Chapter 1

Gabriella Montez walked into East High nervously. Today was her first day and she planned to keep a low-profile and so far it was working. She didn't want to be the school's freaky genius girl again!

She quietly walked into homeroom, ignoring kids swapping summer stories and showing off new clothes. She sat down in the back and looked at her hands, pretending to be interested in her nails.

In fact, she was so preoccupied that she didn't notice a brown-haired blue-eyed boy staring at her.

The boy was Troy Bolton, AKA: Golden Boy. He was the most popular boy in school. With his basketball skills, hot looks, and great voice, no girl could resist him. But he was still single. But something about the shy, new girl made him want her.

Troy was about to go over and say hi when Ms. Darbus barged into the room.

"I trust you all had a splendid vacation!" Ms. Darbus's voice rang out. "Check the sign-up sheets in the lobby for new activities..." she eyed Troy who was still staring at the new girl. "...Mr. Bolton."

Troy quickly looked at Ms. Darbus.

Smiling, she continued, "Especially for our autumn musicale. There will individual auditions for our supporting roles and pairs audition for our two leads."

Chad Danforth, Troy's best friend, stuck his thumb down, which was noticed by Ms. Darbus.

"Mr. Danforth, this is a place for learning, not a hockey arena!" Ms. Darbus yelled. Everyone knew how much she hated sports!

Ms. Darbus droned on and on and on about the musicale and almost everyone was falling asleep...except the Evans twins. They were Ms. Darbus's favorite students and co-presidents of the Drama Club.

As soon as the bell rang, everybody scrambled out of their seats, wanting to get out of the classroom as fast as possible.

Troy spotted the new girl and was about to say hi when a blonde stepped in his path.

"Hi, Troy," the girl said, batting her eyelashes.

Troy frowned when he didn't see the new girl anywhere.

"Hey, Sharpay," he muttered, hating her this very minute.

Sharpay Evans was the most popular girl in school...and the meanest! She was known as the Ice Queen and she was feared by most kids at East High, especially by the female population Her twin brother, Ryan, was also feared, but that was only because he was Sharpay's brother. In truth, Ryan was very thoughtful and sweet, but not many people knew that.

And everyone knew that Sharpay had a HUGE crush on Troy Bolton. That's why most girls were scared of her.

"So," Sharpay asked, smiling at Troy. "are you free this Friday?"

Troy rolled his eyes, thinking about the past times when Sharpay had asked him on dates. After Troy had rejected all of them, he thought Sharpay had gotten the hint.

But did she? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

In fact, she had gotten worse! She was desperate to make Troy Bolton her boyfriend, and everyone knew that Sharpay Evans was NOT a quitter!

Troy replied, "Yes, I'm free, Sharpay, but I'm NOT going out with you!"

"It's okay," Sharpay giggled. "You don't have to worry about people getting jealous. I mean, everyone agrees that we'd make a cute couple anyway."

Troy said, "Well, I don't want to be a couple with you!"

Sharpay sighed and said, "Fine."

The bell rang, causing Troy to jump. He quickly ran to his locker, got his stuff for math class and hurried towards his class. Just then he remembered the new girl.

I'll ask for her name later , Troy promised himself as he entered the classroom.

He was glad to see the new girl sitting in the back, avoiding everyone.

Troy smiled and walked over to and said, "Hi. I'm Troy. You new here?"

The girl looked up. Troy couldn't help but stare at those sweet brown eyes.

Wow, she's REALLY pretty, Troy thought.

"Um, my name's Gabriella," the girl said shyly. Troy grinned, causing Gabriella to melt.

Gabi couldn't help but think, He's so cute!

They were so busy staring at each other that they didn't notice that everyone was staring at them...

Including the VERY furious Ice Queen!