AN: I'm so sorry that it's been so long. So much has been going on, I'm trying to get ready to go to university in a month. As a thank you, I'll make this chapter extra long and extra good. Thanks for all the reviews!

Taylor had called and made the arrangements. She was staying. Now they were doing makeovers. "You first," Gabriella said. "You're gonna look so good."

Gabriella reached into her makeup bag and after rummaging for a couple of seconds, pulled out some eye shadow. "Perfect," she said.

Fifteen minutes later, she was done. "Let me see!" said Taylor, reaching for Gabriella's mirror. "Ooooh! Your turn."

Gabriella laughed, "Just don't make me look like a hooker."

Taylor giggled, "I'll try. Not to, I mean." She sifted through Gabriella's makeup bag. "Now, close your eyes." The brushes tickled Gabriella's face and she scrunched her nose.

"Stop!" reprimanded Taylor, "Or I'll never be finished."

"Ok, here's the mirror." Taylor finally said.

"Wow, Taylor. You did a great job. Thanks." Gabriella said while admiring Taylor's handiwork. "Let's go show off."

The Boltons were already waiting at the fire pit. Ms. Montez was ready to start the fire. However, they seemed to be out of kindling. Seeing the girls approaching, she yelled, "Gabriella, go fetch some sticks from the bush!"

Rolling her eyes and giggling, Gabriella whispered to Taylor before heading off into the bush. Taylor sat down on the bench beside Chad.

"Good thing it's not too dark yet," she said, loudly. "Gabriella's kind of klutzy."

"Maybe I'll go see if she needs any help." Troy said quickly, before disappearing into the woods.

"Nice one," said Chad.

"I know," Taylor replied.

"Hey, Gabriella!" Troy called after her. "Do you need any help?"

She grinned, "Sure."

They walked beside each other, occasionally picking up sticks that were dry enough to burn. "So," Troy said, "you ride really well."

"Thanks," Gabriella said blushing. "I've been riding for a long time. As long as I can remember."

Troy nodded, "That's kind of what it's like with me and basketball. Only, my dad's the team coach. Sometimes I wonder if I'd even be playing if it weren't for him."

"I know what you mean," she answered. "My mom rides a little but it was my dad who got everything started. He was the one who founded the ranch, he got me my first pony."

"What happened to your dad, if you don't mind me asking?"

Gabriella paused, "No, it's ok. He died from cancer. Six years ago. I really miss him."

Troy was unsure of how to reply. "I'm sorry," he said finally.

Gabriella smiled, "It's ok."

Troy reached out and took her hand. "You're really sweet Gabriella," he said. Gabriella blushed. "I mean it."

Back at the fire, Taylor and Chad had managed to get into an argument. "All I'm saying is that there's more to life than sports!" Taylor exclaimed.

Chad glared. "Whatever."

Their argument was interrupted by Troy and Gabriella who returned with the kindling. Both Taylor and Chad noticed that the pair was holding hands. Chad opened his mouth to make some sort of comment but Taylor quickly elbowed him in the ribs.

"What was that for?" he yelled. Taylor glared pointedly. Troy and Gabriella quickly released each other's hands.

"Here's the kindling," Gabriella said, as she set the wood down by the pit. "Let's get this party started."

Hours had passed and the adults had disappeared but the four teenagers remained by the fire. "Pass the marshmallows," Chad said.

Gabriella picked up the small plastic bag. "Empty," she said. "You've eaten them all."

Chad shook his head. "It isn't possible. I've only had like-"

He was interrupted by Taylor, "-like thirty. Which is pretty much the whole bag, Chad." Gabriella giggled. "I can go check the house for more."

Troy shook his head. "No! If you feed him anymore sugar he'll be up all night. Then you can share a room with him."

Again, Gabriella giggled, "Ok, ok."

Suddenly, Taylor yawned. "Man, I didn't realize how tired I am. What time is it?"

Chad glanced at his arm, "What time zone are we speaking here?"

Taylor rolled her eyes, "This one. Why are you wearing three watches?"

Chad shrugged. "You never know when you're going to enter another time zone."

Taylor shook her head, "What time is it?"

"Almost one."

Gabriella jumped to her feet. "Well, then I'm turning in. Goodnight all."

Troy rose, "I'll walk you to the house." Taylor and Chad exchanged looks.

The couple neared the porch. "So, I'll see you tomorrow, Troy." Gabriella said, sleepily. "Thanks for walking me over."

Troy shrugged, "No problem."

"Hey." Gabriella said, "Do you want to go for our ride tomorrow? Taylor can keep Chad interested. Or vice versa, you know."

Troy nodded. "Yeah, it'll be fun."

"Goodnight," Gabriella yawned.

"Goodnight," Troy replied as Gabriella shut the door. "See you tomorrow," he whispered. He slowly walked back to the fire. What was it about Gabriella that made him so happy? He'd been so crushed when Sharpay had dumped him and had hated his parents for dragging him out to the middle of nowhere to stay at some ranch. But, after meeting Gabriella, he couldn't be more glad that they had.

Taylor noticed Troy approaching. "Well Chad," she said. "I guess I'm gonna head in. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," he replied. She rose, nodding to Troy as they passed.

Chad stood and walked to Troy. "Hey man. Isn't that bad here after all, is it?"

Troy smiled, "No." It really isn't, he thought.

Gabriella woke up around six. Yawning, she rolled out of her bed. Normally, she wasn't too happy about getting up early. But today she was going on a ride with Troy. Just Troy. She pulled on an old pair of riding breeches and a pale green t-shirt. She quickly brushed her hair into a ponytail low enough to fit under a helmet. Grinning, she walked out of her room and into Taylor's.

"Morning sunshine," she said cheerfully.

Taylor groaned. "Too early."

"I know," Gabriella replied. "But you have to keep Chad occupied this morning."

"What?" Taylor shouted as she abruptly sat up.

Gabriella feigned innocence. "Yeah, you know. Keep him busy. While Troy and I go for a ride. Shouldn't be too hard."

Taylor sighed. "Fine. I'll do it." Gabriella squealed. "But only because I like you and Troy together. Not because I like Chad or anything." She added.

Gabriella grinned. "Whatever."

Loud beeping woke Troy. He frowned, he didn't remember setting an alarm. He opened his eyes, Chad was hovering above him.

"Get up!" Chad said, too cheerfully. "Today, we're playing basketball!"

Troy hesitated. How could he tell Chad that he and Gabriella were going for a ride? Without upsetting Chad. "You know man, that sounds great. After lunch."

Chad frowned, "What? Come on captain! Don't bail on me now."

Troy shrugged, "It's just, you know, me and-"

"-and Gabriella! I get it now." Chad exclaimed. "You're ditching me for a girl!"

"It's not like that." Troy stuttered.

Chad grinned. "Way to go, man." Troy rolled his eyes. Now to get ready.

So, it wasn't quite as long as I'd hoped. But I tried to make it extra good. And it sets up nicely for the next chapter, which (I promise) is on its way.