Hey everyone, wow! Your reviews for chapter 33 were absolutely fantastic and so refreshing. I didn't stop smiling all day. You're the best reviewers ever and so supportive! I just had to say that.
Also, I have to mention this, thank you so much for the reviews on my brand new story 'Love That Scar's The Heart.' I can't believe it's only been the second chapter and I have 93 reviews. I'm gobsmacked and thrilled to bits! :D Being Welsh and all I have to say "Diolch yn fawr!" I hope some of you will feel the need to research that tiny little welsh phrase :P
To those who haven't read my new story, go on. Make me happy! You might be pleasantly surprised.
EEEKKKK!!! HSM3 came out and O.M.G! It's ever better on DvD! Did you all purchase your copy, especially my fellow UK-ian fans??? :D xxx It is awesome!
This chapter is dedicated to my favourite friend and internet sis, disneygurl054! Enjoy sis!
High School Musical does not belong to me...sighs...sadly.
Chapter 34 – Celebrations
TROY stared at his weeping wife, his heart fluttering lightly and his own eyes brimming with tears. Though he'd clearly heard Gabriella's wonderful words it was almost as if they had yet to register in his baffled thoughts. She sat beside him, looking beautiful as she clutched onto the pregnancy test and Troy knew there and then that all his prayers had been answered and so had hers.
How could Troy express this sudden swell of emotions?
Gabriella would gain the full experience of becoming a mother; she would learn how he had, with spontaneous surprises and wonderful gifts of love and affection from their baby. Katie would have the sibling she so desired and he would be a father again. Nothing could erase their joy.
Gabriella looked up at Troy and smiled brightly, her young, unafraid eyes twinkling, "we're going to have a baby." She whispered caressing her flat-soon-to-be-enlarged stomach.
He swallowed feeling numb and nodded, hardly able to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat. Gabriella's innocent smile began to falter.
"You're happy, aren't you?" She asked him.
Somehow, Troy found his voice, "Yes...yes, 'he wheezed, his head was positively spinning, "I...I'm sorry, I'm just stunned."
"Well that's natural, don't you think?" Gabriella replied her face softening with relief at her husband's nervous but reassuring voice.
"Yes, I guess it is. Come here." Troy whispered holding out his arms for her.
Gabriella shifted on the floor and crawled towards him. She placed herself in-between his legs and Troy, kissing her neck with care, scooped her up into his hold and held her gently as if he were frightened he would break her.
"We're having a baby." He muttered excitedly into her neck.
"I know, I know. This is the best news ever!" Gabriella nodded in agreement.
Troy's fingers delved under her shirt and he caressed the soft subtle skin of her stomach, knowing she was carrying his child, their child. He was proud! She was his!
He moaned as her fingers traced the skin on his arms. Gabriella's voice was crooning, tender and loving as she muttered words of love and adoration for him. Troy knew there and then he was the luckiest guy in the world.
"Our baby, 'he said as if he could still not believe it, "and Katie's brother and sister. Thank you Gabriella, thank you so much. You've given me the most precious gift in the world."
She chuckled lightly, happiness simply radiated from her like some appealing aura, he wanted to be a part of it and a part of her too, "a gift huh? 'her tone was humorous, "if I remember correctly Mr Bolton, this gift is part yours. You were present during it's...um...wrapping." She giggled.
"Why, I believe your right Mrs Bolton." Troy laughed turning Gabriella's face to make him look at her. He pressed his lips down on hers.
Gabriella's face stiffened under his and Troy pulled back, confused.
"What's the matter?" He asked, suddenly concerned.
"Katie." Gabriella whispered.
Troy frowned, "What about Katie?"
Gabriella looked oddly worried. She bit down hard on her lip, concentrating. Troy reached up and brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. How he loved her, his beautiful, beautiful wife.
"Should we tell her?" She queried.
"Well, I think we should. It's her brother or sister after all." He offered.
"I know. I just thought maybe...maybe we should hold it from her for a while." Gabriella told him.
"Why?"
Shrugging her shoulders she began to explain, "because I'm worried that this pregnancy could go wrong. I don't want the fear of losing another little one corrupt me, 'she said stroking her stomach again, "besides, if we told Katie we were expecting and then I miscarried she would be devastated. How could she understand something so heart wrenching when we ourselves couldn't understand it the first time it occurred."
Troy stared at Gabriella knowing she was right. His heart felt as if it had sunk and sagged against his ribcage. There it sat, beating dejectedly.
"How long do you propose we hold back the news from her?" He whispered.
Gabriella leaned up and brushed her lips against his offering him the solace he needed, "a few weeks, 'she promised, "until I'm settled into the pregnancy."
"Whatever you want Gabriella, 'he said in a hushed voice nuzzling his nose into her hair and taking a deep breath, "whatever you want."
THAT evening, Troy and Gabriella, wanting to inform all they could of their wonderful news, invited the friends and Gabriella's mother over to the house for a celebratory dinner.
Troy and Gabriella stood in the kitchen, working together to prepare their friends a good meal. There was something sensual and relaxing in the act, they kept catching each other's eyes and smiling at one another bashfully.
Maria had already arrived and was keeping Katie busy in the living room. They were building a house out of Lego and Gabriella smiled, listening to her daughter talk animatedly. Katie always was a babbler.
As she worked she mused. Gabriella wondered what their baby would look like. Would he/she have her rich dark curls or Troy's light sandy hair, maybe they'd have a mixture? Sandy curls, perhaps? What about the eyes? She hoped they'd inherit Troy's eyes. She loved the soft blue that both he and Katie harboured. Her eyes were plain and boring and brown but Troy's and Katie's were exciting and vibrant and striking!
"You're awfully quiet?" Troy said nudging her side.
"Just thinking." She muttered.
"About?" He probed.
"Our baby, 'she whispered as she stirred the rice in the saucepan, "what they'll look like."
"Any good thoughts as of yet?" Troy said placing an apple pie into the oven and coming to stand behind her. He tapped her bottom and chuckled.
"Good thoughts, yes, 'Gabriella replied, "but fuzzy thoughts. I can't wait to meet our baby."
"Me either." He smiled.
"Um...how are we going to tell everyone when the children are in the room?" Gabriella asked curiously.
Troy moved to the sink to rinse his hands and start on slicing the chicken breast, "Well, after the meals the children normally go and play in the garden or upstairs in Katie's room. We'll tell them then. Do we have orange juice? No wine for you missy."
Gabriella laughed, "I think so, 'she turned to look at him expectantly, "have you finished slicing the chicken?"
"Done and done." Troy said presenting her with the small bowl. He kissed her forehead and poured the chicken into the saucepan to join the rice. His eyes devoured her with worship as Gabriella began to stir the contents.
"We're doing the right thing aren't we Troy?" Gabriella asked, her voice was tinged with fret.
"Huh?"
"You know, 'Gabriella said, "not telling Katie about the baby yet."
"Stop worrying so much. It's a good thing. How can Katie miss something that so far she doesn't even know exists?" He answered.
"Your right I know, will you slice the onions please? 'Gabriella muttered, "but I just want your reassurance that what we're doing, by keeping this important news from her is right?
Troy sighed peeking into the fridge for the wine and the orange juice. He glanced over his shoulder and said, "look honey, we agreed that we'd wait a couple of weeks before we told Katie. We've made the right decision, when you're comfortable with the baby and when we're confident that everything is well we'll tell Katie the good news. Stop panicking so much, 'he smiled, "anyway, just think of how happy the guys will be when they find out you're pregnant."
Gabriella's face brightened slightly, "I guess." She giggled.
"Sharpay and Taylor will probably take you shopping. Kelsi will probably start knitting those little hats and gloves that she did when Robin was pregnant."
"I have no doubt that Chad will be begging to be a Godfather again." Gabriella added.
"That's for sure." Troy laughed.
The doorbell rang and Gabriella frowned looking at the clock, "odd, 'she mumbled, "It's 6.00pm and the guys aren't supposed to be here until 8.00pm."
"Maria will you get the door?" Troy called, he turned to Gabriella, his face beaming, "I suggest we hurry up then Mrs Bolton!"
WHEN 8.00pm had come around all the friends had arrived. Taylor and Chad had come first presenting Gabriella with a bottle of wine she would not be drinking. Sharpay and Zeke followed with the twins arguing in their arms. Sharpay was sitting on the sofa now with Camden at her arms playing with his toy truck while his brother cooed at sleeping Maxi, cradled in Ryan and Robin's gentle hold. Kelsi and Jason were in the kitchen, helping Troy dish out the meals.
The children were darting around the house, excited at the sudden gathering of their parents.
"So, 'Taylor said sipping her wine, "what's the occasion?"
"No...um...occasion." Gabriella stammered wondering why Taylor's voice was laced with amusement.
"The wine's great, good choice. Have some; it's got a nice sweetness to it." Taylor offered Gabriella the glance, smirking as she did so.
Gabriella pulled back and shook her head, "That's fine Taylor! That's absolutely fine; I'm trying to keep off the wine tonight."
"Any particular reason why? You like a glass of wine when we're at dinner parties." Taylor said.
"Yes, it's been scientifically tested that one glass a wine of day is good for you." Sharpay added as she passed by with Camden in her arms.
"All things considered, 'Gabriella shook her head, "I'm sticking with orange juice. Thanks anyway."
Taylor laughed, "if you say so." She walked off leaving Gabriella wondering whether she knew more than she let on.
THE friends all sat down outside with their dinner, all gathered around the table. The air was warm and pleasant as darkness descended the valley. It was peaceful and the atmosphere was easy.
"Wow Troy, Gabriella. This is splendid." Maria said swallowing a mouthful of the Chicken and Rice Casserole that had been served.
"Thanks Maria. Katie, make sure you eat all of your food or there'll be no dessert." Troy said.
"So Troy, how's the basketball team at East High. Any good?" Chad asked.
"Sure, 'Troy answered, "I've got a pretty good team going. The Wildcat's this year are almost as good as our team had been."
"Just as good or better?" Taylor teased and she stuck her tongue out.
"Probably better, 'Sharpay sniggered, "these old wildcats weren't good they just thought they were. It's all in the mind." She said reaching for her glass of wine.
"I resent that! We were good, 'Zeke said looking deeply offended, "by the way, 'he said turning to Troy and Gabriella, "this is awesome, 'he took another forkful of casserole and shoved it into his mouth chewing eagerly, "I couldn't have made it better myself."
"Here, here!" Kelsi nodded.
"I think we should toast, 'Robin said, "to Troy and Gabriella, who cannot cook like Zeke, 'she nodded in his direction, "but make a damned good casserole."
"To Troy and Gabriella." The friends chorused raising their glasses.
"Just wait until the apple pie and cream. It's my own speciality with a pinch of Vanilla. You'll love it I assure you." Troy told them.
"Daddy, 'Katie whispered softly, "we're all full up."
"Already, 'Troy said in a shocked voice, "show me how much you've eaten." He said sternly.
Katie nudged her plate towards him presenting half of her casserole. He looked at her disapprovingly.
"Please Daddy, 'she pleaded flashing him a pearly white smile, "I'm really, really full. Can't I leave it now? Monique and Hallie want to play and so do the twins. Pretty, pretty please." She looked so endearing, how could Troy refuse her.
"Alright, go on then, but you have to eat all of your dessert or no reading tonight." He ordered.
"Okay Daddy, 'Katie said gratefully, she turned to her friends, "come on. Let's go play!"
The girls escaped quickly with Camden and Calem following behind them as swiftly as they could. Gabriella and Troy glanced at one another anxiously, making sure that the children were inside before they began.
"So, 'Troy said clearing his throat, "there is...um...a reason why we brought you all here tonight."
The friend's attention was upon them instantaneously. Troy stood and Gabriella followed soon after. They took hands and interlaced their fingers together, their hearts were thumping irregularly and they could feel the tension rising as every eye in the room was fixated upon them.
"We have news for you all, 'Gabriella explained, she looked to Troy and smiled happily, "in our opinion, good news."
The friends looked around at one another, inquisitive and bewildered.
"Here goes, 'Troy said, "in just under nine months there will be a new addition to our extended family. Gabriella is pregnant. We're going to have a baby."
There was silence. You would've heard a pin drop to the floor, suffocating silence, all that was heard was the soft breathing of the friends as their brains processed the information they'd just been fed.
"We're going to have a baby." Troy repeated.
Then, total uproar. The friends were on their feet, cheering and chanting their praises and congratulations. Maria received Gabriella first, taking her into her arms and holding her tight. Troy was surrounded by the guys, all patting him on the back and shaking his hands. It was like a sudden pandemonium as voice rang overhead.
"This is wonderful news, congratulations Gabriella."
"You sly old dog."
"We should've known."
"This is the news of the year."
Taylor was the second to embrace Gabriella. She was crying, tears of joy coursing down her cheeks, "does this make me an Auntie again?"
"And Godmother." Gabriella said tears now filling her eyes too.
"Another toast is in order!" Zeke said.
"Yes, yes." Everyone said going to their glasses and holding them up in the air, prepared to toast their newfound joy.
"To Troy, Gabriella and Katie! On your wonderful news and the safe arrival of your blessed little Bolton." Sharpay said grinning widely.
"To Troy, Gabriella and Katie!" Everyone chorused.
Gabriella and Troy looked at one another and smiled, everything was perfectly fine, yes, for now, everything was just perfect!
WHEN coffee was served the friends settled down in the living room and talked amongst themselves. This was when the subject of Katie was brought up.
"So, you're choosing not to tell Katie?" Ryan asked them.
"For the time being yes, 'Gabriella nodded, "we want to see at least a month before we tell her. This is a big deal for someone so young and we don't want her to get overexcited and then for something to happen."
"I guess it's understandable my sweet but consider this lightly. Katie is just like you when you were younger. She is ambitious and intelligent, she'll catch on sooner than you think and will not be impressed when she learns of how you've kept this news from her." Maria exclaimed warningly.
"We'll be careful Mama, I promise." Gabriella replied.
"I for one am happy for you both. I think this baby is just what you need to get your feet back on the ground. Once again, congratulations." Jason said cheerfully.
Gabriella smiled and touched her flat stomach, "Yes, I'm happy too."
"YOU know, I think it went pretty well tonight don't you?" Troy said snuggling up into Gabriella's back that night and breathing in her scent.
"Yes, 'Gabriella yawned, "but I'm exhausted now. Katie was pretty tired too, I put her to bed and she went straight to sleep. She didn't even want to read tonight. It's odd for her."
"It's been a long day, with school as well. Remember she's still so young. I'll feel so much better when we can tell her about her new little brother or sister. She'll be so excited."
Gabriella could feel the warmth of the blankets beginning to lure her to sleep. Troy's arms were wrapped securely around her waist; she felt safe and loved and with him close by, Gabriella knew she could never be harmed.
"Thank you Troy." She whispered.
"For what?" Troy laughed frowning.
"For loving me so much. You've given me my life back." She mumbled.
"Your most welcome Gabriella, 'Troy laughed, "do you want to hear a secret?"
Gabriella giggled and snuggled in deeper to her husband, his proximity comforting.
"You've given me my life back too. I love you."
"And I love you." She replied.
Troy kissed Gabriella softly and allowed her to sleep knowing that for now, all was well!
I know it kind of slacked at the end but I didn't know how to bring it to a stop. I hope that was alright. Here's a preview for the next chapter, it's called "The Dictionary."
Scene opens with Katie flicking through the pages of The Dictionary...
Katie: Hmm, let's see, miscarriage...
Scene flashes to Katie gasping and dropping the dictionary to the ground...
I know it's not enough but I hope it's enough to feed your imaginations. I have loads of homework to do so I haven't really had a great deal of time to check the chapter over for mistakes and errors so I'm sorry if you find any. Let me know what you think of the chapter!
Also, this might just be a rumour but is it true that Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are engaged??? :O Gosh I hope so, this would be the best news of the year! Come on Zanessa Fans, get on your feet and dance!!!!! Let me know what you think of this news.
Please review, xoxMusicalxox/Si xxx