June 22, 2013
"Are you ready to spend your day with mama and Uncle Chad?" Gabriella asked her almost two month old son. She held him up, kissing his face. Ever since he was born she'd been obsessed with her son. There were only a couple hours they spent apart but they were the longest hours of her life.
It was Saturday, Troy was at a meeting for school and Taylor had to work. This left Gabriella, Grayson, and Chad to find something to do for the day. Chad had approached Gabi a couple of days ago to help him go ring shopping. Gabriella, of course, said yes. She could not wait to look around jewelry stores, picking out a ring that Taylor would love.
Grayson was getting bigger every day. He had gained a couple pounds since he was born but he was still small. Gabriella couldn't wait to take him out again. It was a little difficult the first time they went out for Troy's birthday but she wanted to try it again.
She strapped her son into his black and gray car seat. He seemed alert and ready to go out. His 'My Uncle Rocks' onsie looked huge on him but she couldn't help but put it on Gray. She checked over his bags making sure he had everything he needed. She picked him up and walked out to the living room. She set him on the couch and slipped her shoes on.
"Chad, are you ready?" She asked.
"Yep." Chad walked out of his room, his hair pulled back with an elastic. "Do I look mature?"
She smiled, giggling quietly. "You look very mature."
Chad frowned. "Don't laugh."
"It's just different." She said with a shrug. "Mature Chad is hard to picture with High school Chad in my mind."
Chad rolled his eyes. "Lets just go. I'll carry the kid."
"Thanks Chad." She said, grabbing the keys. She followed him out with Gray's bags and her purse. They hopped into the truck, letting Chad drive. "Do you know when you're going to do it?" Gabriella asked, watching as they turned onto the main street.
"Soon." Chad said with a smile. "It's been five years already."
"Crazy." Gabriella murmured. "She's going to be so excited."
Chad grinned. "I can't wait to marry her. I know she is the only one I want to be with."
"How did you know?"
Chad shrugged. "I mean, it just hit me one day. Shar and Zeke are getting married… you and Troy have a baby… Taylor and I are about to get engaged. We're all at a turning point in our lives and it just all feels so right."
Gabriella nodded in agreement. "I know exactly what you're talking about."
"I don't know about fate and all that girly crap but I know that Taylor is made for me."
Gabi laughed. "Just what every girl loves, girly crap."
Chad chuckled. "She's definitely going to say yes."
"Of course she will."
Chad pulled up to the mall and parked crooked in a space meant for a compact car. Gabriella shook her head to herself and got out. She let Chad get the baby and she opened his stroller. She placed the car seat snugly in the stroller. She locked it in place and looked at her son. He had fallen asleep during the car ride.
Gabriella stuffed the bags in the bottom compartment of the stroller and took the keys back from Chad. She locked up and pushed the stroller towards the entrance. "Thanks." She muttered as Chad opened the door for her.
"I'm thinking we just start here and make our rounds. I don't know what I'm going to find. I think there is only three or four jewelers in the mall. So we can come back if we find one we really like."
"Good plan." She said, looking around. "Lead the way."
"Of course."
They walked into the first jewelry store and they looked around at the bright diamonds that were on display. Gabriella's eye was stuck on this three karat princess cut diamond. It was breathtaking. It was in a simple thin silver band. She knew she was looking for Taylor but if she had the money she would have bought that ring and married herself. She laughed at the thought.
"See anything?" Chad asked.
"That one is gorgeous but it's probably too plain for Tay, ya know?" She said pointing to her favorite one.
"Yeah, she said she didn't like princess cut." Chad murmured. "I want to get her a three stone ring."
She nodded. "Alright, do you know what cut?"
"Gabriella I have no idea." Chad said. "Just not princess cut."
She laughed quietly. "alright Chad." She pat his back and pushed along the display looking at the diamonds.
"I don't think were going to find anything here." Chad said after a couple minutes.
"Let's move on to the next." She said, gripping her hands on the stroller. Gray was sleeping soundly, cuddled in his blanket. He was so handsome. Chad followed her out of the store and they walked along the mall. "How much do you want to spend?"
"7 to 8." He said, taking a peek at Gray.
"Thousand?"
"Hell no. I don't have seven thousand dollars!"
Gabi giggled. "I was just making sure. Eight is the max?"
"Yeah."
"I don't know if I want to get married anymore. I probably won't after Shar's wedding."
"You say that now but in a couple of years you'll want to." Chad said, looking over at her. "I'm still betting on Troy."
Gabriella sighed. "Can you not? Troy and I aren't going to happen."
Chad shrugged. "I'm just saying."
She rolled her eyes and continued pushing the stroller. "I did like looking at engagement rings. That one I pointed out. Gorgeous. If I ever get proposed to, I want one like that."
"I'll let Troy know."
She shoved him the best she could with one arm. "Shut up."
"You know I love teasing you, Gabs."
"Yeah, yeah."
"It'll be the last time I bring it up, I promise."
"Thank you." She said with a smile. "Was that so hard?"
"Yes. It's painful." Chad said dramatically. He turned into the second store and Gabriella followed keeping her eye out for the perfect ring.
She hummed as she looked down the display. "Can I help you?" An older man asked her. "Do you see anything you like?"
"I'm looking for my best friend actually. How much is that one?" She asked, pointing to a three stone, round cut diamond ring. "Can I see it?"
"Of course." The gentleman said. He opened the cabinet with a silver key and pulled the small box out. He placed it on the glass counter. He lifted it up. "It is 699. 1.75 carat. White Gold."
"It's beautiful." Gabriella murmured. "Chad." She waved him over.
Chad came over and took a look at the ring. "Wow."
"Right? It's beautiful. 699, plus warranty, you'll be right on track." Gabriella said, patting his back. Gabriella rolled the stroller back and forth as Gray started to stir.
"Can you hold it?" Chad asked the man.
"We can hold it until the end of the day. I need your name."
"Chad Danforth."
The man pulled out a pink slip from under behind the counter and scribbled Chad's name on it. He took it to the back before coming back out and locking up the case. "Anything else?"
"We'll probably be back in an hour or two." Chad said with a polite smile.
"Great. See you then."
"Come on, Gab." Chad said, leading her out.
They walked down the mall and Gabriella picked her head into a couple stores. She stopped abruptly when they were nearing Starbucks. "Chad." She said softly.
"What's up?"
"Starbucks."
"Gabi, come on."
She pouted. "But I need it."
"Gabi." He warned.
"Please, just watch Gray while I wait in line." She said, pulling her purse from the bottom of the stroller.
Chad sighed. "Fine, you have to buy me something too then."
"Deal." She said with a wide smile.
"I'm going to be sitting over there." He pushed the stroller to a near set of tables and took a seat.
Gabriella walked into Starbucks and inhaled. She missed coffee and was so excited to be able to drink it regularly again. She was four people deep in line and looked at the menu. She wondered what she should get for Chad. She decided to order the same thing she got for him, incase he won't drink it, she will. She laughed to herself manically.
"How can I help you?" The barista asked.
"Two Venti White Mochas with extra whip."
"Great, your name?"
"Gabi." She said, opening up her Starbucks App. She paid and got her drinks. She walked back over to Chad who looked bored. She passed him his hot cup while she took a drink. "Let's go."
"If we don't find anything better, I'm getting that ring."
"Got it." Gabi said, putting her cup in the holder. "Do you like it?"
"Tastes like shit." He said, taking another sip. "But I'll drink it."
Gabi laughed quietly. "Good, let's do this thing."
They went to the third and fourth jewelry store. They found beautiful rings from each but they were all out of Chad's price range. They walked back to the second store and Chad bought the ring he put on hold. He was getting it resized to Taylor's measurements and it would be ready in two to three days.
Gray woke up on their way back to the house. Gabriella fed him in her room then burped him. They played for a little while before Troy got home. Troy and Chad played with Gray while Gabriella started with dinner. She heard the front door open and close.
"Hey Gab, what are we having for dinner?" Sharpay asked walking in the kitchen with Zeke behind her.
"Taco night." Gabriella said, holding her arms out for a hug.
"You look good." She said whilst squeezing her.
"I've lost like ten pounds other than the weight I lost when I had Gray. I've been walking more." Gabi said, waving her hand. "Guess what me and Chad did today."
"What?" Sharpay asked, looking in the fridge for something to drink. Zeke went in the living room with the boys.
Gabriella turned to face Sharpay and pointed to her ring finger on her left hand. "Shopping."
"No!" Sharpay squealed. "Did you he find anything?"
Gabi nodded excitedly. "It's so pretty. He's getting it in a couple of days."
"We have two weddings to plan." She said excitedly. "God, I can't wait."
Gabi smiled at her friend. "So are you going to help me cook or what?"
Sharpay snorted. "Zeke is the chef, not me."
"Brat." Gabi said, pushing her shoulder playfully.
July 1, 2013
"I'm nervous." Gabriella muttered, sitting in the backseat of the truck.
"Why are you nervous? You're not even getting a shot." Troy said, driving. They were on their way to Gray's pediatrician. He was going to get a check up and a shot today. Gabi was so nervous, she was about to pass out or puke.
"It doesn't matter. I couldn't even be in the same room when he got shots the first time." Gabi explained. "Gray is almost two months old. I already hate hearing him cry. Don't you have any kind of sympathy pain?"
"Of course I do, Gabsy. You have to be strong for him. Make it seem like everything is going to be okay." Troy said. "God. Two months old. Where did that time go?"
She pouted. "I know."
"He's still small." Troy mentioned. "We should talk to Dr. Brown about his size."
"We can." Gabi said, rubbing Gray's hand. He opened his eyes and looked up at his mom. "His eyes are perfect. You are perfect, Gray." She leaned down kissing his cheek. He gave her a wide toothless smile. "Stop being so handsome."
"Sorry, I can't." Troy responded. "Who knew he'd end up with Hazel eyes?"
"All the girls are going to be all over him." Gabi pouted.
"All the girls are all over him now."
"Any girl that tries to get with my boy has to go through me."
"My son is never going to have a girlfriend." Troy said, glancing at her through the rear view.
She nodded her head. "I'm going to hand pick his wife."
"Good luck with that." Troy said with a smirk.
"I will, just wait and see." Gabi said, rubbing her thumb over son's tiny fingers. "Are you a Mama's boy, Grayson?" The baby just made another half smile before he let out a loud fart.
Troy burst out laughing. "That's what I think of that idea too, son."
Gabi pouted. "Rude."
Troy pulled in the parking lot of the doctor's office. He parked the SUV and got out. He grabbed the baby while Gabi got his bag and her purse. They walked into the office and Troy took a seat while Gabi stood in line to check in.
"I have a three o clock for my son Grayson Bolton. He's two months old." Gabi said, pulling out his insurance card.
"Thank you. Mrs. Bolton." The secretary said, running his cards. "We'll call you when he's ready."
Gabriella grimaced. "Thanks." That was the second time she'd been called Mrs. Bolton. It was starting to get really awkward. She took a seat next to Troy who was holding their son. "They called me Mrs. Bolton again."
"Mrs. Bolton. That sounds nice." He said with a small smirk.
"Don't push it." She warned. "Let me see my boy." She held out her arms for the baby. Troy transferred the baby into her arms. "I just want to stare at him all day."
"You do stare at him all day." Troy said, chuckling.
"I do not. I feed him and change him and play with him."
"Eat with him, nap with him, stare at him…" Troy continued for her.
Gabi rolled her eyes. "I'd love to be at school but I love taking care of him more. He's so handsome."
"Who do you think he gets it from?" Troy said, nudging her.
"Me."
"You're the handsomest lady I've never seen."
"You know what I mean." She smacked his arm gently. "He gets all his good looks from me. Don't you buddy?" She leaned down and nuzzled her face into his belly. Gray gurgled happily, grabbing a hold of her hair.
"He's got quite a grip." Troy murmured, removing her hair from his small fingers.
"Sure does." She passed the baby back over to Troy and Gray rested his head on his fathers chest. She smiled. "I love when you guys fall asleep like that. I have a million pictures of him sleeping on you."
"That's not creepy."
"It's cute." Gabi pulled out her phone. "Look when you call me, this is the picture that shows up." She showed him a picture of Troy, sleeping on her bed with Grayson on his chest. It was about two weeks after Gray was born. He looked so tiny compared to Troy. "See, cute."
Troy smiled looking at the picture. He was about to say something when the nurse called Grays name. Gabi carried the carrier and his bag. Troy talked to the nurse as they were walked to his room. Gabi put the things down and helped Troy take off Gray's clothes.
"We're just gonna measure him really quick before the doctor comes in." The nurse said with a big smile. "Hi Grayson." She said, touching his little hand. "May I?"
"Go ahead." Troy said handing him over. Troy took a seat next to Gabriella. He put his arm around her and she leaned into him.
"Has he been sleeping well?"
Gabi nodded. "He's been really good actually. He's been sleeping and eating regularly. We have a set schedule."
"Great." The nurse said. "Looks like he grew and put some weight on him. He seems very healthy. Here you go, The doctor will be right with you."
"Thank you." Troy said, taking the baby back.
Grayson curled up in Troy's arms while he sat down. Gabriella stroked her sons head lovingly. "You're going to have to hold him when they poke him."
"I always do." Troy said, looking down at his son. "He's a tough guy. He'll be fine."
"He's two months old!" Gabi said, frowning. "My poor baby. I'm sorry."
"He won't even remember it."
"I'm sorry I don't like to inflict pain on people." Troy snorted. "What?"
"What? What?" Troy asked in response.
"What? Why'd you snort?" She asked, frowning.
"Nothing."
"No tell me."
"Gabi, relax. I just snorted." He said, shifting the baby. She sighed, frowning. She watched the door and they waited in silence for the doctor to get in.
Dr. Brown stepped in the room shortly after. "Hey! How are you all today?"
"We're great. How are you Dr. Brown?"
"Great." She said. "Let's see the little guy."
Troy handed him over. "Oh wow! Look at him. He's getting so big!"
"I know. I'm happy he's putting on weight." Gabi said, with a small smile.
"He looks really good. I'm just going to listen to his heart for a moment." She put her stethoscope in her ears and rubbed the drum, warming it up a bit. She placed it on his chest and he just looked up at her curiously. "His heart beat is strong."
Gabi smiled. "He's a healthy boy."
"He sure is." Dr. Brown said. She finished looking him over. "Alright. I think we're ready for his shot. Who's going to hold him?"
"Daddy." Gabi said. "I can barely watch."
Dr. Brown laughed. "Don't worry, it's normal. Here you go Daddy." She handed the baby back to Troy. "You're going to want to hold him still for me."
"No Problem." Troy said as the doctor got the shots ready.
"I'll try not to cry." Gabi said, watching her get the needles ready. She cleaned Gray's skin before grabbing a hold of his thigh. "Oh god." Gabi said, covering her mouth.
Grayson let out a sharp cry as the doctor poked him. She quickly covered the poke with a band-aid. Gabriella's heart broke for her little boy. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes. "Just one more." The doctor said.
She poked him and put a band-aid over it before cleaning up. Troy was rocking Gray to hopefully get him to calm down and Gabriella burst out in tears. "Come here, Gabsy." He held his arm out. Gabi curled into him, crying into his shirt. "It's okay. He'll stop crying in a minute."
"I just hate seeing him so sad." Gabi said through sobs.
"He'll be okay." Troy assured, kissing the top of her head. Troy kissed his son's head, rocking him. "It's alright buddy. No more pokes."
Dr. Brown looked apologetic. "Your son is very healthy. We'll see him in a couple of months."
"Thank you Dr. Brown." Gabi said, sniffling.
"You're welcome, Gabi, Troy." Dr. Brown washed her hands quickly before she left.
"Let me see my baby." Gabi said, holding her arms out. She dressed him carefully then held him close to her chest. "Lets get out of here. I hate this place."
Troy rolled his eyes and grabbed their stuff. Troy followed them out. He followed her out to the truck. He clicked Gray's car seat in and put his bag on the seat next to it. Gabi got in, strapping him in. Troy got in the drivers seat and turned on the truck. "You okay?" He asked, looking back to back out of the space.
"Yes." She said, sniffling again. Grayson had stopped crying but still whimpered every so often. Gabriella figured he was tired. Hopefully he would fall asleep before they got back home. She leaned back, rubbing her hand over his tummy comforting him. "It's alright baby, mama's here."
"He's fine now. He stopped crying." Troy murmured.
"I know. I still feel bad."
"Every baby has to get shots, Gabi." Troy said. "You don't have to freak out every time he does."
"Well sorry for having emotions." She snapped.
"Gabi-" Troy sighed.
"No." She said. "Don't talk to me. Just drive."
Troy did as he was told and drove back to their house. Gray had fallen asleep. Gabi took him out and transferred him into his bassinette successfully. She watched him sleep before she crawled into bed herself. She definitely needed a nap after today.
"Gabi." Troy murmured, peaking his head through the door.
"What?"
"I'm sorry."
"I know."
"Mason and Julie are having a party tonight. They invited us if you want to see if Tay and Chad want to baby sit for a couple hours. Maybe you can get out of the house for a little while." Troy offered. "What do you think?"
Gabi shook her head. "I'm fine Troy. You go."
"Are you sure you don't want to go?"
She nodded. "Yes. I'm tired and Gray is going to be cranky. I'm not feeling like a party animal today."
"It's okay to go out, Gabi."
"I know. I just don't feel like it today." She argued and rolled over. She pulled her covered up, cuddling with her pillow. "Have fun at your party." Troy just sighed, closing the door behind him.
Troy decided to leave Gabi alone. He cleared his head as he got in the shower and got ready for the party. He grabbed the keys to his car and checked on Gabi. She and Gray were fast asleep. He closed the door quietly and walked out the front door. He needed a break from Gabi and being a father. He was going to use this time to let loose and relax. Maybe he would be in a better mood tomorrow.
I know i said it'd be out monday but i don't even remember what happened to make me not upload... Suddenly it's wednesday and the new year! HAPPY NEW YEAR BTW. lol. I did nothing. I had to work earlier, now it's 3 something in the morning. I'm going to write a blog post about new years then hopefully i'll be ready for bed by then. Questions, comments, or concerns, leave them in a review or a PM. I'll get back to you the best of my abilities. Have a safe new year. I hope it's your best year of life yet. Don't forget to Review!
PS. this is on a hiatus for a couple weeks. SB will be out sometime next week. new story will be out the week after i believe.