Last time:

"Troy, Sharpay's roommate at Julliard—Anna," Ryan started. He paused to search for his words. He then took a deep breath and said, "Troy, Anna's dead."

Chapter 11

Troy looked blankly at Ryan. "What? Her roommate's dead? How? Why? When?"

Ryan sighed and massaged his temples tiredly. "I've been up all night trying to get the facts, Troy. All I've come up with so far is that she was found in her room on Thursday morning—dead."

Troy shook his head. "I can't believe this. I didn't know her or anything, but I knew that Sharpay and her roommate were close. Do you think she was suicidal?"

Ryan rubbed the back of his neck, trying to massage the knot out of his neck muscles. "I don't think so. The newspaper and Julliard said that they didn't find a weapon that could have killed her. They aren't sure at this point," Ryan responded. He paused and then said quietly, "I think it might be drug related or Anna may have had the same problem Sharpay does."

Troy sighed. "I think Sharpay should know. She might be able to solve the mystery, too."

Ryan shook his head fiercely. "No. She can't know about this, Troy. Shar's too fragile right now, and I think this could break her."

Troy cut in, "Ryan, this was her friend. She has the right to know…"

"Troy, please don't," Ryan stated coldly. "I can't risk losing her. Just promise me that you won't tell her. Please, Troy."

Troy shook his head. "Ryan, I don't think you give Sharpay enough credit. She can handle stuff. She's getting better."

Ryan defensively shot back, "I think I'd know my own sister better than you, Troy. I've been her friend my entire life, you just finally noticed her this year! Just let me handle this. I'm her brother, and I make the decisions regarding Sharpay—you don't!"

Troy, shocked at Ryan's sudden outburst, paused and said quietly, "Okay, Ryan. You do what you think is right, but when this blows up in your face, I'll try and help as much as I can."

Ryan coldly slid out of the booth, grabbed his coffee, and left the cafeteria, leaving Troy contemplating his own actions.

A/N: Sorry! This was a really, really short update, but I'm sick right now, so I've lost my motivation to continue. Review, please!