My Baby

Disclaimer - I don't own High School Musical. I only own this plot and additional characters.

A/N - Okay, so, I have Hunger Games readers and High School Musical readers. HG readers, unless you like HSM, you don't have to read this. But don't worry, I'm working on my HG story, as well. Okay, so, second. I have been gone for a while because my internet cut off. I've been using my iPhone to answer questions and stuff like that. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

She screamed. It was a horrible scream; a scream that stung her throat and made her lips tremble. She fell to the floor, her body feeling more heavy than it's supposed to. He wasn't hitting her with the tough leather of the belt. No. It was way more intense than that. He had wrapped the black leather against his baleful hand and left the cold metal dangling for abuse. He lashed at her again, sending her in a screaming pit and withering mess. The pain was unbearable, rippling, searing through her body. Then she made the mistake of rolling her heavily bruise body so she was stationed on her back. Not only did it send a valminous amount of pain shooting at her oppresive bruises that were blistering on her angry skin, but the belt metal pummeled down, connecting, ripping, and destroying the wet skin on her cheek and swelling up her eye. Blood blinded her vision into a blurry fog.

She tried to fight back, but it was a failed attempt. Her hands were swinging and thrashing around blindly, numbly, in front of her, and weren't accomplishing anything.

Suddenly everything stopped. The only thing left was her cries of angony. Loud, screeching, ear-blowing cries. Every thing stung. Every thing hurt. Gabriella briefly wondered if she looked as bad as she felt.

Eric was abruptly falling to his knees the next second, rubbing his rough, callous hands on her tender skin as tears fell from his cloudy eyes. Gabriella's vision was suddenly there again, her breathing hard and shallow as she stared up, perplexed, at her abuser. Why was he crying? Why did he look like that. He wasn't supposed to, goddamnit! She was. She was because he took her baby from her. Because he abused her, lashed out on her, hurt her. "Baby Brie," came his hoarse voice. "Oh God." His voice hitched and Gabriella almost believed he looked torn.

Almost.

"Baby. I'm so sorry. Jesus." He shook his head, his eyes widening in horror. "I hurt you. Oh God, what have I done?" Edison watched with astonishment in his eyes as his friend mummbled incoherently about being wrong, about how horrible he was. But then the astonishment was gone as fats as it appeared. It was an act. Scheme. Exploit. Whatever. He wasn't sorry. Because he'll do it again the next time Gabriella refuses to listen to him. "Eric," Edison said.

"Brie, say something," Eric breathed roughly. Gabriella's dark, perlious eyes cut to his, nothing but pure hatred treading through them. "Okay," she rebuttled softly. Her voice was strained, hard, hoarse from screaming. "I hate you." Eric's eyes grew darker. It seemed almost unhuman. "I fucking hate you, you bastard. You mean less that nothing to me. You hurt me. You kidnapped my baby. You threatened a school full of children. I hate you, Eric. I fucking hate you." And she did. She meant every hiss of venom she spit out. To finish her rant off, she spit, the globby liquid sticking on his red skin. Eric's eyes became soulless. The meaning of sorry was wiped from him and his hand came thrusting down to her face. Blood flew, spitting on his enraged face. Gabriella screamed. Blood clogged up her throat, making her choke, sputter. She fisted Eric's shirt, pushing him forcfully away and pulled herself up. Eric snarled and wrapped his bulky arm around her weak throat. He tugged, pulling her against his hard chest and he stood them up. "This will fucking teach you to fuck with me, you little whore bitch," he sneered.

Gabriella didn't have time to react as he literally ripped the shirt from her body. Though it must've been easy, since most of it turned to strips when he swing the belt. Gabriella gasped, suddenly frightened to no end. No. She wouldn't let him. Not again. She wouldn't let this...beast touch her again. "You will do what I say or I will kill that fucking bastard child," Eric seethed. Gabriella shook her head and she rammed her knee up into Eric's groin. Eric groaned, backing up and stumbling over his feet. Gabriella turned and ran, ignoring the pain. She pushed past Edison who was easily thrown back into the wall. "I'll kill her, Baby Brie!" Eric called after her. "I'll kill her and that little boy you play with and I'll kill your family! I will! And I have never backed out of my promises." Gabriella was suddenly scooting to a stop, tears falling and her eyes open wide. He didn't. Never had, never will.

Gabriella heard footsteps behind her. She whirled around, gasping. "No. Do whatever you want to me, but don't touch my family." Gabriella was shaking as Eric smirked and strode over to her. She looked away as he ran a cold finger down her bare arm. "Say you love me," he said. Gabriella's jaw clenched and she squeezed her eyes closed. Eric frowned and gripped her chin between his index and thumb. "Say you love me," he repeated, his voice dangerously low. Gabriella opened her eyes, silent tears pouring from them. "I love you," she lied softly. Eric covered her mouth with his and she didn't respond. She let him move his lips, let him clutch at her burning back. She didn't fight back. If she did, he'd kill all of them. If he killed his own child, he'd kill anyone else.

I'll never love you, Gabriella spit out in her head. If only she could say it.

Sophia knew what was happening. They didn't think she knew, but she did. She knew her daddy was a bad person. She knew he took her mommy. She knew they had to find her and she knew it would take a while. She tried not to cry. She tried to stay strong like Mr. Bolton was so bravely doing, but she couldn't help it. He had offered her to snuggle up against him and she did. She snuggled and cried, wanting her mom back. Why did he have to take her away?

"Don't worry, Soph," Troy said. "We'll find her."

"Promise?" Sophia looked up at him, her blue eyes glossy with tears. Troy nodded. "Promise."

"Pinky?" Sophia held up a small pinky. Troy smiled and wrapped his piny around her small one. "Pinky promise."

"Guys, we came as fast as we could." Sharpay came bustling into the room. Gabriella's mom, Gina, came behind her, holding up Chloe, along with Taylor and Samara. "What happened?"

"Daddy took mommy," Sophia said. "He took me first and then took mommy. He hurt her."

Gina's face paled, tears streaming down them. "He...what?"

"Gabriella didn't want you to worry so she didn't tell you," Chloe tried to explain hastily. "You know when she fell down the steps? Eric pushed her. You know when she came home with bruises, aching, limping across the room? It was Eric's doings. She hid it all to protect you guys and so you don't worry."

"She's...he...I knew he was always trouble. Oh, it feels like I can't breathe." Chloe was the one to help Gina walk now. She guided her over to the couch and Gina collapsed in it, pulling her hand sup to her face and letting out chocked sobs. "I knew she should've told someone," Samara said softly. "We shouldn't have let her keep it in. We should've reported it."

"Have they found anything out yet?" Taylor asked, hysterical. "They have to! I mean, they're not far, are they?"

"They've found some suspicious stuff," Troy said. "A sighting of two men suspiciously lurking around an apartment. But that was yesterday. They're going to check it out." Sophia watched the scene unfold with glossy eyes. She nestled into her grandma's lap, tightening her little arms around her neck as she sobbed. She didn't like it that they were all so sad. She had to do something. She'd have to be an explorer, like Dora, and find her mom. She'd be like the Spy Kids. She'd have to be brave like Mr. Bolton. She had to have courage, that big C word her mommy tought her. She had to do this. And she had to do it alone.

"I have to go to the bathroom," Sophia announced. She slipped off of Gina's lap and walked slowly up stairs. She'd be a big girl. She wouldn't be scared. Not in this situation she couldn't. So she stuffed her bag with the spy kit she got for Christmas last year. She hadn't used it much, so they were as good as new. But she was missing one other thing. What was it called again?

Oh yeah. An ally. She'd need a partner, an ally, to help her. And she knew who, too.

Sophia pulled on her bag and dashed out of her room. Carefully, she walked down the steps and without anyone noticing, crept out of the house. Her little feet dropped to the ground with heavy thuds. She was almost to her destination when she was pushed back. "Sophia!" Sophia looked up and glared at Andrew Stevens. Andrew. That troublesome boy who always bothered her. "Andrew," Sophia snapped, getting up. "Get outta my way. I'm on a mission."

"Really? Cool, what kind of mission?"

"A top secret one," Sophia confirmed. "So, that means, butt out of it and leave me alone."

Sophia started stomping away, but Andrew called her back. "Hey! You don't have no adult with you. You can't go out on your own."

"That's beacuse my mommy is in trouble," Sophia said, lifting her chin up high. "So I have to go."

"Can I come?"

"No!"

"Please? Plus, you need a guy to protect you. Anyways, if you say no, I'm telling my mom so she can tattle on you."

"That isn't fair," Sophia whined. Andrew grinned and she sighed. "Okay. Fine. Just shut up and follow me, alright?" Andrew nodded his head. They started off down the pavement again and soon they were out of the neighborhood, and bursting into the busy streets of Philadelphia. When they came across a big street, Andrew tugged on Sophia's arm. "I'm not allowed to cross by myself."

"Me either. But we'll just walk with an adult," Sophia said. She waited for an older person to walk out before she grabbed Andrew's arm and walked across the street. "Do you know where we going?" Andrew asked.

"No."

"What's this mission for anyway?"

"My daddy took my mommy and hurt her. I have to go save her before he hurts her some more."

"Why did he hurt her?"

"I don't know. He's a big meanie, probably, that's why. Come on, we have to hurry. They will know I'm missing."

"You didn't tell anyone?" Andrew gasped. Sophia smiled slyly at him and shrugged. "Why would I do that? It's a secret mission, Drew. Look it up."

"You can't read and neither can me," Andrew pointed out, but then paused. "Wait. You called me Drew."

"It's easier to say," Sophia explained. "Hey, look. I was in that car." Sophia pointed to the car that her dad pulled her off in from the school. "Hurry. Let's go." She grabbed Andrew's head again and they slowly crept towards the vehicle. Sophia looked through the window, but saw nothing. She looked around, her lips pursed, thinking, until her eyes landed on the big house in front of her. She rolled her eyes. "Duh. Of course. Come on, Drew." Andrew smiled at his nickname. A lot of people called him that, but he liked it when Sophia did it. "Okay." Andrew let Sophia drag him to the house. Sophia looked at the house. The windows were covered with wood and the place looked ready to fall. She yanked open the dusty cellar door and gasped. It was dark, very dark.

"Be brave, be brave, be brave," she mummbled over and over again. "You're a spy."

"That's really dark," Andrew pointed out. "Should we go? Maybe we should knock on the door."

"No. That will give us away, stupid. Just...come on. It's not that bad."

"I'm not going," Andrew refused, shakign his head full of swaying hair. Sophia narrowed her eyes at hi,. Truth is, she didn't want to go alone, so she was willing to have him come. She knew she should've gotten Lena. "The monster will attack you," Sophia lied smoothly. "If you don't come, it'll kill you."

"There's no monster."

"Yuh huh. Yeah there is. Right...there." Sophia pointed her finger and Andrew turned around. She was surprised to see a pitbull, a really big one, darting their way, barking. Andrew screamed and ran down the steps of the cellar, Sophia hot on his trail. She closed the cellar door just in time for the dog to bang against it, whining and wimpering. "Stupid! That could have got us caught!"

"Sophia," Andrew said, his voice shaking. "It's really cold and dark."

"I know. I know. Just be quiet and hold my hand. I'll try to find some light." Andrew nodded in the misty darkness and reached for Sophia's hand. Sophia pushed them againt the wall, getting ready to walk, but before they could move, a light flickered on and voices were heard. Sophia gasped and threw them behind a table, slamming a hand on Andrew's mouth. "Shhh," she warned quietly and Andrew nodded. She was right to hide. Eric came down the steps with another man. Blood was smeared on his hands and Sophia's breath hitched. She swallowed to keep from crying.

"Eric, you shouldn't be so rough with her," the man hissed. Eric glared at him. "Really? Well, how about I be rough with you? How about I shoot you now, huh, Edison?" Edison. Useful information. "How about that?" Edison narrowed his eyes and looked away. They were quiet for a while while Eric peeked through the small windows. "What will we do if they find us?" Edison asked. "We're only a few blocks away from the house."

"Don't worry," Eric said. "I have everything under control." He sighed. "Come on. Let's get some food. We need to feed her." Edison nodded and they walked up the cellar doors. Sophia gasped when she heard a lock click. Darn it. Now they were stuck in here. "Come on," Sophia said shakily, pulling her and Andrew up. Andrew swiped the spider webs off of him and they started up the steps. "They'll be gone for a while," Sophia said. "So now, let's look for my mommy."

"Are you sure this is safe?" Andrew asked.

"No. But missions are never safe, are they? Now stop being a baby and come on."

It didn't take much to find Gabriella. When Sophia saw her, she couldn't help it anymore. She cried. Gabriella's feeble head snapped up and gasped. "Sophia...Andrew. Sophia, what are you guys doing here?" Sophia ran to Gabriella, clinging onto her. Despite the pain. Gabriella closed her eyes, joy running through her. "Mommy, you're okay," Sophia whispered. Gabriella nodded and leaned her head against Sophia's dark hair. "Oh, baby," she whispered. "What are you guys doign here? You need to leave."

"Not without you. I'll help." Sophia started tugging at the ropes Gabriella were trapped in, but they didn't budge. "Andrew, come help."

"Sophia, no. Go. Now. This isn't up for debate," Gabriella said firmly. "And why woul you drag Andrew into this?"

"I wanted to come, I swear," Andrew quipped. "We're on a mission. We're exploring."

"Guys, this isn't a mission, this is serious. Sophia, I mean it!"

"I think you should listen to mommy, Sophia," a menicing voce said. Gabriella's face paled and she muttered, 'No' over and over again. Sophia was hastily tuggging on the ropes, refusing to look back at Eric. Tears swarmed her eyes again and she cried out when hands were suddenly grasping her, pulling her back. Eric laughed at her struggle and gripped Andrew's arm tightly. Andrew whimpered as tears fell from his eyes. He looked up at Sophia. "Soph," he whispered. "I don't like this mission anymore."

"Let go of them!" Gabriella screamed, thrashing around in her chair. Eric smirked. "I can't wait to see your face when I snap their necks. I can't wait to let their fresh blood feel my nose...mmm." Gabriella's skinw as burning as she pushed against the heavy, indestrictable rope. "Say goodbye," Eric said and Gabriella screamed.

But he never got to do it.

Everything happened so fast. He was falling, screamed, as the shot filled the dense air. Edison came into view, shakily holding the gun after he shot the bullet. It snagged at his shoulder, not really getting into him, but doing an immense amout of damage. Edison ran and kicked Eric's face. "I've had enough of this," Edison hissed. "I'm sick of you."

"Edison," Gabriella gasped. Edison pushed the gun in his pocket and pulled out a knife. He sawed through the hard rope and it fell in heaps around the feet of the chair. Her eyes switched to Eric, who lay limp on the ground.

It was over.

They were done. He was done.

It was finally over.

I did not plan all of this out. I didn't know the story would end like this. Oh well. I hope you liked it!

Thanks!-Brittany

I'm just kidding, it's far from over. Stay tuned in for the drama that's creeping your way. Because, I'm telling you, this story is far from over.