Disclaimer: Not mine, don't sue.

A/N: This is the alternate ending. It is a tearjerker. You have been warned.

This was originally the actual ending of the story, but it didn't work as well as the happy one. This story took a completely different direction than the one I had planned, but that's the way life goes.

Enjoy!

Time Note: This takes place the spring of Troy's freshman year of college. He had been in remission since June, and decided to attend Duke on the scholarship.

Troy coughed slightly, groaning as pain coursed through his head. Gabriella leaned forward to take his hand, bringing it to her lips and kissing it gently.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice betraying her weariness. Troy had spent the last week in the hospital, and Gabriella had refused to leave his side. She had flown all the way from Stanford to North Carolina to be with him.

Troy nodded, closing his eyes and breathing deeply.

"Your parents will be back in a little bit. Is there anything I can get you?"

"No."

Gabriella sighed, sitting back in her chair. Six months ago, Troy had called with the news of his relapse. They had given him a year. Now it didn't seem likely he'd survive the night.

"It's almost the end," Troy whispered, each word seeming to cost him. He had been growing weaker and weaker, this cancer ravaging his body. Already his systems had begun to shut down.

"I know," Gabriella said quietly, tears pricking her eyelids as she looked at Troy. He was paler than he'd ever been, his eyelashes providing stark contrast to his skin every time he blinked. Two IV's ran from his left hand, and a nasal cannula provided oxygen to him through his nose.

"Gabi, don't forget me when I'm gone, okay?"

Gabriella nodded, not trusting her voice.

"I'd never forget you."

"Can you-can you tell my parents something for me?"

"Troy, you can tell them yourself, they'll be back in half an hour."

"No, Gabi, I don't think I have that much time."

Alarmed, Gabriella made to stand up.

"Troy, you should have said something. I'll have them page the doctor, I'll call your parents-"

Troy shook his head weakly, keeping her from moving.

"No, Gabi, I'm okay with this. Just you and me. How I'd always wanted it."

"Oh, Troy."

"Gabi, listen, I need you to tell my parents that I love them. Look out for them. I know this is going to kill them, but I need you to watch out for them. Please."

"Of course, baby," Gabriella whispered, leaning in to kiss Troy's forehead.

His breath hitched, and he closed his eyes.

"Gabi, kiss me one more time," he whispered huskily, his voice quieter.

She nodded, and lowered her face toward his, kissing him gently on the lips. Troy smiled contentedly, and weakly brought his hand up to her face.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, too, baby," Gabriella replied. As she spoke, Troy's hand fell softly to the bed, and he closed his eyes. Even as she watched, his chest rose one final time, and he stilled.

Gabriella let out a strangled cry, holding Troy's hand close to her chest. Her cry alerted the floor nurse, who ran in. Seeing that it was already too late, she backed slowly out, letting Gabriella cry silently over Troy's body.

A/N: That was it. The end. I like the happy ending better, and besides, I didn't want you all after me to kill me. :D

P.S.-Go read the trailer for my next story, "Keep the Faith." Go, now! Yay!