A/N: First, I want to apologize for taking so long to get a new chapter up. I knew where I wanted this chapter to go, I just wasn't sure how to get it there. But I think it's come together nicely and I hope you like it. Second, many thanks to my reviewers. Please keep them coming!

Ok, a few notes:

1. I didn't intend for the chapter to be this long, I hope no one gets bored halfway through.

2. It might be good to have tissues handy. I'm not a crier but some parts were very difficult to write.

Looking Back on Chapter 5:

When I noticed that she could barely keep her eyes open I lifted her out of the pool and carefully set her down in a lounge chair so I could help her dry off. As I knelt down in front of her she flashed me a tired smile.

"Did you have fun baby?"

She nodded slowly but the excitement in her voice told me her answer before she even spoke the words. "I had the best time, Daddy!" She leaned forward to hug me and I pulled her close, letting out a quiet, relieved sigh against her hair. The sadness wasn't going to win as long as I had any say in the matter. It had no chance.

Chapter 6: Reliving The Nightmare

After I had successfully dragged everyone out of the pool we decided to split up so that we could take full advantage of Lava Springs. As a thank-you for working that summer after 9th grade Mr. and Mrs. Evans gave us each a lifetime membership with full privileges, but I never even thought of bringing Kadi here because it just wasn't the same without "The Gang" around. Coming this year was a special treat and I knew she would want to see everything the place had to offer. After a quick discussion and a promise to meet back at the pool in two hours, Ryan took Kadi for her first seaweed scrub while the girls headed off to the salon to get manicures. Chad and I made our way to the basketball courts, a spirited game of one on one seemed like the perfect way to pass the time…and show Chad that I was still king of the court. He grabbed a ball and started dribbling up court while I took position under the hoop in an attempt to prevent him from making an easy lay up. I'd been playing basketball with Chad practically from the moment we could walk, and in that time I had learned to read him like a book. A lay up meant he would go left and drive to the hoop so I planted my feet, preparing my body go left and block his shot. Everything seemed to go in slow motion as he drove to the hoop…and went right, easily laying the ball in while I stood there with my mouth hanging open in shock.

So much for being able to read him like a book.

He laughed as he passed me the ball, the dumbfounded expression on my face obviously amusing him.

"Surprised, Troy?"

"You went right" I stammered, "my Dad spent years trying to teach you that and you always screwed it up."

He grinned triumphantly. "It's a little thing called practice, you should try it sometime…it seems as though the Basketball Guy is losing his touch."

I rolled my eyes and, as if to prove a point, sunk a three-pointer from way outside the arc. Yup I've still got it.

Our playful banter continued as we traded baskets and I made desperate, unsuccessful attempts to defend against Chad's new and improved moves. By the end I was laying flat on my back as he dribbled the ball around my head in victory.

Owww. Can't move! How the hell did I do this every night for four years?

As my muscles continued to protest against all the exercise they had just endured, I just laid there and listened in defeat as Chad started in with the taunting I knew was inevitable.

"I can't believe I dethroned The King" he started "So tell me Troy, how does that feel?"

Instead of engaging in a war of words like I knew he wanted me to I did the next logical thing…I flipped him off. He laughed and continued to mock me.

"Is that all you've got, Troy?" You don't want to say anything?"

Oh when I can move you are so gonna get it, Danforth.

The taunting was interrupted a few minutes later as Taylor, Kelsi, and Sharpay strolled up to us. They were so busy showing off their newly-manicured nails that it took a few minutes for anyone to notice me on the ground. When Kelsi finally did, she eyed me curiously.

"Troy are you okay?"

Does it look like I'm OK? I thought she was supposed to be the smart one.

Before I had the chance to answer, Chad returned to gloat mode. "I beat him in basketball and now he's pouting."

Taylor laughed. "I never thought I'd see the day Chad Danforth beat Troy Bolton in basketball."

"Shut up, Taylor" I grimaced through clenched teeth, "and I'm not pouting…it hurts to move."

Sharpay laughed and knelt down to help me into a sitting position before extending her hand so I could use it to stand up. "Looks like you could use some more practice, Playmaker."

Ok seriously, I get it. I'm out of shape. You don't have to keep saying it, you're hurting my ego.

As I stood, I caught sight of Kadi and Ryan walking toward us from the direction of the pool. When they reached us Ryan looked confused.

"I thought we agreed to meet at the pool?"

Taylor nodded. "We did but Chad beat Troy in basketball and Troy was too sore to move."

I watched as Ryan's face cracked into a smile which was quickly followed by loud, hysterical laughter. I glared at him and he laughed harder, causing both Chad and I to look at him questioningly.

"What's so funny, Ryan?" Chad asked.

He cleared his throat in an attempt to stop his giggles. "Nothing, it's just…Troy, I could beat Chad in basketball. What happened?"

Now it was Chad's turn to glare at him as I put my hands up defensively. "Look I was just having an off day, ok."

Kadi, who had been watching the conversation quietly from her spot next to Ryan, suddenly spoke up. "That's what you said when I beat you last week, Daddy."

I was so hoping she'd forgotten that already. I really need to teach her the art of lying.

At Kadi's admission five heads whipped around to stare at me as they burst into laughter. I scowled at my daughter, who just shrugged and flashed me that grin that she knew could get her out of anything.

Oh crap, she's turning the tables and using the famous Troy Bolton grin against me. Damn that thing is powerful; no wonder I always got what I wanted.

Eventually my friends stopped laughing at my expense and we started toward the parking lot. I suggested that we head home for a bit; I was desperately hoping that a shower would help me freshen up and relieve all the tension and pain plaguing my body. Once we arrived home I left the others happily playing Life downstairs and made a beeline for the shower. I sighed in contentment as the hot water hit my skin, doing wonders to loosen my tight, throbbing muscles. I showered quickly and made the way to my bedroom to change into some more comfortable clothes for the rest of the day. As I tugged a clean t-shirt over my head I looked up, coming face to face with a picture of Gabi that I kept in a frame on the dresser. It was one of her senior pictures…she looked beautiful smiling at the camera as the stunning Albuquerque fall colors surrounded her. She knew I loved the picture so she framed it and gave it to me for my 18th birthday; ever since then it had occupied a special spot on our dresser. Normally I could look at it and manage a small smile, but today I froze as a bittersweet realization came over me. I hadn't thought about her the entire time we were at Lava Springs.

Suddenly I felt weak, like standing was going to become impossible in a matter of seconds. I quickly threw on a pair of khaki shorts and made my way over to the bed. Laying down, I fixed my eyes on the ceiling so that they wouldn't keep wandering over to the picture. Before long I could feel my defenses breaking as tears sprung to my eyes once again. So much for not letting sadness overtake the day. Normally I would be thankful for a short reprieve from the memories that constantly occupied my mind, but today it just seemed wrong that she wasn't in my every thought. Guilt overtook me and I finally let myself give into the tears that were coasting down my cheeks, stopping my futile attempts to wipe them away. After a few minutes I heard a quick knock on the door followed by Sharpay's voice.

"Troy, Kadi's ready to go get some ice cream, are you coming?"

When I didn't answer she opened the door and walked in, with Chad following close behind. I raised my head to look at them, Sharpay's facial expression told me that she knew that I was in no condition to tag along for ice cream. She walked over to the bed, motioning with her eyes for Chad to follow, and quickly pulled out her cell phone. I heard the familiar sound of Ryan's classic ring tone from downstairs and I listened as she spoke softly to him, letting him know that it was okay to leave for the ice cream parlor without us. I felt horrible for breaking the long-standing "everyone goes everywhere together" rule that we had established for this day, but I knew that there was no possible way I could muster the strength to be in public right now. Even breathing, something I didn't even have to think about, was quickly becoming very difficult as I let the sadness consume me.

Once her phone call with Ryan ended, Sharpay sat down next to me and Chad took a place further down toward the end of the bed. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts as Sharpay tended to me. She moved me into a sitting position and pulled me closer to her body, leaning up to place a comforting kiss in my hair.

"Troy, what brought this on, sweetheart'' she whispered softly, "you didn't watch TV again, did you?"

I shook my head, using my index finger to point in the direction of the picture that caused my breakdown.

The beautiful picture that single-handedly has the power to send me into an emotional tailspin…but I can't survive without it.

Her eyes followed my finger, and she smiled as they finally focused on the picture in the silver frame. "That's a great picture of her" she said quietly, looking down at me "you love it, don't you?"

I nodded, turning so I could bury my head against her shoulder; I felt like such a little boy clinging to her like this but she was my lifeline at the moment. And I needed her so much it scared me.

"I feel like I'm suffocating, Shar." I choked out between deep sobs, "it hurts so much."

She rubbed my back soothingly, using her freehand to pull me flush against her body as my head continued to rest on her shoulder. "Oh Troy, it's okay sweetie…you can cry" she soothed "let it all out, I'm right here."

So, with Sharpay holding me and Chad sitting nearby in case we needed him, I finally allowed my mind to drift back to that horrible day. The day my world stopped.

Flashback

I groaned as the sound my ringing cell phone brought me out of the deep sleep I had been enjoying. Blinking against the darkness, my tired eyes focused on the alarm clock that was perched on the nightstand. It read 5:00 a.m.

What the hell…who would be calling me at this ungodly hour?

Then I remembered Gabi. I was being heavily recruited by Boston College to continue my basketball career, so she and her mother had flown out late last week to check out the campus and survey whether it would be a good place put down roots for our small family. I had visited the previous spring while Gabi stayed home with Kadi, but when the recruiting offers became more serious she decided she wanted to see the campus for herself. With the visit over she and her Mom were flying to Los Angeles today and, at my suggestion, taking a few days to explore and shop before they returned to Albuquerque on Friday. Gabi's absence left me in charge of our little princess, and it also left me with a very empty bed. Ok, enough vacation…I want her back now!

Realizing that my phone was still ringing on the nightstand, I quickly glanced at the screen and brought it to my ear.

"Gabi sweetheart, you do realize you're calling me at 5:00a.m., right?" I chided sleepily.

I could practically feel her smile through the phone. "Good morning to you too, Grumpy" she giggled "I just wanted to check on my two favorite people before we get ready to leave for the airport."

I smiled, realizing that it was impossible for me to stay irritated with her for more than five seconds. "Good morning…and we're fine" I reassured her "I'm gonna wake up the princess soon because the team has an early morning workout."

She laughed, knowing full well that our precious daughter was not a morning person. "Good luck with that."

I returned her laugh. "Thanks…so what time is your flight?"

"Well we're supposed to take off at eight so we should be in L.A. by two; then we're going to spend the rest of the day shopping" she replied excitedly.

My Gabi and shopping…she's almost worse than Sharpay.

I glanced at the clock as I continued to listen to her ramble on about all of the cute things she was going to buy for Kadi. 5:15.

"Gabi" I interrupted softly "I gotta go sweetheart, practice starts in an hour and we're not even up yet."

She sighed and I briefly considered skipping practice so we could keep talking. "Ok Troy, I love you…give Kadi a kiss for me."

"I will, I love you. Have fun in L.A and we'll see you in a few days."

"Bye Troy."

"Bye sweetheart."

Once the sound of the dial tone met my ear I snapped my phone shut and got out of bed, ready to face the day. I dressed quickly before making my way down the hall to Kadi's room. Walking in, I turned the light on and hurried over to her bed. Better to get this over with quickly than to face her early morning wrath. I leaned down, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before uttering the words that I knew weren't going to make her happy.

"Baby, it's time to wake up."

My words were met with whimpers as she buried her head deeper into her pillow. "Daddy no!" She's so adorable when she's grumpy.

I kissed her cheek, putting my hands underneath her back so that I could easily lift her from the bed, and she instantly cuddled into my chest. "How about this, sweetheart? Why don't we go sit down and Daddy will get you dressed…does that sound okay?"

She nodded and I took a quick detour to her dresser to grab an outfit before walking over to the rocking chair near her window. I sat down gently, placing Kadi on my knee and quickly pulled the t-shirt and shorts over her body. After her shoes were securely on her feet I pulled her further into my lap, smiling as I remembered the many long nights I had spent in this rocking chair when she was a baby. For some reason I had been the only one with the ability to calm her if she woke up in the middle of the night; I had many great memories from those nights and I still cherished opportunities like this to hold her as she slowly woke from a night of slumber.

After a few minutes I carried her downstairs and managed to get her to eat some toasted PopTarts and milk while I inhaled a donut and searched for my long-lost physics book. Book found, we left for school ten minutes later, Kadi jabbering excitedly the whole way about a friend she had met yesterday during playtime. By the time we arrived at East High's on-site daycare she was quiet, and as I picked her up out of her carseat, she laid her head on my shoulder. My poor sleepy girl. I carried her inside and set her down near the door where her teacher Amy was waiting for all the kids to come in for the day.

"Hi Kadi" she smiled "How are you doing this morning?"

She gave a tired smile. "Good Miss Amy."

Looking at my watch I realized that I was about five minutes away from being late to practice. I kissed Kadi goodbye and turned to walk out the door but I was stopped by her quiet, sad voice.

"Daddy I sleepy." she whimpered.

I turned on my heels and walked back over to her, noticing the crocodile tears that were beginning to run down her cheeks. Kneeling down, I pulled her close and whispered in her ear, hoping to prevent this from turning into a full-fledged temper tantrum.

"Babygirl I know you're sleepy" I soothed "How about after school you take a nap with me since I'm gonna be real tired from practice…how does that sound?"

"Good Daddy" she smiled "now leave, you gonna be late for practice."

I laughed, waving to her one last time as I disappeared down the hallway toward the gym. I emerged from practice half an hour later and walked slowly to my first hour class, Calculus. Before long I found myself in Drama, fighting to stay awake as Ms. Darbus went on one of her classic rants about the sanctity of theater. As she droned on about the creative genius that emerged from the 'hallowed hall', I felt my cell phone vibrate against my hip. I cursed inwardly and briefly considered risking a lifetime of detention just so I could answer it in the middle of class. Glancing at the clock, I saw that it read 8:20.

Damn cellphone Nazi, Darbus! I really need to take this, it's probably Gabi telling me that their plane is about to take off. I really want to talk to her!

After forty more minutes of Darbus torture, the bell rang and Chad and I talked excitedly as we left the room. The conversation continued for awhile longer but we soon parted to head to our third hour classes at opposite ends of the school. As I walked in silence to my Physics class, my eyes wandered to the TV situated just outside the media center. It wasn't usually on, but today it was broadcasting images of what I recognized to be the burning World Trade Center Towers in New York.

That's odd. Why are they showing a movie in the middle of the school day?

It wasn't until I saw the red 'Breaking News' banner at the bottom of the screen that I realized this was real. The headline was short: 'Plane hits World Trade Center Tower in New York City.' Oh My God…those poor people!

I stood in the middle of the hallway, transfixed by what I saw unfolding on the screen. The reporters were spilling out information as they continued to replay footage of the plane hitting the tower. A minute later I watched in horror as a plane barreled directly into the second tower. It was surreal, almost as if I was having a bad dream. Then it dawned on me...Gabi was flying today. Please God, please let Gabi be OK.

Physics long forgotten, I ran as fast as I could to my car in the parking lot. I couldn't remember what flight she and her Mom were on and I knew it would be impossible to relax until I knew for sure. I jammed my keys into the ignition and drove home on autopilot, trying to keep negative thoughts from invading my mind as I got closer to the house. She's fine…she's probably relaxing and eating breakfast right now. As soon as I pulled in the driveway I shut the engine off and sprinted inside, not stopping until I had reached the fridge where her flight itinerary hung. I glanced at it quickly, seeing that they were booked on American Airlines Flight 11. I breathed a sigh of relief; since none of the news broadcasts had made any mention that the planes were commercial airliners I had no reason to worry. I made my way to the living room and switched on the TV before sitting down on the couch. I pulled my cell phone from my hip and quickly texted Chad, asking him to gather the gang, pick up Kadi, and come to the house. I couldn't watch this alone.

Once I hit the send button for the text message, the screen on my phone lit up letting me know I had a new voicemail. I suddenly remembered how my phone had rung during Darbus's class and I quickly punched in my passcode, anxious to hear the message. Gabi's voice soon filled my ear but she didn't sound like her bubbly, cheerful self; she sounded…scared.

"Troy, it's me, something is happening on the plane and I just wanted to tell you and Kadi that I love you. Don't panic, OK…I love you so much. See you in a few days. Bye!"

Oh my God, this isn't happening!

I sat motionless on the couch, not believing the words I had just heard. I played the message again, desperate to convince myself that I was imagining everything she had said. Her voice was choked as she said goodbye, as if she was having trouble believing that she was actually going to see us in a few days. I saved the message and quickly dialed Gabi's number, expecting it to ring but instead my heart sank as it went directly to voicemail.

"Gabi it's me" I started "I love you to the moon and back, sweetheart…call me when you land. Love you!"

I snapped my phone shut and threw it on the coffee table. With as much attention as I could muster I focused on the TV, trying to listen as the reporters gave up to the minute information on the horror that had begun in New York but had since spread to the Pentagon in Washington DC. Tears came to my eyes as the enormity and uncertainty of the situation finally settled in my heart.

Our country is under attack and my girlfriend is in a plane somewhere. Oh God, please let her be safe! I need her…she's my everything.

My head fell to my hands as tears continued to pool in my eyes, my mind wandering back to the conversation Gabi and I had shared earlier that morning. At the time it had been nothing special, just a quick good morning and 'I love you' that had temporarily bridged the 3,000 mile distance between us, but now I was replaying every moment of it in my head. I desperately wanted, no needed, to hear her voice… if only to prevent despair from permeating my every thought.

I was brought back to reality when I heard the front door open and saw each of my friends file in quietly. Ryan had Kadi in his arms and I silently thanked God when I noticed that she was sleeping peacefully on his shoulder; if she had been awake she would have wanted me to hold her and I didn't want her to see me crying. Sure she was only three but she was a very perceptive child; if she saw my tears she'd ask questions and there was no use in worrying her since we didn't know anything definite at the moment. I cast a sad glance at my five best friends and Sharpay rushed over and kneeled down in front of me while everyone else took seats on the couch.

"Troy, what's the matter" Taylor inquired "why are you crying?"

I pointed at the TV, which was now showing a shot of both burning towers, finding my voice long enough to utter the one word that would make them all understand. "Gabi."

My response was met with a collective gasp as each of them remembered that she was due to fly to L.A. today to start her short vacation. Sharpay was the first to speak, obviously trying to lift my spirits.

"I'm sure she's fine, Troy" she said "these planes are from New York, not Boston."

I shook my head, opening my phone and punching in the voicemail passcode before handing it to her. "Listen."

I watched fear cross her face as she listened to Gabi's message. When it was over she quickly handed the phone to Ryan and moved to envelop me in a hug and rub my back soothingly, her voice quivering as she spoke.

"She's gonna be fine, Troy" she stated matter of factly. "There's no doubt in my mind."

I sighed, using my hand to wipe the tears from my eyes. "I hope you're right, Shar" I choked out, "because I need her here with me."

She nodded. "I know you do Troy, I know."

As Sharpay continued to comfort me we watched TV in silence as new information and pictures began trickling in. I turned to look at Ryan and noticed that, even as Kadi slept in his lap, his hand was covering her eyes. Good. My girl doesn't need to see this.

A few more minutes of complete silence followed before a reporter's voice broke in over the images. "We now have confirmed information about the planes involved in the incident in New York."

Oh my God.

I silently prayed, begging God to keep my Gabi safe but my hope was shattered when the reporter spoke again. "We now have confirmation from American Airlines that one of the planes that crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center this morning was Flight 11, which originally took off out of Boston's Logan Airport."

Gabi's gone. My baby. NO!!!!

I stifled a scream, taking Sharpay with me as I slid off the couch. I saw her motion to Ryan with her eyes, telling him to take Kadi upstairs so she wouldn't have to see what was about to happen. He was as white as a sheet but somehow managed to find the strength to walk out of the living room. I waited until I heard her bedroom door softly latch before I completely broke, latching on to Sharpay as if my very life depended on it.

"S…Shar…Sharpay, my Gabi's gone" I sobbed, "my baby's gone!"

She gently rocked me back and forth in her arms, her own tears soaking my hair as she stroked it slowly.

"Shhh Troy, shhhh" she soothed "I'm so sorry, sweetheart."

I heard Kelsi, Taylor, and Chad get up from the couch and take seats next to us on the floor before reaching out to me rubbing my back in a calming motion. I couldn't look at them; right now I just wanted to leave my head buried in Sharpay's shirt forever. My reason for living was gone.

Suddenly I felt my stomach lurch and I jumped from Sharpay's arms, arriving in the bathroom just in time to lose the donut I'd eaten for breakfast. Chad was behind me, rubbing my back as I continued to heave into the toilet between desperate sobs.

"Troy it's gonna be okay, man" he said softly, "it's gonna be okay." No Chad, it's never going to be okay again…not without Gabi.

Once I was confident that there was nothing left in my stomach Chad helped me walk out of the bathroom and I looked at my friends for the first time since we'd heard the news.

"I think I need to be alone." I said quietly.

But Sharpay wasn't buying it, and as I took to the stairs hoping to find solitude in my room, I heard four pairs of soft footsteps following behind me. Taylor and Kelsi went into the guest room to call my parents while Chad and Sharpay kept careful watch over me. Safely in the confines of my room, Sharpay sat down on the bed and pulled me once again into her arms, using the same rocking motion that had calmed me slightly downstairs. We stayed in that position for hours, until the sunlight of the day had been replaced by darkness. It was mostly silent, save for the whimpers escaping my lips and the sound of the words she was whispering in my ear. At one point Chad disappeared, returning a few minutes later with my Mom in tow. She immediately sat on the bed between Sharpay and Chad and I launched myself into her arms, burying my head in her chest.

"Mommy!" I sobbed "my Gabi's gone!"

She hugged me tighter, stroking my arm and back with that soothing touch that I swore mother's had down to a science. "I'm so sorry baby" she said "so very very sorry."

I looked up and she kissed my cheek as my sad eyes met hers. I choked back another sob as I remembered Kadi, my beautiful angel that would now have to grow up without her mother. Oh my God, I'm a single parent at 18. It wasn't supposed to be like this!

"Mommy" I choked out "I can't raise Kadi alone, I can't…I'm not strong enough."

She kissed the top of my head and Sharpay spoke the words I knew my mother couldn't find. "You're not alone Troy" she said "we're all going to be here every step of the way."

My Mom nodded and kissed me once more before getting up, saying that she'd be downstairs if we needed anything. I returned to Sharpay's arms, continuing to sob as thoughts of Kadi assailed my mind. As if on cue, Ryan poked his head in and looked at me, his sad eyes mirroring my own.

"Troy" he said softly "I'm putting Kadi to bed and she's asking for you."

Casting a sad look in Sharpay and Chad's direction I rose slowly from the bed and made the short, sad walk down the hall to my princess's room. I paused at her door, using my hand to brush away my incessant tears. Earlier in the day I had made the decision to tell Kadi about what had happened at bedtime; I wanted this to be as normal of a day for her as possible and Ryan had been gracious enough to entertain her while I grieved, all the while keeping his own sadness hidden. But now it was time. Time to break my babygirl's heart.

Finally gathering up the courage, I crossed the threshold to her room and walked to her bed, passing Ryan as he made his way out. I sat down on the bed, willing my voice not to break as I gazed down at the beautiful child before me.

I smoothed a stray piece of hair away from her face and caressed her soft cheek with my thumb. "Hi pretty girl."

She eyed me sleepily, letting out a big yawn to illustrate just how tired she was. "Hi Daddy."

I kissed her cheek, simultaneously moving my hand to find hers under the sheets she was wrapped in. "Kadi, Daddy needs to talk to you about something important before you go to sleep, okay?"

It's now or never. How the hell do I explain this to a three year-old when I don't even understand it?

"Kadi, do you remember how Mommy and Gramma were supposed to fly to California today before they came home?"

She nodded and I had to swallow the lump in my throat before continuing. "Well baby, something happened to the plane they were on and they had to go to Heaven."

The question she uttered next was enough to make my heart burst. "When are they coming back?"

I simply shook my head and leaned down to kiss her cheek again. "They're not baby, they're not" I explained softly "but they're going to be watching over you forever."

I wasn't sure if she'd understood what I had just said but my questions were answered a few seconds later as she fought to escape her covers, reaching up for me as tears began cascading down her cheeks. I picked her up without a thought, cradling her tiny, trembling body against my chest.

"Daddy's here, baby" I reassured her "I'm right here."

Any hope I had of not crying was out the window as she found her voice. "I want Mommy, Daddy." she cried, "I want to see Mommy."

Tears pooled in my eyes once again as I hugged her tighter. "I know, babygirl" I soothed "I want to see Mommy too…more than anything."

So there I sat, cradling my precious baby in my arms as she cried buckets of tears against my t-shirt. After what seemed like hours I felt her body relax, her sobs replaced by sleepy hiccupping breaths. I laid her down gently, pulling the covers over her and kissing her forehead one last time before walking out of her room. I felt the sudden urge to sob again and I couldn't do it. Not here, not after I had just gotten Kadi to go to sleep.

As I left her bedroom I saw Ryan standing in the hallway, almost as if he had been waiting for me. I nodded in his direction and he gave me a watery smile.

"How are you holding up?" he asked.

I sighed. "I just broke my baby girl's heart, Ryan" I said softly, "when she was born I promised to protect her from all the bad stuff in this world…and I just broke her heart."

He walked over, giving me a hug that I knew we both desperately needed. "How are you doing?"

He averted his gaze, hiding the tears that were dripping from his eyes. "I'm breathing" he said "that's a start."

I nodded knowingly, patting him on the shoulder in thanks as he returned to his post in Kadi's room. I watched as he sat down in a chair next to the bed and took her little hand in his, massaging it soothingly with his thumb. My girl was in good hands.

I walked slowly back to my own room where I was instantly met by a curious Sharpay. All I could do was nod sadly as I sought solace once again in her arms. She held me as I gave into another round of tears, missing Gabi with every fiber of my being. Soon, I felt her body shift as she moved to get up, guiding my body down to the bed as she walked away. She returned a few minutes later carrying a glass of water. I eyed her questioningly and she sat down, opening her hand to reveal a tiny pill.

"It's a sleeping pill" she said softly "your Mom wants you to take it."

I shook my head vehemently, pushing her hand away like a little boy who didn't want to take his medicine.

"I don't want to sleep, Shar" I choked out "I'm afraid to sleep."

She sighed, pulling me close. "Troy, you need to sleep…it's 2a.m., you've been up for almost twenty-four hours."

She was right, I was exhausted and I knew I couldn't sleep without help. Not tonight. "Fine, but will you stay with me until I fall asleep?"

She managed a smile, handing me the pill and the water. "Of course, sweetheart" she said "and we're all sleeping downstairs so I can be here in two minutes if you need me during the night."

I nodded gratefully as I laid down, feeling my body truly relax for the first time all day as Sharpay sat smoothing my hair away from my face. The calming repetitive motion, combined with the pill I had just taken, helped me slip into a fitful sleep after a few minutes. I felt the bed shift as Sharpay left and I just snuggled further into the pillow, allowing my tears to soak it as a dream of Gabi filled my mind. My beautiful Gabi.

I awoke a few hours later to a furious tapping on my chest. My eyes shot open and as they adjusted to the darkness I saw Kadi standing timidly next to the bed.

"Hi Daddy." she said softly.

"Hi baby" I replied "what's wrong?"

"I just 'membered that I never got to take a nap with you yesterday."

I smiled as my mind flashed back to the promise I had made to her earlier that day…it seemed like a lifetime ago.

"Well, what do you say we fix that?" I asked as I picked her up, tickling her stomach lightly as I laid her down next to me.

She snuggled against me and I watched as her eyes slipped shut with one final whisper. "I love you, Daddy."

I leaned over and kissed her cheek softly. I love you too, angel." I whispered "So much."

Maybe we were going to be okay.

End Flashback

My body quaked with deep sobs as thoughts of that day assaulted my mind; they were still so incredibly vivid, as if they had actually happened yesterday. Sharpay tightened her grip on me as I continued to sob and mumble incoherently against her chest, just as I had done right after I'd heard the news. Eventually she lifted my head, forcing my blue eyes to meet her brown ones.

"Shhh Troy, it's alright" she murmured "it's alright...please stop crying."

Instead of lessening, my tears increased as I balled the fabric of her shirt in my hands, desperate to feel as close to her as possible. As long as I was being held I didn't feel so hopelessly lost.

Her hand caught mine and she held it securely as she spoke, a little firmer this time. "Troy listen to me" she instructed "sweetheart, I know you're hurting so much right now but you need to try and remember the good times…Gabi would be so proud of you."

I sniffled. "You think so?"

Now it was Chad's turn to interject. I'd forgotten he was even there. "Are you kidding, Troy?" he asked incredulously. "You went to college; you're raising a beautiful daughter…you made a life for yourself when you had every right to give up."

Sharpay nodded. "He's right, you know, Gabi would be so proud of you."

I managed an ever so tiny smile as I wiped away the few remaining tears trickling from my eyes. As usual, my friends knew how to set me straight. What would I do without them? Chad and Sharpay were right were right, I had a great life with thousands of good memories to overshadow the bad ones…and I intended to keep it that way. As I sat still firmly entrenched in Sharpay's embrace, I cast a quickly glance to the Heavens.

I hope they're right Gabi, I hope you're proud of me. I'm doing the best I can.

A/N: I just wanted to clarify the whole Troy/Sharpay relationship. There isn't one, at least not romantically, and that's not in the cards at the moment. When I'm writing I envision her as his best friend, the one who's there to hold him up whenever he feels down. Quite a difference from the movie Sharpay but I like it and I hope you guys do too. Please keep reviewing, I love reading them so much. You all are so great and I'm so glad you love the story as much as I love writing it. Thanks!