I just updated my other story. I had written this like a month and half ago and was like wth! why not?

Be nice, its my first HSM.

Title: This is the Life

by: FearandLoathing

Prologue: The Next Monday...

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Gabriella's head absently strayed to the side on her way to the front door, she stopped abruptly and began inspecting herself. She looked alright, she supposed. She lifted a hand to brush away a curl from her eyes. She had bought new pants, painted her toe nails, and actually put on make up.

It was all so anti-climatic, because she looked exactly the same. It normally wouldn't have bothered her, but today was an important day. It was the Monday after the Callbacks, the Championship game, and the Scholastic Decathlon. People actually knew her name now, and instead of the happiness she expected at being recognized, Gabriella was feeling nervous. She enjoyed the spotlight while on stage, but in life it was different. She didn't want to be popular, just to have fun at whatever pleased her.

She smiled slightly at the face that popped in her head. They blew everyone away at the auditions and it made her glow at the memory. A small voice in the back of head told her that as long as she was in his company, she'd be okay. God, she was obsessed with him. Change of topic, she decided in her mind.

"I'm going to school now." She practically yelled into the silent house. Without waiting for a response, Gabriella opened the door and was face to face with none other than Troy Bolton himself.

Confusion was apparent when she cocked her head to the side in an obvious question. "Troy?" Her voice sounded weak to her own ears. She groaned mentally, of course she could yell at a house. But when it came to the blue eyed boy in front of her, she was hopeless.

"I tried to call you," He explained when he had realized she expected a response. "I decided to, without your permission of course, walk you to school today."

"Thanks for considering my feelings." She giggled and slapped him playfully.

Warmth enveloped the spot where she had just touched, nervously Troy cleared his throat. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be," She concluded, unaware of Troy's eyes as she looked at the cracks in the sidewalk as she passed. "It's gonna be different now, isn't it?"

"It doesn't have to be." He replied loyally, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"I suppose it's a good change though."

"It is. It's all about you. Your the mysterious new girl. You manage to sing, be smart, all the while bringing out a new side to a lunkhead jock. I can read it now," Troy let go of her regretfully and put his hands in front of her as if to paint a picture. "The gorgeous Gabriella Montez, pictured here with unidentifiable friend, lets all of us in to her world."

"The day you are unidentifiable, is the day I scored forty-one points-"

"Yeah, yeah," He said, interrupting her and earning another slap.

This was the first girl Troy Bolton had ever openly initiated flirting-and amazingly enough, he couldn't stop. It was exhilarating, the way she made him feel. Since the first day they had met, Gabriella had kept him enticed. His friends had noticed how distracted he had become, she was always on his mind. She was almost like his addiction. Every hairstyle, outfit, word, song, and seemingly innocent touch was mind-blowing.

She slipped her arm into his as silence took over, and Troy glanced down at her pretty face.

He wouldn't have it any other way.

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"Are you okay?" Troy asked casually as they neared the school.

"Yeah." She responded in a flat voice, slowing her steps down noticeably.

He grabbed her by the shoulder gently to stop her. "Hey, look at me."

She didn't.

"Come on, I'm right in front of you. It's not that hard. Just," He grabbed her chin and forced her gaze to meet his. "show me those brown eyes."

A small smile appeared.

"Come on, you know they all practically worship you now. Think of it as a chance to make new friends." He reasoned, running that same hand through his hair. He didn't want to admit it, but the closeness excited him.

"I think I'm fine with the friends I have now." A small blush graced her cheeks as she spoke. "But it would be nice to meet new-"

Having misinterpreted her blush, his eyes widened slightly as if having a revelation. How many guys would now chase after her? The thought of her with a another guy made him feel physically (and violently) sick. Didn't she know that she was supposed to wait until he could gather the courage to ask her out? The two miss-kisses left his confidence shaken, and was now unsure of her feelings toward him. But didn't the whole school think of them as a couple? I mean they where always together, and he made sure to touch her at the times possible. The signs were there, and any one with an I.Q. of -1 could tell. Troy decided he should take it a step further, a warning sign if you will.

"I just don't like being the center of attention." She finished, her brown eyes warm.

"I'm here to share the spotlight too!" He struck a dramatic pose.

"Your always there for me, I don't know what I'd do without you." She allowed her smile to get bigger.

Then out of no where, Gabriella hugged him. After regaining his senses, he wrapped his arms around her waist and spun around. She buried her head into his neck, trying to capture the scent of Troy Bolton.

"Even though your an attention whore." She winked at him as soon as she was set back on the ground and ran away.

"I am not!" He called after her causing her to shriek in surprise and run faster. Troy smiled goofily while jogging after her. "You motivate me, maybe you should come to my practice."

"Your dad would love that won't he?" She yelled and continued to move as to not comprimise her position. Gabriella crouched behind the stairs and peeked out to make sure it was clear.

"I know I would." He whispered in her ear.

"Aahh!" She screamed loudly, and jumped around in surprise. "Now, Troy, come on. I have my school bag with me, and all my homework is included in that. You don't want to put my future in question for a little revenge, do you?"

He looked thoughtful for a moment, then out of no where he grabbed her by the waist, and threw her over his shoulder.

"Troy!" She let an ear-splitting scream. She dropped her bag, and began to pound on his back. "I swear, you better put me down or else."

"Or else what?" He challenged, feeling more giddy then he could ever remember. He picked up her messenger bag, and set off the short distance toward school.

But Gabriella had gone quiet, and was staring intently at Troy's butt as she hung. It looked even better up close, she felt a pang in her stomach when she wondered if any girl ever had this view.

Ignoring the curious stares, he put her down right in front of the entrance to school. He began to open the door when she stopped him. "What?"

"Do I look all right?" She tugged on her hair nervously, also trying to fish for some compliments. Troy Bolton was a good complimenter, or at least to her.

"You look beautiful, as always. Just remember, I'm here." He tugged on her hair affectionately. "I have a confession to make. I am a wonderful back walker, it's true. I have a gift."

"What does that mean?"

He opened the door and began to walk backwards still facing her. The whole hallway had gone quiet, and all eyes were focused on them. "Told you." He whispered, feeling everyone's eyes on them. "Walk with me. So this is what it feels like to part the Red Sea?"

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Review! Review! Please be nice!

I'll update with Trials by the end of the month!