Chapter 9
The first thought that entered my already jam-packed mind was of course if Troy was all right. I didn't mean for my words to actually penetrate him that hard! What if he took what I said the wrong way, that I actually didn't want to be with him? Because that's not true. I know it's not true. I momentarily panicked, but then raised my hand just as Mrs. Andrews was beginning to start the lesson.
"Yes, Miss Montez?"
"May I please use the restroom?" I hopefully asked.
I had to find Troy. It wasn't even a question. Mrs. Andrews looked at me, considering the negative answer.
"Oh, all right," she said, "but hurry back. I don't want you missing out on today's lesson. I must say it's rather confusing and difficult to understand."
A chorus of groans echoed throughout the classroom. I smiled thankfully and hurried out of the classroom.
I stopped as I reached the center of the hallway. Where would I even begin to look? I noticed an isolated staircase near the end of the long hallway. If Troy was really upset, he wouldn't be in the most obvious place.
I hurried to it and slowly started to climb it. I noticed that the stairwell led outside, up on the roof. The soft New Mexico breeze was slightly stirring, setting a calm mood up on the rooftop. I noticed Troy leaning on the railing and looking out at the view of the mountains in the distance.
I didn't know how to greet him. What would I say? What could I say? I even regretted coming up here and finding him so solemn and depressed. I turned to go back down the stairs and leave him be, but he turned around and looked at me. We were silent. Neither of us said a word. I opened my mouth to break the silence, but he beat me to it.
"Hey," he said quietly, turning back around and leaning on the railing once more.
I walked over to where he was standing and leaned on the railing also.
"Troy," I began, looking at him.
He didn't return my gaze. I continued.
"I'm sorry if you took what I said the wrong way. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," I said. I added, "If I did, I mean."
Troy finally looked in my direction. I could see the sorrow in his bright blue eyes.
"It's now what you said," he replied, turning away again. "I understand that it was all to much too soon. I just can't believe you thought I would choose Sharpay over you. I mean, she's nice to me and everything, I just don't see myself with her in that way, though."
I was taken aback at his response.
"Really?" was all I could say.
Troy nodded, his gaze once again fixed upon me. There was another temporary silence between us.
"I really do like you, Gabriella," Troy finally admitted.
The way he said my name sent my heart to heaven. A warm chill rushed down my spine as I felt the same emotion towards him.
"I like you too," I managed to say, a smile creeping up on my face.
I could feel myself beginning to blush.
"A lot," I added spontaneously.
At this Troy looked directly into my eyes. My heart skipped a beat as I gazed lovingly into his. I never wanted this moment to end. I could sense that he felt the exact same way.
"Hey, uh," Troy said, clearing his throat, "shouldn't you, uh, be in class?"
I knew that comment was coming, but yet I didn't expect it coming so soon. I had at least been gone for a good ten minutes.
"Oh, uh, right," I said, breaking our fixed, sentimental gaze. "So, I guess I'll see you l-later?"
I knew Troy hated the sound of my words.
"Out by the fountain," he concluded.
With a smile, I left his comforting presence and hurried down the stairs. I felt his eyes follow me as I exited, not missing one of my steps.
I hurried as fast as I could back to the room with my newfound energy. I calmed down before I opened the door. I must not have been gone that long for Mrs. Andrews didn't even criticize me for being gone longer than expected. I hurriedly took my seat despite all of the stares I received from my fellow students.
Taylor was smirking at me. I had the expression that was always present after being smitten with the love syndrome. She didn't have any time to inquire of the situation because Mrs. Andrews immediately began the lesson as I took my seat.
After the bell sounded, Taylor rushed me out of the classroom.
"So!" she said excitedly, leading the way to our lockers which were near each other (Because of our last names: McKessie and Montez). "What happened? And don't you dare tell me nothing did because I can tell by your smug expression!"
Taylor was smiling profusely, absent-mindedly stuffing books in her locker. I didn't even hesitate as I began my story.
"And so now," I concluded after I had listed all the details, "I think we might actually be... something."
Taylor squealed with delight.
"Oh my gosh, Gabriella!" she said happily. "That is so great! Ugh, I am so jealous of you."
I looked at her funny.
"No, not because of Troy," Taylor cleared up. "Because you have, er, well, almost have, a boyfriend!"
I smiled at the thought. I could actually be the next Mrs. Bolton.
'Oookay, don't get ahead of yourself, Gabriella,' I thought to myself. 'You two aren't even a couple yet. Don't go on fantasizing about something that may not even happen.'
"Well, we can't dwell on the subject for long until you actually know for sure that you're together," Taylor concluded. "So, where are you headed for free period?"
I thought about this for a moment. I wasn't exactly sure, so I announced the first idea that popped into my head.
"The auditorium," I answered.
"What, for musical auditions?" Taylor inquired.
I nodded.
"Oh," Taylor went on, "well, I'm off to the library to catch up with some of my Scholastic Decathlon team members. We have our next competition next week. Oh! Which reminds me, since you seem so in tune with your academic side, I want you to know that there is definitely a spot for you. We meet almost everyday after school."
"Well, I don't know," I said. "I mean, I've never thought about joining something like that."
"Come on, Gabriella, please?" Taylor pleaded.
I smiled at her puppy-dog pout.
"Okay, I'm in," I said.
Taylor smiled.
"Great," she said. "We're meeting tomorrow after school in Chemistry Lab B at 3:45. Don't forget."
I nodded. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, Taylor to the library, and me to the auditorium.
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