Chapter 8-

Troy entered the small florist shop and quietly began to browse. He wanted to redeem himself. If he didn't he knew he would lose Gabriella forever.

"May I help you?" a young woman asked.

He nodded. "I'd like a dozen white roses."

The woman smiled. "Anything else?"

He shook his head.

Ten minutes later, he left the small shop carrying the bouquet of roses. Gabriella would see that he had changed. She had to. He couldn't bear to live without her any longer. Even if she asked him to leave Hollywood, he would do it. Finally, he had learned that she was worth more than anything he would ever find here.

The drive back to his house seemed to take longer than it ever had before, but when he finally arrived pure joy filled him. He left the car and jogged up to the front door. After unlocking the door, he stepped inside, but kept the roses behind his back. "Gabriella?" he called.

No answer.

"Gabriella?" he repeated as he entered the living room. The couch she had been sleeping on was empty. A small piece of paper caught his eye.

He set the roses down on the coffee table and lifted the paper.

Dear Troy,

Thank you for coming to my rescue, but I know now that we can never be together. It simply wasn't meant to be. I've learned the truth. No one in this world cares about me as much as James. He doesn't always show it, but he does. Without him I'm worthless.

Gabriella

Troy crumpled the paper and flung it across the room. Then he lifted the bouquet of white roses and tossed them with all his might against the wall. James wouldn't forgive Gabriella, for leaving the night before. James. Just thinking the name caused a remarkable rage to well up inside of him. He hated the man who had damaged Gabriella. Who, had convinced her through physical and mental abuse that she was nothing. He wanted nothing more than to rush to Gabriella, to be her knight, and rescue her, but would she let him?

…………………………..

Gabriella had no sooner stepped into the house, before she was knocked to the ground.

"How dare you come back!" James screamed. "You're a whore, a slut." He kicked her against the wall. Then he reached down and clutched her throat, with a death grip he yanked her up.

"James, please, I came back," she whispered.

"You wouldn't give yourself to me, but to him?!?!" James's face was red with rage.

His fist sent ripples of pain as it connected with her stomach.

"James, please."

The beating continued. Screams could be heard throughout the neighborhood. Fiery pain shot through Gabriella and rage consumed the irrational man.

…………………

"Troy Bolton?" the uncertain voice questioned when he answered the phone.

"This is he," he replied.

"I'm Dr. Marcus Carson, I'm calling about Gabriella Montez."