More Than Meets The Eye

Gabriella Montez was blind. She couldn't see. She had light eyes. Sandy, gray, eyes. The cause? It happened when she was only four. A little girl who not only lost sight, but her loving mother. Her parents were fighting. Gabriella was sat in the back, hands covering her ears and tears tumbling out of her eyes. "David, you know what you're doing!" Anna Montez screamed at her husband who was gripping the wheel roughly. David shot a glare at Anna and fought the urge to just slap the living daylights out of her. "Shut-up! I'm not cheating!"

"Then who was she? Tell me that, David! Why was she in our room?"

"Business!"

"Bullshit! Stop lying and just tell the truth. Tell it or me and Gabriella are leaving."

"You aren't taking her away from me!" David yelled fiercely and reached back for Gabriella, as if he were going to hold her tightly to him. He gripped her wrist and Gabriella whimpered. "David!"

It happened so fast. He had ran a red light and the black Audi came crashing to their BMW. The impact was from the passenger side and Anna jerked. Her body flew as did the glass that screamed.

The car flipped multiple times like an acrobat and the people in the car were pressed to the hard metal. Including the little four year old. Gabriella had screamed as glass flew to the back of the car. Her eyes were the target as they did, too. Everything went black as they penetrated in her small brown orbs.

Gabriella is now in High School but that memory didn't fade from her poor vision. Her mother had died and her dad and her survived. David felt guilty, bad as if it were his fault. And Gabriella nor anyone else couldn't deny it wasn't. But, Gabriella loved him more than life itself, so she was forgiving. Memory from when she was four wasn't so clear now, but that particular moment was. Gabriella couldn't see, that was a moment she remembered too, even if she wasn't awake for the surgery. She wasn't able to see her mom one last time. She wasn't allowed to see her mom during the funeral. She wasn't allowed to see her dad's face cry, saying it was his fault. She wasn't allowed to see life anymore like other kids. She was blind.

And now, she walk down the halls of East High. One hand clutching at the handle of her white cane and the other holding her slinging book-bag that was hanging on her shoulder. She had on a simple Graphic-Tee and dark jeans and the thing that she had to wear—well not have to wear, but is suggested to wear—that she hated the most: Her glasses. They were dark, pitch dark. Her father recommends it if she isn't comfortable with her eyes or if she wanted to filter out some light. Her eyes were light and she thought they were ugly. They seemed like ivory or a sandy grayish color. She would take them off sometimes, but not always.

So, like mentioned before, Gabriella was currently walking down the hallway of East High. East High. East High wasn't a fun school for Gabriella. Ever heard of people who pick on blind people? She's heard of many. Everywhere she walks she could hear people mumbling about her, loud enough for her to hear. She's not death, people! She can hear, it's seeing that she doesn't accompany. But, still people do it. The worst thing she's ever encountered was the many trips she takes to the floor. They're hard and her stuff scatters. Teachers are the only ones who help her up and help her with her stuff. Gabriella would thank them quietly and continue on her way. She wouldn't cry. That's just weakness. Plus, she's got one more year until she gets out of this school. What's the point of breaking down now?

Gabriella groaned lightly as she was pushed. It wasn't a light, 'Oh I'm sorry' push. It was hard and meant to happen. Her bag had fell from her grip and she bent to pick them up, only to feel warm, smooth skin over hers. "Want help?" His voice wasn't normal. She hadn't heard of him. He must be new, especially if he wants to help her. Gabriella let her eyes fall and she shook her head slightly. "No, thank you."

Her hands searched around her and the boy just looked at her as if she were crazy. "Uh, is this what you're looking for? I mean, it's right there. You're not blind." Yup, definitely new, Gabriella thought and looked up, but not actually looking at him. The guy then took notice in the glasses and gasped. Gabriella slowly slid them off and the guy just stared at her. She had sandy, grayish eyes. "You...are blind," he muttered. You think, Gabriella thought and rolled her eyes mentally. "I'm so sorry," he apologized and picked up all her belongings. "Here." Both stood up and Gabriella took her stuff. "Thank you."

"No problem. I'm Troy Bolton."

"Gabriella Montez."

"So, you're blind?"

Gabriella looked down and lifted her cane a little, then looked back up at Troy. "It's kind of obvious now, isn't it?"

"Yeah, uh, sorry. Want me to walk you to class?"

"No," Gabriella said flatly. "I'm fine. Nice talking to you, Troy Bolton." She slipped her glasses back on and continued on her way, her cane twitched in her hand as she tried to determine where the heck she was going. Troy looked at her as she walked away from him. He was just walking and this guy pushed her 'accidentally'. Who would be so cruel? Especially to a blind person.

"You're new?" Troy turned to the new voice. A girl with silvery blond hair was smiling brightly up at him. Cobalt shimmering blue eyes. "Yes," Troy said finally. The girl smiled and extended her hand. "My name is Amanda. Nice to meet you."

"You too. Troy Bolton."

"I see you met Gabriella Montez."

"Yes. Why did he just push her like that? She can't see."

Amanda shrugged and they walked down the hallway together. "Gabriella isn't liked around school. I feel bad for her. She was four years old when she got glass stuck in her eyes and went blind. Her dad and mom were arguing and the crashed the car. Mom died, Gabriella is blind, dad had a few broken bones, but he was more fine than both of them. He's a Guilt Man now."

Troy cocked an eyebrow at her. "How do you know this?"

"I've got my sources, Troy," Amanda answered. "And I think it's awful what they do to the poor girl. She's done nothing wrong, but loose her mother and go blind. And is it really her fault? No, it isn't."

"You her friend?"

"She doesn't want any friends," Amanda said. "I've tried, but she said no. She doesn't want any help with her life. She doesn't want anyone in."

"Maybe she's scared."

"Maybe," Amanda said softly and looked up. Her eyes narrowed as she saw Gabriella stumbling over someone's foot, Gracie Burro to be more exact. People erupted into laughter and Gabriella sighed softly. Her white cane was swooped out of her hands and she groaned. "Give it back!" she yelled and snatched the air. The laughs grew louder and Gracie held it right in front of Gabriela. "You can see, get it. Wait, you can't see. My bad."

Gabriella, you don't cry. You don't cry. She pulled her hands away and wrapped her arms around herself. "Give it back to her," Troy demanded as he and Amanda marched over to the scene. Everyone stopped laughing and looked at Troy and Amanda. Troy snatched the white cane and Amanda helped Gabriella up. "How can you be so cruel?" Troy hissed at them. It took Gabriella some time to remember his voice and she almost smiled. "She's blind for goodness sake. Grow a heart."

Amanda gathered all Gabriella's things and the three were off. Gabriella walked slowly, her white cane gripped in one hand and her bag in the other. "Thank you," she finally whispered. "Who?"

"Amanda and Troy," Amanda said smiling. "Amanda Sher. Troy Bolton."

"You didn't have to help me."

"Yeah we did."

"No, what I meant is, I don't want nor need your help." Gabriella wandered off. She didn't know what made her want to push away, but she did. She was thankful they helped and she had no idea why she said she didn't need help, because she did. These kids can be so cruel and without help, she wouldn't be able to survive a day of High School. So whats wrong with having help?

Gabriella walked more carefully to class. She had mesmerized what way she went. Pass the auditorium and cafeteria then right down the hallway and you've got homeroom. Gabriella grinned mentally at her memory. It's something she would need. Then, she sat close to the door, so that's easy. And Mrs. Mangle, her homeroom teacher would always help her if necessary. Like, after class often, Gabriella would use Braille, writing most deaf and blind people use. And to most people's surprise, Gabriella is actually a straight A student. Well, not most of the time, but she gets good grades.

"Gabriella," Mrs. Mangle smiled at her. "How's your day been."

"It's been okay," Gabriella lied. Mrs. Mangle nodded once although she didn't believe Gabriella. Mrs. Mangle wiped it away though. Gabriella may be a good student, and they are considered friends, but she's stubborn. She'll dissent help. Even from grown-ups like herself. Mrs. Mangle doesn't know why Gabriella wouldn't want a friend to help with, but she sure does need one.

Like normal, Gabriella sat down in the seat in the front and close to the door. She pulled her glasses of and placed them in her bag before looking up, her ears all ready.

"Okay, Good morning everyone," Mrs. Mangle said out to the students. Gabriella looked down and quietly said it while everyone else either snickered, scoffed, or simply said 'yeah, right'. Mrs. Mangle frowned, but left it alone. "Okay, Grumps. I have a project I need to explain to you then you can go on your way. Buddy up and when you do, you'll have to stick with that partner. You'll have to learn about he or she and at the end of four weeks, you'll present what you know about that person. It would be better if you make a daily schedule when you'll see your partner. Learn the basics, but learn stuff that no one else knows. Be creative. Present with a full description, describe the person in good ways. I won't take negative presentations either. You may start your search."

The room went into talks. Gabriella stayed sat in her seat, head hung low and a frown on her face. She was going to get left with someone who doesn't want to be her partner, because who wants to be her partner? She's blind, nothing creative about that. "Excuse me," a voice said. Gabriella looked up. She didn't have to be able to see to know who it was. It was Troy Bolton. "Can, uh, Can we be partners?"

Gabriella continued to look up at him, or really in her description, pitch black. She would be an idiot to say no, but why would he want to be her partner? So what if he's new, she's blind! "Uh, sure," Gabriella stumbled. She jumped when she felt his hand cover hers. "Thanks. When do you want to meet up? We can today, you know, unless you have plans."

"Troy, look at me. Do you think I would ever have plans? I'm blind. The only person who would actually hang out with me are my family members," Gabriella admitted, trying to hide the sadness her voice. Troy sighed and nodded. "Okay, sorry. So, today sounds good?"

Gabriella shrugged. "Sure. And, this is a warning. You don't have to be my partner. Why do you want to anyway?"

"Because," Troy said, smiling probably. "I feel bad for you."

He feels bad for me, Gabriella thought sheepishly. Her shoulders slumped and she looked down. He only feels bad for me. That's the only reason. That's always ever the reason. No one just wants to be my friend. "Today sounds good," Gabriella said dryly and stood up. She walked carefully out the room, right when the bell run too.

"Hey, Gabriella," a voice said and next thing she knew, she was stumbling backwards and onto her butt. "Sorry. Anyway, you want to be invited to my party?"

"Ah..."

"Okay, here. Come to this address tomorrow at eight." Gabriella felt a thin piece of paper slip between her finger nails. She stood up slowly and sighed, throwing the invite which way. It was maybe a set-up. She'll never make that mistake.

The next few periods flew by like an eagle. And it was finally lunch time. Gabriella went to get her lunch then sat in her usual spot in the back corner. It was dark and spider webs crowded under the table. Gabriella would hardly eat either. She would nibble on a few things then throw them away and sit outside of the school.

"Do you mind if I sit here?"

Gabriella sighed and almost groaned. It was Troy again. "Yes," she said quietly, but felt the chair squeak. He decided to sit down. What was the point in asking? "So, you may not like me, but I like you," Troy said honestly. "And I think we could be friends if you let me."

"Hey, new kid." A boy with dark skin and a bust afro came over. He had on a yellow shit and some dark blue jeans. "Why you sitting over here?"

"Is it not okay to sit over here?"

"No, it's not. She's here. Do you really want to sit with it."

Gabriella sighed again. She's not deaf. She just can't see. "Look," she said, scrambling to her feet. "I'm blind, afro, not death. Why don't you just go."

"Stay out of it blindly," the boy said and pushed her. Gabriella fell backwards into the wall and whimpered at the harsh contact. Then, she heard yelling, and sounds like fighting.

"Don't touch her!" Troy yelled at the guy. He had him pinned to the ground and his fist came down right on his nose. "Fight!" "Fight!" "Fight!" Was all Gabriella could hear. She gasped and did the first thing that came to mind. "Stop! Would you both stop! You're both being morons. Why are you even fighting for me? I can take care of myself." Then she marched off. Troy got off of the boy and ran after her. "Gabriella!"

"Leave me alone," she ordered, but it didn't reach his ears. He grabbed her forearm lightly and turned her around so she was facing him. "What's wrong?"

"You're what's wrong, Troy. I was perfectly fine until you came."

"What? You were getting pushed by people. How is that fine?"

"Can't you just leave me alone?"

"Why don't you want me to help you?"

"Because, if I get attached, you'll go!" Gabriella yelled and stalked off the other direction. Troy looked after her. Then after a moment was after her. "Gabriella, slow down. Is this about your mom?"

"How would you know about her?" she asked quietly and stopped walking.

"I was told. You don't want friends because you're afraid they'll leave you like her, am I right?"

"Maybe."

"Well, I won't leave."

"You don't know that."

"Can't you just give it a chance? It makes sense to be friends—"

"You only want to be friends because you feel bad for me."

"I do," he admitted. "But I also want to help you and get to know you."

"But—"

"No buts. Just, yes. You know you want to."

"Your reputation will drop."

"What reputation?"

"You'll get made fun of, pushed around just like me."

Troy shrugged. "I don't care." Gabriella wish she could see his face. If he were lying there would maybe be a smirk playing on his lips or a grin. But, maybe he isn't lying. "Can we eat together at lunch?"

"Yes," Troy said, a smile evident on his face. "Of course. Let's go."

And that's how Troy Bolton, teh new kid and Gabriella Montez, the blind kid, became friends.

What do you think? Okay, not okay? Can you review please? It would really help me continue.