"Oh my gosh! Stacey did you hear? Troy Bolton is coming here! Our dance school! I know, he is so hot! I'll have to get back to you; class is starting in a few minutes." I rolled my eyes and got back to warming up my legs as the delusional girl snapped her phone shut.

Everyone had heard the news of Troy Bolton coming to East Academy of Dance. It was one of the best dance schools in America and Troy Bolton was coming here. Hopeful young dancers clambered from all over America to attend EAD; (East Academy of Dance) it was a bordering school for girls and boys who loved dance. They received an education and got to do the thing they loved best 7 days a week; dance.

I was a bit of a new comer to the dance scene as I only moved to Albuquerque last year and I was currently 16, turning 17 in a month and a half. I only took up dancing seriously four years ago because I was overweight. I was on the verge of being obese and I couldn't handle the stares and unwanted comments anymore. One comment pushed me over the edge, "I want a girl who has bigger boobs than her rolls." That nearly killed my self esteem and I had the motivation to lose weight.

I was depressed for a month or so before I made myself a resolution. Every time I felt depressed I would go and out and exercise, when ever I felt sick of exercising I would remember that comment and the way I felt after trying something on in an extra large and it didn't fit. It definitely ruined my shopping mood and I wanted to leave the mall straight away.

It took time but with a healthy eating plan (I refused to say the word diet) the weight slowly came off and when I fitted into a large. I felt on top of the world, I felt like I could accomplish anything! Then as my weight kept decreasing I could finally fit into a small, it took a year and a half of vigorous exercise and self discipline but I got there. And from then I never looked back at the 'old' Gabriella Montez.

My personality changed completely after I lost the excess weight, I was nicer before losing all the weight, thinking that how I treat people they would treat me the same but I learnt that it doesn't work like that. For boys anyway, you treat them nicely but you have to be hot and skinny for them to show one ounce of respect to you. I'm never going to be fooled again by them, never ever. That is my promise to myself; keep closed so you can't get hurt again. So now I'm pretty much a closed shell; nice enough to make acquaintances but never friends.

I checked my phone and found a message from my mom, "Good luck Gabriella in your classes this week. Remember the auditions are soon. Do your best. Mom." I rolled my eyes, that was so like Mom, business like and always looking at a chance for her daughter to shine.

No matter what I did it was never my best for my mom. I receive three awards in school but another girl received five. "You could have received six Gabriella if you had worked hard enough!" Shaking myself out of those thoughts I slipped on my jazz shoes ready for a relaxing class of hip hop.

I kept myself at the back, I knew I was a good enough dancer but I couldn't match Sharpay Evans or Taylor McKessie, or even Kelsi Neilson. Sharpay belonged on stage; she had stage presence and that was essential for all dancers. Taylor had perfect technique, she could do nothing wrong and again it was vital for all dancers. Kelsi had grace and whenever she danced, she lost herself into the music and it became only Kelsi and the music. When one of them was onstage you couldn't take your eyes off them and if all three were on stage, you couldn't possibly decide whom to watch.

It was like lollies, chocolate and ice cream after a bad break up. You knew you could only have one of the three but which one would make you feel better?

A few girls came in, chattering loudly, "I know. I heard he was single. How cool is that? His parents met through dancing, I wonder if he finds his future wife here too?" I knew immediately who they were talking about; Troy Bolton again!

Lucky bloke, both his parents were famous, professional dancers, he was attractive enough and his little flings often caught the media eye. He wouldn't have been well known if not for his flings and parents.

"Ladies! Please hurry up! Class is supposed to be starting now! Shoes on! Shoes on!" The girls scurried off stretching lightly and yanking on shoes.

"5, 6, 7, 8! Go Meg and Sarah. Listen to the music ladies! Keep the spacings even! Arm straight Sharpay!" Miss Christine was one of the best instructors I have had in my time of dance; she knew everyone's strengths and weaknesses which helped pull her dances together perfectly.

"Alright ladies, we will clean it up tomorrow, remember what I have said today and make sure you don't make the same mistake again! A reminder to look your best for the arrival of Mr Bolton before lunch." I groaned and stood up slowly as chatter and gossip erupted with Troy Bolton's name being mentioned. I chucked my shoes in my dance bag and walked out into the hall. I was ready to have a quick jog around the field outside.

I plonked my bag in my room and took a swift shower, pulling on fresh clothes and runners. I checked my Minnie Mouse watch that I had received as a present for my fifth birthday. I had one hour until lunch and then I had afternoon tutor. I jogged out in to the sunshine, determined to run around the large field at least five times. I ran along the gravel path that had been constructed last year for easier access to the field.

I worked up a light sweat and left the field feeling happier and lighter. I walked into the entrance hall only to be greeted with a flustered dance school. They were hanging streamers and banners up for Troy Bolton's arrival. I could smell the feast that was being made in the kitchens and as I walked casually back to my dorm the girls were putting on their best dresses and putting heavy amounts of makeup on. I was nearly choking from the perfume drifting out of Sharpay's room.

I reached my room and pulled on a red dress I had brought as a reward for myself for losing that last pound. The spaghetti straps crossed over at the back and the dress ended just above my knees. I grabbed my black stilettos as they were practical and went wonderfully with everything. I swiped some eyeliner and lip gloss over my face as I consulted Minnie Mouse and according to her I only had two minutes to get down to the entrance foyer.

I stood at the very back leaning against a gold pillar and trying not to yawn. I could see desire in Troy Bolton's eyes as he surveyed the girls, probably wondering which dumb girl to use next. Chad Danforth stood next to me, one of the better dancers in the school; he failed to cover his yawn and was reprimanded by Madam Darbus for 'disgraceful behaviour' and would be serving an extra 15 minutes bar work in his next class.

I rolled my eyes as Chad just grinned at me and we turned our attention to the speech Headmaster Matsui was announcing. "And it is with great honour, East Academy of Dance hosts Troy for the rest of his year here and we are sure he will achieve." Mr Bolton then pushed his son lightly towards the microphone and Troy Bolton started his ever so great speech of acceptance. "Thank you, East Academy of Dance for this great privilege I have been offered to attend here. I will try my best to make you proud and I'm looking forward to the end of term gala."

I kept my groan quiet as he had to mention the end of term gala. It was an annual production with EAD showcasing its talented dancers. As a senior, I could audition for the a main part as there was going to be scouts from all over the country looking for rising stars. I wanted the lead female but I knew it was going to go to Sharpay, Taylor or Kelsi. If Troy Bolton was participating in the gala, he was sure to get the male lead.

"Lunch will be served now. Please make your way to the dining hall." Chad and I waited until everyone had gone and we followed at the back in silence. Chad and I had a special friendship, we weren't interested in each other but somehow we just clicked and often turned to each other for advice on the opposite sex. Chad had come to me numerous times whereas I had yet to take him up on the offer.

"Sit with me?" He suggested. I nodded, kicking my legs behind me so they softly made contact with my bottom. It wasn't unusual to see someone stretching in the hall, looking around I saw a few people stretching their arms and then having one leg bent and the other straight while they put pressure on their big toe. I could see many of the younger students doing this exercise, getting their feet prepared for pointe shoes. (AN: For those that don't know, pointe shoes are the ballet shoes with blocks of really hard cardboard in the bottom.)

We grabbed a chicken and salad wrap each and a bottle of water before sitting at Chad's usual table. Troy Bolton came over too, with his already acquired posse of girls who were attached to him like he was an extra body part. I quickly left not wanting to hear, "Oh my gosh, your eyes are the bluest I have ever seen!" or "Are you single? 'Cos I am too. Oh my god! We can be single together! Won't that be the greatest?" I walked away giving Chad a quick hug and Bolton a nod. I could hear Bolton saying as I left, "I don't think she likes me very much…" Chad just laughed and I smiled walking out of the hall to go get my books from my room.

How was that? Okay? Long enough?

Note: I am a dancer but I'm not on pointe yet and pointe shoe's actually have really hard cardboard in the bottom not wood as Ashley told me. Sorry about that!

Cupcakes.xx