It took Troy about a half hour to get home because he kept slowing down so he could turn around, but then he would change his mind and speed back up. When he finally did arrive, his mom told him he had a visitor and that she was in the living room. He went around the corner and saw that his visitor was none other than Gabriella, who was sitting on his couch flipping through a magazine.
"Um, hey..." Troy started hesitantly, not sure how Gabriella was feeling towards him at the current time. "Troy! Hey!" She exclaimed, jumping up and throwing her arms around him. He cautisouly put his arms around her. She broke apart from him, all smiles. "Troy, I am so sorry about earlier today. I don't know what came over me! I think it was just jealousy, but you know it was pretty weird to see you with her! I mean, come on, she has never really done anything to be kind to other people, now has she? And, really, I didn't totally mean the acting thing, but I wouldn't put it past her to pull something like that. So is she, like, alright?" Gabriella said all of this in a flourish, and didn't stop to breathe until she was finished.
"Well, um, Sharpay is going to be alright, I think. She has something called mono, though I am not exactly sure what that is-" "Oh that? That's just an infection that is caused by this thing called the "Epstein-Barr Virus," and I don't think there is a specific antidote for it, I think all you can do is treat the symtoms for it and then just wait for it to fade-" "Thank you," Troy interrupted, "And she wasn't acting, she really is sick. Very sick actually and I am really worried about her.
"Oh Troy! You are so sweet! You just love being the hero, don't you? I mean who wouldn't but you just love taking care of people and making them feel good about themselves! That's why I am so glad that you are my boyfriend!" "Oh, uh, yeah about that...I-" "Wait, wait, are you going to break up with me?" She asked, all merriment gone from her voice. "What? No! No! Of course not! I was, um, just going to say that, I am, um, glad to be your boyfriend too." She giggled and then looked at her watch and gasped. "Oh my gosh! I was supposed to be home 15 minutes ago! I'll see you tomorrow, OK?" "Um, do you want me to walk you home?" "Oh, no, it's fine! I'm only a street or two over. Thanks anyway though! Bye Troy!" And with a kiss on the cheek she happily walked out of the house and made her way home.
Troy sighed, went into the kitchen and grabbed a snack, then headed upstairs to his room. Although he had homework to do, he knew that he wouldn't be able to focus. He flopped back onto his bed and stared out his window at the rising stars. Even though Gabriella was his girlfriend, he couldn't help but think about a certain blonde and wonder what she was doing. Ugh! Get a grip, man! Sharpay practically hates your guts! Just forget about her! You know you want her... His subconscious started nagging at him. Stop with the nonsense! Tell Sharpay how you feel and explain it all to Gabriella! Stop leading her on! Troy groaned and turned his light off, hoping that maybe sleep would help. I can't help but wonder what Sharpay is thinking right now, maybe she's thinking about me...yeah right...
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Sharpay woke up a few hours after Ryan and Troy put her to bed. Now she was wide awake, with images of Troy dancing in her head. I wonder if he's thinking of me, no don't be idiotic like Chad, he has 'Little Miss Perfect,' he wouldn't go out with the likes of me. But Oh, I wish he would. No you cannot like him, it hurts too much. Besides he is too good to be true. Just look at him! He is too perfect to be real. Just then Ryan walked in, for he has sensed her frustration. In his hands was a tray with a bowl of broth, medicine for a variety of ailments and gingerale.
"Sharpay, are you awake?" "What do you think, Ryan?" He smiled at her cross remark and placed the tray on her bedside table. "Hey, do you feel any better at all?" He asked as he put a hand to her forehead, "You're still really warm. Here take this Advil and then have some soup." Although Sharpay hated taking pills, she would honestly jump off a building if it would get rid of her sore throat and head ache.
She downed the medicine, then took a small spoonful of soup. The soup made her feel nauseous so she pushed it away. "Come on, you have to eat something." "Ryan, I appreciate all of this, but really I am not hungry." He nodded and put the bowl back on the tray. "Sharpay, at least have some gingerale." Ryan coaxed and she gave in, taking a few small sips.
"So, Troy was really great today, huh?" He asked, watching for her reaction. "Yeah, I guess." Hoping she was showing nonchalance, but even if she was a great actress, Ryan saw right through it. "Face it, you have it bad." He teased. "Oh like you don't have it bad for Gabriella?" She shot back, enjoying the playful banter that came so easily between them.
Ryan grinned, but he was still worried, he didn't want his sister getting hurt, especially not by a boy. Sharpay, seeing the slight falter in his eyes, sighed, "Ryan, really, he doesn't like me that way! If he likes me at all! You needn't worry about Troy Bolton and myself." Ryan nodded, knowing that something was brewing between the two and he wasn't sure if he liked it or not. Sharpay suddenly felt very tired and unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn. Ryan grinned fully this time. "How about you go back to sleep and I'll check on you in a few hours?" Sharpay nodded, already dozing off. "I love you, sis." "I love you too Ryan..." She mumbled before falling into her Troy-filled slumber.