Author's note: Thanks for reviews, they mean a lot. It's my first story, so I'm really nervous about it. I really hope I'll get more revs next time, but most importantly I hope you'll like it.

CHAPTER 2

It turned out that Troy shouldn't have worried: Charley almost easily agreed and even liked the idea. It took a week to prepare for the trip, as they had lots of things to deal with. So Troy still had about a month for his adventure.

Troy was very excited, even thrilled by the idea and at the same time he was scared, cause he didn't know what was in store for him there. Troy was the one choosing this "there". He chose East High in Albuquerque, state New Mexico. It wasn't far from the place of shooting, but most importantly, the real reason, why Troy chose it and how he even knew about the place, was that Albuquerque is his home town. He used to live here back when he was a kid. After his father had died Troy and his mother moved to LA, because it was too painful for Lucille to stay in the city where she shared so many moments with his dad.

Troy didn't remember much about his father. And his mom preferred not to talk about him. Each time Troy tried to ask something, his mom started crying. So after a while he gave up on trying to get answers. Though it hurt him a lot to realize that with each year he had less and less memories, but still Troy didn't push his mother. He understood that it was too hard for her. After all, Jack was her second half, the love of her life, he was HER LIFE. And when he died- some part of her died with him. And it became some sort of unspoken agreement- not to speak about Jack Bolton. Sometimes though Troy had some flashbacks how he and his father played basketball (which is why Troy had a playground on the back yard) or how he learnt to ride a bicycle. However, those memories weren't clear as if there was some mist or something, Troy could never make out his father's face. And now when he got to Albuquerque he hoped it would somehow help him to remember something.

Charley rented a little house not too far from the school. Comparing with their mansion it could be called tiny. Just his room in LA was of the same size as the whole storey. But Troy really liked the house. There was something special in it. It was small, but it was really home looking and welcoming. Troy's house in LA looked more like some museum, but this one, it was a real house, one where families lived.

As Troy had never gone to school before (and primary school doesn't count) he had nothing he could compare East High with. It wasn't too big, may be there were about 500 students in school or something like that. Troy asked Charley to take him to school a bit earlier, so that he had a chance to look around. So when they arrived, there weren't too many cars in the parking lot. As Charley had already made an agreement with the principle of the school, he just wished Troy good day and left. So Troy was left alone to deal with his fears.

Having made a deep breath he entered the school. At that moment the hall was almost empty, only several kids were walking there. Troy easily found the classroom with sign "Principle Matsui". Troy knocked at the door and having heard a quiet "come in" he entered.

In the middle of the office an Asian man of about 40 or fifty was sitting behind the desk writing some documents. As Troy came in the man put down his pen and rose from his chair.

"Troy Bolton! It's nice to meet you!" he said smiling as they shook hands. "So, Troy, please, sit down. Well, we agreed with your father …"

"Charley"

"Excuse me?"

"He's my stepfather, and I call him Charley."

"Oh, I see. Any way, Charley explained me the situation and your request. And I decided to help you. I'm the only one who knows who you really are, for all the teachers and students you will be Alex James. I've prepared everything for you. Here are your books, your schedule, documents and the combination for your locker. If you have any problems or questions feel free to ask. My door is always open."

"Thanks for everything and for, you know, letting me study here."

"There's nothing to thank me for and, Troy, welcome to East High."

When Troy left the principle's office, he headed to his locker to put there books he didn't need at the moment. The corridors were already filled with students, but luckily they were busy and didn't really pay attention to some new guy. Troy was still afraid that the plan wouldn't turn out as he originally wanted. There was a chance that someone wouldn't believe his story. And that would really suck.

Troy looked at his schedule; he had Ms Darbus for homeroom. Suddenly the bell rang and all the students who were still in the hall hurried to their classrooms. Troy decided to follow their example; he really didn't like the idea of being late for his first class and standing in front of all the students in the room also didn't excite him. When Troy found the necessary room he stopped in front of the door for several seconds. That was the moment of truth. Now it can work out and then Troy would just enjoy his being a normal kid or … or it can screw up and he'll have to return to his routine which he really didn't strive for.

When Troy returned his composure he made a deep breath and entered the classroom. For a minute the whole room went silent and then it began. Everyone started whispering things like "oh my God, am I dreaming, is it Troy Bolton" or "It can't be Troy Bolton, can it?" and something like that. Troy's heart sunk, but he still had one chance. He had nothing to lose, so why not use it?

"I'm not Troy Bolton" Troy shouted out to make everyone shut up, when there was silence in the room again he continued quieter but still annoyed as if he heard it a lot from people and he was already sick of it, "I am not Troy Bolton, I just look like him. My name is Alex James and I have nothing to do with Troy Bolton, and I don't know him, and I'm not his brother or something."

Troy looked at his new classmates, some of them seemed rather disappointed, others were still curious, but what was important they seemed to believe him. He went to an empty chair silently celebrating his victory. After all Keith's plan DID work! He WAS having his vacation!

"Mr. James, I won't send you to detention since it's your first day, but next time, please, remember theater does not excuse being late. All right, now I want to remind you that there will be an audition for winter musicale next Thursday. It will be a chance for all comers to open new talents and to discover greatness in your hearts."

Troy leaned back in his seat slightly taken aback by the speech.

"Don't worry, she's always like that." A guy with bushy hair who was sitting behind whispered to Troy. He wanted to say something else but was interrupted by strict voice of Ms Darbus.

"Mr. Danforth, do you want to say something?"

"Oh, no, Ms Darbus, I was just saying to the new guy how great those musicals are."

Troy suppressed laugh and nodded in confirmation, it reassured Ms Darbus, and so she continued with her passionate speech.

When the lesson was over everyone jumped from their seats not waiting for Ms Darbus's allowance. When Troy put his things in his back and rose, a blond girl wearing all pink came up to him, put her arm around his waist and made a photo on her cell phone.

While Troy tried to realize what just happened the girl was studying the picture.

"Fabulous," she concluded. "I look gorgeous, just like always. I need another photo, can you smile this time?" She asked Troy.

"Sharpay, Ryan's been waiting for you." A voice came from behind.

"Oh, I should go. Toodles!" She waved her hand and left.

As she disappeared in the crowded hall Troy turned around to see who saved him. It was the same guy with bushy hair. He held basketball in his hands as if it was the biggest treasure in the world.

"Thanks, man, you saved me."

"No problem, dude." The guy grinned. "Chad Danforth."

"Alex James. And who was that?" He asked nodding in the direction where the girl went.

"Oh, that was Sharpay Evans, our drama queen. Well, sorry, I need to run, see you later, dude."

For Troy the whole day was a blur, faces, names, classes, teachers, everything changed, the only thing that followed him, no matter where he went, was this whispering. Everyone seemed to discuss him and it was really getting on his nerves. He was asked that question whether he was Troy Bolton or not so often, that he didn't need to pretend to be annoyed any more. Cause he really was annoyed like hell. He just hoped to find some peaceful place to outlive this nightmarish never-ending buzz.

Troy was thinking about some escape and then he saw a little door leading to the roof. He thought it would be a perfect place to relax. So Troy went upstairs. When he came there he was taken aback by the view that opened in front of him.

"Wow," he breathed out "it's so …" he tried to find the right word.

"Magnificent" someone told causing Troy to jump. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

Troy turned around and saw a pretty girl with beautiful wavy dark hair and chocolate eyes. He tried to remember where he saw her, and then it hit him- she was in the homeroom with him.

"You didn't scare me; I just didn't expect to see anyone here."

"Let me guess, you wanted to have some peace." Seeing surprise on his face that someone actually understood him, she explained. "That's how I spotted this place. I moved here last year and the first day the whole school was discussing me and it …"

"Can really be annoying." He finished her sentence. "I'm …"

"Not Troy Bolton and you don't know him." She giggled. "I remember. Your speech was impressive."

"Thanks, I tried" Troy gave her his dazzling smile. "Alex James."

"Gabriella Montez." She shook his arm smiling. "Well, Alex James, I must go, so I'm leaving this place to you." With that she headed to the stairs.

"Have a nice day, Gabriella Montez." She turned around giving him another smile and left.

Troy couldn't stop thinking about that smile and its owner for the rest of the day. No matter how hard he tried, his thoughts still returned to a certain brunette. But little did he know that Gabriella had the similar problem.

So, tell me what you think, please.

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