Chapter 8

Troy's house was big-actually, that's a huge understatement. It was extravagant, Angelina was in awe of the foyer, then Troy and Chad led her to the living room. It was heaven. "Why can't I stay here for Christmas?" she asked a loud, earning raised brows from the boys, "I said that out loud, didn't I?" she asked, blushing.

They nodded.

"Okay," Troy said, sitting on an overstuffed couch. "Let's start with some questions."

"Yeah." Chad agreed. oh no, thought Angie, "what do you want to know?" she asked, smiling shyly. "Um…", Troy said.

"We DO know that your name is Angelina!" Chad exclaimed. Angelina just stared at him, with raised brows. "huh?"

"Your mom talks loud." he stated, with a one shoulder shrug.

"Oh."

An awkward silence began to hang over them. Angie cleared her throat, Troy scratched his palm. "Well, I think that I sh-" before Angie could finish, Troy interrupted, "How old are you?" he asked. She paused in mid-stand. "What?"

"How old are you?" he repeated.

"Eleven," she said, sitting down again.

"Eleven?"

"Yep-okay, eleven and a half, but I dropped the half because I never really understood how and why it's there, so I just say I'm eleven instead saying I'm elev-" she was interrupted by Troy's hand on her mouth. "Sorry." she mumble.

"Just don't talk so much."

"Right, sorry."

Another silence, more awkward throat clearing.

Honestly, Angie didn't know what to do, she was confused and tired; and parts of her were still soaking wet, she wanted to cuddle up with her grandpa and fall asleep knowing that they are going decorate the house tomorrow. Was she still in San Diego? She wanted her mom. Even though she scared her a bit when she was red-faced.

She needed a distraction, the plushy couch wasn't providing any. She didn't want to answer anymore questions. Her eyes started to wander out of boredom, pretty soon, the two men sitting across from her were just blurs and she barely heard the questions they were asking. Suddenly, her eyes stopped on a picture of a cheap looking, red-haired woman. "Slut…" she said, softly.

"What?" Troy asked.

"Huh?" Angie retorted.

Angelina, you-"

"Angie."

"What?" Troy asked, confused.

"I actually prefer 'Angie', not 'Angelina'" she stated matter of factly.

"Oh, all right. Well, Angie, you said something."

She thought quickly and carefully before answering. "I said nothing." she replied, "Got a room for me? I'm tired." she feigned a yawn.

"Yeah," Troy said. "follow me." he got up and walked through the double doors. But, he stopped before he went all the way out, he turned half way on his heel, "Chad, if Celine calls, do NOT tell her about the events that occurred today, got it?"

Chad nodded, "yeah, sure thing dude."

Troy nodded and turned to Angie, "You coming, Angie?"

"huh? Oh yeah, show me the room." she said, jumping off the couch and going to stand next to Troy. She looks exactly her, but with my eyes, I'd never seen anyone more beautiful…well, except Gabriella of course. Wow…I can't believe she's…mine…, Troy thought as she stood next to him. "Okay, let's go."

"Suh-weet!" she exclaimed quietly, no one heard her, thank god.

Dear diary,

I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!

I knew something was going to happen! And I was totally

About it being awesome! *cough* sweet! *cough* I can't

Believe I met my dad! The house is plain and completely void

Of 'Christmassy' decorations. But, never fear! I will fix that.

Hmm….just like I'll also "fix" that picture of the red-headed

Bimbo. Heh heh heh.

I don't know what happened between my mom and dad

Back then, but I know what's going to happen now.

Time for a recon mission. Wouldn't be the first time.

Boo-yah!

Tootles-

Angie.