Gabriella smiled as she listened to herself in the headset, her voice blending in right with the instrumentals. After all the time practicing with Troy, it was a little weird to hear her voice without its usual sound effects. She was at the recording studio with Jay and they had spent the best part of the day arranging the music. According to Jay, the piano idea had to go, and replaced it with digital music that made the song much more her style. Even more so when she sang for the first time and it sounded so familiar to her. All in all, it was coming together splendidly.
"This is a money maker," Jay said cheerfully on the other side of the glass. She took off the headset and walked into the other room to ask,
"When can we get it in to the label?"
"Soon, hopefully, I want to get in touch with the local magazines to schedule a 'coming out' conference."
"Why?"
"To start building publicity, everyone's been wondering where you've been and I'd like to get you back in sooner rather than later." The thought of going back to the city really sparked something in her and it made her think about how familiar she was becoming with their new lifestyle. She missed her life in the limelight, of course, not having to worry about people causing drama, and of course her own sense of fashion was something she really missed. Gabriella Montez was no Plain Jane.
"I'm going to get some water, okay Jay?" She left him to work with the technician and made her way through the studio, coming across some other rooms that were being occupied. Too busy looking at the photos of previous recorders, she walked straight into another person and they both fell to the ground in a heap.
"I am so sorry. I didn't see you there." Gabriella was about to scold her when she saw the girl's face. She had a sort of mousy expression, Gabriella thought she just might be a lost fan, no need to scold her and make a scene.
"It's alright. I'm used to people accidentally bumping me, although it's usually to steal something of mine," Gabriella laughed and helped the girl to her feet, while the girl's face lost all color.
"No, I wouldn't! I swear, my hands are full- well, were full-Oh, my god, you're Baby! Oh my god, I am so sorry, this time I really mean it," the girl started hyperventilating.
"Chill, I was just joking." The two started collected the girl's stuff that seemed to be a folder carrying some legal contracts and a CD.
"You're a music mixer?" Gabriella asked curiously, looking at the CD and handed the stuff to the girl. The girl nodded and pulled her hand out in a friendly gesture,
"Kelsi, future producer of the hip and young, which by the way, congratulations on making it to number one again on the list again," she added to her introduction.
"Smooth, very smooth," Gabriella complimented her and nearly freaked out seeing the logo on the folder.
"You go to East High?" The girl smiled,
"I used to. I'm alumni. How do you know about it?"
"I've heard about it. My manager likes there's a teen source so near by."
"Oh, that makes sense," she nodded in understanding.
"Yeah, well East High is your school because don't even think about going to West High. They are insane. Super competitive with East High, but East High's got a better rep. Better people." Gabriella nodded, not quite sure what Kelsi meant by better people, remembering her embarrassing text incident. However, thinking of the Show Choir kids, Gabriella considered it to be somewhat true.
"Biased much," Gabriella laughed, before saying she was in search for some food.
"I know a great place, just outside the studio."
"That sounds great but-"
"Oh right, you can't leave. Haha, want me to pick you up something?" Gabriella considered telling her a lie to shake her off when Jay appeared out of nowhere.
"Baby, I've been looking for you. We've got some work to do, run along now girl," Jay dismissed Kelsi, handing her an autographed picture of Gabriella, before dragging Gabriella off.
"Nice meeting you," Kelsi shouted through the halls, as Gabriella smiled back. Taking her arm out of Jay's grasp, she hissed,
"I don't need to be manhandled."
"Looked like it to me. You obviously couldn't tell that little pest was hounding you for some gossip. No one was supposed to be here today," Jay snapped. His attitude was so strange compared to how he was acting a few moments ago.
"What's up? You're so angry."
"We've got a problem. The label didn't like the song." Gabriella stopped in her tracks.
"What? How do you- When did they-?"
"Like I said, no one was supposed to be here today but there was a representative who checked up on the song. Practically hated it, she didn't think it would be enough to open a flood of new sells."
"But it's not finished yet. Did she say-"
"Forget it Baby, I told her the song was nothing serious. It wasn't special anyway." Gabriella tried to swallow her hurt and control the tears threatening to fall.
"You need to give me another piece, fast. We've still got a few months until the Teen Choice Awards and we need that song."
"Ah, Ms. Montez, you are quite early," Ms. Darbus complimented as Gabriella walked through the doors of the auditorium, a chocolate milkshake in hand. It was true, although they had their dress rehearsal in a couple of hours, Gabriella did not want to spend those hours with Jay. Who was not at all impressed with her lack of inspiration for a new song. Gabriella put on a smile, her mind already at work how to fix this mess. She would perform tonight and then quit Show Choir. She needed to get serious about her work and if Show Choir wasn't help her, no need to continue.
"Ms. McKessie will you escort Ms. Montez to the dressing rooms," Ms. Darbus instruected as Gabriella followed Taylor to the back rooms. When they came into the backrooms, Gabriella heard a song playing from inside and panic engulfed her body. Throwing herself onto the ipod stereo she went to a different song, but couldn't avoid Taylor's odd look.
"You're not a fan of Baby, I take it?" Gabriella chuckled, trying to sound casual,
"Well…her whole disappearing act is getting on my nerves and they've been playing her songs on the radio a lot lately…"
"Oh, I know, it's weird. She's supposed to perform in a few months too. And now for her to disappear all of a sudden," Taylor said, looking at Gabriella not too subtly. When Gabriella looked at her expectedly, Taylor laughed nervously,
"I'm sorry. It's just…for a while I used to think you looked like her. Well, with a touch of make-up and-"
"A much better singing voice," Gabriella added, hoping to avoid this bullet.
"I guess I was just imagining it… but you are a great singer. Also… you probably know this since Bret's been falling all over you, but you stood out the first day you came here. You're very pretty Gabriella," Taylor said bluntly, taking down Gabriella's dress from the rack. Gabriella felt herself blush at Taylor's compliment, not sure why, since she knew she had always been beautiful but to be told that by Taylor meant something to her. When Taylor showed Gabriella her dress, Gabriella nearly choked on laughter.
"There is no way I am wearing that Taylor." Taylor looked a little mortified as she unzipped the dress from its protector.
"You have to. It's the lead female's costume." Gabriella grimaced as she looked at the drab blue dress with a ridiculously long bell skirt covered in feathers and long sleeves where blue material flowed at the wrists. It was hideous.
"Where did you get this, Taylor, your grandmother's closet?"
"Actually yes, and I think it's pretty."
"Pretty bad," Gabriella chuckled, earning a small defeated smile form Taylor.
"You're right, but it's all we can do. Most of the costumes are hand-me-downs and stuff people brought from home," Taylor admitted, showing Gabriella the rest of the choir's costumes, which looked even more ridiculous to Gabriella.
"Why don't you guys just buy new material?"
"We don't have the money."
"Doesn't the school favor the Arts Department? Wouldn't you guys have enough funds?"
"Yes, but-"
"So where's it?" Taylor looked a bit tired as she sat down and sighed deeply. Gabriella tapped her foot impatiently, wondering what the problem could be.
"We do have the money… or rather, Ms. Darbus has it."
"Then, why won't she use it?"
"We're not sure. We trust Ms. Darbus, but whenever we talk about it in rehearsals, she says she's already put the money into something else."
"Something else, like what?"
"I don't know. All I know is… we haven't received any news of funding since last year."
Gabriella sighed, watching Taylor sit down and caress the dress carefully. Taylor seemed like such a dedicated person to Show Choir and looked ready to the possibility of a horrible performance, tonight. Shaking her head, Gabriella looked around and saw to her surprise a sewing machine, scissors and a cupboard labeled with the proper necessities.
"Well, I'm certainly not going to perform in that, sorry Taylor, but if I have no other options," Gabriella stated, taking the dress from Taylor and smiled mischievously as Taylor's eyebrow rose in a look of concern.
"Gabriella, we have to get into our costumes!" Gabriella flinched from her spot in the mirror. She could only guess Bret and the other show choir members would only wait a few more minutes before busting down the door. It was fine though, she was nearly done, Taylor was finishing up the last bit and looked up from her kneeling position, smiling.
"You look fabulous." Gabriella smirked and stepped off the stool, walking to the door and opened it to see the rest of Show Choir staring at her incredulously.
"Wow, you look great, but…that's not the same dress I saw Sharpay wearing in our other rehearsal," Bret commented, as Gabriella stepped out to address the other members.
"That's because it isn't." Gone were the long sleeves and in its place were halter top slits over her shoulder blades. The plain blue material now decorated with a blue sequence design that added a little sparkle to the drama of the feathered skirt that now pinned up in the front to look more like a flamingo dancer's skirt. Overall, not bad but better.
"I hope you don't mind, but I've made some changes to your costumes as well. Taylor will show you if you can't recognize them," Gabriella instructed the other performers who looked excited to see their new clothes. Gabriella went ahead and brought Bret's clothes out for him,
"I thought it'd be best if we actually matched," Gabriella joked, pointing out the blue feather in his fedora hat. Bret chuckled, taking the hat and smiling at his clothes,
"They're awesome Gabriella. I'm sure with a new look we'll do great." He leaned in and kissed Gabriella on the cheek, before shyly making his way into the guy's dressing room. Watching him leave, Gabriella wondered over to the grand piano sitting on the stage by its lonesome self, feeling a wave of disappointment when she didn't see the familiar figure sitting on the bench.
"Quit the bold move, Ms. Montez." Gabriella looked to see Ms. Darbus coming on stage and gave her a once over. Gabriella stood tall, feeling proud of her design, even if the blue glitter in her Shirley Temple wig was a little too much.
"I refused to wear it otherwise. I'm sure everyone will agree of the vast improvement." Ms. Darbus looked towards the back where some girls were giggling over the rhinestones added to their dancing shoes.
"Yes, I can see that. You are quite the miracle worker aren't you Ms. Montez," her voice was laced with mystery just like when Ms. Darbus spoke to Troy.
"Ms. Darbus, Show Choir seems to be the biggest thing at East High, so why isn't the club getting any money?" Gabriella asked bluntly, her eyes staring directly back at Ms. Darbus' and watched as Ms. Darbus turned to her with a grim frown.
"And what led you to make this assumption?" Ms. Darbus stole a look at the girl's dressing room.
"I heard it from the other choir members."
"Ms. Montez, I am sure you are aware of the damage rumors can cause and I would surely hope you, yourself would not participate in spreading them."
"That depends, is it a rumor?" Ms. Darbus took her glasses off her nose and sighed,
"As popular as our Show Choir is at East High, it is unfortunately the second most important organization on campus."
"What comes first?" Gabriella asked, but somehow knew what Ms. Darbus would say next, as she practically glided over the stage, looking out at the empty seats of the auditorium,
"East High's theater productions have always been the highlight of the year Ms. Montez. Full house every night, and it never once had missed a season."
"Had?" Gabriella asked curiously when Ms. Darbus collected herself as the rest of the choir appeared, looking dazzling in their new clothes.
"Now, this is what I call Show Choir," Ms. Darbus cried, happily. Gabriella watched carefully as they had their final dress rehearsal before Ms. Darbus complimented some people's change of mood. As cheesy as it sounded, outer beauty counted just as much as inner beauty. The right outfit could make a whole difference, and Gabriella was starting to realize it as the other performers nailed their rehearsal. When they were ready, the group undressed, loaded their cars, and drove to the pavillion that would hold the banquet. When Gabriella arrived in the same car as Bret and Taylor, she was surprised to see a few photographers here and there, set up for any photo oppurtunity. Perhaps this would be a bigger deal thatn she imagined. They immediately found the room labeled East High, dumped off their costumes and walked into the dinning hall that looked to be seating millions of arriving guests. Excusing themselves from the ones who were alreadt seated, Gabriella and the others made their way to the table they were assigned in the back. As the performers, they would leave to prepare for their number during the dinner without disturbing the other guests.
"You look great," Bret complimented as they sat down and Gabriella was thinking about how that was the fifth time he said that already, when Taylor tapped her shoulder.
"That's a surprise, look who's here." Gabriella turned towards the door to see some elegantly dressed figures walking through the door, stopping at times when a photographer stepped forward. One couple though, avoided any pictures when Gabriella realized the retreating figure.
"Isn't that Bolton?" Bret asked, through gritted teeth. The girls turned to see a girl with her back turned to them, walking with Troy, before leading him up to one of the tables seated at the front. Where Sharpay was also sitting, much to Troy's dismay, but the girl made conversation with the two adults sitting beside Sharpay.
"That must be Sharpay's parents. They look as snooty as they are rich," Taylor joked, making Bret laugh and Gabriella frown.
"Do you know who the other girl is," Gabriella asked, noticing how the girl would lean over and place a hand on Troy's shoulder, bringing him closer so she could whisper in his ear. How disgusting!
"Maybe, it's just his sister…or a friend even," Taylor suggested.
"Does Bolton even have friends?" Bret asked, with mock interest. Gabriella pouted as she thought about Bret's question. She had considered herself something close to Troy's friend, but now she wasn't so sure. She realized she still had no idea where she stood with Troy and tried to convince herself she didn't care. However, when Jay insulted her song yesterday Gabriella felt every bit as humiliated as the day her lyrics went public and she couldn't think of anything else but needing to hear another lecture from Troy. In the end, she settled for a chocolate shake.
"I'm going to go to the bathroom, be right back," she said, rushing out of her seat before Taylor asked if she needed help. Avoiding the technicians running through the halls, she ran into the dressing room and locked herself in, needing a minute to catch her breath. She tried analyzing why seeing Troy sitting there, with not only one but two girls started making her feel nervous. She knew she was better than Sharpay, but who knew what this other girl could do. She shook her head, mentally reprimanding herself, and looked at herself in the mirror. Composing her face, she closed her eyes before opening them with another award winning smile. This is the Gabriella Montez she knew and she refused to be brought down yet again by Troy Bolton.
"You guys ready to be blown out of the water?" Gabriella turned from talking with Taylor to see a group of performers approaching with smug looks on their faces. The banquet was running smoothly and it was only a little longer until East High had to dress and perform. They had just walked out of the dinning hall to change when a group, already in costume, blocked them from the dressing rooms.
"Bring it on! West High has never and will never outshine East High," Bret exclaimed confidently, earning a few shouts of agreements from the rest of Show Choir.
"Is it true, you guys are so desperate you're letting a novice sing lead?" Gabriella was ready to defend her honor when Bret seemed to beat her to it… until an unexpected someone stepped forward.
"She's got more experience than you ever will Knight," Troy said confidently, slinging an arm around Gabriella's shoulders. The performers' faces twisted into one of fury but didn't make a move towards Troy. They probably knew of his 'fist in the face' reputation.
"We'll see about that Wildcat." With a snap of his fingers, the other performers followed him to the back of the stage. After they left Gabriella slipped under Troy's arm and turned to the others with a questioning look,
"How would they know about me?" Taylor was the only one, who seemed confident enough to tell her,
"It's nothing Gabriella, news travel fast between the two schools, especially in a small town like ours. Don't let that get to you."
"Why would I let it? I know I'm just as good as anyone, especially Sharpay," Gabriella snapped, hating the looks everyone was giving her, making her feel just like that day. Wondered what was going through everyone's minds right now. The others offered smiles, seeming to believe her confidence as Taylor led the rest of the group to the dressing rooms. Gabriella shuffled in her high-heels, trying to look unfazed. However, being so annoying observant, Troy asked,
"Is something bothering you?"
"No," Gabriella said cheerfully, but too quickly. Glancing at Bret, making sure he was already down the hall, Troy turned to her and said sincerely,
"You don't have to do this."
"Yes I do, I can't bail on them now." Troy groaned, shaking his head.
"Why are you so stubborn?"
"They're depending on me. I can't just walk away from things as easily as you do." Gabriella said trying to sound calm in her voice, growing irritated with him and her insecurities. Troy turned away, but not fast enough for Gabriella to miss the look of hurt on Troy's face. Maybe she was hitting too close to the mark, but before she could apologize Bret called out to her impatiently,
"Gabriella, come on!"
"In a minute," she said, planning to leave Troy there when he caught her wrist. That familiar feeling warming its way up her arm and she turned to listen as Troy whispered,
"You're walking away now." Gabriella could feel the usual disappointment rise in her throat, another moment ruined.
"This is different though, I-" but Troy wasn't listening. Instead his eyes drifted to a small group of guys near the door, trying to seem conspicuous. Gabriella watched as Troy's face twisted into annoyance and his sudden mood change was directed at her as he let go of her wrist.
"You know what, walking away really is easy. This is me walking away right now," Troy's voice was firm and final, as he stalked back into the dinning room in a rage. Gabriella watched in confusion as he entered the Banquet Hall and couldn't help following him until she knew he was okay. She opened the door to see Troy gathering his things in haste despite Sharpay's obvious pleas. She smiled at her pathetic attempt to stop him, until one of the boys in the group she saw before came up to Troy. They nodded somewhat coldly in acknowledgment before the boy began to speak animatedly. Something Troy said in response must have upset the other boy because his smile slowly faded. They continued to talk, when Taylor came up behind her, holding her costume,
"You have to get ready."
"Taylor do you know the guy, Troy's talking to?" Taylor looked up, only to gasp in surprise,
"That's Chad! What's he doing here?"
"I don't know, but what ever he's saying to Troy is making him mad." Taylor watched with her as both Chad and Troy looked furious at each other, until Chad shoved Troy in the chest. Troy returned this with a small chuckle….before thrusting his fist in Chad's face.
"Oh my gosh," Taylor gasped, throwing Gabriella her costume. Taylor walked out into the Banquet Hall and up to Chad who was shouting to the security men who were pushing Troy towards the door. Unconsciously, Gabriella began walking towards Troy and stopped them pleading,
"Here's with the choir, please, just let him go."
"Sorry Miss, but we were given order to escort any trouble off the premises."
"But-"
"I don't want to be here anyway," Troy cut her off, taunting the security guards as they continued pushing him out the door. In a panic, Gabriella wondered if she should follow them when she remembered Taylor. Turning around to find her, Gabriella nearly had a stroke when she saw Taylor standing behind her, a thoughtful look on her face.
"How could he do that? I told him a million times that fighting won't solve anything," Gabriella ranted, throwing a hand into her hair, ready to pull it out.
"Maybe you should tell him again," Taylor suggested, taking the costume out of Gabriella's hands and smiling. Gabriella knew what Taylor meant but shook her head,
"I can't just go after him, he doesn't need me and he sure doesn't want me to follow him."
"Maybe he needs you to tell him again fighting isn't the solution."
"Why should I? This isn't my problem. He…he's just…"
"He's just being Troy and you know that more than anyone. Don't you Gabriella?" When Gabriella tried to reason why she couldn't follow him, she realized Taylor could be right. She knew Troy had a short temper, but that didn't mean he was vicious. Sure he fought a lot but he could also be really sweet. Most of all Gabriella saw the way Troy looked away from her when she was watching him being taken away by the security guards. Something told her that he wasn't too proud to be seen like that…she wondered if he had actually felt ashamed. She shook that idea off but she wanted to know why. Smiling, Gabriella hugged Taylor before running to their table to grab her purse.
"Tell Sharpay to break a leg, and I mean it!" Gabriella shouted, before going through the double doors and into the lobby of the Hall where she saw the security guards coming back from outside. Making her way quickly to the front, Gabriella was able to catch Troy walking down an aisle of cars, his keys out and ready. Running as fast as her heels would let her, Gabriella was able to step up beside Troy as he opened his door. Surprise could not describe the look on his face as he asked,
"Aren't you supposed to be inside?" Gabriella shrugged and laughed,
"You're right. Walking away really is that easy." Troy looked a bit confused before side stepping her and toward the Banquet Hall.
"Gaby, if you hurry you can still get ready. I'll walk you back-"
"What makes you think I want to go back?"
"Don't you?" Troy said with a hint of bitterness in his voice. Gabriella slowly walked up to him, staring him straight in the eye.
"Do you want to?"
"I don't think I'll be welcomed," Troy laughed at his own joke, but Gabriella still looked serious as she took his hands into hers.
"Good, neither do I." Walking away from him and around the car, Gabriella opened the door to slip into shotgun. Troy did the same, slipping into the driver's seat and looked at her hesitantly,
"Are you sure?" Gabriella smiled and grabbed the seatbelt, putting it on as he watched her for some kind of rejection. Smirking, Troy put his seatbelt on as well and said,
"Hold on." Pushing the gas to its limit, the car shot out of the parking lot and into the night, where it would bring the two teenagers to a whole new world.