Gabriella woke the next morning to find Troy's eyes on her. "Angel, go back to sleep, you've still got a few minutes."
"You're up, I'm up. I don't want to sleep anymore."
He smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Alright then, come here." He lifted her so she was laying on his chest, looking up at him. "Morning Brie."
"Morning Baby." She kissed his cheek.
"One more day then we can have some fun." She smiled softly and nodded. "When does your mom come back Angel?"
"Not until Sunday."
"How about you stay again tonight? That way you won't be on your own."
She bit her lip. "I don't know Troy, what about you're parents."
"It'll be fine, I promise. Please say yes, I want you here with me." Gabriella blushed and whispered 'ok' in response. "Yes! Thanks Baby Girl." He said as he intertwined their fingers and kissed the back of her hand.
"Thanks for last night, I liked sleeping in your arms." She whispered quietly.
"Me too, as stupid as it sounds, I liked having you next to me and being able to hold you."
She smiled at him gently. "That doesn't sound stupid Baby, it's cute. It's another part that shows the softer side of you, the one that the school doesn't see. It's the one that makes you my Troy."
He kissed her cheek. "You're the only one who sees this part of me."
"Well I'm honoured, I love you Wildcat."
"I love you too my beautiful girl." He said as he brought her close and started kissing her.
It was soon interrupted by a knock. "Troy, Gabi, it's time to get up."
"We're coming." Troy replied. "We'll continue this, this afternoon ok Baby?" She nodded in response and they started getting ready to face East High again.
Troy walked through East High to his locker. Just as he was about to leave towards Gabriella's locker, Chad and Sharpay appeared. "Yo Hoops, let's go."
Troy sighed. "Chad, how many times am I gonna have to repeat myself, I have to wait for -"
"Screw the nerd and let's go."
"Chad -"
It was Sharpay who interrupted this time. "Come on Troysie, ditch the little loser and come with us. I'll even talk to coach about changing partners to get you away from that dreadful excuse of a girl."
Troy looked up and his eyes met with Gabriella's tear-filled ones. "I'll see you guys in class." Troy walked over to Gabriella and they went to her locker. He gestured for her to follow him and they walked into Jack's office. "He won't be here until after first bell." Troy turned to see Gabriella still trying to fight back the tears, the sight broke his heart. He opened his arms. "Come here Angel." She ran into his arms and buried her face in his chest, his embrace calming her enough so her tears wouldn't fall but she still held him tightly. Troy tightened his arms around her at the feeling of her death grip. "I'm sorry Baby, I'm so sorry." Troy soothed her by cradling her head, rubbing her back and whispered reassurances until he was certain she was ok. He lifted her face and caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Are you ok Baby Girl?"
She shrugged. "It kinda hurts that they talk about me that way."
"I know it does Baby, they can be so cruel but look at me." He held her face in his hands as he spoke. "Nothing they said is true, every single word was a lie. I don't want anyone else but you. I love you Brie and you're perfect."
She shrugged. "I know I shouldn't let it get to me and normally it wouldn't really but it's hard not to believe what they're saying when you're being told the same thing everyday."
He guided her to the couch and pulled her onto his lap. "I know it is Angel, I know it's hard to ignore but they are idiots. If they can't see what an amazing person you are, then it's their loss, not yours."
She sighed and leant in closer to his body, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Troy, I didn't mean to do this, I never wanted to be a clingy girlfriend."
He tipped her chin up and kissed her. "Never apologise for your feelings and you are not a clingy girlfriend, you're the best girlfriend in the universe."
She giggled and shook her head slightly in response. "I love you Wildcat."
"I love you too Beautiful." He kissed her lips for a few seconds before pulling away. "As much as I'd love to stay here, we should probably get to class before it starts and my dad comes." He saw her spirits drop slightly and reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "It'll be ok Brie, I promise, you'll stick by me today and I'll stop them from doing or saying anything." She only nodded in response. "Come on, I need my happy Brie, do I need to force a smile out of you?" He teased and she shook her head but he started peppering kisses on her neck, making her cheeks red. He chuckled and whispered in her ear. "I've got a blush but I haven't got my smile." He placed small kisses on her ear and blew on it. The sensation tickled her and a smile formed on her lips. "There's my smile."
She shook her head and kissed his cheek. "Thanks Baby."
"No problem Angel, come on, we'll continue when we get home."