They all continued to watch the movie.
The scene was playing where Gabriella confronts Sharpay.
"Here comes the feisty side of Gabriella Montez! Watch out, people!" Corbin joked, making everyone laugh.
Vanessa could feel a lump forming in her throat as Troy walked into the scene in the movie and she started singing "Gotta Go My Own Way."
She sniffled when Troy chased Gabriella on the bridge and Zac looked to his left to see Vanessa crying. He smiled softly and raised his left arm to place it around her, giving her a gently squeeze. She laid her head against his chest, watching the movie as a few tears threatened to fall.
Zac felt tears form in his own eyes as he watch the scene and he felt Vanessa's body shake softly with silent sobs. He rubbed her arm and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head.
They all continued to watch the second and third movie, reminiscing about how much fun they had making the movies and how many great memories they made. When the third movie ended, they all had tears in their eyes.
"We all need to start hanging out more. I miss you guys," Monique said as she hugged Ashley tightly.
"Agreed!" Corbin said as he high-fived Zac.
"At least once a month, let's all do dinner or a cookout or just hang out!" Ashley suggested with excitement in her voice.
They all agreed when Vanessa's phone rang. She jumped up and grabbed it off of the coffee table.
"Hello?"
"Nessa…."
Vanessa's stomach flopped when she heard Dylan's voice followed by a bunch of sobs.
"Please get here, soon. Please Nessa."
"We'll be right there, Dyl. I promise. Love you."
"Love you too, sis in law."
She hung up and turned around to see Zac looking at her with a confused look on her face. When she saw the concern in his blue eyes, she covered her mouth to stop from choking out a loud sob.
They all stood up and rushed to her. Zac reached her first and pulled her into his arms. "Ness, what's going on? Is everything okay? Why was Dylan calling?"
She pulled back and looked at him. "Zac, you're grandpa had a heart attack. Dylan said we need to get there quick."
Zac's face paled as he took in the news. "I need to go. Can I borrow your car?"
"No Zac, you can't drive. I'm coming with you."
He nodded as Vanessa ran off to grab her wallet and keys. The gang hugged Zac and wished him good luck.
Vanessa came back. "You guys can stay as long as you want. Just lock up if you leave. You know the code, Ash. You ready, Zac?"
He nodded and swallowed hard as he made his way out to her car. They got in and she backed out of the driveway, before speeding off. Vanessa pressed a button on her steering wheel and said "Call Mom."
Vanessa's car was soon filled with rings as her Bluetooth system called "Mom." The touch screen navigation system lit up with Starla's picture as the call was connected.
"Vanessa, sweetie is that you?"
Zac smiled to himself. After him and Vanessa had dated for two years, his mom insisted that Vanessa call her mom. His parents and Vanessa had a great relationship while they were dating and he knew they still occasionally talked.
"Hi Mom, it's me. We are on our way there now."
"Zac? Sweetie?" Starla called out over the speaker system.
"I'm here, mom. How bad is he?" he said quietly, trying to stay strong. His grandfather was his best friend growing up. He taught Zac about cars, sports, and gave him many life lessons. Zac was very close with his family, even with all the craziness that comes with being famous. He talked to his parents and brother almost everyday and talked to his grandparents at least once a week.
"Just tell me the truth. I'm not driving."
"He is on life support. We wanted to wait until you got here." Starla said quietly. She knew how hard this would be for her oldest son, but she knew better than to lie to him about it.
Unable to hold back, tears fell down Zac's cheeks. Vanessa placed her hand on his thigh and he grabbed it with both hands, closing his eyes.
"We will be there soon, mom" Vanessa spoke up. "Love you."
"Love you guys too, sweetheart. Be careful." She hung up and Vanessa's car was silent, minus the quiet sobs escaping the 25 year old in the passenger seat.
"Why?" he asked as he looked over at her.
She knew that he was asking about more than one situation. "I don't know why we thought it would be a good thing, Zac. But I know that it wasn't and I haven't been happy since. I also don't know why I went out with Austin. I guess it was to try to fill the void that I felt, but instead it only made me miss you more. I broke up with him because I told him how I truly felt. I told him that you have always been one of my best friends and you always will be. I also told him that I couldn't love anyone else as much as I love you. I can't go another day without talking to you or seeing you or just simply having you in my life. And finally, Zac, I know how much you love your grandpa. I love him, too. And I don't have the answer to this question either. I don't think anyone does. But if it's his time to go, I will be by your side every step of the way."
She looked over at him as she stopped at a red light. He placed his hand on her cheek and kissed her, letting all of his emotions show. She kissed back until someone honked at her, signaling the light was green. She looked forward and started driving again as he laced his fingers with her right hand and rested their hands on his thigh. He leaned his head back against the headrest and just cried.
He wasn't sure how long had passed, but he wiped his eyes when no more tears were falling. He leaned forward and turned on the radio with his free hand.
"I don't know how to get to the hospital," Vanessa told him as she pulled into San Luis Obispo.
"Act like your going to my house, take a left at the Walgreens and it's right past there."
She nodded and continued the directions that he told her. He still hadn't let go of her hand. "I'm scared, Ness," he whispered as his tears returned. "No one close to me has ever…. died before. He isn't going to be here to work on cars anymore or give me life lessons."
She pulled into the hospital parking garage and turned off her car before turning to face him. She placed a hand on his cheek and looked into his eyes. "You're grandpa was an amazing man. Just like you. He was loving, funny, smart, and a hard working. You possess all of those qualities. He will live on through you. He wouldn't want you to stop living life because of this."
He leaned into her touch and nodded. "I know. It's just hard. It's going to take a little while."
"I know, baby. But I'm not going anywhere."
She leaned over and kissed him softly. "You ready?" she asked when she pulled back. He nodded and opened the door before getting out. He stretched his arms and back before walking around the car to her side. She grabbed her purse and locked the car before standing beside him. They began to walk and she grabbed his hand, giving it a soft squeeze. He smiled down at her as they began walking through the parking garage.
They reached the front door of the hospital and walked in. They made their way over the receptionist.
"We're looking for James Baskett."
"What's your relationship? We are under strict orders to only let immediate family in."
"My name is Zac Efron. And this is my wife, Vanessa Efron," he lied to the receptionist that appeared to be in her late fifties.
"Very well, Mr. and Mrs. Efron. 6th floor, room 623. She wrote their names on two visitor passes and instructed them to put them on."
"Thank you."
He and Vanessa walked off towards the elevators, not speaking a word about the lie Zac told. They got inside the elevator and put their name tags on.
She looked down at her name time and then looked at him with raised eyebrows.
"What? It has a nice ring to," he winked. She giggled and took his hand as the doors opened to reveal the family waiting room. The looked up to see Starla and David sitting there. Vanessa let go of his hand as Starla stood up. Zac immediately walked to her and hugged her tightly. Zac let his tears flow freely once he felt his mother crying.
David hugged Vanessa. "Hey there, sweetheart. How was the drive?"
She smiled softly. "It was okay. Traffic wasn't too bad thankfully. Where's Dyl?"
"He went home to walk puppy and to shower. He should be back here soon."
Zac pulled back from Starla and wiped his eyes. Starla pulled Vanessa into a hug. "I miss you, sweet girl."
Vanessa hugged her back and rubbed her back during the hug. "I missed you too, mom."
"Can I go see grandpa?" Zac asked after he hugged his dad.
"Yeah. Your grandma is in there now, but go ahead." Starla replied. Zac nodded and took a deep breath. Vanessa walked over and hugged him tightly. "I'll be right here when you come out. I promise."
He nodded and leaned down, kissing her softly before walking down the hallway. Vanessa turned around to see Starla and David looking at her with raised eyebrows.
Vanessa smiled and winked as Starla and David hugged her tightly. They all sat down and made small talk. The elevator doors dinged open, revealing a disheveled Dylan.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Starla asked as he walked towards them.
"Some paparazzi are outside." Dylan grumbled. Vanessa walked from around the corner, returning from the restroom.
"Nessa! Nice name tag, sis in law," Dylan joked as Vanessa walked up to him.
She giggled softly, but noticed the sad look in his eyes when she got close. She wrapped her arms around him. "It's going to be okay, Dyl. I promise."
Dylan finally let his cries out after holding them in for hours. Vanessa led him over to the chairs, and they sat down, not taking his head out from her neck. She rubbed his back softly and just let him cry.
Starla smiled at the scene. Vanessa was like the daughter she never had and she loved that both of her sons trusted her and loved her. Of course, in a different way, but she was very thankful Vanessa was there. She knew her sons would try to be strong for her, but that Vanessa could get them to let it all out so they didn't keep it cooped up inside.
A few minutes later, Dylan pulled back from her and wiped his eyes. "Thanks Nessa, you're the best." She smiled and squeezed his knee. "Anytime, bro in law." He chuckled and pushed his shoulder against hers softly.
She giggled, but stopped when she saw Zac walk around the corner. His bright blue eyes were filled with tears that continually cascaded down his cheeks and fell onto his white t-shirt. Dylan stood up and hurried over to him, hugging him tightly. The two Efron brothers hugged each other as if their life depended on it, while crying.
When they pulled back, David hugged Zac. "It's all going to be okay, son."
Zac nodded and wiped his eyes, but the tears didn't stop. He hugged his mom and then pulled away. He looked at Vanessa and she saw the look of need in his eyes; the need to cry, the need to let his sadness and frustration out and the need to be loved.
"Come here," she whispered as she pulled him into her arms. He wrapped his arms around her, engulfing her in a bear hug and cried.
"I couldn't say goodbye to him. I told him I'd see him later." Zac said softly.
Vanessa leaned up and kissed him softly. "That's the truth baby. You'll see him again one day." Zac swallowed the lump in his throat. "I need to get out of here, Ness."
She nodded and pulled back. "Starla, we're going to go if that's okay. Zac hasn't eaten or showered all day."
Starla nodded and hugged them both. "That's fine. We will be home in a little bit. We're going to stay until they pronounce the time of death and then we will head that way."
Zac nodded and hugged his brother and dad before leaving with Vanessa. They ignored the paparazzi as they made their way to Vanessa's car and got in before speeding off. The ride was silent to Zac's house, but their hands never separated. They got out and went inside as Zac locked the door behind them.
Zac started to go up the stairs and Vanessa followed closely behind him. They made their way into Zac's old bedroom.
"I understand if you don't want to stay in here with me. I can go sleep in Dyl's bed or something." Zac offered.
Vanessa shook her head. "It's fine. I don't mind at all. I told you I'm not going anywhere," she said as she kissed his chest. She looked up and their eyes locked together.
Zac lifted the hem of her shirt slightly and placed his hands on her hips, his thumbs rubbing soft circles on her tan skin. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned up, kissing him passionately. He pulled back and took off his shirt, slinging it across the room. He looked at her eyes for permission then pulled her shirt off of her, dropping it to the floor. They lips reconnected in a heated kiss as he buried his left hand in her hair and pulled her closer with the other hand. He pushed her against the wall, supporting her under her butt as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He attached his lips to the sweet spot on her neck, making her moan softly. She unwrapped her legs, sliding back down to ground and quickly unbuttoned his jeans, sliding them down his legs, leaving him in his black Calvin Klein boxer briefs.
Zac did the same with her jeans, leaving her in her matching black lace underwear. He unhooked her bra and slid off her underwear as she did the same to him. He lifted her up and carried her over to his bed, pulling down the comforter and sheets as he laid her down.
She ran her fingers through his hair and saw the hurt still in his eyes. "You don't have to be gentle with me, Zac. Just let it all out."
He crashed his lips against hers and started playing with her breasts. She reached into the nightstand next to his bed and smiled in victory when she found what she was looking for. She pushed him over and placed the condom on him before allowing him to roll them back over.
"I love you," he said huskily as he looked into her eyes.
"I love you too, Zac."
With that, he laced their hands together and placed them above her head before slamming into her. She moaned loudly and wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper.
He released her hands to grab her hips. She moaned as she grabbed his back, leaving a couple of light scratch marks. He buried his face in between her breasts, leaving a large mark of possession between them.
Her toes curled as she threw her head back, screaming his name. "Nessa!" he groaned as he reached the peak of ecstasy after feeling her muscles squeeze him, milking him and sending him over the edge.
He pulled out and disposed of the condom before laying back down with his head on her chest. She pulled the sheet over them and wrapped her arms around him, running her hands through his slightly damp hair.
"I'm sorry if I hurt you," he whispered.
"You didn't, baby. Don't worry. Go to sleep, I'll be right here when you wake up."
He lifted his head slightly and gave her a loving kiss before resting his head back on her breast and falling asleep almost instantly.
Zac's eyes fluttered open thirty minutes later to feel Vanessa's small hands rubbing over the muscles in his back. He looked up at her and smiled softly. "I want to make love to you, Ness." She smiled and nodded before kissing him softly. They made love, showing each other how much they meant to the other before falling into deep sleep.
Starla and David Efron left the hospital, following Dylan who was driving Zac's car. They pulled into the driveway and all walked inside their home. Dylan went straight to his room, the events of the day taking a toll even on his young body. Starla and David started walking to their bedroom that was on the first floor.
"I'm just gonna go check on Zac. I want to make sure he is okay." Starla told David, concern evident in her voice. He nodded and made his way to their room as Starla climbed the stairs. She knocked softly, but opened the door when she didn't get a response.
She was surprised, but not upset to see her son and the girl she thought of as a daughter, lying in bed. Thankfully, Zac had the sheet pulled up to their waists and Vanessa was covered since Zac's arms had her tightly pulled against his side, with her head resting in the crook of his neck. Starla smiled and closed the door back silently before making her way back downstairs with a smile on her face. She knew that no matter what, this time they would last and be forever in love.
A/N: I hope you guys liked it! Let me know if I should leave it at this or if I should continue! Thanks so much!