't have to tell them shit about this press release."

Aaron ran his fingers through his hair. His wife had come down more than once to ask what was going on. He talked to her both times and promised to be up soon, that was over an hour ago. "Troy, this is risky. He could ruin you."

"On what proof?" this was the second time we had been over this, more than the second time. He was nervous. Very nervous. "Troy, you might not even get to play for the Knicks now…"

"That is a mood point. If I can stop this douche from doing anything more, then hell yea, I don't care about basketball. I'll go back to school and I'll figure something out. I'll move home, I don't give two shits about what happens to my career, I'm done with this asshole and he isn't going to screw over the Lakers like he has already."

Aaron sighed; he ran his fingers over his face. "Troy,"

"Aaron," I mocked back to him, "I know what could or couldn't happen. I am going to take a chance. I'm going to expose myself if I have too. As the captain of the Lakers, I am taking this man down and he isn't going to have a fucking clue about it."

I stood up hastily and I grabbed my jacket. "Come on Mason," I pulled at my keys and I looked at Aaron. "Aaron, I pay you to do this for me. This is what I want and I have thought about it."

"Denver was really looking at you."

"That ass hole wanted somebody from Denver because they had good guys they were going to give him and New York barely has anything they are going to give. This is my damn choice and this is rare. I'm going to New York, I am not going to let that damn coach go any longer."

"Have you thought about the others Troy?" I yanked open the door, "I'll call them tomorrow. I'll take care of it. You just do your part." I walked out and I put my hands on top of my head. I took in a deep breath; the air was crisp with cold. Something I wasn't used to and since it was Christmas morning. Mason was behind me, "You okay?" he asked me, I nodded my head stiffly, "I just need to get home. I do have a twenty two month old who knows about Christmas and I have a two week old who is very demanding."

Mason patted my back, "You did good Troy but you are going to have to tell Gabi. Soon."

"Yea. I will. I am," my fingers ran over my face and I took in a deep breath. We both got back into the car and he drove back. My phone vibrated and I had a text from Gabi. I told her I was almost home. When we pulled into the driveway. "Tell her before anything happens." I nodded and I closed my eyes, my body tired. I got out and he drove away. Suddenly we were going across the country. Opening the door, I looked at the glowing Christmas tree. Cookies lying out and a note from Gabi to lie out the gifts from Santa.

A mutter left my mouth and I grabbed the bag from earlier. I sighed and I set them out, taking bites from the cookies before climbing the stairs. Once I got up to my room, I felt like a truck hit me. Gabi was up, Emma on her shoulder, her eyes closed from exhausted. Once I entered the room though her eyes light open. "Where have you been?" I ran my fingers through my hair. "We need to talk about something." I said, my body worn. I collapsed onto the bed.

My eyes rolling into the back of my head, "What do we need to talk about?"

I pushed off the bed and I looked at Emma lying on her shoulder. "Can I see her?" I motioned and Gabi nodded, she transferred Emma over to me. "Remember when I said that I wasn't going to tell you about why I was being traded?" I heard her catch a breath. "Yea…"

"There is a reason for that," I looked over at her and she was almost wide-awake, "Our coach is a douche." Gabi raised her eyebrows and I continued, "He asked me and three other guys to do steroids. He has been asking for months."

Her breathing became a bit more rapid, "I finally did," Her eyes grew in alarm, "The day Emma was born," Troy let out a breath, "We all did. We made a pact to just do it to get him off our back. We were working harder and nobody knew, nobody knows. Then he turned around and told us he was going to turn us in to NBA and we were going to have to take samples. Then you called in a panic, I lucked out. We all did because of you." I released a big breath.

"Now he is just an ass to all of us and claims to report us. That's why I'm leaving. I told him I would keep my mouth shut about all of it if he just let me go. I didn't want to handle that asshole any longer. He wanted me to go to Denver, I had the choice to where but he chose Denver. Well, I just fucked up his entire thing." My jaw locked and I couldn't even turn to look at Gabi.

My eyes looked down at Emma, "I'm sorry Gabs,"

"What did you do?"

I sucked in a breath, "I'm going to New York and I'm exposing the bastard. He gave us the steroids and was going to report us." Gabi's hand slid over my arm and I relaxed under her touch. "New York?" she asked, I could hear the upset of her voice. My heart broke and I nodded, "I don't want Denver, I want New York. I know," I tried to form words but her body next to mine tensed.

I got up and put Emma into the bassinet before I fully looked at her. She bite down onto her lip and her bottom lip was trembling. I slid in the bed next to her, pulling her into my arms and I put my chin on top of her head. "I'm so sorry." She nodded against me, "I am just," she sounded overwhelmed. "I know, I just fucked everything up but I can't let this ass hole get away with this. This league and the Lakers are going to go down. That is why I told Chad to get the fuck out."

My body could feel her shake. I pressed my lips against her forehead and just held her. This was not the Christmas I was going for.

Gabi's POV

A small hand hit my arm and I bounced out of my trace. I opened my eyes groggy, "Santa?" Liam's frantic voice hit my ear and I moaned, "Good morning Liam," I looked over to see Troy still sleeping. "What are you doing out of your crib," I pulled him into my bed and I rolled over to lie next to him. He made gibberish and he climbed onto Troy's chest. I tried to think of last night was just a dream but I have come to the fact that it wasn't.

Liam patted onto Troy's chest, Troy moaned, as he was probably tired. "Santa?" Liam echoed, Troy groaned louder and Liam copied him. I couldn't help but laugh. "Liam, why aren't you still sleeping?" Troy asked without breaking open his eyes. Troy took his hand from mine and he wrapped his arms around Liam.

"Santa?" Liam piped again like a bird. Troy laughed and looked at me, "Did you get him out of bed?" I shook my head, "Uh no, it was a sneak attack." I said quietly, my eyes bounced to Emma who was still sleeping, thank God.

Troy opened his eyes to look at Liam and Liam giggled at Troy's facial expressions. My stomach sank and Troy looked at me, "Hey, what's wrong?" I shook my head as if I got emotional then we would have a bigger mess on hand than just my tears.

"Nothing, I'm going to go to the bathroom." I could feel Troy's eyes tracing me as I got up and walked away. Once I got into the bathroom, my hands locked onto the counter. I forced a smile onto my face and took in a deep breath. This day was going to be good for Liam and Emma. This day was going to be perfect for them because that's what they deserve.

I took in several deep breaths and then released them slowly. I grabbed one of Troy's sweatshirts lying on the floor and I slipped it over my head. I curled into it as I remembered one of our first Christmas's together. How we laid by a fire for a lot of the day, had dinner with both sets of parents before we went back to my house. He would lay with me in bed and cuddle with me.

Goosebumps traveled down my skin and the door opened to the bathroom. "You okay?" Troy's words were attentive and I turned towards him giving him a small nod. "Of course." I responded. Troy opened his arms and I walked into them. His hands rubbed up and down my back. "You shouldn't go to the game tonight. Please, don't go to the game tonight okay?"

I didn't object or protest; I just stood in his arms hoping that this feeling could last forever. Liam's cries came out and Troy kissed the top of my head. "Come on, this is going to be fun."

He dragged me by the hand, he grabbed Liam and I took Emma. We all went downstairs and Liam's eyes grew with excitements as many new toys lay out in front of him. He was giddy and excited.

Troy let him down and he went running over to them, his eyes scanning each and every one of them. I sat down onto the couch with Emma and I curled her closer to me. To protect her from anything.

Troy went into the kitchen. It was just after seven in the morning. My eyes were tired and my head pounded, Troy brought me back a coffee. "You breastfeed just recently and the next is a bottle." He went on, "The caffeine will run through your system. Just drink it." I wrapped one of my hands around it; Troy took Emma from my lap and put her into a cradle type thing in front of us.

I slid onto the floor and let my body slip between Troy's legs as he sat on the couch. Liam was still playing with the ones he could get too when Troy stood once more. I took a drink of the coffee and fell back in love with Troy fast. Liam came to show me several different toys and I gave a nod. A smile across my face as he was so happy and innocent, his smile big and happy.

I grabbed my camera and took several pictures of him.

Once Troy passed out presents, we decided not to do much for each other this year. Troy slipped behind me again and I had Liam sit in front of me. "Do you want to open it?" I asked, he looked at it and then at Emma's small amount of gifts since well, she was two weeks old.

He tore at the paper seconds later and he just kept going. Every time he would rip a package, he laughed and giggled. Troy couldn't help but laugh at Liam too as it had to be the cutest thing ever. Troy rubbed his fingers over my shoulder; I just wanted to kiss him right now. An urge spread through my body but I fought it off, Liam was almost done unwrapping his mountain of toys. He had some clothes but tossed them aside.

Once he was almost done, I grabbed the last one and directed him to sit in my lap. "This one is special." I said into his ear, "If you ever get scared or upset. Or if you just want to talk to somebody." We opened it together and it was a little stuffed bear, soft and white, it had a basketball attached to it and Liam was all over that. "You can talk to this or hug it. You can always come find mommy though," he kissed my cheek and then tried to climb over my to hug him.

Troy lifted him up and laughed, we both still had a few presents but my needs were becoming stronger. Troy laughed and I heard a mummer of them talking. My eyes scanned over Emma to make sure she was going to be fine, she had stirred a little but slept most of the time.

Troy put Liam back onto the floor and I then looked at him, "Come here," I mentioned, I walked out and I kept my eyes lingering on Liam. He began to play with his toys and Troy got up to follow me. He looked at Emma, a small smile pressing over his lips. I licked mine and Troy's eyes were glowing. Just the same way Liam's were. "Wasn't that incredible. His body language." I nodded, "He was happy and I loved it. I love seeing him happy." I pulled Troy into the hallway and I pushed him up against the wall. He raised his eyebrow.

"Time for one of my gifts to you," I pleaded and I pressed my lips against his. He was caught off guard but recovered quickly. He slipped his arms around my waist and brought me closer. His lips parting as we fought our way into each other mouths.

I could feel a smirk rising over his lips. My desperation was growing, I pulled Troy closer to me and he flipped me around for him to be letting his hands rest against the wall. I jumped up and let my legs fold around his waist. Our lips were both urgent and wanted. They seemed to move faster and more wanted. Troy disconnected our lips and he pressed his lips around my jaw.

I moaned softly and Troy let kisses drop down to my collarbone. I redirected him to my lips and he bit them softly. Our kiss grew and when we were both breathless, he connected our foreheads together. "That was…"

"Amazing," I whispered softly, "Needed. Wanted. Passionate." I whispered to him, Troy supported me and he kissed me softly. Liam made a noise, "Duty calls." I whispered softly. I began to drop down but Troy held me tighter. "Just one more minute," he whispered, I rested against him once more and I let my head fall into the crook of his neck. We didn't move for several moments. "Mama?" I sucked in a breath and Troy let his fingers play patterns against my back. "Mama?"

I dropped off of Troy and he tugged on me slowly. I gave him a smile and he gave a soft sigh. We both exited and Liam was looking at Emma. Troy and I both took a look and she was moving around, her face scrunched up. She made soft cries and I picked her up. Liam came over and he looked at her presents. "Do you want to open them for her?" There was only four, just a few small things.

Liam gave a nod, he grabbed them and I had him sit next to us. He opened them and showed them to her as she was waking up. I unwrapped her from the blanket and I supported her neck, sitting her up onto my lap.

Her head rolled forward but I straightened her up. She cried and let her lean back against me. She cried because she wasn't happy. I sighed and Troy reached for her. I gave her up and I kissed her temple.

Liam crawled into my lap and I cuddled him. We were the only ones not at the house and that was okay by me. I wanted to spend time with my kids. "Troy, you need to open this one."

Troy raised his eyebrow and he shifted his arm to tear some of the paper away. A smile crossed his lips, "It's for their room but I thought you would enjoy it most."

One was a picture of Troy and Emma right after she was born. She was buddle up in a blanket and he was cradling her. His forehead close to hers and his hospital bracelets on his arms. Her pink hat giving off a sign, I took a long look at it as the words spelled across it in big bold letters. 'Someday my prince will come but my daddy will always be my king.'

Troy smiled and his thumb traced over it. He then picked up the one of him and Liam from not long ago. They were on the basketball court, Liam was holding Troy's hand and he guided him across the court. Troy was looking down at him and Liam was looking at him. It was one of the last pictures I had of them together before Emma was born. 'A sons first hero.'

Troy nodded, "I love them. Thanks," I nodded, I snuggled Liam and Troy then sighed. "I am going to make breakfast."

"For who?"

"For all of you. Do you want her?"

I nodded and I took her back into my arms. I laid a blanket out and laid her onto her back. Liam kissed her forehead and I couldn't more in awh because of how he acts. I stretched my fingers outs and I tried to think clear. Taking in a breath, I got some of Liam's new toys out to entertain him while I talked to Troy.

Going into the kitchen, I bounced around with Emma in my arms, my eyes trained on Troy. He was placing cinnamon rolls into a pan, he sighed, "What can I answer?"

I struggled to come up with words but I let out a long breath, "Troy, why?"

"I was hoping he would shut up. He was driving me fucking nuts and I finally told him enough. So we all made a pact to do it. We did and then he threated to report us, then you called saying you were in labor. Well, he really wants to take me down. Not them. He was just using them for help. I have to call them and tell them what I am doing."

"What are you doing?" I asked, he sighed and put the rolls into the oven before leaning back against the counter. "I'm exposing him. I made a press release as to why I am leaving. Telling about the things he did to us and the reason he needs to be fired, It's not fair I am up and moving my entire family for that piece of shit."

"Why won't you stay?" Troy sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I can't stay. It's going to be messy and I need to remove myself." Fear crept into my throat; I wouldn't be able to leave for days. This house was going to be on lock down. "That's why you are going to come with me to New York. We can come back and do whatever, I'm not leaving you here alone."

He was a very liked coach in the NBA and the fans all liked him. I felt my throat tighten, "When?"

"Tomorrow."

I took in a deep breath, my eyes traveled to Emma, so innocent. Troy's fingers slid over my shoulders and he pulled Emma and I close. "It's going to be okay."

I could only nod, "Okay." I could only believe him too.

Troy laced his fingers through mine. Our families were all eating together and we had just finished presents. Troy had to leave since he had to be at the gym but he guided me out of the kitchen. He buried his face into my neck and I held onto him. "Play hard," I whispered into his ear. "I will. I'm going to show that scum bag everything he deserves."

My lips pursed together in silence, "Don't play to show him something. Play because you can. It's a gift Troy and right now, you are wrapped up in the politics of the sport. Go out there and play. Do what you love and forget about everything else."

Troy blinked; he then cupped my face with his hands. "God, I love you." He whispered, he kissed me and I melted into him. "We leave early tomorrow. Really early. The announcement is going to come down after midnight."

"And you want to leave before the storm hits. I understand."

"How do you think Emma is going to do?"

I shrugged, "I guess we will find out. This wasn't a very good Christmas for them." I said quietly, my fingers tracing his forearm. "Liam had a blast and Emma is two weeks old Brie, they won't remember this all that much and when we make mistakes, that is what we have to remember. We have to remember they are young and only see how we are. They only see the gifts and the family. They will be fine."

I let out a breath, "I wish I could have enjoyed it more."

"I know I wish I could have too. Next year, next year is going to be a lot better. We are going to celebrate Christmas as us four. That's it. We can see my whole family later; I want to make traditions with you. You are under so much stress and I hate seeing you this way."

"It's more because of the infant we have."

"I know we should get to enjoy their smiles and not have to worry about family."

I squeezed Troy's hand and he kissed me softly. "I love you," he said again, "I love you too."

He kissed my forehead before he disappeared, "Remember, forget it all and just play."

He smiled, his teeth showing. "I will."

My feet lead me outside and I leaned against the railing. I took in a long breath of fresh air. I heard movement behind me and I turned to see Jack following me. "How are you holding up?" He put one arm around me and I took in a breath. "I feel like the walls are closing in fast."

Jack rubbed my back softly, "It's going to work itself out. I promise." I took in a long breath and I looked at the empty backyard. "Has Troy told you?" I asked quietly, "About Denver? Yea…" He was confused and my fingers gripped the railing. "Yea, Denver." I whispered, "I forgot." I played it off and I then turned around. "I need to go do some stuff. Do you mind keeping an eye Liam."

"I came out here to tell you he wants to see you. Have you really seen him today? He looks kind of…upset." I felt my lungs collapse from underneath my chest, my head spun and I almost busted into tears on the spot. "It's my fault, I haven't been giving him enough attention and I don't know what to do, I'm so," Jack pulled me into his arms and he calmed me down. "You are making a huge adjustment right now. Adding a baby, Christmas and on top of all of that, you are moving? It's going to be stressful and you probably aren't going to be able to give him as much attention right now but it will balance out. I promise."

I gained control and I nodded, "I know, I am just so,"

"You are stressed Gabi, you are so stressed. It's not fair that you have to be doing this all at once. It's not fair that you to put up with all of us right now. You need more sleep and you don't have much to go on. Do you care if I take Liam to the game tonight?"

My mind raced and I didn't know if Troy was going to want him there or not. "Let me ask Troy." I told him, I backed out and I called him, "Hey, what's up?"

My mind flashed back to when he would answer his phone asking if I missed him already, when he really had forgotten something. "Do you care if Liam goes to the game with your dad and family tonight?"

Troy was quiet and I could feel the hesitance in his voice. "Yes, only if they get in and out. I don't want him there after the game."

I turned my back to Jack, "Have you told anybody besides,"

"No," he said quickly, "I can't."

My eyes turned back to Jack, I gave a nod to him. "Yea, Liam can go." Jack went back inside when I turned around. "You can't even tell your dad Troy? He thinks we are going to Denver and everything is okay."

Troy struggled to find a right answer. "Gabs, you are going to have to trust me. I can work with them later. For now," he took in a breath, "Let's just pretend we are still going to Denver. Nobody can know Gabi. This has to stay silent, if this damn coach finds out what the hell is happening then its over."

I sucked in a breath, "Okay." I whispered calmly, "I don't want them in the locker room. I am going to clean out my locket and get the hell out."

"Okay."

"I'm sorry for all of this Gabi."

"No, it's okay. You are doing the right thing."

"Thank you, I am going to make this up to you. In fact, go and grab the present in my drawer. I was going to give it to you earlier but you were sleeping so I let it go."

My big gift to Troy had been a new leather jacket. He loved his leather jackets, I got him a few other little things but that was his most expensive. Troy had gotten me two pairs of shoes and a dress from one of my favorite places.

I went back inside, people were getting jackets and coats on, and they were all going to go to Troy's game. Liam came running up to me, "I gotta go. Love you."

"Love you too." I echoed, I hung up the phone and I scooped Liam up into my arms. I held him in my arms and kissed on his temple. "Hi baby,"

"Mama!" he pulled back and showed me his basketball. Tears caught in my eyes and I nodded, "Are you going to go with Grandpa?" he nodded, "You be good okay?" I kissed his forehead and I took his hand, I lead him to grab a jacket and I helped him put it on.

"Did you have an okay Christmas."

"Good," he repeated towards me, I felt a smile slip onto my cheeks. "I'm glad." I looked around and I wanted to tell him that he was going on a trip tomorrow. I hugged him again and just held on for a few moments. "Be good," Jack came around and I lifted him up. "Troy wants him to come straight home. So do you think you could leave near the end of the fourth quarter?"

Jack raised an eyebrow with curiosity. "Does he want us to go into the locker room."

"No," I tucked my hair behind my ear, "We are all going tomorrow now so he needs to come home."

Jack nodded, "Okay."

I kissed his temple before passing him to Jack. "Be good."

"Good," he nodded, I took a breath and they all began to shuffle out. The only people not going were Meg and Lucille. Once they all were out and into cars, I let out a long breath. I dropped down onto the couch and Lucille laughed looking at me. "Do you need some sleep?"

I buried my head into my hands. "I am going to tell you something and you promise you can not tell anybody, not Jack, not Logan, nobody until after it comes out." I lifted my head to look at them. "Troy is going to New York and exposing the coach for making four of them take steroids. It's going to be ugly and we are all going to New York at four am."

Meg and Lucille perked up. "Troy did steroids?"

"He told me once. I guess the coach kind of forced them and then was going to report them because they did. I guess he isn't good or something but I have to take my two week old onto a plane and," I tried to regain composer. Lucille rubbed my arm, "It will be okay."

"I know it will be okay. I took Liam on a plane but I am just. I have to pack for three of us and I do need some sleep."

"We can help." Lucille mentioned, "Who does know?" Meg asked, "Mason, Troy, Aaron, and myself."

Emma cried and I closed my eyes. "I am going to finishing cleaning up." Lucille began to direct, "Meg can go and find plenty of clothes for Liam." I began to thank both of them; I got up and went to get Emma.

When I went into the room, I picked up Emma and knew her diaper needed to be changed. My eyes glanced at the drawer and I opened it open. My lips parted to see the neat package. I picked it up and rolled it in my hands. My breath hitched in my throat when I shook it. I tore the paper off and I let the box sit in my hands. Laying Emma down in front of me, I kept my eyes on her and then I peeled open the box.

A bracelet, it was gold with Troy's and my name in the infinity sign, then Liam and Emma's name was thrown on the with a beautiful cursive sign. I was in awh and I clasped it to my wrist. Troy always knew how to blow my mind.

Going into Emma's room, I changed her diaper and exposing her to the cold made her lips tremble. I still couldn't believe how small and wrinkly she was. I moved her around and finished taping her diaper down. I kissed on her and she hated not having a blanket wrapped around her but I hated when I couldn't see her. I pushed on a pair of socks and a little hat.

She gave off her infant cry and I found her pacifier, I stuck it into her mouth since she just ate thirty minutes ago. Right before Troy left.

I went downstairs with her and Lucille was finishing up. "I'll be up to help in a little bit. I can do Emma if you want me to." She suggested, "Thank you, I guess I can work on me."

"Go ahead. We will check everything by you."

I carried Emma upstairs and I checked on Meg. I thanked her once more and she nodded, "Anything I can do. I remember those stressful days and im just trying to think of what would have happened if Logan would have done this to me."

"You would still love him." I answered, "Even if it's two weeks after you gave birth and a crazy amount of stress. You would still love him and you would be doing the same exact thing."

"Probably." She gave me a smile, I then went into my room, I drug out three suitcases and I began to pull my favorite clothes out, sweats, hoodies, shirts, dresses, jackets, everything. I put it into the suitcase; Lucille and Meg came in with their clothes. We packed up suitcases and we even tackled Troy side. I only stopped once to feed Emma.

I ran my fingers through my hair; we packed bags for the plane and everything. I flipped on the TV in my room; I turned on to the Lakers game. "Troy Bolton is having an excellent night out there on the court." I couldn't help but smile, he was taking my advice.

"I'm still trying to figure out why the Lakers are getting rid of him. It just doesn't add up."

My gut twisted, but it did.

Well…there you go! It might not make too much sense now but it will later. Promise! Also, I will not be posting next week, I will be on a beach so I will not be updating! I hope you guys enjoyed!

PLEASE REVIEW!