Sweet Dreams

Disclaimer: I do not own HSM 1,2 or 3. All characters (apart from OC) belong to Disney and Kenny Ortega (Darn)

Chapter 1- Boogie Man

I tossed and turned as sweat trickled down my face. Why was it so hot? I contemplated going downstairs and sticking my head in the refrigerator. However, to be honest I was slightly terrified of my house at night. Yes, at 17 years old I still believed in mythical creatures and things that go bump in the night.

It was all because of a certain boy, Troy Bolton.

"Troy, we can't watch this. We're not old enough!" At nine years old I was already a stickler for the rules.

"Just calm down Taylor, I've watched this with JJ and it's not scary, I promise."

"Fine." My voice turned into a barely audible whisper "Just hold my hand okay."

"You're such a baby!" Troy replied, but he grabbed my hand nevertheless and placed it firmly in his lap.

I silently prayed that our babysitter, Jack Bolton Jnr or JJ for short would come charging downstairs and scold us for being stupid little kids, but we were half an hour into the movie and I was starting to lose hope.

"Close your eyes." Troy demanded. "I don't want you crying all over me like a baby when that guy's head rolls off." Troy had forgotten one vital fact, that I Taylor Mckessie is extremely stubborn and was not about to take orders from a scrawny, blue eyed nine year old boy.

"I'm not a baby and I'm not closing my eyes. I can handle it!" A second later JJ was holding me in his arms trying to calm me down.

"I told her to close her eyes" Troy muttered under his breath.

I jumped in my bed as I heard a knock at my bedroom window. Heart racing and pulse pounding, I slowly walked up to the window. I let out the breath I had been holding as I pulled back the drapes.

"Gosh Troy, You sacred me!" I exclaimed. I sighed in relief, I knew it was him but once my imagination got going it could not be stopped.

"Don't tell me your still scared of the boogie man?" he mocked. I rolled my eyes as I walked back to my bed. I could hear him following me.

Troy and I had shared many sleepovers over the years. Our parents had met at birthing classes and soon realised they lived on the same street. They became inseparable. My Father and Troy's dad, Coach Bolton were crazy about sport and anything remotely related to it. While my mother and Lucille Bolton shared a love of yoga and baking. Naturally, Troy and I became very close while JJ and Marvin, my brother were two peas in a pod. Our parents were sceptical about our friendship at first, seeing as I was a girl and Troy a boy.

"Troy, why don't you go over and play with JJ and Marvin and stop pestering Taylor" Jack Bolton suggested. "No!" A five year old Troy Bolton exclaimed. "I want to play with Taylor!" All Jack Bolton could do was sigh his son was quite stubborn.

"Do you think they'll get married?" Gloria Mckessie asked as Lucille Bolton fondly looked at the small children.

"No…" Kevin Mckessie exclaimed "She's never getting married… if I have anything to do with it. She's my baby girl and she's going to stay that way." He huffed as he folded his arms. Lucille and Gloria snickered. Gloria rubbed her husband's shoulder "Don't worry no one can ever replace you…you'll always be Taylor's number one guy." A smile soon appeared on his face Kevin was happy once again.

Our parents became sceptical once again and our sleepovers had to become secret when we both reached the tender age of thirteen. Puberty was awkward for everyone and so our parents decided it was best that our little slumber parties ended. My Father was very pleased. We still continued though, because even though I hated to admit it I was terrified of the dark. Troy had forced me to watch numerous horror movies and therefore it was entirely his fault I was so petrified of darkness and he knew it. He claims he's just being a good friend and protecting me from all things evil but deep down I know he's just as terrified as I am.

"Can you believe it, in a few hours we'll be seniors!" he declared as he jumped onto my bed. "Seniors, top dogs, alpha males…" I glared at him. "and females." Troy winked at me. He had that twinkle in his eyes that I knew all too well. He was so excited and I couldn't help but share his excitement.

"Summer went by way too quickly!" I sighed. "Troy, you know the rules, on the floor buddy." He groaned.

"Come on Tay, just for tonight. Besides we're both adults here; I think we can control our hormones. Well…I know I can but I won't blame you if you're not able to keep your hands off me! I mean what girl is able to resist this!" he proclaimed as he lifted his shirt to reveal his six pack. I scoffed. "Good to see you haven't lost your confidence."

"You know you like it!" he smirked and the twinkle was back. "Fine just this…" Before I finish my sentence, Troy was already making himself comfy. I settled in next to him and sighed. "This guy."

"Your guy!" he replied.

"As if" he let out a low chuckle. "Do you want me to hold your hand?" he asked gently.

"I'm not a baby!" I exclaimed. "Right…" he yawned and grabbed my hand. " Sweet dreams, Taylor."

" Sweet dreams, Troy" In that moment I forgot about the mythical creatures and things that go bump in the night and drifted into a peaceful slumber.

The sun warmed the left side of my cheek, I stirred in my bed. I let out a yawn and stretched my body, my arms landed on the empty space next to me. Troy always left early to avoid any awkward encounters with my parents. Troy always liked to play the cool guy but in front of my Father he was a nine year old boy again. They loved each other really; they were so similar it scared me sometimes.

My mind began to wander, I was forgetting something. Troy…senior year…FIRST DAY! I sprung out of bed. Why didn't anyone wake me? I can't be late for the first day, I just can't. Taylor Mckessie is never late! I turned to check the time on my alarm clock and there on my desk laid a folded piece of white paper. I snatched it off of my desk as I made my way to my bathroom.

Morning Wildcat, senior year is HERE! Pick you up at 7.00

Troy

I took a record thirty minutes to get ready. Thank goodness I picked my outfit last night. It was different from my usual attires but it still screamed Taylor. It was a coral floral tea dress with a crochet collar which I paired with white T-strap wedge sandals. I wasn't too big on jewellery, so I just wore a pair of pearl earrings and my hair was straightened and slightly curled at the end. I stared in the mirror. This is it Taylor…I told myself…its senior year, it's time to leave your mark!

I charged downstairs with my new brown satchel backpack firmly on my back. I had ditched the backpack on wheels and opted for something more practical and less controversial. I laughed; only in high school could a simple backpack be controversial. Suddenly, a shrilling voice interrupted my thoughts. "Taylor..." my mother shrieked. "You look so beautiful, here I made you breakfast!" she shoved the plate of eggs, bacon and toast in my face. "Thanks mom…" I kissed her cheek "but I'm kind of running late. Troy will be here any…" For the second time this morning I was interrupted, the doorbell had stopped me mid-sentence. My Dad marched over to the door and soon enough Troy and his laughter filled the house. "Gloria…this kid is going places!" his laughing had died down and he wiped a lone tear. Troy flashed his winning smile, "Morning Aunt Gloria!"

"Morning Troy, you look handsome!" a slight blush appeared and Troy rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks" he whispered. I rolled my eyes, my mother and many female wildcats believed Troy Bolton was the most handsome male to grace the planet. "Troy's so hot…How can he be that good looking...I want his babies!" I know I should be used to it by now but it still irritated me and annoyed the hell out of me.

"Shouldn't we leave now?" I asked with a hint of annoyance in my voice.

"What…no, I came here for your mum's awesome breakfast and I'm not leaving until I get some!" he exclaimed while rubbing his stomach.

"I thought you came here to pick me up!"

"Oh yeah…that too!" his pearly whites were on show once again. I was just about to give him a piece of my mind, when my dad's roaring laughter filled the room again. "This kid…" he quickly regained his composure, "Gloria…" his voice became stern and serious. " Don't you think Taylor's dress is too short, I mean…"

"Kevin it's fine, besides that's the style these days" my mother retorted while rolling her eyes.

"Don't worry Uncle Kev… I'll look after Tay and keep those d-bags away from her!" I scoffed.

"I trust you Troy, she's my baby girl!" I gave my dad a peck on the cheek, grabbed Troy's hand and headed for the door. I had had enough already. "My breakfast…" I heard Troy whine.

"They're so embarrassing. Its official my parents have a crush on you!" I proclaimed as we entered his truck.

He laughed. "And what about you…Does Taylor Mckessie have a crush on Troy Bolton?" I turned to face him ready to tell him to stop being such a clown, but I stopped. He looked serious, his blue eyes fixated on my brown eyes and I froze. I never freeze up when I'm with Troy. It just does not happen, but it was happening now and I didn't know what to say. I was speechless. He could sense I was uncomfortable; he tore his gaze away from him and stared out of the window. "I mean who wouldn't have a crush on me… I am Troy Bolton after all!" Just like that the twinkle in his eyes was back. We both laughed but it was awkward and strained. "Just shut up and drive!" We listened to the radio and cracked a few jokes on the way to school, it felt normal again. Although, I couldn't shake this feeling, I didn't know what is was but I did know it wasn't going away anytime soon.