Gabriella looked over from Sharpay to Zac. That idea had come to her mind when Zac came back into their lives. She had hidden her children from Zac's parents because she knew that his father had a bad heart. She didn't want to do small talk with people she never met. Trying to be a 'family' while their son didn't want to be one 15 years ago. And because she didn't knew how everything would go. Zac wanted to be there for their children but what was his plan? Gabriella saw Zac looking determent but she wasn't sure.

'Shar told you.'

'yes she did. I understand why you didn't tell them. But now the situation has changed. Can you please think about it?'

' I will'

As the ordered cab stopped in front of her. She smiled at Zac and stepped in. Sharpay waved and the car drove away. Zac turned around and together, they walked back into the bar. Since Stella had left, he had all the free time to do what he wanted. But looking at the woman in the bar, the only thing he wanted/needed was a drink and hang out with his friends. The urge to get laid tonight just drove away in a yellow cab.

He knew if he wanted to be in his children lives, he had to change. Did he want too? Yes he wanted too but in how far he had to change? Gabriella really fucked up his mind. As he ordered a beer and took a sip his mind kept on spinning with questions.

' What are you going to do Zac?' Sharpay asked.

' Shar, if I knew I would tell you.'

Sharpay looked at her best friends face.

' It's a big decision you have to make. You know you have to make some changes in your lifestyle and you have to ask yourself if you are willing to give up some things for them? And by them I mean your children. I'm not mentioning Gabriella because that's a whole different story and a whole different approach. She hasn't changed how she is since High School. She is still a girl who believes in true love and a happy ending. She knows that if you are choosing to be in their lives for the children that that doesn't mean your choosing her as well. But she might ask you to live here in the US.'

Zac thought about those words. The feeling he had for his children was insane. He never knew that that kind of love existed. He really wanted to be there for them. That's one thing he was sure about. He had to talk it over with his boss if he could continue to work for him while he was living in the US? Maybe starting a side company for only US clients? But Gabriella..

' I want to be there for Nora, Luka and Fynn.'

'I'm glad you want too. But remember, give it time. They have lived without you for 15 years. '

He nodded. ' I know, I will do my best to be a good father for them.'

'What about Gabriella?'

'That's a whole different story Shar. I don't know if Gabriella even wants me to be with her. I'm not even sure if that is the right thing to do? I mean, I find that hard to say. It's not like I'm saying no but..'

'It's the lifestyle you have to give up.' Sharpay said.

'Yes, I have lived like a GOD the last 15 years and I'm not sure If I am ready to give that up.'

Sharpay looks at Zac and clearly sees him struggling with this particular subject. ' The best thing you can do is, to be honest with Gabriella. If you decide to be there for your children but no relationship with the mother that is up to you. She will appreciate your honesty. But try to be decent and private about your 'girlfriends'.'

'I understand. Do you want me to take you home Shar?'

' No it's okay. I'm waiting for Zeke to close Jacks and go home with him'

Zac kissed Sharpay on the cheek, finished his beer and walks outside. It started to rain and he wished Gabriella had given his jacket back. He shivered and started walking to his parents house which was not far away. As he reached his destination he looked over to the street. He couldn't see Gabriella's house but he knew in what direction he had to look. Was he ready to be a father? Was he ready to give up his life? He buried his face in his hands and took a deep breath. A good sleep would probably help.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Gabriella got home and opened het front door. The kids had a sleepover at Taylor and Chads house so the house was quiet. Too quiet for her liking. But she decided to let hem go there just in case she met someone and brought him home. Although she knew that wouldn't happen. She wasn't like that at all. She walked to her kitchen to open her fridge. She was in the mood for something stronger. As she grabbed a glass and a bottle of bourbon she walked to her backyard. She sat down and enjoyed the view she had over her yard. She didn't had much time to sit here but nights like these, she loved it. Although it started to rain. She enjoyed it. She snuggled into the jacket she wore and suddenly opened her eyes. She was still wearing Zac's jacket. She sniffled and his cologne and the smell of it made her knees go weak. Again. She was afraid for the feelings that had been inside of her the last 15 years. Zac wanted to be in their lives, but what if he wanted to be in theirs just for the kids? What about her? Would she be okay with it? She sighed and took a sip of the strong liquor. It warmed her up. Whatever Zac decided, she had to accept it.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was a few days later.

On a Sunday morning around 10, the doorbell rang. Gabriella groaned. The best thing about having older children is that they sleep till late. The worst thing about it, that they don't hear anything, and I mean everything. Or they don't want too. Gabriella got out of bed, put on her Japanese wardrobe and walked downstairs yawning. She opened the door and the sun welcomed and immediately warmed her face. When her eyes were used to so much light, she blinked with her eyes and a blush creeped up her face and suddenly feeling underdressed. Zac stood in front of her with a smile.

'wow, that's a way to start my day. He laughed. 'Did I wake you?'

'Yes you did.' She muttered. 'This is my only day I can sleep a little longer.'

'I'm sorry Gabriella.'

'It's fine, you didn't know. What can I do for you Zac? '

'Well, I was wondering if you thought about the fact that I want my parents to meet our children..'

Gabriella looked at him. She did thought about it. ' Come in, I feel kinda exposed like this.'

She opened the door wider and for the first time, Zac entered her house and he was amazed by how big and beautiful it was. It's a great place to raise children in. 'Wow, your house is beautiful Gabriella.'

'Thank you' She smiled. If you excuse me. I put on some other clothes.'

Gabriella walked up the stairs. It gave Zac the time to look more around the house. He walked into the living room to see several photo's on the wall of a happy family. He smiled at them to see how truly happy they were. His eye caught a specific photo and walked to it. It was Gabriella slightly younger than she was now. It seems like it was a photoshoot. The wat she posed in front of the camera. Zac couldn't get it eyes off of it. It was breath taking.

' I like that photo too. I was walking in the mall with Taylor and someone asked me if he could make a photo of me. It was someone who was working on it's portfolio. I could gave it for free so I said yes. He is an very talented photographer.'

Zac nodded. ' He is. It's beautiful!'

Zac turned his head to her and smiled. 'You are still beautiful'

Gabriella smiled back. ' Thanks'

Gabriella sat down on the couch, and Zac sat down next to her. I completely forgot why he was here. He was amazed by how Gabriella looked today. So casual, so comfy and so happy. It was a Sunday and she acted like it. He loved it.

' About your parents meeting them..'

He snapped out of his thoughts. ' Yes, sorry. What do you have in mind?'

'Well, Sharpay told me several years ago that your father had suffered from a heart attack and that he should be careful. I think it's better that you and I go there first to them the news before we let the kids come along.'

'I think that is a great idea.' Zac smiled. 'Should we go now?'

'now?' Gabriella said surprised.

'Yes why not. We can have breakfast together and I..'

'wow, wow wait Zac. We can't just go to your parents and drop the bomb that they have grandchildren. I mean, I have to prepare myself for that and I..'

Zac placed his hand against her cheek. 'Calm down. My parents won't bite.'

Gabriella sighed. 'Is it obvious that I'm freaking out?'

'Yes, but that's okay. We will metaphorically rip de bandage of and see how they react okay? '

'Okay, but let me change first.'

'Why? You look stunning. No need too.'

This was the second time he made a compliment and she felt like an idiot for blushing. She felt like that 15 year old girl again who was eager for his attention. And suddenly he gave it to her and look where it brought her. She buried her face in her hands and looked back at him. He looked worried.

'you okay?'

'yes, I'm okay. Let's go them. The kids are sleeping anyways.'

They got up and walked out of the house. Gabriella was about to walk to her car but Zac stopped her.

'let's walk. It's not far.'

'not far? I know where they live Zac. It's far.'

Zac laughed. 'Okay, but it's such a beautiful day for a walk and maybe we can get to know each other a little bit better. Since we kinda forgot to do so 15 years back.'

Gabriella laughed and they started walking. It indeed felt nice to walk side by side. Zac was genuinely interested in how her life went with 3 little babies. It was like he really felt bad for making the decision that changed her life 15 years ago. Was he sorry? Did he wanted to make a change? Was he willing to give up his life for their children? And maybe also for her? As they kept walking. Gabriella felt the urge to grab his hand but by the time she finally wanted to grab it. He went through his hair and adjust his sunglasses.

' were here.' He said.

Gabriella recognized the house they stopped. Years ago, she had stood here a few times, wondering if she would tell them that they were grandparents. But she was too afraid to tell them. It was the time when her parents also let het down and she needed people to help her out. Thankfully she never did it and her friends were her helpers. Zac walked to the frontdoor and opened it with a key. He looked back and extended her hand.

'are you coming?'

Gabriella nodded and took his hand. She felt a shock going through her body and she let him lead her into the house. The house felt warm and welcoming.

'mom, dad? Where are you?'

'we are in the garden sweetheart. ' A female voice called back.

Zac lead Gabriella to the back of the house and by the moment they saw the elderly couple sitting Zac let go of her hand.

'Mom, Dad'

They look up and smiled.

' Hi Zac, who is this?' Zac's father asked.

'I know who this is. You are the owner of Triple Angel? Mrs Montez?' Zac's mother said.

Gabriella extended her hand. ' Yes that's correct. My name is Gabriella.'

'My name is Lucille and this is my husband Jack. Are you Zac's new girlfriend?'

Zac's face turned red. 'No, no no mom, Gabriella and I went to East High together. We met the first night I arrived and we stayed in touch.'

'ah okay, well too bad. She's gorgeous Zac.'

Gabriella giggled. 'Ah thank you mrs Efron.'

'Please, call me Lucille.'

'Lucille' Gabriella smiled.

'But mom, there is something we have to tell you.'

Lucille looked at Zac's face and sighed. ' Your not telling me that you got her pregnant did you?'

Zac and Gabriella looked at each other. They both sat down at the same time and Zac spoke. ' Well, not exactly but it's very important. The thing is that Gabriella and I met when we were both 15 years old and something happened between us back then around may that year'

'Is that around the time you desperately wanted to go to England Zac? ' Jack asked.

Zac looked at his father. ' yes '

'What happened? '

Zac looked at Gabriella. 'Do you want to tell them or should I?'

Honey, you are scaring me. What happened 15 years ago?' Lucille said worried.

'I..I.. got Gabriella pregnant 15 years ago.'

Jack and Lucille looked at each other. Gabriella looked worried at Jack because of his heartcondition. Jack wrapped his arm around his wife and looked back at his son, obviously looking mad.

' What happened?'

'Well, you know how that game works dad.. I..'

'That's not what I mean son. If you got Gabriella pregnant and you left. Why are you telling us this?'

' That's because I kept the babies sir.' Gabriella said. ' After Zac left I decided to keep them no matter what.' She took a deep breath. ' You and Lucille are grandparents of 3 15 year old teenagers.'

Jack and Lucille eyed widened.

'what? How?' Lucille stuttered.

Gabriella took a deep breath. ' Well, let's not discuss about the fact how it happened and what Zac did after we found out how many they were. The important thing is that when Zac arrived, we spoke and I decided to tell him that his children are alive. He assumed that I give them up for adoption or maybe abortion.' Gabriella looked at Zac and he nodded, afraid to look at his parents. ' But I didn't. I raised them with a some ups and a lot of downs but I managed. We took some time for ourselves to see what Zac wanted and that's why were are telling you now. '

Jack stood up and looked at Zac with anger. ' I'm very disappointed in you Zac. How could you leave a pregnant teenager with the knowledge that it's a triple? You left her all alone! That's not how I raised you.'

Lucille stood up as well. ' I agree with your father Zac. We are disappointed.'

Zac stood up too. ' Trust me, you have no idea how sorry I am.' He looks at Gabriella. ' For being a coward for leaving you in this mess.'

Gabriella nodded.

Lucille looked at her and sat back down. ' But how did you manage to do it? You own your own restaurant and were able to raise them?'

'I got a lot of help from my friends. I told them now to tell anyone that I kept them. My parents and I weren't on speaking terms at that point. I worked day and night to get everything they needed. I lived on 3 hours of sleep each day and something a little more when my friends babysit. It was super hard and sometimes I think back about it and wonder how I survived it.' Gabriella smiled, ' But every time when I saw their faces, their beautiful faces I got the strength to move forward. And this is were I am now and I couldn't be more proud of myself and my children.'

' I must say that I'm really impressed Gabriella. But sorry for asking but how are we so sure that your kids are also Zac's kids? I know Zac was pretty popular at the time and a lot of girls were into him. How do we know that they are his as well?'

Gabriella frowned. ' Because I was not one of those girls. Your son came to me and because of one stupid mistake he knocked me up. But since you want proof.' Gabriella took her phone from her purse and showed her a photo of Nora, Luke and Fynn. 'here they are.'

Lucille and Jack looked at the photo and they gasped. ' wow, this is unbelievable. They look so much like him. Even the girl. But also, they look like you.'

Lucille looked up from the photo and gave back the phone. ' I'm sorry Gabriella. I should not have said that.'

'it's fine, no problem.'

They all went silent. You could hear cars driving up and down the road next to the house. Zac was afraid what he parents might say about it. He was hoping that they would just chill and let him figure out what to do instead of pushing him to marry her or something, because that's the last thing on his mind.

'What are you going to do about this situation?' Jack asked.

'That's up to Zac.' Gabriella answered. ' I'm ok with the fact if he wants to be in their lives.'

'and your life?' Lucille said.

Gabriella looked from Lucille to Jack to Zac, who didn't look at her. Which gave her the answer. What she wanted wasn't important. Again.

' Only the children is fine with me. '

By the tone in her voice, Zac knew by not looking at her that she made a decision for them. And maybe for now that was the best. He still didn't know if he wanted to say goodbye to his lifestyle. After a short while of small talk. Gabriella got up and told them that she went home.

' I would love to meet them someday Gabriella, when you are ready and they are.' Lucille said.

'I will tell them, and I let Zac know when the kids are ready. 'Gabriella said politely. 'thank you for your hospitality.'

'I walk you to the door. ' Zac said.

They silently walked through the house to the front door. Zac opened the door for her and looked at her, but Gabriella didn't look at him and walked onto the driveway. Then she turned around.

' I'll see you around.'

And with that she walked away. And with every step she took her heart shattered piece by piece.