Gabriella

I was still new to the whole clique thing. Taylor had created a chart for me, with all of the tables in the cafeteria. They were labeled according to clique. Each night I memorized a section of the cafeteria. I saved theatre-class-kid's section for last.

Every lunch period, Taylor would quiz me on the different tables and cliques of East High. She wanted to be a teacher. Go figure.

On the Friday of the first week of school I walked into the cafeteria, ready for today's quiz.

"Hey Gabi!" Taylor said, scooting her chair over to make space for me. I sat down next to her. The second I unpacked my bag she pointed her finger over to the once lonesome table in the back corner of the cafeteria – theatre-class-kid's table. "That one."

I took a breath. "Jocks, cheer leaders, the whole stereotypical high school popular kid bunch. They tend to be rich, and even if they aren't, they're sure to wear designer brand clothing. Otherwise, they can say goodbye to the table." I fake yawned, proving to her I knew my stuff. She clapped her hands wildly.

"Good job! I can now officially call you a student of East High." I bowed. The whole table laughed, and I saw theatre-class-kid look my way. I suddenly felt a sense of pride. There was no way this day could get any better.

Troy

Shit. I looked away quickly, trying to make sure she didn't catch me looking at her. It was already Friday, and I still hadn't had the guts approach as-hot-as-Sharpay girl. That morning I had failed my Algebra quiz, and I couldn't get Chad out of practice, so he was sort of miffed at me. As if my day couldn't get any worse, Sharpay wiggled into the seat next to me.

"This seat taken?" She asked.

"Not any more," I muttered.

"Excuse me?"

"Er, nothing."

"So look, Troy. There's something I want to talk to you about."

"Hm?"

"You know how I've been like the star of every production since first grade, and I usually get everything I want, right?"

I rolled my eyes, trying not to be subtle. When would she understand that I wasn't into her? "Yes."

"Well, there's one thing I want that I haven't gotten yet."

"And what would that be?" I asked, completely unfazed by the conversation.

She touched the tip of my nose with her index finger. "You."

"What?" I exclaimed, surprised. I mean I knew she liked flirting with me, but now she wanted me?

"You're the perfect boy for me. And I know you like me, too." When I didn't answer, she insisted, "Don't be shy, Troy." Please be a little less arrogant, I thought.

I got up, and placed myself in the direction of as-hot-as-Sharpay girl's table. "Look, Sharpay, lemme get back to you on that one." I took a step toward the other table.

"But Troy!" She shouted after me. I continued to walk towards the table.

"Hey! You!" I called to the girl. What else was I supposed to say?

She turned around and looked me square in the eyes. I squirmed uncomfortably. Sharpay tugged on my arm. "Troy. I want an answer now."

I ignored her, and continued to look at as-hot-as-Sharpay girl. Damn I wanted to know her name.

She got up, and began to approach me. She was carrying her lunch tray with left over food on it. Sharpay's grip on my arm stiffened. As-hot-as-Sharpay girl stopped short and stood right in front of me. "Yes?"

I tried to say something, but nothing came out. I choked. I stood there stupidly. She repeated herself, "yes?" Sharpay stepped in front of me, blocking my view of the girl. She turned around so she was looking at me face-to-face. "Yeah, Troy. Why are you even talking to her?"

I wished I knew the answer. When I didn't respond, Sharpay turned towards as-hot-as-Sharpay girl and grimaced. She clenched her teeth and spat, "You better watch who you're dealing with, missy. This boy is mine. No matter how much you pry or try to steal him from me. It won't matter. You better learn your boundaries." Sharpay pointed over at where the girl was sitting. "You belong over there." She crooked her arm through mine. "And I belong over here."

As-hot-as-Sharpay girl stared at her, her mouth slightly open. She took her lunch tray in her hands, and poured the remainder of her food and drink on top of Sharpay's head. It was at that moment that I realized the whole cafeteria was staring at us, and it seemed as if every body in the room was holding their breath, including me.

It took a few seconds for the shock to sink in, but once Sharpay understood what happened, she let out an ear piercing shrill. Ketchup, pudding, and soda coated her hair. I swear I heard glass crack somewhere in the distance. As-hot-as-Sharpay girl continued to stand there, her expression inscrutable. She looked at Sharpay, her eyes narrow as a hawk's. "It was really a pleasure to meet you," she said earnestly. It looked as if she meant it. She turned towards me and nodded. I barely heard her as she whispered to me, "nice to meet you, too. We should really do this again some time."

Correction: Now my day couldn't get any worse.