I never, in my wildest dreams, believed that Troy and I could ever be civil. We were always one extreme or another. We could be completely head-over-heels, stupid in love; or we hated each other's sole existence. We were never ever platonic.

With Lena, things were different. Maybe it was because our focus was her and not us or our past. We didn't argue in front of her. We didn't pretend to tolerate each other for the sake of maybe breaking the curse. We kept things friendly. As a nanny once said, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." And that's exactly what we did.

I guess you can say this past week went perfectly splendid. It seemed like any free time Troy had, he spent it with Lena. The whole weekend he was with her, playing dress-up and watching movies. They had tea parties and colored for days. She snuggled up with him as he read her books. He dropped by for breakfast before school and came back after practice. At the rate that he's coming over, he might as well move in.

"Hey Gabs!" a voice called. I shut my locker and whipped around. There he was, jogging down the hall to me. He looked so spirited in his red and white jumpsuit with his white East High tee. As Taylor explained, every time there is a game, it's school spirit day. The halls and students showed off their school colors. I even managed to get swept up in it and wore a red East High tee with the school's mascot on my chest. What can I say, this school kind of grows on you.

I smiled. "Hey Troy," I greeted when he was close enough.

Troy flashed his millionaire smile and his bright blue eyes twinkled with excitement. Immediately I felt weak in the knees. "Hi… so this is gonna sound crazy, but I was wondering if Lena could come to the game tonight?" I looked over his shoulder at the kids looking in our direction and whispering. I must have a worried look on my face because Troy took a step closer and said in a lowered voice, "Listen, if you're worried about people finding out…"

Out of nowhere, I spotted Sharpay rounding the corner. She stopped and narrowed her eyes at us. I watched as she crossed her arms and pursed her lips clearly annoyed. I bit my lip and looked up at her boyfriend. "It's not that I'm worried about people finding out-"

"But…"

I sighed and looked around the hall. It's not my reputation that I'm worried about. It's Troy's. He's East High's Golden Boy. Every boy wanted to be him, and every girl wanted to be with him. To find out Troy has a kid, and that kid's mother is the new girl! Not to mention, Taylor thought we were like 12-13 years old when we had her. How do we explain that without seeming irresponsible or worse a slut?

"I don't know Troy," I finally whispered, meeting his gaze again. "I mean, people are gonna talk. Are you okay with that?"

"Are you?" he shot back. His phone went off with a 'ding' and while he checked it, I looked back to Sharpay standing there with her phone in her hands. This conversation was a bit too long for her liking.

"I don't know. I mean, Taylor thinks we had Lena at such a young age. She has so many questions, and I can't help but feel like if people find out that you and I have a kid, it's just more questions and more rumors." I watched as Troy's face drop as he absorbed what I said. "It's just too complicated."

"Oh… yeah you're-you're probably right."

I let out a breath as Troy's phone 'dinged' again and he tapped on the message to reply. Every time Lena looks at me when I tell her no, all I see is Troy. The way their eyes dull and darken. The way they look away and their shoulders slump – it gets me every time. Aiden says she gets the pout from me, and that makes it even harder to say no to her. Troy locked his phone and placed it in his pants pocket.

"I gotta go… Sharpay's looking for me. I'll talk to you later?" Troy scratched the side of his head as he stood tall and got ready to walk away.

I can't believe I'm going to say this, "Troy wait." He paused mid-step and looked back at me. "Maybe… maybe she can come to the game tonight." Instantly his demeanor changed.

"Really!" he almost shouted in excitement. I smiled and hesitantly nodded my head. Troy embraced me and spun us around. I couldn't help but let out a giggle as we twirled. Troy placed me down and leaned in for a kiss, but I was quick to dodge it and gave him another hug instead. "Thank you thank you thank you Brie. Seriously, you have no idea how much this means to me."

"Hey ya'll," Sharpay's voice cut into our moment. Moment - was it even a moment? She wrapped an arm around Troy's waist and placed her other hand on his chest. "What are we talking about?"

Troy's face flushed, but somehow, he kept his composure. "Nothing. Just talking to Gabs here."

"About?"

"She's going to tutor me. Coach said if I don't get my gpa up, he's going to bench me in the next game," Troy said smoothly. I almost believed that's what we were actually talking about.

"Yeah… he needs at least a B in History and Trigonometry," I added.

Sharpay looked at us skeptically. She pouted up at him, "Why can't Taylor tutor you?"

'Why? Do I threaten you?' I couldn't help but think. "Because Taylor already has enough on her plate and she said if I'm serious about these grades, Gabriella is my best chance."

Sharpay sighed and whipped around to Troy, her long blonde hair smacking me in the process. "Fine whatever… walk me to class?"

"Sure." They shared a chaste kiss, and I felt my heart break a little. It shouldn't though, right? Because he picked her, and not me. And we're trying to be friends, right? And friends don't have these feelings. Maybe I'm not feeling anything for him, but who he is with Lena? He makes her laugh and smile. It is insanely infectious. The way he crouches down to her level and listens to her nonsense like they're having some deep conversations. I love the way he sings to her as he rocks her to sleep. She doesn't even want a bedtime story from me anymore.

I can't believe I just used 'love' and 'Troy' in the same sentence.

He flashed his pearly whites at me as he threw an arm around Sharpay's shoulders. "I'll see you later."

I nodded and watched them walk away. Yeah. Friends don't have those feelings.

The gym was crazy packed when we walked in. One side was a sea of black and blue, and the other was red and white. Taylor warned me that tonight would be insane. We were facing off our division rival, the West High Knights. Whoever wins this game is a precursor for a shot at the semifinals.

"Aww man I knew we should've come earlier," Taylor said as she searched the crowd for open seats. Usually, she sat with the other basketball girlfriends on the sidelines, but tonight she wanted to be with me and Kelsi.

We spotted Lucille and made a beeline towards her. She saved us a nice spot on the bleachers where we can see the whole court, and if Troy were on the bench, he could spot us instantly.

Lucille took Lena from me and settled her on her hip. "Where's daddy?" I heard her ask.

Lena looked so concentrated as she looked around the court. "Over there!" She suddenly shouted as she pointed to Troy. He drove the ball towards the hoop for a layup and we watched as it sunk in flawlessly.

Lucille placed a kiss on Lena's cheek before putting her on the bleachers. We both gave her a hand to hold so she wouldn't fall. "I'm surprised she's here," Lucille told me.

"Yeah, umm Troy wanted her to see him play… I couldn't say no," I said as I fluffed Lena's pigtails.

Lucille gave me a small smile. "Mama daddy's leaving!" Lena cried.

Lucille picked her up again so she can get a better view. "He'll be back baby girl," she soothed her.

The lights dimmed and we took our seats. "Are you ready for some basketball!" the DJ holler and the crowd went wild. Spotlights danced around the court and flashed like we were at a college or NBA game. "Give a hand to our guest… coming over from the west… who swears they are the best…the West. High. Knights!"

The spectators on our side 'booed' loudly as the West High team came running onto the court from the locker room. I couldn't help but laugh at Lena's confused face. "Why are they booing mama?" she asked.

"Because they want your daddy's team to win and that team to lose," I said. Her face made an 'oh' before she booed with the rest of the crowd.

"C'mon Wildcats! Get on your feet! I wanna hear you loud and proud!" The DJ edged on. Everyone on our side stood up and started stomping their feet. "Let's give a warm welcome to our wild beasts… they're somewhat of an artiste - here we go… East. High. Wildcats!"

The crowd went insane as the East High basketball team came running out. We cheered along with them as they huddled with Coach Jack. Jack gave the team some words of encouragement and they all put an arm in the circle.

"WHAT TEAM?" Chad screamed.

"WILDCATS!" the boys in uniform shouted.

"WHAT TEAM?"

"WILDCATS!"

"WHAT TEAM?"

"WILDCATS!"

"WILDCATS!"

"GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!" Again, the crowd cheered as the boys got into position. Troy looked around the crowd until his eyes landed on us. His smile got bigger and he sent us his famous wink. My heart swooned as Lena's giggle filled my ears and she waved to him. Zeke and the opponent shared a friendly handshake before crouching for the jump ball. The referee tossed the ball up in the air. Zeke and the other guy jumped for it, only for Chad to get the ball in his hands. He turned back to Troy and passed it to him before they all ran down the court. Troy faked to Chad before passing the ball to Jason. It goes through the air and bounces off the rim. Zeke rebounded and tossed a simple layup. Wildcats led 2-0.

Sixteen seconds on the clock. We were losing by 2 points. You could feel the tension in the room. Wildcats had the ball. The referee handed the ball to Troy and blew the whistle. Troy looked around as his teammates scrambled for an opening. After what seemed like an eternity, Troy chucked the ball to a senior AJ. He tried to move around, but the defense wouldn't let up. AJ sent the ball flying to Chad who quickly passed it to Troy. From the three-point line, Troy took the shot and it went in; nothing but net. The buzzard rang and it was all over. Wildcats won, 89-88.

The crowd went berserk as they cheered and chanted Chad's 'what team' rallying call. The vibe was irresistible, and I found myself cheering along. What a game!

"Gabs! Party at Jaspers house!" Taylor announced as the crowd began to leave.

Does this Jasper host all the parties? "I'd love to, but I gotta get this one home. It's almost bedtime," I said picking up Lena. All this excitement, she's going to sleep like a rock.

Taylor frowned. "Aww really?"

"Yeah… but hey Kels, just take my car. I trust you'll bring it back in one piece?"

Her eyes lit up. "But how will you get home?"

I turned to Lucille who was texting on her phone. "Hey Luce… do you mind dropping me and Lena home?"

She looked up from her phone with a smile. "Of course not… if you don't mind waiting around for a bit. Jack takes forever because Troy takes forever." She excused herself to the bathroom and we followed her out of the gym.

"Gabriella!" I heard him call. I turned around and sure enough, he was running towards us all sweaty and hot.

The girls gave me a quick 'see you later' before scurrying out of the gym. We were all alone.

"Great game Wildcat," I teased.

Troy flashed his lopsided smile, and my heart skipped a beat. "Couldn't have done it without my good luck charm," he said and played with Lena's hair.

Lena giggled and reached out for him. I handed her off and she scrunched up her nose. "Daddy you're stinky," she said, "and you're all wet."

We laughed as he raised one arm and gave his armpit a sniff. He put Lena down. "Yeah, I guess I should."

"Don't worry we're not going anywhere. Lucille is dropping us off," I said when I saw he was hesitant to leave.

"Oh! Okay… well, how about you guys come over for a bit?"

"What about the party?"

"What about the party?" he repeated, but it somehow sounded different. I opened and shut my mouth. For once I was speechless. Troy would rather spend his Friday night at home and not getting drunk? "There'll be other parties love. I'd rather spend my night with my favorite girl."

My nickname slipped so easily from his lips. But I don't think he realized it. Besides, he said 'girl', and that definitely wasn't me. Well, at least not anymore. "Sure… but only for an hour, okay? It's almost bedtime."

Troy smiled ear to ear and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Awesome! Alright umm… give me like twenty minutes!" And just like that, he was gone in a flash.

I'd hate to ever admit this, but Troy was right - staying in was so much better than getting drunk at a party. After a quick bite, Lena insisted that Troy show her how to play basketball. He had a mini rubber basketball in his room that was the perfect size for her. He brought it down and now the three of us were in the backyard. I sat on a blanket on the grass while they played around on the small court. The hoop was too high for her, so Troy used an empty garbage can. I watched from my spot as he taught her how to dribble the small ball. Lena bounced the ball twice before throwing it towards the garbage can. It was a clear air ball, but Troy got the assist, and it went in.

"Mama! Mama! Did you see that!" Lena said as she came over to me.

I noticed she was starting to slow down, despite her lively voice. "I did baby girl! Great job!" I said and held out my arms for her. She graciously held on as I gave her a once over. She wasn't turning blue, which was a good sign. I pulled her onto my lap and noticed she was a little short of breath. "Inhale for me love," I whispered in her ear. I felt her little shoulders and chest rise as she breathed in and slowly let it out. "Good girl… one more time."

"Hey, is she okay?" Troy asked as he joined us on the steps.

"Yeah she'll be okay. Just trying to catch her breath."

He looked at me slightly alarmed. "Should I go get my mom?"

I considered it for a minute. "No, it's okay. We should get going anyways… after all, it's well past somebody's bedtime."

I tapped Lena on the nose, and she giggled. Another good sign. "Can't we stay a little longer mama?" Lena asked, looking up at me with those big blue eyes.

My heart melted. "I would baby, but it's getting late."

"Why don't you guys just stay the night?" Troy offered. I can tell he wasn't ready to let her go just yet.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to impose."

Troy chuckled. "You're not imposing if I'm inviting."

I checked my phone for the time. It was almost 10 pm. "Alright… one night."

"Yes!" Lena jumped up and the two started dancing. "We're having a sleepover! We're having a sleepover!" they sang. I rolled my eyes but seeing them so happy made me happy.

Troy picked Lena up and held out a hand for me. I smiled and took it so he can help me up. He waited patiently as I rolled up the blanket and made sure we had everything. We walked inside and I slid the door closed, locking it before following Troy up the stairs.

"Ah shoot," he muttered. "I don't think I have anything for her to sleep in." I followed Troy down the hall and watched as he opened a door across the hall from his bedroom.

I was touched that he thinks about things like that. "Don't worry babe… the first rule of toddlers and preschoolers, always - and I mean always - pack an extra set of clothes." To make a point, I reached into my backpack and held up a pair of teal tights and a pink t-shirt.

Troy set our baby girl on the bed and scratched his head embarrassed. "Duly noted…" He looked down at her playing with the unicorn. "Oh! Let me get an extra blanket. This is the draftiest room in the house." While Troy went in search of another blanket, I quickly got Lena dressed for bed. As I let her hair down, Troy came back with a blanket and some clothes. "Found it! And I grabbed you a shirt and a pair of shorts." He placed it on the bed and stood straight. He looked around the room nervously. "You guys alright? Need anything else?"

"I think we're good Troy." Instantly he relaxed and bent down to give Lena a kiss on her head. Before he could go, Lena grabbed his hand.

"Stay daddy."

Troy looked at me uneasily. "Yeah… stay, please," I offered as I peeled the blankets back so Lena can get in. He smiled, but it wasn't his usual flirty, cocky smile. It was genuine, and I honestly can't remember the last time he smiled at me like that before Lena.

I shut the lights off while Troy climbed in. I turned my back to them as I peeled my shirt off and shimmied out of my jeans. I placed them nicely on the ottoman. It suddenly felt weird to get undressed in front of Troy. It's not like he has never seen me in my underwear or naked. I unhooked my bra and couldn't help but look back at them. He was stroking Lena's hair who was fast asleep. We locked eyes as my bra fell down my shoulders. I saw him gulp before I turned around and slipped his t-shirt on.

"Thanks G," Troy whispered, breaking the silence of the night.

"For what?" I asked as I joined them in bed.

"For this… for… everything. I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with, and I know that it took a lot for you to share Lena… so thank you."

I smiled and propped myself up on my arm. "You're welcome… and hey, I was thinking - maybe you can take her for the weekend or something. You know, without me around."

"Really?" He said a bit too loud, making Lena stir between us. When she settled, he whispered, "Sorry… really?"

I giggled. "Yes really."

Troy's face lit up like a child on Christmas. He laid a kiss on Lena's head and fell onto his back. I mirrored his actions and laid on my back, looking up at the dark ceiling. "Do you really think I can do it?" he asked. "And I won't screw it up?"

I yawned. "You're gonna be fine babe… we'll talk about it in the morning. Let's get some sleep." I heard him move around and settle. My eyes were growing heavy, but my mind was racing a million miles a minute. Would that a bad idea? For Lena to stay with Troy without me? I mean, surely Troy should be able to have time with our daughter without my supervision. It's not like he'll be left alone with her. Lucille would be around too. If God forbid something were to happen to her, at least I know she would know what to do. But oh man… that means I must tell Troy about her heart condition. I hope he wouldn't hate me for keeping it from him. But I had a good reason! I just hope that he'd understand.