Disclaimer: I don't own High School Musical.

Sharpay squeezed her eyes shut knowing that this was her last moment and happy that she was with Troy. Troy continued to rub the back of her hand soothingly as he took calm, steadying breaths.

And then there was nothing.

A New Beginning

The wind gushed around her, whipping her long hair in front of her face and blowing it into tangled knots. Once or twice she tried to grab hold and tame the out of control mess but the incredible wind worked her hair loose of her grip within seconds. Giving up, she brought her hands to her stomach and hugged herself tightly. The darkness was overwhelming and with it came a devastating sense of loneliness. She couldn't find Troy and no matter how loudly she called his name, the wind managed to smother her voice before it even left her mouth.

The darkness pressed in on her, physically smothering body. The air had become denser because of it. Any movement she tried to make was like molasses and it easily wore her out. Her feet were no longer touching the ground, as there was no longer a ground, nor a sky, nor anything in between. In fact, Sharpay couldn't figure out if she was falling or swimming.

Holding in a sob, she rolled herself into a tight ball hugging her knees tightly to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut. The moment here eyes were closed an image of Troy smiling warmly and lovingly appeared in her mind. She focused on his face finding comfort and calm with it and soon her forbidding surroundings seemed to melt away.

Sharpay started and opened her eyes suddenly as though she'd just jerked awake from a horrifying nightmare. She was sitting on the floor of a small room. Her arms were wrapped tightly around her knees, her heart was pounding heavily in her chest. Troy had his arm wrapped protectively around her, hugging her tightly, almost threatening to never let go. Sharpay breathed a sigh of relief and leaned into his chest, seeking his strength.

"I thought this was supposed to be a field?" Troy whispered sounding slightly confused.

"Hm?"

"Never mind, where do you think we are?"

Sharpay pulled away slightly and glanced around the room. On first impression she had known that it was brightly lit and very white. But as she gave it a closer look she realized that there were many peculiarities she'd never before encountered. Though the room was so well lit, Sharpay could not find a direct source of light; there were no lamps, no ceiling lights, nothing. And the room was certainly a room, they weren't outdoors, yet there didn't seem to be a distinction between the floor, walls and ceiling. It was all one improbable unit that didn't have any beginning or end.

"I remember mom talking about a white room. This must be it."

"Ah, miss Evans. I was beginning to think I'd never see you here."

Startled by the unexpected voice speaking from behind them Troy and Sharpay quickly scrambled to their feet and turned to face their addressor. A small woman dressed very simply was sitting behind a large oak-wood desk. Her hair was pulled back into a conservative bun and her hands were folded firmly on top of her workspace. Through thinly rimmed spectacles she smiled approvingly at the apprehensive teenagers before her.

"Sit," she ordered.

Sharpay turned to Troy in astonishment, she felt her icy mask slip into place as was often the case when she found herself in an unfamiliar situation. Turning back to the woman she was about to comment snarkily about the lack of seats but was cut short by the sight of two hand carved, high backed wooden chairs covered elegant floral fabric.

"Where did those come from?" Sharpay demanded, her voice rising as her sense of control over the situation quickly evaporated. Troy placed his hand on Sharpay's lower back to silently remind her that he was still there, she didn't need to worry.

It seemed to work as Sharpay immediately released the tension in her shoulders and took a deep, calming breath.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what you mean. Those chairs have always been there. You just hadn't seen them yet. Now sit."

Confused but not willing to argue the point, Sharpay and Troy both timidly took their seats across from the woman at the desk and waited for her to explain.

"Now, I am very pleased with this outcome. You know Sharpay, we didn't have much hope for you up here."

"What do you mean?" Sharpay asked suspiciously.

"Oh, nothing bad. We just saw how desperate you were and desperation leads to hasty decisions. But it seems your one was a good match for you. You two seem to balance each other out." The woman smiled.

Sharpay blushed slightly and turned to look at Troy who was already staring at her with an indiscernible expression clouding his features. But he quickly hid them with a smile as he grabbed her hand in his larger one.

Unsettled, Sharpay frowned slightly as she turned back to the woman. "Who are you?"

"I'm sorry, I should have opened with this. I'm Margaret. I will be assisting you two with your next decision."

"Decision?" Troy asked, sitting up straighter in his seat, his attention alerted.

"Yes. You see, you both have done very good things. You, Sharpay," Margaret inclined her head toward Sharpay, "allowed your one the freedom of choice. By disclosing your circumstances as well as your desires you placed his life above your own and allowed him the opportunity to decline. And you, Troy," this time she inclined her head toward Troy, "took this decision into your hands and chose selflessly. You put Sharpay's desires before your own and gave her the one thing she'd been longing for."

"So, is this like a test? We have to make one more decision to determine if we go to Heaven or Hell?" Sharpay asked, fear starting to settle in her stomach once again.

Margaret laughed. "Don't be silly, we already know where you two are going. No, it's not a test. More like a reward. Because of the behavior that both of you have exhibited, we would like to give you a second chance on Earth. Both of you being able to live out your lives and die naturally. Of course," Margaret narrowed her gaze on Sharpay, "if you want to die now that is a perfectly reasonable option. However, you both need to make this decision together."

Sharpay's draw dropped and Troy's face broke out into a wide grin.

"You mean, I'll be able to turn seventeen?"

"And eighteen and twenty-five and eighty," Margaret smiled.

"Well, yes, absolutely!" Sharpay shrieked in delight. "Right Troy?"

"No doubt," he smiled.

"Great!" Margaret enthused. "I was hoping you would say that."

"Great!" Sharpay giggled.

"Great." Troy squeezed Sharpay's hand.

"Shit." Margaret said, face falling slightly. "I forgot to tell you your conditions. You will not be able to return to your homes, neither of you. Everybody who knew you will no longer have any recollection of your existence. You must start afresh and you must start alone."

"Oh," Sharpay sat back in her chair disappointed.

"Wait, what?" Troy sat up in his chair in confusion.

"But you two are ok with that, yes?"

"Well, we should probably discuss–" Sharpay began.

"Excellent. Good luck," Margaret beamed brightly at the stunned teenagers and waved goodbye as she, along with the rest of Troy and Sharpay's surrounding's, faded away.

"Wait!" Sharpay yelled as she jumped up from her chair angrily. But it was too late. Margaret had disappeared along with the desk, the chairs and the room that they were in. Sharpay grabbed Troy's hand as they found themselves existing in a world of nothingness. There was no floor that they were standing on, just as there was no air that they were breathing and no objects that they were surrounded by. But this paradox only lasted a moment before they were once again thrown into the overwhelming darkness and wind. Alone, together.

/

Sharpay opened her eyes and was surprised to see the park in front of her with its familiarly manicured lawn and brightly colored flowers bordering the graveled path. Troy sighed next to her and she slumped down in disappointment.

"It didn't work?" Sharpay asked.

"I can't remember," Troy replied softly.

Sharpay rolled her eyes in irritation and jumped to her feet. "Whatever," she sighed as she started to stalk away. Troy watched her retreating form with sad eyes, feeling that despite everything she was walking away from him forever. Troy groaned and dropped his head in his hands, squeezing his eyes tightly shut.

What had just happened?

"You coming?" Sharpay's harsh voice barked.

Troy's head snapped up in surprise and he saw Sharpay standing ten paces ahead of him with her arms crossed beneath her glaring gaze and her foot tapping impatiently.

"Oh!" Troy quickly jumped to his feet and jogged to Sharpay's side. "Where are we going?"

"To my house!" she replied as if this had been predetermined. "I figure we might as well have a good breakfast as long as we're still alive."

The two walked in silence for the remainder of the journey, their pace brisk enough to deter any lengthy discussions. Troy's thoughts were consumed by what he couldn't remember happen after the kiss. He was sure something had gone down but it was just beyond his conscious memory for him to recall. Sharpay seemed to be fuming inwardly as she led the way with pounding footsteps and heaving breaths.

It wasn't long before they reached the Evan's mansion where Sharpay paused at the front door to rummage in her purse for her house keys.

"Crap. I could have sworn I had them," she muttered to herself, coming up empty handed. "How did I lock the door without them?"

With a shrug of dismissal, she simply reached over and rang the doorbell. "Ryan should be up by now," she said in explanation.

They waited a few minutes before the tell-tale sound of the lock being undone was heard. The door opened slowly to reveal a sleepy looking Ryan rubbing his eyes vigorously. After a dramatic yawn, he crossed his arms over his chest and fixed Sharpay with a challenging glare. "Yes?"

"Why weren't you up yet, Ryan? Shouldn't you be getting ready for school?"

Ryan scoffed. "And who the hell are you to tell me what I should be doing?" he asked in an aggressively defensive tone.

Sharpay was taken aback. "What? Sorry, I just meant. Oh, never mind. I just forgot my key, that's why I rang the doorbell. Now, can you please step aside so we can come in?"

Ryans eyes narrowed as he continued to block the door. "Seriously. Who are you?"

"What?"

"And what are you doing here?"

"Ryan, stop playing. This isn't funny." Sharpay's voice was rising in panic.

Troy watched this exchange in confusion, knowing something was not right. He just couldn't quite figure out what was going on.

'You will not be able to return to your homes, neither of you'

"Just let us in!" Sharpay yelled moving forward in an attempt to force her way through the opening but Ryan easily blocked her with his strong arms, shoving her away and knocking her to the ground.

"Hey man! What's your problem?" Troy yelled angrily.

"Go Away! Both of you!" Ryan yelled back before slamming the front door closed with such force the entire front porch rattled with the impact.

/

Vivian stopped reading when she heard the doorbell ring.

She had been wrapped up comfortably in a warm blanket in her bedroom reading leisurely as she sipped a warm mug of coffee. But her stomach dropped unexpectedly with the ringing of the doorbell.

Placing her book on her nightstand she slowly stood, taking a moment to readjust the blanket around her, and approached her window. At this angle she couldn't see who was standing on their front porch but she could hear the proceedings. She listened silently, all the while trying to figure the familiar sensation in the pit of her stomach.

The conversation didn't last long and soon the front door was slammed shut, her window rattled from the force. But Vivian did not yet move. Watching the front driveway, she saw two teenagers swiftly walking away. The boy was holding tight to the girls hand, leading her down the driveway as the girl wiped away her tears with her free hand.

Vivian smiled softly to herself before calmly returning to her nightstand and picking up her book once more.

/

"Oh my gosh, you're right," Sharpay gasped. "I remember now."

After the incident at Sharpays house, Troy took her to the nearest coffee shop to buy the largest latté's available. They then continued to wander aimlessly through the city discussing what Troy had slowly begun to recall. Eventually, with contributions from both, they were able to piece together all that was said in the infamous white room.

"So nobody remembers us," Sharpay whispered unable to remove her anxiety from her voice.

"It's like we never existed," Troy agreed.

"We have no family, no home and oh my God we have no money!"

"That's not entirely true," Troy said sensing the unabashed panic that was quickly rising in Sharpay's eyes. "We have whatever cash is in your purse and we have the four dollars that are in my pocket and we have that quarter that's on the ground up ahead."

"Exactly," Sharpay wailed. "We have no money!"

"Fine. But we can't panic. We need to make a plan."

"Right," Sharpay laughed bitterly. "We just need jobs and a place to live and food to eat and clothes to wear. Nothing too difficult to attain when we don't have any money."

"Right," Troy said dejectedly. "We need a plan."

They continued down the street in silence, each pondering where to begin their new lives, neither coming up with a plausible plan. Troy kicked a pebble in frustration and tried to remember what it felt like to live without this fear gnawing through his insides. It was only a few short hours ago that he'd had parents and friends and a house to live in and a bed to sleep in.

Now all he had was Sharpay.

Who was currently flashing somebody.

"What the hell are you doing?" he hissed as he grabbed her arm and yanked it down, pulling her shirt back down with it.

"Well, hello there little lady. Is there something I can do for you?" A middle aged man with a largely receding hairline and a belly that threatened the workmanship on his designer suit had pulled over to the side of the road. Sitting in his shiny, silver Porsche convertible he leered up at Sharpay with a lustful gaze.

Troy's stomach clenched.

"I'm getting us a ride," Sharpay whispered out of the side of her mouth. Then, putting her hands on the side of the Porsche, Sharpay leaned down seductive, allowing her shirt neckline to fall open and asked in a husky voice, "Room for a passenger?"

The mans eyes lit up in delight. "Sure, let me just put this here in the trunk and you can have the front seat." He anxiously grabbed his briefcase and scrambled out of the car, making room in the passenger seat.

"Thanks!" Sharpay chirped, opening the passenger door and sliding her small body into the seat. But instead of buckling herself in, she quickly scooted into the driver's seat and motioned for Troy to get in next to her. Without hesitating, he sank down into the small car and slammed the door closed just as the man slammed the trunk closed. And with an angry rev of the engine, Sharpay peeled away leaving the man stunned and robbed on the side of the road.

Troy whipped his head around to watch as the man ran after them screaming and waving his arms pathetically and he couldn't help but to laugh. He couldn't tell if it stemmed from the hilarity of the moment or the fear of what was to come but his laughter quickly grew into hysterics which Sharpay promptly joined. Pretty soon they were both laughing so hard it was almost impossible to see where the car was headed and, with a mighty swerve, Sharpay barely missed a pedestrian attempting to cross the road. This brought both of their mirth to a sudden halt, leaving only the sound of the engine and the all too familiar roar of the wind to fill their ears.

Sharpay veered through traffic and took every corner at dangerous speeds to finally reach the freeway entrance, all in record time. She continued to carry them north for half an hour though she had no true destination in mind. Finally, heart still pounding, she pulled over to the side of the freeway and cut the engine. Breathing heavily, her small hands remained clutching the steering wheel as she tried unsuccessfully to clear her thoughts.

"My God, Troy. We just stole a car."

"I know."

They both took deep breaths, staring straight ahead at the endlessly long road before them.

"So what happens now?"

/

That's it, everybody. Can you believe it? We FINALLY finished this one. Took me long enough, right?

I want you all to know that I do have other stories in the works, including the possibility of a sequel to this one (though I make no promises). However, nothing will be posted for a few weeks because I need to be sure that I'll be able to update consistently for ya'll. Just put me on alert or keep an eye out for my next story.

But for now I would love it if Everybody would leave me a nice little review. Tell me what you thought of this chapter and this story. And thank you all so much for reading!

-R