Title : Pandora's Box

Author : Tariq ( formerly Aeris Jade Orion )

Rating : M

Pairing : TB/GM

Timeline : HSM 2

Summary : What if instead of trying to bribe Troy, Sharpay went after him another way? What if her decision had darker, more devastating consequences for Troy?

Authors note: It's unbeta'd. At the moment I have no beta reader for this genre. So drop me a line if you're interested.

Disclaimer : Not mine. All characters belong to Disney.

00000

Prologue

00000

" We could do it in the talent show. "

Troy started at Sharpay's presumption. Unable to believe that she would actually try this. Then again since preschool she had been very... er... that is to say a major diva.

" Look, Sharpay, I'm already doing the show with Gaberiella, who I am very late in meeting. "

" But you could do it with me instead. "

" No, I promised her..."

" You promised to sing with me. " Sharpay interrupted.

" Not in the talent show. " He sharply replied.

" Daddy would be so happy if you would sing with me. "

" I'm sorry. "

Troy backed up into the sweet performed flowers, and started away from the stage. He was someone who wanted to please everyone, but he knew enough about his classmate to know that if he didn't put his foot down, then she would keep trying.

" You really love her. " Sharpay commented.

He paused, glancing wearily at the blond. " Yeah, I do. "

" You'd do anything for her. " Sharpay continued. " You'd do anything to protect her. "

" What's your point? " He quietly asked.

" Did you know that the club has a zero tolerance policy on drugs? Then again so does our school. " She smiled darkly. " It would be a shame if poor Gabriella was caught with drugs. Why her whole life might be ruined. "

" She would never...."

" It wouldn't matter, not if someone had a picture showing a bag of say... ecstasy in her locker. "

He turned around fully, seething at the self-satisfied expression on her face. The same expression she'd had after getting Zane expelled for supposedly beating on Ryan. The same look she'd had when she blackmailed their fifth grade math teacher into changing her grades. The exact way she'd smirked when she got the call back date changed the previous year.

" What did you do? " He whispered.

" Let's just say if you don't play my game, your little girlfriend will be fired, expelled, and brought up on charges. " Sharpay's smirk grew. " And don't bother trying to get the pictures from me, I've stored them in a safe place. "

His throat went dry at her words. He wasn't dumb enough to call her threat. He knew it wasn't a bluff, just like he knew she really did have pictures that would frame his girlfriend.

More than that, he knew that she would destroy Gabriella if he didn't play. It wouldn't matter that she had lost Troy, or that she didn't get her way. It wouldn't matter because she would take Gabriella down with her.

There was simply nothing he could do. Nothing but say the words that would change his whole life.

" What do you want me to do? "

11111

Chapter One

11111

Troy dribbled the basketball, trying to ignore the slight throbbing in his left temple. It had been coming and going since the his talk with Sharpay. Gradually getting worse the more she pulled his strings.

Absently he shot the ball, grimacing as it almost missed, and reclaimed it. He cradled it in his hands.

Things were moving to fast, and he was nothing more than a puppet. Sharpay had forced him into a promotion that he didn't deserve. She'd arranged for him to meet the Red Hawks, and he was going to be singing with her in the talent show.

A song that was his and Gabe's. Something that made his stomach churn and contract at the thought of performing it with someone he didn't love.

" Hey, look at you. " Gabe commented on his new sports jacket.

He beamed at his approaching girlfriend. One of the people he could always count on. Someone who would support him no question asked.

" Yeah, it was a gift from the guys. "

" The guys? " She hedged. " You mean all the tall people? "

" Yeah. " He confirmed. " Listen, I've got to go in a minute. But afterwards, we'll go see a movie or something. I promise. "

" The thing about promises is that they're easily broken. "

Troy froze at those words. Worry flooded his nerves at the disappointment flickering on her face.

He'd been so sure that she would support him. Maybe he had been naive to think she would blindly trust in him with his current behavior.

She hadn't fully regained her trust from the previous year's misunderstanding. That was obvious, and why would she?

His stomach became nauseous as he realized that his situation had just gone from bad to worse. She didn't know about the blackmail, or the way Sharpay had masterfully maneuvered him.

She knew what she saw. Him being a jerk to his friends, and his snubbing her.

' Crap. '

" I know. " He said.

" There's also the staff baseball game. "

He frowned at the memory of the game. Something he had promised he'd play in.

" You forgot. " She sighed.

His shoulders slumped at her words. " No... I just... I got the dates mixed up. But I'll be there, I promise. "

" Hmm. "

" I'm sorry I missed lunch, but it's been wild, you know? " He changed the subject. " I just can't believe how things are working out. "

" So I see. " She commented dryly. " Italian golf shoes, new clothes, your own golf cart. "

He nearly backed up at her tone. She had passed disappointed and was heading into aggravated. She wasn't going to take much more.

Oh, she might overlook another incident or two, but she was close to her breaking point.

A flash of agony shot through his temple warning him of the incoming storm. Telling him he needed to ease back, but it didn't tell him how he was supposed to do that.

" I bet it's hard to keep track of it all. " Gabriella studied him. " It's almost like you're a new person. "

" Hey, Tiger Woods, you still have your jump shot? "

He flashed a small grin at his friends as they came out the back door. Most of them were fine, but he could see the anger in Chad's posture.

" Yo, Bolton, let's go. "

He spun to the red SUV that pulled up. The Red Hawks Captain was leaning out waving to him.

" What are you waiting for, Hoops? Invite them over. We'll show them some game. " Zeke literally lifted off at the idea.

" I don't think that's how they roll. "

" Not how they roll? " Chad challenged.

" That's not what I meant. " Troy back tracked. " It's a closed practice. Sorry. "

" Well, don't let us hold you back. " His best friend snapped.

" Bolton, let's go!! "

" What about our game? " Zeke quizzed.

" Didn't you hear? " Chad asked. " That was so yesterday. You know, when we were a team. "

" I'm sorry, guys. " Troy apologized, backing toward the vehicle. " Look, I'll see you at the staff game. I promise. "

" Like you promised to have lunch with us? " Gabriella questioned softly.

Troy swallowed as he opened the back door.

" Hey, Bolton. That's my ball. " Chad called.

He froze in shock. Chad had unofficially given Troy the basketball in third grade. It had never left him since. Not during any of their fights, or even the one time they'd had a knock out, drag out, fist fight.

It was a symbol of their brotherhood. Just like the baseball bat he'd unofficially given to Chad in elementary school.

They had sworn that day that under no circumstances would they ask for them back. Not unless they completely and permanently declared their brotherhood null and void.

He locked eyes with Chad. Blue eyes meeting hazel. He desperately searched for something, some hint of any understanding or acceptance.

All he found was rage.

He tossed the ball back to Chad, and climbed into the SUV. The instant he slammed the door closed he saw Chad's eyes close to him, and with it, any hope of recovering their friendship.

" Let's get out of here. " He whispered. " I wouldn't want to disappoint Mr. Evan's after all. "

He meet the Captain's eyes in the rear view mirror, and was surprised to see empathy.

It was then that he realized that the Red Hawks knew more about his situation than he expected. Enough that they could spot the underlying actions and reactions.

Maybe, just maybe, he had some support after all.

11111

He groaned under his breath. His left temple flaring from a low throbbing to a rapid beating. The stupid pain that had made him late for work, was also putting him off his game.

The calf of his right leg cramped up on him, radiating around the strange cut running the length of his calf.

He hadn't noticed it until he'd gotten home the night Sharpay blackmailed him. The stupid thing had been filled with needles and barbs, not to mention numb.

" You okay, kid? " The six foot Roberts nudged him.

" Yeah, just need a breather. " He forced himself to smile at the guard.

He walked off court, nodding to his father. The gym teacher had shown up on Mr. Evan's invite, something that frustrated the teen.

He didn't want to see the community college grad brimming with pride, or to see the barely contained excitement in his father's face.

His dad had wanted to go to one of the major University's. His wish to play with one of the top teams, and go on to a professional basketball career.

Fate hadn't been so kind. His father had been forced to stay home and nurse a home bound father.

The teacher had managed to go to the local community college over an eight year period, but it wasn't until Carrie Bolton had died that he'd taken a job at East High.

The middle aged coach was good humored about his life, but there would always be a tinge of regret for what could have been.

In turn, his father had started to live through Troy. Pushing the teen into basketball despite his sons own obsession with the game. It was why Troy had never been able to follow his other love of music until recently.

It had taken his father a long time to accept that Troy loved to sing, still the teen held back, able to sense that his father allowed it mainly because of Troy's mother.

That showed now more than ever. The man wanted Troy to go professional. He wanted Troy to ignore his singing for a sport.

Troy loved b-ball. He wanted to follow his dad's dreams, because they were Troy's dreams too. He just wished that the Coach would back off and support his love of singing.

He fished his cell out of his gym bag, hitting the speed dial for Gabriella's cell. It went directly to voice mail.

" You ready, man? " Captain Marks asked.

" Yeah. "

He threw the phone back into his bag and stood up. Reluctant to continue, but trapped between his own dreams and Sharpay.

As he took the offered ball, he shot another look at his bag. She hadn't answered, on purpose or not, he couldn't say. So why did he feel like he was losing her?

11111

Ryan.

Ryan had been recruited by Troy's group. Sharpay's twin had infiltrated the team.

Yeah, the other boy had been pouting over Sharpay trying to recruit Troy for the Huma Huma What's It. Yeah, Ryan seemed genuinely upset with Sharpay over the duet.

The question was whether the other teen was switching sides to be Sharpay's double agent, or was he actually on the outs with his twin?

Then there was Ryan's interaction with Gabe. The blonde had been awfully cuddly with Troy's girlfriend. Something Gabriella had been very casual about.

He grabbed his forehead as a sharp pain erupted behind his eyes. The pool swam briefly, making him dizzy before fading. A lurching sickness spread from his stomach into his chest, and he no longer had an appetite for breakfast.

He blinked rapidly at Gabriella's disappearing form. She was almost separated from him, almost willing to walk away from him.

His life was being ripped apart. He'd lost Chad, and the rest of the team. He was now about to lose Gabe and there was nothing he could do about it.

" They looked rather comfortable. "

He peered at Sharpay out of the corner of his eyes. The smug look making him want to just run away.

" Then again, Ryan has been nursing a crush on your sweetie. " The blond sauntered up to him. " Or is that your ex-sweetie? "

" Was there something you wanted? " He demanded.

" Our rehearsal's after dinner. Be there. "

" Fine. "

" And Troy? No stripes. "

He rubbed his eyes, not really hearing her. The headache was getting worse, and if it didn't let up soon, he'd have to go to the doctor.

" Did you hear me? "

" Yeah, I heard. " He muttered.

" Great. Tootles. "

He needed to see the doctor.

Though, maybe later. Much later.

11111

' Nononono. Oh, god no. '

He ran after Gabriella in pure grief. Grabbing her arm on the short foot bridge.

" I can explain. " He begged, willing to tell her the truth no matter the consequences, just as long as she stayed with him. " Sharpay.... "

" ..can give you a scholarship. " The genius finished. " I can't compete with that, and I don't want to. "

" No, you don't understand. "

" I understand all I want to. " Gabriella pushed him away. " Just let it go, Troy. Let me go. "

Troy's right temple exploded in excruciating pain. His world turned upside down making him lean on the nearby railing to remain on his feet.

He tried to call out to his ex, tried to beg and plead, but he was overwhelmed in agony. It engulfed him, making his stomach turn inside out with nausea, and his headache made him briefly black out.

He heard Gabriella's mom drive away, and fell to his knees. He couldn't think, or move, just barely stopping himself from completely collapsing.

Troy dry heaved, muscles trembled weakly before he gave in, and rolled onto his back in surrender.

Maybe he should go to that doctor after all.

Definitely.

11111

" Possibly Migraines. " Dr. Faye stated. " I couldn't say what kind. At a glance, it may to be chronic. "

" The headaches didn't start until this summer. " Troy protested.

" Adolescent migraines have far different symptoms than adult migraines. Unfortunately that makes it very difficult to diagnose. "

" It can be treated, though, right? "

" It can be managed. "

Troy stared at the elderly Doctor. She was being unusually careful in her words. For someone so blunt, and stern to be so gentle was discerning.

" Meaning? "

" I won't give you anything until I know for sure, but I do want you to start performing relaxation techniques. Yoga, meditation, etc. "

" The nurse will provide you with a diet on your way out. Follow it strictly. Little to no caffeine, sodium, MSG, alcohol, chocolate, or energy supplements are among the changes. "

" No exercise that causes you to overexert yourself until we know if it's Migraine's. Golf is okay if you take it easy, Basketball in moderation is fine, no weight training of any kind. No exercise during or just after an attack. "

" But...."

" No, Troy. " She cut off sharply. " Look, if you want to play I can't stop you, but I will be calling your parents about this. I will also be telling them that your attacks seem worse whenever you exercise. "

Troy deflated.

The minute his parents knew he was finished. His mother while open minded, and good natured about his sports, was more more than willing to put her foot down when necessary.

On the other hand, his father would be disappointed and upset, but not enough to risk Troy's health.

In other words, he was grounded.

" Anything else? "

" Too much to go into. I'll provide you with a packet on migraines. " The gray haired woman commented.

" Mainly keep track of the attacks. Ifs it's migraines there will be a trigger. Most of the time it's connected with changes in blood pressure. Sports, certain foods, anything extremely stressful. "

" Sharpay. " He muttered darkly.

" Excuse me? "

" Nothing. "

Troy rather sheepishly avoided her piercing gaze. Instead he tried to keep anger from flooding his emotions.

Sharpay had been the initial trigger, of that he had no doubt. It was during her stupid song, when she blackmailed him into singing, that the attacks started.

After that it had been one constant period of stress. Oh, it lessened and worsened, but it was always there.

Each action being controlled by the diva. Each word spoken according to Sharpay's script. Every meeting forced by the female twin.

It had reached a climax hours ago, when Gabriella had quit her job and broken up with him.

That was when he had his worst attack yet. It was when he made an emergency trip to his doctor.

Now, his hopes of playing professional basketball might be over. Along with his playing during senior year, and with it his dreams.

" Troy, we don't know if it's migraines yet. This is just some precautionary measures until I can schedule more tests. The chances are it's some minor condition. If it's anything at all. "

" But you don't think it is. "

" No. " She admitted. " No I don't. "

Somehow, he didn't think so either.

11111

Troy entered the Lava Springs kitchen holding his bagged breakfast up to ward off Zeke. A fact that caused the calm teen to become instantly offended.

" So my foods not good enough for you anymore? "

" No, I just...."

" Forget it. " Zeke snapped.

He decided to just let it go for now. He didn't want to talk about his health crisis, or explain the massive overhaul to his life.

Instead he collapsed at the nearby island, sending everyone but Kelsi scattering.

He glanced over at his shy friend in question. Silently asking what else had happened in the time he'd been missing.

The petite composer slid a sheet of paper toward him with a sad smile. Her open face showing her lack of anger with him.

Troy reluctantly read the notice. The sharp black lettering making his blood boil, and his blood pressure climb dangerously.

His fist snapped shut around the paper as he stood up. It took all his will power to drop the ball to the island, but he managed, barely.

Sharpay had struck again.

The blond diva had bulldozed his friends out of the talent show. All so she could guarantee that she'd win some stupid ten cent trophy.

It had to stop. She had to stop.

He headed for the member locker room. There was nothing left for him at Lava Springs, and when he curbed Sharpay, he would have even less.

First, he'd put the gifts to him into his locker. Second, he needed to pack his stuff, and put it in his truck. After that, he would quit. Then and only then, would he confront Sharpay.

His left hand convulsed. The calf of his right leg was throbbing violently. The muscles felt extremely weak, like they were dissolving.

Troy frowned at the newest problem. He wasn't sure what was going on, or why it was starting, but it would have to wait.

Right now, he needed to end the blackmail. One way or another.

11111

He shoved the door to the rehearsal room closed. Blue eyes narrowed at Sharpay and her calculating smirk.

" Troy..."

" I won't sing with you. " Troy declared quickly.

" Oh? " Sharpay quipped. " And your ex? Or have you forgotten that I can destroy her. "

" I've been considering that, and it occurred to me that you never actually proved you have any pictures of your little frame up. "

" If you don't heel you'll get your proof. "

" Right, like I'm going to believe an airhead managed to get the combination to Gabriella's locker, or bought ecstasy. "

" Please, Fulton was more than willing to give me her info. " Sharpay rolled her eyes. " As for the ecstasy? A hand full of calcium supplements scrapped down, and engraved. "

" You mean you've been blackmailing me with calcium? " His groaned in disbelief.

" And I'm going to continue unless I decide to upgrade. "

Troy gave a real smile for the first time that summer.

" What? " Sharpay asked wearily at his behavior.

He pulled a small recorder from his pocket, flickering it off and locking the buttons so there was no chance of recording over the tape.

" What the hell is that?! "

" The end of your control issues, " He stated simply. " and unless you want it to become public, you'll destroy the pictures and let the junior staff perform in the show. "

" T-that's blackmail! "

He slipped the recorder back into his pocket as he started for the door.

" Oh, and Sharpay? Don't bother trying to get the tape, I'll be putting it in a safe place. "

" I'll destroy you!!! "

" You already have, Princess. " Troy softly opened the door. " You already have. "

11111

His leg was dragging. The stupid thing had him limping when he started for his trunk. It had begun to burn and areas were going numb.

Troy maneuvered around the stack of steel beams. He wasn't sure why the club needed to put in an underground steam room. They already had two others, all in perfect condition.

" Give me the tape, Troy! "

He sighed heavily as Sharpay appeared in front of him, her face purple with rage.

" Sorry, I can't do that, see I have this thing about being blackmailed. " Troy slurred with his vision blurring.

" You work for me, you insignificant little worm! Give me the damned tape!! "

" FYI, I quit, and I am going home. " Troy snapped.

He started when the blond grabbed at him with claws out. Sharp nails ripped at his face and shirt. The perfectly manicured hands tugging and scratching at him in search of the recorder.

A surge of dizziness hit him full out, making him stumble with her next shove. His body lurched back, over the edge of the twenty foot drop.

Blackness engulfed him briefly with a new level of anguish. Crashes exploded over and on him, driving the air from his lungs.

" Ohmygod... This isn't happening to me...." Sharpay's voice cut through the pain. " I can't... I can't be here..."

He blinked his eyes, getting some vision back in time to watch the blond flee toward the parking lot. Away from help.

Blue eyes slowly scanned his body, taking in the glass stabbing into his chest and left arm. His right leg was bent in an odd angle, and his ribs were pressing into his lungs. His left leg was trapped under a beam that had fallen.

The far end had thankfully landed on the side of the bulldozer, keeping it from severing or crushing his leg.

' Thank god. ' He exhaled in relief.

The teen carefully reached for the cell phone clipped to his belt. His right hand clutch at the space on his side finding air.

He let his head fall to the side in confusion. The phone, his only life line, was laying five feet from him. Far out of his reach next to a small blow torch.

Troy slipped his working hand into his front pocket, gripping tightly at the item Gabriella had given him for Valentines day.

He had two choices.

He could lay there, in a closed off area on the off chance that someone would find him. There was a worker or two that used it as a short cut.

One, was off today and tomorrow. The other didn't use it unless his girlfriend was off shift.

His other choice was to do whatever he had to in order to survive.

He slipped the item from his pocket. His decision was already made. He just had to do it.

11111

" .....blow torch.....stopped bleeding.... "

" ......leg cut..... clean up.... stump.... "

" ......Hawaiian Poppy.... allergy.... poison.... "

" .....found tape..... Sharpay........ "

" ....Troy!!! "

11111

The pocket knife flipped between his right fingers absently. He was finding it hard to concentrate on anything with all the pain he was in.

His right leg was in a cast, and while the antidote to the Hawaiian Poppy had been administered, there was some lingering effects in the calf area.

Much to his frustration it was the most minor of injuries. Several ribs had broken in his fall, piercing a lung.

As for his left leg....

Troy had made the life altering decision to amputate it with the pocket knife in his hand.

There had been no other way. The fact had been confirmed by the surgeon.

The teen had been bleeding out so fast he wouldn't have lasted more than ten minutes.

As it was, when he'd made it to his cell phone, he'd had to use the blow torch and some scrape metal to cauterize the worst of the wounds.

His actions, while saving his life, had left him without a leg. Worse when he'd sealed the wounds on his left shoulder, arm, and chest Troy had left a number of muscles deeply scarred.

While he was alive, his actions had destroyed his sports career. With it, he'd lost all hopes of a scholarship.

His grades were mediocre at best. Leaving him with music as his last recourse.

The problem was that he had no hope of a musical or theatre scholarship.

There thousands of performers that were better, with years of training, and more experience.

So what was he going to do?

He had no money for college. No alternative dreams, and no clue what to do with himself.

He wasn't depressed or anything. In truth he was very happy to be alive no matter his situation.

It was that his future was looking very dim. His friends had no clue about recent events, and Gabe wasn't answering his calls.

He would be lucky if he could attend the last half of his senior year. Troy was looking at months of excruciating recovery and physical therapy.

" Good Morning, Mr. Bolton. "

And his day had just gotten bad.

He glared at the beaming Mrs. Darbus. Why she was in his hospital room during summer vacation, he didn't know.

" Morning. " He mumbled.

" I'm sure you're wondering why I'm here, so I'll skip the pleasantries. " She beamed at him. " Your father told me about your conundrum and it occurred to me that I may be of some help. "

" Really? How? " He brightened up.

He was desperate for some idea, no matter how crazy, of a possible path to take.

" I've wanted to retire for several years now, but until now I haven't found anyone I would trust with my theatre. " Mrs. Darbus explained.

" What does that have to do with me? " He frowned in confusion.

" I want you to replace me. " She smiled. " You could get a General Education BA from Central New Mexico Community College. "

It was workable. The classes were very short and very intense. He could get through each class in a matter of weeks.

The cost of the classes were doable if he took a job. With his injuries, it would be hard and would be exhausting.

But, again, it could be done.

" You'll be required to be a teachers aide before you can be licensed, but you can work that off under my direction. " She continued.

He was speechless. It was the perfect solution.

" Of course, you'll need a second BA in another subject. Drama teachers are required to teach a second course. Art, debate, sports. "

Absolutely perfect.

He might be unable to play anymore but he could teach. The golf and tennis teacher was also in the process of retiring.

He could get a BA in general athletics which would cover both sports.

" Thank you. " He whispered in an attempt to keep from getting emotional.

" Good, I'll make the arrangements. In the meantime, I'll give Ryan a list of reading material for you. " She stood to leave. " You have a lot of work ahead of you. "

Troy leaned back as she left. His happiness had burst into absolute euphoria.

He had a new career option. A way to go to college, and a future.

11111

" Mrs. Montez? " He awakened in surprise, his eyes searching for his ex.

" She's not here. " The widow stated softly.

" She... She didn't come? " He frowned.

" She doesn't know. " The woman grimly refused to make eye contact.

" Why? I called and... "

" My daughter is under the mistaken impression that you love each other. "

" We do. I love her with all my heart. " He protested.

" I'm not going to debate it with you. " She scowled at him. " Stay away from my daughter. "

" Wh-what? No!! "

" You plan to marry her? " She snapped. " Then what? Are you going to play house wife? Maybe depend on her to support you and any children? "

" No!! Mrs. Darbus is arranging for me to replace her. In a year or two I can be a full fledged teacher with two BA's. "

" A job that pays hardly anything. Not enough to live off, not for a family. "

" We can figure something out. " He argued fiercely.

" And her education? Do you expect her to give up dreams of Ivy League college? "

" It would be just a few years, then we could be together. "

" Are you really that stupid? " She asked in disbelief. " She's already refused early admittance because of you, and if she finds out about.... this... a crow bar couldn't separate her from you. "

She was right. Gabe was a stubborn, pig headed woman. She refused to leave East High despite his willingness to have a long distance relationship. So why would things change now?

He couldn't let her go. Not this time. It had been Gabe that had kept him alive in that pit. It had been her that gave him strength to fight.

" Let's say you get married. She goes to UA and you become a teacher. You'll be happy at first, but in a few years that will change. "

" No it won't. We'll.... "

" You'll resent her for being used against you. You'll become depressed over your lost career, start drinking, and you'll take it out on her. "

" You're life is over, Troy. Don't take hers too. " She pleaded.

" I love her. " He ground out. " I love her so much. "

" Then stay away from her. "

He shoved his right hand into his hair. His frustration and grief unbearable.

It was Gabe's choice, not his. It was a decision that had to be made together. Something to discuss and research.

" My company has asked me to transfer in the coming months. " She meet his eyes firmly. " Stay away and I'll refuse. "

It was over.

She knew about the blackmail, and now she was using that knowledge. This time there was no get out of jail free card. No tape recorder.

Mrs. Montez could transfer at anytime, and Gabe would have to go with her. No ifs, ands, or buts.

" You win. " He rasped. " I'll stay away. "

" Thank you. " She nodded in relief. " For everything you've given up for her. "

It was over, and this time there would be no second chances.

11111

Troy threw the tiny screw driver onto the bed with a groan of relief. It had taken two weeks but he'd managed to put all the pieces of his project together.

" And what did the screw driver ever do to you? " A giant said entering his vision.

He cursed from position on the bed and glanced up at the tall Red Hawks Captain.

" What are you doing here, Cap? "

" You left your jacket at the club. "

Troy stared at the Red Hawks gym bag Marks threw into a nearby chair. He'd left all the gifts behind when he quit, including the stuff the team had given him.

" I can't use the scholarship anymore. " Troy admitted.

It had been a long month. Too long.

Being bed ridden had been torturous. Knowing that it was truly over with Gabe had made it all the more agonizing.

" Coach Bolton told me. " Marks explained. " Mr. Evans also talked to me about the situation. "

He frowned up at the man in confusion. " Then why...? "

" The team wants you to keep them. " The Captain informed him. " You made a good impression on us. "

" Thanks, Cap. "

" The Coach said that you hadn't found a new job yet. "

" I'm not exactly in a position to be working. "

" Good. " The man beamed. " I have a coaching job for you. It doesn't pay much, but you'd be doing me a huge favor. "

" What kind of coaching could I possibly do? I'm a crippled student. "

" The Red Hawks does a lot of work with the Hope Center. "

" Isn't that the Rec.. club for underprivileged kids? "

" Yep, and one of the coaches recently quit. He was in charge of the beginner basketball class, along with the Center's youth golf team. It would be five hours out of your day, though you're welcome to do additional work in other areas of the Center. They couldn't pay you extra so it'd be on a purely volunteer basis. "

He really needed money for CNM, now more than ever. The job offer would supply it, if just barely.

It was also a very good cause.

The kids needed the outlet the Rec. provided. They needed the hope the programs gave them. The chance for a possible future.

There was also the fact that he would get to work with kids. He'd never admit it, but he had liked working with the ones at Lava Springs.

" They have music and drama programs. All of which are understaffed. "

" I'm in. " Troy agreed before his mind could catch up. " But I can't start for a few months. "

" No problem, we can cover for you, just get yourself back onto your feet. Oh, before I forget, Coach Bolton asked me to give you this mail. "

Troy sat up, taking the envelope and cardboard tube.

" Thanks, man. "

" I'll catch you later, Bolton. " Marks ruffled his hair.

He waited until the player left, and opened the envelope. A picture of Ryan and the Wildcats holding the trophy fell out. He flipped it over.

A single word in Kelsi's handwriting was scrolled across it. The large purple Thanks blared up at him.

She wouldn't have told anyone about her suspicions. Not without seeing or hearing proof for herself.

That in and of itself a relief. He didn't want to do anything to aggravate things with Sharpay.

He reached for the tube next, popping the top off, and dumping it upside down. The worn bat he'd given Chad tumbled out.

The final piece to their friendship. The last string holding their brotherhood together.

Tears threatened his eyes, leaving him to fight against them with all his power. He was a man, and men didn't cry.

He wouldn't cry for the lose of Gabriella, or Chad, or his dream job. He wouldn't show weakness. He wouldn't shed a tear.

Rage roared in his chest. He lashed out, slinging the bat across the room. Troy ripped the IV's from his arms. Fists pounding at the bed rail in a blur of violence.

All the pain, the anger, the helplessness surged through his muscles. A howl burst from his throat around the trickle of tears.

Who did he blame? What was responsible?

Mr. Evans for not realizing what a bitch his daughter was until he'd listened to the recorder found by Troy's body.

What about the diva who'd blackmailed him? The blond princess who'd lost control and pushed him over a ledge.

Did he blame himself? For his not figuring out about the poison in his system? At his body for enhancing the effects because of a damned allergy? For giving in to blackmail so easily? For not being stronger for Gabriella?

What about Fulton? Did he lay the blame at his feet? The balding man had seen Sharpay fleeing the construction sight and had ignored his suspicions.

Maybe he should blame Chad. The teen he'd grown up with, the person who'd known him best, hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary. Instead blaming Troy's change of personality on him being a stuck-up jerk.

Gabriella? She was his ex-girlfriend, the woman he loved with all his heart and soul. She was his partner in music, in life, and she had taken everything at face value.

It was her that was framed. She was who he was trying to protect. The one he was still protecting. The one that Sharpay was using against him.

No. Not Gabriella. He couldn't do it. He couldn't lie to himself about her. Never her.

No. The blame was all on him. On his body, and on the thrice cursed Evans family.

He tightened his grip on his artificial leg. A patch work he'd been putting together from rusted, trashed limbs for sale on EBay.

Troy had thrown Mr. Evans offer of a high end leg back in his face. The teen didn't need his money, or want it.

Hell, if he'd been awake he would have shoved the man's paying his medical bills up his...

It didn't matter. His bills had already been paid, and there was nothing he could do about it. But the leg, and the college money had been refuted with promise of violence.

He slammed the metal leg into the hospital table.

Damn Evans. Damn his leg, and damn himself.

Why did he have to let Sharpay off the hook? She couldn't participate in any after school activities? So fucking what.

She couldn't have parties, and her precious car confiscated. Big deal.

So why did he have to be soft hearted even after her destroying him? Why ?

He collapsed against the bed. Mentally clutching at the last thing he had, the last thing to keep him sane.

' Gabriella....'