Author's Note: Hey everybody! So this chapter you guys are about to read is the LONGEST chapter I've ever written for this story. (If you haven't been able to tell by my fairly quick updating, I've really been in a writing mood lately.) Just a warning though, since this chapter was longer than I originally planned and covers more, there might be less than five chapters left in this story. Sorry, but like I said, this one is long, so that partially makes up for it. I don't have any particular shout outs this time, just THANK YOU for the reviews and the compliments, you guys are so great. Also, thanks for anybody who participated in the poll, feel free to continue to leave answers if you want too. Anyway, enjoy this chapter!

"I'm sorry, not to be rude, but who are you again?"

I smiled, trying to sound as polite as possible. "I'm Ella Bolton, Troy Bolton's daughter."

Kelsi Nielsen ran a hand through her brown curls, which were just faintly laced with gray threads. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it! Troy has a daughter, how crazy. I really should have kept in touch more, but things got so busy..." Her eyes traveled to Nate. "Who's this?"

"This is.. my boyfriend." I said, stumbling a little over the new phrase, but smiling as I said it. "He's just here to help me ask you a favor."

"Right. And exactly what kind of a favor do you need?" She took a sip of her coffee and sat back in her chair.

"Well, uh, I know this is a lot to ask but.." I trailed off and glanced at Nate. We had searched around online till we had tracked down which hotel Kelsi would be staying at it and had walked here first thing this morning. I had been planning what to say to her since last night, but now, with her in front of me, I felt my tongue getting tied up."

"We know it's a lot to ask but we need you to write music for a song. We have the lyrics already. It's for Troy and Gabriella." Nate said.

Kelsi sat up quickly. "Gabriella? Did she and Troy ever get married?"

"No, and that's why we need the song." Kelsi looked confused.

"Let me fill you in a little." Quickly Nate sketched a shortened version of what had happened in the past week.

"Wow." Kelsi's eyes widened. "A lot has been going on." She furrowed her brow. "Look, I'd really like to help you guys and them, but are you sure your dad is okay with this?"

Nate and I shared a glance. "Well," I said honestly, "he doesn't know what we're planning yet. But I'm pretty sure this is their last chance. We have to do this."

Kelsi bit her lip, then nodded. "Alright, I'm officially on your side." She smiled. "Let me see the lyrics."

Nate flushed as he handed them over. "They're not that good."

"No, they're fantastic." I said loyally. I reached down and grabbed his hand and squeezed it. We had decided to use the poem that I had read when Nate and I had our fight, Can't Keep My Eyes Off Of You.

Nate looked gratefully at me and pulled me closer to him. I giggled and kissed his cheek, then blushed as Kelsi grinned at us. "Let me guess," she looked at Nate, "she was your inspiration for this?"

He smiled. "That would be correct."

"Well guys," Kelsi turned her eyes back to the lyrics, "don't break up. These are great lyrics."

"I know." I quickly leaned over and pecked Nate on the lips. "And don't worry. We're not planning on breaking up anytime soon." Nate's smile widened.

"Well," Kelsi smiled, "there's a studio downtown. Why don't we go down there and see what we can do with this?"

I gasped. "Seriously? You'll really do this for us?"

Kelsi nodded. "I'd do anything for Troy and Gabriella. Now let's get going!"

"Are you serious right now?" My dad looked back and forth between me, Nate, and Kelsi, his eyes wide. "You want me to sing to Gabriella in front of my entire highschool class?"

"Yes." Nate answered, a hint of smile flickering around his lips.

"Definitely." I nodded. "And we don't have much time, so we better get started. Here's the lyric sheet and here's the CD of the music. You better start practicing."

"Wait, hold on a second." My dad stood up from where he was sitting on our couch and looked me straight in the eye. "Ella, I'm not a highschooler anymore. This isn't some movie or a nice romantic book. Singing to Gabriella in front of our entire highschool class will probably just embarrass her, not to mention me."

"Dad," I said, no less serious than he was, "you keep saying you're not in highschool anymore. And that's true. But since when did love become something you grow out of once you hit college?" My dad's eyes dropped to the floor but I kept going. "I know it's scary, but I think she'll love it and I don't know if you realize this but this is your last chance." I emphasized the last two words. When he still didn't respond I said quietly, "You love her, don't you?"

His head snapped up. "Of course!"

"Then why are you willing to just stand by and watch her waltz right out of your life. You let her go without fighting for her one time. Don't let it happen again Dad."

He raised his eyes to mine and studied my face for a second. Then he turned to Kelsi. "Are you in on this too?"

Kelsi nodded firmly. "One hundred percent, and I agree with everything Ella just said. You and Gabriella are made for eachother. Everyone knew it back in highschool and everyone concerned knows it now too. Don't let this happen Troy. You can do something about this."

"Are we sure she's even coming?" My dad made one last effort to find fault with our plan.

I nodded. "We called Aunt Taylor. She's coming."

My dad paused for a moment, then laughed slowly. "Alright, you convinced me. I'm in. But I still don't know about the singing. I haven't sung in years."

"Ella can sing with you." Nate said.

I froze. "Uh, what?"

"Would you Ella?" My dad looked at me eagerly.

"I-I don't know. I'm not very good. Maybe someone else should do it. You know, someone who doesn't get, um, stage fright."

The light in my dad's eyes died. He sighed. "I'm not sure I can do this alone."

I felt Nate nudge my arm. I glanced at him. He whispered, "You can do this. I know you can. You've got to."

I glanced at my dad and bit my lip. Then I nodded. "Okay. I can sing with you if you want me to. But only if Nate sings too." I glanced at Kelsi. "Will that work with the song?"

"Wellll" Kelsi thought for a minute, "actually it might make it sound even better. But I think to really round out the sound you should have another person singing too. Preferably a girl."

"A girl?" I sighed. "Where am I supposed to find a girl who can sing on such short notice?" Suddenly I remembered something. "Oh my gosh! I actually do know someone who could do it!"

"Who?" Nate, Kelsi, and my dad asked.

I grinned. "Michelle Leverett."

I took a deep breath as I walked out to the car where Nate and my dad were waiting. My turquoise dress rustled around me, making me feel elegant and lighter than air. The dress fell to just a little above my knee and the fabric sparkled. It was strapless with a silver belt running around my waist. The skirt fell in ruffles and pleats down to just above my knee. I wore silver hoop earrings and some silver bangle bracelets. I had curled my hair so that it fell around my shoulders in waves and had applied a little more make up than usual. I didn't want to admit it, even to myself, but I was desperately hoping Nate would notice.

I didn't look at his face until I was at the car but when I did I wish I could have seen it from the minute I stepped out the door. He looked shocked, but very, very happy.

"You look beautiful." He cleared his throat. "Stunning. I don't even- you're... amazing." He stuttered to a halt the admiration in his eyes so real and sincere that I felt my cheeks warm.

I smiled, feeling butterflies in my stomach. "Well you're looking pretty handsome yourself."

And he was. Nate in a suit was a very appealing picture. I hadn't told him much about my dress except what color it was and he had been careful to get a tie to match. I smiled.

"Thank you." I grinned when Nate flushed at my compliment. "But you... I can't.." I felt his eyes move up and down my dress and laughed. He blushed again. "Sorry. It's just-"

"I know. And I'm flattered." He leaned forward and kissed me and I returned it with enthusiasm. When we broke apart, he looked almost awestruck. "How did I get so lucky?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. I was just thinking the same thing though."

He grinned and opened my car door. "After you milady."

I rolled my eyes. "Wasn't that on a Disney Channel episode?"

He laughed. "What, I can't get my lines from Disney?"

I laughed too. "No, feel free. Sometimes Disney actually comes up with some pretty good lines."

Nate walked around to the other side of the car and slid into the backseat beside me. I leaned forward to get a look at my dad's face. "How you holding up?"

He smiled a little uncertainly. "I'm okay. A little nervous."

I patted his shoulder then sat back. "You'll be fine."

"I hope so." My dad sighed as he turned the key in the ignition and pulled away from the curb.

Michelle ran up to us as soon as Nate and I walked in the room. "Hey guys!"

I pulled her into a hug. "Hey Michelle. You ready for tonight?"

She grinned. "More than ready. That song is amazing."

I nodded then glanced around the room. I saw a few familiar faces. Aunt Taylor and Uncle Chad were sitting at a table, drinking punch and laughing with a group of other adults. Michael was standing at one of the refreshment tables, ladling punch into two plastic glasses. Mr. Baylor was standing on one side of the room, laughing with Sharpay. I smiled when I saw that.

Michelle followed my gaze and smiled too. "They really hit it off when they met again. Zeke's great. And I think they might start dating eventually."

My smile grew bigger. "That's awesome!" Just then I saw Michael threading his way through the crowd, holding the glasses of punch.

"Hey everyone." He handed off one of the glasses to Michelle casually and grinned at her. She flushed, but smiled back.

Nate glanced at me and raised an eyebrow. I shrugged and went back to scanning the room. Suddenly, I grabbed Nate's arm. "There she is!"

He looked in the direction I was staring. "Yeah I see." Gabriella sat at a table, surrounded by what appeared to be old friends. I saw Kelsi in the crowd around her and waved. Kelsi smiled at me and waved back.

I took a deep breath and thought of the lyrics to the song we were going to be singing later tonight. You never know what you're gonna feel. You never see it coming, suddenly its real. Never even crossed my mind that I would ever end up here tonight. "Nate?" I turned toward him. "Thank you. For writing that poem for me. I don't think I ever told you, but it meant a lot to me."

He turned to me, surprised. "You're welcome."

"No really." For a minute I forgot that Michelle and Michael were standing right there, forgot that we were in a public place. I looked deep into Nate's brown eyes and whispered, "Thank you."

He looked back at me then grabbed my hand. "Guys, we'll be right back. Enjoy yourselves." He winked at Michael who nodded.

"I think we will." Michelle blushed again.

Nate towed me toward one of the open doors. Outside the moon and stars were already shining bright. The foliage and trees around the school made it seem like a garden. I smiled happily. It was a truly romantic setting.

Nate pulled me toward him and kissed me, a little bit slower than usual, but gently. I savored the moment, then broke away and leaned against him. "I love you."

"I love you too." Nate cradled me in his arms for a few seconds longer before I felt him tense. "Uh oh, looks like we're not the only ones who had this idea."

I turned and glanced behind us to find another couple only a few yards away. They were engaged in what could only be called a full throttle make out session. "Ew." I said, somewhat put off by their PDA, even if they had no way of knowing it was public.

"Yeah..." Nate watched for a second longer, looking a little grossed out himself, then said quietly, "Why don't we just sneak back in while they're, uh, busy?"

"Good plan." I moved toward the door but then abruptly stopped and gasped. For a minute the couple broke apart as if for air and I got a good look at the guys face. It was Stephen.

Nate felt me tense. "What's wrong?"

"Its, uh, Stephen."

"Who?" Nate asked.

"Well, if it isn't my good friends Ella and Nate." I cringed as Nate strolled toward us, his arm slung casually around the shoulders of the redhead who was still half trying to suck his face off.

"Hey Stephen." I gripped Nate's arm before he could say anything. "Who's your friend?"

Stephen laughed, sounding a little slurred. For one instant he reminded me a lot of Sharpay when she was drunk. "This is my beautiful girlfriend, Candice."

Candice stopped trying to get Stephens attention back solely on her long enough to say, "Hey."

I glanced at her. She was wearing a revealing purple dress that looked more like a strip of fabric than a dress. My stomach turned.

"Well she must be your new girlfriend then." I heard the danger in Nate's voice and glanced up at him, but his eyes were fixed on Stephen.

Stephen laughed harshly. "Yeah, right. She ain't new, we've been together for what? Like six months baby?"

Candice didn't respond. She was busily trying to eat Stephens ear. Or at least, that's what it looked like to me.

"Six months?" Nate took a threatening step forward. "What were you doing asking Ella out then?"

Candice abruptly stopped. "Excuse me?"

"Hey baby I know we've got a good thing going on, but look at this Ella chick. She's a babe. And like I always say, use 'em or lose 'em." He glanced over me, a sick grin coming over his face. "And I don't believe I'm quite done with using this one." He stumbled over to me and grinned. "Whatdaya say baby? You and me? Together? Alone?" He reached for my arm and pulled me closer to him. I shrank back, my voice dying in my throat. Stephens breath was hot and smelled of booze as he leaned closer and said. "Come on baby!"

Nate pulled him away from me. "Get. Away. From. Her." His voice sounded as if he were gritting his teeth.

"Who's going to make me?" Stephens face darkened as he reached for me, but Nate pushed him back again.

"I'm warning you. You dare even try to touch her again, and you will regret it."

Stephen paused a moment and studied Nate's face, then reached over as if to grab my arm again. Nate reacted quickly, punching Stephen right in the mouth. Stephen flew backwards, landing hard on the ground.

Candice screamed. "Baby! Stevie are you okay?"

Stephen stumbled back to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth and muttering under his breath. He shook Candice off as if he didn't notice her and lunged toward Nate. Nate dodged quickly but got clipped on the jaw and staggered backwards. Stephen leapt forwards to deliver another blow, when out of nowhere someone tackled him to the ground.

I grabbed Nate's arm to steady him, then glanced down at the guy who was slowly rising to his feet, pulling the furious but defeated Stephen with him. I gasped. "Alex?"

Alex grinned at me. "Yeah, yeah, I know it's hard to believe, but sometimes I knock over other people besides you."

I laughed, relieved and happy. "And thank you for doing it!"

Just then Sharpay, Zeke, Uncle Chad, and Aunt Taylor all rushed outside. "What is going on here?"

I stepped back and let Nate and Alex explain. Apparently Alex had been watching from inside and had seen the whole thing. When he saw Stephen hit Nate, he had run out to help. As the story was told, Stephens morale seemed to deflate. He sagged lower so that Alex was practically holding him up.

I glanced at Sharpay and noticed her eyes were full of tears as she stared at her son. Zeke saw them too and protectively put his arm around her.

"Stephen, I can't believe this. Why did you do it?" Sharpay sighed.

Stephen shook his head groggily. "I don't know. Candice she had a fake ID on her and that she could get almost anyplace to sell her booze. I wanted to try some, so we brought some here. I guess... I guess I had a little too much." His head sank even lower as he threw up.

"I'm so sorry Ella." Sharpay turned to me and touched my arm. "Things have been... difficult for my family. I had no idea Stephen was cheating on Candice or that Candice had a fake ID. I'm so sorry. This is my fault. I should have been more careful with my children."

Aunt Taylor put her hand on her shoulder. "Parenting is a tough job. We all make mistakes sometimes. The important part is getting back on our feet again."

Sharpay nodded and wiped the tears away from her misty eyes. "I think with a little time, I'll be able to do that." She glanced at Zeke, who smiled encouragingly at her. "Alex, I'll take Stephen now." She gently pulled Stephen close to her, and let her lean against her. "Zeke, can you take care of Candice? I think she could use a little sobering up too."

I smiled at Sharpay then glanced at the rest of them. "You know, she's not so bad when you get to know her."

"Yes, I think the Leveretts just may be on the road to recovery. It's going to be a hard journey though." Aunt Taylor smiled at Nate and Alex. "Thank you boys for your help."

"Not a big deal." Alex smiled back. "Well I better go back and join my mom again. She'll be wondering where I am." He glanced at me. "And Ella, I just want you to know, no matter what happens with my mom and your dad, you'll always be my sister."

I smiled and grabbed him into a hug. "Thanks Alex. And remember, no matter what happens, he's OUR dad now."

Alex nodded quietly. "I guess." Then he turned and walked away. The rest of them turned to go as well. Nate was going to follow as well, but I pulled him back towards me.

"Are you okay?" I reached up and gently touched the spot on his jaw that Stephen had hit. He winced.

"I think I'm okay. Are you okay?" He looked me up and down, genuinely concerned. I laughed, mostly from relief.

"Yes! And just so you know, that is the stupidest thing I've ever seen anyone do."

Nate flushed. "I'm sorry, but he was going to hurt you."

I put a finger to his lips. "You didn't let me finish. It's also the bravest and most amazing thing I've ever seen anyone do. I'll never forget it. Thank you." I kissed him quickly.

He smiled. "You're welcome."

I laughed. "Now let's go inside before anything else happens."

"Yeah, it'll be time for us to sing before we know it."

Nate grabbed my hand and we walked back into the room, full of my dad's old highschool friends, not to mention my own. I smiled. I have a feeling this is going to be a night to remember.

AN: Soo much drama! Also, sooo much Natella fluff! :D I know this chapter had a lot of sections to it, so I hope all of those were clear. If you liked it, review! Thanks for reading!