I don't own anything!

First Encounters

Friday afternoons were the best, especially when he didn't have any bookings over the weekend, he got to spend a whole two days with his girl, he couldn't think of anything better.

Well, there was his photography, he loved that, it was his work and passion; it was how he made his living, but his girl would always come first.

He loved being his own boss, owning your own business meant you could decide on your own hours, this meant he could work the hours we wanted and then get someone else to take over when he needed to be with his girl.

It was just after lunch and Troy Bolton was the only one in the store, other than his co-worker, Zeke, who was developing photos in the dark room out back. Troy had owned and run his photography shop, Bolton's Photo's, since graduating college with degrees in business management and photography.

They attend events, such as weddings and birthday's, develop both digital and non-digital photo's, sell and fix all kinds of cameras and have a small studio out the back where people often have family photo's done to send off to relatives in far off places. With all that they do at Bolton's Photo's, they're well known around East Albuquerque and they bring in a good trade and being the boss means Troy and his girl can lead a good life.

It had been a busy morning and Troy was happy for the period of quiet which enabled him to give the shop a tidy and make it look presentable, especially because once he left today Zeke was on his own and wouldn't necessarily have time to do it later.

He was just finishing up the cleaning off the glass panels on the display cases when the door opened and a dishevelled looking lady walked in, her hands filled with shopping bags.

"Let me give you a hand there." Troy put his bottle of glass cleaner and cloth down on the counter before walking over to relieve his potential customer of some of her heavy bags.

"So what can I help you with today? Did you just want to browse or do you need help with something else?" Troy placed the lady's bags on the floor in front of the counter before taking his rightful place behind it.

"I think I've broken my camera, I mean there's something flashing at me that isn't usually flashing at me and I tried to look at the instructions but so much of it is in a foreign language and it's my son's birthday party tomorrow and I really need it then and I know I've left it kinda late, but I was hoping you could help me."

"I'll do my absolute best ma'am; do you happen to have the camera with you today?" A look of shock crossed the lady's face.

"Oh yes of course, I'm so sorry, I'm really not with it at all today, I'll just get it for you." Troy watch her as she searched through her bag for her camera, she had dark brown almost black hair, deep brown eyes and couldn't be much over five feet in height. "Here it is," Troy snapped to attention and took the camera into his hands, in hopes of working out what was wrong.

"I did half wonder if it was the battery, but I don't have any spares and the little compartment thing is broken so I couldn't open it to check either."

"Well your half wonder was right," Troy said after a moment of silence. "The flashing light is the battery warning light, it's just a pain the compartment latch is broken."

"Yeah that was my son, shouldn't of left it where he could reach it I guess."

"I think I may possibly have the same part out back which I could use to replace this one, if you're willing to wait a few minutes while I change it?"

"That's fine by me; I'll just take a look about while you do." Troy smiled approvingly and headed out back to look for the part he'd need.

"There we go, all done," Fifteen minutes later and Troy had fitted the replacement part and put in some new batteries.

"That's great, thank you so much." The lady walked back over to the counter from where she'd been looking in display cases.

"So, I removed the broken battery cover and fitted the new one and I've popped two new batteries in as well, which has stopped the flashing light, did you want another packet to take with you, you only get two in a pack though."

"That's fine, when the light flashes I'll put those ones in and then come and buy some more. How much do I owe you?" She asked reaching into her bag for her purse.

"Well, it's just the cost of the batteries really, the replacement part you can have for free, unfortunately they're quite expensive, it's eleven ninety nine for the pack I put in there and you're spare pack, please?"

"I guess it's just the way things are now," the lady commented as she handed over twelve dollars and Troy rung it through the till.

"Yeah, we try and keep prices as low as possible, but there's only so much we can do." He replied giving her, her change and receipt.

"Tell me about it. Anyway I must go; I've got other things to do before I pick my son up from school, thank you so much for your help."

"You're very welcome, enjoy your son's party tomorrow," the lady smiled at Troy in thanks as he opened the door for her to leave with all her shopping bags.

Smiling he went back to his cleaning, he only had a little while until he would be with his girl; it was going to be a great weekend.

TGTGTGTG

It was weird to begin with being the only single male there, he got a few funny looks and whispers, so did his girl, but eventually people moved on and just accepted it for how it was, he was very happy about that.

He hadn't been here long today before the bell rang and they all started running out the doors ready to start their weekend, ready to escape the formalities of school and enjoy the freedom of being a child.

Let's set things straight here, Troy's girl isn't his wife or partner or girlfriend, it's his five year old daughter, Amelia Mae Bolton and she is Troy's world.

As the last few students trickled out of the school and the playground started to clear out, Troy started to worry that something wasn't right because he was still waiting, so he pushed off from the wall he was leaning against and started walking towards the building.

Half way across the playground, the school doors opened and his daughter walked out hand in hand with her teacher and one of his close friends, Taylor Danthorth.

Taylor looked towards Troy and shot him a smile before kneeling down to talking to Amelia who had her head hung low.

"What's going on ladies?" Troy had finally made his way across the playground and knelt down like Taylor to be at Amelia's height.

The only response he received was Amelia beginning to cry; signally to him something was clearly very wrong.

"Amelia, don't cry peanut, come here sweetheart," Troy scooped Amelia into a hug and stood up with her in his arms, swaying her from side to side, he hated it when she cried. "What's going on Tay?"

"She was alright when you brought her in, quiet admittedly, but there's nothing new there. She fell over at lunch time, she's grazed her knees up quite bad, but the nurse took care of it and then she came and sat in the staff room with me, but she's been really quiet since then, I've kept an eye on her but I have to interact with the rest of the class as well Troy."

"I know Tay, its fine, you did your best." Taylor smiled softly as she reached up and ran a hand through Amelia's chestnut coloured hair.

"I'm gonna head back inside so I can tidy up quickly and then head home to be with the boys, I'll see you on Monday Amelia." She received a mumble in return and gave Troy a brief half hug before making her way inside.

"Alright peanut, let's get home and have some fun shall we?" Feeling Amelia nod against his neck, Troy fished his car keys out of his pocket and then made his way towards his parked car; thank goodness the weekend had just begun.

TGTGTGTG

Waking up when it was still dark outside meant he could go back to sleep and he was about to until he heard movement outside his door and realised he wouldn't be spending the rest of the night alone.

Sure enough, a few moments later the door opened and Troy rolled onto his back to see Amelia poking her head round the door.

"Daddy? Are you awake?"

"Yeah I'm awake sweetheart, what's the matter?" Troy pushed up onto his elbows, as Amelia came and stood by his bedside.

"I can't sleep," it was only then that Troy saw the tear tracks on her cheeks.

"Well that's no reason to get upset is it now?" Amelia shook her head, as Troy lifted his covers and she climbed up onto the bed to join him under them.

"Can I stay in here with you now Daddy?"

"Of course you can peanut, but you need to try and get some more sleep, it's still dark outside and you need all your energy for Toby's party tomorrow."

"M'kay Daddy, night night," Amelia cuddled against Troy's chest and was soon well on her way back to sleep.

She didn't normally get upset so easily and it was beginning to worry Troy, but there wasn't time to worry about that now, she had her first ever birthday party to attend tomorrow and Troy was determined that they would both enjoy it.

TGTGTGTG

The party started at one and finished at five, it was twelve now, they were both dressed and ready to go with time to spare, result. Having only started school a few weeks ago, this would be the first birthday party that Amelia would go to for someone who wasn't a family member and to be honest, Troy seemed more excited than she was.

She'd been really excited when she came home with the invite, claiming Toby was one of her best friends and that she had to go to the party, well Troy couldn't argue with that and so he'd immediately filled in the R.S.V.P slip, detailing that yes Amelia would be attending and also leaving his mobile number in case Toby's Mum needed to contact him while Amelia was there.

Amelia had decided on the present herself, a young magician's set because Toby liked magic, he was always talking about it and so Troy had willingly brought him this present, at least it would be something he'd take some form of interest in.

"Amelia sweetheart, come here so I can do you hair please?" He stood and waited at the bottom of the stairs until Amelia appeared at the top and made her way down them, her purple party dress swishing as she moved.

"Will you do it so the top is up but the rest is down?" Her voice was quiet, but Troy was used to that, she'd always been a quiet child.

"I think I can manage that sweetie, you have to hold still thought alright?" Amelia nodded as Troy carried her through to the kitchen and sat her on one of the islands stools, making her just the right height for him to stand behind her and do her hair, he was an expert at doing her hair now; he'd had no choice but to learn.

"There we go peanut, all done," Troy put the brush down on the counter and then turned Amelia's stool so that it faced the one he was taking a seat on. "Now tell Daddy why you're so quiet today? I thought you were excited about going to Toby's party."

Amelia bit her lip, before looking Troy in the eye. "I am excited Daddy, but my knee hurts."

"Really, which one?" Amelia pointed to her left knee and Troy lifted her dress to see there was blood coming through the plaster he'd put on after her bath last night. "Well why didn't you say anything sweetie, all Daddy has to do is take this plaster off, clean your knee again and then put another one on, it won't take long, alright?" Amelia nodded and a small smiled graced her lips.

"This one's okay," she said pointing to her right knee. "Just not this one," she said once again pointing to her left knee.

"Alright, well you sit still and Daddy will make it all better and then we can head to Toby's party, okay?" With a confirming nod from his daughter, Troy headed off to find the supplies needed to make her knee all better again.

TGTGTGTG

It wasn't far to the address given on the invite and so Troy had decided they could walk, bad idea. By the time they turned onto the street Amelia had convinced herself she didn't want to go to the party and that they should just give Toby his present and leave. Troy had of course tried to convince her otherwise, but she wasn't having any of it and now they were routed to the spot on the path outside the party house and Amelia was in hysterics.

"Sweetheart please don't get so upset, please calm down," Amelia was cradled in Troy's arms as he swayed them from side to side, the birthday present laid forgotten at his feet. "Amelia listen baby, Daddy doesn't like seeing you so upset, you were so excited when we left the house, I'm sure you'll have loads of fun with Toby and your other friends." He gained a sniffle in reply and tightened his grip on her, he didn't want to go home, he wanted her to stay and enjoy the party, but it didn't look like that was going to happen.

"Amelia!" Troy looked up to see a little boy running in their direction, followed by a woman who he immediately recognised as the lady from the shop yesterday.

"Hi," he greeted her. "You're Toby's Mum?"

"That's me, you're Amelia's Dad?"

"I am indeed… this is kinda freaky."

"Yeah, small town I guess, I'm Gabriella."

"Troy, I'd shake your hand but…" Gabriella smiled and lifted Toby up into her arms, to stop him jumping up at her.

"It's fine, why's she upset?"

"I have no idea, she was so excited when we left home, but on the way here she managed to convince herself it was a bad idea, she's never been to a party without me before."

"Bless her, well you can stay if you want? There are some other parents here as well."

"Other Mum's you mean," Troy was used to being the only Dad; he didn't try and shy away from it.

Gabriella laughed. "Yeah, they are only Mum's, but still, if it means Amelia will stay." Troy nodded and turned his attention to his daughter, who's face was buried in his neck.

"What do you think Lia; will you go in and enjoy the party if Daddy stays as well?" Amelia nodded and lifted her head from his neck to wave shyly at Toby.

"Toby, tell Amelia and Troy what we've got in the back yard?" Toby smiled excitedly at his mother before turning to his guests.

"A bouncy castle, it's really big, please come and see Amelia." Amelia nodded slowly and so after picking up Toby's present and followed Gabriella up the path and into the house, Toby having wriggled free from her arms to run ahead.

TGTGTGTG

The party was slowly coming to an end and parents were coming back to collect their children, while those who had stayed were saying their goodbyes before heading off home. All accept two.

It had taken Amelia well over half an hour to leave the comfort of Troy's arms and another twenty minutes before she said he could go and sit with the other adults while she played, all in all, Amelia hadn't played for no where near as long as they others. So, while everyone else was leaving, Troy was in no rush to stop Amelia's fun, it had taken them long enough to get there.

"Need some help?" Gabriella turned round to find Troy standing in the doorway leading to the back yard.

"If you don't mind, I just need that cake tin from the top shelf, goodness knows how I got it up there." Troy chuckled, as he walked over and easily reached the tin down from the shelf.

"There you go, glad I could help." Troy handed Gabriella the tin and leant back against the counter to watch her.

"Thank you, you've helped me a lot recently, if you hadn't of sorted the camera out then I wouldn't have been able to capture all those magic moments today, when I move them over to the computer, I'll print off the ones of the two of them together, there's some good ones from when they were eating."

"That would be great thanks, I don't have any photos of her with her friends yet." Silence followed after that and Troy watched Gabriella as she went about putting the remaining cake in the tin, constantly keeping an eye on the children as she did.

"Do you and Amelia want to take some cake home with you? I know she's got some in her party bag, but there's way too much here for me and Toby to finish on our own."

"Erm yeah, that'd be great thanks." Gabriella smiled gently and cut off a large piece of cake for the Bolton's to take home.

"Look Troy, I don't mean to pry and you can tell me to mind my own if you like, but Toby says Amelia only ever mentions you and I've only ever seen you pick her up and earlier you seemed fine with the fact you'd be the only dad here…it's just the two of you isn't it?" Troy sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, it's just the two of us, always has been…Her Mum, Jessica, she died after giving birth to Lia, they said she had an underlying heart condition and the labour put too much strain on it."

"I'm sorry to hear that, you didn't have to tell me all that, I shouldn't have asked."

"Its fine, it's nice to get things out once in a while and you seem like a nice person." They both chuckled at this. "It's just the two of you as well though, isn't it?" Gabriella sighed.

"Yeah it is…His Dad, let's just say he is in no way on the scene and leave it at that." Troy returned Gabriella's gentle smile from before and the pair went back to their comfortable silence.

"Actually I lied," Troy broke the silence as Gabi put the last few party bits away. "I have my parents, they help me out a lot, I'm surprised Lia hasn't mentioned them at all."

"My Mum disowned me ages ago; it really is just the two of us." Troy smiled sadly and moved to stand in the doorway to watch Toby and Amelia playing.

"How long have you got the castle for?"

"They're coming back for it on Monday morning, part of my birthday present to Toby to have it all weekend."

"I bet he's loving you for that. Listen I hate to break up the party, but we need to get going, we're going over to my parents tonight."

"Its fine, I'm glad she came and enjoyed herself as much as she did, you too I hope?"

"For my first children's birthday party I'd say I've had more fun than I expected."

"Good I'm glad, now I bet you anything that it's just as hard for you to get her out of here as it was in." Troy laughed, knowing this was indeed true, but it had to be done; his Mum hated it when they were late.

"Lia, come on peanut, time to go!"

TGTGTGTG

So, it's kind of a weird place to end it, but if I add anymore I think I'll ruin it so we'll leave it at that, I hope you enjoyed.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE REVIEW! THANK YOU!