Chapter Ten

How Did I Fall in Love With You?

Remember when, we never needed each other
The best of friends, like
Sister and Brother
We understood, we'd never be,
Alone

Sharpay was applying her make-up in her bathroom mirror, smiling at her own appearance. The only thing she needed was her make-up and then she was done! She went for the smokey look, since she knew several people who liked that look on her. Zeke told her at a party that she was hot with it, Ryan and her sister always said it looked cool, and Troy just told her it made her look even more beautiful. Those were after all the people she lived to please, so she thought going smokey tonight would be great.

Not that Ryan would really care. He hadn't spoken a word to her all day, except for a 'can you pass me the milk?', over the breakfast table that morning. Ashlee had been curious about their argument, but Sharpay had given her a look, which got her to shut up. It was weird really. They never went one day without speaking to each other, because they simply cared too much about each other to do that. Which was why Sharpay was sure this had really hurt him. She knew it was because she hadn't listened to him, and now she not only felt bad about it – she was also really curious to hear what was up. What was the cause of his distress?

When she finished her make-up, she looked at herself, and nodded her head in approval. She looked fine, so she grabbed her purse and bounced downstairs, waiting for Zeke to pick her up. Ryan, Ashlee and their parents had gone about an hour ago, to speak with Ashlee's teacher first, but Sharpay hadn't been ready then, so she'd arranged for Zeke to pick her up.

When he came, she greeted him with a kiss, and they drove off to school.

Those days are gone, and I want you so much
The night is long and I need your touch
Don't know what to say
I never meant to feel this way
Don't want to be
Alone tonight

Sharpay smiled at Troy and the rest of the Boltons when they entered, and waved them happily. They hurried to get the seats in front of them, so they could chat a bit. Sharpay had saved seats for her own family next to Zeke and his family who was already there.

Zeke's mom had commented on how nice Sharpay looked, and his father had nodded in approval, while his grandparents shook her hand, happy to meet her. She just clung onto Zeke, making sure to kiss his cheek, just to let them all know how much she cared about their son/grandson. She didn't want them to doubt her feelings for him, or anything. Not that she thought they did, she just wanted to make sure.

"Wowsie Payday, you look hot!" Tatiana said, eyeing her up and down, a teasing grin on her face.

"Shuddup, T!" Sharpay shot back, hitting her across the shoulder, "I'm dressing up nicely, okay? No need for you to make fun of me!"

"I wasn't making fun," Tatiana mumbled, sitting down, as the rest of the Boltons did the same, "When will your dear family arrive, then? I guess Ry will be doing a show too?"

"Of course he will," Sharpay replied, studying her nails for a second. Then she turned to Troy, and moved a seat over, to wrap her arms around him, from the back, "How are you doing, Troy?" she asked, kissing his cheek.

"I'm fine," he said, awkwardly wiping his cheek off, which Sharpay noticed, and made her feel weird, "You?"

"I'm goodie, as always!" she cheered, clapping her hands together, excitingly, "I still have something to tell you later, though," she reminded him, locking eyes with Zeke. She hadn't quite gotten around it to tell Troy about her plans with the Baylors. She really hoped he wouldn't kill her, but the odds for that were low.

Troy turned around to look at her, and shot her a questionable look.

"Later…" she whispered, as her parents came to find their seats, Ryan and Ashlee in tow.

"Mom!" Zeke quickly butted in, gesturing towards the Evans', "These are Sharpay's parents, and her brother and sister."

"And mom, these are Zeke's parents and grandparents!" Sharpay cheered.

Viola immediately lit up and went to greet the Baylors, which made Sharpay and Zeke very happy. Richard was a bit more hesitant, but he always had been, when it came to boys and Sharpay. The only boys he really trusted around Sharpay were Ryan and Troy. So that he let Zeke sleep over was a big thing. Not that he knew about it every time he did, because he was never home.

Everybody grew silent though, when Mrs. Darbus came on stage, greeting everyone with her usual hollering, and wild gestures. Sharpay just clapped proudly of her drama teacher, as she had announced the first one on stage, which was Gabriella, singing Boyfriend by Alphabeat.

Of course she'd sing a song like that. Sharpay could feel her sending angry glares her way, but she just shrugged them off, and chatted away with Zeke to annoy the Latino girl. She found it rather odd, that Gabriella kept her beliefs about Troy being in love with her. It wasn't true, she could just feel it. If something between her and Troy changed, she knew Troy would tell her. They'd always had an open friendship, where they'd told each other everything. And she knew, that if she ever felt differently about him, she'd tell him. At least that was what she'd like to believe, anyway.

Perhaps Gabriella had gotten it all wrong? Maybe it was another girl Troy liked, and maybe he'd just said her name, so he wouldn't need to tell Gabriella who it really was? It was easier that way, if he didn't want her to know.

But that still didn't clear out why he hadn't told her…

Gabriella was good though. Alphabeat's music was kinda funny, and really special, and she gave it good justice. Sharpay knew that performing it wouldn't be easy, so she made sure to cheer loudly, and she made Zeke whistle.

As that Allan guy, who couldn't possibly sing a tune in his life came on, she turned to her dad, to make some small-talk. No one paid attention to Allan, so at least she wasn't the only one.

"Daddy?" she questioned, "How did it go with Ash?"

"Oh…" Richard replied, hugging Ashlee, who sat on the other side of him, closer to his body, "I went okay, I guess. She's going to take a test Monday after school, and then by Tuesday they'll know. If she is dyslexic, she'll get appointed extra time on her tests, and other dates for her assignments. It won't change too much, but at least there'll be a reason for her being so behind her classmates."

"Of course," Sharpay smiled, nodding for a bit.

"What's wrong?" Zeke asked, getting interested. He just heard the last part of the conversation, and now he wanted to know more. Also to show Sharpay's dad that he really meant well.

"Ash might be dyslexic." Sharpay told him, moving her hand to put it in his own, which he didn't mind.

"Oh, I'm sorry…" Zeke said, looking at Ashlee, a sincere smile playing across his face.

Ashlee just shot him a weird look and turned away from him, talking to her mother. Zeke looked confused and hurt for a second, but Sharpay kissed him reassuringly on the cheek, making sure he knew he hadn't done anything wrong.

"She's just really weird at times," she whispered in his ear, smiling sweetly at him.

Zeke nodded and fiddled with her fingers for a second, before kissing her on the mouth, "I can't wait until later, Shar… It's gonna be so much fun. Granny is really happy that you're there. It's her birthday."

"Oh!" Sharpay said, her eyes turning bright by the news, "And me without a card! Zeke; you could've told me!"

He rolled his eyes by his cute girlfriend and turned back to look at the stage, as yet another student came on to do their talent. Sharpay left her seat, because her turn was up next, and they all wished her good luck as she went.

"You're gonna love her…" Mrs. Baylor told her mom, padding the old woman on the hand, "She has such an amazing voice, and she's the sweetest girl ever. Zeke couldn't find better."

Zeke just smiled happily, as he continued to listen to his mom praise his girlfriend throughout another boring number. Things would definitely be different once Sharpay came on. She always made a good show, that was for sure.

"And now!" Mrs. Darbus announced, making everyone silent, "I'm proud to present Sharpay Evans singing I Don't Think About It! Give her a big welcome!"

They all applauded as Sharpay came onto the stage, waving to them all. She grabbed the microphone, and lifted it to speak for a second; "A quick dedication…" she giggled, "…to my wonderful friend, Tessa Bolton, who choose this song for me. I love you girlie, you rock!"

What can I do, to make you mine
Falling so hard so fast this time
What did I say, what did you do?
How did I fall in love with you?

The next one on was Ryan, and then there were a few more on, and Troy went last. Ryan did a jazz number, where he could sing and do the steps he loved so much. He did a good show, and everyone clapped, but no one clapped as much for anyone, as they did when Troy had sung his song…

--

Troy was nervously waiting behind the red curtain, waiting for his turn to come. The one before him was almost done, and he could feel his heart starting to beat faster. He had never been so nervous before, but it was because of the message he was giving, he knew it.

It was all for Sharpay, because hallo?!, she was awesome. He loved her with all his heart, and he wanted her to know that. And luckily for him, there was one song which could describe exactly how he was feeling inside. He just hoped she got the message. But he wasn't sure if she would. He couldn't do anything but try, really.

He went on stage when Mrs. Darbus announced his name, but he didn't stop to dedicate the song, like Sharpay had done. He didn't want to let everybody know, and if she couldn't see it herself, then maybe she was just blind. He felt like everybody else knew about it. His family, and her siblings saw right through him, so why couldn't she?

How Did I Fall in Love With You?

The message was clear, as he sung his heart out, looking around the auditorium, his eyes landing on her more than one time. Most of the times, actually, but he couldn't help it. His gaze just wandered to her beauty, she was so appealing, and just… perfect.

He couldn't wait for their regular Friday night-thingy later. He felt like he hadn't spent time with her all week, and he really missed her. Watching movies, while snuggling beneath one blanket would really do him good, he knew that. And just being with her, would make his shitty week seem less… well, shitty. She could make him feel better like no one else, so he knew it'd all be good once he spend some time with her.

I hear your voice
And I start to tremble
Brings back the child that, I resemble

People seemed to really get into the song, and he did too. He felt great about himself, as he swayed to the beat, and hit all the high keys. He did good – the best he had done so far, out of all the times he'd sung that song. It was not a song he usually listened to, but he'd gone through all Tatiana's old boy bands CD's to find a great song, and when he read the lyrics to this one, it just… it screamed out 'Sharpay and I!', so he chose it.

He was the last one on stage, so after this they only needed to announce the winner, and then he could go home, either to his room or Sharpay's (which really also was his), and have fun with her.

He finished his song off with a smile, and bowed before making his way down from stage. Gabriella shot him an evil glare as he passed her to sit down by his family. His mother hugged him tightly, telling him he did good, and Tatiana padded him happily on the back. The best greeting he got though, was from Sharpay, who pulled him in for a tight hug, kissing his face all over, while he just stood there, taking in her scent, and her kisses.

"So there is someone else, huh?" she whispered in his ear, quietly, so no one else would hear, "…who is she?"

He shot her a teasing grin, and sat down again, as Mrs. Darbus told them all that Gabriella had won the Talent Show. They clapped at her, and then stood up to go home. Troy just looked around for Sharpay, while his parents went outside to wait for them. Sharpay was talking to her parents, before they left, and then she turned to Zeke, probably to say goodbye or something.

Then after a good two minutes, she turned to him, a huge smile covering her beautiful face. He smiled back, and grabbed her hand; "Ready to go? Where do we sleep over? Yours or mine?"

"Troy…" she said, as she stopped, which caused him to stop as well. He could almost hear in her voice that this was something huge… He didn't want to know.

"What?" he asked, letting out a deep sigh.

"I've sorta been trying to tell you that I can't have a sleep-over tonight." She said, looking up at him, her chocolate orbs filled with sadness and guilt, "I'm going to Zeke's tonight, for dinner."

"But Fridays are our nights!" Troy protested, as he helplessly let go of her hand, glaring at Zeke, who stood a few feet away from them, waiting with his family.

"But it's Hannah's birthday." Sharpay said, eyeing him down, "Zeke's granny. And I really want to go… Can't we just do it another night?"

"But we're always together on Friday's!" Troy argued, angrily stomping his foot into the floor. He was getting hysterical, he knew that. But he hadn't seen her all week, and the only bright thing in his life at that point, had been spending time with her. How could she just blow him off?

"I'm sorry, Troy," she sighed, taking a step away from him, "I need to go with Zeke. He's my boyfriend, okay? I would've understood it, had it been you. Don't be like this."

"Don't be like what!?" Troy sneered, as he turned around on his heel and went outside, to find his family.

I cannot pretend, that we can still be friends
Don't want to be,
Alone tonight

"So, Sharpay?" Grandma Hannah asked, as she turned to look at the blonde girl, "Where and when did you and Zeke meet?"

"Well," Sharpay said, as she shared a smile with Zeke, before smiling at the old woman, "We've known each other for years, actually. We go to the same school. But it wasn't until a few months ago that we started dating. I guess I just couldn't resist his charming looks, and oh, his awesome brownies. I'm sorry, but I just love them."

Mrs. Baylor laughed lovingly, as Zeke placed an arm around Sharpay, and hugged her body closer to his. She responded to the gesture, by kissing his cheek.

"So, where do you live anyway?" Grandma Hannah continued. She was really interested in her life, Sharpay noticed, and it made her sorta uncomfortable, but then again; it was okay. She probably just wanted to know that her grandson had a good girlfriend.

"At the other end of town." Sharpay replied, as she sipped her water, "My mom and dad work a lot, so they're almost always away on business. My twin brother and I take care of our little sister, and we have housekeepers and cooks to help us around the house. But mostly we dine with my best friend's family. They live right next door."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful of them," Hannah continued, "But dear, you do miss your parents, right?"

"A bunch," Sharpay assured her, still with that oh-so-charming smile on her face, "But that's also why I love to come here with Zeke's family. They're all so great, and they act like a real family. I mean… Look at this, tonight; they dine together."

"You're always welcome, Sharpay sweetheart." Mr. Baylor assured her, butting into their conversation.

"Thank you, Mr. Baylor." Sharpay replied.

Zeke then cleared his throat, as he eyed Sharpay's empty dish, "Mom? Do you think it'd be alright if Sharpay and I went upstairs for a bit? We're gonna have to find her something to sleep on and stuff."

"That's quite alright, Zeke," Mrs. Baylor told him, waving them off, "Just promise to come down and say goodnight before you go to bed, okay?"

"Okay mom," Zeke said, kissing her cheek.

"Thanks for dinner, Mrs. Baylor!" Sharpay cheered, kissing her cheek as well. Then she turned to Grandma Hannah and politely took her hand, "Happy birthday… again!"

"Oh, stop the weird hand-shaking, and gimme a hug!" Hannah squealed, pulling Sharpay down for a hug, before she even managed to object – not that she'd want to.

When they'd hugged, Sharpay and Zeke grabbed two bottles of water, as they made their way up the stairs, giggling and teasing each other, while Hannah just watched her grandson, and his girlfriend, a smile playing on her old, wrinkled face.

What can I do, to make you mine
Falling so hard so fast this time
What did I say, what did you do?
How did I fall in love with you?

"C'mon Troy, cheer up!" Tatiana urged on, as she forcefully stuffed a marshmallow into his mouth, even though he did his best to prevent it.

"I will not cheer up!" Troy choked out, as he swallowed the sticky candy, "I can't believe she'd blow me off! We always hang out together on Friday nights! I can't believe she'd just hang out with… Zeke, her boyfriend."

"Yeah, 'cuz it's not normal for a teenage girl to want to spend time with her guy, Troy!" Tessa chipped in, from the couch, where she was watching TV with her mother. Tatiana, Troy and Jack were in the middle of a game of poker.

"Well, I should be important as well!" Troy said, as he eyed the cards on the table, "…I'm out – I mean! Hello, we've been best friends forever, right? And the fact that she didn't tell me before, she just.. she just blew me off. How could she do that?"

"You can always hang out tomorrow?" Jack suggested, as he chipped in with an offer.

"No," Troy quickly said, crossing his arms across to chest, in a real girly way, "Now I don't want to. She can just spend time with Zeke. If I'm not important enough for her to make time for, I don't want to make time for her, either."

"You know you don't mean that," Tatiana mumbled, eyeing him angrily.

"You're sounding really childish, Troy!" Lucy exclaimed from the couch, her eyes still glued to the TV screen. It was probably Desperate Housewives or some other womanly show. Troy had no idea what his mom and little sister found so great about them.

"No, I don't…" Troy mumbled, leaning back in his chair, "But I don't want to just forgive her for hurting me… But on the other hand, we haven't seen each other all week, I miss her. I want to spend time with her!"

Tatiana sighed, and threw her cards at the table, as their father won the round, "Then set something up for tomorrow night! Jeez Troy, you're making things so difficult!"

"That's because he's in luuuuuve…" Tessa teased, grinning at him, with a pink lollypop in hand.

"Shuddup!" Troy exclaimed, before angrily storming off to go text Sharpay.

Oh I want to say this right
And it has to be tonight
Just need you to know, oh yeah

Sharpay closed her cell with a smack, and let out a deep sigh. She couldn't stand the way she was feeling inside. She felt so guilty. And the fact that Troy had texted her, telling her how disappointed and mad he was, but that he still wanted to get together tomorrow, didn't make it much better. She was never one to blow her friends off to go hang out with her boyfriend, but this was something different… It was Hannah's birthday.

And she had enjoyed herself. During dinner she had spoken to Hannah, and talked about this and that, and she'd had fun. But then when there was a moments silence, or like now, when she and Zeke were just watching a movie, she could feel the guilt. She knew she wouldn't feel better until she had made it up to him tomorrow. She'd have to be extra nice, to make him forgive her. And she'd have to assure him that she would never do it again.

"You seem quiet Shar babe…" Zeke stated, pulling her closer to his body, as they snuggled together on his bed, their eyes fixed on the TV, "Are you not having fun?"

"Oh I am," Sharpay quickly assured him, as she turned her eyes upwards, locking with his dark brown ones, "I was just thinking… I'm having plenty of fun, Zeke."

"Oh, I was worried for a moment. I know how Granny Hannah can be at times. She tend to ask too many questions."

"It didn't bother me, don't worry." Sharpay continued, as she turned around, so they were lying face to face. She looked him deeply into the eyes, before planting a kiss on his lips, "I love how your family is so close. Mine never was. That's also why I love Troy's family so much. Because they're close. They're a… family."

"Oh, how sad…" Zeke teased, kissing her repeatedly on the lips, as they talked, "I feel so bad for you… You need me to cheer you up? Later, maybe? When my parents are asleep?" he kissed her again, this time much longer, and much more passionate.

Sharpay pulled away from him, giggling like crazy, "Ah, I'd love to, but I have women problems… So we can't do anything."

Zeke paused for a second, and quickly glanced down there, before locking eyes with her again. Sharpay burst out laughing, before hitting him hard on the chest;

"You pervert!"

He stuck his lower lip out again, and tugged a strand of her hair, behind her ear, "I'm not, I'm just…"

"A pervert!" she finished for him, and then started giggling again.

"You're weird, you know that, right?" Zeke mumbled, planting a kiss on her nose.

Sharpay just rolled her eyes, and let out a deep breath, before kissing him again, "Yes, but you still love me!"

Zeke chuckled again, and Sharpay turned around again, so she could watch the TV, her back firmly pressed against his chest, as he pulled her closer. He kissed her neck a few times, before adjusting them, so they were lying more comfortable.

Sharpay let out a deep sigh, as the silence overtook them again, the only sound coming from the TV screen. She rested her head on Zeke's pillow, as thoughts of Troy came back to her head. Oh, the guilt…

I don't want to live this life
I don't want to say goodbye
With you I wanna spend
The rest of my life

Troy was staring blankly at the TV screen, watching old reruns of Friends. It was that episode… eh, the one where Chandler and Monica ended up, no… was it Chandler and Phoebe? Oh, who was he kidding? He wasn't paying attention. He wasn't even sure it was Friends that was on, now when he thought about it. It might as well have been Dharma and Greg or maybe even Beverly Hills.

He grabbed the remote control, and switched off the TV. He leaned back on his bed, resting his tired head on the soft pillow, as Sharpay once again came onto his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about her. Normally, he'd just think about how much he wanted to kiss her, and how unfair it was that Zeke had her, when he'd make a much better boyfriend. But now… Now, he was just thinking about how much she had hurt him. He was really mad at her, but then again… he could see her point of view. He just didn't want to let it go, because when someone you love as much, as he loves her, hurts you, you can't just let it slide.

He really needed to think about something else. He groaned and got out of bed, sitting in front of his laptop, which was already turned on. He had no homework to do, so he just went online, to see if anyone was on. At least anyone he'd like to speak to.

Ryan was on.

They immediately started up a conversation, chatting about this and that. Anything, but Sharpay. Troy knew Ryan was mad at her, and he, himself needed something else to think about, so it was absolutely perfect.

After awhile, Troy told Ryan he wanted to go to bed, and Ryan agreed, so they said goodbyes and Troy logged off, turning his laptop off too. He didn't know what to do. He wasn't really tired, but he didn't want to sit up and talk all night either. He knew his mother wouldn't approve of that. And Sharpay wouldn't either…

He picked up the picture of them from last Christmas, and took it to bed with him, staring at how happy they looked, as he lay there, with only his bedside lamp turned on. He really loved how they looked together, and he didn't understand why Sharpay couldn't see that. Wasn't it obvious how much he loved her? Or was she really that blind…?

He turned his head to the side, as his mother barged through the door, smiling down at him.

"Goodnight, Troy," she said, sitting down by the side of his bed. He knew it seemed like he was 5 years old, but he really needed moments like this at times, "I know it all seems pretty bad for you right now, because you're so young, and I know how much you love Sharpay, but… It's not the end of the world. And it'll all work out, I can promise you that."

Troy placed the picture down on the table beside him, and looked over at his mom, "Thanks mom…" he mumbled, smiling up at her, "You're the best mom ever. Thank you for being so cool, and always supporting me."

"What are moms for?" Lucy said, standing up again, to leave the room, "Sleep tight, Troy."

"You too, mom." Troy said, as she left the room, and closed the door.

What can I do, to make you mine
Falling so hard so fast this time
What did I say, what did you do?
How did I fall in love with you?

Zeke and Sharpay looked up from their tight embrace, as Zeke's mom and Grandma stuck their head through the slightly open door. They both smiled at the two teens, who were looking really sleepy, as they lay there in total darkness, their arms wrapped around each other, ready to sleep.

"We just wanted to say goodnight," Mrs. Baylor whispered, giving them a look-over. You could tell how happy she was at this Friday night – the happiness just floated off of her, and all around her.

"Goodnight mom," Zeke said, his grin just as toothy as hers.

"Goodnight Mrs. Baylor," Sharpay whispered, gripping tighter around Zeke, "Thanks for tonight. It's been wonderful."

"We should do it again sometime," Grandma Hannah chipped in, smiling down at them too, "It was nice meeting you, Sharpay. Really."

"You too," Sharpay just said, nodding her head a bit.

"Goodbye grandma!" Zeke said, his eyebrows raising slightly.

"Alright we can take a hint…" Mrs. Baylor giggled, as the door closed behind them, and Zeke relaxed again. He kissed Sharpay's forehead, and they both got ready to sleep, without exchanging another word.

The thing that was on Sharpay's mind though, was Troy. And then it made her wonder… why was she thinking so much about Troy these days?

What can I do, to make you mine
Falling so hard so fast this time
Everything's changed, we never knew

How did I fall, in love, with you?

Okay. I'm not proud of this chapter. Definitely not proud. But this is the way it's gonna be. It was hard for me to write, for some reason. I think I'm running low because of the lack of Troypay-love. I need to have it soon, or I'm gonna… I dunno what I'm gonna, but I can almost, definitely promise some Troypay-ness in the next chapter. That's almost for sure!

Okay, so yeah. I don't really like to put songs in chapters this way I did in this, when it's not a song-fic. But I had to do it, 'cuz it was like… the song that Troy sang for Sharpay, and I didn't want to put it straight out when he sang it, 'cuz I'd find that boring too. So this was the only other way that I could figure out to do it. I'm sorry if it was weird… I do apologise.

And the boring chapter? I have no excuses. I was ah… stuck in the middle of it. I needed the dinner, and I tried to get both Troy and Sharpay's feelings and emotions out, but for some reason, it didn't exactly work for me. Hmm… I wonder why.

And have you read my new joint fic with Noukka? It's called "It Ends Tonight", and I'd love you forever if you read and commented. I think it's gonna be an awesome fic.

And now when I've finished this, I really gotta go do my Spanish Assignment, I'm doing it on Corbin Bleu, since we have to do it on a celebrity. Who's better than him, right? Well, I was considering doing it on Ashley, but then my friend talked about doing that, so Mr. Bleu it is! Lol. Wish me luck on it, please?

Dedication; christy xx; I love you girlie! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It was all for you! So yeah. I hope it wasn't that boring. It wasn't my best work, but ah… I hope I did okay. I'm gonna write a one-shot for you soon… I think. I just need a great idea, lol. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Disclaimer; I do not own High School Musical or "How Did I Fall in Love With You?" by Backstreet Boys. I don't own any of the mentioned songs or movies either…. At least I think I don't, lol.