Melody's breathing slowed as she fell into a deep slumber. Standing up, I went to lay her down beside Truett and gently pulled a blanket over her. I watched as she stirred in her sleep for a few moments. Slowly she settled again, and I turned the monitor on. I wasn't sure how long I stood there staring at them before I left the room.

I made my way downstairs and found almost everyone lounging around in the living room. Only Sharon and Javier were missing. Knowing I wasn't welcomed around them, I decided to step out for some fresh air. I didn't even have to excuse myself since no one noticed I was there, and if they did, they didn't care.

I was taking in the beautiful starry full-moon night when someone placed a beer in front of me. Turning to my left, I saw Zeke and Jason there with beers in their hands.

"Troy told us there was going to be a huge surprise on this trip," Jason grinned from ear to ear.

"If tonight is any indicator of this week, you're probably going to be needing a lot of these," Zeke chimed in, removing his beer from his lips.

I smiled, happy to have their company. "I'm good," I handed the bottle back to them. "Thanks for trying to help earlier."

Zeke took the bottle from me. "You sure you're OK?"

I drew in a breath and let it out as I looked at the ocean. "Yeah, I'm used to being bullied and was expecting it."

Zeke frowned at my words. "What do you mean, you're used to it?"

I sighed and shook my head. "It wouldn't be the first time someone treats me like I'm public enemy number one, and I can assure you it won't be the last."

Jason shook his head. "Doesn't make it right, though. Everyone could've been nicer."

Zeke removed his bottle from his lips. "Well, Sharon wasn't all that rude, and Amara was OK."

"Good point," Jason agreed, turning to me. "How come you got along with them but no one else?"

I shrugged. "Amara said she just didn't agree with how her family treats me because of the past, and Sharon, she has her reasons."

Zeke raised a brow at me like he was trying to figure me out. "So what made you decide to tell Troy?"

Chewing on my breath, I debated how to explain. I let out a long breath, leaning on the patio fence. "My best friend reminded me what it was like for him growing up without a Dad. I'm not sure I want that for my daughter if I could help it."

"Javy seems like a great dad and he clearly loves Melody." Zeke pointed out, "doesn't seem like Melody would be without a Dad, even if Troy didn't know."

It took me a minute to wrap my head around Zeke's comment.

Folding my hands together, I sighed. "Javy and Melody aren't what you think. Maybe with Javy, Melody won't feel like she doesn't have a dad, but she'll always have questions about where she's from. Plus, you're right Troy does have a right to know."

Jason stared into my eyes like he was searching for something. "So this is about Melody knowing who she is?"

Smiling, I picked my head up and turned to face my friends. "It's about wanting what's best for my daughter and amending my past mistakes. I take it Troy doesn't know I saw everyone else again before he saw me."

Zeke took a sip of his drink. "And you would be right. But it probably wouldn't have mattered."

"Sorry for putting you both in such an awkward position and thanks for having my back."

Both of them smiled with a wink. "That's what friends are for."

Happiness, sadness, and guilt hit me all at once. I felt like a pool of emotions and wasn't sure how to respond. I turned away and dropped my head.

Silence lingered between, with only the sounds of the crashing waves, for a couple of minutes.

"I, for one, am glad you're here," Jason commented, unable to take the silence. "Now it can be like the old days. The nine of us hanging out together and being there for each other. Why don't we get everyone else to watch the kids, and we can do something together-just, the nine of us."

Zeke nodded. "That sounds like a great idea to bring the group together. Ryan and Sharpay were just talking about going golfing and wine tasting. The nine of us can make an afternoon of it."

I chewed on my lip as a hundred reasons to oppose the idea popped into my mind.

Picking my head up, I stared at them with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, but I don't think it's a good idea. It feels like I'm forcing them to accept me, and that's the last thing I want."

Zeke and Jason stared at me for a second, then at each other. Jason sipped his beer as Zeke corrected me. "You're not forcing them to do anything. We're just creating more opportunities for you to catch up with everyone."

I shook my head with a frown. "I'm not even sure they're still my friends. I should be counting my blessings that they're not my mortal enemies, or I'm sure Sharpay would be the first to make my life a living nightmare."

Jason and Zeke tried to hold back a snicker but failed miserably. I chuckled and glanced up at the bright stars. We were all quiet, taking in the starry night.

Zeke turned to me and cleared his throat. "Gabby, I know Sharpay can be harsh, and everyone else is no picnic, but we are your friends. They just need to know they're yours."

I turned to him and tilted my head. "They are. You all are. But I've already tied explaining and apologizing. Clearly, they still don't want me around, though. I'm not sure what else I can do."

"You already took the first step by not running anymore and starting to trust us as your friends," Jason replied reassuringly. "Now it's a matter of you sticking around and continuing to show them you do trust them. They'll see it eventually."

It was one thing to say something, but doing is another matter entirely. Knowing what I had to do didn't help in the slightest.

I gave them a half-hearted smile, trying to mask my doubt. "What about you guys? Do you two believe I trust you? Is that why you're still my friends?"

Jason and Zeke froze their beer inches from their lips, glancing at each other. A million thoughts ran through my mind as I waited for their answer. With each passing silent moment, it got harder and harder to read them.

Even if they are my friends now, they won't be when they realize I'm different. I'm always going to be different. I'm always going to be different, and that's the way people will always treat you.

Jason found his voice. "The fact that you're reaching out and still treating us as your friends that's saying a lot."

Zeke added. "We believe you're trying, and that's a start."

A cool breezy wind blew through, sending a chill through me, causing me to shiver. Jason noticed me rubbing myself, trying to keep warm and was about to offer me his jacket when a coat draped over me. I instantly felt warmer and safer when Javier wrapped his arms around me.

"Does that feel better," He whispered, checking my hands to make sure I was warm enough.

I nodded and relaxed in his arms. The events of the day started catching up with me. Laying my head on his shoulders, I let out a tired yawn.

"Shooting star," Sharon cried, pointing to the night sky. "Let's make a wish."

We all gasped, seeing the star pass by. After we all made a wish, Javier decided to head back inside.

He kissed my head. "Don't say out too late," He reminded me.

"I won't," I assured him, kissing him on the cheek. "Love you."

He squeezed me hard. "Loving you right back."

Chad cleared his throat to let us know he was there. "If you two are done, can we have a group meeting?"

Sharon nodded. "Yeah, we're just about to head back inside. Gabby, we'll see you inside."

Javier held onto my hands for another moment. I could see the worry in his eyes. He whispered to me when he let go of my hand. "Stay warm and safe."

"I'll be right in," I assured him.


Troy's eyes flashed green as he watched Javier whisper in my ear. I noticed the spark of anger and jealousy in his eyes as he glared at Javier. Taking no notice, Javier and Sharon disappeared inside, and Chad called for Troy's attention.

Everyone else filed out as Javier and Sharon slipped past them back inside. "Sorry," Troy step back away from me.

I'm engaged. It's time to move on from Troy, so pull it together.

A lump formed in my throat as I tried to hide the hurt I was feeling. Giving him a small smile through the pain I felt in my chest, I stumbled back, tripping over my own feet.

Zeke reached out and caught me. "Gottacha, you OK?"

I nodded as Sharpay pulled at me. "Get your dirty, rotten paws off, my husband," She demanded with a cold stare.

Zeke sighed, rolling his eyes. "Baby, I told you nothing is going on between Gabby and me. We're friends; that's it."

She scoffed, glaring at me. "Please, you may not have feelings for her, but you can't say she doesn't have feelings for you. Why else would she have given you the Alexander Monteze autobiography signed," Sharpay thrust the book in my hand with a killer warning look. "I believe this is yours. If you think giving Zeke that will make him love you, you have another thing coming. Zeke is my husband, and if he really wants something, I'll help him get it."

My mouth hung open, shocked by Sharpay's statement. Closing my mouth, my eyes dropped to the signed book I gave Zeke. I hadn't realized that Sharpay wouldn't like it if I decided to give Zeke something he's been wanting to say thanks.

I swallowed, speaking in a calm whisper. "Sharpay, Zeke saved my daughter a couple of weeks ago, and I happened to be able to help him. So, I got Alexander's book for him and asked him to sign it as a thank you. I didn't mean anything by it aside from thanking a friend."

Ryan laughed, "You talking to Alexander Monteze, one of the best basketball players ever. You're little Miss. Shy. You can't say two words to anyone not in your group unless you're talking nerd. And we're supposed to believe you talked to Alexander without any motive."

Sharpay folded her arms and rolled her eyes. "Give me one reason why I can believe you. Because I already have a nice list of why I shouldn't, and you don't want to know what is at the top of the list, you heartless homewrecker."

I really tried coming up with a reason, just one. But nothing came to mind. Maybe she was right. Perhaps they couldn't trust me.

Chad cleared his throat to grab everyone's attention. "So after tonight, we clearly need to find a way to get along," Chad pointed out, anger and annoyance in his voice. "So, any ideas?"

We all eyed each other waiting for someone to speak. No one said anything, but almost all eyes were glaring at me.

Ryan finally broke the silence. "The eight of us don't have any issues getting along."

Sharpay backed her brother up as her arms went to her hips. She rolled her head, speaking in a sharp tone. "True; it's the outcast that is the problem. Want a solution, send her home. I'm sure peace will follow immediately."

Troy shook his head, shoving his hand into his pocket. "No way, we can't send her back."

"Sharpay's right," Chad agreed, "Gabriella leaving is the easiest solution."

Troy sighed, running a hand through his messy brown hair. "Maybe, but the easy way isn't always the right way," Troy reminded them.

"Or the best," Jason added, earning a smack from Kelsie.

She gave him dagger eyes. "Who's side are you on," She demanded.

"Honey, they're both my friends. Why do I have to choose?"

Kelsie folded her arms, giving him a 'get real' look. "You might see Gabby as your friend, but she doesn't see you as hers. She doesn't see any of us as her friends."

I turned away, trying to hide how much the comment stung. It wasn't in any way true, but it still hurt that they thought of me that way. I looked at Jason and Zeke, wondering if that was what they thought too.

If Teagan and Blakely were here, they speak up because they are my friends. But Zeke and Jason aren't saying anything. Did that mean they don't think we're friends? Are we friends?

Chad's voice drew back into reality. "Hoops, why is she here anyway?"

Troy sighed. "It wasn't my idea. You think I like watching her with her lover. I rather gouge my own eyes out."

Ryan nodded toward me. "Then why did you invite her here?"

"I didn't," Troy paused for a moment. "My Gram Gram and Granddad did. They're the ones who want Gabby here."

Taylor looked at Troy in disbelief. She pointed at me. "She turned your life into a living nightmare, and that's putting it kindly. Yet, your grandparents want to see her again," Taylor reasoned with a sarcastic laugh. "You've got to be joking. If anything, they should want you to stay far away from here."

"They don't want me," I corrected as my stomach flipped with nerves. "They want Melody."

Ryan narrowed his brow at me. "Why would they want Melody here," He asked, confused.

I dropped my head and admitted my mistake. "I was pregnant when Troy and I broke up. Melody is his daughter."

Zeke, Jason, and Troy were the only ones not with their jaws on their floor in shock. The crashing waves were the only sound filling the silence between us as I waited for anyone to say something. Anything. Each passing second felt like years. With each passing second, I waited in vain I became more fearful that my worst fear was coming true.

It's just as I feared. They're not my friends.