Part Seven

December Twenty-fourth

The happiness got lost tonight
Our words are wrapped up in quiet and light
No one else dares to say "I think you should stay"
I long to be warm in your comfortable arms

"Can you pass me the milk?" Luna softly asked, breaking the tension and quiet at the breakfast table. It was almost unbearable. They were just sitting there, staring at each other; quietly eating their breakfast. Luna couldn't take the silence; she was funny like that. But it was probably because she knew why it was there. It was all because of her.

What she couldn't believe either, was that they were actually going tonight. They were heading from the house around 11pm. There was nothing she could do. She'd be in New York by tomorrow. It was horrible. She didn't want to go, she really didn't. She wanted to scream and yell, and even hurt her mom to make them stay. She knew it'd do her no good, though, because Sharpay would still move, drag her with her, and then be angry for two months.

Troy reached out for the milk, and with a sigh, handed it to her, "Sure," he said, and retired his hand to his jelly toast. Sharpay wasn't there yet, and he was glad about that. He'd kinda been avoiding her all together since his almost-confession. He didn't want to see her, and know he couldn't get her. It hurt too much. So during meals, he ignored her completely. Even yesterday he ignored her; when she came up to him, to his room, to make up. He ignored the knocks and the yelling through the door. His heart was aching.

Another silence came upon the table, and Cassie digged her cereal, splashing milk around her bowl. For once Gabriella didn't say anything; she just ignored it, and stared blankly at the wall. She remembered her prayer; God hadn't listened. She probably didn't deserve to be listened to, because she didn't bring her kids to Church each Sunday, but she'd hoped he might take mercy on her. On them. Troy deserved happiness, and for that matter, so did Sharpay. She was going to go more to Church from now on. And they could start with today – she made that decision last night.

Just then someone came singing down the stairs, and it could only be Sharpay. They recognized the voice, and she was the only one who wasn't there; also the only one cheery. She danced into the kitchen, and happily snatched a bagel from the table, "Hello dear family. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas." Ryan softly replied, before his coffee cup became very interesting again.

Sharpay stopped, and stared blankly at their sad faces, "Oh my God, who died?"

Troy pushed his chair back, and quickly went out of the kitchen, not able to be near her. He just couldn't. Sharpay looked after him, before she took his now unoccupied seat. She drank the rest of his coffee, before smiling at Luna; "Honey, did you pack your bags?"

"Yeah…" Luna replied, her voice barely audible. She didn't want to think about it before it happened. It'd ruin everything.

"Oh c'mon!" Sharpay said, her eyes wide, "Don't be that way, okay? It's not worth it to ruin your Christmas. We'll be back to visit this summer. You guys knew it was only for a month."

"Sure," Jake said, and locked eyes with her, "But that doesn't make it any less sad, Sharpay."

Sharpay rolled her eyes, and stood up from the seat, to go speak to Troy – their problems shouldn't affect the Christmas spirit; they had to act alright, so the rest of them would get a great Christmas. There was no doubt in her mind – they couldn't ruin it for the rest of them, even if their plans didn't go the way they wanted them to.

She left the kitchen and went upstairs to Troy's room. She didn't even knock when she got there – she went right in. She knew that if she knocked, he wouldn't let her in, so there was no use. He looked up from his bed where he was lying when she entered, and shot her a mean look.

"Get out." He said. He was angry with her, but it still hurt to tell her to get out. It was kinda weird like that, and he didn't know what to do with all those feelings.

"No," she firmly said, and sat down by the side of his bed, moving her hand to grab his. He tried to let go, but she held on strongly, "Troy, we need to talk, okay? I know you're sad, I'm sad too. It could be so great if Luna and I stayed, but things aren't that easy. I don't want it to ruin this Christmas. Please, you gotta understand me."

"I can't see your logic, Sharpay," Troy said, and sat up in bed, gently smiling at her, "I can't see it. I just want you to stay with me… I just – I know you could make me happy. And I know I could make you happy, I know it. Luna would be happy too. Please, Sharpay, please stay?"

"That part of this discussion is already over, Troy," Sharpay said, and hugged his hand tight, "I can't stay, I have a job in New York, there's no use talking about it. What we need to agree on though, is; when we go downstairs later to go to Church, we're both happy. It kills the kids to see you like this; don't ruin it. You're gonna ruin it."

Troy nodded, even though it hurt him. He could see she was right. The kids, and Ryan and Gabriella didn't deserve to have their moods ruined. If he could keep them happy just a bit, he'd do it. No matter how much it killed him to know that Sharpay was leaving, he was gonna keep his façade on, and just have a great Christmas; a great last night with her.

Sharpay offered him a soft smile; and it melted him away completely. He sighed and leaned back on his bed, when Sharpay left again, and the silence overtook the room. He knew he couldn't convince her to stay just like that, he should have more to offer her. And he had – it was all taken care of. He just hoped that the plan he had cooked together with Chad would be enough. It had to be. He couldn't bare to see her go; she was everything he'd need. They could get their own house here in Albuquerque. He'd get a job. And she could do some theatre here. Of course it wasn't New York, but wasn't it about passion? It wasn't about fame. It had never been about fame for Sharpay. A simple theatre should be enough.

It had to be.

Broken hearts, the sun goes down
The candle is soon burned out
Do we meet again, between Christmas lights
Another Christmas, another night

"That was so funny!" Gabriella said, and pointed her finger at Sharpay, a happy smile on her lips, as she stifled a giggle, "That was so funny. You know, I can't believe you did that!"

"I was different alright!" Sharpay smiled, and swallowed the rest of her red wine, "I was only fifteen! Who to blame me for wanting my part in the Winter Musicale, I'm just askin'?"

"You seriously destroyed their call-backs, momma?" Luna asked, as she stuffed her mouth with turkey, and looked around the table. The tension was gone, and they were all just having fun. She suspected that the four grown-ups were a bit drunk too. Not that she minded, they became a lot more funny to be around when they were.

Sharpay cocked her eyebrow, "I didn't destroy them, sweetie," she replied, and locked eyes with Ryan, "Ry and I simply… Made it more difficult for them to get their job done."

"You so destroyed it for us!" Troy butted in, and placed an arm around her shoulders, to hug her tightly.

"Ma?" Jake asked, as he turned to look at Gabriella, "How could you ever forgive dad for that?"

"Oh, honey…" Gabriella laughed, as she sipped her wine as well, "Your daddy was extremely sweet to me during one summer. I took Sharpay way longer to soften up."

"Again;" Troy chipped in, "She so destroyed our summer."

"You were the one who broke your promise!" Sharpay said, and turned to him, actually looking kinda hurt, "Remember? You promised to sing with me, Troy Bolton, but you didn't. You sang with Gabriella."

"Thanks to your dear brother," Troy said, looking her deeply in the eye. He basically ignored the pang of guilt he got in the pit of his stomach when he saw how hurt she looked. He couldn't believe it, if it could still hurt her after so many years.

"Don't drag me into this!" Ryan told him, with a smack on the shoulder.

Sharpay quickly shot him a look, before looking at Troy again, "A promise is a promise, Troy."

Troy sighed, and leaned back in his chair, before an idea struck him. Well, if she wanted to sing, they could sing. He wasn't a promise breaker. The promise was still on, even if it was years later, wasn't it? He pushed his chair back, and grabbed Sharpay by the hand, pulling her up, "Then sing with me?"

Sharpay looked confused. He wanted to sing with her? Now?, "What?" she chipped out.

"Sing with me?" Troy repeated, as he dragged her into the middle of the living room floor, and grabbed two candles from the table. He gave Sharpay one, and placed the other in front of his mouth, sort of a microphone, "Something special you want to sing?"

"Oh!" Luna quickly interrupted, as she shot up, and hurried across the floor, where the grand piano, from when Grandma and Grandpa Evans were alive, still stood. It was almost never used. But she could play; her mother had taught her to. She took a seat on the bench, and gently strummed her fingers across the keys. It didn't sound quite right, but it'd have to do. She looked up and shot her mother an adorable smile, "I'll play."

"Great!" Troy said, before Sharpay managed to say something, "Your mom did teach you You Are the Music in Me, right?" he asked, with a saying look.

"She sure did!" Luna said, as she let her fingers hit the first keys. Troy was surprised to learn that it wasn't Sharpay's upbeat version coming out; it was the original. The one that was made for Gabriella and himself. However, it didn't mean anything now. Right now was about him and Sharpay.

"Na na na na, Na na na na yeah," Luna softly begun, off-key. She really couldn't sing, but it didn't matter, she continued on, pressing her fingers against the keys, "You are the music in me, You know the words, "Once Upon A Time", Make you listen?, There's a reason…"

Troy turned to Sharpay, a smile playing on his lips, as he waited for her to sing. But nothing happened. She just stood there; staring at them all. You could practically see the wheels turning inside her head. But she didn't open her mouth, she kept it shut. And just as he believed she was about to finally sing, she threw the candle on the couch, and held her face hard;

"This is ridiculous." She finally said, before sitting down on her chair again, taking a loooong sip of her wine.

Troy let out a defeated sigh, and sat down next to her, determined to not to even give her a glance. He didn't want to. He'd offered to sing with her, and she'd shot him down. Luna took a seat as well, and silently begun eating her turkey again.

Cassie, who until now had stayed relatively quiet (all evening actually), looked up from her plate, and bluntly said; "You're weird auntie Sharpie."

Sharpay turned her head to the side, and shot her a questionable look, "What do you mean?"

"You're complaining about not singing with him, and then when he offers to sing with you, you turn him down." She sighed, and looked at her plate again, "You women and your moods."

That caused the whole table to burst out laughing, even Sharpay. As they laughed, Cassie just sat there and stared at them all. She was wide-eyed, but her mom and dad couldn't stop laughing, so she joined them, with a slow giggle.

The hope is tired, and goes to bed
We have danced, said goodbye and cancelled 'You and I'
Where will we be, twelve months from now?
Has my heart saved, a bit of happiness?

"Woow," Cassie smiled, as she opened up the dolly from her mother and father, "Thank-you, daddy," she said, and kissed his cheek, "You too mommy." She whispered, as she snuck into Gabriella's embrace.

Gabriella kissed the top of her head, "You're welcome, sweetie," she said, but somehow she knew that Cassie wasn't as happy as she could be. She knew, deep down, that if Sharpay and Luna stayed, Cassie would be more happy than some stupid doll could make her.

"And this one is for you, Luna," Ryan smiled, and handed her a small gift, wrapped in silver paper, "We really hope you like it. We thought a lot about it."

Luna nodded softly, and carefully opened the gift, coming face to face with a small heart shaped locket. She carefully took it up, and studied it, a smile on her face, "Thanks…" she managed to get out.

"You can't take it back," Gabriella told her, as she reached out to take the small necklace, "We sorta… placed something in it. As a… memory." She opened the locket very carefully, and a picture of them all was in there. They had taken it one of the first days – all seven of them were on it. It was a great memory.

"Thanks…" Luna whispered, as she hugged the locket close.

Sharpay watched her daughter with a sad smile playing on her lips. After they'd finished their dinner, they'd decided to open the gifts so they'd make it before she and Luna should leave. She had arranged for their taxi to come at 11pm, and it was now around 10pm… It was getting closer, and she felt very excited, but also… very sad. She didn't want to think about it. She didn't want to think about anything that might change her decision.

They exchanged the last presents, and had fun, while the clock was ticking closer. Sharpay still needed to give her present to Troy. He knew what he was getting, of course. But she didn't know. She reached beneath the tree, and took the second to last present out, and handed it to him.

"For you." she replied, a smile playing on her lips.

"Gee, I wonder what this is…" Troy said, acting as if he had no clue to what was in the wrapping paper, when he knew exactly what it was. When he unwrapped two DVD's, he shot Sharpay a smile, and carefully hugged her, as not to get too close, "Thank you, Sharpay…"

"You're welcome," she replied, and pulled back, just as a honk was heard from outside. It wasn't 11 o'clock! …the taxi was there early, but Sharpay quickly stood up, and looked around, confused. It was now! She had to gather their things. She had to remember everything. They wouldn't be coming back, they were… She paused, as the news stuck her… they were leaving.

"C'mon, mom!" Luna said, as she zipped up her jacket, which had been waiting for her on a chair all day, "Let's get going. We need to get all the bags in the trunk."

Sharpay smiled, and took her jacket on as well. Ryan was already on his way outside with the suitcases, while Gabriella was hugging Luna tightly, to say goodbye. Sharpay kneeled down in front of Cassie, a smile playing on her lips. The little girl was just sitting there; all sad.

"Hey," Sharpay said, as she reached a finger out to stroke her cheek, "Cassie? You know I love you, right?" she questioned, as Cassie looked up, tears in her brown eyes, "I love you so, so much, and I'm gonna miss you. Do you promise to call and tell me how school's going? You have to promise me that. I'll need to hear from you."

Cassie nodded softly, and wiped her tears away, "Why do you have to go, Sharpie?" she asked, her voice broken and full of tears, "I love you and Luna so much… why can't you just stay with me? Please…"

Sharpay stroked her cheek again, "We can't, alright? But we'll visit you, I promise."

Cassie nodded again, and leaned in to hug her aunt tightly. She cried into Sharpay's jacket for a few seconds, before Luna came to hug her too. Sharpay turned to Jake and said bye to her nephew – less tears this time, though. After that, she wrapped her arms around Gabriella, and promised to call as soon as they reached their hotel. Then it was Ryan's turn, and the twins shared soft smiles, and long hugs. They'd really miss each other.

Sharpay had been holding out for as long as she could, but now there stood Troy, staring sadly at her. She stopped before him, and gently rubbed her arm. She didn't know what to say – what do you say in situations like these? She'd never been in one before. She debated with herself for a few seconds, before she opened her arms and wrapped them around him, taking in his scent. She placed her head on his shoulder, and fought not to cry. She wouldn't cry saying goodbye to him, she just wouldn't.

His arms wrapped around her as well, and they just stood there for a minute, taking in each other. It was a possibility that they'd never see each other again. That thought somehow hurt Sharpay's heart more than anything. Just the thought that she wouldn't be able to wrap her arms around him, was… maddening. How'd she survive without his strong embrace?

He pulled back, and placed a light kiss on her forehead. Then he bent down and grabbed the last gift from beneath the tree. He held it in front of her, a cocky smile on his face.

"It's for you." he told her.

"But…" she gently took the gift and studied his face closely, "But I already got a gift?"

"Yeah…" Troy said, "I just… I needed to give you this as well. You should open it in the car."

"Okay…" Sharpay said, and took a step forward to place a kiss on his cheek. She stepped back again, and awkwardly waved, before going outside, where the rest of the family was. Troy stayed put in the living room. She said bye to the rest of them again, and she and Luna got into the car, while the others went inside, so they wouldn't be cold.

Luna took the front seat, and Sharpay got into the back. She didn't really notice that the car didn't start, she sorta just stared at the small gift in her hands. It was so nicely wrapped up… It didn't seem like a present. Not a real Christmas present.

"Is that a Christmas gift?" the driver asked, and Sharpay felt like she could recognize his voice, but couldn't quite place from where.

"Hmm…" Sharpay wondered, but didn't look up, "Yeah, I think so."

"I think you should open it, mom." Luna said, as she turned around in her seat, "Open it before we leave. It's Christmas Eve, and we're early."

Sharpay nodded her head, and slowly started to unwrap the paper. When she got it off, there was a box of tree, which she studied for a second, before opening that as well. She could feel the two others watching curiously, as took up two Christmas ornaments. A red heart, and a silver star – from the Christmas tree. She chuckled slightly, and hugged them tightly, as small tears found their way to her eyes.

"What a weird gift," the driver commented.

"I think-" she paused, and swallowed, "I think it was more meant as a memory."

"Oh well," he continued, "It's sad, isn't it? When something you'd like to go on, has to end that way? …of course I know nothing of this current situation, but…"

"Yeah," Sharpay cut him off, before he managed to talk more, "Yeah, it is sad. But you've got stuff to do."

"What's in the black box?" Luna quickly asked her mother, curious. She knew about the Christmas ornaments, but the black box hadn't been a part of the plan. She glanced softly to the side, where Chad had hidden his curly hair beneath the cab driver's hat. Maybe he knew what was going on?

"I dunno," Sharpay swallowed, as she gently took it up, and looked at it for a moment. She glanced into the tree box, and picked up a piece of paper lying there. She scanned through the lines, as tears got caught in her throat.

Please Sharpay, it said, Please stay here. Remember the Christmas tree? Your daughter said something clever. That to mix and match, is better than apart. I took it to heart. So please… Please stay here and marry me?

She opened the black box with a flick of her finger, and was surprised to find a small ring sitting in there. It was a beautiful engagement ring. The band was silver, and it was carefully accessorized with three sparkling diamonds on top, the middle one a light pink, and the two on the sides, a deep white.

A lump got caught in her throat, as she stared at the ring for a minute. Luna was lost for words too, no one spoke. Finally Sharpay came to her senses, and opened the car door, making her way out of there, anger bubbling within her.

The thought occurs
We've chosen wrong
To love you now, is not tough at all

Ryan was sitting in his chair, with Cassie on his lap. She was holding her dolly, but staring into space. Jake was throwing his new basketball up and down, catching it firmly each time. Gabriella was sitting on the couch, her face dimly lit by the Christmas tree, but Troy. Troy was nervous. He was staring at the door, hoping she'd burst through it soon, hoping she'd come back. She had to, she just had to.

But still, it came as a surprise to him, when Sharpay rushed through the door, Luna right on her heels. He shot out of his seat, and stared at her.

She held out the black box, and he could clearly make out the tears, that were streaming down her face, "What's this?" she asked him, her voice broken, as she came closer to him, "What's this, Troy? What do you expect me to do with this?"

He opened his mouth, nervous, "Well, I was just-"

"Well!?" she shrieked, and glanced quickly at the ring, before staring at him again, "Troy, did you honestly-?" she paused, a loss for words, "What- what's this?"

"It's a … a ring." Troy replied.

"For me?"

"For you, yes." He nodded his head, not really getting where she was going with this. He honestly just wanted to know if it was a yes or a no. He glanced behind her shoulder, to see Chad in the doorway, smiling gently.

"But-" she paused again, and breathed out, "But it's an engagement ring…" she then held the little note out for him, and gave him another look, "And what's this?"

"Paper…" he offered, shrugging his shoulders lightly.

"I can't – I can't take this…" Sharpay said, and took another step to him, while shaking her head.

"Okay fine!" Troy said, finally giving up. He'd tried everything. Really, he had. He'd done everything he could to make her stay, "…if you don't want it, I'll just take it back." He made a go for the box, but her hand was wrapped around it, firmly.

"No," she said, and this time, he could hear in her voice, that she really meant what she was saying, "No," she repeated, and shook her head, as she locked eyes with him. Her features were soft, and her eyes shined in the light glow from the tree, "It has to stay here… and so do I."

Troy's breath literally got caught in his throat when she took the ring out of the box, and slipped it on her finger. He could hear the people around them gasping, and barely make out Luna's face, as it lit up in joy. But he didn't really notice… His eyes were stuck on her face.

Her eyes were soft and full of warmth. Her hair was softly framing her face, and her make-up was light and beautiful. The smile she had on her face made his insides melt away, and he couldn't help but let a smile come to his face. He knew he stared at her goofily, but it was just… so amazing.

He took a step closer to her, and his lips met hers in a soft kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and his hands moved to her waist. He didn't care that they were being watched; he took in the sensation of her smooth lips against his. He rubbed small circles on her waist, and pulled back, their faces inches apart.

"…you'll really marry me?" he whispered, and he knew the rest of the living room was listening intensely. He could feel the tension building.

"Yes," she whispered, and swallowed hard.

"Why did you come back?" he asked her, as their eyes locked, and he knew he couldn't ask for more. It was perfect now, he could feel his life was complete. They'd make it work. Whatever happened for them, he knew he'd cope, they were perfect.

"When I sat in the cab…" she told him, still breathing heavily, "And I had to chose between New York and you I just- I just didn't know what to do, so I…"

"So you chose me?"

"Yeah…" she whispered, a huge smile coming to her lips, "Even if you are very annoying, and very stubborn, and you and I probably won't make it work, but I just thought that-"

He cut her off.

He pressed his lips tightly against hers again, and kissed her with all his might. It was worth it. She was staying. He remembered the reaction he had when he knew she was gonna be there; he was sure it'd ruin everything. He remembered her reaction to his presence; not good. He had not forgotten all their fights during December… But it was okay. He had her. He knew they'd fight, he knew there'd be troubles, but he had her…

14-year-old Luna Evans sighed, as she watched the real taxi drive by the window. They weren't going. They weren't leaving. She was staying here. In Albuquerque. In her home. She was staying. Her mother was in love… With Troy. It was perfect. Nothing could get better. She knew good things were gonna come along. Whatever her mom and Troy decided to do for now, would be alright. She knew they'd stay in Albuquerque, and that was all she wanted. Whatever happened; it would be alright.

She was home.

The hurt is gone, for now, goodbye
We'll make it work, the 'You and I'
The tears are gone, the smiles and kisses won
And I will see you again, forever, alright,
Another Christmas, another night

Anyway, thanks to everyone who has reviewed. I'm gonna ask you to review again. I'll make me so happy, since it's the 24th, and here in Denmark; that means presents! That means great food, and dances around the Christmas Tree! …I think our traditions are a lot different from the ones in America, so I had a bit of troubles figuring out what to write.

And I wish you all a great, and merry Christmas…! Remember to review, please!

Thanks to Bethany for the help. I love you girl.

Disclaimer; I don't own High School Musical, or 'Jul i Valhal'.