( Outside the music room)
Josh was still guarding the door. If you could call it guarding. He was sitting on the ground, his ear against the door. Not that he could hear much. Mrs Darbus came walking in the hallway.
Mrs Darbus : Excuse me, Mr Stevens but what do you think you are doing?
Josh : Uhh... just taking a walk.
Mrs Darbus looked confused. But she let it go.
Mrs Darbus : Very well. Now if you excuse me I need to enter this room.
Josh quickly stood up
NOTE : He was only leaning hard against the door to lock it.
She walked to the door and pushed against it
Josh : But!...
She walked inside and went to the piano. Josh came in and stared around. No Troy. No Gabriella. Mrs Darbus turned around.
Mrs Darbus : Joshua! I thought I told you to...never mind. But could you please close that window, its inappropriate to be opened.
Josh looked to where she was pointing. The window Troy and Gabby had climbed through. Then, it all made sense.
( THE NEXT DAY )
Troy, Jason, Kelsi, Chad, Taylor, Sharpay, Ryan, Zeke and Layla were at Gabi's house, after the long day.
Kelsi : Was it scary? Being alone in the broom closet Gabby?
Gabby : Yeah. But the scariest part was not knowing what was going on.
Troy : Layla, sorry but I kinda almost beat up your brother.
Layla laughed
Layla : How far?
Troy : Punch in the stomach. And then pushing him against a wall and tripping him.
Layla : Ha. He deserves it. I have no idea what I'm gonna do tonight.
Taylor : What do you mean?
Layla : I live with the monster remember?
Jason : Yeah...maybe you should stay the night at someone's.
Layla : That's a good idea. I guess I just don't want to face him. Any volunteers?
Kelsi : I'm free.
Jason : I can drive you guys.
Layla : Thanks. But everyone, just stay away from him.
Chad : That's a given.
The phone suddenly started ringing. Gabby looked at the others.
Taylor : Jason!
Jason looked at her.
Jason : What?
Taylor : Pick it up! You sound like Troy!
Jason : Really? Thanks...oh!
He quickly picked up the phone.
Jason : Hello?
Josh : This Troy?
Jason : Uhh...yeah.
Josh : Look I know what happened. Maybe it was a bit extreme but I'm still getting that part.
Jason : Yeah whatever. What did you call for?
Josh : pause Is Layla coming home?
Jason looked at Layla. He handed the phone to her. She rolled her eyes but spoke into it.
Layla : What?
Josh : Hey, are you coming home?
Layla : No way, no how.
Josh : Why?
Layla : Do I look...I mean, sound like I want to see you?
Josh : No. But then… when will you be back?
Layla : I don't know. Just think about the friends you've got. Oh wait, they're aren't any. Other than Darbus as a friend, what are you gonna get out of being Arnold. Its crazy! Even though I'm not a stupid villain, you would have to get rid of Troy AND Ryan. So give it up and grow up!
She hung up angrily.
Zeke : You ok?
Layla : Yeah. But he's got a lot to learn.
There was a pause.
Gabriella : You know what we need? Couples Therapy!
Everyone stared at her.
Kelsi : What the freak?
Troy : Hey who says we need couples therapy?
Gabby laughed.
Gabriella : Ok, wrong words. Its just everyone's coupled up. And because of Josh, we haven't enjoyed it for ages! Lets do something fun.
Sharpay : Like what?
Gabi's eyes danced.
Gabriella : I know! Lets ALL camp out in my backyard tonight!
Troy : I'm in.
Kelsi : I'll do it. That means Jason and Layla will too.
Ryan : I will. But Sharpay...
Sharpay : Fine. I don't wanna be left out.
Zeke : Aww...I'll be there.
Chad : Ok.
Taylor : Sounds better than homework.
Gabby : Yay! Ok, I have two tents. Both will fit five people each. Guys' one tent, girls other.
She headed towards the storage cupboard and Troy followed her.
Troy : Great idea Gabz.
Gabby smiled and kissed Troy. He smiled back and helped her get the tents out.
Gabby : To the backyard!
She pointed towards the french doors leading to her backyard and opened them. Kelsi quickly stopped Jason.
Kelsi : You don't have to sound like Troy. But you're my little Jay!
He smiled and gave her a peck on the cheek.
They had already called for their parent's permission for the sleepover. After setting up the tents, they just stayed in their separate tents and talked. And talked and talked . Until they forgot about Josh.
( The Steven's House )
Josh was sitting in Layla's room. He was looking for something to help him. He looked around and fixed his eyes on the phone. He walked over and found Layla's notepad, which was for phone doodling.
Josh : How am I supposed to read this? Ugh.
The note mostly had hearts with Ryan in them. But he eventually found a list. It was from when Sharpay was trying to stop Gabby.
Josh : Whoa.
On the list, Layla had scribbled the things they were planning to do to Troy and Gabby.
Josh : Layla, you just helped me without knowing it.
He walked out of the room.