Chapter 6- Hope Now Part 1

My alarm went off, I let my eyes lift open and I groaned rolling over, Liam was my new alarm clock anymore. That exactly who was crying, that was my alarm.

I looked at my clock to see it was seven on the nose; it was a long night with him. I think we were both ready for Troy to be home today. Mason and Troy parents all decided to stay seeing it was pointless to drive all the way back to San Diego and then back for the party.

I slowly rolled out of bed and tugged on my shorts to fix them from my sleeping, I yawned and I went into Liam's nursery to see him crying. He wanted breakfast and boy he was going to get it if he had to scream all day. I bent over to pick him up as he latched himself to my body, "Daddy will be home in less than four hours Liam." I said to him, my nerves jumping in my stomach. Liam gave another long cry as I tried to hush him; I made my way down to the living room where I saw Jenni and Kyle sleeping on the couch. Kyle and Jenni both began to stir as I made my way though there.

I went into the kitchen to make him a bottle, which was not made yet; I rocked him back and forth while I tried to warm-up a bottle. I put the timer on two minutes as I gathered the formula up; Jenni came straggly into the room, "Liam…Shh! don't you know what time it is?" Jenni said I could not help but giggle.

"Trust me; he will know one day that this time never existed." I said laughing, "Because if he is anything like Troy, he doesn't get up or exist at the hour…well until basketball." I said

We both laughed again and the timer went off, I picked up the bottle and I dumped the formula in the bottle. I had Jenni shake it up for me before she handed it back to me. I fed him his bottle leaning against the kitchen counter, burping him ever so often.

"My mom got me this cute dress for tonight, I am super excited!" Jenni said I gave her a smile, "I just hope Troy likes his party, he might want to sneak off with Liam for a little while though, Troy hates being apart from him."

"Gabi isn't that what you are doing with him while we are setting up for the party?"

"Well, we are coming back for about an hour, for him to come home and then we are going to go to the park, the mall maybe? I don't know where all but we will be gone until sevenish, I can't keep the boy busy until seven and we get him at noon." I said she shifted a smile to her face before nodding her head.

"There is nothing like waking up to a crying baby!" Jack said coming through the kitchen, he stopped next to Liam and touched his small forehead. "He is too cute," Jack beamed next to him, "Well he does look a lot like Troy, where Troy looks a lot like you…" Jenni said tilting her head.

I smiled making a soft laughing noise in my throat, "Yeah, he really does."

Lucille walked in next, her hair damp and to her shoulders. "Good morning" Jenni and I perched together, she made a beeline for the coffee machine and then turned to us, "My morning isn't good until coffee is in my hand."

"Amen to that!" I said picked myself up a cup, I handed Liam to Jack who was holding him like his own baby. "So, when are you picking Troy up?"

"Noon, then we will probably come back to the house until two, and then I will drag him out of the house to go hang around town until you guys are all finished and the guests are here."

"What are we doing with all of the cars?"

"We are going to park them down the street and around the corner; you have to make sure nobody is walking to the house. We are making it look like our neighbors are having a party, and they are cool with this."

Jack and Lucille nodded there heads, "I thought you were leaving at one?" Jenni asked me, I shrugged my shoulders, "Two sounds a lot better."

She smirked and then nodded her head, "Fine by me, but no funny business."

I laughed, "There will not be any funny business until he is older." I said looking at them; they both snickered in the corner while I made myself a cup of coffee. I put a little milk and sugar in it to sweeten it up. "Good Morning." Mason said coming into the room, we all turned to see him giving us all a smile. He had a Laker shirt on with a pair of jeans; his black hair, which looked like Jacks, was wild from his sleep, his blue eyes clearer than ever.

He came over and stood next to me, "Whatcha doin?"

"Makin coffee" I said, he nodded his head, "I would like to do that too please, could you scoot over?"

I giggled and I shifted my body over and he took my place filling up his coffee cup, which was Lakers, I picked it up and went to stand by Jack.

"Y'know you two could be twins."

"Yea, if we weren't two years apart." Jack said, I cocked my head and looked at him, "Two years apart?"

"Mhm, I am forty…still hurts to say it." Mason said holding his hand up to his chest, "I was the same as Lucille, and we went to high school together."

I raised an eyebrow at Jack, "Hey, that's how I met her!"

I giggled as I went back over for my son, "When are the rest of my lovely brothers and sisters coming in?"

"Like around fiveish," I told him, "I can't believe how many people you have in that family." I said to them, the both cracked a smile, "Seven" Jack started, "With two bathrooms," they finished together the room chuckled with laughter.

"God, Lucas must have hated us…" Mason said tipping his coffee back to take a drink, "Lucas…is he the youngest?" I asked sitting down, Jack handed me Liam who was beginning to fuss.

"Yup, he is still in his thirties, lucky bitch." Mason mumbled, "I don't remember meeting Lucas…" I said trying to think but it would not come to me, "He wasn't at the Christmas party, he had a business trip."

"Oh, that would have explained it since Troy doesn't like me meeting his family…" I said biting my lip, Mason laughed, "I can't believe he kept you from me for five years! I am gezz; does he think I am that bad?" Mason said we all glanced around before Jack spoke up.

"Mason, Mason…yes, yes you are." Jack teased, I bit my cheek before I started laughing, and I swayed Liam back and forth trying to get him to calm down.

"Ok, I just want to make sure I have this all right, before they all arrive." I started, "Rob is married to Tish…correct?"

Jack nodded his head, "Yea, Rob is the second youngest."

I licked my lips and nodded my head before continuing, "There kids are Josh…Emma…and Max?" I asked questioning if I had it right, it has been a while since I have seen them, I have also had a baby since then which makes you a little crazy.

"Yes."

"Really?"

Mason shook his head up and down, I smiled, and "I am so good!"

"Ok, who is Meg married too?" Jack quizzed

"Awhs, shit, give me a minute!" I told him, I ran through everybody in my head but could not come up with who she was married too. "I know two of her kids, Abby and Haley; I hung out with them for most of the time." I said, "But I can't come up with who she is married too."

"Logan."

"Logan?" I tried racking my brain for that one too but it was not coming to me, "He wasn't there either, he had to stay behide, he couldn't get off work. He is a doctor of some sort. Oh and her other kiddo is Aiden." Jack told me, "Ah, Aiden."

"Ok, I know Lilly she talked to me for a little while, I also remember her husband Shawn, they also had Jillian." I said covering those ones, "Yeah, she also has Dalton, Ryan, and Emily."

"Oh! You guys forgot Anna and Issy." Jenni said sitting on top of the counter, "Oh yeah!" I said looking up at her, "Isn't Issy almost one?" I asked her, she nodded her head, "Ten months! I cannot believe how big she is, I went over there last week to spend some time will Jill. I saw Haley, Anna, and Raul who she is fighting with by the way before we left."

"Raul, I didn't get good vibes from him." I said to the group, they were all somewhat silent, "We don't really like him and he isn't even the dad!" Jack said rolling his eyes

"Who is the dad?"

"Mike something…" Jenni said, "They hooked up at some bar and never saw each other again. Well kind of, he is part of the baby's life now and he does not like Raul either. He wants her to dump him, Anna the poor baby and oh my Jill." Jenni said

"I know! I mean she is twenty-six and doing well but damn, I feel bad for her."

"I guess Raul cheated again or something, I don't know."

"Are Anna and Issy staying with you?" I asked Lucille, she nodded her head, "Yea, they are. Liam is the only boy!"

I giggled and looked down at his sleeping figure, "Cover the other two quickly, I want him to sleep so I can go get in the shower, get cleaned up to go get Troy and Chad and bathe him." I said trying to cover my excitement.

"Jack who do you want? Chris or Lucas?"

"Lucas"

"Fine, Chris is married to Sarah; they have Anthony, Derek, Greg, and Austin."

"Lucas is married to Michelle. They have Becca, Brett, and Mike."

I nodded my head at them both, "Thank you, I just wanted to have them all straight in my head."

"Seven kids is a lot, are you and Troy ever going to have that many?"

I laughed at Mason, "At uh huh, sure!" I said getting up from the bar stool, I positioned Liam where his head laid on my shoulder. He made a few small noises and stuck his tongue out for a moment before he settled into my shoulder. I smiled and I kissed his ear and I grabbed my coffee, I glanced to the clock to see it was almost nine; man we talked for a long time.

"Alright you little guy, I am going to take a quick shower!" I said heading up the stairs, I went into Liam's room and I laid him down in his bed. He curled into a little ball it looked like, pulling his legs up and his arms curled towards his chest. I smiled at his little self and I put a blanket up to his waist before I took the monitor and went into my room. I set on the counter and I looked at him sleep deeply before I started to shed my clothes.

I started the shower to get the baby barf out of my hair and his spit up off my arms, I do not think I have showered in three days and I felt gross.

Stepping into the shower, I felt the water take over my body, the warmth washing down my Latino skin. I rubbed the shampoo in my hair and rinsed it before applying the conditioner; I scrubbed my body with the Dove soap I had bought the last time we were at Target.

I shaved my legs knowing I was going to wear a dress tonight, this new one I got from Bloomingdales online, and it was ah-mazing. It was pink and nice fitting, perfect with a pair of black pumps.

I finished shaving and I rinsed out my hair, I stepped out wrapping a towel around my body. I was going to have to change later after Troy finds out, run upstairs and change. I went over to my closet and I pulled out a pair of capris and a baby blue tank top. I went into the bathroom and changed into my clothes. My wet hair lay on my back as I looked at the baby monitor.

Liam was still resting peacefully; I smiled as I brushed my fingers through my hair. I went into Troy area of the closet and I stole on of his black jackets. I laid it on the bed next to my purse and keys; I looked at the clock looking to see how much time I had left. It was nine thirty. We had to be leaving at eleven fifteen.

I had to bathe Liam and get him dressed still which would talk a good thirty minutes, even forty-five. I pulled my hair up into a messy bun. I slipped a headband in and it left me with a small cute bump in the front. I then walked out of the bedroom down to Liam's nursery.

I grabbed a blue onsie with a giraffe on the front, I grabbed a diaper and some wipes from the changing table. I grabbed the small black jacket from the hanger and placed it in my hands. I took it all down to my room to dress him after the bath; I laid it out on my bed.

I went back into the room to get his baby towel and him. I tossed the towel over my shoulder and I went over to his crib, I bent over and I picked him up. Small cries of protest left his mouth as his eyes fluttered open. "Shh…" I whispered into his ear as we went down to the bathroom.

I tugged Liam's jacket on glancing at the clock, like I have been doing for the past ten minutes, it was 11 on the dot. Taylor was not even here to come with me, she had to go take a test today, not being to come and help me get the boys. Liam was fussy and wanting to sleep, praying he would sleep in the car and not cry. I zipped his jacket to mid stomach, it was fifty degrees outside but I knew how cold airports and our car get.

I picked up the crying baby boy and I grabbed my backpack, which was relying on my purse these days. I slipped one strap over my shoulder and I grabbed my jacket with my hand. I headed downstairs Liam in hand; his car seat was laying in the living room.

I hurried down the stairs and looked to see it was Eleven O'five. I cursed softly under my breath, as I already knew I was running behide. It takes a good five minutes for Liam to settle down enough for him to get into his car seat without hurting him. Then I had to get the stroller and him placed in the car, oh, maybe Jack will do that for me, then maybe, I will get out of here a few minutes early and I could go and grab a drink of some sort.

"Jack!" I called as I went into the living room, I picked up Liam's car seat and I set it down on the in table. "Yea?"

"Can you put Liam's stroller in the trunk of the Highlander?" I asked, Jack nodded his head, "Yes Ma'm" he then headed for the garage. I slipped Liam in and he went in with ease this time. I buckled him up and I kissed his forehead, "I love you." I told him, he looked up at me with his blue eyes they get me every time.

I put a small blanket over him and I picked him up, "Be back in a little while, and remember none of you are supposed to be here!" I called, "What if I came up for a visit?" Mason yelled and he then appeared into the living room.

"You are fine, but the others need to be gone for two hours buying whatever. I don't care what they do; I will send a warning text." I said starting for the garage, he nodded his head and then I went down the stairs to meet Jack coming up.

"Thank you, you are a lifesaver." I said, he gave me a smile, "I know," he said puffing out his chest, I rolled my eyes and I went down to the car. I buckled Liam in and I shut his car door, I glanced back at him to see him in a groggy state. I was hoping, praying he would sleep.

I got in and opened the garage door; I started the car and not a peep from Liam. I took a deep breath as I backed the car out of the drive away. Still nothing, was this my lucky day?

I got out of the drive way and I turned my blinker on to go right, I had a little time, I was going to run and grab something to drink. I kept glancing in the mirror at Liam who was awake and looking around but not crying.

I pulled into Starbucks and I got myself a Iced Awake Tea Latte, I pulled my car forward to the window, I grabbed my ten dollar bill and handed it to the guy. It was eleven twenty, he handed me my drink and my change. I jerked the car forward and I headed to the highway.

Once my car started onto the highway, he busted out in cries, is it the highway? I glanced in my rearview mirror, his cries were not as hard as usual but I think he was just tired.

This was going to be a long twenty-minute drive; I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel and looked back at him through the rearview mirror.

I sighed softly, only a little while longer before Troy would be here too. I focused on the road for the next ten minutes before I knew it I saw planes overhead. I looked at my dashboard for the time it was 11:44.

Liam's crying was slowing and was not as hard; it was more of wails and protests than anything was. He was frustrated and tired, I pulled into LAX a few short minutes later.

I showed my Laker pass which got me a closer parking spot, the 'stars parking spot' they call it, that is where all the stars park there cars and keep them at.

When I got into a parking space, I got out of the car. I went to the back and popped the trunk open to get the stroller out, I grabbed it and I unfolded it. I snapped it into place and pushed it around to Liam's door.

I got out his car seat, which he was still fussing in; I put him in locking it into place. I leaned over kissing his forehead, I looked down at my pink and brown flats from American Eagle, I grabbed my jacket and pulled it on over my tank-top, I pulled the pink Nike backpack from besides Liam's seat and shifted it onto my back. He was landing in the same gate he showed up in, this was the first time this had happened ever.

Liam and I made our way inside the building, the cold blast of air hitting us at full force. I pulled my hood up so nobody could tell it was us. I pushed his stroller to the same gate as before and to see they had not landed yet. I looked at the board, which was showing all the flights saying they would be landed in five minutes.

I peeked over at Liam to see him going off to sleep, knowing it would not last long I just watched him. His small puffs of breath going in and out.

I kept glancing up every few minutes before I finally saw there plane pull in, I squealed with excitement. I caught myself and glanced around before anybody could see me, nobody even noticed. I saw a few of the other Laker wives over to the side talking but I didn't know any of them that well to even go over and strike up a conversation.

When I saw the doors open, I got up on my tiptoes and watched for him to come out, since they came through a room first it was hard to see. I let my feet drop and then back up again to see Kobe walk out, followed by Chad, then finally, Troy.

I smiled brightly as I waited for him to come through the door, when he did I wanted to run into his arms but I could not leave Liam, he kept glancing around. His Lakers bag over his shoulder and his grey backpack on his back. He then turned and he passed me with his eyes before he turned right back and a smile came over his face.

I giggled as he came rushing over, pushing through a crowd of people before I knew it I was in his arms, "Brie," he mumbled against my ear. I breathed in his scent and I held on tight to him. If this was only three days, what was the two weeks going to look like?

He let me go and he turned to Liam, he looked down in his car seat and he smiled, he dropped his hand to run through Liam's little hairs.

"God, I missed him." He whispered, I looked at him and then down at Liam how much they looked alike it was crazy.

"So where is Chad?" I asked, Troy looked up at me and then shrugged, "He was going to go back with Kobe I think."

"He could have came with us" I told him, he shrugged, "I dunno," Troy said, he then looked at me, "I want to hold him so bad but I don't want to wake him up," he said shifting his weight, "He is going to wake up in the car anyways, plus he would be happy to see you again." I said

That was all he needed to hear, he shrugged off his backpack and set down his Laker's bag. He unbuckled Liam from his seatbelt gently and pulled him up, he opened his eyes and Troy sat down with him. "Liam…" Troy sang I smiled as Liam's eyes opened with alertness.

I could almost see a smile lift up to both of there faces at the same time; I smiled at them both trying to catch my tears before the spilled over the edge of my cheeks.

"Gawd, I am going to be in so much trouble…" I mumbled to myself

Troy's laugh filled the air, "Are you serious?" he asked laughing again, "Dead serious, I mean they totally made a fool of them self." I said shaking my head repeating the story of Jenni and Kyle messing around and falling into the pool.

"Damn, I wish I could have caught that one." He said, the laughter still ringing in the air. I looked at Liam's car seat, which was lying in the grass in front of us. We were at the park, the temperature rising up to mid-sixties. Troy and I lay in the grass and talked.

"So guess what's tomorrow…" I said, he groaned softly and then he looked over at me, "Taxes day?"

I burst out into laughter, "Your so stupid," I said pushing him over a little, he chuckled and then rolled over onto his back, he aviators looking back at me. "My twenty first birthday?" he asked again, I laughed again, "No, we don't need another repeat of that one." I said giggling

"Oh come on just because I did one too many jello shots-" he started but I put my hand on his mouth, "I don't even want to talk about that night." I said, he rolled his eyes and poked his tongue out into my hand.

"Gross!" I said pulling my hand back, "Oh come on, don't even go there." He said raising his eyebrows, "This tongue has-"

I pointed to Liam's car seat, "Baby ears" I said, he only looked at me, then he looked at Liam, "Uh huh, sure, too bad that baby is asleep." He said, I winked, "I know."

"You don't look that tired," he said to me, I shrugged, "I am really tired, I hadn't showered in three days until this morning. It wasn't the most pleasant thing in the world, I might add." I said to him, "I'll let you sleep tonight, I will get up with Liam," he said, I nodded my head, "Okay." I said, knowing that he had no clue what was going on tonight.

"So you wanna head back to the house?" He asked me looking at his phone, I looked at my watch to see it was only five, Oh my, I had to keep him busy for two more hours.

"Not yet, how about we go down to the mall or something if you are ready to leave the park." I suggested, he looked at Liam and shook his head. "Nah, Liam seems to be good right where he is." Troy said, I nodded my head, "Yeah, he does. He was not happy with me this morning. I woke him up from his short-lived nap to bathe him, change him, and go get you. He didn't get much sleep from then." I said I reached forward to grab on of his little toes.

Troy then pulled me close to him, "Have I even gotten a kiss yet?"

I looked to the side and then shook my head, "Nope."

He then leaned forward and kissed my lips, I was laying on my back while he was on his stomach, his elbows propping him up. "I guess I just fixed that." He said, a smirk rising onto his face. I rolled my eyes and pushed him off me, I got up shaking the grass from my capris, and my shoes lay next to Liam's car seat.

"Catch me!" I said running around our little area, wanting to run around and have fun but not leave Liam. He chuckled and got up himself, he was in a pair of jeans and a button up blue shirt, some how we were all wearing the color blue, it shocked me.

His flip-flops were off to the side next to Liam also, I ran around and when he got up he chased me. He he got close I would cut through the middle and squeal.

He laughed and reached for me but I slipped through his fingers, we stopped to look at Liam every now and then but would continue our little game, when I turned and he wasn't there I looked around, I mean where the hell could he have gone? We were running in a small circle.

Then a pair of arms came around me waist, I squealed and laughed, "Very funny Troy." I said, he laughed and kissed the back of my neck. He put me down and we went over to our spot to sit down again. He gave me a smile and he kissed my forehead, "Gawd, I love you." He mumbled up against my ear as we lay back down on the blankets, I giggled as if I was a schoolgirl when her crushed first talked to her.

"And I love you too…" I whispered pulling myself closer to him, "Liam loves you too, I think he missed you a lot." I said, he smiled and laid back, I sat up and I grabbed Liam who was already unbuckled from his car seat. He slept as I moved him up onto my chest, "He loves you a lot Brie," he said letting his arm drap over my stomach and across Liam.

I smiled and I let my head rest against Troy, "I know," I said, I felt Liam's every little breath, up and down. I smiled and I closed my eyes feeling the wind brush in my face.

Troy lips brushed up against my temple and they stayed there for a while, he then pulled back. "You're amazing, you know that right?"

I did not have to answer…I just smirked.

"I can't believe we stayed at the park for five hours!" Troy exclaimed as we loaded the car, I gave him a sly smile and I buckled Liam in and then went around to my side of the car, when I got in I buckled my own seatbelt and Troy started the car. Liam was awake; thankfully, we were only ten minutes from the house.

"So after we put Liam down you just wanna lay around, maybe watch a movie?" he asked me, I nodded my head, "Sounds good." I said

He smiled and reached over for my head, Liam's small wails started as we drove home. I kept glancing in the review mirror, as did Troy.

"What about tomorrow we all go to the beach or something?" I asked him, "Oh, what about the zoo in the morning or something?" he said back to me, I smiled and looked at him, "Really the zoo?"

"For Liam of course" he said shrugging his shoulders, a smile played at his lips, "Uh huh, for Liam alright," I said looking at him, he grinned finally, "Okay, I'll admit, I love the zoo, I like all the animals okay?"

I busted out into laughter, "Oh my, is that why we went to the zoo like five times for a date!" I exclaimed, he blushed a red and I laughed harder, "You are too cute," I told him, he only shrugged his shoulder and smiled like a ten year old. When we were five minutes away, I sent the warning text that we were close. They were supposed to turn the music off, be quiet, and to yell surprise as we walked into the backyard, it was outside and inside the house since it was suppose to be a wonderful night. The DJ was outside so the little ones could get some sleep. The pool was going to be open to everybody also the hot tub. Upstairs was completely off limits to everybody but family or little kids.

When we pulled into the driveway it was silent, "Thank you," I whispered under my breath, we pulled into the garage and I turned to Troy. "Hey I bought some steaks, would you mind once you get in the house to go out to the backyard and starting the grill?" I asked him, we had everything outside so it was perfectly fine to walk through the house.

He nodded his head, "Sounds really good," he said, I winked at him as the car stopped we looked back at Liam who was slowly stopping his cries, I got out and I quickly grabbed him. I followed Troy up the stairs and into the house, everything was good so far, purses or what not was in the closet, we had everything planned out.

Troy kept going straight for the grill, I felt like screaming on the inside from all the excitement running in my blood, I walked ahead of him so I stepped out to get his reaction, I stopped short of the door. "Crap, Troy I brought the lighter and everything in, it's in the kitchen above the sink, and would you mind getting it?" I asked, he nodded his head, "Sure, you going outside? Want a beer?"

"Nah, I think I am good and yeah I am going inside."

He went for the kitchen and I hurried outside, I saw everybody waiting, there were a LOT of people. I was a bit taken away, I waved and I put Liam on the patio table, they were all standing near the pool and around the beach, people were floating on the deck but all of his family and a few Lakers players, and our friends were all on the deck. I kept my finger to my lips, I then saw Troy heading our way, and I gave them a five-second countdown before he walked out.

"SURPRISE!" we all yelled as he walked out the door, he looked up and then around, his mouth dropping. "Holy shit," he mumbled, the group on the deck laughed and the music started up again. Lucille came by me, "I am going to take Liam now," she yelled over the music, I nodded my head and I smelled at Troy, "I will be right back!" I yelled at him, he grabbed my wrist and he pulled me into a kiss, "Thank you."

I looked up at him, "I love you," I said

"I love you too,"

I then kissed him once more before I went off upstairs, I changed into my dress and I slipped on my pumps. I let my hair down in the natural waves throwing my headband in to keep it out of my face.

I touched up my make-up putting extra gloss on my lips, I headed down the stairs and I passed a few people who decided to come into the party.

"Gabi!" I chorus of my name came from the kitchen, I went in to see Emma, Dalton, Ryan, Abby, and Becca all standing around the island in the middle. I smiled at them all and I walked over, "Hey guys, how are you doing?" I asked them sliding in next to Abby and Becca.

"Good, and look at you mommy!" Dalton teased, I blushed and I looked down at my body, "Can you tell?"

"Hell no," Emma said, "Has Troy seen you yet?"

I shook my head trying not to smile at them, "Not yet, I better go find him. If you wanna go see Liam he is upstairs with Lucille." I said winking at them; they all scurried off towards the stairs.

I walked out onto the patio to glance around looking for Troy, I saw Chad and Zeke talking by the grill, I heard a basketball pounding on the court, and I turned to see him. He had unbuttoned the top two buttons on his shirt, his hair flying in the wind. He was playing with Brett, Mike, Aiden, and Josh. Kobe and Luke were both out there too. I watched as Mike and Aiden looked at Kobe flabbergasted.

I giggled as I made my way down the stairs, "Whoa! Isn't it Gabi?" Meg yelled as I walked towards them, I tossed my head back in laughter; a guy had his arms around her, guessing it was Logan.

"Hey Meg!" I said coming up to her, she let go of the guy and gave me a hug, "How is it being a mom?" she asked me, I sighed for dramatis, "Hard, yet very fun and rewarding." I said to her, she nodded her head, "I know what you mean."

I nodded my head, "You look like you lost the weight fast,"

"It just flew off, I did nothing special."

"Shut up!" she mumbled, I giggled and I shifted my weight, "Logan have you met Gabs?" Meg asked looking up at her husband, "No, I don't think I have." He said, he reached his hand out, "Nice to meet you Gabi,"

"Nice to meet you too," I said smiling, "I got you baby announcement in the mail, and I was like who the hell is this?" he said laughing, "When I told Meg she freaked running for the phone, I don't think I have ever seen her move so fast." He joked; I laughed remembering her phone call. "Well if you guys want to see him Lucille is upstairs with him, she wanted me to come out and have some fun." I told them, they both nodded, "I better go find my boyfriend before he picks up some cheerleader." I joked winking at them, they both laughed and I turned to walk away.

I made my way further to the basketball court when I also saw Little Ryan out there, I smiled and I felt a tug at my heartstrings, Troy lifted his small, weak body up and let him dunk the ball. I stepped closer to the court and when the ball went down, I cheered and clapped my hands, heads spun around.

Troy was the last and when he caught me he set Ryan down carefully before he looked straight into my eyes, he licked his lips before starting to walk towards me.

"You look…absolutely and most utterly…" he stopped to swoop me into a fast and sweet kiss, "Gorgeous."

I looked down at my pink dress that went down to right above my knees; it had ruffles on the bottom of the dress with a ribbon around the top of the dress. It was low cut showing off some cleavage but not a ton. My black pumps made me a little taller and I wore a charm bracelet for jewelry.

"You think?" I asked him, becoming self-conscious about what I was wearing, he pulled me into another kiss, "I know." He whispered into my ear. "Troy, you ever going to come back to this game?" Kobe yelled, Troy turned to look at them, "In a minute, I have to go and do something." Troy mumbled over, Kobe rolled his eyes and Troy grabbed my hand.

"What are we doing?" I asked him, he glanced back over his shoulder to look at me, "You'll see," he said

"This doesn't have…" I started but he laughed, "Nope, I promise."

He dragged me up the stairs and into the kitchen, nobody was really in there, they were mostly just outside. Love Story by Taylor Swift echoed out through the backyard and the inside of the house. Troy pushed me up against the counter and he kissed my lips, hard.

"I thought you said…"

"No sex but I never said a thing about making out." He whispered, he let his hand wonder up my leg and his lips attached to mine again. It felt great to be back in a dress, I thought to myself.

I held my beer tightly in my hand as I wondered through the grass, Troy was off talking to somebody different, I smiled at all of his family talking in the corner, hanging out and having a few beers, "What ya doin?" Jillian came up behide me and looked over at me, "Oh just walking around, how have you been?" I asked her, she smiled, "Great, a ten month old though is a lot of work!" she said, I giggled and I looked at her, "So is a newborn!"

"I saw him! He is so cute! He loves all of the attention from the family, they love him." She said, "Since Issy was the first girl she was adored just like Liam is being adored, poor Anna and the rest of the grandchildren to come." She said, I giggled and nodded my head, "The blues eyes were passed on once again." I told her, she giggled, "Yeah they were but these have specks of brown in them."

"I think they are cute," I told her, "They are cute, and that's the issue." She said laughing, I giggled and I watched as the sun was setting over the ocean. "I love your house,"

"Thank Troy on that one; he picked it out without any help."

She grinned, "He is such an ass sometimes," she said smiling, "I remember when we were little I would always spend the night with him and Mason, I practically grew up with them too, since we were both so close in age. Abby was too but she was attached to her own dad. I felt like we were always together until Troy sprouted out in basketball, Mason drifted with him and there relationship strived while ours died, I still find myself calling them both all the time." She said, her eyes wondered to where Mason and Troy were both standing, laughing. I smiled at the two, "Whats funny is there both pick up, every single time I call them for help. Troy is a little iffy anymore but Mason always does, I love them both." She said, "When I found out I was pregnant with somebody's baby who I didn't know, I freaked. I boarded a plane and went out to New York to hunt Mason down; my parents had no clue where the hell I went." I turned to look at her, "Really?"

"Yeah, they didn't even know yet, I just took off. I found him and he let me cry and talk as much as I wanted. He held me like my own dad would have but some how it felt different, like I belonged, he said no matter what my parents said he would support me, I finished college and I had Issy. My parents helped me out while I found a job and everything but it was a tough road, ten months later Issy is beaming. I just hope she can have that special relationship, maybe with Liam, and Troy." She said shrugging, I smiled and looked at her, "That would be awesome." I said, "Anna of course would want in…if she is anything like Haley." Jillian said, I giggled and then I heard Sharpay take over the microphone.

"I need Troy and Gabi up to the front of the dance floor!" she called, I looked at her and then Troy caught my eyes. I shrugged and he came over to grab my hand, I handed my beer off to Jillian. Troy and I walked forward together, "Alright, we are going to get this party officially started so if I call off your name, that means you are a minor and you need to go." She said monotone, "Shar!" I whispered, she only shrugged her shoulders, "Lil' Ry, Emma, Max, Gianna, Natalia, Aiden, Dalton, Martin, Liv, Ryan, Emily, Derek, Greg, Austin, Brett and Mike, Oh and Mason!" she called, Mason looked up at her in shock; she giggled and then shook her head. "Just kidding, even though you act like your underage…," she mumbled, the group of people laughed.

"All you guys will have a movie set up upstairs with Lucille and Michelle, we will be checking to make sure you all got there by the way." Sharpay said they all started to shuffle up the stairs and into the house. Once the door shut, more beer was brought out and the music was turned up a little louder. Troy and I cringed from the loud sound, "We are going to have our first dance of the night! On the Floor by !" Sharpay yelled jumping off the stage, and Pitbulls voices filled the backyard, people cheered and made there way to the dance floor.

Troy pulled me close and we danced with each other, grinding back and forth, his hands placed firmly on my hips. He would kiss my neck ever now and then.

I started to sing along with the song while I finally wrapped my arms around Troy's neck, he pulled me tight against him.

Once that song was over Hope Now by Addison Road, from the movie Letters to God, "I love this song," I said leaning into Troy. He kept his arms tight around my as we swayed to the music. Couples were all over the dance floor just leaning against there partner. I saw Meg and Logan holding each other tightly, Lilly and Shawn were giggling in each other's ears.

"Your whole family is in love," I whispered, his eyes circled around the room, he smiled, "I just it's just in the genes to fall deeply in love with a Bolton." He said, his eyes twinkled, "Do you like your party?" I asked him, I was nervous for his answer, scared he would not like it.

"I love it Brie, I think it is amazingly wonderful, I mean the Laker colors and all the people. Plus you are in a sexy dress, I am pretty sure I love it." He said, I smiled and I let my head fall against his chest, everything runs on faith somehow, I sung along with the lyrics, "This song is so inspirational." I said

"Your love sets me free," he said quietly into my ear, I smiled as the song ended another upbeat one started, S&M by Rihanna, Sharpay and Taylor found me and drug me to the middle of the dance floor to all dance together. We giggled and laughed the entire time.

Once that song was over we all headed back to the bar to grab a fresh drink, we sat and talked for a few songs before Sharpay took the stage again.

I leaned over and whispered into Troy's ear, "Is she going to make everybody over the age of thirty leaves now?" I asked, he laughed and held me close.

"Alright, so as best friend to Troy Bolton, the girls, Cassie, Carly, Taylor, and myself all decided to make you and Gabi something, a little blast from the past.

It was well past nine O'clock and it was dark, a screen was pushed onto stage and a projector started to play, My Wish filled the background while pictures from Troy's childhood came up. I giggled at the one of him in a diaper riding a fake horse around the house, y'know the ones with the horse head on a stick, yeah that one.

Another round of laughter was heard when it came to him at his middle school dance, it was him spilled punch all over himself. Then another one of him dancing with some girl, she looked familiar but I could not place the name.

Then a thing of writing popped up, above it, it read High School Year Book, Freshman year.

We made through the first year dude! Ha, plus you made varsity basketball, congrats! I will get'em next year! –Chado

I giggled at the writing; he was such a freak, Mahwah! Kisses Troy! We made it through the first year! - Pay : )

That was the only two from his freshman year, his sophomore year were from Taylor, Chad, Pay, and Ryan, and some girl Alicia, I don't remember her all too well but hers made me freak a bit, it read, Gawd Troy, I effin love you! : ) This whole year has been ahmazing and I don't think I will ever forget it, reading in 'our' special spot, hanging with the gang, passing notes in class, 'hangin' in your room. ;) It was all ahamzing…best boyfriend yet. I love you; hope to marry you one day. Xoxo-Alicia x)

When junior year came around more pictures of us starting popping up, ones from school, basketball games, hanging out, on the beach, our one-year anniversary.

Troy Boy! Hey, I think this year has been ahamzing don't you? I loved how everything we did reminded me of a different time, I am glad I let you in because if I didn't then I don't know what I would be at East High, well you are standing here impatiently waiting for the book back. Bye! Xox –Gabs!

I thought back to when I wrote it, then another Alicia one popped up. Troy let go of me and I turned to look at him, his face was pale white.

Hey superstar, another great year! More 'stuff' went on huh? What about that one chick you hang out with all the time? When are you going to stop being Mr. nice guy and just drop her to Tay? On the other hand, the 'nerds' you also havent been returning my IMs recently, you okay? Anyways, I love you! Xoxoxox-Alicia

"Shit," I heard Troy mumble; I felt tears roll in my eyes before I went crashing through the crowd, tears spilling over my cheeks. "Gabi!" Troy called after me, I felt them pummeled down my cheeks, and they blurred my vision as I kept going forward. I got to the deck and I slide the door open, I went through the house and up the stairs to at a time. I did not even turn to see if Troy was following me, I knew he was though, that was him.

I threw myself into my room and I locked the door, I slide down the wall. Sobs heaved out of my throat and I cried heavily. I heard banging on the door, "Gabs please let me in!" Troy yelled, Tears went down and landed on my dress. I did not want to be in it anymore.

I went over to my closet and slipped on a pair of shorts and a tank top.

"Gabs, please!" he yelled through the door, I saw Liam's baby monitor sitting on the nightstand, I cried harder. I felt the heartache in my chest.

"Brie, please" he begged, more quietly this time, "Nothing, Nothing on that screen meant shit!" he said, I wiped tears away and rocked back and forth, I could feel the house vibrations from the music, What's My Name was playing.

"Please." I heard my heartache grew even deeper than before from when he called my name. I got up and I went to open the door, I tired to spin to get away from him before he could try to catch me but he did. Around my waist his arms went, "Not so fast." He mumbled, I felt the pain come back, I knew I should not have let him in. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

"Brie please listens to me," he said, "Listen to what?" I snapped at him, "Listen to you talk about Alicia?" I sneered her name, he loosened his grip and I broke free from him. He sighed and I turned to look at him, he ran his fingers through his hair and he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I don't want to fight Brie not on my birthday."

"It's not your birthday."

"It's my birthday party that my WONDERFUL girlfriend that I love very much threw for me." He took a couple of steps closer I took one back. "Whatever," I mumbled, "But who the hell is Alicia" I asked him, he swallowed hard, "A girlfriend."

He then licked his lips; I crossed my arms, "One you dated while you were supposedly dating me? Are you what married to her already? Is that why you won't marry me?" I asked him, he looked confused and hurt.

"What? No! I do not even talk to her anymore! I ended our relationship when I started working at Lava Springs."

"So you do admit to be dating her when I was your girlfriend, did you love her? Did you have sex with her?" I fired at him; he played with his hands and then rubbed the back of his neck.

"We never had sex" he started, "But maybe I loved her…" he said the last part quietly I busted into tears again, I saw the panic on Troy's face.

"But I didn't know the meaning of love Gabs!"

I looked at him; his eyes caught mine, "Not until I found you, you are something different, something entirely different. When I knew I didn't love Alicia like I loved you I knew I was going to have more with you."

"Then why aren't we married yet?" I asked him

"I am barely twenty-three Gabs! You won't be twenty-three for a few more months, I thought maybe we were a little young to be getting married but maybe if this is how everything is going to be, on Gabi time, then maybe…maybe we shouldn't even try anymore." He said, I felt my bottom lip quiver, I felt my body shake, "I-I" I couldn't speak, tears choked up my throat, "Because maybe for once…" Troy then got caught on tears himself, he looked at me in the eye, "I want to do it on my own time, and I want to wait for that time when I know it would be absolutely perfect." He said tears slid down his cheeks as well as mine.

"T-Troy." I said, he only shook his head, "I gotta go" he then left the bedroom. I felt my legs start to give out when I found myself on the floor crying. I pulled my legs up to my chest and cried, I cried as if Liam would cry, crying because I wanted something, I needed something and I could not have it anymore.

Troy's POV

I fought the tears as I made my way through the crowd of people, Pretty Girl Rock playing of the speakers, I found Uncle Mason talking to a few women standing in the corner.

I tapped his shoulder, "Can we talk?" I said, my voice catching in my throat, he turned and smiled at me but not before seeing my face. "Sure thing, ladies, I will be right back." Mason said, I went over to the gate and I opened it to let myself out into the beach area. Uncle Mason followed me slowly, "Troy are you okay,"

"God, she just had to push me!" I yelled at myself, Mason caught up with me and he strode next to me, "Troy, are you okay?"

I turned to him for the first tear to fall down my cheek, "I think I just broke up with Gabi," I whispered, I put my fingers to my lips trying to see if those words actually came out and it did which made the tears travel a little faster.

"You did what?" he screeched, I closed my eyes and let my jaw tighten together, "I don't know what happened! One minute we were arguing over Alicia-"

"Wait your old girlfriend, the one before Gabi, well the one you dated with Gabi." He said, "The one I told you to stop seeing but you hid the end of that relationship from me." He mumbled

I nodded my head, "Yeah her, well Gabs found out about her and freaked. I went after her and when she let me in, she asked me all these questions about her. Then she asked if that is why I had not married her yet, which I have told you how much she is pushing marriage and how much I want to do it on my own time but everything works on fucking Gabi time! Just once! Just once I would like for me to do it my way and she doesn't fucking understand!" I dropped down into the sand and I pulled my legs up to my chin, Uncle Mason sat down next to me.

"Troy, you have to understand all of her friends are getting married and she already has a kid with you. She just wants it all to be official with you."

"Is a kid not official enough?" I asked him, "I wouldn't be around if I didn't love her and support her." I said to him, ripping at the sand, letting it fall through my hands.

"Not to her it isn't, just like tonight, she knows it could all be over in a second. She fears every second of the day and more hoping that the next day you are her boyfriend." He said, he took a drink of his beer in his hand, "And I didn't make that up, she told me this."

"She told you that?"

"Yea, just the other day when she was holding Liam, she knows you will be around for him but what about her?" he shrugged his shoulders and looked at me.

"Gawd, what did I do?" I asked rocking in the sand, "I think you let your emotions get ahead of you this time." He said to me, "I think you should both get some space-"

"I don't have time for space, I leave Sunday morning for two weeks and I am sure as hell not leaving on a bad note."

I saw him bite his lip, "Wait here okay? I want to talk to her for a minute or two, just to see how she is feeling."

I nodded my head and he got up and left to leave me alone with the ocean, which was lapping, on the beach and the moon glowing above it. Moreover, the only thing on my mind was Liam and Gabi.

Gabi's POV

I was on the floor when Mason walked into the room, "Hey, can we talk?"

"Troy talk to you?" I said wiping a few tears away, "Yeah, he did. He knows he screwed up."

I nodded my head, "Okay, whatever." I said, I got up slowly and made my way into my bed, "Hey doesn't know how you feel Gabi, he thinks a kid right now is official to your relationship."

"But it isn't! I know I know Troy will be there for Liam but for me, I do not know anymore. I am just sick of him not proposing! I thought we were ready, I thought it was time but every time I think this nothing happens."

"So stop thinking about it, Troy wants to catch you by surprise, Troy loves you to make it special."

I itched my eyebrow and I closed my eyes, "Right now, I just don't want to talk to him. I am going to go to bed." I mumbled, Mason sighed in the door way, "Just think about him Gabi, how he is feeling because I am pretty sure he is feeling like shit, he knows he hurt you by keeping a secret from you and for breaking up with you but he let his emotions get ahead of the game. I am not saying forgive him but at least talk to him okay?"

I nodded my head before slipping under the covers, I then thought of Liam, I went into the playroom to see them all laying around except that Lucille was not in there. I went down to nursery and I saw her putting Liam to bed. I walked over and ran my fingers through his thin hair.

"Are you done partying so soon?"

I nodded my head, "I am tired." I said

She gave me a hug, "I heard a lot, everything will be okay."

I then broke down in more sobs. She leaned in and whispered into my ear, "Everything runs on faith now,"

Longest. Chapter. Ever. : D

Gosh, guys I am sooo sorry! This is so late from when I said it would be out! I was hit with an unexpected Touney last weekend so I had NO free time what so ever, and this weekend we had a two day touney so I wrote this in like 6 hours straight, I have State testing this week so I wouldn't expect an update for maybe a week? I promise it will be good! :D

I know you guys wanted Drama so you guys got some drama! Hope you all liked it!

Well, I need to go to school so…Bye!

Xoxo

Jo!

REVIEW! Maybe 150? 145? Yeah?