"I should just become a lesbian." Was all Troy heard his best friend say. They were sitting in his basement surrounded by a pile of junk food on a Thursday evening.

Troy laughed, "That's funny."

Gabriella sat up, "I'm actually considering it. I've had many failed relationships with guys."

"I doubt you're going to be a lesbian." Troy told her. "You could pull it off, though."

Gabriella sighed, "Thanks. Have you talked to Michelle?"

Troy shook his head, "I don't have anything to say to her."

"I kind of feel bad for her. And I never feel sorry for people." Gabriella said, "She's in this alone. Lucas told me he could care less."

Troy shrugged, "I guess." Troy reached on the table and handed her an envelope.

Gabriella took the envelope, "What's this?"

"My parents anniversary party is this Saturday and you are invited." Troy replied. "Be my date?"

Gabriella raised her eyebrow, "Date? Mr. Bolton this is so sudden. We've only known each other for three weeks." She said in her best southern belle accent.

Troy laughed, "Yeah but we promised not to date anyone so you're like my only choice."

Gabriella rolled her eyes, "You make it seem like I'm a last resort. But I'd love to be your date."

Troy nodded, "Good."

Marcus walked downstairs, "Look at you pathetic people."

Troy threw a piece of paper at his brother, "Shut up."

"I'm serious, "Marcus continued, "You two are making me depressed and my social life is great."

Gabriella smiled, "Oh really? What are you doing?"

Marcus shrugged, "I don't know. But its way more fun than yours."

"So you have a girlfriend?" Gabriella asked.

Troy laughed, "No."

"I don't have girlfriends." Marcus said.

Gabriella nodded, "So you have a fear of commitment?"

Marcus looked at her, "No. I don't like relationships because they are too serious. You're setting yourself up for heartbreak in the long run. That's why I don't date. Its way more fun to be casual. There's no meeting parents, or having to buy birthday presents."

"You actually sound right, Marcus." Gabriella said.

Marcus smirked, "I have my moments or wisdom. They're rare but I have them."

Gabriella nodded, "I see." She looked at the time on the TV, "I should go. My mom is making Angelo cook tonight and I want to videotape this experience."

Troy laughed, "I'll tell my mom we might be needing more plates for dinner."

Gabriella smiled, "Thank you." She stood, gave Troy a hug and started walking upstairs, "I'll call you later."

~At Gabriella's House~

Angelo was walking around the kitchen in a lost daze, "Mom where do we keep the soy sauce?"

Cristina laughed, "Where we keep all the other spices and sauces Angelo. If you moved stuff around, you would find it."

"Oh…ok I think found it." Angelo told her.

Greg gasped, "Wow miracles can happen when you use your brain, Angelo."

Angelo rolled his eyes, "Dad don't mock the person cooking your food."

Lola raised her eyebrow, "What are you making?"

Angelo smiled, "Teriyaki chicken. My favorite."

"Why couldn't you make something simpler?" Lola asked, "Like a Lunchable."

~One Hour Later~

Everyone was sitting at the table, looking nervously at their plates. Angelo cleared his throat, "Ok so dig in."

Gabriella winced, "Yeah I'm on a diet now. Only lean baked and broiled food for me."

Angelo frowned, "Please?" He asked, using his big brown eyes.

Greg sighed and took a bite and He soon started gagging, "Angelo your talents are baseball and track. Cooking is not something I recommend for you. And I say that with a lot of care and love because I am your father."

Cristina shook her head, "I might have to agree sweetheart."

Gabriella stood up, "Before I die tonight, I'm going to go Troy's house for dinner."

"You just came from there." Greg stated.

Gabriella nodded, "Yeah I'll see you guys later." She practically runs from the table and out the door.

Lola turned to her parents, "She didn't even see if we wanted to go. That was very rude of her."

Angelo scratched his head, "I thought she said she was on a diet."

Lola rolled her eyes, "You're stupid."

~At Troy's House~

"Mom what are you making for dinner?" Troy asked sitting down by the bar next to his kitchen.

Lucille checked the timer on the stove, "I am making lasagna for dinner. Why?"

"Gabriella said she might come over for dinner." Troy told his mom.

Jack chuckled, "She was over here like an hour ago."

Troy nodded, "And now she is coming back for dinner." The doorbell rang and Troy went to go get it. "Hey Brie."

Gabriella smiled, "Hi Troy. Hi Marcus."

Marcus nodded, "Sup G?"

Gabriella shrugged, "Nothing. Hi Jack. Hi Lucille."

Lucille waved, "Hi sweetie."

Gabriella sat down, "Thanks for letting me come over for dinner. My parents let my brother cook."

Troy laughed, "What did he make?"

"Teriyaki chicken." Gabriella replied. She sat down.

Lucille put the lasagna on the table, "Ok everyone. Sit down, the food is ready."

Marcus sat down next to Gabriella, "So Montez, why didn't you invite Lola?"

Gabriella laughed, "She doesn't like you like that, Marcus. She says you're cool as a friend."

Marcus shrugged, "I don't like her like that. She's fun to look at."

Gabriella rolled her eyes, "I'll have to pass that message on."

"No worries. I tell her she's hot all the time." Marcus replied.

Gabriella laughed, "You are funny."

~The Next Morning~

Gabriella was at school in the bathroom fishing through her purse when she saw Michelle walk in, "Hi." Michelle said.

"Hi." Gabriella said, not looking up.

"Can we talk? Please?" Michelle asked.

Gabriella shook her head, "No."

Michelle sighed, "Look I'm sorry."

Gabriella snorted, "No you aren't. You knew what you were doing."

"Damn can you let me apologize?" Michelle asked, in an irritated voice.

Gabriella faced Michelle, "Ok."

"I'm really am sorry about Lucas and I." Michelle said. "It was just to make you mad. A kid wasn't apart of the plan."

"Apology accepted." Gabriella replied. "Has Lucas talked to you?"

Michelle shook her head, "No. But I'm trying not to care so much because I have my family."

Gabriella smiled, "Well that's good." She started walking out of the bathroom.

"Gabriella," Michelle started. Gabriella turned around and raised her eyebrow, "Thank you for being nice to me. I would be horrible to you if you were in my shoes."

"I know." Gabriella replied. "I may seem like a bitch but overall I'm a pretty good person. I'll see you in class." She walked out of the bathroom.

~The End~