Chapter 20: Never Thought

Senior year was coming to an end and Gabriella couldn't be happier. She and Troy had grown closer and fell more in love with one another, if that was possible. Sure they had their arguments, but neither could ever stay angry at the other for longer than an hour or two.

The day was spent looking through and signing yearbooks as the senior class celebrated their last few day of high school. Watching her friends chatting in the cafeteria Gabriella's hand subconsciously went to the necklace Troy had given her over a year ago.

"What are you thinking about?" Troy asked as he came up behind Gabriella and wrapped his arms around her frame.

"Just about how happy I am to have the world's greatest boyfriend," Gabriella said turning in his arms.

"Really?"

"Mmhmm," Gabriella replied giving him a peck on the lips. "And that we're all going to U of A in the fall."

"Yeah, can't believe we're all going to stay together after high school," Troy said.

"It can't get better than this," Gabriella responded.

"Actually it can," Troy said. Gabriella looked at him curiously but never got a chance to question him as Chad called them over.

Sitting at the table the eight soon-to-be graduates flipped their yearbooks to the senior page to look at each other's senior quote.

Sharpay: "Once a drama queen, always a drama queen."

Kelsi: "Music is life, life is music."

Chad: "Dude, can't believe I made it this far!"

Zeke: "Still working on that crème Brule."

Taylor: "Twenty years from now, we'll still be together."

Jason: "Everything changed for the better junior year."

Gabriella: "Never thought I would fall for the lunkhead basketball captain."

Troy: "Never thought I would fall for the freaky genius girl."

The Next Day

"Class of 2008 I present you your valedictorian, Gabriella Montez," Mr. Matsui announced as every clapped uncontrollably with the exception of Chad who was whistling.

"Thank you Mr. Matsui," Gabriella said when she reached the podium. "Afternoon faculty staff members, family, friends, and class of 2008. I stand here today proud to be an East High graduate, my experience here has been by far the best anyone can receive," she stated looking out into the audience to find her mom and Lucas. "Here I was able to find love," she said looking at Troy, "and friendship," looking at her friends, "that will last a lifetime. Everyone in this class has had to face many obstacles throughout high school -"

"You sure said it Gabi!" Chad shouted from the audience as everyone laughed.

"Thank you Chad," Gabriella said as she too laughed. "We faced many obstacles but with the help of our friends and loved ones we were able to overcome them. I'm sure that there will be more obstacles out there for us but as Wildcats we will prevail. Never forget that no matter where life takes you, you will always be an East High Wildcat at heart. We did it Class of '08, we graduated!"

With that everyone threw their caps into the air and cheered. High school was finally over and new beginnings were right around the corner.

Going on stage and standing next to Gabriella Sharpay took the microphone and said, "And don't forget, graduation party at the Evans' estate tonight!"

In the midst of a song Gabriella remembered what Troy had said the other day about how things could get better.

"Troy?"

"What is it Brie?" Troy asked, looking down at his girlfriend.

"What were you talking about the other day? When you said that things could actually get better?"

"Well I was waiting for the perfect moment to do this but I guess now is as perfect as ever," Troy said as he let Gabriella go. "Wait here for a minute."

With that Troy left the dance floor and went in search of his friends who all knew about his plan. He told Sharpay that now was the moment and she went on stage to announce him as Kelsi and Taylor pulled Gabriella in front of the stage with Chad, Zeke and Jason.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Sharpay announced catching everyone's attention. "I present to you Troy Bolton."

Hearing his name Troy walked on stage and took the microphone Sharpay was holding out to him. "Hey everyone," Troy spoke into the microphone as everyone cheered. "This song is dedicated to a very special girl, you know who you are," he said as he looked Gabriella in the eyes.

It's undeniable... that we should be together...It's unbelievable how I used to say that I'd fall neverThe basis you need to know, if you don't know just how I feel,Then let me show you now that I'm for real...If all things in time, time will reveal...Yeah...One... you're like a dream come true...Two... just wanna be with you...Three... girl it's plain to see... that your the only one for me...Four... repeat steps one through three...Five... make you fall in love with me...If ever I believe my work is done... then I start Back at One (yeahSo Incredible... the way things work themselves out...And all emotional, once you know what it's all about babe...And undesirable... for us to be apart...Never would of made it very far...Cause you know you've got the keys to my heartCause...One... you're like a dream come trueTwo... just wanna be with youThree... girl it's plain to see... that your the only one for meFour .repeat steps one through threeFive... make you fall in love with meIf ever I believe my work is done... then I start Back at One...Say farewell to the dark of night... I see the coming of the sun...I feel like a little child... whose life has just begun...You came and breathed new lifeInto this lonely heart of mine...You threw out the life line... just in the Nick of TiimmmeeeeOne... you're like a dream come trueTwo... just wanna be with youThree... girl it's plain to see... that your the only one for me... girl and...Four... repeat steps one through threeFive... make you fall in love with meIf ever I believe my work is done... then I start Back at One.

By the time Troy had finished the song he had gotten off stage and was now standing in front of Gabriella.

"Brie, you're the girl of my dreams. You saw me not as Troy Bolton: basketball captain, but Troy Bolton: boy. I once told you that I can't picture my life without you," Troy said into the microphone as he got down on one knee. He heard Gabriella take a sharp breath as he did so and reached into his pocket to retrieve a red velvet box. "Gabriella Anne Montez, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?" he asked as he put down the microphone and opened the box to reveal a diamond ring.

Everyone was silent as they waited for Gabriella to answer, to say something, anything. Gabriella was paralyzed at her spot. Never had she thought Troy would be proposing to her on their graduation night. She wanted to say yes but she was in shock and couldn't say anything, instead she merely nodded her head. Accepting that as a yes Troy placed the ring on Gabriella's finger. Getting up he shouted, "Yes!" before pulling her into a hug and spinning around with her in his arms. Stopping, Troy kissed his fiancée passionately as everyone cheered for the newly engaged couple.

Breaking from the kiss Gabriella was greeted by the squeals of Sharpay, Taylor and Kelsi. "You're getting married!" they all shouted. The four hugged as Chad, Zeke and Jason went to congratulate Troy.

Lucas walked up the group and gave Gabriella a hug. "Congrats baby Gabi," Lucas said.

"Thanks Lukey boy," Gabriella replied still ecstatic. "When the time comes, will you walk me down the aisle and give me away?"

Pulling her into another hug Lucas responded, "It would be my honor. And you, Troy, I expect you to take good care of her. Love her with all of your heart."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Troy said as Gabriella walked back to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. His soon found their way around hers and he pulled her close.

"Promise?" Gabriella asked.

"Promise, now and forever Brie."