Author's Note: I decided to start this story because I think I can do a lot with Troy and Gabriella. If you like this story at all, please, please review this first chapter. That's how I will determine whether I'm going to delete this story and just focus on my Twilight fic, or keep up with both of them.

One

Impossible

Troy Bolton, senior captain of the East High basketball team, gazed longingly at his best friend's sister, earning a much-deserved slap from his girlfriend, Sharpay Evans. Cooper had made it perfectly clear that Gabriella was off-limits, and, under no circumstances would he change his mind. Still, Troy couldn't help but hope that the junior would catch his eyes and fall in love with him on the spot. So far, the odds were against him.

"What was that, Sharpay?" he asked, bringing his focus back to the table of friends before him.

"I was saying that we should coordinate our outfits for prom. I could wear that blue cocktail dress I got last week… and I'll find you a coral tie that matches it. What do you think, Troy?" she wondered.

"Whatever you want, Sharpay," was his answer, as always.

"Troy Bolton," Cooper Montez observed, taking his usual seat with Zeke to his left and Troy to his right. His tray was empty, apart from the granny smith apple in the middle.

"How was your first day back, man?" Troy asked conversationally.

"It was fine. Senior year is going to rock! I can already tell. The only class I have Darbus for is 'Theatre Arts'," he said, mocking the teacher's high, cartoon-like voice. "But hey, at least we're not in her homeroom anymore."

Troy nodded his agreement, slapping Cooper a characteristic high-five. "I can honestly say that that is a definite pro," Chad Danforth, another player on the basketball team, piped up. "She's had it out for me since the day I stepped foot into her classroom freshmen year."

"To be fair," Zeke started. "You did do some pretty bad things to deserve it."

"Yeah," Cooper said. "Remember that time you gave her that apple that had a worm in the middle of it?"

Sharpay laughed her high, tinny giggle. "Yeah. She bit it in half, and you raised your hand and said 'Hey, Ms. Darbus. What's worse than finding a worm in your apple? Finding half a worm in it!'"

"She screamed and threw it on the floor, and you had lunch detention for a month," Troy reminded him.

"Yeah, totally worth it," he said, grinning widely. "The look on her face was priceless. Definitely one of my best memories here at East High." The entire gang muttered their agreement.

"Hey, speaking of apples," Troy said. "Are you planning on eating today, Cooper?"

"Not really," he admitted. "Me and Gabby went out to eat with our Great Aunt Bessie last night. That's enough to make me lose my appetite for a week!"

"Hey! She's not all bad, Cooper!" Gabriella interrupted, drowning out the group's laughter. "M-mind if I sit here?" she continued nervously, sensing Troy's eyes on her back.

"Sure," Cooper nodded. "Alright guys?"

The "guys", minus Sharpay and Troy, broke into a chorus of "Sure"s and "Yeah"s. Gabriella squeezed in between her brother and Troy, much to Sharpay's disapproval.

"What happened to Taylor and Kelsi, Gabs?" Cooper asked his little sister.

She rolled her beautiful, chocolate brown eyes, annoyed. "Field trip. Apparently the Chemistry Club has those things every four months, beginning on the first day of school."

Cooper looked at her confusedly. "I thought you were in the Chemistry Club?"

"I quit, Cooper," she mumbled. "Michael. Remember?"

"Michael Johnson?" Sharpy asked. "He's in Ryan's yoga club. He was talking about how he got you good, Gabriella. I have no idea what he could mean by that…"

"Shut up!" Troy mouthed.

"No… it's… he did…" Gabriella stuttered, blinking away the inevitable tears. "I've got to go… erm… I have… rehearsal for… the… the musical… b-bye, Cooper."

"Gabby!" Cooper called after her. "Rehearsal doesn't start until next period!"

She just shook her loose, brown curls, dumping her tray into the revolver before pushing through the double-doored exit of the cafeteria.

"Troy, you know I'd do anything for you, right man?" Cooper asked suddenly.

"Yeah, I guess. Why?"

"I need you to do something for me."

"Anything, man," Troy agreed quickly.

"Control your girlfriend. She's just destroyed my sister."

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He heard the muffled sobs before he saw her frail, distorted figure, sitting haphazardly on the porch swing in his secret escape. "Gabriella?" he asked timidly.

"Troy," she stated, hurriedly wiping the tears stains from her olive cheeks. "I'm.. s-sorry…"

"Don't be," he shook his head. "I didn't build this place. I just discovered it."

She laughed quietly. "I must look pretty ridiculous, sitting up here crying my eyes out," she noted.

"Actually…" Troy argued, clearing the mascara from under her eyes with his forefinger. "I think you look ten times better without makeup on."

She blushed. "Thanks, Troy. You're a great liar."

"Wasn't a lie, Montez. But whatever. Now, would you care to explain why the prettiest junior at East High School is doing up here during free period, crying hysterically?" he pressed teasingly.

"Sharpay was right, you know," she muttered, all of the humor gone from her voice.

"About…?"

"Michael. He did 'get me good'. And you know something?" she continued.

"What's that?" Troy asked, fuming.

"I'm not even the least bit surprised that he told everyone about it. He would be proud of himself," she spat.

Troy nodded, anger flashing through his ocean-blue eyes. "Gabby, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to… but I've been wondering…"

"What Michael did to me?" she finished knowingly.

"Well, yeah."

"I'll tell you, Troy," she agreed solemnly. "But not now. Not today. That's a story for another day. One where I'm not in danger of getting kicked out of the Spring Musical," she giggled. "Speaking of which, I think I should catch at least half of the dress rehearsal. I am, after all, the lead."

"Look at you," Troy stated appreciatively. "Eleventh grade and already Broadway-ready."

"Very funny, Bolton," she said, sarcasm heavy in her tone. "You're just jealous." With that, she stood up, bolted down the stairs, and made her way through the snaking hallway to the theater.

"You have no idea, Gabriella."

A/N: Sorry this chapter is so short, but I just want to see if anyone reviews it… so if you happen to read this story and you like it, or hate it, or want to chew it up and spit it in my face, tell me. Thank you, thank you. I promise that the next chapter will be significantly longer.

C.J.