Disclaimer: I don't own HSM, although I wish I did.

Summary: Troy is devastated when Gabriella is critically injured from a hit and run accident. But then he sees her spirit all around him. The pair of them become as close as ever, but she must wake up soon or she might die. Will she ever break free of her coma?

A/N: This is mainly a Troy and Gabriella story, but other pairings could pop up at any time. I hope you all enjoy my first HSM story!

Chapter One

Broken

Troy Bolton was playing basketball like always. He enjoyed that and singing. He was so happy. He had finally plucked up the courage to ask Gabriella on a date. And the high school musical was coming soon, so that they could both be together for much longer.

“Yeah!” the others cheered.

Troy had successfully thrown in the ball into the basket.

“That’s what I’m talking about! We got to be ready for the new season next year!” he told the Wildcats. “That’s it for now, Wildcats! Let’s go and get some fresh air.”

There was nothing else he could think of. Gabriella was the one he couldn’t stop thinking about. Her face, her smile, her eyes, her long curly hair …

“Troy!”

It was his dad.

“Hey, dad,” smiled Troy. “The team’s doing great. I think we can take the championship next year second time in a row.”

But he noticed something was wrong.

“Umm … dad?” he said. “Where’s Gabriella? What’s going on? She was supposed to be here about ten minutes ago.”

“Son, let’s take a walk,” said Mr Bolton.

“I don’t want to take a walk,” said Troy firmly. “Now where is she? Where’s Gabriella?”

Mr Bolton sighed. “I’m sorry, Troy,” he said. “There was an accident.”

“A-Accident?” repeated Troy. “What accident?”

Silence reigned for the next few moments.

“WHAT ACCIDENT?” he yelled.

“Gabriella was knocked down by a truck,” said Mr Bolton. “It was a hit and run. The driver was drinking. He must have realised what he did and took off. She was knocked down, son, and she’s in hospital. I’m so sorry. There’s little chance she’ll ever make it.”