A/N: So here's chapter two! It's kind of short, but it's really just a buffer between the stuff in the first and the longer stuff in the third. I'll try and get the third out soon! Any-hoo, R &R! Thanks a bunch! -Mac

Disclaimer: I don't own High School Musical.

Chapter Two

The Call

Gabriella sat anxiously as she listened to the rings echo in her head. Just as she was ready to give up and hang up, he answered. She was surprised at the chills that went up her spine as she heard his voice for the first time in years.

"Hello?"

"Troy?" Gabriella said, forcing her words out. "Troy Bolton?"

"Yeah, who's this?" Troy replied without much thought on who it could be.

"Please tell me you haven't forgotten me already, it's only been five years." Gabriella joked, with a little more confidence. She hoped he would figure it out--it would hurt a lot more if he didn't remember her as much as she remembered him.

"Gabby?" Troy nearly whispered.

"Yeah." Gabriella smiled, "Surprised?"

"Very, actually. Has it really been five years?" Troy asked. Gabriella could tell by the tone in his voice that he was shocked. She could just see him running his hand through his hair as he voiced his question.

"Yeah. It's been that long." Gabriella nodded even though she knew he couldn't see it. "How are you Troy?"

"Uh, exhausted." Troy said. "I'm actually on my way back home to see my parents for the week and to finish some stuff before I move. I've been driving all morning and I still have like three hours to go."

"Oh, so you're moving back here?" Gabriella responded.

"Yeah, I should be officially moved in, in about a month." Troy answered. "So how are you Gabby?"

"I'm okay. I've been moved back here for about a year now. I've got a nice little place near my old neighborhood. I was just thinking about some things, high school and stuff and it got me wondering 'what is Troy Bolton doing right now?'" Gabriella explained.

"I just stopped to get something to eat when you called. Phone scared the heck out of me, I was used to the silence, and I dropped it. Skid all the way under my car. Took forever to get it out, that's why it took so long for me to answer." Troy replied. "It's good to hear from you Gabby."

"I don't know. I just feel really bad that we all lost touch, you know?" Gabriella said. "You are the only one I had a more recent phone number from."

"Well, I'm glad you called." Troy responded.

"Yeah, me too." Gabriella agreed.

"So, Gabby. I'm really sorry, but I got to go. I have to get back on the road soon if I want to make it into town at a decent hour tonight." Troy stated. "How about we meet for coffee tomorrow morning? Or breakfast, anything. we can talk more then. I'd love to see you."

"That sounds great." Gabriella confirmed. "Really great."

"Wonderful. How about that cafe place next to that restaurant we all used to go to?" Troy suggested.

"Sure. That place is great."

"Okay, so around eight?"

"Perfect."

"Okay, so I'll see you then?" Troy replied.

"Yeah." Gabriella agreed.

"See you, Gabby."

"Bye."

Gabriella replaced the phone and let everything settle. She was actually going to see him the next day. They had been out of touch for five years and with a spur of the moment phone call--she hadn't even expected him to answer--they were back in touch and going out for coffee! She was sure she was crazy for agreeing to such a thing. She had no idea what she was getting herself into.