September 29, 2007. Library, 3:04 PM.
It's only been about twenty minutes since I last wrote in here. In that time span I finished ALL of my homework. I even drew up a study chart for Troy so he'll know when all the tests, quizzes, and projects in History are due to happen. Now I'm just sitting here . . . Bored and alone.
Okay. Troy's basketball practice ends at 4 o'clock. That means I have roughly an hour to do something. Hmmmmm.
OH. MY. GOD. I did NOT just draw a heart with a certain basketball player's name in the center. I wasn't even paying attention, I was kind of just . . . Drawing. It was certainly unintentional. This does not mean anything at all. It could just mean . . . I'm in love with Troy's abs, or something. Which is perfectly acceptable, considering they're all six pack-ish . . .
Oh, who am I kidding. I. Like. Troy. Bolton. There! I said it, okay? It's not like it's a bad thing . . . Okay, so there's like, a zero percent chance that someone like Troy would even THINK about liking someone like me. The whole 'nerd and jock' thing just doesn't compute. Although it seems to work for Taylor and Chad . . . You know what? Forget it. This entire page that I just wrote was never written. Certain objects were never drawn.
I wish I was more like Taylor. She's confident, pretty, and, well . . . I'm sure that after dating Chad for as long as she has been, she's probably WAY more experienced then I am in certain . . . Areas of a relationship. I honestly don't think a single guy in this entire school would ever bother looking at me, let alone date me! And I'm sure I've mentioned this one thousand times . . . Especially since I started to get to know Troy. It's just . . . I feel so unconfident. Like I'm not good enough for anyone, even myself.
I need a change. And not a change in my personality, because I would never stoop so low as to change the true me in favor of men. But something simple like, I don't know. I haircut. Maybe a new shirt that isn't actually from the men's department. But, really. How could I ever think about something like that when I know next to nothing about fashion?
Er! All this thinking is starting to make me dizzy . . .
September 29, 2007. Library, 3:46 PM.
I think my medicine that I took this morning is wearing off. I really don't know what happened. One minute I was writing in this diary, and the next my head started to swim. And now . . . Well, I woke up face down on the library table more than a half an hour later.
I haven't exactly been able to life my head without it spinning, so I'm sorry if my writing is messy; I'm writing without looking at the paper, so for all I know I'm writing diagonally across the page.
Whoa! Okay, this isn't normal . . . It's not normal to see spots, is it? Ahhh. They're floating. Around and around and around. Red. Green. Blue. Black . . .
September 29, 2007. My Bedroom, 10:09 PM.
It's been a terribly long day. First people at school stare at me. Then I almost get beaten up by Troy's ex-girlfriend. Then I find out I have to run tomorrow with the basketball team. And then I pass out in the library. That's right. I PASSED OUT. Fainted. And you know what the worst part is? Troy came in and found me. But not just Troy. No, the entire basketball team apparently came in.
WHY?!
As if I don't look awful already with my horrible clothing and hair. But, no. They probably got a full on view of Gabriella Montez, strewn across a library table, drool dripping from my mouth. Uhg.
I barely remember anything, anyway. Sadly Troy had to fill me in on what happened on the car ride to my house. Followed by snippets from Zeke Bayor and Jason Cross who had come along for the ride. Chad was following us in his own car. Why were what Taylor would call 'Lunkheaded basketball players' coming to MY house? Well, here's the entire story, starting in the library.
I wasn't exactly having a dream. Is that even possible? To have a dream when you're passed out, I mean. I don't know, but it was almost like I was floating in a blank abyss . . . Until someone started to shake my shoulders violently. The void started to clear, and a began to hear faint voices and a shuffling sound.
"Hey, one of you guys get some water! C'mon, hurry!"
"Is she okay? What's wrong with her?"
"Here."
And then a cold splash of water streamed down my face, causing my eyes to burst open. I gasped as the light temperately blinded me, but as my vision cleared I realized I was laying on the floor. The school librarian, Troy, Chad, Zeke, and Jason were all bent over me with worried expressions on their faces.
"Young lady," The librarian asked. "Are you alright? Would you like me to call your mother?"
I coughed, still trying to understand what was happening. "Why am I on the floor?"
"We came in here and found you out cold on the table," Chad answered.
I blinked hard, trying to stop the world from spinning. "Oh."
The librarian pursed her lips, shaking her head slightly. "Are you sure you don't want me to call someone? Perhaps the nurse."
"No," Troy said blatantly. "I'll take her home, it's no problem."
He knelt down and grabbed me gently around my waist, then hoisted me into his arms. My head involuntarily fell against his shoulder. Yes, INVOLUNTARILY! I wish I remembered more . . . What it felt like to be in his arms, and such.
"Chad, can you grab her stuff?" he asked, arranging his arms so I was safely supported.
Chad nodded. "Sure, man."
"Does this mean we aren't getting tutored, too?" Jason asked randomly.
Zeke gave Jason a look and walked over to help Chad gather my things. I watched them over Troy's shoulder as he walked out of the library with Jason in tow.
"So, are you ok?" Troy asked as we headed down the school corridor.
"Yes," I answered. "I think I'm okay, now."
"So, uh, my friends from the basketball team heard you're tutoring me." He paused as if waiting for me to say something. When I didn't, he went on, "Would you mind, like, tutoring them as well every once in a while? I mean, not everyday like you do me, but maybe once a week?"
I started to giggle. "Wow, you basketball players really aren't that bright, are you?"
"Hey!" both Jason and Troy shouted in offense.
I literally had forgotten Jason was behind us until that moment. Maybe the smell of Troy's cologne being so close to my nose hypnotized me, or something.
"Hey, Jase? Can you open the door for me?"
And now I hadn't noticed we were standing right outside of Troy's car. I don't know what was wrong with me. I'm much better now, but then? I wouldn't have noticed if Chad ran out of the school naked screaming, "I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world!" I'm sure Taylor would notice though, ahem.
Troy carefully deposited me into the passenger's seat of his car and helped me buckle my seatbelt. By then my head had stopped spinning and my vision was fully focused. All I remember is turning my head and looking up into Troy's eyes. The corner of his mouth turned up, and he closed the door with a snap.
I can't deny it any longer. Even when I kind of admitted it earlier, before I passed out, I can't lie to myself anymore. How could I have fallen for the one person who could never return my affections? The one guy that someone like me could never have.
We ended up at my house for some reason. Why Troy, Chad, Zeke, and Jason -- pretty much the most popular guys in school -- would want to be around me is over my head, but whatever. Apparently Troy had mentioned to them about my tutoring abilities and they had wanted a little extra help with various subjects as well. But when we arrived at my house, Troy made me lay down on the couch and said something like, "You're in no shape to tutor four guys right now, Elle."
So then the jocks basically ended up raiding my refrigerator and then a heated discussion followed regarding which movie we were going to watch. Seriously. A week before now if somebody told me I would be hosting a group of basketball guys and watching Wedding Crashers with them, I would have taken said person to a hospital. It was really a weird couple of hours, I --
Isabella --
Accidentally read part of this book. We need to talk ASAP.
--Chad.
OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!
September 29, 2007. My Bedroom, 10:24 PM.
AND MY NAME IS NOT 'ISABELLA'!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 29, 2007. My Bedroom, 10:39 PM.
I can't believe Chad read my diary. Chad Danforth freaking read my diary. The book of my most guarded secrets. And the worst part is that I don't even know which part he read! Does he know I don't like his hair? Oh, wait! Does he know I like Troy??!!!
This cannot be happening. I mean, really. What are the odds? I knew I shouldn't have left someone as nosey as Chad to pick up my belongings in the library today. Why did I have to pass out, anyway? Why? Why? Why?
Wait, why was Chad even with Troy today? I thought Troy wasn't going to apologize until tomorrow! Uhhh, I'm so confused.
My Mom just came in my room asking why half the contents of our refrigerator is missing. I told her I had a few friends over. Apparently they demolished half a turkey, an entire package of hotdogs, and seven fudge bars. LUNKHEADED BASKETBALL PLAYERS!
I miss Taylor.
September 30, 2007. My Bedroom, 12:47 AM.
Just remembered that I have to run with the basketball team tomorrow. Maybe I can eat a packet of the mechanical pencil lead. It's poisonous, right?
September 30, 2007. My Bedroom, 12:51 AM.
Who was the person who decided to make 'lead' NOT made of 'lead' anymore? And why do they still call it lead??!! It should be called pseudo-lead, or something.
September 30, 2007. My Bedroom, 6:07 AM.
I woke up an hour ago and couldn't fall back asleep, so I stumbled into my bathroom for a shower. This week is just off to a horrible start, and it's only Tuesday. So now I'm just sitting on my bed, completely dressed and ready for school. And Troy doesn't come to pick me up until 7:40. UGGGH! What on earth am I going to do for the next hour and a half?
Okay, this may seem weird. But I had an epiphany. And this sudden thought is so out of my usual character that I know I must still be slightly sick. Maybe I should spend my extra time, oh, I don't know . . . Fixing my hair?
Would that just be totally stupid? Would I seem too much like Sharpay Evans if I let my hair down like yesterday, only made sure it wasn't a frizzy mess? Well, I'm going to try it. And as a compromise to myself, if my hair looks to cheerleader-ish, I'm going to slap it back into a ponytail.
September 30, 2007. My Bedroom, 7:33 AM.
Okay, I got as far as combing the tangles out of my hair when Grease came on TV, (I know. Why Grease would be on television at such an early time is beyond me.) and I couldn't just not watch it. Besides, maybe I'm not exactly qualified to try and start my own 'self makeover'. I need someone with more experience in that area of expertise. Not to mention Troy just drove up my driveway. Jeeze, he's really early today.
September 30, 2007. Homeroom, 8:11 AM.
Well, once again I find myself in homeroom with Ms. Brown and once again I'm practically the first person in the classroom. I mean, really. Troy and I arrive at the school at the exact same time and I still manage to get here before everyone else.
Oh, and I just remembered. Troy told me that he and Chad 'made up' at basketball practice yesterday before they walked in on me in the library. Of course once Troy mentioned Chad and didn't seem weird about talking to me, I realized Afro-Boy hadn't told Troy about this diary yet. Which is a great, GREAT thing. Maybe Taylor didn't pick such a bad guy after all. Oh. Taylor. I guess since Troy and Chad put their differences aside, Taylor and I should follow suite. Actually, she just walked in now.
Okay, I basically just walked up to her and told her that the guys had been over to my house yesterday and that I would like her to come over some time because she didn't eat all my food like they did. She got slightly tearful and pulled me into a hug that Troy and Chad happened to witness as they walked into the classroom.
"I didn't realize your door swung that way, but hey, it's pretty hot," Troy said as he sat down in a seat beside us. Chad chuckled and the two high-five each other.
What is it with guys? What, a girl embraces another girl and immediately they're gay? Pshh. Next time someone makes a stupid comment about two girls hugging I will mention the 'manly' hugs. Much gayer in my opinion. But at the time all I ended up replying to Troy was, "Don't be a dickfore."
"What's a 'dickfore'?" he asked stupidly.
Taylor and I giggled. This had been an ongoing joke between us for years. "Well, if you don't know by now, you're in trouble."
Chad burst out laughing hysterically and Troy smirked, rather sexily I might add. I bit my lip, blushing and trying not to regret my sexual joke. But of course Troy was going to throw out a good comeback.
'Well, maybe you can remind me, Montez," he said in a low voice that I had only heard him use with cheerleaders.
I coughed, and unintentionally started to turn redder then before, if possible. Luckily the bell rang and I was able to escape to my seat before Troy could comment further. Now, I know Troy is a seventeen year-old teenager who only thinks about sex. But, still. A part of me wants to think he actually meant what he said, and not just as a snappy reply. This annoying, little voice in the back of my mind also keeps telling me that Troy only said that because Chad told him what he read from this diary.
ERHG! I'm way over-thinking this. Oh, and this is perfect. Troy just passed me a note.
Elle-
My dad told me you were running with us sixth period today. You should have told me, I would have talked him out of making you run.
Troysie-
What was he going to do, write up a treaty? 'I, Troy Bolton, hereby say that if Jack Bolton does not let Miss Gabriella Montez sit out of running then I will refuse to practice or play any form of basketball'.
Troysie-
It's not a big deal. I have to do my part and make up for my atrocious mile time from yesterday. Besides, I couldn't just watch the entire basketball team run while I lounge leisurely in the bleachers.
Elle-
But you were sick! And the bleachers are actually very uncomfortable. Lounging beyond plain sitting will result in possible death.
Troysie-
I'm feeling much better today, so I should be perfectly fine. Oh, and I guess if the bleachers are that uncomfortable than I won't be gracing any of your basketball games.
Not that I've ever really been to them before, but whatever. The ones that I did show up at were surprisingly very fun. Everyone jumps up and down, screams, and chants for, well, Troy, mostly.
Elle-
When a game comes around I may find myself dragging you into the gym, then.
September 30, 2007. Physics AP, 2:12 PM.
Okay. In a little over fifteen minutes I have to be changed and ready to run with the basketball team. Did I mention that basketball players are good runners? Did I mention my best mile time is only 7:42 whilst theirs is probably around 6:30 or less?
Not only that, but I forgot to pack my PE shorts in my gym bag this morning. I had to borrow Sharpay's shorts, and they shouldn't even be classified as shorts. A little smaller and they'd be underwear.
Oh, yeah. I sat with Sharpay again at lunch. But this time I dragged Taylor and Kelsi with me. Kelsi and Sharpay are already acquaintances because of the drama club, so it really wasn't a problem.
Oh, god. Bell just rang. I have to go change . . . Can I start crying yet?
September 30, 2007. Parking Lot, 3:12 PM.
I'm just waiting for troy to return from his locker. And yes, I did run the mile with the basketball team. At least I tried to, but I ended up taking a side route outside to gag into the bushes. Which was, erm . . . Here's what happened:
For once in my life I was probably the last person to enter the gym. And it wasn't because I was late; I was trying to stretch out the shorts so they'd be longer. If anything, they appeared shorter, but whatever.
I snuck past the knitted groups of tall boys and settled at the far end of the bleachers. My hope was to go unnoticed by all. I thought, I don't know, Troy and the others wouldn't see me if I stayed a few yards away. Okay, so it was a stupid assumption. Obviously someone came over to me.
So, running with us, eh, Montez?" Chad asked me.
I looked up from the shoes that I was lacing onto my feet. "Maybe I am."
Chad jumped down from the bleachers and knelt to my level, where I was sitting on the floor. "I know your secret," he said, his hair bobbing slightly.
One would think he would after accidentally reading this diary. He would have to be an idiot to not get what is so clearly written across these pages. "I know," I replied softly, not wanting anyone else to hear.
"And I can help," Chad finished sincerely.
I looked up at him, scrutinizing his face. This was the guy my best friend loved. If she trusted him, I guess I was going to have to as well.
"Okay."
I'll admit I was bursting at that point to know which secret of mine he knew. My mouth was even opening as if to enquire him when he said, "It's not a big deal, most girls at this school like Troy."
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
My head whipped around to see Troy safely speaking to Zeke at the other end of the bleachers. I let out a breath of relief. "Why did you even read my diary, anyway?"
Chad at least had the decency to appear sheepish. "Well, I didn't read it per say, I dropped it and when I picked it up a saw a heart with Troy's name in the center."
I so knew that heart was going to come back and bite me in the butt! Screw the heart! From now on my favorite shape is the triangle.
"Oh," was all I could think of to say. "And how do you plan on helping me, then?"
For some reason Chad laughed. I was about to question him on his random outburst when voices came from behind me.
"Yo, Chad. Who's this chick?"
"Yeah, man, aren't you dating Taylor?"
I guess the expression on my face must have been absolutely priceless because Chad choked, seemingly on his own saliva. I turned around to see Jason, Zeke, and Troy. I know, right? As if my life wasn't bad enough with Afro-boy knowing I have a crush on Troy.
"Elle?" Troy gaped, and I couldn't help but notice his eyes slid up and down my body.
Zeke and Jason kind of stood motionless, staring at me. "Why are you wearing something that looks like something Sharpay would wear?" Zeke asked.
"I think it's hot," Jason said bluntly.
Troy frowned and punched Jason in the arm. "Dude," he warned. "So not cool."
"What?" I asked. "They're just shorts, it's no difference to what I would normally wear."
Chad studied me for a second. "Now that you mention it, those shorts really are tiny. I guess I've been going out with Taylor so much I didn't even notice."
"How could you not?" Jason exclaimed, gesturing to me.
"They're a simple clothing item!" I protested. I mean, I know the shorts were tiny, but I didn't expect anyone to notice and make such a fuss over them.
"Those are Sharpay's!" Zeke stated.
Chad laughed. "Yeah, you would know, Zeke."
Troy remained strangely quiet as the guys argued, but a few minutes later Coach Bolton walked in and ordered the team to gather around him. I stood awkwardly off to the side of the group huddle until Coach Bolton called my name during role.
"Okay, team . . . And Miss Montez," the coach said. "Just a simple mile warm-up, then we'll do our practice."
As soon as he said 'warm-up' I knew I was in trouble. I wanted to stab my eyes out when he continued, "And you all know the rules. We run as a team, if any member lags behind, then we run an extra lap."
The team split into groups of two, each group running behind the other. My partner ended up being Zeke, which was fine because at least I knew him. We were probably about half-way through when I really started to pant. I mean, with their long legs I was practically taking four steps for every one of theirs.
"Hey," Zeke panted slightly. "Are you okay?"
I didn't even want to talk for fear of losing energy. My head was literally spinning. Again. And I guess I should have expected it, considering I barely getting over my illness.
"Pick it up, Miss Montez!" Coach Bolton called as I slowed my pace unintentionally. "Half way point, team!"
My temples started to pound, and I had a feeling I was going to end up running with the team yet again tomorrow because of my slow mile time. At that point I almost didn't care. I had slowed so much that I was two groups behind Zeke and one in front of Troy and Chad.
"Elle?" Troy asked, not even panting a tiny bit. "Are you okay?"
"Faster!" Coach Bolton barked.
I didn't even reply. Today was worse, if possible, then yesterday in PE. Yesterday I was able to run at a pace that didn't affect my illness. Today's run was adding alcohol to the flame. All of a sudden a wave of nausea hit me, and I broke away from the pack of basketball players and ran out of the gym amidst cries from coach Bolton, Troy, Chad, Zeke, and Jason.
As soon as I pushed the gym door open, I knelt on the cold ground and gagged into the bushes. Luckily I didn't actually throw-up, but it took a few seconds for the feeling to lessen. Once it disappeared, I could actually hear yelling from the gym.
"Dad, I thought you were going to go easy on her!"
"As her PE Coach I have every right to treat her like the rest of the students!"
"Students? We're basketball players! GUY basketball players with higher endurances then a sick PE student!"
The voices hushed for a few minutes, but then the doors of the gym were pushed open to reveal a fuming Troy. He closed his eyes for a minute and the muscles in his jaw were moving.
"Sometimes I wish my Dad was just a normal Dad," he said, startling me. "That he wasn't just the hardcore coach every second of the day."
I bit my lip, getting shakily to my feet and trying to change the subject. "Why does it seem like I always almost pass out?"
Troy sighed, and the hardening stare in his blue eyes disappeared. "Almost pass out? You really passed out yesterday."
"What is wrong with me?"
"You're stubborn, that's what."
There was a silence until I said what had to be said. "What are you doing out here? Don't you have practice?"
Troy shook his head. "My Dad can handle one practice without my presence. For now, anyway." He paused, running a hand through his hair. "And for now I don't want to talk to him."
Oh, I see Troy heading toward me. We're going to go to my house again because Troy obviously doesn't want to see his father. Maybe I'll even let him raid my refrigerator, because, well, he's one lunkheaded basketball player that I can't seem to say 'no' to.
A/N: Happy New Years! So sorry for the long wait, but I made it longer than usual to make up for it. The holidays got ahead of me and all the school work was piled on just before them. Expect an update soon, and please review for the preview!
