DRAMA time…Hopefully you don't kill me for the next bit.

'I can't believe he just did that. Troy hit his dad because of me. I never would have wanted it to come to this. Troy means so much to me but I don't want him to choose me over his parents. They have been there for him since the beginning.'

I drove straight home. My emotions were completely out of whack. I almost ran over a squirrel. I could feel the tears start to take over my eyes. I was angry, surprised, nervous, and just in plain shock. I had never seen Troy angry before. Not once in the entire time that I've known him. And seeing as how I met him in the second grade, that is a long time.

RRIINNGG-my cell phone rang

"Hello."

"Ryan where are you? You're usually home before me. Is Troy keeping you out late?"

"Actually Sharpay, no. And I would really like it if you didn't mention his name for a while. Okay. I'll be home in like two minutes."

"Are you okay? We'll talk when you get here. Love you."

"Love you too, Shar-"

CLICK

'I don't know if I am going to be able to talk to Sharpay when I get home. It's just really confusing and rather draining. The fact that I turned my back on Troy when he needed me made me feel crappier than I already was. He trusted me and I let him down. It's not like I wasn't willing to fight for our love, it's just that I don't want to come between him and his family.'

I got home in the promised two minutes. Sharpay met me at the door with outstretched arms. I walked past her and ascended the stairs to my bedroom. I closed my door and plopped down on my bed. As I laid there the tears started rolling down my face. It was as if every emotion was in overdrive. I felt them all at the same time and the tears flooded. I couldn't take it. I wanted to be with Troy more than anything. He was my always and forever. 'So why did I give up on him? Why did I leave him there when he told me that he couldn't face his dad alone? I left him there. What kind of boyfriend did that make me? A horrible one, I know. But I don't want to tear his family apart. Not because of me. I heard his mom on the phone and she sounded really caring. And I knew his dad just wanted what was best for Troy. So am I still a horrible person if I abandon someone who needs me if I feel that it is best for that person.'

Knock-Knock

"Come on in Shar-"

She entered my room rather quietly. She knew that I was hurting. I never deny her a hug, especially when I need it.

"You okay?"

"Truthfully, no I am not."

"Did he break up with you?" she said as she sat on my bed.

"No, I broke up with him. He hit his dad for me."

"Now, I'm really confused. Why would you break up with him? And why did he hit his dad?"

"His dad called me a faggot. So Troy punched him. I don't want to break up his family Shar-. I couldn't do that to him or to his family. Just like I don't think he would want to break up our family."

"Ah, sweetie it's going to be fine. If I know Troy then he will fix the problems with his dad and come looking for you."

"You think so?"

"Yeah"

RRRIIINNNGGG- my cell phone rang

Sharpay quickly grabbed my phone to see who it is. She always was the nosy one.

Incoming Call

Troy Home

"It's him."

"Ohmigod, give me that phone." I said as I snatched the phone from her.

"Hello"

"Hi, is this Ryan."

"Yes it is."

"This is Troy's mom. Is he there with you?"

"No ma'am, I haven't seen him since I left your house."

"It seems Troy ran away after a fight he had with his dad. If he goes to your house will you have him call us please? We are really worried about him."

"Sure Mrs. Bolton, I will tell him if I see him."

"Thank you Ryan. And I am sorry for what Mr. Bolton said earlier. I think you and Troy make cute couple."

"Thank you Mrs. Bolton. Bye."

"Bye, dear."

CLICK

"What did his mom want?"

"He ran away. I guess he had another fight with his dad and ran away. She said that we were a cute couple."

"Are you serious? Do you have any idea where he went?"

"No, I wish I did."

"Ryan, call him. He may not answer if he thinks that his parents are calling but maybe he'll answer for you. Yeah, you do that and I'll Zeke and Chad and let them know."

"Maybe. Shar-?"

"Yeah. I really do love him. I feel so bad."

"Hey its okay. We'll find him."

"I know. I just hope he's alright."

"Me too. Now lets get to work."

"Yeah."

BANG- their front door slammed close

"Sharpay, Ryan are you home?" Mr. Evans called from downstairs.

"We're up here dad."

"Can you guys come down here? We need to talk to you." Their mother called.

I couldn't help but look at Sharpay. See our parents weren't really the parenting type and they never seem to have time for us. If they wanted to talk to us that meant something big. We hurried down the stairs in a effort to get this "family" get together over as quickly as possible. We had to find Troy, sooner than later.

"Alright we have to ask you something Ryan."

"Are you gay?"

Gulp. I really didn't want to do it this way. I was hoping to completely avoid this whole conversation. Sharpay grabbed my hand for support. Gulp again.

"Yes, I am."

My heart raced. My palm was sweaty. I could feel my heart beat through my chest and I felt like running. If I run now I run forever and I don't want to live like that.

"That's fine hunny." My mom calmly said.

"Yeah son. Relax. You will always be our little boy."

'Are you serious? They aren't upset with me because I'm gay. They're no mad. This day is turning around. Short sweet and to the point. I love my parents. I love my family and I love Troy.'

"Mom, dad, I really appreciate this bonding session but my boyfriend is in some trouble and I have to go find him. He ran away and he needs me. Now more than ever."

"We understand. Go find him. Sharpay go with him."

"Let's go Ry-. I can call everyone from the car. You drive."

"Bye"

"Bye, love you."

And like that we were gone. The determination on my face would be permanently etched until I found him. I know how upset he was and I don't want him to do anything he will regret. I don't want him out there all alone. Albuquerque may not be New York City but we have bad people too and I will never forgive myself if they hurt my Troy.

But will Ryan find him in time…tune in next time (in about a week) …L.Kerr