Note from Hannah: Sorry its taken so long. I've had a lot of personal stuff going on. I'm not sure when I'll get the next part up. Hopefully by the end of the week. The next few parts are set when Troy and Gabriella are really young. Its basically just looking at what their lives were like before they met each other. Just a warning that this part has violence and bad language. Lyrics are Kelly Clarkson- Behind These Hazel Eyes.

Disclaimer: I don't own High School Musical , its characters or Kelly Clarkson lyrics.

Socorro knew she should do anything to protect Gabriella. It was a mother's job to protect her child. Why then, couldn't she bring herself to leave Ben? She had done her best to stop Social Services becoming involved but with Gabriella about to start kindergarten the next day it was going to be so much harder. Gabriella was only four years old and already covered in bruises. Sooner or later the "she fell down the stairs" excuse wouldn't work.

They used to care about each other. It felt like they were the only people in the world. All the picnics in the park and walks along the shore had only strengthened their love. Somewhere along the line, something went wrong. The day Socorro had revealed she was pregnant was the day her whole world came crashing down around her.

Socorro was snapped back to reality by the sound of front door slamming as Ben entered, shouting that she never has a decent cup of coffee waiting for him when he comes home. She quickly made sure Gabriella was warm enough and left the room before Ben had a chance to wake her with his shouting.

"Where the hell have you been?" She could see the fury in his eyes as he demanded."I was putting our daughter to bed…" Her voice was calm while his was filled with rage."Screw her. She's not the one who has been at work all day. She always in the way. Just get me a coffee and something to eat."Socorro knew she was about to say something incredibly stupid. Even in her head she regretted it. Yet, she couldn't stop herself."You don't care for Gabriella. I love her much more than I could ever love you. Always have. Always will. Make your own food."

She turned to walk away, but saw him raise his fist out of the corner of her eye. Usually she was quick to move out of his way but not this time. The force from the blow causes her fragile body to smash against the floor, making her feel as if she was a mirror that had just been dropped and shattered. He grabs hold of her hair and drags her back to her feet. "How dare you talk to me like that! I do everything for this family. I go to work, earn money and pay the bills. You do fuck all. Either get your finger out or you'll wish you were never born. Understand?"Socorro knew she had crossed the line. There was still a sharp sting across her left cheek where Ben had hit her. She did her best to nod while he still had hold of her hair. He threw her against the wall and stormed out of the kitchen, slamming doors behind him. Pain was searing through Socorro's face as blood poured from her nose. She fought back the tears. All she could do was clean herself up, make Ben something to eat and drink and pray he wouldn't target Gabriella next.

Seems like just yesterday

You were a part of me

I used to stand so tall

I used to be so strongYour arms around me tight

Everything it felt so right

Unbreakable like nothing could go wrong

Now I can't breathe

No I can't sleep

I'm barely hanging on

Here I am

Once again

I'm torn into pieces

Can't deny it

Can't pretend

Just thought you were the one

Broken up deep inside

But you won't get to see the tears I cry

Behind these hazel eyes

Swallow me then spit me out

For hating you I blame myself

Just seeing you it kills me now

No I don't cry

On the outside anymore