"Do the dancing scene before 'Think of Me' again!" Ms. Darbus called to the students who were milling about on the stage, Ryan and Sharpay included. Sharpay pushed her way past everyone else and got into her position, fixing a smile on her face.

The music started playing and Sharpay lept around the stage, trying to outshine everyone, when her ankle turned unexpectedly and she collapsed on the ground. Ryan rushed to her side, and helped her to sit up. She groaned and leaned against him, seeing stars and only hearing a loud ringing noise.

"Everybody move!" Ms. Darbus demanded, shoving her way to Sharpay.

"Oh dear..." She muttered, kneeling down and examining Sharpay's ankle. "You there! Go get the nurse!" She yelled to a nervous bystander and he immediately ran out of the auditorium.

They all sat in an awkward silence, that was punctured by Sharpay's slight whimpering. The nurse bustled up the steps of the stage and leaned down to have a look at poor Sharpay.

After a few moments, she stood up and sighed. "It seems, Ms. Evans here, has a broken ankle. You'll have to take her to the hospital, of course." She said briskly, turning to address Ryan, who was now supporting a dazed Sharpay with his upperbody.

He nodded then carefully stood up, and hauled Sharpay up into his arms. She groaned out when she was jostled, but otherwise remained silent. The blonde then slowly carried her out of the school, followed by Troy who was carrying their bags, and put her into the shared car. He gave Troy a strained smile of thanks then put the key in the ignition and drove off.

It turns out, Sharpay did have a broken ankle, and was forbidden by the doctor to do any physical activities for at least two months, for apparently she had weak joints from dancing so much.

Needless to say Sharpay was furious. Ryan dreaded school the next day, because he knew the Ms. Darbus was going to announce who the understudy for Sharpay was and he also knew that Sharpay would do anything to put that particular girl out of a role.

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The next day, all Ryan could hear as he and Sharpay limped down the hallway were gasps and whispers. He nodded and smiled here and there but otherwise focused on making sure Sharpay didn't fall and further injure herself.

After what seemed like decades, they entered Ms. Darbus' classroom and quickly claimed their seats. Ms. Darbus strutted into the room at the bell and threw her shawl over her shoulder, causing half the class to roll their eyes.

"Well, it seems that we now have a gap in our production. It seems that we also have an understudy for our leading lady, Christine. Ms. Montez, you will replace Ms. Evans in our rendition of "The Phantom of the Opera."

Gabriella's head shot up from the book that she had been immersed in and she blushed a light crimson. Sharpay put on a forced smile, even though her eyes flashed, then turned in her seat to shoot a glare at Gabriella.

After homeroom, Gabriella quickly stood up and was picking up her bag when she felt a pair of eyes on her. She turned and saw Ryan helping Sharpay out of her seat, even though his eyes were locked on hers. He gestured for her to stay and quickly finished getting Sharpay's things together.

"So um, congratulations." Ryan started out, grinning. "Thanks..." Gabriella replied blushingly.

"Um, so listen, I think you and I need to work a bit more to get you up to speed with all the music and lines, so how about we get together today during free period in the music room?" Ryan asked after a few minutes.

"Oh, ok!" Gabriella replied breathlessly then jumped slightly when she heard someone clear their throat.

"Well, since you're taking my role from me, I suppose I need to make sure you're not horrendous. So I will be joining you there!" Sharpay hissed fiercly then hobbled out of the classroom.

"Sorry about that..." Ryan muttered, then nodded at her and followed his sister out the door.

Gabriella groaned slightly and fell back into chair that she had been sitting in. What have I gotten myself into... She thought desperately then got up and sprinted to her first period class.