Disclaimer: I do not own any of the HSM characters, songs or familiar lines!
A/N: I am sorry if the layout to this is a little blah... Fanfiction was going crazy and not working properly:( Also there is a familiar line used in this... I wonder if you can spot it:P Please enjoy and review:)
Chapter 26 - A Birthday & a Goodbye
Today was the day Gabriella had dreaded since she found out Maria was suffering from cancer. It was the day of the funeral. She sighed as she sat on the bed, playing with her fingers and shuffling her toes into the carpet.
It had been five days since her birthday and she couldn't help but smile, even on this day, when she thought back on her day.
Troy had woke her up with breakfast in bed. After eating a lovely meal of croissants, pancakes, strawberries and juice the two made love to celebrate her birthday. After that they talked and laughed and shared their thoughts until Jack and Lucille ordered them to get up.
Gabriella smiled as she thought about it.
Flashback
"That was amazing" Gabriella panted after their love making.
"It was baby" Troy agreed kissing her temple softly.
"Will you hold me for a while?" She asked.
"Of course" he opened his arms for her to snuggle into and both smiled.
"I love you" Gabriella whispered.
"I love you too birthday girl" he murmured into her hair.
"I can't believe I am 17" she sighed.
"Does it feel different?" Troy asked.
"In a way no but then in the next breath it does" she tried to explain. "It's like physically I haven't changed but mentally I feel so much older... Like more mature" she laughed. "I know that totally doesn't make sense..." Troy laughed.
"It does baby... I get what you mean... I am just looking forward to your 18th" she looked up at him.
"Why?" She smiled.
"Because it will be easier for us... I mean I know we walk down the street together and stuff but there is still always that nagging feeling that if someone saw us and figured out you were a minor I'd be in so much shit... Whereas once you're 18 all them feelings will go away because it won't matter" he explained.
"I know what you mean baby... But even if the worst happened right now I'd still stick by you every step of the way" she shuffled up to place a kiss on his lips.
"Even if I got locked up?" He teased.
"I'd wait a lifetime if it meant being with you" she answered his joking question seriously.
"Right back at ya babe" he smiled.
"Do you think we'll always be this in love?" She asked as she played with his fingers.
"I think we will... I fall more deeper in love with you every day we spend together Ella so no matter how old we are or how long we've been together my heart will still burst with the love and pride I feel for you" he said honestly.
"Really?" She looked in his eyes.
"Really... You are so beautiful" he whispered stroking her cheek softly.
"You are so sweet" she smiled kissing him. He kissed back and it got more deep and passionate, just as Troy was hovering over her naked body with his there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Troy asked getting off Gabriella's body.
"It's mom... When can we see the birthday girl?" Gabriella giggled as Troy's annoyed expression.
"We'll be down in half an hour Lucie" She called.
"Alright sweetie" they heard her footsteps leave the door and Troy frowned.
"What?" Gabriella asked.
"You could have said an hour" he huffed as he got out of bed.
"Why?" She giggled following his steps.
"Because then we could have finished what was being started" he said as he smacked her bare butt.
"Troy!" She squealed covering where he smacked.
"Ok... Tonight I'll make up for it" he winked before kissing her.
"Hmmm... Ok we need to stop or I won't be able to resist" Gabriella sighed. "Let's just have a quick shower and go see the parents" she giggled.
The young lovers showered together and managed to behave. They helped wash each other and stole lingering kisses and touches before leaving the steamy room to change. After getting dressed the two walked downstairs hand in hand and smiled at Jack and Lucille as they entered the kitchen.
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Gabriella... Happy Birthday to you!" They sang as she blushed and hid her head in Troy's chest. He laughed and kissed her hair before she looked up at him.
"Thanks guys" she smiled at Jack and Lucille.
"You're welcome" Lucille hugged her.
"Here you go" Jack handed her a gift as he kissed her cheek.
"Awww you guys didn't have to get me anything" she smiled.
"Yes we did" they both smiled.
Gabriella giggled as she opened the gift and her eyes filled with tears. It was a framed photo of her, Kyle, Carlos and Maria when she was younger, just before her dad announced he was sick. She looked up at them and hugged them both tightly.
"Thank you so much" she whispered.
"We were going to get you vouchers but then after Maria we thought this was better... Meaningful..." Lucille explained.
"It is perfect" she smiled as she looked at it. She handed it to Troy who smiled at the photo.
"I remember that day" he stated. "It was Carlos' annual BBQ night of the summer" he smiled.
"Yeah... That year Jack burnt the sausages" Gabriella giggled and he nudged her.
"You still ate them missy" he teased.
"I was being polite" she joked.
"What did you get her Troy?" Lucille asked as they sat down.
"I haven't given her, her presents yet" they both grinned at each other though, knowing one was the activity that took place that morning.
"Why not?" She gasped.
"Because I have something planned" he said sneakily.
"What?" Gabriella asked curiously.
"Surprise honey" he said as he rubbed his nose against hers.
"Meany" she stuck her tongue out at him.
"You love me" he said before kissing her softly.
Jack and Lucille laughed at the pair. They all sat and talked for a while and Gabriella actually felt the happiest she had since her mom died, well apart from when it was her and Troy being intimate that was.
"Well we need to head out" Troy stated.
"Where to again?" Gabriella tried as they stood up.
"Nice try babe" he said as she pouted. "Now you go out to the car whilst I go get something from our room" she smiled, leant up to kiss him softly, said goodbye to his parents then went out to the car.
Troy went upstairs; grabbed what he needed to and then left the house after a quick explanation about his plans to his parents. He put the things in the trunk of the car then got in the driver's seat.
"Can I at least have a clue?" Gabriella pouted.
"You'll love it" he laughed.
"That is a rubbish clue" she huffed.
"It will be worth it baby... Just get comfy... It will take a while to get there" he explained.
"Well why didn't we set off earlier then? I don't want to spend my birthday sat in a car" she exclaimed.
"Well it won't take all day... Plus we are stopping off to see Kyle first anyway because he wants to see you before we go to the surprise" she smiled.
"So I can rule out a surprise party then" she giggled.
"Now if you keep trying to guess I will go straight back home and you won't get anything" he teased as he drove to her 'old' house.
"You wouldn't do that to me" she gasped.
He just laughed and shook his head. A few minutes later they pulled up at the house and Kyle was sat on the porch. Gabriella jumped out of the car and rushed over to her brother who scooped her up and hugged her.
"Happy Birthday Sis" he said with a kiss to her cheek.
"Thanks" she smiled.
"I'll just go get your present" he said, walking inside as Troy joined Gabriella on the porch.
Kyle came back out and handed her a wrapped up box before he said a hello to Troy. Gabriella un-wrapped the box and smiled. She opened the jewellery box and looked up, her smile getting bigger.
"They're gorgeous" she hugged him. "Thank you" she showed her gift to Troy.
They were a pair of gold studded earrings. The stud would cover most of her lobe and were solid gold with diamantes. Kyle smiled, glad she liked them and she hugged him again.
"When did you get good taste in jewellery?" She asked as both he and Troy laughed.
"Your boyfriend helped" he revealed.
"Ah... That explains it then" she teased.
"You know you can just leave it at a thank you?" He laughed.
"Where would the fun be in that?" Gabriella asked.
"Shut it" he nudged her.
"Well we need to head off" Troy said.
"Ah yeah... Have fun guys" Kyle hugged them both.
"Do you know where we are going?" She asked her brother who nodded. "What? Why does he know?" She asked Troy.
"Because I needed to check he was ok with not spending the day with you" he stated.
"Humph" she huffed and both boys laughed.
"Come on drama queen" Troy laughed and pushed her towards the car.
Kyle waved at them as they drove out of the driveway and Gabriella waved back. Once they were back on the road Troy put some music on and smiled at Gabriella.
They chatted a little and once they reached the highway and Troy didn't need to change gears anymore he linked one of his hands with Gabriella's. She started to play with his fingers and sing along to the music softly.
"Have you liked your birthday so far?" Troy asked.
"Yeah... We haven't done much but that is perfect to me... I am just glad I got to see some of the most important people in my life right now" she smiled.
"You feeling alright about everything that's happened?" He brought up the topic he knew she had been avoiding.
"I am trying to not think about it... I need to enjoy it... Mom and Dad wouldn't want me to mope" Troy smiled.
"I am glad you're thinking that way baby... You do know though that if at any point today you're feeling down about it you can tell me? It won't spoil anything" he stated.
"I know... Right now I just don't want to talk about it though" she nodded.
"Ok babe... What do you want to talk about?" He asked.
"Anything" she smiled.
So for the next hour or so the two talked and laughed and enjoyed being together. Gabriella pressed him for information and clues about their destination but he was keeping his lips zipped. This frustrated her and made him laugh at how adorable she seemed to look in that state.
Soon enough he was pulling the car up to an unfamiliar place and she frowned.
"Where are we?" She looked at him.
"Where here" he said vaguely and she groaned. He chuckled as he got out of the car and ran around to open her door. She took his hand and when she was out of the car she stretched up and kissed him softly once.
"Where is 'here' exactly?" She tried.
"You'll see... Follow me" she followed his lead and saw they were walking along a stone path. She then spotted a cottage ahead. As they got closer it was like something out of a fairytale. The cottage had a small garden full of colorful flowers and a white picket fence. Troy stopped at the end of the garden path and opened the gate before turning to Gabriella.
"What's this?" She smiled.
"This is where we are staying for the night" he smiled.
"Really?" She asked.
"Yeah..." He nodded and she squealed before hugging him.
"It is so beautiful" she gasped. "How did you find this place?" She wondered as they walked toward the door.
"I searched on the internet... I wanted to get you away from home... Where the memories of Maria and Carlos are so that you could have a good time" she smiled.
"You are so sweet" she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "I love you" she whispered.
"I love you too" he repeated before unlocking the door and letting her walk inside to explore. "I am just going to get your presents and our clothes and stuff from the car ok babe?" He told her.
"Hurry back" she smiled and he nodded.
Troy quickly got what he needed from the car and went back to the cottage. When he got there he was barely through the door before Gabriella was all over him. He laughed and dropped the bags carefully by the door. Then she was in his arms, kissing him urgently and running her fingers through his hair.
"Woah..." he breathed when she pulled back for air. "What was that for?" He laughed.
"I missed you" she smiled.
"I was gone for the whole of two minutes tops" he chuckled.
"That was two minutes too long" she murmured before kissing him again. "Can we go to bed?" She whispered.
"That isn't part of the plan" he smiled.
"Please?" She gave him her baby face.
"Fine" he sighed and kissed her as he carried her through to the bedroom.
An hour or so later the two were laying in the king-size bed, their sweaty bodies tangled together. Troy moved a strand of hair from her sticky forehead and she smiled.
"You are so amazing" she sighed.
"So are you" he laughed.
""Is it me or does that get better each time?" She giggled breathless.
"It certainly does baby..." He kissed her softly then got out of bed and slipped on his boxers.
"Where are you going?" She asked, leaning up on her elbow, flashing him one of her breasts as the sheet moved.
"I am going to get your presents... Now stay there looking sexy and I'll be right back" he promised, kissing her cheek and leaving the room. Gabriella smiled and lay back down, moving the sheet so it was tucked under her arms to keep her modesty. "You better still be in bed!" She heard him call and she giggled.
"I am!" He laughed and walked in the room.
"Good girl... Now who is ready to open her gifts?" She smiled and sat up a little, still covering herself with the sheet.
Troy removed his boxers and got back in bed, he covered himself and then handed her the first present. She smiled and opened the box to reveal a gorgeous orange, floor length silk dress. It was low cut at the front and was backless with one thing, alter neck spaghetti strap.
"Oh my god babe this is gorgeous!" She exclaimed. She stood up and held it against her. "This must have cost a fortune!" She gasped.
"You're worth it" he smiled. "Now get back in bed" she giggled and hung the dress up by the closet and then got back in bed to place a soft kiss on Troy's lips.
"Thank you" she whispered.
"There's more" he handed her a smaller box.
Gabriella smiled as she opened it to reveal a white gold locket. She took it from the box and held it delicately. She looked up and placed another kiss on her boyfriend's lips.
"It's beautiful" she whispered.
"Read the back" he told her and she turned it in her hands.
'Happy Birthday to my Angel... Now I'll be forever close to your heart... Wildcat Xxxx'
"Oh Troy" she said through tearful eyes. "You are always close to my heart" she whispered as she rested her forehead on his.
"Now I know for certain" he smiled. "Open it" he said after kissing her.
Gabriella opened it to reveal a multi-sectioned middle. It had a middle piece that could move from one side to the other meaning it could hold four pictures. In the first part was a photograph of Troy and Gabriella at one of the many family BBQ's her dad held, Troy would have been about 13 and Gabriella would have been about 10.
"Awww" she smiled.
"It isn't a cheesy photo?" He checked.
"It means more than you think" she smiled.
"Explain it to me" He said and held his arms open for her to cuddle into.
"It was the last BBQ we had with my dad there... Which meant my mom was also there at the time... It was the first day you told me you loved me... Obviously you meant it in a non-romantic way but it still meant a lot to me" she explained.
"You remember that?" He smiled.
"Troy I remember every word you have ever said to me" she smiled at him.
"I love you babe" he said. "Happy Birthday Princess" He whispered before kissing her.
"I love you too and thank you... These are the best presents" she smiled.
"I have one more but it's kinda a copout..." he trailed off.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"It's a letter... I know you did that for me but it's different I swear" she smiled.
"It's from you so it doesn't matter" she said.
"Promise not to laugh?" He said as he held it out to her.
"Never baby" she kissed him as she took it from him and then he smiled.
"I'll go start making dinner as you read ok?" She nodded and he got out of bed after another kiss.
He put on his boxers and went to the kitchen. Gabriella slipped on Troy's T-Shirt and her underwear before sitting on the edge of the bed and opening the letter.
To my beautiful angel,
You will never know how much you mean to me. I won't ever be able to say it in words or show it in actions because every time we speak my feelings grow stronger.
Ella, baby, you are my whole world and I couldn't live without you now I know what it's like to live with you. You are beautiful, sexy, sweet, caring, and funny and so many other things I could mention.
Today is the first birthday we have spent together as a couple and will for certain be the start of a future of birthdays together. When I am asked about my future and what I see the only answer I can give is you. The only thing I know will be in my future is you Gabriella because as long as I have you I will be the happiest and luckiest man alive!
One day we will get married, we will have children; our very own family and that will be when our lives start for real... You mean the world to me and the day you become mine legally and officially will be the happiest day of my life.
I love you baby girl... I always have... I always will... When we are eighty and our kids have kids I see us sitting in our rocking chairs, side by side, holding hands as we watch our grandchildren play.
I am so proud of you and all that you are achieving baby... You are so strong and brave and there is no one else I would choose to be my wife and the mother of my children.
I love you, forever and always
Your Wildcat Xxxx
Gabriella wiped her tears as she placed the letter on the bed. She then stood up and made her way to the kitchen. She stood at the doorway watching Troy for a few minutes then cleared her throat. He turned and his smile dropped when he saw her tear stained cheeks.
"Baby what is it?" He rushed over and hugged her close.
"Your letter... It was so sweet... Perfect... Just what I needed to hear" she looked up and kissed him softly.
"Thank god... I thought something had happened" he exclaimed.
"While I'm here with you I know nothing will happen... You are my protector Troy... I wouldn't choose anyone else" she stroked his cheek and he smiled.
"Love you babe" he said.
"Love you too Wildcat" she murmured against his lips before kissing him.
"Are you hungry?" She nodded. "Well dinner will be about an hour so why don't you go take a bath and relax?" He suggested.
"Will you come with me?" She asked.
"What about dinner?" He smiled.
"Put it on slow cook..." she said.
"But then it won't be ready when you're done in the bath" he laughed.
"I don't care... I just wanna be with you... Please?" He sighed.
"I want to but you need to let me stick to some of my plans" she giggled.
"Fine... Will you at least come and talk to me?" He nodded.
"Of course, you go run a bath, I'll finish preparing the food then I'll come in ok?" She nodded, kissed him softly, and then went for her bath.
Troy was making a simple meal. It was chicken breast, with rice, garden peas and then some wine. Even though she wasn't old enough to drink it didn't mean she couldn't in the comforts of her own home, even though this wasn't home, whilst she was having a birthday meal.
So after putting the food in the oven and turning down the temperature a little Troy followed after Gabriella and went into the bathroom. She was led down in the tub full of bubbles and had her eyes closed.
"Does that feel good honey?" He smiled as he sat on the closed toilet lid.
"Hmmm... Would feel better if you were with me though" she said as she opened her eyes to look at him.
"I'd love to be in there with you but I have plans so sorry babe" she giggled.
"It's alright, more room for me" she winked.
"I don't take up that much room" he stated.
"I was kidding Wildcat" she giggled.
"It's a good job" he said as he knelt by the tub and kissed her softly.
Gabriella giggled against his lips causing him to pull back and smile. He stroked her cheek softly with his knuckle and she smiled back at him.
"I am going to get dressed and sort out dinner ok babes?" She nodded.
"I'll just wash my hair then get dressed and I'll be right with you" Troy smiled, kissed her three times then left the room.
About half an hour later Gabriella stepped into the kitchen/dining room and stopped in her tracks. The lights were dimmed and the only light in the room were candle Troy had obviously lit. The sunset was also casting through the window as the evening got closer. There was a table set for two with a bottle of wine in the centre. Rose petals were leading her from the door to the table and soft, romantic music was playing in the background.
"Hey beautiful" she looked up at Troy and smiled.
"Did you do all this?" She said in awe as she walked over to him.
"Yeah... I wanted it to be special... I know you'd probably prefer to go out but the nearest restaurant is a few miles away and I just thought..." Gabriella cut him off with her lips.
"Babe, this is so much better than any restaurant" she reassured her boyfriend.
"You sure?" She nodded.
"It smells good" she commented as he pulled her chair out for her.
"Thanks, tonight's main course is chicken with rice and peas" he said in a posh voice and she giggled.
"Dork" he gasped and held his chest. "Stop being dramatic and kiss me" she demanded and he smirked.
"Would your boyfriend approve of that?" He murmured against her lips.
"Oh yes... He won't mind" she giggled before applying the pressure and kissing him gently.
"Hmmm... Ok, as much as I love doing that we need to eat" she giggled and nodded.
Troy brought the food over and after placing the plates down he sat across from Gabriella. He popped the cork on the wine bottle and poured them both a glass before raising his.
"To you... Happy Birthday babes" Gabriella smiled and raised her glass. They clinked them together then sipped a bit.
They then started to eat their food. Gabriella complimented Troy a number of times throughout the meal, asking why she had never tasted this before. He replied by saying they normally ate out or his mother cooked.
"Well you're cooking next time" she giggled.
"I'll be your cook anytime" he smiled.
"Good to know... Means I won't have to do the cooking when we live together and get married" she winked and he chuckled.
"Nah... You can do the cleaning instead" he said cheekily and she kicked him under the table. "Ow!" He frowned.
"Idiot" she laughed.
"That hurt" he pouted.
"Awww poor baby" she said in her baby voice. "Suck it up" she laughed.
"This is what I get for spoiling you? Jeez remind me not to next time" he joked.
"Hey!" She pouted.
"I was kidding... You know I love you" he took her hand across the table.
"I love you too sweetie" she smiled.
"Good to know" they both laughed.
After finishing their food and having more wine the two moved it into the lounge room. Troy had the fire burning already and put a few more logs on it to make it last longer. He gave Gabriella another glass of wine as she sat on the sofa and then brought out some strawberries and chocolate too.
"Babe I am so full" she sighed when she saw dessert.
"Just have one..." she shook her head. "Please?"
"Babe I can't" she giggled.
"I'll share it with you?" She sighed. "Please, this could be the best strawberry you have ever tasted but you won't know 'cause you won't eat it" she giggled and rolled her eyes.
Gabriella bit the end of the strawberry Troy was holding out and smiled when he ate the last part. After they had swallowed it Troy smiled.
"Well?" She smiled.
"You're right... That was the best strawberry I have ever tasted" she giggled.
"I told you" he exclaimed and she laughed.
They spent the next few minutes eating the dessert, feeding each other and tasting them on each other's tongues through kisses. When the bowl was empty Troy let Gabriella put her legs over his as they sipped their wine.
"Thank you" she whispered.
"What for?" He smiled.
"Today, it was just what I needed" she stated.
"I'm glad you've enjoyed yourself baby" he smiled.
"You know there is only one way to finish it off though..." she took his glass from him and placed both hers and his on the table. She then straddled his waist as he smiled and ran his hands up her thighs and held her hips.
Gabriella then leant down started kissing and nipping at his neck with her teeth. Troy sighed and let his head drop back. He lazily enjoyed her actions for a while before he lifted his head and met her lips in a fiery kiss.
He then ran his hand under her top and slid it up her body. Gabriella pulled away and held her arms up for him to remove the article of clothing before she removed his T-Shirt. Once his chest was bare she ran her hands down it as she trailed kisses from his cheek to his neck and down his chest.
Troy groaned when she started scrapping her teeth down his abs and he stopped her. He pulled her back to him for a passion filled kiss and as he did this he removed her bra skillfully. He then massaged her breasts in his hands and Gabriella moaned into his mouth. She then felt his 'friend' poking her and she pulled away from the kiss.
"Someone's excited" she giggled.
"Can you blame him? Little fella knows what's about to happen" he laughed.
"Enough of the little" she pointed and he smirked.
"So you think he isn't little?" She grinned.
"Babe your 'friend' is definitely not small" he smirked and kissed her as her hands went to his jeans and undid the button and zipper. He lifted his hips and she pulled them down his legs and he kicked them off. Troy then undid her shorts and Gabriella got off him as they slid down her long, slim, tanned legs. She then hooked her fingers under the waistband of her panties and dropped them too. Troy's breath caught in his throat at the goddess in front of him. Gabriella bent down and removed his boxers, again with Troy lifting his hips.
Once they were both naked Gabriella climbed back into his lap and stroked his member. He stopped her, knowing if she continued his peak would make itself known way before either wanted it to. Troy moved his hand down her body and to her most private part. His fingers expertly caressed her before he slid one inside. She moaned and gripped his shoulders as his finger stroked her walls. He removed it and added another making her gasp.
"Oh my god" she moaned.
"Does that feel good baby?" He purred in her ear.
"It feels amazing!" she exclaimed. "St-stop" she breathed.
"Why?" He smirked.
"Because I want your 'friend' inside me now" she looked in his eyes and the look of pure lust was in her eyes. Troy removed his fingers and let her position herself above him. She then lowered her body onto his member and both moaned simultaneously.
"Oh god baby" Troy groaned.
"I know" she laughed breathlessly. "Help me out here" he smiled and gripped her hips in his hands before he started thrusting up into her.
"How's that sexy?" He asked her.
"Fucking Fantastic" She moaned and he was very satisfied with her answer, he could have lived without the 'F' bomb though.
"You feel so good" he groaned.
"Y-you too... Oh my" she moaned.
"Are you cumin baby?" She nodded.
"I can't hold out m-much longer" she gasped.
"Me either... I love you" she kissed him.
"I love you" she repeated as they stared in each other's eyes.
The look they gave finished it and the two hit their peaks at the same time. Gabriella shook from the power of her orgasm and Troy jerked a little as he released between her clenching walls.
Gabriella flopped against him in a sweaty heap and he held her to him tightly. Gabriella focused on catching her breath as did Troy and neither spoke for a long time. When she found the energy to Gabriella lifted herself off him and sat beside him. Troy then laughed.
"Wh-what?" She asked, still catching her breath.
"If someone walked in now and saw us sitting here, naked and panting..." He trailed off and shook his head as Gabriella giggled.
"It's a good job no one will" she laughed.
"Hmmm" Troy mumbled with his eyes closed.
"Shall we go to bed?" She yawned.
"Yeah" he nodded, getting up and helping Gabriella up.
"What about our clothes?" She asked.
"We'll get them in the morning" he yawned and she laughed.
"Ok" they then walked to the bedroom and got under the sheet together. Gabriella snuggled into Troy's side as he wrapped an arm around her. He kissed the top of her head and heard her sigh. "I love you boyfriend" she yawned.
"I love you too Birthday Girl" he whispered.
"Night" she said softly.
"Goodnight baby" he stroked her hair softly and it wasn't long until she was fast asleep in his arms.
End of Flashback
The following day was spent in a way Gabriella thought perfect. They made love again once they were both awake. They then had breakfast in bed together followed by a relaxing bath. After the bath they made love for a second time that day before packing up their things and leaving.
To some people they probably would have thought Gabriella was crazy enjoying her birthday when she hardly did anything but to her it was the only way she'd want to spend it. Troy was so thoughtful and kind; changing his plans for something she wanted and catering to her every need.
She was brought from her thoughts by the sound of the bedroom door opening. She looked up, a smile on her face but tears in her eyes and saw Troy walking over to her.
"You ok baby?" He crouched down in front of her and took her hands in his.
He looked so handsome in his black suit and white shirt. He had his black, shiny dress shoes on and a black tie. He had styled his hair so it went to one side and so that his fringe wasn't in his eyes.
"I'm ok" she confirmed.
"Are you sure?" He checked.
"Yeah... I was actually just thinking about my birthday and how special it was..." she smiled.
"So they're happy tears?" He questioned.
"Yes and no" she stated.
"Well when you want to talk I'm right here" she nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck. His face was level with hers so it made it easier for her to place a short, sweet kiss on his lips.
"Do we need to leave?" She asked quietly.
"We have a few minutes before the cars arrive" he stated.
"Ok... Can we just stay up here?" He nodded. "Will you hold me?" He smiled and got on the bed as Gabriella scooted over. They then lay on the bed together and held each other closely. Troy gently kissed the top of her head and she smiled.
"You feeling ok about the service?" Troy asked.
"I think I am... I know my mom would want me to be strong so I am going to do this for her" she smiled.
"I think that is very smart baby" he kissed her softly.
Then there was a knock on the door and Jack entered. He told them the cars were here then left. Gabriella took a deep breath as Troy got off the bed and helped her up.
"I'll meet you downstairs" she smiled.
"Ok babe" he kissed her forehead then left the room.
Gabriella slipped on her black flat shoes and grabbed the lily she was taking to the funeral. She then took another deep breath, smoothed down her knee length black, cotton dress and sighed.
She then left the room to go downstairs. As she reached the bottom Troy, Jack, Lucille and Kyle were standing there. She smiled shakily at them as they smiled back.
"Where's Tony?" She asked.
"He wanted to go with his sister or something I don't know" Kyle shook his head.
"Ok, whatever, are we ready?" She asked.
"Yeah... Let's do it" Kyle sighed.
Gabriella, Kyle, Troy and his parents all rode in a black limo behind the herse that was carrying Maria's coffin. When they reached the church Tony was already there with his sister. Gabriella took a breath as she got out of the car and linked arms with Troy and Kyle.
"Don't leave me" she pleaded with them both.
"We're right here sis" Kyle spoke as Troy kissed her head.
They walked over to Tony and offered him a sympathetic smile. They were introduced to his older sister, Margaret. She seemed ok but Gabriella couldn't be bothered getting to know her today, the only person she was thinking about was her mother and giving her a good send off.
"We need to get inside" she said before walking, pulling Troy and Kyle along with her. Jack and Lucille followed behind to offer the two teenagers their support.
After a few more minutes the song 'Please Remember' by Leanne Rhymes started to play and everyone in the congregation stood up. Gabriella took a breath and Troy held her hand tightly in his. Gabriella was sat in-between her brother and boyfriend on the front pew, Troy's parents were sat by him and Tony and his sister was sat by Kyle.
The coffin was slowly brought up to the front. Kyle said he didn't have the strength to carry it when the undertakers asked if anyone wanted to so Gabriella thought it was best to just have them carry it so Kyle could be with his family and friends.
Maria was placed on the stand at the front and Gabriella felt a tear roll down her cheek, she had never really thought her mom was small but seeing the coffin there in front of her Maria looked tiny. When the song finished everyone at down and the service began.
"Ladies and Gentleman, we are gathered here today to say goodbye to Maria, a beloved mother, wife and friend. She lost the battle with her cancer a few weeks ago and the news of this brought sadness and sorrow to all who knew her..." he took a breath. "I was asked by her family not to be too formal with the service as Maria wouldn't have liked that so all I will say is God takes people for a reason and Maria must have been needed more in heaven" Gabriella closed her eyes. "Now her husband, Tony has a few words" Tony got up and stood at the altar.
"Maria was my wife, the love of my life and I was torn apart the day we found out about her illness. We hadn't been married that long but the few months we were together were the best months of my life" he took a breath. "I am not good at this kind of stuff so all I will say is Maria, I love you and I am happy to know you are now at peace" he said before leaving to go back to his seat.
"Thank you Tony..." the priest spoke. "Maria was a loved woman by all who knew her, she was caring and supportive of her children and who better than to speak about her than her eldest child and only son Kyle Montez" Gabriella gave her brother's hand a reassuring squeeze before he got up to speak.
"I would like to start by thanking you all for coming to say goodbye to my mom..." he took a breath. "She was always there for me and even though we had arguments and we drifted apart after my dad died I still knew that if I was in trouble or needed her that she would be there" Gabriella's eyes teared up. "She loved being a mom to me and Gabs... She was the best wife she could be to my dad... And I am just happy she is back with him now..." he sighed. "Mom I am sorry for all I ever did to stress you out or upset you... I hope you know that I love you and will miss you everyday" his emotions were now evident in his voice. He then left the front and sat back down. Gabriella hugged him and he held her in his arms.
"Saying goodbye to someone is never easy..." the priest spoke again. "But when it is someone close to you like a parent, child or sibling it is the hardest..." he then looked to Gabriella. "Maria's daughter Gabriella is now going to say a few words for her mother" Gabriella took a breath to compose herself then got up.
She stood in the same spot her brother did and looked at him and Troy who gave her encouraging smiles. She took another breath then spoke...
"My mom and I had our fair share of arguments, especially after my dad died... I didn't like the way she was acting like he never mattered but now I realize it was her way of grieving because remembering how our family used to be was just too painful for her... We made up just before she died and I am so glad because that would have been one of my biggest regrets..." she took a shaky breath. "I couldn't find the words to use to describe my mom so I decided to sing her a song instead..." she then turned slightly at the pianist who nodded and began playing the tune.
When I think back
On these times
And the dreams
We left behind
I'll be glad 'cause
I was blessed to get
To have you in my life
She took a quick breath and continued, trying her best not to breakdown.
When I look back
On these days
I'll look and see your face
You were right there for me
She looked out at the congregation and saw some crying, some smiling and some just looked emotionless, drained even.
[Chorus:]
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
She then looked at Troy who smiled reassuringly. This song was for Maria but the words meant the same when she thought of her feelings for him.
Will you show me
How it feels
To feel the sky
Within my reach
And I always
Will remember all
The strength you
Gave to me
Your love made me
Make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me
[Chorus:]
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
There you'll be
Her emotions got to her and as she sang the next part her tears fell and her voice got shaky but she continued on, wanting to do this for her mom, for her dad, for Kyle and Troy but most of all for herself.
'Cause I always saw in you
My light, my strength
And I want to thank you
Now for all the ways
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
For always
[Chorus:]
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
There you'll be
When the music stopped playing she broke down. She collapsed to her knees and sobbed. She was repeating over and over how she missed her mom and how she was sorry when two arms wrapped around her.
"Shhh baby" It was Troy. "Let's go sit down" she nodded and Troy led her back to the pew.
The rest of the service was prayers read by the priest. After that it was time to head outside for the actual burial. Troy supported Gabriella as she clung to him. Kyle just held one of her hands as Lucille wrapped a motherly arm around him for comfort. Jack walked a step behind them and placed reassuring hands on their shoulders.
After the usual burial speech by the priest and the coffin being lowered into the ground it was time to throw the dirt on the coffin. Gabriella, Kyle, Troy, Jack, Lucille and Tony all threw a handful on then each in turn threw their flower and said something.
Tony: 'I love you honey'
Jack: 'Rest in Peace Maria'
Lucille: 'I'll miss you'
Troy: 'You're in a better place now'
Kyle: 'Love you and miss you ma'
Gabriella: 'I'm sorry mami, I love you'
Once that part was over the people slowly started leaving. They decided not to have a wake, it was all too much so instead Lucille had just said Kyle could come and stay with them so he, Gabriella and Troy could have a night to do whatever.
Gabriella stared at the ground for a while and she jumped when Troy wrapped his arm around her.
"Sorry babe" she smiled.
"It's ok" she hugged his waist and he wrapped his arms around her.
"You did good baby... Maria would be proud" he kissed her head.
"Really?" He nodded.
"Shall we go home?" Gabriella nodded and left with Troy.
A few hours later Troy, Gabriella and Kyle were all sitting out in the backyard. Troy and Gabriella were cuddled up together on a sun lounger, a blanket around them and Kyle was lazily stretched out on one across from them.
"What are we doing about the house?" Kyle asked.
"Well even though mom left it to me in her will she never knew did she about it being yours?" Kyle shook his head.
"When you decided to stay here I didn't see the point... I just don't know whether we should sell it or what..." Gabriella sighed.
"Don't sell it... It has all our memories with mom and dad there" Kyle sighed too.
"Maybe that is why we should... Gabs we won't ever move on and stop grieving while we still have that house" she nodded.
"I guess... I just love it so much" she snuggled closer to Troy for comfort.
"Well it's either sell up or you move back in?" She went wide eyed.
"I can't live with Tony on my own and I don't know if I could live there alone" she sighed.
"Well then we have a dilemma" he stated.
"I can't think about this right now Kyle... Can we talk about it in a few days or something?" She asked.
"Of course sis" he smiled.
"I think I am going to head up to bed... It's been a long day" she sighed.
"I'll be up in a minute babe" Troy said as she got up.
"Ok, take your time, have a chat with Kyle" she bent down and kissed him softly before hugging her brother and going inside.
"How has she been really?" Kyle asked.
"She has been fine... I would tell you if she wasn't coping... It's weird... I was all ready to be her support system after what she was like when Carlos died but she has been totally different" Troy answered.
"I guess that's good" Kyle shrugged.
"Yeah, it worries me though, I don't want her keeping it inside and then us two not being here when it explodes..." Troy trailed off.
"But Jack and Lucille are here and they are so great with her... And she has Shar and Chad and her school friends... So even though we aren't here she isn't alone" Kyle stated.
"I know but I just worry about her" Troy sighed.
"I know man... You know Gabs though when she's ready she'll talk" Troy nodded.
"I know... Look I hate to cut this short but can we have a catch up tomorrow? Maybe do something with Chad?" Kyle nodded.
"I'm knackered anyway man" both guys got up and went inside. After saying goodnight to Jack and Lucille they went upstairs and went to their own bedrooms.
When Troy entered the room Gabriella was laying in bed. He smiled at her and she smiled back. He quickly stripped down to his boxers then got in beside her. She snuggled into him immediately and he smiled.
"How is Kyle?" She asked.
"He's ok babe... Worried about you" he confessed.
"There's no need to be" she sighed.
"He just feels all the more protective of you now... Same as me babes" she groaned playfully.
"Like it wasn't bad enough before" Troy laughed and tickled her slightly. She squirmed and ended up on top of him. "I love you" she whispered as she looked in his eyes.
"I love you too princess" he reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Thank you for making me smile" she said softly.
"I'd do anything to see your smile" she nodded and leant down to kiss him.
Gabriella then rolled off him and snuggled back into his side. Troy kissed her hair three times and stroked her back through the material of his T-Shirt.
"Night baby girl" he murmured.
"Night Wildcat" she whispered.
Soon enough sleep over came them both. The exhaustion of the day's events had caught up to both of them and they were only too happy to accept the sleep and the land of dreams where nothing is the same as reality. One thing that matched their reality though...
Each Other.
Woah long chapter! For me anyway lol it is the longest for this story so far so I hope it was worth it:)
How was it? What did you think of Gabriella's birthday? Her gifts?
What about the funeral? Was that ok?
Please review:) I love to read them:)
xxx Paige xxx