Hi guys! (Gives a sheepish wave), I know I'm a terrible person for not updating in let's see (goes to look a the last update time) in a month and like 19 days… but here's the next chapter…I'll try and make it super long too!

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Chapter 9: Really Gone

"A continuing and escalating problem?" Coach Rickey interrupted Jordan. "What does that mean?"

"It means since the first day of school he's been bothering Gabi and I want it to stop now." Jordan hissed out.

The coach was taken aback by his tone, which was harsh and protective. Mike Rickey surveyed the people in his office. Chad sat on one side of Troy, who had the sobbing girl on his lap. Chad's hand was running down her leg, giving her support. Hunter was on Troy's other side, his own hand was rubbing her arm, his eyes trained on the brunette. Zeke and Jason watched from a distance, almost as if they were standing as bodyguards.

And then there was Jordan. Jordan was standing front and center, ready for battle. Mike watched as Troy kept his face buried deep within the curls of the girl in his arms, in the deafening silence that filled the room, Rickey could hear the sweet whispers that came out of one of his strongest players lips. Mike Rickey never pegged Troy Bolton as the type with the girlfriend that was seemingly sweet and whipped. He saw Bolton as a player, clearly he was wrong.

Clearing his throat, and ending the silence, Mike Rickey spoke up, "Can she tell me what happened?"

Gabriella lifted her head. She closed her eyes as Troy wiped away her tears. The look in his sad blue eyes told her he was trying to take away the pain. As much as she wanted him to, he couldn't, this was something she was going to have to live with forever. And she knew it. Taking a breath, she swung her legs over Troy's torso and turned to look at the coach, who she didn't like at this point in the eyes.

Closing her eyes when she saw his judgmental look, she leaned back into Troy.

FLASHBACK

Gabriella was walking across the large campus that made up UCLA. The sprawling green lawns and many fountains flew past her as she briskly made her way to her next class, which she was late for: history. She knew Dr. Butler would have a conniption if she were even remotely late. She groaned, silently cursing Dr. Andrew for keeping them late.

As she walked, she waved to the people that waved to her. A shiver ran up her spine, despite the warm sun beating down on her. She glanced over her shoulder. Was someone following her?

She shook her head, as if trying to shake the ridiculous feeling. Who would follow her? Sure there were people headed in the same direction, but who would consciously say, 'I'm going to follow Gabriella Montez and try to spook her?'

That was a stupid question, her mind yelled at her, of course Carl would. She shook her head again and waved towards Ryan and Miley who were headed towards the theater. They gave her big smiles as they disappeared into the mass of students.

Continuing on her way, the feeling wasn't shakable. It was still there, as if a shadow was just above her head, hovering over her, refusing to leave her be. Gabriella sighed as she opened the door to the history building. As least she was inside in a crowded building.

When she walked in she frowned. She turned down the hallway that led to her classroom. Why was it empty? It shouldn't be empty! She glanced down at her watch, she was only a minute late, and people always came in late and Dr. Butler gave them hell about it. Why was it empty?

A small amount of fear ran through her body again. It shouldn't be empty. She closed her eyes for a moment as she continued down the winding hallway towards the staircase that led to the second floor and room 213, where her class was. She opened the door to the staircase. That was the last thing she remembered.

A throbbing pain ran across her forehead, wrapping around the back of her head and settling behind her eyes. She moaned in pain and opened her brown eyes, letting them reluctantly adjust to the dark space around her.

She reached out and grabbed the wall, pushing herself up. Cold air wrapped around her. She looked down. Why wasn't she wearing any clothes? She squinted despite the headache and looked around the room, finding her clothes scattered around. Her eyes grew wide as pain radiated between her legs. She wasn't sure if it was actually there, or if her mind invented it because she now saw her situation for what it was. Nonetheless, it was there.

She took a breath and began redressing herself. She ran a hand through her hair, now aware of the constant tears that had been making their way down her porcelain face. She opened her mouth to take in a deep breath and collect herself. Instead a sob came out, echoing around the tiny space, almost mocking her.

She allowed her legs to collapse beneath her, making no move to stand on her own. Through her sobs, she managed to find her books and purse that were carelessly tossed in the back corner of the janitor's closet she was in. Raising herself slightly, she managed to crawl over to the corner and picked up her purse. Going back to where she was, she opened up the small black bag and grabbed her cell phone. Tossing her bag without a second thought as it hit the far left wall, she began dialing Troy's number. In her haste, she misdialed a good five times, before actually punching the correct numbers.

She put the phone to her ear, listening to the four rings, afraid that he was in class and it would go to voicemail. Her spirits lifted for a second when she heard his soft voice, "El?"

She opened her mouth to ask Troy to come get her, but only one word would come out, "Troy." She couldn't believe that was her voice. It was so meek and helpless, so unlike her headstrong personality.

"Whoa, El what's going on? Babe, what happened."? He sounded so worried. "El, what happened? Where are you? What's going on? El?" His questions came rapid fire in her ear. It was all happening so fast that she couldn't understand it.

Her mind was suddenly filled with images from when she was drifting in and out of consciousness. The pain came crashing down on her as she realized the throbbing between her legs was something conjured up by her overactive imagination, it was real. It was there and he was the cause of it.

She opened her mouth to reply, realizing how long she'd been quiet, but only a sob came out before she could collect herself enough to say, "It hurt Troy," her voice cracked, even she heard it.

"What hurt Gabi? What's going on? Where are you?" In her mind's eye she could just see Troy pacing wherever he was.

"History janitor's closet." The line went dead after response. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she began rocking back and forth, the gravity of her situation crashing down like a huge weight on her shoulders. Everything was wrong. She should've never come to L.A. Peter was right. It was rash. It was stupid. She should've gone to Florida. UF was just as good as UCLA. She was stupid. So stupid.

Time went by. How much? She had no idea. It felt like an eternity, like she would die of old age in that damn janitor's closet. But then the door opened.

"Oh my God, Troy get over here!" It was Jordan's voice. It was a good voice. A savior's voice. She looked up.

"Baby!" Her eyes grew wide as she registered Troy was kneeling down in front of her

"Troy…" She whispered through the sobs as she climbed onto his lap, feeling his strong arms engulf her in a large hug. Wrapping her arms around his neck tightly, she sobbed hysterically in his neck.

"I'm so sorry babe, I'm so sorry I didn't protect you." Gabriella shook convulsively as she registered that he knew what had happened without her having to tell him. She was thankful that she didn't have to recount her story at that very moment. The only thing that mattered was that she was safely tucked away in Troy's arms.

Now all she had to do was assure him that it wasn't his fault. Entangling her hands in his caramel hair, she wrapped her legs around his waist to bring him closer to her body, "It's not your fault." She noticed her own voice was unconvincing, faltering like she could barely get the words out.

She felt Troy stand up and a hand on her back. It wasn't a familiar hand, but since Troy didn't jerk her away from it, she assumed it was one of the guys. Probably Jordan or Hunter. As they entered the now crowded hallway she could feel the stares boring into her back. She buried her head deep into his neck, trying to block out everything except for the musky scent that made up her strong boyfriend.

"Dude, can she talk to coach about what happened? I'm guessing it involves Griscom and I'm guessing that's why you were looking for us earlier." It was Jordan's voice. At the name Griscom, Gabriella tensed, but no one seemed to notice. She felt Troy's neck move, indicating that he had nodded a 'yes' in response to Jordan's questions, then he repositioned her weight. Gabriella just held on for dear life.

END OF FLASHBACK

The Mike Rickey looked around at all the players and at the pale and shaking body of the broken girl sitting in his top freshman's arms. "We need to get the police here now I think."

The room went silent and everyone listened as his large fingers dialed the LAPD. Less than 30 seconds later there was a indecipherable voice on the other end of the phone.

"This is Mike Rickey, I'm the basketball coach at UCLA and I'd like to report an instance of rape." There was silence on their end of the line, but they heard the same voice speak for a minute before they heard the typical on hold elevator music coming through the earpiece.

"Lt. Flynn, how can I help you?" The voice was booming and loud, he enunciated each word so that everyone in the room could clearly hear.

"This is Mike Rickey and I'm the basketball coach for UCLA." The coach repeated his statement again in aggravation, "I'd like to report an instance of rape and I'd like an officer sent down to the school immediately."

"Can we have the name of the victim?" Lt Flynn asked. Gabriella flinched. Victim. Such a simple word, that caused so much pain. She hated being powerless, unable to do anything, and relying so heavily on others. But what could she do? She was the victim.

"Gabriella Elizabeth Montez." Coach Rickey replied. Gabriella's head shot over to him. How had he known her full name? Then she noticed Jason at his side. Jason knew her full name. That's how he knew.

"Two of us will be there shortly." There was the sound of the dial tone.

"Two of you go wait in the parking lot for them." Coach Rickey waved them off. Hunter and Jason nodded and left together. Gabriella remained staring straight ahead. A ring sounded through the air. What was it?

Jordan looked over to the edge of Coach Rickey's desk. That's where he'd set Gabriella's purse and books. He picked up the bag and held it out to Gabriella. She didn't seem to notice. Troy took the bag and opened it. Grabbing the device that was causing the incessant ringing, he saw the name PAY flash on the screen. He held it out to Zeke.

Zeke took a breath, "Hey babe."

"Zeke!" The screech was worried and pleased. Zeke held the phone away from his ear.

"Hey Shar, it's good to hear your voice too." Zeke said while scratching the back of his head.

"Wait!" There was a dramatic pause, everyone rolled their eyes, "Why are you answering Boo's phone? And where are you guys? Ry, Miley, Tay, Kels, and I are impatiently waiting for you at our table in the cafeteria." She paused again, but before Zeke could respond she continued, "Am I missing something?"

Zeke looked at Troy, who shook his head as if to say don't say anything yet, "Sorry, but we won't be there. Brie's helping us with some stuff so we'll just grab a late lunch. She's in the bathroom right now so I answered her phone."

"But if Troy's with you why didn't HE answer her phone?" Sharpay pointed out mercilessly.

"Because he's looking for a book?" Zeke tried not to make it come out as a question; he knew he was failing at the third degree his girlfriend was giving him. The door opened revealing Jason, Hunter, and two police officers. "Look Shar, I gotta go, but I'll see you tonight. Love ya." He hung up. "That could've gone better."

"No shit Sherlock." Troy grimaced, knowing they were all in for it, but over the phone was not the way to explain to Sharpay that her sister was raped. Explaining this was going to be tough.

"Okay, I'm Lt. Flynn, and this is Lt. Provenza." (Yes I used names from The Closer), the taller of the two gray-haired men introduced them both, "Let's get this done." The door closed firmly behind them, shutting everyone in the room. Gabriella repeated her story.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Troy asked for the thousandth time.

"Yes Troy, I'm sure." Gabriella answered for the thousandth time. "And if you ask me again I'll give you the same answer again." Gabriella had collected her wits as she spoke with the officers about the plan to take Carl into custody. She had called the rest of the gang and told them what happened. After assuring everyone repeatedly that she was fine for the moment, they were standing in a corner in the back of the gym, hidden from view.

When Carl showed up for practice, Gabriella would point him out to Lt. Flynn and Lt. Provenza and then two men would take him into custody.

The small group watched as the players filed in from the locker room. Everyone held their breaths. Where was Carl? Coach Rickey looked down at his team roster and began calling off names.

"Where's Griscom?" No one moved.

"He's coming I think Coach." Landon was the speaker. All eyes turned on him, "What?" He asked, running his hand through his blonde hair.

"Nothing." Rickey replied. The gym doors opened. "Nice of you to join us Griscom."

"No problem Coach." Carl eyed the gym until his eyes connected with Troy's. He sent a smirk his way.

A shiver ran down Gabriella's spine, "That's him." She pointed to the redhead.

The police officers nodded. Slightly coming out of the corner, Lt. Flynn caught Jordan's eyes. Jordan lightly hit Hunter's bicep. Nodding they took positions by the nearest exits. Troy, Chad, Jason, and Zeke followed suit. There was no way he was going to make a run for it.

"Carl Griscom?" Lt. Flynn walked out. Carl's head whipped around, "Lt. Flynn, LAPD. You're under arrest for the rape and assault of Gabriella Montez."

Carl tried to make a run for it, but was stopped by Jordan, who just rolled his eyes and easily handed him over to the officers who cuffed him. The team watched dumbfounded as he was marched outside, with Chad and Zeke following to make sure he actually made it into the car.

All eyes in the gym turned to the petite girl with long locks that sprinted into Troy's arms. She let out a squeal as Troy lifted her off the ground and spun her around, "He's gone!" She whispered.

"Forever and ever." Troy kissed her temple before placing her feet back on solid ground.

"Okay," Coach Rickey interrupted the moment, "Would you ladies and gentleman," he motioned towards Ryan, Sharpay, Taylor, Kelsi, Gabriella, and Miley, "like to take a seat on the bleacher, we need to talk for a moment." He turned to the team as the girls and Ryan went to sit down.

Waiting a moment, Zeke and Chad joined them, "We're good." They said together.

"Okay, so what Lt. Flynn said was true. Now we're going to be looking for a replacement for the team. I'll post it this afternoon, but try outs are going to be in two days. You're all going to watch and as a team we're going to find a good guy to replace Griscom." Sighing deeply, "You're all going to be questioned by the police at some point as well." Everyone cringed, "You guys can go for today." Everyone nodded as they made their way to the exit.

The guys waved up to the girls before following their teammates out the door. Gabriella let out a sigh, "He's really gone."

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Mollie XOXO