1My Baby

Gabriella Montez is the single parent of Sophia Montez after she left her abusive boyfriend, Eric, who killed her first baby and abused her physically, including sexually, too. Eric was sentenced to four years of prison a few moths later after stealing some drugs from a store. Taking that as a chance to escape her life, Gabriella ran away to Philadelphia with her best friends and cousin and with her vile secret, not telling anyone except them. She also found out she was pregnant yet again with Eric's baby. She was pregnant with the most beautiful baby girl, Sophia Briella Montez. So, after four whole years of living away from her family and friends left back in Albuquerque, Eric was now out of prison and out to get her. Oblivious to his plans, Gabriella finds new love with Sophia's kindergarten teacher, Mr. Bolton. Going through life threatening times, Gabriella wants to do anything to keep her baby safe. And if it's a fight Eric ants, it's a fight Eric will get.

The sun peaked brightly through the ivory colored blinds and filled the small room. Gabriella Montez sat up, wiping tiredly at her eyes and yawning quietly. She looked down and smiled. Sophia was laid there, her blue eyes beaming up at Gabriella's brown ones.

"Hi, mommy," Sophia whispered tiredly. Gabriella smiled and helped the girl up. "Hey, Soph. Sleep well?"

"Yup! I had a dream, too. Me, you and daddy were at the park. Daddy was pushing both me and you on the swings and we kept going higher and higher!" Gabriella smiled sadly at Sophia. She's been having those dreams. Dreams about her dad she's never saw. The last time Gabriella saw Eric was when Sophia was in her stomach only two weeks old. Not that she was complaining. "That's nice," Gabriella said softly, stroking at Sophia's hair. Sophia looked up at Gabriella with questioning eyes. Gabriella felt a creep in her stomach. "Mommy, who was my daddy?"

Gabriella stared down at her daughter, a lump traveling slowly down her throat. It was the question she dreaded, had wanted to tell her when she was much older. She didn't want to tell Sophia about that monster she used to call her boyfriend. He had did too many things to her. Like when she was sixteen he pushed her down the steps when she told him they were having a baby. Or when he raped her continuously, hurting her and never giving a crap. Or like when he threatened that if she ever told what he did, he was going to kill her. Or like when he hurt her physically and emotionally, hitting her and calling her foul names. Gabriella shook her head and tried desperately to keep the tears from flowing. Where was the old Eric she knew in freshman year? The one who cared for her and vowed never to hurt her. The one who stood up for her when others tried to hurt her. The one who would kiss her with care and passion instead of fierceness and roughness. The old Eric.

"Mommy?"

Gabriella looked down at Sophia and smiled slightly. The only good thing out of her past was her little bundle of joy. "Are you okay?"

Gabriella made a slight movement with her head. "Yeah, sweetie. I'm just a bit tired still. Last night was fun though." The two had went to an augment park to end the summer. They had stayed until eleven o' clock and didn't return until one in the morning. Gabriella was exhausted. "Yeah! I wish daddy was there though. Did you know Lena had a daddy who moved away for about a few years and came back? Will daddy come back?"

"No, Sophia. Daddy will not come back. Ever." Sophia looked at her with the same questioning eyes. Gabriella sighed and stood up from the bed, running a lazy hand through her hair. "How about we get ready? Today is the new start for kindergarten. We don't want to be late now do we?"

"Actually..."

"Come on, Sophie Smiles. Lena and Andrew will be there."

"I hate Andrew!"

"That's because you like him," Gabriella classified with a smirk. Sophia shook her head. "Ew! That's disgusting!"

"Mhm, but when you get older you'll be begging to go out with the next new guy."

"Mommy!"

"Fine, fine. Come on. Time doesn't wait for beauty." Gabriella grinned as Sophia giggled. Yup, definitely the only good thing about her past.

Gabriella smiled as she wrapped Sophia up in an ivory towel, one in her head and the other around her little body. "Bubble bath. Bubble bath. Come on with me, take a splash..." Sophia mumbled to herself. Gabriella smiled and decided to continue the lyrics. "And when you're in you take your rag. Rub some soap, don't you lack. Clean yourself up so good. Behind the ears. Between the toes. Everywhere even on your nose. And once you're done just do it again. Bubble bath. Bubble bath. Come on with me, take a splash."

"Where'd you learn that, mommy?" Sophia asked, twisting her head from side to side as Gabriella tried to wipe at her face.

"Abuela Maria taught me when I was your age. This is a secret between you and I, too. I still sung it when I was in high school."

"I won't tell, mommy," Sophia promised with a giggle. Gabriella smiled and engulfed her in a big hug, lifting her up as she did so. She walked out of the bathroom and into Sophia's room. "Come on, chica. Let's get you dressed." Gabriella pulled out Sophia's uniform containing a red polo shirt with First Philadelphia written on it, the navy blue shorts, and her black converses. Sophia was enrolled in First Philadelphia Charter School for Literacy.

Gabriella helped Sophia pull on her clothing. After getting dressed, Gabriella went for the hair. "You think school will be fun?" Gabriella asked, combing thoroughly through Sophia's hair. Sophia shrugged. "I dunno know. Lena is my best friend."

"I know. What do you think Lena and you will do?"

"Learn," Sophia said. "And play outside."

"Learning's fun?"

"I wanna play with Lena outside. That's fun."

"Mhm. And you'll have nap and lunch and snack time, too. Mommy can even stay for thirty minutes to get to meet with other parents and talk to the teacher and introduce you to kindergarten and your new school and classmates."

"Can you stay all day, mommy?"

"No, sweetie. I'm sorry. But you'll have loads of fun. Lena will be with you and even the two of you can make some other friends too. Sound good?"

"I guess so."

Gabriella pulled Sophia's hair tightly, but gently in a ponytail. A plaid red, navy blue and white hair tie holding it in place. Gabriella helped Sophia jump down from the bed and they checked to make sure she had everything. Two sharpen pencils, one copy book, one big eraser, a box of crayons and markers, two glue sticks, and a folder. Gabriella placed all the items in Sophia's school bag then they were off.

"The wheels on the car go round and round. Round and round. Round and round. The wheels on the car go round and round. All trough the town," Sophia sung with much heart. Gabriella laughed. "The swipers on the car go swish, swish, swish. Swish, swish, swish. Swish, swish, swish. The swipers on the car go swish, swish, swish. All through the town. The horn on the car goes beep, beep, beep. Beep, beep, beep. Beep, beep, beep. The horn on the car goes beep, beep, beep. All through the town!"

"Good job, Sophie Smiles." Gabriella pulled up into the parking lot of First Philadelphia. Buses and other cars were riding up, too. "Ready, chica?"

"My tummy feels weird."

"It'll be okay, Soph. I promise." Gabriella got out of the front seat and went to get Sophia out. The two glanced up at the big school first. Kids from different age groups walked around the lot, walking into the school. Sophia clung onto her mother's leg as if it depended on her life. "Mommy."

Gabriella crouched down to the little girl's size and looked her in the eye. "Soph, you'll be fine. Remember, you're a big girl and big girls aren't afraid, right?"

"This one is," Sophia said on the verge of tears. "Mommy please don't make me go."

"Soph." Gabriella sighed. "I know how hard this is for you. It's hard for me too seeing you grow up, but we all have to do something we don't want to do at some point in our lives. Plus, you'll have over a billion friends here before you can count to one hundred."

"But I can't count to that, mommy."

"Well before you can count to three. Now, I'll promise you something. If you can get through one whole day of kindergarten, we'll go anywhere you like within range. Anywhere."

"Bounce-U?" Sophia asked with eagerness. Gabriella giggled and nodded. "Yes, Bounce-U can be somewhere. But you have to promise me you'll have fun and you won't miss me too much, okay? Pinkie Promise?"

Sophia giggled and wrapped her smaller pinkie around her mothers. "Pinkie Promise." Gabriella engulfed Sophia in a tight hug, kissing her temple. "Good. Now let's go." Gabriella stood up straight and looked down at Sophia. "Ready?"

Sophia nodded. "Yes. Let's go."

Gabriella grabbed Sophia's small hand and the two proceeded into the school building. Everyone was told to go to the gym.

Kids lined up in their appropriate classes and it was loud. People were talking, shouting and laughing. "Where's Lena?"

"She'll be here, Soph. Let's go see your teacher." Gabriella picked up Sophia and walked over to the sign that read 'Mr. Bolton's kindergarten class.' Brooke put Sophia down and walked over to the line.

"Hi, may I have your name, please?" A lady with a nice smile and curly light hair looked down at Sophia. Sophia stared up with big blue eyes, her bottom lip sticking out slightly, and she was shaking. "Sophia Montez," Gabriella answered for her. "I'm so sorry. She's shy and scared."

"I see. Kindergarten is one step away from where the hard stuff is learned. And Sophia Montez is right here." The lady placed a name tag on Sophia's shirt then turned to Gabriella with a smile. "Okay, so you also are here for thirty minutes in the classroom. Right now, could you stand over there by the other parents? We're going to say the Pledge of Allegiance. It's that okay?"

"Oh, yeah. Totally. Soph, I'll be over there, okay? I'll be right back."

"But, wait! Mommy!"

"Soph, stay here. I'll just be over there, okay? Look, Lena's here." Gabriella pointed to a spot and Lena and her parents were walking over to them. Sophia suddenly smiled. "Le-Le!" Lena came trotting over to her, her brown mahogany hair bouncing with every step. "Hi, Sophie Smiles! I can't wait for today! Where's your mommy?"

"Over there," Sophia said, pointing to Gabriella who was waiting patiently with the other parents, looking at Sophia. She smiled when Sophia looked back at her then waved. "My parents are there," Lena said, pointing to Mr. And Mrs. Davis who were talking to the lady who had asked for Sophia's name. "There's too many big kids here," Lena pointed out.

"Yeah, I know," Sophia agreed. "Look."

There was a lady with short blond hair and a gray pencil skirt on with a white blouse and gray blazer. She had two fingers in the air and other students raised their hands too. Sophia and Lena raised their index and middle finger, copying others actions. The whole room fell into a pit of silence.

"Good morning everyone," the lady said. There was a chorus of good mornings. "I am so happy to see all of you! I hope all of you had a wonderful summer vacation and I can't wait to start off this new year. Now, why don't we all put our hands to our hearts and start the pledge?" Hands connected to their hearts and Sophia looked back at Gabriella. Gabriella smiled and placed her hand over her heart, indicating to do the same. Sophia nodded and placed her hand over her left chest.

"I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic to which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible. With liberty and justice for all," everyone recited. Sophia and Lena giggled at each other, not knowing the words.

"Thank you, everyone! Now, are you fabulous?"

"Yes, Miss Arcara, we're fabulous," the students shouted loudly.

"Okay, kindergarten," a tall man shouted, with his two fingers raised high. Older kids huddled out of the gym and to class. Sophia searched for her mom, her big eyes moving frantically. "Where's my mommy?"

"Right here, Soph." Gabriella walked up to Sophia, a smile gracing her lips. Sophia grinned and ran to her mom, hugging her tightly. "Okay, so I'm Mr. Bolton and we are going to go to the classroom for breakfast then we'll talk a little, parents. Now, how about a line?" The class crowded terribly in a line and Mr. Bolton smiled. Gabriella looked at him, a wider smile on. The class walked silently out the gym. Sophia and Gabriella and Lena and Maura and Liam Davis all held hands, making a little chain.

They arrived in the class a few minutes later after maneuvering around the halls and other kids. The room was set up nicely. Learning posters danced around the wall. Colorful tables were placed in a circle with little orange chairs. The ABC's were alined neatly at the top of the wall. A rug was placed in the front of the class, bookshelves surrounding that corner. Bathroom signs were pointing towards a door. Many items were labeled. Mr. Bolton's desk was front and center. Toys were placed in mahogany shelves and lastly, sleeping mats were stacked in a corner for nap time.

"Okay, if you can all take your seats by your names," the lady from the line said. Gabriella grabbed Sophia's hands and guided her around the tables, saying excuse me every once in a while. "There's your name, Soph," Gabriella pointed out and Sophia sat down, grumpy. Lena was all the way across the room. Gabriella patted her shoulder and stood behind the chair.

"Okay, so my name is Miss Lynne and I am the assistant of Mr. Bolton."

"So, we'll just have a little meeting to start off our day. Parents, any questions?"

A lady with a tear stained boy sitting at his seat raised her hand. "What's the schedule?"

"Well, we have breakfast first. Usually we have it in the multipurpose room with preschool, first grade and second, but for today we'll be having it in here. Then we start the day with a bit of learning. Then we have prep. Prep is art today, gym tomorrow, music, international studies with Latin, and library. After prep we come back to class for a while then go down to the multipurpose room or lunch room for lunch. After lunch we have nap time then learn a bit more. At the end of the day which is around two p.m. we have snack and play time. Anymore questions?" A few other questions were passed around before the kids were able to get up and get told rules.

"Okay," Mr. Bolton said. "Who knows what this means?" He raised his two fingers and some hands flew up. "Yes, Adriane."

"It means quiet," she said.

"Good job. It does so when I raise my two fingers what do you do?"

"Be quiet," the room chorused. Mr. Bolton smiled and nodded. "Good job. How about we practice. Start talking with your neighbors and keep a look out for this sign. To help, when you see me put it up, you can also put it up, okay?" The room fell into talking. Sophia had turned to Gabriella.

"Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah," she said with a laugh. Gabriella laughed and let her eyes travel up. "Look, Soph." Sophia turned and raised her fingers high in the sky. A minute later, the room was in silence. "Kay, that was a bit rusty, but it was okay. Andrew, when you put the quiet sign up, you stop talking, too, okay?"

"Yes!"

"Okay, thank you. Now, one more thing. When we walk in the halls we are also quiet, okay? Other classes are working really hard and we'll be moving a lot."

"Okay," Rochelle Lance, a girl with braided silky hair, said. "Can we play?"

"I was just about to say something about that, Rochelle. I will give you twenty minutes to roam around the room, play a bit, try to remember where everything goes. Okay, starting...now!"

"Come on, mommy!" Sophia urged, pulling Gabriella towards the blocks. "I wanna build!"

"Okay, how about playing with Andrew or Lena? I want to go ask Mr. Bolton something, okay?"

"Okay." Reluctantly, Sophia pulled away from Gabriella and tottered over to where Lena was playing. Gabriella smiled and walked over to Mr. Bolton. "Hi, Mr. Bolton?" He looked up and the coffee he held almost fell. Gabriella quickly held it up straight and looked up at him with an eye brow raised. "Little clumsy there," Gabriella said teasingly. Mr. Bolton nodded and continued to look at her. Gabriella laughed nervously and shifted from one foot to the other. "Mr. Bolton?"

"Oh, huh? Oh, yeah. I'm so sorry. I just lost my train of thought and focus...sorry."

"It's okay."

"So, what did you need? Any questions?"

"Well, yeah. Uh, I'm Gabriella Montez and my daughter, Sophia is over there. Lena Davis and her and best friends and I would just kind of recommend them sitting next to each other. I mean, I don't want them to disturb your class or anything, but I just want Soph to feel as comfortable as she can. I would ask if she could sit next to Andrew, but she's not too fond of him. So, what do you say? Could you?"

"Sure, I can arrange some things."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Bolton."

"No problem. Anything else?"

"Uh, no thank you. Thanks, also."

"My pleasure." Gabriella nodded and looked up into his eyes. "See you, Mr. Thompson," she said softly and started backing up. Once far enough, she turned and walked back over to Sophia.

After going around, greeting new people and things, everyone was sent back to their seats with their breakfast; pancakes with no syrup, white two percent milk and a fruit cup. The parents were getting ready to leave and Sophia was connected to her mother, refusing to let go. "No, mommy! Don't leave me!"

"Sophia," Gabriella said softly outside of the classroom. "I'm sorry— "

"No! If you love me you will stay," Sophia said softly. Gabriella shook her head and bent down to her level. "Soph, that's not fair. I will always love you, okay? But you have to go. I don't want you to, but you can't leave Lena in there by herself, can you? Plus, do you want to be the one who has their mom next to them every second of the day? It's nine and I'll come pick you up at two pm. That's six hours and I promise I'll be here."

Sophia sniffled and put out her pinky. "Pinkie promise?" Gabriella grinned and wrapped her pinky around Sophia's. She nodded. "Yes, pinkie promise. Not a minute late."

"I love you, mommy," Sophia said, wrapping her tiny arms around her mom's neck. Gabriella smiled faintly and returned the hug. "I love you, too, Sophie Smiles."

"Daddy loves me, too, right?"

Gabriella sighed. "Daddy is away right now."

"But he still loves us, right?"

"Yeah," Brooke lied painfully, a tear slipping from her eye. The two pulled away and Sophia wiped at her mother's tear. "Don't cry, mommy. I'll be here when you come."

"I know you will," Gabriella said. "I'll see you at two." Gabriella bent and gave Sophia a kiss on her temple. She stood up after, looking down at Sophia. "I'll see you later, chica."

"Okay. Bye, mommy."

"Bye, Soph."

Gabriella walked down the hall and out of sight. Sophia reached for the door and pulled it open, walking silently to her seat which was changed next to Lena. "I miss my parents, too," Lena confessed. "But all you have got to do is think about them, okay?"

"Okay."

'I'll give you my Doritos at lunch," Lena offered. Sophia turned to her with a smile. "Thanks, Le-Le."

Gabriella walked into Magnita Fashion. She worked as a fashion designer with her three st friends in the whole world, Taylor McKessie, Samara Davidson and Sharpay Evans. She looked around in search for them.

"Gabs!"

Gabriella whirled around to the voice and grinned. Sharpay was walking quickly over to her and once there, wrapped her in a hug. "Hey, chica," Gabriella said, pulling away. Sharpay smiled. "Hey. How was it?"

"Nice. Sophia was a bit reluctant." Sharpay eyed her skeptically. "Okay, fine, a lot reluctant. She didn't want me to leave her side at all, Shar. I'm a bit worried."

"That's normal, Gabs. I mean, if she's really clingy, that's when you should see if she was diagnosed with separation anxiety. I mean, I wouldn't be too surprised if she was. She only has you. No father."

"Shar, I know," Gabriella said softly. "She needs a father. But it's not that simple. I can't just wish up my prince charming."

"But you can try, Gabriella," she told her. "Because I know you haven't. Do you want her to grow up without a father?"

"I did," Gabriella mumbled faintly. "But I felt horrible. I don't want her to grow up like that."

"Then you'll love me for this," Sharpay said, smiling widely.

"What?"

"Your best friend just hooked you up with a blind date."

"What? No! I will not go out with some person I have never known. No," Gabriella said stubbornly. Sharpay rolled her eyes and pulled her to their office space. "Think about it, Gabs? Think about Soph."

"Shar..."

"Please? Sophia will be so happy to meet him—"

"She's been asking about Eric, Sharpay," Gabriella said painfully. "She wants to meet him. Not some other guy. She wants to meet that monster and I don't know how to say no without saying he doesn't love us." Sharpay opened her arms wide and Gabriella stepped in, wrapping her arms around her waist. The two stood there in silence for a moment before Sharpay talked. "I know it's hard, Gabs." She rubbed her back soothingly. "I wouldn't know because Zeke's still with Cara and Elizabeth and I. I know you went through all that pain with him. Maybe you should just tell her."

"No," Gabriella said firmly, moving out of the hug. "That'll hurt her more. What will I say? Your dad hurt me and he killed your brother and he never loved you or I? How could I even say that, Sharpay?"

"I'm not saying you have to say that, Gabs. And I'm not saying you have to tell her now, but tell her when she's a bit older."

"Can we just start working?" Gabriella asked, wiping at her eyes. Sharpay nodded and the two sta down, starting on their designs.

"Gabs."

Gabriella looked up and smiled. It was almost two and she would have to pick Sophia up soon. "Hey, Sam."

Samara Davidson was a nice petite girl with almond colored eyes and dark copper hair. She had a perky narrow face and always smiled. "Hey! How was dropping Sophia off? I would have asked you earlier, but I was working on this huge project Magnita told me to finish."

"That's okay. Sophia was a bit clingy, but it was good overall. She has Lena and Andrew."

"Well that's good. Hopefully she had a good time."

"Me too. How's Kayla, by the way?" Kayla Davidson was Samara's daughter. She was death and is only three, still catching on to sign language. Samara nodded. "She's good. A bit confused and whiny but it's normal. Justin is trying to adjust to sign language, too. He said that at school, there's a boy in his class who knows sign language."

"That's good. Soph and I are practicing too. It's so confusing!"

"Yeah, but you'll get used to it."

"Where's Taylor?" Sharpay asked, sitting down after a bathroom break.

"She's—"

"Right here." Taylor walked up to them. "Sorry I'm late. I had to pick Brandon and Brendan up from school then drop them off at my mom's."

"But it's only one fifty," Samara said, looking at her watch. Gabriella's eyes went wide and she checked her watch. It said twelve fifty. "Oh, my god," she gasped standing up. "I have to go pick Soph up. She'll be so mad when I come late!"

"How far away is the school?"

"About thirty minutes," Gabriella sighed. "I'll see you all later. Bye!" Gabriella fled out of the building and quickly jumped into her car. She started the engine and drove off quickly, not caring if she had almost ran into a pole.

She arrived at school at two thirty-four. There was horrible traffic and her tank was low on gas. Gabriella got out of the car quickly and walked into the school. She signed in at the front desk and was escorted to Sophia's classroom. It was almost empty. Sophia was sat next to a girl with bright red hair. She was smiling too. Gabriella smiled. They were talking and playing with the dolls.

"Miss Montez."

Gabriella turned and smiled when she saw Mr. Bolton. He walked over to her. "Sophia did really nice today. She's communicating well. At first she was a bit off, but she perked up. She answers questions nicely. I had no trouble whatsoever with her."

"That's so good. I'm glad she wasn't too much to handle."

"Mommy!"

Gabriella turned and grinned as Sophia ran to her. Gabriella picked her up and hugged her briefly. "Hey, Soph. I'm so sorry for being late."

"It's okay. Me and Liana were having so much fun!"

"Really? Well that's great. Ready to leave?"

"Yup."

"Good. How about you say bye to Liana and get your stuff and we'll be on our way."

"Okay!" Gabriella put Sophia down and she ran to Liana, giving her a hug.

"They're going to be best friends," Mr. Bolton observed. "They worked well together."

"I'm glad. I didn't want her to be next to Lena all day."

"She did and didn't. I'm glad to have her in my class."

"Me too, Mr. Bolton."

"Troy Bolton," he said and Gabriella looked at him. "My name is Troy."

"Gabriella isn't too bad either. It's very beautiful, like you, " he said. Gabriella smiled and nodded, feeling her cheeks fill up with warmth. "Thanks. Don't get too many compliments like that."

"Really?" he said with his eyebrows raised. "That's shocking. I mean, you're so beautiful and Gabriella actually means beautiful and God Is My Strength."

"Really?" Troy nodded and Gabriella grinned. "Wow, I never knew that."

"Well, it's the truth. Just like it's true you're beautiful. Hard to believe you're not married or dating. "

Gabriella tilted her head to the side and flicked him a smirk. "You know, Troy, you're quite a flatterer and you're charming. That's nice."

"So are you."

She was flirting with her daughter's teacher.

"Mama, I'm ready," Sophia announced, walking up to her with her bag slung over her shoulders. "Bye, Mr. Bolton! I had fun."

"I'm glad you did," he said with a chuckle. "Hope to see you tomorrow." His eyes flicked to Gabriella's for a second.

"I can't wait!"

"Bye, Mr. Bolton," Gabriella said with a wave. Troy nodded and winked quickly then stared at her adoringly with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes. "Uh, yeah. Come on, Soph." The two walked out of the classroom and down th empty halls. "Mommy, I like school."

"Yeah," she said softly. "Me too."

After Bounce-U the two went home exhausted. Sophia was knocked out in her own bed, all tired out from bouncing like a monkey. So was Gabriella. She plopped down on her bed and closed her eyes. "Looks like you're exhausted."

Gabriella shot up, her heart racing loudly. She nearly jumped out of her skin at the figure walking to her from her bed. It was Chloe, her cousin. Her heart went back to normal. "Shit! What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Hey to you too. Sorry I just let myself in the house when you were gone. It's weird you didn't notice me watching TV."

"Chloe, I'm seriously going to kill you!"

Chloe's face suddenly turned serious. "So, I went back to Albuquerque. Eric's out of prison, Gabi."

"It's reasonable," she said with a sigh. "He was sentenced to four years. He just can't find us here."

"Don't worry, Gabs. You'll be safe."

"He's not taking another baby away from me," she said through gritted teeth. "God, I just want to kill him! That baby did absolutely nothing to him!"

"Gabs..."

"I don't care if I was sixteen. I would rather not go to college and be a waitress or something. Chloe, what did I do to deserve this?"

"Nothing, Gabriella," Chloe said, sitting next to her. "You did nothing."

"Then why did this happen to me?"

"I don't know, Gabs. I'm sorry."

"Mommy?"

Both heads turned towards the door. A sleepy Sophia was at the door holding her yellow blanket and tan elephant tightly to her chest. "Why were you yelling? Why are you crying?"

"Soph." Gabriella opened her arms and Sophia walked into them, hoping up onto the bed. "Mommy's just a bit upset. That's all."

"Why?"

"I just was..."

"What baby were you talking about? And why did you say that mean thing about killing, mommy?"

"Sophia...just go to sleep."

"Mommy?"

Gabriella sighed and bowed her head, silent tears leaking from her eyes. "You used to have a big brother, Soph. Before you were born."

"Who?"

"I named him Julian."

"What happened to him?"

Gabriella shook her head. "He died, Soph."

"How?"

Gabriella looked up at Sophia. "Some man."

"That's not good," Sophia decided, rubbing her mom's hair. "You miss Julian?"

"I miss him so much, Soph."

"How come I didn't get to meet him?"

"No one did, Soph. Not me. He was in my belly at the time..."

"Eric," Gabriella said shakily, walking into his room for the first time in months. Eric looked up. His blue eyes were gray and anger roared through them. "Eric..."

"You bitch," he cursed. "Where were you?" He jumped up and ran over to her, pushing her violently up against the wall. Gabriella screamed and Eric covered her mouth. "You wanna break up? Huh, is that it?" His voice was so hoarse and vulnerable. He sounded crazy. Gabriella shook her head, tears streaming down her face.

"Good, because you know I love you, Gabi, right? You know we'll be together forever." Gabriella nodded slowly and Eric moved away from her. His eyes noticed something. Something round and sticking out of Gabriella. A bump. A baby bump. "What's that?"

"Eric..."

"What the fuck is it?"

"It's your baby."

Eric stared at her for a moment before snarling and shaking his head. "You're funny. Get rid of it and leave this house."

"What? Eric, did you not hear what I just said? I said it's your baby. We're having a baby."

"No, you're having a bastard. I want you to get an abortion today."

"No."

Eric looked at her through dark mahogany hair. "What?"

"No. I won't give this baby up. If you don't want him or her, we're through." Gabriella went to turn, but was jerked back. Eric crashed her into his dresser and slapped her. Gabriella cried and tried to move, but Eric held her tightly. "Get rid of it."

"No."

"Fine, how about I do the abortion myself? I have an awesome way too. Come on, patient," he said in that crazed, insane voice. Gabriella shook and tried desperately to get out of his grip. He was pushing her to the steps. Gabriella cried once they got to the steps. He was pushing her. She gripped tightly at the railings, but her hands were sweaty. "Eric, please!"

"Will you get an abortion?" He gripped her wrist. Gabriella looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Eric, please! We could start a family. We could have a beautiful baby!"

"You're not beautiful, though," he spat and Gabriella whimpered. "And this isn't my baby."

"Yes it is!"

"Do you want to keep it?"

"Yes."

"Wrong answer, bitch!" Eric let go of her wrist and pushed her violently. Gabriella screamed as she tumbled down the long stair case, her bump was the first thing she landed on when she fell.

The pain was unbelievable. Blood was leaking out from in between her legs. Blood was dripping furiously from her head. She was screaming, crying. And while all that was happening, Eric fled out of the house.

"Eric...!"

Gabriella didn't know when the door popped open, but her eyes were partly open to see it was her mom and Eric's mom. "Oh, my God! Gabriella!" Then everything went black.

"Who killed him, mommy?"

"No one you'll ever see, Soph. Now go to sleep."

"Can I sleep in here with you and Julian and aunt Chloe?"

"Huh?"

"Mommy, Julian's right there in your heart. He never left." Gabriella smiled as Sophia traced her heart.

"I know, Soph. I know."

This is just an introduction. Drama starts from the very beginning, too. Tell me what you think of this. Review please.

Thanks!-Brittany