Okay, I think you'll like this chapter (at least the end) a lot. So, go on and read it.

Chapter 14

Calum laid down in the bed that had been wheeled out on stage, pretending to be dead. The performance had actually been pretty cool. Cassara had helped him with make up behind the curtains because he needed to change his appearance when he collapsed.

He smiled watching "Mack's" reaction to "his" death, hoping no one caught on that the dead guy was smiling. Suddenly Jacob, who played Calum's character's older brother Damien stormed out on the stage. When Damien noticed that Alexander was dead he walked to Calum and fake cried on him. No matter how many times they had practiced it, the fact that Jacob, who was a big guy, fell on him sobbing freaked Calum out.

But, it didn't last for long. The very end was Mack's character singing a song about how she hoped Alexander would wait for her. The song was one of Calum's favorites; a ballad that Mack sang beautifully. Of course, he didn't know if he was biased because Mack was his girlfriend and he thought everything she did was wonderful, or if the song was really good.

The curtain call passed by quickly for Calum. He was ushered off stage and then back on for a bow. After the countless times they had practiced it, he knew he could have done it in his sleep.

After the audience started to leave, Mack and Calum made their way out from behind the curtain and toward their friends. Adam chuckled at the sight of Calum, who was covered in make up so he would like pale, but not washed out under the bright lights.

"So, how did we do," Mack asked.

"Honestly you were great," Adam said hugging her after the girls had had their hugs. "Calum on the other hand could have done his fall better."

"Hey, I didn't want to hurt myself!"

"Sure," Adam said. "That's what they all say."

Mack smiled and turned to the door to see a figure. She walked toward it knowing who it was and hugged him. "Hey stranger!"

"You're famous, what do you want with a burnt out star like me," the figure asked. "You did great Mack."

"I didn't think you'd come. Gabriella said to not get my hopes up. She said you're getting behind Troy."

"Yeah, I was in the hospital last night. I couldn't stop coughing," Troy said.

"You don't look good," she said noticing the bags under his eyes and the paleness of his skin. "Do Mom and Dad know?"

"About my visits to the hospital? No."

"You need to tell them. Tell them now," she grabbed his hand and pulled. "They're right over here."

"Mack..." He said trying to resist her pulling, but she was a strong girl and Troy didn't really have the strength to fight her.

"Mom, Dad look what the cat dragged in," she said as she brought Troy to her parents who were talking to Ms. Darbus.

"Oh, Troy Sweetheart! It's great to see you," Elaine said hugging him.

"You okay Troy," Jack asked seeing Troy's face.

"Don't lie," Mack said.

"Alright, I had pneumonia," he told them, "and I was in the hospital last night. I've been worse, but the guys got scared when they saw me like this."

"Why didn't you tell us," Elaine asked looking at Troy from a distance. "You look awful. You shouldn't be flying!"

"I didn't," he said. "Gabriella drove me. She got permission from the head to let me come home and for her to bring me. She watched too, actually, she's over with your friends Mack."

"That's sweet of her," Elaine said. "But, you need to go to bed. A good night sleep always helps when your like this."

Mack watched as her parents gave Troy some attention that she knew he needed. She backed off toward the group of her friends watching her family as she walked. But she bumped into someone on her way over.

"Gabriella told us about Troy," Calum said holding her. "Is he really bad?"

She shrugged. "He's been worse, but it's still scary to see him that pale."

He put an arm around her shoulders. "How about we head out of here and go to the playground."

"Calum it's dark!"

"There's stars."

hsmhsmhsmhsmhsm

Troy woke up in his own bed. He turned around in his old sheets before opening his eyes. "Good morning sleepyhead," Gabriella said feeling his forehead. "You're still warm. You got a really high fever last night."

"I'm not surprised. I usually do."

"Okay, I got you pancakes, waffles and cereal. I didn't know what you'd be up for," she told him. "Oh and your mom gave me this disgusting looking drink that she says you drink when you're sick." Gabriella held it up and winced. "What is it?"

"Ginger ale, three types of fruit juices, a little water and some Gatorade."

"Eww," she said passing it to him. "You seriously drink that?"

"Ever since I was five, came up with it myself."

"Does it help?"

"No, but it tastes good and it soothes my throat."

She shook her head. "Can you eat anything?"

He looked at the plate, "what kind of pancakes are those?"

"I don't know," she said. "Your dad made them. I don't think they're anything special like strawberry or blueberry or anything."

"That's for sure," he said. "You never met my dad the chef have you?"

"Your dad's a chef."

"Nope, he can't cook if his life depended on it. I think I'll try the cereal," he said leaning over to grab it. Before he grabbed it, he laid back in the bed and took a deep breath. "Okay, no more leaning over. I don't feel like puking when I don't have to."

Gabriella smiled and picked up the bowl. "Are you sure you want to eat?" His reply was his stomach growling. "I'll take that as a yes."

Troy reached out for the bowl. "No," Gabriella said. "I'm feeding you."

"No! I don't want to feel like a baby!"

"You're acting like one. Just let me feed you, just once." His eyes narrowed at her, but he opened his mouth. "See that's not so bad huh?"

Troy groaned. "I haven't been this sick in a long time," he said.

"I know, your mom told me," she said. "Can I put the ring back on?"

"Gabriella-"

"I know you don't want them to know yet...but Troy I want to show it off," she whined, placing the bowl on the ground. "Maybe they'll be happy."

"Mom will be happy. Dad will flip that-"

"Troy, it's not like we're getting married soon! After college, when we're ready. Please, I really want to tell everyone."

"You really want to," he asked. She smiled and nodded her head. "Fine, put it on. But don't surprised if Dad has my head!"

She reached in her pocket and grabbed a beautiful diamond ring. She placed it on her finger and smiled. "Troy, I bet you, your dad won't get mad that we're engaged."

"You don't know him like I do," he said. "I'm almost positive that he'll flip. He didn't want-"

"Troy," she said leaning over him. "Shut up before you start rambling."

"I love you," he said before he leaned up and kissed her.

"I hope so, because you spent a lot on this ring."

He shrugged before putting a hand to his mouth. Gabriella held the bucket to his face and looked away. She felt bad that he was sick, but there was no way of stopping it. They had called the doctor and he had said to wait it out.

Well, she'd been waiting it out all night.

He laid against his pillow and turned on his side, looking at Gabriella. She put a hand on his forehead and sighed before grabbing the thermometer on the bedside table. She placed it gently in his ear and pressed the button. "Your fever's coming back."

"Great," he sighed.

"Go to sleep," she said rubbing his cheek. "I'll be here when you wake up."

He smiled before shutting his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

So, they're engaged...aww...

Poor Troy's sick, but Gabriella will be there for him.

So, if I don't update before I leave for my vacation or what ever you want to call going to a place with a mother who wont let you watch tv or anything...have a happy July and I'll update as soon as I get back.

Review!