A/N I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING I ONLY OWN THIS PLOT! I want to thank everyone for reviewing last chapter and adding this story to your alerts/favorites. I'm glad you all enjoyed the first chapter. Here is the next chapter please enjoy!

Gabriella and Troy ended up going back inside and going to bed. Troy had called Maria after Gabriella fell asleep to let her knew she was safe and told her that he'd being her home tomorrow. Then he fell asleep too.

The next morning Troy and Gabriella woke up and showered…in two different bathrooms of course…before heading out. Gabriella was shaking as they pulled into the driveway of her house.

"I'm right here." Troy reminded.

"What if he says something about my dad? His anniversary is still fresh and the topic is still sensitive."

"Tell him that. Make sure he understands that."

Gabriella nodded. She took a deep breath and let it out. Chuckling Troy knew she wasn't going to get out of the car on her own. He took off his seat belt and got out of the car. He went over to her side and opened the door. He reached across her to unbuckle her seat belt. "Come on, it's going to be ok." He held his hand out of her.

Gabriella sighed and nodded. She took his hand and got out of the car. They went inside and into the kitchen. Peter and Maria were sitting at the table having breakfast.

"Mom…."

Maria looked up. "Honey, you're home. I'm so sorry" Mara ran and hugged Gabriella tightly. "I know you don't like Peter but please give him a chance."

Gabriella nodded. "I know mom and I'm going to. Just promise me that if I tell you I don't like him you'll break it off with him?"

"I promise."

Gabriella and her mom broke apart.

"Troy, why don't you and I go into the living room." Maria said.

"Actually Mrs. Montez, I'm here for Gabriella. I'm going to stay with her."

"All right well I'll be in the living room if you need me."

Maria left the room and Troy and Gabriella sat down at the table.

"Before you say anything I need to say I'm so sorry. What I told you about not being able to save your father and that you should feel guilty was very rude of me. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it and I had no right saying that to you. I hope you didn't listen to me because you have no reason to feel guilty."

"Thank you for saying that. I'm sorry too. I should have given you chance but I let my fear take over. Now my father is still a very sensitive topic and I would rather not talk about his death."

"That's understandable. I promise I will not bring him up unless you do . I also meant what I said last night. I do not want to replace your father. All I want is to be your friend that's all."

"Thank you, I really appreciate. Please understand I do not trust easily. It has nothing to do with you personally it's just who I am."

"I understand that. I also know that I will have to work to gain your trust. I hope you know I am willing to do whatever it takes for you to trust me."

"I do know that. Thank you."

"So, what do you say, can we start over?"

Gabriella nodded. "I'd like that."

"Good."

Gabriella and Peter smiled.

"So, who is this handsome young man sitting next to you?"

"Oh, Peter, this is my boyfriend. Troy Bolton, Troy this is my mother's new boyfriend Peter."

"Ah so you're the famous Troy Bolton, glad to finally meet you. I've heard many things about it." Peter said shaking Troy's hand.

Troy just smiled and nodded. "You as well Sir." Of course he was the 'famous' Troy Bolton, the basketball star. For once he wished he could be known as someone else.

Gabriella looked confused. How could he have heard so many things about Troy? She had never mentioned him till now? It wasn't very likely that her mother mentioned him. So how could he possibly know about Troy?

"I guess I better go see what your mother is up to." Peter said.

He got up and walked away. Gabriella sighed.

"I'm proud of you Brie, you did it." Troy said hugging her close to her chest.

"I don't feel like I've accomplished anything Troy. I honestly don't."

"It's going to take some time for things to sink it. I'm sure you will feel better later."

"I hope so." Gabriella sighed. She had a funny feeling that wasn't going to happen. She had barely let this guy into her life for an hour and already she was suspicious of him. How could this end well?

Troy kissed her head and rubbed her back. "I've got to get home. We've got another game against West High this weekend. My dad wants me to put in some extra practice to make sure I'm ready. You can come if you want."

Gabriella shook her head as they pulled apart. "No, I'm home. I feel comfortable being here now thank you."

"OK, if you need anything, anything at all. Please call me."

"I will. I love you Wildcat."

"I love you to Brie."

They shared a kiss on the lips and Troy headed out.

Gabriella sighed and headed into her room. As she passed her mother's room she heard a scream and lots of giggles. She quickly went over and peaked her head inside the door. She smiled when she saw Peter pinning her mother down and tickling her stomach. Her mother squirmed and laughed trying to get away. Gabriella smiled as she was hit with a flash back.

Flashback

Gabriella was in her room doing homework when she heard her mother scream. "STOP IT! STOP IT!" Gabriella dropped her pencil and quickly ran out into the living room. She smiled when she saw what was going on. Her mother was pinned with her arms over her head as her father pinned her down under him. He was rubbing his beard on her bare stomach and she'd scream with laughter. "STOP IT! STOP IT!"

Gabriella giggled. "Daddy, what are you doing to mommy, she sounds like she's getting killed."

"I'm just tickling her." As he said that he tickled her sides making her laughter more. "Want to help me?"

"NO, NO Gabriella don't you dare." Maria panted.

Gabriella giggled. "I would but I've got homework. I'm sorry."

"All right then your loss." Her father went back to rubbing his beard on her stomach and Maria continued to scream with laughter.

End Flashback

Gabriella smiled at the sound of her mother's laughter. It was then that she realized, she had made the right choice allowing Peter into her life. Even if it took time before she trusted him, he made her mother smile again and that was all she could ask for.

She went into her room and grabbed her favorite book. She cuddled onto her bed and started to read. She enjoyed listening to the sound of her mother laugh so hard. Yet she couldn't shake the feeling that this man was hiding something. Something that was so big and so important that it could change her and mother's life forever.

The next day Gabriella was getting books from her locker when arms went around her waist. She jumped startled but giggled when she felt that person kiss her ear. She knew who it was.

"Morning Wildcat." She greeted pushing his tickling lips away from her sensitive ticklish ear. She turned in his arms and they shared a kiss.

"Morning Beautiful, how did things go when I left yesterday?"

"Good, my mom is really happy. She's laughing and smiling again. It's something I haven't seen in a long time."

"Well…that's good for your mom but why don't you give me the answer I'm really looking for."

Gabriella sighed. "I know I made the right choice but…I don't know Troy something still feels off about him. I can't seem to shake that feeling."

"What is it about him that makes you feel that way?"

"Troy…how could he know you? I never even mentioned you before yesterday and he acted like he had heard your life story."

Troy laughed. "Gabriella, have you met my father? He does everything but publish me in the newspapers gloating about how wonderful I am and how I'm the next big thing in basketball and I'm going to play for the Lakers and I'm going to be famous and everybody better learn my name…it's just on and on. I'm sure it's nothing you need to be concerned about."

Gabriella sighed.

"Look, I'm sure a part of you is still holding onto your dad. That's where the doubt is coming from. Give it time Brie, it's only been 24 hours. I'm sure once you start spending time with him and getting to know him you'll feel differently. "

"I hope so Troy. I really hope it."

Troy hugged her and kissed her head. "Chad is having the sleepover at his house this weekend. Do you want to come?"

"It's sleepover time already?" Gabriella asked.

Every weekend the gang got together for a sleepover. Every weekend it was at someone else's house this weekend it was at Chad's.

"Yeah, you don't have to come. You can stay home with your mom and Peter."

"No, no I'll come. I love hanging out with the gang."

"Ok, it's tonight after school you know that right?"

Gabriella nodded. "I'll have to stop home and get my stuff but then I'll be right over."

"Sounds like a plan."

Troy kissed her and they walked to class.

After school Gabriella went back home to get her stuff.

"Mom? You home?" she called out.

Maria walked out of the kitchen. "Hey, Honey, how was school?"

"Good."

"I'm glad…you wouldn't happen to have plans tonight would you?"

"Actually, I do. It's sleepover night at Chad's house tonight."

"Oh thanks goodness." Maria sighed in relief.

Gabriella looked confused. "What?"

"Peter, is going to take me out on a late date and I didn't want you to be alone tonight so I was hoping you'd have plans."

"Oh, yeah I'll be spending the night at Chad's."

"Good ok, Would you like a ride I can drop you on the way to meet Peter?"

"No, Troy is going to pick me up in about an hour. You stay here and get yourself ready for tonight."

Maria nodded and started to walk away.

"Mom!"

Mara stopped and turned around.

"I love you."

Maria smiled and went over to Gabriella to hug her. "I love you too Sweetie. Thank you for giving Peter a chance. It really means a lot to me."

"He made you smile again mom. He's already good in my books. It's good to see you this happy again."

"It's good to be happy again." Maria kissed her daughter on the head and went into her bedroom to get ready. Gabriella went into her room and packed up her overnight bag.

A little later Troy showed up.

"Hey, Beautiful, ready to go?" he asked as he hugged her kissing her ear.

She giggled and hugged him back. "Yeah, I'm ready."

"Is your mom ok with this?"

"Yeah, she has a date with Peter anyway so she's fine with it."

"Great let's go."

"Mom I'm leaving!" Gabriella called to her mother.

"Ok, honey love you!"

"Love you too!"

Troy and Gabriella left the house and went into his car.

They were driving when suddenly Gabriella groaned.

"What's wrong?" Troy asked.

"The sleepover is at Chad's house. It's also boy's turn to pick the movie."

Troy laughed. "Don't worry I'll protect you from any horror movie Chad picks I promise."

Gabriella nodded and smiled. Maybe she was being a little silly after all what movie could he possibly pick that would seem realistic to her? She wouldn't get upset by a movie where the boyfriend dies anymore so what else could it possibly be?

They finally arrived and the others were already there.

"Dude, it's about time you got here. Now we can play basketball and finally have an even number of players" Chad said dragging Troy out the back door. Gabriella laughed and went into the living room. The girls were on the floor with a bunch of magazines and junk food all over. Gabriella giggled and sat in the open space next to Taylor.

"Any news on Zac and Vanessa?" Gabriella asked.

"No, nothing. It's all about that Twilight Character." Taylor answered.

"Poor Zaccy." Gabriella sighed.

The girls laughed.

"Whose up for a game of tickle or tell?" Taylor asked.

"How do you play?" Gabriella asked.

"You've never played it before?"

Gabriella shook her head and blushed.

"Well, we go around the room and each girl has to tell about their sex life with their guys."

"If we don't?" Gabriella asked, although she had a feeling she knew what would happen if she didn't.

"Then we tickle her." Taylor answered.

"Oh…" Gabriella said softly.

"Don't worry it's fun. Come on, I'll go first so you can get an idea."

Everyone sat in a circle.

"Ok, Chad and I have done it 3 different times." Taylor said. "Once, in his house, once in my house, and once in the back of his car."

Gabriella's eyes went wide. She didn't know that until now. She was hoping somebody would say they haven't done it yet but so far that wasn't going to happen.

"Kelsi, your turn." Taylor said.

"Ryan and I have only ever done it once, but it was after the end of the year party last year. We haven't done it since."

"Maratha?" Taylor asked.

"Jason and I just recently did it. It was after they won that big game against the West High knights."

"Where?" Taylor asked.

Martha blushed. "In the showers."

All the girls squealed and giggled, except for Gabriella who was shocked. She had no idea her friends had gone that far. She and Troy were waiting for the right time, after they got married but now she was starting to wonder if that was right choice.

"Ok, Gabriella your turn." Taylor said.

"Um…" Gabriella gulped. "…Troy and I…we uh…"

Gabriella froze, her heart was beating out of her chest. What did she say? If she said nothing they'd tickle her? Then what? Would it be over…it had to be right, you choice to tell or be tickled that was the game, so after they tickled her turn would be over right?

"No, there is nothing to tell" Gabriella said.

"We have ways of making you speak," Taylor said with a small smirk.

Kelsi nodded and said "Yeah we know how to make you talk."

Gabriella knew she was in trouble.. She also knew her friends knew where she was most ticklish and she hated that they knew that.

"Are you picking tickle?" Martha asked.

"No, I'm telling the truth there is nothing to tell."

"Get her!" Kelsi said.

Gabriella took off running and her friends raced after her. She tried to make it to the back door. If she could get to Troy she'd be safe. She ran as far as she could just as she reached the door she felt someone grab her arm. She tried to pull away which resulted in all four girls falling to the floor. The next thing Gabriella knew her friends were tickling her. She let out a loud squeal and burst into uncontrollable giggles squirming trying to get away from her friends tickling hands.

"Ok, ok stop, stop I'll tell, I'll tell!" Gabriella said between giggles.

Her friends stopped. Everyone stood up again. Gabriella panted as she got her breath back. "I'm being honest when I say there is nothing to tell."

"She's lying." Martha said. "Tickle her again."

"NO!" Gabriella screamed as she jumped back. "I'm telling the truth. Troy and I haven't done anything yet."

All the girls looked at her in shock. "You really haven't?" Taylor asked.

Gabriella shook her head. "I promised my dad I'd wait till I was married. Troy respects that. He's waiting too."

"Gabriella, he may love you but he's still a guy and he has his needs. What he won't get from you he'll get from someone else." Martha said.

Gabriella just shook her head. "Troy wouldn't do that."

"How do you know? He could be doing it right now and you wouldn't even know it. You need to do it soon Gabriella. Otherwise you're going to lose Troy."

"I promised my dad. I'm not breaking that promise."

"All little girls promise there daddies that they will wait to have sex. Only about 1% of girls actually do."

"Are their daddies dead?"

No one answered that.

"I thought so. See, I never promised him as a little girl. I promised him three years ago. Right before he died he asked me to promise him that I'd wait and so I did."

"Is the promise worth losing Troy over?"

"If Troy can't respect my choices he isn't worth it."

"Who told you that?"

"MY dad, he told me if a guy's doesn't respect my choices he isn't worth keeping around. Only a real man will wait."

"You don't understand how lucky you are Gabriella. You're dating Troy Bolton, the basketball god. Any girl would kill to be in your shoes. You're going let him go all because of a promise you made to your father because he was dying?"

"Excuse me?"

"Look, Gabriella I get it. That night must have been horrible and I'm sure you told your dad everything he wanted to hear. It doesn't mean you actually meant it."

"When your father bleeds to death in your arms, you come talk to me about last dying promises. Until then shut up and mind your own business."

She went over to grab her bag.

"Where are you going?" Taylor asked.

"Away from you." She said.

She grabbed her back and walked out the front door. She was going to go home but then she realized she'd be alone if she did and that was the last thing she wanted. So instead she went around to the side of the house and reached into her bag to pull out her bear. She hugged it close to her chest as she finally let the tears fall. She heard her friends come out to look for her but she ducked to hide behind the heater. She sat down and pulled her knees up to her chest.

All of her friends still had their fathers, they didn't understand what it meant to her to keep promises to her father. Keeping a promise is always important but when it's a promise you made to one of your parents when they were on their death bed it's even more important. No matter what he friends said she was going to keep every promise she had ever made to her father. She buried her face into the bear's fur and continued to cry.

Back inside, the guys came in sweating like dogs. The second Troy walked in he knew something was wrong. He looked around and didn't see Gabriella anywhere…he didn't see any of the girls.

"Where are the girls?" he asked.

Chad handed him a bottle of water. "Bathroom doing their hair?" he guessed.

Troy went over to the bathroom. The door was wide open. No one was in there.

"Gabriella!" he called.

He got no answer.

Just then the girls came in through the front door.

"Where could she be? We checked everywhere." Taylor said.

"I don't know, we need to tell Troy." Kelsi said.

"No, we can't do that he'll flip. We created this mess we will fix it."

"Actually Martha created this problem."

"I was just being honest."

"I still think we should tell Troy." Kesli said.

"Tell Troy what?" Troy asked walking over to them.

"Nothing."

"Kelsi, tell me what?" Troy asked. "Where is Gabriella?"

"We don't know. She kind of…ran away."

"What! Why did she run way? What did you do to her?" Troy asked his eyes wide.

"It wasn't our fault!" Taylor said.

"It was all Martha's fault." Kelsi said.

"Just throw me under the bus." Martha said.

"Kelsi, tell me what happen!" Troy ordered. "Now."

Kelsi sighed. "We were playing a game and it started up a conversation which led up to a promise Gabriella had made to her father which resulted in the conversation of his death, which ended with Gabriella leaving."

Troy growled and shook his head. He didn't understand half of what she was talking about but he heard enough to know why Gabriella left. He walked past them and out the front door. He grabbed his cell and called her.

He heard her cell phone ringing from his side. He turned and followed the noise. As he got closer the sound got louder until he finally found Gabriella.

"Baby," he cooed gently kneeling down in front of her. "What's wrong?" he gently rubbed one of his hands on her knee.

She sniffed but didn't look at him. "Nobody understands." She answered, her voice broken and full of hurt.

"Understands what?"

Gabriella just ignored him.

"Hey, Baby, look at me." He said. He gently lifted her chin to look at him. "Nobody understands what?"

"What happen."

"What happen when?"

Gabriella just sniffed. Troy used his thumb to wipe away her tears. "Come on baby, talk to me. What's wrong?"

"Nobody understands what happen. They don't understand what I went through. They act like they do but they really have no idea. It's always the same line 'I get it Gabriella' 'I understand' or my personal favorite 'I know you must feel …' THEY DON'T GET IT! THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND! THEY DON'T KNOW HOW I FEEL! THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!" Gabriella screamed as she started to cry again.

"Brie," Troy cooed gently. He pulled her into his arms and rocked her gently. He didn't have to ask anymore. He knew what she was talking about. He rubbed her back and softly started to sing.

"You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You'll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away."

Gabriella looked up at Troy in shock. "Where did you hear that?"

"Your dad used to sing that to you didn't he?" Troy asked.

Gabriella nodded. "Every night before I went to bed."

Troy smiled and kissed her head. "You were right baby girl. Nobody does understand. Nobody can understand the hurt and pain you feel until they experience it for themselves."

"So why do they act like they do?" Gabriella asked as she used the back of her hands to wipe her eyes.

"Because they think by saying and acting like they know what you feel they're helping you."

"But it's not helping me. Plus that's not the only thing our friends don't understand."

"What else is there?"

"What it means when you make a promise to someone who has died."

"I understand that. I made my grandfather so many promises and every day I make sure to keep them."

Gabriella nodded.

"Baby, what did they say that got you so upset? Please tell me what happen."

"It's not what happen that upset me Troy. I know what they said isn't true. It's that Martha accused me of just telingl my father what he wanted to hear before he died and not meaning any of it. None of them realize that half those promises I made were right before he died. Before he died he made me promise certain things and I did. I meant them too."

"I'm sorry she said that to you. She had no right to tell you that. But how does a conversation like that come up?"

Gabriella sighed and told him the whole story of what happen. From the start of the game till he found her outside.

Troy sighed. "You know none of what they said to you is true."

Gabriella nodded.

"I promised my grandfather the same thing Gabriella. I also promised to remain loyal to whoever I choose to love. I will not break those promises just like you aren't going to break the ones you made to your dad. NO matter what our friend say we will wait till we get married deal?"

Gabriella nodded. "Deal, I know what they said was a lie it's just that it hurt to hear them say it."

"I'm sorry they hurt you." He got an idea on how to make her feel better and smirked. "Just because we can't make love doesn't mean we can't kiss." Troy said and started kissing the tickle spot on Gabriella's neck. She burst into giggles. "Troy, stop it."

He just smirked and blew a raspberry. Gabriella screamed and giggled harder. Troy smiled and stopped. He kissed her lips. She kissed back. They were broken up when they heard their friends come out to look for them. Troy smirked as an idea came to him. He put his finger to his lips telling Gabriella to be quiet and she nodded. He waved his hand telling her to follow him. They continued to go until they were in the back yard. They went back inside through the back door. They walked out through the front door and Troy yelled "HEY!"

They all jumped and Gabriella and Troy laughed. "What are you guys doing?" Troy asked.

"Looking for you." Chad said.

"Gabriella are you ok?" Taylor asked.

"No, she isn't ok. You guys really hurt her." Troy growled.

"Troy." Gabriella sighed. She loved him but it was over, he didn't need to make a big deal out of it.

Troy sighed. He pulled Gabriella closer to him. "Look, Gabriella's father's and his death is still a really sensitive subject for her. So unless she brings it up, please don't talk about it. It really hurts her."

Everyone nodded. "We're sorry."

"It's ok. I forgive you."

Everyone went back inside.

"Let's start the movie." Chad said.

"What movie is it?" Gabriella asked.

"You'll see." Chad smirked.

Gabriella sighed and sat on the couch. Troy wrapped his arms around her holding her close. He kissed her hair. "I'm here; just remember that I'm here." She nodded and cuddled closer to him.

The movie started and Chad hit the lights. The room went dark, with the only light being the glow from the tv. As the movie rolled through the titled appeared on the screen. "The Step Father" . Gabriella groaned. Just what she didn't need to see while her mom was out alone with her new "step father"

"Chad really?" Troy asked.

"It's awesome. Just watch it. I promise the boyfriend doesn't die."

Troy sighed. He looked to Gabriella. She was watching the screen but then gasped when she saw all the dead bodies. She just buried her face into his side and whimpered. Troy sighed and rubbed her back. At first he thought there might be a chance but now because of this movie Troy didn't know if Gabriella was ever going to trust Peter.

A/N wow that was a long chapter. Sorry if Martha's character was OOC. I promise she isn't going to always be mean. Anyway, I need your guys help with something. I need something Peter can do that will make Gabriella trust him. All I can come up with is something happens to Maria and Peter helps her get through it, do you guys like that idea? If not, what ideas do you have? Thanks again for all the reviews and alerts/favorites. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.