A/N I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING! I ONLY OWN THIS PLOT! Here is the next chapter.

After what felt like hours Troy was forced to sit in the waiting room with Maria and Peter, and the rest of the wildcats as the doctors fixed Gabriella. He buried his face in his hands. He had always promised to protect her and now she was in the hospital. What kind of boyfriend was he? He had broken his promise to her would she ever forgive him?

He looked up when someone touched his back. It was Chad.

"It isn't your fault." He said.

Troy just shook his head and buried his face back into his hands.

"Hey!" Chad said. "Troy Alexander Bolton you look at me right now."

Troy looked up in shock. The only other person to use his full name was his father and mother.

"This isn't your fault Troy! You tried to make peace, I was the one who was going to fight. She was trying to stop it. Blame me, it's all my fault."

Troy shook his head. "It's Hunter's fault. He did this and if she dies…."

"Hey! No! Do not talk like that. Gabriella is a fighter she will survive this!" Chad said.

"Hunter is going to pay for this. I'm tired of sitting back and doing nothing. Hunter needs to pay for what he did."

"Oh, he will, we're going to make sure he pays. That's a promise, but right now Gabriella needs you. She needs you to be strong and brave for her. It's the only way she'll pull through."

Troy sighed. Chad was right. Troy nodded and gave a soft smile. "Thank, Man, "

Chad smiled. "Anytime, Captain."

Chad got up and went back over to the others. Troy sighed. "Please Gabriella don't die."

After what felt like forever the doctor came out.

Everyone rushed over to him. He chuckled. "Wow, Ms. Montez has a big family."

"Is she going to be ok?" Maria asked.

"Yes, she's going to be just fine. She'll have a huge headache and will be dizzy for a couple days but she's going to be fine."

"She was bleeding…" Troy said.

"We stitched up the back of her head and stopped the bleeding. She'll be fine."

"Can I see her?" Troy asked again.

The doctor chuckled. "You're Troy aren't you?"

He nodded.

"She called out your name a couple of times."

Troy smiled.

"She is in room 202 I ask that only two of you in go in at a time. She is still sleeping so just be quiet."

Troy nodded and ran down the halls. He reached the room and went inside. He smiled at Gabriella sleeping peacefully. She was a bit pale, but not so much it was scary. He walked over to her and sat down by her side. He leaned down and kissed her forehead and moved some hair from her face. She stirred.

"Troy?"

"I'm right here, Angel. It's ok." He cooed.

She opened her eyes and smiled. "Hi."

"Hey, how are you feeling?"

Her smile faded. "Bad, my head hurts and I feel dizzy."

"You're going to be ok. The doctor said that was natural."

"What happen to me?" she asked softly. "Did I pass out?"

"What's the last thing you remember?" he asked.

"We were on a date, you were tickling me and I laughing so hard I couldn't breathe."

Troy smiled softly and kissed her head. "No, you didn't pass out. I stopped tickling you and we went back to our food."

"Then what happen to me?"

Troy sighed. "Hunter, he pushed you through the sliding back doors."

Gabriella looked confused. "Who is Hunter?"

"You don't know Hunter Anderson?"

Gabriella shook her head.

"Brie, the date we were on, where were we?" he asked.

Gabriella thought for a minute and answered "At the park."

Troy's eyes went wide. There last date at the park was before they even found out Peter had a son. Everything was going perfectly. She trusted Peter and everything was going well. It was the day before the big game, and the day before she found out about Peter having a son. That was almost five months ago. How could she not remember anything after that.

"What's wrong?" Gabriella asked.

Troy smiled. "Nothing, Baby girl, Everything is fine."

Gabriella knew he was lying to her. "What's wrong with me?" she whimpered.

"Oh, sweetie, shhh, shh, it's ok. You just have a bit of memory loss that's all."

"I remember who you are. You're Troy Bolton born October 18th. You love basketball but hate math. Your favorite food is pizza and your favorite desert is brownies. Your favorite color is your school colors red and white. You go to East High school your on the basket ball team called Wildcats and your dad is the Coach."

Troy chuckled. She got cheered up fast.

"Oh…" she added "And you're very ticklish, especially on your feet."

He laughed. "Who told you that?"

"I just know."

Troy smiled. Yet he was confused. How could she know who he was, every little detail about him but not know what happen the past few months? The door opened and the doctor walked in with Maria and Peter.

"Hello, Ms. Montez, how are feeling?" the doctor asked.

Gabriella looked away not answering.

"Come on, sweetie, you can tell them anything." Maria said.

Gabriella stayed silent. Troy kissed her head and stroked some hair behind her ear. He kissed her ear and whispered into it. "I'm right here, you're not alone. You can do this. Just be the brave strong girl I know you can be."He kissed her ear one last time before pulling away.

Gabriella turned to look at the doctor. "My head hurts and I feel dizzy."

"All right, I'll get you something for the pain. Can I ask you a few questions?"

"Questions about what?"

"Just simple stuff. Like, what is your name?"

"Gabriella Montez."

"When is your birthday?"

"December, 14."

"What is today's date?"

"June 7th."

Everyone looked concerned. That was wrong. It was really five months later. It was October 15th. The doctor continued with his line of questioning.

"Who is this man standing next to me?"

Gabriella smiled instantly. "My boyfriend."

"What's his name?"

"Troy Bolton, born October 18th. He loves basketball but hate math. His favorite food is pizza and his favorite desert is brownies. His favorite color is his school colors red and white. He goes to East High school he's on the basketball team called Wildcats and his dad is the Coach…. Oh and he's very ticklish, especially on his feet."

Troy laughed while everyone stared at her in shock. Troy smiled and kissed her head again.

"Who is the man standing by the door?" the doctor asked pointing to Peter.

"Peter, my mother's boyfriend."

"What about that women next to him?"

"My mom Maria."

"What is Troy's mother's name?"

"Lucille Bolton."

"What about his father?"

"Coach Jack Bolton."

"You're best friend."

"Troy Bolton Born…"

"Ah I get it." The doctor chuckled. "You're female best friend?

"Taylor."

"What school do you go to?"

"East High, with Troy."

"What is your drama teacher's name?"

"Mrs. Darbus."

"Math teacher?"

"Mrs. Thomas."

"At 12:00 what class do you have?"

"Lunch."

"How far back can you remember?"

"I can remember all the way back to my childhood.

"Good. Do you remember how you got here?

"No."

"From today, what is the last thing you remember?"

"Being at the park with Troy. We were on a date. We were celebrating because I finally trusted Peter enough to let him into him life."

Maria and Peter shared a look. That was five months ago, she had no memory past that?

"Am I ok?" Gabriella asked.

"Of course, just some small memory loss."

The doctor walked out of the room with Maria and Peter behind him. Troy looked to Gabriella and smiled softly. "I'll be right back." He kissed her head and walked out of the room.

"Well, Gabriella is suffering from memory loss which is normal with any head trauma. She doesn't remember anything that happen after June 7th."

"What does that mean?" Maria asked.

"Did anything bad happen to Gabriella after June 7th , anything she'd want to forget?"

"Lots, actually. Gabriella has been really stressed." Troy answered.

"Gabriella's mind is trying to protect her by blocking out anything and everything bad. So all the horrible events the brain is blocking out to protect Gabriella."

"Will her memories come back?"

"Most people are able to get their memories back when they're ready to face whatever it is they're trying to block out."

"So, if we help her face it, we can help her remember?" Peter asked.

"Maybe, but you need to be careful. If you push her too hard you could do more damage than good."

"What if we just show her pictures of the people." Troy asked.

"That might help. It's best to just let her work it out on her own. When the time is right she'll remember."

"If she doesn't?" Peter asked.

"Maybe, take her to a shrink. It might help."

With that the doctor walked away. Troy turned and went back into the room.

Maria sighed. "This is all my fault."

"No, it's mine. My son is a monster." Peter sighed.

"I should have moved out when Hunter first hurt Gabriella. Because I didn't Gabriella doesn't even remember the past five months of her life."

Peter sighed. "I overheard you two talk downstairs before this all happen. You're still moving out?"

"I'm sorry Peter, I love you so much. I haven't loved any man this much since my husband but I just can't live with you anymore. Gabriella isn't safe there. First it was her back, then she was nearly raped, and now this, Peter I'm sorry. Your son is a danger to my daughter and until Hunter behaves I can't live with you."

Peter nodded sadly. "I understand. I love you too. I'm so sorry."

"I should go check on Gabriella." Maria said her eyes filled with tears.

She turned to leave.

"Hey!" he said, stopping her.

She turned back to face him.

"Just because you're moving out, doesn't mean we're breaking up. I still want to be with you. I'm still going to be here for you until Gabriella gets better."

Maria smiled through her tears. "Thank you."

"Come here, Baby." Maria hugged Peter tightly and cried into him. She felt so guilty and it was eating her up inside.

"Baby, why don't we go see if Dr. Black is working tonight. She can help us make sense of this, maybe find a way to help Gabriella." Peter said gently.

"I can't leave her alone. She'll be scared."

"Actually, I just checked on her. She's sleeping peacefully. If you'd like to go I'll be here with her." Troy said coming out of the room.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course, go. Gabriella will be fine."

Maria nodded and she and Peter walked down the hall. Troy turned and went back inside. He smiled at Gabriella sleeping peacefully. He went over to her and sat down by her side and gently stroked her hair. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in…" he said softly.

He turned and saw the Wildcats. He smiled.

"Come in, just be quiet. She's sleeping."

All the Wildcats piled in.

"How is she?" Taylor asked.

"Physically she is all right. She's got a cut on the back of her head but it's fine all things considered."

"Mentally?"

"Do you guys remember, the day before our last big game, when Gabriella found out Peter had a son., the day before that?"

They all nodded.

"Well, Gabriella doesn't remember anything past that day. In fact she has no memory of Hunter at all. She has no idea who he is."

"Well…I guess that's good." Taylor said.

"Yeah, but the doctor said it's the brain's way of protecting Gabriella, so it's blocking all the unwanted memories she has."

"So, everything Hunter ever did to her, she's forgotten?" Chad asked.

"Yes, I know I shouldn't be grateful but…I'm am."

"It's a good and bad thing, Troy. It doesn't make you a bad person. I feel the same way." Taylor said.

"Will she get the back?" Chad asked.

"The doctor said, when she is ready to face what happen her memories will return."

"If that's the case she'll have them back in now time. She can face everything and anything with you by her side." Chad smiled.

Troy just shrugged. "What if she doesn't want to remember what happen because I didn't protect her?"

"Troy, you had no idea Hunter was going to do that, none of us knew she was going through the glass door. You can't protect her from something you didn't know was going to happen. It's not your fault Man, if anyone is at fault it's Hunter."

"Where is he anyway?" Troy asked changing the subject.

"He and his friends ran off after Gabriella fell through the glass doors." Chad answered.

"No one has been able to find him."

"Good, he better not show his face around her, otherwise I'm going to kill him."

"I'll help." Chad said.

"I'll pin him down." Taylor said.

"I'll break his hands." Zeke said. "That way he can never play basketball again."

"We should break his back and paralyze him like he did to Troy." Chad added.

Troy laughed. "Oh how I would I love to see that."

"Speaking of which, Troy, we want you to know…we don't care about what happen, I mean, the whole nightmares things. If it were any of us we would have nightmares too." Chad said.

"Thanks, that really means a lot to me."

"Hey we're what team?" Chad asked.

"Wildhats." A tried voice spoke.

Everyone looked to Gabriella who was awake. They all smiled.

"Actually were the wild'cats' not wild'hats'" Chad teased. "Let's try that again. We're what team?"

"Wildcats!" everyone shouted.

"What team?"

"Wildcats!"

"What team?"

"Wildcats!"

"Wildcats!"

"Get'cha head in the game."

Everyone laughed. "You guys are going to do great at tomorrow's game. Those West High boys don't stand a chance against you." Gabriella said.

Everyone just looked to each other. They had already forgotten about her memory loss.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" she asked.

"No, it's ok baby girl. Look, do you remember me telling you that a man by the name of Hunter pushed you out a glass door?"

Gabriella nodded.

"Well, you hit your head when you fell and it kind of messed with your memory a little bit."

"What do you mean? I remember everyone. You're Troy Bolton born…"

Troy laughed but cut her off. "I know that, baby girl. I don't mean your memory of people, but your memory of events."

"I still don't understand."

Troy sighed. "Brie, there is no easy way to tell you this but…it isn't June 7th."

"Then when is it?"

"October 15th."

"Wha…Why can't I remember the past five months?"

"When you hit your head it messed with your memory." Troy said.

"But five months? I…what happen…I…I'm so…I'm so confused now…what…where…" A small whimper escaped her lips. "I don't remember anything."

"Hey, it's all right. Shhh don't be scared, Angel, you're safe." Troy soothed.

"Why did this Hunter kid do this to me?" she whimpered.

"Wait, you have no memory of Hunter at all?" Chad asked. "Not even the small confrontation you had with him when you first met him? He told you Troy cracked his head."

Gabriella looked at Chad like he had grown a second head. "I don't know what you're talking about. I've never met Hunter, I don't even know what he looks like."

Wow…"

"Is that a good thing or a bad one?" Gabriella asked worriedly.

"No worries Brie. Your memories will come back when the time is right." Troy soothed.

"But, who is Hunter, clearly I'm supposed to know him. Who is he?"

"He was uh…well…He is the West High captain. We've hated each other forever." Troy explained.

"Oh, that explains why he pushed me. What else did Hunter do to me?" Gabriella asked.

Everyone looked at each other again.

"Uh…well he uh…we were playing basketball together and he body slammed you almost breaking your back." Troy explained.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"You just said you hated him and he hated you, why would the three of us be playing basketball together?"

Troy sighed. "Brie, there isn't any easy way to tell you this but…Peter, he has a son and his son is Hunter. The day after June 7th…on the 8th you found out about this, but you also found out that you were going to be moving in with Peter and Hunter."

"No, Peter…Peter never mentioned having a son before."

"Your mom wanted to wait till the right time to tell you but it's the truth."

"Are you lying to me?"

"Baby, you know I'd never lie to you. Plus I happen to like Peter, he's a good man. I would never tell you this unless I had to."

"So, I live with Peter and Hunter?" Gabriella asked.

"Yes, you and your mother."

"I'm sorry, I know you must not like that." Gabriella sighed.

Troy chuckled. "I can't say I'm thrilled with it but I've learned to deal with it."

"Did we break up because of it?"

"No, we're still together."

"What other things did Hunter do to me?"

"Uh…look, Brie, you've already been through so much, You found out a lot of information, I think you should just get some rest."

He was in no hurrying in telling Gabriella she was almost raped by Hunter and his gang.

"He, body slammed me to the ground and pushed me out a glass door, what else?"

Troy sighed. She wasn't going to let this go.

"He's made a few threats to you, and he's walked in on you while you were changing and refused to leave."

"Does Peter know what Hunter did to me?"

"Yes…"

"Did he get punished?"

"Yes, he was grounded for two months."

"Is his two months over?"

"Yes, he's free as of today."

"So, he got angry at me for getting him in trouble and pushed me out a glass door?"

"He pushed you out the glass door because you tried to break up a fight between the two of us." Chad said.

"What were you fighting over?"

"Just stuff he did to you." Chad answered.

"What stuff?"

"Look, Brie, you need to get your rest. We will answer more questions tomorrow." Troy told her.

"Are you going to stay once I fall asleep?"

"Of course," Troy smiled. He kissed her head. "I'll be here till they kick me out."

Gabriella nodded and sighed. She closed her eyes and let the darkness take over. Troy sighed.

"You're going to have to tell her, Troy." Chad said. "You can't keep it from her."

"You say that like it's so easy. How do you want me to tell her Chad? Do you want me to just blurt it out to her and say 'Hunter had his friends beat you and try to rape you' I'm sure she'd be really happy to remember that!"

"No! You tell her gently and easily and make sure she understands that it wasn't rape and it was just sexual assault."

"Chad, there is no easy way to tell someone they were almost raped especially not Gabriella."

"Why are you so scared of telling her the truth about what happen?"

"BECAUSE I WASN'T THERE TO PROTECT HER CHAD! BECAUSE I DIDN'T PROTECT HER LIKE I PROMISED HER I ALWAYS WOULD SHE WAS ALMOST PARALYZED, ALMOST RAPED, AND NOW SHE WAS ALMOST KILLED! I PROMISED TO PROTECT HER AND I DIDN'T! I DON'T WANT HER TO REMEMBER THAT!" Troy screamed.

"Troy, think about it, the one person who hurt her the most she can't remember. If she was angry or felt betrayed by you she wouldn't remember you or know who you are. She doesn't blame you for what happen. You need to stop blaming yourself." Taylor said. "The doctor said she blocked all the events and people that hurt her. If she felt hurt by you she would have forgotten you completely. She still knows you, and remembers everything you've done for her."

Troy sighed. "You're right. Gabriella doesn't blame me for her getting hurt, but that doesn't mean I don't blame myself."

"Well stop it!" a voice said.

Troy looked to Gabriella and smiled.

"You need to stop pretending to sleep so you can ease drop on our conversations, little missy." He teased.

"Hey, I wasn't the one screaming on top of my lungs." She teased back.

Troy chuckled. "Yeah, sorry about that, but I promise I'm done screaming so go back to sleep."

"Not until I know you're done blaming yourself."

"I'm done."

"Troy, I don't believe you. Look, I don't remember getting hurt but I know that you love me and that you would do anything to protect me. Because I got hurt means Hunter was a pig and all the blame is on him Troy. It's not your fault."

Troy sighed and smiled. "Ok, you're right Brie. I'm sorry."

"Would you have listened to me if I was girl?" Chad asked teasingly.

"Hey, I'm a girl, he didn't listen to me." Taylor smirked.

"He needed to hear it from me to believe it. But, I'm tried so I'm going back to sleep. Chad, if Troy continues to blame himself I give you my full permission to smack him."

Everyone laughed. Troy kissed her head. "Sleep, I promise all my self-blame is over."

Gabriella smiled and closed her eyes.

Troy smiled at her. She was right, nothing was his fault, it was all Hunter and the next time he saw Hunter, he was going to kill him.

After a little while Maria and Peter came in.

"How is she?" Maria asked.

"Sleeping, but better. She woke up a few times. I told her about the memory loss and few of the things Hunter did to her. I couldn't bring myself to tell her she was almost raped."

"That was a smart choice. She needs to be physically and mentally stronger before she can hear that. Peter said.

Troy nodded. "Where were you?" he asked suddenly.

"What do you mean?"

"Earlier this evening? Gabriella was screaming very loud you must have heard it. Why didn't you come down."

"We had no idea the other West High boys were there. Last we saw Hunter he was locked away in his bedroom. When we heard Gabriella screaming we thought you boys were just rough housing and you were getting double teamed and Gabriella was asking them to stop. We had no idea what was going on. We're so sorry," Peter said. "I know it's not enough but it's the truth and it's all I got."

Troy sighed. "Honesty is always the best answer. Thank you for being honest."

"I just wish there was more we could do." Peter sighed.

"Hopefully the memory loss won't be forever." Maria sighed.

"Have you figured where you're going to stay?" Troy asked.

"You're parents were kind enough to let me stay with them until I can find a place of my own, which I think would be good for Gabriella. She needs to be close to you, especially now."

Troy smiled and nodded. "I agree."

"All right, stop grinning there, Buddy, she will be sleeping in the guest room with me." Maria chuckled.

"Awwww!" Troy pouted making Peter and Maria laugh.

Troy chuckled and shook his head. "I'm just kidding. I understand the rules and Gabriella and I will both obey them."

"Good."

"Now, I think it's time for everyone to go. Visiting hours will be over soon." Peter said.

"I'll be back first thing in the morning." Troy said.

He kissed Gabriella on the head before he and the others left the room. Maria sighed and sat down on the couch. Peter sat next to her. They both got comfortable and let the darkness take over.

The next morning Gabriella stirred and opened her eyes. She looked to her right and saw her mom and Peter cuddled on the couch sleeping. It made her happy to know her mother was so happy…even if they did lie to her. She looked down and smiled bigger. Troy was sleeping with his head buried in his arms on the side of her bed.

She ran her fingers through his hair. He groaned and sat up. He smiled when he saw Gabriella.

"Morning, how are you feeling?"

"Morning, I feel ok, my head really hurts and I'm dizzy."

"When the doctor comes in we can get you some more pain meds."

She nodded. "What are you doing here? I thought you left?"

"I came back as soon as visiting hours started."

"Couldn't stay away huh?" she teased.

He laughed and tickled her sides making her giggle. "Yes, but also because I know how much you hate doctors and I know you feel better when I'm here so…"

"You're so wonderful."

"I know I am." He smirked.

She giggled and shook her head.

"How did you sleep? Any nightmares?"

"Nope, I did have some fun dreams though. I guess they might have been memories."

"What were they?"

"Well, it was my first day in Peter's house and I was really scared and nervous but you cheered me up by giving me raspberries."

Troy laughed. "Yep. That was a memory. What else did you remember?"

"You made me chocolate covered strawberries."

"Yes, I did. Do you remember eating the last one…the one that was supposed to be mine?"

She shook her head. "I don't remember that, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

He chuckled. "It was all good fun, no need to be sorry."

The doctor came inside. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"My head hurts and I'm dizzy."

"Which part of your head hurts?"

"The back, I think it's where the stitches are."

The doctor nodded. "That's normal. I'll give you some meds and you'll be fine."

The doctor went over to her iv strip and injected the medicine into it. "There, that should kick in real soon."

"Thank you." Gabriella said softly.

The doctor smiled and walked out.

"Troy, can you tell me what else Hunter did to me?"

"Oh, look at the time, it's breakfast time. Are you hungry? I'll go get us some food."

Troy got up and rushed out of the room. Gabriella looked confused. What was he hiding from her? What could Hunter have done that was so horrible that he would keep it from her? Maybe it wasn't something Hunter did, maybe it was something she did and he doesn't want her to remember? What if she did something to hurt him that she can't remember? Would he really hide it from her? Would he really lie and keep secrets from her?

She sighed and closed her eyes. She felt less dizzy when her eyes were closed. Before she knew it she was sleeping again.

When she opened her eyes again, a few hours later, Peter and Maria had gone, and Troy was nowhere in sight. All she saw a boy around her age with brown hair and green eyes. He was about 6'2. She had no idea who he was. (A/N It's Hunter but Gabriella doesn't know that)

"Who are you?" she asked.

"My name is Sean Johnson. I'm a friend from school, we met after June 7th so I'm guessing you don't remember me." The boy answered.

"Sorry, No."

"Anyway, I came here to tell you something important that you need to know."

"What's that?"

"It's the big secret Troy is keeping from you."

"You know what it is?"

"Yeah, I think you deserve to know what it is."

"Ok."

"I'm not really just your friend, I'm also your lover."

Gabriella's eyes went wide. "What?"

"We met in math class. You were very attracted to me. I asked you out as friends and you agreed. We had a lot of fun and then when I brought you home…you kissed me."

"I did what?"

"You kissed me. No one was home so you invited me inside and we…we had sex."

"No, I wouldn't…I…I couldn't. I…I promised my dad I…"

"Yeah, you promised your dad you'd wait but you told me you couldn't wait anymore. So we did it. Troy found out and he was furious with you that he broke up with you. We've been dating ever since. I love you so much Gabriella and it hurts you don't remember me."

"You're…you're lying!"

"What else would Troy be hiding from you? He still loves you and wants to be with you so he's taken advantage of the fact you can't remember to brain wash you into believing you're still together. But the truth is, you're not together. You cheated on Troy and he broke up with you. That's what he's hiding from you. Look, I have to go but I promise I'll be back."

With that the boy left the room. Gabriella sat there stunned and confused. Was this guy right? He said they met in math class but there was nobody in her math class with that name. She had no memory of ever meeting this guy, but it would explain Troy's behavior. But she couldn't have betrayed he father like that…could she? Could she really have cheated on Troy? She didn't want to believe it but it was the only reason for Troy's strange behavior. Suddenly she had a flashback.

FLASHBACK

She was laying on the floor in what looked like a gym. This Sean boy had his lips pressed to hers, while his hands were right under her chest.

END FLASHBACK

Gabriella's eyes went wide. It was true, she had cheated on Troy, they weren't really together. Troy was lying to her…in that moment Gabriella's whole world fell apart.

A/N the flash back she had was from when she was with Hunter at West High she didn't cheat on Troy, just so you all know. What do you think is going to happen now? Leave me your thoughts in a review.