A/N: Hello wonderful people! I'm here again! Sorry it took like a week to update, that's because I had writer's block and I just started typing this Monday. And I can only type so many words in a day! Then I have to edit it, then I have to upload it and edit it again so I won't have so many mistakes! Anyway, thanks to my lovely reviewers!
lol925: Thanks! And I try to make it funny, glad I was successful!
PrettyGirl14: Thanks! And you'll have to read why Troy is so curious.
Vanessa Turner: Well, you'll have to read to find out:)
azndoll10: You're gonna have to read to find out what's going on with Troy. :)
ZacCorbinLucasLover714: Read to see what happens!
megan: Thanks! At least the twins came to their senses. Kinda.
And that's it! Thanks for reading and reviewing guys! Glad to know that someone appreciates my story! Here's chapter 9! I hope you guys like it!
This Is War
Chapter 9: Every Turn A Surprise
That following Monday, Gabriella and Lataysha met up with their friends at the mall.
"Hey guys." Gabriella said wearily.
"Hey Gabs! Taysha! So what's up?" Taylor greeted.
"Gabriella here is heartbroken." Lataysha answered.
"Why?" Kelsi asked.
"She found out who Mystery Guy was." Lataysha answered again.
"Isn't that supposed to be good news?" Sharpay asked.
"It's your brother." Gabriella said.
"What?" Sharpay asked again, making sure that she heard right.
"I've been seeing your brother and I didn't even know it. I didn't even know that he's in New York!" Gabriella said.
"Everybody knows Ryan's in New York!" Kelsi said.
"Wait. So you guys knew that Ryan Evans, my old boyfriend in high school, who I loved very much, is here in New York and you guys didn't tell me?"
"Sorry Gabs, we thought you already knew. Since, you know, you guys were so tight back in high school." Taylor said. "But why are you heartbroken?" She asked.
"Because he asked me if I wanted to be with him again, and I told him that we shouldn't see each other for a while." Gabriella said. "That was my mistake. I wanna see him again, but I'm so stupid!"
"You're not stupid. You're just confused. I'm sure he wants to be with you too." Lataysha said.
"He does. This past weekend, he did nothing but talk about you all day! I couldn't even hear my own thoughts through his yapping mouth!" Sharpay said.
"Why don't you just tell him how you really feel?" Kelsi asked.
"Because his daughters are my students and I don't want them to be weirded out by their dad dating their teacher." Gabriella said.
"Okay, so why don't we shop to take your mind off of him?" Lataysha asked.
"I don't feel like shopping today, I think I'll just head home." Gabriella said. "Bye guys."
When Gabriella got back to her house, she went straight to her bed and jumped in under the covers without even taking her shoes off. She sighed. She reached for her phone on her bedside table. She started dialing random numbers. Then she remembered something. She reached for her purse and took out a piece of napkin with numbers on it.
"Should I call? Should I not call?" Gabriella asked herself. "Maybe he's not home. Maybe he is." Gabriella told herself. She gathered all of her might and started dialing the number that was on the piece of napkin. She put the phone to her ear.
RING!
RING!
Meanwhile, Ryan was helping the girls with their homework when he heard his cell phone ring. He went to his room and picked it up to see who was calling him. He didn't know the number but decided to answer anyway.
"Hello?" Ryan said as he put the phone to his ear.
CLICK! That was all Ryan heard. Ryan shrugged and went back to the girls.
I am such a chicken! Gabriella thought. She hung up her phone as soon as she heard Ryan's voice. Gabriella lay back in her bed and threw the covers over herself. Suddenly, she heard someone ring her doorbell. She hesitated to get up, but somehow, she got the energy to get up. She went downstairs to answer the door.
When she opened the door, nobody was there. Gabriella looked down and found small box on the front step. She picked it up and went back inside.
She put the box on her coffee table and stared at it for a while. Then she checked to see who sent it to her but there was no return address. She decided to open it to see if there was a card or a note inside.
She ripped off the tape and opened the flaps and was surprised on what she saw.
Meanwhile, Zeke and Chad met up with Jason and Troy in the mall.
"Hey guys!" Zeke and Chad said.
"Hey you two." Jason and Troy greeted and they did that one-armed hug with each other. "So you guys ready to shop?" Zeke asked.
"Refresh my memory, why are we shopping again?" Chad asked.
"It's almost Christmas!" Jason said.
"Yeah, it's only, like…" Zeke said as he started counting his fingers. "…Two weeks away!" Zeke said. "And you know, I have to get Sharpay something good."
"Oh, Troy, I found out where Gabriella lives, you want me to write it down for you?" Jason said while taking out his notepad and a pencil.
"Nah, that's alright man. I already found out everything I needed to know about her. I actually sent her something already." Troy said.
"Okay." Jason said as he put his notepad and pencil up. "How'd you find out though?" Jason asked.
"Jays, let me tell you something. I've made a lot of friends since I got into college. And those friends have other friends. Let's just say, that someone, knows someone, who knows someone, who knows Gabriella." Troy said as he patted Jason's back.
"Whatever you say." Jason said.
"So, you guys ready to shop?" Zeke asked.
"Let's just get this over with." Chad said as they walked into the nearest women's clothing store they could find.
Ryan and the girls have just arrived at the theatre for their daily rehearsal.
"Hi girls!" Leslie greeted.
"Hi Leslie!" The girls greeted as they ran for her and hugged her.
"How are you girls doing?" Leslie asked, oh-so sincerely.
"We're doing great, thanks!" The girls answered.
"Girls, why don't you go inside the theatre and go get into your cute little costumes that Ipicked out for you?" Ryan said.
The girls sighed. "Fine." The girls bowed their heads and went into the theatre and into their dressing rooms. When the girls are long gone, Ryan turned to Leslie.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Ryan asked.
"Why, whatever do you mean, dear Ryan?" Leslie asked oh-so sweetly.
"What part of 'don't touch them and don't even get near them' don't you understand?"
"The 'don't' parts! They're my daughters too! They came out of my vajay-jay (A/N: I think you know what that means) so technically, they're my daughters too!"
"But, when you left, I had a lawyer that put them under my custody. So you are absolutely cut out from their life except for being their playwright!"
"I told you once and I'll tell you again. Those girls are going to be mine. Just you wait and see."
"Why do you want them so much?"
"Let's just say that's for me to know… and for you… to never find out." Leslie said as she flipped her hair in the wind and went into the theatre. Ryan rushed after her to make sure that his girls were safe.
Gabriella kept staring at the package in the box. Who could've sent me this? What the hell is it supposed to mean? Gabriella thought. Gabriella took the package out of the box and looked at it for a while. Then she saw that there was a picture and a note that was in the box and took it out in hopes of finding out who the sender was.
All it said was:
Gabs,
If you don't want that to happen to Rachelle and Roxanne, then I suggest you act quickly. Watch them every chance you get. If not, they might end up like the thing you just saw. The reason I'm not sending this to Ryan because if he finds out, then he'll be sure to pack his stuff and move someplace else and be far away from you. I don't want that to happen. You two were meant for each other. And if you love Ryan, you won't tell him this. But please take extra care of the girls. Treat them like they were your daughters. You never know, they might be yours one day.
From,
A friend
Gabriella finished the note and was in complete shock. Why would this happen to them? Who is going to do this to them? They're practically angels! Gabriella thought. Then Gabriella looked at the picture. It was a picture of Roxanne and Rachelle in the musical. Then Gabriella looked at the package and a tear slipped from her eye. Don't worry girls; I will never let that happen to you. Let me be your guardian angel. Gabriella said. She then took the package and put it in the box along with the picture and the note and put it in the drawer of her coffee table. (A/N: I'm not telling you guys what the package is because I want it to be a surprise! You're going to find out in one of the next chapters!)
Troy, Chad, Zeke and Jason came out of a clothing store carrying who knows how many bags. They walk over to the nearest bench and sit down.
"That was the twelfth store we've been to. I'm beat!" Chad said.
"Same here!" Jason said.
"How much did you guys buy?" Zeke asked.
"I got Taylor two new tops, a pair of jeans, and a new pair of shoes." Chad said.
"How do you know her size?" Troy asked.
"I checked her clothes and shoes this morning."
"How do you know she'll like it?" Jason asked.
"I read her fashion magazines and she always folds the pages of pictures with the people with cute outfits." Chad said.
"You read fashion magazines?" All three of the guys ask.
"When I have spare time." Chad tried to cover up.
"Well, all I got Sharpay is a new pair of boots, a new pair of heels, a diamond studded watch, and a make up set." Zeke said.
"I got Kelsi new maternity clothes. I still need to get her that piano book that she always wanted." Jason said.
"I got Leslie a new pair of shoes, a new top, a new skirt, and her favorite newsboy hat." Troy said.
They rested for about a minute. "You guys ready to do another round?" Zeke asked. The guys groaned but nodded their heads.
"And where do you think you're going?" Ryan asked as he and Leslie rushed into the theatre.
"I'm going to help my daughters put on their costumes." Leslie answered.
"Oh no you won't. You are not even going to go near them. You know why? Because I'll-"
"Because you'll what, Ryan? You're gonna hurt me? Strangle me? Murder me?" Leslie said as she turned around and stared Ryan in the face. Only two inches separated their faces.
Ryan came an inch closer. "You really wouldn't wanna know what I would do to you." Ryan said in a threateningly low voice. He runs to the girls leaving Leslie with her mouth gaped open.
Gabriella is trying to find her car keys and her purse while frantically calling Sharpay with her cell phone, scared that something bad might happen to the girls any minute.
"Hello?" Sharpay answered.
"Shar, do you know where Ryan and the girls are?" Gabriella asked nervously.
"Who Gabby, calm down. He's in the Broadway theatre. Why?"
"Okay, thanks." Gabriella hung up.
"She hung up on me!" Sharpay said as she flipped her sidekick close.
"Who?" Taylor asked.
"Gabriella!"
"What happened?" Lataysha asked.
"I don't know. She just asked where Ryan and his daughters are and when I told her, she hung up."
"Why do you think she's asking for them?" Kelsi asked.
Sharpay just shrugged. "Beats me."
"Maybe she's gonna get back together with him!" Taylor asked.
"Or maybe she's so mad at him and she wants to slap him in person." Lataysha said.
"Why do you always have to be so negative?" Kelsi asked.
"I don't know. I guess it's just in my nature." Lataysha answered. "So what did you guys buy?"
"The usual." All three girls answered.
"You guys gotta get into the Christmas spirit. Didn't you guys get gifts for your boys?" Lataysha said.
"Oh crap!" Kelsi exclaimed.
"Kelsi!" Taylor shouted.
"I never thought you would have such language!" Sharpay said, putting her hand on her chest pretending to be really shocked.
"Oh, suck it up! Come on! We still have to buy gifts for the guys!" Kelsi said while pulling the three girls into a men's clothing store.
Gabriella hurriedly got out of her car and entered the Broadway theatre.
"Ryan!" She shouted. It echoed all around the very large theatre. Gabriella ran to the stage and saw Leslie.
"Hello Leslie." Gabriella said trying to put on her best happy face. "Have you seen Ryan, by any chance?"
"Nope. Haven't seen him." Leslie said, lying through her teeth.
"Really? Because Sharpay said he was here."
"I am here. Leslie's just trying to get rid of you." Ryan said as he walked out of his daughters' dressing rooms. Ryan was surprised to see that Gabriella was looking for him. "Hi, Gabs."
Gabriella smiled and looked at Ryan longingly.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" Ryan said as he started wiping his face with his hands.
"No, no, you look perfect." Gabriella said sweetly.
"I'm gonna go before I start puking all over the place." Leslie said as she walked into her office.
When Leslie was gone, they continued their conversation. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Ryan asked.
"It's just that… you called me Gabs."
"I'm sorry. If you don't want to be called Gabs, I don't-"
"No! No, I like it when you call me Gabs. It's like we're back in high school."
"Yeah, like high school." Ryan said with a wide grin on his face. "So, anyway, can I help you?"
"Oh yeah!" Gabriella said while putting her hand to her forehead, mentally kicking herself for forgetting why she was there. "Are the girls here?"
"Yeah, they're in their dressing rooms. Why do you ask?"
"I just need to check on them, that's all." Gabriella said as she went up the stage and went backstage to the girls' dressing room and saw that the girls were rehearsing their parts.
"Oh, good they're fine." Gabriella said, releasing her breath.
"Of course they're fine, why wouldn't they be?" Ryan asked as he appeared by Gabriella's side.
"Oh, um… I thought that they needed help to do their lines." Gabriella said, not wanting to tell Ryan about the alarming news.
"Oh, okay." Ryan said, but not entirely convinced about Gabriella's answer.
"Listen, Ry, if I may call you that again."
"You may. I missed you calling me Ry."
"Okay, Ry, can we talk in private?" Gabriella asked.
"Sure? Is my dressing room okay?"
"It's fine." Gabriella said as Ryan led her to his dressing room. When Gabriella walked in, she was blown away. The whole wall was covered with pictures. Pictures of his past musicals and plays, pictures of Sharpay, and pictures of his friends. Then Gabriella noticed a space on the wall that's isolated from the others. That isolated space was filled with pictures of her and Ryan in the high school musicals and plays.
"You like?" Ryan asked, noticing Gabriella's face expression when she entered the room.
"It's great." Gabriella said. Then she turned to Ryan. "Anyway, this is about last Friday."
"I promise Gabs, I won't bug you. I just want you to know that I got your back." Ryan said reassuringly.
"No, no. Actually, I was wondering if the offer is still good."
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Ryan asked. Gabriella nodded.
Ryan broke into a smile. "Then it's definitely still good." He answered.
"Gabriella Montez and Ryan Evans is once again, a couple. Boyfriend and girlfriend." Gabriella said.
"Gabriella Montez is my girlfriend…I'm Gabriella Montez's boyfriend… do you know how long I've been waiting to say those words again?" Ryan asked his new girlfriend.
"A long time?"
"Ten years to be exact."
Then there was an awkward silence. Gabriella didn't know what to do so she started saying goodbye.
"Um… I guess I'll see you tomorrow, when you pick up the girls.
"Yeah, tomorrow."
Then, that was a point where they didn't know what to do next. So Ryan took that time to give Gabriella a goodbye kiss on the cheek. But before Ryan could pull back, Gabriella pulled his face down and kissed him full-blown on the lips. Little did they know that a pair of eyes was watching their every move.
Wow, I think this is the only story I wrote with so many cuss words in it (In reference to the previous chapter with the f and b words and this chapter with the h word). Anyway, makes sure to stop by and review! I know that some of you have me on your alert list, and I think that the alert thing isn't working because I have some stories that are on alert, but I never got an email alert and when I visit fanfiction, I always see that it's already been updated. What's up with that? Anyway, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Please be nice and review! It's a holiday!
One last thing! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCAS!!! Today, November 23, 2006 is Lucas Grabeel's birthday. Lucas was born in Springfield, Missouri, exactly 22 years ago! Happy birthday!