A/N: I'm not going to make an excuse about this chapter being like a month or so late. You want the reason? School and I've been lazy about not writing. I've already had to do an essay at school. I made it fiction and my teacher loved it, but I don't know what I got yet. I'll just have to wait and see. I'm making a 96 in English and I'm sooo happy. Ecstatic. I love it. Love that class. Any can someone give me an idea for the next chapter? I was thinking something with Keith finding out about Matt and Tareney's marriage but I'm not sure. Let me know what I should and I'll credit it you;

Chapter 24

Troy's POV

I can't believe I'm doing this.

Why should I see him, after what mom had said? I mean, sure they're getting back together, but that doesn't mean I'm going to come home and we can be a happily family. A Andrea said that my mom had called and she wanted me to see my dad before he got out of rehab soon and it had to be this weekend. I groaned and stretched. I got up from mine and Ella's bed and started my way towards my droor. I grabbed some boxers and socks and then went to the closet and got a pair of ripped, stone washed jeans and a 'Just Do It' t-shirt. I put my clothes on quickly and put on my black vans. I looked back to where Ella was sleeping and sighed. I went over to her and looked at her some more. Ever since I found out about my HCM she's been like my nurse, but she shouldn't feel obligated to do that stuff for me. I can do it just fine. But she just feels like she needs to do something for me. I smiled, leaned down and kissed her forehead and started to turn away.

"Don't go," I heard her murmer. I smiled and looked back and saw her head into the pillow now and moving around under the blankets.

"Babe, I have to go see my dad today," I said and she groaned.

"I don't want you too. I love you and want you to stay with me forever and ever," she grumbled. I laughed quietly and went and got back on the bed and layed beside my beautiful girlfriend.

"Would you like to come with me? Or me go alone?" I asked seriously. She looked up at me for a second, like she was thinking and then rested her head onto my chest. I wrapped my arms around her waist and she sighed.

"I don't want to overjoy the welcome of me going, baby. I think you should get this settled out man to man without any women or girls around," And she was so smart. I sighed and nodded against her head.

"Alright. But let me finish up getting dressed and we'll go eat breakfast before I have to go see my lovely father," I said sarcastically. She laughed and got up and started changing. She picked out jean shorts, a metalica t-shirt, when I had found out she loved their music, I jumped for joy. and she chose some checkered vans. She got dressed and fixed her hair and stuff while I washed my face and brushed my teeth and hair. I finished and waited for Ella, When she was through, we walked hand n hand downstairs to the kitchen table where everyone was eating. I was amazed that everyone was up at 9am. They all looked up and nodded at our way and went back to eating. I grabbed my medication and took two pills(a/n: Ok I asked my friend Carissa about the HCM pills that Lucas took in OTH and she said he took two. So yeah...lol.) I got some water and swollowed them and then started eating some cereal.

"So where is everyone going?" Andrea asked trying to start a conversation.

"Well me and Lucy are going to go see a movie," Lucas said.

"That's cute, what movie?" Andrea asked.

"Umm..I don't know. I'll let her pick," he replied.

"Aww that's sweet of you bro," Ella said, Lucas smiled at her and continued eating.

"Anybody else?" Andrea asked.

"I'm going to Emma's today to meet her parents," Braden said. I looked at him.

"You guys have been dating for a while and you haven't met her parents yet?" Keith asked. Braden shook his head no and we laughed at him.

"I'm going to go hang out with Tareney, she's getting better," Matt smiled at the sound of her name.

"That's good to here, Matt." Andrea said.

"Well I'm going to..do nothing," Gabriella said. I sighed.

"Ella, you can come with me if you want,"

"No. I don't want to intrude."

"You won't intrude. It would be better if I had someone there," I said. She sighed and started eating her cerel.

"Umm..confused here," Lucas said.

"I'm going to the rehab center. I have to visit my Dad," they all nodded.

"Hope everything goes well, Troy." Andrea spoke. I nodded.

"Ella, you can come. I don't mind."

"If you want me to," I nodded and she nodded as well. Tess didn't speak. I think she was getting quieter more these days. After breakfast, Ella and I got into my Audi and started towards the rehab center. When we arrived I saw my mother waiting near the front of the building. I sighed, I didn't know she was going to be there. Ella grabbed my hand in reasurrance and I smiled softly at her. We walked hand n' hand towards my mother. Mom didn't look to happy to see Gabriella. Ever since I told mom about the engagement, she thinks Gabriella will ruin m future and more. Whatever.

"Troy, what is she doing here?"

"I brought Ella here for moral support, god knows I'm going to need it," I replied in a smart alec mood. Mom sneered away from us and into the building. I looked at Ella and she shrugged, meaning it didn't bother her. We walked silently behind my mother and signed in, saying we were visiting my Dad. The three of us walked to a room where people met their friends/family here. I noticed about 6 people getting visited. Gabriella and I sat on one side of the table and my mom on the other. We had to wait 10 minutes before my dad showed up. When he did, he noticed Gabriella and sighed and sat down.

"So..." Mom started after a few minutes in silence.

"I have some things to discuss with you, Dad." I spoke in a nice casual tone. Gabriella still had her hand in mine under the table.

"Well go ahead," he said.

"Well for firsts, Gabriella and I are getting married in August. The 17th to be exact," I said.

"August! Troy you said July!" My mom argued. I shrugged.

"Gabriella and I thought it would be romantic if it was on the same month and day it was when we first met," Dad didn't speak because he knew there was more. "Dad, I also have HCM. I fainted during basketball practice, taken to the hospital and they told Gabriella and then they told me. So I guess it has to be genetic right?" Dad nodded.

"Troy I didn't have it. But your grandfather did. It skipped me. I don't know why, it just did." I nodded and the silence was over-baring.

"Jack, your not going to say anything about him getting married, so young?" mom asked.

"Lucille, we got married young, and it would be hypocritical to tell my son, that I disapprove. So I'm ok with it," he said turning to me. I smiled. "As long as we can work back up on our father, son relationship. I know I messed up, but I'm getting better, can't you see?" I nodded. He was and I was proud.

"Yeah we can. Thanks for approving the engagment dad," he nodded and looked at Gabriella.

"Gabriella, have you been taking care of him?" Ella looked at me and I nodded.

"Yeah I've been there for him. He needs someone, so I guess I'm there." she spoke softly and dad smiled.

"Thank you Gabriella," she smiled at him and I looked at mom, who looked en-dearly pissed.

"What now?" I snapped at her. She was taken back. I've only snapped at her a totally 3 times in my life. First one being thirteen years old and mad I couldn't go to basketball game in L.A., the second time being, the day in the diner and third just now.

"I don't want you to make the same mistake I did!" she snapped back.

"Mistake?" dad inquired. Mom's face drained and she looked scared. "I'm a mistake and so is our son?" dad said getting upset.

"I didn't mean it like that," mom said.

"That's always your excuse, Lucille." he said. "I don't think I want to get back together with you...after calling me and my son a mistake in your life...just go. Go back to your lover. I knew I shouldn't of taken you back." he murmured the last part. Hurt and pain surfaced my mother's face as my dad's words penetrated her being. She nodded and stood and walked away.

"I'm sorry Troy, Gabriella."

"It's okay," we said in unison. Dad looked at us before speaking, "So...tell me what's been going on?"

After visiting my dad, Gabriella and I stopped by a restaurant and got something to eat. As we were sat down our waiter came over, and he happened to be a male waiter. Oh great.

"Hello, my name is Josh and I will be your server today, how may I help you?" he directed his question towards Gabriella.

"I'd like a sprite, what about you Troy?" she asked and smiled at me and I smiled back. The waiter grimaced and looked in my direction.

"Same." I murmured and he wrote it down.

"Do you know what you guys would like?" he asked.

"Yes," we said and ordered. He left for our drinks and I looked at Gabriella admiring her beauty. Her beautiful brunette hair, soft brown eyes, full lips, she was so gorgeous. I just don't know how I managed to get a girl like Gabriella. She everything I could ever ask for, maybe more. She looked at me and smiled and then I felt her hand on mine. I smiled softly at her and spoke, "Your very beautiful today, Ella," I said and she blushed. I chuckled and kept staring.

"You know you staring at me like that, would make me think your some kind of weird lunatic, but your not. Your my future husband," I smiled brightly at her words and laughed.

"Why thank you," she giggled. Josh came back with our drinks and said our lunch would be out soon. We both nodded and started into a conversation, soon after our food arrived and we began eating. I saw in the corner of my eye, Josh staring at Gabriella. Jealousy rose through my veins. I saw Gabriella shift in her seat. She must of noticed too. I got up and told her I'd be right back and went to find a manager. When I found him thanks to a nice middle aged waitress, I tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around and smiled at me.

"May I help you today?" I nodded.

"Yes, your waiter Josh over there," I said and pointed him out, "He's been staring at my fiance for the past ten minutes and it's making her very uncomfortable as well as me. I would like something done, or I will be taking our business else where." The manager nodded right away and went towards Josh. Josh looked at his boss and fear came across his face. The manager told him something, probably about my complaint and he walked away. I saw the manager walk past me with a 'coast is clear' look and I chuckled and walked back to my table.

"Where'd you go?" she asked.

"I went to the manager about that guy staring at you. He took care of him," She nodded and smiled at me.

"Your so like my brother's and my father. So Over-Protective ya know?" I nodded and smiled.

"Well it's because I love you and don't want guys staring at my fiance."

"Your so sweet, baby." she cooed and I laughed. I wish everyday could be something like this.

Just me and my Ella. Forever.