Sharpay's POV

Girls' Night Out…almost

It's finally Saturday; so me and the girls are just gonna hit the streets and appreciate New York City a lot more. We know how fortunate we all are for being given the chance to live in one of the most fabulous cities in America; but really, how can we appreciate it if we are running around the streets, trying to make it to work on time? My answer is it's definitely impossible.

I went out to go to our small kitchen and made some coffee for myself. It's already noon and the girls were still asleep. I couldn't blame them. Last night we all had to stay overtime to get extra cash in our pay checks, it worked. Our bosses added a few more dollars. It's not much, but we can still buy some bed sheets or light bulbs with the extra cash that was given to us. I know I should also be dead asleep with them, but hey, I'm an early riser.

I sat on our small dining table and started sipping my coffee. It burned my tongue, so I rubbed it against my two front teeth to ease the pain. Suddenly, my friend, Gabriella walked out of her bedroom- looking really messed up, may I add- and sat beside me.

Her dark hair was tousled and her shirt was all wrinkled. "Can I have a cup of that, too, Shar?" She asked me. I smiled at her and said, "Good morning to you, too, Gabriella" with a sarcastic voice. She offered me a weak smile as if to say 'sorry'. I nodded at her and laughed softly; I grabbed a cup from a cupboard and poured her a cup of steaming hot coffee.

She grabbed it as soon as I placed it down the table. She blew on it and looked suddenly relaxed as the hot steam hit her face.

"What's up with you this morning? You look screwed" I noted for her. She gave me a hard look before giving me a sarcastic smile, "You try working in that Daycare center! Those children are just chaotic!" She whined. I giggled, and shook my head, "Then, why not you get a new job? This is New York City, for crying out loud!" I told her. There really are a lot of jobs available in New York City, so I just don't get why Gabriella won't get a new one if she complains about her current job.

"I don't want a new job. I love kids; they might be very annoying, but I still love them" She told me. That was probably the best thing about Gabriella; no matter what bad you do to her, she won't stop loving you; sure, she'll get pissed, and she'll scream here and there, but she'll forgive you.

"I'm glad you think that, Gabs." I told her. She smiled at me. We have been best friends for quite a long time already. I remember during High School, we said that we'd make a fortune together and we'll be one of the worlds' most successful women in history. Quite ironic when you compare that fantasy to our current lives; but in some strange way, I feel like we are exactly like that type of women. I'm teaching girls what they are passionate for, and what makes them happy. While Gabriella gives her time and effort to be with these children, and help them grow, or at least be there with them as they do it.

Before we can both say another word, Kelsi hopped out of her room, with her hair brown hair pointing in every direction, she stumbled on her way to us, I was actually worried if she'll make it to the table without injuring herself. But she did, eventually.

"Morning, guys," She greeted us with a groaning voice, I can't help but predict what she was about to say, "Can I have a cup of that, too, please?" Hah, knew it. I stood up and walked over to the counter where I poured her a cup of coffee. I walked back to the table and handed her the cup. "Thanks" she muttered.

I stood up again to open the curtains; the sun's rays entering the dark kitchen. Kelsi and Gabriella quickly covered their eyes, it was really bright outside, but why wouldn't it be? It's passed noon.

I opened the window and took a deep breath; letting the suns heat hit my face. I turned back to look at them, only to see that they were sipping their coffee and ignoring the sun. I sighed and walked over to Taylor's room.

Her room was dark and her bed sheets were all crumpled, I could hear her soft breathing and shook my head. Taylor really was the one who would sleep in. I turned on her lights and she stirred on her place. I walked over to shake her gently; she groaned.

"Taylor, it's passed noon already, you've got to get up!" I almost yelled. She hissed before sitting up. She looked horrible; you can see the stress creeping out of her eyes. I shook my head gently, and grabbed her by the arm to lead her to the kitchen. I sat her in her usual seat and poured coffee for her.

I put down the coffee and she grabbed it. She still looked asleep; if it actually weren't for her moving hands, you'd really think she was asleep. I took a look at the three of them; they all looked bummed, stressed, and wasted. I also looked at myself through a mirror that was across the room, and I saw the same thing. I took a deep breath before talking.

"Look at us, we look like girls who have no lives! Let's add up some energy to our day. Why not we start getting ready for our girls' day out?" I perked.

"That sounds nice; buying furniture for this crammed up apartment, get pampered in the spa…" Gabriella fantasized with a dazing look on her face. "Don't forget to mention dining in an expensive restaurant…" Kelsi added with the same look.

I smiled at them, "Don't forget buying new clothes!" Taylor said with a smile. We all laughed. Oh Yeah, Today will be great.

Troy's POV

Am I doing this right?

It was exactly 12:00 noon when I woke up. My plan for today was really just sleep in, but no, my team wasn't having that. My cell phone rang; I swear, if I could only just shut that thing down for the day, I would, but being the star player of the Lakers, having your cell phone on is the most important thing ever. I stood up lazily to answer the call; I looked at the Caller ID and saw Chad's name and picture flashing on the screen.

I slid my phone open and pressed it against my ear; this better be important.

"Talk to me" I said with, as I have not meant it to sound like it, a pissed voice.

"Troy! We're all in the gym, we're all just waiting for you…you coming, right?" He asked me as if I had a choice. Even if I did say no, he'll find a way to rat me in to going later.

"Yeah, of course; I'll be there in a few," I told him, which seemed to have made him happy.

"Great! Hurry up, alright? Oh and are we still in for movie night later at your place?" He asked me. Oh right, movie night. It's Saturday today, which means the guys will come over and we'll watch a few movies, few games, drink a few drinks… you get the story.

"Oh, yeah, definitely; look, I have to go, I'll see you, okay?" I said. I hung up the phone without another word. I walked in my huge bathroom and prepared my bath by clicking a few buttons. Yes, I don't use the traditional way of preparing baths; I use the latest home assistance technology. It's like a remote control for the whole room; I have it in almost every room in the house.

When my bath was ready, I took off my shirt and my trousers before I went in the big white tub. The water was hot; it tickled my skin and loosened up my tight muscles. I took a big sigh of relief; of all the things to look forward to in life, I admit that hot showers and baths are some things I always look forward to.

After a few minutes, I got up and dried myself with a towel. I wrapped it below my waist and walked over to the dresser. I applied my deodorant and sprayed on some Axe. I combed my hair and walked to my closet. I put on my black shorts and my white shirt; then I wore my white Nike rubber shoes. I checked myself in the mirror and decided that I look presentable, so I walked out of the bathroom and grabbed my work-out hoodie and shades before grabbing an apple and a bottle of Gatorade before leaving.

As I had arrived at the lobby, I passed by the check in counter, I was greeted by the concierge, Bobby.

"Hey, Troy, are you going to practice?" Bobby asked me; I have known Bobby ever since I've moved here eight years ago… He never changes.

"Oh you know it, Bobby" I answered him back with a smirk. I waved at him, ending the conversation, and he waved back. I walked out of the building only to see that the valet already got my car; I thanked him as he handed me the keys, I slipped about 10 dollars into his pocket before getting in.

The drive was slow, very slow. The New York traffic had made its presence a lot more notable to everyone in the streets. I sighed and turned on the stereo; I listened to the music while I waited for the other cars to get moving- which by the way, will take forever.

--

Finally, I arrived in the gym of the Lakers team. Everyone was there already; and whenever I would pass by, they would greet me with a 'hey' or a 'sup', I gave them all a smile in return. I dropped my bottle of Gatorade in the corner and walked over to where Chad and the rest of the guys stood.

"Hey guys! Ready?" I asked them, and they all nodded. "Let's go!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. Then there we went. We were all jogging around the gym while some were lifting weights. This is what my life is all about now, being fit and winning every single game. Then, we finally finished. I checked the time on my cell phone; it read 4:30pm. Time flies so fast! I looked at all of my teammates and they were all pink and shiny because of sweat, we really gave it our best effort today, but to be honest, when did we ever not?

I gulped in my Gatorade and thought for a second. It was too early to end practice now, so I just have to keep them all working.

"What do you guys say to a little game?" I suggested; some looked at me like I was smart and great, while some looked at me like I'm a lunatic.

"I can't." Marshall said. He was one of the oldest members of our team. He wasn't exactly old, but he was a lot more mature than some of us. "Why not?" I asked him, he looked at me then,

"I have to go home and spend some time with the kids and my wife" He told me earnestly. I scrunched my eyebrows together, "Seriously? Come on, man! Enjoy life! Basketball 24/7!" I persuaded him, but he gave me an incredulous look,

"Life? Troy, son, this," he told me as he waved his hand to the court, "is not life; this is just a hobby, or an activity. But it is not life. I used to think that it was life, too; but someday, you'll realize that this is not what life is all about." He told me as he grabbed his bag and approached the locker room. I continued to stare at the spot where he last stood. I was downright confused; what else could life be about? I know that to others, life is about dancing and singing, but for him, basketball player, why is basketball not his life, or my life?

I shook my head and ignored what he said. I turned to the other members of the team, "How 'bout you guys? Are you up for it?" I asked them, and they all nodded. I smiled at them and we ran to the court to start playing some ball.

Author's Note: So did you enjoy this chapter? Please Review!

With Hearts,

LA2021~