Disclaimer: HSM is not mine.

There was a small lobby with several chairs spread throughout. Hesitantly, Gabriella took a chair as Troy spoke to the secretary. Soon, he came over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Gabi, I'm going back in about five minutes."

Nodding, she patted the seat next to her, telling him to sit down. Doing so, he fidgeted in his seat and looked down at his knees. He felt anxious about being here, especially now that Gabriella was with him. He hoped everything went as well as it had the previous visit. However, he knew that each appointment would become more personal.

Suddenly, Gabriella wrapped her arms around him in a comforting embrace. "Don't be worried," she murmured, kissing his cheek. "It's all up hill from here. Everything will be okay."

"Troy," the secretary called. "Dr. Cambridge will see you now."

Reluctantly, Gabriella withdrew her arms as Troy stood up. "I'll be back in a half an hour or so."

"I'll be here," she replied as he left the room.

Stepping inside the office, Troy looked toward the desk and found Dr. Cambridge behind the desk. Overall, he was a fairly nice guy and young, for he only looked to be in his early thirties. Troy was hesitant about seeing a psychiatrist, but he knew it was for the best. Besides, he was willing to try anything as long as Gabriella could someday officially be his again.

"Troy, how are you doing today?" he greeted, shaking his hand.

"Better than the last time I saw you," he answered honestly.

Nodding, he replied. "That's good to hear. So, what's happened in the last two days? Is Gabriella doing any better?"

Troy nodded. He recalled that the one topic he talked about the most was the incident from Saturday night and how worried he was about Gabriella, for it was the only thing he could think about. "She's almost back to normal, I think," he said. "She's in the lobby now."

Looking thoughtfully, Dr. Cambridge suggested, "Would you prefer if she was in the room?"

Without a second thought, he nodded. He felt more comfortable when she was there, and maybe this would help them as a couple if she was present. Then again, what if it had the opposite effect?

"Before we do that, I want to ask you something, if you don't mind," he started. "I can tell you really care about her based on how often you mentioned her last time, but how much do you love Gabriella?"

Troy paused. How could he describe or define his love for Gabriella? It was indescribable, he thought. "I-I can't put it in words, for my feelings for her are more than words can say."

"Do you see her in your life for a long time?" he continued.

Troy shook his head and explained, "I don't see her in my life for a long time. I see her in my life for eternity. I see me, five years from now, waking up beside her, our future child, or children perhaps, peacefully sleeping in the room next door. I see myself twenty years from now still holding her and loving her even more than I do now, if that's even possible. I see myself fifty years from now, kissing her and making her feel like she's the only person left on this earth. And, when this life is over, I can already picture our souls reunited in Heaven and spending a whole other life time together. I love her, and I want her beside me through it all; through the good and the bad and everything in between."

Nodding, Dr. Cambridge scribbled something down on the paper before him. "So, I take it you plan to marry her?"

"I want to, and the sooner the better," he replied, feeling slightly embarrassed. Marriage wasn't exactly a topic he and Gabriella ever discussed, although it was something that he wanted more than anything.

"How soon were you thinking of popping the question?" he asked.

"I...I'm not sure," he answered. "I need to make sure I'm ready. I don't want to end up hurting her again."

Nodding again, the doctor said, "That's understandable. You know, you're the youngest I've seen here voluntarily and willing to change, and I have a feeling that you'll improve the quickest. In fact, I'm positive that, if you're ready, you can be ready by summer."

"Y-You really mean that?" he asked, his eyes wide. Summer was four months away, he thought. Could he really be ready by then?

He nodded. "Yes, I really believe you can as long as you keep doing what you're doing. Now, why don't you bring Gabriella in?"

Standing up, Troy left the room and went out to the waiting area, finding Gabriella flipping through a magazine in the same seat he left her. Feeling a sudden rush of butterflies, he approached her. As if sensing his presence, she looked up at him, clearly surprised.

"That was quick," she stated.

"He asked me to bring you in," he replied. "If you want to."

Nodding, she pushed the magazine aside and followed him back to the room. She was nervous, for she wasn't expecting this. She thought she was there just for comfort and assurance before and after the session, not to be a part of the actual process. She thought her being apart of it would hurt more than help.

Stepping into the room, Troy led Gabriella to the desk which now had two chairs instead of one. "Dr. Cambridge, this is Gabriella Montez. Gabriella, this is Dr. Cambridge."

"Ah, Gabriella, nice to meet you," he greeted, shaking her hand. "Troy has told me a lot about you."

"Good things I hope," she said, feeling suddenly shy and embarrassed. She didn't enjoy being the center of attention.

"He's a lot different than a lot of the other guys I get," he stated. "I have yet to meet anyone before him through this that's mature enough to admit to everything being his fault, whether it is or not."

"That's Troy," she stated, smiling slightly. "If the stars all crashed down to Earth he'd probably find a way to blame himself."

"Now, Gabriella, I have a question for you," he started. "Before I delve deep into Troy's emotions and personal life, I want to try to evaluate your relationship with him, because it's obvious after just five minutes with him that you seem to be the main person in his life, and probably the one that he hurt the most."

"I would...say so," she reluctantly agreed. "So, um, what did you want to ask me?"

"Would you mind telling me when you think your relationship took a wrong turn?" he asked. "From what Troy has told me, you two had been on the rocks for a few months. I didn't ask for an elaboration last time, but I want to ask both of you for your opinions."

Closing her eyes, Gabriella thought back to everything they had been through until she came across the memory of the morning after she came home. "The morning of January sixth," she answered, beginning to reminisce those events, "I walked in his room and found broken glass and he was gone. He came in and yelled at me and said he was leaving to go out with some friends. I kissed him, hoping it would calm him down, but he pinned me to the wall, his grip so tight it left bruises...He yelled some more and then left."

Nodding, Dr. Cambridge continued taking notes. When he was done, he asked Troy, "When do you think it took a turn for the worst?"

"A year ago from this past Sunday," he answered. "She...was kidnapped by her ex and no one found her until ten months later. I had pretty much gone out of my mind during that time, and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from that pain I experienced from her absence. That's one reason I tried to kill myself, because I couldn't survive another separation, and because internally, I was in too much pain and turmoil to be able to stand it any longer."

After a few seconds of examining his notes, Dr. Cambridge looked back up at them, "Are you two in a relationship right now?"

"Not...exactly," Troy answered. "It's more of a very close friendship, but sometimes we act...closer than that."

"Just a suggestion, but do you two think you can take a...break from each other? Not a long one, just until Tuesday and see how that feels," he stated. "Sometimes, it helps the mind heal if taken away from the situation hurting it the most."

"That's...not possible," Troy replied. "Maybe another week, but this week is not good for that."

"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help him," Gabriella stated, determined.

"Not if it involves not being able to talk to me for that long," he argued then turned back to Dr. Cambridge. "I believe this session is over."

"Troy, don--"

"No, no, he's right," he said, interrupting Gabriella as Troy stood to leave. "See you next week, Troy."

As Gabriella stood to follow Troy as he left the room, Dr. Cambridge stopped her. "Gabriella, can I talk to you alone for a minute?"

"Um...sure," she agreed, feeling as though she wouldn't like where this was going.

"You care a lot about Troy, right?" he assumed.

"Yeah, why?" she answered.

"Between me and you, he seems rather...obsessed with you," he started, causing her to laugh, for she was sure he didn't know half of it. "I especially noticed this when you were out of the room. You're all he seems to be able to talk about."

"So, what are you saying?" she asked.

"I think that maybe you should try distancing yourself from him, not too much, just enough that there's noting bordering on a relationship," he explained. "I really think it would do him some good in the long run."

"I said I would do anything to help him," she repeated. "But, I have to talk to him about it first."

On the way home, Troy remained relatively quiet, not saying much of anything. Instead, he kept his focus on the road before them. Gabriella, not wanting to break the silence, sat quietly and fidgeted in her seat.

"I don't want to go back there," Troy said, suddenly breaking the silence.

"Why not?" she asked, alarmed.

"Because, I don't like anyone who tells me to stay away from you for any length of time," he answered. "He doesn't understand..."

"Troy, he's only trying to help," she defended. "And, maybe we should...distance ourselves a bit...Like, yesterday, when you carried me to your bed....that was too intimate to be just friends."

"Is that what he told you when he kept you in there?" he questioned, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Gabriella, you're the only person that truly matters to me anymore. I'm going to be wit you no matter what that idiot says."

"Maybe...we should try to heal each other," she suggested, sensing his anger. "Although, I think you should continue to see him."

"Fine, but you're not coming with me anymore," he said.

"Why not?" she asked, her tone laced with bitterness. He couldn't tell her what to do, she thought.

"Because, it felt more like couple counseling than helping someone after an attempted suicide," he stated. "I just think it's best if you stay home."

Sighing, she slunk back in her seat, knowing it was no use to argue with him. "Fine," she gave in. "Just know that I'm here for you when you need me."

"I'm thankful for that," he replied, sighing. "I don't know what I'd do without you..."

"So..." she started, smiling suddenly. "Dr. Cambridge thinks you're obsessed with me. Care to explain why he might think that?"

Flustered, he replied, "Good thing you weren't in the room any sooner than what you were..."

"Tell me!" she demanded.

"You'll find out....eventually."

Friday went by in a fast-paced motion. Gabriella assumed that was because Saturday, as she liked to refer to it, was 'doomsday'. She was set to be forced along on Sharpay's shopping trip along with Taylor and Kelsi. Their primary concern was prom.

At nine on Saturday morning, Taylor and Gabriella left in Taylor's car while Sharpay picked up Kelsi. This was the second time the girls had decided to do this in the last two months, and Gabriella was thankful it wasn't an everyday outing.

While Taylor, Sharpay and Kelsi were trying on prom dresses, Gabriella browsed through the stores; other selections, looking for outfits she could wear more than once. She wanted to go to prom, although she felt out of place, like it wasn't an event she should attend. Even though Troy had practically told her he would be her date, she still wasn't sure. Prom was expensive, and she wasn't exactly rich.

After a few minutes, Gabriella came across a cute pair of jeans and a frilly, yellow top. She thought the outfit looked cute together, and so she decided to try it on. Once in the dressing room, she took her shirt off first and glanced in the mirror. She was thankful to see that she had gained enough weight to cover her ribcage. She was gradually regaining her figure.

Slipping into the outfit, she looked in the mirror again. The outfit looked good on her, she thought, smiling slightly. It hugged her body in all the right places, and she knew it was enough to catch Troy's attention, not that she didn't have it already.

"Gabi, what did you find?" Sharpay asked from the other side of the door.

"Nothing, just a cute outfit," she answered, opening the door to show her friend.

"That is good," she said, smirking. "We all know where Troy's attention will be when you wear those jeans."

Blushing, she admitted, "I kind of...like it when he thinks of me in a ...sexual way."

Sharpay laughed. "Yes, because we all know you enjoy thinking of him in that way."

"How can I not?" she questioned innocently. "So, what did you guys find?"

"Nothing much," she sighed. "Taylor found a cute pair of heels but no one is satisfied with the dress selection here, although we did find a cute one for you."

"I don't like the sound of this..." she said, gulping.

"Just stay here and I'll bring it over," she said, ignoring her comments. Shutting the door, Gabriella sighed as she waited. She didn't really want to be here, and she wasn't planning on prom shopping for herself, either.

Within moments, Sharpay opened the door, "This," she said, handing her the dress. Gabriella took it and gasped. It was a white, long, strapless gown with pink going across the stomach with beautiful rhinestones off to the side. She was afraid to look at the price tag, and so she slipped the other outfit off and slipped the dress over her head. It fit perfectly.

Sliding her bra straps down so they were tucked under the dress, she examined herself in the mirror once more. The dress looked beautiful on her, she thought. She would definitely go to prom now.

After five hours of shopping, Gabriella, Taylor and Kelsi were each carrying two bags a piece. Sharpay, on the other hand, lost count after four. She hated not having Zeke or another guy along to help carry them, but there wasn't anything she could do about it now.

The group was on their way out when Gabriella spotted a group of girls on the other side of the food court. When she recognized one of them, her eyes went wide and she stopped automatically.

"Gabi, what's wrong?" Kelsi asked her.

"N-nothing," she lied, running towards them. "Let's just...go."

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Groaning, Gabriella turned to face Veronica.

"I don't have time to deal with you right now," she replied, glaring at her. "What's wrong? Not enough guys in here to screw? I saw a bum sitting outside. Maybe you should---" Veronica slapped her, anger building inside of her.

"You people act like that's all I ever do!" she snapped as Sharpay grabbed Gabriella to keep her from lashing out.

"That's because it is," Taylor replied, glaring.

"I do other things...." she started. "Like get revenge on the bitch who got my cousin locked up."

Gabriella rolled her eyes. "Go screw up someone else's life, Veronica."

"No," she said, smirking. "I have too much fun ruining yours. You got Lance locked up, so now I'll take from you. I hope you had a fun time with Troy, Gabriella, because by the time I'm through with you, he won't be able to stand to look at you anymore."

"Why you little--" Gabriella lunged for Veronica, ignoring Sharpay and Taylor as they tried to hold her back. "Let me go, guys!"

"It's sad that your friends don't think you can win," she taunted. With that said, the two released Gabriella who knocked instantly into Veronica. Both girls fell to the ground, Gabriella on top of Veronica. Angrily, Gabriella punched at Veronica, getting in a few good shots while Veronica tried to cover her face. After a minute of this, Sharpay and Taylor pulled Gabriella off of her. Breathing heavily, Gabriella looked down at Veronica, noticing that her nose was bleeding. She then looked down at her own arm, noticing fresh blood seeping through from where Veronica scratched her with her sharp nails.

"Let's go before they call security," Kelsi whispered as the four girls walked away quickly.

Guiltily, Gabriella looked back at Veronica before walking out. She hated hurting others, especially when she knew how bad it felt to be on the receiving end. However, Veronica wasn't exactly innocent, either, and she had thrown the first hit. As much as she tried to, however, she couldn't justify her own actions.

"I feel horrible," Gabriella stated once she and Taylor left.

"That's because you have a conscience," Taylor replied. "But, you did the right thing. You proved to her that you weren't just some pushover like everyone else thinks you are. Sometimes, you have to fight to be heard."

"So, where are we going now?" Gabriella asked, changing the subject.

"Troy's," she answered. "Chad's there, too. I called them up about two hours ago and asked them to meet up with us there, and I think we're going out to dinner together, so it'll be like a double-date."

"I wish I had different clothes," she said, looking down at the scuff marks on her pants from when Veronica was kicking at her.

"Wear the outfit you just bought," Taylor suggested, pulling into the Bolton's driveway. Getting out, she rolled her eyes, looking to the backyard. "They're playing basketball. I should've known."

Laughing, Gabriella said, "Well, tell them I'm inside changing, and if they ask why, please lie."

"Aw, but it's an intriguing story," Taylor complained.

"Do you want to give Troy a heart attack?" she pointed out, heading inside, not hearing Taylor say "Yes.". As expected, she saw Cindy watching television. "Hi, Cindy," she greeted.

Cindy jumped, not expecting her. "Oh, Gabriella, I wasn't expecting to see you."

"Taylor set us up on a double date," she explained. "Do you...mind if I change here?"

"Of course not. Go ahead," she answered, turning to her. "Wow, you look like you were just in a fight."

"I feel like I was just in a fight," she confirmed. "But...that's a story for another time."

"You were, weren't you?" she asked, seeing the scratches on her arm.

Gabriella sighed, finding it impossible to lie to her, for she had become her mother-figure over the last few months. "Lance's cousin, Veronica, and I got into it at the mall. I don't know if Troy told you, but she's done her best to try to...seduce him since our problems started, all to get back at me...and today, I finally lost it."

"Well, at least no one was seriously hurt, right?" she said.

Gabriella shrugged. "Her nose was bleeding. I may have broken her nose, but I didn't stay to check."

"Well, at least you weren't seriously hurt," she rephrased. "There should be bandages in the bathroom for your arm."

"Thank you," she replied as she headed for the bathroom. After bandaging her arm, she slipped into her new clothes, feeling a slight rush of confidence. This would be her first actual date with Troy since February of last year, and she had a feeling tonight would be a great night.

After doing what she could with her hair, Gabriella stepped out of the bathroom and was immediately met by Troy's worry-stricken face, indicating that he knew.

"A-are you okay?" he asked her, examining her.

"If I wasn't do you think I'd be standing here right now?" she questioned.

"Taylor had me worried. She said you were in a fight with Veronica and that's all she would tell me," he said, slightly relieved.

"Taylor just wanted to give you a heart attack," she stated, smiling slightly. "My clothes got a little dirty and she scratched my arm, but nothing serious."

"So..." he started, smirking, thankful that she was okay. "How bad did you mess her up?"

"Um...her nose was bleeding I remember, so hopefully I broke it," she replied, causing Troy to laugh.

"Wish I could've been there," he told her, wrapping his arm around her back as they started walking down the hall, his hand intentionally sliding down lower than usual, causing her to giggle. "It's those pants, Ella. You can't expect to wear them and me not want to touch them."

"Oh, so you're touching my pants and not my butt?" she teased.

"Exactly." He grinned.

AN: So this was kinda the second-to last actual chapter. The next chapter skips to about two months later and then there's going to be two-part epilogue. After over two years of writing this, I'm sure many of you are thinking 'Finally!' because belive me, I am. Though I'm also kinda sad it's almost over....Eh, no one cares about my feelings, so anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I'll try to have this done preferably by the end of September, but we'll just have to wait and see.