n0t3: Thankfully, I've found myself a co-writer for this story...zanessatroyellasupporter! And here's her post:

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CHAPTER FOUR- Engagement? Or No Engagement?

Back with Troy and Sharpay

"Sharpay. Stop. Geez what's the big deal?!" Troy yelled as he was being dragged along.

Stopping in front of the jewelry section, Sharpay finally stopped and smiled. "Oh, nothing's the deal," she answered.

"Alright Shar," Troy could see through her act, "You wanna head home? I'm kinda tired."

Sharpay turned away and walked off. "No you can head home if you wanna. I'll just call a friend to come pick me up."

"No, I think I'll walk home."

"Walk?" Sharpay turned around, "That's got to be at least a five-mile walk."

"I've got something on my mind," Troy answered.

Sharpay looked at her empty left hand. "Only if you want to. Just throw me the keys."

Troy dug the keys out of his pocket and tossed them to Sharpay, who barely caught them. "I'll see you later, Shar."

"See you in a while, hunny."

Troy walked out of the store and wandered aimlessly. "Gabi. After all these years."

Flashback

Troy was sitting on the couch, watching tv.

"Troy," Gabriella said cautiously, "I've got something to tell you."

Troy looked up and saw the serious look on her face. "What is it Gabi?" Troy got up.

Gabriella sat down, pulling Troy along with her. "Well, Troy. I don't know how to say it,

but…"

Troy looked at Gabriella. He was growing worried. "Gabi, are you okay? Are you sick?"

Gabriella shook her head no.

"An STD?"

Again, Gabriella shook her head.

Troy thought for a second. "You aren't?"

Gabriella knew what he was thinking. She nodded.

"Gabi, you can't!"

"But Troy, I am."

Troy got up and walked toward the door. "I'm sorry Gabi, but I can't…"

Gabriela got up. "Troy, you can't leave me." She was in tears.

"I'm sorry Gabi, but I'm…I'm not ready…" Troy opened the door and walked out.

Gabriella was sobbing, still on the coach. "No Troy, it should be me that should be sorry. Sorry for ever…ever…" She broke into a wave of tears.

End Flashback

After walking for about an hour, Troy finally came to a house. A house that he never visited for years. About 6 years now.

"Sure, after all," a voice from inside said, "you're turning six tomorrow, so you'll be a big girl tomorrow."

Troy knew instantly that they were talking about Chole. He looked in the window.

Inside, Chole was helping Zeke with dinner.

"Chole…" Troy said silently to himself. He looked around. "There," Troy thought, "There's the mother of my daughter. The woman that I left. The woman that I loved." Troy started tearing up.

"Chole, be careful," Gabriella's voice drifted out the window, "you don't wanna get hurt before your birthday."

"Okay, mommy!" another voice answered.

After hearing this Troy ran. Ran away again. But he had every intention of coming back.

Back with Sharpay

Sharpay, after Troy left, grabbed her cell and quickly dialed a number.

"Hello," said the voice on the other line.

"Mom, you'll never guess. I think Troy's going to finally give me my engagement ring!"

"Sharpay, that's fabulous. Call me when he does." She hung up.

Sharpay was too eager to continue shopping. She paid for what she already had and rushed home. She hummed merrily.

"I'm going to get married. I'm going to get married." She thought to herself while making dinner. "I'm going to get married."

Little did she know, Troy had different things on his mind.