"Figure Dreams"—
Summary: Gabriella Montez was a Figure Skater. No one would deny it, no one could persuade her against it. Figure Skating was her life. Which meant, nothing would get in her way of becoming a professional and one day skating the ice of the Olympics. Not even if it meant true love was out of her picture.
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING except the plot and characters who don't show up in High School Musical.
OH, AND I KNOW I SAID GABRIELLA AND MICHELLE KWAN WOULD BE PRACTICING UNTIL A WEEK HAS PASSED, BUT FOR THIS CHAPTER, I NEED TO CHANGE THAT TO ONE DAY.
Troy pushed himself out of the water with his bulky arms and landed on the soft bed of grass. His eyes wandered out to the lake where Gabriella was still swimming skillfully. She can skate, draw, sing and swim. What more can she do?
She was doing a backstroke. Her arms were gliding with the wind, lifting and falling in pattern. Troy's lips twitched into a smile as she stopped her actions and ran both hands over her eyes and hair.
Her eyes caught his and she smiled back.
"Why'd you get out?" she questioned as she made her way over. She hoisted her own self up and plopped down next to him, her muscles tired and feeling like jello.
Troy shrugged one shoulder. "It's getting late." He tilted his head back and looked up at the night sky full of stars and a big, round moon that shined a single spot light on the lake.
"Yeah. Let's go."
Troy grabbed his shirt as they stood and started down the path leaving the lake.
FD...
"You are out of your mind," Troy accused Gabriella, pointing a finger at her. "You can't compare that stupid movie Halloween to Insidious. Insidious is freaking scary. I'm not scared of movies, but I'm scared that red faced, black striped thing with a bad hair day will try and take over my body."
"Insidious is too scary," Gabriella said lowly. "And I would literally pee my pants if I see it. Sharpay went and watched it and said she ran out of it and went to watch Rango so she could find her inner peace."
Troy laughed and shook his head. "Well, how about you watch it with me. Friday night at eight. And I'll protect you from any demon that tries and take over your body in pictures or in your sleep."
Gabriella looked up at him, her heart beating loudly and her fingers tingling with coldness. Had he just asked her out on a date?
"Yes," she said. "Of course. But if I get too scared, I might break your hand clutching it tightly."
Troy chuckled and slipped his hand through hers. "Don't worry, I was there for my sisters pregnancy."
"You have a sister?"
"Yeah. She's almost twenty-five. She had a baby boy two years ago and I was there helping her through because her husband passed out when he saw the head of the baby."
Gabriella bit back a laugh. "That's...funny."
"You should have heard her yelling for him to get up." He shook his head, smiling cutely. Gabriella giggled and stopped as they reached the girls' dormitory. "Okay, well, I'll see you tomorrow, Troy. You better not tell anyone about my secret place." She pointed a finger at him. Troy chuckled and grabbed the finger, pulling it down to her side. "I promise I won't. See you tomorrow, Gabriella."
"Bye."
He walked off and soon as he was out of sight, Gabriella turned and walked into the building.
Her dorm room's light was on.
Sharpay was sat on her bed, scrolling furiously down a page on Microsoft Word.
"Sharpay?"
"Oh, God, this is frustrating! I am seriously about to shoot this computer! Gabriella, help me," she cried, banging her fist on the screen. Gabriella rushed over and pried Sharpay's fist away from the screen. "Whoa, I need this for homework as well, Sharpay. What's wrong?"
"The stupid ass computer ate my history essay! And it's due tomorrow!"
Gabriella rolled her eyes and pressed the keys Z and Ctrl at the same time. The screen filled up with highlighted words. Gabriella leaned back on her heels and stared down at Sharpay who was staring shocked at the computer. "Yes, Sharpay, it's magic."
"That is so cool," she muttered, then turned around in the desk chair. "So, where were you and Troy Boy all these hours? I was starting to think he tried to kidnap you."
"Troy wouldn't even dare," Gabriella told her. "And we just went somewhere special to me. And no, I won't tell you what it is."
"Oh, come on, I've known you for three years and he's know you for three days. I would think I would at least be able to know." Gabriella sat down on her bed and flung herself backwards so she was lying down. "Well, I showed you my singing and I showed Troy my secret place. I haven't showed him my singing yet."
"Yet," Sharpay said, saving then coming up and flopping on her own bed. "You haven't told him yet. That means you'll tell him soon."
Gabriella rolled her eyes then rolled and rolled over so she could turn her lamp off. "Goodnight, Sharpay."
Sharpay grinned. "Night, Gabriella."
FD...
Gabriella had said she would see Troy today, but she had just remembered something.
She hadn't been in practice yesterday.
Maybe the rink was still closed.
Gabriella quickly ran out of the bathroom in a black off-shoulder tee and black skinny jeans. She was rushing around the room, looking for some shoes. Sharpay watched in amusement as she leaned back on her forearms. Gabriella had her shoes on.
"Hey, Gabriella, would it help if I say you already have your shoes on?"
Gabriella stopped in her tracks and peered down at her feet. Her feet were placed securely into her black gladiator sandals. She cursed under her breath before running off to grab her duffel bag. "I'll be back soon," she told Sharpay. "If Troy comes by, tell him I'll be back...soon." She threw a lopsided smile towards Sharpay before finally dashing out of the dorm room.
Sharpay raised her eyebrows and shook her head.
FD...
"Mrs. Herb, I'm here," Gabriella announced as she entered the now open rink with her dress and skates on. Everyone stopped skating and looked to her. Mrs. Herb looked up, her brown eyes flaring with rage. Michelle Kwan was working with Nancy Ginger and Shelby Cross. Gabriella's mouth open wide in shock.
"Gabriella, how nice of you to finally join us," Mrs. Herb said, walking slowly over to Gabriella. Gabriella nodded and swallowed. "Sorry I'm late— "
"Late?" Mrs. Herb questioned, her eyebrows lifting. "Oh, no, dear, you missed a practice and a half. That's almost ten hours, Gabriella. Ten hours of hard training and you are extremely behind. And, you left Miss Kwan with no one. I had to persuade her to stay. Do you know how long it took me to set up for her to coach you? I think not. And then you treat it like this? Gabriella, I am shocked."
"I'm so sorry," Gabriella apologized.
"What could have been so important to miss out, Gabriella?"
Gabriella sucked in a breath. Mrs. Herb was sure to tell her mom if Gabriella told Mrs. Herb. Then things would get...bad.
"I was just...out," she answered truthfully.
"Out?" Her coach raised her eyebrows in shock. "Gabriella, I won't tolerate that answer."
"Well, you see, I kind of met this boy— "
Mrs. Herb held up a hand and her eyes closed. When they opened, Gabriella saw that flare of disappointment in them. "You aren't supposed to, Gabriella. Your mother won't put up with it."
"She doesn't need to know." Gabriella sighed. "It's not what you think, okay? We're just friends and we were hanging out and I lost time. Mrs. Herb, I'm so sorry. Please, just don't tell my mom. Give me one more chance. One. And if I blow it, you can tell her anything you want."
Mrs. Herb nodded once. "Very well, then. I'll give you one chance. After that, I will take no explanations or excuses. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, ma'am." Gabriella nodded. Mrs. Herb smiled. "Great. Now come along. Miss Kwan can't wait another second."
Gabriella nodded again and skated over to Michelle. "Miss Kwan, look who I have here."
Michelle gazed up, but she didn't smile. Gabriella's heart deflated just a bit. "Oh, Gabriella. Nice of you to finally show up."
"I had something really important to do," she insisted.
Nancy shook her head. "Yeah, and that important thing is Troy Bolton, I assume?"
"Well...yes. But, I just...I'm sorry, Michelle. I really am. I promise never to do it again."
"I hope you can keep a promise," Michelle said. "Because I won't give you another chance if you break this one." A smile broke out onto her lips. "Now, how about we get these lessons on the road, hm?"
"Girls, you all did wonderful," Mrs. Herb announced. "I will see you tomorrow. Eat healthy and sleep well."
Everyone quickly skated to the locker rooms, leaving Gabriella, Michelle and Mrs. Herb alone.
"So, let me see you do your own style, Gabriella," Michelle said. "Something original."
Gabriella nodded and sucked her chest in, held her head high and spread her arms a bit. She started with a backwards stroke then turned and lifted one leg off the ice. Her arms went out further so she would look like a bird gliding freely into the air. The wisp of black curls that fell loose fell lightly over her eyes a were blowing with the wind she had built up.
"Good," Michelle called out.
Gabriella smiled and leaned forward before she did a jump and twisted her body in the air. She landed cleanly on both skates then twirled numerous times. Her silky dress brushed up against her leg as her body continued to twirl quickly into circles. She stopped on the edges of her skates then did an easy lutz jump.
Her body leaned forward after the trick and she glided like that all the way to her coaches. She stopped on a snow plow.
Michelle and Mrs. Herb clapped. "You're very lucky you're good, Gabriella," Michelle said. "I wouldn't be surprised if the Olympics would take you now, actually."
"Yes, very impressive."
Gabriella let out a breath. "Thanks."
"Now, I will call out tricks and you will do them each. I will rate from one to ten and if you get ten, you move on."
FD...
Troy quickly walked to the two red doors that led to the ice skating rink. Sharpay had told him Gabriella had left to the skating rink. After that, it didn't even take him two seconds to say thank you and rush out to the rink.
But now he was reluctant.
He'd never been in the ice skating rink before. Only where the boys and girls played hockey. And what if someone saw him? Walking into the ice skating rink. Troy Bolton, hockey player legend.
Troy shook his head and pushed through the doors, hearing the scraps of skates gliding against the ice and the sound of clapping. Troy peeked his head in and his breath caught in his throat as he saw Gabriella.
Her body was curved all the way backwards. Like, her head was almost touching the back of her skates, as she glided through the ice. She then brought herself up and bent forward, tucking herself into a ball. She let out a leg as she was in a sitting position and skating on one leg. Troy's mouth opened in shock and a gasp rolled out of his lips.
"Excuse me, may I help you?"
Troy looked to two woman standing by, watching Gabriella.
"Oh, no, I— "
The three jumped at a loud noise and a squeal.
All three pairs of eyes adverted to Gabriella. She was on her back, her chest heaving up and down. Her eyes were closed and her long, spiky eyelashes rested on her strong cheekbones.
"Gabriella?"
Troy bolted through the door and was at her side in the next second. He placed a warm hand on her arm. "Are you okay?"
Her eyes came open and she was met by the most precious blue eyes she's ever seen. They had a hint of worry in them as they searched her own eyes. "Gabriella?" he said again.
"I'm fine," she muttered and pushed herself up. With the help of Troy, she was on her feet. "I was just startled." Her eyes moved to Troy. She leaned in close to him and whispered, "What the hell are you doing here?"
His lips curled softly into a smile. "I wanted to see you. You said we'd be hanging out," he reminded her. "So, I came here."
"But you aren't supposed to be here, Troy. This is private practice. And you're supposed to be in class right now."
"Maybe I can ask if I can watch?" he suggested hopefully.
"Troy—"
"So, this is the Troy Bolton you've been hanging out with, Gabriella?" Mrs. Herb questioned, walking over to them. Gabriella turned to her and nodded. "Yes, this is Troy Bolton. But really he was just asking a question about our homework." Gabriella turned to him and glared, hoping he'd get her message.
His eyes narrowed. "Actually, I came here to watch Gabriella. By what I hear, she's the best skater here in Buxton."
"Ah, yes, she is brilliant, isn't she?" Mrs. Herb grinned. "How about you take a seat, Troy. You can help rate Gabriella with her figure skating." Mrs. Herb gave him a smile and troy returned it. He also flashed a smile at Gabriella and winked. Gabriella's heart rate picked up quickly.
Once Troy was sat down, Mrs. Herb went back over to Michelle Kwan and they started again.
"Okay, Gabriella, I need you to do four laps around the rink, a trick after every lap, okay?" Michell Kwan told her.
Gabriella nodded, sucked in a breath then glided around the rink.
As her muscles pumped and the wind pushed gleefully on her face, arms and legs, Gabriella grinned. When she was stressed skating seemed to be the only thing to calm her down.
The first lap was coming to a finish. Gabriella quickly hunched her body over before spinning quickly. The three people accompanying her clapped.
After the laps were done, Gabriella's program was up. Mrs. Herb turned on the stereo to Carmen, a song Michelle Kwan skated to when she competed in the Olympics. Gabriella's muscles were on, but they were relaxed too. Her body glided and moved with the soft and upbeat tempo of the song. Troy watched with great interest. He wanted to pop on a pair of skates and skate with her again. How girl it may sound, it was true.
"Absolutely amazing," Michelle Kwan quipped happily. "I got perfect sixes, but I give you more than that, Gabriella. Well done."
"Thank you so much."
"Well, I guess that is it for today," Mrs. Herb announced. "You did a wonderful job. When the championships come, you'll be sure to win."
"I hope so," Gabriella breathed. "Is it okay if I stay a little longer?"
"By all means, yes," Mrs. Herb said. "But make sure to lock up. And don't miss class, either."
"I won't. Bye."
When they were gone, Gabriella turned to Troy, her eyes burning holes into him. He was smirking sheepishly and humor lingered his eyes. "Do you know the meaning private practice?"
"Yes, I do," he clarified. "But I wanted to see you skate. And...I kind of want to skate with you."
"Skate with me? Voluntarily?" Her eyebrows drew up questioningly. Troy nodded and stood. "Yeah, of course. I wasn't kidding, you're amazing. But that's not really the only reason why, either."
"Why else, then?"
Troy opened his mouth to say something, but he closed it abruptly and sighed. "Uh...and, because I wanted to see...how leotards feel again."
Gabriella narrowed her eyes, confused a bit. "Really? I'm not stupid, Troy. No boy wants to slip into leotards. What's wrong?"
Troy looked away, detaching their gaze, then a second later, he turned back to her and grinned. "I think I can show you better than I can tell you." Carefully he moved across the ice and stopped in front of her. He could hear the fast beat of her heart race that mixed in with his. Gently, he grasped her cheeks between his two big hands and Gabriella's eyes fell closed.
"What are you doing?" she whispered softly.
"I'm telling," he said just as softly and leaned down. His lips landed on hers and Gabriella's hands moved on instinct. They moved up his sculpted chest and rested there while Troy's stayed put on her cheeks.
The kiss made her insides churn with excitement and the tips of her fingers tingle with new found want and anticipation.
Her toes curled as she leaned into him for support. Who'd knew a kiss could make a person so giddy and happy?
When they pulled back it seemed like an eternity had passed.
Their panting breaths mingled in with each other and their heart beats were thumping loudly against their chests. Troy opened his eyes the same time Gabriella's did and they stared at each other for a long time.
"That was amazing," Gabriella whispered.
Troy chuckled and caressed her cheek softly with the pad of his thumb. Gabriella leaned into his touch, loving the scorching feeling it shot through her. "You look so cute when you're comfortable," Troy noted and Gabriella's eyes snapped open. A cute pink blush crept across her face and she smiled.
"Thanks...I guess."
A silence flew through the two and Gabriella spoke with confidence. "So, I know the boys usually ask these types of questions, but...would you go on a date with me to see the Celtics and Lakers play at Fenway park?"
"Whoa, you like basketball? Can you play?"
Gabriella shrugged and grinned. "I guess I have too many hidden talents, huh?"
"Man, you are great at everything. Singing, skating, drawing, playing basketball and swimming. Do you ever have any free-time."
"Not much, but I only skate, really. So, um, I'll pick you up at six?"
"How about we meet up? The school forbids the same sex to leave together. Is that good?"
"Yeah, I'll borrow Sharpay's car."
"Okay, see you then. Bye."
Troy turned and Gabriella watched as he left the rink. The doors closed behind him and once he was gone she whispered, "Bye, Troy."
FD...
"Oh, my God, I have nothing to wear," Gabriella groaned, falling backwards on her bed. Sharpay sat down on her own bed and sighed. "Would you just throw something on? You have to leave in an hour and you still have hair and make-up to do."
Gabriella sighed and stood up. She pulled out a cute little short strapless silver beaded Marchesa dress. It was a gift from her mom when she won last years Figure Skating Jamm.
Gabriella finished the look with gray Sergio Rossi cage platform t-strap sandal. One twirl in her full-body mirror and she was satisfied.
Next she worked on her hair. She got a flat iron and started to gently and carefully pull it through her hair to flatten it. She never had gotten her hair straight before. It had always been long and wavy. But Troy was different, so she wanted to be different. She went with smoky eyeshadow and light lipstick and blush. Again she checked herself in the mirror and finally was out the bathroom.
"How do I look?"
Sharpay looked up from her play book and when she did, she dropped it. "Ohmigod. You are like, a younger version of Eva Longoria. You look absolutely stunning!"
Gabriella smiled and looked down at herself. "Really? It's not to much?"
"Well, for a basketball game it is, but who gives a damn? He's seriously going to be blown away when he sees you."
"Thanks."
"Now, here are my keys and I want you to show him what he's been missing." Sharpay gave Gabriella shove and Gabriella grinned when the cold air hit her. She probably should've brought a jacket, but it was fine.
The drive to the stadium took almost thirty minutes and when she got there she was a bit disappointed to see Troy not there already. She silently sat on a bench and pulled out her iPod.
He'd be here soon, there was probably just some traffic she'd missed.
Twenty Minutes...
Maybe the traffic was really bad...
Forty minutes...
Maybe he couldn't find what he was looking for?
An hour and a half...
Gabriella wiped at her eyes and sniffled. He'd be here. He just...something must've came up.
Two hours and thirty minutes.
The game was over. The tickets are wasted. Gabriella's heart felt like it was stabbed a million times over and over again. She stood up slowly and walked quickly to the trashcan and dumped the tickets. It was a little past eight and she was really cold. Wrapping her arms around herself, she slowly started walking to Sharpay's car.
Doesn't this chapter seem rushed? That's because it was. Sorry, guys, I know I'm an idiot. And sorry for any grammar mistakes. I bet some of you are mad at Troy and wondering why he hadn't shown for the date. Next chapter will be here soon to see...
Thanks!-Brittany