Wednesday morning was rough. Ashley's stomach was sore because of the bruises from Dylan. A hot shower helped make some of the pain fade. She tried to move normally, but a little slower than normal. Ryan didn't seem to notice anything wrong when she walked into the kitchen to make her breakfast.

"How was rehearsal?" Ashley asked.

"It was fine. I think we'll be ready for our first performance on Friday night. Most of the costumes and props are finished, but there are still a few things that need some work. Are you coming to see it, or does Dylan have something else planned?"

"No, I'm coming to the Saturday performance. Dylan's leaving for Cancun on Friday and he'll be gone all of spring break."

"I'm glad you can see the show. Oh, has mom told you that she's going with Dad on one of his business trips? From the look on your face, I'm assuming not. They're leaving Thursday, and get back on Monday when school starts again, the week after spring break. I think they're going to Europe again, but I'm not sure."

"So are you and Sharpay going to have a party like you did last time mom and dad were gone?"

"Probably. Do you mind?" Ashley shook her head.

"No, I'm used to it. Who all are you going to invite?" She finished packing the lunch and the two continued their conversation on the way to school.

"Troy, Chad, Gabriella, Taylor . . . ." Ryan listed off the rest of the group that sat together at lunch. Ashley listened, enjoying the thought that she could hang out with everyone over spring break, and Dylan wouldn't know.

At school, Ashley dreaded lunch. She wasn't sure if Dylan would still be mad at her. When she sat down at the lunch table, he ate her lunch without saying a word. They walked to class together silently and after school Dylan took her straight home instead of taking her to his house as usual. The same thing happened on Thursday. On Friday he was still silent but did take her to his house. When they were in his room Ashley finally spoke.

"Are you mad at me? You haven't said a word to me since Tuesday."

"Of course I'm not mad at you, why would you think that?" His voice practically dripped with sarcasm. She decided to proceed with caution.

"Now I know you're mad. Is it still about Chad?"

"Yes," his voice dropping to an angry tone. "Whenever you aren't with me you always seem to be around Chad, and I'm beginning to think you'd rather be dating him than me so you're flirting with him. He doesn't seem to mind either because he's been spending a lot less time with Taylor because of you. So I want to explain to you very clearly what I expect from you as my girlfriend. You aren't allowed to spend any time with any other men besides me or your brother. You are to eat at my table during lunch every day, even when I'm not there. If you don't I'll have to assume you're spending time with Chad." He paused and seemed to be thinking of something else to say. Ashley took the chance to interrupt.

"What makes you think you can tell me what to do? Just because you're my boyfriend doesn't mean you get to run my life. You know what, I'm glad you're going to Mexico for spring break. I think you need the time to reorganize your priorities."

Ashley didn't wait for a response. Instead she quickly walked out the door and ran home as fast as she could. She knew her house was empty because her siblings were at school preparing for the show and her parents left for Europe on Thursday. She did all of her homework for spring break for two hours, and then got ready to see the show at school.

Ashley arrived just before the start of the show, and found a seat in the back row. Troy and Gabriella got the lead parts again, meaning Sharpay and Ryan had slightly less important roles. She enjoyed watching them support the lead actors instead of being the ones supported. During the intermission she got up to stretch her legs. In the lobby she ran into Chad and Taylor.

"Hey," Chad said before excusing himself to the bathroom. Taylor mimicked the greeting.

"Hi. Liking the show so far?"

"Yes, but I think Chad was dozing through part of it," Taylor said.

"That's just sad. I guess some people don't appreciate the fine arts."

"A tragedy indeed," Taylor said. "How are things with Dylan?"

"They're okay. We had a talk today that he'll hopefully think about over spring break. What about you? How are things going with you and Chad?"

"Not so good. I'm busy with the decathlon meetings, and I try to make time for Chad, but he seems to be growing distant. I'm beginning to wonder if he doesn't like how much of my time the decathlon takes. I'm not sure if we're going to last." Ashley felt bad for Taylor.

"I'm sure if you just talk with Chad and tell him how you feel he'll understand. He's a really great guy and I'm sure you two can find a way to work things out."

The conversation moved on after that. When Chad came back from the bathroom he invited Ashley to sit with him and Taylor. Ashley accepted, glad to be out of the back row. She enjoyed the remained of the performance. After it was over she went backstage and congratulated her siblings on their performance. She also praised Troy and Gabriella for their performances as well.

She went home with her siblings and they talked most of the night. They went to sleep around four in the morning. Ashley didn't fall asleep right away, thoughts of Dylan running through her head. What was he doing in Cancun? Would he do anything illegal? Would he think about what she said? Would they break up when he got back? Ashley eventually fell asleep, finally dwelling on the thought that she would enjoy her spring break and deal with Dylan when he came back.