If you read this story to this point, you probably know how Zac had to be replaced with Troy Bolton in this story, becouse of the rules of the portal. Since about previous chapter, Troy acts in a very un-Troyish way, becouse of the change.

A whole lot of drama is awaiting behind the next turn of the road for our characters...so don't start reading if you're not sure you have enough time to finish this chapter, becouse you won't be able to go away from the screen.

Chapter VI

Nightmares go in pairs

After the breakfast we went to the cafeteria. While we sat there and chat playfully, Ryan came and appeared to be very excited.

-Hi Troy. James, come quickly, you have to see that.

-What ? I just took my coffee, won't leave full cup like that.

-I'll buy you next one, I promise. Now come, please Jamie ! You won't regret that sight. – he grabbed my hand and was actually pulling me out of the chair.

I mouthed "I love you" to Troy, when Ry was dragging me out of there. We nearly run all the way to the theater building.

I stopped on the front steps, nearly causing Ryan to fall on his face.

-I refuse to make one step more before you'll tell me what actually I have to see.

He stepped down to me two steps.

-Can't you trust me ? Just a little ? – he said quietly, making very puppy eyes.

-I have bad experiences with trusting people.

It washed all smile away from his face.

-I won't be next one. It hurts me to know that you can think about me that way. Test me this one time, and if I fail I'll personally go to Sharpay for punishment, deal ?

-Deal – I smiled at him.

We went inside. You could hear music pumping even before you entered the auditorium. I looked at Ry with raised brows. He smiled and opened the door. Light was flashing in all possible forms , colors and directions from the scene. "Holding out for a hero" was playing. Towers of light were simulating a castle in the back, along with lightened contours of medieval windows. On the same balcony I've seen before, Sharpay in elaborate gown was striking poses, demanding her hero, but there were no side stairs this time, it was replaced with vertical neon lines rolling constantly from the outer edge towards the balcony. On the scene level, choir was dancing, in hastily moving spotlights. Led displays were mounted in the back, above the simulated towers, flashing "Hero" each time the word appeared in chorus.

I could not belive it was happening in Mr Downey's play, where it had...oh everyone already knew how it was supposed to look. I had to sit down. When the song ended, Ry asked me

- How do you like that ?

- Ry...that was...I don't know what to say...who did...how did you convince....all the underline not bold out...and this..it's not even Broadway, it's Las Vegas' Strip.

- You see, I told you you need to see it. – Ry crossed his arms across the chest , and slid back into his chair, playing deeply hurt for not listening to him since beginning.

- I see Ry, I see. Thanks for dragging me here. – I said, putting my arm around him to apologize - But I demand complete details how did this managed to end on the stage.

- It's a bit of conspiration and over-interpretation of the original idea. The song was in the script nearly from beginning, as was the medieval theme. As you probably have seen, Mike has a crush on Sharpay, no matter that she completely ignores him. She started one of her usual arguments over this part of show after you made her the new look for "You drive me crazy"

-It was Mike. – I interrupted – I only gave the ideas.

-I know, you want to hear the story or not ? So with mr Downey being off school for some symposium, he reworked the original minimal lights, which were only highlighting the towers and pointing at Sharpay herself. Rest of the effects is new, and Kelsi changed the arrange of music line to more dynamic one to justify all those lights. Sharpay even coughed out some sort of "thank you" after that, Mike had nearly fainted that moment.

-So, it's all temporary ? When Downey will return he'll put it all to the original order?

-He won't have time. That part of play must be finished and never touched again if we're gonna have time for rest of the show. He never really liked this song, so there's a big chance he won't order any more rehearsal of it. Speaking of what , the other part is where my song is gonna be...you have some ideas ?

-Yeah. You're gonna use full song, with the dial sounds in the beginning ?

-I doubt, Kelsi didn't mention anything. But it can be done I guess.

-I imagined a big cellphone's keyboard hanging over the stage where numbers would light, simulating dialing number, and then a line of light would run to the operator, and from there to the target girl, sitting on the other end of stage preferably.

-We're planning to have her on postument, as it's said that she shines like the sun...

-Even better. Could do something simulating a sun behind her then.

I got up.

-Where are you going ?

-To find the radio receiver to congratulate Mike.

-Great idea.

We both went on the stage and behind it, grabbing the right device.

-Mike.

-Yea ?

-It's Ry here.

-Hi Ry. How's Sharpay ?

Ry grinned

-Not yelling at anyone yet, so it would suggest good mood.

-Great, send her my regards

-Will do. Mike there's someone here who's got something to tell you. – Ry handed me the receiver

-Ooo my God – whined Mike, expecting Mr Downey

-Hi Mike.

-James?

-Indeed. Big congratulations man. You beat me completely with this composition here.

-No way, you're da man when it comes to ideas.

-I always wanted to make setup for "Holding out for the hero" and wouldn't do it better, I'm telling you.

-Thanks man, was doing my best to reach your quality. – I went bright red after that.

-You reached it definietly. I'm not taking you time anymore, have nice day.

-You too James.

-He should have told "was doing my best to satisfy Shar." – chuckled Ry.

-I guess it goes hand in hand when it comes to her – I laughed.

When we went out of the theater, Ry started to goodbye me.

-You think you're gonna avoid to re-buy me that coffee that is already ice cold ? No way ! Now I'll drag you back to the cafeteria. – I said, turning him around and pushing in the right direction.

We sat by some table and I allowed Ry to bring me the coffee. Great show, or not, it was all his fault I wasted my coffee, so I demanded right treatment now.

We were chatting about random things when I noticed Ry is not listening to what I'm saying. He just sat and stared at me.

-Ry ? Is everything all right ?

-Yeah. Perfectly allright. – he replied, putting his hand on mine, placed on the table in front of him.

-Ry, you're sure you know who you're sitting with here ? – I took the hand away. he was acting as if I were love of his life.

-Yeah. James Beckerson, the most charming man in this campus.

-Ry go have your eyes checked – I replied, blushing. He leaned over the table to me, nearly touching my head with his.

-My eyes are in ideal order. All I want to see with them is you, it's what they were made for.

-Ry...it's....you know...it's all very kind what you're telling me...I'm flattered ..but I can't...

-You want to take things slow ? No problem, I can settle for that.

-Ummm...it's like that....kind of...

He flashed his smile at me. How I was gonna get out of this ? He just proved to be someone I can trust an hour ago and now I had to hurt his feelings, maybe loosing this person and his trust forever. It wasn't a dream this time. A nightmare actually.

I went back to my room in campus and sat there, just staring at the floor. I didn't react when a text came in. Then someone was calling, I didn't pick up. But he was calling and calling.

-What ?!- I barked into the phone.

-Jamie ? Everything allright ?

-Yes.

Silence.

-No. Everything is fucked up. Satisfied?!

-Hey, calm down, we'll find a solution. I just need to know what's going on my cutie.

Silence.

-Jamie ? You there ?

-Yes – I sighted.

-You wanna come over ?

-Do I have the choice ?

-No.

-That's what I thought. See you then.

-You've got 5 minutes.

I went there. A rain that was deciding if it wants to rain till this moment, finally decided to splash the world with strings of water. I didn't care. I found love but I was going to loose a potential friend. What is it , some sick exchange ? A "Saw" movie ?

When I dragged myself to Troy's apartment, it felt as if I started walking an hour ago. I banged on the door. He opened immediately, his contour cut out in the light coming from his coridor.

I was shaking, it was cold in the wet shirt and all the emotions were bouncing in me from one end to another.

-Jamie ? You look terrible, what happened ?- he pulled me into his apartament, slamming the door and hugging me tightly.

-Troy...you're gonna get wet...

-I don't give a damn... I want to know who or what I have to kill for what happened to you.

I wrapped my arms around him but didn't say nothing. He lifted me up and carried to the salon, turned on all the lights and went out for some towels and blanket.

-Take the shirt off, it's completely soaking – he commanded, unfolding the blanket. I slowly did, not very fond of doing it in front of him. He covered me with the blanket and gently began to dry my hair with one of the towels, kissing me from time to time. He then looked at my shoes, also completely wet and took them out by himself. Then he sat by me on the couch, hugging me tightly.

-What's going on Jamie ? Was Ry pulling some moves on you ?

I never heard this tone in his voice, it was mean and promising all the worst to the one who dared to touch me.

-No, his innocent Troycy. And he doesn't know nothing that's why he hurt me...he showed me a wonderful lights at the theater...new setup for different part of the show...we went for a coffee later...he told me sweet things...like I'm the only one he wishes to look at, and I'm most charming and stuff

-You are – he whispered into my ear. I could feel his warm breath on it.

-You don't understand ! He was...he was...trying to date me !

He doesn't know I have you !

And I didn't knew what to tell him not to offend him and loose a friend...he thinks I want to take things slow now.

I didn't knew if I can tell him that I have someone, becouse he would feel hurt...

I didn't knew if I can tell him that I have you, becouse I don't know if you're out at him...and I was scared he would use it to get vengance on you...on us...

I don't want to hurt him...loose neither him nor you ! It's all so tangled Troycy – I broke down.

He just wrapped his arms tighter around me.

-I'll untangle it Jamie, I promise. Don't worry about it anymore my dearest dearest Jamie – he planted millions of kisses all over my face and then he kissed me passionately like yesterday when we confessed our feelings.

It seemed that if it was a nightmare, I was at least able to wake up from it.

When I went to the usual classes on Monday, all the problem seemed to be solved for real. Ryan was still kind to me but wasn't pressing on me, and Troy was finding new excuses to meet me one after another.

When I went to the cafeteria for lunch, I didn;t expect to find Ry there. He waved at me. I sat by his table and took a sip from my cup when he gave me those eyes of hurt little animal.

-Why didn't you tell me earlier ?

-What ? – I said, coughing on my coffee

-You know what. Troy called me yesterday.

I went pale white on face.

-Look, if I knew about you and him I'd never get my hopes so high. You're great man James and I wouldn't stop to like you if you'd tell me that you're already with him. I still think about you what I told you yesterday – he blushed a little- but I understand that you've already found your happiness and won't be making both of you problems. I won't tell anyone or try to use it for my gain. All I would want is...uhh...you know...to be it like before...when I thought we were becoming friends, but maybe it's too much what I expect now...- he hanged down his head.

-Ry, of course I wanna be friends with you. The best ever possible. – I put my hand over his on the table – I was afraid you're not gonna say that. He grinned at me as widely as it was ever possible.

-Thanks Jamie. I wouldn't get over loosing those hang outs with you if it would come to this.

-Me too Ry. You're one of just the few people I know here and with which I'm not afraid to be really open.

-I'm flattered to hear that. But never again hiding such secrets , OK ?

-Ry don't expect me to discuss intimate subjects in public, come on !

-I don't. I just want to avoid such big pileing up misunderstandings like this one was.

-Oh, that's guaranteed.

When I went out of school, I went to Troy's apartament. But he wasn't there, it was locked.

I texted him. He was on some interview and photoshoot so he planned to be later that evening. I reassured him everything's allright after his questions and I just could wait for the right time. Walking around the "park" for God knows which round, I met Kelsi.

-Hi James. Good that I met you. Ry mentioned something about you needing the sounds of dial from original arrange of "I'll never stop".

-Hey Kelsi. Yeah, I'd love to have these for big lighting-up dial in the background.

-No problem, but you'll have to talk with Mike if he has the right samples available.

We went to the stage building to talk to Mike. There was no rehearsal this time, but Mike was working out something with lights anyway, as they were lighting up in rows they were hanged in. After a quick exchange of radio messages, we were sure he has the right sounds to help us put the intended design into life. Then I've got a call from Troy. I quickly said my goodbyes and went to see him.

-Hey Troycy-boy – I said, wrapping my hands around his waist from the back.

-Hey Jamie, I missed you – he said, turning to me and stealing a kiss.

-Yeah, you think I'm gonna believe it ? Oww. – he punched me of course.

-How was the interview ?

-Boring. All the same questions about HSM and what I'm gonna do next.

-And the photoshoot?

-Exhausting but I'm satisfied with what I saw, really classy pics.

-I hope you weren't looking too sexy ? That's reserved for me, you know ?

-Hmm, posing in ripped t-shirt and with look of extasy in the eyes counts ?

-Yeah, even too much.

-Then I was too sexy.

I punched him in the arm.

-Next time don't be.

-Becouse ? – he said, sitting on the couch and pulling me onto his lap.

-Becouse I'll feel threatened of you being seduced by someone inspired with the pics.

He looked at me seriously

-Don't ever think like that Jamie. Now that I've found you , I'd be stupid enough to wake up from this sweet dream I'm dreaming each day and night with you ?

-I don't know. – I said, feeling stupid for having such shallow trust in him

-Maybe this will convince you. – he said, kissing me again. I wrapped my arms tighter around him when he was brushing his lips over mine, sending shivers thru all my body.

-Yeah...that's a pretty good argument, Troy – I said, panting slightly

-Well, I hope it is. I've got a lot of such arguments – he smiled widely

-I'd love to hear them too..or should I say, feel ?

-Feel is better. But why only talk about it when it needs to be felt ?

We kissed more of course. He was so good at it, it really sent stars before your eyes and made you always hungry for more.

Then , of course, my phone started to ring.

-Leave it – mumbled Troy, taking my hand and putting it back on his neck.

-I...have...to – there were really few persons who would call me so it had to be important

Troy sighted and started to kiss my neck up and down all the way.

-Yeah ?

-Hi Jamie dear. It's Sharpay Evans here. Could you please come to the theater ? Ryan is freaking out, and I'd have to knock him unconscious to stop that I guess. – she actually took an effort to call me, and what was wrong with Ry ? It was all too random.

-But wait, Sharpay, what's going on ? Why is he freaking out ?

She let out her breath and replied

-Why can Evans freak out ? Becouse of ruined performance of course. It's a total ruin here...she hanged her voice as if she was gathering strenght for something - ...please come here quickly.

-OK, Sharpay, OK, I'll be right there.

-Troycy, my cutie, I need to go to the theater. – he wasn't kissing me anymore, alarmed by the half of conversation he heard.

-What's wrong ?

-It sounds like Ry is having some personal breakdown becouse of bad decorations.

-So much Ry. You want me to go with you ?

-Yes please. Someone might need to hold wild Sharpay.

-Great, I'm being a bodyguard now.

-Troy, you're so much more than that. But it's this part I need you to play now, and I need your help this way – I said, scratching him around the ear. He really liked it, as if he was an oversized dog.

-Let's go then, my mister celebrity.

There were some simple city decorations onstage. It was full of people, and full of Sharpay. She was marching from left to right side and back to the center, commanding different groups of people what they need to do. Noise of her heels could be heard well above all the usual noise that creative thinking makes.

I slowly went on stage. A couple of smiles on me...or on Troy, who was following me like a real bodyguard , exactly three steps behind me ? Sharpay spotted me and went straight to me, grabbing by and elbow, and dragging backstage.

-Hey, where's usual "hello" or something ? – I said , having no choice but to follow her.

She didn't respond but pushed me behind some curtain and stash of fake fence. Ry sat there on the stool, holding his head in hands.

-Ry ? What's wrong ? – I said, approaching him and patting on the arm.

-Jamie ? Oh God, thanks for coming Jamie – he replied, on the edge of tears, hanging on my neck immediately.

-If you'll choke me, I won't be able to help much.

-Oh, I'm sorry Jamie. Hi Troy, thanks for coming too – he then hanged on his neck.

-Yeah, we're both here, it's gonna be allright. Calm down Ry.

-No, it won't be ! – you could hear his muffled protest against Troy's chest – Mike's refusing to work anymore on lights. Someone has told Downey that it was all his work with Sharpay's songs and the rest of spots that were overworked. He gave him a choice to either go back to the original, or step out of being a part of the crew. He..he...he chose...the..

-The other – I finished, stroking his back to soothe the emotions. – it's really a major problem we've got here, Houston.

I called Mike immediately

-Hey Mike. What's all the fuss going in here ? The show is falling apart without your lights.

-Hey Jamie. I did my best. Offered all I could imagine. I've got dignity too, even if Downey doubts that. I won't do some cheap trick just becouse he demands that.

-But Mikey, it's not even possible to reverse that, the show is coming in, like what, 3 weeks ?

-I know. But it all means nothing.

-How can it be no one can speak to his mind ? – I moaned in despair.

-He doesn't understand the love we have for this, man.

Love? Sure, love !

-I'll try to get something done. Just don't give up Mike.

-Yeah, whatever. – he replied and hanged, without even saying goodbye.

I moved the curtain and fake fence out of the way and yelled :

-SHARPAY EVANS COME HERE IMMEDIATELY PLEASE, WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY IF YOU DIDN'T NOTICED!

She came. All mad, closing and opening her palms into fists.

-You probably know it's all becouse of the true lighting I and Mike was going to give the show ?

-Sure, everybody knows that !

-And the Downey's idea of spartan theater ?

-Yeah, now you're gonna chant that instead of him ?

-No. I need you to use your position you have here to neutralize the Downey's power. If you don't care for Mike's crush on you, and his work being a labor of love, then maybe you'd care about your and your brother's performance being ruined ? You don't want to come out as an amateur, don't you ?

She stood there, completely shocked. She probably still didn't care for Mike's feelings at all, it was either her professionalism being questioned or the power she had that made her act like she should. She run out of the backstage, making actual dimples in the stage with her heels.

I turned back. Ry was looking at me with wide eyes, Troy was shaking his head in astonishment.

-You so totally should be an actor Jamie. That was breathtaking – whispered Ry.

-Yeah...I know who to call for the speaches if I'll ever decide to run for president.

-Hey guys, stop that flattery ok ? I'm just saving all my precious ideas, and try to keep Ry sane. – I hugged him tightly – I won't let my friend's career be ruined by some over-artistic teacher – I whispered looking him straight in the eyes.