Vanessa and Zac appeared, smiling bigger than ever. Zac was his white penguin tuxedo, white gloves, shirt, shoes, and a gold vest and tie. Vanessa was wearing a lovely, full length, gold halter dress. It was pretty simple, but she made it look so much more than that. Her hair was up in a neat bun, with her bangs hanging to its usual side and some curls hanging out. Her make-up was done so well, it looked like she wasn't wearing any. Truth was, she barely had any on. The two slowly walked out, rounding the whole dance floor as everyone stood clapping. The clapping soon stopped just as Zac's video speech began to play. By this time, Zac and Vanessa had reached the middle of the semi-circle, completing the arch, and turned towards the screen to watch the video.
"Hey Hudgens!" Zac smiled into the screen. Vanessa laughed at this since she and Zac would always call each other by their last names. "Well, to be honest, I haven't prepared for this speech." Zac said honestly. "And knowing that this is going to be playing at your party, you're most likely standing next to me, laughing at me." Zac chuckled on screen, as well as off as he watched himself. He turned to Vanessa, and saw her giggling, shaking her head. "Well, of course, I want to wish you a happy 18th birthday. I know this will probably be one of the best days of your life.. or the worst." He joked. "I really have so much to thank you for." Everyone was watching attentively. No one had ever seen this, except for the editor who never paid attention anyways, because Zac was the very last to record his. "You're one of the most sweetest, caring and loving, outgoing, person I know. And that's just to name a few. You're my best friend. I know we've been through rough times, but we've got our good times as well. You're the person I always want to turn to, or just talk to for fun."
Flashback.
Kevin and Karl were at Zac's apartment, finishing their recordings. They were the last two before Zac since their grandfather was in the hospital. Ashley was there helping out, so she was talking to Karl and Zac while they waited for Kevin to finish. Kevin finally finished and joined them on the couch.
"Hey, Zac, could I talk to you for a sec in private?" Kevin asked.
"Yeah man, sure." Zac nodded as the two left the apartment.
"What's that all about?" Ashley asked.
"Beats me." Karl shrugged and they just continued to talk about whatever.
"Everything alright, dude?" Zac asked as they were far from his apartment door.
"Yeah, everything is cool." Kevin nodded.
"Okay..." Zac said slowly. "So, what did you want to talk about then."
"Well, I think you should know something."
"Okay." Zac said, still unsure of what Kevin was trying to get to.
"Well, obviously, you know I asked Nessa to switch partners so you could be her escort. But there's a reason for that." Zac nodded, signaling for him to continue. "Well, first off. You should know that Nessa and I broke up. A while ago. The same day she asked you to be her escort." Zac was shocked. "Don't worry. It was neutral. Anyways, I was the one who brought it up because well... you two should be together. I know you two are meant for each other. I can see it in your eyes. No one else knows that we broke up. We just figured we'd let everyone find out when they did, but I just really thought you should know." Kevin finished.
"Wow." was all Zac could say. "So you broke up with her because you though we should be together?" Zac asked.
"Yep." Kevin smiled.
"Am I really that obvious?" Zac laughed.
"You have no idea. Plus you two are so stubborn." Kevin laughed.
"Thanks man." Zac grinned.
End of flashback.
"So, today is your 18th birthday. December 14th, 2006. And basically, I want to make this one of the best days ever for you. But I also have a secret to share with you that I really should've told you a long time ago. Yeah the gang knows what I'm talking about." Zac laughed. Zac smiled at the screen, while Vanessa turned to him confused, but turned back to the screen. The rest of the gang just watched the video, still unsure of what Zac was going to do, especially on video. "This is probably going to be one of the most embarrassing yet hardest things to do. But I'll cut right to it. All I want to say is that... I love you Vanessa Anne Hudgens. I truly do love you." Zac smiled to the camera before his face fadded, and the screen read "Happy 18th birthday Vanessa!"
Everyone in the hall cooed "Awww." Monique, Corbin, Ryne, Chris, Olesya, Ashley, and the rest of the court's jaws dropped in awe. They all knew Zac had liked her, but they were in awe that he had finally confessed it to her, and as well to everyone else. Mr. and Mrs. Hudgens smiled. They were the only two that knew Zac was going to do this because he had asked for their permission. Stella was jumping excitedly, after getting over her shock. Soon Ashley and the girls were as well.
Vanessa stood there. Totally shocked. She couldn't say anything. Zac had just confessed his love to her and she wasn't dreaming. It was all true. Zac watched her in shock, and smiled. His plan had worked. Vanessa was about to say something to Zac, but the music had begun. Their dances that they had been practicing forever were finally being performed. Vanessa desperately wanted to talk to Zac, but they were too focused on the dances.
After the dances had finished, it was time for the food. The court was served first, then the guests. Vanessa and Zac were sitting next to each other in the middle of the long table which displayed the court. Vanessa turned to him and was about to speak, but then he spoke first.
"I'll be back." He smiled. "And don't worry, I ate earlier, but I'll eat this in a little bit." Zac said getting up, and left the hall.
"But.. " Vanessa said softly. "Timing is never on my side is it?" Vanessa mumbled. Vanessa quickly ate her food before she was dragged off by her mother to go take pictures with all the guests. (a/n: if you're filipino like me, and you've been to a debut... you know what I mean by this. HAHA. They usually have to take pictures with EVERYONE.)
By the time Vanessa was finished, she walked back to her seat. Just as she was about to sit down, the emcee had called her.
"Would the lovely Miss Vanessa, please come down onto the dance floor!" Vanessa did as she was asked. She sat in the chair which was on the edge of the the dance floor. "Now, we've changed the programs a little bit. We've got a special surprise performance for you." The emcee said to Vanessa before turning back to the guests. "This performance is a never before seen thing, unless you took part of it, of course." The gang looked at each other confused. They thought they were going to do their small gift ceremony next. "Vanessa's escort, Zac, has planned this with a special guest here tonight." Vanessa couldn't help but smile. Zac had already confessed his love to her, but what was he up to now? "So, without further adieu I'd like to hand over the mic to Zac!" Everyone clapped their hands and Zac appeared out of nowhere, standing next to Vanessa.
"Good evening everyone." Zac greeted. "I um, hope you guys are enjoying yourselves so far." Zac chuckled.
"Yeah! Great video!" someone yelled.
"Thanks" Zac laughed. "If you all could hold on a moment.. I just need to get Vanessa a microphone really quick." Zac said, and someone came over to him with another mic. "Here you go Ness." Zac said into his mic.
"Thanks." Vanessa said in her microphone, unsure of why she had it.
"Alright. Well, you're all probably thinking, why is he giving her a microphone? Well, I just wanted to give her one." Zac laughed. "No. I'm kidding it's for afterwards... My partner wanted you to have one. But anyways, speaking of my partner, I met him a while ago, thanks to Vanessa here, and we instantly became friends. He's a cool guy, and I'm sure you guys are gonna love him. We've been hanging out together without Vanessa knowing because he wanted to do this for her. Yep. This was all his idea, and trust me, his mom doesn't even know. All she knew was that he was chillin' with me. Anyways, I just wanted to give him the credit because trust me, you'll all be surprised. He was kinda shy to do this at first, but then he broke out of his shell. Kind of like my character Troy in HSM. But anyways, you'll see. I don't want to ruin it for you all. So let's get this started!" Zac smiled.
Music began to play, and Zac started to sing to Vanessa. Zac paused, after the first verse, and the two tall oak doors opened once again. Out came Kyle in the same outfit as Zac, only his size. He started walking out with a microphone in one hand, and a rose in the other. He walked over to Vanessa and handed her the rose. She accepted it and kissed him on the cheek, which made him beam with joy. Suddenly he started singing. Vanessa broke into a grin, shocked at how well he could sing at such a young age, and at how cute they both looked matching. Everyone thought it was cute that Kyle was singing to her. Soon Zac joined him in the chorus, the rest of the verses Kyle sang on his own, and Zac only joined in during the chorus. Shortly, the song was finished, and everyone clapped. Vanessa had tears of joy beginning to fall.
"Happy birthday Vanessa!" Kyle said happily into his microphone.
"Thank you Kyle." She got up from her seat, and bent down to hug him.
"You're crying again! What's wrong?!" Kyle asked. Vanessa laughed, as well as everyone else in the hall.
"Nothing is wrong. I'm just happy that you sang for me." Vanessa said into the microphone.
"Good. I wanted to do something special for you!" Kyle smiled.
"Yeah, you did." Vanessa said. Everyone listening. "how long have you been singing?"
"I don't know. Zac heard me, and told me I was good." He shrugged, "So I asked him if I could sing for you here."
"Aww. You're such a sweetheart. And you're quite the ladies man." Vanessa said, and the hall laughed. "All you parents better watch out for your daughters. I think he's the future heartthrob." Vanessa giggled.
Then Kyle ran over to his grinning mother. She didn't know Kyle liked to sing.
"Thank you to you too Zac." Vanessa said into her microphone, before handing it back to the emcee. But she noticed that he had disappeared again. "Where did he go now?" Vanessa asked herself, as she handed the emcee the microphone back.
"Alright, now, don't you go anywhere just yet Vanessa. If you would just hold on a sec, we're gonna move your chair out a little further on the dance floor..." He said, picking up the chair and placing it towards the middle. "Okay, now you can sit." He laughed and she smiled and took a seat.
"Alright, now, on the program, next it says special ceremony." The emcee said. "Now, Vanessa knows about this, but she doesn't know about it. Am I right, Vanessa?" He asked her, pointing the mic to her.
"Uh, yeah." Vanessa looked at him.
"Well, your should be happy, because this was set up by your friends Julia, Ashley, Monique, Olesya, Ryne, Chirs, Corbin, Lucas, and Zac." He informed her. Soon, she saw all 9 of them, creating another semi circle, all with one hand behind their backs and another down their sides holding a microphone of their own. Vanessa smiled at them, curious as to what they were up to. "Ladies and gentlemen, as you may know." The emcee began, reading the cards Ashley had given him. "These 10 have been cast mates in their movie. They've grown as a family, all nine together, and loving the recent addition to their group, Julia. They've gone through everything together. And now, tonight, they wanted to do something special for Vanessa, knowing she would do the same for them. These nine have put a lot of thought into this, so let's get this going shall we?" The emcee said, before handing the microphone to Vanessa. Everyone clapped, and soon it died down.
"Hey Nessa!" Ashley giggled.
"Hey Ash!" Vanessa giggled as well.
"Well, you're probably wondering what we're up to, but we don't want you to talk until the end. So, if someone could please..." The emcee quickly walked over to Vanessa and she gave him the mic. "Thank you! Mmkay. It's not that we don't want to hear you or anything, we just can't have you holding anything.. Well you'll see." Ashley said.
"The past couple of months, we excluded you from our meetings and stuff in our rooms." Corbin said. "And we always said we were talking about what we were gonna get you for your birthday." Corbin laughed, and Vanessa laughed as well as all the other guests.
"Well, truth is, we weren't always." Lucas said. "Half of the time, we were all trying to plan that video speech thing you saw earlier tonight. We, as in the whole court."
"So, other than planning the video and getting all of that together, we did talk about what to get you. And honestly, we were stumped for so long. We wanted to get you different things, but then, we weren't sure about this and that.." Julia said.
"Yep, and right about now, you're probably thinking to yourself 'I thought they did get me presents, they already gave them to me, but they said I couldn't open them yet.' Which is true, because we all set them in the corner over there. But we're here for something else." Monique finished.
"We wanted to get you something more meaningful." Chris said. "So we thought, and thought, and thought. That was, until Ryne here came up with this brilliant idea."
"Trust me, you'll love it. Ryne came up with the idea, and we wanted to make it kinda like a little ceremony for you." Olesya smiled.
"Yes, and I was one of the last to know about this, but once I heard it, I thought it was awesome." Zac said.
"So, the gang and I spent our week off, well. Shopping. While you were working sadly." Ryne laughed. "But it was a good thing since you weren't there to find out what we were up to. Anyways, everyone said I should go first since it was my idea..." Ryne said, walking forwards to her. He pulled out a small box from behind his back, and handed it to Vanessa. She took it and opened it and couldn't help but laugh.
"Okay, so we went to a jewelry store, and well I got this one customized for you." Ryne said, pausing to pull the bracelet out of the box and put it on her. "For those of you who can't see, it's a bracelet with a happy meal charm on it. It represents that one time I bought you one, but it also symbolizes that we all want you to be happy too. Cheesy, I know, but I thought it would be cool if you had a happy meal charm." Ryne laughed. Vanessa stood up and hugged him, whispering thank you to him before sitting back down again. Ryne returned to his place, and Monique walked up to her, handing a small box as well. Vanessa opened it and found a charm with angel wings. Monique took it out of the box and attached it to the bracelet.
"I chose the angel wings for you because well, we all feel blessed to have you in our lives. You're one of the best friends we could ever ask for, and you're always watching out for us, as we do the same with you." Monique said. Vanessa hugged her and thanked her as well. Next was Lucas. She opened the box, and the same routine went with everyone else.
"I chose the charm with the theater masks because well, its how we all met; through acting. Without our acting careers, who knows if we would've met. I mean, you only knew Ashley!" Lucas joked, causing everyone to laugh, even Ashley.
"I chose the family charm." Olesya said, putting it onto the bracelet. "We've all grown, becoming a really tight family. I know how much we all mean to one another, and I know how much your parents and your sister mean to you as well."
"I chose the charm with an open hand." Corbin stepped forward, attaching it to her bracelet. Vanessa was already in tears. "It symbolizes how you're always there to lend a helping hand to anyone, whether they want to accept it or not, and we're always willing to help you whether you like it or not." Corbin said. He quickly ran over to a table and grabbed a napkin for her to wipe her tears. "See, I told ya." He grinned before taking his place once more.
This had continued on. Ashley had gotten a charm with a shopping bag because of her love for shopping. Chris got her a charm with a chocolate bar on it because they all knew how much she loved chocolate. Julia had chosen a charm with a music note because of her singing. And last but not least was Zac.
"Well, I guess it's my turn now isn't it?" Zac said walking towards her, and stopping in front of her. The gang had no idea what he was giving her. "Well, I would love to say that I've got a charm for you in this box, but I don't. See, the guy at the shop told us that the bracelet could only fit 8 charms, since your wrist is so tiny. So, Stella and I went back to the mall to look for something you'd like. She's the only one who actually knows what I got you because I chose it out and she approved of it." Zac said, handing her a box. Vanessa opened the box to reveal a simple diamond ring, hanging on a silver necklace. Zac grinned as her jaw dropped in awe. He turned to Stella was was grinning as well, giving him a quick thumbs up and he returned it.
"Oh my gosh." Vanessa gasped.
"Oh my goodness!" Ashley and the girls squealed in there places, covering their mouths.
"I'm assuming you like it." Zac smiled, taking it from her hands, and walking behind her. He undid the clasp and put it on for her. Vanessa put her hand over it as the ring laid over her chest, tears falling. She got up and turned to him, pulling him into a tight hug.
"Thank you, Zac." she whispered.
"Anytime Ness." He smiled, and walked back to his place.
"Alright everyone." Corbin said, the rest of the court began to rise from their seats, knowing what they were going to do. "Please feel free to join in if you want." Corbin said to everyone.
"Happy birthday to you.." The gang began, and the rest of the court chimed in. The rest of the guests caught on and began to sing along as well. The emcee wheeled out a small cake to Vanessa so that she could blow out a candle. The bigger cake was in the back of the room where all the other food was. "Happy birthday dear Vanessa... Happy birthday to you!" They all finished. Vanessa smiled, wiping the tears from her eyes. She closed her eyes and made a wish before blowing the candle out, and everyone cheered.
"Alright! Let's give a hand for these fabulous friends of Vanessa's" The emcee said. "Now, it's time for the 18 candles, so ladies, if you are one, please head out the oak doors for further direction, and we'll get this going in a few minutes." Vanessa's chair was taken away, so she could stand during this part. A few minutes passed and the emcee introduced the first candle.
"Okay. Our first candle tonight, is none other than the one and only, Mrs. Gina Hudgens, mother of Vanessa." The emcee said. Gina walked through the door, smiling, pausing to light her candle before taking the mic from the emcee to speak. Vanessa also had one.
"Hey honey." Gina smiled.
"Hey mom." Vanessa smiled back.
"Well, today, you're 18. You've grown up so much, but you'll always be my little girl." Gina began to tear up. "I've always tried to give you the best in life, and hopefully I have. You're always there to help us out around the house, willing to fly back home from work if anything is wrong. I'm blessed to have you as my daughter. You were a pain at times, but I don't care, because you always stopped and corrected yourself. I want to thank you for everything you've given me. I want you to know that I love you with all my heart. Happy birthday sweetheart." Gina said, crying.
"Aww, thanks mom." Vanessa ran over to hug her mother. And they both laughed. After they broke their embrace, Vanessa returned to her spot, and Gina walked over to her spot on the dance floor, holding her candle in front.
"Next up. Miss Stella Hudgens, Vanessa's little sister!" The emcee introduced. Stella walked out, and lit her candle, accepting the mic from the emcee before taking her place where her mother stood to give her speech.
"Hey Sissy."
"What up gangsta." Vanessa joked. "Just kidding. Hey Stellar."
"Wow. You must be tired of all these speeches you're getting from everyone." Stella laughed, as well as everyone else in the hall. "But too bad, I know you're loving tonight, especially after.." Stella began, but Gina hissed 'Stella'. "Uh, yeah, nevermind." Stella laughed, and Vanessa eyed her sister, assuming she knew what she was talking about. "Anywhoo, I'll make this quick. I just wanted to say happy birthday Nessa. You're the best big sister, and you're my best friend. You take me shopping and you take me on most of your trips and stuff. I'm grateful that you're always there for me and everything. So, again, happy birthday, and I love you!" Stella smiled, and handed the mic to the emcee before standing next to her mother. The rest of the candles gave their speeches. After their speeches, Vanessa walked up to them one by one, blowing out the candle, and giving each a hug. Once she was finished, the emcee began to speak again.
"Okay, Vanessa, I know you're probably tired from being out here for so long, and not being able to just sit and talk with your friends, but now it's time for your speech. Then we'll start the 18 roses ceremony, and that will lead us to the open dance floor so we can all dance the night away!" The emcee smiled.
"Thank you." Vanessa told him, as he handed her a microphone again. She turned back to face the guests which were on both sides of the dance floor, and the court's long table was in front of the dance floor. So, she decided she should face the court, so that her back was towards anyone. She took a deep breath before she began.
"Good evening everyone!" Vanessa smiled. "Wow, I haven't really had the chance to say much to anyone today since it's been so hectic getting ready and everything. But I hope all of you are enjoying yourselves tonight, especially after months of putting work into tonight. First off, I'd like to thank everyone for coming and celebrating this special day tonight with me and my family. It definitely means a lot to me; more than you know. Also, my parents. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't even know what a debut was because I pretty much lack the knowledge of my own heritage." Vanessa laughed, and so did everyone else. "But I am proud of who I am, and I'm taking the time to learn more about it. I'd say this experience has definitely taught me more about it. So, mom, dad, thank you so much for tonight. I love you both. Stella, you too!" Vanessa smiled, pointing to her. "Without you, I probably would have chosen some weird place to hold this event. And also, thanks for helping. I love ya sis. And to my court..." Vanessa turned to them. "You guys... you guys are simply amazing. I want to thank all of you for being a part of this. I think I've probably annoyed you all for saying thank you so much the past couple of weeks, but I'll say it again. Thank you! You guys are... gosh I can't even find the word." Vanessa searched.
"Fantasticalicious?" Zac called out to her, and she laughed.
"Yeah. Fantasticalicious, and more. Geez, you guys are never gonna let that one go, are you?" She gave them a look.
"No!" They all yelled together, smiling.
"Gee, thanks guys." Vanessa said sarcastically, and the guests all laughed. "Anyways, yeah without any of you, I don't think tonight would be as special. I'd also like to thank each and every one of you for coming, again. Some of you have taken the time to fly here tonight from all over the world. I never knew how many cousins and such I had around the world, but then again, my mom tells me that there's still more out there." Vanessa laughed. "But I love the fact that I'm getting the chance to meet my family. And to Mr. Kenny Ortega, and Chucky. Thank you for letting me use the facilities and having the shedule different so I could hold my rehearsals. As well as giving the chance of a lifetime for my friends to be part of the movie just so they could be with me to practice. And Chucky, thank you so much for choreographing with the dances that the girls needed help with." She said turning to them at the table they were seated at. "And I'd like to thank one more person, although I'd already thanked him on a more general sense, I'd really like to acknowledge none other than Zac Efron." She smiled turning to face him. Even though she was quite far from him across the dace floor, she looked directly into his eyes. "You." She smiled. "You're really one of the most amazing guys ever. You're so full of surprises, you make it look like you had planned more of tonight than I had." She laughed, causing him to grin. "But who knows, we might have just put equal amounts of work into this since you were there to help plan a lot of it. But I had no idea about the small performances and stuff. I want to thank you for everything, Zac. From being my escort and switching partners last minute, to putting up with me in general. Your my best friend, and I love everything we do together. You're always full of surprises, especially tonight." She winked. "So, thank you so much Zac." She finished, still looking at him.
The emcee announced for all the roses to gather behind the oak doors for their directions. All the guys on the court stood up and left, as well as some men from the guest crowd. Within a few minutes, Vanessa was standing in the middle of the dance floor, awaiting for the emcee to announce the first person.
"Ladies and Gentle men, our first of the 18 roses to share a dance with Vanessa, is Mr. Greg Hudgens, father of Vanessa." The emcee introduced. Greg walked through the tall oak doors, smiling as he walked towards Vanessa with a red rose. As he was walking to her, "Butterfly Kisses" began to play. They began to slow dance as they shared a father-daughter dance.
"That was a lovely speech hun." He said to her.
"Thanks dad." Vanessa said, tearing up.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked her.
"Nothing." She shook her head and smiled.
"Vanessa." He gave her a look as they continued to slow dance.
"It's nothing dad. I'm just happy that I actually get to have a father-daughter dance with you. It's just really special to me."
"Hey, if you want to dance, anytime, by all means, just say something." He laughed.
"Thanks dad." She laughed.
"So, how do you feel about what Zac said in his video?" He asked her. (a/n: I'm making it so they get the whole song to dance to since it's a father-daughter thing... just to let you know. )
"Dad." She gave him a look as he chuckled.
"What? Can't I know how my baby girl feels?" He looked at her.
"Fine." She caved, knowing she could talk to him about anything. "I was shocked that he said that. I had no idea. I just wish I could talk to him about it since I haven't had the chance to yet." She sighed.
"Don't worry hun, you will." He smiled at her assuringly. "By the way, just so you know, he told your mother and I first."
"What?" Vanessa looked at him confused.
"I don't know." he shrugged. "I guess it was kinda like asking for permission to love you... Kinda like when a man asks the father for the approval to marry the daughter. But Zac asked if he could declare his love for you.." Greg informed her.
"Are you serious?" She asked, and he nodded. "How cute." She breathed, her father unable to hear it through the loud music. "How did you and mom react?" She looked up to him, just as the song was finishing. Greg smiled and pulled her into a hug.
"He's the perfect guy for you Vanessa. Your mother and I both agree." He whispered to her.
"Thanks dad." She said to him before he began walking away to take his seat.
"Next up, we have Mr. David Efron, father to Vanessa's escort, Zac Efron." The emcee introduced. Mr. Efron walked out and handed Vanessa the rose, and she held them in her hand as they danced.
"Thank you for letting me be a part of this." He thanked her.
"No problem. A person picked to be a rose is usually someone significant, or important, in the girl's life at these types of things." Vanessa explained. "And you Mr. Efron, are definitely one of those who qualify in my life."
"Well, I am honored." He smiled. "But please, call me David, you still haven't gotten the hang of that yet." He grinned at her, knowing where Zac inherited his from.
"No, I haven't, sorry Mr. Ef... I mean David." Vanessa corrected herself.
"So, if you don't mind me asking, how exactly do I qualify?" He asked curious.
"Hm, well," She thought. "You're always nice and caring towards me whenever you hear something is wrong. Just like Zac. And you're a pretty cool dude. Plus, I love your cooking. And you're my best friend's dad. Not to mention, the dad of the guy who I've fallen for." Vanessa said.
"Ah, so you've fallen for Zac, huh?" He looked at her curiously.
"Yep." She just said simply, as they swayed to the music.
"Couldn't help but fall for his Efron Charm, eh? Yep. I remember pulling Starla into that..." David said, referring to his wife. Vanessa laughed, and his shoulder lightly.
"And next up, we have Dylan Efron, Zac's brother." The emcee said.
"Well, looks like our time is up. Happy birthday sweetie." David said, pulling her into a hug. Then Dylan walked out of the door with his rose, but stopped at the edge of the dance floor.
"Homie!" He called out, pointing at her.
"Homie!" Vanessa called back, pointing at him. This was there usual routine when they saw each other. Then all of a sudden they busted out the stupidest dance moves they could come up with at the moment. The hall burst into laughter, and the two stopped, not caring at how stupid they looked, and Dylan walked over to her laughing. He handed her the rose, and they began to dance to the song.
"We're so stupid." She laughed, as they slow danced.
"So." Dylan shrugged. "No one can stop us from our ritual." He laughed.
"So true. You can never stop and Dylan-Vanessa introduction." She laughed.
"Yep. So, how's it feel to be 18?" He asked.
"Hmm. It's not that great." She said. "Doesn't feel any different yet." She smiled.
"Nice." He chuckled. "So then how do you feel about my bro's love confession to you earlier?"
"You know everyone's been asking me that." Vanessa pointed out. "I still haven't had the chance to talk to him yet."
"That sucks."
"Tell me about it." Vanessa sighed.
"Next up, Mr. Corbin Bleu." The emcee said. Vanessa thanked Dylan for the dance, and accepted the rose from Corbin. They danced and talked as well. Soon after, the rest of the guys on the court came out, as well as a few other friends and family members. Vanessa's hands were full, with 17 roses, one more to go.
"Thank god, these don't have thorns anymore." Vanessa mumbled to herself, waiting for the emcee to announce the last person.
"And last, and of course not least, Mr. Zac Efron. After the song concludes, everyone, feel free to dance the night away, get food, and an extra piece of cake if you like." He added.
The tall oak doors opened, and Zac walked forward to her. She could feel herself blushing, a smile creeping onto her face. He was doing it all over again. He was making her feel like she was falling in love with him again. She never noticed it, but she finally realized that he made her feel like this everyday she saw him. Zac smiled at her, and handed her a white rose. She accepted it, and held it in her hand. His rose was the only white one in the bunch. He put his hand on her waist as she put her hand on his shoulder, then he grabbed the other hand which was holding all 18 roses. Vanessa drew their bodies closer, naturally, and laid her head on his chest.
"Happy birthday." He whispered to her.
"Thanks." She murmured, enjoying the moment. The song finished, and the two were still dancing. Many people were on the dance floor now, and neither of the two noticed. Vanessa lifted her head and looked into his eyes which were gazing into hers.
"Can we talk?" She asked. He nodded and she grabbed his hand with her free hand and lead him to the balcony which was now empty since everyone was eating, dancing, or talking. Vanessa handed Stella the 18 roses, who smiled and took them without a word, knowing her sister was desperately wanting to talk to Zac already. Vanessa held onto his hand tightly as she lead him, weaving through the tables, making sure she would have the chance to talk to him. Once they reached the balcony, Vanessa let go of his hand and leaned against the balcony's silver railing on the glass. She gazed out at the ocean, and Zac just stood behind her, not knowing what to say.
"Is that really how you feel?" Vanessa whispered, still looking out into the ocean. But Zac could hear her since they were the only two out there.
"Since day one." He simply answered, and Vanessa turned to look at him.
"I know it sounds crazy, but it was love at first sight. Ever since I met you at the audition, I knew it was you because I never felt anything like that feeling before. I couldn't get you out of my mind, and I still can't..." He paused, waiting for her to say something but she couldn't.
"What does your love mean to me
It's something I can't answer easily
Just like the air that I breathe
You fill me up inside
You give me all that I need
Like a bird flying high on a summer's day
You're the wind that carries me away
To a place where you & i will always stay forever
If I never get to heaven then at least I will have known
I had an angel here on earth that I could call my very own
& if this world should end tomorrow
This much I know is true
I found my piece of heaven the day that I found you" He recited. (a/n: I dunno, I found that poem a long time ago and thought it was cute. I'm not sure who wrote it, soo, credit to whoever you are out there!)
"That poem basically explains how I feel for you... even if it is just 'friendship' love." He sighed, looking at her. She was crying silently. She knew he was nervous, and his words were a bit shaky, but she could tell he meant every word. She wanted to say something, but she couldn't find the words. Then he recited that poem, which topped it all off. Vanessa walked towards him, tears streaming down her face, and wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him into a kiss. Zac was caught off guard, but realized what was happening and kissed her back, putting his hands on her waist, pulling her closer. Finally they broke the kiss, still holding onto each other.
"I love you too." Vanessa smiled. "I feel the same way." Zac smiled and put his forehead to hers, sighing in relief that she had felt the same way.
"Thank goodness." He whispered, and Vanessa couldn't help but giggle, quickly pecking him on the lips.
"I'm sorry for not saying anything sooner..." Vanessa began.
"Shh. It's okay." He said, wiping the tears that had fallen off her cheek. "I'm sorry too, but it doesn't matter." He said soothingly and Vanessa nodded. "I just have one question, why didn't you tell me that you and Kev broke up?" He asked her.
"You know?" She looked at him and he nodded.
"Ness, I would never interfere with anyone's relationship. The day Kevin asked you out, was the same day I was gonna tell you how I felt. But then that phone call kinda got to you first, and yeah. But the other day, he told me that you two weren't together anymore, and haven't been for a while."
"I guess I just didn't want to ruin our friendship. I mean, we were just building it back, and I didn't want to loose you. I settled for having you as a friend that risking the chance of losing you. I mean, I almost did..." Vanessa began to cry again.
"You'll never loose me. Trust me." He assured her. "But one more question."
"Hmm?"
"Will you finally be my girlfriend?" He asked.
"I thought you'd never ask." She smiled, as they leaned in for another kiss.
The whole gang, Stella, and the court had slipped through the doors and the two shared a sweet kiss without them noticing.
"WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" They all cheered, clapping and whistling. The two broke their kiss and turned to their friends, smiling from ear to ear.
"Thanks guys." Vanessa said sarcastically.
"Great timing." Zac said in the same tone.
"Okay, we just wanted to find you guys to come dance with us, but I think we'll leave you two alone." Ashley said, as they all filed through the door, screaming to everyone in the hall that Zac and Vanessa had finally gotten together. Stella was one of the last to leave and she turned to them as they were laughing at their friends.
"Hey, sis... you might wanna look at the ring closer.." Stella winked. "I think Zac forgot to mention that." She said before leaving.
Vanessa looked down at the ring that was hanging from the necklace and held it with both hands, as Zac still had his arms around her, not wanting to let go. And to be honest, Vanessa didn't want him to let go.
She looked closely at the ring and saw an engraving on the inside.
I've fallen in love with you. And I always will love you. -Zac.
Vanessa smiled up at him as he just stared at her.
"Thank you." She said before kissing him once more.
"Well, it's true. And you're always welcome." He said.
Vanessa couldn't be any happier. It was her birthday, she was having a huge party with her family and friends, and to top it all off, she was finally with Zac. The walked back inside, and onto the dance floor just as a slow song came on. Zac couldn't believe it either. This time he wasn't dreaming.
"Pinch me, I hope this isn't a dream." He told her. Vanessa looked up at him and gave his a passionate kiss instead.
"I love you, Zac." She said afterwards.
"Okay, this is way better than a dream." He smiled. "I love you too, Vanessa."
Well, that's the END! Wow. haha it was hard to end it. Orignally this chapter was longer, but I cut it down. Sooo REVIEW PLEASE for one last time, and/or for the first time if you never have. LOL. I had fun with this story, and I hoped you guys enjoyed it. They're finally together! haha. I know how long some of you have been waiting for that.
&& as for leaving Fanfiction... I'm staying. Haha. Yes, thanks to you guys, I'm staying. And I mean that in a good way. A lot of you left messages asking me to stay, and I never really noticed how much of you guys actually liked my stories. So thanks to my constant regular readers/reviewers. Aslo, the weirdest think happened the other day. I like jotted down a bunch of new ideas for a new story... Soo, keep an eye out for my new story.. I'll try and get it up and going soon. I'll post something on this story as well, to let you guys know about it. But just a quick note, it won't be a sequel to this story. I figured that I'm not so good with sequels. LOL! Alright well, REVIEW PLEASE!!! thanks a bunch.
