Monday, October 5, 2007. My Bedroom, 4:35 PM.
Okay. I'm feeling slightly better, now. It helps that I'm sucking on a king-sized Hershey bar, but there's another reason I'm more cheerful than earlier. Basically, Afro-boy and Taylor rushed into the coffee shop, drove me home where I was showered with worried kisses from my mom, and thrown upon my bed where Chad left Taylor and I to have a 'girl talk'. He said he didn't want to intrude, but I think the fact that my Mom's homemade brownies were steaming on the counter is the real reason. My mom bakes when she's worried, something I need to learn to do instead of drastic actions.
"Gabi, what happened?" Taylor had asked, pulling up a desk chair to the side of my bed.
I sighed, fidgeting with one of my bed pillows. You know that thing where you do something thinking it was smart at the time, but than later you look back and think, Why the hell did I do that? The whole running away thing? Yeah. I'm an idiot.
"You're going to think it's really stupid and immature," I replied tiredly.
"Try me."
"My dad called."
There was a silence as Taylor stared at me, suddenly quite shocked. See, Taylor and I have been friends basically since second grade. She would come over to my house and my Dad would take us somewhere fun, like the bowling alley. She was also there when he turned into a jerk and ditched my Mom and I.
"Oh, Gabi," she muttered, putting a hand on my arm. "That's not stupid at all. You had the right to freak out a little." She smiled for a second, then said, "If I were you I probably would have done something worse like send Chad a hate email."
I chuckled briefly, liking how it felt to laugh after an entire evening of crying. "Thanks, Tay."
"Hey, it's not problem," she replied, biting her lip. "Just . . . Next time you want to get away, get away at my house with some ice-cream and the movie Grease."
"It's a deal," I replied, smiling in spite of myself.
And I intend to keep that deal, because soon I'm going to have to ask my mom why my dad even called in the first place. I'll surly need some sort of retreat by then. As for right now, though, I've spent all today catching up on homework in bed and watching movies with my mom. It was nice, really. She's away so much that we rarely get to sit down and converse with each other. And although I skipped yet another day of school, I feel refreshed and ready to face the high school hoards tomorrow. I think.
The good news is that I not only had a nice chat with Taylor and spent the day with my mom, but Troy stopped by a little while ago after his basketball practice ended. I know, right? I was totally shocked too. After Troy was giving me the cold shoulder I half expected him to ignore me for at least a few days. But there he was, shuffling almost nervously into my bedroom after I had called, "Come in!" when he knocked.
"Hi," he muttered, sitting on the edge of my bed. "I heard what happened."
I think every person at school has. The fact that I didn't go to school today probably worsened the rumors, too. I merely nodded, still watching as Troy fiddled with his jacket sleeves.
"You should have called me, or something. I would hav --"
"Troy," I interjected. "It's not a big deal, okay? I just had a breakdown . . . Besides, I don't even have your number."
It's true. Troy and I never exchanged cell phone numbers, and I never bothered to look in the student guide for it.
Troy shook his head, standing up and moving closer to the head of my bed. "Elle, that's not the point. I mean . . . We've grown pretty close these past few days, and while you were having your episode, I was oblivious and hanging around Shannon."
I made a mental note to question him about his newfound relationship with Shannon later.
"Give me your phone," he said suddenly, reaching for it anyway when he spotted it on my bedside table. "You, Gabriella Anne Montez, are now one of my top people."
Even though Troy and I established that we were close friends, I couldn't help but feel disappointed that he still remained dating Shannon. At least, according to what he said it appears he's hanging out with her.
"Right up there next to Shannon," I replied in what I hoped was a cheerful tone.
Troy grinned, shaking his head. "You'd like her, Elle. I was kind of dating her before Lindsay, so things are pretty much natural between us, now. I mean, it was awesome dancing with her at the party the other night and . . ."
Sorry, I'd like to write down what else he said but I unintentionally blocked it out. Yes, unintentionally. Seriously, like I want to hear about Shannon, a cheerleader friend of Lindsay's. Whatever. It just makes me even more confused about Troy and my relationship. Maybe it's a good thing we didn't kiss. Because if this is how he treats girls, moving on to a new one so quickly, perhaps I don't want to date him. He'd probably break my heart, anyway. So after Troy left, I composed this brilliant plan of action that will go into place starting tomorrow morning at school.
Presenting . . . How To Get Over Troy Bolton In Four Days.
Okay, so is it my fault that one of the movies my mom and I watched today was How to lose a guy in ten days? Give me credit, diary! I changed it to only four days! I would have made it longer, but I decided that if I'm going to be able to handle myself at the dance and watch Troy and Shannon dance together again, I'll need to be over him. And yes, I know it's probably impossible to get over someone in only four days. I'm just going to have to try. I need to think of the actual plan which I will do later . . . It won't be hard, right? Right now I have to finish my chocolate.
Monday, October 5, 2007. My Bedroom, 4:47 PM.
Oh, I almost forgot.
6.
How to lose a guy in ten days: because it is my favorite movie as of now.It's a good thing I missed school today, I would have received a zero on this assignment considering I only have six of the required fifteen things. Ugh, forget it. I'm just going to jam out the rest right now, even if its all BS.
7. East High: for being such a wonderful learning center for me.
8. Electricity: Need I say more?
9. Hair bands: for keeping my jungle of hair in place
10. Books: for letting me explore the unknown
11. The internet: same as number 8
12. Umbrellas: without them I'd be soaking wet
13. Mechanical pencils: who even uses regular pencils now, anyway?
14. Soap: without it the world would be a very unhygienic place.
15. My diary: for keeping all my secrets.
If you look past the fact that half of them are inventions, I don't think this list is all that bad . . . If you have an IQ of twelve.
Monday, October 5, 2007. My Bedroom, 5:13 PM.
Elle! Hey, hopefully I typed your number in correctly. Knowing our luck this probably went to Ms Darbus's phone instead. Oh, wait. She hates cell phones, so never mind. I was just thinking that we should get together to study today because we obviously didn't yesterday. Okay if I pick you up at five-thirty? - Troy
I have to say that I completely forgot about tutoring Troy until getting his text. I guess this whole ordeal with the almost kiss, the Shannon dancing, and the Dad-thing messed up my normal state of mind. I'm just hoping that it won't be as awkward as it was just after Troy and I escaped form under Chad's bed. Hopefully it will be one of those unspoken agreements, like how we never speak of my almost drowning.
Is it okay if Shannon is with us? She said she needs help with History too. -Troy.
That's, it. I'm wearing Troy's jacket. Or his sweatshirt. Hmm, which one will inflict more pain on Shannon? Decisions, Decisions . . .
Troysie - I'm fine with anything, just as long as we actually study. I'll be waiting outside for you at five-thirty. -Gabriella
At least Zeke, Chad, and Jason won't be there as well. I like Troy's friends and all, but I don't think I can handle them plus Shannon. All the extra credit from Mr. Lawrence in the world couldn't save me from the horror of a night like that.
Monday, October 5, 2007. My Bedroom, 11:27 PM.
Why is it that just when my life seems to be looking up, things go horribly, horribly wrong? And why is it that about eighty percent of my problems all link back to Troy Bolton?
Everything started out okay; Troy drove up in front of my house in his gorgeous BMW looking as good as ever -- with Shannon sitting in the back seat behind him. I myself went shotgun, trying to ignore the expression on Shannon's face when she realized I was donning Troy's Varsity Basketball captain sweatshirt. I also tried to refrain from smirking.
"Hey, Elle," Troy said, grinning at me as I slid into the front seat. "Before we go back to my house, we were thinking we'd grab some food. You game?"
That's the moment. Right there. This is where Shannon starts her little 'war' with me. You'll understand later . . .
"Uh, sure," I said, buckling my seatbelt. Troy started the engine, and we were off toward the Albuquerque Mall where I inferred we were having dinner.
"So, Isabella," Shannon said lightly, fluffing her hair annoyingly. "What kind of food do you like?"
It may seem like polite conversation, but just wait for it . . .
"Gabriella," I corrected. "I don't know. Anything, really. I especially like Mexican food."
"Oh," Shannon replied daintily, cocking her head to the side. "I guess you would like something like that, wouldn't you?"
I frowned, turning around the seat to face her. "What do you mean?"
Shannon shrugged as if it were no big deal. "Oh, you know. What with all the cheese and guacamole and fried tortillas. It explains a lot."
I gaped at her before flipping my head around to look out the window. She was literally calling me fat! What the heck, right? I'm a size two or three! I'm sorry if I'm not a twig that will break in half if the wind blows into my torso.
Troy didn't seem to get what Shannon was implying and instead said, "Great idea, Shan. Lets go to Freddie's for Mexican food."
Guys are idiots. Oh, and while I have you . . . Shan? Words don't describe.
We drove up into Freddie's which is an awesome little place that's quant but receives dozens of customers. The food is authentic, there are a variety of arcade games in the waiting room, and the booths are cozy -- except when you're pushed up against a wall because Shannon decided she had no room for her purse, which, by the way, could hold a small whale inside of it. Troy and Shannon sat opposite me, and I quickly hid my face behind the menu, trying to think.
What would annoy Shannon the most? I could order a virgin margarita and 'accidentally' knock it over onto Shannon's white dress. But then I realized how expensive the margarita mix was and scrapped that idea.
While I was examining the combination plates I could easily hear Troy and Shannon's conversation.
"Baby," Shannon was saying. "Next time can we go to a different place with burgers, or something? I don't really like Mexican food."
"Really? Crap, I'm sorry, I didn't know. Maybe there's an arrangement we can make."
Two tacos with either an enchilada or one of our famous chile rellenos . . .
"S'cuse me, Waiter? Hi, yeah, uh, would it be possible to order a burger here?" Troy was asking.
A burger. At a freaking Mexican restaurant. Oh, please.
I peaked over the top of my menu to catch the waiter's surprised expression. It was probably the highlight of my evening. "Uh, well, I'll have to check with the kitchens."
"Thanks," Troy replied, being ever the gentleman, and picked up his own menu. "What's looking good to you, Elle?"
Three tacos, one tamale, and one quesadilla.
"Uuuum," I started, still gazing over the options. "I don't know, yet. I'm starving, though."
Just then a waiter walked by carrying a sizzling pan of a mixture of chicken, diced peppers, onion, cilantro, and tomatoes. Troy and I turned to face each other at exactly the same time, then exclaimed, "Fajitas!"
Troy grinned, high-fiving me across the table. "Hell, yeah, Elle."
Once again I caught Shannon glaring at me from behind her hand. "Troy," she said, breaking apart the moment. "I want a diet soda, please."
"Uh, yeah, sure," Troy replied hastily, sounding distracted.
From there dinner pretty much continued the same way. Every time Troy would begin talking to me, Shannon would cut him off with a complaint about how her special burger lacked pickles (at a Mexican restaurant!) or a comment like, "I can't wait to cheer for you at the first basketball game of the season." It was unnerving to the point where I began to wonder why Troy spent his time with people like Lindsay and Shannon.
Maybe it was how they always appeared perfect in every way or how they doused themselves in perfume. Most likely it was the way they put out for him, because I couldn't find a single thing that Shannon said enlightening or interesting. All I could think about was forcing myself not to get too close to Troy -- to go past the 'just friends' barrier. If I did, operation How To Get Over Troy Bolton In Four Days would virtually be a failure before I even wrote it out.
Thankfully dinner finally ended with Shannon dragging Troy away from the table to play a game of Brick with her while I was finishing up my last fajita. The waiter arrived at the table with the bill, which I ended up having to pay when Shannon and Troy showed no signs of coming back. What was I supposed to do, leave the table without paying? The waiter would think I wasn't going to come back! So, yeah. Forty dollars drained from my wallet on a burger that was more expensive because this is a MEXICAN restaurant. I thought it was cute, though, when Troy found out I paid a bill that was only a third of mine and tried to stuff forty dollars into my backpack. I refused, though. If I let Troy pay for my meal, I'd be crossing the line. So I just shook my head, tried to smile, and headed outside to his car.
The night didn't seem so bad at that point, but when we arrived at Troy's house things began to cook up. First of all, Shannon claimed to have forgotten her backpack and decided instead to share Troy's history book. She was practically sitting on his lap while I droned on about ways to remember 'Land, labor, and Capital' and the inventions of the Industrial Revolution. It was sickening, because while Troy seemed really intent on trying to listen to what I was saying, Shannon kept distracting him by running her fingers through his hair are kissing his ear.
I almost wanted to say, "We're learning about the Potato Famine, Shannon, the lesson on foreplay is next week." But I didn't. Because I am THAT strong of a person.
Finally around nine o'clock I became so frustrated that I nearly slammed my textbook shut and through it at the wall, but instead I slid it into my backpack and muttered, "I should be getting home, now."
Troy pushed Shannon off his lap slightly, not noticing the sneer on her face. "It's only nine, though." He paused, really looking at me for a moment, just like he had before the whole 'almost kiss'. "Are you okay? I mean, because of the whole thing yesterday."
Of course Shannon took the chance to pipe up, "Ooh, I heard about that from Clarice. You know, the JV cheerleading captain? She said you almost committed suicide just because your dad called."
It literally took all my inner strength to not lash out and slap her face. I would have, but then Troy said, "Shan, don't believe all the crap those gossipers tell you."
I didn't say anything, but instead swung my backpack across my shoulders and sighed. Shannon had pouted at Troy, crossing her arms annoyingly. "Well, um," I started. "I guess I'll see you both tomorrow."
"Wait, I'll give you a lift home," Troy said, now fully pushing Shannon from his lap and getting to his feet.
"No, it's okay," I said, heading for the door. "My Mom's home tonight, so I'll just call her to pick me up."
As if. I think Troy and I both knew I was going to walk home whether he liked it or not, but he gave out a weak, "Are you sure?"
"Positive." I tried to smile, but the stress from everything was pounding into my heart again and I wanted to leave Troy's house as soon as possible. "Bye, Troy." Then, after a moment's hesitation, "Shannon."
Troy sighed softly, shooting me a grin. "See you tomorrow, Elle."
If only he knew just how much pain he was beginning to cause me. If only he knew how much I really liked him, how much I wished I hadn't been a wimp and had just kissed him under Chad's bed. But the fact is that I didn't, and I need to put plan How To Get Over Troy Bolton In Four Days into play as soon as I can.
My horrible, nauseous night was not yet over, however, for as I was stepping out the front door, Coach Bolton drove up in his car. For some bizarre reason I thought he wouldn't notice me, even with the headlights burning holes into my head. But he rolled the window down and said, "Evening, Miss Montez. Where are you heading off into the dark?"
"Oh, I was just about to call my Mom to pick me up," I replied, hoping Coach Bolton's years of teaching didn't refine his skills in detecting lying students.
"Troy didn't offer to give you a ride home?" he asked reproachfully.
"Oh, no, he did," I reassured him. "But I told him not to bother because his girlfriend his here."
Coach Bolton's face changed into a weird expression before he shook his head and said, "Get in, Miss Montez. I'll drive you home."
What was I supposed to do, yell, "NEVER!" and dart down the street into the dark? I groaned inwardly and slid into the front seat of Coach Bolton's car, wishing the several minutes to my house would go by quickly. However, I ended up having a very interesting conversation with Troy's father that will never forget.
"So how's Troy doing in history?" Coach Bolton asked, pulling out of the driveway.
"Oh, he's doing much better already, Sir. He got a B on his last test."
"Good," he replied lightly, then, out of the blue, "Of course it must help that he has a nice young girl like yourself as his tutor."
I nearly choked on my own saliva before saying, "I'm sure it has nothing to do with me."
Coach Bolton laughed. "I know my son well enough to know when he's infatuated with someone, Miss Montez."
I wanted to find the hole in the floor of the car, climb into it, and die.
"Really," was all I could force out of my mouth.
"You see, the thing with Troy is that he takes after me," Coach Bolton continued. "He's afraid of commitment."
Now that I knew to be true. Suddenly I was much more alert.
"It took me ages to finally realize that pushing Cathy away took more energy than facing the frightening concept of commitment," he said, strumming his fingertips on the stirring wheel. "When he finally comes to the same conclusion, things will work out okay."
By now we were pulling up to my mailbox and I was still very silent. I cleared my throat awkwardly before replying, "Um, thanks for the ride, Coach Bolton. I'll see you tomorrow in PE."
Coach Bolton nodded as I opened the side door of the car and stepped onto the pavement. "And you, Miss Montez." And then, as I slammed the door shut, I could have sworn I heard him say, "Don't give up."
Weird, right? It kind of makes me try to re-think these past few days with Troy. Was Coach Bolton completely pulling my leg, or was he actually giving me a helpful insight onto his son's mind? Either way, I'm still confused.
Monday, October 5, 2007. My Bedroom, 11:42 PM.
Nice maneuver tonight, but if you think you can pull that shit again tomorrow, you're very wrong, Elle. See you at 7:40, no exceptions. -Troy
I think as long as Troy is still together with Shannon I should cast aside what Coach Bolton said and go on with plan How To Get Over Troy Bolton In Four Days. Because if he keeps texting me like this, I can't think of another way that we can remain friends if I don't get over him. So . . .
How To Get Over Troy Bolton In Four Days
1. Attempt to be nice to Shannon: Jealousy is not an exception!
2. Stop asking about my bra: He hasn't given it back yet, he won't in the near future.
3. Give back his jacket and sweatshirt: How can I get over him with his cologne wafting into my nose every five seconds?
4. Tell friends I am over him even when I'm not, yet: Verbalizing it will hopefully make it seem more like reality.
5.
Number five is left blank for later, set in stone incase something else comes about. Okay, so it's outlined in red ink. Big deal. But as of tomorrow, the plan is set into action!
A/N: Okay, so besides the obvious, "I hoped you liked it, please review and I'll send you a preview for the next chapter!" bit, I wanted to discuss a more serious topic that was brought about to me by one of my readers, tofnl. Apparently not only is this story being plagiarized, but also, strangely enough, so are pieces of my author bio page. The author's name is arsenal144 and the story is called Gabriella's Diary. I'm not sure if any of you have read this story, but it basically has the exact same premise of my story with a few differences to make it seem as though it isn't plagiarized. I cut and pasted a few pieces from the alleged story and bio beside my own to show you what I mean:
Here's a piece from Arsenal144's bio page: "Derek-
My unbelievably hot best best best friend. He is also my crush( not that he will ever find out) and is completely clueless to the fact that i adore him! He has all the girls hanging onto him, and he has probably dated (and dumped) almost all of them. He plays football ( he is one year older than me) and made varsity his first year. He is exceptionally popular, and i am constanly reminded of this everytime I talk to him. You could safely say that i am a bit obsessed over him, which is why i have only had 3 short-term relationships. He is a huge player when it comes to dating, but is probably one of the sweetest guys in my life."
And mine: "Cameron- Probably my best friend. I've known him since third grade when he spilt his slushie all over my shirt in the snack bar line, lol. Insists on calling me Ara to bug me. His resemblance to Troy of High School Musical is uncanny, like, he's varsity basketball captain and popular (unlike me, lol). He's a junior and I'm only a sophmore, so I'm dreading when he has to go to college! sobs. He's a bit of a player when it comes to girls but he's the best guy I've ever known."
And a few things from the actual stories:
Arsenal144: "My mom had said something about leaving late Thursday night for a business trip, and she might have mentioned that she would be gone till Monday."
Mine: "Well, my mom basically just informed me that she's going to be gone on a business trip for the rest of the weekend. Seriously, she isn't getting back until late Sunday evening or early Monday morning."
Arsenal144: "I will just look her up in the student handbook.
Name: Taylor Mckessie
School: East High School.
You have one hit.
Yess! I found her!Name: Taylor Mckessie
IM: cptndecathlon
Interests: school, sleepovers, decathlon team, etc."
Mine: "I'll go get the student guide.
Ha! It so figures:
Name: Troy A. Bolton
Grade: 11
Age: 17
Home phone number: 353-0799
Cell phone number: Not Provided
AIM Screen name: CaptnTB14
Personal Interests: Basketball, cheerleaders, hanging with friends"
I would keep going, but the similarities go on and on and on. Even if it's not exact like the one's above, it's ideas like the teacher calling Gabriella, to Troy having a date the first night Gabi's supposed to tutor him . . . Please check it out for yourself if you wish, but I will send the author a PM asking her to please remove the story or I will report her to the fanfiction admins. Plagiarism is obviously a very serious matter and because I have worked so hard on this story it is not to be taken lightly. It also pains me that Arsenal144 would use Cameron, who, if you guys don't know already considering my most recent story, is very close to my heart, as a pawn in this ploy.
Anyway, I'd like to thank you guys for supporting this fiction so truly and for not trying to pull off my ideas as your own -- you really are the true fans of "Diary of a Nerd". Cheers! Much love, Crystalbluu