Mother's always know when something is wrong, the same way they always knows where you left your other shoe. Sometimes I wonder if I ever even left the womb and became my own person, for I am still so much a part of her. She knows when something is wrong, almost as though an invisible umbilical cord creates a 6th sense which she can feel even if I were on the other side of the world. Sometimes I wonder if God sends those messages to her, or whether the strength of her love for her child defies all other power, known and unknown. Whatever the answer to this question is, it matters not. For whatever reason, Anna knew something was wrong as she abruptly awoke from her dream. In her hand were clutched two letters: one addressed to her, the other to Emma and Gabi. Troy. She ripped open the letter to see if it gave her some clue to where he was or if he was ok, but both questions went unanswered. It was not a suicide note, which comforted her a little. But her little boy had gone out into the world. In her pyjamas she ran out into the street desperately searching for her sun, but all was quiet and still in the early light of the morning, and she didn't know which way to look.

A few hours later she was walking into East High. The few short hours since she had awoken had seemed like an eternity; she could barely breathe was so scared. But now she would complete Troy's wish and deliver his letter to the two young ladies she owed so much to. She didn't know if the letter left any indication of where Troy had gone. She had debated opening it; but in the end she had not. It was not hers to open, so the letter had remained sealed. She walked up to Darbus's room and knocked on the door. She entered and gave a warm welcome to Mrs. Darbus. Darbus was a weird lady for sure, but Anna had always like her, and appreciated her support for Troy's interest in performing arts.

"May I please borrow Emma and Gabriella?" Darbus signalled for the girls to go with Anna and they walked out into the hallway. Both girls had worried looks on their faces. As soon as the door closed behind them they spoke.

"Where's Troy?"

"Is he ok?" Anna signalled for them to be quiet and both obliged. She looked down at the two girls. She would always be thankful that Troy had two such beautiful, wonderful, caring women who loved him. She let out a breath and began to speak.

"Troy is missing. He left sometimes between 10 last night and 4 this morning. He-" She began to choke on her words, "he had an episode late night, something to do with Jack, and now he's gone… He left this letter for the two of you. I want to respect your privacy and your friendship with Troy but please if it gives any clue to his where-abouts or a way to contact him please I beg you to let me know." In turn both girls gave Anna a warm hug.

"Of course Anna, it's the least we can do."

"Maybe you girls would like to come to dinner tonight or tomorrow, I want to keep in touch with you."

"That sounds great Anna, we'll be there." Said Gabi, agreeing for Emma as well. She didn't really like Emma, well, it's not that she didn't like her, but she didn't know her, but Anna needed them both, so they would go. With that Anna left, they didn't know where, they were more interested in the letter that was now in Emma's hand. Emma looked at it and walked into an empty classroom, Gabi in tow. Emma sat down on one of the desks, Gabi next to her (but not too close). Emma made no move though.

"Open it." Gabi said. Emma looked at her, tears in her eyes.

"I'm scared." Gabi nodded.

"Of what it says?"

"And what it might not say." Gabi took her hand. Emma was shocked at this kind gesture but took a deep breath and turned back to the letter. She had to open it, not just for her: but for Gabi, and for Anna. She carefully turned it over and began to unseal the envelope as though inside were written the secrets to the universe. She pulled out the letter, unfolded it, and began to read aloud.

Dear Emma and Gabi,

I'm sorry for leaving like this. I know it isn't fair to either of you and I do not expect you to forgive, but I do ask that you read this letter.

I don't know how long I will be gone for, as long as it takes for me to gain courage enough to face again what I am running from now. I want you to know I am not running from you: together you make my world shine and the two of you make up the reason I have managed to stay in Albuquerque so long. Yesterday, events out of my control threatened to swallow me and leaving is the only way I feel I can get back my life.

Gabi, you loved me just for being me: that is a rare gift I will never forget. You always brought out the best in me and showed me what unconditional love was: for that you will always be in my heart.

Emma, you are my best friend and I love you. You were always there to love me when I couldn't even love myself. It didn't matter how unhappy I became you always found a way to make me smile.

You two are my earth angels. You are both pure of heart, which is something I will always admire of you both. I ask that even though I will never expect to be forgiven, find it in your hearts to forgive each other for the actions against one another, which were of my cause. There are not two people in the world who were better suited to look after one another as the two of you. Forget the past and think simply of the fact I loved you equally for both your similarities and you differences. Together you reflect the dualities of the human nature of unconditional love, and if you were able to face the world as one, I have no doubt that together you can move mountains.

Please do not dismiss this letter; it is all I leave with you, along with the knowledge that I love you both for saving me and letting me know it is ok to just be me.

I ask only one more thing of you: to look after my mother. She will not understand.

With all the love that I possess,

I remain yours.

Troy

By the time the letter was finished being read, both girls were in floods of tears. Gabi pulled Emma into a strong hug and they sat on the floor, holding each other as though afraid that if they let go, the moment would pass, and Troy would simply fade into history. One of those memories, which you forget if it was real or just a dream. For what seemed both like hours and merely seconds they clung to each other, forgetting everything but the emptiness and guilt they felt for Troy. Zeke had heard the sobs from the hall on his way to his locker and peeked through the door. He scooped up both girls together from where they sat and took them into sickbay, placing them down on a bed. Still holding each other, they slowly cried themselves to sleep, exhausted by emotions, the letter still clutched in Emma's hand.

(Somewhere outside Santa Fe)

Troy awoke groaning. His head hurt, his back hurt, in short, everything hurt. There was a bright light shining in his eyes and he squeezed them shut tightly.

"Trey… Trey… open your eyes Trey." Troy turned his face and opened his eyes. He looked into the face of some strange men he had never seen before in white shirts.

"What time is it?" He asked groggily.

"It's 6:25am."

"Where am I?"

"You are in the back of an ambulance on the highway. You were in a nasty accident as your driver was drunk, but you're going to be ok. Now Trey, can you tell us about the driver."

"No."

"You didn't know him?"

"No, I was hitchhiking." The guy nodded, and one of the other nurses handed him something.

"How do you feel?"

"Just peachy thanks." Troy replied sarcastically. The male nurse began to read something.

"We found your ID in your wallet can you please tell my if your details are correct if you can remember. Your name is Trey Parker, born August 21st 1985, and you live in San Antonio." Troy gave him a weird look. What? Oh, his fakie. He decided to play along; if they thought he was an adult they wouldn't try and call his parents.

"Uh, yeah that's me."

"Ok, well Trey. You aren't too badly hurt. You have some nasty cuts and bruises and a bumped up shoulder. You hit your head pretty hard on the windscreen so that probably explains the headache and you most likely have concussion. We'll know for sure when we arrive at San Antonio hospital in about an hour."

"Why am I not going to Santa Fe?"

"San Antonio is more likely to have your records and details." Troy just nodded. 'Yeah right.' He thought, but rolled over and went back to sleep.

Sorry this is just a filler chappie and it's short. Sorry aswell if I got anything geographically wrong, I know santa fe is north of Albuquerque and san Antonio is south (I checked a map :O) but san Antonio fits with the next part of the story coming so I went with that. xox