I'm sure you all know that I don't own HSM, and if not go look at the A/N's on the other chapters.

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Author: Panthres

Title: Lost& Found

Chapter Title: Interlude pt.3- Of Kids and Crushes

This chapter is three of five interludes in the story. TROYPAY LOVERS DON'T WORRY, I think you'll like this chapter.

Tell me what you think!!!! Also I get like six reviews when I have over two-thousand readers. WTF? Please review, because right now I'm tempted to write a cliffhanger and leave you there for like a month. -looks around seriously- I don't like authors who do this, but I'm as eager to post this as you are to read it, so please please please review! -pouts- Please...?

TO MY READERS, JUST SO YOU KNOW THIS TAKES PLACE BEFORE HSM, AND IT IS THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER RIGHT NOW. GABBY MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT BE IN THIS STORY, I HAVEN'T DECIDED IF I WANT TO WRITE ABOUT ALL THE DRAMA SHE WOULD BRING. SO sorry, but I thought you should know.

-Panthres-

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After the fairly eventful Thursday session with my psychologist, I had been sinking in and out of depression. I would stare off into space, my mind void of thoughts, and then suddenly it was filled to the brim, and it would be all too much for me to handle.

I didn't want to be in here anymore, and yet I didn't want to leave, because of the simple fact that I didn't want to not see my psychologist again, and I knew my parents would never approve of me having to see one.

It would look horrible on their records to have a daughter seeing a psychologist, instead of being one. I was no fool. I knew that my parents loved me because as far as they and the world could see, I was perfect. Or I had been until that day in East High, where my life went to hell.

I sat in a faintly stiff recliner near the lobby of the third floor, where my room resided, and I stared longingly out of the window at the open air, where I so wished I could go.

My eyes clouded as I stared at nothing in particular, just sitting there watching the cars go by. The effects caused by my broken emotional state were starting to show. I had bags under my eyes, and I had dropped a couple of pounds, making me look a bit too thin, but not to the point of anorexia. My hair had begun to lose its luster and vibrancy as though it was dying alongside my spirit and will to live.

I was dying both inside and out, and I knew it.

My parents were stiff and formal to the point of being showy around other people, but they had loved me, and I hoped that they still did, because they had a bad way of showing it. Neither one had been to the hospital to even ask about me. I knew because I had asked the one nurse that showed me some sympathy and I kind of liked.

She had looked at me sadly, and told me that the only visitor that had come to see me was my brother, Ryan. And I knew my parents hadn't even tried to come and visit, much less care about how I was doing.

As I watched the soft sprinkle of rain fall against the clear glass window, I thought about myself.

What did I have to go back to, when I got out of here? Better yet, who? I didn't know myself well enough to be independent. I didn't have any friends, or other relations that I knew about that would take me in with my 'problem' as it was.

I was beginning to think that dying might just be a better road to take, because all the others had giant road blocks in front of them. Sighing, I let my eyelids fall slightly as I lost another part of myself to the battle within me.

I wanted peace.

I wanted harmony.

I wanted…to be loved.

My wet eyes stared solemnly at the falling rain, wondering if it would ever stop.

"Sharpay…?" A voice I recognized came from behind me, but I didn't have the energy to turn and look at her.

My heavy eyes shifted towards her slower than usual, and she looked at me in concern, a frown marring her features. "Are you okay, sweetie?" she asked me as she knelt down in front of me.

I blinked at her, and shrugged. My doctor placed her hands on my face, and made me look her in the eyes. Then, I noticed that she was wearing a pair of worn jeans, and an aquamarine t-shirt that said sea-breeze, and a pair of tennis shoes.

Wait a minute? I thought suddenly. Why was she here? She's not supposed to be here until Sunday.

I stared at her in confusion. "I thought our next session wasn't until Sunday."

She smiled brightly, and placed a bag of Rubbermaid containers in front of me. "I know, but I decided you needed a change of scenery, so I'm taking you out for the afternoon."

I stared at her in shock, before a smile appeared on my face. "Are you serious?" I asked.

"No joke. I made you a special lunch, very healthy, the same as I make for my own kids." she replied still smiling. "You also get to met two of my mystery children." The woman stated as she stood erect once more.

I looked at her in surprise. "Really? I mean you have three kids?"

She laughed. "No, Sharpay. I have four." Her reply made my jaw go slack. "WHAT?!" I screeched, and she laughed again. "How old are you?" I demanded, and her eyes twinkled at me.

"I'm forty-three, if you must know. Now, come on we've wasting away precious minutes of your freedom." she said, smiling.

Forty-three?! She didn't even look as though she'd given birth. The woman didn't even look thirty, much less like a mother of four. I thought, stunned before her words registered in my brain, and I practically leapt into the air.

I moved as fast as I could for the first time in two days, but her next words made me freeze, my foot mid-air.

"We can leave after you've cleaned everyone of these containers." she said sternly, and I gaped at her. "But…"I began, but the doctor cut me off. "You eat or you stay. I'm perfectly capable of waiting. It's your decision."

I stared at her incredulously, before I gave off a petulant whine and slumped back down into my recliner. Happily, the lady opened one container, handed me a fork, before she plopped down into a seat next to me, and pulled out a magazine.

I observed her for a second, before giving in and devouring the delicious smelling meal she'd made for me.

I ate with a smile. The thought that someone would care enough to make me lunch, and give up an afternoon just for me, was amazing, and completely unthinkable.

"Done!" I cheered as I dropped the fork back into the bowl, while suckling the sweet fruit juice off the tips of my fingers.

She peered at me over her magazine, and inspected the dishes closely, before she smiled brightly. "Well done!" she praised as she put away the magazine she had been reading, and stood up.

That had honestly been one of the best homemade lunches I'd ever had, and the fact that she made it just for me, made it seem even better. She clapped her hands together, before handing me another bag.

Surprised, I gave her a questioning look, before peeking into the bag, only to gasp in shock at the pretty clothes inside. It was a low-cut flair waist and sleeve-less blue shirt, with peace, love, and serenity written in bold yellow and retro letters all around it. Along with it came a pair of whitish khaki capris and a pair of matching yellow and blue striped flats.

It also had new underclothes inside, and I stared between the contents of the bag and my doctor in surprise.

"Why…?"I questioned softly, and she gave me a fond pat on the shoulder.

"Because I care." she replied honestly, and then she shooed me off to my room, so I could shower and clean up before we left.

Still stunned by her answer, I numbly made my way down the hall.

Because she cares…I thought. Because she cares…

Less than an hour later, I was dressed in my new outfit, my hair clean and pulled back in a loose ponytail at the back of my head, and I felt slightly rejuvenated. Walking at a quick pace, I made it into the lobby to see my doctor standing there with who I assumed was my regular doctor. I believe his name was Steven Devalli, but I wasn't too sure until the woman spoke.

"I'll have her back by ten, Steven." I heard her say politely. Mr. Devalli looked at the lady with a slight smile. "Do make sure she has fun. It's the only day we can do this." he replied, and my psychologist winked at him.

"I'll be sure to do that." she said sweetly, before turning away with a wave, and spotting me. I looked between her and my doctor, my eyebrows raised, and the lady beckoned me over as Mr. Devalli waited.

Hesitantly, I made my way across the threshold towards them, and the lady placed an arm around my shoulder. "Hello, Miss Evans, how are you feeling about going out today?" asked Mr. Devalli, kindly. I smiled at him. "Feels great, I guess. Haven't left yet, so I'll tell you if I decide when I come back."

The male physician laughed. "Okay then, Miss Evans. We have a scheduled check-up next Thursday, so I'll see you then."

"Bye Mr. Steven." I said as he walked away, and looked at the lady next to me suspiciously. "Husband?" I asked, and she stared at me incredulously/

"God NO! He's so not my type." she replied seriously as we began walking towards the elevator. I peered at her, curiously as I pushed the down button. "Why not? I mean he's kinda cute."

She snorted derisively. "Honey, I don't go for cute. I go for sexy, and passionate baby. That's why I'm married to the man I am, and I'm happy too."

I giggled at the dreamy look on her face, and started prodding for details on her husband as the elevator dinged and the doors opened. "Spill. What does he look like? Where does he work?"

She laughed as we stepped into the elevator. "You'll know…one day." Was her only reply, causing me to whine in irritation once again as the doors shut behind us.

I sat sulkily in my seat, disappointed that she wouldn't dish on her husband. I could see her eyes on me from the rearview mirror, and she smiled softly, causing me to scowl as the car moved smoothly down the road.

"I promise you'll know all about my family, Sharpay." she told me, nonchalantly, her eyes twinkling.

I sniffed, and slumped down farther in my chair, hunching my shoulders as I stared out of the window. I became aware of twinkling laughter, and I glared at her, wondering why she was so amused.

"You know, that whole emo 'I'm going to sit here, and make you feel guilty because of my anger' look is kind of ruined by the bright colors, you're wearing and the fact that the shirt says 'Peace, Love, and Serenity'." she informed me in amusement as she took a left turn into a parking lot.

I tried desperately not to smile, but it wasn't working, so I unfortunately let out a snort, and laughed as I sat up in my seat.

She pulled into a parking spot, and placed the car in park, and I finally noticed that we were outside of a large daycare center. Surprised, I exited the large black and silver Yukon quickly, after noticing the lady was half-way out already.

"Why are we here?" I asked unsurely as I finally caught up with her as she walked briskly towards the bright colored building. She smiled at me. "Why this is where we're going to be for the next few hours. My kids are here."

I stopped dead. "Wait a minute. You have toddlers?" I questioned in shock. And she nodded quickly. "One is about fifteen months, and the other is four." she replied softly as we reached the doors. Entering the building, I was blinded by the flash of lights, and the joyful cries and laughter of children met my ears, making my eyes widen.

I stared around me in wonder at the cheery atmosphere, and the lady looked at me, her eyes sparkling. "Great, isn't it?" she asked.

I nodded enthusiastically. "Really! I mean if I went to a place like this as a toddler, I wouldn't have ever wanted to grow up." She laughed at my statement, before she turned at the sound of "MOMMY!" being shrieked.

I watched in fascination as a red-haired blur streaked across the rainbow patterned carpet on chubby little legs, with a second blur behind her, brownish-hair flowing.

"Mommy, mommy, mommy!" They chorused loudly, before my doctor as she knelt down and opened her arms wide to them both. The kids leapt into her arms, making the lady fall backwards, laughing loudly as she wrapped them both tightly in a warm hug.

A smile made its way across my face as I watched my psychologist interact brilliantly with her children. The woman stood up, and set the brown-haired one, which I assumed was four on the ground, but kept the tiny red-head in her arms.

Her eyes were gleaming with love for them both, and I could tell she was proud.

"Sharpay, this is Miranda and Haley." The lady introduced, and I smiled at them both. "Well aren't you adorable?" I asked, causing Miranda, the red-haired fifteen month old to puff out her non-existent chest proudly.

The lady snorted, and Haley frowned slightly. "You look like the girl my brother has pictures of in his room." she said, her brow furrowed.

My eyebrows rose, and I looked at my doctor in question, who appeared just as shocked as me. "I guess there are a lot of blondes in this world, right?" I asked, and she nodded.

Before either of us could say anything, my doctor was swarmed by a crowd of children. "Miss Anna!!"

A lot of them were screaming shrilly, as they tackled the amused woman to the ground, making her laugh. I watched as it turned into an all out tickle war between her and the kids.

"Who's up for pizza?!!!" The lady yelled loudly, trying to distract the energized children from the current battle. It worked as a loud cheer went up in the group, and my doctor was able to stand again.

"Miss Anna?" I asked, smugly, and she let her eyes twinkle at me.

"I work here on the days that I don't have cases or appointments to attend. After all, I happen to be an interactive owner." she replied to my unanswered question.

I gaped at her, dumbfounded. "Owner?! You own this place?"

She laughed musically. "Why, yes Sharpay. I am the owner of this place, well me and my husband at least." Then she turned her attention to the kids who were beginning to get impatient. "Alright, alright, let's go!" she said happily as they began tugging at her hands.

She looked back at me. "Explore today. Have fun, just let yourself be a kid, Sharpay. Don't worry about the outside world right now. I'll come back in a few hours to find you, or you can find me sometime later." Her eyes sparkled, and she glanced at her watch. "If I'm not mistaken my son should be around here, somewhere." she told me mysteriously, before she let herself be dragged away by the happy group of kids.

I watched until she disappeared from sight, and glanced around me, feeling lost. What was I supposed to do in a kids daycare center?

Feeling stupid, I walked aimlessly around, looking at the various children and how they interacted with each other.

I stopped at a playpen, where a small blonde girl sat alone near the corner. She had pale skin, and the most mesmerizing green eyes I'd ever seen, but they were wet with tears of sadness, and she looked so alone sitting near the giant ball pen all by herself.

Her tiny hands picked self-consciously at her jean shorts, and her blonde hair was tied into pigtails.

Oh, how this girl reminded me of myself. Feeling so alone in the midst of a crowd, with no one to talk to.

My eyes watered slightly. I couldn't remember anything really about my past, at least before high school. Why I had no idea, but I needed to find out. Some way or another.

"Sad, isn't it?" A voice I knew instantly, questioned from behind me. My eyes widened in surprise, and I whipped around to stare incredulously at him.

" Troy?" I asked. He gave me a lop-sided smile, and came up beside me. "Hi, Sharpay. It's good to see you alive."

I stared at him, and he leaned forward against the cloth fence of the play pen, nonchalantly. I had to admit he looked gorgeous in a fitting dark blue muscle shirt, and jeans with white tennis. So simple, but it made his eyes stand out brilliantly.

"It's all over the news. Sharpay Evans the first person to die for more than two minutes, and live to tell the tale of her after-life journey." he spoke mocking the reporters.

I snorted at that. "That's wonderful. It's so nice to know that people at school are thinking of me." I told him sarcastically, and he raised an eyebrow at me, and I ignored his silent inquiry as I looked back at the girl.

I could feel the weight of Troy's gaze shift between me and the girl for a second. "Her name's Emily Wright."

I gazed at him, unsure of what he was saying. Troy gestured towards the young child. "She's never had any friends, always sits and eats alone. Terrified of being rejected as such, she doesn't know how to approach people."

"Was she abused?" I asked quietly, and Troy nodded, staring sadly at the girl. "Physical, sexual, mental abuse. You name it. Her father was one of the cockiest bastards I've ever met. He was proud of what he'd done to her."

"How do you know that?" I asked him frowning.

Troy snorted derisively. "He told her what he'd do to her when he got out, and even had the gall to get aroused when he talked about all the crap he'd done to her."

I growled in agitation. "You're right, he is a bastard." I turned to look at Emily, who was now staring at us in confusion.

"How old is she?" I questioned softly, glancing at him surreptitiously from the corner of my eye.

"She's seven." He answered, and I scowled. "Fucking asshole." I cursed under my breath violently, and Troy grinned.

"So why are you here?" he asked me, kindly. I raised an eyebrow. "My psychiatrist brought me here. Wanted me to be a kid for once."

Troy's eye brows rose, and a mischivieous grin stretched across his face. I stepped away from him slowly, kind of turned on and terrified by that sexy ass smile he had on his face.

" Troy…What are yo---AHH!" I began, but Troy took the initiative and picked me up and threw me over his shoulder causing me to shriek.

"TROY BOLTON, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" I screeched as he took off at a fast pace around the Giant ball pen.

He didn't reply, but stopped in front of a large opening that let people enter the ball pen. My eyes widened and I tried to wiggle free of his hold.

"Don't you dare!" I hissed, and Troy's response was to toss me into the sea of bright colored balls. I came up sputtering, as he laughed sincerely from the ledge he stood on. "How's being a kid for you?" he asked me with a soft chuckle.

I glared at him, before a smirk appeared on my face. "Great. How about you join me?" He only had seconds to let a surprised expression cross his face, before I grabbed his leg and pulled him into the pen.

Troy let out a surprised, "WOAH!" Before he disappeared under the sea of balls, and I giggled. When he didn't come up for a few seconds I got worried. " Troy?" I asked, before I squeaked as he popped up right in front of me spraying bright colored items everywhere.

"Jerk." I smacked him on the arm for scaring me like that. He laughed. "Not funny." I told him seriously, while frowning. Troy smiled gently at me, and I was surprised when he wrapped his arms around my waist and hugged me softly.

Tingles went up my spine at the feel of his body against mine, and I threw a ball at his head.

"Ow!" He rubbed the sore spot on his head, and glared at me, playfully. "Oh, it's on!" he enthused, and I shrieked as it turned into an all out ball fight.

An hour or so later, we collapsed exhausted on a bench near the concession area. "That was a workout." he stated, smiling. "I agree."

I sucked on my green apple flavored icy, and he looked at me disapprovingly as he sipped some water. "That's not good for your intestines."

I childishly poked my tongue out at him. "You're just jealous that you have to drink water, while I enjoy my unhealthy, fattening, and intestine destroying juice that tastes amazing."

We looked at each other, and burst into laughter. "Only you, Sharpay." he replied grinning, and I smiled back.

My eyes met his amazing blue ones, and I felt as though I was sinking into an ocean of emotions that lingered unheeded behind those orbs. Before I knew what was happening, we were leaning closer. The smile slowly disappeared from his face, and just as his lips were about to touch mine, his cell phone rang piercingly, causing us to jump away from each other.

Troy coughed, and I looked away, my face burning with an intense blush.

"Er…I guess I should go." he said awkwardly. "Yeah, yeah, Right." I agreed quickly, and he gave me a smile. "You should try being a kid more often, Sharpay. A smile suits you." he said, before walking away.

I observed him until he disappeared into the crowd of kids, and I sighed softly, before my doctor plopped down next to me.

"Had fun?" she asked gently, and I nodded enthusiastically. "I didn't see your son anywhere, but I met up with someone I knew from school."

Her eyes twinkled mysteriously, and I beamed at her. "Thanks for bringing me here, Miss Anna."

"Your welcome, Sharpay, but your day's not over yet. You are going to help me with my kids today, if that's okay?" she asked me, and I agreed.

Standing up, I glanced in the direction Troy had disappeared into, and smiled at the fact that this had become one of the best days in my life, all because of one person.

"Sharpay?" I heard my doctor call to me.

"Coming!!!" I yelled back, and ran to catch up with her after one last glance in the direction he'd left.

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