Chapter 14 – Hair, Loss, & Teenage Years

Troy loosened his tie as I sat on the bed, exhausted from the day's activities. It had been five days since Rayne's mom had passed. We had just returned from the beautiful service, that her dad was not present at, and many people were there.

I wasn't surprised at the amount of people that were in attendance and Rayne put on a brave face until the funeral and the burying of her. It was tough on her but she was staying with her aunt while she was in town. Her aunt was going to put in a motion for Rayne to become hers since her dad had not been present since that day he showed up at our house giving Lo nightmares for a couple of days.

"You okay?" Troy's voice startled me and I looked up at him, "Just tired," he nodded as he sat down next to me, I heard his knee pop and I cringed as a grimace crossed his face. "Yea, that's been bugging me most of the morning." He said I gave him a little look as he kissed my temple. "You feeling alright?"

"I just have a headache and some nausea." He rubbed my back, "Did you get any sleep last night?" he asked me, "No, I was restless all last night," Troy pressed his lips to my temple, "How about you rest?" Troy asked I looked over at him as he looked tired, "Have you gotten any sleep lately?" I asked, Troy snorted, and "I haven't slept in a couple of months,"

"Maybe you should take a nap," I said poking his chest, Troy smiled and he breathed in. "How about we both take a nap? Jenni has our youngest, Liam went to be with Rayne, and Emma can take care of herself. I think you and I should just lay here."

I smiled as I kicked off my shoes and I curled up next to Troy. He wrapped his arms around me, Troy rubbed my arm as he rolled onto his side and kissed me softly. "I love you," Troy said as his blue eyes scanned over my face. "Are you eating?" Troy asked, "A little," I admitted, "Your face is looking very thin," His hand rested on my cheek, "It is," He nodded and I shrugged, "I don't know,"

"You don't eat very much,"

"I'm not hungry and then I just normally puke,"

"You haven't puked in a good five days,"

"I know but I just don't feel good,"

"I'm sorry," He wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me in, his lips pressing into my temple as I pulled towards him to kiss his lips. Troy heard the garage as I pushed to be underneath of the blankets. "I'll be right back,"

I yawned and my eyes were half closed when Troy slid in next to me, his arms slipped around me, "I think we should have a family day," I said as I rested my head on Troy's shoulder, "Really? I have to get some work done, watch some videos,"

"Okay, well, I was thinking maybe Friday, before my next chemo day but maybe we could drive to the beach or something,"

"That's a long way," Troy said, "I don't know, I just want to get out of here for a few days,"

"Hmm…how about we just go lay by our pool?" I laughed as I looked at him, "you know what I mean," Troy sighed as he wrapped me in his arms tighter, I was laying on top of him, "Yea, I just, hotels are dirty and I don't need you getting sick."

I sighed deeply, "Troy,"

"Gabi,"

He shook his head, "What if we made some activities or something? I don't know, have a family day but keep it…local." I sighed and rested my head onto his chest. "Why?"

"What are you going to do come September?" I asked him, Troy tensed and he stroked my back. "I don't know El,"

"We were supposed to go to Peru,"

"You aren't even supposed to know,"

"We have been talking about it for years," I told him, Troy sighed, "We'll see,"

"Sixteen years married," Troy said with a breathy laugh, "I can't believe you have put up with me for sixteen years,"

"I just consider you my sixth child,"

Troy laughed as he brought me into a kiss, "You are a pretty hot momma," I swatted his shoulder. His amused smirk flashed over his face as I felt a large sigh run through my body.

Emma's POV

Sitting on Alexa's floor, I played with the picture in my hand. It was of my mom and dad, Aunt Chad and Aunt Taylor during a game of some sort. My dad and Uncle Chad were still in uniforms and my mom and Aunt Taylor was holding Alexa and I. Liam was in my Dad's arms as I traced my fingers over our faces.

We all looked so young. Liam might have been four, I was around two, and it was a perfect picture really. My dad's broad smile and Uncle Chad, I loved it and it always seemed to end up in my hands when I came over.

"I brought popcorn and movies," Alexa came back into the room, as I looked up at her, "Yay," I said with a smile, "Are you looking at that picture again?"

"I love this picture," I told her as I set it back up on her shelf, "It's just a picture,"

"It was before all of the madness started," I said with a sigh, "Wait, you mean the last three kids?" I laughed, "I barely remember the time it was just Liam and I but I do know it would be pretty awesome with just Liam and I."

Alexa sat down next to me, "How is your mom? You haven't said much about her." My stomach sank, "She is doing okay,"

"You have been spending a lot of times around here,"

"It's just easier," I said with a smile, I looked at the movies that she had brought up and chose a random one, I smiled as I gave it too her. "Here, this one,"

The thunder cracked in the middle of the night and I jumped. My body was tense as I looked over at Alexa who was passed out. I heard Matt moving around as I sat up, suddenly my dream came flooding back to me, my sweat covering my upper body and my head pounding with an intense headache.

Tears crushed my eyes as I pushed back the blankets and I crept into the hallway to see Taylor going into Matt's room. Taylor looked up and she gave a glance over, "Emma, are you okay?" I shook my head, "I want to go home,"

"Are you sick sweetie?" The thunder crashed again and I felt my body weaken. "I had a bad dream and the thunder," Taylor came over to give me a hug, "Hang on, let's call your dad after I check on Matt okay?"

I nodded as I trembled, I waited out in the hallway as Taylor went in and came back out. I held my arms tightly around my body as Taylor guided me downstairs. She gave me a blanket and reached for a phone as she called my dad.

"Hey Troy, it's Tay,"

"No, no, Emma seemed to have a nightmare and would like to come home," she gave me a concerned look as I rocked my body back and forth for a moment. "I can bring her home. I just wanted to let you know we were coming."

"No problem, be there in about ten minutes,"

She hung up, "Is there anything you want to tell me?" Taylor asked, "No thank you Aunt Taylor," she nodded as she gave me another hug, I grabbed some of my things and I went downstairs to get into the car with her. We drove in silence as the thunderstorm picked up. I knew Lo was probably freaked out by the storm because she always was.

When she pulled into the driveway, I thanked her quietly as I slipped out of the car. A few raindrops fell to the ground and I ran up to the door where my dad was standing in a pair of sweats with a long sleeve t-shirt. He was wearing his glasses as he opened the door.

"Em," he said quietly, I trembled as I wrapped my arms around him. "I had a bad dream," I mumbled, "I was scared and the thunder," he wrapped his arms around my body as he shut the door and locked it.

I broke down into full sobs as he brought me into his lap, the thunder grew louder and the more my body tensed. "She got sick, really sick daddy," I felt him tense for a moment and then relax, "She is upstairs sleeping Em, she is fine,"

"But it felt so real in my dream,"

"It's okay, just relax,"

Gabi's POV

Lo woke me up as she was crying. I could hear the rain pounding against the house and then the loud boom of thunder. My eyes glanced over to see Troy had disappeared from the bed except Lo was crying for a good couple of minutes and I didn't hear Troy leave.

Pushing away the blankets, my body hurt as I squinted my eyes together. Getting onto the floor, I walked into the hallway as I peered down the stairs to see Lo's door still shut. I went down and I opened it up to see her sitting up in tears, her eyes begging me to help her. "Oh sweet girl," I whispered, I went over as I picked her up and she laid her head on my shoulder, her sobs building in her throat.

Rubbing her back, I knew she only wanted to be held and maybe some warm milk. Stepping out of the room, I grabbed her blanket and put it over her back, as she was calming down, a few shutters of breathing.

Going downstairs, I looked to find Troy and Emma. They were both sleeping on the couch; I felt my mouth gap a little bit because Emma was supposed to be at Alexa's. Something must have happened. Lauren made loud news that gained Troy's attention. His head snapped up and he looked back at us, he closed his eyes and then rubbed them with his fingers underneath of his glasses.

"She okay?"

"She is scared, I'm going to get her some milk and then take her up to our bed," Troy nodded, "Have we gotten a full nights sleep in…sixteen years?" I laughed, "You have before I have," Troy rolled his eyes, "I'm going to take her upstairs,"

"I kind of expect a story," Troy nodded his head; I went into the kitchen as Lo whimpered and cried into my shoulder. I fixed a sippy cup of milk and I zapped it for about ten seconds in the microwave. I shut off the lights as I went upstairs, a loud boom of thunder shook the house and Lo grabbed onto me a cry leaving her mouth. "It's okay," I soothed, "It's just a noise,"

Troy was already climbing back into bed as I shut off my lights crawling into the bed putting Lo between up. "Taylor called, she had a nightmare and the storm wasn't helping."

"Oh, is she okay?"

"She'll be fine, I think the nightmare was just too much for her."

"It was about me wasn't it," Troy gave me a glance as Lauren crawled into my side as she trembled; Troy laid his hand on her side. "Yea, she is okay though,"
I gave a weak look and Troy leaned forward to kiss my forehead.

Lo drank her milk as I rubbed her back, she crawled over to Troy, "There is my sweet girl," Troy said, Lo laid her head on his chest as she reached over for me, I smiled as I scooted closer to Troy. He smiled softly as I rested my head on his shoulder. "I would say all of my favorite girls but I would be missing two," Troy said with a smile, "Oh you mean Kate Hudson and Kate Winslow…" Troy snorted, "Something like that,"

I smiled as Troy sighed, "I still remember those nights with Liam," Troy said after a while, "When you were still scared of him and he would scream for hours,"

"Those were some of my favorite nights," I remarked, Troy smiled, "We would just lay on the couch and be with each other while taking care of our son, I miss those days,"

"I miss them too," Troy pushed Lo's hair away from her face and I kissed her forehead. "You are the best Gabi,"

"No, you are," I told Troy, he laughed, "You dealt with my playing basketball for sixteen years and then you get fucking cancer, I mean, this was supposed to be your time to just chill for a bit,"

"It will be okay,"

"Will it?" Troy questioned, we looked in each other's eyes and I shrugged, "We can only hope right?"

"Yea, I guess so,"

Gabi's POV

I ran my fingers through my hair and my fingers felt full of it. My heart raced slowly as they said it wouldn't happen this soon. I felt a low cry rise in my throat when I pulled out my hair in a huge clump. Tears filled my eyes as I held a clump of hair in my hand.

I bent over in tears as it was taking away the one thing I loved about myself right now, my hair looked so good and it could come back completely different. I must have been crying loudly because Troy was all of a sudden in front of me, "hey, what's wrong," he was face to face as I held up my clump of hair. Troy's face fell for a moment, "It's okay, you knew it was going to happen,"

"I wasn't prepared for this,"

Troy cupped my face as I leaned forward, "My hair," he let out a small sigh, "I'm so sorry Brie," I looked up at him and I let go of my hair, I wrapped my arms around his neck as I pressed my face against him. "Make it stop," I said softly, "Make it all stop," I cried, Troy wrapped his arms around me.

Troy's POV

Finding Gabi upset, I didn't know what to expect, I then saw the hair and she began to fall apart. She began to fall apart and when she just wanted me to make it all stop I felt my heart break apart.

"Oh baby," I shook my head and I she cried into my neck. I hugged her back as I kissed her temple, I felt a lump in my throat build, as I knew I was going to cry if she kept asking me to make it all stop.

"Please," her voice whimpered, "I just want to wake up from a bad dream."

"Oh Brie, I wish I could. I wish, I wish I could make all of this better for you," I looked at the large tears roll down her cheeks as I felt my own appear looking at her, "God," she whispered, "Please don't," she took a deep breath, "I can't make you upset, I'm sorry," I swallowed hard against the lump in my throat, "I'm fine, I just," I looked at her, "I hate seeing you like this,"

My fingers brushed away her tears and I kissed her softly, "You'll always look beautiful." I told her, "No matter if you have hair, no hair, some hair, all of your hair. You'll still be my Brie and you'll be with me." I told her, "I would rather you lose your hair then never be with me again," I told her as my hand cupped her face, "It's working," tears were full in her eyes, "I don't want to get rid of it,"

"It will come back,"

"What if it comes back grey?" she asked me, "I don't have a grey hair," I laughed softly as I kissed here again, "I have a couple, we would be even," she smiled as a couple of more tears left her eyes. "The kids will all be traumatized and,"

"Brie, it's just hair," I said softly, "I know it means everything to you and this fucking cancer is taking something away from you but in the grand scheme of things, hair or life baby girl?" I knew I had lost it as she looked at me, "Because I sure as hell need you with me, I'll shave my head, I don't care, I need you with me. I don't need hair." I felt my own tears as she buried her face into my chest.

"No, you have to keep your hair,"

"I could buzz cut it,"

"No, keep it Troy. I don't need all of us losing hair," I swept my hand of the back of her hair and I got a bunch of her thick beautiful hair with it. "I love you Brie, we can go out and get you whatever you need,"

"I just want to shave it off," she said, "I just, I don't want it to be slow. I don't want patches of hair, I just, if it is all going to go, it all needs to go," I looked at her as she suddenly had a brave face. "Are you sure?" she nodded her head and looked at me with a bravery face than I could muster. I looked at her as I swallowed against the lump in my throat, "You are so brave Gabi,"

"I love you Troy,"

"I love you too baby girl,"

Sweeping her close I just held on, hoping that this ride would slow down to where we could breath again.

Gabi's POV

I pulled my hair away for more long strings of hair to come falling out. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes, and I wrapped it in a ponytail. I went downstairs as I pulled on a Lakers hat over the top of my hair and I looked at Troy who was flipping keys in his hand.

The kids had all been told where we were going. Why we were going. Allison and Lo didn't understand but I knew they would be scared for a couple of minutes. They were not prepared for this I wasn't prepared for this. Trying to breath, Troy gave me a soft look, as Liam looked up, "Mom,"

"It's going to be fine," I declared, he came over with Emma as they both gathered me in a hug. I hugged them both, "It will be fine, like your dad said earlier. It's going to come back eventually."

"You'll look beautiful mom,"

"I love you guys, we will be back in a few hours okay?"

"We'll be waiting for you," I smiled as Troy slipped his hand through mine. We walked down the stairs and into the car as Troy looked over at me. "I think you'll be even more beautiful."

I smiled as I drew circles in my hands; I was quiet as Troy put on one of my favorite playlists that we were listening too in the car. I smiled when an Ed Sheeran song that Troy sang to me all the time came on. Troy smiled himself, "I think you should get a wig and get several, be sassy." I laughed, "Get a purple wig,"

"Ohh, god, do you know how hot you will look." I laughed again as Troy gave me a smile, "Let's do something this weekend."

"What?" I asked, "You said you wanted to get away right?"

"Uh huh," I said with a small nod, "Let's go to California or Texas, go see Mason or something," I looked at him, "What changed?"

"I think that we do need a break and to just get away for a little bit."

"Wes's birthday is tomorrow, I have Chemo Tuesday," I told him, Troy looked over at me alarmed, "Tomorrow is already the 16th?" I nodded my head as Troy cursed, "Have we done anything?"

I frowned, "No, I don't," a wave of guilt washed over me, "We haven't done anything for his 13th birthday. Oh my god, Troy,"

"Don't panic, we can pull it together, I can decorate his room and stuff,"

"Troy, we fucked up,"

"Gabi, we have a lot of shit going on okay? Don't panic right now because of all of our kids, Wes will understand."

"I feel like I just forget about Wes,"

"He is a middle child, we can take him out to dinner tomorrow, we can have one on one time with him."

I pressed my fingers to my temple, willing this headache to disappear. "I'm losing my hair, I forget my son's birthday, and I feel like I'm slipping,"

"Hey, take a breath," I looked over at him and he let me take a breath as he pulled into the driveway of Sharpay's house, which we would do this horrible thing at. "It will be okay, we can go and find him a gift after this, then we can spend the night with him tomorrow, we will make his birthday special Brie,"

"We didn't even throw him a party!"

Troy reached over to gently squeeze my arm, "Brie, relax, our families and friends will understand and he knows we don't throw parties every year and this year just isn't one of them." I ran my fingers through my hair, as it all seemed fixable but the fact that I just never did it.

Guilt set over me as I looked at the house and burst into a new round of tears. Troy came over and he wrapped his arms around me. "We will fix it all," I struggled to breath as I held on to him, "I'm failing,"

"You are breathing and that's all the matters Brie,"

I buried my face into his chest as he squeezed me tighter, "I fucked it up Troy,"

"If anybody did Brie, it's me. I should have done more than I have. The last couple of days have been very busy and you know that,"

"My body knows that,"

"See, are you sure you want to do this today?" I looked at the house again and I nodded, "Please," I said quietly, he nodded as we joined hands and walked in together. I knew Troy and I could have done this ourselves but we had chosen for Sharpay to do it. We stepped inside the house, as her kids were all disappeared somewhere. Sharpay came out and she came over to give me a big hug. "What's up sweetie?"

"I'm scared,"

"You'll look beautiful," Sharpay said squeezing my shoulder. "That's what everybody keeps saying,"

"I keep saying if she had a hole in her head she would still be beautiful," I looked over at Troy, I scrunched up my nose as I looked at him, "Did you really just say that?" I asked looking at him, he laughed and nodded, "I did, do we have some beer? Wine? Something…let's get drunk," Troy said, "I second that,"

"Maybe we should do this tonight so you two can get hammered," Troy and I shared a glance as we couldn't be hung over for tomorrow morning but…could we? Troy shrugged, "We would have to go get my stuff first,"

Troy nodded, "Shar, we might take you up on that idea. We have to grab some things for Wes but we'll be back,"

"Our yea, his birthday is tomorrow," I cringed, "We both kind of forgot,"

"We can throw him a party tomorrow," Sharpay said looking at us, I looked at her as if she was crazy, "I'll do it. I'll get our families and friends together. I can gather all of Carissa's friends that would know his friends and we could make it a surprise birthday party. We can do it here at my house." Troy and I exchanged looks, "Are you serious?"

"Yes! He deserves a good birthday and we all know how stressed you both are. It's normal. So how about you go get him a fantastic gift that he will love and then come back here, we will get drunk, Zeke will take you two home and then tomorrow, around five, we will have a surprise party."

"Sharpay, how could we ever repay you?"

"Guys, you are going through a ton shit, I'm trying to repay you for everything you do for us. Hell, you basically funded a restaurant." I smiled as I wrapped my arms around Troy, "Come on, let's go,"

Liam's POV

I smiled at Rayne's aunt, "How is she today?" her aunt shrugged, "Okay, she seems to be out of it though." I nodded as she lead me into the house, her parents house but he dad had yet to be seen since the funeral and that was the first time he had been seen since he left our house.

Rayne was still in her black dress, her heels still on her feet, and her makeup running down her face. She looked up to see me as she turned away, the tears seeming to be gone. "Hey Rayne," I said softly, "I'm fine, you can leave now."

"What's wrong?" I asked, she laughed bitterly, "Did you just ask me what's wrong?" she looked at me, "My mom is dead! That's what's wrong Liam," she looked at me as her face fell apart, "My mom is dead. She is gone from my life and she is dead," I wrapped her in my arms as she cried against me, "She left me."

"I'm sorry Rayne, I wish I could make it better." She looked at me as I wiped away a tear, "Everything is different," I sighed, "I know, nothing will ever be the same." She let out a soft cry as I looked at her. "Why don't you go change and then you and I are going to go on a walk. Get out of the house for a while," she looked at me like it was an alien idea. "Come on Rayne, we won't go far and if it is too much we will come back."

She finally agreed as she went upstairs. Her aunt gave me a small look, "I have been trying that for days," I shrugged, "You know, when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer all I wanted to really do was run and be outside. It just cleared my mind. I know this is completely different but it is always worth a shot of trying."

She looked over at me, "I haven't told her yet but I am probably going to gain custody and then move back to my home," I looked at her panicked, "Is that what she really needs right now? To be up and moved to some where new, away from her moms grave." I asked, "I just, I'm a mom myself to a lovely little boy and how do I uproot him?"

I chewed on my lower lip, "How do you uproot her?" I countered, she sighed, "I guess that is a good question," Rayne came back downstairs in a pair of shorts with a hoodie. I smiled as I held out my hand, "Come on,"

We walked out of the door together as she walked close, her shoulder rubbing mine every now and then. "You can just talk, let it all out," she looked over at me as she shook her head, "I can't,"

"That's fine,"

She walked further as her paced picked up, "I hate everything, my mom is dead, my dads an asshole, and my aunt wants me to move. I know she does, I'm not ready for this," she began to cry as I wrapped my arm around her shoulder.

"Maybe you could stay with me,"

"For two years? Come on Liam, your mom has four other kids and is already fighting for her life right now, she doesn't need an orphan right now."

"Rayne,"

She turned to face me as she pulled me into a kiss, I felt my eyes widen as she then pulled away, she looked at me shocked as I looked at her shocked, "I'm sorry," she stuttered, "I shouldn't have,"

"Ray, hey," she looked at me with her wide eyes, no tears, and just wide eyes. "Liam, it was stupid,"

"I don't think it's stupid," I said softly, I pulled her close as I kissed her again. "I really care for you Rayne, I do," she let out a long breath and I hugged her, "I have really been wanting to that for some time actually,"

"It's too soon," she whispered, "That's fine,"

"I just need a best friend,"

"I'll always be there,"

Gabi's POV

After picking out Wes a gift for his birthday, a guitar that he had been asking for some time. He was the one who was into music, into making music, and that made Troy and I happy.

When we returned to Sharpay's house, she was deep into planning but the wine and beer were already set out. I giggled as I picked up a glass of wine, Sharpay smiled as she waved, "Everything is working out perfectly!"

"Thank you Pay, you have no idea,"

"I'm pretty sure you would do the same exact thing."

I smiled, "I hope we would." Sharpay squeezed my shoulders as we both began to talk about something, "I have Taylor hanging at your house to make sure everything is going smoothly so you two are free to drink and have a blast," Troy smiled as he squeezed my wrist. I grinned softly as Troy handed me a glass and I sat back into the chair as Troy collapsed down into a chair next to me.

Taking a long drink of my wine, I gave a glance towards Sharpay. "So I'll be bald tomorrow." I swallowed hard, "And you'll be beautiful," Troy interjected as he gave me a soft look, "If you aren't then you can beat me," he said, I smiled, "I hope I'm really ugly,"

Troy laughed as he rubbed my knee, Troy leaned back as Zeke walked into the room, and "I heard we are having a party!" Troy nodded as he handed a beer over to Zeke. Zeke popped the top as Sharpay refilled my glass of wine.

"So what did we get Wes?"

"A guitar," Troy mentioned, "He has been begging for this one for a couple of months and his old one is getting worn a bit. I mean, yea, we could replace the strings or whatever but that's what he wants."

"It's a good present," Sharpay said, "At least he wants a guitar…not a flute." I laughed, "Who wants a flute?"

"Carissa. My lovely child, ugh, no fashion, nothing," Zeke snorted, "Those two go at it."

"Well if she doesn't like fashion,"

"Oh Ris could care less if there was fashion or malls, she wants to do her homework and play instruments."

"I still have Faith in Brooke!" Sharpay said with a smile, "Brooke does enjoy shopping,"

"Mom!" Bentley's voice filled the air as he came into the room, "Yes?"

He noticed all of us in the room and looked at the clock, "I was just going to ask to go to their house," he said awkwardly, I smiled as Troy nodded, "Yea, Liam should be home unless he is with Rayne,"

"Oh yea, how is she doing?" Bentley asked, "Her mom died, the best that she could be doing."

"That's good, I have only talked to her a couple of times. I didn't know she and Liam were so good of friends until recently."

"It was a recent thing, I think they uh…" I paused, "I think they bonded over something pretty quick." I said with a simple nod, "Oh, well, so you don't mind if I go over?"

"No, not at all."

Bentley left as Zeke fell into the chair, "Teenagers," he muttered, "Poor Zeke, you are looking exhausted,"

"I am, between the new opening of the store in New York and having three kids, fuck, I'm worn out," Sharpay tapped her fingers against her table, "Zeke, how about you cook us some dinner, we will have a couple more drinks, chop off some hair, and then have a couple more drinks before we pass out."

"Sounds good too me!"

Emma's POV

"Are you alright?" I looked at Uncle Chad in the doorway as I shrugged, "I'm just tired, that's all,"

"You look like you have something on your brain," Chad said as he came forward, "I'm really okay. I'm just tired," I said quietly, "I just, I don't know, I'm scared that something might happen to my mom." Chad gave a soft smile, "Your mom is a fighter, she isn't going down without a really hard fought battle and your dad is not going to let her go that easily. He will take her to every doctor you can imagine before he lets that happen."

I shrugged, "I don't think she is going to want that,"

"There is that side of your mom," he said with a small laugh, "Stubborn as hell,"

"Uncle Chad! You said a naughty word!" Lauren stood in the doorway as Chad laughed, "I did, and do I owe you a quarter?" he asked, she giggled and nodded as Uncle Chad reached for her. She squealed and went running, "You know you can always come talk to me." He said, "I know I can," I said softly, "I just…I don't know how to talk,"

He nodded slowly; his hair was becoming bushy again after he had cut a lot off recently. "I can't talk to my mom who I tell everything because I don't want to upset her because I can't talk about my biggest fear…which is losing her to this horrible thing. My dad, it's hard to even talk to him about it because he just wants to shut it off. He can't talk about that and I get it but I can't be unprepared for losing my mom. She is everything,"

Chad reached up as he hugged me, "It's tough Em, and I know you of all people will be doing the worst because you and your mom are very close. Very. Maybe you should talk to your mom about that, it will be tough and you will both cry but it's okay to cry. It means you love her and you can't even think about losing her. It will possibly be the most heart breaking conversation you will ever have but it will be worth it because she can probably tell you everything you need to know."

I shrugged softly and my stomach did a circle, "What would happen if I lost my mom? What do you think my dad would do?" Chad let out a long sigh, "Wow, I don't think I could even answer that question…" I looked at him, as my eyes grew wide, "Only because your dad loves her more than I have seen and I'm not sure what would happen. I think he would be lost for several months. It may not be the smoothest months for you kid because you'll need him; do I think he would just disappear? No. I think he would come to his senses eventually but in between that time and when it happened, it would be dangerous."

I looked away, "Us kids wouldn't be taken away right?"

"No," Chad said quickly, "Never. Aunt Taylor, Aunt Sharpay, Zeke, myself, your grandparents will never let that happen okay? You five will always stay together. Okay?" I nodded as he hugged me again, "It's all going to be okay though, your mom has a long way to go before we really have to start thinking about this."

"It's hard because I have nightmares of her disappearing and never coming back,"

"Is that what your nightmare was about?" I nodded as I wiped away a tear, "Things will be okay,"

"I hope so,"

Gabi's POV

I giggled as the wine had come into my system, "Are you ready?" Sharpay asked, I laughed again, "Yea," Troy smiled as he had stopped after three beers that we had consumed over the course of pre dinner, during dinner, and now cutting of the hair.

He was working on this fourth but he had it for a while. I felt numb a little bit as the buzzer began, I suddenly felt frozen. "Stop," I said shaking my head, "Please, stop," Troy gave me a sideways glance, "Brie,"

"I can't do it,"

"Brie, you can, you don't have too but you can. It is going to make it so much easier," A wave of soberness waved over me as I felt the choices wash over my body. I looked at Troy as I then slowly nodded my head, "Alright,"

"I'll be right here with you," he said softly, "I won't leave." I gave him a careful look as I nodded my head. The buzz started again as I shut my eyes tightly, Troy smoothed his fingers over my hand and he scooted is chair closer to mine. I felt my breath go tight as I felt it at the nape of my neck, my breath hitched in the back of my throat.

My eyes swelled with tears as I felt the first of it go, I looked at Troy as he leaned forward, his elbows sitting on his eyes. "You are beautiful," the words went through me as I looked into his eyes. He smiled softly; the buzz kept going, the hair seeming to falling off of my shoulders with ease. My stomach twisting with nerves as I looked at Troy again. He gave me a reassuring smile.

"Almost done," Sharpay said quietly, "Just think of the amount of time you'll save on doing your hair," Sharpay said, I smiled, "That means I can roll out of bed and leave," Troy laughed, "Maybe we could leave for a date on time for once."

I giggled as I took another sip of the wine, "Almost there," the hair fell from my head as I could feel it landing around me, I kept my eyes close tight as Troy leaned closer, I could smell him.

The razor clicked off and I looked up at Troy, he was staring but a small smile crossed his lips, "Brie,"

"You don't have to say anything,"

"No, Brie, you look…" he paused, "You look stunning." I felt the tears as Sharpay got me up, as I looked forwarded, not wanting to see any of my hair that might be sitting on the ground. She took me into the bathroom and she flipped on the light.

My eyes grew as I my head wasn't completely bald but it was all gone. Big tears rolled out of my eyes, as it was all gone. My heart began to race as I looked at Troy, he saw the alertness in my eyes and he put his hands on my shoulders.

"Hey," I blinked as I felt the tears welling bigger, "You look absolutely beautiful Brie, you don't need hair, you are stunning," I could only nod as he brought me into a hug, his lips touched my head, so close but the warmth off his lips made my body shiver. "Just think, in a couple of months it will be growing back and will be looking better than ever."

Sharpay smiled, "You do look hot," Sharpay said, "I wish I could pull this look off," I looked at her as I wiped my tears away with my fingers. "Can I have another drink?" Troy laughed, "I think we can both manage that,"

I giggled as we stepped into the house, Troy laughed as he shut the door. "Shh…we are going to wake the kids," we both laughed as we walked, more like stumbled, towards the stairs. Troy finally just picked me up and I laughed as my hat fell off, Troy smiled as his eyes glowed.

"You are pretty,"

I smiled as I tucked my head into his shoulder, Troy laid me down in the bed as I stretched and he stripped off his jeans. He crawled up next to me as I shimmed my own pants off; we crawled under the blankets as he pulled me close.

"Mom! Dad! This is so cool!" Troy moved as he blinked and I looked over to see Wes in the doorway, I closed my eyes tightly as I looked at Troy, "mm, Happy Birthday bud," Troy said as he sat up rubbing his eyes.

"Thanks,"

"Come here," I said patting my bed, "I want to hug my birthday boy," he smiled as he crawled into my bed as I hugged on him, "Finally a teenager," he laughed, "Can we have chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast? Please," I nodded as I sat up, "Your wish is my command," I told him, he got up, "My room is cool, I may be thirteen but I love when you decorate my room,"

I smiled, "I'm glad," I looked at Troy as he gave me a wide-eyed look, Wes bounced off the bed and he gave me a big smile. When he left our room I looked at Troy, "Did you do it?" Troy shook his head, "I was wondering the same thing with you," I said with wide eyes, "Fuck," Troy rolled over onto his side, "I have the worst hangover,"

"Yea, my headache isn't fun," I muttered, Troy rolled out of bed as he pulled on a pair of black shorts and a clean t-shirt. I followed with almost the same thing as I took a couple of Advil to make my headache disappear, I went to reach for my hair brush and when I looked up I suddenly remembered I didn't need it.

My eyes went wide as I looked at myself, without hair, Troy came in as he looked at me. "He didn't even react to it," I said, Troy smiled, "Because he doesn't care," he kissed the back of my head softly as I didn't know how to walk out there.

Debating, I settled for one of Troy's hats as I slipped it on my head as it worked.

"You know you don't have to do that,"

"I want too…it's more for me than anything."

Troy nodded as he reached for my hand as we went downstairs, my eyes found Liam as he smiled, "Morning,"

"Did you?" Troy questioned, Liam nodded quickly, "You did it," Liam said with an eyeing look, I laughed as Troy shook his head, "Thanks," he mouthed, Liam nodded as we carried on making breakfast.

"Wes where do you want to go tonight?" I asked with a glance towards him, he sat at the counter as he set his cell phone down, "Hmm…I don't know, can I think about it?" Troy nodded, "Sure, just let us know,"

"Daddy?" Troy turned to see Lo, I looked down before returning to the pancakes, "Good morning pretty girl," Lo smiled, "Can I go wake up mommy?" the room went still as I swallowed, "Lo, momma is right here," Liam said, I turned away after setting down the spatula. Lauren looked at me with a long eye and she shook her head, "Momma has hair!"

Troy struggled to think of something to say, Liam stepped up, "Lo, remember how mommy had to have surgery and stays in the hospital?" Lo nodded as she kept staring at me, I should have thought of something to say. Anything to say but my son was, as I feared to breath.

"Well mommy is getting this really powerful medicine that makes her hair disappear for a little bit, it will come back but right now it means mommy is getting bet," Liam looked towards me, "Right mom?"

I recovered, "Right," I said with a smile; I opened my arms as Troy gave me Lo, as he looked speechless. The pancakes began to burn as Lo looked at me; Troy went to flip them over. "I liked your hair," Lo said, "I know, mommy did too," she gave a smile as I kissed her forehead, "I love you Lo,"

"I love you too mommy," I smiled as I kissed her forehead, I went to set her down as Emma gave me a smile, "You look good." Emma said, I felt color rush to my cheeks, "Thanks Em,"

Troy put pancakes over the counter, Wes's pancakes were all made up and he smiled, I took a silly picture with him as I hugged him again. Troy snuck up behind me as he slid his hand around my waist, "You alright?" I nodded, "I don't think I have ever seen you freeze up," Troy laughed, "I think we raised our son right,"

"Thanks," Liam piped, "Learned it from the best,"

I smiled as Troy pulled me away, "So I thought of a gift for us boys to get away for a couple of days. Obviously only if you are okay with it, it would be this weekend before Chemo and when you should be fine but if you don't want me too I can let it go,"

"What?"

"I thought about taking the boys over to the Diamondbacks because the Angels are in town over there." I smiled, "Is it his other gift?" Troy nodded, "You should go, they would both love it and some time away from the girls."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive Troy," he smiled as he kissed me, "I'm going to give that too him now,"

"Sounds good,"

Troy wen to his office as he disappeared behind the walls, I pulled out an apple as I cut it up as I watched the family eat. "I couldn't wait much longer." Troy said as he came in with the present, it was wrapped, surely by his sister, and with red.

Wes grinned as Troy gave it over to him, "Ohh…what did you get?" Liam teased, Wes shot him a look as Wes began to tear the paper. Allison smiled as she played with her food. I gave a look towards Troy as when Wes opened up, he beamed with a grin, "We are going to see the Angels play the Diamondbacks?" Troy nodded, "A boys weekend," Liam grinned, they all high-fived each other.

"I wanna go!" Alli said looking at Troy, "It's a guys weekend Al," Liam said, "I wanna go!" she screeched, Troy's patience was lost quick as I stepped in, "Al, we will have a girls weekend at him. We can have a spa night or something, right Em?" Emma looked up, "Yea! Alli, we will make the boys jealous of all of our fun,"

"No," Liam slapped Wes, "Liam," Wes said looking at him, Liam shook his head, "Alli, you will have more fun than us,"

"Oh…okay," Alli carried on as I went over as I rested my hand on Troy's back, "She is six," I said quietly, "She should know better," Troy said quietly, I kissed his temple, "Hey, just relax." I said quietly, "We got it,"

"Wes, did you decide on what you want to do today?"

"Uhm…can we all go to like the park or something? I just want to be outside," Troy smiled, "Sounds perfect."

Lying back in the grass, Lo played with one of her toys as the kids were all doing something different. The sun was warm and I smiled brightly as Alli came running over, "Mommy look!" she held out a bunch of weeds that looked like flowers.

"How beautiful!"

She grinned as I kissed her cheek. She smiled brightly and went back running elsewhere. Lo laid back on her back as Troy slid to a stop, he laughed as he sat down right next to me. He leaned over and pressed his sweaty face close to mine, "Ew gross, Troy," he laughed as he wrapped me in a hug. His sweat pressed against my body, "Troy!" he laughed again as he kissed my forehead.

"What? You don't like my sweat?" Troy asked raising an eyebrow, I shot Troy a look, "Troy Bolton," he grinned as I pushed off of him, "I'm pretty sure your favorite type of sex was right after I played basketball and was all sweaty." His voice was right behind my ear, only loud enough for me. I felt my cheeks grow red as I looked at Troy, his eyebrows were raised, and "Too bad I can't have that right now huh?"

Troy wiggled his eyebrows, "Oh baby the things we could do," Troy whispered, I felt my jaw drop. "Troy Anthony," he laughed again, "You know, you calling me by my middle name like you do our kids is a real turn on,"

"I can not win,"

"Win what?" Wes came over and stopped to play with Lo, Troy and I jumped up, "Uh," we both fumbled for words, "This stupid word game I play on my phone?" Troy fumbled out with a question tone, I shot him a look and he shrugged his shoulders.

"Oh, well, can we go get some ice cream and then I think I chose my dinner place."

"Oh, okay! Sounds good! Let's get ready, what ice cream?"

"Our favorite place!"

"Sounds good,"

Troy busted out laughing as he walked away, "That's almost as bad as them walking in on us," I shot Troy a look, "Us flirting?" Troy smirked, "Or this," he pulled me into his lap as he pulled me into a deep kiss. My mouth parted easily as Troy grinned, he pulled away only enough for him to talk, "Are you getting easy on me Mrs. Bolton?" I went wide-eyed and Troy smirked before kissing me again, his hand reaching around pulling me close.

"We can't leave you two alone for five minutes," Troy pulled away as Emma shook her finger, "I think our children our parenting us…" Troy said, I laughed; I removed myself from Troy's lap as I picked up Lo. She giggled as I kissed her forehead; my hat was still placed on the top of my hat as we gathered all of the kids together.

Wes's party was in about an hour, which made my stomach twist because none of our kids knew about it so it was going to be awesome. They were expecting to go out to dinner and that was it.

Troy sent me a smile as who knew how long we would have been seated in the park just kissing. I loved it.

After getting everybody back into the car, Troy and I slid into the front seat, exhausted from the day already but we just looked at each other for a moment before moving on again.

"Surprise!" Wes jumped backwards a bit as he then turned with a grin towards us, "Mom! Dad!" he threw his arms around us both, "Thank you so much!" we both smiled as we hugged him back, he then went into a crowd of kids as the rest of my kids followed in, "Hey, I didn't get a surprise party for my 13th birthday," Liam said, "Me either!"

"Would you too pipe it down, we basically forgot his birthday okay? Just chill," Liam shrugged, "I guess this makes since,"

"Just go have fun," They both disappeared into the crowd as Troy gave me a glance, we both looked extremely tired. "I kind of what to kiss you some more," Troy said, I looked around trying to see how many people had spotted us, "Let's make a round of saying high and then we can sneak off somewhere." Troy grinned, "I still love that you have this high school girl in you that wants to make out with me."

I sent him a smile, "Why wouldn't I?" Troy grinned, "This is why I love you," we smiled as we began to talk to people and the conversation that came most up was my hair. How chemo was going. How I was doing. The same questions over and over, I really wanted to write it on my forehead.

Licking my lower lip, Troy could feel my sense of uneasiness when Jenni and his mom stepped in front of us. "Gabi, you look stunning," I smiled, "Thanks," they both hugged me, "Where are you two off too?"

"To get out of here for a bit, I think Gabi is about to project the top three questions and answers." Lucille gave a soft smile; "I'll keep an eye on Lauren,"

"Thanks, Chad had her last."

Troy dragged me upstairs as he found the spare room and he shut the door. "People are going to think we are having sex."

"So," Troy said, "They know we have," Troy said laughing, "For over sixteen years," I laughed, "I guess they do." Troy smiled as he brought me into a kiss, I was determined to make it harder to get anything he wanted but he knew how to make it all happen quickly.

"No sex,"

Troy nodded, "You feeling okay? I don't think I have asked you that today?" I sighed as I leaned against him, "I'm really tired," I said softly, "You look pretty tired," he said as he brushed his fingers over my cheeks. He kissed me softly again and I could feel my eyes flutter, "I know Wes, of all of our children, will understand if you go home and rest. You have been doing a lot over the last couple of days."

"I can't miss his birthday,"

"I don't need you taking this too far," he looked over at me, "It's his thirteenth birthday," I said quietly, Troy gave a quiet look towards me, "You can only celebrate your babies teen years once,"

Troy sighed as he rubbed my lower back, "I guess so,"

I kissed him again as he wrapped his arms around my middle, my hands ran over the back of his head and my teeth bit down on to his lips as they parted slightly.

I ran my tongue over his teeth as Troy picked me up and pressed me against the door. I pulled my arms around his neck bringing me closer to him. Our lips were hot as I Troy broke the kiss and he dropped kisses down my cheek and around my jaw. I closed my eyes as Troy smiled, "The only thing I miss is wrapping my fingers through your hair."

"Yea, I miss," I whispered quietly, Troy kissed me. "I guess we should make an appearance again."

I sighed, "I guess so,"

I hope everybody had a fabulous Thanksgiving! It was a fun week! I got a lot of writing done so yay!

Anybody watch that Mizzou Tigers game? Holla! I was there, and it was a blast! MIZ Also...that Auburn game. damn. that was awesome.

Next week I'll be updating The Show! Only 5 chapters left…hmmmm. ;)

Please Review!