Chapter 10: What I've Been Looking For
Montez Household…
A few days after returning from California, Troy and Gabriella have finally announced to each other their intentions for one another and decided to become a couple. It was now easy for them to talk to each other about life at St. Luke's as the two of them were slowly regaining their memories of their time together there. Troy made a promise that he would never wanted to be separated from Gabriella again after spending over eleven years apart from one another showing how in love they were. One afternoon, Troy went over to Gabriella's house after school while her mom was out as he knocked on her door.
"Hey there Wildcat!" Gabriella smiled opening the door kissing her boyfriend, "What brings you by to Casa de Montez?"
"What is it a crime to see my newly girlfriend on a fine afternoon?" Troy smiled, "Besides…I just wanted to spend some time with you."
"I see…so how are we going to break the news to everyone that we're officially a couple and that we have a long history together? Actually…I've never actually been in a relationship before, ever! This all so new to me Troy and I don't know what I'm doing and what is happening and what am I saying…"
"Gabi relax it's okay…this is all new to me also, well the whole relationship thing…c'mon the captain of the basketball team and all-star athlete of the East High Wildcats is unsure of what to do in a relationship."
"We'll figure it out together you and me…it takes two of us to know how a relationship works and speaking of which…we always have these as proof of our promise," Gabriella smiled holding her half yin-yang necklace.
"To old promises that were kept long ago," Troy smiled as he took Gabriella's hand and presented a ring in her hand, "And new promises for the now and for the future. Don't worry it's not an engagement ring or anything…it's a promise ring. You see I have one and you have one too like polar opposites…take a look."
"It's lovely Troy…thank you and look mine has little moons on it," Gabriella smiled giving her boyfriend a kiss, "Thank you so much…I won't take this off I promise."
"I knew you like it…and maybe I was wondering when if ever we were going to plan our first date soon?" Troy asked curiously, "Now that we're officially a couple I was wondering…if you and me…huh you know if…" Troy didn't get to finish talking to Gabriella as the two began to kiss again until Ms. Montez walked in.
"Gabriella I was wondering if you could…oh my goodness!" Ms. Montez replied shocked as she saw the two teens making out, "Maybe…I should have knocked before coming in Gabi! I'm so sorry I didn't mean to intrude on…huh…it's I just…"
"Mom you can relax we're sorry…it's just I didn't hear you come in that's all," Gabriella replied as her and Troy got off the couch, "I'm didn't mean…I mean I'm sorry…"
"Well I got you a dress for Saturday night for our company gala for charity for the children's hospital," Ms. Montez said holding up a new dress, "And remember your dad is coming this weekend so we'll be actually attending as a family for once. You didn't forget Gabriella have you because we're expected to make an appearance."
"Dad…is actually coming down this weekend are you serious?" Gabriella smiled, "Oh my gosh I haven't seen daddy in weeks I miss him so much mom! This is great Troy you'll finally get to meet my dad."
"Are you sure you want to bring Troy…to the fundraiser this Saturday?" Ms. Montez questioningly asked her daughter, "Besides…you're dad is coming don't forget."
"Mom I have an extra ticket…will it be okay that my boyfriend will my plus one to your little charity gala mom," Gabriella smiled looking at Troy as her mom left the room, "Besides dad…will be honored to meet the most important person from my past."
"Are…you sure about this?" Troy asked, "This…is something big…I'm actually going to be meeting your father for the first time…our first date is going to be a glimpse into…into your world, the life you grew up in for the last eleven years."
"Troy it wouldn't make a difference and it doesn't matter about where I came from or where I was the last eleven years. What matters is that I'm able to be with the person I'm in love with and besides…don't think we come from two different worlds, just remember we first came from and what keeps us connected to one another. Besides we both got a glimpse of each other's lives and there's nothing different about anything."
"Thanks for reassuring me I don't know what I'll do without you around. So…what are these parties usually like?"
"A glimpse into the dark side of the glamorous life of the rich and elite…besides mom is hosting the party at Lava Springs and I heard the Evans will be there since mom's company booked to host the venue there. Don't worry…these socialites wouldn't dare to say anything bad about you as long as I make sure they don't. These people my parents associate with know me by my name so they wouldn't dare twice to back talk. "
"Don't worry Gabi I promise…nothing won't happen," Troy smiled giving her a kiss, "I'll…make sure nothing doesn't happen to you."
East High School…
The next day during free period, Troy was walking towards the Drama Room when he saw Sharpay and Ryan. Ever since getting the invite to escort Gabriella to her mom's company dinner he reluctantly agreed to go despite the fact he was going to meet his girlfriend's father for the first time. However, that wasn't the only issue on his mind, it was the fact that he would be spending the whole being acquainted and surrounded by people who were part of his girlfriend's life when he wasn't around. Despite the fact Gabriella assured him everything will be alright, the last thing he didn't want was to tarnish her reputation so he went to the last place he least expected for help.
"Well…if it isn't Troy Bolton what brings you to the neck of our area of the school?" Sharpay asked curiously.
"Look Sharpay I know you guys are the last people I would ask for help on situations like this but this one…is something important," Troy said nervously, "You guys are aware of that party being hosted on Saturday at your family's country club."
"What about it?" Ryan asked, "Of course we have to be there for it our parents said."
"You see…the thing is…Gabriella's mom is hosting it and I'm going as Gabriella's date, well it's more like our first date as a couple," Troy added as Sharpay hugged him, "Whoa Sharpay!"
"Shut up you and Gabriella are actually a couple now!" Sharpay yelled, "This is freaking wonderful I knew you fancied her…she's a keeper you know that and I truly idolize Gabriella since she and I share the same taste in fashion!"
"Okay sis you can stop," Ryan smiled, "But that's good that you and Gabriella are going out."
"Thanks…but there's another reason why I came to see you guys…what do you guys know about dealing with people and socializing with people…in high class society, like the people Gabriella's parents hang out with. I want to be able…if I'm going to make this relationship work…then…then I got to learn what it's like to be like those people and be accepted by them so I…don't make a fool out of Gabi." Troy looked away as he made his request which shocked both Sharpay and Ryan to look at him in wonder.
"I'm sorry…did you say that you needed our help to fit in with people in high society?" Ryan asked shocked, "By god Troy…and what makes you think we can help?"
"Because…you're the only two in this school I know who come from the same world as Gabriella and…I want to be accepted by her parents and her dad is coming and I know how close she is to her dad and I would do anything to make sure that I don't let her down."
"That's so sweet Troy," Sharpay smiled, "It shows that you love her and you'll practically do anything for her. Listen Troy…take it from someone who is going out with a boy who is not of the same clique but when I'm with Zeke he treats me like any normal girl and he doesn't care about the money I have. He liked me and I liked him because we have something special and I wouldn't change it for the world. You shouldn't change yourself or make yourself become someone just to have others that aren't people you relate to notice you."
"For once Sharpay…I'm surprised to hear you speaking from the heart," Troy replied, "I want to make this work with Gabriella because I'm afraid of screwing things up with her. Her father is coming in from New York and her relationship with her father means a lot to her so I don't want to ruin things for her. I may have known her before, but we come from two different lifestyles and she relates more to the lifestyle you two live. I'm crazy in love with this girl and frankly…I'll do anything for her."
"Spoken like a true man," Ryan added, "We'll keep a close eye on you during the party this weekend because besides our parents are forcing us to attend the country club this weekend so at least you'll have some people you'll know. Put it this way anyone with money here knows each other and they become part of this close knit group. Don't worry Sharpay and I will keep you in line if you want to impress high society that badly and make a good impression for Gabriella's dad."
"Thanks now all I got to do is find a suit for this weekend and look my best," Troy replied as they heard the warning bell, "Anyways…thanks for your help, the both of you."
Bolton Household…
It was the weekend of the party and Troy was struggling to get his tie on. He and Gabriella agreed to head to Lava Springs together in his truck. He was trying to find a good tie to match his suit but couldn't so he decided to head to his parents' room to find one. Troy was surprised to find an old box in his parents' closet that contained some old photos, letters and momentums of his biological parents in one of his dad's old shoeboxes. After he got the tie he took the box back into his room as he heard the doorbell ring.
"Hey there Wildcat," Gabriella smiled as she kissed Troy and went in, "Wow you're looking very handsome for tonight!"
"Well I could say the same for a particular lady," Troy replied as he led Gabriella to his room.
"So you ready to go Troy?"
"I'll be in a minute," Troy added as he opened up the box, "If you…don't mind I need a moment to show you something."
"Wow…that lady looks pretty," Gabriella replied as the two sat on the bed, "Who is she?"
"I'm guessing…that's my mom, my real mom and that's my real dad," Troy sighed, "I don't really have much memories of them…besides I was only five when they died. Sometimes I wish I knew what they were like, what kind of people they were and everything there is to know about her. My dad must have loved his sister a lot that she has lots of letters she would write and send at least a picture of me to him just to see what life is like in San Diego. My dad used to tell me that back when they went to East High, my real mom Pam would always be at every single pep rally to cheer my dad on, she was kind of like you in a way a Scholastic Decathlon member."
"At least what matters is that you knew her, you knew both of your parents," Gabriella replied as they both stared at the picture, "I wanted to tell someone this and since you're my boyfriend and you're the only person I trust to keep this a secret…but for awhile I've been trying to search for my birth father. Hearing you talk about your real parents and finding you again makes me want to seek out one more closure I really wanted to seek. Don't worry I'm not going to leave my parents for my birth father, besides this is my life now. You're lucky to have at least momentums of your old life with you and I barely don't have nothing left of the old life before St. Luke's and the adoption."
"Don't ever think that Gabi because I'm sure you'll find something or at least memories of your real parents…but remember don't forget that you still have something from your old here with you right now," Troy smiled as he took her hand, "You have me and I promise that will stay with you no matter what because it's a promise I tend to keep. And the thing about you searching for your birth father…I promise to support you and I won't tell anyone about it because it will be our secret, I'll even help you as your trusted boyfriend."
"Thank you Troy I don't know what I would do without you," Gabriella smiled as they were heading out the door, "I guess we better be heading out before my parents blow a fit for being late. Oh Troy I'm sorry…you didn't finish your little story about your real mom what did your dad tell you about her?"
"Well you can say that history has a way of occurring twice in a lifetime but to two different people from two different backgrounds," Troy smiled as they got into his truck, "My dad told me that my mom Pam fell in love with her high school sweetheart, one of the players of the East Side Wildcats, my real dad named Daniel. My biological parents remind me of you and me and somehow…it maybe ironic but things happen for a reason as they say."
Lava Springs Country Club…
During the night at party at Lava Springs, Troy and Gabriella watched as many people mingled and chatted among one another while the two of them sat at a table by themselves. Gabriella was thrilled to see her parents together for the first time in many years but during the night they all watched as her father unexpectedly proposed to her mother again to get married. It was dream come true for Gabriella as her parents were finally going to get back together and they would become a family again.
"Oh great finally people we know," Sharpay and Ryan replied as they showed up at Troy and Gabriella's table, "Gosh this party is so…"
"I know what you mean…welcome to the dark side Troy," Gabriella teased, "This is basically what our world of high elite class and money is like: dark, dull, uptight, and one too many words I can't describe."
"I see your boyfriend is getting a taste and comfort of the glam lifestyle," Sharpay replied as she looked at Gabriella, "By the way congratulations on your parents getting married again."
"Thanks Sharpay I appreciate it," Gabriella replied, "Anyways spring break is coming up and we get two weeks off school. So do you guys have any plans for spring break?"
"Yeah gosh our parents are taking us to visit some of our relatives out east," Ryan added.
"Well I'm going back to Manhattan for Spring Break to stay with my dad while my mom heads to Newport but she's going to fly out when she's done," Gabriella replied, "Her and my dad have a lot of talking to do."
"Wow you must be excited to go back to New York," Troy replied, "Spring break wouldn't be the same in Albuquerque without you guys heading out east."
"It's only two weeks," Ryan said.
"And besides our parents gave us no choice of the matter," Sharpay added, "I conned them into letting Zeke come with me so we can have some time together."
"So…how's my little girl doing?" Mr. Montez said as he sat at the table with them, "Gabriella I'm sorry I haven't spent time getting acquainted with your friends here. Besides with the announcement that your mother and I are going to get remarried my contract in Manhattan expires by the end of August so I'm moving here to be with my family."
"I'm so happy that you and mom are getting back together," Gabriella replied, "Oh daddy I want you to meet my friends…this is Sharpay and Ryan Evans, their parents own Lava Springs and they're the co-presidents of the Drama Club at school."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Montez," Ryan and Sharpay replied, "Gabriella speaks highly of you and we love your work."
"It's a pleasure to meet my daughter's friends she highly talks about," Mr. Montez smiled as he turned to Troy, "And who is this young man Gabi?"
"Huh daddy…this is Troy Bolton," Gabriella smiled, "He…was actually the boy I met back at St. Luke's before you guys adopted me. He's my best friend and we're sort of dating right now daddy. Troy here is the captain of the basketball team at school and we recently reunited after being apart for eleven years."
"Wait a minute…you two were actually adopted?" Sharpay asked surprised, "Troy…does that mean that Coach Bolton is huh?"
"Yeah…he's my adopted dad," Troy said, "Both my real parents and Gabriella's died when we were about five years old. Apparently she and I ended up in the same orphanage for a couple months before we were adopted. I went to New Mexico while Gabriella ended up in New York."
"It is finally an honor meeting you Troy," Mr. Montez replied, "I see why you and Gabriella are so close. She would always talk about you whenever I called and she would tell me about this boy she liked. Gabriella would tell me that there was something about this Troy Bolton kid that reminded her of someone she knew long ago at St. Luke's who always used to look out for her and protect her from bullies. She always used to say that this boy she knew was like her best friend, her big brother, the only family she had at the time and her first love."
"Wow now I can see that you guys have ancient history together," Ryan said.
"Oh stop it Ryan!" Troy and Gabriella smiled holding hands, "We knew each other before."
"I never realized that when Gabi moved out here with her mom she finally found what she was looking her…you Troy," Mr. Montez replied, "I don't have to ask you about your intentions for Gabriella but I can see that history just tells it all and so does fate. You looked after her when she was little I can see you're doing the same again."
"Thank you Mr. Montez I thought it would be nerve racking meeting you," Troy said, "But I see now that Gabriella did find a good family for eleven years, just like me."
"You're so sweet Troy," Gabriella said, "See daddy I told you he was a great guy."
"I see why you like him and love him so much," Mr. Montez replied, "The penthouse back in Manhattan sometimes gets lonely and it's been empty since you moved here to live with your mother. I have a fashion show coming up and since you're coming for spring break to New York…I talked to your mother about this and why don't you invite your friends to New York with you…including your boyfriend?"
"Mr. Montez are you serious?" Troy asked shocked, "Oh my gosh I don't want to impose."
"Daddy…are you and mom sure I'm allowed to bring Troy and our friends?" Gabriella replied.
"You two are not imposing and the penthouse has five rooms, two of which are guestrooms and plus don't forget the den," Mr. Montez replied, "Just get permission from your parents to come to New York and the airfare will be paid on our behalf Gabi…besides this is one of the good things about having money, the free air travel."
"I can agree on that daddy," Gabriella smiled, "So Troy…what do you say? You won't be alone during Spring Break besides we can invite Chad, Taylor, Kelsi, Martha and Jason."
"That is off the hook! I can't believe it New York City!" Troy smiled kissing Gabriella, "That is sweet thank you Mr. Montez! I mean…it would be a pleasure."
"You guys are going to New York, we're heading down there too," Sharpay replied, "We can definitely meet up and hang out."
"It's settled then we'll book the tickets in the morning," Mr. Montez replied, "Lucille! The kids agreed to come to New York!"
"That's wonderful at least Gabriella can show her friends around her childhood home," Mrs. Montez replied, "I see everything is going great here. Are you kids enjoying yourselves?"
"Yes Mrs. Montez nice party," they all replied.
"So Miguel…do you care to dance with your newly fiancée?" Mrs. Montez replied.
"It would be an honor," Mr. Montez replied as Gabriella's parents left the table, "Enjoy the party kids."
"Your parents are pretty amazing people," Troy smiled, "I can see why you love your dad so much Gabriella."
"But he's right of one thing," Gabriella smiled as they kissed, "Coming out here to live with my mom I finally found what I've been looking for…and I'm glad that our first date went without a hitch. Now we got our first trip together back to New York…I'm glad to share it with you."
"Same with you babe," Troy smiled, "So do you care to dance with me?"
"I would surely be honored," Gabriella replied as the two of them went, "I love you Troy."
"I love you too Gabriella Montez," Troy smiled as the two danced.
