Hi guys!!!! I know, I know, it's half term where I am now and so I should've updated immediately but that's not so. I've got a ton of homework just waiting impatiently to be done and I'm working on it as we speak lol.

So, HSM3 is officially out!!! WOOOO!!!!!! What did you guys think??? I want to know! I really, really want to know. Oh a guy it was so worth the wait wasn't it??? I absolutely adored it. The songs were perfection especially 'Can I Have This Dance' and 'I Want It All' they were awesome. I am in love with the film and though it's shameful lol, I cried at the end. Literally cried. I had the little girl next to me going 'Mammy, why is she crying???' Aww!!!!!! Anyway, let's hear your thoughts people, come on, come on!

Anyway, this chapter and the previous chapter was supposed to take place ages ago but for some reason a little voice in my head kept telling me to hold back and wait. I've got to say, this is a much better time…don't you think.

This chapter is dedicated to the reviewer who gave me the idea for the car accident, xZANESSA4LIFEx. Great idea chickity and I'm sorry I didn't use it sooner, this chapter is truly yours!!!! :D xx

Chapter 26 – Shock Horror

WORDS could not possibly come to describe the absolute anguish that pulsated aggressively through Troy's trembling heart as he raced through the near empty streets of Albuquerque in pursuit of reaching the hospital that held the treasured lives of Gabriella and Katie. The day had begun with such perfection, the hours speeding by quickly, the moments easing past without a care. How could it have changed so dramatically? How could it have gone from good to bad, from bad to worse?

Troy was still trying rather desperately to think things over in his head. Rosalie had tried to explain everything to him though Troy had gone blank after the words 'Their in the hospital' and everything else she said was a blur from then on in. He could recall but a few fragments of her sentences, Gabriella…the paramedics are with them…Loretta did it…Katie and…it'll be alright. Every cell within Troy's body had turned numb.

"Please God, 'he pleaded quietly, his eye's pricked with tears as he imagined them both lying in hospital beds, immobile. His distressed aching expanded, "please, let them okay. Please!"

The car skidded around another corner and not far ahead Troy could see the towering hospital building. His heart rate began to decrease slowly as the thought of soon being with Gabriella and Katie calmed him. He was more than relieved to know that Rosalie was watching over both of them, taking care of them.

Troy's thoughts turned bitterly to Loretta. He was sure if he ever caught sight of her again he would rip her limb from limb. She was destroying them. Everything had been fine until she had turned up. Troy hated the thought of her and recoiled away from her image in his mind. After all, she was the enemy in this situation. She had ruined his perfect little family, tarnished everything they had, or could've had. Yes, Troy was sure he would kill her!

"I'm coming Gabriella." He muttered to himself, trying to find comfort in his own words. The hospital was drawing nearer and nearer and the thoughts of his wife and his daughter eased some of the aching that burned through his soul.

Someone beeped from behind him and gazing into his re-view mirror Troy caught sight of Taylor and Chad's car. He had phoned the friends and had told them what had happened. Taylor had been extremely distraught and Sharpay had screamed and shouted her anger down the phone to him, vowing that if it was the last thing she would do, she would get Loretta…and for some reason, Troy believed her.

Slowly, he pulled up outside the hospital and scrambled out of his car. He hurried over to Chad and Taylor's car as they pulled up behind him and waited anxiously.

Taylor was the first out. She rushed into his embrace; bringing Troy to her like a Mother would console her child, shushing him as he clutched hold of her.

"It's going to be okay. You'll be just fine and so will they. Gabriella and Katie…their strong, 'Taylor said comfortingly, "stronger than you think."

"I hope so, 'Troy answered pulling away, "their all I have in this world."

Chad came to Taylor's side and patted Troy's arm, his face a mixture of pain and grief, "Let's get in there." He said motioning to the building.

Troy heaved a gulp of air and nodded, the pace of his heart picked back up again as Taylor and Chad guided him in.

THE hospital was, as always, busy that afternoon as the trio entered the building. Doctor's and nurses were speeding by them, muttering and talking as they went, trying with all the power to maintain the lives they were trusted with. The sight of them made Troy feel sick. He held his breath as he approached the front desk where a young, nervous looking sectary sat, waiting.

"Hi, 'Troy greeted his voice shaking, "I'm Troy Bolton, um…my wife and daughter were brought here. Katie and Gabriella Bolton."

The sectary leaned towards her computer and typed astoundingly fast, her eye's searching for the files she needed. A second later she offered the friends a small smile and nodded, "ah, yes. Mr Bolton your wife and child are up on the 4th wing, I'm sure if you ask then –"

She was cut off by a tall, balding man coming to stand beside Chad. He held up his hand to silence her and almost dutifully, the sectary closed her mouth.

"That'll be enough Denise. I'll take it from here, 'he said seriously, he turned to Troy and nodded in acknowledgement, holding out his hand, "I just so happened to hear as you passed by Mr Bolton. It is good to meet you. I am Doctor Shade and I am at the moment, watching over your wife and daughter."

"Oh thank you sir, 'Troy said, relief burning through him, "how are they, please?"

Doctor Shade chuckled rather uneasily, "if you'll just follow me I'll talk as we go along."

All three moved in sync, listening in as the Doctor explain, "your daughter, Katie, is it…she suffered very minor injuries. She is a lucky girl I'll tell you that. She has a few grazes here and there and we had to stitch up her right knee, the wound was rather deep where she landed on all fours. She's also broken her wrist and is getting bandaged up as we speak, you have nothing to worry, 'he assured, he led them through the lift and pressed the level 4 button, "as I said she is very lucky, the car involved was going at, at least 45MPH which is not disastrously fast but is fast enough to kill a child. If the car had hit her instead of your wife then it would've almost indefinitely killed her."

Troy sighed gratefully. Rosalie had also told Troy of Gabriella's sacrifice, of how she had jumped out in front of the car and had pushed Katie away from sudden death. It was the kind of act that only a mother could carry out and Troy was deeply indebted to his wife for that. She was a true parent now having performed such an unselfish, loving act.

"What about Gabriella?" Chad queried impatiently, breaking Troy's line of thoughts.

The lift pinged loudly and opened and Doctor Shade continued to lead the way through the ward. Taylor took both Troy and Chad's hands and squeezed them nervously, biting her lip with concentration.

"Gabriella's injuries, like Katie's are not critical but are more serious. She's broken her left leg and has taken a rather violent crack to the skull. There was a good deal of glass in her right arm but that's been seen too, 'Doctor Shade stopped at an open cubicle, "she's resting as we speak."

"Oh thank you so much, 'Troy said, smiling gently for the first time since he had heard the disastrous news of his wife and child, he turned and his heart took flight within and instant. There, in the cubicle was Gabriella, sleeping peacefully on her side, looking completely safe, "you have no idea how much this means to me. I am truly grateful to you."

Troy stepped forward wanting to go to her but the Doctor held out a hand and prevented him from doing so, "There is more Mr Bolton."

"What more could there be? She's well, anyone can see that." Taylor said with surprise.

"Mr Bolton, I am dreadfully sorry to tell you that the child your wife was carrying is gone. It didn't make the accident; the impact of the crash was too much for the foetus to bear."

"Huh? Foet…Foetus?" Troy stuttered.

"I thought you were aware of your wife's pregnancy, 'Doctor Shade said, he turned and picked up a small clipboard that was sitting on a table just outside of the cubicle, "Gabriella was at least…let me see…eight weeks pregnant."

"I…I…we…I…we didn't know." Troy managed to splutter out. His mind was now swirling with new thoughts; his heart was now burning with a new pain…with the thought of never knowing his dead unborn child.

"I am exceedingly sorry Mr Bolton, 'The Doctor exclaimed as Troy collapsed backwards into Chad's arms, "the baby died almost instantly. I suppose Gabriella would've felt the pain though not knowing, would hardly have believed it to be the foetus."

"Can…Can I see her?" Troy pleaded. His baby, their baby…gone! They had not had the time to celebrate the making of their child having not known it to be even there and now, all they could do was mourn it. Mourn the fact that their miracle child would never be with them, mourn that they would never hold him or her and yes, indeed mourn the fact that Katie would never meet her baby brother or sister.

"Of course, of course." Doctor Shade nodded, Troy eyed Gabriella nervously, did she know??? If she did how could she sleep with such haunting thoughts on her mind?

Chad supported Troy all the way into the room. He kept his eyes locked on Gabriella, swallowing to keep his mouth moist and to stop the sick that was rising in his stomach from escaping.

"Gabriella?" Taylor whispered, her voice hoarse.

Gabriella turned slowly and Troy frowned, so she was awake after all. He studied her face, not missing the red flush of her cheeks or her bloodshot eyes, the way her lip trembled and her body jerked involuntarily. Troy inwardly groaned, yes, Gabriella knew their loss. The pain that Troy was feeling doubled as he saw the defeated expression upon his wife's beautiful face.

"How are you feeling honey?" Taylor asked.

It was perhaps the most pitiful sight ever weaved. Gabriella turned awkwardly on her side, her lip quivering and when she was turned completely away from her friends she heaved a great cry of pain before she broke into a series of horrific, broken sobs.

Troy was at her side within an instant, trying to ease her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her chastely. Gabriella shoved against him roughly, her sobs growing.

"Get off me." She cried angrily.

Troy was stunned by her coldness but he did not try to comfort her again. It was clear that Gabriella didn't want that kind of compassion. She turned away from them all and continued to cry, her whimpers and snivels truly the stuff of heartbreak.

"Gabi, we…we know how you must feel, 'Chad began, "but the –"

"No you don't." Gabriella muttered vituperatively.

Chad fell silent next to Taylor, recognising his friend's distraught fury.

"How can you know how I feel? How? You're not a Mother Chad and you never will be! My baby…my baby, 'she choked on her sobs, "is…is gone, before I even had the chance to meet…before –"

With that Gabriella collapsed onto her side, clutching her flat stomach. Troy wove his arms around her waist again and this time Gabriella did not push him away. She nestled in close to him and cried, her chest heaving and falling unnaturally.

"It's alright, hush now. Hush." Troy crooned.

"I…I think I'd better go and find Katie, 'Taylor said awkwardly, knowing it was time to leave them alone in peace, "and Chad should go and phone the gang, tell them what's happening."

"Yes, I think that would be the best right now." Troy nodded in agreement.

He watched them retreat as quickly as their legs could carry them. Slowly, he shifted but Gabriella's arms tightened around him, pulling him back, "No! Don't leave me." She sniffed.

"Never, 'Troy whispered kissing her forehead, "I would never leave you."

He listened carefully to her uneven breathing, waiting for her to fall asleep all the while rocking her tenderly and crooning and whispering to her. After some time, Gabriella went limp in his arms and her ragged breath soothed out into an eased, soft snore. She was asleep.

Troy groaned to himself, what were they going to do?

TROY lay beside Gabriella for at least an hour before he finally plucked up the courage to move. He had been afraid to stir or even to make a sound, worried that she would wake and become distraught again. Taylor had returned ten minutes after Gabriella had fallen asleep and had informed him that Katie was in the playroom with Rosalie and Chad. He wanted to see her now, to check on her and hold her close. He wondered whether he should tell her about her little brother or sister but as soon as the thought had woken in his head, it had been dismissed. Knowing about the baby would upset her.

Everything was beginning to make sense now. The reason why Gabriella had been tired all the time, her sore stomachs, her sickness in the mornings, her mood swings…she had been pregnant!

Carefully, Troy unwound himself from his wife and stood over her, watching her striking, fragile form as she rested. Would it change anything between them, he wondered? Would this experience tarnish her again or would it only make them stronger?

He leaned down and kissed her lips ever so affectionately.

"I'll be back." He promised and he slipped out of them cubicle quietly, leaving Gabriella to have some time to sleep.

It felt good to get about and stretch his legs. Walking cleared Troy's mind, he whispered a few silent prayers for his dead, unborn child and for Gabriella who would suffer the deepest wounds from such an experience. It was better not to tell Katie. It would be hard to deal with Gabriella's suffering; it would break him apart if he had to watch Katie in pain too. A few unruly tears slipped down his face and Troy wiped them away with the back of his hand knowing he would have to greet Katie with a happy, beaming face.

The playroom was easy to find. It was perhaps the brightest most cheerful room in all the hospital, a large open space painted brightly with the ever popular Disney characters and butterflies and flowers. The room was filled top to bottom with toys; in fact it was like toy's galore! It fitted every child's needs, sandboxes, dolls, toy soldiers, stuffed animals, in the corner was a large bookcase crammed with books for all ages. Adults stood about carefully, watching the children at play, making sure no one was messing around or misbehaving. It was a good sight, a comforting sight.

Troy spotted Katie in no time. She was sitting over at the book corner reading with Rosalie. Chad hovered close, keeping an eye on them loyally. Troy hurried over and at the sound of the approaching footsteps, Katie looked up and grinned broadly. The book she was holding was flung aside, forgotten in an instant.

"Daddy!" She exulted throwing herself into his arms.

"Oh Katie Kat, 'Troy said happily, he smothered her little forehead in kisses and rubbed her back gently, "how are you baby girl?"

"Okay I guess. Look at my hand Daddy. Doctor Shade said I was very brave; he gave me a strawberry flavoured lollypop, see?" She said and pulled out of her pocket the small piece of insignificant candy that seemed to bring her so much joy.

"That's wonderful Katie." Troy said kindly, chuckling under his breath.

"Daddy, is Mommy okay now?" Katie asked curiously.

"She's fine. She's sleeping and resting up. Have you seen her yet?" Troy queried.

"Nope, Rosalie said I couldn't yet. Can I see her now Daddy, please? I want to give her my card I made her." The little one said; hope glinting in her sharp ultramarine eyes.

"You made a card?" Troy asked, Katie nodded exuberantly.

She wriggled out of his hold and walked over to the table she had been sitting at. She picked up a little piece of folded cardboard and took it to Troy with an adorable eagerness.

Troy took the card from her and looked down on the cover, grinning softly. Katie had decorated it with care it seemed. There was glittered smothered over the surface and bits of red and green ribbon hanging off each corner. In its centre was a picture of Gabriella, (when she'd been younger) smiling broadly and clutching a teddy bear Troy had bought her when they'd first gone out. Above in glittery letters were the worshipping words 'Mommy, My Hero!'

"Do you think she'll like it? 'Katie questioned anxiously, awaiting Troy's approval, "Auntie Taylor gave me the picture from her wallet."

Troy looked up, smiling, "She's going to love Katie. She really will!"

"So can I see her please?" Katie pleaded looking up at her father with beseeching eyes.

Chad looked at Troy awkwardly and shook his head. Troy agreed completely, Gabriella needed some sleep and good deal of rest. Katie would have to wait just a little longer.

"Soon honey okay. Why don't you go and read the rest of your book for a little bit while I talk to Rosalie." Troy whispered.

"Okay." Katie muttered reluctantly.

"Good girl." Troy exclaimed gently as Rosalie stood and approached him.

"How is Gabriella?" Rosalie asked.

Troy studied her anxious expression and smiled, "she's fine, a little upset right now but that's understandable."

"I heard…oh Troy, I'm so sorry for your loss." Rosalie whispered and the truth of her words was written in her sorrowful eyes.

Troy sighed, not knowing what to say. Rosalie wrapped her arms around him and patted his back soothingly. He felt quite uncomfortable in her arms; he stood immobile, waiting for her to pull away.

"We'll get through it. We're a strong family." He said with an almost firm tone of voice.

"I know you are but all the same, 'Rosalie answered pulling back to look at him, "but if you need anything, I'm always around."

"Thank you Rosalie. You're a good friend."

Troy turned to Chad, sighing, "Where's Taylor gone?"

"She's had to go home to take her iron tablets and to get something proper to eat. She's been here a while now, the bab –" Chad cut himself short.

"Don't feel bad Chad. Your baby will be the perfect little miracle. I have no wrong feelings towards you or Taylor." Troy mumbled reassuringly.

"Thanks man." Chad nodded, relieved, his face then turned serious, "beside Taylor's also gone home to check on Sharpay. She sounded like she was ready to kill on the phone earlier…

With Sharpay

THERE was intent in her steps, violence glimmering in her bold brown eyes, her lip was fixed and her sleek body was tensed, ready for anything. Sharpay was indeed on warpath.

Loretta had been left alone to man the café while Rosalie had gone to the hospital with Gabriella and Katie. Sharpay grinned cruelly as she saw the little witch standing alone at the counter. No one had returned to the remote little café after Gabriella's accident, it had turned strangely isolated from then on in but Sharpay didn't mind, this would be perfect.

Her vicious intent rose considerably as she slung open the door and watched with joy as Loretta jumped out of her skin and wheeled around to face her.

Sharpay was furious, not only had Loretta hurt Katie and Gabriella but she had caused Gabriella to lose her baby…she was the enemy amongst the friends and she would deal with her personally. No one was hurting her friends, not while she was around!

"What do you want? Why are you here? We're closed!" Loretta said in what appeared to be feigned fury; it was weak…cracking in her throat.

"Closed are we Loretta, 'she said, mocking her nasal like voice, "well not for me your not! I'm a V.I.P here and your about to get thrown out."

Loretta backed away from Sharpay, trembling, "I'll call the police! I swear I will."

Sharpay took from her pocket a large padlock. She clicked it over the handle of the door and smiled smugly holding up the tiny key in her fine, pink nailed hand.

"Do what you want, I don't care. I'm going to teach you a lesson whether you like it or not Loretta Williams. Your days as princess are over, the Queen is back and she's bad!" Sharpay snarled approaching her. Loretta backed away, whimpering.

"I didn't mean it. I didn't mean to hurt them. I hate them both but I wouldn't…I – please Sharpay." She pleaded pitifully.

Sharpay made her way around the counter, smiling vindictively. It was a horrifying sight for anyone, especially Loretta. She could see the meaning in the blonde's eyes and terror was full within her heart.

"Shall I tell you a little secret Loretta before I deal with you?" Sharpay growled, she knew that Loretta would only get away with what she had done if someone didn't sort her out. Sharpay had been intending this for a good long time, the accident with Gabriella and Katie only increased her wanting to teach the witch a lesson.

"Please Sharpay. I'll do anything you want." Loretta cried.

"It's not worth the joy I'll get from this." Sharpay laughed and suddenly she was in front of Loretta. Swiftly, she grasped Loretta's cheeks and her nails pierced her skin, she screamed aloud with pain.

"Do you want to hear the secret Loretta? Do you want to hear of the terrible, beyond human thing that you've done? 'When Loretta said nothing Sharpay's anger grew, "DO YOU?"

"YES!" Loretta wailed in terror.

"Do not shout at me, 'Sharpay snarled smacking Loretta hard across the face, she swung her head back and cracked it hard against the wall, Loretta shrieked, "I am in control here you little bitch! 'Sharpay fell silent for a moment, composing herself, containing her anger for a second, then she added in a simpering tone, "now, this thing that you've done. This inhumane thing?"

Loretta nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"You! Killed! Gabriella! And! Troy's! Baby!" She punctuated at every word making sure to get the message across.

"Baby?" Loretta squealed with surprise.

Sharpay nodded and swung her hand around to smack Loretta's cheek violently. Her sobs were loud and painful but Sharpay enjoyed her hurting.

"I never knew! I swear it." She screamed.

"You will pay for the grief you've brought my family. You will pay." Sharpay threatened.

Loretta's eyes widened with horror. Sharpay smirked, knowing she was terrifying the life out of her.

"Now let me tell you something about me Loretta, 'she said firmly, "I am not the type of person to be messed with. In fact, I get very angry when the ones I love are hurt or upset and you have caused so much turmoil in my family that in my books it is unforgivable. You see, here in Albuquerque there are two rules to the way of life. No 1, Keep Sharpay Happy. No 2, Keep Sharpay's loved ones happy and you have violated both of the rules."

"I…I –"

Sharpay dug her nails into Loretta's cheeks again, this time drawing blood, "I have been surprisingly patient up to now you backwards bitch and now my patience has ended! Do you know what I do to those who are the bad guys in my books?"

Loretta shook her head, her lip trembling as she tasted the blood in her mouth.

"Answer me!" The blonde snarled cracking her head into the wall once more, the woman before her cried out, her sobs breaking again.

"No, 'Loretta snivelled with defeat, "please, please don't hurt me. I'll do anything you want, just stop. Please Sharpay."

Sharpay considered her for a moment, "Anything?" She demanded tightening her grip on Loretta's cheeks.

"Yes. Anything." Loretta whimpered frantically.

Sharpay removed her hand from Loretta's face and sighed, seeming content for the first time, "I will leave you go Loretta, I shan't bother you again if you do as I order."

"Of course. Anything Sharpay, please just don't hurt me." Loretta said obediently, nodding her head furiously.

Sharpay smiled, "fine, I won't harm you any further but this is my order to you Loretta! I want you to leave Albuquerque. I want you to go away from here and never come back. I never want to see your face here again or I will deal with you personally. I may not look it but I can be dangerous when I want, I think you've had a taster of that tonight!"

Loretta nodded.

"I want you gone by tonight or I will, so help me god, bitch, hunt you down and kill you! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!" Sharpay shrieked domineeringly.

Loretta flinched nodding, "Yes. I understand completely."

Sharpay's face turned simpering and very gently she held out the tiny key for Loretta to take. Loretta snatched it up swiftly and darted around the counter, looking terrified.

"Remember Loretta, I will know if you haven't done as I ask. I know where you live and I have means of getting information. NOW GO!"

Loretta didn't need to be told twice, she unlocked the door and wrenched it open running as fast as her legs could carry her. Sharpay smirked and grasped her phone from her pocket, feeling a little smug with the day's events.

She dialled a number rather expertly and held the phone to ear, "Hello…yes…no…I will not be requiring your services tonight. No. I've run her out, 'she said softly, "you'll not have to deal with her but keep the money I sent you anyhow. Yes…Yes…thank you. I'm sure if I need anything else in the future I'll find you. Good. Bye!"

She flipped down the phone and turned on her heels, knowing that neither Troy nor Gabriella would have any trouble from Loretta from then on in. The witch was indeed gone! All they had left to do was mourn their baby!

Ooooohh, we have seen a nasty streak to Sharpay lol but we all knew it was there. What did you guys think about the chapter? Shocked about Gabriella's unknown pregnancy??? Even more shocked that she lost the baby??? Let me know guys. I would really like to know. What did you think of Sharpay's revenge, good? Bad? :D xxxx

Also good job to Bri who pretty much guessed Gabriella had been pregnant! Well done chickity!

Sorry if there were any errors or spelling mistakes, I'm exhausted and have been hurrying to get this done for you. :) xx

Anyway, it's late and I'm so ready for bed. I'm going. Review please. xoxMusicalxox/Si xxx