Chapter 45

At the end of the song, Carol and Gabriella looks up to find Elena, Alex and Miley standing there. It looks like they came home early.

Gabriella and Carol walks out of the booth as Alex hugs Gabriella tightly. Elena walks over to them and joins the hug.

"How's Shadow?" Gabriella asks Maria, making Maria laugh.

"I'll go see. Come on Carol" Maria goes onto her knees. Carol looks at all the people and cautiously walks forward. Once Carol is close enough to Maria, she runs into her arms and hugs her tightly. Maria stands up with Carol in her arms and walks upstairs without another word.

"Carol?" Miley asks as Gabriella leads them to the couch.

"Christmas Carol. Her birthday is Christmas Day, she's turning 4. Her mom died giving birth and her dad just left her. She had cancer" Gabriella fills them in.

"How did you meet her?" Elena asks shifting so she is sitting on Miley's lap and Alex sits on Gabriella's.

"Well, mom and I were doing a charity event. I was dressed as Santa and mom dressed as my elf. The event was for the hospital and all kids with cancer come to the mall, to see me and mom" Alex and Elena smiles at Gabriella, knowing she would do anything in her power to help them or someone in the world.

"What about dad?" Elena asks.

"He stayed here" Gabriella looks away from her younger sisters, and to the booth. She isn't going to them that George is making the same moves that her real father did. George is drinking and does drugs. Maria even caught him. Gabriella remembers what happened last night.

Gabriella walks downstairs at 3am and sees the TV on and the smell of smoke. She looks into the living room to see George smoking and a beer in his right hand.

"What are you doing?" Gabriella asks coughing and fanning the smoke away from her.

"Watching TV, smoking and having a beer" George narrows his eyes and looking Gabriella up and down. Gabriella is wearing a blue tank top and red shorts. Gabriella feels his eyes on her and crosses her arms over her chest.

George puts his beer down and puts his smoke out. He gets up and walks over to Gabriella, making her back up until her back hits the wall. Before Gabriella could run to the kitchen, George boxes her in.

He leans forward so his mouth is just a centimetre from her's. Gabriella turns her head away and clenches her hands into fists.

"God you're so hot" George whispers, leaning down. Before Gabriella could react, George's lips are on her's. Gabriella's eyes grow wide in shock. George pins Gabriella's hands above her head and presses his body on her's.

Gabriella begins to struggle, causing a moan to escape George's lips. He forces Gabriella's mouth open with his and slips his tongue into her mouth. Gabriella struggles more, wanting to push him away, but with the way he boxed her in, she can't.

Just then, footsteps are heard on the stairs. All of a sudden, the footsteps stop and a gasp is heard. Tears fill Gabriella's eyes, as she feels something poking her lower region.

Gabriella whimpers as she starts to kick him but with her knee... doesn't even faze him.

The footsteps begin to get louder, and Gabriella feels George get ripped off of her. Gabriella slides down the wall, as the tears fall from her eyes.

"What the fuck is your problem George?" Maria's voice snaps.

"What?" George asks blinking.

"Why the hell where you forcing yourself on my daughter?"

"As I told her, she's fucking hot" Maria punches George in the face, knocking him to the ground. Maria turns to Gabriella and pulls her into her arms.

"Shh, I got you" Maria whispers when she heard Gabriella's whimper. Gabriella buries her face into Maria's neck and just cries.

"George tried to rape you?" Gabriella's head snaps to the right and sees Alex, Elena and Miley looking at Gabriella in shock, sadness and fear, "that was replying in your head but you told us what happened last night. That would explain why Mama Maria called us and dad got us on the first flight back" Miley explains. Tears fall from Gabriella's eyes.

"It's like I can never get away from my past life..." Alex hugs Gabriella tightly just as the basement door opens and footsteps walk down. Miley's eyes are narrowed as she watches the stairs. Elena moves onto Gabriella's lap, hugging Gabriella as well.

As Miley watches the stairs, red converse comes into her view. Then the black jeans, red and green sweater and finally the face. It's Justin.

"Mama Maria told me. How is she?" Justin asks biting his lip.

"Shaken up. She says it's like she can never get away from her past life" Miley stands up allowing Elena to take over her spot.

"Well you and I are back. I talked to my mom and we cancelled my tour. Mom even got me into East High for the school year. So I'm here all year long"

"What about your album?"

"Mom and Mama Maria talked. Mama Maria is going to make it. She wants to talk to you and Gabs about it as well" Miley nods.

"Mama Maria is going to put my album together as well. Man, she's going to do ours, Under the Mistletoe, Gabi's regular Wherever I Go, and Gabi's summer album" Justin nods.

"When does your new one come out?"

"January. You?"

"December"

"Oh god. Under the Mistletoe in November. Yours in December. Mine in January. Gabi's in February" Justin gives a low whistle knowing what Miley is getting at.

"Well, mine has 2 more songs to record"

"Mine has 3" Justin smirks, "I know that smirk. Nothing ever good comes out of it"

"Could I go and punch George?"

"Well..." Miley looks behind her to find Alex sitting on Gabriella's left and Elena on her right. Gabriella gives Miley an amused look.

"PLEASE! Please, please, please, please, please!" Justin falls to his knees begging. Justin looks around Miley and waves at Gabriella, "hi Gab!"

"Hi Justin" Gabriella laughs as Justin gives Miley a puppy dog face.

"No. We are going to finish the Christmas album now" Miley grabs Justin's hat and puts it on Gabriella's head before pulling Justin to the booth.

Justin puts the headphones on and seeing the music is already there waiting for him.

The music begins to play.

(Justin)

If you're the only thing I ever get for Christmas
Then everything I wished for has come true
You're the single item on my list
You're my one and only Christmas wish
The mistletoe is where I'll be waiting, meet me there

I know someone out there knows what I'm saying
Baby you're a girl who's wishing just like me (yeah, yeah)
There is one, and you know who you are
My gift to you is all my heart
Make my holiday, and hear me when I say

If you're the only thing I ever get for Christmas
Then everything I wished for has come true
You're the single item on my list
You're my one and only Christmas wish
The mistletoe is where I'll be waiting, meet me there

In the morning I know everybody's rushing
To see what's underneath the Christmas tree
Know what I mean, cuz I don't find it there
And I need the mistletoe is where
You make my holidays, so hear me when I say

If you're the only thing I ever get for Christmas
Then everything I wished for has come true
You're the single item on my list
You're my one and only Christmas wish
The mistletoe is where I'll be waiting, meet me there

Only you can make this...a merry, merry Christmas

There is one, and you know who you are
My gift to you is all my heart
Make my holiday, and hear me when I say

If you're the only thing I ever get for Christmas
Then everything I wished for has come true
You're the single item on my list
You're my one and only Christmas wish
The mistletoe is where I'll be waiting, meet me there

All I ever wanted was you, this Christmas
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I need you baby

You're the single item on my list
You're my one and only Christmas wish
The mistletoe is where I'll be waiting, kiss me there

I'll be waiting, kiss me there...

All through the song, Justin and Gabriella had locked eyes. In a silent way, Justin is telling Gabriella that she is his one and only Christmas wish.

The music changes to the next song.

Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see,
A world where men are free

Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth,
There'll be peace on earth

Someday all I came to come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me,
But someday at Christmas time

Someday at Christmas we'll see a man
No hungry children and no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
Our world where people care

Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shining moment my heart ran away,
From our world today

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me,
But someday at Christmas time

Someday at Christmas man will not fail
Take all because your love will prevail
Someday a new world where we can start,
With hope in every heart

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me,
But someday at Christmas time

Someday at Christmas time

"Gabs, can you come in for the next song please?" Justin asks. He watches Gabriella stand up and walk in. She sits down on the stool next to Justin and puts the headphones on.

As the two listen to the music begin to play, Justin takes Gabriella's hand in his.

(Gabriella, Justin, Both)

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way;
He's loaded lots of toys and many goodies on his sleigh.
And every mother's child is gonna spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although it's been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas to you

A saxophone solo continues on, as Justin and Gabriella stays silent. Justin laces his and Gabriella's hands together. Gabriella looks at Justin, as he stares at her. He kisses her forehead and then her nose.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although it's been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Ya!
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you

At the end of the song Justin and Gabriella's eyes never broke contact. Justin sneaks a look at Miley to see a smile and her nod her head. Justin looks back at Gabriella and slowly leans forward. Gabriella closes her eyes and rests her right hand on the back of Justin's neck. As his lips lands on her's the kiss is slow, sweet and not like her kisses with Troy.

As the kiss breaks Justin rests his forehead on her's. The two locks eyes again with a small smile each on their faces.

"I always wanted to do that" Justin whispers, "I was stupid to let you go Gabs. I know I may not get you back but I rather have you as my best friend then nothing at all" Gabriella smiles softly.

"I love you Justin. But... it's sibling love. I love you as my best friend and older brother" Justin smiles.

"I know. I love you that way too. I was confused for a long time. All I wanted to do is kiss you, hold you and love you like a girlfriend and boyfriend should" Justin strokes Gabriella's cheek with his thumb, "but now I know that its sibling love" Gabriella kisses Justin's lips once more before hiding her face in his neck. Gabriella wraps her arms around his neck and his wrap around her waist. Justin hugs her close, knowing he is the main guy that she actually trusts that would never hurt her.

"You want your last song to sing Justin?" Miley's voice comes over the intercom. Justin nods and keeps Gabriella close, silently tells her to sing with him. Gabriella rests her head on his chest, listening to his heart beat and reading the lyrics she wrote.

The music begins to play.

This is the time of year you can give it,
Give it, give it, give it all
One through ten on your list you can get it,
Get it, get it, get it now
Make your wish tonight
When you open your eyes
When the lights go bright girl
I'll be right there

Baby you deserve everything you want
It's your night, ohhh
Wanna put my ear to your chest
Baby I hear melodies when your heart beats
Baby it sings to me like
Fa, la, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la, la
Baby I hear melodies when your heart beats
Baby it sings to me like
Fa, la, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la
That's how I know that it's Christmas time

You got on my favourite dress
You're looking, looking, looking, good
Snow falling on your hair, and I don't, I don't
Wanna get it off
Even the stars in the sky can't outshine your eyes
Wanna be your biggest gift

Baby you deserve everything you want
It's your night, ohhh
Wanna put my ear to your chest
Baby I hear melodies when your heart beats
Baby it sings to me like
Fa, la, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la, la
Baby I hear melodies when your heart beats
Baby it sings to me like
Fa, la, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la, la
That's how I know that it's Christmas time

I'll deck your heart with bells of holly
Fa, la, la, fa, la, la, fa, la, la, fa, la, la
Baby cuz you're the reason to be jolly
Fa, la, la, fa, la, la, fa, la, la, fa, la, la

I hear melodies when your heart beats
Baby it sings to me like
Fa, la, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la, la
Baby I hear melodies when your heart beats
Baby it sings to me like
Fa, la, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la, la
That's how I know that it's Christmas time

Fa, la, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la, la
Like Christmas
Know that it's Christmas time
Fa, la, la, la, la, fa, la, la, la, la

Know that it's Christmas time...

At the end of the song, Justin pulls Gabriella closer to him. All through the song, the two of them stared at each other. They both just remembered all the good times they had and when they would just stay in and watch a movie. Justin would have his arms wrapped around her and her head would be on his chest.

Justin kisses Gabriella forehead, making her eyes flutters. She looks at Justin with a smile.

"Miles and I will always be here. We will protect you" Justin whispers. Gabriella kisses Justin's chin, since that's all she could reach. They both get up and walk out of the booth and heads upstairs since Miley took Elena and Alex upstairs. Just then they both hear a crash and a gunshot.

They run into the living room and sees George holding a gun and Elena and Alex both on the ground, bleeding with Miley next to them, bleeding more than the other two. Gabriella covers her mouth as Justin calls 9-1-1.

"YOU BASTARD!" Gabriella screams at George. George charges to Gabriella and fires the gun.

Gabriella closes her eyes, feeling pain in her shoulder.

Gabriella re-opens her eyes and looks at her shoulder, where the bullet went it. She looks at George to see Justin fighting him. The gun is right at Gabriella's feet. Gabriella picks up the gun and aims it at George.

Justin punches George in the face and gets up. As he gets up, another gunshot is heard. Justin turns around in shock. Gabriella falls to the ground holding her shoulder. Justin runs over to make sure Gabriella is ok before looking at George.

George's eyes are looking at him and the bullet hit him in the arm.

Justin checks Miley, she's fine. The bullet skimmed her arm. He checks Elena, the bullet skimmed her shoulder. Alex just got the same as Miley and Elena, but it skimmed her cheek.

Justin hears the ambulance and opens the door. They run into the house and takes Miley, Alex, Elena and Gabriella out.

"Who had the gun?" a police officer asks Justin.

"George. He shot Miley, Elena and Alex, but they only got skimmed. He shot Gabriella in the shoulder"

"Who shot him?"

"Ahh..."

"Whoever did, if it's one of the victims, they won't be arrested" the man promises.

"Gabriella shot him" the man nods.

"It was self defence. It wasn't the smartest move, but she won't get arrested at all. Plus, she's a minor"

And just like that, Justin climbs into the ambulance and they all get rushed to the hospital.

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