AN: Well guys, I hope you're not bhored with the whole dark- and sadness thingy. I think this chapter is a pretty good contrast to the others. And DON'T WORRY, it's gonna be Troyella...of course! DUH? xD I hadn't really planned this chapter and all the following questions which will be there, but hey, everyone got caught up in a creative wave right? unfortunately with me it happened 'bit too late but better too late than never, you know? anyway, there'll be explanations in the following chapters and DON'T you EVER forget: Gabi is a REALLY innocent girl who hasn't ever been to a party or the beach! Picture her as a VERY naive girl, k? ^^

xoxo

S.

Chapter 4

There were no lights in the house. Surrounded in complete and utter darkness. She ran. She ran as fast as she could, panting panicky between hitched breaths. Stairs appeared on her way. Slowly she climbed them up until she reached a door. Noises could be made out behind it. Carefully Gabriella opened it to peek in. A man sat on the floor holding his wounded arm which was covered with an amount of blood. His blood. In front of him stood a dark creature. It was huge with big hairy claws. Its fur was dirty, probably from the rain but the most scary feature was his fangs and eyes. While it licked its fangs in an expectant manner its golden eyes flashed up. No doubt a very hungry werewolf.

Man: No, no. Please don't kill me. Why are you doing this? What have I ever done to you and your kind? Why?

Were: 'Cause you weren't loyal to your kind.

Then the Werewolf lunged at him…

Gabriella gasped while she was suddenly yanked out of her dream. At first she didn't know where exactly she was. Slowly the past events dimmed into her head. She looked at her clock by her nightstand. It read half past three a.m. With a sigh she leaned back into her pillows, trying to forget the nightmare, concentrating on beautiful things like good old memories.

Sharpay: Good morning, everyone!

All: Morning.

The Boltons and Gabriella sat in the dining room, eating breakfast and chatting every now and then.

Lucille: Well, kids. What are you up to today?

Sharpay: Well, Taylor and I figured that we could go to the beach.

Chad: Do we have to come along?

Taylor: Why of course! It's not like you guys had planned anything, right?

Chad: Actually, we wanted to play some basketball, every once in a while some play station and then-

Taylor: Do I have to repeat myself? I said: It's not like you guys had planned anything. RIGHT, Chad?

Chad: Uhhh…oh my, of COURSE not, sugar. We guys are looking forward to join you for your beach outing. Right guys?

Silently he mouthed "Help me" to them. Troy and Zeke glared at him but anyway chose to act wisely.

Both: Right.

Sharpay: Fabulous and Gabi here will join us of course.

All eyes were now on Gabriella. The girls, Lucille included, smiled encouragingly at her, Jack sneaked some glances behind his newspaper at her, Chad and Zeke were too preoccupied in a fight for the last waffle and Troy just stared emotionless at her as always.

Gabriella: I'm sorry, but I don't want to impose and-

Sharpay: For hell's sake you won't ever impose on us, Gabi! You're coming along, that's final, okay?

Gabriella: But I don't have any appropriate clothes for a swimming trip.

Taylor: We will borrow you something. Sharpay and you are about the same size, I'm sure she'll find something.

Sharpay: Of course, if that's the case don't be shy to ask me for anything. You know, I'm not being called "Fashion Queen" for nothing.

Gabriella: Well, thank you, girls.

Sharpay: Come now. Time is running! And guys, we'll meet in two hours, sharp!

Guys: Yeah, yeah.

While the guys prepared stuff like food, beach volleyball and their own stuff, Taylor and Gabriella sat on Sharpay's bed while she looked in her closet for swimsuits.

Gabriella: Can I ask you a question?

Taylor: Of course. Shoot.

Gabriella: Well, do you know why Troy is acting rather…cold towards me?

Taylor was a bit taken back and didn't really know how to answer. Suddenly Sharpay came with a bunch of bikinis out of her closet.

Sharpay: I don't know if they'll fit you, 'cause you're a bit smaller than me but you've got a whole hour to pick yourself one out.

Gabriella: I know you know the answer to my question and I fully understand if it's a personal reason but…is it because of me? Am I that repulsive?

Taylor: No, Gabi. It has got nothing to do with you. Nothing at all. Let's say Troy doesn't trust new people as easy as we do. Of course you're nice and sweet but with Troy it's gonna take a while before he can open up.

Sharpay: He's just grumpy but once he gets used to you, he'll be as docile as a lovely puppy. Now go and try some bikinis on!

Gabriella: Okay, thank you, girls. I really appreciate your help.

Both: No prob!

When Gabriella was out of their sight Shapray turned her head to Taylor's worried mien.

Taylor: You think he'll overcome himself and his stupidity?

Sharpay: Give him time. You know how belated he is. And stubborn too.

Taylor: But don't you have a good feeling with her? Like she could be one of us someday?

Sharpay: I know what you mean, Tay. But don't loose your focus yet. Remember what happened last time?

Taylor: Of course, I'm sorry.

Sharpay: Don't think too much, hun. Too much worries may 'cause you some wrinkles.

Taylor: Ugh, EXCUSE me?

Sharpay: Ha ha ha, come on. Let's get dressed.

After everything and everyone was ready they drove off to the beach which was about 15 minutes away. The weather was perfect. Many people decided to hang out there, go for a swim or have a good time. Our gang had their very own place with deck chairs, a big sofa, a table and a mini bar.

Chad: Hey, Gab. You like our place?

Gabriella: Wow, I'm utterly impressed. This is all yours?

Sharpay: Correction! This is all ours.

In the corner of her eyes Gabriella could see how Troy rolled his eyes at Sharpay's statement.

Troy: I feel like…volleyball match. You guys in?

The guys and Sharpay agreed while Gabriella and Taylor sat on the chairs, having a nice conversation.

Suddenly two Jeeps full of Teenagers and stereo boxes arrived. Obviously there was gonna be a party.

Sharpay: Hey girls! Wanna check out the newcomers?

Taylor: Sure, come on, Gabi.

While Shapray and Taylor approached the now dancing crowd rather calmly, Gabriella didn't really know what she was supposed to do. Suddenly a guy swung his arm around her shoulder.

Guy: Hey, I'm Nick.

Gabriella: Hello, I am Gabriella. Pleased to meet you.

Nick: I would like to please you in another way…

Gabriella: Oh, how?

Nick: I'd rather show you than explain.

Sharpay: If you don't piss off like right now, I'll show you a little something…

Then she grabbed his crotch very harshly which caused Nick to clench painfully.

Sharpay: …and that'd be rather unpleasant for you. Leave!

Holding his aching body part he tried to flee as fast as possible.

Taylor: You okay, girl?

Gabriella: Of course, but don't you think it was rude of you to hurt him like that? He wanted to please me after all.

Sharpay: Trust me he wanted to please you in a rather…unappealing way.

Gabriella: Oh…then I should thank you for saving me , Sharpay.

Sharpay: No prob and call me Shar.

Finally the guys joined them too. Gabriella tried to dance when the girls dragged her into the centre of the dancing crowd. For a beginner she wasn't bad, in fact some guys started to notice her and moved towards the exotic beauty. Sharpay and Taylor danced with each other, Zeke and Chad did some drinking competition and Troy made out with a blonde vampire girl on his sofa.

All in all they enjoyed themselves pretty much and Gabriella could say, she started to like the American lifestyle.

AN: REview please ;D

xoxo

S.