A/N: SORRY! I didn't mean to leave this story so long but I just had no inspiration for like… forever. But now I have some, so… I'm sorry if anyone had to read the last 3 chapters again to remind themselves of the story. Hope it's okay. =)

x-x-x-x-x-x

It's Monday. There's two weeks to go until I can speak again, but it doesn't stop me from wanting what I can't have.

I hold my breath as I stand stock still, just around the corner from what was usually my entire focus during most of term time. I guess it still is, in a way. I mean, I was here, wasn't I? I glance around me first of all, checking I'm alone, even though I know I am, before peeking around the corner.

The auditorium looks... grand, and inviting. And the stage sets are all out, half finished and taking form. There's a variety of scenes; a sunset, a woodland at night, a lake, a small, dank looking room- I assume from the stairs being put into the trap door that it's an attic or upstairs room of some kind- and a balcony. Ah. Must be a love story of some kind. Usually if there's a balcony, there's a couple who can't be together, am I right?

I let out my breath in a sigh, my heart aching a little. It's what I love to do, sing, act, dance. But not for a while it seems.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and only just manage to stop myself from screaming as I twist suddenly.

"Hey Sharpay." Troy grins at me, and I roll my eyes and try to walk away. "So about dinner. Are you free tonight?" I shake my head and his face falls a little, his frown contemplative. "Why not?"

I raise one eyebrow, giving him a look. How does he expect me to explain? Charades? I go to move away from the wall, but he grabs my arm. It doesn't hurt, but I feel distinctly... uncomfortable. I feel my back press against the wall again, and my eyes turn to meet his. He's almost pouting, reminding me of a dog that's been kicked.

An outright 'no' would be the right thing to do, but it seems harsh. Right now he seems a little like the old Troy. How do you say 'I'll think about it' in mute?

I shrug, looking down again. But then I find my excuse- one that I don't have to act out.

'Gabriella' I mouth, and he looks shocked that I would care.

"Oh, I didn't think..." He starts, but stops himself. Didn't think what? That I would care about him using me as the other woman? That it wouldn't bother me to break him and Gabriella off? Or that I wouldn't care about hurting Gabby like that?

Says she who thumbed through the song book that was labelled 'private' last week. I still feel like a bit of a jerk.

"Look, me and Gab, we're not as close as we were. We're not moving at the same pace-" My hand shoots up to cut him off, palm flat in a stop motion. I can't listen to this. I shrug him off of my arm with a little difficulty, and walk away. "Tomorrow night then?"

As I get around the corner I see Kelsi, who looks a little confused. "Was that Troy?" She asks, meaning the voice. I don't give her a response, but keep walking, heading for the cafeteria as the lunch bell rings.

Troy and Gabriella not moving at the same pace? In what way? Relationship wise… because that's just…

My neck twinges, and I feel it gently through the scarf. I wish people would stop making me jump. It's really not doing my stitches any good.

The cafeteria is pretty busy, and I step in line to get my lunch, picking up my tray- it drops with a loud clutter as I'm shoved from behind, and I turn, anger on my face. Chad's standing there, looking up at the ceiling like it's about to burst into song. I pick up my tray as he tries to stifle the laugh he's holding in. He looks down at me, his face full of mock pity.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Sharpay. I guess I didn't notice you were there." His voice is so... patronising, and my fingers clench tighter around my lunch tray as I move forward to catch up with the queue, turning away from him and his friend.

"Maybe it's because she's so quiet..." His friend mutters, and Chad's laughter suddenly bursts out.

"Makes a huge difference, doesn't it?" Chad's voice seems to sneer, but I don't turn around.

Oh God. I want to scream- to shout at him so loud his grandchildren will be deaf for life! I close my eyes, breathing as deeply as I can.

This has been a pretty crappy day so far, and it's only lunch. Maybe it wouldn't have stunk so much if some of my morning classes were with Gabriella.

I get my lunch, and look around the lunch room for somewhere to sit. Taylor and Troy have joined Kelsi and Ryan at their table- so that's not somewhere I want to be right now. Though I do notice that someone is... once again missing from Troy's side. My eyes scan the room, and ah, there she is. Gabby. She's alone. No Taylor, none of their science friends, or mathematicians. She's picking at her food, looking grim.

I move towards her, taking the seat to her right, and she glances up, smiling softly at me.

"Hey." She whispers, her voice hoarse. I think she's been crying. I wave my hand slightly, and turn to face her fully. I can't help but frown as she looks down again, and reach out, touching her chin to lift it slightly.

She tries to smile again, but this time it's watery, and her face screws up a little for a second as she tries to stop the tears from coming. I grab my drink bottle and chocolate bar, and her bottle of water and stuff them in my bag, before standing up, ready to leave. Her face shows her confusion, and I reach out my hand, tilting my head to the door.

Gabriella stares at my hand for a moment, before lacing her fingers through my own, and picking up her bag.

I lead her to the bathroom on the other side of the school, empty because it lacks closeness to the cafeteria. She sits up on the sinks, and I grab some toilet roll, ready for her to use.

Satisfied I have everything I need I stand in front of her, noticing I'm just under her eye level.

"I..." She starts, and stops. I'm not too sure what to do with her- she's delicate. I place my hand on hers gently, letting her know I'm there. Gabriella looks up, and I feel a part of me… I'm not sure what it is, but its like a part of me has shattered- it's unfamiliar and so I ignore it as much as I can. Her eyes shine with tears, and she wipes her face with the back of her palm as one slips down her cheek. "Troy dumped me."

Oh.

Oh no… he didn't…

"He said there… that there was someone else and that we just weren't working anymore." Her voice breaks as the tears start to fall freely. I can hardly believe she's wasting tears over this jerk. "I…" She gasps for air, the sobs making it hard for her to breathe. I look around, and no one seems to be thinking about interrupting anytime soon.

She leans into me as I lift myself onto the sink next to her, and I can't help but stiffen, feeling distinctly uncomfortable. But I want to help.

"I know we've had problems…" The words stumble out of her mouth, and I turn my head towards her, her hair brushing my face. "I mean, he's been distant lately. But it's not like I tried too hard to make it… work." She trails off, her voice quiet. The only sound is her crying, shaking softly against my shoulder. We sit like this till the bell rings, and even then she's reluctant to move, slowly lifting her head. She uses the heel of her palm to wipe her eyes once more before splashing some cold water on her face.

Gabby's quiet in Biology, but cheers up about half way through as we discuss more about the project. Well, she discusses, and I shake and nod my head appropriately.

"So, do you want to continue this tonight?" She asks, and I shake my head. I've got a doctor's appointment at six. "I could make it easier if it's a hassle to come round mine- I've been round to see Ryan before so…"

I shake my head again, and get my notepad out as her face starts to fall.

'Doctors- sorry :(' I write, and she nods.

"Oh, ok." She smiles at me, and we head off to English, a comfortable silence between us.

-x-x-x-x-x-

So the doctor has told me to be more careful while my stitches are healing, and my mother asked again about the laser surgery. He replied that it was too early to tell if that would be totally necessary. This has not put my mother in a good mood.

She paces the house, looking for things to comment on, to complain about. She's had a go at Ryan- usually her perfect little boy- about his lack of a girlfriend. He got angry and left the room, and she followed, meaning I had to listen to their shouting match for about twenty minutes. He's upstairs now, locked himself away and left me to deal with the mood she's in.

Jerk.

"What are we going to do about that scar, Sharpay? It's not appropriate for someone in your position-" She's ranting. I frown. What position? "Tainting your looks. It's not like we were given a lot to work with in the first place…"

We? So this is our body now?

Her eyes turn to me, sharp eyes that pierce me to the bone, and yet don't see past my looks. I know what's coming, and I close my eyes.

Please don't do this to me mother, not today… please don't do this…

"I've booked an appointment with an image consultant, told them your… situation. It's private so we can get you whatever you want." 'You' means her. I can change whatever I want about myself- especially those bits she hates. "They'll fix everything."

I want to scream, to talk back, to argue, to call Ryan down, and to throw things- but I don't. I sit there, my legs curled under me on the sofa. I feel the pricking of tears in my eyes, and shake my head. I can't do this tonight. I'm not strong enough.

I stand, and walk away, ignoring her as she calls my name over the sound of the doorbell. My hand reaches into my pocket, and I open my cellphone, my fingers thumbing through my contact list. And there it stops. On her name, and I wish that I could call her. There's a click as my mother opens the door, and she calls my name once more. I sigh, and trail back towards her, my eyes widening at the sight. What is he doing here?

"Hello, Mrs Evans." Troy says, straightening his smart-casual shirt. "I came to ask if Sharpay was free to go to dinner."

I freeze. It's eight o'clock, so we haven't eaten- and I know my mother.

Before I can grab her attention, tell her this isn't happening, she's already speaking for me.

"Oh Sharpay would love to go, wouldn't you Sharpay?"

What? How does that even give me a choice? How do I tell her that no, I don't want to, with him standing right there?

"Great." Troy grins, finally turning to me.

I don't look suitable for company, in nothing but a small silk nighty that barely reaches my thighs and a thin, matching silky nightgown over the top. I shake my head, one of my hands closing around the two halves of the dressing gown in an effort to keep them together.

"I'll go find something for you to wear." My mother says, disappearing, and I bite my lip, embarrassed and annoyed. And angry. I'd expressed a big no about tonight for sure.

It's awkward in the hallway. I try to avoid eye contact, and shudder when I feel him checking me out, turning to give him a glare as I lean my back against the wall. He looks away quickly, acting innocent.

"You know, I'm really glad you let me see you tonight." He says, a whole load of cheer in his voice, and I roll my eyes in annoyance. "So, uh…" He moves towards me, and I freeze, once again between a rock and a hard place as the wall I was leaning against becomes my prison. "Whilst your mom's upstairs…" He leans towards me, a cocky look on his face, and I can't help but stare, still frozen. He wouldn't… he won't…

"Oh my God…" I hear the voice just before his lips reach mine, and I turn my head, his mouth brushing my cheek.

Of course, that's exactly what I needed… exactly what this night was missing. Never mind my mom, or the date I was having forced upon me, the kiss that was about to happen without my permission…

Gabriella's eyes widen, flicking between Troy and I, and her mouth opens a little. Her eyes show shock, and betrayal. "You… and…" I frown, knowing this doesn't look good- me in hardly anything with him in my hallway, coming that close to a kiss… Shit. And I'd told her I couldn't see her tonight. "Oh my God!" She turns away in disgust, taking long, fast strides.

"What?" Troy shouts behind her, as if he's confused, and I shake my head at him in disbelief before running after Gabby.

I want to shout wait, and almost do before it dies on my lips, my fear getting to me. Instead I just carry on running until I catch up with her, and step in front of her. I shiver a little- my breath white in the night air.

"What do you want?" Her voice is heartbreaking. Full of hurt. Betrayal. She tries to sidestep me, but I mirror her, and she sighs loudly. "Kelsi warned me. Said she'd heard you two talking… or him talking. I thought I would give you a chance! Ask what happened and… is that what everything was about? Why you tolerated me? Because you'd finally 'won' Troy?"

I shake my head, and mirror her again as she tries to dodge around my other side.

"Then what, Sharpay? Because I am having a really, really hard time understanding?"

How can I explain? I throw up my arms in dismay, my nails scraping my scalp as I run my hands through my hair. She shakes her head, frustrated- but no where near as frustrated as I am. The tears sting my eyes again, threatening to really fall this time. I've held strong this whole time, not shed a single tear… but this is it. I've had enough. I've really had enough.

I walk away from her, and I hear her let out a huff of anger or frustration, her high heeled footsteps echoing in the courtyard, my heart wrenching as I try to convince myself not to look back.

It's not until I can no longer hear her footsteps that I turn around, my breaths shaky as I wrap my arms around myself. I feel like I'm about to fall apart. She's gone, and that hurts more than walking away from her, the fact she left. Without hearing my side of the story.

Fair enough, I can't speak to tell it to her without a pen and paper handy or charades, and lets face it I'm in no mood to start playing the miming game right now. But does that give her a right to assume things? To not try and understand me?

In fact that's all anybody seems to be doing lately. Sue me for thinking that maybe she was different… that she cared what I had to say, or at least intended to say.

I head back to the house, and up to my room, kicking the door behind me as I start to take off the dressing gown, sliding it down my shoulders.

I freeze- not for the first time that night as I realise I'm not alone. Within the next instant he's got his hands on me, roaming in places I don't want him to be, his lips on mine in a sloppy kiss.

It's rushed, hormonal, and I can tell he doesn't care whether I'm responding or not. I wonder if he's even realised as I tense my arms, trying to push him off of me. Nothing. He doesn't even notice, and my throat screams in pain as his rough hand grabs underneath my chin, pulling my face closer to his until our teeth clash. I fall back a little, knocking the lamp off of my dresser, one of his hands on the small of my back, pulling me close.

I can't help but let out a small squeal of protest, my throat trying not to let it pass. It's unsuccessful and Troy doesn't seem to notice, holding me tighter.

"What are you…?"

I twist in Troy's arms as best as I can as he loosens his grip a little, the sound of the door opening and my brother's voice snapping him out of wherever his brain was. He lets go of me, and I fall to the floor, suddenly unsupported.

Ryan's face contorts into one of fury, and he grabs Troy, dragging him out of my room. I hear them thudding down the stairs as I lay on the floor, too stunned to move. Their voices carry, Ryan's louder, more furious than I've ever heard him before. I think I can forgive him for leaving me with mom tonight.

I hear the front door slam, and the sound of footsteps starting back up the stairs. I know it's Ryan, but my heart is pounding in my ears, and I can hardly breath.

"Are you okay?" His voice softens as he steps back into my room, but I keep my head low, unable to give him any form of a reply except for the tears, still only on the verge of falling. If I look up at him I'll break, I know it. "Sharpay…" He lifts my chin, trying to get me to look at him. My head lifts, but I still avert my gaze. "Sharpay." His voice suddenly sounds a lot more serious, worried, and I look at him. He retracts his hand away from me like he just burnt himself, and I frown, seeing a flash of red on his fingertips. "Sharpay, your neck…"

I turn to the full length mirror, my eyes fixing on the dark, reddish colour spreading through my once hot pink scarf.

My blood runs cold, and I hear Ryan as he hands me some kind of material, telling me to keep the pressure on as he helps me to my suddenly unsteady feet, leading me downstairs to his car. He shouts something to mom, who seems to have emerged from her bedroom, but I can't focus on the words, my mind focusing on things that seem so much more important.

I wish I could speak as I'm bundled into the car, wish I could tell Gabriella how much I didn't mean to hurt her. I wish I could explain that it wasn't what she thought, that I would never go anywhere near Troy in the romantic sense.

I wish I could tell her about tonight, and I wish I could tell her about my mom, about how she upset me- although that seems like one of the less important events of the day.

I wish I could tell her what her kindness has meant to me over the last few days, and that I don't want to give that up.

But I can't. I'm silent, and on my way to the ER, wondering what the point is anymore. It's almost worth damaging my voice permanently to just tell her everything.

I'm still just as silent as the first of many tears falls, slipping down my cheek with a grace that I don't feel I deserve right now.

I take in a hitched breath in an effort to stop a loud sob escaping my throat, and receive a glance of pain instead of what that sob could have done to me. I hiss a little, the air escaping through my clenched teeth, and Ryan reaches over, touching my shoulder gently.

"It's okay, Sharpay. We're almost there."

-x-x-x-x-x-