Hey! I'm really grateful for your awesome reviews; they mean so much to me! Yeah, Troy is violent sometimes and it shows a lot, he's a tough guy and isn't afraid to show it. Though I don't think he'd hurt Gabriella, not physically anyway! He cares too much for her and usually she is the one that soothes him. So anyway, I've babbled enough, just enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 18 – A Tender Moment And The Temptress

LIFE without Troy seemed to grow duller and duller for Gabriella. She would not forgive him but she could not stop loving him either. She had heard from around the school that Troy was bullying again and more viciously than ever, some of the youngster's that Troy bullied were going home with broken ribs, busted lips and fractured bones. Something that had never happened before, and secretly many of the teenagers of the school wanted Gabriella and Troy back together, for everyone's sake.

Gabriella was sorry to think that the other bullies of the school would leave her alone. She was a constant victim now, returning home everyday with a bruise on her arm or her stomach or her leg. She was content with the fact that none of the bullies had attempted to punch her in the face. If she walked into school with a bruise on her face…well she couldn't imagine what Troy would do?

She turned when she felt someone tap her on her shoulder; it was Taylor looking incredibly sorrowful.

"Hey Gabriella, how are you holding up?" She asked gently.

"I'm not sure; I'll let you know when it finally hits me." Gabriella said tears swelling in her bold brown eyes.

Taylor wasn't sure why she was feeling an overwhelming guilt, she believed she had been helping Gabriella and Troy but in truth, all it had done was made them miserable. Taylor was convinced that a nerd and jock being miserable when being in love was a lot worse than a nerd and jock being happy when being in love. (lol I'm not sure if that made sense lol, but try and make sense of it Hehe) She just had to find Chad, they had to make amends, it wasn't fair anymore, who were they to play cupid and say who was allowed to be together and who wasn't, it was unfair!

Taylor found Chad running laps on the track; she quickly stretched before she joined him, running gracefully beside him. Chad smiled, having her beside him felt good and their gentle jog brought a soft pink tint to her cheeks, she looked a picture.

"Chad, 'Taylor said, her voice was a little hoarse from running and she breathed deeply, "Have you spoken to Troy?"

"About what?" Chad queried, his great bushy hair was tied back into a bobble, he often did it to keep the sweat from going in his hair and so he could see. (Just imagine it, like on Jump In, for those who have seen it)

"What do you mean, about what? About what we've done to Gabriella and him, have you seen how miserable they are?" Taylor queried.

A look of pure remorse passed over Chad's face, Taylor was pleased to see that he had also been thinking about it.

"Troy just doesn't seem to want to function anymore, his reputation as a bully worsened over the week and yet he's still determined to win Gabriella back. They seem to be the only things that matter to him now." Chad explained.

"We have to do something Chad, I've kind of grown fond of Gabriella, she seems like a potential friend and…she's really sweet and she was hurt…a lot. Both of them were." Taylor said.

"I know, we were wrong, it shouldn't have been done like that! It was unfair, but I swear, I never knew Troy was going to say those things. I mean, I thought he was going to say a few hurtful sentences but calling Gabriella frigid and saying he was using her for the assignment and sex, it just wasn't what I had planned." Chad said, they had run their second lap together around the track and both were starting to tire a little.

"Maybe I should talk to Gabriella. Try and make her see the light a little." Taylor offered.

"Yeah, though I don't think I should do much about Troy right now, if I do it might start world war three." Chad laughed.

"Good point, lets just tackle Gabriella." Taylor said.

Taylor nodded and they both stopped together, the wind had suddenly picked up and Taylor began to shiver, she hadn't bothered to bring her jumper to school, it had been boiling hot this morning. Chad seemed to note her body shivering for a moment later he had removed his wildcat jacket and had passed it to her. Taylor looked puzzled and held it limp in her arms.

"What's this for?" She asked a little coldly.

Chad frowned at her, he had not appreciated the snipe but he tried to ignore it as he pushed the jacket towards her forcefully.

"You're cold." He said simply.

"But won't you be cold then?" Taylor asked.

Chad seemed to grow a little impatient for he snatched the jacket from Taylor's hands, leaving her stunned for a moment; he wrapped it around her and zipped it up so she was buried in it, she looked rather adorable wrapped up in his red jacket, it enveloped her warmly. She buried her nose within it for a moment taking a long deep breath before smiling up at him.

"Thank you, it's so warm." She said softly.

Chad went a bright crimson and ducked his head; he was delighted by the tenderness in her voice and felt rather smug that she had accepted his jacket.

"So, 'Taylor said quickly, rather eager to change the subject, "I'll talk to Gabriella as soon as possible. Just hang in there; we just can't let them be apart much longer."

"Okay, well I've got another four laps to do so we'll talk tomorrow." Chad said, he was about turn when he heard Taylor's soft voice calling him.

"What about your jacket?" She questioned.

"Oh just keep it until tomorrow, we'll see each other then." Chad said smiling and he ran off leaving Taylor feeling incredibly strange, her stomach was filled with butterflies and she buried her nose back into the jacket, it smelt so good, like him…and she was hooked!

SITTING in English class suddenly became a bore for Troy, most of his time in there consisted of him starring at Gabriella who was either always listening to the tedious teacher intently or doing her work…which she did very well.

Troy took to carrying Gabriella's book around with him everywhere with him, he wouldn't pass up the opportunity of giving it back to her and he hung onto the lonely dream that she would one day return to him.

"Mr Bolton, can you at least pretend you're paying attention?" Mr Banks demanded turning from the bored with an infuriated expression on his face.

"Wow, only now you're noticing and I thought you were a teacher!" Troy said cockily.

Some of the classmates giggled and Mr Banks frowned at a few of them, Gabriella's attention was suddenly fixed on Troy who was sitting grinning cruelly. Troy's eyes met hers for a moment and he winked at her, she gasped, disgusted and turned away from him, though her face had gone red.

"Troy, calm down, although Geeky Gabi has moulded into something to look at, do you really want detention?" Zeke asked from beside Troy, Zeke, although suddenly regretted what he said for Troy flew over at him and had tackled him to the floor, the class stood quickly, everyone cheered as Troy attempted to punch Zeke but a hand flew in front of him, stopping him.

"Mr Bolton, contain yourself." Mr Banks ordered, it had been he who had stopped Troy.

It took several of the boys to try and pry Troy from Zeke but they were still struggling with him, he was just too strong.

"What did you mean by the comment Zeke?" Troy spat as he tried again to punch him again.

"Nothing, I swear it." Zeke said, terrified for his life.

"Are you trying to bully her again? Are you trying to get her for yourself? I swear it I'll kill you, you little basta –"

"He's going to kill him, stop him." A girl screamed.

Troy had successfully managed to bust Zeke's lip when a loud and firm voice bellowed across the classroom.

"Don't do it Troy!" Troy froze, it was Gabriella, he always seemed immune to everyone else's demands, except hers!

"He wanted to hurt you Brie; I can't let him do that!" Troy snapped.

Gabriella was beside him in an instant, she touched his hand softly, "Don't Troy, I'm begging you." Troy was getting out of control, his entire world was Gabriella and it frightened her a little but it was exceedingly endearing!

"I want to kill him!" Troy said furiously and he was about to raise his fist again when Gabriella's tiny gentle hand touched his clenched fist and it suddenly unfolded and their fingers melted together for a moment.

"Don't be violent Troy, you're not that person." She whispered to him and Troy dared himself to snake his arms around her waist and pull her close to him.

For a while they sat there sobbing together, both crying to each other. Gabriella into Troy's chest, Troy in her hair. The class just stood watching them; it was a remarkable sight, a touching sight.

"I can't see you hurt…I don't want you hurt." Troy said softly, no – one had ever seen Troy so tender before, it was a rare treat.

"I know, shush Troy." Gabriella whispered, her head resting against his torso.

Being so close, it felt so good, Troy felt like he was in heaven, she was holding him again and it felt right. He took the time to feel every curve in Gabriella's elegant body, he breathed in the scent of her hair, her face was sorrowful and her eyes burned gently in the light. He'd give anything to taste the rich cinnamon and chocolate he had grown so fond of.

"Please baby, forgive me. I'm begging you." He wailed.

"I can't." She said, she sounded as if she had really struggled to say it and she suddenly yanked herself from his grasp and grabbed her bag and left, the class stood in silence and shock.

Mr Banks turned to Troy, he was feeling a little surprised at what had just occurred in his classroom, "Mr Bolton, your behaviour has been inappropriate! I'm absolutely disgusted! If I ever know of you showing such violence again you'll be out of this school as quick as you can say Shakespeare. Do you understand?"

Troy slumped up slowly, he grabbed his bag and slipped it on his shoulder, he dragged himself to the door and muttered, "Who cares?" Before he left.

TROY sat alone in his garden that night with a notepad and pen. Earlier in the lesson, when he had been listening, Mr Banks had told them of an assignment that would have to be completed in the next two months. They had to write about something that they wanted something that gave them a spark of hope. Troy, however couldn't think of anything, his hope was gone, his future was gone!

The sudden noise of his garden gate swinging open surprised him and he looked up. Sharpay was walking towards him, a coat wrapped around her body. She smiled at him as she walked closer and closer, he looked at her blankly.

"Hey Troy, how are you?" She asked brightly.

"Okay I guess." He mumbled uninterestingly.

Sharpay giggled, "Well are you going to invite me in?"

"Well my parents aren't in so I'd rather not and anyway it's a nice ni –" She walked straight past him and made her way upstairs, he looked confused, Sharpay had never showed such confidence around him, she was always submissive, yet only around him!

He followed her, trying to hide his curiosity but when he opened the door it quickly closed behind him and there was Sharpay standing in a very sexy set of knickers and bra.

"Do you like my surprise?" She asked moving closer to him, her voice was suddenly sensual and gentle and she pressed her body against his and he jumped back.

"Well, 'He laughed uncomfortably and somehow very turned on, "I can't say I'm not surprised."

Sharpay giggled, it didn't sound real, it sounded as if it had been rehearsed a thousand times, "I knew you'd like it." She said triumphantly.

Troy's face fell as Sharpay tried to guide him to his bed, though her attempts were futile he grabbed her by the wrists and stopped her.

"I said I was surprised, I didn't say I liked it." He said.

Sharpay laughed.

"What, you're saying you don't find me attractive?" Sharpay asked and she slipped onto his bed and lay down, she pulled him down by his hands and allowed him to run his hands up her body.

The more she touched him the less Troy seemed to want to fight her. She kissed him viciously, ravaging his neck as much as she could, she kissed him roughly across his jaw and pulled his hand to caress her backside, he did so but guiltily.

"Hmm, 'She whispered pulling her mouth to his, "I can't wait to taste you again."

She kissed him hard and thrust her tongue into his mouth, he groaned in shock and pushed her away, Sharpay had already yanked off his shirt and was nipping at his chest.

"Haven't you missed me?" She queried innocently, though her eyes flashed devilishly.

She was about to lean up and kiss him again when Troy pushed her away and stood, he slipped his shirt back on and paced back and fore, he didn't know what had possessed him to even allow her to get so far to him.

"What's wrong?" Sharpay asked confused.

Troy mumbled something and Sharpay stared up at him, her cold blue eyes luring him back to her, "What did you say?"

"You're not her!" He said.

"Who?" Sharpay asked oblivious.

"Gabriella, that's who!"

Sharpay looked outraged, "She won't take you back, she's not interested anymore. You've got no choice."

"She'll come back to me. She's mine. She has to." Troy said resolutely.

Sharpay stood and walked over to Troy, she grabbed his hands and guided them to her breasts, he snatched them away from her and she glared at him.

"That geekish whore will never come back to you. You've blown it!" The irritated blonde said.

Troy felt like hitting her there and then but he wouldn't, he grabbed her by the hand and grabbed her coat. He dragged her downstairs and ignored her protesting. He threw her outside and she wrapped her coat around her.

"She's not coming back Troy and soon you'll give into me." She snarled.

"She's mine Sharpay and she will come back. I belong to her and she belongs to me. I'll never stop hoping she'll come back. You'll be waiting a long time, I'm not crying to you, you cheap slut!" He bellowed and Sharpay gave a cry of anger.

She stomped off feeling angry and irritated; he had turned her down, even when she had bought the wonder seducing wear. She would never win back, not when Gabriella was around to keep him occupied, she felt her heart sink.

GABRIELLA'S mother and father sat her down that night. They had noticed a dramatic change in their daughter of late and it worried them. They looked at each other nervously and it was decided in their weird sort of husband – wife communication that Mrs Montez would speak first.

"Ella, um…you're Papa and I have noticed that you seem to be very disturbed lately. Is there anything we can do to help?" She asked her softly.

Gabriella nodded her head.

"But something must be wrong. Your eating habits have stopped, you don't eat much anymore, you lock yourself in your room a lot and you just…you're looking terribly pale."

Gabriella said nothing but looked at her feet when suddenly Mr Montez asked speedily, "Are you pregnant?"

Gabriella's eyes shot up and they locked with her parents, "Of course not! I'm not that foolish."

"Are you sure honey?" Mr Montez queried.

"Positive Papa, I am not pregnant." Gabriella said determinedly.

"Is it Troy?" Mrs Montez asked.

"Well, we've kind of had a disagreement but…it's nothing serious." She lied; it was serious, very serious.

The phone rung and Gabriella stood to pick it up.

"Hello?" She asked pleasantly.

"Um…Gabriella is that you?" It was Taylor, she sounded nervous.

"Oh yeah, it's me." Gabriella answered.

"Can you meet me tomorrow; I have something to tell you." Taylor said.

"I guess." Gabriella replied.

"It's important." Taylor said to stress she was not messing her around.

"Yeah, I'll come. I'll meet you in the cafeteria for lunch, is that alright?" The young brunette questioned.

"That's fine. So I guess I'll see you soon." Taylor said.

"Okay, bye." Gabriella said and she put the phone down and went back into her parents.

TAYLOR felt panic rise over her, she was going to tell her and she had no idea how she was going to react. It didn't frighten her, it just wasn't something she was used to…and she didn't know what was going to happen…

Well there we go, another chapter, and there was so much tension and a lot of sexual tension between TROYELLA and Sharpay isn't very impressed.

Review and let me know how you thought about it! Please, I know I've been a little late updating but I'd love to hear your thoughts and what should go on!

xoxMusicalxox