Troy gently kissed Gabriella on the lips. It was a few hours after the big game and they were at Troy's house celebrating. There was a huge party going on, but Tory and Gabriella had snuck off onto the back patio. They broke away and Gabriella smiled. Sharpay watched this from the window, causing her to frown. She stalked way angrily.

------------------Ten years later-------------------

Sharpay walked down the road, trying to get through the New York City crowd. Her brown eyes seemed distant against the thick layer of dark makeup all of her eyes face. She bumped into someone and she scowled. When she looked up she gasped. "Troy?"

Indeed, she had bumped into her secret high school love, Troy's eyes widened. "Sharpay? Wow. I haven't seen you since high school. How have you been?"

Sharpay tried to act normal as she replied, "I've been fine…I've been trying to continue my acting career. How about you?"

Troy shrugged casually. "I got a scholarship for collage and played basketball all through college…Right now I have a singing job."

"So…what happened with you and Gabriella if you don't mind me asking?" Sharpay asked slowly, hoping that they hadn't carried their relationship to marriage.

Troy shrugged and responded, "Well, we dated for a while, but we grew apart when we went to collage. I haven't seen her for several years."

Sharpay couldn't help but smile. "It's great to see you again, Troy."

Troy smiled. "Same here. I know I didn't think highly of you in high school…but you've…you've changed."

Sharpay shrugged. "Events change the person you are," she replied.

Troy smiled. "So, want to have lunch with me?" There was hope in his eyes as if he feared rejection.

Sharpay sighed and shook her head. "I'm sorry, I can't. I have to go home and feed Rose."

Troy looked at her, puzzled. "Your pet?" he asked.

Sharpay shook her head. "No, my daughter." Troy looked at her hands to see ring less fingers. Sharpay shook her head again. "No, I'm not married and I never was…"

Troy looked at her with wide eyes and she glared at him. "I couldn't go through abortion a second time! It hurt way too much physically and emotionally."

Troy tried to act normal. "Well…want to go to the club with me tonight? I sing at seven, but then I'm all yours."

Sharpay smiled. "I'd love to."

That night, Sharpay walked into the club looking more presentable than she had in a long time. She wore a pink mini dress with a low cut neckline and black leggings underneath. Her makeup was still thick, but lighter colors than normal. Thick curls fell onto her shoulders gracefully and she had on silver ballet flats. She walked to a back table and sat down. She looked up at the stage to see Troy singing with a young girl who Sharpay guessed was in her twenties. When the song ended, Troy looked out into the crowd. He smiled when he saw Sharpay in the back and he jumped off stage. He walked toward her and she stood up, smiling brightly.

"You look…great." Troy said in awe and gave her an encouraged smile.

Sharpay blushed. "Thanks," she murmured in reply.

Troy motioned to the table and pulled out a chair for Sharpay. She smiled in thanks and sat down. He sat down across from her and looked at her seriously. "You want to tell me what happened? You're not the same rich, snobby, and overly confident girl you were in high school. Want to tell me what happened?"

Sharpay glared. "Nothing happened."

Troy looked into Sharpay's eyes. "Please tell me."

Sharpay sighed and began, "Troy…I always had a crush on you in high school. It was more than you'd think, too. It wasn't just for your looks. When you and Gabriella started going out, my heart broke. I didn't just get over it either. I focused on theatre even more than ever. I became a monster. I started dating any guy I could and I'd always sleep with him on the first date, too. It was fine until my second year of collage. I got pregnant. The father said he'd be fine if I kept the child or not. I wasn't ready for a child, so I had an abortion. That was the most painful thing I've ever done. It hurt very much physically but it hurt so much inside too. When I think back and realize that I killed a human being, I'm torn apart. My boyfriend left me two days later. Then with Rose…the father wanted me to have an abortion, but I told him no. He left and I never saw him again. Rose is five now…and because I have no idea where her father is, I don't have any child support."

Troy gave Sharpay a sympathetic look. "I…I'm sorry. If you don't mind me asking, how is your income with your theatre job? You must have gotten far if you focused so much on it."

Sharpay shook her head. "That's just it…my heart wasn't in it. I was only doing it to get rid of the pain. I have a very small income and I'm barley getting by. I don't know how much longer I can support Rose."

"I'll help if you'd like. I make a lot of money. Here at the club is just for fun. I've actually got a record deal. I can't stand to see you like this, so please accept my help," Troy said.

Sharpay shook her head. "I couldn't."

"Please." Troy looked into her eyes and she nodded.

Tory smiled. "What about Ryan and your parents? Don't they give you money?"

Sharpay wiped away a tear. "They hated who I became and kicked me out…They didn't want to have anything to do with Rose. They give me some money so I can get by, but they don't want to help support Rose. And Ryan…we had a big fight a while back and I haven't seen him since."

Troy grabbed her hand in his and gave her a hopeful smile. "Don't worry; we're going to fix your life. Want to dance?" Sharpay smiled and nodded eagerly.

-----------------------------

Sharpay had just put on her thick layer of makeup and gotten changed into a pink tube top that showed a couple inches of her stomach and a jean mini skirt when the door bell of her tiny apartment rang. Rose ran to get the door, her blue eyes flashing with excitement and her brown girls bounced up and down on her shoulders. "Rose!" Sharpay complained as she chased after her daughter. Rose had already opened the door by the time Sharpay had wrapped her arms around her from behind. She looked at the Troy standing in the door way and gave a startled look. "Troy, what are you doing here?" she asked.

Troy smiled. "Good morning to you, too."

Sharpay lifted Rose onto her hip and smiled. "I have to go to work soon, but come in." She walked back inside and put Rose down. She scurried off down the hall.

Tory walked in, closing the door behind him. He surveyed the tiny apartment. The main room had an old beat up couch, a small table with magazines on it, toys were scattered everywhere, and ripped up curtains covered a small window. The3 kitchen was connect to the main room and was very small as well. A small table with four chairs was in a corner and dishes were piled high in the sink. A short hallway led to Sharpay's bedroom, Rose's bedroom, and the bathroom.

"I know it's not much, but it's all we can afford," Sharpay apologized.

Troy smiled sweetly. "It's fine. So, need a babysitter?"

Sharpay blinked at him. "Well…I usually leave Rose home alone…I know it's not safe, but I can't afford a babysitter."

Troy shook his head. "I have today off. I can take her for a day of fun. I can hire a regular babysitter as well for the future."

Sharpay kissed Troy's cheek. "Thanks," she whispered.

Troy smiled. "You'd better get to work."

Sharpay nodded and ran down the hall. She came back with Rose. She brought her over to Troy. "Rose, this is Tory. He's going to take care of you today." She smiled at Troy. "I get off work at seven."

Troy smiled and took Rose's hand. "Don't worry, I'm good with kids. I'll meet you here at seven tonight. And we can have lunch together as well if you want."

Sharpay smiled. "I'd like that. Where?"

"Charlie's at noon?" Troy asked.

Sharpay nodded. "Sounds great. Bye."

"See ya." Troy said and walked out of the apartment.

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