Gabriella looked off into the distance as she lay in her hospital bed, she had a broken nose, a concussion, and her eye was still swollen shut, along with scratches and cuts all over her body. Letting out a sigh she shifted in her bed to get more comfortable. Eliot was lying beside her and had been for the last three days.

It seemed like there were a lot of things going on in the hospital around them. Donny was constantly around as the appointed guard on duty making sure no one came and went who wasn't supposed to. Taylor had come in and asked her fair share of questions looking miserable. She apologized a few times in the course of her questioning for not doing her job, or letting her opinions override her judgment. For not double checking the agents credentials.

Gabriella knew Michael was the one who sent Herman after her. She also knew that Herman had been the one to hurt her, she couldn't blame Taylor for the mess she already been in. She been running from Michael since came to town, and soon if she knew Michael well enough, and she was sure she did, she'd be running from him again.

Highland Meadows was never meant to be her last stop. In fact, the plan was to earn as much money as she could and get out of here and onto the next town. Staying here like sitting duck was a bad idea. Michael knew where she was. It was only a matter of time before he showed himself and Gabriella wasn't sure if her body could take another beating.

This time it would be easy for him to kill her.

Her mind shifted to Troy, she hadn't seen him since the night they hauled her off in ambulance. She was slowly losing hope on his confession about choosing her over his job. Clearly the choice to stay away from her for this long was because of his job.

The door opened and Gabriella glanced down to see Jack coming into the room, "Hey there Chicago," he said quietly. Following him was Lucille as she held a box of something that suddenly made the room smell like her kitchen did.

"We brought you some warm chocolate chip cookies," she said with a smile, "I checked with Sharpay, she said you could have some."

Gabriella smiled as she shifted a little in her seat and nodded to Donny who stood at the door behind them. "You guys didn't have to do that," she said meekly. The Bolton's had visited her every day so far.

Jack mentioned that the investigation had been wrapped up. Herman had passed away on his way to the hospital and it didn't matter because they could tie him to the murders. They found Betty's clothing on the property, and Philips wallet with a few of his valuable items in a bag duffel bag with Herman's belongings.

If the case was closed where was Troy?

"Nonsense, you're about the closest thing I have to a daughter. Like hell I'm gonna let you sit in here all alone." Lucile said as she hurried to Gabriella's side. "You're eye looks much better today."

"Thank you."

"Do you want us to take him home with us today?" Lucile said reach out to ruffle Eliot hair. "Give you a little break."

Gabriella considered it for a moment, "No," she murmured looking down at her son. "I don't think I'll sleep if he's out of my sight."

"The schools been calling the station," Jack said placing a hand on Lucile shoulder as she sat down in the chair at Gabriella's bedside. "Are you planning on sending him back?"

"Can I trust them to protect him?" Gabriella said quietly.

Jack's grin pulled a little but didn't fully reach his eyes. "Well I can hire him his own personal bodyguard but it might draw the wrong kind of attention."

Gabriella smiled a little as she shifted so she could sit up a little bit.

Lucile let off groan as she opened the box of cookies and held them up for Gabriella to take one. "Have you seen Troy?"

"Probably has a ton of paperwork keeping him busy," Gabriella defended as she took a warm cookie. "I'm fine, really."

Gabriella bite into the warm cookie and sank into her pillow as much as she could. She missed him like crazy. In many ways it was like being up in that stupid tree all over again. Just waiting.

But she knew that was best. She knew that being in the same room with him and not being close enough to inhale his scent, to touch him, would be pure torture. She told herself to stop thinking about what she didn't have and just be glad she is she got to see him at all. Because as soon as all this was over who knew what would happen.

The warm gooeyness of cookie momentary distracted her from the thoughts running rampant in her head. She smiled at the Bolton's looking back at her with the same smile she'd practiced for years when she wore sunglasses indoors for no reason. She listened to Lucile share her cookie recipe like she listened to all the other housewives on the block who'd come visit her after Nana died.

All the while she mind was elsewhere.

Across the street Michael stared up at the hospital with frown, his eyes blood shot and weary as he lifted his water bottle and took a sip. The warm bitter taste of vodka coated his mouth and rushed down his throat making him wince as he looked down at his feet.

How could she leave him, abandon her job as a wife and run off into this little hellhole. And to do what? Whore around with a cop?

"Bitch," he muttered wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and capping the bottle.

He was going to have to wait. Stupid bitch making him wait, wasting his time and keeping him away from home. This whole thing should have been over with. If only Herman had done his job and hadn't gone and got himself caught.

He had to kill Herman's daughter anyway. The girl was no use protecting now that Herman was dead, he hired a hit man and ended up with a red haired brat who wouldn't stop crying about her poor papa. The deal was off.

Michael pushed himself off the car his body swaying a bit as he glance around the busy street. He'd show them all. Turning around he got back in his car. Stupid fucking town sheriff. Fucking his wife, holding her up in the hospital. Probably spending all of her inheritance and leaving him broke. Michael began to punch the steering wheel.

She was supposed to be his. She was supposed to belong to him. She wasn't supposed to run off. How dare she do this to him? How dare she brake up their family? Turn his own son against him. He'd show her. He make sure she was taught how to be a good wife. Even if he had to drag her dead body back to New York by her hair.

She'd fucking learn some respect.

The next morning, Chad was inside her hospital room helping Gabriella into her wheelchair as Eliot gathered their things in a duffel bag. "Are the pills helping you sleep?" he asked quietly.

Chad stood at the window looking out at the street below, making sure that everything looked normal. Troy had been busting his ass all morning about making sure he check, doubled check and tripled check their surroundings at all times.

The federal bureau had sent a squat team into Michael Catania's home just two days ago and had come up empty handed. It had been a buzz all over the police station that it was more than likely Mr. Catania was already in town. Everyone was on high alert. Troy hadn't left the office for days, working with the agents on the team to track Michael down.

When he realized she hadn't answer him he turned to catch her shrug. "You don't have to help me," she murmured softly. "I'm sure I can check myself out of here."

"Right," Chad said with a raised eyebrow, "And I could just sign my own resignation papers. I'm not going anywhere until I'm sure you're alright."

Gabriella glanced up at him solemnly, "Well I am, so you can go."

Letting out a sigh he was beginning to sense an argument brewing, but the sound of Eliot struggling with the zipper of the bag made him turn around and give Eliot a hand instead. "Are you sure you haven't talked to anyone about checking out today?"

"No one," Gabriella murmured.

Chad held the end of the bag as tightly as he could together while Eliot pulled the zipper. "You guys sure do have a lot of stuff for being on the run."

Letting out a sigh Gabriella shifted in her chair stopping instantly as a wave of pain swept through her.

"Are you okay?" Chad asked bending so he was eye level with her, "You want me to go get Sharpay?"

"No," she said wincing as she leaned back in the chair. "I'm sure it's nothing we don't already know about."

Chad watched her for a moment unsure about what to do. "You guys are still under protective custody; it's our job to make sure that you're comfortable and safe."

"Where are we going this time?" Eliot asked as dragged his bag from the bed to Chad's side.

Chad shifted as he looked from Eliot to Gabriella, "I can't say at the moment, that information is classified."

"Classified?" Gabriella said a bit put off. "How about you tell me where we're going and I won't scream."

Chad bit his bottom lip; he knew she wasn't going to be thrilled about that. "Look, we still have some loose ends in the case to tie up and I can't just say things out loud where we could be overheard."

"By who?" Gabriella said looking back at the closed door behind them.

Chad raised a brow as he glanced up at her. "I'll take your things down to the car."

"You mean you actually trust us to be alone?" Gabriella eyes narrowed.

Just then Donny came into the room with a folder in hand, "I have all the paperwork we need, you ready?"

"Great," Chad said bending down to grab the bags, "I'll take these to the car, you watch them."

"Hold on a minute," Gabriella said staring up at him and fuming with anger. "Can someone please tell me what is going on?"

"I assure you Mrs. Catania everything is fine," Chad said tipping his head in her direction. "Trust me, this is all for the better."

Gabriella mouth tighten as she folded her hands in her lap tightly. "Fine."

Gabriella watched as he left the room, as soon as he was gone she turned to Donny with stern frown. "Take me to my father's house."

Donny let out a huff, "If I did that, the Sheriff would kill me. He's pretty determined to keep you safe. And he was adamant about you going to his folk's home."

Gabriella didn't know what to say, so she didn't say anything. But the questions ran though her mind. Did that mean he cared? Did it excuse him for not … not coming by to see her? For not calling?

Eliot crawled into the backseat of Donny's squat car, chattering so fast about basketball and Troy that Gabriella could barely understand. "Eliot, honey please calm down," she pleaded as Donny helped her into the front seat.

"It's alright Ella, he doesn't bother me much. I like kids."

"Sometimes they can be a handful," Gabriella said quietly as she settle into her seat.

"Mom," Eliot ask as he sat back in his seat and buckled himself in, "Is Troy your boyfriend now?"

Gabriella inhaled sharply, "Eliot that's not polite to ask in front of others."

"Nothing like being put on the spot by an eight-year-old huh?" Donny smirk knowingly as he buckled Gabriella in.

Donny softly shut the door and Gabriella let out a breath as she leaned back in her seat. During the car ride Gabriella bit her lip to keep from asking Donny if there was something Donny wasn't telling her about Troy. About the case. About Michael. But those were things that Troy needed to tell her. Right?

If he chose to tell her. Or maybe he wouldn't. Like he hadn't chosen to say good-bye this morning. Every few minutes, Gabriella reminded herself that she'd entered into this knowing full well the kind of guy Troy was. He was the kind of guy who skipped town and left people waiting in trees as soon as things got a little serious.

She was idiot. There was no other explanation, Gabriella thought, when her brain settled for a moment. Troy was pulling away from her. Was this him changing his mind? Was he choosing his career over her? Had he decided there was too much baggage where she was concerned?

Gabriella felt her face flush with both embarrassment and anger. She expected a little more from Troy especially after what they had just been through. She expected him to call. Just to say hello or something.

"He's adorable," Donny said as he glanced towards the backseat we Eliot was asleep against the door.

Gabriella forced herself to relax, "Do you want kids?"

"Two," he said automatically, "A boy and a girl. Seems kind of perfect that way."

"Are you seeing anyone?"

Donny cheeks blushed a little as he pulled into the drive way of the Bolton's family home. "Well I do have a thing for Dr. Evans but, she really doesn't know I exist. You know with the Sheriff available and all that."

The car fell into silence as he put the car in park, he seemed to realize what he said and he quickly let out a sigh. "At least that was until you came to town."

"It's alright Donny," Gabriella said with a small smile. "Truth is I think I've warmed out my welcome here in Highland Meadows."

"Well I don't see how you could think that, everyone thinks you're really cool."

"Really?" Gabriella raised her brow in a challenge, "Taylor thinks I'm cool?"

"Taylor's not that bad once you get to know her," Donny defended as he picked at the steering wheel a bit. "She's small minded, small town living will do that to some people."

"And Kelsi?" Gabriella added, "Ryan and Kelsi must think I'm a saint the way I put their family through the ringer."

"Well," Donny winced. "Herman's the man who committed those crimes, it's not really fair to assume the blame for that."

"Not fair, but it is what it is," Gabriella said quietly. "That poor family across the street died for no reason. Face it, my being here hasn't done anyone any good. I can't imagine once this is over there'll be anyone one begging me to stay."

"What about the Sheriff?" Donny tired as he looked over at her with some hope. "He's might want you to stay."

"And what kind of life will he have if I do?" Gabriella admitted out loud. The truth shook her with a lot of force she had expected. It was the god honest truth, if she stood here with Troy what kind of life would he have with her? What would happen to his reputation? To his credibility? His family?

Donny's phone rang and he dug in his pocket for it answering it on about the forth ring. "Yes sir."

Gabriella's heart betrayed her by skipping a beat at the thought that it might be Troy on the other line.

"We just got to the house," Donny frowned, "Well no, I'm still in the driveway." He was quiet for a moment longer and then nodded even though the person on the other end couldn't see him. "Yes sir."

Gabriella watched him hang up. She waited for Donny to say something but he didn't, and that's when she decided it hadn't been Troy on the other end. Because if it had been Troy, he would have asked to speak to her, right? Donny didn't offer the information so Gabriella put her head on the chopping block and asked? "Who was that?"

"The Sheriff," Donny said a little nervous. "He's pissed you're not inside yet."

Gabriella looked back at the house, "Is he there?"

Donny looked over at her with sympathy, "No. he said he'd spoken with Jack."

"Oh." Taking a breath, Gabriella asked the big question. "Did Troy ask you to bring me here so he wouldn't have to deal with me?"

Donny shifted in his seat a little, "all he told me … was that he didn't think you're staying at his place was a good idea. He wanted me to bring you here. I thought you knew about the changes until we got in the car."

A minute later they knocked on the door and Jack answered with what Gabriella thought was his best come-on-in smile.

"Mi casa es su casa," Jack greeted as he grabbed her bag from Donny.

"Hello Mr. Jack," Eliot smiled was he walked in his own backpack on his back.

"Lucile changed the sheets in the extra bedroom for you so we can set you up in there."

Sheets… Deep breath. They weren't here for just a little bit, were they? Gabriella watched as Eliot disappeared into the kitchen obviously feeling more than at home with the Bolton's. So it was official. Troy didn't want her staying at his place. He was … dumping her here. Apparently she wasn't the only one realizing some hard truths today. Gabriella tried no to react to the pain slicing at her heart. Tried. But from the way Donny and Jack were looking at her she figured she was failing at that.

Gabriella let out a sigh as she pretended to look around anything to avoid their gazes. Her eyes scanned the room looking for anything to distract herself with and then she caught herself looking at all the framed pictures of Troy. His face, his gorgeous fucking face stared at her. Just like that she knew she couldn't do this. She couldn't stay here.

Turning around she looked at Jack, "I really need to get back to my father's house."

"Chicago," Jack began as he placed her bag down by the stairs.

"It's fine, the renovations are next to complete, and we really shouldn't be burdening any of you."

"It's not a burden," Lucile voice sounded from the doorway to the kitchen. "Look," Lucile came into the room reaching out her hands to take Gabriella's. "Don't put yourself in danger because of Troy."

"This has nothing to do with Troy," Gabriella said as she rubbed her side which was beginning to ache. "I just really want to be alone right now."

"We can watch Eliot for you," Lucile offered.

"I can watch him," the words barely came out. She was suddenly overwhelmed with so many emotions as she looked back at Lucile and Jack. She used the back of her hand to cover her mouth, trapping the sobs behind it that threaten to bubble up from inside her. What was happening to her? Why was no one listening to her? She just wanted to be alone? She just wanted to get out of here. Away from him.

"I don't know all the details but," Lucile came over to her using her hand to gently push a strand of hair away from her face and rest it on her temple. Looking tenderly at the bruises on her face and her eye which was slightly more open than it had been the day before. "I'm his mother, I know the important ones. He cares about you. Please don't go."

Gabriella nodded slowly knowing she'd been defeated. There was no way she was going to get out of this house. Deciding it was easier to give in than continue to fight them she let out a sigh and let Lucile pull her into her embrace.

Just then there was a knock at the door and all four adults turned around to see Kelsi standing in the doorway looking in at them.

"Hey," she said quietly.