Chapter 34 – Monkey and Bananas

"You wanna go watch daddy play today?" I asked Liam as I lifted him up into the air. He giggled and then clapped his hands together; I smiled as I brought him down to kiss on his cheek.

"He is getting so big!" Sharpay said her overwhelming belly was sticking out way farther than usually. I swore she could pop like tomorrow when she wasn't due for another month. "You are going to have one big baby." I told her as I watched her squirm towards the couch.

"Shush it Bolton," I rolled my eyes as Liam crawled around on the floor. Since he fell and hit his head he had sort of quit trying to stand up which I was sort of okay with. He would try every now and then but he isn't as persistent.

Liam was nine months old as it was five days before Halloween. Liam crawled over into my lap and then back down towards Sharpay. Sharpay stuck her hands out as Taylor came into the living room. "Don't you think we should be going if we are going to catch them in the locker room?" Taylor asked.

"Nah, I don't want to get Liam ready yet. I don't want to get ready yet," I said laughing, Sharpay nodded, "Is Zeke going to come?" I asked Shar, "Yea. He said he would meet us there, you know his restaurant is already getting business?"

"How, He has not even opened yet." Taylor said sitting down on the couch, "People have heard that his food is good, probably from us or something and they want him to cater."

"Well everybody at our wedding knew Zeke cooked the food." Taylor mentioned, "That might be it too but when he opens in two weeks its going to be a hit. I can already feel it."

"I like the idea of what he has going on. A bakery coffee shop feel but at night an amazing dinner place to take you family." Liam came over to me again and I gripped his hands as I helped him stand up.

His face smiled as he tried to balance, "Daddy would hurt me if I encouraged you to walk." I told him, he giggled and then lifted one of his hands to touch my face. I laughed as I picked him up, "You want to go see daddy or what?" I asked him, he hid his face into my neck.

"What is up with that? I notice him doing that a lot lately." Sharpay said, "I don't know, I think usually happens when he is tired and it is close to his naptime."

I rubbed his back and then kissed his little ear. He turned his head and then I stood up, "Let him rest for a little while, we can get ready and then I can get him ready." I said to the girls, I walked up the stairs and I put him into his crib. He rubbed his eyes and I bent over to kiss his forehead.

I shut his door to a crack while I worked my way downstairs picking up some of Troy's dirty clothes. Troy had come home with us but was playing all kinds of basketball games for pre-season. Tonight was the first night of regular season. Troy and the guys were all excited and ready to play.

Troy was going to be home for Halloween after a two day trip down to Texas for the Mavs. I threw the clothes into the laundry room as I walked into the kitchen. I reached for the water and let out a deep yawn.

"Gabs, I am going to go take a shower and get ready." Sharpay told me as she passed through the kitchen. "Will do, I am going to go get ready myself. Hopefully Liam will be okay with a short nap. He has been taking longer ones lately."

"He is a growing boy!" Taylor smirked, "I can not believe how big he is," Taylor said shaking her head, "It's so weird, I remember when I saw him for the first time."

"So do I, the painful journey was finally over!" I joked; Taylor threw me a look while Sharpay ignored me. "Taylor, your little baby will be perfect and you will forget about all the pain until the next day." I said winking, Taylor snorted and then laughed. "You make it sound so easy; I still have eight months left on this boat!"

"Oh relax," I told them, "It will all be fine in the end." I waved my hand as I pushed off the counter.

They both rolled there eyes as I headed for the stairs. "I am going to go get ready. Now, I will be back down here in a little bit." I said with a glowing smirk. Sharpay scoffed as she also made her way for the stairs.

I took a fast shower before I went to grab my clothes for the night. As I pulled my Laker tshirt over my head I glanced at my figure. I poked my stomach and I realized how fat I was becoming. I gapped for a moment and then I felt my stomach churn. What if Troy doesn't like me fat? I sucked in my stomach and finished getting ready. I slipped on a pair of black pumps to make me look taller. I threw on some makeup as I pulled on a Laker jacket.

I carried my phone in my hand as it was about an hour and thirty minutes until game time with a forty five minute drive. I opened Liam's door and walked in. He was still sleeping but I picked him up anyways. Grabbing one of his many Bolton jerseys and a pair of little khakis I began to dress him.

He stirred and began to cry as if he was still tired. "Shh…" I said after changing his diaper. He cried until I was done getting him changed. I lifted him up to my shoulder and he began to fall asleep again. I rubbed his back while picking up the Vera diaper bag. I took it downstairs where Sharpay and Taylor were waiting.

"Can you slip my wallet and water into my bag?" I asked as I shifted Liam on my shoulder. His fist balled up on my shirt. I kissed him softly on the temple. "You ready Gabi?" Taylor asked, I nodded, "Yup. Let's go." I told them. I went down into the garage placing Liam into his car seat.

He whined when I let go but fell back asleep in his seat. I pulled myself into the driver's seat as I turned the keys in the car. Sharpay wiggled into her seat and then stroked her stomach. "I can not believe I am going to be a mom." She looked out the car window. "I am so scared," I snorted, "Scared!" I giggled, "I was scared, and I am here to help you." Sharpay's eyes widened. "How did you do this?" I clicked the blinker to enter the highway.

"I had help, not a lot but some. It's not too bad." I said driving along the coast. "I will just hope this little guy can turn out like Liam: good, calm, and sticks to a schedule." I laughed, "The first three months or so are hell, pure hell but then they become a little more independent."

Taylor held her hands to her stomach. "I am excited." She spoke, I giggled again. "You'll be excited, terrified, upset, cranky, and any other emotion while being pregnant."

Nobody said anything after that; the car ride was mostly quiet except for the low hum of the music.

Pulling into the Laker parking the guys directed me right next to Troy's car. I smiled as I glanced inside to see Liam's other car seat, a blanket, some toys, an empty bottle, fast-food wrappers, Gatorade and water bottles in the car. "Dirtiest car goes to Troy," Taylor joked. I snorted, "Do you not remember his truck? That was one huge piece of trash."

"Ha! Don't let Troy hear you say that," Sharpay smiled, "At least your boyfriend had a car! Chad took his parents car all the time!" we all began to walk to the doors. Liam's car seat slung against my wrist.

A guy meets us at the door to direct us to our courtside seats. They warned me to be careful with Liam. I pulled him out of his car seat as I looked onto the court. Both teams were warming up.

Troy had on purple Nike dri-fit long sleeve warm-up with his purple shorts. His white and purple shoes squeaked against the floor. His wrist flipped as the basketball left his fingers to short a three. Chad slapped his head while Luke pointed both of there attentions to outside of the court. Troy's eyes lite up and Chad smirked. I giggled as Liam held onto my hand.

"Liam, look there is daddy." Liam's eyes looked around for Troy's 6'6 frame only to spot him after a few seconds. Liam laughed and babbled as he reached his arms out. "No, daddy has to play basketball." Liam whined and banged his little hands against my wrist. "Liam," I scolded adjusting him. He cried and I sat him to face me.

A ref blew a whistle as the captains went over to talk. They shook hands and the ref explained everything to them before they sent them back to there corner. Coach called over the guys as he let them grab a drink. They had twenty minutes until tip-off. Troy talked to Coach as Liam squirmed around in my lap. He turned to face Troy.

Chad and Troy jogged towards us. Liam grew excited as he tried to jump from his spot. Troy held his hands out towards him as he scooped him up into his arms. "Ah! There is my little guy!" Troy said hugging him; I smiled as I leaned back into the chair. Troy placed Liam into the air as Liam giggled.

Troy brought him down to his chest as Troy sat at the edge of my knees. I groaned, "You do know you weigh, like a lot?" I said trying to push him off gently.

"I do not!" Troy protested, I laughed as I kissed the back of his neck. Coach called them and Troy gave Liam back to me as he kissed my forehead and then he kissed my lips. "Love you,"

"Good luck!"

Troy jumped up and snagged the ball as it rebounded off the rim. He hugged it to his chest before he dribbled down the court. He flashed a two as he bounced which meant nothing to me.

The Lakers were down by five in the beginning of the fourth. Troy passed it off to Kobe as he moved across the court. His guard followed behide him as Kobe passed the ball again to Chad. Chad dribbled and he taunted the guy in front of him. The shot clock narrowed down to ten as Chad passed to Troy who jumped for the three.

I sucked in a breath as it fell right through, the net bouncing back and forth. The stadium roared with energy. I exhaled as a timeout was called. Troy slapped hands with the guys as he proceeded to the bench. Waters were handed out and Troy downed every single one handed to him. Sweat poured from his face.

Liam was curled up in my lap sleeping. He tucked his face into my stomach as I held him. Coach was yelling them all out, his face a steamy red. I could see Troy roll his eyes as Coach said something. Taylor leaned over towards me, "They are down by two, why is the coach so pissed off?" Taylor asked.

I huffed quietly, "Coach is pissed since they should be winning by a lot more. Troy is getting chewed out because he is the captain." Taylor nodded, "Understood."

Zeke had shown up right before the game time, along with Kelsi and Ryan. Liam twitched in my lap as he tried to roll over but then snuggled closer to me. Both teams retook the court as the whistle blew signaling game time.

Somebody passed the ball in as the other team took it around the court. Troy moved his feet along the corner of the three point line taking on there tallest guy who was over seven feet.

The guy took a running start inside as Troy kept up with him; the both went up off there feet for the shut when Troy was shoved backwards. I felt my eyes grow ten times the normal size as he landed hard on his back. Whistles blew as nobody moved for a minute; I felt my breathing pick up for a minute when he sat up.

I exhaled as the guys helped him up and he shook his head before running over to the bench. His coach talked to him for a second and then Troy moved back onto the court. His eyes found mine and gave me that cocky smirk. I rolled my eyes, "God, I hate him sometimes,"

"Think he did that to you on purpose?" Sharpay asked laughing, "Probably." I rolled my eyes again as Liam woke up. He looked into my eyes and then a loud roar of fans drifted through the stadium. He began to cry as I stood up promptly. "I will be right back," I said coaxing Liam's face into the corner of my neck.

I walked out of the stadium court as Liam's cry grew louder. I stood off in a tunnel as I rubbed his back, "I know buddy, and it's been a long day." I kissed his temple as he blinked his eyes several times and then cried some more.

"You want to play?" his fingers wrapped around mine and he began to talk his gibberish again. I knew he was probably becoming hungry and there wasn't much left in the game.

"How about we hold out for about thirty minutes and we can eat in the locker room with daddy?" I asked Liam didn't look at me but away towards where the game was playing. "You have no interest in what I am saying," I mumbled softly to myself as I walked back out.

I rejoined seats with everybody as I placed Liam into his car seat in the seat next to me. I gave him a toy to play with while I watched the rest of the game.

The Lakers ended up pulling it out in the end with a 92-88 victory. I cheered as I gathered up Liam's stuff, they had become smart and offered a family locker room type where family can wait or visit with the players. The whole gang walked in to the area as I sat down pulling out Liam's food.

I handed him his bottle while he began to eat keeping his eyes focused on the door. Zeke and Ryan talked to each other while all of the girls talked quietly in the corner. We waited for about thirty minutes before the door opened and a few of the guys walked through.

Liam finished off his bottle and I burped him before releasing him to the ground. That is where he wanted to be and this place couldn't be that dirty.

The door opened again and Chad appeared his hair was still wet from the shower. He was in a pair of jeans with a collared Laker shirt. "Good game," Taylor whispered to him as he kissed her gently. Chad smiled as he kissed the top of her head some more.

"Where is my husband?" I asked throwing my hands on my hips; Liam had planted a few inches from the door. I stood up and walked over to grab him, "Talking to Coach, he said he will be out in a few." I bent over to pick up Liam and the door swung up.

I twisted my body around to protect Liam but the doorknob caught my hip. I screeched as it pierced back, "Oh God, Gabi," Troy's voice sounded concerned, "Are you okay?" he asked me, I looked up at him to see him in the same exact thing Chad was in. His hair slipping past his forehead with the shower, "I am fine, I am just glad I was over here or you would have hit Liam."

Troy's eyes widened before he relaxed, Troy wrapped his arms around me in a hug before he kissed my lips. "Good game," I told him, "Thanks, Coach wasn't too happy but we won our first game. That's all that mattered."

Troy went over to pick Liam up and Liam squealed with excitement. Troy laughed as he kissed the top of Liam's head. "Awh, another father son moment," Chad said turning his head, "Just you wait Danforth!" Troy said poking a finger at him, Chad laughed, "I will not be some weak link," Taylor snorted and Ryan laughed.

"What? I won't!" Chad protested I shrugged my shoulders to stay out of such a topic. Taylor laughed harder, "I think I am going to go to the restroom before we leave." Sharpay said as her hand covered her belly. "Have fun!" I said waving; she rolled her own eyes before opening the bathroom door.

"Any plans for later?" I asked Troy shook his head, "Nope. None, I thought maybe we could go pick up some dinner." Troy said as he put Liam back into his car seat. The buckles clicked and I sighed, "Sounds like we should just pick up some in and out or something. I am not too hungry and Liam needs to get to bed."

Troy nodded as he shifted his bag on his shoulder. He picked up the car seat. "Do you want to take him or me? We have two cars." I explained, "I'll take him. You enjoy your peace and quiet in the car." He said kissing my head. His fingers roamed to my hip as he glazed it carefully. A jerk of pain ran through my body but I took a calm breath.

"I will grab food; you get home and get Liam into bed." Troy nodded as he kissed my forehead. My fingers touched his chin and I took a calm breath again as my insides shook. They were already going on the road tomorrow for a week. One home game and they were gone.

Driving through town I stopped at In and Out as I picked up our usual before heading back to the house. I rubbed my eyes for a second as I yawned. I was defiantly tired but I really wanted some time with Troy. I rubbed the back of my neck as I pulled into the drive way.

My car went around the curves in the driveway before I opened the car door. I got out of my car as I stepped down arms slipped around my waist. "Hi," he whispered as he kissed the back of my neck.

"Hi," I said giggling, "So do you have food because I am so hungry." Troy laughed, "I know. I am too but you played fantastic tonight." Troy smiled as he kissed my lips. "So Liam is down for the night, I just need some food and then…" his fingers trailed a circle on my stomach.

My breath hitched in my throat as I couldn't breathe. His fingers left Goosebumps behide on my skin as I suddenly forgot all about the food, "Are you sure you are hungry?" I whispered roughly into his ear.

Troy raised an eyebrow as I felt the heat in the room pick up. Troy smiled, "I can forget about the food," Troy whispered leaning down to press his lips against mine. Our fingers laced together and I let my back arch back while he kissed my chest and then went up my face.

Our lips connected once more as he lifted my shirt up and over my head. "Do you want to do this out here?" I husked into his ear, "We haven't hit this spot yet," he said with a long smirk. "We havent hit the couch either." He nodded as he pulled me away from the car and then we hurried up to the living room.

Troy discarded my shirt as I helped him with his. His teeth nipping at my ear, Troy's fingers fumbled with my jeans. Once he slid them past my waste he stopped. I opened my shut eyes as I looked at him; his fingers traced a very sore area. "Troy," I begged.

"Gabi! I hurt you," he said rubbing his fingers over the area. "Then kiss it for God Sake," I panted as I tried to keep his mind on one thing, I didn't want to stop.

"This isn't over," Troy said gently placing his lips against the bruise. I kissed him as I pulled him as close as possible.

I yawned softly as I could not sleep, after having sex on the couch we made our way up to the bedroom while we finished there. The food was slowly forgotten about in the car as I tossed over on my side. Troy was on his stomach sleeping, his hair hanging loosely in his eyes as he put no product in it.

His back fell as he took a long deep breath. I stroked his back gently as I snuggled into his side. "Are you okay Brie?" Troy asked not opening his eyes. I rolled over onto my back as I didn't want him to see my face. "I am fine." I whispered back to him quietly.

"No you aren't, what are you thinking about?" I sighed as Troy could just hear it in my voice. "Do you think I am fat?" Troy opened his eyes and then he scrunched them together. "What the hell did you just ask me?" he asked, "Do you think I am fat." I repeated to him. Troy chuckled quietly as he wrapped both of his arms around me.

"What brought this on?" he asked, "I am getting fatter." I mumbled, "I never said that," Troy protested, his eyes opened as he rolled on top of me. "Why do you think you are fat?" he asked, "I was looking into the mirror when I was getting ready and I looked really fat."

"You are no way fat."

"I am bigger than all of those cheerleaders," Troy, who was still on top of me, shook his head. "I don't give a shit about any of them. You are beautiful Gabi, I don't care if you are three hundred pounds, and I will love you forever." Troy whispered gently into my ear.

"But…" Troy pressed his index finger on my lips. "Please, I promise you, you are not fat. Now, if you asked Sharpay such a question you might get slapped."

I giggled and Troy wrapped both of his arms around me. "You will never be fat in my mind Gabi; you will always just be beautiful. You are going to be my Gabi," I bit on my lip as I felt the Goosebumps return.

"God, I love you," I whispered, "I love you too now please, can we go back to sleep? You have a little boy to take care of all day tomorrow while I get to travel." I grinned as I pushed him to my side and I snuggled into his side. Troy wrapped both arms around me as he pulled me as close as he could.

His chin rested against my head as I played with the sheet. I may not be fat to Troy but I sure as hell felt it.

I pulled my ear buds out of my ear as I ran down the street. Liam was in his jogging stroller while I jogged down the street. Good Girl by Carrie Underwood beat in my ear as I jogged further up the hill as I was totally out of shape.

Huffing a breath I turned around as I glanced at the house from the top of the long hill as I was in my third mile. Liam was enjoying his time outside as I sped down the hill holding on to Liam's stroller tighter. This was the nice part about living in the middle of nowhere. Nobody was around to see my running up and down this dumbass hill.

I looked at my watch; Troy was going to be playing in about forty-five minutes. I made it to the bottom of the hill in faster pace than I did the last hundredth times. I pushed the stroller towards the house. I was going to feed Liam, bathe him, and get him ready for bed.

Walking into the garage I turned off my phone as I got Liam out of his stroller. I pulled my iPhone out of the case that was strapped to my arm.

Liam squirmed in my arms as I kissed his temple, "Let's eat some dinner and then you can get ready for bed." I said blowing on his neck gently. He giggled and I went up the stairs and into the kitchen. I slide him into his car seat while I grabbed a thing of puree chicken with some apple thing.

I pulled a chair over to him while I grabbed a small spoon. I turned on the TV in the kitchen to listen to the pregame as I fed Liam. Some of the chicken came back out as his teeth were just coming in. He chewed for a moment and then he would sallow. I tickled his chin as we finished off our whole meal.

I kissed the top of his head as I went over to wash everything out and wash my hands. I carried Liam on my hip as I walked down the hallway with Liam. We had bought the bathtub a suction pad so he didn't slip and slide around in the tub. I filled it up a little as i made sure I had a diaper.

Giving Liam a bath only took about fifteen minutes if he wasn't in a playing mode. He splashed around in the water while I bathed him as fast as I could. I let out a little yawn as I pulled him out of the tub and dried him.

I could feel my eyes closing as I put him into a diaper. Troy was coming home Halloween morning and we were going to go trick or treating together with Liam.

My phone began to ring and I picked it up. "Hello," I said, "Gabi, hey what are you up too?" Jenni asked, "Nothing much, why?" I asked as I let Liam roam around the bathroom while I dried everything and drained the tub.

"Carson and I were looking for somewhere to stay for our small break."

"Your brother will be home," I mentioned as I opened the door. Liam made a quick escape but I flew in picking him up. "I know. My mom wants to come up to, she wants to see Liam."

"Everybody always wants to see Liam," I murmured, I put Liam down into his playpen only in his diaper while he looked up at me as I walked into the kitchen. "Yes, we all do but I think we are going to Mason's house."

"Which is like four hours from us?"

"Yes, we know." Jenni said in an annoyed voice, "Jenni, I would love to have this talk with you but I am really tired. I just want to go relax with my baby, so can you call me tomorrow or something please?"

"Yes," she said quickly, "I just need to know if we end up going to Mason's can we come see you,"

"Yes, why would you not be able to?"

"My dad wanted me to call, you should ask him this." I rolled my eyes and then I laughed, "Okay, yes, just give me a heads up." We finished out call before I rubbed my eyes.

I leaned over the sink as I heard the game turning on and then a whine from Liam. I yawned standing up; I had barely eaten anything in the past three days. My head felt fuzzy as I knew I needed to eat but I hadnt been hungry. I shook my head, I knew this was bad.

I collapsed onto the couch as the TV screen blared colors. I took a deep breath as I fixed my back, up right. I texted Sharpay asking her to come over so I could sleep for a little bit and since Liam wasn't tired, she agreed as I felt really sleepy.

I pulled my knees up to my chest as I felt a little dizzy. Shutting my eyes tighter I let the darkness take me in.

Troy's POV

Fan blared as I went up for the next shot. My feet leaped from the ground as the ball sank through the hoop, ten seconds left. There was no way they could win this.

They blazed down the court hoping they could get off one more basket. It bounced off the rim and into my own hands. I held it tightly as I let the buzzer ring through the arena. I dropped the ball as we all ganged up in the middle giving off high-fives. I grinned as we slapped fingers together and then with the other team.

We quickly moved off the court as TV reporters moved down towards the court. I bowed my head as I didn't want to talk to any of them. I moved through the crowd as I escaped to the locker room. I skipped lightly towards my bag as I dug around for my phone to only realize Sharpay and Zeke had both sent me a 911 text.

My heart began to race as I fumbled with my phone. I quickly hit Zeke's number as it rang in my ear, "Do not freak out," he said quickly. I let out a long breath, "What the hell do you mean do not freak out? I mean seriously you send me a fucking 911 text." I yelled through the phone.

"Troy," Zeke snapped, "We promised we wouldn't call you." Zeke mumbled, "This has something to do with Gabi, I can already feel it."

He sighed through the phone, "Yes, she asked Sharpay to come over and watch Liam for a bit so she could get some sleep. So I went over there with her to hang out for a bit and when we went over there she was on the couch sleeping, well Sharpay went over to wake her up but she wouldn't."

"You are still telling my not to panic?" I gripped, "Listen," he barked, I have never heard this Zeke before. "Well, we called 911 to see what the hell to do and they sent an ambulance. She unresponsive they took her to the hospital, Sharpay is back at the house with Liam who is sleeping."

"Do they know what the hell is wrong with her?" I snapped, "Troy she hasn't been eating and been working out like crazy for the past three days."

"Did she admit this?"

"Once she woke up, yes, she quickly did."

I let out a long breath as I sank into the chair, "She has been complaining that she was fat," I rubbed my face as I felt my forehead still had sweat beads. "I think that it really wasn't the eating part but she did a three mile run on nothing. That is what pushed her over the edge; it was basically just a low blood sugar."

"Is she okay?" I asked, "She is fine, awake and her normal self. She is tired so Shar and I are going to stay the night and be with Liam." I rubbed my chin, "I want to talk to her."

"She doesn't know we called,"

"I don't care; I want to talk to her."

"You can not be mad at her." I poked my tongue out of my mouth, "I am not mad at her. I am just concerned; I need to hear her voice."

"Bolton, get your ass ready to leave," I held up my finger at coach as I turned away. I propped my feet up against the locker as I untied my shoes. I slipped off my shoes and then my shorts to put my sweats and a hoodie over my jersey. I pushed everything into my bag as I pushed the phone into my ear.

I slipped on my plain Nikes. "Zeke," I heard Gabi hiss, I rolled my eyes softly as I blinked my eyes walking towards the bus. Coach was accounting for all of us when I heard her voice. "I'm sorry Troy,"

"Don't be sorry Gabi, please don't. I am not your master; I am just your husband. Why don't you just tell me these things?" I begged with her, "I don't want you to get mad."

"Yes, I know you did baby and you aren't. You really aren't. You might still have some baby weight left; you also might have gained some while trying to keep up with Liam. I don't care what you look like, I promise." I told her softly, Coach pointed towards the bus and I obeyed boarding.

"I left Liam alone," I could see her tears, "You had Sharpay coming over, Gabi, please, I just need you to relax. I know it was only a low blood sugar you just need to eat."

"I wanted to eat after I went on a run but I was so tired," she whimpered, I sat down on a bus, "Just do everything the doctors say okay? I love you Brie, I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I love you too, I love you." She cried softly, I pursed my lips together, "I will be home in a couple of days, and I will keep calling you to check up okay?"

"Okay, they are releasing me anyways."

"Good, go home and go to bed. Do not protest with Zeke and be good."

Gabi laughed quietly, "I will."

We finished off with byes while I let out a long breath. "Drama at home?" Chad asked slipping into the seat next to me. I nodded my head, "Gabi passed out due to a low blood sugar I guess. She has barely been eating since I left and working out a lot." Chad scrunched his eyebrows.

"Why?"

"She thinks she is fat, I keep telling her she isn't but I guess she doesn't believe me. She claims she wanted to eat earlier but she was just really tired. I don't know, she is awake and leaving but I think she is also really stressed out."

Chad nodded and then he patted my shoulder, "Is somebody with her,"

"Zeke and Sharpay, they found her passed out on the couch." Chad smirked, "Well if it helps my wife is pregnant and has morning sickness."

"Been there, done that." I mumbled, "This is just the aftermath." My head rolled against the window and I rubbed my eyes. "How come my life will not be easy?"

"Because a woman controls it." I snorted and nodded, "You got that right."

Gabi's POV

Liam crawled on top of me as it was Halloween morning. Liam was cuddling with me until he was fully awake and wanted to play around.

Since the low blood sugar scare I had been keeping tight on my food intake. Making sure it was all healthy and doing a little exercise everyday. It was scary to wake up somewhere else and not know where the hell my kid was. I cried until Zeke calmed me down telling me everything was okay.

The low blood sugar was caused by not eating enough and then going out to run three miles. I blinked my eyes a few times as I yawned. Lucille, Jack, Carson, and Jenni were all coming up to see us. Lucille had found out from Troy and I knew she was disappointed.

I knew she was a mother and I know I left my child alone. My chest tightened for a moment as I took long deep breaths. The door creaked open and Troy poked his head through. Once he saw I was awake he burst through the room and was quick to wrap his arms around my body.

"Oh goodness," my face buried into his neck as tears leaked from my eyes. "I should have eaten, I knew I should have." Troy kissed the top of my head. "Do not blame yourself. I know that since you became a mom you can go days without eating. You have done it before, I know you have. You just added that whole new exercise thing to it this time. It was not your fault, you were just busy."

"I knew," Troy put his fingers to my lip, "Please,"

"Your mom is disappointed, I left Liam alone."

"Gabi," Troy finally said, he fell onto the bed with me as he held me tightly against his chest. "I don't care about what my mom thinks. You have gone probably a week without eating much at all. Remember that one week in college where you had finals all week? Your nose never left the book; I had to force you to eat."

I didn't speak as Troy picked up Liam who was sitting on the bed still. "Hey buddy," Liam giggled and I then looked at him. "So, I found Liam's costume." I told him, Troy smiled, "Really?" I nodded. "Yea, I also got one for you." I teased. Troy raised an eyebrow, "Have you watched Sports Center today?" I shook my head as Troy reached for the remote.

He switched it on and there was a picture of Troy and Liam on opening night. I grinned as it was before the game started and he was sitting on my lip. "They all loved this," Troy chuckled.

"I know you don't want me to say sorry but I have to. I should have been way more responsible. I am a mother; I am supposed to be taking care of Liam. I basically left him in a diaper and nothing else since he just got done with a bath."

Troy pursed his lips together and nodded, "Listen to me carefully Brie, I know you have this other feeling because you are a mother now. I know you want to be there all the time but I know that you will always have your flaws Gabi. I know you can not be perfect but guess what you had Sharpay coming over. You still fed and bathed Liam, you have that role Gabi, its there but little things like the other day get in the way." He paused for a moment while I looked at him.

He pushed a piece of hair behide my ear as he pressed his lips against my forehead. "You will be just fine, you feel guilty and I know you do but can we just forget about it please? I love you and I will tell my parents to not talk about it. I just want you to rest for the day."

"I need to be more independent." I told him, "You are very independent women," Troy protested, "Do you know how much you do on your own? Brie, just because you make one mistake doesn't mean the whole world is going to come crashing down because you passed out! Liam wasn't there all night; he had just eaten and had a diaper change. Help was over in ten minutes, everything went fine, nothing happened."

My gut sank as I knew Troy was right, I knew that it was no big deal. It was just a little mishap. "I just want to be perfect for you," Troy groaned loudly, "Please, no," Troy said shaking his head, "Where is all of this coming from? You are always confident and then suddenly you just have all of these doubts."

I didn't talk as I stood up from the bed and I looked at Troy who held Liam still. I took even breaths as I walked towards the windows. I heard the bed groan as Troy got up, he took several seconds before his arms wrapped around me.

"I don't care how you look Brie; I don't know what you don't understand about this. I would tell you if you were fat but I never will say these words to you because you will never be fat in my eyes. You will be a happy, stronger, confident Gabi that I grew to love. This is a very weak one right now, not the one that I am used to all the time."

"You are just on the road a lot with a bunch of different girls and…" Troy kissed the back of my neck softly as he spun me around in his arms. He held up his hand and then his ring finger. "I married you," he paused briefly kissing my lips, "Because I love you and only you. I don't give a shit about any of those other girls out in the world. Nobody will be a beautiful as you."

I felt my cheeks beat red as Troy connected lips with me. His finger held my chin up and I melt into his body. I smiled into the long kiss as he held on to me. "We have a little bit,"

"Good," I whispered back to him.

"I don't know why I have been so emotional, I think maybe because my period starts next week." I admitted to Jenni and Lucille. Lucille was never mad, she was just happy I was okay.

I stood in the kitchen drinking a thing of coffee as it was still early in the morning. Troy and Jack were both in the living room playing with Liam on the ground. "That could be it, PMS," Lucille said, "I sometimes get it really bad or not at all."

"I know I get it, that's for sure." I mumbled back to them, I looked past the dining room and I could hear the noise from the living room. "So do you want to know what I am having Liam be for Halloween?" Lucille and Jenni jumped up and nodded, "Please!"

I grinned as I waved them in closer so I could tell them. Both of them grin in approval, "That will be so cute!"

"I kept thinking maybe I should make him a banana and have Troy be that." Jenni cracked up, "Oh my God! You should have done that!" I giggled, "I know I should have but I did not want to make Troy dress up."

"He would have had a lot of fun,"

I tapped my chin for a moment, "This calls for an emergency run to the mall!" I said stinking up my finger; we all darted towards the stairs to go grab a room to get ready.

Troy noticed as he followed us up, "Where do you think you are going? We have plenty of our friends coming over," I kissed Troy's lips; "We are going to grab a few things for tonight."

Troy grinned, "I really liked that one costume you wore a few years ago," he mumbled against my lips, I grinned as I looked at him, "Well I have a very familiar one for you this time." I said poking his stomach. He smirked, "Good."

"I looked ridiculous." Troy stated as he looked in the mirror, I bit on my lip to keep from laughing. "Maybe a little bit, but you will be so cute with Liam!" I said hanging on his arm for a moment. "How did you get nothing out of this?" Troy asked as he put his hands on his hips.

"I have to push the stroller around; you can go up to the houses with him. Its only for a little bit Troy, come on he is barely nine months old."

Troy sighed, "Can we just take pictures and pretend I did," I giggled, "I wouldn't laugh as hard." Troy's eyes glared at mine while I bit on my lip harder. Troy looked like a huge dork in his costume. He was in a monkey costume, with a long tail in the back. The fur on the costume stood up.

"TROY!" Chad stormed through the door as he was in the same exact thing. I almost fell as I began to laugh, I snorted as Chad looked worse than Troy, his hair!

Troy pursed his lips together as we looked at the two of them. Taylor and I both fell over in laughter as we looked at the two of them. I giggled as I tried to cover my mouth; we had gotten all of the guys the same costume to take Liam out with. The girls had the plans to stay back and have a glass of wine but since it was Liam's first Halloween I was going to go.

"Oh, just go downstairs," I said pushing all of them out of the door. They all laughed as they pointed and laughed at each other. Once the stumbled down the stairs and noticed each other they all began to laugh. I licked my lips as I grabbed my phone, Sharpay handed me Liam as I gave him to Troy.

"Now, all of you stand in the middle. Liam in the middle too," They all gathered around, Mason, Jack, Carson, Zeke, Chad, and Troy were all in Monkey costumes. Liam was the little yellow dot in between all of them.

They all made monkey faces as I rolled my eyes, "Now, if you can there is dinner in the kitchen." The boys all stumbled over one another to get into the kitchen. Troy handed me Liam as it was my turn to feed him. I reached for a bottle and pointed it into his mouth.

He finished it off quickly as I got him ready to go. I placed him in his car seat as we were going to drive into town to trick or treat for about an hour. I made sure I had blankets and toys to keep him company as the boys finished off the Tacos and burritos that Zeke had cooked for them.

"I am going to get Liam into the car, once you are all ready feel free to get in." They all began to grab bags. They all had pulled there hoods down and were fixing there fingers so they could drive. The girls helped them get everything ready before they had to leave.

Jenni was going with Carson as a banana too. She wanted to be the same thing as Liam so they had taken pictures together.

Driving a short distance into town we pulled over into one of sides and Troy stopped the car. Guys all filed out of the two cars as Troy set up the stroller while I got Liam out of his car seat. I put a blanket down to surround him into his stroller while he stretched his feet out in front of him.

I buckled him in and as I stood up, fingers flew around my side. "Boo!" I jumped and squealed as Troy laughed. "Haha, gotcha." He said kissing the side of my neck.

"Get your hairy hands off of me," Troy laughed, "You made me have hairy hands!" I rolled my eyes, "Details…" I said with a light shove. He wrapped his arms around me while

"Trick or Treat," I heard a course of voices, I laughed as we were close to being finished with the whole thing as Liam was becoming cranky and tired. All of the guys would go up with Liam and all of the women who answered would smile and give them all candy.

Some would recognize Troy but not all, quiet a few got Chad with his hair. They stood up in the doorway as Ghosts and Goblins all passed by me. I hugged my arms around my chest as I heard Liam's small cry echo as they came down the driveway.

"Brie, I think somebody is done." Troy said adjusting his little banana. "I think it's about time anyways." Troy gave me Liam and I pressed my lips to his forehead. "I am so taking this costume off right here, right now." Troy said as he unzipped it and then stepped out.

A joyful sigh left his mouth as his basketball shorts were up a little too high and his plain white tshirt was twisted. He adjusted his clothes and then he retied his tennis shoes. Everybody began to take off there's too except for Chad who was looking around. "Chad, you can take it off now," he blushed a deep red as Troy pointed him out.

"I think you might get a little surprise that most parents would find…gross." Chad said hesitating. My eyes grew and I burst out into laughter, I covered my mouth quickly as it wasn't that funny. Troy and Jack both sent me a look and I turned around trying not to laugh more.

"Chad…you didn't wear…pants?" Zeke asked I could see he was having his own hard time keeping from laughing. I bit harder on my lip as Chad blushed more. "No…I sort of…" that is when the group lost it; they couldn't even let him finish his sentence.

I doubled over in laughter as I could no longer contain it. "Guys! It's not funny!" Chad whined Troy went over to slap his shoulder, "Dude that is funny as hell. How they hell are you in there without clothes on?"

"Everything itches…let me tell you." I bit on my lip harder as I headed towards the car. The guys howled with laughter as Chad kept making his stupid remarks borrowing him further into the hole.

We packed Liam up into the car as he was already beginning to fall asleep. No bath tonight. Troy slipped his hand into mine as he started the car. "I think I have a nickname for our son," Troy mentioned as we neared home, "Oh really, what would that be?"

"Monkey," Troy snorted, I laughed, and "He was a banana,"

"Yes…but he acts like a monkey. He tries to climb everything and he doesn't stop moving." I eyed Troy for a moment and then nodded, "Sounds great,"

"I think so," I rolled my eyes softly as I pushed Troy gently. Troy smiled as he leaned over to kiss me cheek. "We have one crazy life, you know that right?"

"Yes…I do."

Silence in the car followed as we were all tired. Once we pulled into the drive way I turned to look at Troy. "I am going to go put Liam to bed." I said propping open the car door.

"Okay," Troy said, "I will hang with our friends." I gave him a half smile as I pulled Liam out of the car seat. He yawned and I kissed his forehead. I walked out from the garage as I snuck past everybody up the stairs. "How did it go?" I cringed as I walked backwards to see Lucille.

"Great, everybody had fun." She smiled as she noticed Liam. "He looks really tired," Lucille said, "Yup. We are going to go right up to bed."

"Let me see him, I wont get to say goodbye after tomorrow," I gently handed Liam over as he cried for a moment before he curled up in Lucille's arms. "I love him at this time of day. He is just a little cuddle bug. He will lay with me forever and just be calm."

"I know, I havent seen him like this since he was probably born." I giggled and I leaned against the back wall. "Did anybody even come up to the house?"

Lucille laughed, "Ha, no. Do you see your driveway, I would look at that and be like hell no." I smirked and I crossed my hands over my body. Liam yawned again as I tried to keep myself from yawning.

"I better let mommy have the last of little Liam time today." I patiently took Liam back into my arms as he curled up against me once more. "I will be back down in a little bit," I told her, "Good. Jenni and Carson I think went to grab some ice cream in Troy's car."

"Yum."

Lucille went back towards the outside living room, which is where everybody had gathered. Chad had started a bonfire in the fire pit as everybody gathered around.

I went into Liam's room and changed him out of his costume and into some soft PJ's. He stretched his arms out as I curled my feet underneath me in the rocker. "You know Liam, the old mommy would have loved to go out there and party with them." Liam yawned as his eyes drifted closed.

I threw a basketball blanket over him as we rocked back and forth in the rocker. "But I don't know what else I would have wanted to do than be right here with you." His eyes blinked when stuck his thumb into his mouth. "Let's not start that," I told him gently taking his thumb away from his mouth.

He cried and I knew he had to be a little hungry.

I picked up my cell phone, "Troy," I said as he answered, "Do you need something?"

"Can you bring up one of Liam's small bottles?" I asked him, "Sure thing," Liam cried some more as I rocked him and gave him a pacifier. The door opened gently and Troy poked his head through before he opened the door more.

"Here ya go," he handed me the bottle as he bent over and kissed my forehead. "He looks really tired," Troy said leaning against the back of his closet.

I placed the bottle into Liam's mouth as the bottle was still warm and Liam loved warm formula. "What is everybody doing out there?" I asked pushing my feet off the ground. Liam's eyes began to close as he had only finished half of his bottle. I pulled it out as he nestled into my side.

"Oh, drinking, laughing, and talking about all old times." Troy pushed off the door as he came towards us. "I didn't know if you wanted to join," I nodded, "I will for a little bit." Troy nodded as he kissed my temple and rubbed his fingers over Liam's head. "I will get you a beer and save you a seat."

I nodded as he walked out shutting the door softly behide him. Liam squirmed some more as I replaced the bottle back in his mouth. I yawned as the room was dim and dark, the little fan running in a circle trying to keep the room cool for night.

Once Liam finished off his bottle I kissed his forehead as I laid him down in his crib. He was already half way asleep when I tossed the blanket over my shoulder and yawned again. I ran my fingers through my dirty hair before blinking.

I stepped out of the room before turning on his monitor. Oreo came and sat right under his bed curling up into a tight ball. I petted her for a minute and then licked my lips.

Traveling the short distance to the back patio I noticed all of my friends having a great time. I threw on a smile as I laced my fingers together. "Brie," I turned to see Troy leaning against the rail. He held out a beer for me. "Thanks," Troy looked at me and then opened his arms for me to walk into.

Troy folded his arms around me and kissed my temple. "You okay Love?" he asked, I nodded, "Just getting sleepy. One beer and I may be out." I said smiling, "You can just go up to bed if you would like. I would not mind," I giggled, "I am fine for the moment. I am not going to last much longer."

I turned in his arms as I leaned back against him. He pressed his lips firmly against my hair as I listen to the group talk. "Have you come up with any names yet?"

"Uh…we have a few but seriously, I think once we see him we will know his name."

"That's good. I loved picking out names, I was always unsure of what I should name Liam," I said pulling the beer up to my lips. "I know, there are some cute ones but what if I see him and am like, ugh, I do not want that name for you but everybody already knows."

"That is why we never told anybody our name choses," Taylor grinned, "I think you are going to be a fantastic mom,"

"Yea, I am almost done student teaching. I am so excited to have a job but now that I am going to be a mom…"

"I know! Student teaching and then I am off until August." Taylor said with a long sigh, "I am so excited, I wish you would have finished and done it with us Gabi."

"I want to be a mom with Liam." I softly explained, "I don't know what else I would do. I mean, teaching never sounded like my dream but with Liam…" I glanced off towards the direction of his room.

"I am afraid I will do the same thing," Sharpay said biting on her nails, "I need to work. I need to help out,"

"Shar, whatever you want to do is fine. With my restaurant opening up in a bit we will be okay."

"Zeke," Sharpay protested, Zeke shushed her and I felt Troy tighten his grip on me.

"Fine, we can talk about it later." Zeke rolled his eyes as Chad whistled, "Dude, you are in trouble." Chad said hitting his back, "Don't remind me."

We all laughed as I finished off my beer faster than I thought. "I think I am going to head upstairs. Will you listen for Liam?" I asked as I rested my fingers onto his chest.

"Yea, I got him. I am leaving early tomorrow morning for the gym shoot around. Are you going to go to the game tomorrow?"

"Maybe…monkey." I teased; Troy laughed and then kissed my cheek. "Love you,"

There it is! Hey, its our last weekend of volleyball everybody! Cheer! : ) But then baseball season starts…which is the best season of sports right? Yesss.

Anyways, I would love for you all to know with The Truth About Love done and many chapters to Baseball Lovers already done, I have a lot more time to work on this story! Yea buddy!

Also, the thing with Gabi, its done after tonight. Won't happen again, so yea, Next chapter will be intersting. I promise.

Well, goodnight!