Vanessa walked into the Efron home, inching to see the blue-eyed boy she loved. She had an amazing day with Starla, Gina, and Stella, but she couldn't wait to be back with Zac. They hadn't been able to talk to each other all day, promising their families a strict guy/girl-bonding day.

It was 8 pm when the girls returned home after a day at the spa, shopping, and dinner. Zac was standing in the kitchen, getting a drink when he turned around to see Vanessa walking into the kitchen. He quickly sat down his glass and opened his arms as she ran to him, hugging him tightly. He hugged her tightly before kissing her.

"Hey, I missed you." He said huskily into her neck.

She giggled softly and kissed him again. "I missed you too! How was the game?"

He tucked a curl behind her ear as he looked into her eyes, smiling. "Awesome! It was a close game, but went into extra innings and the giants ended up winning by a grand slam!"

Vanessa smiled big at his excitement. "That's awesome! Did you get attacked by anyone?"

"Nah, nothing out of the normal. Just some pictures and autographs. Wasn't too bad. How was the spa and shopping?"

"Good. It was very relaxing."

"I'm glad. You deserved it." He said as he leaned down and kissed her again. "How are you feeling?"

"Way better. I had a little pain this morning, but I haven't had any since."

"That's awesome babe!"

Vanessa woke up the next morning to see Zac watching her sleep. She smiled and kissed him lovingly.

When they pulled apart, she could see excitement in Zac's eyes. She rolled her eyes and giggled. "Excited for the parade?"

He nodded and smiled big.

She kissed his lips once more. "Go ahead and go downstairs, I will be there in a minute."

He jumped up, putting on his boxer-briefs and a pair of pajama pants before running downstairs. She giggled and got up, putting on a pair of underwear and bra before putting on some yoga pants and one of his t-shirts.

She brushed her teeth and made her way to the kitchen, taking her medicine and getting a glass of orange juice before going to the living room. She sat beside Zac and cuddled up to him as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

She looked up at him and kissed his jaw. "Happy Thanksgiving, baby."

He looked down and smiled at her, making her stomach get butterflies. "Happy Thanksgiving, baby girl." He leaned down and kissed her softly, pulling apart when oxygen was a necessity.

Starla and Gina made their way to the kitchen to begin cooking while David, Greg, Dylan, and Stella made their way to the living room and watched the parade on TV with Zac and Vanessa.

That afternoon, the Efron and Hudgens families were gathered around the table, ready to eat Thanksgiving dinner.

Vanessa giggled loudly at a joke Dylan had made as Stella was talking excitedly to Zac. David sat the large turkey in the middle of the table and sat down, making the table complete. They all looked around at each other, waiting for someone to start the families' tradition of stating what they are thankful for in the past year.

Dylan spoke up first. "I'll start. I'm thankful that I got to take a few weeks off of senior year from college to spend time with family. And I'm glad I made it to senior year. I'm also thankful for the time I got to spend with Zac over this past year, going to film festivals and stuff. It was awesome." They went clockwise around the table, making Stella next to go.

"I'm thankful that I am halfway through senior year of high school. I'm also thankful for all the friends I have made this year and I'm also thankful for the time I got to spend with Nessa. I love spending shopping days or spa days together."

Vanessa smiled and winked at her. Greg was next to go. "I'm thankful for making it another year and I'm thankful that our families are healthy and happy."

Gina smiled at him. "I'm thankful that we are all here together again and that we are all happy."

Vanessa bit her lip as Zac squeezed her knee. "I'm thankful for the movies and opportunities I got this past year. I'm thankful that I was able to make some great new friends and work with some awesome people. And I'm thankful that I am lucky enough to get a second chance with you." She said as she looked at Zac. He smiled and cleared his throat.

"Ummm…I'm lucky for the amazing things I got to do this past year. I met some amazing people and did movies I never thought I would get the chance to do. I'm incredibly thankful that even though I have lost someone special this past month, I have gained someone special back into my life." He looked at Vanessa. "I'm thankful my family safe and that we are all here together. And….I'm thankful for you."

Vanessa felt tears in her eyes as she kissed his cheek. She blinked the tears away as Starla began to speak. "I'm thankful to have our two families together again. I'm thankful that we are all happy and healthy. And I'm thankful to have each and every one of you."

David nodded and spoke, "I couldn't have said it better. I'm glad to be able to spend time with our family and I truly treasure moments like these that we have together."

They all said cheers and began to eat the huge meal Starla and Gina cooked.

Vanessa let out a deep breath as she sat back in her chair. "I'm so stuffed!" She giggled as she watched Zac and Dylan continue to clear their plates of seconds.

Vanessa's phone rang loudly, disturbing her thoughts. She quickly got up and answered it, upon seeing that it was her manager, Matt.

"Hello?"

"Vanessa, I am so sorry to bother you, but I have some bad news. Something has come up and we need you to fly to New York City in the morning for an appearance."

"You have got to be joking. Matt, I just got out of the hospital. Today is thanksgiving!"

"I know and again, I apologize. But they need you there and it's important. You will be home the next morning."

"What time is the flight?"

"9 am out of LAX."

"Okay, see you there." Vanessa sighed as she put down her phone.

"What's up, babe?" Zac asked as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

"That was Matt. I have to fly to NYC tomorrow morning for an appearance. My flight leaves at 9 am."

"What? But you are still healing!"

"I know, but you know how it is. I have to go. I will be back the next morning though."

Zac turned her around so she was facing him and rested his forehead against hers, looking at her. "Promise me that if you start to feel any pain or anything, you stop what you're doing and take it easy."

"I promise, baby."

"Are you heading back tonight or in the morning?"

"Well the flight leaves at 9, so I have to be at LAX at 8, the three hour drive would put me at 5, but I need to go home first so I would have to leave here around 4….As much as I hate getting up early, it's worth it if I get to sleep in your arms tonight. I don't want to go home and sleep alone."

Zac smiled and kissed her softly. "Leave here at 4 am it is, then,"

Vanessa's eyes fluttered open the next morning and she looked to her phone to see that it was 3:52 am. She sighed and turned off the alarm on her phone and rolled over so that she was facing Zac, his arms still wrapped around her.

She studied his face, trying to put everything away in memory even though it already was. She softly traced the stubble that covered his well-defined jaw line and chin, as well as the little bit of stubble over his top lip. His looks had changed immensely over the past couple of years. He was definitely more muscular, his hair was short, but not too short, and his features were so well defined. Frankly, she didn't care how he looked; she would always love him and think he was amazingly hot. She was thankful that Zac hadn't changed on the inside though. He was still extremely hard working, passionate in everything he does, loving, caring, hilarious, and just a hands down great guy.

She hated to wake him up when he had such a peaceful look on his face, but she knew he would be upset if she left without them being able to say goodbye.

She ran her fingers through his hair and whispered, "Baby boo, I've got to go."

"hmph. Noo." He grumbled as his arms tightened around her.

She leaned down and placed soft kisses on his neck and jaw, making a trail to his lips, but stopping as she placed a kiss on the corner of his mouth.

"You missed a spot," he smiled with his eyes still closed, his voice husky from sleep.

She giggled softly and teased him by kissing behind his ear, sending shivers down his spine.

"Please, baby. Don't do this to me," he whined cutely.

She smiled and kissed his lips softly at first, but more passionately when he began to kiss back. He gently pulled her naked body on top of his, under the covers and held her close with his right arm while he used his left hand to push the curls back from her face, holding her head in place simultaneously.

She had one hand on the back of his head, holding him close as their tongues danced together softly, while the other hand was making it's way through his tousled hair, over his cheek, and around his ear.

A few minutes later, Vanessa pulled back for air and rested her forehead against his. Zac's eyes fluttered open and he brought his other hand up, so he had one hand on each of her cheeks, looking deep into her eyes. "I love you, Vanessa Anne Hudgens."

She blinked as her eyes welled up with tears. "I love you too, baby," she whispered as a tear fell down her cheek.

"Shhh, don't cry," he whispered, not breaking the tranquility of the darkened room, "you'll make me cry too. We went three years without speaking; two days will go by before we know it. I will be in LA when you get back, waiting on you. No more tears from these beautiful brown eyes, okay?"

She nodded and smiled, kissing him again. He pulled back before it got too steamy. "We can't start something we can't finish, you'll be late baby." She nodded and kissed his quickly before getting up and beginning to get dressed. Thankfully, she had already sat out an outfit before Zac packed her stuff in her car last night. He got up and threw on some boxer-briefs before helping her get dressed.

He clasped her bra together from behind and kissed the top of her shoulder. He bent down, holding out her black lacy underwear as she stepped into them, holding onto his shoulder for support.

"This is backwards. I feel like I'm in reverse, I'm normally taking them off," he said cheekily.

She giggled and kissed his chin as he stood back up. She pulled on a pair of sweat pants and a tank top. She looked up at him with puppy dog eyes and he shook his head with a smile on his face. He walked over to his closet and pulled out a plaid button up shirt, which she happily through on. She slid on some flip-flops and looked up at him sadly when she was ready. He smiled softly and took her hand as they both went down the stairs.

Starla was standing at the bottom of the stairs, waiting on them. Vanessa smiled and hugged her tightly. "Thanks for everything, mom. I'll see you soon."

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Be careful and I'll see you soon."

Zac walked Vanessa outside, not caring if he was in boxer-briefs because it was four am and frankly he didn't give a shit if someone saw him.

Vanessa leaned in and turned on the car, letting it warm up before she turned and faced him.

"You better smile. I can't let you leave with a frown on your face," he said softly as he tickled her lightly. She smiled big as he pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his waist and sighed.

"I'm going to miss you like crazy."

"Me too, babygirl, but I'll see you in little over 24 hours, right?"

She nodded and smiled before leaning up and kissing him.

He didn't hesitate to kiss back. He pulled back after a minute and smiled. "I love you," she said as she looked into his bright blue eyes.

"I love you too. Call me when you get to LA, I don't care if it wakes me up. I'll worry if you don't," he said as she buckled her seatbelt.

She smiled and nodded. "I will baby."

"Be careful," he said as he leaned through the window giving her one last kiss. She nodded and pulled out of the driveway. He winked at her as she drove off. He sighed and walked back into the house.

Vanessa was exhausted as her van pulled up to her hotel that night. She had done interviews and appearances all day long, meaning she didn't get to talk to Zac since she arrived that morning. She looked out of the window as the van stopped and wondered why so many paparazzi were outside the front door. She got out and immediately realized it was because of her.

"Vanessa! Is Zac okay? Why is he in the hospital? Is it serious?!"

Vanessa's heart dropped. "I'm sorry, what?!" Her publicist rushed her inside, but Vanessa stopped. "Britt, what are they talking about?!" She immediately reached for her phone.

Britt looked at her with a solemn face. "Your flight leaves in thirty minutes. Your bag is in the car outside. We need to go."

"Britt! Tell me what happened first!"

"He and his little brother were surfing and it was a freak accident. The wave crashed, pulling them under but when it did, their boards tangled and the current pulled them under. They think they hit their heads on the ocean floor, but they were found against some rocks at-"

"Pismo Beach." Vanessa finished as she felt all the blood drain from her face. She ran out of the hotel and into the car, not caring that paparazzi were getting pictures.

She got into the car and immediately called Starla, praying she would pick up.

"Vanessa, sweetie, is that you?!"

"Mom, what's going on?"

Vanessa could hear Starla start crying before the phone was shuffled around.

"Vanessa?"

"David, it's me. What happened?"

"You need to get here as soon as possible."

"I'm on my way to the airport. David, please."

"Dylan is awake. He had some cuts and bruises and was unconscious for a little while, but they don't think he hit the rocks. He got some stitches and has to stay overnight, but he will be fine."

Vanessa stayed silent, knowing her world was about to crash down around her.

"They are doing everything they can, Vanessa. Dylan was somehow released from the current before he was, so Dylan was able to reach the surface. They flew them both to Cedars-Sinai and we just got here about 20 minutes ago."

"Is he-….David, is he?"

"They couldn't find a pulse when he arrived."

Vanessa burst out into tears and dropped the phone as she felt herself becoming sick.

Her publicist picked up the phone. "Mr. Efron, this is Britt, Vanessa's publicist. We have just arrived at the airport, she will be there as soon as possible." She hung up the phone as Vanessa rushed out of the car, throwing up into the trashcan. Britt led her to some terminals after she finished.

"We are getting on a private plane, Vanessa. That way we don't have any stops or people."

Vanessa nodded, not really listening. She allowed Britt to pull her in whatever direction she pleased and before she knew it, she realized they were already in the air.

"How much longer, Britt?"

"Thirty minutes. We are almost there. You were zoned out."

Vanessa nodded and looked out the window. Tears were streaming down her face, but she didn't move to stop them. She closed her eyes, seeing memories flash in her mind.

"Vanessa, wake up. We are here."

Vanessa opened her eyes to see Britt standing in the aisle. "We are here. Let's go."

She jumped up and ran off the plane, quickly getting into the car that was waiting for her on the tarmac.

She turned her phone back on to see many missed calls and texts from just about everyone she and Zac were close friends. Seeing that none of them were from Starla or David, she put her phone back into her back pocket.

When the car pulled up to the hospital, tons of media were outside. Vanessa ran past them, immediately going up to the desk in the emergency room waiting area.

"Efron," Vanessa said as she reached the desk.

"And what's your name?" the nurse asked.

"Vanessa Hudgens."

The nurse looked at something on the computer and then returned her eyes to Vanessa. "Go on back. Rooms 105 and 106. They are in the back of the wing. You will have to show the security guards your nametag before they will allow you through." Vanessa nodded and ran through the doors.

The two security guards were blocking the next set of doors, obviously leading to where she needed to be. She showed them her nametag and was immediately let through. She saw the door to 105 was closed, but she could hear Dylan talking in the room next to it, where the door was open.

"Nessa!" he said as Starla and David spun around to see her coming through the door. Starla immediately hugged her, making Vanessa burst into tears. Vanessa pulled back and looked at her with bloodshot eyes.

"They have him stable for now, but it doesn't look too good unless he wakes up soon." Starla told her sadly. Vanessa nodded and hugged David tightly before looking at Dylan, tears still coming down her cheeks.

He opened his arms and smiled. "Don't worry, I'll be your temporary replacement," he half joked. She laughed softly through her tears and hugged him tightly.

She pulled back after a minute and smiled. "I'm glad you're okay, Dyl."

He smiled softly. Suddenly, loud beeps were heard from the next room and doctors and nurses rushed into the room across the hall: Zac's room. Vanessa, followed by Starla and David, walked across the hall to Zac's room. The doctor walked out of Zac's room.

"I'm so sorry. We did everything we could."

"NOOOOO!" Vanessa shot up in her bed, drenched in sweat. She looked over to her nightstand and saw that it was 1:48 am. She placed a hand over her chest and took a deep breath as she realized it was just a dream. She was in her room. Of course, the one night she has a bad dream is the one night Zac was staying at his own house since she had returned from New York three weeks ago.

She reached over and grabbed her phone, not caring to put on more clothes. She slipped on a pair of UGG boots and grabbed her keys before heading out of her house. She backed her car out of the garage and made the 2-minute drive to the house she desperately wanted to be in. She looked up onto the roof of her car where three buttons were located. The left one opened her garage, the middle one opened Zac's gate, and the right one opened Zac's garage. She pressed the middle one and the metal gate opened, allowing her entrance.

She waited for the gate to close, making sure no one followed her in as she drove up his long, private driveway. When she reached the top, the opened the two-car garage to find his Audi parked there as well. She pulled in and closed the garage before getting out. She used her key to open the door that led into the kitchen. She saw all the lights were off and made her way to Zac's bedroom. She smiled when she saw him laying face down, with one leg kicked out from under the covers.

She took off her shoes before gently climbing into bed next to him. When he felt the bed move, his eyes fluttered open. His eyebrows scrunched together as he lifted his left arm allowing her to slide in closer to him. Still lying on his stomach, he used his left arm to pull her close.

"Baby? What's wrong?" he asked softly as he saw her swollen eyes.

She shook her head and wrapped her arms around him tightly. "I just need you to hold me," she whispered. He nodded and flipped them over, so her head was resting in the crook of his neck. He pulled the covers over them both and kissed her shoulder.

"Promise you won't ever leave me."

"I promise, Ness."

"I love you."

She kissed him behind his ear. "I love you baby."

They both drifted off into a deep slumber.

Zac woke up the next morning to see Vanessa hadn't moved from her spot. Her arms were still wrapped tightly around him and he could feel her light, even breathing on his neck. Deciding not to wake her yet, he reached over and grabbed the remote, turning the TV on. He turned it to Swamp People and tried his hardest not to laugh too loud. He absentmindedly ran his hands through her hair. He smiled when he saw the kuuipo ring resting on her finger.

He had given it to her for her birthday last weekend and she reminded him that it was the best present she had received. He had stolen it from her jewelry box and got it resized since it had gotten too big for her. When he gave it to her on her birthday, telling her that one day he would replace it with a diamond ring, she cried and hugged him so tight he thought he would die from lack of oxygen.

The silver band matching her gold one was now sat on his right ring finger, where it was supposed to be.