Disclaimer: Disney refused to sell me the rights to HSM, no matter how much I screamed, kicked or yelled. But they did give me a free movie coupon, so…?

Author's Note: Wow, I loved the reviews. I will thank you guys personally in the next few chapters, but I have to write this one up quick so I can post it for you guys. This post is going to be a bit short, but that's because the other chapter is going to be extra long. Its going to explain what happens from this chapter. Just read and you'll get it.

XOXO

Sophie

Summary: Gabriella loves Troy more than life. He's the perfect guy for her. But suddenly he starts to act differently, like a complete stranger. She finds drugs in his backpack and cuts on his arms. And he no longer tells her he loves her. Will she ever get him back? Rated R for drug mention, cutting, and strong language.

Chapter 2:

Gabriella came to school with a new sense of excitement. She was finally eighteen last week, and so far, so good.

She had the greatest boyfriend she could ever hope for. Her friends were amazing.

It was hard to believe that just a year ago, she had given up all hope. When her father was killed in an accident with a drunk driver. After her mother and she moved to Albuquerque, she found friends and love in people that she never thought possible.

Especially in Troy.

Thinking about Troy, Gabriella made her way over to the gym where she knew he'd probably be practicing for any future games or championships.

She also guessed he was with his father. Gabriella never knew why he was never really fond of her, but Troy always assured her that it didn't matter.

She pushed open the doors to the gym to find nobody but Chad throwing hoops by himself.

"Chad?" she asked as she walked into the gym.

Chad turned around and grinned as he saw her, "oh, hey Gabi"

Gabriella looked around, "where's Troy? Isn't he usually here with you?"

Chad shrugged, "he didn't come to school today. And he isn't answering his phone either."

"did you talk to his dad? Maybe he's just out sick? Or ditching" Gabriella rolled her eyes at the last statement. Although she disapproved of her boyfriend ditching school to hang out at the beach or with his friends, he assured her it only happened a couple of times.

"No, his dad isn't here either. And plus, if he was ditching, don't you think he'd tell me?" Chad grinned at her.

Gabriella smirked and smacked him on the arm, "look, I'll see you at lunch, I've got a killer French test next that I do not want to be late for"

"See ya, Gabi" Chad waved goodbye to her as she exited the gym.

'Where was her boyfriend?'

Gabriella didn't see him all day. She had asked about him through Taylor and Sharpay, and neither of them could guess.

She had even taken to calling his cell phone a few times, leaving worried messages after the beep.

'What if he'd gotten into an accident?' she worried herself thinking.

"Hey Sharpay!" Gabriella called out.

Sharpay wiped her blonde hair around and turned to the petite brunette, "Oh, hey Gabbs, what's up?"

"Could you take me somewhere during lunch? I mean, you're the only one with a car, otherwise I'd just walk myself" Gabriella asked her pleadingly.

"Oh, sure, let me just get the keys from Ryan." She nodded, "but this better not take long. I have a free period after lunch and I want to use it productively"

Gabriella nodded, "lots of homework?"

Sharpay stopped and gave her friend a weird look, "no, I want to make out with Zeke"

Gabriella felt nervous as Sharpay pulled her car up to Troy's driveway.

'I just want to know he's okay' she repeated to herself over and over again.

"Chill Gabbs, your boyfriend probably just in there playing a video game and taking a break" Sharpay tried to reassure her.

Gabriella shook her head, "but then why didn't his father show up for work either?"

"I don't know" Sharpay shrugged, "which is why you have to move your ass a little faster and find out"

Gabriella got out of the car and walked up to his front door, ringing the doorbell hesitantly as she waited.

She heard footsteps come down and the door open.

"Troy?" she asked as she saw her boyfriend emerge from behind the door. He was still dressed in his pjs and his hair was all messed up.

But the worst was the sad and sullen expression on his face.

"Gabi, this isn't the best time. I need you to leave" Troy replied.

Gabriella stood on his porch with a quizzical expression, "Troy, I was so worried about you. I called you three times. Your dad didn't show up at work. I thought you got into an accident or something. I was-"

"Look, Gabi, I'm fine, okay?" he said coldly.

Gabriella shut up after she heard his slightly icy words.

Troy seemed to notice her hurt and immediately softened, "sorry, Gabi, me and my dad, we're just-, we have to deal with a few things. Go back to school, I'm fine, alright?" he replied in a more caring tone, "I just, I cant deal with-" he gestured between them, "us right now"

Gabriella nodded and turned to leave, she didn't know what to say or do, or what even brought this change in Troy's attitude.

Just yesterday they were laughing over his lack of cooking skills and today, he was so distant and cold.

She wanted to tell him that she loved him and she'd be there if he needed her. She turned back to do so but saw that he had already shut the door and retrieved inside.

He didn't even bother wait for her to go.

A/N: okay, I would love for you guys to come up with your own theories about Troy and his 'distant' attitude. I already have it formed in my mind, but it would be fun to see where you guys think im taking this. I can bet from now that nobody will guess.

And thanks to all my reviewers,

Xs and Os, your reviews make my day

Sophie