Author's Note- I do not own anything related to High School Musical. This is my plot.

Chapter Eight-

"This is…unbelievable."

Gabriella once again rolled her eyes at the repeated statement and shrugged her shoulders, again. She took a quick glance around the table and felt the intense gaze of her peers and tried to hold in her raw emotions that were screaming to be released into the open.

It had been three days since she had last heard from Troy. Gabriella didn't know if that was a good or bad thing. She always felt on edge, as if he was going to jump out and scream 'boo' at her. Was she really that scared of the man she loved? Was he really that terrifying to her that she didn't even want to leave the house today?

In her heart, no. In her head, very much so. Gabriella had repeated the conversation between her Troy in her head over and over again. Every word that he spoke was pounding into her head. She wanted nothing more than to forgot about his promise. Forget his love for her. Forget him. But how could she? He was a constant in her life, and now with the future birth of their child, she was never going to be able to say 'Troy who?'.

It had taken several pleading attempts for Sharpay to drag her expecting friend to the usual luncheon. She knew it would take Gabriella much time to heal, but it didn't mean she was going to watch as her friend just sat on the lounge all day and did nothing. So she grabbed her and dressed her like she was a Barbie doll and pulled her out to 'Gina's'.

Gabriella knew that her friends at the table had been itching to know what really happened and was fortunate to have friends who knew not to pry unless she brought it up. After some useless and awkward small talk, she finally came clean and told them what had happened and what was going to happen.

"So…have you two talked since then?"

Gabriella looked up from her untouched food and gazed upon her old college roommate. Taylor McKessie. They had roomed together in college throughout every year and became very close friends. Taylor was a angel in Gabriella's eyes. Not only was she the smartest person she knew, but she was also the most giving person. She balanced her life fairly between work, friends and family and was still able to contribute her free time to helping the less fortunate. On some events and occasions she was being seen and heard for the rights of same sex marriage and adoption. She was a spokesperson for many charities and foundations. Again, to Gabriella, Taylor was an angel. And one of the best friends she could ask for. Her fair dark skin was smooth silk when touched and her brown orbs shone like no other. She was beautiful, young and ambitious. She was a role model to many and a friend to plenty.

"No. I'm kind of waiting for it though, you know. Like…I feel like he's about to jump out at me and demand me back or take full custody of the baby." Her voice was small and her friends could tell that she was more than just scared. She was petrified.

"Sweetie, he can't do that. Although Father's have been given more rights now in divorce cases, he isn't able to take full custody of the baby. I know you may not want to hear this, but, I'm pretty sure Troy wouldn't do that to you."

A small sound of disbelief came from the other side of the table and all three other heads turned to their last friend of the foursome. "Yeah right."

Kelsi Neilson. She was small and petit. She was fair skinned and had short golden curly hair. Her sparkling blue eyes were always covered by a small pair of glasses and were constantly being pushed up on her nose, to stop from falling down her face. Her slim and short figure were envied by her three friends, even though they had nothing to complain about, that's just what they did.

Kelsi was an old girlfriend of Ryan's. An outcome of Sharpay's meddling. They had lasted for a year or so, but came to the conclusion that no matter how much they loved each other, their lives and careers were just too different. They still talked and hung out, just like best friends would, and both valued the friendship they had and the relationship they once shared.

Taylor and Sharpay shared a confused look and turned back to their friend. "What do you mean by that Kels?" Questions a curious Sharpay.

"Look…I just meant that…well…we all believed he wouldn't cheat on Gabriella…and now look what's happening." Kelsi eyed Gabriella carefully and made sure she wasn't over stepping the line. "I didn't mean anything horrible by it, but, I'm not sure what we can expect from Troy anymore."

With that, the table became quiet and still, they were all too in depth in their thoughts to voice them with each other. Neither one of them knowing what would happen or why it happened.

"I'm sorry." Gabriella, Sharpay and Taylor looked back up once they heard Kelsi's small voice and knit their eyebrows together in confusion. "I didn't mean to be a downer on this once-in-a-while luncheon."

Gabriella softly smiled and placed her hand on Kelsi's and gave a comforting squeeze. "Don't worry about it Kels. There's nothing to be sorry about. Let's just…forgot about Troy and everything else and enjoy what time we have left for today."

Sharpay and Taylor nodded in agreement and before they knew it, all four women were laughing and talking about the happier things in life. They ate their food while conversing of newly heard gossip that made Gabriella feel a little more at ease. They shared views on who the winner would be on their favourite reality show. But soon came the topic that three of them desperately wanted to know.

"Ok…I know under the circumstances this conversation would have gone better, but…what do you want the baby to be?" Taylor excitingly exclaimed.

Gabriella broke out in a wide grin and subconsciously rubbed her stomach. She looked up at her eager and grinning friends and couldn't help but give a small laugh. "Too be honest…I don't really care. Either would make me more than happy. I mean…I always imagined a little boy first and then a girl a few years later…" Gabriella stopped herself and could feel the pain of knowing that she wouldn't get the chance to ever carry Troy's child after this one. Not if she could never forgive him. Not if she could never trust him again. And she knew deep down inside that she might never be able to. Gabriella was pulled out of her thoughts when she felt Sharpay's warm hand on hers. She looked up and saw her three friends looking at her with worried and comforting looks. She hated that they felt sorry for her, but she knew if roles were reversed, she would be sitting just like them. "Sorry. Trailed off in my thoughts."

Taylor gave a soft sigh and wished that her best friend wasn't feeling like she was. The thought of Troy cheating on Gabriella had never crossed her mind once. The moment she met him when he came to visit her on vacation, she saw the love between the two and thought they would last forever. It pained her to see her friend so broken and torn, she wanted nothing more than to go strangle him with her newly bought pashmina.

"Have any names in mind?" Kelsi thought it best to steer the conversation away from Troy but still in the exciting news that one of the foursome was going to become a 'mommy'.

"Uhh…well…if it's a girl I guess I've always liked the name Lilly or Chloe. Or even Riley. And for a boy…" Gabriella narrowed her eyebrows and was in deep thought. Even though they had discussed children and the whole nice yards, they never really picked or decided on children's names. Wasn't that something that lovey dovey couples did? And Troy and Gabriella were definitely lovey dovey with each other. "…I like Adam. Or Logan. Cooper's nice I guess. I don't know. Troy and I never really agreed on anything."

Sharpay nodded her head with each name that Gabriella listed, but there was one name that was eating away at her. She didn't want to question it out loud, but she couldn't help it. It's who she was. "Gabi? Can I ask you a question?"

Gabriella turned to Sharpay and could see the hesitation and uncertainty within her, she knew she would never ask something hurtful or mean, and they had always shared everything with each other in the first place, so why not answer a simple little question? "Sure sweetie. What is it?"

"Ok…well don't get mad but…" Sharpay took a breath and looked straight at Gabriella. She knew she wasn't going to hurt her with this question, but she was unsure of how well Gabriella was going to take it. "…what's the child's last name going to be?"

"Sharpay!" Hissed Kelsi. "That's not something you should be asking right now."

Gabriella blocked out the small quarrel that was sure to happen between two of her best friends, while the other tried to calm them. What was she going to do about the last name? By the time the baby would be born, her and Troy would be divorced. So that meant the baby could have her last name…didn't it? All sorts of questions started running through her head and was started to feel faint from the confusion and unknown answers.

"Gabi? Honey are you ok?" Taylor's worried voice broke her out of her rushing thoughts and she looked up to see all three of them had stopped talking to look at her worryingly.

"I'm fine." Gabriella took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Just got me thinking too much is all."

"Gabi I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." Sharpay looked guilty and was practically begging with her eyes not to be hurt or upset because of her.

Gabriella shook her head and gave a warm smile. "It's ok Shar. I would have asked the same question if I had thought of it before. And to be honest…I don't know. I mean…we'll be divorced by then. Will I have the right to be able to name it Montez and not Bolton? And will Troy be ok with that?"

"Sweetie. Do not worry about what Troy wants. As harsh as it may sound, when the baby is born, it will be just you two. I mean…you'll have all of us there supporting you and loving you every step of the way, but you will be with the baby. You will watch it grow up and make it the person it will be. You're going to be great. I know you are. But…you have to think of yourself for once. Do what you want honey."

Gabriella, Kelsi and Sharpay looked at Taylor in amazement. She always had the right thing to say and she never bullshitted anything or sugar coated it either. Some may say it was harsh or she was a bitch, but they admired her for it. And she was right.

"You're right. I'll do what I want. And right now…I'm still not sure." Gabriella and the girls shared a small laugh. "But…hopefully when the time comes, I will have the right answer."

The girls soon started to change subject to talking about baby clothes and all the things they needed to buy. They shared ideas and views on what to get or how to get it. What was necessary and what wasn't. What was appropriate and suitable for the baby. And then it came to the subject on where everything was going to go?

"So…are you going to be living with Sharpay and Chad for the duration on the pregnancy?" Asked Kelsi.

Gabriella shared a knowing look with her blonde friend and then smirked back to her two curious and interested friends. "Well actually…I've already found the perfect place. And I'm moving in next week."


His gaze was intense. It was so powerful and frightening, but also alluring and captivating. The way the light shone exactly on the right angle, made them beam with such raw intensity that she was pulled to his gaze. He had power over her. She didn't want him to, but he did. He might not have known it, but it was there. He could ask her to do the chicken dance to killing someone, and she would happily oblige to his demand.

Delysia tried to pull her eyes away from his strong blue orbs to gain some type of control, but felt it slip away the more she continued to stare at him. She wanted to know why he had called her in to his office. Ever since the day his blonde friend, or ex-friend, had come in and yelled at her, things had been strained. The last day she could remember having an actual conversation with him instead of just useless mumblings and ramblings, was the day before he went to sign his divorce papers. Since then, he hadn't muttered one word to her. She should have felt some sort of anger or disappointment, but he hadn't really talked to anyone in the office apart from his secretary.

When he had rang her cubicle number and requested to come meet him in his office she was first shocked to hear his voice. She then felt resentment towards him for taking so long to talk to her. The news of their affair hadn't gotten out, yet, but she knew a few people were aware of their relationship and they were fortunate enough not to taunt or acknowledge it. Well, not to her face at least. She was more upset and stressed about the fact that her boss, a partner, Mr Donaldson knew about the affair. Of course he knew, he was representing her.

"You're thinking too hard."

Delysia was knocked out of her mindless thoughts when she heard his voice. It was so enticing. It pulled her in. Everything about him pulled her in. She was weak. His voice was deep and rough. It held so much emotion at times. It had called her name in the heat of the moment many times, and if she got her way, it would be calling her over and over again forever.

She continued to stare at him and hold his gaze, but she could see something within his eyes. Something she hadn't seen before. Something she knew she wasn't going to like. "It's nothing important." She watched as he eyed her carefully and then finally released her of his capturing eyes.

Troy lowered his head to the ground and let out a heavy sigh and rubbed the bridge of his nose in irritation. In himself. He knew she wasn't going to like this, but it had to be done. It had to.

"Look Del…what I'm about to say is…not easy. But…I have to tell you because…well…you have the right to know." Troy looked up and saw her chest rise in unsteady and quick breaths.

She pulled her jacket sleeves to hold in her tight grasp, an obvious cue for insecurity. "The other day…I…I found something out. Something that is going to change everything."

"Are you…are you and Gabriella getting back together?" Delysia could feel her heart beat faster and faster and was surprised that Troy couldn't hear it. It almost felt like it was about to jump out of her chest and fall onto his desk.

She heard him mumble something to himself and swore he said 'hopefully', but she wasn't quite sure. She knew that whatever he had to say was important. That it was going to hurt her. And she couldn't for the life of her run out and not listen to him. She couldn't run from getting her heart broken.

"No. Gabriella is still wanting the divorce." He held regret and slight anger within his tone of voice.

"Then what is it Troy? What's going on?" Every worst thought and scenario crossed her mind. Her dream of being with him was vanishing right before her eyes.

"She's pregnant. Gabriella's pregnant."

Troy waited for objects to be thrown at him. He waited for a row of curse words being hurdled at him. He waited for the slight pain of her small fists hitting and smacking him. But none of it came. Troy watched as she just sat there in absolute silence. She hadn't moved an inch. He hadn't seen her blink once yet and her breathing was still.

"Del? Delysia are you ok?" Troy was about to jump out of his chair and go check her, but as soon as he made movement, he had broken her out of her stupor.

Troy watched as she shook her head and looked back at him with un-readable expressions crossing her face. He could see no anger, no hurt, no pain. He saw nothing. All he saw and heard was her quick breaths and a quiet "oh".

"Oh?" He felt the need to call a doctor or someone to help him find out what the hell had just happened. "Is that all? Oh?"

Delysia stood to stand up and made her way towards his door. She turned around quickly and took a glance at his confused and shocked composure. Everything she was feeling was on the tip of her tongue and was about to burst out and be screamed at him, but all she could do was stand there and look at him, like it was for the last time.

Troy slowly stood from his chair and walked around his desk towards her. He didn't know why, but he suddenly felt his arms rise like he was being apprehended by the police. "Del…are you ok?"

"How…why...pregnant? She's…pregnant?" Her words were small and being mumbled. Her voice was quiet and whispered, but he could hear the slight pain in them.

"Yeah. She is. I didn't know until I got a call from her doctor. I don't think I was suppose to know for a while." Troy lowered his hands and then took another brave step towards her shaking form. "I'm sorry Del."

Delysia looked away from Troy and could feel her eyes betray her and leak out her wet salty tears. "So…what does that mean?"

Troy took a deep breath and hoped that she would understand why he was doing this. "It means…that this has to end. That…it's over between us."

Her body shook. Her tears fell. Her heart was breaking. She knew she never really had Troy. She knew she never really owned him. But she did know that she loved him. And a part of him loved her back. And now that small part was breaking away. She looked back at him and could see his internal battle within himself. She wasn't sure what about, but she knew enough about him to know that was he was fighting with himself.

"Why? Why does it have to end? You're still getting divorced. She doesn't want you back Troy. You and I…we…we can be together." She knew she was being pathetic. Begging the man she was sleeping with to pick her. Begging him and pleading with him to choose her over his wife and child. "I love you Troy. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"It does Del. It really does, but…I…I don't want it to."

Troy knew he was asshole. He was the biggest asshole in the world. He didn't deserve Gabriella. He didn't deserve Delysia. And he definitely didn't deserve the child that was growing in Gabriella's stomach.

The moment he spoke his cruel and heart wrenching words out loud, her whole heart dropped. It no longer was beating within her chest. It no longer felt alive and whole. It was dead and gone. "After…everything that's happened…how can you say that? You don't mean that Troy. I know you don't. I know you love me and I know you still want me."

"That may be true Del…but I'm going to be a Father. That child deserves to grow up around a family. Not a war zone. I want to be a part of my child's life. I want to watch it grow up everyday and not just on weekends or assigned holidays. I want my child in my life. And…I want Gabriella back."

More tears fell from her puffy and wet eyes. She shook her head trying to rid of the words that were buzzing in her head. "So that's it? I've fulfilled your sexual fantasy of an 'office fling' and now you get to go play 'happy family'? What about me Troy? What do I do? What do I have waiting for me at home? Nothing. I had nothing until you. And now…" Her painful sobs were filling the room. Every hurtful sound she made was a stab to his heart. It pained him to see her like this. It wasn't the same pain he saw or felt when Gabriella found him out, it was different. Just like the love he had for her. Just like everything between them…it was different.

"Del…"

"No Troy! What now?" She looked accusingly at him and stepped towards him with frustration and pure anger. "Am I suppose to move on? Forget you? I love you for fuck's sake."

"Del. You and I were never meant to happen. You know this. What we've done for the past few months has been…" Troy wasn't sure what the past few months had been. At the beginning it was just sex. As time wore on, the two started to fall for each other. But he couldn't love her. He did, but he no longer wanted to. He only wanted Gabriella now. He knew his mistake, and now he was trying to make up for it. "…great. They've been great Del. But I love Gabriella. And I need to make this work between us. I need her back and in my life. I'm sorry that…all this has happened. It was never meant to."

Troy lowered his head and tried to cope with the guilt, regret, anger and disappointment in himself. He was trying so hard to deal with everything that had happened. He knew he was the cause. He not only ruined and fucked up his life, but Gabriella's and Delysia's. He really was an asshole.

Delysia slid down the wall and felt her body shake with uncontrollable sobs. This was it. She knew it had to happen one day soon, but she had hoped it would never end or he would pick her. But why would he? She didn't know much about his marriage, but she did know that it was one of a kind. That it was blessed. Until she ruined it. She was a home wrecker. She felt like whore and a slut. God, what if she had ended up pregnant with his child? That thought alone made her cry more and couldn't help but see the dream of her and Troy and their phantom 'happily ever after' completely diminish.

"I'm sorry Delysia."

She heard his pain and guilt laced in his voice, but she couldn't care less. It was over. For good. She couldn't fight for him. She couldn't beg or plead him to still have her if he didn't want to. In time he would fall out of love with her and forget she ever existed. And she had to do the same. But how?

Delysia gained some control over her body and stopped shaking and pulled herself up from the ground. She wiped the tears from her face and took a deep breath. She looked upon Troy and saw his concern for her in his eyes. She was pulled to go to him, but stopped herself. He didn't want her.

"I quit." Her voice was powerful and strong. She didn't want to, but she couldn't be around him. Not here where their memories of being together would taunt her everyday and remind her of what had transpired between them.

Troy shook his head and shifted from one leg to the other. He knew she loved her job here. He knew it meant a lot to her. During their time together they got to know one another. He guessed that's how they fell in love. He had already made the decision to make this less painful. Less messy. It was already done.

"Delysia. You don't have to quit." He saw her about to start explaining why she wanted to and why she was, but he stopped her. "You don't have to because…I already have. I quit this morning. Under the circumstances, Richard has agreed to let me go and not fulfil my two weeks notice."

Delysia stood their stunned. If anyone should leave she felt it should have been her. Why was he? Why was he wasting years of hard work and throwing it away? "Why?"

"Because I can't be here. Just like you didn't want to be. If I stay, I would fall out of love with you, but…I would still see you and feel the guilt pour on me. I deserve that, but I need to forget what happened Del. And with us both here that can't happen. You know that."

"But-"

"No buts. I caused this. It's my fault and I'm taking responsibility. You've worked hard here Del. I know you're going to be a great lawyer." Troy felt himself smile an actual smile and watched as she tried to match his smile back. But it never met her eyes.

"I guess I had a great teacher." Delysia wiped the few tears that had slipped out, away and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry Troy. I know you think this is your fault. But to be honest…it's both of ours. I should never encouraged this. I should never lead you to believe that what we were doing was acceptable. It wasn't and I knew it. You knew it. And yet…we still did it."

Delysia stood firm and tall and felt more control coming back. "I'm sorry I purposely ruined your marriage. I will always be sorry for that. I love you and…I guess…if I love you enough I should let you go and try and win Gabriella back."

Troy stood in amazement. How could she apologize to him? It was his fault. He knew it. He never felt like she was to blame. He was the one that got drunk and pursued her. Parts of what she was saying was making sense, they were both at fault. But he had broken his marriage vows and cheated with his intern. All that made it his fault.

He wished he could say he was as strong as her and as mature to let Gabriella go and live her life and be happy, but he couldn't. He wanted her back and he wanted his family together. No matter the cost, he was going to get it back. He had to.

"So…this is goodbye then? For good?" Delysia didn't know whether she was allowed to run to him and embrace him for the last time, God that's all she wanted to do. Just to hold him and never let go. She was shocked and confused when Troy made his way in front of her and then wrapped his arms around her slim figure and hugged her tight. She hugged back just as hard and both felt the last piece of their love break away.

Troy placed a kiss on the top of her head and then her cheek. He pulled back and wiped the tears that fell from her red and wet eyes. "I love you Delysia Elizabeth Holt."

"I love you too Troy Alexander Bolton."

Troy watched as she smiled softly, a smile that again didn't reach her eyes and slowly walked out of his office. Out of his life. It was over. Forever. His affair. His lies and cheating. Everything was over. He didn't have Gabriella. He didn't have Delysia. He had no job. He had nothing. But he prayed that in time he would have his wife back. His child in his arms. And his friends. It was going to be hell to work for. Forever to get back. But it was worth it. Gabriella was worth it.


So sorry for lack of update. And yes, lame and predictable excuse, but hectic and busy life. Worst week of college and all these assignments due at the same time. I know, lame excuse, but truth. Sorry. But here it is. It definitely isn't of Delysia Holt. But for now it is. Some of you might not like how their goodbye was fluffy or showing how much love or care they have, but that's what they believe. That they love each other. And both now know that this is for the best. Sorry in advance for anyone who doesn't approve or like it, but...I'm somewhat happy about it and now I can move on from them. Anyway hope you enjoyed, sorry again for delay and please review. Cheers. :)