A/N: Well, tell us what you think. HSMandChelseaFCfan and I are both kind of busy so I'm not sure when the next update will be.

Don't own HSM

Chapter 14 –

Sharpay sat in a stunned silence for a few minutes, making Gabriella grow even more nervous at having let her best friend in on one of her biggest secrets. Gabriella had never known Sharpay stay so quiet for so long after being told big news of any kind.

"Let me get this straight. You and Troy? A Wildcat and a Knight? A Bolton and a Montez?" She finally asked dubiously.

Gabriella just nodded before replaying everything that had happened with Troy to Sharpay. "And after he kissed me, I just felt more confused than before which is why I needed to tell someone."

"Gabs, seriously? Bolton? The one who hurt you and gets into fights with your brothers?" She asked in disbelief.

"Shar, my brothers bring it on themselves. Trust me, he's different. He's not the same Troy you see when we're together. Shar, I honestly thought he was the one. I think I still do." Gabriella looked down at her lap nervously, fiddling with her fingers.

"You are telling me if he walked through the door at this second and proclaimed his love for you, you wouldn't kick him straight out on his ass?"

Gabriella could feel her frustration growing. "Sharpay, you of all people should know you can't help who you fall for, no matter how hard you try not to."

"Yes but he's not my enemy and I know my family wouldn't hate me for it. Would you seriously lose your friends and family for a Bolton?"

"Yes!" Both Gabriella and Sharpay seemed shocked at Gabriella's reply.

Sharpay closed her eyes and breathed deeply before turning back to her best friend. "Are you serious?"

"If it was the only way and they forced me to choose I would. Shar, I've seriously never felt so strongly for anyone and while I can't forgive and forget what he's done to my brothers, I can't stop loving him. Please, Sharpay, I could really do with my best friend's support because it's not like I can get advice on what to wear, if I forgive him, on dates."

"Hmm... I guess I could since I wouldn't want to ruin my reputation if my best friend is seen out wearing hideous clothes while on the arm of a gorgeous guy."

Gabriella smirked. "He's gorgeous now?"

Sharpay just shrugged. "He always has been even if he's our enemy. It doesn't stop him being sexy and thinking about what's under those clothes."

"Sharpay!" The two girls burst out laughing; knowing nothing had nor would change.

***

Troy lay on his bed, tossing his soft basketball pillow up into the air. Blitzen was sleeping in the corner and kept whimpering every so often. Ever since he'd confronted Gabriella and shared that kiss, he couldn't help but feel alone. His parents were out of town so he couldn't talk to his mom and it wasn't exactly as if he could talk to any of his friends; they'd have a field day if they found out he'd been dating a Montez. Troy sat up and grabbed his cell phone and called the one person he could talk to and he knew wouldn't judge him.

-

-

The doorbell rang and Troy opened the door and smiled at the brunette. "Hey, thanks for coming."

Kelsi returned the smile as she stepped in and gave him a brief hug, knowing he looked like he could use it. "It's no problem. Honestly. I'm just worried about what could possibly be cutting you up so much."

"How about we head to the kitchen to get some drinks?"

"Lead the way, Mr Bolton."

Upon entering the kitchen, Troy couldn't have felt more grateful for having such an amazing friend. "You want anything to eat? We've got all sorts in since mom decided to stock the house up just in case I fancied something because she doesn't want me going hungry apparently."

The two laughed. "I'm good thanks." As the two headed for the living room, Troy couldn't help but feel nervous even though he knew the girl in front of him would never say anything if he asked.

"Kels, what I'm about to tell you, you can't tell anyone else. Promise me, please. You're the only one who might be able to understand." Kelsi Neilson over time had become like a sister to Troy and knew his every secret practically and would always be honest with him even if the truth would hurt; something Troy respected her for.

"Troy, you know me. I swear no one will find out, not even Tay." Kelsi grabbed his hands in her own and gave them a squeeze to let him know that she was there for him.

Taking a deep breath, Troy closed his eyes. "Kelsi, I'm in love with Gabriella Montez."

The pure shock on Kelsi's face gave Troy all the answers he needed, knowing if that was Kelsi's instant reaction then the thought of anyone else's reaction terrified him. "Are you sure?"

"Kels, I've never been so sure about anything. We were only together for a short while but when we were together, everything felt perfect. And when we weren't, she was and still is the only thing on my mind."

As Kelsi stayed silent, Troy filled her in on everything from the fatal day they met to what had happened just a few hours previous. "And now I don't know what to do."

"Wow." Troy watched silently as Kelsi processed everything. "I can see why you don't want any of the others to know."

"Aren't you mad though that I'm in love with a Montez, a Knight?"

"Should I be? Troy, I can't change who your heart has chosen to love. Plus, if she is anything like you say, then I know she'll be good for you. The main thing is you're happy because that's all I want for you and if being with a Knight and Montez does that then so be it."

Troy pulled her into a hug. "Thank you for understanding. You don't know how much of a relief it is to be able to talk to someone about this."

"Do your parents know?"

"Mom does but do you really think I'd still be alive if my dad did?"

"Good point. Well from what you've told me, there is only one thing you can do, fight for your girl." Kelsi told him as if it was the most obvious thing.

Troy frowned. "Have you not heard what I've just said? My dad would kill me."

"Yeah but is Gabriella worth the trouble of going against everything you've ever been taught not to do?"

"More than anything. I'd give up my life to be with her, Kelsi."

The petite girl smiled. "Well I think you got your answer. I know you, Troy Bolton, and because you're Troy Bolton you'll find a way of getting her. Just don't stuff up because you already did that and do it once more and she'll be gone for good. We girls like security and commitment and if we don't think he can give us that then I'm afraid he's gone."

"I think I got an idea." Kelsi smirked knowing the guy she thought of as her brother was well and truly in love with Gabriella Montez.

* * *

Gabriella stared at her ceiling. She'd been awake for two hours. It was now eight thirty and Sharpay was still sleeping, her pink eye mask still in place. They'd spent about two hours talking before Gabriella had been so exhausted with the relief that followed telling Sharpay everything that she just fell asleep. And then she woke up at six thirty and found it impossible to sleep. She tried every position, she read with the light of the bedside lamp, she listened to her iPod and there she was, her eyes glued to her poster of Rascal Flatts pinned to her ceiling.

She would choose Troy over her family. That's what she had told Sharpay and she honestly believed it. She had spent her whole life with Maria, Greg, Carl, Landon, Eddie, Cody and Danny. She'd lived her whole life with Zeke, Sharpay, Ryan and Martha. They'd always been there. But, they'd also always told her how she should hate Wildcats. She should hate Boltons'. But, she had her own mind and she could make her own judgement. She had never wanted to hate them, she didn't want to hate someone without meeting them.

She could have her entire future with Troy if she was worth it and he made it up to her like he said he would. When she had been with him she felt like a goddess because every time he touched her, he was so gentle and almost kissed the ground she walked on. She, on the other hand, simply couldn't believe he god damn well existed. He was smart, he was funny, he was sweet, he knew what he wanted, he was stubborn – something she had never found attractive until Troy, he was the most handsome guy she'd ever seen…and he was bloody perfect.

She heard rustling outside her bedroom door and she got to her feet and padded over to her door. She glanced at Sharpay and then flicked the lock, pulling the door open. "Carl? Zeke? What's up?" She whispered.

"Is Pay okay?" Zeke asked.

Carl hit him over the head. "Shut up about her for one second. Bells, you okay? How are you feeling?"

She shrugged, rolling her eyes. "I'm fine. Shar and I talked for a long time last night and she's pretty tired."

"I asked about you, though." He pointed out.

"I'm fine." She mumbled. She stepped out into the hallway and softly shut the door behind her. "It just…knocked me for six for a better way to put. I'd never been involved with Wildcats like that and it scared me. I didn't know what to think. I mean, all these years of me believing that everyone deserved the benefit of the doubt were for nothing." She sighed. "I'm glad you guys were there, though." She cracked a smile and kissed both of their cheeks.

"We'll always protect you," Carl promised, "as long as you don't wear that in public." He said, gesturing to her pyjamas.

She giggled and rolled her eyes. "They're pyjamas!" She exclaimed. "I'm going to waltz down the street in them, am I?"

Carl shrugged. "I don't care. You just can't wear them outside."

"I promise I won't." She said sincerely.

"Um, Gabs? Do you want to go for some ice cream today? We didn't know how you were feeling and we wondered whether you'd like some ice cream?" Zeke asked.

Gabriella thought it over. "I think I'm going to spend the day with Daisy today. I haven't spent much time with her all week. Maybe you should take Shar."

"Eew!" Carl exclaimed. "No thank you."

"I was talking to Zeke!" She exclaimed.

Zeke frowned. "Um…why?"

Carl hit his arm. "Don't act so innocent. Just ask her out!"

"Am I that obvious?" Zeke asked quietly in bewilderment.

"Yeah!" Carl and Gabriella said simultaneously.

Gabriella giggled. "I'm going to go back in here." She said softly. "Thanks for the offer, guys. I feel much better, though."

* * *

Gabriella had decided to take Daisy to the park and both of them were enjoying themselves. Even though she was still feeling hurt, Gabriella felt like one giant weight had been lifted because her best friend knew that her heart belonged to Troy Bolton. It felt like she wasn't alone anymore. Like she could talk to someone.

She flung the tennis ball into the wide open space and giggled as Daisy sprinted after it. "Good girl, Daisy." Her smile suddenly faded when Daisy picked the ball up and ran off in the wrong direction. Thanking the heavens she had worn flats, she took off after the German shepherd. Although she struggled to keep up, Daisy was always in her line of vision which was good enough for her.

She slowed down when Daisy darted through familiar trees and her face paled. She took a deep breath and followed the path Daisy had taken a few moments before. She smiled slightly at the sight which greeted her. Troy, who was sat on the floor, was being licked by an excited Daisy and Blitzen was sat off to the side, patiently waiting for Daisy's affection.

"She apparently missed you more than Blitzen." She finally volunteered as she made her way towards her.

Troy managed to push Daisy away and turned to her. "Gabriella?" He asked in disbelief.

She nodded hesitantly as she sat down next to him. "Yeah. Daisy ran away. She's never done that before."

Troy tried to look at Blitzen and Daisy but couldn't look away from Gabriella. "Maybe they should elope." He said softly.

She cracked a small smile. "Maybe…"

"I didn't know you were going to be there." He whispered.

"At the court or at the club?" She asked, looking at her lap.

"The court. I needed to see you and I heard that a load of Wildcats were going to be at the club." He admitted.

She was silent for a moment. "What do you want from me?"

"I know I don't deserve it and you probably shouldn't even give me the time of day, but I want a second chance from you." He mumbled.

She nodded and lifted her head. "I know. And I wish I could forgive you. But," She paused to shrug, "I don't think I can." She kissed his cheek briefly and stood up. "Daisy!"

Troy scrambled to his feet and gasped. "You're not leaving, are you?"

She turned to him. "What's keeping me here?"

"Blitzen." Troy tried. "I'm not sure I'm a valid or accepted reason anymore."

Daisy finally – after many licks between the two dogs – sat at Gabriella's feet and allowed her owner to attach her leash to her collar. She twisted her head and whined to Blitzen.

Gabriella sighed. "That's the thing. I wish you were." Her eyes turned glossy with tears and she turned away.

"Wait, you can't leave!" Troy exclaimed.

Gabriella turned back to him, a look of impatience on her face. "Why?"

"Because I'm damn well in love with you. I can't stop thinking about you since I saved you. I don't care if you never see me again. I don't blame you. But, I want you to know that I'm telling you the truth. If you don't believe anything else I say, believe me when I say I love you. I do." He exclaimed.

Gabriella dropped Daisy' leash and her breathing became ragged. "What?"

Troy stepped closer and cupped her face in his hands. "I love you."

"You do?" She asked weakly.

He nodded. "Yeah." He reached into his jeans pocket and produced and square velvet jewellery box. "I got this for you."

Gabriella took it from him tentatively and opened it, a gasp escaping her lips. There lay a small heart pendent with a flower decorating it, made out of Turquoises – her birthstone. "Troy…" She lifted her head and smiled brightly. "It's gorgeous. It must've cost a fortune."

He shrugged. "I don't mind. Besides, you might want to turn it over."

She frowned curiously and did as she was told. "It has your number on it. Fourteen."

He nodded. "I don't know if you'll wear it but, I wanted something that showed the world you were taken. Of course, it couldn't be obvious so it was kind of hard but I found that and got my number engraved on the back." He explained.

She smiled and stepped towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Of course I'll wear it." She whispered, looking into his eyes.

He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and smiled down at her. "You will?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Do you know why?"

He creased his brow. "Actually, no. I'm clueless."

She giggled and kissed him chastely. "I'll wear it because I'm in love with you, too." She whispered.

Troy grinned and picked her up, twirling her around. "That's my girl." He set her down and took the jewellery box from her. He stepped behind her and draped the necklace around her neck. His lips caressed the skin of her shoulders as he secured the clasp and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I love you so much." He mumbled.

She giggled and turned in his arms. "I love you, too. I have done since you saved me." She blushed and released a giggle.

"Well, it took my parents to convince me that I've been in love with you since I met you, too." He confessed.

"They know about me?" She asked in confusion.

"Well, my mom does but my dad doesn't, obviously. It was a really embarrassing and humiliating conversation. My dad guessed I liked a girl, and basically told me I'm in love with you." He whispered.

"Kiss me." She mouthed, her voice box obviously not working. She smiled as their lips met.

Troy pulled back and chuckled breathlessly. "I'm never letting you go again."

She nodded. "Good. Does that mean I'm stuck with you?"

Troy leaned down and kissed her necklace. He trailed kisses up to her neck and then pulled back to look into her eyes. "Forever and ever," He exclaimed, "because guess what?"

"What?" She asked excitedly.

"I got accepted to Berkeley. That's, like, less than an hour away from Stanford!" He exclaimed happily. "We can finally be together. No sneaking around. I don't know about you and Daisy but Blitzen's coming with me and…Brie, we can be together."

She giggled and nodded. "That's amazing, Wildcat!"