Troy walked down the familiar sidewalk, deep in thought. He pushed open the rusted gates; barely registering the soft squeak they made. He scanned the area and noticed someone sitting at the swings, her back facing him. Curiously, he walked over and sat on the swings, facing the opposite way she was. He could barely make out a little bit of blonde hair peeking out of her hood, lit by the moonlight. Her profile was half covered with her sweeping bangs.

"Didn't know anyone else came out here at night," she finally spoke.

"It's a good place for thinking," he reasoned.

"Never said it wasn't," she replied in a monotone voice.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

"Life."

"Oh," he paused, thinking of what to say. "What about life?"

"I didn't really come out here to get questioned," she told him flatly. "If you have something to ask, just ask it."

Troy was taken aback at her response. "Well, umm..."

"Just spit it out," she pushed.

"I have a question. Speaking from a hypothetical viewpoint, of course," he finally answered.

"Of course," she told him.

"Say I was having problems with my girlfriend. This isn't real, just hypothetical," he reassured.

"Hypothetically speaking, what problems?"

"Well, I sort of think she's seeing someone behind my back," he told her.

"Hypothetically," she told him, teasingly.

"Right," he answered, not noticing the tone of voice. "Well, what should I do about it?"

"Have you caught her in the act?" she asked, still looking ahead.

"Well, no..."

"Has she given you reason to doubt her? Has she lied to you in the past? Does she have a history of cheating?"

"No..."

"Then why do you think she's cheating on you?" She asked curiously.

"Well, hypothetically, she's been acting sort of strange lately. She's cancelled a couple of dates and when I ask her about it she avoids the question," he told her sadly.

"This is a very interesting hypothetical situation," she laughed.

"What do you think?"

"Well, I think you should trust her. Tell her what you're thinking. She'll be pissed at first, but just explain to her why you think so. Maybe she'll tell you why she's been acting sketchy. Maybe she'll come clean if she is cheating on you. Just don't straight out accuse her," she told him. Troy thought about it for a moment.

"Thanks," he told her. "I'm sure it'll come in handy someday," he added quickly.

She chuckled softly. "I'm sure that day is sooner than you think," she told him, looking to her other side and away from him. Troy laughed and looked down at his lap.

"Hey, I never got your...name," he said, looking up. He looked around and didn't see her anywhere. He laughed softly to himself and shook his head. "Of course."

Troy watched as the crowd parted like the Red Sea for Sharpay. She walked through with her head held high, ignoring the fake shivers and rude remarks the students threw at her. Everyday, the scene was the same. Everday, he wondered how she could stand being the way she was and being treated the way she was. He didn't have long to ponder it, though, before Gabriella came up behind him and gave him a hug.

"Troy!" she called happily. Troy turned in her arms and smiled, giving her a quick peck on the lips.

"Hey Gabriella," he smiled. Then he remembered the girl's words. "Listen, I need to ask you something later. You know, in private."

Gabriella shot him a curious look. "What's wrong with now?"

"Well, it's a personal issue and I don't want all of East High to know this," he told her.

"Just say it; people are going to find out anyway, with that fan club of yours stalking you," she told him, scoffing.

"Gabriella, you really don't want me to say this now," he begged, pleading with his eyes that she understand him.

"Just tell me, Troy!" she told him sternly.

"Fine!" he yelled. "Sorry."

"It's okay, just tell me," she said impatiently.

"Look, I don't want you to think I don't trust you or anything but I was wondering what's been up with you lately," Troy whispered.

"What do you mean? I've been acting perfectly normal," she said.

"Well, it's just that you've been spending a lot of time avoiding me or just acting not...well, not like you normally do," he told her.

"Troy, I'm not acting wierd," she insisted. "Don't worry about it, okay?"

Troy couldn't answer before Gabriella gave him a quick kiss and rushed off to class, leaving him standing in the empty hallway by himself.

Just trust her, the mystery girl told him. And even though he didn't know who this mystery girl was, he knew she was right.

So...that's the first chapter. I don't know yet who the mystery girl is...really. After I wrote that section, I realized all the potential it held for it to be an OC or not so, really, you never know. Review and tell me what you think! Maybe I'll even put in more...Troyella, if I get enough suggestions as to why she is acting so wierd...:)