The next day was Sunday. I had dreamt of Gabriella and me hugging all night…man, what an idiot I was! I had to dream of her to have her love me! Tell me that's not pitiful!
Why did I have to fall for a girl who was so out of my league? She was beautiful, funny, amazing, charming. I was just boring old Ryan Evans. Ugh.
I figured a nice walk would clear my head. I ambled down the sidewalk away from my house. The air was nice and cool so I didn't need a coat. I put my hands into my pockets and felt something against my hands. I took it out: it was Gabriella and I's sheet music for Summer Nights. I had completely forgotten about the musical! Ms. Darbus always put up who made callbacks on the bulletin board at school, but she usually called Sharpay and me about it. Well, I guess it was different this time; Shar and I hadn't auditioned together.
I saw the school loom ahead and ran inside. I knew most people wouldn't be there on the weekend, but usually Ms. Darbus was. I ran to the auditorium to find Ms. Darbus on stage with…Gabriella?
"That was superb, Miss Montez!" Ms. Darbus said, throwing up her arms dramatically. Gabriella blushed and muttered a soft "Thank you." Ms. Darbus looked at Gabriella with an inquiring face. She laid a hand on her back. I stepped forward and saw her head pop up. I hurriedly dropped behind the red plush seats. I peered over the edge to see Ms. Darbus's eyes were back on Gabby.
"What's the matter, Miss Montez?" she asked. Gabriella shrugged.
"It's nothing, Ms. Darbus." she said quietly, "Thank you for the lessons." She started to walk away when Ms. Darbus said "Come now, Gabriella. It is obvious you are bothered." Ms. Darbus had never used anyone's first name, not even Sharpay's or mine's. Gabby looked back at Ms. Darbus and sighed.
"Well…I just got over a bad breakup with Troy." she said. "Bolton." she added quickly.
"Ah." Ms. Darbus said, "Well, matters of the heart are always painful, my dear. But it appears that something else is bothering you as well. Perhaps regarding another boy…?" Gabriella looked at Ms. Darbus like she couldn't believe she was real.
"How…how did you know?" she asked. Ms. Darbus chuckled lightly.
"Never mind that. Now, will you tell me your problem?"
"Well, there's this really sweet boy that I've been friends with for a long time. And since Troy and I…broke up…I've seen him…differently…"
"You mean, as more than a friend?" Ms. Darbus interrupted. Gabriella nodded.
"Well, I cannot say I am an expert, but maybe you should act on these feelings. Ask him to go to the movies or such and such."
"But…" Gabby said, "But…Troy-"
"Mr. Bolton has most likely moved on." Ms. Darbus said, "It would be smart,"-she put a comforting hand on Gabriella's arm-"if you did so as well." Gabriella sighed and nodded.
"I guess so." She said, "Well, thank you for the singing lessons, Ms. Darbus. This play is really important to me."
"Anytime, Miss Montez." Ms. Darbus said, smiling as Gabby ran off into the school hallways. I watched Ms. Darbus go backstage. Then I hurried out.
Great! Gabriella liked another dude! Just when I might have a chance, bam, new guy comes along! I bet he's another jock. She seems to like those kind of guys. Man, why me?! Why always me?!
Life stinks when you're a Drama Club dork like Ryan Evans.