A/N: Me again, thanks for reviewing the last chapter- only a short author's note this time because I know you guys wana read the story right?

Disclaimer: I owe nothing... same sad story

The next day at school Troy wasn't looking forward to meeting Gabriella after what had happened last night, but he told himself he had to as he needed to talk to her about something, but before he could continue his train of thought any further the Evans twins had made their entrance and the students automatically parted for them- almost like they were trained animals. Sharpay passed Troy's locker and 'accidently' bumped into him.
"Oh hi Troy!" The one and only Sharpay Evans squealed.
"Uh hi to you too," He replied out of politeness. He was one of the wildcats that didn't mind her that much as over the summer he had gotten closer to her, even if she did try and get him for herself by bribing him with opportunities and by doing other things.
"I take it you know about the drama club meeting after school? If not now you do because I'm here. Gosh this makes me wonder what most of the members would do without me, how would they know when surprise meetings would be? They wouldn't, but luckily Miss. Darbus has me!" She babbled on. She was actually a pretty cool girl once she let you get a little close, despite her massive confidence which I guess you had to have if you wanted to make it big, all these qualities made Sharpay... Sharpay and she looked pretty cute when she was thinking- 'Whoa did I actually just think that?'Troy thought.
"Thanks for the heads up I'll let Gabriella know, thanks. As for the drama club... lets just say I don't think there's many other people who would be as dedicated as you," He replied in the nicest way possible, Sharpay made him laugh with her little 'self discoveries' and some of the other things she came out with. Although he did notice that at the mention of Gabriella her face fell a little bit.
"Oh thanks Troy! One less person to find you're a life saver! Ryan and I have already let Miss. Darbus know we won't be there though as we actually have an audition, Toodles!" She replied with a wink before reaching her locker and putting her coat away.
"Yeah, see ya!" He called after her. She really did make him laugh sometimes with how over-dramatic she could also be.

Troy had managed to avoid talking to Gabriella so far, but it was lunch now and he knew he couldn't avoid her for much longer.
"Troy!" A voice called from behind him making him jump, he slowly turned around and was met with Gabriella's cheery face. "Listen I know last night wasn't exactly how we were both expecting our second Valentines Day as a couple to go. I wanted to apologise about everything, I loved your gift I really do, I was just stressed and it was the alcohol speaking and I guess a gold watch was going a bit over-board. Also about the alcohol, it was just mom's been going off with Kyle more and more and it's like she wants to leave me behind, I should be happy for her but she's only been with him for three months and I don't want to see her get hurt and I've been put under a lot of pressure from extra homework, trying to fit you in and decathlon matches coming up. I understand now that it was wrong and alcohol doesn't make everything better, please forgive me?"
Troy's face immediately softened after her explanation, he knew she could be a very emotional girl, "Listen don't worry Gabs, we'll forget it and I'll get you another gift ok?"
"No! Troy honestly I love the microphone and picture there's no need to buy me another one! I'm 

happy with whatever you give me; I was talking nonsense yesterday, like I said we don't need to prove our feelings to one another through gifts!" She insisted with a shy smile on his face as she gave Troy a small kiss.
"It's fine, everyone makes mistakes I just-"He immediately cut himself off well aware of what he was going to say
"You just what? Tell me Troy!" Gabriella asked, he just shook his head and the matter was left un-questioned. "I just remembered that I'm meant to tell you that there is a 'surprise' drama club meeting after school in the auditorium but something tells me this isn't going to be a normal meeting. Anyway I'm just going to go to my locker, so I'll meet you in the cafeteria- save me seat?" He asked with the eyes she couldn't refuse, Gabby just giggled before he gave her a peck on the cheek.
"Ok, don't be too long though!" She called as she went in the other direction. 'I kinda like that girl better drunk, when she's sober she caves into everything I say- where's the challenge? And how am I going to actually know what she really likes if she says she likes every little thing I get her, cheap or not,' He thought to himself as he grabbed his pack lunch and then going off to meet his friends in the cafeteria

Once again the wildcats had been dragged to Sharpay's table and by the look on her face you could clearly see she wasn't that amused, especially as everyone wasn't even speaking to her that much, instead they were engaged in their own conversations. She could see Gabriella making her way up the stairs towards them, 'Great! Here comes miss perky... not!' She thought to herself. "No Troy then?" She asked just as Gabriella had reached the table with a raised eyebrow.
"He's coming if you must know! He just needed to get a few things, but he won't be long!" She replied with a smile. 'Fucking hell, how can she be THAT cheery ALL the damn time?!' She thought again.
Soon enough, true to her words, Troy Bolton had entered the cafeteria with a brown bag in one hand; he looked around and saw everyone seated at the balcony table. Once he had reached the table he sat next to Gabriella and greeted her with a kiss before noticing Sharpay was sitting on the other side looking incredibly bored. She was staring into space and he also noticed she had started humming a tune he wasn't familiar of.
"Hey Shar! I was just telling Kelsi about the auditions, it seems like we'll be having a larger audience there to support us! She was telling me about the surprise drama club meeting!" Ryan said which made Sharpay stop day-dreaming and humming the tune.
"Huh? Oh yeah Ry, cool. I spoke to Miss. Darbus before school started; anyway I thought we could take my car there! The members going to the meeting only know there is a meeting," She replied pleased that someone was actually paying attention to her. "They're leaving half an hour after us, so that will be about half an hour before school finishes," she continued whilst beaming. Ryan just nodded before turning back to chat with Kelsi and then joined in a conversation with someone else.
"You look a little bored, feel a bit out of place ay?" Troy asked her, he noticed Gabriella was to interested in her little chat with Taylor about some problem or something to do with the decathlon team.
"No!" She shot back, clearly offended. "I'm THE Sharpay Evans, I never feel out of place, I only choose not to be involved.
"Ok I believe you, relax! You just looked like you could use someone to talk to so you weren't just staring into space," He defended himself.


"Thanks... Bolton," She smiled, a genuine smile
"What were you saying about the drama meeting then? Evans,"
"You'll have to wait and see, it's a surprise but something tells me others aren't going to like it as much as some people might," She winked at him. They just continued chatting about small things throughout lunch until the bell went signalling that they had to start making their way to the next lesson.

-- Later on...

"Alright my young thespians I can clearly see that everyone is here! I have organized a small trip for everyone to see what a real audition process is like as, luckily enough we have talent scouts in Albuquerque for our local theatre production and this is also to gain experience because if you want to pursue a career in theatre you're going to have to get experience. The director of this play has also produced the popular musicale 'Wicked!' which I am sure many of you are familiar with Now let us be gone!" Miss. Darbus announced.
Chad, Taylor and Martha had even turned up for drama club once they heard they were missing school... And there was going to be a big stage.

They arrived about fifteen minutes later and all immediately began staring in awe at the theatre they never even knew their home place had.
"Right I have two hours for these auditions for the main roles and then I'm out of here. Let's see what talent this little town has to offer!" A man who looked about forty burst through the doors and made his way towards the desk set up near the front of the room and sat down. "Right everyone, I am Mr. Michael Davies and I will be the director of this performance and will be choosing the parts for the main roles as these are all we have left to cast! Ah Maggie it's wonderful to see you here with your... umm school drama group?" The man called Mr. Davies announced before greeting Miss. 'Maggie' Darbus
"Yes Michael I'm here with my drama group as I hope they will gain something from this, and also two of my favourite students are auditioning!" Miss. Darbus replied excitedly.
"Awww how lovely! I'm sure they must have a lot of talent as you are their teacher. But back to the auditions I'm guessing all fifteen of you in the front row are the auditionees? Just to make sure everything is clear, I understand that you have all prepared a song; well I can tell you now that that song is of no use. You will be singing a song I have picked from looking through your files with my assistants helping you when necessary if the song involves two people. Clear? Good!" Mr. Davies took out his glasses which had been in his pocket and place them on his nose. "First up is Kristen Linker!" He read from the list.

Half an hour later and some students were starting to get fidgety and bored.
"Is this what I missed school for? All this is is singing and dancing! "Chad complained before yawning.
"I know, but dude these people are amazing, but the age? Something tells me they are looking for younger people not thirty odd like two people have been. Drama Club always has stuff to do with drama, you can leave if you want and make up and excuse," Troy reasoned.
"I have to stick around, my mom and dad have gone out and George and Isa are at their friends, plus on top of that I forgot my house keys so I'm stuck until one of them gets home!"

"Next can we please have a Ryan Evans?" Mr. Davies asked his voice clear.


Ryan immediately got out of his seat and onto the stage after hearing a faint 'good luck' from his sister. He was given the song 'When you Believe' and sang it so well, it seemed to have suited Ryan's voice perfectly. The judges seemed to have been pleased with his performance and a small smile was visible seen on some of the people's faces.
"Ah, excellent performance Mr. Evans I can assure you that you will most likely be given part I'll just need to discuss what role would most suit you with my colleges. Thank you!" Mr. Davies said,

Ryan left the stage and found his seat. "That was great Ry, seriously." Sharpay squealed. Ryan flashed a smile at her, genuinely pleased with her response; she hardly ever told him that his performances were as amazing, they were only usually satisfactory in her point of view.

"Quiet Everyone!" Mr. Davies hushed everyone. "Next we'd like Miss. Sharpay Evans to come to the stage!"

Sharpay just closed her eyes and breathed deeply before going onto the stage and turning to face Mr. Davies. "We've looked over past acting experience and it is very good. We have picked 'I Know Him So Well'- you have heard of it? We wanted to test you and are going to focus on the emotion of the song, meaning that we want to see you heartbroken. I'm sure you are capable of that, are you not?" Sharpay just nodded her head and Mr. Davies raised his hand to signal for the music to start playing. A soft melody began to fill the room as Sharpay raised the microphone to her mouth before she began to sing.

Nothing is so good it lasts eternally
Perfect situations must go wrong

Sharpay just stood there as she sang the first two lines, her face showing no emotion.


But this has never yet prevented me
From wanting far too much for far too long

Her lips formed to show a small smile as her eyes began to sparkle

Looking back, I could have played it differently
Won a few more moments, who can tell

She walked forward a few steps to the right, the smile gone from her face, shrugging her shoulders as she sang 'who can tell'

But it took time to understand the man
Now at least I know, I know him well

Sharpay stopped and turned to face everyone and looked to the side like she was remembering something. Before smiling, with the same thinking expression she looked like she was remembering something, before she started on the chorus.

Wasn't it good (Oh so good)


Wasn't he fine (Oh so fine)

Her expression changed to a happy one as her eyes glazed over, her hands retreating to her chest as if she was going to hug herself.

Isn't it madness he can't be mine

Her hands stayed where they were, she frowned a little and looked to the floor.

But in the end, he needs a little more than me
More security (He needs his fantasy and freedom)
I know him so well

Sharpay had a still expression, and moved her hands to in front of her like she was telling a story to the audience before looking down for the last sentence and smirking

No one in your life is with you constantly
No one is completely on your side

She went still again just singing a story to the audience, using one hand for one sentence and the other for the other line

And though I move my world to be with him
Still the gap between us is too wide

Sharpay now had a longing look in her eyes, moving her hands apart to show how wide the gap was.

Looking back, I could have played it differently
Learned about the man before I fell
But I was ever so much younger then
Now at least I know, I know him well

She suddenly looked like she was remembering something, something important. She shook her head and smiled a little, the longing look still evident in her eyes.

Wasn't it good (Oh so good)
Wasn't he fine (Oh so fine)
Isn't it madness he won't be mine
Didn't I know how it would go
If I knew from the start
Why am I falling apart

She mimicked he same actions she did for the chorus before

Wasn't it good
Wasn't he fine
Isn't it madness he won't be mine



Sharpay belted out those lines, showing the strength in her voice, a vulnerable side to her and it was almost... believable.

But in the end, he needs a little more than me
More security (He needs his fantasy and freedom)
I know him so well

Her voice slowly started to get quieter and softer for those lines, she sang them as though she was telling herself she wasn't good enough.

It took time to understand him
I know him so well

she faced the audience, her eyes fixated on a corner of the theatre as she sang those words, her voice getting quieter and quieter until it was only just louder than a whisper, a small smile playing on her face. The music ended shortly.

Everyone started cheering, clearly mesmerized by her performance, she did a little bow before focusing on Mr. Davies- there was no smile on his face, no emotion could been seen at all. Her face immediately fell; she couldn't have been that bad could she? She was pleased with the performance she had just given. He locked eyes with her for a minute.

Suddenly Gabriella felt her phone vibrate and hastily reached for it and reading the message. It was from her mom. Gabriella immediately started gathering up her belongings before whispering to Troy she need to go and she'd call later. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and rushed out the building.

As soon as she was gone, everyone focused on Mr. Davies who still hadn't moved or said anything. Sharpay's heart slowly started beating faster, anticipating an answer. His eyes still locked with hers. He stood up. "Well Miss. Evans that was certainly one heck of a performance, and I'm sure most of the people in here would agree! Well done! I can pretty much guarantee you the lead! I didn't think you could do it, so hats off to you!" He announced, watching Sharpay produce a huge smile and fill up with happiness. "You convinced me you were heartbroken, upset and happy- all in one song! Well done! Thank you!" He continued.

Sharpay nearly ran off the stage jumping with joy and went back in her seat, greeted by Ryan who congratulated her on everything.

"This isn't the end, no! We still have some spots to fill and seeing as Miss. Darbus has bragged about the level East High is performing out we figured they could audition if they wanted- one shot. That's it. Or maybe just come and perform for the fun of it? Sound Good?" Mr. Davies said again.

Everyone started talking in their seats.
"Dude where did Gabby shoot off to? This could have been a great chance for you two!" Chad exclaimed.

"I don't know, I really don't know man. She just shot off and said she'd call me. I mean there are no problems between us that I know of. We seem fine except for the odd spats every couple have. I don't even want to do this; I can't do it by myself!" Troy replied.


"Just do it! I mean you're Troy Bolton, you can do whatever, and you don't need some girl to do something. Just do it!" Chad fought back and before Troy could reply with his 'It wouldn't feel right' excuse, Chad had lifted Troy's hand in the air.

"Come on up then Young Man! " Mr. Davies cried enthusiastically.

Troy made his way to the stage, shooting daggers to Chad as he looked over his shoulder. "I'm not sure I want to do this, sir." Troy began.

"Nonsense! You must just be shy. Come on the stage Sharpay and perform a duet with him, now that should give you some confidence!" Mr. Davies continued, ushering his new star to the stage."I'll just pick out a song, so just chat amongst yourselves!"

Troy turned to Sharpay and could immediately feel the tension between them, Sharpay didn't seem to mind she just looked to where the scouts were, hoping to get a sense of what they were doing.

"So... Great performance up there Sharpay, honestly. It was fantastic!" Troy began, not liking the awkward silence between them.

Sharpay turned to fave him and plastered a smile on her face before letting out a small giggle. "Thank you. I know it was simply FABULOUS!" She looked back to the crowd for a second. "No clingy girlfriend I see. What's happened? She left you or simply doesn't want to out do the 'breaking free' fiasco you started? "She coldly added.

"No, she had to go somewhere actually. I'm sure she would have been up for this though."

"Yeah well... You best make sure you don't outshine me, not you could," She added.

"Look what is your problem?"

"Singing is MY thing! You have basketball and Gabriella does the geekathon team. Singing is mine and you just took it. Everything was fine until SHE came. This is MY chance and I don't want it ruined!"

"Come on, we never tried to steal anything. We just want to try and be friends; we didn't know you felt like that. Oh yeah, don't you mean decathlon?"

"Geekathon, Decathlon- what's the difference? Don't think that will be happening any time soon, I liked things the way they were! Now she has... everything!"

"Come on, she doesn't, trust me. There must be something else you have..." Sharpay just shook her head. "I'm sure you do, singing is just what you enjoy most. You're a born superstar. Sharpay the Drama Queen and I wouldn't have it any other way," He reassured her and pulled her into a hug. Sharpay was a bit shocked but wrapped her arms around him and smiled.

"Right now I need to see the chemistry, so I want to sing a little bit of 'If I Never See Your Face Again' Right, stand next to each other and just do whatever you think works. Music!" Mr. Davies interrupted.



Troy lifted the microphone to his mouth and began to sing.

Now as the summer fades
I let you slip away
You say I'm not your type
But I can make you sway

He thought about what Sharpay had done in her last performance. He plastered a cheeky grin on his face and turned to Sharpay and took a few steps back before going behind her grabbing her waist and started moving her hips from side to side, almost like she was swaying.

It makes you burn to learn
You're not the only one
I'd let you be if you
Put down your blazing gun

He leaned down to her ear to sing up until 'your not the only one' before letting her go and backing away from her, lowering a hand. Then it was Sharpay's turn.

Now you've gone somewhere else
Far away
I don't know if I will find you (find you, find you)
But you feel my breath
On your neck
Can't believe I'm right behind you (right behind you)

She kept her eyes on him and moved her arm to show far away, before turning to the audience and shrugging her shoulders. She suddenly started walking up to him, stopping behind him. She lifted herself on her toes to look over her should and leaned her head near his neck and he could feel her breath on his neck from behind him.

'Cause you keep me coming back for more
And I feel a little better than I did before
And if I never see your face again
I don't mind
'Cause we gone much further than I thought we'd get tonight

They turned to each other to sing the chorus. They took a couple of steps forward until they're faces were an inch apart. Their smirks getting a little bigger, Sharpay raised an eyebrow before lowering it to finish the song. Troy winked at her at the end. Sharpay opened her mouth to sing the next verse when she was interrupted.

"That's enough! I've heard enough! Wow, seriously! Great job guys, there's so much chemistry radiating from your singing! You have gotten yourself a part Mr. Bolton, a lead no doubt. I will get in touch with everyone who has auditioned, I have to go, if anyone else wants a part ask Miss. Darbus 

and she shall let me know! Thank you!"

With that, he left the theatre.
"He was right Troy; you were really good just now. I hope you get a part, I just hope you're able to keep up with me in rehearsal with some of the dancing that's going to be involved." Sharpay cockily told him as she turned to face him.

"Haha thanks. You weren't so bad yourself. Oh trust me; I'll have no problem keeping up with you." Troy playfully argued back.

Sharpay laughed before going after she threw a 'tootles' over her shoulder.
He just laughed and smiled. He followed her down the stairs to go and see Chad, who did not look happy.

"You do know you have to kiss her in the play, don't you? What's Gabby going to say? She's always going on about how theatre is 'your thing'. Now you're getting a lead... with Evans and without her? She's really not going to be happy; you know how she feels about Sharpay! I just had to sit through this with Taylor. Fix it!" He yelled.

"Dude! It was you who volunteered me! I'm not going to say no just because you want me too. Gabs would understand, it's just an acting and singing thing! Nothing else. She trusts me! If not, she has some serious trust issues. It's not my fault she had to go off somewhere! She'll understand and if not that's her problem. Not yours or Taylors ok?" He snapped back.

"Look whatever, I need to go meet my dad, see ya later!" Chad replied back less aggressive.

"Troy, if there's going to be a problem with you being in this performance then it doesn't matter. Don't do it, just do what you want." A feminine voice said over his shoulder, making him jump. He turned around to see Sharpay standing there with her purse.

"It's not. I want to do this; they'll just have to learn I can do my own things and be independent. I can audition for stuff with or without Gabby. You'll let me know about rehearsals and stuff in case I don't please?"He replied with a smile. He was starting to think Sharpay really wasn't that bad despite the stuff she had done in the past. Sharpay just smiled and nodded before leaving.

"I hope Montez will be alright! Everything will be fine!" She shouted to him, before leaving, no one noticing the smirk on her face. 'This could be interesting'

Troy left a couple of minutes later and saw on his phone he had one missed call- from Gabriella. He silently cursed.

"Oh god Gabs really isn't going to be happy now about everything," He muttered before trying to call her back

A/N: Another chapter (: and I'm about to start working on the next one- this is the longest chapter of this story so far! But just to warn you, the chapters won't usually be this long. Gabriella's 

reaction will start to cause problems between the two and Taylor will discover something about Valentines Day in the next chapter
Lucylicious xx