Hi everyone. I'm sorry I didn't update over the weekend but homework was so demanding and I had no time at all for my fan fiction's and no offence but school will always rule over fan fiction no matter how much I love it. This is my education we're talking about. I hope you understand.
I'm really pleased with the response I had for the last chapter, it was a kind of disappointing chapter for me so to have you guys supporting me always boost's my confidence more and more. Thanks guys!
I'll be sure to update 'Humuhumunukunukupua'a' soon, I promise.
Chapter 24 – Mother Dearest
BREAKFAST for Gabriella that morning was uncomfortable and nerve-wracking. The day was fresh and bright, the sun dazzling through the open window but she didn't seem to notice it. She had been poorly that morning, from worry she suspected for Gabriella was beginning to regret her decision about seeing her Mother. Perhaps she should've phoned Maria in advance and let her know she was back for good…it would've been the decent thing to do.
Absently, Gabriella began to play with Katie's hair whilst she ate her breakfast, her mind was brimming with thoughts and she was already imagining how the meeting would go with her Mother, it always swayed to the worse rather than the better.
"Don't worry so much, 'Troy said softly setting a cup of tea in front of her, seeing the anxious glaze in her eyes, "it's going to turn out just fine."
Gabriella broke away from her silent reverie, untangling her fingers from Katie's long dark hair, "Worried? I'm not worried." She laughed.
"Gabriella, 'Troy exclaimed sitting beside her, he placed his hand on her's, his face tender, "you do know you're a terrible liar, right?"
She didn't answer but simply picked up her cup and took a great hearty gulp, the warmth of the liquid calmed her as it entered her system, Gabriella felt somewhat reassured.
"I'm really excited about seeing Nana today!" Katie said brightly, Gabriella felt a rush of joy, 'Nana' that was adorable!
Katie had always doted on her Nana Maria and missed her desperately when she didn't get to see her. The little one was exuberantly excited about the prospect of her Mother and her Mother meeting up again; even she knew it was a serious, important moment for them all.
"Are you excited to see Nana, Mommy?" Katie queried.
"I sure am!" Gabriella answered with a feigned excitement though her smile faltered and her voice cracked, she looked ill.
"I'm happy we're seeing Nana, she always gives me cookies and milk and she calls me her little Latina and sometimes when I go down to her house I get presents too. I don't see Nana a lot though so it's nice when I do." Katie babbled enthusiastically.
"I'm glad we're seeing Nana too sweetie, 'Gabriella said, she watched Katie swallow her last mouthful of pancake and smiled, "why don't you go and get ready to go then?" She offered.
"Okay!" Katie giggled and she jumped down from her chair and darted through to the living room. Troy and Gabriella could still hear her quickened steps as she made her way up the stairs.
"So, are you going to tell me what's really up?" Troy asked Gabriella.
"I guess seeing my Mother again for the first time is getting to me. I don't mean to be off with you and Katie. I'm just a little anxious." Gabriella replied.
"There's only two ways in which this situation can go." Troy said.
"Yes?"
"Well, 'Troy said sitting back in his chair and winding his arm around his wife's waist, Gabriella melted into his hold, resting her head on his shoulder, "Maria is either going to go absolutely wild with anger….or she's going to be so grateful for you return. That's my opinion on the matter; I mean how else could it turn?"
"Hmm, 'Gabriella murmured, "I suppose your right. I just hope everything goes okay."
"I don't see why it shouldn't and your more than strong enough to take the blow of whatever is to come aren't you, 'Troy brushed aside a strand of Gabriella's hair and caressed the side of her face, she responded by lifting her lips to his and kissing him very chastely on his jaw feeling the morning stubble and enjoying it's rough texture, "don't worry so much. You've been sick this morning, 'Troy said taking in her pale complexion, "it's obviously making you ill and I don't want you to suffer over something you did many yearsago."
Gabriella smiled, "Alright." She whispered.
She kissed him again this time holding on a little longer, Troy pressed his body into her's and grinned against her mouth.
"I love you." He promised her.
Gabriella chuckled, "I love you too."
MARIA lived at the far end of Albuquerque so the family had quite a ride until they got there, it would take at least half an hour. Troy himself was a little worried as to how Maria would react to Gabriella's arrival but he knew the meeting had to take place, it wasn't fair of him to keep Gabriella all to himself. She was a people person, she belonged, he thought bitterly, to everyone.
"What if Nana isn't there?" Katie asked, her voice sudden booming with fret.
Troy's eyebrow's knitted together, yes; maybe they should've phoned Maria first.
"If Nana isn't there then we'll go and visit Auntie Robin and Uncle Ryan. I suppose baby Maxi will be allowed to go home soon." He answered.
Maxi was a beautiful little one with his light blonde hair and his dark blue eyes; he was the true picture of Ryan though he had inherited Robin's petite ears.
"Yes, I'd like to see Maxi soon. He's a very pretty baby." Katie proclaimed vibrantly and she began to think of the day when her parents would give her a baby brother or sister, she fell into the daydream with ease.
"By the way, it's the 'take your child to work' day next week. Is it alright if I take her? I mean you're going to go for your interview at East High so I thought maybe I should take her." Gabriella exclaimed.
Troy chuckled, "Oh, one of those days, 'he said remembering his own childhood memory with his Dad, "yeah of course you can take Katie, if she wants to go that is?"
"Thanks." Gabriella nodded, appreciative, she was looking forward to the day where she could take Katie to work and show her exactly what she did, the image's Gabriella had formed in her mind made her choke with near pride.
"Daddy?" Katie suddenly called; it seemed she had broken away from her silent reverie.
"Yes Katie Kat?"
"Is Nana going to be angry at Mommy?" She asked.
Gabriella and Troy looked at one another questionably. They both could see Katie sitting in the back of the car, looking expectant; her eye's shining with inquisitiveness.
"We don't know Katie. Mommy and Nana haven't seen each other in a long time so it could be possible that Nana gets angry with your Mother." Troy replied.
"Oh, 'came Katie's response, she paused, thinking deeply before, "but Mommy isn't angry at Nana is she?" She gazed at Gabriella imploringly.
Gabriella smiled sadly, "of course not honey."
"Good, 'Katie exclaimed resolutely, "I don't want you to be mad at Nana."
Gabriella chuckled before turning her attention back to the front, her stomach was stirring restlessly…
AFTER what seemed like an eternity of eternities the family pulled up outside Segno Street, the home of Maria Montez. Gabriella sat still in the car, looking at the house in which she had grown up in…seeing a thousand memories burst forward with vibrancy as her eyes shifted from the garden to the towering building.
Troy and Katie were already outside, waiting on Gabriella. She felt like she was stuck permanently to her seat.
"Gabriella, 'Troy said opening her door, "come on. It's now or never!" (H! Now or Never! Ha! Sorry lol, couldn't help myself)
"I don't think I can." Gabriella replied shaking her head, nerves were already kicking in.
"We're going to be right there with you Gabriella. It's going to be okay." Troy whispered to her, leaning down and kissing her nose.
Feeling a little more confident, Gabriella helped herself out of the car, staggering slightly. Her legs were heavy; she felt she could hardly lift them. The sickness that was rearing up in her stomach was unbearable but Katie's hand suddenly slipping into her's reassured her and she fought down the tension that seemed to be building up inside.
Everything was going in slow motion, Troy opened the gate of the house that was named The Octon House, number 24 and as they walked down the path another, unexpected burst of memories came forward…Gabriella as a child playing on her bike…Gabriella and her old dog Musty, God rest his soul, chasing each other around the garden animatedly…The images both excited Gabriella and made her feel awkward. Such wonderful memories, such that were to be treasured.
"Maybe we should just go and visit Robin and Ryan." Gabriella blurted out digging her heels in and coming to a firm halt.
"No, we've got to do this now or we'll never do it." Troy answered grabbing her other hand and dragging her along down the path.
"I don't think I can." Gabriella whimpered.
"Yes! We can. Let's go." Troy growled and he continued to drag Gabriella down the path, ignoring her pleas.
Gabriella looked down on Katie and frowned, the little one smile sympathetically and squeezed her hand.
"Everything's going to be fine. Whatever happens, we'll face it together." Troy told her and suddenly they were standing at the doorbell and Troy, despite Gabriella's grumblings, was already ringing the doorbell.
It took a moment but there was evidence of someone being home, a cat meowed and Gabriella frowned, she couldn't remember her Mom ever having a cat. (Apparently things had changed)
"Just a second." Came a calm, feminine voice. Gabriella's stomach jolted and her heart clenched…it was her Mother's voice.
Katie stepped away from Gabriella as if to give her the space she needed for when she would meet her Mother.
There was a click of the door…Gabriella's heart was screaming...the door swung open and there she stood, the older image of Gabriella, long dark curled hair, dark Aniridia and a smile that could light the world…but as soon as she caught sight of her daughter her big beam dropped.
"Gabriella?"
Gabriella's smile was small, she nodded, "Hi Mom." She whispered.
It happened a flash, Maria's hand slung out and collided with Gabriella's cheek with such a force that the young woman's head thrashed sideways. She gasped and touched her throbbing cheek, tears stringing her eyes.
Troy shifted Katie behind his back so she could not see the scene that was unfolding.
"You stupid child." Maria shouted at her, tears spilling from her own eyes.
Gabriella frowned, "look at me Mama, I'm not a child."
Maria laughed wiping away a tear, "of course you are a child. If you had been a woman then you would never have left your husband or your beautiful little girl."
"It wasn't my fault. I did what needed to be done." Gabriella retaliated.
"Maria, with all due respect, Katie and I have completely forgiven Gabriella. We're a proper family again. There is nothing between now that hasn't been said or discussed. We…I understand why she did what she did." Troy cut in quickly before fists were thrown.
"And when Troy Bolton was you going to tell me that my daughter was home, 'Maria hissed turning on Troy, she had a new victim, "or perhaps it slipped your mind."
"Well excuse me for wanting to keep my wife to myself for the first few months of her return." Troy argued.
Katie stood between the adults looking a little stunned at the sight of it all. As Maria made to argue some more she burst into tears and stillness came over the adults in an instant and they all swarmed about her patting her and ushering her with soft words of comfort and love.
"I want Mommy." Katie cried breaking free of them all and rushing into Gabriella's arms.
"There, there Katie. It's alright." Gabriella whispered to her, kissing her daughter gently and stroking her hair.
"I don't like you fighting. I…I…thought you were all going to be friends." Katie wailed.
The adults all glanced at each other awkwardly. Finally, Maria shifting said, "I think you'd better come in. Would Katie like some cookies?"
Katie didn't answer but buried her head into Gabriella's shoulder and continued to cry pitifully.
"I didn't mean to upset her, 'Maria said in a panic, she directed her apology to Katie, "I didn't mean to be angry sweetie. Nana isn't angry at you, you're my little Latina. How could I be angry with you? My Latina, I'm sorry."
"I know you wasn't upset…upset with me Nana. You're shouting…at…Mommy and Daddy. Please don't shout. Please be fr…friends." Katie snivelled.
Maria nodded, "oh dear, 'she muttered eyeing Katie anxiously, she stepped aside and glared at Gabriella for a moment, "you'd better come in and sit down. I wasn't expecting visitors otherwise I would've made some dinner. You'll have to settle for some brownies and tea."
Gabriella was a little confused. To see Maria, her mother, so cold and bitter was bizarre though she couldn't really blame her. She had left without saying goodbye. They stepped into the house and a thousand different memories swarmed into place again, Gabriella smirked and blushed, recalling a night in which being alone, she and Troy had stumbled up the stairs, kissing and giggling, enticing each other to further exertions…she glanced at him but it appeared he had not been thinking the same. She carefully lifted Katie further up on her hip and settled her there; the little one smiled and nuzzled closer to her, Gabriella sighed, content with her baby being so near to her. How she loved Katie!
"As you can see not much as changed, if you'd been here of course I wouldn't have to be telling you this." Maria spat spitefully.
"Stop it Mama! I've already suffered enough." Gabriella growled back.
Maria huffed and brought them through to the living room. Gabriella's face lit up with delight, everything was the same, from the chocolate brown sofa to Gabriella's school desk sitting in the corner. Lying upon the floor in front of the fire was a fat ginger tom cat. Katie shifted in Gabriella's arms and finally taking the bait Gabriella let her down. The little rushed straight over and sat beside the feline, stroking his soft fur adoringly.
"Look Mommy, this is Garfield, Nana's cat. I named him, 'she said proudly, "because he looks just like Garfield. Do you like him?"
Gabriella knelt down and patted the cat twice on the head, "He's very sweet, 'she said, she turned to her mother, "I didn't know you were a fan of cats."
"I'm not, 'Maria replied coldly, she walked through to the kitchen and Troy and Gabriella followed, "I found him on my doorstep one morning, he'd been dumped there in a box and I just couldn't let him be homeless or be put down. I kept him and we've grown quite fond of each other, 'she smiled for a moment before turning grim, "you'd have known if you'd have stuck around!"
"Stop saying that. What I did, I did because I care." Gabriella replied rather impatiently.
"Oh is that what it's called now…caring…I call it reckless abandon. You left Troy and Katie behind. You went off on your own probably to live the high life, 'Maria was furious, her eyes ablaze with an endless fire, Gabriella had always worshipped her mother and likewise but now Maria was saying the opposite to what Gabriella was and it stung, "probably spreading your legs for any man who'd take you…drinking…go out on the town while your husband, a dedicated, honest, fine man stays home and takes care of the perfect little child you both created."
"I'm not a slut Mother so don't make me out to be one. I had post natal depression. That was the soul reason for me leaving Troy and Katie and I've regretted it all through the days of my life. When I left Mama, I got help so I'd never be able to hurt them again." Gabriella said her voice cracking.
Maria grabbed a few cups and clunked them down on the cupboard surface, "do you still like your tea as I know it?" She asked her daughter.
Gabriella nodded sombrely. She looked at Troy, her gaze beseeching. He beckoned her forward and touch her arm briefly, letting her know everything was going to be okay.
"I'm sorry Mama, 'Gabriella whispered softly, she watched Maria's body become rigid, "I am so very sorry! I never meant to do what I did. I love you, I never stopped loving you. You're my mother and if I remember correctly you always taught me to do what I thought was right and that if I could help someone I should always put myself out for people, 'Gabriella hoped she was doing the right thing, she needed Maria to understand, it would crush her to lose her Mother. She was so devotedly important to her, "Mama, if I had stayed with Troy and Katie…I would've hurt them both. I was a danger to myself and to them. I didn't want Katie to grow up thinking I didn't love her. If I had stayed in Albuquerque I would've gone insane with hatred. I never wanted to hate Katie. I never wanted to hurt you but if I had told you what I was doing or where I was going I would've been dragged back and that would be like caging a wild animal…cruel and hazardous."
Maria said nothing.
"Mama, please. Just listen to me, 'Gabriella begged, "I had to get away to make myself well again so I could come back and be the best that I could be for Katie, 'her voice had suddenly turned desperate, if she couldn't convince her Mother then who could she convince, "I love her so much Mom. I truly do and I love you…please, if you can ever forgive me…then I would be forever grateful."
Maria was silent, standing in what appeared to be shock. Gabriella looked at Troy and sniffed back a desolate tear. She made to turn into him, wanting his comfort when…
"You're really sorry?" Maria suddenly asked.
Gabriella looked shocked but nodded eagerly, "yes." She sniffled.
Maria turned on the spot and Mother and Daughter stared at one another curiously, "and you won't leave again?"
"Only if I'm sent away." Gabriella replied.
Maria's gaze fell to her shoes, "Then I forgive you…and I am sorry too."
Gabriella and Maria burst into tears in complete unison and rushed into each other's arms hugging and kissing one another tenderly, Troy stared, bewildered by the scene but also amused.
"My precious baby, my darling little girl. Oh how I've missed you. I've missed you so much." Maria was whispering to Gabriella, smothering her with kisses only a mother could give to her child.
Life seemed to have come to a complete halt and the world was frozen for this wonderful moment between the bond of Mother and Child…
"SO, you'll come by for lunch next Monday?" Gabriella asked.
It was time to go home, the family had spent a full three hours together, laughing about old memories, talking about new, it was a lovely day. Exhausted all three Bolton's were ready to go home, Gabriella was particularly pleased with her Mother's sudden change in affection, the bitterness was gone and love was present again.
"Of course I will, if you'll have me." Maria replied, beaming.
"Nana, will you bring cookies?" Katie asked from beside Troy, holding his hand securely.
Maria bent down and kissed Katie's forehead, "if you want my little Latina. Now you be good for Mommy and Daddy, okay?"
"Don't worry, I will." Katie said flashing her cutest smile.
"It is remarkable how much she is like you Gabriella. I am pleased with that at least, 'Maria nodded with approval, "though she has some of her father's devilish traits." She said touching Katie's nose lovingly and smiling as she giggled wildly.
"We have to go." Troy said checking the time.
"Yeah, 'Gabriella turned to her Mother, "and thanks Mama. I am glad you can welcome me back…even if it took an argument to do it."
"I am sorry I said all those things back there. It was uncalled for." Maria apologised.
They shared a secret smile.
"We'd better go. Goodnight Maria." Troy called leading the way up the path.
"Goodnight dears. I'll see you all Monday." Maria waved.
"Goodnight!" They all cried.
AS they were getting into the car Troy touched Gabriella's hand bringing her out of her happy reverie.
"So, you glad we came?" He asked her.
"Yes, 'Gabriella replied, "and I thank God I have you, you know?"
Troy beamed proudly, "Me too. Me too."
Phew! I didn't think that was going to end. I'm really tired now, I can feel my eyes drooping as I write. I'm once again sorry it took so long, don't know what was the matter with me lol.
Please review and tell me what you thought of the chapter. What did you think of Maria's response?? Was it as you expected! Tell me!! Sorry if there were any mistakes, you won't believe how tired I am. I'm not in my right state of mind right now lol. :P
Anyway, I'm going to be now because I'm absolutely exhausted. Review! xoxMusicalxox/Si xxx
Look out for the new chapter of 'Humuhumunukunukupua'a' and the new chapter to this story! BYE!! xoxMusicalxox/Si xxx