Chapter 10-

Although everyone claimed that movie stars didn't get special treatment, Troy was aware the hospital was letting him bend the rules by sitting with Gabriella more than normal visiting hours allowed. He was also managing to sleep on the uncomfortable couches that inhabited the waiting room.

Despite the passing of two days and nights, Gabriella had not awoken. No matter how much he begged or pleaded her dark eyes remained closed. The doctors came and went, speaking in hushed tones and flashing worried glances his in direction.

Running a hand through his mussed hair he yawned. Despite the exhaustion that clung to him, sleep had been hard coming. A glance at his watch caused him to note that he had awoken earlier than he had yesterday, and despite their leniency, the nurses wouldn't allow him in Gabriella's room before seven.

His phone vibrated in his pocket and he slipped it out expecting to see the number of his agent. The man had been relentless in his efforts to get a hold of Troy. The number,

however, was one he did not recognize. Worrying it might be paparazzi or some obsessed fan, he let it go to voice mail.

Five minutes later the number had called him four times. As the phone began vibrating for the fifth time, he hit the little green button and barked out a "hello".

"Troy?" even on the weak connection, he recognized his, one time, best friend.

"Chad." It was more of a statement than a question or greeting.

"We just left the airport, we should be there within an hour," despite all the history between them Chad's voice was even.

In the background, Troy heard Taylor ordering Chad to ask about Gabriella's condition.

"Troy, how's Gabriella?" Chad inquired, his voice breaking slightly.

Troy swallowed past the lump in his throat. "The same, there hasn't been any changes."

"All right, we'll be there soon."

A click sounded in his ear and the line went dead. Troy sighed and slipped his phone back into his pocket.

In an hour he would have to face the best friend he had left behind, and the woman who held him accountable for much of Gabriella's sorrow. Somehow, he would do this. If for no other reason than Gabriella, so be it.

………………….

In a fresh set of clothes he strolled down the white hallway. If you thought about it white, was kind of depressing, wasn't it? It's often the color used in hospitals, where people suffer and die.

He ruffled his damp hair and yawned slowly. With Gabriella so pale and still, there was no way he could relax enough for a good night's sleep. Reluctantly, he had left for a quick shower and change of clothes, and he should have enough time for a quick visit with Gabriella before Chad and Taylor arrived.

Anxiously, he quickened his pace willing himself onward. A flash went off behind him, but he just kept walking. Don't give them anything, well except for a burly security guard. Quietly, he started past the nurses station when a voice caught his attention.

"I swear to you if you'd just page Troy, he'd verify who we are," Chad argued with frustration.

The nurse's smile was quite strained, but very firm. "I'm sorry sir, we have instructions not to discuss Ms. Montez with anyone but Troy Bolton."

For a moment, he simply stood back. Chad was taller and his hair was cut short, a style more befitting his current place in life. Taylor's hair, too, was shorter, but still the same vibrant dark hair that waved slightly. A telltale bulge told him congratulations were in order for the couple.

"It's all right, Ana," he said with a ghostly hint of a smile at the hardworking nurse. "They're with me."

Ana nodded and turned back to her work. Troy silently led Chad and Taylor to a semi-private, waiting room. Once inside, surrounded by plush leather, the three one time friends allowed an awkward silence to descend.

Troy felt Chad's gaze sizing him up, wondering what he should due to punish him for his role in all this madness. "I'm sorry." Two simple words, but they were some of the hardest he'd ever said in his life.

Chad offered an abrupt nod. "So am I."

Whether he was apologizing for himself or simply concurring with Troy, it didn't matter. They had spoken.

"Is Gabriella going to be all right?" Taylor asked with a frown, as she slowly lowered herself onto the tan loveseat.

"The longer she's in coma, the less chance she has to make a full recovery," Troy explained in a grim tone. He couldn't meet Taylor's intense gaze, so he allowed his gaze to drift to the window.

Perhaps someday, he'd find away to atone for all the sins he'd committed and the hurt he'd caused.


Yes, I know it's been forever. Apologies to all my lovely reviewers. I hope ya'll enjoyed this chapter, and know that I don't have the answers to your questions, but I will say, should Gabriella die, it won't be a this time. ;)

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