"Tony just texted me Skylar was just brought in with multiple gunshot wounds. He's with her, but it's bad…..really bad."

Our faces went pale with horror. "Come on," I said, racing for the elevator when I got over the shock.

As we raced into the ED, Javier, Sharpay, and Ryan were on my heels. Despite the ED chaos, Ryan and Sharpay were still trying to reach their parents and Troy. Nurses and Doctors were running around giving orders as they disappeared or appeared from behind the curtains. Cries of patients could be heard behind curtains. EMTs stood with patients they had just brought in, waiting for their orders. Everyone was talking over each other.

Ryan gagged at the smell of iron from the amount of blood around us. "Oh, does it always smell so….."

I stopped him. "When the ED is like this, yes."

"You get used to it," Javier added when a nurse approached him.

She let out a relieved sigh. "Dr. Diaz, thank goodness, we're swamp."

Javier stopped her before she said anything else. "Give me one minute to check on my brother's patient, and I'll be right with you."

The nurse nodded, knowing Javier wasn't going to change his mind. "OK, trauma room one."

We followed Javier to the trauma room and nearly bumped into him when he suddenly stopped.

He turned to us. "Only one other person can go in with me."

Sharpay, Ryan, and I exchanged glances. I could tell Ryan and I had the same idea. It would be good for Sharpay and Skylar.

I turned to Javier. "Sharpay will go in with you."

Sharpay turned to me, shocked. "Are you sure? Maybe you should be in there."

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure. You go; I have some calls to make."

Sharpay thanked me before following Javier while Ryan and I headed for the waiting room. Ryan and I found empty seats next to each other, and I excused myself when Ryan sat down.

I went outside to call Lukas and Esmeralda to see if they knew anything about the kidnapping. After talking to Lukas and Esmerelda, I made a third call to Matthew. No doubt this was going to make the news, and given who Skylar's Uncle is, that would probably be enough to get this place swarming. Never mind the other injured kids and whoever was kidnapped. Hopefully, if he was the first with the scoop, it'll get other reporters to back off, even if it was just for a little bit.


After calling Matthew, I went back into the waiting room. Ryan was still on the phone trying to reach his parents. He was just ending another call when I started approaching him.

"Thanks," Ryan said when I stopped in front of him.

I looked up from my phone. "Course. It's in Skylar's best interest to have someone who knows her health in there."

"It'll also be good for my sister to tap into her parental instinct," Ryan replied. "Especially since you know."

I glanced back at the trauma room. "I'm not sure I'm much help. Anyways, between the three of us, the Boltons probably would rather have either of you inside instead of me."

Ryan shook his head. "No, they'd appreciate anyone who can be in there right now."

"Were you able to reach your parents," I asked, changing the subject.

Ryan sighed, disappointed. "No, and if Aspen was kidnapped, I'll give you one guess what they want."

My shoulders slumped as I sat down in the empty seat beside him. "Money," I whispered knowingly.

Ryan agreed. "Yup, the one thing the Boltons don't have much of. Even if we all chip in, I doubt it'll cover the ransom they'll demand."

I couldn't shake the feeling that something about this was really hitting home for Ryan.

I put my phone aside and gave him my full attention. "Want to talk about it?"

Ryan was hesitant to say anything at first but quickly gave in.

"When we were little, Sharpay and I always hung out at our parents' work office. One day, while we were there, we were kidnapped and held hostage at gunpoint by two of our Dad's ex-partners," Ryan started to explain. "They felt like Dad was mistreating them and wanted more money than he could get at the moment. When our Dad couldn't get the money in the time allowed, Dad's ex-partners were about to kill us."

My chest tightened with a feeling of sadness. I couldn't imagine going through something like that as an adult, much less a child. It couldn't have been easy for the Evans to live through something so scary.

I placed a comforting hand on Ryan's arm. "We don't know that Aspen was kidnapped. Maybe she wasn't."

Ryan sighed, giving up on the phone calls. "I guess. I hope you're right."

I added more. "We'll figure it out if we need to. All of us."

Ryan relaxed and nodded. "I guess."

"I know," I assured him, pausing for a moment. "Mind if I ask what happened to stop your Dad's ex-partners from shooting?"

Ryan shook his head. His expression brightened, and he chuckled. "Sharpay suddenly screeched at the top of her lungs and started kicking around. Her screeching was so bad it made everyone's ears ring. Sharpay was able to escape from their grip when she kicked him down below."

It took me a moment to follow Ryan's words. My eyes widened when the idea dawned on me.

My hands covered my mouth as a gasp escaped me. "She didn't."

Ryan nodded. "She did, and it happened after she bit him. Needless to say, he wasn't happy."

"What about you," I asked, "how did you get free?"

"Oh, Sharpay was on a rampage at that point," Ryan explained between chuckles. 'As soon as she was free, she started pelting anything she could get her hands on at the two men who kidnapped us. Next thing I knew, the man holding me wasn't just holding his ear. He was knocked out after taking heel to the head, and I was able to escape."

I shuttered at the image of Sharpay rampaging around. In the six years I've known Sharpay, I've seen her on a rampage a handful of times. Each time, it shook fear in me.

I shook the image of Sharpay rampaging out of my head. "Sounds like your sister knew how to handle herself even back then."

"Mom and Dad says that Sharpay knew how to handle herself from the moment she was born," Ryan whispered, dropping his gaze to the floor.

There was sadness in his voice. "Give her some time. Sharpay will deal with her PCOS on her terms."

Ryan grinned a little, picking his head back up. The corners of his lips quickly dropped again with an unreadable expression on his face.

I looked up, following Ryan's gaze to the emergency entrance. Through the glass door and window, we could see the crowd of reporters outside blocking the ambulance bay. The reporters were matching the EMTs, Doctors, Nurses, and patients' families step for step. People holding cameras were right behind the reporters. Mics were being shoved left and right, just as much as people were. Patients families were trying to figure out what was going on. EMTs were trying to talk to the Doctors and Nurses, in the middle of all that were the reporters trying to get their scoop. It was pandemonium.

Ryan shook his head at the sight. 'That can't be good," He whispered to no one in particular. "And it's the last thing that any of the families need right now, especially the Bolton's."

"No kidding," I agreed, watching the chaos with a frown.

Come on, Matthew, I thought, we're counting on you.

Ryan's voice broke into my thoughts. "You ever deal with paparazzi," He asked, standing up.

I nodded, "Yeah, but us getting in front of the camera won't help," I pulled him back down.

"Well, we have to do something," Ryan pointed out.

"We will," I assured him as a frazzled woman came racing in with a reporter right behind her. I couldn't shake the feeling that we could help her. "Let's deal with this first."


The woman was on pins and needles as she waited impatiently for the receptionist to give her some information.

The receptionist finally stopped typing on her computer and gave the woman her attention again. "Sorry, but we don't have any information right now. If you sit and way in the waiting area, we'll let you know as soon as we hear anything from the doctors."

"How could you not have any information," The woman cried. "My daughter was part of the school shooting earlier; her teachers said all the injured children were brought here."

I cleared my throat, making my presence known. "Sorry to interrupt, but who is your daughter?"

The woman turned to me. "Who are you? Do you work here?"

"I'm someone who's trying to help you," I replied simply. "But I can only do so if you let me."

She sighed, wiping the tears from her eyes. "My daughter is Skylar Bolton. She was part of the school shooting."

Ryan and I exchanged glances. "You're Braydon's ex-wife, Quinn," I clarified when I found my voice.

She nodded, giving us a confused look. "You know the Boltons?"

"I'm Ryan Troy's friend from high school," He gestured to me. "And this is Gabriella. Gabby is Troy's ex."

Quinn looked from one of us to the other. "Can either of you tell me what happened to my daughter? How bad are her injuries?"

I didn't know Quinn that well, but my heart still went out to her as a parent. Clearly, even if she and Braydon were divorced, she still really loved her daughter. This wouldn't be an easy situation for a parent.

"We got this," I told the receptionist and turned to Quinn. "Let's sit and talk," I lead her to where Ryan and I sat moments ago.

Quinn wiped a tear with the napkin in her hand as she sat. "Please, just tell me if you know anything about my daughter."

"All we know is that she was brought in with multiple gunshot wounds," Ryan told her, sending her into another round of tears.

I held her as she cried. "I was just talking to her yesterday. How could this be happening," Quinn asked between her tears.

My heart ached for her, and I tried searching for an explanation. But there wasn't. Having your life turned upside down in the most unexpected ways was something I was all too familiar with. There was never an explanation. It's just what it was.

I gave Quinn another tissue. "I can't tell you how many times I've asked myself that same question. I've never been able to come up with an answer, though. But what helps me is having hope and knowing my family is in the best hands, receiving the best care possible."

She sniffled and hiccuped. "I guess. Thanks."

Her phone went off, and she groaned when she saw the number. "Really, why can't they just leave us alone?"

Hitting the end call button, she turned off her phone. Ryan noticed her frustration and asked. "Something wrong?"

She shrugged. "Just reporters who have been swamping me with calls and in person since I found out Skylar's in the hospital. It's the last thing I want to deal with right now."

Feeling someone tower over us, I look up to see Braydon and Troy standing there. "Gabby, what are you doing here?"

"I was visiting a patient when I heard what happened," I replied. "I thought I'd come by and see if there was anything I could do."

"We don't need your help," Lucy stated, glaring at me as she approached us with the rest of her family. I quickly stood. "The best thing you could do for any of us is to stay away from my son."

Troy shut his eyes with a pained expression on his face. "Mom…"

Lucy interrupted him. "Don't start with me," She warned him, wagging her finger. "You don't remember what this woman has put you through or the lies she told us."

Troy dropped his head with a groan. "Whatever happened is in the past. Why can't we get along in the present?"

Lucy sat in the chair I was just sitting in. "Because she can't be trusted."

My phone went off at that moment, and I silently thanked the Gods for a reason to escape. "Sorry, I have something to take care of. I'll just see you later if there's nothing I could help with."

Madyson scoffed. "No, let's never see each other again; otherwise, it'll be way too soon."

I choke back the hurt I felt. Mustering up a smile, I nodded slightly. "Excuse me."


I went back up to the PICU to see my daughter after seeing the message from Matthew. The video he sent me of his live broadcast on the kindergarten shooting was perfect. There was little information about the shooting but no confirmation about who was shot or where they were taken, with a promise to give more information as it comes. It was the perfect way to provide the world with some information to get them off of the families back.

"Skylar is in the ICU," Javier said, pulling my attention away from my daughter. "She's far from out of the woods but stable for now."

I smiled as I stood, hugging my brother. "I never had any doubts with three of the best doctors operating on her."

We stepped outside to continue talking. Seeing all my siblings outside, I knew whatever was next couldn't be good. In the back of my mind, I knew what it was.

"It was Aspen who was kidnapped, wasn't it," I whispered.

Esmerelda dropped her head with a nod. This was only getting worse. Did we still have the means to help them? Feeling depleted, my shoulders drooped as I breathed a tired and defeated sigh.

"Matthew is trying to do damage control and make sure that this doesn't get out," Esmerelda informed me. "And Lukas is trying to find the kidnappers."

I slumped down on the bench by the PICU, and my siblings sat next to me. "None of it matters if the loan sharks keep returning."

"Are you worried about Melody or Troy's family," Javier asked.

I bit my lip, considering the question. "Honestly, both."

Maya placed a hand on me, hoping to ease my nerves. "We're never going to let Melody get hurt. She's safe. You know that."

Isabella agreed, reminding me of how careful we were with the media. "As long as Melody's Dad's a mystery, she won't be a target."

I sighed. "I guess. But that still doesn't help Troy's family."

"Maybe this will," Dad stated, handing me a check.

I sat up straighter, staring at the check in my Dad's hand. I hesitantly reached for it. "Dad, you didn't have to."

Antonio moved over, and Dad took a seat next to me. "I know, but your Mom and I talked about it, and we'd rather not let you guys draw money from your savings."

I glanced at my siblings and then back at our Dad. "You knew?"

"There are no secrets in our family, remember," Dad reminded me. "Your Mom and I aren't saying that money should be used to solve everyone's problems, but if this money can give the Boltons some time to sort out whatever is going on, then that's something we can help them with."

I stared down at the check again. This could really help Troy's family with their financial issues. But would our parents think we're helping them too much? It wasn't like the Boltons were asking for help. Maybe they'd feel like we're overstepping.

"Daddy, are you sure you and Mom are OK with us helping the Boltons as much as we have?"

Daddy raised a brow at me. "We would we be?"

I shrugged. "Because they haven't been the most welcoming or friendliest."

"And we've been going out of our way to help them," Miguel added.

"Which only proves that your Mom and I did something right," Dad proudly stated. "You could have all just as easily turned a blind eye. But to still treat them with kindness says a lot about the kind of kids we raised, and we couldn't be any prouder if we tried."

I wrapped my Dad in a hug. Kissing him on the cheeks, I whispered. "Thank you."


I knew the Boltons would not accept the money if they knew it was from me. So, I had another plan. I just had to get Sharpay or Ryan to agree to it.

Pulling up to Zeke and Sharpay's place, I rolled down the window to punch in the code that Zeke had given me several months earlier. My fingers hovered over the keypad when I recalled how things had changed. It didn't seem right to use the code like before. Hitting the call button, I waited for Ryan or Sharpay's voice to ring through the communicator.

"Hello," Ryan's voice finally rang through the communicator.

"Ryan," I answered. "It's Gabby. Can I come in so we can talk?"

I was almost certain I heard Zeke's voice before the connection broke, and Ryan buzzed me in. Memories of the handful of times I was here flashed before me as I watched the gate slowly open. Slowly, I pulled the car to the of the mansion and killed the engine.

Ryan was at the door waiting for me and closed it behind him when I reached the top step. "Braydon and Troy are inside. Given what happened yesterday, this may not be a good time."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Umm, OK, can we talk out here? I promise it'll be quick."

Ryan looked back at the door and nodded. "But it has to be really quick."

I nodded. "Deal, I only need two minutes, five tops."

Ryan pointed to my car. "This way. Let's talk in your car. It'll make for an easy if needed, and it's less likely someone will see us."

I followed him back to my car, and we hopped in. "So, I heard what happened to Aspen. Were you able to reach your parents?"

Ryan shook his head. "No. My parents can be hard to reach when they are away on business. But we'll figure something out. We always reach them somehow."

I took in what he said, not missing the uncertainty in his voice. It was different this time, and we both knew it. We didn't have the luxury of time. They needed to reach them ASAP.

Pulling out the check from my Dad, I gave it to him. "Here, this should cover the ransom, and the Bolton's can use the extra however they need."

Ryan's eyes bugged out seeing the amount. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, tossing my bag in the back. "Yeah, just promise me something."

Ryan folded the check. "What is it?"

"Tell them it's from you," I replied. "Don't let them know it's from me. Tell them you were able to reach your parents."

Ryan narrowed his eyes, frowning at me. "Why?"

"For the same reason, I shouldn't be in there," I replied. "The Bolton's aren't exactly my biggest fans. They'll never take the money if they know it's from me. But they will accept a loan from your family."

Silence lingered between us as Ryan glanced down at the check again. Finally, he sighed in defeat and nodded. "OK, I'll thank you for them."

He hugged me tightly, and I could sense he relaxed. My phone went off, causing us to pull apart. We exchanged goodbyes, and I answered the call just before it went to voicemail.


Several days later, I was sitting with Britton in the PICU. She'd had a really rough couple of days. Her T.A. was really starting to affect her breathing and feeding. Bridgette said her heart murmur was becoming more evident, and her heart rate was really sporadic. Sometimes, it was much faster, and other times, it was much slower.

Javier, Bridgette, and Antonio have been discussing Britton's first surgery. The thought made my heart ache with fear and worry, even if I knew she needed it and she had five incredible doctors caring for her.

Mom placed a hand on my shoulder to grab my attention. "Chin up. Dynamo got her nickname for a reason. We just have to keep believing."

I sighed. "Melody didn't struggle this much. What if things turn out differently this time?"

Mom hugged me. "Dynamo will recover on her own terms and no one else's. Just like Melody, you, and any other patient in her."

I squeezed my Mom extra hard, hoping she was right. "I'm so scared," I whispered.

"I know," Mom acknowledged. "We're all scared. But we'll band together and pull through, just like we always have."

"Just like we always will," Bridgette added.

I pulled away from Mom. "How bad is it, Bridgette?"

She showed me Britton's latest test results. "We've stalled for as long as we can. Dynamo needs surgery ASAP. But we don't have enough blood in the blood bank."

Tears slipped free and started rolling down my cheek. "So what now?"

Bridgette took a huge breath as she glanced toward Britton. "Her surgery is in three hours. That's how long we have to get more blood."

Wiping the tears from my cheek, I asked. "Any idea how?"

"We'll figure it out," Bridgette replied assuringly.

Three hours later, Britton was wheeled into the operating room after as much blood as possible was drawn from Esmerelda, Isabella, Maya, Teagan, and Matthew. The four to six hours waiting in the waiting area passed slowly. Nothing I did eased my nerves or kept my mind off what was happening in the operating room. It didn't help that I kept getting a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

After what seemed like forever, Bridgette appeared from the operating room. I knew something was wrong the second I saw her face.

I stood, preparing myself for the worst. "What's wrong?"

"We've hit a few problems, and Dynamo's losing more blood than we anticipated."

Oh no, this can't be happening.

My throat tightened as I tried to keep my composure. My voice shook as I spoke. "Is she going to be OK?"

"We are doing everything we can," Bridgette assured me. "But we might not have enough blood."

Watching Bridgette fae off, my mind went back to when Melody was in here. It seemed like just yesterday. Now, I was so close to losing my other little girl.

Mommy, I need Daddy.

The dream seems so real. I couldn't shake it as the words kept repeating in my mind.

I jumped when I felt someone touch me. "Sorry, you seemed really distracted. Everything OK?"

I glanced at the clock and stood. My Mom stood with me. "What's wrong?"

I took a huge breath. "Hopefully, nothing."

Without another word, I left the waiting room. Britton had one chance, and I knew it. Taking the elevator to the ICU, I saw Troy through the glass window with his family.

Not wanting to cause a scene, I called his phone. With each ring, I willed him to answer.

I had given up hope when he answered just before the call went to voicemail. "Hello?"

I stood frozen with my mouth open, not sure what to say. I snapped out of my daze when Troy prompted me with a second hello.

My voice was barely above a whisper as I spoke. "Troy, it's Gabby. I'm right outside Skylar's room. Can we talk in person, please?"

"Sure," He agreed and hung up.

I held my breath until he slipped out of the room. "Hi, Gabby. Is everything OK?"

I shook my head in response. "No, Britton has T.A. and is in the operating room. But there might not be enough blood, and she is losing more blood than the doctors anticipated."

Troy studied me for a long second. "What's her blood type?"

"O+," I answered, "Could you…"

I didn't have to finish, and Troy slipped his hand into mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll donate if I can."

I throw my arms around him. "Thank you."

"Anytime," He whispered in my ear.

We pulled away, and our eyes locked. For a moment, it was like we were back in high school, and only two of us were in this world. Feeling his hot breath on my skin, I felt myself pulling closer to him until we were inches from each other's lips.