Taylor had finally saw the damage that Gabriella was doing to herself first hand and she knew they had to stop it. This was serious business. Gabriella had refused to let her friends come and stay round her house so she invited Melissa instead. She stayed there from Thursday and was still there on Saturday. They had ditched school and Friday and all they had done since then were exercise, sleep for very few hours and drink water. All her friends had come up with a way of getting through to Gabby, they just had to convince her to let them have five minutes to show her something that they had spent a lot of time making. For her.
On Saturday night the whole gang turned up at Gabriella's house with photos, home videos. And then some disturbing images of anorexia victims, which they were praying, would make Gabriella see sense. Gabriella answered the door. She looked less than pleased to see the East High Wildcats in her doorstep. Sharpay, being the loud one, spoke up first.
"Hey Gabs, since your mum's out of town we thought we'd come and keep you company with some DVD's what dya say?" She smiled innocently. Sharpay wasn't the sharpest knife in the draw but she was smart enough to know that Gabriella couldn't turn down that smile along with the famous puppy dog eyes.
"Erm…well I kind of have a fri-" she was cut off by Taylor.
"Come on Gabster we hardly ever get together anymore and this is the perfect night. And if your nice to me and feed me like you should I might let you straighten my hair" Chad said playfully.
Gabriella giggled knowing that tonight would be fun. As long as everything went ok. They walked in the living room and came face to face with Melissa. Her frail body and gaunt face was enough to make you want to cry. Introduction weren't necessary, as they had already met at school in past years.
"So we thought we'd watch some home movies about the times we've had together like the legendary cake fights," said Troy.
"Yeah and don't forget our fabulous attempt at a bake sale!" Ryan chipped in. Everyone giggled at the memory of Zeke almost having heart failure when they had asked how to turn the oven on.
Gabriella became aware of Melissa feeling uncomfortable and decided to get this started. "Ok guys why don't you pick whatever you want to watch."
"Actually Gabs we made a special video just for you and it shows how much we love you and how much we want us all to be together in the future." Jason said.
She wasn't to sure about this but thought that if she let them do what she wanted then they might leave her and Melissa alone earlier.
She paid very little attention to the film until she heard the words " This is what you look like now…and trust us, it's not good." On the screen there was a picture a woman sat in the foetal position with no clothes one. Literally skin and bones. For the first time Gabriella had doubts about what she was doing. Then Troy's sweet voice came pouring through the speakers, "Gabriella. Everyday of our lives, I want to find you there and hold on tight. I'm never going to let you go. So stop doing something that would make me have to let go. I know I've never said this to you…but I love you. But there's only so much I can take Gabriella. And now I'm pushing myself to the limit to stand by you even though it hurts. You know that I'm always there for you and I will be forever. So listen to us. Let us help. Were all in the together, and without you were all nothing." The screen faded to black.
No one spoke. Tears were pouring down Gabriella's cheeks. She slowly dragged her weak body off the sofa and over to Troy who was now standing. Then something very unexpected happened.
"I-AM-FINE-STOP-TRYING-TO-RUIN-MY-LIFE!" Gabriella shouted through gritted teeth. Troy was about to respond but was beat to it by Melissa.
"You losers don't understand! You don't get what it's like. When people like us say was fine we are! Gabriella was fine until you all started meddling in her life! Can you people not give her some space!!" That was the first time they had ever heard Melissa speak. Suddenly Gabriella through herself at Troy aiming punches all over his body. He pulled her close trying to calm her down. All the guys surrounded them trying to control a very angry and distraught young woman.
No body noticed Melissa clutch her chest. Gasp for air. And slowly fall to the floor in a lifeless heap.
"MELISSA!!!!" Gabriella was at her side shaking and sobbing uncontrollably. Someone called an ambulance but it was too late. Melissa's anorexia had caused her body to start eating away at her organs, which led to a heart attack. She died.
