A/N High School Musical Settings and Characters all belong to Kenny Ortega and Disney. Any original characters and this story are copyright © 2011-2018 to Hopelessromanticgurl, all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

A/N Camp Rock Settings and Characters all belong to Matthew Diamond and the Disney. Any original characters and this story are copyright © 2011-2018 to Hopelessromanticgurl, all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

A/N IMPORTANT READ: I'm so sorry! I know I said I'd be able to post regularly again and then I failed at that. :( To be honest I'm not sure when I'll be able to update again. My family and I are now attending a Church on Sunday mornings so that will no longer work. I will put a poll up on my page with my current options of when I'll be able to update again. Please go vote! I will do my best to have the next chapter up soon. In the meantime read and review! :D

During free period Gabriella and Troy went to the auditorium, where Troy had a surprise set up for Gabriella.

"What's going on?" Gabriella asked when she saw Kelsi and Ryan sitting at the piano.

"I thought you might like to hear the song Kelsi wrote for us to sing," Troy said.

"Yeah, but…Troy, I'm not ready to sing in the musical." Gabriella said.

"Nobody said you had to. I just thought it would be fun to sing together." Troy said.

"I don't know, Troy." Gabriella sighed.

"Come on. It will be fun." Troy smiled. "I promise."

"Why don't Ryan and I do the first verse. You and Troy can take the course and the rest of the song." Kelsi suggested.

Gabriella nodded. "Ok. I'll give it a try."

"Yes!" Troy cheered. He lifted Gabriella off her feet causing her to squeal as he set her down on the Grand Piano.

Troy sat next to her. He took the sheet music and held it for them both to see.

Ryan started to play the piano.

I got a lot of things

I have to do

All these distractions

Our future's coming soon

We're being pulled

Kelsi joined him in singing.

A hundred different directions

But whatever happens

I know I've got you

You're on my mind

You're in my heart

It doesn't matter where we are

We'll be alright

Even if we're

Miles apart

Troy gave Gabriella a look a nodded. Together they broke out into the chorus singing together in perfect harmony.

All I wanna do Is be with you, be with you

There's nothing we can't do

Just wanna be with you Only you

Troy stood up and threw his arm out as if he was declaring it to the world that Gabriella was the only woman he ever wanted to be with.

No matter where life takes us

Nothing can break us apart

(You know it's true)

I just wanna be with you

Gabriella:

Yeah

Troy:

Just be with you

Gabriella:

Oh yeah yeah

Kelsi continued to the play as Troy and Gabriella got down. Ryan led Gabriella onto the stage as Troy walked down the ale. He started to sing the next verse.

You know how life can be, it changes over night

Gabriella joined in again as she waited for him to join her on the fake balcony that had been set up for the play.

It's sunny then raining, but it's alright

A friend like you always makes it easy

I know that you get me every time

Through every up, through every down

You know I'll always be around

Through anything, you can count on me!

Troy started to climb the fake tree that had just recently been painted, ignoring the sign that said wet paint.

All I wanna do is be with you, be with you

There's nothing we can do

I just wanna be with you, only you

He jumped over the railing of the balcony, and slowly they sidestepped getting closer and closer to each other. Troy didn't care he had wet green and white paint on his hands.

No matter where life takes us

Nothing can break us apart

You know it's true

As they came back together, Troy put his hands out in a fake monster way teasing Gabriella. He was shocked when she grabbed the paintbrush and brushed his neck with it.

She went to run, but he grabbed her and spun her around causing her to giggle as she sang the rest of the song.

I just wanna be with you

I just wanna be with you

They came together at the end of the song and Troy kissed her lips gently.

A lot of claps and cheers were heard causing Gabriella to jump. She looked around and noticed they were no longer alone.

"That was so amazing!" Caitlyn said. "The last time I saw that much chemistry on stage was when Shane and Mitchie sang "This is Me" for the final jam at the end of Camp Rock two years ago!"

"That was amazing Gabriella." Mitchie smiled.

"You have to join the musical! Troy does such a better job when he sings with you." Taylor said.

"It would be a lot of fun," Kelsi said. "But it's up to you. No pressure."

Gabriella blushed and hid her face in Troy's chest. Troy rubbed her back and kissed her head. "You heard Kelsi; there is no pressure. It's ok."

"Yeah. No pressure. But if you don't join soon Troy will be singing and dancing with Sharpay." Chad said.

"Chad…" Troy started in a warning voice.

"It's true," Chad said. "You've been paired with Sharpay until Gabriella came back. She's back now."

"Yeah. But not ready to perform." Troy said.

"That's kind of hard to believe. The two of you were perfect up there." Taylor said.

Gabriella pulled away and looked to Kelsi. "Could I join? It's not too late."

"No, not at all. There is still plenty of time." Kelsi said.

"I'll even arrange it, so you won't have to dance or sing with anyone else other than Troy," Ryan said.

"No solos," Gabriella said.

"Nope. None. Just you and Troy, just like you did today." Kelsi said.

Gabriella inhaled and exhaled. "I want to…"

"But…" Troy asked.

"I'm scared. Sharpay is going to kill me."

"Don't worry; I'll handle my sister. I know what button's to push to get her to see things our way." Ryan said. "If you want to do this I'll make sure Sharpay doesn't bother you."

Gabriella nodded. "I want to. I had so much fun singing with Troy just now."

"Then you will," Ryan said. "Kelsi and I will help you catch up and learn the dance moves and lyrics to the other scenes you'll be in."

"Yes!" Everyone cheered.

Gabriella giggled. Life was perfect now. Axel and Maria had been caught she was moving on from their attack, and now she got to be in her school musical with Troy. What could go wrong?

Gabriella should have learned that whenever you ask that question the world decides to show you.

She entered her house with the biggest smile she could have. Troy and Mitchie were right behind her.

"Mom, Dad, we're home," Mitchie called out.

"I had the best day at school today!" Gabriella cried out.

"Where are they?" Mitchie asked. "They usually come right out the second they hear us come in."

Gabriella nodded. A sinking fear entered her stomach.

"Let's check the kitchen," Troy said calmly. "Maybe they just didn't hear you."

The three of them entered the kitchen, and everyone gasped. Gabriella instantly recoiled into Troy's arms. He hugged her close and glared. "What's going on?"

There in the kitchen stood Shelly, from Child Protective Services., Ashley, Jade, and Jack and Lucille Bolton.

"Go away." Gabriella whimpered. "I don't know anything!"

"Gabriella it's ok. We aren't here for more questions." Ashley said.

"We're here to help you," Shelly said.

"I don't need help!" Gabriella cried.

"What's going on?" Troy growled. "Someone tell me what's going on right now."

"Troy, easy," Jack said. "Sit down, and we will explain everything."

Troy shook his head. "Just tell me."

"Ok. We have good news and bad news." Lucille said.

"Connie and Steve are in jail," Jade said.

'WHAT!" Gabriella and Mitchie screamed.

"NO!" Mitchie cried. "You're lying! You're a liar! You're just trying to scare Gabriella and I."

Troy saw all the color drain from Gabriella's body. She started shaking, and her breathing got heavier. Troy rubbed her back trying to comfort her.

"I was trying to ease them into it," Lucille said.

"Too late now," Jade said. "Axel, Maria, Connie, and Steve are all in jail. So Gabriella and Mitchie no longer have parents to care for them. So now Lucille and Jack are your new parents."

Gabriella started to hyperventilate as she shook from head to toe. "No, No, No, No!" she screamed.

"Liar! Stop lying!" Mitchie screamed.

"I'm sorry, she's not," Lucille said.

"Mom!" Troy gasped.

"Troy it's true," Jack said. "That's why we are all here."

"Mitchie and Gabriella can pack a bag of things they will need, and then we will all be going home," Lucille said.

"NO! WE'RE NOT LEAVING!" Mitchie screamed. She grabbed Gabriella's hand and pulled her away. A loud slamming was heard followed by the sound of a door locking.

"Well, that went well," Jade said.

"You are really starting to annoy me," Jack said.

"She's starting to annoy all of us," Ashley said.

"Troy, you're the only who can get them to come out," Lucille said.

"I know. But I'm not going to." Troy said.

"Why?"

"Gabriella is terrified enough without having to worry about going to Foster Care, which I know Jade is going to bring up."

"Troy, we are taking Mitchie and Gabriella into our custody," Jack said. "There is no need for Foster Care."

"Good. But I'm still not going to get Gabriella out until Jade is gone."

"Troy…" Jack started.

"Besides, I can get Gabriella out of there. I can't get Mitchie. When Jade leaves, I will call the one person who can help us get Mitchie to come out."

"I'm not leaving. I need to question both girls." Jade said.

"That's not going to happen." Troy laughed.

"Then Connie and Steve will never get out of jail, and Gabriella might end up back with Axel, and Maria and Mitchie will end up in Foster Care," Jade said.

A loud scream was heard, and everyone knew Gabriella and Mitchie could still hear them.

"Troy is right," Ashley said. "You're not getting any answers out of the girls today. So it's better if you just leave."

"Fine. But don't come crying to me when Mitchie ends up in Foster Care and Gabriella is taken back in custody of Axel and Maria."

Another loud scream was heard, and Troy growled.

Jade left the house.

Troy quickly grabbed his phone and dialed a number. "Hey, Shane? Yeah, it's Troy. Listen you to get over to Mitchie's house right away." Troy sighed softly. "No, it's terrible. Mitchie needs you. Ok, see you soon."

Troy hung up and sighed. "He's on his way. Now I want answers. None of this makes any sense. How could Connie and Steve be in jail?"

"Axel and Maria have been caught. When they were, they told everyone that they were just trying to protect Gabriella. All the wounds and scars she has were old ones. Connie and Steve were the abusive ones and Axel and Maria were trying to save her." Ashley explained.

"And people believed them? I mean we have documented proof that Axel and Maria were abusive to Gabriella even before we met Connie and Steve. Not to mention they got the ok to adopt Gabriella from Shelly because they weren't hurting Gabriella." Troy said.

"You're right. That's exactly what I have told them. However…" Ashley sighed. "There is talk now that Gabriella has been lying."

"What?" Troy growled.

"She was angry at her father for leaving them and moving on with another family, and she was angry at Maria for leaving her at that Camp for the summer instead of allowing her to stay with her friends. To get back at them, she made up the lie about them being abusive."

"Gabriella would never do that," Troy growled.

"There is also talk that Connie and Steve had brainwashed her into believing Axel and Maria are the bad ones."

Troy growled.

"Look, Troy, I don't believe them. I'm on your side here. I'm doing everything I can to get Steve and Connie out of jail…"

"I sense a but," Troy said.

"But, the one thing that would really help would be to have Gabriella testify and say in front of a judge that Axel and Maria have hurt her," Ashley said.

Troy sighed. "I guess it makes sense."

"I will help you both every step of the way. But first, we need to get her to agree."

"First we need to get her out of the bedroom," Jack said.

Troy sighed. Both of those things were going to be easier said than done.

Thankfully a few minutes later Shane showed up. Troy quickly explained the situation to him.

"I'll go get them out. Troy, I'm going to need help." Shane said.

The two of them stopped right outside Gabriella's closed and locked door.

"Now that we're alone be honest with me," Shane said. "Do you really want to drag these two girls away from the only home they've ever known? Gabriella has just finally felt settled and comfortable here. Do you really want to take that away from them?"

"Not at all. I've been trying to buy time. I agree with Gabriella and Mitchie; this is their home they shouldn't have to leave."

"Good. Then let's tell them that." Shane knocked on the door. Two whimpers were heard, but nobody answered.

"Brie?" Troy called out. "It's me; it's Troy."

"Mitchie, Baby, please let us in," Shane said.

Nothing happen. Both boys sighed. This was going to be harder than they thought.

Troy knocked again. "Please open the door. We just want to talk."

"We are alone; it's just Troy and I," Shane said.

Still, nothing happen.

"Any ideas?" Troy asked.

"Only one…" He reached into his pocket and took out his cell phone. He quickly typed a message and hit send.

Seconds later he could hear Mitchie's phone ringing in the bedroom.

"What did you say?" Troy asked.

"The truth," Shane answered.

"What does that mean?"

"You'll see."

Troy was about to question it more, but then he heard a sound coming from inside the bedroom. They heard the door click unlocked, but it did not open.

Shane opened the door, and the two of them went inside.

Once inside the bedroom they closed and locked the door behind them. Then they noticed the girls.

Gabriella had pulled herself back into her protective stance, and Mitchie was holding her as close as possible, almost like a mother lion protecting her cubs.

"We're not leaving," Mitchie said. "This is all a big mistake. Mom and Dad will be home in a few hours."

"You're right. You're not leaving." Shane said. "But your Mom and Dad won't be home tonight. Deep down you know that."

"Shut up," Mitchie growled. "You don't know that."

"Yeah I do. You do too, and you just don't want to admit it."

Mitchie didn't speak.

"Look, we're on your side," Troy said. "We're not going to make you leave here, but you have to understand what Ashley said is true. Your parents aren't coming home tonight."

Mitchie didn't speak.

Both boys sighed. Troy walked over to Gabriella. To his surprise Mitchie pushed him away. "Stay away from her."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Stay away from my sister."

Gabriella started to cry. "No, T!"

Troy shook his head. "I'm not going to stay away from her. You can't make me either." Troy went over to Gabriella and pulled her into his arms. "I'm right here, Angel. Shhh, you're safe. Shh."

"Daddy!" Gabriella cried.

"You'll see him soon, I promise." Troy rubbed her back.

"Don't lie to her," Mitchie growled.

"I'm not. They can only hold Connie and Steve for 48 hours without any proof. They have no proof other than the word of a known child abuser and kidnapper. So in two days you'll be able to see your parents again."

"Just think of it as a sleepover," Shane said. "We can all sleepover here."

"Or at my house," Troy said.

"We're not leaving," Mitchie said.

"Gabriella has no problem going to my house," Troy said. "In case you forgot she spent a few months with me when she first came to live with you."

"Troy…" Shane said.

"Gabriella only wants to stay because she's your sister and she doesn't want you to feel scared or upset."

"How do you know?" Mitchie asked. "Maybe this is different."

"I know, Gabriella," Troy answered. "Look, I get it. You don't know me very well; you don't know my parents or my house. It's all new to you, and that's scary. But I promise you you'll be fine there."

Mitchie knew deep down he was right, but her fear was stronger. She decided to mask that the only way she knew how…with anger. She glared at Gabriella. "This is your fault. If you never came to live with us, this never would have happened."

"Mitchie!" Troy gasped. "How dare you!"

Gabriella started to cry. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"No, Baby, it's not your fault. Shhh." Troy soothed. "Mitchie is upset. She doesn't mean it."

"Mitchie," Shane said. "That was uncalled for."

"I know." Mitchie whimpered. She pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs and hid her face in her knees. "I so sorry. I didn't mean that. I'm scared."

Gabriella pulled from Troy's arms and went over to her sister. She hugged her sister tightly. "I know. We both are. I know you didn't mean it. I forgive you."

There was a knock at the door, and both girls gasped.

"Who is it?" Troy asked.

"Troy, it's us." They heard Jack answered. "Your mother is with me. Ashley left. We just want to talk to the girls. We aren't leaving this house until they are comfortable. Please just let us in to talk to them."

Troy looked to Gabriella and Mitchie. "It's your call."

Mitchie shook her head, and Gabriella nodded. "It's ok, Mitchie. They said we aren't leaving until we are ready. They just want to talk. Ashley isn't with them anymore."

Mitchie nodded but kept her face hidden.

Troy opened the door, and Jack and Lucille walked in.

"Thank you for giving us a chance," Jack said.

"Gabriella wants to go; it's Mitchie who doesn't," Troy said.

"We had a feeling that's what was happening," Jack said.

"Look, when we first heard about what was happening we were asked to take in Gabriella. We agreed right away but then asked about Mitchie." Lucille said. "Honey…they wanted to put you in the foster care system until they found a better place. We couldn't let that happen. We couldn't let you girls be split up, not at a time like this. So we agreed to take you both in. We both knew you would be terrified and not trust us. That's perfectly fine. We understand 100%."

"Now when Gabriella first moved in here and was terrified your family was kind enough to allow Troy to stay with her until she was comfortable. We are willing to offer you the same deal, with Shane." Jack said.

Mitchie peeked her head up. "You are?"

Jack nodded. "Shane can stay with us for as long as it takes for you to feel safe."

"Or if you really don't want to stay with us we can make some calls, and you can stay with your friends from that camp place," Lucille said. "It's your choice. We just couldn't let you girls be split up just for one of you to be put in Foster care. It wasn't fair."

"No, I…Shane coming helps…" Mitchie started slowly.

"Now there will be rules," Jack said. "You and Gabriella will be in a room at night, and the Troy and Shane will be in another. There will be no sleeping together in the same rooms or same bed. The bedroom doors are to remain open whenever you guys are together in a room. Those are similar to the rules you had for Gabriella and Troy." Jack said.

Mitchie nodded. "Ok. I think…I think I'm ready."

"Good. Shane and Troy help the girls pack a few things, and we will be waiting for your outside." Lucille said.

Jack and Lucille left the room.

Mitchie sighed Jack and Lucille seemed nice enough. But it wasn't her parents. She just hoped this didn't last long. She would never be able to survive very long without her parents. She knew Gabriella was the same way.

A/N What do you think? Leave me your thoughts in a review. Those who review with an account will get a sneak peek at the next chapter so please review! Please go take my poll!

For updates, sneak peeks, and sometimes cool pictures FIND and LIKE me on Facebook at "hopelessromanticgurl"

For updates and information on my original novels FIND and LIKE ME ON Facebook at "S.M. Nicholas Romance Author"

For cute, fluffy, clean, tickle stories please go check out my second account "writingqueen2016"