Chapter 14:

Monkeys!

I had no title for this chapter so I put something random (:

I'm working on Chapter 15 and 16. I'll try and get it to you guys soon but for now enjoy!

It was finally Halloween. East High always had a party on Halloween. The theme would be a costume party and there would be a king and queen. Whoever has the most unique costume will either be a king or queen.

"Okay, this sucks," Reva groaned. "Why can't they just throw a crown at Troy and a tiara at Gabriella? Everyone knows they're going to win even if their costumes aren't unique. They're the sweethearts of the school. They're the Golden Couple."

"I won't take it if that's the case," Gabriella said. "I play fair and that's not fair. How about this?" Gabriella held up her creation. She had gotten a long, golden stick that had arms coming out of it. Selena shrugged off her cardigan and placed it on one of the arms. "Looks like a coat rack."

"It is," Gabriella said. "I'm going to go as one."

Maxine laughed and put down her hat that had a face on it. "That totally beats out the competition."

"Knock, knock, knock," a voice said from behind Gabriella and Maxine's closed bedroom door. Gabriella grinned and opened the door. Troy came waltzing in. But…it actually wasn't Troy. It was Infinity. Like the sign for infinity. "Okay…wow," Gabriella muttered. "It'll be hard to hug you and kiss you."

"I'm sure it can work," Troy said. He bent down and gave her a peck on the lips then walked over to her bed and sat on it. "Where's Leilani?" Selena asked.

"Um…she's a bit scared to come up."

"Why? What is she?"

"A watermelon with no face. It makes her look bloated."

"I so heard that, Bolton and I am going to squash you!" Leilani came into the room, well, squeezed herself through the door. "How can you see?" Maxine asked. "There are no eye holes."

"Yeah there is, you just can't see them," came Leilani's muffled voice. Maxine gave her thumbs up before going back to her costume. Gabriella sighed. "Now I want to be a proportional to sign."

"No, no, I like your idea," Troy said. "A coat rack…if you put a hat over it, it looks like a pussy coming onto a dick."

Gabriella gasped and threw a marker at him while everyone else laughed. "Troy! What's with the polluted language?"

"Polluted?"

"Don't question my wording," Gabriella huffed. Troy grinned and gave her another peck. "I'm sorry, babe."

"Where's Emil?" Reva asked, now wanting to be with her boyfriend.

"You'll be surprised when you see what he is," Leilani muttered. "He was just getting some cookies from the cookie jar. He should be here right about…now."

The door opened and Emil stepped in. He was…he was…no one really knew what he was. Green and brown stuff oozed from two thin pieces that looked like flesh off his costume. "What…the…hell," Reva breathed. Emil grinned. "Yes, look at my disgusting glory. I am what you call…pus."

"Ew, you're dressed as pus?" Selena shrieked.

"It's so like him," Maxine commented.

"Guys, look, I got a costume." Reva stood up and showed her costume. It was a long, twisting ladder of blue and red. "It's DNA."

"Well, you both did something out of he human body," Selena said. "Just don't come with a penis or vagina."

"How about balls," Troy said and everyone looked at him.

Gabriella shook her head. "No genitals, babe," she said.

"When does this thing start?" Selena asked.

"It starts at seven," Leilani clarified. "What's your costume?"

"A pile of disks." She shrugged. "Okay, I'm going to see how this thing works." Selena quickly left the room with her costume. Reva left after her to change, too. Gabriella just slipped on the long, golden tube and put her arms through. "This feels weird." Maxine pulled off her fedora hat and placed it on Gabriella's costume. "You know, you should dress like this more."

Gabriella hit her then walked over to Troy. "I'm hating this costume now."

"Whoever is king and queen has to sing," Leilani said. "So Gabriella, Troy, get your voices ready."

"You don't even know if it's going to be us," Gabriella said. "It could be Reva and Emil."

"Emil can't sing," Emil said. "It should be Reva and Leilani since Leilani is a boy." Emil screamed as Leilani flopped onto him. He was now crushed under her and her costume. "I might use this more often."

…

"Okay, one, two, three!" They all pushed at Leilani's costume and she finally made it through the school doors. "How much watermelon have you had?" Maxine said.

"I can't look at you," Reva said. "I love watermelon and I'm afraid I might eat you." Reva hid behind one of her red lines. They all hurried to the gym.

"Welcome, everyone to our sixth annual Halloween Bash!" Sandra Honors, a senior said into the microphone. "If you want to show off your costume, come up here and show us what you got! After we will all vote to see who our king and queen is."

People started crowding into a line by the stage. A freshman was up first. She stepped onto the stage dressed as a marker. Next was another freshman dressed up as a zipper. Then it was Sketcher's turn. He bounced onto the stage dressed up as…well, no one really knew. It was mixed kind of with a mouse, girl, soccer ball, and TV.

"I know who will win," Reyna said. She dug into her pocket and pulled out a bunch of cards with her name on it. She handed it to Sketcher. "Send these in. A lot of them have your name on them, too," she lied. Sketcher grinned and bounced off to the ballet box.

"I don't get what's so excited about winning," Gabriella said from behind her. Reyna turned and glared. "Well, since Troy and I will be winning, I just wanted to try something up there with him."

"You better not do anything," Gabriella snarled, suddenly angry. Reyna smiled before trotting off.

"C'mon, everyone's dancing," Reva said, pulling Gabriella to the dance floor. "Don't let Reyna get to you." Reva looked at Reyna and narrowed her eyes. "She's a bitch, but she wants you to be a bitch back to her so people won't like you."

"I don't care what people think," Gabriella said. "I mean, I would care if no one liked me, but I don't care what Reyna thinks. I just don't want her anywhere near my boyfriend."

"Okay, did everyone vote?" Sandra said into the microphone. "Okay, good. Let's see who won. For our king we have…" Sandra opened the card and smiled. "Troy Bolton!"

Everyone cheered as Troy came up on stage and accepted his crown. Sandra smiled at him. "Okay, so our queen is…" she opened the card, but didn't smile. "Um, Reyna Petro." A few people cheered. Sketcher stood by the ballet box, mouth open wide. "What? But…she had said…"

She took the microphone forcefully from Sandra. "You guys are too kind," Reyna said, snatching the tiara away from the sophomore holding it. She placed it gently on her head and grinned. "At first I thought it'd be Gabriella who'd win, but I guess not." Reyna twirled in her fairy dress and smiled. "So, the winners are supposed to sing, but I think I should do something better than sing." Reyna's eyes gleamed with mischief. She turned to Troy and grabbed his face. She pressed her lips hard to his and everyone gasped, especially when Troy didn't try to pull away. In fact, Reyna was the one to end the thirty second kiss. "See, Gabriella? I told you I would do more." Reyna grinned before walking off stage and towards Gabriella who was shocked.

"I'm sorry, did I upset you, movie star?"

Gabriella could feel the corners of her eyes tingle, but she refused to cry. Instead she held her head high and shook her head. "No, you didn't. I just…I just have to go to the bathroom." Gabriella turned and left, wishing Troy would come after her and say that the kiss meant nothing and that he wanted to pull away. But as Gabriella walked around the isolated hallway and heard no one coming after her, she started crying.

"Gabriella!" Maxine, Leilani, Reva, Selena and Taylor all came barreling to her. Leilani was out of her costume and crouching down next to her. "Are you okay?"

"That kiss didn't mean anything to Troy," Selena said. "He was probably just shocked."

"Didn't seem like it," Gabriella mumbled, standing up. "But it doesn't matter what you say. What matters is if Troy comes out of the gym and says it didn't matter himself."

"But you seen the look on his face," Taylor said. "He was shocked."

Gabriella all of a sudden felt frustrated. "It doesn't matter if he was shocked! He should've pulled away."

"Troy has a tendency of messing things up," Leilani said. "But I know he wouldn't mess up this relationship because he loves you."

Gabriella sighed. "Look, I'm going home. I'll talk to you guys later."

"Gabriella," Maxine said, reaching out to touch her shoulder. Gabriella shook her head and walked out of the school.

Reyna had kissed Troy and Troy hadn't come after Gabriella. Gabriella hadn't even left the parking lot. She just lounged in her car, looking down at her phone. It's been thirty minutes and Troy hadn't even called.

R u still at the party? Gabriella sent him. When he didn't answer her text she dialed his number.

It went straight to voice mail. "Hi, this is Troy. If this is Gabriella, I'm sorry I can't get to the phone, but I love you! Oh, and if this is my family, you guys are okay.

"I love you, too, Troy," Gabriella whispered then drove off. Messing with her mood, the rain slowly pelted and surrounded her car. She sighed and pulled up at a bar.

She had never drunk before, but she felt a sudden urge to. Gabriella climbed out of the car and took her costume off. It left her only in her see-through cami and short denim shorts. Gabriella sighed and walked vigilantly to the bar. When she opened the door, she was met by loud hollers and cheers. "That was a foul!" a big man yelled at the TV. "That was a fucking foul! You suck, Lebron!"

"That was not a foul," another big guy argued.

"What do you think?' the other man turned to look at Gabriella as she crept her way over. "Do you think it's a foul or not."

Gabriella smiled and looked at the TV. "Um, yeah, it's definitely a foul." The man whooped while the other one glared and stomped off. The man turned to Gabriella and smiled. "I'm Ketch," the man said. "Hey, aren't you Gabriella Montez?"

Gabriella grinned. "No, I'm Ella Boston. But I do look like her," Gabriella lied. She wasn't going to tell him who she was. She wanted a drink and when she was Gabriella Montez, she was underage. But Ella Boston was twenty-two. "You want a drink?' Ketch said. Gabriella nodded and watched as Ketch brought her a drink.

"It's strong," he warned her. "Are you sure?"

"Never been surer." Gabriella grinned at him before brining the glass to her lips and chugging down the drink. She had only drunk twice in her life. The taste burnt her throat and it tasted weird.

"It's good," Gabriella lied. "Mind buying me another?"

Ketch smirked and nodded. The rest of the night flew on and Gabriella knew she was drunk for the first time in her life.

Gabriella climbed onto the bar and started a conga line. Since she couldn't walk in a straight line, they all crashed to the ground laughing. "Yo, Ketch, get me another drink!" Gabriella stood and plopped down on a bar stool. "You know, I have this really amazing boyfriend. But guess what…some other girl kissed him and he didn't turn away."

"What's his name?" Ketch said. "We'll beat him up for you."

Gabriella waved that comment away. "No, no, it's okay. But you know the jacked-up thing? He didn't come after me. I thought he said he loved me. I even gave him my virginity! I mean, I gave him everything and he just left me alone."

Ketch hugged her. "There's a party down by the beach. How about we go together."

Gabriella looked thoughtful for a moment before she nodded. "Bye, guys! Nice meeting you."

"Bye, Ella."

Ketch guided Gabriella to his motorcycle. "I could get busted, Gabriella."

"Ketch, I told you, I am not Gabriella, I am Ella. Ella is allowed to drink." Ketch chuckled and handed Gabriella a helmet. She snapped it on before climbing on the back of the motorcycle and wrapping her arms around his waist.

They sped off down the road and to the party.

…

"This is your entire fault!" Leilani accused Troy. "If you would've just gone after her, she'd be here."

"I'm confused, okay," Troy said.

"Confused about what? Reyna? Don't say that, Troy. You love Gabriella, not Reyna."

"But I loved Reyna first," Troy said. He sounded incredibly like a little kid who was scared. "And…I don't know if those feelings are gone yet."

"Troy, Reyna used you! Gabriella gave everything to you and you think you have feelings for Reyna still?" Leilani shook her head. "You're pathetic. Talk to me when you get you brain back."

Troy sighed and sunk low in his seat. Chad came into the room. "You really messed up big time, bro."

"Don't you think I know that, Chad? I really love Gabriella, but I really loved Reyna too."

"Loved or love?"

Troy sighed and buried his head in his hands. "This is my fault. Gabriella could be getting raped now."

…

"I don't know…" Gabriella looked skeptical at the drug. She may be drunk, but she would never in her life take weed. Ketch sighed. "C'mon, Gabriella. Just one. Only one and no more."

Gabriella sighed before sitting down and taking the weed stick. It felt dry and nasty against her lips, but she held it there. She watched as other people did cocaine and meth. "Here." Ketch took the fag from her. "Take a cigarette. You look like you're about to pass out."

Gabriella took the cigarette and placed it in her mouth. Ketch turned on his lighter and pressed it to the end of the cigarette. Gabriella quickly removed the cigarette and coughed. "God, that's strong." She placed the cigarette back into her mouth.

"It's still good," Ketch said, sniffing his lines. He sat back up and drunk a huge gulp of beer. "Want to dance?"

"Let me finish," Gabriella demanded hoarsely. She pulled out the cigarette and blew a puff of smoke out. Ketch grinned and grabbed it from her. He placed it in his own mouth before standing up. "Let's dance."

Gabriella stood up also. They moved to the dance floor as the music started to play. "I love this song," Gabriella announced, now happier. As she danced against Ketch, she took the cigarette from him and placed it back into her mouth. Ketch moved his hands down to her stomach and through her shorts. Gabriella smiled and grinded against him.

"Can I get another?" Gabriella asked as she flicked the cigarette away. Ketch shook his head. "I'm all out. Hey, I think it's time to take you home. It's already two in the morning."

"Take me back to your place," Gabriella begged. "My place is full of people I don't want to talk to. Plus, I'm drunk and high right now." Gabriella grinned. "I promise I'll be good."

Ketch smiled. "Fine, but we're not fucking."

"Why not? Most boys would want to."

"Because I'm actually nice and won't take advantage of you. In fact, you won't remember half the things we did tonight when you wake in the morning."

Ketch took her to a small apartment building. They walked to his apartment and Gabriella fell to his bed and moaned. "I feel sick." She stood abruptly and ran for the bathroom. Ketch held her hair back as she threw up. When she was done, she laid her cheek on the toilet seat and fell asleep. "Okay, let's go."

…

"She better be okay," Reva said. "Or else I'll cut Troy's dick off."

"She probably is," Selena said. "Maybe she's lost."

"Troy is so dead," Maxine said. The girls agreed. Rosie came into the room. "Okay, guys, go to sleep. I'm handling everything. I'll talk to you in the morning. Hopefully we'll have something."

…

Troy pulled out his phone. Gabriella had sent him a text eight hours ago at eight-fifty six. It was now four-fifty six and she was no where to be found. Troy sighed and tried to call her.

Voice mail. Not a good sign.

…

"Oh, God," Gabriella groaned, rolling over.

"Well, I'm glad you're awake." Ketch grinned. "You've been gone for…fifteen hours at the least. I think you should go home."

"Ketch? My god, my breath stinks." Gabriella sat up and ran a hand through her hair. "Last night is blurry. I remember coming to the bar, meeting you and then leaving to the party. Nothing else."

Ketch grinned and handed her some aspirin and water. "We didn't have sex, so be lucky. But, you did take a fag and a cigarette."

"You let me smoke weed?"

"You could've said no."

"Ketch, I was intoxicated!"

"Well, so was I. Now, come on. I have to drive you back home."

"Oh, yippee," Gabriella said sarcastically. She slipped off the bed and put her shoes back on. "Here's the story. I found you walking in the streets alone and you were drunk."

"Stop talking loud," Gabriella complained. "And why do I have to be drunk?"

"Because you have a major hangover. Anyway, you only had a few drinks. Like five. I let you get on my motorcycle and you fell asleep while on it. I took you my place so you can sleep and because I didn't know where you lived. Also, you lost your phone."

Gabriella dug into her pocket. "But it's right here."

Ketch took it from her. "No, it's right here. Now get you ass up and let's roll."

"What did I say about talking loud?"

Ketch rolled his eyes. "A lot of things you say just goes through one ear and out the other."

Gabriella grinned at him. "You're such a jackass."

"But you love me. Okay, so my number is right here." Ketch handed her his number and grinned. "Call me anytime."

Gabriella smiled and stuffed the number into her pocket. "I won't call, but thanks. I actually rode on this thing?" Gabriella watched as Ketch brought two helmets off his motorcycle. He gave one to Gabriella before climbing on. "I'm stupid," she muttered and climbed on behind him. She wrapped her arms around his torso and held on tightly.

…

"I really think I shouldn't go in there," Gabriella said. Ketch sighed and unhooked Gabriella's arms from around him. "You have to. Now go."

Gabriella sighed and got off the motorcycle. She handed him back his helmet. "Okay. Thanks and bye."

Ketch nodded. "See you later, Ella." Then he rode off down the street. Gabriella turned and walked slowly to the porch. She rung the doorbell and Rosie instantly answered. "Did you find—Gabriella?"

"In the flesh," she said hoarsely. Rosie squealed and hugged her. "My God, I was so worried about you! We thought something bad happened!"

"Gabriella!" Her sisters and Maxine came running down the steps. Sammy was in tow behind them. "I've never felt more relieved to see my sister," Selena said, hugging Gabriella tightly. "Where were you?"

"Lost and under the influence. And if it weren't for Ketch, I'd probably be dead."

Rosie ushered her into the house and they all sat down on the couches. "Who's Ketch? And what do you mean dead?"

"Well, Ketch is the one who picked me up from the streets. I was drunk but I only had like five beers. Anyway, while he was driving me, I fell asleep and he didn't know where I lived so he took me to his place. And I lost my phone."

"So nothing happened?"

Gabriella shook her head. "No. But I do look a mess, don't I?"

Sammy nodded. "Yoda was worried. He thought that his mommy ate you."

Gabriella smiled. "Well, I'm glad that didn't happen."

"Mom wants to talk to you," Reva said, pulling out her phone. "Seriously, this woman called like one hundred times asking where you were."

"What about Troy?" Gabriella asked, taking the phone from Reva. "Did he call?"

"No, but he locked himself in his room," Selena said. "Are you going to talk to him?"

"Of course I will. Just let me rest. This is my first ever hangover." Gabriella stood up and walked silently up to her room. Maxine pulled out her own cell. "I'll call Leilani and Troy."

"But I thought Gabriella was going to."

"It's better if we do it now." Maxine waited as the phone rung. Leilani picked up on the third ring. "Hello?"

"She's here," Maxine said. There was shuffling then Leilani spoke in a soft whisper. "Gabriella? She's back? Okay, I'm on my way."

"I'm coming too," Maxine heard Troy say. Leilani groaned. "You're the one who caused this!"

"I know and that's why I'm coming. I'm going to fix it."

"Okay, okay. Maxine, we'll be there in five."

"No. She has a huge hangover. Come in a few hours."

"Okay. See you then?"

"Yeah." Maxine hung up the phone and walked slowly to her and Gabriella's bedroom. Gabriella was passed out on the bed. She had taken her shorts and cami off and replaced them with an over-sized t-shirt. Maxine sighed and picked up her clothes. As she picked up the shorts though a paper fell out of Gabriella's pocket and Maxine bent and picked it up.

"A number…" Maxine quickly dumped the shorts into a hamper then went for her phone. She quickly dialed the number and waited for the person to pick up. "Talk to me," a gruff voice said. Maxine gasped and stumbled on her words. "Uh, um, is this Ketch?"

"Maybe…who is this?"

"I know Gabriella. We're friends."

"Well, in that case, yes this is Ketch."

Maxine sat down. "Did you do anything to Gabriella? Because she looked a hot mess and smelled like smoke."

"That's because my apartment smells like smoke," Ketch said. "But I promise nothing happened. I saw her walking in the street. She looked bad. I was just doing the right thing."

"How come you didn't call the police?" Maxine said. She was unaware of Gabriella slowly waking up.

"I wanted to take her home first."

"You know, Ketch. I have this really bad feeling that you're lying."

"Why the hell are you talking to Ketch?" Gabriella sat up and snatched the phone away from Maxine. "What I said was true. Nothing happened."

"Gabriella, you come home looking like crap, you smell like weed and you were drunk while this unknown man who could be a serial killer tried to take care of you."

"He did take care of me. Why can't you just leave this alone?"

"Because you could've been seriously hurt."

"Well I'm not." Gabriella sighed. "Just leave it alone."

"Just tell me the truth. Did he do anything to you, Gabriella?"

"No," Gabriella answered. Maxine sighed when she saw the truth swarming in her eyes. But she knew what Gabriella had told her wasn't the truth. "Was the story you told us true?"

Gabriella hesitated. "Yes."

The hesitation said it all. Maxine got up and ended the call. "Gabriella, what happened? I promise not to tell."

Gabriella leaned her head back on the headboard. Her head really didn't hurt as much as it did a minute ago. But it still hurt. "Nothing happened," she said lowly. Maxine came over and sat down on the bed. "Please tell me. I won't tell anyone. Not even the police."

"No matter how bad it is?"

Maxine nodded. "No matter how bad it is, I promise not to tell."

Gabriella sighed and sat up more. "I stayed in the parking lot for like thirty minutes then I tried calling Troy. It went straight to voice mail so I left to this bar. I just wanted to drink away the problems like a lot of people do. At the bar I met Ketch. He's really nice, not some pervert who tried to get into my pants. Anyway, that's when this journey began. I got really, really drunk. Like, no where near five drinks. Way more than that. Ketch and I went to this beach party and I…I smoked weed and a cigarette."

"What?"

"I was drunk and didn't know what I was doing. I don't remember what happened after that. I think we went to his place and I crashed. But nothing except for the weed and drinking happened."

"Gabriella…" Maxine pulled Gabriella in for a hug. "You are one stupid bitch."

Gabriella pulled back and smiled softly. "Yeah, I guess I deserve that name."

"Troy and Leilani are coming over soon," Maxine said a few minutes later. Gabriella groaned and went to lie back down. "You have to talk to him soon."

"I know, I know, but I don't want to. What if the things he says will break my heart?"

"Then everyone will want to kill him. He won't pick Reyna over you. I promise."

Gabriella sat up again. "You don't know that."

"Yeah I do. Now get some rest. I'll be back soon." Maxine left the room and closed the door behind her. Gabriella sat up and reached her hand in her pocket for her phone. When she found nothing but lint and air she sighed. Ketch had her phone. Great.

…

About an hour later Leilani and Troy showed up. "You do hangovers really well," Selena told Gabriella. "I mean, does your head even hurt?"

Gabriella shook her head. "No." She looked up as Leilani came in and smiled. "Hey, Lei."

Leilani quickly hugged her then pulled back. "Hey, I was so worried about you. Maxine told me what happened."

Gabriella smiled and her eyes flicked to the archway for a second. Troy just came into the room and he looked absolutely miserable. "Gabriella, can we talk?"

Gabriella sighed. "Not something I'm looking forward to, but okay. Let's talk." Gabriella followed him up to her room and closed the door behind him. Troy sat awkwardly on her bed and sighed.

"Where do you want to start?" he asked, looking at Gabriella.

"How about how I reacted," Gabriella suggested. "It was a little overdramatic and stupid, but this is just so weird for me. I've only had one boyfriend and people like Reyna weren't there to mess it up."

Troy nodded. "I get it. But Reyna wasn't the only one who messed it up. I kissed her back and I didn't pull away. I just wanted to see something."

"See what?"

"I wanted to see if I was still in love with her."

Gabriella swallowed. Her fingers twisted together nervously. "And what was your result?"

Troy smiled. "You, Gabriella. You'll always be my result. In fact, I have no idea why I was even in love with Reyna before."

Gabriella smiled and went to sit next to him. "Did you watch my movie Pink Friday? There was a girl in there exactly like Reyna. Bitchy and manipulative. Every boy fell into her trap and then the one who was dating her got smart and figured out her mask."

Troy chuckled and hugged her. "Can you tell me what happened to you? I don't think I can believe what Leilani told me."

Gabriella grinned and nodded at him. "Yeah, just hold up." Gabriella got up out of her spot and to the door. She yanked it open and everyone fell through. "Hey, guys."

"It was Rosie's plan," Reva said. Gabriella shook her head and turned to Troy. "C'mon. We're going to the park."

That paps weren't anywhere in sight like usual as Troy and Gabriella drove to the park. Except for maybe twenty people the park was empty and Gabriella was thankful. She found them a spot under a huge willow tree. Troy sat down first then Gabriella got into his lap. "Want to tell me now?"

"Yeah. But don't get mad. I didn't have my brain."

"That doesn't sound too good."

"Okay, well, first I stayed in the parking lot for like thirty minutes then I called you. Your phone went straight to voice mail and I got mad. So I drove to the bar—which reminds me, I need to pick up my car—and I met this guy named Ketch. I got really drunk then he took me to this beach party. There I…I did something."

Gabriella felt Troy tense behind her. "What did you do? Did you…you know?"

"No," Gabriella said quietly. "I took one fag and a cigarette."

"What? You smoked weed?"

"Shut up before someone hears you! And it was once, Troy! Plus, I was drunk and had no idea what I was doing."

"And you think Ketch is nice?"

"He is. Besides that he took really good are of me."

"Yeah, that makes me so much happier."

Gabriella stood up and glared down at troy. "Well at least I didn't kiss or have sex with him."

"Gabriella…"

"No, since you don't trust me, I'm going to go home," Gabriella said stubbornly. She went to walk away, but Troy grabbed her wrist gently and tugged her into his arms. "I'm sorry. I do trust you I just don't trust any other guy around you. Especially one that let's you smoke weed."

Gabriella sighed and leaned into his touch. "I'm sorry, Troy," she murmured.

"For what? This is my fault. After Reyna kissed me and said that to you I told her off then went to the gym and shot some hoops. It's what I do when I'm angry."

Gabriella was quiet for a moment before she stood. "There's a basketball court over there. Wanna play?"

"Against you? Gabriella, I'd cream you."

"You are such a sexist jerk. Now c'mon. I want to play before someone comes." Gabriella pulled him up (with a lot of effort) and then they ran off to the court. Troy picked up the ball that was sitting silently by the basket. "I'll go easy on you," he promised her before bouncing the ball to her. Gabriella caught it and went for the basket, but Troy grabbed the ball from her hands.

"Hey, you cheated!"

"Then I guess all the professional ball players cheat," Troy said, smirking. Gabriella rolled her eyes and snatched the ball from him. She started running around the court and Troy chased after her. "Come on, Brie. You're cheating big time." He stopped and to catch his breath. "Damn your fast."

Gabriella giggled and went for the basket again. It circled the rim for a second before falling in. "Yeah!" Gabriella squealed. "You okay, old man?"

"What did you just call me?" Troy stood up straight and started running after her. Gabriella laughed and took off into a sprint. Troy eventually caught her somewhere near the woods. He pinned her to the ground and smirked down at her. "You okay, old woman? You look battered up."

Gabriella narrowed her eyes at him then leant up. She licked his cheek. "Okay, what's with the licking?"

"You were supposed to let go of my hands to wipe my spit off your face," Gabriella said. Troy smiled. "Why? We basically share saliva everyday when we kiss."

"Just get off of me." Troy stood up then helped Gabriella up. "Can you take me to Cold Stones? I want some ice cream right now."

Troy smiled and turned his back to Gabriella. He crouched a bit then said, "Get on." Gabriella climbed onto his back and squealed lightly when he stood up and started a fast pace run. "Aren't I heavy?"

"No," Troy said. He didn't sound at all winded. "You're lighter than Leilani and she's small. But hold on just in case I drop you." Troy picked up his pace and Gabriella held onto him tighter. He only slowed down when they were in sight to a lot of people. "You okay?' Gabriella asked, caressing his hair. Troy nodded and let her down.

Paparazzi noticed them and started taking pictures. "Gabriella, Gabriella, look here! "Troy, how's it going?" How'd they know Troy's name? Gabriella basically pulled Troy into the shop. "How do they know my name?" Troy said as they walked in line. Gabriella shrugged and pulled out her wallet. "What do you want?"

Troy took her wallet and money and stuffed them back in her pocket. "I should be asking you. I'll pay."

"Troy, I have thousands of ten dollar bills. I'll pay."

Troy waved her off and walked forward. "Hello," the clerk said nicely. "How may I help you?"

"Um, what do you want?" Troy said, looking to Gabriella.

"I'll have vanilla ice cream with snickers, M&M's and whipped cream."

"I'll have the same."

"Small, medium, or large?"

"Medium."

The clerk smiled and nodded before walking to make the ice cream. When they got their orders they walked out of the store hand in hand. "Can I meet your parents?" Gabriella asked. "I never got to yet."

Troy nodded. "Yeah, but they aren't something to be excited about."

"Don't say that about your parents. I'm sure they're great."

"Only when they buy me stuff," Troy joked. Gabriella hit him playfully before climbing into the car. "You're just mean."

"Is that code for you're sexy and amazing at sex?"

"No, it's code for you're an arrogant bastard."

Troy wiped at a fake tear. "I am offended, Gabriella."

Gabriella patted his cheek and smiled. "Yeah, but you still love me."

"Yeah, I do." Troy pulled up into the drive way and parked the car. Gabriella got out and walked into the house. "What took you guys so long?" Selena asked. "We thought you guys killed each other."

"No. We talked, played basketball and went to Cold Stones."

"Ooh, did you get me anything?" Reva asked, jumping out of her seat. Gabriella smirked and shook her head. "Nope, sorry sis."

"Emil says high on facebook," Leilani announced.

"Where is Emil anyway?" Reva asked.

"Cleaning dog shit," Troy answered. "Since he didn't want to clean the dishes he cleans up dog shit around town."

"Moxie doesn't want her dog poop to be called that," Maxine said, covering Moxie's ears.

"Does Yoda have dog shit?" Sammy said.

"Sammy!" Maxine scolded. "Don't say that word! It's bad."

"Sorry. Does Yoda have dog poop?"

"No, he has tarantula sh—poop," Troy said.

"Hey, when's the fair?" Selena asked.

"In a month," Leilani answered. Rosie entered the room with a bag full of dirt. "Okay, whose turn is it to clean the pool?"

"My turn," Selena said, hopping up. She ran outside to the pool with Leilani following. "Whose turn is it to do the dishes?"

"Gabriella's turn," Reva said. Gabriella groaned and went to the kitchen. "That's what you get for not buying me any ice cream!"

"Shut up, Reva."

Troy went into the kitchen after Gabriella. When she was up against the sink, he caged her in his arms. Gabriella pressed a kiss to his lips and troy grinned. "Want me to help?"

"Duh. Here, you can wash while I dry." Gabriella ducked out of his arms and went to the drying rack.

"Why do I have to get my hands wrinkled?" Troy complained. "I like smooth."

"I'll give you a special treat if you do it," Gabriella said. Her voice was sultry and edgy. Troy grinned and went to washing. "I would've done it anyway," Troy told her. "Not just for sex."

"Yeah well we'll both have something to enjoy," Gabriella replied. As Troy washed an idea formed in his head. "Hey, Gabriella?"

"Hm?"

Troy turned to her and flicked some soap suds into her face. Gabriella gasped. "You bastard." She reached for the sprayer and squirted Troy. "There, now we're even."

"Oh, no. I don't think so." Troy grabbed the sprayer from her and started squirting her. Gabriella squealed. "Sammy, I need back-up!"

Sammy came barreling into the room. "Water gun?" Gabriella nodded and Sammy left the room. He came back in seconds later with a massive water gun. "Say hello to my little friend," he said to Troy then started shooting. Troy pointed the sprayer at Sammy and that's how the water fight began.

Reva, Selena and Sammy fought with Gabriella while Leilani fought with Troy.

"I got water bombs," Reva said and she and Gabriella started pelting them at Troy and Leilani. Selena and Sammy used water guns while Troy and Leilani used water from the hose and sprayer.

In the end, they all raised their flags. "I'm soaking wet," Sammy exclaimed. "You okay, Yoda?" He pulled out Yoda and started petting him.

"I got some bananas—" Rosie stopped in her tracks as she walked into the kitchen. Water was everywhere, the backdoor was open with the hose leaking in and everyone was wet. "Do I want to ask?"

"It was Troy's fault," Gabriella insisted. "He flicked me with bubbles first and then…this happened."

"Why is my kitchen always targeted?"

"Because it has a lot of water," Sammy said. "Ew, Yoda! You got your dog shit on me!"

"¡Dios Mío!" Rosie said. "Sammy, what'd you just say?"

"That Yoda got his dog poop on me…they taught it to me!"

"Okay, okay, I need a nap." Rosie walked out of the room and everyone started laughing. Gabriella picked up the last water balloon and hit Troy with it. "You hit me first so I hit you last."

Troy leaned over and kissed her on the lips. "You kissed me first so I kiss you last."

"Aw, you guys make me sick," Reva said. She stood up and squirted them both with a water gun. "See you. Have to finish cleaning the pool out."

"Reva, one day I'm going to shove your words down you mouth," Gabriella promised. Reva flipped her off before trotting off towards the pool. Gabriella shook her head and stood. "Who wants to come to the carnival with us? There's one in the parking lot of the mall."

"I wanna come!" Reva said, coming back in the house. "I'm sure the pool can wait."

…

"We should go on the merry go round!" Sammy exclaimed. "Yoda wants to go on too. I have more votes so we go on."

"Yes, Sammy, two is more than six."

"But since Yoda has eight legs each of his legs counts. So we actually have ten votes. Sorry." Sammy shrugged before running to the merry go round.

"I'll get on," Gabriella said. "I love the merry go round."

"Ooh, I'll get on it too," Selena said. Sammy, Gabriella, and Selena all ran off to the merry go round.

"I'm getting funnel cake," Troy said. "Anyone wants something?"

"I want a pretzel," Leilani said. Reva seconded that and Maxine thirded it. Troy walked off to the concession stand. "Oh my God, it's so weird seeing you here."

Troy turned and was met by Reyna. "Oh…hi, Reyna."

"Whoa, down boy. Don't be so enthusiastic," Reyna said. She smiled up at him. "What are you doing here? You alone?"

"No. I'm here with my girlfriend, sister and friends."

"Girlfriend? You and the bitch are still together? Wait, I mean, you guys are still together?"

"Yup. Sorry your plan didn't work, Reyna," Troy said. He turned around when it was his turn and he ordered. Reyna frowned. "You can't be serious. What do you see in her?"

"She's nicer and prettier than you," Troy said. "She has a great personality and she likes me for me. Not my popularity."

"What, so you're saying you don't only like her for her fame? Don't kid anyone, Troy. I know you only like her for her fame."

Troy grabbed his stuff and paid. "That's where you're wrong, Reyna. See, I don't use people for my needs or amusement. He picked a fry off his plate and put it in her hand. "Have a good day, Reyna."

"Fine, Troy! Go back your fucking bitch! But I'll be sure to make both of your lives hell!"

"Have fun with that, Reyna." Troy flipped her off before turning and going back to everyone.

"Aw, you really do love my sister," Reva said, taking her pretzel. "Thanks, brother-in-law."

"Not yet," Troy said. "Maybe in six years.

"If you guys even make it that long."

"Huh?"

"Troy, we're leaving in like five months. We can't stay here forever."

"Yeah, but we're just thinking about now," Troy said dejectedly. "Right here and right now."

Reva sighed. "I knew this was a bad idea. How are we going to break you two apart?"