I can't help it. I really can't. I know I begin stories, then I leave everyone hanging, and I admit, I DO need help, but I JUST. CAN'T. STOP. Do you think there's a rehab for struggling, addicted writers anywhere?

Bold/narrorator

Italics/actions

They really believed that they could make it work...

"I don't know... are we? Are we really still in love?" Troy tears himself from the truth of the matter. He doesn't want for it to be real, but there's no way of changing fate...

They really wanted to believe that they still loved each other.

"Why are we still forcing this, Troy?" Sharpay's words are caught in her throat as a swell of tears overpower her. "We really can't go on like..." the shrill ringing of the telephone interrupts Troy and Sharpay's heated discussion.

But they never knew that one phone call had a part in fate itself...

But she's suddenly gone...

"C'mere, you." Sharpay gives a soft smile to the tiny dog that had wandered into the middle of the street. She scoops up the puppy and holds it tight against her body.

And she never saw the blinding white headlights until they were up close and personal...

...and Troy suddenly realized how much he loved her...

"How could I have been so stupid?" he whispers softly as he takes her cold hand, gently placing a kiss on the back of her hand. Savoring what he could, now that it was all over...

...how much he really needed her.

Troy covers his face with his hands as tears endlessly spill out.

This was the first time he regretted something.

And it was the first time he had felt alone.

But what happens when he's given a second chance...

"Three days."

"What?"

"Three days, Troy, that's all I'm giving you."

"What the hell are you talking about? And who the hell are you?"

"Use them wisely. Find the gift that will keep her alive. Don't change her fate. Don't tell her. Just love her."

"Wait... hold on!" And in a brilliant flash of light, his only source was gone.

To re-live the last three days of her life?

Troy groans and rolls over in his usually empty bed. But when he opens his eyes and sees a familiar face smiling softly at him, his only response was to shout.

"Morning, sleepyhead." Sharpay giggles.

Wishes will be made...

"Anything you want. Name it."

"Troy, you don't have to do this..." but he really did. Maybe the gift that would keep her alive was hidden somewhere in her happiness...

A new happiness will be developed...

Sharpay shrieks as a bundle of snow explodes against the comfort of her winter jacket. There in Times Square, Troy Bolton was making her the happiest woman alive...

And two people realize what love really is.

"I am in fucking love with Sharpay Evans!" With his hands cupped around his mouth, Troy shouts his announcement to the entire city, hoping every single person below them will hear.

And in turn, be in love as well.

Zac Efron

Troy examines the wedding ring Sharpay had placed in his hand. His anger is trapped just beneath his surface and he lets the ring drop to the floor.

Ashley Tisdale

Sharpay cradle's the telephone in her hands and lets a warm smile come to her face. "Of course, I'll go find her for you. Just give me a few minutes..."

The clock is set back 72 hours for them in...

"Where are you going?" Troy quickly rolls out of bed as Sharpay pulls on her jacket. "Let me go with you." Sharpay is confused by the panic that threads his voice, but moves forward anyways.

"Mrs. Smith's dog went missing again. I'm just going to go find her. I'll be back in ten minutes." she smiles.

"No!" Troy answers quickly. "I mean... uh... you don't have to go. Please, Sharpay..."

Embrace Every Moment

"Make her stop!" Troy shouts into the empty atmosphere.

"Troy, I'll be back soon." Sharpay rolls her eyes at Troy's worry.

"You can't change her fate, Troy. You just can't..."

February/March 2007

Troy angrily pounds his fist against the door that had closed behind Sharpay.

She was gone.

Again.

There's something wrong with me. I need to get my priorities straight. Though I believe that I'll finish every project I start, I need to work on my timing. :Sigh: Click that awesome purple button down there!