Sharpay Baylor sighed in pain as her sore fingers continued to scrub the Montez's clothes in the soapy water. If wasn't that she always complained about hard work or anything but all this scrubbing was making her so lethargic especially with her baby. Thankfully she hadn't started to show and she hoped that as long as she continued to dodge Mrs Montez she wouldn't see her pregnancy and fire her. She and Zeke couldn't afford to be without the second income, not now.

It was strange having to continuously worry about money; she hadn't had to work until she met Zeke. She had grown up just as Gabriella with her family who were very wealthy indeed, owning the biggest estate in all of Albuquerque. She was brought up to be the perfect daughter, was schooled by a private tutor and she even had her own debutante ball. Their family wasn't exactly close though, it was rather cold actually with her aristocratic parents preferring to leave her and her twin brother with their housekeeper and go to various parties and functions.

Yes the Evans family were a much respected family, and Sharpay was convinced she was happy. That was until she met Ezekiel Baylor and realised how perfect her life could be and money wasn't any part of it. She had met him after one of her chance visits into town where he was looking around for a job. She had immediately fallen in love with him and they would always meet at every chance they had. The problem was however, that Zeke was black. So any relationship with him was absolutely, positively forbidden.

Her brother Ryan, the traitor he was, told her parents that she had been secretly meeting with Zeke and her family disowned her, vowing never to have anything to do with her again. She and Zeke married, both found jobs on the Montez estate and she felt she was finally happy. Free to be anyone she wanted to be. She was also going to be a mother to the man she loves child and despite her fingers pulsating with pain it was hard to keep a smile from her face.

"Sharpay...the towels are dry now and I'd like them folded and taken inside and placed in the main bathroom cupboard." Sharpay's superior called out to her from the wash room's door. Sharpay nodded, glad to be able to give up on the clothes.

----

Gabriella looked out from her window, onto the grounds and her eyes landed on the stables. She hoped Troy wasn't mad at her. She wasn't able to meet him last night due to her father suprising her with arriving early. Luckily he didn't ask too many questions and what he assumed was half right...

"Papa...I uh..."

"Gabby what in heaven's name are you doing?" Carlos Montez asked curiously as Gabriella swing her leg back onto the ground and embraced her father.

"Well um..."

Carlos looked down and noticed her wearing her black riding boots. "Your mother told me that she was keeping you from riding for a while. Is that what you were doing? Sneaking out to ride Belle?"

"Uh...yes Papa. I hope you aren't angry with me." Gabriella looked down sadly, hating having to lie to her father.

"Angry? Of course not darling. Don't you worry...I'll talk to your mother in the morning and I'm sure I cans schedule you a riding lesson tomorrow." Carlos smiled lovingly, kissing his daughter's head.

"Thank you papa."

She wasn't proud of it. She had never lied to her father in her life yet she knew it was for the best. If he found out about Troy she might never see him again.

----

Troy wiped the perspiration from his brow as he continued to throw hay barrels into an empty stall. He hoped Gabriella wasn't mad at him for the night before. He wasn't able to meet her at all because his father had sat him down last night and gave him a long, long talking to...

Jack Bolton sat beside his son and smiled proudly. Troy took off his jacket, disappointed he wasn't out and seeing Gabriella but glad to have his father back.

"Well I have some good news Troy."

"Good news?"

"You've always been a hard worker and I'm really proud of the man you've become. On my trip Carlos even commented on the great work you're doing in the stables. I then told him of what a good rider you are and the knack you have for horses."

Troy grinned, glad he'd made his father proud, but not proud of the fact he was keeping a big secret from him.

"So...Carlos, after having lost one of his horse trainers, suggested we trial you as a horse trainer for a little while and see how you go."

Troy's jaw dropped in disbelief, "Trainer?"

"Do you think you're up for it?"

"It's only been a dream of mine all my life. Of course I am. Thank you." Troy laughed in disbelief and embraced his smiling father tightly.

So today Mr Montez was to come down and have a talk to him. Also he wanted to see him interact with horses and his father told him this morning of his task. He was to give Gabriella Monteza riding lesson.

----

Sharpay carefully carried the freshly washed towels inside the mansion and was to be very quiet as she passed the foyer. However, as she began to pass by a familiar voice spoke up, freezing her in her tracks.

"It's so nice of you to invite me over Mrs Montez."

It couldn't be...

"It's always a pleasure to have you Mr Evans."

It was. Sharpay had to stop herself from dropping her pile of towels and slowly she made her way to the doorway to look in on the conversation.

"I cannot wait to see Gabriella again." Sharpay frowned at how pompous her twin brother, Ryan, looked as Anita Montez bought his whole act.

"You'll be surprised with how much she has grown. She is quite the lady."

"Hopefully lady willing to marry someone like myself."

Sharpay froze. Her 'ex' brother was betrothed to Gabriella? She quickly scampered back to the wash room and frowned in confusion. Did Troy know about this?

A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates. Had alot of assessments to complete. This is a filler chapter and it's not that well written but oh well. Thanks for your brilliant reviews guys.

NEXT CHAPTER: Troy gives Gabriella a very awkward riding lesson with her father watching and Sharpay tells Troy of Ryan's intentions.