Runaway to Love
Chapter XI
"Let's dance the night away!"
It has been a week after Sharpay tried reconciling with Troy and three days before prom. Everyone was losing hope. Rumors have been flying around that the Golden Boy was going to prom alone. Since neither he nor Sharpay announced that they were officially a couple, many girls flocked him and tried to ask him out. So far Troy has rejected the head cheerleader Vanessa, her bestfriend Anne, the whole cheerleading squad (including the boys), a Goth girl who freaked him out a lot, the whole volleyball varsity team, 10 freshmen, 6 sophomores and 3 juniors, some girls from the drama club, a few seniors and finally, Gabriella Montez.
The last one was still fuming at his rejection. Gabriella thought that with all his anger at Sharpay, he'd pick her. She was excited when she heard the rumor and waited impatiently for all her classes to end. When the final bell rang, she grabbed her things and looked for Troy. She spotted him walking to his truck, a deadened look in his eyes. Following him discreetly, she kept pace with him when not many people were around. Since she thought he would say yes, she wanted to keep it on the low so that when they arrived, she'd shove it up Sharpay's ass.
Troy hardly glanced at the Latina trying to keep up with him as he subtly increased his pace. He could almost smell the metallic odor of his truck and the old leathery smell of its patent velvet seats. The light blue gleam of its hood was reflected in the afternoon sun and he could see the glint as the sun's rays hit the silver of its door. Gabriella saw the closing distance between Troy and his only source of escape and quickened her pace. She successfully blocked his path and Troy nearly let out a groan as she stood in front of him with an annoying sickly sweet smile on her face. He tried not to grimace as she sidestepped his attempt at rushing past her. Giggling, she held (more like clamped her hand) on to his wrist.
"Troy, I wanna talk to you." Gabriella said with an innocent voice that did little to hide the evil lurking behind it. Troy just raised an eyebrow and waited for her to continue.
"I heard you were going to the prom alone! Oh my gosh, you know what, me too!" she cried in a high-pitched excited oh-so-fake voice followed by an annoying giggle.
"Look, its nice to see that you're back but I really have to get home…" he tried to stop the onset of more words from this evil little bitch who caused him a great deal of pain.
"I have been looking forward to the prom all my life, and I was thinking…" her voice overlapped Troy's and he was forced to slump his shoulders and listen.
"What if we go together? I mean that would be really, really, really swell don't you think?" she continued to blabber and if Troy could cover his ears at the moment he would, but he can't, his mother taught him manners unfortunately.
"I don't think so…" he said a little louder, hoping she would listen but Gabriella was too stubborn to give up. She continued on blathering about the prom this and the prom that. Finally, Troy had had enough and yanked his wrist from her hand as if it was poisonous; this seemed to have the desired effect.
"What's wrong Troy?" she half-yelled in worry and he looked at her like she was insane (which she probably was).
"I have to go," he said emphasizing the last word and sprinted to his truck. He drove out of the school in a big hurry. Gabriella watched as dark clouds gathered in her eyes and she screamed at high heavens that this could not be. Several students stopped and stared at the Latina who seemed to be on high again, one even contemplated on calling an ambulance. Gabriella noticed all the gawking people and glared at them. They scrambled, everyone trying to get away as far as possible. Gabriella stomped back to school.
Troy drove and to town and parked at an empty space he found near a building. Getting out, he jammed his hands in his pockets and started walking, trying to clear his head. When the gang bound and gagged him, he had an inkling of their plan. The presence of Sharpay confirmed it and when they talked, he felt the sincerity of her words but was too confused to think clearly. He wanted her back badly but he wasn't sure if he could handle being the boyfriend of a runaway heiress who was arranged to marry someone else.
Walking around town, he suddenly bumped into another person and heard her cry of indignation followed by several rustlings and thuds. He looked down to see a blonde woman and several shopping bags scattered around her. Coming to his senses, he bent down and helped her pick up her bags. The woman glanced up the same time he did and they locked eyes. It was Diana Stone. Troy stuttered an apology and hastened to help her. When she was able to get her bags back in her hands, he tried to walk away as fast as possible but she called out to him.
"Troy, would you help me with these bags to the car?" her voice sounded reasonable, no hint of anger or disappointment. Her demeanor around him was normal too. This made Troy all the more nervous.
"Uh, yeah, sure Ms. Stone." Troy stuttered and helped her. After they put the bags in the trunk, she turned to him.
"Drive with me, we need to talk." Diana said nonchalantly and waited for Troy to climb into the passenger seat. Once they were both inside, she started the car and drove to a café. After parking the car, she and Troy went over to a corner table and ordered coffee. While waiting, Diana checked her nails and Troy fidgeted in his seat. The coffee arrived and Troy started drinking while Diana watched him curiously.
"So, you found out about Sharpay," it was a statement, not a question and he nodded.
"I thought you love her?" she now asked and Troy was speechless.
"Yeah, I do," he managed to say, utterly confused at her question.
"Then how come your not supporting her?" she asked pointedly and Troy looked down at the swirling brown liquid that was his coffee. She didn't seem to be mad at him, just curious as to why he wasn't with Sharpay now that he knows her secret.
"I feel…" he stopped. Troy felt uncomfortable talking about it, especially to a person who served as Sharpay's guardian.
"Betrayed, I know." Diana nodded her head in understanding and Troy continued to look down.
"I was just shocked that's all. She's the only girl I've ever loved this much," he admitted but didn't see the smile formed on the red lips of the woman before him.
"And, I was really hurt. I didn't feel as if she trusted me enough to let me in that deep into her life. I felt shut out, like I was missing a huge chunk of her when I thought she was mine," he continued and drank some more coffee.
"She said sorry and I forgave her but I'm not sure if I ever want to be with her again. I mean, part of me wants her to go back to New York and face her responsibility of me but a bigger part just holds me back. Like she doesn't belong anywhere else but here," he paused.
"She told you about the man she was going to marry, didn't she?" Diana pressed and he nodded.
"Yeah, said he was a true bastard." Troy answered and she nodded.
"So I think you get it, the reason she ran away?" she asked again.
"Yeah," he mumbled and silence overtook their conversation for a while.
"Have you ever thought that maybe, she was keeping this from you because she doesn't want you to worry about her?" Diana asked and Troy looked at her. He never thought about that.
"Well, now that you've mentioned it, yeah…" he agreed, "But it's important for me to know too."
"How come?" she asked, a bit challengingly, becoming a bit protective.
"I was planning on asking her to be my official girlfriend during prom." Troy answered glumly. Diana immediately softened and grabbed Troy's hand.
"It's not too late," she said, her blue eyes boring into his, as if telling him that the situation runs deeper than it was supposed to be.
"I'm just not sure right now," he said and pulled his hand away.
"Or are you too afraid to try again?" she asked wisely and he looked at her. For a moment, Diana saw the truth flash in his eyes and even if he tried to pull it off as an unaffected glance, it told her all that she needed to know.
"You are all Sharpay has Troy." Diana said with so much conviction. She let the message sink in.
"Friend or boyfriend, you are the person she holds most dear to her heart. She's in love with you Troy, don't make a scorned woman out of my niece," she pleaded. Troy suddenly scowled at her.
"Is it me, or are you asking me to change the way I feel?" he snapped quite loudly and a few people stared at the odd couple.
"I'm sorry if I come on too strong." Diana apologized, whispering as she waited for the stares to go away, "But I don't know what else to do. My niece has since locked up herself in her room and refused to talk to me, to eat, to anything. Please try to understand. I'm not forcing you, I just want to assess the situation and see if I could do anything…"
Troy gave her a calculating look and Diana slumped back into her chair, feeling quite defeated. Finally, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"It's ok. The gang said Sharpay seemed different at school. Maybe I was a bit inconsiderate…" he mumbled, talking more to himself.
"So what are you going to do now?" Diana asked, looking around in case people were still staring at them.
"I…honestly…don't know," he sighed and silence once again overtook them.
"That's alright, I didn't really expect you to come up with a solution at a snap," she assured him and they finished their coffee. Diana and paid their bill and got out of the café with Troy following her into the car and they drove to his house.
"I just want you to remember Troy that you never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back," she told him as he was about to shut the door.
Troy stared at the Mercedes as it pulled away from his street and disappear into the night. He entered his home and sat down to dinner, his parents unaware of the exchange between him and his mother's favorite jeweler.
=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=
Finally, it was prom night.
The place gleamed black and white as couples danced to the music while others preferred watching over the buffet table and drowning their sorrow by the punch bowl. Chad and Taylor were rocking to the music when Kelsi waded through the mass of dancing bodies to point them in the direction of Troy Bolton.
He just entered the place wearing all black, looking very glum. Taylor dragged a whining Chad from the dance floor so they could sit by their friend. Troy gave the three grateful smiles which became bigger when Zeke, Jason and Martha joined them.
"Hey guys, I'm fine. It's all good that you attempt to sit with me through the night but I mean c'mon, dance, dance – all of you!" he insisted and the five were hesitant to leave except Chad who was trying to drag Taylor back to the dance floor.
"Fine, fine, fine – stop that Chad!" she snapped at her boyfriend who let go of her, "Will you be fine, Troy?" she asked giving him a final worried glance and he nodded. One by one, the gang dispersed to enjoy their prom nights while Troy remained seated and watched them.
Suddenly, the entrance was bedazzled with lights as a lone figure entered the double doors of the gym. She was wearing a white chiffon Badgley Mischka Couture gown. The crowd stood still and everyone was staring at the goddess who just arrived, even the music stopped.
Sharpay was about to make her way to an empty table when Zeke appeared beside her and offered his arm. She gratefully took it and allowed him to steer her in another direction as the music slowly put life back into everyone and it was party as usual. Sharpay gave Zeke a grateful smile as he sat her beside Kelsi who was resting from too much dancing.
"Hey, Shar, nice entrance." Kelsi told her and Sharpay blushed.
"I didn't mean to do that! I went in and then the spotlight's on me. Next thing I knew the music stopped and everyone was gawking at me!" she cried and her friend laughed.
"It was a nice save by Zeke awhile ago," she continued and Kelsi gave her a confused look.
"How come?" the brunette asked and Sharpay shrugged.
"I was about to sit at another table," she answered nonchalantly and the two laughed again.
"Hey! You ladies having fun tonight?" Jason asked, materializing behind the two girls.
"Yeah, I mean I'm so pooped from dancing!" Kelsi replied while Sharpay playfully punched his shoulder.
"I just got here," she said and Jason laughed.
"I wouldn't know, I was by the buffet table," he told them and they laughed.
"I pity the starving people who find no food on the table." Kelsi said solemnly, shaking her head while Sharpay laughed.
"Hey, I didn't pig out!" Jason exclaimed defensively looking offended. Martha joined them as they were laughing.
"Oh man, there's no more food on the buffet table! And the kitchen's all cleaned out too," she moaned and Jason scowled at her.
"Hey! I did not finish the food!" he cried, getting annoyed as the other three girls laughed.
"We're just kidding." Sharpay smiled and got up with them to dance.
Chad sat beside Troy a little while later and nudged his friend with his shoulder. Troy glanced at his friend who was loosening his tie and sighed.
"Yep, Chad?" he asked and his bestfriend looked at him.
"You do know it's a prom right?" he asked playfully and Troy smiled.
"Like I don't," he answered with a roll of his eyes.
"Well, act like you're in one man!" he laughed and punched his bestfriend's shoulder.
"I am! I am!" he cried and rubbed the spot Chad hit.
"Did you see, no, witness Sharpay's entrance?!" Chad cried excitedly and Troy nodded.
"Dude, of course I did, wouldn't miss it for the world…" he muttered.
"Then what are you waiting for?!"
"I don't know - prom king and queen?"
"Lame!"
"C'mon Chad, what would you have me do?"
"Dance, socialize, dance, eat, socialize some more then wait for prom king and queen!"
"Don't feel like it."
"This only happens once in your life, man!"
"So?"
Chad rolled his eyes.
"Troy, you're here and the girl of your dreams is here too! You can only turn 18 once and get the chance to dance with her and stuff like that…"
"Mmm, yeah, that…"
Troy rubbed the back of his neck.
"C'mon dude! You know she needs you…"
"You sound like Taylor."
"At least she rubs off on me."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah…"
"So c'mon dude, go to her!"
"That can wait…"
"But you will go to her?"
"Mmm…"
"Troy!"
Chad hit his bestfriend's shoulder again.
"Ow!"
"Will you?!"
"Yeah dude, stop hitting me…"
"I better see you with her."
Chad stood up and with two bent fingers pointed at his eyes then at Troy's wearing a serious expression. Troy looked up at Chad bewildered and tried to shake his head clear of their conversation. He continued his silent reverie and watched as Sharpay danced with Kelsi and Martha looking weird since she was wearing such a beautiful gown.
One that was fit for slow dancing, preferably a waltz… or a slow dance, either way it was fit for smooth and graceful movements which Sharpay never seemed to lack...
He stood up to get some punch and watched her from the buffet table. To say that she looked gorgeous was an understatement, an insult if he would. She was absolutely breathtaking and he loved the way the lights sparkled off her gown making her seem brighter than she already was. The flowing gown was beautiful in motion and he just loved the way she moved her hips to the rhythm, the way her hair flew about her and her tanned body just gyrating on the dance floor. The lights bounced around the gym and the darkness along with glimpses of light made her seem surreal. Troy gaped at her in the switching darkness and light.
Time and space stopped at that single moment she looked at his direction and they locked eyes for the first time that evening. The mass of students became a blurry black and white. Sharpay just stood there, and Troy just stood there and they both stared at each other. Silence was all they heard along with the thumping of their hearts. Sharpay was about to move when Troy suddenly disappeared from the punch bowl. She tried to continue dancing, wondering where he went.
Gabriella was unrelenting and insufferable that night. Noticing the moment between Troy and Sharpay, she quickly made her way to her ex-boyfriend and dragged him to dance with her. Her victim became as heavy as a rock when her heels reached the dance floor and she looked back to see a glaring Troy Bolton. He was wearing a scowl and his eyes showed nothing but coldness as he yanked his hand away from hers and went back to the table where he was sitting in the first place. She fumed and went outside to let off some steam…
=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=
Everybody was having a great time except a couple who were sitting on different tables, on either side of the gym being comforted by half of their friends who were getting tired nonetheless of being shooed and insisted that they dance.
Ms. Darbus made her way to the stage with a black envelope in her hand wearing a black gown. She put a hand up and signaled to the DJ who immediately killed the music. Students groaned but hushed quickly when they realized that it was the crowning of prom king and queen. They all looked at the stage, anticipating.
The tension was increasing rapidly as Ms. Darbus took her time in another monologue about the prom. Principal Matsui came up and tapped her shoulder, whispering something in her ear. Ms. Darbus immediately wrapped up her story and took out the paper in the envelope with a flourish. Everyone took a deep breath and waited for the two names…
"And now, for Prom King… Troy Bolton!" she cried and the crowd whooped and cheered and clapped as Troy walked to the stage and accepted the crown that was put upon his head. He smiled and waved while the cheers and the clapping died down. Ms. Darbus waited for complete silence before referring back at the piece of paper to see who prom queen was. Her smile faltered a bit and she tried not to show it when she looked back at the expectant audience.
"Our Prom Queen is… Ms. Sharpay Evans!" she announced and a new wave of cheers erupted as a single spotlight fell on the stunning figure walking slowly towards the stage, a fake smile plastered on her beautiful face.
Troy only watched her as she wore her crown and stood smiling beside him for a photo-op. Ms. Darbus announced that the prom king and queen should dance and Troy held out his hand. Sharpay gave him a curious look before taking it and going down the steps with him. They stood in the middle of the dance floor, a single spotlight on them as the music began to play…
I never knew life, could like this
Never thought I that would be the one that you would kiss
I never new love could be so rough
But now I found the real thing I can't get enough
Troy held Sharpay close to him, his strong arms encircling her petite waist while her arms tentatively held on to his neck. She looked apprehensive dancing with him there and he understood why. She probably thinks that he was mad at her, but he wasn't anymore. Troy rested his forehead against hers and Sharpay looked up at his blue eyes, which no longer held anger… another look replaced it and when she saw it, her eyes filled with tears as she realized…
The sweetest surprise
Caught me tonight, right there in your eyes
While I was kissing you
So don't say that you don't love, everything you dreamed of could be here
Troy leaned in and kissed her. Sharpay felt their lips touch and the surge of electricity flowed into her body. It was sweet, his lips against hers, and her body in his arms. They stopped dancing, but they didn't know that. The school was watching, but they didn't care. Finally, the need for oxygen broke them apart and they continued their dance…
I used to wish
I used to dream
But now, I'm living my heart while there is fantasy
So, I begin to believe because our love is there for everyone to see
"Will you be my girlfriend?" Troy asked and Sharpay looked up at him, tears in her eyes.
"I thought you were mad at me?" she asked in a choked voice and he cupped her face, she leant into his hand as his thumb brushed away the tears.
"I will never lose if I don't hold back loving you," he whispered and Sharpay's heart fluttered as she heard not only the sincerity of his words, but the vulnerability of his soul as Troy, once again, gave her his heart. Scarred and tarnished, he was hers once again…
The sweetest surprise
Caught me tonight, right there in your eyes
While I was kissing you
So don't say that you don't love, everything you dreamed of could be here
"So would you be?" he asked nervously and she placed both hands on either side of his face. Sharpay pulled his head slowly towards hers and kissed him again. It was another sweet kiss, filled with meaning and filled with love.
"Is that a yes?" Troy asked after they pulled apart, Sharpay nodded.
"You bet your ass it is," she whispered huskily in his ear and he was reminded of that girl he first met in the middle of his senior year. The one who took his breath away…
On and on where good things nearer end
On and on where we never pretend
Everyone watched as the couple danced and kissed under the spotlight in the middle of the gym. They were so entranced at the sight, even the teachers watched mesmerized at the two students dancing with their hearts in the middle of the dance floor. The music remained unaffected and continued playing...
The sweetest surprise
Caught me tonight, right there in your eyes
While I was kissing you
So don't say that you don't love, everything you dreamed of could be here
The song was fading and Troy and Sharpay were brought back to the reality that they were in the middle of the gym, with a spotlight on them and the fake plastic crowns. They looked around to find the whole school silent and watchful. Troy gave a two-finger salute and held Sharpay's hand and together, they walked off to Troy's empty table, where moments ago he sat alone.
So don't say that you don't love, everything you dreamed of could be here
Troy crooned the last part of the song in his girlfriend's ear and she giggled, his breath tickling her. The music changed and once again the party was in full swing. Troy and Sharpay watched for a bit before he asked her if she wanted to go out. Sharpay nodded and in a flash they were at Troy's truck driving off into the outskirts of Albuquerque.
The truck zoomed down a country road but turned to a dusty path which Sharpay realized, was not the path to the Windsor plantation. She suddenly felt nervous; she didn't want to have sex with Troy, no matter how perfect the set-up. Troy parked and got out, walking to the passenger side and opening the door. Sharpay got out and followed him to a clearing. It was a beautiful place, a sort of cliff with a huge willow tree. He guided her to a spot overlooking the serene lake beneath the cliff and set up a blanket.
When Troy stood up and turned, Sharpay held out a hand to stop him. He turned to her with a raised eyebrow and she smiled sadly.
"Troy, if you think I'm gonna have sex with you, I won't. Sorry to disappoint you," she said gravely but was taken aback by the sudden guffaw that escaped his lips.
"So that's why you kept glancing at me like I'm some kind of psycho!" he cried with relief.
"I was gonna set up a romantic picnic dinner since I'm famished but now that you've mentioned sex…" he walked towards her wiggling his eyebrows and Sharpay squealed, terrified. Troy suddenly stopped and backed off, careful to watch her every movement in case she falls.
"Hey, seriously, it's just dinner," he assured her and went back to the truck and took out the picnic basket and a few candleholders. He set them up and handed Sharpay a turkey subway, and then he poured some white wine into the glass he brought with him.
Sharpay calmed down and started to eat the subway. After their main course, Troy took out chocolate-covered strawberries and they were quite content feeding each other strawberries. It was the perfect way to end prom and Sharpay couldn't have been any happier. To add to his incredibly perfect personality, Troy plopped a CD into his player and music erupted from the truck filling the night silence with a slow melody which they danced to all night long…
=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=
The truck stopped in front of the huge double doors and Sharpay was very reluctant to exit her boyfriend's vehicle. Her aunt opened the door and smiled at the couple going back inside, leaving the door ajar.
Sharpay turned to face Troy and she was surprised when her lips met his exactly when she turned and they kissed for quite some time. A cough made them pull apart and the butler smiled at the young couple, waiting for Sharpay to go inside.
She rolled her eyes and got out of the truck, looking back at her boyfriend and waved. Troy pulled away with a goofy smile on his face, all the way home…
Ta-dum!
Finally, they reconciled!
I was so inspired to write this chapter, that I really couldn't let go of my laptop until I've typed the last letter of the chapter. Anyway, have you noticed the cheerleader names? (wink, wink) Gabriella will forever be skanky. I repeat myself, I don't know, how on earth they (the director, producer, writer whatever) thought that Gabriella, that perky peppy bitchy Latina would ever be perfect for Troy Bolton?! She is much better off with Ryan or with no one at all... Yech to their pairing! Next off, did Zac Efron really propose to Vanessa Hudgens?! Please tell me no...
Anyway, I am very poor at describing clothes and I was fortunate enought to find a picture of Ashley Tisdale in a really gorgeous white gown! It's so pretty... here's the link: httpcolonslashslashfashionista101dotcomslashhomeslash2008slash01slashpageslash2slash. I think you have to scroll down until nearly the end of the page to see Ashley. Thank you Anne Bell for telling me about the long (and useless) link I posted. Now, you can all see the dress I'm talking about ;)
The song is Sweetest Surprise by Michael Learns to Rock. When I first heard it, it was incredibly beautiful... really... I thought it would fit the scene I was picturing when they reconciled as they danced. It's much better than reconciling trapped in a family room. Oh and they're an official couple now! :D
Regarding the picnic scene, I was considering a love scene or a makeout session but decided against it (for those who are disappointed ;)) since I felt that it would ruin the mood. And it seems kinda unrealistic, or simply overrated, since they just reconciled and suddenly they're shagging each others brains off... way too fast...
I hope you liked this chapter, I made it especially long :)
Please review! :D
