Chapter 2-
Sharpay tossed her blonde hair and smiled at herself in the mirror. She was dressed in a glittery, pink top, pink leggings, and a white mini-skirt. She grabbed her silver purse and turned to leave the room. But she turned back for one more glance at her reflection.
She looked wonderful as usual.
"Ryan, are you ready?" she called to her twin.
"Yeah," he yelled from the top of the stairs. He set his sky blue hat at a jaunty angle and hurried down the stairs.
"Did you call our pianist and tell him to come over late this afternoon?" she inquired.
He nodded.
"Good, we need to be perfect. We are not losing out to Troy and Gabriella again."
"Don't worry, you're already perfect." Ryan said with an adoring smile.
She smiled. "I know, but you need to work on your dancing."
………………….
Troy frowned at the basketball in his hands. Why was Gabriella avoiding him? She hadn't even said anything recently about the auditions. Had he done something wrong?
"What did the basketball do to deserve that look?" Chad asked with a grin.
Troy smiled and looked up. "Missed the basket."
Chad laughed, but quickly turned serious. "You look upset. What's wrong?"
"I'm not sure." Troy said slowly. "Gabriella's been avoiding me."
"I promise, I had nothing to do with it this time," Chad assured.
Troy smiled faintly. "That's good to know."
Chad grinned. "I know. So have you tried talking to her?" he asked.
Troy shook his head. "No, how can I talk to her when she's been avoiding me?"
Chad frowned. "That's a good question."
"But you don't have an answer, right?" Troy asked.
Chad nodded. "Right."
A whistle blew and practice began.
…………………
"Gabriella." A familiar voice called.
She turned and smiled at Taylor. "Hi."
Taylor paused to catch her breath before saying hello. Together the two friends began their way to the buses. "Why were you in such a hurry?" Taylor asked.
Gabriella sighed. "I was trying to avoid talking to Troy again."
Taylor frowned. "Why? Did you two have a fight?"
Gabriella shook her head and remained silent.
"Are we going to have to play twenty questions, or are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Taylor asked.
"I can't say."
"Why not?" Taylor questioned. "I thought I was your friend."
"You are, but…." Gabriella paused. Then she sighed. "I really can't say anything right now."
"Is it about the auditions? Are you nervous?" Taylor asked.
Gabriella groaned inwardly. Taylor was determined not to give up. "If I tell you will you promise not to tell?"
"I can't even tell Chad?"
Gabriella looked at her friend.
Taylor smiled. "I promise."
Gabriella pulled Taylor away from the crowd. "I know you'll probably tell me I shouldn't be afraid of her and everything, but she scares me."
"Who?" Taylor asked with a frown. Then realization dawned. "Oh…Sharpay, right?"
Gabriella nodded. "She said she'd make my life miserable if I audition with Troy."
"I'm guessing you didn't say anything to Troy about this…"
Gabriella shook her head. "No, that's why I've been avoiding him."
"Gabriella, you can't let Sharpay threaten you into doing what she wants." Taylor said. "If you don't stand up to her it will only get worse, not better."
"I didn't think you'd understand," Gabriella said quietly. Then she turned and climbed aboard her bus. "See you later," she told Taylor.
