Getting settled at the new place wasn't too hard. Mostly all they had to do was move their clothing over and anything else they really needed or wanted from the beach house. Most everything else they got brand new for the new house. And everyone was happy to be at the new place. They had all liked living at the on the beach, but there wasn't enough room for all of them there, and moving into the new place was better for everyone all the way around. They were all excited to be living in the house and there wasn't any complaining.

Except Gabriella still felt like complaining. Not because of the house, but because she had gained another pound since Christmas. It was New Years Eve morning when she woke up and weighed herself, finding that extra pound. She was sure it was just going to keep piling on, and she didn't know why. There was no excuse for it. She hadn't changed her eating habits... well, she had started eating less, not more, since that day at the bridal shop. And she still had gained another pound since then. She didn't know why, and it was pissing her off. She was working out even more, and she had still gained another pound.

But she wasn't letting anyone know it was affecting her, especially not Troy. No one would understand, especially if Troy didn't understand. She had to keep this to herself. She had asked Tempe to work out with her, just so she didn't alert Troy to how she was still feeling, and Temperance had no idea what had happened a few weeks ago, and she wasn't going to know. Gabi told her she felt like she needed to work out a little more, needing to stay in shape, and with the gym downstairs in the basement next to her practice room, it was easily accessible.

Troy had bought Lily a new dress to wear to the party they had been invited to downtown, sponsored by the Latin celebrity community. Jennifer Lopez was going to be there, Ricky Martin, Mac Antony, Shakira, Julio Jr. and Enrique Iglesias, and many many more. They were both excited to be going, and Gabriella wasn't even going to be upset about those four little pounds. Yes, they were four pounds, but the dress Josh had bought her wouldn't even show those four pounds.

It was a spaghetti strap, empire waist bodice with a flowing skirt. It would flare out as she danced, just as she liked. Nothing form fitting, except for around her breasts, which she kinda liked, especially since she could swear a pound or two had found their way there and she felt as though she was growing a cup size, which she really liked. She'd always been exceptionally small in the breast area, and the fact that they were actually looking and feeling fuller, she really liked. It was almost as if she could handle the extra weight, even if it caused her to have to wear less form-fitting clothing.

Tonight, both Troy and Gabriella were going to have a good time. They were going to the party with Chad and Taylor as well, leaving Tori and Reggie home with Temperance and Dominick. Neither of them minded. They loved spending time with Tori, and Temperance was especially excited to be able to take care of Reggie. Tori always loved taking care of his little cousin.

Chad parked the car in the rounded driveway in front of Troy and Pepper's new house. They'd been here a few times throughout the last week, but he still thought it was a huge house. Taylor thought it was too. He got out of the car, walking around quickly and opening Taylor's door and then opening the back door to take Reggie's car seat off the base, grabbing her diaper bag. Taylor shut both doors and wrapped her arm around Chad's arm, walking with him toward the house. This was the first time Taylor was going to be away from Reggie, but they had both decided that tonight was a good night to do that. She was a few months old and they both agreed it was time they left her with someone else, at least for a few hours.

Taylor rang the door bell and looked up at Chad. He wa smiling down at her. "We can do this," he assured her. "It's only for a few hours, and Tora Tora Tora and Temperance can take care of her just fine together. Dominick will be here too."

Taylor shook her head. "Right. I'm sure Dominick knows everything about babies."

Chad laughed, nodding his head. "I'm sure he does. And if he doesn't, he'd better learn fast."

Chad always made Taylor laugh. And she was till laughing when the door opened and she turned to see Dominick opening the door.

"Ready for your adventures in babysitting, big guy?" Chad asked and Taylor turned her head down, trying not to laugh more.

Dominick couldn't help but laugh himself. "It's a good thing I've got two other people here who are very qualified to babysit. I'm just here to supervise."

Taylor looked up, still trying to keep from laughing. "You are good at that."

Dominick laughed. "Thank you, Taylor. Come in. It's cold out there."

He stepped back, letting them step in. "Ella and Troy are still upstairs getting ready. Temp and Victoria and I are downstairs in the theater. I can take Reggie down with me if you like?"

Taylor took a deep breath, turning and taking the carseat from Chad. "Let me say goodbye to her first," she said, walking into the living area and putting the carseat on the couch. She unzipped the cover that keeps Reggie warm, reaching in and unbuckling her, pulling her out into her arms. "Hey, baby girl. Mama's gonna go to a party now." She'd already told her several times, but Taylor was still having a hard time letting go.

"We'll be back in a few hours, baby," Chad said, handing the diaper bag to Dominick. Taylor walked back into the foyer, Reggie cradled in her arms. "You be a good girl for your Uncle Dominick, ok, sweetie?"

Dominick laughed, shaking his head. It was weird to be called Uncle Dominick because his brother and sister didn't have children yet, but if she thought of Gabriella as her sister, and Temperance was Ella's sister, then he guessed in a long, round about way, that would make him Uncle Dominick.

Things were moving too quickly between him and Temperance, especially since she wasn't even sixteen yet, but she was completely hooked on him, and if truth be told, he was hooked on her as well. He was pretty much old enough to be her father, but they hadn't thought about that when they first started messing around, having it become an issue now would only make problems that didn't need to be presented. They were both happy and enjoying what they had together. Even if Dominick felt like she was holding on to him a little too tightly, he wasn't about to end things with her just because of their age difference. It wouldn't matter in a few years, and it wasn't like Gabriella was going to press charges against him. She was Temperance's legal guardian, and she was alright with their relationship. It hadn't been an issue since they first got together. None of them were going to stir any of that up now.

Taylor handed Reggie over into Dominick's arms, rubbing her head, leaning over and kissing her cheek softly. "Mama and daddy will be home soon, sweetie. We love you."

Chad wrapped his arm around Taylor's waist, pulling her against his side. "Baby, why don't you go upstairs and check on Pepper and Troy? See how much longer they're going to be?"

Taylor glared up at him, but acquiesced and headed up the stairs at the end of the foyer. "Go ahead and go downstairs, Dominick. It will be easier for Taylor to leave if Reggie is downstairs with you than if she's still here when she comes back down."

Dominick nodded. "I agree. You guys have a good time."

Chad nodded, patting Dominick on the back. "We will. You too, man."

Dominick went downstairs and Chad sat down in the living room waiting for Troy and Pepper to finish getting ready. Taylor knocked on the door and Troy came to it, opening it up as he finished tying his tie.

"Hey, Taylor You guys ready to go?"

Taylor shook her head. "I was just going to ask you the same thing. Where's my girl?"

Gabriella came up beside Troy, holding his coat up for him. "Here, babe."

Troy turned to her, taking it from her. "Thanks, babe."

Gabriella turned to GiGi. "I'm here. I'm ready. Ready to go?"

Taylor laughed. "Come on, G. Let's go."

She turned around and Troy looked down at Lily, stifling a laugh. Taylor was always in control. She had to have everything her way and she always had to live by a schedule. Never fail. Even on a night when they were going out to have fun, she had to be in control and keep everything to a schedule. Troy took Bri's coat from her and helped her put it on. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to the side of her neck as she started to button the buttons on the front of her coat.

"Te quiero, mi corazon," he whispered against her ear.

Gabriella smiled. Troy was always learning new things in Spanish to call her. He was always learning new words and how to say them, and she knew he was doing it for her. She loved him so much. No one in the world had ever done as much as Troy had ever done for her. She was so incredibly grateful for him. She would never be more grateful for anyone in her life and she would never let anything keep her from showing him how thankful she was.

Turning to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Te quiero, mi amore." She had called Julian that before, but she'd never truly meant it. Not like she did with Troy. No one was hers like Troy was. And she knew he knew it.

"Come on," he said, pulling back from kissing her lips softly. "Taylor will yell at me if we get off of her schedule."

Bri smiled, wrapping her arm around Troy's waist and walking with him down the hall toward the front stairs. When they got down to the bottom of the stairs, Chaf and Taylor were waiting for them by the door.

"Come on, you two! The party doesn't wait for anyone," Taylor scolded, opening the door and heading out ahead of them.

Troy pulled his coat on as Bri headed out the door behind Taylor.

"You know, Tay, the best way to make an entrance is to be fashionably late."

Troy laughed, looking over at Chad. "Regina downstairs with Tori and Temperance?"

Chad nodded. "And UNCLE Dominick."

Troy laughed some more. "Uncle Dominick?"

Chad nodded. "That's what Taylor called Dominick when she was handing Reggie over to him."

Troy was still laughing. "That must have been a riot for Dominick."

Chad laughed as well. "I'm telling you, man," he said, walking out the door with Troy. "His face must have turned eighty shades of white."

About an hour later, they arrived at the hotel in downtown LA where the party was being held. Chad pulled up in front of the doors and stepped out when the valet driver opened his door. The doorman opened both Taylor's door and the back door to let Troy and Gabriella out. Paparazzi was out in full storm, bulbs flashing and questions rolling. Troy kept Gabriella close by his side as Taylor walked along the other side of her, Chad's arm around her waist.

He waved at everyone. He was the only one who really drank up the limelight. The rest of them really didn't get into all that. Yes, Gabriella had always wanted the fame and the bright lights, but the newness and novelty of it had faded away years ago. She enjoyed her career, but the media hype wasn't something she indulged in. Taylor never liked it and Troy especially didn't like it. He hated all the vultures out there snapping pictures of his Lily. Sure, she deserved to be in the public eye, but the media were all vultures and he didn't like any of them.

The four of them stepped out of the elevator on the top penthouse suite floor. The door to where the party was being held was wide open, two big bouncers stood in the doorway letting those in who were invited and turning those away who weren't. Gabriella led the group over to the bouncers.

"Evening, boys," she said, smiling brightly up at both of them. "Ella Leigh, party of four."

The bouncer on the right looked down the list and then back up at them, stepping back slightly. "Go on ahead, Ella. Feliz año nuevo."

She smiled, taking Troy and Taylor's hands, leading them into the room. Taylor kept a tight hold on Chad's hand. She was sure she was going to lose him before the night was over. He always seemed to float away and get mixed up in some heated debate somewhere far away from her, so by the time she found him, she had to save everyone else from his bumbling.

A man stood on the other side of the door to take their coats, and once they had all turned their coats into him, they headed out into the party.

"Would you like to dance, my beautiful African Queen?" Chad asked, turning her to face him and offering his hand. She smiled at him, walking with him toward the dance floor.

Gabriella smiled, turning to face Troy. "I'm really glad we came tonight, T. Thanks for buying this dress for me." She looked down at it and then back up at him.

He let his fingers brush lightly across her arm, sliding down to take her hand. "Well, you do look beautiful in it."

She blushed, stepping close to him so she didn't have to raise her voice too much above the music. "You know, you don't have to sweet talk me all the time." She held her left hand up in front of his face, wiggling her ring finger at him. "You already have me."

He took her hand in his other hand, kissing it softly. "I know, but why give up now, when I can make you happy for the rest of our lives?"

She blushed even more. "You already are doing that." He leaned in closer to her, pressing his lips softly against hers.

"Ella!" They heard a voice coming from behind them.

Gabriella knew exactly who it was without even turning to look. Enrique Iglesias, probably her most favorite singer in the world was approaching them. She'd met him a few times in passing, but he'd never actually stopped and talked to her. Right now, he was coming specifically over to her. She looked up at Troy, her eyes wide with excitement, knowing he knew just how much she liked him, professionally, of course, and then looking over to Enrique to greet him.

"Enrique, hi," she said, holding out her hand to him.

But he didn't shake her hand, instead, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug her eyes widened and she looked over at Josh, who was smiling back at her, excited in return for her. Stepping back, Enrique held her hands at length so he could look her over. "Ella, este vestido es precioso. Cuando di lo entiendes?"

Gabriella smiled brightly, over at Troy, telling Enrique, "Mi novio me lo compró. Fue un regalo para esta noche."

Enrique looked over at Troy, letting go of Ella's hand and turning toward him. "It is a beautiful dress." He turned his head back to Gabriella, asking quitetly,"Está usted nos va a presentar?"

Gabriella felt as though she had forgotten her head at home. "Si. Por supuesto. Enrique, este es mi novio, Troy Bolton." She looked over at Troy, smiling brightly, but trying to remain calm. "Troy, this is Enrique Iglesias."

Troy offered his hand and Enrique stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Troy. "Pleasure to meet you, Troy."

Troy's eyes about jumped right out of his head as he looked behind Enrique over to Gabriella. Gabriella was beside herself with excitement. Not only had Enrique hugged her and complimented her dress, he was now hugging Troy as if he was an old friend. She was so excited.

Enrique stepped back. "Troy Bolton?" he questioned. "As in Troy Bolton of the LA Lakers?"

Troy nodded. "Yeah, that's me."

"The Lakers are doing really well this year," he nodded his head in respect toward Troy, "obviously due to your fresh coaching skills."

Troy nodded in reply. He always had people praising him for his coaching skills, but if it hadn't been for the association wanting to try out the player/coach idea this season, he wouldn't have had anymore to do with getting them this far than he had any other season.

"I wouldn't doubt if the Lakers took the playoffs this year."

Troy nodded his head. That was how it was turning out to be. That's how things seemed to be going as of now.

"I think that is a definite possibility this year," Troy agreed, smiling to purvey his pleasure. It's not as though the Lakers never got there, but being his first season coaching, he didn't want to get ahead of himself. "Are you a Lakers' fan?"

Enrique laughed, shaking his head. "No, I'm really not a basketball fan myself, but I do stay in the loop, just so I know what to say when people start talking about the game."

Troy laughed as well, nodding his head again. Enrique turned back to Gabriella, pulling her into his arms and hugging her warmly again. "Estoy tan emocionada de conocerte por fin!" Pulling back, he kept her hand in his.

"Yo también, Enrique."

He hugged her again. and Gabriella bit her lip, looking back at Troy in disbelief. He smiled, reassuring her from behind Enrique. Enrique pulled bac, turning back to look at Troy.

"It was nice meeting you, Troy."

Troy nodded. "It was nice meeting you."

Enrique smiled at both of them. "Feliz año nuevo."

He turned to walk off and both Gabriella and Troy returned, "Feliz año nuevo."

They turned back to look at each other and Gabriella felt like she couldn't believe, finally feeling able to let the excitement flow through her body. "Did that just happen?" she asked Troy, looking off the way Enrique had left and then looking back at Troy.

Troy pulled her into his arms, rubbing her back. "Yes, babe. It really did."

She reminded herself mentally that she had to breathe. "I know. Se que. I know." She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly, breathing quickly.

"Ok, ok," Troy said, kissing the side of her head. "You need to breathe, Lily. Remember to breathe."

She laughed, pulling back, looking up at him. "I know. I know. I was just thinking that." She took a deep breath and looked over at the dance floor. "Dance with me?" she asked, looking back at him.

Turning with her, he nodded. "No one else I'd rather dance with."

He was glad it was actually a slow song that was playing. He wasn't much of a dancer, so a slow dance was great. He pulled her into his arms and started swaying with her to the music. She rested her head on his chest, listening to his heart. It was her favorite sound in the world and it always calmed her down.

A while later, they were still out on the dance floor, Gabriella had convinced him that nobody cared if he couldn't dance. She wanted to dance with him, and so he stayed with her, even dancing to the faster songs. It was about ten minutes before midnight, and they had been dancing for quite awhile. Gabriella was starting to feel a little light headed, but she didn't want to stop dancing. It was good exercise. She was benefitting from it more than it was making her feel as light headed as she was. She did ask Troy if they could leave just a little after midnight though. They had found Taylor and Chad, and Taylor said that she didn't mind that. She wanted to get back to Reggie soon as it was.

Gabriella moved, her body sliding against Troy's as they grinded against each other on the dance floor. Gabriella's closed her eyes, Troy's hands holding her hips as he tried to move to her rhythm. But Gabriella felt as though she was loosing it. The room was starting to close in on her. She did her best to breathe, but it wasn't working. Everything was fading in and out on her. She tried to inhale slowly and let it out even more slowly, but it wasn't working. She tried to turn to face Troy, but fell against him, passing out from how exhausted she was.

Troy about freaked out, not knowing what was wrong with her. She was passed out completely against his chest. He held onto her, shaking her only slightly and saying her name, over and over. But she didn't respond. People had stopped dancing around them and were looking at her.

"She alright?" Jennifer Lopez asked, quickly coming over to Troy.

He lifted her up into his arms, shaking his head. "I don't know."

J-Lo looked around, and then back to Josh. "You can take her to the bedroom. We can clear everyone out."

Troy nodded, following her as she pushed her way through the crowd of people, leading him to the bedroom.

"Salir ahora. A todos ustedes."

Marc Antony, J-Lo's ex, or one of them anyway, walked over to her, asking her what was going on.

"Se desmayó. No sé cómo."

Marc looked over at Troy who was laying Gabriella down on the bed and asked if he could get anything.

"Agua. Solo agua."

Marc nodded his head and left the room.

J-Lo walked over to the other side of the bed, looking at Troy. "Has she been feeling alright?"

Usually when people passed out or anything at parties, it was because they were drinking too much or because they were on drugs. J-Lo didn't know Ella Leigh personally, but she was pretty sure it wasn't the latter. "Has she had a lot to drink tonight?"

Troyshook his head, wishing Gabriella would just wake up. "No. She doesn't drink. Not that often anyway. She hasn't had anything tonight."

Taylor came running into the bedroom, pulling Chad along behind her. "What happened, Troy?"

Troy shook his head, looking over at Taylor completely at a loss. "I have no idea, she just passed out on me out there while we were dancing."

Taylor walked over beside him, reaching out and taking Gabriella's hand, checking her pulse. "Is she breathing?"

Troy nodded his head. "She is breathing just fine. She just passed out, I don't know what's wrong."

Marc Antony came back into the room with the glass of water, handing it to J-Lo. "Es que en materia de drogas."

J-Lo glared at him, shaking her head furiously at him. "No, no es contra las drogas. Salir. Salir ahora."

Marc shook his head, leaving the room. Gabriella stirred slightly, a soft moan escaping from her lips.

"Lily?" Troy asked, lifting her up into his arms. "Lily, baby, can you hear me?"

She slowly opened her eyes, looking up at him. Her vision was blurry, but she tried to focus on him.

"Here's some water," J-Lo said, handing Troy the glass. Troy thanked her and took the glass from her and tried to help Gabriella drink.

Taylor glared across the bed at J-Lo, planting her hands on her hips. "You can go now. We don't need you."

J-Lo looked over at Taylor, wondering who died and made her queen. "Excuse me, I'm just trying to help Ella. Who do you think you are?"

Taylor was about ready to spit fireballs. "I'm Taylor McKessie-Danforth. Her best friend and manager. So you can just walk your little Hispanic ass out of here. You're not needed."

J-Lo held up her hands. "Whoa, puta! Watch where you're directing your fire!" She turned back to Troy. "I'll be right outside the door if you need me."

She glared back at Taylor as Taylor noted, "We won't," and J-Lo left the room.

Troy pulled the glass down from Gabriella's lips and asked, "Are you alright, baby?"

Gabriella swallowed, nodding her head. "Si. Estoy bien, T. Estoy bien."

It's not that he didn't believe her, but he was still concerned as to why she had passed out on the dance floor with him. "Baby, you passed out out there. You're not alright."

She closed her eyes, inhaling slowly. "I'm alright. I promise you." Opening her eyes, she looked at him. "I'm alright. I just haven't had much to drink today. Not a lot of water. And Tempe and I were working out for a few hours earlier while you were out buying my dress. And I haven't had much to eat today."

Taylor sat down on the bed beside Troy. "Girl, does this have to do with what happened a few weeks ago at the dress shop?"

Gabriella turned her head away. "Can we just go home? I'm not in the mood to party anymore."

Troy sighed, shaking his head. He knew that she was still thinking she was fat. He knew how fiercely she was working out lately. She didn't think he knew, but he did. She didn't want to talk about it, and he wasn't going to force her either. He looked down at his watch and then over at Taylor then back at Chad.

"You guys wanna get out of here before the ball actually drops?"

Chad spoke up from behind them. "What? Really? It's New Years-" he stopped midsentence when Taylor glared back at him. "Ok, we can go."

Troy sat the glass down on the nightstand beside the bed. "Do you think you can walk, baby?"

Gabriella looked up at Josh. "I'm fine. Troy. I promise you. I'm fine."

He nodded, standing up as Taylor did and Gabriella turned so she could get up off the bed. Troy offered her his hand and she took it, even though she didn't want any help right now. But she wasn't going to push him away. He wrapped his arm around her and she gratefully leaned against him. She really didn't want his help, but she was grateful for it nonetheless. Just as the four of them came out of the bedroom, everyone started yelling

"Diez. Nueve. Ocho. Siete..."

The four of them stopped and Gabriella smiled up at Troy, nodding her head and the four of them continued to count down with them. "Tres. Dos. Uno! Feliz año nuevo!"

Troy pulled Gabreilla to him and leaned down, pressing his lips against hers. The last new year they had spent together, they had spent alone at his parents house. His parents had gone to Phoenix to spend the holiday, so they had the place to themselves, like they did occasionally, and especially on holidays and their parents' special events. Troy didn't realize that until this very moment, and even though he knew she wasn't feeling that well, and she wasn't being completely honest with him about it, he was going to enjoy this moment. In fact, he wasn't going to bring it up at all tonight. Tonight they were going to have a good holiday. And he would even let it go tomorrow, since he'd be gone all day tomorrow at the Staples Center.

He was just going to let it go... unless something else happened. And if she was starving herself and overworking herself like he thought she was, something else could happen. He was worried about her. Really worried about her. But he knew she wouldn't want to talk about it, so he was going to let it go. Instead, he held her in his arms, sharing their first New Year's Kiss in ten years. After a few moments, they pulled away from each other, sharing a smile. Gabriella wasn't thinking about their last New Year's together though... She was thinking about all the years she spent without him, vowing she was never going to do that again.

"Ready to go, babe?" Troy asked, barely audible above all the celebrating.

She nodded her head. "I am... Troy," she spoke his name, stopping him from leaving. "I love you. Por siempre. Por siempre!"

He inhaled deeply, pulling her back against his body and kissing her more deeply, more passionately. When they finally pulled back, both of them were breathless.

He spoke against her lips, but she was still barely able to make out, "I love you, Lily. Por siempre!"

She smiled up at him, giving him another quick kiss. "Ok, we can go home now."

Josh nodded and turned to follow Chad and Taylor out of the party. About an hour and a half later, they were finally saying good night to Chad and Taylor who where walking back out to his car with Reggie all bundled up in her car seat. Troy shut the door and turned to walk into the living room where he had laid Gabriella down on the couch when they had gotten home. She had fallen asleep and he had carried her inside. Tori was already in bed upstairs asleep. Troy told Temperance she could spend the night over in Dominick's loft when she asked.

Sitting down on the coffee table in front of Lily, he ran his fingers through her hair and looked at her. He didn't want her to be making herself sick because she thought she was fat. He didn't want her becoming anorexic. She was too beautiful, too perfect for that. She stirred slightly, looking up at him and smiling gently.

"We're home?"

Troynodded softly. "Want to go upstairs to bed or downstairs to the theater and watch movies like we did the last New Year's we were together?"

She smiled softly, sitting up slowly and starting to undo her coat. Troy reached out to help her. He'd already taken his coat off and hung it up in the closet under the stairs.

"I just want to go to bed. Can you take me?" she asked, getting the last button undone.

Nodding, he helped her push the coat off before pulling her into his arms and lifting her as he stood, holding her to his chest. She wrapped her arms around Troy's neck, burying her neck there.

"I'm sorry if I scared you earlier, T," she whispered, closing her eyes and resting there.

Troy headed toward the stairs, kissing the side of her head. "No need to be sorry. I'm just glad you're alright." He paused before taking the first step up the stairs. "Would you like something to drink or eat or something before we head upstairs?"

She hugged him more, pulling herself more too him. "Uh-uh. Just bed. With you. Please."

He inhaled softly and continued back up the stairs. Shutting the door behind them, he walked over and sat her down on the bed.

"Make love to me, T," she sounded as though she was almost pleading with him.

Helping her lay down on the bed, he laid beside her. He didn't know if she was up to it, but if he didn't make love to her, she'd think he thought she was fat too. He would be gentle with her. He would make sure that he didn't hurt her or wear her out. He'd take complete care of her, and do everything to make sure she felt amazing and that she didn't get hurt.

Lily was the most important thing in the world to him. He couldn't think of what his life was like without her. He'd lived ten years without her. He couldn't do that again. He wouldn't do that again. If he lost her, for any reason, he'd lose himself, and no one would be able to save him. He was going to take care of her for the rest of their lives and they were going to have the happily ever after they should have had all those years again. Nothing was going to keep them from that. They were in love and they would always be.