A/N I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING! I ONLY OWN THIS PLOT! Thanks to my beta Elena Rain! Ok, so I know I posted this chapter already but I couldn't continue with my story the way it was. So I went back and made a few changes to the scene at the gym with Gabriella, Zeke, and Jason. Anyway on with the story:

After eating they both cuddled on the couch to watch a movie. Gabriella was cuddled in Troy's side with his arms wrapped protectively around her. She closed her eyes and drifted into a haunted sleep.

Later on, Carlos came home and smiled at Troy and Gabriella cuddled on the couch.

"Hey…"

They both turned to look at him.

"What happen?" Gabriella asked.

"She agreed to change partners. Now you and Troy get to be married. You never have to see Peter again."

"He still has a key to our house." She whimpered.

"I called a lock smith on my way home. He's coming over at noon to change our locks and give us new keys."

Gabriella nodded. "Have you heard from Lucille?"

"No."

"We won't." Troy said. "When my mom goes this long without calling it normally means she's working super hard on a case and can't get a break to call."

"Gabriella's case?" Carlos asked.

Troy nodded. "My mother is good, for regular clients but when the client is family then she's really scary. Peter doesn't stand a chance."

"What if he goes after you, Daddy?"

"He's won't, I've got a shot gun, he come near me, I'll blow it his head off. Then I can say it was self defense."

Gabriella giggled and shook her head. Her dad looked way to happy while he was talking about it.

"Troy, did you hear that?" Carlos teased. "I believe my daughter just giggled."

"It can't be! That's impossible." Troy played along.

"You guys are such dorks." Gabriella giggled.

Carlos gasped playfully. "Now she is insulting us, I think she needs to be punished."

"I agree, what shall we do to her?"

"Well if you hold her arms, I know her ticklish spot."

"Perfect."

"No!" Gabriella squealed.

Troy lifted her arms over her head and she started to giggle and squirm as her father tickled her sides and stomach. Troy moved her hands into one of his and helped tickle her ribs. She screamed in laughter and squirmed in laughter.

Just then she noticed a shadow come up behind her father. As it got closer she gasped. It was Peter, he had a gun.

"NO DON'T!" she screamed.

BANG! BANG!

Carlos dropped to the floor blood pooling under him.

"NO!" she screamed.

"I tried to warn you, Gabriella. If you told anyone I'd hurt your father. You told them everything. You better get Lucille to drop the charges or else Troy will be next."

Peter laughed and left the house. Gabriella looked down and screamed. "NO! NO! NO!"

"NO!" she screamed and shot up in bed. She panted hard and looked around. Troy was no longer on the couch with her. "TROY!" she screamed, without even waiting another second she screamed again "TROY!"

Troy came running from the hallway. He quickly wrapped her in a hug. "Shhh, shhh, it was a bad dream, shhh you're safe." Troy voice soothed her.

"Troy!" she screamed out in tears. "Oh Troy it was sooo horrible!"

"It wasn't real. Whatever happened it wasn't real."

"She has to stop this! She's got to stop this!" she cried.

"Who has to stop what?"

"Your mom, she has to stop the case. She just has to!"

"Baby, she called while you were sleeping, the case is already set. It's going to trial next week."

"NO! NO! NO! SHE HAS TO STOP IT! SHE HAS TO STOP IT!" Gabriella screamed on top of her lungs.

"Baby, Baby, shhhhh calm down, shhh, what is the matter? What was your dream about?"

"SHE HAS TO CANCEL THE TRIAL, TROY! SHE HAS TO! SHE HAS TO!"

"No, then you'll never get justice. Peter will get away with hurting you…again."

"I DON'T CARE! I REALLY DON'T CARE!"

Troy sighed. "Gabriella, you've got to calm down. I promise everything will be ok."

"NO IT WON'T! PETER IS GOING TO KILL YOU!"

"It was only a nightmare. Nobody is going to kill me."

"Troy," she begged breathlessly. "Please, you have to stop your mom. Please, please."

"It's ok; everything will be ok, shhh."

Gabriella lay down with her head in his lap, feel physically and mentally exhausted. "Please," she begged barely above a whisper. "Please stop it."

"Shhh," Troy cooed. "Shhh, everything is ok. Shhh." He rubbed her back as she fell back into a deep sleep. He pulled her onto his lap and rubbed her back and softly sang to her.

Troy sighed. Even before school started Peter was haunting Gabriella's dreams. Now after everything Gabriella has been through he's still there haunting her. How was she ever going to get through this?

A few minutes later, Carlos came home. He smiled at Gabriella sleeping, but frowned when he saw the tear stains.

"What happen?" he asked and rushed over to kneel down beside her.

"She had a nightmare. Peter went after you then threatened to go after me next if my mom didn't drop the charges. She woke up screaming on top of her lungs begging me to get my mom to stop the trail."

Carlos sighed. "She's so scared of him. She really believes he's going to kill me."

Troy nodded. "I know, and she will until we put him behind bars."

Carlos sighed. "If we can put him behind bars."

"We will, my mother is the best."

Carlos nodded. "I know, but Peter has been hurting my daughter for, what seems like, years and I just have this doubt that we will ever be free of him."

"You sound like Gabriella." Troy said.

"I guess she gets it from me."

Troy chuckled. "You're both wrong. We will be free of Peter just as soon as the trial is over."

Carlos smiled and nodded. "I'm going to give your mother a call and see how the case is coming."

Troy nodded as Carlos went into the kitchen. Troy looked down at Gabriella smiled. She was sleeping peacefully with a smile on her face. He was starting to notice a pattern of when Gabriella had nightmares and when she didn't. She always seemed to sleep better when he was with him, and then whenever he wasn't there or if he left her alone too long she'd wake up with nightmares….was he just going crazy? He had to be right?

His suspicions were confirmed after he left Gabriella's house that evening. He was woken up by his mother saying they had to get back to the Montez house asap. So they rushed back over there.

When they got there Gabriella was on the couch with a coffee mug in her hands, but she wasn't drinking it, she was just holding onto it. Troy went right over to her and pulled her right into his arms. He set the mug on the table and rubbed her back.

She relaxed instantly. Carlos sighed as he saw this and walked over to the sitting on the chair. Lucille followed.

"Look, I…I've been noticing something about Gabriella and I hope it doesn't embarrass either of you but…I've notice that Gabriella sleeps a lot better when she is with you, Troy and not just recently, since she first found out that Peter was coming back to East High. I just never wanted to admit to." Carlos confessed.

Troy sighed but nodded. "I've noticed the same thing. I just didn't know if it was true or not."

Gabriella didn't speak for a moment, and then she said "I'm sorry, Daddy, I still love you."

Carlos smiled. "I know you still love me. I still love you too. Look, there is a special kind of love and comfort you get from a father and then a completely different type of love and comfort you get from a boyfriend. At night you need that special kind of comfort only a boyfriend can give. I'm not angry and my feelings aren't hurt one bit."

"I didn't say anything because I didn't want you to be hurt." Gabriella admitted. "But I've known since before school started that I sleep better with Troy."

Carlos nodded. "It's ok, my feelings aren't hurt. I'm just happy we found a way for you to feel safer while you sleep."

"Why don't we switch off? A few nights Troy can spend here and the next few nights Gabriella can spend at our house." Lucille suggested.

Carlos nodded. "I think that's a good idea. How about you two?"

"I like it." Gabriella said.

"Me too." Troy nodded.

"All right, well that is settled. Anything else we need to discuss." Carlos said.

"Actually….there is one more thing…" Lucille started. "A few months ago I was working on a case that was similar to Gabriella's. A young girl was sexually assaulted. She told me everything and was all ready to press charges and punish this guy. Then one day he got to her and threatened the life of her family and she pulled back. She retracted everything she said and refused to press charges against him. Now I can't give away any names, but the boy who hurt her was punished by being kicked out of school and was transferred over to another school…."

Carlos gasped. "It was Peter; he's the one who hurt that other girl?"

Lucille nodded. "If we can get this girl as a witness then with Gabriella's statement, we've got Peter right where we want him. He'll finally pay for what he's done and all the people he's hurt will have justice."

"I don't want to do a trial." Gabriella whimpered. "I just want to let it go."

"We can't, Gabriella. Peter needs to be punished. He's hurt too many people already. If you don't he may try to hurt you again or even go after someone else. He needs to be stopped."

"What if that someone else is my dad? What if Peter tries to kill him?"

"Gabriella, it's a scare, Peter has used it on every one of his victims. All of still have their loved ones alive and well."

"Yeah, because they backed out. They didn't let it go to trial. If I go to trial he could come back and kill my dad, then he'll kill Troy."

"He won't get a chance to hurt anyone because he'll be in jail."

"He could escape!"

"Gabriella, Baby, you've got to trust me. I won't let Troy or Carlos get hurt." Lucille said.

Gabriella just sighed and nodded her head.

"All right, let's get to sleep." Carlos said. "You two have school tomorrow."

Gabriella let out a whine. Carlos chuckled. "You'll be just fine. I promise. Peter should leave you alone, now that you're not in the class anymore."

Gabriella nodded and sighed again. Troy rubbed her back. "I'm not going to leave you side. I promise."

Gabriella nodded once more. Everyone got up and got settled in their beds and went back to sleep. The truth was out, Gabriella did sleep better with Troy, but now he was worried about tomorrow. It would be the first time since the attack that Gabriella was going to school and he was sure Peter had told the school that she slept with him….how would she survive this?

The next day, Gabriella knew she was in for a rough day, yet she woke up, showered, ate breakfast, and left for school with Troy.

They both stood outside the school holding hands.

"It's not too late to run away." Gabriella whimpered.

"We're not running, we're got to face this, I promise I'll be right by your side the entire day." Troy soothed.

She nodded softly and together they walked into the school. Gabriella heard the doors close behind her, she felt trapped. She whimpered softly. Troy squeezed her hand. "I'm right here."

She inhaled and exhaled a shaky breath. As they passed student were whispering about and pointing to them.

"Troy…." Gabriella whimpered.

Troy pulled her into his side and wrapped his arms protectively around her. "I'm right here, you're safe. Nobody is going to hurt you."

She nodded and clung tightly to him. They went to his locker first and got his books. Then they went to her locker. Troy kept her arms around her as she started to gather her books. Once she closed her locker she jumped startled to see a blond girl staring at her.

"I heard you slept with Peter, that's great. Congratulations." She squealed.

"But I didn't…."

The blond girl cut her off. "Was it amazing? How big was it?"

Gabriella's eyes went wide. "I didn't even…."

"It must have been huge right? I think it was huge. OH! You're soo lucky!"

"Stacy, back off and leave her alone!" Troy ordered.

"You're still with her? She cheated on you, you know, I haven't slept with anyone yet. Maybe if you want we could…."

"No way, not even if your dreams! Go away and leave us alone." Troy growled.

He took Gabriella by the hand and led her away. She didn't speak she just looked to the floor.

Once they were outside home room Troy moved Gabriella so she was in front of him. He gently lifted her face to look at him.

"Don't listen to her. I know you didn't cheat on me. I love you and you're the only girl I plan on sleeping with and that's in the future after we get married. I promise."

She nodded softly. Troy sighed and kissed her gently on the lips. "I love you, Angel. Please say something."

"I don't want to." She muttered softly shaking her head.

He chuckled. "All right, you don't have to speak. You do however have to smile. If you don't, I'll be forced to take some serious action."

She smiled softly knowing what he planning. "I love you, Wildcat. I'm sorry, I'm so shut down. I just don't feel safe and when I don't feel safe I shut myself down."

Troy sighed softly and rubbed her back. "You are safe here. I know it doesn't seem like it but you are. This isn't West High, you won't get beat up over a stupid rumor."

Gabriella didn't respond she just dropped her gaze to the floor.

"Hey, Brie, look at me."

She didn't move.

"Gabriella, look at me."

Again she didn't move.

"Baby, Please, Angel, will you look at me."

Gabriella slowly lifted her eyes to meet his. To her surprises he crossed his eyes and poked out his tongue. She burst into giggles.

Troy smiled. "There is my favorite sound."

"You cheated." She whined.

He chuckled. "Hey, it was either funny face or tickle monster."

She smiled. "I love you, Troy. Thank you for making me feel better."

"Any time, Angel. I love you too."

They shared a gentle kiss on the lips and went into the classroom. Homeroom went well. After class Troy and Gabriella went to each other's lockers and got their books.

"Do you want to come to practice with me?" Troy asked.

"No, Taylor is in math class and my teacher is really nice. Also none of the kids believe the rumors. I'll be ok."

"Ok, just come to the gym after class. We can get lunch together."

She nodded and they shared a kiss before parting ways.

Just like Gabriella predicted math class went well. Taylor made sure nobody bothered her and the teacher made sure everyone behaved themselves during class. It was a good class, which Gabriella was thankful for.

After class she went to the gym. Chad and the others were just fooling around on the court. Chad saw her and smiled. He ran over to her.

"Hey, you looking for Troy?"

She nodded.

"He just ran to the shower. He should be out shortly."

"Thanks, Chad."

She went over to the bleachers and sat down. Chad went over and sat next to her.

"Are you ok?"

She nodded. "Just having a rough time with Peter."

Chad nodded. "Troy said he lost it and really hurt you. Mind me asking what he did to you?"

"He touched me."

Chad gasped. "Gabriella, I'm so sorry!"

"It's all right. Now everyone believes I slept with him again and cheated on Troy."

Chad shook his head. "That's insane."

Gabriella nodded. "I know."

"Hey, don't let it get you down. Troy loves you and you love him. No rumor can change that."

"Thanks, Chad."

"Anytime."

He gave her a one armed hug and then went over to the others. He threw the ball at them and ran into the lockers to shower. Zeke and Jason went over to her. To her surprise Peter was with them.

"Hey," she said softly. "Um…what's up?"

"You, you're a little slut." Zeke said.

"We heard what you did with the West High guys, and now Peter, you're just using Troy. We don't want to see him hurt so you better break up with him or else…" Jason said.

"Yeah, Peter told us everything." Zeke said pointing to Peter.

He smirked at her and nodded. "Oh Yeah, I told them all about our night of fun."

"But I didn't…."

"Break up with, Troy or you're going to suffer." Peter warned.

"Please, listen to me," She started looking at Zeke and Jason "I didn't sleep with Peter, he sexually assaulted me."

"Now you're going to pull a Sharpay on us." Zeke shook his head. "You're pathetic. You cry sexual assault so Troy doesn't leave you, but we know the truth. So break up with him or you're going to be very sorry."

"No, I swear I didn't do anything. He did everything! I didn't want any of it. Please!"

"Yeah, that's what everyone says. We won't let you hurt our captain." Jason said.

"But I swear, please you have to listen to me, I didn't…."

SLAP!

Gabriella gasped as Peter slapped her across the face. "SHUT UP YOU SLUT! "

"Break up with Troy or this will get worse." Zeke warned.

Tears filled her eyes as she started to cry. Zeke and Jason were not going to protect her if Peter hurt her again and she'd never out run three strong basketball players….she was in real danger. "I didn't hurt him. I swear!"

Peter grabbed her wrist tightly and squeezed it. "You break up with Troy, or I'll break your wrist."

"Ow! Let me go!" Gabriella cried. "Please stop it!"

"Will you break up with Troy?"

"No!"

Peter squeezed her wrist tighter.

CRACK!

She screamed out in pain. "STOP IT! LET ME GO!"

"Say you'll break up with Troy! SAY IT!"

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!" a voice yelled.

Peter, Zeke, and Jason spun around to see Chad standing there. Gabriella whimpered once Peter let her go and scrambled away from them.

"You're disgusting, how dare you touch her like that!" He growled. "You better get lost before Troy comes out and I tell him what you just did to his girlfriend."

"But she's not his girlfriend anymore, are you?" Zeke said.

They turned around and saw Gabriella had climbed higher up on the bleachers to get away from them. She was crying and holding her wrist in her other hand.

"Just get out of here, if Coach finds out what you did, he'll kick you off the team."

Peter made sure to leave the room, he was in enough trouble and couldn't risk anymore by sticking around.

Zeke and Jason looked to each other. "She deserved it."

Chad shook his head and went over to Gabriella. "I'm sorry, I didn't know they'd hurt you. Are you all right?"

Gabriella just moved back, further away from him as she cried and clutched her wrist in her hand.

"I'm not going to hurt you. Please, you can trust me." Chad said softly.

She shook her head and moved even further away from him. Chad sighed.

Just then Troy came out and gasped at the sight. "What happen?"

He rushed over to them and sat down in front of Gabriella. He gently took her wrist into his hands and examined it.

"What happen?" he asked Chad.

"Zeke and Jason were verbally bullying her. I think Peter might have broken her wrist."

"Peter was here?"

"He showed up after the two if us left. Zeke and Jason helped him and didn't stop him when he was hurting her.

Troy growled at them. "You better hope you didn't break her wrist. Otherwise we will sue."

"She deserved it Troy. She's cheating on you with Peter." Zeke said.

He and Jason climbed up the bleachers. Gabriella whimpered and started to squirm. Troy pulled her into his arms holding her close and protectively in his arms. He knew they wouldn't dare touch her or hurt her in front of him. Too bad Gabriella didn't know that.

"She is not cheating on me! How could you do this? I thought you guys changed. You came to my house and said you were so sorry and you didn't believe the rumors and you liked Gabriella."

"Yeah, about that…."

Troy growled. "What?"

"We didn't mean what we said about Gabriella. We just knew Peter was coming and there was an open spot for a captain. We didn't want Peter to take it so we thought if we got you back it would solve everything. So we lied."

"You told me you were done with being bullies." Chad growled at them. "You told me to trust you and I did!"

Troy shook his head. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted you. I should have listened to my gut! Well, fine, you know what, I quit! If Peter wants to be Captain fine, he can be captain, because I will not captain a team that lies to me and helps physically abuses my girlfriend!"

He stood up, carefully helping Gabriella up and headed down the bleachers.

"I quit too. You three disgust me!" Chad growled and followed behind Troy and Gabriella.

This day was turning out to be a disaster and it wasn't even halfway over.

A/N YAY! Lots of drama with no fluff :P I promise there will be fluff in the future chapters. What do you think? Is Gabriella's wrist broken? What will Troy do now that his teammates/ex-friends betrayed him? Leave me your thoughts in a review.

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