Chapter 4

Over the next few months, Troy and Gabriella's renewed friendship had gotten stronger. They were back to being best friends like they were before they were dating. They would go out with their friends or just by themselves. It didn't matter where they went, because they still had fun wherever they went. They were content to just be in each other's presence. However they both still held a secret longing for each other. But they were willing to keep that a secret from each other because they would rather be best friends than ruin it by possibly telling each other they wanted to get back together but fearing the other didn't feel the same way anymore.

Currently, it was a Monday morning and they were both at work, which coincidentally they both work at their former high school, East High. Troy Bolton is the basketball coach (having taken over the team when his dad Jack retired from coaching a year ago) and he is also a P.E. teacher, alongside Chad and Zeke (also a part time chef). Gabriella Montez is an English teacher at East High. She took over for Mrs. Darbus, upon Mrs. Darbus' retirement from teaching. They both love their jobs very much. Nothing makes them happier than doing the jobs they loved, except for maybe being with the one they love.

Gabriella had no class at this point in the day, so she was just walking around the school. She passed the gym and looked inside and saw the man who makes her feel like she's in high school all over again, where she was always with him and falling more in love with him everyday. Troy was getting ready to take a shot and as he jumped in the air and the ball left his hand, and went through the hoop for a defining swish, Gabriella then yelled, "And there's the game winning shot."

Troy smiled at her and said, "You want to try shooting, Brie?"

"Sure, give me the ball." Gabriella then said and she shot the ball and it missed the rim by a mile. Gabriella then let out a groan, but inside she knew she missed the shot on purpose because she knows what Troy will do.

Troy ran to get the ball and then came back and gave the ball to Gabriella, then lined up behind her and said, "here, let me help you. (he put his hand on the ball and the other on her back) It's all about the release. Alright jump and release it right above your head."

Gabriella then did what he said and the ball went in the hoop for a swish. She turned and jumped into his arms and hugged him to show she was happy she made the basket.

Turning red from embarrassment, Gabriella backed away and said, "Oh my goodness, I'm sorry, I didn't think before doing that."

Troy laughing, then said, "Gabriella, calm down, it's okay. We're best friends, you can hug me anytime you want."

Gabriella sighed with relief and said, "Okay good."

About half an hour later, they were just sitting on the gym floor laughing and having a great time.

Troy then said hopefully, "Do you want to hang out after we get off of work here? Go see a movie or something?"

Gabriella then said, "that sounds great, Troy."

Then the bell rang and they knew they had to part ways because they both have classes coming in. So they agreed to meet after school to go to the movies.

Once the final bell rung, both Troy and Gabriella were looking forward to going to the movies with each other. They met out back and drove to the movies and got their tickets then sat down with popcorn and soda. Half away through the movie, Troy decided to test his luck and put his arm around Gabriella. She made no protests, so he sighed with relief and thought that maybe he might just be able to get her back.

Gabriella was surprised when she felt Troy's arm go around her shoulders, but she loved and missed his arms being around her. So she made no move to get his arms off her. She settled back into the comfort of his arm being around her and watched the rest of the movie.

After the movie was over, they decided to go somewhere to eat. They went to Red Lobster because they both were craving some crab legs. They ate their meal and then left the restaurant happier than they've both been in awhile. It was around 9 at night when they pulled up at Gabriella's house. Her mom wasn't home because her mom was on a business trip for the next month. Troy and Gabriella just sat in Troy's car for awhile listening to the radio while just talking about the day they had. They both agreed that they had a lot of fun today with each other.

After about half an hour of sitting in the car, Gabriella said that she needs to go inside, so she can get ready for the next day. Troy then shut off the car and got out and opened up the passenger door for Gabriella.

"Why thank you, kind sir," Gabriella said when she got out.

"No problem, miss," Troy said.

Troy and Gabriella then walked up the drive way towards Gabriella's door. When they reached the door, Gabriella turned around and said, "thanks for today Troy, I had a lot of fun."

Troy said, "You're welcome, Brie. So did I."

They stood there, looking at each other for what felt like forever. Then Troy leaned down and hoped that he was doing the right thing and kissed Gabriella passionately on the lips. When he kissed her, Gabriella froze up, but then returned the kiss with as much passion as he was. They both smiled into the kiss, happy that they were kissing each other for the first time in months.

When they stopped kissing, they stared at each other and said goodnight. They agreed that Troy would pick her up in the morning and take them to the school.

As they went to sleep, they both had the same thought on their mind.

"What is going to happen next?"