Chapter VIII

Sharpay swung the Benz in front of Milford and watched as the doorman put Troy's luggage in the trunk. He hopped in beside her and they drove to the airport. Nothing much was exchanged between the two lovers until Sharpay pulled into a parking space and watched as Troy took out his luggage.

"So, this is it huh…" she said timidly. Troy was taken aback by her voice.

"I know…" he said.

"Sappy as this might sound, but I'll never forget you Troy…" she said, her voice trembling.

"Who could ever forget me?" Troy joked with a grin which vanished as he saw the tears cascading down Sharpay's face. He held her in his arms, for the last time.

"I am honored to have the privilege of residing in your memory until your last breath…" he said.

Sharpay smiled, she knew Troy did not want their moment to end and he was just trying to make light of their crazy situation, she appreciated it.

"Thank you Shar…" he whispered.

For the last time, Troy tilted Sharpay's chin and looked her in the eyes. Blue met brown and the feeling of incredible passion washed over the two lovers whose path was about to separate once more. He leaned in and kissed her one last time. Their tears mixing as it cascades as one to unite their bittersweet separation. He breathed in her scent and held her very close.

"One day, I might just come back…" he whispered as they broke apart.

"I bet you would…" Sharpay said knowing it was a hollow promise.

With one final kiss, Troy Bolton walked towards the airport to check in and Sharpay drove home to wait for her family.

~***~

"We're home!" Roger Adams called from the foyer and beamed as his wife descended from the marble staircase to greet them. Savannah, Preston and Paul rushed up to greet their mother. It was a picture perfect family.

If only they knew Sharpay thought as she linked arms with her husband and went with him to the bedroom…

~***~

I finally closed the book where my mother told her life. Tears were streaming down my face… I remembered what she told me as she lay dying… I could not accept the fact that she'll leave us. I may be a daddy's girl but no one could ever replace my mother… she said…

"When I'm gone, I want you to find an 'it'. One that would make your heart soar, your face smile and your body alive…"