Disclaimer: I don't own HSM. All copyrights go to Disney.

Summary: The hardest things to let go of are the ones that you hold most dear. But, those are also the ones that you most easily let slip away…AU Troypay, Ryella

This story is AU! In it, Sharpay and Troy are best friends, and they are also friends with Ryan, Chad, and Taylor. Gabriella…well, that'll be explained in the story.

I really like this idea, so I hope you guys like it to:)

Read and Review!!!

Promise You'll Let Go

Chapter 1: Waiting For My Miracle

Sharpay Evans sat down at the edge of the river, taking off her sandals and letting her feet soak in the cool, clear water. The twenty-three year old beauty stared at the water rushing around next to her. She couldn't, she wouldn't, look up at what she originally came here to look at.

It had been a year since she had first found this spot. One year today. And every day Sharpay came back to it, never looking at what she was supposed to.

She sighed, hoping that it would all go away. Just then, her cell phone rang, throwing her out of her thoughts.

"Hello?" Sharpay asked solemnly.

"Sharpay Evans? Shar? Is that you?" Sharpay would recognize that voice anywhere, even after five years of not hearing it.

"Ryan??? Oh my god, is this really you? How did you get this number?" Sharpay asked, uncertainly. I left Albuquerque five years agoSharpay thought. I thought that no one remembered or looked for me. Especially Ryan…

"Oh Sharpay, that doesn't matter right now. I'm afraid that I have some bad news." Sharpay's attention perked up at that. "Shar, our mother died from cancer a week ago. We've been trying to get your number. Can you come back for the funeral?"

Sharpay's breath got caught in her throat. Mom, she thought sadly, feeling the tears coming. You were the one of the reasons that I left. I'm so sorry that was the last thing I ever said to you…

"I'll leave first thing tomorrow morning." Sharpay heard herself say.

"Thank you Shar. Everyone can't wait to see you."

Sharpay shifted uncertainly. "Who is everyone?"

"Me especially. And Gabriella; she really, really wants to apologize for what happened. And Tro-"

"Bye Ryan." She hung up.

Sharpay had always known that this day would come. Where she would have to go back and face Albuquerque, and everyone in it. If this weren't for my mom I wouldn't go. She said to herself.

She had to face her friends. Her breath got caught in her throat for the second time that day.

She would have to face Troy.

The tears then started to overflow over her eyes. "I'll be back. I promise I'll see you," Sharpay whispered to the river…and the person beneath it.

She turned and left the flowery grave behind.

.o.O.o.o.O.o.

Five Years Before

Sharpay spun around in her room, happy for the first time in months since Zeke, her first real boyfriend, had broken up with her. She felt so bad about ignoring Troy for that time…especially when he got a girlfriend…Gabriella. When she and Zeke had broken up, Troy and Gabriella were going steady, and were 'in love'. Damn this stupid crush on Troy! Sharpay thought.

Sharpay was in twelfth grade and she was going to win the talent show.

Her phone rang and she knew it was Troy because of the ring tone. "Hey Troy!" Sharpay said cheerfully.

"Hey Shar. I just wanted to call and say sorry, but me and Gabs" Sharpay almost growled at his nickname for Gabriella, "can't come to the show. Her dad is in town, and we've visiting." Troy laughed, and Sharpay figured that Gabriella had said something funny, or kissed him. Maybe both.

"How long will he be in town?" Sharpay asked, grabbing a tissue to mop up the solitary tears rolling down her face.

"About a week."

"Then why can't you visit him tomorrow? Tonight's the only show, and I really wanted you to be there, Troy."

"Shar, how about I come over later tonight or tomorrow to celebrate it?" Sharpay sighed.

"You know what Troy? Don't friggin' come. Chad and Taylor's one year anniversary is on that night, and the two of them are canceling their celebrations because of me. Ryan is canceling his first date with Kelsi for this. Your parents and mine are coming. And my best friend in the whole world can't come because they have to see someone they can see every other day for the next week? I'm tired of begging for your company Troy." Sharpay started crying and hung up.

Sharpay was fidgeting backstage at the show. Ryan was trying to calm her nerves. Finally Sharpay was set to go on.

Troy burst in through the back door, hoping that he made it in time for Sharpay's performance. When he saw her get up on stage, he had trouble closing his mouth.

She was wearing a tube top dress. It was black, pink, and white striped, hugging her every curve, and opening up at the bottom. Troy noticed that she was wearing a necklace that he brought for her; it was silver and said Sharpay in diamonds.

She walked to the center stage and said "This song is kind of old, but it really reminds me of one of my best friends" before the music started.

Troy recognized it immediately. It had always been one of their secrets, that this song was theirs.

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Sharpay stood back as the song ended and the auditorium burst into a standing ovation. Troy stood up and whistled, then screamed 'beautiful' even though she knew that he couldn't hear her.

Sharpay smiled, and then saw Troy in the audience. He had come!

After the performance, Sharpay and Troy decided to go out for a bit. Sharpay went up to Troy and hugged him tightly.

"I've missed you." Troy kissed her forehead.

"I've missed you too."

That night had begun perfectly…it would end by changing her life forever.

.o.O.o.o.O.o.

Please review! Just something you should know: Remember all the events that occur in the past, because they are very important and will explain the story.

This chapter probably seems very confusing, but I promise that it will all make sense soon! Each chapter something new will be revealed that explains everything.

If you still don't get it, PM me and ask and REVIEW!

Thanks a bunch and review:)

Lots of love…ndrox

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