Nicolas Cage walked into East High, his face pointed down and his arms wrapped around his
books. It was his first day at a new high school, and he was nervous. He had just turned 17 two days
ago, on January 7th, but the happy feelings had turned into butterflies in his stomach. As Nic entered
the school, he noticed that most of the other teens were gathered in small circles, talking to their
friends.
Oh Great. Nic thought. How will I ever fit in here? Everyone already knows each other! The bell
rung, and Nic scuttled off to his first period class. He looked around at all the new faces. Many of his
classmates had not settled down in their seats yet, but rather they had gathered around two desks.
"Everyone in your seats!" Nic heard a loud voice coming from the front of the classroom. The
crowd dispersed as the teacher brought order to the room. Nic saw that the two previously crowded
desks contained a boy and a girl. The girl had long, dark curls and was wearing a yellow dress. She
was smiling despite having been yelled at. Nic turned his gaze to the boy sitting next to her. He was
the single most beautiful creature Nic had ever laid his eyes upon. His luscious brown hair swept
across his forehead, and his basketball jersey clung to his toned body. On the back of the Jersey, the
word BOLTON was printed in white block letters.
Before Nicolas knew it, the class had ended and students were filing their way out of the door.
Nic quickly gathered his things and scuttled out the door. As he passed through the doorway, his foot
slipped on the slick linoleum floor and his materials scattered across the hallway.
Great. Nic thought. Way to make a good first impression to the school, especially in front of that
Bolton boy. Nicolas was so angry at himself. He raised his head to see who had noticed his spill and
came face to face with a pair of stunning blue eyes. It was Bolton!
"Are you alright?" The boy asked, extending his hand to help Nicolas up. Nic gratefully grasped
his muscular hand and brushed himself off.
"I'm fine. Just a little embarrassed." Nicolas smiled bashfully. The boy snickered as he helped
Nic gather his scattered books.
"You're the new kid, right? My name's Troy. Troy Bolton." Troy. Nic thought. What a perfect
name.
"I'm Nicolas. Nicolas Cage." The two shook hands, their eyes lingering on one another for just a
bit longer than normal. Suddenly, the black haired girl exited the classroom and took Troy's hand.
"Ready to go to class, Troy?" the girl asked, fixated on Troy's face.
"Sure thing, Gabriella." Troy replied, peeling his eyes away from Nic. With one final wave
goodbye from Troy, the two took off down the hallway.