A/N I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING! I ONLY OWN THIS PLOT! Big thanks to my beta Elena Rain

When Gabriella got home that evening, dinner was already on the table. There were only two places set.

"Where is, Dad?" Gabriella asked.

"Working late, sit down and eat. I made chicken."

Gabriella sat down at the table. There was a piece of chicken on her plate covered in bread crumbs. It looked perfectly normal. As she took her first bit it tasted weird.

"Mom, is this chicken all right? It tastes funny?" Gabriella asked.

"If you don't like it, don't eat it…..its fine, it's the bread crumbs, it's a different brand than I normally get."

Gabriella nodded and continued to eat the weird tasting chicken. After dinner she went into her bedroom to do her homework. She started to get some pains in her stomach but she figured she was just stuffed and didn't think about it much.

When she was finished all her homework she took a hot bath to try and relax her still pained stomach. When that didn't help she decided to just go to bed. It would be better tomorrow. …right?

When Gabriella woke up that next morning she felt worse. Her head was pounding, she was freezing cold and her stomach hurt worse than the night before. She groaned and pulled the blanket over and clutched it tighter to her in hopes of getting warm.

Her door opened her mother walked in. "Gabriella Montez get out of bed this minute! How dare you still be in bed! You need to go to school and get an education. Otherwise you will never be a lawyer."

Gabriella groaned. "I don't feel good."

"You're hungry, get out of bed and I'll make you breakfast."

Just the thought of food made Gabriella want to throw up. She groaned and pulled the covers over her head. Maria pulled them off and Gabriella whimpered as the cold air touched her all ready cold body.

"Get up and get out of bed….NOW" Maria said.

Gabriella groaned and grabbed her head. "Please don't yell, my head hurts enough."

"I CAN YELL IF I WANT! YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME I'M THE BOSS OF YOU! NOW GET YOUR BUTT OUT OF BED! TAKE A SHOWER AND MEET ME IN THE KITCHEN FOR SOME BREAKFAST!" Maria yelled.

She stormed out of the room slamming the door behind her. Gabriella groaned and got out of bed. She made her way into the bathroom, just as she un-dressed she dropped to her knees and got sick in the toilet. She groaned but stood up and continued with her shower.

The hot water didn't help at all and she got out feeling the same as when she got in. She dressed and went into the kitchen. On the table was a plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and waffles. Gabriella groaned and covered her mouth her hands.

"Eat, you need your strength." Maria said.

"Mom, please, I already threw up once, please don't make me eat."

Maria grabbed Gabriella by the arm and dragged her over to the table and pushed her down on the chair.

"I want you to eat everything on these plates and you're not leaving here until you do….not to mention I will force feed you if I have to."

Sighing Gabriella started to eat and forced herself to keep it down. Maybe all she needed was some breakfast.

Once she finished everything she felt even worse.

"Mommy, "she whimpered. "Please, let me stay home. I don't feel well at all. I just want to go back to sleep."

"Gabriella, you failed me once and I will not allow it to happen again. Now get up and go to the bus stop!"

"Mommy, please." Gabriella begged.

"I SAID GO!" Maria yelled.

Whimpering Gabriella got up and went into the closet, she grabbed a sweater because she was still freezing. Maria grabbed it back from her. "You don't need that. It's hot out today."

She shoved her backpack into her arms and pushed her out the door.

Gabriella sighing and headed to the bus stop. She just prayed she didn't get sick in front of the kids at school. She knew everyone would make fun of her for it. She didn't even know what was wrong with her. Where was her father and why was he not here to help her.

Surprising herself to she made it to school without passing out or throwing up once. She went to her locker and tried to go about her day as normal. Troy went over to her and smiled.

"Morning, Brie. How's my favorite girl?"

She just looked at him with a miserable expression. "Brie? Baby, what's the matter? You don't look very good at all."

She just shook her head.

"Why are you here? You should be at home resting."

Gabriella just shook her head again. How do you tell someone your own mother threw you out of the house when you were sick?

"Baby, are you ok? Please say something."

"I'm fine." She mumbled. "Just bad night and bad morning."

"Are you sure that's all?"

She nodded. That was her first lie she had ever told him. She just hoped she was able to make it through the day. Her mother would never let her come home early.

"Well, if something changes tell me." Troy told her.

She nodded

He took her hand and they walked to home room together. Gabriella sat in her normal seat in the back. She rested her head on her arms, trying to stay awake.

She couldn't focus on anything her teacher was saying. It all sounded like gibberish to her and then she felt all the contents of her stomach rising up her throat. She forced it back and jumped up from her seat. When she reached the door Mrs. Darbus stopped her.

"Mrs. Montez where are you going?"

"Bathroom." She choked out, forcing herself not to throw up.

"No, it can wait until I finish my lecture. Sit."

Troy looked at her worriedly. She was white as a ghost. He got up and went over to her.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

"Troy move!" she cried. She couldn't hold it back anymore and just like that Gabriella threw up in front of everyone, all over the floor, just missing Troy by an inch. The whole class erupted in hysterically laughter. Some even fell out of their chair because they were laughing so hard. Gabriella ran out of the room tears streaming down her cheeks. She was never going to live this down. Troy ran after her.

He caught up with her quickly.

"Hey, hey, hey!" he said quickly. "Stop, stop, stop."

He gently pulled them down so she was sitting learning against a locker. She instantly curled up and cried into her knees.

"Hey, it's ok. Don't cry. What happen?" he cooed gently.

She just shook her head and continued to cry.

"Hey, this me, you don't have to hide." He whispered to her gently.

"I'm so embarrassed." She cried. "I'm sorry. I threw up on you."

"Hey, no, there is no sorry, you got sick. You didn't throw up on me. You have no reason to be sorry." He soothed. "Brie, please look at me."

She looked up at him and he smiled softly. "Everything is ok, I'm here now. Tell me what's bothering you? Do you want to go to the nurse?"

She nodded. "I don't feel good. I want to go home."

"OK, let's get you to the nurse."

Troy helped her stand and let her lean on him as they walked to the nurse.

They got there and Troy laid Gabriella down on the bed. She wrapped her arms around her stomach.

"What's wrong with her?" the nurse asked.

"My stomach hurts, I feel cold. I keep…." Gabriella trialed off and got sick again. "…throwing up, my head hurts so much."

The nurse checked her temperature.

"You're burning up. I'm going to call your father. You can't continue with school."

Gabriella just nodded. Troy stroked her hair and kissed her forehead.

"She says I'm burning up but I'm so cold."

Troy grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around her. "Hang in there, your dad will be here soon."

"Can you wait with me?"

"Of course, close your eyes and try to get some rest."

Gabriella closed her eyes but they snapped open and sat up quickly getting sick again. She started to cry. All she wanted was to be at home in her nice warm bed under the nice warm covers but she honestly didn't expect that to happen.

"Oh, Brie, please don't cry, Baby girl." Troy cooed. He moved her to a different bed and grabbed a power towel to clean her up.

"I don't feel good at all. I want to go home but I'm not allowed." She cried.

"What do you mean you're not allowed?"

"My mom kicked me out and said I had to go to school."

"Wait, your mom knew you were in this condition and sent you to school anyway?"

She nodded.

"Oh, Baby," Troy cooed.

His heart broke for her. What kind of a mother would do that?

He stroked her hair and sighed at how hot she was.

"Shhh, try and calm down. You getting upset is the last thing that will make you feel better." He said gently.

The nurse walked over to them. "Your mom wasn't helpful so I called your dad. He's on his way here. Just wait."

The nurse walked away. Troy sighed she wasn't much help either. He smiled gently at Gabriella.

"Your dad is coming. Everything will be ok. Just hang in there."

Gabriella nodded; she suddenly jumped up and raced into the bathroom. Troy sighed hearing her get sick again. She came out and walked into his arms. She didn't want to lie on the bed. He hugged her tightly and gently rocked her side to side as she snuggled closer to him. He smiled softly and kissed the top of her head. She quickly fell to sleep.

A little later Carlos walked in. He smiled at the sight of Troy holding Gabriella and rocking her gently.

"How is she?" he asked.

"Sleeping." Troy answered.

"Why would she come to school if she didn't feel well?" Carlos asked.

He went over and gently stroked his daughter's hair.

"She didn't have a choice. Maria kicked her out."

Carlos sighed. "I should have known. What is wrong with her?"

"Her symptoms are signs of food poisoning, just a small case, nothing too serious." The nurse said.

Carlos nodded. Why did he have a feeling that was Maria's fault too? "Thanks for taking care of her. I'll just take her home to rest."

Troy nodded and gently and carefully handed a sleeping Gabriella over to Troy.

She whimpered. "No, no Troy!"

"Shhh, it's me Brie, Bear." Carlos cooed.

Gabriella settled back down to a calming sleep. Carlos kissed her head and carried her out of the school. Troy sighed and left the nurse, he'd spend the rest of the day worrying about her but he couldn't ditch.

Gabriella and Carlos arrived home. Carlos smiled at Gabriella sleep peacefully in the passenger seat. He gently stroked her hair a bit. "Brie, Brie Bear, wake up."

She stirred and opened her eyes. "Daddy?"

"It's me, Princess; we're home are you ok to walk inside?"

She nodded and sat up. She and Carlos went inside. Gabriella went into her bedroom and sat down on her bed. Carlos came in with one of his oversized t-shirts.

"Here, put this on, I'll get you a pair of sweats; it's less pressure on your stomach."

Gabriella nodded. She stood and un dressed herself and redressed herself in the more comfortable clothes.

"All, right lay down in bed. I'll get you some soda crackers and ginger ale." Carlos said.

"I can't keep any food down, Daddy."

"I know, but we need to get some food in you so I can give you some medicine."

Gabriella nodded. Carlos left the room. Gabriella sighed and snuggled under the blanket, finally got the warmth and comfort she had so desperately wanted. Finally feeling content she closed her eyes and was asleep within seconds.

Carlos walked back in and chuckled. "If she was comfortable, he wasn't going to disturb her."

He went back out into the kitchen and called the doctor. He had no idea how to treat food poisoning.

The doctor gave him the name of some medication to get and told him how much to give her and when to start being concerned.

Once he hung up he sighed. He didn't have the type of medicine he needed, he'd have to go out but honestly he didn't want to leave Gabriella alone. He went back into the bedroom. Gabriella was still sleeping peacefully. He knew after school hours Troy would come by to check on her so he'd wait and just go then.

Gabriella stirred and little bit and opened her eyes. "Daddy…"

"Hey, how are you feeling?"

"Sleepy, but better, is Mom home yet?"

"No, she is still at work."

"When she does get home can you not let her in here or near me?"

"Of course, but why?"

Gabriella looked away.

"Hey, you can tell me anything. Troy told me your mother kicked you out of the house, this morning even knowing you were sick. Is that true? Is that why you don't want her near you?"

Gabriella nodded. "Please, Daddy?"

"Baby, nobody is getting near you unless you want them to, that includes your mother."

Gabriella nodded.

"Go back to sleep, Princess. I'll still be here when you wake up."

Gabriella closed her eyes and was out in seconds. Carlos kissed her forehead and left the room.

A few hours later, Troy knocked on the door. Carlos smiled when he opened it.

"Come in."

"How is she?" Troy asked.

"Much better, I've given her some food and some pain medication so her stomach doesn't hurt but she's still throwing up a lot. The doctor said it's her body's way of getting rid of the bad food in her system."

"Do we know how she even got sick?"

Carlos sighed. "Maria fed her old chicken last night for dinner. It was premade. I cooked it, last week. Maria must have been heated it up and fed it to Gabriella for dinner."

"Did she know it was old?"

"If she didn't I'd say she had no sense of smell, it stunk. It's how I found it."

"Is Maria sick too?"

"Not that I know of, that's why I'm starting to think Maria did this on purpose."

"But why get her own daughter sick?"

"She didn't know Gabriella would get sick. I called saying I'd be late and told her to make dinner. She was lazy and just heated up some old chicken and gave it to Gabriella." Carlos explained.

Troy sighed. "Now, Gabriella is paying the price."

Carlos nodded. "Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course."

"Do you think I'm a bad father by keeping Gabriella around her mother?"

"Honestly, Sir, with all due respect, you're hurting her worse. She hates the fighting and she doesn't feel safe or protected around her mother."

"Has she mentioned this to you before?"

"I can't tell you what she has told me. I promised her I wouldn't, but I really think she'd be happier if you just left and took her with you. I think, she never told me what she wanted, I'd ask her." Troy said.

Carlos nodded. "Thank you for being honest. It's just, my parents divorced when I was younger than she was. I hated it and I promised I'd never make my child go through what I did."

"I understand. I could be wrong."

Carlos nodded again and sighed. "I've got to run out and pick up some medicine for Gabriella; can you stay here for a bit?"

"Of course, any medical instructions?"

"There is a bucket by her bedside. She can't normally make it to the bathroom so just let her use that. I've been rubbing her stomach, it helps soothe her, and if she will allow you to touch her like that I'll allow it too."

Troy nodded.

"Also, if Maria comes home before me, Gabriella has requested that Maria not go near her."

"Of course, I'll make sure that happens."

"Thank you, I'll be back soon."

Carlos left and Troy went down the hall, to Gabriella's room. He peeked his head into the room and smiled at her sleeping figure on the bed.

He went over and sat down on the bed by her side and stroked her hair. She stirred and opened her eyes. She smiled. "Troy."

"Hey, how are you feeling?"

She shrugged. "Better, thank you for helping me at school today."

"Of course. I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Is my dad here?"

"He just ran out to get you some medicine. He'll be back in a little bit."

"Is…is…is my mom home?"

"No, but even if she was I wouldn't let her near you. You're safe. I promise."

Gabriella smiled and nodded.

"Close your eyes and go back to sleep. You need all the rest you can get."

"Can you stay?"

"Of course."

Troy kissed her forehead and she was asleep in no time.

About an hour later the front door opened and Troy went back out. It was Carlos.

"How is she?"

"She woke and we talked for a bit but she's still pretty out of it."

"That's good, all that rest."

Troy nodded.

"Can you sit with her a bit longer? I'm going to make her some toast, I got her the new medicine but she has to eat something first."

Troy nodded. He went back into the bedroom. Gabriella was awake and looking around.

"What's the matter?"

"I heard the front door, is that my mom?"

"No, it's your dad. He's making you some toast so you can take some more medicine."

Gabriella nodded. "So, what happen at school? Is everyone going to laugh at me when I come back?"

Troy sighed. "It's not important."

"Troy, please, I'd rather hear it from you than them."

Troy sighed. "Everyone believes that….people believe that I raped you and you're pregnant. That's why you got sick."

Gabriella rolled her eyes. "You know Troy; the whole world doesn't revolve around you. Nothing that happens to me is your fault."

He laughed. "Try tell the entire East High body."

Gabriella giggled. "For people who are scared of you, they seem to obsess over you a lot."

Troy nodded. "So you're not upset?"

"I've had worse; I'm more worried about you?"

"I'm used to it by now."

Gabriella sighed. "I know it isn't true Troy, please don't believe it either."

"I don't, I just hate that you're part of these rumors now. All because you're mind friend, they are starting rumors about you."

"I don't care. It doesn't change anything. I still like you."

He smiled. "I still like you too."

They slowly leaned in and kissed.

The door opened and they pulled away. Carlos walked in with some toast and a new bottle of water, plus some pills.

"All right, eat these, and then I can give you the medicine. It stops you from throwing up and just kills whatever is in your stomach."

Gabriella took the toast and bit into it. After one piece of toast she groaned. "I can't eat anymore."

"It's ok, that's enough. Here take these. They're going to make you sleepy." Carlos said.

Gabriella took the medicine.

"Now, just rest, it's the best thing for you."

"Get better; I still need to take you on a first date." Troy smiled.

"I can't wait." She smiled.

"Good, then close your eyes and go to sleep."

Gabriella did as she said. She was lucky she had not only her father, but her new hot boyfriend to help take care of her. But she felt like she could no longer trust her mother for anything. She honestly hoped her father did divorce her mother, but how did she tell her father that without hurting his feelings? That wasn't important right now; all that mattered was getting better so she could go on her date with Troy. She was so excited. It was going to bed a day she'd remember forever, which was the truth, but little did she know, it wouldn't be a good or happy memory, it would be a total nightmare.

A/N any idea what will happen next chapter? Also for the next chapter I need you guys to tell me your favorite Zac Efron movie, other than High School Musical. something that Troy and Gabriella can see on their date in the next chapter. So leave me your thoughts and your favorite movie in a review.