December 25, 2012

If their little house wasn't crowded before it definitely was now. Everybody came down for Christmas. Gabriella's parents, Troy's dads and mom, Chad's parents and Taylor's parents. The parents were staying at a nearby hotel but the celebration would be held at the house. Gabriella and Taylor had been running around all week getting the stuff they needed for snacks and Christmas dinner.

They were a little overwhelmed at first about the amount of food they had to cook and how they were going to do it in their small kitchen. Thankfully Gabriella's parents and Troy's mom came down a little early and helped them out with things that could be prepared days in advance.

Gabriella had already cleaned out half of her closet for things for the baby. She already had so many clothes of all sizes she had no idea where she was going to put them all. Taylor and Sharpay already told her they were throwing her a baby shower and she was going to get even more stuff. She was feeling very overwhelmed since the dress fitting and Troy coming back but spending a lot of time with that Julie girl, the holidays. It was all too much for her hormonal body.

She found herself sitting in the closet around noon. Everybody was in the house, watching football and talking and laughing. Taylor was keeping an eye on the food that was cooking and she needed to get away. Her closet door was closed and the light was on. She was rummaging through a bag of baby clothes. She pulled out a pair of footie pajamas for a pre-mature baby.

Her mom said that she was this small when she was born. She was a couple weeks early and she stopped growing. She was always small and her mom said her baby is bound to be small as well by the size of her small bump. Gabriella pouted to herself, holding the small piece of cloth.

"Gabi?" She heard her door open. "Gabsy?"

"In here." She said quietly, hoping he wouldn't hear her.

After a couple of heave foot steps the door opened. Troy was frowning when he saw her sitting on the floor. "Do I want to ask why you're in the closet?" He asked slowly.

She just shrugged. "My mom said I was this small." Gabriella held up the tiny onsie. "She said our baby was going to be this small too."

"Maybe." He said with a shrug. "Maybe not, do you see how many bags of potato chips you eat a week?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Shut up."

"Why are you in the closet?" He asked, taking a seat in front of her.

"Just needed to get away from the crazy." She said sitting back against the wall behind her. "Mom keeps talking about the baby and your mom is just crazy and Taylor's freaking out about the stupid ham. I don't even like ham!"

Troy chuckled. "I know."

"I want a nap but I can't fall asleep." She ran her fingers against the little buttons. "We haven't talked about boy names."

"Right." Troy said, taking the onsie out of her hands and putting it back in the bag. "We only have Jillian."

Gabriella pushed her hair back. "I'm terrible at picking names but I book marked some that I liked."

"Let's get the book." Troy said, getting up. He helped her up and rubbed her belly gently.

They took a seat on her bed and Gabriella grabbed her name book. "I'll read them off and you can tell me if you like them."

"Okay, hit me."

She flipped through her book. "Alexander Elijah Bolton."

"Eh." He made a face.

"Charlie Alexander Bolton."

"No."

Gabriella sighed. "Grayson Vincent Bolton."

"I don't know about Vincent but I like Grayson."

"Isaac Jack Bolton"

"I like Isaac too." Troy said. "Anymore?"

"Wesley"

Troy chuckled. "Just Wesley?"

"That's as far as I got." She said with a small smile.

He kissed the top of her head. "That's okay. Let's get back out there. Food's almost ready and you don't have to talk about the baby if you don't want to."

"I was just feeling overwhelmed. I'm sure I'll feel better in a little bit." She breathed out. "I feel a little better. I haven't been doing my yoga lately so I've been tense and irritable. I just have to survive Christmas and our moms and dads and when they leave everything will be just peachy."

"I can give you a few more minutes."

Gabriella shook her head. "No, I'm good."

Troy grinned. "Okay, let's go."

Gabriella walked out her room and was met by Mark, Troy's fathers husband. "There you are. We were looking for you. Dinners almost ready."

She gave him a small smile. "Thanks Mark."

"No problem, sweetie. We were going to play a quick game of UNO. Jackie and I and the Danforth's. Y'all are welcome to join."

"Sure. I'll be right there. I'm a little parched." Gabi nodded.

"Want your water? I'll get it for you." Troy said, rubbing her shoulder.

Gabriella nodded again with an appreciative smile. "Thanks."

"Let's get goin. I have to sit far away from Jackie. He's ruthless. He has draw fours all over the place. I think he cheats sometimes." Mark said with a wink. She giggled and followed him to the table where they were gathering.

December 31, 2012

New Years Eve came around quick. They each had a party they were invited to. Taylor and Gabi were invited to a Stanford one; Chad, an East Bay one and Troy, a party that Julie was throwing. Sharpay and Zeke were in New York visiting Kelsi and Ryan for the Holiday. They'd been debating since Christmas to hit each party together or split up and make it back home by midnight so they can celebrate together.

They were still undecided as they got ready. Gabi was, of course, the DD. They said they weren't planning on drinking much but you never really knew. She was the first one to be ready. She waited on the couch patiently, reading a book. She was a little bummed out she wouldn't be celebrating like everyone else but she couldn't do much about that.

Troy was in his room, deciding if he should gel his hair back or not. He wasn't really trying to impress anybody but it didn't hurt to look decent. He decided against it. He was going casual for the night. He buckled his belt and walked out of his room. He saw his Gabi sitting on the couch, chewing gum and reading a book.

"You think I should wear black or a white shirt? Or a different shirt?" He asked. He winced as she nearly jumped ten feet in the air. "Sorry."

"I swear that's how I'm going to go into labor." She said, putting her book down to talk to Troy. She licked her lips unconsciously at his half naked form. "Black looks good with those jeans." She said, surprising herself that she remembered the question.

"Sweet. Are they ready?" He asked, wiping some water droplets off his shoulder.

"Nope. We're all going together, right?"

"Yeah, I think."

"We are." A third voice, Taylor, piped in. She was dressed and ready to go.

"Damn girl. I wish I could fit into that dress." Gabriella said with a small pout. It was her dress, actually. Short and black paired with some stilettos. "I love your hair long like that."

"Thank you." Taylor said with a wide grin. "How are we dressed and ready before the boys?"

"I'm pregnant and fat and don't care what I look like right now… and you were always quick to get dressed." Gabriella said with a shrug.

Taylor rolled her eyes. "Whatever, you look cute."

"I look like my grandma." Gabriella said. "I'm pretty sure this sweater is my moms and this skirt is disgusting."

"Go change then."

"It's maternity. The only thing that will fit and the only thing that's clean." She said with a sigh. "Whatever, where's Chad?"

"Playing with his hair." Taylor said with another roll of her eyes.

"Jesus, we're going to be here till the ball drops." She saw Troy come out with his shirt on. "Chad! Your hair is fine! You have two minutes or I'm leaving without you!" Gabriella yelled through the small house. She picked up the keys to her and Troy's Christmas present from Troy's Mother.

Troy's mom got them a brand new SUV. She claimed they needed a family car for when the baby comes. The gift itself gave Gabriella a headache and Troy thought it was completely over the top. They couldn't give it back or else Lucille would be heartbroken and anxiety ridden because her first grandchild wouldn't have a safe vehicle to be transported in.

After the dramatics were over, Gabriella actually liked the truck. She was going to keep her little car for commuting over the bridge. It was nice to have a truck that they all fit in comfortably; plus one in a car seat when the time came.

Chad walked out of his bedroom not even a minute later. "See, I'm out. What's the game plan?"

"I was thinking we hit up Stanford until it gets boring or whenever then East Bay and do the same and Julie's last." Troy said.

"Why don't we go to Julie's first?" Taylor asked.

"I promised I'd be there when the ball dropped… or a little afterward."

Gabriella rolled her eyes in thought. She still wasn't Julie's biggest fan. She didn't like Julie, period. Gabi would get unreasonably jealous when he'd go hangout with her like she was his new best friend or something. She wished he'd never gone on that stupid Carolina away game road trip.

She felt herself getting worked up. "Let's just go. Whatever. We can decide in the car." She grabbed her freshly filled water jug and walked out the front door. Troy, Taylor, and Chad followed, discussing the best option. Deciding to go with Troy's option, Gabriella headed across the San Francisco Bay.

The Stanford party turned out to be a bust. It was boring, the alcohol wasn't that great and the people were not very lively. They decided to just head straight to Chad's East Bay party, hoping for a good time. It took a while to get there but when they did, they seemed to have came at the right time. The party was just getting started.

Gabriella and Troy stood awkwardly in the living room. They were leaned against the wall, not really saying anything. They watched the party goers. Some people were totally trashed already and were not going to be seeing the New Year come in. It was only about 9:30. Chad was dragging Taylor around, introducing everybody to his hot girlfriend. He knew a lot of people there. It didn't really surprise them because Chad was really outgoing.

Gabriella sighed when she felt the urge to pee. She smoothed her hand down her baby bump and turned to look at Troy. His eyes were stuck on a girl that just walked by. "Troy." She said. He didn't respond. "Troyy." She said loudly, snapping her fingers.

"Hm? What?"

"I have to go pee. Can you come with me? I don't want to get lost. After I'm done you can go flirt with whoever you want."

He murmured a response and nodded. He put his hand on her lower back as they looked around for a bathroom. They found one but when they opened it there was a group of people standing in there. They shut the door quickly and made their way around to the other bathroom. Gabriella stood in line with Troy next to her. It was a little bit quieter than the main living area of the house. Gabi was thankful their dance music was giving her a head ache.

"Oh my god." A tall blonde girl said, who was in the line in front of her. "You're such a cute pregnant girl!"

Gabriella furrowed her eyebrows. "Thanks?"

"Can I touch your bump?" She asked, all too excited. She grabbed her bump before Gabriella even had time to respond. "I thought I was pregnant once. I almost killed myself. I don't know how you're doing it. Especially here. Do you go here?"

"No, My friend does." She said, looking at Troy for some help.

"It's your turn." Troy pointed out to the drunk blonde girl.

"Oh! Gotta pee!" She said, slightly stumbling into the bathroom.

"Remind me not to sit on the toilet seat." Gabriella muttered to Troy as they took a step forward.

After a couple hours at the East Bay party, they met up and Gabriella drove up to Albany. A little city just North West of Berkeley. Julie and Mason's grandparents owned the house there. It was usually a rental but it's tenant free at the moment. It was a pretty big party by just the looks of it. There were cars everywhere.

Gabriella dropped everybody off and found a place to park a little ways down the street. She checked the time and it was nearing midnight as she walked in the door. The music was comfortably loud and the TV was on to the Ball Drop in Times Square. Gabriella sat down on the couch with her jug of water.

Troy had found Mason when he walked right in. After getting them some drinks, Mason showed them around the house. They'd got to the backyard where some people were smoking when they found Julie. "Hey guys!" She said, hugging each one. "You guys came just in time. Where's Gabriella?"

"She had to find somewhere to park." Taylor explained. "She should be catching up with us in a little bit."

Julie nodded. "Mason, go find Gabriella. Make sure she made it inside alright." Julie glanced at her watch and squealed slightly. "Fifteen till midnight! We have champagne that's going to be going around so don't forget to grab a glass. We're all going to be inside in ten minutes."

Mason headed off to find Gabriella. Chad and Taylor went back inside to dance. "I hope I didn't miss anything too crazy." Troy said to Julie after he watched his friends walk away.

"No cops have been called so.. Fingers crossed." She held up her crossed fingers and took a drink of her drink. "You have to find me at midnight okay?"

"How come?"

"It's a surprise." Julie said with a wide grin. "Just find me, okay?"

"Okay." Troy agreed.

Chad and Taylor were off to the makeshift dance floor in the middle of the living room. The couch that was pushed back against the wall had Gabriella and Mason in it. Taylor watched as Mason made her laugh and shake her head. Chad turned his attention over to where Taylor was looking. He smiled as he watched Gabi laugh.

They wondered what they were talking about. What did he say that made her laugh? Especially since she'd been grumpy for the last three weeks. Chad wondered if Mason knew how Troy felt. He was just being friendly, right? He had to know.

"So my cat leaped over the breakfast bar and scratched Julie down her face." Mason said, snickering. "She screamed so loud, she made my mom pee herself."

"Who knew cats hated plastic bags so much?" Gabriella said after she calmed down from her laughter. "Julie was okay though right?"

Mason nodded. "Yeah, she cried for a minute but she was fine. Dad and I were too busy laughing at my mom to really notice."

"I need a cat. They're just so perfect."

"Why don't you get one?"

"Taylor's allergic. Maybe when I move out… or they move out. Whatever one comes first." Gabi said with a shrug.

Mason glanced at her belly. "It's going to be cramped with all five of you in that house."

"I know. I'd move out now if I could but I don't want to live alone or have the money too. Troy and I were talking about getting a place, since we're having a baby. I don't want him to bring home random girls. It'd be a lot."

"Are you dating anyone?"

Gabi laughed. "Do I look like I'm in a position to be dating anyone right now?"

"You're a beautiful girl, I don't see a reason for you to go out a couple times. You should go out now before you're busy with a baby. I know Troy's dying to make you his girl."

Gabriella sighed. "I think he's gotten over me." Her eyes wandered off. She waved to Chad and Taylor who were staring. Troy and Julie came walking in, laughing. "He and Julie seem pretty close lately." She sighed.

"They've been hanging out a lot. She comes to Basketball a lot more now. I don't really mind though. Me and Jule have always been close." He said with a shrug. "You bored? You wanna dance or something?"

Gabriella looked at him in disbelief. "You want to dance with the fat pregnant girl?"

"You're not fat. Let's dance, grump." Mason said with a small smile. He got up and helped Gabriella up. She stood up with a grunt and smoothed her blouse over her skirt. He took her hands and lead her two steps into the crowd. "I really know how to bust a move." Mason said with a cocky grin.

Gabriella couldn't help but laugh when the tall, lanky man in front of her started moving. He could bust a move alright. Too bad he looked like a fish out of water with octopus arms. She found his silliness refreshing. It reminded her of Chad in High School. He was still Chad but after they moved to California he became more serious, mature even.

As the song changed, Mason took her hand and twirled her around. She giggled as she danced around him. Taylor pulled Chad over to her, dancing in a group. Mid song the music stopped. The people on the floor stopped moving abruptly and looked to Julie who was standing by the TV.

"Five minutes!" She said. "Champagne's coming around so grab a glass!"

Gabriella felt a tap on her shoulder. Troy held a glass towards her. She looked at it confused. "It's sparkling cider." Troy explained.

She smiled. "Thank you."

"You're welcome.'

"Mason is really funny. He's a nice guy."

Troy nodded. "He's a great guy. That's his girlfriend, Miranda." He pointed to a pretty redhead talking with Julie.

"She's pretty." Gabriella said with a smile. She glanced back at the TV. Three minutes. "So which one of these lucky girls are you kissing at midnight?"

"All of them."

"You wish." Gabriella said with a small smile.

Troy chuckled. "You're the only girl I wanna kiss at midnight baby."

"I think you had your limit."

"I'm fine." He said waving her off. He put his hand on her bump. "How is my baby doing?"

"It's good. It was moving a lot earlier. I think it's sleeping now."

"can we find out what it is already? Its killing me." He said dramatically. "I nned to know if I have a son or a daughter. Don't you want to know?"

Gabriella put her hand on his. "Of course I do. I just want to wait until it's born. It'll be a fun surprise. It might be the only baby I have. I want it to be a surprise."

Troy frowned. "Why do you say that? We're going to have lots and lots of babies."

Gabriella sighed. "Troy…"

"I know." He said, rolling his eyes. "We've already talked about this. One day, just one day, You are going to realize you're in love with me too. I'll be there for you. We can live happily ever after… with our baby."

"The thought is nice Troy, but-"

"Five! Four! Three! Two!…."

The ball had dropped on the TV. The whole room was taking their drink of Champagne from their plastic glasses. Gabriella took a reluctant sip from her plastic flute of cider. She felt like an imposter. All these college kids were having fun but she was drinking sparkling cider. She sighed to herself, finishing her glass off before looking around the room.

"No!" She heard Troy say from next to her.

"What?" She asked softly.

"Callie." He said. He turned to me and grinned. "Callie is here!"

"That's great." Gabriella said sarcastically. "Who's Callie?"

Troy pointed across the room. All Gabriella was saw kissing couples. It seems like everybody was pared up, kissing like there was no tomorrow. Her body froze up when she finally saw what Troy was talking about. Julie was tongue deep in who Gabriella guessed was Callie. She looked over at Troy. "They've been talking online for years. I knew they were meeting up soon but I didn't know it was going to be tonight." Troy said with a fond smile.

Gabriella rubbed her tummy, finding Troy's hand still on it. "That's great for Julie."

"Yeah, she's a great person." Troy bent down, pressing a kiss to Gabriella's belly. "Happy New Year, baby. Can't wait to meet you." She smiled down at him and wrapped her arms around him tightly. It was times like these, even though he was drunk, that she couldn't wait to see him with their child.

Told you. Don't forget to review!