Gotta Go My Own Way Chapter 1, a high school musical fanfic

Tears ran down Gabriella's face as she sat in the taxi. She pulled her black coat tightly around her as she felt the chill from the New York air. She was at the gym where the New York Knicks trained. This was the first place that she had to come in order to sort her life out. She was nineteen years old and she was currently going through the unhappiest time of her life. After moving from state to state as a child, she had finally found friends and the love of her life. Now she had nothing. The boy that she had loved all those years ago had changed into a heartless uncaring man. They had been through so much together. They had flipped the schools clique system upside down and brought together a gang that had the unlikeliest members ever. Drama kids, jocks, brainiacs. People that were never supposed to mix together.

She walked through the double doors into the reception area, and asked to see the man that she had once loved. The man that she was engaged to, but would never marry. Five minutes later he walked through the door with a face like thunder.

"What do YOU want? I'm practicing!" he hissed.

"I have to finally say what's on my mind Troy. You've changed since you got all this. Fame, fortune, cars, you don't seem to care about anything unless it's to do with basketball." Gabriella held back the tears that were threatening to fall.

"That is not true Gabriella. I put a roof over your head don't I?"

"What good is having a house when the man you love is never home to share it with you? Did you even know that our best friends are engaged now? And that they're getting married in July…Do you even care?"

"Why would I care about them? I have enough problems taking care of a baby like you!" This hit Gabi like a bullet to the brain. Troy felt a wave of guilt flood over him as he saw the timid woman before him wince.

"I have tried to get you to want to start planning a wedding…but it's like you don't want to marry me anymore. I don't know how but I still love you. But I can't do this anymore Troy. I have dreams for my future. It's so hard to say, but I've got to do what's best for me. I know you'll be ok. All that I ask is that you start to think about what's more important. All this…or your family and friends."

Gabriella turned and walked back out the doors. Tears flowed freely down her face as she got back into the taxi, which took her back to her and Troy's apartment.

Troy shook his head "Stupid Cow" he muttered to himself. He walked back into the gym and carried on with his practice. He arrived back at his penthouse apartment later that night. As he walked through the door he noticed something. A woman's touch had gone. Everyone of Gabriella's possessions was missing. He walked into the kitchen he noticed the East high yearbook resting next to an empty fruit bowl. He flicked through the pages that were stained with tears. He flipped to the cutes couples page where he saw a picture of him and Gabriella the night of prom. He looked at the inscription that Gabi hadn't written after they had been crowned King and Queen. "T + G 4EVER" Something fell out of the middle of the book, and hit the worktop with a soft clunk. He picked up the small object gently in his finger. It was attached to a piece of string, which in turn was attached to a key to his apartment. The engagement ring. She was gone, and there was nothing he could do to get her back.

5 Years Later

After Gabriella had left Troy she spent the Christmas month in Australia. She wanted time to herself to sort out her life. She had all her belongings shipped to her mother's while she was away. She sunned herself, picked up gifts and gave herself a well earned break from the loneliness that she had been suffering. She flew back to Albuquerque four and a half weeks later on the 5th of January. She spent her birthday, Christmas and New Year away. And she felt amazing. Once she settled in Albuquerque she moved back in with her mum. She enrolled at the University of Albuquerque and finally worked through that teaching degree that Troy had promised all those years ago that he would let her have no matter what. She got a teaching job at East High as an English teacher. Finally her life was set.

She had been working at EH for three years now. She was twenty-four years old. Chad and Taylor had postponed the small wedding that they had panned, opting instead to save and have the extravagant one that they had always wanted. It was now May, three months until the big day.

"Gabi it's 12 weeks away and we haven't even sorted out dresses yet!!"

"Taylor calm down! How about we all go this Saturday?" It was Gabriella's lunch break and her and Taylor went out for Paninis at their local bistro.

"I hope Shar can make it! Oh gosh, come on or we're going to be late!" The two women both worked at East High, Taylor was a chemistry teacher and had a classroom next door to Gabriella's.

Sharpay was married to Zeke. She was a drama teacher at West High and Zeke opened his own restaurant. They had been married for 3 years and had a two year old son called Damien. Chad had miraculously also entered the world of teaching, but he was an elementary school sports teacher. He and Zeke also coached a Saturday morning team. Sharpay's twin brother Ryan was also married and was working as a fitness instructor. He had opted for a simpler life after all the drama of high school. His wife was called Emily and she was a house wife.

The gang had gladly welcomed Gabi back with open arms 5 years ago and they swore they would never let her go again. No one ever spoke of Troy. However, everyone one was aware that he was now MVP and Captain of the Lakers. Gabriella had been heartbroken when Troy had never even tried to get in touch with her. But she got through it, just like she got through everyday, even through she felt like she was dying on the inside. She had never wanted to leave it all behind, but everytime she got her hopes up, she had to watch them fall. It was too hard for her to have to go through that everyday. She still missed and loved Troy with all of her heart. But he had obviously moved on. Headlines about his latest fancy woman were always being talked about especially between her pupils who swooned over her ex 24/7. Troy's latest whore was Crystal Deladean. A 'model' as she describes it. Gabriella was always honest and she had never hidden the fact that she was extremely jealous of all these woman. But she was happy to see that troy had never proposed to any of them. And now one of them was wearing his grandmother's engagement ring that she once had.

Since coming back to home Gabriella had made a few new friends. One of the best being Terry Frayn. He was East High's music teacher and a good one at that. He had a designer boyfriend who worked away in New York and only got to come home for 3 days every 2 weeks. Gabriella had finally bought her own house in the same road where all of the gang had lived. It was huge with four bedrooms, en-suites and large garden. But it was lonely.

The week flew by and before they knew it, it was Saturday. Dress day. Terry went with Taylor, Sharpay, Gabriella and Emily to the formal wear shop, to give his expert opinion. Taylor went first. She eventually picked out a long flowing ivory gown with traditional veil and train. She looked stunning. That took them from 9am until 11.30. Now it was time for the bridesmaids. Taylor picked out every style and colour of dress there was for the 3 girls to try on. A very frustrated Taylor dismissed blues, purples, greens, and golds, all.

Troy's POV I had just arrived in Albuquerque for the weekend to visit my parents. Crystal and me were walking down the high street when something in a bridal shop caught my eye. A young woman was stood on a small platform wearing the most gorgeous wedding dress that I had ever seen. Her skin was the colour of mocha. Her dark hair reached her shoulders and had gentle waves rippling through it. She had a beautiful smile spread across her face. Then I saw them. Those chocolate brown eyes that I hadn't seen for five long years. Gabriella. My Gabriella. She was wearing a wedding dress. She really had gone her own way. I felt the anger rise inside me. I pulled Crystal closer and marched away from the shop. Gabriella Montez choose to leave me and I didn't stop her. So why was I regretting it now? No one's POV

"Gabs it's fabulous! But it looks to much like a wedding dress" Taylor whined.

Gabriella went back into the changing rooms to try on the next gown, rolling her eyes at Emily as they passed.

Eventually they were done. Taylor had chosen light Pink spaghetti strap dresses that gently touched the floor. Silver accessories and shoes would accompany them. They finally emerged from the shop at 4.30pm.

"You guys want to get some food I'm starved!" Sharpay asked. Everyone nodded furiously as they jumped into Sharpay's SUV and drove to her husbands restaurant.

Once they arrived one of the waiters showed them to Sharpay's favorite table. Once they were seated and had ordered their food they began to talk excitedly about the wedding. Taylor saw a small movement in the bush outside. A small man with a camera was sat outside the restaurant she turned to see who they were taking pictures of. Then she saw him. Troy Bolton. He was sat having dinner with his parents and as Gabi liked to call them, his whore of the week. She nudges Sharpay under the table who had also spotted them. Sharpay stood and excused herself into the kitchen. She emerged minutes later.

"Guys the foods going to be like two hours because we're under staffed tonight. Why don't we head over to mine and order pizza?" Taylor quickly agreed before anyone had a chance to object. The two girls made sure that Gabriella got into the car before she noticed who was there. But he noticed the mouthy blonde. He turned and looked her in the eyes. Sharpay gave him a blank stare before jumping into her black SUV and driving away at full speed.

On Sunday everyone went over to Gabriella's for a chill day. She used to go over to her mums on a Sunday. However, Mrs. Montez had immigrated to Australia after her daughter came back and spoke of how wonderful and peaceful it was in Sydney. All day the gang watched movies and just chatted about life like normal. Everyone was there like normal.

Monday came around too soon for Gabriella's liking and before she knew it, she was thrown right back into her work. Finally, two months later, her favorite thing about being a teacher happened. Summer Vacation. Her last class screamed and jumped about as the final bell rang and Gabriella couldn't help but smile. Not only did she get two months off work, but also tonight she was going to wave off Ryan at the airport and Sharpay was taking her to a spa. Today was the anniversary of when Troy had proposed and Sharpay always took her somewhere special to help keep her mind off it. Ryan was going to work in New York for a few days with some sports guys. He was going to show them how to live a healthier lifestyle which would also increase their current athletic ability. Gabriella had done nothing but laugh about the thought of Ryan among all the super tall guys…. and then seeing Ryan teaching them yoga. That image was priceless.

The Next Day

Ryan's POV

Today was my first day in New York. I had just arrived at Training center and the nerves were getting to me. Luckily, my colleague Bethany had accompanied me on the trip so at least I didn't feel alone. As I walked through the doors I suddenly saw who my project would be. It was the Lakers. And there in the middle of everyone, was none other than Troy Bolton.

"Ryan?" I had hoped he wouldn't recognize me but I really hadn't changed that much since high school.

"Hey Troy, how's it going?" It's great man what about you I heard you got married?" Troy smiled his famous smile that had once melted my own sister's heart. That was until he had started to date Gabriella.

"Yeah, my wife's back home she's called Emily. What about you?" I was expecting him t say something like no one special but instead he came out with

"Well me and Crystal are still together. It's been three months now so who knows. Maybe I'll be getting married next." He grinned which I tried my best to return.

"Taylor and Chad are getting married next month." I mentally kicked myself for letting that piece of information slip.

"Ohh…really? They…er…never called or invited me or anything. I didn't know." He seemed pretty hurt by this. I knew Gabriella would tear me limb from limb from what I was about to do.

"Well they tried to send you an invitation but they didn't know you're address they've been trying to get in touch." His face lit up as I unwillingly gave out the details of the Danforth/McKessie August wedding. After ten minutes of small talk the session began. For the next three hours I prayed that Troy would forget all about the wedding and not turn up. Saving me a very painful explanation.

Skipping Forward two weeks No one's POV

It was now two weeks until the big day and everyone was rushing around like headless chickens trying to sort out all those last minute details. The girls had the final dress fitting on Sunday and the Sunday after was the rehearsal and then instead of having hen parties and stag nights, the gang decided on a pizza and movies sleepover like old times. Ryan didn't have the guts to tell Gabriella about Troy. He had confided in Sharpay who had been as stumped as him as to what would be the best thing to do. Everyone knew that she still loved him but they thought that knowing he would be there with her just might push her over the edge.

Finally after a week of bossy and frustrated Taylor, it was time for the final dress fitting. The girls plus Terry and Taylor and Chad's mums walked through the door. Ready to be attacked with pins and cold fingers of the seamstress. Gabriella, Emily and Sharpay had their dress comfortably molded to their slender bodies. Then it was Taylor's turn. Her beautiful dress fit her perfectly once all the pins were in. It fit like a glove and Taylor was the most relaxed that she had been in weeks.

"Tay you look gorgeous!" Emily swooned. She also knew about Troy. They didn't dare tell Taylor either because she was stressed enough as it was. Knowing that there could be possible drama would probably send her insane.

Tonight was the night of the sleepover. The whole gang was crowded around Gabriella's living room floor with a lot of pillows, duvets and sleeping bags. The corner of the room was piled high with snacks and sodas and the movies and games were stacked up next to the TV.

They all sat and watched their favorite film from High school, Hairspray. They danced and sang along. Gabriella had missed this. But most of all she missed sharing these happy times with Troy. But that was her past and her future was what she had to look for now. What's gone is gone and it's not going to come back to her.

"Hey Gabs can we ask you something?" Chad seemed nervous as he looked at the young woman that was like his sister.

"Yeah Chad, what is it?"

"Well…err… me and Tay were wondering if you would maybe…possible…consider…singing at the wedding reception?"

Gabriella looked unsure as she thought for a moment. "Only if I can choose the songs and I get to do them in my own way."

"That is totally fine! Thank You so much we love you!" The young couple embraced her in a bone-crunching hug.

"So do you have any song ideas?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah I've got two, but I need Sharpay for back up vocals."

She spent the next ten minutes talking about her songs. They were both quite sad but beautiful and personal to Gabi at the same time.

"They sound great Gab's but…well we did have a song in mind…but we didn't know if you would want to do it." They looked at Gabriella hopefully. She raised eyebrows for them to carry on.

"We were hoping that you would sing Everyday with Terry, but turn it into being about friends."

Tears stung Gabriella's eyes as she heard her friend's words, "That song has so many memories and is so important to me." The gang felt ashamed that they had upset her by asking this, "And I'm so happy that you would want me to do that!" She broke down into a flood of happy tears. The girls cried along with her as the guys surrounded them in a circle hug. Later on they found the music for Everyday and starting setting up a fun rehearsal. Ryan had offered to play guitar for Gabriella's other two numbers. They began to rehearse and it felt exactly like old times. Gabriella couldn't wait until the wedding. However, Ryan could.

The wedding was finally here! That night all the girls had slept over at Gabi's and the guys had stayed at the Danforths.

"Come on everyone get up!! I'M GETTING MARRIED!" Taylor squealed as she ran down the hallway banging on all the bedroom doors. The wedding was at 2pm and it was now 9.30am.

"Taylor we love you but be quiet or you would have a wedding to go to!" Emily threatened.

"Sorry I'm just excited!"

Gabriella laughed, "Ok Tay go and have your shower and I'll go make the breakfast"

Taylor ran off obeying the latinas orders. Gabriella made her way downstairs. She prepared pancakes with fruit, cereal and toast. She mad a pot of coffee and put out some ice-cold fresh orange juice. She laid it out on the breakfast bar. Next to it she placed the gift that the three girls had chipped in to buy her as a wedding day gift just for her from them. It was in a pretty pink box and had a big bow neatly tied on the top.

"Oh my gosh Gabs this is amazing!" Sharpay exclaimed as she came down. Emily came down with Taylor at her heel. Grinning like a cat who had got the cream.

"Gabs I love it when you do this!" She sat down and noticed the small box in front of her.

"That's from all of us just to say congratulations and we love you," Emily said.

Taylor gently opened the box revealing the diamond tennis bracelet that she had been eying in Tiffany's window for weeks. She sprung out of her chair and held on to her sister.

"Than you I love you guys so much!" They managed to get her to stop crying and eat her food. Once they were done Gabriella and Emily went for their showers while Sharpay and Taylor washed up.

"Tay don't freak out if I tell you a secret because I promise it's all under control, I just don't want you to get any surprises."

Taylor looked at her friend fearing the worst. "What is it?"

"Troy found out about today and got himself invited. But don't panic he's sat at the back and apparently he can't stay for the reception."

Taylor let out the breath she had been holding in.

"Sharpay that's a small glitch, nothing we can't get through together right?" The two girls nodded and hugged and then continued to talk about the amazing day ahead of them.

Troy's POV

Today was the day of Chad's wedding. It hurt that two of my best friends were getting married and I had to find out from someone else. I knew Ryan was lying about the whole invitation thing but at least I got invited. I had wanted to go alone but Crystal had insisted on tagging along. I had taken her to meet my parents not long after Ryan was in New York. All I can say is that it did not go too well. Nothing like it was with Ella. Why do I keep comparing all the girls I date to her? Because I love her duh! I had tried to find her after that night but apparently she had started a new life in Australia. Random people from High School that I bumped into had said she was married with twins. At least she was happy. I had a whole life planned out for us and I let basketball ruining our relationship again.

I arrived in Albuquerque the morning of the wedding. We managed to get to the hotel room by 10am. After we had eaten and gotten showered I was ready to go. Crystal on the other hand was busying turning her face orange as per. I could honestly say that I didn't find her attractively and the only reason I was with her was because I was lonely. Since Gabs I had never found another woman that I could love. Not one that was worthy of wearing my grandmother's engagement ring. Crystal had seen it several times and kept hinting and digging around for a proposal. But I would rather poke my eyes out then marry her. But at the time she looked like my only option. As of the day before the wedding, we were unofficially engaged. I pretended to be thrilled. I pretended to love her. She repulsed me but when your soul mates gone, you have to settle for the riff raff that's left behind. I was ready at 12.30 and was waiting for her to finish herself off. Joy.

No one's POV

By 11.30 all the girls were showered and sat watching TV in their pajamas. The make up artist arrived at 12. She had all the girls done by 12.30pm. The hairdressers arrived at 12.15 and began to work on Emily and Sharpay who had been first to have their make up done. Gabriella was next followed by Taylor who had the attention of both stylists. By 1.15 they were all done and ready to get their dresses on. The girls stood at the bottom of the stairs, as Taylor appeared looking like a fairytale Princess. Her hair was in tight curls hanging around her shoulders with a veil covering the back of her black hair. They were in the limo and at the Marquee by 2.05pm. Just in time for the wedding march.

Troy's POV

The wedding march had begun to play. A young boy walked down the aisle carrying a small cushion with two gold wedding rings attached to it. Sharpay was next, arm in arm with Zeke Baylor. Then I saw Ryan with a young woman who I guessed to be his wife. Then there was a third bridesmaid. She was different to the other two. She was walking with a man who looked a lot like the Will out of Will and Grace. She had the same pink dress on and the same curly hair pulled back on top of her head, but she was more beautiful. She had brunette hair and chocolate brow- Gabi? It was! Gabriella, the love of my life! Was a mere foot away from me. She smiled at the crowds. My heart sank, that must be her husband. I tried to stay positive as I saw Taylor. She looked so beautiful. Even more so since I had last seen her. Crystal was weeping next to me. I pulled my arm away from her hoping no one noticed that we were together.

Chad and Taylor had a traditional ceremony in a Marquee at Lava Springs Country Club. The ceremony was beautiful, and I couldn't take my eyes off the woman who I hadn't seen in over 5 years. After the wedding the party continued in another Marquee on the golf course. After about 20 minutes of being in there Chad was on the microphone.

"Hey everyone I just want to say thanks for coming today it means a lot to me and my WIFE!" cheers were heard all around and Chad chuckled on stage. "Ok now another special lady in my life promised me some songs today so let's get started! Come on Gab's!"

Gabriella walked onto the stage with the man that she had been walking down the aisle with. The music started and a familiar song came on.

Once in a lifetime
means there's no second chance
so I believe than you and me
should grab it while we can

Make it last forever
and never give it back

It's our turn, and I'm loving' where we're at

Because this moment's really all we have

Everyday
of our lives,

wanna find you there, wanna hold on tight

Gonna run
Everyday Lyrics on we're young
and keep the faith

Everyday

From right now,
gonna use our voices and scream out loud

Take my hand;

together we
will celebrate,

celebrate.

Oh, ev'ryday.

They say that you should follow

and chase down what you dream,

but if you get lost and lose yourself

what does is really mean?

No matter where we're going,

it starts from where we are.

There's more to life when we listen to our hearts
and because of you, I've got the strength to start

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

Everyday
of our lives,
wanna find you there, wanna hold on tight
Gonna run
while we're young
and keep the faith.

Everyday
from right now,
gonna use our voices and scream out loud
Take my hand;
together we
will celebrate,
Oh, ev'ryday

We're taking it back,
we're doing it here
together!

It's better like that,
and stronger now
than ever!
We're not gonna lose.
'Cause we get to choose.
That's how it's gonna be!

Everyday
of our lives,
wanna find you there, wanna hold on tight.
Gonna run
while we're young
And keep the faith
Keep the faith!

[Choir
Everyday
of our lives,
wanna find you there, wanna hold on tight.
Gonna run
while we're young
and keep the faith

Everyday
from right now,
gonna use our voices and scream out loud
Take my hand;
together we
will celebrate,

Ev'ryday!
Live ev'ry day!
Love ev'ryday!
Live ev'ryday!
Love ev'ryday!
Ev'ryday!
Ev'ryday!
Ev'ryday!
Ev'ryday!
Ev'ryday!
Ev'ryday!
Ev'ryday!

Ev'ryday!

They finished singing the song that me and Gabi had sang at this very country club all those years ago. I smiled at how carefree and happy she was as she sang. Everyone had joined in at the end, hell even I did! Suddenly she saw me. She quickly turned away and stood at the mike.

"The next two songs I'm going to sing are what I wrote after I had a hard time a while ago. They mean a lot to me and my firned sor I hope you all like them."

Again she began to sing.

Sometimes I feel like I'm a bird with broken wings
At times I dread my now and envy where I've been
But that's when quiet wisdom takes control
At least I've got a story no one's told

[Chorus
I finally learned to say
Whatever will be will be
I've learned to take
The good, the bad and breathe
'Cause although we like
To know what life's got planned
No one knows if shooting stars will land

These days it feels naive to put your faith in hope
To imitate a child, fall backwards on the snow
'Cause that's when fears will usually lead you blind
But now I try to under-analyse

[Chorus

Is the rope I walk wearing thin?
Is the life I love caving in?
Is the weight on your mind
A heavy black bird caged inside?
Whatever Will Be Lyrics on
Whatever will be will be
Take
The good, the bad
Just breathe

'Cause although we like
To know what life's got planned
No one knows if shooting stars will land

Whatever will be will be
I learned to take
The good, the bad and breathe
'Cause although we like
To know what life's got planned
Thing like that are never in your hands
No one knows if shooting stars will land

This one reached me on so many levels. I knew what was going through her mind as she sang because it was going through mine as well. Has life got something special planned for us? Is this fate? Were we supposed to meet up again?

These questions went un answered as Sharpay and Ryan headed on the stage, Ryan carrying an acoustic guitar. Once again she began to sing her heart out. Her sweet voce filled the air, with harsh yet truthful words.

All my life you've had an opinion
Doing things for the wrong reasons
Well not today
Don't you know I think for myself
I get out find without anybodies help
Don't care what you say yeah

I breaking your heart
But I'm breakin apart
All you do is hold me down (hold me down)
Try to make me someone I don't know
I'm not the girl you though you found

What would you do, if I told you
You can control my life
What would you say, if I left today
With no regrets and no goodbyes
What would you do, if I told you
There is no more you and I
What would you say, if I walked away
And left you there to cry

I don't know what's coming over you
Or how we fell apart
I tried so hard, but I don't believe in you
Cry Lyrics on not the guy I thought I knew

What would you say, if I said to you
Just go ahead and cry

Everyone screamed and clapped as she finished. Me too. She was amazing in a lot more ways than one.

Gabriella's POV

I couldn't believe Troy was here. All the feelings that I had always tried to keep locked away had came flooding out within seconds. I loved him. I wanted him. Next thing I knew I had launched myself into his arms, he held me close, neither one of us seeming to want to let go just yet. We only did when we heard someone behind us clearing their throat.

"Ohh yeah this is Crystal my-"

"Fiancé" she finished his sentence. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously like he used to.

"Hey I'm Gabriella. Nice to see you again Troy" I went to walk away as terry came over.

"You must be Gabriella's husband nice to meet you!" Troy held out his hand as Terry burst out laughing.

"Wow good thing your cute. No dear you got it all wrong! I have a boyfriend and Gabs here is like my baby sis!" terry laughed and walked off to share his new story with everyone. I turned quickly and followed him as I heard Crystal start questioning Troy about me. I couldn't bare to listen. I needed someone to talk to and quickly.