Julian had slept in later than normal, only because he was damn near exhausted from flying back and forth. He knew hewas jetlagged. Hell, isn't that just normal for someone who flew back and forth damn near daily? But when he turned to wrap his arms around Ella, he found the bed empty. Pushing himself up by his elbow, he rubbed his eyes.

"Ella?" he called, finding the bedroom in the hut empty. His heart did a wild dance. She wouldn't leave. She didn't remember... and she wouldn't leave. He knew that, yet his heart still danced. He stood, tugging some boxers and shorts on before heading out of the bedroom. The house was empty and just as he was about to freak out, he caught sight of her through the drapes outside on the sand.

His heart settled and he found myself smiling. She looked so beautiful in the sun. Her dark hair swung in the wind, her skin shined like diamonds against the bright sun. She was... perfect. It's why he stole her. Even if it wasn't exactly stealing since she was his to begin with. Bolton threw her away and she was Julians. Troy stole her, not Julian, he told himself.

He walked out through the curtains at the sliding glass door and made his way across the porch, stepping down on to the sand. He came up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist.

"It's me, Ella," he whispered, kissing her shoulder. "Enjoying the morning air are we?" he asked, letting his hands splay over her stomach and moving over her hips.

Gabriella had dreamt about Troy all night. No matter how many times she woke up, she kept dreaming about him. She hated it. Finally, she just decided she didn't want to sleep anymore. The sun was just starting to come up, so she decided to pull her panties and nightgown on and head outside for some fresh air.

But it didn't seem to matter. No matter where she went or what shedid, she kept thinking about Troy. She had walked the shoreline for about an hour before heading back. But she really didn't want to go back inside yet. All she wanted was to stand out there letting the water lap at her feet and try NOT to think about Troy.

She felt arms wrap around her from behind, and even though she knew they weren't Troy's, a part of her wished that they were. Closing her eyes, she rested back against Julian's bare chest.

"That's what I'm doing," she spoke softly, her eyes still closed. "Couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk down the beach. It's amazing how quiet it is."

It wasn't like anyone was really around anyway, but as the day went on, sounds from the island seemed to carry all the way up and down the coastline. It had been nice just to have a few moments of silence.

"Are you leaving for California again?"

He was always gone. She had so much time to herself. She had all of the songs songs she had written both for her movies and just random ones here and there memorized again, even that song that she had kept humming last week. She had finally figured out all the words to it, but she still couldn't find it anywhere on the Internet, and most of the other ones she could. She was still trying to find out where it came from, but was coming up empty.

"Tomorrow morning, yes." He kissed her neck. "But till then I'm all yours." He took a deep breath. He could bring her to the mainland with him for the game but that would be risking too much, so he knew it wasn't a good choice. "Do you miss me when I'm gone? Because I know I miss you all the time." He hugged her tighter to him. "I especially miss moments like this. You have no idea how much I truly love you, Ella."

Gabriella turned in his arms, looking up at him and letting her arms slide up around his neck. "I love you too, Jules. Te amo," she smiled, speaking to him in Spanish. "And I do miss you. Every moment you're gone. I even miss you when I'm asleep and you're right there beside me in the bed. I really don't like sleeping." That really wasn't the reason why, but it was good enough.

"God, you're perfect. You make my heart swell." He kissed her lips softly. "I can't wait..." he sighed, "maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I can't wait to get married..." He pulled her hand up toward me. "For you to wear my ring again."

She swallowed, smiling softly up at him. "I want that too, Jules. Whenever you want, I will be Mrs. Julian De Aquila." She smiled even more up at him and pulled his head down to hers to kiss him gently.

He pulled the ring he carried in his pocket everywhere out of his shorts pocket, and held it in front of her. He could still remember the day she threw it at him, even if he had been wasted. Sliding it on her left ring finger, he kissed her knuckles.

"I love you Gabriella Marie Montez. My beautiful girl."

He kissed her lips and couldn't be happier. Lifting her up slightly, he twirled her around as he laughed.

"I'm so happy!"

Gabriella giggled slightly, mostly to cover up the welling anxiety she felt building up in her chest. This was what she wanted, she kept telling myself over and over in her head.

"I'm so happy too, Jules," she told him softly, kissing his lips again. "So happy."

Setting her on her feet, he looked down into her dark eyes. "Soon? After my next game?" he asked, letting his hands rub up and down her back. "I can't wait to make you my wife!"

Gabreilla nodded quickly, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Yes, Jules. Yes, as soon as you want!"

He kissed her lips deeply, hugging her tightly. "You need to start planning now! The day after I get back, we'll finally do it. We'll finally say I do!"

Gabriella giggled, hugging him tightly, afraid to let go. This wasn't right. She should be marrying Troy, but he didn't love her anymore. He had been using her. Why, she didn't know. But he didn't really want her. Julian did and he was in love with her. This was what she was supposed to do.

"I'll arrange everything tomorrow while you're gone. We can do some things today, but I just want to spend my time with you."

"That's all I want too." he whispered. "And maybe if we're lucky, since we've been trying, you're already carrying my child, and our family will start soon. You've made me the happiest man in the world." He smiled, kissing her forehead.

Gabriella smiled softly, turning her head slightly and resting it against his chest. "And I'm the happiest girl, ever."

She wasn't, but she had to pretend, hugging him tightly, not wanting to let go. Julian closed his eyes, burying his nose in her hair. He heard a crash of thunder above and glanced up.

"I guess it's going to rain. Wanna head inside?"

Looking up, Gabriella saw the storm was moving in fast. Shaking her head, she looked at him. "No. Can we stay out here in the rain?

She smiled up at him, letting her arms slide down his shoulders. For some reason, she could remember really loving the rain. She couldn't really remember why, but a part of her kept saying it had something to do with Troy. Closing her eyes, she rested in Julian's arms, trying to forget that.

Julian smiled, capturing her face in my fingers. "We sure can," he whispered, kissing her as the first drop hit his shoulder and ran down his back.

Julian had left the next day for another game on the mainland. He'd be back later that night and they were getting married tomorrow. The closer it got, the more nervous Gabriella was getting. She knew it wasn't cold feet. She wanted Taylor there. She wanted her sister there, even if she didn't know her that well. She couldn't remember her at all, but she was family, and Gabriella wanted her there at her wedding. She knew if she called Taylor, Taylor would bring Temperance with her.

Taylor didn't recognize the number, but flipped the phone open anyway, answering it. "Hello?"

Taking a deep breath, Gabriella bit her lip. "Tay..." She had almost called her Taylor, but it just didn't seem right. "It's G."

Taylor's eyes widen, her heart dropping as she sat up in the bed. "G... G? Is that you? Oh, God, G!"

"Its me," Gabriella replied weakly. "I'm, uh... I need you."

"Of course! Anything! Where are you? I'll be right there!" Taylor felt tears bubble in her eyes and roll down her cheeks. "Anything!"

"I'm getting married, and I want my family here, Tayl. I need you here."

"Oh... where's... eh..." Taylor's head felt funny. Did she seriously hear her say that? She had to be dreaming. "Here? Wherever it is, I'll come right there."

"In Hawaii. Not one of the main islands. I think it's called... Niʻihau."

"Okay, I'm going to get myself a flight right now. I'll be there soon, G. I.. love you." Taylor swallowed hard, wondering if that was okay to say. "Wait, who's the lucky guy?"

Please don't say Jules. Please Jesus. PLEASE! She knew he was the one who took her... but... Jesus please!

Gabriella laughed shortly. "Jules, of course? Who else would it be?"

"Right, of course." Taylor's heart crashed and she had to stifle a sigh. "Alright, G. I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Alright," I smiled softly. "I love you! Thank you for coming! Hey! Can you bring my sister with you?"

"Of course, I'll bring her. I love you. Be there shortly!"

Gabriella slowly hung up the phone, hoping once they got here it would feel right, finally. She laid down on the bed watching movies of hers on the Internet. It looked like her, but she still couldn't remember any of it. After hanging up with Taylor, she took a nap and when she woke up, there was so much she remembered. She didn't remember everything, and she didn't know how she remembered, but she did.

The phone rang on the bed beside her and she answered without hesitation. "Hey, mi amore." The Spanish just came out as if it was first nature to her.

Julian smiled softly, nodding as if she could see him even if he knew she couldn't. "Good morning, my beautiful girl. Did you have a nice morning?"

Gabriella sat up, curling her legs up underneath her. "I've been browsing through movies for the last hour on the Internet. I'm really good."

"The very best," he said smiling, closing his eyes and picturing her. "I miss you so much. Tonight we'll have dinner on the dock by the water. Would you like that?"

"I would," she told him softly, softly smiling. "Jules... Thank you... For not giving up on me. For saving me from Troy." And she really meant that. She hoped he knew she did too. After what she remembered, it's the only thing she could say to describe how she feel.

"Don't thank me. There's no need. I saved you because I love you. More than anyone in this world."

He glanced around the hallway, watching Troy and Chad. He hadn't told her about the hearing because he had turned in Troy to the association. He thought it was best she didn't know.

"I have to go. But I just wanted to make sure you're okay. You are right?"

"I had a bad dream last night, but nothing that I can't handle." She smiled. "I ..." She inhaled deeply. She couldn't believe she was saying this, but after what happened in her dream, she felt like saying it. "I love you, Jules."

Julian touched my chest, closing his eyes. "You... love me?"

He opened his eyes, leaning his head back, looking at the ceiling. A smile spread across his lips. "I love you, angel... and you're going to tell me all about why you love me later. And that bad dream of yours. I love you. I'll call you before I leave."

"I will tell you everything. I miss you, Jules! Hurry home to me."

She smiled softly, glad she had made him happy. She hung up the phone and laid back down on the bed. She started humming the song she hadn't been able to get out of her head, more of the lyrics coming to her lips. It was a beautiful song, but she had to wonder why it wasn't inn any of her movies. Maybe it wasn't even her song. She didn't know, but she really liked it!

"We're all here to support you, man," Chad said, looking at all the mambers of the team who were there. "I know this is the least of your cares right now, but none of us are going to let you be go. We'll all walk if they suspend you or worse. We're all behind you, man."

"I don't care," Troy muttered. "I don't care about any of this. I just want my family back. Let them suspend me. Let them take away my career. As long as he brings Gabriella home." Troy glanced back at the team, his heart warming at the support from his players. "I appreciate you and the rest of them being here for me, but at this point all I want is Lily... and to beat the living shit out of that rotten bastard."

David Stern walked into the boardroom, looking at the other association board members. He shook each and every one of their hands before looking up and seeing Coach Bolton walk in. Stern headed over to him, holding out his hand to him. "Thank you for being here today, Troy. Hopefully this won't take long and you can get back to your life."

"Thank you, David." Troy said, shaking his hand tightly.

He looked over his shoulder when all of the team members started walking in. He smiled back at them, nodding and Stern patted him on the back.

"Let's get this thing started."

He turned and walked to sit at the middle of the long table ahead of the other two tables as Troy sat at the table across from the table De Aquila sat down at. The rest of the team members sat down in the seats set up behind the tables. Stern looked over at the other board members and then back out at the rest of them.

"I'd like to thank all of you for being here today. It is an unfortunate matter when we have to come together for things like this, so we'll try to make things as quick as possible for you. so we can all get back to our lives." He turned to De Aquila, nodding to him. "Julian, could you please state for the board why we are here this morning and what action you'd like to see taken. After which, we will hear from Coah Bolton and any other team members who wish to speak on behalf of either of you. De Aquila."

Julian stood up, tugging at his tie slightly, fixing it. "For the record, I'm Julian De Aquila and I've been playing for the LA Lakers for going on six years now, and I'm the one who put word in about Coach Bolton missing games and practices. I was also the one who warned him face to face that if he didn't come to practice that I would be forced to bring him to the attention of the association. He told me to do what I must, so I did.

"He did not have sufficient reason to miss the practices, and he especially did not have reason to miss the game. Stated by the association themselves, players and coaches should only miss games or practices if a family member passes away, or if the player themselves are either injured or sick and seen by the doctor for the team, or if a family member is sick. None of those things happened to Coach Bolton. He refused to come to the practice and games because of a personal matter. And with that said, I believe in my heart that he no longer loves the game or his position and he should be suspended and ultimately replaced. I thank the board for listening to my complaint."

Troy stood up after Julian sat and tried to relax. "Okay, so, I'm going to be dead honest with the board and let you all know that everything De Aquila has said is true. I did miss fifteen practices. I did miss three almost as many games. However, one thing that he didn't mention was the actual reason was bigger than a personal matter. I don't think anyone in this court room would call their fiancée being shot in her head, and fighting for her life just a personal matter, right?"

Troy scratched his chin, sighing. "Gabriella, Ella Leigh as the world knows her, was going to be my wife. She's the mother of my child and she was shot and had been in a coma, she was fighting for her life, fighting for each breath she took and Julian, who as some of you know, use to date Gabriella, and should know better than anyone why I couldn't drag myself away from her. Every second was precious. Every second mattered and I wasn't moving away from her side. Not for anything. And the fact that a man who use to love Gabriella as much as I do can not understand how a woman who is not legally my family yet is still considered my family, I don't know what to say. I wish he had enough heart to give me just a little bit of compassion. So, that's what I ask here, for compassion, because I had to miss those practices, those games. Because I had no option because my family was hurt. My family was dying."

Troy sat, folding his arms over my chest and inhaling deeply. Stern looked between the two of the men and then back to the team members sitting behind them. "Are there any of you who would like to say something for either Coach Bolton or Julian De Aquila?"

A few of the guys stood up, vouching for Troy, even tossing out they'd do the same thing if put in that situation before letting Chad stand up. Troy turned, looking back at him. He was thankful for my team, even if one of them was a fucking douchebag. Chad stood, taking a deep breath as he stepped closer to Troy, placing a hand on his back.

"Troy is a good coach, we've all seen that. We've all seen how far he's brought our team this year. He was named Batman when he was just playing on the team, and we still look to him the same way as we did then. He's the best damned coach the guys could have." Chad looked back at the rest of the players who were nodding their heads. "We all look up to him and follow his lead. And like the others have said, there isn't a one of us who wouldn't do the same for our fiancée's. I think all of you can agree that fiancée's are just as important and just as much family as wive's are. There are plenty of us who are not married, but we have girlfriends and fiancées that are just as important as any wife would ever be to us.

Julian's shoulders tensed, his eyes snapping from the team and back to Bolton. Julian knew this was a loss. After that comment, this would be thrown away and they'd all turn their backs. Julian did his best to relax, using the ridiculous techniques he'd learned in anger management to calm himself, but all he wanted to do was rip the man's spleen out.

Stern looked down the sides of the table at the board members on either side of him. Looking back out at the Lakers, he nodded his head. "The board and I will take a short recess. We will reconvene in 5 minutes." The board members all stood up and left the room to converse.

Troy turned his head back toward his team, giving them all a huge smile. He had the best team in the world. He patted Chad's hand and stood. "Thanks, guys," he said to them all, glancing over at Julian who was quiet, almost eerily quiet, as if he never spoke before. Troy glanced back at Chad, shaking his hand. "Thanks, bro."

Chad shook his head. "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, man. You know that." Chad glanced over at Julian as well, shaking his head. "Don't worry," Chad spoke to Troy only, quietly so no one else could hear. "He's going to get what's coming to him. Believe me, he's going to wish he never crossed you!"

Julian blew out a heavy breath, closing his eyes. He had to remember that he was winning. He was the one who was making love with Ella now. He was the one who woke up with her in his arms. Julian. Not Troy Bolton. Julian figured this was a blessing because he could rub it in his face every damn day. Julian smirked slightly, his heart feeling with warmth. I had Ella. Not him.

The board members discussed the situation and headed back into the boardroom. They sat back down and Stern waited until everyone else was quiet before clearing his throat.

"The board has come to the conclusion and ruling that Troy Bolton will not be suspended and he will be allowed to continue out this season and will be cleared to continue his trial as player/coach with his review at the end of the playoffs. Thank you. Have a nice day." The board members then stood and left the room as the entire team cheered for the ruling on their coach.

Troy stepped toward the guys after the board's verdict and all of them came at him at once to hug him or shake his hand, just to congratulate him. Troy was smiling and celebrating so much he didn't even notice Julian disappear, but when the room thinned out and the team was gone, cheering as they left, Troy found his seat empty.

"Shit!" Troy groaned, gripping Chad's shoulder. "Let's go." But he as too late. Julian was long gone. "Son of a bitch!" Troy muttered under his breath. Chad tried to convince him that they'd get him, but Troy was becoming more and more despondent, walking away from his best friend to drive home by himself. At least he had his daughter there. She was the only thing that truly made him happy since his Lily has been gone.