A/N High School Musical Settings and Characters all belong to Kenny Ortega and Disney. Any original characters and this story are copyright © 2011-2018 to Hopelessromanticgurl, all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

A/N Camp Rock Settings and Characters all belong to Matthew Diamond and the Disney. Any original characters and this story are copyright © 2011-2018 to Hopelessromanticgurl, all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.


Monday at school Gabriella couldn't help but be nervous. She didn't mind school, it was after school she was worried about. How was Steve going to act knowing her big secret? Would he get mad for her asking him to change?

As she sat down at her desk the girls ran up to her. They all started to talk a mile a minute. Gabriella giggled softly. "Guys, one at a time I can't understand you."

"We are so sorry, Gabriella! We had no idea Maria would be there. We are the worst friends!" Taylor said.

"It's ok, Tay. I'm actually glad you did. Running into my mom was awful but...something good did come out of it."

"What?"

"I saw Steve in a different light than I used to."

"Does this mean you trust him?"

"Not completely. But it's a start. I'm going home after school to meet and talk with Connie and Steve."

"You're so brave Gabriella. We are all really proud of you."

"Thanks. Don't worry I still trust you guys."

The girls shared a group hug and everyone took their seats.

Mitchie walked over to Gabriella. "I want you to know Mom and Dad are super excited about seeing you tonight."

"Thanks. How is your dad?"

"He had a long talk with mom the other night, I wasn't allowed to hear what it was about but all I know is after the talk my dad seemed different." Match said.

"Different how?"

"Overjoyed. Happier than I've seen him in a long time. I wonder if maybe my mom is pregnant. I don't know. But my dad is really happy lately."

"Oh." Gabriella said.

"Does he look any different?" Troy asked.

Mitchie looked confused. "No. Why would he?"

"Just asking." Troy said.

Gabriella sighed. Steve hadn't shaved his beard. Opening up and telling the truth was a waste of time. It was just like she expected. They didn't really care.

Mrs. Darbus walked in and class started. Gabriella couldn't focus she was too upset and scared about going back home and seeing Steve.


Most days school dragged on slowly. But today, of course, had to go by really fast and before Gabriella could be ready school was over and it was time to go home.

They all took the bus but got off at Mitchie's stop instead of Troy's.

Before they walked inside Gabriella stopped and inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. Troy took her hand. "I'm right here. Just say the word and we can leave at any time."

"Ok, let's leave right now." she said.

He chuckled softly. "We've got to at least go in."

Gabriella exhaled deeply and nodded. Together they went inside. They went into the kitchen. Connie was cooking dinner with a strange man helping her. Mitchie was standing there shocked by something. Gabriella had no idea who the man even was. His hair had been cut and he didn't have any beard or even stubble. But he was tall and muscular just like Axel.

"Mom, who…who is that?" Mitchie asked.

Connie and the strange man chuckled. "Honey, that's your dad."

"What?" Mitchie gasped.

Steve smiled and nodded. "I cut my hair and shaved my beard."

Gabriella stood in shock. But for the first time she looked at Steve and she actually saw Steve. He was actually quite a handsome man.

Slowly Steve went over to Gabriella. "How about we start over? Hi, I'm Steve. Connie and Mitchie have told me lots of wonderful things about you. Welcome to your new home." He didn't put his hand out to shake he just let her make the first move and he left at least a foot between them.

Gabriella smiled. She put her hand out. "Nice to meet you. I'm Gabriella. Connie and Mitchie talk about you all the time. Thank you for taking me in."

Steve shook her hand and smiled. He knew they still had a long way to go before Gabriella would trust him but at least she wasn't scared of him anymore.

"Mr. Toress." Gabriella asked.

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"No, Gabriella, thank you."

Gabriella smiled.

"By the way, call me Steve please."

"Ok, Steve."

"That's my girl."

Gabriella blushed at the nickname.

"Gabriella if you don't mind me asking, have you seen or heard from your mother since the pool?"

"No. I don't think I ever will. She doesn't want me. She just wanted to attack me verbally."

"Well please let us know if you do see her again. We have a legal document that says she has to stay away from you unless we agree to her seeing you." Steve said.

"Axel too?"

Steve nodded. "Axel can't see you unless a judge says you can."

Gabriella sighed in relief. "Thank you."

"I'm just telling you the truth."

"No, you're doing so much more than that." Gabriella said. "You're making me feel safe."

Steve smiled and gently pulled her into a hug. Gabriella hugged him back. It wasn't much but it was a start. Maybe, just maybe she'd be ok sleeping alone tonight.


They talked and laughed all through dinner. Steve was actually a really great guy, nothing like Axel or his friends.

"Gabriella, we won't force you to stay tonight, but if you want you are welcome to stay. Troy can stay with you too." Connie said.

"I actually want to stay." Gabriella said. "But I still want Troy too."

"Ok, I'll call Jack and Lucille and let them know." Connie stood from the table taking her plate with her.

"So Gabriella tell me more about you. I heard from Mitchie you are really good singing?" Steve said.

Gabriella nodded. Talking to him was coming so naturally. "I don't know about good, but I do enjoy it."

"She's incredible!" Troy smiled.

Steve chuckled when she blushed. "Have you done a lot of singing before?"

Gabriella smirked at Troy and answered. "Yeah, my shower head is very impressed with me."

She giggled when Troy playfully pinched her sides. But he was happy she was talking and laughing with Steve. It was a big change since they first met.

Steve laughed. "Other than the shower?"

"I've done a few school musicals, and I sang at the Final Jam at Camp Rock last year and…" Gabriella stopped. She let out a deep breath.

"You ok?" Steve asked.

Troy rubbed her back. "Shhh, you're safe."

"What happen?" Steve asked.

"Camp Rock is where she last saw her…where she last saw Axel and where she really said goodbye to her mother. Talking about it is still hard for her." Troy said.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories."

"It wasn't all bad. Troy made sure I had fun." Gabriella smiled softly.

"Good."

"So Daddy, can I ask, why did you shave your beard? Mommy and I have begging you for months to shave it and cut your hair. You always refused." Mitchie said.

Gabriella froze and looked to Steve. She gulped and felt sick. Would he tell Mitchie her deep dark secret?

Steve just smiled. "It was getting itchy and hard to take care of. Plus I was always getting food stuck in it and it was gross. I decided it was time for a change."

"Good choice." Mitchie said.

"Thanks."

Gabriella sighed in relief. Another spark of trust rushed through her.

That night Gabriella actually spent the entire night in her room, by herself. Troy was out on the couch again, but he was so proud of Gabriella. He knew she was really starting to feel comfortable here and even more to that…she was starting to trust Steve.


The rest of the week passed by quickly after that. Gabriella continued to stay at home and sleep in her own room as long as Troy was outside in the living she felt safe. She continued to bond with Steve and get closer to him. She still didn't trust him fully but she wasn't scared of being near him.

She still didn't want to be alone with him, but she was getting there.

Friday night she said something and it shocked the entire Torres Family.

"Troy, I think…I think I'll be ok tonight if you'd like to go home."

Troy was shocked but proud. He smiled widely and kissed her head. "I'm so proud of you. If you change your mind call me and I'll come right back. I don't care what time it is."

Gabriella nodded. She was nervous but she knew she could do it.

"Actually, Gabriella, there is something you need to know before you send Troy home." Connie said. "I know tomorrow is Saturday but I've got to work. I am catering a wedding. I'll be gone all day. It will just be Steve and Mitchie here. If you want Troy to come back over tomorrow that's fine, but I just wanted you to know."

Gabriella inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. It would be the first time she'd be alone with Steve, without Connie there or Troy. Gabriella looked to Steve.

"It's up to you, Sweetie. I won't be hurt if you ask Troy to come back. I just want you to feel safe."

"I do…I do feel safe. But…But maybe…"

"What? Tell us what you're thinking." Connie said.

"Um…well…I'd…I'd like to try it without Troy but…"

"I'll have my phone on me all day and if you change your mind just give me a call and I'll come over." Troy said.

"Is that ok?" Gabriella asked.

"Of course." Steve nodded.

"We wouldn't have it any other way." Connie smiled.

Gabriella nodded. She was nervous but that gut feeling of something bad happening wasn't there. In fact a part of her was excited. She never got to spend time with her father and actually do something fun. What did fathers and daughters do together?

Troy left not long after dinner and Gabriella let out a deep breath. She was terrified but tried to push it back. Steve wasn't going to hurt her. Was he?

Gabriella ended up doing it. She spent her first night alone in her new home. She was so proud of herself. But couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow was going to bring. What would Steve be like if Connie wasn't home.


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