Chapter 7: The Prayer

(Author's Notes: I don't own the song to The Prayer by Celine Dion and half of the lyrics are in Italian. I will provide a translation somewhere along in the chapter of what the lyrics means and it will be in italics in brackets. Keep those reviews coming I appreciate it!)

Bolton Residence…

About a couple days passed since Gabriella started going to school at East High and it was exciting for her because for the first time, she has made actual friends thanks to Troy and his friends. And although sometimes she was now getting used to dealing with Sharpay constantly following her around like a crazed stalker, she too was becoming accustomed to have her around as a friend. One morning, Gabriella walked over to Troy's house as instructed by her mother to hitch a ride to school with him and his father.

"Good morning…I'm Gabriella…Lucille Montez's daughter," Gabriella smiled, "My mom told me to come over here to hitch a ride with Coach Bolton and his son."

"Oh right come in dear don't be shy," Mrs. Bolton replied as Gabriella came in, "I'm Diane Bolton…make yourself at home I'll see if my son is ready. Troy! Troy come down here!" Troy was surprised as he saw Gabriella standing in his living room.

"Troy? Wow…I'm surprised that you're Coach Bolton's son," Gabriella replied, "My mom was worried that I would be late for school and she had an early meeting so she dropped me off here and she explained the whole situation to your parents and…"

"It's okay I know my dad gave me the heads up," Troy said, "Apparently my folks met your mom awhile back when she was settling in and we helped your mom with the house before you arrived from New York. My parents offered your mom to look after you in case of emergencies…knowing that your mom is very protective of you and since we live down the street from each other…it would be appropriate."

"You can practically see my house down the street…the really big fancy looking Newport house as I would describe it. So…you have a pretty nice place it's very cozy and warm…so this is the home of the captain of the Wildcats?"

"I would say that…this has been home most of my life the only home I've known. You can say I had a lot of memories here and haven't been traveling much…but you must be lucky to have done a lot of traveling Gabriella."

"Your parents must love you a lot," Gabriella said as she looked at the pictures, "There's like so many pictures of you growing up…it would be cute to see your baby picture just to get a glimpse of what the team captain looked like in diapers."

"Actually…I really don't have much pictures of the time when I was a baby, or even up to the age of five for that matter," Troy said as he turned away, "That's the only part of my life I really don't remember much…something I wish to forget sometimes, but also know more."

"What do you mean?" Gabriella asked, "You're lucky to have a family that loves you, a real family unlike…unlike mine. No one doesn't know that I was adopted when I was five…I never really knew my real parents, except for my mother. All I know is that she died when I was very little that's about it really...I'm sorry Troy I think that's a bit too personal there."

"In truth…you and I have something in common Gabriella. My dad that you know as Coach Bolton…he's not my real dad, he's actually my uncle, but he adopted me eleven years ago after my parents died in a car accident. He knew my real mom because they were brother and sister so they took it upon themselves to raise me and since then I've known them as my parents, although sometimes I do like to hear stories about my biological ones. I don't remember much about them…but I know they did love me."

"At least you remember your real parents…I only have a vague memory of my real mom, but not my dad. I never knew him…he wasn't in my life and the only dad I've known for eleven years in New York is about the only dad in my life right now. I remember someone used to tell me this silly thing once…just because my parents are not here doesn't mean that they are gone forever..."

"...Although sometimes you feel alone remember that your parents loved you very much and you'll always keep their memory in your hearts," Troy was suddenly repeating the same thing Gabriella was saying, "You can always pray to God every night and ask him how they are doing in heaven."

"Wow I feel like we have transparent minds," Troy smiled, "I used…to hear that same thing too but I do sometimes attend church and hear the talks about praying…I think it was from something from a long time ago."

"Troy c'mon we don't want to be late for school," Mr. Bolton replied as he came downstairs.

"Oh sorry dad I was getting caught up chatting with Gabriella," Troy replied, "Huh dad this is Gabriella Montez, Mrs. Montez's daughter."

"It's finally nice to meet you," Mr. Bolton replied, "Lucille has talked so much about you…I am glad that my son has become friends with you."

"I know…it feels like I've known him for a long time," Gabriella smiled as they all left for school, "Troy is a really nice guy."

East High School…

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Taylor asked Chad, "C'mon I don't know…you know I really don't look forward going to these stupid parties, especially parties hosted by Sharpay."

"I know do we have any choice in the matter?" Chad sighed as they were with their friends as they endured another morning with Sharpay, "Does motormouth ever stop yakking?"

"You should hear her at home," Ryan joked, "So much for having her as a twin sister."

"Dude…are you sure you're related?" Chad joked.

"Makes me wonder sometimes," Ryan laughed, "I do wonder why is Zeke going out with her?"

"So anyways…as part of our birthday this year we're hosting it at our family's country club at Lava Springs," Sharpay said handing out the invitations, "Ryan and I decided to have a costume party for the theme of our party and we do expect you all to be there in costumes and there are instructions along with the invitation."

"It looks more like a manual," Martha commented, "So who did most of the work you or Ryan on putting the invitations together?"

"We had these done professionally at a print shop," Sharpay smiled as she spotted Gabriella and Troy arriving, "So…I hope all you guys will show up for the party. I promise you'll have a fabulous time. Toodles!"

"The party is in three weeks but please…I beg you guys just come for the sake of coming remember what happened last year?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah I remember the whole incident with the sweet sixteen party and how she flipped out that the fountain malfunctioned," Kelsi and Taylor laughed.

"I literally felt bad for the pianist to get in her path at the wrong time," Jason and Zeke said.

"Okay we'll come…for your sake Ryan," Chad reluctantly replied, "Three weeks?"

"Yeah…make sure you have a costume by then," Ryan said as they heard the bell, "Let's all go to class."

Homeroom...

"Oh Gabriella good morning!" Sharpay smiled approaching her, "Morning Troy…wow I like the blouse is it Ralph Lauren Gabriella?"

"Pretty much I have a lot of them at home," Gabriella said, "So…what's up?"

"You have to invite me over sometime to your place I'm just dying to see what my favorite chum Cosmo Girl has in her closet," Sharpay replied, "Since you're the elite expert on the New York fashion scene you have to tell me what's in and out. Anyways…we're doing duets today in class so Ms. Darbus is making us sing in pairs."

"Maybe I'll consider that," Gabriella said looking at Troy, "So…what's with the envelopes?"

"I'm glad you ask my friends," Sharpay said as she handed her and Troy the invitations.

"Let me guess Sharpay…your birthday party?" Troy said, "Are you not going to knock out a poor staff member this year?"

"That was an accident," Sharpay snapped, "The pianist was in the way causing that sixty thousand dollar crystal fountain to malfunction during my singing show."

"It was more like she blind sighted him last year," Troy joked to Gabriella, "So…when's the party?"

"Three weeks from now and Gabriella…I hope you do show up so we can style up the party with our costumes."

"You and Ryan decided to have a costume party?" Troy asked, "Okay…you can count me in only if Gabriella goes with me?"

"Are you serious Troy…as a date you and me?" Gabriella smiled, "Count…count me in."

"Oh my gosh that is so cute the pair of you together…you guys can be my new guy friend Troy along with my favorite Cosmo Girl," Sharpay said as Ms. Darbus and the other students walked into the classroom, "This is going to be a fabulous party!"

"Ms. Evans, Mr. Bolton, Ms. Montez I expect you to settle down," Ms. Darbus said, "Alright class settle down today we're continuing with our vocal exercises by practicing our duets. I am grading you students on your pairs performance and you all know the routine…two names get drawn out of the hat, a theme whether it be the musicals or movies, and the song selection I will choose."

"Who do you think it's going to be this time?" Troy asked Chad, "I literally don't sing much."

"Try going up yesterday performing that Light My Candle song from that Rent musical off key and have Darbus criticize my lack of enthusiasm and passion for the song," Chad sighed.

"At least you tried and Taylor was your partner," Troy said, "At least you guys got a seven and half out of ten on that."

"Alright I'm drawing out the names," Ms. Darbus said as she picked out two names, "My goodness Mr. Bolton it seems to be your lucky day you're up along with…Ms. Montez this should be interesting."

"Oh my gosh this can't be happening," Troy sighed as him and Gabriella came up.

"I really don't sing much Troy…do we have to?" Gabriella asked, "So…what are we picking out for our song? Oh great...our theme is movie."

"Very interesting theme choice," Ms. Darbus said as she gave them the music, "I hear amateurs sometimes destroy this song but the challenge for your young minds is to find the passion and feeling inside to make the song come to life. The only song I loved from this movie is this one…The Prayer. Kelsi will help you rehearse and I expect to hear that good."

Auditorium…

Gabriella was rehearsing in the auditorium with Kelsi the duet she was suppose to sing for class with Troy, but he hasn't shown up yet. Kelsi was amazed by Gabriella's voice although the singing thing was new to her; however her mind was preoccupied by the fact that Troy asked her to be his date to Sharpay and Ryan's birthday party. Ever since she met Troy, Gabriella felt that the two of them can relate to one another and feel very comfortable telling each other personal things no one else knew.

"So…I heard Troy asked you to be his date to Sharpay and Ryan's party?" Kelsi asked.

"I guess word travels fast around here doesn't it?" Gabriella said, "I don't know…but there's something about Troy Bolton…I feel like whenever we talk to one another, we connect in a way that we can relate to one another. Do you ever get this feeling like you're in kindergarten and you've just met someone for the first time and ten minutes you're playing with them like you've known each other your whole lives?"

"It's what Troy used to think about sometimes," Kelsi replied, "Where is this guy? I told him to be here for free period to rehearse and I expect him to be here or else Ms. Darbus will surely have a field day with him."

"I am so sorry I am late!" Troy replied running into the auditorium, "I…just needed to brush up a bit on my words here. Ms. Darbus gave us something really difficult to sing…I don't know if I can sing this because half of the lyrics are in Italian."

"Troy…we can do this I trust you," Gabriella smiled, "Remember we're all in this together right? No matter what happens…I won't get mad at you for screwing up and we can always laugh about it the next week."

"Thanks…Gabi I appreciate it," Troy smiled, "Let's get this rehearsal going…I'm kind of worried of being discovered in here singing."

"Alright here we go," Kelsi said as she started playing the song on piano, "You guys ready?"

Gabriella:

Troy:

La luce che to dai (The light that you give us)

Gabriella:

I pray we'll find your light

Troy:

Nel cuore resterò (Will stay in our hearts)

Gabriella:

And hold it in our hearts

Troy:

A ricordarchi che (Reminding us)

Gabriella:

When stars go out each night

Troy:

L'etern stella sei (That in my prayer)
Nella mia preghiera (You are an everlasting star)

Gabriella:

Let this be our prayer

Troy:

Quanta fede c'è (There's so much faith)

Gabriella:

When shadows fill our day

Troy:

Lead us to a place

Gabriella:

Guide us with your grace

Both:

Give us faith so we'll be safe.
Sognamo un mondo senza più violenza (We dream of a world with no more violence)
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza (A world of justice and hope)
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino (Grasp your neighbour's hand)
Simbolo di pace e di fraternità (As a symbol of peace and brotherhood)

Troy:
La forza che ci dai (The strength that you give us)

Gabriella:

We ask that life be kind

Troy:

E'il desiderio che (Is the wish)

Gabriella:

And watch us from above

Troy:

Ognuno trovi amore (That everyone may find love)

Gabriella:

We hope each soul will find

Troy:

Intorno e dentro a sé (In and around himself)

Both:

Another soul to love

Troy:
Let this be our prayer

Gabriella:

Let this be our prayer

Troy:

Just like every child

Gabriella:

Just like every child

Both:
Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

E la fede che (And the faith that)
Hai acceso in noi (You've lit inside us)
Sento che ci salverà (I feel will save us)

"Wow…I really…guys I'm speechless," Kelsi replied as she finished playing, "You two…singing together…it was like something I've never imagined hearing."

"So how were we?" Troy and Gabriella asked, "Were we good enough?"

"I…I think I need to take five for a minute," Kelsi said leaving the stage, "Give me a minute."

"You were amazing Wildcat," Gabriella smiled, "I never knew you had in you…singing with you made me feel warm inside and it brought me back to this place in my life I knew once…it reminded me of my real parents. It was like…singing this prayer I wanted and asking them to send me like an angel to watch over me and protect me. You want to hear funny?"

"What is it Gabi?" Troy asked.

"Hearing you call me that…for some reason I love it when you call me that because I think my real mom used to call that when I was very little. I wish I could remember her, but sometimes I dream about her and wonder what life would have been like if she was still alive. I used to have dreams about this little boy I think I knew and he used to protect me and made me smiled and always told me to be brave. I had to be brave and strong like him and not to let other kids make me cry. Troy…do you ever wonder what life would have been like if your real parents were still alive?"

"Everyday…but I know that everyone has their time on earth Gabriella. I used to know this little girl once upon a time I think I thought of as the only family I had although we weren't related. She helped fill that void of not thinking about my parent's death too much…but I hardly don't remember her face and all I have is a vague memory of her. I always wondered every night if I would ever see her in life again…but I don't remember her, but somehow the friendship I had with her was something strong and deep I can't explain."

"Do you ever tell your friends these things? It seems like there is this other side of you that is coming out of you…a different side of Troy Bolton besides the team captain of the East High Wildcats. Do you tend to hide this side from everybody?"

"It's like what you said…in the gym that time that you feel like that there are two different lives you have and two different sides of you…kind of like a double life in a sense. You say that there are two lives we're both living and now taking into account that you and me are adopted kids we have the lives we grew up knowing for the last eleven years and the other life, the one we don't remember is the life that tells us where we're truly from. Somehow, there has to be something that connects to it…singing with you on that stage made me feel like rediscovering more about my past, to find something important that is missing from it."

"And is that why you asked me to be your date for Sharpay and Ryan's birthday?" Gabriella suddenly asked blushing, "Oh my gosh…I'm really sorry…I…I didn't mean for that to come out like that!"

"Oh…I'm sorry if I scared you in anyway Gabriella…did I make you feel awkward?" Troy asked.

"No…it's just we've just met a few weeks back and I know you're about the hottest guy in school and most girls would line up to go out with you Troy. I don't know if I can compete with all the other popular girls out there without them looking at me as the freaky math girl or like some stuck up upper eastside Manhattan girl or I don't want…"

"Gabriella…I asked you out because well this may sound corny but I see something completely different in you that I don't see in most girls here at East High," Troy smiled, "Whatever you were before you came here it wouldn't matter because what I see right now is a someone who I would want as a friend to keep, a nice girl who shouldn't change anything about herself and who is true to what she believes in. That's…what I usually look for in a girl."

"I can honestly say that I do believe you're a good person Troy Bolton," Gabriella smiled, "I feel like you're truthful to everything you say and you're about the first guy ever…that made me feel this way and made me feel courageous to say what is on my mind. I hope you promise we'll still remain friends no matter what."

"I promise you that…if it's still okay that you don't mind being my date for the party?" Troy asked, "And besides…knowing it's Sharpay I bet you're in need of some serious protection."

"Let's just say that I haven't changed my mind one bit," Gabriella said as they heard the warning bell go off for the next class, "C'mon Troy we don't want to be late for our next class."