"Like this mama?"

I peered down at my baby girl. She was laying on the floor, tracing the alphabet in a workbook as I did some homework. I let out a chuckle at her lettering. I don't know why kids do this, but some of her letters were backwards.

I swiveled my chair around and beckoned her to come sit on my lap. She got up with her book and climbed up with my help. "It's very nice baby… but some of your letters are backwards Mami," I said and turned us back to my desk. I placed her book on top of my homework and grabbed her little hand that was still holding the pencil.

"What letter is this one?" I asked pointing at her first mistake with my free hand.

"Ummm…'e'?" she answered.

"That's right baby girl!" I kissed the side of her head. "Now you made some beautiful 'e's, but…" I lifted her right hand with mine and together we traced another lowercase 'e' the correct way. "It's supposed to look like this." I let go and watched as she tried it herself and was elated when she copied correctly. "That's perfect."

She beamed up at me before finishing a row of 'e's. There was a knock on the door, and Aiden peeped inside. "What's up ladies?" he asked and came over. He looked at her workbook with a chuckle. "Leens, you have better penmanship than when I was your age."

She giggled and placed her pencil down. "Can I go play mama?" I scooched back and let her slide off my lap. Lena bent down to pick up the unicorn that Troy gave her and turned to her uncle. "Tio, will you play with me?"

Aiden smiled down at her and glanced at me. He looked like playing with dolls is the last thing he wanted to do.

"Sure Lee," he said tiredly. Her eyes lit up and her smile beamed wider.

"Last one is a farter!" she exclaimed and wandered out of my room.

"Hey Ai?" I called before he can leave. "Do you mind watching her tomorrow or Friday night?"

Aiden smirked and crossed his arms. "Of course I don't. Got a date?" he teased.

I blushed and turned back to my stupid homework. "Does it matter?" I brushed off.

"With Bolton?" he asked with hope.

I rolled my eyes. "No… how many times do I have to say it - he has a girlfriend."

Aiden held his hands up in surrender and began backing out of my room. "Whoa sorry… I just assumed. I mean, you guys have been spending a lot of time together."

"With Lena," I corrected. Yeah, we spent all last week together and he came over on Monday, but that was it. We're almost never alone. We haven't kissed, touched, or fuck. Actually, we barely even talk. Yeah, we text and call, but that's only about Lena.

"Yeah okay…" Aiden said sarcastically. "I'm just saying - he may have a girlfriend, but you're his soul mate. Maybe you just need to give him a chance."

When I didn't respond, Aiden left my room with a sigh and shut the door behind him. Frustrated, I threw my pen across the room and groaned. I guess I'm not as good at hiding my feelings as I thought. But how could I not catch feelings? I become a blubbering mess when they're together, and even more so when he includes me in their time together.

He may be stuck with Sharpay, but I refuse to be the 'other woman' - even though technically I will always be the original.

I shut my books. There was no way I could finish now. Instead, I woke up my cell phone and opened my messages. I found the name I was looking for. My thumbs began to type, but I kept backspacing every character. 'Hi' felt forced. 'Heyyy' felt like I was too excited? But was that how I honestly felt? 'Heyyyyyyyyy' seemed like I was asking for something. I was tempted to just go with 'Hey so my brother said we can go out'. But that looked like Aiden is controlling - which, for the record, he totally isn't. I just needed him to babysit. But of course, I couldn't say that I couldn't go out until I secured a babysitter because hardly anyone knows about Lena. So how do I be casual without being too casual or weird?

Hey you :)

My eyes popped out as the gray bubble appeared at the top of the screen. Could he see my trying to message him but failing?

I flexed my thumbs and responded. Hi *insert waving emoji* What's up?

I watched as the gray dots in his bubble dance before his message appeared. Nothing much. Chillin U?

I literally wasn't breathing. Same… trying to do homework and failing.

LOL that sucks

I cracked a small smile. Yeah… so I was wondering if you're still open to having dinner sometime?

It felt like forever before he responded with a gif of a baby in a Penguins' jersey screaming 'yesssssssssss' as he pumped both arms in the air. I couldn't help but giggle as I liked his message.

How about tomorrow night? I'll pick you up at 6? *insert hug emoji*

Sounds good :)

"No! No, you can't go on a date with him!" Taylor cried. "How dare you go on a date with him!"

"Jesus Taylor, say it louder for the people in the back," I grumbled and looked around. Luckily, no one was listening - especially the handsome blue-eyed man sitting four rows in front. Today we were having homeroom in the auditorium. Ms. Darbus had a lot to do before opening night, so she was basically moving all her classes to the theatre for the remainder of the year. She took our attendance, said announcements weren't all that important, and let us go. While majority of the class is in the play, the rest of us sat around until the bell rung.

The dark-skinned beauty frowned. "Why did you say 'yes' to the date? What happened to operation 'happily-ever-after'?"

"What part of Troy has a girlfriend is no one understanding?"

Taylor rolled her eyes. "Don't get me wrong… I love Sharpay. She can be a really good friend, but you and Troy are soulmates."

Again, with the soulmate thing… I shook my head. "I don't know what journal you're up to Tay, but spoiler alert - it never works out if he or I are seeing other people. And since he's with Sharpay, there is literally no problem with me going on a date with Austin."

"Maybe it is a problem," Taylor said as a matter-of-factly.

I looked at her with dead eyes. "Then how is that fair? He gets to screw around with a broad and I what- remain celibate?"

Taylor looked away with a sigh. Her eyes scanned the room before they stopped. I didn't need to turn around to know who was approaching us. With perfect timing, Chad slid in the row behind Taylor and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Morning my lady," he greeted with a smile. He waved to me and turned his gaze to his love.

Taylor blushed and turned to cup his face. She planted a kiss in his lips and leaned back with a smile. "Good morning."

"Let me walk you to class," he said. Taylor looked back at me, almost as if asking for permission to wander the halls with her boyfriend before first period. I didn't need to say anything; just gave her a small smile with a slight nod. We started walking together - or rather, I would follow behind the doting couple to our first class of the day.

"That would be lovely," she said happily. Chad stood up and grabbed her backpack. As he made sure that he didn't miss any of her things, Taylor turned to me, "I hope you know, we're not done talking."

I rolled my eyes and turned towards the stage where Kelsi was practicing with this girl Martha who landed the supporting role. She gets to sing a thirty second solo before Sharpay's character interrupts the girl with her mere presence. To be honest, I vaguely remember what the play is about. I've sung all the songs, but I haven't had the chance to really read it through.

"Gabriella!" I heard my name. I looked around before spotting the man of both my dreams and nightmares coming towards me. He wore a goofy smile and walked towards me with his hands in his pockets. "Hey how's it going?"

My brows furrowed in confusion. Troy's always been straight to the point lately. Does he actually want to talk to me? I shook it off and tried to get a grip. "Alls good… how are you?" I managed to answer coolly.

"Good, good… so dad's gonna let us out of practice a bit early today. How about I swing by later… pick up you and Lena… take you guys out to dinner?"

I bit my lip apprehensively. "Umm actually Troy, I have plans tonight."

His smile dropped and he let out a groan. "Ugh… please tell me you're not going out with that douche."

I rolled my eyes as the bell rung, signaling the end of the period. "His name is Austin, and he's not a douche," I defended as I gathered my stuff.

"If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck-"

I scoffed. "It's like the pot calling the kettle black."

Troy's eyebrows shot to the sky as he stepped back so I can get out of the row. "I am nothing like Austin Adams," Troy spat.

I slung my backpack over my shoulder. "I know… he's an actual decent person." Troy clenched his jaw and let out a breath making me sigh. "Look, I don't want to fight with you - it's too early. If you want to have dinner with Lena, go have dinner with her. You don't need me there."

Troy grew tense, his expression unreadable. "Really?" he questioned lowly.

I tried so hard not to roll my eyes. "Yes really…" I took a small step towards him. Most of our class has already left and there was a bit of time before the next class came in. "I think you're ready."

"But what if something happens? Like, what if I give her something that she's allergic to? Or what if she falls and breaks her arm-"

I smiled and placed a hand on his arm, rubbing it soothingly. "Troy, you are an amazing dad… you have nothing to worry about. And if she's a problem, or something happens to her… you have my number, Lucille's, Joanne's, 911…" He cracked a smile, "Besides, if you're not comfortable being alone with her just yet, have your parents accompany you then. Or Aiden… but you don't need me."

Troy smiled at me uneasily. "I guess… I'll think about it."

I gave his arm a comforting squeeze and let my arm fall to my side. "Just let me know, okay? So I can have her stuff ready?"

Troy nodded and together we exited the auditorium. I don't know why he's so nervous. I know he hasn't experienced a toddler's meltdown or her sobbing when she takes a hard fall. He hasn't been there when she catches an attitude or becomes so hardheaded you just want to throw the whole kid away. But this was bound to happen eventually. The training wheels have to come off at some point. I still haven't told him about her heart condition, but I can't bring myself to tell him. The doctor says she's doing well, so I figured that until it becomes a problem, why worry him? It's gonna bite me in the ass, but for now he's unbelievable happy.

I almost missed my classroom if it wasn't for Troy suddenly stopping. "We'll talk later G," he said and gave me a surprise hug. I didn't have time to process before he was already down the hall.

I took the desk that Taylor reserved for me. She wore a smirk on her face as she moved her bag and was about to say something when I held up my hand. "Don't… just…don't," I warned and slid in the desk. Taylor huffed and opened her notebook ready to start class. She mumbled something, but I ignored her. I'm not going to let her opinions of my love life affect me. Troy has Sharpay, and I am going on that date with Austin.

"You look pretty mama," Lena complimented, her hands fiddling with Troy's unicorn.

I turned around, my wild curls bouncing behind me. I smiled and gave Lena a kiss on the top of her head. "You really think so?"

I didn't have time to shower and get dressed like I wanted to after school. Aiden got roped into a parent-teacher conference, so I had to pick up Lena from daycare. He promised that he'll be back before I went out tonight. I changed my top but kept my dark jeans, and spritzed my favorite body spray. I refreshed my make-up and hair. It's not how I wanted to look tonight, but it'll have to do.

She grinned, showing off her pearly whites and gave me a long nod. "Is daddy coming over?"

I frowned and stroked her honey brown curls. "I'm sorry baby… he can't make it." Apparently Sharpay saw Troy leaving the gym about the same time she was leaving rehearsal and told him to come over. Not asked - told.

Lena gave me a one-sided smile, still fidgeting with the unicorn. I turned back to the mirror and to carefully apply a natural pink lipstick. "Does he not like me anymore?" her small voice wondered.

I whipped around so fast I almost broke my neck. I rushed to where she was on the edge of my bed and crouched down to look her in the eye. "Baby, your daddy loves you very, very much. What makes you think he doesn't like you?"

Her small shoulders slumped, and her frown deepened like she was going to cry. "I don't know…" she mumbled.

My heart broke. I sat on my bed and pulled her onto my lap. I rocked her gently as she clung to me with such sadness. "Daddy loves you so much, okay? And… he wants to be here baby, but daddy's just… busy." I hated myself for how lame that sounded. I didn't know how to explain his sudden disappearance to her. But I understand her feelings of neglect. Two weeks ago, it seemed as though Troy lived with us. He was there at breakfast and came back for dinner. It's been three days now since she last heard from him. He hasn't come over nor has he called.

A soft knock on my door grabbed my attention as it opened and Aiden peeped inside. His face contorted into concern and his eyes softened at the sight of us. "She okay?" he asked softly.

I sighed. "She's just missing daddy," I replied just as softly. Aiden crossed the room and sat next to me, rubbing Lena's back soothingly. "I should probably call Austin and cancel. I can't leave her like this."

"Too late… he's downstairs."

"What?" I looked to my laptop where my screensaver displayed the time - 5:48pm. "He's early."

Aiden grimaced. "Well don't leave him hanging… I got this G. You go out and have fun."

"Oh I don't-"

"Go… or else, you're… grounded."

We both scrunched our brows at how bizarre that sounded. Sighing I handed Lena off to Aiden. He stood up and adjusted her, so she was easier to carry. "C'mon baby girl… Tio knows exactly what you need to cheer up."

"Aiden, she didn't have dinner yet!" I called after him, but I'm sure it fell onto deaf ears. I took one last look at my reflection before grabbing my jacket and purse and bounded down the stairs.

My date was hanging out on our front porch, leaning against the banister in a cool guy way. He smiled when I appeared and held a hand out to me. I gracefully took it, and he gave me a twirl. Austin pulled me close to him and placed a soft kiss on my cheek, making me blush.

"You look beautiful," he complimented.

I bit my lip to conceal a smile. "Thank you… you don't look bad yourself."

He smirked and laced our fingers together. "Shall we?" he gestured towards the street where a black BMW awaited us.

"Let's." My stomach did a flip flop as we descended the porch steps and towards the car. There was no turning back now.

"Am I boring you?"

I looked up from my phone and blushed hard. "I'm sorry… I- Aiden and I got into a thing before I left. I'll just shut it off."

Austin reached over and stopped me from putting my phone away. "Nah… I get it. My sister and I are really close. If she called me right now, I'd pick it up in a heartbeat."

I couldn't help but smile at his reassurance. I was about to ask him about his sister when the waitress came over. "What'll it be?"

Austin gestured for me to go first. "I'll have a cheeseburger and a… strawberry shake?"

"And I'll have the same… but a vanilla shake please."

I was so glad that the drive to dinner wasn't awkward or weird. Austin was pretty easy to talk to. We mostly talked about music and school. He took me to a mom-and-pop diner near the downtown district. It was well known for their milkshakes and fries. The perfect date spot - if you ask me.

"Vanilla shake! That's so boring," I teased as the waitress walked away.

Austin chuckled. "It's a classic," he drawled out, making me roll my eyes. "Hey, do you know what a strawberry shake says about you?" I scrunched my face and shook my head. "That you're a punk!"

My jaw dropped as he leaned back and laughed. I stuck my tongue out at him and swatted his hands away as he tried to comfort me. The waitress came back with our milkshakes. "So, do you take all your dates here?" I asked as we opened our straws. I watched as he dropped his straw in his shake and took a sip.

"Only the amazing ones."

A blush crept up my neck. "And how do you know that I'm amazing?" His blue eyes crinkled in amusement. God he has a gorgeous smile, "Cause I'd like to think that I'm dull and boring."

"Because all the dull and boring people don't need saving from a locker," he teased and winked at me.

I rolled my eyes just as our food arrived. Austin grabbed a French fry and dipped it into my shake before popping it into his mouth. "Mmmph okay… I'll admit strawberry is pretty good."

"I guess that means you're a punk too."

Keeping his cool guy attitude, Austin smirked and ate another fry. "Not a chance."

We fell into another easy conversation about what we're currently binge watching. No surprise, Austin was a typical guy who watched anything with action or a good mystery. He preferred movies or series over books. He runs track and field in the off season. I learned that he has an older sister who goes to Princeton, his mother is in public relations, and his father is a lawyer. Austin was also committed to play football for Duke. The rumors I heard about him were true: overall, Austin is a fairly decent guy.

I stuck with my 'Army brat' tale that I usually told when I have to share some backstory. I learned quickly that the best way to sell a story is for that to be as close to the truth as possible. It also can explain all the moving around and any gaps people may find. Also, if I ever slip up, there's some weird understanding that I'm more 'worldly' than most kids. But in the end, I'm just some kid in high school. No one really digs that deep into my background. Plus, I try my best to stay invisible.

Obviously, I didn't tell him about Lena. Most people assume she's a kid I'm babysitting, or some kid sister or cousin. When we're out and about with Aiden and Joanne, people tend to think that they are her parents. I guess they could pass, but maybe I'm being bias. She is definitely a good mix of me and Troy.

The black BMW slowed to a stop in front of my house. The doors unlocked and we turned towards each other. "I had a really nice time tonight," I said as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

Austin smiled and took my hand, lacing our fingers. "Me too… we should do this again sometime."

"Yeah," I whispered, hypnotized by his thumb rubbing the side of my index finger. I honestly would go out with him again. Austin was sweet and charming; funny too. He knew how to hold a conversation.

"Gabriella…" I looked up from our hands just as he leaned in for a kiss. My eyes fluttered shut as his lips brushed up against mine. They were warm and sweet, but there were no sparks. There were no butterflies in my stomach or desire pooling. I tried not to look disappointed as we pulled away and somehow managed a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Absolutely." He kissed the back of my hand and that was my cue to get out of the car. Austin waited until I made it to my front door before speeding off into the night.

The house was dim when I entered, and I was glad to see that Aiden had cleaned up a bit. I kicked off my shoes and made my way to my room. It was surprisingly quiet as I walked throughout the house. Lena was fast asleep, and Aiden was probably upstairs grading papers. It wasn't that late, but it was late enough for a school night.

I grabbed my towel and decided to take a shower before heading off to bed. I suddenly felt like I was forgetting something and walked back into my room. The billowing of the curtains caught my eye. Did I forget to close my balcony doors? I was so sure I locked it before I left for my date. I walked over to the balcony doors when I noticed someone standing out there. My eyes squinted at the figure who shifted their weight to the other leg. They leaned on their forearms and a heavy sigh broke the silent night.

"Troy?" I questioned as I crept closer. He looked back at me and straightened up. "What are you doing here?"

Rubbing the back of his neck, Troy turned to face me. The moonlight outlined his strong, handsome features. "I was driving home," he started and closed the gap between us, "and somehow I ended up here."

My breath hitched in my throat as he brushed a hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear. "It-it's late Troy."

He shushed me and placed a finger over my lips. "I know but I just couldn't get you out of my head," he whispered and placed a kiss on my forehead.

I let out a breath and for just a moment, savored his warm lips on my skin. The rational part of me began to slip away. "Troy-"

Again, he hushed me and held me tight against him. "I just- I…I need…" he stuttered.

"Need what, Troy?"

He let me go but held onto my hands. His eyes looked deep into mine as if he were searching for something. "I need to feel."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "Feel what?"

"Loved…"

"What-? What the hell does that mean?! Troy-" I didn't have time to rebuttal, much less think, as Troy's lips captured mine in a mind-bending kiss. Our tongues dueled for dominance as he scooped me up, my legs wrapping around his waist. He gently dropped me on my bed, taking this brief moment to get rid of his shirt. His lips trailed down my neck, finding that sweet spot that makes me go crazy. I clawed at his back, my body pressing wanting - no needing - to be closer to him. He pushed up my shirt and took my perk tit in his mouth. I let out a sigh of content, letting any thoughts or worries float away.