The Sunday after the championships, the Boltons were having dinner at the Montez house. The parents had become extremely close due to their children's relationship. "Maria, the food is lovely, you have truly outdone yourself."
"Thank you Lucille."
After a few seconds of silence, Lucille turned to Gabriella. "So Ella, are you excited for Stanford?"
She smiled, "I'm excited and nervous, it's going to be a lot different than high school and I don't really want to leave this place."
"You don't want to get out of Albuquerque?"
"Albuquerque is the first place I've truly felt at home, we moved around so much before high school and so many amazing things have happened here. I just don't think I'm ready to leave just yet." Troy was the only one to notice Maria's quiet scoff.
"So what made you pick Stanford Sweetie?"
Gabriella smiled at Jack. "Well we've been talking about Stanford practically since I was born and they have one of the best pre-law programs."
"I'd never imagined you as a lawyer, you're too sweet."
Gabriella laughed, but Maria interrupted. "Well, law or business are two suitable careers for Gabriella."
Sensing the awkwardness, Lucille turned to Troy. "Ok, what about you Troy? Basketball at U of A."
"I don't know Mom, basketball anywhere would be great but I've been thinking about doing a dual course so I have a back up incase basketball doesn't work out. Of course I'm going to miss this one though." He said, pulling Gabriella into his side.
"Oh young love, remember those days." The adults all laughed.
"Ok everyone I have an announcement." They turned their attention to Maria. "Although this was a great chance for our families to spend some time together, the real reason is because I wanted to tell everyone together that I have accepted a position in New York."
"Congratulations Maria," Lucille said, Jack nodding his agreement.
"New York, but Mama, that's on the other side of the country, I thought you were coming to California."
"Plans change Gabriella, I have to make money."
"But - you always said -"
"Well things change Gabriella, you've shown your priorities and these are mine, you can move into the dorms."
"But - that's not - I... Excuse me." She said quietly as she ran up to her room. Troy could see the threatening tears and he could hear the hurt in her voice.
"I'm just gonna - can I be excused?" His mother nodded gently as he made his way up to Gabriella.
His heart broke at the sight of her, her face buried in her pillow as she attempted to silence her sobs. He sat down beside her and placed his hand on her back, his heart constricted as each sob shook her. "Come here Baby Girl."
He took her into his arms and she sobbed into his chest. He whispered reassurances as he gently rubbed her back; she slowly calmed down. "Talk to me Baby Girl, tell me what's on your mind."
"I'm scared, I don't want to go to a new place by myself, I won't know anyone."
"I know it's scary but even if your mom was there, you'd still have to meet all new people."
"I know that, but I'm leaving everything I've known since I was in eighth grade. I knew I was leaving my friends and family, and you, that was already hard enough but I'd have my mom with me and now -"
He pulled her closer. "I know it sucks Baby Girl, but it's not your fault, some things just happen."
"But it is my fault... Troy, there's something I didn't tell you, not just you, I didn't tell anyone."
"What is it Brie?"
"The day I told you about my acceptance letter and I said I wasn't sure if I was going to go, that wasn't the only thing I had to decide... Along with the acceptance letter, I got accepted into the freshman honours program."
"Brie that's amazing, why didn't you tell me?"
(From the movie - credit to Disney) "Because I knew what you would say."
"Of course you should do the honours program."
"It was a three-week program Troy, I'd have missed prom and presentations, I would've barely made it back in time for graduation and three weeks without you, I -" She choked back a sob."
"Oh Baby, shh it's ok."
"Mom found the letter after the party, she's furious Troy. She told me that I'm throwing my life away, that I should be preparing for the future and not caring about high school, that I need to grow up."
"Baby Girl, I wish you had told me."
"I'm sorry."
"No sorries Baby, I'm not angry or upset, I just wish I'd have known so I could've helped you."
"You would've said to go."
He sighed, "most likely but that's because I don't want to hold you back, I want you to achieve your dreams."
"But I wanted to stay in Albuquerque with you."
He sighed, "I know you did... Do you regret not going?"
"No, look at all that's happened in these last few weeks, so much has happened and I would've missed it all. But if I had gone, Mom would be happy."
He was silent for a few seconds. "Brie, if I ask you something, promise me you'll answer me honestly Baby Girl."
"I promise."
"You're going to Stanford and studying pre-law but is that because it's what you want or because it's what your mom wants?"
She was silent. "Promise you won't get mad?"
"Baby I'd never get mad at you."
She nodded. "Stanford is my choice, it's one of the top schools in the country and though Mom's always talked about it, I do want to go there."
"And law?"
"My mom only thinks there are two worthy careers: law or business."
"Ok Brie, don't think of anyone else's opinion, only what you want. If you could pick any major at any university, what would you choose?"
"Without taking you or my mom or anyone into consideration, I'd still probably go to Stanford but maybe psychology, paediatrics or special needs."
"Ok, can you promise me something Brie? I know your scholarship is for law but if you get there and don't like it or aren't happy, promise me that you'll think about one of those majors and really consider it Brie."
"Promise."
"That's my girl, it's going to be ok Baby, I love you."
"I love you too Troy." He kissed her softly.
They were interrupted and they turned to the door as they heard Lucille knock. "Can I come in?"
Troy smiled. "Yeah Mom."
She came over and sat beside them. "How are you Sweetheart?"
"I'm ok Mom, it's just hard, I'm moving over 1000 miles away from my home and I'm going to be all alone."
"I know it seems quite daunting but you're onto a whole new adventure Ella, you're going to make so many memories and have amazing experiences that will last a lifetime. I know it seems scary now but pretty soon, you won't even imagine wanting to stay in Albuquerque."
"But my whole life is in Albuquerque, everyone I love is right here, 1000 miles away."
"It'll work out Sweetheart, I know it doesn't seem like it now, but it'll all work out, you'll see."
"Thanks Mom, I love you." She said hugging the older woman.
"I love you too Ella." Lucille watched as Gabriella crawled back into her son's arms, she could see the love between the pair. "How are you two going to survive without each other?"
"We'll make it work Mom." She could see the determination in their eyes and it was clear in his voice.
"I know you will, you've proven that what you two share is real, not some high school puppy love relationship. I'm quite positive that you'll make Gabriella my daughter-in-law soon enough." She laughed at their blush and stood up. "It's time to say goodbye Troy, it's getting late, your father and I will be downstairs. Ella, if you ever need anything, you know where to find us, I love you Sweetheart."
"Thanks Mom, I love you too."
Lucille left the room and the couple turned to each other. "Are you sure you're ok Baby Girl."
"I'm alright now I promise."
"Ok, if you need anything, you know I'm only a call away and if you need me, I'll climb your balcony."
"Ok Wildcat... I wish you didn't have to leave."
He took her into his arms. "I know Baby, I'd stay if I could but -"
"I know I'm just in a clingy mood."
"I'd happily hold you for hours if I could but your mom's already mad."
"I know." She sighed, "I should probably let you go now."
He brushed a strand behind her ear. "Remember what I said Baby Girl. I love you."
"I love you too Troy." They shared a gentle kiss.
"Sweet dreams Brie."