"AHHHH!!!!" Gabriella screamed throwing a pillow at Chad.
"WHAT?!?!" Chad yelled back with a slight grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Don't crack your back around me ever. It sounds so…unnatural." Gabriella said making a face which made Chad laugh standing and walking over to where Gabriella sat on her bed.
"Scabs, I'm sure you've heard worse sounds." Chad smiled as Gabriella glared at him, sighing he sat down. "Like the time Bryson broke his leg. Do you remember the sound of that crack?!" Chad asked nudging Gabriella as she cringed with the memory.
"Yes I remember and I would love it if you didn't crack your back!" Gabriella kicked Chad but he only laughed and laid back on the bed.
"Can you believe we have skipped 2 times this month and haven't been hunted down by Ms. Clark?" Chad asked while starring at the ceiling.
"Yea…I can just see her writing those Saturday slips now." Gabriella said with a frown as she pulled her legs against her chest.
"Yea I know…too bad we never go, we always have Coach to excuse us."
"I guess," Gabriella said lightly. Chad frowned and looked over at his best friend who was biting her lip looking at something that he wasn't sure of.
"You know," Chad started snapping Gabriella from her thoughts "I'm here for you, I mean if we need to whoop ass just call me and I'm there. I don't care how long I'm suspended. We're family and we don't let people fuck with members of the family…right?" Gabriella sat and processed what Chad had said and smiled nodding.
"Good now that the girly moment is over," Gabriella giggled shaking her head. "You say we go for a round of lazar tag?" Chad asked wiggling his eyebrows as he sat up fixing his hair.
"We need more people for that Chad," Gabriella said as Chad frowned.
"Fine let's go…to McDonalds and play in the play pin!"
"They would never let us in there!" Gabriella said with a laugh.
"Hey I say if we buy from there," He stood up and looked at Gabriella with determination. "It's fair game"
"You can't be serious,"
"I have never been so serious,"
"UGH the things I get into with you," Gabriella grumbled standing up and fixing her t-shirt.
"Oh you love it! I'm going to call Jones, Dom, Chris and Terry to come with us." Chad said pulling out his phone as Gabriella grabbed a few dollars.
"The whole football team Chad there's no way they are fitting in those structures,"
"Oh come on have some faith Gabriella," Chad said with a scoff.
"I do have faith I just, I don't know." Gabriella said with a sigh grabbing the sunglass she had stolen from Troy off her night stand.
"Would it be better if I had Troy come?"
"Hey whatever floats your boat dude," Gabriella said moving past her biff who just laughed following her downstairs.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"G-Steerrrrrr! I feel like it's been forever how is life treating you?" Terry asked coming up to Gabriella picking her up easily in a hug.
"It's treating me good Tare-Bear, how is it treating you?" Gabriella asked as he set her down.
"Oh it's all good." Terry said in his deep voice. Terry is the kind of guy where if you saw him coming you'd think he was ready to beat your ass when in reality he couldn't even hurt a fly. Terry had a nice afro and a smile that made girls pass out. He is the guy to find if you need a hug for real.
"That's great," Gabriella said as the rest of the guys got out of Dom's SUV."I just love that you all carpooled this time, you are getting to the point of going green…though the SUV needs to go." Gabriella commented with a grin as Dom glared at her and the other guys shared a good laugh.
"Come on Gabs it's not like I haven't tried to get rid of it, it's just I'm a big guy I need a big truck," Dom said giving Gabriella a fist bump. Dom was huge around 6'7" and was big, his hair was always cut though unlike some of his teammates. His dark skin just made his smile pop and the earring her had in his left ear was a nice touch.
"What everrrrr Dom." Gabriella said punching his arm though it didn't hurt him.
"Gabs pleeeease get over this drama now or else you won't be getting a mix tape of No Ceilings from me."
"AHH!!!" Gabriella screamed jumping up on Dom. "You have it?!?! Oh my gossssh I need a copy! You know Lil Wayne is my husband!" Gabriella said pulling at Dom's arm as he laughed.
"We'll see."
"You know Coach will kill us for skipping last hour," Jones said nudging Chad who rolled his eyes.
"Jones you know that you worry too much, if you didn't have the balls to come –"
"Hey I never said that!" Jones said getting defensive since he's seen as the pretty football player, girls would murder the player to ruin his face, and his curly hair made him perfect. "I have balls man; your mom was feeling them last night,"
"OOHHHHHHH!!!!!" The group chorused as Chad punched Jones who couldn't stop laughing.
"That was a good one Jones," Chris said clapping Jones on the shoulder.
"Where are we going?" Terry asked looking back at the group,
"Target since Gabs was too scared for the play pins,"
"Oh come on you all know that you could never fit in that structure! If anything you'd break it!" Gabriella defended herself.
"Yea I guess she's right…" Jones said as Chad looking over at his with a what-the-fuck look.
"Dude you just disappoint me sometimes."
"Seriously though what if we see someone's mom in here, you know every parent in East knows who we all are," Jones said always trying to stay out of trouble.
"Come on Jones! Live a little! We're just getting you ready for senior year when we skip those 2 classes we may have to go to." Chris said rolling his eyes at Jones who was just a worry wart at heart.
"Jones don't listen to them I get why you're worried and trust if we do see a parent…We'll play a great game of hide from the rents." Gabriella said gently smiling up at her friend.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ahh Christmas decorations," Chris said as they walked through the store.
"I know, I haven't even eaten my thanksgiving meal yet," Dom said with a laugh rubbing his stomach. Terry nodded in agreement.
"Shit man now I just want food…let's go to the Subway over here." Terry said looking over at the place inside the store.
"I'm in," Chad said with a grin following Terry with Chris following.
"I guess that leaves us," Dom said with a grin to Gabriella and Jones as they continued to walk.
"You know speaking of Christmas; I need to start thinking of what I'm going to get for Carrie." Jones said looking at his two friends.
"Dude I never get Natasha's gift until the sales start…"
"Dom, you're always the one calling me on black Friday to go shopping with him." Gabriella said with a smile.
"Come on Gabs you know I don't know what girls like, and I would ask Sharpay but….she scares me." Dom said with a look of fear on his face causing Gabriella and Jones to laugh. Gabriella linked her arm with Dom's and leaned towards him as they walked.
"You know Shar isn't that bad," Gabriella said through her laughs.
"Not that bad?!? Are you serious? I like cry whenever she gets that look in her eye…" Jones said with a shudder.
"What look?" Gabriella asked.
"The one where she knows you're fucking her over, or when things aren't going her way. It's just evil." Jones said shaking his curly head.
"Well if you guys try and talk to her…"
"No way! I mean Zeke is my boy but no, I can't handle that poodle on his arm." Dom said shaking his head.
"Well your loss I guess." Gabriella shrugged.
"So, how is Bolton, haven't seen much of him lately." Jones said as they headed for the entertainment section.
"Oh he's been busy preparing for season, try outs are next week." Gabriella said
"Oh yea, forgot about that. Well you guys are still coming to see us in state right?" Dom asked looking down at Gabriella.
"Hell yea wouldn't miss a road trip for anything in the world." She said grinning already excited.
"The whole school is like coming. They should just provide a bus for the fans." Jones said
"Yea but that would include parents and you can't listen to your Drake album if you have parents around to listen to the lyrics and ask why you listen to this garbage." Gabriella stated.
"Point taken." Jones said nodding.
"Hey, Finding Nemo this was my shit back in the day," Dom said picking the DVD up off the sales rack.
"Shit $10 I'm getting one," Gabriella said jumping and grabbing it out of his grasp.
"Hey I wanted that copy," Dom said with a teasing smile though still trying to be serious.
"Nuh uh you can get your own." She replied holding it to her chest.
"Don't make a scene," Jones said looking around.
"Gabriella give me the damn DVD, don't make me fight you," Dom said with a laugh.
"Oh you know I could take you, right here right now," Gabriella stuck her tongue out at him and screamed when he reached for her and hid behind Jones.
"Hey don't put me in the middle of this."
"Too late!" they chorused causing Jones to sigh.
"Come on big shot is that all you got?" Gabriella asked as Dom moved again causing them to switch sides.
"Hey come on, Dom why don't you get another one," Jones said looking back at Dom.
"Come on Jones have a little fun, you know I was only fucking with her." Dom nudged his friend who let out a chuckle.
"Yea? Just don't let Bolton hear you saying that." Jones looked back at Gabriella who was glaring at the two and smiled.
"Oh come on, me and Troy were together for a while and you know he wouldn't care if you said that."
"Really Gabriella? You take Troy for a pussy." Dom said grabbing another Finding Nemo.
"What do you mean?" Gabriella asked with a frowned at they moved through the section towards the TVs.
"He has a point. I mean if someone said something about Carrie even if they were playing around I may have the urge to punch the life out of them." Jones said being 100 with her.
"Yea some things your just don't tell a guy about his girl or in front of him." Dom said nodding.
'To believe I thought I knew guys." Gabriella said shaking her head.
"Yea well you do, but locker room talks are always things you'll miss. Never ever mess with a guy's girl because he'll be piss beyond belief,"
"I see," Gabriella said thinking back to past events.
"Also never leave your guy out of the loop, if something happens to you. He should be first to know…unless if just girl stuff then leave that for the girls." Jones said.
Gabriella bit her lip nodded as they went to check out and meet up with the others.
Bolton Home
"Gabriella, I'm so glad you made it." Lucille said opening the door so Gabriella could enter.
"Thanks for inviting me to dinner Lucille." Gabriella said with a smile.
"Oh sweetie I know you are lonely in that house come over anytime, you know where Troy is I have to get back to the spaghetti." Lucille gave Gabriella's arm a squeeze before rushing into the kitchen.
Sighing Gabriella pulled at her lightly curled hair that had a cute clip holding some to the side. She was wearing a dark purple flowy tank with a gray cardigan over and dark skinny jeans along with studded flats. Moving towards Troy's room Gabriella felt butterflies in her stomach. She was nervous out of her mind and knew why.
"You look amazing." Troy said as she walked in the door.
"Thanks," Gabriella said pushing it up before going over to him as he stood in his closet and kissed him letting it linger a moment, Dom and Jones words screaming in her head.
"Mmm, that was delicious," Troy said pulling back with a grin.
"I'm glad." Gabriella said before moving to sit at the edge of his bed.
"I hear you skipped 4th again," Troy said with a teasing grin that made Gabriella blush though it also could be the fact she realized he was wearing only a towel.
"Yea, we were bored so we figured why not." Gabriella shrugged as Troy nodded.
"Have fun?"
"Of course I was with the guys." Troy chuckled grabbed some pants and heading for the bathroom.
"I have seen you naked many times Troy," Gabriella said making him stop on his way.
"I know I just…thought."
"Never Bolton," Gabriella said with a smirk and looked at the towel then at Troy. "Drop the towel,"
"Gabriella!" Troy said shocked though really he loved it.
"Drop the damn towel Bolton." Gabriella said then added "Or I'll take it off myself." She raised an eyebrow as Troy blushed running a hand through his hair.
"Uhm,"
"Oh get it over with," she rolled her eyes as Troy sighed tossing the pants towards her and dropping the towel.
Gabriella sat still watching as he moved towards a drawer and pulled out some briefs. His ass was amazing and perky and juicy. Gabriella didn't expect him to drop them but it was a nice distraction from everything. Turning so she could see he stepped into the underwear and walked over towards her in that way of his. Gabriella tried to seem unaffected but was failing miserably; Troy grabbed the pants with a grin and asked huskily.
"What happened to the strength Montez?"
"It went out the window." Gabriella said softly.
"Thought so," Troy said pulling the pants on much to Gabriella displeasure. Troy noticed her mood change and sat down next to her on the bed.
"Thanks for coming; my mom has been bugging me for weeks." Troy said grabbing Gabriella's right hand and interlacing their fingers.
"Perfect fit," Gabriella whispered looking up at Troy shyly causing him to smile with his eyes. Laying down so his back was now on the bed he tugged at her hand slightly.
"Come here." Gabriella smiled crawling on top of her boyfriend only half aware that the door wasn't locked. Troy sighed wrapping his arms around her small waist.
"This right now is better than ice cream," Troy said softly making Gabriella smile.
"This is better than the smell of breakfast in the morning."
"This is better than getting wedgies," Troy said making Gabriella laugh.
"This is better than picking at scabs,"
"This is better than sitting on food,"
"This is better than having someone pour juice all over your best friends white dress at homecoming,"
"This is better than doing the robot,"
"This is better than…anything," Gabriella said softly before feeling Troy tense below her.
"Say that again,"
"This is better than anything.."
"No, the one before that," Troy said with a strong voice, Gabriella frowned sitting up slightly and looking down at his calculating eyes. Gabriella thought over what she had said before and gasped when she realized it kind of slipped.
"Troy I –"
"What happened at homecoming, and don't tell me that bullshit of wanting to talk later and not being ready, tell me Gabriella," She looked away when he used her full name, Troy moved her away so he could stand.
"I – it's not that big of a deal –"Gabriella stopped speaking when Troy gave her this look that sent a shiver down her spine and not in the good way. His eyes were a dark gray that almost made him look like a comic book character since they didn't look real.
"I went to the bathroom and Crystal was in there with her friends." Gabriella looked down at her hands.
"Go on," Troy said in a surprisingly calm voice.
"Troy they only cornered me and spilled red punch all over Sharpay's dress. I was just so damn embarrassed that I couldn't come back to the dance and…I ruined her dress I didn't want Shar to see…I still don't want her to know –"
"You couldn't tell me, I mean I would have come back with you," Troy said looking at Gabriella after putting on a beater.
"I know Troy but I wanted you to enjoy yourself –"
"How could I do that when you weren't there?" Troy asked simply looking at Gabriella with sadness in his eyes. Gabriella shook her head as tears rushed to her eyes.
"I – I had to get out of there, I ran home and cried my eyes out. I couldn't come back to school I'd be reminded –"
"You couldn't call me?! I was worried out of my fucking mind; I thought something fucking happened to you! Then your phone was off, you wouldn't answer the door, you could have been dead for all I knew!" Troy yelled getting angry over the situation going into his closet for a shirt. Gabriella stood up as some tears escaped.
"Don't try and turn this on me Troy David Alexander!" Gabriella yelled since she's just as hot tempered as Troy. He came out and rolled his eyes trying to button up his blue button up shirt.
"Get off it Gabriella, you aren't the only one who was hurting! For 136 hours I was hurting! You want to know where my pain was Gabriella." Troy asked rhetorically, Gabriella nodded barely "It was right here," Troy hit his chest, specifically the spot over his heart, two times before bringing the back of his right hand to his face and turning back into the closet. Gabriella sighed putting her hands to her face.
"Well I'm sorry I'm not perfect! I'm sorry I was so fucked up I couldn't focus enough to call you or unlock the door or –"
"I never asked you to be perfect!" Troy said coming back into the room making Gabriella jump. "I only ask you to be Gabriella, my best friend, the person who could tell me anything and everything without second thought." Troy said with a sigh. Wrapping her arms around her waist Gabriella let out a shaky sigh.
"I didn't think you'd care," Gabriella couldn't look at him even as he took steps towards her.
"How – how could you think that? When you love someone you care naturally," he stood a foot away, though the tension was still high.
"I know I just, Crystal gets what she wants, she wants you and I don't know –"
"Don't Gabriella don't,"
"I can't help it," Gabriella said softly
"You hurt me, so much," Troy said turning back towards the window in his room.
"I know, I'm sorry Troy," Gabriella whispered.
Troy turned back to say something but she had slipped from the room. Troy sighed and grabbed his phone from his dresser and threw it at his bed.
"I could have handled that better," He said to no one.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What do you think that was about?" Jack asked pouring milk into the glasses at the tables. Lucille sighed and distributed the spaghetti.
"I think I have an idea, though when they get in here don't say anything Jack. We have to act like we didn't hear a thing."
"Nothing?" Jack asked
"Nothing." Lucille said sternly.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So, Gabriella are you going to manage this season?" Lucille asked happily trying to keep the conversation alive…though it was dead from the start. Jack raised an eyebrow at her from across the table as he brought his fork to his mouth. Lucille ignored him, Troy was slouched in his chair with a pissed look on his face though he was eating. Gabriella looked ready to burst into tears though was staying tough.
"Yea of course, I wouldn't miss a game for anything." Gabriella looked over at Troy and he just held a tight jaw looking back causing Gabriella to look down.
"Well that is just wonderful, I'm sure you can get the new freshman I hear about into shape. What's his name dear Paul Smith?" Lucille asked brining Jack into this.
"Yes honey," Jack said lightly.
"Yes Paul I hear he's very good and is a sure bet for Varsity. You'll have to make him work harder, since everyone knows that you can't be a good player until you have comfortable losing to a girl." Lucille smiled more to herself for making a conversation.
They stayed in silence only the sound of forks hitting plates was heard. Of course this annoyed Lucille though she wasn't going to say anything since she couldn't think of anything more to say, she had asked about school twice.
"This meal was wonderful Lucille but I have homework that I'd like to finish. So may I please be excused?" Gabriella said not able to look at anyone. Lucille bit her lip and looked at Jack who shrugged.
"Of course dear did you want me to wrap some food for you?" Lucille asked looking as the girl stood and pushed in her chair.
"No thank you, thanks for having me over though." Gabriella said before sprinting from the house.
Lucille looked at Jack who shrugged again not really being one for female problems of any kind. Sighing she looked over at her son and gasped inwardly when she saw his face still with a locked jaw though a lone tear rolled down his right cheek.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Gabriella!" jumping the brunette turned and saw her…boyfriend coming after her.
"What Troy?" She asked wiping her face.
"I – I'm sorry, can we try again?" He asked coming close to her place his hands so they cupped her face.
"Try what again Troy?" She asked tears continuing to fall though he wiped them with his thumb. Even though they were outside where anyone could see them they didn't notice.
"Tell me what happened again,"
"Again?" Gabriella asked in shock.
"Yes, please, I want to react the right way." Troy said with truth in his eyes.
"Oh and how's that?" Gabriella asked taking a step to him so they were now touching; Troy bent down and kissed her before looking her in the eye again.
"With love," Gabriella considered this and couldn't help the smile tugging at her mouth.
"You won't yell?"
"I couldn't, you know seeing you cry and knowing it's because of me hurts as much as those 136 hours of not seeing or hearing you." Troy said in a whisper as if it were a secret,
"I think I can tell the story in more of a calmed way," Gabriella said
"Good, because I'm all ears," Troy said
"And maybe we could watch Finding Nemo,"
"I'd watch anything with you,"
"I'm sorry," Gabriella said kissing him.
"I'm sorrier for overreacting and yelling." Troy replied.
"I'm sorry for yelling back,"
"I'm sorry for being an ass when you were just trying to let me know what was up," Troy said kissing her.
"I love you Troy David Alexander," Gabriella whispered against his lips. She could never stay mad at him.
"I love you Gabriella Anne," Troy said kissing her with more passion than before. He could never stay mad at her.
BAHAHA, yea this chapter was...fun? Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know.
Oh and I totally just heard I have a thread at Team Hudgens for this story, check it?
review?
xoxo Zoe