Down The Aisle
Dresses.
The dresses and tuxes had been ordered. The menu had been devised and verified. The guest list had been calculated. The invitations has been sent and replies had flooded through their mail box. The dancing and music has been gone through. And the location has been found, booked, and visited over again to check final details.
Everything was in order; perfect he would go to say. He had to admit that he was happy all the planning had gone fairly smoothly. In the beginning it had been hard work, with everything floating up in the air. But things had settled down, as he had told a stressed Gabriella many times, and now things had slotted into place.
He wished he could have been there for his fiancé. There was nothing he wanted to do more than to hold her hand while going from caterer to caterer, or from photographer to photographer. But, due to work commitments, there just hadn't been time. He'd apologized to Gabriella millions of times, her telling him it was okay. But each time, he'd hear the sadness creeping into her voice of how he wasn't there to comfort and help her. It chipped at his heart relentlessly.
The first few months of engagement were complete bliss, and many couples say. He would wake up every morning, curled behind a soft skinned goddess whom he had the pleasure of calling his fiancé. They would shower together, eat together, go out… together. You catch the drift? And then after an exhausting day they would collapse into the bed they started their day in, when the sun rose, for them to do it all over again. Their life was hectic, even more so than it was before their relationship started, but they both loved it none the less.
Their film had brought both of them lots of success. There was roles and parts flying at him from every direction, with his voice being used more and more. The more roles he took, the more time he was away - much to Gabriella's dismay. But this was the norm; something they had got used to over time.
He missed her, terribly, but knowing that the next time he saw her she would be days away from becoming Mrs Troy Bolton made the thought of seeing her ever more thrilling. They were so close to their goal, and he knew they would make it.
Three weeks. That was all it was. Just three miniscule weeks until they were reunited. He wished every second would go faster, and usually he had time spare to do so. But now, with him being in LA finishing off his latest film, he barely had time to eat, let alone think. So why wasn't he sprawled out haphazardly in the bed he was using in Ryan and Michelle's house? Why weren't his eyes shut to tightly that the only way to open them would be to use a small crane. Why on earth, when he had the most pinnacle shoot tomorrow, was he still up, thinking about Gabriella and their wedding?
He guessed it was because he didn't have her warm presence beside him, lulling him into unconsciousness. After spending so much time without her in this world, it should have been easy to just live without one another. But the bond they had formed was unbreakable. They felt the pull towards each other constantly. So being away from each other, at a time when they should at least be together - if not pulling each others hair out - was the last thing he wanted.
Giving up trying to sleep, he rolled over to his other side, sliding up to rest against the headboard, flicking the light on. Brightness flooded the room, and he blinked his eyes to adjust to the sudden light. He looked over to the other side of the bed, imagining Gabriella's sleeping body there, only to find it was empty. It was simple; he yearned for her.
Without another thought he picked up his phone from the corner table, speed dialling to her number. The annoying ring went on endlessly, with Troy wracking up worry with every unanswered hum. Eventually, the line opened, and a yawn was the first thing he heard.
"Hello?" Gabriella's groggy voice sounded.
Troy sighed, relieved at hearing her voice. It was soothing, calming, and he felt like just telling her to talk to him all night, giving him his own lullaby. He finally broke the silence. "Honey, it's me."
He heard Gabriella yawn once again. "Are you alright? Or are you just calling me at four in the morning for fun?" Although she was groggy, he could hear the underlying annoyance in her tone. He smiled widely; he's always found her adorable when she was annoyed.
Then he glanced at the clocking, groaning, guilty. "I'm sorry, Brie. I didn't realise the time. I forgot we were on two different continents. Don't worry, just put the phone down and go back to sleep. Sweet dreams---"
"Don't be silly Troy! It's alright, I'm free to talk. To be honest, sleep hasn't been the easiest thing in the world these last few months. I just… miss you, I guess."
Troy slumped down into the pillows, sighing. "I feel exactly the same. But, it's only three weeks now, right? We've done well. On my count, we've only called each other 134 times in the last 2 and a half months."
She sent her sweet giggle down the line. "Wow, that must be a record."
He chuckled. "I think it is."
Their conversation continued, talking about wedding details and then nothing of consequence. Just passing the time together, each voice becoming sleepier by the second.
"What are you doing tomorrow -- today, I mean?" Troy asked, his body almost completely asleep, with only his ears tuned into his fiancé's beautiful voice, which his mouth ready to talk.
He heard the sheet being pulled further up her body, and wished he was there to wrap them up around her, like he always did. He voice brought him back to reality. "…got the last fitting for the wedding dress. That should be fun, actually; we've got Sharpay coming along, bringing my mother. And then Catherine is coming. That's if Sharpay can drag her away from Thomas."
Troy smiled; over the last year and a half they had been together, he'd watched Catherine become a bigger influence in Gabriella's life. They were now connected at the hip, their friendship growing from strength to strength. Catherine was a sweet girl, and she'd now got her confidence to grow around him. After such a troubled past, she was quite nervous around men. But now she was used to Troy, and he'd even go as far as to say they were friends. She'd made big improvements in her life. She didn't drink, she didn't self harm, and she finally gained confidence in herself. The relationship Catherine had been in before hadn't been good to her, but had taught her to get to know the guy well before going further in the relationship. Now she had Thomas, a lovely guy Troy had met a few times, and could tell they were in love. It made everyone - especially Gabriella and her mother - very happy to see Catherine back to being the cheerful, loving person she was.
Troy smiled, hearing the enthusiasm in Gabriella's voice. "That's great. I can't wait until the day I see you in that dress. Think I'll get you to crack and show me it?"
She laughed, impertinent. "Never, Troy Bolton, never."
"I guess I'll just have to wait until our big day, then. Any other plans?" He thought about Gabriella's day, and how different it was compared to his. Tomorrow he'd be getting up early to finish the last scene of his movie, before heading out and doing a meet and greet at the largest music and video store in LA. It was a fun filled day, fuelled by work and publicity.
He heard Gabriella groan at the other end of the telephone. "Uh-huh. I've got a spot on a new chat show in E4. They want me to perform, and then no doubt want all the Goss on our wedding. I tell you, my lips are sealed with the details. The less paparazzi on that day, the better."
He nodded. "I agree, my love.' He heard another loud yawn come from her mouth. He suppressed a chuckle. 'You need your sleep. You'll be up soon for your busy day ahead. Get some rest, and I'll talk to you later. I love you, okay?" Ever since that night, when Charlie had almost ruined everything for them and their future, he felt the need to remind her just how much she meant to him.
He heard her smile, imagining it taking up her entire face, glowing. "I know, I love you too. Speak soon. Bye."
"Bye."
He closed off the phone, placing it back down on the corner table, before burying himself further into the bed, and letting his eyes close. He went to sleep with pleasant dreams of Gabriella circling his mind.
-.-.-
Gabriela felt the heat from the sun float through the tinted windows into the stifling car. She shrugged out of her cardigan, leaving her in her white summer dress. She would open the window, but with the constant flow of camera men following her, it wouldn't be the best idea. It seemed they wanted a glimpse of everything that was going on in her life before the wedding came around. She'd rather not have them around, if she spoke honestly.
She fanned her hand in front of her face, trying to rid herself from the London heat. It usually didn't get this hot, but global warming was upon us, she thought. It would have been much cooler in a car with normal windows, she presumed. After all, a dark colour held the heat for longer, and suddenly the blackened windows weren't so practical. Against guns, yes. Against angry paps, yes. Against sunlight? No.
Finally the car slowed down, signalling her arrival at the dress store. It was a large white building in the centre of town, well known for it's beautiful wedding dress designs. After flicking through many magazines with Sharpay, her mother and Catherine they had all decided that designing her own dress would be more special. She had been to this store about five times now, meeting with the dress makers and discussing what her dress should be like. After many designs had been drawn, and many scrapped, she finally found one that she wanted. It was her final fitting today.
She waited for the driver to exit the car, pulling her bag over from the other seat and grasping her cardigan in the other hand. Soon enough, the driver knocked lightly on the window, telling her he would open the door. She then slipped her sunglasses onto her nose, and the door was opened; a flurry of excitement and flashes commenced. She stepped out of the car, and two bodyguards guided her to the front door of the building, before she slipped in, thankful that the shop didn't allow pictures to be taken. They'd even closed the shop of her; her body guards stood outside, waiting to allow her mother, Sharpay and Catherine in, but making sure no unwanted visitors got through the doors.
As soon as she had entered, she took off her sunglasses, dropping them into her oversized leather bag, and waited for Lesley, the woman who owned the store. On their first meeting, she had been somewhat shy around Gabriella. After finding out it was because of her celebrity status, they settled into a friendly routine, and were now getting long in a much more comfortable way.
Lesley stepped out from the shadows of the shop and welcomed Gabriella in with open arms. "Gabriella! How lovely to see you again. Are you ready for your final fitting."
Gabriella smiled; she loved this dress. "Of course. I can't wait to slip it on again."
Lesley led her over to the waiting area where they sat waiting for the others to arrive. Lesley patted her hand in a motherly way. "Let me tell you - we're all looking forward to seeing you in it again. I've worked with many brides, but you, my dear, are so incredibly beautiful. And so calm too."
Gabriella laughed, but she wasn't in it. "I may look calm, but honestly, I'm anything but."
Lesley's brow dipped. "How so? Are you having doubts about the dress? About the entire wedding? Feel free to tell me, darling. I've helped many a bride in this shop----"
Gabriella quickly halted her. "No! I'm not worried about the dress, or the whole marriage thing. I can't wait until I'm married - I feel like I've waited all my life to become Mrs Troy Bolton, so there's no stopping me.' She laughed, then turned back to Lesley. 'I just wish this wedding was a little more… low key. It feels like the whole world knows, and is peeking at it. I wanted it to be… small, and special."
Lesley laid her hand over Gabriella's. "Honey, whatever happens on your wedding day, it'll always be special. Because it's that day when you really tell Troy you love him; you'll remember it forever. And it won't matter about all the other stuff, just that wonderful piece of time you spent together."
Gabriella felt herself tear up. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me, Gabriella. Oh! Here come the others." Lesley quickly ushered herself to the door while Gabriella hung back slightly, making sure her eyes were dry.
Seconds later the three best ladies in my life burst through the door. Their eyes were wide and excited, their body primed and neat - ready for the last fitting of bridesmaid dresses, and all were chattering happily.
Sharpay ran over to where Gabriella sat, with the others following neatly behind. "Gabs! Gosh, isn't this exciting! I can't wait to see you in your dress again."
Gabriella smiled at her cheerfulness; it was infectious. "Thank you. I can't wait to see you in your bridesmaid dresses, too. Last time I wasn't hear, but you've all told me you like them."
Catherine sat down on Gabriella's other side. She had a dreamy look on her face. "Oh yes. They are gorgeous. The deep red looks magical on all of us. Thomas can't wait to see me in it, he says."
Sharpay nodded. "Zeke says so too."
Her mother spoke up. "And I just can't wait to go up the aisle with my beautiful daughter, and watch you marry that lovely man."
Gabriella hugged her mother. "Thank you for everything, Mum." she whispered in her mother's ear. They shared a small look of love, before being torn apart by Lesley.
She snapped her fingers. "Come on then! Let's get this show on the road."
They were taken into a large room, used for the biggest fittings. There was leather couches lining the sides, decorated in golden pillows. The walls were light cream and the lighting was dim, but light, giving the room a warm, authentic glow. Lesley guided Gabriella to one of the couches, telling her to relax while all the others went into the large changing room at the other end of the room. She waited patiently as she heard Lesley and her bridesmaids talk excitedly about their dresses. It made Gabriella jumpy, wanting to see what they looked like.
She didn't have to wait for long, as Sharpay exited the changing room first, one of Lesley workers in tow. She stood in front of Gabriella, turning around, swishing this way and that, and then finally focussed on Gabriella. She smiled widely. "Well, what do you think?"
The deep red of the dress contrasted well with Sharpay's slightly tanned skin. Her blonde hair fell in curled locks around the top of the dress, partly covering the straps. It had a large v-neck, and sloped down Sharpay's body elegantly, the fabric landing in a small heap at the bottom.
Gabriella removed her hand from her mouth, where it had been left gaping. "Shar… it's stunning on you. A complete masterpiece."
Sharpay smiled, teary eyed. "Thank you. I just wish I'd had my bridesmaids dressed like this. Gosh, those wedding photos would have been so much better." She laughed as the helped turned her around, fixing the fabric to make the dress complete. Afterwards she was turned back to Gabriella, her small bouquet in her hands. It was made with small white daises, with the occasional deep red rose, matching the dress.
Sharpay stepped to the side, with Gabriella's mother stepping out next. Gabriella smiled at the sight; she looked so content. The dress was similar, except from the neck line, which was not as dipped to the chest as it was for Sharpay and Catherine - that was the agreement between them both. The dress turned off at her feet, from her fear of falling, but all in all she looked spectacular.
"Mum, you look gorgeous." Gabriella whispered.
Her mother rolled her eyes. "Nonsense. But I must admit, the colour is quite becoming on me."
Then Catherine slipped out of the dressing room, Lesley at her side. She had already been fixed and had the bouquet in her hands, holding them tightly. As Gabriella's eyes wandered over her cousin, she noticed the insecurities lying in her eyes and unsaid words. After such a troubled past, especially with men discussing her looks, it was obvious she was nervous. The only memory of the terrible time two years ago was the small, fading white lines decorating her wrists.
Gabriella stood up and embraced her cousin. "Cathy… there are no words to describe how you look. The colour on your creamy skin… Thomas won't know what hit him!"
Catherine giggled, the insecurity she held almost gone. She looked up at Gabriella under her eye lashes, giving her a silent thank you.
Lesley then took control. "Alright, you bridesmaids can sit on the couches as we do Gabriella now. But don't crush the dresses!"
Gabriella was pulled into the large dressing room, with the mirror on the other side. She stripped down to her underwear, before Lesley unzipped the large bag on the other side of the dressing room, revealing the dress. Even though she had saw it a number of times, she still gasped. It was simple, but sophisticated. Strapless, flowing out from the hips, with a deep red bow adorning at the waist. Lesley moved the precious creation from the hanger and together with three other helpers they fitted it over her head, and down her body. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she smiled. "Perfect." she muttered, and watched as Lesley beamed.
She exited the changing room, watching as she was seen by the three woman. They all smiled, giving loving comments. Sharpay smiled. "Troy will be blown away."
Gabriella looked down, "I hope he is," She muttered.
-.-.-
Around five hours later, now out of her wedding dress, she was waiting backstage, ready to perform and be interviewed on E4. She stood still while a man moved around her, hooking her up and fixing her microphone. Once he was finished, she smiled gratefully, taking a deep breath and walked forward to wait nearer the entrance.
She could hear the bubbly audience, the chatty presenter, and the backstage workers, fiddling around with dials and running around with clip boards. She knew he had the easy job. For singing was the easiest thing in the world to her; it came naturally. The interview was definitely the harder bit. She looked down. Doing interviews with her fiancé was much more fun.
She didn't have much time to think about him as girl in her early twenties appeared at her side, muttering something into a small earpiece. She finished, then turned to Gabriella, smiling slightly. "Okay, so we're almost ready for you. You are entering from here, walking forward and then you are sitting on the seat in the middle. Paul, your guitarist, is sitting on the other, smaller seat. Alright?"
She nodded, now getting into the zone. "Sure."
The girl nodded. "You're on in ten."
Gabriella smoothed out her clothing and put on her best smile. The girl pushed her forward and the squeals and claps began. She waved to the audience, before taking her seat and singing her fairly new single, 'Save Me From Myself'.
She heard Paul stamp his feet to the beat, then she began singing.
"It's not so easy loving me
It gets so complicated
All the things you gotta be
Everything's changing
But you're the truth
I'm amazed by all your patience
Everything I put you through
She smiled as she looked directly into the camera lens as it zoomed into her. She could hear the audience clapping in time with her, but all she heard was her own voice floating into the microphone, with loving thoughts of Troy clouding her brain.
"When I'm about to fall
Somehow you're always waiting with
Your open arms to catch me
You're gonna save me from myself
From myself, yes
You're gonna save me from myself…
She led onto the next verse after a small intro from Paul.
"My love is tainted by your touch
Well some guys have shown me aces
But you've got that royal flush
I know it's crazy everyday
Well tomorrow may be shaky
But you never turn away
She had written this song a while ago, after an almost run in with Max. He was all but a memory to her now, with Troy being the only one she loved. She smiled to herself when she thought of how she'd be married to him within weeks, even though the entire world would have their eyes glued to them. She looked into the audience as the chorus came again.
"Don't ask me why I'm crying
'Cause when I start to crumble
You know how to keep me smiling
You always save me from myself
From myself, myself
You're gonna save me from myself…"
Paul finished off with a small piece of music, and then the lights went up again, the audience in uproar. At these times she had to sit and look in amazement at all her fans faces. It still shocked her that all these people liked her, were fans of her, and cared about her work.
Eventually, she stood up, took a small bow, before walking over to the chairs and the presenter, and flamboyant man called Marcus. He pulled her into a hug, before letting her sit down.
"Thank you, Gabriella, for that wonderful performance." He said, smiling widely.
She giggled. "You're very welcome."
The interview began. "How are you?"
She crossed her legs over and got comfy on the plush chair. "Very well, thank you. It's great to be on E4 music. I've always wanted to come on here."
Marcus smiled. "We're very glad you're here. So, no last minute marriage nerves?"
Gabriella laughed, secretly groaning. It hadn't gone unnoticed by her that the fans were now on the edge of their seats. "No, I'm incredibly exited about marrying Troy."
Marcus patted her knee. "Lemme tell you, you're not the only one.' The audience laughed, and Gabriella smiled fake. Marcus continued. "So, any dates yet?"
Gabriella nodded, taking a sip of her water. "Yes."
"And are you gonna tell us?"
She smiled, but shook her head. "My lips are sealed."
Marcus whined. "Really? Aw, come on. We're all so excited."
Gabriella laughed. "And so am I. But it's my wedding, and I want it to be quiet. I don't want a million fans, however much I adore you all, to be flooding into the church on the day I wed. It's just a day for me and Troy."
Marcus winked, then turned to the audience. "Okay, so we've got a church so far…"
The audience laughed, while Gabriella sighed.
She hoped this interview wouldn't last too long.
It was already torture.
A/N; And another chapter is given to you. Sorry for the wait, I'm trying to juggle both my stories, plus schoolwork, plus I'm ill. So, if this isn't the best, I'm sorry. I want to take this opportunity to say how thankful I am for all your reviews. When they flooded my inbox the day after I posted the first chapter, I was blown away. The support for this story is unbelievable, so thank you to all who reviewed, favourited, and alerted. It's means a lot.
So, for this chapter, please show some love and review!