DING DONG**

Gabriella sighed dropping her brush on her bed and padding over to her bedroom door throwing it open. She was wearing a pair of Troy's boxers and a tank top that had her breasts hanging out. She hadn't been to school all week and that was most likely her wake up call at the door. The gang had told her that they were going to come over and spend some time together watching t.v. catching her up on things that had happened during the week.

Jumping down the stairs Gabriella wrapped her arms around herself not realizing how cold it was downstairs. Going to the front door she looked out the window and frowned at who she saw. Lifting her tank slightly she opened the door.

"Hi," the girl standing at the door said with a backpack still on her back obviously having come straight to her house from school.

"Hi, Kelsi right?" Gabriella asked not sure she had gotten the petite girls name correct.

"Yea…" She said after a moment of shock "I didn't think you knew who I was." She added shyly looking up at Gabriella who smile down at her and made a motion saying it was nothing.

"You sit next to Troy in homeroom." She said proving that she knew who the girl was.

"Oh, right you would know that, so to the purpose of me being here." Kelsi took her back pack off and knelt down unzipping it and digging around . Gabriella looked around outside, not really looking for anyone but looking,

"I have your shoes." Gabriella froze looking at the red shoes that she had left in the bathroom on the night of homecoming. All of the memories came rushing back to her and she truthfully wanted to cry. She looked up at Kelsi and then at the shoes.

"Come in," She said simply moving to the side allowing Kelsi to enter.

Though it wasn't Kelsi's intention to get into Gabriella Montez's home when she came to drop off the shoes, she figured this would be a quick trip, she had songs to write. Gabriella closed the door once Kelsi had entered and looked around biting her lip. Kelsi just looked on in confusion not knowing exactly what to do but to look around the home in awe. It was a truly beautiful home; she smiled slightly when she saw a picture of Troy and Gabriella from middle school it seemed. Gabriella had braces and Troy had the boyish gap in his teeth. Troy had his arm around Gabriella as they stood by the pool both soaking wet.

"Let's go to my room," Gabriella said distractedly rushing up the stairs.

Kelsi hesitated before fixing her bag on her shoulder and following up the stairs though moving at a slower pace than Gabriella who seemed in a hurry. Once reaching her room Kelsi closed the door behind her and looked at the room in true awe. You really do learn the truth about someone once you see their room.

"Wow," kelsi said without thinking, this caused Gabriella to look at her with confusion.

"What?" Gabriella asked causing Kelsi to look at her.

"Oh I just, I thought your room would be…"

"Having baseball cards and clothes all over like a boys?" Gabriella asked with a smirk.

"No, just not this is all," Kelsi said looking around the rather girly room that Gabriella was living in.

"Well thanks I guess." Gabriella said dropping down on the bed with a sigh, her hair moving around her head.

"Your hair is really long." Kelsi said as a thought not really meaning to say it out loud. A blush came over her features when she realized what she had done.

"Thanks," Gabriella said with a light laugh, "Sit down, I don't hit." Kelsi laughed before dropping her bag and walking over to the bed and sitting down sure to kick her converse off before getting comfortable.

"I want to cut it though," Gabriella said grabbing a chunk of it and looking up at Kelsi who had wide eyes.

"Why? It's so pretty."

"Yea but such a hassle, it'll grow back. Were you there?" Gabriella asked looking down at her phone.

"Was I where?" Kelsi asked clueless as to what the subject was. Gabriella chuckled slightly.

"In the bathroom when…it happened?"

"Oh," Kelsi said softly, "Yea, I would have come out and slapped Crystal but…she's not the least bit scared of me-"

"Thanks,"

"For what?" Kelsi asked startled by the sudden thanks.

"Not laughing at me when you saw me, and for bringing back my shoes." Gabriella said looking at the red shoes.

"Oh, I would never do that, you don't deserve that, you're one of the nicest girls in our class I can tell already." Gabriella looked down trying to hide her blush. She pushed her hair behind her ears before looking back up at Kelsi.

"Thanks,"

"Your welcome," They sat in silence though it wasn't the least bit awkward.

"What were you dressed as?" Gabriella asked smiling at her.

"Oh I was a fairy." Kelsi said with a smile.

"Cute, so I guess you're my fairy godmother. I was sexy Cinderella, and I left before 12." Gabriella said trying not to laugh as she thought about the facts.

"Omg so true!" Kelsi said putting her hand over her mouth before speaking again. "Crystal is your evil step-mother and her followers are the step-sisters!! That's too weird how that worked out!" Kelsi said laughing along with Gabriella who laughed harder.

"So I guess that means Troy is my prince," Gabriella said nonchalantly

"Well of course who else would be?" Kelsi said with a knowing smile causing Gabriella to blush more.

"I guess…" Gabriella trailed off looking at the stuffed turtle that was on her bed at the moment.

"How long have you…" Kelsi started to ask though she wasn't sure if she was going to far or if she was on safe ground.

"A while," Gabriella said lightly

"Cool, nice turtle," Kelsi said noticing the turtle also.

"Thanks, it's my favorite animal." Gabriella said picking the stuffed animal up and running her hand over the dark shell of the turtle.

"Really? That's a random animal," Kelsi said truthfully, causing Gabriella to laugh.

"It is, but the turtle is really a shy creature who just gets out of his comfort zone and hides. I like them," Gabriella said holding the turtle close. Kelsi watched her and dared to ask the question that was burning her tongue.

"Who got you that?" Kelsi asked looking at the turtle with a smile having some idea as to where this was going. Gabriella got a grin on her face that she couldn't hide.

"Troy," she said softly as if it were a secret. "We were at a carnival and Troy wanted to makes this guy look bad in front of his girlfriend at the basketball game. So Troy shot the baskets and it was nothing but net and he wasn't even looking just tossing them in. Everyone was so impressed well besides that girls boyfriend. Well anyway the guy told Troy to pick any stuffed animal he wanted. Troy let me pick, and I looked at every single last one of those animals and at the bottom, hiding from the crowd was this stuffed turtle which was one of the lower prizes but I wanted it. The guy was too happy though, but Troy just shrugged and was like 'whatever the lady wants'" Gabriella smiled and had that far away look that showed that she wasn't all focused on what she was saying or who it was too. Kelsi just watched and listened as Gabriella spoke and realized Gabriella Montez wasn't as hard as everyone made her out to be, she's actually very much like a turtle.

"We had our first kiss a little after that," Gabriella added as an afterthought which made Kelsi blush for her.

"That's cute," Kelsi spoke bringing Gabriella back to reality with a laugh.

"Yea I guess," She said scratching the back of her neck, a habit she picked up from somewhere. Sighing Gabriella put the turtle to the side and smiled at Kelsi. "I like you; I think we'll be great friends even though your reason for coming here wasn't to become my friend…"

"No it's fine I like you too," Kelsi said with a shy smile.

"Want to cut my hair?" Gabriella asked suddenly standing up. Kelsi panicked at the sudden change in subject.

"What your hair is so-"

"Long and Pretty I know, but I'm going to go broke buying all this shampoo to wash this long pretty hair." She walked into her bathroom Kelsi close behind. "I'm thinking a little past the shoulder. I was going to do this before you came, which is why my hair is straight." Gabriella said bringing her hair into a ponytail carefully. Kelsi watched nervously looking at all of the hair in the band and the point that Gabriella wanted to cut.

"Ar- are you sure?" Kelsi asked watching as Gabriella picked up her scissors and handed them to Kelsi.

"I'm positive. Cut away, I trust you,"

The problem was Kelsi didn't trust herself.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"What did you do to your hair?!?!" were the first words out of Sharpay's mouth, Taylor just stood there staring in awe.

"Nice to see you too Shar," Gabriella said sarcastically as she moved over to her drawer looking for her plaid pajama pants Troy had gotten her for her birthday last year.

"It was so long and pretty, why would you cut it?" Sharpay asked.

"It cost too much to keep it smelling fresh. That's why and I think it's a great reason. It's not even that short," Gabriella said pulling the pants on once she found them. Kelsi had gone home a little before Sharpay and Taylor had arrived getting Gabriella so they could walk to Troy's.

"Well I like it," Taylor said with a smile of approval which Gabriella appreciated.

"Thank you Taylor," Gabriella said pulling her gray Hollister hoodie on over her head.

"It does look cute on you, and it will grow back fast so…" Sharpay said looking anywhere but Gabriella.

"I love you too Shar," Taylor laughed and dragged Sharpay from the room with Gabriella following having slipped her Converse on. She grabbed her phone and a hair tie before walking out turning off her lights.

Bolton Home

"Hi guys," Gabriella said walking into the basement where all of her friends were lounged out. Sharpay and Taylor walked past her taking seats next to their others and giving Gabriella an encouraging smile.

"Scabs!!!" Chad yelled jumping up and giving Gabriella a huge hug spinning her around.

"Chad put me down!!!" Gabriella yelled, Chad did as he was told; Zeke came next giving Gabriella a hug.

"See that's why Zeke is my favorite," Gabriella said winking at Zeke.

"Oh come on! Zeke hasn't known you since you were 3 has he?"

"No but he's nicer," Gabriella said sticking her tongue out at her best friend.

"You cut your hair," Zeke said pulling at one of her short curls.

"Yea, too much work, it'll all be back by February." Gabriella said with a shrugged kicking her Converse off walking over to the couch in the corner that Jason was sitting in and plopped down next to him as the guys sat by their girlfriends.

"Hey," Gabriella said running a hand through her hair.

"Nice curls,"

"You would know, don't think I forget how in first grade all you'd do is pull my curls and then run away. You would think you had a crush on me," Gabriella said giving a laugh that Jason only joined in half heartedly.

"Yea, you would think…"

"So what has been going on in school?" Gabriella asked looking at the group.

"Nothing, but we had tests, so it's sad for you," Chad said shaking his head causing Gabriella to roll her eyes.

"Well Crystal has been as annoying as ever if that helps any," Taylor said as she picked at Chad's t-shirt.

"Really," Gabriella asked awkwardly.

"Yea she's a total bitch." Sharpay said getting to the point. "Anyways, did you hear about Tony?" She asked with a dead look in her eyes.

"Uh…no. Though people kept writing on his Facebook about bananas…" Gabriella trailed off.

"Okay so this is what happened," Zeke said adding to this story. "You know how Angie had that party right? A few weeks ago,"

"Yea, I was there." Gabriella said with a shrug.

"Well Tony and Lisa were there, and you know how they're 'friends'" Zeke said adding quotes to friends which made Gabriella laugh.

"She's more like his hoe. She clings to that boy like he's her God." Sharpay said voicing her opinion like always.

"Since they can't tell the story I will," Chad cut in, "So after the party Tony and Lisa walked to the park since it is by Angie's house. Well when they got to the baseball field….let's just say he got it in." Chad said raising his eyebrows playfully getting a jab in the stomach from Taylor. Gabriella's jaw went down not believing what she was hearing.

"No Scabs not that opening of the woman, the other one." Jason said speaking for the first time in the conversation. Gabriella looked at him feeling her now little past shoulder length hair on her face. She looked over at the rest of the gang.

"Well…the only place other that the…is the….OH MY GOD!!!!!! That is sick!! She's a freshman! Has he no shame!?!?!"

"No he doesn't that's why no one can stop talking about it. How many freshman do you know giving head at the moment?" Taylor said

"Yea and she is so socially awkward. I mean she's done it with like everybody. She so has something." Sharpay said with a look of disgust on her face.

"I can't believe this, and this is just coming out?" Gabriella asked still not believing what she was hearing.

"Well apparently she told her friend who obviously wasn't going to keep quiet." Zeke added.

"That is sick, gosh so glad I wasn't there when it leaked. I would have given him hell. I mean I will just not as much."

"Well, this is going to gross you out more," Taylor said seriously.

"Oh gosh do I want to know?" Gabriella asked fearfully.

"Most likely no, but you know the loading docks behind the store?"

"Yea…"

"He's been there too, but with another girl," Taylor said looking ready to throw up. Gabriella went pale and stared at Taylor in disbelief.

"The store…as in Riley's Sports Goods? As in where we work?" Gabriella asked trying to put the stuff together. Taylor nodded slowly.

"OH MY GODDDDDDD!!!!"

"That's what I said!" Taylor said before leaning back into Chad who was laughing slightly.

"You mean that's what she said," Chad said laughing harder getting Zeke and Jason to laugh too.

"I actually threw up when I heard." Sharpay said looking at her nails, though getting back on subject.

"I am never going on the dock again." Gabriella said shuddering at the thought.

Everyone nodded even though only Taylor and Gabriella worked at the store. Suddenly the sound of someone coming down the stairs filled the room. Everyone looked over and saw Troy come down towel around his neck, hair going every direction, simply gorgeous. He was wearing one of his famous plaid shirts, this one was blue and made his eyes pop. His jeans rested on his hips perfectly and drove Gabriella crazy. She had a girl moment not being able to contain herself, I mean she hasn't seen the guy in a week.

Gabriella bounced up hardly noticing the sad look on Jason's face and jumped into Troy's arms not even giving him a moment to notice her in the room. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. Troy put one arm under her butt holding her up, and the other hand under her sweatshirt just to tease. Gabriella crashed her lips on his and forced her tongue in his mouth though he wasn't one to complain.

"Oh come on! Get a room!!!" Chad yelled grabbing a pillow and throwing it directly at the back of Troy's head since in the making out process Troy turned them around. Troy brought his hand out and stuck his middle finger up, meant for Chad.

"Geez how long can they go before they need air?" Sharpay asked in amazement.

"I have no idea…" Zeke said staring at the two as they went at it.

"Oh leave them alone they haven't seen each other in seven whole days." Taylor said glaring at all of them.

"Seven Whole Days, that's the song, Toni Braxton…she's hot." Chad said with a grin that caused Taylor to hit him playfully.

Finally Troy and Gabriella pulled apart panting heavily looking in each others eyes with goofy grins on their faces. Gabriella looked up at the ceiling and raised her eyebrows. Troy rolled his eyes and looked back at his friends.

"Uhh…we'll be back in…15." Troy said before jumping up the stairs with Gabriella laughing.

"They may be a while," Sharpay said pulling out her phone finding a way to entertain herself.

"I have never seen Scabs act like such a….such a…" Chad said though not finding the word.

"A girl?" Zeke chipped in,

"Yea…that's it. If she keeps this up it may be wrong for us to call her Scabs." Chad said with a slight sadness in his voice. Zeke nodded looking down at Sharpay and kissing her forehead which made her look up and kiss his lips.

Jason was still staring at the place where Troy and Gabriella had been a while ago. Moments like these just make you think of a Taylor Swift song…no homo of course.

Upstairs

Troy kicked his bedroom door closed and dropped himself and Gabriella on the bed. Gabriella kissed him on the lips before pulling away looking up at the ceiling. Troy just laid there propped up by the palm of his hand that was resting on his cheek. He looked down at Gabriella with awe in his eyes, though concern evident.

"That was the best way to get out of a shower that I've ever experienced." Troy said causing a giggle to come from Gabriella's lips. "And your hair…"

"Kelsi did it," Gabriella said with a shrug looking over at him with her big brown eyes.

"Kelsi?" Troy asked with a frown as Gabriella nodded, "The girl who sits next to me in homeroom Kelsi?" Gabriella laughed nodding again. "When did you two hook up?" Gabriella frowned and looked away before looking back at Troy relaxed though he had already noticed the look.

"Well…we started talking at the dance." She said awkwardly sitting up pushing her curls behind her ears. Troy frown putting his hand on Gabriella's stomach he laid down on the bed completely resting his head on his pillow. Pushing gently on her stomach he forced Gabriella to lay on top of him at a slight angle. He then wrapped his left arm around her.

"About the dance – "

"Troy," Gabriella said cutting him off.

"Gabriella." Troy said sternly. Gabriella was quiet knowing that he was serious.

"The gang is waiting on us. They probably think we're having sex…"

"So, you're more important." Troy said as if it were that simple. Gabreilla sighed putting her hands over Troy's

"Troy it's…I don't really want to talk about it. It's a long story."

"So, we have forever." Gabriella stayed quiet before turning in Troy's arms so she was looking down at him. Her curls tickled his face and their breath became one. Gabriella looked in his eyes and sighed deciding she was most likely going to have to do this some time.

"I'll tell you," Gabriella said putting her hand on his cheek. "Just not right now, I need a few more days. But I will tell you, just drop it for now. I'm fine, I promise." Gabriella said kissing him tenderly.

"Promise."

"Promise," Gabriella repeated.

"I love you Gabriella." Gabriella smiled looking at him before looking past him and grabbing a stuffed Bugs Bunny that was behind one of Troy's pillows. She raised an eyebrow at him as he blushed looking away but Gabriella kept the contact.

"I love you too Bugs," leaning down she showered his face with kisses letting her hands roam to foreign places, as he was in need of another shower.

You don't want to know what I went through to post this. So please review cause I hated this chapter.

xoxo Zoe