Following Her Shadow

Disclaimer - I own nothing but the plot. (:

A/N - So, here's the second chapter. I only got 3 reviews for the first one and that sucked. I was hoping people from my MTMTE story would come and check this story out. I'm really trying hard on this one, guys. Please give it a try. It's just like A Curious Soul Wanders the Earth. I'm not conceited, but I think these are good stories. Please read them. Thank you.

Chapter Two - Commotion

Jazmyn ran down the street, rivulets of tears falling non-stop out of her eyes. She reached up and with a fist, chafed them feverishly away. They didn't know, she thought, a pang of pain twitching deep within her chest.

She dropped to the ground and heaved in a deep breath or air. She felt as if a rock was pushing against her chest, locking her lungs and making it difficult to breathe. She scooted towards the brick wall a foot away and pulled her legs up, wrapping her arms around them tightly. She had never felt so inadequate in her life. She had never felt this depressed, this unaided. She couldn't tell anyone. Would anyone bother to listen, anyway? Would anyone both to listen to her? Jazmyn Montez? She pressed the heels of her fist to her eyes as she sobbed. She sobbed for her, for her mom and for everyone who went through what she had went through.

Gabriella couldn't go to sleep. It was already one in the morning and she had school tomorrow, well, later today, but she couldn't get to sleep. Her eyes were blotchy and red and her skin was drenched with sweat. Jazmyn still hadn't come home. But that wasn't why she wasn't going to sleep. No, it was because Jazmyn had texted her about an hour ago that she was safe and that she wasn't going to be coming home in a while. That was what made Gabriella wide awake and that was what made Gabriella cry for about a half an hour.

Jazmyn had never been a bad kid, never. She was a perfect angel. And this wasn't like her angel of a sister to run away and not come home after. She knew this was hitting her dad just as bad. He was left to raise two girls on his own and he had always tried his best. Imagine how he must be feeling knowing he had failed his youngest in some way.

Sniffling, Gabriella laid down and closed her eyes. At least she was safe.

Gabriella awoke the next morning early. She quickly dashed out of bed, jumped into the shower and into some clothes before running downstairs. Her dad was on the couch lying awkwardly and snoring loudly. Gabriella jolted down a quick note for her father to read before grabbing her backpack and leaving the house.

She walked down the street, looking here and there for her little sister. Every time she thought she was close, but found nothing, she had felt another part of her crumble. "Jazmyn!" she yelled, cupping her hands around her mouth. "Jazmyn!"

"Gabriella?" Gabriella whirled around and her eyebrows shot upwards. Troy stood there, leaning over on his knees and out of breath. "Oh, hey Troy. What are you doing?"

"Taking a jog," he answered and straightened up. "What are you doing?" Gabriella looked away, fighting with herself whether to tell him or not. It was private, but she actually considered Troy a friend. Sighing, Gabriella turned to look back at him. "I'm looking for my sister," she finally answered lowly. "She…we're having problems right now."

"Want me to help?" Troy asked softly.

"I don't want to be a burden on your jog," Gabriella answered with a crooked grin. "But thanks for being concerned." Gabriella went to turn away. Panicking, Troy jumped in front of her. "It really wouldn't matter," he said. "I jog seven days a week, I'm sure one could be cut short." Gabriella tilted her head and narrowed his eyes at him. He seemed genuine. Shrugging she smiled softly. "Okay, fine." They started walking down the street. Troy continued to sneak glances at Gabriella unsure looks crossing his face. Gabriella sighed and twisted a hair band around her wrist. "You can ask if you'd like," she said quietly. Then she added quickly, "About me sister."

"She ran away?" Troy questioned. Gabriella nodded mutely and Troy continued. "Why did she run away?"

"See, that's the thing," Gabriella said, frustrated. "I don't know. She's always been a good kid, Troy. And she's only fourteen! I…I couldn't sleep at night knowing she was out there somewhere. I don't know if someone's hurting her. I mean, she sent me a text saying she was alright last night, but what if she's not? What if it's a cover-up?"

"I'm sure she'll be fine," Troy said quietly. "Everyone goes through tough times around that age." He paused. "You know, I was anorexic when I was thirteen." Gabriella gaped at him, completely flabbergasted. Troy nodded, used to the shocking expression on someone's face. "Jr. High was tough. I wasn't the big, hunky basketball star. I was just plain, fat, geeky Troy Bolton with braces on his teeth and pimples covering his face. People would push me around for being so fat so I stopped eating. Well, I ate maybe a few fruits a day and some vegetables thrown in there, but I banded off any offending foods. My parents noticed my dramatic weight loss and I told them I stopped eating. They got me help, I got better. I ate after that, but I ate healthier and I exercised. That was all I needed to become the big, strong, basketball star Troy Bolton." Troy flexed his muscles to end his point and looked down at Gabriella.

"Wow…that's…wow," she breathed. "I've never met anyone who, you know…" She trailed, off not sure what to say. Troy simply just nodded and they walked wordlessly for a while. Gabriella was the first to break the silence. "I should probably get to school now," she said. "I'll see you later?" Troy nodded vigorously. He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it abruptly the next second, cowering. Boldly, Gabriella stepped up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Her cheeks flaming, Gabriella leaned back. "Would you go to the movies with me on Saturday?" Troy blurted.

Gabriella grinned. "Okay. Pick me up at seven. And don't be late." Gabriella twirled around and started back to her house. She couldn't stop grinning. It felt like she was in middle school again, experiencing her first crush. Except, she knew that this wouldn't be some short two week fling.

Gabriella walked into her house a few short moment s later. Her father was leaned over the couch, a pained expression on his face. "Dad?" Gabriella said. "Is everything okay?"

Greg shot up, his eyes wide. "Gabriella! Where were you?"

"I left a note, papi," Gabriella said timidly. "I went to go look for Jazmyn."

Greg sighed. "I don't want you to stay out late, Gabriella. And I'd prefer no more sleepovers as well. I've pushed down your curfew to seven thirty. No later than that."

Gabriella eyes bulged. She had a date with Troy at seven. A move date at that. "You can't punish me because Jazmyn went and ran off," Gabriella argued. "That's not fair. I won't run away, dad."

"Gabriella, I've made up my decision."

"That's…that's so unfair! I'm almost eighteen and I have a life and friends that can't just change everything up for me to be home by seven thirty. Aaliyah's little brother who is like thirteen's curfew is at eleven."

"I've made up my decision, Gabriella," Greg said again. "And it is final." Gabriella gaped at her father as he turned and started gathering up his work papers. She just noticed that he was dressed and groomed in a murky brown suit. "You're leaving for work early?" she asked. Greg nodded. "There's been a few…budget cuts," he said. "Actually, a lot. They're starting to fire people. Now, I don't want you to worry or anything, I'm sure it won't be an issue. But anyway, I'm going to start working more hours to get more pay. I'll be at home by seven thirty, and, Gabriella, you better be home by then. I'm not playing."

"I will, papi," she promised softly. Greg nodded before saying a gruff goodbye and exiting the house. Gabriella knew he was still disheveled and shocked about the whole Jazmyn thing, but she wasn't much better. It wasn't fair that he basically cut off her social life because Jazmyn ran away. But Gabriella was still going to go on that date with Troy. She'll call and ask if he can push it to eight so she'll have enough time to sneak out. She'd most likely have a better chance at climbing out her window. Sighing, Gabriella walked slowly up stairs to get ready properly.

"Gabs, you have to sign up," Yazmyn whined. "I cannot do this thing alone. We've been playing soccer with each other since you first came here."

"I'm not feeling it this year, Yaz," Gabriella apologized. "I'm really sorry. Maybe Aaliyah will try out. Hey, where is she anyway?" Gabriella casted a look around the teeming hallway. There were a bunch of kids, but she didn't spot Aaliyah. And she was worried. Was she still knocked out on her bed? Or was she just skipping school because she probably had a splitting headache. Either way, Gabriella hoped dearly that she was okay. Aaliyah was there before Yazmyn. Aaliyah and she became friends before her and Yazmyn and even though Gabriella loved Yazmyn, Aaliyah was her best friend and practically her sister. And sisters looked out for and protected each other.

Gabriella felt a pang of guilt when she thought that. Sisters looked out for and protected each other. She had been a crappy sister to her real sister. What of something had happened to her? Gabriella never even got to give her one last hug before she ran away…

"Gabriella? You okay?" Yazmyn waved a hand in front of her face. When she didn't move, she snapped her fingers and stomped on her foot. Gabriella let out a yelp and jerked back, glaring at Yazmyn. "What the heck was that for?"

"You were spacing out on me, chica. Anything on your mind? What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Gabriella told her quietly, but Yazmyn didn't buy it. She put her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes. "You think I'm ciego?" Yazmyn shook her head. "No, seriously chica, what's wrong?"

Gabriella peered cautiously around her. When she was sure no one was paying attention, she leaned closer to Yazmyn. "Jazmyn ran away last night," she sulked softly. "It was…she and my dad were yelling and she ran out of the house. I don't know what to do, Yaz. My dad's a wreck and my sister is out there somewhere. Somewhere where someone can hurt her."

Yazmyn's eyes grew wide. "Oye, that is grave. You guys will find her. I'll help." Gabriella smiled. Yazmyn was usually all fun and games, but when it came to friendship, she was serious. "Thank you, Yaz, really," Gabriella said, smiling. Yazmyn shrugged. "What are friends for? Oye, but anyway, are you trying out for soccer?"

Gabriella rolled her eyes. "Fine, I will. But you must try out for dance. And no Hokey Pokey this time either, Yaz. You are putting your all into it." Yazmyn grinned and nodded. When the bell rung, the two fled off to class.

Did u c Roger B lookin at u?

Gabriella looked up when a folded piece of paper landed on her desk. She turned around to see Ginny Stevens pointing to Yazmyn who was grinning and fakely jolting down notes. Rolling her eyes, Gabriella turned back around and unfolded the note. She got out her pen after she was done reading it and quickly wrote down her response before passing it back to her.

Roger Beltran or Roger Belghan?

Beltran.

No. How was he looking at me?

Idk. Looked like he wanted 2 tell u something. Keep me updated if he talks to u.

I don't know if I'll even agree if he asks me out, Yaz. I met someone at the party. His name is Troy.

YOU DID? Why the hell was I not informed? I want deats!

After class.

Fine, I rather not get in trouble anyway. I got in trouble last class with Ms. Connect-the-Dots. Told me I have to be in the school play and it is mandatory. This year it's going to b a Christmas Carol! Are there any girl roles in that play? Bah Humbug!

Gabriella giggled as she read her friends response. She was pretty sure that The Christmas Carol had no girl roles, but Yazmyn was sure to find one. Even if she was a girl basket. If that made any sense. Gabriella wrote down a response and started to hand the note back to Yazmyn, but another hand stopped her. "Miss Montez, would you like to share your note to the class?" Miss Ginger, the biology teacher, said. Gabriella's eyes went wide. She quickly snatched the paper away and crumbled it up into a ball in her hand. "It's just a bunch of stupid stuff," she muttered. "Nothing important."

"I'm sure it had to be important if you're passing it in my class," Miss Ginger scolded. "So, why don't you and your friend go to the front of the class and share what you wrote."

"But Miss Ginger, that stuff is private," Yazmyn said. Gabriella could see her grinding her teeth and clenching her jaw. See, she was always protecting her friends. "Well, I guess that's the consequence for writing it," Miss Ginger said firmly. She motioned for the girls to step up and they did. Yazmyn took the paper from Gabriella and grinned. "Well, we wrote something wonderful. It was about a snappy, old hag of a teacher who nags a lot. Her name was Miss Ginger." Gabriella gaped at Yazmyn while the class laughed. Miss Ginger's face redden with anger. Yazmyn grinned. "And because she has such nice students, they helped her clean. For example, they cleaned her desk." With a swipe of her arms, Yazmyn got everything off of Miss Ginger's desk. Students laughed and gasped and Miss Ginger's eyes went wide. Okay, so maybe she was a bit too overprotecting.

"I cannot believe you got me sent to the principal's office!" Gabriella screeched. "My dad is going to kill me when he finds out."

"I think it was unfair, really," Yazmyn said. "She told us to present what we wrote!"

"Well, that wasn't what we wrote," Gabriella said. "And then she read the real notes and embarrassed me! Do you know how humiliating that was?"

"Well, look on the bright side. At least no more boys will be hounding you now that they know you like somebody else."

"You think that'll seriously help?" Gabriella questioned, rolling her eyes. Yazmyn just gave her a weary nod before they entered Principal Matsui's office. Principal Matsui motioned for them to sit. "Sit, girls." They obediently did and Matsui sighed. "I'm not particularly surprised that Miss Ramírez was sent here, but Miss Montez, I'm quite surprised. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you haven't been sent to the principal since you were in fifth grade in your old school in California. And that was only because you needed to bring in a late slip." His eyebrows rose in question and Yazmyn's eyebrows rose in disbelief. "Is there a reason for your visit, ladies?"

"Miss Ginger was being a bitch, like usual," Yazmyn said, leaning back.

"Language Miss Ramírez or you'll have two detentions," Matsui scolded.

Gabriella's eyes went wide. "I have detention? I have a…a…" Gabriella trailed off. Matsui and Yazmyn looked at her expectedly. Was she supposed to say she had a date or lie about it? "It wasn't even my fault," she said desperately. She was not going to miss this date with Troy. Matsui sighed and folded his hands. "I'm sorry, Miss Montez. You may not have necessarily slid everything off of Miss Ginger's desk, but you were passing notes."

"So I get a detention for passing notes?" she asked incredulously. "That's bull."

"Shit," Yazmyn said between a cough. Matsui glared at her then turned steady eyes on Gabriella. "Miss Montez, I do not take that tone in my office or my school. I'm sorry, but you have a detention. End of discussion. You may go now, girls." Sighing, Gabriella got up and walked out of the office, Yazmyn in tow.

"It could have been worse," she said.

"Really? Now I have to miss my date with the most incredible guy ever."

Yazmyn's eyes went wide. "Date? Date with who? Again, why the hell was I not informed?"

Gabriella sighed. "Troy, the guy I met at the party. We're going to the movies tonight. And if I have detention, I don't think I'd be able to go to both at once."

Yazmyn shrugged. "Skip detention. That's what I do when I've got somewhere to go. Gabs, these teachers are so old, they won't notice a lion moving in the classroom, much less you. Miss Ginger is like, what, one hundred and six years old or something?"

Gabriella cracked a smile. "She's thirty-five, Yazmyn. But you are right. She's actually the youngest teacher in this school."

"You think that isn't old?" Yazmyn said, and then scoffed.

"No! Thirty-five isn't old," Gabriella argued. "You can really only be classified old when you're in your forties."

"I say late twenties," Yazmyn said and Gabriella rolled her eyes. When they came to the classroom, they walked stiffly inside. Miss Ginger glared at them as she continued to place her things back on her desk. "Girls, I've changed your seats. Yazmyn, up front. Gabriella, you're in the front too, but on the far end. I'd like to see you guys pass notes now." Groggily, Gabriella and Yazmyn took their seats that were four desks away. Not even fives minuets into class, Gabriella received a note. She opened it and rolled her eyes.

Oh, she got us GOOD xD Not really…Jeez, and she talks SO much. Will she ever stop? Although, maybe one day she'll says something actually intelligent.

Gabriella clasped her hand against her mouth to cage her giggles. Yazmyn was a trouble-maker; always fun and games, jokes and pranks, but she knew how to make you smile or laugh. Just in case Miss Ginger looked at her, Gabriella crumbled the paper up and stuffed it in her pocket. She tried to listen to Miss Ginger's boring robotic voice, but instead she caught herself drawing aimless circles on her notebook with Troy + Gabriella in them. Looking horrified, Gabriella erased them quickly. Jeez, was she bewitched or what?

"Hey, Gabriella, how's it going?" Roger Beltran said, coming up beside her and Yazmyn. Yazmyn rolled her eyes and Gabriella did, too, well, mentally. "Hi, Roger."

"So, I mean, I know about what Miss Ginger read to the class…" he said, trailing off. "But, you know, maybe you should give me a chance."

Gabriella mustered up her best apologetic smile, although she wasn't apologetic. "I'm sorry, Roger. But I actually have a date with him tonight."

Sweat beads started to form on her forehead. "You sure? I mean, with detention and all, what if you wind up missing it?"

Gabriella closed her locker. "I'm sorry, Roger." Then she and Yazmyn walked off. Yazmyn rolled her eyes. "'I'm sorry, Roger'? You shouldn't be sorry, Miss-I-Like-To-Be-Nice-All-The-Time! It's okay to say, 'No!' once in a while. He heard the note; he should have listened to it. You are interested into this mysterious guy. By the way, what does he look like? Is he hot, cute, geeky cute, or a total trash rag bag?"

Gabriella rolled her eyes. "Unlike you, I don't judge on looks," Gabriella said. "I see what's on the inside. But, if I were to judge, I'd say he was pretty hot."

"You got his cell, right?" Gabriella nodded. "I want to see him tomorrow."

"Or, how about you see him tonight? Because of everything that's happened to Jazmyn, my dad is putting me to house arrest at seven-thirty."

"Seven-thirty?" Yazmyn asked incredulously. "Damn! Seriously, that's total schmit. If my padres were to have my curfew then, I'd seriously flip a shit. Doesn't he know you have a life?"

Gabriella sighed and scratched the side of her head. "Apparently not. But, anyway, as I was saying. I was just wondering maybe you and Aaliyah and cover for me while I go on my date. Just slip into my bed and under the covers with my lights off so when my dad enters, he'll actually see something."

"Gabs, I don't know," Yazmyn said. "Your dad may be loco, but he's not estúpido. I'll think he'll know the difference."

"Yes, but he won't see you," Gabriella said. "Pretend you're sleeping or something. Yazzy, please. Just for tonight. I think Troy's a great guy and that we'll have a chance, but if I'm stuck in my room thirty minutes after our date, that'll never happen. Please."

Yazmyn sighed and before nodding. "Okay, fine. Tienes suerte deTe amo, chica. You're lucky I love you, chica."

Gabriella nodded and smiled. "That, my amigolocoses muy cierto. YTe amo, también."

"Jeez, there's like a million people here who is English," a voice said. "Stop speaking Spanish! Or Spanglish, or, whatever." Gabriella and Yazmyn turned around and grinned when they saw Aaliyah. They both brought her in for a big hug. "Oye, chica, where have you been?" Yazmyn asked, her and Gabriella pulling away.

"Getting over a really big hangover," Aaliyah groaned. "My head still hurts, but I have to go to school. I am not breaking my perfect attendance since kindergarten over some wasted party."

"Well, you've arrived at the right time," Yazmyn said. "Gabriella wants you and me to cover for her while she goes out on a date."

"With who?"

"This mystery boy she met at the party," Yazmyn said. Gabriella nodded. "He drove you home, Liyah. Without him, you'd be passed out in the street somewhere."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot to ask," Yazmyn said. "What happened to my truck?"

"It broke down. Your parents have money, so get a new car! But anyway, back on the subject. Will you do it, Liyah? My dad is so strict because…" Gabriella lowered her voice. "Jazmyn ran away and now he's punishing me for it. My curfew is at seven-thirty. You've got to help me."

Aaliyah put up her hands and nodded. "Okay. What are friends for, anyway? I'll just throw on a black wig and see how it goes from there."

Gabriella grinned and pulled the two in for a hug. "Thank you guys so much! I'll tell you everything."

"He better be cute," Yazmyn said. "If he's a total loner with a boner, I'm out."

Gabriella smiled. "Don't worry. He definitely won't disappoint. But, before the date, I have to go to detention." Gabriella glared at Yazmyn who shrugged and smiled meekly.

"Gabriella, I'm home!" Greg closed the door behind him and draped his coat on the coat rack. He walked further into the house and let out a satisfied smile when he saw Gabriella on the couch, books sprawled out around her and her leaning over a book studying, he presumed. "Gabriella."

Gabriella looked up and smiled. "Hi, daddy. I almost didn't make it home. Yazmyn had to give me a lift."

"But you left school at three." His eyebrows quirked questioningly.

"Seven, actually. I…had detention."

"Detention?" he said incredulously. "For what?"

"It was stupid. Passing notes and Yazmyn threw all of the things off Miss Ginger's desk. She's got two detentions."

"She's a bad influence on you, Gabriella," he said gruffly. Gabriella shook her head. "She's just a party hardy kind of girl. Hey, I'm a bit tired, mind if I go in late?"

"It's only seven-thirty though," Greg said. "Are you feeling okay?"

Gabriella nodded. "Perfectly fine. I ate already, so you don't need to worry about supper. I'll see you in the morning." Gabriella quickly cleaned up her books and threw them in her bag. She then ran up the steps, taking two at a time and closed herself in her room. Yazmyn was on her bed, helping Aaliyah into a dark wig. "You actually look more like Nina Dobrev, Liyah," Yazmyn said, running her fingers through the stringy curls. Aaliyah batted her hands away. "Good. She's pretty."

"I'm sure my dad won't notice," Gabriella said. She pulled out the cute outfit she picked out earlier from her closet. It was an off-the-shoulder Mickey Mouse graphic tee and dark skinny jeans. Gabriella smiled, satisfied. They were just going to the movies. Nothing too big, nothing too small. "Hurry, get changed," Yazmyn said. "It's nearly time for your date."

Gabriella nodded and ran into her bathroom. She threw on her clothes and dabbed a few layers of make-up on. She sprayed herself with Japanese Cherry Blossom perfume and finally stepped out of the bathroom. Aaliyah and Yazmyn admired her look. "Liyah brought you some flat boots," Yazmyn said. Aaliyah went to get her shoes and handed them to Gabriella. "Be careful with them. They cost me nearly two hundred dollars. Leather is not cheap." Gabriella grinned and pulled on the long, leathery boots. To finish the look, she slipped on some bangles, rings and grabbed her favorite clutch. "Think he'll like it?"

"He'll love it," Aaliyah said, grinning madly. "Where did you tell him to meet you?" And just as she said that, there was a knock on Gabriella's French balcony doors. Yazmyn and Aaliyah looked at Gabriella, their eyes wide. "That is so romantic!" Yazmyn gushed after a few seconds. "It's like Romeo and Juliet! But, Leo is so much hotter." Gabriella drawled the curtains and Yazmyn's eyes winded. "Or maybe Troy is so much hotter."

Troy was dressed casually in dark skinny jeans that hung low on his waist. The girls could see about five inches of his green and white boxers. He wore a simple plaid shirt that with five, maybe six buttons unbuttoned, giving them a glorious view of his well taken care of, defined chest. Gabriella grinned and pulled open the doors. "Hi, Troy."

"Are you cereal?" Yazmyn almost screeched. "You met him at the party and didn't introduce me? Gabriella Montez, we are no longer best friends! You cannot be cereal!"

"You're right," Gabriella said. "I am not cereal, and I'm glad of it."

Yazmyn rolled her eyes. "Cereal, serious, same difference. And you know what I mean!"

"Shh, my dad will hear you!" Gabriella looked at her door and they all stood there for a minute or two. When it was clear, Gabriella turned to Troy. "Troy these are my friends Aaliyah Brown and Yazmyn Ramírez."

Troy stuck a hand out, smiling. "Nice to meet you. I'm Troy."

"Please, Gabriella cannot stop talking about you," Aaliyah said, taking his hand. "Or this date. You know, this has to be some serious schmit that's going on between you two because the Gabriella Montez I know does not go against her dad's orders." Aaliyah looked teasingly at Gabriella who only smiled innocently.

Troy looked at Gabriella. "Really, Gabriella, I don't want you to get in trouble. We can schedule for the weekend or something…"

"No, no, my dad is just being tedious and strict. It's fine," Gabriella said. "Ready to go? My dad will most likely be checking up on me soon."

"I'm ready if you are," Troy said. Gabriella smiled at him before turning to Yazmyn and Aaliyah. "Guys, you do not know how much I love you right now. I'll be home at like nine or something. Maybe ten. Bye!"

"Bye Gabs!"

Gabriella peeked her head out her room door. Her eyes went wide when she saw her dad, whistling and coming out of the bathroom. She pulled the door closed loudly and turned to the three people in her room. "Okay, we'll take the window. Hurry!" There was a knock at the door and Gabriella and Troy scurried off onto her balcony. "I'm getting dressed, dad!" Gabriella called out. "Then I'm going to sleep, so don't wait up!" Troy climbed down the tree and Gabriella swung her leg over the balcony railing. She sucked in a deep breath as she let herself slowly climb down the tree. When she was almost there, Troy told her to jump. She did, and jumped a second time when his cold hands met with her bare skin under her bunched up shirt. She grabbed his shoulders as he set her down carefully. "You okay?" he whispered.

"Yeah. Come on, let's go." She pulled him stealthily across the lawn and they tumbled into his truck. Once they were there, Gabriella broke out into giggles which turned into breathy laughter moments later. Troy joined in, holding his side. "I've never done that before because of a girl," he said. "You know, risk getting caught with an oblivious father. What if he caught us? You, Gabriella Montez, are a very special girl."

Gabriella smiled and blushed. "He's so engaged in his work, I'd doubt he'd notice. But anyway, no talking about my dad. Let's just enjoy our date while we can."

Troy nodded and started the car. He pulled quickly away from the curb."I've just thought of a brilliant idea. Let's play twenty questions. You first."

"Okay. Hmm…let's see…what's your favorite color?"

"Blue."

Gabriella grinned. "Should've guessed."

"What's yours?"

"Purple. It's like the most liked color next to pink."

"Pink is horrible," Troy said, rolling his eyes. Gabriella nodded. "It so is. I hate how girls wear pink all the time." She paused. "How many girlfriends have you had?"

"The truth?" Gabriella nodded. "Well, in my old school when I was about fifteen and before, you know, my problem, I was Mr. Golden Boy, Mr. Popular. Girls hung on me all the time, they wanted to sit with the team and me at lunch and they wanted to date me. Of course I took most of their offers since I had a lot of insecurities when I was younger. I guess you could've called me a player, or whatever. But I didn't hump and dump. I stayed with a girl for more than a month, but I never had anyone for over three months. I moved and vowed to change."

"Did you change?" Gabriella asked.

"I will," Troy said, looking at her. "Let's just say I had a lot of girlfriends. What about you?"

"I guess I could call myself popular," Gabriella murmured. "Boys ask me out a lot, and I mostly declined. But, ever since Wayne DeShaw cheated on me a few months ago, I stopped dating. My first ever boyfriend was when I was eleven. It was a two day thing." Gabriella giggled. "That sounds absolutely ridiculous."

"My first girlfriend was when I was five. Well, actually, I was married," Troy said, grinning. "It was a girl who lived next to me. We played a lot and she kissed me. I asked her if she wanted to marry me and she said yes. But when her mom found her in her wedding dress, let's just say I never saw her again." Gabriella giggled and Troy liked it. He loved her giggle. It was so sweet and bubbly. She was so sweet and bubbly.

They continued to play twenty questions as the drive went by and soon they arrived at the theater. They decided on seeing Don't Be Afraid of the Dark. Gabriella tried to pay for the tickets and food and drinks, but Troy declined. "Troy, I'm not broke, I can pay for a stupid popcorn thing," Gabriella argued. Troy rolled his eyes and slid the cashier a ten dollar bill. "First date," he said to the cashier. "But as time goes on, she'll know I don't let girls pay." The cashier chuckled and handed him two large popcorns. Gabriella huffed and crossed her arms. "Enjoy your movie, guys."

"Thank you," Troy said. He grabbed Gabriella's hand. "Oh, don't be such a Debby Downer," Troy said, nudging her. She just continued to frown and cross her arms. "I've never seen anyone so upset because they couldn't pay." Gabriella sighed. She took her popcorn and soda. "Fine, thank you." They entered the theater. She tugged on his arm. "Let's go to the back."

"Make-out session?" Troy teased.

Gabriella played a long. "Well, duh. Hurry." They slid into seats all the way in the back of the theater. Gabriella placed her food down on the ground and leaned over to Troy, biting her lip. "Still up for that make-out session?" she whispered, her mouth inching closer to his. Troy chuckled, his warm breath tickling her lips. "Only if you are," he whispered back. Gabriela froze, pretending to think. "Nah," she said, grinning. "Maybe next time." She sat back in her seat and her and Troy laughed silently.

The previews began to roll and finally, ten minutes later, the movie came on. Halfway through the movie, Gabriella clutched onto Troy as she anticipated what was going to happen next. It was definitely scary and suspenseful and made her jump. Troy yawned and stretched his arms up. One of his arms landed around her shoulder and Gabriella giggled, burying her face in the crook of his neck. "So, so, cheesy," she whispered.

"You love it," Troy whispered back. Gabriella nodded and lifted her head up, peering at the screen. Gabriella bit back a scream and jumped, along with Troy and a few other people, as something popped out. "Shit," Troy muttered, wiping his forehead.

"Can we switch to the Lion King?" Gabriella whined. "I feel like I'll pee in my pants."

Troy laughed softly. "But I like it when you curl up next to me because you're scared." Gabriella swatted at his chest playfully. She stuck her tongue up at him. "Shut it. But, please? I don't want nightmares."

Troy nodded. "Okay, fine. Let's go." He stood and Gabriella stood with him. They walked out of the theater, hand in hand, and to the Lion King. It was full with family and kids and Troy chuckled. He led Gabriella to the back and they settled into the seats. "We missed some of it," Gabriella sulked. Troy shrugged and draped an arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry; I have this movie at my house. We can watch it sometime." Gabriella shivered at the thought of going to Troy's house. She did want to go, but she didn't want to be awkward, either. Would it be awkward? Or would they joke and have fun? Gabriella decided to push it aside as she sunk into the warmth of his arm and watched the movie.

"I can't believe you did that!" Gabriella laughed, holding her side as her and Troy exited the theater. When they were leaving the theater, Troy had missed the trash can going out of the theater and accidentally poured their remaining popcorn on a little girl's head. He didn't know what he did so he kept on going until the mom hit him with her purse. They had to run out of the theater to get away, all the while yelling sorry. "It was an accident," Troy said. "That's a lesson learned that it isn't safe to be short and wear red to a theater. You look like a trash can and someone will most likely pour their food or drink on you."

"Weird advice, but I'll take it." Gabriella smiled. They hoped in his truck and Troy drove off. "That movie was shit scary," he breathed. "Do not repeat this, but I think that I liked the Lion King a lot better." He pulled up at a red light.

"Good, because I don't like guys that drag me into watching scary movies with them," Gabriella said. "So, you're starting on Monday right?"

Troy nodded. "Three days. Let's see if you're as popular as you say you are."

"You're calling me a liar?"

"Can I say you're a really hot liar and get away from it?"

"Do it and you'll have no children," Gabriella teased. Troy chuckled. "Well, then I'll say you're just really beautiful."

Gabriella blushed. "Thank you. But flattery will get you nowhere, Troy," she murmured. Troy looked at her. "Will good looks and charms do the trick?" He leaned forward, smirking. Gabriella looked into his playful eyes and bit her lip. "Maybe," she murmured softly. Troy grinned and moved closer to her, their nose brushing against each other and their mouths practically connected. But the moment was broke when a horn blared.

They jerked away, both grinning madly.

They talked the whole ride home, laughing and joking with each other as well. Troy helped Gabriella out of his truck and they walked down the sidewalk, their hands swinging with the cold wind. "Tonight was really fun," Gabriella said. "It feels kind of like my first date. You know, where you get those butterflies in your stomach and you're blushing every two seconds?"

Troy grinned. "I don't know about the butterflies and the blushing, but I did have a really great time. Honestly, it was the best date I've ever been on."

Gabriella grinned. "Same here." They stopped at her front porch and Gabriella turned to him. Troy wrapped her in a hug, pulling her into his warmth and Gabriella accepted it greatly. When they pulled away, she tilted her head up, waiting for a sweet kiss. But it never came. Instead the porch lights flipped on and Greg was marching up to them. "Gabriella, in the house, now. And you, out!" Greg glared at Troy whose eyes bulged. Gabriella turned around sadly and watched Troy leave. "Troy."

Troy looked back at her and smiled. "I'll see you later," he said before he finished his trip. Greg grabbed Gabriella's arm gently and brought her into the house, telling her to sit. Gabriella looked up at her father, sucking in a breath to explain to him everything, but she was caught off guard by Jazmyn, Aaliyah and Yazmyn entering the room. Gabriella sprung up and hugged Jazmyn, pulling her tightly against her. "Jazmyn! What…where have you been?"

Jazmyn pulled stiffly away from the hug and crossed her arms. Gabriella took in her appearance. She was dressed in different clothes, raggedy, baggy old clothes. Her skin was pale and flaky, her hair was disheveled and oily and her eyes were blotchy and red. Gabriella gasped. "Jazmyn…"

"Both of you sit down," Greg ordered. Gabriella immediately sat down, but Jazmyn continued to stand, her arms crossed and her hip stuck out. Greg let out an irritated sigh. "You can't just run off like that! Both of you!"

"Well, you cut my curfew short and I had a date," Gabriella said defensively. Jazmyn chuckled. "Classy ass."

Greg glared at her. "Jazmyn I will not tolerate that kind of language. Okay and you won't be leaving this house except for when you leave for school. I am…I don't even know what to do. You won't tell me where you've been, what you did, why you look like this. You're…turning…into…" He trailed off, his face pained. "Her."

Jazmyn frowned. "What's so bad about that? It's better than being like you. Mr. Business Man. And it's better than being like her." Jazmyn nodded her head towards Gabriella who flinched, hurt. "Miss Popular and Slut."

Gabriella's eyes blazed. "I'm not a slut!"

Jazmyn scoffed. "You've dated lots of boys over the years, Gabriella."

"No I haven't! Dad met all of them and that was only like ten or something."

"What about that guy you had out there?"

"We were on a date."

"A fuck date," Jazmyn muttered and Gabriella gaped at her. She had never seen her sister act like this. Never. And it was hurtful and scary to hear her say stuff like that. "Jazmyn, you know I'd never…Jazmyn, what happened to you?"

Jazmyn grinned. "I'm going to sleep. I need some good shut eye. Don't wake me up." Jazmyn turned around and left upstairs. Gabriela gulped and looked down at her hands, wringing them together. She felt tears prick her eyes. She missed something, something important. What happened? "I'm going to bed," she said quietly. She started to stand. But then she remembered her dad. She turned to look at him.

"Just…no more dates without warning me," he said. "And I was unfair with the seven-thirty thing. It's at ten again. No later though, Gabriella." Gabriella nodded. She hugged him, hugged Yazmyn and Aaliyah, before turning and walking up stairs.

She had never felt this awful before in her life. She remembered he words that had come out of her mouth only minutes prior and cringed. She called her sister a slut when she knew that she wasn't anywhere near that. And she wanted to drag out of her room and beg for her forgiveness. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. Instead she drew her knees up, and pressed herself into a ball. "Why am I doing this?' she whispered to herself. Then she started to silently cry.

Make it all go away. Please.

The next morning she had pushed her dresser and vanity set in front of her door since it had no lock. She refused to go to school and instead sat on her bed, strumming chords to Christina Aguilera's forlorn song, Hurt. It reminded her so much of her. Though she had hurt her, hurt Gabriella and hurt their father, she still missed her. She taught her how to play guitar and the piano, how to sing and carry out a note, taught her about boys and drama and how it's okay to be shy. But she didn't teach her how to say no, because she couldn't say no.

Jazmyn sung softly with the music, trying to keep her voice intact, but it felt dry and itchy. She was ready to cry, but she didn't want to.

She sang the song carefully, gently. She threw her emotions into it and all of her pain. And when she finished, she started crying. She didn't wail and weep, she didn't sniffle and grieve, she just cried silent, painful tears.

After a minute or two, there was a knock at her door. "Jazmyn," came Gabriella's sweet voice. It made Jazmyn want to cry harder, but she didn't. She sniffled instead and wiped at her eyes furiously. Then she laid her guitar gently next to her and got up, pushing the furniture away from the door. She opened it the next second and fell into Gabriella arms, crying and weeping.

Gabriella wrapped her arms around her sister, pulling her closer. When she heard the mournful song from her sister's beautiful voice, she knew she had to come comfort her.

Gabriella led them towards the bed and they sat down on it, Jazmyn's head resting in Gabriella's lap. "I don't know what happened," Jazmyn cried, sitting up. "I want it all to go away, Gabriella."

Gabriella moved tresses of stringy hair from her sister's eyes. "What do you want to go away, Jazmyn?"

"The pain," she whispered. "The torture. The…" Her throat closed and she turned abruptly away. Gabriella took that as a signal that the conversation was over and she stood. "I'm always here for you, Jazmyn. If you need me, I'm only a phone call away. I love you." Gabriella turned around after that, knowing she wouldn't answer. When she walked down stairs, she saw her father leaning on the sofa table and peering at a family portrait of her, him, Jazmyn and…mom. And they all looked happy.

"Dad, it's time for work," Gabriella said gently, coaxing him away from the picture. Greg nodded and grabbed his briefcase. "I'll see you later, honey," he said. "Goodbye."

"Bye, dad. I love you." When she said that, she looked him straight in the eyes, mentally telling him that she did love him and that she was there for him. Through tears and anger. "I love you, too," he said finally and turned to exit the house.

Gabriella grabbed her backpack and walked out of the house. She looked up into her sister's window and saw Jazmyn staring out the window. Their eyes connected briefly before Jazmyn quickly adverted her eyes and walked away from the window. Sorrowed, Gabriella started down the street for school.

Longest chapter I've ever wrote. (: So, I didn't get many reviews, but I still want to update. I'm working on chapter three right now. I hope you guys eoyed it. And please take a minute of your life to review. Thank you.

~~~~Nessa Kiss