Later that night, Troy, Gabriella, Maria and Lucille were all sitting in the living room as Isabella played with her toys. Lucille avoided the main topic of their conversation by asking about their day. "How did you guys go at the park?"
Troy smiled, "we took Bella to play on the slide and swings and we got some ice-cream. It was a good day."
Lucille smiled, "that's good, it sounds like you guys had fun... Listen Troy, there's something we need to talk about." He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion so Lucille continued. "Your dad has been in jail for the past few days so we can go back home."
Troy's eyes widened. "Wow umm I hadn't even thought about that."
Lucille turned her attention to Maria. "Thank you so much for opening your home and allowing us to stay here Maria, it has been lovely. But I think it's time we go back home, we've already relied on you for too much."
"Nonsense Lucille, we've loved having you. Though I completely understand why you would want to go back to your own home."
Lucille nodded, "yes." She turned to her son. "Troy, go get your stuff, we'll pick up the rest of it tomorrow."
"Get my stuff, why? Are we leaving tonight?"
"Yes what did you think?"
"Mom, you should've talked to me about this first before making all these decisions and demanding I follow along."
Lucille gasped. "Troy, don't take that tone."
Troy sighed, "Mom, there's already so much going on and I don't appreciate you dropping that on me."
"Troy that is our house, I don't know what you were expecting but we can't live here forever. It's time to go back home."
"That house was never home, this house is a real home. This really isn't the kind of thing that you can just expect everything to change so quickly."
Lucille shook her head. "Troy, I'm honestly not in the mood tonight, I've been working all day and I'm tired so go get your stuff and we're leaving."
Troy sighed and went upstairs to get his belongings that he would need for the night from Gabriella's room. When he came back down, Lucille told him to say goodbye to Isabella. He knew this was going to be one of the hardest parts. He kneeled down next to the little girl.
"Hey Baby Girl, Daddy's coming to say good night, Daddy has to go home."
She laughed at him. "Silly Daddy, Daddy is home."
His heart constricted and he hugged the little girl, setting her on his lap. "Daddy's going back to his home Angel, but I'll see you and Mommy tomorrow."
The little girl shook her head. "No, Daddy stay Mommy's room."
"Not tonight Baby Girl. I love you Bella, sweet dreams."
Isabella kissed his cheek. "Ni-night Daddy wove you."
He smiled weakly and set her back on the ground before walking over to Gabriella and taking her into his arms. He heard her whisper, "I don't want you to leave, I don't think I can sleep without you."
He tightened his hold on her. "Me neither Baby, me neither." He tucked a strand behind her ear. "call me if you can't sleep. I love you Brie, sweet dreams."
"I love you too Troy, good night." She gave him a chaste kiss and releasing him. He grabbed his bags and he walked to the door.
"DADDY." He felt the little girl attach herself to his legs so he picked her up. "Don't leave."
"Daddy has to Baby Girl, I'll see you in the morning."
She whimpered, her grip tightening. "No Dada stay. Stay Mommy and Bella."
That was his breaking point. He cradled the girl's head into his chest and sat down on the couch next to Gabriella with their daughter in his arms. He whispered to her. "Shh Angel, Daddy's here, Daddy's not going anywhere."
Lucille lost her patience. "Troy, come on, we're going."
"No Mom, not tonight. This isn't the kind of thing that can just happen overnight, especially with Bella being so young. She was terrified just now Mom, you have to work your way up to us being gone the whole night, not just throw it on her. She needs to become comfortable with the idea."
Lucille sighed, "fine. But I'm going to bed now then."
Troy nodded. "I love you Mom, good night."
"Love you too Bud, good night."
Lucille left and Maria also left, giving the couple some alone time with the little girl. Troy rubbed Isabella's back. "Look at me Baby Girl." She hesitantly looked up and Troy kissed her nose, making her giggle. "It's ok Bella, Daddy's here, Daddy's staying with you and Mommy."
The little girl smiled and snuggled into her father's chest. "Ni-night Mommy, Daddy, wove you."
Gabriella stroked the girl's hair. "We love you too Baby Girl, sweet dreams Bella."
Troy pulled Gabriella into his side, her head resting on his shoulder as her arm wrapped around her daughter's back and rested on his waist. His hand rested on her waist and his thumb stroked her hipbone. They sat in a comfortable silence as they watched their daughter sleep. Relieved that they could stay together for another nigh but not excited to be separated in the future.
He kissed her forehead. "I love you Baby."
"I love you too Wildcat."