Hi all! First up, sorry for leaving you update-less for 2 whole weeks – I have been so busy between my birthday party and work and uni assignments...I haven't had a spare moment to BREATHE! But anyway, I finished this part when I should have been finishing (read: 'starting') my essay today. Priorities, priorities lol.

Secondly – the reviews for the last chapter were through the roof!! 57! WOW you guys ROCK! And I reached my 1000 and then some! Congrats to my great buddy and partner in Troyella like crime Jess for being the lucky 1000th reviewer!

Thirdly - thanks for all the birthday wishes!

Fourthly – this is the second last chapter!! GASP! The next one is the big finale :( There will be an epilogue that follows though, so you can breathe for a minute yet.

Fifthly – Cara, you're more than welcome to print this if you reckon it's worth showing anyone haha! I'm glad you liked your cameo!

Sixthly (is that even a word?) - Meg, your reviews rock my socks!

Hope you all like this chapter!

Charli xox

Rest In Peace, Emily. This one is for you...


Chapter 39

"AND SO I WILL WAIT UNTIL THE MOMENT YOU DECIIIIIIIDE...THAT IIIII'M YOUR MAN, AND YOU'RE MY GIRL, THAT IIIII'M THE SEA, AND YOU'RE THE PEARL – IT TAKES TWO, BAAAABYYYYY...IIIIIIT TAKES...TWWOOOOO...OOOOOO...OOOOOOO!!"

"Trooo-ooy!" Gabriella's entire body was shaking with laughter as her boyfriend sang purposely off key and extremely LOUDLY, right in front of her. He was clutching a hair brush he had found in her bathroom cupboard, packed away with all her other hair accessories she hadn't used for a year, and had his eyes tight shut as he put everything into his woeful performance.

"...PLEASE DARLING CHOOOOSE ME, I DON'T WANNA RULE ALOOOOOOONE! TELL ME I'M YOUR KING, AND YOU'RE MY QUEEN, THAT..."

"You sound like a hopeless has-been..." Gabriella sang sweetly, cutting him off.

Troy suddenly stood up straight, letting the hair brush fall to the floor. "Excuse me?" he said dramatically, clutching a hand to his heart.

Gabriella bit her lip, trying not to laugh. "Oh yeah...and yooou have a face that should never be seen," she added to her impromptu tune.

"Oh that's it, missy – you're asking for it," he stated, before pouncing on her, his fingers digging into her sides and ticking her mercilessly as she wriggled and squealed beneath him.

"Troooy!" she managed breathlessly. "Troy stop!"

"What do you say?" Troy questioned, as his fingers ceased their tickling, but he stayed where he was – straddling her legs with her lying pinned beneath him, his hands poised to resume tickling if she gave the wrong answer.

"Uuuuhhh..."

Troy poked her teasingly in the side.

"I love you?"

"Eh, well I was thinking more along the lines of 'Troy Bolton is the hottest guy alive and no one else comes close'...but that'll do," he replied, leaning forward and kissing her on the lips.

Gabriella suddenly realised the compromising position they were in, and gently rolled herself from underneath him.

Troy sat up and looked at her, a hint of confusing playing across his face mixed with a tiny bit of hurt.

Taylor's words flashed through Gabriella's mind - "Just talk to him, Gabs. Let him know how you feel..."

"Troy...we need..." she trailed off and swallowed hard. "We need to talk."

The words cut through Troy like an icy dagger. They weren't four words he wanted to hear in conjunction with one another. Still, he tried to make light of it, giving a nervous laugh.

"Uh oh...don't say that Gab, it doesn't do good things to a guy's confidence."

Gabriella shook her head and moved away from him a little, crossing her legs and leaning against the backboard of her bed. She knew once she started talking Troy would try and comfort her, and she wanted to get out everything she needed to say without him being distracted.

Just when it's getting good
I slowly start to freeze
Just when it's feeling real I put my heart to sleep
It's the memory I can see
Then this fear comes over me
Understand that I don't mean
To push you away from me

"Ok, I need you to hear me out and let me say this...I know it isn't how you think but it's how I'm feeling right now and I really need to tell you what's going on in my head so you understand why I haven't completely been myself the past few months," Gabriella began.

Troy nodded slowly, his heart beating in his throat, his brow knitted with concern as he waited patiently for her to speak.

"You might have noticed...actually, scrap that – I know you've noticed that I...well...when we...well, whenever things start to get a little more...heated...between us, I just freeze, or push you away. Whenever you touch me more...intimately, I guess...than like, a hug or holding my hand...I just...I can't cope."

Troy nodded again, not sure he quite understood where this was going.

Gabriella sighed. "I need you to know that it is nothing you're doing – I don't feel pressured, I don't feel threatened - nothing like that. It's just...since I was diagnosed and started treatment, I've felt pretty insecure about my body and the way I look. My hair...my scars, plastic tubes sticking out of me everywhere – not to mention the fact that I'm bonier than a freaking skeleton! Every once in a while I'll let myself forget, and relax a bit...but suddenly it'll all come rushing back and I freak out and clam up."

Troy reached over and laced his fingers through hers, wordlessly showing his support and giving her the courage to continue.

Gabriella blinked a few times, clearing her teary eyes. "It's not that I don't want to be close to you, Troy – I do. And I know that you don't think that way – you look past everything and see me for me, and you love me unconditionally – believe me, I know. And I know that I am the luckiest girl in the world to have someone as patient and understanding and...perfect...as you. I just...I can't get all these thoughts out of my head," she averted her gaze from Troy's, although their hands remained joined.

"Can I have my turn now?" Troy asked gently.

"Uh huh," Gabriella sniffed, wiping her eyes as she nodded.

"You're right," Troy said softly, tilting her chin gently so that she was looking at him. "I do love you unconditionally. When I look at you I don't see scars or baldness, I see a strong, brave, beautiful young woman who has been through something that no one should ever have to. I see someone that I love more than life itself. I see my whole world."

Gabriella's almost-dry eyes were now teary once again as she gently tugged on Troy's arm. He obliged to her silent request, shuffling up to sit beside her on the bed. He softly brushed away her tears with his thumbs as he continued to speak.

"And I know that the changes you have had to go through have been hard to handle, but the scars that the treatment has left behind are a reminder of how brave you are, and the odds you have beaten to be here today. If I had to choose between a Gabriella with a couple of scars and no Gabriella, you know which one I'd choose every time. Besides, I'd love you even if you looked like the back end of an elephant – you're always beautiful to me."

Gabriella wrapped her arms around his waist and cried into his chest – letting out all the emotion, fear, sadness and relief she had been letting build up for months.

"And I know you know, but I would never – never – pressure you into anything you didn't want to do, or didn't feel comfortable with. You do know that, don't you?" Troy felt her nod into his chest, and he hesitated for a moment before placing a soft kiss on the top of her head. "I will do anything it takes to help you through all this. You just need to talk to me – let me know what you're thinking and feeling."

Gabriella mumbled something into Troy's shirt and he smiled.

"I love you too, Bella."

HSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSM

Friday morning was sunny and warm – the scent of summer was in the air. For a bunch of excited, jittery teenagers, it was no ordinary Friday.

"So," Chad said with a grin as he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend. "All ready to go Graduate?"

Taylor shivered nervously. "Ready as I'll ever be," she replied with a smile.

"Chad! Taylor!" the pair turned their heads to the direction of the voice, and saw Sharpay, Zeke, Ryan, Kelsi and Jason hurrying towards them.

"Hey gang," Chad greeted them energetically.

Sharpay looked around the school yard wistfully. "You know, despite all the...hardships...that went hand in hand with school life...I'm really gonna miss this place."

"Me too," Kelsi agreed.

The boys rolled their eyes. "Come on, we've been prisoners in this place for long enough – I'm sooo ready to escape and..."

Chad was cut off by Taylor who smirked. "Spend the next few years studying at college?"

"Well, yeah but that's...different," he said sheepishly. "It's just...different."

"You're face is different, but we've never judged you...out loud..." a new voice joined the throng, and everyone burst out laughing, apart from Chad, who looked at Troy with disgust.

"And to think I call you my brother," he lamented, shaking his head.

A soft giggle to the left of Troy made everyone smile.

"Hey Gabster – you're looking particularly gorgeous today," Chad complimented.

"Hey! How come you never say those things to me," Taylor exclaimed, with a wink at Gabriella. "By the way, you do look beautiful Gabs."

Gabriella blushed and looked at her feet. She was wearing a pale blue baby doll style dress that was patterned with darker blue. It was a perfect fit, with delicate spaghetti straps, and gathering across the bust before it fell gently to her knees. Her dark hair was coming in fast, now a little more definitive than just a soft fuzz. Troy looked down at her with pride in his eyes as he wrapped his arm a little tighter around her shoulder.

"Thanks," Gabriella murmured.

"Alright Wildcats!" Chad yelled suddenly. "Let's do this!"

The group of friends cheered excitedly, before weaving through the crowd gathering out the front of East high School, to find their parents.

A short while later, the graduating class were seated on one side of the hall, their parents and families on the other side, all looking very proud. Gabriella was fidgeting slightly in her seat, looking at the back of her boyfriends head, several rows in front of her. As if he could sense her gaze, Troy turned his head and looked over his shoulder. She gave him a meaningful smile and he winked cheekily, returning her grin before turning back to the front of the hall.

Principal Matsui approached the lectern and shuffled his notes before clearing his throat. The hall fell silent as the principal began his speech.

His words echoed throughout the hall, but Gabriella found herself zoning out as he congratulated the year group, highlighting the memories of their years together. Her thoughts drifted, instead, to the future – it was the first time in almost a year, she realised, that she had actually allowed herself to think further ahead than the next day. After today she would be a high school alumnus, and right now it seemed like anything was possible – the world was her oyster. No matter what path her studies and career took, no matter what else her future held, she knew it would include Troy. He was a constant in her life and she could not have been more grateful for that fact.

Gabriella snapped back into focus as she realised everyone in the hall was clapping. She blinked a couple of times, looking around and joining in with the applause as Principal Masui made his way back to his seat, having concluded his speech. Trying her best to focus properly on the ceremony, Gabriella adjusted her black robes – which were trimmed with red and gold – and settled back in her seat.

After a few more speeches from various staff members and heads of different committees at the school, Principal Matsui returned to the microphone, placing a large trophy and an envelope on the lectern.

"At the beginning of this school year, the Lester family – relatives of a past student who has gone on to become one of Duke University's brightest and most promising young research students – donated a lump sum of money to East High School, with the instruction that a 1000 dollar scholarship and the perpetual trophy was to be awarded annually to a graduating student who has made an outstanding achievement, shown great potential and excelled at East High. The staff here at the school have spent quite a substantial amount of time discussing suitable beneficiaries of this valuable award, but - after much deliberation - we have finally reached a decision and we know we could not have picked a more worthy recipient. This young lady made an impression on everyone here at East High from the very moment she commenced her enrolment. With her remarkable academic achievements, her thirst for knowledge and her infectious, bright personality, she has been an invaluable member of the student body. She has displayed a commitment not only to her school and her studies, but also to her peers."

Gabriella's face lit up. 'Taylor!' she thought happily, proud of her friend. 'It has to be Taylor!'

"The respect that the student body and staff alike held for this intelligent, street-smart young lady only grew throughout this school year, as she faced her toughest challenge yet. Battling through the toughest time of her life - and doing so with poise and grace that few could have matched – the student in question has managed to overcome a life threatening illness whilst maintaining top grades in her studies. I'm sure everyone here today will agree that there is no one more worthy of this scholarship than the incredible girl I am about to call to the stage. It gives me great pleasure to announce that the first ever winner of the Lester Family Award for Outstanding Achievement is... Gabriella Montez."

Gabriella's hands were shaking as she got to her feet, and realised that the entire crowd in the school hall were now standing. Applause thundered around the room, intermingling with the whoops and cheers of her best friends and other proud class mates as Gabriella slowly made her way to the front of the room and climbed the stairs onto the stage. Principal Matsui met her half way across the stage and shook her hand, presenting her with the trophy and envelope containing the scholarship cheque with a smile.

"We're very proud of you, Gabriella," he told her quietly. "All the very best for the future – keep in touch and let us know how you're doing, won't you?"

Gabriella nodded dumbly, still overwhelmed. "Thank you," she managed to get out. "Thank you so much – for everything, especially this year."

"You're very welcome. I know you will put this money to good use."

Gabriella nodded again before turning back towards the stairs. She caught her mother's eye in the crowd and saw she was clapping and cheering with tears streaming down her face, being congratulated and comforted by Troy's mother who was almost jumping up and down with pride written all over her face. Gabriella grinned as she made her way back to her seat. She passed Troy's row and saw him cease his cheering for a moment to blow her a kiss. She laughed as she heard a familiar voice yell out 'WE LOVE YOU GABSTER!"

"Thank you, Mr Danforth," the principal said wryly as he returned to the microphone and Chad took his seat again, looking sheepish. "Now, without further ado – it's time to present our class of 2008 with their diplomas! Renee Adams..."

Student after student was called to the stage, hand after hand was shaken, diplomas awarded, and tassels switched. Gabriella cheered the loudest out of everyone as Troy shook hands with the principal and received his diploma, sticking her fingers in her mouth and whistling loudly. Troy grinned down at her, shuffling off the stage as 'Genevieve Bossley' was awarded her diploma. Finally – after what seemed like hours – 'Connor Zandos' exited the stage, and the ceremony was over.

Gabriella couldn't help the smile that spread across her face as she joined her classmates in throwing their caps high into the air with a cheer, as the parents and other loved ones applauded.

Chair legs squeaked against the floor as everyone began to gather their belongings and exit the hall, making their way to the gym where tea and coffee was being served. Gabriella, however, only had one thing – or one person – on her mind. She stood on tip-toes as the crowd flowed past, looking for the familiar face. Her features lit up as she spotted him stuck across the room, and she gathered her robes up, pushing her way through the masses in an effort to get to him. Six feet away she broke into a run and he grinned as he spotted her, opening his arms and catching her as she leapt, wrapping her legs around him and burying her face in his neck.

"I am so unbelievably proud of you, Gabriella Montez," he stated, hugging her tight. "No one deserved that award more than you."

"Thank you," she mumbled into his shoulder.

"But as much as I could cuddle you all day, I'm going to put you down now before you stab me in the back of the neck with that trophy."

Gabriella giggled as her feet found the floor and she poked Troy in the stomach softly with the plastic award.

"Troy! Gabriella!" the pair looked up at the sound of their names and saw Troy's parents and Gabriella's mother weaving in and out of the crowd, heading towards them.

Maria wrapped Gabriella in a hug once she reached her, and kissed her cheek. "I'm so, so, so proud of you, baby. Just...so proud."

"Thanks Mom," Gabriella grinned.

"My turn!" Lucille exclaimed, prising Maria off her daughter, and hugging Gabriella.

"Congratulations, sweetheart. Absolutely fantastic."

"Uh, hello?!" Troy butted in, waving his hand in his mother's face. "Favourite son here, just graduated – remember me?"

Everyone laughed as Lucille let Gabriella go and hugged Troy. "Oh yes, I'm proud of you too. If you want I can give you sloppy mom-kisses all over your face to show you how proud."

Troy jumped back. "No thanks," he said quickly. "I can feel the pride...radiating from you."

Jack moved between Troy and Gabriella and wrapped an arm around both of them. "Good work kids, you both did very well."

"Thanks Dad," Troy said. "Oh, Maria – is it ok if I drive Gabi home after this? I have somewhere I need to take her – we'll only be an hour, tops."

Maria nodded. "Of course, Troy. I expected you guys wouldn't want to come straight home anyway," she said with a smile. "Go have fun. But d..."

"I won't let her over-do it," Troy promised.

Maria patted his arm. "Good. So, how does it feel to have graduated?" she asked her daughter.

"I will miss this place," Gabriella replied. "It's the first place where I've made real friends and real memories. But it feels great to know that I have them right by my side to continue on this adventure into college. And graduation has come at a really great time too – for me it feels like a graduation from school AND from cancer."

"Graduating high school and graduating cancer – well, this is a momentous occasion which I think calls for a celebration. The five of us, dinner at the restaurant of Gabi's choice tonight?" Lucille suggested.

Gabriella looked at her mother, who grinned. "Sounds like a plan to me."

HSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSM

"Are you sure you can't tell?"

"I'm sure I can't tell."

"Not even a hint?"

"Not even a hint."

"Not even a tiny one?"

"Gabriella..."

"You suck."

Troy smirked, but continued to concentrate on the road ahead. Gabriella had spent the last fifteen minutes trying to find out where he was taking her, but Troy wasn't relenting. He simply moved his hand to rest on her knee, keeping the other on the steering wheel.

After another 5 minutes or so, Troy pulled up out the front of an unfamiliar house, and Gabriella frowned.

"Troy, where are we?"

"Just come with me and you'll find out," Troy replied, climbing out of the truck and making his way around to open Gabriella's door. He held out his hand and helped her out of the passenger side. "Trust me," he gave her had a squeeze. "You'll love this."

Hand in hand they made their way to the front door, and Troy knocked. Within a moment it was opened by a dark haired woman who looked to be in her thirties.

"Hi, Samantha is it?" the woman nodded and Troy smiled. "I'm Troy Bolton – I spoke to you on the phone yesterday?"

"Oh yes, I remember!" the woman exclaimed. "This must be Gabriella then?"

Troy nodded. "The one and only."

Samantha opened the door the full way and stepped aside. "Come in, come in. The babies are out back."

Gabriella looked at Troy with confusion as they followed Samantha down the hall.

"Babies?" she mouthed.

Troy just squeezed her hand.

As they neared the back patio, the sound of several small dogs barking became apparent.

"Oh my goodness, they're gorgeous!" Gabriella exclaimed as the puppies came into view. A litter of eight Maltese x Shitzu puppies - just seven weeks old – they were tiny, and completely adorable. "Look, Troy – they are so sweet!" she exclaimed, and Troy and Samantha both smiled as they watched the excitement dance in her eyes.

"I'm glad you like them," Troy commented. "Because one of them is yours."

"What?!" Gabriella gasped, and Troy pretended to be offended.

"You hadn't forgotten my Valentine's present had you?"

"No, but...oh gosh, Troy – thank you!" she squealed, flinging herself into his arms.

"My pleasure, now you have the job of choosing which one of these little cuties is going to come home with us."

Gabriella immediately honed in on the smallest of the litter, which was hovering on the outskirts of the excitable group. "That one," she said.

Samantha smiled as she scooped up the tiny puppy – white with brown ears and eyes, and a brown spot on its little back, small enough to fit in the palm of Samantha's hand – and passed it carefully to Gabriella who immediately cradled the creature against her chest and placed a soft kiss on its head.

"She is the runt of the litter this one – a real battler. We weren't sure if she would make it or not for a while there, but she pulled through and now she's fighting fit," Samantha explained.

"She's the one for me," Gabriella replied firmly. "Definitely."

"Wonderful," Samantha said. "I'll just grab all the paper work!"

She hurried inside, leaving Gabriella and Troy alone with their new puppy.

"She's so beautiful, Troy – thank you so much!" Gabriella said earnestly.

"You're very welcome. I've been waiting for this day for a very long time! Do you have any idea what you might like to call her yet?"

"I do, actually," Gabriella replied with a grin. "Troy, meet Grace. Grace, meet Troy, your daddy!"

"Grace," Troy repeated with a smile. "Perfect."


Naaaw, little Grace the puppy. I couldn't decide on the perfect dog for Gabi, so I just gave her mine! LOL! Pic is in my profiiile!

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

Next up: Wishes come true – the big finale!

Please please please review! Thanks for reading :)

Charli xox