A/N: Hey, um, listen...I might not be uploading much because my dog is really sick and I don't know if I'll be uploading. On the other hand, I might be uploading like crazy. It could go either way. But, what's annoying me is that whenever I think about her, songs like 'I miss you' or 'there you'll be' play on my mp3 player and make me cry.

Anyway, don't own HSM

Chapter 21 - Gone

(A/N: This is HSMandChelseaFCfan's work :P)

After finishing breakfast, Troy disappeared back downstairs to keep Devon company while Gabriella showered. "Hey, Big D. What you watching?" Troy asked as he jumped on the sofa next to the small boy, making him bounce slightly.

The young boy next to him moved closer to him but didn't take his eyes off the screen. "SpongeBob."

"Cool." Troy nodded as he relaxed, trying not to let his mind fill up with memories of last night and the gorgeous brunette upstairs, whilst sitting next to her younger brother.

Devon suddenly broke his attention away from the TV and looked at Troy. "Why is there a horse in the backyard?"

Troy shook his head. "It doesn't matter, Big D, it's a long story. Let's just say hopefully we'll get rid of it before your Dad gets back because I don't think he'd be impressed to find a horse in his backyard."

Giggling, the brown eyed boy shook his head. "Daddy doesn't like horses. He said he fell off one when he was little."

Troy just nodded. He could now understand why Gabriella was feeling so reluctant about telling the truth about her father because it was so obvious that Devon loved Aidan. "Why do girls always take so long to get showered and dressed?" Troy asked rhetorically, trying to change the subject all together.

"Are you looking for a slap, Mr Bolton?" The two males turned hearing the warning tone in Gabriella's voice as she smirked at them.

Troy raised his eyebrows. "Depends if it's worth it."

Rolling her eyes, Gabriella walked over to the two and pushed Troy over so she could sit between the two. "You'll be sleeping out there tonight with that horse if you don't behave, Mister. Or I might even make Don suffer you by making you sleep on his floor." Gabriella threatened but her eyes sparkled as she did so. Troy couldn't remember the last time he saw her eyes look truly happy. Not even the night they first got together.

"You can sleep in my bed, Troy, if Gavvy kicks you out." Devon offered, finally speaking up.

Troy nodded. "Thanks, Big D. It's nice to know that I'm loved and wanted by at least one Montez."

Gabriella raised her eyebrows at him, leaning closer to whisper in his ear so Devon couldn't hear. "Didn't I show you that last night or have you already forgotten?"

Troy gulped. He hated it when she spoke like that, all sultry and seductive, and clearly not knowing the effect she had on him. It was enough to kill, not only him but, any guy. "I think I may need more convincing."

She rolled her eyes at his comment and sighed. "What am I going to do with you?"

Devon looked between the two, confused at the reason of being left out of the conversation. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing." Both teenagers answered together.

"I hate it when nobody tells me anything because they say I'm not old enough to know." Devon complained, a sulking look coming over his face.

Rolling her eyes, Gabriella pulled him onto her lap. "You'll understand when you're older. Plus it's a secret for now." Accepting the answer for now, Devon leaned against his sister, enjoying being with the two people he looked up to most in his life.

***

Maria awoke later that day to giggling coming from downstairs. She smiled at the noise, grateful to hear that sound than screaming and yelling. And silence. That week when Troy and Gabriella weren't talking was sheer torture to the rest of the Montez household. She believed that the fact that Devon and Gabriella got on so well helped Troy settle in easier. That and the fact she knew he had feelings for her daughter which she knew were returned even if Gabriella hadn't admitted it. Slipping her robe and slippers on, she made her way downstairs to find out what was going on. Surprisingly, she found Devon eating his lunch while watching one of his movies alone.

"You okay, Honey?" The small boy nodded as Maria followed the loud laughing noise, confused that Devon wasn't obviously with Gabriella and Troy.

Walking into the kitchen, she stood by the door observing the scene. Troy and Gabriella both had grins on their faces, Gabriella backing up towards the fridge door as Troy followed, trapping her against the white appliance. "I'll get you back for that remark. Mark my words."

Gabriella stuck her tongue out at the blue eyed boy in front of her. "You'll never succeed because I'm too aware of everything that goes on."

Watching as the banter continued, it was obvious to Maria something had changed within her daughter and it almost looked as if she was glowing. It was something that she'd never seen before but hoped that she would see a lot more of it. She genuinely looked happy and she had a feeling it was down to the young man standing in front of her.

"Afternoon, guys."

The two broke apart blushing and Gabriella looked down at her feet. "Hey, Mom." Troy just nodded at Maria.

Flicking the kettle switch, Maria walked back to sit on one of the stools in the kitchen. "Come sit down guys."

Troy gave Gabriella a confused look but she just shrugged and they both took a seat at the island. "What's up?"

"Nothing. I just feel like we haven't had chance to really talk much. I just wanted to see what's happening with you guys and if Troy's settling in ok." Maria answered as Devon came into the kitchen and, with the help of his mother in sitting on the stool, joined the three adults.

Gabriella looked at Troy to talk. "I think we're good. I'm settling in fine, thanks." He said carefully, glancing at Gabriella from the corner of his eye.

"Nothing's bothering you? You know if you're ever not happy with anything, you just have to say." Maria said quietly.

Troy nodded. "I know, thanks. Honestly, everything is fine and I couldn't have dreamed for things to have turned out the way they have." Taking Gabriella's hand secretly under the table, he gave it a squeeze to let her know he was talking about her.

Devon and Maria shared a look, seeing the smile appear on Gabriella's face. "Are you sure there is nothing else?" Maria asked and the two nodded. "Well how about you explain to me why I came home to find a horse in the backyard?"

Neither Troy nor Gabriella knew how to answer that one. Troy sighed knowing they couldn't lie. "It was a surprise for Gabriella. Since she didn't want to go to Prom I surprised her with her own mini one and the horse was just for effect." Troy answered, telling the truth but just conveniently left out what happened after.

Maria smiled. "That's very sweet of you, Troy. Isn't that nice of him to do, Gabriella? You got yourself a good best friend." Maria purposely said 'best friend', wanting to see if Gabriella or Troy gave any reaction. And as predicted, both tensed slightly at the word.

Gabriella refused to look her Mom in the eye. "Yeah, Mom, it was."

"Now how about the two of you fill me in on your relationship?" Maria asked bluntly, tired of beating around the bush. Devon tried to hold in his laugh seeing the look on both Troy and Gabriella's faces but failed. He knew how Troy felt about his sister and just hoped that the two would still want to spend time together with him even though they had each other.

"I'm sorry, Mom." Gabriella whispered shakily as tears welled in her eyes.

Maria shook her head, smiling. "Don't be. But, are you both sure this is really what you want because you have to know that it's one thing being best friends but dating is a whole other level? I mean, if anything goes wrong, you can't just avoid each other like you could if it was someone else." Maria said sternly.

The two nodded. "We're so happy, Mom. We both know we're in this for the long run and it's not just some fun. I promise. Besides, we figured out how to avoid each other the other week." She joked.

Troy finally spoke up. "I love her, Maria. I've never been so serious about anyone in my life before and I never thought I would fall in love with someone this quick, especially after everything that has happened." He whispered, resting his hand on Gabriella's knee.

"I love him too, Mom. Please don't make us break up." Gabriella begged.

Shaking her head, Maria continued. "I intend to do no such thing. Just promise that you will come to me if there are any problems because no matter what, I'm here for both of you."

Gripping Troy's hand, Gabriella stood up. "Does this mean we have your blessings?"

Maria and Devon looked at each other and smiled. "I guess it does." Maria shrugged.

Gabriella squealed and ran round to hug her mom and Devon. "Thank you. You have no idea how relieved I am you guys are okay about this. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't have been."

"Just be careful and don't rush things. That's all I ask." Maria said sternly.

Gabriella looked over the island at Troy and raised his eyebrows, knowing that they were still going at Bella-speed.

***

Later that afternoon, Troy and Gabriella were cuddled together in the armchair – Gabriella in Troy's lap - while Devon sat next to Maria on the sofa, the four of them sitting contently, watching TV. The four were so engrossed, well Maria and Devon were, anyway; Troy and Gabriella were too preoccupied with being close to each other, simply holding hands and looking at each other, that none of them heard the front door open and close.

"Well hello to you all, too. I can see I was missed." The four turned to face the hall, behind the armchair, in surprise to see Aidan standing at the door, smiling.

Troy felt Gabriella tense in his arms and he his hold on her waist, letting her know he was there but not in a way which would have caused Aidan to think anything more. They had done that when they were 'just friends'. "Bella, I'm here." He mumbled, low enough for Gabriella to hear but not for anyone else to.

She replied with a nod and looked at her lap.

Devon darted off of the couch and into his father's arms, Maria following and kissing her husband quickly. "Daddy!" Devon exclaimed excitedly.

"Hey, Son. What no hello for your daddy, Gabs?" Aidan joked.

Troy knew she was uncomfortable but for once he didn't know what to do about it. So, he subtly snaked his hand under her shirt and began gently massaging her stomach. After their first time making love, he had been worried about how much pain she was in and soon realised that it calmed her down when he rubbed her toned stomach.

She mumbled her reply and refused to look at him in the eye, knowing she wouldn't be able to control what she said. "Hello." Troy just smiled at Aidan, knowing he could no longer look at the man who had caused the girl he loved more than anything, and soon her family, so much hurt.

(A/N: this is me)

"So, what's been happening?" He asked casually as he walked into the lounge and sat on the sofa, Devon on his lap and Maria by his side.

"Nothing." Gabriella muttered before anyone else could. Her brow was furrowed tightly as she concentrated on her fingers in her lap. She had calmed down immensely since Troy had began touching her stomach but it couldn't sooth her upset completely.

Maria raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Nothing?"

Gabriella suddenly leapt to her feet. "I, uh, don't feel too good. I think I'm going to go for a nap." She muttered before padding out of the room.

Aidan snapped his head to Troy and glared. "What did you do?" He demanded.

"Aidan!" Maria exclaimed.

"What?" Troy gasped in surprise. "I swear, this has nothing to do with me." He got to his feet and glared back just as fiercely, ignoring the fact that both Maria and Devon were in the room. "You know, if it wasn't for me, she'd be so much worse. She means the world to me. She's my everything. Why would I jeopardise that? I'm going to see if she's okay." He muttered before taking the path Gabriella had taken just moments ago. He knocked softly on their bedroom door and sighed. "Bella, Baby? You okay?"

"Fuck off, Troy." He heard a muffled retort.

Troy frowned at the wooden door in front of him in surprise. "My Bella just swore at me." He muttered. "Aidan really has screwed up." He muttered. "Baby, come on. Open up." He pleaded.

"No." She shot back, not missing a beat.

Troy rolled his eyes and pushed the door open, knowing that she never locked her door – unless they were making love and that was a one-off. He quietly shut it behind him and sighed when he saw his girlfriend lying face down on her bed. A small gap between her pale blue shirt – she claimed it reminded her of his eyes – and jeans gave him a view of the small of her back. He walked over and climbed onto the bed, straddling her hips.

"Troy, I'm not in the mood." She muttered brokenly into her pillows.

Troy leant forward and sighed into her ear. "Come on, I don't want to make love to you when you're like this. Besides, I don't think…well, you know who," He knew how much just his name upset her, "would be too happy if I was screwing his daughter."

She released a muffled giggle into her pillow but it died quickly. "I wouldn't care. I mean, I don't want anyone, really to walk in on us but, I couldn't care less if it was him." She muttered, twisting her head to the side in order to see Troy.

He kissed her quickly before sitting back on his haunches. "Baby, I'll make you feel better." He promised as he slid her shirt up so that her tanned back was exposed.

"Wildcat, I told you I'm not in the- Ahhh…" She sighed in contentment as Troy's hands began massaging her back, the heels of his hands digging into her tense muscles. "Where did you learn this?"

He chuckled, hearing the clear smile on her lips. "It's surprising what you learn at basketball camp."

She giggled and sighed in contentment. "You don't know what you do to me, Wildcat."

Troy leaned forward again, his fingers still working their magic against her skin. "Judging from your performance last night, I think I do." He pressed his lips to her cheek.

She slowly rolled over under him to look up into his blue eyes. "I meant that when I'm with you, it's only us I think about. Like, nothing else matters."

He smiled and kissed her deeply. "Go and take a bath, okay? Relax and I'm going to shoot some hoops and attempt to work off my anger."

She giggled softly at his protectiveness of her. "Okay. I will."

He pressed a kiss to her forehead and climbed off of her bed. Hopefully she'd do something about what she knew. Neither of them would last much longer under the same roof as Aidan Montez.

* * *

Troy jogged inside of the house for the third time in the hour he had left Gabriella in her room. As he had told her, he had been working all of his anger out by shooting hoops. He inhaled deeply at the aroma of Maria's cooking and pinched a cookie she had just taken out of the oven. "Ow." He yelped as it burned the inside of his mouth.

Maria laughed as she brushed her hands on her apron. "That's why you wait for me to tell you that you can have one." She teased.

He poked his tongue out and went to the fridge to pull out a bottle of water, stuffing the rest of the cookie into his mouth. "Of course. But, where's the fun in that?"

"So, not only are you in love with my daughter, you are cheeky." She grinned at him.

He rolled his eyes as he chugged down the water. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and sighed. "What's for dinner?"

"Why do you always ask about food?" She wondered out loud.

He shrugged. "Growing teenage boy?"

She smiled sadly before looking him in the eye. "What's wrong with Gabby? I'm sorry about what Aidan said, and I don't doubt that what you said is true, but I want you to tell me."

Troy sighed, placing the bottle on the island. "I want to, Maria. But, it's not my place to say."

Maria bit her lip and finally nodded. "You're there for her, right? You're not going anywhere?"

Troy shrugged. "Where am I going to go? But, even if I had the choice, she would always come first." He promised.

Maria sighed, knowing that the young man in front of her wouldn't tell her anything. "Will you call her down for dinner, please?"

Troy nodded as he turned around and headed to the stairs.

Maria turned back to the stove and stirred the potatoes which were boiling in a saucepan on the oven. She jumped when there was a bang in the hallway and she rushed to the bottom of the stairs to see Troy in a crumpled heap, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Troy, Sweetheart, what's wrong? What hurts?" She brought him into a sitting position and brushed his bangs from his eyes.

"Forget about that." He gasped, scrunching his eyes together in what looked like agony.

"Troy, tell me what's wrong." She said sternly.

He lifted his head and his bottom lip trembled at the concern written in her eyes. "She's gone." He whispered.