Pride is a Strange Thing
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There are a lot of things Chad wants to tell her.
Like, maybe, how gorgeous he thinks she is, or how he has realized that she has more talent than he ever gave her credit for.
It isn't so hard, really – it's nothing he hasn't said before to many other girls, girls who willingly throw themselves into his arms, girls who will probably do anything to be with him.
She isn't one of those girls, and he's too proud.
So he says nothing.
A cheerleader here, a cheerleader there – he doesn't really mind, and neither do they. It's just company that will be forgotten in a few days' time, company that is used to uphold status and pride and nothing else. He snaps his fingers and they're gone, all ties severed and no hard feelings.
Maybe it's a sick game, but it's a game he knows he will always win.
She walks by him while he's at his locker, and he can't ignore her any longer – that much is painfully obvious.
He calls her name.
She turns around, and the look on her face is not one of surprise, but one of a resolute defiance that he can somehow understand.
"What do you want?" she demands.
He shrugs casually, an arrogant jock all over again, and asks her if she'd like to hang out this weekend.
She doesn't giggle or swoon or accept with a gushing smile, but he has never expected her to.
Sharpay is proud, too.
She smirks, "I don't think so."
He protests, all charm and winning grins – but she doesn't give in. Pride is a strange thing, and it doesn't permit weaknesses for exaggerated drama queens or overconfident jocks.
Chad insists again, because his sense of self-importance can't take rejection.
Sharpay is annoyingly consistent with her refusal; she cares about her own satisfaction only.
It's impossible to decide which is more necessary – to preserve his pride or get the one girl who doesn't want him.
He smashes his lips onto hers with a forceful desire.
He's proud, not stupid.
Sharpay is still smirking after she pulls away.
"So you mean it."
He doesn't answer, still thinking about how much he likes kissing her.
She says, "You really do want me." It is not a question; she is always sure of herself.
He isn't really sure of what to say, but it doesn't matter – Sharpay's lips are back on his, of her own will this time.
She's proud, not stupid.
author's notes.
I can't write anything that makes sense, can I? I know it's kind of vague, but that's the point, so I'm not going to explain it. Spare me a review, please?
